bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal trends of ischemic stroke attributable to high fasting plasma glucose in China from the global burden of disease study 2019
Authors: Tang Liangchen , Xie Li , Liu Yixin
Published: August 2024

Background

Currently ischemic stroke poses a serious disease burden globally, and high fasting plasma glucose is one of the important risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the disease burden of ischemic stroke due to fasting glucose during 1990-2019 in China, to estimate the effect of age, period, and cohort on the trend of ischemic stroke disease burden, and to predict the disease burden of ischemic stroke in 2020-2030.

Methods

Ischemic stroke burden data were obtained by screening from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019) database for high-risk populations in China. Annual average percentage change (AAPC) was calculated using the Joinpoint regression model to assess the trend of ischemic stroke burden between 1990 and 2019. Age-period-cohort models were introduced to estimate the independent effects of age, period, and cohort on ischemic stroke burden, and to predict the ischemic stroke burden in 2020-2030 based on Bayesian age-period-cohort models.

Results

From 1990 to 2019, the number of ischemic stroke deaths due to high fasting plasma glucose in China continued to increase with an AAPC of 3.61. Trends in age-standardized incidence rates did not show statistical significance. In the age-period-cohort analysis, the age effect of ischemic stroke burden showed a continuously increasing trend over the study period. The period effect showed an overall favorable trend over the study period. The overall and cohort effects for males showed an overall increasing trend, whereas the cohort effect for females showed a decreasing trend after a decreasing trend for the 1945 birth cohort.

Conclusions

This study found that ischemic stroke due to high fasting plasma glucose in China has generally fluctuated between 1990 and 2019, with a decreasing trend in recent years, and projections also suggest that it will continue to show a decreasing trend in the future. Age and period of birth were the main elements influencing the burden of disease, especially among the elderly and men. Policies should be used to promote the prevention of known risk factors and to strengthen health management for key populations.
Air pollution prediction using blind source separation with Greylag Goose Optimization algorithm
Authors: Ben Ghorbal Anis , Grine Azedine , Elbatal Ibrahim , Almetwally Ehab M. , Eid Marwa M. , El-Kenawy El-Sayed M.
Published: August 2024

Particularly, environmental pollution, such as air pollution, is still a significant issue of concern all over the world and thus requires the identification of good models for prediction to enable management. Blind Source Separation (BSS), Copula functions, and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network integrated with the Greylag Goose Optimization (GGO) algorithm have been adopted in this research work to improve air pollution forecasting. The proposed model involves preprocessed data from the urban air quality monitoring dataset containing complete environmental and pollutant data. The application of Noise Reduction and Isolation techniques involves the use of methods such as Blind Source Separation (BSS). Using copula functions affords an even better estimate of the dependence structure between the variables. Both the BSS and Copula parameters are then estimated using GGO, which notably enhances the performance of these parameters. Finally, the air pollution levels are forecasted using a time series employing LSTM networks optimized by GGO. The results reveal that GGO-LSTM optimization exhibits the lowest mean squared error (MSE) compared to other optimization methods of the proposed model. The results underscore that certain aspects, such as noise reduction, dependence modeling and optimization of parameters, provide much insight into air quality. Hence, this integrated framework enables a proper approach to monitoring the environment by offering planners and policymakers information to help in articulating efficient environment air quality management strategies.
TBK1 is paradoxical in tumor development: a focus on the pathway mediating IFN-I expression
Authors: Wang Banglu , Zhang Fan , Wu Xiaoyu , Ji Mei
Published: August 2024

TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is a member of the IKK family and plays a crucial role in the activation of non-canonical NF-κB signaling and type I interferon responses. The aberrant activation of TBK1 contributes to the proliferation and survival of various types of tumor cells, particularly in specific mutational or tumorous contexts. Inhibitors targeting TBK1 are under development and application in both in vivo and in vitro settings, yet their clinical efficacy remains limited. Numerous literatures have shown that TBK1 can exhibit both tumor promoting and tumor inhibiting effects. TBK1 acts as a pivotal node within the innate immune pathway, mediating anti-tumor immunity through the activation of innate immune responses. Facilitating interferon-I (IFN-I) production represents a critical mechanism through which TBK1 bridges these processes. IFN has been shown to exert both beneficial and detrimental effects on tumor progression. Hence, the paradoxical role of TBK1 in tumor development may necessitate acknowledgment in light of its downstream IFN-I signaling cascade. In this paper, we review the signaling pathways mediated by TBK1 in various tumor contexts and summarize the dual roles of TBK1 and the TBK1-IFN pathways in both promoting and inhibiting tumor progression. Additionally, we highlight the significance of the TBK1-IFN pathway in clinical therapy, particularly in the context of immune response. We anticipate further advancements in the development of TBK1 inhibitors as part of novel cancer treatment strategies.
New views on the complex interplay between degeneration and autoimmunity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Stys Peter K. , Tsutsui Shigeki , Gafson Arie R. , ‘t Hart Bert A. , Belachew Shibeshih , Geurts Jeroen J. G.
Published: August 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a frequently disabling neurological disorder characterized by symptoms, clinical signs and imaging abnormalities that typically fluctuate over time, affecting any level of the CNS. Prominent lymphocytic inflammation, many genetic susceptibility variants involving immune pathways, as well as potent responses of the neuroinflammatory component to immunomodulating drugs, have led to the natural conclusion that this disease is driven by a primary autoimmune process. In this Hypothesis and Theory article, we discuss emerging data that cast doubt on this assumption. After three decades of therapeutic experience, what has become clear is that potent immune modulators are highly effective at suppressing inflammatory relapses, yet exhibit very limited effects on the later progressive phase of MS. Moreover, neuropathological examination of MS tissue indicates that degeneration, CNS atrophy, and myelin loss are most prominent in the progressive stage, when lymphocytic inflammation paradoxically wanes. Finally, emerging clinical observations such as “progression independent of relapse activity” and “silent progression,” now thought to take hold very early in the course, together argue that an underlying “cytodegenerative” process, likely targeting the myelinating unit, may in fact represent the most proximal step in a complex pathophysiological cascade exacerbated by an autoimmune inflammatory overlay. Parallels are drawn with more traditional neurodegenerative disorders, where a progressive proteopathy with prion-like propagation of toxic misfolded species is now known to play a key role. A potentially pivotal contribution of the Epstein–Barr virus and B cells in this process is also discussed.
Considerations and discussions on the clear definition and definite scope of brain-computer interfaces
Authors: Chen Yanxiao , Wang Fan , Li Tianwen , Zhao Lei , Gong Anmin , Nan Wenya , Ding Peng , Fu Yunfa
Published: August 2024

Brain-computer interface (BCI) is a revolutionizing human-computer interaction with potential applications in both medical and non-medical fields, emerging as a cutting-edge and trending research direction. Increasing numbers of groups are engaging in BCI research and development. However, in recent years, there has been some confusion regarding BCI, including misleading and hyped propaganda about BCI, and even non-BCI technologies being labeled as BCI. Therefore, a clear definition and a definite scope for BCI are thoroughly considered and discussed in the paper, based on the existing definitions of BCI, including the six key or essential components of BCI. In the review, different from previous definitions of BCI, BCI paradigms and neural coding are explicitly included in the clear definition of BCI provided, and the BCI user (the brain) is clearly identified as a key component of the BCI system. Different people may have different viewpoints on the definition and scope of BCI, as well as some related issues, which are discussed in the article. This review argues that a clear definition and definite scope of BCI will benefit future research and commercial applications. It is hoped that this review will reduce some of the confusion surrounding BCI and promote sustainable development in this field.
The role of superior hemorrhoidal vein ectasia in the preoperative staging of rectal cancer
Authors: Lucarelli Nicola Maria , Mirabile Alessandra , Maggialetti Nicola , Morelli Chiara , Calbi Roberto , Bartoli Simona , Avella Pasquale , Saccente Domenico , Greco Sara , Ianora Stabile Antonio Amato
Published: August 2024

Objective

The prognosis of colorectal cancer has continuously improved in recent years thanks to continuous progress in both the therapeutic and diagnostic fields. The specific objective of this study is to contribute to the diagnostic field through the evaluation of the correlation between superior hemorrhoidal vein (SHV) ectasia detected on computed tomography (CT) and Tumor (T), Node (N), and distant metastasis (M) examination and mesorectal fascia (MRF) invasion in the preoperative staging of rectal cancer.

Methods

Between January 2018 and April 2022, 46 patients with histopathological diagnosis of rectal cancer were retrospectively enrolled, and the diameter of the SHV was evaluated by CT examination. The cutoff value for SHV diameter used is 3.7 mm. The diameter was measured at the level of S2 during portal venous phase after 4× image zoom to reduce the interobserver variability. The parameters evaluated were tumor location, detection of MRF infiltration (defined as the distance < 1 mm between the tumor margins and the fascia), SHV diameter, detection of mesorectal perilesional lymph nodes, and detection of metastasis.

Results

A total of 67.39% (31/46) of patients had SHV ectasia. All patients with MRF infiltration (4/46, 7.14%) presented SHV ectasia (average diameter of 4.4 mm), and SHV was significantly related with the development of liver metastases at the moment of primary staging and during follow-up.

Conclusion

SHV ectasia may be related to metastasis and MRF involvement; therefore, it could become a tool for preoperative staging of rectal cancer.
Open vs. closed reduction with pinning for displaced Rockwood and Wilkins' type C thumb metacarpal base fractures in children
Authors: Qiao Fei , Shang Xinpeng , Jiang Fei
Published: August 2024

Background

The treatment of severely displaced Rockwood and Wilkins' type C (RWC) thumb metacarpal basal fractures remains controversial in children. This retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacy of two treatment methods, open vs. closed reduction with pinning of such injuries.

