bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strain-Dependent Morphology of Reactive Astrocytes in Human- and Animal-Vole-Adapted Prions
Authors: Bruno Rosalia , Riccardi Geraldina , Iacobone Floriana , Chiarotti Flavia , Pirisinu Laura , Vanni Ilaria , Marcon Stefano , D’Agostino Claudia , Giovannelli Matteo , Parchi Piero , Agrimi Umberto , Nonno Romolo , Di Bari Michele Angelo
Published: April 2023

Reactive astrogliosis is one of the pathological hallmarks of prion diseases. Recent studies highlighted the influence of several factors on the astrocyte phenotype in prion diseases, including the brain region involved, the genotype backgrounds of the host, and the prion strain. Elucidating the influence of prion strains on the astrocyte phenotype may provide crucial insights for developing therapeutic strategies. Here, we investigated the relationship between prion strains and astrocyte phenotype in six human- and animal-vole-adapted strains characterized by distinctive neuropathological features. In particular, we compared astrocyte morphology and astrocyte-associated PrPSc deposition among strains in the same brain region, the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus (MDTN). Astrogliosis was detected to some extent in the MDTN of all analyzed voles. However, we observed variability in the morphological appearance of astrocytes depending on the strain. Astrocytes displayed variability in thickness and length of cellular processes and cellular body size, suggesting strain-specific phenotypes of reactive astrocytes. Remarkably, four out of six strains displayed astrocyte-associated PrPSc deposition, which correlated with the size of astrocytes. Overall, these data show that the heterogeneous reactivity of astrocytes in prion diseases depends at least in part on the infecting prion strains and their specific interaction with astrocytes.
Bidirectional TRP/L Type Ca2+ Channel/RyR/BKCa Molecular and Functional Signaloplex in Vascular Smooth Muscles
Authors: Dryn Dariia O. , Melnyk Mariia I. , Melanaphy Donal , Kizub Igor V. , Johnson Christopher D. , Zholos Alexander V.
Published: April 2023

TRP channels are expressed both in vascular myocytes and endothelial cells, but knowledge of their operational mechanisms in vascular tissue is particularly limited. Here, we show for the first time the biphasic contractile reaction with relaxation followed by a contraction in response to TRPV4 agonist, GSK1016790A, in a rat pulmonary artery preconstricted with phenylephrine. Similar responses were observed both with and without endothelium, and these were abolished by the TRPV4 selective blocker, HC067047, confirming the specific role of TRPV4 in vascular myocytes. Using selective blockers of BKCa and L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (CaL), we found that the relaxation phase was inducted by BKCa activation generating STOCs, while subsequent slowly developing TRPV4-mediated depolarisation activated CaL, producing the second contraction phase. These results are compared to TRPM8 activation using menthol in rat tail artery. Activation of both types of TRP channels produces highly similar changes in membrane potential, namely slow depolarisation with concurrent brief hyperpolarisations due to STOCs. We thus propose a general concept of bidirectional TRP-CaL-RyR-BKCa molecular and functional signaloplex in vascular smooth muscles. Accordingly, both TRPV4 and TRPM8 channels enhance local Ca2+ signals producing STOCs via TRP–RyR–BKCa coupling while simultaneously globally engaging BKCa and CaL channels by altering membrane potential.
Stopover Ecology of the European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur), a Threatened Migratory Bird Species, after the Crossing of an Extended Ecological Barrier
Authors: Barboutis Christos , Bounas Anastasios , Navarrete Elisabeth , Fransson Thord
Published: April 2023

Migratory routes, important stopover sites and wintering grounds for the Turtle Dove, a declining trans-Saharan migratory bird, are known mainly for populations in western and central Europe, but very little is known about birds using the eastern migration flyway. By combining long-term ringing data, tracking data and citizen science data, a comprehensive picture of the stopover ecology of the Turtle Dove’s spring migration in the eastern Mediterranean is presented. Furthermore, a quantitative estimate of the number of birds that migrate over Greece during the spring migration is given. Approximately 16% of the European population migrates through Greece, passing through as early as the end of March, with the passage lasting up to the end of May. On average, the species arrives depleted after the crossing of the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea, with no systematic refuelling event taking place in North Africa. Both tracking and ringing data indicate that the birds undergo an extensive stopover after the barrier crossing (as much as close to three weeks). Turtle Doves additionally show significant body mass gain during their stay, indicating the potential importance of stopover sites after the Mediterranean Sea for the conservation of the species.
Construction Contracts Quality Assessment from the Point of View of Contractor and Customer
Authors: Vilkonis Arvydas , Antucheviciene Jurgita , Kutut Vladislavas
Published: April 2023

