bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Cell Adhesion and Migration via Microtubule Cytoskeleton Organization, Cell Polarity, and Phosphoinositide Signaling
Authors: Thapa Narendra , Wen Tianmu , Cryns Vincent L. , Anderson Richard A.
Published: September 2023

The capacity for cancer cells to metastasize to distant organs depends on their ability to execute the carefully choreographed processes of cell adhesion and migration. As most human cancers are of epithelial origin (carcinoma), the transcriptional downregulation of adherent/tight junction proteins (e.g., E-cadherin, Claudin and Occludin) with the concomitant gain of adhesive and migratory phenotypes has been extensively studied. Most research and reviews on cell adhesion and migration focus on the actin cytoskeleton and its reorganization. However, metastasizing cancer cells undergo the extensive reorganization of their cytoskeletal system, specifically in originating/nucleation sites of microtubules and their orientation (e.g., from non-centrosomal to centrosomal microtubule organizing centers). The precise mechanisms by which the spatial and temporal reorganization of microtubules are linked functionally with the acquisition of an adhesive and migratory phenotype as epithelial cells reversibly transition into mesenchymal cells during metastasis remains poorly understood. In this Special Issue of “Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Cell Adhesion and Migration”, we highlight cell adhesion and migration from the perspectives of microtubule cytoskeletal reorganization, cell polarity and phosphoinositide signaling.
The Interplay of Adipokines and Pancreatic Beta Cells in Metabolic Regulation and Diabetes
Authors: Kim Joon , Oh Chang-Myung , Kim Hyeongseok
Published: September 2023

The interplay between adipokines and pancreatic beta cells, often referred to as the adipo-insular axis, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolic homeostasis. Adipokines are signaling molecules secreted by adipocytes that have profound effects on several physiological processes. Adipokines such as adiponectin, leptin, resistin, and visfatin influence the function of pancreatic beta cells. The reciprocal communication between adipocytes and beta cells is remarkable. Insulin secreted by beta cells affects adipose tissue metabolism, influencing lipid storage and lipolysis. Conversely, adipokines released from adipocytes can influence beta cell function and survival. Chronic obesity and insulin resistance can lead to the release of excess fatty acids and inflammatory molecules from the adipose tissue, contributing to beta cell dysfunction and apoptosis, which are key factors in developing type 2 diabetes. Understanding the complex interplay of the adipo-insular axis provides insights into the mechanisms underlying metabolic regulation and pathogenesis of metabolic disorders. By elucidating the molecular mediators involved in this interaction, new therapeutic targets and strategies may emerge to reduce the risk and progression of diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and its associated complications. This review summarizes the interactions between adipokines and pancreatic beta cells, and their roles in the pathogenesis of diabetes and metabolic diseases.
Angiogenin Levels and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Neubauer-Geryk Jolanta , Wielicka Melanie , Kozera Grzegorz M. , Bieniaszewski Leszek
Published: September 2023

It is well documented that in patients with type 1 diabetes (DM1), decreased levels of angiogenin are associated with the development of overt nephropathy. However, little is known about angiogenin levels and subclinical macrovascular organ damage in patients with DM1 and concomitant metabolic syndrome (MS). Therefore, we analyzed the relationship between angiogenin levels and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in DM1 patients with and without MS. We found that angiogenin concentration was significantly lower in DM1 patients compared to controls, while the cIMT measurements were comparable. Exclusion of patients with MS, patients with hypertension, undergoing treatment, or cigarette smokers did not change these findings. Of note, when comparing the subgroups of DM1 patients with and without MS, there was no significant difference between angiogenin levels. However, we did note a significant difference in these levels after the exclusion of smokers. The comparison of cIMT in these subgroups showed a significant difference between the study subgroups. This difference was no longer observed when the age of the patients was taken into account. In summary, it can be concluded that metabolic syndrome in patients with type 1 diabetes does not appear to impact angiogenin levels or cIMT.
Investigating the Integrity and Failure Characteristics of Deteriorated Polymeric 3D-Printed Components as Candidates for Structural and Construction Applications
Authors: Ahmed Waleed , Zaneldin Essam , El Hassan Amged
Published: September 2023

This investigation aimed to comprehensively investigate the integrity and failure characteristics of deteriorated polymeric components produced through Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology. The primary focus was to examine the performance of flawed 3D-printed samples, which were purposely designed and 3D-printed to incorporate a range of crack types and geometric features that were initially designed through CAD. This study adopted two main approaches to deal with the cracks by producing the flaws through design and laser processes. These specimens were subjected to destructive testing to gain valuable insights into the FFF-printed components’ performance and failure characteristics under the tensile mode, a significant concern in engineering applications. A Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was employed on the flawed and intact specimens to compare and correlate the experimental results with the simulation results. This study reveals the tested samples’ structural response and failure mechanisms under tensile loading conditions. Exceptionally, it was found that the faulty 3D-printed parts made by the laser process demonstrated less resistance to failure due to disturbing the 3D-printed extruded filament streams. In contrast, the flaws initially produced solely by the 3D printing process showed better resistance to mechanical failure due to the crack-bridging effect. It was observed that there were reductions of 11% and 32% in the failure load of the 3D-printed cracked sample and the laser-cracked samples, respectively, in comparison with the intact one. Additionally, the stress intensity factor showed a decrease of 20% in the laser-cracked sample compared to the 3D-printed one.
AppSimV: A Cyber–Physical Simulation and Verification Platform for Software Applications of Intelligent Buildings
Authors: Jia Haining , Yang Qiliang , Jiang Ziyan , Chen Wenjie , Zhou Qizhen
Published: September 2023

