bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Privacy-Preserving Recommendations on Academic Graph Data
Authors: Purificato Erasmo , Wehnert Sabine , De Luca Ernesto William
Published: August 2021

In the age of digital information, where the internet and social networks, as well as personalised systems, have become an integral part of everyone’s life, it is often challenging to be aware of the amount of data produced daily and, unfortunately, of the potential risks caused by the indiscriminate sharing of personal data. Recently, attention to privacy has grown thanks to the introduction of specific regulations such as the European GDPR. In some fields, including recommender systems, this has inevitably led to a decrease in the amount of usable data, and, occasionally, to significant degradation in performance mainly due to information no longer being attributable to specific individuals. In this article, we present a dynamic privacy-preserving approach for recommendations in an academic context. We aim to implement a personalised system capable of protecting personal data while at the same time allowing sensible and meaningful use of the available data. The proposed approach introduces several pseudonymisation procedures based on the design goals described by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity in their guidelines, in order to dynamically transform entities (e.g., persons) and attributes (e.g., authored papers and research interests) in such a way that any user processing the data are not able to identify individuals. We present a case study using data from researchers of the Georg Eckert Institute for International Textbook Research (Brunswick, Germany). Building a knowledge graph and exploiting a Neo4j database for data management, we first generate several pseudoN-graphs, being graphs with different rates of pseudonymised persons. Then, we evaluate our approach by leveraging the graph embedding algorithm node2vec to produce recommendations through node relatedness. The recommendations provided by the graphs in different privacy-preserving scenarios are compared with those provided by the fully non-pseudonymised graph, considered as the baseline of our evaluation. The experimental results show that, despite the structural modifications to the knowledge graph structure due to the de-identification processes, applying the approach proposed in this article allows for preserving significant performance values in terms of precision.
Safety of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Elderly Patients: An Observational Study
Authors: Paderi Agnese , Fancelli Sara , Caliman Enrico , Pillozzi Serena , Gambale Elisabetta , Mela Marinella Micol , Doni Laura , Mazzoni Francesca , Antonuzzo Lorenzo
Published: August 2021

Background: Immunotherapy has completely changed the treatment of solid tumors. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) seem to be an appealing alternative to chemotherapy, especially in elderly patients, due to a more tolerable toxicity profile, they can lead to a peculiar variety of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). However, data on tolerability and outcome of ICIs in the elderly are lacking due to poor accrual in clinical trials of these patients. Methods: We performed a retro-prospective analysis on patients treated with single agent anti-PD-L1/PD-1 at the Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, from March 2016 to March 2020. Data on the treatment responses, type and severity of irAEs, as well as the corticosteroids (CCS) dosage used for irAEs and the discontinuation rate, were described per each patient, according to two different age-based cohorts of patients (< or ≥70 years). Results: We reported a lower incidence of all-grade toxicity in elderly compared to younger patients (64.9% vs. 44.9%, p = 0.018). The two age-cohorts showed a different profile of irAEs. Endocrine irAEs were significantly higher in younger patients (39.7% vs. 21.7%, p = 0.002), while dermatologic toxicities were more common in the older group (35.0% vs. 11.3%, p = 0.047). Use of CCS and treatment discontinuation rate do not differ significantly between the two age groups. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that treatment with ICIs in elderly populations is safe and feasible. Patients over 70 years are more prone to develop skin irAEs, while younger patients are more subject to experience endocrine toxicities.
Reflex ROS1 IHC Screening with FISH Confirmation for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer—A Cost-Efficient Strategy in a Public Healthcare System
Authors: Makarem Maisam , Ezeife Doreen A. , Smith Adam C. , Li Janice J. N. , Law Jennifer H. , Tsao Ming-Sound , Leighl Natasha B.
Published: August 2021

ROS1 rearrangements are identified in 1–2% of lung adenocarcinoma cases, and reflex testing is guideline-recommended. We developed a decision model for population-based ROS1 testing from a Canadian public healthcare perspective to determine the strategy that optimized detection of true-positive (TP) cases while minimizing costs and turnaround time (TAT). Eight diagnostic strategies were compared, including reflex single gene testing via immunohistochemistry (IHC) screening, fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and biomarker-informed (EGFR/ALK/KRAS wildtype) testing initiated by pathologists and clinician-initiated strategies. Reflex IHC screening with FISH confirmation of positive cases yielded the best results for TAT, TP detection rate, and cost. IHC screening saved CAD 1,000,000 versus reflex FISH testing. NGS was the costliest reflex strategy. Biomarker-informed testing was cost-efficient but delayed TAT. Clinician-initiated testing was the least costly but resulted in long TAT and missed TP cases, highlighting the importance of reflex testing. Thus, reflex IHC screening for ROS1 with FISH confirmation provides a cost-efficient strategy with short TAT and maximizes the number of TP cases detected.
Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte Percentage May Predict Chemotolerance and Survival in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer. Association between Adaptive Immunity and Nutritional State
Authors: Aquilani Roberto , Brugnatelli Silvia , Maestri Roberto , Boschi Federica , Filippi Beatrice , Perrone Lorenzo , Barbieri Annalisa , Buonocore Daniela , Dossena Maurizia , Verri Manuela
Published: August 2021

