bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silk Fibroin Nanoparticle Functionalization with Arg-Gly-Asp Cyclopentapeptide Promotes Active Targeting for Tumor Site-Specific Delivery
Authors: Bari Elia , Serra Massimo , Paolillo Mayra , Bernardi Eric , Tengattini Sara , Piccinini Filippo , Lanni Cristina , Sorlini Marzio , Bisbano Giovanni , Calleri Enrica , Torre Maria Luisa , Perteghella Sara
Published: March 2021

Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-based cyclopentapeptides (cRGDs) have a high affinity towards integrin αvβ3 and αvβ5, which are overexpressed by many tumor cells. Here, curcumin-loaded silk fibroin nanoparticles (SFNs) have been functionalized on the surface with cRGD to provide active targeting towards tumor cells; a “click reaction” between the RGD-based cyclopentapeptide carrying an azide group and triple-bond-functionalized nanoparticles has been exploited. Both naked and functionalized SFNs were less than 200 nm in diameter and showed a round-shaped morphology but, after functionalization, SFNs increased in size and protein molecular weight. The functionalization of SFNs’ surfaces with cRGD provided active internalization by cells overexpressing integrin receptors. At the lowest concentration tested (0.01 mg/mL), functionalized SFNs showed more effective uptake with respect to the naked by tumor cells that overexpress integrin receptors (but not for non-overexpressing ones). In contrast, at higher concentrations, the non-specific cell membrane protein–particle interactions are promoted and coupled to specific and target mediated uptake. Visual observations by fluorescence microscopy suggested that SFNs bind to integrin receptors on the cell surface and are then internalized by endocytosis. Overall, SFN functionalization provided in vitro active targeting for site-specific delivery of anticancer drugs, boosting activity and sparing healthy organs.
Preparation and High-Throughput Testing of TiO2-Supported Co Catalysts for Fischer‒Tropsch Synthesis
Authors: Schulz Christian , Kolb Peter , Krupp Dennis , Ritter Lars , Haas Alfred , Soorholtz Mario , Emmerich Maldonado Thomas , Thiede Tobias Benjamin , Knobloch Carsten
Published: March 2021

A series of Co/TiO2 catalysts was tested in a parameters field study for Fischer‒Tropsch synthesis (FTS). All catalysts were prepared by the conventional impregnation technique to obtain an industrially relevant Co content of 10 wt % or 20 wt %, respectively. In summary, 10 different TiO2 of pure anatase phase, pure rutile phase, as well as mixed rutile and anatase phase were used as supports. Performance tests were conducted with a 32-fold high-throughput setup for accelerated catalyst benchmarking; thus, 48 experiments were completed within five weeks in a relevant operation parameters field (170 °C to 233.5 °C, H2/CO ratio 1 to 2.5, and 20 bar(g)). The most promising catalyst showed a CH4 selectivity of 5.3% at a relevant CO conversion of 60% and a C5+ productivity of 2.1 gC5+/(gCo h) at 207.5 °C. These TiO2-based materials were clearly differentiated with respect to the application as supports in Co-catalyzed FTS catalysis. The most prospective candidates are available for further FTS optimization at a commercial scale.
Effect of the Addition of Alkaline Earth and Lanthanide Metals for the Modification of the Alumina Support in Ni and Ru Catalysts in CO2 Methanation
Authors: Méndez-Mateos David , Barrio V. Laura , Requies Jesús M. , Cambra José F.
Published: March 2021

In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are reaching alarming levels in the atmosphere, capture, recovery, and transformation of carbon dioxide emitted to methane is considered a potentially profitable process. This transformation, known as methanation, is a catalytic reaction that mainly uses catalysts based on noble metals such as Ru and, although with less efficiency, on transition metals such as Ni. In order to improve the efficiency of these conventional catalysts, the effect of adding alkaline earth metals (Ba, Ca, or Mg at 10 wt%) and lanthanides (La or Ce at 14 wt%) to nickel (13 wt%), ruthenium (1 wt%), or both-based catalysts has been studied at temperatures between 498 and 773 K and 10 bar pressure. The deactivation resistance in presence of H2S was also monitored. The incorporation of La into the catalyst produces interactions between active metal Ni, Ru, or Ru-Ni and the alumina support, as determined by the characterization. This fact results in an improvement in the catalytic activity of the 13Ni/Al2O3 catalyst, which achieves a methane yield of 82% at 680 K for 13Ni/14La-Al2O3, in addition to an increase in H2S deactivation resistance. Furthermore, 89% was achieved for 1Ru-13Ni/14La-Al2O3 at 651 K, but it showed to be more vulnerable to H2S presence.
Antifungal Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)-Lipid Composite Edible Coatings and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) to Reduce Postharvest Decay and Improve Storability of ‘Mollar De Elche’ Pomegranates
Authors: Di Millo Bruno , Martínez-Blay Victoria , Pérez-Gago María , Argente-Sanchis Maricruz , Grimal Amparo , Baraldi Elena , Palou Lluís
Published: March 2021

