bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD47 Expression in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers and Its Clinicopathological Implications
Authors: Bang Seongsik , Jee Seungyun , Son Hwangkyu , Cha Hyebin , Park Hosub , Myung Jaekyung , Ko Joo Yeon , Kim Hyunsung , Paik Seungsam
Published: August 2022

CD47 is a cell surface molecule and regulates diverse cellular responses. CD47 is highly expressed in cancer cells and has potential as a therapeutic target and prognostic factor in cancer patients. The expression patterns of CD47 in basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and its precursor lesions, and its clinicopathological significance were investigated. CD47 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 152 cases of BCC and 71 cases of SCC. For comparison of CD47 expression, actinic keratosis (AK), squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS), keratoacanthoma (KA), and normal skin (NS) tissue were used. CD47 expression in BCC was significantly lower than that of SCC (p < 0.001). CD47 expression levels in SCC and KA were significantly higher than those of NS and AK (p < 0.05). High CD47 expression was significantly associated with the presence of ulceration (p = 0.005) and a deeper level of invasion (p = 0.011) in BCC. In addition, high CD47 expression was significantly associated with the presence of ulceration (p = 0.019) and larger tumor size (p = 0.004) in SCC. CD47 expression was associated with tumorigenesis and tumor progression in non-melanoma skin cancers.
Technology-Mediated Sexual Interactions, Social Anxiety, and Sexual Wellbeing: A Scoping Review
Authors: Shaughnessy Krystelle , Fehr Cassandra J. , Ashley Marilyn , Braham Justine , Labelle Patrick R. , Ouimet Allison J. , Corsini-Munt Serena , Ashbaugh Andrea R. , Reissing Elke D.
Published: August 2022

Technology-mediated sexual interactions (TMSI) are interpersonal exchanges via technology of self-created sexual material, including photos, videos, and auditory or text messages. There is little research on the factors that predict both TMSI experiences and their sexual wellbeing outcomes. Social anxiety is anxiety experienced in response to social or performance situations. From a cognitive–behavioural perspective, people higher in social anxiety may avoid TMSI, preventing positive or negative consequences. They also may use TMSI to avoid the anxiety caused by in-person sexual interactions, benefiting from access to sexual interactions while perpetuating anxiety about them. The purpose of this scoping review was to explore the role of social anxiety in TMSI and its sexual wellbeing outcomes. We executed a comprehensive search strategy across eight academic databases and searched reference lists of included articles. We included 19 articles written in English or French that had a human sample and were published between 1991 and 2021 and evaluated connections between social anxiety constructs (e.g., shyness, anxiety) and TMSI-related experiences (e.g., sexting, internet sex addiction). The pattern of results suggested that social anxiety constructs may predict some but not all forms of TMSI. Future research from a cognitive–behavioural perspective will expand knowledge on social anxiety, TMSI, and its sexual wellbeing outcomes.
Secure and Efficient Message Authentication Scheme for 6G-Enabled VANETs
Authors: Liao Longxia , Zhao Junhui , Hu Huanhuan , Sun Xiaoke
Published: August 2022

In 6G-enabled vehicle ad hoc networks (VANETs), the messages transmitted through wireless communication face security problems such as tampering and disclosure. In this paper, to ensure the security of transmitted messages and the privacy of vehicle users, we propose an anonymous and secure message authentication (ASMA) scheme. The ASMA scheme can realize message verification and conditional privacy preservation with a lower computation overhead, and its security does not depend on a tamper-proof device (TPD). As the numbers of vehicles and applications increase in 6G-enabled VANETs, the number of messages in the network increases greatly. One-by-one verification messages in the ASMA scheme cannot meet the strict low-latency requirements. To improve the efficiency of the ASMA scheme, we investigate a proxy-vehicle-assisted batch message authentication (PVBA) scheme. In the scheme, a proxy vehicle selection algorithm is designed to choose a certain number of proxy vehicles, and the message verification tasks are completed by a roadside unit (RSU) and the proxy vehicles synchronously. Performance analysis shows that in the case of large-scale messages, the PVBA scheme has lower verification delay than related schemes, and the verification efficiency is greatly improved.
Federated Split Learning Model for Industry 5.0: A Data Poisoning Defense for Edge Computing
Authors: Khan Firoz , Kumar R. Lakshmana , Abidi Mustufa Haider , Kadry Seifedine , Alkhalefah Hisham , Aboudaif Mohamed K.
Published: August 2022

