bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory Assessment of Selected Protective Coatings Applied on Two Sandstone Types
Authors: Dunčková Lucia , Durmeková Tatiana , Adamcová Renáta , Bednarik Martin
Published: June 2022

The efficiency of three commercial hydrophobic coatings applied on two types of sandstones was subjected to the tests of water absorption by capillarity, water absorption by complete immersion, and frost resistance. Two days of the curing time of coatings on samples were chosen for the laboratory tests. The effects of the used coatings were different (ambiguous). Two coatings proved their effectiveness and thus, relevance of their use, but different coatings were effective on each type of sandstone. The coating F showed the best efficiency for the Hořice sandstone and coating A for the Malé Skalky sandstone. The third testing coating H was ineffective on both types of sandstone. The water absorption tests by capillarity showed a loss of the coating effectiveness over time. By completely immersing the samples in water, all three coatings lost their effectiveness and the hydrophobic effects disappeared. Applied protective coatings helped to preserve the frost resistance of the Hořice sandstone when looking at the uniaxial compressive strength after 25 freeze–thaw cycles, regardless of their fading hydrophobic effect. In addition, a penetration depth test for Hořice sandstone was performed. The impregnation depth reflects the effectiveness of the coatings and confirmed the results obtained by the water absorption tests by capillarity. The findings presented in the article are also useful in practice, as Hořice sandstone will be mined and frequently used in the future as well.
A New Thermal Model for Predicted Discharge Craters in Micro/Nano-EDM Considering the Non-Fourier Effect
Authors: Chen Zhi , Wu Cheng , Zhou Hongbing , Yan Hongzhi
Published: June 2022

Micro/nano-electrical discharge machining is an alternative preparation method for surface micro/nano-structures, but it is difficult to precisely control the size of the micro/nano-structures due to its unclear material removal mechanism. Thus, it is useful to study its machining mechanism to achieve high-efficiency and controlled processing. At present, most of the established EDM thermal models for predicting the discharge crater size are based on the classical Fourier heat conduction law, assuming that the conduction velocity of heat energy is infinite. However, the single-pulse discharge time of micro/nano-EDM is transitory (<1 μs), and thus, the steady state heat balance condition cannot be achieved in a single-pulse discharge time. In order to predict the size of the micro/nano electrical discharge craters more accurately, the non-Fourier effect was considered to study the temperature field distribution of micro/nano-EDM of single-pulse discharge machining. Firstly, the classical Fourier heat conduction law was modified by introducing a relaxation time. Secondly, several key factors were considered to establish the thermal model of micro/nano-EDM in single-pulse discharge machining. Subsequently, numerical simulation software was used to solve the thermal model for obtaining the temperature field distribution of the workpiece material and predicting the size of the discharge craters. Finally, the predicting accuracy of the new thermal model was evaluated by comparing the relative error between the simulated values and experimental values. The comparison results show that considering the non-Fourier effect can reduce the average error of the thermal model from 33% to 10%. The non-Fourier effect is more obvious under the shorter discharge time of a single pulse.
Setting Priorities for a Provincial Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program
Authors: Surujballi Julian , Chan Grace , Strahlendorf Caron , Srikanthan Amirrtha
Published: June 2022

Adolescent and young adult (AYA, ages 15–39 years) oncology patients are an underserved population with specialized needs. AYA programs are absent from most Canadian centers. We identified a priority list and sequence for new programs to address. Program goals, priorities, and activities were developed through literature review, national consensus documents, and expert opinion. Health care providers (HCPs) involved in AYA cancer care, administrators, and patient and family representatives were engaged to co-develop program goals and activities. A modified Delphi technique was used through two iterations followed by an in-person meeting to prioritize program implementation. Consensus was defined as a mean score of less than 2.0 (not important) or 4.0 or greater (important). Items without consensus (scored between 2.0 and 3.99) were discussed at the in-person meeting. Sixty provincial stakeholders completed the Delphi survey across multiple disciplines. Twenty-seven stakeholders attended the in-person meeting. All goals were deemed important, except development of a research program. Patient implementation tasks ranked highest. Priority sequence of implementation was: patient care first, followed by HCP education; patient and family education; program sustainability plan; evaluation; research; then a model for multidisciplinary tumor board review. These represent key goals for new AYA oncology programs and a priority sequence of implementation.
Molecular Phylogenetic Evidence and Biogeographic History of Indian Endemic Portulaca L. (Portulacaceae) Species
Authors: Tamboli Asif S. , Dalavi Jagdish V. , Kadam Suhas K. , Yadav Shrirang R. , Govindwar Sanjay P. , Choo Yeon-Sik , Pak Jae Hong
Published: June 2022

