bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Crude Oil Futures Market and Chinese/US Stock Index Futures Market Based on Breakpoint Test
Authors: Lu Xunfa , Liu Kai , Lai Kin Keung , Cui Hairong
Published: September 2021

Combined with the B-P (breakpoint) test and VAR–DCC–GARCH model, the relationship between WTI crude oil futures and S&P 500 index futures or CSI 300 index futures was investigated and compared. The results show that breakpoints exist in the relationship in the mean between WTI crude oil futures market and Chinese stock index futures market or US stock index futures market. The relationship in mean between WTI crude oil futures prices and S&P 500 stock index futures, or CSI 300 stock index futures is weakening. Meanwhile, there is a decreasing dynamic conditional correlation between the WTI crude oil futures market and Chinese stock index futures market or US stock index futures market after the breakpoint in the price series. The Chinese stock index futures are less affected by short-term fluctuations in crude oil futures returns than US stock index futures.
Recent Advances in Intelligent Source Code Generation: A Survey on Natural Language Based Studies
Authors: Yang Chen , Liu Yan , Yin Changqing
Published: September 2021

Source Code Generation (SCG) is a prevalent research field in the automation software engineering sector that maps specific descriptions to various sorts of executable code. Along with the numerous intensive studies, diverse SCG types that integrate different scenarios and contexts continue to emerge. As the ultimate purpose of SCG, Natural Language-based Source Code Generation (NLSCG) is growing into an attractive and challenging field, as the expressibility and extremely high abstraction of the input end. The booming large-scale dataset generated by open-source code repositories and Q&A resources, the innovation of machine learning algorithms, and the development of computing capacity make the NLSCG field promising and give more opportunities to the model implementation and perfection. Besides, we observed an increasing interest stream of NLSCG relevant studies recently, presenting quite various technical schools. However, many studies are bound to specific datasets with customization issues, producing occasional successful solutions with tentative technical methods. There is no systematic study to explore and promote the further development of this field. We carried out a systematic literature survey and tool research to find potential improvement directions. First, we position the role of NLSCG among various SCG genres, and specify the generation context empirically via software development domain knowledge and programming experiences; second, we explore the selected studies collected by a thoughtfully designed snowballing process, clarify the NLSCG field and understand the NLSCG problem, which lays a foundation for our subsequent investigation. Third, we model the research problems from technical focus and adaptive challenges, and elaborate insights gained from the NLSCG research backlog. Finally, we summarize the latest technology landscape over the transformation model and depict the critical tactics used in the essential components and their correlations. This research addresses the challenges of bridging the gap between natural language processing and source code analytics, outlines different dimensions of NLSCG research concerns and technical utilities, and shows a bounded technical context of NLSCG to facilitate more future studies in this promising area.
Age-Aware Utility Maximization in Relay-Assisted Wireless Powered Communication Networks
Authors: Luan Ning , Xiong Ke , Zhang Zhifei , Zheng Haina , Zhang Yu , Fan Pingyi , Qu Gang
Published: September 2021

This article investigates a relay-assisted wireless powered communication network (WPCN), where the access point (AP) inspires the auxiliary nodes to participate together in charging the sensor, and then the sensor uses its harvested energy to send status update packets to the AP. An incentive mechanism is designed to overcome the selfishness of the auxiliary node. In order to further improve the system performance, we establish a Stackelberg game to model the efficient cooperation between the AP–sensor pair and auxiliary node. Specifically, we formulate two utility functions for the AP–sensor pair and the auxiliary node, and then formulate two maximization problems respectively. As the former problem is non-convex, we transform it into a convex problem by introducing an extra slack variable, and then by using the Lagrangian method, we obtain the optimal solution with closed-form expressions. Numerical experiments show that the larger the transmit power of the AP, the smaller the age of information (AoI) of the AP–sensor pair and the less the influence of the location of the auxiliary node on AoI. In addition, when the distance between the AP and the sensor node exceeds a certain threshold, employing the relay can achieve better AoI performance than non-relaying systems.
An Holistic Extension for Classical Logic via Quantum Fredkin Gate
Authors: Freytes Hector , Sergioli Giuseppe
Published: September 2021

An holistic extension for classical propositional logic is introduced in the framework of quantum computation with mixed states. The mentioned extension is obtained by applying the quantum Fredkin gate to non-factorizable bipartite states. In particular, an extended notion of classical contradiction is studied in this holistic framework.
Graphene Quantum Dots-Based Nanocomposites Applied in Electrochemical Sensors: A Recent Survey
Authors: Facure Murilo H. M. , Schneider Rodrigo , Lima Jessica B. S. , Mercante Luiza A. , Correa Daniel S.
Published: September 2021

