bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring System Enhancing the Potential of Urban Beekeeping
Authors: Szczurek Andrzej , Maciejewska Monika , Batog Piotr
Published: January 2023

Urban beekeeping has become increasingly popular, despite having different objectives than the large-scale professional/commercial one. Not so much focused on financial profit, urban apiculture provides valuable educational opportunities, promotes the greening of cities, and creates environmental awareness. Many companies and institutions make it a valuable component of their public relations strategy. Urban beekeeping benefits may be enhanced by applying specialized technical infrastructure. In particular, the use of modern technologies attracts the younger generation to be involved in beekeeping. This paper aims to present the abilities of the automatic monitoring system, which meets the goals of urban beekeeping. The set of equipment consists of a sensor module, video cameras, a unit for data acquisition, and a system for data transmission, presentation, and visualization. The monitoring system allows for real-time observation of the beehive interior and entrance. It continuously measures selected physical and chemical parameters of the beehive atmosphere and provides a record of the beehive’s weight. Additionally, ambient air is monitored for reference. The video streaming and measurement results are available to the public online through the dedicated webpage. System performance was evaluated regarding the interactions with honey bees, sensor measurement characteristics, and data collection efficiency. Three months of operation in the urban apiary confirmed that the system is fully functional and fulfills its objectives. System development continues.
Probabilistic Seismic Safety Assessment of Railway Embankments
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammadreza , Mosleh Araliya , Razzaghi Mehran S. , Alves Costa Pedro , Calçada Rui
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this research is to study the seismic performance of railway embankments through a probabilistic approach. Nonlinear response history analyses were conducted utilizing PLAXIS software. Three categories of railway embankments were selected and more than 2400 embankment-earthquake case studies were performed. Sensitivity analyses were implemented to obtain the most important variables in the seismic performance of railway embankments. Finally, analytical fragility curves were generated in terms of the mechanical properties of railway embankments (e.g., soil cohesion and friction angle). Fragility functions were developed, employing an incremental dynamic analysis approach using a set of ground motions, including near- and far-field earthquakes. The maximum vertical displacement of the embankment was chosen as a damage index parameter. Fragility curves were derived for three damage states, including slight, moderate and extensive damage, with respect to threshold values proposed in the literature. The results of this study revealed that the mechanical properties of embankments could be considered one of the crucial uncertainty factors in seismic fragility analysis of railway embankments.
A Knowledge Sharing and Individually Guided Evolutionary Algorithm for Multi-Task Optimization Problems
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Kang Qi , Zhou Mengchu , Fan Zheng , Albeshri Aiiad
Published: January 2023

Multi-task optimization (MTO) is a novel emerging evolutionary computation paradigm. It focuses on solving multiple optimization tasks concurrently while improving optimization performance by utilizing similarities among tasks and historical optimization knowledge. To ensure its high performance, it is important to choose proper individuals for each task. Most MTO algorithms limit each individual to one task, which weakens the effects of information exchange. To improve the efficiency of knowledge transfer and choose more suitable individuals to learn from other tasks, this work proposes a general MTO framework named individually guided multi-task optimization (IMTO). It divides evolutions into vertical and horizontal ones, and each individual is fully explored to learn experience from the execution of other tasks. By using the concept of skill membership, individuals with higher solving ability are selected. Besides, to further improve the effect of knowledge transfer, only inferior individuals are selected to learn from other tasks at each generation. The significant advantage of IMTO over the multifactorial evolutionary framework and baseline solvers is verified via a series of benchmark studies.
Potential Benefits of Remote Working on Urban Mobility and Related Environmental Impacts: Results from a Case Study in Italy
Authors: Roberto Roberta , Zini Alessandro , Felici Bruna , Rao Marco , Noussan Michel
Published: January 2023

Remote working is increasingly seen as an effective model in several countries in the last decade, mainly thanks to the development of information and communication technologies in support of common daily working tasks. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has represented a pivotal moment for the adoption of remote working in multiple sectors, with positive effects on the environmental impacts caused by the daily commuting of workers. However, due to the fact that pandemic-induced remote working has represented a major forced experiment on a global scale, and that it has often been imposed rather than chosen by employees, workers’ well-being has not always been ensured. This research work presents an analysis of a wide survey of remote workers in public administrations in four different provinces in Italy, with the aim of assessing the main characteristics of the users and the related environmental benefits. Survey data refer to remote workers before COVID-19, thus representing workers who have freely chosen to work from home for different reasons. The results of this work represent a useful tool with which to support the definition of new remote work strategies that could help policy makers reduce a part of the systematic mobility demand. We have also calculated average energy and emission savings to provide useful indicators for a preliminary estimation of the potential environmental benefits of remote working. Considering the entire sample of respondents, workers who would have commuted at least partially by car have saved on average 6 kg of CO2 per day thanks to remote working (with an average round-trip commuting distance of approximately 35 km). The current results will be supplemented by the results of a new survey underway, aimed at evaluating the differences of remote working experiences during the emergency response to COVID-19.
Portable Prototype of Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Educational Training
Authors: Alzahrani Ahmad
Published: January 2023

