bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lung Carcinoids: A Comprehensive Review for Clinicians
Authors: Granberg Dan , Juhlin Carl Christofer , Falhammar Henrik , Hedayati Elham
Published: November 2023

Lung carcinoids are neuroendocrine tumors, categorized as typical or atypical carcinoids based on their histological appearance. While most of these tumors are slow-growing neoplasms, they still possess malignant potential. Many patients are diagnosed incidentally on chest X-rays or CT scans. Presenting symptoms include cough, hemoptysis, wheezing, dyspnea, and recurrent pneumonia. Endocrine symptoms, such as carcinoid syndrome or ectopic Cushing’s syndrome, are rare. Surgery is the primary treatment and should be considered in all patients with localized disease, even when thoracic lymph node metastases are present. Patients with distant metastases may be treated with somatostatin analogues, chemotherapy, preferably temozolomide-based, mTOR inhibitors, or peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with 177Lu-DOTATATE. Most patients have an excellent prognosis. Poor prognostic factors include atypical histology and lymph node metastases at diagnosis. Long-term follow-up is mandatory since metastases may occur late.
Solid Cancers and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kalliolias George D. , Basdra Efthimia K. , Papavassiliou Athanasios G.
Published: November 2023

Since the initial observation that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an excess risk of developing hematologic malignancies [...]
Arginase-1 in Plasma-Derived Exosomes as Marker of Metastasis in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hofmann Linda , Harasymczuk Malgorzata , Huber Diana , Szczepanski Miroslaw J. , Dworacki Grzegorz , Whiteside Theresa L. , Theodoraki Marie-Nicole
Published: November 2023

Immunoregulatory Arginase-1 (Arg-1) is present in the tumor microenvironment of solid tumors. Its association to clinicopathology and its prognostic impact are inconsistent among different tumor types and biological fluids. This study evaluated Arg-1 protein levels in tumors and the circulation of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in relation to clinical stage and prognosis. Tumor Arg-1 expression was monitored via immunohistochemistry while plasma Arg-1 levels via ELISA in 37 HNSCC patients. Arg-1 presence in plasma-derived exosomes was assessed using Western blots in 20 HNSCC patients. High tumor Arg-1 expression correlated with favorable clinicopathology and longer recurrence-free survival (RFS), while high plasma Arg-1 levels were associated with unfavorable clinicopathology. All patients with low tumor and high plasma Arg-1 had nodal metastases and developed recurrence. This discrepancy was attributed to the presence of Arg-1-carrying exosomes. Arg-1 was found in plasma-derived exosomes from all HNSCC patients. High exosomal Arg-1 levels were associated with positive lymph nodes and short RFS. Circulating Arg-1+ exosomes represent a mechanism of active Arg-1 export from the tumor to the periphery. Exosomes reflected biologically relevant Arg-1 levels in metastatic HNSCC and emerged as potentially more accurate biomarkers of metastatic disease and RFS than tissue or plasma Arg-1 levels.
Phenomenal Insight into Electrochemically Induced Photocatalytic Degradation of Nitrobenzene on Variant Au-Modified TiO2 Nanotubes
Authors: Wang Meng , Li Chaoying , Wang Yingdong , Gu Di , Wang Baohui
Published: November 2023

TiO2 nanotubes are a prominent type of TiO2-based nanostructure compared to nanorod arrays. A promising way to improve photocatalytic performance is modifying TiO2 nanotubes with metals, either on the surface or inside the tubes. There is a substantial demand for enhancing the conductivity and charge separation of TiO2 nanotubes, with a major focus on gold (Au) modification. Gold (Au) coatings have significantly improved the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanotubes, particularly in pollutant oxidation. However, the mechanism underlying the action of Au-modified TiO2 nanotubes in photocatalytic nitrobenzene oxidation under electrochemical induction remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted related experiments to explore the optimal Au concentration under various conditions. Under electric field induction, the maximum removal rate achieved was 54.9%. Lastly, we analyzed the relevant photocatalytic mechanism to elucidate the responses of electrons and holes to a simulated contaminant under a photo-electrochemical field.
Assessment of Fallopian Tube Epithelium Features Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells of Both Fallopian Tube and Skin Origins
Authors: Chang Yu-Hsun , Wu Kun-Chi , Wang Kai-Hung , Ding Dah-Ching
Published: November 2023

