bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the University’s Core Competency Awareness Through IPA Techniques
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kwon Jungson
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate and analyze members’ perceptions of the university’s core competencies in order to improve and supplement the core competencies of K University. To this end, a survey was conducted for the members of K University on the degree of conformity and achievement of the university’'s talent awards, the importance and achievement of core competencies and sub-competencies. Corresponding sample t-test was used to analyze the difference in the degree of conformity and achievement of university talents, and IPA analysis was performed using the average values for the importance and achievement of core competencies and sub-competences. As a result of IPA analysis, competencies requiring intensive improvement were not found in all groups, and global competency was selected as competency requiring gradual improvement. Practical competency and communication competency were found as competencies corresponding to the maintenance area, and empathy competency was found as an area that was over-invested. Based on these results, K university needs to develop an effective improvement plan by decentralizing empathyoriented support and investment into global capabilities.
The Effect of College Major Selection Motivation on Academic Adaptation through GRIT
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Kyunglee
Published: August 2022

This study is to examine the effect of major selection motivation on academic adaptation through GRIT by SEM. As a result of the study, it was found that there are differences in academic adaptation and major selection motivation according to individual characteristics. Next, it was confirmed that the major selection motivation directly affects academic adaptation and indirectly affects academic adaptation through GRIT which has been studied as many influencing factors related to higher education. And it was confirmed that intrinsic motivation had a greater influence than extrinsic motivation for major choice, and effort and persistence had a greater effect on GRIT than interest. In conclusion, college students are similar to adults in appearance, but they still lack various experiences. It is expected that they will be able to minimize the difficulties they face in school life including academics, and help them with their studies.
A Study on Effects of Trust in Government on Trust in Fire Response Depending on Self-Efficacy
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Sangwoon , Doh Soogwan
Published: August 2022

This paper examined how the trust in the government agencies influences on the social and individuals and to suggest measures for enhancing the trust in the government. The hypothesis testing results were as follows. First, trust in government had a significant positive influence on the trust in fire response and self-efficacy at the same time. In addition, self-efficacy showed a mediating effect between the trust in government and fire response. Based on such results, this study came up with measures for gathering the political opinions from the citizens and maintaining the policy consistently to enhance the truest in government and self-efficacy. This study also suggested on measures for enhancing the self-efficacy toward the fire response by providing education and sharing information about fire prevention and fire response measures.
A Case Study of Korean Listening Class Using Blended Learning: For Foreign Undergraduate in Liberal Arts Courses
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Taeyeon
Published: August 2022

This study aims to present the actual practice of listening classes by designing a Korean listening class model using blended learning and applying and operating it in the field. First, the blended learning method and the Korean listening area, especially process based listening classes, were combined, and a class model was designed to allow learner-centered self-directed learning away from the existing teacher-centered classes. The class composition was divided into pre-listening, listening, and post-listening stages, personalized learning through online in the first class, inter -learning through face-to-face classes in the second and third class, and learning linked to writing activities after class. In this study, an active blended learning method focused on individual customized learning was applied by directly producing online content. A survey was conducted to investigate the satisfaction level of blended learning classes conducted during the semester for foreign college students. As a result of more than 90% of the respondents saying they were satisfied with the blended learning class, it was found that the learners' satisfaction was very high. It is expected that the results of this study will be able to suggest a new alternative in operating online and offline combined classes in liberal arts Korean subjects for foreign college students, especially listening subjects.
A Case Study of Counselling For Senile Dementia Family Caregiver Based on Logotherapy
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Cho Jiyeun , Kim Sungbong , Ko Hyein
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of V. Frankl’s Logotherapy in personal counseling for a senile dementia caregiver through client’s changes. It was also to examine the factors which influenced the outcome based on the Logotherapy-centered technique. 10 sessions of Logotherapy personal counseling and one further session were conducted to the senile dementia caregiver. The data were collected from recording of interviews, transcripts, therapist’s case notes and reflection papers, and were analyzed using a single case study method. The study revealed that the Logotherapy personal counseling has brought positive changes in mental security and problem solving to the client. It also suggested the 5 factors of the outcome which are the client’s guilt, experiential values, creative values, attitudinal values, and self-transcendence, and analyzed the therapy process of discovering meaning of life by presenting specific cases. In the end, the significance of the study and the suggestion for further research were presented.
The Strategies For Practical Activity of The Elderly with Sport Instructor’s License
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Jungdong , Lee Moonsook , Cho Byungjun
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study was to find out a practical activity strategies that could help seniors with a sport instructor’s license to get the happiness of working in the field of physical education and to gain living expenses, as a job creation for the elderly. For this purpose, the Delphi technique on 12 sport experts and instructors and literature review were used. As the study results, the following conclusions were obtained. First, the factors concerned to practical activity strategies for the elderly with a sport instructor's license were deduced. Second, the most important thing was to secure income sources for living expenses and pocket money by economic activities, and, the use of leisure and self-efficacy were improved by talent sharing and public activities. Third, as a sports Instructor in old age, opportunities to improve the quality of life and the participation in society could be provided through talent sharing, public interest activities, and economic activities such as being employed as a life sport club instructor, managing, instructing, and establishing sport clubs.
A Study on School Parents’ Perception in Innovative Education Districts: Focusing on the Survey on School Parents in Ten Local Governments of Gyeonggi-do
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Kabsoon , Kim Yongki , Lee Younghwan
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study is to seek for the qualitative development of innovative education districtproject by analyzing the comprehensive and in-depth perception of school parents in Gyeonggi-do innovative education districts. This study conducted a survey targeting the school parents in ten regions such as Gwangmyeong, Guri, Gunpo, Bucheon, Siheung, Ansan, Anyang, Osan, Uijeongbu, and Hwaseong that continued the Gyeonggi-do innovative education district project for five years or more. Targeting the parents of elementary school, middle school, and high school in ten local governments, a survey was conducted on their perception of goals and project performance of innovative education district. As a result, in the perception of goals of innovative education district for elementary school, the parents in Ansan, Gunpo, Uijeongbu, and Hwaseong gave positive responses. Also, in the perception of project performance, the parents in Uijeongbu, Anyang, Ansan, and Gunpo gave positive responses. In the perception of goals of innovative education district for middle school, the parents in Hwaseong, Gwangmyeong, and Anyang gave positive responses. Also, in the perception of project performance, the parents in Hwaseong, Anyang, and Uijeongbu gave positive responses. In the perception of goals of innovative education district for high school, the parents in Ansan, Gwangmyeong, Anyang, and Siheung gave positive responses. Also, in the perception of project performance, the parents in Uijeongbu, Bucheon, and Gwangmyeong gave positive responses.
Length-Weight Relationships and Relative Condition Factor of Spicara flexuosum (Rafinesque, 1810) Inhabiting the Black Sea and the Turkish Straits System
Authors: ŞALCIOĞLU Aslı Şükriye , SÖNMEZ Adem Yavuz
Published: August 2022

