bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspects of Sexuality in Quilombola Communities’ Young Adults in Eastern Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Ramos Costa Lilian Gabrielle , Mercês Pinheiro Aline Cristina , Cabral Miranda Iasmin Pereira , de Farias Aline Lobato , da Silva Hilton Pereira , de Campos Gomes Fabiana , Pascon Barbosa Angélica Mércia , da Luz Costa Thalita , de Melo Neto João Simão
Published: June 2023

Quilombola communities are descended from African slaves who escaped in resistance to imperial rule in Brazil. Today, these communities suffer from inadequate health care and health promotion programs due to socioeconomic, geographic, and political factors. This generates greater vulnerability among these groups because they have limited information about prevention to improve their quality of life. This research aimed to analyze the sexuality of young quilombola adults and the impact on their quality of life through an observational, cross-sectional, quantitative study with descriptive and inferential analyses. Our study is the first to address these issues among quilombolas in the Eastern Amazon region. The participants were 79 individuals of both sexes, aged between 18 to 35 years, belonging to seven communities in the state of Pará. The questionnaires were designed to assess sexual behavior and satisfaction, values and beliefs about sexuality, prejudice regarding sexual and gender diversity, knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), beliefs about maternity, and quality of life. Women reported greater sexual dissatisfaction and lower quality of life than men. Men reported no dysfunctions; however, they were highly prejudiced towards sexual and gender diversity. Low education negatively impacts the health of quilombola populations, as knowledge about STIs and values and beliefs influence sexual behavior, exposing individuals to diseases. The research also confirms that, both among quilombolas and other groups, factors such as sexual satisfaction, values and beliefs about reproduction, and affectivity directly influence the quality of life.
Biological Biomarkers of Response and Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Masson Claire , Thouvenin Jonathan , Boudier Philippe , Maillet Denis , Kuchler-Bopp Sabine , Barthélémy Philippe , Massfelder Thierry
Published: June 2023

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents around 2% of cancer-related deaths worldwide per year. RCC is an immunogenic malignancy, and treatment of metastatic RCC (mRCC) has greatly improved since the advent of the new immunotherapy agents, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, it should be stressed that a large proportion of patients does not respond to these therapies. There is thus an urgent need to identify predictive biomarkers of efficacy or resistance associated with ICIs or ICI/Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) combinations; this is a major challenge to achieve precision medicine for mRCC in routine practice. To identify potential biomarkers, it is necessary to improve our knowledge on the biology of immune checkpoints. A lot of efforts have been made over the last decade in the field of immuno-oncology. We summarize here the main data obtained in this field when considering mRCC. As for clinical biomarkers, clinician and scientific experts of the domain are facing difficulties in identifying such molecular entities, probably due to the complexity of immuno-oncology and the constant adaptation of tumor cells to their changing environment.
Exsolved Nanoparticles Decorated Double Perovskites as High-Performance Anodes for Direct-Ammonia Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Yi Yongning , Chen Jiaming , Xu Meigui , Yang Guangming , Ran Ran , Zhou Wei , Wang Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: June 2023

Due to the high energy density, mature production technology, ease of storage and transportation, and the no carbon/sulfur nature of ammonia fuel, direct-ammonia solid oxide fuel cells (DA-SOFCs) have received rapidly increasing attention, showing distinct advantages over H2-fueled SOFCs and low-temperature fuel cells. However, DA-SOFCs with conventional Ni-based cermet anodes still suffer from several drawbacks, including serious sintering and inferior activity for ammonia decomposition, strongly limiting the large-scale applications. To tackle the above-mentioned issues, exsolved NiCo nanoparticles decorated double perovskite oxides are fabricated and employed as high-performance anodes for DA-SOFCs in this work. By optimizing the Ni doping amount in Sr2CoMo1−xNixO6−δ (x = 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3), the reduced Sr2CoMo0.8Ni0.2O6−δ (r-SCMN2) anode exhibits superb catalytic activity for ammonia cracking reaction and high anti-sintering capability. More specifically, the electrolyte-supported single cell with r-SCMN2 nanocomposite anode delivers superior power outputs and operational durability in ammonia fuel as compared with other r-SCMN anodes owing to the significantly promoted nanoparticle exsolution and stronger interaction between alloy nanoparticles and the support. In summary, this study presents an effective strategy for the design of efficient and stable nanocomposite anodes for DA-SOFCs.
Room Temperature Resistive Hydrogen Sensor for Early Safety Warning of Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Sixun , Zhou Shiyu , Zhao Shuaiyin , Jin Tengfei , Zhong Maohua , Cen Zhuhao , Gao Peirong , Yan Wenjun , Ling Min
Published: June 2023