This paper presents an experimental prototype of hydrogen fuel cells suitable for training engineering students. The presented system is designed to teach students the V-I characteristics of the fuel cells and how to record the V-I characteristics curve in the case of a single or multiple fuel cells. The prototype contains a compact electrolyzer to produce hydrogen and oxygen to the fuel cell. The fuel cell generates electricity to supply power to various types of loads. The paper also illustrates how to calculate the efficiency of fuel cells in series and parallel modes of operation. In the series mode of operation, it is mathematically proven that the efficiency is higher at lower currents. Still, the fuel cell operating area is required where the power is the highest. According to experimental results, the efficiency in the case of series connection is approximately 25%, while in parallel operation mode, the efficiency is about 50%. Thus, a parallel connection is recommended in the high current applications because the efficiency is higher than the one resulted from series connection. As explained later in the study plan, several other experiments can be performed using this educational kit.
Reliability Estimation for the Joint Waterproof Facilities of Utility Tunnels Based on an Improved Bayesian Weibull Model
Authors: Peng Fang-Le , Qiao Yong-Kang , Yang Chao
Published: January 2023

Safety issues are a major concern for the long-term maintenance and operation of utility tunnels, of which the focal point lies in the reliability of critical facilities. Conventional evaluation methods have failed to reflect the time-dependency and objectivity of the reliability of critical facilities, hence reducing the credibility of the analysis results and posing serious risks to the safety of utility tunnels. Taking joint waterproof facilities as an example, this paper focuses on the scientific problem of how to achieve a dynamic estimation of the reliability of critical facilities throughout the project life cycle of utility tunnels. To this end, an improved Weibull distribution model is proposed to incorporate the actual field conditions that affect the reliability of joint waterproof facilities of utility tunnels. Bayesian methods and Hamiltonian Monte Carlo methods are used to realize the posterior estimation of the model parameters via the observed failure data. The case study shows that the posterior prediction results fit well with the actual observation data. The proposed model can be used to estimate in real time such key reliability indicators as failure rate, failure warning time and expected failure time, which facilitate the safe operation and targeted maintenance of utility tunnels.
Numerical Simulation of Flow Field of Submerged Angular Cavitation Nozzle
Authors: Dong Wenqiang , Yao Ligang , Luo Weilin
Published: January 2023

A model of a submerged angular cavitation nozzle is established, which consists of a contraction part, parallel middle part, and expansion part. Based on the CFD technique, a numerical simulation of the flow field of the submerged cavitation nozzle is carried out, in which a multiphase mixture model, cavitation model, and renormalization group (RNG) k-ε turbulence model are applied. Considering the influence of mixture density on cavitation, the effects of the inlet contraction part, parallel middle part, and outlet expansion part on the velocity and vapor volume fraction are studied. The numerical simulation results show that the mixture density is essential in the cavitation jet. When the nozzle diameter d is fixed, the designed angular cavitation nozzle with contraction angle α = 13.5°, parallel middle part length Ld = 3d, expansion part length Le = 4d, and expansion angle β = 60° can effectively bring out cavitation. A cavitation cloud is produced near the rigid wall of the outlet expansion section and diffuses in a vortex ring shape. Optimizing the nozzle structure can improve the cavitation effect of the nozzle. The feasibility of this model is verified by relevant experimental data.
Numerical Study of a Miniaturized, 1–3 Piezoelectric Composite Focused Ultrasound Transducer
Authors: Kim Howuk , Jiang Xiaoning
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to develop an optimal methodology for the design of a miniaturized, 1–3 piezoelectric composite focused ultrasound transducer. Miniaturized focused ultrasound (FUS) devices, generally guided through catheters, have received considerable attention in the biomedical and ultrasound fields as they can overcome the technical restrictions of typical FUS transducers. However, miniaturized transducers cannot readily generate a high acoustic intensity because of their small aperture sizes and the vibration mode coupling. As such, 1–3 composite transducers, having a high electromechanical coupling and efficient vibration directivity, break through the current technical restrictions. However, the systematic methodology for designing miniaturized FUS transducers has not been thoroughly discussed so far. Therefore, in this study, we designed 1–3 piezoelectric composite transducers using analytical and numerical methods. Specifically, extensive parametric studies were performed through finite element analysis under the coupled field with piezoelectricity, structural vibration, and acoustic pressure. The simulation results confirmed that the optimal design of the 1–3 composite type transducer produces much higher (>160%) acoustic pressure output at the focal point than the single-phase device. Furthermore, the array type of the interstitial transducer was predicted to produce an unprecedented acoustic intensity of approximately 188 W/cm2 under a short duty cycle (1%). This study will provide valuable technical methodology for the development of interstitial, 1–3 composite FUS transducers and the selection of optimal design parameters.
Modelling Driver’s Behaviour While Avoiding Obstacles
Authors: Jurecki Rafał S. , Stańczyk Tomasz L.
Published: January 2023

