bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Vesicostomy Still a Contemporary Method of Managing Posterior Urethral Valves?
Authors: Hofmann Aybike , Haider Maximilian , Cox Alexander , Vauth Franziska , Rösch Wolfgang H.
Published: January 2022

In boys with posterior urethral valves (PUVs) the main treatment aim is to preserve long-term bladder and renal function. To determine the effectiveness of secondary vesicostomy in boys with PUVs, the medical records of 21 patients with PUV (2010–2019), divided into two groups (group I: valve ablation; group II: secondary vesicostomy), were reviewed regarding the course of serum creatinine, renal ultrasound, voiding cystourethrogram, urodynamics, postoperative complications, need of further surgery, and long-term solution. The median age of all patients at first follow-up was 11 (9–13) months and at last follow-up 64.5 (39.5–102.5) months. Despite a significant difference of the SWDR score (shape, wall, reflux, and diverticula) (p = 0.014), both groups showed no significant differences preoperatively. Postoperatively, serum creatinine (p = 0.024), grade of vesicoureteral reflux (p = 0.003), side of upper tract dilatation (p = 0.006), side of megaureter (p = 0.004), and SWDR score (p = 0.002) were significantly decreased in group II. Postoperative urodynamic measurements showed comparable results in both groups. Stoma complications were found in three (20%) patients (group II). Eight (53.3%) patients already received a closure of the vesicostomy. Seven out of eight (87.5%) patients were able to micturate spontaneously. Vesicostomy remains a reliable treatment option for boys with PUV to improve bladder function and avoid further damage to the urinary tract.
Effects of Graphene Oxide Encapsulated Silica Fume and Its Mixing with Nano-Silica Sol on Properties of Fly Ash-Mixed Cement Composites
Authors: Zhou Shun , Zhang Xiaotao , Zhou Han , Li Dongxu
Published: January 2022

In the present research work, the ternary effects of varying dosages of graphene oxide encapsulated silica fume (GOSF), nano-silica sol (SS), and fly ash (FA) on the rheological properties, compressive strength, the content and crystal size of calcium hydroxide (CH), porosity, water absorption, and microstructure of cement were studied. The results showed that the incorporation of SF improved the dispersion of GO in the cement matrix. GOSF was prepared through electrostatic attraction between the positively charged SF and negatively charged GO. The ternary mixture of GOSF, SS, and FA had a synergistic effect that improved the performance of cement. When the curing age of cement reached 28 days, the compressive strength reached a peak of 86.5 MPa, the minimum values of content and crystal size of CH were 11.55% and 45.69 nm, respectively, and the minimum values of water absorption and porosity were 0.0011 cm/s0.5 and 13.56%, respectively. In terms of microstructure, the denser structure of C-S-H gel and the regular arrangement of CH were noticed.
Dynamic Tensile Extrusion Behavior of Fine-Grained Copper Fabricated by Powder Injection Molding
Authors: Lee Keunho , Woo Sanghyun , Park Leeju
Published: January 2022

The dynamic tensile extrusion (DTE) behavior and microstructural evolution of fine-grained (FG, ~1 μm < d < ~10 μm) Cu fabricated by powder injection molding (PIM) were investigated. The FGM Cu was fabricated by PIM with commercial micro-sized Cu powder sintering at 850 °C for 2 h, while the FGH Cu was developed by the hot isostatic pressing (HIP) of the FGM at 780 °C for 2 h under a pressure of 1000 bar. In order to compare the DTE behavior of the FG Cu manufactured using different methods, the ultrafine-grained-B (UFG, d < ~1 μm) Cu was developed by performing 16 passes of equal-channel angular pressing with route Bc, and the FG-150 Cu was fabricated by annealing the UFG-B Cu bar at 150 °C for 1 h. The DTE tests were performed with identical flyer velocities using an all-vacuum gas gun. The fragments and remnants were carefully recovered after the DTE tests and examined by electron backscattered diffraction measurement and a micro-Vickers hardness test. A strong dual <001> + <111> texture was developed during the DTE for both FGM and FGH Cu. In contrast to the outcome of the UFG-B and FG-150, little evidence of dynamic recrystallization taking place during the DTE in the FGM and FGH was found during analysis of the grain morphology and grain orientation spread. Premature failure based on void coalescence was induced at the vertex region of the FGM fragments due to pre-existing pores. The HIP treatment on the FGM Cu increased the relative density by reducing the pre-existing pores and, as a result, increased the DTE ductility of the FGH Cu.
Micromechanical Effect of Martensite Attributes on Forming Limits of Dual-Phase Steels Investigated by Crystal Plasticity-Based Numerical Simulations
Authors: Hussein Tarek , Umar Muhammad , Qayyum Faisal , Guk Sergey , Prahl Ulrich
Published: January 2022