Pancreatic Carcinoma (PC) cells have the ability to induce patient immunosuppression and to escape immunosurveillance. Low circulating lymphocytes are associated with an advanced stage of PC and reduced survival. Blood lymphocytes expressed as a percentage of Total White Blood Cells (L% TWBC) could predict chemotolerance (n° of tolerated cycles), survival time and Body Weight (BW) more effectively than lymphocytes expressed as an absolute value (LAB > 1500 n°/mm3) or lymphocytes >22%, which is the lowest limit of normal values in our laboratory. Forty-one patients with advanced PC, treated with chemotherapy, were selected for this observational retrospective study. Patients were evaluated at baseline (pre-chemotherapy), and at 6, 12 and 18 months, respectively, after diagnosis of PC. The study found L ≥ 29.7% to be a better predictor of survival (COX model, using age, sex, BW, serum creatinine, bilirubin and lymphocytes as covariates), chemotolerance (r = +0.50, p = 0.001) and BW (r = +0.35, p = 0.027) than LAB > 1500 or L > 22%. BW did not significantly correlate with chemotolerance or survival. The preliminary results of this study suggest that L ≥ 29.7% is more effective than LAB > 1500 or L > 22% at predicting chemotolerance, survival time and nutritional status. A possible impact of nutritional status on chemotherapy and survival seems to be lymphocyte-mediated given the association between BW and L%. This study may serve as the basis for future research to explore whether nutritional interventions can improve lymphopenia, and if so, how this may be possible.
Observer Based Multi-Level Fault Reconstruction for Interconnected Systems
Authors: Zhang Mei , Dahhou Boutaïeb , Wu Qinmu , Li Zetao
Published: August 2021

The problem of local fault (unknown input) reconstruction for interconnected systems is addressed in this paper. This contribution consists of a geometric method which solves the fault reconstruction (FR) problem via observer based and a differential algebraic concept. The fault diagnosis (FD) problem is tackled using the concept of the differential transcendence degree of a differential field extension and the algebraic observability. The goal is to examine whether the fault occurring in the low-level subsystem can be reconstructed correctly by the output at the high-level subsystem under given initial states. By introducing the fault as an additional state of the low subsystem, an observer based approached is proposed to estimate this new state. Particularly, the output of the lower subsystem is assumed unknown, and is considered as auxiliary outputs. Then, the auxiliary outputs are estimated by a sliding mode observer which is generated by using global outputs and inverse techniques. After this, the estimated auxiliary outputs are employed as virtual sensors of the system to generate a reduced-order observer, which is caplable of estimating the fault variable asymptotically. Thus, the purpose of multi-level fault reconstruction is achieved. Numerical simulations on an intensified heat exchanger are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Contextuality-by-Default Description of Bell Tests: Contextuality as the Rule and Not as an Exception
Authors: Kupczynski Marian
Published: August 2021

Contextuality and entanglement are valuable resources for quantum computing and quantum information. Bell inequalities are used to certify entanglement; thus, it is important to understand why and how they are violated. Quantum mechanics and behavioural sciences teach us that random variables ‘measuring’ the same content (the answer to the same Yes or No question) may vary, if ‘measured’ jointly with other random variables. Alice’s and BoB′s raw data confirm Einsteinian non-signaling, but setting dependent experimental protocols are used to create samples of coupled pairs of distant ±1 outcomes and to estimate correlations. Marginal expectations, estimated using these final samples, depend on distant settings. Therefore, a system of random variables ‘measured’ in Bell tests is inconsistently connected and it should be analyzed using a Contextuality-by-Default approach, what is done for the first time in this paper. The violation of Bell inequalities and inconsistent connectedness may be explained using a contextual locally causal probabilistic model in which setting dependent variables describing measuring instruments are correctly incorporated. We prove that this model does not restrict experimenters’ freedom of choice which is a prerequisite of science. Contextuality seems to be the rule and not an exception; thus, it should be carefully tested.
Memory and Markov Blankets
Authors: Parr Thomas , Da Costa Lancelot , Heins Conor , Ramstead Maxwell James D. , Friston Karl J.
Published: August 2021

