bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Two-Layered Shared Tree Multicast Routing Algorithm for Software Defined Hybrid Satellite-Terrestrial Communication Networks
Authors: Xiong Jiayan , Xu Zhen , Dai Zhiqi
Published: October 2021

Dynamic routing and congestion control are two major problems in software-defined hybrid satellite-terrestrial multicast networks research. Due to terrestrial users being allowed to join or leave the multicast group at any time and the differences between the satellite and the terrestrial networks, many multicast routing algorithms reroute rapidly and thus increase the rerouting overheads. Meanwhile, the congestion ratio is increased by some hot nodes of satellite-terrestrial link transmission paths. This paper focuses on rerouting overheads and congestion problems in satellite-terrestrial multicast networks. We present a satellite-terrestrial network architecture with the Software-Defined Networking (SDN) features to offer dynamic multicast services for terrestrial users. A Two-Layered Shared Tree Multicast (TSTM) routing algorithm is proposed to achieve efficient dynamic multicast group management, address the trade-off between bandwidth consumption and rerouting overheads. The algorithm also implements congestion control by using a load factor to reflect on the global network bandwidth usage in routing calculations. This algorithm balances the rerouting frequencies of satellite and terrestrial networks to decrease the rerouting overheads and also reduces the network congestion ratio. The simulation shows TSTM decreases rerouting cost, user time delay, and node congestion ratio compared with the locality-aware multicast approach (LAMA).
E3XR: An Analytical Framework for Ethical, Educational and Eudaimonic XR Design
Authors: Lee Joey J. , Hu-Au Elliot
Published: October 2021

A rapidly growing number of educators and students now embrace XR as a powerful technology with affordances that can support many benefits, including highly immersive learning experiences, empathy and perspectives on social issues; XR can be designed in ways that can provide new pathways to success and opportunity. Yet the mirror image is also true -- XR can be designed in ways that lead to increased risk, perpetuation of inequities and other harmful impacts to individuals and society. We need ways to analyze XR in terms of ethical aspects, educational efficacy and whether it supports or hinders human flourishing (i.e., eudaimonia). In this paper, we discuss XR as a double-edged sword that can be leveraged for positive or negative outcomes, whether intentionally or unintentionally; that is, we highlight various opportunities and benefits at hand, but also risks and possible negative impacts. We introduce E3XR, a framework that serves as an analytical lens to determine the ethics, learning theory and human flourishing aspects of an XR design. For each component of this framework, we review relevant literature and consider the threats and opportunities that can be evaluated. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the significance of this work and implications for designers and educators.
Estuaries, A Happy Place For Fish
Authors: Morais Pedro , Dias Ester
Published: October 2021

Anchovies, salmon, sardines, gobies, mullets, flounder, bass, barbels, eels, shad, and even sharks—what do they have in common? Well, at certain points in their lives you may find them in estuaries, the final sections of rivers before they meet the ocean. Some fish live in estuaries their entire lives. However, some fish species prefer living in the freshwater parts of estuaries, others only live close to the ocean, and a few others spread throughout the estuary. Some species prefer living close to the bottom, some in marshes, and some constantly swim around in the estuary. Some prefer eating other fish, while other species like worms, or insects, or microscopic animals. Unfortunately, many estuarine species are in danger, and all because of humans. In this article, we will tell you why estuaries are such special places for fish and describe some of the species that call the San Francisco Estuary their home.
PROBLEMY I PERSPEKTYWY PRZEJŚCIA
JĘZYKA KAZACHSKIEGO NA ALFABET ŁACIŃSKI
Authors: Sagimbekova Assel
Published: October 2021

This paper is dedicated to the issue of the Kazakh language transitioning
into the Latin alphabet. It discusses the problems and prospects of the Kazakh
language alphabet shifting from the Cyrillic alphabet to the Latin one. The author
presents the history of the alphabets used in the Kazakh language (Arabic, Latin,
Cyrillic), and chronologically presents the variants of the new alphabet as well
as the results of social research and opinions of linguists
The position of the state in global capitalism: a Polanyian perspective
Authors: Kassner Maciej
Published: October 2021

The aim of the article is to analyze the changing position of the state in the capitalist world economy form the perspective of Karl Polanyi’s political theory. The main thesis of the article is that the position of the state largely depends on the character of rules constituting global political economy. Three world regimes were singled out (gold standard, Bretton Woods system, and hyperglobalization), and the position of the state within each system was analyzed. If we agree with Robert Cox that each world order is a product of ideas, institutions and power relations, then we may expect the institutional structure of the world economy to evolve following the changes in the underlying constellation of ideas and social forces.
The core – the periphery in global capitalism: from hegemony to multipolar order
Authors: Klementewicz Tadeusz
Published: October 2021

