bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Bioenergy Potential of Novel Non-Edible Biomass Resources via Ultrastructural Analysis of Seed Sculpturing Using Microscopic Imaging Visualization
Authors: Ameen Maria , Zafar Muhammad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Fawzy Ramadan Mohamed , Eid Heba F. , Makhkamov Trobjon , Yuldashev Akramjon , Mamarakhimov Oybek , Nizomova Maxsuda , Isaifan Rima J. , Jabeen Shaista , Majeed Salman
Published: March 2023

Recently, intensifying energy crises accompanying ecological crises due to the decline in fossil-fuel reserves and extensive greenhouse gas emissions have triggered the exploration of renewable substitutes for petro-diesel. In this scenario, biodiesel is the best alternative to non-renewable finite conventional fuels due to its cost-effectiveness, sustainability, renewability, biodegradability, and eco-friendly nature. Hence, the current research was designed to utilize scanning electron microscopy to investigate and identify the micro-morphological characteristics of selected seed-bearing crops. Light-microscopy (LM) indicated discrete variations in macro-morphological characters such as seed shape (ovoid, ovate, oblong, semi-spheroid, or discoid), seed size (3.5–14 mm in length and 2.25 to 6.5 mm in width), seed color (yellow to black), and number of seeds per kilogram (from 6000 to 260,000). Chemical extraction via Soxhlet apparatus resulted in the estimation of oil content within the range of 20.3–48.0% (wt./wt.), FFA content (0.63–6.91 mg KOH/g), and maximum product, i.e., 98% biodiesel yield was achieved. Multivariate analysis via principal component analysis (PCA) was done using PAST 3 software to investigate similarities and differences among factors/variables. SEM examination exhibited ultra-morphological characters and distinct variation in cell-wall ornamentation; hilum occurrence, position, and level; wall-sculpturing variations such as ruminate, verrucate, wrinkled, or striate; cell arrangement (anticlinal or periclinal); and cell shape and margins. To conclude, SEM could be an advanced technique to disclose the ultra-micromorphological characteristics of oil-bearing energy crops providing a convenient way for scientists to determine correct identification, authentication, and classification.
Fe (III)-Mediated Antioxidant Response of the Acidotolerant Microalga Coccomyxa onubensis
Authors: Robles María , Torronteras Rafael , Ostojic Carol , Oria Cinta , Cuaresma María , Garbayo Inés , Navarro Francisco , Vílchez Carlos
Published: March 2023

Coccomyxa onubensis (C. onubensis) is an acidotolerant microalga isolated from Tinto River (Huelva), which contains high levels of metal cations in solution, mainly Fe (II) and (III), and Cu (II). Fe is more bioavailable at low pH, mainly because Fe (II) and Fe (III) are far more soluble, especially Fe (III). For this reason, this study aims to evaluate both physiological and biochemical responses of C. onubensis when subjected to Fe (III)-induced stress. Changes in growth, photosynthetic viability and antioxidant responses to the induced oxidative stress were determined. The results obtained suggest that the addition of moderate Fe (III) levels to C. onubensis cultures results in improved growth and photosynthetic viability. Increases in the intracellular levels of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and flavonoids, used as antioxidant response biomarkers, a point at Fe (III)-mediated oxidative stress induction. The apparent decrease in the content of other phenolic molecules and polyunsaturated fatty acids might be understood as a sign of antioxidant molecules' involvement in reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. In conclusion, a noticeable antioxidant capacity displayed by C. onubensis allows the use of moderate Fe (III) levels to trigger the accumulation of valuable antioxidant molecules, allowing the production of cell extracts with potential anti-inflammatory activity.
Towards Mobile Federated Learning with Unreliable Participants and Selective Aggregation
Authors: Esteves Leonardo , Portugal David , Peixoto Paulo , Falcao Gabriel
Published: March 2023

Recent advances in artificial intelligence algorithms are leveraging massive amounts of data to optimize, refine, and improve existing solutions in critical areas such as healthcare, autonomous vehicles, robotics, social media, or human resources. The significant increase in the quantity of data generated each year makes it urgent to ensure the protection of sensitive information. Federated learning allows machine learning algorithms to be partially trained locally without sharing data, while ensuring the convergence of the model so that privacy and confidentiality are maintained. Federated learning shares similarities with distributed learning in that training is distributed in both paradigms. However, federated learning also decentralizes the data to maintain the confidentiality of the information. In this work, we explore this concept by using a federated architecture for a multimobile computing case study and focus our attention on the impact of unreliable participants and selective aggregation in the federated solution. Results with Android client participants are presented and discussed, illustrating the potential of the proposed approach for real-world applications.
Comparative Analysis of Lithium-Ion and Lead–Acid as Electrical Energy Storage Systems in a Grid-Tied Microgrid Application
Authors: Makola Cry S. , Le Roux Peet F. , Jordaan Jaco A.
Published: March 2023