Testing and verifying applications (Apps) are essential for a software-driven intelligent building system. Traditional methods connect App programs to hardware devices for debugging and testing on the engineering site. However, App bugs can hardly be found out before they are being deployed and thus always require an extended debugging cycle. To address this issue, we propose a cyber–physical simulation and verification platform named AppSimV, which enables the testing and verification of Apps in a mimic real scene. Taking swarm intelligence building as an example, this paper focuses on the cyber–physical architecture of AppSimV and its implementation mechanisms, including the standardized encapsulation of software components for the building physics model, a multitask scheduling simulation engine, a cyber–physical interaction interface, and the visual monitoring of the simulation process. The implementation mechanisms not only accurately simulate actual engineering scenarios but also facilitate the early detection and correction of issues that may arise during the App’s runtime, thus reducing the debugging time required for the App. With 1200 intelligent physical nodes connected in a swarm hardware system, AppSimV was validated by conducting the strict testing and verification of a set of Apps for an intelligent building. The results show that AppSimV is sound and reliable.
Advanced Composite Materials for Structure Strengthening and Resilience Improvement
Authors: Huang Xinghuai , Su Shaoyang , Xu Zhaodong , Miao Qisong , Li Wenfeng , Wang Lixin
Published: September 2023

Advanced composite materials have excellent performance and broad engineering application prospects, and have received widespread attention in recent years. Advanced composite materials can mainly be divided into fiber-reinforced composite materials, laminated composite materials, matrix composite materials, and other composite materials. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the types and characteristics of advanced composite materials, and provides a comprehensive evaluation of the latest research on structural strengthening and resilience improvement in advanced composite materials from the perspectives of new methods, modeling optimization, and practical applications. In the field of fiber-reinforced composite materials, the hybrid technology of carbon fiber and glass fiber can achieve dual advantages in combining the two materials. The maximum increase in mechanical properties of multilayer sandwich RH plate by hybrid technology is 435.4% (tensile strength), 149.2% (flexural strength), and 110.7~114.2% (shear strength), respectively. In the field of laminated composite materials, different mechanical properties of laminated composite materials can be obtained by changing the deposition sequence. In the field of matrix composites, nano copper oxide particles prepared by nanotechnology can increase the hardness and tensile strength of the metal matrix material by 77% and 78%, respectively. In the field of other composite materials, viscoelastic materials and magnetorheological variants have received widespread attention. The development of composite materials benefits from the promotion of new methods and technologies, but there are still problems such as complex preparation, high cost, and unstable performance. Considering the characteristics, application requirements, cost, complexity, and performance of different types of composite materials, further improvements and innovations are needed in modeling and optimization to better meet practical engineering needs, such as the application of advanced composite materials in civil engineering, ships, automobiles, batteries, and other fields.
Numerical Simulation Study on the Constitutive Model of Fully-Graded Concrete Based on Statistical Damage Theory
Authors: Yuan Chenyang , Li Chunlei , Huang Hao , Bai Weifeng , Xie Yunfei
Published: September 2023

