bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anion Effects on the Liquid-Liquid Equilibrium Behavior of Pluronic L64 + Water + Sodium Salts at Different pH: Determination of Thermodynamic Parameters
Authors: Monteiro-Junior Edson G. , Costa Josiel M. , Jimenez Otto A. Q. , de Souza Bruno R. , Medeiros Abimael C. , Basso Rodrigo C.
Published: January 2023

Two-phase aqueous systems have replaced and simplified steps in extraction and purification processes, especially for biocompounds. Thus, this study evaluated the liquid-liquid equilibrium behavior of Pluronic L64 + water + sodium salts at pH 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0. Sodium sulfate demonstrated the greatest phase separation, followed by sodium citrate and sodium tartrate. Higher pH values resulted in larger biphasic regions. The polymer distribution coefficients increased with the addition of salt. As pH increased, there was a tendency for Pluronic L64 to migrate to the polymer-rich phase. The Gibbs energy of micellization between −11,000 and −25,000 kJ mol−1 indicated the spontaneity of the process micellization for all systems, showing lower values for the systems with sodium sulfate. This parameter was related to the anion speciation at each pH. Besides, the effects of water structuring around ions and ion-polymer interaction influenced the phase separation.
Is Nematicity in Cuprates Real?
Authors: Božović Ivan , He Xi , Bollinger Anthony T. , Caruso Roberta
Published: January 2023

In La2-xSrxCuO4 (LSCO), a prototype high-temperature superconductor (HTS) cuprate, a nonzero transverse voltage is observed in zero magnetic fields. This is important since it points to the breaking of the rotational symmetry in the electron fluid, the so-called electronic nematicity, presumably intrinsic to LSCO (and other cuprates). An alternative explanation is that it arises from extrinsic factors such as the film’s inhomogeneity or some experimental artifacts. We confront this hypothesis with published and new experimental data, focusing on the most direct and sensitive probe—the angle-resolved measurements of transverse resistivity (ARTR). The aggregate experimental evidence overwhelmingly refutes the extrinsic scenarios and points to an exciting new effect—intrinsic electronic nematicity.
Polar Codes for Module-LWE Public Key Encryption: The Case of Kyber
Authors: Papadopoulos Iason , Wang Jiabo
Published: January 2023

In modern society, the Internet is one of the most used means of communication. Thus, secure information transfer is inevitably of major importance. Computers nowadays use encryption methods based on arithmetic operations to turn messages into ciphertexts that are practically impossible for an attacker to reverse-engineer using a classical computer. Lately, it has been proven that this is possible in a post-quantum setting where quantum computers of considerable size are available to attackers. With the advance of technology of quantum computers, it is now more necessary than ever before to construct encryption schemes that cannot be broken either using a classical or a quantum computer. The National Institute of Technology and Standards (NIST) has orchestrated a competition, and numerous encryption schemes have been proposed. The NIST has identified one algorithm to be standardized for the post-quantum era. This algorithm is called CRYSTALS-Kyber and is based on module learning with errors (MLWE). This paper investigates how to apply error correcting codes in order to create some excess decryption failure rate (DFR) and to take advantage of that in order to re-tune Kyber’s parameters in the pursuit of higher security. By applying Polar Codes, Kyber’s security was managed to be increased by 54.4% under a new set of parameters, while keeping the decryption failure rate well below the upper acceptable bound set by the NIST.
Effect of the Microstructure of Support Materials on Cracking Catalyst Performance
Authors: Bao Jianguo , Rao Wenxiu , Zhou Yi , Wen Bin , Wang Bo , Lv Guocheng , Liao Libing
Published: January 2023

Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) is a production process that converts petroleum into petroleum products in the presence of catalysts. The performance of an FCC catalyst plays a decisive role in petroleum refining. An FCC catalyst mainly comprises a molecular sieve (catalytic cracking active center), a carrier, and a binder. The carrier can enable the precracking of the heavy oil in its large pore, which can improve the overall activity of the catalyst and the conversion rate of heavy oil. The surface area and pore structure of carrier materials with different microscopic morphologies differ, which significantly affects the precracking of heavy oil molecules. Therefore, here, FCC catalysts were prepared using flake kaolinite, tubular halloysite, natural flake-tube-combined kaolinite, and mixed kaolinite as support materials, respectively. The FCC catalysts were used in FCC-heavy oil, and the influence of the carrier material morphology on the comprehensive performance of the catalysts was studied. The strength and cracking performance of the catalyst prepared using flake Maoming (M) were poor, whereas the catalyst prepared using tubular halloysite exhibited a good strength, high activity, and a good cracking ability for heavy oil. The catalyst prepared using natural flake-tube combined with Suzhou (S) exhibited a good strength and cracking performance, and it has been widely used in the industrial production of FCC catalysts. When 40% tube-like halloysite was mixed into M, the attrition of the prepared catalyst decreased by 0.5 units, the microreactivity increased by 1.4 units, the gasoline + liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) yield increased by 3.09 percentage points, and the gasoline research octane number (RON) increased by 0.6 units. The comprehensive performance of the catalyst can reach or exceed that of the natural-lamp-tube-based kaolin carrier. The results can not only provide guidance for the stable quality control of kaolin, but they can also significantly alleviate the resource restrictions for FCC catalyst production enterprises.
Structural, Mechanical, and Piezoelectric Properties of Janus Bidimensional Monolayers
Authors: Mallah Abdulrahman , Debbichi Mourad , Dhaou Mohamed Houcine , Bellakhdhar Bilel
Published: January 2023

