bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodology for the Surveillance the Voltage Supply in Public Buildings Using the ITIC Curve and Python Programming
Authors: Fernández-Morales Javier , González-de-la-Rosa Juan-José , Sierra-Fernández José-María , Florencias-Oliveros Olivia , Remigio-Carmona Paula , Espinosa-Gavira Manuel-Jesús , Agüera-Pérez Agustín , Palomares-Salas José-Carlos
Published: November 2022

This paper proposes an easy-to-implement method for detecting and assessing two of the most frequent PQ (Power Quality) problems: voltage sags and swells. These can affect sensitive equipment such as computers, programmable logic controllers, contactors, etc. Therefore, it is of great interest to implement it in any laboratory, not only for protection reasons but also as a safeguard for claims against the supply company. Thanks to the actual context, in which it is possible to manage big volumes of data, connect multiple devices with IoT (Internet of Things), etc., it is feasible and of great interest to monitor the voltage at specific points of the network. This makes it possible to detect voltage sags and swells and diagnose which points are more prone to this type of problems. For the detection of sags and swells, a program written in Python is in charge of crawling all the files in the database and target those RMS values that fall outside the established limits. Compared to LabVIEW, which might have been the most logical alternative, being the acquisition hardware from the same company (National Instruments), Python has a higher computational performance and is also free of charge, unlike LabVIEW. Thanks to the libraries available in Python, it allows a hardware control close to what is possible using LabVIEW. Implemented in MATLAB, the ITIC (Information Technology Industry Council) power acceptability curve reflects the impact of these power quality disturbances in electrical power systems. The results showed that the combined action of Python and MATLAB performed well on a conventional desktop computer.
Simulation and Experimental Study of CO2 Transcritical Heat Pump System with Thermoelectric Subcooling
Authors: Yang Junlan , Wang Linxiu , Han Yifei , Zhang Xin , Du Yufan
Published: November 2022

In order to improve the efficiency of the system and promote its application in other industries, the performance of a thermoelectric subcooled CO2 transcritical heat pump system was studied. A simulation model of the system was established using steady-state lumped parameter technology, and the experimental data were compared with the simulation results. The effects of cooling and chilled water flow rate and temperature, subcooling degree, compressor discharge pressure on the coefficient of performance (COP), and heating coefficient of performance (COPh) were analyzed. The results showed that COP/COPh increased with the increase in cooling and chilled water flow rate and chilled water temperature and decreased with the increase in cooling water temperature. The experimental COPh and COP of the system with a thermoelectric subcooler increased by 4.19% and 4.62%, respectively, compared to the system without it. The simulated data was in good agreement with the experimental data, and the error was within 10%, thus verifying the correctness of the model. When the subcooling degree increased to 11 °C, the system simulation results showed that COP/COPh increased by about 40% and 13.3%, respectively. The optimal high pressure was about 8.0 MPa, which corresponded to the maximum COP and COPh of the system of 3.25 and 4.25, respectively. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for future system optimization.
A Multi-Agent System Using Decentralized Decision-Making Techniques for Area Surveillance and Intruder Monitoring
Authors: Patrinopoulou Niki , Daramouskas Ioannis , Meimetis Dimitrios , Lappas Vaios , Kostopoulos Vassilios
Published: November 2022

A decentralized swarm of quadcopters designed for monitoring an open area and detecting intruders is proposed. The system is designed to be scalable and robust. The most important aspect of the system is the swarm intelligent decision-making process that was developed. The rest of the algorithms essential for the system to be completed are also described. The designed algorithms were developed using ROS and tested with SITL simulations in the GAZEBO environment. The proposed approach was tested against two other similar surveilling swarms and one approach using static cameras. The addition of the real-time decision-making capability offers the swarm a clear advantage over similar systems, as depicted in the simulation results.
Enhanced Artificial Gorilla Troops Optimizer Based Clustering Protocol for UAV-Assisted Intelligent Vehicular Network
Authors: Alsolai Hadeel , Alzahrani Jaber S. , Maray Mohammed , Alghamdi Mohammed , Qahmash Ayman , Alnfiai Mrim M. , Aziz Amira Sayed A. , Mustafa Hilal Anwer
Published: November 2022

The increasing demands of several emergent services brought new communication problems to vehicular networks (VNs). It is predicted that the transmission system assimilated with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) fulfills the requirement of next-generation vehicular network. Because of its higher flexible mobility, the UAV-aided vehicular network brings transformative and far-reaching benefits with extremely high data rates; considerably improved security and reliability; massive and hyper-fast wireless access; much greener, smarter, and longer 3D communications coverage. The clustering technique in UAV-aided VN is a difficult process because of the limited energy of UAVs, higher mobility, unstable links, and dynamic topology. Therefore, this study introduced an Enhanced Artificial Gorilla Troops Optimizer–based Clustering Protocol for a UAV-Assisted Intelligent Vehicular Network (EAGTOC-UIVN). The goal of the EAGTOC-UIVN technique lies in the clustering of the nodes in UAV-based VN to achieve maximum lifetime and energy efficiency. In the presented EAGTOC-UIVN technique, the EAGTO algorithm was primarily designed by the use of the circle chaotic mapping technique. Moreover, the EAGTOC-UIVN technique computes a fitness function with the inclusion of multiple parameters. To depict the improved performance of the EAGTOC-UIVN technique, a widespread simulation analysis was performed. The comparison study demonstrated the enhancements of the EAGTOC-UIVN technique over other recent approaches.
The κ-Deformed Calogero–Leyvraz Lagrangians and Applications to Integrable Dynamical Systems
Authors: Guha Partha
Published: November 2022