Microgrids (MGs) are a valuable substitute for traditional generators. They can supply inexhaustible, sustainable, constant, and efficient energy with minimized losses and curtail network congestion. Nevertheless, the optimum contribution of renewable energy resource (RER)-based generators in an MG is prohibited by its variable attribute. It cannot be effectively deployed due to its application’s power quality and stability issues. Therefore, an energy storage system is employed to alleviate the variability of RERs by stabilizing the power demand against irregular generation. Electrical energy storage systems (EESSs) are regarded as one of the most beneficial methods for storing dependable energy supply while integrating RERs into the utility grid. Conventionally, lead–acid (LA) batteries are the most frequently utilized electrochemical storage system for grid-stationed implementations thus far. However, due to their low life cycle and low efficiency, another contending technology known as lithium-ion (Li-ion) is utilized. This research presents a feasibility study approach using ETAP software 20.6 to analyze the performance of LA and Li-ion batteries under permissible charging constraints. The design of an optimal model is a grid-connected microgrid system consisting of a PV energy source and dynamic load encompassed by Li-ion and LA batteries. Finally, the comparative study led to significant conclusions regarding the specific attributes of both battery technologies analyzed through the operation, revealing that Li-ion is a more conducive energy storage system than LA.
Analysis of Upstream Turbulence Impact on Wall Heat Transfer in an Acoustic Liner with Large-Eddy Simulations
Authors: Esnault Soizic , Duchaine Florent , Gicquel Laurent Y. M. , Moreau Stéphane
Published: March 2023

Acoustic liners of aircraft fan ducts generate synthetic jets that interact with the boundary layer of the incident grazing flow. Such an interaction leads to complex wall heat transfer, which has been scarcely studied. The objective of the present work is to evaluate the flow dynamics and the heat transfer mechanisms that occur in acoustic liners by the use of Large-Eddy Simulations. To do so, two configurations, linked by a principle of similarity, are considered: a lab-scale one, for which dimensions have been multiplied by a factor of 6.25 to ease measurements, and an engine-scale configuration. The lab-scale configuration is used to validate the numerical methodology and, although some limitations are pointed out, the similitude is validated. As a main outcome of these detailed simulations, synthetic jets are found to completely drive the flow dynamics in the jet wakes. Upstream turbulence is also shown to impact the development of the first jet rows as well as the wall heat transfer between jets.
Analysis and Optimization of the Opening Dynamic Characteristics of Molten Salt Check Valves for Concentrating Solar Power
Authors: Li Shuxun , Ma Tingqian , Shen Hengyun , Yu Mengyao , Lei Zhijun
Published: March 2023

The poor opening dynamic characteristics of molten salt check valves, used in concentrating solar thermal systems, constitute the main cause of valve disc oscillation and low pressure difference difficulty in opening during molten salt delivery. A molten salt swing check valve is designed to meet the requirements of high-temperature and high-pressure sealing and anti-crystallization flow channels. A transient dynamics model of the valve motion components is established, dynamic mesh and UDF (user-defined function) techniques are used to simulate the non-constant flow of hot molten salt and the opening process of the check valve and to analyze the dynamic characteristics of the opening process. Topological optimization of the valve motion components is proposed for the first time in order to improve the opening performance of the check valve, and the topological optimization of the valve motion components is based on the solid isotropic material penalty (SIMP) model with the variable density method and thermal–fluid–mechanical coupling method. The design is also verified for the dangerous working condition of a molten salt hammer. The results show that the mass of the valve motion component is reduced by 57.76% after optimization while meeting the requirements of strength and stiffness. The optimized molten salt check valve achieves a larger angle and faster opening, the full opening angle is increased by 6°, the positive resting pressure difference of the valve is reduced by 5 kPa, the minimum opening pressure difference is reduced by 8.9 kPa, the optimized flow characteristics are smoother, and the valve disc oscillation problem is avoided. The study provides a method for researchers to use to optimize the design of a molten salt swing check valve and its dynamic characteristics for concentrating solar power, which is of great significance in efforts to improve the stability of the molten salt transport system.
Measurement and Analysis on Magnetic Field Influence of Substation for Magnetic Shielding Device
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Luo Yaozhi , Shen Ruihong , Zhao Liang , Zhou Weiyong
Published: March 2023

The residual magnetic field in a magnetic shielding device with a multilayer high permeability material (permalloy) structure can be obtained at the nanotesla (nT) level or even lower. At present, in the process of designing a magnetic shielding device, most of the external environmental magnetic field settings are set at the size of the Earth’s environmental magnetic field, but the instruments inside the magnetic shielding device need to be powered, the active compensation coil needs to be powered, and the degaussing coil of passive shielding layer needs to be powered, so substations need to be used around magnetic shielding devices. The magnetic field generated by the substation will affect the magnetic shielding device, so this paper analyzes and measures the magnetic field generated by the substation. Firstly, the finite element model of a substation is established, and the influence of different substations on the environmental magnetic field is analyzed by changing the power. Secondly, the test method of a substation environment magnetic field is determined. Finally, the site test was carried out to measure the influence of different power substations and different distances on the magnetic field, and its influence on the magnetic shielding device was analyzed, which provided an important basis for the construction of the magnetic shielding device.
Comparison of Sensitivity and Specificity of Commercial Amphetamine Tests
Authors: Miłos Aleksandra , Gackowski Marcin , Przybylska Anna , Kośliński Piotr , Koba Marcin
Published: March 2023

