bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost-effectiveness of the dual prevention pill for contraception and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Milali Masabho P. , Resar Danielle , Kaftan David , Campbell Jennifer , Olowu Adebanjo , Edwards Danny , Platais Ingrida , Kim Hae-Young , Jenkins Sarah , Bershteyn Anna
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) experience the world's highest rates of both HIV infection and unintended pregnancy. The Dual Prevention Pill (DPP) is a novel multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) that co-formulates HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and combined hormonal oral contraception into a single daily pill. As a dual indication product, the DPP may be preferred by women facing these overlapping health risks. However, most SSA countries face severe healthcare resource constraints. Research is needed to assess whether, in what populations, and in what use cases the DPP would be cost-effective.

Methods

We augmented an agent-based SSA HIV model with maternal health parameters including unintended pregnancy, abortion, and maternal mortality. Based on a previous market analysis, we assumed a primary DPP user population of current oral contraceptive users ages 25–49, and alternative user populations in different risk groups (age 15–24, sex workers, HIV-serodiscordant couples) and baseline product use profiles (unmet need for contraception, oral PrEP use, condom use). In three geographies (western Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa), we estimated HIV infections averted, pregnancies averted, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) averted, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) over a 30-year time horizon, assuming equivalent adherence to the DPP as to oral contraceptives, higher adherence, or lower adherence.

Results

The DPP is likely to be a cost-effective alternative to oral PrEP among users in need of contraception. Among women not already using PrEP, the DPP is likely to be cost-saving in sex workers and serodiscordant couples. The DPP is unlikely to be cost-effective in oral contraceptive users in the general population. Switching from oral contraception to the DPP could be net harmful in some settings and populations if it were to substantially reduces adherence to oral contraception. Results were robust to a range of time horizons or discount rates.

Conclusion

The DPP has the potential to be cost-effective and cost-saving in populations at substantial HIV risk. Outcomes are sensitive to adherence, implying that effective counseling and decision-making tools for users considering the DPP will be essential. More research is needed to understand real-life adherence patterns and ensure health benefits achieved from contraception alone are not lost.
You Can Help Fight Climate Change With Your Food Choices
Authors: Fresán Ujué , Cvijanovic Ivana , Chevance Guillaume
Published: May 2023

Human activities are affecting the Earth in ways never seen before, with multiple negative consequences for us. Our daily behaviors can still make a big difference in the fight against climate change. Among different behaviors and daily activities, we discuss here the necessity of adopting healthy diets with low environmental impact, and the characteristics of such a planet-friendly diet. We also emphasize the role of food waste and explain you why and how to become a food waste fighter.
Can Plants “Move” Fast Enough to Escape Climate Change?
Authors: Pacheco-Riaño Laura Camila , Flantua Suzette G. A. , Grytnes John-Arvid
Published: May 2023

What would you do if temperatures were getting really warm where you live? You might put on some lighter clothes or maybe even move to a cooler place. Many plants do something similar—they “move” to cooler areas to survive current climate warming. Of course, plants cannot move like animals do, but they can slowly change locations as they release their seeds. How do we know that plants are moving? Scientists are studying areas that were first described hundreds of years ago. However, ecologists have found that even though plants respond to warming by changing locations, the temperature increase is so fast that plants cannot always move fast enough to escape the warming climate. This means that some plants might end up living under much warmer conditions than they prefer, which causes them a lot of stress. Stress makes plants vulnerable to other human influences, like land use change or invasive species, which can put entire plant species in danger.
Revisiting the past to understand the present and future of soil health in Brazil
Authors: Silva Antonio Marcos Miranda , Araújo Victor Lucas Vieira Prudêncio de , Cardoso Elke Jurandy Bran Nogueira
Published: May 2023

As Soil Scientists, we are gathering important and valuable knowledge about the chemical, physical and biological processes in soil, and with the increasing effects of climate change, this knowledge may play a pivotal role in the future of our planet. However, we must revisit crucial points in our past to understand how humanity’s evolution has shaped the current state of soil health. Furthermore, we must also consider that we are funded and supported by the society in which we live, and therefore social and political factors will inevitably play a part in the future of soil health. In this review, we address important historical aspects of crop development and soil microbiome combined with the provision of key ecosystem services to ensure soil sustainability. In addition, we provide a brief overview of key concepts related to soil health, including the criteria of the selection of indicators for soil health assessment, whilst focusing on the role of soil biology. Moreover, we provide an overview of research conducted across diverse biomes in Brazil, highlighting approaches to assess soil health in both agroecosystems and natural ecosystems. We also emphasize the significance of harnessing beneficial plant-microorganism interactions as an ecologically sustainable strategy for enhancing soil health. Finally, we conclude the review by discussing potential advancements in soil health assessment in Brazil, and their potential application in broader agricultural and forestry contexts.
Mobilizing participatory approaches to introduce transdisciplinary research elements when exploring the interface of commodity crop production and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Gasparatos Alexandros , von Maltitz Graham , Ahmed Abubakari , Dompreh Eric Brako , Jarzebski Marcin Pawel , Saito Osamu , Luhanga Davies , Rigolot Cyrille , Lozano Lazo Denise Patricia
Published: May 2023

