bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
More than just money? Early outcomes of Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) College Promise Program
Authors: Escobar Claudia , Friedmann Elizabeth , Tovar Silvia
Published: October 2023

Promise programs have grown in popularity as a way to provide college tuition/fees and other student supports in the hopes of increasing college access and success. This chapter presents results from a comprehensive mixed‐methods evaluation of the Lake Tahoe Community College Promise Program. Using rich administrative data and interviews with students and alumni of the program, we find that promise students successfully completed two‐thirds of units attempted and persisted at higher rates in their first year compared to first‐time full‐time non‐promise students. We also find the program has high satisfaction levels among students and alumni who participated in interviews. This chapter provides additional insights into student outcomes, students’ experiences, and areas of refinement with the various components of the LTCC College Promise Program.
Metal‐Free Covalent Organic Frameworks for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Li Xuewen , Yang Shuai , Xu Qing
Published: October 2023

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the key reaction in metal air and fuel cells. Among the catalysts that promote ORR, carbon‐based metal‐free catalysts are getting more attention because of their maximum atom utilization, effective active sites and satisfactory catalytic activity and stability. However, the pyrolysis synthesis of these carbons resulted in disordered porosities and uncontrolled catalytic sites, which hindered us in realizing the catalysts’ design, the optimization of catalyst performance and the elucidation of structure–property relationship at the molecular level. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) constructed with designable building blocks have been employed as metal‐free electrocatalysts for the ORR due to their controlled skeletons, tailored pores size and environments, as well as well‐defined location and kinds of catalytic sites. In this Concept article, the development of metal‐free COFs for the ORR is summarized, and different strategies including skeletons regulation, linkages engineering and edge‐sites modulation to improve the catalytic selectivity and activity are discussed. Furthermore, this Concept provides prospectives for designing and constructing powerful electrocatalysts based on the catalytic COFs.
Synthesis of Functional Isosorbide‐Based Polyesters and Polyamides by Passerini Three‐Component Polymerization
Authors: Sun Xiaofei , Wang Chengliang , Zhang Xu , Zhang Yan , Wang Qingfu , Sun Jingjiang
Published: October 2023

Environmental issues are becoming more and more prominent, and bio‐based polymers are essential to alleviate environmental degradation by replacing traditional polymers. With this context, a new family of functional isosorbide‐based polyesters and polyamides with high glass transition temperature are prepared via Passerini‐Three component polymerization (P‐3CP). To optimize the P‐3CP conditions, the influence of the polymerization solvent, temperature, feed ratio on the molar mass of final polymers are investigated. The higher molar mass (up to 10100 g/mol) and yield (>70 %) are achieved under very mild conditions (30 °C, standard atmosphere). Functional side groups, such as alkenyl, alkynyl and methyl ester, were introduced into polymer structure via P‐3CP by using functional isocyanides. The obtained polyesters and polyamides are characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared (IR) spectroscopies, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). All polymers are thermal stable and amorphous with variable glass transition temperatures (Tg). The obtained polyester has Tg up to 87.5 °C, while the Tg of polyamides (ISPA‐2) is detected to be 97.5 °C depending on the amide bonds in the polymer backbone and the benzene ring side groups. The cytotoxicity is investigated by the CCK‐8 assay against mBMSC cells to confirm the biological safety. Overall, this novel strategy provides an efficient approach to produce functional isosorbide‐based polyesters and polyamides, which are promising prospect for being applied to biodegradable materials.
Risk factor profile and outcomes of premature acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention: A 1‐year prospective design
Authors: Fallahzadeh Aida , Mehraban Saghar , Mahmoodi Tara , Sheikhy Ali , Naderian Mohammadreza , Afsaneh Aein Phd , Rafiee Hamed , Mehrani Mehdi , Tajdini Masih , Masoud‐kabir Farzad , Sadeghian Saeed , Hosseini Kaveh
Published: October 2023

Background

The prevalence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) among young adults (premature ACS) has dramatically increased in recent years, especially in developing countries. Yet, the data on these patients' attributed risk factors and outcomes are inconsistent. In this study, we aimed to investigate these data in a cohort of premature ACS cases who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared to older patients.

Hypothesis

We hypothesize that premature ACS patients undergoing PCI will exhibit different risk factor profiles and outcomes compared to non‐premature patients. specifically, we anticipate that premature patients do not necessarily have better outcomes than non‐premature.

Methods

Overall, 3142 and 10 399 patients were included in premature and non‐premature groups, respectively. Patients' pre‐operative, post‐operative, and follow‐up data were retrieved retrospectively from the Tehran Heart Center PCI databank.

Results

The mean age of premature and non‐premature cohorts was 48.39 and 67 years, respectively. Patients were predominantly male in both groups. Family history of coronary artery disease (CAD), dyslipidemia, smoking, and opium addiction were more prevalent among the younger cohort. After adjustment, in‐hospital mortality in younger patients was considerably higher, with all‐cause mortality and major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) exhibiting no noticeable difference among the two groups.