The Calogero–Leyvraz Lagrangian framework, associated with the dynamics of a charged particle moving in a plane under the combined influence of a magnetic field as well as a frictional force, proposed by Calogero and Leyvraz, has some special features. It is endowed with a Shannon “entropic” type kinetic energy term. In this paper, we carry out the constructions of the 2D Lotka–Volterra replicator equations and the N=2 Relativistic Toda lattice systems using this class of Lagrangians. We take advantage of the special structure of the kinetic term and deform the kinetic energy term of the Calogero–Leyvraz Lagrangians using the κ-deformed logarithm as proposed by Kaniadakis and Tsallis. This method yields the new construction of the κ-deformed Lotka–Volterra replicator and relativistic Toda lattice equations.
Assessment of Labour Productivity and the Factors of Its Increase in European Union 27 and Ukrainian Economies
Authors: Kornieieva Tetiana , Varela Miguel , Luís Ana Lúcia , Teixeira Natália
Published: November 2022

The article is devoted to identifying the impact of factors on the increasing labour productivity in the economies of the European Union-27 (EU-27) and Ukraine. The system of influencing factors that must be taken into account in the assessment of the labour productivity indicator was substantiated. The factors are based on the most significant indicators of innovative development (innovative activity; formation and the use of personnel; the state of use of fixed capital; the composition of the payroll budget; investment activity; and the use of working time). Based on the use of the method of linearization of the labour productivity model, the rating coefficients of the influence of factors for the economies of the EU-27 and Ukraine were determined. It has been proven that the following factors have a significant positive impact on labour productivity: an increase in the costs of scientific research and development; the growth of enterprises expenditures on research and development (R&D) in high-tech sectors; the increase in the share of scientific research personnel and researchers in the total number of the employed population; the growth of costs for the innovation of industrial enterprises; an introduction to the production of new technological processes and innovative types of products; the purchase of machinery, equipment, and software; an increase in the share of the employed population that has a basic higher education (bachelor’s degree); the growth in the share of the employed population that has a full higher education (master’s degree); the increase in the share of enterprises providing training; the increase in the capital–labour ratio; the technological equipment of labour; the machine equipment of labour; the renewal of fixed capital; and the increase in the level of intellectualization of fixed capital. The available reserves for increasing the labour productivity in EU-27 economies and Ukraine were clarified, and recommendations for managing the labour productivity in the conditions of innovative development have been provided. This study gains relevance when Ukraine has assumed the official status of an EU candidate country and the advantages and potential difficulties in the membership process should be evaluated. Labour productivity will be one of the key factors in the post-conflict recovery of the economy.
The Role of Sleep Quality and Physical Activity Level on Gait Speed and Brain Hemodynamics Changes in Young Adults—A Dual-Task Study
Authors: Saraiva Marina , Castro Maria António , Vilas-Boas João Paulo
Published: November 2022

Walking requires attentional resources, and the studies using neuroimage techniques have grown to understand the interaction between cortical activity and motor performance. Previous studies reported a decline in gait performance and changes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity during a dual-task performance compared to walking only. Some lifestyle factors, such as sleep and physical activity (PA) levels, can compromise walking performance and brain activity. Nonetheless, the studies are scarce. This study aimed to assess gait speed and hemodynamic response in the PFC during a cognitive dual-task (cog-DT) compared to walking only, and to analyze the correlation between PA and sleep quality (SQ) with gait performance and hemodynamic response in the PFC during a single task (ST) and cog-DT performance in young adults. A total of 18 healthy young adults (mean age ± SD = 24.11 ± 4.11 years) participated in this study. They performed a single motor task (mot-ST)—normal walking—and a cog-DT—walking while performing a cognitive task on a smartphone. Gait speed was collected using a motion capture system coupled with two force plates. The hemoglobin differences (Hb-diff), oxyhemoglobin ([oxy-Hb]) and deoxyhemoglobin ([deoxy-Hb]) concentrations in the PFC were obtained using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. The SQ and PA were assessed through the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form questionnaires, respectively. The results show a decrease in gait speed (p < 0.05), a decrease in [deoxy-Hb] (p < 0.05), and an increase in Hb-diff (p < 0.05) and [oxy-Hb] (p > 0.05) in the prefrontal cortex during the cog-DT compared to the single task. A positive correlation between SQ and Hb-diff during the cog-DT performance was found. In conclusion, the PFC’s hemodynamic response during the cog-DT suggests that young adults prioritize cognitive tasks over motor performance. SQ only correlates with the Hb-diff during the cog-DT, showing that poor sleep quality was associated with increased Hb-diff in the PFC. The gait performance and hemodynamic response do not correlate with physical activity level.
Voltage Profile Improvement by Integrating Renewable Resources with Utility Grid
Authors: Ali Muhammad Bilal , Kazmi Syed Ali Abbas , Khan Zafar A. , Altamimi Abdullah , Alghassab Mohammed A. , Alojaiman Bader
Published: November 2022

