bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep quality among individuals with ketamine use and the mediating role of craving
Authors: Yen Cheng-Fang , Lin Huang-Chi , Ko Chih-Hung , Wu Hung-Chi , Hsu Chih-Yao , Wang Peng-Wei
Published: November 2020

Sleep problems are common in Taiwan. Poor sleep may be associated with many illnesses, including substance use disorders. Ketamine use disorder has significantly increased in Taiwan in recent years and may lead to physical and cognitive problems. Craving for ketamine is a risk factor for ketamine use and relapse, and poor sleep quality may increase craving. This study aimed to explore the mediating effects of craving on the relationship between poor sleep quality and ketamine use. Demographic data, sleep quality, severity of dependence and craving were recorded for current ketamine users and abstinent ketamine users. Mediation analysis was used to examine the mediating effect of craving on the relationship between poor sleep and ketamine use. This study enrolled 414 current ketamine users with ketamine use disorder, 238 current ketamine users without ketamine use disorder, and 102 abstinent ketamine users with ketamine use disorder. Compared with healthy controls, all ketamine users had poor sleep quality. Poor sleep quality was associated with the initiation of and dependence on ketamine use. Craving can mediate the relationship between poor sleep quality and ketamine use. Poor sleep quality remains a problem for those abstaining from ketamine use. Poor sleep quality in ketamine users is an important issue because it is directly and indirectly through craving associated with ketamine use.
Both sedentary time and physical activity are associated with cardiometabolic health in overweight adults in a 1 month accelerometer measurement
Authors: Sjöros Tanja , Vähä-Ypyä Henri , Laine Saara , Garthwaite Taru , Lahesmaa Minna , Laurila Sanna M. , Latva-Rasku Aino , Savolainen Anna , Miikkulainen Annika , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Sievänen Harri , Kalliokoski Kari K. , Knuuti Juhani , Vasankari Tommi , Heinonen Ilkka H. A.
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to examine the associations of cardiometabolic health markers with device-measured sedentary behavior (SB) duration and different intensities of physical activity (PA) among overweight working-aged adults with low self-reported PA levels. This cross-sectional analysis included 144 subjects (42 men) with mean age of 57 (SD 6.5) years and mean BMI of 31.7 (SD 4) kg/m2. SB and standing time, breaks in sedentary time, light PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were measured for 4 consecutive weeks (mean 25 days, SD 4) with hip-worn accelerometers. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, HbA1c, triglycerides and total cholesterol, HDL and LDL were measured from venous blood samples. HOMA-IR index was calculated as a surrogate of insulin resistance. The associations were examined using linear models. LPA, MVPA, and daily steps associated with better insulin sensitivity and favorable plasma lipid profile, when adjusted for age, sex and BMI, whereas greater proportion of SB associated with insulin resistance and unfavorable lipid profile. As all PA intensities associated with better cardiometabolic health, the total daily duration of PA may be more relevant than intensity in maintaining metabolic health in overweight adults, if the current guidelines for PA are not met.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03101228, registered 05/04/2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03101228.
Prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus in Africa in one health approach: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alemayehu Tsegaye , Hailemariam Mengistu
Published: November 2020

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci are a global challenge currently as reported by the World Health Organization. It is also important to recognize that combating antimicrobial resistance needs to recognize the interconnections between people, animals, plants and their shared environment in creating public health, the so-called One Health approach. Although the presence of VRE has been described in many regions of the world, there is a lack of comprehensive data indicating their prevalence of in Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to aggregate the result of studies describing VRE reported across multiple regions in Africa. A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Google scholar, and Hinari with the term “Vancomycin resistance enterococcus in Africa” on August 1–3, 2019. All available articles were downloaded to “Endnote version 7.1” then to Microsoft Word 2013. Articles determined to meet our criteria for the review was extracted to Microsoft Excel 2013. Those articles that reported the prevalence of vancomycin resistance Enterococcus obtained from all sample types and published from 2010 to 2019 in the English language were included for the review. A meta-analysis was conducted with OpenMetaAnalyst version R.3.1.0 software. The effect size was determined using a binary random effect model and statically significant considered when p < 0.05. Heterogeneity determined with the inconsistency index. A leave one out analysis used to perform the sensitivity analysis. There were 151 articles identified from the database searches; of this, 36 articles included after extensive review with two independent authors. Out of 4073 samples collected, 1488 isolates identified with an overall pooled prevalence of VRE 26.8% (95% CI; 10.7–43.0%) in Africa with a one-health perspective. The analysis showed that considerable heterogeneity among the studies (I2 = 99.97%; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis in-country, African region, laboratory method, year of publication, and sample source showed that a high prevalence was identified from South Africa (74.8%), South African regions (74.8%), PCR (959.2%), 2010–2015 years (30.3%) and environmental (52.2%), respectively. This meta-analysis indicates that there was a high-pooled prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in African. A lot should be done to prevent and control the transmission of vancomycin resistance enterococci to a human being from the environment in the continent.
Publisher Correction: Fe-functionalized paramagnetic sporopollenin from pollen grains: one-pot synthesis using ionic liquids
Authors: Chiappe C. , Rodriguez-Douton M. J. , Mozzati M. C. , Prete D. , Griesi A. , Guazzelli L. , Gemmi M. , Caporali S. , Calisi N. , Pomelli C. S. , Rossella F.
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Persistent biotic interactions of a Gondwanan conifer from Cretaceous Patagonia to modern Malesia
Authors: Donovan Michael P. , Wilf Peter , Iglesias Ari , Cúneo N. Rubén , Labandeira Conrad C.
Published: November 2020

