bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic Fragility Analysis of the Aging RC Columns under the Combined Action of Freeze–Thaw Cycles and Chloride-Induced Corrosion
Authors: Cui Fengkun , Song Linlin , Wang Xingyu , Li Mian , Hu Peng , Deng Shuwen , Zhang Xinyue , Li Huihui
Published: December 2022

The combined action of freeze–thaw cycles and chloride-induced corrosion are generally recognized as one of the main causes of the degradation of the mechanical properties and seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) structures in the northern frozen coastal regions. To investigate the degradation mechanisms of the seismic performance of RC columns subjected to the combined action of freeze–thaw cycles and chloride-induced corrosion, the impact of freeze–thaw cycles on the chloride diffusion coefficient of concrete was studied through concrete deterioration tests and theoretical analysis. This paper proposed a time-dependent deterioration model for RC columns, which is suitable to consider the combined action of freeze–thaw cycles and chloride-induced deterioration. The proposed deterioration model could be applied to the investigations of time-dependent seismic performance and the seismic fragility of RC columns. Based on the established deterioration model, this paper proposed a time-dependent seismic fragility analysis framework for the aging RC columns, considering the combined action of freeze–thaw cycles and chloride-induced corrosion. In addition, a representative three-span RC continuous T-shaped girder bridge that is located in the high-latitude northern frozen coastal regions of China was taken as the case study, and the time-dependent seismic fragility analysis of RC columns was conducted considering the involved uncertainties in geometric parameters, the deterioration mechanisms of the materials, and ground motions. The time-dependent seismic fragility curves of RC columns were obtained at different service time points. The results indicated that the combined action of freeze–thaw cycles and chloride-induced deterioration had a significant influence on the time-dependent seismic responses of the deteriorating RC columns. Under the combined action of freeze–thaw cycles and chloride-induced corrosion, when the RC bridge was in service for 75 years, the stirrup strength decreased by 3.88% and the cross-sectional area decreased by 30.03%. The peak stress of the confined concrete decreased by 52.1% and its peak strain increased by 12.2 times, respectively. Moreover, the time-dependent seismic fragilities of the aging RC columns under different damage states exhibited a nonlinear increase as the service life increased.
Low Carbon Bacterial Self-Healing Concrete
Authors: Medeiros João , Di Sarno Luigi
Published: December 2022

A greener and more sustainable option is proposed to shift the construction paradigm of high embedded carbon values in concrete and the frequency of repairs when it cracks. Using low-carbon concrete with a bacterial self-healing agent can reduce the embedded carbon value while adding value to the structure. This paper aims to evaluate the interaction of a bacterial self-healing agent on the mechanical properties of low-carbon concrete, specifically 50% Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag (GGBS) as an Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) replacement. A range of tests is conducted to test the evolution of mechanical properties throughout the early stages of curing for 7, 14, and 28 days. Such tests included the evaluation of compression, flexural, tensile splitting strength and dynamic elastic modulus. The results of the experiments demonstrate that early stages of GGBS mixes exhibit lower compressive capacity throughout the 28-day mark but also indicate their potential to increase sharply and surpass the control mix values after 28 days. The self-healing agent interacts slightly with the GGBS mixes, further reducing the mechanical properties in the early curing stages. However, GGBS mixes increase sharply after the 28-day mark, with the added benefit of further reducing carbon emissions by extending design life and durability. In theory, the newly developed concrete can seal cracks up to 0.3 mm (up to 0.8 mm if using the maximum dosage) but seal wider cracks from laboratory results. These changes imply that using GGBS as a replacement for OPC is viable for structures that do not require high compressive values in the early curing stages but after the 28-day mark while reducing the carbon emission values substantially, in this case, 40%, or up to 50% if using a self-healing agent. This low-carbon concrete is thus a sustainable and resilient material, especially for retrofitting existing reinforced concrete infrastructure.
Experimental and Theoretical Study on Carbonization Coefficient Model of NS/SAP Concrete
Authors: Li Shiquan , Chen Yu , Tang Can , Wang Jinyuan , Liu Ronggui , Wang Haojie
Published: December 2022

Carbonization coefficient research has great significance in concrete carbonization evaluation. Nano-silica (NS) can reduce the content of Ca(OH)2, which is generated during the hydration of concrete, resulting in improved carbonization resistance and compressive strength of concrete. This paper investigates the carbonization effects of concrete with internal curing, such as Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP). The research shows that SAP can promote hydration of the internal concrete but form tiny pores after releasing the water completely, which may cause a reduction of carbonation resistance of concrete. The concrete was modified by adding SAP, ranging from 0 to 0.24%, to ascertain the optimal content of SAP. The addition of NS changed the concrete from 0 to 1.5% to confirm the optimal range of NS. To establish a reasonable suitable theoretical model of NS/SAP concrete, the influence factors of the carbonization coefficient of concrete were analyzed first. Later, the accelerated carbonization test was carried out on 100 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm cube specimens with different carbonization time to obtain the compressive strength and carbonization depth to establish the carbonization coefficient model of NS/SAP concrete. Before analyzing experimental data, the specimens were randomly divided into fitting and validation groups. Based on the regression analysis of the fitting group, the carbonization coefficient model was established, which embodied the influence of various parameters on concrete carbonization, including SAP content, NS content, water–cement ratio, CO2 concentration, temperature, relative humidity, and compressive strength. According to the validation analysis of the verification group, the mean relative error of the model is 5.04%, and the residual mean square error is 0.1751. Compared with the literature models, this study’s carbonization model can accurately predict the carbonization depth of NS/SAP concrete.
Benchmark of Electricity Consumption Forecasting Methodologies Applied to Industrial Kitchens
Authors: Amantegui Jorge , Morais Hugo , Pereira Lucas
Published: December 2022