This study analyses the effect of martensite grain size and its volume fraction in dual-phase (DP) steel on (1) the formability limit, (2) average global behavior under different loading conditions, and (3) damage initiation. The virtual RVEs (Representative Volume Elements) were constructed using DREAM.3D software with a variation of microstructural attributes. The numerical simulations were carried out using DAMASK, which evaluates the polycrystalline material point behavior and solves versatile constitutive equations using a spectral solver. The simulations were post-processed to obtain global and local stress, strain, and damage evolution in constructed RVEs. The global results were processed to obtain FLDs according to Keeler-Brazier (K-B) and Marciniak and Kuczynski (M-K) criteria. In this work, the capability of microstructure-based numerical simulations to analyze the FLDs has been established successfully. From Forming Limit Diagrams (FLDs), it was observed that formability changes by changing the strain hardening coefficients (n-values), the martensite fraction, and martensite grain sizes of DP steels. The improved formability was observed with lower martensite fraction, i.e., 17%, decreased martensite grain size, i.e., 2.6 µm, and higher strain hardening coefficient. The M-K approach shows the better capability to predict the formability by various loading conditions and clarifies the necking marginal zone of FLD. The damage propagation is also strongly affected by the loading conditions. The current study would be a good guide for designers during the manufacturing and selecting of appropriate DP steels based on the service loading conditions.
Linking and Sharing Technology: Partnerships for Data Innovations for Management of Agricultural Big Data
Authors: Kharel Tulsi P. , Ashworth Amanda J. , Owens Phillip R.
Published: January 2022

Combining data into a centralized, searchable, and linked platform will provide a data exploration platform to agricultural stakeholders and researchers for better agricultural decision making, thus fully utilizing existing data and preventing redundant research. Such a data repository requires readiness to share data, knowledge, and skillsets and working with Big Data infrastructures. With the adoption of new technologies and increased data collection, agricultural workforces need to update their knowledge, skills, and abilities. The partnerships for data innovation (PDI) effort integrates agricultural data by efficiently capturing them from field, lab, and greenhouse studies using a variety of sensors, tools, and apps and provides a quick visualization and summary of statistics for real-time decision making. This paper aims to evaluate and provide examples of case studies currently using PDI and use its long-term continental US database (18 locations and 24 years) to test the cover crop and grazing effects on soil organic carbon (SOC) storage. The results show that legume and rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crops increased SOC storage by 36% and 50%, respectively, compared with oat (Avena sativa L.) and rye mixtures and low and high grazing intensities improving the upper SOC by 69–72% compared with a medium grazing intensity. This was likely due to legumes providing a more favorable substrate for SOC formation and high grazing intensity systems having continuous manure deposition. Overall, PDI can be used to democratize data regionally and nationally and therefore can address large-scale research questions aimed at addressing agricultural grand challenges.
Poroid Hidradenoma: Dermoscopic and In Vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopic Description
Authors: Lupu Mihai , Tebeica Tiberiu , Malciu Ana Maria , Voiculescu Vlad Mihai
Published: January 2022

Poroid hidradenoma (PH) is a rare, benign adnexal neoplasm usually presenting as a solitary, well circumscribed, asymptomatic papule or nodule that appears reddish and is occasionally tender. Since 1990, only a few cases of PH have been reported. We present a case of PH on the medial surface of the thigh and describe, for the first time, the dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopic (RCM) features in correlation with histology. A 67-year-old woman with unremarkable family or past medical history presented with a nodular lesion on the medial surface of the right thigh. The lesion had appeared 4 months earlier and rapidly enlarged. Physical examination revealed a 7 × 5 mm, non-tender, reddish nodule with clinically distinct margins. Dermoscopy showed central blue-grey pigmented areas, a polymorphous vascular pattern with arborizing, glomerular and hairpin vessels surrounded by white halos. RCM revealed an ovoid, well-outlined tumor, with a central area containing cells with distinctive morphologies, two types of tumor cells, tubular hypo-reflective structures, and rectilinear vessels in the stroma. These findings correlated with histological features, which established the diagnosis of PH. Even though the diagnosis of PH remains histopathological, non-invasive tools, such as RCM, can help rule out several malignancies, therefore reducing surgical-associated comorbidity.
Echocardiographic Assessment of Patients with Pulmonary Tumor Thrombotic Microangiopathy First Diagnosed in the Emergency Department
Authors: Kim Minjoo , Yoon Hee , Kim Min Yeong , Jo Ik Joon , Kang Soo Yeon , Lee Guntak , Park Jong Eun , Kim Taerim , Lee Se Uk , Hwang Sung Yeon , Cha Won Chul , Shin Tae Gun
Published: January 2022

Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy (PTTM) is a fatal disease that obstructs pulmonary vessels, leading to pulmonary hypertension (PH) and right-sided heart failure causing rapid progressive dyspnea in patients with cancer. This retrospective chart review involved nine patients with PTTM who were first clinically diagnosed in a tertiary emergency department (ED) between January 2015 and June 2021. They underwent laboratory tests, chest radiography, chest computed tomography (CT), and echocardiography. All patients presented with severe and rapidly progressive dyspnea within a few days, a high oxygen demand. The right ventricle (RV): left ventricle ratio was >1 on chest CT, and no life-threatening pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) was observed. Echocardiographic findings indicated that all patients had moderate-to-severe RV dilatation with a D-shaped LV. The median tricuspid regurgitation maximum velocity was 3.8 m/s, and the median RV systolic pressure was 63 mmHg, indicating severe PH. The median value of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion was 15 mm, showing a decrease in RV systolic function, and McConnell’s sign was observed in five patients. Two patients immediately underwent chemotherapy and are currently alive. PTTM should be suspected and evaluated using echocardiography in patients with cancer presenting to the ED with acute dyspnea and RV failure without PTE.
Image-Quality Assessment of Polyenergetic and Virtual Monoenergetic Reconstructions of Unenhanced CT Scans of the Head: Initial Experiences with the First Photon-Counting CT Approved for Clinical Use
Authors: Michael Arwed Elias , Boriesosdick Jan , Schoenbeck Denise , Woeltjen Matthias Michael , Saeed Saher , Kroeger Jan Robert , Horstmeier Sebastian , Lennartz Simon , Borggrefe Jan , Niehoff Julius Henning
Published: January 2022

In 2021, the first clinical photon-counting CT (PCCT) was introduced. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the image quality of polyenergetic and virtual monoenergetic reconstructions in unenhanced PCCTs of the head. A total of 49 consecutive patients with unenhanced PCCTs of the head were retrospectively included. The signals ± standard deviations of the gray and white matter were measured at three different locations in axial slices, and a measure of the artifacts below the cranial calvaria and in the posterior fossa between the petrous bones was also obtained. The signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were calculated for all reconstructions. In terms of the SNRs and CNRs, the polyenergetic reconstruction is superior to all virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (p < 0.001). In the MERs, the highest SNR is found in the 70 keV MER, and the highest CNR is in the 65 keV MER. In terms of artifacts below the cranial calvaria and in the posterior fossa, certain MERs are superior to polyenergetic reconstruction (p < 0.001). The PCCT provided excellent image contrast and low-noise profiles for the differentiation of the grey and white matter. Only the artifacts below the calvarium and in the posterior fossa still underperform, which is attributable to the lack of an artifact reduction algorithm in image postprocessing. It is conceivable that the usual improvements in image postprocessing, especially with regard to glaring artifacts, will lead to further improvements in image quality.
The Role of Digital Tools in the Timely Diagnosis and Prevention of Acute Exacerbations of COPD: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Konstantinidis Athanasios , Kyriakopoulos Christos , Ntritsos Georgios , Giannakeas Nikolaos , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I. , Kostikas Konstantinos , Gogali Athena
Published: January 2022

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways and lung parenchyma with multiple systemic manifestations. Exacerbations of COPD are important events during the course of the disease, as they are associated with increased mortality, severe impairment of health-related quality of life, accelerated decline in lung function, significant reduction in physical activity, and substantial economic burden. Telemedicine is the use of communication technologies to transmit medical data over short or long distances and to deliver healthcare services. The need to limit in-person appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a rapid increase in telemedicine services. In the present review of the literature covering published randomized controlled trials reporting results regarding the use of digital tools in acute exacerbations of COPD, we attempt to clarify the effectiveness of telemedicine for identifying, preventing, and reducing COPD exacerbations and improving other clinically relevant outcomes, while describing in detail the specific telemedicine interventions used.
Unexpected Sex Differences in the Relationship of Sacroiliac Joint and Lumbar Spine Degeneration
Authors: Muellner Maximilian , Kreutzinger Virginie , Becker Luis , Diekhoff Torsten , Pumberger Matthias , Schömig Friederike , Heyland Mark , Ziegeler Katharina
Published: January 2022

