bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergent Inflammatory Markers and Echocardiographic Indices in Patients with Bronchial Asthma
Authors: Gkavogiannakis Nikolaos A. , Tsoporis James N. , Drosatos Ioannis-Alexandros , Tsirebolos George , Izhar Shehla , Sakadakis Eleftherios , Triantafyllis Andreas S. , Parker Thomas G. , Kalogiros Lampros A. , Leong-Poi Howard , Rallidis Loukianos S. , Rizos Ioannis
Published: June 2023

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, characterized by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress of the airways. Several inflammatory pathways including activation of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) have been described in the course of the disease. DJ-1 is a redox-sensitive protein with multifaceted roles in mast cell homeostasis and an emerging role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Moreover, cardiac function abnormalities have been described via echocardiography in patients with asthma. The main aim of this study was to investigate the plasma levels of RAGE, its ligands and DJ-1 in asthmatic patients pre- and post-treatment along with echocardiographic indices of cardiovascular function. The study population was divided into two groups. Group A included 13 patients with newly diagnosed bronchial asthma who were free of treatment for at least two weeks and Group B included 12 patients without asthma. An echocardiography examination was performed on all patients. The plasma levels of RAGE, its ligands (AGEs, S100A12, S100B, S100A8/A9), the interleukins (IL-6, IL-1β) and DJ-1 were measured. No differences were noted among the two groups for baseline characteristics and echocardiographic indices of cardiac function. In Group A, 31% suffered from mild asthma, 54% from moderate asthma and 15% from severe asthma. Plasma levels of IL-6, AGEs and AGE/RAGE ratio were increased and those of S100A12 and DJ-1 were decreased in asthmatics. Pharmacotherapy with corticosteroids/β2-agonists decreased IL-6, and AGEs, and increased DJ-1. In search of novel approaches in diagnosing and treating patients with asthma, S100A12, ratio AGE/sRAGE, and DJ-1 in addition to IL-6 may prove to be useful tools.
Apabetalone Downregulates Fibrotic, Inflammatory and Calcific Processes in Renal Mesangial Cells and Patients with Renal Impairment
Authors: Gilham Dean , Wasiak Sylwia , Rakai Brooke D. , Fu Li , Tsujikawa Laura M. , Sarsons Christopher D. , Carestia Agostina , Lebioda Kenneth , Johansson Jan O. , Sweeney Michael , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Kulikowski Ewelina
Published: June 2023

Epigenetic mechanisms are implicated in transcriptional programs driving chronic kidney disease (CKD). Apabetalone is an orally available inhibitor of bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins, which are epigenetic readers that modulate gene expression. In the phase 3 BETonMACE trial, apabetalone reduced risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) by 50% in the CKD subpopulation, indicating favorable effects along the kidney–heart axis. Activation of human renal mesangial cells (HRMCs) to a contractile phenotype that overproduces extracellular matrix (ECM) and inflammatory cytokines, and promotes calcification, frequently accompanies CKD to drive pathology. Here, we show apabetalone downregulated HRMC activation with TGF-β1 stimulation by suppressing TGF-β1-induced α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, α-SMA assembly into stress fibers, enhanced contraction, collagen overproduction, and expression of key drivers of fibrosis, inflammation, or calcification including thrombospondin, fibronectin, periostin, SPARC, interleukin 6, and alkaline phosphatase. Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated expression of inflammatory genes IL6, IL1B, and PTGS2 was also suppressed. Transcriptomics confirmed apabetalone affected gene sets of ECM remodeling and integrins. Clinical translation of in vitro results was indicated in CKD patients where a single dose of apabetalone reduced plasma levels of key pro-fibrotic and inflammatory markers, and indicated inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling. While plasma proteins cannot be traced to the kidney alone, anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of apabetalone identified in this study are consistent with the observed decrease in cardiovascular risk in CKD patients.
Palliative and End-of-Life Care for People Living with Motor Neurone Disease: Ongoing Challenges and Necessity for Shifting Directions
Authors: Velaga Vivek C. , Cook Angus , Auret Kirsten , Jenkins Tom , Thomas Geoff , Aoun Samar M.
Published: June 2023

