bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 vaccination in the mass vaccination center: clinical practice and effectiveness analysis
Authors: Fan Jie , Zhu Ling , Wu Xiaohua , Luo Chunyu , Huang Ailong , Wang Wei
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Mass vaccination campaigns can rapidly increase the vaccination rate for the COVID-19 vaccine, the establishment of mass vaccination centers is indispensable. At the beginning of March 2021, China began to carry out COVID-19 vaccination activities nationwide. Here, we aimed to evaluate the criteria established by mass vaccination centers, COVID-19 vaccination experience, the incidence of adverse events following immunization and opinions.

Methods

We describe the layout and functioning of Nan’an District mass vaccination center, the working mechanism, experience and effectiveness. Distribution of COVID-19 vaccine vaccination and adverse events following immunization reported in the mass vaccination center of Nan’an District were evaluated.

Results

From March 26, 2021 to April 28, 2022, the mass vaccination center has inoculated about 381,364 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to the population. The study found that the incidence of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) was very low (1.04/100000). The chances of having AEFI were significantly higher in COVID-19 vaccine (CHO cell) than COVID-19 vaccine (Vero cell).

Conclusion

The mass vaccination center was running successfully. It was effective and safe, providing vaccination services and increasing COVID-19 vaccination rates among the population. The experience of the mass vaccination center for COVID-19 in China can provide a reference for other countries and regions to carry out COVID-19 vaccination.
Trends in the rate of regular exercise among adults: results from chronic disease and risk factor surveillance from 2010 to 2018 in Jiangsu, China
Authors: Su Jian , Yu Jinxin , Qin Yu , Tao Ran , Yang Jie , Lu Shurong , Zhou Jinyi , Wu Ming
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aims of this study were to estimate the rates of regular exercise and its trends among the adult population in Jiangsu, from 2010 to 2018, China, and to assess associations with sociodemographic factors.

Methods

Chronic disease and risk factor surveillance data from adults aged ≥18 years were gathered in Jiangsu Province from 2010 to 2018. Rates of regular exercise were calculated after post-stratification weighting, and time trends were compared among participants with different characteristics, including gender, age, urban–rural region, educational level, occupation, annual household income, body mass index (BMI), baseline self-reported chronic diseases, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and region. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations of sociodemographic characteristics with regular exercise.

Results

A total of 33,448 participants aged 54.05 ± 14.62 years and 55.4% female (8,374 in 2010, 8,302 in 2013, 8,372 in 2015, and 8,400 in 2018) were included in this study. The weighted rate of regular exercise was 12.28% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.11–15.45%) in 2010 and 21.47% (95% CI, 17.26–25.69%) in 2018, showing an overall increasing trend (P for trend = 0.009). Nevertheless, stratification analysis showed that the regular exercise rate decreased from 33.79% in 2010 to 29.78% in 2018 among retired adults. Significant associations were observed between regular exercise and age >45 years (45– < 60 years, odds ratio [OR]: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.14–1.34; ≥60 years, OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.08–1.34), urban residence (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.32–1.54), higher education (primary, OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.16–1.46; secondary, OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.79–2.25; college or higher, OR: 3.21, 95% CI: 2.77–3.72), occupation (manual work, OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.33–1.73; non-manual work, OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.54–1.85; not working, OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.03–1.44; retired, OR: 2.94, 95% CI: 2.61–3.30), higher income (¥30,000– < ¥60,000, OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.06–1.28; ≥¥60,000, OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.10–1.32), higher BMI (overweight, OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.05–1.20), self-reported chronic disease at baseline (OR: 1.24, 95% CI:1.16–1.33), former smoking (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.01–1.31) and ever (30 days ago) drinking (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.11–1.29).

Conclusion

The rate of regular exercise among adults in Jiangsu Province was low, but this rate increased by 9.17% from 2010 to 2018, showing an upward trend. There were differences in the rate of regular exercise among different sociodemographic factors.
A global bibliometric analysis of intimate partner violence in the field of HIV/AIDS: implications for interventions and research development
Authors: Nguyen Tham Thi , Ha Lilian , Nguyen Long Hoang , Vu Linh Gia , Do Hoa Thi , Boyer Laurent , Fond Guillaume , Auquier Pascal , Latkin Carl A. , Ho Cyrus S. H. , Ho Roger C. M.
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to explore the research landscape of intimate partner violence (IPV)—harm-induced behavior in an intimate relationship and HIV/AIDS to determine lessons learnt and gaps that may be filled by future research. Publications related to IPV, and HIV/AIDS published from 1997 to 2019 were collected from Web of Science (WoS). STATA and VOSviewer software tools were used for bibliometric analysis. Content analysis, common topics, and the map of co-occurrence terms were structured by Latent Dirichlet allocation and VOSviewer software tool. 941 studies were included. Factors associated with domestic violence and interventions to reduce IPV were the two most common themes. Meanwhile, mental health illness among pregnant women affected by HIV and IPV, and HIV-risk among youth suffering from IPV have not received adequate attention. We suggest that more research focusing on adolescents and pregnant women affected by HIV and IPV. In addition, the development of collaborative networks between developed and developing countries should also be addressed.
Patient experience with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a nationally representative demonstration study on quality and cost of healthcare services
Authors: Ghamari Seyyed-Hadi , Mohebi Farnam , Abbasi-Kangevari Mohsen , Peiman Soheil , Rahimi Besharat , Ahmadi Naser , Farzi Yousef , Seyfi Shahedeh , Shahbal Nazila , Modirian Mitra , Azmin Mehrdad , Zokaei Hossein , Khezrian Maryam , Sherafat Roya , Malekpour Mohammad-Reza , Roshani Shahin , Rezaei Negar , Fallahi Mohammad Javad , Shoushtari Maryam Haddadzadeh , Akbaripour Zahra , Khatibzadeh Shahab , Shahraz Saeid
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Due to insufficient data on patient experience with healthcare system among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly in developing countries, this study attempted to investigate the journey of patients with COPD in the healthcare system using nationally representative data in Iran.