Methods

This study included 30 patients with open physes, 14 boys and 16 girls, who all received either closed or open reduction treatment. The primary outcomes of interest included healing time, complications, and functional results, which were evaluated using the improved Mayo score standard. The minimum follow-up period was 24 months, with a mean of 30.3 months (range 24.0–45.0 months). Statistical significant was defined as P < 0.05.

Results

All fractures were healed within 7 weeks after surgery, regardless of which surgical approach was used. However, the recovery time was markedly faster in the closed group, with a mean of 4.2 weeks, than in the open group, with a mean of 4.7 weeks (P < 0.05). The operation time for closed group, taking 20 min in average, was also shorter than that for open group (P < 0.05). The total incidence of mild complications was lower for patients in the closed group than for patients in the open group (6.3% vs. 21.4%, P < 0.05). No major complications were observed in either group. In the closed group, a total of 15 patients exhibited excellent outcomes, while only one patient demonstrated good outcomes. On the other hand, in the open group, 12 patients experienced excellent outcomes, whereas two patients had good outcomes. There were no instances of osteomyelitis, refractures or nonunion, avascular necrosis (AVN), or premature physeal closure in either group.

Conclusion

The data from the open group and closed group procedures for severely shifted RWC fractures in children indicate comparable prognoses and complication rates between the two groups. Obviously closed reduction, in particular, offers several advantages over open procedure, including shorter surgical duration, fewer K-wires required, and no need for open incisions. Consequently, closed reduction is the preferred method for treating such RWC fractures.
Role and mechanisms of autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis in sepsis-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Shen Yao , He Yingying , Pan Ying , Liu Li , Liu Yulin , Jia Jing
Published: August 2024

Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is a major cause of death among patients with sepsis in intensive care units. By analyzing a model of sepsis-induced ALI using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), treatment methods and strategies to protect against ALI were discussed, which could provide an experimental basis for the clinical treatment of sepsis-induced ALI. Recent studies have found that an imbalance in autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis is a key mechanism that triggers sepsis-induced ALI, and regulating these death mechanisms can improve lung injuries caused by LPS or CLP. This article summarized and reviewed the mechanisms and regulatory networks of autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis and their important roles in the process of LPS/CLP-induced ALI in sepsis, discusses the possible targeted drugs of the above mechanisms and their effects, describes their dilemma and prospects, and provides new perspectives for the future treatment of sepsis-induced ALI.
Anti-tumor effect and hepatotoxicity mechanisms of psoralen
Authors: Meng Dandan , Dong Yanling , Shang Qingxin , Sun Ziyuan
Published: August 2024

In recent years, natural products have gradually become an important source for new drug development due to their advantages of multi-components, multi-targets, and good safety profiles. Psoralen, a furanocoumarin compound extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine psoralea corylifolia, is widely distributed among various plants. It has attracted widespread attention in the research community due to its pharmacological activities, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Studies have shown that psoralen has broad spectrum anti-tumor activities, offering resistance to malignant tumors such as breast cancer, liver cancer, glioma, and osteosarcoma, making it a natural, novel potential antitumor drug. Psoralen mainly exerts its antitumor effects by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting tumor cell migration, and reversing multidrug resistance, presenting a wide application prospect in the field of antitumor therapy. With the deepening research on psoralea corylifolia, its safety has attracted attention, and reports on the hepatotoxicity of psoralen have gradually increased. Therefore, this article reviews recent studies on the mechanism of antitumor effects of psoralen and focuses on the molecular mechanisms of its hepatotoxicity, providing insights for the clinical development of low-toxicity, high-efficiency antitumor drugs and the safety of clinical medication.
Photoperiodic dependent regulation of photosynthesis in the polar diatom Fragilariopsis cylindrus
Authors: Guérin Sébastien , Bruyant Flavienne , Gosselin Michel , Babin Marcel , Lavaud Johann
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Polar microalgae are exposed to dramatic seasonal changes in light availability, from continuous summer days to winter nights with rapid changes of the daylength in spring and fall. Under this challenging light climate, large diatoms spring blooms occur at the bottom sea-ice and underneath the icepack, accounting for a significant proportion of the annual marine primary production in the Arctic Ocean. The on-going earlier melt down of the snow and ice covers result in a stronger light penetration and consequent increase in irradiance at the bottom of the sea ice leading to earlier seasonal sea-ice diatom blooms under shorter daylengths. Therefore, elucidating the response of polar diatoms to different photoperiods will help to better understand the consequences of the changing arctic climate on their photosynthetic productivity.

Methods: In this study, we characterized the response of F. cylindrus, a model polar diatom, across five different photoperiods with similar light and temperature conditions (30 μmol photons m-2 s-1 and 0°C respectively).

