bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Expressions of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) in Prostate Cancer Tissues of Men with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Franko Andras , Berti Lucia , Hennenlotter Jörg , Rausch Steffen , Scharpf Marcus O. , de Angelis Martin Hrabĕ de , Stenzl Arnulf , Peter Andreas , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Lutz Stefan Z. , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Heni Martin
Published: November 2020

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with worse prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa). The molecular mechanisms behind this association are still not fully understood. The aim of this study was to identify key factors, which contribute to the more aggressive PCa phenotype in patients with concurrent T2D. Therefore, we investigated benign and PCa tissue of PCa patients with and without diabetes using real time qPCR. Compared to patients without diabetes, patients with T2D showed a decreased E-cadherin/N-cadherin (CDH1/CDH2) ratio in prostate tissue, indicating a switch of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is a pivotal process in carcinogenesis. In addition, the gene expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and CC chemokine ligands (CCLs) were higher in prostate samples of T2D patients. Next, prostate adenocarcinoma PC3 cells were treated with increasing glucose concentrations to replicate hyperglycemia in vitro. In these cells, high glucose induced expressions of MMPs and CCLs, which showed significant positive associations with the proliferation marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). These results indicate that in prostate tissue of men with T2D, hyperglycemia may induce EMT, increase MMP and CCL gene expressions, which in turn activate invasion and inflammatory processes accelerating the progression of PCa.
Converging Evidence Supporting the Cognitive Link between Exercise and Esport Performance: A Dual Systematic Review
Authors: Toth Adam J. , Ramsbottom Niall , Kowal Magdalena , Campbell Mark J.
Published: November 2020

(1) Background: Research into action video games (AVG) has surged with the popularity of esports over the past three decades. Specifically, evidence is mounting regarding the importance of enhanced cognitive abilities for successful esports performance. However, due to the sedentary nature in which AVGs are played, concerns are growing with the increased engagement young adults have with AVGs. While evidence exists supporting the benefits of exercise for cognition generally in older adult, children and clinical populations, little to no work has synthesized the existing knowledge regarding the effect of exercise specifically on the cognitive abilities required for optimal esports performance in young adults. (2) Method: We conducted a dual-systematic review to identify the cognitive abilities integral to esports performance (Phase 1) and the efficacy of exercise to enhance said cognitive abilities (Phase 2). (3) Results: We demonstrate the importance of four specific cognitive abilities for AVG play (attention, task-switching, information processing, and memory abilities) and the effect that different types and durations of physical exercise has on each. (4) Conclusion: Together, these results highlight the role that exercise can have on not only combating the sedentary nature of gaming, but also its potential role in facilitating the cognitive aspects of gaming performance.
Social Perception of Faces: Brain Imaging and Subjective Ratings
Authors: Walla Peter , Chang Minah , Schaefer Katrin , Windhager Sonja
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate how a female face is perceived in terms of its attractiveness, dominance, health, femininity-masculinity, and maturity in direct relation to the body fat percentage (BFP) conveyed by the face. To compare how young adults (ages 18 to 35) respond to different levels of body fat percentage both subjectively and objectively we collected survey ratings and electroencephalography (EEG) data across five different levels of BFP from 40 participants. We adapted the experimental design from a prior behavioral study and used calibrated and morphed female face images of five different BFP levels. The results of the survey are in consensus with the previous study and assessed to be a successful replication. From the EEG data, event-related potentials (ERPs) were extracted from one electrode location (right occipitotemporal brain region) known to be particularly sensitive to face-stimuli. We found statistically significant differences in the amplitudes of the P200 component (194 ms post stimulus onset) between the thickest face and all four other BFP conditions, and in the amplitudes of the N300 component (274 ms post stimulus onset) between the average face and three other BFP conditions. As expected, there were no significant differences among the N170 amplitudes of all five BFP conditions since this ERP component simply reflects the processing of faces in general. From these results, we can infer that holistic face encoding characterized by the N170 component in the right occipitotemporal area is followed by serial evaluative processes, whose categorical and qualitative matrix and spatiotemporal dynamics should be further explored in future studies, especially in relation to the social constructs that were focused on in this study.
Emerging Evidences for an Implication of the Neurodegeneration-Associated Protein TAU in Cancer
Authors: Papin Stéphanie , Paganetti Paolo
Published: November 2020