Fallopian tube epithelial cells (FTECs) play a significant role in the development of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), but their utilization in in vitro experiments presents challenges. To address these limitations, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been employed as a potential solution, driven by the hypothesis that orthologous iPSCs may offer superior differentiation capabilities compared with their non-orthologous counterparts. Our objective was to generate iPSCs from FTECs, referred to as FTEC-iPSCs, and compare their differentiation potential with iPSCs derived from skin keratinocytes (NHEK). By introducing a four-factor Sendai virus transduction system, we successfully derived iPSCs from FTECs. To assess the differentiation capacity of iPSCs, we utilized embryoid body formation, revealing positive immunohistochemical staining for markers representing the three germ layers. In vivo tumorigenesis evaluation further validated the pluripotency of iPSCs, as evidenced by the formation of tumors in immunodeficient mice, with histological analysis confirming the presence of tissues from all three germ layers. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis illuminated a sequential shift in gene expression, encompassing pluripotent, mesodermal, and intermediate mesoderm-related genes, during the iPSC differentiation process into FTECs. Notably, the introduction of WNT3A following intermediate mesoderm differentiation steered the cells toward a FTEC phenotype, supported by the expression of FTEC-related markers and the formation of tubule-like structures. In specific culture conditions, the expression of FTEC-related genes was comparable in FTECs derived from FTEC-iPSCs compared with those derived from NHEK-iPSCs. To conclude, our study successfully generated iPSCs from FTECs, demonstrating their capacity for FTEC differentiation. Furthermore, iPSCs originating from orthologous cell sources exhibited comparable differentiation capabilities. These findings hold promise for using iPSCs in modeling and investigating diseases associated with these specific cell types.
Engineering of Salmonella Phages into Novel Antimicrobial Tailocins
Authors: Woudstra Cedric , Sørensen Anders Nørgaard , Brøndsted Lone
Published: November 2023

Due to the extensive use of antibiotics, the increase of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria is now a global health concern. Phages have proven useful for treating bacterial infections and represent a promising alternative or complement to antibiotic treatment. Yet, other alternatives exist, such as bacteria-produced non-replicative protein complexes that can kill their targeted bacteria by puncturing their membrane (Tailocins). To expand the repertoire of Tailocins available, we suggest a new approach that transforms phages into Tailocins. Here, we genetically engineered the virulent Ackermannviridae phage S117, as well as temperate phages Fels-1, -2 and Gifsy-1 and -2, targeting the food pathogen Salmonella, by deleting the portal vertex or major capsid gene using CRISPR-Cas9. We report the production of Tailocin particles from engineered virulent and temperate phages able to kill their native host. Our work represents a steppingstone that taps into the huge diversity of phages and transforms them into versatile puncturing new antimicrobials.
Proline and Proline Analogues Improve Development of Mouse Preimplantation Embryos by Protecting Them against Oxidative Stress
Authors: Hardy Madeleine L. M. , Lakhiani Dheerja , Morris Michael B. , Day Margot L.
Published: November 2023

The culture of embryos in the non-essential amino acid L-proline (Pro) or its analogues pipecolic acid (PA) and L-4-thiazolidine carboxylic acid (L4T) improves embryo development, increasing the percentage that develop to the blastocyst stage and hatch. Staining of 2-cell and 4-cell embryos with tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester and 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate showed that the culture of embryos in the presence of Pro, or either of these analogues, reduced mitochondrial activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS), respectively, indicating potential mechanisms by which embryo development is improved. Inhibition of the Pro metabolism enzyme, proline oxidase, by tetrahydro-2-furoic-acid prevented these reductions and concomitantly prevented the improved development. The ways in which Pro, PA and L4T reduce mitochondrial activity and ROS appear to differ, despite their structural similarity. Specifically, the results are consistent with Pro reducing ROS by reducing mitochondrial activity while PA and L4T may be acting as ROS scavengers. All three may work to reduce ROS by contributing to the GSH pool. Overall, our results indicate that reduction in mitochondrial activity and oxidative stress are potential mechanisms by which Pro and its analogues act to improve pre-implantation embryo development.
Reduction in N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase-I Activity Decreases Survivability and Delays Development of Zebrafish
Authors: Hall M. Kristen , Hatchett Cody J. , Shalygin Sergei , Azadi Parastoo , Schwalbe Ruth A.
Published: November 2023