The production of commodity crops such as oil palm, sugarcane, cotton or cocoa has important ramifications for sustainability at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Food security is among the most heavily debated impacts of commodity crop production, especially in developing regions characterized by high rates of malnutrition and food insecurity such as Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Studies have identified diverse pathways through which commodity crop production can have positive or negative impacts on the different pillars of food security. This Methodology paper outlines how different participatory approaches can be mobilized to introduce transdisciplinarity research elements when exploring the adoption and impacts of commodity crop production, especially in developing regions such as SSA. It draws from the lessons learned during the design and implementation of five research projects that explored the food security outcomes of commodity crop production in different countries of SSA. Collectively these research projects mobilized very diverse participatory approaches such as expert interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), participatory mapping, mediated modeling, and participatory scenario analysis. Beyond being instrumental for data collection, these participatory approaches served multiple other research functions. In particular they helped (a) identify research priorities, knowledge gaps, and underlying phenomena, (b) formalize impact mechanisms and develop methodology, and (c) interpret data and validate findings. Furthermore, they contributed to the credibility and relevance of the research, and to a lesser extent to the legitimacy and effectiveness, all of which are considered important principles of transdisciplinary research. Through these diverse contributions they were instrumental in integrating valuable insights from stakeholders holding very complementary expertise in commodity crop value chains at different scales. In this sense they can act as valuable entry points to introduce transdisciplinary research elements in projects exploring the interface of food security and commodity crop value chains (or food systems more broadly), especially in contexts that truly transdisciplinary research is not feasible or desirable.
New approach methods to improve human health risk assessment of thyroid hormone system disruption–a PARC project
Authors: Ramhøj Louise , Axelstad Marta , Baert Yoni , Cañas-Portilla Ana I. , Chalmel Frédéric , Dahmen Lars , De La Vieja Antonio , Evrard Bertrand , Haigis Ann-Cathrin , Hamers Timo , Heikamp Kim , Holbech Henrik , Iglesias-Hernandez Patricia , Knapen Dries , Marchandise Lorna , Morthorst Jane E. , Nikolov Nikolai Georgiev , Nissen Ana C. V. E. , Oelgeschlaeger Michael , Renko Kostja , Rogiers Vera , Schüürmann Gerrit , Stinckens Evelyn , Stub Mette H. , Torres-Ruiz Monica , Van Duursen Majorie , Vanhaecke Tamara , Vergauwen Lucia , Wedebye Eva Bay , Svingen Terje
Published: May 2023

Current test strategies to identify thyroid hormone (TH) system disruptors are inadequate for conducting robust chemical risk assessment required for regulation. The tests rely heavily on histopathological changes in rodent thyroid glands or measuring changes in systemic TH levels, but they lack specific new approach methodologies (NAMs) that can adequately detect TH-mediated effects. Such alternative test methods are needed to infer a causal relationship between molecular initiating events and adverse outcomes such as perturbed brain development. Although some NAMs that are relevant for TH system disruption are available–and are currently in the process of regulatory validation–there is still a need to develop more extensive alternative test batteries to cover the range of potential key events along the causal pathway between initial chemical disruption and adverse outcomes in humans. This project, funded under the Partnership for the Assessment of Risk from Chemicals (PARC) initiative, aims to facilitate the development of NAMs that are specific for TH system disruption by characterizing in vivo mechanisms of action that can be targeted by in embryo/in vitro/in silico/in chemico testing strategies. We will develop and improve human-relevant in vitro test systems to capture effects on important areas of the TH system. Furthermore, we will elaborate on important species differences in TH system disruption by incorporating non-mammalian vertebrate test species alongside classical laboratory rat species and human-derived in vitro assays.
Quantitative Bird Activity Characterization and Prediction Using Multivariable Weather Parameters and Avian Radar Datasets
Authors: Xu Qunyu , Liu Jia , Su Min , Chen Weishi
Published: May 2023

Bird strikes are a predominant threat to aviation safety, especially in airport airspace. Effective wildlife surveillance methods are required for the harmonious coexistence of airport management and friendly ecology. Existing works indicate the close relationship between bird activities and weather. The relevance of bird activity and weather is favorable for intuitive understanding of ecological environments and providing constructive wildlife management references. This paper introduces a bird activity characterization and forecasting method based on weather information. Bird activities are modeled and quantified into different activity grades. Their relevance with weather parameters is first explored independently to support the multivariable relevance study. Two groups of machine learning strategies are adopted to test their feasibility for bird activity prediction. Radar datasets from diurnal and nocturnal activity study areas are constructed from an avian radar system deployed at the airport. Experimental results verify that both machine learning strategies could achieve bird activity forecasting based on weather information with acceptable accuracy. The random forest model is a better choice for its robustness and adjustability to feature inconsistencies. Weather information deviation between bird activity airspace and ground measurement is a predominant factor limiting the prediction accuracy. The data sufficiency dependency of the prediction model is discussed. Existing works indicate the reasonability and feasibility of the proposed activity modeling and prediction method; more improvements on weather information accuracy and data sufficiency are necessary to further elevate the application significance of the prediction model.
Flow Characterization of the UTSA Hypersonic Ludwieg Tube
Authors: Hoffman Eugene N. A. , LaLonde Elijah J. , Andrade Angelina , Chen Ivana , Bilbo Hayden A. , Combs Christopher S.
Published: May 2023

