bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MPPT Control Research of Improved Gray Wolf Algorithm According to Levy Flight and Greedy Strategy
Authors: Luo Wenxiang , Huang Yong , Zhou Wenhao , Nie Yin , Lai Chunqin
Published: March 2023

MPPT control study of improved Gray Wolf algorithm (GWO) according to Levy flight and greedy strategy: Solving the problems of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) with traditional Gray Wolf algorithm (GWO) under local shadows of photovoltaic arrays and sudden environmental changes, which is easily trapped in local optimum and has a slow convergence rate, and poor solution accuracy, a improved gray wolf algorithm (LGWO) according to Levy flight and greedy strategy is presented. It is used for the first time for maximum power point tracking under partial shadow and dynamic shadow changes of photovoltaic array. It is based on the traditional Grey Wolf algorithm (GWO), it introduces Levy’s flight search strategy, improve the algorithm of global search ability, expands search range, and filters optimal range through greedy strategy to further accelerate the convergence speed. MPPT simulation model according to Boost circuit is built using MATLAB/Simulink to verify. Experiments in the presence of partial shadows and shadow mutations. The results of simulation experiments show that the ameliorated Gray Wolf algorithm (LGWO) improves the tracking accuracy of MPPT by 0.03%, improves the convergence speed by 1.1 times and is more stable after reaching the maximum number of iterations. This verifies the feasibility and superiority of the ameliorated Grey Wolf algorithm in maximum power point tracking control.
The Scheme for SOC Estimation of Lithium-ion Batteries based on EQ-OCV-Ah-EKF
Authors: Chen Yiren , Bahitbek Ardah , Song Qingjin , Peng Hui
Published: March 2023

The state of charge (SOC) of a battery is one of the most important indicators to monitor in a Battery Management System (BMS). It is very important to accurately and quickly predict the state of battery charge for the safe driving of electric vehicles and the efficient utilization of battery equipment. However, several factors, such as the working environment and the aging degree of the battery, can have a coupling effect on the internal state of the battery. This leads it difficult to accurately predict the SOC of a battery. For this purpose, this paper proposes an online estimation scheme for the SOC of Li-ion batteries with an equivalent circuit model and an extended Kalman filtering algorithm. Firstly, a batch of ternary Li-ion batteries are charged and discharged at constant current with 1C current condition under constant temperature at 25°C using the hybrid power pulse (HPPC) test method, and the collected data are pre-processed. Then, the parameters of the second-order Thevenin circuit model were fitted by combining the Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm (LM) and verified by the MATLAB program. Finally, the Extended Kalman algorithm (EKF) is leveraged to further improve the accuracy of prediction results. The proposed scheme also has some reference significance for the identification of equivalent circuit model parameters of lithium-ion batteries and the rapid estimation of battery charge states.
Research and Design of Microgrid Simulation System Based on Single Chip Microcomputer
Authors: Cai Weihua , Wang Aijun
Published: March 2023

With the continuous development of modern power electronics and chip technology, numerical control inverter power supply is more and more widely used in industrial control and civil fields. High performance numerical control inverter has become one of the research focuses in the power supply field. In this paper, a micro grid simulation system based on single-chip microcomputer is designed. The effective value of the load line current of the inverter part is within 2A, the effective value of the line voltage changes within 24V ± 0.07V, the frequency fluctuation is 50Hz ± 0.2Hz, the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the AC bus voltage is not more than 1.6%, and the power output efficiency reaches 91.6%, achieving good performance. In addition, the system can manually set the power supply output voltage frequency by pressing the key, and display the output voltage and current in real time. At the same time, the system has over-current protection function, which greatly improves the safety and stability when the current is too large.
Support-less ceramic 3D printing of bioceramic structures using a hydrogel bath
Authors: Raja Naren , Park Honghyun , Gal Chang Woo , Sung Aram , Choi Yeong-Jin , Yun Hui-suk
Published: March 2023

Volumetric bone tissue defects are beyond the intrinsic regenerative capacity of bone tissue. With the recent development of ceramic 3D printing, various bioceramic scaffolds that can induce bone regeneration are being actively developed. However, hierarchical bone is complex, with overhanging structures that require additional sacrificial support during ceramic 3D printing. Not only can this increase the overall process time and material consumption, but breaks and cracks may occur when sacrificial supports are removed from fabricated ceramic structures. In this study, a support-less ceramic printing (SLCP) process using a hydrogel bath was developed to facilitate the manufacture of complex bone substitutes. A hydrogel bath, consisting of pluronic P123 with temperature-sensitive properties, mechanically supported the fabricated structure when the bioceramic ink was extruded into the bath and promoted the cement reaction to cure the bioceramic. SLCP enables the fabrication of complex bone constructs with overhanging structures, such as the mandible and maxillofacial bones, with reduced overall processing time and material consumption. Scaffolds fabricated by SLCP showed more cell adhesion, higher cell growth rate, and osteogenic protein expression due to their rougher surface than conventionally printed scaffolds. Hybrid scaffolds were fabricated by SLCP to co-print cells and bioceramics, and SLCP provided a cell-friendly environment, exhibiting high cell viability. SLCP enables control of the shape of various cells, bioactive substances, and bioceramics and thus can be used as an innovative 3D bioprinting technique to manufacture complex hierarchical bone structures.
Self-assembled innervated vasculature-on-a-chip to study nociception
Authors: Kumar Vardhman , Kingsley David , Madhurakkat Perikamana Sajeeshkumar , Mogha Pankaj , Goodwin C Rory , Varghese Shyni
Published: March 2023

