bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer Patients’ Willingness to Take COVID-19 Vaccination: A Nationwide Multicenter Survey in Korea
Authors: Chun June Young , Kim Se Ik , Park Eun Young , Park Sang-Yoon , Koh Su-Jin , Cha Yongjun , Yoo Heon Jong , Joung Jae Young , Yoon Hong Man , Eom Bang Wool , Park Chul Min , Han Ji-Youn , Kim Miso , Lee Dae-Won , Kim Jae-Weon , Keam Bhumsuk , Lee Maria , Kim Tae Min , Choi Young Ju , Chang Yoon Jung , Lim Myong Cheol
Published: August 2021

Considering the high morbidity and mortality of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with malignancy, they are regarded as a priority for COVID-19 vaccination. However, general vaccine uptake rates among cancer patients are known to be lower than in their healthy counterparts. Thus, we aimed to investigate the attitude and acceptance rates for the COVID-19 vaccine in cancer patients and identify predictive factors for vaccination that could be modified to increase vaccine uptake rates, via a paper-based survey (58 items over six domains). A total of 1001 cancer patients participated in this nationwide, multicenter survey between February and April 2021. We observed that 61.8% of respondents were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Positive predictive factors found to be independently associated with vaccination were male gender, older age, obesity, previous influenza vaccination history, absence of cancer recurrence, time since cancer diagnosis over 5 years, and higher EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale scores. Along with the well-known factors that are positively correlated with vaccination, here, we report that patients’ disease status and current health status were also associated with their acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccination. Moreover, 91.2% of cancer patients were willing to be vaccinated if their attending physicians recommend it, indicating that almost 30% could change their decision upon physicians’ recommendation. Unlike other factors, which are unmodifiable, physicians’ recommendation is the single modifiable factor that could change patients’ behavior. In conclusion, we firstly report that Korean cancer patients’ acceptance rate of the COVID-19 vaccination was 61.8% and associated with disease status and current health status. Physicians should play a major role in aiding cancer patients’ decision-making concerning COVID-19 vaccines.
Streamlined Schemes for Dosimetry of 177Lu-Labeled PSMA Targeting Radioligands in Therapy of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kurth Jens , Heuschkel Martin , Tonn Alexander , Schildt Anna , Hakenberg Oliver W. , Krause Bernd J. , Schwarzenböck Sarah M.
Published: August 2021

(Background) Aim of this retrospective analysis was to investigate in mCRPC patients treated with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 whether the absorbed dose (AD) in organs at risk (OAR, i.e., kidneys and parotid glands) can be calculated using simplified methodologies with sufficient accuracy. For this calculation, results and kinetics of the first therapy cycle were used. (Methods) 46 patients treated with 2 to 6 cycles of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 were included. As reference (current clinical standard) full dosimetry of the OAR based on quantitative imaging (whole body scintigraphy and quantitative SPECT/CT at 2, 24, 48 and 72 h p.i.) for every cycle was used. Alternatively, two dosimetry schemes, simplified in terms of image acquisition and dose calculation, were established, both assuming nearly unchanged kinetics of the radiopharmaceutical for subsequent cycles. (Results) In general, for both OAR the simplified methods provided results that were consistent with the dosimetric reference method, both per cycle and in terms of cumulative AD. Best results were obtained when imaging was performed at 48 h p.i. in each of the subsequent cycles. However, both simplified methods tended to underestimate the cumulative AD. (Conclusion) Simplified dosimetry schemes are feasible to tailor multi-cycle [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-targeted therapies.
Why Do Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Fare Better Than Adults?
Authors: Neaga Alexandra , Jimbu Laura , Mesaros Oana , Bota Madalina , Lazar Diana , Cainap Simona , Blag Cristina , Zdrenghea Mihnea
Published: August 2021

It is a new and exciting time for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). While nearly 50 years ago, only one in nine children with ALL survived with chemotherapy, nowadays nearly 90% of children have a chance of long-term survival. Adults with ALL, as well as the special category of adolescents and young adult (AYA) patients, are catching up with the new developments seen in children, but still their prognosis is much worse. A plethora of factors are regarded as responsible for the differences in treatment response, such as age, ethnicity, disease biology, treatment regimens and toxicities, drug tolerance and resistance, minimal residual disease evaluation, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation timing and socio-economic factors. Taking these factors into account, bringing pediatric-like protocols to adult patient management and incorporating new agents into frontline treatment could be the key to improve the survival rates in adults and AYA.
Chromosomal Translocations in NK-Cell Lymphomas Originate from Inter-Chromosomal Contacts of Active rDNA Clusters Possessing Hot Spots of DSBs
Authors: Tchurikov Nickolai A. , Uroshlev Leonid A. , Klushevskaya Elena S. , Alembekov Ildar R. , Lagarkova Maria A. , Kravatskaya Galina I. , Makeev Vsevolod Y. , Kravatsky Yuri V.
Published: August 2021