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become one of the most competitive energy storage technologies. However, the “thermal runaway” of LIBs leads to serious safety issues. Early safety warning of LIBs is a prerequisite for the widely applications of power battery and large-scale energy storage systems. As reported, hydrogen (H2) could be generated due to the reaction of lithium metal and polymers inside the battery. The generation of H2 is some time earlier than the “thermal runaway”. Therefore, the rapid detection of trace hydrogen is the most effective method for early safety warning of LIBs. Resistive hydrogen sensors have attracted attention in recent years. In addition, they could be placed inside the LIB package for the initial hydrogen detection. Here, we overview the recent key advances of resistive room temperature (RT) H2 sensors, and explore possible applications inside LIB. We explored the underlying sensing mechanisms for each type of H2 sensor. Additionally, we highlight the approaches to develop the H2 sensors in large scale. Finally, the present review presents a brief conclusion and perspectives about the resistive RT H2 sensors for early safety warning of LIBs.
Development and Functionality of Sinami (Oenocarpus mapora) Seed Powder as a Biobased Ingredient for the Production of Cosmetic Products
Authors: Romero-Orejon Frank L. , Huaman Jorge , Lozada Patricia , Ramos-Escudero Fernando , Muñoz Ana María
Published: June 2023

Sinami (Oenocarpus mapora H. Karst), a native fruit found in the Amazon region of South America, has high nutritional value and is rich in lipids. However, the processing of sinami generates a large volume of agro-industrial waste, mainly composed of seeds. Our research comprises a proximal analysis of the sinami seed and its phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity. The chemical analysis revealed high moisture but low protein, fiber, and lipid content. Furthermore, the extracts showed high in vitro antioxidant activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical IC50 (0.34 ± 0.001 mg/mL) and ABTS IC50 (0.10 ± 0.0002 mg/mL) free radicals. Based on this previous assessment, a gel exfoliant was developed. Since sinami seed powder is a novel ingredient, different formulations were evaluated to determine future incorporation into the cosmetic market. The best exfoliant gel prototype was studied under normal and stressed conditions (40 °C) for 3 months, maintaining a pH value of 5.25 and final viscosities of 700–800 mPa.s and 600–500 mPa.s under normal and stress conditions, respectively. Although unexplored, the sinami seed could be considered a raw material for the cosmetic industry.
The Role of Financial Difficulties as a Mediator between Physical Symptoms and Depression in Advanced Cancer Patients
Authors: Lee Eun Mi , Jiménez-Fonseca Paula , Hernández Raquel , Cruz-Castellanos Patricia , Fernández-Montes Ana , Rogado Jacobo , Gil-Raga Mireia , Antoñanzas Mónica , López-Ceballos Helena , Calderon Caterina
Published: June 2023

Financial difficulties experienced by cancer patients negatively impact the mental health of the patients. The objective of this study was to examine the mediating role of financial difficulties between physical symptoms and depression in patients with advanced cancer. A prospective, cross-sectional design was adopted in the study. The data were collected from 861 participants with advanced cancer in 15 different tertiary hospitals in Spain. The participants’ socio-demographic characteristics were collected using a standardized self-report form. Hierarchical linear regression models were used to explore the mediating role of financial difficulties. In the results, 24% of patients reported a high level of financial difficulties. Physical symptoms were positively associated with financial difficulties and depression (β = 0.46 and β = 0.43, respectively), and financial difficulties was positively associated with depression (β = 0.26). Additionally, financial difficulties played a role in explaining the relationship between physical symptoms and depression, showing a standardized regression coefficient of 0.43 which decreased to 0.39 after the financial difficulties were controlled. Healthcare professionals should consider the importance of providing financial resources and emotional support to help patients and their families cope with the financial burden associated with cancer treatment and its symptoms.
Systematic Review of Calcineurin Inhibitors and Incidence of Skin Malignancies after Kidney Transplantation in Adult Patients: A Study of 309,551 Cases
Authors: Kulbat Aleksandra , Richter Karolina , Stefura Tomasz , Kołodziej-Rzepa Marta , Kisielewski Michał , Wojewoda Tomasz , Wysocki Wojciech M.
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and melanoma development in renal transplant recipients who receive calcineurin inhibitors to that of patients treated with other immunosuppressive agents, and investigate the possible association between the type of maintenance immunosuppression and the incidence of NSMC and melanoma in this group of patients. The authors searched databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles that would help establish the influence of calcineurin inhibitors on skin cancer development. The inclusion criteria for the study consisted of randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies that compared patients who received kidney transplants and were treated with a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), such as cyclosporine A (CsA) or tacrolimus (Tac), to those who received alternative immunosuppressants and did not receive a CNI. Seven articles were analyzed overall. The results revealed a correlation between CNI treatment in renal transplant recipients and increased total skin cancer risk (OR 1.28; 95% CI: 0.10–16.28; p < 0.01), melanoma risk (OR 1.09; 95% CI: 0.25–4.74; p < 0.01), and NMSC risk (OR 1.16; 95% CI: 0.41–3.26; p < 0.01). In conclusion, the calcineurin inhibitors used after kidney transplantation are associated with a higher risk of skin cancer—both non-melanoma and melanoma—when compared with other immunosuppressive therapies. This finding suggests that careful monitoring for skin lesions in post-transplant patients must be conducted. However, the decision on the kind of immunotherapy used should always be considered on an individual basis for each renal transplant recipient.
Inference of Ploidy Level in 19th-Century Historical Herbarium Specimens Reveals the Identity of Five Acorus Species Described by Schott
Authors: Sokoloff Dmitry D. , Remizowa Margarita V. , Severova Elena E. , Sennikov Alexander N.
Published: June 2023

