bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composition and Anti-Helicobacter pylori Properties of Essential Oils Obtained from Selected Mentha Cultivars
Authors: Piasecki Bartłomiej , Korona-Głowniak Izabela , Kiełtyka-Dadasiewicz Anna , Ludwiczuk Agnieszka
Published: July 2023

Helicobacter pylori infections are highly common amongst the global population. Such infections have been shown to be the cause of gastric ulcers and stomach carcinoma and, unfortunately, most cases are asymptomatic. Standard treatment requires antibiotics such as metronidazole or azithromycin to which many strains are now resistant. Mentha species have been used as a natural treatment for gastrointestinal diseases throughout history and essential oils (EOs) derived from these plants show promising results as potential antimicrobial agents. In this study, EOs obtained from the leaves and flowers of five cultivars of Mentha × piperita and M. spicata were examined by GC-MS. The investigated mints are representatives of four chemotypes: the menthol chemotype (M. × piperita ‘Multimentha’ and M. × piperita ‘Swiss’), the piperitenone oxide chemotype (M. × piperita ‘Almira’), the linalool chemotype (M. × piperita ‘Granada’), and the carvone chemotype (M. spicata ‘Moroccan’). The chemical composition of EOs from mint flowers and leaves was comparable with the exception of the Swiss cultivar. Menthol was the most abundant component in the leaves while menthone was highest in flowers. The H. pylori ATCC 43504 reference strain and 10 other H. pylori clinical strains were examined for their sensitivity to the EOs in addition to their major monoterpenoid components (menthol, menthone, carvone, dihydrocarvone, linalool, 1,8-cineole, and limonene). All tested mint EOs showed inhibitory activity against both the reference H. pylori ATCC 43504 strain (MIC 15.6–31.3 mg/L) and clinical H. pylori strains (MIC50/90 31.3–250 mg/L/62.5–500 mg/L). Among the reference monoterpenes, menthol (MIC50/90 7.8/31.3 mg/L) and carvone (MIC50/90 31.3/62.5 mg/L) had the highest anti-H. pylori activity, which also correlated with a higher activity of EOs containing these compounds (M. × piperita ‘Swiss’ and M. spicata ‘Moroccan’). A synergistic and additive interaction between the most active EOs/compounds and antibiotics possibly points to a new plant-based anti-H. pylori treatment.
Effects of Lidocaine-Derived Organic Compounds on Eosinophil Activation and Survival
Authors: Shin Seung-Heon , Ye Mi-Kyung , Chae Mi-Hyun , Geum Sang-Yen , Aboraia Ahmed S. , Abdel-Aal Abu-Baker M. , Qayed Wesam S. , Abd El-wahab Hend A. A. , Abou-Ghadir Ola F. , Aboul-Fadl Tarek
Published: July 2023

Lidocaine, a local anesthetic, is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties. However, its clinical use is limited by inconveniences, such as its local synesthetic effects. This study evaluated lidocaine analogs designed and synthesized to overcome the disadvantages of lidocaine, having anti-inflammatory properties. Interleukin 5 (IL-5)-induced eosinophil activation and survival were evaluated using 36 lidocaine analogs with modified lidocaine structure on the aromatic or the acyl moiety or both. Eosinophil survival was evaluated using a CellTiter 96® aqueous cell proliferation assay kit. Superoxide production was determined using the superoxide dismutase-inhibitable reduction of cytochrome C method. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), IL-8, and transcription factor expression were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced migration assay was performed using a Transwell insert system. Compounds EI137 and EI341 inhibited IL-5-induced eosinophil survival and superoxide and ECP production in a concentration-dependent manner. These compounds also significantly reduced IL-8 production. Although compounds EI137 and EI341 significantly reduced phosphorylated ERK 1/2 expression, they did not influence other total and phosphorylated transcription factors. Moreover, 1000 µM of compound EI341 only inhibited PAF-induced migration of eosinophils. Lidocaine analogs EI137 and EI341 inhibited IL-5-mediated activation and survival of eosinophils. These compounds could be new therapeutic agents to treat eosinophilic inflammatory diseases.
New Janus Tricyclic Laddersiloxanes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity
Authors: Liu Yujia , Tokuda Midori , Takeda Nobuhiro , Ouali Armelle , Unno Masafumi
Published: July 2023

The synthesis of four novel syn-type tricyclic laddersiloxanes bearing eight or six alkenyl groups is presented. These compounds possess reactive alkenyl groups on both the bridged and side silicon atoms, and their structures were determined through characterization using multinuclear 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis techniques. To investigate their reactivity, the compounds were subjected to hydrosilylation using two different silanes, and the resulting fully hydrosilylated compounds were thoroughly analyzed. Remarkably, all the synthesized laddersiloxanes displayed high thermal stability, suggesting their potential as promising precursors for the development of new hybrid materials. Additionally, preliminary findings indicate the possibility of exploiting the reactivity difference between the alkenyl groups attached to the D- and T-unit silicon atoms for the synthesis of Janus molecules. These findings highlight the potential of the reported compounds as valuable building blocks in the construction of innovative materials.
Bioimaging and Sensing Thiols In Vivo and in Tumor Tissues Based on a Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probe with Large Stokes Shift
Authors: Ma Chunhui , Yan Dongling , Hou Peng , Liu Xiangbao , Wang Hao , Xia Chunhui , Li Gang , Chen Song
Published: July 2023