Conclusions

Risk factor profile is different in young patients, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus, are more prevalent among older adults. Younger age is not equivalent to a better prognosis; hence, similar or even more caution should be taken into consideration regarding secondary prevention for these patients.
The 17th EFMC Short Course on Medicinal Chemistry on Small Molecule Protein Degraders
Authors: Ciulli Alessio , O'Connor Suzanne , Chung Chun‐Wa , Hartung Ingo V. , Testa Andrea , Daniels Danette L. , Heitman Laura H.
Published: October 2023

The 17th EFMC Short Course on Medicinal Chemistry took place April 23–26, 2023 in Oegstgeest, near Leiden in the Netherlands. It covered for the first time the exciting topic of Targeted Protein Degradation (full title: Small Molecule Protein Degraders: A New Opportunity for Drug Design and Development). The course was oversubscribed, with 35 attendees and 6 instructors mainly from Europe but also from the US and South Africa, and representing both industry and academia. This report summarizes the successful event, key lectures given and topics discussed.
Effect of Paricalcitol Combined with Cinacalcet on Calcium and Phosphorus Metabolism in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Zheng Feng‐yun , Tan Ya‐yin , Zhou Jia‐jun
Published: October 2023

This study was designed to compare the beneficial effects of paricalcitol combined with or without cinacalcet on calcium and phosphorus metabolism in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). A total of 140 patients who received MHD in our hospital from March 2021 to March 2022 were randomly divided into a control group (intravenous paricalcitol, n = 70) and a test group (intravenous paricalcitol combined with oral cinacalcet, n = 70). Clinical baseline data and relevant laboratory parameters before treatment were compared. Additionally, calcium, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone in serum were measured and compared between the 2 groups before treatment and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 12 months after treatment. As a result, comparison before treatment demonstrated no significant difference in baseline data such as age, sex, and most laboratory parameters between the 2 groups (P > .05), but there was a significant difference in mean corpuscular volume (P < .001). The serum phosphorus level decreased and calcium level increased significantly in the 2 groups after treatment, while the intact parathyroid hormone level showed no significant change within 12 months of treatment (P > .05). In addition, the combined treatment for 6‐12 months caused a much lower phosphorus level (P < .05) and higher calcium level (P < .05) than the treatment with paricalcitol alone, and the difference increased with the extension of treatment time. Collectively, paricalcitol combined with cinacalcet, which is more effective than paricalcitol alone, has a positive effect on calcium and phosphorus metabolism in patients receiving MHD.
Photo‐SABRE: Nuclear Spin Hyperpolarization of cis‐trans Photoswitchable Molecules by Parahydrogen**
Authors: Kiryutin Alexey S. , Kozinenko Vitaly P. , Yurkovskaya Alexandra V.
Published: October 2023

This work reports the 23000‐ and 9200‐fold enhancement of the 15N nuclear spin polarization of cis and trans isomers of azobenzene, correspondingly, as compared to the thermal NMR signals at 9.4 T by exploiting signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) and parahydrogen molecules at 400 nT simultaneously with light irradiation. Only cis‐azobenzene gains substantial hyperpolarization of its 15N spins directly from parahydrogen in SABRE through coherent polarization transfer. Consequently cis‐trans photoisomerization at ultralow magnetic field preserves the SABRE‐derived nuclear hyperpolarization of cis‐azobenzene resulting in hyperpolarization of trans‐azobenzene as well, despite its direct coordination with the SABRE Ir‐complex being sterically hindered. Moreover, the proposed approach, which we called photo‐SABRE, allows to hyperpolarize the long‐lived spin order of trans‐isomer 15N spins with a lifetime of about 25 minutes, which greatly exceeds their relaxation times at high (10 seconds) and low (200 seconds) magnetic field. Since this spin order in 15N2‐trans‐azobenzene is collectively formed by nuclei of different kinds, it can be detected by both 15N or 1H NMR spectroscopy.
Mitochondrial damage‐associated molecular patterns: A new insight into metabolic inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Jingwu , Tao Si‐Yu , Liang Zhengting , xie Rong , Liu Nan‐nan , Deng Ruxue , Zhang Yuelin , Deng Deqiang , Jiang Guangjian
Published: October 2023

The pathogenesis of diabetes is accompanied by increased levels of inflammatory factors, also known as “metabolic inflammation”, which runs through the whole process of the occurrence and development of the disease. Mitochondria, as the key site of glucose and lipid metabolism, is often accompanied by mitochondrial function damage in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Damaged mitochondria release pro‐inflammatory factors through damage‐related molecular patterns that activate inflammation pathways and reactions to oxidative stress, further aggravate metabolic disorders, and form a vicious circle. Currently, the pathogenesis of diabetes is still unclear, and clinical treatment focuses primarily on symptomatic intervention of the internal environment of disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism with limited clinical efficacy. The proinflammatory effect of mitochondrial damage‐associated molecular pattern (mtDAMP) in T2DM provides a new research direction for exploring the pathogenesis and intervention targets of T2DM. Therefore, this review covers the most recent findings on the molecular mechanism and related signalling cascades of inflammation caused by mtDAMP in T2DM and discusses its pathogenic role of it in the pathological process of T2DM to search potential intervention targets.
Association of plasma advanced glycation end‐products and their soluble receptor with type 2 diabetes among Chinese adults
Authors: Chen Liangkai , Wang Qiang , Lv Yanling , Xu Wenyuan , Jiang Guanhua , Li Yonggang , Luo Ping , He Ruikun , Liu Liegang
Published: October 2023