In theoretical biology, we are often interested in random dynamical systems—like the brain—that appear to model their environments. This can be formalized by appealing to the existence of a (possibly non-equilibrium) steady state, whose density preserves a conditional independence between a biological entity and its surroundings. From this perspective, the conditioning set, or Markov blanket, induces a form of vicarious synchrony between creature and world—as if one were modelling the other. However, this results in an apparent paradox. If all conditional dependencies between a system and its surroundings depend upon the blanket, how do we account for the mnemonic capacity of living systems? It might appear that any shared dependence upon past blanket states violates the independence condition, as the variables on either side of the blanket now share information not available from the current blanket state. This paper aims to resolve this paradox, and to demonstrate that conditional independence does not preclude memory. Our argument rests upon drawing a distinction between the dependencies implied by a steady state density, and the density dynamics of the system conditioned upon its configuration at a previous time. The interesting question then becomes: What determines the length of time required for a stochastic system to ‘forget’ its initial conditions? We explore this question for an example system, whose steady state density possesses a Markov blanket, through simple numerical analyses. We conclude with a discussion of the relevance for memory in cognitive systems like us.
Electro-Magnetic and Structural Analysis of Six-Pole Hybrid-Excited Permanent Magnet Motors
Authors: Cinti Luca , Carlucci Mattia , Bianchi Nicola , Bertoluzzo Manuele
Published: August 2021

Potentials and limits of the Hybrid-Excitation Permanent-Magnet (HEPM) synchronous machine are dealt with in this paper. A six-pole machine is taken into consideration, and both parallel and series configurations are analysed and compared. Taking advantage of the rotor excitation coils, the permanent magnet (PM) rotor flux can be adjusted according to the operating speed to improve its performance parameters. The electro-magnetic force is analysed in its first harmonic and in the complete shape. Moreover, a comparison between analytical and numerical formulation has been done for the rotor current control. In particular, the speed range is extended, and electro-mechanical torque and power are increased, as well as the efficiency. It will be shown that the rotor flux reduction by using the excitation winding yields an improvement of the motor performance. The main advantage will be obtained during the flux-weakening operations. In this paper, different rotor topologies will be analysed to highlight the advantages and drawbacks of each of them, and how it is possible to achieve higher speed with higher torque and without high saliency ratio. A magnetic network will be introduced to explain the different contribution of the excitation winding to the rotor flux. Furthermore, a comparison of the amount of the volume of PM, copper and iron in internal permanent magnet (IPM) motor and HEPM motor will be analysed. Actually, an analysis of the harmonic content in the electro-motive force even varying the excitation current and a mechanical stress analysis of each machine will be shown. Finally, it will be verified that the excitation losses represent a minimum component of the total losses.
Wideband and High-Gain Wearable Antenna Array with Specific Absorption Rate Suppression
Authors: Zu Haoran , Wu Bian , Yang Peibin , Li Wenhua , Liu Jinjin
Published: August 2021

In this paper, a wideband and high-gain antenna array with specific absorption rate suppression is presented. By adopting the wideband monopole antenna array and the uniplanar compact electromagnetic band gap (UC-EBG) structure, the proposed wearable antenna array can realize a high gain of 11.8–13.6 dBi within the operating band of 4.5–6.5 GHz. The sidelobe level of the proposed wearable antenna array is less than −12 dB, and the cross polarization in the main radiation direction is less than −35 dB. Benefiting from the UC-EBG design, the specific absorption rate is suppressed effectively, guaranteeing the safety of the proposed antenna array to the human body. The proposed antenna array is processed and tested, and the measurement results show good agreement with the simulation results.
An Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Portable Low-Cost Device for the Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Tharmakulasingam Mukunthan , Chaudhry Nouman S. , Branavan Manoharanehru , Balachandran Wamadeva , Poirier Aurore C. , Rohaim Mohammed A. , Munir Muhammad , La Ragione Roberto M. , Fernando Anil
Published: August 2021

An artificial intelligence-assisted low-cost portable device for the rapid detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is presented here. This standalone temperature-controlled device houses tubes designed for conducting reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assays. Moreover, the device utilises tubes illuminated by LEDs, an in-built camera, and a small onboard computer with automated image acquisition and processing algorithms. This intelligent device significantly reduces the normal assay run time and removes the subjectivity associated with operator interpretation of colourimetric RT-LAMP results. To further improve this device’s usability, a mobile app has been integrated into the system to control the LAMP assay environment and to visually display the assay results by connecting the device to a smartphone via Bluetooth. This study was undertaken using ~5000 images produced from the ~200 LAMP amplification assays using the prototype device. Synthetic RNA and a small panel of positive and negative SARS-CoV-2 patient samples were assayed for this study. State-of-the-art image processing and artificial intelligence algorithms were applied to these images to analyse them and to select the most efficient algorithm. The template matching algorithm for image extraction and MobileNet CNN architecture for classification results provided 98.0% accuracy with an average run time of 20 min to confirm the endpoint result. Two working points were chosen based on the best compromise between sensitivity and specificity. The high sensitivity point has a sensitivity value of 99.12% and specificity value of 70.8%, while at the high specificity point, the sensitivity is 96.05% and specificity 93.59%. Furthermore, this device provides an efficient and cost-effective platform for non-health professionals to detect not only SARS-CoV-2 but also other pathogens in resource-limited laboratories, factories, airports, schools, universities, and homes.
Virtual Network Provisioning over Mixed-Fixed/Flexible-Grid Optical Infrastructures
Authors: Yu Xiaosong , Lu Lu , Zhao Yongli , Wang Feng , Nag Avishek , Li Xinghua , Zhang Jie
Published: August 2021

