bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Key Biomarkers and Common Pathogenesis of Seven Digestive System Cancers and Their Correlation with COVID-19
Authors: Xiong Zuming , Yang Yongjun , Li Wenxin , Lin Yirong , Huang Wei , Zhang Sen
Published: July 2023

Digestive system cancer and COVID-19 significantly affect the digestive system, but the mechanism of interaction between COVID-19 and the digestive system cancers has not been fully elucidated. We downloaded the gene expression of COVID-19 and seven digestive system cancers (oral, esophageal, gastric, colorectal, hepatocellular, bile duct, pancreatic) from GEO and identified hub differentially expressed genes. Multiple verifications, diagnostic efficacy, prognostic analysis, functional enrichment and related transcription factors of hub genes were explored. We identified 23 common DEGs for subsequent analysis. CytoHubba identified nine hub genes (CCNA2, CCNB1, CDKN3, ECT2, KIF14, KIF20A, KIF4A, NEK2, TTK). TCGA and GEO data validated the expression and excellent diagnostic and prognostic ability of hub genes. Functional analysis revealed that the processes of cell division and the cell cycle were essential in COVID-19 and digestive system cancers. Furthermore, six related transcription factors (E2F1, E2F3, E2F4, MYC, TP53, YBX1) were involved in hub gene regulation. Via in vitro experiments, CCNA2, CCNB1, and MYC expression was verified in 25 colorectal cancer tissue pairs. Our study revealed the key biomarks and common pathogenesis of digestive system cancers and COVID-19. These may provide new ideas for further mechanistic research.
Inflammation, Autoinflammation and Autoimmunity in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Padoan Andrea , Musso Giulia , Contran Nicole , Basso Daniela
Published: July 2023

In this review, the role of innate and adaptive immunity in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is reported. In IBD, an altered innate immunity is often found, with increased Th17 and decreased Treg cells infiltrating the intestinal mucosa. An associated increase in inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1 and TNF-α, and a decrease in anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10, concur in favoring the persistent inflammation of the gut mucosa. Autoinflammation is highlighted with insights in the role of inflammasomes, which activation by exogenous or endogenous triggers might be favored by mutations of NOD and NLRP proteins. Autoimmunity mechanisms also take place in IBD pathogenesis and in this context of a persistent immune stimulation by bacterial antigens and antigens derived from intestinal cells degradation, the adaptive immune response takes place and results in antibodies and autoantibodies production, a frequent finding in these diseases. Inflammation, autoinflammation and autoimmunity concur in altering the mucus layer and enhancing intestinal permeability, which sustains the vicious cycle of further mucosal inflammation.
A Prochlorperazine-Induced Decrease in Autonomous Muscle Activity during Hindlimb Unloading Is Accompanied by Preserved Slow Myosin mRNA Expression
Authors: Sharlo Kristina A. , Lvova Irina D. , Tyganov Sergey A. , Sergeeva Ksenia V. , Kalashnikov Vitaly Y. , Kalashnikova Ekaterina P. , Mirzoev Timur M. , Kalamkarov Grigoriy R. , Shevchenko Tatiana F. , Shenkman Boris S.
Published: July 2023

Skeletal muscle disuse leads to pathological muscle activity as well as to slow-to-fast fiber-type transformation. Fast-type fibers are more fatigable than slow-type, so this transformation leads to a decline in muscle function. Prochlorperazine injections previously were shown to attenuate autonomous rat soleus muscle electrical activity under unloading conditions. In this study, we found that prochlorperazine blocks slow-to-fast fiber-type transformation in disused skeletal muscles of rats, possibly through affecting calcium and ROS-related signaling.
Analysis of the Distortion of the Bearing Rings after Quenching
Authors: Li Xusheng , Ju Dongying , Cao Jianting , Ishikawa Kousuke
Published: July 2023

Bearings are usually used at high-speed and high-load conditions, so the bearing sleeve must be able to withstand large contact stress, which requires heat treatment. However, during the quenching process of the bearing sleeve, a vapor film is formed on the surface. Since the vapor film is not uniform along the axial direction during the process of boiling and breaking, it will cause uneven distortion of the bearing sleeve. This uneven distortion will cause the outer ring of the bearing to have elliptical distortion after heat treatment. However, the mechanism of this problem and how to reduce the elliptical distortion has not been completely solved. In this paper, two points on the inner wall and outer wall of the bearing sleeve in the orthogonal direction are measured by means of experiments, and the mechanism of the ellipticity distortion during the quenching process is revealed. Additionally, through its horizontal placement, oblique placement, and vertical placement, the cooling curve and cooling rate curve changes in the process of entering the quenching agent are studied; based on the cooling curve, the heat transfer coefficient of the bearing sleeve during quenching is obtained by the heat transfer equation. Input the heat transfer coefficient into the CAE heat treatment simulation software COSMAP, according to the Metallo-Thermo-Mechanics theory and the method of multi-field coupling, simulating the quenching process of GCr15 and 16MnCr5 materials. By comparison, the ellipticity value of the bearing placed at a 45° angle is smaller than that of the horizontally and vertically placed bearings, with the 16MnCr5 material having the smallest ellipticity value of 0.00016. The simulation results verified the distortion mechanism of the bearing sleeve during the quenching process and how to reduce the solution of elliptical distortion.
An Investigation of In Vitro Bioactivities and Cytotoxicities of Spray Pyrolyzed Apatite Wollastonite Glass-Ceramics
Authors: Workie Andualem Belachew , Ningsih Henni Setia , Yeh Wen-Ling , Shih Shao-Ju
Published: July 2023