Nociceptor sensory neurons play a key role in eliciting pain. An active crosstalk between nociceptor neurons and the vascular system at the molecular and cellular level is required to sense and respond to noxious stimuli. Besides nociception, interaction between nociceptor neurons and vasculature also contributes to neurogenesis and angiogenesis. In vitro models of innervated vasculature can greatly help delineate these roles while facilitating disease modeling and drug screening. Herein, we report the development of a microfluidic-assisted tissue model of nociception in the presence of microvasculature. The self-assembled innervated microvasculature was engineered using endothelial cells and primary dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The sensory neurons and the endothelial cells displayed distinct morphologies in presence of each other. The neurons exhibited an elevated response to capsaicin in the presence of vasculature. Concomitantly, increased transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) receptor expression was observed in the DRG neurons in presence of vascularization. Finally, we demonstrated the applicability of this platform for modeling nociception associated with tissue acidosis. While not demonstrated here, this platform could also serve as a tool to study pain resulting from vascular disorders while also paving the way towards the development of innervated microphysiological models.
Tuning of the moiré bands in graphene on hexagonal boron nitride by the periodic electrostatic gating
Authors: Lin Xianqing , Su Kelu , Ni Jun
Published: March 2023

Moiré bands separated by the primary and secondary gaps emerge in the superlattices of monolayer (MLG) and bilayer graphene (BLG) aligned with the hexagonal boron nitride (BN). We study the tuning of the electronic and transport properties of such moiré superlattices through the periodic electrostatic potentials produced by the one-dimensional (1D) or two-dimensional (2D) patterned gating structure in the devices. The electrostatic potentials in graphene are produced by the spatially varying particle and hole doping due to the local quantum capacitance effect and can be modulated by the voltage (

V

T
G

) of the top patterned gating structure and that (

V

B
G

) of the uniform bottom gate. For the 1D devices of MLG/BN and BLG/BN, different sets of Fabry–Pérot interference like resistance patterns as a function of

V

T
G

and

V

B
G

can be observed when the Fermi level is shifted from the charge neutrality point (CNP) to the secondary gaps in MLG/BN and BLG/BN, and the overlapping regions of the patterns exhibit the highest resistance. The electronic states in these various regions of the resistance map show different moiré-band hybridization and spatial distribution. The secondary resistance patterns around the secondary gaps move away from the primary one with increasing twist angle (θ) between graphene and BN and their detailed patterns also depend on the orientation of the 1D potential with respect to that of the superlattice. The 2D periodic potentials can further split the subbands between CNP and the secondary gaps, depending on the commensurability of the moiré superlattice and the 2D potentials, and additional resistance peaks appear as a function of the gate voltages. The calculated resistance map for BLG/BN at

θ
∼

1

∘

is roughly consistent with recent experimental observations.
Structural and optical investigations on ZnO-PVDF-NiO advanced polymer composites for modern electronic devices
Authors: Iqbal Tahir , Haq Khizar Ul , Irfan M , Khalil Maria , Ramay Shahid M , Ebdah M A , Saleem Murtaza
Published: March 2023

Polymer composites are recently introduced as flexible candidates for modern electronic devices. Transition metals oxides incorporated PVDF polymer composite thin films were successfully synthesized and investigated for an optical response. The effect of ZnO and NiO nanoparticles as PVDF fillers is studied in this work. Experimentally pure and doped PVDF uniform and evenly distributed thin films were synthesized by sol-gel based spin coating method. Structural studies were carried out with x-ray diffraction analysis which reveals the sharp traces of ZnO and NiO and endorses the presence of crystalline fillers in PVDF polymer composite thin films. The Field emission scanning electron microscope was used to examine the surface morphology of prepared thin films containing a smooth, uniform distribution and compact polymer traces. Refractive index, extinction, absorption coefficient, reflectivity, optical conductivity and real epsilon were extracted using spectroscopic ellipsometry. Enhanced response of optical parameters was observed in nanoparticles containing PVDF polymer composites. The absorption coefficient seems to increase with the increment of nano-filler contents, which makes these materials suitable for photovoltaic applications. The maxima of the refractive index were recorded as 1.6 for pure PVDF and 2.1 for maximum nano-filler content with an incredible shift to higher energy values. The optical conductivity was observed to increase with the incorporation of nanoparticles in PVDF. The maximum values of real epsilon were recorded as 2.3 for pure PVDF and 3.9 for the highest nano-filler containing composition. The increasing trend of real epsilon in nano-fillers containing compositions is attributed to the enhanced polarization and storage capability of these composites. The outcomes of this work are considered that ZnO-PVDF-NiO advanced polymer composites are promising candidates for enhanced modern electronic devices.
Thyroid Disease, Hypertension, and Pregnancy: The Need for Balance Illustrated in 2 Cases
Authors: Sousa Círia , Garovic Vesna D , Stan Marius , Fervenza Fernando C , Kattah Andrea
Published: March 2023

Thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy has been associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and poor maternal and fetal outcomes. In this article, we describe two cases of significant thyroid dysfunction leading to new diagnoses of chronic hypertension in pregnancy and review physiologic changes in the thyroid gland, placenta and maternal cardiovascular system during pregnancy.
Culturally Informed Neuropsychological Evaluations in Pediatric Epilepsy: Evidence-Based Practice Considerations
Authors: Berrios-Siervo Gretchen M , Salinas Christine M , Bender H Allison , MacAllister William S , Vega Clemente , Boada Richard , Strutt Adriana M , MacDonald Beatriz
Published: March 2023

Objective

Epilepsy is one of the most common reasons for referral for a pediatric neuropsychological evaluation due its high prevalence in childhood and our well-established clinical role in tertiary care settings. Emerging evidence indicates that racial and ethnic minority populations experience increased epilepsy burden compared with White peers. Although there has been heightened recognition in our specialty regarding the dire need for culturally and linguistically responsive evaluations, the scientific evidence to support effective neuropsychological service delivery for bi/multilingual and bi/multicultural youth with epilepsy is comparatively scant and of poor quality. As a result, significant patient and clinical challenges exist, particularly in high stakes presurgical pediatric epilepsy evaluations of bi/multilingual and bi/multicultural children.

Method

Given that Spanish is the most common language spoken in the United States after English, this paper will focus on Spanish and English measures, but will provide evidence-based practice considerations that can inform practices with other non-English speaking communities. Cultural and linguistic factors that affect clinical decision-making regarding test selection, test interpretation, and feedback with families are highlighted.

Results

We offer a review of neuropsychological profiles associated with pediatric epilepsy as well as a flexible, multimodal approach for the assessment of linguistically and culturally diverse children with epilepsy based on empirical evidence and the clinical experiences of pediatric neuropsychologists from diverse backgrounds who work with children with epilepsy.

Conclusion

Limitations to this approach are discussed, including the lack of available measures and resources for culturally and linguistically diverse pediatric populations. A case illustration highlights a culturally informed assessment approach.
Culturally Competent Approaches for Neuropsychological Assessment for Differential Diagnosis of Dementia of Korean-Speaking Patients in the United States
Authors: York Michele K , Kim Stella H , Lee Dongwook D , Windham Victoria A , Strutt Adriana M , Stinson Jennifer M , McCauley Stephen R
Published: March 2023

Objective

To serve the over 1.82 million people of Korean descent who reside in the United States, we assembled a core and supplemental battery of culturally and linguistically appropriate neuropsychological measures for differential diagnosis of dementia for Korean-speaking patients.

Method

Test instruments in Korean were identified through systematic searches of PubMed and Google Scholar, US-based website searches in Korean, and in consultation with Korean-speaking cultural brokers, residing in the United States and Korea.

Results

A battery assessing cognitive domains and mood was assembled using core measures developed specifically for Korean-speaking individuals within the United States and supplemental English measures that can be administered using translated instructions and English normative data. The rationale for test selection and clinical utility, including strengths and limitations of the proposed measures, is presented. Additionally, a case illustration using the proposed battery is included.

Conclusions

Given the large and aging population of Korean-speaking residents in the United States, it is imperative to utilize appropriately designed and normed instruments to provide culturally competent assessments to better serve the Korean community.
Foundational Curriculum and Core Guidelines for Training in Latinx/a/o-Hispanic Cultural Neuropsychology Across the Lifespan
Authors: MacDonald Beatriz , Berrios-Siervo Gretchen M , Díaz-Santos Mirella , Sánchez Orlando , Suárez Paola , Diaz Ana Linda , Moss Natalia , Strutt Adriana M
Published: March 2023

Objective

The training competency of individual and cultural diversity is an advanced, fundamental competency to health service psychology since 2015. However, there is minimal instruction on how to integrate it into training curricula in neuropsychology, especially at the postdoctoral fellowship level. Our objective was to operationalize the individual and cultural diversity standard to provide a tangible application for educational programs on how to develop a competency-based training model for Latinx/a/o-Hispanic (L/H) cultural neuropsychology across the lifespan.

