bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast Fractional-Order Terminal Sliding Mode Control for Seven-Axis Robot Manipulator
Authors: Wang Jie , Lee Min Cheol , Kim Jae Hyung , Kim Hyun Hee
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes a novel controller, fast fractional-order terminal sliding mode control (FFOTSMC), for a seven-degree-of-freedom (7-DOF) robot manipulator with tracking control. The new controller applies the fractional-order derivative on both the sliding surface design and the sliding control/reaching law. Compared to previous research, which only applies the fractional-order derivative on the sliding surface design, the proposed controller has a faster convergence for reaching the sliding surface and maintaining stay on it because of the new fractional-order control law, which helps the tracking accuracy. To implement the controller on the robot with less chattering, a sliding perturbation observer (SPO) is used to estimate the disturbance and uncertainties. Stability analysis is analyzed using Lyapunov functions for fractional-order systems. The controller performance is evaluated by a simulation of a single-input and single-output (SISO) system in MATLAB Simulink and experiments on the robot manipulator.
Identification of Long-Range Transport Pathways and Potential Source Regions of PM2.5 and PM10 at Akedala Station, Central Asia
Authors: Li Hanlin , He Qing , Liu Xinchun
Published: November 2020

Cluster analyses, potential source contribution function (PSCF) and concentration-weight trajectory (CWT) were used to identify the main transport pathways and potential source regions with hourly PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in different seasons from January 2017 to December 2019 at Akedala Station, located in northwest China (Central Asia). The annual mean concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were 11.63 ± 9.31 and 19.99 ± 14.39 µg/m3, respectively. The air pollution was most polluted in winter, and the dominant part of PM10 (between 54 to 76%) constituted PM2.5 aerosols in Akedala. Particulate pollution in Akedala can be traced back to eastern Kazakhstan, northern Xinjiang, and western Mongolia. The cluster analyses showed that the Akedala atmosphere was mainly affected by air masses transported from the northwest. The PM2.5 and PM10 mainly came with air masses from the central and eastern regions of Kazakhstan, which are characterized by highly industrialized and semi-arid desert areas. In addition, the analyses of the pressure profile of back-trajectories showed that air mass distribution were mainly distributed above 840 hPa. This indicates that PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were strongly affected by high altitude air masses. According to the results of the PSCF and CWT methods, the main potential source areas of PM2.5 were very similar to those of PM10. In winter and autumn, the main potential source areas with high weighted PSCF values were located in the eastern regions of Kazakhstan, northern Xinjiang, and western Mongolia. These areas contributed the highest PM2.5 concentrations from 25 to 40 µg/m3 and PM10 concentrations from 30 to 60 µg/m3 in these seasons. In spring and summer, the potential source areas with the high weighted PSCF values were distributed in eastern Kazakhstan, northern Xinjiang, the border between northeast Kazakhstan, and southern Russia. These areas contributed the highest PM2.5 concentrations from 10 to 20 µg/m3 and PM10 concentrations from 20 to 60 µg/m3 in these seasons.
Insoluble Particles in the Snowpack of the Ob River Basin (Western Siberia) a 2800 km Submeridional Profile
Authors: Shevchenko Vladimir P. , Vorobyev Sergey N. , Krickov Ivan V. , Boev Andrey G. , Lim Artyom G. , Novigatsky Alexander N. , Starodymova Dina P. , Pokrovsky Oleg S.
Published: November 2020

Snowpack exhibits properties that make it a unique natural archive of airborne pollution. The data on insoluble particles in the Ob River catchment (Western Siberia) snowpack are limited. Insoluble particles in the snowpack of Western Siberia were studied at 36 sites on a 2800 km submeridional profile from the city of Barnaul to Salekhard in February 2020. Snow samples were collected over the full depth of the snow core, from the surface of the snow cover to the boundary with soil, except for the lower 1–2 cm. After the filtration of melted snow through a 0.45-µm membrane, the particle composition was studied using a scanning electron microscope with an energy microprobe. In the background areas, the concentration of insoluble particles in the snow was below 2 mg/L. Significantly higher particle concentrations were encountered near cities and hydrocarbon production areas. Particulate matter in snow mainly consists of biogenic and lithogenic particles mixed with anthropogenic particles (ash and black carbon aggregates). The proportion of anthropogenic particles increases near cities and areas of active hydrocarbon production.
BRCA1-A and BRISC: Multifunctional Molecular Machines for Ubiquitin Signaling
Authors: Rabl Julius
Published: November 2020

The K63-linkage specific deubiquitinase BRCC36 forms the core of two multi-subunit deubiquitination complexes: BRCA1-A and BRISC. BRCA1-A is recruited to DNA repair foci, edits ubiquitin signals on chromatin, and sequesters BRCA1 away from the site of damage, suppressing homologous recombination by limiting resection. BRISC forms a complex with metabolic enzyme SHMT2 and regulates the immune response, mitosis, and hematopoiesis. Almost two decades of research have revealed how BRCA1-A and BRISC use the same core of subunits to perform very distinct biological tasks.
FAM188B Expression Is Critical for Cell Growth via FOXM1 Regulation in Lung Cancer
Authors: Choi Young Eun , Madhi Hamadi , Kim HaEun , Lee Jeon-Soo , Kim Myung-Hee , Kim Yong-Nyun , Goh Sung-Ho
Published: November 2020