In the present work, the noncentrosymmetric 2D ternary Janus monolayers Al2XX’(X/X’ = S, Se, Te and O), Si2XX’(X/X’ = P, As, Sb and Bi), and A2PAs(A = Ge, Sn and Pb) have been studied based on first-principles calculations. We find that all the monolayers exhibit in-plane d12, and out-of-plane d13 piezoelectric coefficients due to the lack of reflection symmetry with respect to the central A atoms. Moreover, our calculations show that Al2OX(T = S, Se, Te) chalcogenide monolayers have higher absolute in-plane piezoelectric coefficients. However, the highest out-of-plane values are achieved in the Si2PBi monolayer, larger than those of some advanced piezoelectric materials, making them very promising transducer materials for lightweight and high-performance piezoelectric nanodevices.
Isotropic TFT Characteristics in the {100}-Oriented Grain-Boundary-Free Laser-Crystallized Si Thin Films
Authors: Sasaki Nobuo , Takayama Satoshi , Sasai Rikuto , Uraoka Yukiharu
Published: January 2023

Isotropic TFT characteristics are realized in the {100}-oriented grain-boundary-free 60 nm thick Si film obtained by the continuous-wave laser lateral crystallization, where the grain- and sub-boundaries are defined as the crystallographic boundaries having misfit angles of θ > 15° and θ < 15°, respectively. Sub-boundaries are observed in the film parallel to the scan directions; the misfit angles were 5–10° and the sub-boundary density was 0.02956 μm−1. Sub-grains, joined by the sub-boundaries, have widths of 8 ~ 69 μm. The cumulative distributions of mobility, threshold voltage, and subthreshold swing agree well between the parallel and perpendicular TFTs in the film, where parallel or perpendicular means the source-to-drain directions to the laser scan direction. The maximum mobilities of the parallel and perpendicular TFTs are 695 and 663 cm2/Vs, respectively. The trap-state density NT in the sub-boundaries estimated from the product of the bond efficiency η and the dangling bond density decreases by two decades from those of the grain boundaries. A new carrier transport model of the current flow across the sub-boundary is proposed instead of the thermionic emission model for the grain boundaries.
Effect of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy on Quality of Life after Chemoradiation for Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Xu Yun , Peng Hewei , Guo Qiaojuan , Guo Lanyan , Peng Xiane , Lin Shaojun
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: Prophylactic percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) maintained nutritional status and improved survival of patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC). However, the role of PEG in patients’ quality of life (QoL) is still controversial. We aimed to investigate the effect of PEG on the QoL of patients with LA-NPC without progression. (2) Methods: Patients with LA-NPC between 1 June 2010 and 30 June 2014 in Fujian Cancer Hospital were divided into PEG and non-PEG groups. The QoL Questionnaire core 30 (QLQ-C30), incidence of adverse effects, weight, and xerostomia recovery were compared between the two groups of patients without progression as of 30 June 2020. (3) Results: No statistically significant difference in the scores of each QLQ-C30 scale between the two groups (p > 0.05). The incidence of xerostomia was higher in the PEG group than in the non-PEG group (p = 0.044), but the association was not seen after adjusting for gender, age, T, and N stage (OR: 0.902, 95%CI: 0.485–1.680). No significant difference in the incidence of other adverse effects as well as in weight and dry mouth recovery (p > 0.05). (4) Conclusion: PEG seems not to have a detrimental effect on long-term Qol, including the self-reported swallowing function of NPC patients without progressive disease.
The First Data on Harpacticoid Copepod Diversity of the Deep-Water Zone of Lake Baikal (Siberia, Russia)
Authors: Fefilova Elena B. , Sitnikova Tatyana Y. , Novikov Aleksandr A.
Published: January 2023

Lake Baikal (LB) is the only freshwater ancient lake on Earth where animals inhabit all bathymetric zones down to the deepest sites (approximately 1640 m). However, there is very little data on the composition of their abyssal harpacticoid fauna. On the basis of the samples collected in LB in 2010–2017 at a depth of 270–1632 m, analysis of the fauna composition and species diversity of harpacticoids in the deep-water zone is presented. Studies were conducted in all parts of the lake, including areas of a hydrothermal, oil–methane seeps, and mud volcanoes. Nineteen Baikal endemic morphological species of the genera Bryocamptus, Attheyella, and Moraria (Baikalomoraria) were found. A brief description of the taxa morphology is presented. The genus Bryocamptus was the richest by species number at the studied sites, and Bryocamptus smirnovi Borutzky was the most frequent. The most diverse (8 species) was the fauna of the Saint Petersburg methane seep. Studies have shown that the taxonomic diversity of harpacticoid copepods in the deep-water zone of LB is lower than in its littoral zone. According to two non-parametric species estimators (Chao 2 and Jackknife 1), a 1.5-fold increase of species richness of harpacticoids of the LB abyssal is expected.
Wilson Disease and Alpha1-Antitrypsin Deficiency: A Review of Non-Invasive Diagnostic Tests
Authors: Guillaud Olivier , Dumortier Jérôme , Couchonnal-Bedoya Eduardo , Ruiz Mathias
Published: January 2023