Neurodegenerative disorders and cancer may appear unrelated illnesses. Yet, epidemiologic studies indicate an inverse correlation between their respective incidences for specific cancers. Possibly explaining these findings, increasing evidence indicates that common molecular pathways are involved, often in opposite manner, in the pathogenesis of both disease families. Genetic mutations in the MAPT gene encoding for TAU protein cause an inherited form of frontotemporal dementia, a neurodegenerative disorder, but also increase the risk of developing cancer. Assigning TAU at the interface between cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, two major aging-linked disease families, offers a possible clue for the epidemiological observation inversely correlating these human illnesses. In addition, the expression level of TAU is recognized as a prognostic marker for cancer, as well as a modifier of cancer resistance to chemotherapy. Because of its microtubule-binding properties, TAU may interfere with the mechanism of action of taxanes, a class of chemotherapeutic drugs designed to stabilize the microtubule network and impair cell division. Indeed, a low TAU expression is associated to a better response to taxanes. Although TAU main binding partners are microtubules, TAU is able to relocate to subcellular sites devoid of microtubules and is also able to bind to cancer-linked proteins, suggesting a role of TAU in modulating microtubule-independent cellular pathways associated to oncogenesis. This concept is strengthened by experimental evidence linking TAU to P53 signaling, DNA stability and protection, processes that protect against cancer. This review aims at collecting literature data supporting the association between TAU and cancer. We will first summarize the evidence linking neurodegenerative disorders and cancer, then published data supporting a role of TAU as a modifier of the efficacy of chemotherapies and of the oncogenic process. We will finish by addressing from a mechanistic point of view the role of TAU in de-regulating critical cancer pathways, including the interaction of TAU with cancer-associated proteins.
Esophageal Atresia: Nutritional Status and Energy Metabolism to Maximize Growth Outcome
Authors: Pelizzo Gloria , Destro Francesca , Selvaggio Giorgio Giuseppe Orlando , Maestri Luciano , Roveri Margherita , Bosetti Alessandra , Borsani Barbara , Pendezza Erica , Meroni Milena , Pansini Andrea , La Pergola Enrico , Riccipetitoni Giovanna , De Silvestri Annalisa , Cena Hellas , Calcaterra Valeria
Published: November 2020

Background: Long-term negative sequelae of esophageal atresia (EA) may induce poor growth and impaired nutritional status in childhood. We describe the nutritional profile and energy metabolism of children with repaired EA to identify malnutrition risk factors and optimize growth management. Methods: Twenty-one children (>4 years) were included, and anthropometric measurements, nutritional assessment, and energy metabolism were considered. The subjects were defined as undernourished if they met BMI < −2 standard deviation (SD). To grade undernutrition, we defined the prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting (cut-off level of <−2 SD). Medical records were reviewed for the type of EA and surgery and perinatal data. Results: Malnutrition was detected in 28.6% of children. Underweight was detected in 23.8% of patients (all with undernutrition p < 0.01). Wasting was noted in 28.6% of patients, of these 5 children were undernourished (p < 0.001) and stunting was noticed in only one patient with malnutrition (p = 0.5). Resting expenditure energy (REE) was lower in undernourished subjects compared to subjects with adequate nutritional status (p < 0.001). Malnutrition was associated to: type of EA (p = 0.003, particularly type A and C); intervention including deferred anastomosis due to long-gap repair (p = 0.04) with/or without jejunostomy (p = 0.02), gastric pull-up (p = 0.04), primary anastomosis (p = 0.04), pyloromyotomy in long-gap (p < 0.01); small for gestational age condition (p = 0.001). Conclusions: undernutrition risk factors, beyond the type of malformation, surgery, and perinatal factors, must be early considered to personalize nutritional programming. Energy metabolism is important to monitor the nutritional requirements. The management of nutritional issues is surely a contributory factor able to counteract the poor growth of children with EA.
HVOF Sprayed Fe-Based Wear-Resistant Coatings with Carbide Reinforcement, Synthesized In Situ and by Mechanically Activated Synthesis
Authors: Tkachivskyi Dmytro , Juhani Kristjan , Surženkov Andrei , Kulu Priit , Tesař Tomáš , Mušálek Radek , Lukáč František , Antoš Jakub , Vostřák Marek , Antonov Maksim , Goljandin Dmitri
Published: November 2020

The aims of this study were: (1) to produce composite coatings by high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) spraying with steel matrix reinforced by cermets (a) Cr3C2–20%Ni and (b) TiC–20%NiMo, manufactured by mechanically activated synthesis (MAS); (2) to synthesize in situ a carbide reinforcement for iron matrix from a mixture of titanium and carbon during HVOF reactive thermal spraying (RTS); (3) to compare the wear resistance of produced coatings. As a reference, HVOF sprayed coatings from commercial Cr3C2–25%NiCr (Amperit 588.074) and AISI 316L were utilized. Study of microstructure revealed the inhomogeneity of the Cr-based MAS coating; the Ti-based MAS coating had typical carbide granular structure, and the Ti-based RTS coating possessed elongated structures of TiC. The X-ray diffraction revealed two main phases in the Cr-based MAS coating: Cr3C2 and austenite, and two phases in the Ti-based coatings: TiC and austenite. Among the studied coatings, the Cr-based MAS coating demonstrated the highest low-force hardness (490 HV0.3). During the abrasive rubber wheel test (ASTM G65), the Ti-based MAS coating showed the best wear resistance, followed by Cr3C2–25%NiCr and Ti-based RTS coating. In the abrasive–erosive test (GOST 23.201-78), the Ti-based MAS coating was 44% better than Cr3C2–25%NiCr coating. The Ti-based RTS coating was 11% more wear resistant than the reference Cr3C2–25%NiCr coating.
A Narrative Review of the Classification and Use of Diagnostic Ultrasound for Conditions of the Achilles Tendon
Authors: Mascarenhas Sheryl
Published: November 2020