The cost and determination of construction projects are key issues for both customer and contractor when entering into a construction contract. For customers, calculation and evaluation of the cost of construction projects is complicated by the problem of underpricing, which may lead to the failure of contractors submitting a bid for a project, and, in addition, overpricing may lead to an overestimation of the average market value of specific groups of works. Therefore, the aim of the study is to compare the quality assurance of different contractors’ contracts using a multi-functional decision-making process and to develop a set of quality assessment criteria. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to determine the significance of the criteria and afterwards to evaluate the construction contracts. Two groups of experts were involved in this research: specialists for the customer group, and specialists for the contractor group that comprised professionals in their respective fields, with many years of experience in managing and implementing construction projects. Based on the results of this study, conclusions and recommendations are presented regarding possibilities of ensuring quality of construction contracts and minimizing disputes between customer and contractor.
Synergistic Integration of MXene and Metal-Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution in an Alkaline Environment
Authors: Hao Low Ping , Hanan Abdul , Walvekar Rashmi , Khalid Mohammad , Bibi Faiza , Wong Wai Yin , Prakash Chander
Published: April 2023

The development of transition metal (TM) catalysts to replace precious metals has garnered increasing interest. Specifically, platinum (Pt)-based catalysts have been extensively investigated for their electrochemical performance in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which offer a clean means of producing hydrogen fuel without carbon emissions. However, the reliance on Pt-based catalysts has hindered the progress of HER development. Therefore, researchers have explored metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as a substitute for noble Pt-based catalysts to address this issue. Nevertheless, the low electroconductivity of pure MOFs restricts their application in electrochemical fields. To overcome this limitation, MXenes have emerged as a promising two-dimensional (2D) material for coupling with MOFs to create an electrocatalyst with high electrical conductivity, a large surface area, and a tunable structure. In this study, we report the synthesis of a Ti3C2Tx (MXene) nanosheet-encapsulated MOFs catalyst (Ti3C2Tx@ZIF-8) with high activity and a low cost by encapsulating the precursor with ZIF-8 for HER in alkaline media. The catalyst exhibits an overpotential of only 507 mV at 20 mA/cm2 and a low Tafel slope value of 77 mV/dec. Additionally, cyclic voltammetry (CV) indicates an electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of 122.5 cm2, and chronopotentiometry demonstrates the stable nature of the catalyst over 20 h without any significant changes in the overpotential value. The excellent electrochemical properties of Ti3C2Tx@ZIF-8 suggest its potential as a promising material for energy conversion applications.
Single-Ion Magnetism in a Three-Dimensional Thiocyanate-Bridged Dysprosium(III) Framework
Authors: Wan Qingyun , Arczyński Mirosław , Wakizaka Masanori , Gupta Shraddha , Funakoshi Nobuto , Yamashita Masahiro
Published: April 2023

New three-dimensional (3D) lanthanide framework compounds supported by bridging thiocyanate ligand and K+ cations, K4[Ln(NCS)4(H2O)4](NCS)3(H2O)2(1: Ln = Dy, 2: Ln = Tb, 3: Ln = Gd) have been synthesized. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction study showed that all three compounds were isostructural and crystallized in the I 2/a space group. The K+ ion form 2D layers with thiocyanates which are further linked by [Ln(NCS)4(H2O)4]- complexes and additional thiocyanate ions to generate an interesting 3D framework structure. Compound 1 shows slow magnetic relaxation behavior under a zero direct current (DC) field, indicating that 1 behaves as a single-ion magnet (SIM). As estimated from AC magnetic measurements, the effective energy barrier for spin reversal in 1 was Ueff = 42 cm–1. Slow relaxation of magnetization under a small external DC field was also detected for 2 and 3 at 1.8 K.
A Missing Nuclearity in the Co(III)/Ln(III)/2-Pyridyladoxime Chemistry: Tetranuclear Compounds Using the “Assisted Self-Assembly” Approach (Ln = Rare Earth Metals)
Authors: Lada Zoi G. , Katsoulakou Eugenia , Polyzou Christina D. , Raptopoulou Catherine P. , Psycharis Vassilis
Published: April 2023

By employing the HSAB principle and the “assisted self-assembly” approach and using 2-pyridylaldoximate (pao−) as the primary ligand and pivalate (piv−) as the ancillary co-ligand, tetranuclear [CoIII2LnIII2(NO3)4(pao)4(piv)4] complex polynuclear compounds were isolated (Ln = Dy, Gd, Tb, Pr, Y). The structure of the Dy(III) complex was determined via single-crystal X-ray crystallography, revealing a metal topology of two {CoIIIDyIII2} triangles that shared a common DyIII…DyIII edge. Microanalytical, PXRD (for the two first members)d and spectroscopic (IR, EDX) data for all complexes provided strong evidence that the complexes were isostructural. The nuclearity and metal topology of the crystallographically characterized [CoIII2LnIII2(NO3)4(pao)4(piv)4] are new in the previously investigated CoIII/LnIII/pao− chemistry emphasizing utility of the “assisted self-assembly” approach.
Electrocatalytic and Photoelectrocatalytic Sensors Based on Organic, Inorganic, and Hybrid Materials: A Review
Authors: Jasper Isabela , Valério Tatiana Lima , Klobukoski Vanessa , Pesqueira Camila Melo , Massaneiro Jonas , Camargo Luan Pereira , Dall’ Antonia Luiz Henrique , Vidotti Marcio
Published: April 2023