Endogenous hot spots of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are tightly linked with transcription patterns and cancer. There are nine hot spots of DSBs (denoted Pleiades) in human rDNA units that are located exclusively inside the intergenic spacer (IGS). Profiles of Pleiades coincide with the profiles of γ-H2AX, suggesting a high level of in vivo breakage inside rDNA genes. The data were confirmed by microscopic observation of the largest γ-H2AX foci inside nucleoli in interphase chromosomes. Circular chromosome conformation capture (4C) data indicate that the rDNA units often make contact with a specific set of chromosomal regions containing genes that are involved in differentiation and cancer. Interestingly, these regions also often possess hot spots of DSBs that provide the potential for Robertsonian and oncogenic translocations. In this study, we searched for translocations in which rDNA clusters are involved. The whole genome sequence (WGS) data of normal T cells and NK-cell lymphomas from the same individuals revealed numerous translocations in which Pleiades were involved. The sites of these translocations in normal T cells and in the lymphomas were mostly different, although there were also some common sites. The genes at translocations in normal cells and in lymphomas are associated with predominantly non-overlapping lists of genes that are depleted with silenced genes. Our data indicate that rDNA-mediated translocations occur at about the same frequency in the normal T cells and NK-lymphoma cells but differ at particular sites that correspond to open chromatin. We conclude that oncogenic translocations lead to dysregulation of a specific set of genes controlling development. In normal T cells and in NK cells, there are hot spots of translocations at sites possessing strong H3K27ac marks. The data indicate that Pleiades are involved in rDNA-mediated translocation.
Immobilization of TiO2 Nanoparticles in Cement for Improved Photocatalytic Reactivity and Treatment of Organic Pollutants
Authors: McIntyre Hannah M. , Hart Megan L.
Published: August 2021

Non-point organic pollutants in stormwater are a growing problem in the urban environment which lack effective and efficient treatment technologies. Incorporation of conventional wastewater techniques within stormwater management practices could fundamentally change how stormwater quality is managed because contaminants can be degraded during stormwater transport or storage. This study investigated the photocatalytic reactivity of titanium dioxide functionalized with maleic anhydride (Ti-MAH) within cement pastes when compared to ordinary Portland cement. Preparation of Ti-MAH was performed by permanently bonding maleic anhydride to titanium in methanol, drying and powdering the residual material, and then inter-grinding the preparation with cement during mixing. When compared with OPC, the Ti-MAH cured cement paste is more reactive under a wider range of light wavelengths, possesses a higher band gap, sustains this heightened reactivity over multiple testing iterations, and treats organics effectively (>95% methylene blue removal). Amorphous silica within calcium-silica-hydrate, C-S-H, is theorized to bond to the powdered Ti-MAH during curing. Verification of silicon bonding to the titanium by way of MAH was demonstrated by FTIR spectra, SEM imagery, and XRD. Creating a sustainable and passive photocatalytic cement that precisely bonds silica to Ti-MAH is useful for organic contaminants in urban stormwater, but use can translate to other applications because Ti-MAH bonds readily with any amorphous silica such as glass materials, paints and coatings, optics, and LEDS, among many others.
MoS2-Cysteine Nanofiltration Membrane for Lead Removal
Authors: Jang Jaewon , Chee Sang-Soo , Kang Yesol , Kim Suhun
Published: August 2021

To overcome the limitations of polymers, such as the trade-off relationship between water permeance and solute rejection, as well as the difficulty of functionalization, research on nanomaterials is being actively conducted. One of the representative nanomaterials is graphene, which has a two-dimensional shape and chemical tunability. Graphene is usually used in the form of graphene oxide in the water treatment field because it has advantages such as high water permeance and functionality on its surface. However, there is a problem in that it lacks physical stability under water-contacted conditions due to the high hydrophilicity. To overcome this problem, MoS2, which has a similar shape to graphene and hydrophobicity, can be a new option. In this study, bulk MoS2 was dispersed in a mixed solvent of acetone/isopropyl alcohol, and MoS2 nanosheet was obtained by applying sonic energy to exfoliate. In addition, Cysteine was functionalized in MoS2 with a mild reaction. When the nanofiltration (NF) performance of the membrane was compared under various conditions, the composite membrane incorporated by Cysteine 10 wt % (vs. MoS2) showed the best NF performances.
Tribological Behavior of Al2O3-MoO2-SiO2 Composite Ceramic Coating on Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloy
Authors: Zeng Diping , Liu Zhiyi , Zou Lihua , Wu Haijiang
Published: July 2021

In order to enhance wear properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy parts, Al2O3-MoO2-SiO2 composite ceramic coatings are formed on Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy by the DC micro-arc oxidation (MAO) method in the silicate electrolyte with sodium molybdate. Effects of sodium molybdate concentration on the structure characteristics and wear resistance of the composite ceramic coatings are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and the wear test, respectively. Analyses indicate that the composite coating consists of different states of Al2O3, MoO2 and mullite phase. With the addition of molybdate in the electrolyte, the morphology and structure are changed. The tribological behavior is greatly affected by the surface characteristics and hardness of the coatings. The composite coatings formed by adding 3 g/L of sodium molybdate electrolyte have the best wear resistance.
How Do Biological and Functional Diversity Change in Invaded Tropical Marine Rocky Reef Communities?
Authors: Pires-Teixeira Larissa M. , Neres-Lima Vinicius , Creed Joel C.
Published: August 2021

