bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Light Spectra on Cell Division of the Unicellular Green Alga Haematococcus pluvialis: Insights from Physiological and Lipidomic Analysis
Authors: Zhao Kuo , Li Yanhua , Yan Hailong , Hu Qiang , Han Danxiang
Published: June 2022

Commercial scale production of natural astaxanthin is currently conducted through cultivation of the green alga Haematococcus pluvialis. This study comprehensively investigated the impact of seven different light spectra on the growth, morphology and photosynthesis of H. pluvialis vegetative cells. Further, the lipidomes of vegetative H. pluvialis grown under various light spectra were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The results showed the existence of blue light—alone or with red light—promoted cell division, while pure red light or white light enabled increased cell sizes, cellular pigment, starch and lipid contents, and biomass production. Although the photosynthetic performance of H. pluvialis measured as chlorophyll a fluorescence was not significantly affected by light spectra, the lipid profiles, particularly chloroplast membrane lipids, showed remarkable changes with light spectra. The contents of most lipid species in the blue/red light 1/2 group, which showed the fastest cell division, remained at a moderate level compared with those under other light spectra, indicating the fastest dividing cells were featured by a fine-tuned lipid profile. From biotechnical perspective, this comprehensive study can provide insights into the development of appropriate light regimes to promote the cell density or biomass of H. pluvialis mass culture.
The Global Carbon Footprint and How New Carbon Mineralization Technologies Can Be Used to Reduce CO2 Emissions
Authors: Alturki Abdulaziz
Published: June 2022

Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of our industrial society. It is released into the atmosphere, which has an adverse effect on the environment. Carbon dioxide management is necessary to limit the global average temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius and mitigate the effects of climate change, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. To accomplish this objective realistically, the emissions gap must be closed by 2030. Additionally, 10–20 Gt of CO2 per year must be removed from the atmosphere within the next century, necessitating large-scale carbon management strategies. The present procedures and technologies for CO2 carbonation, including direct and indirect carbonation and certain industrial instances, have been explored in length. This paper highlights novel technologies to capture CO2, convert it to other valuable products, and permanently remove it from the atmosphere. Additionally, the constraints and difficulties associated with carbon mineralization have been discussed. These techniques may permanently remove the CO2 emitted due to industrial society, which has an unfavorable influence on the environment, from the atmosphere. These technologies create solutions for both climate change and economic development.
Enhancing of CO Uptake in Metal-Organic Frameworks by Linker Functionalization: A Multi-Scale Theoretical Study
Authors: Livas Charalampos G. , Tylianakis Emmanuel , Froudakis George E.
Published: June 2022

In the present work, the interaction strength of Carbon Monoxide (CO) with a set of forty-two, strategically selected, functionalized benzenes was calculated. Our ab initio calculations at the MP2/6-311++G** level of theory reveal that phenyl hydrogen sulfate (-OSO3H) showed the highest interaction with CO (−19.5 kJ/mol), which was approximately three times stronger compared with the unfunctionalized benzene (−5.3 kJ/mol). Moreover, the three top-performing functional groups (-OSO3H, -OPO3H2, -SO3H) were selected to modify the organic linker of IRMOF-8 and test their ability to capture CO at 298 K for a wide pressure range. Our Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations showed a significant increase in the CO uptake in the functionalized MOFs compared with the parent IRMOF-8. It is distinctive that for the volumetric uptake, a 60× increase was observed at 1 bar and 2× was observed at 100 bar. The proposed functionalization strategy can be applied for improving the CO uptake performance not only in MOFs but also in various other porous materials.
Carbon Footprint and Total Cost Evaluation of Different Bio-Plastics Waste Treatment Strategies
Authors: Gadaleta Giovanni , De Gisi Sabino , Todaro Francesco , Notarnicola Michele
Published: June 2022

To address the problem of fossil-based pollution, bio-plastics have risen in use in a wide range of applications. The current waste management system still has some weakness for bio-plastics waste (BPW) treatment, and quantitative data is lacking. This study combines environmental and economic assessments in order to indicate the most sustainable and suitable BPW management treatment between organic, plastic and mixed wastes. For the scope, the carbon footprint of each scenario was calculated by life cycle assessment (LCA), while the total cost of the waste management system was used as an economic parameter. The economic evaluation revealed that the organic, plastic and mixed waste treatment routes reached a total cost of 120.35, 112.21 and 109.43 EUR, respectively. The LCA results showed that the incomplete degradation of BPW during anaerobic digestion and composting led to the disposal of the compost produced, creating an environmental burden of 324.64 kgCO2-Eq. for the organic waste treatment route, while the mixed and plastic treatment routes obtained a benefit of −87.16 and −89.17 kgCO2-Eq. respectively. This study showed that, although the current amount of BPW does not affect the treatment process of organic, plastic and mixed wastes, it can strongly affect the quality of the output, compromising its further reuse. Therefore, specific improvement of waste treatment should be pursued, particularly with regard to the anaerobic digestion of organic waste, which remains a promising technology for BPW treatment.
Bioactive Coatings in Dentistry—What Is the Future?
Authors: Sarul Michal , Amm Elie
Published: June 2022