Electrochemical sensors present a wide range of interesting applications in the areas of environmental, industrial, and chemical analysis. This review presents an overview of two types of sensors: electrocatalytic ones, which involve oxidation and reduction reactions through electron transfer, and photoelectrocatalytic ones, which involve a current response due to the incidence of light and redox reactions. Another point discussed was how these sensors’ detection capacity and behavior can be affected by several factors related to the material used to make the electrode. In this way, inorganic, organic, and hybrid materials were compared in electrocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic sensors. The use of inorganic materials is interesting due to the fact of their abundance, low cost, and good electroactivity. Among organics, conductive polymers and carbonaceous materials are often cited due to the fact of their conductivity and their different possibilities for synthesis, being possible to mold their shape. Finally, hybrid materials unite these two classes, presenting different properties not found in a single substance.
Optimizing Fine Motor Coordination, Selective Attention and Reaction Time in Children: Effect of Combined Accuracy Exercises and Visual Art Activities
Authors: Frikha Mohamed , Alharbi Raghad Saad
Published: April 2023

Optimizing fine motor coordination and cognitive abilities in middle childhood through new intervention programs remains one of the most essential orientations in motor development and skills proficiency. The present study aims to identify the effect of a structure-based program intervention, combining motor accuracy exercises with visual art activities (ceramics, pottery, and creations using raw materials), on fine motor coordination, selective attention, and reaction time in middle childhood. Sixty, right-handed typically developed male schoolchildren (age = 8.29 ± 0.74 years; body height = 130.25 ± 0.05 cm and body mass = 29.83 ± 4.68 kg; mean ± SD) volunteered to participate in the study. They were randomly assigned to a combined group intervention (MG) receiving a mixed program integrating visual art activities and motor accuracy exercises; an accuracy group intervention (AG) receiving oriented motor accuracy exercises; and a control group (CG). Selective attention, reaction time, and fine motor coordination skills (accuracy: darts throw; manual dexterity: grooved pegboard test) were measured. Repeated measure ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, and Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA were performed for analysis. The results showed higher changes in MG compared to AG in manual dexterity (p < 0.001), in motor accuracy (p < 0.001), and in reaction time (p < 0.01), but not in selective attention (p = 0.379). In addition, higher changes were recorded in AG compared to CG in motor accuracy (p < 0.05), reaction time (p < 0.05), and in selective attention (p < 0.01), but not in manual dexterity (p = 0.082). The structured combined program best assists accuracy, manual dexterity, reaction time, and selective attention. Therefore, instructors in sports academies and teachers at schools are advised to use the combined program in the training sessions and in the non-curricular activities, respectively, to improve fine motor coordination, selective attention, and reaction time in middle childhood.
Endometrial Staining of CD56 (Uterine Natural Killer), BCL-6, and CD138 (Plasma Cells) Improve Diagnosis and Clinical Pregnancy Outcomes in Unexplained Infertility and Recurrent IVF Failures: Standardization of Diagnosis with Digital Pathology
Authors: Ekemen Suheyla , Comunoglu Cem , Kayhan Cavit Kerem , Bilir Ebru , Cavusoglu Ilkay , Etiler Nilay , Bilgi Selcuk , Ince Umit , Coban Cevayir , Erden Halit Firat
Published: April 2023

In women with unexplained infertility (UI) and recurrent in vitro fertilization (IVF) failures, the etiology is often unclear. Endometrial immune perturbations and the use of immune markers associated with these dysregulations are of great interest in the diagnosis and treatment of UI. However, reliable biomarkers and standardized quantification methods are lacking. Here, to address endometrial immune dysregulation in UI patients with recurrent IVF failures, we performed endometrial tissue sampling and immunostaining of CD56 (uNK), CD138, and BCL-6. Of these cases, 57.9% had positive CD56 in the endometrial stroma, while 46.1% had positive BCL-6 in the glandular epithelium, and 14.5% of the cases were found to be positive for CD138. Combined staining rates were 60.5%, 68.4%, and 71.05% for (CD56 or BCL-6), (CD56 or CD138), and (CD56, BCL-6, or CD138), respectively. There was a significant correlation between CD56 and BCL-6 positivity, while CD138 positivity was an independent parameter. After the recommended targeted therapy, pregnancy rates were found to increase from 58.5% to 61.6% and 73.8% in CD56-positive, (CD56- or BCL-6-positive), and (CD56-, BCL-6-, or CD138-positive) cases, respectively. Notably, a retrospective evaluation of digital pathology and light microscopy results showed a significant correlation. This study suggests that the examination of CD56, BCL-6, and CD138 in the same endometrial sample may be an effective method in determining the etiology of UI and reaching an early diagnosis and treatment options. Moreover, digital pathology can be used in the evaluation of CD56 and BCL-6 to provide objective, rapid, and reliable results.
Internal Validation of a Real-Time qPCR Kit following the UNE/EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 for Detection of the Re-Emerging Monkeypox virus
Authors: Martínez-Murcia Antonio , Navarro Aaron , Garcia-Sirera Adrian , Pérez Laura , Bru Gema
Published: April 2023