Pomegranate exhibits important postharvest quality losses that limit its storage potential, caused mainly by weight loss, chilling injury and fungal diseases. In this work, we evaluated the effect of novel hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) edible coatings (ECs) formulated with three different lipids (beeswax (BW), carnauba wax, and glycerol monostearate), as hydrophobic components, and two different GRAS salts (potassium bicarbonate (PBC) and sodium benzoate (SB)), as antifungal ingredients, to control weight loss and natural fungal decay of ‘Mollar de Elche’ pomegranates during storage at 20 °C. Afterwards, selected antifungal ECs and commercial modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) films were assayed alone or in combination to control natural decay and preserve fruit quality of pomegranates stored at 5 °C for 4 months plus 1 week at 20 °C. Results showed that ECs amended with SB reduced pomegranate latent infections caused by Botrytis cinerea and wound diseases caused by Penicillium spp. Moreover, MAP technologies were confirmed as an efficient mean to preserve freshness, prevent fruit shriveling and rind browning, and reduce fungal decay, thus extending storage life of pomegranates. The combination HPMC-BW-SB + MAP was the most promising treatment as it reduced weight loss and decay, without negatively affecting the fruit physicochemical and sensory quality.
Irregular Electrodeposition of Cu-Sn Alloy Coatings in [EMIM]Cl Outside the Glove Box with Large Layer Thickness
Authors: Lehmann Lars , Höhlich Dominik , Mehner Thomas , Lampke Thomas
Published: March 2021

Thick Cu−Sn alloy layers were produced in an [EMIM]Cl ionic-liquid solution from CuCl2 and SnCl2 in different ratios. All work, including the electrodeposition, took place outside the glovebox with a continuous argon stream over the electrolyte at 95 °C. The layer composition and layer thickness can be adjusted by the variation of the metal-salts content in the electrolyte. A layer with a thickness of up to 15 µm and a copper content of up to ωCu = 0.86 was obtained. The phase composition was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Furthermore, it was found that the relationship between the alloy composition and the concentration of the ions in the electrolyte is described as an irregular alloy system as according to Brenner. Brenner described such systems only for aqueous electrolytes containing complexing agents such as cyanide. In this work, it was confirmed that irregular alloy depositions also occur in [EMIM]Cl.
Plasticized Starch/Agar Composite Films: Processing, Morphology, Structure, Mechanical Properties and Surface Hydrophilicity
Authors: Guo Yabin , Zhang Binjia , Zhao Siming , Qiao Dongling , Xie Fengwei
Published: March 2021

Natural biopolymers, which are renewable, widely available, biodegradable, and biocompatible, have attracted huge interest in the development of biocomposite materials. Herein, formulation–property relationships for starch/agar composite films were investigated. First, rapid visco analysis was used to confirm the conditions needed for their gelation and to prepare filmogenic solutions. All the original crystalline and/or lamellar structures of starch and agar were destroyed, and films with cohesive and compact structures were formed, as shown by SEM, XRD, and SAXS. All the plasticized films were predominantly amorphous, and the polymorphs of the composite films were closer to that of the agar-only film. FTIR results suggest that the incorporation of agar restricted starch chain interaction and rearrangement. The addition of agar to starch increased both tensile strength and elongation at break, but the improvements were insignificant after the agar content was over 50 wt.%. Contact angle results indicate that compared with the other samples, the 4:6 (wt./wt.) starch/agar film was less hydrophilic. Thus, this work shows that agar dominates the structure and properties of starch/agar composites, and the best properties can be obtained with a certain starch/agar ratio. Such composite polysaccharide films with tailored mechanical properties and surface hydrophilicity could be useful in biodegradable packaging and biomedical applications (wound dressing and tissue scaffolding).
Electro-Oxidation of Ammonia over Copper Oxide Impregnated γ-Al2O3 Nanocatalysts
Authors: Khan Safia , Shah Syed , Anjum Mohsin , Khan Mohammad , Janjua Naveed
Published: March 2021

Ammonia electro-oxidation (AEO) is a zero carbon-emitting sustainable means for the generation of hydrogen fuel, but its commercialization is deterred due to sluggish reaction kinetics and the poisoning of expensive metal electrocatalysts. With this perspective, CuO impregnated γ-Al2O3 (CuO/γ-Al2O3) hybrid materials were synthesized as effective and affordable electrocatalysts and investigated for AEO in alkaline media. Structural investigations were performed via different characterization techniques, i.e., X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The morphology of γ-Al2O3 support as interconnected porous structures rendered the CuO/γ-Al2O3 nanocatalysts with robust activity. The additional CuO impregnation resulted in the enhanced electrochemical active surface area (ECSAs) and diffusion coefficient and spiked the electrocatalytic performance for NH3 electrolysis. Owing to good values of diffusion coefficient for AEO, low bandgap, and availability of ample ECSA at higher CuO to γ-Al2O3 ratio, these proposed electrocatalysts were proved to be effective in AEO. Due to good reproducibility, electrochemical stability, and higher activity for ammonia electro-oxidation, CuO/γ-Al2O3 nanomaterials are proposed as efficient promoters, electrode materials, or catalysts in ammonia electrocatalysis.
The Effects of MnO2 Addition on the Physical Properties of Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3-Pb(Zr,Ti)O3-Pb(Mg1/2W1/2)O3-BiFeO3 Ceramics
Authors: Yoo Juhyun , Lee Jonghyun
Published: March 2021