Length-weight relationships and condition factor of Spicara flexuosum collected from İstanbul, Rize, Çanakkale and Sinop-Kastamonu by using commercial gill nets and hand-line fishing methods were evaluated between 2013 and 2014 in this study. The overall length-weight equation (W=0.0236 L2.7334) indicated negative allometric growth from all sampling periods. Samples collected from Istanbul and Çanakkale exhibited positive allometric growth while S. flexuosum showed negative allometric growth in Rize and Sinop-Kastamonu in December 2013 and January 2014 respectively. The relative condition factor among regions varied from 0.99 to 1.08, indicating a state of wellbeing among all locations. This study provides the baseline data of length-weight relationships and condition factor analyses for S. flexuosum species from Turkish coastal waters for future management purposes for this species.
Sistem Kontrol Torsi Motor Extruder Mesin Molding Microplastic Metode Fuzzy Logic Berbasis NI MyRio 1900
Authors: Ningrum Bella Cahya , Yulianto Yulianto , Sungkono Sungkono
Published: August 2022

Kemajuan teknologi dalam bidang Industri semakin pesat. Perubahan pola dan cara produksi di Industri saat ini menjadi otomatis yang awalnya manual tenaga manusia. Termasuk pada proses pencetakan barang, kini pencetakan barang beralih ke sistem automasi yang lebih cepat dan efisien untuk menghasilkan produknya. Salah satu sistem cetak yang bekerja secara automasi yaitu injeksi molding. Mesin injeksi molding digunakan untuk mendukung program Teaching Factory. Mesin molding mikroplastik merupakan versi mini dari mesin injeksi molding mikroplastik industri. Dengan prinsip kerja yang sama yaitu memutar extruder agar biji plastik yang sudah meleleh dapat terdorong ke mesin molding cetakan, maka diputar dengan menggunakan motor stepper. Penggunaan motor stepper diatur dengan kecepatan putar 37.5 rpm secara normal dan efisien. Kendali motor stepper menggunakan Labview NI MyRio 1900 dengan metode Fuzzy Logic yang relevan dan efisien untuk adjustment kecepatan motor (rpm) motor stepper.
Trajectory Tracking Robot Omnidirectional 4 Roda Dengan Visualisasi Rviz
Authors: Fadhila Ivan , Siradjuddin Indrazno , Putri Ratna Ika
Published: August 2022

Pada proses industri, robot difungsikan untuk menyelesaikan permasalahan industri salah satunya memindahkan barang ke tempat yang sudah ditentukan. Oleh sebab itu, dikembangkan sebuah robot yang dapat bergerak ke segala arah dalam bidang kartesian x-y tanpa perlu haluan saat arah hadap berubah, salah satunya adalah robot omnidirectional atau biasa disebut robot holonomic. Pergerakan robot terkontrol akan membuat robot dapat menuju posisi yang diinginkan secara akurat dan benar, sehingga dibutuhkan sebuah kontrol kinematik yang dapat mengatur pergerakan robot. Dengan menggunakan kontrol kinematik, pergerakan robot dapat dikontrol dengan cara menentukan kecepatan putar masing masing robot. Tracking dan Navigasi bertujuan untuk memantau dan mengontrol posisi robot agar menghindari menabrak object dan kondisi tidak aman lainnya tanpa perlu mendekat, yaitu dengan cara memonitoring melalui visualisasi menggunakan Rviz. Pada mobile robot ini akan menstabilkan gerak navigasi robot sesuai dengan setpoint yang diinginkan. Setelah dilakukan pengujian ditemukan nilai faktor penguat error  ( )  = 25, dan Berdasarkan hasil robot mampu meninggkatkan kemampuan robot untuk bergerak cepat pada lapangan.
Implementasi Alat Uji Kualitas Minyak Cengkeh Berbasis Mikrokontroller
Authors: Ramadhan Wisastra , Yulianto Yulianto , Fitri Fitri
Published: August 2022