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have been widely investigated in recent years due to their outstanding physicochemical properties. Their remarkable characteristics allied to their capability of being easily synthesized and combined with other materials have allowed their use as electrochemical sensing platforms. In this work, we survey recent applications of GQDs-based nanocomposites in electrochemical sensors and biosensors. Firstly, the main characteristics and synthesis methods of GQDs are addressed. Next, the strategies generally used to obtain the GQDs nanocomposites are discussed. Emphasis is given on the applications of GQDs combined with distinct 0D, 1D, 2D nanomaterials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), ionic liquids, as well as other types of materials, in varied electrochemical sensors and biosensors for detecting analytes of environmental, medical, and agricultural interest. We also discuss the current trends and challenges towards real applications of GQDs in electrochemical sensors.
A Simulation Environment for Training a Reinforcement Learning Agent Trading a Battery Storage
Authors: Aaltonen Harri , Sierla Seppo , Subramanya Rakshith , Vyatkin Valeriy
Published: September 2021

Battery storages are an essential element of the emerging smart grid. Compared to other distributed intelligent energy resources, batteries have the advantage of being able to rapidly react to events such as renewable generation fluctuations or grid disturbances. There is a lack of research on ways to profitably exploit this ability. Any solution needs to consider rapid electrical phenomena as well as the much slower dynamics of relevant electricity markets. Reinforcement learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that has shown promise in optimizing complex problems involving uncertainty. This article applies reinforcement learning to the problem of trading batteries. The problem involves two timescales, both of which are important for profitability. Firstly, trading the battery capacity must occur on the timescale of the chosen electricity markets. Secondly, the real-time operation of the battery must ensure that no financial penalties are incurred from failing to meet the technical specification. The trading-related decisions must be done under uncertainties, such as unknown future market prices and unpredictable power grid disturbances. In this article, a simulation model of a battery system is proposed as the environment to train a reinforcement learning agent to make such decisions. The system is demonstrated with an application of the battery to Finnish primary frequency reserve markets.
Past, Present and Near Future: An Overview of Closed, Running and Planned Biomethanation Facilities in Europe
Authors: Zavarkó Máté , Imre Attila R. , Pörzse Gábor , Csedő Zoltán
Published: September 2021

The power-to-methane technology is promising for long-term, high-capacity energy storage. Currently, there are two different industrial-scale methanation methods: the chemical one (based on the Sabatier reaction) and the biological one (using microorganisms for the conversion). The second method can be used not only to methanize the mixture of pure hydrogen and carbon dioxide but also to methanize the hydrogen and carbon dioxide content of low-quality gases, such as biogas or deponia gas, enriching them to natural gas quality; therefore, the applicability of biomethanation is very wide. In this paper, we present an overview of the existing and planned industrial-scale biomethanation facilities in Europe, as well as review the facilities closed in recent years after successful operation in the light of the scientific and socioeconomic context. To outline key directions for further developments, this paper interconnects biomethanation projects with the competitiveness of the energy sector in Europe for the first time in the literature. The results show that future projects should have an integrative view of electrolysis and biomethanation, as well as hydrogen storage and utilization with carbon capture and utilization (HSU&CCU) to increase sectoral competitiveness by enhanced decarbonization.
Optimization of Phasor Measurement Unit Placement Using Several Proposed Case Factors for Power Network Monitoring
Authors: Baba Maveeya , Nor Nursyarizal B. M. , Sheikh Muhammad Aman , Baba Abdul Momin , Irfan Muhammad , Glowacz Adam , Kozik Jaroslaw , Kumar Anil
Published: September 2021

Recent developments in electrical power systems are concerned not only with static power flow control but also with their control during dynamic processes. Smart Grids came into being when it was noticed that the traditional electrical power system structure was lacking in reliability, power flow control, and consistency in the monitoring of phasor quantities. The Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) is one of the main critical factors for Smart Grid (SG) operation. It has the ability to provide real-time synchronized measurement of phasor quantities with the help of a Global Positioning System (GPS). However, when considering the installation costs of a PMU device, it is far too expensive to equip on every busbar in all grid stations. Therefore, this paper proposes a new approach for the Optimum Placement of the PMU problem (OPP problem) to minimize the installed number of PMUs and maximize the measurement redundancy of the network. Exclusion of the unwanted nodes technique is used in the proposed approach, in which only the most desirable buses consisting of generator bus and load bus are selected, without considering Pure Transit Nodes (PTNs) in the optimum PMU placement sets. The focal point of the proposed work considers, most importantly, the case factor of the exclusion technique of PTNs from the optimum PMU locations, as prior approaches concerning almost every algorithm have taken PTNs as their optimal PMU placement sets. Furthermore, other case factors of the proposed approach, namely, PMU channel limits, radial bus, and single PMU outage, are also considered for the OPP problem. The proposed work is tested on standard Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IEEE)-case studies from MATPOWER on the MATLAB software. To show the success of the proposed work, the outputs are compared with the existing techniques.
Adsorption of Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Nitrogen on Zn(dcpa) Metal-Organic Framework
Authors: Ribeiro Rui P. P. L. , Esteves Isabel A. A. C. , Mota José P. B.
Published: September 2021