A statistical damage model (SDM) of fully-graded concrete was created using statistical damage theory, based on the mechanical properties of axial tension and axial compression of the material. The SDM considers two damage modes, fracture and yield, and explains the intrinsic connection between the mesoscopic damage evolution mechanism and the macroscopic nonlinear mechanical behavior of fully-graded concrete. The artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm was used to obtain the optimal parameter combination through an intelligent search of parameters εa, εh, εb and H in the constitutive model by taking the test data as the target value, and the sum of the squares of the differences between the target value and the predicted value as the objective function. The SDM numerical simulation model of fully-graded concrete is proposed by compiling subroutines in FORTRAN by constructing two modules of data model and damage analysis. The numerical results under uniaxial and biaxial forces are in agreement with the experimental results, which verifies the accuracy of the program. The model also analyzes the characteristics of mesoscopic damage evolution and predicts the mechanical properties under triaxial forces. The results show that the proposed numerical simulation model can reflect the salient features for fully-graded concrete under uniaxial, biaxial and triaxial loading conditions, and the evolution law of mesoscopic parameters. Therefore, the proposed model serves as a basis for the refined finite element analysis of hydraulic fully-graded concrete structures and reveals the mesoscopic damage mechanism of concrete under different load environments.
Can Exercise Enhance the Efficacy of Checkpoint Inhibition by Modulating Anti-Tumor Immunity?
Authors: Brummer Christina , Pukrop Tobias , Wiskemann Joachim , Bruss Christina , Ugele Ines , Renner Kathrin
Published: September 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has revolutionized cancer therapy. However, response to ICI is often limited to selected subsets of patients or not durable. Tumors that are non-responsive to checkpoint inhibition are characterized by low anti-tumoral immune cell infiltration and a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Exercise is known to promote immune cell circulation and improve immunosurveillance. Results of recent studies indicate that physical activity can induce mobilization and redistribution of immune cells towards the tumor microenvironment (TME) and therefore enhance anti-tumor immunity. This suggests a favorable impact of exercise on the efficacy of ICI. Our review delivers insight into possible molecular mechanisms of the crosstalk between muscle, tumor, and immune cells. It summarizes current data on exercise-induced effects on anti-tumor immunity and ICI in mice and men. We consider preclinical and clinical study design challenges and discuss the role of cancer type, exercise frequency, intensity, time, and type (FITT) and immune sensitivity as critical factors for exercise-induced impact on cancer immunosurveillance.
Interpreting Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Msaouel Pavlos , Lee Juhee , Thall Peter F.
Published: September 2023

This article describes rationales and limitations for making inferences based on data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We argue that obtaining a representative random sample from a patient population is impossible for a clinical trial because patients are accrued sequentially over time and thus comprise a convenience sample, subject only to protocol entry criteria. Consequently, the trial’s sample is unlikely to represent a definable patient population. We use causal diagrams to illustrate the difference between random allocation of interventions within a clinical trial sample and true simple or stratified random sampling, as executed in surveys. We argue that group-specific statistics, such as a median survival time estimate for a treatment arm in an RCT, have limited meaning as estimates of larger patient population parameters. In contrast, random allocation between interventions facilitates comparative causal inferences about between-treatment effects, such as hazard ratios or differences between probabilities of response. Comparative inferences also require the assumption of transportability from a clinical trial’s convenience sample to a targeted patient population. We focus on the consequences and limitations of randomization procedures in order to clarify the distinctions between pairs of complementary concepts of fundamental importance to data science and RCT interpretation. These include internal and external validity, generalizability and transportability, uncertainty and variability, representativeness and inclusiveness, blocking and stratification, relevance and robustness, forward and reverse causal inference, intention to treat and per protocol analyses, and potential outcomes and counterfactuals.
Antiangiogenic Action of JZL184 on Endothelial Cells via Inhibition of VEGF Expression in Hypoxic Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Wittig Felix , Pannenberg Liza , Schwarz Rico , Bekeschus Sander , Ramer Robert , Hinz Burkhard
Published: September 2023

JZL184, an inhibitor of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and thus of the degradation of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), mediates various anticancer effects in preclinical studies. However, studies on the effect of this or other MAGL inhibitors under hypoxia, an important factor in tumor biology and response to cancer therapy, have not yet been performed in cancer cells. In the present study, the impact of the conditioned media (CM) of A549 and H358 lung cancer cells incubated with JZL184 under hypoxic conditions on the angiogenic properties of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was investigated. Treatment of HUVECs with CM derived from cancer cells cultured for 48 h under hypoxic conditions was associated with a substantial increase in migration and tube formation compared with unconditioned medium, which was inhibited when cancer cells were incubated with JZL184. In this process, JZL184 led to a significant increase in 2-AG levels in both cell lines. Analysis of a panel of proangiogenic factors revealed inhibition of hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression by JZL184. Antiangiogenic and VEGF-lowering effects were also demonstrated for the MAGL inhibitor MJN110. Receptor antagonist experiments suggest partial involvement of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 in the antiangiogenic and VEGF-lowering effects induced by JZL184. The functional importance of VEGF for angiogenesis in the selected system is supported by observations showing inhibition of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) phosphorylation in HUVECs by CM from hypoxic cancer cells treated with JZL184 or when hypoxic cancer cell-derived CM was spiked with a neutralizing VEGF antibody. On the other hand, JZL184 did not exert a direct effect on VEGFR2 activation induced by recombinant VEGF, so there seems to be no downstream effect on already released VEGF. In conclusion, these results reveal a novel mechanism of antiangiogenic action of JZL184 under conditions of hypoxic tumor–endothelial communication.
Implementing Tensor-Organized Memory for Message Retrieval Purposes in Neuromorphic Chips
Authors: Khajooei Nejad Arash , Jamshidi Mohammad (Behdad) , B. Shokouhi Shahriar
Published: September 2023