Bioactive coatings are widely used and understood materials in engineering [...]
Dynamic Strain Response of Hot-Recycled Asphalt Pavement under Dual-Axle Accelerated Loading Conditions
Authors: Li Jin , Li Yingyong , Xin Chongsheng , Zuo Haoyu , An Ping , Zuo Shen , Liu Peng
Published: June 2022

Accelerated pavement testing (APT) is an effective method to study the long-term performance of pavement. Therefore, the dynamic strain behavior analysis of asphalt pavement has important guiding significance in the study of pavement failure modes. To explore the dynamic response of a high-content plant-mixed hot-reclaimed asphalt mixture under a dynamic load of vehicles, a full-scale test road was paved, and ALT biaxial accelerated loading test equipment was used to simulate the dynamic loads of vehicles. Based on parameters such as axle load, temperature, speed, and loading times, the development law for the bottom strain of the three pavement structures was analyzed. The test results show that the most unfavorable position of the asphalt pavement load is located just below the centerline of the wheel track on one side, and the damage effect of a single double-axle wheel load is far greater than that of two single-axle wheel loads. Then, the longitudinal tensile strain of the pavement bottom always maintains the alternating state of compression-tension and compression. The longitudinal tensile strain of the pavement bottom is larger than the transverse tensile strain, and transverse fatigue cracks appear first. Under normal temperature conditions, the bottom tensile strains of the three composite pavement structures under different axial loads are close, and the pavement performance of the hot-recycled asphalt pavement of structure A and structure B can meet the specification requirements. The relationship between the bottom strain and axle load is nonlinear and is directly related to the tire ground pressure, and the difference in the tensile and compressive strain values of the bottom of the three composite pavement structures is small. Under high temperature conditions, the bottom layer temperature of structure A and structure B is lower than that of structure C, and the thermal heat transfer efficiency of hot-recycled asphalt pavement is lower than that of ordinary asphalt pavement. Additionally, the longitudinal tensile strain is about 1–1.5 times that of the transverse tensile strain. Based on the Boltzmann function, the accumulative tensile strain prediction model was established to reflect the relationship between the cumulative strain at the bottom and the number of loads.
Metal-Organic Framework Fabricated V2O5 Cathode Material for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Singh Jay , Hong Kichang , Cho Younggwon , Akhtar M. Shaheer , Kang Jungwon , Rai Alok Kumar
Published: June 2022

In this article, oval-shaped V2O5 nanoparticles were hydrothermally synthesized using a metal-organic framework (MOF), which was then followed by calcination under an air atmosphere. The obtained sample was characterized through various characterization techniques to determine the sample purity and the structural and morphological details. Since V2O5 possesses a layered crystal structure, it exhibits promising electrochemical performances as a cathode material for lithium-ion battery applications. However, poor cycling and inferior rate capabilities are the major issues that limit its application. Thus, a strategy to fabricate unique oval-shaped V2O5 nanoparticles was employed here to improve electrochemical performances using an MOF, which acts as a template and provides a skeleton for the growth of a novel nanostructure. It is believed that the oval-shaped morphology is beneficial to achieving better electrochemical results due to the large surface area and the existence of numerous channels for lithiation and de-lithiation. The obtained electrochemical result reveals that the V2O5 electrode can be considered a prominent cathode material for next-generation lithium-ion battery applications.
Contamination of Substrate-Coating Interface Caused by Ion Etching
Authors: Panjan Peter , Drnovšek Aljaž , Čekada Miha , Panjan Matjaž
Published: June 2022

In–situ cleaning of the substrate surface by ion etching is an integral part of all physical vapor deposition (PVD) processes. However, in industrial deposition systems, some side effects occur during the ion etching process that can cause re-contamination. For example, in a magnetron sputtering system with several sputter sources and with a substrate holder located centered between them, the ion etching causes the contamination of the unshielded target surfaces with the batching material. In the initial stage of deposition, this material is redeposited back on the substrate surface. The identification of the contamination layer at the substrate–coating interface is difficult because it contains both substrate and coating elements. To avoid this problem, we prepared a TiAlN double coating in two separate production batches on the same substrate. In such a double-layer TiAlN hard coating, the contamination layer, formed during the ion etching before the second deposition, is readily identifiable, and analysis of its chemical composition is easy. Contamination of the batching material was observed also on seed particles that caused the formation of nodular defects. We explain the origin of these particles and the mechanism of their transfer from the target surface to the substrate surface. By comparison of the same coating surface area after deposition of the first and second TiAlN layers, the changes in coating topography were analyzed. We also found that after the deposition of the second TiAlN coating, the surface roughness slightly decreased, which we explain by the planarization effect.
Special Issue: Advances in Corrosion Resistant Coatings Volume II
Authors: Gan Yong
Published: June 2022

Among the various corrosion prevention methods as described in [...]
Pyrrol-Anthracene: Synthesis, Characterization and Its Application as Active Material in Humidity, Temperature and Light Sensors
Authors: Zeb Muhammad , Tahir Muhammad , Muhammad Fida , Gul Zahid , Wahab Fazal , Sarker Mahidur R. , Saad Mohamad Hanif Md , Alamgeer  , Ali Shabina , Ilyas Syed Zafar , Ali Salman
Published: June 2022