The relationship between degenerative changes of the sacroiliac joints and the lumbar spine on CT has not been studied yet. The aim of this analysis is to determine the nature of their association as well as the influence of fixed anatomical spinopelvic parameters on sacroiliac joint degeneration. For this institutional review-board-approved investigation, imaging datasets as well as electronic medical records of 719 patients without back pain from the clinical routine of our department of radiology were included. Age, sex, weight category (slim, normal, obese), parity in women and indication for imaging were noted for all patients. The presence of degenerative lesions of the lumbar spine (disc degeneration, endplate degeneration, spondylophytes, and facet joint osteoarthritis) was noted separately at each lumbar segment (L1 to L5). Sacroiliac joints were assessed for sclerosis and osteophytes. Fixed anatomical spinopelvic parameters were measured: pelvic radius = PR; pelvic incidence = PI; sacral table angle = STA. Correlation as well as regression analyses were performed; data were analyzed for males and females separately. PI increased significantly with age in both women and men, while STA decreased and PR remained constant; neither of them was associated with SIJ degeneration. SIJ degeneration correlated with disc degeneration (tau = 0.331; p < 0.001), spondylophytes (tau = 0.397; p < 0.001), and facet joint degeneration (tau = 0.310; p < 0.001) in men, but with no parameter of spinal degeneration in women. Lumbar spinal degeneration increased the risk of sacroiliac joint degeneration in men significantly (OR 7.2; 95%CI 2.8–19.0), but it was not a significant covariable in women. Fixed spinopelvic parameters have little impact on sacroiliac joint degeneration. The degeneration of the sacroiliac joints and the lumbar spine appear to be parallel processes in men, but are largely unrelated in women.
One-Day Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: Biparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Digital Pathology by Fluorescence Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Falagario Ugo Giovanni , Selvaggio Oscar , Sanguedolce Francesca , Milillo Paola , Sighinolfi Maria Chiara , Bruno Salvatore Mariano , Recchia Marco , Bettocchi Carlo , Busetto Gian Maria , Macarini Luca , Rocco Bernardo , Cormio Luigi , Carrieri Giuseppe
Published: January 2022

In this prospective observational study, we tested the feasibility and efficacy of a novel one-day PCa diagnosis path based on biparametric magnetic resonance (bpMRI) and digital pathology by fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM). Patients aged 55–70 years scheduled for PBx due to increased PSA levels (3–10 ng/mL) and/or abnormal digitorectal examination were enrolled. All patients underwent bpMRI and PBx with immediate FCM evaluation of biopsy cores. Patients were asked to fill out a dedicated Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. Patients’ satisfaction rates and concordance between digital pathology and standard HE evaluation were the outcomes of interest. Twelve patients completed our one-day PCa diagnosis path. BpMRI showed suspicious lesions in 7 patients. Digital pathology by FCM identified PCa in 5 (41.7%) of the 12 patients. Standard pathology confirmed the diagnosis made through digital pathology in all the cases. At a per patient level, high concordance between the methods was achieved in Gleason Grading (4 out of 5 patients). The level of agreement in the number of positive cores was lower but did not affect the choice of treatment in any of the 5 PCa cases. At a per core level, the agreement was very high for the diagnosis of anyPCa (96.2%) and csPCa (97.3%), with a k coefficient of 0.90 and 0.92, respectively (near perfect agreement). In conclusion, one-day PCa diagnosis by FCM represents a feasible, reliable, and fast diagnostic method that provides significant advantages in optimizing time and resources, leading to patients having a higher quality standard of care perception.
Oral Health and Liver Disease: Bidirectional Associations—A Narrative Review
Authors: Åberg Fredrik , Helenius-Hietala Jaana
Published: January 2022

Several links between chronic liver disease and oral health have been described and are discussed in this narrative review. Oral manifestations such as lichen planus, ulcers, xerostomia, erosion and tongue abnormalities seem to be particularly prevalent among patients with chronic liver disease. These may be causal, coincidental, secondary to therapeutic interventions, or attributable to other factors commonly observed in liver disease patients. In addition, findings from both experimental and epidemiological studies suggest that periodontitis can induce liver injury and contribute to the progression of chronic liver disease through periodontitis-induced systemic inflammation, endotoxemia, and gut dysbiosis with increased intestinal translocation. This has brought forward the hypothesis of an oral-gut-liver axis. Preliminary clinical intervention studies indicate that local periodontal treatments may lead to beneficial liver effects, but more human studies are needed to clarify if treatment of periodontitis truly can halt or reverse progression of liver disease and improve liver-related outcomes.
Correction: Szymanski et al. Recent Advances in Loop Heat Pipes with Flat Evaporator. Entropy 2021, 23, 1374
Authors: Szymanski Pawel , Law Richard , MᶜGlen Ryan J. , Reay David A.
Published: January 2022

The author of the original publication [...]
Community Perception and Attitude towards Sustainable Tourism and Environmental Protection Measures: An Exploratory Study in Muscat, Oman
Authors: Ravikumar Anitha , Al Subhi Sheikha , Meesala Krishna Murthy
Published: January 2022

Sustainable tourism supports a great level of tourist contentment and assures a significant experience for the visitors, realizes the importance of sustainability issues and encourages sustainable tourism practices and customs among them. Long-term success in tourism is possible only with the support of the local residents. Earlier research supports the significance of local population backing in order to make tourism more sustainable. As a result, it is necessary to comprehend the attitudes and perception of the local people, which will provide a treasured acquaintance for numerous tourism improvement programs. The present study was conducted in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, to understand the community perception on tourism impact and environmental protection measures taken by the government. The study indicates that the local community is aware of the benefits of tourism development. The government should take steps to create awareness about the need for public support for the preservation of heritage sites. They should also be provided information about how the local community can benefit by way of job opportunities, small businesses, etc.
Examining Students’ Perceptions towards Video-Based and Video-Assisted Active Learning Scenarios in Journalism and Communication Courses
Authors: Galatsopoulou Fani , Kenterelidou Clio , Kotsakis Rigas , Matsiola Maria
Published: January 2022