This paper introduces Tensor-Organized Memory (TOM), a novel neuromorphic architecture inspired by the human brain’s structural and functional principles. Utilizing spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) and Hebbian rules, TOM exhibits cognitive behaviors similar to the human brain. Compared to conventional architectures using a simplified leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) neuron model, TOM showcases robust performance, even in noisy conditions. TOM’s adaptability and unique organizational structure, rooted in the Columnar-Organized Memory (COM) framework, position it as a transformative digital memory processing solution. Innovative neural architecture, advanced recognition mechanisms, and integration of synaptic plasticity rules enhance TOM’s cognitive capabilities. We have compared the TOM architecture with a conventional floating-point architecture, using a simplified LIF neuron model. We also implemented tests with varying noise levels and partially erased messages to evaluate its robustness. Despite the slight degradation in performance with noisy messages beyond 30%, the TOM architecture exhibited appreciable performance under less-than-ideal conditions. This exploration into the TOM architecture reveals its potential as a framework for future neuromorphic systems. This study lays the groundwork for future applications in implementing neuromorphic chips for high-performance intelligent edge devices, thereby revolutionizing industries and enhancing user experiences within the power of artificial intelligence.
Influence of Synthesis Conditions on the Crystal, Local Atomic, Electronic Structure, and Catalytic Properties of (Pr1−xYbx)2Zr2O7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) Powders
Authors: Popov Victor V. , Markova Ekaterina B. , Zubavichus Yan V. , Menushenkov Alexey P. , Yastrebtsev Alexey A. , Gaynanov Bulat R. , Chernysheva Olga V. , Ivanov Andrei A. , Rudakov Sergey G. , Berdnikova Maria M. , Pisarev Alexander A. , Kulikova Elizaveta S. , Kolyshkin Nickolay A. , Khramov Evgeny V. , Khrustalev Victor N. , Shchetinin Igor V. , Tsarenko Nadezhda A. , Ognevskaya Natalia V. , Seregina Olga N.
Published: September 2023

The influence of Yb3+ cations substitution for Pr3+ on the structure and catalytic activity of (Pr1−xYbx)2Zr2O7 powders synthesized via coprecipitation followed by calcination is studied using a combination of long- (s-XRD), medium- (Raman, FT-IR, and SEM-EDS) and short-range (XAFS) sensitive methods, as well as adsorption and catalytic techniques. It is established that chemical composition and calcination temperature are the two major factors that govern the phase composition, crystallographic, and local-structure parameters of these polycrystalline materials. The crystallographic and local-structure parameters of (Pr1−xYbx)2Zr2O7 samples prepared at 1400 °C/3 h demonstrate a tight correlation with their catalytic activity towards propane cracking. The progressive replacement of Pr3+ with Yb3+ cations gives rise to an increase in the catalytic activity. A mechanism of the catalytic cracking of propane is proposed, which considers the geometrical match between the metal–oxygen (Pr–O, Yb–O, and Zr–O) bond lengths within the active sites and the size of adsorbed propane molecule to be the decisive factor governing the reaction route.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Dimethyl{N-[(2-oxy-1-naphthyl)methylene]leucinato}silicon
Authors: Böhme Uwe , Fels Sabine
Published: September 2023

The title compound was prepared by reaction of the Schiff base ligand N-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthylidene)leucine with dichlorodimethylsilane in the presence of triethylamine as base. The resulting pentacoordinate silicon complex was characterized by NMR, IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy and melting point. The structure was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group Ic with unit cell dimensions a = 7.2030(6), b = 22.9842(14), c = 10.8946(12) Å, β = 96.141(7)°, V = 1793.3(3) Å3, Z = 4.
New Cumacean Records in the Italian Marine Waters (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Marusso Veronica , Targusi Monica , Lattanzi Loretta , Trabucco Benedetta , Tomassetti Paolo
Published: September 2023

The aim of this paper is to share more information about cumacean crustaceans, specifically their presence, biogeographical distribution, and preferred sediment type in the Italian Seas. Samples were collected on the soft bottom at different sites, ranging from 3 to 158 m in depth, from 2001 to 2021. The specimens collected represented a total of 29 species belonging to 5 families (Bodotriidae, Leuconidae, Nannastacidae, Diastylidae, and Pseudocumatidae). The results were compared with the most recent Italian fauna checklists and the available scientific literature on this group.
A High-Power Density DC Converter for Medium-Voltage DC Distribution Networks
Authors: Wan Dai , Zhou Qianfan , Duan Xujin , Zhu Jiran , Li Junhao , Zhou Hengyi
Published: September 2023