Many plant genera in the tropical West Pacific are survivors from the paleo-rainforests of Gondwana. For example, the oldest fossils of the Malesian and Australasian coniferAgathis(Araucariaceae) come from the early Paleocene and possibly latest Cretaceous of Patagonia, Argentina (West Gondwana). However, it is unknown whether dependent ecological guilds or lineages of associated insects and fungi persisted on Gondwanan host plants likeAgathisthrough time and space. We report insect-feeding and fungal damage on PatagonianAgathisfossils from four latest Cretaceous to middle Eocene floras spanning ca. 18 Myr and compare it with damage on extantAgathis. Very similar damage was found on fossil and modernAgathis, including blotch mines representing the first known Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary crossing leaf-mine association, external foliage feeding, galls, possible armored scale insect (Diaspididae) covers, and a rust fungus (Pucciniales). The similar suite of damage, unique to fossil and extantAgathis, suggests persistence of ecological guilds and possibly the component communities associated withAgathissince the late Mesozoic, implying host tracking of the genus across major plate movements that led to survival at great distances. The living associations, mostly made by still-unknown culprits, point to previously unrecognized biodiversity and evolutionary history in threatened rainforest ecosystems.
Visual detection of different metal ions based on the tug of war between triangular Au nanoparticles and metal ions against mercaptans
Authors: Chen Xianli , Liang Yong
Published: November 2020

Herein, a new colorimetric sensor array was developed for the first time, which can rapidly recognize 9 types of metal ions (e.g., Ni2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Cr3+, Fe2+, Se2+, Mn2+, and Mg2+).
Optimal utilization of fluoroethylene carbonate in potassium ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Chaofei , Chen Juan , Yin Xing , Sun Yidan , Yang Wei , Yu Fengjiao , Liu Xiaojing , Fu Lijun , Chen Yuhui , Wu Yuping
Published: November 2020

A novel strategy of optimal utilization for electrolyte additive fluoroethylene carbonate was adopted, enhancing the cycle life of potassium ion batteries.
Hetero[8]circulenes: synthetic progress and intrinsic properties
Authors: Miyake Yoshihiro , Shinokubo Hiroshi
Published: November 2020

Synthetic route for hetero[8]circulenes are classified into the annulative construction of eight-membered ring and the peripheral ring fusion of eight-membered ring. Post-transformation enables the tuning of structural features and electronic nature.
Reactivity of 3-nitroindoles with electron-rich species
Authors: Rkein Batoul , Bigot Antoine , Birbaum Léo , Manneveau Maxime , De Paolis Michaël , Legros Julien , Chataigner Isabelle
Published: November 2020

3-Nitroindoles behave as electron-poor aromatic compounds and react toward a number electron-rich species. This feature article presents an overview of this reactivity, mainly in (formal) dearomatizing cycloaddition reactions.
Modulation of crystal growth and structure within cerium-based metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Wasson Megan C. , Otake Ken-ichi , Gong Xinyi , Strathman Annabella R. , Islamoglu Timur , Gianneschi Nathan C. , Farha Omar K.
Published: November 2020

Cerium-based metal–organic frameworks' crystal growth and structure dictated using modulating monocarboxylate species.
Dielectric confinement for designing compositions and optoelectronic properties of 2D layered hybrid perovskites
Authors: Chakraborty Rayan , Nag Angshuman
Published: November 2020

The possibility of using nanoscale dielectric contrast for designing 2D layered halide perovskite compositions for optoelectronic applications is discussed.
Coexistence of intrinsic piezoelectricity and ferromagnetism induced by small biaxial strain in septuple-atomic-layer VSi2P4
Authors: Guo San-Dong , Mu Wen-Qi , Zhu Yu-Tong , Chen Xing-Qiu
Published: November 2020

The VSi2P4 spans a wide range of properties upon the increasing strain from ferromagnetic metal (FMM) to spin-gapless semiconductor (SGS) to ferromagnetic semiconductor (FMS) to SGS to ferromagnetic half-metal (FMHM).
X-Ray attenuation and image contrast in the X-ray computed tomography of clathrate hydrates depending on guest species
Authors: Takeya Satoshi , Muromachi Sanehiro , Hachikubo Akihiro , Ohmura Ryo , Hyodo Kazuyuki , Yoneyama Akio
Published: November 2020

In this study, X-ray imaging of inclusion compounds encapsulating various guest species was investigated based on the calculation of X-ray attenuation coefficients.
Interface engineering of heterojunction photocatalysts based on 1D nanomaterials
Authors: Zhong Yi , Peng Chundong , He Zetian , Chen Daimei , Jia Hailong , Zhang Jinzhong , Ding Hao , Wu Xiangfeng
Published: November 2020

1D nanomaterial-based heterojunctions with unique structures and outstanding physicochemical properties are divided into several types including type II heterojunction, p–n type heterojunction, Schottky junction, Z-type heterojunction, and S-scheme heterojunction.
Control of the single atom/nanoparticle ratio in Pd/C catalysts to optimize the cooperative hydrogenation of alkenes
Authors: Rivera-Cárcamo C. , Gerber I. C. , del Rosal I. , Guicheret B. , Castro Contreras R. , Vanoye L. , Favre-Réguillon A. , Machado B. F. , Audevard J. , de Bellefon C. , Philippe R. , Serp P.
Published: November 2020

