bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Choline Chloride-Based DESs as Co-Solvent for 3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl) Acetophenone Bioreduction with Rhodococcus erythropolis XS1012
Authors: Chen Hejie , Qian Feng , Lin Hongxin , Chen Weiqing , Wang Pu
Published: December 2019

(S)-3,5-Bistrifluoromethylphenyl ethanol((S)-BTPE) is a key pharmaceutical intermediate of the NK-1 receptor antagonist. The asymmetric bioreduction of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl) acetophenone (BTAP) to (S)-BTPE using Rhodococcus erythropolis XS1012 has been established in a phosphate buffer system. To overcome the problem of unsatisfactory yields at high substrate concentration, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been introduced to the buffer system. After screening 13 kinds of choline chloride-based DESs, [choline chloride][urea] ([ChCl][U]) showed great influence on the cell activity and significantly increased the cell membrane permeability. Subsequently, some major parameters for this reaction were determined. A remarkable (S)-BTPE yield of 91.9% was gained at 150 mM substrate concentration under optimized reaction conditions with >99.9% product enantioselectivity. Compared to reduction in a buffer system, the developed [ChCl][U]-containing system increased the yield from 82.6% to 91.9%. It maintains a yield of 80.7% with the substrate concentration up to 300 mM, compared to only 63.0% in buffer system. This study demonstrated that [ChCl][U] is a feasible co-solvent to improve the bioreduction process.
Heat Shock Proteins: Agents of Cancer Development and Therapeutic Targets in Anti-Cancer Therapy
Authors: Yun Chul Won , Kim Hyung Joo , Lim Ji Ho , Lee Sang Hun
Published: December 2019

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) constitute a large family of molecular chaperones classified by their molecular weights, and they include HSP27, HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90. HSPs function in diverse physiological and protective processes to assist in maintaining cellular homeostasis. In particular, HSPs participate in protein folding and maturation processes under diverse stressors such as heat shock, hypoxia, and degradation. Notably, HSPs also play essential roles across cancers as they are implicated in a variety of cancer-related activities such as cell proliferation, metastasis, and anti-cancer drug resistance. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the functions of HSPs in association with cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis and anti-cancer therapy resistance. Moreover, the potential utilization of HSPs to enhance the effects of chemo-, radio-, and immunotherapy is explored. Taken together, HSPs have multiple clinical usages as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis as well as the potential therapeutic targets for anti-cancer treatment.
An Emerging Role for isomiRs and the microRNA Epitranscriptome in Neovascularization
Authors: van der Kwast Reginald V.C.T. , Quax Paul H.A. , Nossent A. Yaël
Published: December 2019

Therapeutic neovascularization can facilitate blood flow recovery in patients with ischemic cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Neovascularization encompasses both angiogenesis, the sprouting of new capillaries from existing vessels, and arteriogenesis, the maturation of preexisting collateral arterioles into fully functional arteries. Both angiogenesis and arteriogenesis are highly multifactorial processes that require a multifactorial regulator to be stimulated simultaneously. MicroRNAs can regulate both angiogenesis and arteriogenesis due to their ability to modulate expression of many genes simultaneously. Recent studies have revealed that many microRNAs have variants with altered terminal sequences, known as isomiRs. Additionally, endogenous microRNAs have been identified that carry biochemically modified nucleotides, revealing a dynamic microRNA epitranscriptome. Both types of microRNA alterations were shown to be dynamically regulated in response to ischemia and are able to influence neovascularization by affecting the microRNA’s biogenesis, or even its silencing activity. Therefore, these novel regulatory layers influence microRNA functioning and could provide new opportunities to stimulate neovascularization. In this review we will highlight the formation and function of isomiRs and various forms of microRNA modifications, and discuss recent findings that demonstrate that both isomiRs and microRNA modifications directly affect neovascularization and vascular remodeling.
Application of Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 (Bst) Film Doped with 0%, 2%, 4% and 6% Concentrations of RuO2 as an Arduino Nano-Based Bad Breath Sensor
Authors: Irzaman  , Siskandar Ridwan , Yuliarto Brian , Zakki Fahmi Mochammad , Ferdiansjah
Published: December 2019

Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 (BST) film doped with variations in RuO2 concentration (0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%) has been successfully grown on a type-p silicon substrate (100) using the chemical solution deposition (CSD) method and spin-coating at a speed of 3000 rpm for 30 s. The film on the substrate was then heated at 850 °C for 15 h. The sensitivity of BST film + RuO2 variations as a gas sensor were characterized. The sensitivity characterization was assisted by various electronic circuitry with the purpose of producing a sensor that is very sensitive to gas. The responses from the BST film + RuO2 variation were varied, depending on the concentration of the RuO2 dope. BST film doped with 6% RuO2 had a very good response to halitosis gases; therefore, this film was applied as the Arduino-Nano-based bad-breath detecting sensor. Before it was integrated with the microcontroller, the voltage output of the BST film was amplified using an op-amp circuit to make the voltage output from the BST film readable to the microcontroller. The changes in the voltage response were then shown on the prototype display. If the voltage output was ≤12.9 mV, the display would read “bad breath”. If the voltage output >42.1 mV, the display would read “fragrant”. If 12.9 mV < voltage output ≤ 42.1 mV, the display would read “normal”.
Silver-Doped Hydroxyapatite Thin Layers Obtained by Sol-Gel Spin Coating Procedure
Authors: Prodan Alina Mihaela , Iconaru Simona Liliana , Predoi Mihai Valentin , Predoi Daniela , Motelica-Heino Mikael , Turculet Claudiu Stefan , Beuran Mircea
Published: December 2019