Enthesitis is a cardinal feature of spondyloarthropathies. The Achilles insertion on the calcaneus is a commonly evaluated enthesis located at the hindfoot, generally resulting in hindfoot pain and possible tendon enlargement. For decades, diagnosis of enthesitis was based upon patient history of hindfoot or posterior ankle pain and clinical examination revealing tenderness and/or enlargement at the site of the tendon insertion. However, not all hindfoot or posterior ankle symptoms are related to enthesitis. Advanced imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US), has allowed for more precise evaluation of hindfoot and posterior ankle conditions. Use of US in diagnosis has helped confirm some of these cases but also identified other conditions that may have otherwise been misclassified without use of advanced imaging diagnostics. Conditions that may result in hindfoot and posterior ankle symptoms related to the Achilles tendon include enthesitis (which can include retrocalcaneal bursitis and insertional tendonopathy), midportion tendonopathy, paratenonopathy, superficial calcaneal bursitis, calcaneal ossification (Haglund deformity), and calcific tendonopathy. With regard to classification of these conditions, much of the existing literature uses confusing nomenclature to describe conditions in this region of the body. Some terminology may imply inflammation when in fact there may be none. A more uniform approach to classifying these conditions based off anatomic location, symptoms, clinical findings, and histopathology is needed. There has been much debate regarding appropriate use of tendonitis when there is no true inflammation, calling instead for use of the terms tendinosis or tendonopathy. To date, there has not been clear examination of a similar overuse of the term enthesitis in conditions where there is no underlying inflammation, thus raising the need for more comprehensive taxonomy.
Effect of Different Local Vibration Frequencies on the Multiscale Regularity of Plantar Skin Blood Flow
Authors: Liao Fuyuan , Zhang Keying , Zhou Lingling , Chen Yanni , Elliott Jeannette , Jan Yih-Kuen
Published: November 2020

Local vibration has shown promise in improving skin blood flow (SBF). However, there is no consensus on the selection of the best vibration frequency. An important reason may be that previous studies utilized time- and frequency-domain parameters to characterize vibration-induced SBF responses. These parameters are unable to characterize the structural features of the SBF response to local vibrations, thus contributing to the inconsistent findings seen in vibration research. The objective of this study was to provide evidence that nonlinear dynamics of SBF responses would be an important aspect for assessing the effect of local vibration on SBF. Local vibrations at 100 Hz, 35 Hz, and 0 Hz (sham vibration) with an amplitude of 1 mm were randomly applied to the right first metatarsal head of 12 healthy participants for 10 min. SBF at the same site was measured for 10 min before and after local vibration. The degree of regularity of SBF was quantified using a multiscale sample entropy algorithm. The results showed that 100 Hz vibration significantly increased multiscale regularity of SBF but 35 Hz and 0 Hz (sham vibration) did not. The significant increase of regularity of SBF after 100 Hz vibration was mainly attributed to increased regularity of SBF oscillations within the frequency interval at 0.0095–0.15 Hz. These findings support the use of multiscale regularity to assess effectiveness of local vibration on improving skin blood flow.
A Computational Model of Tonal Tension Profile of Chord Progressions in the Tonal Interval Space
Authors: Navarro-Cáceres María , Caetano Marcelo , Bernardes Gilberto , Sánchez-Barba Mercedes , Merchán Sánchez-Jara Javier
Published: November 2020

In tonal music, musical tension is strongly associated with musical expression, particularly with expectations and emotions. Most listeners are able to perceive musical tension subjectively, yet musical tension is difficult to be measured objectively, as it is connected with musical parameters such as rhythm, dynamics, melody, harmony, and timbre. Musical tension specifically associated with melodic and harmonic motion is called tonal tension. In this article, we are interested in perceived changes of tonal tension over time for chord progressions, dubbed tonal tension profiles. We propose an objective measure capable of capturing tension profile according to different tonal music parameters, namely, tonal distance, dissonance, voice leading, and hierarchical tension. We performed two experiments to validate the proposed model of tonal tension profile and compared against Lerdahl’s model and MorpheuS across 12 chord progressions. Our results show that the considered four tonal parameters contribute differently to the perception of tonal tension. In our model, their relative importance adopts the following weights, summing to unity: dissonance (0.402), hierarchical tension (0.246), tonal distance (0.202), and voice leading (0.193). The assumption that listeners perceive global changes in tonal tension as prototypical profiles is strongly suggested in our results, which outperform the state-of-the-art models.
Evolution of Classical and Quantum States in the Groupoid Picture of Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Ciaglia Florio M. , Di Cosmo Fabio Di , Ibort Alberto , Marmo Giuseppe
Published: November 2020