Industry 5.0 provides resource-efficient solutions compared to Industry 4.0. Edge Computing (EC) allows data analysis on edge devices. Artificial intelligence (AI) has become the focus of interest in recent years, particularly in industrial applications. The coordination of AI at the edge will significantly improve industry performance. This paper integrates AI and EC for Industry 5.0 to defend against data poisoning attacks. A hostile user or node injects fictitious training data to distort the learned model in a data poisoning attack. This research provides an effective data poisoning defense strategy to increase the learning model’s performance. This paper developed a novel data poisoning defense federated split learning, DepoisoningFSL, for edge computing. First, a defense mechanism is proposed against data poisoning attacks. Second, the optimal parameters are determined for improving the performance of the federated split learning model. Finally, the performance of the proposed work is evaluated with a real-time dataset in terms of accuracy, correlation coefficient, mean absolute error, and root mean squared error. The experimental results show that DepoisoningFSL increases the performance accuracy.
Advances in Process Modelling and Simulation of Parabolic Trough Power Plants: A Review
Authors: Al-Maliki Wisam Abed Kattea , Khafaji Hayder Q. A. , Abdul Wahhab Hasanain A. , Al-Khafaji Hussein M. H. , Alobaid Falah , Epple Bernd
Published: August 2022

The common design of thermal power plants is fundamentally oriented towards achieving a high-process performance, with market demands necessitating enhanced operational stability as a result of ongoing global support for renewable energy sources. Indeed, dynamic simulation represents one useful and cost-effective choice for optimizing the flexibility of parabolic trough power plants (PTPP) in a range of transient operating conditions, such as weather changes, resulting again in variations of the output load as well as varying start-up times. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of steady-state and dynamic modelling for PTPP design, development, and optimization. This gives us a greater opportunity for a broad understanding of the PTPPs subjected to a variety of irradiance solar constraints. The most important features of the steady-state and their uses are reviewed, and the most important programs used in steady-state modelling are also highlighted. In addition, the start-up process of the plant, thermal storage system capacities and response dynamics (charging and discharging modes), and yearly electricity yield can be analyzed using dynamic modelling. Depending on the dynamic simulation, specific uses can be realized, including control loop optimization, load estimation for critical in-service equipment, and emergency safety assessment of power plants in the event of an outage. Based on this review, a detailed overview of the dynamic simulation of PTPP, and its development and application in various simulation programs, is presented. Here, a survey of computational dynamic modelling software commonly applied for commercial and academic applications is performed, accompanied by various sample models of simulation programs such as APROS, DYNAMICS, DYMOLA, and ASPEN PLUS. The simulation programs generally depend on the conservation equations of mass, momentum, species, and energy. However, for the equation of equilibrium, specific mathematical expressions rely on the basic flow model. The essential flow models involved, together with the basic assumptions, are presented, and are supplemented through a general survey covering popular simulation programs. Various previous research on the dynamic simulation of the PTPP are reviewed and analyzed in this paper. Here, several studies in the literature regarding the dynamic simulation of the PTPP are addressed and analyzed. Specific consideration is given to the studies including model verification, in order to explore the effect of modelling assumptions regarding the simulation outputs.
Dry Anaerobic Digestion of the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste: Biogas Production Optimization by Reducing Ammonia Inhibition
Authors: Rossi Elena , Pecorini Isabella , Ferrara Giovanni , Iannelli Renato
Published: August 2022

The aim of this work is to optimize biogas production from thermophilic dry anaerobic digestion (AD) of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) by comparing various operational strategies to reduce ammonia inhibition. A pilot-scale plug flow reactor (PFR) operated semi-continuously for 170 days. Three scenarios with different feedstock, namely solely OFMSW, OFMSW supplemented with structural material, and OFMSW altered to have an optimal carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, were tested. Specific biogas production (SGP), specific methane production (SMP), the biogas production rate (GPR), and bioenergy recovery were evaluated to assess the process performance. In addition, process stability was monitored to highlight process problems, and digestate was characterized for utilization as fertilizer. The OFMSW and the structural material revealed an unbalanced content of C and N. The ammonia concentration decreased when the optimal C/N ratio was tested and was reduced by 72% if compared with feeding solely OFMSW. In such conditions, optimal biogas production was obtained, operating with an organic loading rate (OLR) equal to 12.7 gVS/(L d). In particular, the SGP result was 361.27 ± 30.52 NLbiogas/kgVS, the GPR was 5.11 NLbiogas/(Lr d), and the potential energy recovery was 8.21 ± 0.9 MJ/kgVS. Nevertheless, the digestate showed an accumulation of heavy metals and low aerobic stability.
Grid Forming Inverters: A Review of the State of the Art of Key Elements for Microgrid Operation
Authors: Anttila Sara , Döhler Jéssica S. , Oliveira Janaína G. , Boström Cecilia
Published: August 2022

In the past decade, inverter-integrated energy sources have experienced rapid growth, which leads to operating challenges associated with reduced system inertia and intermittent power generation, which can cause instability and performance issues of the power system. Improved control schemes for inverters are necessary to ensure the stability and resilience of the power system. Grid-forming inverters dampen frequency fluctuations in the power system, while grid-following inverters can aggravate frequency problems with increased penetration. This paper aims at reviewing the role of grid-forming inverters in the power system, including their topology, control strategies, challenges, sizing, and location. In order to facilitate continued research in this field, a comprehensive literature review and classification of the studies are conducted, followed by research gaps and suggestions for future studies.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Rotor–Stator Interaction in a Large Prototype Pump–Turbine in Turbine Mode
Authors: Yang Haixia , He Qilian , Huang Xingxing , Yang Mengqi , Bi Huili , Wang Zhengwei
Published: August 2022