Although the progressive clinical trajectory of motor neurone disease (MND) is widely understood, multiple challenges remain preventing optimal end-of-life care for this population with unique needs from the patient, carer and service provider perspectives. This paper reports on the experiences, gaps in service and unmet needs of MND patients and family carers and explores public health palliative care approaches that would facilitate coordinated and integrated care to respond to their changing needs. This is a qualitative study of responses to questions in an online consumer survey (353 respondents) in Western Australia (2020), focusing on a subset of 29 current and bereaved carers of people with MND who have used health services in the last five years. The analysis identified themes, highlighting the insufficient integration of services across health and social care; poor and unequal access to coordinated palliative care; significant gaps in the knowledge base of the workforce and a failure to meet the consumer expectations of person-centred care. For palliative care to be accessible to those living with MND and other under-served conditions, there needs to be a shift to more comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable options, such as the public health approach to palliative/end-of-life care that engages the assets of local communities in partnership with health services, one example being the “Compassionate Communities Connectors” model of care. Further considerations include advocacy for policy changes, fostering partnerships and developing indicators for evaluating the impact of the proposed models of care. The end result is not only better care but substantial savings for the health system.
Evolution and Current State of Building Materials, Construction Methods, and Building Regulations in the U.K.: Implications for Sustainable Building Practices
Authors: Vagtholm Rune , Matteo Amy , Vand Behrang , Tupenaite Laura
Published: June 2023

This study presents a comprehensive review of building materials, construction methods, and building regulations on the U.K. mainland. This provides valuable insights into the historical progression and transformation of the construction industry through a comprehensive analysis of both traditional and modern building construction materials and methods and categorising their evolutionary trajectory. Current building regulations in England, Wales, and Scotland are compared, highlighting differences in fire safety, noise safety, energy conservation, and sustainability. For example, fire safety regulations are analysed in detail, including fire resistance duration, wall cladding combustibility, and limitations on unprotected areas. Advances in knowledge and technology have led to increasingly sophisticated and energy-dependent methods, materials, and regulations. This study showcases the vast array of building construction materials spanning centuries, each possessing unique properties and performances. The selected methods and materials represent those currently employed or widely utilised in the U.K. construction industry, affirming their relevance and applicability in modern construction practices. Limitations in construction practices primarily stem from a lack of knowledge and tools rather than material scarcity. Enhancing knowledge and access to advanced tools is crucial to overcoming these limitations and driving advancements in the field. This study provides insights into the evolution of building materials, construction methods, and building regulations that can inform future developments in sustainable building practices. The findings have significant implications for policymakers, building designers, and constructors, particularly in terms of adopting sustainable materials and construction methods that comply with building regulations while reducing the environmental impact of the built environment.
Natural vs. Artificial Light: A Study on the Influence of Light Source on Chlorophyll Content and Photosynthetic Rates on Indoor Plants
Authors: Jung Chuloh , Arar Mohammad
Published: June 2023

Indoor landscaping is an environmentally friendly approach that enriches the environment and fosters productivity and comfort for occupants. The practice of incorporating plants into interior spaces requires meticulous care to ensure healthy growth and prolong the benefits of interior greening. This study explores the impact of natural and artificial light, represented by fluorescent lighting on the growth and physiological responses of Codiaeum variegatum and Ardisia japonica. A natural light chamber and an artificial light chamber of identical dimensions were constructed to compare the plants’ physiological responses under consistent temperature, humidity, and illuminance conditions. The results indicate that Codiaeum variegatum and Ardisia japonica exhibited higher chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rates under natural light conditions compared to fluorescent lighting. Furthermore, the study found that natural light offers a rich spectral distribution across various wavelengths, providing an advantage for plant growth. Although direct comparisons between natural and artificial light environments are inherently challenging due to the distinct characteristics of each light source, the study emphasizes the importance of considering the rich spectral distribution of natural light when designing artificial lighting systems for optimal plant growth. In conclusion, understanding the effects of natural and artificial light on indoor plants is crucial to supporting plant growth and creating more effective indoor gardening solutions. Although direct comparisons between natural and artificial light environments are inherently challenging due to the distinct characteristics of each light source, natural light provides a more advantageous environment for growth compared to fluorescent lighting, with Codiaeum variegatum and Ardisia japonica both exhibiting a higher chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rate under natural light conditions.
Examination of User Emotions and Task Performance in Indoor Space Design Using Mixed-Reality
Authors: Lee Kyung-Tae , Park Chang-Han , Kim Ju-Hyung
Published: June 2023