Pemantauan kualitas minyak cengkeh pada petani cengkeh umumnya dilakukan dengan secara manual seperti halnya petani melakukan pengujian terhadap kualitas cengkeh hanya dengan sebatas melihat minyak cengkeh tersebut. Maka dari itu tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah membuat alat pengindentifikasi kualitas minyak cengkeh bagi para petani cengkeh.Metoda yang digunakan yaitu hasil pembacaan dari sensor pH 4502C, sensor load cell strain gauge dan sensor TCS3200 di proses oleh Arduino UNO R3 untuk mendapatkan nilai dari sample minyak cengkeh sehingga di ukur kualitasnya. Sensor pH mendeteksi asam, sensor load cell mendeteksi masa jenis dengan presisi dan sensor warna TCS3200 mendeteksi warna dengan akurat pada minyak cengkeh , serta tiga sensor tersebut, yaitu sensor pH yang mampu mengukur tingkat asam basa cairan dari nilai 0 hingga 14, sensor berat yang mampu mengukur massa jenis 0,2 – 1,6 g/m3 dan sensor warna yang dapat membaca warna cokelat, kuning, hijau, merah, hasil dari pembacaan dari sensor ditampilkan pada LCD. Jika pembacaan dari sensor pH menghasilkan angka 5 hingga 6 maka dapat menunjukkan minyak cengkeh kualitasnya baik, apabila pembacaannnya kurang dari 5 atau lebih dari 6 maka kualitas minyak cengkeh tersebut jelek. Load cell di gunakan untuk mengukur massa jenis dari minyak cengkeh, jika massa jenis lebih besar dari 1 atau (1.03), maka kualitas minyak cengkeh baik, apabila pembacaannnya kurang dari 1 atau (1.03) maka kualitas minyak cengkeh tersebut jelek. Sedangkan untuk sensor TCS3200, jika hasil pembacaanya menunjukkan warna kuning dan coklat berarti minyak cengkeh tersebut baik. Berdasarkan hasil pengujian dengan 10 macam sample minyak cengkeh kualitas baik dan jelek menunjukkan bahwa hasil pengujian selalu tepat. Alat penguji kualitas minyak cengkeh menggunakan catu daya 12 Volt 3 Ampere serta panjang alat 30 cm, lebar 20 cm dan tinggi 25 cm.
Alat Pengukur Sudut Aman Pada Z Bar 3D Printing Dengan Metode Tolerated Zero Angle
Authors: Arumdhani Rahma Aprilia , Setiawan Budhy , Pracoyo Agus
Published: August 2022

— Seiring berjalannya waktu, kemajuan pada bidang teknologi juga berkembang pesat. Banyak permasalahan yang dapat diselesaikan dengan teknologi salah satu contohnya adalah mesin 3D Printer yang mampu mencetak berbagai jenis prototype. Terdapat berbagai jenis dan ukuran 3D printer, semakin besar ukuran 3D printer maka 3D printer bisa mencetak prototype dengan ukuran yang lebih besar pula. Pergerakkan dari sumbu X dan Y digerakkan oleh bed plate levelling sedangkan pergerakkan sumbu Z dibantu dengan 2 motor untuk membuat gerakkan ke atas dan ke bawah. Untuk sumbu Z dibutuhkan sinkronisasi antara satu motor dengan motor yang lainnya. Jika pergerakan antara 2 motor sumbu Z ini tidak sama, maka akan berakibat Z bar bengkok/patah, tentunya hal merupakan kesalahan yang fatal dan dapat mengganggu kinerja dari 3D Printer tersebut. Maka dari itu, diperlukan alat sistem keamanan yang berfungsi untuk mencegah terjadinya Z bar miring. Dengan menggunakan sensor accelerometer yang digunakan untuk menghitung sudut pitch, maka kita dapat mengetahui perubahan sudut kemiringan yang ada pada Z bar . Hasil dari pembacaan sensor kemudian akan di bandingkan dengan setpoint yang telah ditentukan, selanjutnya jika hasil pembacaan sensor melebihi setpoint maka sistem akan memutus arus supply mesin 3D Printing yang artinya sistem keamanan aktif.
Rancang Bangun Sistem Kendali PI Alat Pengering Bahan Kerupuk Rambak Berbasis Mikrokontroler Arduino
Authors: Emilia Sofi , Priyadi Bambang , Murtono Ari
Published: August 2022