Human mpox is caused by the Monkeypox virus, a microorganism closely related to the Variola virus, both belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus. Mpox had been considered a rare disease until a global outbreak occurred in 2022. People infected with the virus present similar symptoms to patients suffering smallpox and other rash illnesses, hindering diagnosis. The WHO indicated that no commercial PCR or serology kits are currently widely available. In the present study, the MPXV MONODOSE dtec-qPCR kit was validated following guidelines of the UNE/EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005. The parameters evaluated for the acceptance of the assay were in silico and in vitro specificity, quantitative phase analysis, reliability, and sensitivity. The assay passed validation criteria and yielded an efficiency of 95.8%, high repeatability, reproducibility, and a Limit of Detection and Quantification of at least 10 copies. Results from the validation of the MPXV dtec-qPCR kit were satisfactory. The use of the MONODOSE format (dehydrated single PCR-tubes, ready to use) provided considerable advantages allowing the detection of the Monkeypox virus to be accurately achieved. This detection kit may be considered a reliable, fast, simple, and universally available option.
Computational Intelligence in Cancer Diagnostics: A Contemporary Review of Smart Phone Apps, Current Problems, and Future Research Potentials
Authors: Jain Somit , Naicker Dharmik , Raj Ritu , Patel Vedanshu , Hu Yuh-Chung , Srinivasan Kathiravan , Jen Chun-Ping
Published: April 2023

Cancer is a dangerous and sometimes life-threatening disease that can have several negative consequences for the body, is a leading cause of mortality, and is becoming increasingly difficult to detect. Each form of cancer has its own set of traits, symptoms, and therapies, and early identification and management are important for a positive prognosis. Doctors utilize a variety of approaches to detect cancer, depending on the kind and location of the tumor. Imaging tests such as X-rays, Computed Tomography scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans, and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, which may provide precise pictures of the body’s interior structures to spot any abnormalities, are some of the tools that doctors use to diagnose cancer. This article evaluates computational-intelligence approaches and provides a means to impact future work by focusing on the relevance of machine learning and deep learning models such as K Nearest Neighbour (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Naïve Bayes, Decision Tree, Deep Neural Network, Deep Boltzmann machine, and so on. It evaluates information from 114 studies using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of each model and provides an outline of how they are used in cancer diagnosis. In conclusion, artificial intelligence shows significant potential to enhance cancer imaging and diagnosis, despite the fact that there are a number of clinical issues that need to be addressed.
Risk of Metachronous Neoplasia with High-Risk Adenoma and Synchronous Sessile Serrated Adenoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Boregowda Umesha , Umapathy Chandraprakash , Echavarria Juan , Saligram Shreyas
Published: April 2023

Background: Sessile serrated adenomas are important precursors to colorectal cancers and account for 30% of colorectal cancers. The United States Multi-Society Task Force recommends that patients with sessile serrated adenomas undergo surveillance similar to tubular adenomas. However, the risk of metachronous neoplasia when the high-risk adenoma co-exists with sessile serrated adenomas is poorly defined. Objective: To examine the risk of metachronous neoplasia in the presence of high-risk adenoma and synchronous sessile serrated adenomas compared with isolated high-risk adenoma. Data sources: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library. Study selection: A literature search for studies evaluating the risk of metachronous neoplasia in patients with high-risk adenoma alone and those with synchronous high-risk adenoma and sessile serrated adenomas during surveillance colonoscopy was conducted on online databases. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome of interest was the presence of metachronous neoplasia. Results: Of the 1164 records reviewed, six (four retrospective and two prospective) studies met inclusion criteria with 2490 patients (1607 males, mean age 59.98 ± 3.23 years). Average follow-up was 47.5 ± 12.5 months. There were 2068 patients with high-risk adenoma on index colonoscopy and 422 patients with high-risk adenoma and synchronous sessile serrated adenomas. Pooled estimates showed a significantly elevated risk for metachronous neoplasia in patients with high-risk adenoma and synchronous sessile serrated adenomas (pooled odds ratio 2.21; 95% confidence intervals 1.65–2.96; p < 0.01). There was low heterogeneity (I2 = 11%) among the studies. Sensitivity analysis of the prospective studies alone also showed elevated risk of metachronous neoplasm (pooled odds ratio 2.56; 95%, confidence intervals 1.05–6.23; p = 0.04). Limitations: Inclusion of a small number of retrospective studies. Conclusions: The presence of high-risk adenomas and synchronous sessile serrated adenomas is associated with an increased risk of metachronous neoplasia. Therefore, shorter surveillance intervals may be considered in patients with high-risk adenoma and synchronous sessile serrated adenomas compared to those with high-risk adenoma alone.
Body Image, Social Physique Anxiety Levels and Self-Esteem among Adults Participating in Physical Activity Programs
Authors: Zartaloudi Afroditi , Christopoulos Dimitrios , Kelesi Martha , Govina Ourania , Mantzorou Marianna , Adamakidou Theodoula , Karvouni Loukia , Koutelekos Ioannis , Evangelou Eleni , Fasoi Georgia , Vlachou Eugenia
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: individuals may benefit from being involved in physical and athletic activities in order to improve their body appearance and promote their physical and mental health. This study aimed to investigate body image, body mass index (BMI) characteristics, social physique anxiety, self-esteem and possible correlations between the above factors. (2) Methods: 245 adults engaged in training programs in gyms, as well as in track and field, football and basketball athletic activities completed (a) a sociodemographic questionnaire which recorded their BMI values and utilized the (b) Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults, (c) the Social Physique Anxiety Scale and (d) the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. (3) Results: Females and individuals with higher BMI reported statistically significant lower body-esteem and greater social physique anxiety levels compared to males and individuals with lower BMI, respectively (p < 0.05). A total of 25.3% of our participants were labeled as “overweight”, while 20.4% had been overweight in the past. Significant differences were reported between body-esteem and social physique anxiety levels (p < 0.001); age (p = 0.001); BMI value (p < 0.001) and never having a problem with body weight (p = 0.008). Additionally, individuals with lower body-esteem and greater social physique anxiety levels presented lower global self-esteem (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: individuals’ engagement in physical activity promotes physical as well as mental well-being, contributing to an improved quality of life, which may be the most important issue for health care professionals.
Dental Pulp Response to Silver-Containing Solutions: A Scoping Review
Authors: Zaeneldin Ahmed , Chu Chun-Hung , Yu Ollie Yiru
Published: April 2023

