bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell Cycle Regulation and DNA Damage Response Networks in Diffuse- and Intestinal-Type Gastric Cancer
Authors: Tanabe Shihori , Quader Sabina , Ono Ryuichi , Cabral Horacio , Aoyagi Kazuhiko , Hirose Akihiko , Yokozaki Hiroshi , Sasaki Hiroki
Published: November 2021

Dynamic regulation in molecular networks including cell cycle regulation and DNA damage response play an important role in cancer. To reveal the feature of cancer malignancy, gene expression and network regulation were profiled in diffuse- and intestinal-type gastric cancer (GC). The results of the network analysis with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) showed that the activation states of several canonical pathways related to cell cycle regulation were altered. The G1/S checkpoint regulation pathway was activated in diffuse-type GC compared to intestinal-type GC, while canonical pathways of the cell cycle control of chromosomal replication, and the cyclin and cell cycle regulation, were activated in intestinal-type GC compared to diffuse-type GC. A canonical pathway on the role of BRCA1 in the DNA damage response was activated in intestinal-type GC compared to diffuse-type GC, where gene expression of BRCA1, which is related to G1/S phase transition, was upregulated in intestinal-type GC compared to diffuse-type GC. Several microRNAs (miRNAs), such as mir-10, mir-17, mir-19, mir-194, mir-224, mir-25, mir-34, mir-451 and mir-605, were identified to have direct relationships in the G1/S cell cycle checkpoint regulation pathway. Additionally, cell cycle regulation may be altered in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) conditions. The alterations in the activation states of the pathways related to cell cycle regulation in diffuse- and intestinal-type GC highlighted the significance of cell cycle regulation in EMT.
Melanoma Immunotherapy and Precision Medicine in the Era of Tumor Micro-Tissue Engineering: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going?
Authors: Varrone Francesca , Mandrich Luigi , Caputo Emilia
Published: November 2021

Malignant melanoma still remains a cancer with very poor survival rates, although it is at the forefront of personalized medicine. Most patients show partial responses and disease progressed due to adaptative resistance mechanisms, preventing long-lasting clinical benefits to the current treatments. The response to therapies can be shaped by not only taking into account cancer cell heterogeneity and plasticity, but also by its structural context as well as the cellular component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we review the recent development in the field of immunotherapy and target-based therapy and how, in the era of tumor micro-tissue engineering, ex-vivo assays could help to enhance our melanoma biology knowledge in its complexity, translating it in the development of successful therapeutic strategies, as well as in the prediction of therapeutic benefits.
“Doing More with Less”: Ni(II)@ORMOSIL, a Novel Sol-Gel Pre-Catalyst for the Reduction of Nitrobenzene
Authors: Meistelman Michael , Meyerstein Dan , Burg Ariela , Shamir Dror , Albo Yael
Published: November 2021

Reduction of nitrobenzene with NaBH4 using zero-valent iron nanoparticles (ZVI-NPs) and NiCl2∙6H2O incorporated in organically modified hybrid silica matrices as ZVI@ORMOSIL and Ni(II)@ORMOSIL catalysts is proposed as a remediation strategy. Ni(II)@ORMOSIL is prepared by ion-exchanging H+ of the ORMOSIL matrix with NiII. Ni(II)@ORMOSIL is a pre-catalyst that undergoes reduction by NaBH4 by an in-situ reaction and promotes nitrobenzene reduction by the unconsumed NaBH4, leading to sparing use of the catalyst. Ni(II)@ORMOSIL undergoes color change from green to black in this process, returning to a green hue after washing and drying. Nitrobenzene reductions were examined in aqueous acetonitrile solvent mixtures, and the reduction cascade produced the reaction end-products with catalytic implications. Plausible mechanisms of ZVI@ORMOSIL and Ni(II)@ORMOSIL catalyzed reductions of nitrobenzene are discussed. This work is the first to report M(II)@ORMOSIL pre-catalysts for in-situ reduction of nitrobenzene, and expands the scope of the ORMOSIL series of catalysts for the reduction of polluting compounds. This approach enables the development of catalysts that use very low concentrations of transition metal cations.
Recent Progress on Transition Metal Based Layered Double Hydroxides Tailored for Oxygen Electrode Reactions
Authors: Wang Jing , Kong Heng , Zhong Haihong , Jiang Yu , Guo Fei , Alonso-Vante Nicolas , Feng Yongjun
Published: November 2021