Results: We report different photoacclimative strategies under shorter and longer daylengths, with the special case of prolonged darkness (mimicking winter polar night). We also observed a repeated daily regulation of the photochemistry and photoprotection parameters when cells were exposed to a light:darkness alternation, despite the constant and optimal light intensity during the light periods.

Discussion: Our results highlight the ability of F. cylindrus to grow efficiently under a wide range of daylengths, finely adjusting the balance between photochemistry and photoprotection to make the best use of the available light, supporting sustained production and growth despite low light and temperature.
Experiences of parenting for autistic children in Australia and Italy: a qualitative cross-cultural comparison
Authors: Frigerio Alessandra , Knight Tess , Rella Riccardo , Sinigaglia Elena , Camussi Elisabetta , Montali Lorenzo
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Parents vary in their gradual adaptation to the demands of caring for an autistic child. Their experiences can be positive, negative, or a combination of both, depending on the severity of the cases and various personal and social factors. Cross-cultural comparisons can aid in understanding how contextual factors, such as the availability of social and health services, and cultural factors, such as family relationships and the distribution of care burden, may influence the caregiving experience. However, there is a limited amount of cross-cultural research on this topic, which is almost exclusively quantitative.

Aims and methods

From an ecocultural perspective, our interview-based study aimed to explore the experiences of Australian (15) and Italian (11) parents of autistic children living in their respective countries.

Results

The analysis identified three main themes. Life through autism, autism through life: coexisting with an unexpected life partner, Parenting autistic children: reorganization of parents’ subjectivity and familiar dynamics, and The unseen side of disability: autism communities between inclusion and segregation.

Discussion

Our comparative approach reveals both commonalities and differences between the two groups of participants. The similarities support features previously identified in the literature: the emotional and physical burden on parents and the positive impact on parental identity. The differences relate to the diagnostic process, interactions with health professionals, the impact of autism on family dynamics and parental perspectives, and the role assigned to siblings. Despite facing similar challenges, these differences reveal how Italian and Australian parents articulate different understandings linked to social and cultural differences.
A framework for extending co-creative communication models to sustainability research
Authors: Li Guanhong , Guo Xiaoyun
Published: August 2024

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) present a challenge due to their potential for conflicting objectives, which hinders their effective implementation. In order to address the complexity of sustainability issues, a framework capable of capturing the specificity of diverse sustainability issues while offering a common methodology applicable across contexts is required. Co-creative communication can be regarded as a key source of uncertainty within functional systems, as it can be instrumental in realizing and sustaining sustainability. In this regard, the studies in Constructive approaches to Co-creative Communication (CCC), particularly those employing artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies such as computational social science and innovation studies, hold significant value for both theoretical and applied sustainability research. However, existing CCC frameworks cannot be directly applied to sustainability research. This work bridges this gap by proposing a framework that outlines a general approach to establishing formalized definitions of sustainability from the lens of communication. This approach enables the direct application of CCC models to sustainability studies. The framework is based on systems theory and the methodologies of artificial intelligence, including computational/symbolic modeling and formal methods. This framework emphasizes the social function of co-creative communication and the interaction between the innovation process and the sustainability of the system. It can be concluded that the application of our framework enables the achievements of CCC to be directly applied to sustainability research. Researchers from different disciplines are therefore able to establish their own specific definitions of sustainability, which are tailored to their particular concerns. Our framework lays the groundwork for future sustainability studies that employs CCC, facilitating the integration of CCC insights into sustainability research and application. The outcomes of computational creativity research based on AI technologies, such as distributed artificial intelligence and self-organizing networks, can deepen the understanding of sustainability mechanisms and drive their practical applications. Furthermore, the functional role of co-creative communication in societal sustainability proposed in this work offers a novel perspective for future discussions on the evolutionary adaptation of co-creative communication.
Differences in the impact of land transfer on poverty vulnerability among households with different livelihood structures
Authors: Zhao Xiaonan , Lan Feng , Guo Mengdan , Zhang Liping
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Eradicating poverty is the primary objective of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. While China has achieved great success in achieving poverty reduction targets, reducing the poverty vulnerability of rural households is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of poverty reduction gains. The purpose of land transfer is to ensure the continuous increase of farmers’ income through efficient land use; it has become an important initiative for poverty alleviation in rural areas. Existing studies have confirmed the positive effect of land transfer on poverty alleviation, but few have explored the difference in the impact of land transfer on poverty vulnerability of households with different income structures.

Methods

Using data from the China Family Panel Survey (CFPS) from 2010 to 2020, this paper empirically examines the impact of land transfer on poverty vulnerability.