Although family with sequence similarity 188 member B (FAM188B) is known to be a member of a novel putative deubiquitinase family, its biological role has not been fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate the oncogenic function of FAM188B via regulation of forkhead box M1 (FOXM1), another oncogenic transcription factor, in lung cancer cells. FAM188B knockdown induced the inhibition of cell growth along with the downregulation of mRNA and protein levels of FOXM1. FAM188B knockdown also resulted in downregulation of Survivin and cell cycle-related proteins, which are direct targets of FOXM1. Interestingly, FOXM1 co-immunoprecipitated with FAM188B, and the levels of FOXM1 ubiquitination increased with FAM188B knockdown but decreased with FAM188B overexpression. In addition, in vivo xenograft of FAM188B siRNA (siFAM188B) RNA-treated cells resulted in the retardation of tumor growth compared with that in the control. Furthermore, protein levels of FAM188B and FOXM1 were elevated in the human lung cancer tissues, and FAM188B expression was negatively correlated with the overall survival of lung cancer patients. These results indicate that FAM188B exerts its oncogenic effects by regulating FOXM1 deubiquitination and thus its stability. Therefore, FAM188B might be a potential therapeutic target to control lung cancer progression.
Polymeric Inserts Containing Eudragit® L100 Nanoparticle for Improved Ocular Delivery of Azithromycin
Authors: Taghe Shiva , Mirzaeei Shahla , Alany Raid G. , Nokhodchi Ali
Published: November 2020

Polymeric inserts containing azithromycin-loaded Eudragit® L100 nanoparticles were developed to sustain the drug release and enhance its ocular performance. The solvent diffusion technique was employed to prepare nanoparticles. The developed nanoparticles (NPs) were fully characterized and investigated. The solvent casting method was used to prepare azithromycin ocular inserts (azithromycin, AZM film) by adding hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) or hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) solutions after the incorporation of AZM-loaded Eudragit® L100 nanoparticles into plasticized PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) solutions. The optimized nanoparticles had a particle size of 78.06 ± 2.3 nm, zeta potential around −2.45 ± 0.69 mV, polydispersity index around 0.179 ± 0.007, and entrapment efficiency 62.167 ± 0.07%. The prepared inserts exhibited an antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli cultures. The inserts containing AZM-loaded nanoparticles showed a burst release during the initial hours, followed by a sustained drug release pattern. Higher cumulative corneal permeations from AZM films were observed for the optimized formulation compared to the drug solution in the ex-vivo trans-corneal study. In comparison to the AZM solution, the inserts significantly prolonged the release of AZM in rabbit eyes (121 h). The mucoadhesive inserts containing azithromycin-loaded Eudragit® L100 nanoparticles offer a promising approach for the ocular delivery of azithromycin (antibacterial and anti-inflammatory) to treat ocular infections that require a prolonged drug delivery.
Breath Ammonia Is a Useful Biomarker Predicting Kidney Function in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Chan Ming-Jen , Li Yi-Jung , Wu Chao-Ching , Lee Yu-Chen , Zan Hsiao-Wen , Meng Hsin-Fei , Hsieh Meng-Hsuan , Lai Chao-Sung , Tian Ya-Chung
Published: November 2020

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem and its prevalence has increased worldwide; patients are commonly unaware of the condition. The present study aimed to investigate whether exhaled breath ammonia via vertical-channel organic semiconductor (V-OSC) sensor measurement could be used for rapid CKD screening. We enrolled 121 CKD stage 1–5 patients, including 19 stage 1 patients, 26 stage 2 patients, 38 stage 3 patients, 21 stage 4 patients, and 17 stage 5 patients, from July 2019 to January 2020. Demographic and laboratory data were recorded. The exhaled ammonia was collected and rapidly measured by the V-OSC sensor to correlate with kidney function. Results showed no significant difference in age, sex, body weight, hemoglobin, albumin level, and comorbidities in different CKD stage patients. Correlation analysis demonstrated a good correlation between breath ammonia and blood urea nitrogen levels, serum creatinine levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Breath ammonia concentration was significantly elevated with increased CKD stage compared with the previous stage (CKD stage 1/2/3/4/5: 636 ± 94; 1020 ± 120; 1943 ± 326; 4421 ± 1042; 12781 ± 1807 ppb, p < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.835 (p < 0.0001) for distinguishing CKD stage 1 from other CKD stages at 974 ppb (sensitivity, 69%; specificity, 95%). The AUC was 0.831 (p < 0.0001) for distinguishing between patients with/without eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (cutoff 1187 ppb: sensitivity, 71%; specificity, 78%). At 886 ppb, the sensitivity increased to 80% but the specificity decreased to 69%. This value is suitable for kidney function screening. Breath ammonia detection with V-OSC is a real time, inexpensive, and easy to administer measurement device for screening CKD with reliable diagnostic accuracy.
High Sensitivity Protein Gel Electrophoresis Label Compatible with Mass-Spectrometry
Authors: Welsh Joshua A. , Jenkins Lisa M. , Kepley Julia , Lyons Gaelyn C. , Moore David M. , Traynor Tim , Berzofsky Jay A. , Jones Jennifer C.
Published: November 2020

Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) is a widely utilized technique for macromolecule and protein analysis. While multiple methods exist to visualize the separated protein bands on gels, one of most popular methods of staining the proteins is with Coomassie dye. A more recent approach is to use Bio-Rad stain-free technology for visualizing protein bands with UV light and achieve similar or greater sensitivity than that of Coomassie dye. Here, we developed a method to further amplify the sensitivity of stain-free gels using carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) staining. We compared our novel method using foetal bovine serum samples with Coomassie dye, standard stain-free gels, and silver staining. Our results show that while silver staining remains a gold-standard method in terms of sensitivity; CFSE staining of samples prior to use with stain-free gels results in a 10–100-fold increase in sensitivity over Coomassie staining and the standard stain-free method. Our method offers a sensitivity similar to that of silver staining which is compatible with downstream mass spectrometry, and therefore more advantageous for further retrieval and analysis of macromolecules in bands.
Impact of Genetic Ancestry on Prognostic Biomarkers in Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Rodriguez Daniel A. , Sanchez Margaret I. , Decatur Christina L. , Correa Zelia M. , Martin Eden R. , Harbour J. William
Published: November 2020

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common cancer of the eye and leads to metastatic death in up to half of patients. Genomic prognostic biomarkers play an important role in clinical management in UM. However, research has been conducted almost exclusively in patients of European descent, such that the association between genetic admixture and prognostic biomarkers is unknown. In this study, we compiled 1381 control genomes from West African, European, East Asian, and Native American individuals, assembled a bioinformatic pipeline for assessing global and local ancestry, and performed an initial pilot study of 141 UM patients from our international referral center that manages many admixed individuals. Global and local estimates were associated with genomic prognostic determinants. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis was performed on variants found in segments. Globally, after correction for multiple testing, no prognostic variable was significantly enriched in a given ancestral group. However, there was a trend suggesting an increased proportion of European ancestry associated with expression of the PRAME oncogene (q = 0.06). Locally enriched European haplotypes were associated with the poor prognosis class 2 gene expression profile and with genes involved in immune regulation (q = 4.7 × 10−11). These findings reveal potential influences of genetic ancestry on prognostic variables, implicate immune genes in prognostic differences based on ancestry, and provide a basis for future studies of admixed patients with UM using rigorous genetic ancestry methodology.
Alpha-Fetoprotein, Protein Induced by Vitamin K Absence or Antagonist II and Glypican-3 for the Detection and Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Cirrhosis of Viral Etiology
Authors: Caviglia Gian Paolo , Ciruolo Michela , Abate Maria Lorena , Carucci Patrizia , Rolle Emanuela , Rosso Chiara , Olivero Antonella , Troshina Giulia , Risso Alessandra , Nicolosi Aurora , Ribaldone Davide Giuseppe , Armandi Angelo , Tandoi Francesco , Saracco Giorgio Maria , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Ciancio Alessia , Gaia Silvia
Published: November 2020

International guidelines recommend the use of ultrasound as a surveillance tool for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis, while the role of serum biomarkers is still debated. We investigated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II (PIVKA-II) and glypican-3 (GPC-3) diagnostic accuracy for HCC detection and prediction in patients with liver cirrhosis of viral etiology under surveillance. A total of 349 patients (200 cirrhosis and 149 HCC) were enrolled. The 200 patients with cirrhosis consisted of 114 patients still HCC-free after 36 months of follow-up and 86 patients that developed HCC after 13.8 (11.0–19.8) months. AFP, PIVKA-II and GPC-3 were measured in serum samples collected at tumor diagnosis in the 149 patients with HCC, and at the beginning of follow-up in the 200 patients with cirrhosis. The higher performance for HCC detection was observed for PIVKA-II (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.790), followed by AFP (AUC = 0.737) and GPC-3 (AUC = 0.637); the combination of AFP + PIVKA-II improved the diagnostic accuracy to AUC = 0.822. Serum PIVKA-II values, but not AFP and GPC-3, were significantly higher in the 86 cirrhotics that developed HCC compared with the 114 cirrhotics still HCC-free after 36 months of follow-up (p = 0.020). PIVKA-II ≥ 55 mAU/mL allowed to identify patients with cirrhosis at higher risk of HCC development (Log-rank test, p < 0.001; adjusted Hazard Ratio = 1.99, p = 0.001). In conclusion, the measurement of PIVKA-II in patients with cirrhosis may be useful to tailor personalized surveillance strategies.
Vadadustat, a HIF Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitor, Improves Immunomodulatory Properties of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Zielniok Katarzyna , Burdzinska Anna , Kaleta Beata , Zagozdzon Radoslaw , Paczek Leszek
Published: November 2020

The therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is largely attributed to their immunomodulatory properties, which can be further improved by hypoxia priming. In this study, we investigated the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs preconditioned with hypoxia-mimetic Vadadustat (AKB-6548, Akebia). Gene expression analysis of immunomodulatory factors was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) on RNA isolated from six human bone-marrow derived MSCs populations preconditioned for 6 h with 40 μM Vadadustat compared to control MSCs. The effect of Vadadustat preconditioning on MSCs secretome was determined using Proteome Profiler and Luminex, while their immunomodulatory activity was assessed by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and Culturex transwell migration assays. Real-time PCR revealed that Vadadustat downregulated genes related to immune system: IL24, IL1B, CXCL8, PDCD1LG1, PDCD1LG2, HIF1A, CCL2 and IL6, and upregulated IL17RD, CCL28 and LEP. Vadadustat caused a marked decrease in the secretion of IL6 (by 51%), HGF (by 47%), CCL7 (MCP3) (by 42%) and CXCL8 (by 40%). Vadadustat potentiated the inhibitory effect of MSCs on the proliferation of alloactivated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and reduced monocytes-enriched PBMCs chemotaxis towards the MSCs secretome. Preconditioning with Vadadustat may constitute a valuable approach to improve the therapeutic properties of MSCs.
Positional Differences of the Mandibular Canal in Relation to Permanent Mandibular First Molars with Eruption Disturbances in Children
Authors: Lee Eungyung , Jeong Taesung , Shin Jonghyun
Published: November 2020

Eruption disturbances in permanent mandibular first molars (PM1s) are uncommon. This retrospective study aimed to investigate differences in the position of the mandibular canal in relation to PM1s, with or without, eruption disturbances. Panoramic and cross-sectional views were reconstructed from cone-beam computed tomography imaging of children with PM1 eruption disturbances. Distances from the most inferior margin of the mandible to the center of the mandibular canal (M–C) and from the outer margin of the lingual cortex to the center of the mandibular canal (L–C) were measured for normally erupted PM1s (normal group) and for PM1s with eruption disturbances (ED group) and compared using independent t-tests. The mean M–C was significantly shorter in the ED group (4.86 ± 1.07 mm) than in the normal group (6.56 ± 1.06 mm) (p < 0.05). The mean L–C was also significantly shorter in the ED group (2.74 ± 0.74 mm) than in the normal group (3.09 ± 0.71 mm) (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that the mandibular canal tended to be positioned more inferiorly in relation to PM1s with eruption disturbances than normally erupted PM1s in children. Clinicians should be aware of this positional deviation when managing children with PM1 eruption disturbances.
Durability of Superamphiphobic Polyester Fabrics in Simulated Aerodynamic Icing Conditions
Authors: Laroche Alexandre , Ritzen Linda , Guillén Javier Alejandro Mayén , Vercillo Vittorio , D’Acunzi Maria , Sharifi Aghili Azadeh , Hussong Jeanette , Vollmer Doris , Bonaccurso Elmar
Published: November 2020

Fabrics treated to repel water, superhydrophobic, and water and oil, superamphiphobic, have numerous industrial and consumer-level benefits. However, the liquid repellency decreases in the course of time. This is largely due to chemical or physical changes of the coating due to prolonged exposure to relatively harsh environments. To develop more durable fabric treatments for specific applications, it is necessary to measure the extent to which the treated fabrics retain their low-wettability after being subjected to controlled aggressive environmental conditions. In this study, plain weave fabrics made from polyester filaments and coated with silicone nanofilaments in-solution were exposed to aerodynamic icing conditions. The coated fabrics showed superhydrophobic behavior, or superamphiphobic for those that were fluorinated. The wettability of the fabrics was progressively evaluated by contact angle and roll-off-angle measurements. The coated fabrics were able to maintain their low-wettability characteristics after exposure to water droplet clouds at airspeeds up to 120 m/s, despite damage to the silicone nanofilaments, visible through scanning electron microscopy.
Perovskite Crystals: Unique Pseudo-Jahn–Teller Origin of Ferroelectricity, Multiferroicity, Permittivity, Flexoelectricity, and Polar Nanoregions
Authors: Bersuker Isaac B. , Polinger Victor
Published: November 2020

In a semi-review paper, we show that the local pseudo-Jahn–Teller effect (PJTE) in transition metal B ion center of ABO3 perovskite crystals, notably BaTiO3, is the basis of all their main properties. The vibronic coupling between the ground and excited electronic states of the local BO6 center results in dipolar distortions, leading to an eight-well adiabatic potential energy surface with local tunneling or over-the-barrier transitions between them. The intercenter interaction between these dipolar dynamic units results in the formation of the temperature-dependent three ferroelectric and one paraelectric phases with order–disorder phase transitions. The local PJTE dipolar distortion is subject to the presence of sufficiently close in energy local electronic states with opposite parity but the same spin multiplicity, thus limiting the electronic structure and spin of the B(dn) ions that can trigger ferroelectricity. This allowed us to formulate the necessary conditions for the transition metal perovskites to possess both ferroelectric and magnetic (multiferroic) properties simultaneously. It clarifies the role of spin in the spontaneous polarization. We also show that the interaction between the independently rotating dipoles in the paraelectric phase may lead to a self-assembly process resulting in polar nanoregions and relaxor properties. Exploring interactions of PJTE ferroelectrics with external perturbations, we revealed a completely novel property—orientational polarization in solids—a phenomenon first noticed by P. Debye in 1912 as a possibility, which was never found till now. The hindered rotation of the local dipole moments and their ordering along an external field is qualitatively similar to the behavior of polar molecules in liquids, thus adding a new dimension to the properties of solids—notably, the perovskite ferroelectrics. We estimated the contribution of the orientational polarization to the permittivity and flexoelectricity of perovskite crystals in different limiting conditions.
Interactions among Shade, Caching Behavior, and Predation Risk May Drive Seed Trait Evolution in Scatter-Hoarded Plants
Authors: Lichti Nathanael I. , Dalgleish Harmony J. , Steele Michael A.
Published: November 2020

