bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation Analysis on the Optimal Imaging Detection Wavelength of SO2 Concentration in Ship Exhaust
Authors: Zhang Zhenduo , Zheng Wenbo , Cao Kai , Li Ying , Xie Ming
Published: October 2020

The SO2 discharged by ships causes serious pollution to the atmosphere. Therefore, the International Maritime Organization has set strict requirements on the sulfur content of marine fuel. For the first time, this study investigates the optimal detection wavelength based on the imaging technology to realize an accurate monitoring of the SO2 concentration in ship exhaust. First, a simulation analysis model of the optimal imaging detection (SAMID) wavelength of the SO2 concentration in ship exhaust is proposed and analyzed in this study. Next, a bench experiment is designed. The values and the range of the gas concentration values required for the simulation are obtained. Finally, based on the principle of minimum error, the optimal detection wavelengths of the single- and the dual-wavelength imaging detection technologies are determined as 287 nm and 297 nm and 298 nm, respectively. During the SO2 concentration retrieval, the minimum values of the root mean squared error, the mean absolute error, and the mean absolute percentage error of the single- and the dual-wavelengths are 563.14 molecules/cm3, 445.11 molecules/cm3, and 347.22% and 0.62 molecules/cm3, 0.49 molecules/cm3, and 0.85%, respectively. The simulation analysis results provide a theoretical basis for the future hardware development of an optical remote sensing system based on the imaging detection technology.
Rheological Properties and Growth Factors Content of Platelet-Rich Plasma: Relevance in Veterinary Biomedical Treatments
Authors: Perinelli Diego Romano , Bonacucina Giulia , Pucciarelli Stefania , Cespi Marco , Serri Evelina , Polzonetti Valeria , Tambella Adolfo Maria , Vincenzetti Silvia
Published: October 2020

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a nontransfusional hemocomponent, considered as a powerful concentrate of growth factors (GFs) therapeutically used to stimulate tissue regeneration. The use of autologous PRP, as the patient’s own biological material, for therapeutic purposes represents a safe and effective alternative to conventional treatments in both human and veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was the characterization of canine PRP from rheological and biological points of view. Thus, a characterization of the viscoelastic properties of the PRP systems was performed in order to clarify the influence of different calcium concentrations, in the presence of autologous thrombin-rich solution, on the PRP gels’ mechanical properties, from which the applicability of these systems in biomedical treatments is strongly dependent. Then, an evaluation of the content of GFs in PRP, activated or not with thrombin, and stored at different temperatures (37 °C and −20 °C) was performed over time, outlining, for the first time, the importance of the effect of physiological temperature (37 °C) on the production of GFs. A clinical case study conducted in a dog with a complete rupture of the common calcaneal tendon (Achilles tendon) confirmed the relevance of this hemocomponent in the daily veterinary clinical activity and the potential translational value for human health.
Tuning Photocatalytic Performance of Multilayer ZnO for Water Splitting by Biaxial Strain Composites
Authors: Cai Xiaofan , Huang Yuewu , Hu Jinzhi , Zhu Shiwei , Tian Xiaohua , Zhang Kun , Ji Guangju , Zhang Yunxiao , Fu Zhendong , Tan Changlong
Published: October 2020

Novel two-dimensional (2D) materials have received extensive attention in the field of photocatalysis due to their unique properties. Traditional ZnO material with wurtzite structure transforms into a stable graphite-like structure that has the characteristics of 2D material when its thickness is less than a few atomic layers. In this work, using first-principles calculations, we investigated the potential of multilayer graphite-like ZnO as a photocatalyst for water splitting. The results showed that multilayer ZnO is a series of direct bandgap semiconductors, and their band edge positions all straddle the redox potential of water. Increasing with the number of layers, the bandgap of multilayer ZnO decreased from 3.20 eV for one layer to 2.21 eV for six layers, and visible light absorption capacity was significantly enhanced. Hence, multilayer ZnO was indeed promising for photocatalytic water splitting. Furthermore, suitable biaxial tensile strain could decrease the bandgap and maintain the stable graphite-like structure at a broader thickness range. In contrast, excessive biaxial tensile strain could change the redox capacity of multilayer ZnO and prevent it from catalyzing water splitting. Our theoretical results show that six-layer ZnO under 1% biaxial strain had direct bandgap of 2.07 eV and represents the most excellent photocatalytic performance among these multilayer ZnO materials.
Gold-Catalyzed Intermolecular Alkyne Hydrofunctionalizations—Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Leung Chin Hin , Baron Marco , Biffis Andrea
Published: October 2020