Kerupuk Rambak merupakan makanan ringan yang terbuat dari kulit sapi atau kerbau yang di gemari oleh masyarakat Indonesia dan sering dijadikan pelengkap berbagai sajian makanan. Pada proses pengeringan bahan kerupuk rambak suhu yang baik adalah 60ºC. Pengering kerupuk rambak ini menggunakan metode PI untuk mengendalikan suhunya agar konstan di 60ºC. Penggunaan metode PI agar suhu yang ada di dalam ruang pengering kerupuk rambak tetap stabil setelah mencapai suhu yang diinginkan. Pada pengering kerupuk rambak ini menggunakan Arduino sebagai mikrokontroler. Sensor suhu PT100 yang berguna untuk mendeteksi suhu yang ada dalam ruang pengering. Sensor kelembaban DHT22 untuk mendeteksi kelembaban yang ada di ruang pengering dan sensor berat Loadcell yang digunakan untuk menimbang beban yang ada di loyang. Prisip kerja alat ini adalah mempertahankan suhu yang ada dalam ruang pengering yang sudah sesuai dengan setpoint yang diinginkan dan mengetahui berat bahan kerupuk rambak yang dihasilkan oleh proses pengeringan.
Implementasi Metode PID untuk Pengendalian Motor AC pada Crusher Daun Kelor
Authors: Ramadhani Riezky Delthone , Priyadi Bambang , Subiyantoro Subiyantoro
Published: August 2022

Intisari — Kelor merupakan tanaman herbal yang bermanfaat bagi kesehatan. Cara konsumsinya kebanyakan dengan diseduh setelah sebelumnya daun kelor dikeringkan dan diolah menjadi serbuk. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk meningkatkan efektivitas crusher daun kelor menjadi serbuk dengan mengaplikasikan teknologi elektronika. Motor AC satu fasa menjadi crusher daun kelor dengan memanfaatkan sistem kontrol Proportional Integral Derivatif (PID) untuk memperoleh kecepatan motor yang stabil dan dapat diatur. Sensor kecepatan rotary encoder menjadi sumber data kecepatan motor dengan umpan balik menuju mikrokontroler Arduino Uno. Arduino akan menghasilkan sinyal PWM yang mengendalikan driver motor untuk pengaturan kecepatan motor. Driver motor ini terdiri dari rangkaian dimmer AC dengan komponen utama Triac, Diac, kapasitor, dan potensiometer. Motor servo digunakan pula untuk pengendalian mekanik potensiometer sehingga menghasilkan daya keluaran rangkaian dimmer AC yang dapat dikendalikan sebagai catu daya motor AC satu fasa. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa parameter kontrol paling ideal bernilai Kp=1.28, Ki=0.25, dan Kd=3.15. Respon sistem kontrol PID pada setpoint kecepatan 1400 Rpm menghasilkan nilai Ts=13 detik, Os=6.4%, Tr=5 detik, dan Td=2 detik.Kata Kunci –Dimmer AC, Motor AC, PID, Rotary Encoder
Lyophilized platelets inhibit platelet aggregation with simultaneous paradoxical promotion of platelet adhesion
Authors: Schnoor Brian , Papa Anne-Laure
Published: August 2022

Lyophilized platelets have been explored as a potential hemostatic agent due to their long-term ambient storage capabilities that make them readily available in various scenarios. Additionally, their high biocompatibility and the key role of platelet interactions in various clinical conditions make them a promising platform for drug delivery. To explore these applications and for wider clinical deployment, the interactions between lyophilized platelets and fresh platelets must be examined. This project characterized receptor expression on the lyophilized platelet surface and their ability to bind fibrinogen using flow cytometry. The effect of lyophilized platelets on aggregation of unaltered platelets was assessed using light transmission aggregometry while the effect on adhesion was evaluated using static and microfluidic assays. Lyophilized platelets maintained significant levels of GPIIb and GPVI receptors on their surface, though the expression was reduced from fresh platelets. Additionally, lyophilized platelets maintained GPIb expression similar to fresh platelets. Furthermore, 15.8% of the lyophilized platelets exhibited the active conformation of the GPIIb/IIIa receptor, indicating a significant increase over fresh platelets. Lyophilized platelets also exhibited an increase in exposed phosphatidylserine and fibrinogen binding. Despite the effect of lyophilized platelets in promoting the adhesion of fresh platelets on a collagen-coated surface, their net effect was inhibitory on platelet aggregation. This study demonstrates that lyophilized platelets can have paradoxical effects on platelet adhesion and aggregation, which could have an impact for clinical applications. Detailed characterization and engineering of these effects will be important for their continued development as a drug delivery platform.
A fluid-structure interaction model accounting arterial vessels as a key part of the blood-flow engine for the analysis of cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Cheng Heming , Li Gen , Dai Jifeng , Zhang Ke , Xu Tianrui , Wei Liuchuang , Zhang Xue , Ding Dongfang , Hou Jie , Li Jianyun , Zhuang Jiangping , Tan Kaijun , Guo Ran
Published: August 2022