An apatite-wollastonite glass ceramic (AWGC) has been recognized as one of the popular bioactive materials due to its good osteoconductivity and high mechanical properties in the field of tissue engineering. Various processes have been developed to fabricate AWGCs. Among them, the sol-gel process is one of the most popular processes. However, sol-gel has the drawbacks of discontinuous processing and long processing time, making it unsuitable for mass production. This study demonstrates a successful synthesis of AWGCs using a spray pyrolysis method to overcome these drawbacks, and the prepared pellets were sintered at temperatures of 700, 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 °C for four hours. In addition, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy were used to obtain the phase composition, morphology, and chemical information of AWGCs. For bioactive measurements, among these AWGC samples, the 1100 °C sintered sample reveals the highest bioactivity. The MTT result indicates that all AWGCs are not non-toxic to the MC3T3-E1 cells and increase the growth rate of MC3T3-E1 cells.
The Structure and Microwave Dielectric Properties of MgTi1−x(Mn1/3Nb2/3)xO3 Ceramics
Authors: Huang Huan , Li Baoyang , Wang Fanshuo , Lai Yuanming , Jiang Gang
Published: July 2023

MgTi1−x(Mn1/3Nb2/3)xO3 (x = 0–0.30) ceramics were prepared via the solid-state reaction method. The phase composition, microstructure, bond characteristics, and microwave dielectric properties of MgTi1−x(Mn1/3Nb2/3)xO3 (x = 0–0.30) were systematically investigated. The MgTi1−x(Mn1/3Nb2/3)xO3 ceramics presented an ilmenite type with an R-3 space group, and the secondary-phase MgTi2O5 only existed at x = 0 and 0.30. The introduction of (Mn1/3Nb2/3)4+ effectively suppressed the formation of the MgTi2O5 phase. The variation trend of the dielectric constant (εr) was the same as relative density. The quality factor (Qf) value was enhanced by the stable microstructure, which was caused via the lattice energy of Ti/(Mn1/3Nb2/3)-O bonds. And a high Qf value (353,000 GHz) was obtained for MgTi1−x(Mn1/3Nb2/3)xO3 (x = 0.04) ceramics sintered at 1250 °C. In addition, the introduction of Mn2+ ions with a larger ionic radius exacerbates the distortion of TiO6 octahedra, leading to significant fluctuations in the temperature coefficient of the resonance frequency (τf) value.
A Systematic Review of Surgical Management Strategies in the Treatment of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis of Neuroendocrine Origin
Authors: Fallows Megan , Samant Ambareesh , Wilson Harry , Mirnezami Reza
Published: July 2023

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) represents the cornerstone of surgical management for peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) and involves peritonectomy procedures aimed at complete peritoneal tumour resection. Frequently, CRS is combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The combination of CRS + HIPEC is now considered the standard of care in patients with colorectal and ovarian PC. However, the role of this multi-modality treatment approach in patients with PC of neuroendocrine tumour origin (NET-PC) is less well understood. This systematic review provides a summary of available evidence on management strategies for patients with NET-PC. A systematic literature search was performed using Ovid Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies reporting outcomes for patients with NET-PC undergoing surgical treatment. Eligible studies were assessed for methodological quality and design and evaluated for a method of surgical treatment, method of HIPEC delivery, oncological outcomes, and treatment-related morbidity. Eight studies, including a total of 1240 patients with NET-PC, met predefined inclusion criteria and have been included in this review. In three of the included studies, CRS alone was performed for patients with NET-PC, while five studies reported outcomes with combined treatment using CRS plus HIPEC. All studies were performed at tertiary peritoneal malignancy centres. Only one study directly compared outcomes in patients with NET-PC undergoing CRS plus HIPEC compared with CRS in isolation, with no significant difference in overall survival reported. Carefully selected patients with NET-PC may benefit from aggressive surgical treatment in the form of CRS +/− HIPEC. These procedures are best undertaken at centres with expertise in the management of both neuroendocrine tumours and peritoneal malignancy, as both are conditions that require tertiary-level care. The additional benefit of the HIPEC component in this group of patients remains unclear and warrants further investigation in clinical trials. Overall, the quality of data on this subject is restricted by the low number of studies and the variability in treatment methods employed. A multi-national data registry for patients with NET-PC may offer the opportunity to better define treatment algorithms. Translational research efforts in parallel should focus on developing a better biological understanding of NET-PC, with a view to identifying more effective intraperitoneal cytocidal agents.
The Impact of Medicaid Expansion on Patients with Cancer in the United States: A Review
Authors: Hotca Alexandra , Bloom Julie R. , Runnels Juliana , Salgado Lucas Resende , Cherry Daniel R. , Hsieh Kristin , Sindhu Kunal K.
Published: July 2023