Control of the single atom/nanoparticle ratio allows preparation of highly active Pd/C hydrogenation catalysts integrating the ultra-rational use of Pd.
Comprehensive study of the light-off performance and surface properties of engine-aged Pd-based three-way catalysts
Authors: Haneda Masaaki , Nakamura Yuichiro , Yamada Tatsuya , Minami Shigekazu , Kato Naohiro , Iwashina Katsuya , Endo Yoshinori , Nakahara Yunosuke , Iwachido Kinichi
Published: November 2020

Pd particles with a high fraction of corner sites on low-index facets are highly active for three-way catalyst reactions.
Fabrication of amino functionalized benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid facilitated cerium based metal organic frameworks for efficient removal of fluoride from water environment
Authors: Jeyaseelan Antonysamy , Naushad Mu. , Ahamad Tansir , Viswanathan Natrayasamy
Published: November 2020

In this present work, we have developed the highly porous nature of cerium (Ce) based metal organic frameworks (MOFs), namely Ce@ABDC and Ce@BDC MOFs, using a hydrothermal technique for the defluoridation of water.
Chitosan/casein based microparticles with a bilayer shell–core structure for oral delivery of nattokinase
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Lyu Xiaomei , Tong Yanjun , Wang Jing , Ye Jianfen , Yang Ruijin
Published: November 2020

Sustained release of nattokinase in the small intestine via the bilayer shell–core structured microparticle.
A supramolecular cavitand for selective chromatographic separation of peptides using LC-MS/MS: a combined in silico and experimental approach
Authors: Mekapothula Subbareddy , Wonanke A. D. Dinga , Addicoat Matthew A. , Wallis John D. , Boocock David J. , Cave Gareth W. V.
Published: November 2020

The chromatographic separation of proteomic standards via a silica immobilized pillararene cavitand has been designed in silico using host–guest binding energy studies and realized experimentally to selectively interact with peptides.
Thiophenic silicon phthalocyanines: synthesis, characterization, and photophysical properties
Authors: Chen Kuizhi , Li Xia , Huang Bingcheng , Ye Qiuhao , Xiao Wenling , Guan Xinqiao , Chen Limin , Peng Yiru
Published: November 2020

The synthesis, photophysical properties, and in vitro photodynamic therapy efficacies of three thiophenic silicon phthalocyanines were studied.
Aqueous solubilization of hydrophobic tetrapyrrole macrocycles by attachment to an amphiphilic single-chain nanoparticle (SCNP)
Authors: Liu Rui , Liu Sijia , Hu Gongfang , Lindsey Jonathan S.
Published: November 2020

Snapping a heterotelechelic amphiphilic polymer onto a tetrapyrrole imparts aqueous solubility to the otherwise hydrophobic macrocycle as demonstrated for a chlorin, bacteriochlorin and phthalocyanine.
Very thermostable energetic materials based on a fused-triazole: 3,6-diamino-1H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b][1,2,4]triazole
Authors: Tang Yongxing , An Ziwei , Chinnam Ajay Kumar , Staples Richard J. , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: November 2020

The fused-triazole backbone 1H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b][1,2,4]triazole with two C-amino groups gave a highly thermally energetic compound.
Crystal structure, photoluminescence and afterglow properties of red-emitting phosphors Ca4Nb2O9:Pr3+ for AC-LEDs
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Li Na , Wei Zhiting , Wang Ziqi , Gou Mengwei , Zhao Lei , Chen Wenbo , Qiang Qinping
Published: November 2020

A novel Ca4Nb2O9:Pr3+ short-afterglow phosphor exhibits efficient red emission under blue light excitation, which can be used to compensate the time gap of AC-LEDs.
Nano-assemblies of a soluble conjugated organic polymer and an inorganic semiconductor for sacrificial photocatalytic hydrogen production from water
Authors: Yang Haofan , Amari Houari , Liu Lunjie , Zhao Chengxi , Gao Hui , He Ai , Browning Nigel D. , Little Marc A. , Sprick Reiner Sebastian , Cooper Andrew I.
Published: November 2020

Evaporation induced self-assembly is used to prepare nanocomposites of a conjugated polymer and inorganic semiconductor. The nanostructured composite has significantly improved sacrificial hydrogen evolution rates compared to the individual components.
A high-throughput assessment of the adsorption capacity and Li-ion diffusion dynamics in Mo-based ordered double-transition-metal MXenes as anode materials for fast-charging LIBs
Authors: Wang Hangyu , Jing Ziang , Liu Haoliang , Feng Xianghui , Meng Guodong , Wu Kai , Cheng Yonghong , Xiao Bing
Published: November 2020

A high-throughput assessment of the electrochemical performance of Mo-based ordered double-transition-metal MXenes as anode materials for fast charging LIBs.
Preparation of well-defined 2D-lenticular aggregates by self-assembly of PNIPAM-b-PVDF amphiphilic diblock copolymers in solution
Authors: Folgado Enrique , Mayor Matthias , Cot Didier , Ramonda Michel , Godiard Franck , Ladmiral Vincent , Semsarilar Mona
Published: November 2020