Drug addiction is a disease that is characterized by a compulsion, a desire to take different substances permanently or for a certain period of time. Numerous negative incidents, such as crimes, work accidents and traffic accidents, are related to using illegal substances. Therefore, urine drug cassette tests have become a screening tool. However, considering legal consequences of test result, the question arises of their performance and reliability. On this account, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of urine drug tests available on the commercial pharmaceutical market. Evaluated tests were immersed in synthetic urine diluent spiked with amphetamine at various concentrations also containing potentially interfering substances such as caffeine, paracetamol and acetylsalicylic acid, and after a certain period of time, it was observed whether the result was as expected. The reference method used in this study was high-performance liquid chromatography. The obtained results confirmed the declared cut-off as well as specificity of rapid diagnostic tests.
Closed Form Solution in the Buckling Optimization Problem of Twisted Shafts
Authors: Kobelev Vladimir
Published: March 2023

The counterpart for Euler’s buckling problem is Greenhill’s problem, which studies the forming of a loop in an elastic beam under torsion. In the context of twisted shafts, the optimal shape of the beam along its axis is searched. A priori form of the cross-section remains unknown. For the solution of the actual problem, the stability equations take into account all possible convex and simply connected shapes of the cross-section. The cross-sections are similar geometric figures related by a homothetic transformation with respect to a homothetic center on the axis of the beam and vary along its axis. The distribution of material along the length of a twisted shaft is optimized so that the beam is of the constant volume and will support the maximal moment without spatial buckling. The applications of the variational method for stability problems are illustrated in this manuscript.
Cochlear Implantation in Intralabyrinthine Schwannoma: Case Series and Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Franchella Sebastiano , Ariano Marzia , Bevilacqua Francesca , Concheri Stefano , Zanoletti Elisabetta
Published: March 2023

Intralabyrinthine schwannomas (ILS) are rare benign tumours arising from the peripheral branches of the cochlear or vestibular nerves in the membranous labyrinth, intracochlear schwannomas being the most frequent ones. When hearing is no longer feasible on the affected side, surgical removal along with simultaneous cochlear implantation can be proposed to the patient. We hereby present a systematic review of the literature on the topic, as well as two original cases from our centre (Ospedale Università degli Studi di Padova). Cochlear implantation in intracochlear schwannomas is feasible, with overall satisfactory hearing outcomes in accordance with the evidence found in the literature.
Assessing the Genomics Structure of Dorper and White Dorper Variants, and Dorper Populations in South Africa and Hungary
Authors: Wanjala George , Astuti Putri Kusuma , Bagi Zoltán , Kichamu Nelly , Strausz Péter , Kusza Szilvia
Published: March 2023

Dorper sheep was developed for meat production in arid and semi-arid regions under extensive production systems in South Africa. Two variants with distinct head and neck colors were bred during their development process. White Dorper have a white coat while Dorper have a black head and neck. Both variants have grown in popularity around the world. Therefore, understanding the genomic architecture between South African Dorpers and Dorper populations adapted to other climatic regions, as well as genomic differences between Dorper and White Dorper variants is vital for their molecular management. Using the ovine 50K SNP chip, this study compared the genetic architecture of Dorper variants between populations from South Africa and Hungary. The Dorper populations in both countries had high genetic diversity levels, although Dorper in Hungary showed high levels of inbreeding. White Dorpers from both countries were genetically closely related, while Dorpers were distantly related according to principal component analysis and neighbor-joining tree. Additionally, whereas all groups displayed unique selection signatures for local adaptation, Dorpers from Hungary had a similar linkage disequilibrium decay. Environmental differences and color may have influenced the genetic differentiation between the Dorpers. For their molecular management and prospective genomic selection, it is crucial to understand the Dorper sheep’s genomic architecture, and the results of this study can be interpreted as a step in this direction.
Methods to Induce Analgesia and Anesthesia in Crustaceans: A Supportive Decision Tool
Authors: Rotllant Guiomar , Llonch Pol , García del Arco José A. , Chic Òscar , Flecknell Paul , Sneddon Lynne U.
Published: March 2023

Methods to induce analgesia and anesthesia for research purposes, handling, transport, or stunning have been used in 71 species of crustaceans. A non-systematic literature search was conducted on crustacean anesthetic methods. This review presents a comprehensive evaluation of drugs and non-chemical methods used to provide analgesia and anesthesia in many crustacean species rather than just decapod crustaceans. This information allows users to select an appropriate method or agent for their species of interest. We prepared an on-line tool based on datasette, a no-code open-source solution for simple web-based database frontends that allows exploration and downloading data by method, analgesic/anesthetic, species, life stage, or sex, as well as other data including environmental conditions (temperature, salinity, light), route of administration, dosage, and induction and recovery times. These values can be selected to filter the dataset and export it to CSV or JSON formats. Currently, several techniques and chemicals are, in our opinion, unsuitable for use as anesthetics in crustaceans, and the basis for these opinions are presented. Given the evidence of a pain-like experience in crustaceans, we propose that researchers should treat crustaceans humanely, applying the principles of good handling, care, and the management of stress and pain to safeguard their welfare.
Modeling the Double Peak Phenomenon in Drug Absorption Kinetics: The Case of Amisulpride
Authors: Kousovista Rania , Karali Georgia , Karalis Vangelis
Published: March 2023