Even though Industrial Kitchens (IKs) are among the highest energy intensity spaces, very little work has been done to forecast their consumption. This work explores the possibility of increasing the accuracy of the consumption forecast in an IK by forecasting disaggregated appliance consumption and comparing these results with the forecast of the total consumption of these appliances (Virtual Aggregate—VA). To do so, three different methods are used: the statistical method (Prophet), classic Machine Learning (ML) method such as random forest (RF), and deep learning (DL) method, namely long short-term memory (LSTM). This work uses individual appliance electricity consumption data collected from a Portuguese restaurant over a period of four consecutive weeks. The obtained results suggest that Prophet and RF are the more viable options. The former achieved the best performance in aggregated data, whereas the latter showed better forecasting results for most of the individual loads. Regarding the performance of the VA against the sum of individual appliance forecasts, all models perform better in the former. However, the very small difference across the results shows that this is a viable alternative to forecast aggregated consumption when only individual appliance consumption data are available.
Aerial Oxidation of Phenol/Catechol in the Presence of Catalytic Amounts of [(Cl)2Mn(RCOOET)], RCOOET= Ethyl-5-Methyl-1-(((6-Methyl-3-Nitropyridin-2-yl)Amino)Methyl)-1H-Pyrazole-3-Carboxylate
Authors: Boutaybi Mohamed El , Titi Abderrahim , Alzahrani Abdullah Y. A. , Bahari Zahra , Tillard Monique , Hammouti Belkheir , Touzani Rachid
Published: December 2022

In this work, we report on the catalytic activity of a manganese complex [(Cl)2Mn(RCOOET)], where RCOOET is ethyl-5-methyl-1-(((6-methyl-3-nitropyridin-2-yl)amino)methyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylate, in the oxidation of phenol or catechol by atmospheric oxygen to form o-quinone. The [(Cl)2Mn(RCOOET)] catalyzes the oxidation of catechol at a rate of 3.74 µmol L−1 min−1 in tetrahydrofuran (THF), in a similar manner to catecholase or tyrosinase.
Chemo-Enzymatic Synthesis of Enantiopure β-Antagonist (S)-Betaxolol
Authors: Troøyen Susanne Hansen , Jacobsen Elisabeth Egholm
Published: December 2022

The β-blocker (S)-betaxolol has been synthesized in 99% enantiomeric excess (ee) from the commercially available precursor 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenol. The racemic chlorohydrin 1-chloro-3-(4-(2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)ethyl)phenoxy)propan-2-ol was esterified with vinyl acetate catalyzed by lipase B from Candida antarctica, which gave the R-chlorhydrin (R)-1-chloro-3-(4-(2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)ethyl)phenoxy)propan-2-ol in 99% ee with 38% yield. The enantiomeric excess of the R-chlorohydrin was retained in an amination reaction with isopropylamine in methanol to yield (S)-betaxolol in 99% ee and with 9% overall yield. We are under way to improve the yield.
Transplantation of Skeletal Muscle-Derived Sca-1+/PW1+/Pax7− Interstitial Cells (PICs) Improves Cardiac Function and Attenuates Remodeling in Mice Subjected to Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ruchaya Prashant J , Lewis-McDougall Fiona C. , Sornkarn Nitiphat , Amin Sachin , Grimsdell Benjamin , Shaalan Abeer , Gritti Guilia , Soe Kyi Thar , Clark James E. , Ellison-Hughes Georgina M.
Published: December 2022