With the emergence of cloud services based on data centers, demands for bandwidth-intensive applications have increased dramatically, and application services have transferred to a more diversified direction. Management as well as capacity of the backbone network needs further development to catch up with rapidly evolved application demands. Optical network virtualization can facilitate the sharing of physical infrastructure among multiple network applications. Virtual Network Embedding (VNE), the main implementation of network virtualization, determines how to map a virtual network request onto physical substrate. To expand the network capacity, flexible-grid elastic optical networks have been considered as a promising supporting technology for the future infrastructure of the next-generation Internet. However, due to the expense of key enabling equipment for flexible grid optical networks, the brown-field migration from a fixed grid to a flexible grid gave birth to the co-existing fixed/flexible grid. Based on the co-existing fixed/flexible grid optical networks, we investigate the problem of Virtual Optical Network (VON) provisioning, and present a flexible-grid-aware virtual network embedding algorithm to map the virtual networks onto the substrate network. In addition, the performance of the algorithm was evaluated under four different network scenarios. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve better performance in all four scenarios.
Enablers and Barriers in the Market-Driven Rollout of Smart Metering: Polish Technology Innovation System Analysis
Authors: Kochański Maksymilian , Korczak Katarzyna , Skoczkowski Tadeusz
Published: August 2021

This paper is the first country-specific analysis of the market-driven Smart Metering innovation system, covering technologies, actors, and policies. It provides new insights on the key enablers and barriers in the rollout of electricity Smart Meters (SMs) without binding regulatory mandate. The presented research is based on the Technology Innovation System (TIS) analysis for Poland, where an obligation scheme for the rolling out of SMs has been introduced very recently. Still, the number of SMs installed places the country in the top 10 Member States of the European Union. The implementation of SMs is progressing in a complex, multi-actor innovation system, shaped by the leading role of Distribution System Operators (DSOs). The article analyses the key elements of the SM innovation system (technologies and infrastructures, actors and networks, institutions and policies) and characterizes their interaction based on desk research and a critical assessment of regulations, statistics, and literature. The major enablers of the rollout are DSOs expectations of benefits, which have been instigated by the market regulator’s benevolence in tariffs approval. On the other hand, the major barriers are delayed and incomplete public policy instruments. Results of the study can inform the development of other market-driven SM deployments around the world.
Comparison between Historical and Real-Time Techniques for Estimating Marginal Emissions Attributed to Electricity Generation
Authors: Kamjou Amir Shahin , Miller Carol J. , Rouholamini Mahdi , Wang Caisheng
Published: August 2021

Electricity generation is tied to various environmental and social consequences. In prior studies, the environmental emissions associated with electricity generation were calculated using average emission factors (AEFs) whose use is different from the method of marginal emission factors (MEFs) in regard to the geographical redefinition and new policies applied to the US electricity grid in 2013. Moreover, the amount of emissions being released at a generation site depends on the technology of the generating units; it is important to take into account this factor as well. Thus, this paper provides comparisons between different historical and real-time approaches of estimating MEFs (i.e., CO2, SO2, and NOx) for the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) electricity region. The region under study is the same for all the scenarios, although the comparative time frames are different. The study is focused on the similarities observed in the data trends and system behaviors. We carry out different temporal comparisons whose results show the value of real-time approaches for estimating the MEFs for each location and at any time. These approaches can be extended to other regions to assist with proper investment and policy making, thereby increasing the grid efficiency, mitigating the environmental emissions, and clarifying the byproducts of energy consumption.
The Importance of Under-Keel Sound Velocity Sensor in Measuring Water Depth with Multibeam Echosounder
Authors: Grządziel Artur
Published: August 2021

The basic and most commonly used application of modern multibeam echosounders (MBES) is the bathymetric survey. Surface sound velocity errors introduce errors on beam steering angles and consequently errors in depth and position values. Due to systematic malfunction and troubleshooting of the sound velocity sensor (SVS) on board Polish Navy hydrographic ship Arctowski, attempts to solve the problem were made. All the inspections and cleaning of the sensor were performed with the use of divers or while staying in the shipyard. Diving work did not always bring the expected results and periodic ship docking was quite expensive. The article shows the importance of the SVS sensor in bathymetric measurements using multibeam echosounder. Selected problems of the sensor operation and temporary solutions were presented. The paper provides a description of practical solutions implemented aboard the navy ship Arctowski. The idea and implementation were the result of the author’s experience gained during 18 years of service on board that ship.
The Concept of Cyber-Physical Networks of Small and Medium Enterprises under Personalized Manufacturing
Authors: Saniuk Sebastian , Grabowska Sandra
Published: August 2021