The evolution of states of the composition of classical and quantum systems in the groupoid formalism for physical theories introduced recently is discussed. It is shown that the notion of a classical system, in the sense of Birkhoff and von Neumann, is equivalent, in the case of systems with a countable number of outputs, to a totally disconnected groupoid with Abelian von Neumann algebra. The impossibility of evolving a separable state of a composite system made up of a classical and a quantum one into an entangled state by means of a unitary evolution is proven in accordance with Raggio’s theorem, which is extended to include a new family of separable states corresponding to the composition of a system with a totally disconnected space of outcomes and a quantum one.
Sequentially Estimating the Approximate Conditional Mean Using Extreme Learning Machines
Authors: Huo Lijuan , Cho Jin Seo
Published: November 2020

This study examined the extreme learning machine (ELM) applied to the Wald test statistic for the model specification of the conditional mean, which we call the WELM testing procedure. The omnibus test statistics available in the literature weakly converge to a Gaussian stochastic process under the null that the model is correct, and this makes their application inconvenient. By contrast, the WELM testing procedure is straightforwardly applicable when detecting model misspecification. We applied the WELM testing procedure to the sequential testing procedure formed by a set of polynomial models and estimate an approximate conditional expectation. We then conducted extensive Monte Carlo experiments to evaluate the performance of the sequential WELM testing procedure and verify that it consistently estimates the most parsimonious conditional mean when the set of polynomial models contains a correctly specified model. Otherwise, it consistently rejects all the models in the set.
Resource Rents, Human Development and Economic Growth in Sudan
Authors: Mohamed Elwasila Saeed Elamin
Published: November 2020

This study investigates the relationship between natural resource rents, human development and economic growth in Sudan using co-integration and vector error correction modelling (VECM) over the period 1970–2015. Institutions proved to play a role in determining a difference in whether a country is cured or blessed by resource abundance. In the case of Sudan, no time series data is available on institutional quality and is therefore excluded from the analysis. The role of institutions and macroeconomic policies is captured by other variables included in the empirical model. Co-integration tests confirm the existence of a long run equilibrium relationship between resource rents, human development and economic growth in Sudan. Empirical evidence from the estimated VECM shows that economic growth is positively affected by resource rents and development expenditure but surprisingly negatively affected by life expectancy at birth in the short run. In the long run, resource rents, school enrolment, life expectancy and financial development have negative significant effects on economic growth. Only development expenditure is found to affect economic growth positively. Resource rents are found to weaken education and health levels and this is indirectly channeled into negative effects of resource rents on economic growth. These results suggest that the government has been neglecting investments to build up human capital necessary for inclusive growth. Long run Granger causality tests show a unidirectional causal relationship running from resource rents to GDP growth as well as from development expenditure to GDP growth. School enrollment, life expectancy and financial development are found to be negatively Granger causing GDP growth. Long run causal relationships reconfirm that a resource curse exists indirectly mediated by weak human capital. The study recommends that the government should manage natural resource rents with a policy framework supporting creation of a virtuous economic circle between human development and economic growth. If pursued, this would promote sustained, inclusive and equitable growth in Sudan.
Modern Hybrid Excited Electric Machines
Authors: Wardach Marcin , Palka Ryszard , Paplicki Piotr , Prajzendanc Pawel , Zarebski Tomasz
Published: November 2020

The paper deals with the overview of different designs of hybrid excited electrical machines, i.e., those with conventional permanent magnets excitation and additional DC-powered electromagnetic systems in the excitation circuit. The paper presents the most common topologies for this type of machines found in the literature—they were divided according to their electrical, mechanical and thermal properties. Against this background, the designs of hybrid excited machines that were the subject of scientific research of the authors are presented.
Moving Toward a Sustainable Energy System: A Case Study of Viken County of Norway
Authors: Abrahamsen Fredrik Ege , Ruud Sturla Grina , Gebremedhin Alemayehu
Published: November 2020

Increasing awareness of climate issues and environmental policy has been a key factor behind the continuous transition of energy systems at different levels. This paper aimed to analyse the energy system of Viken county, located in Norway. An energy system model using the energy system analysis tool EnergyPLAN was developed. Based on the reference year 2018, two future scenarios which focus on changes in the transport sector for the year 2030 and 2050 were designed. Besides changes in the transport sector, the integration of renewable energy sources is considered in the future scenarios. The results of the analysis regarding the future scenario shows substantial CO2 reduction as a result of energy-carrier switching within the transport sector. The integration of new energy sources, in this case, solar PV and wind power, helps to offset increased import dependency. The primary energy supply decrease and the share of renewable energy increases significantly.
Advanced and Intensified Seawater Flue Gas Desulfurization Processes: Recent Developments and Improvements
Authors: Long Nguyen Van Duc , Lee Dong Young , Jin Kim Myung , Choongyong Kwag , Mok Lee Young , Won Lee Sung , Lee Moonyong
Published: November 2020

