bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Five Years after the Fort McMurray Wildfire: Prevalence and Correlates of Low Resilience
Authors: Adu Medard Kofi , Eboreime Ejemai , Shalaby Reham , Sapara Adegboyega , Agyapong Belinda , Obuobi-Donkor Gloria , Mao Wanying , Owusu Ernest , Oluwasina Folajinmi , Pazderka Hannah , Agyapong Vincent I. O.
Published: March 2022

Background: The Fort McMurray wildfire of 3 May 2016 was one of the most devastating natural disasters in Canadian history. Although resilience plays a crucial role in the daily functioning of individuals by acting as a protective shield that lessens the impact of disasters on their mental well-being, to date little is known about the long-term impact of wildfires on resilience and associated predictors of low resilience. Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence and predictors of resilience among residents of Fort McMurray five years after the wildfires. Method: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study. A self-administered online survey which included standardized rating scales for resilience (BRS), anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)(PCL-C) was used to determine the prevalence of resilience as well as its demographic, clinical, and wildfire-related predictors. The data were collected between 24 April and 2 June 2021 and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 using univariate analysis with a chi-squared test and binary logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 186 residents completed the survey out of 249 who accessed the online survey, producing a response rate of 74.7%. Most of the respondents were females (85.5%, 159), above 40 years of age (81.6%, 80), employed (94.1%, 175), and in a relationship (71%, 132). Two variables—having had PTSD symptoms (OR = 2.85; 95% CI: 1.06–7.63), and age—were significant predictors of low resilience in our study. The prevalence of low resilience in our sample was 37.4%. Conclusions: Our results suggest that age and the presence of PTSD symptoms were the independent significant risk factors associated with low resilience five years after the Fort McMurray wildfire disaster. Further research is needed to enhance understanding of the pathways to resilience post-disaster to identify the robust predictors and provide appropriate interventions to the most vulnerable individuals and communities.
Brigatinib for Pretreated, ALK-Positive, Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancers: Long-Term Follow-Up and Focus on Post-Brigatinib Lorlatinib Efficacy in the Multicenter, Real-World BrigALK2 Study
Authors: Descourt Renaud , Pérol Maurice , Rousseau-Bussac Gaëlle , Planchard David , Mennecier Bertrand , Wislez Marie , Cadranel Jacques , Cortot Alexis Benjamin , Guisier Florian , Galland Loïck , Do Pascal , Schott Roland , Dansin Éric , Arrondeau Jennifer , Auliac Jean-Bernard , Geier Margaux , Chouaïd Christos
Published: March 2022

Brigatinib is a next-generation ALK inhibitor (ALKi) that shows efficacy in ALK inhibitor naïve and post-crizotinib ALK+ advanced NSCLCs (aNSCLCs). The efficacy of brigatinib was retrospectively assessed in patients with aNSCLCs included in the brigatinib French Early-Access Program (1 August 2016–21 January 2019). The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (invPFS) and the primary analysis was updated in 2021 with a longer follow-up, focused on post-brigatinib lorlatinib efficacy. Sixty-six centers included 183 patients: median age 60 ± 12.7 years; 78.3% never/former smokers; median of 3 ± 1 previous lines and 2 ± 0.5 ALKis; 37.1% ECOG PS 2 and 55.6% >3 metastatic sites. The median follow-up from brigatinib initiation was 40.4 months (95% CI 38.4–42.4). InvPFS was 7.4 months (95% CI 5.9–9.6), median duration of treatment (mDOT) was 7.3 months (95% CI 5.8–9.4) and median overall survival (mOS) was 20.3 months (95% CI 15.6–27.6). The median DOT and OS from brigatinib initiation tend to decrease with the number of ALK inhibitors used in previous lines of therapy. Based on the data collected, 92 (50.3%) patients received ≥1 agent(s) post-brigatinib and 68 (73.9%) of them received lorlatinib, with 51 (75%) immediately receiving it post-brigatinib, 12 (17.6%) receiving it after one and 5 (7.4%) after ≥2 subsequent treatments. The median follow-up was 29.9 (95% CI 25.7–33.1) months. Lorlatinib mDOT was 5.3 (95% CI 3.6–7.6) months with a median OS from lorlatinib initiation of 14.1 (95% CI 10.3–19.2) months. The results of the brigALK2 study confirm the efficacy of brigatinib in a population of heavily pretreated ALK+ aNSCLC patients and provide new data on the activity of lorlatinib after brigatinib.
Hydrocracking of Heavy Vacuum Gas Oil with Petroleum Wax
Authors: Pleyer Olga , Kubičková Iva , Vráblík Aleš , Maxa Daniel , Pospíšil Milan , Zbuzek Michal , Schlehöfer Dominik , Straka Petr
Published: March 2022