Since 2014, American states have had the option to expand their Medicaid programs as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which was signed into law by former President Barack H. Obama in 2010. Emerging research has found that Medicaid expansion has had a significant impact on patients with cancer, who often face significant financial barriers to receiving the care they need. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive examination of the research conducted thus far on the impact of Medicaid expansion on patients with cancer. We begin with a discussion of the history of Medicaid expansion and the key features of the ACA that facilitated it. We then review the literature, analyzing studies that have investigated the impact of Medicaid expansion on cancer patients in terms of access to care, quality of care, and health outcomes. Our findings suggest that Medicaid expansion has had a positive impact on patients with cancer in a number of ways. Patients in expansion states are more likely to receive timely cancer screening and diagnoses, and are more likely to receive appropriate cancer-directed treatment. Additionally, Medicaid expansion has been associated with improvements in cancer-related health outcomes, including improved survival rates. However, limitations and gaps in the current research on the impact of Medicaid expansion on patients with cancer exist, including a lack of long-term data on health outcomes. Additionally, further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms through which Medicaid expansion impacts cancer care.
Exploring the Research Landscape of Endemic Catadromous Fishes: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Study and PRISMA Review
Authors: Copeland Lekima K. F. , Stockwell Brian L. , Piovano Susanna
Published: July 2023

Catadromous species are a common component of riverine ecosystems in island nations in the South Pacific; however, the bulk of these species remain poorly explored. This study sought to offer a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on endemic and catadromous fishes using the PRISMA approach. We examined 317 documents from 106 sources between 1952 and 2022. These documents were written by a total of 595 authors with an average citation per document of 22.95. During this time span, 66 of 106 journal sources produced fewer than one article. Growth was slowest in the first 20 years (1952–1972) and peaked in 2005, accounting for 5.68% (18 documents) of the total of research papers across the study period. Our study documents a rise in scientific research on endemic and catadromous fishes in developing nations and regions. The data can be used by researchers, policymakers, and conservation managers to identify study gaps and trends in the field of endemic and catadromous fish studies. This study’s primary contribution is a comprehensive analysis of the available literature that indicates research trends and gaps and potential future research pathways. The implementation of the bibliometric approaches utilized in this analysis can serve as a model for various research fields globally, including countries in the South Pacific. This broadened scope allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the research environment, ultimately leading to enhanced management and conservation of various biological groups. While the focus of this study was on endemic catadromous fish species, the application of this methodology extends beyond this group, providing valuable insights into a wide range of taxa.
Beyond the Hydro-Regime: Differential Regulation of Plant Functional Groups in Seasonal Ponds
Authors: Rios Jasmine , Dibbell Melanie , Flores Emely , Kneitel Jamie M.
Published: July 2023

Plant community assembly can be influenced by many environmental factors. In seasonal wetlands, most studies focus on the considerable variation that occurs from the hydro-regime (patterns of inundation and desiccation). Other factors and their interactions also influence plants but are seldom studied, including nutrient and thatch levels. Furthermore, the responses of aquatic and terrestrial functional groups can provide important insights into patterns of cover and richness. The aim of this study was to evaluate how algae and plant functional groups (aquatic and terrestrial plants) respond to variation in hydro-regime (stable and unstable), nutrient addition (none and added), and thatch (none, native plants, and exotic plants) addition. We measured algal cover, total species richness, and the cover of the functional groups over two years. Algal cover increased with unstable hydroperiods and the addition of nutrients. Algae were also negatively associated with aquatic plant cover and positively associated with terrestrial plant cover. Aquatic plant cover increased with a stable hydro-regime and decreased with increased thatch. Terrestrial plant cover increased with an unstable hydro-regime and decreased with thatch addition. Thatch accumulation and excess nutrients can be linked to human activities, which directly and indirectly alter plant community composition. The interactions of these factors with the hydro-regime should be considered when evaluating a plant community’s response to changing environmental conditions. Overall, these results are necessary for the conservation and management of essential wetland functions and services.
Sentiment Analysis on Online Videos by Time-Sync Comments
Authors: Li Jiangfeng , Li Ziyu , Ma Xiaofeng , Zhao Qinpei , Zhang Chenxi , Yu Gang
Published: July 2023