Seawater flue gas desulfurization (SWFGD) is considered to be a viable solution for coastal and naval applications; however, this process has several drawbacks, including its corrosive absorbent; low vapor loading capacity since the solubility of sulfur oxides (SOx) in seawater is lower than that of limestone used in conventional methods; high seawater flowrate; and large equipment size. This has prompted process industries to search for possible advanced and intensified configurations to enhance the performance of SWFGD processes to attain a higher vapor loading capacity, lower seawater flowrate, and smaller equipment size. This paper presents an overview of new developments as well as advanced and intensified configurations of SWFGD processes via process modifications such as modification and optimization of operating conditions, improvement of spray and vapor distributors, adding internal columns, using square or rectangular shape, using a pre-scrubber, multiple scrubber feed; process integration such as combined treatment of SOx and other gases, and waste heat recovery; and process intensification such as the use of electrified sprays, swirling gas flow, and rotating packed beds. A summary of the industrial applications, engineering issues, environmental impacts, challenges, and perspectives on the research and development of advanced and intensified SWFGD processes is presented.
Effect of Evaporator Position on Heat Pump Assisted Solid Desiccant Cooling Systems
Authors: Liu Shuo , Jeong Chang-Ho , Yeo Myoung-Souk
Published: November 2020

The packaged terminal air conditioning with reheat (PTACR) system, as a commonly used dehumidification system, faces the problem of extra energy consumption in the deep-cooling and reheating processes. Therefore, different heat pump assisted hybrid solid desiccant cooling (HPDC) systems were proposed and their characteristics were investigated via EnergyPlus simulations. The system energy efficiency presents an upward trend with the increase in outdoor temperature and humidity. A high-humidity climate leads to the improvement of system performance. The dehumidification performance of the desiccant wheel in the HPDC system declines when outdoor humidity increases. Compared with the PTACR system, the energy consumption of the HPDC system in which the evaporator was placed upstream of the desiccant wheel is reduced by 36%, 66%, and 64%, respectively, under different high-humidity climates. The system maintained the indoor environment within the comfort zone, and eliminated the need for a heat source for desiccant regeneration. In conclusion, the HPDC system is an available alternative that considers both energy consumption and system performance. Placing the evaporator upstream of the desiccant wheel is more advantageous in high-temperature and high-humidity climates.
Characteristics of Aerosol Formation and Emissions During Corn Stalk Pyrolysis
Authors: Li Ning , Zhang Jiale , Li Zhihe , Li Yongjun
Published: November 2020

The inevitable emission of aerosols during pyrolysis can negatively affect the downstream process and even pollute the environment. In this work, the characteristics of aerosols were investigated during corn stalk pyrolysis at 400–900 °C. The effects of other operation conditions on the aerosol emissions were also probed with online and offline instruments. Results show the yield of aerosol presents a regular change with temperature in a wide range ratio of 3.4–8.7 wt.%. The aerosol size distribution reveals a unimodal form mainly in the 1.1–2.1 μm accumulation range and the maximum emission achieved is about 35 mg/g for SR and SP at 500 °C. Nevertheless, SL gives about 34 mg/g at 600 °C. High temperature promotes the decomposition of polymers into partciles with small diameter (less than PM1.0). The microtopography of aerosol presents spherical droplets, elongated-like liquid and solid particles that form heterogenous or homogeneous aggregations, that also happen on account of collisions. Aerosols contain mostly organic matter, a small amount of salt and over 50% of volatile organic carbon molecules (VOCs) in the total organic carbon (OC). Proper gas flow, high vapor concentration and longer path way boost the yield of bio-oil and reduce the emission of aerosols. The direct contact is beneficial for adequate extraction, but also causes additional solvent emissions.
Liquefied Natural Gas for Civil Aviation
Authors: Rompokos Pavlos , Kissoon Sajal , Roumeliotis Ioannis , Nalianda Devaiah , Nikolaidis Theoklis , Rolt Andrew
Published: November 2020