Methods

This nationally representative demonstration study was conducted from 2016 to 2018 using a novel machine-learning based sampling method based on different districts’ healthcare structures and outcome data. Pulmonologists confirmed eligible participants and nurses recruited and followed them up for 3  months/in 4 visits. Utilization of various healthcare services, direct and indirect costs (including non-health, absenteeism, loss of productivity, and time waste), and quality of healthcare services (using quality indicators) were assessed.

Results

This study constituted of a final sample of 235 patients with COPD, among whom 154 (65.5%) were male. Pharmacy and outpatient services were mostly utilized healthcare services, however, participants utilized outpatient services less than four times a year. The annual average direct cost of a patient with COPD was 1,605.5 USDs. Some 855, 359, 2,680, and 933 USDs were imposed annually on patients with COPD due to non-medical costs, absenteeism, loss of productivity, and time waste, respectively. Based on the quality indicators assessed during the study, the focus of healthcare providers has been the management of the acute phases of COPD as the blood oxygen levels of more than 80% of participants were documented by pulse oximetry devices. However, chronic phase management was mainly missed as less than a third of participants were referred to smoking and tobacco quit centers and got vaccinated. In addition, less than 10% of participants were considered for rehabilitation services, and only 2% completed four-session rehabilitation services.

Conclusion

COPD services have focused on inpatient care, where patients experience exacerbation of the condition. Upon discharge, patients do not receive appropriate follow-up services targeting on preventive care for optimal controlling of pulmonary function and preventing exacerbation.
Direct air capture of CO2: from insights into the current and emerging approaches to future opportunities
Authors: Zeeshan Muhammad , Kidder Michelle K. , Pentzer Emily , Getman Rachel B. , Gurkan Burcu
Published: June 2023

The rapid development of direct air capture (DAC) technologies has become critical in order to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and limit global warming to a maximum of 1.5°C. In this perspective, we provide a mini review of the current research on the emerging liquid- and solid-based sorbent materials to capture CO2, summarize the existing challenges of DAC technologies, and suggest future research directions to accelerate the development of DAC systems. In particular, the desired properties for a breakthrough sorbent that efficiently captures CO2 from the air and releases it for sequestration are described.
Quitting livestock farming: transfarmation pathways and factors of change from post-livestock farmers’ accounts
Authors: Salliou Nicolas
Published: June 2023

Transitioning away from livestock farming would limit the carbon footprint of humanity and reduce the pressure on water, land and biodiversity. It would also improve human health, as animal farming increases the risks of pandemics and bacterial resistance. All of these risks and opportunities make a compelling case for a transition towards plant-based diets. In case of a large-scale transition, hundreds of thousands of farmers would have to quit animal farming and switch to other activities. Such transition is potentially happening in developed countries, where industrial operations are located, consumption per capita is the highest and alternatives to animal products are increasingly available. However, there is considerable resistance from farmers to this transition. There is thus a need to better understand potential transition pathways to support smooth transitions. To do so, 27 stories of farm transitioning out of livestock farming – so called transfarmation – were collected. Most of these cases are located in Switzerland and the US. These accounts were published on the websites of organizations that support farmers transitioning out of livestock production or by farmers themselves. In this qualitative study, I coded these accounts to identify patterns in the drivers, behaviour, and decision-making of farmers explaining their transition. Two main patterns were identified: (1) transfarmations from intensive poultry or pig farms towards a mushroom or market gardening farm, driven by economic interests and (2) transfarmations driven by compassion to animals, mostly leading to a farmed animal sanctuary or market gardening farm. Support organizations for transfarmation seem to be particularly beneficial for the second type of transition. I conclude this paper with research perspectives on the topic of transfarmation, especially on the role of gender and the potential of transfarmation for the green care economy.
Impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on food security: bibliometric analysis and empirical evidence
Authors: Bilan Yuriy , Vysochyna Alina , Vasylieva Tetiana , Grytsyshen Dymytrii , Smutka Luboš
Published: June 2023