The era of Industry 4.0 is characterized by the use of new telecommunications ICT technologies and networking of the economy. This results in changes both in the way businesses operate and in customer expectations of products offered on the market. The use of modern ICT technologies has made it possible to create cyber-physical systems based on intelligent machines and devices that communicate with each other in real time and allow the integration of resources from different companies to carry out joint production projects. Today’s consumer expects products tailored to their needs and expectations. These expectations can be met by leveraging the potential of highly specialized manufacturing service companies centered around e-business platforms. The article presents the results of research using bibliometric analysis and the results of surveys conducted among small and medium-sized enterprises. The concept of e-business platforms supporting rapid prototyping of temporary networks of companies capable of manufacturing personalized products in the environment of Industry 4.0 is presented. The task of the platform is to integrate a customer expecting personalized production with a network of companies having adequate production resources.
Study on Comprehensive Performance of Three-Dimensional Tube Applied to Gas–Solid Two-Phase Flow Environment
Authors: Mo Xun , Liu Shi-Jie , Li Xiu-Zhen , Tu Ai-Min , Zhu Dong-Sheng
Published: August 2021

The three-dimensional tubular heat exchanger has excellent performance in single-phase flow, but its performance in gas solid two-phase flow is still lacking research. In this paper, analysis and comparison of heat exchanger prototypes made up of four different three-dimensional tubes by different comprehensive performance evaluation methods are carried out through experimental research and theoretical analysis. The research results show that the ratio of the long axis to the short axis of the three-dimensional tube has an important influence on its heat transfer performance and flow resistance. Furthermore, a reasonable ratio can be obtained by comparing its comprehensive performance. Among the comprehensive performance analysis results of four kinds of three-dimensional tubes, the comprehensive performance factor ηo-I of type I is the best which achieves the purpose of heat transfer enhancement. Results from the current research could provide beneficial guidance for further design and application of the three-dimensional tubular heat exchanger.
D-dCNN: A Novel Hybrid Deep Learning-Based Tool for Vibration-Based Diagnostics
Authors: Akpudo Ugochukwu Ejike , Hur Jang-Wook
Published: August 2021

This paper develops a novel hybrid feature learner and classifier for vibration-based fault detection and isolation (FDI) of industrial apartments. The trained model extracts high-level discriminative features from vibration signals and predicts equipment state. Against the limitations of traditional machine learning (ML)-based classifiers, the convolutional neural network (CNN) and deep neural network (DNN) are not only superior for real-time applications, but they also come with other benefits including ease-of-use, automated feature learning, and higher predictive accuracies. This study proposes a hybrid DNN and one-dimensional CNN diagnostics model (D-dCNN) which automatically extracts high-level discriminative features from vibration signals for FDI. Via Softmax averaging at the output layer, the model mitigates the limitations of the standalone classifiers. A diagnostic case study demonstrates the efficiency of the model with a significant accuracy of 92% (F1 score) and extensive comparative empirical validations.
Tactile Occupant Detection Sensor for Automotive Airbag
Authors: Shirur Naveen , Birkner Christian , Henze Roman , Deserno Thomas M.
Published: August 2021

Automotive airbags protect occupants from crash forces during severe vehicle collisions. They absorb energy and restrain the occupants by providing a soft cushion effect known as the restraint effect. Modern airbags offer partial restraint effect control by controlling the bag’s vent holes and providing multi-stage deployment. Full restraint effect control is still a challenge because the closed-loop restraint control system needs airbag–occupant contact and interaction feedback. In this work, we have developed novel single and matrix capacitive tactile sensors to measure the occupant’s contact data. They can be integrated with the airbag surface and folded to follow the dynamic airbag shape during the deployment. The sensors are tested under a low-velocity pendulum impact and benchmarked with high-speed test videos. The results reveal that the single sensor can successfully measure occupant–airbag contact time and estimate the area, while the contact position is additionally identified from the matrix sensor.
Transient Stability Analysis of a Transmission Network Using Eigenvalue Principles with Automated VAR Compensation: A Case Study of the Nigerian Eastern Grid
Authors: Okampo Ewaoche John , Nwulu Nnamdi , Bokoro Pitshou N.
Published: August 2021