Aims

Population‐based evidence regarding circulating advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is conflicting and insufficient. We aimed to examine the association of plasma AGEs and plasma soluble receptors for AGEs (sRAGE) with T2D.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a hospital‐based case–control study including 1072 pairs (53.9 ± 9.7 years, 56.0% male) of newly diagnosed T2D and age‐ and sex‐matched controls. We further performed a nested case–control study within an ongoing prospective cohort consisting of 127 incident T2D cases and 381 well‐matched controls (62.2 ± 5.1 years, 71.7% male). Plasma AGEs were detected using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and plasma sRAGE was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of plasma AGEs and sRAGE concentrations with T2D.

Results

Higher plasma AGEs and lower sRAGE concentrations were associated with higher odds of T2D. The multivariable‐adjusted odds ratios of T2D comparing the highest with the lowest quartile levels were 3.28 (95% CI: 2.14, 5.02) for plasma AGEs and 0.25 (95% CI: 0.16, 0.39) for plasma sRAGE. Participants in the highest quartile of plasma AGEs and the lowest quartile of sRAGE concentrations had the greatest odds of T2D. The positive association of AGEs and inverse association of sRAGE with T2D risk was confirmed in the replication‐nested case–control study.

Conclusions

Increased circulating AGEs and decreased sRAGE concentrations were associated with elevated T2D risk. Our findings may have implications for the strategies of T2D prevention and management.
Accelerometry reveals limits to use of an energy‐saving anthropogenic food source by a threatened species: A case of Carnaby's cockatoos (Zanda latirostris) and canola
Authors: Riley Karen J. , Warren Kristin , Armstrong Nicola , Yeap Lian , Dawson Rick , Mawson Peter R. , Saunders Denis A. , Cooper Christine E. , Shephard Jill M.
Published: October 2023

The use of anthropogenic resources is becoming increasingly common as species adapt to human‐induced environmental changes, but their use can expose species to new risks. Understanding how animals exploit these resources is important for guiding conservation management, particularly where species are threatened. The introduction of canola cropping to breeding areas of endangered Carnaby's cockatoo (Zanda latirostris) has been attributed to an increase in the birds' reproductive success; however, the seed may be protein‐limiting for nestling growth and its use by cockatoos has been implicated in the emergence of a new disease. We used high‐resolution accelerometer‐capable GPS tags to track eight birds. Accelerometer data were used to calculate overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA), a proxy for energy expenditure, and to identify and quantify canola and native vegetation foraging behaviours. We used linear mixed models to determine which factors affected patterns of resource use and to determine whether, and to what extent, canola use was associated with reduced energetic and movement costs. We then compared the energetic content of canola seed and native food sources to inform patterns of behaviour and habitat use revealed by our tracking data. Use of canola was associated with reduced movement costs and energy expenditure. However, there was an apparent reluctance to increase foraging on canola above a threshold of time, even when conditions reduced time available to utilise native food sources. While anthropogenic resources may appear to improve population trends in some cases, careful investigations of patterns of resource use are necessary to guide appropriate conservation management efforts. For Carnaby's cockatoos, conservation efforts should focus on retention, protection and expansion of native food sources.
Grazing intensity effects on herbaceous community composition in burned sagebrush steppe
Authors: Bates Jonathan D. , Davies Kirk W.
Published: October 2023

There is limited knowledge of grazing impacts on longer term plant community dynamics following fire in sagebrush steppe. This study evaluated vegetation response to different intensities of deferred rotation cattle grazing over 16 years (2007–2022) on burned Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis (Beetle & Young) Welsh) steppe in eastern Oregon. Treatments were applied in a randomized complete block, which included no grazing on burned (nonuse, n = 5) and unburned (control, n = 5) steppe; and cattle grazing at low (low, n = 4), moderate (moderate, n = 4), and high (high, n = 4) intensities on burned steppe. Vegetation dynamics were evaluated by repeated measures analysis of canopy cover and density of shrub and herbaceous species and functional groups. Herbaceous functional groups were an early‐season bunchgrass (one species, Sandberg bluegrass [Poa secunda J. Presl]), tall perennial bunchgrasses, perennial forbs, annual grass (one species, cheatgrass [Bromus tectorum L.]), and annual forbs. Tall perennial bunchgrass, Sandberg bluegrass, and perennial forb cover and density did not differ among the treatments but did decrease over time in all treatments. The cover of several tall bunchgrass species was generally less in the high treatment, mainly, Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis Elmer) and Thurber's needlegrass (Achnatherum thurberianum (Piper) Barkworth). The cover of cheatgrass and annual forbs varied among years but was greater in the burned‐grazed and nonuse treatments than in the control. Native plant cover in the burned treatments (grazed and nonuse) represented 77%–85% of total herbaceous cover versus the control where native plants comprised 91% of the total. Annual weather variability appears to account for most of the compositional dynamics measured in the various grazed and ungrazed treatments.
Cardiovascular events, mortality, early retirement and costs in >50 000 persons with chronic heart failure in Sweden
Authors: Steen Carlsson Katarina , Faurby Mads , Nilsson Kristoffer , Wolden Michael Lyng
Published: October 2023

Aims

We aimed to examine cardiovascular events (stroke and myocardial infarction [MI]), mortality, early retirement and economic costs over 5 years in people with chronic heart failure (CHF) and matched controls in Sweden.