We have previously shown that skeletal muscle-derived Sca-1+/PW1+/Pax7− interstitial cells (PICs) are multi-potent and enhance endogenous repair and regeneration. Here, we investigated the regenerative potential of PICs following intramyocardial transplantation in mice subjected to an acute myocardial infarction (MI). MI was induced through the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in 8-week old male C57BL/6 mice. 5 × 105 eGFP-labelled PICs (MI + PICs; n = 7) or PBS (MI-PBS; n = 7) were injected intramyocardially into the border zone. Sham mice (n = 8) were not subjected to MI, or the transplantation of PICs or PBS. BrdU was administered via osmotic mini-pump for 14 days. Echocardiography was performed prior to surgery (baseline), and 1-, 3- and 6-weeks post-MI and PICs transplantation. Mice were sacrificed at 6 weeks post-MI + PICs transplantation, and heart sections were analysed for fibrosis, hypertrophy, engraftment, proliferation, and differentiation of PICs. A significant (p < 0.05) improvement in ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening was observed in the MI-PICs group, compared to MI + PBS group at 6-weeks post MI + PICs transplantation. Infarct size/fibrosis of the left ventricle significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in the MI-PICs group (14.0 ± 2.5%), compared to the MI-PBS group (32.8 ± 2.2%). Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in the border zone significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in the MI-PICs group compared to the MI-PBS group (330.0 ± 28.5 µM2 vs. 543.5 ± 26.6 µm2), as did cardiomyocyte apoptosis (0.6 ± 0.9% MI-PICs vs. 2.8 ± 0.8% MI-PBS). The number of BrdU+ cardiomyocytes was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the infarct/border zone of the MI-PICs group (7.0 ± 3.3%), compared to the MI-PBS group (1.7 ± 0.5%). The proliferation index (total BrdU+ cells) was significantly increased in the MI-PICs group compared to the MI-PBS group (27.0 ± 3.4% vs. 7.6 ± 1.0%). PICs expressed and secreted pro-survival and reparative growth factors, supporting a paracrine effect of PICs during recovery/remodeling. Skeletal muscle-derived PICs show significant reparative potential, attenuating cardiac remodelling following transplantation into the infarcted myocardium. PICs can be easily sourced from skeletal muscle and therefore show promise as a potential cell candidate for supporting the reparative and regenerative effects of cell therapies.
GTPase Pathways in Health and Diseases
Authors: Teng Yong
Published: December 2022

GTPases, the molecular switches toggling between an inactive GDP-bound state and an active GTP-bound state, play a pivotal role in controlling complex cellular processes (e [...]
Regulation of Gene Expression in Cancer—An Overview
Authors: Ferlier Tanguy , Coulouarn Cédric
Published: December 2022

Regulation of gene expression takes a central place in normal cells to maintain tissue homeostasis but also in cancer cells to respond to intra- and extra-cellular stimuli, such as therapeutic drugs [...]
Mechanisms of RNA and Protein Quality Control and Their Roles in Cellular Senescence and Age-Related Diseases
Authors: Kang Donghee , Baek Yurim , Lee Jae-Seon
Published: December 2022

Cellular senescence, a hallmark of aging, is defined as irreversible cell cycle arrest in response to various stimuli. It plays both beneficial and detrimental roles in cellular homeostasis and diseases. Quality control (QC) is important for the proper maintenance of cellular homeostasis. The QC machineries regulate the integrity of RNA and protein by repairing or degrading them, and are dysregulated during cellular senescence. QC dysfunction also contributes to multiple age-related diseases, including cancers and neurodegenerative, muscle, and cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we describe the characters of cellular senescence, discuss the major mechanisms of RNA and protein QC in cellular senescence and aging, and comprehensively describe the involvement of these QC machineries in age-related diseases. There are many open questions regarding RNA and protein QC in cellular senescence and aging. We believe that a better understanding of these topics could propel the development of new strategies for addressing age-related diseases.
Child Eveningness as a Predictor of Parental Sleep
Authors: Rönnlund Hanni , Elovainio Marko , Virtanen Irina , Heikkilä Anna-Riitta , Raaska Hanna , Lapinleimu Helena
Published: December 2022

Child eveningness has been associated with many adverse outcomes for children. The aim of this study was to assess whether child eveningness poses a risk to parental sleep quality in follow-up. A total of 146 children (57% adopted, 47% boys, mean age at follow-up 5.1 years [standard deviation 1.7]) completed a 1-week actigraph recording to analyze their sleep twice, 1 year apart. The parents completed the Child ChronoType Questionnaire for their child and a short version of the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire for themselves and the Jenkins Sleep Scale for their sleep quality. Linear regression analyses showed that subjective parental sleeping problems at baseline were associated with subjective parental sleeping problems at follow-up. A morning-type child decreased the risk of parental sleeping problems at the 1-year follow-up compared to the child evening chronotype. Additionally, the child intermediate chronotype decreased the risk of maternal sleeping problems at the 1-year follow-up compared to the evening chronotype of the child. Parents of evening-type children experienced more sleeping problems in the follow-up, compared to parents of morning-type children. This finding encourages parents and professionals to steer the diurnal rhythm of evening-type children toward an earlier daily routine.
Temperature-Dependent Structure–Function Properties of Bacterial Xylose Isomerase Enzyme for Food Applications: An In Silico Study
Authors: Sharma Maurya , Mehta Naayaa , Suravajhala Renuka , Meza Cynthia , Sarkar Shrabana , Banerjee Aparna
Published: December 2022