The well-known small-molecule biothiols have been used to maintain the normal metabolism of peroxy radicals, forming protein structures, resisting cell apoptosis, regulating metabolism, and protecting the homeostasis of cells in the organism. A large amount of research has found that abnormal levels of the above biothiols can cause some adverse diseases, such as changes in hair pigmentation, a slower growth rate, delayed response, excessive sleep and skin diseases. In order to further investigate the exact intracellular molecular mechanism of biothiols, it is imperative to explore effective strategies for real-time biothiol detection in living systems. In this work, a new near-infrared (NIR) emission fluorescence probe (probe 1) for sensitive and selective detection of biothiols was devised by combining dicyanoisophorone derivatives with the dinitrobenzenesulfonyl (DNBS) group. As expected, probe 1 could specifically detect biothiols (Cys, Hcy and GSH) through the dinitrobenzenesulfonyl group to form dye 2, which works as a signaling molecule for sensing biothiols in real samples. Surprisingly, probe 1 showed superior sensing characteristics and low-limit detection towards biothiols (36.0 nM for Cys, 39.0 nM for Hcy and 48.0 nM for GSH) with a large Stokes shift (134 nm). Additionally, the function of probe 1 as a platform for detecting biothiols was confirmed by confocal fluorescence imaging of biothiols in MCF-7 cells and zebrafish. More importantly, the capability of probe 1 in vivo has been further evaluated by imaging the overexpressed biothiols in tumor tissue. It is reasonable to believe that probe 1 can provide a valuable method to explore the relationship between biothiols and the genesis of tumor.
The Effect of Natural Substances Contained in Bee Products on Prostate Cancer in In Vitro Studies
Authors: Woźniak Przemysław , Kleczka Anna , Jasik Krzysztof , Kabała-Dzik Agata , Dzik Radosław , Stojko Jerzy
Published: July 2023

Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men in older age groups. The WHO forecasts an increase in the incidence of prostate cancer in the coming years. Patients may not respond to treatment, and may not tolerate the side effects of chemotherapy. Compounds of natural origin have long been used in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Flavonoids obtained from natural products, e.g., propolis, are compounds with proven antibacterial and antiviral efficacy which modulate the immune response and may be useful as adjuvants in chemotherapy. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic properties of selected flavonoids on prostate cancer cells of the LNCaP line. The compounds used in this study were CAPE, curcumin (CUR), and quercetin (QUE). Mitochondrial and lysosome metabolism was assessed by the XTT-NR-SRB triple assay as well as by the fluorescent staining techniques. Staining for reactive oxygen species was performed as well. The experiment showed that each of the tested compounds has a cytotoxic effect on the LNCaP cell line. Different types of cell death were induced by the tested compounds. Apoptosis was induced by quercetin, while autophagy-specific changes were observed after using CAPE. Compounds obtained from other bee products have antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity against LNCaP prostate cancer cells.
Interfacial Solar Vapour Generation: An Emerging Platform for Sustainable Clean Water Harvesting
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Yuan Wenjing
Published: July 2023

Water is a precious resource of paramount importance on Earth, playing a critical role in the evolution of life [...]
Multiunit Recording of Cerebellar Cortex in Autistic Male Rats during Social Interaction in Enriched Environments
Authors: Cruz-Magos Omar E. , Herrera-Meza Grecia , García Luis I. , Coria-Avila Genaro A. , Herrera-Covarrubias Deissy , Toledo-Cárdenas María Rebeca , Hernández-Aguilar María Elena , Manzo Jorge
Published: July 2023

Autism in humans is a lifelong behavioral disorder that typically manifests in early infancy, primarily affecting boys. It arises from neurodevelopmental changes that significantly impact social behavior, with the cerebellum being one of the principal affected regions. In this study, we investigated the cerebellum in an autism animal model, recording the multiunit activity of cerebellar vermis lobules 6 and 7 (L6 and L7) in male rats with autism-like behavior induced by postnatal valproate treatment. Two groups were formed: control (Ctrl) and experimental (VPA) males, which were further divided based on their living conditions into standard (Std) or enriched environments (EE). Social arenas were used for recording purposes. Both groups and lobules showed increased multiunit amplitude during social interaction (SI) and vertical exploration (VE), with higher amplitudes observed in VPA males. Interestingly, the EE significantly reduced the amplitude during SI, suggesting that EE promotes neural plasticity, resulting in improved social responses with fewer activated neurons, meaning improved activity with less energy consumption. Consequently, EE proves to be a valuable strategy for addressing the challenges associated with autism behavior.
Impact of Preparticipating Hypohydration on Cardiopulmonary Exercise Capacity in Ambitious Recreational Athletes
Authors: Strüven Anna , Brunner Stefan , Weis Georges , Stremmel Christopher , Teupser Daniel , Schlichtiger Jenny , Lackermair Korbinian
Published: July 2023