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), namely, so-called oxygen electrode reactions, are two fundamental half-cell reactions in the energy storage and conversion devices, e.g., zinc–air batteries and fuel cells. However, the oxygen electrode reactions suffer from sluggish kinetics, large overpotential and complicated reaction paths, and thus require efficient and stable electrocatalysts. Transition-metal-based layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and their derivatives have displayed excellent catalytic performance, suggesting a major contribution to accelerate electrochemical reactions. The rational regulation of electronic structure, defects, and coordination environment of active sites via various functionalized strategies, including tuning the chemical composition, structural architecture, and topotactic transformation process of LDHs precursors, has a great influence on the resulting electrocatalytic behavior. In addition, an in-depth understanding of the structural performance and chemical-composition-performance relationships of LDHs-based electrocatalysts can promote further rational design and optimization of high-performance electrocatalysts. Finally, prospects for the design of efficient and stable LDHs-based materials, for mass-production and large-scale application in practice, are discussed.
Influence of Synthesis Approach on Controlled Microstructures and Photocatalytic Properties of Ag/AgBr-Activated Carbon Composites on Visible Light Degradation of Tetracycline
Authors: Sanni Saheed O. , Brink Hendrik G. , Viljoen Elvera L.
Published: November 2021

The influence of the synthesis approach (thermal polyol and deposition–precipitation) regarding the dispersion of Ag/AgBr nanoparticles dispersed on activated carbon prepared from chemical impregnated pinecone (TP-AABR-ACK, and DP-AABR-ACK) was studied, to increase their photocatalytic efficiency on the degradation of tetracycline (TC). The physicochemical characterization evidenced the significance of the ACK catalyst promoter in enhancing controlled microstructures (morphologies and particle size distributions), synergistic interface interaction between AABR NPs and the carbonaceous support, and efficient photogenerated charge carriers separation within TP-AABR-ACK, and DP-AABR-ACK composites. The results revealed 92% removal of TC within 180 min under the LED visible light irradiation, which was achieved using TP-AABR-ACK when compared to DP-AABR-ACK composite and other catalysts in this study. Such superior results achieved with TP-AABR-ACK composite were attributed to controlled morphologies, reduced particle size and agglomeration, improved absorptivity, and superior cooperative effect between the AABR and ACK catalyst promoter as evidenced from SEM, EDX, TEM, UV-DRS, and electrochemical characterizations, respectively. Furthermore, enhanced TOC removal and abundance of reactive superoxide anion generation were achieved with the TP-AABR-ACK composite in this study.
Deleterious Role of Th9 Cells in Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Deng Kui Miao , Yang Xiang Sheng , Luo Qun , She Yi Xin , Yu Qing Yang , Tang Xiao Xiao
Published: November 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal lung disease of unknown etiology. Immune disorders play an important role in IPF pathogenesis. Here, we show that Th9 cells differentiate and activate in the lung tissue of patients with IPF and bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis mice. Moreover, we found that Th9 cells promote pulmonary fibrosis in two ways. On the one hand, Th9 cells promote fibroblast differentiation, activation, and collagen secretion by secreting IL-9. On the other hand, they promote differentiation of Th0 cells into Th2 cells by secreting IL-4. Th9 cells and Th2 cells can promote each other, accelerating the Th1/Th2 imbalance and eventually forming a positive feedback of pulmonary fibrosis. In addition, we found that neutralizing IL-9 in both preventive and therapeutic settings ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, we identified several critical signaling pathways involved in the effect of neutralizing IL-9 on pulmonary fibrosis by proteomics study. From an immunological perspective, we elucidated the novel role and underlying mechanism of Th9 cells in pulmonary fibrosis. Our study suggested that Th9-based immunotherapy may be employed as a treatment strategy for IPF.
Stem Cell Secretome for Spinal Cord Repair: Is It More than Just a Random Baseline Set of Factors?
Authors: Pajer Krisztián , Bellák Tamás , Nógrádi Antal
Published: November 2021

Hundreds of thousands of people suffer spinal cord injuries each year. The experimental application of stem cells following spinal cord injury has opened a new era to promote neuroprotection and neuroregeneration of damaged tissue. Currently, there is great interest in the intravenous administration of the secretome produced by mesenchymal stem cells in acute or subacute spinal cord injuries. However, it is important to highlight that undifferentiated neural stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells are able to adapt to the damaged environment and produce the so-called lesion-induced secretome. This review article focuses on current research related to the secretome and the lesion-induced secretome and their roles in modulating spinal cord injury symptoms and functional recovery, emphasizing different compositions of the lesion-induced secretome in various models of spinal cord injury.
On the Role of the Immunoproteasome in Protein Homeostasis
Authors: Basler Michael , Groettrup Marcus
Published: November 2021

Numerous cellular processes are controlled by the proteasome, a multicatalytic protease in the cytosol and nucleus of all eukaryotic cells, through regulated protein degradation. The immunoproteasome is a special type of proteasome which is inducible under inflammatory conditions and constitutively expressed in hematopoietic cells. MECL-1 (β2i), LMP2 (β1i), and LMP7 (β5i) are the proteolytically active subunits of the immunoproteasome (IP), which is known to shape the antigenic repertoire presented on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. Furthermore, the immunoproteasome is involved in T cell expansion and inflammatory diseases. In recent years, targeting the immunoproteasome in cancer, autoimmune diseases, and transplantation proved to be therapeutically effective in preclinical animal models. However, the prime function of standard proteasomes and immunoproteasomes is the control of protein homeostasis in cells. To maintain protein homeostasis in cells, proteasomes remove proteins which are not properly folded, which are damaged by stress conditions such as reactive oxygen species formation, or which have to be degraded on the basis of regular protein turnover. In this review we summarize the latest insights on how the immunoproteasome influences protein homeostasis.
The Anti-Tumoral Potential of Phosphonate Analog of Sulforaphane in Zebrafish Xenograft Model
Authors: Rudzinska-Radecka Magdalena , Janczewski Łukasz , Gajda Anna , Godlewska Marlena , Chmielewska-Krzesinska Malgorzata , Wasowicz Krzysztof , Podlasz Piotr
Published: November 2021