Xylose Isomerase (XI) is an intramolecular oxidoreductase enzyme and catalyzes the reversible conversion of ketoses and aldoses in addition to the bioconversion of ethanol from xylose in the production of bioethanol from hemicellulose. It has a broad range of industrial applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, particularly in the production of the sweetener high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). It is one of the most widely used industrial enzymes after protease. Taking this into consideration, four bacterial XI sources were selected based on growth temperature, i.e., psychrophile, mesophile, thermophile, and hyperthermophile, for analyzing Xylose Isomerase’s structure-function characteristics. It was found that thermophilic XI was structurally less stable than mesophilic and hyperthermophilic XI, whereas structural plasticity ran opposite towards mesophiles. The interaction of xylose isomerase (XI) with two ligands, namely Amino-2-Hydroxymethyl-Propane-1,3-Diol and (4R)-2-Methylpentane-2,4- Diol, was also studied. Mesophilic XI demonstrated better binding affinity with structurally stabilizing amino acids (Ala, Asp, Gly, Leu, and Arg). In comparison, Thermophilic XI showed nearly similar binding affinity with both Amino-2-Hydroxymethyl-Propane-1,3-Diol and (4R)-2-Methylpentane-2,4-Diol. The results of this investigation suggest that thermophilic XI, followed by mesophilic XI, would be the most appropriate for establishing process stability and sustainability in the food industry.
Characteristic of Ultrastructure of Mice B16 Melanoma Cells under the Influence of Different Lighting Regimes
Authors: Areshidze D. A. , Kozlova M. A. , Chernikov V. P. , Borisov A. V. , Mischenko D. V.
Published: December 2022

Circadian rhythms of physiological processes, constantly being in a state of dynamic equilibrium and plastically associated with changes in environmental conditions, are the basis of homeostasis of an organism of human and other mammals. Violation of circadian rhythms due to significant disturbances in parameters of main environmental effectors (desynchronosis) leads to the development of pathological conditions and a more severe course of preexisting pathologies. We conducted the study of the ultrastructure of cells of mice transplantable malignant melanoma B16 under the condition of normal (fixed) lighting regime and under the influence of constant lighting. Results of the study show that melanoma B16 under fixed light regime represents a characteristic picture of this tumor—predominantly intact tissue with safe junctions of large, functionally active cells with highly irregular nuclei, developed organelles and a relatively low content of melanin. The picture of the B16 melanoma tissue structure and the ultrastructure of its cells under the action of constant lighting stand in marked contrast to the group with fixed light: under these conditions the tumor exhibits accelerated growth, a significant number of cells in the state of apoptosis and necrosis, ultrastructural signs of degradation of the structure and functions, and signs of embryonization of cells with the background of adaptation to oxygen deficiency.
Effective Fluorescence Detection of Hydrazine and the Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B Dye Using CdO-ZnO Nanocomposites
Authors: Umar Ahmad , Kumar Ramesh , Chauhan Mohinder , Kumar Rajesh , Ibrahim Ahmed , Alhamami Mohsen , Algadi Hassan , Akhtar Mohammad
Published: December 2022

CdO-ZnO nanocomposites were synthesized using a simple solution approach, and several characterization approaches were used to examine the morphological, structural, phase, vibrational, optical, and compositional properties of these CdO-ZnO nanocomposites. The FESEM study revealed the development of aggregates ranging in size from 250 nm to 500 nm. These aggregates were composed of various CdO-ZnO nanoparticle shapes and sizes. XRD investigation revealed hexagonal wurtzite and cubic phases in ZnO and CdO, respectively. The crystal size was 28.06 nm. The band-gap energy of the produced nanocomposites was calculated using UV-Vis analysis and was determined to be 2.55 eV. The CdO-ZnO nanocomposites were employed as a promising material for the effective fluorescence detection of hydrazine and for the quicker photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye. Within 120 min of UV light exposure, the RhB dye was 87.0% degraded in the presence of the CdO-ZnO nanocomposites and the degradation process followed zero-order and pseudo-first-order kinetics. Based on 3σ IUPAC criteria, the limit of detection for fluorescent hydrazine sensing was 28.01 µM. According to the results presented here, CdO-ZnO nanocomposites may function as both a photocatalyst for the breakdown of organic pollutants as well as an effective luminous sensor for the detection of harmful analytes.
Plasma-Induced Graft Polymerization of Polyethylenimine onto Chitosan/Polycaprolactone Composite Membrane for Heavy Metal Pollutants Treatment in Industrial Wastewater
Authors: Tu Sung-Lin , Chen Chih-Kuang , Shi Shih-Chen , Yang Jason Hsiao Chun
Published: December 2022

The present study manifests an innovative and green approach to graft metal ion adsorbent, polyethylenimine (PEI), onto an electrospun chitosan (CS)/polycaprolactone (PCL) composite membrane via atmospheric pressure nitrogen plasma grafting polymerization. FTIR absorption peak at around 1690 cm−1 was attributed to the bending vibration of N-H from PEI. Since the plasma exposure time is a dependent factor of –NH bond formation, an increased nitrogen content up to 3.3% was observed with an extensive reaction time under plasma treatment. In addition, N1s spectra showed a clear PEI dominating characteristic at 401.7 eV, which suggested a successful grafting of PEI onto the CS/PCL membrane. According to the EDX analysis, a significant amount of copper ions was detected in PEI-CS/PCL membranes. This study showed that a greener wastewater treatment can be realized with the developed plasma synthesis technology.
Self-Standing Soft Carbon-Coated MoS2 Nanofiber Film Anode for Superior Potassium Storage
Authors: Deng Qinglin , Yao Lingmin
Published: December 2022