A DC converter is the core equipment of voltage conversion and power distribution in a DC distribution network. Its operating characteristics have a profound impact on the flexible regulation of distributed resources in an active distribution network. It is challenging for the existing single-stage conversion topology to meet the requirements of distributed renewable energy connected to a multi-voltage level, medium-voltage grid. It is necessary to study the multistage transform power unit topology further, which can satisfy high reliability, high efficiency, and wide input range. This paper proposes a high-power density DC converter for medium-voltage DC networks with wide voltage levels. It adopts Buck-LLC integrated modular composition. The input ends of the high isolation resonant power unit are connected in series to provide high voltage endurance, and the output ends are connected in parallel to meet the high-power demand and achieve high-power transmission efficiency. The proposed series dual Buck-LLC resonant power unit topology can adjust the duty cycle of series dual buck circuits to meet the needs of different levels of medium-voltage DC power grids. The soft switching problem within the wide input range of all switching tubes is solved by introducing auxiliary inductors, thereby improving energy transmission efficiency. The auxiliary circuit and control parameters are optimized based on the research of each switching tube’s soft switching boundary conditions. Finally, an experimental prototype of a 6.25~7 kW power unit is designed and developed to prove the proposed topology’s feasibility and effectiveness. Great breakthroughs have been made both in theoretical research and engineering prototype development.
A Novel DME-YOLO Structure in a High-Frequency Transformer Improves the Accuracy and Speed of Detection
Authors: Kang Zhiqiang , Jiang Wenqian , He Lile , Zhang Chenrui
Published: September 2023

Traditional YOLO models face a dilemma when it comes to dim detection targets: the detection accuracy increases while the speed inevitably reduces, or vice versa. To resolve this issue, we propose a novel DME-YOLO model, which is characterized by the establishment of a backbone based on the YOLOv7 and Dense blocks. Moreover, through the application of feature multiplexing, both the parameters and floating-point computation were decreased; therefore, the defect detection process was accelerated. We also designed a multi-source attention mechanism module called MSAM, which is capable of integrating spatial information from multiple sources. Due to its outstanding quality, the addition of MSAM as the neck of the original YOLOv7 model compensated for the loss of spatial information in the process of forward propagation, thereby improving the detection accuracy of small target defects and simultaneously ensuring real-time detection. Finally, EIOU was adopted as a loss function to bolster the target frame regression process. The results of the experiment indicated detection accuracy and speed values of up to 97.6 mAP and 51.2 FPS, respectively, suggesting the superiority of the model. Compared with the YOLOv7 model, the experimental parameters for the novel DME-YOLO increased by 2.8% for mAP and 15.7 for FPS, respectively. In conclusion, the novel DME-YOLO model had excellent overall performance regarding detection speed and accuracy.
Analysis of the Effect of Temperature on the Ultimate Strength of Refractory Materials
Authors: Prikhodko Evgeniy , Nikiforov Alexandr , Kinzhibekova Akmaral , Paramonov Alexandr , Aripova Nazgul , Karmanov Amangeldy
Published: September 2023

The energy efficiency of high-temperature batch aggregates largely depends on the modes of their heating and cooling. The modes of heating and cooling of aggregates in which thermal stress does not exceed the critical values of the ultimate strength of the refractories make it possible to increase their service life. The increase in the service life of refractories will lead to a reduction in the number of lining repairs and a decrease in the specific consumption of refractory materials per ton of technological product. Shorter warm-up and cool-down times result in lower energy consumption. Reducing the time for variable modes for casting ladles increases their turnover (the number of melt discharges into the ladle per day). Increasing ladle turnover not only reduces the number of ladles but also improves the economic performance of the enterprise. The ultimate strength of the refractory material significantly affects the rate of temperature change during heating and cooling of the refractory masonry. The purpose of this research is to study the dependence of the ultimate compression and tensile strengths of chamotte materials of the ShKU brand on temperature. The determination of the compression and tensile strengths was carried out on new samples of refractory materials as well as on samples of refractories that were in operation until the intermediate repair. To determine the ultimate compression strength of chamotte refractories, the standard technique for axial compression of the test specimen until its destruction was used. To determine the ultimate tensile strength, a three-point bending test was used with additional control of the surface temperature of the test sample during the test. The ultimate compression strength of chamotte refractories of the ShKU-32 brand increased for the new refractories by a maximum of 44%. For refractories that were in operation until the intermediate repair, the ultimate compression strength increased by a maximum of 56%. The value of the ultimate tensile strength at elevated temperatures turned out to be higher than the value at a temperature of 20 °C. For new refractories, the maximum ultimate tensile strength is 25% higher than the ultimate tensile strength under normal conditions. For refractories that were in operation until the intermediate repair, the maximum ultimate tensile strength increased by 24%. The obtained results can be used to increase the rate of heating or cooling of linings.
The Impact of Manure Use for Energy Purposes on the Economic Balance of a Dairy Farm
Authors: Mazurkiewicz Jakub
Published: September 2023