An overview of the current state of mechanistic understanding of gold-catalyzed intermolecular alkyne hydrofunctionalization reactions is presented. Moving from the analysis of the main features of the by-now-generally accepted reaction mechanism, studies and evidences pointing out the mechanistic peculiarities of these reactions using different nucleophiles HNu that add to the alkyne triple bond are presented and discussed. The effects of the nature of the employed alkyne substrate and of the gold catalyst (employed ligands, counteranions, gold oxidation state), of additional additives and of the reaction conditions are also considered. Aim of this work is to provide the reader with a detailed mechanistic knowledge of this important reaction class, which will be invaluable for rapidly developing and optimizing synthetic protocols involving a gold-catalyzed alkyne hydrofunctionalization as a reaction step.
Double Spirocyclization of Arylidene-Δ2-Pyrrolin-4-Ones with 3-Isothiocyanato Oxindoles
Authors: Ričko Sebastijan , Testen Žan , Ciber Luka , Požgan Franc , Štefane Bogdan , Brodnik Helena , Svete Jurij , Grošelj Uroš
Published: October 2020

Arylidene-Δ2-pyrrolin-4-ones undergo organocatalyzed double spirocyclization with 3-isothiocianato oxindoles in a domino 1,4/1,2-addition sequence. The products contain three contiguous stereocenters (ee up to 98%, dr up to 99:1, 12 examples). The absolute configuration of the major diastereomer was determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. Along with heterocyclic Michael acceptors based on oxazolone, isoxazolone, thiazolidinone, pyrazolone, and pyrimidinedione, the reported results display the applicability of unsaturated Δ2-pyrrolin-4-ones (pyrrolones) for the organocatalyzed construction of 3D-rich pyrrolone-containing heterocycles.
The Role of Proteostasis Derailment in Cardiac Diseases
Authors: Brundel Bianca J. J. M.
Published: October 2020

The incidence and prevalence of cardiac diseases, which are the main cause of death worldwide, are likely to increase because of population ageing and changes in lifestyle. Prevailing theories about the mechanisms of cardiac disease onset feature the gradual derailment of cellular protein homeostasis (proteostasis) and loss of the protein quality control as central factors. In the heart, loss of protein patency, due to flaws in design (genetically) or environmentally-induced wear and tear, may overwhelm protein quality control, thereby triggering derailment of proteostasis and contributing to cardiac disease onset.
Plant Cell Wall Changes in Common Wheat Roots as a Result of Their Interaction with Beneficial Fungi of Trichoderma
Authors: Basińska-Barczak Aneta , Błaszczyk Lidia , Szentner Kinga
Published: October 2020

Plant cell walls play an important role in shaping the defense strategies of plants. This research demonstrates the influence of two differentiators: the lifestyle and properties of the Trichoderma species on cell wall changes in common wheat seedlings. The methodologies used in this investigation include microscopy observations and immunodetection. In this study was shown that the plant cell wall was altered due to its interaction with Trichoderma. The accumulation of lignins and reorganization of pectin were observed. The immunocytochemistry indicated that low methyl-esterified pectins appeared in intercellular spaces. Moreover, it was found that the arabinogalactan protein epitope JIM14 can play a role in the interaction of wheat roots with both the tested Trichoderma strains. Nevertheless, we postulate that modifications, such as the appearance of lignins, rearrangement of low methyl-esterified pectins, and arabinogalactan proteins due to the interaction with Trichoderma show that tested strains can be potentially used in wheat seedlings protection to pathogens.
Epigenetics in Liver Fibrosis: Could HDACs be a Therapeutic Target?
Authors: Claveria-Cabello Alex , Colyn Leticia , Arechederra Maria , Urman Jesus M. , Berasain Carmen , Avila Matias A. , Fernandez-Barrena Maite G.
Published: October 2020

Chronic liver diseases (CLD) represent a worldwide health problem. While CLDs may have diverse etiologies, a common pathogenic denominator is the presence of liver fibrosis. Cirrhosis, the end-stage of CLD, is characterized by extensive fibrosis and is markedly associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The most important event in hepatic fibrogenesis is the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) following liver injury. Activated HSCs acquire a myofibroblast-like phenotype becoming proliferative, fibrogenic, and contractile cells. While transient activation of HSCs is part of the physiological mechanisms of tissue repair, protracted activation of a wound healing reaction leads to organ fibrosis. The phenotypic changes of activated HSCs involve epigenetic mechanisms mediated by non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) as well as by changes in DNA methylation and histone modifications. During CLD these epigenetic mechanisms become deregulated, with alterations in the expression and activity of epigenetic modulators. Here we provide an overview of the epigenetic alterations involved in fibrogenic HSCs transdifferentiation with particular focus on histones acetylation changes. We also discuss recent studies supporting the promising therapeutic potential of histone deacetylase inhibitors in liver fibrosis.
Effects of Coronavirus Persistence on the Genome Structure and Subsequent Gene Expression, Pathogenicity and Adaptation Capability
Authors: Lin Ching-Hung , Yang Cheng-Yao , Wang Meilin , Ou Shan-Chia , Lo Chen-Yu , Tsai Tsung-Lin , Wu Hung-Yi
Published: October 2020