Wilson disease and alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency are two rare genetic diseases that may impact predominantly the liver and/or the brain, and the liver and/or the lung, respectively. The early diagnosis of these diseases is important in order to initiate a specific treatment, when available, ideally before irreversible organ damage, but also to initiate family screening. This review focuses on the non-invasive diagnostic tests available for clinicians in both diseases. These tests are crucial at diagnosis to reduce the potential diagnostic delay and assess organ involvement. They also play a pivotal role during follow-up to monitor disease progression and evaluate treatment efficacy of current or emerging therapies.
Soluble ST2 as a Useful Biomarker for Predicting Clinical Outcomes in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Park Mikyoung , Hur Mina , Kim Hanah , Lee Chae Hoon , Lee Jong Ho , Kim Hyung Woo , Nam Minjeong , Lee Seungho
Published: January 2023

Soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2) is an emerging biomarker for sepsis as well as for heart failure. We investigated the prognostic utility of sST2 for predicting clinical outcomes in hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. In a total of 52 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, sST2 levels were measured using the ichroma ST2 assay (Boditech Med Inc., Chuncheon-si, Gang-won-do, Republic of Korea). Clinical outcomes included intensive care unit (ICU) admission, ventilator use, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use, and 30-day mortality. sST2 was analyzed according to clinical outcomes. sST2, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, critical disease, and 4C mortality score were compared using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Kaplan–Meier methods for clinical outcomes. The sST2 level differed significantly according to ICU admission, ventilator use, ECMO use, and 30-day mortality (all p < 0.05). On ROC curve analysis, sST2 predicted ICU admission, ventilator use, ECMO use, and 30-day mortality comparable to SOFA score but significantly better than critical disease. sST2 predicted ICU admission, ventilator use, and ECMO use significantly better than the 4C mortality score. On Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) were 8.4 (2.7–26.8) for sST2, 14.8 (3.0–71.7) for SOFA score, 1.8 (0.5–6.5) for critical disease, and 11.7 (3.4–40.1) for 4C mortality score. This study demonstrated that sST2 could be a useful biomarker to predict ICU admission, ventilator use, ECMO use, and 30-day mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. sST2 may be implemented as a prognostic COVID-19 biomarker in clinical practice.
Ganglion Cell Complex Analysis: Correlations with Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer on Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Ghita Aurelian Mihai , Iliescu Daniela Adriana , Ghita Ana Cristina , Ilie Larisa Adriana , Otobic Alexandru
Published: January 2023

The aim of this review is to analyze the correlations between the changes in the ganglion cell complex (GCC) and the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) on optical coherence tomography in different possible situations, especially in eyes with glaucoma. For glaucoma evaluation, several studies have suggested that in the early stages, GCC analysis, especially the thickness of the infero and that of the inferotemporal GCC layers, is a more sensitive examination than circumpapillary RNFL (pRNFL). In the moderate stages of glaucoma, inferior pRNFL thinning is better correlated with the disease than in advanced cases. Another strategy for glaucoma detection is to find any asymmetry of the ganglion cell–inner plexiform layers (GCIPL) between the two macular hemifields, because this finding is a valuable indicator for preperimetric glaucoma, better than the RNFL thickness or the absolute thickness parameters of GCIPL. In preperimetric and suspected glaucoma, GCC and pRNFL have better specificity and are superior to the visual field. In advanced stages, pRNFL and later, GCC reach the floor effect. Therefore, in this stage, it is more useful to evaluate the visual field for monitoring the progression of glaucoma. In conclusion, GCC and pRNFL are parameters that can be used for glaucoma diagnosis and monitoring of the progression of the disease, with each having a higher accuracy depending on the stage of the disease.
[68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-E[(cRGDyK)]2 and [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE PET Predict Improvement in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Follin Bjarke , Hoeeg Cecilie , Hunter Ingrid , Bentsen Simon , Juhl Morten , Jensen Jacob Kildevang , Binderup Tina , Nielsen Carsten Haagen , Ripa Rasmus Sejersten , Kastrup Jens , Ekblond Annette , Kjaer Andreas
Published: January 2023