This article presents a short description of mathematical driver models. In the literature, there are no models that are generally considered fully satisfactory for use in analysing drivers’ behaviour in emergencies. This paper presents a concept of model, which includes two sub-models related to the driver’s defensive manoeuvres—avoiding the obstacle and braking. This article describes a model used for a simple road situation—a single obstacle (pedestrian) appearing on the road in front of the vehicle. In the model, the method of artificial potential fields was used, but it was enriched with the concept of safety zones around the vehicle and obstacles for three variants of the proposed shape, namely a rectangle, a circle, and an ellipse. In the simulations, parameters important for the model’s operation were used. The proposed model can be used for the simulation of human behaviour in specialised programs for accident reconstruction and in the future in assistant systems.
Wall Shear Stress Measurement in Carotid Artery Phantoms with Variation in Degree of Stenosis Using Plane Wave Vector Doppler
Authors: Yang Ke , Hoskins Peter R. , Corner George A. , Xia Chunming , Huang Zhihong
Published: January 2023

Wall shear stress (WSS) plays an important role in the formation, growth, and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques in arteries. This study measured WSS in diseased carotid artery phantoms with degrees of stenosis varying from 0 to 60% with both steady and pulsatile flow. Experiments were performed using in silico and real flow phantoms. Blood velocities were estimated using plane wave (PW) vector Doppler. Wall shear stress was then estimated from the velocity gradient near the wall multiplied by the viscosity of a blood-mimicking fluid. The estimated WSS using the in silico phantom agreed within 10% of the ground-truth values (root-mean-square error). The phantom experiment showed that the mean WSS and maximum WSS increased with the increasing degree of stenosis. The simulation and experiment results provide the necessary validation data to give confidence in WSS measurements in patients using the PW vector Doppler technique.
Local Government Investments and the Safety of an Ecosystem: Mathematical Evidence from a Developing Nation
Authors: Omodero Cordelia Onyinyechi , Alege Philip Olasupo
Published: January 2023

Local governments are the motors that drive the lives of their citizens. There is no human individual who does not live under a local government, regardless of where they are situated. This is why every local authority’s environment requires a wide range of investments to make it safe and clean. In this research, we assess the expenditure arrangements of Nigerian local governments to guarantee environmental safety. A green and healthy environment is the ultimate goal of all nations throughout the world; thus, local governments are also working to reduce CO2 pollution in their communities. Nigeria has 774 local governments, and the bulk of these areas have significant pollution densities, owing to CO2 emissions from crude oil refining for both commercial and domestic use. The Niger Delta regions, where commercial quantities of crude are tapped, are the most affected by this predicament. The two techniques of spending (recurrent and capital) in local government are examined in this paper for the period from 1993 to 2020 using a multiple regression method to determine their influence on CO2 emissions reduction. The results reveal that the combination of the two methods reduce the effect of CO2 emissions, but capital spending has a greater positive benefit than recurrent spending. Examination of this link reveals that there is a very weak association between CO2 emissions and the two types of local government expenditure. The obtained results suggest that local administrations should deploy necessary environmental statutes, fines, and penalties using security officers for enforcement in order to put a halt to illegal crude oil refining and pollution.
Parameter Optimisation-Based Hybrid Reference Evapotranspiration Prediction Models: A Systematic Review of Current Implementations and Future Research Directions
Authors: Khairan Hadeel E. , Zubaidi Salah L. , Muhsen Yousif Raad , Al-Ansari Nadhir
Published: January 2023

A hybrid machine learning (ML) model is becoming a common trend in predicting reference evapotranspiration (ETo) research. This study aims to systematically review ML models that are integrated with meta-heuristic algorithms (i.e., parameter optimisation-based hybrid models, OBH) for predicting ETo data. Over five years, from 2018–2022, the articles published in three reliable databases, including Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and IEEE Xplore, were considered. According to the protocol search, 1485 papers were selected. After three filters were applied, the final set contained 33 papers related to the nominated topic. The final set of papers was categorised into five groups. The first group, swarm intelligence-based algorithms, had the highest proportion of papers, (23/33) and was superior to all other algorithms. The second group (evolution computation-based algorithms), third group (physics-based algorithms), fourth group (hybrid-based algorithms), and fifth group (reviews and surveys) had (4/33), (1/33), (2/33), and (3/33), respectively. However, researchers have not treated OBH models in much detail, and there is still room for improvement by investigating both newly single and hybrid meta-heuristic algorithms. Finally, this study hopes to assist researchers in understanding the options and gaps in this line of research.
Special Issue “Particulate Matter Content and Health Risk Assessment”
Authors: Colbeck Ian
Published: January 2023

