bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Extreme Weather Events on Sub-Saharan African Child and Adolescent Mental Health: A Protocol for a Systematic Review
Authors: Rother Hanna-Andrea , Etzel Ruth A. , Shelton Mary , Paulson Jerome A. , Hayward R. Anna , Theron Linda C.
Published: May 2020

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has been identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as being the most vulnerable region to climate change impacts. A major concern is the increase in extreme weather events (EWE) such as storms, floods, droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, and landslides in SSA and their potential to affect the health and well-being of children and adolescents. The objective of this systematic review is to examine the direct and indirect impacts of EWE on the mental health of children and adolescents living in SSA, in order to inform protective adaptation strategies and promote resilience. A meta-analysis will not be possible, since the assumption is that limited studies have been published on the EWE-associated mental health impacts on children and adolescents living in SSA and that those studies that are available are heterogenous. There is acknowledgement in the global literature of the need to highlight child and adolescent mental health more prominently in climate change health strategies and policies. It is vital that adaptation strategies are informed by research on risk prevention and promotion of resilience to ensure the mental health of children and adolescents is protected.
Spatial Mapping of a Highly Non-Uniform Distribution of Particle-Bound PAH in a Densely Populated Urban Area
Authors: Kim Kyung Hwan , Kwak Kyung-Hwan , Lee Jae Young , Woo Sung Ho , Kim Jong Bum , Lee Seung-Bok , Ryu Sung Hee , Kim Chang Hyeok , Bae Gwi-Nam , Oh Inbo
Published: May 2020

In this work, a 2-D gridded air pollution map with a high resolution of 50 × 50 m2 was proposed to help the exposure assessment studies focusing on the association between air pollutants and their health effects. To establish a reliable air pollution map in a 2 × 2 km2 urban area, a mobile monitoring procedure and a data process were developed. Among the various vehicle-related air pollutants, the particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (pPAH) was chosen as a sensitive indicator. The average pPAH concentration on major roads (293.1 ng/m3) was found to be 35 times higher than that at a background location (8.4 ng/m3). Based on the cell-based pPAH concentrations, the 50 × 50 m2 cells in the air pollution map were categorized into five pollution levels. The higher air pollution levels were generally shown by the cells close to the major traffic emission points. The proposed map can be used to make various policies regarding land use and traffic flow control in urban areas. Estimation of the personal exposure level to air pollutants is possible at a reliable location using the highly resolved 2-D gridded air pollution map in exposure assessment studies.
Detailed Assessment of the Effects of Meteorological Conditions on PM10 Concentrations in the Northeastern Part of the Czech Republic
Authors: Volná Vladimíra , Hladký Daniel
Published: May 2020

This article assessed the links between PM10 pollution and meteorological conditions over the Czech-Polish border area at the Třinec-Kosmos and Věřňovice sites often burdened with high air pollution covering the years 2016–2019. For this purpose, the results of the measurements of special systems (ceilometers) that monitor the atmospheric boundary layer were used in the analysis. Meteorological conditions, including the mixing layer height (MLH), undoubtedly influence the air pollution level. Combinations of meteorological conditions and their influence on PM10 concentrations also vary, depending on the pollution sources of a certain area and the geographical conditions of the monitoring site. Gen1erally, the worst dispersion conditions for the PM10 air pollution level occur at low air temperatures, low wind speed, and low height of the mixing layer along with a wind direction from areas with a higher accumulation of pollution sources. The average PM10 concentrations at temperatures below 1 °C reach the highest values on the occurrence of a mixing layer height of up to 400 m at both sites. The influence of a rising height of the mixing layer at temperatures below 1 °C on the average PM10 concentrations at Třinec-Kosmos site is not as significant as in the case of Věřňovice, where a difference of several tens of µg·m−3 in the average PM10 concentrations was observed between levels of up to 200 m and levels of 200–300 m. The average PM10 hourly concentrations at Třinec-Kosmos were the highest at wind speeds of up to 0.5 m·s−1, at MLH levels of up to almost 600 m; at Věřňovice, the influence of wind speeds of up to 2 m·s−1 was detected. Despite the fact that the most frequent PM10 contributions come to the Třinec-Kosmos site from the SE direction, the average maximum concentration contributions come from the W–N sectors at low wind speeds and MLHs of up to 400 m. In Věřňovice, regardless of the prevailing SW wind direction, sources in the NE–E sector from the site have a crucial influence on the air pollution level caused by PM10.
Cerebellar Cells Self-Assemble into Functional Organoids on Synthetic, Chemically Crosslinked ECM-Mimicking Peptide Hydrogels
Authors: Balion Zbigniev , Cėpla Vytautas , Svirskiene Nataša , Svirskis Gytis , Druceikaitė Kristina , Inokaitis Hermanas , Rusteikaitė Justina , Masilionis Ignas , Stankevičienė Gintarė , Jelinskas Tadas , Ulčinas Artūras , Samanta Ayan , Valiokas Ramūnas , Jekabsone Aistė
Published: May 2020