In this paper, for the application to multi-layer piezoelectric devices capable of being used in piezoelectric speakers, Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3-Pb(Zr,Ti)O3-BiFeO3 ceramics substituted with Pb(Mg1/2W1/2)O3 were manufactured according to MnO2 addition, and their physical properties were studied. At non-doped MnO2 added specimen, the maximum values of piezoelectric properties were shown, respectively: the εr of 2182, d33 of 513 pC/N, and kp of 0.634. When taking into consideration the low dielectric constant and high d33 in case of increasing the numbers of multilayer in ceramics, the x = 0.2 composition ceramics was suitable for the device application such as speaker using low-temperature sintering multilayer piezoelectric actuators.
Testing a Local Inbreeding Hypothesis as a Cause of Observed Antler Characteristics in Managed Populations of White-Tailed Deer
Authors: Webb Stephen L. , DeYoung Randy W. , Demarais Stephen , Strickland Bronson K. , Gee Kenneth L.
Published: March 2021

The increased use of antler restrictions by state game agencies has led to a focus on antlers by the hunting public, particularly the potential for an association between genetics and antler characteristics. We analyzed microsatellite data from 1231 male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from three states (Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Texas) within USA to determine if genetic relatedness, internal relatedness (IR), homozygosity weighted by locus (HL), or correlations among uniting gametes (Fis) influenced total antler points, antler score, non-typical points or antler malformations. Within each location, deer in the lower and upper quartile intervals for number of antler points and score were unrelated (95% CI included 0 or was <0) and relatively heterozygous for four measures of inbreeding. Antler score and points were positively influenced by age but negatively influenced by IR and HL, except for antler score in Mississippi. Relatedness, HL, IR and Fis did not differ between groups of deer with and without antler malformations. Perceived differences in antler quality do not appear to be affected by heterozygosity or a result of close inbreeding because we found deer were unrelated and measures of inbreeding and genome-wide heterozygosity were not correlated with antler characteristics.
NTRK Fusions in Sarcomas: Diagnostic Challenges and Clinical Aspects
Authors: Siozopoulou Vasiliki , Smits Evelien , De Winne Koen , Marcq Elly , Pauwels Patrick
Published: March 2021

Tropomyosin receptor kinase (TK) is encoded by the neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase genes (NTRK) 1, 2, and 3, whose activation plays an important role in cell cycle proliferation and survival. Fusions of one of these genes can lead to constitutive activation of TRK, which can potentially be oncogenic. NTRK fusions are commonly present in rare histologic tumor types. Among sarcomas, infantile fibrosarcoma shows NTRK fusion in more than 90% of the cases. Many other sarcoma types are also investigated for NTRK fusions. These fusions are druggable alteration of the agnostic type, meaning that all NTRK fused tumors can be treated with NTRK-inhibitors regardless of tumor type or tissue of origin. TRK-inhibitors have shown good response rates, with durable effects and limited side effects. Resistance to therapy will eventually occur in some cases, wherefore the next-generation TRK-inhibitors are introduced. The diagnosis of NTRK fused tumors, among them sarcomas, remains an issue, as many algorithms but no guidelines exist to date. Given the importance of this diagnosis, in this paper we aim to (1) analyze the histopathological features of sarcomas that correlate more often with NTRK fusions, (2) give an overview of the TRK-inhibitors and the problems that arise from resistance to the therapy, and (3) discuss the diagnostic algorithms of NTRK fused tumors with emphasis on sarcomas.
A New Gold Rush: A Review of Current and Developing Diagnostic Tools for Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Xu Raymond , Deebel Nicholas , Casals Randy , Dutta Rahul , Mirzazadeh Majid
Published: March 2021

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections in the United States and consequently are responsible for significant healthcare expenditure. The standard urine culture is the current gold standard for diagnosing urinary tract infections, however there are limitations of the test that directly contribute to increased healthcare costs. As a result, new and innovative techniques have been developed to address the inefficiencies of the current standard—it remains to be seen whether these tests should be performed adjunctly to, or perhaps even replace the urine culture. This review aims to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the newer and emerging diagnostic techniques such as PCR, expanded quantitative urine culture (EQUC), and next generation sequencing (NGS).
Recent Advances in Understanding the Role of Autophagy in Paediatric Brain Tumours
Authors: Gatto Francesca , Milletti Giacomo , Carai Andrea , Mastronuzzi Angela , Nazio Francesca
Published: March 2021