Given the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting social distancing measures with inevitable telecommuting, capturing user emotions is essential as it affects both satisfaction and task performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze emotions and task performance in terms of dislike and personalized decision-making in indoor spaces. To facilitate experiments with participants, a mixed-reality environment was utilized with the Pleasure, Arousal, Dominance (PAD) test and cognitive tests. The results of the experiment conducted on 30 subjects identified that aroused and discontented emotions dominated in non-preferred spaces, but pleased, important, and autonomous emotions arose in personalized spaces, as determined through sentimental analysis and statistical methods. Although negative emotions were present in the aversion space, attention and execution abilities were high compared to the personalized space, but working memory was low. By conducting stepwise regression analysis, it was found that working in a visually unfavorable space, which caused an increase in controlled or controlling emotions, improved short-term work efficiency. In addition, important emotions did not have a positive effect on any task performance. However, with pleased and contented emotions in a personalized indoor space, long-term work efficiency was increased, as explained by the Yerkes-Dodson law.
Population-Attributable Fractions of Personal Comorbidities for Liver, Gallbladder, and Bile Duct Cancers
Authors: Hemminki Kari , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan , Försti Asta , Liska Vaclav , Hemminki Akseli , Li Xinjun
Published: June 2023

Background: We aim to estimate population-attributable fractions (PAF) for 13 comorbidities potentially predisposing to hepatobiliary cancer of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), gallbladder cancer (GBC), cancers of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts (ICC and ECC), and ampullary cancer. Methods: Patients were identified from the Swedish Inpatient Register from 1987 to 2018 and cancers from the Swedish Cancer Registry from 1997 through 2018. PAFs were calculated for each comorbidity-associated cancer using a cohort study design. Results: For male HCC, the major individual comorbidities (PAF > 10) were diabetes, alcohol-related liver disease, and hepatitis C virus infection. For female HCC, diabetes and autoimmune diseases were important contributors. For female GBC, gallstone disease was an overwhelming contributor, with a PAF of 30.57%, which was also important for men. The overall PAF for male ICC was almost two times higher than the female one. For ECC and ampullary cancer, infection of bile ducts was associated with the highest PAF. Conclusions: The 13 comorbidities accounted for 50% or more of the potential etiological pathways of each hepatobiliary cancer except female ICC. The underlying convergent mechanism for these cancers may be chronic inflammation lasting for decades and thus offering possibilities for intervention and disease monitoring.
Statin Medication Improves Five-Year Survival Rates in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: A Retrospective Case-Control Study of about 100,000 Patients
Authors: Wüster Jonas , Heiland Max , Nahles Susanne , Preissner Robert , Preissner Saskia
Published: June 2023