The characterization of a hypersonic impulse facility is performed using a variety of methods including Pitot probe scans, particle image velocimetry, and schlieren imaging to verify properties such as the velocity, Mach number, wall boundary layer thickness, and freestream turbulence intensity levels. The experimental results are compared to the numerical simulations of the facility performed with Ansys Fluent to compare the design and operational conditions. The presentation of results in this manuscript is prefaced by a description of the facility and its capabilities. The UTSA Ludwieg tube facility can produce a hypersonic freestream flow with a Mach number of 7.2 ± 0.2 and unit Reynolds numbers of up to 200 × 106 m−1. The Pitot probe profiles of the 203-mm-square test section indicate a 152 ± 10 mm square freestream core with turbulence intensity values ranging from 1% to 2%. Schlieren imaging of the oblique shockwaves on a 15° wedge model provided an alternate means of verifying the Mach number. Particle image velocimetry and previous molecular tagging velocimetry results showed a good agreement with the Pitot probe data and numerical simulations in the key parameters including freestream velocity, wall boundary layer velocity profiles, and wall boundary layer thickness.
Applied Trajectory Design for CubeSat Close-Proximity Operations around Asteroids: The Milani Case
Authors: Bottiglieri Claudio , Piccolo Felice , Giordano Carmine , Ferrari Fabio , Topputo Francesco
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a practical approach to trajectory design for asteroid exploration missions with CubeSats is presented. When applied trajectories are sought, operative concerns and uncertainties affecting the spacecraft dynamics must be considered during the preliminary design process. Otherwise, trajectories that are possible on paper might become infeasible when real-world constraints are considered. The risk of such eventualities leads to the need to extend the trajectory design to focus on the uncertainties affecting the dynamics and on the operative constraints derived by ground operations. This is especially true when targeting highly perturbed environments such as small bodies with low-cost solutions such as CubeSats, whose capabilities in deep space are still unknown. The case study presented is the Milani CubeSat, which will be launched in 2024 with Hera in the frame of the AIDA mission.
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer and Vitamin D: The “Lost Sunlight” Paradox and the Oxidative Stress Explanation
Authors: Karampinis Emmanouil , Aloizou Athina-Maria , Zafiriou Efterpi , Bargiota Alexandra , Skaperda Zoi , Kouretas Demetrios , Roussaki-Schulze Angeliki-Viktoria
Published: May 2023

UV radiation (UVR) is responsible for inducing both harmful and beneficial effects on skin health. Specifically, it has been reported to disrupt oxidant and antioxidant levels, leading to oxidative stress conditions in skin tissue. This phenomenon might trigger photo-carcinogenesis, resulting in melanoma, NMSC (non-melanoma skin cancer), such as BCC (basal cell carcinoma) and SCC (squamous cell carcinoma), and actinic keratosis. On the other hand, UVR is essential for the production of adequate vitamin D levels, a hormone with important antioxidant, anticancer and immunomodulatory properties. The exact mechanisms implicated in this two-fold action are not well understood, as there still no clear relation established between skin cancer and vitamin D status. Oxidative stress seems to be a neglected aspect of this complex relation, despite its role in both skin cancer development and vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to examine the correlation between vitamin D and oxidative stress in skin cancer patients. A total of 100 subjects (25 with SCC, 26 with BCC, 23 with actinic keratosis, and 27 controls) were assessed in terms of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) and redox markers such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma, glutathione (GSH) levels and catalase activity in erythrocytes. The majority of our patients revealed low vitamin D levels; 37% of the subjects showed deficiency (<20 ng/mL) and 35% insufficiency (21–29 ng/mL). The mean 25(OH) D level of the NMSC patients (20.87 ng/mL) was also found to be significantly lower (p = 0.004) than that of the non-cancer patients (28.14 ng/mL). Furthermore, higher vitamin D levels were also correlated with lower oxidative stress (positive correlation with GSH, catalase activity TAC index and negative correlation with TBARS and CARBS indices). NMSC patients diagnosed with SCC showed lower catalase activity values compared to non-cancer patients (p < 0.001), with the lowest values occurring in patients with a chronic cancer diagnosis (p < 0.001) and vitamin D deficiency (p < 0.001). Higher GSH levels (p = 0.001) and lower TBARS levels (p = 0.016) were found in the control group compared to the NMSC group, and to patients with actinic keratosis. Higher levels of CARBS were observed in patients with SCC (p < 0.001). Non-cancer patients with vitamin D sufficiency showed higher TAC values compared to non-cancer patients with vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.023) and to NMSC patients (p = 0.036). The above-mentioned results indicate that NMSC patients reveal increased levels of oxidative damage markers compared to control levels, while vitamin D status plays a critical role in the determination of individuals’ oxidative status.
A Brief Snapshot of Aspergillus Section Nigri Isolated from Brazilian Peanuts and Soil
Authors: Rodrigues Fernanda , Silva Josué J. , Iamanaka Beatriz T. , Martins Ligia M. , Taniwaki Marta H.
Published: May 2023