Autophagy is a degradative process occurring in eukaryotic cells to maintain homeostasis and cell survival. After stressful conditions including nutrient deprivation, hypoxia or drugs administration, autophagy is induced to counteract pathways that could lead to cell death. In cancer, autophagy plays a paradoxical role, acting both as tumour suppressor—by cleaning cells from damaged organelles and inhibiting inflammation or, alternatively, by promoting genomic stability and tumour adaptive response—or as a pro-survival mechanism to protect cells from stresses such as chemotherapy. Neural-derived paediatric solid tumours represent a variety of childhood cancers with unique anatomical location, cellular origins, and clinical presentation. These tumours are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children and new molecular diagnostics and therapies are necessary for longer survival and reduced morbidity. Here, we review advances in our understanding of how autophagy modulation exhibits antitumor properties in experimental models of paediatric brain tumours, i.e., medulloblastoma (MB), ependymoma (EPN), paediatric low-grade and high-grade gliomas (LGGs, HGGs), atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumours (ATRTs), and retinoblastoma (RB). We also discuss clinical perspectives to consider how targeting autophagy may be relevant in these specific paediatric tumours.
Comparative Analysis of Different Univariate Forecasting Methods in Modelling and Predicting the Romanian Unemployment Rate for the Period 2021–2022
Authors: Davidescu Adriana AnaMaria , Apostu Simona-Andreea , Paul Andreea
Published: March 2021

Unemployment has risen as the economy has shrunk. The coronavirus crisis has affected many sectors in Romania, some companies diminishing or even ceasing their activity. Making forecasts of the unemployment rate has a fundamental impact and importance on future social policy strategies. The aim of the paper is to comparatively analyze the forecast performances of different univariate time series methods with the purpose of providing future predictions of unemployment rate. In order to do that, several forecasting models (seasonal model autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA), self-exciting threshold autoregressive (SETAR), Holt–Winters, ETS (error, trend, seasonal), and NNAR (neural network autoregression)) have been applied, and their forecast performances have been evaluated on both the in-sample data covering the period January 2000–December 2017 used for the model identification and estimation and the out-of-sample data covering the last three years, 2018–2020. The forecast of unemployment rate relies on the next two years, 2021–2022. Based on the in-sample forecast assessment of different methods, the forecast measures root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean absolute percent error (MAPE) suggested that the multiplicative Holt–Winters model outperforms the other models. For the out-of-sample forecasting performance of models, RMSE and MAE values revealed that the NNAR model has better forecasting performance, while according to MAPE, the SARIMA model registers higher forecast accuracy. The empirical results of the Diebold–Mariano test at one forecast horizon for out-of-sample methods revealed differences in the forecasting performance between SARIMA and NNAR, of which the best model of modeling and forecasting unemployment rate was considered to be the NNAR model.
A Modified KNN Algorithm for High-Performance Computing on FPGA of Real-Time m-QAM Demodulators
Authors: Marquez-Viloria David , Castano-Londono Luis , Guerrero-Gonzalez Neil
Published: March 2021

A methodology for scalable and concurrent real-time implementation of highly recurrent algorithms is presented and experimentally validated using the AWS-FPGA. This paper presents a parallel implementation of a KNN algorithm focused on the m-QAM demodulators using high-level synthesis for fast prototyping, parameterization, and scalability of the design. The proposed design shows the successful implementation of the KNN algorithm for interchannel interference mitigation in a 3 × 16 Gbaud 16-QAM Nyquist WDM system. Additionally, we present a modified version of the KNN algorithm in which comparisons among data symbols are reduced by identifying the closest neighbor using the rule of the 8-connected clusters used for image processing. Real-time implementation of the modified KNN on a Xilinx Virtex UltraScale+ VU9P AWS-FPGA board was compared with the results obtained in previous work using the same data from the same experimental setup but offline DSP using Matlab. The results show that the difference is negligible below FEC limit. Additionally, the modified KNN shows a reduction of operations from 43 percent to 75 percent, depending on the symbol’s position in the constellation, achieving a reduction 47.25% reduction in total computational time for 100 K input symbols processed on 20 parallel cores compared to the KNN algorithm.
Next Generation Industrial IoT Digitalization for Traceability in Metal Manufacturing Industry: A Case Study of Industry 4.0
Authors: Beliatis Michail J. , Jensen Kasper , Ellegaard Lars , Aagaard Annabeth , Presser Mirko
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates digital traceability technologies taking careful consideration of the company’s needs to improve the traceability of products at the production of GPV Group as well as the efficiency and added value in their production cycles. GPV is primarily an electronics manufacturing service company (EMS) that manufactures electronic circuit boards, in addition to big metal products at their mechanics manufacturing sites. The company aims to embrace the next generation IoT technologies such as digital traceability in their internal supply chain at manufacturing sites in order to stay compatible with the Industry 4.0 requirements. In this paper, the capabilities of suitable digital traceability technologies are screened together with the actual GPV needs to determine if deployment of such technologies would benefit GPV shop floor operations and can solve the issues they face due to a lack of traceability. The traceability term refers to tracking the geolocation of products throughout the manufacturing steps and how that functionality can foster further optimization of the manufacturing processes. The paper focuses on comparing different IoT technologies and analyze their positive and negative attributes to identify a suitable technological solution for product traceability in the metal manufacturing industry. Finally, the paper proposes a suitable implementation road map for GPV, which can also be adopted from other metal manufacturing industries to deploy Industry 4.0 traceability at shop floor level.
Approximate Array Multipliers
Authors: Balasubramanian Padmanabhan , Nayar Raunaq , Maskell Douglas L.
Published: March 2021