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott (1794–1865) was one of the pioneering researchers in the taxonomy of the species-rich monocot family Araceae. He described numerous new plant species in various genera, including Acorus, which is currently segregated as a monogeneric family and order occupying a position sister to the rest of the monocots. While describing his new species of Acorus, Schott mostly used characters that are currently considered of low, if any, taxonomic value. His descriptions lack some key characters including, for obvious reasons, chromosome numbers. Therefore, Schott’s species concepts cannot be properly interpreted according to the current understanding of the taxonomic diversity of Acorus, even though his species names must be examined for implementation of the principle of nomenclatural priority. The only way of resolving the taxonomic identity of Schott’s species names is through the identification of type specimens among historical herbarium collections, by inferring taxonomically significant characters that are missing in Schott’s descriptions. On the basis of herbarium collections of the Komarov Botanical Institute, St. Petersburg (LE), we were able to infer ploidy levels of the materials used by Schott to describe Acorus triqueter (diploid, Siberia), A. tatarinowii (tetraploid, China), A. nilaghirensis (tetraploid, India), A. griffithii (tetraploid, Bhutan), and A. commutatus (tetraploid, Bhutan). Leaf anatomy and pollen stainability were used as cytotype markers. All five species belong to the polymorphic Acorus calamus complex that comprises important medicinal plants. Detailed historical and nomenclatural analyses of Schott’s species names and herbarium collections are provided.
Immature Stages of Genus Hexatoma (Diptera, Limoniidae) in the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Podeniene Virginija , Podenas Sigitas , Park Sun-Jae , Bae Chang-Hwan , Baek Min-Jeong , Havelka Jekaterina
Published: June 2023

The genus Hexatoma Latreille, 1809 is a large group of aquatic crane flies, with almost 600 species worldwide. The largest subgenus is Eriocera Macquart, 1838, which includes all nine species known from the Korean Peninsula. Molecular methods were used to associate Hexatoma larvae with their putative adult species from South Korea. Mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I (COI) gene fragment sequences (DNA barcodes) of recently collected adults of H. (E.) gifuensis, H. (E.) ilwola, H. (E.) pernigrina, and H. (E.) pianigra were compared with twelve sequences of Hexatoma larvae. The larvae of H. (E.) pernigrina, H. (E.) pianigra, and H. (E.) gifuensis were associated with their putative adults. The larvae of H. (E.) gifuensis and H. (E.) pianigra and the larvae and pupae of H. (E.) pernigrina are described and illustrated. The larvae of two species not associated with any adult are described, and their COI gene fragment sequences (DNA barcodes) are presented. This paper presents the morphological characteristics suitable for distinguishing larval species. A key for the identification of larvae of the genus Hexatoma on the Korean Peninsula has been compiled. H (E.) sachalinensis is recorded from the Korean Peninsula for the first time. Our study is the first contribution to the Hexatoma larvae taxonomy using phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial COI fragment (DNA barcode) and one of the first attempts to reveal phylogenetic relationships between Hexatoma species using molecular markers.
First Record of the Alien and Invasive Polychaete Laonome triangularis Hutchings & Murray, 1984 (Annelida, Sabellidae) in Italian Waters
Authors: Bonifazi Andrea , Lombardo Marco Felice , De Bonis Salvatore , Caprioli Riccardo , Fustolo Martina , Morgana Silvia , Pierdomenico Martina , Mancini Emanuele
Published: June 2023

In recent years, the introduction of alien and invasive marine species in the Mediterranean Sea has rapidly increased. Laonome triangularis is a sabellid worm, native to the Australian coasts. Its first record in the Mediterranean Sea dates back to 2009 and, in this area, it is currently labeled as an allochthonous species. In the present work, we report the fìrst record of this polycheate in Italian waters and we provide some diagnostic features that are useful to identify the species.
Is Panenteric PillcamTM Crohn’s Capsule Endoscopy Ready for Widespread Use? A Narrative Review
Authors: Toskas Alexandros , Laskaratos Faidon-Marios , Coda Sergio , Banerjee Saswata , Epstein Owen
Published: June 2023