The Lancet Commission on pollution and health found particulate matter to be responsible for 4 [...]
Improvement and Comparison of Multi-Reference Station Regional Tropospheric Delay Modeling Method Considering the Effect of Height Difference
Authors: Wang Yifan , Pu Yakun , Yuan Yunbin , Zhang Hongxing , Song Min
Published: January 2023

Tropospheric delay information is particularly important for network RTK (Network Real-time Kinematic) positioning. Conventionally, tropospheric delay information at a virtual reference station (VRS) is obtained using the linear interpolation method (LIM). However, the conventional LIM cannot work well when there is a substantial height difference between the rover station and the reference station. Consequently, we propose a modified linear interpolation method (MLIM) by carefully handling the height difference between the rover station and the reference station. The new MLIM method first corrects the systematic error of the double-difference (DD) tropospheric delay in the elevation direction caused by the height difference, and then utilizes the linear interpolation algorithm to obtain the tropospheric delay of the VRS station. To determine the parameters of the low-order surface model (LSM), we also propose a modified LSM (MLSM) interpolation method in the triangular network and evaluate it in the positioning domains. The two new interpolation methods are evaluated using two regional GNSS networks with obvious height disparities. Results show that the DD tropospheric delay interpolation accuracy obtained by the new MLIM and MLSM is improved by 56.5% and 78.7% on average in the two experiments compared to the conventional method. The new MLIM and MLSM are more accurate than the traditional LIM (TLIM) in cases with low elevation satellites. Additionally, the positioning accuracies are improved by using the MLIM and MLSM methods. The MLIM and MLSM outperform TLIM in the up-component by an average of 72.8% and 80.7%, respectively.
Roles of the Topographically-Affected Boundary Layer Low-Level Jet in the Moisture Transport Process of Nocturnal Rainstorms in Mountainous Areas around the Western Sichuan Basin
Authors: Wu Annan , Li Guoping
Published: January 2023

Fifteen cases were selected from May to September 2010 to 2021 to study the moisture transport of nocturnal rainstorms in mountainous areas around the western Sichuan Basin (western SCB). Nocturnal rainstorms mainly occur along mountains in southwestern SCB, from 22 to 04 LST, peaking at 00 LST. The four following moisture transport paths (proportions) were obtained using the Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model (HYSPLIT): the local path from southeastern SCB (51.9%), the southerly path from the South China Sea (35.1%), the northwestern path from western Tibetan Plateau (TP) (6.6%), and the easterly path from the East China Sea (6.4%). The persistent southwest monsoon is the large-scale circulation for nocturnal rainstorms in western SCB while the boundary layer low-level jet (BLJ) over southeastern SCB plays a key role in diurnal variations of moisture transport in western SCB. To discuss the roles of the topographically-affected BLJ in moisture transport, the wind field is decomposed into creeping flows (flows over mountains) and circumfluence flows (flows around mountains). At 22 LST, ageostrophic creeping flows turn southeast due to the clockwise rotation caused by inertial oscillations of the BLJ, transporting moisture directly into western SCB and converging because of the blocking effect of TP. Meanwhile, the opposite geostrophic circumfluence flows and ageostrophic circumfluence flows meet and accumulate at the “trumpet” topography in western SCB, leading to moisture convergence, and the moisture budget peaks at 22 LST, 2 h earlier than the rainstorm peak. The creeping flows force upward motions over western SCB, and the conflict between upward warm–moist flows and cold–dry downslope flows from TP triggers convection, which significantly strengthens the vertical velocity. The results confirm the existence of the BLJ over southeastern SCB both in the Eulerian and Lagrangian viewpoints and reveal the roles of the topographically-affected BLJ in the moisture transport process of nocturnal rainstorms in western SCB.
Evaluation of Dynamical Seasonal Prediction Skills for Tropical Cyclone Activity over the South China Sea in FGOALS-f2
Authors: Li Jinxiao , Tian Qun , Shen Zili , Yan Zixiang , Li Majun , Xue Jiaqing , Yang Yaoxian , Zeng Lingjun , Zang Yuxin , Li Siyuan
Published: January 2023

Based on 35-year (1981–2015) ensemble (24 members) hindcasts of the IAP/LASG global seasonal prediction system named FGOALS-f2 V1.0 (FGOALS-f2), the tropical cyclone (TC) seasonal prediction skills over the South China Sea (SCS) during the TC peak season (July–November) are evaluated. Starting the prediction from June 20th, FGOALS-f2 can well capture the seasonal mean characteristics for both the genesis location and track of TCs over the SCS. For seasonal anomalous TC numbers, FGOALS-f2 underestimates the maximum and minimum of the TC number compared to the observation. The temporal correlation coefficients (TCCs) between FGOALS-f2 and the observation are 0.39 for the TC number and 0.51 for accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) over the SCS, respectively, which are both above the 95% significant level. Additionally, FGOALS-f2 has acceptable prediction skill for the seasonal mean number of TCs landing on three areas (coastal southeastern China, Indochina Peninsula, and Philippines) surrounding the SCS. The skillful prediction of SCS TCs could be ascribed to the well-predicted tropical anomaly of sea surface temperature (SSTA), TC and El Niño-Southern Oscillation (TC-ENSO) relations, and Genesis potential index (GPI).
Ionospheric Variability over the Brazilian Equatorial Region during the Minima Solar Cycles 1996 and 2009: Comparison between Observational Data and the IRI Model
Authors: Santos Ângela M. , Brum Christiano G. M. , Batista Inez S. , Sobral José H. A. , Abdu Mangalathayil A. , Souza Jonas R. , de Jesus Rodolfo , Manoharan Periasamy K. , Terra Pedrina
Published: January 2023

