bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible Micro-Sensor Packaging and Durability for Real-Time Monitoring of Vanadium Flow Batteries
Authors: Lee Chi-Yuan , Hsieh Chin-Lung , Chen Chia-Hung , Yang Lung-Jieh , Dai Ching-Liang , Jiang Chong-An , Chen Yu-Chun
Published: October 2022

The reactions of vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) are quite complex and the internal environment is strongly acidic. The internal voltage, current, temperature and flow distribution play a very important role in the performance of a VRFB. The VRFB, which was developed by our R&D team, encountered easy leakage of electrolytes during assembly. Additionally, the strongly acidic environment can easily cause aging or failure of these VRFBs and of the micro-sensor. Therefore, this research was aimed at the need for real-time micro-diagnosis inside the VRFB. The use of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology was proposed so as to develop a flexible, integrated (current, voltage, flow and temperature), micro-sensor, and a durability test was conducted after packaging. Further, we performed real-time monitoring of the VRFBs. The main finding was that the encapsulation contributed to the stability of the micro-sensor without any failure due to excessive flow impacting the sensor. In the end we successfully used a 3D printed package to protect the micro-sensor.
Research on Wear and Corrosion Resistance of Ni60-WC Coating Fabricated by Laser on the Preheated Copper Alloy
Authors: Liu Yu , Xu Tianhao , Li Guohui
Published: October 2022

The copper alloy is widely used to prepare pipes in ocean engineering. The surface is washed and corroded by seawater for a long time, which gradually shortens the service life of the condenser tube. In order to improve the wear and corrosion resistance of copper alloy, a Ni60-WC coating was fabricated on a preheated copper alloy by laser cladding. Experiments on the Ni60-WC coatings were carried out by SEM, XRD, Vickers-microhardness meter, wear tester and electrochemical workstation. The microstructure, phases, hardness, wear and corrosion resistance were investigated. The results show that from the top to bottom, the microstructures were columnar dendrites, dendritic crystals and grains, respectively. The wear rate of the Ni60-WC coating was only 4.9 × 10−5 mm3·N−1·m−1, which was only 1.14% of copper substrate. In addition, the corrosion current density was 2.34 × 10−7 mA·mm−2, which was much lower than that of copper alloy substrate (1.14 × 10−6 mA·mm−2). The experimental results show that this Ni60-WC coating has a good metallurgical bonding and hardness, and it also has good wear and corrosion resistance, which is helpful to improve the service life of the condenser tube.
Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of a Bidirectional Laminated Slab with Shear Keys
Authors: Li Ming , Zhou Zhijun , Wu Qian , Yan Wei , Yuan Shuang
Published: October 2022

The load-bearing capacity of a bidirectional laminated slab with shear keys arranged in a rectangular grid (BCSWSK) was investigated to determine its mechanical properties, using load tests on a fabricated laminated slab and finite element models. The shear force distribution across the shear keys was measured and analysed, and the effects of different parameters were identified. The interfaces between the cast bottom slab and the shear keys were strongly bonded, as was the interface between the precast bottom slab and the cast-in-place upper slab, despite it being a secondary concrete pouring. The shear force was distributed similarly along the X direction (columns) and the Y direction (rows) of the shear key arrangement. The shear forces along the Y direction were greater and reached a maximum value sooner, but the differences between columns were mostly less than 10%. A square cross-section is recommended for the shear keys. The number of rows, number of columns, and the cross-sectional area of the shear keys are the main factors influencing the mechanical properties of the composite slab, but as they individually increased, they reached a point at which further increase had little effect. Similarly, after a certain number of shear keys were used, the concrete grade cast in situ, the shear key concrete grade, and the friction coefficient between the precast bottom slab and the cast-in-place upper slab had little influence on the BCSWSK.
Optimal Polyethyleneimine Molecular Weight and Arrangement for Modification of γ-Cyclodextrin Metal Organic Frameworks (γ-CD-MOFs) for Post-Combustion CO2 Capture
Authors: Watson Corinne , Lee Dustin , El Badawy Amro , Kivy Mohsen B. , Kathuria Ajay
Published: October 2022

Modified γ-cyclodextrin metal organic frameworks (γ-CD-MOFs) are a promising eco-friendly sorbents for post-combustion CO2 capture. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) has been widely used for modifying MOFs to enhance their CO2 sorption capacity and selectivity through the introduction of CO2 selective amine groups. The main objective of this study was to determine the optimal PEI molecular weight and arrangement (linear or branched) to enhance γ-CD-MOF’s CO2 sorption capacity. γ-CD-MOFs were impregnated with linear as well as branched PEI with molecular weights of 600, 1200 or 10,000. The CO2 sorption capacity of the PEI-impregnated γ-CD-MOFs was determined using a quartz crystal microbalance assembly at CO2 partial pressures from 0.35–1.0 atm. Impregnation with 600 g/mole branched PEI achieved the highest CO2 sorption capacity of 0.9 mmole/g CO2 at 1 atm, followed by the linear PEI (0.12 mmol/g). Modification with the other branched PEI molecular weights did not achieve detectable CO2 sorption, likely because of pore blockage with the relatively larger PEI molecular weights, as demonstrated by molecular docking simulations. Furthermore, the control γ-CD-MOFs did not sorb CO2, likely because of the lower attraction forces between CO2 and the large pore volume of the unmodified MOFs.
Influence of Austenitisation Time and Temperature on Grain Size and Martensite Start of 51CrV4 Spring Steel
Authors: Bajželj Anže , Burja Jaka
Published: October 2022