The genus Portulaca L. belongs to the monogeneric family Portulacaceae and consists of about 157 species worldwide. In India, it is represented by 11 taxa; among them, Portulaca badamica, Portulaca lakshminarasimhaniana, Portulaca oleracea var. linearifolia, and Portulaca laljii are endemic. So far, the phylogenetic positions of these species have not yet been analyzed. We have reconstructed the Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenies based on a combined chloroplast and nuclear DNA sequence dataset to reveal phylogenetic placements of Indian Portulaca. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that all the sampled Indian Portulaca species (except Portulaca wightiana) are placed in the AL clade, which contains most of the known species of the family Portulacaceae. We used reconstructed phylogeny to study the historical biogeography of Indian endemic species by employing S-DIVA analysis. S-DIVA analysis suggested P. lakshminarasimhaniana has origin in India, it may be the result of in situ speciation in India, and P. badamica was dispersed from Africa to India. We have also discussed the systematic placements of endemic species and their morphological relationships with closely allied species. In addition, this study also provides taxonomic treatment for endemic species.
Non-Coding RNA Networks as Potential Novel Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Sepsis and Sepsis-Related Multi-Organ Failure
Authors: Di Raimondo Domenico , Pirera Edoardo , Rizzo Giuliana , Simonetta Irene , Musiari Gaia , Tuttolomondo Antonino
Published: June 2022

According to “Sepsis-3” consensus, sepsis is a life-threatening clinical syndrome caused by a dysregulated inflammatory host response to infection. A rapid identification of sepsis is mandatory, as the extent of the organ damage triggered by both the pathogen itself and the host’s immune response could abruptly evolve to multiple organ failure and ultimately lead to the death of the patient. The most commonly used therapeutic strategy is to provide hemodynamic and global support to the patient and to rapidly initiate broad-spectrum empiric antibiotic therapy. To date, there is no gold standard diagnostic test that can ascertain the diagnosis of sepsis. Therefore, once sepsis is suspected, the presence of organ dysfunction can be assessed using the Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, although the diagnosis continues to depend primarily on clinical judgment. Clinicians can now rely on several serum biomarkers for the diagnosis of sepsis (e.g., procalcitonin), and promising new biomarkers have been evaluated, e.g., presepsin and adrenomedullin, although their clinical relevance in the hospital setting is still under discussion. Non-codingRNA, including long non-codingRNAs (lncRNAs), circularRNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), take part in a complex chain of events playing a pivotal role in several important regulatory processes in humans. In this narrative review we summarize and then analyze the function of circRNAs-miRNA-mRNA networks as putative novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for sepsis, focusing only on data collected in clinical settings in humans.
Automatic Classification for Sagittal Craniofacial Patterns Based on Different Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Li Haizhen , Xu Ying , Lei Yi , Wang Qing , Gao Xuemei
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: The present study aims to evaluate and compare the model performances of different convolutional neural networks (CNNs) used for classifying sagittal skeletal patterns. (2) Methods: A total of 2432 lateral cephalometric radiographs were collected. They were labeled as Class I, Class II, and Class III patterns, according to their ANB angles and Wits values. The radiographs were randomly divided into the training, validation, and test sets in the ratio of 70%:15%:15%. Four different CNNs, namely VGG16, GoogLeNet, ResNet152, and DenseNet161, were trained, and their model performances were compared. (3) Results: The accuracy of the four CNNs was ranked as follows: DenseNet161 > ResNet152 > VGG16 > GoogLeNet. DenseNet161 had the highest accuracy, while GoogLeNet possessed the smallest model size and fastest inference speed. The CNNs showed better capabilities for identifying Class III patterns, followed by Classes II and I. Most of the samples that were misclassified by the CNNs were boundary cases. The activation area confirmed the CNNs without overfitting and indicated that artificial intelligence could recognize the compensatory dental features in the anterior region of the jaws and lips. (4) Conclusions: CNNs can quickly and effectively assist orthodontists in the diagnosis of sagittal skeletal classification patterns.
Pre- and Postoperative Ultrasound and MRI Examinations in Assessing Vocal Folds in Patients with Goiter
Authors: Derlatka-Kochel Magdalena , Kumoniewski Paweł , Majos Marcin , Ludwisiak Kamil , Pomorski Lech , Majos Agata
Published: June 2022