The article analyzes the present order, called neoliberal globalization. It serves American corporations from the arms, mining, financial and ICT sectors to accumulate the capital. They made Wall Street the financial center of the world where the surplus of Europe, Japan and Latin American is transformed into the American bonds. This order is embedded in the institutions created and steered by the American state. The competitive advantage in this phase of the evolution of capitalism is given not only by control over so-called intellectual property but also by conquering a possibly large market. That is the reason for the competition between huge mega-corporations such as American GAFA or Chinese BATX. Capitalism is affected by the planetary crisis. A decline of the economic growth rate will take place as a result of natural limits from 3% to the anticipated 1%, including a decreased productivity of the computer revolution. Mechanisms of the functioning of the world economy will change: reconstruction of energy industry and transport, pressure on recycling of minerals, transformation of the labour market together with the use of robotics and artificial intelligence, the end of consumptionism. The daily issues include the problem of supplementing economic globalization with a political control mechanism and including a new civilizational power, which China is becoming. The latter opt for a multipolar order, where local civilizations will preserve their separate character and where they will be able to create a system of supplying their economies with deficit raw material and outlets but without military bases and without following the USA in recognizing certain areas to be the “zones of vested interests”. The world will be different but will it be worse?
Geopolitical and economic rivalry of capitalist powers for influences in Uzbekistan
Authors: Sieradzan Przemysław
Published: October 2021

The present paper aims to present the rivalry of global and regional capitalist powers for political, strategic, diplomatic, and economic influences in the contemporary Republic of Uzbekistan. The modern history and the contemporary political situation of the Uzbek state are the most important points of issue. After years of international isolation and etatist social and economic policy, under the new political leadership Uzbekistan implements economic transformation in the spirit of neo-liberal capitalism and it opens itself towards different forms of international cooperation and foreign investments. As a result, a Central Asian country which was isolated until recently gradually becomes an object of rivalry for economic and geopolitical influences. So far Uzbekistan has not become a satellite state or a quasi-colony of any of the powers. The multi-vector policy pursued by the political environment of Shavkat Mirziyoyev seems so far to successfully prevent the country being dominated by any outside center. The present article brings up the subject of relations of Uzbekistan with four great powers: the United States of America, the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, and the Republic of Turkey.
High Serum Levels of Wnt Signaling Antagonist Dickkopf-Related Protein 1 Are Associated with Impaired Overall Survival and Recurrence in Esophageal Cancer Patients
Authors: Ramirez José Giron , Smit Daniel J. , Viol Fabrice , Schrader Jörg , Ghadban Tarik , Pantel Klaus , Izbicki Jakob R. , Reeh Matthias
Published: October 2021

Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1), an antagonist of the canonical Wnt pathway, has received tremendous attention over the past years as its dysregulation is said to be critically involved in a wide variety of gastrointestinal cancers. However, the potential clinical implications of DKK1 remain poorly understood. Although multimodal treatment options have been implemented over the past years, esophageal cancer (EC) patients still suffer from poor five-year overall survival rates ranging from 15% to 25%. Especially prognostic factors and biomarkers for risk stratification are lacking to choose the most beneficial treatment out of the emerging landscape of different treatment options. In this study, we analyzed the serum DKK1 (S-DKK1) levels of 91 EC patients prior to surgery in a single center study at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. High levels of S-DKK1 could be especially observed in patients suffering from esophageal adenocarcinoma which may promote the hypothesis of a crucial role of DKK1 in inflammation. S-DKK1 levels of ≥5800 pg/mL were shown to be associated with unfavorable five-year survival rates and the presence of CTCs. Interestingly, significantly lower S-DKK1 levels were detected in patients after neoadjuvant treatment, implying that S-DKK1 may serve as a useful biomarker for treatment monitoring. Multivariate analysis identified S-DKK1 as an independent prognostic marker with respect to overall survival in EC patients with a hazard ratio of 2.23. In conclusion, our data implicate a negative prognostic role of DKK1 with respect to the clinical outcome in EC patients. Further prospective studies should be conducted to implement S-DKK1 into the clinical routine for risk stratification and treatment monitoring.
DEN-Induced Rat Model Reproduces Key Features of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kurma Keerthi , Manches Olivier , Chuffart Florent , Sturm Nathalie , Gharzeddine Khaldoun , Zhang Jianhui , Mercey-Ressejac Marion , Rousseaux Sophie , Millet Arnaud , Lerat Herve , Marche Patrice N. , Macek Jilkova Zuzana , Decaens Thomas
Published: October 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. The majority of HCC cases are associated with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis developing from chronic liver injuries. The immune system of the liver contributes to the severity of tissue damage, the establishment of fibrosis and the disease’s progression towards HCC. Herein, we provide a detailed characterization of the DEN-induced HCC rat model during fibrosis progression and HCC development with a special focus on the liver’s inflammatory microenvironment. Fischer 344 male rats were treated weekly for 14 weeks with intra-peritoneal injections of 50 mg/kg DEN. The rats were sacrificed before starting DEN-injections at 0 weeks, after 8 weeks, 14 weeks and 20 weeks after the start of DEN-injections. We performed histopathological, immunohistochemical, RT-qPCR, RNA-seq and flow cytometry analysis. Data were compared between tumor and non-tumor samples from the DEN-treated versus untreated rats, as well as versus human HCCs. Chronic DEN injections lead to liver damage, hepatocytes proliferation, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, disorganized vasculature, and a modulated immune microenvironment that mimics the usual events observed during human HCC development. The RNA-seq results showed that DEN-induced liver tumors in the rat model shared remarkable molecular characteristics with human HCC, especially with HCC associated with high proliferation. In conclusion, our study provides detailed insight into hepatocarcinogenesis in a commonly used model of HCC, facilitating the future use of this model for preclinical testing.
Heterogeneity in Pancreatic Cancer Fibroblasts—TGFβ as a Master Regulator?
Authors: Watt Dale M. , Morton Jennifer P.
Published: October 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is an aggressive disease for which there are very few available therapies. It is notable for its high degree of tumour complexity, with the tumour microenvironment often accounting for the majority of the tumour volume. Until recently, the biology of the stroma was poorly understood, particularly in terms of heterogeneity. Recent research, however, has shed light on the intricacy of signalling within the stroma and particularly the molecular and functional heterogeneity of the cancer associated fibroblasts. In this review, we summarise the recent improvements in our understanding of the different fibroblast populations within PDAC, with a focus on the role TGFβ plays to dictate their formation and function. These studies have highlighted some of the reasons for the failure of trials targeting the tumour stroma, however, there are still considerable gaps in our knowledge, and more work is needed to make effective fibroblast targeting a reality in the clinic.
Reduction of Cell Proliferation by Acute C2H6O Exposure
Authors: Baldari Silvia , Manni Isabella , Di Rocco Giuliana , Paolini Francesca , Palermo Belinda , Piaggio Giulia , Toietta Gabriele
Published: October 2021