PNIPAM-b-PVDF amphiphilic block copolymers were synthesized via RAFT polymerization in dimethyl carbonate. These block copolymers were able to self-assemble into various morphologies such as spherical, crumpled, lamellar and lenticular 2D aggregates.
Organocatalytic ring-opening polymerization of thionolactones: anything O can do, S can do better
Authors: Kalana U. L. D. Inush , Datta Partha P. , Hewawasam Rukshika S. , Kiesewetter Elizabeth T. , Kiesewetter Matthew K.
Published: November 2020

Organocatalysts facilitate the synthesis of polythionolactones; oxidative crosslinking yields a degradable polymer foam.
Study on the performance of NiO/ZnxZr1−x catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation
Authors: Chang Shuai , Mao Wenshuo , Na Wei , Gao Wengui , Qu Gaocheng , Wang Hua
Published: November 2020

The NiO/ZnxZr1−x (x represents the molar mass of Zn) catalyst was prepared by the impregnation method and tested in CO2 methanation.
Enantioselective amination of 4-alkylisoquinoline-1,3(2H,4H)-dione derivatives
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Li Ying-Xian , Jia Xue-Min , Zhang Ji-Quan , Zhao Yong-Long , Feng Wei , Tang Lei , Yang Yuan-Yong
Published: November 2020

A mild and efficient enantioselective amination of 4-alkylisoquinoline-1,3(2H,4H)-dione derivatives was established and a broad range of amination products were prepared in excellent yields and ee values with low catalyst loading.
In silicoapproach: biological prediction of nordentatin derivatives as anticancer agent inhibitors in the cAMP pathway
Authors: Abdjan Muhammad Ikhlas , Aminah Nanik Siti , Siswanto Imam , Thant Tin Myo , Kristanti Alfinda Novi , Takaya Yoshiaki
Published: November 2020

A combination of computational techniques has been carried out to predict the binding of nordentatin derivatives based on pyranocoumarin semi-synthesis with the target protein from the expression of the PDE4B gene.
Transformation of novel TiOF2 nanoparticles to cluster TiO2-{001/101} and its degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride under simulated sunlight
Authors: Jian Yue , Liu Huayang , Zhu Jiaming , Zeng Yaqiong , Liu Zuohua , Hou Chentao , Pu Shihua
Published: November 2020

Degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride by cluster TiO2-{001/101} under simulated sunlight.
Equilibrium swelling of thermo-responsive copolymer microgels
Authors: Drozdov A. D. , Christiansen J. deClaville
Published: November 2020

A model is developed for equilibrium swelling of thermo-responsive copolymer gels and is applied to predict the effect of molar fraction of comonomers on the volume phase transition temperature of macroscopic gels and microgels.
Three-dimensional crimped biodegradable poly(lactic acid) fibers prepared via melt spinning and controlled structural reorganization
Authors: Yang Bo , Wang Rui , Dong Zhenfeng , Wu Jing , Kuang Minxuan , Jin Gaoling , Ma Huiling , Wang Yang , Zhang Qingying , Zhang Xiuqin
Published: November 2020

Biodegradable three-dimensional crimped Poly(Lactide acid)(PLA)/low-melt point poly(Lactide acid) (LM-PLA) side-by-side composite fiber was prepared by regulating the crystallization and disorientation through dry and wet heat treatment.
The density, nanohardness and some optical properties of As–S and As–Se chalcogenide bulk glasses and thin films
Authors: Knotek P. , Kutálek P. , Černošková E. , Vlček M. , Tichý L.
Published: November 2020

Amorphous As2S3, As2Se3 and As1Se99 bulk glasses and thin films were prepared on different substrates by melt quenching technique and vacuum thermal evaporation. The resulting properties were compared.
Arylation ofgem-difluoroalkenes using a Pd/Cu Co-catalytic system that avoids β-fluoride elimination
Authors: Yuan Kedong , Feoktistova Taisiia , Cheong Paul Ha-Yeon , Altman Ryan A.
Published: November 2020

PdII/CuIco-catalyze a desulfitative arylation of aliphaticgem-difluoroalkenes in a radical arylation/migratory insertion sequence that avoids β-F elimination.
Humidity-robust scalable metal halide perovskite film deposition for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Perini Carlo Andrea Riccardo , Reddy Pininti Anil , Martani Samuele , Topolovsek Peter , Perego Andrea , Cortecchia Daniele , Petrozza Annamaria , Caironi Mario
Published: November 2020

We propose an intermediate-mediated perovskite deposition route based on acetonitrile, working in a broad range of humidity levels and compatible with large-area deposition, thus more amenable to industrialization.
Effects of A site doping on the crystallization of perovskite films
Authors: Zhang Caiyi , Wang Yanbo , Lin Xuesong , Wu Tianhao , Han Qifeng , Zhang Yiqiang , Han Liyuan
Published: November 2020

The effects of A site doping on the crystallization, including the morphology and crystallinity of the PbI2 layer, nucleation and growth, phase transition and crystal orientation.
Conductive carbonaceous membranes: recent progress and future opportunities
Authors: Patil Jatin J. , Jana Asmita , Getachew Bezawit A. , Bergsman David S. , Gariepy Zachary , Smith Brendan D. , Lu Zhengmao , Grossman Jeffrey C.
Published: November 2020

Conductive carbonaceous membranes are a cost-effective, scalable platform to electrify membranes for fouling mitigation, contaminant degradation, and increased permeate selectivity.
High-throughput investigation of the formation of double spinels
Authors: Kocevski Vancho , Pilania Ghanshyam , Uberuaga Blas P.
Published: November 2020