Audiovisual content is highly employed in modern education curricula. This study aimed to identify students’ perceptions regarding the use of video in the courses they attend. Quantitative research was conducted among students of journalism and communication studies. Four courses were used for this study that employ video-based and video-assisted teaching strategies for active learning. Students used videos in different educational settings for flipped learning, blended learning, and autonomous self-paced learning. Their perceptions were examined through an extended form of the Technology Acceptance Model, encompassing more parameters (such as self-efficacy, perceived enjoyment, satisfaction, attitude, and intention of use) to identify causal relationships. In addition, the roles of technical parameters, such as internet connection, audio quality, and video quality, along with the duration of a video, were explored. The findings reveal students’ positive attitudes towards videos, and all factors were significantly related to the intention of use. In addition, the technical aspects of the video did not constitute a problem in the educational process, most likely due to contemporary quality in internet connections and audiovisual productions along with playback equipment. The duration of the videos was also not presented as an issue as there are flexible ways to embed videos in the learning process. Overall, videos can be used in multiple active learning scenarios to enhance students’ motivation and engagement and provide a joyful, collaborative, and hospitable learning environment. Students are familiar with digital tools and technologies and seem to enjoy audiovisual material in the learning process.
The New Education Policy 2020, Digitalization and Quality of Life in India: Some Reflections
Authors: Muralidharan Kunnummal , Shanmugan Kulandaivel , Klochkov Yury
Published: January 2022

The democratic welfare government is not only interested in creating educational institutions as infrastructure for education for all, but is also equally keen on quality-oriented, even-handed, and equitable education. In fact, the focus of the Global Agenda SDG 4 is to raise the standard of living and quality of life by ensuring quality and lifelong education irrespective of region, race, religion, color, and caste, etc. Thus, there is a strong focus in India to reach global targets and more importantly, this is due to the necessity of fulfilling the government’s goals on overhauling India’s education system in the context of far-reaching changes that have taken place in terms of economic, social, and scientific areas over a period of last twenty years. The outcome of all these complex issues and critical thinking across stakeholders in social development manifested into policy action called the New Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020). Therefore, it is critically important to analyze the subject under study as a compact system composed of simultaneous relationships to give a combined effect of the objectives and the framework undertaken for the analysis. Quality of life and education are the variables that are difficult to precisely measure in quantitative terms and hence, the implications and inferences are carefully analyzed on the range of issues that are selected for statistical analysis and structural modeling. By going with our estimates, it seems that though NEP 2020 is a popular and mandated educational policy for educational reforms and for a better future, the expected implementation of the policy would be very difficult in the context of digitalization and for raising the quality of life. In our opinion, remarkable progress on the quality of life can be made possible with flexibility in proper life-long education and training, which can culminate skill, experience, quality of education, and rigidity of the segmented labor market into better opportunities and employment.
VoRtex Metaverse Platform for Gamified Collaborative Learning
Authors: Jovanović Aleksandar , Milosavljević Aleksandar
Published: January 2022

Metaverse platforms are becoming an increasingly popular form of collaboration within virtual worlds. Such platforms provide users with the ability to build virtual worlds that can simulate real-life experiences through different social activities. In the paper, we introduce a novel platform that provides assistive tools for building an educational experience in virtual worlds and overcoming the boundaries caused by pandemic situations. Therefore, the authors developed a high-level software architecture and design for a metaverse platform named VoRtex. VoRtex is primarily designed to support collaborative learning activities with the virtual environment. It is designed to support educational standards and it represents an open-source accessible solution developed using modern technology stack and metaverse concepts. For this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the implemented VoRtex prototype and some popular virtual world platforms using Mannien’s matrix. Afterwards, based on the comparison, we evaluated the potential of the chosen virtual world platform and the VoRtex platform for online education. After an interactive demonstration of the VoRtex platform, participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire form. The aim was to enable participants to identify the main advantages of online teaching using the VoRtex platform. Finally, the authors analyzed benefits and disadvantages of collaborative learning between the metaverse platform and real-world classroom sessions.
Monitoring System for the Management of the Common Agricultural Policy Using Machine Learning and Remote Sensing
Authors: López-Andreu Francisco Javier , López-Morales Juan Antonio , Erena Manuel , Skarmeta Antonio F. , Martínez Juan A.
Published: January 2022