Evidence so far shows that most alien species (AS) have negative impacts on native biodiversity and are changing biodiversity in almost all environments. Here, we study eight rocky shores at four sites containing reefs with invaded communities and other not-invaded (control) communities, to evaluate the effects of four marine invasive species on biological and functional diversity. We used the adjustment and selection approach of species abundance distribution models (SAD), taxonomic diversity indices and functional diversity indices based on hierarchical grouping matrices (FD—Functional Diversity). In addition to comparing invaded and not-invaded communities, we also performed the same analysis, but removed the invaders (AS removed) from the matrices. The geometric-series model was best adjusted to the majority of communities. The diversity indices suggest that the taxonomic diversity is lower in invaded communities, while the functional diversity indices suggest a change in the functional space of invaded and not-invaded communities, with a greater amount of functional space filled by species in the not-invaded communities. Taxonomic and functional diversity indices were successful in identifying processes that determine the biological diversity of invaded communities, as they seem to obey a pattern that reflects the reduced diversity of invaded communities.
Panniculitis in Children
Authors: Moulonguet Isabelle , Fraitag Sylvie
Published: August 2021

Panniculitides form a heterogenous group of inflammatory diseases that involve the subcutaneous adipose tissue. These disorders are rare in children and have many aetiologies. As in adults, the panniculitis can be the primary process in a systemic disorder or a secondary process that results from infection, trauma or exposure to medication. Some types of panniculitis are seen more commonly or exclusively in children, and several new entities have been described in recent years. Most types of panniculitis have the same clinical presentation (regardless of the aetiology), with tender, erythematous subcutaneous nodules. Although the patient’s age and the lesion site provide information, a histopathological assessment is sometimes required for a definitive diagnosis and classification of the disorder. In children, most panniculitides are lobular. At present, autoimmune inflammatory diseases and primary immunodeficiencies have been better characterised; panniculitis can be the presenting symptom in some of these settings. Unexplained panniculitis in a young child should prompt a detailed screen for monogenic immune disorders because the latter usually manifest themselves early in life. Here, we review forms of panniculitis that occur primarily in children, with a focus on newly described entities.
The Relationship between Inflammation Markers (CRP, IL-6, sCD40L) and Colorectal Cancer Stage, Grade, Size and Location
Authors: Koper-Lenkiewicz Olga Martyna , Dymicka-Piekarska Violetta , Milewska Anna Justyna , Zińczuk Justyna , Kamińska Joanna
Published: August 2021

The aim of the study was the evaluation whether in primary colorectal cancer (CRC) patients (n = 55): age, sex, TNM classification results, WHO grade, tumor location (proximal colon, distal colon, rectum), tumor size, platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), mean platelet component (MCP), levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen (CA 19-9), as well as soluble lectin adhesion molecules (L-, E-, and P-selectins) may influence circulating inflammatory biomarkers: IL-6, CRP, and sCD40L. We found that CRP concentration evaluation in routine clinical practice may have an advantage as a prognostic biomarker in CRC patients, as this protein the most comprehensively reflects clinicopathological features of the tumor. Univariate linear regression analysis revealed that in CRC patients: (1) with an increase in PLT by 10 × 103/μL, the mean concentration of CRP increases by 3.4%; (2) with an increase in CA 19-9 of 1 U/mL, the mean concentration of CRP increases by 0.7%; (3) with the WHO 2 grade, the mean CRP concentration increases 3.631 times relative to the WHO 1 grade group; (4) with the WHO 3 grade, the mean CRP concentration increases by 4.916 times relative to the WHO 1 grade group; (5) with metastases (T1-4N+M+) the mean CRP concentration increases 4.183 times compared to non-metastatic patients (T1-4N0M0); (6) with a tumor located in the proximal colon, the mean concentration of CRP increases 2.175 times compared to a tumor located in the distal colon; (7) in patients with tumor size > 3 cm, the CRP concentration is about 2 times higher than in patients with tumor size ≤ 3 cm. In the multivariate linear regression model, the variables that influence the mean CRP value in CRC patients included: WHO grade and tumor localization. R2 for the created model equals 0.50, which indicates that this model explains 50% of the variance in the dependent variable. In CRC subjects: (1) with the WHO 2 grade, the mean CRP concentration rises 3.924 times relative to the WHO 1 grade; (2) with the WHO 3 grade, the mean CRP concentration increases 4.721 times in relation to the WHO 1 grade; (3) with a tumor located in the rectum, the mean CRP concentration rises 2.139 times compared to a tumor located in the distal colon; (4) with a tumor located in the proximal colon, the mean concentration of CRP increases 1.998 times compared to the tumor located in the distal colon; if other model parameters are fixed.
Evolution of 18F-FDG Uptake as a Pitfall of Image Diagnosis for Systemic Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Chang Hung , Chuang Wen-Yu
Published: August 2021