Method

The knowledge-based and applied-based competencies necessary to train to be a cultural neuropsychologist delivering services to L/H patients and families are defined. For learners to complete these competencies, training programs need to implement clinical, didactic, research, and professional development core guidelines grounded in cultural neuropsychology. We provide a framework on how to transform each core guideline, including a Didactics Core with foundational readings across a range of L/H topics, and a Report Template to guide the documentation of sociocultural information, language usage, normative data, and other relevant factors in a neuropsychological report.

Conclusions

These cultural neuropsychology competencies and core guidelines need to become a basic core requirement for all neuropsychologists in training. With focused education in culturally based competencies, training programs can cultivate a sense of responsibility, inclusion, justice, and equity to train a generation of neuropsychologists, who intentionally and consistently practice socially responsible neuropsychology.
The Measurement of Acculturation in Neuropsychological Evaluations of Hispanic/Latino Individuals across the Lifespan: A Scoping Review of the Literature
Authors: Medina Luis D , Henry Samantha , Torres Stephanie , MacDonald Beatriz , Strutt Adriana M
Published: March 2023

Objective

Acculturation has been linked to health outcomes in Hispanics/Latinos (H/Ls). However, there is equivocal evidence of a relationship between acculturation and neuropsychological outcomes. Various factors limit the ability to subject the evidence to systematic/meta-analytic review. We sought to examine the current state of the literature in the context of H/Ls and neuropsychology and describe the various limitations of measuring acculturation across the lifespan.

Method

Applying a scoping review approach, we identified unique stand-alone (e.g., questionnaires) measures of acculturation. We focused on psychometric (e.g., internal consistency) and other characteristics (e.g., language, structure/format) and description of the validation samples (e.g., cultural background/country of origin).

Results

A total of 40 unique acculturation measures were identified. Measures spanned various domains (e.g., language proficiency, food preference, music choice), and relied heavily on linguistic behavioral characteristics. Internal consistency varied from unacceptable to clinically acceptable ranges. Variable approaches to development and validation were reported. Validation samples varied from 22 to 2,048 respondents (median = 380), most of which represented a general adult population. Only eight measures were validated for use in pediatric populations; none were developed specifically for use with older adults.

Conclusions

Published measures are outdated, evidence highly variable psychometric and methodological weaknesses, and lack a lifespan perspective. Several themes in the types of items considered elemental to the acculturative process are revealed and findings are summarized via an “ABC” framework, categorizing items as antecedents, behaviors, and consequent acculturative changes, that lends itself to clinical and research settings.
Geopolitical Considerations for Working with Medically Complex Patients: A Case Illustration
Authors: Stinson Jennifer M , Román Cristina A F , Combs Hannah L , York Michele K , Strutt Adriana M , McCauley Stephen R
Published: March 2023

Objective

Becoming culturally competent healthcare providers depends on the ability of practitioners to acquire knowledge, awareness, and skills related to other cultures. In building these areas of competence, it is essential to consider geopolitical factors that may influence health and health-seeking behaviors, particularly when working with immigrant populations. When care is sought, they are likely to experience significant barriers to effective care, including lack of providers who speak their language and failure of practitioners to integrate cultural beliefs into treatment plans. This is further complicated by the presence of geopolitical issues, including immigration status, war/conflict in the patient’s country of origin, and/or human rights violations.

Method

The current study uses a sample case of a Burmese-speaking, Myanmar national to illustrate a culturally informed approach to the assessment of neurobehavioral changes within complex geopolitical circumstances. The sample represents an amalgam of several patients, designed to represent common presentations, sociodemographic situations, and concerns that arise during the neuropsychological assessment process.

Results

Description of relevant case information including background, clinical observations, and performance on testing is provided.

Discussion

Awareness of the impact of these life experiences not only has the potential to deepen our understanding of our patients but also results in a more holistic, accurate, and culturally competent conceptualization of their physical and mental health needs.
Developing Culturally Competent Foreign Language Neuropsychological Assessments: Portuguese-Speaking Brazilians Living in the United States
Authors: Strutt Adriana M , Diaz Santos Ana L , de Minas Salerno Chiles Ana Lúcia , Furtado Milse , York Michele K , Stinson Jennifer M , McCauley Stephen R
Published: March 2023

Objective

As the third largest immigrant population in Houston, Texas, Brazilians represent a large bloc of the community in need of culturally and linguistically informed healthcare. In particular, the number of older adults within this population is rapidly growing, emphasizing the increased need to develop socially responsible neuropsychological assessment practices that can meet the needs of this demographic. Additionally, early symptoms of cognitive decline in Brazilian older adults can be culturally perceived as normal aging and may be masked by cultural and lifestyle practices (i.e., scaffolding by family members) that result in lack of appreciation for cognitive and functional decrements. With increased knowledge and awareness of Brazilian culture and customs, we can better understand and assess brain–behavior relationships, provide tailored assessment services, and determine the clinical implications for this population.

Methods

Test instruments in Portuguese were identified through systematic literature searches, and in consultation with clinicians serving the Portuguese community in the United States, and cultural brokers involved in Brazilian-based neuropsychology.