Using high-throughput first-principles calculations, a list of 92 double spinel chemistries are screened for their stability; 49 stable double spinels are identified, representing potentially new compounds with unique properties and functionality.
A ring-locking strategy to enhance the chemical and photochemical stability of A–D–A-type non-fullerene acceptors
Authors: Liu Hongtao , Wang Wen , Zhou Yinhua , Li Zhong'an
Published: November 2020

The intrinsic chemical and photochemical stability of A–D–A-type non-fullerene acceptors can be effectively improved by introducing ring-locked carbon–carbon double bonds between D–A conjugation.
Aza-substitution on naphthalene diimide-based conjugated polymers for n-type bottom gate/top contact polymer transistors under ambient conditions
Authors: Zhang Guobing , Yu Hao , Sun Yue , Wang Weiwei , Zhao Yao , Wang Lichun , Qiu Longzhen , Ding Yunsheng
Published: November 2020

Four conjugated polymers based on naphthalene diimide (NDI) as the acceptor and thiophene–phenyl–thiophene with different aza-substitutions as co-units were synthesized.
Interrogation of 3D-swapped structure and functional attributes of quintessential Sortase A from Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Biswas Tora , Misra Anurag , Das Sreetama , Yadav Prity , Ramakumar Suryanarayanarao , Roy Rajendra P.
Published: November 2020

The anchoring of the surface proteins to the cell wall in gram-positive bacteria involves a peptide ligation reaction catalyzed by transpeptidase sortase. Most bacterial genomes encode multiple sortases with dedicated functions. Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp) carries four sortases; a housekeeping sortase (SrtA), and three pilin specific sortases (SrtC1, C2, C3) dedicated to the biosynthesis of covalent pilus. Interestingly, SrtA, meant for performing housekeeping roles, is also implicated in pilus assembly of Sp. The allegiance of SpSrtA to the pathogenic pilus assembly makes it an ideal target for clinical inhibitor development. In this paper, we describe biochemical characterization, crystal structure and peptide substrate preference of SpSrtA. Transpeptidation reaction with a variety of substrates revealed that the enzyme preferred elongated LPXTG sequences and transferred them equally well to both Ala- and Gly-terminated peptides. Curiously, the crystal structure of both wild type and an active site (Cys to Ala) mutant of SpSrtA displayed inter-twined 3D-swapped dimers in which each protomer generated a classic eight-stranded beta-barrel ‘sortase fold'. Size-exclusion chromatography and sedimentation equilibrium measurements revealed the predominant presence of a dimer in equilibrium with its monomer. The crystal structure-based Cys–Cys distance mapping with defined chemical cross-linkers established the existence of 3D-swapped structure in solution. The swapping in SpSrtA, unprecedented for sortase family, may be physiologically relevant and meant to perform regulatory functions.
Comprehensive assessment of COVID‐19 impact on Saskatchewan power system operations
Authors: Safari Nima , Price George , Chung C.Y.
Published: November 2020

This paper presents lessons learned to date during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic from the viewpoint of Saskatchewan power system operations. A load estimation approach is developed to identify how the closures affecting businesses, schools, and other non‐critical businesses due to COVID‐19 changed the electricity consumption. Furthermore, the impacts of COVID‐19 containment measures and re‐opening phases on load uncertainty are examined. Changes in CO2 emissions resulting from an increased proportion of renewable energy generation and the change in load pattern are discussed. In addition, the influence of COVID‐19 on the balancing authority's power control performance is investigated. Analyses conducted here are based on data from SaskPower Corporation, which is the principal electric utility in Saskatchewan, Canada. Some recommendations for future power system operation and planning are developed.
Deterministic‐like solution to the non‐convex economic dispatch problem
Authors: El‐Sayed Wael T. , El‐Saadany Ehab F. , Zeineldin Hatem H. , Al‐Durra Ahmed , El‐Moursi Mohamed S.
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes a novel stochastic solution method for the static nonconvex power economic dispatch problem. All practical features such as valve point effects, ramp rate limits, prohibited operating zones, multiple fuel options, spinning reserve constraints, and transmission losses are considered. To develop the proposed algorithm, two modifications that significantly enhance the exploitation capability of the artificial bee colony algorithm are introduced. The first modification concerns onlooker and employed bees to focus their search around the best solution found so far. The second modification optimizes the escaping behavior from local minimums using scout bees. The proposed modifications form a multi‐level concentric search around the best solution found. Finally, combining the modified artificial bee colony algorithm with Levy flight cycles, which improve the escaping capability from local minimums, leads to the proposed algorithm. The algorithm parameters have been tuned to provide a deterministic‐like solution with ten benchmark problems. The improvement added by each proposed modification to the artificial bee colony algorithm has been confirmed using the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test. The obtained results by the proposed algorithm are superior compared to those reported in the literature. Moreover, estimated probabilities of more than 99.9% to obtain the global optimal solution are achieved.
Single‐machine scheduling problem with flexible maintenance and non‐resumable jobs to minimise makespan
Authors: Chen Yarong , Huang Chenjun , Chou Fuh‐Der , Huang Shenquan
Published: November 2020