Impact of coronavirus disease on sustainable growth and food security is dramatically negative. Despite significant number of publications focused on food security and coronavirus disease issues, a deeper analysis of food security damages activated by COVID-19 is necessary. This determines the main task of this research. Theoretical block of the study involves bibliometric analysis of relevant Scopus publications using VOSviewer. Empirical block of the study involves: 1) formation of Food Security Index for 15 European countries based on a combination of Principal Component Analysis, ranking, Fishburn formula and additive convolution; 2) panel data regression modelling aimed at clarifying impact of macroeconomic indicators and healthcare expenditures on food security during 2000–2021 (model 1), 2000–2019 (model 2) and 2020–2021 (model 3). Model 1 demonstrates that 1% increase in current health care expenditures leads to 0.003 units increase in Food Security Index; impact of the dummy variable characterizing COVID-19 pandemic is also positive. Model 2 demonstrates similar results. Model 3 confirms only positive and statistically significant impact of trade and agricultural land on Food Security Index. The results can be useful to government officials for adjusting political measures in food governance, political decision-making and good governance, recovery of sustainable growth in post-pandemic period.
Experimental warming under field conditions alters starch multi-structure and flour and starch functionality of late-season indica-japonica hybrid rice in southern China
Authors: Yang Taotao , Xiong Ruoyu , Wang Haiyuan , Tan Xueming , Huang Shan , Zhang Jun , Zhang Bin , Zeng Yanhua
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The effects of climate warming on starch multi-structure and flour and starch functionality of late-season indica-japonica hybrid rice (IJHR) in double-rice cropping systems are still unclear to date.

Methods

A 2  years field warming experiment was conducted by using free-air temperature increase facilities with an IJHR cultivar (Yongyou1538). The starch multi-structure and flour and starch functionality of IJHR were determined.

Results

Experimental warming (on average 2.1°C over the 2  years) reduced the amylose content and increased the amount of short amylopectin branch-chains (degree of polymerization 6–12), possibly due to decreased granule-bound starch synthase activity and increased starch-branch enzyme activity. Additionally, the protein content, starch granule diameter, relative crystallinity, and swelling power of IJHR were enhanced by experimental warming. The changes in rice components and starch multi-structure under warming conditions resulted in high peak viscosity, breakdown, pasting temperature, gelatinization temperatures and enthalpy and low setback of rice starch and high peak viscosity and pasting temperature and low setback of rice flour.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that climate warming might improve the pasting viscosities and enhance the thermal stability of late-season IJHR.
“At first, I was only a subscriber”: re-mediating food citizens’ solidarity practices through digital technologies
Authors: Stehrenberger Aline , Schneider Tanja
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we explore how digital technologies re-mediate solidarity practices in alternative food networks (AFNs). To do so, the first author conducted an 8-month (auto-)ethnography of a community supported agriculture (CSA) initiative in Switzerland and 12 semi-structured interviews with CSA members. We identified three types of solidarity practices in our analysis that aim to support social inclusiveness, increase responsibility and sustainability, and foster the sharing of risk, work and infrastructure amongst CSA members. Digital technologies are central for joining and becoming a member of the CSA and also play a vital role in sharing information and organizing members’ work assignments. By becoming a member, consumers become subscribers voting with their wallet. If they regularly engage in farm work, they become prosumers or co-producers. Thus, our analysis foregrounds the continuum of food citizenship in the CSA we studied. However, the number of subscribers increases through digital technologies, transforming the initiative from an alternative to the market to an alternative within the market, whereby certain aspects of solidarity, such as social inclusiveness and sharing, are not realized anymore. Our study contributes to the emerging field of digital food studies by showing how solidarity is digitally enabled and negotiated in CSA, and how this shapes food citizenship.
Retroperitoneal undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma with total nephrectomy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Yu Kai , Wang Lan , Bu Fan , Zhang Jingxuan , Hai Yubin , Hu Rui , Lu Ji , Shi Xiaoju
Published: June 2023

Background

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is a highly malignant soft tissue sarcoma with a poor prognosis and no clear effective clinical means for treatment, and there has been no significant progress in research within this field in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology, etiology, clinical features, diagnostic modalities, various treatment modalities, and prognosis of retroperitoneal undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and to contribute to the clinical management of this type of disease. In this study, we report a case of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma with a primary origin in the retroperitoneum. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma occurring in the retroperitoneum is rarely reported.

Case description

A 59-year-old man with abdominal distension and pain for 4 months presented to our hospital after the failure of conservative treatment. A 9.6 cm by 7.4 cm mass in the left retroperitoneum was found on a CT scan of the whole abdomen with three degrees of enhancement. After surgical treatment, the tumor and the left kidney were completely removed, and pathological examination and genetic sequencing showed an apparent undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. The patient subsequently declined follow-up treatment and is currently alive and well.

