bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptual evaluation of approaches for binaural reproduction of non-spherical microphone array signals
Authors: Lübeck Tim , Amengual Garí Sebastià V. , Calamia Paul , Alon David Lou , Crukley Jeffery , Ben-Hur Zamir
Published: August 2022

Microphone arrays consisting of sensors mounted on the surface of a rigid, spherical scatterer are popular tools for the capture and binaural reproduction of spatial sound scenes. However, microphone arrays with a perfectly spherical body and uniformly distributed microphones are often impractical for the consumer sector, in which microphone arrays are generally mounted on mobile and wearable devices of arbitrary geometries. Therefore, the binaural reproduction of sound fields captured with arbitrarily shaped microphone arrays has become an important field of research. In this work, we present a comparison of methods for the binaural reproduction of sound fields captured with non-spherical microphone arrays. First, we evaluated equatorial microphone arrays (EMAs), where the microphones are distributed on an equatorial contour of a rigid, spherical 1. Second, we evaluated a microphone array with six microphones mounted on a pair of glasses. Using these two arrays, we conducted two listening experiments comparing four rendering methods based on acoustic scenes captured in different rooms2. The evaluation includes a microphone-based stereo approach (sAB stereo), a beamforming-based stereo approach (sXY stereo), beamforming-based binaural reproduction (BFBR), and BFBR with binaural signal matching (BSM). Additionally, the perceptual evaluation included binaural Ambisonics renderings, which were based on measurements with spherical microphone arrays. In the EMA experiment we included a fourth-order Ambisonics rendering, while in the glasses array experiment we included a second-order Ambisonics rendering. In both listening experiments in which participants compared all approaches with a dummy head recording we applied non-head-tracked binaural synthesis, with sound sources only in the horizontal plane. The perceived differences were rated separately for the attributes timbre and spaciousness. Results suggest that most approaches perform similarly to the Ambisonics rendering. Overall, BSM, and microphone-based stereo were rated the best for EMAs, and BFBR and microphone-based stereo for the glasses array.
Climate change impacts on socio-hydrological spaces of the Brahmaputra floodplain in Assam, Northeast India: A review
Authors: Borah Leena , Kalita Bedabati , Boro Priyanka , Kulnu Amenuo Susan , Hazarika Nabajit
Published: August 2022

Intensification of the water cycle mediated by global warming increases the risk of hydrological disasters by modifying precipitation patterns across the globe which leads to adverse socio-economic impacts, especially in developing countries. Socio-hydrological spaces in the vicinity of major river systems are prone to the devastating effects of hydrological disasters yet attract human settlements due to the availability of fertile lands that support agriculture. The Brahmaputra floodplain (BFP) of Assam in Northeast India (NEI) is one such region that supports a high population in spite of being ravaged by annual floods and occasional droughts. The current study attempts to critically review the climate change impacts on socio-hydrological spaces of the BFP exploring climate change-hazard-lives and livelihood linkages of floodplain dwellers. This work utilizes peer reviewed articles along with reports of government and international/national organizations to critically appraise the following-(i) existing climate and fluvial hazard scenario in the BFP, (ii) impacts of climate change on the fluvial hazard and agriculture in the BFP, and (iii) the adaptation and mitigation measures that exist in the BFP. Shifts in the long-term trends of temperature and rainfall have occurred over this region leading to speculations on future scenarios of hydrological hazards and their impacts. Studies project an alteration in the hydrology and flow regime of the Brahmaputra River under climate warming scenarios which will influence the hazard characteristics with implications for agriculture and food security. Integrating disaster risk reduction with agricultural management can provide better climate resilience to the farming communities in the BFP.
How to feed the cities? Co-creating inclusive, healthy and sustainable city region food systems
Authors: Säumel Ina , Reddy Suhana , Wachtel Thomas , Schlecht Martin , Ramos-Jiliberto Rodrigo
Published: August 2022

People drive transitions. Current urban living conditions, specifically food systems, challenge the health, wellbeing and coherence of individuals and whole societies, and for effective change toward resilient communities, people need to reinvent the way they produce, distribute and consume food. Consequently, in their communities' people are creating foodscapes and governing the transition toward sustainable local food systems. Here, we introduce a conceptual framework to develop this transformation through empowering the urban multi-stakeholder society as the agent of this process. To do so, we reviewed scientific evidence and experiences from seven selected City Regions (Albacete, Baku, Dresden, Izmir, Ljubljana, Megara, and Valparaiso) as case studies and conducted a SWOT analysis to explore the capacity of food systems to enhance multi-functionality of urban landscapes, with special focus on social cohesion and quality of life. We grasp existing policies; hone them and leverage policies and strategies toward human-centered actions for future proofing food systems.
Breeding of virus-resistant transgenic sugarcane by the integration of the Pac1 gene
Authors: Wang Wenzhi , Wang Jungang , Feng Xiaoyan , Shen Llinbo , Feng Cuilian , Zhao Tingting , Xiao Hong , Li Shifang , Zhang Shuzhen
Published: August 2022