Hydrogel-supported neural cell cultures are more in vivo-relevant compared to monolayers formed on glass or plastic substrates. However, there is a lack of synthetic microenvironment available for obtaining standardized and easily reproducible cultures characterized by tissue-mimicking cell composition, cell–cell interactions, and functional networks. Synthetic peptides representing the biological properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins have been reported to promote the adhesion-driven differentiation and functional maturation of neural cells. Thus, such peptides can serve as building blocks for engineering a standardized, all-synthetic environment. In this study, we have compared the effect of two chemically crosslinked hydrogel compositions on primary cerebellar cells: collagen-like peptide (CLP), and CLP with an integrin-binding motif arginine-glycine-aspartate (CLP-RGD), both conjugated to polyethylene glycol molecular templates (PEG-CLP and PEG-CLP-RGD, respectively) and fabricated as self-supporting membranes. Both compositions promoted a spontaneous organization of primary cerebellar cells into tissue-like clusters with fast-rising Ca2+ signals in soma, reflecting action potential generation. Notably, neurons on PEG-CLP-RGD had more neurites and better synaptic efficiency compared to PEG-CLP. For comparison, poly-L-lysine-coated glass and plastic surfaces did not induce formation of such spontaneously active networks. Additionally, contrary to the hydrogel membranes, glass substrates functionalized with PEG-CLP and PEG-CLP-RGD did not sufficiently support cell attachment and, subsequently, did not promote functional cluster formation. These results indicate that not only chemical composition but also the hydrogel structure and viscoelasticity are essential for bioactive signaling. The synthetic strategy based on ECM-mimicking, multifunctional blocks in registry with chemical crosslinking for obtaining tissue-like mechanical properties is promising for the development of fast and well standardized functional in vitro neural models and new regenerative therapies.
Advantages of Using Paclitaxel in Combination with Oncolytic Adenovirus Utilizing RNA Destabilization Mechanism
Authors: Hossain Elora , Habiba Umma , Yanagawa-Matsuda Aya , Alam Arefin , Ahmed Ishraque , Towfik Alam Mohammad , Yasuda Motoaki , Higashino Fumihiro
Published: May 2020

Oncolytic virotherapy is a novel approach to cancer therapy. Ad-fosARE is a conditionally replicative adenovirus engineered by inserting AU-rich elements (ARE) in the 3’-untranslated region of the E1A gene. In this study, we examined the oncolytic activity of Ad-fosARE and used it in a synergistic combination with the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel (PTX) for treating cancer cells. The expression of E1A was high in cancer cells due to stabilized E1A-ARE mRNA. As a result, the efficiency of its replication and cytolytic activity in cancer cells was higher than in normal cells. PTX treatment increased the cytoplasmic HuR relocalization in cancer cells, enhanced viral replication through elevated E1A expression, and upregulated CAR (Coxsackie-adenovirus receptor) required for viral uptake. Furthermore, PTX altered the instability of microtubules by acetylation and detyrosination, which is essential for viral internalization and trafficking to the nucleus. These results indicate that PTX can provide multiple advantages to the efficacy of Ad-fosARE both in vitro and in vivo, and provides a basis for designing novel clinical trials. Thus, this virus has a lot of benefits that are not found in other oncolytic viruses. The virus also has the potential for treating PXT-resistant cancers.
Therapeutic Potential of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) Agonists in Substance Use Disorders: A Synthesis of Preclinical and Human Evidence
Authors: Matheson Justin , Le Foll Bernard
Published: May 2020

Targeting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) has received increasing interest as a potential strategy to treat substance use disorders due to the localization of PPARs in addiction-related brain regions and the ability of PPAR ligands to modulate dopamine neurotransmission. Robust evidence from animal models suggests that agonists at both the PPAR-α and PPAR-γ isoforms can reduce both positive and negative reinforcing properties of ethanol, nicotine, opioids, and possibly psychostimulants. A reduction in the voluntary consumption of ethanol following treatment with PPAR agonists seems to be the most consistent finding. However, the human evidence is limited in scope and has so far been less promising. There have been no published human trials of PPAR agonists for treatment of alcohol use disorder, despite the compelling preclinical evidence. Two trials of PPAR-α agonists as potential smoking cessation drugs found no effect on nicotine-related outcomes. The PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone showed some promise in reducing heroin, nicotine, and cocaine craving in two human laboratory studies and one pilot trial, yet other outcomes were unaffected. Potential explanations for the discordance between the animal and human evidence, such as the potency and selectivity of PPAR ligands and sex-related variability in PPAR physiology, are discussed.
Allosteric Antagonism of the A2A Adenosine Receptor by a Series of Bitopic Ligands
Authors: Gao Zhan-Guo , Toti Kiran S. , Campbell Ryan , Suresh R. Rama , Yang Huijun , Jacobson Kenneth A.
Published: May 2020