Isothiocyanates (ITCs) show strong activity against numerous human tumors. Five structurally diverse ITCs were tested in vivo using the zebrafish embryos 6 and 48 h post-fertilization (hpf). The survival rate, hatching time, and gross morphological changes were assessed 24, 48, and 72 h after treatment with all compounds in various doses (1–10 µM). As a result, we selected a phosphonate analog of sulforaphane (P-ITC; 1–3 µM) as a non-toxic treatment for zebrafish embryos, both 6 and 48 hpf. Furthermore, the in vivo anti-cancerogenic studies with selected 3 µM P-ITC were performed using a set of cell lines derived from the brain (U87), cervical (HeLa), and breast (MDA-MB-231) tumors. For the experiment, cells were labeled using red fluorescence dye Dil (1,1′-Dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-Tetramethylindocarbocyanine, 10 μg/mL) and injected into the hindbrain ventricle, yolk sac region and Cuvier duct of zebrafish embryos. The tumor size measurement after 48 h of treatment demonstrated the significant inhibition of cancer cell growth in all tested cases by P-ITC compared to the non-treated controls. Our studies provided evidence for P-ITC anti-cancerogenic properties with versatile activity against different cancer types. Additionally, P-ITC demonstrated the safety of use in the living organism at various stages of embryogenesis.
Hardware Implementation of Composite Control Strategy for Wind-PV-Battery Hybrid Off-Grid Power Generation System
Authors: Rezkallah Miloud , Ibrahim Hussein , Dubuisson Félix , Chandra Ambrish , Singh Sanjeev , Singh Bhim , Issa Mohamad
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a composite control strategy for improved off-grid configuration based on photovoltaic (PV array), a wind turbine (WT), and a diesel engine (DE) generator to achieve high performance while supplying nonlinear loads is investigated. To operate the WT efficiently under variable speed conditions and to obtain accurate and fast convergence to the maximum global operating point without a speed sensor, an iterative interpolation method is integrated with the perturbation and observation (P&O) technique. To ensure the balance of power in the system and to achieve the maximum power from the PV array without using any maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method, and ensuring stable operation during the disturbance, a double-loop control strategy for a two-switches buck-boost converter is developed. Furthermore, to protect the synchronous generator of the diesel generator (DG) from the 5th and 7th order-harmonics created by the connected nonlinear loads and to solve the issue of the filter resonance, the interfacing three-phase inverter is controlled using an improved synchronous-reference frame algorithm (SRF) with virtual impedance active damping. The presented work demonstrates effective and efficient control along with improved performance and cost-effective option as compared to the similar works reported in the literature. The performance of the presented off-grid configuration and its developed composite control strategy are tested using MATLAB/Simulink and validated through small-scale hardware prototyping.
A Study on the Corrosion Resistance of Hydrophobic Coatings on 65Mn Steel
Authors: Zhang Yufen , Du Qingcheng , Lin Tiegui , Tang Shawei , Hu Jin
Published: November 2021

Calcium stearate hydrophobic coatings with a hierarchical micro/nanostructure were prepared on 65Mn steel using direct current electrodeposition. The deposition time has a visible influence on the morphology, surface wettability and thickness of the coatings, but little effect on the phase composition. The corrosion behavior of the coated samples in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution was also investigated. The prepared coatings at different deposition times show different corrosion resistance. The coating fabricated at 30 min has the best corrosion resistance due to the highest water contact angle and thicker coating.
Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Coating Materials for Orthopedic Implants: A Review
Authors: Tan Gang , Xu Jing , Chirume Walter Munesu , Zhang Jieyu , Zhang Hui , Hu Xuefeng
Published: November 2021

Orthopedic implant failure is the most common complication of orthopedic surgery, causing serious trauma and resulting in a tremendous economic burden for patients. There are many reasons for implant failure, among which peri-implant infection (or implant-related infection) and aseptic loosening are the most important. At present, orthopedic doctors have many methods to treat these complications, such as revision surgery, which have shown good results. However, if peri-implant infection can be prevented, this will bring about significant social benefits. Many studies have focused on adding antibacterial substances to the implant coating, and with a deeper understanding of the mechanism of implant failure, adding such substances by different modification methods has become a research hot spot. This review aims to summarize the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory substances that can be used as coating materials in orthopedic implants and to provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of implant failure caused by implant-related infection and excessive inflammation.
Prediction for Dilution Rate of AlCoCrFeNi Coatings by Laser Cladding Based on a BP Neural Network
Authors: Li Yutao , Wang Kaiming , Fu Hanguang , Zhi Xiaohui , Guo Xingye , Lin Jian
Published: November 2021