The European Commission promotes new technologies and data generated by the Copernicus Programme. These technologies are intended to improve the management of the Common Agricultural Policy aid, implement new monitoring controls to replace on-the-spot checks, and apply up to 100% of the applications continuously for an agricultural year. This paper presents a generic methodology developed for implementing monitoring controls. To achieve this, the dataset provided by the Sentinel-2 time series is transformed into information through the combination of classifications with machine learning using random forest and remote sensing-based biophysical indices. This work focuses on monitoring the helpline associated with rice cultivation, using 13 Sentinel-2 images whose grouping and characteristics change depending on the event or landmark being sought. Moreover, the functionality to check, before harvesting the crop, that the area declared is equal to the area cultivated is added. The 2020 results are around 96% for most of the metrics analysed, demonstrating the potential of Sentinel-2 for controlling subsidies, particularly for rice. After the quality assessment, the hit rate is 98%. The methodology is transformed into a tool for regular use to improve decision making by determining which declarants comply with the crop-specific aid obligations, contributing to optimising the administrations’ resources and a fairer distribution of funds.
Semantic Modeling of a VLC-Enabled Task Automation Platform for Smart Offices
Authors: Muñoz Sergio , Iglesias Carlos A. , Scheianu Andrei , Suciu George
Published: January 2022

The evolution of ambient intelligence has introduced a range of new opportunities to improve people’s well-being. One of these opportunities is the use of these technologies to enhance workplaces and improve employees’ comfort and productivity. However, these technologies often entail two major challenges: the requirement for fast and reliable data transmission between the vast number of devices connected simultaneously, and the interoperability between these devices. Conventional communication technologies present some drawbacks in these kinds of systems, such as lower data rates and electromagnetic interference, which have prompted research into new wireless communication technologies. One of these technologies is visible light communication (VLC), which uses existing light in an environment to transmit data. Its characteristics make it an up-and-coming technology for IoT services but also aggravate the interoperability challenge. To facilitate the continuous communication of the enormous amount of heterogeneous data generated, highly agile data models are required. The semantic approach tackles this problem by switching from ad hoc application-centric representation models and formats to a formal definition of concepts and relationships. This paper aims to advance the state of the art by proposing a semantic vocabulary for an intelligent automation platform with VLC enabled, which benefits from the advantages of VLC while ensuring the scalability and interoperability of all system components. Thus, the main contributions of this work are threefold: (i) the design and definition of a semantic model for an automation platform; (ii) the development of a prototype automation platform based on a VLC-based communication system; and (iii) the integration and validation of the proposed semantic model in the VLC-based automation platform.
Heuristic Strategy of Service Function Chain Deployment Based on N-Base Continuous Digital Coding in Network Function Virtualization Environment
Authors: Xu Lingyi , Hu Hefei , Liu Yuanan
Published: January 2022

As a novel network architecture, network function virtualization (NFV) greatly improves the flexibility and scalability of service provision. Deploying the service function chain (SFC) in an NFV environment needs to coordinate the instantiation of the virtual network function descriptor, network function embedding, and traffic steering, which also improves the complexity of the problem. Although heuristic algorithms are widely used to optimize this problem, due to the lack of complete SFC deployment solution space and digital coding scheme, the time complexity of the algorithm is difficult to meet the requirements. Therefore, this paper studies the digital coding scheme of the heuristic SFC deployment to improve time efficiency without reducing performance. Firstly, we model the SFC deployment as a 0–1 integer linear programming, considering the above factors, and then design a continuous digital solution space construction scheme based on N-Base coding (NBACO-SS) to optimize the above problems. NBACO-SS uses integer size and carry to map the complex SFC deployment to simple digital coding, evaluates the continuity of solution space through the Manhattan distance, and optimizes the continuity through the ant colony algorithm. Based on NBACO-SS, we reconstruct two heuristic algorithms to solve the SFC deployment problem. Experimental results demonstrate that NBACO-SS can improve the time efficiency by 20% without reducing the total network service traffic.
Short- and Very Short-Term Firm-Level Load Forecasting for Warehouses: A Comparison of Machine Learning and Deep Learning Models
Authors: Ribeiro Andrea Maria N. C. , do Carmo Pedro Rafael X. , Endo Patricia Takako , Rosati Pierangelo , Lynn Theo
Published: January 2022

Commercial buildings are a significant consumer of energy worldwide. Logistics facilities, and specifically warehouses, are a common building type which remain under-researched in the demand-side energy forecasting literature. Warehouses have an idiosyncratic profile when compared to other commercial and industrial buildings with a significant reliance on a small number of energy systems. As such, warehouse owners and operators are increasingly entering energy performance contracts with energy service companies (ESCOs) to minimise environmental impact, reduce costs, and improve competitiveness. ESCOs and warehouse owners and operators require accurate forecasts of their energy consumption so that precautionary and mitigation measures can be taken. This paper explores the performance of three machine learning models (Support Vector Regression (SVR), Random Forest, and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)), three deep learning models (Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU)), and a classical time series model, Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) for predicting daily energy consumption. The dataset comprises 8040 records generated over an 11-month period from January to November 2020 from a non-refrigerated logistics facility located in Ireland. The grid search method was used to identify the best configurations for each model. The proposed XGBoost models outperformed other models for both very short-term load forecasting (VSTLF) and short-term load forecasting (STLF); the ARIMA model performed the worst.
Skyhook Control Law Extension for Suspension with Nonlinear Spring Characteristics
Authors: Zając Kamil , Kowal Janusz , Konieczny Jarosław
Published: January 2022