Various RNA viral diseases on sugarcane result in yield loss and decreased sugar content. Breeding new varieties with virus resistance is the main goal of the sugarcane breeding program. Both single-stranded and double-stranded RNA viruses generated a double-stranded RNA replicative form (RF) during the replication cycle progress. While double-stranded RNA-specific ribonuclease (PAC1) encoded by the Pac1 gene (from Schizosaccharomyces pombe) can recognize and degrade double-stranded RNA specifically without any sequence, the expression of PAC1 in transgenic sugarcane may successfully develop virus-resistant sugarcane. In this research, we first expressed the PAC1 in prokaryotic cells. Then, double-stranded RNA RF of sugarcane's streak mosaic virus (SCSMV) was artificially synthesized. The degradation activity of the PAC1 was successfully tested by mixing the PAC1 protein and the double-stranded RNA RF. After that, the Pac1 gene was ligated to a plant expression vector and was then introduced into a virus-sensitive sugarcane cultivar by using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation method. Transgenic plants were challenged by inoculating with SCSMV. Results showed that although all the transgenic lines were infected by SCSMV, the mosaic symptoms that appeared on the leaves were significantly milder than that of the wild type. All transgenic shoots showed significantly lower viral loads and attained greater heights than wild-type shoots. This research provided a new pathway for breeding new varieties of sugarcane with virus resistance.
Could microalgae offer promising options for climate action via their agri-food applications?
Authors: Siedenburg Jules
Published: August 2022

In 2021 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued the first volume of its latest authoritative report on climate change. Underlining the seriousness of the situation, the United Nations Secretary-General branded its findings a “code red for humanity.” The need for climate action is now evident, but finding viable pathways forward can be elusive. Microalgae have been attracting attention as a category of “future food,” with species like Arthrospira platensis (spirulina) and Chlorella vulgaris (chlorella) seeing growing uptake by consumers while research interest continues to expand. One timely but neglected question is whether microalgae might offer options for promising climate actions via their agri-food applications. Specifically, might they offer scope to help secure food supplies, while also providing climate resilient livelihood pathways for vulnerable farmers already grappling with food insecurity and environmental degradation? This paper reports on a review of the academic literature on microalgae as an agri-food technology, notably their uses as a food, feed, biofertilizer, biostimulant, and biochar. This family of applications was found to offer promising climate actions vis-à-vis both mitigating and adapting to climate change. Aspects pertinent to adaptation include growing rapidly under controlled conditions, reusing water, providing potent nutrition for humans and animals, and supporting resilient crop production. Agri-food applications of microalgae also provide opportunities to mitigate climate change that could be explored. The paper concludes by flagging possible risks and obstacles as well as research and policy priorities to elaborate and harness this potential.
Risk factors for hidden blood loss in unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar spine surgery
Authors: Guo Sijia , Tan Haining , Meng Hai , Li Xiang , Su Nan , Yu Linjia , Lin Jisheng , An Ning , Yang Yong , Fei Qi
Published: August 2022

Background

Unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) spine surgery is a minimally invasive procedure for treating lumbar disorders. Hidden blood loss (HBL) is easily ignored by surgeons because blood loss is less visible. However, there are limited studies on HBL in UBE spine surgery. This study aimed to evaluate HBL and its possible risk factors in patients undergoing UBE spine surgery.

Methods

Patients with lumbar disc herniation or lumbar spinal stenosis who underwent unilateral biportal endoscopic surgery between December 2020 and February 2022 at our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Patient demographics, blood loss-related parameters, and surgical and radiological information were also collected. Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to determine the association between clinical characteristics and HBL. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors for HBL.

Results

Fifty-two patients (17 males and 35 females) were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The mean total blood loss (TBL) volume was 434 ± 212 ml, and the mean HBL volume was 361 ± 217 ml, accounting for 77.9% of the TBL in patients who underwent UBE surgery. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that HBL was positively associated with operation time (P = 0.040) and paraspinal muscle thickness at the target level (P = 0.033).

Conclusions

The amount of HBL in patients undergoing UBE surgery should not be neglected. Operation time and paraspinal muscle thickness at the target level may be independent risk factors for HBL.
Techniques and Paradigms in Modern Game AI Systems
Authors: Lu Yunlong , Li Wenxin
Published: August 2022

Games have long been benchmarks and test-beds for AI algorithms. With the development of AI techniques and the boost of computational power, modern game AI systems have achieved superhuman performance in many games played by humans. These games have various features and present different challenges to AI research, so the algorithms used in each of these AI systems vary. This survey aims to give a systematic review of the techniques and paradigms used in modern game AI systems. By decomposing each of the recent milestones into basic components and comparing them based on the features of games, we summarize the common paradigms to build game AI systems and their scope and limitations. We claim that deep reinforcement learning is the most general methodology to become a mainstream method for games with higher complexity. We hope this survey can both provide a review of game AI algorithms and bring inspiration to the game AI community for future directions.
Success Factors of Startups in Research Literature within the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Authors: Sevilla-Bernardo Javier , Sanchez-Robles Blanca , Herrador-Alcaide Teresa C.
Published: August 2022