Introduction: The overall survival among head and neck cancer patients is still low, even in a time of new therapy regimes. Regarding cancer patients’ survival, statin use has already proven to be associated with favorable survival outcomes. Our objective was to investigate the influence of statin medication on the overall survival of head and neck cancer patients. Methods: Retrospective clinical data of patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer (International Classification of Diseases codes: C00–C14) were retrieved from a real-world evidence database. The initial cohort was divided into patients with statin medication, who were assigned to building cohort I, and subjects without statin medication, who were assigned to cohort II, both matched by age, gender, and risk factors (nicotine and alcohol abuse/dependence). Subsequently, Kaplan–Meier and risk analyses were performed, and odds and hazard ratios were calculated. Results: After matching, each cohort contained 48,626 patients (cohort I = females: 15,409; (31.7%), males 33,212 (68.3%); mean age ± standard deviation (SD) at diagnosis 66.3 ± 11.4 years; cohort II = females: 15,432; (31.7%), males 33,187 (68.2%); mean age ± standard deviation (SD) at diagnosis 66.4 ± 11.5 years). Five-year survival was found to be significantly higher for cohort I, with 75.19%, respectively 70.48% for cohort II. These findings were correlated significantly with a risk of death of 15.9% (cohort I) and 17.2% (cohort II); the odds ratio was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.881–0.942) and the hazard ratio 0.80 (0.777–0.827). Conclusions: The results indicate that the five-year survival of head and neck cancer patients is significantly improved by statin medication. As this study was conducted retrospectively, our data must be interpreted with caution, especially since other potential influencing factors and the initial tumor stage were not available.
Long Term Outcome and Quality of Life of Intracranial Meningioma Patients Treated with Pencil Beam Scanning Proton Therapy
Authors: Krcek Reinhardt , Leiser Dominic , García-Marqueta Marta , Bolsi Alessandra , Weber Damien Charles
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical outcome, including QoL, of patients with intracranial meningiomas WHO grade 1–3 who were treated with Pencil Beam Scanning Proton Therapy (PBS PT) between 1997 and 2022. Two hundred patients (median age 50.4 years, 70% WHO grade 1) were analyzed. Acute and late side effects were classified according to CTCAE version 5.0. Time to event data were calculated. QoL was assessed descriptively by the EORTC-QLQ-C30 and BN20 questionnaires. With a median follow-up of 65 months (range: 3.8–260.8 months) the 5 year OS was 95.7% and 81.8% for WHO grade 1 and grade 2/3, respectively (p < 0.001). Twenty (10%) local failures were observed. Failures occurred significantly (p < 0.001) more frequent in WHO grade 2 or 3 meningioma (WHO grade 1: n = 7, WHO grade 2/3: n = 13), in patients with multiple meningiomas (p = 0.005), in male patients (p = 0.005), and when PT was initiated not as upfront therapy (p = 0.011). There were no high-grade toxicities in the majority (n = 176; 88%) of patients. QoL was assessed for 83 (41.5%) patients and for those patients PT did not impacted QoL negatively during the follow-up. In summary, we observed very few local recurrences of meningiomas after PBS PT, a stable QoL, and a low rate of high-grade toxicity.
Effect of Acupoint Stimulation on Controlling Pain from Heel Lance in Neonates: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Tou Sio-Ian , Huang Chia-Yu , Yen Hung-Rong
Published: June 2023

To evaluate the effect of acupoint stimulation compared to other interventions on pain control in neonates who underwent heel lance, we searched for randomized controlled trials across six databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science) published up to January 2023. Studies comparing acupoint stimulation and other interventions for controlling heel lance pain in neonates were included. These reports measured at least one of the following variables: pain score, crying time, oxygenation saturation, heart rate, respiration rate, and duration of the procedure. The data were independently extracted by two authors, and the PRISMA guidelines for study selection were followed. A total of 79 articles were screened, and 10 studies, with results on 813 neonates, were included in the final selection. The pain scores recorded during the heel lance procedure were not significantly different between the acupoint stimulation cohort and the control cohort (SMD of −0.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) from −0.52 to 0.01; p = 0.06; I2 = 68%). After processing the subgroup analyses, significant differences were found in the comparisons of acupuncture vs. usual care (SMD of −1.25, 95% CI from −2.23 to 0.27) and acupressure vs. usual care (SMD of −0.62, 95% CI from −0.96 to −0.28); nonsignificant differences were found in other comparisons. Our results demonstrate that acupoint stimulation may improve pain score during the heel lance procedure.
Construction of a Form for Users of the Child Welfare System Based on the Delphi Method
Authors: Fernández-García Olga , Gil-Llario María Dolores , Ballester-Arnal Rafael
Published: June 2023