Dentists used silver-containing solutions for deep cavity disinfection before restoration. This review aims to identify the silver-containing solutions reported in the literature for deep cavity disinfection and summarize their effects on dental pulp. An extensive search was performed using the search words “(silver) AND (dental pulp OR pulp)” in ProQuest, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science to identify English publications on silver-containing solutions for cavity conditioning. The pulpal response to the included silver-containing solutions was summarized. The initial search identified 4112 publications and 14 publications met the inclusion criteria. Silver fluoride, silver nitrate, silver diamine nitrate, silver diamine fluoride, and nano-silver fluoride were used in deep cavities for antimicrobial purposes. Indirect silver fluoride application induced pulp inflammation and reparative dentine in most cases, and pulp necrosis in some cases. Direct silver nitrate application caused blood clots and a wide inflammatory band in the pulp, whilst indirect silver nitrate application caused hypoplasia in shallow cavities and partial pulp necrosis in deep cavities. Direct silver diamine fluoride application induced pulp necrosis, while indirect silver diamine fluoride application induced a mild inflammatory response and reparative dentine formation. No evidence of the dental pulpal response to silver diamine nitrate or nano-silver fluoride was available in the literature.
Personalized Privacy Assistant: Identity Construction and Privacy in the Internet of Things
Authors: Chang Kai-Chih , Barber Suzanne
Published: April 2023

Over time, the many different ways in which we collect and use data have become more complex as we communicate and interact with an ever-increasing variety of modern technologies. Although people often say they care about their privacy, they do not have a deep understanding of what devices around them are collecting their identity information, what identity information is being collected, and how that collected data will affect them. This research is dedicated to developing a personalized privacy assistant to help users regain control, understand their own identity management, and process and simplify the large amount of information from the Internet of Things (IoT). This research constructs an empirical study to obtain the comprehensive list of identity attributes that are being collected by IoT devices. We build a statistical model to simulate the identity theft and to help calculate the privacy risk score based on the identity attributes collected by IoT devices. We discuss how well each feature of our Personal Privacy Assistant (PPA) works and compare the PPA and related work to a list of fundamental features for privacy protection.
Graphic Groups, Graph Homomorphisms, and Graphic Group Lattices in Asymmetric Topology Cryptography
Authors: Zhao Meimei , Wang Hongyu , Yao Bing
Published: April 2023

Using asymmetric topology cryptography to encrypt networks on the basis of topology coding is a new topic of cryptography, which consists of two major elements, i.e., topological structures and mathematical constraints. The topological signature of asymmetric topology cryptography is stored in the computer by matrices that can produce number-based strings for application. By means of algebra, we introduce every-zero mixed graphic groups, graphic lattices, and various graph-type homomorphisms and graphic lattices based on mixed graphic groups into cloud computing technology. The whole network encryption will be realized by various graphic groups.
On the Term Set’s Semantics for Pairwise Comparisons in Fuzzy Linguistic Preference Models
Authors: Nieto-Morote Ana , Ruz-Vila Francisco
Published: April 2023

The main objective of this paper is the definition of a membership function assignment procedure based on inherent features of linguistic terms to determine their semantics when they are used for preference modelling. For this purpose, we consider what linguists say about concepts such as language complementarity, the influence of context, or the effects of the use of hedges (modifiers) on adverbs meaning. As a result, specificity, entropy and position in the universe of discourse of the functions assigned to each linguistic term are mainly determined by the intrinsic meaning of the hedges concerned. We uphold that the meaning of weakening hedges is linguistically non-inclusive because their semantics are subordinated to the proximity to the indifference meaning, whereas reinforcement hedges are linguistically inclusive. Consequently, the membership function assignment rules are different: fuzzy relational calculus and the horizon shifting model derived from the Alternative Set Theory are used to handle weakening and reinforcement hedges, respectively. The proposed elicitation method provides for the term set semantics, non-uniform distributions of non-symmetrical triangular fuzzy numbers, depending on the number of terms used and the character of the hedges involved. (This article belongs to the section “Information Theory, Probability and Statistics”).
A Digital Twinning Approach for the Internet of Unmanned Electric Vehicles (IoUEVs) in the Metaverse
Authors: Ebadpour Mohsen , Jamshidi Mohammad (Behdad) , Talla Jakub , Hashemi-Dezaki Hamed , Peroutka Zdeněk
Published: April 2023