Results

A multidomain neuropsychological battery with accompanying normative data for use with adults from this community is presented. A case illustration is utilized to highlight limitations and strengths of the proposed battery, which includes core and supplemental measures.

Conclusion

Neuropsychologists are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the proposed protocol, understand the psychometric limitations of the available tools, and make an earnest attempt toward providing socially responsible neuropsychological care via the appropriate use of culturally and linguistically tailored instruments and clinical practices.
Subspecies limits based on morphometry and mitochondrial DNA genomics in a polytypic species, the common grackle, Quiscalus quiscula
Authors: Capainolo Peter , Perktaş Utku , ElverıCı Can , Fellowes Mark D E
Published: March 2023

Nearctic migratory songbirds have demonstrated low levels of genetic differentiation and weak phylogeographical structure in mitochondrial DNA lineages compared with resident species. The common grackle, Quiscalus quiscula, is a widespread, partially migratory, North American icterid composed of three currently recognized subspecies. In this study, mensural characters (external and skeletal measurements) and the complete mitochondrial genome together with two mitochondrial genes, Cytb and ND2, were used to investigate subspecific differentiation and demographic history of the common grackle. The results showed substantial variation in body size among subspecies, mostly distributed between the ‘Florida grackle’, Quiscalus quiscula quiscula, and the two other subspecies. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA indicated low levels of genetic variation, but we found distinct haplotypes in Florida that form a clade in the phylogenetic tree. This suggests that the nominate subspecies in Florida is a distinct evolutionary unit. The sharing of haplotypes among the other subspecies (Quiscalus quiscula versicolor and Quiscalus quiscula stonei) in the north suggests high levels of gene flow, making the status of these two subspecies equivocal. Gene flow between nominate Q. q. quiscula, Q. q. versicolor and putative Q. q. stonei is probably attributable to historical changes in distribution and abundance following climate change events. We therefore recognize only two subspecies in the common grackle complex.
Alternate morphological pathways involved in climbing ability in ten Neotropical anuran species
Authors: Ceballos-Castro Irene , Cabra-GarcíA Jimmy , Ospina-Sarria Jhon Jairo
Published: March 2023

Convergent evolution has been shown to be a prominent feature of anuran evolutionary history. Studying the morphological pathways involved in the evolution of a convergent character allows us to test whether deterministic or contingent forces drive the evolution of characters. Here, we have assessed the morphological pathways associated with arboreal habits in species of six families of anurans (Hylidae, Eleutherodactylidae, Strabomantidae, Centrolenidae, Bufonidae and Hemiphractidae) through a comparative analysis of 19 phenotypic characters related to climbing ability. All species showed differences in the assessed characters, exhibiting variations in the distribution of their states and different ranges in all limb lengths. These variations implied a wide distribution across the morphospace as defined by a non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS), with Rhinella paraguas (Bufonidae) being the most distinctive species, presenting unique characters such as the absence of intercalary elements, adhesive pads, subarticular tubercles and interphalangealis muscles of the hands. Our findings demonstrate that the morphological mechanisms involved in climbing ability of the ten species are different, suggesting distinct morphological pathways. Consequently, we advocate that historical contingency has an essential role in the evolution of arboreal habits among the species studied.
Sequencing through hyperexpanded Friedreich’s ataxia-GAA repeats by nanopore technology: implications in genotype–phenotype correlation
Authors: Uppili Bharathram , Sharma Pooja , Ahmad Istaq , Sahni Shweta , Asokachandran Vivekanand , Nagaraja Anil B , Srivastava Achal K , Faruq Mohammed
Published: March 2023

Friedreich’s ataxia, an autosomal recessive disorder, is caused by tandem GAA nucleotide repeat expansions in intron 1 of the frataxin gene. The GAA repeats over 66 in number are considered as pathogenic, and commonly occurring pathogenic repeats are within a range of 600–1200. Clinically, the spectrum of features is confined mainly to neurological tissues; however, cardiomyopathy and diabetes mellitus have been reported in 60 and 30% of the subjects, respectively. The accurate detection of GAA repeat count is of utmost importance for clinical genetic correlation, and no study so far has attempted an approach that is of high-throughput nature and defines the exact sequence of GAA repeats. Largely, the method for detection of GAA repeats so far is either through the conventional polymerase chain reaction-based screening or Southern blot, which remains the gold standard method. We utilized an approach of long-range targeted amplification of FXN-GAA repeats using Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION platform for accurate estimation of repeat length. We were able to achieve successful amplification of GAA repeats ranging from ∼120 to 1100 at ∼2600× mean coverage. The total throughput achievable through our protocol can allow for screening of up to 96 samples per flow cell in less than 24 h. The proposed method is clinically scalable and deployable for day-to-day diagnostics. In this paper, we demonstrate to resolve the genotype–phenotype correlation of Friedreich’s ataxia patients with better accuracy.
Hybrid-integer algorithm for a multi-objective optimal home energy management system
Authors: Gheouany Saad , Ouadi Hamid , El Bakali Saida
Published: March 2023