The occurrence of mycotoxigenic species in peanuts is a major concern, and has been investigated in depth for many years. However, most studies focus on the occurrence of aflatoxigenic fungi, such as Aspergillus section Flavi. The present study aimed to clarify the occurrence of Aspergillus section Nigri, a group that harbors species capable of producing ochratoxin A (OTA), which has scarcely been investigated in peanuts. A total of 52 peanut samples, collected in the field and from storage, were analyzed. Aspergillus section Nigri was isolated from 64% and 100% of field and storage samples, respectively, and 218 strains were obtained. Based on the multiloci phylogeny of the CaM and BenA loci, six species of Aspergillus section Nigri were identified: A. brasiliensis, A. niger, A. neoniger, A. welwitschiae, A. costaricaensis, and A. japonicus. The incidence of ochratoxigenic strains was 5.0% (11/218), and only A. niger and A. welwitschiae were able to produce OTA. The presence of OTA in peanuts was found in 6 field and 8 storage samples, with levels ranging from 0.106 to 0.387 and 0.090 to 0.160 µg/kg, respectively.
Recent Methods for Modifying Mechanical Properties of Tissue-Engineered Scaffolds for Clinical Applications
Authors: Johnston Andrew , Callanan Anthony
Published: May 2023

The limited regenerative capacity of the human body, in conjunction with a shortage of healthy autologous tissue, has created an urgent need for alternative grafting materials. A potential solution is a tissue-engineered graft, a construct which supports and integrates with host tissue. One of the key challenges in fabricating a tissue-engineered graft is achieving mechanical compatibility with the graft site; a disparity in these properties can shape the behaviour of the surrounding native tissue, contributing to the likelihood of graft failure. The purpose of this review is to examine the means by which researchers have altered the mechanical properties of tissue-engineered constructs via hybrid material usage, multi-layer scaffold designs, and surface modifications. A subset of these studies which has investigated the function of their constructs in vivo is also presented, followed by an examination of various tissue-engineered designs which have been clinically translated.
Performance of Silica Fume on Preventing Strength Retrogression in Hardened Cement Paste and Mortar at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Moffo Ngaelle Dorivice N. , Mwero John , Gariy Zachary A.
Published: May 2023

This study examines the effect of silica fume (SF) as a partial replacement for cement to prevent strength retrogression in hardened cement paste (HCP) and mortar at elevated temperatures. An experimental procedure was conducted on 320 specimens, replacing 0, 10, 20, and 30% of the cement by weight with SF. The residual compressive strength of the specimens was evaluated at room temperature (25 °C) and at 100, 200, 300, and 400 °C for 7, 28, and 56 days. The results indicate that the addition of SF to the cement paste and mortar improves the compressive strength both at 25 °C and at temperatures up to 400 °C. That is attributed to the formation of C-S-H phases, such as tobermorite and xonotlite. Additionally, the optimal residual compressive strength was achieved by adding 30% of SF. Therefore, XRD, SEM, and EDS techniques were employed to evaluate the microstructure of HCP specimens with 30% of SF. The results show that adding SF leads to a denser microstructure and lower porosity, resulting in more durable cement paste and mortar at ambient and elevated temperatures. In conclusion, using SF as a partial replacement for cement can be an effective way of developing sustainable fire-resistant construction materials.
Study of the Influence of Silicon-Containing Diamond-like Carbon Coatings on the Wear Resistance of SiAlON Tool Ceramics
Authors: Volosova Marina A. , Okunkova Anna A.
Published: May 2023

DLC coatings have low adhesive bond strength with the substrate and a high level of residual stresses. This paper is devoted to researching a complex of characteristics of a DLC-Si coating deposited on samples of SiAlON ceramics with intermediate coatings (CrAlSi)N pre-formed to improve the adhesive bond strength employing vacuum-plasma spraying. DLC-Si coatings were formed by chemical vapor deposition in a gas mixture of acetylene, argon, and tetramethylsilane supplied through a multichannel gas purge system controlling the tetramethylsilane volume by 1, 4, 7, and 10%. The SiAlON samples with deposited (CrAlSi)N/DLC-Si coatings with different silicon content in the DLC layer were subjected to XPS and EDX analyses. Tribological tests were carried out under conditions of high-temperature heating at 800C. The nanohardness and elasticity modulus of the rational (CrAlSi)N/DLC-Si coating with Si-content of 4.1% wt. were 26 ± 1.5 GPa and 238 ± 6 GPa, correspondingly. The rational composition of (CrAlSi)N/DLC-Si coating was deposited on cutters made of SiAlON ceramics and tested in high-speed machining of aircraft nickel-chromium alloy compared to uncoated and DLC-coated samples. The average operating time (wear resistance) of (CrAlSi)N/DLC-Si(4.1% wt.)-coated end mills before reaching the accepted failure criterion was 15.5 min when it was 10.5 min for the original cutters.
Engineering Band Structure of SnO2 Nanoparticles via Coupling with g-C3N4 Nanosheet for the Detection of Ethanolamine
Authors: Li Jiuyu , Xie Kerui , Wang Yating , Zhao Ruihua , Shang Yangyang , Du Jianping
Published: May 2023