Endogenous acetaldehyde production from the metabolism of ingested alcohol exposes hematopoietic progenitor cells to increased genotoxic risk. To develop possible therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse alcohol abuse effects, it would be critical to determine the temporal progression of acute ethanol toxicity on progenitor cell numbers and proliferative status. We followed the variation of the cell proliferation rate in bone marrow and spleen in response to acute ethanol intoxication in the MITO-Luc mouse, in which NF-Y-dependent cell proliferation can be assessed in vivo by non-invasive bioluminescent imaging. One week after ethanol administration, bioluminescent signals in bone marrow and spleen decreased below the level corresponding to physiological proliferation, and they progressively resumed to pre-treatment values in approximately 4 weeks. Boosting acetaldehyde catabolism by administration of an aldehyde dehydrogenase activity activator or administration of polyphenols with antioxidant activity partially restored bone marrow cells’ physiological proliferation. These results indicate that in this mouse model, bioluminescent alteration reflects the reduction of the physiological proliferation rate of bone marrow progenitor cells due to the toxic effect of aldehydes generated by alcohol oxidation. In summary, this study presents a novel view of the impact of acute alcohol intake on bone marrow cell proliferation in vivo.
Metabolic and Endocrine Toxicities of Mitotane: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bianchini Marta , Puliani Giulia , Chiefari Alfonsina , Mormando Marilda , Lauretta Rosa , Appetecchia Marialuisa
Published: October 2021

Despite the pivotal role of mitotane in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) management, data on the endocrine toxicities of this treatment are lacking. The aim of this systematic review is to collect the available evidence on the side effects of mitotane on the endocrine and metabolic systems in both children and adults affected by adrenal carcinoma. Sixteen articles on 493 patients were included. Among the adrenal insufficiency, which is an expected side effect of mitotane, 24.5% of patients increased glucocorticoid replacement therapy. Mineralocorticoid insufficiency usually occurred late in treatment in 36.8% of patients. Thyroid dysfunction is characterized by a decrease in FT4, which occurs within 3–6 months of treatment in 45.4% of patients, while TSH seems to not be a reliable marker. Dyslipidemia is characterized by an increase in both LDL-c and HDL-c (54.2%). Few studies have found evidence of hypertriglyceridemia. In males, gynecomastia and hypogonadism can occur after 3–6 months of treatment (38.4% and 35.6%, respectively), while in pre-menopausal women, mitotane can cause ovarian cysts and, less frequently, menstrual disorders. Most of these side effects appear to be reversible after mitotane discontinuation. We finally suggest an algorithm that could guide metabolic and endocrine safety assessments in patients treated with mitotane for ACC.
Novel 3D µtissues Mimicking the Fibrotic Stroma in Pancreatic Cancer to Study Cellular Interactions and Stroma-Modulating Therapeutics
Authors: Pednekar Kunal P. , Heinrich Marcel A. , van Baarlen Joop , Prakash Jai
Published: October 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive tumor type with low patient survival due to the low efficacy of current treatment options. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) create a dense fibrotic environment around the tumor cells, preventing therapies from reaching their target. Novel 3D in vitro models are needed that mimic this fibrotic barrier for the development of therapies in a biologically relevant environment. Here, novel PDAC microtissues (µtissues) consisting of pancreatic cancer cell core surrounded by a CAF-laden collagen gel are presented, that is based on the cells own contractility to form a hard-to-penetrate barrier. The contraction of CAFs is demonstrated facilitating the embedding of tumor cells in the center of the µtissue as observed in patients. The µtissues displayed a PDAC-relevant gene expression by comparing their gene profile with transcriptomic patient data. Furthermore, the CAF-dependent proliferation of cancer cells is presented, as well as the suitability of the µtissues to serve as a platform for the screening of CAF-modulating therapies in combination with other (nano)therapies. It is envisioned that these PDAC µtissues can serve as a high-throughput platform for studying cellular interactions in PDAC and for evaluating different treatment strategies in the future.
Aberrant Expression of and Cell Death Induction by Engagement of the MHC-II Chaperone CD74 in Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL)
Authors: Wurster Kathrin , Costanza Mariantonia , Kreher Stephan , Glaser Selina , Lamprecht Björn , Schleussner Nikolai , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis , Hummel Michael , Jöhrens Korinna , Stein Harald , Molina Arturo , Diepstra Arjan , Gillissen Bernd , Köchert Karl , Siebert Reiner , Merkel Olaf , Kenner Lukas , Janz Martin , Mathas Stephan
Published: October 2021