The poor electronic conductivity and large volume expansion effect of MoS2 limit its application in potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). In addition to exploring effective modification methods, it is also necessary to build a new self-standing electrode system to improve its energy density. In this work, based on the potassium storage advantages and disadvantages of MoS2 and carbon nanofibers, we have successfully prepared a self-standing soft carbon-coated MoS2 nanofiber film electrode without any additives or metal collectors. As for the application in PIBs, it exhibits excellent rate performances (about 93 mA h g−1 at the current density of 10 A g−1), and superior long-term cycling stability performances (a high-capacity retention of ~75% after 1800 cycles at the current density of 1 A g−1). The enhanced potassium storage performance can be attributed to the unique self-standing nanofiber film architectures.
Dewetting Process in Ni-Mn-Ga Shape-Memory Heusler: Effects on Morphology, Stoichiometry and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Takhsha Ghahfarokhi Milad , Celegato Federica , Barrera Gabriele , Casoli Francesca , Tiberto Paola , Albertini Franca
Published: December 2022

In this work, dewetting process has been investigated in shape-memory Heuslers. To this aim, series of high-temperature annealing (1100–1150 K) have been performed at high vacuum (time is varied in the range of 55–165 min) in Ni-Mn-Ga epitaxial thin films grown on MgO(001). The process kinetics have been followed by studying the evolution of morphology and composition. In particular, we report the initiation of the dewetting process by the formation of symmetric holes in the films. The holes propagate and integrate, leaving micrometric and submicron islands of the material, increasing the average roughness of the films by a factor of up to around 30. The dewetting process is accompanied by severe Ga and Mn sublimation, and Ni-Ga segregation, which significantly modify the magnetic properties of the films measured at each stage. The annealed samples show a relatively weak magnetic signal at room temperature with respect to the pristine sample.
Accelerating the Laboratory Testing Capacity through Saliva Pooling Prior to Direct RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 Detection
Authors: Kaisar Maria Mardalena Martini , Jonnatan Sheila , Widowati Tria Asri , Kristin Helen , Vasandani Suraj Rajan , Mahendra Caroline , Ali Soegianto
Published: December 2022

The testing capacity of the laboratory is paramount for better control of the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. The pooling method is promising to increase testing capacity, and the use of direct NAAT-based detection of SARS-CoV-2 on a non-invasive specimen such as saliva will ultimately accelerate the testing capacity. This study aims to validate the pooling-of-four method to quadruple the testing capacity using RNA-extraction-free saliva specimens. In addition, we intend to investigate the preferable stage of pooling, including pre- or post-heating. The compatibility of this approach was also tested on five commercial kits. Saliva specimens stored at −80 °C for several months were proven viable and were used for various tests in this study. Our findings revealed that pooling-of-four specimens had an overall agreement rate of 98.18% with their individual testing. Moreover, we proved that the pooling procedure could be conducted either pre- or post-heating, with no discordance and no significant difference in Ct values generated. When compared to other commercial detection kits, it demonstrated an overall agreement greater than 85%, which exhibits broad compatibility and ensures easy adaptability in clinical settings. This method has been proven reliable and increases the testing capacity up to fourfold.
Breath Tests Used in the Context of Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Karas Daniel , Bužga Marek , Stejskal David , Kocna Petr , Holéczy Pavol , Novotná Adéla , Švagera Zdeněk
Published: December 2022

This review article focuses on the use of breath tests in the field of bariatrics and obesitology. The first part of the review is an introduction to breath test problematics with a focus on their use in bariatrics. The second part provides a brief history of breath testing. Part three describes how breath tests are used for monitoring certain processes in various organs and various substances in exhaled air and how the results are analyzed and evaluated. The last part covers studies that described the use of breath tests for monitoring patients that underwent bariatric treatments. Although the number of relevant studies is small, this review could promote the future use of breath testing in the context of bariatric treatments.
Individualized Management of Coagulopathy in Patients with End-Stage Liver Disease
Authors: Tomić Mahečić Tina , Baronica Robert , Mrzljak Anna , Boban Ana , Hanžek Ivona , Karmelić Dora , Babić Anđela , Mihaljević Slobodan , Meier Jens
Published: December 2022

Over the last decades, individualized approaches and a better understanding of coagulopathy complexity in end-stage liver disease (ESLD) patients has evolved. The risk of both thrombosis and bleeding during minimally invasive interventions or surgery is associated with a worse outcome in this patient population. Despite deranged quantitative and qualitative coagulation laboratory parameters, prophylactic coagulation management is unnecessary for patients who do not bleed. Transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) and blood products carries independent risks for morbidity and mortality, including modulation of the immune system with increased risk for nosocomial infections. Optimal coagulation management in these complex patients should be based on the analysis of standard coagulation tests (SCTs) and viscoelastic tests (VETs). VETs represent an individualized approach to patients and can provide information about coagulation dynamics in a concise period of time. This narrative review will deliver the pathophysiology of deranged hemostasis in ESLD, explore the difficulties of evaluating the coagulopathies in liver disease patients, and examine the use of VET assays and management of coagulopathy using coagulation factors. Methods: A selective literature search with PubMed as the central database was performed with the following.
Optimal Power Flow with Stochastic Solar Power Using Clustering-Based Multi-Objective Differential Evolution
Authors: Lv Derong , Xiong Guojiang , Fu Xiaofan , Wu Yang , Xu Sheng , Chen Hao
Published: December 2022