An increasing number of patients are living with chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and/or heart failure. Treatment options and prognostic tools are lacking for many of these patients. Our aim was to investigate the prognostic value of imaging angiogenesis and macrophage activation via positron emission tomography (PET) in terms of functional improvement after cell therapy. Myocardial infarction was induced in rats. Animals were scanned with [18F]FDG PET and echocardiography after four weeks and randomized to allogeneic adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ASCs, n = 18) or saline (n = 9). Angiogenesis and macrophage activation were assessed before and after treatment by [68Ga]Ga-RGD and [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE. There was no overall effect of the treatment. Rats that improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) had higher uptake of both [68Ga]Ga-RGD and [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE at follow-up (p = 0.006 and p = 0.008, respectively). The uptake of the two tracers correlated with each other (r = 0.683, p = 0.003 pre-treatment and r = 0.666, p = 0.004 post-treatment). SUVmax at follow-up could predict improvement in LVEF (p = 0.016 for [68Ga]Ga-RGD and p = 0.045 for [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE). High uptake of [68Ga]Ga-RGD and [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE PET after injection of ASCs or saline preceded improvement in LVEF. The use of these tracers could improve the monitoring of heart failure patients in treatment.
Crystal-Storing Histiocytosis: The Iceberg of More Serious Conditions
Authors: Mobarki Mousa , Papoudou-Bai Alexandra , Dumollard Jean Marc , Alhazmi Abdulaziz H. , Musawi Shaqraa , Madkhali Mohammed Ali , Muqri Khalid Y. , Péoc’h Michel , Karpathiou Georgia
Published: January 2023

Crystal-storing histiocytosis is a rare condition that is histologically characterized by intracellular cytoplasmic crystalline inclusions. It usually presents monoclonal immunoglobulins that deposit within histiocytes, which accumulate and affect different organs of the human body and are commonly associated with lymphoproliferative conditions, especially those with plasmacytic differentiation. The prognosis of this condition is variable and related to the underlying clinical disease. In this review article, we aim to describe and discuss the clinical and pathological characteristics of crystal-storing histiocytosis based on the available literature and to provide a thorough differential diagnosis.
Physical-Layer Security in Power-Domain NOMA Based on Different Chaotic Maps
Authors: Abu Al-Atta Mariam , Said Karim A. , Mohamed Mohamed A. , Raslan Walid
Published: January 2023

Nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is a relevant technology for realizing the primary goals of next-generation wireless networks, such as high connectivity and stability. Because a rising number of users are becoming connected, user data security has become a critical issue. Many chaotic communication systems have been established to address this important issue via exhibition of affordable physical-layer-security solutions. In this study, we propose a chaotic downlink NOMA (C-DL-NOMA) system over the additive white Gaussian noise and Rayleigh-fading channels to enhance the security of the DL-NOMA system. The proposed algorithm is based on a coherent analog modulation technique that combines various chaotic maps for chaotic masking of encrypted data. On the transmitter, chaotic encryption was used for transmitted data with fixed power-allocation-level control, whereas on the receiver, successive interference-cancellation demodulation was utilized to detect multiple users, after which chaotic decryption was performed. Simulation results were evaluated based on security analyses, such as statistical analysis (histogram and correlation analyses and information entropy), bit-error-rate performance, and achievable-data-rate performance. According to these security analyses and numerical results, the proposed C-DL-NOMA system outperformed traditional unencrypted NOMA systems.
Reconstructing Sparse Multiplex Networks with Application to Covert Networks
Authors: Yu Jin-Zhu , Wu Mincheng , Bichler Gisela , Aros-Vera Felipe , Gao Jianxi
Published: January 2023

Network structure provides critical information for understanding the dynamic behavior of complex systems. However, the complete structure of real-world networks is often unavailable, thus it is crucially important to develop approaches to infer a more complete structure of networks. In this paper, we integrate the configuration model for generating random networks into an Expectation–Maximization–Aggregation (EMA) framework to reconstruct the complete structure of multiplex networks. We validate the proposed EMA framework against the Expectation–Maximization (EM) framework and random model on several real-world multiplex networks, including both covert and overt ones. It is found that the EMA framework generally achieves the best predictive accuracy compared to the EM framework and the random model. As the number of layers increases, the performance improvement of EMA over EM decreases. The inferred multiplex networks can be leveraged to inform the decision-making on monitoring covert networks as well as allocating limited resources for collecting additional information to improve reconstruction accuracy. For law enforcement agencies, the inferred complete network structure can be used to develop more effective strategies for covert network interdiction.
How Flexible Is the Concept of Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium?
Authors: Tangde Vijay , Bhalekar Anil
Published: January 2023