Allosteric antagonism by bitopic ligands, as reported for many receptors, is a distinct modulatory mechanism. Although several bitopic A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR) ligand classes were reported as pharmacological tools, their receptor binding and functional antagonism patterns, i.e., allosteric or competitive, were not well characterized. Therefore, here we systematically characterized A2AAR binding and functional antagonism of two distinct antagonist chemical classes. i.e., fluorescent conjugates of xanthine amine congener (XAC) and SCH442416. Bitopic ligands were potent, weak, competitive or allosteric, based on the combination of pharmacophore, linker and fluorophore. Among antagonists tested, XAC, XAC245, XAC488, SCH442416, MRS7352 showed Ki binding values consistent with KB values from functional antagonism. Interestingly, MRS7396, XAC-X-BY630 (XAC630) and 5-(N,N-hexamethylene)amiloride (HMA) were 9–100 times weaker in displacing fluorescent MRS7416 binding than radioligand binding. XAC245, XAC630, MRS7396, MRS7416 and MRS7322 behaved as allosteric A2AAR antagonists, whereas XAC488 and MRS7395 antagonized competitively. Schild analysis showed antagonism slopes of 0.42 and 0.47 for MRS7396 and XAC630, respectively. Allosteric antagonists HMA and MRS7396 were more potent in displacing [3H]ZM241385 binding than MRS7416 binding. Sodium site D52N mutation increased and decreased affinity of HMA and MRS7396, respectively, suggesting possible preference for different A2AAR conformations. The allosteric binding properties of some bitopic ligands were rationalized and analyzed using the Hall two-state allosteric model. Thus, fluorophore tethering to an orthosteric ligand is not neutral pharmacologically and may confer unexpected properties to the conjugate.
Progerin Expression Induces Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Senescence in Human Coronary Endothelial Cells
Authors: Bidault Guillaume , Garcia Marie , Capeau Jacqueline , Morichon Romain , Vigouroux Corinne , Béréziat Véronique
Published: May 2020

Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare premature aging disorder notably characterized by precocious and deadly atherosclerosis. Almost 90% of HGPS patients carry a LMNA p.G608G splice variant that leads to the expression of a permanently farnesylated abnormal form of prelamin-A, referred to as progerin. Endothelial dysfunction is a key determinant of atherosclerosis, notably during aging. Previous studies have shown that progerin accumulates in HGPS patients’ endothelial cells but also during vascular physiological aging. However, whether progerin expression in human endothelial cells can recapitulate features of endothelial dysfunction is currently unknown. Herein, we evaluated the direct impact of exogenously expressed progerin and wild-type lamin-A on human endothelial cell function and senescence. Our data demonstrate that progerin, but not wild-type lamin-A, overexpression induces endothelial cell dysfunction, characterized by increased inflammation and oxidative stress together with persistent DNA damage, increased cell cycle arrest protein expression and cellular senescence. Inhibition of progerin prenylation using a pravastatin–zoledronate combination partly prevents these defects. Our data suggest a direct proatherogenic role of progerin in human endothelial cells, which could contribute to HGPS-associated early atherosclerosis and also potentially be involved in physiological endothelial aging participating to age-related cardiometabolic diseases.
Molecular Mechanisms of Heat Shock Factors in Cancer
Authors: Puustinen Mikael Christer , Sistonen Lea
Published: May 2020

Malignant transformation is accompanied by alterations in the key cellular pathways that regulate development, metabolism, proliferation and motility as well as stress resilience. The members of the transcription factor family, called heat shock factors (HSFs), have been shown to play important roles in all of these biological processes, and in the past decade it has become evident that their activities are rewired during tumorigenesis. This review focuses on the expression patterns and functions of HSF1, HSF2, and HSF4 in specific cancer types, highlighting the mechanisms by which the regulatory functions of these transcription factors are modulated. Recently developed therapeutic approaches that target HSFs are also discussed.
Giant Polymer Compartments for Confined Reactions
Authors: dos Santos Elena C. , Angelini Alessandro , Hürlimann Dimitri , Meier Wolfgang , Palivan Cornelia G.
Published: May 2020

In nature, various specific reactions only occur in spatially controlled environments. Cell compartment and subcompartments act as the support required to preserve the bio-specificity and functionality of the biological content, by affording absolute segregation. Inspired by this natural perfect behavior, bottom-up approaches are on focus to develop artificial cell-like structures, crucial for understanding relevant bioprocesses and interactions or to produce tailored solutions in the field of therapeutics and diagnostics. In this review, we discuss the benefits of constructing polymer-based single and multicompartments (capsules and giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs)), equipped with biomolecules as to mimic cells. In this respect, we outline key examples of how such structures have been designed from scratch, namely, starting from the application-oriented selection and synthesis of the amphiphilic block copolymer. We then present the state-of-the-art techniques for assembling the supramolecular structure while permitting the encapsulation of active compounds and the incorporation of peptides/membrane proteins, essential to support in situ reactions, e.g., to replicate intracellular signaling cascades. Finally, we briefly discuss important features that these compartments offer and how they could be applied to engineer the next generation of microreactors, therapeutic solutions, and cell models.
Quality of Service (QoS) Management for Local Area Network (LAN) Using Traffic Policy Technique to Secure Congestion
Authors: Azamuddin Wan Muhd Hazwan , Hassan Rosilah , Aman Azana Hafizah Mohd , Hasan Mohammad Kamrul , Al-Khaleefa Ahmed Salih
Published: May 2020