Coronaviruses are able to establish persistence. However, how coronaviruses react to persistence and whether the selected viruses have altered their characteristics remain unclear. In this study, we found that the persistent infection of bovine coronavirus (BCoV), which is in the same genus as SARS-COV-2, led to alterations of genome structure, attenuation of gene expression, and the synthesis of subgenomic mRNA (sgmRNA) with a previously unidentified pattern. Subsequent analyses revealed that the altered genome structures were associated with the attenuation of gene expression. In addition, the genome structure at the 5′ terminus and the cellular environment during the persistence were responsible for the sgmRNA synthesis, solving the previously unanswered question regarding the selection of transcription regulatory sequence for synthesis of BCoV sgmRNA 12.7. Although the BCoV variants (BCoV-p95) selected under the persistence replicated efficiently in cells without persistent infection, its pathogenicity was still lower than that of wild-type (wt) BCoV. Furthermore, in comparison with wt BCoV, the variant BCoV-p95 was not able to efficiently adapt to the challenges of alternative environments, suggesting wt BCoV is genetically robust. We anticipate that the findings derived from this fundamental research can contribute to the disease control and treatments against coronavirus infection including SARS-CoV-2.
Microstructure and Inertial Characteristics of MHD Suspended SWCNTs and MWCNTs Based Maxwell Nanofluid Flow with Bio-Convection and Entropy Generation Past a Permeable Vertical Cone
Authors: Shah Zahir , Alzahrani Ebraheem , Jawad Muhammad , Khan Umair
Published: October 2020

In this research work, our goal is to scrutinize the case, where water-based nanofluids having single-wall and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) flow through a vertical cone. The second law of thermodynamic is taken for the aim of scheming effective heat storage units. The body package is layered in convective heat and diluted permeable medium. The effects of Joule heating, rotary microorganisms, heat generation/absorption, chemical reactions, and heat radiation increase the novelty of the established model. By using a local similarity transformation technique, the partial differential equations (PDEs) change into a coupled differential equation. By using the numerical technique, bvp4c, to get the solution of the conservation equations and their relevant boundary conditions. The parameters appearing in the distribution analysis of the alliance are scrutinized in detail, and the consequences are depicted graphically. It can be perceived that in the situation of composed nanotubes, the velocity of fluid decreases as the magnetic field is increased.
Recent Development of Corrosion Factors and Coating Applications in Biomass Firing Plants
Authors: Wu Duoli , Yuan Ziyi , Liu Su , Zheng Jiayin , Wei Xinlong , Zhang Chao
Published: October 2020

Due to global warming, biomass fuels are gradually being used to replace fossil fuels. However, high-temperature biomass corrosion is a crucial issue affecting its future application. In this article, different factors affecting boiler performance are summarized from various studies to guide the optimization of boiler parameters in practical applications, such as corrosive components and boiler temperatures. Meanwhile, different coating formation methods and materials are summarized to provide better protection strategies. The potential coating materials for future research are also discussed. The addition of other elements, such as Ti, Mo, and W, has the potential to accelerate the formation of oxide layers during high-temperature corrosion and directly slow down the corrosion rate. Future studies should focus on these elements containing materials.
Enhancement of Luminescence Dissymmetry Factor in Nano-Segregated Phase Generated by Phase Separation between Helical Nanofilaments and Liquid-Crystalline Smectic A Phase
Authors: Lee Jae-Jin , Choi Suk-Won
Published: October 2020

Although several methods exist for the synthesis of circularly polarized luminescent (CPL) materials, the methods are extremely complex and tedious. In recent years, the chiral host-achiral luminescent guest method and the achiral host-achiral luminescent guest method have been employed to fabricate CPL materials; however, the main disadvantage of the latter is the small luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) that limits the practical applications of the method. Therefore, this study reports on the enhancement of glum in a nano-segregated phase system, generated by the phase separation between helical nanofilaments (HNFs; originating from an achiral bent-core molecule) and a liquid-crystalline (LC) smectic A (SmA) phase (originating from an achiral rod-like mesogen). The observed glum value in the nano-segregated phase between the HNFs and LC SmA phase was larger than that in the nano-segregated phase between the HNFs and LC nematic (N) phase. The enhancement of the glum value was attributed to the order parameter (S) of the dye molecules in the SmA phase being larger than that in the N phase. Therefore, we concluded that the S value of the fluorescent dye molecules, doped into the embedded LC phase between the HNFs, strongly influenced the glum value.
Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticle Precipitation by a Continuous Flow Process: A Design of Experiment Approach
Authors: Degli Esposti Lorenzo , Dotti Alessandro , Adamiano Alessio , Fabbi Claudia , Quarta Eride , Colombo Paolo , Catalucci Daniele , De Luca Claudio , Iafisco Michele
Published: October 2020

Calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaP NPs) are an efficient class of nanomaterials mainly used for biomedical applications but also very promising in other sectors such as cosmetics, catalysis, water remediation, and agriculture. Unfortunately, as in the case of other nanomaterials, their wide application is hindered by the difficulty to control size, morphology, purity and degree of particle aggregation in the translation from laboratory to industrial scale production that is usually carried out in batch or semi-batch systems. In this regard, the use of continuous flow synthesis can help to solve this problem, providing more homogenous reaction conditions and highly reproducible synthesis. In this paper, we have studied with a design of experiment approach the precipitation of citrate functionalized CaP NPs aided by sonication using a continuous flow wet chemical precipitation, and the effect of some of the most relevant process factors (i.e., reactant flow rate, sonication amplitude, and maturation time) on the physico-chemical properties of the NPs were evaluated. From the statistical data analysis, we have found that CaP NP dimensions are influenced by the reactor flow rate, while the crystalline domain dimensions and product purity are influenced by the maturation process. This work provides a deeper understanding of the relationships between reaction process factors and CaP NP properties, and is a relevant contribution for the scale-up production of CaP NPs for nanomedical or other applications.
Specialization of Business Process Model and Notation Applications in Medicine—A Review
Authors: Tomaskova Hana , Kopecky Martin
Published: October 2020

Process analysis and process modeling are a current topic that extends to many areas. This trend of using optimization and modeling techniques in various specific areas has led to the question of how widespread these approaches are overall in medical specializations. We compiled a list of 272 medical disciplines that we used as a search string with the Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) for a Web of Science database search. Thus, we found a total of 485 documents that we subjected to the exclusion criteria. We analyzed the remaining 108 articles using bibliometric and content analyses to find answers to three research questions. This systematic review was carried out using the procedure proposed by Kitchenham and following the Preferred Items of the Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Report (PRISMA). Due to the broad scope of the medical field, it was no surprise that for almost 85% of the sought-after medical specializations, we could not identify any publications in the given database when applying the BPMN. We analyzed the impact of upgrades to the BPMN on publishing. The keyword analysis showed a diametrical difference between the authors’ keywords and the so-called “Keywords Plus”, and we categorized the publications according to the purpose of applying the BPMN. However, the growing interest in combining BPMN with other approaches brings new challenges in practice.
Integrating Finite Element Death Technique and Bone Remodeling Theory to Predict Screw Loosening Affected by Radiation Treatment after Mandibular Reconstruction Surgery
Authors: Wu Le-Jung , Hsieh Kai-Hung , Lin Chun-Li
Published: October 2020

This study developed a numerical simulation to understand bone mechanical behavior and micro-crack propagation around a fixation screw with severe mandibular defects. A mandible finite element (FE) model was constructed in a rabbit with a right unilateral body defect. The reconstruction implant was designed to be fixed using six screws distributed on the distal and mesial sides. The element death technique provided in FE analysis was combined with bone remodeling theory to simulate bone necrosis around the fixation screw in which the strain value reached the overload threshold. A total of 20 iterations were performed to observe the micro-crack propagation pattern for each screw according to the high strain locations occurring in each result from consecutive iterations. A parallel in vivo animal study was performed to validate the FE simulation by placing specific metal 3D printing reconstruction implants in rabbits to compare the differences in bone remodeling caused by radiation treatment after surgery. The results showed that strain values of the surrounding distal bone fixation screws were much larger than those at the mesial side. With the increase in the number of iteration analyses, the micro-crack prorogation trend for the distal fixation screws can be represented by the number and element death locations during the iteration analysis process. The corresponding micro-movement began to increase gradually and induced screw loosening after iteration calculation. The strained bone results showed that relatively high bone loss (damage) existed around the distal fixation screws under radiation treatment. This study concluded that the FE simulation developed in this study can provide a better predictive diagnosis method for understanding fixation screw loosening and advanced implant development before surgery.
Reliability and Validity of the Arabic Version of a Questionnaire Assessing Pain, Discomfort and Related Jaw Function Impairment after Extraction of Primary Teeth in Children
Authors: Naaman Reem , El-Housseiny Azza A. , Alamoudi Najlaa , Helal Narmin , Sahhaf Rahaf
Published: October 2020

This study aims to translate a previously published English language questionnaire that assessed pain and discomfort after the extraction of primary teeth in children into Arabic, and evaluate its validity and reliability. All participating children (n = 120), aged 9 to 12-years-old, completed the 33-item Arabic version questionnaire after the extraction procedure had taken place. The questionnaire included three parts that were completed at three different times, namely, immediately, the first evening, and one week after the extraction procedure. Internal consistency, content validity, criterion validity, and factor analysis were performed. The results showed a good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.83), acceptable criterion validity with a significantly strong correlation with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and satisfactory content validity (average content validity index (CVI = 0.90). The final factor model was comprised of four factors with an eigenvalue greater than 1, explaining 70% of the common variance. The identified factors were labeled as follows: Factor 1—analgesic consumption; Factor 2—expression of discomfort from the extraction site; Factor 3—perception of masticatory capability; and Factor 4—pain/discomfort from the dental extraction procedure. Based on the results, a shorter form of the questionnaire had satisfactory psychometric characteristics and can be used with children within the selected age group.
Shape Effect of Nanosize Particles on Magnetohydrodynamic Nanofluid Flow and Heat Transfer over a Stretching Sheet with Entropy Generation
Authors: Rashid Umair , Baleanu Dumitru , Iqbal Azhar , Abbas Muhammd
Published: October 2020