Methods and results

Individuals (aged ≥16 years) living in Sweden on 1 January 2012 were identified in an existing database. Individuals with CHF were propensity score matched to controls without CHF by birth year, sex and educational status. We analysed risks of stroke, MI, mortality and early retirement, and compared direct costs (inpatient care, outpatient care and drug costs) and indirect costs (work absence). After matching, there were 53 520 individuals in each cohort. In each cohort, mean age was 69.0 years (standard deviation 8.2), and 29.7% of individuals were women. People with CHF were significantly more likely than controls to experience stroke (hazard ratio 1.46 [95% confidence interval 1.38–1.56]) and MI (1.61 [1.51–1.71]). All‐cause mortality was nearly three‐fold higher (2.89 [2.80–2.98]) and the likelihood of early retirement was more than three‐fold higher (3.69 [3.08–4.42]). Total mean annual costs per person were €9663 (standard error 38) for people with CHF, of which 53% were direct costs, and €2845 (standard error 19) for controls, of which 40% were direct costs. In people with CHF, inpatient costs comprised 78% of total annual mean direct costs over follow‐up, outpatient costs contributed 15% and drug costs contributed 8%. In controls, the corresponding proportions were 71%, 18% and 11%.

Conclusions

CHF has a considerable impact on the risk of cardiovascular events and death, early retirement and economic costs. Inpatient admissions and work absence are major contributors to economic costs.
Uric acid is a biomarker for heart failure, but not therapeutic target: result from a comprehensive meta‐analysis
Authors: Qin Shiwei , Xiang Meilin , Gao Lei , Cheng Xiaocheng , Zhang Dongying
Published: October 2023

Aims

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to investigate the association between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and the incidence rate and prognosis of heart failure (HF), as well as the impact of uric acid‐lowering treatment on HF patients.

Methods and results

PubMed and Embase were searched for original articles reporting on the association between SUA and HF incidence, adverse outcomes, and the effect of uric acid‐lowering treatment in HF patients. Data were pooled using random effects or fixed effects models. Univariable meta‐regression analysis assessed the influence of study characteristics on research outcomes. Statistical analyses were conducted using RevMan software and STATA software version 15.0. Eleven studies on HF incidence and 24 studies on adverse outcomes in HF patients were included. Higher SUA levels were associated with an increased risk of HF (RR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.53–2.16), all‐cause mortality (RR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.25–1.66), cardiac death (RR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.32–1.84), and HF rehospitalization (RR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.37–3.13) in HF patients. Uric acid‐lowering treatment was found to increase all‐cause mortality in HF patients (RR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.05–1.25).

Conclusions

Uric acid is an independent predictor of heart failure occurrence and adverse prognosis. Targeting uric acid lowering as a therapeutic intervention does not improve the prognosis of patients with heart failure. It may not be advisable to use traditional urate‐lowering drugs in young patients with heart failure, and elderly patients should exercise caution when using them.
Biochemical and biophysical properties of a rare TTRA81V mutation causing mild transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sha Qiuyan , Zhang Yanli , Wang Mengdie , Sun Jialu , Zhang Yunlong , Zhang Xinxin , Wang Ning , Liu Yu , Liu Ying
Published: October 2023

Aims

We conducted a presentation on an 84‐year‐old male patient who has been diagnosed with TTRA81V (p. TTRA101V) hereditary transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (hATTR‐CM). In order to establish its pathogenicity, we extensively investigated the biochemical and biophysical properties of the condition.