51CrV4 spring steel is a martensitic steel grade that is heat treated by quenching and tempering. Therefore, austenitisation is an important step that influences steel properties. The main goal of austenitisation is to obtain a single-phase austenite structure that will transform into martensite. We studied the influence of austenitisation parameters on grain growth and martensite transformation temperatures. The samples were quenched from different austenitisation temperatures (800–1040 °C) and were held for 5, 10 and 30 min. The martensite start transformation temperatures (MS) were determined from dilatometric curves, and the hardness was measured using the Vickers method. The microstructure of the samples and the size of the prior austenite grains were characterised using optical microscopy. The increase in the size of the prior austenite crystal grains increases the MS temperature. However, this trend is visible up to 960 °C, where the results start to deviate. High temperatures, 960 °C and above, cause both grain growth and increased carbide dissolution along with chemical homogenization of the steel. The added influence of strong solute diffusion caused a big deviation in the results. The stability of carbides during austenitisation were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermodynamic calculations of equilibrium phases using the Thermo-Calc program. MC-type vanadium carbides are stable up to 956 °C under equilibrium conditions, but the SEM results show that they were present in the microstructure even after annealing at 1040 °C. This means that crystal growth is slowed down, which is positive, and that the austenite contains less carbon, so the hardness is lower.
Management and Prognosis of Patients with Recurrent or Persistent/Progressive Uterine Carcinosarcoma
Authors: Tung Hsiu-Jung , Chiang Chi-Yuan , Chang Wei-Yang , Wu Ren-Chin , Huang Huei-Jean , Yang Lan-Yan , Lin Chiao-Yun , Wang Chun-Chieh , Chao Angel , Lai Chyong-Huey
Published: October 2022

Uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) is a highly aggressive gynecologic malignancy. Recurrent or persistent/progressive disease is usually fatal. We aimed to investigate the management and prognosis of these patients. Clinical records of UCS patients from June 1987 to April 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The stage was re-assigned with the FIGO 2009 staging system. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the independent predictors of survival after recurrence (SAR) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Of the 168 patients, 98 experienced treatment failure. The median time to treatment failure (TTF) was 8.1 months (range: 0.0–89.1). The median follow-up time of censored patients was 32.0 months (range: 16.8–170.7). The 5-year SAR rates of those with recurrent or persistent/progressive disease were 7.6%. On multivariate analysis, salvage therapy mainly using radiotherapy (HR 0.27, 95% CI: 0.10–0.71) or chemotherapy (HR 0.41, 95% CI: 0.24–0.72) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) (HR 0.33, 95% CI: 0.15–0.75) were associated with improved SAR, whereas disseminated recurrence was associated with significantly worse SAR (HR 3.94, 95% CI: 1.67–9.31, p = 0.002). Salvage therapy using radiotherapy or chemotherapy or CRT significantly improved SAR. Surgery significantly improved CSS but not SAR, adjusting for confounding factors.
Postoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes after Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Using the Perioperative Symptom Assessment for Lung Surgery Scale
Authors: Yang Ding , Hong Qian , Zhao Chenguang , Mu Juwei
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to use a new special inventory for lung surgery patients to evaluate postoperative symptoms and functional status and to identify factors that may affect these after uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). In this single-center longitudinal cohort observational study, we used a new scale, the perioperative symptom assessment for lung surgery (PSA-Lung), to evaluate the recovery from symptoms and the functional status of patients undergoing uniportal VATS. We divided patients into two groups, according to patients’ symptom scores, and compared the clinical characteristics between the two groups under each item. Then, we conducted a qualitative interview regarding coughing in postoperative week 4. Exactly 104 patients were enrolled in this study. The two highest-scoring patient-reported outcome (PRO) items were “shortness of breath” and “coughing” in the fourth week after surgery. Thirty-one patients reported that “coughing” severely influenced their lives in postoperative week 4. Using the PSA-Lung inventory, we found that “shortness of breath” was the worst symptom in postoperative week 4. Although “coughing” was not the most important symptom in the early postoperative period, it affected some patients’ lives in postoperative week 4. Therefore, further research is required to determine the optimal cut-off point for coughing.
Quantifying the Evolution of Giant Panda Habitats in Sichuan Province under Different Scenarios
Authors: Song Zhenjiang , Wu Baoshu , Xiong Wenguang , Gao Lan , Li Yi
Published: October 2022