Patients diagnosed with Crohn’s disease are increasingly subjected to repeat colonoscopic and radiological examinations to assess the extent of the disease severity and the effects of treatment. PillcamTM Crohn’s video capsule, a modified colon capsule, was developed to generate a minimally invasive mouth to rectum video of the gastrointestinal tract. The capsule provides a wide-angle panoramic mucosal view to assess inflammation, ulceration, stenosis, disease extent, and effect of treatment. This review summarizes the evidence of its utility in both adult and paediatric Crohn’s disease and reviews the scoring systems used to quantify findings. The literature survey indicates that the PillcamTM Crohn’s capsule offers high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of inflammatory lesions and the extent and distribution of disease, and it could be considered a reliable imaging modality in both adults and childhood with Crohn’s disease.
Detection of Biomarker Using Aptasensors to Determine the Type of Diabetes
Authors: Mulyani Dinda Exelsa , Maksum Iman Permana
Published: June 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. This disease is so serious that many experts refer to it as the “silent killer”. The early detection of diabetes mellitus, whether type 1, type 2 or mitochondrial, is crucial because it can improve the success of treatment and the quality of life for patients. Aptamer-based biosensor diagnosis methods have been widely developed because they have high sensitivity and selectivity in detecting biomarkers of various diseases. Aptamers are short sequences of oligonucleotides or proteins that recognize specific ligands and bind to various target molecules, ranging from small ions to large proteins. They are promising diagnostic molecules due to their high sensitivity and selectivity, ease of modification, low toxicity, and high stability. This article aims to summarize the progress of detection methods, including detection principles, sensitivity, selectivity, and the performance of detection devices, to distinguish between types of diabetes mellitus using electrochemical aptasensors with biomarkers such as glucose, insulin, HbA1c, GHSA, and ATP.
Usefulness of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Traumatic Pancreatic Injury in Children
Authors: Gong Seong Chan , An Sanghyun , Shin In Sik , Jung Pil Young
Published: June 2023

Pediatric trauma patients are increasing, and trauma is the leading cause of death in children. Pancreatic injury is known as the fourth most common solid organ injury, but the diagnosis of pancreatic injury is often delayed due to the retroperitoneal location of the pancreas and the low sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an important test for the diagnosis and treatment of various biliary tract and pancreatic diseases. However, cases of performing ERCP in traumatic pancreatic injury in children have been rarely reported. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the usefulness of ERCP in traumatic pancreatic injury in children. Between January 1983 and December 2022, pediatric patients under the age of 18 who were treated for traumatic pancreatic injury at a single institution were recruited and retrospectively analyzed. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were assessed. Thirty-one patients were enrolled in this study. Among them, 15 (48.4%) patients underwent ERCP. The time to diet was significantly longer in the ERCP group. There were no statistically significant differences in other characteristics between the ERCP and the non-ERCP group. In nine (60%) patients of the ERCP group, ERCP was used for therapeutic intervention or as a decision-making tool for surgery, and was used to resolve pancreas-related complications. ERCP may be useful for the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic pancreatic injury in children. In addition, ERCP can be safely applied in children, and complications related to ERCP also may not increase. When obscure pancreatic injury is suspected, it is necessary to consider performing ERCP.
Analysis and Suppression of High-Frequency Resonance for Offshore Wind Power Grid-Connected Converter Considering Cable Capacitance Effect
Authors: Dai Linwang , Wang Han , Qin Yao , Shi Gang , Zhang Jianwen , Cai Xu
Published: June 2023

Large-scale offshore wind farms have become the development trend in wind power generation. Long submarine cables are used to collect electrical energy in the collection networks of offshore wind farms. However, the distributed capacitance of cables cannot be ignored, which makes the impedance of the collection network complex and changeable. It is common to encounter high-frequency harmonic resonance (HFHR) problems when cables interact with wind turbine generators (WTGs). The HFHR may threaten the safe and stable operation of wind turbines. In order to solve this problem, firstly, the impedance of a collection network was constructed. Furthermore, the wind farm collection network was divided into the equivalent wind turbine subsystem (EWTS) and the remaining equivalent wind farm subsystem (REWFS). Then, the mechanism of HFHR was revealed based on the impedance stability analysis method. The effects of cable parameters, the number of connected WTG, and the grid impedance on the HFHR of the interconnected system were also analyzed. Finally, the hybrid damping control method, combining active damping control (ADC) and passive damping control (PDC), was proposed to suppress the resonance. A simulation and experiment were performed to verify the effectiveness of the analysis results and proposed control method.
Optimization of Shape-Variable Gamma Camera to High-Dose-Rate Regions
Authors: Miyada Kengo , Takada Eiji , Sato Yuki
Published: June 2023

To proceed with the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, it is necessary to visualize radioactive substances using a gamma camera in high-dose-rate regions inside a nuclear reactor building. We developed an umbrella-shaped Compton camera, whose sensitivity distribution can be adjusted by changing its shape. When used on a robot, the moving distance of the robot can be reduced compared to a pinhole camera that is sensitive only to the front surface. In addition, unlike an omnidirectional Compton camera, the sensitivity in a specific direction can be increased, which is expected to expand the degree of freedom of measurement. In this study, the characteristics of the developed system were evaluated through simulations and experiments for application in a high-level radioactive environment inside a reactor building. It is estimated that this system can operate at a dose rate of approximately 2.68 mSv/h. Furthermore, we devised a method to compensate for the effect of the dead time of the SiPM (MPPC) in the high-dose-rate region by monitoring the current of the SiPM drive power supply and evaluating its applicability to high dose rates. This correction method was validated in the case where the photoelectric peak of the energy spectra fluctuated by approximately 60 keV due to dead time.
MPC-ECMS Energy Management of Extended-Range Vehicles Based on LSTM Multi-Signal Speed Prediction
Authors: Lu Laiwei , Zhao Hong , Liu Xiaotong , Sun Chuanlong , Zhang Xinyang , Yang Haixu
Published: June 2023