Conclusions

At the current level of clinical technology, the treatment of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma is still in the exploratory stage, and the scarcity of clinical cases of this disease may have hindered the acquisition of clinical trials and research data for this disease. At present, the first choice of treatment for undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma is still radical resection. In the existing clinical studies, there are no strong data to support the effect of preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy in clinical practice. Similar to other diseases, the use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy before and after surgery may be a potential treatment for this disease in the future. Targeted therapy for this disease still needs further exploration, and we need more reports on related diseases to promote future treatment and research on this disease.
Assessment of Family Tuberculosis Contact Screening Practice and its Associated Factors Among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Positive Patients in South Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Jember Tadesse , Hailu Getachew , Wassie Gizachew Tadesse
Published: June 2023

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and the associated factors of family contact screening practice.

Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 randomly selected pulmonary tuberculosis index cases from 1st May to 30th June 2020. Data were collected through a face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was performed.

Results: The prevalence of family contact screening was 55.3%, (CI: 60–50). Having family support for care and treatment (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.16–4.21), waiting time of less than 60 min (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.28–3.21), receiving health education on TB prevention and treatment (AOR = 1.86), 95% CI: 1.05–3.29), and having good knowledge about TB prevention (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.77–4.294) were factors associated with family TB contact screening practice.

Conclusion: This study revealed that the prevalence of family contact screening was low as compared to national and global targets. Factors associated with family contact screening practice were: the presence of family support, shorter waiting time, health education offered by healthcare workers, and a good level of knowledge of the index cases.
Factors Associated With Genotypic Resistance and Outcome Among Solid Organ Transplant Recipients With Refractory Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Tamzali Yanis , Pourcher V. , Azoyan L. , Ouali N. , Barrou B. , Conti F. , Coutance G. , Gay F. , Tourret J. , Boutolleau D.
Published: June 2023

Genotypically resistant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with increased morbi-mortality. We herein aimed at understanding the factors that predict CMV genotypic resistance in refractory infections and disease in the SOTR (Solid Organ Transplant Recipients) population, and the factors associated with outcomes. We included all SOTRs who were tested for CMV genotypic resistance for CMV refractory infection/disease over ten years in two centers. Eighty-one refractory patients were included, 26 with genotypically resistant infections (32%). Twenty-four of these genotypic profiles conferred resistance to ganciclovir (GCV) and 2 to GCV and cidofovir. Twenty-three patients presented a high level of GCV resistance. We found no resistance mutation to letermovir. Age (OR = 0.94 per year, IC95 [0.089–0.99]), a history of valganciclovir (VGCV) underdosing or of low plasma concentration (OR= 5.6, IC95 [1.69–20.7]), being on VGCV at infection onset (OR = 3.11, IC95 [1.18–5.32]) and the recipients’ CMV negative serostatus (OR = 3.40, IC95 [0.97–12.8]) were independently associated with CMV genotypic resistance. One year mortality was higher in the resistant CMV group (19.2 % versus 3.6 %, p = 0.02). Antiviral drugs severe adverse effects were also independently associated with CMV genotypic resistance. CMV genotypic resistance to antivirals was independently associated with a younger age, exposure to low levels of GCV, the recipients’ negative serostatus, and presenting the infection on VGCV prophylaxis. This data is of importance, given that we also found a poorer outcome in the patients of the resistant group.
Experimental Tests on Solvent Solutions for the Recycling of Coated Polypropylene in Food Packaging
Authors: Mauro Roberto , Scarascia-Mugnozza Giacomo
Published: June 2023

The aim of this research is to analyze and develop technical methods that allow the recycling of food packaging coated in polypropylene films using solvents for the removal of the lacquer and/or aluminum layer without modifying their mechanical properties. Thus, this would allow the regranulation and re-extraction of the treated material for the creation of new polypropylene films. Water solutions of KOH 1M and methanol 99.9% were tested as solvents using the selective dissolution method. In order to rule out a significant effect of the mechanical stirring action on the removal of the surface layer, a deionized water solution was used as a control sample. By means of UV-VIS-NIR (ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared), LWIR (long-wave infrared), and ATR-IR spectrophotometers, spectrophotometric analyses were carried out on the samples before and after treatment. In order to investigate the efficiency of the solvents in removing the coating of polypropylene films, samples taken from the industry Jindal Films Europe Brindisi s.r.l., named BF (basic film, pp film not lacquered or metallized), AC (aluminum-coated pp film), and ACRC (acrylic-lacquer-coated pp film), were compared with samples treated with solvent solutions. The comparison was made by comparing the spectra obtained from the analyses carried out with the two different spectrophotometers. The absorbance values at the level of characteristic polypropylene spectrum peaks, detected with an ATR-IR, were also compared using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The results suggest that the optimal solvent for removing the aluminum and acrylic lacquer from pp films is the solution of KOH 1M. Future analyses will aim to investigate the maintenance of the mechanical characteristics of polypropylene treated with a selective dissolution using KOH. It is also planned to test the methodology of this study on an industrial scale.
A Study on Site Selection for Regional Air Rescue Centers Based on Multi-Objective Jellyfish Search Algorithm
Authors: Liao Yong , Zhao Yiyang , Fang Na , Huang Jie
Published: June 2023