Petroleum heavy vacuum gas oil (HVGO) containing 10 wt.% of petroleum wax was hydrocracked at 390–430 °C and under the pressure of 18 MPa over a Ni W/amorphous silica-alumina catalyst in a continuous-flow fixed-bed reactor. The hydrocracking of a reference feed (neat HVGO) was carried out under the same reaction conditions. The physico-chemical properties of primary products obtained via laboratory atmospheric-vacuum distillation (heavy naphtha, middle distillates and distillation residue) were evaluated. Most products prepared from the mixed feedstock had a similar or lower density and sulfur content than the products obtained from the hydrocracking of the neat HVGO. The heavy naphtha fractions obtained from mixed feedstock contained slightly more n-alkanes and iso-alkanes and less naphthenes and aromatics. Similarly, middle distillates obtained from the mixed feedstock contained slightly more n-alkanes and less aromatics and had cetane index higher by up to 2 units.
Interleukin-6 at the Host-Tumor Interface: STAT3 in Biomolecular Condensates in Cancer Cells
Authors: Sehgal Pravin B.
Published: March 2022

It was recognized over 30 years ago that the polyfunctional cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) was an almost invariant presence at the host-tumor interface. The IL-6 in the tumor microenvironment was produced either by the cancer cell or by host stromal cells, or by tumor-infiltrating immune cells, or all of them. IL-6 effects in this context included local changes in tumor cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion, enhanced motility, epithelial to mesenchymal transformation (EMT), and changes in cell proliferation rates in both solid tumors as well as hematologic dyscrasias. Locally produced IL-6 enhanced cancer-targeting functions of tumor-infiltrating macrophages and immune cells. Additionally, the sex-biased phenotype of certain cancers [e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) which is 3-5-fold more common in men] was related to the inhibition of macrophage-derived IL-6 production by estradiol-17β (E2). In many circumstances, locally produced IL-6 reached the peripheral circulation and elicited systemic effects such as cachexia and paraneoplastic syndrome (including fever, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, increased levels of C-reactive protein in serum, hypoalbuminemia). This review highlights the EMT produced by IL-6 in cancer cells, as well as mechanisms underlying sex bias in HCC, enhanced IL-6 expression in cancer cells resulting from mutations in p53, consequent alterations in STAT3 transcriptional signaling, and the newer understanding of STAT3 nuclear bodies in the cancer cell as phase-separated biomolecular condensates and membraneless organelles (MLOs). Moreover, the perplexing issue of discrepant measurements of IL-6 in human circulation using different assays, especially in patients undergoing immunotherapy, is discussed. Additionally, the paradoxical chaperone (enhancing) effect of anti-IL-6 “neutralizing” antibodies on IL-6 in vivo and consequent limitations of immunotherapy using anti-IL-6 mAb is considered.
Extracellular Vesicles from Human Cardiac Fibroblasts Modulate Calcium Cycling in Human Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Wang Brian X. , Nicastro Laura , Couch Liam , Kit-Anan Worrapong , Downing Barrett , MacLeod Kenneth T. , Terracciano Cesare M.
Published: March 2022

Cardiac fibroblasts regulate the development of the adult cardiomyocyte phenotype and cardiac remodeling in disease. We investigate the role that cardiac fibroblasts-secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) have in the modulation of cardiomyocyte Ca2+ cycling–a fundamental mechanism in cardiomyocyte function universally altered during disease. EVs collected from cultured human cardiac ventricular fibroblasts were purified by centrifugation, ultrafiltration and size-exclusion chromatography. The presence of EVs and EV markers were identified by dot blot analysis and electron microscopy. Fibroblast-conditioned media contains liposomal particles with a characteristic EV phenotype. EV markers CD9, CD63 and CD81 were highly expressed in chromatography fractions that elute earlier (Fractions 1–15), with most soluble contaminating proteins in the later fractions collected (Fractions 16–30). Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) were treated with fibroblast-secreted EVs and intracellular Ca2+ transients were analyzed. Fibroblast-secreted EVs abbreviate the Ca2+ transient time to peak and time to 50% decay versus serum-free controls. Thus, EVs from human cardiac fibroblasts represent a novel mediator of human fibroblast-cardiomyocyte interaction, increasing the efficiency of hiPSC-CM Ca2+ handling.
Photonics of Viburnum opulus L. Extracts in Microemulsions with Oxygen and Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Tcibulnikova Anna , Zemliakova Evgeniia , Artamonov Dmitry , Slezhkin Vasily , Skrypnik Liubov , Samusev Ilia , Zyubin Andrey , Khankaev Artemy , Bryukhanov Valery , Lyatun Ivan
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the optical properties of viburnum extract flavonoids in the visible region of the spectrum were investigated and their use as a potential photosensitizer of singlet oxygen for photodynamic therapy was evaluated. The presence of long-lived excited states in the extract molecules was established by spectral methods and time-resolved spectroscopy methods and the dependences of the absorption capacity and luminescence intensity of the extract molecules on the concentrations of oxygen and ablative nanoparticles of the gold in the reverse micelles of AOT (sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate) were established. The plasmonic enhancement of the luminescence of the extract molecules and the processes of their complexation with oxygen were also established. Furthermore, the rate constants of the processes of conversion of exciting energy in complexes were determined.
Identifying Forest Degradation and Restoration Opportunities in the Lancang-Mekong Region: A Tool to Determine Criteria and Indicators
Authors: Ferretti-Gallon Kalifi , Langston James Douglas , Wang Guangyu , Huang Kebiao , Long Chao , Zhai Hongbo
Published: March 2022