Although dispersal is critical to plant life history, the relationships between seed traits and dispersal success in animal-dispersed plants remain unclear due to complex interactions among the effects of seed traits, habitat structure, and disperser behavior. We propose that in plants dispersed by scatter-hoarding granivores, seed trait evolution may have been driven by selective pressures that arise from interactions between seedling shade intolerance and predator-mediated caching behavior. Using an optimal foraging model that accounts for cache concealment, hoarder memory, and perceived predation risk, we show that hoarders can obtain cache-recovery advantages by placing caches in moderately risky locations that force potential pilferers to engage in high levels of vigilance. Our model also demonstrates that the level of risk needed to optimally protect a cache increases with the value of the cached food item. If hoarders perceive less sheltered, high-light conditions to be more risky and use this information to protect their caches, then shade-intolerant plants may increase their fitness by producing seeds with traits valued by hoarders. Consistent with this hypothesis, shade tolerance in scatter-hoarded tree species is inversely related to the value of their seeds as perceived by a scatter-hoarding rodent.
Underground Cylindrical Objects Detection and Diameter Identification in GPR B-Scans via the CNN-LSTM Framework
Authors: Lei Wentai , Luo Jiabin , Hou Feifei , Xu Long , Wang Ruiqing , Jiang Xinyue
Published: November 2020

Ground penetrating radar (GPR), as a non-invasive instrument, has been widely used in the civil field. The interpretation of GPR data plays a vital role in underground infrastructures to transfer raw data to the interested information, such as diameter. However, the diameter identification of objects in GPR B-scans is a tedious and labor-intensive task, which limits the further application in the field environment. The paper proposes a deep learning-based scheme to solve the issue. First, an adaptive target region detection (ATRD) algorithm is proposed to extract the regions from B-scans that contain hyperbolic signatures. Then, a Convolutional Neural Network-Long Short-Term Memory (CNN-LSTM) framework is developed that integrates Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network to extract hyperbola region features. It transfers the task of diameter identification into a task of hyperbola region classification. Experimental results conducted on both simulated and field datasets demonstrate that the proposed scheme has a promising performance for diameter identification. The CNN-LSTM framework achieves an accuracy of 99.5% on simulated datasets and 92.5% on field datasets.
Advanced Gas Turbine Control Logic Using Black Box Models for Enhancing Operational Flexibility and Stability
Authors: Moon Seong Won , Kim Tong Seop
Published: November 2020

In recent years, the importance of operational flexibility has increased for gas turbines that can stably operate under various operation conditions. This study proposes advanced control logic using black box models based on an artificial neural network. The goals are to enhance the operational flexibility by increasing the ramp rate and to enhance the operational stability by overcoming the limitation of conventional schedule-based control. By applying the advanced control logic, the turbine inlet temperature (TIT) and turbine exhaust temperature (TET) can be maintained at the optimal values, resulting in efficiency improvement by 0.35%. Furthermore, the maximum deviation of the rotational speed was reduced from 0.22% to 0.061%, and the maximum variations of TIT and TET were reduced by 15–20 °C during the fluctuation of the gas turbine’s power output. In conclusion, high-efficiency operation and a reduction in the degradation of the high-temperature parts can be expected through optimal operations of gas turbines by applying the proposed advanced control logic in a harsh operating environment. Moreover, fast load following can be achieved to meet the recent requirements of the operation environment of gas turbines by improving the ramp rate from 30 to 60 MW/min.
Induction Heater Based Battery Thermal Management System for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Raza Waseem , Ko Gwang Soo , Park Youn Cheol
Published: November 2020