Rule-based energy management strategies not only make little use of the efficient area of engines and generators but also need to perform better planning in the time domain. This paper proposed a multi-signal vehicle speed prediction model based on the long short-term memory (LSTM) network, improving the accuracy of vehicle speed prediction by considering multiple signals. First, various signals were collected by simulating the vehicle model, and a Pearson correlation analysis was performed on the collected multiple signals in order to improve the model’s prediction accurate, and the appropriate signal was selected as the input to the prediction model. The experimental results indicate that the prediction method greatly improves the predictive effect compared with the support vector machine (SVM) vehicle speed prediction method. Secondly, the method was combined with the model predictive control-equivalent consumption strategy (MPC-ECMS) to form a control strategy suitable for power maintenance conditions enabling the equivalent factor to be adjusted adaptively in real-time and the target state of charge (SoC) value to be set. Pontryagin minimum principle (PMP) enables the battery to calculate the range extender output power at each moment. PMP, as the core algorithm of ECMS, is a common real-time optimal control algorithm. Then, taking into account the engine’s operating characteristics, the calculated range extender power was filtered to make the engine run smoothly. Finally, hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HIL) was used to verify the model. The simulation results demonstrate that this method uses less fuel than the equivalent fuel consumption minimum strategy (ECMS) by 1.32%, 9.47% when compared to the power-following control strategy, 15.66% when compared to the SVM-MPC-ECMS, and only 3.58% different from the fuel consumption of the dynamic programming (DP) control algorithm. This shows that this energy management approach can significantly improve the overall vehicle fuel economy.
Ultra-Low-Power Compact Neuron Circuit with Tunable Spiking Frequency and High Robustness in 22 nm FDSOI
Authors: Quan Jiale , Liu Zhen , Li Bo , Luo Jiajun
Published: June 2023

Recent years have seen an increasing popularity in the development of brain-inspired neuromorphic hardware for neural computing systems. However, implementing very large scale simulations of neural networks in hardware is still an open challenge in terms of power efficiency, compactness, and biophysical resemblance. In an effort to design biologically plausible spiking neuron circuits while restricting power consumption, we propose a new subthreshold Leaky Integrate-and-Fire (LIF) neuron circuit designed using 22 nm FDSOI technology. In this circuit, problems of large leakage currents and device mismatch are effectively reduced by deploying the back-gate terminal of FDSOI technology for a tunable design. The proposed neuron is able to operate in two spiking frequency modes with tunable bias parameter setting of key transistors, and it results in complex firing behaviors, such as adaptation, chattering, and bursting, through varying bias voltages. We present circuit post-layout simulation results and demonstrate the biologically plausible neural dynamics. Compared with published state-of-the-art neuron circuits, the circuit dissipates ultra-low energy per spike, on the order of femtojoules per spike, at firing rates ranging from 30 Hz to 1 kHz. Furthermore, the circuit is proven to maintain a good robustness over process variation and Monte Carlo analysis, with relative error 3.02% at a firing rate of approximately 67.1 Hz.
The Impact of 6G-IoT Technologies on the Development of Agriculture 5.0: A Review
Authors: Polymeni Sofia , Plastras Stefanos , Skoutas Dimitrios N. , Kormentzas Georgios , Skianis Charalabos
Published: June 2023

Throughout human history, agriculture has undergone a series of progressive transformations based on ever-evolving technologies in an effort to increase productivity and profitability. Over the years, farming methods have evolved significantly, progressing from Agriculture 1.0, which relied on primitive tools, to Agriculture 2.0, which incorporated machinery and advanced farming practices, and subsequently to Agriculture 3.0, which emphasized mechanization and employed intelligent machinery and technology to enhance productivity levels. To further automate and increase agricultural productivity while minimizing agricultural inputs and pollutants, a new approach to agricultural management based on the concepts of the fourth industrial revolution is being embraced gradually. This approach is referred to as “Agriculture 4.0” and is mainly implemented through the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, enabling the remote control of sensors and actuators and the efficient collection and transfer of data. In addition, fueled by technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, quantum sensing, and four-dimensional communication, a new form of smart agriculture, called “Agriculture 5.0,” is now emerging. Agriculture 5.0 can exploit the growing 5G network infrastructure as a basis. However, only 6G-IoT networks will be able to offer the technological advances that will allow the full expansion of Agriculture 5.0, as can be inferred from the relevant scientific literature and research. In this article, we first introduce the scope of Agriculture 5.0 as well as the key features and technologies that will be leveraged in the much-anticipated 6G-IoT communication systems. We then highlight the importance and influence of these developing technologies in the further advancement of smart agriculture and conclude with a discussion of future challenges and opportunities.
Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Load Reproduction by Electrohydraulic Digital-Servo Loading for Wind Turbine Drivetrain
Authors: Li Danyang , Gu Yajing , Liu Hongwei , Lin Yonggang , Song Jiajun , Shu Yongdong
Published: June 2023