In recent years, large-capacity, high-head pump–turbine units have been developed for pumped storage power plants to effectively utilise water energy and store large amounts of electricity. Compared with the traditional Francis turbine unit, the radial distance between the trailing edge of the guide vanes and the leading edge of runner blades of high-head pump–turbine unit is smaller, so the rotor–stator interaction and the corresponding pressure fluctuations in the vaneless space of pumped storage units are more intense. The pressure fluctuations with high amplitudes and high frequencies induced by rotor–stator interaction (RSI) become the main hydraulic excitation source for the structures of the unit and may cause violent vibration and fatigue damage to structural components, and seriously affect the safe operation of the units. In this paper, the RSI of a high-head pump–turbine in turbine mode of operation is studied in detail by means of site measurement and full three-dimensional unsteady simulations. The results of RSI-induced pressure fluctuations in turbine mode are analysed experimentally and numerically. The accuracy of the numerical calculations is verified by comparing with the measured results, and the variation law of RSI is deeply analysed. The results show that the pressure fluctuations in the vaneless space are affected by the wake of the guide vane, the rotating excitation of the runner, the low-frequency excitation of the draft tube, and the asymmetric characteristics of the incoming flow of the spiral case, and shows significant differences in spatial position. The findings of the investigation are an important and valuable reference for the design and safe operation of the pumped storage power station. It is recommended to design the runner with inclined inlets to reduce the amplitudes of RSI-induced pressure fluctuations and to avoid operating the pump–turbine units under partial load for long periods of time to reduce the risk of pressure fluctuation induced severe vibration on the structures.
Review of Fault Tolerant Multi-Motor Drive Topologies for Automotive Applications
Authors: Al Sakka Mustapha , Geury Thomas , El Baghdadi Mohamed , Dhaens Miguel , Al Sakka Monzer , Hegazy Omar
Published: August 2022

With vehicle electrification and employment of X-by-wire technology, mechanical systems are being replaced by motor drives which improve the efficiency and performance of vehicular systems. However, motor drives have a lower power density and reliability compared to mechanical solutions. Multi-motor drives have the potential of mitigating both these drawbacks. In this paper, a state-of-the-art review of multi-motor drives and their application to vehicular systems is carried out. Firstly, the case of multi-motor systems in automotive applications is laid out by presenting the different vehicular systems comprising multiple motors. Secondly, multi-motor drive topologies with improved power density, reliability and fault tolerance capabilities are thoroughly analyzed. Finally, the topologies are assessed and compared in the context of automotive applications. The assessment verifies that multi-motor drives allow for fault tolerant and cost-effective solutions that are suitable for automotive applications.
Potentials of Renewable Energy Sources in Germany and the Influence of Land Use Datasets
Authors: Risch Stanley , Maier Rachel , Du Junsong , Pflugradt Noah , Stenzel Peter , Kotzur Leander , Stolten Detlef
Published: August 2022

Potential analyses identify possible locations for renewable energy installations, such as wind turbines and photovoltaic arrays. The results of previous potential studies for Germany, however, are not consistent due to different assumptions, methods, and datasets being used. For example, different land-use datasets are applied in the literature to identify suitable areas for technologies requiring open land. For the first time, commonly used datasets are compared regarding the area and position of identified features to analyze their impact on potential analyses. It is shown that the use of Corine Land Cover is not recommended as it leads to potential area overestimation in a typical wind potential analyses by a factor of 4.7 and 5.2 in comparison to Basis-DLM and Open Street Map, respectively. Furthermore, we develop scenarios for onshore wind, offshore wind, and open-field photovoltaic potential estimations based on land-eligibility analyses using the land-use datasets that were proven to be best by our pre-analysis. Moreover, we calculate the rooftop photovoltaic potential using 3D building data nationwide for the first time. The potentials have a high sensitivity towards exclusion conditions, which are also currently discussed in public. For example, if restrictive exclusions are chosen for the onshore wind analysis the necessary potential for climate neutrality cannot be met. The potential capacities and possible locations are published for all administrative levels in Germany in the freely accessible database (Tool for Renewable Energy Potentials—Database), for example, to be incorporated into energy system models.
Disposal of Wastewater from Mazout-Fired Boiler Plants by Burning Water–Mazout Emulsions
Authors: Janta-Lipińska Sylwia , Shkarovskiy Alexander , Chrobak Łukasz Bartłomiej
Published: August 2022