This study presents the proposed testbed implementation for the Advanced Technology Training Center (ADTEC) Batu Pahat, one of Malaysia’s industrial training institutes. The objectives of this study are to discover the issues regarding network congestion, propose a suitable method to overcome such issues, and generate output data for the comparison of the results before and after the proposed implementation. The internet is directly connected to internet service providers (ISPs), which neither impose any rule nor filter the traffic components; all connections comply on the basis of the base effort services provided by the ISP. The congestion problem has been raised several times and the information technology (IT) department has been receiving complaints about poor and sometimes intermittent internet connection. Such issues provide some ideas for a possible solution because the end client is a human resource core business. In addition, budget constraints contribute to this problem. After a comprehensive review of related literature and discussion with experts, the implementation of quality of service through add-on rules, such as traffic policing on network traffic, was proposed. The proposed testbed also classified the traffic. Results show that the proposed testbed is stable. After the implementation of the generated solution, the IT department no longer receives any complaints, and thus fulfills the goal of having zero internet connection issues.
Sedimentary Organic Matter, Prokaryotes, and Meiofauna across a River-Lagoon-Sea Gradient
Authors: Bianchelli Silvia , Nizzoli Daniele , Bartoli Marco , Viaroli Pierluigi , Rastelli Eugenio , Pusceddu Antonio
Published: May 2020

In benthic ecosystems, organic matter (OM), prokaryotes, and meiofauna represent a functional bottleneck in the energy transfer towards higher trophic levels and all respond to a variety of natural and anthropogenic disturbances. The relationships between OM and the different components of benthic communities are influenced by multiple environmental variables, which can vary across different habitats. However, analyses of these relationships have mostly been conducted by considering the different habitats separately, even though freshwater, transitional, and marine ecosystems, physically linked to each other, are not worlds apart. Here, we investigated the quantity and nutritional quality of sedimentary OM, along with the prokaryotic and meiofauna abundance, biomass, and biodiversity, in two sampling periods, corresponding to high vs. low freshwater inputs to the sea, along a river-to-sea transect. The highest values of sedimentary organic loads and their nutritional quality, prokaryotic and meiofaunal abundance, and biomass were consistently observed in lagoon systems. Differences in the prokaryotic Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) and meiofaunal taxonomic composition, rather than changes in the richness of taxa, were observed among the three habitats and, in each habitat, between sampling periods. Such differences were driven by either physical or trophic variables, though with differences between seasons. Overall, our results indicate that the apparent positive relationship between sedimentary OM, prokaryote and meiofaunal abundance, and biomass across the river-lagoon-sea transect under scrutiny is more the result of a pattern of specifically adapted prokaryotic and meiofaunal communities to different habitats, rather than an actually positive ‘response’ to OM enrichment. We conclude that the synoptic analysis of prokaryotes and meiofauna can provide useful information on the relative effect of organic enrichment and environmental settings across gradients of environmental continuums, including rivers, lagoons, and marine coastal ecosystems.
Gaze Information Channel in Van Gogh’s Paintings
Authors: Hao Qiaohong , Ma Lijing , Sbert Mateu , Feixas Miquel , Zhang Jiawan
Published: May 2020

This paper uses quantitative eye tracking indicators to analyze the relationship between images of paintings and human viewing. First, we build the eye tracking fixation sequences through areas of interest (AOIs) into an information channel, the gaze channel. Although this channel can be interpreted as a generalization of a first-order Markov chain, we show that the gaze channel is fully independent of this interpretation, and stands even when first-order Markov chain modeling would no longer fit. The entropy of the equilibrium distribution and the conditional entropy of a Markov chain are extended with additional information-theoretic measures, such as joint entropy, mutual information, and conditional entropy of each area of interest. Then, the gaze information channel is applied to analyze a subset of Van Gogh paintings. Van Gogh artworks, classified by art critics into several periods, have been studied under computational aesthetics measures, which include the use of Kolmogorov complexity and permutation entropy. The gaze information channel paradigm allows the information-theoretic measures to analyze both individual gaze behavior and clustered behavior from observers and paintings. Finally, we show that there is a clear correlation between the gaze information channel quantities that come from direct human observation, and the computational aesthetics measures that do not rely on any human observation at all.
Optimising Frequency-Based Railway Services with a Limited Fleet Endowment: An Energy-Efficient Perspective
Authors: D’Acierno Luca , Botte Marilisa
Published: May 2020