Methods and results

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR‐CM) is an increasingly acknowledged progressive infiltrative cardiomyopathy that leads to heart failure and potentially fatal arrhythmias. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the biochemical and biophysical characteristics of genetically mutated TTR proteins serves as the fundamental cornerstone for delivering precise medical care to individuals affected by ATTR. Laboratory assessments indicated a brain natriuretic peptide of 200.12 ng/L (normal range: 0–100 ng/L) and high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin I of 0.189 μg/L (normal range: 0–0.1 μg/L). Echocardiography identified left atrial enlargement, symmetrical left ventricular hypertrophy (16 mm septal and 16 mm posterior wall), and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 56%. Cardiac‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed subendocardial late gadolinium enhancement. Tc‐99m‐PYP nuclear scintigraphy confirmed grade 3 myocardial uptake, showing an increased heart‐to‐contralateral ratio (H/CL = 2.33). Genetic testing revealed a heterozygous missense mutation in the TTR gene (c.302C>T), resulting in an alanine‐to‐valine residue change (p. Ala81Val, following the first 20 residues of signal sequence nomenclature). Biochemical analysis of this variant displayed compromised kinetic stability in both the TTRA81V:WT (wild‐type) heterozygote protein (half‐life, t1/2 = 21 h) and the TTRA81V homozygote protein (t1/2 = 17.5 h). The kinetic stability fell between that of the TTRWT (t1/2 = 42 h) and the early‐onset TTRL55P mutation (t1/2 = 4.4 h), indicating the patient's late‐onset condition. Kinetic stabilizers (Tafamidis, Diflunisal, and AG10) all exhibited the capacity to inhibit TTRA81V acid‐ and mechanical force‐induced fibril formation, albeit less effectively than with TTRWT. Chromatographic assessment of the patient's serum TTR tetramers indicated a slightly lower concentration (3.0 μM) before oral administration of Tafamidis compared with the normal range (3.6–7.2 μM).

Conclusions

We identified a patient with hATTR‐CM who possesses a rare TTRA81V mutation solely associated with cardiac complications. The slightly reduced kinetic stability of this mutation indicates its late‐onset nature and contributes to the gradual progression of the disease.
Serum apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A‐I ratio predicts mortality in patients with heart failure
Authors: Li Shiyang , Xie Xiaoshuang , Zeng Xiaobin , Wang Shihai , Lan Jianjun
Published: October 2023

Aims

Apolipoproteins have been reported to be involved in many cardiovascular diseases. The aim of our study was to investigate the prognostic value of apolipoprotein B (ApoB) to apolipoprotein A‐I (ApoA‐I) ratio (ApoB/ApoA‐I) in patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods and results

We randomly assigned 2400 HF patients into the training cohort (n = 1400) and the validation cohort (n = 1000). Using a receiver operating characteristic curve, we identified the optimal cut‐off value of the ApoB/ApoA‐I in the training cohort as 0.69, which was further validated in the validation cohort. A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted to eliminate the imbalance in the baseline characteristics of the high and low ApoB/ApoA‐I group. A total of 2242 HF patients were generated in the PSM cohort. We also validated our results with an independent cohort (n = 838). Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to explore the independent prognostic value of ApoB/ApoA‐I in the training cohort (n = 1400), the validation cohort (n = 1000), the PSM cohort (n = 2242), and the independent cohort (n = 838). Patients with high ApoB/ApoA‐I ratio had significantly poorer prognosis compared with those with low ApoB/ApoA‐I ratio in the training cohort, the validation cohort, the PSM cohort, and the independent cohort (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that the ApoB/ApoA‐I was an independent prognostic factor for HF in the training cohort [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.637, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.201–2.231, P = 0.002], the validation cohort (HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.051–2.257, P = 0.027), the PSM cohort (HR = 1.645, 95% CI = 1.273–2.125, P < 0.001), and the independent cohort (HR = 1.987, 95% CI = 1.251–3.155, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Serum ApoB/ApoA‐I ratio is an independent predictor for the prognosis of HF patients.
Deep learning and knowledge graph for image/video captioning: A review of datasets, evaluation metrics, and methods
Authors: Wajid Mohammad Saif , Terashima‐Marin Hugo , Najafirad Peyman , Wajid Mohd Anas
Published: October 2023

Generating an image/video caption has always been a fundamental problem of Artificial Intelligence, which is usually performed using the potential of Deep Learning Methods, Computer Vision, Knowledge Graphs, and Natural Language Processing (NLP). The significant task of image/video captioning is to describe visual content in terms of natural language. Due to a semantic gap, this presents a massive problem in understanding and explaining images or videos syntactically and semantically. The current systems need somewhere to fill the gap between low‐level and high‐level features while mapping. Therefore, to tackle this problem, there is a need to describe the latest research and methods to overcome difficulties and to propose effective solutions. This work thoroughly analyses and investigates the most related methods (deep learning and knowledge graph‐based approaches), benchmark datasets, and evaluation metrics with their benefits and limitations. Here we have also reviewed the state‐of‐the‐art methods related to image/video captioning and their applications in the current scenario. Finally, we provide thorough information on existing research with comparisons of results on benchmark datasets. We have also mentioned the existing challenges and future direction of research.
Assessment of electrical power generation in various regions of Nepal through solar organic Rankine cycle technology
Authors: Baral Suresh
Published: October 2023