An interesting issue observed in some drugs is the “double peak phenomenon” (DPP). In DPP, the concentration-time (C-t) profile does not follow the usual shape but climbs to a peak and then begins to degrade before rising again to a second peak. Such a phenomenon is observed in the case of amisulpride, which is a second-generation antipsychotic. The aim of this study was to develop a model for the description of double peaks in amisulpride after oral administration. Amisulpride plasma C-t data were obtained from a 2 × 2 crossover bioequivalence study in 24 healthy adult subjects. A nonlinear mixed-effects modeling approach was applied in order to perform the analysis. Participants’ characteristics, such as demographics (e.g., body weight, gender, etc.), have also been investigated. A model for describing the double peak phenomenon was successfully developed. Simulations were run using this model to investigate the impact of significant covariates and recommend appropriate dosage regimens. For comparison purposes and to investigate the suitability of our developed model for describing the double peak phenomenon, modeling of previously published population pharmacokinetic models was also applied to the C-t data of this study.
Acoustic Classification of Bird Species Using an Early Fusion of Deep Features
Authors: Xie Jie , Zhu Mingying
Published: March 2023

Bird sound classification plays an important role in large-scale temporal and spatial environmental monitoring. In this paper, we investigate both transfer learning and training from scratch for bird sound classification, where pre-trained models are used as feature extractors. Specifically, deep cascade features are extracted from various layers of different pre-trained models, which are then fused to classify bird sounds. A multi-view spectrogram is constructed to characterize bird sounds by simply repeating the spectrogram to make it suitable for pre-trained models. Furthermore, both mixup and pitch shift are applied for augmenting bird sounds to improve the classification performance. Experimental classification on 43 bird species using linear SVM indicates that deep cascade features can achieve the highest balanced accuracy of 90.94% ± 1.53%. To further improve the classification performance, an early fusion method is used by combining deep cascaded features extracted from different pre-trained models. The final best classification balanced accuracy is 94.89% ± 1.35%.
One-Pot Conversion of Furfural to γ-Valerolactone over Co- and Pt-Doped ZSM-5 Catalysts
Authors: Tolek Weerachon , Auppahad Warucha , Weerachawanasak Patcharaporn , Mekasuwandumrong Okorn , Praserthdam Piyasan , Panpranot Joongjai
Published: March 2023

γ-Valerolactone (GVL) is one of the useful biomass compounds produced via different reaction pathways from hemicellulose. In this study, Co- and Pt-doped/ZSM-5 catalysts with different Co loadings (0–10 wt.%) and Pt loadings (0.5–2 wt.%) were prepared by impregnation method and employed in a one-pot conversion of furfural to GVL. The yield of GVL increased with increasing reaction temperature from 100 to 140 °C. At the reaction temperature of 120 °C, higher amounts of secondary products such as AL and IPL can be converted to GVL, especially on the Co- and Pt-modified ZSM-5 catalysts. Compared to the non-modified H-ZSM-5 (GVL yield 35.4%), Co- and Pt-doped ZSM-5 catalysts exhibited much higher yield of GVL with the 1%Pt/ZSM-5 catalyst showing the highest yield of GVL at 85.4% at 120 °C and 1 bar N2 without the use of liquid acid or external H2 supply. The catalyst performances were correlated to the physicochemical properties of the catalysts such as the amount and type of acid sites. The NH3-TPD and in situ FTIR spectra of pyridine adsorption results revealed that Co- and Pt-loaded on ZSM-5 enhanced Lewis and weak acid sites, which are beneficial for the reaction. The results present a simple strategy to obtain high GVL yield under relatively mild conditions.
Recent Progress in the Production of Cyanide-Converting Nitrilases—Comparison with Nitrile-Hydrolyzing Enzymes
Authors: Martínková Ludmila , Kulik Natalia , Sedova Anastasia , Křístková Barbora , Bojarová Pavla
Published: March 2023

Nitrilases have a high potential for application in organic chemistry, environmental technology, and analytics. However, their industrial uses require that they are produced in highly active and robust forms at a reasonable cost. Some organic syntheses catalyzed by nitrilases have already reached a high level of technological readiness. This has been enabled by the large-scale production of recombinant catalysts. Despite some promising small-scale methods being proposed, the production of cyanide-converting nitrilases (cyanide hydratase and cyanide dihydratase) is lagging in this regard. This review focuses on the prospects of cyanide(di)hydratase-based catalysts. The current knowledge of these enzymes is summarized and discussed in terms of the origin and distribution of their sequences, gene expression, structure, assays, purification, immobilization, and uses. Progresses in the production of other nitrilase catalysts are also tackled, as it may inspire the development of the preparation processes of cyanide(di)hydratases.
Zinc Supplementation Induced Transcriptional Changes in Primary Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium: A Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Study to Understand Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Emri Eszter , Cappa Oisin , Kelly Caoimhe , Kortvely Elod , SanGiovanni John Paul , McKay Brian S. , Bergen Arthur A. , Simpson David A. , Lengyel Imre
Published: March 2023