Professionals in charge of designing individualized plans for children and adolescents in the child welfare system often lack the necessary information, either because it has not been systematically collected or because there are doubts about the reliability of the data obtained. The lack of consensual and validated instruments that gather the necessary information has led to the development of a rigorous and effective form, based on the Delphi methodology, aimed at obtaining an exhaustive knowledge of the characteristics of children and adolescents under the child welfare system. Once a consensus of different specialists approved the hetero-informed form, it was completed by 41 professionals working in residential care facilities for 307 children and adolescents. It consists of 66 items grouped into six dimensions: general information, school/work situation, child welfare system history, family visitation history, biological family information, and experiences of sexual abuse. During its construction and validation, a panel of experts analyzed its format and content during the different phases. Most of the items showed good performance, and professionals highlighted their ease of use and relevance. The method used ensured the content validity of this form. This instrument has proven to be a useful and effective tool for collecting sociodemographic information on children and adolescents in the child welfare system, which may improve their conditions.
Moving towards Greener Road Transportation: A Review
Authors: Rigogiannis Nick , Bogatsis Ioannis , Pechlivanis Christos , Kyritsis Anastasios , Papanikolaou Nick
Published: June 2023

Road transportation accounts for about 20% of the total GHG emissions in the EU. Nowadays, the substitution of conventional fossil fuel-based ICEs with electric engines, or their hybridization, operating along with Energy Storage Systems, seems to be the most appropriate measure to achieve reductions in both fuel consumption and GHGs. However, EVs encounter crucial challenges, such as long charging time and limited driving range. Hence, the transition to the mass adoption of EVs requires considerable effort and time. However, significant steps have been taken in the hybridization of road vehicles, with the aid of renewables and energy recovery/saving systems. In this context, this paper presents a comprehensive literature review of modern green technologies for GHG reduction that are applicable to road transportation, such as on-vehicle energy harvesting and recovery (e.g., thermal, kinetic, etc.) systems and the incorporation of RES into EV charging stations. The impact of road vehicles on the environment is discussed in detail, along with the EU roadmap towards the decarbonization of transportation. Next, methods and techniques for fuel consumption and GHG reduction are systematically presented and categorized into on-vehicle and off-vehicle ones. Finally, a future outlook on more environmentally friendly road transportation is presented.
Synergistic Effect of BiVO4/P-g-C3N4 Heterojunction with Enhanced Optoelectronic Properties on Synthetic Colorants under Visible Light
Authors: Chowdhury Anuradha , Balu Sridharan , Lan Kuo-Wei , Wei-Chih Lee Louis , Yang Thomas C.-K.
Published: June 2023

Environmental remediation in the presence of robust semiconductor photocatalysts by utilizing renewable energy sources is of keen interest among researchers. In this study, we synthesize a BiVO4/P-g-C3N4 semiconductor heterojunction photocatalytic system through a hydrothermal route followed by utilizing a total-solvent evaporation method. The optical and electronic properties of the as-prepared heterojunction are characterized via various spectroscopic techniques. Rhodamine B (RhB) and Congo Red (CR) are used as synthetic colorants to evaluate the photocatalytic performances of BiVO4/P-g-C3N4. In addition, the chemical environment of the photocatalyst and its mechanistic pathways are confirmed through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical Mott–Schottky analysis. The BiVO4/P-g-C3N4 photocatalyst shows higher photodegradation (96.94%) of the mixed synthetic dyes under simulated solar-light irradiation. The as-synthesized BiVO4/P-g-C3N4 heterojunction significantly promotes the quick separation of photoexcited carriers due to the excellent synergetic properties, the extended light absorption, and the photoelectrochemical response. Furthermore, a possible type-II charge transfer mechanism is adopted for the BiVO4/P-g-C3N4 system after investigating the band potentials, active species, and charge carrier migration over the heterojunction interface.
Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and Mental Health Impairment in Patients Affected by Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws: A Case–Control Pilot Study
Authors: Calabria Elena , Antonelli Alessandro , Barone Selene , Adamo Daniela , Salviati Marianna , Cerra Maria Giulia , Bennardo Francesco , Giudice Amerigo
Published: June 2023