The dilution rate has a significant impact on the composition and microstructure of the coatings, and the dilution rate and process parameters have a complex coupling relationship. In this study, three process parameters, namely laser power, powder feeding rate, and scanning speed, were selected as variables to design the orthogonal experiment. The dilution rate and hardness data were obtained from AlCoCrFeNi coatings based on orthogonal experiments. Then, a BP neural network was used to establish a prediction model of the process parameters on the dilution rate. The established BP neural network exhibited good prediction of the dilution rate of AlCoCrFeNi coatings, and the average relative error between the predicted value and the experimental value was only 5.89%. Subsequently, the AlCoCrFeNi coating was fabricated with the optimal process parameters. The results show that the coating was well-formed without defects, such as cracks and pores. The microhardness of the AlCoCrFeNi coating prepared with the optimal process parameters was 521.6 HV0.3. The elements were uniformly distributed in the microstructure, and the grain size was about 20–60 μm. The microstructure of the AlCoCrFeNi coating was only composed of the BCC phase without the existence of the FCC phase and intermetallic compounds.
Teaching an Algorithm How to Catalog a Book
Authors: De Luca Ernesto William , Fallucchi Francesca , Morelato Roberto
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a study of a strategy for automated cataloging within an OPAC or for online bibliographic catalogs generally. The aim of the analysis is to offer a set of results, while searching in library catalogs, that goes further than the expected one-to-one term correspondence. The goal is to understand how ontological structures can affect query search results. This analysis can also be applied to search functions other than in the library context, but in this case, cataloging relies on predefined rules and noncontrolled dictionary terms, which means that the results are meaningful in terms of knowledge organization. The approach was tested on an Edisco database, and we measured the system’s ability to detect whether a new incoming record belonged to a specific set of textbooks.
Characterization of Structural Defects in (Cd,Zn)Te Crystals Grown by the Travelling Heater Method
Authors: Zou Jiaona , Fauler Alex , Senchenkov Alexander S. , Kolesnikov Nikolai N. , Kirste Lutz , Kabukcuoglu Merve Pinar. , Hamann Elias , Cecilia Angelica , Fiederle Michael
Published: November 2021

Structural defects and compositional uniformity remain the major problems affecting the performance of (Cd, Zn)Te (CZT) based detector devices. Understanding the mechanism of growth and defect formation is therefore fundamental to improving the crystal quality. In this frame, space experiments for the growth of CZT by the Travelling Heater Method (THM) under microgravity are scheduled. A detailed ground-based program was performed to determine experimental parameters and three CZT crystals were grown by the THM. The structural defects, compositional homogeneity and resistivity of these ground-based crystals were investigated. A ZnTe content variation was observed at the growth interface and a high degree of stress associated with extensive dislocation networks was induced, which propagated into the grown crystal region according to the birefringence and X-ray White Beam Topography (XWBT) results. By adjusting the growth parameters, the ZnTe variations and the resulting stress were efficiently reduced. In addition, it was revealed that large inclusions and grain boundaries can generate a high degree of stress, leading to the formation of dislocation slip bands and subgrain boundaries. The dominant defects, including grain boundaries, dislocation networks and cracks in the interior of crystals, led to the resistivity variation in the crystals. The bulk resistivity of the as-grown crystals ranged from 109 Ωcm to 1010 Ωcm.
Low-Grade Primary Splenic CD10-Positive Small B-Cell Lymphoma/Follicular Lymphoma
Authors: Abdulbaki Rami , Tizro Parastou , Nava Victor E. , Gomes da Silva Maria , Ascensão João L.
Published: November 2021

Primary splenic lymphoma (PSL) is a rare malignancy representing about 1% of all lymphoproliferative disorders, when using a strict definition that allows only involvement of spleen and hilar lymph nodes. In contrast, secondary low-grade B-cell lymphomas in the spleen, such as follicular lymphomas (FL), lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/ small lymphocytic lymphoma, particularly as part of advanced stage disease, are more common. Indolent B cell lymphomas expressing CD10 almost always represent FL, which in its primary splenic form is the focus of this review. Primary splenic follicular lymphoma (PSFL) is exceedingly infrequent. This type of lymphoproliferative disorder is understudied and, in most cases, clinically characterized by splenomegaly or cytopenias related to hypersplenism. The diagnosis requires correlation of histopathology of spleen, blood and/or bone marrow with the correct immunophenotype (determined by flow cytometry and/or immunohistochemistry) and if necessary, additional molecular profiling. Management of this incurable disease is evolving, and splenectomy remains the mainstream treatment for stage I PSFL.
The Effect of Oxygenated Turpentine Oil Additive in Diesel Fuel on the Performance and Emission Characteristics in One-Cylinder DI Engines
Authors: Kadarohman Asep , Khoerunnisa Fitri , Sapee Syazwana , Eko Sardjono Ratnaningsih , Izzudin Izuan , Hendrawan  , Mamat Rizalman , Yusop Ahmad Fitri , Erdiwansyah  , Yusaf Talal
Published: November 2021