Liquid fuel can be an alternative to solid fuel in non-gasified locations. The mazout for municipal-energy boiler plants is much cheaper than fuel oil. However, this relates to the problem of wastewater disposal from such a boiler plant. A proprietary system for the disposal of bottom water and other sewage-containing mazout has been developed. The solution depends on the proper preparation and burning of a water–mazout emulsion (WME). The emulsion is prepared in a specially designed and developed dosing ejector. By burning the emulsion using the developed system, an efficiency increase of 2–3% was achieved for boilers operating on the mazout fuel. Such a result was achieved due to a reduction in the excess air factor. Moreover, emissions of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide were reduced by 30–35% and 70–80%, respectively. In addition due to cleaning the heat-exchange surfaces obtained when working on the WME, the amount of time for productive and more efficient use of the equipment has increased.
Fast Charging of an Electric Bus Fleet and Its Impact on the Power Quality Based on On-Site Measurements
Authors: Chudy Aleksander , Hołyszko Piotr , Mazurek Paweł
Published: August 2022

The subject of this study was a distribution substation that feeds 14 fast DC chargers (80 kW) located at the bus depot in Lublin, Poland. The voltage variations were determined to be within the PN-EN 50160 standard limit values (±10% Un). There were several events registered when 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th voltage harmonics were above the PN-EN 50160 limit during the charging of the electric buses. The obtained maximum 10 min average values of the total voltage harmonic distortion (THD) were 3.36%, 2.27%, and 2.89% for the first, second, and third phase, respectively, i.e., below the limit value of 8% required by PN-EN 50160. Due to the exceedance of the 6th voltage harmonic, the PN-EN 50160 requirements were not met.
Integration of Photovoltaic-Based Transformerless High Step-Up Dual-Output–Dual-Input Converter with Low Power Losses for Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Aljafari Belqasem , Ramu Senthil Kumar , Devarajan Gunapriya , Vairavasundaram Indragandhi
Published: August 2022

The synchronous integration of numerous input and output loads is possible with multi-input (MI) and multi-output (MO) DC–DC converters. In this paper, the non-isolated DC–DC converter described, which has a high step-up capability and multiple ports for outputs and inputs for energy storage system (ESS) applications. The voltage level of the converter is changeable. The capacity to provide the large voltage increases with a low duty cycle portion, the ease with which each duty cycle can be controlled, and minimal power losses are all advantages of the proposed design. The proposed system offers advantages for applications requiring energy storage. In the continuous conduction mode (CCM), the operation principles, steady-state evaluation, and extracting of the voltage and current coefficients are performed. The supply sources can be inserted or withdrawn without causing a cross-regulation issue in the proposed converter. Ultimately, the functionality of the proposed structure is examined using simulation and the laboratory prototype that has been implemented. The proposed converter achieved 94.3% efficiency at maximum power. In addition, the proposed converter attained minimum losses with a difference of 28.5 W when compared to a conventional converter.
A Tool to Assess the Interaction between Energy Efficiency, Demand Response, and Power System Reliability
Authors: Menniti Daniele , Pinnarelli Anna , Sorrentino Nicola , Stella Fiorella , Aura Caterina , Liutic Claudia , Polizzi Gaetano
Published: August 2022

Utilities are increasingly interested in integrating energy efficiency and demand response measures as a strategic approach that aims to achieve an increasingly reliable, dynamic, and integrated electric system. The concepts of energy efficiency (EE), demand response (DR), and system reliability (ESR) have been mainly studied from a different perspective, dealing only with the interaction between EE and DR and between EE and ESR. This paper aims to improve knowledge and demonstrate the validity of EE interventions (EEIs) through the use of a tool for evaluating the benefits of energy efficiency measures (EEMs) in the environmental sphere and in terms of DR and ESR. In order to evaluate this interaction, a quantitative method is proposed and validated on real results in an Italian case scenario, taking into account the analysis of smart meters data for residential users located in southern Italy in Calabria. Based on the collected data, an aggregation of users was evaluated with real hourly profiles covering the period from January 2020 to August 2020. These results show how efficient energy use may affect DR resource availability and power systems reliability. In conclusion, the authors justify that a more reliable electric system is ready for new types of EE financing systems based on pay-for-performance contracts.
Factors Affecting Soybean Crude Urease Extraction and Biocementation via Enzyme-Induced Carbonate Precipitation (EICP) for Soil Improvement
Authors: Shu Shuang , Yan Boyang , Ge Bin , Li Shiling , Meng Hao
Published: August 2022

Enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) is a new biogeotechnical ground improvement technique that uses calcium carbonate (CaCO3) formed by biochemical processes to increase soil strength and stiffness. In this paper, crude urease extracted from soybeans was employed to catalyze the precipitation of CaCO3 in sand. To optimize the urease extraction efficiency, factors affecting the soybean crude urease extraction, including the powdered soybean particle size, concentration, soaking time, and soaking temperature, were addressed. This paper also provided further insight regarding the impact of the urease activity of soybean crude extract on the chemical conversion efficiency and the biocementation performance in EICP. The findings revealed that the powdered soybean concentration and the particle size were the two most important factors affecting the urease activity of the soybean crude extract. The enzyme activity utilized in the EICP process might further lead to different reactant efficiencies of urea-CaCl2 solution, and consequently, the improvement in the physical and mechanical properties of biocemented sand. Considering the chemical conversion efficiency and the biocementation performance, 60 g/L of powdered soybean was concluded as the preferred quantity for extracting the crude urease, with an enzyme activity of 6.62 mM urea min−1. Under this condition, a chemical conversion efficiency of approximately 95% for 0.5 M urea-0.5 M CaCl2 could be obtained in merely 12 h, and the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the EICP-treated sand exceeded 4 MPa with a CaCO3 content of ~8%. As a high-efficient cost-effective alternative to the purified enzyme for carbonate precipitation, the soybean crude urease showed great potential for ground improvement.
A Filter-Less Time-Domain Method for Reference Signal Extraction in Shunt Active Power Filters
Authors: El Ghaly Abdallah , Tarnini Mohamad , Moubayed Nazih , Chahine Khaled
Published: August 2022

Current distortion degrades power quality and affects system performance, especially for sensitive loads that require pure sinusoidal waves. Owing to its excellent dynamic response, a well-designed active power filter (APF) can achieve a total harmonic distortion (THD) within the acceptable limits defined by IEEE 3002 standards through compensating harmonic distortions. The APF consists of two main modules: a reference signal extraction module and a modulation module. This paper adapts the matrix pencil method, a well-known model-based parameter estimation technique, to the problem of reference extraction. Contrary to conventional time-domain methods such as the synchronous reference frame (SRF) and the reactive power theory (PQ theory) that rely on low-pass filters in their implementations, the proposed method does not use a filter. However, it extracts the reference signal by first decomposing the load current into its constituent frequency components, and then subtracting the pure sine wave synthesized from the obtained fundamental component from the load current. Results on simulated data from MATLAB/Simulink confirm the higher accuracy and fast response time of the proposed method in extracting the reference signal.
Understanding Cartel Viability: Implications for a Latin American Lithium Suppliers Agreement
Authors: Mares David R.
Published: August 2022

The energy transition requires significant volumes of minerals of which the Global South holds large reserves. This context revives hopes and fears that producing countries in the Global South might hold sufficient market power to demand above market prices, technology transfers and even migration of productive processes to their countries. Our research question is what determines the effectiveness of states’ collusion on natural resource exploitation and how does that affect the probability of Latin American collusion regarding lithium. The study utilizes Social Science methods for developing frameworks of analysis and comparative case studies. Following an overview of what is required for effective cartels, the study focuses on characteristics of the six primary lithium producers and potential producers in Latin America: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. Theory and empirical evidence indicate that Latin American lithium producers should be very cautious in assessing their bargaining power vis a vis the market. More focus should be put on how best to utilize market determined profits to support sustainable national development. The conclusion highlights limitations of Latin American countries’ capacities and suggests future lines of research regarding potential commodity cartels for resources essential to the energy transition.
Predictive Modeling of Bioenergy Production from Fountain Grass Using Gaussian Process Regression: Effect of Kernel Functions
Authors: Hossain SK Safdar , Ayodele Bamidele Victor , Almithn Abdulrahman
Published: August 2022

Experimental studies have shown that bioethanol production from biomass sources has been reported to be influenced by several process parameters. It is not entirely known, however, how the interaction of these factors affects the concentration of bioethanol production. In this study, the use of Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) in predictive modeling of bioethanol production from fountain grass has been investigated. Parametric analysis showing the interaction effect of time, pH, temperature, and yeast extract on the bioethanol production was examined. The effect of kernel functions on the performance of the GPR in modeling the prediction of bioenergy output was also examined. The study shows that the kernel function, namely, rotational quadratic (RQGPR), squared exponential (SEGPR), Matern 5/2 (MGPR), exponential (EGPR), and the optimizable (Opt.GPR.), had varying effects on the performance of the GPR. Coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.648, 0.670, 0.667, 0.762, and 0.993 were obtained for the RQGPR, SEGPR, MGPR, EGPR, OptGPR, respectively. The OptGPR with R2 of 0.993 and RMSE of 45.13 displayed the best performance. The input parameters analysis revealed that the pH of the fermentation medium significantly influences bioethanol production. A proper understanding of how the various process variables affect bioethanol production will help in the real-time optimization of the process in the eventuality of scale-up.
Use of Secondary Metabolites of Wood-Decaying Fungi to Reduce Damping off Disease
Authors: Waszczuk Urszula , Zapora Ewa , Berezovska Daria , Stocki Marcin , Wołkowycki Marek , Malewski Tadeusz , Hsiang Tom , Oszako Tomasz , Borowik Piotr
Published: August 2022