Forest restoration is increasingly becoming a priority at international and national levels. Identifying forest degradation, however, is challenging because its drivers are underlying and site-specific. Existing frameworks and principles for identifying forest degradation are useful at larger scales, however, a framework that includes iterative input from local knowledge-holders would be useful at smaller scales. Here, we present a new mechanism; a framework for developing criteria and indicators that enables an approach for the identification of forest degradation and opportunities for restoration in landscapes that is free from failures that are often inherent to project cycles. The Degradation and Restoration Assessment Mechanism (DReAM) uses an iterative process that is based on local expertise and established regional knowledge to inform what is forest degradation and how to monitor restoration. We tested the mechanism’s utility at several sites in the Lancang-Mekong Region (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam). The application of this mechanism rendered a suite of appropriate criteria and indicators for use in identifying degraded forests which can help inform detailed guidelines to develop rehabilitation approaches. The mechanism is designed to be utilized by any individual or group that is interested in degradation identification and/or rehabilitation assessment.
A Film of Chitosan Blended with Ginseng Residue Polysaccharides as an Antioxidant Packaging for Prolonging the Shelf Life of Fresh-Cut Melon
Authors: Sun Jing , Li Yuanhang , Cao Xinxin , Yao Fan , Shi Lingling , Liu Yujun
Published: March 2022

Ginseng residue polysaccharides (GRP) at three levels were excellently blended into chitosan to form antioxidant composite films, which exhibited higher density, opacity and moisture, as well as lower water vapor permeability, tensile strength and elongation ratio than those of neat chitosan film. Thermogravimetry evidenced no difference in stability, and SEM and AFM revealed smooth and dense surfaces with no cracks and micropores, whereas structural analyses disclosed slight changes in films’ structures after adding GRP. A chitosan film containing 0.5% GRP (Chitosan + GRP) was then employed for a fruit preservation study. Fresh-cut melon covered with Chitosan + GRP displayed delayed deteriorating compared with other groups. A possible antioxidant mechanism in fruit preservation was then suggested, and PCA and correlation analyses supported these findings. The results demonstrated that our antioxidant chitosan films incorporated with GRP are quite promising for enabling the food industry to produce eco-friendly and sustainable packaging.
A Mini-Review on Preparation of Functional Composite Fibers and Their Based Devices
Authors: Qu Kongyu-Ang , Chen Wenhan , Guo Jian , He Zuoli
Published: March 2022

Composite fibers are composed of two or more different components by functionating, coating or direct spinning, enabling unique characteristics, such as design ability, high strength, and high- and low-temperature resistance. Due to their ability to be directly woven into or stitched onto textiles to prepare flexible electronic devices, stretchable composite fibers have drawn great attention, enabling better wearability and integrality to wearable devices. Fiber or fiber-based electronic film or textiles represent a significant component in wearable technology, providing the possibility for portable and wearable electronics in the future. Herein, we introduce the composite fiber together with its preparation and devices. With the advancement of preparation technology, the as-prepared composite fibers exhibit good performance in various applications closely related to human life. Moreover, a simple discussion will be provided based on recent basic and advanced progress on composite fibers used in various devices.
New Onset Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Evolving Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Jõgi Karl , Sabre Liis , Rosental Merit , Leheste Alo-Rainer , Vilisaar Janek
Published: March 2022

During the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, the immunogenicity of the virus for various autoimmune complications has been observed. To date, a few reports have been published that raise the possibility of new onset myasthenia gravis (MG) associated with COVID-19 infection. We report a case of a 65-year-old male who developed his initial myasthenic presentation with mild dysarthria 14 days after COVID-19 infection symptomatic onset. His bulbar symptoms, diplopia, and ptosis progressed considerably over the next 1.5 months before he was diagnosed with non-thymomatous MG. Serological tests showed a high concentration of anti-acetylcholine receptor and anti-titin antibodies. He responded well to treatment with pyridostigmine and intravenous immunoglobulin. Reasonable latency from COVID-19 infection and gradual evolvement of myasthenic symptoms makes the causative association probable in this case. To our knowledge, this is the first report of anti-titin antibodies in new-onset MG associated with COVID-19 infection. In the article, we analyze the previously reported cases and summarize the information published to date. We discuss the possible immunological mechanisms behind new onset autoimmune disease following a viral infection and the associated features that raise the suspicion for such a possibility. We also hint at structural homologies between SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein and titin epitopes.
Immunotherapy in Squamous Cell Cancer of the Esophagus
Authors: Thuss-Patience Peter , Stein Alexander
Published: March 2022

