bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Claudin-Low Subtype of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma Exhibits Stem Cell Features
Authors: Romani Chiara , Capoferri Davide , Grillo Elisabetta , Silvestri Marco , Corsini Michela , Zanotti Laura , Todeschini Paola , Ravaggi Antonella , Bignotti Eliana , Odicino Franco , Sartori Enrico , Calza Stefano , Mitola Stefania
Published: February 2021

Claudin-low cancer (CL) represents a rare and biologically aggressive variant of epithelial tumor. Here, we identified a claudin-low molecular profile of ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSOC), which exhibits the main characteristics of the homonym breast cancer subtype, including low epithelial differentiation and high mesenchymal signature. Hierarchical clustering and a centroid based algorithm applied to cell line collection expression dataset labeled 6 HGSOC cell lines as CL. These have a high energy metabolism and are enriched in CD44+/CD24− mesenchymal stem-like cells expressing low levels of cell-cell adhesion molecules (claudins and E-Cadherin) and high levels of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induction transcription factors (Zeb1, Snai2, Twist1 and Twist2). Accordingly, the centroid base algorithm applied to large retrospective collections of primary HGSOC samples reveals a tumor subgroup with transcriptional features consistent with the CL profile, and reaffirms EMT as the dominant biological pathway functioning in CL-HGSOC. HGSOC patients carrying CL profiles have a worse overall survival when compared to others, likely to be attributed to its undifferentiated/stem component. These observations highlight the lack of a molecular diagnostic in the management of HGSOC and suggest a potential prognostic utility of this molecular subtyping.
Epigenetic Mechanisms beyond Tumour–Stroma Crosstalk
Authors: Gagliano Teresa , Brancolini Claudio
Published: February 2021

Despite cancer having been usually considered the result of genetic mutations, it is now well established that epigenetic dysregulations play pivotal roles in cancer onset and progression. Hence, inactivation of tumour suppressor genes can be gained not only by genetic mutations, but also by epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modifications. To occur, epigenetic events need to be triggered by genetic alterations of the epigenetic regulators, or they can be mediated by intracellular and extracellular stimuli. In this last setting, the tumour microenvironment (TME) plays a fundamental role. Therefore, to decipher how epigenetic changes are associated with TME is a challenge still open. The complex signalling between tumour cells and stroma is currently under intensive investigation, and most of the molecules and pathways involved still need to be identified. Neoplastic initiation and development are likely to involve a back-and-forth crosstalk among cancer and stroma cells. An increasing number of studies have highlighted that the cancer epigenome can be influenced by tumour microenvironment and vice versa. Here, we discuss about the recent literature on tumour–stroma interactions that focus on epigenetic mechanisms and the reciprocal regulation between cancer and TME cells.
Na3[Ru2(µ-CO3)4] as a Homogeneous Catalyst for Water Oxidation; HCO3− as a Co-Catalyst
Authors: Patra Shanti Gopal , Mondal Totan , Sathiyan Krishnamoorthy , Mizrahi Amir , Kornweitz Haya , Meyerstein Dan
Published: February 2021

In neutral medium (pH 7.0) [RuIIIRuII(µ-CO3)4(OH)]4− undergoes one electron oxidation to form [RuIIIRuIII(µ-CO3)4(OH)2]4− at an E1/2 of 0.85 V vs. NHE followed by electro-catalytic water oxidation at a potential ≥1.5 V. When the same electrochemical measurements are performed in bicarbonate medium (pH 8.3), the complex first undergoes one electron oxidation at an Epa of 0.86 V to form [RuIIIRuIII(µ-CO3)4(OH)2]4−. This complex further undergoes two step one electron oxidations to form RuIVRuIII and RuIVRuIV species at potentials (Epa) 1.18 and 1.35 V, respectively. The RuIVRuIII and RuIVRuIV species in bicarbonate solutions are [RuIVRuIII(µ-CO3)4(OH)(CO3)]4− and [RuIVRuIV(µ-CO3)4(O)(CO3)]4− based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The formation of HCO4− in the course of the oxidation has been demonstrated by DFT. The catalyst acts as homogeneous water oxidation catalyst, and after long term chronoamperometry, the absorption spectra does not change significantly. Each step has been found to follow a proton coupled electron transfer process (PCET) as obtained from the pH dependent studies. The catalytic current is found to follow linear relation with the concentration of the catalyst and bicarbonate. Thus, bicarbonate is involved in the catalytic process that is also evident from the generation of higher oxidation peaks in cyclic voltammetry. The detailed mechanism has been derived by DFT. A catalyst with no organic ligands has the advantage of long-time stability.
Neuroimmune Regulation of Surgery-Associated Metastases
Authors: Shurin Michael R. , Baraldi James H. , Shurin Galina V.
Published: February 2021