A lack of complex and hybrid types of N-glycans in mice is embryonically lethal due to neural tube maldevelopment. N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-I (GnT-I; Mgat1) catalyzes a required step for converting oligomannose N-glycans into hybrid and complex N-glycans. Unlike mice, zebrafish have two Mgat1a/b genes. Herein, CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to knockdown GnT-Ib activity in zebrafish, referred to as Mgat1b−/−, to examine the impact of a decrease in complex types of N-glycans on survival and development, and sensory and motor functions. Genotyping verified the occurrence of edited Mgat1b, and LC-ESI-MS and lectin blotting identified higher levels of oligomannose and lower levels of complex N-glycans in Mgat1b−/− relative to Wt AB. The microscopic visualization of developmental stages and locomotor studies using an automated tracking unit and manual touch assays revealed reduced survivability, and delayed motor and sensory functions in Mgat1b−/−. Moreover, embryonic staging linked reduced survivability of Mgat1b−/− to disruption in brain anlagen formation. Birefringence measurements supported delayed skeletal muscle development, which corresponded with motor and sensory function impediments in Mgat1b−/−. Furthermore, GnT-Ib knockdown hindered cardiac activity onset. Collectively, Mgat1b−/− displayed incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity, such that some died in early embryonic development, while others survived to adulthood, albeit, with developmental delays. Thus, the results reveal that reducing the amount of complex-type N-glycans is unfavorable for zebrafish survival and development. Moreover, our results support a better understanding of human congenital disorders of glycosylation.
Antimicrobial Activity of Bovine Bone Scaffolds Impregnated with Silver Nanoparticles on New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing Gram-Negative Bacilli Biofilms
Authors: Gonçalves Geiziane , Ribeiro Victoria , Dantas Leticia , de Andrade Ana , Suss Paula , Witt Maria , Tuon Felipe
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The antibiofilm activity of silver nanoparticles has been extensively investigated in common bacteria. Metallo-β-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria are hard-to-treat microorganisms with few therapeutic options, and silver nanoparticles were not evaluated on the biofilm of these bacteria. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of a bone scaffold impregnated with silver nanoparticles in NDM-producing Gram-negative bacilli. Methods: Bone scaffolds from bovine femur were used for the tests and impregnated with silver nanoparticles (50 nm) by physical adsorption. Silver nitrate minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) were performed on NDM-producing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Disc diffusion tests for silver nanoparticles’ susceptibility and the quantification of biofilm production on plate and bone with sessile cell count were performed. Results: The MIC results demonstrated that silver nitrate had an antimicrobial effect on all microorganisms, inactivating the growth of isolates from a concentration of 8 µg/mL. MBC results showed that E. coli 16.211 was the only isolate to present MIC that were different from MBC, with a value of 16 µg/mL. Conclusion: Bone scaffolds impregnated with silver nanoparticles can significantly reduce the biofilm of multidrug-resistant bacteria. This is a strategical material that can be used as bone implant in different clinical conditions.
Ontology Development for Detecting Complex Events in Stream Processing: Use Case of Air Quality Monitoring
Authors: Yemson Rose , Kabir Sohag , Thakker Dhavalkumar , Konur Savas
Published: November 2023

With the increasing amount of data collected by IoT devices, detecting complex events in real-time has become a challenging task. To overcome this challenge, we propose the utilisation of semantic web technologies to create ontologies that structure background knowledge about the complex event-processing (CEP) framework in a way that machines can easily comprehend. Our ontology focuses on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) data, asthma patients’ activities and symptoms, and how IAQ can be related to asthma symptoms and daily activities. Our goal is to detect complex events within the stream of events and accurately determine pollution levels and symptoms of asthma attacks based on daily activities. We conducted a thorough testing of our enhanced CEP framework with a real dataset, and the results indicate that it outperforms traditional CEP across various evaluation metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score.
Herbicide Program to Control Parthenium hysterophorus in Grain Sorghum in an Arid Environment
Authors: Bajwa Ali Ahsan , Nawaz Ahmad , Farooq Muhammad , Chauhan Bhagirath Singh , Adkins Steve
Published: November 2023

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is an emerging production constraint in many summer crops including sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), but limited control options are available. In this field study, the efficacy of sole and sequential applications of a pre-emergence (pendimethalin) and a post-emergence (bromoxynil) herbicide was evaluated for parthenium weed control in grain sorghum over two years. Pendimethalin or bromoxynil alone could only provide 54% and 63% control, whereas their sequential application provided 86% control of parthenium weed over the weedy treatment. The sorghum plants in pendimethalin followed by bromoxynil treatment had the highest leaf fresh weight per plant, plant dry biomass, plant height, and the number of heads among the herbicide treatments. Sorghum fresh forage yield, dry fodder yield, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield were highest in the weed-free treatment followed by the pendimethalin followed by (fb) bromoxynil treatment. Overall, the herbicide treatment performance was in an order of pendimethalin fb bromoxynil > bromoxynil > pendimethalin for weed control and sorghum yield improvement. These results suggest that pendimethalin followed by bromoxynil may provide acceptable control (>85%) of parthenium weed and may improve sorghum grain yield (up to 23%).
An Integrated QFD and TRIZ Methodology for Innovative Product Design
Authors: Al-Dwairi Abdullah , Al-Araidah Omar , Hamasha Sa’d
Published: November 2023

The paper presents a methodology that integrates Quality-Function Deployment (QFD) and the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) used for generating innovative solutions to design problems. It proposes a modified analytical House of Quality (HoQ) to reveal and prioritize contradictions between design parameters and between customer requirements. The proposed methodology extends the traditional HoQ and eliminates the need for the TRIZ’s Function Analysis (FA) procedure. Function Analysis involves identifying the functions of a product or process elements and trying to find contradictions between the system elements. The usability of the proposed method is illustrated through the redesign of an assembly workshop to overcome major problems addressed by the various stakeholders of the process. The new design of the assembly workshop helps reduce the number of work stages from 3 to 1, reduce the number of workers from 4 to 2, decrease rework, decrease the percentage of damaged products, enhance workplace ergonomics and improve the overall system efficiency.
Impact of Variation between Assays and Reference Intervals in the Diagnosis of Endocrine Disorders
Authors: Lorde Nathan , Elgharably Ahmed , Kalaria Tejas
Published: November 2023