Treatment of esophageal carcinoma has changed dramatically following several landmark trials, which have proven the benefit of immunotherapy. The selective PD-1 (programmed cell death ligand-1)-inhibitor nivolumab has been shown to improve DFS in the adjuvant therapy setting (CheckMate-577). In the first-line treatment, PD-L1 positive (CPS ≥ 10) squamous cell carcinoma patients (pts) have been shown to have an increased OS following treatment with the PD-1-inhibitor pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy (KEYNOTE-590). Nivolumab also improved overall survival in the first line setting either combined with ipilimumab or with chemotherapy (CheckMate 648) compared to chemotherapy alone. In Asian first-line patients, phase III trials investigating camrelizumab (ESCORT 1), toripalimab (JUPITER 06), or sintilimab (ORIENT 15) in addition to chemotherapy also showed significant survival benefits. In the second-line setting, monotherapy with nivolumab (ATTRACTION-03), pembrolizumab (KEYNOTE-181), camrelizumab (ESCORT), and tislelizumab (RATIONALE 302) demonstrated a benefit in OS in comparison to chemotherapy. Here we will review these trials and integrate them into the current treatment algorithm.
The Potential Distribution and Maternal Lineage of Two Cetaceans Species (Grampus griseus and Pseudorca crassidens) in the Subfamily Globicephalinae from the Thai Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Piboon Promporn , Poommouang Anocha , Buddhachat Kittisak , Kampuansai Jatupol , Chomdej Siriwadee , Kaewmong Patcharaporn , Kittiwattanawong Kongkiat , Nganvongpanit Korakot
Published: March 2022

Although the existence of two cetacean species in and around Thai Seas from within the subfamily Globicephalinae, Risso’s dolphin Grampus griseus G. Cuvier, 1812, and false killer whale Pseudorca crassidens Owen, 1846, has been known for decades, current knowledge on the abundance, genetic diversity, and conservation status of these marine mammals is limited as these are rare oceanic species for Thailand’s territorial waters. Frozen skin tissue samples taken from six cetaceans (four Risso’s dolphins: two false killer whales) stranded along Thai coastlines were investigated. We aimed to identify the maternal lineage and connection of our samples throughout their distribution range. Accordingly, we analyzed the dataset of 110 and 50 mtDNA control region sequences of Risso’s dolphins and false killer whales, respectively. This dataset was retrieved from the online database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and included six mtDNA sequences obtained from Thai Seas. Two unique haplotypes of Risso’s dolphins were found in the Thai Andaman Sea, whereas one haplotype identified as being from the Gulf of Thailand is a common haplotype shared with other regions of the Pacific Ocean. Two haplotypes were found for false killer whales from the Thai Andaman Sea, and these were also in common with other regions of the Indo Pacific Ocean. While shared haplotypes with other regions may imply inheritance from the same female ancestor, we speculate that distinct populations with unique genetic structures also exist in Thai Seas. Beneficially, our results could be used to monitor alterations of haplotypes or to assess the maternal genetic diversity of designated species in the future to establish baseline information for Thai Seas and adjacent waters.
Histopathologic Features of Maculopapular Drug Eruption
Authors: Ernst Madison , Giubellino Alessio
Published: March 2022

Background: Cutaneous adverse drug reaction (CADR) is common in both inpatient and outpatient clinical settings and has been associated with a large variety of medications. Drug reactions represent a significant burden to the healthcare system due to increased hospital stay durations and associated costs. Moreover, some of these reactions may be life-threatening. The most common clinical manifestation of a CADR is a maculopapular drug eruption (MDE). Due to its many clinical mimics and associations with a variety of histopathologic patterns, maculopapular drug eruption is difficult to definitively diagnose from both a clinical and histopathological perspective. Summary: We reviewed the clinical and histopathologic features of 327 cases of MDE from several studies in the literature and summarized characteristic histopathologic findings and their frequencies of occurrence. We found that the most common and suggestive histopathologic features of MDE were epidermal spongiosis, lymphocytic infiltrate, and occasional necrotic keratinocytes; interface change at the DEJ; superficial perivascular and interstitial lymphocytic infiltrate with or without eosinophils and neutrophils in the mid-to-deep dermis and mild papillary dermal edema; and dilation of superficial vessels. The presence of multiple histopathologic patterns within the same tissue specimen is also suggestive of MDE. This review and analysis suggest that a biopsy may improve the diagnostic accuracy by both establishing common and uncommon features associated with MDE and reviewing features that help to exclude other causes of maculopapular eruption. Key Message: Histopathologic criteria for the diagnosis of MDE, while not entirely specific, may aid in establishing a differential that includes a drug eruption. Thus, a biopsy can be a helpful diagnostic tool when MDE is suspected by demonstrating findings suggestive of MDE or by ruling out clinical mimics. However, biopsy results cannot be used in isolation as clinical-pathologic correlation is paramount in MDE.
Removal of Specular Reflection Using Angle Adjustment of Linear Polarized Filter in Medical Imaging Diagnosis
Authors: Yoon Kicheol , Seol Jaehwang , Kim Kwang Gi
Published: March 2022