This work aimed to improve the vehicle body stability and the ride comfort of the tracked military vehicle crew. For this purpose, magnetorheological fluid dampers were used. This process has made the theoretical model of the tracked platform a semi-active suspension system. This modification allows for the application of different control laws to these systems. The usage of the continuous skyhook control law assumes the influence of three fictitious viscous dampers. Their force in this conceptual model is replicated by the magnetorheological dampers of the suspension in the real system. However, the continuous skyhook control law does not take into consideration the nonlinear stiffness characteristics. In this paper, the continuous skyhook control law has been appropriately modified. The modification takes into consideration the nonlinearity of the stiffness characteristics. Applying the modified continuous skyhook control law improves the stability of the vehicle body and the vehicle crew’s ride comfort. All these goals had to be introduced due to the modernization of the tracked military vehicle suspension by replacing the torsion bars with spiral spring packages with nonlinear characteristics.
Research on Trading Optimization Model of Virtual Power Plant in Medium- and Long-Term Market
Authors: Wu Yungao , Wu Jing , De Gejirifu
Published: January 2022

In the medium- and long-term market, the power generation side and the power purchase side ensure to avoid the fluctuation of delivery prices through the medium- and long-term power contract, to avoid some market risks. This paper combines virtual power plants to aggregate distributed renewable energy to participate in market transactions. Firstly, this paper analyzes the two operation modes of power markets and combs the transaction varieties and modes in the medium- and long-term market. Secondly, the common contract power decomposition methods in the medium- and long-term market are analyzed, and the revenue model of virtual power plants is established. Then, combined with the renewable energy quota system and the green certificate trading mechanism, this paper constructs an optimization model of medium- and long-term contract trading of virtual power plants considering renewable energy derivatives. Finally, different renewable energy output scenarios are designed to analyze the benefits of virtual power plants in centralized and decentralized power markets. The example analysis shows the effectiveness of price difference contract for virtual power plants to ensure the renewable power revenue, which provides a certain reference for virtual power plants to participate in the power market.
Sources and Sectoral Trend Analysis of CO2 Emissions Data in Nigeria Using a Modified Mann-Kendall and Change Point Detection Approaches
Authors: Tunde Ogundele Lasun , Adewole Okunlola Oluyemi , Alobid Mohannad , Szűcs István , Kassouri Yacouba
Published: January 2022

In Nigeria, the high dependence on fossil fuels for energy generation and utilization in various sectors of the economy has resulted in the emission of a large quantity of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is one of the criteria gaseous pollutants that is frequently encountered in the environment. The high quantity of CO2 has adverse implications on human health and serious damaging effects on the environment. In this study, multi-decade (1971–2014) CO2-emissions data for Nigeria were obtained from the World Development Indicator (WDI). The data were disaggregated into various emission sources: gaseous fuel consumption (GFC), liquid fuel consumption (LFC), solid fuel consumption (SFC), transport (TRA), electricity and heat production (EHP), residential buildings and commercial and public services (RSCPS), manufacturing industries and construction (MINC), and other sectors excluding residential buildings and commercial and public services (OSEC). The analysis was conducted for a sectorial trend using a rank-based non-parametric modified Mann–Kendall (MK) statistical approach and a change point detection method. The results showed that the CO2 emissions from TRA were significantly high, followed by LFC. The GFC, LFC, EHP, and OSEC had a positive Sen’s slope, while SFC, TRA, and MINC had a negative Sen’s slope. The trend analysis indicated multiple changes for TRA and OSEC, while other sources had a change point at a particular year. These results are useful for knowledge of CO2-emission sources in Nigeria and for future understanding of the trend of its emission for proper environmental planning. The severe effects of CO2 on the atmospheric environment of Nigeria may be worsened in the future due to some major sources such as transportation services and electricity generation that are inevitable for enviable standard of living in an urban setting.
An Effective Numerical Simulation Method for Steam Injection Assisted In Situ Recovery of Oil Shale
Authors: Chen Xudong , Rao Xiang , Xu Yunfeng , Liu Yina
Published: January 2022