In 50–60% of cases, systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is characterized by the t(2;5)(p23;q35) or one of its variants, considered to be causative for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive (ALK+) ALCL. Key pathogenic events in ALK-negative (ALK−) ALCL are less well defined. We have previously shown that deregulation of oncogenic genes surrounding the chromosomal breakpoints on 2p and 5q is a unifying feature of both ALK+ and ALK− ALCL and predisposes for occurrence of t(2;5). Here, we report that the invariant chain of the MHC-II complex CD74 or li, which is encoded on 5q32, can act as signaling molecule, and whose expression in lymphoid cells is usually restricted to B cells, is aberrantly expressed in T cell-derived ALCL. Accordingly, ALCL shows an altered DNA methylation pattern of the CD74 locus compared to benign T cells. Functionally, CD74 ligation induces cell death of ALCL cells. Furthermore, CD74 engagement enhances the cytotoxic effects of conventional chemotherapeutics in ALCL cell lines, as well as the action of the ALK-inhibitor crizotinib in ALK+ ALCL or of CD95 death-receptor signaling in ALK− ALCL. Additionally, a subset of ALCL cases expresses the proto-oncogene MET, which can form signaling complexes together with CD74. Finally, we demonstrate that the CD74-targeting antibody-drug conjugate STRO-001 efficiently and specifically kills CD74-positive ALCL cell lines in vitro. Taken together, these findings enabled us to demonstrate aberrant CD74-expression in ALCL cells, which might serve as tool for the development of new treatment strategies for this lymphoma entity.
Survival in Advanced-Stage Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Patients with Cardiophrenic Lymphadenopathy Who Underwent Cytoreductive Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kengsakul Malika , Nieuwenhuyzen-de Boer Gatske M. , Bijleveld Anna H. J. , Udomkarnjananun Suwasin , Kerr Stephen J. , Niehot Christa D. , van Beekhuizen Heleen J.
Published: October 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of enlarged cardiophrenic lymph node (CPLN) in advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer (AEOC) patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery. Methods: The Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles from the database inception to June 2021. Meta-analysis was conducted to determine the prognostic impact of surgical outcome, postoperative complication, and survival using random-effects models. Results: A total of 15 studies involving 727 patients with CPLN adenopathy and 981 patients without CPLN adenopathy were included. The mean size of preoperative CPLN was 9.1± 3.75 mm. Overall, 82 percent of the resected CPLN were histologically confirmed pathologic nodes. Surgical outcomes and perioperative complications did not differ between both groups. The median OS time was 42.7 months (95% CI 10.8–74.6) vs. 47.3 months (95% CI 23.2–71.2), in patients with and without CPLN adenopathy, respectively. At 5 years, patients with CPLN adenopathy had a significantly increased risk of disease recurrence (HR 2.14, 95% CI 1.82–2.52, p < 0.001) and dying from the disease (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.06–2.86, p = 0.029), compared with those without CPLN adenopathy. CPLN adenopathy was significantly associated with ascites (OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.90–5.72, p < 0.001), pleural metastasis (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.37–4.82, p = 0.003), abdominal adenopathy (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.53–3.46, p < 0.001) and extra-abdominal metastasis (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.61–6.67, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Enlarged CPLN in preoperative imaging is highly associated with metastatic involvement. Patients with CPLN adenopathy had a lower survival rate, compared with patients without CPLN adenopathy. Further randomized controlled trials should be conducted to definitively demonstrate whether CPLN resection at the time of cytoreductive surgery is beneficial.
Anthropometric and Physiologic Parameters in Cleft Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
Authors: Verma Swati , Mehta Falguni , Mishra SukhDev , Mohamed Roshan Noor , Parekh Harshik Kumar A. , Sokhi Ramandeep Kaur , Nagarajappa Anil Kumar , Alam Mohammad Khursheed
Published: October 2021