The biggest problem in imaging medicine is the occurrence of light reflection in the imaging process for lesion diagnosis. The formation of light reflection obscures the diagnostic field of the lesion and interferes with the correct diagnosis of the observer. The existing method has the inconvenience of performing a diagnosis in a state in which light reflection is suppressed by adjusting the direction angle of the camera. This paper proposes a method for rotating a linear polarization filter to remove light reflection in a diagnostic imaging camera. Vertical polarization and horizontal polarization are controlled through the rotation of the filter, and the polarization is adjusted to horizontal polarization. The rotation angle of the filter for horizontal polarization control will be 90°, and the vertical and horizontal polarization waves induce a 90° difference from each other. In this study, light reflection can be effectively removed during the imaging process, and light reflection removal can secure the field of view of the lesion. The removal of light reflection can help the observer’s accurate diagnosis, and these results are expected to be highly reliable and commercialized for direct application in the field of diagnostic medicine.
Assessing Health-Related Quality of Life of Adult Patients with Intermediate Burns: The Added Value of an Itching and Cognition Item for the EQ-5D: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Dijkshoorn J. Nicolaas , Haagsma Juanita A. , van der Vlies Cornelis H. , Hop M. Jenda , van Baar Margriet E. , Spronk Inge
Published: March 2022

The EQ-5D is increasingly used to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of adult patients with intermediate burns. However, this generic instrument may lack sensitivity, as important problems for burn patients, such as itching and cognition problems are not included in this instrument. This retrospective observational study investigates the value of adding an itching and cognition item to the EQ-5D-3L. Patients completed the EQ-5D-3L, and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), including an itching item and an extra cognition item three months postburn. The potential added value of an itching and cognition item was studied by distribution, informativity, convergent validity, dimension dependency, and explanatory analyses. In total, 120 patients were included of whom 65% reported itching and 23% reported cognition problems. Adding an itching item to the EQ-5D improved the discriminatory power and informativity of the EQ-5D-3L, but barely increased the explanatory power (0.4%) and decreased the convergent validity (r = −0.529 vs. r = −0.612). In contrast, adding a cognition item slightly improved the informativity and discriminatory power. Moreover, convergent validity (r = −0.617 vs. r = −0.612) and explanatory power increased (4.0%). In conclusion, adding an itching item to the EQ-5D-3L provides some additional information, however, the added value is small, whereas adding a cognition item improved the measurement properties of the EQ-5D-3L in our sample and should be considered when assessing HRQL in adult patients with intermediate burns.
The Flipped Classroom and the Development of Competences: A Teaching Innovation Experience in Higher Education
Authors: Sevillano-Monje Verónica , Martín-Gutiérrez Ángela , Hervás-Gómez Carlos
Published: March 2022

Because of the changes in society, the educational scope must implement teaching–learning methodologies that help students to develop the competences that will be necessary in their academic–professional journey. This study presents a teaching innovation experience that is based on the flipped classroom methodology, which was carried out with 136 students (academic year: 2019–2020) in the subject of “Theory and History of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport” of the degree of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences of the University of Seville. The methodology of the study combines qualitative and quantitative approaches (mixed methods) through a pre-experimental design. The results show that there were significant differences in the acquisition of knowledge after the application of the methodology, which had a significant impact on the students’ competence levels. Moreover, the students presented high levels of satisfaction in different areas. This allows for the conclusion that it is important for this methodology to continue in later courses, given its contribution to the competences that are related to the formal aspects and that are linked to research and organisation. Recommendations for practice are presented at the end of this article.
A Parallel Resonant Converter Polynomial Model Implemented in a Digital Signal Controller
Authors: Rwamurangwa Evode , González Juan Díaz , Villegas Saiz Pedro José , Martín-Ramos Juan Antonio , Pernía Alberto Martin
Published: March 2022

Due to their exceptional performance in coping with large variations in output voltage and current, parallel resonant converters (PRC) are commonly used in high-voltage applications. The incorporation of step-up transformer parasitic components as part of a power topology, on the right duty and a suitable switching frequency, determines the high efficiency and wide variety of applications with PRC. Switching losses are reduced in the same topology by tracking and running on the optimum mode for each power and voltage by a set frequency and duty. The PRC’s static model behaviors, under optimum operating circumstances, are illustrated. The equivalent polynomial model is used to quickly compute the switching frequency and duty cycle required to achieve the converter’s desired output voltage and power. The polynomial model is simple and easy to implement in any form of a digital signal controller (DSC). Normalized parameters are used to widen the operational range and generalize the model. This also offers the essential protection against current and voltage spikes. The work in progress depicts the specific procedures involved in developing a polynomial model. The normalized equations provide a graphical description of the static model, from which the graphical representation of the polynomial are derived. Hence, polynomial equations are obtained. This paper describes the PRC static model, how to convert it to a polynomial model, how to validate it with MATLAB-Simulink, how to program F28335 using Simulink, and how to use it in practice.
Efficient Low-Complexity Turbo-Hadamard Code in UAV Anti-Jamming Communications
Authors: Dong Xinhu , He Minjue , Yang Xuanhe , Miao Xiaqing
Published: March 2022