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a relic species in China and a flagship species in the field of endangered wildlife conservation. The conservation of the giant panda’s habitat has gained widespread attention for this reason. Historically, Chinese Giant Panda Nature Reserves are surrounded by communities and the resource utilization behavior of households disturbs the giant panda habitat. Changes in these communities and in Giant Panda Nature Reserves began around 2010, with the feminization and aging of the farm labor force. These changes brought different resource utilization behaviors that led to different evolutionary tendencies in giant panda habitats. This research study assesses the impact of these tendencies based on data from the fourth survey of the giant panda in the Sichuan Province and from geographic information data. The paper aims to uncover the internal mechanisms of farmers’ resource utilization behavior in terms of the changes wrought to giant panda habitats. The paper simulates the future habitat of the giant panda based on the LUCC (land use/cover change) model to identify anticipated changes in future landscape patterns and the habitat quality of giant pandas under the current scenarios. The paper analyzes the spatial-temporal change of landscape patterns through the land use transfer matrix, based on the Markov model. The results of the scenario analyses illustrate the spatial and temporal difference in habitat quality. The driving mechanism for landscape pattern change is explored using the logistic regression model. The paper simulates the variation tendency of giant panda habitats under differential labor force structures and resource utilization behavior based on the CA (cellular automata) model, with the robustness of the results verified by participatory experiment. Through four scenarios of simulated farm labor force structure and resource utilization behavior, results suggest that the quality of giant panda habitats in the future will be relatively high when workforce feminization and aging is intense and resource utilization behavior is weakened. The simulated results confirm that the current agricultural labor force structure can reduce the intensity of resource utilization behavior. In this scenario, disturbance to giant panda habitats would decrease and their quality would improve.
Qualitative and Quantitative Ethnobotanical Survey in Al Baha Province, Southwestern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Robai Sami Asir , Ahmed Aimun A. E. , Mohamed Haidar Abdalgadir , Ahmed Abdelazim Ali , Zabin Sami A. , Alghamdi Abdullah A. A.
Published: October 2022

The documentation of ethnobotanical knowledge is useful for biocultural conservation, preserving the diversity of plants, and drug development. The present study was carried out to compile and document the knowledge and uses of plants in Al Baha Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). A total of 81 knowledgeable informants of different sexes, ages, and status levels were randomly selected and interviewed. The majority of the informants (63%) were > 60 years old. The collected data were qualitatively and quantitatively described using different quantitative indices [family importance value (FIV), use value (UV), and informant consensus factor (ICF)]. The fidelity level (FL), rank order priority (ROP), and relative popularity level (RPL) were determined for the plants (42 species) mentioned by at least three informants. A total of 97 plants belonging to 91 genera and 44 families were reported. The most commonly used parts were fruits (30.7%) and leaves (25.4%), whereas the most frequently used modes of preparation were maceration (24.7%) and direct application (23.3%). Most of the cited plants (49.5%) were traditionally used for gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorders, whereas a few plants (6.2%) were used for the treatment of reproductive disorders. The most ethnobotanically important families were Lamiaceae (FIV = 0.35) and Apiaceae (FIV = 0.33). The highest UV was represented by Zingiber officinale (0.086) followed by Commiphora myrrha and Trigonella foenum-graecum (0.074). The level of agreement among the interviewees was remarkably high (ICF = 0.65–0.93) for plants that had the ability to cure infectious diseases. A low level of agreement (ICF = 0.33–0.48) was observed among the informants towards plants that were used to treat gastrointestinal tract, reproductive, hematological, and central nervous system disorders. There was a total and absolute disagreement (ICF = 0) among the informants regarding the plants that were used to treat renal, endocrine system, oncological/immunological, rheumatic, orthopedic, ear, nose, and throat (ENT), and inflammatory disorders. Six of the plants which were cited by three informants or more had a high healing efficacy (FL = 100) and forty species attained ROP values of 50 or above. Out of the 42 plants, 20 species were grouped as popular (RPL = 1), and the remaining plants (22 species) were unpopular (RPL < 1). Curcuma longa, which showed the highest ROP value (100), was used to enhance immunity. In conclusion, various plant species in Al Baha province were used by the local communities for the treatment of different health problems. The documentation of these plants could serve as a basis for further scientific research and conservation studies.
Large Eddy Simulation and Thermodynamic Design of the Organic Rankine Cycle Based on Butane Working Fluid and the High-Boiling-Point Phenyl Naphthalene Liquid Heating System
Authors: Davidy Alon
Published: October 2022

Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and Thermodynamic study have been performed on Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) components (boiler, evaporator, turbine, pump, and condenser). The petroleum Coke burner provided the heat flux needed for the butane evaporator. High boiling point fluid (called phenyl-naphthalene) has been applied in the ORC. The high boiling liquid is safer (steam explosion hazard may be prevented) for heating the butane stream. It has best exergy efficiency. It is non-corrosive, highly stable, and flammable. Fire Dynamics Simulator software (FDS) has been applied in order to simulate the pet-coke combustion and calculate the Heat Release Rate (HRR). The maximal temperature of the 2-Phenylnaphthalene flowing in the boiler is much less than its boiling temperature (600 K). Enthalpy, entropy and specific volume required for evaluating the heat rates and the power have been computed by employing the THERMOPTIM thermodynamic code. The proposed design ORC is safer. This is because the flammable butane is separated from the flame produced in the petroleum coke burner. The proposed ORC obeys the two fundamental laws of thermodynamics. The calculated net power is 3260 kW. It is in good agreement with net power is reported in the literature. The thermal efficiency of the ORC is 18.0%.
Towards Digitalization in Early Childhood Education: Pre-Service Teachers’ Acceptance of Using Digital Storytelling, Comics, and Infographics in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Abdullatif Ahlam Mohammed
Published: October 2022

Despite the promise of digital technology to enhance the teaching–learning process, integrating it into early childhood education remains a challenge. Recent literature shows that novice teachers do not fully utilize the potential of digital technology to promote student learning. Therefore, this study aims to investigate early childhood pre-service teachers’ intentions to use three digital technology applications—Digital storytelling, digital comics, and digital infographics—As teaching tools, which critically contribute to their acceptance into and actual use in their future classrooms. A descriptive correlational approach was used to investigate the factors affecting the use intentions of pre-service teachers through the technological acceptance model (TAM). This research study seeks to contribute to the literature on digital technology integration in early childhood education in general and in the Saudi Arabian early childhood context in particular. The study results showed that how pre-service teachers perceived the ease of use of the three digital applications was significantly the major predictor of their attitudes toward using them. The study also found that pre-service teachers’ attitudes were significantly the major predictors of their behavioral intentions to use digital storytelling and comics in their future classrooms. However, attitude and perceived usefulness were equally valid predictors of pre-service teachers’ intentions to use infographics with young children. Important implications for training and teacher education programs were suggested by the findings.
Mobile Anchor and Kalman Filter Boosted Bounding Box for Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Liouane Hend , Messous Sana , Cheikhrouhou Omar , Koubaa Anis , Hamdi Monia
Published: October 2022

Event detection is usually the primary purpose of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Therefore, it is crucial to determine where and when an event occurs in order to map the event to its spatio-temporal domain. In WSN localization, a few anchor nodes are those aware of their locations via the Global Positioning System (GPS), which is energy-consuming. Non-anchor nodes self-localize by gathering information from anchor nodes to estimate their positions using a localization technique. Traditional algorithms use at least three static anchors for the localization process. Recently, researchers opted to replace multiple static anchors by a single mobile anchor during the localization process. This paper proposes a Kalman filter based on bounding box localization algorithm (KF-BBLA) in WSNs with mobile anchor node. We present a new mobile anchor localization strategy to minimize energy, hardware costs, and computation complexity, while improving accuracy and cost-effectiveness. Network connectivity measurement and the bounding box localization method are used in order to identify the bounded possible localization zone. The Kalman filter is then used to minimize the uncertainty produced by the connectivity process. We aim also to minimize the localization inaccuracies generated by the bounding box algorithm. Simulation results show that our proposed approach significantly reduces the localization error compared to other localization algorithms chosen from the recent literature by up to 20%. We use the cumulative distribution function (CDF) as an indicator to assess the accuracy of our proposed algorithm.
On Secrecy Performance of a Dual-Hop UAV-Assisted Relaying Network with Randomly Distributed Non-Colluding Eavesdroppers: A Stochastic Geometry Approach
Authors: Odeyemi Kehinde Oluwasesan , Owolawi Pius Adewale , Olakanmi Oladayo Olufemi
Published: October 2022

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based relaying has been considered to offer an excellent performance due to its flexible mobility, on-demand deployment, and cost effectiveness compared to conventional ground-relaying methods. This paper studies the secrecy performance of a dual-hop UAV-assisted relay network, where the base station communicates with the ground user via a low altitude UAV in the presence of randomly distributed eavesdroppers. A stochastic geometric approach is employed to model the spatial locations of the ground user and the eavesdroppers which follows a Homogeneous Poisson Point Process (HPPP). Based on this theory, cumulative distribution functions (CDF) of the ground user and the eavesdroppers are obtained. Considering the decode-and-forward (DF) relay protocol, the CDF equivalent end-to-end instantaneous signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the network is derived. To characterize the network secrecy performance, the exact analytical expressions for the network security outage probability (SOP), the strictly positive secrecy capacity (SPSC), and the average secrecy capacity (ASC) are derived. Moreover, a Monte-Carlo simulation is provided to show the accuracy of the derived analytical expressions. The results depict that both the network and channel parameters that include the fading parameter, the density of the eavesdroppers, the average SNR of the B-to-U link, the average SNR of the U-to-E link, the UAV altitude, and the coverage radius have a significant influence on the network secrecy performance.
Novel Materials and Advanced Characterization for Energy Storage and Conversion
Authors: Li Qingyuan , Fang Jen-Hung , Li Wenyuan , Liu Xingbo
Published: October 2022