Most of the energy produced in the world is consumed by commercial and residential buildings. With the growth in the global economy and world demographics, this energy demand has become increasingly important. This has led to higher unit electricity prices, frequent stresses on the main electricity grid and carbon emissions due to inefficient energy management. This paper presents an energy-consumption management system based on time-shifting of loads according to the dynamic day-ahead electricity pricing. This simultaneously reduces the electricity bill and the peaks, while maintaining user comfort in terms of the operating waiting time of appliances. The proposed optimization problem is formulated mathematically in terms of multi-objective integer non-linear programming, which involves constraints and consumer preferences. For optimal scheduling, the management problem is solved using the hybridization of the particle swarm optimization algorithm and the branch-and-bound algorithm. Two techniques are proposed to manage the trade-off between the conflicting objectives. The first technique is the Pareto-optimal solutions classification using supervised learning methods. The second technique is called the lexicographic method. The simulations were performed based on residential building energy consumption, time-of-use pricing (TOU) and critical peak pricing (CPP). The algorithms were implemented in Python. The results of the current work show that the proposed approach is effective and can reduce the electricity bill and the peak-to-average ratio (PAR) by 28% and 49.32%, respectively, for the TOU tariff rate, and 48.91% and 47.87% for the CPP tariff rate by taking into account the consumer’s comfort level.
Walls of capital: quantitative easing, spatial inequality, and the winners and losers of Canada’s pandemic-era housing market
Authors: August Martine , Cohen Dan , Rosenman Emily
Published: March 2023

This paper analyzes the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) pandemic-era quantitative easing (QE) programs and their distributive implications, focusing on the Canadian housing market. First, we analyse the priorities and effects of QE: increasing liquidity and encouraging lending and borrowing. Next, we identify the sectors of the economy most influenced by QE, highlighting that investment in real estate soared in comparison to other sectors. Finally, we present a case study of real estate transactions in Toronto, finding that the increased investment in residential and multi-family housing worked to the detriment of marginalised populations. In spatializing macrofinance and identifying monetary policy’s role in geographies of housing, we call for increased attention to central banks and the distributional effects of monetary policy.
Intraventricular conduction delays as a predictor of mortality in acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Lahti Roope , Rankinen Jani , Eskola Markku , Nikus Kjell , Hernesniemi Jussi
Published: March 2023

Aims

Initial proof suggests that a non-specific intraventricular conduction delay (NIVCD) is a risk factor for mortality. We explored the prognosis of intraventricular conduction delays (IVCD)—right bundle branch block (RBBB), left bundle branch block (LBBB), and the lesser-known NIVCD—in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods and results

This is a retrospective registry analysis of 9749 consecutive ACS patients undergoing coronary angiography and with an electrocardiographic (ECG) recording available for analysis (2007–18). The primary outcome was cardiac mortality. Mortality and cause of death data (in ICD-10 format) were received from the Finnish national register with no losses to follow-up (until 31 December 2020). The risk associated with IVCDs was analysed by calculating subdistribution hazard estimates (SDH; deaths due to other causes being considered competing events). The mean age of the population was 68.3 years [standard deviation (Sd) 11.8]. The median follow-up time was 6.1 years [interquartile range (IQR) 3.3–9.4], during which 3156 patients died. Cardiac mortality was overrepresented among IVCD patients: 76.9% for NIVCD (n = 113/147), 67.6% for LBBB (n = 96/142), 55.7% for RBBB (n = 146/262), and 50.1% for patients with no IVCD (n = 1275/2545). In an analysis adjusted for age and cardiac comorbidities, the risk of cardiac mortality was significantly higher in all IVCD groups than among patients with no IVCD: SDH 1.37 (1.15–1.64, P < 0.0001) for RBBB, SDH 1.63 (1.31–2.03 P < 0.0001) for LBBB, and SDH 2.68 (2.19–3.27) for NIVCD. After adjusting the analysis with left ventricular ejection fraction, RBBB and NIVCD remained significant risk factors for cardiac mortality.

Conclusion

RBBB, LBBB, and NIVCD were associated with higher cardiac mortality in ACS patients.
‘Touchdown’ technique during self-expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patient with severe left ventricular outflow tract calcification: a case report
Authors: Tsuda Masaki , Egami Yasuyuki , Kawanami Shodai , Nishino Masami
Published: March 2023

Background

In transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), severe left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) calcification is associated with a higher risk of aortic root rupture and paravalvular regurgitation (PVR), and is considered one of the challenging anatomies. We present a case of successful TAVR using a self-expandable valve without aortic root rupture or significant PVR by devising a deployment method and valve positioning.