In most patients, systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL) is an 18F-FDG-avid tumor. Both ALK-positive and ALK-negative tumors can be evaluated by PET scans as both tumor types uptake 18F-FDG in PET. The PET scan is also valuable in predicting prognosis during and after the treatment course. The evolution of 18F-FDG uptake in patients with sALCL has not been reported. For tumors lacking 18F-FDG uptake, there is a diagnostic pitfall of underestimating the cancer stage and misjudgment of metastases. In the present case, the PET scan results were negative at diagnosis but disseminated 18F-FDG avid lesions were found at relapse. Biopsy of bone marrow and lymph nodes revealed the pathological features were identical to the original tumor at the time of diagnosis. In the wake of such evolutional change, physicians dealing with sALCL should be cautious in interpretation of PET/CT scans.
Anatomical-MRI Correlations in Adults and Children with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cainap Simona-Sorana , Kovalenko Ilana , Bonamano Edoardo , Crousen Niclas , Tirpe Alexandru , Cismaru Andrei , Iacob Daniela , Lazea Cecilia , Negru Alina , Cismaru Gabriel
Published: August 2021

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a rare disease in which the right ventricular myocardium is replaced by islands of fibro-adipose tissue. Therefore, ventricular re-entry circuits can occur, predisposing the patient to ventricular tachyarrhythmias, as well as dilation of the right ventricle that eventually leads to heart failure. Although it is a rare disease with low prevalence in Europe and the United States, many patients are addressed disproportionately for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The most severe consequence of this condition is sudden cardiac death at a young age due to untreated cardiac arrhythmias. The purpose of this paper is to revise the magnetic resonance characteristics of ARVC, including the segmental contraction abnormalities, fatty tissue replacement, decrease of the ejection fraction, and the global RV dilation. Herein, we also present several recent improvements of the 2010 Task Force criteria that are not included within the ARVC diagnosis guidelines. In our opinion, these features will be considered in a future Task Force Consensus.
Machine Learning and Deep Learning Methods for Skin Lesion Classification and Diagnosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kassem Mohamed A. , Hosny Khalid M. , Damaševičius Robertas , Eltoukhy Mohamed Meselhy
Published: August 2021

Computer-aided systems for skin lesion diagnosis is a growing area of research. Recently, researchers have shown an increasing interest in developing computer-aided diagnosis systems. This paper aims to review, synthesize and evaluate the quality of evidence for the diagnostic accuracy of computer-aided systems. This study discusses the papers published in the last five years in ScienceDirect, IEEE, and SpringerLink databases. It includes 53 articles using traditional machine learning methods and 49 articles using deep learning methods. The studies are compared based on their contributions, the methods used and the achieved results. The work identified the main challenges of evaluating skin lesion segmentation and classification methods such as small datasets, ad hoc image selection and racial bias.
Local Pattern Transformation Based Feature Extraction for Recognition of Parkinson’s Disease Based on Gait Signals
Authors: Priya S. Jeba , Rani Arockia Jansi , Subathra M. S. P. , Mohammed Mazin Abed , Damaševičius Robertas , Ubendran Neha
Published: August 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neuro-degenerative disorder primarily triggered due to the deterioration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra of the human brain. The early detection of Parkinson’s disease can assist in preventing deteriorating health. This paper analyzes human gait signals using Local Binary Pattern (LBP) techniques during feature extraction before classification. Supplementary to the LBP techniques, Local Gradient Pattern (LGP), Local Neighbour Descriptive Pattern (LNDP), and Local Neighbour Gradient Pattern (LNGP) were utilized to extract features from gait signals. The statistical features were derived and analyzed, and the statistical Kruskal–Wallis test was carried out for the selection of an optimal feature set. The classification was then carried out by an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for the identified feature set. The proposed Symmetrically Weighted Local Neighbour Gradient Pattern (SWLNGP) method achieves a better performance, with 96.28% accuracy, 96.57% sensitivity, and 95.94% specificity. This study suggests that SWLNGP could be an effective feature extraction technique for the recognition of Parkinsonian gait.
Colon Tissues Classification and Localization in Whole Slide Images Using Deep Learning
Authors: Gupta Pushpanjali , Huang Yenlin , Sahoo Prasan Kumar , You Jeng-Fu , Chiang Sum-Fu , Onthoni Djeane Debora , Chern Yih-Jong , Chao Kuo-Yu , Chiang Jy-Ming , Yeh Chien-Yuh , Tsai Wen-Sy
Published: August 2021

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. The early diagnosis of colon cancer not only reduces mortality but also reduces the burden related to the treatment strategies such as chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. However, when the microscopic examination of the suspected colon tissue sample is carried out, it becomes a tedious and time-consuming job for the pathologists to find the abnormality in the tissue. In addition, there may be interobserver variability that might lead to conflict in the final diagnosis. As a result, there is a crucial need of developing an intelligent automated method that can learn from the patterns themselves and assist the pathologist in making a faster, accurate, and consistent decision for determining the normal and abnormal region in the colorectal tissues. Moreover, the intelligent method should be able to localize the abnormal region in the whole slide image (WSI), which will make it easier for the pathologists to focus on only the region of interest making the task of tissue examination faster and lesser time-consuming. As a result, artificial intelligence (AI)-based classification and localization models are proposed for determining and localizing the abnormal regions in WSI. The proposed models achieved F-score of 0.97, area under curve (AUC) 0.97 with pretrained Inception-v3 model, and F-score of 0.99 and AUC 0.99 with customized Inception-ResNet-v2 Type 5 (IR-v2 Type 5) model.
Accuracy of Guided Surgery and Real-Time Navigation in Temporomandibular Joint Replacement Surgery
Authors: Neuhaus Michael-Tobias , Zeller Alexander-Nicolai , Bartella Alexander K. , Sander Anna K. , Lethaus Bernd , Zimmerer Rüdiger M.
Published: August 2021