The growth in air transport and the ambitious targets in emission reductions set by advisory agencies are some of the driving factors behind research towards new fuels for aviation. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) could be both environmentally and economically beneficial. However, its implementation in aviation has technical challenges that needs to be quantified. This paper assesses the application of LNG in civil aviation using an integrated simulation and design framework, including Cranfield University’s aircraft performance tool, Orion, and engine performance simulation tool Turbomatch, integrated with an LNG tank sizing module and an aircraft weight estimation module. Changes in tank design, natural gas composition, airframe changes, and propulsion system performance are assessed. The performance benefits are quantified against a Boeing 737–800 aircraft. Overall, LNG conversion leads to a slightly heavier aircraft in terms of the operating weight empty (OWE) and maximum take-off weight (MTOW). The converted aircraft has a slightly reduced range compared to the conventional aircraft when the maximum payload is considered. Compared to a conventional aircraft, the results indicate that although the energy consumption is increased in the case of LNG, the mission fuel mass is decreased and CO2 emissions are reduced by more than 15%. These benefits come with a significant reduction in fuel cost per passenger, highlighting the potential benefits of adopting LNG for aviation.
Effect of Cu(NO3)2 and Cu(CH3COO)2 Activating Additives on Combustion Characteristics of Anthracite and Its Semi-Coke
Authors: Larionov Kirill , Slyusarskiy Konstantin , Tsibulskiy Svyatoslav , Tolokolnikov Anton , Mishakov Ilya , Bauman Yury , Vedyagin Aleksey , Gromov Alexander
Published: November 2020

The process of anthracite and its semi-coke combustion in the presence of 5 wt.% (in terms of dry salt) additives of copper salts Cu(NO3)2 and Cu(CH3COO)2 was studied. The activating additives were introduced by an incipient wetness procedure. The ignition and combustion parameters for coal samples were examined in the combustion chamber at the heating medium temperatures (Tg) of 600–800 °C. The composition of the gaseous combustion products was controlled using an on-line gas analyzer. The fuel modification with copper salts was found to reduce the ignition delay time on average, along with a drop in the minimum ignition temperature Tmin by 138–277 °C. With an increase in Tg temperature, a significant reduction in the ignition delay time for the anthracite and semi-coke samples (by a factor of 6.7) was observed. The maximum difference in the ignition delay time between the original and modified samples of anthracite (ΔTi = 5.5 s) and semi-coke (ΔTi = 5.4 s) was recorded at a Tg temperature of 600 °C in the case of Cu(CH3COO)2. The emergence of micro-explosions was detected at an early stage of combustion via high-speed video imaging for samples modified by copper acetate. According to the on-line gas analysis data, the addition of copper salts permits one to reduce the volume of CO formed by 40% on average, providing complete oxidation of the fuel to CO2. It was shown that the introduction of additives promoted the reduction in the NOx emissions during the combustion of the anthracite and semi-coke samples.
Efficient Load Management for BEV Charging Infrastructure in Multi-Apartment Buildings
Authors: Ramsebner Jasmine , Hiesl Albert , Haas Reinhard
Published: November 2020

Interest in and demand for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is growing strongly due to the increasing awareness of climate change and specific decarbonization goals. One of the largest challenges remains the provision of large-scale, efficient charging infrastructure in multi-apartment buildings. Successful load management (LM) for BEV charging directly influences the technical requirements and the economic and environmental aspects of charging infrastructure and can prevent costly distribution grid expansion. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate potential LM approaches in multi-apartment buildings to avoid an increase in existing electricity demand peaks with BEV diffusion. Using our model parameters, off-peak charging achieved a 40% reduction in the building’s demand peak at 100% BEV diffusion compared to uncontrolled charging and reduced the correlation between BEV charging and the national share of thermal power generation. The most efficient charging capacity in the private network was achieved at 0.44 kW/BEV. A verification of the model results with the demonstration phase of the “Urcharge” project supports our overall findings. Our results outline the advantages of LM across a large-scale BEV charging network to control the impact on the electricity system along with the diffusion of e-mobility.
Smiling Earth—Raising Awareness among Citizens for Behaviour Change to Reduce Carbon Footprint
Authors: Petersen Sobah Abbas , Petersen Idar , Ahcin Peter
Published: November 2020

This paper describes Smiling Earth, a mobile app to increase citizens’ awareness about their own carbon footprint, by integrating energy and transport-related data. The main aim of our work is to explore the ways in which Information and Communication Technologies could help raise awareness and educate and motivate citizens about their actions and their consequences on the environment. Smiling Earth provides feedback to users by visualising data about their daily activities with the aim to motivate citizens to change their behaviour to reduce their CO2 emissions by adopting a healthier lifestyle. The value of the Smiling Earth for individuals, cities and communities is discussed. The feedback from an expert evaluation and how Smiling Earth could contribute to Positive Energy Districts are also discussed.
Degradation and Dependence Analysis of a Lithium-Ion Battery Pack in the Unbalanced State
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Li Shixiang , Wang Lizhi , Sun Yaning , Wang Zhongxing
Published: November 2020