Aim of the study: To determine the value of dynamic examinations ultrasound (US) and MRI in the 1.5T field in the assessment of the mobility of vocal folds (VF) in comparison to laryngoscopy in patients with thyroid gland resection. Materials and methods: A total of 44 patients with goiter, before and after thyroidectomy, were subjected to videolaryngoscopy and dynamic examinations of the vocal folds using ultrasound and the following MRI sequences: generic gradient echo (GRE) and true fast imaging with steady-state precession (TRUFI). The qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed, i.e., the angles of deviation from the midline of the vocal folds and the area of the right and left rima glottidis compartments. Results: The analysis of qualitative data showed that the results obtained by laryngoscopy, US and MRI are independent of the diagnostic method used in the group of patients pre and post thyroidectomy. Between the pre- and postoperative examinations in the group of paralyzed vocal folds, statistically significant differences were found in the minimum and maximum values of the angles for the MRI-GRE and MRI-TRUFI sequences and the maximum value of the angles in the US examination, but also in the maximum value of the area of the glottis compartments in both MRI-GRE and MRI-TRUFI dynamic sequences and the minimum value of the area in the sequence MRI-GRE. Statistically significant differences were found in both MRI sequences during phonation, both for the value of the angles and the area of the affected vocal folds. However, no statistically significant differences were found in the values of the angles or the areas in both vocal fold imaging methods without identified mobility abnormalities. Conclusions: Ultrasound and MRI examinations using dynamic sequences have a similar diagnostic value to laryngoscopy in the assessment of vocal fold paralysis in patients with goiter. The GRE sequence seems to be the most reliable one in determining vocal fold paralysis, and the most reliable parameter is the maximum area of the rima glottidis compartment. The inclusion of dynamic short sequences widely available in 1.5T scanners in standard neck examination protocols represents a novelty of the method and a promising diagnostic perspective in the diagnosis of vocal fold paralysis.
A List-Ranking Framework Based on Linear and Non-Linear Fusion for Recommendation from Implicit Feedback
Authors: Wu Buchen , Qin Jiwei
Published: June 2022

Although most list-ranking frameworks are based on multilayer perceptrons (MLP), they still face limitations within the method itself in the field of recommender systems in two respects: (1) MLP suffer from overfitting when dealing with sparse vectors. At the same time, the model itself tends to learn in-depth features of user–item interaction behavior but ignores some low-rank and shallow information present in the matrix. (2) Existing ranking methods cannot effectively deal with the problem of ranking between items with the same rating value and the problem of inconsistent independence in reality. We propose a list ranking framework based on linear and non-linear fusion for recommendation from implicit feedback, named RBLF. First, the model uses dense vectors to represent users and items through one-hot encoding and embedding. Second, to jointly learn shallow and deep user–item interaction, we use the interaction grabbing layer to capture the user–item interaction behavior through dense vectors of users and items. Finally, RBLF uses the Bayesian collaborative ranking to better fit the characteristics of implicit feedback. Eventually, the experiments show that the performance of RBLF obtains a significant improvement.
The Self-Efficacy of Special and General Education Teachers in Implementing Inclusive Education in Greek Secondary Education
Authors: Kazanopoulos Spyridon , Tejada Eneko , Basogain Xabier
Published: June 2022

Teachers’ self-efficacy is important as it affects their views on their ability to teach. In special education, self-efficacy is particularly critical because it helps teachers understand and assist students with special educational needs (SEND). The main objective of the current study was to examine special and general education teachers’ self-efficacy for inclusive practices at Greek secondary education schools and how teachers’ age, gender, teaching experience, and training affect their self-efficacy for inclusive practices. The current research is primary, quantitative, correlational, between and within groups, and has a non-experimental design. A sample was conducted by 265 general and special education teachers. The Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practices (TEIP) scale was used to measure teachers’ perceived self-efficacy to implement inclusive classroom practices. Results indicated that teachers of special education presented higher efficacy in using inclusive instructions, collaborating, and dealing with disruptive behaviors. The training was considered a significant factor that affected attitudes of self-efficacy towards inclusive practices. Demographic characteristics, such as age and gender, do not seem to be significant factors in the formation of self-efficacy towards inclusive practices, while the effect of teaching experience in special education was statistically significant on all components of the self-efficacy scale.
Few-Shot Image Classification: Current Status and Research Trends
Authors: Liu Ying , Zhang Hengchang , Zhang Weidong , Lu Guojun , Tian Qi , Ling Nam
Published: June 2022

Conventional image classification methods usually require a large number of training samples for the training model. However, in practical scenarios, the amount of available sample data is often insufficient, which easily leads to overfitting in network construction. Few-shot learning provides an effective solution to this problem and has been a hot research topic. This paper provides an intensive survey on the state-of-the-art techniques in image classification based on few-shot learning. According to the different deep learning mechanisms, the existing algorithms are divided into four categories: transfer learning based, meta-learning based, data augmentation based, and multimodal based methods. Transfer learning based methods transfer useful prior knowledge from the source domain to the target domain. Meta-learning based methods employ past prior knowledge to guide the learning of new tasks. Data augmentation based methods expand the amount of sample data with auxiliary information. Multimodal based methods use the information of the auxiliary modal to facilitate the implementation of image classification tasks. This paper also summarizes the few-shot image datasets available in the literature, and experimental results tested by some representative algorithms are provided to compare their performance and analyze their pros and cons. In addition, the application of existing research outcomes on few-shot image classification in different practical fields are discussed. Finally, a few future research directions are identified.
Comparison of Total Ionizing Dose Effects in 22-nm and 28-nm FD SOI Technologies
Authors: Li Zongru , Elash Christopher Jarrett , Jin Chen , Chen Li , Xing Jiesi , Yang Zhiwu , Shi Shuting
Published: June 2022