It has been demonstrated by using generalized phenomenological irreversible thermodynamic theory (GPITT) that by replacing the conventional composition variables {xk} by the quantum level composition variables {x˜k,j} corresponding to the nonequilibrium population of the quantum states, the resultant description remains well within the local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) domain. The next attempt is to replace the quantum level composition variables by their respective macroscopic manifestations as variables. For example, these manifestations are, say, the observance of fluorescence and phosphorescence, existence of physical fluxes, and ability to register various spectra (microwave, IR, UV-VIS, ESR, NMR, etc.). This exercise results in a framework that resembles with the thermodynamics with internal variables (TIV), which too is obtained as a framework within the LTE domain. This TIV-type framework is easily transformed to an extended irreversible thermodynamics (EIT) type framework, which uses physical fluxes as additional variables. The GPITT in EIT version is also obtained well within the LTE domain. Thus, GPITT becomes a complete version of classical irreversible thermodynamics (CIT). It is demonstrated that LTE is much more flexible than what CIT impresses upon. This conclusion is based on the realization that the spatial uniformity for each tiny pocket (cell) of a spatially non-uniform system remains intact while developing GPITT and obviously in its other versions.
Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Students’ Written Outcomes: An Interior Architecture Research/Theory Module Case Study in the UK
Authors: Ulusoy Begüm
Published: January 2023

Different learning methods (online, blended, blended-online and face-to-face) have been examined widely since the late 1990s. Although many design studies discuss engagement with these new methods in relation to studio modules, research/theory modules have not been investigated yet for interior architecture with both qualitative and quantitative data as a holistic approach. This study reveals how the new blended online learning method and the COVID-19 pandemic affected students’ written outcomes in a research/theory module that accompanied their design module. For this purpose, the final written submissions of two year groups (2019–2020 vs. 2020–2021) are compared with both qualitative and quantitative analyses: their grades (performance), image (visual productivity) and reference (engagement with research) numbers and NVivo word count analyses (semantic analyses). The results show no significant difference between these two groups for both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Moreover, the study reveals that the numbers of images and references are good predictors for the grades of final-year students, thus showing their contribution to overall performance. Final-year research/theory modules in interior architecture might therefore be taught with blended online learning methods and can challenge, innovate and tailor studio teaching to contemporary needs. The study findings will be beneficial for educators and professionals, as well as managers, institution administrators, policymakers and decision-holders in HE who aim to employ blended online learning.
Engaging Children in Music-Making: A Feasibility Study Using Disabled Musicians as Mentors in Primary Schools
Authors: McCarron Eamonn , Curran Erica , McQueen Paul , McConkey Roy
Published: January 2023

The place of music in the school curriculum is under increasing threat, yet this is contrary to the growing evidence base of music’s value to pupils’ social and psychological development. A contributory factor is that many teachers report a lack of training, skill, confidence, or resources for excluding music in their classroom. An innovative project used young adults with disabilities as music mentors to improve children’s access to creative music-making, while also providing non-threatening models to the children’s teachers and providing them practical tools to embed music in their classrooms. An evaluation was undertaken of the project’s impact. Eight classes from four schools in a city with high levels of social deprivation received 16 hours of music sessions over a four-week period, usually in the form of a four-hour workshop. Information was gathered from 171 children, the parents of 54 pupils; 8 class teachers; and 2 head teachers. The pupils’ knowledge and appreciation of music showed significant improvements and their enthusiasm for music making had increased, which parents also confirmed. The teachers and head teachers identified five ways in which they had gained from Project Sparks with an increased appreciation of the potential value of music in the school curriculum. Further research is needed to identify how innovative projects can be sustained and extended to many more teachers and schools.
A Systematic Review on the Role of ICT and CLIL in Compulsory Education
Authors: Martínez-Soto Tania , Prendes-Espinosa Paz
Published: January 2023

The ubiquity of digital technologies for teaching at large is a reality that can be observed at diverse educational stages and in numerous fields, including the teaching of foreign languages, which is the field of study of this research. In view of this situation, this work is intended to determine the role of ICT in foreign language teaching that follows a CLIL method. It was decided to conduct a systematic review based on PRISMA model and adding information obtained from the analysis of fugitive literature. The literature review was carried out on a total of 22 articles. The main inclusion criteria were a temporal selection from January 2017 to February 2022, the inclusion of the terms CLIL/AICLE and ICT/TIC in the title, abstract or keywords of the articles, and the focus on primary and secondary education. The main results show an increasing tendency of this topic, notably in English research. Most relevant conclusions of the systematic review evidence a positive relationship between ICT and CLIL to improve the learning of a foreign language, although some negative aspects are also highlighted as there is still a lack of resources and teacher training.
Children’s Meaning Making: Listening to Encounters with Complex Aesthetic Experience
Authors: Davis Belinda , Dunn Rosemary
Published: January 2023

This paper describes young children’s symbolic meaning-making practices and participation in complex aesthetic experiences in a contemporary art museum context. Through an ongoing long-term research and pedagogy project, The Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, Australia (MCA) is working with researchers to provide regular opportunities for young children (aged birth–5 years) and their families—all members of the same early childhood education (ECE) services—to encounter art works, engage with materials, and experience the museum environment. The program provides a rich experience of multiple forms of communication, ways of knowing and ways of expressing knowings: through connecting with images, videos and told stories about artists and their practice, sensorial engagement with tactile materials, and embodied responses to artworks and materials. Children also experience the physicality of the museum space, materials for art-making and the act of mark-making to record ideas, memories, and reflections. The project supports the development of a pedagogy of listening and relationships and is grounded in children’s rights as cultural citizens to participation, visibility and belonging in cultural institutions such as the MCA.
The Perception of University Students towards People with Disabilities and Their Labor Insertion
Authors: Roca-Hurtuna Montserrat , Sanz-Ponce Roberto
Published: January 2023