The life and efficiency of electric vehicle batteries are susceptible to temperature. The impact of cold climate dramatically decreases battery life, while at the same time increasing internal impedance. Thus, a battery thermal management system (BTMS) is vital to heat and maintain temperature range if the electric vehicle’s batteries are operating in a cold climate. This paper presents an induction heater-based battery thermal management system that aims to ensure thermal safety and prolong the life cycle of Lithium-ion batteries (Li-Bs). This study used a standard simulation tool known as GT-Suite to simulate the behavior of the proposed BTMS. For the heat transfer, an indirect liquid heating method with variations in flow rate was considered between Lithium-ion batteries. The battery and cabin heating rate was analyzed using the induction heater powers of 2, 4, and 6 kW at ambient temperatures of −20, −10, and 0 °C. A water and ethylene glycol mixture with a ratio of 50:50 was considered as an operating fluid. The findings reveal that the thermal performance of the proposed system is generally increased by increasing the flow rate and affected by the induction heater capacity. It is evident that at −20 °C with 27 LPM and 6 kW heater capacity, the maximum heat transfer rate is 0.0661 °C/s, whereas the lowest is 0.0295 °C/s with 2 kW heater capacity. Furthermore, the proposed BTMS could be a practical approach and help to design the thermal system for electric vehicles in the future.
Magnetic Coupling for a 10 kW Tidal Current Turbine: Design and Small Scale Experiments
Authors: Kim In-cheol , Wata Joji , Tongphong Watchara , Yoon Jong-Su , Lee Young-Ho
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a coupling design that improves water tightness of a marine current turbine (MCT). The coupling is numerically analyzed and incorporated into the design of an MCT from a previous study. The performance of the MCT with the magnetic coupling is compared to the previous results in small scale turbine experiments. The results show that the new design is water tight and has lower mechanical losses when compared with previous results. The new turbine has increased maximum power output (from 116 W to 122 W) and hydrodynamic coefficient of power (Previously 0.45 to 0.46). Using these results, the coupling design is scaled for a 10 kW MCT and further analyzed by finite element analysis. The results obtained show that the magnetic coupling is capable of withstanding the combined weight of the hub and blade assembly. The results in this study will be used for developing a prototype for deployment in real seas.
Mechanical-Level Hardware-In-The-Loop and Simulation in Validation Testing of Prototype Tower Crane Drives
Authors: Michna Michał , Kutt Filip , Sienkiewicz Łukasz , Ryndzionek Roland , Kostro Grzegorz , Karkosiński Dariusz , Grochowski Bartłomiej
Published: November 2020

In this paper, the static and dynamic simulations, and mechanical-level Hardware-In-the-Loop (MHIL) laboratory testing methodology of prototype drive systems with energy-saving permanent-magnet electric motors, intended for use in modern construction cranes is proposed and described. This research was aimed at designing and constructing a new type of tower crane by Krupiński Cranes Company. The described research stage was necessary for validation of the selection of the drive system elements and confirmation of its compliance with applicable standards. The mechanical construction of the crane was not completed and unavailable at the time of testing. A verification of drive system parameters had to be performed in MHIL laboratory testing, in which it would be possible to simulate torque acting on the motor shaft. It was shown that the HIL simulation for a crane may be accurate and an effective approach in the development phase. The experimental tests of selected operating cycles of prototype crane drives were carried out. Experimental research was performed in the LINTE^2 laboratory of the Gdańsk University of Technology (Poland), where the MHIL simulator was developed. The most important component of the system was the dynamometer and its control system. Specialized software to control the dynamometer and to emulate the load subjected to the crane was developed. A series of tests related to electric motor environmental parameters was carried out.
The Performance of a Spectral Wave Model at Predicting Wave Farm Impacts
Authors: McNatt J. Cameron , Porter Aaron , Chartrand Christopher , Roberts Jesse
Published: November 2020

For renewable ocean wave energy to support global energy demands, wave energy converters (WECs) will likely be deployed in large numbers (farms), which will necessarily change the nearshore environment. Wave farm induced changes can be both helpful (e.g., beneficial habitat and coastal protection) and potentially harmful (e.g., degraded habitat, recreational, and commercial use) to existing users of the coastal environment. It is essential to estimate this impact through modeling prior to the development of a farm, and to that end, many researchers have used spectral wave models, such as Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN), to assess wave farm impacts. However, the validity of the approaches used within SWAN have not been thoroughly verified or validated. Herein, a version of SWAN, called Sandia National Laboratories (SNL)-SWAN, which has a specialized WEC implementation, is verified by comparing its wave field outputs to those of linear wave interaction theory (LWIT), where LWIT is theoretically more appropriate for modeling wave-body interactions and wave field effects. The focus is on medium-sized arrays of 27 WECs, wave periods, and directional spreading representative of likely conditions, as well as the impact on the nearshore. A quantitative metric, the Mean Squared Skill Score, is used. Results show that the performance of SNL-SWAN as compared to LWIT is “Good” to “Excellent”.
Mechanisms and Applications of Pressure Relief by Roof Cutting of a Deep-Buried Roadway near Goafs
Authors: Li Peng , Lai Xingping , Gong Peilin , Su Chao , Suo Yonglu
Published: November 2020

Affected by high ground stress, the surrounding rock control of a roadway is one of the most important factors restricting the utilization of deep resources. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a method to improve the stress environment of the deep-buried roadway and reduce its deformation. The article focuses on the 121,302 machine roadway in Kouzidong coal mine to analyze the large deformations of roadways near goafs (RNGs) in deep coal mines and reveal the mechanisms related to pressure relief via roof cutting. Through physical simulation, overburdened structures and the migration laws of RNGs in deep coal mines are studied, and the overburdened RNGs will eventually have a double short-arm “F”-type suspended roof structure. The superposition movement of the structure is the prime cause for the large deformation of the RNGs considered here. Artificial roof cutting can weaken the superposition effect of the double “F” structure and induce the roof to produce a new fracture. Meanwhile, sliding deformation along the fault line releases greater stress, and the cut roof can better fill the goaf. The stress distribution ratio between goafs and the coal pillar is improved. Here, a mechanical model of key block B’ (KBB’) is considered and the stability criterion of KBB’ is obtained. According to the theoretical calculation here, the stress of a coal pillar could be reduced by 19.14% when KBB’ is cut along the edge of the coal pillar in the 121,302 machine roadway. After engineering verification, the field observation result shows that the deformation of the 121,302 machine roadway is reduced by more than 50% after roof cutting.
Comparative Studies on Water- and Vapor-Based Hydrothermal Carbonization: Process Analysis
Authors: Ro Kyoung S. , Libra Judy A. , Alvarez-Murillo Andrés
Published: November 2020