Results and discussion

The results show that land transfer has a significant positive impact on poverty vulnerability alleviation among rural households. Further comparing households with different livelihood structures, we find that land transfer is more effective in reducing poverty for non-farm employment-oriented household. Therefore, we suggest that the government should improve the land transfer system, increase agricultural subsidies, and consider the occupational differentiation among farmers to improve the poverty reduction effect of land transfer. These suggestions also provide a reference for promoting sustainable agricultural development and consolidating the achievements of poverty alleviation.
Effects on the Indoor Environment in a Stable for Horses in Winter: A Case Study
Authors: Kic Pavel , Wohlmuthová Marie , Starostová Lucie
Published: August 2024

The aim of this article is to show the most significant factors influencing the indoor environment in winter considering the operating conditions of an older stable modified for housing 12 horses and an indoor riding arena for teaching and sports purposes. This research focused on assessing the influences affecting the internal environment from the point of view of the construction of the building and ventilation control in the operating conditions of working and non-working days. The analysis of the results showed that the massive masonry structure has sufficient thermal insulation and accumulation, which was manifested by good temperature stability inside the stable of 7.2 ± 1.7 °C when the outside air temperature was −4.80 ± 1.5 °C. At low outdoor air temperatures of −6.44 ± 0.4 °C, the following conditions were found: a higher relative air humidity (76.0 ± 5.3%), a high CO2 concentration 2317.1 ± 931.7 ppm, and a high airborne dust concentration PM10 = 231.94 ± 19.13 μg·m−3 and PM2.5 = 160.13 ± 6.28 μg·m−3. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the solution and function of the stable ventilation. The small size of the windows and their uneven distribution (average daylight factor ei from 0.313 ± 0.154 to 0.835 ± 0.309) caused insufficient daylight in some individual boxes.
Teaming Up with an AI: Exploring Human–AI Collaboration in a Writing Scenario with ChatGPT
Authors: Luther Teresa , Kimmerle Joachim , Cress Ulrike
Published: August 2024

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, particularly in generative pre-trained transformer large language models, have significantly enhanced the capabilities of text-generative AI tools—a development that opens new avenues for human–AI collaboration across various domains. However, the dynamics of human interaction with AI-based chatbots, such as ChatGPT, remain largely unexplored. We observed and analyzed how people interact with ChatGPT in a collaborative writing setting to address this research gap. A total of 135 participants took part in this exploratory lab study, which consisted of engaging with ChatGPT to compose a text discussing the prohibition of alcohol in public in relation to a given statement on risky alcohol consumption. During the writing task, all screen activity was logged. In addition to the writing task, further insights on user behavior and experience were gained by applying questionnaires and conducting an additional short interview with a randomly selected subset of 18 participants. Our results reveal high satisfaction with ChatGPT regarding quality aspects, mainly cognitive rather than affect-based trust in ChatGPT’s responses, and higher ratings on perceived competence than on warmth. Compared to other types of prompts, mostly content-related prompts for data, facts, and information were sent to ChatGPT. Mixed-method analysis showed that affinity for technology integration and current use of ChatGPT were positively associated with the frequency of complete text requests. Moreover, prompts for complete texts were associated with more copy–paste behavior. These first insights into co-writing with ChatGPT can inform future research on how successful human–AI collaborative writing can be designed.
Prevalence of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Alleles in a Lithuanian Cohort of Wheezing Small Children
Authors: Poluzioroviene Edita , Chorostowska-Wynimko Joanna , Petraitiene Sigita , Strumila Arunas , Rozy Adriana , Zdral Aneta , Valiulis Arunas
Published: August 2024

Severe inherited alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is an autosomal genetic condition linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The significance of heterozygous, milder deficiency variants (PiSZ, PiMZ, PiMS) is less clear. We studied AATD genotypes in 145 children (up to 72 months old) with assessed wheezing severity using the Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measure (BCCH PRAM score). A control group of 74 children without airway obstruction was included. AAT concentration and Pi phenotype were determined from dry blood spot samples using nephelometry and real-time PCR; PiS and PiZ alleles were identified by isoelectrofocusing. Among the wheezers, the Pi*S allele incidence was 2.07% (3 cases) and the Pi*Z allele was 6.9% (10 cases). The Pi*Z allele frequency was higher in wheezers compared to controls (44.8% vs. 20.27%) and the general Lithuanian population (44.8% vs. 13.6%) and was similar to adult COPD patients in Lithuania: Pi*S 10.3% vs. 15.8% and Pi*Z 44.8% vs. 46.1%. No association was found between AAT genotypes and wheezing severity. Finding that wheezer children exhibit a frequency of Z* and S* alleles like that found in adults with COPD suggests a potential genetic predisposition that links early wheezing in children to the development of COPD in adulthood. Larger cohort studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Synthesis Method Comparison of N-Doped Carbons for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Palmbahs Roberts , Lesnicenoks Peteris , Knoks Ainars , Vitola Virginija , Kleperis Janis
Published: August 2024