Method-related variations in the measurement of hormones and the reference intervals used in the clinical laboratory can have a significant, but often under-appreciated, impact on the diagnosis and management of endocrine disorders. This variation in laboratory practice has the potential to lead to an errant approach to patient care and thus could cause harm. It may also be the source of confusion or result in excessive or inadequate investigation. It is important that laboratory professionals and clinicians know about these impacts, their sources, and how to detect and mitigate them when they do arise. In this review article, we describe the historical and scientific context from which inconsistency in the clinical laboratory arises. Examples from the published literature of the impact of the method, reference interval, and clinical decision threshold-related discordances on the assessment and monitoring of various endocrine disorders are discussed to illustrate the sources, causes, and effects of this variability. Its potential impact on the evaluation of growth hormone deficiency and excess, thyroid and parathyroid disorders, hyperandrogenism, hypogonadism, glucocorticoid excess and deficiency, and diabetes mellitus is elaborated. Strategies for assessment and mitigation of the discordance are discussed. The clinical laboratory has a responsibility to recognise and address these issues, and although a lot has been accomplished in this area already, there remains more to be done.
Retirement and People with Intellectual Disability in the Australian Context
Authors: Stancliffe Roger J. , Brotherton Michelle , O’Loughlin Kate , Wilson Nathan J.
Published: November 2023

This paper examines retirement by older workers with intellectual disability. Much research and intervention about retirement and intellectual disability in the last decade or so emanates from Australia, although there are some current cross-sectional and descriptive studies from other developed countries. The Australian literature stands out as the forerunner in the development and controlled evaluation of interventions to support the process of preparing for, practising, and then experiencing retirement. Therefore, this paper begins by briefly describing retirement-related aspects of employment for people with intellectual disability in Australia. Next, we present a critical summary of Australian research on the retirement of people with intellectual disability, supported by a briefer analysis of international literature. Then, key issues, such as financial factors, age of retirement, the time course of retirement (sudden or gradual), and self-determination regarding the decision to retire, are explored. Finally, to help guide future research and policy, we identify a number of retirement-related research questions that are currently under-researched or unexamined.
Procalcitonin in the Post-Operative Burn Patient
Authors: Masole Ludo , Ede Chikwendu J. , Muganza Adelin
Published: November 2023

Serum procalcitonin (PCT) is a biomarker used to diagnose sepsis and infection. Following invasive bacterial infection, PCT is detectable in peripheral blood. The aim of our study was to determine if there is a relationship between serum PCT post-burn wound debridement and burn-related sepsis. In total, 34 participants were recruited from 1 November 2019 to 31 July 2020. Serum PCT levels were drawn on days 0, 1, 2, and 3, with day 0 being the day of the surgery. Blood culture samples were drawn on days 0 and 3. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA©. Descriptive statistics were presented as the median for continuous data and frequencies for categorical data. A two-sample Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test was performed to assess the correlation between the PCT values and blood culture positivity. In all, 33 burn debridement procedures were completed, and 1 patient demised before surgery. The median age was 35.5 years; 61.8% were male. Four patients had comorbidities. There was a trend of higher PCT values from day 0 to day 3. The median PCT on day 0 was 3.30 µg/L (IQR 0.78–15.10), compared to day 3 PCT which was 5.15 µg/L (IQR 1.35–18.55). The median values for serum PCT for days 0 to 3 were above the normal threshold regardless of BC positivity. There was a statistically significant difference in the PCT levels between positive and negative BC, with a p value of 0.0087 for day 3 serum PCT. The findings indicate an association of a high serum PCT level with a positive blood culture in a burn patient post-debridement surgery. A higher numerical threshold/cut-off of serum PCT should be used for this cohort of patients, to aid in the diagnosis of sepsis. A cut-off value could not be determined due to the small sample size.
Quantum Gates for Electronics Engineers
Authors: Borgarino Mattia , Badiali Alessandro
Published: November 2023

The design of a solid-state quantum processor is nowadays a hot research topic in microelectronics. Like the logic gates in a classical processor, quantum gates serve as the fundamental building blocks for quantum processors. The main goal of the present paper is to deduce the matrix of the main one- and two-qubit quantum gates from the Schrödinger equation. The mathematical formalism is kept as comfortable as possible for electronics engineers. This paper does not cover topics such as dissipations, state density, coherence, and state purity. In a similar manner, this paper also deals with the quantum nature of a quantum processor by leveraging the concept of a finite-state machine, which is a background notion for any electronics engineer.
High-Performance Lightweight HLS Generator Module of Normally Distributed Random Numbers in FPGAs
Authors: Gniazdowski Tomasz , Zabołotny Wojciech Marek , Szymański Paweł , Wawrzyn Eryk , Wielanek Daniel , Kruszewski Michał , Pawłowska Diana , Wojeński Andrzej , Zbroszczyk Hanna
Published: November 2023