Adsorption-based processes using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a promising option for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture from flue gases and biogas upgrading to biomethane. Here, the adsorption of CO2, methane (CH4), and nitrogen (N2) on Zn(dcpa) MOF (dcpa (2,6-dichlorophenylacetate)) is reported. The characterization of the MOF by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and N2 physisorption at 77 K shows that it is stable up to 650 K, and confirms previous observations suggesting framework flexibility upon exposure to guest molecules. The adsorption equilibrium isotherms of the pure components (CO2, CH4, and N2), measured at 273–323 K, and up to 35 bar, are Langmuirian, except for that of CO2 at 273 K, which exhibits a stepwise shape with hysteresis. The latter is accurately interpreted in terms of the osmotic thermodynamic theory, with further refinement by assuming that the free energy difference between the two metastable structures of Zn(dcpa) is a normally distributed variable due to the existence of different crystal sizes and defects in a real sample. The ideal selectivities of the equimolar mixtures of CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 at 1 bar and 303 K are 12.8 and 2.9, respectively, which are large enough for Zn(dcpa) to be usable in pressure swing adsorption.
Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Energy Harvesting in Ocean: A Review on Application and Hybridization
Authors: Matin Nazar Ali , Idala Egbe King-James , Abdollahi Azam , Hariri-Ardebili Mohammad Amin
Published: September 2021

With recent advancements in technology, energy storage for gadgets and sensors has become a challenging task. Among several alternatives, the triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) have been recognized as one of the most reliable methods to cure conventional battery innovation’s inadequacies. A TENG transfers mechanical energy from the surrounding environment into power. Natural energy resources can empower TENGs to create a clean and conveyed energy network, which can finally facilitate the development of different remote gadgets. In this review paper, TENGs targeting various environmental energy resources are systematically summarized. First, a brief introduction is given to the ocean waves’ principles, as well as the conventional energy harvesting devices. Next, different TENG systems are discussed in details. Furthermore, hybridization of TENGs with other energy innovations such as solar cells, electromagnetic generators, piezoelectric nanogenerators and magnetic intensity are investigated as an efficient technique to improve their performance. Advantages and disadvantages of different TENG structures are explored. A high level overview is provided on the connection of TENGs with structural health monitoring, artificial intelligence and the path forward.
Improvement of Biogas Yield by Pre-Treating Poultry Waste with Bacterial Strains
Authors: Cybulska Krystyna , Kołosowska Ilona , Kramkowski Karol , Karpińska Monika , Roszkowicz-Ostrowska Katarzyna , Kowalczyk Paweł
Published: September 2021

Poultry waste is increasingly used as a substrate for the methane fermentation process in a biogas plant. However, not all waste materials processed in the meat industry meet the criteria for optimal process management and cost-effective methane efficiency. An example may be centrifuged biological sludge, etc. Treatment of such material used as a substrate by introducing new metabolically and enzymatically active strains of bacteria could be beneficial for the fermentation process in a biogas plant and provide increased energy efficiency. The aim of the study was to compare the amount and quality of biogas obtained from biological sludge from the processing of poultry vaccinated with metabolically diversified bacterial inoculum after initial incubation of the batch before the actual process in a biofermenter. Laboratory tests were carried out in accordance with the guidelines contained in the DIN 38 414-S8 and VDI 4630 standards. Based on the obtained results, it was found that the optimized biological sludge can be used as a substrate in the methane fermentation process in a biogas plant. The material processed by the combination of bacterial strains marked with the symbols A/C, E/G, and F/H showed a significantly increased efficiency of biogas, including methane, compared to the non-grafted material. This is a good predictor for industrial applications, process feasibility, economic viability, and environmental sustainability that should be compiled based on the results obtained from this study.
Scenarios, Financial Viability and Pathways of Localized Hybrid Energy Generation Systems around the United Kingdom
Authors: Newbold Charles , Akrami Mohammad , Dibaj Mahdieh
Published: September 2021

Decarbonisation is becoming a central aim of countries around the globe, ensuring the effects of climate change do not increase exponentially in the coming years. Renewable energy generation is at the core of this decarbonisation process, enabling economies to divorce themselves from a reliance on oil and coal. Hybrid energy systems can utilise multiple generation methods to supply electrical demand best. This paper investigates the use of localised hybrid energy systems around the UK, comparing the financial viability of solar, wind and hydrokinetic generation methods both as a hybrid system and individually in different scenarios. The significance of having localised hybrid energy systems is that they address two large problems within renewable energy generation, that of storage issues and also generating the electricity far away from where it is actually used, requiring extensive infrastructure. The microgrid optimisation software HOMER was used to simulate each of the generation methods alongside the national grid, including lithium ion batteries and converters to create a comprehensive hybrid system. Net Present Cost, which is the current value of all the costs of installing and operating the system over the project lifetime, was considered as the metric. The analysis finds that for each modelled location, wind turbines in combination with lithium ion batteries and a converter is the system with the lowest Net Present Cost, with the exception of Bristol, which also uses hydrokinetic turbines within the system. The findings indicate the extensive wind resources available within the UK, along with identifying that certain locations around the country also have very high potential for tidal power generation.
The Selection of the Most Cost-Efficient Distributed Generation Type for a Combined Cooling Heat and Power System Used for Metropolitan Residential Customers
Authors: Park Jaemin , Jo Haesung , Kim Insu
Published: September 2021