Zinc supplementation has been shown to be beneficial to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the molecular mechanism underpinning this benefit is not well understood. This study used single-cell RNA sequencing to identify transcriptomic changes induced by zinc supplementation. Human primary retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells could mature for up to 19 weeks. After 1 or 18 weeks in culture, we supplemented the culture medium with 125 µM added zinc for one week. RPE cells developed high transepithelial electrical resistance, extensive, but variable pigmentation, and deposited sub-RPE material similar to the hallmark lesions of AMD. Unsupervised cluster analysis of the combined transcriptome of the cells isolated after 2, 9, and 19 weeks in culture showed considerable heterogeneity. Clustering based on 234 pre-selected RPE-specific genes divided the cells into two distinct clusters, we defined as more and less differentiated cells. The proportion of more differentiated cells increased with time in culture, but appreciable numbers of cells remained less differentiated even at 19 weeks. Pseudotemporal ordering identified 537 genes that could be implicated in the dynamics of RPE cell differentiation (FDR < 0.05). Zinc treatment resulted in the differential expression of 281 of these genes (FDR < 0.05). These genes were associated with several biological pathways with modulation of ID1/ID3 transcriptional regulation. Overall, zinc had a multitude of effects on the RPE transcriptome, including several genes involved in pigmentation, complement regulation, mineralization, and cholesterol metabolism processes associated with AMD.
Lessons Learned with a Triad of Stakeholder Advisory Boards: Working with Adolescents, Mothers, and Clinicians to Design the TRUST Study
Authors: Richards Alexis , Raymond-Flesch Marissa , Hughes Shana D. , Zhou Yinglan , Koester Kimberly A.
Published: March 2023

Optimal care for pediatric and adolescent patients is carried out under a triadic engagement model, whereby the patient, caregiver, and clinician work in collaboration. Seeking input from all triad members in the development and implementation of clinical trials and interventions may improve health outcomes for children and adolescents. Sufficient evidence demonstrating how to effectively engage stakeholders from all branches of this triadic model is lacking. We address this gap by describing the successes and challenges our team has encountered while convening advisory groups with adolescent patients, parent stakeholders, and their clinicians to assist in the development and deployment of a technology-based intervention to promote the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services by increasing adolescent–clinician alone-time. Each stakeholder group contributed in unique and complementary ways. Working with advisors, our team aligned the priorities of each group with the goals of the research team. The results were improvements made in the content, design, and delivery of the TRUST intervention. While we were largely successful in the recruitment and engagement of adolescent patients and clinicians, we had less success with parents. Future research will need to explore additional strategies for recruitment and engagement of parents, particularly in rural, minority, and underserved communities.
Investigation of Solid-State Hydrate-Anhydrous Phase Transformations of Dabigatran Etexilate Hemi-Edisylate
Authors: Feng Jin , Lim Changjin , Nam Sihyun , Yoon Woojin , Yun Hoseop , Kim Woo-Sik , An Ji-Hun
Published: March 2023

In this study, a dabigatran etexilate edisylate (DBE) was prepared by the reaction crystallization of dabigatran etexilate (DBG) and edisilic acid. According to single crystal X-ray diffraction (SXRD), it was revealed that two DGB were combined with one edisylate and associated with one water for DBE monohydrate. Additionally, the hot stage microscopy showed that the DBE monohydrate was transformed to DBE amorphous solid and then finally shifted to the DBE anhydrate in solid-state. Using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and a hygroscopic test, it was confirmed that the phase transformation of DBE monohydrate to DBE anhydrate was irreversible. Additionally, any other crystal form of DBE anhydrate was not available because it was the most stable phase.
Clinical Phenotype Imprints on Brain Atrophy Progression in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Benninger David H. , von Meyenburg Jan , Dukart Juergen , Bassetti Claudio L. , Kollias Spyridon S. , Iseki Kazumi , Draganski Bogdan
Published: March 2023

There is much controversy about the link between motor symptom progression and the plethora of reported brain atrophy patterns in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD). The main goal of this study is to provide empirical evidence for unique and common contributions of clinical phenotype characteristics on the dynamic changes of brain structure over time. We analyzed the behavioral and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of PD patients (n = 22) and healthy individuals (n = 21) acquired two years apart through the computational anatomy framework of longitudinal voxel-based morphometry (VBM). This analysis revealed a symmetrical bi-hemispheric pattern of accelerated grey matter decrease in PD extending through the insula, parahippocampal gyrus, medial temporal lobes and the precuneus. We observed a hemisphere-specific correlation between the established scores for motor symptoms severity and the rate of atrophy within motor regions, which was further differentiated by the clinical phenotype characteristics of PD patients. Baseline cerebellum anatomy differences between the tremor-dominant and akineto-rigid PD remained stable over time and can be regarded as trait rather than state-associated features. We interpret the observed pattern of progressive brain anatomy changes as mainly linked to insular areas that determine together with basal ganglia the motor and non-motor phenotype in PD. Our findings provide empirical evidence for the sensitivity of computational anatomy to dynamic changes in PD, offering additional opportunities to establish reliable models of disease progression.
Design of Electrical Characterization Method for Electroporation-Treated Biological Tissues
Authors: Lamberti Patrizia , Sieni Elisabetta , Sundararajan Raji
Published: March 2023