The main objective of this paper is to develop silver-doped hydroxyapatite suspensions (HApAg) with different concentrations of silver (?Ag = 0.05 and ?Ag = 0.2) in order to obtain uniform and homogenous layers by spin-coating procedure. The colloidal properties of HApAg suspensions are evaluated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis, ζ-potential (ZP), and ultrasound measurements. The ultrasound studies show that the HApAg20 sample revealed better stability than the HApAg5 sample. The structural and morphological analysis on suspensions and thin layers is also conducted. It is observed that the particles of the two samples have a similar shape and are uniform. The layers obtained present a homogeneous appearance of the surface without evidence of cracks or interruption of the coatings. The in vitro antifungal studies conducted on the two thin layers at two different time intervals (24 and 48 h) show that both HApAg5 (?Ag = 0.05) and HApAg20 (?Ag = 0.05) nanoparticles suspensions and composite layers inhibit the development of colony forming units (CFU) even after 24 h of incubation comparative to the control, represented by the Candida albicans (C. albicans) culture in a proper medium. The fungicidal effect was evident after 48 h of incubation in the case of both HApAg20 nanoparticles suspensions and composite layers.
The Pulsed Electron Deposition Technique for Biomedical Applications: A Review
Authors: Liguori Anna , Gualandi Chiara , Focarete Maria Letizia , Biscarini Fabio , Bianchi Michele
Published: December 2019

The “pulsed electron deposition” (PED) technique, in which a solid target material is ablated by a fast, high-energy electron beam, was initially developed two decades ago for the deposition of thin films of metal oxides for photovoltaics, spintronics, memories, and superconductivity, and dielectric polymer layers. Recently, PED has been proposed for use in the biomedical field for the fabrication of hard and soft coatings. The first biomedical application was the deposition of low wear zirconium oxide coatings on the bearing components in total joint replacement. Since then, several works have reported the manufacturing and characterization of coatings of hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphate substituted (CaP), biogenic CaP, bioglass, and antibacterial coatings on both hard (metallic or ceramic) and soft (plastic or elastomeric) substrates. Due to the growing interest in PED, the current maturity of the technology and the low cost compared to other commonly used physical vapor deposition techniques, the purpose of this work was to review the principles of operation, the main applications, and the future perspectives of PED technology in medicine.
Understanding the Perceptual Spectrum of Commercial Perfumes as a Basis for a Standard Sensory Wheel of Fragrances
Authors: Zarzo Manuel
Published: December 2019

Given the enormous number of perfumes available on the market, it is of interest to guide consumers in their purchase of a new fragrance. One approach is to project the multidimensional perceptual space of scents on a two-dimensional sensory map based on meaningful dimensions. One of the pioneering studies on this issue mapped 94 commercial perfumes according to two axes. Such an odor map is discussed here in detail by applying Principal Component Analysis to the numeric odor description of 176 fragrances. Quantitative odor profiles were obtained from Fragrantica’s website and three fragrances guides published by Haarmann & Reimer, Michael Edwards, and the French Society of Perfumers. A sensory map was obtained that reflected the similarities and dissimilarities between those odor descriptors most commonly used in perfumery. This representation was consistent with other related plots that have been previously reported. One dimension discriminated between fragrances targeted at men versus women. An orthogonal factor distinguished perfumes for daytime versus nighttime wear. These ratings, as well as seasonal preferences, could be estimated based on the main odor character attributes applied to describe the scent. The results provide a scientific basis for the comprehensive classification of commercial perfumes compiled by Edwards according to his famous “Fragrance Wheel”.
Control of Varroa destructor Mite Infestations at Experimental Apiaries Situated in Croatia
Authors: Tlak Gajger Ivana , Svečnjak Lidija , Bubalo Dragan , Žorat Tomislav
Published: December 2019