Power systems may encounter disturbances during operation as a result of switching of various components, etc. Such perturbations include transformer tap-changing action, load variations, and line outages due to various types of faults of which an earth fault is the most common. Stability analysis of a transmission system is necessary for us to determine the stability state of the system so that appropriate control measures can be implemented to guarantee system stability. This article presents the use of eigenvalue obtained from the system-linearized eigenvectors to analyze the stability state of the system. The choice of the eigenvalue principle is based on the strength of accuracy of the method to determine the actual state of the system providing adequate data for easy solution to the problem. The node admittance parameters computed from the line parameters is applied to the eigenvalue–eigenvector model to determine the system stability state. The state of the eigenvalue is used as an input to a control system, which utilized static volt-ampere reactive (VAR) compensators (SVC) to automatically stabilize the non-stable buses in the transmission network. The 6 × 6 nodal admittance matrix is formed and fed to the developed eigenvalue–eigenvector model via MATLAB in order to compute the right and left eigenvectors and the diagonal or eigenvalue of the network under steady-state and contingency condition. After this, the system stability state is determined, and necessary control actions by the SVC are implemented to guarantee system security. The developed model was tested on the 6 bus Eastern Grid Nigerian Transmission Network and validated using a 41 bus network of the same country. The compensated model showed considerable efficiency in improving the transient stability state of the transmission networks in terms of ease of operation, seamless integration into existing control system, and efficient utilization of SVS to compensate for reactive power imbalances. The results from the step response graph of the compensated model shows performance accuracy as the system regained stability in less than 0.5 s, which is a significant improvement over the uncompensated model.
Prototyping and Study of Mesh Turbomachinery Based on the Euler Turbine
Authors: Sazonov Yuri Appolonievich , Mokhov Mikhail Albertovich , Gryaznova Inna Vladimirovna , Voronova Victoria Vasilievna , Mulenko Vladimir Valentinovich , Tumanyan Khoren Arturovich , Frankov Mikhail Alexandrovich , Balaka Nikolay Nikolaevich
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a scientific development aimed at improving the efficiency of turbomachines through the joint use of rotary-vane and vortex workflows. In the well-known Euler turbine, the rotor flow channels represent a set of curved pipes. The authors propose to consider in more detail the possibilities of using such rotating pipes in the implementation of an ejection (vortex) workflow. A hybrid pump was considered with the conclusion that its workflow can be described using two Euler equations. The results of computer simulation indicate that hybrid turbomachines are promising. The use of additive technology allowed the creation of micromodels of the Euler turbine with various rotor designs. Laboratory hydraulic tests showed that the liquid inlet to the rotor is possible in pulse mode. Laboratory tests of micromodels using compressed air showed that gas (or liquid) motion through curved pipes could be carried out from the rotor periphery to its center and then back, albeit through another curved pipe. The research results demonstrated that the scientific and technical potential of the Euler turbine is not yet fully unlocked, and research in this direction should continue. The study results are applicable in various industries including the energyeconomy, robotics, aviation, and water transport industries.
The Impact of Independent Supervisory Boards on Transformations in the Energy Sector: Results of an International Longitudinal Study
Authors: Osiichuk Dmytro , Wasilewski Mirosław , Zabolotnyy Serhiy
Published: August 2021

The paper aims at establishing an associative link between supervisory board members’ independence and the dynamics of environmental policy transformations in the energy sector. To that end, we apply static panel models and binary logistic regression analysis to an international sample of 358 energy companies observed over the period between 1990 and 2020. Our empirical results point to a lack of any persistent link between board independence and energy transition after controlling for country-specific effects and firm-level financials. Although firms with a higher percentage of independent directors on boards are more likely to set emission targets and implement resource reduction policies, they are simultaneously more likely to be involved in environmental controversies and increase coal output. They are also significantly less likely to enforce an energy efficiency policy. No significant link is found between board independence and environmental expenditures, CO2 equivalent emissions, and renewable energy use by energy companies. Overall, despite the widespread expectation that independent boards will accelerate energy transition, empirical evidence suggests that they are more likely to maintain the status quo. Delving into the problem of incentives in the energy sector, we find that executive compensations and corporate profitability exhibit a persistent positive link with CO2 emissions.
Influence of Torrefaction Temperature and Climatic Chamber Operation Time on Hydrophobic Properties of Agri-Food Biomass Investigated Using the EMC Method
Authors: Dyjakon Arkadiusz , Noszczyk Tomasz , Sobol Łukasz , Misiakiewicz Dominika
Published: August 2021

Due to the tendency for excessive moisture adsorption by raw, unprocessed biomass, various methods of biomass valorization are in use, allowing for the improvement of physical–chemical biomass properties, including hydrophobicity. One of the methods is torrefaction, which changes the hydrophilic properties of the biomass to hydrophobic. Therefore, in this study, the influence of the torrefaction temperature and the exposure time to moisture adsorption conditions on the hydrophobic properties of waste biomass from the agri-food industry (lemon peel, mandarin peel, grapefruit peel, and butternut-squash peel) were analyzed. The torrefaction was carried out at the following temperatures: 200, 220, 240, 260, 280, 300, and 320 °C. The hydrophobic properties were determined by using the EMC (Equilibrium Moisture Content) method, conducting an experiment in the climatic chamber at atmospheric pressure, a temperature of 25 °C, and relative humidity of 80%. The total residence time of the material in the climate chamber was 24 h. It was shown that the torrefaction process significantly improves the hydrophobic properties of waste biomass. Concerning dried raw (unprocessed) material, the EMC (24 h) coefficient was 0.202 ± 0.004 for lemon peels, 0.223 ± 0.001 for grapefruit peels, 0.237 ± 0.004 for mandarin peels, and 0.232 ± 0.004 for butternut squash, respectively. After the torrefaction process, the EMC value decreased by 24.14–56.96% in relation to the dried raw material, depending on the type of organic waste. However, no correlation between the improvement of hydrophobic properties and increasing the torrefaction temperature was observed. The lowest values of the EMC coefficient were determined for the temperatures of 260 °C (for lemon peel, EMC = 0.108 ± 0.001; for mandarin peel, EMC = 0.102 ± 0.001), 240 °C (for butternut-squash peel, EMC = 0.176 ± 0.002), and 220 °C (for grapefruit peel, EMC = 0.114 ± 0.008). The experiment also showed a significant logarithmic trend in the dependence of the EMC coefficient on the operating time of the climatic chamber. It suggests that there is a limit of water adsorption by the material and that a further increase of the exposure time does not change this balance.
The Role of Ultrasound in the Preparation of Zein Nanoparticles/Flaxseed Gum Complexes for the Stabilization of Pickering Emulsion
Authors: Li Yinghao , Xu Ge , Li Weiwei , Lv Lishuang , Zhang Qiuting
Published: August 2021