A study on the application of oxygenated turpentine oil as a bio-additive in diesel fuel was conducted. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of oxygenated turpentine oil additive in diesel fuel on the performance and emission characteristics in diesel engines. Oxygenated turpentine oil is obtained from the oxidation process of turpentine oil. In this experimental study, the influences of oxygenated turpentine oil-diesel blended fuel OT0.2 (0.2% vol oxygenated turpentine oil and 99.8% vol diesel) were compared with pure diesel on engine performance, and emission characteristics were examined in a one-cylinder four-stroke CI engine. The test was performed at two engine loads (25% and 50%) and seven engine speeds (from 1200–2400 rpm with intervals of 200 rpm). The physiochemical characteristics of test fuels were acquired. The engine indicated power, indicated torque, fuel flow rate, and emissions (carbon dioxide, CO2; carbon monoxide, CO; and nitrogen oxide, NOX) were examined. The results revealed that the engine power shows slight increments of 0.7–1.1%, whereas the engine torque slightly decreased with oxygenated turpentine usage compared to pure diesel in most conditions. Furthermore, a reduction in NOX emission decreased by about 0.3–66% with the addition of oxygenated turpentine in diesel compared to diesel. However, usage of OT0.2 decreased fuel flow rate in most speeds at low load but gave a similar value to diesel at 50% load. CO emissions slightly increased with an average of 1.2% compared to diesel while CO2 emissions increased up to 37.5% than diesel. The high-water content, low cetane number, and low heating value of oxygenated turpentine oil were the reasons for the inverse effect found in the engine performances.
Low-Dose PET Imaging of Tumors in Lung and Liver Regions Using Internal Motion Estimation
Authors: Woo Sang-Keun , Kim Byung-Chul , Ryu Eun Kyoung , Ko In Ok , Lee Yong Jin
Published: November 2021

Motion estimation and compensation are necessary for improvement of tumor quantification analysis in positron emission tomography (PET) images. The aim of this study was to propose adaptive PET imaging with internal motion estimation and correction using regional artificial evaluation of tumors injected with low-dose and high-dose radiopharmaceuticals. In order to assess internal motion, molecular sieves imitating tumors were loaded with 18F and inserted into the lung and liver regions in rats. All models were classified into two groups, based on the injected radiopharmaceutical activity, to compare the effect of tumor intensity. The PET study was performed with injection of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG). Respiratory gating was carried out by external trigger device. Count, signal to noise ratio (SNR), contrast and full width at half maximum (FWHM) were measured in artificial tumors in gated images. Motion correction was executed by affine transformation with estimated internal motion data. Monitoring data were different from estimated motion. Contrast in the low-activity group was 3.57, 4.08 and 6.19, while in the high-activity group it was 10.01, 8.36 and 6.97 for static, 4 bin and 8 bin images, respectively. The results of the lung target in 4 bin and the liver target in 8 bin showed improvement in FWHM and contrast with sufficient SNR. After motion correction, FWHM was improved in both regions (lung: 24.56%, liver: 10.77%). Moreover, with the low dose of radiopharmaceuticals the PET image visualized specific accumulated radiopharmaceutical areas in the liver. Therefore, low activity in PET images should undergo motion correction before quantification analysis using PET data. We could improve quantitative tumor evaluation by considering organ region and tumor intensity.
Katz Fractal Dimension of Geoelectric Field during Severe Geomagnetic Storms
Authors: Gil Agnieszka , Glavan Vasile , Wawrzaszek Anna , Modzelewska Renata , Tomasik Lukasz
Published: November 2021

We are concerned with the time series resulting from the computed local horizontal geoelectric field, obtained with the aid of a 1-D layered Earth model based on local geomagnetic field measurements, for the full solar magnetic cycle of 1996–2019, covering the two consecutive solar activity cycles 23 and 24. To our best knowledge, for the first time, the roughness of severe geomagnetic storms is considered by using a monofractal time series analysis of the Earth electric field. We show that during severe geomagnetic storms the Katz fractal dimension of the geoelectric field grows rapidly.
Effects of Foreign Trade on the Economic Performance of Industries—Evidence from Wood Processing Industry of Czechia and Slovakia
Authors: Sujová Andrea , Simanová Ľubica , Kupčák Václav , Schmidtová Jarmila , Lukáčiková Adriana
Published: November 2021