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) reactor systems used to convert wet organic wastes into value-added hydrochar are generally classified in the literature as liquid water-based (HTC) or vapor-based (VTC). However, the distinction between the two is often ambiguous. In this paper, we present a methodological approach to analyze process conditions for hydrothermal systems. First, we theoretically developed models for predicting reactor pressure, volume fraction of liquid water and water distribution between phases as a function of temperature. The reactor pressure model predicted the measured pressure reasonably well. We also demonstrated the importance of predicting the condition at which the reactor system enters the subcooled compression liquid region to avoid the danger of explosion. To help understand water–feedstock interactions, we defined a new solid content parameter %S(T) based on the liquid water in physical contact with feedstock, which changes with temperature due to changes in the water distribution. Using these models, we then compared the process conditions of seven different HTC/VTC cases reported in the literature. This study illustrates that a large range of conditions need to be considered before applying the label VTC or HTC. These tools can help in designing experiments to compare systems and understand results in future HTC research.
Soot Particle Size Distribution, Regulated and Unregulated Emissions of a Diesel Engine Fueled with Palm Oil Biodiesel Blends
Authors: Ge Jun Cong , Choi Nag Jung
Published: November 2020

In this study, five fuels including pure diesel (B0), pure palm oil biodiesel (B100), and their blends (B10, B20, and B30) were investigated in relation to soot particle distribution and regulated and unregulated emission characteristics in a common rail direct injection (CRDI) diesel engine. The results indicated that CO, hydrocarbon (HC), and particulate matter (PM) regulated emissions were effectively controlled to a very low level by combining the addition of palm oil biodiesel (POB) to diesel with optimized engine operating conditions. Paper filters and TEM grids were used to capture the diesel particles. All the PM primary particles were less than 100 nm in diameter observed by TEM, and the average diameters of the PM primary particles for the biodiesel blends were distributed between 20 and 26 nm. Unregulated emissions such as trace metals including Pb, Mn, and Ba were found in the PM particles, and the xylene, toluene, and benzene unregulated emissions of B100 were reduced by 55.68%, 21.56%, and 18.32%, respectively, compared to those of B0. Therefore, POB is an excellent alternative fuel for diesel engines and has great application potential to solve the current pollution problems of regulated and unregulated emissions.
Distributed Energy Resources and the Application of AI, IoT, and Blockchain in Smart Grids
Authors: Kumar Nallapaneni Manoj , Chand Aneesh A. , Malvoni Maria , Prasad Kushal A. , Mamun Kabir A. , Islam F.R. , Chopra Shauhrat S.
Published: November 2020

Smart grid (SG), an evolving concept in the modern power infrastructure, enables the two-way flow of electricity and data between the peers within the electricity system networks (ESN) and its clusters. The self-healing capabilities of SG allow the peers to become active partakers in ESN. In general, the SG is intended to replace the fossil fuel-rich conventional grid with the distributed energy resources (DER) and pools numerous existing and emerging know-hows like information and digital communications technologies together to manage countless operations. With this, the SG will able to “detect, react, and pro-act” to changes in usage and address multiple issues, thereby ensuring timely grid operations. However, the “detect, react, and pro-act” features in DER-based SG can only be accomplished at the fullest level with the use of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and the Blockchain (BC). The techniques associated with AI include fuzzy logic, knowledge-based systems, and neural networks. They have brought advances in controlling DER-based SG. The IoT and BC have also enabled various services like data sensing, data storage, secured, transparent, and traceable digital transactions among ESN peers and its clusters. These promising technologies have gone through fast technological evolution in the past decade, and their applications have increased rapidly in ESN. Hence, this study discusses the SG and applications of AI, IoT, and BC. First, a comprehensive survey of the DER, power electronics components and their control, electric vehicles (EVs) as load components, and communication and cybersecurity issues are carried out. Second, the role played by AI-based analytics, IoT components along with energy internet architecture, and the BC assistance in improving SG services are thoroughly discussed. This study revealed that AI, IoT, and BC provide automated services to peers by monitoring real-time information about the ESN, thereby enhancing reliability, availability, resilience, stability, security, and sustainability.
Modeling of Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Generators
Authors: Radwan-Pragłowska Natalia , Węgiel Tomasz , Borkowski Dariusz
Published: November 2020