Total ionizing dose (TID) effects from Co-60 gamma ray and heavy ion irradiation were studied at the 22-nm FD SOI technology node and compared with the testing results from the 28-nm FD SOI technology. Ring oscillators (RO) designed with inverters, NAND2, and NOR2 gates were used to observe the output frequency drift and current draw. Experimental results show a noticeable increased device current draw and decreases in RO frequencies where NOR2 ROs have the most degradation. As well, the functionality of a 256 kb SRAM block and shift-register chains were evaluated during C0-60 irradiation. SRAM functionality deteriorated at 325 krad(Si) of the total dosage, while the FF chains remained functional up to 1 Mrad(Si). Overall, the 22-nm FD SOI results show better resilience to TID effects compared to the 28-nm FD SOI technology node.
Dual-Band Circularly Polarized Hybrid Dielectric Resonator Antenna for 5G Millimeter-Wave Applications
Authors: Huang Run-Ze , Zhang Jing-Wei , Zhang Cheng
Published: June 2022

This paper proposes a dual-band circularly polarized (CP) rectangular dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) for 5G millimeter wave wireless communications. The proposed DRA consists of a novel modified cross-flower exciting (MCF) slot and a rectangular ceramic dielectric resonator (DR). With the help of the compact MCF feeding slot, the fundamental modes TEδ11x/TE1δ1y and higher-order modes TEδ13x/TE1δ3y of the DR can be excited to achieve CP dual-band characteristics. In addition, the MCF slot works as a radiator at 26 GHz and 39 GHz to enhance the DRA bandwidth. More importantly, these two operational bandwidths can be controlled independently at the lower and upper bands. The proposed DRA is designed, fabricated and measured. The measured results show that the proposed dual-band CP DRA achieves 3 dB axial-ratio (AR) bandwidths of 19.8% and 7.8% with peak gains of 5.62 dBic and 6.74 dBic for the lower and upper bands.
Pore Water and Its Influences on the Nanopore Structures of Deep Longmaxi Shales in the Luzhou Block of the Southern Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Gao Haitao , Cheng Peng , Wu Wei , Liu Shenyang , Luo Chao , Li Tengfei , Zhong Kesu , Tian Hui
Published: June 2022

In the Luzhou Block of the southern Sichuan Basin, the deep Longmaxi shales have become important exploration targets in recent years. However, the water-bearing properties of these shales are still unclear, which significantly limits evaluations of reservoir pore structures and gas-in-place (GIP) contents. In this study, twelve fresh shale core samples were collected at the well site, and the pore water (CPW) and equilibrium water (CEW) contents, as well as the pore structures of the shales, were analyzed under both as-received and dried conditions. The results indicate that the deep shales have low water-bearing extents with a pore water content (CPW) of 3.82–16.67 mg/g, and that both the organic matter (OM) and inorganic matter (IM) pores can be used for pore water storage. The extent of influence of pore water on nonmicropores and IM pore structures is more significant than that on micropores and OM pore structures. Meanwhile, the pore water obviously reduces the retention effects of nanopores and may block nanopores with pore widths < 0.5 nm. An average of 40% of pore spaces were taken up by pore water in the studied deep shales in the Luzhou Block, and the residual pore surface area and pore volume of the shales were mainly contributed from micropores and nonmicropores, respectively.
Urban Freight Transport Electrification in Westbank, Palestine: Environmental and Economic Benefits
Authors: Hassouna Fady M. A.
Published: June 2022

Recently, due to the industrial and e-commerce revolution, the freight transport sector has grown rapidly and has become one of the key factors for economic development. Coupled with the growth of this sector, significant energy and environmental problems have arisen. Therefore, a huge effort has been made around the world in order to develop some solutions that could mitigate these problems. One of these promising solutions is electrifying the urban freight transport sector including the trucks and freight commercial vehicles fleets. In Palestine, as in other developing countries, the implications of this solution are still unquantified and the efficiency of the application is unpredicted. Therefore, this has necessitated a comprehensive study that considers all the relevant factors, such as the source of the electricity (renewable energy, oils, natural gas, etc.), fuel rates, and electricity rates. In this study, a prediction model has been developed using the historical data for the number of trucks and freight commercial vehicles over the period 2006–2020. Next, the total travelled kilometers, the total fuel consumption, and the total electricity consumption by the urban freight transport sector have been determined based on two scenarios (5% and 20% penetration of electric freight transport modes) during the next 10 years. Finally, the amounts of reduction in GHG emissions and the energy cost have been determined. The results have shown a significant reduction in the amount of GHG emission during the next 10 years by electrifying 20% of the freight transport sector in Westbank, Palestine. Moreover, an annual reduction of 66 million U.S $ could be achieved in total energy costs in this region.
The Energy Company Business Model and the European Green Deal
Authors: Samborski Adam
Published: June 2022