Single‐machine scheduling problem with preventive maintenance is an non‐deterministic polynomial‐hard combinatorial optimisation problem, which has significant applications in the real world. To meet the realistic requirements, high‐speed heuristic algorithms should be developed. In this study, a single‐machine scheduling problem with flexible maintenance and non‐resumable jobs is studied. Some properties for optimally solving this problem are first proposed, and then two mixed‐integer programming (MIP) models are provided. Next, a branch‐and‐bound (B&B) algorithm, four heuristic algorithms and the procedures to improve the quality of their solution are developed based on the properties of the optimal solution. Experimental results indicate that the proposed heuristic algorithms can obtain near‐optimal solutions within a very short computation time compared with the MIP and B&B methods. The heuristic algorithms of Minimum Waste and Lower Bound Index are particularly satisfactory in terms of both solution efficiency and accuracy in solving the addressed problem.
Counteractive control against cyber‐attack uncertainties on frequency regulation in the power system
Authors: Prasad Sheetla
Published: November 2020

In this study, an observer based control strategy is proposed for load frequency control (LFC) scheme against cyber‐attack uncertainties. Most of research work focused on detection scheme or delay estimation scheme in presence of cyber‐attack vulnerabilities and paid less attention on design of counteractive robust control scheme for LFC problem. Thus, observer based control scheme is designed here and provides robust performance against unknown input attack uncertainty and communication time‐delay attack uncertainty. The generalized extended state observer (GESO) is used not only for state and disturbance estimation but also for disturbance rejection of the system. The said observer ensures accurate estimation of the actual states leading to convergence of estimation error to zero. So, the observer based linear quadratic regulator (LQR) is used to regulate the closed‐loop damping ratio against cyber‐attack uncertainty. In addition to fast response in terms of settling time and reduced over/undershoots, the proposed control scheme satisfactorily compensates the cyber‐attack uncertainties in power system cyber physical networks and also compared with existing traditional PI and PID controllers. The simulation results demonstrate the robustness in terms of stability and effectiveness in terms of system security with proposed controller when subjected to cyber‐attack uncertainties and load disturbances.
Retraction: Energy storage system and demand response program effects on stochastic energy procurement of large consumers considering renewable generation
Authors: Aalami Habib Allah , Nojavan Sayyad
Published: November 2020

The Publisher is retracting this article, ‘Energy storage system and demand response program effects on stochastic energy procurement of large consumers considering renewable generation’, IET Gener., Transm. Distrib., 2016, 10, 1, pp. 107–114, doi: 10.1049/iet‐gtd.2015.0473. The paper has been retracted due to an overlap with a previously published paper by the authors, entitled ‘Stochastic energy procurement of large electricity consumer considering photovoltaic, wind‐turbine, micro‐turbines, energy storage system in the presence of demand response program’, Energy Conver. Manage., 2015, 103, (1), pp. 1008–1018
Quantum circuit design methodology for multiple linear regression
Authors: Dutta Sanchayan , Suau Adrien , Dutta Sagnik , Roy Suvadeep , Behera Bikash K. , Panigrahi Prasanta K.
Published: November 2020

Multiple linear regression assumes an imperative role in supervised machine learning. In 2009, Harrow et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 150502 (2009)] showed that their Harrow Hassidim Lloyd (HHL) algorithm can be used to sample the solution of a linear system exponentially faster than any existing classical algorithm. The entire field of quantum machine learning gained considerable traction after the discovery of this celebrated algorithm. However, effective practical applications and experimental implementations of HHL are still sparse in the literature. Here, the authors demonstrate a potential practical utility of HHL, in the context of regression analysis, using the remarkable fact that there exists a natural reduction of any multiple linear regression problem to an equivalent linear systems problem. They put forward a 7‐qubit quantum circuit design, motivated from an earlier work by Cao et al. [Mol. Phys. 110, 1675 (2012)], to solve a three‐variable regression problem, using only elementary quantum gates. They also implement the group leaders optimisation algorithm (GLOA) [Mol. Phys. 109 (5), 761 (2011)] and elaborate on the advantages of using such stochastic algorithms in creating low‐cost circuit approximations for the Hamiltonian simulation. Further, they discuss their Qiskit simulation and explore certain generalisations to the circuit design.
Reliability assessment of composite power systems containing sea wave slot‐coned generators
Authors: Ghaedi Amir , Gorginpour Hamed
Published: November 2020

The generated power of the Sea‐wave slot‐coned generator (SSG), as one of the high capacity wave energy converters, is dependent on the period and height of the waves. The generated power of this energy‐converter changes due to the variation in these parameters. Thus, different aspects of the power systems may be affected that must be investigated by increasing the share of these converters for electricity production in the power‐systems. In this paper reliability assessment of composite power‐systems containing large‐scale SSG is performed. The Xie and Beni (XB) index is calculated for obtaining the optimum number of states in the reliability model of the SSG and fuzzy c‐means clustering technique is proposed for reducing the number of states of the model. The contingency analysis method is proposed for calculating the reliability indices of the composite power‐system incorporating large‐scale SSG. DC load‐flow method, which considers line capacity, is used to perform load‐flow in the composite power‐system including generation and transmission networks. In the proposed technique, a load‐shedding program with the goal of minimizing the value of lost load is solved using of the linear programming method based on the interior‐point‐approach for contingency states leading to the load curtailment.
An integrated model for train rescheduling and station track assignment
Authors: Meng Xuelei , Wang Yahui , Xiang Wanli , Jia Limin
Published: November 2020