Video highlights are welcomed by audiences, and are composed of interesting or meaningful shots, such as funny shots. However, video shots of highlights are currently edited manually by video editors, which is inconvenient and consumes an enormous amount of time. A way to help video editors locate video highlights more efficiently is essential. Since interesting or meaningful highlights in videos usually imply strong sentiments, a sentiment analysis model is proposed to automatically recognize sentiments of video highlights by time-sync comments. As the comments are synchronized with video playback time, the model detects sentiment information in time series of user comments. Moreover, in the model, a sentimental intensity calculation method is designed to compute sentiments of shots quantitatively. The experiments show that our approach improves the F1 score by 12.8% and overlapped number by 8.0% compared with the best existing method in extracting sentiments of highlights and obtaining sentimental intensities, which provides assistance for video editors in editing video highlights efficiently.
Perceived Moral Norms in an Extended Theory of Planned Behavior in Predicting University Students’ Bystander Intentions toward Relational Bullying
Authors: Brehmer Mareike
Published: July 2023

Relational forms of bullying, such as social exclusion, are prevalent among students in higher education (HE) and pose challenges to the creation of a safe and inclusive learning environment for young adults. Based on research showing how bystanders in bullying incidents can counteract bullying effectively, the present study investigated the extent to which bystanders’ prosocial behavioral intentions may be predicted using an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB). Students’ behavioral intentions toward the physical–social exclusion of peers in a hypothetical group work setting were investigated in a sample of 419 university students in the United Kingdom. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that moral norms significantly predicted intention over and above cognitive attitude, descriptive norms, and perceived behavioral control. In contrast, emotional attitudes and injunctive norms were not significant predictors of intention. Moreover, significant weak mediation effects could be shown for moral norms as a mediator of the relationships between standard TPB predictors and intention. The present study contributes knowledge to the growing research body on applications of the TPB and on bystander intentions in bullying in HE. Implications for a development in preventive measures to foster university students’ prosocial intentions toward bullying are discussed.
A Bi-Level Optimization and Scheduling Strategy for Charging Stations Considering Battery Degradation
Authors: Yang Qiwei , Huang Yantai , Zhang Qiangqiang , Zhang Jinjiang
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes a bi-level optimization scheduling strategy for integrated photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage systems (ESS) to meet electric vehicle (EV) charging demands while reducing charging costs. First, a battery degradation cost model is developed in order to convert the long-term costs into short-term costs for real-time operation. The upper layer of ESS and power grid operation strategies are obtained by minimizing costs associated with battery degradation and distribution grid costs. The lower layer considers the PV uncertainty and the error caused by the upper layer operation strategy, and obtains the lower layer operation strategy by adding a penalty function to minimize fluctuations in power. Second, the author proposes a global optimization algorithm that combines Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) in order to solve the above-mentioned models, effectively combining the global search feature of PSO with the local search capability of SQP. Finally, the bi-level optimization scheduling strategy is obtained by solving the model through the algorithm. Simulation results verify the practicality of the scheduling strategy and the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Design and Internal Flow Characteristic Investigation of High-Temperature H2/Steam-Mixed Working Fluid Turbine
Authors: Wei Liangchuan , Guo Bing , Li Nanyi , Heng Zhonghao
Published: July 2023

In this paper, an improved RSM-CFD method is used to optimally design a mixed turbine of non-equilibrium condensing steam (NECS) and hydrogen (H2), of which the response surface method (RSM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are coupled to take into account the effects of the wet steam non-equilibrium condensation process of the multimixed working fluid. A single-stage H2/Steam (NEC)-mixed turbine was developed based on the improved RSM-CFD, and the effect mechanism of the H2 component ratio (ωH2) on the flow characteristics, internal power, and isentropic efficiency within the turbine stage were investigated. The results show that the isentropic efficiency (η) increases with the increase in the hydrogen component ratio (ωH2), since hydrogen, as a non-condensable component, can inhibit the nucleation and growth of steam, reducing the pressure pulsation on the blade surface; furthermore, it accelerates the transport and diffusion of liquid droplets, inhibits the flow separation, and reduces the flow loss in the flow channel. However, the internal power of the turbine (P) tends to decrease with increasing ωH2, since the increase in hydrogen reduces the pressure difference on the blade and lowers the torque of the fluid acting on the blade, and at the same time, the vortex and radial flow intensify, and the enthalpy drop inside the stage decreases. On this basis, the optimum operating conditions are found where the hydrogen component ratio (volume percent) ωH2 = 53%. Accordingly, the hydrogen component ratio should be maintained in the range of 38–68%, considering the work capacity and hydrogen yield of the mixed working fluid.
Evaluation of the Hygrothermal Conditions of a Typical Residential Building in the Azores Archipelago
Authors: Malça João , Almeida Ricardo M. S. F. , Mendes Silva José A. R.
Published: July 2023