The oro-facial morphology is greatly affected in neonates with a cleft lip and palate. The initial evaluation of neonate’s body and maxillary arch dimensions is important for treatment planning and predicting growth in cleft patients. The objective of this study was comparative evaluation of the anthropometric and physiologic parameters of cleft and non-cleft neonates in a hospital-based set up. This cross sectional study was conducted on 88 cleft and non-cleft neonates (n = 44 in each group) aged between 0 and 30 days after obtaining approval from the institutional ethics committee and positive written informed consent from their parents. Neonates’ body weight, body length, head length, head circumference, and maxillary arch dimensions were measured. Maxillary arch dimensions were measured on dental casts with digital sliding calipers. Statistical analyses performed using the independent t-test and one-way ANOVA analysis were followed by Bonferroni correction for post-hoc comparison. The results showed statistically significant differences in birth weight (p < 0.0001), head length (p < 0.01), head circumference (p < 0.007), and maxillary arch dimensions (p < 0.0001) between cleft and non-cleft neonates. These findings suggest that cleft neonates had significant anthropometric and physiologic variations than non-cleft neonates.
N90, a Diversity Index Sensitive to Variations in Beta Diversity Components
Authors: Farriols M. Teresa , Ordines Francesc , Massutí Enric
Published: October 2021

Species diversity in a community is mainly related to the number and abundance of species that form it. N90 is a recently developed diversity index based on the results of the similarity percentage (SIMPER) analysis that represents the number of species contributing up to ninety percent of within-group similarity in a group of samples. The calculation of N90 is based on the Bray–Curtis similarity index and involves the number of species and abundances in a group of samples. We have explored the properties of N90 compared to other alpha, beta and gamma diversity indices and to beta diversity measures accounting for nestedness and turnover. We have used a non-real data set to compare the values of all indices with N90 and two real data sets of demersal fish communities along large and short depth gradients with higher influence of turnover and nestedness, respectively, to correlate the same indices with N90. The sensitivity of N90 to reductions in the frequency of occurrence and the evenness of the distribution of species abundances among samples allows the detection of diversity loss due to the fishing-induced retreatment of species populations to localities presenting the most favorable ecological conditions. This property, both in the identification of species replacement and species loss through SIMPER analysis, make N90 a useful indicator to support the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries within the current context of global change.
Causal Algebras on Chain Event Graphs with Informed Missingness for System Failure
Authors: Yu Xuewen , Smith Jim Q.
Published: October 2021

Graph-based causal inference has recently been successfully applied to explore system reliability and to predict failures in order to improve systems. One popular causal analysis following Pearl and Spirtes et al. to study causal relationships embedded in a system is to use a Bayesian network (BN). However, certain causal constructions that are particularly pertinent to the study of reliability are difficult to express fully through a BN. Our recent work demonstrated the flexibility of using a Chain Event Graph (CEG) instead to capture causal reasoning embedded within engineers’ reports. We demonstrated that an event tree rather than a BN could provide an alternative framework that could capture most of the causal concepts needed within this domain. In particular, a causal calculus for a specific type of intervention, called a remedial intervention, was devised on this tree-like graph. In this paper, we extend the use of this framework to show that not only remedial maintenance interventions but also interventions associated with routine maintenance can be well-defined using this alternative class of graphical model. We also show that the complexity in making inference about the potential relationships between causes and failures in a missing data situation in the domain of system reliability can be elegantly addressed using this new methodology. Causal modelling using a CEG is illustrated through examples drawn from the study of reliability of an energy distribution network.
S-Box Design Based on 2D Multiple Collapse Chaotic Map and Their Application in Image Encryption
Authors: Yang Chao , Wei Xia , Wang Cong
Published: October 2021

As an essential part of an encryption system, the performance of a chaotic map is critical for system security. However, there are many defects for the existing chaotic maps. The low-dimension (LD) ones are easily predicted and are vulnerable to be attacked, while high-dimension (HD) ones have a low iteration speed. In this paper, a 2D multiple collapse chaotic map (2D-MCCM) was designed, which had a wide chaos interval, a high complexity, and a high iteration speed. Then, a new chaotic S-box was constructed based on 2D-MCCM, and a diffusion method was designed based on the S-box, which improved security and efficiency. Based on these, a new image encryption algorithm was proposed. Performance analysis showed that the encryption algorithm had high security to resist all kinds of attacks easily.
The H2020 McSAFER Project: Main Goals, Technical Work Program, and Status
Authors: Sanchez-Espinoza Victor Hugo , Gabriel Stephan , Suikkanen Heikki , Telkkä Joonas , Valtavirta Ville , Bencik Marek , Kliem Sören , Queral Cesar , Farda Anthime , Abéguilé Florian , Smith Paul , Uffelen Paul Van , Ammirabile Luca , Seidl Marcus , Schneidesch Christophe , Grishchenko Dmitry , Lestani Hector
Published: October 2021