This research aims to measure the attitudes towards the disability of university students and their perception about the labor insertion of this group through the Scale of Attitudes, a questionnaire on the future professional practice, and an argumentative essay. The sample is made up of 360 students from different university degrees. A mixed methodology is used, which combines quantitative analyses and qualitative, through an assay and its category analysis. Regarding the quantitative results, it is observed that nursing students and those who have a bond of friendship with people with disabilities present better data in both dimensions: future professional practice and attitudes towards disability. The students present better data in future professional practice and the students in attitudes towards disability. Regarding the qualitative results, there is a certain terminological sensitivity towards people with disabilities and the need to establish equal treatment and to eliminate social and labor barriers. Finally, students demand more training to promote a more inclusive society. Research questions related to the type of studies and the link to disability are confirmed. As a future line of research, these results should be analyzed and it should be confirmed if there is a change in trend in terms of the vision of disability.
Fault Diagnosis of Diesel Engine Valve Clearance Based on Wavelet Packet Decomposition and Neural Networks
Authors: Kuai Zhenyi , Huang Guoyong
Published: January 2023

In order to improve the accuracy of engine valve clearance fault diagnosis, in this study, a fault identification algorithm based on wavelet packet decomposition and an artificial neural network is proposed. Firstly, the vibration signals of the engine cylinder head were collected, and different levels of noise were superimposed on the extended data sets. Then, the test data were decomposed into wavelet packets, and the power spectrum of the sub-band signal was analyzed using the autoregressive power spectrum density estimation method. A group of values were obtained from the power spectrum integration to form the fault eigenvalue. Finally, a neural network model was designed to classify the fault eigenvalues. In the training process, the test data set was divided into three parts, the training set, the verification set, and the test set, and the dropout layer was added to avoid the overfitting phenomenon of the neural network. The experimental results show that the wavelet packet neural network model in this paper has a good diagnostic accuracy for data with different levels of noise.
High Gain and Wide-Angle Continuous Beam Scanning SIW Leaky-Wave Antenna
Authors: Arya Vivek , Garg Tanuj , Al-Khafaji Hamza Mohammed Ridha
Published: January 2023

A novel substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) adopting a leaky-wave antenna (LWA) for continuous beam scanning for tri bands is presented. For continuous beam scanning (CBS), optimization of different parameters associated with the unit cell has been carried out. Apart from this, optimal impedance matching is also obtained with the help of the characteristic impedance of the waveguide. The proposed SIW LWA scans from −58° to + 59° along with 14.50 dBi gain when the frequency changes from 10 GHz to 18.22 GHz and provides a scanning rate of 14.23. The beauty of the suggested antenna is its smaller size and high gain, along with a wider scanning range (117°) capability. This antenna’s final prototype has been fabricated, and the measurement results are matched with the simulation results.
Optimal Management of an Energy Community with PV and Battery-Energy-Storage Systems
Authors: Aranzabal Itxaso , Gomez-Cornejo Julen , López Iraide , Zubiria Ander , Mazón Javier , Feijoo-Arostegui Ane , Gaztañaga Haizea
Published: January 2023

Most of current prosumer-energy-management approaches are focused on economic optimization by self-consumption maximization. Nevertheless, a lack of energy management strategies (EMS) that tackle different interaction possibilities among community-clustered solar plus battery prosumers has been detected. Furthermore, such active prosumer EMS may include participation in ancillary service markets such as automatic frequency restoration reserves (aFRR) through an optimized battery-energy storage-system (BESS) operation, as well as incorporating community-level energy management. In this study, an optimal EMS that includes aggregated aFRR-market participation of five solar plus battery prosumers participating in an energy community (EC), with the aim of reducing total costs of ownership for each individual prosumer is proposed. For its validation, different scenarios have been analyzed. The results show that the proposed EMS allows a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) reduction for all community members with respect to the base-case scenario. Moreover, the most profitable scenario for all prosumers is still the only PV.
Energy Flow and Electric Drive Mode Efficiency Evaluation of Different Generations of Hybrid Vehicles under Diversified Urban Traffic Conditions
Authors: Pielecha Ireneusz , Cieslik Wojciech , Szwajca Filip
Published: January 2023

Hybrid propulsion dedicated to light duty vehicles is seen as an evolutionary change from internal combustion engine (ICE) to electric propulsion. Widespread direct replacement of convection ICEs in the current energy system is impossible because ICEs are vehicles’ main source of mechanical energy. The hybrid powertrain uses the advantages of electric propulsion with the ability to charge the traction battery or have the internal combustion engine assist the system. The article compares different types of hybrid drives (with a small share of plug-in hybrid propulsion) under typical urban driving conditions. Nine vehicles were tested, and the tests were conducted over several months in various cities in Poland. The terms of the research conducted were not under the requirements of the driving test. However, they are authoritative when using the vehicle in real traffic conditions. Such conditions take into account many aspects that are relevant to a road test. It was found that urban conditions are a very suitable environment for hybrid propulsion systems, as they cover more than 50% of the distance in electric mode, regardless of the initial battery charge, in most cases.
Reduction in Energy Consumption Due to Modernized Cultivation Aggregates
Authors: Bulgakov Volodymyr , Nadykto Volodymyr , Orynycz Olga , Pascuzzi Simone , Beloev Ivan , Yaremenko Vadym , Tucki Karol
Published: January 2023