What are the most important factors for the success of a startup? This study aims to shed light on this issue through the statistical analysis of a bibliographical sample of 60 recent articles. Through a detailed study of the selected literature, but from the perspective of business experience, we have identified the comparative relevance of those factors that recent research has highlighted as the main drivers of start-up success. Our analysis allows us to define a core of seven practical business success factors supported by the academic literature (Core-7 SF). This core makes it possible to identify the intersection between success in business practice and academic research. Our Core-7 SF shows that the most important variable to predict the success of a start-up is the Idea, followed by the CEO’s Leadership, the Business Model, the Marketing approach, and the Entrepreneurial Team. In addition, we found some differences between the geographic areas of affiliation of the authors, suggesting that cultural characteristics influence the weight given to the various reasons for success.
A Fine-Grained Network Congestion Detection Based on Flow Watermarking
Authors: Mo Lusha , Lv Gaofeng , Wang Baosheng
Published: August 2022

With the rapid development of the network, how to effectively reduce the dynamic delay and improve the performance of the network is an important and challenging problem. Specifically, network congestion is one of the key factors that hurt the network performance, so real-time detection of the network congestion is critical for recovering the network failure quickly. Current research in congestion detection mainly faces the problems of occupying extra bandwidth, decreasing the ratio of the effective payload of the packet, increasing the burden of the switches, etc. In this paper, we apply flow watermarking to network congestion detection and propose a fine-grained network congestion detection method based on flow watermarking. We also combine it with the eBPF (extended Berkeley Packet Filter) to improve the performance of congestion detection. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the changes in network status can be reflected in real-time and accurately in the watermark decoding information. The network congestion detection based on flow watermarking can detect network status on a small time scale and realize low-overhead and easily deployed congestion detection.
Security in Wireless Body Sensor Network: A Multivocal Literature Study
Authors: Sama Najm Us , Zen Kartinah , Humayun Mamoona , Jhanjhi Noor Zaman , Rahman Atiq Ur
Published: August 2022

The wireless body sensor network (WBSN) is a wireless communication that might enable 24/7 patient monitoring and health findings through the online platform. Although BSN design is becoming simpler, building a secure BSN seems to be more challenging than designing conventional solutions, and the recent study provides little guidance to designers and developers. The proposed study summarizes the multivocal literature study of security mechanisms for BSN. The investigation found 10,871 academic publications and 697 grey content; duplicates were removed, and selection criteria were employed, resulting in 73 academic papers and 30 grey publications. Various conventional security techniques, scope, and security contexts were used to classify the stated security solutions within each publication. It was crucial to inquire about the frequency of publications, research methods, security mechanisms, and contexts to answer the proposed questions. Our survey concludes that security methods and assessments are categorized into 15 categories, with the most frequently referenced being authentication and authorization; the majority of strategies concentrate on preventing and mitigating security breaches, with a limited number of works focusing on detection and recovery; and the techniques used to conduct the survey vary between the two types of publications. This evaluation might be the first step toward making the BSN platform more consistent by giving professionals and researchers a complete set of security strategies and methods. Experts will apply these solutions to fix security issues while establishing a trustworthy BSN after they have been identified through the process of discovering the most commonly utilized security solutions.
How Effective Is a Late-Onset Antihypertensive Treatment? Studies with Captopril as Monotherapy and in Combination with Nifedipine in Old Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Hawlitschek Christina , Brendel Julia , Gabriel Philipp , Schierle Katrin , Salameh Aida , Zimmer Heinz-Gerd , Rassler Beate
Published: August 2022

Background: A major problem in the treatment of human hypertension is the late diagnosis of hypertension and, hence, the delayed start of treatment. Very often, hypertension has existed for a long time and cardiac damage has already developed. Therefore, we tested whether late-onset antihypertensive treatment is effective in lowering blood pressure (BP) and in reducing or even preventing left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis. Methods: Twenty-one male 60-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were included. Fourteen rats received oral treatment with captopril (CAP) either as monotherapy or combined with nifedipine (CAP + NIF) over 22 weeks. Seven untreated SHR served as controls. We examined the therapeutic effects on BP, heart weight and histological and biochemical markers of left ventricular remodeling and fibrosis. Results: At 82 weeks of age, BP was reduced in the CAP and CAP + NIF groups by 44 and 51 mmHg, respectively (p < 0.001), but not in untreated controls. Despite the late therapy start, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis were attenuated compared to controls. Both treatments reduced heart weight by 1.2 mg/g (25%, p = 0.001) and collagens I and III by 66% and 60%, respectively (p < 0.001), thus proving nearly equivalent cardioprotective efficacy. Conclusion: These data clearly emphasize the benefit of antihypertensive treatment in reducing BP and mitigating the development of cardiac damage even when treatment is started late in life.
An Optical Fiber Sensor for Uranium Detection in Water
Authors: Alberti Giancarla , Pesavento Maria , De Maria Letizia , Cennamo Nunzio , Zeni Luigi , Merli Daniele
Published: August 2022