The research problem addressed in this article concerns the formation of a business model in an energy company as a consequence of the European Green Deal. The paper seeks answers to three questions: (1) What is the significance of the European Green Deal for the business model of the examined energy company? (2) Which elements of the business model of the studied energy company take the form of sustainable ones? (3) In what direction is the business model of the analysed energy company evolving? The subject of the study is the business model of the Tauron Capital Group. The business model is analysed in the context of the requirements for climate protection formulated in the European Green Deal. A single case study was used. As a result of the study, two research statements were adopted: (1) Economic regulations in the area of the European Green Deal lead to changes in the business model of the examined energy company. (2) The examined energy company through the implementation of sustainable business practices aims to achieve sustainable production. The current activities of the Tauron Capital Group are focused on improving energy efficiency, circular economy principles and renewable energy sources.
Multi-Objective Optimal Power Flow Solution Using a Non-Dominated Sorting Hybrid Fruit Fly-Based Artificial Bee Colony
Authors: Mallala Balasubbareddy , Papana Venkata Prasad , Sangu Ravindra , Palle Kowstubha , Chinthalacheruvu Venkata Krishna Reddy
Published: June 2022

A new optimization technique is proposed for solving optimization problems having single and multiple objectives, with objective functions such as generation cost, loss, and severity value. This algorithm was developed to satisfy the constraints, such as OPF constraints, and practical constraints, such as ram rate limits. Single and multi-objective optimization problems were implemented with the proposed hybrid fruit fly-based artificial bee colony (HFABC) algorithm and the non-dominated sorting hybrid fruit fly-based artificial bee colony (NSHFABC) algorithm. HFABC is a hybrid model of the fruit fly and ABC algorithms. Selecting the user choice-based solution from the Pareto set by the proposed NSHFABC algorithm is performed by a fuzzy decision-based mechanism. The proposed HFABC method for single-objective optimization was analyzed using the Himmelblau test function, Booth’s test function, and IEEE 30 and IEEE 118 bus standard test systems. The proposed NSHFABC method for multi-objective optimization was analyzed using Schaffer1, Schaffer2, and Kursawe test functions, and the IEEE 30 bus test system. The obtained results of the proposed methods were compared with the existing literature.
Biological Aspects, Advancements and Techno-Economical Evaluation of Biological Methanation for the Recycling and Valorization of CO2
Authors: Bellini Ruggero , Bassani Ilaria , Vizzarro Arianna , Azim Annalisa , Vasile Nicolò , Pirri Candido , Verga Francesca , Menin Barbara
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, sustainable and renewable energy production is a global priority. Over the past decade, several Power-to-X (PtX) technologies have been proposed to store and convert the surplus of renewable energies into chemical bonds of chemicals produced by different processes. CO2 is a major contributor to climate change, yet it is also an undervalued source of carbon that could be recycled and represents an opportunity to generate renewable energy. In this context, PtX technologies would allow for CO2 valorization into renewable fuels while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. With this work we want to provide an up-to-date overview of biomethanation as a PtX technology by considering the biological aspects and the main parameters affecting its application and scalability at an industrial level. Particular attention will be paid to the concept of CO2-streams valorization and to the integration of the process with renewable energies. Aspects related to new promising technologies such as in situ, ex situ, hybrid biomethanation and the concept of underground methanation will be discussed, also in connection with recent application cases. Furthermore, the technical and economic feasibility will be critically analyzed to highlight current options and limitations for implementing a sustainable process.
Comparative Simulation Study of Pump System Efficiency Driven by Induction and Synchronous Reluctance Motors
Authors: Gevorkov Levon , Domínguez-García José Luis , Rassõlkin Anton , Vaimann Toomas
Published: June 2022

Grid-powered pumping plants are widespread electromechanical systems commonly set in motion by electrical machines. The productivity of these electromechanical systems varies substantially according to the shift of the location of the working point on the H-Q plane, which is determined with the help of mutual positions of the characteristics of the pump unit itself and the hydraulic parameters of the pipeline. The topic of the proposed article is mainly focused on the investigation of pumping plant productivity equipped with two various types of electrical machines known as induction and synchronous reluctance motors. A simulation method of efficiency prediction of a centrifugal pumping plant for flow regulation is proposed. The described Simulink/Matlab simulation approach is quite valuable for validating efficiency in the case of pumping plants supplied with various types of electrical machines. The data relating to the electrical machines’ efficiency estimation were obtained during a series of experimental tests with the real experimental setup. Thus, the calculation results of the model are accurate and based on confirmed experimental measurements.
Low Heat Capacity 3D Hollow Microarchitected Reactors for Thermal and Fluid Applications
Authors: Kim Seok , Nam Sang-Hoon , Kim Seokho , Cho Young , Fang Nicholas
Published: June 2022