In recent years, air emergency rescue capabilities have become increasingly important as an indicator of national comprehensive strength and development status. Air emergency rescue performs an indispensable role in addressing social emergencies by virtue of its fast response capabilities and extensive coverage. This vital aspect of emergency response ensures the timely deployment of rescue personnel and resources, enabling efficient operations in diverse and often challenging environments. To enhance regional emergency response capabilities, this paper presents a novel siting model that overcomes the limitation of single-objective approaches by integrating multiple objectives and considering the synergistic effects of network nodes, and the corresponding efficient solving algorithm is designed for this model. First, a multi-objective optimization function is established that fully incorporates the construction cost of the rescue station, response time, and radiation range. A radiation function is developed to evaluate the degree of radiation for each candidate airport. Second, the multi-objective jellyfish search algorithm (MOJS) is employed to search for Pareto optimal solutions of the model using MATLAB tools. Finally, the proposed algorithm is applied to analyze and verify the site selection for a regional air emergency rescue center in a certain region of China, and ArcGIS tools are used to draw the site selection results separately by prioritizing the construction cost under different numbers of site selection points. The results demonstrate that the proposed model can achieve the desired site selection goals, thus providing a feasible and accurate method for future air emergency rescue station selection problems.
A 3D Printed, Bionic Hand Powered by EMG Signals and Controlled by an Online Neural Network
Authors: Avilés-Mendoza Karla , Gaibor-León Neil George , Asanza Víctor , Lorente-Leyva Leandro L. , Peluffo-Ordóñez Diego H.
Published: June 2023

About 8% of the Ecuadorian population suffers some type of amputation of upper or lower limbs. Due to the high cost of a prosthesis and the fact that the salary of an average worker in the country reached 248 USD in August 2021, they experience a great labor disadvantage and only 17% of them are employed. Thanks to advances in 3D printing and the accessibility of bioelectric sensors, it is now possible to create economically accessible proposals. This work proposes the design of a hand prosthesis that uses electromyography (EMG) signals and neural networks for real-time control. The integrated system has a mechanical and electronic design, and the latter integrates artificial intelligence for control. To train the algorithm, an experimental methodology was developed to record muscle activity in upper extremities associated with specific tasks, using three EMG surface sensors. These data were used to train a five-layer neural network. the trained model was compressed and exported using TensorflowLite. The prosthesis consisted of a gripper and a pivot base, which were designed in Fusion 360 considering the movement restrictions and the maximum loads. It was actuated in real time thanks to the design of an electronic circuit that used an ESP32 development board, which was responsible for recording, processing and classifying the EMG signals associated with a motor intention, and to actuate the hand prosthesis. As a result of this work, a database with 60 electromyographic activity records from three tasks was released. The classification algorithm was able to detect the three muscle tasks with an accuracy of 78.67% and a response time of 80 ms. Finally, the 3D printed prosthesis was able to support a weight of 500 g with a safety factor equal to 15.
Cause Investigation of Fractures in the Anti-Arc Portion of the Gravity Dam’s Overflow and the Top of the Substation Tunnel
Authors: Liang Wenwen , Leng Lingye , Tian Hao , Tian Xiao , Zhang Caihong
Published: June 2023

Clarifying the origins of fractures and adopting acceptable repair plans are crucial for the design, maintenance, and safe operation of concrete gravity dams. In this research, numerical simulation is largely utilized to investigate the reasons for fractures in the anti-arc portion of the concrete gravity dam and the top of a substation tunnel in Guangdong Province, China. The calculation parameters are chosen based on the design information and engineering expertise to model the temperature field and stress field distribution of the dam during both normal operation and severe weather. The study demonstrates that under the effect of severe structural restraints and high temperatures, the tensile stress at the top of the substation tunnel would be 2.64 MPa in the summer, which is more than the tensile strength by 1.5 MPa and causes deep cracks. The tensile stress reaches 3.0 MPa in the summer under the effect of severe weather near the top of the substation tunnel. When a cold wave strikes in the winter, the concrete’s tensile stress on the overflow dam surface rises from 1.6 MPa to 4.0 MPa, exceeding the tensile strength by 1.9 MPa, resulting in the formation of a connection fracture in the reverse arc section. Both the actual observed crack location and the monitoring findings of the crack opening, as determined by the crack gauge, agree with the modeling results. The technique to lessen the structural restrictions of a comparable powerhouse hydropower station is pointed out based on engineering expertise, and various and practical repair strategies are proposed to guarantee the structure’s safe operation.
Could Oxidative Stress Play a Role in the Development and Clinical Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer?
Authors: Kościuszko Maria , Buczyńska Angelika , Krętowski Adam Jacek , Popławska-Kita Anna
Published: June 2023