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in the energy field due to their high efficiency and clean characteristics. They provide more possibilities for electric vehicles, drones, and other applications, and they can provide the higher requirements necessary for the reliability of battery pack systems. However, it is easy for a battery pack to be unbalanced because of the dependence between the cells. The unbalanced state will make the degradation process more complex and cause abnormal discharge parameters, which brings challenges in the analysis of the state of health (SOH) of battery packs. In order to study the degradation process in the unbalanced condition, in this study, a degradation test of four different configurations of battery packs was designed and implemented, and the degradation process was primarily studied from the perspective of dependence. First, the degradation characteristics and dependency degree of different configurations of the unbalanced state were discussed. Second, a hypothesis test and a linear regression analysis were used to analyze the degradation process and the acceleration effect of a battery pack in the unbalanced state. Finally, partial least squares regression was used to establish the dependence model of battery packs in the unbalanced state. A high regression coefficient (R2 > 0.9) and low p-value < 0.0001 indicated that the correlation of the degradation process was effectively quantified. The results provide a reference for optimizing a consistent design of battery packs and managing the SOH of battery packs.
A Laser-Based Heating System for Studying the Morphological Stability of Porous Ceria and Porous La0.6Sr0.4MnO3 Perovskite during Solar Thermochemical Redox Cycling
Authors: Lee Kangjae , Scheffe Jonathan R.
Published: November 2020

Thermochemical processes are considered promising pathways to utilize solar energy for fuel production. Several physico-chemical, kinetic and thermodynamic properties of candidate oxides have been studied, yet their morphological stability during redox cycling under radiative heating is not widely reported. Typically when it is reported, it is for large-scale directly irradiated reactors (~1–10 kWth) aimed at demonstrating high efficiency, or in indirectly irradiated receivers where the sample surface is not exposed directly to extreme radiative fluxes. In this work, we aimed to emulate heat flux conditions expected in larger scale solar simulators, but at a smaller scale where experimentation can be performed relatively rapidly and with ease compared to larger prototype reactors. To do so, we utilized a unique infrared (IR) laser-based heating system with a peak heat flux of 2300 kW/m2 to drive redox cycles of two candidate materials, namely nonstoichiometric CeO2-δ and La0.6Sr0.4MnO3-δ. In total, 200 temperature-swing cycles using a porous ceria pellet were performed at constant pO2, and 5 cycles were performed for both samples by introducing H2O vapor into the system during reduction. Porous ceria pellets with porosity (0.55) and pore size (4–7 μm) were utilized because of their similarity to other porous structures utilized in larger-scale reactors. Overall, we observed that reaction extents initially decreased along with the decrease in reaction rates up to cycle 120 because of the change in structure and sintering. In the case of H2O splitting, ceria outperformed LSM40 in total H2 production because of the low pO2 during oxidation, where the oxidation of LSM40 is less favorable than that of ceria.
Study and Simulation of a Wind Hydro Isolated Microgrid
Authors: Sebastián Rafael , Nevado Antonio
Published: November 2020

Isolated microgrids are microgrids which operate autonomously. This paper presents an isolated microgrid which combines a Hydraulic Turbine Generator (HTG) with a Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) to supply consumers forming a Wind Hydro Isolated Microgrid (WHIM). The WHIM includes a Dump Load (DL) to dissipate the active power excess. The WHIM has been modeled and its operation has been simulated in two modes: Wind-Hydro (WH), where both HTG and WTG supply power, and Wind-Only (WO) mode, where the WTG is the active power supplier and the HTG keeps connected to the grid with null power to generate the grid voltage. In WO, a fast frequency regulation is achieved by means of a controller which commands the DL to consume the WTG power excess. Additionally, the simulation of the mode transition from WO to WH, which is triggered by a system active power deficit in WO mode, is shown. A kick starting system designed to speed up the HTG power production improves the transient from WO to WH mode change. Finally, the simulations in WH mode show the interaction between the HTG and WTG. The two controls proposed have been proved effective and the simulations show a good WHIM dynamic performance.
The Impacts of Different Climate Change Scenarios on Visits toward the National Forest Park in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Wan-Yu , Huang Yen-Hsiang , Hsieh Chi-Ming
Published: November 2020

Many studies have shown that the weather greatly affects the tourist count. Understanding weather information, climate change, and how they influence the tourist count in different tourist seasons (peak season, second peak season, off season) can help park planners and managers to analyze the opportunities and risks caused by climate change. This study aimed to predict the visitor count through information on the number of visitors and the weather day for three tourist seasons in a 12-month period. The study was conducted in the Huisun Forest Park of Taiwan based on the peak season (February, July, August, and October), the second peak season (January, April, May, November, and December), and the off-season (March, June, and September), using weather factors and virtual factors (such as whether it is a weekend or not) to establish three multivariate regression models for predicting the daily visitor count. This study assessed the impact of climate change on the visitor count and analyzed possible scenarios of climate change using representative concentration pathways (RCPs), as stated in the fifth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The results of this study indicated that the impacts of weather factors on the visitor count is the same for the peak season and the off season. The temperature and relative humidity have a significant impact on the visitor count, and precipitation is not significant. In the second peak season, only the temperature has a significant impact on the visitor count. The relative humidity and precipitation are not significant. The temperature is the most influential factor in all three seasons, and has the highest influence on the peak season, followed by the low season, and then the second peak season. In addition, the number of visitors in Huisun Forest Park is on the rise, according to an analysis of various climate change scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, RCP8.5). The results of this study can be used as a reference by forest park managers and future researchers. It is noted that the results were based on the current economic and political situation. The worsening of the entire world situation could break the relationships.
Comparative Analysis Reveals the Metabolic Characteristics of Astringent Seeds of Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb) Hook) during Astringent Compounds Accumulation Stages
Authors: Chen Yu , Wu Yihan , Wu Chao , Lin Sizu
Published: November 2020