The behavior of the Brazilian equatorial ionosphere during the solar minimum periods, 1996 and 2009, which cover the solar cycles 22/23 and 23/24, respectively, is investigated. For this, the F2 layer critical frequency (foF2) and peak height (hmF2) registered by a Digisonde operated at São Luis (2.33° S; 44° W) are carefully analyzed. The results show that the seasonal mean values of the foF2 and the hmF2 in the equinoxes and winter during 2009 were lower than in 1996. In the summer, an anomalous response to solar variability was observed. In this case, the hmF2 in 2009 is higher than in 1996 during a specific daytime interval. Besides that, it was verified that the prereversal enhancement of the zonal electric field (PRE) during the equinoxes in 2009 occurred a few minutes earlier than in 1996. Additionally, a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis was used to investigate the impacts of solar atmospheric tides (amplitude, diurnal, semidiurnal, and terdiurnal modes) on foF2 and hmF2 parameters with respect to its seasonality. Significant differences were observed between their values during the two minima, mainly in the amplitude of hmF2, which was higher in 1996 than in 2009 for all days analyzed. Moreover, the seasonality in the diurnal and semidiurnal modes for both periods presented an annual variability, while the terdiurnal mode exhibited annual and semiannual components. The results are compared with the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model, and the main differences between the observation and the model results are discussed in this work.
Analysis of Temperature Variability, Trends and Prediction in the Karachi Region of Pakistan Using ARIMA Models
Authors: Amjad Muhammad , Khan Ali , Fatima Kaniz , Ajaz Osama , Ali Sajjad , Main Khusro
Published: January 2023

In this paper, the average monthly temperature of the Karachi region, Pakistan, has been modelled. The time period of the procured dataset is from January 1989 to December 2018. The Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) modelling technique in conjunction with the Box–Jenkins approach has been applied to forecast the average monthly temperature of the study area. A total of 83.33% of the trained dataset is used for construction of the model, and the remaining 16.67% of the dataset is used for the validation of the model. The best-fitted model is identified as ARIMA (2, 1, 4), generated on the basis of minimum values of the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) procedures. The accuracy parameters considered are Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). Both parameters show that the model is 98.152% and 98.413% accurate, respectively. In addition, the Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity-Lagrange Multiplier (ARCH-LM) test has been conducted to check the presence of heteroscedasticity in the residuals of the identified model. This test shows no heteroscedasticity present in the residual series. By means of Autocorrelation Function (ACF) and Partial Autocorrelation Function (PACF) plots, the most appropriate orders of the ARIMA model are determined and evaluated. The model has been employed to investigate the time series variables’ precise impact on the scale of the regional warming scenario. Accordingly, the created model can help in determining future strategies related to weather conditions in the Karachi region. From the forecast result, it is found that the average temperature seems to show an increasing trend. Such an increasing trend can potentially upset the weather conditions and economic activities of the coastal area of Pakistan.
Association between Air Pollution Exposure and Daily Outpatient Visits for Dry Eye Disease: A Time-Series Study in Urumqi, China
Authors: Liang Kun , Gui Si-Yu , Qiao Jian-Chao , Wang Xin-Chen , Yang Fan , Tao Fang-Biao , Yi Xiang-Long , Jiang Zheng-Xuan
Published: January 2023

The potential effects of air pollution on the ocular surface environment have not been fully evaluated, and even fewer studies have been conducted on the lagged effects of air pollution on dry eye disease (DED). The data of 9970 DED outpatients between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2020, and data for six air pollutants, including PM10, PM2.5, carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3), were obtained from 11 standard urban background stationary air quality monitors in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China. Time series analysis design and quasi-Poisson generalized linear regression models combined with distributed lagged nonlinear models (DLNM) were used. Single- and multi-pollutant model results suggest that each additional per 10 μg/m3 of PM10, NO2, and SO2 is associated with an increased risk of outpatient DED on lag day 0 and PM2.5, NO2, and SO2 with other cumulative lag days; R software version 4.0.4 (15 February 2021) was used for the analysis. We conducted first time series analysis with a large sample size in northwest China (Xinjiang) and confirmed, for the first time, the impact of air pollution including particulate pollutants (PM10, PM2.5) and acidic gasses (SO2, NO2) on DED risk in the Urumqi region, and suggested the potential lagged effects of PM2.5, SO2, and NO2.
Design and Development of a Spanish Hearing Test for Speech in Noise (PAHRE)
Authors: Rodríguez-Ferreiro Marlene , Durán-Bouza Montserrat , Marrero-Aguiar Victoria
Published: January 2023