The design of a method to evaluate the efficacy of electroporation-treated (with several pulses) tissues is proposed. This method is based on the application of both the standard and a non-standard electrical characterization of biological tissues, on a platform, containing the samples under test, adopted to have minimal invasive contact measurements. Standard direct current electrical characterization was performed for comparison. For the electroporated tissues (using eight pulses), the electrical behavior of the tissue in working condition, governed by high intensity and short duration square wave stimuli, typically used in electrochemotherapy treatments, is utilized. Both electroporation stimuli application and direct current testing were performed using the same electrodes in parallel plate configuration on the parallelepiped shaped samples. The electrodes were not removed during the designed procedure to reduce the interaction with the tissue under test and the effect of different contact resistances. A finite element analysis-based numerical evaluation of the test cell used in the procedure was also performed, both with a constant and an electric field-dependent electrical conductivity, showing its robustness. The method is tested on potato samples, as an example of a biomaterial, whose electrical conductivity is electric field-dependent. The samples were subjected to a high intensity square wave pulse voltage of 100μs long, in order to evaluate the effect of multiple pulses, as a single protocol parameter. Results indicate the dependency of the electrical conductivity on the electric field strength applied using multiple pulses, and the method is easily scalable and usable as a starting point for evaluating the effect of other protocol parameters.
A Brief History of Bunyaviral Family Hantaviridae
Authors: Kuhn Jens H. , Schmaljohn Connie S.
Published: March 2023

The discovery of Hantaan virus as an etiologic agent of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in South Korea in 1978 led to identification of related pathogenic and nonpathogenic rodent-borne viruses in Asia and Europe. Their global distribution was recognized in 1993 after connecting newly discovered relatives of these viruses to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in the Americas. The 1971 description of the shrew-infecting Hantaan-virus-like Thottapalayam virus was long considered an anomaly. Today, this virus and many others that infect eulipotyphlans, bats, fish, rodents, and reptiles are classified among several genera in the continuously expanding family Hantaviridae.
Environment-Assisted Invariance Does Not Necessitate Born’s Rule for Quantum Measurement
Authors: Mertens Lotte , van Wezel Jasper
Published: March 2023

The argument of environment-assisted invariance (known as envariance) implying Born’s rule is widely used in models for quantum measurement to reason that they must yield the correct statistics, specifically for linear models. However, it has recently been shown that linear collapse models can never give rise to Born’s rule. Here, we address this apparent contradiction and point out an inconsistency in the assumptions underlying the arguments based on envariance. We use a construction in which the role of the measurement machine is made explicit and shows that the presence of envariance does not imply that every measurement will behave according to Born’s rule. Rather, it implies that every quantum state allows a measurement machine to be constructed, which yields Born’s rule when measuring that particular state. This resolves the paradox and is in agreement with the recent result of objective collapse models necessarily being nonlinear.
Evaporation Flow Heat Transfer Characteristics of Stainless Steel and Copper Enhanced Tubes
Authors: Wang Xu , Kukulka David John , Liu Xiang-Zeng , Feng Wei , Wang Xiao-Bo , Li Wei , Wang Ze-Peng
Published: March 2023

An experimental study was undertaken to study the tube-side evaporation heat transfer characteristics of enhanced tubes and compare their performance with that of smooth tubes. These experiments were conducted in order to determine how R410a evaporates inside smooth and enhanced tubes; for a saturation temperature of 279.15 K; with mass flux values that ranged from 50 to 250 kg/(m2·s); for an inlet quality of 0.2 and outlet quality of 0.8. Enhanced tubes evaluated include herringbone (HB) and helix (HX) designs with microgrooves, composite herringbone dimple (HB/D), composite herringbone hydrophobic (HB/HY), and composite EHT (multiple enhancement character) tubes. Experimental results show that the evaporation heat-transfer coefficient in the Cu-EHTb tube was the highest; its performance was closely related to the increased number of nucleation points that are found inside the tube; however, the performance of the SS-EHT-HB/D was not significantly higher than that of a smooth tube. The best overall capacity for evaporative heat transfer is shown in the SS-EHT-HB/HY and SS-EHT-HX tubes; the SS-EHT-HB/D, Cu-EHTa, and Cu-EHTb tubes had the worst overall capacity among all the tested tubes. Additionally, it was determined that previously reported smooth tube models to determine the evaporation heat transfer coefficient can accurately predict the heat transfer inside a smooth tube. However, when trying to utilize smooth tube models for enhanced tubes, the deviation between experimentally determined heat transfer coefficient (HTC) values and those predicted when using smooth tube models to predict enhanced tube results is ±30%; therefore, smooth tube models are not applicable for use with enhanced tubes. Smooth tube models were modified, and after correction, the deviation between experimentally determined heat transfer coefficient (HTC) values and those predicted when using the modified model for use with enhanced tubes is ±10%. Finally, the effect of the thermal resistance of the tube wall on the overall heat transfer coefficient of a stainless steel-enhanced tube is significant and cannot be overlooked.
Recent Advances in the Energy Market Development: Current Challenges and Perspectives of Energy Crises in Academia
Authors: Bilan Yuriy , Kozmenko Serhiy , Makarenko Inna
Published: March 2023