Surgery remains an essential therapeutic approach for most solid malignancies. Although for more than a century accumulating clinical and experimental data have indicated that surgical procedures themselves may promote the appearance and progression of recurrent and metastatic lesions, only in recent years has renewed interest been taken in the mechanism by which metastasizing of cancer occurs following operative procedures. It is well proven now that surgery constitutes a risk factor for the promotion of pre-existing, possibly dormant micrometastases and the acceleration of new metastases through several mechanisms, including the release of neuroendocrine and stress hormones and wound healing pathway-associated immunosuppression, neovascularization, and tissue remodeling. These postoperative consequences synergistically facilitate the establishment of new metastases and the development of pre-existing micrometastases. While only in recent years the role of the peripheral nervous system has been recognized as another contributor to cancer development and metastasis, little is known about the contribution of tumor-associated neuronal and neuroglial elements in the metastatic disease related to surgical trauma and wound healing. Specifically, although numerous clinical and experimental data suggest that biopsy- and surgery-induced wound healing can promote survival and metastatic spread of residual and dormant malignant cells, the involvement of the tumor-associated neuroglial cells in the formation of metastases following tissue injury has not been well understood. Understanding the clinical significance and underlying mechanisms of neuroimmune regulation of surgery-associated metastasis will not only advance the field of neuro–immuno–oncology and contribute to basic science and translational oncology research but will also produce a strong foundation for developing novel mechanism-based therapeutic approaches that may protect patients against the oncologically adverse effects of primary tumor biopsy and excision.
Estrogen Receptors in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Xu Xue-Ling , Deng Shou-Long , Lian Zheng-Xing , Yu Kun
Published: February 2021

Female infertility is mainly caused by ovulation disorders, which affect female reproduction and pregnancy worldwide, with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) being the most prevalent of these. PCOS is a frequent endocrine disease that is associated with abnormal function of the female sex hormone estrogen and estrogen receptors (ERs). Estrogens mediate genomic effects through ERα and ERβ in target tissues. The G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) has recently been described as mediating the non-genomic signaling of estrogen. Changes in estrogen receptor signaling pathways affect cellular activities, such as ovulation; cell cycle phase; and cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Over the years, some selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) have made substantial strides in clinical applications for subfertility with PCOS, such as tamoxifen and clomiphene, however the role of ER in PCOS still needs to be understood. This article focuses on the recent progress in PCOS caused by the abnormal expression of estrogen and ERs in the ovaries and uterus, and the clinical application of related targeted small-molecule drugs.
Correction: Gurunathan, S. et al. Review of the Isolation, Characterization, Biological Function, and Multifarious Therapeutic Approaches of Exosomes. Cells 2019, 8, 307
Authors: Gurunathan Sangiliyandi , Kang Min-Hee , Jeyaraj Muniyandi , Qasim Muhammad , Kim Jin-Hoi
Published: February 2021

In the original review [...]
Increasing the Strength of the Glue Line in the Production of Thermally Modified Wood Paneling
Authors: Safin Ruslan Rushanovich , Shaikhutdinova Aigul Ravilevna , Khasanshin Ruslan , Mukhametzyanov Shamil , Safina Albina
Published: February 2021

This work is devoted to the study of the effect of ultraviolet rays for the surface activation of pine wood thermally modified at temperatures of 180−240 °C in order to increase the surface roughness, enhance the wettability of thermal wood and the adhesive strength of the glue in the production of wood block furniture panels. Studies were carried out to measure the contact angle of wettability of thermally modified wood samples of pine, as a result of which it was determined that the ultraviolet treatment process contributes to an increase in the adhesion properties of the surface layer of thermally modified wood by more than 13% due to the reactivity of ultraviolet rays to oxidize and degrade ligno-containing wood products. At the same time, the most active process of surface activation takes place during 60 min of ultraviolet irradiation of wood with a total irradiation of at least 125 W/cm2. It was revealed that the combined effect of two-stage wood processing, including preliminary volumetric thermal modification followed by surface ultraviolet treatment, causes an increase in the moisture resistance of glued wood products by 24%. So, if the strength of the glue seam when gluing natural wood samples after boiling decreased by 46%, then the samples that underwent two-stage processing showed a decrease only by 22%. In connection with the results obtained, an improved technology for the production of furniture boards for the manufacture of moisture-resistant wood products is proposed.
Kittel’s Brief Comments Endorsing an Alternative View on Barium Titanate
Authors: Kojima Akira
Published: February 2021

Charles Kittel has written a masterpiece book, “Introduction to Solid State Physics” (ISSP). He mentions in the chapter on ferroelectrics in detail that barium titanate is the typical displacive-type ferroelectric compound where the Ti4+ displacement develops a dipole moment, which has made a deep impression in our mind. The author’s group, however, has arrived at an alternative viewpoint on the unit cell structure of barium titanate based on their exhaustive experimental studies. Accordingly, the author sent his relevant papers in 2006 and 2007 to Kittel. He endorsed the results frankly with reminiscence. He mentioned revising the ferroelectric chapter of ISSP according the author’s suggestions. It appears to be admissible to publish details now after Kittel has passed away. A long time misunderstanding of the phase transition in barium titanate is due to the text book knowledge of ISSP.
Elucidation of the Mechanism of Phase Transition in a Zinc Formate Framework Templated by a Diammonium Cation—Structural, Phonon and Dielectric Studies
Authors: Ciupa-Litwa Aneta , Janczak Jan , Peksa Paulina , Sieradzki Adam
Published: February 2021