This article contributes to the assessment of the hygrothermal conditions of residential buildings in the Azores archipelago and defines strategies that may contribute to the improvement in indoor air quality. These objectives were fulfilled by in situ monitoring of the hygrothermal conditions of a typical building on Terceira Island. Complementary tests to determine the thermal conductivity of exterior walls and ventilation rates were also conducted. The results were used to validate a simulation model, and different ventilation strategies were simulated using the combined heat, air, and moisture transfer model in EnergyPlus. The model took into account the typical construction methods and materials of the archipelago, as well as the reference weather data sets available for the region. The monitoring campaign showed that the percentage of time in which thermal comfort conditions were achieved was very low, varying from 5% to 32%, being the main cause for discomfort in the humidity level in the indoor environment. The simulation results pointed out the sensitivity of the problem, showing that ventilation may not always be, by itself, beneficial to thermal comfort. In particular, ventilation strategies should be established taking into account additional criteria other than the air change rate, namely the periods of the day and year in which ventilation should be performed, as well as the duration of these periods.
Analysis of Regular Wave Floating Characteristics of Mono-Column Composite Bucket Foundation during Towing
Authors: Xiao Jiandong , Liu Junfeng , Lin Yifeng , Zhang Puyang , Gao Yang
Published: July 2023

The mono-column composite bucket foundation has gained practical application in offshore wind power due to its advantages of simple fabrication, fast construction, and low cost. To ensure the safe and stable transportation of this structure to its designated sinking position, this study focuses on producing a scaled model of the mono-column composite bucket foundation. Through model testing, the floating characteristics of the structure during towing in regular waves are examined. The conclusion of the study is as follows: a significant towing force is required to provide the initial velocity of the structure. As the wave period and height increase, the structure necessitates a larger towing force, experiences greater pitch and heave responses, and exhibits more noticeable fluctuations in internal air pressure. The paper aims at providing practical engineering insights.
A Method of Assessing the Selection of Carport Power for an Electric Vehicle Using the Metalog Probability Distribution Family
Authors: Małek Arkadiusz , Caban Jacek , Dudziak Agnieszka , Marciniak Andrzej , Ignaciuk Piotr
Published: July 2023

This article presents a method for assessing the selection of carport power for an electric vehicle using the Metalog probability distribution family. Carports are used to generate electricity and provide shade for vehicles parked underneath them. On the roof of the carport, there is a photovoltaic system consisting of photovoltaic panels and an inverter. An inverter with Internet of Things functions generates data packets which describe the operation of the entire system at certain intervals and sends them via wireless transmission to a cloud server. The transmitted data can be processed offline and used to determine the charging capacity of individual electric vehicles. This article presents the use of the Metalog family of distributions to predict the production of electricity by a photovoltaic carport with the accuracy of the probability distribution. Based on the calculations, an electric vehicle was selected that can be charged from the carport.
A Comprehensive Review of Defects Genealogy in Olivines: From the Mineral World to Modern Electrode Materials
Authors: Nazarov Eugene E. , Aksyonov Dmitry A. , Antipov Evgeny V. , Fedotov Stanislav S.
Published: July 2023

The “Learning from nature” strategy is currently going through a renaissance period in modern materials science. Valuable experience gained by observing existing natural materials—minerals—paves the way towards design and modification of prospective functional materials for energy storage, which typically inherit the peculiarities of the parental minerals. The faults and flaws of the crystal structure—its defects—play a crucial role in determining both mechanical and electrochemical properties of the electrode materials. In this review, we endeavored to rethink the defect chemistry in triphylite-type positive electrode materials for metal-ion batteries and reflected on it from the perspective of their mineral olivine counterparts, thus establishing important correlations between point defects in olivine minerals and related electrode materials, their origin and formation processes. This work is meant to review geoscience and materials science perceptions of defects in triphylite-type electrode materials for Li- and Na-ion batteries.
Modelling Smart Grid Technologies in Optimisation Problems for Electricity Grids
Authors: Giannelos Spyros , Borozan Stefan , Aunedi Marko , Zhang Xi , Ameli Hossein , Pudjianto Danny , Konstantelos Ioannis , Strbac Goran
Published: July 2023