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems undergo a period of rapid development in both civil and military scenarios. A major challenge in the malicious jamming environment is to guarantee the reliability of UAV communications links. Frequency hopping (FH) is one of the most commonly used means of combatting the influence brought about by jamming. In this paper, we integrate low-rate codes into an anti-jamming FH communications system, and propose an efficient and low-complexity turbo-Hadamard code scheme. Tail-biting is applied to design the component convolutional-Hadamard codes, and a corresponding decode algorithm is used for implementation in the UAV hardware platform. Numerical simulation results demonstrate that the anti-jamming performance of this method is improved as compared with conventional concatenated codes. Finally, we compare the complexity and transmission efficiency of the proposed algorithm with the algorithms implemented on the field programmable gate array (FPGA) platform in detail.
Toward Autonomous and Distributed Intersection Management with Emergency Vehicles
Authors: González Cesar Leonardo , Delgado Santiago L. , Alberola Juan M. , Niño Luis Fernando , Julián Vicente
Published: March 2022

Numerous approaches have attempted to develop systems that more appropriately manage street crossings in cities in recent years. Solutions range from intelligent traffic lights to complex, centralized protocols that evaluate the policies that vehicles must comply with at intersections. Such works attempt to provide traffic-control strategies at intersections where the complexity of a dynamic environment, with vehicles crossing in different directions and multiple conflict points, pose a significant challenge for city traffic optimization. Traditionally, a traffic-control system at an intersection gives the green light to one lane while keeping the other lanes on red. But there may be situations in which there are different levels of vehicle priority; for example, emergency vehicles may have priority at intersections. Thus, this work proposes a distributed junction-management protocol that pays special attention to emergency vehicles. The proposed algorithm implements rules based on the distributed intersection management (DIM) protocol; such rules are used by vehicles while negotiating their crossing through the intersection. The proposal also seeks to affect the traffic flow of non-priority vehicles minimally. An evaluation and comparison of the proposed algorithm are presented in the paper.
Measuring of the Energy Expenditure during Balance Training Using Wearable Electronics
Authors: Veselý Tomáš , Janatová Markéta , Smrčka Pavel , Vítězník Martin , Kliment Radim , Hána Karel
Published: March 2022

Homebalance Stability medical device, based on audio-visual feedback and Nintendo Wii Balance Board, is a suitable tool for telerehabilitation of balance issues in patients with brain damage. The main goal was to expand the system by energy expenditure measurements and to verify the usability of the telemetric mobile device FlexiGuard. We used the FlexiGuard system (developed at our institute) and Oxycon (JAEGER® Oxycon Mobile, Germany) to measure the energy expenditure. We performed measurements on eight probands. Each proband underwent six activities for a total length of 90 min. During these activities, we measured energy expenditure using Oxycon and heart rate using the FlexiGuard system, from which we calculated the energy expenditure. By comparing the energy expenditure from measuring the heart rate with the FlexiGuard system with that from the Oxycon reference device, we verified the applicability of the FlexiGuard system for estimation energy expenditure. The average deviation from the reference instrument was under 30%. The conventional method, such as Oxycon, cannot be used during home therapy. Therefore, we upgraded the platform of our telemetry system (FlexiGuard), which can measure the heart rate and calculate the energy expenditure.
Optimisation of Energy Efficiency: Dynamic Voltages in Superconducting Tapes to Energise Superconducting Power/Energy Applications
Authors: Shen Boyang , Zhang Mingshun , Bian Xingming , Chen Xiaoyuan , Fu Lin
Published: March 2022

The evolution from low-temperature superconductors (LTSs) to high-temperature superconductors (HTSs) has created a great amount of opportunities for superconducting applications to be used in real life. Dynamic voltage is a special superconducting phenomenon, and it occurs when the superconductor takes a DC transport current while simultaneously exposed to an AC magnetic field. The dynamic voltage is crucial for some superconducting applications as it is the energy source by which to energise the load, such as flux pumps. This article investigates the missing aspects that previous studies have not deeply exploited: the optimisation of energy efficiency for the dynamic voltage in an HTS tape with different working conditions (e.g., currents and magnetic fields). First, the mechanics of superconducting dynamic voltage were explicated by typical analytical solutions, and the modelling method was validated by reproducing the behaviours of the Bean model and analytical solutions of dynamic voltage. After the feasibility of the modelling was proved, in-depth modelling was performed to optimise the energy efficiency of an HTS tape with different DC transport currents and AC magnetic fields. Owing to the physical limitations of the superconducting tape (e.g., quench), a safe operating region was determined, and a more delicate optimisation was performed to discover the optimal operating conditions of the HTS tape. The novel conceptualisation and optimisation approaches for the superconducting dynamic voltage in this article are beneficial for the future design and optimisation of superconducting energy/power applications under complicated electromagnetic conditions.
Survey on Q-Learning-Based Position-Aware Routing Protocols in Flying Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Alam Muhammad Morshed , Moh Sangman
Published: March 2022