This paper focuses on the problem of high-performance streaming random number generation in the range of uniform and normal distributions in FPGAs. Our work is focused on lightweight implementation, suitable for a wide range of FPGAs. First, we review the existing types of random generation modules. Next, in this paper we present the construction of the designed generator. We divide it into two sections: Stream Uniform Numbers Generator Implementation and Cumulative Distribution-Based Stream Gaussian Generator. Each design step was verified in the scope of the quality of the output data, especially regarding the produced distributions. The results obtained are compared with existing solutions. We mainly consider resource utilization and throughput. We also add our quality factor, which is an effective utilization of FPGAs. Despite quality results, our modules were implemented using a high-level synthesis language (C/C++), contrary to typical hardware description level (HDL) approaches. It provides the opportunity to implement the proposed algorithms on CPUs. It was tested with positive results, thus highlighting the versatility of the solution that is unavailable in terms of HDL implementations. Our designed generators were confirmed to stand out for their satisfactory performance while occupying low logical resources.
CrossTLNet: A Multitask-Learning-Empowered Neural Network with Temporal Convolutional Network–Long Short-Term Memory for Automatic Modulation Classification
Authors: Gao Gujiuxiang , Hu Xin , Li Boyan , Wang Weidong , Ghannouchi Fadhel M.
Published: November 2023

Amidst the evolving landscape of non-cooperative communication, automatic modulation classification (AMC) stands as an essential pillar, enabling adaptive and reliable signal processing. Due to the advancement of deep learning (DL) technology, neural networks have found application in AMC. However, the previous DL models face the inter-class confusion problem in high-order modulations. To address this issue, we propose a multitask-learning-empowered hybrid neural network, named CrossTLNet. Specifically, after the signal enters the model, it is first transformed into two task components: in-phase/quadrature (I/Q) form and amplitude/phase (A/P) form. For each task, we design a method that combines a temporal convolutional network (TCN) with a long short-term memory (LSTM) network to effectively capture long-term dependency features in high-order modulations. To enable interaction between these two different dimensional features, we innovatively introduce a cross-attention method, thereby further enhancing the model’s ability to distinguish signal features. Moreover, we also design a simple and efficient knowledge distillation method to reduce the size of CrossTLNet, making it easier to deploy in real-time or resource-limited scenarios. The experimental results indicate that the suggested method exhibits exceptional performance in AMC on public benchmarks, especially in high-order modulations.
Monocular Depth Estimation Algorithm Integrating Parallel Transformer and Multi-Scale Features
Authors: Wang Weiqiang , Tan Chao , Yan Yunbing
Published: November 2023

In the process of environmental perception, traditional CNN is often unable to effectively capture global context information due to its network structure, which leads to the problem of blurred edges of objects and scenes. Aiming at this problem, a self-supervised monocular depth estimation algorithm incorporating a Transformer is proposed. First of all, the encoder-decoder architecture is adopted. In the course of the encoding procedure, the input image generates images with different patch sizes but the same size. The multi-path Transformer network and single-path CNN network are used to extract global and local features, respectively, and feature fusion is achieved through interactive modules, which improves the network’s ability to acquire global information. Second, a multi-scale fusion structure of hierarchical features is designed to improve the utilization of features of different scales. Experiments for training the model were conducted using the KITTI dataset. The outcomes reveal that the proposed algorithm outperforms the mainstream algorithm. Compared with the latest CNN-Transformer algorithm, the proposed algorithm reduces the absolute relative error by 3.7% and the squared relative error by 3.9%.
A Fast Screening Method of Key Parameters from Coal for Carbon Emission Enterprises
Authors: Lu Weiye , Chen Xiaoxuan , Song Zhuorui , Li Yuesheng , Lu Jidong
Published: November 2023

During the process of determining carbon emissions from coal using the emission factor method, third-party organizations in China are responsible for verifying the accuracy of the carbon emission data. However, these verifiers face challenges in efficiently handling large quantities of data. Therefore, this study proposed a fast screening method that utilizes multiple linear regression (MLR), in combination with the stepwise backward regression method, to identify problematic carbon emission data for the lower calorific value (LCV) and carbon content (C) of coal. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method. The regression models for LCV and C exhibited high R-squared (R2) values of 0.9784 and 0.9762, respectively, and the root mean square error (RMSE) values of the validation set were 0.32 MJ/kg and 0.80% for LCV and C, respectively, indicating strong predictive capabilities. By analyzing the obtained results, the study established the optional error threshold interval for the LCV and C of coal as 2RMSE–3RMSE. This interval can be utilized as a reliable criterion for judging the quality and reliability of carbon emission data during the verification process. Overall, the proposed screening method can serve as a valuable tool for verifiers in assessing the quality and reliability of carbon emission data in various regions.
Improved Control Strategy for Water Pumping System Fed by Intermittent Renewable Source
Authors: Ben Rhouma Amine , Roboam Xavier , Belhadj Jamel , Sareni Bruno
Published: November 2023