Magnetohydrodynamic nanofluid technologies are emerging in several areas including pharmacology, medicine and lubrication (smart tribology). The present study discusses the heat transfer and entropy generation of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Ag-water nanofluid flow over a stretching sheet with the effect of nanoparticles shape. Three different geometries of nanoparticles—sphere, blade and lamina—are considered. The problem is modeled in the form of momentum, energy and entropy equations. The homotopy analysis method (HAM) is used to find the analytical solution of momentum, energy and entropy equations. The variations of velocity profile, temperature profile, Nusselt number and entropy generation with the influences of physical parameters are discussed in graphical form. The results show that the performance of lamina-shaped nanoparticles is better in temperature distribution, heat transfer and enhancement of the entropy generation.
Investigation of Electrical Contacts to p-Grid in SiC Power Devices Based on Charge Storage Effect and Dynamic Degradation
Authors: Zhang Meng , Li Baikui , Hua Mengyuan , Wei Jin
Published: October 2020

P-grid is a typical feature in power devices to block high off-state voltage. In power devices, the p-grid is routinely coupled to an external electrode with an Ohmic contact, but Schottky contact to the p-grid is also proposed/adopted for certain purposes. This work investigates the role of contact to p-grid in power devices based on the commonly adopted technology computer-aided design (TCAD) device simulations, with the silicon carbide (SiC) junction barrier Schottky (JBS) diode as a case study. The static characteristics of the JBS diode is independent of the nature of the contact to p-grid, including the forward voltage drop (VF) and the breakdown voltage (BV). However, during the switching process, a Schottky contact would cause storage of negative charges in the p-grid, which leads to an increased VF during switching operation. On the contrary, an Ohmic contact provides an effective discharging path for the stored negative charges in the p-grid, which eliminates the dynamic degradation issues. Therefore, the necessity of an Ohmic contact to p-grid in power devices is clarified.
Standardized Comparison of 40 Local Driving Cycles: Energy and Kinematics
Authors: Andrade Guilherme Medeiros Soares de , Araújo Fernando Wesley Cavalcanti de , Santos Maurício Pereira Magalhães de Novaes , Magnani Fabio Santana
Published: October 2020

Local driving cycles (LDCs) capture local traffic characteristics, while standard driving cycles (SDCs) compare vehicles in distinct regions. There is a plethora of LDCs, raising the question as to how distinct they are. To quantify it, we first organized a collection of 77 LDCs. From the speed—time images, it was possible to extract numerical vectors of 40 cycles in a standardized way. Comparing the LDCs developed for cars, we found that their parameters fluctuate significantly: the average speed varies from 14.7 to 44.7 km/h, and the fuel economy varies from 10.8 to 20.5 km/L. Comparing the LDCs with FTP-75 cycle, the difference in speed is 7 km/h, and in fuel economy is 1.5 km/L. For WLTC, the difference is 19.4 km/h and 3 km/L, respectively. Thus, given the deviations found between the analyzed LDCs, and between LDCs and SDCs, the numerical results reinforce the relevance of using LDCs for each region.
Advancements in Catalytic Conversion of Biomass into Biofuels and Chemicals
Authors: Yoo Chang Geun , Kim Tae Hyun
Published: October 2020

The shortage of resources and increasing climate changes have brought the need for sustainable and renewable resources to people’s attention. Biomass is an earth-abundant material and has great potential as a feedstock for alternative fuels and chemicals. For the effective utilization of biomass, this biopolymer has to be depolymerized and transformed into key building blocks and/or the targeted products, and biological or chemical catalysts are commonly used for the rapid and energy-efficient reactions. This Special Issue introduces recent advances in the catalytic conversion of biomass into biofuels and value-added products.
Comparison between Inflexible and Flexible Charging of Electric Vehicles—A Study from the Perspective of an Aggregator
Authors: Gomes Isaias , Melicio Rui , Mendes Victor
Published: October 2020

This paper is about the problem of the management of an aggregator of electric vehicles participating in an electricity market environment. The problem consists in the maximization of the expected profit through a formulation given by a stochastic programming problem to consider the uncertainty faced by the aggregator. This uncertainty is due to the day-ahead market prices and the driving requirements of the owners of the vehicles. Depending on the consent of the owners, inflexible charging to flexible charging is considered. Thus, the aggregator can propose different profiles and charging periods to the owners of electric vehicles. Qualitatively, as expected, the more flexible the vehicle owners, the higher the expected profit. The formulation, however, offers more to the aggregator and provides the ability to quantify the influence of consent of favorable driving requirements in the expected profit, allowing the aggregator to consider rewarding the owners of vehicles with more flexibility. Case studies addressed are for comparison of the influence of owners having inflexibility, partial flexibility, or flexibility in the expected profit of the aggregator.
Partial Discharge Detection Based on Anomaly Pattern Detection
Authors: Kim Jiil , Park Cheong Hee
Published: October 2020