Increased oxidative stress (OS) has been implicated as a relevant risk factor for cancer progression. Furthermore, patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) have been characterized by an increased OS status. Therefore, assessing OS status could potentially be considered a useful tool in DTC clinical management. This measurement could be particularly valuable in personalizing treatment protocols and determining new potential medical targets to improve commonly used therapies. A literature review was conducted to gather new information on DTC clinical management, with a particular focus on evaluating the clinical utility of OS. These meta-analyses concentrate on novel approaches that employ the measurement of oxidative-antioxidant status, which could represent the most promising area for implementing clinical management.
Spatial Heterogeneity in Cytoskeletal Mechanics Response to TGF-β1 and Hypoxia Mediates Partial Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Ghosh Deepraj , Hsu Jeffrey , Soriano Kylen , Peña Carolina , Lee Amy , Dizon Don , Dawson Michelle
Published: June 2023

Metastatic progression of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) involves the partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cells in the primary tumor and dissemination into peritoneal fluid. In part to the high degree of heterogeneity in EOC cells, the identification of EMT in highly epithelial cells in response to differences in matrix mechanics, growth factor signaling, and tissue hypoxia is very difficult. We analyzed different degrees of EMT by tracking changes in cell and nuclear morphology, along with the organization of cytoskeletal proteins. In our analysis, we see a small percentage of individual cells that show dramatic response to TGF-β1 and hypoxia treatment. We demonstrate that EOC cells are spatially aware of their surroundings, with a subpopulation of EOC cells at the periphery of a cell cluster in 2D environments exhibited a greater degree of EMT. These peripheral cancer cells underwent partial EMT, displaying a hybrid of mesenchymal and epithelial characteristics, which often included less cortical actin and more perinuclear cytokeratin expression. Collectively, these data show that tumor-promoting microenvironment conditions can mediate invasive cell behavior in a spatially regulated context in a small subpopulation of highly epithelial clustered cancer cells that maintain epithelial characteristics while also acquiring some mesenchymal traits through partial EMT.
Optimization of a Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) Method for Detecting 28 Allergens in Various Personal Care Products
Authors: AL-Mussallam Adnan S. , Bawazir Abdullah T. , Alshathri Rawan S. , Alharthi Omniyah , Aldawsari Fahad S.
Published: June 2023

Fragrances are among the most common ingredients in cosmetics products. Importantly, exposure to fragrances on a daily basis might pose a health risk, leading to serious effects, such as contact dermatitis or contact eczema. Annex III of the European Union Directive on Cosmetic Products and Gulf Cooperation Council standardization organization (GSO) introduced restrictions for 26 allergens, with their concentrations exceeding 0.001% and 0.01% in leave-on products and rinse-off products, respectively. In the current study, we aimed to expand the scope of the analytical method (EN16274, 2012) to include a broader range of matrices. The optimized method was validated by examining a statistical approach, including selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and measurement of uncertainty. Successfully, the validated data demonstrated acceptable limits according to validation protocols, with linearity showing satisfactory regression of r > 0.995. During method performance assessment, samples were extracted using ultrasound-assisted extraction to extract allergens that yielded relatively high recoveries. Studies on matrices spiked with allergens at different levels showed insignificant bias as an average of 0.07 µg/g. Method performance was assessed by analyzing 140 cosmetics samples, including perfumes, deodorants, aftershave, baby wet wipes, shampoos, lotions, and lip care products. The new optimized analytical method is believed to be a valuable analytical tool to be used in surveillance studies covering a wide range of cosmetic matrices.
Updates on Scleroderma: Four New Species of Section Scleroderma from Southwestern China
Authors: Wu Rui , Zhou Lvrong , Qu Hua , Ge Zai-Wei
Published: June 2023

The genus Scleroderma contains gasteroid basidiomycetes, which form globose spores with echinulate to reticulate ornamentation on the surface. Based on the morphological observations in combination with molecular data, four new species, S. erubescens, S. separatum, S. squamulosum, and S. vinaceum, were described from Yunnan, southwestern China. Images of fresh basidiomata and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of basidiospores are provided. Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS sequences show that these four new taxa belong to the Scleroderma section Scleroderma.
Dynamic Capacity Management for Air Traffic Operations in High Density Constrained Urban Airspace
Authors: Patrinopoulou Niki , Daramouskas Ioannis , Badea Calin Andrei , Veytia Andres Morfin , Lappas Vaios , Ellerbroek Joost , Hoekstra Jacco , Kostopoulos Vassilios
Published: June 2023