This paper focuses on a water pumping system fed by a hybrid (PV–Wind) generator. The water pumping system uses centrifugal pumps driven by variable speed Induction Motors (IM) controlled by a Field Oriented Control (FOC). The absence of battery storage to decouple sources and power demand is the main originality of the contribution, together with the typical adaptation of the FOC strategy. Furthermore, the absence of battery storage will consequently lead to fixing the system operating point at a steady state which is imposed both by the intermittent renewable energy sources and by the hydraulic load characteristics. The basic idea is then to adapt the system impedance by using the two degrees of freedom offered by the power source inverter in order to control, firstly, the DC bus voltage and, secondly, the rotor flux of the induction machine; the adaptation of the FOC strategy is based on this idea. Simulation results clearly confirmed by experimental investigations show the satisfying performance of the system even with variable powers of the intermittent renewable source.
Characterisation of Novel and High Performing Double-Sided Microporous-Layers-Coated Gas Diffusion Layers for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Ruscillo Fernando , Zhang Kun , Ismail Mohammed S. , Hughes Kevin J. , Ingham Derek B. , Ma Lin , Pourkashanian Mohamed
Published: November 2023

This study aims to experimentally evaluate the impact of a double-sided microporous layer coating on gas diffusion layers in terms of their key properties and fuel cell performance, in comparison to conventional single-sided coated gas diffusion layers (GDLs). Vulcan black and Ketjenblack were used as the carbon black materials. This was to investigate the sensitivity of the results with respect to the type of carbon black used. The results showed that the in-plane electrical conductivity is almost insensitive to microporous layer (MPL) loading and carbon black type. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity of all the MPL-coated GDLs are slightly lower than that of the uncoated GDL. The Ketjenblack black MPL samples were found to demonstrate higher gas permeability than the Vulcan black samples. The addition of the MPL resulted in a favourable shift in pore size distribution, with prominent micropores observed in both single- and double-sided MPL-coated GDLs. Contact angle measurements indicated a slight increase in the hydrophobicity with the addition of a microporous layer, but without significant differences between carbon black types or loading levels. Cross-sectional SEM images showed that there was a higher level of MPL penetration into the carbon substrate for the GDLs coated with Vulcan black as compared to a Ketjenblack coating. In situ fuel cell testing demonstrated the superior performance of the double-sided Vulcan black MPL-coated GDL under high humidity conditions, while the single-sided Vulcan black MPL-coated GDL exhibited better performance at low humidity conditions. All the above findings have been thoroughly discussed and justified.
Distributed Generation Control Using Ripple Signaling and a Multiprotocol Communication Embedded Device
Authors: Boutsiadis Evangelos , Pasialis Nikolaos , Lettas Nikolaos , Tsiamitros Dimitrios , Stimoniaris Dimitrios
Published: November 2023

Remotely performing real-time distributed generation control and a demand response is a basic aspect of the grid ancillary services provided by grid operators, both the transmission grid operators (TSOs) and distribution grid operators (DNOs), in order to ensure that voltage, frequency and power loads of the grid remain within safe limits. The stochastic production of electrical power to the grid from the distributed generators (DGs) from renewable energy sources (RES) in conjunction with the newly appeared stochastic demand consumers (i.e., electric vehicles) hardens the efforts of the DNOs to keep the grid’s operation within safe limits and prevent cascading blackouts while staying in compliance with the SAIDI and SAIFI indices during repair and maintenance operations. Also taking into consideration the aging of the existing grid infrastructure, and making it more prone to failure year by year, it is yet of great significance for the DNOs to have access to real-time feedback from the grid’s infrastructure—which is fast, has low-cost upgrade interventions, is easily deployed on the field and has a fast response potential—in order to be able to perform real-time grid management (RTGM). In this article, we present the development and deployment of a control system for DG units, with the potential to be installed easily to TSO’s and DNO’s substations, RES plants and consumers (i.e., charging stations of electric vehicles). This system supports a hybrid control mechanism, either via ripple signaling or through a network, with the latter providing real-time communication capabilities. The system can be easily installed on the electric components of the grid and can act as a gateway between the different vendors communication protocols of the installed electrical equipment. More specifically, a commercially available, low-cost board (Raspberry Pi) and a ripple control receiver are installed at the substation of a PV plant. The board communicates in real-time with a remote server (decision center) via a 5G modem and with the PV plants inverters via the Modbus protocol, which acquires energy production data and controls the output power of each inverter, while one of its digital inputs can be triggered by the ripple control receiver. The ripple control receiver receives on-demand signals with the HEDNO, triggering the digital input on the board. When the input is triggered, the board performs a predefined control command (i.e., lower the inverter’s power output to 50%). The board can also receive control commands directly from the remote server. The remote server receives real-time feedback of the acquired inverter data, the control signals from the ripple control receiver and the state and outcome of each performed control command.
The Labile and Resistant Soil Organic Carbon Pools in the North America Great Plains
Authors: Hsieh Yuch-Ping
Published: November 2023