An optical sensor for uranyl has been prepared based on a gold-plated D-shaped plastic optical fiber (POF) combined with a receptor consisting of a bifunctional synthetic molecule, 11-mercaptoundecylphosphonic acid (MUPA), with a phosphonic group for complexing the considered ion, and a sulfide moiety through which the molecule is fixed at the gold resonant surface as a molecular layer in an easy and reproducible way. The sensor is characterized by evaluating the response in function of the uranyl concentration in aqueous solutions of different compositions and real-life samples, such as tap water and seawater. The mechanism of the uranyl/MUPA interaction was investigated. Two different kinds of interactions of uranyl with the MUPA layer on gold from water are observed: a strong one and a weak one. In the presence of competing metal ions as Ca2+ and Mg2+, only the strong interaction takes place, with a high affinity constant (around 107 M−1), while a somewhat lower constant (i.e., around 106 M−1) is obtained in the presence of Mg2+ which forms stronger complexes with MUPA than Ca2+. Due to the high affinity and the good selectivity of the recognition element MUPA, a detection limit of a few μg L−1 is reached directly in natural water samples without any time-consuming sample pretreatment, making it possible for rapid, in situ controls of uranyl by the proposed sensor.
Effect of Porosity and Surface Chemistry on CO2 and CH4 Adsorption in S-Doped and S-/O-co-Doped Porous Carbons
Authors: Reljic Snezana , Martinez-Escandell Manuel , Silvestre-Albero Joaquin
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the adsorption performance of a petroleum pitch-based activated carbon (PPAC1:3) before and after a post-treatment with H2S. In the first step, a microporous activated carbon (PPAC1:3) with a highly developed porous structure was produced through a chemical activation route with KOH. Afterward, the synthesized activated carbon was thermally treated yielding two different series of functionalized activated carbons: (i) a series of carbons were treated directly with H2S at elevated temperatures (600 °C and 800 °C), and (ii) a series of carbons were generated by combining an oxidation treatment with plasma followed by H2S treatment at elevated temperatures (600 °C and 800 °C). The chemical and structural characteristics of the S-doped and S-/O-co-doped porous carbons were investigated by means of different experimental techniques, such as XRD, RAMAN, FESEM, XPS, TPD, N2, and CO2 adsorption, and finally tested in CO2 and CH4 adsorption at atmospheric and high pressure. The functionalized porous carbons possessed specific surface areas of 2420–2690 m2/g, total pore volume of 1.05–1.18 cm3/g, and sulfur content up to 2.55 atom % (the sulfur content of the original carbon was 0.19%). After a careful analysis of the carbon dioxide and methane uptake at atmospheric (0.1 MPa) and high pressure (4 MPa), adsorption results confirm that the microporous structure is the main structural parameter defining the adsorption performance and, to a lower extent, the surface chemistry. Overall, a significant improvement in the total uptake can be appreciated after the H2S treatment.
Physiological Cell Culture Media Tune Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Drug Sensitivity in Cancer Cell Models
Authors: Torres-Quesada Omar , Doerrier Carolina , Strich Sophie , Gnaiger Erich , Stefan Eduard
Published: August 2022

Two-dimensional cell cultures are established models in research for studying and perturbing cell-type specific functions. However, many limitations apply to the cell growth in a monolayer using standard cell culture media. Although they have been used for decades, their formulations do not mimic the composition of the human cell environment. In this study, we analyzed the impact of a newly formulated human plasma-like media (HPLM) on cell proliferation, mitochondrial bioenergetics, and alterations of drug efficacies using three distinct cancer cell lines. Using high-resolution respirometry, we observed that cells grown in HPLM displayed significantly altered mitochondrial bioenergetic profiles, particularly related to mitochondrial density and mild uncoupling of respiration. Furthermore, in contrast to standard media, the growth of cells in HPLM unveiled mitochondrial dysfunction upon exposure to the FDA-approved kinase inhibitor sunitinib. This seemingly context-dependent side effect of this drug highlights that the selection of the cell culture medium influences the assessment of cancer drug sensitivities. Thus, we suggest to prioritize media with a more physiological composition for analyzing bioenergetic profiles and to take it into account for assigning drug efficacies in the cell culture model of choice.
P-Glycoprotein Activity at Diagnosis Does Not Predict Therapy Outcome and Survival in Canine B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Dékay Valéria , Karai Edina , Füredi András , Szebényi Kornélia , Szakács Gergely , Vajdovich Péter
Published: August 2022