According to the classical Windkessel model, the heart is the only power source for blood flow, while the arterial system is assumed to be an elastic chamber that acts as a channel and buffer for blood circulation. In this paper we show that in addition to the power provided by the heart for blood circulation, strain energy stored in deformed arterial vessels in vivo can be transformed into mechanical work to propel blood flow. A quantitative relationship between the strain energy increment and functional (systolic, diastolic, mean and pulse blood pressure) and structural (stiffness, diameter and wall thickness) parameters of the aorta is described. In addition, details of blood flow across the aorta remain unclear due to changes in functional and other physiological parameters. Based on the arterial strain energy and fluid-structure interaction theory, the relationship between physiological parameters and blood supply to organs was studied, and a corresponding mathematical model was developed. The findings provided a new understanding about blood-flow circulation, that is, cardiac output allows blood to enter the aorta at an initial rate, and then strain energy stored in the elastic arteries pushes blood toward distal organs and tissues. Organ blood supply is a key factor in cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CCVD), which are caused by changes in blood supply in combination with multiple physiological parameters. Also, some physiological parameters are affected by changes in blood supply, and vice versa. The model can explain the pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic diseases such as CCVD and hypertension among others, and the results are in good agreement with epidemiological studies of CCVD.
An m5C methylation regulator-associated signature predicts prognosis and therapy response in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Yun Duo , Yang Zhirong , Zhang Shuman , Yang Hai , Liu Dongxue , Grützmann Robert , Pilarsky Christian , Britzen-Laurent Nathalie
Published: August 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most aggressive digestive malignancy due to frequent late-stage diagnosis, rapid progression and resistance to therapy. With increasing PDAC incidence worldwide, there is an urgent need for new prognostic biomarkers and therapy targets. Recently, RNA methylation has emerged as a new tumorigenic mechanism in different cancers. 5-methylcytosine (m5C) is one of the most frequent RNA modifications and occurs on a variety of RNA species including mRNA, thereby regulating gene expression. Here we investigated the prognostic role of m5C-regulator-associated transcriptional signature in PDAC. We evaluated m5C-regulator status and expression in 239 PDAC samples from publicly available datasets. We used unsupervised consensus clustering analyses to classify PDACs based on m5C-regulator expression. From the resulting signature of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), we selected prognosis-relevant DEGs to stratify patients and build a scoring signature (m5C-score) through LASSO and multivariate Cox regression analyses. The m5C-score represented a highly significant independent prognostic marker. A high m5C-score correlated with poor prognosis in different PDAC cohorts, and was associated with the squamous/basal subtype as well as activated cancer-related pathways including Ras, MAPK and PI3K pathways. Furthermore, the m5C-score correlated with sensitivity to pathway-specific inhibitors of PARP, EGFR, AKT, HER2 and mTOR. Tumors with high m5C-score were characterized by overall immune exclusion, low CD8+ T-cell infiltration, and higher PD-L1 expression. Overall, the m5C-score represented a robust predictor of prognosis and therapy response in PDAC, which was associated with unfavorable molecular subtypes and immune microenvironment.
Industrialization’s eye view on theranostic nanomedicine
Authors: Sivasubramanian Maharajan , Lin Li-Jie , Wang Yu-Chao , Yang Chung-Shi , Lo Leu-Wei
Published: August 2022

The emergence of nanomedicines (NMs) in the healthcare industry will bring about groundbreaking improvements to the current therapeutic and diagnostic scenario. However, only a few NMs have been developed into clinical applications due to a lack of regulatory experience with them. In this article, we introduce the types of NM that have the potential for clinical translation, including theranostics, multistep NMs, multitherapy NMs, and nanoclusters. We then present the clinical translational challenges associated with NM from the pharmaceutical industry’s perspective, such as NMs’ intrinsic physiochemical properties, safety, scale-up, lack of regulatory experience and standard characterization methods, and cost-effectiveness compared with their traditional counterparts. Overall, NMs face a difficult task to overcome these challenges for their transition from bench to clinical use.
Multiple Pickering emulsions stabilized by the same particles with different extent of hydrophobization in situ
Authors: Zhu Yue , Chen Tingting , Cui Zhenggang
Published: August 2022

Multiple emulsions are widely used in pharmaceuticals, foods, and cosmetics. However, those stabilized by surfactants with different HLB values are generally unstable due to the diffusion of the surfactants between inner and outer interfaces. Here, we report that multiple W/O/W emulsions can be prepared by using the same particles in combination with a surfactant of different concentrations. The less surface-active raw CaCO3 nanoparticles can be hydrophobized to surface-active in situ by adsorption of the anionic surfactant SDS, and the wettability of the particles can be controlled to be suitable for stabilizing both O/W and W/O Pickering emulsions by adjusting the surfactant concentration. With toluene as oil phase, the CaCO3 particles at 1.0 wt% tend to stabilize a W/O emulsion in the presence of 3 mm SDS in an aqueous solution, which can then be further dispersed in an aqueous phase with 1.0 wt% CaCO3 and SDS below 1 mm to form a W/O/W multiple emulsion. The effects of the ratio of W/O emulsion to the outer water phase and the preparation methods on stabilization of multiple emulsions were examined. With a ratio smaller than 3:1 and by gentle magnetic stirring, the multiple emulsions obtained can stay stable for at least a month without coalescence. This simple method not only ensures stabilization of multiple emulsions but also avoids complicated synthesis of colloid particles with different wettability.
Synthesis and antibacterial activity evaluation of N (7) position-modified balofloxacins
Authors: Hong Ge , Li Weitian , Mao Lina , Wang Jiawen , Liu Tianjun
Published: August 2022