There are three main parts of an electric power system—power generation, transmission, and distribution. For electric companies, it is a tough challenge to reduce losses of the power system and deliver lossless and reliable power from the generating station to the consumer end. Nowadays, modern power systems are more complex due to gradually increasing loads. In the electrical power system, especially in transmission and distribution networks, there are power losses due to many reasons such as overloading of the line, long distribution lines, low power factors, corona losses, and unsuitable conductor size. The main performance factor of the power system is reliability. Reliability means continuity of the power supply without any interruptions from the generating station to the demand side. Thus, due to these power losses, there are voltage stability problems and economic losses in the electrical system. The voltage stability of the power system can be increased by improving the voltage profile. In this paper, different techniques are analyzed that include the integration of wind power, the integration of photovoltaic power, and reactive power injection by integrating FACTS devices. These techniques are applied to the IEEE 57 bus system with standard data using simulation models developed in MATLAB. Thus, the results of the analysis of these techniques have been compared with each other.
Review of Advanced Effusive Cooling for Gas Turbine Blades
Authors: Wang Wen , Yan Yan , Zhou Yeqi , Cui Jiahuan
Published: November 2022

Turbine inlet temperature has continuously increased to improve gas turbine performance during the past few decades. Although internal convection cooling and traditional film cooling have contributed significantly to the current achievement, advanced cooling schemes are needed to minimize the coolant consumption and maximize the cooling efficiency for future gas turbines. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of advanced effusive cooling schemes for gas turbine blades. First, the background and the history of turbine blade cooling are introduced. Then, the metrics of effusive cooling efficiency are defined. Next, effusion cooling, impingement/effusion cooling, and transpiration cooling are reviewed. The flow and heat transfer mechanisms of the cooling schemes are emphasized, and the design trends of the cooling schemes are revealed. Finally, the conclusions and future research perspectives are summarized.
Broken Rotor Bar Fault Diagnosis Techniques Based on Motor Current Signature Analysis for Induction Motor—A Review
Authors: Halder Sudip , Bhat Sunil , Zychma Daria , Sowa Pawel
Published: November 2022

The most often used motor in commercial drives is the induction motor. While the induction motor is operating, electrical, thermal, mechanical, magnetic, and environmental stresses can result in defects. Therefore, many researchers who are involved in condition monitoring have been interested in the development of reliable and efficient fault diagnostic technologies. This paper’s goal is to provide an overview of available fault detection methods for the broken rotor bar problem, one of several defects associated to induction motors. Despite the fact that it is less common than bearing or insulator failure, this fault may cause electrical machines to fail catastrophically. It can be quite harmful, especially in large motors, and it can develop as a result of manufacturing faults, repeated starting of the machine, mechanical stress, and thermal stress. Hence, a review on rotor defect diagnosis was conducted. In order to confirm rotor bar fracture, this research provides probable defect signatures that can be extracted from the current signal. Each defect signature is reported according to (a) loading level, (b) the number of BRBs, (c) validation, and (d) methodologies.
Status, Challenges and Future Directions of Blockchain Technology in Power System: A State of Art Review
Authors: Malla Tanus Bikram , Bhattarai Abhinav , Parajuli Amrit , Shrestha Ashish , Chhetri Bhupendra Bimal , Chapagain Kamal
Published: November 2022

Intermittent distributed energy resources (DERs) add challenges to the modern power system network. On the other hand, information and communication technology (ICT) is changing traditional electricity grids into smart grids, which facilitates a decentralized system in which prosumers may participate in energy trading. Smart grids, DER integration, and network connectivity are adding complexity to the power system network day by day; Blockchain technology might be a great tool to manage the network’s operational complexity. The Blockchain provides for quicker, frictionless, secure, and transparent transactions. With the addition of smart contracts, it may be utilized to manage the expanding complexity of the contemporary power system. In this study, the authors focus on the scope, challenges, and potential future direction of Blockchain technology application in the power system. Blockchain has received interest and has been used for decentralized power system applications in recent years, but it is still young and has scalability, decentralization, and security concerns. This article discusses the interfaces and the possibilities that can assure trust, security, and transparency in decentralized power system applications and make a decentralized power system and power market possible.
Frequency and Voltage Control Techniques through Inverter-Interfaced Distributed Energy Resources in Microgrids: A Review
Authors: Asadi Yousef , Eskandari Mohsen , Mansouri Milad , Savkin Andrey V. , Pathan Erum
Published: November 2022