In this paper we present the synthesis method and a detailed description of the crystal structure, as well as thermal, dielectric and phonon properties, of the [CH3NH2CH2CH2NH2CH3][Zn2(HCOO)6] (dmenH2-Zn) metal organic framework. The negative charge of the anionic framework ([Zn2(HCOO)6]2-) is balanced by N,N′-dimethylethylenediamine (dmenH22+) ions located in the voids of the framework. Thermal analysis revealed that dmenH2-Zn underwent a reversible structural phase transition at around room temperature (Tc~300 K). The single-crystal X-ray diffraction showed that dmenH22+ templates were dynamically disordered at 295 K, since N-H…O bonds were too weak to surmount their thermally activated motions. Reduction in the temperature resulted in ordering of the dmenH22+ cations as a consequence of freezing of their reorientational movements. This behavior caused a symmetry change from P-31c (trigonal) to C 2/c (monoclinic). The mechanism of the observed phase transition of dmenH2-Zn compound was also investigated by temperature-dependent IR measurements. These spectroscopic studies showed that the ordering of the dmenH22+ ions also resulted in the distortion of the anionic framework. Dielectric investigations revealed the occurrence of the dipolar relaxation process clearly defined in the monoclinic phase. The asymmetric shape of the studied process, which indicated a non-Debye-like relaxation, was analyzed using the Havriliak–Negami relaxation function, leading to an Ea value of approximately 0.36 eV.
Modeling of the Resonant X-ray Response of a Chiral Cubic Phase
Authors: Grabovac Timon , Gorecka Ewa , Pociecha Damian , Vaupotič Nataša
Published: February 2021

The structure of a continuous-grid chiral cubic phase made of achiral constituent molecules is a hot topic in the field of thermotropic liquid crystals. Several structural models have been proposed so far. Resonant X-ray scattering (RXS), which gives information on the molecular orientation in the unit cell, could be applied to select the most appropriate model. We modeled the RXS response for the recently proposed chiral cubic phase structure with an all-hexagon chiral continuous grid. A tensor form factor of a unit cell is constructed, which enables calculation of intensities of peaks for all Miller indices. We find that all the symmetry allowed peaks are resonantly enhanced, and their intensity is much stronger than the intensity of the symmetry forbidden (resonant) peaks. In particular, we predict that a strong resonant enhancement of the symmetry allowed peaks (011) and (002), not observed in a nonresonant scattering, could be observed by RXS at the carbon absorption edge. By RXS at the sulfur absorption edge, one might observe a resonant peak (113) and resonantly enhanced peak (233), and resonant enhancement of all the peaks that are observed in a nonresonant scattering, which probably hide the rest of the predicted resonant peaks.
Not COVID-19, Don’t Overlook Pneumocystis in Patients on Gefitinib!
Authors: Barben Jérémy , Quipourt Valérie , Vovelle Jérémie , Putot Alain , Manckoundia Patrick
Published: February 2021

An 82-year-old woman treated for advanced lung cancer with gefitinb was admitted to the emergency unit complaining of dyspnea. Chest computed tomography found abnormalities classified as possible diffuse COVID-19 pneumonia. RT-PCR for Sars-Cov-2 was twice negative. PCR for Pneumocystis jirovecii was positive on bronchoalveolar lavage. The final diagnosis was Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. Therefore, physicians must be careful not to misdiagnose COVID-19, especially in cancer patients on small-molecule therapeutics like gefitinib and corticosteroids.
Incidence and Mortality of Prostate Cancer in Canada during 1992–2010
Authors: Lagacé François , Ghazawi Feras M. , Le Michelle , Savin Evgeny , Zubarev Andrei , Powell Mathieu , Moreau Linda , Sasseville Denis , Popa Ioana , Litvinov Ivan V.
Published: February 2021

In Canada, prostate cancer is the most common reportable malignancy in men. We assessed the temporal trends of prostate cancer to gain insight into the geographic incidence and mortality trends of this disease. Three independent population-based cancer registries were used to retrospectively analyze demographic data on Canadian men diagnosed with prostate cancer and men who died of prostate cancer between the years of 1992 and 2010. The incidence and mortality rates were calculated at the provincial, city, and forward sortation area (FSA) postal code levels by using population counts that were obtained from the Canadian Census of Population. The Canadian average incidence rate was 113.57 cases per 100,000 males. There has been an overall increasing trend in crude prostate cancer incidence between 1992 and 2010 with three peaks, in 1993, 2001, and 2007. However, age-adjusted incidence rates showed no significant increase over time. The national mortality rate was calculated to be 24.13 deaths per 100,000 males per year. A decrease was noted in crude and age-adjusted mortality rates between 1992 and 2010. Several provinces, cities, and FSAs had higher incidence/mortality rates than the national average. Several of the FSA postal codes with the highest incidence/mortality rates were adjacent to one another. Several Canadian regions of high incidence for prostate cancer have been identified through this study and temporal trends are consistent with those reported in the literature. These results will serve as a foundation for future studies that will seek to identify new regional risk factors and etiologic agents.
Predicting the Future Distribution of Ara rubrogenys, an Endemic Endangered Bird Species of the Andes, Taking into Account Trophic Interactions
Authors: Hambuckers Alain , de Harenne Simon , Rocha Ledezma Eberth , Zúñiga Zeballos Lilian , François Louis
Published: February 2021