As was first stressed by the classical economists Adam Smith and David Ricardo, international trade plays a crucial role in the growth process. The paper aims to analyze the influence of foreign trade on economic performance in the wood processing industry (WPI) of Czechia and Slovakia. The multivariate regression method (MLR), assumption tests for MLR models, and Granger causality test were applied to identify association between foreign trade economic performance, and indicators were formed to measure the effects of foreign trade at the industry level. The Granger test revealed the unidirectional causality in the Slovak WPI and bidirectional causality in the Czech WPI. The results revealed that the net export growth has a positive effect on the economic performance of the industry, but only if the growth in imports is lower than in exports. The balanced trade balance indicated no influence of foreign trade on economic performance. The paper contributes to existing knowledge with indicators for evaluation of foreign trade effects on the performance of the industry. The paper also brings new empirical knowledge in trade balance effects on the economic performance of industries.
MAD+. Introducing Misconceptions in the Temporal Analysis of the Mathematical Modelling Process of a Fermi Problem
Authors: Pla-Castells Marta , Melchor Carmen , Chaparro Gisela
Published: November 2021

This work describes how the combination of the mistakes committed by a group of pre-service teachers when solving a Fermi problem, with the representation of the temporal analysis of their resolutions, can offer more in-depth information about their conceptual misconceptions regarding mathematical and modelling concepts. The combined representation allows knowing when mistakes occur and provides a powerful tool for instructors to adapt the teaching–learning processes of mathematics at all levels of education. Our study is based on a recent categorisation of students’ mistakes, together with the creation of a new representation tool, called MAD+, that can combine all this information. The macroscopic view provided by the MAD+ diagrams gives insight into the context in which the mistakes take place and makes the analysis of the resolution of a Fermi problem more efficient.
Effective PSCCH Searching for 5G-NR V2X Sidelink Communications
Authors: Magueta Roberto , Domingues João , Silva Adão , Marques Paulo
Published: November 2021

Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) are essential for increasing road safety and to make road transport more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. The implementation of C-ITS technology is only possible through the connectivity of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), which allows the interconnection of vehicles in a network and with road support infrastructure. However, real-time systems require efficient signal processing in order to respond within the necessary time. Some of this processing is related to searching the Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH), where a blind algorithm is commonly used. However, this algorithm is quite inefficient to searching the PSCCH, since all the processing should be completed several times before successful decoding it. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to design a more efficient algorithm to search/decode the PSCCH. In the proposed algorithm, we firstly compute all the correlations between the received signal and the Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS), and the remaining conventional processing to decode the PSCCH is only performed over the subchannels with higher correlation, which leads to a strong complexity reduction. The proposed algorithm is evaluated and compared with the conventional blind algorithm. The results have shown a significant performance improvement in terms of runtime.
Edge Network Optimization Based on AI Techniques: A Survey
Authors: Pooyandeh Mitra , Sohn Insoo
Published: November 2021

The network edge is becoming a new solution for reducing latency and saving bandwidth in the Internet of Things (IoT) network. The goal of the network edge is to move computation from cloud servers to the edge of the network near the IoT devices. The network edge, which needs to make smart decisions with a high level of response time, needs intelligence processing based on artificial intelligence (AI). AI is becoming a key component in many edge devices, including cars, drones, robots, and smart IoT devices. This paper describes the role of AI in a network edge. Moreover, this paper elaborates and discusses the optimization methods for an edge network based on AI techniques. Finally, the paper considers the security issue as a major concern and prospective approaches to solving this issue in an edge network.
A Study on the Possible Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease on the Basis of Facial Image Analysis
Authors: Jakubowski Jacek , Potulska-Chromik Anna , Białek Kamila , Nojszewska Monika , Kostera-Pruszczyk Anna
Published: November 2021

One of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is the occurrence of problems with the expression of emotions on the face, called facial masking, facial bradykinesia or hypomimia. Recent medical studies show that this symptom can be used in the diagnosis of this disease. In the presented study, the authors, on the basis of their own research, try to answer the question of whether it is possible to build an automatic Parkinson’s disease recognition system based on the face image. The research used image recordings in the field of visible light and infrared. The material for the study consisted of registrations in a group of patients with Parkinson’s disease and a group of healthy patients. The patients were asked to express a neutral facial expression and a smile. In the detection, both geometric and holistic methods based on the use of convolutional network and image fusion were used. The obtained results were assessed quantitatively using statistical measures, including F1score, which was a value of 0.941. The results were compared with a competitive work on the same subject. A novelty of our experiments is that patients with Parkinson’s disease were in the so-called ON phase, in which, due to the action of drugs, the symptoms of the disease are reduced. The results obtained seem to be useful in the process of early diagnosis of this disease, especially in times of remote medical examination.
Wireless Backpack System for Detection of Radioactive Cesium on Contaminated Soil Using Portable Plastic Scintillator with Efficient Readout Device
Authors: Min Sujung , Ko Kwang-Hoon , Seo Bumkyung , Cheong JaeHak , Roh Changhyun , Hong Sangbum
Published: November 2021