Microgrids (MG) are small-scale electric grids with local voltage control and power management systems to facilitate the high penetration and grid integration of renewable energy resources (RES). The distributed generation units (DGs), including RESs, are connected to (micro) grids through power electronics-based inverters. Therefore, new paradigms are required for voltage and frequency regulation by inverter-interfaced DGs (IIDGs). Notably, employing effective voltage and frequency regulation methods for establishing power-sharing among parallel inverters in MGs is the most critical issue. This paper provides a comprehensive study, comparison, and classification of control methods including communication-based, decentralized, and construction and compensation control techniques. The development of inverter-dominated MGs has caused limitations in employing classical control techniques due to their defective performance in handling non-linear models of IIDGs. To this end, this article reviews and illustrates advanced controllers that can deal with the challenges that are created due to the uncertain and arbitrary impedance characteristics of IIDGs in dynamics/transients.
Taxonomy for Industrial Cluster Decarbonization: An Analysis for the Italian Hard-to-Abate Industry
Authors: Sechi Sonja , Giarola Sara , Leone Pierluigi
Published: November 2022

The share of industry in final global energy consumption was more than 30% in 2020, of which, the hard-to-abate sectors accounted for almost 60% of total final consumption in industry. Similarly, in Europe, industry accounts for around 25% of final energy consumption. In order to reduce the impact of industry in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, Europe has set many policies that support and regulate the sector, including pricing carbon emissions in a cap-and-trade scheme called the European Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS). According to the EU ETS, in 2021 the verified emissions of all stationary installations were around 1.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. In 2021, the total allocated allowances amounted to around 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, half of which were freely allocated. After reviewing the existing modeling approaches for industrial clusters and the available datasets, and assessing the energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions at plant level using a geographical information system approach (GIS), a taxonomy for industrial cluster decarbonization was introduced. This taxonomy shows that describing industry as sets of clustered installations rather than based on the conventional sectoral economic classification provides more insights into energy transition. First, the cluster description provides a more accurate techno-economic assessment based on a finer characterization of economies of scale compared to traditional energy systems models. Second, the industrial clustering approach may more realistically show the feasibility, in addition to the costs and benefits from coupling industry with transport (e.g., industrial fleets and logistics) or buildings (e.g., city scale), due to a more detailed representation of the energy sources and sinks.
A Distributed Two-Level Control Strategy for DC Microgrid Considering Safety of Charging Equipment
Authors: Li Xiang , Ji Zhenya , Yang Fengkun , Dou Zhenlan , Zhang Chunyan , Chen Liangliang
Published: November 2022

A direct current (DC) microgrid containing a photovoltaic (PV) system, energy storage and charging reduces the electric energy conversion link and improves the operational efficiency of the system, which has a broad development prospect. The instability and randomness of PV and charging loads pose a challenge to the safe operation of DC microgrid systems. The safety of grid operation and charging need to be taken into account. However, few studies have integrated the safety of charging devices with grid operation. In this paper, a two-level control strategy is used for the DC microgrid equipped with hybrid energy storage systems (ESSs) with the charging equipment’s safety as the entry point. The primary control strategy combines the health of the charging equipment with droop control to effectively solve the problem of common DC bus voltage deviation and power distribution. The consistency the control algorithm for multiple groups of hybrid ESSs ensures the local side DC bus voltage level and ensures reasonable power distribution among the ESSs. The simulation results in MATLAB/Simulink show that the control strategy can achieve power allocation with stable voltage levels in the case of fluctuating health of the charging equipment, which guarantees the safe operation of the microgrid and charging equipment.
Virtual Modeling and Experimental Validation of the Line-Start Permanent Magnet Motor in the Presence of Harmonics
Authors: Tabora Jonathan Muñoz , Tshoombe Bendict Katukula , Fonseca Wellington da Silva , Tostes Maria Emília de Lima , Matos Edson Ortiz de , Bezerra Ubiratan Holanda , Silva Marcelo de Oliveira e
Published: November 2022

The world is experiencing an accelerated energy transition that is driven by the climate goals to be met and that has driven the growth of different potential sectors such as electric mobility powered by electric motors, which continue to be the largest load globally. However, new needs in relation to power density, weight, and efficiency have led manufacturers to experiment with new technologies, such as rare earth elements (REEs). The permanent magnet motor is a candidate to be the substitute for the conventional induction motor considering the new editions of the IEC 60034-30-1, for which study and evaluation continue to be focused on identifying the weaknesses and benefits of its application on a large scale in industry and electric mobility. This work presents a FEM model to assess the line-start permanent magnet motor (LSPMM), aiming to simulate the behavior of the LSPMM under supply conditions with distorted voltages (harmonic content) and evaluate its thermal and magnetic performance. The model created in the FEM software is then validated by bench tests in order to constitute an alternative analysis tool that can be used for studies in previous project phases and even to implement predictive maintenance schemes in industries.
The Effect of Energy Quota Trading on Energy Saving in China: Insight from a Quasi-Natural Experiment
Authors: Liao Liping , Huang Chukun , Du Minzhe
Published: November 2022