Experimental varroacidal treatments of honey bee colonies were conducted on five apiaries (EA1–EA5) situated at five different geographical and climatic locations across Croatia. The aim of this study was to assess the comparative efficacy of CheckMite+ (Bayer, Germany), Apiguard (Vita Europe Ltd.; England), Bayvarol, C, (Bayer, Germany), Thymovar, (Andrma BioVet GmbH, Germany), and ApiLife Var, (Chemicals Laif SPA; Vigonza, Italy) for controlling the honey bee obligatory parasitic mite Varroa destructor in different conditions in the field during summer treatment. The relative varroa mite mortality after treatments with applied veterinary medicinal products were EA1 (59.24%), EA2 (47.31%), EA3 (36.75%), EA4 (48.33%), and EA5 (16.78%). Comparing the relative efficacy of applied varroacides, the best effect was achieved with CheckMite+, and the lowest for honey bee colonies treated with Apiguard (statistically significant difference was confirmed; p < 0.05). Considering the lower efficacy of thymol-based veterinary medicinal products observed on all EA in these study conditions, it may be concluded that their use is limited under different treatment regimes. Despite unfavourable weather and environmental conditions, with exceptions of EA5/EA5′ and EA1, the relative varroacidal efficacy of authorized veterinary medicinal product treatments in moderately infested honey bee colonies ensured normal overwintering and colony development during next spring.
Landslide Inventory (2001–2017) of Chittagong Hilly Areas, Bangladesh
Authors: Rabby Yasin Wahid , Li Yingkui
Published: December 2019

Landslides are a frequent natural hazard in Chittagong Hilly Areas (CHA), Bangladesh, which causes the loss of lives and damage to the economy. Despite this, an official landslide inventory is still lacking in this area. In this paper, we present a landslide inventory of this area prepared using the visual interpretation of Google Earth images (Google Earth Mapping), field mapping, and a literature search. We mapped 730 landslides that occurred from January 2001 to March 2017. Different landslide attributes including type, size, distribution, state, water content, and triggers are presented in the dataset. In this area, slide and flow were the two dominant types of landslides. Out of the five districts (Bandarban, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Khagrachari, and Rangamati), most (55%) of the landslides occurred in the Chittagong and Rangamati districts. About 45% of the landslides were small (<100 m2) in size, while the maximum size of the detected landslides was 85202 m2. This dataset will help to understand the characteristics of landslides in CHA and provide useful guidance for policy implementation.
Loxoprofen Sodium Versus Diclofenac Potassium for Post-Dental Extraction Pain Relief: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Clinical Trial
Authors: Nourwali Ibrahim , Namnakani Arwa , Almutairi Majd , Alaufi Anas , Aljohani Yasser , Kassim Saba
Published: December 2019

One of the most common post-operative complications of tooth extraction is pain. Oral analgesics, namely loxoprofen sodium and diclofenac potassium, are often prescribed; however, the efficacy of these drugs irrespective of gender and type of extraction has not been tested. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the efficacy of these two drugs in post-dental extraction pain relief among male and female patients in cases of simple and surgical tooth extraction. A single-center, triple-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted among 100 male and female patients who underwent tooth extraction at Taibah University Dental College and Hospital in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The patients reported their pain post-operatively after 6 hours and every 12 h for 3 days using the Verbal Descriptor Scale (e.g., “no pain”, “mild pain”). Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were run to analyze the data. An equal number of patients received either the drug loxoprofen sodium or diclofenac potassium and completed the study follow-up. Patients allocated to the diclofenac potassium drug group after 36 h were statistically significantly in their reporting of “no pain” and “mild pain” compared to patients allocated to the loxoprofen sodium group (86% vs. 66%, respectively; p = 0.019), irrespective of gender or type of tooth extraction. However, both groups demonstrated comparable (p > 0.05) post-operative pain relief over the other aforementioned allocated time intervals. In conclusion, the diclofenac potassium group had slightly better control over post-operative pain than the group receiving loxoprofen sodium.
Advanced Exergy Analysis in the Dynamic Framework for Assessing Building Thermal Systems
Authors: Picallo-Perez Ana , Sala José M , Tsatsaronis George , Sayadi Saeed
Published: December 2019

This work applies the Dynamic Advanced Exergy Analysis (DAEA) to a heating and domestic hot water (DHW) facility supplied by a Stirling engine and a condensing boiler. For the first time, an advanced exergy analysis using dynamic conditions is applied to a building energy system. DAEA provides insights on the components’ exergy destruction (ED) by distinguishing the inefficiencies that can be prevented by improving the quality (avoidable ED) and the ones constrained because of technical limitations (unavoidable ED). ED is related to the inherent inefficiencies of the considered element (endogenous ED) and those coming from the interconnections (exogenous ED). That information cannot be obtained by any other approach. A dynamic calculation within the experimental facility has been performed after a component characterization driven by a new grey-box modelling technique, through TRNSYS and MATLAB. Novel solutions and terms of ED are assessed for the rational implementation of the DAEA in building energy installations. The influence of each component and their interconnections are valuated in terms of exergy destruction for further diagnosis and optimization purposes.
Shannon Entropy in Configuration Space for Ni-Like Isoelectronic Sequence
Authors: Wan Jianjie , Guo Na
Published: December 2019