This work reports on the synthesis of small molecular semiconductor 2-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-anthracene-9,10-dione (PAD) via wet chemical precipitation route method for its possible potential applications in sensors. Thin film characterization of the synthesized PAD is carried out by studying its surface morphology, bond dynamics, and optical properties. For studying sensing characteristics of the PAD, its 100 nm thick film is thermally deposited on pre-patterned silver (Ag) electrodes over glass substrate having ~45 µm inter-electrode gaps to prepare Ag/PAD/Ag sensor. The effects of humidity (%RH), temperature (T), and illumination of light (Ev) on the fabricated Ag/PAD/Ag sensor are studied by changing one of the three (%RH, T, and Ev) parameters at a time and measuring the corresponding variations in capacitance (C) and capacitive reactance (X) of the device. As C and X also depend on frequency, sensing properties of the Ag/PAD/Ag sensor are measured at two different frequencies (120 Hz and 1 kHz) to find the optimum sensitivity conditions. To investigate reproducibility and repeatability of Ag/PAD/Ag sensor, each measurement is taken several times and also hysteresis loops of %RH vs. C are plotted at 120 Hz and 1 kHz to find the percent errors in each cycle of measurements. The sensor is active to sense humidity, temperature, and illumination within a broad range, i.e., from 15–93%RH, 293–382 K, and 1500–20,000 lx, respectively. Other key parameters of the sensor i.e., the humidity response time (TRes) and recovery time (TRec), are measured, which are 5 and 7 s, respectively, whereas for light sensing the values of TRes and TRec are measured to be 3.8 and 2.6 s, respectively. The measured values of TRes and TRec for the fabricated Ag/PAD/Ag sensor are shorter and better as compared to those of previously reported for similar kind of small molecular based sensors. The sensing properties of Ag/PAD/Ag device exhibit the potential of PAD for humidity, temperature, and light sensing applications.
Preparation of Core–Shell Structure W/Gd2O3 and Study on the Properties of Radiation Protection Materials
Authors: Xia Yong , Yang Tao , Pan Gangwei , Xu Sijun , Yao Lirong
Published: June 2022

W/Polydopamine (PDA) was prepared by adding W powder into the dopamine (DA) solution and adjusting the pH value of the solution. PDA contains several phenolic hydroxyl and amino groups, which provide abundant active sites for the complexation of metal ions. Therefore, we prepared W/Gd2O3 with core–shell structure by self-assembly method and homogeneous precipitation method, respectively. At the same time, polyurethane (PU) coating fabrics with W and Gd2O3 mixed powder and core–shell W/Gd2O3 powder were prepared, and their X-ray protection performance was tested. Results show that compared with W and Gd2O3 mixed powder PU coating fabrics, the protection efficiency and lead equivalent of core–shell structure W/Gd2O3 powder PU coating fabrics against different energy rays are obviously improved. With the increase in incident energy, the protective efficiency of core–shell structure W/Gd2O3 powder PU coating fabric decreases more slowly than that of W/Gd2O3 mixed powder PU coating fabric. When the incident energy is 65–100 keV, the protective efficiency of the core–shell structure W/Gd2O3 powder PU coating fabric is above 60%, showing a good synergistic protective effect. When the incident energy is 83 keV, the X-ray protection efficiency of core–shell W/Gd2O3 powder PU coating fabric is 65.5%, and the lead equivalent is 0.4051 mmPb.
New Frontiers in Novel Optical Materials and Devices
Authors: Botas Alexandre M. P.
Published: June 2022

Optical materials can be defined as materials that are used to alter and control electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet, visible or infrared spectral regions [...]
The Walls Are Closing In: Postural Responses to a Virtual Reality Claustrophobic Simulation
Authors: Chander Harish , Freeman Hannah R. , Hill Christopher M. , Hudson Christopher R. , Kodithuwakku Arachchige Sachini N. K. , Turner Alana J. , Jones J. Adam , Knight Adam C.
Published: June 2022

Background: Changes in the visual environment and thereby, the spatial orientation, can induce postural instability leading to falls. Virtual reality (VR) has been used to expose individuals to virtual environments (VE) that increase postural threats. Claustrophobia is an anxiety disorder categorized under situational phobias and can induce such postural threats in a VE. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate if VR-generated claustrophobic simulation has any impact on postural threats that might lead to postural instability. Methods: Thirty healthy men and women (age: 20.7 ± 1.2 years; height: 166.5 ± 7.3 cm; mass: 71.7 ± 16.2 kg) were tested for postural stability while standing on a force platform, upon exposure to five different testing trials, including a normal stance (NoVR), in stationary VE (VR), and three consecutive, randomly initiated, unexpected claustrophobia trials (VR CP1, VR CP2, VR CP3). The claustrophobia trials involved all four walls closing in towards the center of the room. Center of pressure (COP)-derived postural sway variables were analyzed with a one-way repeated measures analysis of variance at an alpha level of 0.05. Results: Significant main effect differences existed in all but one dependent COP-derived postural sway variables, at p < 0.05. Post-hoc pairwise comparisons with a Bonferroni correction revealed that, predominantly, postural sway excursions were significantly lower in claustrophobia trials compared to NoVR and VR, but only accomplished with significantly increased sway velocity. Conclusion: The VR CP trials induced lower postural sway magnitude, but with increased velocity, suggesting a bracing and co-contraction strategy when exposed to virtual claustrophobic postural threats. Additionally, postural sway decreased with subsequent claustrophobia trials, suggesting potential motor learning effects. Findings from the study offer insights to postural control behavior under virtual claustrophobic simulations and can aid in VR exposure therapy for claustrophobia.
A 3-miRNA Signature Enables Risk Stratification in Glioblastoma Multiforme Patients with Different Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Bafiti Vivi , Ouzounis Sotiris , Chalikiopoulou Constantina , Grigorakou Eftychia , Grypari Ioanna Maria , Gregoriou Gregory , Theofanopoulos Andreas , Panagiotopoulos Vasilios , Prodromidi Evangelia , Cavouras Dionisis , Zolota Vasiliki , Kardamakis Dimitrios , Katsila Theodora
Published: June 2022