Background: There are few hearing tests in Spanish that assess speech discrimination in noise in the adult population that take into account the Lombard effect. This study presents the design and development of a Spanish hearing test for speech in noise (Prueba Auditiva de Habla en Ruido en Español (PAHRE) in Spanish). The pattern of the Quick Speech in Noise test was followed when drafting sentences with five key words each grouped in lists of six sentences. It was necessary to take into account the differences between English and Spanish. Methods: A total of 61 people (24 men and 37 women) with an average age of 46.9 (range 18–84 years) participated in the study. The work was carried out in two phases. In the first phase, a list of Spanish sentences was drafted and subjected to a familiarity test based on the semantic and syntactic characteristics of the sentences; as a result, a list of sentences was selected for the final test. In the second phase, the selected sentences were recorded with and without the Lombard effect, the equivalence between both lists was analysed, and the test was applied to a first reference population. Results: The results obtained allow us to affirm that it is representative of the Spanish spoken in its variety in peninsular Spain. Conclusions: In addition, these results point to the usefulness of the PAHRE test in assessing speech in noise by maintaining a fixed speech intensity while varying the intensity of the multi-speaker background noise. The incorporation of the Lombard effect in the test shows discrimination differences with the same signal-to-noise ratio compared to the test without the Lombard effect.
Yamabe Solitons on Conformal Almost-Contact Complex Riemannian Manifolds with Vertical Torse-Forming Vector Field
Authors: Manev Mancho
Published: January 2023

A Yamabe soliton is considered on an almost-contact complex Riemannian manifold (also known as an almost-contact B-metric manifold), which is obtained by a contact conformal transformation of the Reeb vector field, its dual contact 1-form, the B-metric, and its associated B-metric. A case in which the potential is a torse-forming vector field of constant length on the vertical distribution determined by the Reeb vector field is studied. In this way, manifolds from one of the main classes of the studied manifolds are obtained. The same class contains the conformally equivalent manifolds of cosymplectic manifolds by the usual conformal transformation of the given B-metric. An explicit five-dimensional example of a Lie group is given, which is characterized in relation to the obtained results.
The Existence, Uniqueness, and Multiplicity of Solutions for Two Fractional Nonlocal Equations
Authors: Wang Yue , Wei Wei , Zhou Ying
Published: January 2023

This paper establishes the existence of unique and multiple solutions to two nonlocal equations with fractional operators. The main results are obtained using the variational method and algebraic analysis. The conclusion is that there exists a constant λ*>0 such that the equations have only three, two, and one solution, respectively, for λ∈(0,λ*), λ=λ*, and λ>λ*. The main conclusions fill the gap in the knowledge of this kind of fractional-order problem.
A Joint Location–Allocation–Inventory Spare Part Optimization Model for Base-Level Support System with Uncertain Demands
Authors: Li Peixuan , Wen Meilin , Zu Tianpei , Kang Rui
Published: January 2023

This paper copes with a joint Location-Allocation-Inventory problem in a three-echelon base-level spare part support system with epistemic uncertainty in uncertain demands of bases. The aim of the paper is to propose an optimization model under the uncertainty theory to minimize the total cost, which integrates crucial characterizations of the inventory control decisions and the location-allocation scheme arrangement under a periodic review order-up-to-S (T, S) policy. Uncertainty theory is introduced in this paper to characterize epistemic uncertainty, where demands are treated as uncertain variables and stockout loss is represented by value-at-risk in uncertain measurement. To solve the original uncertain optimization model, an equivalent deterministic model is derived and addressed by an improved bilevel genetic algorithm. Moreover, the proposed models and algorithm are encoded into numerical examples for supply chain programming. The results highlight the applicability of the model and the algorithm’s effectiveness in approaching the optimal solution compared with traditional genetic algorithm. Sensitivity analyses are further made for the impacts of review time and inventory capacity on different cost components.
On New Estimates of q-Hermite–Hadamard Inequalities with Applications in Quantum Calculus
Authors: Chasreechai Saowaluck , Ali Muhammad Aamir , Ashraf Muhammad Amir , Sitthiwirattham Thanin , Etemad Sina , Sen Manuel De la , Rezapour Shahram
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we first establish two quantum integral (q-integral) identities with the help of derivatives and integrals of the quantum types. Then, we prove some new q-midpoint and q-trapezoidal estimates for the newly established q-Hermite-Hadamard inequality (involving left and right integrals proved by Bermudo et al.) under q-differentiable convex functions. Finally, we provide some examples to illustrate the validity of newly obtained quantum inequalities.
Recent Advances in Hybrid Energy Storage System Integrated Renewable Power Generation: Configuration, Control, Applications, and Future Directions
Authors: Atawi Ibrahem E. , Al-Shetwi Ali Q. , Magableh Amer M. , Albalawi Omar H.
Published: January 2023