This article describes the design of approximate array multipliers by making vertical or horizontal cuts in an accurate array multiplier followed by different input and output assignments within the multiplier. We consider a digital image denoising application and show how different combinations of input and output assignments in an approximate array multiplier affect the quality of the denoised images. We consider the accurate array multiplier and several approximate array multipliers for synthesis. The multipliers were described in Verilog hardware description language and synthesized by Synopsys Design Compiler using a 32/28-nm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology. The results show that compared to the accurate array multiplier, one of the proposed approximate array multipliers viz. PAAM01-V7 achieves a 28% reduction in critical path delay, 75.8% reduction in power, and 64.6% reduction in area while enabling the production of a denoised image that is comparable in quality to the image denoised using the accurate array multiplier. The standard design metrics such as critical path delay, total power dissipation, and area of the accurate and approximate multipliers are given, the error parameters of the approximate array multipliers are provided, and the original image, the noisy image, and the denoised images are also depicted for comparison.
Differences in Disclosure of Integrated Reports at Energy and Non-Energy Companies
Authors: Piesiewicz Maja , Ciechan-Kujawa Marlena , Kufel Paweł
Published: March 2021

Integrated reports combine financial and non-financial data into a comprehensive report outlining the company’s value creation process. Our objective is to find the completeness of disclosures, which is a crucial aspect of an integrated report’s quality. This study contributes to the integrated reporting examination by identifying quantitative and qualitative gaps when applying Integrated Reporting standards, focusing on the energy sector. We conducted the study on 57 published integrated reports of listed companies in Poland. The content of each report was examined for 49 features divided into eight areas. We identify the strengths and weaknesses of current reporting performance and the impact of the company’s sector on reports’ quality. We noted that there are significant differences among the areas. The major problems concern implementing IIRC’s framework on the connections between the business model and the organization’s strategy, risks, opportunities, and performance. Our research also noted that the level of specific disclosures might be related to a company’s ownership structure. We investigated the significance of differences among companies from the energy and non-energy sectors using statistical methods. As a result of the study, we obtained that disclosures’ completeness depends on the operation sector. The companies in the energy sector publish higher-quality integrated reports than companies in the other sectors.
High Performance Electric Vehicle Powertrain Modeling, Simulation and Validation
Authors: Adegbohun Feyijimi , von Jouanne Annette , Phillips Ben , Agamloh Emmanuel , Yokochi Alex
Published: March 2021

Accurate electric vehicle (EV) powertrain modeling, simulation and validation is paramount for critical design and control decisions in high performance vehicle designs. Described in this paper is a methodology for the design and development of EV powertrain through modeling, simulation and validation on a real-world vehicle system with detailed analysis of the results. Although simulation of EV powertrains in software simulation environments plays a significant role in the design and development of EVs, validating these models on the real-world vehicle systems plays an equally important role in improving the overall vehicle reliability, safety and performance. This modeling approach leverages the use of MATLAB/Simulink software for the modeling and simulation of an EV powertrain, augmented by simultaneously validating the modeling results on a real-world vehicle which is performance tested on a chassis dynamometer. The combination of these modeling techniques and real-world validation demonstrates a methodology for a cost effective means of rapidly developing and validating high performance EV powertrains, filling the literature gaps in how these modeling methodologies can be carried out in a research framework.
A Multi-Index Feedback Linearization Control for a Buck-Boost Converter
Authors: Li Xiaocong , Chen Xin
Published: March 2021

Due to the nonlinear and nonminimum phase characteristics of the buck-boost converter, the design of its controller has always been a challenging problem. In this paper, a multi-index feedback linearization control strategy is proposed to design the controller of the buck-boost converter. Firstly, by constructing an appropriate output function, the original nonlinear system is mapped into a combination of a linear subsystem and a nonlinear subsystem. Then, according to the structural characteristics of these two subsystems, the linear optimal control theory is adopted for the control design of the linear subsystem to make it have a good output performance, while for the nonlinear subsystem, the coefficient of the output function is adjusted to ensure its stability. Finally, based on the Hartman–Grobman theorem, the internal mechanism and coefficient adjustment basis of the proposed method are revealed; that is, by adjusting the coefficient of the output function and the feedback coefficient of the linear control law, the poles of the system are configured to achieve the purpose of adjusting the static and dynamic performance of the system. The simulation results show the feasibility and superiority of using the multi-index feedback linearization control strategy to design the nonlinear control law of the buck-boost converter.
A Study on the Characteristics of Academic Topics Related to Renewable Energy Using the Structural Topic Modeling and the Weak Signal Concept
Authors: Park Chankook , Kim Minkyu
Published: March 2021