A series of small-molecule fluoroquinolones were synthesized, characterized by HRMS and NMR spectroscopy, and screened for their antibacterial activity against MRSA, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli as model G+/G− pathogens. Compounds 2-e, 3-e, and 4-e were more potent than the reference drug balofloxacin against MRSA and P. aeruginosa (MIC values of 0.0195 and 0.039 μg/ml for 2-e, 0.039 and 0.078 μg/ml for each of 3-e and 4-e, respectively). Analysis of the time-dependent antibacterial effect of compound 2-e toward MRSA showed that in the early logarithmic growth phase, bactericidal effects occurred, while in the late logarithmic growth phase, bacterial inhibition occurred because of concentration effects and possibly the development of drug resistance. Compound 2-e exhibited low toxicity toward normal mammalian cell lines 3T3 and L-02 and tumor cell lines A549, H520, BEL-7402, and MCF-7. The compound was not hemolytic. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that compound 2-e could effectively destroy the membrane and wall of MRSA cells, resulting in the outflow of the cellular contents. Docking studies indicated the good binding profile of these compounds toward DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. ADMET’s prediction showed that most of the synthesized compounds followed Lipinski’s “rule of five” and possessed good drug-like properties. Our data suggested that compound 2-e exhibited potent anti-MRSA activity and is worthy of further investigation.
Right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling impairment and exercise capacity in obese adults
Authors: Zhou Na , Forton Kevin , Motoji Yoshiki , Scoubeau Corentin , Klass Malgorzata , Naeije Robert , Faoro Vitalie
Published: August 2022

Background

Obesity-related exercise intolerance may be associated with pulmonary vascular and right ventricular dysfunction. This study tested the hypothesis that decreased pulmonary vascular reserve and right ventricular (RV)-pulmonary arterial (PA) uncoupling contributes to exercise limitation in subjects with obesity.

Methods

Seventeen subjects with obesity were matched to normo-weighted healthy controls. All subjects underwent; exercise echocardiography, lung diffusing capacity (DL) for nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) and an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test. Cardiac output (Q), PA pressure (PAP) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were recorded at increasing exercise intensities. Pulmonary vascular reserve was assessed by multipoint mean PAP (mPAP)/Q relationships with more reserve defined by lesser increase in mPAP at increased Q, and RV-PA coupling was assessed by the TAPSE/systolic PAP (sPAP) ratio.

Results

At rest, subjects with obesity displayed lower TAPSE/sPAP ratios (1.00 ± 0.26 vs. 1.19 ± 0.22 ml/mmHg, P < 0.05), DLCO and pulmonary capillary blood volume (52 ± 11 vs. 64 ± 13 ml, P < 0.01) compared to controls. Exercise was associated with steeper mPAP-Q slopes, decreased TAPSE/sPAP and lower peak O2 uptake (VO2peak). The changes in TAPSE/sPAP at exercise were correlated to the body fat mass (R = 0.39, P = 0.01) and VO2peak (R = 0.44, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Obesity is associated with a decreased pulmonary vascular and RV-PA coupling reserve which may impair exercise capacity.
Lower body mass index potentiates the association between skipping breakfast and prevalence of proteinuria
Authors: Muratsu Jun , Kamide Kei , Fujimoto Takashi , Takeya Yasushi , Sugimoto Ken , Taniyama Yoshiaki , Morishima Atsuyuki , Sakaguchi Katsuhiko , Rakugi Hiromi
Published: August 2022

Background

Proteinuria is an important predictor of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Several studies reported the association between skipping breakfast and the prevalence of proteinuria. Furthermore, skipping breakfast was associated with an increased risk of obesity. Although proteinuria is highly prevalent in obese individuals, the association between the prevalence of proteinuria and low body mass index (BMI) was reported in a previous cross-sectional study in asymptomatic individuals without known kidney diseases. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the clinical impact of BMI on the association between skipping breakfast and the prevalence of proteinuria in normal renal function subjects.

Methods

The present study included 26,888 subjects (15,875 males and 11,013 females) with an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and no history of kidney disease who underwent a health checkup in Sumitomo Hospital. The association between skipping breakfast and the prevalence of proteinuria (defined as dipstick proteinuria of ≥1+) was assessed using logistic regression models adjusted for clinically relevant factors.

Results

Skipping breakfast was reported in 3,306 males (20.8%) and 1,514 females (13.8%). Multivariable adjusted logistic regression models showed that skipping breakfast was significantly associated with the prevalence of proteinuria above 1+. This association was evident in lower BMI subjects, even after adjusting for clinically relevant factors (adjusted odds ratios of males and females were 1.67 [1.17–2.38] and 1.92 [1.31–2.82], respectively), whereas this association was not evident in higher BMI subjects.