Species distribution models (SDMs) are commonly used with climate only to predict animal distribution changes. This approach however neglects the evolution of other components of the niche, like food resource availability. SDMs are also commonly used with plants. This also suffers limitations, notably an inability to capture the fertilizing effect of the rising CO2 concentration strengthening resilience to water stress. Alternatively, process-based dynamic vegetation models (DVMs) respond to CO2 concentration. To test the impact of the plant modelling method to model plant resources of animals, we studied the distribution of a Bolivian macaw, assuming that, under future climate, DVMs produce more conservative results than SDMs. We modelled the bird with an SDM driven by climate. For the plant, we used SDMs or a DVM. Under future climates, the macaw SDM showed increased probabilities of presence over the area of distribution and connected range extensions. For plants, SDMs did not forecast overall response. By contrast, the DVM produced increases of productivity, occupancy and diversity, also towards higher altitudes. The results offered positive perspectives for the macaw, more optimistic with the DVM than with the SDMs, than initially assumed. Nevertheless, major common threats remain, challenging the short-term survival of the macaw.
Misalignment Fault Diagnosis for Wind Turbines Based on Information Fusion
Authors: Xiao Yancai , Xue Jinyu , Zhang Long , Wang Yujia , Li Mengdi
Published: February 2021

Most conventional wind turbine fault diagnosis techniques only use a single type of signal as fault feature and their performance could be limited to such signal characteristics. In this paper, multiple types of signals including vibration, temperature, and stator current are used simultaneously for wind turbine misalignment diagnosis. The model is constructed by integrated methods based on Dempster–Shafer (D–S) evidence theory. First, the time domain, frequency domain, and time–frequency domain features of the collected vibration, temperature, and stator current signal are respectively taken as the inputs of the least square support vector machine (LSSVM). Then, the LSSVM outputs the posterior probabilities of the normal, parallel misalignment, angular misalignment, and integrated misalignment of the transmission systems. The posterior probabilities are used as the basic probabilities of the evidence fusion, and the fault diagnosis is completed according to the D–S synthesis and decision rules. Considering the correlation between the inputs, the vibration and current feature vectors’ dimensionalities are reduced by t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE), and the improved artificial bee colony algorithm is used to optimize the parameters of the LSSVM. The results of the simulation and experimental platform demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed model and its superiority compared with other models.
Structural and Electrochemical Properties of the High Ni Content Spinel LiNiMnO4
Authors: Li Tianyi , Chang Kai , Hashem Ahmed M. , Abdel-Ghany Ashraf E. , El-Tawil Rasha S. , Wang Hua , El-Mounayri Hazim , Tovar Andres , Zhu Likun , Julien Christian M.
Published: February 2021

This work presents a contribution to the study of a new Ni-rich spinel cathode material, LiNiMnO4, for Li-ion batteries operating in the 5-V region. The LiNiMnO4 compound was synthesized by a sol-gel method assisted by ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) as a chelator. Structural analyses carried out by Rietveld refinements and Raman spectroscopy, selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy reveal that the product is a composite (LNM@NMO), including non-stoichiometric LiNiMnO4-δ spinel and a secondary Ni6MnO8 cubic phase. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge profiles show similar features to those of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 bare. A comparison of the electrochemical performances of 4-V spinel LiMn2O4 and 5-V spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 with those of LNM@NMO composite demonstrates the long-term cycling stability of this new Ni-rich spinel cathode. Due to the presence of the secondary phase, the LNM@NMO electrode exhibits an initial specific capacity as low as 57 mAh g−1 but shows an excellent electrochemical stability at 1C rate for 1000 cycles with a capacity decay of 2.7 × 10−3 mAh g−1 per cycle.
The Sustainable Energy Development Index—An Application for European Union Member States
Authors: Ligus Magdalena , Peternek Piotr
Published: February 2021