This article focuses on modeling of an Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Generator (AFPMG). The authors analyzed selected variants of disk generators, including coreless stator constructions and with iron core ones, also taking into account the Permanent Magnet (PM) arrangement in order to show the way to obtain the optimal machine characteristics based on analytical equations. In addition to the full model, which takes into account the higher harmonics of the magnetic field distribution, the paper presents a simplified mathematical model developed for generator operation cases such as standalone, connected to a 3-phase power grid and loaded with a diode rectifier. The analytical and finite-element method (FEM) calculations were performed as well as laboratory tests to confirm the correctness of presented model assumptions.
Optimistic Bias, Food Safety Cognition, and Consumer Behavior of College Students in Taiwan and Mainland China
Authors: Wang Guan-Yun , Yueh Hsiu-Ping
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how optimistic bias, consumption cognition, news attention, information credibility, and social trust affect the purchase intention of food consumption. Data used in this study came from a questionnaire survey conducted in college students in Taipei and Beijing. Respondents in the two cities returned 258 and 268 questionnaires, respectively. Samples were analyzed through structural equation modelling (SEM) to test the model. Results showed that Taiwanese college students did not have optimistic bias but Chinese students did. The models showed that both Taiwanese and Chinese students’ consumption cognition significantly influenced their purchase intention, and news attention significantly influenced only Chinese students’ purchase intention. Model comparison analysis suggested significant differences between the models for Taiwan and mainland China. The results revealed that optimistic bias can be reduced in different social contexts as that of the Taiwan model and the mainland Chinese model found in this study were indeed different. This study also confirmed that people had optimistic bias on food safety issues, based on which recommendations were made to increase public awareness of food safety as well as to improve government’s certification system.
Biased Continuous-Time Random Walks with Mittag-Leffler Jumps
Authors: Michelitsch Thomas M. , Polito Federico , Riascos Alejandro P.
Published: November 2020

We construct admissible circulant Laplacian matrix functions as generators for strictly increasing random walks on the integer line. These Laplacian matrix functions refer to a certain class of Bernstein functions. The approach has connections with biased walks on digraphs. Within this framework, we introduce a space-time generalization of the Poisson process as a strictly increasing walk with discrete Mittag-Leffler jumps time-changed with an independent (continuous-time) fractional Poisson process. We call this process ‘space-time Mittag-Leffler process’. We derive explicit formulae for the state probabilities which solve a Cauchy problem with a Kolmogorov-Feller (forward) difference-differential equation of general fractional type. We analyze a “well-scaled” diffusion limit and obtain a Cauchy problem with a space-time convolution equation involving Mittag-Leffler densities. We deduce in this limit the ‘state density kernel’ solving this Cauchy problem. It turns out that the diffusion limit exhibits connections to Prabhakar general fractional calculus. We also analyze in this way a generalization of the space-time Mittag-Leffler process. The approach of constructing good Laplacian generator functions has a large potential in applications of space-time generalizations of the Poisson process and in the field of continuous-time random walks on digraphs.
Examining Additional Aspects of Muscle Function with a Digital Handgrip Dynamometer and Accelerometer in Older Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Mahoney Sean , Klawitter Lukus , Hackney Kyle J. , Dahl Lindsey , Herrmann Stephen D. , Edwards Bradley , McGrath Ryan
Published: November 2020

Background: Maximal handgrip strength (HGS) could be an incomplete and unidimensional measure of muscle function. This pilot study sought to examine the relationships between maximal HGS, radial and ulnar digit grip strength, submaximal HGS force control, HGS fatigability, neuromuscular HGS steadiness, and HGS asymmetry in older adults. Methods: A digital handgrip dynamometer and accelerometer was used to collect several HGS measurements from 13 adults aged 70.9 ± 4.0 years: maximal strength, radial and ulnar digit grip strength, submaximal force control, fatigability, neuromuscular steadiness, and asymmetry. Pearson correlations determined the relationships between individual HGS measurements. A principal component analysis was used to derive a collection of new uncorrelated variables from the HGS measures we examined. Results: The individual HGS measurements were differentially correlated. Maximal strength (maximal HGS, radial digit strength, ulnar digits strength), contractile steadiness (maximal HGS steadiness, ulnar digit grip strength steadiness), and functional strength (submaximal HGS force control, HGS fatigability, HGS asymmetry, HGS fatigability steadiness) emerged as dimensions from the HGS measurements that we evaluated. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that these additional measures of muscle function may differ from maximal HGS alone. Continued research is warranted for improving how we assess muscle function with more modern technologies, including handgrip dynamometry and accelerometry.
H-WORK Project: Multilevel Interventions to Promote Mental Health in SMEs and Public Workplaces
Authors: De Angelis Marco , Giusino Davide , Nielsen Karina , Aboagye Emmanuel , Christensen Marit , Innstrand Siw Tone , Mazzetti Greta , van den Heuvel Machteld , Sijbom Roy B.L. , Pelzer Vince , Chiesa Rita , Pietrantoni Luca
Published: November 2020

The paper describes the study design, research questions and methods of a large, international intervention project aimed at improving employee mental health and well-being in SMEs and public organisations. The study is innovative in multiple ways. First, it goes beyond the current debate on whether individual- or organisational-level interventions are most effective in improving employee health and well-being and tests the cumulative effects of multilevel interventions, that is, interventions addressing individual, group, leader and organisational levels. Second, it tailors its interventions to address the aftermaths of the Covid-19 pandemic and develop suitable multilevel interventions for dealing with new ways of working. Third, it uses realist evaluation to explore and identify the working ingredients of and the conditions required for each level of intervention, and their outcomes. Finally, an economic evaluation will assess both the cost-effectiveness analysis and the affordability of the interventions from the employer perspective. The study integrates the training transfer and the organisational process evaluation literature to develop toolkits helping end-users to promote mental health and well-being in the workplace.