Background: Sophisticated guided surgery has not been implemented into total joint replacement-surgery (TJR) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) so far. Design and in-house manufacturing of a new advanced drilling guide with vector and length control for a typical TJR fossa component are described in this in vitro study, and its accuracy/utilization was evaluated and compared with those of intraoperative real-time navigation and already available standard drilling guides. Methods: Skull base segmentations of five CT-datasets from different patients were used to design drilling guides with vector and length control according to virtual surgical planning (VSP) for the TJR of the TMJ. Stereolithographic models of the skull bases were printed three times for each case. Three groups were formed to compare our newly designed advanced drilling guide with a standard drilling guide and drill-tracking by real-time navigation. The deviation of screw head position, screw length and vector in the lateral skull base have been evaluated (n = 72). Results: There was no difference in the screw head position between all three groups. The deviation of vector and length was significantly lower with the use of the advanced drilling guide compared with standard guide and navigation. However, no benefit in terms of accuracy on the lateral skull base by the use of real-time navigation could be observed. Conclusion: Since guided surgery is standard in implant dentistry and other CMF reconstructions, this new approach can be introduced into clinical practice soon, in order to increase accuracy and patient safety.
Randomized Oblivious Transfer for Secure Multiparty Computation in the Quantum Setting
Authors: Costa Bruno , Branco Pedro , Goulão Manuel , Lemus Mariano , Mateus Paulo
Published: August 2021

Secure computation is a powerful cryptographic tool that encompasses the evaluation of any multivariate function with arbitrary inputs from mutually distrusting parties. The oblivious transfer primitive serves is a basic building block for the general task of secure multi-party computation. Therefore, analyzing the security in the universal composability framework becomes mandatory when dealing with multi-party computation protocols composed of oblivious transfer subroutines. Furthermore, since the required number of oblivious transfer instances scales with the size of the circuits, oblivious transfer remains as a bottleneck for large-scale multi-party computation implementations. Techniques that allow one to extend a small number of oblivious transfers into a larger one in an efficient way make use of the oblivious transfer variant called randomized oblivious transfer. In this work, we present randomized versions of two known oblivious transfer protocols, one quantum and another post-quantum with ring learning with an error assumption. We then prove their security in the quantum universal composability framework, in a common reference string model.
Implementing Feminist Language Pedagogy: Development of Students’ Critical Consciousness and L2 Writing
Authors: Cannizzo Hayley Anne
Published: August 2021

Feminist pedagogy is a teaching practice, philosophy and process that seeks to confront and deconstruct oppressive power structures both within and outside of the classroom using a gendered lens. As Women’s Studies departments continue to grow in many universities, feminist pedagogy seems to be gaining popularity as an approach to engaging students in liberatory classroom practices. However, feminist language pedagogy (feminist pedagogy in the second language learning context) appears to have stagnated. This paper investigates the implementation of feminist language pedagogy in an EAP writing classroom for first-year students at a public university in the Southwest of the United States. Using action research, the teacher, who is the author of this paper, examined how feminist language pedagogy aids the development of her students’ critical consciousness and serves as a motivational tool for L2 writing development. The author finds that even in a short, sixteen-week semester, it is possible for students to foster critical consciousness without sacrificing linguistic development.
RESFIT: A Reputation and Security Monitoring Platform for IoT Applications
Authors: Arseni Ștefan-Ciprian , Chifor Bogdan-Cosmin , Coca Mihai , Medvei Mirabela , Bica Ion , Matei Ioana
Published: August 2021

The fast-paced adoption of smart devices has changed the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape, leading to the growth of smart environments and inclusion in many aspects of our society. In IoT applications, data collected from sensors and mobile devices are aggregated, processed, and analyzed to extract useful information and develop intelligent services. If the collected data is not trustworthy due to the damage or malicious input of some sensors, the quality of the service will be impacted. For reliable data collection and mining, it is mandatory to define robust security and trust models, suitable for the IoT application context. In this paper, we propose RESFIT, a platform that implements a reputation-based trust mechanism and an advanced application level firewall to cope with the above mentioned issues. Having a gateway-centric architecture, the proposed platform ensures minimal resource consumption at the node layer, and an integrated overview and control of the system state, through the cloud component and smartphone management application.
Optimal Allocation and Operation of Droop-Controlled Islanded Microgrids: A Review
Authors: Kreishan Maen Z. , Zobaa Ahmed F.
Published: August 2021