It is important to examine in detail how the distribution of academic research topics related to renewable energy is structured and which topics are likely to receive new attention in the future in order for scientists to contribute to the development of renewable energy. This study uses an advanced probabilistic topic modeling to statistically examine the temporal changes of renewable energy topics by using academic abstracts from 2010–2019 and explores the properties of the topics from the perspective of future signs such as weak signals. As a result, in strong signals, methods for optimally integrating renewable energy into the power grid are paid great attention. In weak signals, interest in large-capacity energy storage systems such as hydrogen, supercapacitors, and compressed air energy storage showed a high rate of increase. In not-strong-but-well-known signals, comprehensive topics have been included, such as renewable energy potential, barriers, and policies. The approach of this study is applicable not only to renewable energy but also to other subjects.
Varying the Energy Mix in the EU-28 and in Poland as a Step towards Sustainable Development
Authors: Sobczyk Wiktoria , Sobczyk Eugeniusz Jacek
Published: March 2021

The demand for clean energy is a key global issue requiring global ideas to be implemented through local action. This is particularly important in Poland’s energy transition, since the country produces energy mainly from conventional sources, i.e., coal, gas, and crude oil. Adverse climate change caused by high emissions of the economy based on the combustion of hydrocarbons as well as the growing public awareness have made it necessary to look for new environmentally friendly energy sources. The aim of the paper is to demonstrate that the use of alternative energy sources, biomass in particular, is compatible with sustainable development policy. Eight indicators for the EU-28 and for Poland were analysed in order to verify the progress in modifying the energy mix between 2010 and 2018 in the context of implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The analysis showed that both in the EU-28 and in Poland, the aggregated indicator taking into account the positive and negative change in the values of individual indicators improved between 2010 and 2018. In the EU-28, this indicator is higher (180.1) than in Poland (152.3). The lower value for Poland is mainly due to the fact that the main source of energy in Poland remains hard coal and lignite. However, the noticeable increase in recent years in the share of energy from renewable sources, biomass included, allows us to look with hope to a rapidly growing indicator measuring progress towards a sustainable development goal, and to improving environmental standards.
Assessment of Realistic Departure from Nucleate Boiling Ratio (DNBR) Considering Uncertainty Quantification of Core Flow Asymmetry
Authors: Lee Il Suk , Yoon Dong Hyeog , Bang Young Seok , Kim Tae Hoon , Kim Yong Chan
Published: March 2021

Concern over the asymmetric phenomena in the core region has increased considering safety issues that are highly possible to reduce the thermal margin significantly in nuclear power plants. Since the seized reactor coolant pump (RCP) accident of an advanced power reactor 1400 (APR1400) can be regarded as a representative core asymmetric event with respect to core inlet flow, the departure from nucleate boiling ratio (DNBR), which is a regulatory acceptance criterion in nuclear safety, should be evaluated with consideration of the uncertainty range of the core inlet flow reflecting the actual geometry. This study investigates the DNBR quantitatively in the entire fuel assemblies in the core using several codes for system behavior, computational flow dynamics, sub-channel analysis, and uncertainty evaluation. Based on the results from a system thermal-hydraulic analysis of a seized RCP accident of APR1400, this study presents the uncertainty range calculated by computational fluid dynamics on the asymmetry of the core inlet flow. Damaged fuel rods are quantitatively identified through a sub-channel analysis, which presents statistic relevance to obtain the DNBR at 95% reliability and 95% accuracy level. Additionally, an optimized evaluation methodology of a non-loss of coolant accident (non-LOCA) is realized by several nuclear codes.
DNA Markers Reveal Genetic Associations among 11,000-Year-Old Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Found in the Baltic Sea with the Present-Day Gene Pools in Lithuania
Authors: Danusevičius Darius , Buchovska Jurata , Žulkus Vladas , Daugnora Linas , Girininkas Algirdas
Published: March 2021

We aimed to extract DNA and amplify PCR fragments at the mitochondrial DNA Nad7.1 locus and 11 nuclear microsatellite loci in nine circa 11,000-year-old individuals of Scots pine found at the bottom of the Baltic sea and test the genetic associations with the present-day gene pool of Scots pine in Lithuania. We followed a strict anticontamination protocol in the lab and, simultaneously with the aDNA specimens, tested DNA-free controls. The DNA was extracted by an ATMAB protocol from the ancient wood specimens sampled underwater from Scots pine stumps located circa 20–30 m deep and circa 12 km ashore in western Lithuania. As the references, we used 30 present-day Lithuanian populations of Scots pine with 25–50 individuals each. The aDNA yield was 11–41 ng/μL. The PCR amplification for the mtDNA Nad7.1 locus and the nDNA loci yielded reliable aDNA fragments for three and seven out of nine ancient pines, respectively. The electrophoresis profiles of all the PCR tested DNA-free controls contained the sizing standard only, indicating low likelihood for contamination. At the mtDNA Nad7.1 locus, all three ancient Scots pine individuals had the type A (300 bp) allele, indicating postglacial migration from the refugia in Balkan peninsula. The GENECLASS Bayesian assignment tests revealed relatively stringer and consistent genetic associations between the ancient Scots pine trees and the present-day southern Lithuanian populations (assignment probability 0.37–0.55) and several wetlands in Lithuania. Our study shows that salty sea water efficiently preserves ancient DNA in wood at the quality levels suitable for genetic testing of trees dated back as far as 11,000 years before present.
Implementation of IoT Framework with Data Analysis Using Deep Learning Methods for Occupancy Prediction in a Building
Authors: Hitimana Eric , Bajpai Gaurav , Musabe Richard , Sibomana Louis , Kayalvizhi Jayavel
Published: March 2021