Among the three major global carbon cycle components, the terrestrial one has been the most uncertain because of the complexity of the soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics. Previous tracer studies, however, have shown that SOC consists of labile and resistant pools. Labile pools turn over in decades, and resistant pools turn over in hundreds or thousands of years. Labile pools are active in carbon and nutrient cycles and responsive to land-use management changes, whereas resistant pools are less so. Very few studies have actually quantified labile and resistant SOC pools because the isotopic tracer methods, such as the paired-plot bulk-carbon (PPBC) method, can only be applied to a few special cases. I found a study of SOC in the North America Great Plains, in which some of the data are suitable for the PPBC method. The results revealed that the turnover times of the labile SOC pools ranged from 17 years to 93 years, and the sizes ranged from 1.2 g kg−1 to 17.6 g kg−1. The turnover times of the resistant pools ranged from 899 years to 5138 years, and the sizes ranged from 5.0 g kg−1 to 12.4 g kg−1. Land management practices changed the sizes of the labile pools but not their turnover times. This study also pointed out a possibility that allows the application of the PPBC method to a set of much broader cases.
Comprehensive Knowledge about HIV/AIDS among Women of Reproductive Age in India
Authors: Bhattacharyya Aritro , Chakraborty Ritankar , Raj Tapasya , Padhi Bijaya Kumar , Khubchandani Jagdish , Satapathy Prakasini , Rustagi Sarvesh , Chattu Vijay Kumar
Published: November 2023

HIV/AIDS has been a major threat to global public health, with India ranking third when it comes to the global burden of people living with HIV, especially women. It is imperative to assess the level of knowledge women have about transmission and prevention of this infection. This study sought to delineate the determinants of the comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS among women in the reproductive age groups in India. Data from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey conducted in India were analyzed. The sample included 95,541 women aged 15–49 years. Multilevel logistic regression was fitted with individual characteristics, household characteristics, and community characteristics to identify determinants of comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS. Nearly a fourth (24.8%) of the women aged 15–49 in India who had ever heard of HIV had comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Multilevel logistic regression showed that the likelihood of comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS was higher among women aged 40–44 (AOR = 1.57) and 30–34 (AOR = 1.56). The likelihood of having comprehensive knowledge increased with the increase in the level of education. Women with secondary and higher levels of education were 1.9 times and 3.38 times more likely to have comprehensive knowledge, respectively, than those with no education. Household wealth, access to mass media, and having ever tested for HIV were also significant determinants of comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS among women. The odds of having comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS were higher for women with higher community wealth (AOR = 1.31), higher community education (AOR = 1.09), and higher community employment (AOR = 1.12). Factors at both the individual and community levels were shown to be indicators of comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Policymakers and public health practitioners in India should come up with plans to close the information gaps about HIV/AIDS that exist among women and their demographic subgroups.
Functional Diversity Accelerates the Decomposition of Litter Recalcitrant Carbon but Reduces the Decomposition of Labile Carbon in Subtropical Forests
Authors: Zhou Guang , Wan Jing , Gu Zhenjun , Ding Wei , Hu Shan , Du Qiang , Meng Shengwang , Yang Chunxia
Published: November 2023

The biodiversity of litter can regulate carbon and nutrient cycling during mixed decomposition. It is common knowledge that the decomposition rates of mixed litters frequently deviate from those predicted for these component litter species. However, the direction and magnitude of the nonadditive effects on the degradation of mixed litters remain difficult to predict. Previous studies have reported that the different carbon fractions of leaf litters responded to litter mixture differently, which may help to explain the ambiguous nonadditive effect of diversity on bulk litter decomposition. Therefore, we conducted decomposition experiments on 32 litter mixtures from seven common tree species to test the responses of different carbon fractions to litter diversity in subtropical forests. We found that the overall mass loss of the mixed litter was faster than that estimated from single species. The relative mixing effects (RMEs) of different carbon fractions exhibited different patterns to litter diversity and were driven by different aspects of litter functional dissimilarity. Soluble carbon fractions decomposed more slowly than expected from single species, while lignin fractions decayed more quickly. Moreover, we found that the RMEs of bulk litter decomposition may be determined by the lignin fraction decomposition. Our findings further support that distinguishing the response of different carbon fractions to litter diversity is important for elucidating the nonadditive effects of total litter decomposition.
Modulation of the Aromatic Profile of Verdejo Wine through Sequential Inoculation of Wickerhamomyces anomalus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: López-Enríquez Lorena , Vila-Crespo Josefina , Rodríguez-Nogales José Manuel , Fernández-Fernández Encarnación , Ruipérez Violeta
Published: November 2023