This study investigates nitrogen-doped carbon synthesis and electrochemical properties as electrode material for energy storage devices, an additional focus of the work is on the electrochemical exfoliation synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon using various precursors and doping methods. The physical properties of the synthesized sample are characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The electrochemical properties of the N-doped carbons are studied using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling. Finally, the work explores the potential application of the N-doped carbons as electrode material for energy storage devices, such as supercapacitors. The results show that N-doped carbons exhibit electrochemical performance superior to that of graphene oxide, with higher electrical capacitance. The results demonstrate the potential of N-doped carbons as high-performance electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage applications. This paper aims to explain the advantages of N-doping in carbon materials more precisely in graphene and the use of these materials in creating electrodes for application in supercapacitors and batteries.
A Synthetic Framework to Match Concepts and Approaches When Managing Anthropogenic Threats
Authors: Battisti Corrado , Testi Anna , Fanelli Giuliano , Rastrelli Milvia , Giovacchini Pietro , Marsili Letizia
Published: August 2024

Anthropogenic threats impacting ecological targets should be mitigated and solved using fast and schematic tools useful in conservation strategies. Herein, we suggest a mixed and quick approach implementing coarse-grained (and expert-based) threat analysis with the fine-grained (and analytical) DPSIR (driving forces, pressure, status, impact, and response) framework of indicators, all included in a single causal chain. Both approaches are largely used in conservation but never combined. A simulated example of the application of the set of indicators (status, pressure, impact, and response) on dune ecosystems (and nested targets represented by halo-psammophilous plants) has been included. Due to its schematic format, values as targets, pressures as threats, and responses as conservation strategies have been unified in a single conceptual framework. This synthetic framework can also be used to communicate to academic students the complexities of socio-ecological systems on the conservation front lines using a simplified cause–effect chain.
A Systematic Literature Review on AC Microgrids
Authors: Gomez-Redondo Marcos , Rivera Marco , Muñoz Javier , Wheeler Patrick
Published: August 2024

The objective of this work is to analyze and compare AC microgrid (ACMG) solutions to introduce the topic to new researchers. The methodology used to achieve this goal is a systematic literature review using five questions: (1) How have ACMGs evolved in five years? (2) What are the standards for ACMGs? (3) What are the different schemes for connecting MGs to the utility grid? (4) What are the different control schemes in ACMGs? (5) What is an appropriate way to compare results when working with ACMGs? The articles were published in Q1/Q2 journals as based on either the Scimago Journal Rank (SJR) and/or the Journal Citation Report (JCR) between 2018 and 2022 and were from three databases: (1) Web of Science (WoS), (2) Scopus, and (3) IEEE Xplore. Publications not describing pure ACMGs, review papers, publications not related to the questions, and papers describing work that did not meet a quality assessment were excluded, resulting in 34 articles being included in this review. Results show: (1) the energy sources and AC bus nature of microgrids over five years, (2) the identification and quantification of cited standards for microgrids, (3) the pros and cons of different schemes for connecting an AC microgrid to the main grid, (4) the control schemes, classified in a hierarchical control structure, and (5) the simulation tools and experimental benches used in microgrids. Most studies considered a generic energy source and a low-voltage three-phase AC bus, 16 standards were found, and the most cited standard was IEEE Standard 1547. The most common connection scheme to the utility grid was a direct connection, most of the works proposed a modification to a hierarchical control system scheme, and the most common simulation tool was MATLAB. The preferred experimental setup consisted of parallel inverters for testing a control scheme, a prototype when proposing a power electronic system, and a laboratory microgrid for testing fault detection methods.
Uncertain Scheduling of the Power System Based on Wasserstein Distributionally Robust Optimization and Improved Differential Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Hao Jie , Guo Xiuting , Li Yan , Wu Tao
Published: August 2024

The rapid development of renewable energy presents challenges to the security and stability of power systems. Aiming at addressing the power system scheduling problem with load demand and wind power uncertainty, this paper proposes the establishment of different error fuzzy sets based on the Wasserstein probability distance to describe the uncertainties of load and wind power separately. Based on these Wasserstein fuzzy sets, a distributed robust chance-constrained scheduling model was established. In addition, the scheduling model was transformed into a linear programming problem through affine transformation and CVaR approximation. The simplex method and an improved differential evolution algorithm were used to solve the model. Finally, the model and algorithm proposed in this paper were applied to model and solve the economic scheduling problem for the IEEE 6-node system with a wind farm. The results show that the proposed method has better optimization performance than the traditional method.
A Dual-Function Design of an Oscillating Water Column Integrated with a Slotted Breakwater: A Wave Flume Study
Authors: Reyes Clint C. M. , Walker Mayah , Huang Zhenhua , Cross Patrick
Published: August 2024