Global climate changes, such as frequent extreme weather, continuous temperature increase, and melting glaciers, constantly press us to reduce our dependence on the traditional carbon-based energy resources [...]
Energy Performance Certificate Classes Rating Methods Tested with Data: How Does the Application of Minimum Energy Performance Standards to Worst-Performing Buildings Affect Renovation Rates, Costs, Emissions, Energy Consumption?
Authors: Ferrantelli Andrea , Kurnitski Jarek
Published: October 2022

Energy renovations of the building stock are a paramount objective of the European Union (EU) to combat climate change. A tool for renovation progress monitoring is energy performance certificate (EPC) labelling. The present study tested the effect of different EPC label classifications on a national database, which comprises ~25,000 EPC values from apartment buildings, detached houses, office buildings, and educational, commercial, and service buildings. Analysing the EPC classes labelling resulting from four different EU methods, we estimated the annual renovation rates, costs, energy savings, and CO2 emissions reduction that would affect the national building stock if each of them was adopted, to fulfil the European Climate Target Plan by the year 2033. The ISO 52003-1:2017 two-point and one-point methods determined a very uneven distribution of renovation rates, from 0.45% to ~9%. Conversely, the Directive 15% recently proposed in COM/2021/802 with uniform rates determined smaller differences and standard deviation, not pushing renovations above 3.70%, namely a rate that once fine-tuned can stimulate realistic, yet effective renovation campaigns. The major differences in renovation rates provided by the studied methods show the need for a harmonized strategy such as the Directive proposal to enable achievement of European targets.
Application of Deep Learning Gated Recurrent Unit in Hybrid Shunt Active Power Filter for Power Quality Enhancement
Authors: Ali Ayesha , Rehman Ateeq Ur , Almogren Ahmad , Eldin Elsayed Tag , Kaleem Muhammad
Published: October 2022

This research work aims at providing power quality improvement for the nonlinear load to improve the system performance indices by eliminating maximum total harmonic distortion (THD) and reducing neutral wire current. The idea is to integrate a shunt hybrid active power filter (SHAPF) with the system using machine learning control techniques. The system proposed has been evaluated under an artificial neural network (ANN), gated recurrent unit, and long short-term memory for the optimization of the SHAPF. The method is based on the detection of harmonic presence in the power system by testing and comparison of traditional pq0 theory and deep learning neural networks. The results obtained through the proposed methodology meet all the suggested international standards of THD. The results also satisfy the current removal from the neutral wire and deal efficiently with minor DC voltage variations occurring in the voltage-regulating current. The proposed algorithms have been evaluated on the performance indices of accuracy and computational complexities, which show effective results in terms of 99% accuracy and computational complexities. deep learning-based findings are compared based on their root-mean-square error (RMSE) and loss function. The proposed system can be applied for domestic and industrial load conditions in a four-wire three-phase power distribution system for harmonic mitigation.
A Novel Interval Programming Method and Its Application in Power System Optimization Considering Uncertainties in Load Demands and Renewable Power Generation
Authors: Wang Dapeng , Zhang Cong , Jia Wanqing , Liu Qian , Cheng Long , Yang Huaizhi , Luo Yufeng , Kuang Na
Published: October 2022

This paper expresses the output power of renewable generators and load demand as interval data and develops the interval economic dispatch (IED), as well as interval reactive power optimization (IRPO) models. The two models are generalized into a specific type of linear interval programming (LIP) and nonlinear interval programming (NLIP), respectively. A security limits method (SLM) is proposed to solve LIP and NLIP problems. As for the LIP, the maximum radii of the interval variables are first calculated by the optimizing-scenarios method (OSM) for defining security limits, and the LIP is transformed into deterministic linear programming (LP), for which its constraints are the security limits, which can be solved by the simplex method. As for the NLIP, Monte Carlo simulations were used to obtain the maximum radii of the interval variables, and the average interval ratio of the interval variables is defined to compute the security limits for transforming the NLIP to deterministic nonlinear programming (NLP), which can be solved by using the interior point method. Finally, the IED and IRPO are used to verify the effectiveness and engineering of the proposed SLM.
Minimum Energy Control of Quadrotor UAV: Synthesis and Performance Analysis of Control System with Neurobiologically Inspired Intelligent Controller (BELBIC)
Authors: Giernacki Wojciech
Published: October 2022

There is a strong trend in the development of control systems for multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), where minimization of a control signal effort is conducted to extend the flight time. The aim of this article is to shed light on the problem of shaping control signals in terms of energy-optimal flights. The synthesis of a UAV autonomous control system with a brain emotional learning based intelligent controller (BELBIC) is presented. The BELBIC, based on information from the feedback loop of the reference signal tracking system, shows a high learning ability to develop an appropriate control action with low computational complexity. This extends the capabilities of commonly used fixed-value proportional–integral–derivative controllers in a simple but efficient manner. The problem of controller tuning is treated here as a problem of optimization of the cost function expressing control signal effort and maximum precision flight. The article introduces several techniques (bio-inspired metaheuristics) that allow for quick self-tuning of the controller parameters. The performance of the system is comprehensively analyzed based on results of the experiments conducted for the quadrotor model.
Comparative Study of DC-DC Converters for Solar PV with Microgrid Applications
Authors: Jagadeesh Ingilala , Indragandhi Vairavasundaram
Published: October 2022