Various mechanisms are known to be involved in the development of multidrug resistance during cancer treatment. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) decreases the intracellular concentrations of cytotoxic drugs by an energy-dependent efflux mechanism. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of P-gp function based on the evaluation of P-gp activity in tumor cells obtained from canine B-cell lymphoma patients at diagnosis. P-gp function of 79 immunophenotyped canine lymphoma samples was determined by flow cytometry using the Calcein assay. Dogs were treated with either the CHOP or the L-CHOP protocol, a subset of relapsed patients received L-asparaginase and lomustine rescue treatments. Among the 79 dogs, the median overall survival time was 417 days, and the median relapse-free period was 301 days. 47 percent of the samples showed high P-gp activity, which was significantly higher in Stage IV cancer patients compared to Stage II + III and V. Whereas staging was associated with major differences in survival times, we found that the intrinsic P-gp activity of tumor cells measured at diagnosis is not predictive for therapy outcome. Further studies are needed to identify the intrinsic and acquired resistant mechanisms that shape therapy response and survival in B-cell canine lymphoma patients.
Vena Cava Thrombus in Patients with Wilms Tumor
Authors: Meier Clemens-Magnus , Furtwängler Rhoikos , von Schweinitz Dietrich , Stein Raimund , Welter Nils , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Kager Leo , Schenk Jens-Peter , Vokuhl Christian , Melchior Patrick , Fuchs Jörg , Graf Norbert
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: Vena cava thrombus (VCT) is rare in Wilms tumor (WT) (4–10%). The aim of this study is to identify factors for an outcome to improve treatment for better survival. (2) Methods: 148/3015 patients with WT (aged < 18 years) and VCT, prospectively enrolled over a period of 32 years (1989–2020) by the German Society for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (SIOP-9/GPOH, SIOP-93-01/GPOH and SIOP-2001/GPOH), are retrospectively analyzed to describe clinical features, response to preoperative chemotherapy (PC) (142 patients) and surgical interventions and to evaluate risk factors for overall survival (OS). (3) Results: 14 VCT regressed completely with PC and another 12 in parts. The thrombus was completely removed in 111 (85.4%), incompletely in 16 (12.3%), and not removed in 3 (2.3%). The type of removal is unknown in four patients. Patients without VCT have a significantly (p < 0.001) better OS (97.8%) than those with VCT (90.1%). OS after complete resection is (89.9%), after incomplete (93.8%) and with no resection (100%). Patients with anaplasia or stage IV without complete remission (CR) after PC had a significantly worse OS compared to the remaining patients with VCT (77.1% vs. 94.4%; p = 0.002). (4) Conclusions: As a result of our study, two risk factors for poor outcomes in WT patients with VCT emerge: diffuse anaplasia and metastatic disease, especially those with non-CR after PC.
Powders Based on Ca2P2O7-CaCO3-H2O System as Model Objects for the Development of Bioceramics
Authors: Peranidze Kristina , Safronova Tatiana V. , Filippov Yaroslav , Kazakova Gilyana , Shatalova Tatiana , Rau Julietta V.
Published: August 2022

Nanoscale powders of hydrated Ca2P2O7, CaCO3, and a product of mixed-anionic composition containing P2O74− and CO32− anions were synthesized from aqueous solutions of Ca(CH3COO)2, pyrophosphoric acid (H4P2O7), and/or (NH4)2CO3. Pyrophosphoric acid was previously obtained on the basis of the ion exchange process from Na4P2O7 solution and H+-cationite resin for further introduction into the reactions as an anionic precursor. The phase composition of powders after the syntheses was represented by bioresorbable phases of X-ray amorphous hydrated Ca2P2O7 phase, calcite and vaterite polymorphs of CaCO3. Based on synthesized powders, simple cylindrical constructions were prepared via mechanical pressing and fired in the temperature range of 600–800 °C. Surface morphology observation showed the presence of bimodal porosity with pore sizes up to 200 nm and 2 μm, which is likely to ensure tight particle packing and roughness of the sample surface required for the differentiation of osteogenic cells. Thus, the prepared ceramic samples can be further examined as model objects for bone tissue repair.
Reproductive Effects of Medicinal Plant (Azadirachta indica) Used as Forage and for Ethnoveterinary Practices: New Insights from Animal Models
Authors: Njoga Ugochinyere J. , Jaja Ishmael F. , Onwuka Osita S. , Ilo Stanley U. , Eke Ifeanyi G. , Abah Kenneth O. , Oguejiofor Chike F. , Ochiogu Izuchukwu S.
Published: August 2022

In some African and Asian countries, Azadirachta indica (AI) has been fed to livestock for decades and traditionally used to treat certain animal and human diseases. Recently, there are suspicions that the plant may possess anti-reproductive properties and concerns that the continued use of AI as forage or for folkloric medicine may detrimentally affect reproduction in the subjects. To address these challenges, this work determined the reproductive and fertility effects of a methanolic seed extract of AI (MSEAI) using adult female albino rats (AFARs) as an experimental model. Sixty-four AFARs were randomly assigned into four groups (A–D) of sixteen rats each. Group A was the control while groups B, C and D were treated daily with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of MSEAI respectively, for 28 consecutive days via oral gavage. Blood samples were collected for hormonal and biochemistry assays. Ovarian samples from the experimental rats were harvested for histopathological studies. Thereafter, the remaining experimental rats were bred, and certain fertility indices determined. The mean serum FSH and LH levels were significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.05) in the 100 and 200 mg/kg groups. The histopathological studies revealed massive follicular degeneration in the 100 and 200 mg/kg treatment groups. The fertility indices indicated that the post-implantation survival index was 100% in the control and 0% in the 200 mg/kg treatment group. No abortion occurred in the control and 50 mg/kg groups, but 25% and 100% of the pregnant does aborted in the 100 and 200 mg/kg treatment groups, respectively. Considering that high doses (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) of MSEAI had significant anti-reproductive and antifertility properties, the use of AI as forage or for ethnoveterinary medicine in breeding females may adversely affect their reproductive potentials. However, the anti-reproductive and antifertility effects could be utilized in rodent depopulation programs in animal agriculture and as a contraceptive to limit the proliferation of stray dogs, known to be reservoirs of the rabies virus in developing countries. Moreover, the MSEAI could be further refined for human use as an effective, cheap, eco-friendly and acceptable alternative to synthetic/modern contraceptives, the use of which is limited in developing nations due to superstitious beliefs and their multiple side effects.
Development of an Improved Method for the Isolation and Culture of Newborn Sheep Primary Hepatocytes
Authors: Chen Bowen , Dou Xiaoning , Zhang Dan , Liu Tiaoguo , Yang Bohui , Lu Zengkui
Published: August 2022