The decarbonisation of the electricity grid is expected to create new electricity flows. As a result, it may require that network planners make a significant amount of investments in the electricity grids over the coming decades so as to allow the accommodation of these new flows in a way that both the thermal and voltage network constraints are respected. These investments may include a portfolio of infrastructure assets consisting of traditional technologies and smart grid technologies. One associated key challenge is the presence of uncertainty around the location, the timing, and the amount of new demand or generation connections. This uncertainty unavoidably introduces risk into the investment decision-making process as it may lead to inefficient investments and inevitably give rise to excessive investment costs. Smart grid technologies have properties that enable them to be regarded as investment options, which can allow network planners to hedge against the aforementioned uncertainty. This paper focuses on key smart technologies by providing a critical literature review and presenting the latest mathematical modelling that describes their operation.
Imitation Learning with Deep Attentive Tabular Neural Networks for Environmental Prediction and Control in Smart Home
Authors: al-Ani Omar , Das Sanjoy , Wu Hongyu
Published: July 2023

Automated indoor environmental control is a research topic that is beginning to receive much attention in smart home automation. All machine learning models proposed to date for this purpose have relied on reinforcement learning using simple metrics of comfort as reward signals. Unfortunately, such indicators do not take into account individual preferences and other elements of human perception. This research explores an alternative (albeit closely related) paradigm called imitation learning. In the proposed architecture, machine learning models are trained with tabular data pertaining to environmental control activities of the real occupants of a residential unit. This eliminates the need for metrics that explicitly quantify human perception of comfort. Moreover, this article introduces the recently proposed deep attentive tabular neural network (TabNet) into smart home research by incorporating TabNet-based components within its overall framework. TabNet has consistently outperformed all other popular machine learning models in a variety of other application domains, including gradient boosting, which was previously considered ideal for learning from tabular data. The results obtained herein strongly suggest that TabNet is the best choice for smart home applications. Simulations conducted using the proposed architecture demonstrate its effectiveness in reproducing the activity patterns of the home unit’s actual occupants.
Measurement of a Three-Dimensional Rotating Flow Field and Analysis of the Internal Oil Droplet Migration
Authors: Xing Lei , Guan Shuai , Gao Yang , Jiang Minghu
Published: July 2023

Investigating the motion of discrete oil droplets in a rotating flow field can provide a theoretical basis for optimizing the flow field and structural parameters of hydrocyclones and centrifugal separation equipment. In the present work, the particle image velocimetry (PIV) method was applied to study the velocity distribution of a three-dimensional axial-rotor-driven rotating flow field and the influence of the velocity distribution of different rotor speeds on the flow field. The radial migration of oil droplets with different particle sizes in the rotating flow field was visually analyzed using high-speed video (HSV). The results showed that the oil droplets with the same radial position had diameters of 2.677 and 4.391 mm, whereas the movement times to the axis were 0.902 and 0.752 s. The larger the oil droplet size, the shorter the time to move to the axial center of the rotating flow field. The radial velocities of oil droplets with diameters of 2.677 and 2.714 mm were 0.0221 and 0.02 m·s−1, respectively. In addition, a mathematical expression was established between the radial migration time and the oil droplet size in the rotating flow field. The accuracy of the proposed expression was verified using experiments.
A Solid-to-Solid 2D Model of a Magnetocaloric Cooler with Thermal Diodes: A Sustainable Way for Refrigerating
Authors: Cirillo Luca , Greco Adriana , Masselli Claudia
Published: July 2023

Solid-state caloric cooling is a viable route toward a more sustainable way of refrigerating. The refrigerants are solid-state materials with a caloric effect detectable by measuring a temperature variation through an external-field intensity change. The caloric effect could be particularized depending on the properties of the material and the type of field. Magnetocaloric is the effect occurring in ferromagnetic materials through the variation of an external field. Thermodynamically, two are the possible cycles regulating the cooling process in the system: the Active Caloric Regenerative cooling cycle and the solid-to-solid heat transfer (SSHT). The former requires the involvement of an auxiliary fluid for the heat transfer processes; in the latter, the heat transfer can be regulated by thermal diodes with the capability of changing their thermal conductivity depending on the intensity of an external field. The investigation introduced is focused on an SSHT system employing magnetocaloric materials as refrigerants and thermal diodes as the vehiculation elements. The two-dimensionality of the model allows the optimization of the dimensions of both the magnetocaloric and the thermal diode elements to achieve elevated operative frequencies. A comparison between two magnetocaloric materials was performed, Gadolinium and LaFe11.384Mn0.356Si1.26H1.52. Encouraging results on the system, suitably employable in the field of electronic circuit cooling, have been found.
Factors Affecting Market Participant Decision Making in the Spanish Intraday Electricity Market: Auctions vs. Continuous Trading
Authors: Bindu Shilpa , Chaves Ávila José Pablo , Olmos Luis
Published: July 2023