A flying ad hoc network (FANETs), also known as a swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), can be deployed in a wide range of applications including surveillance, monitoring, and emergency communications. UAVs must perform real-time communication among themselves and the base station via an efficient routing protocol. However, designing an efficient multihop routing protocol for FANETs is challenging due to high mobility, dynamic topology, limited energy, and short transmission range. Recently, owing to the advantages of multi-objective optimization, Q-learning (QL)-based position-aware routing protocols have improved the performance of routing in FANETs. In his article, we provide a comprehensive review of existing QL-based position-aware routing protocols for FANETs. We rigorously address dynamic topology, mobility models, and the relationship between QL and routing in FANETs, and extensively review the existing QL-based position-aware routing protocols along with their advantages and limitations. Then, we compare the reviewed protocols qualitatively in terms of operational features, characteristics, and performance metrics. We also discuss important open issues and research challenges with potential research directions.
Appraising the Optimal Power Flow and Generation Capacity in Existing Power Grid Topology with Increase in Energy Demand
Authors: Nnachi Gideon Ude , Hamam Yskandar , Richards Coneth Graham
Published: March 2022

Several socioeconomic factors such as industrialization, population growth, evolution of modern technologies, urbanization and other social activities do heavily influence the increase in energy demand. A thorough understanding of the effects of energy demand to power grid is highly essential for effective planning and operation of a power system network in terms of the available generation and transmission line capacities. This paper presents an optimal power flow (OPF) with the aim to determine the exact nodes through which the network capacities can be increased. The problem is formulated as a Direct Current (DC) OPF model, which is a linearized version of an Alternating Current (AC) OPF model. The DC-OPF model was solved as a single period OPF problem. The model was tested in several case studies using the topology of the IEEE test systems, and the computation speeds of the different cases were compared. The results suggested dual variables of the problem’s constraints as an extra tool for the network designer to see where to increase the network capacities.
Regulated Two-Dimensional Deep Convolutional Neural Network-Based Power Quality Classifier for Microgrid
Authors: Chen Cheng-I , Berutu Sunneng Sandino , Chen Yeong-Chin , Yang Hao-Cheng , Chen Chung-Hsien
Published: March 2022

Due to the penetration of renewable energy and load variation in the microgrid, the diagnosis of power quality disturbances (PQD) is important to the operation stability and safety of the microgrid system. Once the power imbalance is present between the generation and the load demand, the fundamental frequency would deviate from the nominal value. As a result, the performance of the power quality classifier based on the neural network would be deteriorated since the deviation of fundamental frequency is not taken into account. In this paper, the regulated two-dimensional (2D) deep convolutional neural network (CNN)-based approach for PQD classification is proposed. In the data preprocessing stage, the IEC-based synchronizer is introduced to detect the deviation of fundamental frequency. In this way, the 2D grayscale image serving as the input of the deep CNN classifier can be accurately regulated. The obtained 2D image can effectively preserve information and waveform characteristics of the PQD signal. The experiment is implemented with datasets containing 14 different categories of PQD. According to this result, it is revealed that the regulated 2D deep CNN can improve the effectiveness of PQD classification in a real-time manner. Furthermore, the proposed method outperforms the methods in previous studies according to the field verification.
Best Practice Forever? Dynamics behind the Perception of Farm-Fed Anaerobic Digestion Plants in Rural Peripheries
Authors: Martinát Stanislav , Chodkowska-Miszczuk Justyna , Kulla Marián , Navrátil Josef , Klusáček Petr , Dvořák Petr , Novotný Ladislav , Krejčí Tomáš , Pregi Loránt , Trojan Jakub , Frantál Bohumil
Published: March 2022

Anaerobic digestion (AD) plants undoubtedly represent an integral and irreplaceable element in rural energy transition and sustainable waste management. In our study, we focus on an advanced understanding of the dynamics behind the changing perceptions of AD plants in host communities in Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. The surveyed AD plant case studies were selected to represent best-practice examples of AD plant operations in their countries. By means of a comparative survey in three host communities, we seek to learn more about the shift in perceptions of AD plants between their planning and operational phases. We find that, although our cases are considered best-practice examples of AD plant operations, their overall support in their communities dramatically dropped in the operational phase consequent to real-life experience with living in the neighbourhood of an AD plant. Additionally, our findings indicate that respondents who reported the most severe deterioration of AD plant perceptions were, surprisingly, those who had participated in the planning process more than other respondents. The most frequently mentioned type of participation in the planning phase was reported to be visits to the local administration office to inspect an AD plant’s planning documentation. We argue that deteriorating perceptions of best-practice examples of AD plant operations negatively impact the further development and acceptance of the biogas sector in Eastern Europe. The element of acceptance by the locals of AD plant operations urgently requires reflection in the definition of best practices to inspire and upgrade both existing and planned biogas energy projects.
Modeling, Simulation and Development of Grid-Connected Voltage Source Converter with Selective Harmonic Mitigation: HiL and Experimental Validations
Authors: Srita Suparak , Somkun Sakda , Kaewchum Tanakorn , Rakwichian Wattanapong , Zacharias Peter , Kamnarn Uthen , Thongpron Jutturit , Amorndechaphon Damrong , Phattanasak Matheepot
Published: March 2022