The article presents the effect of using a tillage tool with skimmers, second stage skimmers, and bodies (double-deck plow) on the reduction of traction resistance and energy consumption by at least 1.1 kN, i.e., 3.3%. In addition, the statistical characteristics of the plowing depth and the width of the longitudinal profile of the field are stabilized. The use of agricultural machinery with skimmers, secondary skimmers, or bodies ensures even distribution of plowing depth fluctuations. The use of a plow without skimmers mounted on it leads to a regular and significant increase in the spread of fluctuations in the working depth and cross-section of the field. The normalized correlation function of this process is characterized by the presence of a noticeably marked periodic component. When the plow is used without skimmers mounted on it, the working period of the unit practically corresponds to the working width of the tillage tool. The use of skimmers with a grinding angle of 25° causes its deformation in the soil environment, which results in stratification, not shearing. This ensures a statistically significant and regular decrease in the traction resistance of the plow.
Allocative Efficiency towards Energy Transition: The Cases of Natural Gas and Electricity Markets
Authors: Pereira Amaro Olimpio , Morais Rafael Cancella , Cunha Bruno S. L. , Gutierrez Maria Bernadete Gomes Pereira Sarmiento , Mendonça Mario Jorge Cardoso de
Published: January 2023

Conventional economic theory indicates that the free market contributes to allocative efficiency. However, specific energy markets present network industry characteristics which distance them from perfect competition. These markets, therefore, need effective regulation. The liberalizing reforms which took place in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and emerging countries from the 1990s onwards have reduced the share of state ownership in the energy sector, but not its functions of regulation, coordination and planning. It is also worth noting the expansion of the government’s agenda due to the energy transition that has unequivocally imposed itself in the 21st century. This article uses the Slacks-Based Measure of the Data Envelopment Analysis (SBM-DEA) methodology to investigate the relationship between market liberalization and sustainability in a low-carbon energy transition context. Taking the cases of the natural gas and electricity markets, we verify whether liberalization contributes to the progress of the energy transition, driven by the emergency need to tackle climate change. The results show that the most advanced markets, in their processes of opening up, tend to be positively associated with a more vigorous energy transition. European nations, such as the United Kingdom and Norway, have experienced a relatively more advanced market liberalization leading to an efficient path toward energy transition. Chile, Canada and Colombia also have efficient scores regarding their energy transitions. For low performing countries, such as Brazil, the study suggests some calls for action that should be pursued to improve their energy market indicators, resulting in a stronger energy transition towards renewables, more competitive energy prices and a larger participation of natural gas in the energy mix, which will contribute to decreasing its external dependency.
An Optimal Site Selection Framework for Near-Zero Carbon Emission Power Plants Based on Multiple Stakeholders
Authors: Li Yanbin , Sun Yanting , Kang Yulin , Zhang Feng , Zhang Junjie
Published: January 2023

Near-zero carbon emission power (NZCEP) plants, consisting of gas-fired units; wind turbines; power-to-gas (P2G); and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) systems, have recently received a lot of attention due to their enormous benefits in reducing carbon emissions and increasing the consumption of renewable energy. However, a complex environment of interest and a combination of risks makes their development very slow. This paper establishes a risk analysis framework for NZCEP considering multi-stakeholder participation. Firstly, a synthetic risk factor system was constructed based on stakeholders’ interests. Subsequently, interval type II trapezoidal fuzzy numbers were used and final weights were calculated from both subjective and objective aspects. Finally, we applied an acronym in Portuguese of the interactive and multi-criteria decision-making (TODIM) method to site selection to achieve a balance of interests of all stakeholders. In addition, a case study was conducted. The case result demonstrates that Zhengzhou in Henan Province is the best choice for a NZCEP power plant. A further finding is that government plays an important role in the development of NZCEP plants, with site selection results being the most sensitive to changes in the government’s risk appetite. Moreover, human resources are an important factor in the siting of an NZCEP plant.
Biogas Production Depending on the Substrate Used: A Review and Evaluation Study—European Examples
Authors: Ignatowicz Katarzyna , Filipczak Gabriel , Dybek Barbara , Wałowski Grzegorz
Published: January 2023