Distributed generation (DG) using renewable energy sources is of widespread interest. For example, modern centralized conventional fossil fuel power generation commonly adds DG using renewable energy resources to the grid. Therefore, in these changes, it is necessary to optimize renewable energy systems to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions. In previous studies, meta-heuristic algorithms were used to optimize DG location and capacity, but different types of DG systems and integrated energy hub conditions were not considered. Determining the most effective DG type for an integrated energy hub is critical. Accordingly, this study presented a methodology for selecting the most cost-efficient DG for metropolitan residential customers of energy hubs. In this paper, we model energy hubs for residential customers and the most cost-efficient DG type using MATLAB and HOMER software, considering microturbine (MT), photovoltaic (PV), wind turbine, and fuel cell (FC) power sources. For this purpose, the energy hub was modeled as a combined cooling heat and power (CCHP) system and selected a specific metropolitan area as a testbed (Atlanta, USA). For practical simulation, the total active power of the Atlanta community was measured by multiplying the average load profile data of residential houses collected by open energy information (OpenEI). The first case study showed that optimal-blast MTs without absorption chillers (AbCs) were the most cost-efficient compared to other optimal-blast DG systems without AbCs. Additional second case studies for optimal and full-blast MTs with AbCs were performed to verify the results for energy consumption, costs, and emissions savings. As a result, full-blast MTs with AbCs comprise the most cost-efficient DG type in the CCHP system for metropolitan residential customers, reducing energy consumption, cost, and emissions.
Modeling and Performance Assessment of the Split-Pi Used as a Storage Converter in All the Possible DC Microgrid Scenarios. Part II: Simulation and Experimental Results
Authors: Luna Massimiliano , Sferlazza Antonino , Accetta Angelo , Di Piazza Maria Carmela , La Tona Giuseppe , Pucci Marcello
Published: September 2021

Bidirectional DC/DC converters such as the Split-pi can be used to integrate an energy storage system (ESS) into a DC microgrid providing manifold benefits. However, this integration deserves careful design because the ESS converter must behave like a stiff voltage generator, a non-stiff voltage generator, or a current generator depending on the microgrid configuration. Part I of this work presented a comprehensive theoretical analysis of the Split-pi used as an ESS converter in all the possible DC microgrid scenarios. Five typical microgrid scenarios were identified. Each of them required a specific state-space model of the Split-pi and a suitable control scheme. The present paper completes the study validating the theoretical analysis based on simulations and experimental tests. The chosen case study encompassed a 48 V, 750 W storage system interfaced with a 180 V DC microgrid using a Split-pi converter. It can represent a reduced-power prototype of terrestrial and marine microgrids. A prototypal Split-pi converter was realized in the lab, and several experimental tests were performed to assess the performance in each scenario. The results obtained from the experimental tests were coherent with the simulations and validated the study.
Heat Exchangers in Carnot Batteries: Condensation and Evaporation in a Reversible Device
Authors: Steger Daniel , Regensburger Christoph , Pham Jenny , Schlücker Eberhard
Published: September 2021

The combined heat pump–organic Rankine cycle is a thermal–electrical storage concept which allows the reversible use of components in both operation modes (loading and unloading the storage). This saves in terms of investment costs but also creates challenges during design and operation. A heat exchanger is an expensive component destined to be used for the reversible purposes of a heat pump condenser and an organic Rankine cycle evaporator. In this study, the operation of such an apparatus was evaluated based on an analytical model, experimental data and thermal imaging. This study shows that the model can predict the filling of the apparatus distinguished by liquid, vapour and the two-phase region. The thermal imaging supports the model and gives the location of the regions. Connecting both methods, a valid statement about the current condition of the heat exchanger is possible. Due to very small pinch points, the apparatus is not efficiently used in the investigated modes. Extending the pinch to 2 K can already save up to 46.1% of the heat exchange area. The quality of the heat transfer in the evaporator (q˙ORC = 10.9 kW/m2) is clearly higher than in the condenser (q˙HP = 6.1 kW/m2).
Towards Understanding the Structure of Subcritical and Transcritical Liquid–Gas Interfaces Using a Tabulated Real Fluid Modeling Approach
Authors: Jafari Sajad , Gaballa Hesham , Habchi Chaouki , de Hemptinne Jean-Charles
Published: September 2021