This review paper provides a critical interpretation and analysis of almost 150 dedicated optimization research papers in the field of droop-controlled islanded microgrids. The significance of optimal microgrid allocation and operation studies comes from their importance for further deployment of renewable energy, reliable and stable autonomous operation on a larger scale, and the electrification of rural and isolated communities. Additionally, a comprehensive overview of islanded microgrids in terms of structure, type, and hierarchical control strategy was presented. Furthermore, a larger emphasis was given to the main optimization problems faced by droop-controlled islanded microgrids such as allocation, scheduling and dispatch, reconfiguration, control, and energy management systems. The main outcome of this review in relation to optimization problem components is the classification of objective functions, constraints, and decision variables into 10, 9 and 6 distinctive categories, respectively, taking into consideration the multi-criteria decision problems as well as the optimization with uncertainty problems in the classification criterion. Additionally, the optimization techniques used were investigated and identified as classical and artificial intelligence algorithms with the latter gaining popularity in recent years. Lastly, some future trends for research were put forward and explained based on the critical analysis of the selected papers.
Land Subsidence Estimation for Aquifer Drainage Induced by Underground Mining
Authors: Guzy Artur , Witkowski Wojciech T.
Published: August 2021

Land subsidence caused by groundwater withdrawal induced by mining is a relatively unknown phenomenon. This is primarily due to the small scale of such movements compared to the land subsidence caused by deposit extraction. Nonetheless, the environmental impact of drainage-related land subsidence remains underestimated. The research was carried out in the “Bogdanka” coal mine in Poland. First, the historical impact of mining on land subsidence and groundwater head changes was investigated. The outcomes of these studies were used to construct the influence method model. With field data, our model was successfully calibrated and validated. Finally, it was used for land subsidence estimation for 2030. As per the findings, the field of mining exploitation has the greatest land subsidence. In 2014, the maximum value of the phenomenon was 0.313 cm. However, this value will reach 0.364 m by 2030. The spatial extent of land subsidence caused by mining-induced drainage extends up to 20 km beyond the mining area’s boundaries. The presented model provided land subsidence patterns without the need for a complex numerical subsidence model. As a result, the method presented can be effectively used for land subsidence regulation plans considering the impact of mining on the aquifer system.
The Use of Renewable Energy Sources in a Road Lane on the Example of the Network of National Roads and Highways in Poland
Authors: Bohatkiewicz Janusz , Dębiński Marcin , Marciniuk Mateusz , Cybulska Aleksandra
Published: August 2021

The deteriorating condition of the environment and the increasing emission of pollutants into the atmosphere intensify the greenhouse effect. Energy production in power plants results in emissions that affect the increase of global temperatures. According to the Research Institute for Global Climate Change in Berlin there are just over 7 years to cross the critical point, which will start chain reactions associated with irreversible changes in the climate. In order to reduce the climate changes, exhaust emissions must be reduced. One of the steps is to reduce electricity consumption. In the case of roads, electricity is most related to the technical infrastructure. First steps has been taken to reduce the demand for electricity by using lighting systems equipped in the energy saving solutions. The next step should be to use renewable energy sources. There are many solutions to generate electricity that can be used directly on roads or nearby. There are many sides in the area of the road junction that can be used for producing energy. The authors, based on a review of the literature and the first usage of energy generating devices, describe the possibilities of obtaining energy and indicate the devices with their classification.
Magnetic Refrigeration Design Technologies: State of the Art and General Perspectives
Authors: Alahmer Ali , Al-Amayreh Malik , Mostafa Ahmad O. , Al-Dabbas Mohammad , Rezk Hegazy
Published: August 2021

Magnetic refrigeration is a fascinating superior choice technology as compared with traditional refrigeration that relies on a unique property of particular materials, known as the magnetocaloric effect (MCE). This paper provides a thorough understanding of different magnetic refrigeration technologies using a variety of models to evaluate the coefficient of performance (COP) and specific cooling capacity outputs. Accordingly, magnetic refrigeration models are divided into four categories: rotating, reciprocating, C-shaped magnetic refrigeration, and active magnetic regenerator. The working principles of these models were described, and their outputs were extracted and compared. Furthermore, the influence of the magnetocaloric effect, the magnetization area, and the thermodynamic processes and cycles on the efficiency of magnetic refrigeration was investigated and discussed to achieve a maximum cooling capacity. The classes of magnetocaloric magnetic materials were summarized from previous studies and their potential magnetic characteristics are emphasized. The essential characteristics of magnetic refrigeration systems are highlighted to determine the significant advantages, difficulties, drawbacks, and feasibility analyses of these systems. Moreover, a cost analysis was provided in order to judge the feasibility of these systems for commercial use.
Decentralized Prosumer-Centric P2P Electricity Market Coordination with Grid Security
Authors: Kazacos Winter Duarte , Khatri Rahul , Schmidt Michael
Published: August 2021