The development of a complete system of indicators and a composite sustainable energy index could prove useful to evaluate both the state of the art and the progress of national energy towards sustainable development. However, in the case of energy sustainability, a knowledge gap arises due to incomplete coverage and lack of systematic focus on sustainability components. The objective of our research is to obtain Sustainable Energy Development Aggregated Index to rank the EU Member States on the path to sustainable energy. We propose a set of indicators related to sustainable development in energy policy in the EU-28, grouped in three dimensions: social, economic and environmental and apply the standardized sums method in order to obtain the dimensional and aggregated indexes. The countries on the podium are Denmark, The Netherlands and Austria. The worst-performing countries (with index values below the first quartile) are Estonia, Malta, Slovakia, Poland, Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria. A comparative analysis of the outcome with a few existing indexes for the EU Member States shows how large an impact on the index values and the ranking obtained does the selection of indicators and the methodology used have. The refinement of the set of energy indicators is necessary for the context where they will be applied to ensure their policy relevance and usefulness. It is also necessary to conduct a sensitivity analysis each time in the study.
Using Energy Storage Inverters of Prosumer Installations for Voltage Control in Low-Voltage Distribution Networks
Authors: Mieński Rozmysław , Urbanek Przemysław , Wasiak Irena
Published: February 2021

The paper includes the analysis of the operation of low-voltage prosumer installation consisting of receivers and electricity sources and equipped with a 3-phase energy storage system. The aim of the storage application is the management of active power within the installation to decrease the total power exchanged with the supplying network and thus reduce energy costs borne by the prosumer. A solution for the effective implementation of the storage system is presented. Apart from the active power management performed according to the prosumer’s needs, the storage inverter provides the ancillary service of voltage regulation in the network according to the requirements of the network operator. A control strategy involving algorithms for voltage regulation without prejudice to the prosumer’s interest is described in the paper. Reactive power is used first as a control signal and if the required voltage effect cannot be reached, then the active power in the controlled phase is additionally changed and the Energy Storage System (ESS) loading is redistributed in phases in such a way that the total active power set by the prosumer program remains unchanged. The efficiency of the control strategy was tested by means of a simulation model in the PSCAD/EMTDC program. The results of the simulations are presented.
Fractal Characterization of Complex Hydraulic Fractures in Oil Shale via Topology
Authors: He Qiang , He Bo , Li Fengxia , Shi Aiping , Chen Jiang , Xie Lingzhi , Ning Wenxiang
Published: February 2021

The formation of complex fracture networks through the fracturing technology is a crucial operation used to improve the production capacity of tight gas/oil. In this study, physical simulation experiments of hydraulic fracturing were conducted with a true triaxial test system on cubic shale oil samples from the Yanchang Formation, China. The fractures were scanned by CT both before and after the experiments and then reconstructed in 3D. The complexity of fracture networks was investigated quantitatively by the fractal theory with topology. Finally, the effect of the horizontal stress ratio, fluid viscosity, and natural fractures on the complexity of the fracture networks was discussed. The results indicate that the method based on fractal theory and topology can effectively characterize the complexity of the fracture network. The change rates of the fractal dimension (K) are 0.45–3.64%, and the fractal dimensions (DNH) of the 3D fracture network after fracturing are 1.9522–2.1837, the number of connections per branch after fracturing (CB) are 1.57–2.0. The change rate of the fractal dimension and the horizontal stress ratio are negatively correlated. However, the change rate of the fractal dimension first increases and then decreases under increasing fluid viscosities, and a transition occurs at a fluid viscosity of 5.0 mPa·s. Whether under different horizontal stress ratios or fluid viscosities, the complexity of the fracture networks after fracturing can be divided into four levels according to DNH and CB. Complex fracture networks are more easily formed under a lower horizontal stress ratio and a relatively low fluid viscosity. A fracturing fluid viscosity that is too low or too high limits the formation of a fracture network.
Application of the Mechanical and Pressure Drop Tests to Determine the Sintering Temperature of Coal and Biomass Ash
Authors: Król Karol , Nowak-Woźny Dorota
Published: February 2021

The aim of this paper is to investigate the mechanical properties of coal and biomass ash during the sintering process. For this study, bituminous coal, lignite, wheat straw, barley straw, and rye straw were selected. The proximate, ultimate, and oxide analyses were performed. The ash from these fuels was prepared in a special way that ensured the physicochemical invariability of the initial state of the mineral matter of coal and biomass. The purpose of this selection was to obtain widely available and clearly diversified materials. Based on the results of ash composition and ultimate analysis the most common ash deposition, indices were determined. Certain conflict of index indications was observed. Then, the mechanical test and pressure drop test were performed. During the mechanical test, the fracture stress as a function of sintering temperature was measured. During the pressure drop test, the pressure before and behind the sample was measured as a function of sintering temperature. Both tests showed that the characteristic changes (the occurrence of a maximum on the pressure drop curve and the inflection point at the mechanical curve) dependencies were at nearly the same temperatures. These results were compared with the initial deformation temperature (IDT) from the standard Leitz method. A linear relationship between sintering temperatures determined by the mechanical test, pressure drop test, and IDT Leitz test was obtained. The obtained results are promising in terms of the application of the mechanical methods (fracture stress test and pressure drop test) as methods of the early stage prediction of slagging/fouling risks.
Delignification of Cistus ladanifer Biomass by Organosolv and Alkali Processes
Authors: Alves-Ferreira Júnia , Lourenço Ana , Morgado Francisca , Duarte Luís C. , Roseiro Luísa B. , Fernandes Maria C. , Pereira Helena , Carvalheiro Florbela
Published: February 2021