Discrete Shannon entropy was introduced in view of the mathematical properties of multiconfiguration methods and then used to interpret the information in atomic states expressed by the multiconfiguration Dirac–Hartree–Fock wavefunction for Ni-like isoelectronic sequence. Moreover, the relationship between the concepts, including sudden change of Shannon entropy, information exchange, eigenlevel anticrossing, and strong configuration interaction, was clarified by induction on the basis of the present calculation of the energy structure for Ni-like isoelectronic sequence. It was found that there is an interesting connection between the change of Shannon entropies and eigenlevel anticrossings, along with the nuclear charge Z, which is helpful to conveniently locate the position of eigenlevel anticrossings and information exchanging and understand them from the point of view of information, besides the traditional physical concepts. Especially, it is concluded that in a given configuration space eigenlevel anticrossing is a sufficient and necessary condition for the sudden change of Shannon entropy, which is also a sufficient condition for information exchange.
Research on a Simplified Model of an Aluminum Vapor Chamber in a Heat Dissipation System
Authors: Han Shuang , Yang Lixin , Tian Zihao , Yuan Xiaofei , Lu Hongyan
Published: December 2019

With the rapid increase of power densities of electronic components, the traditional heat dissipation method of air forced convection has reached a heat transfer limit. As efficient phase change heat exchangers, vapor chambers have become an important guarantee for the development of high-power electronic components. Aluminum vapor chambers have become the future development trend because they are more lightweight and less expensive. In order to study the suitable simplified model of the aluminum vapor chamber in the radiating system, the testing system is established to test the thermal characteristics of the vapor chamber. First, six simplified models of the vapor chamber are proposed. Then, the thermal characteristics of the simplified models are simulated by STAR CCM+ software. Next, the error of the thermal resistance of the simplified model and the real vapor chamber is analyzed. Finally, a most suitable simplified model is obtained in the cooling system.
Design of a Wideband L-Shape Fed Microstrip Patch Antenna Backed by Conductor Plane for Medical Body Area Network
Authors: Guan Chai-Eu , Fujimoto Takafumi
Published: December 2019

This paper describes a compact patch antenna intended for medical body area network. The antenna is fed using a proximity coupling scheme to support the antenna that radiates in the free space and on the human body at the 2.45 GHz ISM band. The conductor plane is placed 2 mm or 0.0163λ0 (λ0 is free space wavelength at 2.45 GHz) below the antenna to reduce backward radiation to the human body. Separation distance must be kept above 2 mm, otherwise, gain of the proposed antenna decreases when antenna is situated on the human body. The L-shape feed line is introduced to overcome impedance mismatch caused by the compact structure. The coupling gap between the proposed antenna and the length of the L-shape feed line are optimized to generate dual resonances mode for wide impedance bandwidth. Simulation results show that specific absorption rate (SAR) of the proposed antenna with L-shape feed line is lower than conventional patch antenna with direct microstrip feed line. The proposed antenna achieves impedance bandwidth of 120 MHz (4.89%) at the center frequency of 2.45 GHz. The maximum gain in the broadside direction is 6.2 dBi in simulation and 5.09 dBi in measurement for antenna in the free space. Wide impedance bandwidth and radiation patterns insensitive to the presence of human body are achieved, which meets the requirement of IoT-based wearable sensor.
Model Identification and Trajectory Tracking Control for Vector Propulsion Unmanned Surface Vehicles
Authors: Sun Xiaojie , Wang Guofeng , Fan Yunsheng
Published: December 2019

To promote the development of military and civilian applications for marine technology, more and more scientific research around the world has begun to develop unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) technology with advanced control capabilities. This paper establishes and identifies the model of vector propulsion USV, which is widely used at present. After analyzing its actuator distribution, we consider that the more realistic vessel model should be an incomplete underactuated system. For this system, a virtual control point method is adopted and an adaptive sliding mode trajectory tracking controller with neural network minimum learning parameter (NNMLP) theory is designed. Finally, in the simulation experiment, the thruster speed and propulsion angle are used as the inputs of the controller, and the linear and circular trajectory tracking tests are carried out considering the delay effect of the actuator, system uncertainty, and external disturbance. The results show that the proposed tracking control framework is reasonable.
Biometrics Using Electroencephalograms Stimulated by Personal Ultrasound and Multidimensional Nonlinear Features
Authors: Nakanishi Isao , Maruoka Takehiro
Published: December 2019

Biometrics such as fingerprints and iris scans has been used in authentication. However, conventional biometrics is vulnerable to identity theft, especially in user-management systems. As a new biometrics without this vulnerability, brain waves have been a focus. In this paper, brain waves (electroencephalograms (EEGs)) were measured from ten experiment subjects. Individual features were extracted from the log power spectra of the EEGs using principal component analysis, and verification was achieved using a support vector machine. It was found that, for the proposed authentication method, the equal error rate (EER) for a single electrode was about 22–32%, and that, for a multiple electrodes, was 4.4% by using the majority decision rule. Furthermore, nonlinear features based on chaos analysis were introduced for feature extraction and then extended to multidimensional ones. By fusing the results of all electrodes when using the proposed multidimensional nonlinear features and the spectral feature, an EER of 0% was achieved. As a result, it was confirmed that individuals can be authenticated using induced brain waves when they are subjected to ultrasounds.
Improved Clutter Removal by Robust Principal Component Analysis for Chaos Through-Wall Imaging Radar
Authors: Liu Li , Chen Qianqian , Han Yinping , Xu Hang , Li Jingxia , Wang Bingjie
Published: December 2019