The use of methane fermentation in mesophilic conditions for the energy use of cow manure and additional co-substrates from the farm can bring a small dairy farm (140 dairy cows) financial benefits of up to EUR 114,159 per year. Taking into account the need to pay for emissions calculated as carbon dioxide equivalent, this profit could be reduced to EUR 81,323 per year. With the traditional direct use of manure, this profit would drop by as much as 60% to the level of EUR 33,944 per year. Therefore, the introduction of fees for emissions may significantly burden current dairy farms. As has already been shown, just compacting and covering the manure (which costs approx. EUR 2000 per year for 140 cows) would give almost twice as much profit—EUR 64,509 per year. Although an investment in a small biogas plant with a cogeneration unit on a family dairy farm may have a payback period of less than 6.5 years and a return of capital employed of 16%, most small farms in the world will not be able to afford its construction without external subsidies. At the same time, it would make it possible to reduce emissions by almost 270 times—from 41,460 to 154 tons of CO2eq per year—and the possibility of preserving valuable nutrients and minerals and supporting soil properties in the digestate. Therefore, it seems necessary for Europe to introduce a support system for small- and medium-sized farms with this type of investment in the near future in a much larger form than it has been so far.
Numerical Study of the Torque and Power of a Hydraulic Turbine with Oscillating Blades
Authors: Velichkova Rositsa , Iliev Rosen , Pichurov George , Markov Detelin , Simova Iskra , Pushkarov Martin , Tsalov Tsvetan
Published: September 2023

This paper presents results from a physical and numerical study of a new type of axial hydraulic turbine with oscillating blades, which is used to utilize wind waves energy. The pilot studies were conducted on a test bench constructed in one of the labs of the “Department of Hydrodynamics and Hydraulic Machines” in the Technical University of Sofia. The numerical computations were performed with the commercial software package Ansys Fluent 2022. The flow has been modeled with the k-ω (SST) turbulence model, whose main advantage is to resolve the viscous sublayer in over refined meshes. A pressure-based solver was used since the fluid is incompressible and the flow velocity is low. The study investigated several different pitch angles of the blades ranging between 0 and 80 deg at prescribed upstream flow velocities from 0.15 m/s to 2.0 m/s. The dependencies of the torque coefficient, power coefficient, and the optimal tip speed ratio on the flow velocity are presented and discussed.
Abnormal Event Detection in Nuclear Power Plants via Attention Networks
Authors: Zhang Tianhao , Jia Qianqian , Guo Chao , Huang Xiaojin
Published: September 2023

Ensuring the safety of nuclear energy necessitates proactive measures to prevent the escalation of severe operational conditions. This article presents an efficient and interpretable framework for the swift identification of abnormal events in nuclear power plants (NPPs), equipping operators with timely insights for effective decision-making. A novel neural network architecture, combining Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and attention mechanisms, is proposed to address the challenge of signal coupling. The derivative dynamic time warping (DDTW) method enhances interpretability by comparing time series operating parameters during abnormal and normal states. Experimental validation demonstrates high real-time accuracy, underscoring the broader applicability of the approach across NPPs.
Application of the Energy Efficiency Mathematical Model to Diagnose Photovoltaic Micro-Systems
Authors: Olchowik Wiktor , Bednarek Marcin , Dąbrowski Tadeusz , Rosiński Adam
Published: September 2023

The intensive development of photovoltaic (PV) micro-systems contributes to increased interest in energy efficiency and diagnosing the condition of such solutions. Optimizing system energy efficiency and servicing costs are particularly noteworthy among the numerous issues associated with this topic. This research paper addresses the easy and reliable diagnosis of PV system malfunctions. It discusses the original PV system energy efficiency simulation model with proprietary methods for determining total solar irradiance on the plane of cells installed at any inclination angle and azimuth, as well as PV cell temperature and efficiency as a function of solar irradiance. Based on this simulation model, the authors developed procedures for the remote diagnosis of PV micro-systems. Verification tests covered two independent PV systems over the period from April 2022 to May 2023. The obtained results confirm the high credibility level of both the adopted energy efficiency simulation model and the proposed method for diagnosing PV system functional status.
A Review of On-Board Carbon Capture and Storage Techniques: Solutions to the 2030 IMO Regulations
Authors: Risso Riccardo , Cardona Lucia , Archetti Maurizio , Lossani Filippo , Bosio Barbara , Bove Dario
Published: September 2023

The maritime sector is among the most polluting industrial sectors in the world. To oppose this and following the global trend towards carbon neutrality, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced the objective to reduce the CO2 emission of vessels by the year 2030 of 40% and at the same time the European Union will introduce the maritime sector into the ETS system. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the emissions of the working vessels, and this can be accomplished through the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). There are many possible CCS technologies that can be applied to vessels: the one that has already been studied the most is the ammine scrubbing of the exhaust gasses. In parallel, other technologies have been proposed to reduce volume and energy needs, which are the Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFCs), membrane technologies, fixed bed absorption processes and limestone. The review shows how, depending on the used vessel type, the technology to be used may vary, and proposes some preferential options for different applications. The obtained results can be of relevant importance in the present context of energy transition promoting immediate retrofitting to respond to the urgent request for intervention.
A Carbon Reduction and Waste Heat Utilization Strategy for Generators in Scalable PV—Diesel Generator Campus Microgrids
Authors: Erasmus Stephanus , Maritz Jacques
Published: September 2023