Phytopathogenic fungi can cause plant diseases that are difficult to control, including mass mortality of some tree species. The Fusarium oxysporum complex (sensu lato) is one of the most dangerous groups of phytopathogenic fungi, causing the death of conifer species, including Pinus sylvestris seedlings in forest and ornamental nurseries. Recently, non-chemical methods of plant protection have become the basis of integrated pest management (IPM) in the European Union (EC Directive). The possibility of protection of pine seedlings against the pathogen F. oxysporum using active substances from wood-destroying fungi commonly found in forests was examined. Methanolic extracts of Fomitopsis pinicola, Ganoderma applanatum, and Trametes versicolor were found to contain substances effective in both prevention and treatment of infected seedlings. G. applanatum and T. versicolor showed particular biological activity in increasing plant resistance. Efficacy, especially of the extract of F. pinicola, increased with concentration. Further field trials are needed to confirm the results obtained in laboratory tests on plant protection.
Responses of Tree Growth and Intrinsic Water Use Efficiency to Environmental Factors in Central and Northern China in the Context of Global Warming
Authors: Ren Meng , Liu Yu , Li Qiang , Song Huiming , Cai Qiufang , Sun Changfeng
Published: August 2022

The Loess Plateau is a fragile ecological zone that is sensitive to climate change. The response, adaptation, and feedback of tree growth in forest ecosystems to global warming and CO2 enrichment are urgent scientific issues. Intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) is an important indicator for understanding forest ecosystem adaptability to climate change and CO2 enrichment. In this study, tree-ring width, tree-ring stable carbon isotope ratio (δ13C), and iWUE of P. tabulaeformis Carr. were established. Climate response analysis showed that temperature was the main limiting factor affecting radial tree growth and that relative humidity significantly affected the stable carbon isotope fractionation of tree rings. During 1645–2011, the iWUE increased by 27.1%. The responses of iWUE to climate factors and atmospheric CO2 concentrations (Ca) showed that the long-term variation in iWUE was affected by Ca, which could explain 69% of iWUE variation, and temperature was the main factor causing iWUE interannual variation. The ecosystem of P. tabulaeformis showed a positive response to rising Ca, as its carbon sequestration capacity increased. In response to global warming and CO2 enrichment, rising Ca promoted increases in iWUE but ultimately failed to offset the negative impact of warming on tree growth in the study area.
Digital Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Arabic Textbooks
Authors: Fallucchi Francesca , Ghattas Bouchra , Spielhaus Riem , De Luca Ernesto William
Published: August 2022

Digital Humanities (DH) provide a broad spectrum of functionalities and tools that enable the enrichment of both quantitative and qualitative research methods in the humanities. It has been widely recognized that DH can help in curating and analysing large amounts of data. However, digital tools can also support research processes in the humanities that are interested in detailed analyses of how empirical sources are patterned. Following a methodological differentiation between close and distant reading with regard to textual analysis, this article describes the Edumeres Toolbox, a digital tool for textbook analysis. The Edumeres Toolbox is an outcome of the continuous interdisciplinary exchange between computer scientists and humanist researchers, whose expertise is crucial to convert information into knowledge by means of (critical) interpretation and contextualization. This paper presents a use case in order to describe the various functionalities of the Edumeres Toolbox and their use for the analysis of a collection of Arabic textbooks. Hereby, it shows how the interaction between humanist researchers and computer scientists in this digital process produces innovative research solutions and how the tool enables users to discover structural and linguistic patterns and develop innovative research questions. Finally, the paper describes challenges recognized by humanist researchers in using digital tools in their work, which still require in-depth research and practical efforts from both parties to improve the tool performance.
First Therapeutic Approval for Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Al-Horani Rami A. , Chiles Raquel
Published: August 2022

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is a chronic, immune-mediated or antigen-mediated esophageal disease. Treatment for patients with EE can be challenging with no previously approved medications. Current management strategies follow the four D’s paradigm of drugs, dietary elimination, dilation, and disease anxiety and hypervigilance therapy. On 20 May 2022, dupilumab was approved by FDA for EE. A dose of 300 mg dupilumab weekly significantly improved signs and symptoms of EE compared to placebo in a phase 3 trial. The approval of dupilumab will fulfill an unmet need for the increasing number of patients with EE.
Prefrontal Cortex Response to Prenatal Insult and Postnatal Opioid Exposure
Authors: Rymut Haley E. , Rund Laurie A. , Southey Bruce R. , Johnson Rodney W. , Sweedler Jonathan V. , Rodriguez-Zas Sandra L.
Published: August 2022