Both train rescheduling and station track assignment have become hot topics in recent years. It is fundamentally important to do the rescheduling and track assignment work at the same time to avoid the feasibility risk of the re‐scheduled timetable. The purpose of this paper is to design an integrated model for train rescheduling and track assignment in order to provide an integrative plan for the trains to run on the railway sections and go through stations. Based on the existing train rescheduling model, the model is designed by adding the constraints and the optimization goal of track assignment. The goal of track assignment is to maximize the equilibrium of the track usage time, and the constraint is that two trains cannot occupy a same track at the same time. An artificial bee colony algorithm is used to solve the model to get the operation plan. A computing experiment was carried out to prove the effectiveness of the model and the efficiency of the algorithm. The approach presented in this paper can provide a reference for the developers of a railway dispatching system.
Phone‐vehicle trajectory matching framework based on ALPR and cellular signalling data
Authors: Wan Wei , Cai Ming
Published: November 2020

With the advancement of positioning techniques, a large amount of trajectory data has been produced. Matching vehicles with mobile phones using different trajectories can benefit many applications, such as driving behaviour analysis and travel mode split. Moreover, as a privacy attack method, it can provide theoretical inspiration for privacy protection theory. To address this problem, a new trajectory matching framework for processing massive Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) and cellular signalling data is proposed. Information entropy was adopted to address the movement frequency of trajectories and then the infrequent vehicles and phones that did not meet the threshold were pruned. Next, an effective matching algorithm was devised to match the trajectories of vehicles and mobile phones. Moreover, to solve the problem of obtaining a small number of matching results, a data augmentation algorithm was proposed to add new, matching records. Last, a classification model was constructed with LightGBM to determine whether the vehicle matches the phone. Experimental results on real datasets show that the framework outperforms typical techniques in terms of effectiveness and efficiency. The data obtained by data augmentation have distribution characteristics similar to those of the original data. The proposed classification model achieves an accuracy of 93.6%.
Features of concentrate feeding in an automatic milking system with free cow traffic
Authors: Sharipov Delyus , Yakimov Oleg , Akhmetzyanova Firaya , Galimullin Ildar
Published: November 2020

The objective of this research was to study the main factors influencing the consumption of concentrate depending on the daily milk yield in an automatic milking system (AMS) with free cow traffic. The researchers obtained data by visiting AMS from 227 lactating Holstein dairy cows for 30 days. For a more complete characterization of milking activity and feeding concentrate during milking in the AMS, the cows were divided into 6 groups: with a milk yield less than 20.0 kg, 20.1–25.0, 25.1–30.0, 30.1–35.0, 35.1–40.0 and more than 40.1 kg per day. With an increase in milk production, the allocation of concentrate in the milking box increases (P<0.001). So, with a daily milk yield of 17.6 ± 0.5 kg, 4.93 ± 0.13 kg of concentrate was allocated, 23.0 ± 0.3 kg – 6.10±0.11 kg of, 27.9 ± 0.2 kg – 6.93 ± 0.09 kg, 32.7 ± 0.2 – 7.50 ± 0.15 kg, 37.3 ± 0.3 – 7.68 ± 0.29 kg and with a daily milk yield of 42.9 ± 0.4 kg allocated 8.00 ± 0.30 kg of concentrate. Wherein, the milking frequency between groups increases from 2.9 ± 0.1 to 3.1 ± 0.1 times a day. Box-visiting time has a significant impact on the consumption of concentrate. So, when visiting a milking box with a duration of 6.09 ± 0.42 min, cows consumed 4.53 kg of concentrate, with 6.96 ± 0.27 min (P<0.05) – 5.89 kg, 7.09 ± 0.22 min (P<0.05) – 6.51 kg, 7.25 ± 0.26 min (P<0.05) – 6.83 kg, 8.06 ± 0.40 min (P<0.01) – 7.08 kg and when the duration of the visit was 8.07 ± 0.31 min (P<0.01), animals consumed 7.39 kg of concentrate. Thus, we found that the cows of all productivity groups did not completely consume the concentrate allocated in AMS.
Regional allocation methodology for agricultural support
Authors: Samygin Denis , Baryshnikov Nikolaj , Imyarekov Sergey , Ponimatkina Lyudmila
Published: November 2020

The problem of the methodology of quota allocation for agricultural support to regions is raised. It is shown that the problem is related to the selection of criteria and applied key figures for distribution. It has been proved that the share of regions in production and economic results in agriculture does not indicate the efficiency of economic activity and the effective impact of state support on this. Current scientific studies on this problem have been summarized and model calculations have been carried out using econometric analysis tools. It has been established that the largest dependence on agricultural support is observed in the volume of gross production, profit from sale and the level of profitability. It is justified that these indicators should be used in the methodology of allocation of budgetary funds to the regions in order to create conditions for formation of food independence, improvement of production efficiency, ensuring reproduction of resources. It is argued that this approach will increase the impact of subsidies in regions with different levels of agricultural development.
Biochemical status of turkeys when fed with a complex nanoadditive
Authors: Vorotnikova Irina , Zyalalov Schavket , Dezhatkina Svetlana , Lyubin Nikolay
Published: November 2020

The positive effect of a complex additive based on nanozeolite and soy оkara on the biochemical status and anabolic processes in turkeys was established. Tests were carried out in the Ulyanovsk region at the facilities of a farm for young turkeys of the breed “Hybrid Grade Maker”. We formed two groups using the method of analogs: control and experimental groups of 10 birds each. The supplement was added to the diet in the amount of 100 g/head/day. The subject of the study was the blood of birds, which was taken from the axillary vein before morning feeding. Under the influence of the supplement, an increase in anabolic processes in the body of turkeys was revealed. An increase in albumin by 7.38% p<0.05, creatinine by 19.32% p<0.05 with a decrease in nitrogenous products was found. It is confirmed by an increase in the average daily weight gains of turkeys by 13-18.3%. There was a decrease in the activity of AST aminotransferases. Decreased of the products nitrous metabolism is revealed: urea concentration per uric acid. Improved feather cover of birds and reduced cannibalism among birds.
Experience in branding producers-processors of agricultural products to ensure food security in the region
Authors: Shikhova Oksana , Selina Marina , Barinova Olga
Published: November 2020