Volatile organoamines are important industrial raw materials and chemicals. Long-term exposure to amines could be harmful to human health and even cause serious pollution. In this study, SnO2 decorated g-C3N4 material was fabricated and used as a sensor material for the detection of ethanolamine (EA). The structures, morphology, surface chemical states, and band structure were characterized, and gas sensing was studied. The results showed that SnO2 nanoparticles were dispersed on g-C3N4, and band structure was dependent on g-C3N4 doping. Notably, the interface heterojunction was conducive to electron transferring and O2 molecule adsorption; the formed reactive oxygen species enhanced the reaction between oxygen and EA, thus leading to high sensitivity to EA. This composite exhibited a high response that was 2.6 times higher than that of pure SnO2, and the detection limit reached 294 ppb. A g-C3N4/SnO2-based sensor displayed a high selectivity to EA with a fast response time (1 s) and recovery time (20 s) at low operating temperatures. In particular, this sensor exhibited a linear relationship between the response and concentration, which is required for quantitative analysis.
Diversity and Distribution of Helminths in Wild Ruminants of the Russian Arctic: Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus), and Snow Sheep (Ovis nivicola)
Authors: Loginova Olga A. , Rozenfeld Sofya B. , Sipko Taras P. , Mizin Ivan A. , Panchenko Danila V. , Laishev Kasim A. , Bondar Mikhail G. , Kolpashchikov Leonid A. , Gruzdev Aleksandr R. , Kulemeev Pavel S. , Litovka Dennis I. , Semerikova Mariia N. , Mamontov Viktor N. , Mamaev Evgeniy G. , Spiridonov Sergei E.
Published: May 2023

The Russian Arctic supports wild sympatric ruminants and their data-deficient helminths. In this study, we: (1) collected fecal samples of wild and semiwild reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus), and snow sheep (Ovis nivicola) across Palearctic North territories: Arkhangelsk Oblast (including Novaya Zemlya archipelago), Karelia and Sakha Republics, Kola, Yamal, Taimyr, and Chukotka Peninsulas, Bering, Svalbard, and Wrangel Islands; (2) conducted a coprological survey (noninvasive life-time method preferable for protected animals) to obtain eggs and larvae of helminths inhabiting digestive, respiratory, nervous, and muscular systems; (3) identified helminths according to their morphology and DNA sequences; (4) estimated parasite load per host; (5) analyzed our findings. Varestrongylus eleguneniensis (in reindeer) was reported for the Palearctic for the first time, while Orthostrongylus sp. was reported both for R. tarandus and for the Palearctic for the first time. Capillarid-type eggs were reported for snow sheep for the first time. The question of the role of wild Arctic ruminants as vectors for rotifers was raised.
An Integer Programming Based Approach to Delivery Drone Routing under Load-Dependent Flight Speed
Authors: Nishira Mao , Ito Satoshi , Nishikawa Hiroki , Kong Xiangbo , Tomiyama Hiroyuki
Published: May 2023

Delivery drones have been attracting attention as a means of solving recent logistics issues, and many companies are focusing on their practical applications. Many research studies on delivery drones have been active for several decades. Among them, extended routing problems for drones have been proposed based on the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), which is used, for example, in truck vehicle routing problems. In parcel delivery by drones, additional constraints such as battery capacity, payload, and weather conditions need to be considered. This study addresses the routing problem for delivery drones. Most existing studies assume that the drone’s flight speed is constant regardless of the load. On the other hand, some studies assume that the flight speed varies with the load. This routing problem is called the Flight Speed-Aware Traveling Salesman Problem (FSTSP). The complexity of the drone flight speed function in this problem makes it difficult to solve the routing problem using general-purpose mathematical optimization solvers. In this study, the routing problem is reduced to an integer programming problem by using linear and quadratic approximations of the flight speed function. This enables us to solve the problem using general-purpose mathematical optimization solvers. In experiments, we compared the existing and proposed methods in terms of solving time and total flight time. The experimental results show that the proposed method with multiple threads has a shorter solving time than the state-of-the-art method when the number of customers is 17 or more. In terms of total flight time, the proposed methods deteriorate by an average of 0.4% for integer quadratic programming and an average of 1.9% for integer cubic programming compared to state-of-the-art methods. These experimental results show that the quadratic and cubic approximations of the problem have almost no degradation of the solution.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Autonomous UAV Networks: A Survey
Authors: Sarkar Nurul I. , Gul Sonia
Published: May 2023