Optimal power flow is one of the fundamental optimal operation problems for power systems. With the increasing scale of solar energy integrated into power systems, the uncertainty of solar power brings intractable challenges to the power system operation. The multi-objective optimal power flow (MOOPF) considering the solar energy becomes a hotspot issue. In this study, a MOOPF model considering the uncertainty of solar power is proposed. Both scenarios of overestimation and underestimation of solar power are modeled and penalized in the form of operating cost. In order to solve this multi-objective optimization model effectively, this study proposes a clustering-based multi-objective differential evolution (CMODE) which is based on the main features: (1) extending DE into multi-objective algorithm, (2) introducing the feasible solution priority technique to deal with different constraints, and (3) combining the feasible solution priority technique and the merged hierarchical clustering method to determine the optimal Pareto frontier. The simulation outcomes on two cases based on the IEEE 57-bus system verify the reliability and superiority of CMODE over other peer methods in addressing the MOOPF.
A Comprehensive State-of-the-Art Review on the Recent Developments in Greenhouse Drying
Authors: Ahmad Asim , Prakash Om , Kumar Anil , Chatterjee Rajeshwari , Sharma Shubham , Kumar Vineet , Kulshreshtha Kushagra , Li Changhe , Eldin Elsayed Mohamed Tag
Published: December 2022

Drying via solar energy is an environmentally friendly and inexpensive process. For controlled and bulk level drying, a greenhouse solar dryer is the most suitable controlled level solar dryer. The efficiency of a solar greenhouse dryer can be increased by using thermal storage. The agricultural products dried in greenhouses are reported to be of a higher quality than those dried in the sun because they are shielded from dust, rain, insects, birds, and animals. The heat storage-based greenhouse was found to be superior for drying of all types of crops in comparison to a normal greenhouse dryer, as it provides constant heat throughout the drying process. Hence, this can be used in rural areas by farmers and small-scale industrialists, and with minor modifications, it can be used anywhere in the world. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the development of solar greenhouse dryers for drying various agricultural products, including their design, thermal modelling methods, cost, energy, and environmental implications. Furthermore, the choice and application of solar photovoltaic panels and thermal energy storage units in the solar greenhouse dryers are examined in detail, with a view to achieving continuous and grid-independent drying. The energy requirements of various greenhouse dryer configurations/shapes are compared. Thermodynamic and thermal modelling research that reported on the performance prediction of solar greenhouse dryers, and drying kinetics studies on various agricultural products, has been compiled in this study.
Recent Advances in the Preparation and Performance of Porous Titanium-Based Anode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Balasankar Athinarayanan , Arthiya Sathya , Ramasundaram Subramaniyan , Sumathi Paramasivam , Arokiyaraj Selvaraj , Oh Taehwan , Aruchamy Kanakaraj , Sriram Ganesan , Kurkuri Mahaveer
Published: December 2022

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are among the most cost-effective and environmentally benign electrical energy storage devices required to match the needs of commercialized stationary and automotive applications. Because of its excellent chemical characteristics, infinite abundance, and low cost, the SIB is an excellent technology for grid energy storage compared with others. When used as anodes, titanium compounds based on the Ti4+/Ti3+ redox couple have a potential of typically 0.5–1.0 V, which is far from the potential of dangerous sodium plating (0.0–0.1 V). This ensures the operational safety of large-scale SIBs. Low lattice strain, usually associated with Ti-based materials, is also helpful for the longevity of the cycling of SIBs. Numerous Ti-based anode materials are being developed for use in SIBs. In particular, due to adequate electrode–electrolyte interaction and rapid charge transportation, hierarchical porous (HP) Ti-based anode materials were reported as having high specific capacity, current density, and cycling stability. HPTi-based anode materials for SIBs have the potential to be used in automobiles and portable, flexible, and wearable electronic devices. This review addresses recent developments in HPTiO2-based SIBs and their preparation, properties, performance, and challenges.
Stress Characteristic Analysis of Pump-Turbine Head Cover Bolts during Load Rejection Based on Measurement and Simulation
Authors: Huang Xingxing , Chen Liu , Wang Zhengwei , Li Haibo , Chen Shunyi , Hu Kun , Li Chengjun , Qiu Lan
Published: December 2022