Many countries worldwide face challenges in controlling building incidence prevention measures for fire disasters. The most critical issues are the localization, identification, detection of the room occupant. Internet of Things (IoT) along with machine learning proved the increase of the smartness of the building by providing real-time data acquisition using sensors and actuators for prediction mechanisms. This paper proposes the implementation of an IoT framework to capture indoor environmental parameters for occupancy multivariate time-series data. The application of the Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) Deep Learning algorithm is used to infer the knowledge of the presence of human beings. An experiment is conducted in an office room using multivariate time-series as predictors in the regression forecasting problem. The results obtained demonstrate that with the developed system it is possible to obtain, process, and store environmental information. The information collected was applied to the LSTM algorithm and compared with other machine learning algorithms. The compared algorithms are Support Vector Machine, Naïve Bayes Network, and Multilayer Perceptron Feed-Forward Network. The outcomes based on the parametric calibrations demonstrate that LSTM performs better in the context of the proposed application.
“Somebody Bigger than You and I”: The African American Healing Traditions of Camp Minisink
Authors: Brown-Manning Robyn , Lockhart-Carter Sharon , Morgan Avon
Published: March 2021

Four hundred years after the first enslaved Africans landed on the shores of Jamestown, Virginia, it can be difficult to recognize the myriad ways in which the traditional healing processes of the Motherland are embedded in the day-to-day lives of African Americans. Much of what has sustained us through the insidiousness of systemic racism is sourced from the traditions of our ancestors: our faith; our creativity; our sense of community; our respect for elders; our food; and our connection to the natural environment. Employing a narrative form of inquiry, the authors dialogue and reflect on our histories at Camp Minisink, a premier African American camp servicing Black youth from New York City. We use our personal experiences as “Minisinkers” in the 1950s and 1960s, to unearth patterns of Africentric healing traditions embedded in our camp activities. The “MinisinkModel”, unbeknownst to the thousands of children who grew up through the various camp programs, provided a multitude of safety and protective factors informed by these healing practices. The foremothers and forefathers of Minisink instilled in us the belief in a higher power; unconditional love; service; and family that continue to sustain us in our adult lives. This model holds promise for present-day organizations that are struggling to identify meaningful ways of working with African American families, youth and children.
Multi-Item Assessment of Physiognomic Diversity of Geocomplexes as a Comprehensive Method of Visual-Aesthetic Landscape Assessment
Authors: Śleszyński Przemysław
Published: March 2021

The paper presents the development of conceptual, theoretical, and methodological foundations of a complex and novel method for evaluating visual–aesthetic values of landscape. The novelty lies in the combination of methods for assessing the overall attractiveness of the landscape (geocomplex) and the view field (as seen from an observation point). The analysis was carried out for a highly environmentally diverse fragment of the Małopolska Upland (central Poland). The proposed method of evaluation is in two-stage procedure. At the first stage, the visual attractiveness of landscape units (geocomplexes distinguished on the basis of relief and land cover types) was calculated. The assessment took into account the diversity of landscape form and content (shape of the unit, contrast of landscape boundaries, vertical differentiation of relief and land cover, typological richness of vegetation). In the second stage, first, the view extent was determined using a specially written computer program from multiple points on a map in an assumed grid every 50 m. More than 3200 measurements were taken in a transect from an area of 8 sq. km for an area enclosing 77 sq. km. Then, in each of these 3.2 thousand delineated view reaches, the unit values of the physiognomic–aesthetic evaluation of the landscapes seen by the observer (first-stage evaluation) were counted. The developed method tries to make a conceptual–theoretical and methodological contribution to the study of physiognomy and aesthetics of landscapes, as the evaluation combines the aspects of surface and point attractiveness. Hence, the proposed method has a comprehensive character and can be a universal platform for physiognomic and landscape evaluation, also for practical purposes, e.g., nature protection, tourism development and spatial planning.
Stratigraphic and Tectonic Setting of the Liguride Units Cropping Out along the Southeastern Side of the Agri Valley (Southern Apennines, Italy)
Authors: Prosser Giacomo , Palladino Giuseppe , Avagliano Dario , Coraggio Francesco , Bolla Eleonora Maria , Riva Marcello , Catellani Daniele Enrico
Published: March 2021