Background: Heat induces a thermoregulatory strain that impairs cardiopulmonary exercise capacity. The aim of the current study is to elucidate the effect of isolated dehydration on cardiopulmonary exercise capacity in a model of preparticipating hypohydration. Methods: Healthy recreational athletes underwent a standardised fluid deprivation test. Hypohydration was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and laboratory testing of electrolytes and retention parameters in the blood and urine. The participants underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) with a cycle ramp protocol. Each participant served as their own control undergoing CPET in a hypohydrated [HYH] and euhydrated [EUH] state. Results: Fluid deprivation caused a mild (2%) but significant reduction of body water (38.6 [36.6; 40.7] vs. 39.4 [37.4; 41.5] %; p < 0.01) and an increase of urine osmolality (767 [694; 839] vs. 537 [445; 629] mosm/kg; p < 0.01). Hypohydration was without alterations of electrolytes, serum osmolality or hematocrit. The oxygen uptake was significantly lower after hypohydration (−4.8%; p = 0.02 at ventilatory threshold1; −2.0%; p < 0.01 at maximum power), with a corresponding decrease of minute ventilation (−4% at ventilatory threshold1; p = 0.01, −3.3% at maximum power; p < 0.01). The power output was lower in hypohydration (−6.8%; p < 0.01 at ventilatory threshold1; −2.2%; p = 0.01 at maximum power). Conclusion: Isolated hypohydration causes impairment of workload as well as peak oxygen uptake in recreational athletes. Our findings might indicate an important role of hypohydration in the heat-induced reduction of exercise capacity.
Detection of Sarcopenia in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis Using the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
Authors: Bozic Dorotea , Grgurevic Ivica , Mamic Bisera , Capkun Vesna , Bilandzic-Ivisic Josipa , Ivanovic Tomislav , Bozic Ivona , Zaja Ivan , Podrug Kristian , Puljiz Zeljko , Perko Zdravko , Mikolasevic Ivana
Published: July 2023

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a body composition assessment method. We aimed to determine its accuracy in the detection of sarcopenia in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC), using skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the level of third lumbar vertebra (L3-SMI) obtained using multislice computed tomography as the reference method. Patients with LC were enrolled in the period October 2019–March 2022 and follow-ups were conducted until January 2023. Their BIA parameters were compared against L3-SMI, and BIA cut-off values were proposed using AUROC analysis. Patients underwent outcome analysis based on obtained clinical characteristics. A total of 106 patients were included. We found a fair correlation between BIA parameters with the L3-SMI. We determined cut-off values of ≤11.1 kg/m2 for BIA-SMI (Se 73%, Sp 66%, AUROC 0.737, p < 0.001) and ≤5.05° for phase angle (PA) (Se 79%, Sp 60%, AUROC 0.762, p < 0.001) in the detection of sarcopenia. The relative risk of death was 2.2 times higher in patients with skeletal muscle mass (SMM) ≤ 36.5 kg. SMM was significantly associated with outcome in Kaplan–Meier analysis. This non-invasive and simple method that showed fair performances and a very good outcome prediction could provide for the unmet need for fast and affordable detection of sarcopenia in patients with LC and should be further evaluated.
Relationship between Nutritional Risk, Clinical and Demographic Characteristics, and Pressure Ulcers in Patients with Severe Acquired Brain Injuries Attending a Rehabilitative Program
Authors: Gheri Chiara Francesca , Scalfi Luca , Biffi Barbara , Pancani Silvia , Madiai Sara , Di Vincenzo Olivia , Ghaderi Michele , Celoni Rebecca , Dalladonna Mara , Draghi Francesca , Maccanti Daniela , Macchi Claudio , Romoli Anna Maria , Cecchi Francesca , Hakiki Bahia , Luisi Maria Luisa Eliana
Published: July 2023

Preliminary evidence in the literature suggests a high prevalence of malnutrition (undernutrition) in patients with severe acquired brain injuries (sABI), with an expected negative impact on clinical outcomes and pressure ulcers (PUs) in particular. In a retrospective cohort study on patients discharged from intensive care units (ICU) and admitted to an intensive rehabilitation unit (IRU), the risk of malnutrition was systematically assessed, in addition to standard clinical procedures (including PUs evaluation), using two different tools: the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) tool. Eighty-eight patients were included in the analysis. A high proportion (79.5%) of patients with sABI suffered from PUs, being older and more frequently men, with a longer ICU stay between the event and admission to IRU, and a greater MUST score. At discharge, when compared to patients whose PUs had healed, those with persisting PUs were more often men and had the worst cognitive performance at admission. As for nutritional risk, the baseline CONUT score was identified as an independent negative predictor of PUs at discharge by the logistic regression model. In conclusion, the assessment of nutritional risk using simple standard tools may be useful in the clinical evaluation of sABI patients with PUs.
Effect of Alcohol Consumption Habits on Early Arterial Aging in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome and Elevated Serum Uric Acid
Authors: Čypienė Alma , Gimžauskaitė Silvija , Rinkūnienė Egidija , Jasiūnas Eugenijus , Laucevičius Aleksandras , Ryliškytė Ligita , Badarienė Jolita
Published: July 2023