This paper describes the main objectives, technical content, and status of the H2020 project entitled “High-performance advanced methods and experimental investigations for the safety evaluation of generic Small Modular Reactors (McSAFER)”. The main pillars of this project are the combination of safety-relevant thermal hydraulic experiments and numerical simulations of different approaches for safety evaluations of light water-cooled Small Modular Reactors (SMR). It describes the goals, the consortium, and the involved thermal hydraulic test facilities, e.g., the COSMOS-H (KIT), HWAT (KTH), and MOTEL (LUT), including the experimental programs. It also outlines the different safety assessment methodologies applied to four different SMR-designs, namely the CAREM (CNEA), SMART (KAERI), F-SMR (CEA), and NuScale. These methodologies are multiscale thermal hydraulics, conventional, low order, and high fidelity neutron physical methods used to demonstrate the inherent safety features of SMR-core designs under postulated design-basis-accident conditions. Finally, the status of the investigations is shortly discussed followed by the dissemination activities and an outlook.
Thermal Hydraulic Analysis on the Water Lead Lithium Cooled Blanket for CFETR
Authors: Jiang Kecheng , Yu Yi , Ma Xuebin , Wu Qiuran , Chen Lei , Liu Songlin , Huang Kai
Published: October 2021

A new type of Water Lead Lithium Cooled (WLLC) blanket that adopts the modular design scheme, water cooling the structure components, liquid PbLi as breeder and coolant, and SiC as the thermal insulator between PbLi and structures is under development as a candidate blanket concept for the Chinese Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR). Based on a poloidal-radial slice model, thermal hydraulic analysis is performed for this blanket to validate the feasibility of design goals. Results show that the present design can achieve the outlet temperature in the range of 600–700 °C, with all the material temperatures safely below the upper limits. A series of sensitivity analyses are also carried out. It indicates that the thermal conductivity (TC) of SiC would have a significant influence on the temperature field, streamlines and pressure drop; that is, lower TC of SiC can maintain the temperature of PbLi at a high level, and induce an increased number of vortices in the liquid PbLi flow as well as a larger pressure drop. On this basis, the joint effects of the TC of SiC and inlet velocity on the performance of blanket thermal hydraulics are analyzed, then the so-called “attainable region” is proposed. Finally, optimization design studies are carried out by decreasing the width of the front channel. Comparison results show that the present design is the most reasonable.
Optimization of the Configuration and Operating States of Hybrid AC/DC Low Voltage Microgrid Using a Clonal Selection Algorithm with a Modified Hypermutation Operator
Authors: Rokicki Łukasz
Published: October 2021

The issue of optimization of the configuration and operating states in low voltage microgrids is important both from the point of view of the proper operation of the microgrid and its impact on the medium voltage distribution network to which such microgrid is connected. Suboptimal microgrid configuration may cause problems in networks managed by distribution system operators, as well as for electricity consumers and owners of microsources and energy storage systems connected to the microgrid. Structures particularly sensitive to incorrect determination of the operating states of individual devices are hybrid microgrids that combine an alternating current and direct current networks with the use of a bidirectional power electronic converter. An analysis of available literature shows that evolutionary and swarm optimization algorithms are the most frequently chosen for the optimization of power systems. The research presented in this article concerns the assessment of the possibilities of using artificial immune systems, operating on the basis of the CLONALG algorithm, as tools enabling the effective optimization of low voltage hybrid microgrids. In his research, the author developed a model of a hybrid low voltage microgrid, formulated three optimization tasks, and implemented an algorithm for solving the formulated tasks based on an artificial immune system using the CLONALG algorithm. The conducted research consisted of performing a 24 h simulation of microgrid operation for each of the formulated optimization tasks (divided into 10 min independent optimization periods). A novelty in the conducted research was the modification of the hypermutation operator, which is the key mechanism for the functioning of the CLONALG algorithm. In order to verify the changes introduced in the CLONALG algorithm and to assess the effectiveness of the artificial immune system in solving optimization tasks, optimization was also carried out with the use of an evolutionary algorithm, commonly used in solving such tasks. Based on the analysis of the obtained results of optimization calculations, it can be concluded that the artificial immune system proposed in this article, operating on the basis of the CLONALG algorithm with a modified hypermutation operator, in most of the analyzed cases obtained better results than the evolutionary algorithm. In several cases, both algorithms obtained identical results, which also proves that the CLONALG algorithm can be considered as an effective tool for optimizing modern power structures, such as low voltage microgrids, including hybrid AC/DC microgrids.
Comparison of Cooling Systems in Power Plant Units
Authors: Genbach Alexander , Beloev Hristo , Bondartsev David
Published: October 2021