It is not uncommon for pump-turbine units in pumped storage power plants to experience load rejections due to the sudden disconnection of the generator from the power grid. Load rejection can suddenly increase the rotating speed of the pump-turbine and cause strong pressure fluctuations in the flow passage of the pump-turbine unit. During load rejection, the strong pressure fluctuations caused by the water hammer effect can cause strong structural vibrations, high stresses and even damage to the turbine runner, head cover, stay ring, bottom ring, head cover bolts and bottom ring bolts. In order to study, in detail, the flow-induced stress characteristics of the prototype pump-turbine unit, and the pressure variations during load rejection in a high-head pumped storage power plant were measured first. Then the measured data were used to set up computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations in the entire flow passage of the prototype pump-turbine and to calibrate the simulation results. The calculated pressure distributions in the flow passage during load rejection were exported and mapped on the finite element model of the stationary structures of the pump-turbine unit so that the flow-induced stresses on the head cover, stay ring, bottom ring, head cover bolts and bottom ring bolts can be calculated. The results of the analysis show that the maximum stresses in the head cover bolts and bottom ring bolts are located on the rounded corner of the bolt near the stay ring and that the stresses in the bolts vary with time during load rejection. The maximum stresses of the head cover bolts are higher than the maximum stresses of the bottom ring bolts, and the maximum stresses of the bolts are above two-thirds of the yield strength of the bolt material. It is recommended to use larger nominal diameter bolts to avoid damage to the connecting bolts of the pump-turbine unit.
Advanced Spatial and Technological Aggregation Scheme for Energy System Models
Authors: Patil Shruthi , Kotzur Leander , Stolten Detlef
Published: December 2022

Energy system models that consider variable renewable energy sources (VRESs) are computationally complex. The greater spatial scope and level of detail entailed in the models exacerbates complexity. As a complexity-reduction approach, this paper considers the simultaneous spatial and technological aggregation of energy system models. To that end, a novel two-step aggregation scheme is introduced. First, model regions are spatially aggregated to obtain a reduced region set. The aggregation is based on model parameters such as VRES time series, capacities, etc. In addition, spatial contiguity of regions is considered. Next, technological aggregation is performed on each VRES, in each region, based on their time series. The aggregations’ impact on accuracy and complexity of a cost-optimal, European energy system model is analyzed. The model is aggregated to obtain different combinations of numbers of regions and VRES types. Results are benchmarked against an initial resolution of 96 regions, with 68 VRES types in each. System cost deviates significantly when lower numbers of regions and/or VRES types are considered. As spatial and technological resolutions increase, the cost fluctuates initially and stabilizes eventually, approaching the benchmark. Optimal combination is determined based on an acceptable cost deviation of <5% and the point of stabilization. A total of 33 regions with 38 VRES types in each is deemed optimal. Here, the cost is underestimated by 4.42%, but the run time is reduced by 92.95%.
A New Variable-Boostable 3D Chaotic System with Hidden and Coexisting Attractors: Dynamical Analysis, Periodic Orbit Coding, Circuit Simulation, and Synchronization
Authors: Wang Jiahui , Dong Chengwei , Li Hantao
Published: December 2022

The study of hidden attractors plays a very important role in the engineering applications of nonlinear dynamical systems. In this paper, a new three-dimensional (3D) chaotic system is proposed in which hidden attractors and self-excited attractors appear as the parameters change. Meanwhile, asymmetric coexisting attractors are also found as a result of the system symmetry. The complex dynamical behaviors of the proposed system were investigated using various tools, including time-series diagrams, Poincaré first return maps, bifurcation diagrams, and basins of attraction. Moreover, the unstable periodic orbits within a topological length of 3 in the hidden chaotic attractor were calculated systematically by the variational method, which required six letters to establish suitable symbolic dynamics. Furthermore, the practicality of the hidden attractor chaotic system was verified by circuit simulations. Finally, offset boosting control and adaptive synchronization were used to investigate the utility of the proposed chaotic system in engineering applications.
Existence and Ulam Type Stability for Impulsive Fractional Differential Systems with Pure Delay
Authors: Chen Chaowen , Li Mengmeng
Published: December 2022

Through literature retrieval and classification, it can be found that for the fractional delay impulse differential system, the existence and uniqueness of the solution and UHR stability of the fractional delay impulse differential system are rarely studied by using the polynomial function of the fractional delay impulse matrix. In this paper, we firstly introduce a new concept of impulsive delayed Mittag–Leffler type solution vector function, which helps us to construct a representation of an exact solution for the linear impulsive fractional differential delay equations (IFDDEs). Secondly, by using Banach’s and Schauder’s fixed point theorems, we derive some sufficient conditions to guarantee the existence and uniqueness of solutions of nonlinear IFDDEs. Finally, we obtain the Ulam–Hyers stability (UHs) and Ulam–Hyers–Rassias stability (UHRs) for a class of nonlinear IFDDEs.
Empirical Study on the Influence of Urban Environmental Industrial Structure Optimization on Ecological Landscape Greening Construction
Authors: Yang Lili , Ma Ning
Published: December 2022