Chaos through-wall imaging radar has attracted wide attention due to its inherent low probability of detection/interception, strong anti-jamming, and high resolution. However, the target response is usually overwhelmed by strong clutter. This paper proposes an imaging-then-decomposition method based on two-stage robust principal component analysis (RPCA) to remove the clutter and recover the target image. The proposed method firstly focuses the energy of the preprocessing data by the back-projection imaging algorithm; then, it performs matrix decomposition on the full and the sparse component of the focused data, in succession, by the RPCA algorithm. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method can suppress the clutter dramatically and indicate human targets distinctly. Compared with the traditional methods, it has effectiveness and superiority in improving the signal-to-clutter ratio.
Secure Energy-Efficient Resource Allocation Algorithm of Massive MIMO System with SWIPT
Authors: Yang Xiaoxia , Wang Zhengqiang , Wan Xiaoyu , Fan Zifu
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we consider the resource allocation problem to maximize the minimum (max–min) user’s secure energy efficiency (SEE) in downlink massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems with simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT). First, transmission power and power splitting ratio are designed to achieve the max–min user’s SEE subject to harvested energy threshold, the constraints of transmission power, and power splitting ratio. Secondly, the optimization problem is non-convex and very difficult to tackle. In order to solve the optimization problem, we converted to a series of parameter optimization subproblems by fractional programming. Then, we employ the first-order Taylor expansion and successive convex approximation (SCA) method to solve parameter optimization problems. Next, a secure energy-efficient resource allocation (SERA) algorithm with the bisection method is proposed to find the max–min SEE of the system. Finally, simulation results show the effectiveness and superiority of the SERA algorithm.
Bulk Bias as an Analog Single-Event Transient Mitigation Technique with Negligible Penalty
Authors: Liu Jingtian , Sun Qian , Liang Bin , Chen Jianjun , Chi Yaqing , Guo Yang
Published: December 2019

In analog circuit design, the bulks of MOSFETs can be tied to their respective sources to remove body effect. This paper models and analyzes the sensitivity of single-event transients (SETs) in common source (CS) amplifier with bulk tied to source (BTS) in 40 nm twin-well bulk CMOS technology. The simulation results present that the proposed BTS radiation-hardened-by-design (RHBD) technique can reduce charge collection and suppress the SET induced perturbation effectively in various input conditions of the circuit. The detailed analysis shows that the mitigation of SET is primarily due to the forward-bias of bulk potential. This technique is universally applicable in radiation-hardening design for analog circuits with negligible penalty.
Environmental Performance of Innovative Ground-Source Heat Pumps with PCM Energy Storage
Authors: Bonamente Emanuele , Aquino Andrea
Published: December 2019

Space conditioning is responsible for the majority of carbon dioxide emission and fossil fuel consumption during a building’s life cycle. The exploitation of renewable energy sources, together with efficiency enhancement, is the most promising solution. An innovative layout for ground-source heat pumps, featuring upstream thermal energy storage (uTES), was already proposed and proved to be as effective as conventional systems while requiring lower impact geothermal installations thanks to its ability to decouple ground and heat-pump energy fluxes. This work presents further improvements to the layout, obtained using more compact and efficient thermal energy storage containing phase-change materials (PCMs). The switch from sensible- to latent-heat storage has the twofold benefit of dramatically reducing the volume of storage (by a factor of approximately 10) and increasing the coefficient of performance of the heat pump. During the daily cycle, the PCMs are continuously melted/solidified, however, the average storage temperature remains approximately constant, allowing the heat pump to operate closer to its maximum efficiency. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to study the environmental benefits of introducing PCM-uTES during the entire life cycle of the system in a comparative approach.
Consumer Stock Ownership Plans (CSOPs)—The Prototype Business Model for Renewable Energy Communities
Authors: Lowitzsch Jens
Published: December 2019

The 2018 recast of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) defines “renewable energy communities” (RECs), introducing a new governance model and the possibility of energy sharing for them. It has to be transposed into national law by all European Union Member States until June 2021. This article introduces consumer stock ownership plans (CSOPs) as the prototype business model for RECs. Based on the analysis of a dataset of 67 best-practice cases of consumer (co-) ownership from 18 countries it demonstrates the importance of flexibility of business models to include heterogeneous co-investors for meeting the requirements of the RED II and that of RE clusters. It is shown that CSOPs—designed to facilitate scalable investments in utilities—facilitate co-investments by municipalities, SMEs, plant engineers or energy suppliers. A low-threshold financing method, they enable individuals, in particular low-income households, to invest in renewable projects. Employing one bank loan instead of many micro loans, CSOPs reduce transaction costs and enable consumers to acquire productive capital, providing them with an additional source of income. Stressing the importance of a holistic approach including the governance and the technical side for the acceptance of RECs on the energy markets recommendations for the transposition are formulated.
Impact of Road Geometry on Vehicle Energy Consumption and CO2 Emissions: An Energy-Efficiency Rating Methodology
Authors: Ferreira Hugo , Rodrigues Carlos Manuel , Pinho Carlos
Published: December 2019