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) is an active research subject as its proposed applications are increasing. UTM aims to enable a variety of UAS operations, including package delivery, infrastructure inspection, and emergency missions. That creates the need for extensive research on how to incorporate such traffic, as conventional methods and operations used in Air Traffic Management (ATM) are not suitable for constrained urban airspace. This paper proposes and compares several traffic capacity balancing methods developed for a UTM system designed to be used in highly dense, very low-level urban airspace. Three types of location-based dynamic traffic capacity management techniques are tested: street-based, grid-based, and cluster-based. The proposed systems are tested by simulating traffic within mixed (constrained and open) urban airspace based on the city of Vienna at five different traffic densities. Results show that using local, area-based clustering for capacity balancing within a UTM system improves safety, efficiency, and capacity metrics, especially when simulated or historical traffic data are used.
Analysis of Aerodynamic Characteristics of Propeller Systems Based on Martian Atmospheric Environment
Authors: Zhang Wangwang , Xu Bin , Zhang Haitao , Xiang Changle , Fan Wei , Zhao Zhiran
Published: June 2023

Compared to detection methods employed by Mars rovers and orbiters, the employment of Mars UAVs presents clear advantages. However, the unique atmospheric conditions on Mars pose significant challenges to the design and operation of such UAVs. One of the primary difficulties lies in the impact of the planet’s low air density on the aerodynamic performance of the UAV’s rotor system. In order to determine the aerodynamic characteristics of the rotor system in the Martian atmospheric environment, a rotor system suitable for the Martian environment was designed under the premise of fully considering the special atmospheric environment of Mars, and the aerodynamic characteristics of the rotor system in the compressible and ultra-low Reynolds number environment were numerically simulated by means of a numerical calculation method. Additionally, a bench experiment was conducted in a vacuum chamber simulating the Martian atmospheric environment, and the aerodynamic characteristics of the UAV rotor system in the Martian environment were analyzed by combining theory and experiments. The feasibility of the rotor system applied to the Martian atmospheric environment was verified, and the first generation of Mars unmanned helicopters was developed and validated via hovering experiments, which thereby yielded crucial data support for the design of subsequent Mars UAV models.
Photovoltaic Power Forecasting Using Multiscale-Model-Based Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Marweni Manel , Hajji Mansour , Mansouri Majdi , Mimouni Mohamed Fouazi
Published: June 2023

The majority of energy sources being used today are traditional types. These sources are limited in nature and quantity. Additionally, they are continuously diminishing as global energy consumption increases as a result of population growth and industrial expansion. Their compensation is made from clean energy and renewable energy. Renewable energy is strongly dependent on climatic conditions; therefore, an aspect of energy management is needed, which is essential in distribution systems, because it enables us to calculate the precise energy used by the load as well as by its many components. It also helps us understand how much energy is required and its origin. The energy management aspect contains two main phases: forecasting and optimization. In this study, we are focused on the forecasting level using intelligent machine learning (ML) techniques. To ensure better energy management, it is very important to predict the production of renewable energy over a wide time period. In our work, several cases are proposed in order to predict the temperature, the irradiance, and the power produced by a PV system. The proposed approach is validated by an experimental procedure and a real database for a PV system. The big data from the sensors are noisy, which pose a major problem for forecasting. To reduce the impact of noise, we applied the multiscale strategy. To evaluate this strategy, we used different performance criteria, such as mean error (ME), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), nRMSE and the coefficient of determination (R2). The obtained experimental results show good performance with lower error. Indeed, they achieved an error for nRMSE criteria between 0.01 and 0.37.
Impact of Chemical and Physical Pretreatment on Methane Potential of Peanut Shells
Authors: Oliva Armando , Papirio Stefano , Esposito Giovanni , Lens Piet N. L.
Published: June 2023

The request for alternative sources of energy has led to evaluating untapped routes for energy production, such as using abundant and low-cost waste materials, e.g., lignocellulosic wastes, as the substrate for biological processes aimed at biofuel production. This study focused on peanut shells (PS) valorisation via anaerobic digestion (AD). Two emerging pretreatments, i.e., organosolv and ultrasounds, were investigated to unlock the full AD potential of PS. The impact of a substrate-to-solvent ratio in organosolv pretreatment was investigated (i.e., 1:5 vs. 1:10 vs. 1:20). Different exposure times were tested for ultrasound pretreatment, corresponding to applied energy densities of 30,000, 12,000, and 6000 kJ/kg VS, respectively. Organosolv pretreatment achieved the maximal polyphenol solubilisation, i.e., 4.90 mg/g TS, when increasing the substrate-to-solvent ratio, whereas methane production did not benefit from the pretreatment, being comparable with that of raw PS at most (i.e., 55.0 mL CH4/g VS). On the other hand, ultrasounds mainly affected sugar solubilisation (up to 37.90 mg/g TS), enhancing methane production up to an extra 64%, achieved with the highest energy density. The organosolv route would benefit from further downstream steps to recover the biomolecules released in the liquid fraction, whereas ultrasounds pretreatment provided a slurry suitable for direct AD.
Evaluation of Performance and Power Consumption of a Thermoelectric Module-Based Personal Cooling System—A Case Study
Authors: Dąbrowska Anna , Kobus Monika , Starzak Łukasz , Pękosławski Bartosz
Published: June 2023