Research Highlights: The present study firstly reported the metabolic dynamics of astringent seed, a special type of abortion in Chinese fir, during the astringent material stages. The results provide a reference for further study on its occurrence mechanism and enrich the understanding of the plant seed developmental physiology. Background and Objectives: Astringent seed is a type of abortive phenomenon in Chinese fir, which significantly reduces the yield and quality of elite seeds for its high-incidence and indistinguishableness in seed orchard. Embryo defects can be observed in the astringent seed, accompanied with rapid accumulation of secondary metabolites. However, types of those metabolites in astringent seed, dynamic changes during seed growth process, and different accumulative characteristics compared to germinable seed have not been explained. Materials and Methods: Astringent and germinable seed samples were collected at four stages aim to determine the differences in their metabolic patterns. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) detection was used to generate the raw metabolic peaks. Bioinformatics statistical strategies were used to further investigation. Results: A total of 421 metabolites were screened and 112 metabolites were identified as the different expressive metabolites including 68 up-regulated and 44 down-regulated metabolites. Those different expressive metabolites were grouped into 26 classes. Flavone, flavonol, and amino acid derivatives compounds were the most varied metabolites. Four subcategories which could represent the diverse basic expressive patterns or accumulative activity in different sample groups were further clustered. Moreover, pathways related to biosynthesis/degradation/metabolism of flavonoid-like compounds, amino acid/nucleotides derivatives, zeatin, and IAA were clearly enriched. Conclusions: Significant metabolic differences were observed across and between astringent and germinable seeds 105 d after pollination. Massive accumulation of flavonoids-like compounds, significant reduction of amino acids/nucleotides and their derivatives, and the abnormal expression of phytohormones, lipids and other secondary metabolites are the main metabolic characteristics in astringent seeds.
Bubble Dynamics in a Narrow Gap Flow under the Influence of Pressure Gradient and Shear Flow
Authors: Reinke Peter , Ahlrichs Jan , Beckmann Tom , Schmidt Marcus
Published: November 2020

The volume-of-flow method combined with the Rayleigh–Plesset equation is well established for the computation of cavitation, i.e., the generation and transportation of vapor bubbles inside a liquid flow resulting in cloud, sheet or streamline cavitation. There are, however, limitations, if this method is applied to a restricted flow between two adjacent walls and the bubbles’ size is of the same magnitude as that of the clearance between the walls. This work presents experimental and numerical results of the bubble generation and its transportation in a Couette-type flow under the influence of shear and a strong pressure gradient which are typical for journal bearings or hydraulic seals. Under the impact of variations of the film thickness, the VoF method produces reliable results if bubble diameters are less than half the clearance between the walls. For larger bubbles, the wall contact becomes significant and the bubbles adopt an elliptical shape forced by the shear flow and under the influence of a strong pressure gradient. Moreover, transient changes in the pressure result in transient cavitation, which is captured by high-speed imaging providing material to evaluate transient, three-dimensional computations of a two-phase flow.
Functional Predictors for Home Discharge after Hip Fracture in Patients Living in Sloped Neighborhoods or Islands: An 8-Year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Suzuki Yuta , Maeda Noriaki , Ishibashi Naoki , Murakami Hiroaki , Morikawa Masanori , Sasadai Junpei , Shirakawa Taizan , Urabe Yukio
Published: November 2020

Functional predictors of home discharge after hip fractures have been widely reported; however, no study has considered the geographical features surrounding patients’ homes. This study aimed to identify home discharge predictors and determine the cutoff points required for home discharge of patients living in sloped neighborhoods or islands. A total of 437 postoperative hip fracture patients were included and classified into the flat, slope, and island groups according to their residential area before the fracture. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant home discharge predictors, and receiver-operating characteristic analysis to calculate cutoff values. In all the groups, the functional independence measure-motor score was a significant home discharge predictor, with cutoff values of 69 for the flat group and 65 points for the slope and island group. In the slope group, the 6-minute walking distance (odds ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.04) and revised Hasegawa dementia scale score (odds ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.12) were also identified as predictors, with cutoff values of 150 m and 18 points, respectively. The outcomes required for home discharge after hip fracture differ depending on the neighborhood terrain, especially for patients living in areas with many slopes and stairs.