Recent advancements in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have proven UAVs to be an inevitable part of future networking and communications systems. While many researchers have proposed UAV-assisted solutions for improving traditional network performance by extending coverage and capacity, an in-depth study on aspects of artificial intelligence-based autonomous UAV network design has not been fully explored yet. The objective of this paper is to present a comprehensive survey of AI-based autonomous UAV networks. A careful survey was conducted of more than 100 articles on UAVs focusing on the classification of autonomous features, network resource management and planning, multiple access and routing protocols, and power control and energy efficiency for UAV networks. By reviewing and analyzing the UAV networking literature, it is found that AI-based UAVs are a technologically feasible and economically viable paradigm for cost-effectiveness in the design and deployment of such next-generation autonomous networks. Finally, this paper identifies open research problems in the emerging field of UAV networks. This study is expected to stimulate more research endeavors to build low-cost, energy-efficient, next-generation autonomous UAV networks.
Distinguishing Household Groupings within a Precinct Based on Energy Usage Patterns Using Machine Learning Analysis
Authors: Malatesta Troy , Li Qilin , Breadsell Jessica K. , Eon Christine
Published: May 2023

The home can be a complex environment to understand, as well as to model and predict, due to inherent variability between people’s routines and practices. A one-size-fits-all approach does not consider people’s contextual and institutional influences that contribute to their daily routines. These contextual and institutional factors relate to the household structure and relationship between occupants, as well as the working lifestyle of the occupants. One household can consume resources and live quite differently compared to a similar size household with the same number of occupants due to these factors. Predictive analysis of consumption data can identify this difference to create household-specific modelling to predict occupant routines and practices. Using post-occupancy data from the Fairwater Living Laboratory in Sydney that monitored 39 homes built in a green-star community, this research has utilised machine learning approaches and a K-Means clustering method complemented by t-distributed Stochastic Neighbour Embedding (t-SNE) to show how households follow different daily routines and activities resulting in resource consumption. This analysis has identified energy usage patterns and household groupings with each group following similar daily routines and consumption. The comparison between modelling the precinct as a whole and modelling households individually shows how detail can be lost when aggregating household data at a precinct/community level. This detail can explain why policies or technologies are not as effective as their design due to ignoring the delicate aspects of household routines and practices. These household groupings can provide insight for policymakers to help them understand the different profiles that may be present in the community. These findings are useful for net-zero developments and decarbonization of the built environment through modelling occupant behaviour accurately and developing policies and technologies to suit.
Annual Energy Production Design Optimization for PM Generators Considering Maximum Power Point Trajectory of Wind Turbines
Authors: Yang Huaping , Zhang Wenjuan , Dai Litao , Feng Wan , Zhang Haixia
Published: May 2023

Efficiency optimization is an important goal in the design of permanent magnet generators. However, traditional design optimization methods only focus on improving the rated efficiency without considering the annual cycle for overall efficiency improvement. To overcome this drawback, this paper presents a design optimization method for improving annual energy production (AEP) of wind direct-drive permanent magnet generators. Unlike the conventional efficiency optimization method that only improves the rated point efficiency, the proposed method improves the overall efficiency of the generator during the operating cycle by matching the maximum power point trajectory of the wind turbine. The periodic loss model of the permanent magnet generator is established and further constituted as the objective function to perform the optimization search using a genetic algorithm. Through simulation and experimental verification, the proposed method can obtain a higher AEP compared with the conventional design optimization method, and the proposed method can be extended to other variable speed power generation fields.
Effects of Alfalfa Hay to Oat Hay Ratios on Chemical Composition, Fermentation Characteristics, and Fungal Communities during Aerobic Exposure of Fermented Total Mixed Ration
Authors: Liu Mingjian , Sun Lin , Wang Zhijun , Ge Gentu , Jia Yushan , Du Shuai
Published: May 2023

The application of fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) is an effective method to prolong the use time of feed, but the understanding of the interaction mechanism between fungal microorganisms and silage quality and aerobic stability in FTMR is still limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay to oat (Avena sativa L.) hay ratios on chemical composition, fermentation characteristics, and fungal communities during aerobic exposure of fermented total mixed ration (FTMR). The supplement levels of oat were as follows: 200 g/kg oat hay (LO), 300 g/kg oat hay (MO), and 400 g/kg oat hay (HO). The water content of the three treatments was adjusted to 50% using a sprayer. After 60 days of ensiling, the bags were opened, and the chemical composition, fermentation characteristics, and fungal communities were measured after 3, 6, 9, and 12 days of aerobic exposure. The results suggested that the LO treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased the aerobic stability than that in other treatments. The crude protein and lactic acid content in the three treatments were significantly decreased with the extension of the aerobic exposure period. Additionally, there was a remarkable (p < 0.05) higher lactic acid content observed in the LO treatment than that in the HO treatment during the aerobic stage. The PCoA showed that the compositions of the fungal community in the HO treatment were distinctly separated from the other two treatments. Compared with HO and LO treatments, the MO treatment observed relatively higher OTU, Shannon, and Chao1 indexes. Compared with LO and MO treatments, the abundances of the genes Saccharomyces and Wallemia were greater increased and decreased in the HO treatment, respectively. Integrated correlation analysis also underscores a possible link between the fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability, and significantly altered fungal community. This study suggested that the use of FTMR in production might prolong aerobic storage time when alfalfa was fermented in a mixture with ≤30% oat.
High-Temperature Behavior of Polyethylene-Terephthalate-Fiber-Reinforced Sand Concrete: Experimental Investigation
Authors: Benzerara Mohammed , Biskri Yasmina , Saidani Messaoud , Slimani Fayçal , Belouettar Redjem
Published: May 2023