Energy-saving and energy-recovery strategies represent key factors to achieve operational cost reductions within rail systems’ management tasks. However, in altering service features, they also affect passenger satisfaction. This paper investigates the effect of implementing such measures in the case of rolling stock unavailability. Numerous operational scenarios were explored by analysing different planned headway and rolling stock configurations. The scenarios were simulated with and without the adoption of Energy-Saving Strategies (ESS), both in ordinary and in disruption conditions. Our results show that, in ordinary conditions, the optimal scenarios are those that minimise the planned headway. By contrast, in disrupted conditions, due to greater passenger inconvenience, the use of a time-optimal condition is preferable if a real-time adjustment of ESS is not feasible. However, if the ESS can be updated in real-time, use of ESS is preferable only if the adopted headway is the smallest of those associated with the rolling stock scheme considered.
Optimization of Operating Parameters for Stable and High Operating Performance of a GDI Fuel Injector System
Authors: Tsai Wen-Chang
Published: May 2020

In this study, a novel injector driving circuit was developed to achieve the regulation of fuel injection quantity and to work with the engine control system in a vehicle. The main purpose of the proposed injector driving circuit is to control the quantity and timing of fuel injection within the gasoline direct injection (GDI) fuel injector system. In this paper, a mathematical state model of a high-pressure (H.P.) fuel injector system is derived and the improved Taguchi method is proposed to define the optimal operating parameter settings of a fuel injector system. The experiments on fuel injection quantity were performed to achieve the requirements of the injector driving circuit. The fuel quantity sprayed from a fuel injector system under these control parameters was analyzed by leading the design of experiments. The S/N and β slopes were analyzed to determine their optimal control settings. The H.P. injector driving circuit developed was designed to drive the fuel injector and spray the injected quantity of fuel into the flask following the optimized control factors. The experimental results demonstrate that the H.P. fuel injecting system exhibits better and more stable operating performance, to assure the accurate injection quantity for the GDI injector, and it was also realized with low cost metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) switches.
The Effects of Rural Electrification on Quality of Life: A Southeast Asian Perspective
Authors: Cravioto Jordi , Ohgaki Hideaki , Che Hang Seng , Tan ChiaKwang , Kobayashi Satoru , Toe Hla , Long Bun , Oudaya Eth , Rahim Nasrudin Abd , Farzeneh Hooman
Published: May 2020

Despite the general agreement about the benefits that electrification brings to well-being, few studies have concentrated on the actual effects of electrification on the diverse non-economic dimensions of quality of life (QoL). In a multi-disciplinary and cross-institutional effort, a group of natural and social scientists have studied three electrification schemes (grid extension, centralised hybrid, and solar home systems) in four rural villages in Malaysia, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Using a novel approach with scales on several QoL measures (self-reported QoL and five QoL sub-domains; psychological, physical, social, and economic well-being; occupations; and total active time), this article presents an analysis of the effects of rural electrification on human well-being. With original data surveyed in the villages through a baseline prior to electrification and an endpoint several months after, the effects were examined through suitable statistical methods. Overall, we confirmed a positive effect of electrification in self-reported QoL levels as well as psychological, physical, and social well-being. There was, however, a certain reduction recorded in economic well-being. In the sub-domains of QoL, there were no changes after electrification in satisfaction levels concerning time use, time spent alone, housing, and personal safety, but a positive effect on satisfaction levels was observed in cooking. Finally, in terms of occupation, we observed no changes in the total hours dedicated to work and no prolonged active time on usual activities in the household. The findings provide support to the hypothesis of a positive effect on general QoL from electrification, but also suggest more precisely that, for specific QoL sub-domains, the effect might not necessarily exist, or in fact, may be negative. The article concludes by discussing differences determined by cultural aspects and technological limitations in each of the systems under study.
Advanced Lithium-Ion Battery Model for Power System Performance Analysis
Authors: Potrykus Szymon , Kutt Filip , Nieznański Janusz , Fernández Morales Francisco Jesús
Published: May 2020

The paper describes a novel approach in battery storage system modelling. Different types of lithium-ion batteries exhibit differences in performance due to the battery anode and cathode materials being the determining factors in the storage system performance. Because of this, the influence of model parameters on the model accuracy can be different for different battery types. These models are used in battery management system development for increasing the accuracy of SoC and SoH estimation. The model proposed in this work is based on Tremblay model of the lithium-ion battery. The novelty of the model lies in the approach used for parameter estimation as a function of battery physical properties. To make the model perform more accurately, the diffusion resistance dependency on the battery current and the Peukert effect were also included in the model. The proposed battery model was validated using laboratory measurements with a LG JP 1.5 lithium-ion battery. Additionally, the proposed model incorporates the influence of the battery charge and discharge current level on battery performance.
Geothermal Water Management Using the Example of the Polish Lowland (Poland)—Key Aspects Related to Co-Management of Drinking and Geothermal Water
Authors: Tyszer Magdalena , Bujakowski Wiesław , Tomaszewska Barbara , Bielec Bogusław
Published: May 2020