Background: Hyperuricemia is perceived as one of the risk factors for developing and progressing cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome through various pathological mechanisms. Endogenous synthesis and exogenous factors such as diet and beverages consumed play a major role in determining serum uric acid (sUA) levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of alcohol consumption on early arterial aging in middle-aged patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hyperuricemia. Materials and Methods: This study included 661 middle-aged subjects (241 men and 420 women) from the Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk (LitHiR) primary prevention program. Characteristics of subjects such as blood pressure, laboratory testing, and the specialized nutrition profile questionnaire were evaluated. As an early marker of arterial stiffness, carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was assessed using a non-invasive applanation tonometry technique. Results: Hyperuricemia was present in 29% of men and 34% of women. Hyperuricemic men reported 1.6 times higher rates of alcohol drinking compared to men with normal sUA levels. After analyzing the correlation between alcohol consumption and cfPWV, no statistically significant relationships were found at a significance level of α = 0.05 but lowering the significance level to 0.06 revealed significant associations in men with normal sUA (ε2ordinal = 0.05, p = 0.06) and in women with increased sUA levels (ε2ordinal = 0.05, p = 0.08). Regression analysis showed that hyperuricemic men, consuming more than one unit of alcohol per week, had a significant impact on increasing cfPWV, while men with normal sUA levels, abstaining from alcohol entirely, resulted in a statistically significant decrease in cfPWV. Our results showed statistically significant relationships only among a group of men, although the women in the hyperuricemic group had a statistically higher cfPWV than women with normal sUA levels. Conclusions: Drinking alcohol is associated with increased arterial stiffness among hyperuricemic middle-aged men with MetS.
Comparison of Novel Raman Techniques for Fiber Forensics
Authors: Anderson Benjamin R. , Gese Natalie , Eilers Hergen
Published: July 2023

We have proposed three novel Raman techniques to expand capabilities for non-destructive dyed-fiber forensics: THz Raman spectroscopy (TRS), integrating-cavity-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (ICERS), and deep-UV Raman spectroscopy (DUVRS). In this study, we report on our attempts to apply these techniques to a variety of dyed-nylon fibers and report on the results of each technique, with a particular focus on the dyes Acid Red 337 and Acid Yellow 49. We find that none of the dyes tested had discernible THz peaks but that they do impact the peak positions of the host fabric’s THz spectrum. For ICERS, we find that light absorption overwhelms any possible cavity enhancement, making the technique unusable for most dyed fabrics when using UV/VIS excitation. However, NIR excitation may still prove beneficial, but a new cavity material (with a higher NIR reflectance) is needed. Finally, we tested DUVRS but found that, for all the dyed fibers tested, the DUV excitation resulted in rapid photodegradation, making the technique unusable for non-destructive forensics.
Advances in Hepatitis E Virus
Authors: Fierro Nora A.
Published: July 2023

In the late 1970s, 52,000 pregnant women died in Kashmir, India [...]
A Novel 64 QAM-OFDM Optical Access System Based on Bit Reconstruction
Authors: Xie Rongzhen , Wu Di , Zhang Qi , Yao Haipeng , Wang Xishuo , Xin Xiangjun , Tian Feng , Tian Qinghua , Wang Fu , Wang Yongjun , Yang Leijing , Jiang Jinkun
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes a novel orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) optical access scheme based on bit reconstruction. In this method, correlation is introduced into the data information of optical line terminals (OLT) through the logical coding circuits and partition mapping. Even after passing through the optical fibre channel, the strong correlation after bit reconstruction can still be used in the optical network unit (ONU) for reliable decoding. In the simulation experiments, a 60 Gbit/s bit reconstruction 64 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) OFDM signal was successfully transmitted over a 10/20 km single-mode fibre (SMF). The simulation results show that the proposed scheme can effectively achieve reliable transmission with gains of about 1.3 dB and 0.51 dB at a 20% soft decision-forward error correction (SD-FEC) threshold, respectively. The proposed scheme is a promising candidate for a next-generation passive optical network (NGPON) solution.
Tensor-Based Joint Beamforming with Ultrasonic and RIS-Assisted Dual-Hop Hybrid FSO mmWave Massive MIMO of V2X
Authors: Zhou Xiaoping , Zeng Zhaonan , Li Jiehui , Ma Zhen , Tong Le
Published: July 2023

Reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-assisted millimeter-wave (mmWave) communication systems relying on hybrid beamforming structures are capable of achieving high spectral efficiency at a low hardware complexity and with low power consumption. Tensor-based joint beamforming with low-cost ultrasonic and RIS-assisted Dual-Hop Hybrid free space optical (FSO) mm Wave massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) is proposed. To address the occlusion problem for high-speed mobility of the vehicle, an RIS-assisted mixed FSO-MIMO V2X system is proposed. The low-cost ultrasonic array signal model is developed to solve the accurate direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation. The ultrasonic-assisted RIS phase shift matrix based on subspace self-organizing iterations is designed to track the beam direction between RIS and vehicle. Specifically, the associated bandwidth-efficiency maximization problem is transformed into a series of subproblems, where the subarray of phase shifters and RIS elements is jointly optimized to maximize each subarray’s rate. The vehicle motion state is transformed into a two-dimensional model for prior distribution to calculate the particle weights of the RIS phase. Multi-vehicle Tucker tensor decomposition is used to describe the high-dimensional beam space. We conceive a multi-vehicle joint optimization method for designing the hybrid beamforming matrix of the base station (BS) and the passive beamforming matrix of the RIS. A cascaded channel decomposition method based on Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) is used to obtain the combined matrix beamforming of BS and vehicle. Our simulation results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method compared to its traditional counterparts.
Infrared Dim and Small Target Detection Based on Background Prediction
Authors: Ma Jiankang , Guo Haoran , Rong Shenghui , Feng Junjie , He Bo
Published: July 2023