At ambient temperature, concrete exhibits excellent mechanical properties. However, understanding the behavior of concrete under high-temperature conditions is crucial, especially for civil engineering applications during fire incidents. The growing use of plastic-based products has led to a significant increase in polymer waste, posing environmental challenges. The valorization of this plastic waste in the form of fibers presents both economic and environmental advantages. This study focuses on the study of the behavior of sand concrete incorporating polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers with percentages of 1% and 2% at high temperatures (100, 300, 500 and 700 °C). Specimens are tested for residual mass loss, residual compressive and tensile strength. A complementary analysis of SEM makes it possible to confirm and better clarify the morphology of the concretes of sand before and after the rise in temperature. The results obtained from this study indicate that the residual resistance is reduced with the rise in temperature for all the concretes studied, except in the temperature range of 300 °C, in which a slight improvement in resistance is noticed. The incorporation of PET fibers in the test concretes does not enhance their residual behavior significantly. However, it does serve as an effective solution by reducing the susceptibility to spalling, by preventing cracking and by fulfilling a similar role to that of polypropylene fibers.
Color and Stability of Anthocyanins of Chagalapoli (Ardisia compressa K.) Fruit Added to an Isotonic Beverage as Microcapsules and as Free Extract
Authors: Antonio-Gómez María Vianey , Salinas-Moreno Yolanda , Hernández-Rosas Francisco , Herrera-Corredor José Andrés , Contreras-Oliva Adriana
Published: May 2023

The demand for natural pigments in the food industry is increasing. Color and stability of anthocyanins of chagalapoli (Ardisia compressa K.) fruit added to an isotonic beverage as microcapsules and free extract were evaluated at two temperatures (4 and 25 °C) in the absence of light. Anthocyanins degradation followed first-order kinetics in the evaluated conditions. The stability of anthocyanins, measured by the variables reaction rate (K), half-life time (t1/2), and anthocyanin retention (AR), was affected significantly (p < 0.01) by temperature. At the end of storage at 4 °C, AR was 91.2 ± 0.28% and 89.63 ± 0.22% in the beverages with microcapsules (BM) and with anthocyanins from extract (BE), respectively, without a significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) between them. However, at 25 °C, AR in the BM was 53.72 ± 0.27%, a significantly lower value (p ≤ 0.05) than that in BE (58.83 ± 1.37%). The color difference values (ΔE) in beverages stored at 4 °C were 3.81 and 2.17 for BM and BE, respectively, while at 25 °C, it was 8.57 and 8.21, respectively. The most stable anthocyanin was cyanidin 3-galactoside. Chagalapoli anthocyanins, both as microcapsules or as an extract, are adequate for adding natural color to isotonic beverages.
Pressurized Liquid Extraction: A Powerful Tool to Implement Extraction and Purification of Food Contaminants
Authors: Barp Laura , Višnjevec Ana Miklavčič , Moret Sabrina
Published: May 2023

Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) is considered an advanced extraction technique developed in the mid-1990s with the aim of saving time and reducing solvent with respect to traditional extraction processes. It is commonly used with solid and semi-solid samples and employs solvent extraction at elevated temperatures and pressures, always below the respective critical points, to maintain the solvent in a liquid state throughout the extraction procedure. The use of these particular pressure and temperature conditions changes the physicochemical properties of the extraction solvent, allowing easier and deeper penetration into the matrix to be extracted. Furthermore, the possibility to combine the extraction and clean-up steps by including a layer of an adsorbent retaining interfering compounds directly in the PLE extraction cells makes this technique extremely versatile and selective. After providing a background on the PLE technique and parameters to be optimized, the present review focuses on recent applications (published in the past 10 years) in the field of food contaminants. In particular, applications related to the extraction of environmental and processing contaminants, pesticides, residues of veterinary drugs, mycotoxins, parabens, ethyl carbamate, and fatty acid esters of 3-monochloro-1,2-propanediol and 2-monochloro-1,3-propanediol from different food matrices were considered.
A New Approach for the Development and Optimization of Gluten-Free Noodles Using Flours from Byproducts of Cold-Pressed Okra and Pumpkin Seeds
Authors: Aydin Ebru , Turgut Sebahattin , Aydin Sedef , Cevik Serife , Ozcelik Ayse , Aksu Mehmet , Ozcelik Muhammed , Ozkan Gulcan
Published: May 2023