Regarding the importance of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Metaverse as two practical emerging technologies to enhance the digitalization of public transportation systems, this article introduces an approach for the improvement of IoT and unmanned electric vehicles in the Metaverse, called the Internet of Unmanned Electric Vehicles (IoUEVs). This research includes two important contributions. The first contribution is the description of a framework for how unmanned electric vehicles can be used in the Metaverse, and the second contribution is the creation of a digital twin for an unmanned electric vehicle. In the digital twin section, which is the focus of this research, we present a digital twin of an electronic differential system (EDS) in which the stability has been improved. Robust fuzzy logic algorithm-based speed controllers are employed in the EDS to independently control the EV wheels driven by high-performance brushless DC (BLDC) electric motors. In this study, the rotor position information of the motors, which is estimated from the low-precision Hall-effect sensors mounted on the motors’ shafts, is combined and converted to a set of common switching signals for empowering the EDS of the electric vehicle traction drive system. The proposed digital twin EDS relies on an accurate Hall sensor signals-based synchronizing/locking strategy with a dynamic steering pattern capable of running in severe road conditions with different surface profiles to ensure the EV’s stability. Unlike recent EDSs, the proposed digital twinning approach includes a simple practical topology with no need for auxiliary infrastructures, which is able to reduce mechanical losses and stresses and can be adapted to IoUEVs more effectively.
Controllable Local Propagation Environment to Maximize the Multiplexing Capability of Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: Pinchera Daniele , Lucido Mario , Chirico Gaetano , Schettino Fulvio , Migliore Marco Donald
Published: April 2023

The capability of controlling and modifying wireless propagation channels is one of the prerogatives of beyond-5G systems. In this paper, we propose the use of a controllable local propagation environment surrounding the terminals, and analyze its positive effect on the multiplexing capability of massive MIMO systems. In particular, we focus on using a few switched passive elements surrounding each terminal. In this way, the modification of the propagation environment is not realized by means of a single structure, as in reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), but is achieved by the cooperative work of all the terminals. By employing numerical simulations, we show that the proposed system outperforms its non-reconfigurable counterpart in terms of the number of contemporary connected users. Moreover, the optimized system enables a substantial increase in the minimum received power by the terminals, thus guaranteeing superior channel fairness.
Bistable Switch Based on Tunable Fano Resonance in Coupled Resonator-Cavity Structure
Authors: Jiang Zhuofan , Gao Lei , Ding Yaqiong , Fang Yu , Wu Xingzhi , Wu Qian , Sun Yong , Chen Yongqiang
Published: April 2023

We report a side-coupled resonator-cavity configuration with a tunable Fano-type interference effect for a novel subwavelength switch. A defective microstrip photonic crystal (PC) structure is designed to provide a continuum state, while a split ring resonator (SRR) is introduced to offer a narrow discrete resonance. The SRR is conductively side-coupled with the microstrip PC cavity in a subwavelength volume. Interactions between them result in Fano-type transmitting spectra with a sharp and asymmetric spectral line profile. A varactor diode serving as the nonlinear medium inclusion is integrated into the slit of the SRR for active control of the sharp Fano resonance. The strongly localized field produced by Fano resonance plays a role in improving the nonlinear properties of the microstrip PC cavity. It is found that a significant blue shift of 94 MHz on the Fano resonance frequency can be achieved by increasing the input power levels from −25 dBm to 8 dBm. We also found that the maximum transmission contrast exceeding 15.9 dB can take place between two bistable states existing at 3.05 dBm and 4.32 dBm for a bidirectional sweep of input power under a monochromatic signal frequency of 1.27 GHz. The findings may benefit the exploitation of metamaterials-assisted active photonic nanocircuits.
Decomposition-Based Multi-Classifier-Assisted Evolutionary Algorithm for Bi-Objective Optimal Wind Farm Energy Capture
Authors: Zhu Hongbin , Gao Xiang , Zhao Lei , Zhang Xiaoshun
Published: April 2023

With the wake effect between different wind turbines, a wind farm generally aims to achieve the maximum energy capture by implementing the optimal pitch angle and blade tip speed ratio under different wind speeds. During this process, the balance of fatigue load distribution is easily neglected because it is difficult to be considered, and, thus, a high maintenance cost results. Herein, a novel bi-objective optimal wind farm energy capture (OWFEC) is constructed via simultaneously taking the maximum power output and the balance of fatigue load distribution into account. To rapidly acquire the high-quality Pareto optimal solutions, the decomposition-based multi-classifier-assisted evolutionary algorithm is designed for the presented bi-objective OWFEC. In order to evaluate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed technique, the simulations are carried out with three different scales of wind farms, while five familiar Pareto-based meta-heuristic algorithms are introduced for performance comparison.
Estimating the Performance Loss Rate of Photovoltaic Systems Using Time Series Change Point Analysis
Authors: Livera Andreas , Tziolis Georgios , Theristis Marios , Stein Joshua S. , Georghiou George E.
Published: April 2023