A fundamental understanding and simulation of fuel atomization, phase transition, and mixing are among the topics researchers have struggled with for decades. One of the reasons for this is that the accurate, robust, and efficient simulation of fuel jets remains a challenge. In this paper, a tabulated multi-component real-fluid model (RFM) is proposed to overcome most of the limitations and to make real-fluid simulations affordable. Essentially, a fully compressible two-phase flow and a diffuse interface approach are used for the RFM model, which were implemented in the CONVERGE solver. PISO and SIMPLE numerical schemes were modified to account for a highly coupled real-fluid tabulation approach. These new RFM model and numerical schemes were applied to the simulation of different fundamental 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D test cases to better understand the structure of subcritical and transcritical liquid–gas interfaces and to reveal the hydro-thermodynamic characteristics of multicomponent jet mixing. The simulation of a classical cryogenic injection of liquid nitrogen coaxially with a hot hydrogen jet is performed using thermodynamic tables generated by two different equations of state: Peng–Robinson (PR) and Soave–Redlich–Kwong (SRK). The numerical results are finally compared with available experimental data and published numerical studies with satisfactory agreement.
Improved DTC-SVM Based on Input-Output Feedback Linearization Technique Applied on DOEWIM Powered by Two Dual Indirect Matrix Converters
Authors: Sellah Mourad , Kouzou Abdellah , Mohamed-Seghir Mostefa , Rezaoui Mohamed Mounir , Kennel Ralph , Abdelrahem Mohamed
Published: September 2021

This paper focuses on the application of the direct torque control based on space vector modulation (DTC-SVM), combined with the input–output feedback linearization (IOFL) technique on a three-phase dual open-end windings induction motor (DOEWIM) fed by two dual indirect matrix converters. The main aim of integrating the non-linear technique is to overcome the main drawbacks met within the application of the conventional DTC-SVM on dual-stator induction motor (DSIM), such as the torque and flux ripples reduction, the stator harmonics current minimization, and the elimination of the common-mode voltage (CMV). Furthermore, it is proved in this paper that the proposed control on DOEWIN can ensure more flexibility versus speed reverse and variation, load torque changes, and motor parameters variation. The obtained results prove the validity of the proposed control on the studied induction motor topology in ensuring the main aforementioned advantages compared to the conventional DTC-SVM control on DSIM, which presents a promising solution, especially in industrial applications in which high-power motors are required.
Phase Current Measurement Method of Dual Inverter-Motor Drive System Using a Single DC Link Current Sensor
Authors: Hwang Seon-Ik , Cho Seong-Hyeon , Jung Jun-Hyung , Kim Jang-Mok
Published: September 2021

In recent years, electric propulsion systems have become widely, used and these systems have strict limits in volume and weight. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the weight of the inverter-motor drive system. In a typical n inverter-motor drive system, at least 2n phase current sensors are required. In order to reduce the number of phase current sensors, this paper proposes a method for measuring phase current using n DC link current sensors in a 2n inverter-motor drive system. Two phase currents per inverter-motor system are measured during one period of the switching frequency using the pulse width modulation (PWM) shift method. However, since the measured phase current contains an error component in the average current, the error component was compensated for in order to obtain a current similar to the actual phase current by using the slope and dwell time of the phase current. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through experiments.
Modelling Methane Hydrate Saturation in Pores: Capillary Inhibition Effects
Authors: De La Fuente Maria , Vaunat Jean , Marín-Moreno Héctor
Published: September 2021

Experimental and field observations evidence the effects of capillarity in narrow pores on inhibiting the thermodynamic stability of gas hydrates and controlling their saturation. Thus, precise estimates of the gas hydrate global inventory require models that accurately describe gas hydrate stability in sediments. Here, an equilibrium model for hydrate formation in sediments that accounts for capillary inhibition effects is developed and validated against experimental data. Analogous to water freezing in pores, the model assumes that hydrate formation is controlled by the sediment pore size distribution and the balance of capillary forces at the hydrate–liquid interface. To build the formulation, we first derive the Clausius–Clapeyron equation for the thermodynamic equilibrium of methane and water chemical potentials. Then, this equation is combined with the van Genuchten’s capillary pressure to relate the thermodynamic properties of the system to the sediment pore size distribution and hydrate saturation. The model examines the influence of the sediment pore size distribution on hydrate saturation through the simulation of hydrate formation in sand, silt, and clays, under equilibrium conditions and without mass transfer limitations. The results show that at pressure–temperature conditions typically found in the seabed, capillary effects in very fine-grained clays can limit the maximum hydrate saturation below 20% of the host sediment porosity.
COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy in China: A Case Study
Authors: Mohamadi Marjan , Lin Yuling , Vulliet Mélissa Vuillet Soit , Flahault Antoine , Rozanova Liudmila , Fabre Guilhem
Published: September 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in China was first reported to the World Health Organization on 31 December 2019, after the first cases were officially identified around 8 December 2019. However, the case of an infected patient of 55 years old can probably be traced back on 17 November. The spreading has been rapid and heterogeneous. Economic, political and social impacts have not been long overdue. This paper, based on English, French and Chinese research in national and international databases, aims to study the COVID-19 situation in China through the management of the outbreak and the Chinese response to vaccination strategy. The coronavirus disease pandemic is under control in China through non-pharmaceutical interventions, and the mass vaccination program has been launched to further prevent the disease and progressed steadily with 483.34 million doses having been administered across the country by 21 May 2021. China is also acting as an important player in the development and production of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
Inversion of Soil Heavy Metal Content Based on Spectral Characteristics of Peach Trees
Authors: Liu Wei , Yu Qiang , Niu Teng , Yang Linzhe , Liu Hongjun
Published: September 2021