Conclusion

Lower BMI subjects with proteinuria might need to be careful about skipping breakfast.
COVID-19 and diabetes—Two giants colliding: From pathophysiology to management
Authors: Pelle Maria Chiara , Zaffina Isabella , Provenzano Michele , Moirano Giovenale , Arturi Franco
Published: August 2022

Since December 2019, a new coronavirus, called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread around the world, causing the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. From the beginning, SARS-CoV-2 has put a strain on the health system. In fact, many patients have had severe forms of the disease with the need for hospitalization due to respiratory failure. To contain the pandemic, the most widely used approach has been lockdowns. Social restrictions have been reduced thanks to the development of vaccines and targeted therapies. However, fatal events still occur among people at high risk of serious infection, such as patients with concomitant diabetes. Different mechanisms have been proposed to explain the poor prognosis of patients with diabetes and COVID-19, but the specific cause is unclear. It is now known that insulin resistance, inflammation, and cytokine storm are involved. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 uses the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors to enter cells. This receptor is expressed on pancreatic beta cells and, during infection, it appears that receptor involvement may induce hyperglycemia in patients with or without diabetes. In this study, we discuss the mechanisms underlying the poor prognosis in people with COVID-19 and diabetes and what may improve the outcome in these patients.
Cyber-attack research for integrated energy systems by the correlated matrix based object-oriented modeling method
Authors: Tong Heqin , Xu Jianbing , Li Xiao , Zhang Liquan
Published: August 2022

The rise of an integrated energy system requires the integration of multiple sources of energy to be embraced and transited over the power grid; that means the information and communication systems of traditional power systems will be extended, and their complexity will be increased. As the information and communication systems play a more important role in the infrastructure of the power system, a cyber-attack on them may have an impact on the power system and cause a serious threat to the integrated energy system. To analyze the threat to the complex and integrated system, some researchers provide some modeling methods to study the impact of cyber-attacks on the information and communication systems, such as the Attack Tree Model, Attack Graph Model, Petri Net Model for cyber-attack, Attack Description Language Model, State Transition Graph Model, etc. However, these modeling methods have some shortcomings. For example, they cannot describe the systematical cyber-attack and show the secure status during the cyber-attack; it is hard for them to analyze the larger and more complicated information and communication systems. To overcome the shortages, in this paper, a correlated matrix-based object-oriented model is proposed for cyber-attack modeling. With this model, the relationship between the attacker and victim can be directly built; the cyber-attack path and packets from the attacker can be tracked; and the status of the nodes and links can be shown during a cyber-attack. There are two steps to build the cyber-attack model. Firstly, the procedure and approach of the cyber-attack will be modeled by an object-oriented method; then, a correlated matrix model will be built for network topology, attack path, and attack procedure. By combining these two models, the whole cyber-attack model is created. Finally, to demonstrate the modeling method and its benefits, we use the MITM (Man-in-the-middle Attack) attack on measurement data of an AVC (Automation Voltage Control) system as examples, and build a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) co-simulation platform to verify the model.
Market-based hosting capacity maximization of renewable generation in power grids with energy storage integration
Authors: Ye Yujian , Wang Huiyu , Tang Yi
Published: August 2022

In an attempt to achieve net zero, the operation and planning of the energy system face techno-economic challenges brought by integrating large-scale distributed energy resources (DERs) with low carbon footprints. Previous work has analyzed the technical challenges including hosting capacity (HC) for DERs. In light of the deregulation of the power industry and the transition to power system with renewables at its center, this article takes the lead to maximizing renewable integration in power grids from a market viewpoint. It solves a significant problem brought forth by the fall in electricity prices, resulting from increasing renewable penetration that jeopardizes investment cost recovery and prevents sustainable grid integration of renewables. To this end, a novel bi-level optimization model is formulated, where the upper-level problem aims to maximize the HC of renewables ensuring the recovery of investment, and the lower-level problem describes the market clearing process considering network constraints. The optimal solution of devised bi-level problem can be found after reformulating it to a single-level mixed-integer linear problem (MILP) using the strong duality theorem and a special ordered set-type 1 (SOS1) founded linearization approach. Case studies confirm the significance of the devised model and quantitatively analyze the impact of different network capacities, renewable subsidies, and energy storage, respectively, on the market-based HC obeying its profitability constraint.
Precision Flux Control of Linear Reluctance Actuator Using the Integral Sliding Mode Method
Authors: Miao Qian , Liu Yang , Tan Jiu Bin
Published: August 2022

The performance of the actuator is becoming increasingly important in the ultra-precision stage. However, the traditional Lorentz motors with given mechanical parameters cannot provide enough force for the next-generation motion stage in the semiconductor industry since they achieve a physical limit of power factor. To tackle this problem, this study develops a novel-driven approach and its control strategy for high-dynamic stages. Explicitly, the proposed method utilizes a linear reluctance motor as an actuator, which could promote the continuous thrust significantly. A heuristic optimization-based Bouc–Wen model is established to describe the nonlinear behavior of the novel actuator. Also, a flux control algorithm based on the integral sliding mode is derived and adjusted for precision thrust generation. Comparative simulations on a specific linear reluctance motor confirm the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method and show that it has the ability to conquer the force nonlinearity of the novel actuator.
Techno-economic analysis of a PV system with a battery energy storage system for small households: A case study in Rwanda
Authors: Nkuriyingoma Obed , Özdemir Engin , Sezen Serkan
Published: August 2022