Case summary

An 82-year-old woman was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis. Computed tomography showed a suitable ilio-femoral artery for transfemoral TAVR, but indicated severe LVOT calcification protruding into the lumen. To avoid aortic root rupture, we planned TAVR using an Evolut-Pro+ self-expandable valve (EVP+). Furthermore, to control PVR, we implanted an EVP+ using a ‘touchdown’ technique: i) valve deployment was started above the aortic annulus, and the EVP+ stent tip landed on top of the LVOT calcification; and ii) EVP+ deployment was continued while confirming that the stent tip maintained contact with the top of the LVOT calcification without moving. Using this method, we successfully implanted an EVP+ at the intended position without significant PVR or valve embolization.

Discussion

In self-expandable valve implantation for patients with severe LVOT calcification, deployment should be carefully tailored to control PVR without valve embolization. A ‘touchdown’ technique can be a useful option for avoiding significant PVR in these cases.
Cardiac computed tomography assessment of congenital aortic diseases: a case series
Authors: Espinola-Zavaleta Nilda , Armenta-Moreno Javier Ivan , Silva-Estrada Jorge Alberto , Serrano-Roman Javier , Espejel-Guzman Adrian , Fernandez-Badillo Valente , Navarro-Martinez Daniel Alejandro , Cano-Zarate Roberto
Published: March 2023

Background

Congenital aortic diseases (CAoD) encompass a wide variety of disorders that range from asymptomatic findings to life-threatening conditions. Multiple imaging techniques are available for the assessment of CAoD.

Case summary

We present seven case reports of congenital aortic diseases, including obstructions in the aortic arch (coarctation, hypoplasia, and interruption) and vascular rings, in which the clinical manifestations throughout the cases are discussed, highlighting the heterogeneity of the symptoms.

Discussion

Multi-imaging techniques are indispensable for the assessment of CAoD, where cardiac computed tomography angiography is the main modality for rapid acquisition of three-dimensional volume-rendered images for optimal surgical planning.
Moving toward gender equity in the cardiology and cardiovascular research workforce in Germany: a report from the German Cardiac Society
Authors: Lerchenmüller Carolin , Zelarayan Laura , Streckfuss-Bömeke Katrin , Gimenez Maria Rubini , Schnabel Renate , Hashemi Djawid , Baldus Stephan , Rudolph Tanja K , Morbach Caroline
Published: March 2023

Aims

Although the share of women in cardiology in Germany is growing steadily, this does not translate into leadership positions. Medical societies play a crucial role in shaping the national and international medical and scientific environment. The German Cardiac Society (DGK) aims to serve the public discourse on gender-equity by systematic analysis of data on gender representation within the society and in Germany.

Methods and results

We present gender disaggregated data collection of members, official organs, working groups, scientific meetings, as well as awards of the DGK based on anonymized exports from the DGK office as well as on data gathered from the DGK web page. From 2000 to 2020, the overall number of DGK members as well as the share of women increased (12.5% to 25.3%). In 2021, the share of women ranged from 40% to 50% in earlier career stages but was substantially lower at senior levels (23.9% of consulting/attending physicians, 7.1% of physicians-in-chief, 3.4% of directors). The share of women serving in DGK working groups had gained overall proportionality, but nuclei and speaker positions were largely held by men. Boards and project groups were predominantly represented by men as well. At the DGK-led scientific meetings, women contributed more often in junior relative to (invited) senior roles.

Conclusion

Increasing numbers of women in cardiology and in the DGK over the past 20 years did not translate into the respective increase in representation of women in leadership positions. There is an urgent need to identify and, more importantly, to overcome barriers towards gender equity. Transparent presentation of society-related data is the first step for future targeted actions in this regard.
Behavioural and psychological telehealth support for people with cardiac conditions: randomized trial of the ‘back on track’ self-management programme
Authors: Rogerson Michelle C , Jackson Alun C , Navaratnam Hema S , Le Grande Michael R , Higgins Rosemary O , Clarke Joanne , Murphy Barbara M
Published: March 2023

Aims

Behaviour modification and mood management are essential to recovery after a cardiac event. Recent times have seen a major shift to remote delivery of cardiac services. This study assessed behavioural and psychological outcomes of the Back on Track online self-management programme, comparing the programme undertaken alone (self-directed) vs. with telephone support (supported). Relevance for people with depression was also assessed.

Methods and results

Participants with cardiac conditions (n = 122) were randomly assigned to self-directed or supported groups and given access to the online programme for 2 months. The programme addressed depression, anxiety, physical activity, and healthy eating. Supported group participants also received two telephone sessions facilitated by a trained counsellor to further enhance their self-management skills and engagement with the online modules. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and Active Australia Survey and Diet Quality Tool were administered at baseline, 2, and 6 months. χ2 tests were used to compare self-directed and supported groups. Cochrane’s Q tests assessed changes over time in depression, anxiety, and physical activity (PA) and healthy diet guideline achievement. Participants in both groups showed reduced depression rates (self-directed, P < 0.05) and increased PA after programme completion (both groups, P < 0.05). Amongst those classified as depressed at baseline, significantly fewer were classified as depressed over time (P < 0.001) and significantly more were achieving the PA guidelines (P < 0.01) compared to those who were not depressed at baseline.