Lightweight reactor materials that simultaneously possess low heat capacity and large surface area are desirable for various applications such as catalytic supports, heat exchangers, and biological scaffolds. However, they are challenging to satisfy this criterion originating from their structural property in most porous cellular solids. Microlattices have great potential to resolve this issue in directing transport phenomena because of their hierarchically ordered design and controllable geometrical features such as porosity, specific surface, and tortuosity. In this study, we report hollow ceramic microlattices comprising a 10 μm thick hollow nickel oxide beam in an octet-truss architecture with low heat capacity and high specific surface area. Our microarchitected reactors exhibited a low heat capacity for a rapid thermal response with a small Biot number (Bi << 1) and large intertwined surface area for homogeneous flow mixing and chemical reactions, which made them ideal candidates for various energy applications. The hollow ceramic microlattice was fabricated by digital light three-dimensional (3D) printing, composite electroless plating, polymer removal, and subsequent thermal annealing. The transient thermal response and fluidic properties of the 3D-printed microstructures were experimentally investigated using a small-scale thermal and fluid test system, and analytically interpreted using simplified models. Our findings indicate that hollow microarchitected reactors provide a promising platform for developing multifunctional materials for thermal and fluid applications.
Magnetic Field Analysis of an Inner-Mounted Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor for New Energy Vehicles
Authors: Geng Huihui , Zhang Xueyi , Yan Shilong , Zhang Yufeng , Wang Lei , Han Yutong , Wang Wei
Published: June 2022

The motor is an important component that affects the output performance of new energy vehicles (using new energy sources such as electric energy and hydrogen fuel energy to drive the motor and provide kinetic energy). Motors with high power and low noise can effectively improve the dynamic performance, passability and smoothness of new energy vehicles and bring a comfortable experience to driver and passengers. The magnetic field analytical model of the inner-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) is studied to improve its output quality. The motor is divided into four subdomains: the stator slot subdomain, the stator slot notch subdomain, the air-gap subdomain, and the permanent magnet (PM) subdomain. The general solution of the vector magnetic potential of each subdomain is solved, and the expression of magnetic flux density of each subdomain is derived. Meanwhile, the analytical model of the non-uniform air gap is established according to the uniform air-gap model. The model’s accuracy is verified by finite element analysis and prototype tests. The results show that the calculation results of the analytical model are effective. The model can be applied to predict the no-load back electromotive force (EMF) and cogging torque of the motor under different main air gaps. It also provides an effective and fast analysis method for the design and optimization of IPMSM for new energy vehicles.
Determinants with Impact on Romanian Consumers’ Energy-Saving Habits
Authors: Dincă Violeta Mihaela , Busu Mihail , Nagy-Bege Zoltan
Published: June 2022

Due to the population’s growing need for energy and the increasing impact of the phenomena of global warming and climate change on a global level, it becomes imperative to diminish energy consumption worldwide. For this reason, a deeper understanding of factors that encourage energy-saving habits and overall lifestyle is required. This research examined the factors that hold an impact on the adoption of energy-saving habits in Romania. It used eight constructs that were checked to see if they influence the individuals’ intentions to save energy. The research used a quantitative analysis approach, with primary data assembled through a survey of the population from six developed counties in Romania. In order to investigate and assess the data, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used. The results show that environmental awareness, perceived consumer effectiveness and a collectivistic perspective affect individuals in implementing energy-saving habits (in their life) in a significant and positive way. However, resistance to change and perceived costs were identified as having a negative and significant impact on the individuals’ implementation of such habits within their households. The outcomes of this research play a part in raising awareness of what could determine a more energy-saving lifestyle, and therefore it is essential that stakeholders within the energy sector in Romania consider the aspects of environmental awareness, perception of consumer effectiveness, perceived costs, collectivism and resistance to change during the development of programs of energy efficiency.
A Single-Voltage-Source Class-D Boost Multi-Level Inverter with Self-Balanced Capacitors
Authors: Shieh Jenn-Jong , Hwu Kuo-Ing , Li You-Yang
Published: June 2022

A symmetric single-source 7-level DC-AC converter with voltage gain of 3 and self-voltage balance is presented by combining the Class-D amplifier and the diode-clamped DC-AC converter. There is only one switch is switched for any time in this circuit. As a result, the conversion efficiency can be upgraded significantly as well as the control strategy can be simplified considerably. In the paper, the operation principle and circuit design of this converter are analyzed in detail, and its feasibility and effectiveness are verified by simulation and digital control, respectively.
Growth and Development of Short-Rotation Woody Crops for Rural and Urban Applications
Authors: Zalesny Ronald S. , Pilipović Andrej
Published: June 2022