Residues of Cistus ladanifer obtained after commercial steam distillation for essential oil production were evaluated to produce cellulose enriched solids and added-value lignin-derived compounds. The delignification of extracted (CLRext) and extracted and hydrothermally pretreated biomass (CLRtreat) was studied using two organosolv processes, ethanol/water mixtures (EO), and alkali-catalyzed glycerol (AGO), and by an alkali (sodium hydroxide) process (ASP) under different reaction conditions. The phenolic composition of soluble lignin was determined by capillary zone electrophoresis and by Py-GC/MS, which was also used to establish the monomeric composition of both the delignified solids and isolated lignin. The enzymatic saccharification of the delignified solids was also evaluated. The ASP (4% NaOH, 2 h) lead to both the highest delignification and enzymatic saccharification (87% and 79%, respectively). A delignification of 76% and enzymatic hydrolysis yields of 72% were obtained for AGO (4% NaOH) while EO processes led to lower delignification (maximum lignin removal 29%). The residual lignin in the delignified solids were enriched in G- and H-units, with S-units being preferentially removed. The main phenolics present in the ASP and AGO liquors were vanillic acid and epicatechin, while gallic acid was the main phenolic in the EO liquors. The results showed that C. ladanifer residues can be a biomass source for the production of lignin-derivatives and glucan-rich solids to be further used in bioconversion processes.
Numerical Investigation of the Geometrical Effect on Flow-Induced Vibration Performance of Pivoted Bodies
Authors: Arionfard Hamid , Mohammadi Sina
Published: February 2021

In this study, the Flow-Induced Vibration (FIV) of pivoted cylinders (at a distance) is numerically investigated as a potential source of energy harvesting. In particular, we investigate the effect of pivot point placement, arm length, and natural frequency on the FIV performance of six different cross sections in the Reynolds number of around 1000. All sections have similar mass, area, and moment of inertia to eliminate non-geometrical effects on the performance. Classical studies show that the synchronization phenomenon (lock-in) occurs when the vortex formation frequency is close enough to the body’s natural frequency. Due to the configuration of the cylinder in this research (pivoted eccentrically), the natural frequency is also a function of the flow velocity as well as the geometrical specifications of the system. The simulation is done for the arm lengths between −3D and +3D for all cross sections. Results show that maximum output power is principally influenced more by the pivot location than the arm length. Although the box cross section has a higher amplitude of vibration, the circular cross section has the highest efficiency followed by the egg shape.
Numerical Investigation of the Combined Influence of Three-Plug Arrangement and Slot Positioning on Wankel Engine Performance
Authors: Pisnoy Shimon , Tartakovsky Leonid
Published: February 2021

A numerical methodology for three-dimensional fluid dynamics and chemical kinetics simulation of the combustion and gas-exchange processes in the Wankel engine was developed and validated. Two approaches of performance enhancement were studied—the addition of a slot in the rear side of the rotor recess, and installation of a third plug in the trailing side of the working chamber, in addition to the two available plugs mounted in the leading side of the baseline engine. The obtained results showed that the suggested three-plug arrangement significantly improves the engine performance. Furthermore, positioning the trailing plug further from the passage between the trailing and leading sides is of preference for higher mean in-chamber pressures. Nevertheless, for maximum performance, the distance should be brought to an optimum as during the intake stroke there is a loss of inducted charge due to backflow from the trailing plug hole. For the three-plug arrangement the presence of a slot is necessary for the prevention of early flame quenching in the trailing side, while keeping the added volume to a minimum. Moreover, positioning the slot and the trailing plug off-center, results in higher flow intensity towards the leading plugs, and accordingly, to a higher combustion efficiency. For dual-plug ignition system (two plugs in the leading side) it is preferable to maintain minimum clearance in the trailing side.
Procedure for Detection of Stator Inter-Turn Short Circuit in AC Machines Measuring the External Magnetic Field
Authors: Pusca Remus , Romary Raphael , Touti Ezzeddine , Livinti Petru , Nuca Ilie , Ceban Adrian
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a non-invasive procedure to detect inter-turn short circuit faults in the stator windings of AC electrical machines. It proposes the use of the stray external magnetic field measured in the vicinity of the machine to determine stator faults. The originality introduced by this procedure is the analysis method presented in the paper, which when compared to usual diagnosis methods, does not require any data on the healthy state of the machine. The procedure uses the magnetic unbalance created by the rotor poles and the load variation in faulty cases. The presented method can be applied to induction and synchronous machines used as a motor or generator. It is based on the variation of sensitive spectral lines obtained from the external magnetic field when the load changes. Analytical relationships are developed in the paper to justify the proposed method and to explain the physical phenomenon. To illustrate these theoretical considerations, practical experiments are also presented.
The Energy-Saving Potential of Chilled Ceilings Combined with Personalized Ventilation
Authors: Lipczynska Aleksandra , Kaczmarczyk Jan , Melikov Arsen
Published: February 2021