The increased usage of renewable energy sources (RESs) and the intermittent nature of the power they provide lead to several issues related to stability, reliability, and power quality. In such instances, energy storage systems (ESSs) offer a promising solution to such related RES issues. Hence, several ESS techniques were proposed in the literature to solve these issues; however, a single ESS does not fulfill all the requirements for certain operations and has different tradeoffs for overall system performance. This is mainly due to the limited capability of a single ESS and the potency concerning cost, lifespan, power and energy density, and dynamic response. In order to overcome the tradeoff issue resulting from using a single ESS system, a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) consisting of two or more ESSs appears as an effective solution. Many studies have been considered lately to develop and propose different HESSs for different applications showing the great advantages of using multiple ESSs in one combined system. Although these individual methods have been well documented, a comprehensive review of HESS-integrated RE has not been fully investigated in the literature before. Thus, as a novel contribution to the literature, this study aims to review and analyze the importance and impact of HESSs in the presence of renewable energy towards sustainable development that will facilitate this newly emerging topic to researchers in this field. In this regard, the present scenario and recent trend of HESSs in RESs at the global level, including a comparison with main ESS features, are discussed and analyzed along with the concept, design, classifications, and a detailed comparison of HESSs. The emerging role of HESSs in terms of their benefits and applications has been analyzed. Recent control and optimization methods of HESSs associated with RESs and their advantages and disadvantages have been reviewed. Finally, open issues and new challenges toward more efficient, sustainable, and green energy have also been highlighted herein. All the highlighted insights of this review will hopefully lead to increased efforts toward the development of an advanced HESS for future renewable energy optimal operation.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Look towards Micro-RNAs as Biomarkers of the Future
Authors: Moriondo Giorgia , Soccio Piera , Tondo Pasquale , Scioscia Giulia , Sabato Roberto , Foschino Barbaro Maria Pia , Lacedonia Donato
Published: January 2023

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) includes a broad spectrum of diseases, of which obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is the most clinically significant manifestation. OSA is a respiratory disorder characterized by episodes of complete or partial obstruction of the upper airways that disturb ventilation and sleep architecture. In recent years, interest in the clinical implications of OSA seems to have increased, probably due to the numerous studies that have shown the existence of an important correlation between OSA and cardiovascular, dysmetabolic, and neoplastic changes. The guidelines currently available highlight the importance of diagnosis and effective treatment for OSA, underlining the need for new biomarkers that are useful in clinical practice, feasible, and reproducible to guide medical decision making. In this review, we intend to provide an overview of the potential role of microRNAs as new indicators for OSA management. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that play an important role in RNA silencing and regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. These can bind specifically to their target genes by forming silencing complexes, thus inducing degradation or altered gene expression. A wide range of miRNAs have been extensively studied in a variety of diseases including cancer, and recently, miRNAs have been shown to have enormous potential to function as diagnostic and clinical biomarkers of disease. This review includes recent studies that establish the inevitable role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of OSA.
KDM6B Variants May Contribute to the Pathophysiology of Human Cerebral Folate Deficiency
Authors: Han Xiao , Cao Xuanye , Cabrera Robert M. , Pimienta Ramirez Paula Andrea , Zhang Cuilian , Ramaekers Vincent T. , Finnell Richard H. , Lei Yunping
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: The genetic etiology of most patients with cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) remains poorly understood. KDM6B variants were reported to cause neurodevelopmental diseases; however, the association between KDM6B and CFD is unknown; (2) Methods: Exome sequencing (ES) was performed on 48 isolated CFD cases. The effect of KDM6B variants on KDM6B protein expression, Histone H3 lysine 27 epigenetic modification and FOLR1 expression were examined in vitro. For each patient, serum FOLR1 autoantibodies were measured; (3) Results: Six KDM6B variants were identified in five CFD patients, which accounts for 10% of our CFD cohort cases. Functional experiments indicated that these KDM6B variants decreased the amount of KDM6B protein, which resulted in elevated H3K27me2, lower H3K27Ac and decreased FOLR1 protein concentrations. In addition, FOLR1 autoantibodies have been identified in serum; (4) Conclusion: Our study raises the possibility that KDM6B may be a novel CFD candidate gene in humans. Variants in KDM6B could downregulate FOLR1 gene expression, and might also predispose carriers to the development of FOLR1 autoantibodies.
Profiling the Spatial Expression Pattern and ceRNA Network of lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA Associated with the Development of Intermuscular Bones in Zebrafish
Authors: Ye Weidong , Shi Mijuan , Ren Keyi , Liu Yuhang , Duan You , Cheng Yingyin , Zhang Wanting , Xia Xiao-Qin
Published: January 2023