Woody biomass from short-rotation woody crops (SRWCs) plays a substantial role in feedstock production for alternative energy sources throughout the world, thus helping to mitigate climate change driven by excessive use of fossil fuels [...]
Human Health and Outdoor Adventure Recreation: Perceived Health Outcomes
Authors: Zwart Ryan , Ewert Alan
Published: June 2022

Forests and similar types of landscapes offer a myriad of outcomes and benefits often associated with participation in outdoor adventure recreation (OAR) activities. Previous research has shown that OAR participants are able to identify, perceive, and accurately report the effects and benefits of their participation. The health benefits of outdoor experiences, both active and more passive, have received a growing research interest, both as a setting and as a setting/activity complex. Research has identified six primary forms of health and well-being from outdoor and forest-type landscapes, including emotional, environmental, intellectual, social, spiritual, and physical. The preponderance of research in the health and wellness field synthesizes these forms into two primary categories, physical/physiological and mental/psychological. This study considered the health outcomes attributed to highly active OAR participation using three popular OAR activities: mountain biking (MTB), rock climbing (RC) and whitewater paddling (WW; including whitewater kayaking, whitewater canoeing, and whitewater rafting). A survey presented in situ to OAR participants in various areas of the Midwestern and Southeastern United States yielded 288 respondents. Using health perceptions and outcomes instruments as well as semi-structured interviews, the researchers found health to be an important factor for OAR participation. These findings are congruent with previous research that suggest that OAR participants specifically recreate in forested and other natural areas for enhanced physical and psychological health outcomes. The findings in this study also support the efficacy of the participation in OAR activities toward supporting both health improvement and maintenance. With physical and psychological health continuing to be an area of concern in today’s world, this study suggests that participation in OAR on forested and similar landscapes can be a successful health intervention strategy.
Geomorphic and Climatic Drivers Are Key Determinants of Structural Variability of Mangrove Forests along the Kenyan Coast
Authors: Njiru Derrick Muthomi , Githaiga Michael Njoroge , Nyaga Justine Muhoro , Lang’at Kipkorir Sigi , Kairo James Gitundu
Published: June 2022

Mangrove forests occur across a diversity of coastal landforms that influence their structural development and productivity. Preliminary studies in Kenya indicate that mangroves growing in the region north and south of Tana River delta have different structural attributes. We hypothesise a close relationship between mangrove distribution, climate and landform types. Floristic composition of mangroves along the coast of Kenya was characterised and differences illustrated using non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS). Other structural properties of mangroves such as tree height, basal area, stand density and standing biomass were also assessed and their differences tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA). A hierarchical cluster analysis was used to compare mangrove species based on structural properties. Additionally, a regression fit model was used to investigate the relationship between mangrove standing biomass and possible drivers of variability. The study revealed significant differences in mangrove tree diameter, tree height, basal area, stand density and standing biomass across the sampled sites. High values of structural complexity were observed in estuarine and deltaic settings with high influence of freshwater input whereas low levels of structural complexity were observed for peri-urban with direct human influence. Our findings suggest that structural variability of mangroves in Kenya is highly influenced by geomorphological and climatic variability along the coast as well as the past and present management regimes of the forest.
Analysis of Electric Vehicles with an Economic Perspective for the Future Electric Market
Authors: S Sofana Reka , Venugopal Prakash , V Ravi , Haes Alhelou Hassan , Al-Hinai Amer , Siano Pierluigi
Published: June 2022

The automotive industry is marching towards cleaner energy in the impending future. The need for cleaner energy is promoted by the government to a large degree in the global market in order to reduce pollution. Automobiles contribute to an upper scale in regard to the level of pollution in the environment. For cleaner energy in automobiles, the industry needs to be revolutionized in all needed ways to a massive extent. The industry has to move from the traditional internal combustion engine, for which the main sources of energy are nonrenewable sources, to alternative methods and sources of energy. The automotive industry is now focusing on electric vehicles, and more research is being highlighted from vehicle manufacturers to find solutions for the problems faced in the field of electrification. Therefore, to accomplish full electrification, there is a long way to go, and this also requires a change in the existing infrastructure in addition to many innovations in the fields of infrastructure and grid connectively as well as the economic impacts of electric vehicles in society. In this work, an analysis of the electric vehicle market with the economic impacts of electric vehicles is studied. This therefore requires the transformation of the automotive industry.
IoT Group Membership Management Using Decentralized Identifiers and Verifiable Credentials
Authors: Fotiou Nikos , Siris Vasilios A. , Xylomenos George , Polyzos George C.
Published: June 2022