A new porous system in power plants allowing the management of the crisis of heat exchange at boiling water in porous structures has been investigated. This study refers to the thermal power plants of electrical power stations and devices for cutting natural and artificial mineral media. Combustion chambers and supersonic nozzles were cooled by different porous structures. The optimum cell sizes of the porous structures were determined and data on the heat transfer capacity for the (critical) heat flow were obtained. A thermal device in the form of a rocket-type burner with a detonation jet showed high efficiency for capillary-porous and flow-through cooling systems. The economic effect per burner is not less than 200–300 dollars, and the coolant consumption is reduced by dozens of times, which is environmentally important. A comparative evaluation of the investigated structures and coatings has advantages over other cooling systems. The integration of mesh structures with capillary-porous coatings of natural mineral media produces a synergistic effect of combining them into a technology of their manufacturing, the expansion of critical loads removal and control of the limit state of the coatings.
Financial Risk Control of Hydro Generation Systems through Market Intelligence and Stochastic Optimization
Authors: Leonel Laís , Balan Mateus , Ramos Dorel , Rego Erik , Mello Rodrigo
Published: October 2021

In the competitive electricity wholesale market, decisions regarding hydro generators are generally made under uncertain conditions, such as pool price, hydrological affluence, and other players’ strategies. From this perspective, this work presents a computational model formulation with associated market intelligence and game theory tools to support a decision-making process in a competitive environment. The idea behind using a market intelligence tool is to apply a stochastic optimization model with an associated conditional value at risk metric defining a utility function, which calculates the weight that the agents attribute to each stochastic variable associated with the problem to be faced. Subsequently, this utility function is used to emulate the other agents’ strategies based on their previous decisions. The final step finds the Nash equilibrium solution between a player and their competitors. The methodology is applied to the monthly allocation of firm energy by hydro generators under the current Brazilian regulatory framework. The results show a change in the generators’ behavior over the years, from risk-neutral agents seeking to maximize their return with 88% of decisions based on spot price forecasts in 2015, to risk-averse agents with 100% of decisions following a factor that is directly impacted by the hydrological affluence forecasts in 2018.
Analysis of AC/DC/DC Converter Modules for Direct Current Fast-Charging Applications
Authors: Piasecki Szymon , Zaleski Jaroslaw , Jasinski Marek , Bachman Serafin , Turzyński Marek
Published: October 2021

The paper is a comprehensive laboratory comparison study of two galvanic isolated solution off-board battery chargers: (1) Si-based cost-effective case, and (2) SiC-bidirectional ready for vehicle to grid concept case. All circuits are modular, and in both cases the DC/DC converter can be replaced according to the end user requirements (the coupled transformer remains the same and is constructed based on 12xC100 cores to avoid additional choke). In the case of single active bridge, an active RCD snubber is proposed to protect against overvoltage above 1kV in the DC_2 circuit. The dual active bridge is equipped with soft-star modulation using a zero vector to reduce in-rush current in case of no-load operation, while the AC/DC grid connected converter remains bidirectional to assure the highest power quality at the point of common coupling. All tests were made with real second-used batteries, which improves environmental, economic and technical feasibility of such systems for prosumers. The total efficiency of both AC/DC/DC converters (>97% in SiC and >94% in Si versions) was investigated in the same laboratory conditions.
Canadian Oil Sands Extraction and Upgrading: A Synthesis of the Data on Energy Consumption, CO2 Emissions, and Supply Costs
Authors: Xing Rui , Chiappori Diego V. , Arbuckle Evan J. , Binsted Matthew T. , Davies Evan G. R.
Published: October 2021

As Canadian crude bitumen production from oil sands has increased in recent decades, the nation’s oil and gas industry has become a significant contributor to national greenhouse gas emissions. Canada has developed carbon emission reduction targets to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions and Mid-Century Strategy goals. A detailed profile of energy consumption pathways in the oil sands industry is necessary to identify potential areas of improvement and to monitor progress toward meeting emissions reduction targets. Much of the existing literature for oil sands modeling provides input assumptions with different technological boundaries. For a set of oil sands extraction and upgrading technologies, this study first reviews the literature and then quantifies energy input requirements, CO2 emissions, and operating costs for a set of consistent technological boundaries and energy units. Summary results refer to requirements and costs at the production facility, excluding transportation and blending costs. An energy system diagram of oil sands production that matches these boundaries is provided, which can be used by integrated assessment models, oil sands companies, and government ministries to evaluate the present and future energy consumption and emissions pathways of the oil sands industry.
Multiobjective Scheduling of Hybrid Renewable Energy System Using Equilibrium Optimization
Authors: Dubey Salil Madhav , Dubey Hari Mohan , Pandit Manjaree , Salkuti Surender Reddy
Published: October 2021

Due to increasing concern over global warming, the penetration of renewable energy in power systems is increasing day by day. Gencos that traditionally focused only on maximizing their profit in the competitive market are now also focusing on operation with the minimum pollution level. The paper proposes a multiobjective model capable of finding a set of trade-off solutions for the joint optimization problem, considering the cost of reserve and curtailment of power from renewable sources. Managing a hybrid power system is a challenging task due to its stochastic nature mixed with the objective function and complex practical constraints associated with it. A novel metaheuristic Equilibrium Optimizer (EO) algorithm incepted in the year 2020 utilizes the concept of control volume and mass balance for finding equilibrium state is proposed here for computing the optimal schedule and impact of renewable energy integration on profit and emission for different optimization objectives. In this paper, EO has shown dominant performance over well-established metaheuristic algorithms such as particle swarm optimizer (PSO) and artificial bee colony (ABC). In addition, EO produces well-distributed Pareto-optimal solutions and the fuzzy min-ranking is used as a decision maker to acquire the best compromise solution.
Low-Voltage GaN FETs in Motor Control Application; Issues and Advantages: A Review
Authors: Musumeci Salvatore , Mandrile Fabio , Barba Vincenzo , Palma Marco
Published: October 2021