Malignant gliomas constitute a complex disease phenotype that demands optimum decision-making as they are highly heterogeneous. Such inter-individual variability also renders optimum patient stratification extremely difficult. microRNA (hsa-miR-20a, hsa-miR-21, hsa-miR-21) expression levels were determined by RT-qPCR, upon FFPE tissue sample collection of glioblastoma multiforme patients (n = 37). In silico validation was then performed through discriminant analysis. Immunohistochemistry images from biopsy material were utilized by a hybrid deep learning system to further cross validate the distinctive capability of patient risk groups. Our standard-of-care treated patient cohort demonstrates no age- or sex- dependence. The expression values of the 3-miRNA signature between the low- (OS > 12 months) and high-risk (OS < 12 months) groups yield a p-value of <0.0001, enabling risk stratification. Risk stratification is validated by a. our random forest model that efficiently classifies (AUC = 97%) patients into two risk groups (low- vs. high-risk) by learning their 3-miRNA expression values, and b. our deep learning scheme, which recognizes those patterns that differentiate the images in question. Molecular-clinical correlations were drawn to classify low- (OS > 12 months) vs. high-risk (OS < 12 months) glioblastoma multiforme patients. Our 3-microRNA signature (hsa-miR-20a, hsa-miR-21, hsa-miR-10a) may further empower glioblastoma multiforme prognostic evaluation in clinical practice and enrich drug repurposing pipelines.
Assemblages of Meiobenthic and Planktonic Microcrustaceans (Cladocera and Copepoda) from Small Water Bodies of Mountain Subarctic (Putorana Plateau, Middle Siberia)
Authors: Chertoprud Elena S. , Novichkova Anna A. , Novikov Aleksandr A. , Fefilova Elena B. , Vorobjeva Lada V. , Pechenkin Dmitry S. , Glubokov Aleksandr I.
Published: June 2022

The Putorana Plateau (Krasnoyarsk Territory, Russia) is one of the largest mountainous regions of subarctic Eurasia. Studies of aquatic ecosystems of this are far from complete. In particular, microcrustaceans (Cladocera и Copepoda) of the Putorana Plateau are poorly investigated, although they are one of the main components of meiobenthic and zooplanktonic communities and a target for monitoring of the anthropogenic influence and climate change. An open question is a biogeographical status of the crustacean fauna of the plateau. Additionally, it is unknown which environmental factors significantly affect benthic and planktonic crustacean assemblages? Based on the samples collected in tundra and forest tundra ponds in the western and central parts of the plateau, analysis of the composition of crustacean fauna and factors regulating the assemblage structure was performed. In total, 36 Cladocera and 24 Copepoda species were found. Of these, 23 taxa are new for the region, and four are new to science. Species richness of Copepoda is higher in the central part and on the western slopes of the plateau than in foothills, while number of the Cladocera species in contrast decreases in mountainous areas. Variations in meiobenthic assemblages are due to the research area, type of water supply and less affected by altitude above sea level. For planktonic assemblages the size of the water body and, to a lesser degree, by macrophytes species composition was significant. Almost 12.8% of microcrustacean species of the Putorana Plateau can be attributed to glacial relics. Crustacean fauna of the Putorana Plateau has a high species richness and distinguishes significantly from the fauna of both western and eastern regions of the Arctic. The specifics of faunal composition of the region are connected to the climatic features of Middle Siberia and the retaining of the Pleistocene fauna in some glacial refugia.
How Sustainability-Related Information Affects the Evaluation of Designs: A Case Study of a Locally Manufactured Mobile Tiny House
Authors: Nezzi Chiara , Ruiz-Pastor Laura , Altavilla Stefania , Berni Aurora , Borgianni Yuri
Published: June 2022