The influence of proinflammatory challenges, such as maternal immune activation (MIA) or postnatal exposure to drugs of abuse, on brain molecular pathways has been reported. On the other hand, the simultaneous effects of MIA and drugs of abuse have been less studied and sometimes offered inconsistent results. The effects of morphine exposure on a pig model of viral-elicited MIA were characterized in the prefrontal cortex of males and females using RNA-sequencing and gene network analysis. Interacting and main effects of morphine, MIA, and sex were detected in approximately 2000 genes (false discovery rate-adjusted p-value < 0.05). Among the enriched molecular categories (false discovery rate-adjusted p-value < 0.05 and −1.5 > normalized enrichment score > 1.5) were the cell adhesion molecule pathways associated with inflammation and neuronal development and the long-term depression pathway associated with synaptic strength. Gene networks that integrate gene connectivity and expression profiles displayed the impact of morphine-by-MIA interaction effects on the pathways. The cell adhesion molecules and long-term depression networks presented an antagonistic effect between morphine and MIA. The differential expression between the double-challenged group and the baseline saline-treated Controls was less extreme than the individual challenges. The previous findings advance the knowledge about the effects of prenatal MIA and postnatal morphine exposure on the prefrontal cortex pathways.
Commonly Assessed Markers in Childhood BCP-ALL Diagnostic Panels and Their Association with Genetic Aberrations and Outcome Prediction
Authors: Kulis Jan , Sędek Łukasz , Słota Łukasz , Perkowski Bartosz , Szczepański Tomasz
Published: August 2022

Immunophenotypic characterization of leukemic cells with the use of flow cytometry (FC) is a fundamental tool in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) diagnostics. A variety of genetic aberrations underlie specific B-cell precursor ALL (BCP-ALL) subtypes and their identification is of great importance for risk group stratification. These aberrations include: ETV6::RUNX1 fusion gene, Philadelphia chromosome (BCR::ABL1 fusion gene), rearrangements of the KMT2A, TCF3::PBX1 fusion gene and changes in chromosome number (hyperdiploidy and hypodiploidy). Diagnostic panels for BCP-ALL usually include B-cell lineage specific antigens: CD19, CD10, CD20, maturation stage markers: CD34, CD10, CD38, TdT, IgM and other markers useful for possible genetic subtype indication. Some genetic features of leukemic cells (blasts) are associated with expression of certain antigens. This review comprehensively summarizes all known research data on genotype-immunophenotype correlations in BCP-ALL. In some cases, single molecules are predictive of particular genetic subtypes, i.e., NG2 with KMT2A gene rearrangements or CD123 with hyperdiploidy. However, much more information on possible genotype or prognosis can be obtained with wider (≥8-color) panels. In several studies, a quantitative antigen expression scale and advanced statistical analyses were used to further increase the specificity and sensitivity of genotype/immunophenotype correlation detection. Fast detection of possible genotype/immunophenotype correlations makes multicolor flow cytometry an essential tool for initial leukemia diagnostics and stratification.
Best Practices for Developing Geotechnical Models and Seismic Hazard Procedures for Critical Infrastructure: The Viadotto Italia Case Study in Southern Italy
Authors: Ausilio Ernesto , Durante Maria Giovanna , Zimmaro Paolo
Published: August 2022

The performance of a large number of critical infrastructure systems needs to be periodically re-evaluated. This is especially so when such systems are located in seismic areas and are subjected to ageing effects. Seismic re-evaluations are typically performed using numerical response history analyses based on a geotechnical model of the infrastructure and using hazard-consistent ground motions. We depart from the Viadotto Italia (the tallest multi-span bridge in Italy, located in a high-seismicity region) to draw best practices on how to construct a robust geotechnical model and derive appropriate target response spectra to be used in forward applications. Our proposed framework starts with the analysis of historical and new information and data. We then describe how to perform a multi-epoch consistency analysis that deals with the reliability and level of uncertainty of the data, culminating with the definition of a pragmatic geotechnical model that builds upon all available data, including investigation information produced at different spatial resolutions and quality levels. We also propose a consistent approach to perform site-specific probabilistic seismic hazard analysis to develop appropriate ground motions. This last step builds upon experiences with a data-rich high-seismicity zone in southern Italy, where both shallow crustal faults and deep subduction sources are present.
Geotechnical Parameters of Landslide-Prone Laflamme Sea Deposits, Canada: Uncertainties and Correlations
Authors: Sanou Amande-Gaston , Saeidi Ali , Heidarzadeh Shahriyar , Chavali Rama Vara Prasad , Samti Hamza Es , Rouleau Alain
Published: August 2022

Due to inherent variability arising from unpredictable geological depositional and post-depositional processes, the geotechnical parameters of Laflamme sea clay deposits remain highly uncertain. This study aims to develop and apply a methodology to assess the uncertainties of geotechnical parameters using statistical distributions for a landslide-prone Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean (SLSJ) region. We used the measured physical and mechanical parameters of Laflamme Sea clays of various locations in the SLSJ region to characterize the geotechnical parameters in a representative manner. Goodness-of-fit tests assign each physical and mechanical parameter a distribution function for their descriptive analysis. We found that the quality of these tests is significantly influenced by outliers. The detected outliers in the dataset considerably impact the distribution type and the uncertainties of the specific geotechnical parameter. Subsequently, appropriate distribution functions for each parameter were assigned after treating the outliers. The derived coefficient of variability values for the SLSJ region were significantly high in comparison to the literature with cone penetration test data being only the exception. Finally, the results indicated that the uncertainties of geotechnical parameters of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region marine clays are high as compared to Scandinavian clays and are relatively comparable to other eastern Canadian clays.
Is Sacubitril/Valsartan a Safe and Effective Option in Real World Patients with Mild to Severe Chronic Kidney Disease?
Authors: Nogueira Marta Afonso , Brochado Marisa , Nabais Inês , Eira Sara , Matias Carla , Proença Gonçalo
Published: August 2022