This paper presents an effective numerical simulation method for production prediction of in situ recovery of oil shale reservoirs with steam injection. In this method, finite volume-based discretization schemes of heat and mass transfer equations of the thermal compositional model are derived and used. The embedded discrete fracture model is used to accurately handle the fractured vertical well. A smooth non-linear solver is proposed to solve the global equations, then cell pressure, temperature, saturation, component mole fractions, and well production rates can be obtained. Compared with the existing commercial software, this new method can have a smoother non-linear solution and handle the complex fracture geometry theoretically. A numerical example is used to test this presented method and can realize accurate calculation results compared with CMG. Another numerical case with a hydraulic fracture and an open thermal boundary condition is implemented to validate the presented method and can effectively handle the actual situation of steam injection-assisted in situ recovery of oil shale, which was difficult to handle using previous methods.
Application of Calcified Structures in Fish as Indicators of Metal Exposure in Freshwater Ecosystems
Authors: Filipović Marijić Vlatka , Mijošek Tatjana , Dragun Zrinka , Retzmann Anika , Zitek Andreas , Prohaska Thomas , Bačić Niko , Redžović Zuzana , Grgić Ivana , Krasnići Nesrete , Valić Damir , Kapetanović Damir , Žunić Jakov , Ivanković Dušica , Vardić Smrzlić Irena , Erk Marijana
Published: January 2022

Although there are common and well-established bioindicator organisms and tissues, there is still a need for reliable and sensitive bioindicators in aquatic environments. In the present pilot study, calcified structures in fish were applied as indicators of metal exposure in combination with commonly used fish soft tissues and intestinal parasites, therefore comprising short- and long-term indicators. Patterns of metal accumulation and distribution in soft (muscle, liver) and hard (scales, otoliths) tissues of brown trout (Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758) and their intestinal parasites, acanthocephalans (Dentitruncus truttae Sinzar, 1955), from the Krka River influenced by industrial and municipal wastewaters were estimated and compared. Most elements had higher levels in acanthocephalans, scales and liver than muscle and otoliths, possibly reflecting differences in metal uptake routes, tissue function and metabolic activity. Despite the recorded differences in metal contents, all applied bioindicators reflected environmental conditions in a similar way, indicating higher levels of most elements in fish from the contaminated rather than from the reference site. Acanthocephalans were confirmed as sensitive bioindicators due to effective metal accumulation capacity, while the combination of soft and hard tissues provided extended temporal information on metal exposure. Wastewater impact was evidenced as moderate metal pollution by all applied indicators and pointed to present but also long-term disturbances in the Krka River and the importance of continuous monitoring and protective actions.
Potential of a Techno-Functional Sourdough and Its Application in Sugar-Reduced Soft Buns
Authors: Müller Denise C. , Schipali Stefanie , Näf Patrick , Kinner Mathias , Miescher Schwenninger Susanne , Schönlechner Regine
Published: January 2022

Functional lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as starter cultures used in sourdough fermentation have been researched for years. This study evaluated the LAB strains Leuconostoc citreum DCM65 (mannitol, exopolysaccharide producing, antifungal activity) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum MA418 (amylolytic activity) and their potential as single or co-culture starters in sourdough fermented buns containing different levels of sugar (control 9% and reduced 0, 3, 6%). Cell counts, pH development, and organic acids were determined before and after sourdough fermentation (30 °C, 24 h) and physical properties (color, volume, pore structure, and texture) of buns produced thereof were determined after baking. Sourdoughs started with DCM65 and/or MA418 developed up to log 9.2 CFU/g presumptive LAB after 24 h, assertiveness of the added starter cultures species was confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS. Acetic acid and mannitol were only detected in sourdough fermented with DCM65 (single or co-culture) up to 2.5 mg/g and 9.8 mg/g, respectively. The starter cultures applied influenced physical properties of buns. Sourdough buns started with MA418 had higher volume and slice area, and softer crumb; in contrast, buns fermented with DCM65 had a finer pore structure. In summary, both starter cultures showed high potential in sourdough buns with reduced sugar content.
Development and Optimization of Peanut-Based Beverages: A Malawian Consumer-Driven Approach
Authors: Gama Aggrey Pemba , Adhikari Koushik
Published: January 2022

Development studies of peanut-based beverages have been ongoing for many years, but there are still challenges, especially with their sensory properties and, ultimately, consumer acceptability. As a result, peanut-based beverages are rarely found on the market, even in developed countries. The current study used mixture design and product matching approaches to develop and optimize peanut-based beverages. Sensory drivers of consumer acceptability were also determined. Optimization focused on maximizing overall consumer acceptability by varying two independent variables that constituted 16% of the beverage by weight: peanut paste (PP) and malted milk powder (MMP). The optimal proportions of the PP and any type of MMP, in the two-component mixture, were 0.6 and 0.4, respectively. Maintaining all other factors as constant, model validation results showed that the model could predict overall liking of the peanut-based beverages with 96% accuracy when the proportions of PP and MMP are known. The samples that were perceived, by the consumers, to be thick, creamy, and smooth had significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) overall liking scores than those that were perceived to be watery, grainy, and whitish. Based on the findings, acceptable peanut-based beverages were developed and can be scaled up despite using non-defatted peanuts in the formulation.