There exists serious heavy metal contamination of agricultural soils in China. It is not only time- and labor-intensive to monitor soil contamination, but it also has limited scope when using conventional chemical methods. However, the method of the heavy metal monitoring of soil based on vegetation hyperspectral technology can break through the vegetation barrier and obtain the heavy metal content quickly over large areas. This paper discusses a highly accurate method for predicting the soil heavy metal content using hyperspectral techniques. We collected leaf hyperspectral data outdoors, and also collected soil samples to obtain heavy metal content data using chemical analysis. The prediction model for heavy metal content was developed using a difference spectral index, which was not highly satisfactory. Subsequently, the five factors that have a strong influence on the content of heavy metals were analyzed to determine multiple regression models for the elements As, Pb, and Cd. The results showed that the multiple regression model could better estimate the heavy metal content with stable fitting that has high prediction accuracy compared with the linear model. The results of this research provide a scientific basis and technical support for the hyperspectral inversion of the soil heavy metal content.
A Brief Taxonomy of Hybrid Intelligence
Authors: Pescetelli Niccolo
Published: September 2021

As artificial intelligence becomes ubiquitous in our lives, so do the opportunities to combine machine and human intelligence to obtain more accurate and more resilient prediction models across a wide range of domains. Hybrid intelligence can be designed in many ways, depending on the role of the human and the algorithm in the hybrid system. This paper offers a brief taxonomy of hybrid intelligence, which describes possible relationships between human and machine intelligence for robust forecasting. In this taxonomy, biological intelligence represents one axis of variation, going from individual intelligence (one individual in isolation) to collective intelligence (several connected individuals). The second axis of variation represents increasingly sophisticated algorithms that can take into account more aspects of the forecasting system, from information to task to human problem-solvers. The novelty of the paper lies in the interpretation of recent studies in hybrid intelligence as precursors of a set of algorithms that are expected to be more prominent in the future. These algorithms promise to increase hybrid system’s resilience across a wide range of human errors and biases thanks to greater human-machine understanding. This work ends with a short overview for future research in this field.
The Needed Features of Connected and Automated Vehicles to Prevent Passenger Car Crashes Caused by Driving Errors
Authors: Utriainen Roni , Pöllänen Markus
Published: September 2021

Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) can enhance traffic safety considerably. However, as CAVs are currently under development, the safety impact cannot be assessed directly. In this study, driver-managed passenger car crashes with fatalities in Finland were investigated qualitatively to evaluate the needed features of the CAVs to avoid these crashes. The focus was on single-car crashes and collisions between passenger cars, in which the immediate risk factor was a driving error (n = 48). Most of the analysed crashes (33 of 48) were due to loss of control with typically adverse weather or road conditions. To avoid these crashes, a CAV should be able to adjust its speed according to the conditions. In 13 of 48 crashes, the car was under control prior to the crash. A reliable capability to recognize other road users is an important CAV feature, because observational errors were common in these cases. In addition, communication between the vehicles could assist in avoiding intersection crashes and crashes caused by a sudden change in weather conditions. This study increases knowledge on crashes related to driving errors and the needed features of CAVs to avoid these crashes. In particular, CAVs’ feature to adjust the speed is important, because cases of loss of control in adverse weather or road conditions were typical events.
A Recurrent De Novo Terminal Duplication of 14q32 in Korean Siblings Associated with Developmental Delay and Intellectual Disability, Growth Retardation, Facial Dysmorphism, and Cerebral Infarction: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Han Ji Yoon , Park Joonhong
Published: September 2021