Over the last few years, there has been an upsurge in the demand for drinking water and for water used in agriculture, industry, and others. Consequently, research is needed to find new technologies and methods for the comprehensive use of geothermal water sources, to provide for new resources of water. The paper shows the results of preliminary recognition in the case of the possible exploitation of the Jurassic aquifer in the Polish lowlands, considering the security of the adjacent layers. The considerations are based on experience in the exploitation of the resources of the Paris basin in France. Initial conclusions point to a high potential for such a solution, also in the Paris basin scientists are considering the use of previously unmanaged Jurassic resources.
Feasibility Study of Carbon Dioxide Plume Geothermal Systems in Germany−Utilising Carbon Dioxide for Energy
Authors: McDonnell Kevin , Molnár Levente , Harty Mary , Murphy Fionnuala
Published: May 2020

To manage greenhouse gas emissions, directives on renewable energy usage have been developed by the European Commission with the objective to reduce overall emissions by 40% by 2030 which presents a significant potential for renewable energy sources. At the same time, it is a challenge for these energy technologies which can only be solved by integrated solutions. Carbon capture and storage combined with geothermal energy could serve as a novel approach to reduce CO2 emissions and at the same time facilitate some of the negative impacts associated with fossil fuel-based power plants. This study focuses on the technical and economic feasibility of combining these technologies based on a published model, data and market research. In the European Union, Germany is the most energy intensive country, and it also has an untapped potential for geothermal energy in the northern as well as the western regions. The CO2 plume geothermal system using supercritical carbon dioxide as the working fluid can be utilized in natural high porosity (10–20%) and permeability (2.5 × 10−14–8.4 × 10−16 m2) reservoirs with temperatures as low as 65.8 °C. The feasibility of the project was assessed based on market conditions and policy support in Germany as well as the geologic background of sandstone reservoirs near industrialized areas (Dortmund, Frankfurt) and the possibility of carbon capture integration and CO2 injection. The levelized cost of electricity for a base case results in € 0.060/kWh. Optimal system type was assessed in a system optimization model. The project has a potential to supply 6600/12000 households with clean energy (electricity/heat) and sequester carbon dioxide at the same time. A trading scheme for carbon dioxide further expands potential opportunities.
Evaluation and Projections of Wind Power Resources over China for the Energy Industry Using CMIP5 Models
Authors: Abolude Akintayo T. , Zhou Wen , Akinsanola Akintomide Afolayan
Published: May 2020

The energy industry is faced with important investment and optimization choices especially for wind power as a fuel of the future, especially for China which boasts the largest installed wind power capacity. This study therefore assessed the potential status of future wind power over China using Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) models. Changes in wind power density relative to the current time period 1981–2005 were then analyzed using near-surface wind speeds extrapolated to hub-height of 90 m above ground level. The results showed relatively modest differences between the models and reanalysis. The majority of the models showed any two of location, shape, and size agreement for peak areas albeit models BCC-CSM-1-1-M, BNU-ESM, and CanESM2 tended to overestimate wind speed by up to 2.5 m/s. The multi-model ensemble mean performed better than most individual models in representing the wind characteristics over the study area. Future changes in wind power density showed an increase (decrease) over the coastal areas of the South China Sea and Bay of Bengal (areas along the 30°–40° N belt). In all, the changes were not significant enough to neither warrant a move away from wind energy nor threaten considerably the marketability and profitability under the present warming scenario rate.
Thermal Simulation of Close-Fitting Sportswear
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Krzywinski Sybille , Wölfling Bianca-Michaela , Classen Edith
Published: May 2020

A novel and intelligent product development approach is required in this fast-growing and advanced technological era. Therefore, textile researchers have worked intensively to create efficient and transparent solutions for complex developments by using advanced modeling and simulation tools and techniques. This paper addresses a process for the thermal simulation of sportswear by considering the human thermophysiological model and important thermal properties of fabrics, i.e., thermal resistance, evaporative resistance, and permeability index. The results of the simulation are illustrated in terms of core body and mean skin temperatures. Moreover, results are validated by wear trials showing good consistency. This study is beneficial to the development of clothing for specific sports and the evaluation of comfort and heat stress during different sports activities.
Development and Verification of a Simulation Model for 120 kW Class Electric AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) Tractor during Driving Operation
Authors: Baek Seung-Yun , Kim Yeon-Soo , Kim Wan-Soo , Baek Seung-Min , Kim Yong-Joo
Published: May 2020

This study was conducted to develop a simulation model of a 120 kW class electric all-wheel-drive (AWD) tractor and verify the model by comparing the measurement and simulation results. The platform was developed based on the power transmission system, including batteries, electric motors, reducers, wheels, and a charging system composed of a generator, an AC/DC converter, and chargers on each axle. The data measurement system was installed on the platform, consisting of an analog (current) and a digital part (rotational speed of electric motors and voltage and SOC (state of charge) level of batteries) by a CAN (controller area network) bus. The axle torque was calculated using the current and torque curves of the electric motor. The simulation model was developed by 1D simulation software and used axle torque and vehicle velocity data to create the simulation conditions. To compare the results of the simulation, a driving test using the platform was performed at a ground speed of 10 km/h in off- and on-road conditions. The similarities between the results were analyzed using statistical software and we found no significant difference in axle torque data. The simulation model was considered to be highly reliable given the change rate and average value of the SOC level. Using the simulation model, the workable time of driving operation was estimated to be about six hours and the workable time of plow tillage was estimated to be about 2.4 h. The results showed that the capacity of the battery is slightly low for plow tillage. However, in future studies, the electric AWD tractor performance could be improved through battery optimization through simulation under various conditions.
jBAY Modeling of Vane-Type Vortex Generators and Study on Airfoil Aerodynamic Performance
Authors: Chillon Sergio , Uriarte-Uriarte Antxon , Aramendia Iñigo , Martínez-Filgueira Pablo , Fernandez-Gamiz Unai , Ibarra-Udaeta Iosu
Published: May 2020