Recently, a lot of research has been carried out on partial discharge (PD) using machine learning techniques. However, most of these studies have focused on the identification of multiple PD sources, PD classification, or denoising PD measurements, with few studies on real-time PD occurrence detection. In this paper, we propose a method to detect PD occurrence based on anomaly pattern detection. The proposed method consists of three steps. First, in the data preprocessing step, the pulse sequence data are converted into a feature vector stream by applying a sliding window technique. In the next step, normal data modeling is performed using feature vectors transformed from pulse sequence data collected in a normal state where no PD occurs. Finally, for the monitored pulse sequence, an online process for PD detection is carried out through conversion to a feature vector data stream and an anomaly pattern detection method. Experimental results using simulated PD data demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed method.
Enhancement of Hosting Capacity with Soft Open Points and Distribution System Reconfiguration: Multi-Objective Bilevel Stochastic Optimization
Authors: Diaaeldin Ibrahim Mohamed , Abdel Aleem Shady H. E. , El-Rafei Ahmed , Abdelaziz Almoataz Y. , Zobaa Ahmed F.
Published: October 2020

Soft open points (SOPs) are power electronic devices that replace the normal open points in active distribution systems. They provide resiliency in terms of transferring electrical power between adjacent feeders and delivering the benefits of meshed networks. In this work, a multi-objective bilevel optimization problem is formulated to maximize the hosting capacity (HC) of a real 59-node distribution system in Egypt and an 83-node distribution system in Taiwan, using distribution system reconfiguration (DSR) and SOP placement. Furthermore, the uncertainty in the load is considered to step on the real benefits of allocating SOPs along with DSR. The obtained results validate the effectiveness of DSR and SOP allocation in maximizing the HC of the studied distribution systems with low cost.
Kinetics of Biotic and Abiotic CO Production during the Initial Phase of Biowaste Composting
Authors: Stegenta-Dąbrowska Sylwia , Sobieraj Karolina , Koziel Jacek A. , Bieniek Jerzy , Białowiec Andrzej
Published: October 2020

Knowledge of kinetic parameters of CO production during biowaste composting is significantly important for the prediction of its course and estimation of total gas quantity. This allows increasing the control of the process, to minimize its negative impact on the environment and to protect the occupational safety of employees exposed to CO in the biowaste composting plant. For the first time, a full study of the influence of temperature and biowaste sterilization on the kinetics of CO production is presented. The lab-scale experiments used a mixture of green waste, dairy cattle manure, and sawdust in two variants: sterilized and non-sterilized samples. The process was carried out in controlled temperature reactors with measuring the concentrations of CO, O2, and CO2 every 12 h.CO production and k value increased with temperature. However, higher CO production was observed in biotic conditions between 10~50 °C, suggesting the biotic CO formation and 1st-order kinetics. The abiotic (thermochemical) process was more efficiently generating CO above 50 °C, described with a 0-order kinetic model. Additionally, the rate constant (k) value of CO production under biotic conditions was increasing up to a temperature of 60 °C, above which a slight decrease in CO production rate was observed at 70 °C. The presented results are the basis for further studies focused on the feasibility of (1) the mitigation and (2) valorization of CO production during the biowaste biostabilization are warranted.
Neural Methods Comparison for Prediction of Heating Energy Based on Few Hundreds Enhanced Buildings in Four Season’s Climate
Authors: Szul Tomasz , Nęcka Krzysztof , Mathia Thomas G.
Published: October 2020

Sustainable development and the increasing demand for equitable energy use as well as the reduction of waste of energy are the author’s social and scientific motivations. This new paradigm is the selection of a pertinent methodology to evaluate the efficiency of habitat thermomodernization, which is one of the scientific tasks of the presented study. In order to meet the social and scientific requirements, 380 buildings from the end of the last century (made of large plate technology), which were thermally improved at the beginning of the XXI century, were designed for a comparative analysis of the predictive modelling of heating energy consumption. A specific set of important variables characterizing the examined buildings has been identified. Groups of variables were used to estimate the energy consumption in such a way as to achieve a compromise between the difficulty of obtaining them and the quality of forecast. To predict energy consumption, the six most appropriate neural methods were used: artificial neural networks (ANN), general regression trees (CART), exhaustive regression trees (CHAID), support regression trees (SRT), support vectors (SV), and method multivariant adaptive regression splines (MARS). The quality assessment of the developed models used the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) also known as mean absolute percentage deviation (MAPD), as well as mean bias error (MBE), coefficient of variance of the root mean square error (CV RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R2), which are accepted as statistical calibration standards by (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) ASHRAE. On this basis, the most effective method has been chosen, which gives the best results and therefore allows to forecast with great precision the energy consumption (after thermal improvement) for this type of residential building.
A Review of the Integrated Design and Control of Electrified Vehicles
Authors: Wei Caiyang , Hofman Theo , Ilhan Caarls Esin , van Iperen Rokus
Published: October 2020