The miniaturization and usability of radiation detectors make it increasingly possible to use mobile instruments to detect and monitor gamma radiations. Here, a Bluetooth-based mobile detection system for integrated interaction in a backpack was designed and implemented to smart equipment for the detection of radioactive cesium on contaminated soil. The radiation measurement system was demonstrated in the form of a backpack using a quantum dot (QD)-loaded plastic scintillator manufactured and prepared directly in this study, and it can be measured by a person in the wireless framework of integrated interaction. The QD-loaded plastic scintillator was measured after setting the distance from the contaminated soil to 20, 50, and 100 mm. As a result, the detection efficiency of the commercial plastic scintillator (EJ-200) was calculated to be 11.81% and that of the QD-loaded plastic scintillator was 15.22%, which proved the higher detection efficiency performance than the commercial plastic scintillator. The measurement result was transmitted to a personal computer using Bluetooth as a portable system. In the future, this wireless system design could be expanded as a wireless communication system equipped with a global positioning system to detect and measure radioactively contaminated environments.
Development and Preliminary Testing of a System for the Multimodal Analysis of Gait Training in a Virtual Reality Environment
Authors: Piazza Caterina , Pirovano Ileana , Mastropietro Alfonso , Genova Chiara , Gagliardi Chiara , Turconi Anna Carla , Malerba Giorgia , Panzeri Daniele , Maghini Cristina , Reni Gianluigi , Rizzo Giovanna , Biffi Emilia
Published: November 2021

Gait training in a virtual reality (VR) environment is promising for children affected by different disorders. However, the efficacy of VR therapy is still under debate, and more research is needed to clarify its effects on clinical conditions. The combination of VR with neuroimaging methods, such as the electroencephalography (EEG), might help in answering this need. The aim of the present work was to set up and test a system for the multimodal analysis of the gait pattern during VR gait training of pediatric populations by analyzing the EEG correlates as well as the kinematic and kinetic parameters of the gait. An EEG system was integrated with the Gait Real-time Analysis Interactive Lab (GRAIL). We developed and validated, with healthy adults (n = 5) and children (n = 4, healthy or affected by cerebral palsy (CP)), the hardware and software integration of the two systems, which allowed the synchronization of the acquired signals and a reliable identification of the initial contact (IC) of each gait cycle, showing good sensitivity and critical success index values. Moreover, we tested the multimodal acquisition by successfully analyzing EEG data and kinematic and kinetic parameters of one healthy child and one child with CP. This system gives the possibility of monitoring the effect of the VR therapy and studying the neural correlates of gait.
Assessment of the Economic Efficiency of the Operation of Low-Emission and Zero-Emission Vehicles in Public Transport in the Countries of the Visegrad Group
Authors: Stec Sławomir
Published: November 2021

Transport is one of the key sectors of the European economy. However, the intensive development of transport caused negative effects in the form of an increase in the emission of harmful substances. The particularly dramatic situation took place in the V4 countries. This made it necessary to implement solutions reducing emissions in transport, including passenger transport. Such activities can be implemented in the field of implementation of low-emission and zero-emission vehicles for use. That is why the European Union and the governments of the Visegrad Group countries have developed numerous recommendations, communications, laws, and strategies that order carriers to implement low- and zero-emission mobility. Therefore, transport organizers and communication operators faced the choice of the type of buses. From an economic point of view, each entrepreneur is guided by the economic efficiency of the vehicles used. Hence, the main aim of the article was to conduct an economic evaluation of the operational efficiency of ecological vehicles. As more than 70% of vehicles in use in the European Union are still diesel driven, the economic efficiency assessment was also made for vehicles with traditional diesel drive. To conduct the research, the method of calculating the total cost of ownership of vehicles in operation was used. As a result of the research, it was found that electric buses are the cheapest in the entire period of use (15 years), and then those powered by CNG. On the other hand, the cost of using hydrogen buses is the highest. This is due to the high purchase prices of these vehicles. However, the EU, as well as the governments of individual countries, support enterprises and communication operators, by offering them financing for investments. The impact of the forecasted fuel and energy prices and the planned inflation on operating costs was also examined. In this case, the analyses showed that the forecasted changes in fuel and energy prices, as well as the expected inflation, will significantly affect the costs of vehicle operation and the economic efficiency of using various types of drives. These changes will have a positive impact on the implementation of zero-emission vehicles into exploitation. Based on the analyses, it was found that in 2035 hydrogen buses will have the lowest operating costs.
Effects of Air Temperature and Humidity on the Kinetics of Sludge Drying at Low Temperatures
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Xu Lin , Liu Dong , Zhang Qing , Hu Anjie , Wang Ruheng , Chen Yongcan
Published: November 2021

In this study, a low-air temperature sludge drying system was constructed and the effects of temperature and relative humidity on the characteristics of the system were investigated. The results showed that the drying rate of sludge increased with an increase in air temperature and a decrease in the air’s relative humidity. The influence of temperature on the average drying rate exhibited an approximate quadratic distribution, while the influence of relative humidity on the average drying rate exhibited an almost linear distribution. The relationship equations of the average drying rate, temperature, and humidity were summarized and compared with the experimental results, and the maximum relative error was 7.6375%. By comparing the experimental results with the commonly used thin-layer drying models, it was found that the sludge drying characteristics were more consistent with the Midilli model. Based on the relevant parameters of the Midilli model, the relationship between the segmented drying moisture content and the average drying rate was proposed, and the empirical formula of the drying rate and MR under different conditions was fitted.
Modeling of a Reduced Hybrid H2–Air Kinetic Scheme Integrating the Effect of Hypersonic Reactive Air with Supersonic Combustion
Authors: Li Longfei , Wang Jiangfeng
Published: November 2021