Saving energy is an important strategy to address the current energy crisis and environmental degradation. Regarding the pilot policy of the energy quota trading as a quasi-natural experiment by employing a difference-in-differences method, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of this pilot policy on energy saving and its mechanisms based on city-level data in China from 2006 to 2020. We find that the energy quota trading policy can reduce the total energy consumption and energy consumption intensity of pilot cities, and the effect of the policy can gradually strengthen over time. The market-oriented reform of energy factor allocation can effectively promote energy saving and economic growth. These results are convincing through a series of robustness checks. The heterogeneity test shows that the energy quota trading has a significant energy saving effect on economically developed cities, densely populated cities and southern cities, but not in economically underdeveloped cities, sparsely populated cities and northern cities. Further mechanism inspection suggests that the pilot policy of energy quota trading mainly achieves energy conservation through industrial structure upgrading and green technology innovation. Our findings provide a valuable insight for China to control energy consumption and promote the high-quality development of the energy economy.
Research Progress on Nutritional Value, Preservation and Processing of Fish—A Review
Authors: Ali Ahtisham , Wei Shuai , Ali Adnan , Khan Imran , Sun Qinxiu , Xia Qiuyu , Wang Zefu , Han Zongyuan , Liu Yang , Liu Shucheng
Published: November 2022

The global population has rapidly expanded in the last few decades and is continuing to increase at a rapid pace. To meet this growing food demand fish is considered a balanced food source due to their high nutritious value and low cost. Fish are rich in well-balanced nutrients, a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and impose various health benefits. Furthermore, the most commonly used preservation technologies including cooling, freezing, super-chilling and chemical preservatives are discussed, which could prolong the shelf life. Non-thermal technologies such as pulsed electric field (PEF), fluorescence spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging technique (HSI) and high-pressure processing (HPP) are used over thermal techniques in marine food industries for processing of most economical fish products in such a way as to meet consumer demands with minimal quality damage. Many by-products are produced as a result of processing techniques, which have caused serious environmental pollution. Therefore, highly advanced technologies to utilize these by-products for high-value-added product preparation for various applications are required. This review provides updated information on the nutritional value of fish, focusing on their preservation technologies to inhibit spoilage, improve shelf life, retard microbial and oxidative degradation while extending the new applications of non-thermal technologies, as well as reconsidering the values of by-products to obtain bioactive compounds that can be used as functional ingredients in pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food processing industries.
Zeaxanthin Dipalmitate-Enriched Emulsion Stabilized with Whey Protein Isolate-Gum Arabic Maillard Conjugate Improves Gut Microbiota and Inflammation of Colitis Mice
Authors: Kan Xuhui , Zhou Wangting , Xu Weiqi , Dai Zhuqing , Yan Yamei , Mi Jia , Sun Yi , Zeng Xiaoxiong , Cao Youlong , Lu Lu
Published: November 2022

In the present study, protein-polysaccharide Maillard conjugates were used as novel emulsifiers and bioactive carriers. Effects and potential mechanisms of zeaxanthin dipalmitate (ZD)-enriched emulsion stabilized with whey protein isolate (WPI)-gum Arabic (GA) conjugate (WPI-GA-ZD) and ZD-free emulsion (WPI-GA) on gut microbiota and inflammation were investigated using a model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. As a result, supplementation with WPI-GA and WPI-GA-ZD improved the serum physiological and biochemical indicators, decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and related mRNA, as well as increased the tight junction proteins to a certain extent. 16S rDNA sequencing analyses showed that supplementation with WPI-GA and WPI-GA-ZD presented differential modulation of gut microbiota and played regulatory roles in different metabolic pathways to promote health. Compared with WPI-GA, the relative abundances of Akkermansia, Lactobacillus and Clostridium_IV genera were enriched by the intervention of WPI-GA-ZD. Overall, the designed carotenoid-enriched emulsion stabilized with protein-polysaccharide conjugates showed potential roles in promoting health.
Exploring the Potential of Grape Pomace Extract to Inhibit Thermo-Oxidative Degradation of Sunflower Oil: From Routine Tests to ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Poiana Mariana-Atena , Moigradean Diana , Dumbrava Delia-Gabriela , Radulov Isidora , Raba Diana Nicoleta , Rivis Adrian
Published: November 2022