This review emphasizes the role and performance of versatile DC-DC converters in AC/DC and Hybrid microgrid applications, especially when solar (photo voltaic) PV is the major source. Here, the various converter topologies are compared with regard to voltage gain, component count, voltage stress, and soft switching. This study suggests the suitability of the converter based on the source type. The merits of a coupled inductor and interleaved converters in micro gird applications are elucidated. The efficiency and operating frequencies of converts for different operating modes are presented to determine the suitable converters for inductive and resistive loads. The drawbacks of converters are discussed. Finally, the mode of operation of different converts with different grid power sources and its stability and reliability issues are highlighted. In addition, the significance of the converter’s size and cost-effectiveness when choosing various PV source applications are discussed.
Intrinsically Conducting Polymer Binders for Battery Electrodes
Authors: Kondratiev Veniamin , Holze Rudolf
Published: October 2022

Binder materials are needed to keep particles of active masses in electrodes for batteries and supercapacitors together and to ensure their adherence to the current collector. Mostly synthetic polymeric materials are used. Because they are electrochemically inert, they do not add to the storage capacity of the electrode. Intrinsically conducting polymers ICPs such as polyaniline, polythiophene or polypyrrole can provide these functions also. They show electronic conduction because of mobile charge carriers generated in them by oxidation or reduction. In addition to providing the binder-function, they improve electronic conductance of the electrode mass because of their inherent conductivity and can also contribute to the charge storage capability of the electrode in the range of potential of the redox activity of ICPs in the used electrolyte solution. In most reports on the application of ICPs as component of conductive binders, their incorporation results in enhanced specific capacity and notable improvement of C-rate capability of electrodes. In addition, ICP binders provide partial or complete wrapping of grains of active electrode materials, which effectively inhibits the interaction with the electrolyte, suppressing side reactions and degradation of functional properties.
Implementing Local Climate Change Adaptation Actions: The Role of Various Policy Instruments in Mopane (Colophospermum mopane) Woodlands, Northern Namibia
Authors: Nikodemus Andreas , Hájek Miroslav
Published: October 2022

The impacts of climate change are severe in rural communities because of their proximity to forest ecosystems. Colophospermum mopane woodlands are vital in supporting the livelihood of the rural communities in the mopane woodlands while contributing to biodiversity conservation. There is limited research regarding implementing policy instruments for climate change adaptation in rural areas of the mopane woodlands in northern Namibia. This study aims to investigate this subject from the mopane woodlands’ point of view to understand the implementation of policy instruments for climate change adaptation in the mopane woodlands. We conducted an online survey focusing on multiple stakeholders, experts in different sectors, and local communities. Major challenges such as a limited general understanding of climate change, its impacts, dry conditions of Namibia, and lack of funds for adaptation measures hamper the implementation of policy instruments for climate change adaptation in mopane woodlands. Policymakers and relevant stakeholders should emphasize altering rural communities’ reliance on forest resources for their livelihood by improving their awareness of the impacts of climate change. Future research should evaluate climate change policy instruments’ framework and strategies in the context of forest ecosystems at the rural area level of Namibia.
Phosphorus Nutrition and Water Relations of European Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) Saplings Are Determined by Plant Origin
Authors: Ćelepirović Nevenka , Bogunović Sanja , Dounavi Aikaterini , Netzer Florian , Eiblmeier Monika , Dannenmann Michael , Rehschuh Stephanie , Rennenberg Heinz , Ivanković Mladen
Published: October 2022