Infrared dim and small target detection is a key technology for various detection tasks. However, due to the lack of shape, texture, and other information, it is a challenging task to detect dim and small targets. Recently, since many traditional algorithms ignore the global information of infrared images, they generate some false alarms in complicated environments. To address this problem, in this paper, a coarse-to-fine deep learning-based method was proposed to detect dim and small targets. Firstly, a coarse-to-fine detection framework integrating deep learning and background prediction was applied for detecting targets. The framework contains a coarse detection module and a fine detection module. In the coarse detection stage, Region Proposal Network (RPN) is employed to generate masks in target candidate regions. Then, to further optimize the result, inpainting is utilized to predict the background using the global semantics of images. In this paper, an inpainting algorithm with a mask-aware dynamic filtering module was incorporated into the fine detection stage to estimate the background of the candidate targets. Finally, compared with existing algorithms, the experimental results indicate that the proposed framework has effective detection capability and robustness for complex surroundings.
Preventative Sensor-Based Remote Monitoring of the Diabetic Foot in Clinical Practice
Authors: Minty Evan , Bray Emily , Bachus Courtney B. , Everett Breanne , Smith Karen M. , Matijevich Emily , Hajizadeh Maryam , Armstrong David G. , Liden Brock
Published: July 2023

Diabetes and its complications, particularly diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), pose significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. DFUs result in severe consequences such as amputation, increased mortality rates, reduced mobility, and substantial healthcare costs. The majority of DFUs are preventable and treatable through early detection. Sensor-based remote patient monitoring (RPM) has been proposed as a possible solution to overcome limitations, and enhance the effectiveness, of existing foot care best practices. However, there are limited frameworks available on how to approach and act on data collected through sensor-based RPM in DFU prevention. This perspective article offers insights from deploying sensor-based RPM through digital DFU prevention regimens. We summarize the data domains and technical architecture that characterize existing commercially available solutions. We then highlight key elements for effective RPM integration based on these new data domains, including appropriate patient selection and the need for detailed clinical assessments to contextualize sensor data. Guidance on establishing escalation pathways for remotely monitored at-risk patients and the importance of predictive system management is provided. DFU prevention RPM should be integrated into a comprehensive disease management strategy to mitigate foot health concerns, reduce activity-associated risks, and thereby seek to be synergistic with other components of diabetes disease management. This integrated approach has the potential to enhance disease management in diabetes, positively impacting foot health and the healthspan of patients living with diabetes.
Cybersecurity Risk Analysis of Electric Vehicles Charging Stations
Authors: Hamdare Safa , Kaiwartya Omprakash , Aljaidi Mohammad , Jugran Manish , Cao Yue , Kumar Sushil , Mahmud Mufti , Brown David , Lloret Jaime
Published: July 2023

The increasing availability of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is driving a shift away from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Subsequently, the demand for Electric Vehicle Charging Systems (EVCS) is rising, leading to the significant growth of EVCS as public and private charging infrastructure. The cybersecurity-related risks in EVCS have significantly increased due to the growing network of EVCS. In this context, this paper presents a cybersecurity risk analysis of the network of EVCS. Firstly, the recent advancements in the EVCS network, recent EV adaptation trends, and charging use cases are described as a background of the research area. Secondly, cybersecurity aspects in EVCS have been presented considering infrastructure and protocol-centric vulnerabilities with possible cyber-attack scenarios. Thirdly, threats in EVCS have been validated with real-time data-centric analysis of EV charging sessions. The paper also highlights potential open research issues in EV cyber research as new knowledge for domain researchers and practitioners.
Investigating UAV-Based Applications in Indoor–Outdoor Sports Stadiums and Open-Air Gatherings for Different Interference Conditions beyond 5G Networks
Authors: Gupta Akhil , Saini Prakhar , Teja Banala Sharath , Durgesh Giddaluru Shiva , Mishra Shourabh Kumar , Yadav Anjani Kumar , Tanwar Sudeep , Alqahtani Fayez , Raboaca Maria Simona , Said Wael
Published: July 2023

With the onset of 5G technology, the number of users is increasing drastically. These increased numbers of users demand better service on the network. This study examines the millimeter wave bands working frequencies. Working in the millimeter wave band has the disadvantage of interference. This study aims to analyze the impact of different interference conditions on unmanned aerial vehicle use scenarios, such as open-air gatherings and indoor-outdoor sports stadiums. Performance analysis was carried out in terms of received power and path loss readings.
Maximal Ratio Combining Detection in OFDM Systems with Virtual Carriers Over V2V Channels
Authors: Del Puerto-Flores J. Alberto , Castillo-Soria Francisco R. , Vázquez-Castillo J. , Palacio Cinco R. R.
Published: July 2023