From a control perspective, the energy management system and the thermal management system of an electrified vehicle are often developed separately, which may not yield the optimal solution. Moreover, an optimal system design requires concurrent plant (topology and size) and controller optimization, which should apply to both energy and thermal domains. This paper originally provides a comprehensive analysis of design and control optimization layers to reveal the interconnections between them and how they influence the optimality of an electrified vehicle design considering both energy and thermal domains. It was found that energy and cost savings can be achieved by integrating these optimization layers, and the energy and thermal domains with four coordination schemes, namely, sequential, iterative, nested and simultaneous. There is a trade-off between optimality, causality, complexity and computational time. Additionally, future research directions in terms of reducing energy consumption and system costs of electrified vehicles are identified herein, such as using integrated design and control methods, employing electrified actuators, exchanging heat between powertrain components and utilizing waste heat recovery systems.
Sky Luminance Distribution Models: A Comparison with Measurements from a Maritime Desert Region
Authors: Alshaibani Khalid , Li Danny , Aghimien Emmanuel
Published: October 2020

The effective use of daylight is a function of the luminance of the sky exposed to the glazing system. Therefore, accurate data about the luminance distribution of the sky are necessary for the optimum use of daylight. This paper compares seven models for estimating the angular sky luminance distribution. They were selected based on the ability to be used with all sky conditions and to determine the luminance of the sky from solar radiation. Measurements of solar radiation, sky luminance, and sky radiance were taken in a “maritime desert region” in Saudi Arabia. The results showed that the “Perez 93” model performed better than the other models tested, but there is a need for more studies to identify more accurate models for use in similar climatic conditions.
The Ideational Stigmatization of Immigration Detainees, Their Advocates, Captors, and Their Apologists in the Commentary Section of U.S. Newspapers
Authors: Silva Eric O. , Flynn Matthew B.
Published: October 2020

Although the United States has long been criticized for its treatment of migrants, the family separations that resulted from the Trump administration’s “Zero Tolerance” policy drew particularly intense approbation and much media coverage in June 2018. One way to understand the conflict over this policy is to view it as a stigma contest where the status of a number of identities (migrant, immigration advocate, captor, policy apologist) are subject to a liminal stigma. Recent scholarship has documented how internet commenters disparage certain identities as they defend others. Through a qualitative content analysis of 172 opinion articles published in U.S. newspapers between 2009 and 2020, this article examines the ways that ideational stigmatization of immigrant detainees, captors, and nativists has and has not varied by time and arena of the public sphere. We find that many of the condemnations and denials found online are also prominent in editorials and op-eds. (e.g., detention as cruel, detainees as noncriminals, captors as racist, detainees as nonvictims,). The commentary section of U.S. newspapers, however, tended to defend the detainees and condemn their captors and nativist citizens. These findings provide a fuller record of how immigration detention and family separation were constructed during the Trump administration and a deeper understanding for the fervor of U.S. nativists.
Looking for the “Little Things”: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Medicines Monitoring for Older People Using the ADRe Resource
Authors: Hughes David , Jordan Meirion , Logan Patricia A. , Willson Alan , Snelgrove Sherrill , Storey Melanie , Vaismoradi Mojtaba , Jordan Sue
Published: October 2020

Advances in medicines have increased the effectiveness of treatments and the social and cultural authority of doctors. However, as prescribing has become the dominant modality of treatment, the “pharmaceuticalization” of medical practice has often resulted in treatment “at a distance”, with doctors having limited contact with patients. Older and poorer people, who are socially distanced from medical prescribers, suffer more adverse drug reactions (ADRs) than the general population. A team approach to checking patients systematically for ADRs, as detailed in manufacturers’ literature, can minimise medication errors, but regular review is rare. This paper explains the benefits of medicines monitoring to protect older patients from iatrogenic harm, such as over-sedation, falls, or drug-induced Parkinsonism. We show how multidisciplinary initiatives to optimise prescribing can be supported by using a recognised resource—the adverse drug reaction profile (ADRe). The profile identifies and documents patients’ signs and symptoms of putative ADRs. Better monitoring allows professionals to adjust prescribing and respond to identified problems with agility. Implementation of systematic monitoring will require changes to the regulatory regime and better inter-professional cooperation. Providing carers, nurses and pharmacists with a structured system to monitor patients would democratise relevant medical knowledge and help address ageism and the socio-economic health divide.
The Psychometric Properties of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 for Pregnant Women
Authors: Rodríguez-Muñoz María de la Fe , Ruiz-Segovia Natalia , Soto-Balbuena Cristina , Le Huynh-Nhu , Olivares-Crespo María Eugenia , Izquierdo-Méndez Nuria
Published: October 2020