The current challenges in the energy crisis, triggered primarily by the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, have had an unprecedented impact on investment in the energy market [...]
Review of Porous Ceramics for Hot Gas Cleanup of Biomass Syngas Using Catalytic Ceramic Filters to Produce Green Hydrogen/Fuels/Chemicals
Authors: Peck Devin , Zappi Mark , Gang Daniel , Guillory John , Hernandez Rafael , Buchireddy Prashanth
Published: March 2023

Biomass gasification is one of the most promising routes to produce green hydrogen, power, fuels, and chemicals, which has drawn much attention as the world moves away from fossil fuels. Syngas produced from gasification needs to go through an essential gas cleanup step for the removal of tars and particulates for further processing, which is one of the cost-inducing steps. Existing hot gas cleanup strategies involve the particulate removal step followed by catalytic tar reforming, which could be integrated into a single unit operation using porous ceramics owing to their advantages including high-temperature resistance, high corrosion resistance, flexibility, and robust mechanical integrity. Ceramic filters have proven to be effective at filtering particulates from hot gas streams in various applications including combustion, incineration, gasification, and pyrolysis. These materials have also been evaluated and used to an extent as catalyst support to remove contaminants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOC), and in particular, tars, however, the use of these ceramic materials to remove both tars and particulates in one unit has not received much attention, although it has a promising potential to be a cost-effective hot gas cleanup strategy. Thus, this review presents the ability of catalytic ceramic filters to boost energy efficiency by converting unwanted byproducts while simultaneously eliminating PM in a single unit and is shown to be valuable in industrial processes across the board. This article presents a comprehensive and systematic overview and current state of knowledge of the use of porous ceramics for catalytic hot gas filtration applications with an emphasis on biomass syngas cleanup. In addition, a similar strategy for other applications such as combustion exhaust streams is presented. Prospects and challenges of taking this approach, and the necessary research and development to advance the novel use of reactive ceramic filters within biomass-fed thermal systems are presented. Major challenges include the low surface area of the ceramic filter media and high-pressure drop across the filter media, which can be overcome by wash coating or dip coating mechanisms and porosity tailored to meet the requirements. Owing to limited R&D efforts in this area, a systematic approach toward developing these integrated hot gas filtration systems is much needed, which will ultimately contribute to cost-effective green hydrogen production.
Oil Price—A Sensor for the Performance of Romanian Oil Manufacturing Companies
Authors: Neacsa Adrian , Muresan Jianu Daniel , Voica Marian Catalin , Manta Otilia , Ivan Mihail Vincentiu
Published: March 2023

This article presents the influence of the evolution of the oil price on the international markets on the strategies of companies whose main activity is the manufacture of oil equipment for the Romanian oil industry. As a tool for economists and specialists in the oil industry, such a study helps to develop economic strategies and management decisions based on forecasts of oil price developments. Based on statistical data for the annual oil price on international markets and the turnover of the oil companies, an analysis was proposed which showed that the trends in the mathematical models are similar, which highlights that economic activities in the oil sector are sensitive to the evolution of oil price. Management strategies are based on anticipating changes in the corporate environment, assessing the company’s internal potential and making the necessary changes to bring it in line with the economy, its mission, and the objectives set to ensure its survival and continuity. These views make it possible to analyse and forecast oil prices; upward trends will encourage companies to design and develop strategies that include investments to expand production capacity, and downward trends will synergistically lead to downsizing strategies. Variations in company production will generate an economic, social, and environmental impact in the countries where they operate.
Design of a 350 kW DC/DC Converter in 1200-V SiC Module Technology for Automotive Component Testing
Authors: Alemanno Alessio , Ronchi Fabio , Rossi Carlo , Pagliuca Jacopo , Fioravanti Matteo , Florian Corrado
Published: March 2023

In this paper, the design and implementation of a DC/DC converter for automotive component testing with state-of-the art performance is described. The converter is the core of a battery emulator for the characterization and development of automotive batteries, electronic chargers, traction inverters, DC-DC converters, E-motors and E-axles. Cutting edge performance, flexibility and compactness are obtained by exploiting 1200-V SiC modules, high switching frequency, planar transformer technology, suitable topology solutions and fast digital control strategies. The implemented system is a liquid-cooled, bidirectional converter with galvanic isolation capable of 350 kW continuous output power, output voltage range 48–1000 V, continuous output current up to 800 A (1600 A peak), voltage/current ramp-up time below 10/2 ms and 0.1% current/voltage accuracy. The entire instrument is implemented in a standard full-height 19-inch rack cabinet.
Advanced Technologies in Hydrogen Revolution
Authors: Van Duc Long Nguyen , Cao Nhien Le , Lee Moonyong
Published: March 2023