Aims: Sacubitril/valsartan has shifted the landscape of heart failure (HF) treatment. As renal function (RF) is often compromised in HF patients, this study aimed to assess the evolution of RF in patients with HF with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and initiating treatment with sacubitril/valsartan. Methods and results: We present a secondary data analysis of a prospective cohort of HFrEF patients. Inclusion criteria: patients who started sacubitril/valsartan between November 2017 and August 2019, after previous optimal medical therapy, had a New York Heart Association classification of II or III, at least 6 months of follow-up, and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 90 mL/min/1.73 m2. Main endpoint: annualized change in eGFR. A total of 52 patients met the inclusion criteria. The average eGFR reduced from 54.2 to 52.5 mL/min/1.73 m2, at baseline and last follow-up, respectively. The average eGFR annualized change from baseline decreased 3.1 mL/min/1.73 m2/year without statistical significance (95% confidence interval: −8.7 to 2.5). No subgroup analysis presented a statistically significant annualized change in eGFR. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction increased from 30.4% to 37.9% at last follow-up. Conclusion: This real-world study demonstrated sacubitril/valsartan promoted no major harm in renal function, while maintaining effectiveness in a population of HFrEF patients with mild to severe renal disease.
Aroma Profile of Monovarietal Pét-Nat Ciders: The Role of Croatian Traditional Apple Varieties
Authors: Jagatić Korenika Ana-Marija , Preiner Darko , Tomaz Ivana , Skendrović Babojelić Martina , Jeromel Ana
Published: August 2022

The aromatic and sensory profiles of monovarietal sparkling ciders made according to the modified Méthode Ancestrale or Pétillant Naturel (Pét-Nat) method were established. Three Croatian traditional apple varieties (‘Božićnica’, ‘Bobovac’, and ‘Crvenka’) were basic raw materials for Pét-Nat ciders in this study. The basic apple must and cider parameters were determined by applying OIV methods and nitrogenous compounds, total phenols, and color parameters were analyzed by spectrophotometer. Volatile compounds in final Pét-Nat ciders were determined by SPME-Arrow-GC/MS method and Odor Active Values (OAV) were calculated. The results show that variety significantly altered the pH value, color, aromatic and sensory profile of Pét-Nat ciders. The main contributors (OAV > 1) to the aroma of all Pét-Nat ciders were 1-hexanol, 1-propanol, (6Z)-nonen-1-ol, 1-dodecanol, hexanoic, octanoic and isovaleric acid, citronellol, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl butanoate, ethyl-9-decenoate and isoamyl acetate, eugenol and methionol. ‘Božićnica’ Pét-Nat was differentiated by a high concentration of 1-decanol and 4-ethylphenol, ‘Bobovac’ by 4-vinyl guaiacol and ‘Crvenka’ by 4-ethyl guaiacol. Sensory analysis showed that the highest rated overall quality was attributed to ‘Crvenka’ Pét-Nat cider, with the high-quality color, fruity odor (‘apple’,’apple juice/compote’, ‘pineapple’, and ‘buttery’) and well-balanced taste. This research demonstrates the possibilities in the production of natural sparkling cider from traditional Croatian apple varieties by analyzing the composition and quality of the final product for the first time.
Effect of White LED Light on the Growth of Apple Seedlings in Controlled Environment System
Authors: Choi Ki Young , Shawon Md. Rayhan Ahmed , Kim Jae Kyung , Yoon Yeo Joong , Park Soo Jeong , Na Jong Kuk
Published: August 2022

Plant growth in a controlled environment system is highly dependent on the availability of light. The light-emitting diode (LED) is capable of providing the needed quality and quantity of light for the plant. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of white LED light intensity on the growth of in vitro propagated apple (M-9) seedlings in a controlled environment system. Seedlings were grown for 30 days under five different white LED light intensities: 100–500 (L1), 250–500 (L2), 500–500 (L3), 250–250 (L4), and 100–100 (L5). Our findings indicate that seedlings treated with L3 grew substantially taller than seedlings treated with L1, L2, or L5. The number of leaves, stem diameter, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, and shoot dry weight of L3 treated seedlings were considerably greater than those growing in other treatments. Furthermore, root length, root dry weight, chlorophyll content, and photosynthesis rate were considerably increased in the L3 treatment group compared to the L5 treatment group. However, there was no significant difference in the stomatal conductance or transpiration rate of apple seedlings between the light treatments. Moreover, a positive correlation was seen between stomatal conductance and transpiration rate. These results suggest that light intensity PPFD 500-500 were favorable for the initial growth of in vitro propagated apple seedlings.