The efficiency and power density improvement of power switching converters play a crucial role in energy conversion. In the field of motor control, this requires an increase in the converter switching frequency together with a reduction in the switching legs’ dead time. This target turns out to be complex when using pure silicon switch technologies. Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices have appeared in the switching device arena in recent years and feature much more favorable static and dynamic characteristics compared to pure silicon devices. In the field of motion control, there is a growing use of GaN devices, especially in low voltage applications. This paper provides guidelines for designers on the optimal use of GaN FETs in motor control applications, identifying the advantages and discussing the main issues. In this work, primarily an experimental evaluation of GaN FETs in a low voltage electrical drive is carried out. The experimental investigation is obtained through two different experimental boards to highlight the switching legs’ behavior in several operative conditions and different implementations. In this evaluative approach, the main GaN FETs’ technological aspects and issues are recalled and consequently linked to motion control requirements. The device’s fast switching transients combined with reduced direct resistance contribute to decreased power losses. Thus, in GaN FETs, a high switching frequency with a strong decrease in dead time is achievable. The reduced dead time impact on power loss management and improvement of output waveforms quality is analyzed and discussed in this paper. Furthermore, input filter capacitor design matters correlated with increasing switching frequency are pointed out. Finally, the voltage transients slope effect (dv/dt) is considered and correlated with low voltage motor drives requirements.
Study on Methane Distribution in the Face Zone of the Fully Mechanized Roadway with Overlap Auxiliary Ventilation System
Authors: Obracaj Dariusz , Korzec Marek , Deszcz Paweł
Published: October 2021

An overlap auxiliary ventilation system is very often used for driving roadways in methane-rich coal seams. An overlap zone between the outlets of the forcing duct ends with a whirl flow air-duct (WFAD) and the exhaust duct ends with a dust scrubber that is created by applying the overlap system. This study examines the distribution of methane concentrations at various distances in the overlap zone. Maintaining a long overlap zone could increase the advance of the face. Therefore, the impact of overlap zone length on the methane concentration distribution, in and beyond the overlap zone, is investigated. The evaluation of methane concentrations is performed utilizing a well-established computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. The mathematical model of methane emissions into the roadway is adopted. Moreover, the CFD model is validated. A vortex of the return air, caused by the free airstream flowing out of the dust scrubber, is found. This air vortex is responsible for higher methane concentrations at the end of the overlap zone. Therefore, the conclusion can be drawn that maintaining the length of the overlap zone at 5 m to 10 m should be done to control permissible methane concentrations.
Application of Deep Learning for Quality of Service Enhancement in Internet of Things: A Review
Authors: Kimbugwe Nasser , Pei Tingrui , Kyebambe Moses
Published: October 2021

The role of the Internet of Things (IoT) networks and systems in our daily life cannot be underestimated. IoT is among the fastest evolving innovative technologies that are digitizing and interconnecting many domains. Most life-critical and finance-critical systems are now IoT-based. It is, therefore, paramount that the Quality of Service (QoS) of IoTs is guaranteed. Traditionally, IoTs use heuristic, game theory approaches and optimization techniques for QoS guarantee. However, these methods and approaches have challenges whenever the number of users and devices increases or when multicellular situations are considered. Moreover, IoTs receive and generate huge amounts of data that cannot be effectively handled by the traditional methods for QoS assurance, especially in extracting useful features from this data. Deep Learning (DL) approaches have been suggested as a potential candidate in solving and handling the above-mentioned challenges in order to enhance and guarantee QoS in IoT. In this paper, we provide an extensive review of how DL techniques have been applied to enhance QoS in IoT. From the papers reviewed, we note that QoS in IoT-based systems is breached when the security and privacy of the systems are compromised or when the IoT resources are not properly managed. Therefore, this paper aims at finding out how Deep Learning has been applied to enhance QoS in IoT by preventing security and privacy breaches of the IoT-based systems and ensuring the proper and efficient allocation and management of IoT resources. We identify Deep Learning models and technologies described in state-of-the-art research and review papers and identify those that are most used in handling IoT QoS issues. We provide a detailed explanation of QoS in IoT and an overview of commonly used DL-based algorithms in enhancing QoS. Then, we provide a comprehensive discussion of how various DL techniques have been applied for enhancing QoS. We conclude the paper by highlighting the emerging areas of research around Deep Learning and its applicability in IoT QoS enhancement, future trends, and the associated challenges in the application of Deep Learning for QoS in IoT.