Climate change, specifically the increasing frequency and intensity of summer heat and drought, has severe influences on the performance of beech forests, including decline in growth, reduced nutrient turnover, enhanced mortality, and a shift in spatial distribution northwards and towards higher elevations. The present study aimed to characterize the physiological responses of Croatian beech saplings originating from 10 natural forest stands to experimentally applied water deprivation in a common-garden experiment. The aim was to evaluate the extent to which external factors such as climate, as well as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) availability in the soil of the natural habitats, control the response of beech saplings to water deprivation. For this purpose, beech saplings from 10 forest stands that differed in terms of soil type, chemical soil properties, as well as climate were collected in winter, cultivated in an artificial soil substrate under controlled conditions for one year, and then subjected to 29 days of water deprivation. Responses to water deprivation were observed in the antioxidative system (total ascorbate, reduced ascorbate, oxidized ascorbate, and redox state) in leaves and fine roots. The latter allowed us to categorize saplings as adapted or sensitive to water deprivation. P over N availability in the soil rather than climatic conditions in the natural habitats controlled the response of beech saplings to the water-deprivation event. The categorization of saplings as adapted or sensitive to water deprivation was related to genetic parameters. The results of this multidisciplinary study (tree physiology, climate, and genetic data) are considered to be highly significant and beneficial for the adaptation of European beech forests to changing climatic conditions.
Identification and Characterization of Salt-Responsive MicroRNAs in Taxodium hybrid ‘Zhongshanshan 405’ by High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Wang Zhiquan , Zhang Fengjiao , Shi Qin , Zhang Rui , Yin Yunlong , Yu Chaoguang
Published: October 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a type of noncoding RNA participating in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression that regulates plant responses to salt stress. Small RNA sequencing was performed in this study to discover the miRNAs responding to salt stress in Taxodium hybrid ‘Zhongshanshan 405’, which is tolerant to salinity stress. A total of 52 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed. The target genes were enriched with gene ontology (GO), including protein phosphorylation, cellular response to stimulus, signal transduction, ATP and ADP binding, showing that miRNAs may play key roles in regulating the tolerance to salt stress in T. hybrid ‘Zhongshanshan 405’. Notably, a G-type lectin S-receptor-like serine/threonine-protein kinase (GsSRK) regulated by novel_77 and novel_2 miRNAs and a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK) regulated by novel_41 miRNA were discovered under both short- and long-term salt treatments and can be selected for future research. This result provides new insights into the regulatory functions of miRNAs in the salt response of T. hybrid ‘Zhongshanshan 405’.
Comparing Body Density of Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) to Different Operational Welfare Indicators
Authors: Imsland Albert Kjartan Dagbjartarson , Berg Magnus Sunason , Haugland Gyri Teien , Eliasen Kirstin
Published: October 2022

Farmed lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) are commonly used as cleaner fish in the salmonid aquaculture industry, but a knowledge gap exists with regards to their body density. Filling this knowledge gap is of importance, as the lumpfish has no swim bladder and thus relies on alternative methods for buoyancy, i.e., the body density difference between the fish and its surroundings. The aims of this study were to measure the body density of lumpfish and investigate the correlation between body density and different operational welfare indicators. A total of 138 lumpfish were sampled at five different aquaculture sites situated in the Faroe Islands. Weight in water and air was measured, body density was calculated, and operational welfare was assessed. The average body density of the juvenile lumpfish was 1.030 g mL−1. Fulton’s K, stomach score, and length were negatively correlated to body density, while the hepatosomatic index was positively correlated to body density. Liver colour was correlated to body density, but the groupings were too broad for a final definitive conclusion. The knowledge gained from this study might help the industry improve their understanding of the operational welfare indicators used for lumpfish. Additionally, the knowledge might also help the aquaculture industry improve their husbandry and feeding practices.
Effect of Animal Age, Postmortem Calcium Chloride Marination, and Storage Time on Meat Quality Characteristics of M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum of Buffalo Bulls
Authors: Ijaz Muawuz , Jaspal Muhammad Hayat , Akram Muhammad Usman , Badar Iftikhar Hussain , Yar Muhammad Kashif , Suleman Raheel , Manzoor Adeel , Farooq Muhammad , Ali Sher , Hussain Zubair , Mahmood Mubarik , Rahman Abdur , Ali Rao Sharafat
Published: October 2022

This study investigated the effect of animal age, calcium chloride marination, and storage time on meat quality characteristics of buffalo bulls to suggest a cost-effective method of improving buffalo meat quality. The current study was designed considering the importance of buffalo meat and the usage of meat from spent buffalo animals in local markets of South Asian countries. A total of 36 animals comprised of 18 young and 18 spent buffalo bulls were selected. After slaughtering and 24 h of postmortem chilling, striploins were separated and cut into 16 steaks and equally divided into two groups, i.e., either marinated with calcium chloride or not. Meat quality characteristics were recorded on 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days of storage. The results showed that the pH value of young animals was higher than the value of spent animals and pH was increased over the storage time. Color b*, C*, and h* values were higher in spent animals as compared with the young animals; however, values of colors L* and h* were higher and a* was lower in marinated samples than the values of non-marinated samples. Color a* and C* values were increased and h* was decreased with lengthening the storage time. The meat cooking loss was higher in marinated and the water-holding capacity was higher in non-marinated meat samples. Shear force values were lower in young animals and marinated samples than the values of spent animals and non-marinated meat samples, respectively. Sensory characteristic scores of marinated samples were better than the non-marinated samples. In conclusion, calcium chloride marination can be used to improve the quality characteristics of buffalo meat.
Thymus hirtus Willd. ssp. algeriensis Boiss. and Reut: A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Bioactivities, and Health-Enhancing Effects
Authors: Lahlou Radhia Aitfella , Samba Nsevolo , Soeiro Pedro , Alves Gilberto , Gonçalves Ana Carolina , Silva Luís R. , Silvestre Samuel , Rodilla Jesus , Ismael Maria Isabel
Published: October 2022