This paper examines the performance of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication channels. More specifically, a doubly selective channel under high intercarrier interference (ICI) is considered. Current solutions involve complex detection and/or reduced spectral efficiency receivers. This paper proposes the use of virtual carriers (VC) in an OFDM system with a low-complexity maximal ratio combining (MRC) detector to improve the bit error rate (BER) performance. The results show that VC provides diversity in received data, resulting in a ≥5 dB gain compared to previous OFDM systems with conventional linear/nonlinear detectors used as a reference. The detector presented in this paper has linear complexity, making it a suitable solution for real-time V2V communication systems.
A Bearing Fault Diagnosis Method Based on a Residual Network and a Gated Recurrent Unit under Time-Varying Working Conditions
Authors: Wang Zheng , Xu Xiaoyang , Zhang Yu , Wang Zhongyao , Li Yuting , Liu Zhidong , Zhang Yuxi
Published: July 2023

The diagnosis of bearing faults is an important guarantee for the healthy operation of mechanical equipment. Due to the time-varying working conditions of mechanical equipment, it is necessary to achieve bearing fault diagnosis under time-varying working conditions. However, the superposition of the two-dimensional working conditions of speed and acceleration brings great difficulties to diagnosis via data-driven models. The long short-term memory (LSTM) model based on the infinitesimal method is an effective method to solve this problem, but its performance still has certain limitations. On this basis, this article proposes a model for fault diagnosis under time-varying operating conditions that combines a residual network model (ResNet) and a gate recurrent unit (model) (GRU). Firstly, the samples were segmented, and feature extraction was performed using ResNet. We then used GRU to process the information. Finally, the classification results were output through the output network. This model could ignore the influence of acceleration and achieve high fault diagnosis accuracy under time-varying working conditions. In addition, we used t-SNE to reduce the dimensionality of the features and analyzed the role of each layer in the model. Experiments showed that this method had a better performance compared with existing bearing fault diagnosis methods.
Preliminary Test for 3D Surface Strain Measurement in the Tower and Foundation of Offshore Wind Turbines Using DOFS
Authors: Yang Taolue , Tao Tao , Guo Xinran , Yang Yi , Liu Shi
Published: July 2023

Subjected to the relentless impacts of typhoons and rough seas, offshore wind turbines’ structures, particularly the tower, foundation, and blade, are at constant risk of damage. Full-field strain monitoring helps to discover potential structural defects, thereby reducing disasters caused by overall structural failure. This study introduces a novel method for assessing strain and temperature fields on these kinds of 3D surfaces of cylindrical structures. The method harnesses the capabilities of a high spatial resolution (0.65 mm) Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer (OFDR)-based Distributed Optical Fiber Sensor (DOFS) in conjunction with a unique helical wiring layout. The core process begins with mapping the fiber optic path onto a plane corresponding to the unfolded cylinder. Fiber optic signals are then differentiated on this plane, deriving a two-dimensional strain distribution. The plane strain field is subsequently projected onto the 3D side of the cylinder. An experiment was carried out in which a 3.5 m long optical fiber was helically wound with a 10 mm pitch on the surface of a cantilever beam of a cylinder shell with a diameter of 36 mm and a length of 300 mm. The experiment collected about 5400 measurement points on the cylindrical surface of 340 cm2, approximately 15.9 measurement points per square centimeter. The reconstructed results successfully reveal the strain field of the pipe cantilever beam under bending and torsional loads, as well as the palm-shaped temperature field. This experimental validation of the method’s efficacy lays the theoretical groundwork for its application to real wind turbines.
Implementing Wearable Sensors for Clinical Application at a Surgical Ward: Points to Consider before Starting
Authors: van Melzen Rianne , Haveman Marjolein E. , Schuurmann Richte C. L. , Struys Michel M. R. F. , de Vries Jean-Paul P. M.
Published: July 2023

Incorporating technology into healthcare processes is necessary to ensure the availability of high-quality care in the future. Wearable sensors are an example of such technology that could decrease workload, enable early detection of patient deterioration, and support clinical decision making by healthcare professionals. These sensors unlock continuous monitoring of vital signs, such as heart rate, respiration rate, blood oxygen saturation, temperature, and physical activity. However, broad and successful application of wearable sensors on the surgical ward is currently lacking. This may be related to the complexity, especially when it comes to replacing manual measurements by healthcare professionals. This report provides practical guidance to support peers before starting with the clinical application of wearable sensors in the surgical ward. For this purpose, the Non-Adoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread, and Sustainability (NASSS) framework of technology adoption and innovations in healthcare organizations is used, combining existing literature and our own experience in this field over the past years. Specifically, the relevant topics are discussed per domain, and key lessons are subsequently summarized.
Two Individual Super-Bound State Modes within Band Gap with Ultra-High Q Factor for Potential Sensing Applications in the Terahertz Wave Band
Authors: An Yinbing , Fu Tao , Guo Chunyu , Pei Jihong , Ouyang Zhengbiao
Published: July 2023