Exploring new sources of natural antioxidants is of great interest to edible oil producers, in line with the toxicological problems generated by the use of synthetic antioxidants. This study assesses the potential of lyophilized Pinot Noir grape pomace extract (GPE) to enhance the sunflower oil stability against thermo-oxidative damage compared to BHT during a prolonged exposure to convective heat at 185 °C. Oil thermo-oxidation was monitored based on specific indices such as peroxide value (PV), para-anisidine value (p-AV), inhibition of oil oxidation (IO), total oxidation (TOTOX) value, conjugated dienes and trienes (CDs, CTs), but also by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), where absorbance ratios A 3009 cm−1/A 2922 cm−1 (RI), A 3009 cm−1/A 2853 cm−1 (RII), A 3009 cm−1/A 1744 cm−1 (RIII) and RIV = A 1744 cm−1/A 2922 cm−1 (RIV) were investigated. GPE showed a significant inhibitory effect on oil thermo-oxidation and this response was concentration-dependent. Substantial decreases in the investigated indices, compared to the control without added antioxidants, were obtained after 4 h and 8 h of heat exposure of the 800 ppm GPE sample: PV (47%; 42%), p-AV (38%; 33%), IO (54%; 46%), TOTOX (41%; 37%), CDs (46%; 39%), CTs (44%; 29%). Oil exposure to heat resulted in changes in RI–RIV attributed to the reduction in the degree of unsaturation, in response to primary and secondary lipid oxidation. FTIR spectroscopy can be used to differentiate untreated and heat-treated oils based on the absorbance ratios. An inhibitory effect close to that of BHT was achieved by 500 ppm GPE, while a dose of 800 ppm provided greater protection against thermo-oxidation. Our results promote GPE as a natural additive to limit the thermo-oxidative damage of plant oils.
Characterisation of Listeria monocytogenes Isolates from Hunted Game and Game Meat from Finland
Authors: Fredriksson-Ahomaa Maria , Sauvala Mikaela , Kurittu Paula , Heljanko Viivi , Heikinheimo Annamari , Paulsen Peter
Published: November 2022

Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne zoonotic bacterium. It is a heterogeneous species that can be classified into lineages, serogroups, clonal complexes, and sequence types. Only scarce information exists on the properties of L. monocytogenes from game and game meat. We characterised 75 L. monocytogenes isolates from various game sources found in Finland between 2012 and 2020. The genetic diversity, presence of virulence and antimicrobial genes were studied with whole genome sequencing. Most (89%) of the isolates belonged to phylogenetic lineage (Lin) II and serogroup (SG) IIa. SGs IVb (8%) and IIb (3%) of Lin I were sporadically identified. In total, 18 clonal complexes and 21 sequence types (STs) were obtained. The most frequent STs were ST451 (21%), ST585 (12%) and ST37 (11%) found in different sample types between 2012 and 2020. We observed 10 clusters, formed by closely related isolates with 0–10 allelic differences. Most (79%) of the virulence genes were found in all of the L. monocytogenes isolates. Only fosX and lin were found out of 46 antimicrobial resistance genes. Our results demonstrate that potentially virulent and antimicrobial-sensitive L. monocytogenes isolates associated with human listeriosis are commonly found in hunted game and game meat in Finland.
Preparation and Properties of Highly Transparent SiO2 Aerogels for Thermal Insulation
Authors: Shi Baolu , Xie Long , Ma Bin , Zhou Zhiliang , Xu Baosheng , Qu Lijie
Published: November 2022

SiO2 aerogels have attracted extensive attention due to their unique structural characteristics, which exhibit many special properties, especially good optical transparency. As far as we know, the sol-gel stage during the synthesis of aerogel plays an important role in the construction of the gel skeleton. In this study, we adjusted the amount of silicon source and catalyst to explore the best scheme for preparing highly transparent SiO2 aerogels, and further clarify the effects of both on the properties of SiO2 aerogels. Results indicated that the pore size distribution was between 10 and 20 nm, the thermal conductivity was between 0.0135 and 0.021 W/(m·K), and the transmittance reached 97.78% at 800 nm of the aerogels, better than most studies. Therefore, it has the potential to be used in aerogel glass for thermal insulation.
Using a Simple Methodology to Assess the Acceleration in Daily Precipitation Extreme Events in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region
Authors: de Moraes Osvaldo Luiz Leal
Published: November 2022

This article analyses a near-centennial time series of daily precipitation in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, Brazil, in order to quantify the detectable increase in intensity and/or frequency of extreme events. This area is the most populated in the southern hemisphere, and heavy or extreme precipitation events, mainly those related with hydro-meteorological disasters, have important effects on its society. Indexes derived from daily precipitation data through a simple methodological approach are able to quantify changes at decadal and annual time scales. The analysis was carried out for five thresholds, i.e., daily precipitation higher than 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 mm. The indexes exhibited statistically trends in both precipitation intensity and frequency for all thresholds, indicating significant changes in daily extreme events in the study period.
Reform of the Health Insurance Funding Model to Improve the Care of Noncommunicable Diseases Patients in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hazazi Ahmed , Wilson Andrew , Larkin Shaun
Published: November 2022

Health insurance models are being considered as part of health system reforms in Saudi Arabia. This paper assesses the attributes of health funding models that support better control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and perspectives on health insurance as a model from the perspective of patients, clinicians, and managers. The study employed a mixed-methods research design that included quantitative and qualitative data gathering and analysis. Study findings indicated concerns that the current health funding mechanism is financially unsustainable and, as a result, there will be a greater reliance on personal health insurance to support government spending on healthcare. Essential elements of any health insurance model to support effective NCD management identified from a review of the literature and interviews include the following: ensuring continuity of care and equity; funding chronic disease prevention interventions; prioritising primary healthcare; and maintaining the principle of community rating to prevent insurers from discriminating against members. Other desirable attributes for the funding model includes collaboration across primary, secondary, and tertiary care. Healthcare finance reform aimed at adopting and increasing personal health insurance coverage may play a critical role in extending access to healthcare, eliminating health inequities, enhancing population health, and reducing government spending on healthcare if appropriately considered.
How Sleep Quality Relates to Bodily and Oral Symptoms: An Analysis from Japanese National Statistics
Authors: Yokoi Yasuno , Komatsuzaki Akira
Published: November 2022