Wave energy conversion holds promise for renewable energy, but challenges like high initial costs hinder commercialization. Integrating wave-energy converters (WECs) into shore-protection structures creates dual-function structures for both electricity generation and coastal protection. Oscillating water columns (OWCs) have been well studied in the past with their simple generation mechanism and their out-of-water power take-off (PTO) system, which can minimize bio-fouling effects and maintenance costs compared to other submerged WECs. In addition, a slotted barrier allows for better circulation behind the breakwater while dissipating incoming wave energy through viscous damping. This study examines the performance of a new design which combines an OWC with a slotted breakwater. Small-scale (1:49) laboratory tests were performed with a piston-type wave generator. The performance is evaluated in terms of wave transmission, wave energy extraction, and wave loading under various wave conditions while focusing on the effects of the porosity of the slotted barrier and tide level changes. Results show that under larger waves, a decreasing wave transmission, increasing power extraction from the OWC, and energy dissipation from the slotted barrier are observed. On the other hand, under increasing wavelengths, wave transmission is observed to be constant; this is important for harbor design, which means that the breakwater is effective under a wider range of wavelengths. Porosity allows for more transmission while inducing less horizontal force on the structure.
Droop Frequency Limit Control and Its Parameter Optimization in VSC-HVDC Interconnected Power Grids
Authors: Jiang Han , Zhou Yichen , Gao Yi , Gao Shilin
Published: August 2024

With the gradual emergence of trends such as the asynchronous interconnection of power grids and the increasing penetration of renewable energy, the issues of ultra-low-frequency oscillations and low-frequency stability in power grids have become more prominent, posing serious challenges to the safety and stability of systems. The voltage-source converter-based HVDC (VSC-HVDC) interconnection is an effective solution to the frequency stability problems faced by regional power grids. VSC-HVDC can participate in system frequency stability control through a frequency limit controller (FLC). This paper first analyses the basic principles of how VSC-HVDC participates in system frequency stability control. Then, in response to the frequency stability control requirements of the sending and receiving power systems, a droop FLC strategy is designed. Furthermore, a multi-objective optimization method for the parameters of the droop FLC is proposed. Finally, a large-scale electromagnetic transient simulation model of the VSC-HVDC interconnected power system is constructed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed droop FLC method.
Hydroprocessing Microbial Oils for Advanced Road Transportation, Aviation, and Maritime Drop-In Fuels: Industrially Relevant Scale Validation
Authors: Dimitriadis Athanasios , Chrysikou Loukia P. , Kosma Ioanna , Tourlakidis Nikos , Bezergianni Stella
Published: August 2024

Triacylglycerides (TAGs) produced via the syngas fermentation of biogenic residues and wastes were evaluated as a potential feedstock for advanced road transportation, aviation, and maritime drop-in fuels via hydroprocessing technology. Due to the limited availability of TAGs, a simulated feedstock (SM TAGs) was utilized by blending various commercial oils, simulating the fatty acid composition of TAGs. At first, the simulated feedstock and the real TAGs were hydrotreated on a TRL 4 (technology readiness level) pilot plant to evaluate the potential of the SM feedstock to simulate the TAGs based on product quality. The hydrotreatment technology was evaluated and optimized on a TRL 4 plant. The research was further extended to a TRL 5 hydrotreatment plant with the optimum operating window for scaling up the technology. The resulting product was fractionated on a batch fractionation unit under vacuum to separate the jet and diesel fractions. The produced fuels were analyzed and evaluated based on the aviation Jet A1, EN590, EN15940, and marine diesel DMA specifications. The results show that the TAG composition was successfully simulated via a blend of vegetable oils. In addition, the hydrotreatment of the real TAGs and simulated feedstock resulted in similar-quality liquid products. The technology was successfully scaled up on a TRL 5 unit, leading to advanced, high-quality aviation and diesel drop-in fuels from TAGs, while the reaction pathways of hydrotreating can be controlled via the operating parameters of pressure, temperature, and H2/oil ratio. The hydrotreatment process’s optimum conditions were 13.8 MPa pressure, 643 K temperature, 1 h−1 liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV), and 5000 scfb hydrogen-to-oil ratio. Finally, a storage stability study of the hydrotreated liquid product showed that it can be stored for more than 6 months at ambient conditions without any noticeable changes to its properties.
Can Energy-Consuming Rights Trading Policies Help to Curb Air Pollution? Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Mingguang , Zhang Jue , Li Gaoyang
Published: August 2024

Energy-consuming rights trading policies (ECRTPs) represent a significant institutional innovation for China aimed at achieving the dual control targets of total energy consumption and energy consumption intensity. However, the effectiveness of these policies in curbing air pollution remains uncertain. This study treats ECRTPs as a quasi-natural experiment to empirically analyze their impact on air pollution, utilizing panel data encompassing 277 prefecture-level cities in China covering the period from 2011 to 2021. Analytical methods applied include a Difference-in-Differences model, a mediation effects model, and a triple differences model to explore the effects of ECRTPs on air pollution. The findings reveal that ECRTP can significantly suppress air pollution, and this conclusion remains valid even after conducting robustness tests. Mechanism analysis indicates that ECRTPs suppress air pollution by boosting energy efficiency, advancing industrial structure upgrading, and facilitating technological innovation. Further heterogeneous studies show that ECRTPs have a more pronounced inhibitory effect on air pollution in cities that are economically and socially developed, exhibit greater energy-saving potential, are characterized as resource-based cities, and serve as key regions for the prevention and control of air pollution. The research conclusion provides empirical evidence and policy implications for evaluating the environmental effects of ECRTPs and further improving China’s energy-consuming rights trading system, as well as offering references and guidance for other developing countries to put forward ECRTPs.
Upper and Lower Bounds to Pull-Out Loading of Inclined Hooked End Steel Fibres Embedded in Concrete
Authors: Rees David W. A. , Abdallah Sadoon
Published: August 2024