A hybrid H2–air kinetic scheme of 11 species and 15 reactions is developed, which is capable of simulating the high-temperature air reaction flows and H2–O2 combustion flows respectively or simultaneously. Based on the Gupta scheme, the mole fraction varying with a Mach number at specific conditions is analyzed, and the weakly-ionized 7-species 7-reaction scheme is selected. The effect of nitrogenous species on the H2–O2 combustion is analyzed by a zero-dimensional simulation of steady-state and unsteady-state combustion under specified conditions, and the selected dominant nitrogenous reaction N + OH = NO + H is distinguished by the production rate of the nitrogenous species. The thermodynamic properties are verified by comparison using the NIST–JANAF database. The reaction rate coefficients of the dominant reaction of the hybrid kinetic scheme distinguished by a sensitivity analysis are corrected. The proposed kinetic scheme is validated by a zero-dimensional calculation of the ignition delay time and two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation with finite-rate chemistry on the shock-induced sub-detonative and super-detonative combustion. The ignition delay time of the hybrid kinetic scheme is almost in the middle between the Shang scheme and Jachimowski scheme, and all the calculated ignition delay times are acceptably greater than the experiments due to the errors of the experiments and numerical models. The clearly captured bow shock wave and combustion front using the hybrid kinetic scheme and Shang scheme are almost the same, which is strongly consistent with the schlieren image. In addition, a good agreement of the flow characteristics and mass fraction of the species along the stagnation line is also obtained, which indicates the accuracy and reasonableness of the hybrid kinetic scheme to simulate hybrid H2–air reactive flows.
DC Communities: Transformative Building Blocks of the Emerging Energy Infrastructure
Authors: Lainfiesta Herrera Maximiliano , Hayajneh Hassan S. , Zhang Xuewei
Published: November 2021

Serious environmental concerns call for revolutionary solutions to cope with the harmful effects of the conventional energy landscape. Therefore, residential and commercial customers require cleaner and more reliable energy sources as they become more dependent on energy for daily and critical needs. In this case, transitioning to a cleaner energy economy is of paramount importance for both the environment and the utilities as well as the end-users. The desired transformation will require the deployment of massive amounts of clean energy sources. Many of these resources, such as solar photovoltaic (PV), provide electricity in the form of direct current (DC) that enables the return of DC grids to the electric power arena. The electric system has slowly transitioned to DC, mainly on the demand side. In recent years, modern electronic devices, lighting systems, and an increased number of appliances (≈22% of the residential and commercial loads) have adopted DC systems. Studies suggest that DC loads would account for more than 50% of the available loads in the next few years. Furthermore, the growing proliferation of electric vehicles influx is another example of a successful DC application. From this perspective, the viability of returning to the DC distribution system in the form of DC community grids is explored. We start by defining the DC community grid, which is followed by introducing the benefits of adopting DC at the distribution level. Finally, a summarizing outlook of successful pilot cases, projections of DC community deployment, barriers and concerns, strategies to address barriers and concerns, and suggestions for future research directions are presented. This perspective could shed new light on the building blocks of the transformed energy landscape for various stakeholders.
Exploring the Long-Term Development of the Ukrainian Energy System
Authors: Petrović Stefan N. , Diachuk Oleksandr , Podolets Roman , Semeniuk Andrii , Bühler Fabian , Grandal Rune , Boucenna Mourad , Balyk Olexandr
Published: November 2021

This study analyses the Ukrainian energy system in the context of the Paris Agreement and the need for the world to limit global warming to 1.5 °C. Despite ~84% of greenhouse gas emissions in Ukraine being energy- and process-related, there is very limited academic literature analysing long-term development of the Ukrainian energy system. This study utilises the TIMES-Ukraine model of the whole Ukrainian energy system to address this knowledge gap and to analyse how the energy system may develop until 2050, taking into current and future policies. The results show the development of the Ukrainian energy system based on energy efficiency improvements, electrification and renewable energy. The share of renewables in electricity production is predicted to reach between 45% and 57% in 2050 in the main scenarios with moderate emission reduction ambitions and ~80% in the ambitious alternative scenarios. The cost-optimal solution includes reduction of space heating demand in buildings by 20% in frozen policy and 70% in other scenarios, while electrification of industries leads to reductions in energy intensity of 26–36% in all scenarios except frozen policy. Energy efficiency improvements and emission reductions in the transport sector are achieved through increased use of electricity from 2020 in all scenarios except frozen policy, reaching 40–51% in 2050. The stated policies present a cost-efficient alternative for keeping Ukraine’s greenhouse gas emissions at today’s level.