This paper elaborates on a development technique for the grid-connected voltage source converter (VSC). We propose a simulation technique in the MATLAB/Simulink environment that emulates the operation of the discrete-time controlled grid-connected VSC. The switched-circuit modeling approach is used for simulation of the power stage in the continuous-time domain with the physical unit scale. The discrete-time control algorithm is implemented in an interpreted MATLAB function in the per-unit scale, which synchronizes with the switching period. Such a control algorithm is easily translated into the C language for programing of the 32-bit C2000 DSP controller with the same regulators’ parameters. The proposed platform was validated with a hardware-in-the-loop real-time simulator and with a 5-kVA 3-phase LCL-filtered grid-connected VSC. The discrete-time control scheme was implemented in the synchronous reference frame control with proportional-integral with multi-resonant controllers at harmonic orders 6th and 12th for suppression of the grid voltage harmonic orders 5th, 7th, 11th, and 13th. The experimental results closely agreed with the simulation results. The experimental grid currents complied with the IEEE 1547 standard thanks to the multi-resonant controllers. The proposed platform provides a smooth transition from implementation to a near-commercial prototype with a low investment cost in simulation and rapid prototyping tools. A MATLAB/Simulink VSC model is provided as an attachment of this paper.
Spatial-Temporal Pattern and Driving Factors of Carbon Efficiency in China: Evidence from Panel Data of Urban Governance
Authors: Tian Juanjuan , Song Xiaoqian , Zhang Jinsuo
Published: March 2022

The improvement in city-level carbon efficiency (CE) is crucial for China to achieve its CO2 emission targets. Based on the panel data from 2003 to 2017, total factor CE values of 283 prefecture-level cities were measured using the super-efficiency SBM model. Through the exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA), we found that the average city-level CE from 2003 to 2017 showed a “W”-type growth trend. Additionally, there are significant spatial heterogeneity and spatial dependency characteristics of city-level CE. The results of local spatial correlation analysis showed that the Low–Low clusters are distributed in all cities of Shanxi and Northern Shaanxi, and gradually expand to Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Ningxia, and Hebei over time, and the High–High clusters are mainly located in the southeast coastal cities and central and eastern Sichuan. High–Low clusters are generally scattered in cities with relatively superior political–economic status in Northeast China, North China, and Northwest China, and gradually concentrated in North China during 2003–2017. Additionally, the dynamic spatial econometric model was employed to investigate the influencing factors of CE, and we found that the city-level CE has the characteristic of path dependence on time. Factors such as industrial structure upgrading and environmental regulation have significant improvement effects on city-level CE, while technological progress, financial development, energy intensity, and government intervention can significantly inhibit city-level CE. Compared with short-term effects, the long-term effects are insignificant with higher absolute values, indicating the long-term persistence and gradual strengthening characteristics of driving factors on city-level CE; however, the acting long-term mechanism has not been formed. Additionally, the regional spillover effect of driving factors on CE is more significant in the short term. Based on the empirical results, some policy implications for cities to improve CE are proposed.
Underground Mine Tunnel Modelling Using Laser Scan Data in Relation to Manual Geometry Measurements
Authors: Janus Jakub , Ostrogórski Piotr
Published: March 2022

Underground mine tunnels, drifts, and mine headings are susceptible to the impact of convergence. The convergence has a big influence on further measurements such as airflow and the volume concentration of methane and other gases. In most cases, deformation of arch supports lead to getting a smaller cross-section area. A comparison is made between five methods of measuring the cross-sectional area of a mine tunnel. The reference size of the six cross-section mine drift areas were obtained by Terrestrial Laser Scanning, which were then compared with the cross-section areas obtained by four other methods. The following methods were considered: area calculation using CAD software, an empirical method, approximation by a semi-ellipse and approximation by a semi-ellipse with attached straight sections. This article presents the quantitative and qualitative differences of the obtained results. Differences in the calculated cross-sectional areas of the mine drift are discussed, and reasons for the differences are determined. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of each method are indicated.
Flux-Weakening Drive for IPMSM Based on Model Predictive Control
Authors: Zhang Yunfei , Qi Rong
Published: March 2022

This paper presents a flux-weakening model predictive control (FW-MPC) for the interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) drive system. The FW control is a strategy to extend the IPMSM’s operating region. However, the primary FW needs to track the torque reference and maximize the electrical torque per current amplitude with the current and voltage limitations. The two objects make it impossible to solve the FW problem using the optimization method. We proposed an equivalent optimization problem to simplify the complex FW problem, including two objective functions. The MPC is selected as the controller due to its high robustness and transient performance. The constraints from the equivalent optimization problem are added in the MPC to control the IPMSM in the FW region. The simulation and experiment results indicate that the proposed FW-MPC is feasible and effective in driving the IPMSM in the FW region. The proposed FW-MPC can find the optimal point with the maximum electrical torque satisfying the current and voltage limitations. Therefore, the proposed FW-MPC can extend the IPMSM’s operating region, benefiting the IPMSM’s application.