Two strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc01 and Sc02) and one strain of Wickerhamomyces anomalus (Wa) were isolated from organic Verdejo spontaneous fermentations and used for the development of experimental winemaking. Sc01 and Sc02 represented 52.7% of the population of the Saccharomyces strains isolated throughout the fermentation process. W. anomalus appeared as the predominant species among the non-Saccharomyces yeasts. Wa turned out to be the strain of this species with the shortest lag phase and positive enzymatic activities, and it was selected for white wine production. Fermentations with unique inoculation of S. cerevisiae strains were compared with sequential inoculation with W. anomalus. The results showed that the sequential inoculations did not affect the fermentation kinetics or physicochemical characteristics of the wines compared with the unique inoculations. However, this study identified a significant impact on the aromatic profiles of the produced wines due to the sequential inoculations. This modification resulted in a similar new aromatic profile in both sequential inoculations, demonstrating common characteristics related to the contribution of W. anomalus. In general, the sequential fermentations were mainly characterized by lower levels of acetate esters and an increase in ethyl acetate levels, whereas lower levels of ethyl octanoate and ethyl dec-9-enoate were detected. Propan-1-ol and butan-1-ol showed an increase in the sequential fermentations, while 4-methylpentan-1-ol and 2-phenylethanol were found in lower concentrations. These results highlight the great influence that the presence of specific strains of native non-Saccharomyces yeasts exerts on the characteristics of elaborate wines.
Biochemical Characterization of a Novel Alkaline-Tolerant Xaa-Pro Dipeptidase from Aspergillus phoenicis
Authors: Dong Zixing , Yang Shuangshuang , Zhang Kun , Tang Cunduo , Kan Yunchao , Yao Lunguang
Published: November 2023

Xaa-Pro dipeptidase (XPD, EC 3.4.13.9; also known as prolidase) catalyzes the hydrolysis of the iminopeptide bond in the trans-Xaa-Pro dipeptides (Xaa represents any amino acid except proline), which makes it find wide applications in food, medical and environmental protection fields. In the present study, a novel Xaa-Pro dipeptidase from Aspergillus phoenicis ATCC 14332 (ApXPD) was heterologously expressed and biochemically characterized. Reclassification based on phylogenetic analysis and the version 12.5 MEROPS database showed that this enzyme was the only fungal XPD in the unassigned subfamily that shared the highest sequence identity with Xanthomonas campestris prolidase but not with that from the more related fungal species A. niudulans. As compared with other prolidases, ApXPD also contained a long N-terminal tail (residues 1–63) and an additional region (PAPARLREKL) and used a different arginine residue for dipeptide selectivity. After heterologous expression and partial purification, recombinant ApXPD was highly active and stable over the alkaline range from 8.5 to 10.0, with maximum activity at pH 9.0 and more than 80% activity retained after 1 h incubation at pHs of 8.5–10.0 (55 °C). It also had an apparent optimum temperature of 55 °C and remained stable at 20–30 °C. Moreover, this enzyme was a cobalt-dependent prolidase that only cleaved dipeptides Lys-Pro, Gly-Pro, and Ala-Pro rather than other dipeptides, tripeptides, and tetrapeptides. All these distinct features make A. phoenicis ATCC 14332 XPD unique among currently known prolidases, thus defining a novel Xaa-Pro dipeptidase subfamily.
Physical Factors Affecting the Scale-Up of Vegetative Insecticidal Protein (Vip3A) Production by Bacillus thuringiensis Bt294
Authors: Malairuang Kwanruthai , Nutaratat Pumin , Werapan Borworn , Komwijit Somjit , Trakulnaleamsai Chutchanun , Phosrithong Netnapa , Rungrod Amporn , Promdonkoy Boonhiang , Prathumpai Wai
Published: November 2023

Vip3A (vegetative insecticidal protein) is a representative member of the Vip3 family, which is widely used for lepidopteran pest control. This Vip3A protein, a non-growth-associated protein, is an effective bioinsecticide against insect pests, but there is relatively little information about its production processes at large scales. Hence, the effects of environmental factors on Vip3A production by Bacillus thuringiensis Bt294 (antifoam agents, shaking speeds, agitation and aeration rates), as well as controlling physical conditions such as the lowest point of dissolved oxygen and controlling of culture pH, were observed in shaking flasks and bioreactors. The results showed that antifoam agents, flask types and shaking speeds had significant effects on Vip3A and biomass production. Cultivation without pH control and DO control in 5 L bioreactors at lower agitation and aeration rates, which was not favorable for biomass production, resulted in a high Vip3A protein production of 5645.67 mg/L. The scale-up studies of the Vip3A protein production in a pilot-scale 750 L bioreactor gave 3750.0 mg/L. Therefore, this study demonstrated the significant effects of agitation, aeration rates and culture pH on Vip3A production by B. thuringiensis Bt294. Balancing of physical conditions was necessary for obtaining the highest yield of Vip3A by slowing down the production rate of biomass. Moreover, this Vip3A protein has high potential as a bioinsecticide for lepidopteran pest control in organic crops. This information will be important for significantly increasing the Vip3A protein concentration by the bacterium and will be useful for field application at a lower cost.