The accurate quantification of the performance loss rate of photovoltaic systems is critical for project economics. Following the current research activities in the photovoltaic performance and reliability field, this work presents a comparative assessment between common change point methods for performance loss rate estimation of fielded photovoltaic installations. An extensive testing campaign was thus performed to evaluate time series analysis approaches for performance loss rate evaluation of photovoltaic systems. Historical electrical data from eleven photovoltaic systems installed in Nicosia, Cyprus, and the locations’ meteorological measurements over a period of 8 years were used for this investigation. The application of change point detection algorithms on the constructed monthly photovoltaic performance ratio series revealed that the obtained trend might not always be linear. Specifically, thin film photovoltaic systems showed nonlinear behavior, while nonlinearities were also detected for some crystalline silicon photovoltaic systems. When applying several change point techniques, different numbers and locations of changes were detected, resulting in different performance loss rate values (varying by up to 0.85%/year even for the same number of change points). The results highlighted the importance of the application of nonlinear techniques and the need to extract a robust nonlinear model for detecting significant changes in time series data and estimating accurately the performance loss rate of photovoltaic installations.
Performance Analysis of a 300 MW Coal-Fired Power Unit during the Transient Processes for Peak Shaving
Authors: Yang Chunlai , Hao Xiaoguang , Zhang Qijun , Chen Heng , Yin Zhe , Jin Fei
Published: April 2023

A simulation model based on Dymola modelling was developed to investigate the dynamic characteristics of automatic generation control (AGC) for variable-load thermal power units in this study. Specifically, a 300 MW unit from a power plant in northern China was used to verify the model’s validity in steady-state processes and to analyze the behavior of the main thermal parameters under different rates of load changes. The economic performance of the unit under different rates of load changes is also analyzed by combining the economic indexes of “two regulations” in the power grid. Results indicate that as the rate of load changes increases, boiler output, main steam temperature, reheat steam temperature, main steam pressure, and working temperatures of various equipment fluctuate more intensely. Specifically, at a rate of load reduction of 2.0% Pe MW/min, the maximum deviation of the main steam temperature can reach 7.6 °C, with the screen-type superheater experiencing the largest heat exchange. To achieve a balance between safety and economics for the unit, the rate of load raising should not exceed 1.2% Pe MW/min, and the rate of load reduction should not exceed 0.8% Pe MW/min. This paper applies the covariance index and AGC assessment index of the thermal power unit load control system to the established dynamic simulation model to supplement the AGC assessment index in the “two regulations”, and to provide a flexible and reasonable system evaluation result for field operators to refer to, so as to improve the economics of the system on the basis of safety.
Production and Quality of Biodiesel under the Influence of a Rapeseed Fertilization System
Authors: Lovasz Andra , Sabau Nicu Cornel , Borza Ioana , Brejea Radu
Published: April 2023

Compared to fossil fuels, biodiesel is a clean fuel, does not pollute the environment, and can be produced from inexhaustible natural sources. The objectives of our research are to study how increasing doses of complex fertilizers, applied to rapeseed oil culture, affect the production of rapeseeds and oil; the comparative study between the quality parameters of refined rapeseed oil (RRO) and fatty acids (FA); and the analysis of the quality of the biodiesel obtained from them (BRO and BFA). The experimental field is set-up in a Latin rectangle format and is placed on a total area of 400 m2 divided into 16 parcels, randomized for uniformity with four replications and four fertilizer graduations (N0P0K0—Control, N160P160K160, N320P320K320, N480P480K480). To obtain biodiesel form oil (BRO) and fatty acids (BFA), the processes of esterification, transesterification, refining, washing, sedimentation, and drying were applied. A comparison between biodiesel quality parameters from RRO and FAs were made, and we highlighted the differences in quality compared to samples from the experimental field. The use of large amounts of complex fertilizers leads to high yields of rapeseed (13.3–47.0 q ha−1) and oil (629.8–2130.8 L ha−1), which are statistically significant only for high doses (N320P320K320 and N480P480K480). For most of the qualitative parameters studied, the differences in values between BFA and BRO have positive values, which means a higher quality for BRO. Both BRO and BFA generally fall within the quality parameters imposed by European standards (ES). Although the quality of BRO is superior to BFA, it is produced on a smaller scale due to the nutritional importance of refined rapeseed oil. This study is of particular importance in the optimization of rapeseed fertilization, with a view to the efficient conversion of crude oil, a feedstock for chemical fertilizers and an environmentally friendly fuel.
Wireless Battery Chargers Operating at Multiple Switching Frequencies with Improved Performance
Authors: Stepins Deniss , Sokolovs Aleksandrs , Zakis Janis , Charles Ouseph
Published: April 2023