Ultrasound is one of the most commonly used methods to prepare Pickering emulsions. In the study, zein nanoparticles-flaxseed gum (ZNP-FSG) complexes were fabricated through various preparation routes. Firstly, the ZNP-FSG complexes were prepared either through direct homogenization/ultrasonication of the zein and flaxseed gum mixture or through pretreatment of zein and/or flaxseed gum solutions by ultrasonication before homogenization. The Pickering emulsions were then produced with the various ZNP-FSG complexes prepared. ZNP-FSG complexes and the final emulsions were then characterized. We found that the complex prepared by ultrasonication of zein as pretreatment followed by homogenization of the ZNP with FSG ((ZNPU-FSG)H) exhibited the smallest turbidity, highest absolute potential value, relatively small particle size, and formed the most stable complex particles. Meanwhile, complex prepared through direct ultrasonication plus homogenization on the mixture ((ZNP-FSG)HU) showed significantly decreased emulsifying properties and stability. Compared with the complex without ultrasonic treatment, the complex and emulsion, which prepared by ultrasonicated FSG were extremely unstable, and the phase separation phenomenon of the emulsion was observed 30 min after preparation. The above conclusions are also in line with the findings obtained from the properties of the corresponding emulsions, such as the droplets size, microstructure, freeze-thaw stability, and storage stability. It is, therefore, clear that to produce stable Pickering emulsion, ultrasonication should be avoided to apply together at the end of ZNP-FGS complex preparation. It is worth noticing that the emulsions prepared by complex with ultrasonicated zein (ZNPU-FSG)H are smaller, distributed more uniformly, and are able to encapsulate oil droplets well. It was found that the emulsions prepared with ZNPU-FSG remained stable without serum phase for 14 days and exhibited improved stability at low-temperature storage. The current study will provide guidance for the preparation of protein–polysaccharide complexes and Pickering emulsions for future work.
The Types of Polysaccharide Coatings and Their Mixtures as a Factor Affecting the Stability of Bioactive Compounds and Health-Promoting Properties Expressed as the Ability to Inhibit
the α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase of Chokeberry Extracts in the Microencapsulation Process
Authors: Haładyn Kamil , Tkacz Karolina , Wojdyło Aneta , Nowicka Paulina
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of microencapsulating chokeberry extract by extrusion, and assess the effects of the selected carrier substance on the contents of polyphenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, color of microspheres, and ability of microspheres to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase, after 14 and 28 days of storage. The results showed that appropriate selection of the polysaccharide coating is of great importance for the proper course of the microencapsulation process, the polyphenolic content of chokeberry capsules, and their antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. The addition of guar gum to a sodium alginate solution significantly increased the stability of polyphenolic compounds in microspheres during storage, whereas the addition of chitosan had a significantly negative effect on the stability of polyphenols. The coating variant composed of sodium alginate and guar gum was also found to be the most favorable for the preservation of the antioxidant activity of the capsules. On the other hand, capsules composed of sodium alginate, guar gum, and chitosan showed the best antidiabetic properties, which is related to these tricomponent microspheres having the best α-glucosidase inhibition.
A Literature Review on Maillard Reaction Based on Milk Proteins and Carbohydrates in Food and Pharmaceutical Products: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Avoidance Strategies
Authors: Xiang Jia , Liu Fenglin , Wang Bo , Chen Lin , Liu Wenjie , Tan Songwen
Published: August 2021

Milk has two main components that have high nutritional value—milk protein (casein and whey protein), and lactose. These components are extensively used in various areas, especially in food, i.e., as sweeteners, stabilizers, functional food ingredients, nutritional fortifiers, etc. Non-enzymatic browning refers to a series of chemical reactions between sugars and proteins that make food more appetizing. Non-enzymatic browning reactions include degradation of ascorbic acid, lipid peroxidation, caramel reaction, and the Maillard reaction (MR). The MR, as one of the four non-enzymatic browning reactions, has been well studied and utilized in food fields. Milk protein and lactose, as two main components of milk, have high chemical activities; they are used as reactants to participate in the MR, generating Maillard reaction products (MRPs). The MR involves a condensation reaction between carbonyl groups of various sugars and amino groups of amino acids/proteins. These MRPs have different applications in various areas, including food flavor, food oxidation resistance, drug carriers, etc. This work presents the positive and negative effects of the MR, based on the two main components of milk, used in food and medicine, as well as avoidance approaches to prevent the occurrence of negative effects.
Effective Removal of Calcium and Magnesium Ions from Water by a Novel Alginate–Citrate Composite Aerogel
Authors: Wang Zhuqing , Feng Zhongmin , Yang Leilei , Wang Min
Published: August 2021