Background: Sleep is one of the most important health-related factors. This cross-sectional study focused on sleep quality relates to systemic symptoms, including dental symptoms. Methods: Resource data were compiled from 7995 men and women aged 30 to 69 years, which is the core of the Japanese working population. The subjects were divided into four groups based on their answers to two questions, one on sleep time and one on sleep sufficiency, and groups were compared with other items in the questionnaire by means of a contingency table analysis (χ2 test). Results: Relationships were found between the sleep groups and basic attributes, the presence of subjective symptoms, and the presence of hospital visits. The items with significant relationships included 14 symptoms, such as lower back pain (p < 0.01) and four diseases, including high blood pressure (p < 0.01). A multinomial logistic regression was conducted with the sleep groups as objective variables. In the poor sleep group, significant odds ratios were found for four items, including hours of work (odds ratio: 2.53) and feeling listless (2.01). Conclusions: The results allowed multiple symptoms and diseases related to sleep quality to be identified, and different trends in the response rates of the groups were found. These results suggest that the useful classification of sleep quality groups according to health problems contributes to understanding the effects of different symptoms.
Interpreting Medieval Scottish Church Stained Glass Windows: Decoration and Colour in Relation to Liturgy and Worship
Authors: Kennedy Craig J. , Penman Michael
Published: November 2022

During the Protestant Reformation of 1560, most of Scotland’s Catholic churches faced widespread destruction. Items considered idolatrous were targeted and destroyed. Significantly, stained glass windows were smashed and buried on site, or otherwise left to decay, and were replaced by austere, plain glass. In recent decades, archaeological excavations have recovered shards of this glass from several ecclesiastical sites across Scotland, allowing scholars the opportunity to better understand medieval liturgy and worship. Scientific analyses have been conducted to determine the ingredients used in manufacturing this glass, and to infer a place and timeframe of origin. These studies have proven invaluable in gaining an understanding of medieval trade links between Scotland and Europe, as well as of building and decorative phases for individual churches. Here, we consider the glass as an integral part of daily worship. Decorative patterns and colours of surviving fragments of glass, approximately dated, are considered in the wider and evolving context of medieval worship, and the prevailing religious Orders that were in Scotland at the time that many of these churches were founded. Two case-study sites are discussed in depth: Elgin Cathedral in Moray, which has yielded a significant number of glass shards through archaeological excavations; and Dunfermline Abbey in Fife, Scotland’s royal mausoleum. This inter-disciplinary study is the first to consider Scottish stained glass in terms of both its physical and chemical properties, as well as its wider religious meaning. This methodology will form the basis of future research to—for the first time—catalogue, scientifically analyse and liturgically contextualise all identifiable assemblages of Scottish medieval church glass.
Dieckol Inhibits Autophagic Flux and Induces Apoptotic Cell Death in A375 Human Melanoma Cells via Lysosomal Dysfunction and Mitochondrial Membrane Impairment
Authors: Jo Min-Hee , Kim Yong-Tae , Park Sun Joo
Published: November 2022

Dieckol is a natural brown algal-derived polyphenol and its cytotoxic potential against various types of cancer cells has been studied. However, the effects of dieckol on autophagy in cancer cells remain unknown. Here, we show that dieckol inhibits the growth of A375 human melanoma cells by inducing apoptotic cell death, which is associated with lysosomal dysfunction and the inhibition of autophagic flux. Dieckol induces autophagosome accumulation by inhibiting autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Moreover, dieckol not only triggers lysosomal membrane permeabilization, followed by an increase in lysosomal pH and the inactivation of cathepsin B and D, but also causes the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Importantly, a cathepsin D inhibitor partially relieved dieckol-induced mitochondrial membrane impairment and caspase-mediated apoptosis. Collectively, our findings indicate that dieckol is a novel autophagy inhibitor that induces apoptosis-mediated cell death via lysosomal dysfunction and mitochondrial membrane impairment in A375 human melanoma cells. This suggests the novel potential value of dieckol as a chemotherapeutic drug candidate for melanoma treatment.
Neural Regulations in Tooth Development and Tooth–Periodontium Complex Homeostasis: A Literature Review
Authors: Duan Yihong , Liang Yongfeng , Yang Fangyi , Ma Yuanyuan
Published: November 2022

The tooth–periodontium complex and its nerves have active reciprocal regulation during development and homeostasis. These effects are predominantly mediated by a range of molecules secreted from either the nervous system or the tooth–periodontium complex. Different strategies mimicking tooth development or physiological reparation have been applied to tooth regeneration studies, where the application of these nerve- or tooth-derived molecules has been proven effective. However, to date, basic studies in this field leave many vacancies to be filled. This literature review summarizes the recent advances in the basic studies on neural responses and regulation during tooth–periodontium development and homeostasis and points out some research gaps to instruct future studies. Deepening our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of tooth development and diseases will provide more clues for tooth regeneration.
Macrophage-, Dendritic-, Smooth Muscle-, Endothelium-, and Stem Cells-Derived Foam Cells in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Kloc Malgorzata , Kubiak Jacek Z. , Ghobrial Rafik M.
Published: November 2022