Intermuscular bones (IBs) are small spicule-like bones in the muscular septum of fish, which affect their edible and economic value. The molecular mechanism of IB development is still uncertain. Numerous studies have shown that the ceRNA network, which is composed of mRNA, lncRNA, and miRNA, plays an important regulatory role in bone development. In this study, we compared the mRNA, lncRNA, and miRNA expression profiles in different IB development segments of zebrafish. The development of IBs includes two main processes, which are formation and growth. A series of genes implicated in the formation and growth of IBs were identified through gene differential expression analysis and expression pattern analysis. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the functions of genes implicated in the regulation of the formation and growth of IBs were quite different. Ribosome and oxidative phosphorylation signaling pathways were significantly enriched during the formation of IBs, suggesting that many proteins are required to form IBs. Several pathways known to be associated with bone development have been shown to play an important role in the growth of IBs, including calcium, ECM-receptor interaction, Wnt, TGF-β, and hedgehog signaling pathways. According to the targeting relationship and expression correlation of mRNA, lncRNA, and miRNA, the ceRNA networks associated with the growth of IBs were constructed, which comprised 33 mRNAs, 9 lncRNAs, and 7 miRNAs. This study provides new insight into the molecular mechanism of the development of IBs.
Germplasm Resources of Oaks (Quercus L.) in China: Utilization and Prospects
Authors: Wang Yong , Xu Chenyu , Wang Qi , Jiang Yiren , Qin Li
Published: January 2023

Oaks exhibit unique biological characteristics and high adaptability to complex climatic and soil conditions. They are widely distributed across various regions, spanning 40 degrees latitude and 75 degrees longitude. The total area of oak forest in China is 16.72 million hm2. There are 60 lineages of Quercus in China, including 49 species, seven varieties, and four subgenera. Archaeological data indicate that oaks were already widely distributed in ancient times, and they are dominant trees in vast regions of China’s forests. In addition, the acorn was an important food for ancestral humans, and it has accompanied human civilization since the early Paleolithic. Diverse oak species are widely distributed and have great functional value, such as for greening, carbon sequestration, industrial and medicinal uses, and insect rearing. Long-term deforestation, fire, diseases, and pests have led to a continuous decline in oak resources. This study discusses the Quercus species and their distribution in China, ecological adaptation, and the threats facing the propagation and growth of oaks in a changing world. This will give us a better understanding of Quercus resources, and provide guidance on how to protect and better utilize germplasm resources in China. The breeding of new varieties, pest control, and chemical and molecular research also need to be strengthened in future studies.
Peptidomics Profile, Bioactive Peptides Identification and Biological Activities of Six Different Cheese Varieties
Authors: Helal Ahmed , Tagliazucchi Davide
Published: January 2023

Several recent published studies reported that cheese consumption may protect against the onset of cardiovascular diseases and type-2 diabetes due to the presence of bioactive peptides. In the present work, six cheese varieties (the Egyptian traditional cheeses Karish, Domiati and Ras as well as Feta-type, Gouda and Edam cheeses) were characterized for their peptidomics profiles with high-resolution mass spectrometry, biological activities and content in bioactive peptides. The highest ACE-inhibitory and DPP-IV-inhibitory activities were found in Gouda cheese, which also displayed the highest antioxidant activity. A total of 809 peptides originating from the major milk proteins were identified, and 82 of them were bioactive. Most of them showed ACE-inhibitory, antioxidant and DPP-IV-inhibitory activities. The highest amount of the in vivo anti-hypertensive tripeptides VPP and IPP was found in Gouda cheese (39.19 ± 1.26 and 17.72 ± 0.89 mg/100 g of cheese, respectively), whereas the highest amount of APFPE was detected in Edam cheese (509.13 ± 20.44 mg/100 g of cheese). These results suggest that the intake of Edam, Domiati and, especially, Gouda cheeses may result in a possible anti-hypertensive effect in hypertensive subjects.
An In Vivo Screening Model for Investigation of Pathophysiology of Human Implantation Failure
Authors: Nakamura Hitomi , Kimura Tadashi
Published: January 2023

To improve current infertility treatments, it is important to understand the pathophysiology of implantation failure. However, many molecules are involved in the normal biological process of implantation and the roles of each molecule and the molecular mechanism are not fully understood. This review highlights the hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ; Sendai virus) envelope (HVJ-E) vector, which uses inactivated viral particles as a local and transient gene transfer system to the murine uterus during the implantation period in order to investigate the molecular mechanism of implantation. In vivo screening in mice using the HVJ-E vector system suggests that signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (Stat-3) could be a diagnostic and therapeutic target for women with a history of implantation failure. The HVJ-E vector system hardly induces complete defects in genes; however, it not only suppresses but also transiently overexpresses some genes in the murine uterus. These features may be useful in investigating the pathophysiology of implantation failure in women.