This study presents a methodology for classifying road traffic energy efficiency. The indicators defined discriminate the impact of the road vertical and horizontal alignments upon energy consumption, disclosing the improvement potential of the road as a function of the traffic origin–destination matrix. The methodologic approach is based on basic physical principals, thus guarantying its generality, as opposed to the usual empirical mesoscale approaches. A simplified algebraic procedure is also proposed, resorting to simplified driving cycles and a constant speed assumption (CSA), thus avoiding the intricacy of microscale/microsimulation models. The simplified methodology was validated against field data acquired on the Portuguese highway A25. A microscale vehicle specific power analysis combined with detailed fuel models is compared against CSA results. The findings demonstrate its adequacy for free-flow traffic conditions and the importance of classifying road traffic energy-efficiency. For the case studied, it was found that 49.5% of the round trip propulsive energy expended by a 37-ton truck on the A25, a modern road, was degraded as heat through braking. The difference found between the microscale analysis and CSA approach is 0.8%, despite the speed unevenness, varying between 32 and 96 km/h, with a standard deviation of 24% of the average speed.
A Dynamic State-of-Charge Estimation Method for Electric Vehicle Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Xintian , Deng Xuhui , He Yao , Zheng Xinxin , Zeng Guojian
Published: December 2019

With the increasing environmental concerns, plug-in electric vehicles will eventually become the main transportation tools in future smart cities. As a key component and the main power source, lithium-ion batteries have been an important object of research studies. In order to efficiently control electric vehicle powertrains, the state of charge (SOC) of lithium-ion batteries must be accurately estimated by the battery management system. This paper aims to provide a more accurate dynamic SOC estimation method for lithium-ion batteries. A dynamic Thevenin model with variable parameters affected by the temperature and SOC is established to model the battery. An unscented Kalman particle filter (UPF) algorithm is proposed based on the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) algorithm and the particle filter (PF) algorithm to generate nonlinear particle filter according to the advantages and disadvantages of various commonly used filtering algorithms. The simulation results show that the unscented Kalman particle filter algorithm based on the dynamic Thevenin model can predict the SOC in real time and it also has strong robustness against noises.
Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning Approach for Residential Microgrid Energy Scheduling
Authors: Fang Xiaohan , Wang Jinkuan , Song Guanru , Han Yinghua , Zhao Qiang , Cao Zhiao
Published: December 2019

Residential microgrid is widely considered as a new paradigm of the home energy management system. The complexity of Microgrid Energy Scheduling (MES) is increasing with the integration of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Renewable Generations (RGs). Moreover, it is challenging to determine optimal scheduling strategies to guarantee the efficiency of the microgrid market and to balance all market participants’ benefits. In this paper, a Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL) approach for residential MES is proposed to promote the autonomy and fairness of microgrid market operation. First, a multi-agent based residential microgrid model including Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and RGs is constructed and an auction-based microgrid market is built. Then, distinguish from Single-Agent Reinforcement Learning (SARL), MARL can achieve distributed autonomous learning for each agent and realize the equilibrium of all agents’ benefits, therefore, we formulate an equilibrium-based MARL framework according to each participant’ market orientation. Finally, to guarantee the fairness and privacy of the MARL process, we proposed an improved optimal Equilibrium Selection-MARL (ES-MARL) algorithm based on two mechanisms, private negotiation and maximum average reward. Simulation results demonstrate the overall performance and efficiency of proposed MARL are superior to that of SARL. Besides, it is verified that the improved ES-MARL can get higher average profit to balance all agents.
Use of Co-Solvents in Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) of Microalgae
Authors: Han Yang , Hoekman Kent , Jena Umakanta , Das Probir
Published: December 2019

This study reviewed and summarized the literature regarding the use of alcohols during hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of algal biomass feedstocks. The use of both pure alcohols and alcohol-water co-solvents were considered. Based upon this review, laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the impacts of different alcohol co-solvents (ethanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol) on the HTL treatment of a specific saltwater microalga (Tetraselmis sp.) at two temperatures: 300 °C and 350 °C. Based on their performance, two co-solvents, isopropanol and ethylene glycol, were selected to explore the effects of varying solvent concentrations and reaction temperatures on product yields and biocrude properties. The type and amount of added alcohol did not significantly affect the biocrude yield or composition. Biocrude yields were in the range of 30–35%, while a nearly constant yield of 21% insoluble products was observed, largely resulting from ash constituents within the algal feedstock. The benefits of using alcohol co-solvents (especially isopropanol) were the reduced viscosity of the biocrude products and reduced rates of viscosity increase with biocrude aging. These effects were attributed mainly to the physical properties of the co-solvent mixtures (solubility, polarity, density, etc.) rather than chemical processes. Under the reaction conditions used, there was no evidence that the co-solvents participated in biocrude production by means of hydrogen donation or other chemical processes. Recovery and recycling of the co-solvent present various challenges, depending upon the type and amount of the co-solvent that is used. For example, glycol solvents are recovered nearly completely within the aqueous product stream, whereas simple alcohols are partitioned between the biocrude and aqueous product streams. In commercial applications, the slight benefits provided by the use of co-solvents must be balanced by the challenges of co-solvent recovery and recycling.
Adaptive Backstepping Nonsingular Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control for Hydro-Turbine Governor Design
Authors: Lin Yu-Chen , Balas Valentina Emilia , Balas Marius Mircea , Peng Jian-Zhang
Published: December 2019