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease depending on the buildup, called plaque, of lipoproteins, cholesterol, extracellular matrix elements, and various types of immune and non-immune cells on the artery walls. Plaque development and growth lead to the narrowing of the blood vessel lumen, blocking blood flow, and eventually may lead to plaque burst and a blood clot. The prominent cellular components of atherosclerotic plaque are the foam cells, which, by trying to remove lipoprotein and cholesterol surplus, also participate in plaque development and rupture. Although the common knowledge is that the foam cells derive from macrophages, studies of the last decade clearly showed that macrophages are not the only cells able to form foam cells in atherosclerotic plaque. These findings give a new perspective on atherosclerotic plaque formation and composition and define new targets for anti-foam cell therapies for atherosclerosis prevention. This review gives a concise description of foam cells of different pedigrees and describes the main mechanisms participating in their formation and function.
Triple-Networked Hybrid Hydrogels Reinforced with Montmorillonite Clay and Graphene Nanoplatelets for Soft and Hard Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Kumar Anuj , Won So-Yeon , Sood Ankur , Choi So-Yeon , Singhmar Ritu , Bhaskar Rakesh , Kumar Vineet , Zo Sun Mi , Han Sung-Soo
Published: November 2022

Hydrogel is a three-dimensional (3D) soft and highly hydrophilic, polymeric network that can swell in water and imbibe a high amount of water or biological fluids. Hydrogels have been used widely in various biomedical applications. Hydrogel may provide a fluidic tissue-like 3D microenvironment by maintaining the original network for tissue engineering. However, their low mechanical performances limit their broad applicability in various functional tissues. This property causes substantial challenges in designing and preparing strong hydrogel networks. Therefore, we report the triple-networked hybrid hydrogel network with enhanced mechanical properties by incorporating dual-crosslinking and nanofillers (e.g., montmorillonite (MMT), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs)). In this study, we prepared hybrid hydrogels composed of polyacrylamide, poly (vinyl alcohol), sodium alginate, MMT, and MMT/GNPs through dynamic crosslinking. The freeze-dried hybrid hydrogels showed good 3D porous architecture. The results exhibited a magnificent porous structure, interconnected pore-network surface morphology, enhanced mechanical properties, and cellular activity of hybrid hydrogels.
Evaluation of Auranofin Loading within Ferritin Nanocages
Authors: Lucignano Rosanna , Pratesi Alessandro , Imbimbo Paola , Monti Daria Maria , Picone Delia , Messori Luigi , Ferraro Giarita , Merlino Antonello
Published: November 2022

Auranofin (AF), a gold(I) compound that is currently used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and is in clinical trials for its promising anticancer activity, was encapsulated within the human H-chain and the horse spleen ferritin nanocages using the alkaline disassembly/reassembly protocol. The aim of the work was to highlight possible differences in their drug loading capacity and efficacy. The drug-loaded ferritins were characterized via UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy to assess AF encapsulation and to define the exact amount of gold atoms trapped in the Ft cavity. The crystal structures allowed us to define the nature of AF interaction with both ferritins and to identify the gold binding sites. Moreover, the biological characterization let us to obtain preliminary information on the cytotoxic effect of AF when bound to the human H-chain.
Novel Formulation of Undecylenic Acid induces Tumor Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Day Zoe I. , Mayfosh Alyce J. , Giel Marie-Claire , Hong Yuning , Williams Scott A. , Santavanond Jascinta P. , Rau Thomas F. , Poon Ivan K. , Hulett Mark D.
Published: November 2022

Undecylenic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, is currently in clinical use as a topical antifungal agent, however the potential for therapeutic application in other disease settings has not been investigated. In this study, we describe a novel platform for the solubilization of fatty acids using amino acids and utilize this approach to define a tumoricidal activity and underlying mechanism for undecylenic acid. We examined a novel formulation of undecylenic acid compounded with L-Arginine, called GS-1, that induced concentration-dependent tumor cell death, with undecylenic acid being the cytotoxic component. Further investigation revealed that GS-1-mediated cell death was caspase-dependent with a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential, suggesting a pro-apoptotic mechanism of action. Additionally, GS-1 was found to localize intracellularly to lipid droplets. In contrast to previous studies where lipid droplets have been shown to be protective against fatty acid-induced cell death, we showed that lipid droplets could not protect against GS-1-induced cytotoxicity. We also found a role for Fatty Acid Transport Protein 2 (FATP2) in the uptake of this compound. Collectively, this study demonstrates that GS-1 has effective pro-apoptotic antitumor activity in vitro and, together with the novel platform of fatty acid solubilization, contributes to the re-emerging field of fatty acids as potential anti-cancer therapeutics.