Members of the Lamiaceae family are considered chief sources of bioactive therapeutic agents. They are important ornamental, medicinal, and aromatic plants, many of which are used in traditional and modern medicine and in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. In North Africa, on the Mediterranean side, there is the following particularly interesting Lamiaceous species: Thymus hirtus Willd. sp. Algeriensis Boiss. Et Reut. The populations of this endemic plant are distributed from the subhumid to the lower arid zone and are mainly employed as ethnomedicinal remedies in the following Maghreb countries: Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia. In fact, they have been applied as antimicrobial agents, antispasmodics, astringents, expectorants, and preservatives for several food products. The species is commonly consumed as a tea or infusion and is used against hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, respiratory ailments, heart disease, and food poisoning. These medicinal uses are related to constituents with many biological characteristics, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-ulcer, anti-diabetic, insecticidal, and anti-inflammatory activities. This review aims to present an overview of the botanical characteristics and geographical distribution of Thymus algeriensis Boiss. Et Reut and its traditional uses. This manuscript also examines the phytochemical profile and its correlation with biological activities revealed by in vitro and in vivo studies.
Environmental Profile of a Novel High-Amylose Bread Wheat Fresh Pasta with Low Glycemic Index
Authors: Cimini Alessio , Sestili Francesco , Moresi Mauro
Published: October 2022

To improve glycemic health, a high-amylose bread wheat flour fresh pasta characterized by a low in vitro glycemic index (GI) and improved post-prandial glucose metabolism was previously developed. In this study, well-known life cycle analysis software was used in accordance with the PAS 2050 and mid- and end-point ReCiPe 2016 standard methods to assess, respectively, its carbon footprint and overall environmental profile, as weighted by a hierarchical perspective. Even if both eco-indicators allowed the identification of the same hotspots (i.e., high-amylose bread wheat cultivation and consumer use of fresh pasta), the potential consumer of low-GI foods should be conscious that the novel low-GI fresh pasta had a greater environmental impact than the conventional counterpart made of common wheat flour, their corresponding carbon footprint or overall weighted damage score being 3.88 and 2.51 kg CO2e/kg or 184 and 93 mPt/kg, respectively. This was mainly due to the smaller high-amylose bread wheat yield per hectare. Provided that its crop yield was near to that typical for common wheat in Central Italy, the difference between both eco-indicators would be not greater than 9%. This confirmed the paramount impact of the agricultural phase. Finally, use of smart kitchen appliances would help to relieve further the environmental impact of both fresh pasta products.
Dynamic Changes in Vitamin E Biosynthesis during Germination in Brown Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Kong Leilei , Lin Yingxin , Liang Jiayan , Hu Xiaodan , Ashraf Umair , Guo Xinbo , Bai Song
Published: October 2022

The present study investigated the dynamic changes in vitamin E and gene expression within its biosynthetic pathway during three germination periods of four brown rice cultivars with different seed coat colors. The results reveal that the vitamin E content increased during the germination process of all brown rice cultivars. Moreover, the content of α-tocopherol, α-tocotrienol, and β-tocopherol significantly increased at the later stage of germination. The expression levels of DXS1 and γ-TMT genes in all cultivars were significantly increased, whilst the HGGT gene expression levels of G6 and XY cultivars increased significantly at the later stage of brown rice germination. In addition, the expression levels of MPBQ/MT2 in G1 and G6 cultivars, and TC expression levels in G2 and G6 cultivars were substantially increased at the later stage of germination. Overall, the up-regulation of MPBQ/MT2, γ-TMT, and TC genes doubled the content of α-tocopherol, α-tocotrienol, and β-tocopherol, and the total vitamin E content of brown rice was at its highest at 96HAT. The utilization of the germination period can effectively improve the nutritional value of brown rice, which can be used for the development and utilization of brown rice for healthy rice products.
A Possible Explanation of the Proton Radius Puzzle Based on the Second Flavor of Muonic Hydrogen Atoms
Authors: Oks Eugene
Published: October 2022

The proton radius puzzle is one of the most fundamental challenges of modern physics. Before the year 2010, the proton charge radius rp was determined by the spectroscopic method, relying on the electron energy levels in hydrogen atoms, and by the elastic scattering of electrons on protons. In 2010, and then in 2013, two research teams determined rp from the experiment on muonic hydrogen atoms and they claimed rp to be by about 4% smaller than it was found from the experiments with electronic hydrogen atoms. Since then, several research groups performed corresponding experiments with electronic hydrogen atoms and obtained contradictory results: some of them claimed that they found the same value of rp as from the muonic hydrogen experiments, while others reconfirmed the larger value of rp. The conclusion of the latest papers (including reviews) is that the puzzle is not resolved yet. In the present paper, we bring to the attention of the research community, dealing with the proton radius puzzle, the contributing factor never taken into account in any previous calculations. This factor has to do with the hydrogen atoms of the second flavor, whose existence is confirmed in four different types of atomic experiments. We present a relatively simple model illustrating the role of this factor. We showed that disregarding the effect of even a relatively small admixture of the second flavor of muonic hydrogen atoms to the experimental gas of muonic hydrogen atoms could produce the erroneous result that the proton charge radius is by about 4% smaller than its actual value, so that the larger out of the two disputed values of the proton charge radius could be, in fact, correct.