The significant protein and dietary fiber content of cold-pressed pumpkin (PSF) and okra (OSF) seed byproducts are well-known. However, their impact on noodles’ nutritional quality has never been studied. For the first time, noodle formulation was developed employing a genetic algorithm in the R programming language to achieve the most optimal sensory attributes as well as nutritional composition, color, cooking, and textural properties. The optimized noodle formulation was detected for OSF, PSF, gluten-free flour, salt, and egg with the following amounts: 11.5 g, 87.0 g, 0.9 g, 0.6 g, and 40 g, respectively, with 10.5 mL of water. The total protein (TP%), total fat (TF%), total carbohydrate (TC%), total dietary fiber content (TDF%), ash (%), total phenolic content (TPC mg GAE/100 g), and ABTS (%) of PSF were found to be 39%, 17%, 7%, 18%, 3%, 19%, and 48%, respectively, whereas for OSF, 33%, 8%, 21%, 32%, 5%, 16%, and 38%, respectively, were detected. In addition, TP (42.88%), TF (15.6%), ash (5.68%), TDF (40.48%), TPC (25.5 mg GAE/100 g), and ABTS (70%) values were obtained for the noodles. Consequently, the valorization of the cold oil press industry’s byproducts may be used as ingredients that add high value to gluten-free protein and fiber-rich noodle production, and they may gain interest from both processors and consumers.
Effect of Insoluble Dietary Fiber Extracted from Feijoa (Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret.) Supplementation on Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Wheat Bread
Authors: Wang Dan , Wang Qingming , Sun Yunfei , Qing Zilong , Zhang Junhui , Chen Qiyang
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to assess the effects of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) from feijoa supplementation on the physicochemical and functional properties of wheat bread. The results showed that feijoa IDF (FJI) had the typical structures of hydrolysis fiber, polysaccharide functional groups, and crystal structure of cellulose. The gradual increase of FJI levels (from 2 to 8%) in wheat bread resulted in increased total DF, ash, and protein contents, accompanied by a reduction in moisture, carbohydrates, and energy value. The inclusion of FJI in the bread crumb caused a rise in both redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values while decreasing the brightness (L*) relative to the control specimen. In addition, adding FJI up to 2% significantly increased total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity, as well as flavor score of supplemented bread samples, while additions above 2% resulted in undesirable taste and texture. FJI addition caused higher bile acid, NO2−, and cholesterol adsorption capacities. Moreover, FJI addition up to 4% significantly reduced glucose adsorption capacities at different in vitro starch digestion intervals. The findings revealed that FJI offers great potential as an ideal functional ingredient in food processing.
Fractional-Order Accumulative Generation with Discrete Convolution Transformation
Authors: Chen Tao
Published: May 2023

A new fractional accumulation technique based on discrete sequence convolution transform was developed. The accumulation system, whose unit impulse response is the accumulation convolution sequence, was constructed; then, the order was extended to fractional orders. The fractional accumulative convolution grey forecasting model GMr*(1,1) was established on the sequence convolution. From the viewpoint of sequence convolution, we can better understand the mechanism of accumulative generation. Real cases were used to verify the validity and effectiveness of the fractional accumulative convolution method.
Application of Fractional Calculus to Establish Equations of State for Solid Metals
Authors: Kulish Vladimir , Aslfattahi Navid , Schmirler Michal
Published: May 2023

Fractional differ-integral operators are used to obtain the equation of state for a substance that can be seen as fractal. Two equations of state have been obtained, the first of which depends on two parameters that characterize the fractal dimension of the material and the thermal energy of the particles, respectively. The second equation involves three parameters, and expressions for the Helmholtz free energy and the bulk modulus have also been obtained for this equation. The model presented in this study has been validated using experimental data available in literature, and fractional exponent have been determined for various metals.
Graphene Oxide/Styrene-Butadiene Latex Hybrid Aerogel with Improved Mechanical Properties by PEI Grafted GO and CNT
Authors: Zhao Zetian , Zhang Lina , Song Yinghu , Ma Lichun , Li Jialiang , Zhao Min , Ji Xueliang , Gao Jianfei , Song Guojun , Li Xiaoru
Published: May 2023

Graphene oxide aerogel (GOA) has wide application prospects due to its low density and high porosity. However, the poor mechanical properties and unstable structure of GOA have limited its practical applications. In this study, polyethyleneimide (PEI) was used to graft onto the surface of GO and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to improve compatibility with polymers. Composite GOA was prepared by adding styrene-butadiene latex (SBL) to the modified GO and CNTs. The synergistic effect of PEI and SBL, resulted in an aerogel with excellent mechanical properties, compressive resistance, and structural stability. When the ratio of SBL to GO and GO to CNTs was 2:1 and 7:3, respectively, the obtained aerogel performance was the best, and the maximum compressive stress was 784.35% higher than that of GOA. The graft of PEI on the surface of GO and CNT could improve the mechanical properties of the aerogel, with greater improvements observed with grafting onto the surface of GO. Compared with GO/CNT/SBL aerogel without PEI grafting, the maximum stress of GO/CNT–PEI/SBL aerogel increased by 5.57%, that of GO–PEI/CNT/SBL aerogel increased by 20.25%, and that of GO–PEI/CNT–PEI/SBL aerogel increased by 28.99%. This work not only provided a possibility for the practical application of aerogel, but also steered the research of GOA in a new direction.