In this work, a novel alginate/citrate composite aerogel (CA–SC) was synthesized by chemical grafting technology combined with vacuum freeze-drying method, and CA–SC was used for removing calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions from water. The experimental results indicate that the as-prepared CA–SC has a high affinity for Ca2+ and Mg2+ and can remove 96.5% of Ca2+ (or 96.8% of Mg2+) from the corresponding solution. The maximum adsorption capacities of CA–SC for Ca2+ and Mg2+ are 62.38 and 36.23 mg/g, respectively. These values are higher than those of the most reported Ca2+-sorbents and Mg2+-sorbents. The CA–SC adsorbent can be regenerated through a simple pickling step, and its adsorption performance keeps stable after repeated use. Analysis of the adsorption mechanism shows that the CA–SC combines Ca2+ and Mg2+ in water mainly through coordination effect.
Related Factors and Treatment of Postoperative Delirium in Old Adult Patients: An Integrative Review
Authors: Méndez-Martínez Carlos , Fernández-Martínez María Nélida , García-Suárez Mario , Martínez-Isasi Santiago , Fernández-Fernández Jesús Antonio , Fernández-García Daniel
Published: August 2021

“Postoperative delirium” is defined as delirium occurring in the hospital up to one week after a procedure or before discharge (whichever occurs first) that meets the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. Objectives: To describe the risk factors related to this pathology and identify effective non-pharmacological forms of treatment. An integrative review of the available literature was performed. The search results considered included all quantitative studies published between 2011 and 2019 in both English and Spanish. A total of 117 studies were selected. Advanced age was identified as the principal risk factor for postoperative delirium. Nursing interventions appear to be the key to preventing or reducing the seriousness of delirium after an anaesthetic episode. The aetiology of postoperative delirium remains unknown, and no treatment exists to eliminate this pathology. The role of nursing staff is fundamental in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of the pathology.
Evidence of Better Psychological Profile in Working Population Meeting Current Physical Activity Recommendations
Authors: Lucini Daniela , Pagani Eleonora , Capria Francesco , Galliano Michele , Marchese Marcello , Cribellati Stefano
Published: August 2021

Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) may improve health, productivity and safety and reduce absenteeism. However, although desirable, it is difficult to design tailored (and thus effective) WHP programs, particularly in small–medium companies, which rarely have access to sufficient economic and organizational resources. In this study, 1305 employees filled out an online anonymous lifestyle questionnaire hosted on the website of a non-profit organization, which aims to promote a healthy lifestyle among workers. The data show gender differences regarding stress perception and, in the working population meeting current physical activity recommendations (threshold = 600 MET·min/week), they point out the evidence of a better psychological and nutrition profile, a perception of better job performance, and improved sleep and health quality. Moreover, a unitary index (ranging from 0–100 (with higher scores being healthier)), combining self-reported metrics for diet, exercise and stress, was significantly higher in active employees (67.51 ± 12.46 vs. 39.84 ± 18.34, p < 0.001). The possibility of assessing individual lifestyle in an easy, timely and cost-effective manner, offers the opportunity to collect grouped data useful to drive tailored WHP policies and to have metric to quantify results of interventions. This potentiality may help in creating effective programs and in improving employees’ and companies’ motivation and attitude towards a feasible WHP.
Catalytic Amyloids as Novel Synthetic Hydrolases
Authors: Duran-Meza Eva , Diaz-Espinoza Rodrigo
Published: August 2021

Amyloids are supramolecular assemblies composed of polypeptides stabilized by an intermolecular beta-sheet core. These misfolded conformations have been traditionally associated with pathological conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson´s diseases. However, this classical paradigm has changed in the last decade since the discovery that the amyloid state represents a universal alternative fold accessible to virtually any polypeptide chain. Moreover, recent findings have demonstrated that the amyloid fold can serve as catalytic scaffolds, creating new opportunities for the design of novel active bionanomaterials. Here, we review the latest advances in this area, with particular emphasis on the design and development of catalytic amyloids that exhibit hydrolytic activities. To date, three different types of activities have been demonstrated: esterase, phosphoesterase and di-phosphohydrolase. These artificial hydrolases emerge upon the self-assembly of small peptides into amyloids, giving rise to catalytically active surfaces. The highly stable nature of the amyloid fold can provide an attractive alternative for the design of future synthetic hydrolases with diverse applications in the industry, such as the in situ decontamination of xenobiotics.