Thermoelectric (TE) technology is promising for reducing thermal discomfort of workers during their routine professional activities. In this manuscript, a preliminary evaluation of a newly developed personal cooling system (PCS) with flexible TE modules is presented based on an analysis of cooling efficiency and power consumption. For this purpose, tests with human participation were performed involving the monitoring of local skin temperature changes and electrical parameters of the controller. Thanks to TE cooling, a significant reduction of local skin temperature was observed at the beginning of the experiment, reaching as much as 6 °C. However, the observed effect systematically became weaker with time, with the temperature difference decreasing to about 3 °C. Cooling efficiency stayed at the same level over the ambient temperature range from 25 °C to 35 °C. The obtained results showed that a proper fitting of the PCS to the human body is a crucial factor influencing the PCS cooling efficiency.
Temperature Regulation Strategy of Heterogeneous Air Conditioning Loads for Renewable Energy Consumption
Authors: Zhang Shu , Zhou Liping , Fan Dejin , Tang Jie
Published: June 2023

In a power system with a high proportion of renewable energy, sudden increases in wind power or photovoltaic output can lead to huge challenges, such as difficulties in accommodating excess renewable energy and imbalances between supply and demand on the grid. As an important adjustable resource on the demand side, air conditioning load is a flexible load for realizing output consumption. In this paper, a heterogeneous air conditioning load regulation strategy for renewable energy consumption is proposed. Each air conditioning load regulation quantity is obtained based on the day-ahead dispatching mode. Then, the temperature setting value, rated power, and duty cycle are selected as the indexes. The load regulation sequence is obtained by the entropy weight method. Finally, the load regulation time of each air conditioning load is obtained based on the constraint of the quantity of loads during the possible adjustment time. The simulation analysis shows that the temperature regulation strategy presented in this paper can effectively reduce the power fluctuations of air conditioning loads, while ensuring that users with lower temperature settings are selected in the adjustment process.
Kriging-Assisted Multi-Objective Optimization Framework for Electric Motors Using Predetermined Driving Strategy
Authors: Istenes György , Pusztai Zoltán , Kőrös Péter , Horváth Zoltán , Friedler Ferenc
Published: June 2023

In this paper, a multi-objective optimization framework for electric motors and its validation is presented. This framework is suitable for the optimization of design variables of electric motors based on a predetermined driving strategy using MATLAB R2019b and Ansys Maxwell 2019 R3 software. The framework is capable of managing a wide range of objective functions due to its modular structure. The optimization can also be easily parallelized and enhanced with surrogate models to reduce the runtime. The framework is validated by manufacturing and measuring the optimized electric motor. The method’s applicability for solving electric motor design problems is demonstrated via the validation process. A test application is also presented, in which the operating points of a predetermined driving strategy provide the input for the optimization. The kriging surrogate model is used in the framework to reduce the runtime. The results of the optimization and the framework’s benefits and drawbacks are discussed through the provided examples, in addition to displaying the properly applicable design processes. The optimization framework provides a ready-to-use tool for optimizing electric motors based on the driving strategy for single- or multi-objective purposes. The applicability of the framework is demonstrated by optimizing the electric motor of a world recorder energy-efficient race vehicle. In this application, the optimization framework achieved a 2% improvement in energy consumption and a 9% increase in speed at a rated DC voltage, allowing the motor to operate at desired working points even with low battery voltage.
Energy Savings in Elevators by Using a Particular Permanent-Magnet Motor Drive
Authors: Vlachou Vasileios I. , Karakatsanis Theoklitos S. , Kladas Antonios G.
Published: June 2023

This paper presents the energy savings achieved by using a particular three-phase permanent-magnet motor drive control strategy in an elevator application. The proposed control methodology, based on a particular variable-amplitude variable-frequency voltage control pattern technique implemented in a permanent-magnet motor, is compared to a standard induction motor elevator case. By adopting appropriate simultaneous changes in the amplitude and frequency of the motor voltage, high speeds can be attained in conjunction with smooth starting and stopping actions involving a reduced supply current during the respective movement of the elevator. In addition, this method exhibits a high power factor with a good driving quality. The control technique introduced achieves the levelling-off of the floor and the group movement of the system using in the programmable memory a speed pattern that is generated targeting proportionality to the position of the lift. In that respect, significant energy savings can be obtained, which, depending on the type of motor implemented, can be up to 30% compared to the conventional techniques. These improvements can be attained with the appropriate handling of the applied pulse width modulation techniques. Various simulated and experimental results are given, illustrating the respective energy savings achieved with the proposed methodology.