Bound states in the continuum (BICs) garnered significant research interest in the field of sensors due to their exceptionally high-quality factors. However, the wide-band continuum in BICs are noise to the bound states, and it is difficult to control and filter. Therefore, we constructed a top-bottom symmetric cavity containing three high permittivity rectangular columns. The cavity supports a symmetry-protected (SP) superbound state (SBS) mode and an accidental (AC) SBS mode within the bandgap. With a period size of 5 × 15, the bandgap effectively filters out the continuum, allowing only the bound states to exist. This configuration enabled us to achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio and a wide free-spectral-range. The AC SBS and the SP SBS can be converted into quasi-SBS by adjusting different parameters. Consequently, the cavity can function as a single-band sensor or a dual-band sensor. The achieved bulk sensitivity was 38 µm/RIU in terahertz wave band, and a record-high FOM reached 2.8 × 108 RIU−1. The effect of fabrication error on the performance for sensor application was also discussed, showing that the application was feasible. Moreover, for experimental realization, a 3D schematic was presented. These achievements pave the way for compact, high-sensitivity biosensing, multi-wavelength sensing, and other promising applications.
Non-Directional Property of Human–Body Communication Channel for Implantable Device Application
Authors: Jung Jaehyo , Choi Daegil , Kim Da Eun , Li Meina
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we present the properties of a communication channel used for implantable devices. The human–body communication (HBC) channel was proposed for data communication in implantable devices. The impulse response was measured using a channel-mimicking model, which mimics electrical losses caused by human body tissues. Furthermore, we compared two types of channel-mimicking models to evaluate their applicability depending on the measurement environment. The resultant impulse responses of the HBC channel showed that HBC does not cause severe changes in the channel properties even when the implantable device is rotated.
Khinchin’s Fourth Axiom of Entropy Revisited
Authors: Zhang Zhiyi , Huang Hongwei , Xu Hao
Published: July 2023

The Boltzmann–Gibbs–Shannon (BGS) entropy is the only entropy form satisfying four conditions known as Khinchin’s axioms. The uniqueness theorem of the BGS entropy, plus the fact that Shannon’s mutual information completely characterizes independence between the two underlying random elements, puts the BGS entropy in a special place in many fields of study. In this article, the fourth axiom is replaced by a slightly weakened condition: an entropy whose associated mutual information is zero if and only if the two underlying random elements are independent. Under the weaker fourth axiom, other forms of entropy are sought by way of escort transformations. Two main results are reported in this article. First, there are many entropies other than the BGS entropy satisfying the weaker condition, yet retaining all the desirable utilities of the BGS entropy. Second, by way of escort transformations, the newly identified entropies are the only ones satisfying the weaker axioms.
Sustainable Resilience in Healthcare Delivery: A Comparative Study on Safety Awareness in Hospital-Based and Pre-Hospital EMS in Times of Crisis
Authors: Alburaidi Abdulhakim S. , Al-Wathinani Ahmed M. , Aljuaid Mohammed M. , Almuhaidly Abdullah S. , Goniewicz Krzysztof
Published: July 2023

This research initiates a comprehensive evaluation of safety awareness among emergency medical service (EMS) practitioners in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, an area experiencing substantial academic and regulatory transformation. By employing the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire, the study explores safety awareness across various EMS domains, unveiling a significant consistency that is unaffected by the work environment, professional tenure, or gender. Importantly, there are no significant disparities in safety awareness between hospital-based EMS practitioners and their pre-hospital counterparts, regardless of their tenure or gender. The findings highlight a homogenous safety awareness landscape among Riyadh’s EMS practitioners, suggesting strategies to sustain and strengthen patient safety culture irrespective of workspace, experience, or gender. This research not only presents these key findings but also advocates for sustainable resilience in healthcare delivery. It emphasizes the need for continued efforts to instill a culture of safety, underpinned by regular training and the adoption of swift response strategies, ensuring a sustainable approach to patient safety in times of crisis.
Research on the Impact Mechanism and Spatial Spillover Effect of Digital Economy on Rural Revitalization: An Empirical Study Based on China’s Provinces
Authors: Hou Lichun , Tian Chengshi , Xiang Ruibing , Wang Cuicui , Gai Mei
Published: July 2023

Digital Road is the new direction of rural revitalization, and the digital economy empowers rural revitalization as a new driving force for the sustainable development of agriculture and rural areas. Currently, the studies on the digital economy and rural revitalization are focused on a certain dimension and lack research on the influence mechanism of the digital economy driving rural revitalization and their spatial effects under the same framework. Based on the panel data of 31 provinces in China from 2013 to 2021, the paper explores the influence mechanism of rural revitalization driven by the digital economy and their spatial spillover effects by using the benchmark regression model, intermediary effect model and spatial Durbin model, and draws the following conclusions: (1) Digital economy can significantly promote rural revitalization. (2) Digital economy can significantly promote the revitalization of rural areas by transforming industrial structure and rural entrepreneurship. (3) The development of the digital economy will significantly promote the revitalization of villages in the region and the level of rural revitalization in neighbouring areas. After the endogenous treatment and robustness test, the above conclusions remain valid.
A Distribution Static Synchronous Compensator Application to Mitigate Voltage Variation for Distribution Feeders
Authors: Ku Te-Tien , Lin Chia-Hung , Chen Chao-Shun , Lee Yih-Der , Jiang Jheng-Lun , Tzeng Sing-Jia , Chan Chen-Min
Published: July 2023