To investigate a typical large-scale nonlinear hydropower system (HS) with a stochastic water flow, a novel nonlinear adaptive control scheme, which is created by the combination of a backstepping strategy, nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode surface and command filter, is proposed for the hydro-turbine governor design of a HS to not only improve the transient stability of the HS but also increase the energy conversion efficiency and improve the reliability and availability of the electricity supply. In contrast to previous research based on ideal hydro-turbine models with accurate parameters, an adaptive backstepping nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control (ABNFTSMC) with command filtered (CF) is proposed in which virtual control inputs and error compensations are applied to overcome distribution characteristics resulting from energy losses, while guaranteeing finite-time convergence. In addition, to avoid the requirement of analytic differentiation in Lyapunov stability, a command filter method is used to generate certain compensating signals and their derivatives. In this paper, the Nazi Gorge hydropower station in China is used as our verification model of a hydropower plant with monitored data, where energy losses and random water flow disturbances are considered. Simulation results illustrate that the proposed control strategy for a hydro-turbine governor can significantly increase the stability, reliability, and system performance of a HS even in the presence of uncertainties.
Foliar and Wood Traits Covary along a Vertical Gradient within the Crown of Long-Lived Light-Demanding Species of the Congo Basin Semi-Deciduous Forest
Authors: Kafuti Chadrack , Bourland Nils , De Mil Tom , Meeus Sofie , Rousseau Mélissa , Toirambe Benjamin , Bolaluembe Papy-Claude , Ndjele Léopold , Beeckman Hans
Published: December 2019

Plant functional traits have shown to be relevant predictors of forest functional responses to climate change. However, the trait-based approach to study plant performances and ecological strategies has mostly been focused on trait comparisons at the interspecific and intraspecific levels. In this study, we analyzed traits variation and association at the individual level. We measured wood and leaf traits at different height locations within the crown of five individuals of Pericopsis elata (Harms) Meeuwen (Fabaceae) from the northern tropical forest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. All traits varied between and within individuals. The between-individual variation was more important for leaf traits (23%–48%) than for wood traits (~10%) where the within-individual variation showed to be more important (33%–39%). The sample location height within the crown was found to be the driving factor of this within-individual variation. In a gradient from the base to the top of the crown, theoretical specific hydraulic conductivity and specific leaf area decreased while the stomatal density increased. We found significant relationships among traits and between wood and leaf traits. However, these relationships varied with the position within the crown. The relationship between vessel size and vessel density was negative at the bottom part of the crown but positive upward. Also, the negative relationship between stomatal density and stomatal size became stronger with increasing height within the crown. Finally, the positive relationship between specific leaf area and theoretical specific hydraulic conductivity became stronger in higher parts of the crown, suggesting that P. elata constantly adapts its water use with respect to its water supply, more strongly at the top of the crown where the environment is more extreme and less buffered against environmental fluctuations.
Machine Learning Models with Quantitative Wood Anatomy Data Can Discriminate between Swietenia macrophylla and Swietenia mahagoni
Authors: He Tuo , Marco João , Soares Richard , Yin Yafang , Wiedenhoeft Alex
Published: December 2019