Intraday markets can be organized as continuous trading or discrete auction sessions. While many studies have attempted to compare the liquidity of these two models, additional external factors specific to each system, such as the balancing market design and number of bidding zones, affect overall market liquidity. In this regard, the Spanish hybrid intraday markets seem like an excellent case study to compare the two market models. Since the two intraday models are implemented in the same system (the Spanish one), the same conditions apply to their implementation. However, a direct comparison of liquidity is still challenging due to two factors: (1) differences exist in market architecture (timing, pricing scheme, bidding formats, etc.) between the two models, which create preferences among market players for one or the other; (2) the opportunistic behavior of market players in the system responding to the market price signals may affect the liquidity dynamics. We demonstrate the relevance of these two factors coming into play in the Spanish intraday markets, first carrying out a qualitative analysis of the market architecture of both models and then empirically analyzing a market manipulation attempt, which we refer to as the 15:10 rush. Our analysis points towards the need for more efficient regulation governing the interaction of the continuous intraday market with intraday auction markets and the potential risks from increased algorithmic trading.
HeartDIS: A Generalizable End-to-End Energy Disaggregation Pipeline
Authors: Dimitriadis Ilias , Virtsionis Gkalinikis Nikolaos , Gkiouzelis Nikolaos , Vakali Athena , Athanasiadis Christos , Baslis Costas
Published: July 2023

The need for a more energy-efficient future is now more evident than ever. Energy disagreggation (NILM) methodologies have been proposed as an effective solution for the reduction in energy consumption. However, there is a wide range of challenges that NILM faces that still have not been addressed. Herein, we propose HeartDIS, a generalizable energy disaggregation pipeline backed by an extensive set of experiments, whose aim is to tackle the performance and efficiency of NILM models with respect to the available data. Our research (i) shows that personalized machine learning models can outperform more generic models; (ii) evaluates the generalization capabilities of these models through a wide range of experiments, highlighting the fact that the combination of synthetic data, the decreased volume of real data, and fine-tuning can provide comparable results; (iii) introduces a more realistic synthetic data generation pipeline based on other state-of-the-art methods; and, finally, (iv) facilitates further research in the field by publicly sharing synthetic and real data for the energy consumption of two households and their appliances.
Production, Concentration and Flux of Major and Trace Elements in Juniperus przewalskii Litter of the Qilian Mountains, China
Authors: Huang Fangyuan , Zang Fei , Zhao Xinning , Li Na , Nan Zhongren , Wang Shengli , Zhao Chuanyan
Published: July 2023

Forest litter is an important guarantee for maintaining forest soil fertility and circulating material in forest ecosystems. The input of litter plays an important role in soil organic matter formation and biogeochemical cycles in forest ecosystems. However, the production and elements concentrations of Juniperus przewalskii (JP) litter in the Qilian Mountains are still unknown. In this study, we investigated the production of needle, branch and bark, cone, and impurity litters. We determined the concentrations and fluxes of major (K, Mg, Al, and Fe) and trace (Na, Mn, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, Co, Cd, and Ag) elements in needle litter of JP from September 2020 to August 2021. The results showed that the annual litter production was 4040.74 ± 495.96 kg ha−1 a−1. Needle and cone litters were the main components of the total litter production. The major elements (MEs) and trace elements (TEs) fluxes of litter were consistent with the litter production trend. The concentrations and fluxes of MEs and TEs in needle litter decreased in the order: K > Mg > Al > Fe > Na > Mn > Zn > Cr > Ni > Cu > Pb > Co > Cd > Ag. These results have important implications for understanding the migration processes of MEs and TEs in forest ecosystems of the Qilian Mountains.
Spatial Structure of Lightning and Precipitation Associated with Lightning-Caused Wildfires in the Central to Eastern United States
Authors: Vant-Hull Brian , Koshak William
Published: July 2023

The horizontal storm structure surrounding 92,512 lightning-ignited wildfires is examined in the mid to eastern sections of the United States from 2003 to 2015 using Vaisala’s National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN), NCEP’s Stage IV gauge-corrected radar precipitation mosaic, and the US Forest Service’s Fire Occurrence Database. Though lightning flash density peaks strongly around fire ignitions on the instantaneous 1 km scale, on the hourly 10 km scale, both the lightning and precipitation peaks are typically offset from fire ignitions. Lightning density is higher, and precipitation is lower around ignition points compared to non-ignition points. The average spatial distribution of total lightning flashes around fire ignitions is symmetrical, while that of precipitation and positive flashes is not. Though regression is consistent with the claim that positive flashes have a stronger association with ignition than negative flashes, the statistical significance is ambiguous and is contradicted by an unchanging positive flash fraction in the vicinity of wildfires.
Promoting Sustainable Transport in Developing Countries: A Case Study of University Students in Tehran
Authors: Kazemeini Ali , Kermanshah Amirhassan
Published: July 2023