Biogas production is the most important and promising alternative for replacing fossil fuels in an environmentally friendly manner. Along with the many renewable energy sources available, biogas production occupies an irreplaceable position due to the undeniable availability of biomass and the need to manage agro-commercial waste. The article reviews the current state of technology used in the production of biogas for selected European examples in terms of methane fermentation efficiency and actual energy production. The novelty of the article is its description of innovative trends that have great potential to play an important role in this field in the near future. The development of the biogas industry in Europe is evident, although the dynamics vary from country to country. Different models are presented, which are based on the different types of feedstock used for biogas production and the proportion of substrates used in co-digesters. Of course, Germany is the undisputed pioneer in the use of this renewable energy source. Nevertheless, the efforts to improve energy self-reliance and environmental impacts are reflected in the growing number of operational biogas plants in other European countries, which provides hope for rapid progress toward the complete abolition of the conventional exploitation of fossil fuels.
Electrical Load Classification with Open-Set Recognition
Authors: Németh Dániel István , Tornai Kálmán
Published: January 2023

Full utilization of renewable energy resources is a difficult task due to the constantly changing demand-side load of the electrical grid. Demand-side management would solve this crucial problem. To enable demand-side management, knowledge about the composition of the grid load is required, as well as the ability to schedule individual loads. There are proposed Smart Plugs presented in the literature capable of such tasks. The problem, however, is that these methods lack the ability to detect if a previously unseen electrical load is connected. Misclassification of such loads presents a problem for load estimation and scheduling. Open-set recognition methods solve this problem by providing a way to detect samples not belonging to any class used during the training of the classifier. This paper evaluates the novel application of open-set recognition methods to the problem of load classification. Two approaches were examined, and both offer promising results. A Support Vector Machine based approach was first evaluated. The second, more robust method used a modified OpenMax-based algorithm to detect unseen loads.
Exploring Energy Trading Markets in Smart Grid and Microgrid Systems and Their Implications for Sustainability in Smart Cities
Authors: Bandeiras Filipe , Gomes Álvaro , Gomes Mário , Coelho Paulo
Published: January 2023

Smart cities are aimed at connecting urban infrastructures to enhance the efficiency of their operation and services while taking sustainability goals into consideration. As a result of the intermittency associated with renewable generation, smart city systems such as smart grids and microgrids may not be able to ensure the security of supply. This can be mitigated by allowing these systems to trade surplus energy with other neighboring systems through local energy markets based on peer-to-peer schemes. Such an approach can play an important role on achieving sustainability due to the positive impacts at the economic, social, and environmental level. Therefore, this work explores the design of local energy markets to help determine how they are relevant to smart grid and microgrid applications and what their contributions are to sustainability in smart cities. Essentially, this is achieved by performing a literature review to address key characteristics related to the design of local energy markets while considering their relationship with urban sustainability. In addition, the concept of game theory and its potential to evaluate market designs are also introduced and discussed. Finally, the suitability of centralized, decentralized, and distributed market designs for each dimension of sustainability is estimated based on their design characteristics.
Along-Strike Reservoir Development of Steep-Slope Depositional Systems: Case Study from Liushagang Formation in the Weixinan Sag, Beibuwan Basin, South China Sea
Authors: Liu Sheng , Zhu Hongtao , Liu Qianghu , Zhou Ziqiang , Chen Jiahao
Published: January 2023

Seismic, core, drilling, logging, and thin-section data are considered to analyze the reservoir diversity in the east, middle, and west fan of the Liushagang Formation in the steep-slope zone of the Weixinan Sag, Beibuwan Basin. Three factors primarily affect the reservoir differences for steep-slope systems: (1) Sedimentary factors mostly control reservoir scales and characteristics and the drainage system and microfacies. Massive high-quality reservoirs have shallow burial depths. Channel development and sediment supply favor the formation of these reservoirs. The sedimentary microfacies suggest fan delta plain distributary channels. (2) Lithofacies factors primarily control reservoir types and evolution. The diagenesis of high-quality reservoirs is weak, and a weak compaction–cementation diagenetic facies and medium compaction–dissolution diagenetic facies were developed. (3) Sandstone thickness factors primarily control the oil-bearing properties of reservoirs. The average porosity and permeability of high-quality reservoirs are large, the critical sandstone thickness is small, the average sandstone thickness is large, and the oil-bearing capacity is high. Furthermore, the reservoir prediction models are summarized as fan delta and nearshore subaqueous fan models. The high-quality reservoir of the fan delta model is in the fan delta plain, and the lithology is medium–coarse sandstone. The organic acid + meteoric freshwater two-stage dissolution is developed, various dissolved pores are formed, and a Type I reservoir is developed. The high-quality reservoir of the nearshore subaqueous fan model is in the middle fan, and the lithology is primarily medium–fine sandstone. Only organic acid dissolution, dissolution pores, and Type I–II reservoirs are developed. Regarding reservoir differences and models, the high-quality reservoir of the steep-slope system is shallow and large-scale, and the reservoir is a fan delta plain distributary channel microfacies. Weak diagenetic evolution, good physical properties, thick sandstone, and good oil-bearing properties developed a Type I reservoir. The study of reservoir control factors of the northern steep-slope zone was undertaken in order to guide high-quality reservoir predictions. Further, it provides a reference for high-quality reservoir distribution and a prediction model for the steep-slope system.