Many drivetrain testing facilities have been built to reproduce multi-degree-of-freedom loads, thus simulating real wind conditions for evaluations of the reliability and durability of turbine subsystems. In this paper, the electrohydraulic schemes for the non-torque loading of a wind turbine’s drivetrain test benches are first analyzed. To deal with the control inaccuracy caused by the drastically increasing loading force, along with the rapid development of large-scale wind turbines, a multi-cylinder electrohydraulic digital-servo loading (MEDSL) technology is proposed. A novel electrohydraulic digital-servo cylinders group is designed. The proposed MEDSL can provide continuous and accurate load recurrence under wider wind conditions by varying the operational area of the cylinders group. Moreover, a sliding mode controller (SMC) is designed to realize the large dynamic loading of the MEDSL system. By comparing the SMC to a traditional PID controller in a servo-valve controlled cylinder, both simulation and experiment results proved the advantage of the proposed SMC. Accordingly, extensive experiments with a 4-cylinder case were carried out on a real full-loading bench using the SMC-based MEDSL device. The excellent tracking performance under complicated signals that represent the real wind loads demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed MEDSL technology and the SMC method.
Advancements on Optimization Algorithms Applied to Wave Energy Assessment: An Overview on Wave Climate and Energy Resource
Authors: Clemente Daniel , Teixeira-Duarte Felipe , Rosa-Santos Paulo , Taveira-Pinto Francisco
Published: June 2023

The wave energy sector has not reached a sufficient level of maturity for commercial competitiveness, thus requiring further efforts towards optimizing existing technologies and making wave energy a viable alternative to bolster energy mixes. Usually, these efforts are supported by physical and numerical modelling of complex physical phenomena, which require extensive resources and time to obtain reliable, yet limited results. To complement these approaches, artificial-intelligence-based techniques (AI) are gaining increasing interest, given their computational speed and capability of searching large solution spaces and/or identifying key study patterns. Under this scope, this paper presents a comprehensive review on the use of computational systems and AI-based techniques to wave climate and energy resource studies. The paper reviews different optimization methods, analyses their application to extreme events and examines their use in wave propagation and forecasting, which are pivotal towards ensuring survivability and assessing the local wave operational conditions, respectively. The use of AI has shown promising results in improving the efficiency, accuracy and reliability of wave predictions and can enable a more thorough and automated sweep of alternative design solutions, within a more reasonable timeframe and at a lower computational cost. However, the particularities of each case study still limit generalizations, although some application patterns have been identified—such as the frequent use of neural networks.
Economic Feasibility Comparison between Building-Integrated Photovoltaics and Green Systems in Northeast Texas
Authors: Kim Sojung , Kim Sumin
Published: June 2023

Various types of photovoltaic (PV) modules have been developed to exploit solar energy, a major renewable energy resource. One of the popular types of PV modules is building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), which are PV modules used as building materials. The goal of this study is to conduct an economic feasibility analysis of BIPV on the rooftop of the Keith D. McFarland Science Building at Texas A&M University, Commerce, Texas. To this end, a polynomial regression (PR) model is developed to estimate the electricity generation quantity of solar energy in the subject area, where the maximum temperature is 104 °F (40 °C) in summer. The developed PR models are used to estimate the potential profit of BIPV on the rooftop of the subject building, and the results are compared with the profit of a green roof system at the subject building. The economic feasibility analyses show that the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of the green roof system is approximately 39.77% higher than that of the BIPV system at a discount rate of 5%. Thus, the BIPV system is more profitable than the green roof system; consequently, this research will contribute to the implementation of BIPV on building rooftops and the expansion of renewable energy use in preference to fossil fuel.
Experimental Study of Grain Dryer Noise Emissions
Authors: Lubitz William , Teeter Kyle , Parker Ethan , Dalton Rachel , Dyck James
Published: June 2023

There is increasing interest in the environmental noise emissions from grain dryers and the potential impact of practical noise pollution mitigations such as barriers adjacent to dryers. Grain dryers are an essential part of grain production in many parts of the world, including Ontario, Canada. Most dryers are large, stationary units that include a burner to provide process heat and a fan or blower to move heated air through the grain being dried. This study measured sound levels at a range of distances from multiple grain drying facilities in Ontario, Canada, over two drying seasons. It was found that the sound level at a given distance varied substantially, depending on the dryer type and presence of blocking features such as grain bins or buildings. Noise emissions did not necessarily correlate to the size or drying capacity of the facility, with some smaller top dry dryers having higher noise emissions than other much larger tower dryers. Targeted investigations of the impact of practical remediations in the form of physical sound barriers showed sound level reductions were possible that were similar in magnitude to those achieved by highway sound walls along roadways, with most sound reduction being at higher frequencies.
Transcription Analysis of the Acid Tolerance Mechanism of Pichia kudriavzevii NBRC1279 and NBRC1664
Authors: Akita Hironaga , Matsushika Akinori
Published: June 2023

Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) has been investigated for the efficient production of ethanol because it has several advantages such as simplifying the manufacturing process, operating easily, and reducing energy input. Previously, using lignocellulosic biomass as source materials, we succeeded in producing ethanol by SSF with Pichia kudriavzevii NBRC1279 and NBRC1664. However, various acids that fermentation inhibitors are also produced by the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass, and the extent to which these acids affect the growth and ethanol productivity of the two strains has not yet been investigated. In this study, to better understand the acid tolerance mechanism of the two strains, a spot assay, growth experiment, and transcriptome analysis were carried out using Saccharomyces cerevisiae BY4742 as a control. When the three strains were cultured in SCD medium containing 15 mM formic acid, 35 mM sulfuric acid, 60 mM hydrochloric acid, 100 mM acetic acid, or 550 mM lactic acid, only P. kudriavzevii NBRC1664 could grow well under all conditions, and it showed the fastest growth rates. The transcriptome analysis showed that “MAPK signaling pathway-yeast” was significantly enriched in P. kudriavzevii NBRC1664 cultured with 60 mM hydrochloric acid, and most genes involved in the high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway were up-regulated. Therefore, the up-regulation of the HOG pathway may be important for adapting to acid stress in P. kudriavzevii. Moreover, the log2-transformed fold change value in the expression level of Gpd1 was 1.3-fold higher in P. kudriavzevii NBRC1664 than in P. kudriavzevii NBRC1279, indicating that high Gpd1 expression may be accountable for the higher acid tolerance of P. kudriavzevii NBRC1664. The transcriptome analysis performed in this study provides preliminary knowledge of the molecular mechanism of acid stress tolerance in P. kudriavzevii. Our data may be useful for future studies on methods to improve the tolerance of P. kudriavzevii to acids produced from lignocellulose hydrolysis.
A Novel Process for One-Step Separation and Cyclodextrin Inclusion of Ginsenoside Rg5 from Ginseng Stem–Leaf Saponins (GSLS): Preparation, Characterization, and Evaluation of Storage Stability and Bioactivity
Authors: Chen Jianbo , Li Meijia , Huo Xiaohui , Li Zhiman , Qu Di , Sha Jiyue , Sun Yinshi
Published: June 2023

Background: Ginsenoside Rg5 has been proven to possess numerous health benefits. However, Rg5 is difficult to prepare using the current methods, and the poor stability and solubility of Rg5 are intractable properties that limit its application. We try to establish and optimize a new method for preparing Rg5. Methods: Different amino acids acted as catalysts, and reaction conditions were investigated to transform Rg5 in GSLS. Different CDs and reaction conditions were investigated for the preparation of CD-Rg5 based on yield and purity; ESI-MS, FT-IR, XRD and SEM analyses were used to prove the formation of the CD-Rg5 inclusion complex. Both the stability and bioactivity of β-CD-Rg5 were investigated. Results: The content of Rg5 reached 140.8 mg/g after transformation of GSLS using Asp as a catalyst. The yield of β-CD-Rg5 reached a maximum of 12% and a purity of 92.5%. The results showed that the β-CD-Rg5 inclusion complex can improve its stability of Rg5 against light and temperature. Antioxidant activity analyses against DPPH, ABTS+, and Fe2+ chelation showed enhanced antioxidant activity of the β-CD-Rg5 inclusion complex. Conclusions: A novel and effective strategy for the separation of Rg5 from ginseng stem–leaf saponins (GSLS) was developed to improve the stability, solubility, and bioactivity of Rg5.
Comparison of Soluble Dietary Fibers Extracted from Ten Traditional Legumes: Physicochemical Properties and Biological Functions
Authors: Wu Dingtao , Wan Jiajia , Li Wenxing , Li Jie , Guo Wang , Zheng Xiaoqin , Gan Ren-You , Hu Yichen , Zou Liang
Published: June 2023

Soluble dietary fibers (SDFs) exist as the major bioactive components in legumes, which exhibit various biological functions. To improve the potential applications of legume SDFs as healthy value-added products in the functional food industry, the physicochemical properties and biological functions of SDFs from ten selected traditional legumes, including mung bean, adzuki bean, red bean, red sword bean, black bean, red kidney bean, speckled kidney bean, common bean, white hyacinth bean, and pea, were studied and compared. Results showed that the physicochemical properties of SDFs varied in different species of legumes. All legume SDFs almost consisted of complex polysaccharides, which were rich in pectic-polysaccharides, e.g., homogalacturonan (HG) and rhamnogalacturonan I (RG I) domains. In addition, hemicelluloses, such as arabinoxylan, xyloglucan, and galactomannan, existed in almost all legume SDFs, and a large number of galactomannans existed in SDFs from black beans. Furthermore, all legume SDFs exhibited potential antioxidant, antiglycation, immunostimulatory, and prebiotic effects, and their biological functions differed relative to their chemical structures. The findings can help reveal the physicochemical and biological properties of different legume SDFs, which can also provide some insights into the further development of legume SDFs as functional food ingredients.
Gastroprotective Effects of the Aqueous Extract of Finger Citron Pickled Products against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Damage: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Chen Xiaoai , Yang Dan , Wang Qun , Zhou Aimei
Published: June 2023