The terminal 14q32 duplication has been reported often in association with other cytogenetic abnormalities, and individuals with this specific duplication showed varying degrees of developmental delay/intellectual disability (DD/ID) and growth retardation (GR), and distinct facial dysmorphisms. Herein, based on the limited cases of terminal duplication of 14q32 known to date, we present new affected siblings presenting with DD/ID, GR, and facial dysmorphism, as well as cerebral infarction caused by recurrent de novo der(14)t(14;14)(p11.2;q32.1) leading to terminal duplication of 14q32. We used coverage analysis generated via duo exome sequencing, performed chromosomal microarray (CMA) as a confirmatory test, and compared our findings with those reported previously. Coverage analysis generated via duo exome sequencing revealed a 17.2 Mb heterozygous duplication at chromosome 14q32.11-q32.33 with a Z ratio ranging between 0.5 and 1 in the proband and her elder brother. As a complementary method, CMA established a terminal duplication described as the arr[hg19]14q32.11q32.33(90,043,558_107,258,824)x3 in the proband and her elder brother; however, the parents and other siblings showed normal karyotyping and no abnormal gain or loss of CMA results. Five candidate genes, BCL11B, CCNK, YY1, DYNC1H1, and PACS2, were associated with the clinical phenotypes in our cases. Although the parents had normal chromosomes, two affected cases carrying terminal duplication of 14q32 can be explained by gonadal mosaicism. Further studies are needed to establish the association between cerebrovascular events and terminal duplication of chromosome 14q32, including investigation into the cytogenetics of patients with precise clinical descriptions.
The Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell CD123+ Compartment in Acute Leukemia with or without RUNX1 Mutation: High Inter-Patient Variability Disclosed by Immunophenotypic Unsupervised Analysis and Clustering
Authors: Porwit Anna , Béné Marie C.
Published: September 2021

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC) constitute a small subset of normal bone marrow (BM) cells but have also been shown to be present, sometimes in large numbers, in several hematological malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia with RUNX1 mutation, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia or, obviously, blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasms. These cells have been reported to display somewhat variable immunophenotypic features in different conditions. However, little is known of their plasticity within individual patients. Using an unsupervised clustering tool (FlowSOM) to re-visit flow cytometry results of seven previously analyzed cases of hematological malignancies (6 acute myeloid leukemia and one chronic myelomonocytic leukemia) with a PDC contingent, we report here on the unexpectedly high variability of PDC subsets. Although five of the studied patients harbored a RUNX1 mutation, no consistent feature of PDCs could be disclosed as associated with this variant. Moreover, the one normal single-node small subset of PDC detected in the merged file of six normal BM could be retrieved in the remission BM samples of three successfully treated patients. This study highlights the capacity of unsupervised flow cytometry analysis to delineate cell subsets not detectable with classical supervised tools.
COVID-19 on the Ground: Managing the Heritage Sites of a Pandemic
Authors: Spennemann Dirk H. R.
Published: September 2021

The standard methodology for the assessment of cultural heritage significance relies on hindsight, with a passage of time elapsed between the creation of the site or object and its assessment. There are, however, cases where heritage significance is instant (e.g., sites associated with the first Moon landing). This paper argues that hindsight will not be required to determine that the COVID-19 pandemic will come to be considered as a significant historic event, as COVID-19 has already manifested itself as a social, cultural and economic disruptor on a global scale with a mortality in the millions. Heritage professionals have the unique opportunity to assess and document places and structures associated with the pandemic, that are poised to be worthy of a heritage listing in the near future, while they are still in use and function as intended. This paper discusses the nature of the sites and structures and explores possible management approaches to safeguard evidence of the pandemic for future generations.
Setup Optimization of Experimental Measures on a Historical Building: The Octagonal Hall of the Diocletian’s Bath
Authors: Santini Silvia , Baggio Carlo , Sabbatini Valerio , Sebastiani Claudio
Published: September 2021

The growing use of highly specialized tools has led to a better knowledge of the mechanical properties of the structures, reducing the destructive tests. The paper is aimed to identify an investigation method capable of directing staff in the planning of non-destructive test. The experimental campaigns must be planned in order to optimize the number and the type of tests to limit invasiveness and impact. The proposed method has been organized in a logical scheme that permits, in five steps, to predict with a good approximation the critical sections for an optimal setup of testing instruments. This method has been applied to the Octagonal Hall in Diocletian’s Bath, to establish a better location for the dynamic endoscopy and tomographic tests. A geometrical model was built using the plans, elevations, sections provided by the National Roman Museum and the point cloud made through a drone. With HBIM (Heritage Building Information Modeling) it was possible to synthesize the information obtained from the geometric and material survey and then to convey it to a finite element model built on Midas Fea NX. Then, structural analyses, both linear and nonlinear, have been carried out for the optimal test setup.
Assessing Biodegradable Mulch Duration and Nutsedge Suppression during Late Summer Cucumber Production in Mississippi and Louisiana
Authors: Fontenot Kathryn , Kirk-Ballard Heather , Coker Christine Elizabeth Harris , Strahan Ronald , Bacas Isabel , Ely Robert Michael
Published: September 2021