The energy consumption of purely convective (i.e., various air volume (VAV) mixing ventilation) and combined radiant and convective HVAC systems (chilled ceiling combined with mixing ventilation—CCMV or personalized ventilation—CCPV) was investigated with multi-variant simulations carried out the IDA Indoor Climate and Energy software. We analyzed three different climates: temperate, hot and humid, and hot and dry. Our results show that the use of CCPV substantially reduced energy consumption compared to the conventional VAV system in hot climates. We also show that increasing the room temperature to 28 °C is an effective energy-saving strategy that can reduce consumption by as much as 40%. In the temperate climate, the VAV system was preferable because it used less energy as it benefited from outdoor air free-cooling. The control strategy of the supply temperature of personalized air had an impact on the energy demand of the HVAC system. The most efficient control strategy of the CCPV system was to increase the room temperature and keep the supply air temperature in the range of 20–22 °C. This approach consumed less energy than VAV or CCMV, and also improved the relative humidity in the hot climate.
Adaptive Fuzzy PID Based on Granular Function for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Oxygen Excess Ratio Control
Authors: Tang Xiao , Wang Chunsheng , Hu Yukun , Liu Zijian , Li Feiliang
Published: February 2021

An effective oxygen excess ratio control strategy for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) can avoid oxygen starvation and optimize system performance. In this paper, a fuzzy PID control strategy based on granular function (GFPID) was proposed. Meanwhile, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell dynamic model was established on the MATLAB/Simulink platform, including the stack model system and the auxiliary system. In order to avoid oxygen starvation due to the transient variation of load current and optimize the parasitic power of the auxiliary system and the stack voltage, the purpose of optimizing the overall operating condition of the system was finally achieved. Adaptive fuzzy PID (AFPID) control has the technical bottleneck limitation of fuzzy rules explosion. GFPID eliminates fuzzification and defuzzification to solve this phenomenon. The number of fuzzy rules does not affect the precision of GFPID control, which is only related to the fuzzy granular points in the fitted granular response function. The granular function replaces the conventional fuzzy controller to realize the online adjustment of PID parameters. Compared with the conventional PID and AFPID control, the feasibility and superiority of the algorithm based on particle function are verified.
Operation and Performance Assessment of a Hybrid Solar Heating and Cooling System for Different Configurations and Climatic Conditions
Authors: Figaj Rafał , Żołądek Maciej
Published: February 2021

Energy needs of air conditioning systems are constantly growing worldwide, due to climate change and growing standards of buildings. Among the possible systems, solar heating and cooling based on reversible heat pumps and thermally driven chillers are a viable option for ensuring space heating and cooling for different users. The high installation costs are a limit to their diffusion, however, under specific circumstances (climate, type of the building, type of the user, etc.), the investment in this technology can be profitable in a long term. The presented paper describes an energy-economic assessment of a solar heating and cooling system integrating a solar dish concentrator with thermal collectors coupled with a reversible heat pump and an absorption or adsorption chiller. The system integrated with a household building is developed and dynamically simulated in the Transient System Simulation (TRNSYS) environment under different circumstances –adoption of absorption or adsorption chiller, use of auxiliary thermal energy to drive the sorption chillers, and locality. The results show that space cooling demand in Cracow is matched by solar energy, in a range between 49.0 and 97.6%, while for Naples the space cooling demand is provided by solar heat from 46.1 to 99.1% depending on the adopted sorption chiller and or the use of auxiliary heat for a natural gas boiler. The proposed system is not profitable in case Cracow, since a Simple Pay Back period of about 20 years is achieved. Conversely, case of Naples, the same index achieves a value between 8 and 12 years showing that the proposed system may be a viable solution for heating and cooling installation.
Fuel Cells Based on Natural Polysaccharides for Rail Vehicle Application
Authors: Daszkiewicz Paweł , Kurc Beata , Pigłowska Marita , Andrzejewski Maciej
Published: February 2021

This manuscript shows the use of natural polysaccharides such as starch and cellulose as a carbon source for fuel cells. To achieve this, two innovative methods of obtaining hydrogen have been shown: by adsorption and by enzyme. The carbonization path of the material results in excellent sorption properties and allows gas with high efficiency to be obtained. The enzymatic method for the degradation of the compound is more expensive because specific enzymes (such as laccase, tyrosinase) must be used, but it allows greater control of the properties of the obtained material. A scientific novelty is the use of natural raw materials, the use of which increases the biodegradability of the electrochemical system and also reduces the cost of raw materials and increases the range of their acquisition. Energy should be generated where it is used. Another goal is decentralization, and thanks to the proposed solutions, hydrogen cells represent an innovative alternative to today’s energy giants—also for independent power supply to households. The proposed harvesting paths are intended to drive rail vehicles in order to reduce emissions and secondary pollution of the environment. The goals of both methods were easy recycling, high efficiency, increased environmental friendliness, low cost and a short hydrogen production path.
Improved Control Strategy for Three-Phase Microgrid Management with Electric Vehicles Using Multi Objective Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Shahab Muhammad , Wang Shaorong , Junejo Abdul Khalique
Published: February 2021