Sustainability-related information affects people’s choices and evaluation. The literature has made significant efforts to understand the best ways of delivering this kind of information to shape consumer behavior. However, while most studies have focused on packaged products and direct information provided through eco-labels, preferences could be formed differently in other design domains. The paper investigates the effect of the perceived amount of indirect information on the evaluation of an architectural artefact. A sample of 172 participants visited a locally produced mobile tiny house, made with a considerable amount of sustainable materials. The same participants answered a questionnaire about their perceived knowledge, quality, appropriateness and sustainability of the tiny house. The general level of knowledge of the tiny house was used as a proxy of the amount of indirect information received. Although the knowledge of the tiny house was generally low, ratings regarding the other dimensions were overall extremely positive. In particular, no evident relation was found between knowledge of the tiny house and sustainability, while the latter is significantly linked to quality aspects. These outcomes deviate from the evidence from other studies; this might be due to indirect vs. direct information and the peculiarity of the study carried out in the field of buildings. The gathered demographic and background data of the participants make it possible to highlight the role played by gender and age in affecting the evaluations, but the absence of a significant impact of experience in the field, education and origin. The results are compared with findings related to the evaluation of sustainable products and green buildings in particular.
COVLIAS 2.0-cXAI: Cloud-Based Explainable Deep Learning System for COVID-19 Lesion Localization in Computed Tomography Scans
Authors: Suri Jasjit , Agarwal Sushant , Chabert Gian , Carriero Alessandro , Paschè Alessio , Danna Pietro , Saba Luca , Mehmedović Armin , Faa Gavino , Singh Inder , Turk Monika , Chadha Paramjit , Johri Amer , Khanna Narendra , Mavrogeni Sophie , Laird John , Pareek Gyan , Miner Martin , Sobel David , Balestrieri Antonella , Sfikakis Petros , Tsoulfas George , Protogerou Athanasios , Misra Durga , Agarwal Vikas , Kitas George , Teji Jagjit , Al-Maini Mustafa , Dhanjil Surinder , Nicolaides Andrew , Sharma Aditya , Rathore Vijay , Fatemi Mostafa , Alizad Azra , Krishnan Pudukode , Nagy Ferenc , Ruzsa Zoltan , Fouda Mostafa , Naidu Subbaram , Viskovic Klaudija , Kalra Mannudeep
Published: June 2022

Background: The previous COVID-19 lung diagnosis system lacks both scientific validation and the role of explainable artificial intelligence (AI) for understanding lesion localization. This study presents a cloud-based explainable AI, the “COVLIAS 2.0-cXAI” system using four kinds of class activation maps (CAM) models. Methodology: Our cohort consisted of ~6000 CT slices from two sources (Croatia, 80 COVID-19 patients and Italy, 15 control patients). COVLIAS 2.0-cXAI design consisted of three stages: (i) automated lung segmentation using hybrid deep learning ResNet-UNet model by automatic adjustment of Hounsfield units, hyperparameter optimization, and parallel and distributed training, (ii) classification using three kinds of DenseNet (DN) models (DN-121, DN-169, DN-201), and (iii) validation using four kinds of CAM visualization techniques: gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM), Grad-CAM++, score-weighted CAM (Score-CAM), and FasterScore-CAM. The COVLIAS 2.0-cXAI was validated by three trained senior radiologists for its stability and reliability. The Friedman test was also performed on the scores of the three radiologists. Results: The ResNet-UNet segmentation model resulted in dice similarity of 0.96, Jaccard index of 0.93, a correlation coefficient of 0.99, with a figure-of-merit of 95.99%, while the classifier accuracies for the three DN nets (DN-121, DN-169, and DN-201) were 98%, 98%, and 99% with a loss of ~0.003, ~0.0025, and ~0.002 using 50 epochs, respectively. The mean AUC for all three DN models was 0.99 (p < 0.0001). The COVLIAS 2.0-cXAI showed 80% scans for mean alignment index (MAI) between heatmaps and gold standard, a score of four out of five, establishing the system for clinical settings. Conclusions: The COVLIAS 2.0-cXAI successfully showed a cloud-based explainable AI system for lesion localization in lung CT scans.
Comparison of Rapid Diagnostic Test, Microscopy, and Polymerase Chain Reaction for the Detection of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in a Low-Transmission Area, Jazan Region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Madkhali Aymen M. , Ghzwani Ahmad Hassn , Al-Mekhlafi Hesham M.
Published: June 2022

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the performances of a rapid diagnostic test (RDT)—the AllTest Malaria p.f./p.v., microscopy, and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for diagnosing Plasmodium falciparum malaria in 400 febrile patients from a low-transmission region (Jazan) in southwestern Saudi Arabia. Diagnostic performance of all three methods was compared using microscopy and nested PCR as reference methods. Overall, 42 (10.5%), 48 (12.0%), and 57 (14.3%) samples were found positive by microscopy, RDT, and PCR, respectively. With PCR as reference method, the RDT showed higher sensitivity (79% vs. 71.9%), similar specificity (99.1% vs. 99.7%), and better NLR (0.20 vs. 0.27) and area under the curve (89.0% vs. 85.8%) than microscopy. The sensitivity of RDT and microscopy decreased as age increased, and false negatives were associated with low parasite density. In addition, the sensitivity of RDT and microscopy was higher in non-Saudi than in Saudi participants. Against microscopy, both RDT and PCR showed high sensitivity (83.3% vs. 97.6%), specificity (96.4% vs. 95.5%), and NPVs (98.0% vs. 99.7%), but reduced PPVs (72.9% vs. 71.9%), respectively. The results showed that the performance of the AllTest Malaria p.f./p.v RDT was better than that of microscopy in diagnosing P. falciparum malaria among febrile patients in the Jazan region when nested PCR was used as the reference. However, further studies are required to assess malaria diagnostic methods among asymptomatic individuals in the region.
Machine Learning of Raman Spectroscopy Data for Classifying Cancers: A Review of the Recent Literature
Authors: Blake Nathan , Gaifulina Riana , Griffin Lewis D. , Bell Ian M. , Thomas Geraint M. H.
Published: June 2022