The increasing number of prosumers and the accompanying greater use of decentralised energy resources (DERs) bring new opportunities and challenges for the traditional electricity systems and the electricity markets. Microgrids, virtual power plants (VPPs), peer-to-peer (P2P) trading and federated power plants (FPPs) propose different schemes for prosumer coordination and have the potential of becoming the new paradigm of electricity market and power system operation. This paper proposes a P2P trading scheme for energy communities that negotiates power flows between participating prosumers with insufficient renewable power supply and prosumers with surplus supply in such a way that the community welfare is maximized while avoiding critical grid conditions. For this purpose, the proposed scheme is based on an Optimal Power Flow (OPF) problem with a Multi-Bilateral Economic Dispatch (MBED) formulation as an objective function. The solution is realized in a fully decentralized manner on the basis of the Relaxed Consensus + Innovations (RCI) algorithm. Network security is ensured by a tariff-based system organized by a network agent that makes use of product differentiation capabilities of the RCI algorithm. It is found that the proposed mechanism accurately finds and prevents hazardous network operations, such as over-voltage in grid buses, while successfully providing economic value to prosumers’ renewable generation within the scope of a P2P, free market.
Performance Optimisation of Fuel Pellets Comprising Pepper Stem and Coffee Grounds through Mixing Ratios and Torrefaction
Authors: Park Sunyong , Jeong Hui-Rim , Shin Yun-A , Kim Seok-Jun , Ju Young-Min , Oh Kwang-Cheol , Cho La-Hoon , Kim DaeHyun
Published: August 2021

Agricultural by-products have several disadvantages as fuel, such as low calorific values and high ash contents. To address these disadvantages, this study examined the mixing of agricultural by-products and spent coffee grounds, for use as a solid fuel, and the improvement of fuel characteristics through torrefaction. Pepper stems and spent coffee grounds were first dried to moisture contents of <15% and then combined, with mixing ratios varying from 9:1 to 6:4. Fuel pellets were produced from these mixtures using a commercial pelletiser, evaluated against various standards, and classified as grade A, B, or Bio-SRF. The optimal ratio of pepper stems to spent coffee grounds was determined to be 8:2. The pellets were torrefied to improve their fuel characteristics. Different torrefaction temperatures improved the mass yields of the pellets to between 50.87% and 88.27%. The calorific value increased from 19.9% to 26.8% at 290 °C. The optimal torrefaction temperature for coffee ground pellets was 230 °C, while for other pellets, it was 250 °C. This study provides basic information on the potential enhancement of agricultural by-products for fuel applications.
Life Cycle Assessment for Integration of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells into Gas Processing Operations
Authors: Al-Khori Khalid , Al-Ghamdi Sami G. , Boulfrad Samir , Koç Muammer
Published: August 2021

The oil and gas industry generates a significant amount of harmful greenhouse gases that cause irreversible environmental impact; this fact is exacerbated by the world’s utter dependence on fossil fuels as a primary energy source and low-efficiency oil and gas operation plants. Integration of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) into natural gas plants can enhance their operational efficiencies and reduce emissions. However, a systematic analysis of the life cycle impacts of SOFC integration in natural gas operations is necessary to quantitatively and comparatively understand the potential benefits. This study presents a systematic cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) based on the ISO 14040 and 14044 standards using a planar anode-supported SOFC with a lifespan of ten years and a functional unit of one MW electricity output. The analysis primarily focused on global warming, acidification, eutrophication, and ozone potentials in addition to human health particulate matter and human toxicity potentials. The total global warming potential (GWP) of a 1 MW SOFC for 10 years in Qatar conditions is found to be 2,415,755 kg CO2 eq., and the greenhouse gas (GHG) impact is found to be higher during the operation phase than the manufacturing phase, rating 71% and 29%, respectively.
Optimization of Urban Delivery Systems Based on Electric Assisted Cargo Bikes with Modular Battery Size, Taking into Account the Service Requirements and the Specific Operational Context
Authors: Aiello Giuseppe , Quaranta Salvatore , Certa Antonella , Inguanta Rosalinda
Published: August 2021

The implementation of new forms of urban mobility is a fundamental challenge for improving the performance of city logistic systems in terms of efficiency and sustainability. For such purposes, the exploitation of electric vehicles is currently being investigated as an alternative to traditional internal combustion engines. In particular, the employment of lightweight electric cargo bikes is seen as an attractive possibility for designing improved city distribution systems. Such vehicles, however, present substantial limitations related to their endurance, speed, power, and recharging times; therefore, their configuration must be optimized considering the actual operational context and the specific characteristics of the service operated. This paper proposes the employment of modular electric cargo bikes for urban parcel delivery, with the possibility of customizing some features of the vehicle in order to optimize the performance of the system. This research initially focuses on the design of the modular vehicle and subsequently on the selection of the best configuration through a multi criteria decision method. A numerical application demonstrates the effectiveness of the approach proposed by analysing different design options and determining the most efficient solution in a specific context.
Identification of Market Gap as a Chance for Enterprise Development—Example of Polish Raw Materials Industry
Authors: Sukiennik Marta , Kowal Barbara , Bąk Patrycja
Published: August 2021