Due to the inadequacy of distribution networks in developing countries, especially in small residential areas, there are frequent interruptions in the electrical energy provided by the grid. This problem negatively affects the life quality and productivity of the people living in these regions. This problem can be overcome by integrating BESS-supported renewable energy sources into the distribution system. These distributed energy resources contribute significantly to providing energy directly to consumers. On a small scale, such a system is supported by the grid, when possible, to ensure energy supply continuity. This study presents a techno-economic analysis, using PV*SOL simulation software, of a grid-connected solar PV system with BESS that is used to supply a small residential community in Rwanda, Muhanga district, Shyogwe sector. The consumers were a group of one hundred households around a wetland valley. The energy generated from the solar PV system was used to supply home appliances and a water pumping system for agricultural activities. The simulation results showed that the annual energy requirement is 82.34 MWh with a peak load of 30.4 kW. The simulation results also revealed that a PV system, with an installed capacity of 57.33 kWp integrated with a BESS of 89.2 kWh storage capacity, can supply the load with own power consumption of 68.65%, a level of self-sufficiency of 64.38%, and a performance ratio of 86.05% when the desired ratio is set to 110% with a year as the reference period. The financial analysis demonstrated a return on assets of 9.14% and an amortization period of 9.65 years. These results indicate that the proposed method is technically and economically feasible for use in addressing the issue of electrical power outages in developing countries.
Additive manufacturing for advanced rechargeable lithium batteries: A mini review
Authors: Mo Funian , Guo Binbin , Liu Qingjiang , Ling Wei , Liang Guojin , Chen Lina , Yu Suzhu , Wei Jun
Published: August 2022

Additive manufacturing techniques have shown great promise in changing the way batteries can be designed due to their excellent geometry controllability, process flexibility and high sustainability in manufacturing complex-shaped structures, which have been progressively applied in design of high-performance lithium batteries. In this review, the latest advances in 3D printed lithium batteries have been summarized with a focus on the fundamentals of representative additive manufacturing techniques involving the operation mechanisms, manufacturing accuracy, respective advantages and challenges. In addition, the general 3D printing design principles in module architectures, materials selection and battery configurations for developing high performance lithium batteries are also systematically discussed. Finally, pertinent insights into the future perspectives of 3D printed lithium batteries have been emphasized, expecting to enlighten the research directions of practical applications of 3D printed batteries.
Human Impact Scale on the Preservation of Archaeological Sites from Mostiştea Valley (Romania)
Authors: Covătaru Cristina , Stal Cornelis , Florea Mihai , Opriș Ionela , Simion Corina , Rădulescu Ileana , Călin Romeo , Ignat Theodor , Ghiță Cristina , Lazăr Cătălin
Published: August 2022

Through time, both natural and cultural heritage have unfortunately been under threat due to multiple environmental and human-induced factors, which are likely to trigger various hazards such as soil erosion, landslides, or land collapse. The analysis of old cartographic material, aerial imagery, and satellite imagery has been used in multiple studies to observe and understand the changes that archaeological sites have undergone over the last centuries. These efforts are intended, among other things, to raise awareness of the threats affecting cultural heritage and prevent damages and preserve tangible evidence of the distant past. In this study, historical maps and satellite imagery were analyzed to observe how the landscape in the Mostiștea Valley (Romania) has been used over the last 230 years and how the land use has affected the cultural heritage. Land cover and land use (LCLU) changes in the Mostiștea Valley have occurred due to numerous natural and anthropic forces. These changes have resulted in the damage of tangible heritage in the area with varying degrees of intensity. The results of this study allow the quantification of the magnitude of these changes and their impact on different sites in the region.
Ecosystem services in Jiangsu province: Changes in the supply and demand patterns and its influencing factors
Authors: Wen Yuling , Li Hongbo , Zhang Xiaolin , Li Tingyun
Published: August 2022

Revealing the spatial and temporal changing characteristics and key factors driving the relationship between the supply of and demand for ecosystem services (SDES) is paramount for the effective management of regional ecosystems and the rational allocation of natural resources. This study calculated the supply of ecosystem services (ESS) in Jiangsu Province, China, in 2000, 2010, and 2020, and quantitatively evaluated the ecosystem service demand (ESD) in those years by considering land development intensity, population density, and economic conditions. The ‘coupling coordination degree and relative development degree’ (CDRD) model is introduced to explore the degree of coordination and change in the relationship of supply versus demand of ecosystem services, and then to reveal the impact of various factors on the spatial differentiation characteristics of the SDES. The results show that: 1) the ESS is high in the Taihu Lake Plain, the southwest of Huaihai area and the eastern coastal zone of Jiangsu Province, yet low in the northwest and middle of Huaihai area, and along the Yangtze River Plain. The overall distribution pattern of ESD and the coordinating degree of the SDES is high in the south and north of Jiangsu Province but low in the province’s middle. 2) The degree of coordination for the SDES increased from 0.371 to 0.415, and the relationship between supply and demand changed from one of moderate imbalance to one of basic coordination. The imbalance of supply and demand is mainly concentrated in the Lixiahe area, coastal plain area, and middle of the Huaihe River Basin, for which the predominant type is a moderate imbalance–demand lag. Meanwhile, the analysis of influencing factors shows that there is an obvious synergistic effect between different factors. The results of this research could contribute to sustainable ecosystem management and decision-making for the construction of ecological civilization in Jiangsu Province.