The increased unavailability of electricity from the National Utility in South Africa, coupled with the extreme conditions of rural areas and general lack of infrastructure, leads to the setup of unique microgrids to utilize the conditions available. One such unique microgrid, a scalable photovoltaic (PV)-Diesel generator microgrid, is situated in the Phuthaditjhaba district on the University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa campus in South Africa. Waste heat and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are considered inherent by-products of campus hybrid PV—Diesel generator microgrids with high utilization opportunities for both heat exchange and carbon offsets. This paper presents confirmation that available waste heat from a typical rural campus microgrid can be stored through the use of a rock bed thermal energy storage (TES) system. It was identified that, through the temperature profile of the stored waste heat, thermal energy can be utilized through deferable (time-independent) and non-deferable (time-dependent) strategies. Both utilization strategies are dependent on the type of application or applications chosen through demand-side management. Carbon emission reduction takes place through the reduction of diesel consumption due to the utilization of waste heat for applications previously served by diesel generators. Design novelties are presented using the concept of rock bed TES within a microgrid setup.
Business Model Selection for Community Energy Storage: A Multi Criteria Decision Making Approach
Authors: Bhola Prabha , Chronis Alexandros-Georgios , Kotsampopoulos Panos , Hatziargyriou Nikos
Published: September 2023

This paper explores business models for community energy storage (CES) and examines their potential and feasibility at the local level. By leveraging Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) approaches and real-world case studies in Europe and India, it presents insights into CES deployment opportunities, challenges, and best practices. Different business models, including community energy cooperatives, utility–community partnerships, demand response, energy services, and market mechanisms, are analyzed. The proposed method combines the MCDM method PROMETHEE II with the fuzzy set theory to obtain a complete CES business model ranking, addressing project uncertainties. The analysis emphasizes CES’s role in balancing local renewable energy supply and demand, facilitating energy sharing, and achieving energy independence. Findings prioritize models like Community Cooperative, Energy Arbitrage, and Energy Arbitrage Peak Shaving for CES with renewables. Environmental benefits include reduced diesel use and greenhouse gas emissions. Efficient cooperatives are advocated to recover costs and enable competitive energy prices. The paper highlights the need for novel value propositions to boost the energy transition in local communities. This research contributes to the discourse on CES business models, fostering knowledge exchange and promoting effective strategies for sustainable energy systems.
Optimization of Equipment Operation in Power Systems Based on the Use in the Design of Frequency-Dependent Models
Authors: Monakov Yury , Tarasov Alexander , Ivannikov Alexander , Murzintsev Alexander , Shutenko Nikita
Published: September 2023

This article is devoted to the biggest problem of our time: the development of modern and highly efficient equipment for energy systems. We propose improved mathematical models for starting asynchronous motors in isolated power systems. The results of experiments carried out on a model of an isolated network are presented. Both frequency-dependent and frequency-independent models were used. A comparison of various models is given. The advantages of the frequency-dependent model, which provides a more accurate representation of the processes, are shown. The obtained results were discussed, and the possibility of their use for future research was assessed.
Enhancing the Power Performance of Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Systems: The Adoption of Passive, Fractal Supports
Authors: Amati Giorgio , Succi Sauro , Falcucci Giacomo
Published: September 2023

We employ a three-phase thermal lattice Boltzmann model (LBM) to investigate the power performance of latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems based on the exploitation of phase change materials (PCMs). Different passive thermal supports are considered to increase the melting rate, including innovative, fractal, branch-like structures. Our simulations reveal that the adoption of fractal, branch-like metal supports consistently outperforms other configurations in terms of PCM melting rates. These results open the path towards novel strategies to enhance the power performance of PCM-based TES systems, offering potential benefits for energy storage applications.
Different Adaptive Potential of Norway Spruce Ecotypes in Response to Climate Change in Czech Long-Term Lowland Experiment
Authors: Šimůnek Václav , Stejskal Jan , Čepl Jaroslav , Korecký Jiří , Vacek Zdeněk , Vacek Stanislav , Bílek Lukáš , Švanda Michal
Published: September 2023

As a result of climate change, Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) is dying across Europe. One of the primary reasons for this is the cultivation of unsuitable spruce provenances and ecotypes. This study deals with the growth and genetics of the ecotypes of Norway spruce, the most important tree species of the Czech Republic. At the study site, namely Cukrák, an experimental site was established in 1964 to plant three basic spruce ecotypes: low-elevation (LE), medium-elevation (ME) and high-elevation (HE) ecotype. A dendrometric inventory, dendrochronological sampling and genetic analyses were carried out on individual trees in 45 to 46 years old spruce stands. The ME ecotype was the most productive in terms of its carbon sequestration potential, while the HE ecotype had the lowest radial growth. All ecotypes exhibited a noteworthy negative correlation between tree-ring growth and seasonal temperature, annual temperature, previous year September to current year August temperature, June to July temperature, as well as individual monthly temperatures from previous May to current August. The relationship of annual and seasonal precipitation to growth was significant only for the LE and ME ecotypes, but precipitation from previous year September to current year August and precipitation from current June to July were the most significant for all ecotypes, where the ME had the highest r value. The HE ecotype does not adapt well to a dry climate and appears to be unsuitable compared to the other ecotypes under the studied conditions. This study also documented intra-population genetic variation within years of low growth, as evidenced by significant clonal heritability. The selection of the appropriate spruce ecotypes is essential for the stability and production of future stands and should become an important pillar of forest adaptation to climate change.
Detection and Control of Foodborne Pathogens
Authors: Paparella Antonello , Maggio Francesca
Published: September 2023