The utilization of solar organic Rankine cycle (ORC) technology in Nepal shows promise due to its ample solar radiation. This technology should be harnessed for the purpose of generating solar energy. The academic version of engineering equation solver was used to develop simulation models, which predict the potential of solar ORC power generation across the country. The study is limited to areas with solar irradiance of 5.5 kWh/m2/day and excludes certain regions. The installation of the plant requires open land with access to water, and a 10 km2 land area was considered for the solar collector. The working fluids for the solar ORC plant are R245fa, R11, and R123. The simulation results showed a maximum overall system efficiency of 6.8%. The power output for various districts was also simulated, with Jumla having the highest power output, followed by Baitadi and Surkhet. The power output for different temperatures (90–120°C) using R245fa as the working fluid was 270, 320, 350, and 380 MW. Additionally, the study determined the cost of electricity production for the system with working fluids. The cost of electricity production was found to be 164.11$/MWh, and the levelized cost of electricity ranged from 220–265$/MWh. The payback period for the investment varies from 18 to 12 years with an internal rate of return of over 10%. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to ascertain the feasible investment strategies for the solar ORC system. Therefore, the study concludes that a solar ORC plant is technically feasible in Nepal for electrical power generation, with promising potential for clean energy generation.
Fabrication of highly selective hollow fiber membranes based on P84/PES blends for CO2/CH4 separation
Authors: Qiu Wei , Dai Jing , Wang Huajiang , Cui Zhaoliang , Wang Zhaohui , Wang Xiaozu
Published: October 2023

In this study, the aim was to purify CH4, an efficient and renewable clean energy source, which often contains CO2 that needs to be removed to improve its combustion efficiency. To achieve this, hybrid hollow fiber membranes were developed using BTDA‐TDI/MDI (P84) and polyethersulfone (PES) through a dry jet‐wet spinning process. The effects of different parameters, including core liquid composition, solidification bath composition and temperature, spinneret temperature, and air gap distance, were studied to optimize membrane structure, morphology, and CO2/CH4 separation performance. The P84/PES hollow fiber membrane obtained through this process demonstrated good CO2/CH4 separation performance, with CO2 permeation of 2.12 GPU and a selectivity of 51.23. To further improve the membrane's performance, a coating of poly(ether block‐amide) (PEBA) was applied to the P84/PES hollow fiber membrane. This modification resulted in a P84/PES‐PEBA hollow fiber membrane with increased CO2 affinity due to the polar poly(ethylene oxide) groups of PEBA. The P84/PES‐PEBA hollow fiber membrane exhibited high selectivity of 56.5 and CO2 permeance of 1.42 GPU at 25°C.
Global mathematical correlations for heat pipe and nanofluid based thermal energy storage system: Dimensional analysis approach
Authors: Kalbande Vednath P. , Vinchurkar Shilpa , Nandanwar Yogesh N. , Verma Shashi Kant , Walke Pramod
Published: October 2023

This research article presents the development of a mathematical model for a nanofluid‐based thermal energy storage (TES) system. The main objective of the study is to establish global correlations among various performance parameters of the TES system. The TES system considered in this research employs Al2O3/Soybean oil as the heat transfer fluid (HTF), and heat pipes are integrated to enhance heat transfer between the HTF and the phase change material. The mathematical model developed in this study is based on the Buckingham‐pi theorem. The derived correlations encompass the Nusselt number, stored energy, and thermal efficiency. Validation of the model is conducted for the Nusselt number, and a regression analysis is performed to assess the accuracy level of the mathematical model. Using the derived mathematical models, several key parameters of the TES unit are calculated. The convective heat transmission coefficient is determined to be 364.07 W/m2K, indicating the efficiency of heat transfer within the system. The thermal efficiency is found to be 89.10%, which provides insights into the overall effectiveness of the TES unit. Additionally, the thermal storage capacity of the TES unit is calculated as 3425.68 kJ, representing the amount of energy that can be stored and retrieved by the system. By equating the dimensions of variables within an equation, it becomes possible to deduce the relationship between the unknown parameters and the known quantities. This enables estimation of the unknown parameters even when direct measurements are unavailable, thereby providing a useful method for obtaining crucial information in data‐limited scenarios.
Design and fast uptake of fluoride using hybrid biopolymers encapsulated magnetic hydroxyapatite beads
Authors: Jeyaseelan Antonysamy , Viswanathan Natrayasamy , Kumar Ilango Aswin , Karami Abdulnasser M.
Published: October 2023

Hydroxyapatite is the one of the promising defluoridating material. For easy separation and to enhance defluoridation capacity (DC), magnetic iron oxide cum β‐cyclodextrin functionalized hydroxyapatite was prepared and because of its powder form it cannot be used in column studies. To make functionalized magnetic hydroxyapatite in usable bead form it was encapsulated using hybrid biopolymers chitosan and gelatin named as magnetic iron oxide/gelatin‐chitosan/hydroxyapatite/β‐cyclodextrin (MGCHC) composite beads were fabricated and utilized for rapid fluoride removal. The obtained MGCHC hybrid beads exhibited DC of 4985 mgF− kg−1 within 30 min. In co‐anions studies, Cl−, SO42− and NO3− had little influence on fluoride adsorption, whereas HCO3− had major influence on fluoride adsorption. The isotherm and kinetic data of MGCHC beads toward fluoride removal was effectively portrayed with Langmuir and pseudo‐second order model respectively. Defluoridation mechanism of MGCHC beads were mainly followed by electrostatic attraction, ion‐exchange and complexation. This investigation using MGCHC beads affords cost‐effective and eco‐friendly for fluoride removal which gives a practicable way for the fluoride treatment from field water.
A three‐dimensional analytical model based on Gaussian distribution for wind‐turbine wakes
Authors: Ling Ziyan , Zhao Zhenzhou , Liu Yige , Liu Huiwen , Ma Yuanzhuo , Wang Tongguang , Wang Dingding
Published: October 2023