Hydrogen has been identified as an ideal sustainable energy carrier to meet the ambitious targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the dependence on fossil fuels [...]
Production-Process Simulation and Life-Cycle Assessment of Metakaolin as Supplementary Cementitious Material
Authors: Tasiopoulou Theodora , Katsourinis Dimitrios , Giannopoulos Dimitrios , Founti Maria
Published: March 2023

An environmental assessment of metakaolin as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) through an integrated production-process-simulation and Life-Cycle-Assessment (LCA) approach is presented in this work. Initially, process simulation models were developed to reproduce the basic stages of the metakaolin production process. The effect of various operational parameters and scenarios, such as calcination temperature, moisture of raw material and associated drying, exhaust gas recirculation and the use of alternative-fuel combustion to provide kiln heat requirements, was evaluated. The resulting process heat-demand and CO2-emission computations were used as inputs in the LCA along with upstream literature data using a cradle-to-gate approach. LCA results focused on the most relevant environmental impact category of cement production, the Global Warming Potential (GWP (100)). The major findings showed a strong influence of process temperature and kaolin humidity on the lifecycle GWP, since both parameters affected not only the core-process heat demand but also the upstream impact related to fossil-fuel extraction, processing, transportation and distribution. Recirculating the exhaust provided a GWP reduction potential of up to 19%. In all examined production scenarios, metakaolin depicted a lower Global Warming Potential compared to clinker due to the avoidance of emissions related to limestone calcination. As regards the impact contribution of fuels, coal was responsible for higher onsite emissions and natural gas indicated higher upstream emissions. The GWP (100) could be further reduced when alternative waste fuels such as plastic waste, MSW (municipal solid waste) and tires were used. The LCA results have been cross-checked with previous literature reports, and the corresponding deviations are accordingly explained. In any case, the LCA results of different studies are rarely directly comparable due to the numerous assumptions required, which cannot be identically replicated.
Effect of Short-Chain Fatty Acids on the Yield of 2,3-Butanediol by Saccharomyces cerevisiae W141: The Synergistic Effect of Acetic Acid and Dissolved Oxygen
Authors: Liu Jiaxin , Sun Shanshan , Sun Yangcun , Liu Dean , Kang Jie , Ye Zeming , Song Gang , Ge Jingping
Published: March 2023

As a platform chemical, 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BDO) has been widely used in various industrial fields. To improve the yield of 2,3-BDO produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae W141, this paper explored the effects of exogenous short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as well as the synergistic effects of acetic acid and dissolved oxygen content on the yield of 2,3-BDO from the perspective of physiological metabolism. The results indicated that different SCFAs had different effects on the production of 2,3-BDO, and higher or lower concentrations of SCFAs were not conducive to the generation of 2,3-BDO. However, exogenically adding 1.0 g/L acetic acid significantly increased the yield of 2,3-BDO and the expression level of bdh1, a key gene in the synthesis of 2,3-BDO (p < 0.05). In addition, a dissolved oxygen concentration of 4.52 mg/L was proven to be the optimal condition for 2,3-BDO production. When the dissolved oxygen content and acetic acid concentration were 4.52 mg/L and 1.0 g/L, respectively, the maximum yield of 2,3-BDO was 3.25 ± 0.03 g/L, which was 66.59% higher than that produced by S. cerevisiae W141 alone. These results provide methodological guidance for the industrial production of 2,3-BDO by S. cerevisiae.
Supplemental Sewage Scum and Organic Municipal Solid Waste Addition to the Anaerobic Digestion of Thickened Waste Activated Sludge: Biomethane Potential and Microbiome Analysis
Authors: Aromolaran Adewale , Sartaj Majid , Abdallah Mohamed
Published: March 2023

Sewage scum (SS) is collected from sedimentation tanks in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Despite its huge biogas potential, there is limited information on its potential as a co-substrate and microbial ecology, especially during anaerobic co-digestion (ACo-D) of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and thickened waste activated sludge (TWAS). In this biomethane potential (BMP) study, the bioenergy yield achieved by the supplemental addition of SS and OFMSW to TWAS was investigated, along with the microbial ecology. Compared with the digestion of TWAS alone, which produced 184.6 mLCH4 gVS−1, biomethane yield was enhanced by as much as 32.4–121.6% in trinary mixtures with SS and OFMSW, mainly due to the positive synergistic effect. Furthermore, a mixture of 40%SS + 10%TWAS + 50%OFMSW produced the highest biogas yield of 407 mLCH4 gVS−1, which is proof that existing WWTPs can produce additional energy by incorporating external bioresources, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Modified Gompertz and logistic function estimates showed that methane production rate improved by as much as 60% in a trinary mixture compared with the digestion of TWAS alone. The genus Methanosaeta, capable of generating methane by the acetoclastic methanogenic pathway among all the archaeal communities, was the most prominent, followed by hydrogenotrophic methanogen Methanospirillum.