The usage of electric vehicles (EV) have been spreading worldwide, not only as an alternative to achieve a low-carbon future but also to provide ancillary services to improve the power system reliability. A common problem encountered in the existing alternating current (AC) grids is low power factor, which cause several power quality problems and has worsened with the growing application of distributed generation (DG). Therefore, considering the spread of EVs usage for ancillary services and the low power factor issue in current electrical grids, this paper proposes an improved control strategy for power factor correction of a three-phase microgrid management composed of a photovoltaic (PV) array, dynamic loads, and an EV parking lot. This control strategy aims to support power factor issues using the EV charging stations, allowing the full PV generation. Different operation modes are proposed to fulfill the microgrid and the EV users’ requirements, characterizing a Multi Objective Optimization (MOO) approach. In order to achieve these optimization requests, a dynamic programming method is used to charge the vehicle while adjusting the microgrid power factor. The proposed control algorithm is verified in different scenarios, and its results indicate a suitable performance for the microgrid even during conditions of overload and high peak power surplus in generation unit. The microgrid power factor remains above the desired reference during the entire analyzed period, in which the error is approximately 4.5 less than the system without vehicles, as well as obtains an energy price reduction.
Simulation Analysis of CO2-EOR Process and Feasibility of CO2 Storage during EOR
Authors: Arnaut Maja , Vulin Domagoj , José García Lamberg Gabriela , Jukić Lucija
Published: February 2021

In this study, oil production and retention were observed and compared in 72 reservoir simulation cases, after which an economic analysis for various CO2 and oil prices was performed. Reservoir simulation cases comprise different combinations of water alternating gas (WAG) ratios, permeabilities, and well distances. These models were set at three different depths; thus different pressure and temperature conditions, to see the impact of miscibility on oil production and CO2 sequestration. Those reservoir conditions affect oil production and CO2 retention differently. The retention trend dependence on depth was not monotonic—optimal retention relative to the amount of injected CO2 could be achieved at middle depths and mediocre permeability as well. Results reflecting different reservoir conditions and injection strategies are shown, and analysis including the utilization factor and the net present value was conducted to examine the feasibility of different scenarios. The analysis presented in this paper can serve as a guideline for multiparameter analysis and optimization of CO2-enhanced oil recovery (EOR) with a WAG injection strategy.
High-Frequency Modeling and Filter Design for PWM Drives with Long Cables
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Yifan , Ali Muhammad Saqib , Chen Guozhu , Guerrero Josep M. , Vasquez Juan C.
Published: February 2021

Aiming at the problems emerging in a pulse width modulation (PWM) drive system with long cables, the accurate modeling of power cables is the premise for predicting and analyzing these relevant phenomena, and a proper filter design is the key solution to these problems. This paper proposes high-frequency cable models to represent these frequency-dependent characteristics, especially for the high-frequency resistance of cables, which is an easily overlooked factor that determines the damping of overvoltage. The proposed models can be used for accurately representing the cable characteristics in a wide frequency range, and correctly simulating the differential mode (DM) overvoltage and common mode (CM) current, including the peak value, oscillation frequency, and damping of the transient waveform. In addition, improved filter networks are proposed to suppress the DM voltage and CM current, with the merit of low losses, small volume, and excellent abilities for suppressing overvoltage. The proposed cable models and the filter design were validated in a 750 W PWM drive system with 200 m power cables.
Analysis of the Inner Fluid-Dynamics of Scroll Compressors and Comparison between CFD Numerical and Modelling Approaches
Authors: Cavazzini Giovanna , Giacomel Francesco , Benato Alberto , Nascimben Francesco , Ardizzon Guido
Published: February 2021

Scroll compressors are widely adopted machines in both refrigeration systems and heat pumps. However, their efficiency is basically poor and constitutes the main bottleneck for improving the overall system performance. In fact, due to the complex machine fluid dynamics, scroll design is mainly based on theoretical and/or semi-empirical approaches. Designs strategies that do not guarantee an in-depth analysis of the machine behavior can be supplemented with a Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approach. To this purpose, in the present work, the scroll compressor inner fluid dynamics is numerically analyzed in detail using two CFD software and two different modelling strategies for the axial gap. The analysis of the fluid evolution within the scroll wraps reveals unsteady phenomena developing during the suction and discharge phases, amplified by the axial clearance with negative impact on the main fluid flow (e.g., −13% of average mass flow rate for an axial gap of 30 μ) and on the scroll performance (e.g., +26% of average absorbed power for an axial gap of 30 μ). In terms of accuracy, the k-ε offers good performance on the estimation of average quantities but proves to be inadequate for capturing the complexity of the unsteady phenomena caused by the axial gap (e.g., −19% of the absorbed power in case of perfect tip seal). The need for considering specific geometric details in design procedures is highlighted, and guidelines on the choice of the most suitable numerical model are provided depending on the analysis needs.