The article presents the research results of the role and potential of the regional brand, which has united agricultural producers - processers with the aim to solve the problem of quality management of consumer goods and food security governance in the Vologda region. The observed serious demographic problems are connected with the quality and safety of food products as well. The agricultural direction of the economics of the region allows the region to be self-sufficient in quality products of the local producersprocessors. That is why the regional government implements the policy of voluntary certification with the marking “The real Vologda product”. This initiative had involved a large number of participants and later became the so named regional trade brand. The analysis of the peculiarities of functioning and development trend of the brand was carried out. The survey results of consumer preferences of the population were presented. They showed the sufficiently high level of trust to the quality and environmental friendliness of the raw material of products by the Vologda producers, in which the brand “The real Vologda product” played an important role. Such technologies of branding are not widely spread in regions. The history and experience of “The real Vologda product” is an example of an efficient tool in the struggle against infringing goods, and of an increase of the level of food security of the population.
Bovine fetal tissue extracts as an alternative to fetal serum for in vitro reproduction of viruses
Authors: Gilmutdinov Rustam Y. , Galiullin Albert K. , Spiridonov Gennady N. , Sovronov Pavel V.
Published: November 2020

The authors assessed the possibility of substitution of the serum component with tissue extracts (muscles, liver, kidneys) of bovine fetuses in the culture medium during the cultivation of transplanted LEK and Vero cell lines, as well as the reproduction of infectious rhinotracheitis IR, PI-3 viruses and reovirus on them. The greatest stimulating effect on LEK and Vero cells was obtained from bovine fetuses muscle extract. The effect of this extract on the proliferative activity of LEK and Vero cells is significant and amounts to 27 and 25%, respectively. The power of the effect of liver and kidney extracts is significantly lower and equal, respectively, 15 and 18% for LEK and 14 and 19% for Vero, although it is reliable. The reproductive activity of IR and PI-3 viruses when using tissue extracts was inferior to that when using blood serum. The stimulating effect of blood serum and muscle extract on the reproduction of reovirus was comparable. The effect of fetal muscle extract on the reproduction of IR, PI-3 viruses and reovirus is reliable and amounts to 29, 31 and 33%, respectively. In general, it is close to that of the blood serum of bovine fetuses - 30, 35 and 36%. The power of the influence of the liver and kidney extracts of the bovine fetuses is significantly lower and comparable to that of the blood serum of the cows themselves: 25, 23 and 20%, although it is reliable.
The productivity and spring barley grain quality depending on mineral fertilizer systems
Authors: Sanina N. V.
Published: November 2020

The research purpose is to study the effect of systematic application of various doses of mineral fertilizers on productivity, grain quality, value of spring barley productivity elements, determine an optimal doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the arid conditions of the Middle Volga region. Improving nutrition with the use of fertilizers contributed to an increase in productivity values. The average yield was 0.18–0.76 t/ha. The use of maximum doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium did not increase productivity in arid conditions. Nitrogen plays a leading role in increasing barley productivity. The agronomic effectiveness of fertilizers depended on the doses of active substances. An increase was 2.1–5.8 kg of barley grain per 1 kg of active substances. The most stable increase was observed when applying N60Р0-60К0-30. Rational doses are as follows: nitrogen 60–90 kg a.e./ha when applying P60K30, phosphorus 30–60 kg a.e./ha when applying N60K30, potassium 30 kg a.e./ha when applying N60Р60. The best option is N60Р0-60К0-30.
Main directions of popularization of electronic state and municipal services among rural population
Authors: Krupina Gulnara , Safiullin Niyaz , Faizrakhmanov Dzhaudat , Kurakova Chulpan
Published: November 2020

The paper touches upon the relevant issue connected with the processes of digital transformation of the modern economy of the country. It describes the current state of development of informatization of rural areas and provides data on the use of information and communication networks in households of the Russian Federation, including urban and rural settlements. The data on the skills of working with a personal computer are analyzed by types of settlements of the Russian Federation. It is concluded that it is necessary to improve the computer literacy of rural residents of the country. As an example, it is proposed to use educational resources for mastering digital skills. A comparative analysis of the use of the Internet by urban and rural residents, including during the provision of electronic state and municipal services, is carried out. The fact of the presence of a digital inequality in the use of the network between cities and the villages is established. The factors of the formation of the digital divide between urban and rural population when receiving state and municipal services in electronic form are determined. The main reasons for the refusal to use the Internet for remote interaction of rural residents with public authorities during the provision of public services are found. The measures for the popularization and expansion of the system for the provision of electronic state and municipal services among rural population are proposed. As additional measures, the authors give recommendations to use the premises of local self-government bodies in rural areas as free access points to the Unified Portal of State and Municipal Services of the Russian Federation. The main direction of popularizing electronic interaction between rural population and state authorities is to conduct specialized digital literacy courses when receiving state and municipal services. It is proposed to scale up these courses at the regional and federal levels.