Conclusions

The Back on Track telehealth programme was effective in assisting with behavioural and emotional recovery after a cardiac event. The programme may be particularly beneficial for those who are depressed early in their recovery period.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12620000102976.
Time Lag of Stem Water Deficit in Response to Increased Vapor Pressure Deficit
Authors: Tian Yuan , Liu Xuan , Zhang Xin , Rula Sa , Wan Zhibing , Zhao Hanqing , Zhang Qiuliang
Published: March 2023

Vapor pressure deficit (VPD) shows a gradually increasing trend that forces trees to produce ecological memory with time-delay characteristics to drought year by year. The reversible stem diameter variation of trees can serve as an indicator for tree water status. In the context of global warming, these variations can dynamically monitor the response of stem water to the change of environmental water, especially to VPD. In this study, stem diameter variations of Larix gmelinii Rupr. and environmental factors were measured at high temporal resolution. We analyzed the tree water deficit–induced stem shrinkage (TWD) response to VPD variations. The results showed that variation of TWD lagged behind that of VPD to a certain extent, by about 3–5.5 h. Environmental water supply of trees under natural conditions can be divided into water deficit and adequate water supply. The division of the two water conditions was helpful to study the correlation between TWD and VPD. Observing the response of changes of stem diameter to the time lag of VPD is helpful to accurately represent the relationship of changes between moisture in the tree body and moisture in the air and to identify the stress effect of the lag in a short period of time.

Study Implications: Stem diameter changes with change in moisture in the environment and usually reversibly shrinks under water deficits. Such reversible change in stem diameter is closely related to change in vapor pressure deficit, which is an environmental factor. Tree water deficit–induced trunk shrinkage, an index reflecting the change in stem diameter affected by moisture, had a time lag correlation with vapor pressure deficit in terms of variation characteristics. The time lag of the tree water deficit–induced trunk shrinkage response to vapor pressure deficit was 3–5.5 h. Just as the phenomenon of ecological memory cannot be ignored in an observational study with the year as the time scale, the phenomenon of time lag should not be ignored during an observational study of moisture stress at small time scales.
Colour and Composition in the Work of Jean Follain
Authors: Shinabargar Scott
Published: March 2023

This study calls into question the frequent identification of Jean Follain as a ‘miniaturiste’, demonstrating how this poet in fact utilizes elements of pictorial representation in a much more ambitious and nuanced manner than such a label would suggest. Identifying remarkably frequent appearances of colour throughout two of his best-known collections,
Exister
and
Territoires
, we discover that such details are not merely minor descriptive terms among others, but key factors in the distinct impression produced by the texts in question. As the analysis progresses from paler to more vivid hues, we will observe that, in addition to bringing into play traditional connotations (white/purity, red/violence), the poet deploys colour in decidedly painterly ways — actually organizing and dynamizing the visualized space of the text through very deliberate placement, orienting and drawing the reader in. Such techniques become particularly interesting when considering Follain’s application of multiple colours, whereby he would seem to be attempting to reproduce the most physical phenomena in colour perception, through the interaction of specific hues. However successful these ‘translations’ from visual art are, a primary objective is surely realized: the reader straining to see actively, as Follain did.
Genomic and cytogenetic analysis of the Ceratitis capitata temperature-sensitive lethal region
Authors: Sollazzo Germano , Gouvi Georgia , Nikolouli Katerina , Aumann Roswitha A , Djambazian Haig , Whitehead Mark A , Berube Pierre , Chen Shu-Huang , Tsiamis George , Darby Alistair C , Ragoussis Jiannis , Schetelig Marc F , Bourtzis Kostas
Published: March 2023

Genetic sexing strains (GSS) are an important tool in support of sterile insect technique (SIT) applications against insect pests and disease vectors. The yet unknown temperature-sensitive lethal (tsl) gene and the recently identified white pupae (wp) gene have been used as selectable markers in the most successful GSS developed so far, the Ceratitis capitata (medfly) VIENNA 8 GSS. The molecular identification of the tsl gene may open the way for its use as a marker for the development of GSS in other insect pests and disease vectors of SIT importance. Prior studies have already shown that the tsl gene is located on the right arm of chromosome 5, between the wp and Zw loci (tsl genomic region). In the present study, we used genomic, transcriptomic, bioinformatic, and cytogenetic approaches to characterize and analyze this genomic region in wild-type and tsl mutant medfly strains. Our results suggested the presence of 561 genes, with 322 of them carrying SNPs and/or insertion–deletion (indel) mutations in the tsl genomic region. Furthermore, comparative transcriptomic analysis indicated the presence of 32 differentially expressed genes, and bioinformatic analysis revealed the presence of 33 orthologs with a described heat-sensitive phenotype of Drosophila melanogaster in this region. These data can be used in functional genetic studies to identify the tsl gene(s) and the causal mutation(s) responsible for the temperature-sensitive lethal phenotype in medfly, and potentially additional genes causing a similar phenotype.