The liver plays a crucial role in metabolism, synthesis, biotransformation, secretion, and excretion. Hepatocytes are the main cells of the liver and can be used as a cell model to study liver function. The classic method of collagenase perfusion to isolate hepatocytes is a two-step technique that is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and has high technical requirements. Therefore, in this study, we compared different methods for isolating and culturing primary hepatocytes. We found that the 0.25% trypsin and 0.1 mg/mL type IV collagenase mixture at a 1:1 ratio showed the most efficient cell digestion, and William’s Medium E complete medium showed the best growth and proliferation. The isolated cells showed the typical irregular polygonal morphology of hepatocytes. Periodic acid–Schiff staining and immunofluorescence confirmed that the isolated cells were positive for glycogen and hepatocyte-specific markers cytokeratin 18, AFP, and albumin. On subculturing, stable cell lines were obtained. Therefore, we optimized the isolation and in vitro culture method to obtain highly pure (>95%) sheep primary hepatocytes from newborn sheep liver tissue.
MultimodalGasData: Multimodal Dataset for Gas Detection and Classification
Authors: Narkhede Parag , Walambe Rahee , Chandel Pulkit , Mandaokar Shruti , Kotecha Ketan
Published: August 2022

The detection of gas leakages is a crucial aspect to be considered in the chemical industries, coal mines, home applications, etc. Early detection and identification of the type of gas is required to avoid damage to human lives and the environment. The MultimodalGasData presented in this paper is a novel collection of simultaneous data samples taken using seven different gas-detecting sensors and a thermal imaging camera. The low-cost sensors are generally less sensitive and less reliable; hence, they are unable to detect the gases from a longer distance. A thermal camera that can sense the temperature changes is also used while collecting the present multimodal dataset to overcome the drawback of using only the sensors for detecting gases. This multimodal dataset has a total of 6400 samples, including 1600 samples per class for smoke, perfume, a mixture of smoke and perfume, and a neutral environment. The dataset is helpful for the researchers and system developers to develop and train the state-of-the-art artificial intelligence models and systems.
Data Warehousing Process Modeling from Classical Approaches to New Trends: Main Features and Comparisons
Authors: Dhaouadi Asma , Bousselmi Khadija , Gammoudi Mohamed Mohsen , Monnet Sébastien , Hammoudi Slimane
Published: August 2022

The extract, transform, and load (ETL) process is at the core of data warehousing architectures. As such, the success of data warehouse (DW) projects is essentially based on the proper modeling of the ETL process. As there is no standard model for the representation and design of this process, several researchers have made efforts to propose modeling methods based on different formalisms, such as unified modeling language (UML), ontology, model-driven architecture (MDA), model-driven development (MDD), and graphical flow, which includes business process model notation (BPMN), colored Petri nets (CPN), Yet Another Workflow Language (YAWL), CommonCube, entity modeling diagram (EMD), and so on. With the emergence of Big Data, despite the multitude of relevant approaches proposed for modeling the ETL process in classical environments, part of the community has been motivated to provide new data warehousing methods that support Big Data specifications. In this paper, we present a summary of relevant works related to the modeling of data warehousing approaches, from classical ETL processes to ELT design approaches. A systematic literature review is conducted and a detailed set of comparison criteria are defined in order to allow the reader to better understand the evolution of these processes. Our study paints a complete picture of ETL modeling approaches, from their advent to the era of Big Data, while comparing their main characteristics. This study allows for the identification of the main challenges and issues related to the design of Big Data warehousing systems, mainly involving the lack of a generic design model for data collection, storage, processing, querying, and analysis.
Dynamic Parameter Calibration Framework for Opinion Dynamics Models
Authors: Zhu Jiefan , Yao Yiping , Tang Wenjie , Zhang Haoming
Published: August 2022