Background: Perinatal anxiety and depression are common complications during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to examine the item characteristics, reliability, validity, and factorial structure of the four-item Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) and to determine the associations between scale scores and sociodemographic factors in a sample of pregnant women from Spain. Method: A total of 845 pregnant women were recruited from two public hospitals in Spain between 2014 and 2016. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire that included Patient Health Questionnaire-4, including the two-item Patient Health Questionnaire and the two-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener. Results: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and scale inter-correlations between the PHQ-4 and PHQ-9 revealed that the PHQ-4 has a bivariate structure and adequately assesses the dimensions of antenatal anxiety and depression. Conclusion: The PHQ-4 is a reliable and valid instrument to screen for depression and anxiety during pregnancy. The PHQ-4 is an ultra-brief measure that can be used to screen for antenatal depression and anxiety to prevent the negative consequences associated with these mental health conditions among mothers and infants.
Cannabinoid Receptors: An Update on Cell Signaling, Pathophysiological Roles and Therapeutic Opportunities in Neurological, Cardiovascular, and Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Haspula Dhanush , Clark Michelle A.
Published: October 2020

The identification of the human cannabinoid receptors and their roles in health and disease, has been one of the most significant biochemical and pharmacological advancements to have occurred in the past few decades. In spite of the major strides made in furthering endocannabinoid research, therapeutic exploitation of the endocannabinoid system has often been a challenging task. An impaired endocannabinoid tone often manifests as changes in expression and/or functions of type 1 and/or type 2 cannabinoid receptors. It becomes important to understand how alterations in cannabinoid receptor cellular signaling can lead to disruptions in major physiological and biological functions, as they are often associated with the pathogenesis of several neurological, cardiovascular, metabolic, and inflammatory diseases. This review focusses mostly on the pathophysiological roles of type 1 and type 2 cannabinoid receptors, and it attempts to integrate both cellular and physiological functions of the cannabinoid receptors. Apart from an updated review of pre-clinical and clinical studies, the adequacy/inadequacy of cannabinoid-based therapeutics in various pathological conditions is also highlighted. Finally, alternative strategies to modulate endocannabinoid tone, and future directions are also emphasized.
Cardiac Stem Cell-Loaded Delivery Systems: A New Challenge for Myocardial Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Mancuso Antonia , Barone Antonella , Cristiano Maria Chiara , Cianflone Eleonora , Fresta Massimo , Paolino Donatella
Published: October 2020

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in Western countries. Post-myocardial infarction heart failure can be considered a degenerative disease where myocyte loss outweighs any regenerative potential. In this scenario, regenerative biology and tissue engineering can provide effective solutions to repair the infarcted failing heart. The main strategies involve the use of stem and progenitor cells to regenerate/repair lost and dysfunctional tissue, administrated as a suspension or encapsulated in specific delivery systems. Several studies demonstrated that effectiveness of direct injection of cardiac stem cells (CSCs) is limited in humans by the hostile cardiac microenvironment and poor cell engraftment; therefore, the use of injectable hydrogel or pre-formed patches have been strongly advocated to obtain a better integration between delivered stem cells and host myocardial tissue. Several approaches were used to refine these types of constructs, trying to obtain an optimized functional scaffold. Despite the promising features of these stem cells’ delivery systems, few have reached the clinical practice. In this review, we summarize the advantages, and the novelty but also the current limitations of engineered patches and injectable hydrogels for tissue regenerative purposes, offering a perspective of how we believe tissue engineering should evolve to obtain the optimal delivery system applicable to the everyday clinical scenario.
Rapid Clearing for High Resolution 3D Imaging of Ex Vivo Pancreatic Cancer Spheroids
Authors: Steinberg Eliana , Orehov Natalie , Tischenko Katerina , Schwob Ouri , Zamir Gideon , Hubert Ayala , Manevitch Zakhariya , Benny Ofra
Published: October 2020

The currently accepted imaging methods have been a central hurdle to imaging the finer details of tumor behavior in three-dimensional (3D) ex vivo multicellular culture models. In our search for an improved way of imaging tumor behavior in its physiological-like niche, we developed a simple, efficient, and straightforward procedure using standard reagents and imaging equipment that significantly enhanced 3D imaging up to a ~200-micron depth. We tested its efficacy on pancreatic spheroids, prototypes of high-density tissues that are difficult to image. We found we could both save time with this method and extract information about pancreatic tumor spheroids that previously was difficult to obtain. We were able to discern clear differences in the organization of pancreatic tumor spheroids generated from different origins, suggesting cell-specific, inherent, bottom-up organization with a correlation to the level of malignancy. We also examined the dynamic changes in the spheroids at predetermined time points, providing important information related to tissue morphogenesis and its metabolic state. Lastly, this process enabled us to assess a drug vehicle’s potential to penetrate dense tumor tissue by improving our view of the inert particles’ diffusion in the 3D spheroid. This clearing method, a simple procedure, can open the door to more accurate imaging and reveal more about cancer behavior.