Steel fibre-reinforced concrete (SFRC) consists of short, hooked steel fibres that are randomly distributed and oriented within the cementitious matrix. This paper presents a new analytical load-bounding approach that captures the tensile response of misaligned fibres embedded in the matrix. The contribution of fibres in bridging cracks to provide the required stress transfer relies on the orientation of the fibres in the concrete. Bridging fibres aligned with a crack are less effective than those inclined to it. Therefore, understanding the pull-out behaviour of misaligned fibres is a key factor in quantifying and optimising the design of SFRC in structural applications. In the laboratory, a single-oriented fibre embedded in a solid cylinder of concrete was subjected to a pull-out test, where the axis of the tensile force is aligned with the axis of the cylinder. Based on the observed behaviour, this paper presents a new analytical bounding approach to capture the pull-out response of misaligned hooked-end steel fibres embedded in a concrete matrix. The analysis was based on a transversely isotropic failure criterion assumed for the plasticity that occurs in the cold-drawn fibre. Lower and upper bounds to the loading failure were derived from fibre pull-out and fibre fracture, respectively. The division between bounds depended upon the fibre orientation, fibre diameter and the combined strengths of the steel and concrete. Bounding predictions were drawn from ratios between a fibre’s shear strength and its transverse and axial uniaxial strengths, as found from a novel testing proposal. The two bounds were compared with new data and other experimental results published in the literature. The results showed that the region between the bounds captured the failure loads of embedded fibres with effective load-bearing orientations. A critical orientation was observed at maximum strength. The present interpretation of the plasticity occurring within off-axis, hooked-end steel fibres suggests that it is possible to optimise the strength of concrete using this method of reinforcement.
Thermal Characteristics of Multiple Blockages with Various Sizes in Longitudinal Ventilated Tunnel Fire
Authors: Zhang Herui , Dai Fengqiang , Miao Bin , Wu Zhengfei , Ou Jianchun
Published: August 2024

In longitudinal ventilation tunnel fires, the thermal characteristics become more intricate due to the presence of blockages. This phenomenon becomes more complex when multiple blockages occur, which results in a unique interaction between the fire and longitudinal ventilation through gaps between the blockages. Most of the previous studies have only considered single obstacles or have only performed qualitative analyses and have not obtained predictive models. To fill this research gap, we conducted numerical simulations using the Fire Dynamic Simulator (FDS) to study the effects of vehicular blockages in three lanes and two fire locations. Our study highlights the differences in the flame behavior, maximum temperature rise, and smoke back-layering length in the presence of multiple blockages and reveals that as the ventilation velocity increases, the flame bifurcation angle increases and the smoke back-layering length decreases. Additionally, when the fire is in the side lane, the flame tilts towards the sidewall, leading to higher maximum temperatures compared to those in the middle lane. Based on these findings, we have developed modified formulas that predict the maximum temperature rise, smoke back-layering length, and maximum temperature ratio at different fire locations and blockage rates, which are linearly related.
The Influence of the Fire Point on the Thermal Dynamic Disaster in the Goaf
Authors: Chen Xiaokun , Song Chao , Zhang Zhipeng
Published: August 2024

A thermal dynamic disaster in the goaf is one of the most serious coal mine disasters formed by coal spontaneous combustion and gas interweaving. However, the influence of the high-temperature hidden fire source formed in the goaf on the evolution law of thermal dynamic disasters is not clear, and effective prevention and control measures cannot be taken. Therefore, this paper uses the experimental platform of thermal dynamic disaster in the goaf to study the influence of different fire point positions on the development of thermal dynamic disaster in the goaf through a similar simulation experiment of thermal dynamic disaster evolution in the goaf and analyzes the corresponding relationship between temperature and CO concentration in the upper corner. The results show that under different locations of heat source, the high-temperature heat source of coal spontaneous combustion migrates to the air leakage side with sufficient oxygen supply, and an oxygen-poor circle is formed near the ignition point. Under the action of air leakage flow, CH4 accumulates in the deep part of the goaf on the return air side. Due to the increase in coal, part of CH4 is produced, which leads to the increase in concentration of CH4 at the ignition point. Under the action of different heat sources, the changing trend of concentration of CO and temperature in the return air corner is the same, but the temperature change in the return air corner shows a lag compared with the change in the concentration of CO, so concentration monitoring of CO can reflect the evolution process of the fire field in the goaf more quickly than temperature monitoring.