In the past decade, various opinion dynamics models have been built to depict the evolutionary mechanism of opinions and use them to predict trends in public opinion. However, model-based predictions alone cannot eliminate the deviation caused by unforeseeable external factors, nor can they reduce the impact of the accumulated random error over time. To solve this problem, we propose a dynamic framework that combines a genetic algorithm and a particle filter algorithm to dynamically calibrate the parameters of the opinion dynamics model. First, we design a fitness function in accordance with public opinion and search for a set of model parameters that best match the initial observation. Second, with successive observations, we tracked the state of the opinion dynamic system by the average distribution of particles. We tested the framework by using several typical opinion dynamics models. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can dynamically calibrate the parameters of the opinion dynamics model to predict public opinion more accurately.
A Fast and Efficient Ensemble Transfer Entropy and Applications in Neural Signals
Authors: Zhu Junyao , Chen Mingming , Lu Junfeng , Zhao Kun , Cui Enze , Zhang Zhiheng , Wan Hong
Published: August 2022

The ensemble transfer entropy (TEensemble) refers to the transfer entropy estimated from an ensemble of realizations. Due to its time-resolved analysis, it is adapted to analyze the dynamic interaction between brain regions. However, in the traditional TEensemble, multiple sets of surrogate data should be used to construct the null hypothesis distribution, which dramatically increases the computational complexity. To reduce the computational cost, a fast, efficient TEensemble with a simple statistical test method is proposed here, in which just one set of surrogate data is involved. To validate the improved efficiency, the simulated neural signals are used to compare the characteristics of the novel TEensemble with those of the traditional TEensemble. The results show that the time consumption is reduced by two or three magnitudes in the novel TEensemble. Importantly, the proposed TEensemble could accurately track the dynamic interaction process and detect the strength and the direction of interaction robustly even in the presence of moderate noises. The novel TEensemble reaches its steady state with the increased samples, which is slower than the traditional method. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the novel TEensemble was verified in the actual neural signals. Accordingly, the TEensemble proposed in this work may provide a suitable way to investigate the dynamic interactions between brain regions.
Catalytic Oxidation and Desulfurization of Calcium-Hydroxide Gypsum Wet Flue Gas Using Modified MIL-53(Fe)
Authors: Yao Yong , Li Shizhu , Chen Chuangting , Zheng Dongchen , Wu Zhichao , Yu Chi , Pu Shuying , Liu Fa-Qian
Published: August 2022

MIL-53(Fe) was prepared and modified with benzoic acid to prepare MIL-53(Fe)-BA additive, which was used to improve the catalytic oxidation rate of sulfite, prevent the scaling of the desulfurization tower, and improve the desulfurization efficiency during the wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) process of power plants. MIL-53(Fe)-BA exhibits abundant Lewis acid sites because of the appearance of coordination unsaturated Fe atoms. Due to the excellent sorption capacity, Ca(OH)2 was used as the main SO2 desulfurizer. The composite desulfurizers were prepared by mixing MIL-53(Fe)-based additives and Ca(OH)2, and were characterized by SEM, XRD, and FT-IR. A desulfurization unit was set up at laboratory scale to study the effect of catalytic oxidation additives on sulfite oxidation and desulfurization efficiency. The results showed that the addition of MIL-53(Fe)-BA can increase the oxidation capacity of sulfite by 159%, and greatly improve the desulfurization efficiency. These composite desulfurizers broaden the adaptability of the desulfurizing system to high-sulfur coals, and provide support for improving the desulfurizing efficiency of power plants.
India’s Strategy for Achieving Net Zero
Authors: Singh Nirvikar
Published: August 2022

This paper reviews and assesses India’s energy policy in the context of its commitment to achieve the target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. It emphasizes the central role of green electrification, particularly through the expansion of solar power capacity. It discusses policies outside the energy sector that need to be part of a strategy of achieving this target, including the use of information technology, infrastructure development, and transportation. Furthermore, it examines possible policy options for accelerating the target date to 2050, especially with the use of carbon capture to manage the transition from the current heavy use of coal. The paper also discusses the possible financial and growth implications of various strategy options, arguing that feasible external financing commitments can allow India to achieve net-zero goals without sacrificing economic growth.
Optimization Research on Burner Arrangement of Landfill Leachate Concentrate Incinerator Based on “3T+E” Principle
Authors: Wu Wangsong , Liu Jiajin , Guo Shuya , Zeng Zhukai , Cui Guangyao , Yang Zhongqing
Published: August 2022

At present, the treatment of landfill leachate is an unavoidable challenge facing environmental problems. Incineration is one of the effective methods to treat landfill leachate which meets the 3T+E principle and can avoid the production of dioxin in the process of treatment. Based on the 3T+E principle, this paper studied the influence of burner arrangement on the treatment of landfill leachate through the numerical simulation method. The research showed that the symmetrical arrangement of reverse swirl and same direction flow were more conducive to the combustion of landfill leachate concentrations in the incinerator so that the residence time of the flue gas in the second combustion chamber can also exceed 2 s. When the nozzle arrangement height is 0.9 m–0.8 m, the wall collision rate of concentrated liquid droplets can be reduced, and the burnout rate of landfill leachate was the highest, reaching more than 92%.
Experimental Characterization of Oil/Gas Interface Self-Adjustment in CO2-Assisted Gravity Drainage for Reverse Rhythm Reservoir
Authors: Han Haishui , Chen Xinglong , Ji Zemin , Li Junshi , Lv Weifeng , Zhang Qun , Gao Ming , Kang Hao
Published: August 2022