The increased demand for wind power is related to changes in the sizes of wind turbines and the development of flow control devices, such as vortex generators (VGs). In the present study, an analysis of the vortices generated by a vane-type VG is performed. To that end, the aerodynamic performance of a DU97W300 airfoil with and without VG is evaluated. The jBAY source term model was implemented for simulation of a triangular-shaped VG and the resolution of the fully meshed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) based simulations were used to calculate the effect of VGs in steady state, and the detached eddy simulation (DES) method was used for angles of attack (AoAs) around the stall situation. All jBAY based numerical simulations were carried out with a Reynolds number of Re = 2 × 106 to analyze the influence of VGs with AoAs between 0 and 20° and were validated versus experimental wind tunnel results. The results show that setting up a VG device on an airfoil benefits its aerodynamic performance and that the use of the jBAY model for simulation is accurate and efficient.
FRA Diagnostics Measurement of Winding Deformation in Model Single-Phase Transformers Made with Silicon-Steel, Amorphous and Nanocrystalline Magnetic Cores
Authors: Kuniewski Maciej
Published: May 2020

The power transformer is a key object in the electrical power system. The working principle hasn’t changed since its discovery. The main work nowadays is focused on the rising of the reliability of transformers and lowering power losses. The replacement of new materials instead of conventionally used ones can provide a solution. This procedure can improve factors, like a reduction of power losses, but also influence others normally neglected, like proper work in higher frequencies. The article presents the measurement results of the frequency characteristics of model test coils made with different magnetic materials cores (silicon steel, amorphous material, and nanocrystalline material), the measurements based on the sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA) method used for the determination of chosen frequency characteristics. The analysis presents the impact of different coil deformation levels on frequency characteristics. Results show that the replacement of conventional silicon steel with thinner high permeability materials can modify the state-of-the-art frequency response analysis (FRA) interpretation guidelines. The replacement of a new type of magnetic material as a magnetic core in the existing design of power transformer should lead to a full analysis of its behavior in the high-frequency domain.
Adaptive Color Selection to Limit Power Consumption for Multi-Object GUI Applications in OLED-Based Mobile Devices
Authors: Lee Yeongju , Song Minseok
Published: May 2020

Recently, as OLED displays are widely used in smartphones, their power management has become an important issue. Since OLED display devices show a large difference in power consumption depending on the colors used, proper color selection is important to reduce power consumption, but this may affect quality-of-experience (QoE) perceived by users. To address this tradeoff, this paper proposes a new power management scheme for graphical-user-interface (GUI) applications in OLED-based mobile devices. First, we examine the relationship between power consumption and color usage based on actual measurements and derive a model to express color preferences. Next, we present a dynamic programming algorithm that adaptively changes the color of the GUI objects in the applications to limit the total power consumption while effectively reflecting the color preferences of the user. The proposed scheme was implemented on a commercial smartphone, and real power measurements were conducted to examine whether it uses the given energy budget accurately under various color preference configurations. Experimental results show that color preferences significantly affect both power consumption and QoE, thereby demonstrating that personalized color selection plays an important role in reducing total power consumption of an OLED smartphone.
Screening of the Effective Additive to Inhibit Surfactin from Forming Precipitation with Divalent Cations for Surfactin Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Miyazaki Nao , Sugai Yuichi , Sasaki Kyuro , Okamoto Yoshifumi , Yanagisawa Satohiro
Published: May 2020

Surfactin, which is an anionic bio-surfactant, can be effective for enhanced oil recovery because it decreases interfacial tension between oil and water. However, it forms precipitation by binding with divalent cations. This study examined the countermeasure to prevent surfactin from forming precipitation for applying it to enhanced oil recovery. Alcohols, chelating agents, a cationic surfactant and an ion capturing substance were selected as the candidates for inhibiting surfactin from forming precipitation. Citric acid and trisodium citrate were selected as promising candidates through the measurements of turbidity of the mixture of the candidate, surfactin and calcium ions. Those chemicals also had a function as a co-surfactant for surfactin. However, the permeability of the Berea sandstone core into which the solution containing surfactin and trisodium citrate was injected was decreased significantly, whereas citric acid could be injected into the core without significant permeability reduction. Citric acid was therefore selected as the best inhibitor and subjected to the core flooding experiments. High enhancement of oil recovery of 9.4% (vs. original oil in place (OOIP)) was obtained and pressure drop was not increased during the injection of surfactin and citric acid. Those results suggest that citric acid has a dual role as the binding inhibitor and co-surfactant for surfactin.
Evaluation of Different Algorithms for Estimating the Growing Stock Volume of Pinus massoniana Plantations Using Spectral and Spatial Information from a SPOT6 Image
Authors: Zhou Jingjing , Zhou Zhixiang , Zhao Qingxia , Han Zemin , Wang Pengcheng , Xu Jie , Dian Yuanyong
Published: May 2020