A Gaussian‐shaped, three‐dimensional (3DG‐k) wake model is proposed considering the shear wind effect. The model defines the wake radius rw to be equal to twice the Gaussian standard deviation σ and establishes a link with the expansion coefficient k of the physical wake boundary to describe the wake boundary. Garrad Hassan (GH) wind tunnel test data, Shiren wind farm measurement data, Nibe wind farm measurement data, and Vestas V80‐2MW wind turbine computational data by large eddy simulation method are used to validate the accuracy of the 3DG‐k, Jensen, 3D Gaussian (3DG), and 3D cosine (3D‐C) models. Results show that the 3DG‐k model exhibits higher accuracy for the four cases compared to other models. Due to its simplicity and universality, the model can be used for layout optimization and wake control of wind farms.
How ideas shape the EU's climate policy: Moving toward the sufficiency paradigm for the EU ETS
Authors: Wennick Daniel
Published: October 2023

This article examines the paradigm shifts in the European Union's (EU's) climate policy from 2009 to 2022 looking closer at the main policy instrument of EU's climate policy, the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The paradigm shifts of the EU ETS are linked to the climate policy paradigms prometheanism/growth unlimited (PGU), ecological modernization (EM), and sufficiency. The question of how ideas have shaped EU climate policy and the EU ETS in the past decade is answered, with the establishment of the EM paradigm and moving toward the sufficiency paradigm. There is a need for more research looking closer at how this paradigm shift impacts legislation for climate policy going forward.
Low‐carbon economic optimization method for integrated energy systems based on life cycle assessment and carbon capture utilization technologies
Authors: Li Mingwei , Qin Jingrao , Han Ziyuan , Niu Qunfeng
Published: October 2023

Integrated energy system (IES) is one of the ways to realize energy saving and emission reduction. Facing the crisis of fossil energy depletion and the challenge of global warming, low‐carbon technology and market economic guidance mechanism have an important impact on the low‐carbon operation of integrated energy system (IES). In this study, IES with carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technology is established, the carbon emission model based on life cycle theory is built for the input energy and energy system of IES, and the ladder carbon trading mechanism is considered in the market economy to establish the low‐carbon economic optimization model of IESs. A system combining carbon capture technology and power to gas can effectively consume new energy sources and provide energy dispatch flexibility. The ability to capture greenhouse gases generated by energy units reduces the system's carbon emissions. Based on the IES low carbon economy model, the model is analyzed with examples to analyze the correlation between different carbon trading prices and IES low carbon economy transport. We analyze the impact of CCU technology inputs on the low‐carbon nature of IES. The study proposes an IES dispatching model based on life cycle assessment and CCU technology to provide a new strategy for the operation of IESs and a new method for other energy systems to reduce low carbon emissions.
Design and performance analysis of hot side heat sink of thermoelectric cooler device based on simulation and experiment
Authors: Xu Zhinan , Li Cheng , Zhao Huadong , Zheng Yanping , Zhang Jingshuang
Published: October 2023

As for improving the heat diversion capacity of the hot side heat sink of the thermoelectric cooler (TEC), thereby improving the operational performance of the TEC, this study designed a type of double‐embedded flat heat pipe (EFHP) finned heat sink and compared with a standard aluminum (Al) heat sink. In experimental studies, TEC under two heat sinks were placed under different operating currents for heat transfer analysis and performance comparison. The experimental results demonstrated that the EFHP heat sink had better heat diversion ability, effectively improving the operational performance of TEC. When the TEC was input with a current of 6A, the thermal resistance of the double EFHP finned heat sink decreased by 19% compared to the Al heat sink; cooling capacity and coefficient of performance increased by 8.3% and 9.46%, respectively. Further, TEC's cold and hot surface temperatures decreased by 10.83% and 10.2%, respectively, and the heat uniformity of the heat sink improved. In addition, the CFD software Icepak was used to analyze the effects of double flat heat pipe spacing and length on the heat sink and TEC and the performance of two heat sinks and TEC under different heat dissipation conditions and obtained good agreement. This study can provide further guidance and assistance in designing the TEC cooling system.
Optimizing UAV computation offloading via MEC with deep deterministic policy gradient
Authors: Abbasi Ahmed Bashir , Hadi Muhammad Usman
Published: October 2023