Environmental concerns as well as labor costs associated with the use of polyethylene plastic mulch have turned producers’ focus to alternative mulch treatments. A preliminary study was conducted to evaluate nutsedge control, mulch degradation, and cucumber yields on biodegradable mulches at two locations (Louisiana and Mississippi). Mulch treatments included two paper-based mulch products, two biodegradable plastic mulches, the industry standard non-biodegradable black plastic mulch, and an unmulched control. The heavy weight paper-based mulch and light weight paper mulches in the Louisiana location were reduced to 50% or less coverage at the end of the study. Similarly, the paper-based mulches both degraded below 40% at the conclusion of the study at the Mississippi location. The heavy weight paper mulch was able to hold back nutsedge (p ≤ 0.05) at similar rates as the two biodegradable plastic mulches and industry standard plastic mulch, while the light weight paper mulch and unmulched plots were ineffective at reducing emerged sedges. There were no statistical differences in nutsedge control (averaging < 14 emerged plants per 1.5 m subplots) between all mulch materials at the conclusion of the study in the Mississippi location. Combining both states yield data, the heavyweight mulch (8.7 fruit, 5.3 lb) performed comparably to the industry standard plastic mulch (5.8 fruit, 3.5 lb) in terms of both average fruit number and average weights harvested off 9.1 m rows at each harvest date.
Healthcare Staff Perceptions Following Inoculation with the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine at University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust
Authors: Robbins Tim , Kyrou Ioannis , Clark Cain , Sharma Kavi , Laird Steven , Berry Lisa , Morgan Nina , Patel Kiran , Sankar Sailesh , Randeva Harpal
Published: September 2021

Background: COVID-19 vaccination programmes offer hope for a potential end to the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. We present perceptions following from a cohort of healthcare staff at the UK NHS hospital, which first initiated the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 (“Pfizer”) vaccination program. Methods: A paper-based survey regarding perceptions on the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine was distributed to all healthcare workers at the University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust following receipt of the first vaccine dose. Results: 535 healthcare workers completed the survey, with a 40.9% response rate. Staff felt privileged to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Staff reported that they had minimised contact with patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. Reported changes to activity following vaccination both at work and outside work were guarded. Statistically significant differences were noted between information sources used by staff groups and between groups of different ethnic backgrounds to inform decisions to receive vaccination. Conclusions: NHS staff felt privileged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and felt that their actions would promote uptake in the wider population. Concerns regarding risks and side effects existed, but were minimal. This research can be used to help inform strategies driving wider vaccine uptake amongst healthcare staff and the public.
The Influence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection on ORAL Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus
Authors: Rotaru Doina Iulia , Chisnoiu Radu Marcel , Kui Andreea Iuliana , Bolboacă Sorana D. , Chisnoiu Andrea Maria
Published: September 2021

Background: oral lichen planus (OLP) is a mucocutaneous disease that affects about 4% of the global population. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) was linked to lichen planus. The current study aimed to assess the impact of OLP associated or not with HCV infection on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Methods: The study included patients diagnosed with OLP who filled in the Romanian version of OHIP-14 questionnaire at their first appointment and 6 months later, after the OLP treatment. A control group of OLP-free subjects similar as age and sex was also included in the study. Results: 68 patients with OLP and 46 controls were included in the study. The OHIP scores are significantly higher on OLP group than controls (p-value < 0.0001) and significantly reduced at 6-month follow-up (p-values: < 0.0001 pre- vs. post-treatment in OLP group). Patients with and without HCV associated with OLP demonstrated a similar oral quality of life (p-values > 0.05). Conclusions: the OHRQoL for patients suffering from OLP is compromised but is improved after treatment. The HCV associated with OLP did not influence the overall OHRQoL, but the patients who associate HCV reported more frequently aching in the mouth and discomfort eating food at six-month follow-up.
Using Total Worker Health® Implementation Guidelines to Design an Organizational Intervention for Low-Wage Food Service Workers: The Workplace Organizational Health Study
Authors: Nagler Eve M. , Stelson Elisabeth A. , Karapanos Melissa , Burke Lisa , Wallace Lorraine M. , Peters Susan E. , Nielsen Karina , Sorensen Glorian
Published: September 2021

Total Worker Health® (TWH) interventions that utilize integrated approaches to advance worker safety, health, and well-being can be challenging to design and implement in practice. This may be especially true for the food service industry, characterized by high levels of injury and turnover. This paper illustrates how we used TWH Implementation Guidelines to develop and implement an organizational intervention to improve pain, injury, and well-being among low-wage food service workers. We used the Guidelines to develop the intervention in two main ways: first, we used the six key characteristics of an integrated approach (leadership commitment; participation; positive working conditions; collaborative strategies; adherence; data-driven change) to create the foundation of the intervention; second, we used the four stages to guide integrated intervention planning. For each stage (engaging collaborators; planning; implementing; evaluating for improvement), the Guidelines provided a flexible and iterative process to plan the intervention to improve safety and ergonomics, work intensity, and job enrichment. This paper provides a real-world example of how the Guidelines can be used to develop a complex TWH intervention for food service workers that is responsive to organizational context and addresses targeted working conditions. Application of the Guidelines is likely transferable to other industries.