Raman Spectroscopy has long been anticipated to augment clinical decision making, such as classifying oncological samples. Unfortunately, the complexity of Raman data has thus far inhibited their routine use in clinical settings. Traditional machine learning models have been used to help exploit this information, but recent advances in deep learning have the potential to improve the field. However, there are a number of potential pitfalls with both traditional and deep learning models. We conduct a literature review to ascertain the recent machine learning methods used to classify cancers using Raman spectral data. We find that while deep learning models are popular, and ostensibly outperform traditional learning models, there are many methodological considerations which may be leading to an over-estimation of performance; primarily, small sample sizes which compound sub-optimal choices regarding sampling and validation strategies. Amongst several recommendations is a call to collate large benchmark Raman datasets, similar to those that have helped transform digital pathology, which researchers can use to develop and refine deep learning models.
Design-Based Research in the Educational Field: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Tinoca Luís , Piedade João , Santos Sofia , Pedro Ana , Gomes Sara
Published: June 2022

The design-based research methodology has been gaining significance, in recent years, in the field of educational research. Several authors have pointed out the potential of this methodology to support the development of research processes with strong practical applicability. Its iterative nature allows researchers to organize their studies into iterative research cycles that allow them to improve products, processes, and test new resources and educational approaches. This study aimed to develop knowledge about how this methodology has been used in K-12 educational settings and in initial and continuing teacher education. Thus, a systematic literature review was carried out based on 163 selected papers, published between 2013 and 2020 and gathered from SCOPUS and ISI Web of Science Databases. The results highlighted the characterization data of DBR studies, the research contexts and settings, the DBR approaches, and the contribution for the educational field.
A Future Trend for Science Education: A Constructivism-Humanism Approach to Trans-Contextualisation
Authors: Holbrook Jack , Chowdhury T. B. M. , Rannikmäe Miia
Published: June 2022

Today’s society faces new challenges, especially related to sustainability, in which the role of science within society is becoming increasingly important. This study seeks to re-examine the focus of school science/STEM education in light of increasing societal challenges by introducing a trans-contextualisation component within science education so as to go beyond the classroom and seek to impact the societal setting. In so doing, this study, through a constructivism-humanism approach, develops a theoretical 4-phase model by adding a trans-contextualisation learning phase to a literature-supported 3-stage science education teaching model. This enhanced model is put forward to enable science education to play a stronger role in impacting societal development towards building an active informed citizenry, enabling society to reflect on potential ways to meet its needs in moving towards a sustainable future. The study seeks science educator views familiar with the 3-stage teaching approach on the enhanced 4-phase model in terms of its value, feasibility and potential constraints. Such views are shown to be positive and aligned with the generally supportive views of teachers identified in a prior study.
A Robustness Analysis of a Fuzzy Fractional Order PID Controller Based on Genetic Algorithm for a DC-DC Boost Converter
Authors: Pereira Luís Felipe da S. C. , Batista Edson , de Brito Moacyr A. G. , Godoy Ruben B.
Published: June 2022

In this paper, a new topology of a Fractional Order PID (FOPID) controller is proposed to control a boost DC-DC converter with minimum over/undershoot. The fractional controller parameters are tuned using a genetic algorithm (GA) with a combined cost function composed of the Integral of Time-Weighted Absolute Error (ITAE) and the Integral of Time-Weighted Square Error (ITSE). Despite adding moderate complexity to the control structure, the simulation results reveal that the GA-based FOPID controller tuning provided better performance for the setpoint tracking both under load variations and parameters deviation due to the prolonged use. The proposed FOPID shows a wide operational range concerning load disturbances, and capacitance/inductance deviations of ±30% and ±50% from nominal values, achieving functionality and voltage stability even with output power 50% higher than the converter power specification. The assessment was made considering operation in voltage mode and the performance was compared to conventional Proportional-Integral (PI), Type II and current mode controllers. Finally, a fuzzy fractional-order PID (FFOPID) was designed to outperform the FOPID during disturbances in the control variable.
A 3.7-to-10 GHz Low Phase Noise Wideband LC-VCO Array in 55-nm CMOS Technology
Authors: Yao Yan , Li Zhiqun , Li Zhennan , Chen Bofan , Wang Xiaowei
Published: June 2022

This paper presents a four-core LC-VCO array in 55 nm CMOS technology. Based on the multi-core VCO array technology and the switched capacitor array technology, the tuning range is expanded, and the phase noise optimization in a wide tuning range is achieved based on the second harmonic noise filtering technology and the Q value degeneration technology, as well as the optimization of the capacitor array switching transistors. The proposed VCO array, occupying a chip area of 1.65 × 1.44 mm2, realizes a measured oscillation frequency range of about 3.7−10 GHz with phase noise of −127.5~−116.08 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz frequency offset, and achieves an output power of 2.69 dBm from a total power consumption of 52.8 mW.
Facilities Construction Engineering for the Avaldsnes Section of the Johan Sverdrup Field in the North Sea
Authors: Lvova Diana , Shagiakhmetov Artem , Seregin Boris , Vasiliev Aleksey
Published: June 2022