The globalization of food trade and the emergence of disease outbreaks involving several foodborne pathogens and foods has focused the attention of both the research community and consumers on food safety [...]
Impact of Fermentation Pretreatment on Drying Behaviour and Antioxidant Attributes of Broccoli Waste Powdered Ingredients
Authors: Bas-Bellver Claudia , Barrera Cristina , Betoret Noelia , Seguí Lucía
Published: September 2023

Valorisation of fruit and vegetable wastes by transforming residues and discards into functional powdered ingredients has gained interest in recent years. Moreover, fermentation has been recalled as an ancient technology available to increase the nutritional value of foods. In the present work, the impact of pretreatments (disruption and fermentation) on drying kinetics and functional properties of powdered broccoli stems was studied. Broccoli stems fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and non-fermented broccoli stems were freeze-dried and air-dried at different temperatures. Drying kinetics were obtained and fitted to several thin layer mathematical models. Powders were characterized in terms of physicochemical and antioxidant properties, as well as of probiotic potential. Fermentation promoted faster drying rates and increased phenols and flavonoids retention. Increasing drying temperature shortened the process and increased powders’ antioxidant activity. Among the models applied, Page resulted in the best fit for all samples. Microbial survival was favoured by lower drying temperatures (air-drying at 50 °C and freeze-drying). Fermentation and drying conditions were proved to determine both drying behaviour and powders’ properties.
Radiogenomic Features of GIMAP Family Genes in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: An Observational Study on CT Images
Authors: Greco Federico , Panunzio Andrea , Tafuri Alessandro , Bernetti Caterina , Pagliarulo Vincenzo , Beomonte Zobel Bruno , Scardapane Arnaldo , Mallio Carlo Augusto
Published: September 2023

GTPases of immunity-associated proteins (GIMAP) genes include seven functional genes and a pseudogene. Most of the GIMAPs have a role in the maintenance and development of lymphocytes. GIMAPs could inhibit the development of tumors by increasing the amount and antitumor activity of infiltrating immunocytes. Knowledge of key factors that affect the tumor immune microenvironment for predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy and establishing new targets in ccRCC is of great importance. A computed tomography (CT)-based radiogenomic approach was used to detect the imaging phenotypic features of GIMAP family gene expression in ccRCC. In this retrospective study we enrolled 193 ccRCC patients divided into two groups: ccRCC patients with GIMAP expression (n = 52) and ccRCC patients without GIMAP expression (n = 141). Several imaging features were evaluated on preoperative CT scan. A statistically significant correlation was found with absence of endophytic growth pattern (p = 0.049), tumor infiltration (p = 0.005), advanced age (p = 0.018), and high Fuhrman grade (p = 0.024). This study demonstrates CT imaging features of GIMAP expression in ccRCC. These results could allow the collection of data on GIMAP expression through a CT-approach and could be used for the development of a targeted therapy.
Holocene Deformations at the Po Plain–Southern Alps Transition (Lake Maggiore, Italy): Inferences on Glacially vs. Tectonic-Induced Origin
Authors: Menegoni Niccolò , Maino Matteo , Toscani Giovanni , Mordeglia Lucia Isabella , Valle Gianfranco , Perotti Cesare
Published: September 2023

The investigation of deformations in Quaternary deposits holds primary importance in understanding recent geological history and natural hazards in highly populated areas, such as the Po Plain. While civil excavations and trenches possess the potential to be pivotal in identifying and characterizing these deformations, they often remain underused due to the stringent regulation framework and timetables governing civil construction works. In this study, we demonstrate how digital photogrammetry and digital outcrop modelling (DOM) are useful techniques for obtaining a permanent digital representation of a trench situated in Castelletto Ticino (Po Plain–Southern Alps transition). This trench exhibits Holocene deformational structures: (i) an overall tilting of sedimentary deposits towards the SW; (ii) folds with a NE–SW trend; (iii) slumping and other soft-sediment deformations structures; and (iv) reverse faults with NE–SW and NW–SE directions. Using radiocarbon and archeological dating, we are able to confidently constrain the age of these deformations to between 8760 and 400 years BC, suggesting recent tectonic activity related to buried thrust faults.