With the growing penetration of distributed energy resources (DER), the accompanying challenges have led utilities to limit the hosting capacities of DER installations on distribution feeders. A distribution static synchronous compensator (DSTATCOM) is a power electronic device to provide dynamic injections and absorption of reactive power into the distribution grid with more flexible and reliable voltage control and power quality improvement. A distributed energy resources management system (DERMS) is developed to provide more effective control of a DSTATCOM that can help substantially increase hosting capacity and mitigate overvoltage problems with the existing feeder. A Taiwan power company’s (Taipower) feeder is selected for computer simulation, and the DSTATCOM is employed in the test feeder to demonstrate the effectiveness of the DSTATCOM in improving the overvoltage problems. The voltage/reactive power (Volt/VAR) control of the DSTATCOM helps reduce overvoltage/voltage fluctuations as the DER output increases.
Spatial Distribution and Accessibility Evaluation of National Water Parks in China
Authors: Zhang Chenming , He Bei , Li Wei , Guo Chunyang
Published: July 2023

A water park is a nature-based site along a river or water management project that plays a vital role in protecting the local ecological system and providing water recreation, making it an essential component of China’s ecological and ecotourism security strategy. This study sought to portray the distribution of China’s 878 National Water Parks (NWPs) and to visualize the pattern of accessibility for NWP resources by the gravity-2SFCA method. The investigation produced the following findings: (1) The national-scale pattern of ecotourism and water recreation can be revealed by the distribution of NWPs, which were concentrated on the eastern side of the “Hu Line” but were dispersed on the western side. (2) NWPs can function as detectors of various endowment and management modes of basin-scaled water resources through the relationship between different categories of NWPs and their locations, which can provide guidance for regional planners. (3) The accessibility of NWPs is an effective indicator for revealing spatial disparity between the supply of NWP resources and the population distribution. Then, the general NWP development strategy can be made based on a hot-spot visualization analysis of accessibility patterns.
Energy Sector’s Green Transformation towards Sustainable Development: A Review and Future Directions
Authors: Kozar Łukasz Jarosław , Sulich Adam
Published: July 2023

The energy sector’s green transformation recently gained major scientific attention, due to the role of the energy sector in the economy. The energy sector, similarly to the other economic sectors, faces sustainable development (SD) challenges. This review paper’s goal is to explore the areas of the green energy sector transformation towards SD context distinguished in the scientific literature review. The adopted method in this paper is bibliometric research of the scientific publications indexed in Scopus. There were two original queries formulated, and their results were analyzed in the VOSviewer program in the form of bibliometric maps and tables. A comparison of the proposed original queries’ results points to the importance of the journal subject area indexed in the Scopus database. There are publications important for the energy sector green transformation not included in the energy subject area in this database. The vast number of publications dealing with cross-disciplinary subjects revolving around green transformation in the energy sector is the cause of the multiple side topics covering the areas of the SD. The study identifies keyword-specified areas around the topic of green transformation towards SD in the energy sector. In this study, the limitations of the employed methods and the theoretical, methodical, and empirical implications of the research were presented. Presented results can inspire other researchers who are looking for a research gap or describing the state of the art. The future possible research avenues were also addressed.
The Impact of Natural Disasters and Pest Infestations on Technical Efficiency in Rice Production: A Study in Vietnam
Authors: Cao Tuan Minh , Lee Sang Hyeon , Lee Ji Yong
Published: July 2023

This study examines the effects of natural disasters, such as typhoons, floods, droughts, and pest infestations, on the technical efficiency of rice production in Vietnam. Employing stochastic frontier analysis (SFA), the research estimates the technical efficiency in rice production of 2394 farmers from the 2018 Vietnam Access to Resources Household Survey (VARHS) dataset. The findings indicate that the average technical efficiency of rice production among these farmers is 78.99%. Exposure to natural disasters and pest infestations leads farmers to reduce their investments in rice production, resulting in decreased technical efficiency, lower yields, and reduced profitability. Among the various disasters, droughts have the most significant adverse impact on technical efficiency in rice production. The results highlight the limited capacity of farmers to cope with the challenges posed by natural disasters in rice production. The study emphasizes the importance of providing timely support to farmers, fostering resilience within the context of rice farming, and enhancing agricultural sustainability in Vietnam. To address these challenges effectively, policymakers are advised to prioritize facilitating farmers’ access to agricultural insurance. Additionally, encouraging income diversification among farmers becomes crucial to ensuring provisions in the case of income loss from rice production due to natural disasters or pest infestations. Moreover, measures such as promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, improving water management infrastructure, establishing early warning systems, and emphasizing pest and disease control measures can be implemented to mitigate losses resulting from natural disasters and pest infestations.