Finger citron pickled products (FCPP), as folk remedies, are famous in southern China for protecting gastric mucosa. However, the gastric mucosa protection of FCPP has not been reported yet, and its effective mechanism is unclear. In this study, the protective mechanism of FCPP aqueous extract on gastric mucosa was investigated in vitro and in vivo for the first time, using human gastric mucosa epithelial cells (GES-1) and acute alcoholic gastric ulcer rat model respectively. Furthermore, we also investigated the main substances in the aqueous extract that exert gastroprotective activity using a GES-1 scratch test and basic chemical composition analysis. FCPP aqueous extract was found to play a protective and reparative role in GES-1 by promoting the secretion of trefoil factor thyroid transcription factor 2 (TFF2) and inhibiting the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in cells damaged by alcohol. The ulcer index of gastric tissue induced by alcohol was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) after pretreatment with FCPP aqueous extract, indicating that FCPP aqueous extract had a good protective effect on the stomach mucosa. Moreover, FCPP aqueous extract could increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and inhibit malondialdehyde (MDA) content, exhibiting good antioxidant capacity. Aqueous extract of FCPP could also effectively inhibit the increase of cytokines TNF-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum of rats, and promote the increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-10 (IL-10) to some extent. Furthermore, FCPP aqueous extract could inhibit the expression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB/P65) protein, caspase-1 protein and IL-1β protein in the gastric tissue of rats, while promoting the expression of IκBα protein, indicating that the gastric mucosa protection effects of FCPP aqueous extract were mainly dependent on the NF-κB/caspase-1/IL-1β axis. The polysaccharides in FCPP aqueous extract might be the main components that exerted gastroprotective activity, as demonstrated by GES-1 cell scratch assay. This study confirmed that FCPP aqueous extract presented promising potential in protecting gastric mucosa and avoiding gastric ulcers, which could provide an experimental basis for further utilizing the medicinal value and developing new products of FCPP.
Evaluation of Propolis Hydrogel for the Treatment of Dentinal Sensitivity: A Clinical Study
Authors: AlQahtani Saad Mohammed , Nagate Raghavendra Reddy , Al-Ahmari Manae Musa Musleh , Magbol Mohammad Al. , Gokhale Shankar T. , Tikare Shreyas , Chaturvedi Saurabh
Published: June 2023

Background: Propolis is a natural resinous substance collected by honeybees, chiefly from buds and the leaves, branches, and bark of trees. Its role as a wound-healing gel has been studied, but the use of a propolis hydrogel in the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity has not been evaluated. Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is commonly treated via iontophoresis using fluoridated desensitizers. The aim of the present study was to compare and evaluate the effects of a 10% propolis hydrogel, 2% sodium fluoride (NaF), and 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) when used in conjunction with iontophoresis for the treatment of cervical dentin hypersensitivity (DH). Methods: Systemically healthy patients complaining of DH were selected for this single-centre, parallel, double-blind randomized clinical trial. Three substances were selected as desensitizers for study in the present trial: a 10% propolis hydrogel, 2% sodium fluoride, and 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride, all in conjunction with iontophoresis. Any decrease in DH following the application of specific stimuli was assessed at baseline, before and after application, on the 14th day following use, and on the 28th day following the intervention. Results: Intra-group comparisons show diminished values of DH at maximum post-op follow-up intervals which were significantly trimmed down from the baseline (p < 0.05). The 2% NaF demonstrated a significant reduction in DH over 1.23% APF and the 10% propolis hydrogel (p < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean difference between the APF and propolis hydrogel groups assessed via tactile, cold, and air tests (p > 0.05). Conclusion: All three desensitizers have proved to be useful when used in conjugation with iontophoresis. Within the limitations of this study, a 10% propolis hydrogel can be used as a naturally occurring alternative to commercially available fluoridated desensitizers.
Preparation and Characterization of Porous Cellulose Acetate Nanofiber Hydrogels
Authors: Jiang Lijie , Huang Xingyu , Tian Chaochao , Zhong Yidan , Yan Ming , Miao Chen , Wu Ting , Zhou Xiaofan
Published: June 2023

The currently reported methods for preparing cellulose acetate hydrogels use chemical reagents as cross-linking agents, and the prepared ones are non-porous structured cellulose acetate hydrogels. Nonporous cellulose acetate hydrogels limit the range of applications, such as limiting cell attachment and nutrient delivery in tissue engineering. This research creatively proposed a facile method to prepare cellulose acetate hydrogels with porous structures. Water was added to the cellulose acetate–acetone solution as an anti-solvent to induce the phase separation of the cellulose acetate–acetone solution to obtain a physical gel with a network structure, where the cellulose acetate molecules undergo re-arrangement during the replacement of acetone by water to obtain hydrogels. The SEM and BET test results showed that the hydrogels are relatively porous. The maximum pore size of the cellulose acetate hydrogel is 380 nm, and the specific surface area reaches 62 m2/g. The porosity of the hydrogel is significantly higher than that of the cellulose acetate hydrogel reported in the previous literature. The XRD results show that the nanofibrous morphology of cellulose acetate hydrogels is caused by the deacetylation reaction of cellulose acetate.