The raw materials sector plays a key role in the Polish economy. The mineral raw material industry encompasses many different, sometimes highly specialized activities, such as exploration, mining, hauling, mineral processing, metallurgy and metal refining, as well as risk assessment, management (environmental, financial, legal) and marketing. The purpose of the article is to identify the market gap for business for entities or individuals in the mineral resources sector in Poland. Taking into account the European Union regulations which enforce the closure of hard coal mines in Poland by 2050, it is reasonable to identify such a gap in the raw materials area, especially since the current situation may turn out to be a new revival of the raw materials market after the pandemic period. Based on the NACE classification, a key area was identified, which is dedicated to potential entrepreneurs in the mineral resources area. Based on an internal analysis, the sectors directly related to the RM field in Poland were distinguished. Narrowing down the analyzed sections, leading areas were indicated that offer significant employment opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people who will be made redundant (often in groups) as a result of the phasing out of hard coal mining in Poland. As part of the article, the identification and analysis of key trends that have a significant impact on the functioning of companies, the industry, the region or the country, as well as threats, challenges and opportunities that may arise in the near future, was carried out. What is more, a number of scientific, research or development projects implemented in the area of mineral raw materials in the years 2010–2019 were analyzed. The authors present an innovative approach to defining the gap in the mineral raw materials sector in Poland in what regards conducting business activity, as well as an in-depth analysis of the sector in terms of enterprise development opportunities (creation of new start-up companies) and its directions. It should be mentioned that the presented research is the first attempt to analyze this issue in Poland.
Numerical Investigation on the Urban Heat Island Effect by Using a Porous Media Model
Authors: Ming Tingzhen , Lian Shengnan , Wu Yongjia , Shi Tianhao , Peng Chong , Fang Yueping , de Richter Renaud , Wong Nyuk Hien
Published: August 2021

The urban heat island (UHI) effect resulted from urbanization as well as industrialization has become a major environmental problem. UHI effect aggravates global warming and endangers human health. Thus, mitigating the UHI effect has become a primary task to address these challenges. This paper verifies the feasibility of a three-dimensional turbulent porous media model. Using this model, the authors simulate the urban canopy wind-heat environment. The temperature and flow field over a city with a concentric circular structure are presented. The impact of three factors (i.e., anthropogenic heat, ambient crosswind speed, and porosity in the central area) on turbulent flow and heat transfer in the central business district of a simplified city model with a concentric circular structure were analyzed. It is found that the three-dimensional turbulent porous media model is suitable for estimating the UHI effect. The UHI effect could be mitigated by reducing the artificial heat and improving the porosity of the central city area.
Compact Modeling of a 3.3 kV SiC MOSFET Power Module for Detailed Circuit-Level Electrothermal Simulations Including Parasitics
Authors: Scognamillo Ciro , Catalano Antonio Pio , Riccio Michele , d’Alessandro Vincenzo , Codecasa Lorenzo , Borghese Alessandro , Tripathi Ravi Nath , Castellazzi Alberto , Breglio Giovanni , Irace Andrea
Published: August 2021

In this paper, an advanced electrothermal simulation strategy is applied to a 3.3 kV silicon carbide MOSFET power module. The approach is based on a full circuital representation of the module, where use is made of the thermal equivalent of the Ohm’s law. The individual transistors are described with subcircuits, while the dynamic power-temperature feedback is accounted for through an equivalent thermal network enriched with controlled sources enabling nonlinear thermal effects. A synchronous step-up DC-DC converter and a single-phase inverter, both incorporating the aforementioned power module, are simulated. Good accuracy was ensured by considering electromagnetic effects due to parasitics, which were experimentally extracted in a preliminary stage. Low CPU times are needed, and no convergence issues are encountered in spite of the high switching frequencies. The impact of some key parameters is effortlessly quantified. The analysis witnesses the efficiency and versatility of the approach, and suggests its adoption for design, analysis, and synthesis of high-frequency power converters in wide-band-gap semiconductor technology.
Sizing Procedure for System Hybridization Based on Experimental Source Modeling in Grid Application
Authors: Amar Nissim , Shmaryahu Aaron , Coletti Michael , Aharon Ilan
Published: August 2021

Hybridization of sources is spreading worldwide by utilizing renewable sources and storage units as standard parts of every grid. The conjunction of energy source and storage type open the door to reshaping the sustainability and robustness of the mains while improving system parameters such as efficiency and fuel consumption. The solution fits existing networks as well as new ones. The study proposes the creation of an accurate optimal sizing procedure for setting the required rating of each type of source. The first step is to model the storage and energy sources by using real experimental results for creating the generic database. Then, data on the mission profile, system constraints, and the minimization target function are inserted. The mission profile is then analyzed to determine the minimum and maximum energy source rating. Next, the real time energy management system controller is used to find the set of solutions for each available energy source and the optimal compatible storage in the revealed band to fulfil the mission task. A Pareto-curve is then plotted to present the optimal findings of the sizing procedure. Ultimately, the main research contribution is the far more accurate sizing results. A case study shows that relying on the standard method leads to noncompliance of sizing constraints, while the proposed procedure leads to fulfilling the mission successfully. First, by utilizing experimentally based energy and a storage unit. Second, by using the same real time energy management system controller in the sizing procedure.