Worldwide practices have proven that gas-assisted gravity drainage can obviously enhance oil recovery, and this technology can be especially effective for reservoirs with a thick formation and large inclination angle. For the successful implementation of this process, a key technology is the stable control of gas–oil interface during gas injection. For a detailed exploration of this technique, a three-stage permeable visual model was designed and manufactured, with permeability decreasing from top to bottom, thus, a reverse rhythm reservoir was effectively modeled. Then the experiment concerning CO2-assisted gravity drainage was carried out with the adoption of a self-developed micro visual displacement device. This study mainly focused on the micro migration law of gas–oil interface and the development effects of CO2-assisted gravity drainage. According to the experiments, CO2 fingering somewhat happens in the same permeable layer from the beginning of gas injection. However, phenomena of “wait” and “gas–oil interface self-adjustment” occur instead of flowing into the next layer when the injected CO2 reaches the boundary of the next lower permeability layer through the dominant channel. By the “gas–oil interface self-adjustment”, the injected CO2 first enters into the pores of the relative higher permeability layer to the greatest extent, and thus expands the sweep volume. Futhermore, in the process of CO2 injection, obvious gas channeling occurs in the low permeability layer directly connected to the outlet, resulting in low sweep efficiency and poor development effect. After connecting the core with lower permeability at the outlet, the development indexes of the model, such as the producing degree of the low permeability layer, the oil recovery before and after gas breakthrough, are significantly improved, and the recovery degrees of the medium permeability layer and the high permeability layer are also improved, and the overall recovery factor is increased by 12.38%. This “gas–oil interface self-adjustment” phenomenon is explained reasonably from the two scales of macroscopic flow resistance and microscopic capillary force. Finally, the enlightenments of the new phenomenon are expounded on the application of gas-assisted gravity drainage on site and the treatment of producers with gas breakthrough in gas injection development.
A Battery Thermal Management System Coupling High-Stable Phase Change Material Module with Internal Liquid Cooling
Authors: Mo Chongmao , Zhang Guoqing , Yang Xiaoqing , Wu Xihong , Li Xinxi
Published: August 2022

In this work, we develop a hybrid battery thermal management (BTM) system for a 7 × 7 large battery module by coupling an epoxy resin (ER)-enhanced phase change material (PCM) module with internal liquid cooling (LC) tubes. The supporting material of ER greatly enhances the thermal stability and prevents PCM leakage under high-temperature environments. In addition, the other two components of paraffin and expanded graphite contribute a large latent heat of 189 J g−1 and a high thermal conductivity of 2.2 W m−1 K−1 to the PCM module, respectively. The LC tubes can dissipate extra heat under severe operating conditions, demonstrating effective secondary heat dissipation and avoiding heat storage saturation of the module. Consequently, during the charge-discharge tests under a 40 °C ambient temperature, the temperature of the PCM-LC battery module could be maintained below 40.48, 43.56, 45.38 and 47.61 °C with the inlet water temperature of 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C, respectively. During the continuous charge-discharge cycles, the temperature could be maintained below ~48 °C. We believe that this work contributes a guidance for designing PCM-LC-based BTM systems with high stability and reliability towards large-scale battery modules.
A Hybrid Short-Term Load Forecasting Model Based on a Multi-Trait-Driven Methodology and Secondary Decomposition
Authors: Ma Yixiang , Yu Lean , Zhang Guoxing
Published: August 2022

To improve the prediction accuracy of short-term load series, this paper proposes a hybrid model based on a multi-trait-driven methodology and secondary decomposition. In detail, four steps were performed sequentially, i.e., data decomposition, secondary decomposition, individual prediction, and ensemble output, all of which were designed based on a multi-trait-driven methodology. In particular, the multi-period identification method and the judgment basis of secondary decomposition were designed to assist the construction of the hybrid model. In the numerical experiment, the short-term load data with 15 min intervals was collected as the research object. By analyzing the results of multi-step-ahead forecasting and the Diebold–Mariano (DM) test, the proposed hybrid model was proven to outperform all benchmark models, which can be regarded as an effective solution for short-term load forecasting.
Hydrogen Production by Wastewater Alkaline Electro-Oxidation
Authors: Pérez Orosa Laura , Chinarro Eva , Guinea Domingo , García-Alegre María C.
Published: August 2022

The current work presents the electro-oxidation of olive mill and biodiesel wastewaters in an alkaline medium with the aim of hydrogen production and simultaneous reduction in the organic pollution content. The process is performed, at laboratory scale, in an own-design single cavity electrolyzer with graphite electrodes and no membrane. The system and the procedures to generate hydrogen under ambient conditions are described. The gas flow generated is analyzed through gas chromatography. The wastewater balance in the liquid electrolyte shows a reduction in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) pointing to a decrease in the organic content. The experimental results confirm the production of hydrogen with different purity levels and the simultaneous reduction in organic contaminants. This wastewater treatment appears as a feasible process to obtain hydrogen at ambient conditions powered with renewable energy sources, resulting in a more competitive hydrogen cost.