Mobile edge computing (MEC) seems to be highly efficient to process the generated data from IoT devices by providing computational resources locating in close range to network edge. MEC can be promising in reduction of latency and consumption of energy from data transmissions from offloading computational tasks from IoT devices to nearby edge servers. In the context of the growing IoT ecosystem, there is an increasing need for efficient data processing and communication strategies. There is a demand of bridging the gap in current research with novel optimization algorithms tailored for UAV‐assisted MEC systems, shedding light on the necessity of efficient computation offloading in meeting the demands of the IoT era. In this article, a computation offloading optimization algorithm is proposed which is based on deep deterministic policy gradient for realistic Aurelia X6 Pro unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)‐assisted MEC systems. The proposed algorithm optimizes the offloading decision for UAVs by taking task characteristics and the communication environment into consideration. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, comprehensive simulations were conducted, and the results indicate substantial improvements in MEC systems' competency. Our research not only showcases the feasibility of deep deterministic policy gradient in UAV‐assisted MEC systems but also highlights the importance of developing efficient computation offloading strategies for the evolving landscape of IoT and edge computing.
Spectral composition of LED light differentially affects biomass, photosynthesis, nutrient profile, and foliar nitrate accumulation of lettuce grown under various replacement methods of nutrient solution
Authors: Soufi Hamid Reza , Roosta Hamid Reza , Fatehi Foad , Ghorbanpour Mansour
Published: October 2023

To enhance crop yield and quality, plant cultivation in controlled‐growing systems is an alternative to traditional open‐field farming. The use of light‐emitting diode (LED) as an adjustable light source represents a promising approach to improve plant growth, metabolism, and function. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of different light spectra (red, red/blue (3:1), blue, and white) with an emission peak of around 656, 656, 450, and 449 nm, respectively, under various replacement methods of nutrient solution (complete replacement (CR), EC‐based replacement (ECBR), and replacing based on plant needs (RBPN)), on biomass, physiological traits, and macro‐ and micronutrient contents of two best‐known lettuce varieties, Lollo Rossa (LR) and Lollo Bionda (LB), in the nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system. The results indicated that mix of red and blue LED spectra under RBPN method is the most effective treatment to enhance fresh and dry weights of lettuce plants. In addition, red LED spectrum under RBPN, and red and blue light under ECBR nutrient solution significantly increased leaf stomatal conductance, net photosynthesis and transpiration rate, and intercellular CO2 concentration of LR variety. Phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mn) content in LR variety, and iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) content in both varieties increased upon exposure to blue and red LED light spectrum with RBPN method. Our results suggest that exposure to combination of red and blue light along with feeding plants using RBPN and ECBR methods can increase absorption of macro‐ and micronutrient elements and improve photosynthetic properties, and eventually increase lettuce yield with lower nitrate accumulation.
Application of Manuka honey in treatment patients with GERD
Authors: Gośliński Michał , Nowak Dariusz , Mindykowski Roman , Kulewski Wojciech , Popławski Cezary
Published: October 2023

Gastro‐esophageal reflux disease has systematically increase in Western countries over recent years. Health benefits of Manuka honey allows to use it for medical purposes, for example reduction of inflammation of gastrointestinal mucosa. Thus, the aim of research was the application of Manuka honey in treatment patients with Gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The study was conducted on a group of 30 patients, which consumed Manuka honey or placebo for a period of 4 weeks. The gastroscopy and histology has been made twice, that is before and after experiment. Furthermore, the symptoms reports and nutritional interviews have been collected. The endoscopical examination showed that in Manuka group the improvement was 73.3%. In the sub‐groups of esophagitis‐A and esophagitis‐B the improvement rate was 81.8%, and 50%, respectively. However, in the placebo group, the general improvement rate was much lower. The results have been confirmed in the histopathological examination. Moreover, it is worth noticing, that in sub‐group declaring non‐medication, the improvement was only for patients consuming Manuka honey. Changes of symptoms in subjective assessment of patients were evaluated after 2 and 4 weeks. The improvement rate in Manuka group was 86.7% and 100%, while in Placebo group it was only 26.7% and 40%, respectively. Manuka honey seems to be effective in GERD, which have been confirmed by subjective feelings of patients and by endoscopic and histopathologic examination. Our research is a pilot study before administration of Manuka honey to larger population. The results are promising and may facilitate the quality of life of patients with GERD.
Integrated Taguchi and response surface methods in geometric and parameter optimization of PEM fuel cells
Authors: Ngetich Christabel C. , Mutua James , Kareru Patrick , Karanja Kabini , Wanjiru Evan
Published: October 2023

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell has emerged as a promising alternative to fossil fuels as it is employed to generate electricity for portable applications with low carbon emissions. However, the high cost of the technology hinders its widespread commercialization. Optimizing PEM fuel cell model parameters is crucial in performance improvement and production cost reduction. This study presents an optimization approach for a PEM fuel cell operating and design parameters by integrating Taguchi and Response Surface Methodology. A 3D‐CFD model of a PEM fuel cell is developed and used as a base model for the optimization study. Thirteen input parameters with notable effects on the fuel cell's performance are selected for this study. By the Taguchi method, these parameters decreased from thirteen to five. A response surface methodology (RSM) Box‐Behnken experimental design is employed to study the interactions of the parameters on the power density. The optimum working parameters that result in optimum power density of 0.8476 W cm−2include an operating pressure (2.5 bar), temperature (80°C), flow channel width (1.30 mm), membrane thickness (0.036 mm), and catalyst layer thickness of 0.01 mm. This study provides a quick and efficient way of optimizing PEM fuel cell model for maximum power density.