Many IoT use cases can benefit from group communication, where a user requests an IoT resource and this request can be handled by multiple IoT devices, each of which may respond back to the user. IoT group communication involves one-to-many requests and many-to-one responses, and this creates security challenges. In this paper, we focus on the provenance that has been received by an authorized device. We provide an effective and flexible solution for securing IoT group communication using CoAP, where a CoAP client sends a request to a CoAP group and receives multiple responses by many IoT devices, acting as CoAP servers. We design a solution that allows CoAP servers to digitally sign their responses in a way that clients can verify that a response has been generated by an authorized member of the CoAP group. In order to achieve our goal, we leverage Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) and Verifiable Credentials (VCs). In particular, we consider that each group is identified by a DID, and each group member has received a VC that allows it to participate in that group. The only information a client needs to know is the DID of the group, which is learned using DNSSEC. Our solution allows group members to rotate their signing keys, it achieves group member revocation, and it has minimal communication and computational overhead.
Association of Seaweed Consumption with Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components: Findings from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study
Authors: Park Haeun , Lee Kyung Won , Shin Dayeon
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to investigate the association between seaweed consumption and the odds of developing metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and elderly Koreans. The study included 5777 adults aged 40–69 years from 2001 to 2002 in the Ansan and Ansung cohorts of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. Data on the consumption of seaweed, including laver and kelp/sea mustard, were obtained using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between seaweed consumption and the odds of developing metabolic syndrome and its components. Women in the highest tertile of laver consumption had lower odds of developing metabolic syndrome than those in the lowest tertile (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54–0.92). Both men and women in the highest tertile of laver consumption had lower odds of abdominal obesity than those in the lowest tertile (AOR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.42–0.98 for men; AOR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.39–0.72 for women). These findings suggest that laver consumption is inversely associated with the odds of developing metabolic syndrome and abdominal obesity in Korean adults.
Metabolomics Combined with Transcriptomics Analysis Revealed the Amino Acids, Phenolic Acids, and Flavonol Derivatives Biosynthesis Network in Developing Rosa roxburghii Fruit
Authors: Li Nanyu , Jiang Lanlan , Liu Yiyi , Zou Shimei , Lu Min , An Huaming
Published: June 2022

Rosa roxburghii Tratt. is a specific fruit with high nutritional value and antioxidative activities. However, the key metabolites and their biosynthesis are still unknown. Herein, a main cultivated variety, ‘Guinong 5’ (Rr5), was chosen to analyze the metabolomics of the three developmental stages of R. roxburghii fruit by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A total of 533 metabolites were identified, of which 339 were significantly altered. Total phenols, flavonoids, and amino acids were significantly correlated to at least one in vitro antioxidant activity. The conjoint Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) co-enrichment analysis of metabolome and transcriptome was focused on amino acid, phenylpropanoid, and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. The amino acid, phenolic acid, and flavonol biosynthesis networks were constructed with 32 structural genes, 48 RrMYBs, and 23 metabolites. Of these, six RrMYBs correlated to 9–15 metabolites in the network were selected to detect the gene expression in six different R. roxburghii genotypes fruits. Subsequently, 21 key metabolites were identified in the in vitro antioxidant activities in the fruits at various developmental stages or in fruits of different R. roxburghii genotypes. We found that four key RrMYBs were related to the significantly varied amino acids, phenolic acids, and flavonol derivatives in the network during fruit development and the key metabolites in the in vitro antioxidative activities in the fruits of six R. roxburghii genotypes. This finding provided novel insights into the flavonoid, polyphenol, and amino acid synthesis in R. roxburghii.
The Value of the Stemness Index in Ovarian Cancer Prognosis
Authors: Yuan Hongjun , Yu Qian , Pang Jianyu , Chen Yongzhi , Sheng Miaomiao , Tang Wenru
Published: June 2022

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies. It is associated with a difficult diagnosis and poor prognosis. Our study aimed to analyze tumor stemness to determine the prognosis feature of patients with OC. At this job, we selected the gene expression and the clinical profiles of patients with OC in the TCGA database. We calculated the stemness index of each patient using the one-class logistic regression (OCLR) algorithm and performed correlation analysis with immune infiltration. We used consensus clustering methods to classify OC patients into different stemness subtypes and compared the differences in immune infiltration between them. Finally, we established a prognostic signature by Cox and LASSO regression analysis. We found a significant negative correlation between a high stemness index and immune score. Pathway analysis indicated that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the low- and high-mRNAsi groups were enriched in multiple functions and pathways, such as protein digestion and absorption, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and the TGF-β signaling pathway. By consensus cluster analysis, patients with OC were split into two stemness subtypes, with subtype II having a better prognosis and higher immune infiltration. Furthermore, we identified 11 key genes to construct the prognostic signature for patients with OC. Among these genes, the expression levels of nine, including SFRP2, MFAP4, CCDC80, COL16A1, DUSP1, VSTM2L, TGFBI, PXDN, and GAS1, were increased in the high-risk group. The analysis of the KM and ROC curves indicated that this prognostic signature had a great survival prediction ability and could independently predict the prognosis for patients with OC. We established a stemness index-related risk prognostic module for OC, which has prognostic-independent capabilities and is expected to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with OC.