Precise growing stock volume (GSV) estimation is essential for monitoring forest carbon dynamics, determining forest productivity, assessing ecosystem forest services, and evaluating forest quality. We evaluated four machine learning methods: classification and regression trees (CART), support vector machines (SVM), artificial neural networks (ANN), and random forests (RF), for their reliability in the estimation of the GSV of Pinus massoniana plantations in China’s northern subtropical regions, using remote sensing data. For all four methods, models were generated using data derived from a SPOT6 image, namely the spectral vegetation indices (SVIs), texture parameters, or both. In addition, the effects of varying the size of the moving window on estimation precision were investigated. RF almost always yielded the greatest precision independently of the choice of input. ANN had the best performance when SVIs were used alone to estimate GSV. When using texture indices alone with window sizes of 3 × 5 × 5 or 9 × 9, RF achieved the best results. For CART, SVM, and RF, R2 decreased as the moving window size increased: the highest R2 values were achieved with 3 × 3 or 5 × 5 windows. When using textural parameters together with SVIs as the model input, RF achieved the highest precision, followed by SVM and CART. Models using both SVI and textural parameters as inputs had better estimating precision than those using spectral data alone but did not appreciably outperform those using textural parameters alone.
Application of the Response Surface Methodology for Designing Oscillation Drying of Beech Timber
Authors: Majka Jerzy , Olek Wiesław
Published: May 2020

Oscillation drying is one of the possible approaches for reducing drying time and limiting drying defects of hardwood timber. This study aimed to design oscillation-drying schedules for beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) timber using the response surface methodology (RSM) and to develop an empirical model describing relationships between drying time, drying rate, moisture content gradient after drying, and the parameters of oscillation drying, i.e., dry-bulb temperature increase, equilibrium moisture content (EMC) decrease, and the duration of phase #1 in the drying schedule. The design employed 8 unique drying schedules for which early stage of drying was studied. The Gompertz model was used to describe the change in moisture flux as a function of moisture content, with estimated parameters of the model used to determine relations between the maximum flux at the initial moisture content, the maximum rate of flux change, and the critical moisture content for the maximum rate of flux change for each oscillation-drying schedule. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the decrease in EMC was the only factor significantly influencing oscillation drying. For the most intense oscillation-drying schedule, maximum moisture flow was ca. 75% higher compared with the control drying schedule. Drying processes that accounted for a decrease of EMC from 15% to 12% were characterized by significantly shorter drying time (by 35.8%), 52.6% higher drying intensity, and ca. two times larger moisture content gradient. These results confirm theoretical findings relating the increase of oscillation-drying intensity with the difference in wet-bulb temperature between phases of the drying processes.
Estimation of Aboveground Oil Palm Biomass in a Mature Plantation in the Congo Basin
Authors: Migolet Pierre , Goïta Kalifa , Ngomanda Alfred , Mekui Biyogo Andréana Paola
Published: May 2020

Agro-industrial oil palm plantations are becoming increasingly established in the Congo Basin (West Equatorial Africa) for mainly economic reasons. Knowledge of oil palm capacity to sequester carbon requires biomass estimates. This study implemented local and regional methods for estimating palm biomass in a mature plantation, using destructive sampling. Eighteen 35-year-old oil palms with breast height diameters (DBH) between 48 and 58 cm were felled and sectioned in a plantation located in Makouké, central Gabon. Field and laboratory measurements determined the biomasses of different tree compartments (fruits, leaflets, petioles, rachises, stems). Fruits and leaflets contributed an average of 6% to total aboveground palm biomass, which petioles accounted for 8%, rachises for 13% and the stem, 73%. The best allometric equation for estimating stem biomass was obtained with a composite variable, formulated as DBH2 × stem height, weighted by tissue infra-density. For leaf biomass (fruits + leaflets + petioles + rachises), the equation was of a similar form, but included the leaf number instead of infra-density. The allometric model combining the stem and leaf biomass yielded the best estimates of the total aboveground oil palm biomass (coefficient of determination (r2) = 0.972, p < 0.0001, relative root mean square error (RMSE) = 5%). Yet, the model was difficult to implement in practice, given the limited availability of variables such as the leaf number. The total aboveground biomass could be estimated with comparable results using DBH2 × stem height, weighted by the infra-density (r2 = 0.961, p < 0.0001, relative RMSE (%RMSE) = 5.7%). A simpler model excluding infra-density did not severely compromise results (R2 = 0.939, p < 0.0003, %RMSE = 8.2%). We also examined existing allometric models, established elsewhere in the world, for estimating aboveground oil palm biomass in our study area. These models exhibited performances inferior to the best local allometric equations that were developed.