One of the ways to address the modern traffic-related problems is to encourage people to use sustainable travel modes more regularly. Transportation planners need to find the factors that affect people’s opinions toward using these modes. In this study, we investigated these factors using a case study of a developing country by distributing an online survey among the students of four universities in Tehran. The number of complete responses received was 134 from SUT, 63 for UT, 31 from AUT, and 204 from IUST, summing up to 432 responses. A binomial logistic regression model was used to find the paramount factors affecting the selection of cycling and public transportation. Our model found five and four statistically significant factors affecting preferences toward using bicycle and public transport, respectively. Several novel outcomes resulted from our study. First, expressing prestige to others resulted in the reduction of the preference of students toward cycling by 80%. Second, while a high number of the respondents are not currently using bikes to commute, a noticeable number of them are amongst the ones that will cycle in their daily commutes in an ideal condition. Third, in Iran, a religious approach is present in the society, which results in lower rates of public transport usage among females. Finally, while long commuting distance is the main barrier to cycling, travel time plays a bigger role in the preferences toward using public transportation. In the end, some practical solutions are suggested to encourage the usage of these modes. They include providing safe bicycle lanes and more space in the public transportation systems.
“Gloppiness” Phenomena and a Computer Vision Method to Quantify It
Authors: Wu Shijian , Mintel Mark , Teoman Baran , Jensen Stephanie , Potanin Andrei
Published: July 2023

In this study, we present a rapid, cost-effective Python-driven computer vision approach to quantify the prevalent “gloppiness” phenomenon observed in complex fluids and gels. We discovered that rheology measurements obtained from commercial shear rheometers do show some hints, but do not exhibit a strong correlation with the extent of “gloppiness”. To measure the “gloppiness” level of laboratory-produced shower gel samples, we employed the rupture time of jetting flow and found a significant correlation with data gathered from the technical insight panelist team. While fully comprehending the “gloppiness” phenomenon remains a complex challenge, the Python-based computer vision technique utilizing jetting flow offers a promising, efficient, and affordable solution for assessing the degree of “gloppiness” for commercial liquid and gel products in the industry.
Advancing Dermatological Care: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Tele-Dermatology and mHealth for Bridging Gaps and Expanding Opportunities beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Giansanti Daniele
Published: July 2023

Mobile health (mHealth) has recently had significant advances in tele-dermatology (TD) thanks to the developments following the COVID-19 pandemic. This topic is very important, as telemedicine and mHealth, when applied to dermatology, could improve both the quality of healthcare for citizens and the workflow in the health domain. The proposed study was centered on the last three years. We conducted an overview on the opportunities, the perspectives, and the problems involved in TD integration with mHealth. The methodology of the narrative review was based on: (I) a search of PubMed and Scopus and (II) an eligibility assessment, using properly proposed parameters. The outcome of the study showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, TD integration with mHealth advanced rapidly. This integration enabled the monitoring of dermatological problems and facilitated remote specialist visits, reducing face-to-face interactions. AI and mobile apps have empowered citizens to take an active role in their healthcare. This differs from other imaging sectors where information exchange is limited to professionals. The opportunities for TD in mHealth include improving service quality, streamlining healthcare processes, reducing costs, and providing more accessible care. It can be applied to various conditions, such as (but not limited to) acne, vitiligo, psoriasis, and skin cancers. Integration with AI and augmented reality (AR), as well as the use of wearable sensors, are anticipated as future developments. However, integrating TD with mHealth also brings about problems and challenges related to regulations, ethics, cybersecurity, data privacy, and device management. Scholars and policymakers need to address these issues while involving citizens in the process.
Raman Spectroscopic Analysis of a Mid-19th Century Reredos by Sir George Gilbert Scott
Authors: Brooke Christopher , Edwards Howell , Vandenabeele Peter , Lycke Sylvia , Pepper Michelle
Published: July 2023

A painted stone reredos in the Priory Church of St Cuthbert, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, UK, was analysed before recent conservation to determine the pigment scheme employed. The screen was created by the eminent British architect Sir George Gilbert Scott in the middle decade of the 19th Century. The results help inform the wider range of palettes employed by British architects and craftspeople working in the 19th and early 20th centuries which have previously been little studied. The pigments generally were high-quality vermilion (red), chrome yellow (yellow), and ultramarine (blue), and several alternatives were also evident such as red lead and haematite for red, bone black, and carbon black for black. Lightening and darkening agents were incorporated as lead white, barytes, and carbon, and pigment mixtures were used to achieve the colours dark blue-red, and green.
Dyes in History and Archaeology 41: Reflections on the Conference and Its Assembly of Articles
Authors: Kirby Jo , Hacke Marei , Norrehed Sara , Dyer Joanne , Gaibor Art Proaño , Degano Ilaria , Koren Zvi , Sandström Edith
Published: July 2023

In 1982, eight people—archaeologists, colour scientists and analysts—met in a room in King’s Manor, York University, to discuss a subject of significance to them all: the analysis of dyes on archaeological and historical textiles [...]