The operation of wireless battery chargers at multiple switching frequencies may lead to a noticeable suppression of conducted and radiated electromagnetic interference (EMI) at the cost of decreased efficiency (mainly at lower load resistances) and increased peak and root mean square values of currents of power components of the wireless battery charger. Moreover, the reduction in conducted EMI is only moderate (<8.3 dB). Therefore, a novel approach based on modified resonant circuits and a modified control technique to obtain better reduction in the conducted and radiated EMI without significantly compromising other performance characteristics of the wireless battery charger is proposed and validated by using simulations and experiments. It is shown in this paper that the wireless charger operating at multiple switching frequencies with the proposed approach for the performance improvement has a more effective implementation of the four-switching frequency spread-spectrum technique with better conducted and radiated EMI reduction at all load resistances, lower values of peak and RMS currents at all load resistances, and higher efficiency in constant current mode and in the beginning of constant voltage mode (at lower values of the load resistances) than that of the conventional wireless charger operating at multiple switching frequencies.
Optimization of Nanocomposite Films Based on Polyimide–MWCNTs towards Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Chiriac Adriana Petronela , Damaceanu Mariana-Dana , Asandulesa Mihai , Rusu Daniela , Butnaru Irina
Published: April 2023

In order to obtain polyimide-based composite materials for energy storage applications, four synthetic methods towards a polyimide matrix with 2 wt.% pristine or acid-functionalized MWCNTs have been developed. The polyimide is derived from a nitrile aromatic diamine and a fluorene-containing dianhydride which allowed the formation of flexible free-standing nanocomposite films. The films were thoroughly characterized by means of structural identification, morphology, mechanical, thermal and dielectric behavior, as well as the charge storage performance. The obtained data indicated higher homogeneity of the composites loaded with acid-functionalized MWCNTs that enabled significantly increased dielectric properties compared to the matrix. To assess the electrical charge storage capability, cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements were employed in a three-electrode cell configuration. Due to the higher conductivity of pristine MWCNTs compared to acid-functionalized ones, increased capability to store charges was achieved by the nanocomposites containing these fillers, despite their lower homogeneity. An attempt to increase the carbonaceous material content was made by applying a thin carbon layer onto the nanocomposite film surface, which led to higher capacitance.
Climate-Neutral Agriculture?
Authors: Reijnders Lucas
Published: April 2023

Regarding the achievement of worldwide agricultural climate neutrality, the focus is on a worldwide net-zero emission of cradle-to-farmgate greenhouse gases (GHGs), while, when appropriate, including the biogeophysical impacts of practices on the longwave radiation balance. Increasing soil carbon stocks and afforestation have been suggested as practices that could be currently (roughly) sufficient to achieve agricultural climate neutrality. It appears that in both cases the quantitative contributions to climate neutrality that can actually be delivered are very uncertain. There is also much uncertainty about the quantitative climate benefits with regard to forest conservation, changing feed composition to reduce enteric methane emission by ruminants, agroforestry and the use of nitrification and urease inhibitors to decrease the emission of N2O. There is a case for much future work aimed at reducing the present uncertainties. The replacing of animal husbandry-based protein production by plant-based protein production that can reduce agricultural GHG emissions by about 50%, is technically feasible but at variance with trends in worldwide food consumption. There is a case for a major effort to reverse these trends. Phasing out fossil fuel inputs, improving nitrogen-use efficiency, net-zero GHG-emission fertilizer inputs and reducing methane emissions by rice paddies can cut the current worldwide agricultural GHG emissions by about 22%.
Metagenomic and Meta-Transcriptomic Analysis Reveal the Colonization and Expression Profile of Probiotic Strains in Humans and Animals
Authors: Peng Yunjuan , Chen Routing , Zhang Zhihao , Jin Rui , Xie Ting , Liu Xinting , Chai Jianmin , Howe Samantha , Zhao Jiangchao , Li Ying , Deng Feilong
Published: April 2023

In humans and animals, probiotics are widely accepted as crucial for host health and growth. The investigation of the probiotic colonization and expression of probiotics in the host is beneficial for proper usage of probiotics and isolation of indigenous probiotics. In this study, we analyzed commonly used probiotic strains in the intestines/rumen of humans and animals by analyzing metagenomic and paired meta-transcriptomic data from the gut or rumen microbiome of humans (n = 13), pigs (n = 6), chickens (n = 6), cattle (n = 14), sheep (n = 10), and mice (n = 8). First, we generated an expression profile based on 192 selected representative probiotic strains from a published database. A total of 58 probiotic strains were not detected in any samples, while 3 strains were presented and expressed in all individuals. Overall, the probiotic expression of probiotics as detected by meta-transcriptome was significantly higher than the relative abundance of probiotic as detected by metagenomics in cattle, sheep, mice, and humans; however, this difference was not significant in pigs and chickens. In total, 17 (cattle), 21 (sheep), 22 (pig), 14 (chicken), 13 (mouse), and 3 (human) probiotic strains were identified as probiotic strains with significantly higher expression levels [Fold Change (FC) ≥ 2, False Discovery Rate (FDR) ≤ 0.05]. Among them, Clostridium butyricum TOA was found to be significantly expressed in the rumen or gut of all host species. In addition, network analysis based on the expression of probiotics as detected by meta-transcriptomics revealed that several probiotic strains were significantly negatively linked with Salmonella spp., Mycoplasma spp., and Escherichia coli. The results in this study provide a useful reference for developing indigenous probiotics.