The object of this article is to define the facilities construction for the Avaldsnes section of the Johan Sverdrup field in the North Sea. Based on the experiences of oil and gas companies, the applicability of various offshore oil and gas field structures will be analyzed. According to the results, the most relevant field facilities scenarios were formed. Each scenario was technically and economically assessed. The technical assessment consisted of the evaluation of loads under the different climate conditions on the offshore oil and gas facility, along with resistance against overturning and sliding. The economic assessment included the calculation of the key economic indicators of various scenarios and comparing them. The integrated assessment indicated that the combination of several subsea production modules is the most cost-effective field facilities scenario to implement in the Avaldsnes area of the Johan Sverdrup field in the North Sea.
Numerical Study on Aerodynamic Characteristics of Heavy-Duty Vehicles Platooning for Energy Savings and CO2 Reduction
Authors: Jo Junik , Kim Chul-Ho
Published: June 2022

This study aims to analyze the aerodynamic interaction between moving vehicles platooning with the change in the platooning conditions on a freeway. The effect of the vortex generated by the forward vehicle reduces the value of the stagnation pressure generated at the front of the rear vehicle, which effectively reduces drag on the driving vehicle. To elucidate this, a total of four vehicles were applied to platooning at a speed of 100 km/h by altering the gap distance of heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) such as 0.5 Length (L), 1 L, 1.5 L, 2.0 L, and 2.5 L under the conditions of 1 L equal to 13.16 m. The stagnation pressure at the front of the following vehicle (FV) was reduced, and quantitative analysis of drag force generated at each leading vehicle (LV) and following vehicle that is platooning exhibited a reduction of about 51%, 56%, and 52%, respectively, when compared to the single moving HDV. This is considered as a reduction in engine power for the driving vehicle. Taken together, these results are effective in improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2, a representative greenhouse gas, and predicting fuel and CO2 reduction based on HDV annual mileage according to the highway conditions and logistics.
Use of Hydrothermal Carbonization and Cold Atmospheric Plasma for Surface Modification of Brewer’s Spent Grain and Activated Carbon
Authors: Krochmalny Krystian , Pawlak-Kruczek Halina , Skoczylas Norbert , Kudasik Mateusz , Gajda Aleksandra , Gnatowska Renata , Serafin-Tkaczuk Monika , Czapka Tomasz , Jaiswal Amit K. , Vishwajeet  , Arora Amit , Hardy Tomasz , Jackowski Mateusz , Ostrycharczyk Michał , Niedźwiecki Łukasz
Published: June 2022

This paper presents results that show the effect of hydrothermal carbonization and subsequent cold plasma jet treatment with helium and argon on the structure and sorption properties of a material—spent brewery grain. Treatment of activated carbon, with a cold atmospheric plasma jet, was used comparatively. The effect of activation on the pore structure of the materials was carried out by the volumetric method at low pressure (N2, 77 K). The specific surface area as well as the total pore volume, average pore size, and pore size distribution were determined using different theoretical models. A high improvement in the sorption capacity parameter was obtained for hydrochars after cold atmospheric plasma jet treatment with an increase of 7.5 times (using He) and 11.6 times (using Ar) compared with hydrochars before cold atmospheric plasma jet treatment. The increase in specific surface area was five-fold (He) and fifteen-fold (Ar). For activated carbon, such a large change was not obtained after plasma activation. Regardless of the gas used, the increase in structural parameter values was 1.1–1.3.
An Ensemble Transfer Learning Spiking Immune System for Adaptive Smart Grid Protection
Authors: Demertzis Konstantinos , Taketzis Dimitrios , Demertzi Vasiliki , Skianis Charalabos
Published: June 2022

The rate of technical innovation, system interconnection, and advanced communications undoubtedly boost distributed energy networks’ efficiency. However, when an additional attack surface is made available, the possibility of an increase in attacks is an unavoidable result. The energy ecosystem’s significant variety draws attackers with various goals, making any critical infrastructure a threat, regardless of scale. Outdated technology and other antiquated countermeasures that worked years ago cannot address the complexity of current threats. As a result, robust artificial intelligence cyber-defense solutions are more important than ever. Based on the above challenge, this paper proposes an ensemble transfer learning spiking immune system for adaptive smart grid protection. It is an innovative Artificial Immune System (AIS) that uses a swarm of Evolving Izhikevich Neural Networks (EINN) in an Ensemble architecture, which optimally integrates Transfer Learning methodologies. The effectiveness of the proposed innovative system is demonstrated experimentally in multiple complex scenarios that optimally simulate the modern energy environment. The most significant findings of this work are that the transfer learning architecture’s shared learning rate significantly adds to the speed of generalization and convergence approach. In addition, the ensemble combination improves the accuracy of the model because the overall behavior of the numerous models is less noisy than a comparable individual single model. Finally, the Izhikevich Spiking Neural Network used here, due to its dynamic configuration, can reproduce different spikes and triggering behaviors of neurons, which models precisely the problem of digital security of energy infrastructures, as proved experimentally.
DC Optimal Power Flow Model to Assess the Irradiance Effect on the Sizing and Profitability of the PV-Battery System
Authors: García-Muñoz Fernando , Alfaro Miguel , Fuertes Guillermo , Vargas Manuel
Published: June 2022