With the rapid development of the economy in China, the ecological environment problem of the city has become an important factor that restricts the development of our economy and society. People gradually realize that, while rapidly generating wealth, they have been shrouded by the shadow of environmental pollution for a long time, which makes people feel more and more frightened and thoughtful. Industry is the carrier of economic activities, so we must pay attention to the relationship between industry and the natural environment. In this case, people pay more and more attention to the study of ecological construction and bring it into the optimization of environmental industrial structure. During this period, to correctly handle the relationship between industrial structure and ecological construction, to realize the overall transformation, development and cultivation of industrial structure, is the inevitable choice to promote the healthy and sustainable development of enterprises. From the perspective of industrial structure adjustment and the green space system, this paper makes theoretical assumptions about the impact of environmental industrial structure adjustment on urban ecological green space construction. Then, through the panel data of 260 cities from 2008 to 2018, the impact of China’s industrial structure adjustment on the scale of urban ecological green space was empirically analyzed. On this basis, this paper puts forward some policy recommendations for the development of urban ecological green space in our country.
Ecological Aspects of the Phlebotominae Fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) among Forest Fragments and Built Areas in an Endemic Area of American Visceral Leishmaniasis in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
Authors: Silva Bruna Queiroz da , Afonso Margarete Martins dos Santos , Freire Lucas José Macêdo , Santana Antônio Luís Ferreira de , Pereira-Colavite Alessandre , Rangel Elizabeth Ferreira
Published: December 2022

Sand flies are dipterans of medical importance, as some species are vectors of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL). The municipality of João Pessoa (Paraíba, northeastern Brazil), is an endemic region for AVL, having high rates of human and canine cases. The main objective was to evaluate the sand fly fauna among forest fragments and built areas, and its relationship with environmental conditions. HP light traps were placed in the studied areas from March 2019 to July 2021. A total of 2141 specimens of phlebotomines were captured, comprising nine genera and ten species. Temperature and humidity were significant and positive only in built areas. The diversity composition among forest fragments and built areas was different and the AVL vector, Lutzomyia longipalpis, was the most prevalent species in built areas. The study showed that the built areas present differences in their richness and diversity of sand flies in relation to forest fragments, concluding that the conservation of forest areas, even if urban fragments, favors the diversity of phlebotomine species.
Experimental Studies of Microwave Tubes with Components of Electron–Optical and Electrodynamic Systems Implemented Using Novel 3D Additive Technology
Authors: Proyavin Mikhail D. , Morozkin Mikhail V. , Ginzburg Naum S. , Denisenko Andrej N. , Kamenskiy Maxim V. , Kotomina Valentina E. , Manuilov Vladimir N. , Orlovskiy Alexey A. , Osharin Ivan V. , Peskov Nikolay Y. , Savilov Andrei V. , Zaslavsky Vladislav Y.
Published: December 2022

Novel additive technology of the Chemical Metallization of Photopolymer-based Structures (CMPS) is under active elaboration currently at the IAP RAS (Nizhny Novgorod). The use of this technology has made it possible to implement components of electron–optical and electrodynamic systems for high-power microwave vacuum tubes, such as a gyrotron and a relativistic Cherenkov maser, the design and experimental studies of which are described in this paper. Within the framework of the gyrotron developments, we carried out a simulation of the distribution of the heat load on the collector of high-power technological gyrotron taking into account secondary emission. The prospect of a significant reduction in the maximum power density of the deposited electron beam was shown. The experimental study of the gyrotron collector module manufactured using CMPS technology demonstrated high potential for its further implementation. Recent results of theoretical and experimental studies of a spatially extended Ka-band Cherenkov maser are presented. In this oscillator, the 2D-periodical slow-wave structure made by the proposed technology was applied and a narrow-band generation regime was observed with a sub-GW power level. The design and simulations of a novel selective electrodynamic system for a high-harmonic gyrotron with the planned application of the CMPS technology are discussed.
Exploring the Role of Obesity in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Based on Bio-informatics Analysis
Authors: Wang Xuehua , Liu Wei , Li Huili , Ding Jiaxing , Feng Yu , Chen Zhijian
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), contributing to increasing global disease burdens. Apart from heart failure, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmia, recent research has found that obesity also elevates the risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The main purpose of this study was to investigate the underlying biological role of obesity in increasing the risk of DCM. (2) Methods: The datasets GSE120895, GSE19303, and GSE2508 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed using GSE120895 for DCM and GSE2508 for obesity, and the findings were compiled to discover the common genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted for the common genes in RStudio. In addition, CIBERSORT was used to obtain the immune cellular composition from DEGs. The key genes were identified in the set of common genes by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm, the prognostic risk models of which were verified by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves in GSE19303. Finally, Spearman’s correlation was used to explore the connections between key genes and immune cells. (3) Results: GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses showed that the main enriched terms of the common genes were transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), fibrillar collagen, NADPH oxidase activity, and multiple hormone-related signaling pathways. Both obesity and DCM had a disordered immune environment, especially obesity. The key genes NOX4, CCDC80, COL1A2, HTRA1, and KLHL29 may be primarily responsible for the changes. Spearman’s correlation analysis performed for key genes and immune cells indicated that KLHL29 closely correlated to T cells and M2 macrophages, and HTRA1 very tightly correlated to plasma cells. (4) Conclusions: Bio-informatics analyses performed for DCM and obesity in our study suggested that obesity disturbed the immune micro-environment, promoted oxidative stress, and increased myocardial fibrosis, resulting in ventricular remodeling and an increased risk of DCM. The key genes KLHL29 and HTRA1 may play critical roles in obesity-related DCM.