Illegal logging and associated trade aggravate the over-exploitation of Swietenia species, of which S. macrophylla King, S. mahagoni (L.) Jacq, and S. humilis Zucc. have been listed in Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix Ⅱ. Implementation of CITES necessitates the development of efficient forensic tools to identify wood species accurately, and ideally ones readily deployable in wood anatomy laboratories across the world. Herein, a method using quantitative wood anatomy data in combination with machine learning models to discriminate between three Swietenia species is presented, in addition to a second model focusing only on the two historically more important species S. mahagoni and S. macrophylla. The intra- and inter-specific variations in nine quantitative wood anatomical characters were measured and calculated based on 278 wood specimens, and four machine learning classifiers—Decision Tree C5.0, Naïve Bayes (NB), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN)—were used to discriminate between the species. Among these species, S. macrophylla exhibited the largest intraspecific variation, and all three species showed at least partly overlapping values for all nine characters. SVM performed the best of all the classifiers, with an overall accuracy of 91.4% and a per-species correct identification rate of 66.7%, 95.0%, and 80.0% for S. humilis, S. macrophylla, and S. mahagoni, respectively. The two-species model discriminated between S. macrophylla and S. mahagoni with accuracies of over 90.0% using SVM. These accuracies are lower than perfect forensic certainty but nonetheless demonstrate that quantitative wood anatomy data in combination with machine learning models can be applied as an efficient tool to discriminate anatomically between similar species in the wood anatomy laboratory. It is probable that a range of previously anatomically inseparable species may become identifiable by incorporating in-depth analysis of quantitative characters and appropriate statistical classifiers.
Method of Food Preparation Influences Blood Glucose Response to a High-Carbohydrate Meal: A Randomised Cross-over Trial
Authors: Hodges Caroline , Archer Fay , Chowdhury Mardiyyah , Evans Bethany L. , Ghelani Disha J. , Mortoglou Maria , Guppy Fergus M.
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to establish the blood glucose response to different cooking methods of pasta. Participants consumed three identical meals in a random order that were freshly cooked (hot), cooled and reheated. Blood glucose concentrations were assessed before, and every 15 min after ingestion of each meal for 120 min. There was a significant interaction between temperature and time (F ( 8.46 – 372.34 ) = 2.75, p = 0.005), with the reheated (90 min) condition returning to baseline faster than both cold (120 min) and hot conditions. Blood glucose area under the curve (AUC) was significantly lower in the reheated (703 ± 56 mmol·L−1·min−1) than the hot condition (735 ± 77 mmol·L−1·min−1, t ( 92 ) = −3.36, pbonferroni = 0.003), with no significant difference with the cold condition (722 ± 62 mmol·L−1·min−1). To our knowledge, the current study is the first to show that reheating pasta causes changes in post-prandial glucose response, with a quicker return to fasting levels in both the reheated and cooled conditions than the hot condition. The mechanisms behind the changes in post-prandial blood glucose seen in this study are most likely related to changes in starch structure and how these changes influence glycaemic response.
Some Key Factors Affecting Consumers’ Intentions to Purchase Functional Foods: A Case Study of Functional Yogurts in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Ninh , Nguyen Hoang Viet , Nguyen Phuong Thao , Tran Viet Thao , Nguyen Hoang Nam , Nguyen Thi My Nguyet , Cao Tuan Khanh , Nguyen Tran Hung
Published: December 2019

The development of functional foods is key to promoting a healthy diet and preventing certain diseases. This study aims to examine several key factors that affect consumer attitude and intention with respect to purchasing functional foods in an emerging market economy. A research model was developed by extension of the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), and then validated through obtaining data from 596 Vietnamese consumers who were interested in functional yogurts using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multivariate data analysis reveals that while health consciousness and subjective norm significantly enhance consumers’ attitudes towards purchasing functional yogurts, perceived price of functional yogurts exerts a negative impact on such attitudes. Moreover, subjective norm and attitude appear to be key predictors of consumers’ intentions to buy functional yogurts. These findings extend the extant literature relating to functional food purchase and consumption in emerging markets, and they have several important practical implications for functional yogurt manufacturers, retailers, and policymakers. A major implication is that education and communication programs that aim at increasing consumers’ health consciousness and their awareness of functional foods’ health benefits play an integral role in the success of functional food products such as functional yogurts. Research limitations and future research directions are also presented.
Digital Image Filtering Optimization Supporting Iberian Ham Quality Prediction
Authors: Perán-Sánchez Francisco , Serrano Salud , Gutiérrez de Ravé Eduardo , Sánchez-López Elena , Cumplido Ana , Jiménez-Hornero Francisco J.
Published: December 2019

Digital images of food for later analysis tend to be heterogeneous in terms of color and luminosity. Improving these images by using filters is necessary and crucial before further processing. This paper compares the non-use of filters and the use of high-pass filters in the images of hand-cut Iberian ham that will be used in a multifractal analysis for the study of fat and its infiltration. The yielded results show that with the use of a high-pass filter, more accurate fractal dimensions were obtained, which can be featured in predictive techniques of Iberian ham quality.
Physicochemical Properties and Protein Denaturation of Pork Longissimus Dorsi Muscle Subjected to Six Microwave-Based Thawing Methods
Authors: Zhu Ming-Ming , Peng Ze-Yu , Lu Sen , He Hong-Ju , Kang Zhuang-Li , Ma Han-Jun , Zhao Sheng-Ming , Wang Zheng-Rong
Published: December 2019

Physicochemical changes and protein denaturation were evaluated for pork longissimus dorsi muscle subjected to different thawing methods. Fresh pork longissimus dorsi muscle served as a control. Microwave (MT), microwave combined with ultrasonic (MUT), microwave combined with 35 °C water immersion (MIT), microwave combined with 4 °C refrigeration (MRT), microwave combined with air convection (MAT), and microwave combined with running water (MWT) were applied. All microwave-based methods excepted for MT avoided localized overheating. The changes in the water holding capacity (WHC), color, TBARS, and protein solubility were lowest with MAT. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic rheological property measurements indicated, that the MAT samples changed only slightly and presented with complete peaks and high G′ values compared with the other treatments. Thus, MAT may reduce protein denaturation associated with meat thawing. The results of this study indicated that MAT effectively shortens thawing time, preserves meat quality and uniformity, and could benefit the meat industry and those who consume its products.