This paper shows the main results of a multidisciplinary study performed along the southeastern sector of the Agri Valley in Basilicata (Southern Italy), where Cenozoic units, crucial for constraining the progressive evolution of the Southern Apennine thrust and fold belt and, more in general, the geodynamic evolution of the Mediterranean area are widely exposed. In particular, we aimed at understanding the stratigraphic and tectonic setting of deep-sea, thrust-top Cenozoic units exposed immediately to north of Montemurro, between Costa Molina and Monte dell’Agresto. In the previous works different units, showing similar sedimentological characteristics but uncertain age attribution, have been reported in the study area. In our study, we focussed on the Albidona Formation, pertaining to the Liguride realm, which shows most significant uncertainties regarding the age and the stratigraphic setting. The study was based on a detailed field survey which led to a new geological map of the area. This was supported by new stratigraphic, biostratigraphic and structural analyses. Biostratigraphic analysis provided an age not older than the upper Ypresian and not younger than the early Priabonian. Recognition of marker stratigraphic horizons strongly helped in the understanding of the stratigraphy of the area. The study allowed a complete revision of the stratigraphy of the outcropping Cenozoic units, the recognition of until now unknown tectonic structures and the correlation between surface and subsurface geology.
Characterization of Neonatal Infections by Gram-Negative Bacilli and Associated Risk Factors, Havana, Cuba
Authors: Oliva Arlenis , Carmona Yenisel , de La C. López Elizabeth , Álvarez Roberto , Aung Meiji Soe , Kobayashi Nobumichi , Quiñones Dianelys
Published: March 2021

Infections represent an important problem in neonates because of the high mortality. An increase in neonatal infections has been found in Cuban hospitals in recent years. The aim of this study was to provide evidence on the clinical and microbiological behavior of Gram-negative bacilli that cause neonatal infections in hospitals of Havana, Cuba. It was carried out as a descriptive cross-sectional investigation from September 2017 to July 2018 in The Tropical Medicine Institute “Pedro Kouri” (IPK). Sixty-one Gram-negative bacilli isolated from neonates with infections in six Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospitals of Havana were analyzed for their species and antimicrobial susceptibility. Late-onset infections were more common than early-onset ones and included urinary tract infection in the community (87%) and sepsis in hospitals (63.3%). Catheter use (47%) and prolonged stay (38%) were the most frequent risk factors. Species of major pathogens were Escherichia coli (47%) and Klebsiella spp. (26%). The isolated Gram-negative bacilli showed high resistance rates to third-generation cephalosporins, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin, while being more susceptible to carbapenems, fosfomycin, colistin and amikacin. The present study revealed the clinical impact of Gram-negative bacilli in neonatology units in hospitals of Havana. Evaluation of antimicrobial susceptibilities to the isolates from neonates is necessary for selection of appropriate empirical therapy and promotion of the rational antibiotic use.
Examining If Changes in the Type of School-Based Intramural Programs Affect Youth Physical Activity over Time: A Natural Experiment Evaluation
Authors: Burns Kathleen E. , Chaurasia Ashok , Carson Valerie , Leatherdale Scott T.
Published: March 2021

(1) School-based physical activity programs such as intramurals provide youth with inclusive opportunities to be physically active, yet we know little about how types of intramurals (e.g., team and individual sports) may contribute to youth MVPA. This research aims to evaluate how real-world changes in types of intramurals available in schools impact youth physical activity over time. (2) This study used three years of longitudinal school- and student-level data from Ontario schools participating in year 5 (2016–2017), year 6 (2017–2018) and year 7 (2018–2019) of the COMPASS study. Data on types of intramural programs from 55 schools were obtained, baseline demographic characteristics were measured and data on physical activity and sport participation were collected on a sample of 4417 students. Hierarchical linear mixed regression models were used to estimate how changes in the type of intramurals associate with youth MVPA over time. (3) Regardless of participation, adding individual and team intramurals was significantly and positively associated with female MVPA in Y6. (4) The indirect, but positive relationship between adding individual and team intramurals and female MVPA may be explained by other characteristics of the school environment that are conducive to female MVPA.
Mobile-Health Technologies for a Child Neuropsychiatry Service: Development and Usability of the Assioma Digital Platform
Authors: Fucà Elisa , Costanzo Floriana , Bonutto Dimitri , Moretti Annarita , Fini Andrea , Ferraiuolo Alberto , Vicari Stefano , Tozzi Alberto Eugenio
Published: March 2021

We developed an m-Health platform to support clinical pathways in a child and adolescent neuropsychiatry unit. The Assioma platform was created for tablets, smartphones and PCs, to support data collection and clinical workflow, to promote constant communication between patients, caregivers and clinicians, and to promote active family involvement in day hospital (DH) procedures. Through the Assioma application for tablets, caregivers filled out an anamnestic questionnaire and explored contents on the DH procedures and neurodevelopmental conditions. The application for smartphones included an agenda function for the DH pathways. Through the application for desktops, clinicians could export anamnestic information in text and Excel formats, send real-time notifications, and push relative contents to families’ account. We tested the usability and satisfaction of the Assioma platform in a group of children, caregivers (N = 24) and clinicians (N = 6). Both families and clinicians gave high scores to almost all usability items. The overall satisfaction reached the highest levels at 50% satisfied for families and at 33% for clinicians. Our results indicate that the Assioma platform has the potential to optimize clinical pathways, increasing compliance and clinical efficiency, and to reduce in-person contacts supporting social distancing for clinical pathways, a crucial need during the COVID-19 pandemic.