The decreasing cost of renewable energy resources and the developments in storage system technologies over recent years have increased the penetration of photovoltaic systems to face the high rise in the electricity load. Likewise, there has also been an increase in the demand for tools that make this integration process in the current power systems profitable. This paper proposes a mathematical model based on the DC optimal power flow equations to find the optimal capacity of the PV panels and batteries for a standalone system or a system supported by the grid, while the investment and the energy required by the grid are minimized. In this regard, five different locations have been used as case studies to measure the influence of the irradiance level on the PV-Battery capacity installed and on the economic indicators such as CAPEX, OPEX, NPV, IRR, and the payback period. Thus, a modified 14-bus system has been used to replicate the grid technical limitations and show that a PV-Battery system connected to the grid could produce 26.9% more savings than a standalone PV-Battery and that a location with irradiance levels over 6.08 (kWh/m2/yr) could reduce the payback period for two years.
Experimental Study on the Effect of Temperature Up-Step on Human Thermal Perception and Skin Temperature between Activity Intensities at Low Ambient Temperatures
Authors: Luo Peng , Liu Yongxin , Wang Hao
Published: June 2022

In the north of China, during winter, a large number of activities (such as leisure, work, sightseeing and sports) are engaged in. This paper mainly focuses on human thermal perceptions of outdoor activities in a winter climate, especially the change in thermal perceptions when humans enter a temporary rest space with a shelter effect. A climate chamber was applied in our experiments, and temperature up-steps of 4, 8 and 12 °C were set, respectively. Twenty four college students were invited to engage in activities of different intensities, such as standing, walking (slowly) and biking. Through questionnaire survey and field measurement, the subjects’ thermal sensation, thermal comfort and skin temperature were obtained. Hypothesis testing and non-linear regression methods were introduced to analyze experiment data. Major results were as follows. After temperature up-step changes, thermal sensation and skin temperature reach steady state within 30 min. However, the change in skin temperature caused by a short-term thermal experience does not disappear completely within 40 min. In addition to the influence of ambient temperature changes, activity intensity also influenced the variation in thermal sensation (subjective) and skin temperature (objective). These study results provide a scientific reference for future research and design of a temporary rest space in low ambient temperatures. Experimental studies including broader age groups and outdoor field tests are valuable for future research.
Are Wetlands as an Integrated Bioremediation System Applicable for the Treatment of Wastewater from Underground Coal Gasification Processes?
Authors: Borgulat Jacek , Ponikiewska Katarzyna , Jałowiecki Łukasz , Strugała-Wilczek Aleksandra , Płaza Grażyna
Published: June 2022

Underground coal gasification (UCG) can be considered as one of the clean coal technologies. During the process, the gas of industrial value is produced, which can be used to produce heat and electricity, liquid fuels or can replace natural gas in chemistry. However, UCG does carry some environmental risks, mainly related to potential negative impacts on surface and groundwater. Wastewater and sludge from UCG contain significant amounts of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, ammonia, cyanides and hazardous metals such as arsenic. This complicated matrix containing high concentrations of hazardous pollutants is similar to wastewater from the coke industry and, similarly to them, requires complex mechanical, chemical and biological treatment. The focus of the review is to explain how the wetlands systems, described as one of bioremediation methods, work and whether these systems are suitable for removing organic and inorganic contaminants from heavily contaminated industrial wastewater, of which underground coal gasification wastewater is a particularly challenging example. Wetlands appear to be suitable systems for the treatment of UCG wastewater and can provide the benefits of nature-based solutions. This review explains the principles of constructed wetlands (CWs) and provides examples of industrial wastewater treated by various wetland systems along with their operating principles. In addition, the physicochemical characteristics of the wastewater from different coal gasifications under various conditions, obtained from UCG’s own experiments, are presented.
Corrosion of Metal Alloys in Potassium Acetate Solutions for Liquid Desiccant Dehumidification and Air Conditioning
Authors: Rippy Kerry C. , Volk Emily , Beers Reagan , Kozubal Eric , Gauderman Kristin , Vidal Judith
Published: June 2022

For commercial buildings, liquid desiccant air conditioners (LDACs) could provide up to 80% energy savings compared to high-efficiency vapor compression AC, but commonly utilized liquid desiccants are highly corrosive. This precludes the use of metallic components, necessitating specialized plastics and thereby driving up cost, weight, and limiting operational temperature and pressure ranges. Less corrosive alternatives are sought. Here, potassium acetate solutions are investigated as less-corrosive alternatives to the chloride salt solutions that are typically used in LDAC systems. Corrosion evaluations for a Cu alloy (C12200) and two Al alloys (Al3003 and Al1100) in both potassium acetate and chloride salt solutions are presented. We show that yearly corrosion rates are lower in potassium acetate solutions by up to three orders of magnitude. Active corrosion behavior is largely absent in potassium acetate solutions but is present in chloride salt solutions. Furthermore, solid corrosion products are observed in chloride salt solutions. Thus, we conclude that potassium acetate is a promising candidate as a less corrosive alternative liquid desiccant for LDAC systems with metallic components.