In the present case–control study, the impact of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) on patients’ oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), overall quality of life (QoL), and psychological status was evaluated using a set of questionnaires. These questionnaires included the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36), and the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). A total of 25 MRONJ patients and 25 controls were included in the study. The results showed that MRONJ patients had a significantly poorer OHRQoL (OHIP-14 score p-value: 0.003) and lower general QoL, particularly in the domains of “physical functioning”, “physical role”, “body pain”, “general health”, and “vitality” in the SF-36 questionnaire (p-values: 0.001, 0.001, 0.013, 0.001, and 0.020). Although there were no significant differences between the groups in the SF-36 domains of “social functioning”, “emotional role”, and “mental health”, the mean sub-scores of the HADS, specifically the depression and anxiety scores (HADS-D and HADS-A), were significantly higher in MRONJ patients (p-values: 0.002 and 0.009). However, the “mental health” domain of the SF-36 questionnaire showed a correlation with both HADS-A and HADS-D scores (p-values: 0.003 and 0.031). Therefore, a comprehensive clinical examination of MRONJ patients should include the assessment of OHRQoL, overall QoL, and psychological profile using different questionnaires. This approach aims to gather detailed information about patients’ physical and psychological well-being, enabling the development of tailored treatments.
Deployment Method with Connectivity for Drone Communication Networks
Authors: Osumi Hirofumi , Kimura Tomotaka , Hirata Kouji , Premachandra Chinthaka , Cheng Jun
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we consider a drone deployment problem in situations where the number of drones to be deployed is small compared to the number of users on the ground. In this problem, drones are deployed in the air to collect information, but they cannot collect information from all ground users at once due to the limitations of their communication range. Therefore, the drones need to continue to move until they collect the information for the all ground users. To efficiently realize such drone deployment, we propose two deployment methods. One is an integer linear programming (ILP)-based deployment method and the other is an adjacent deployment method. In the ILP-based deployment method, the positions of the drones at each point in time are determined by solving an ILP problem in which the objective function is the total number of users from whom data can be collected. In contrast, in the adjacent deployment method, drones are sequentially deployed in areas with probabilities determined according to the number of user nodes in adjacent areas at which other drones are already deployed. Through numerical experiments, we show that these deployment methods can be used to efficiently collect data from user nodes on the ground.
The Role of Thermodynamic and Informational Entropy in Improving Real Estate Valuation Methods
Authors: Özdilek Ünsal
Published: June 2023

Price, Cost and Income (PCI) are distinct economic indicators intrinsically linked to the values they denote. These observables take center stage in the multi-criteria decision-making process that enables economic agents to convey subjective utilities of market-exchanged commodities objectively. The valuation of these commodities heavily relies on PCI-based empirical observables and their supported methodologies. This valuation measure’s accuracy is critical, as it influences subsequent decisions within the market chain. However, measurement errors often arise due to inherent uncertainties in the value state, impacting economic agents’ wealth, particularly when trading significant commodities such as real estate properties. This paper addresses this issue by incorporating entropy measurements into real estate valuation. This mathematical technique adjusts and integrates triadic PCI estimates, improving the final stage of appraisal systems where definitive value decisions are crucial. Employing entropy within the appraisal system can also aid market agents in devising informed production/trading strategies for optimal returns. The results from our practical demonstration indicate promising implications. The entropy’s integration with PCI estimates significantly improved the value measurement’s precision and reduced economic decision-making errors.
Efficient Attack Scheme against SKINNY-64 Based on Algebraic Fault Analysis
Authors: Fang Xing , Zhang Hongxin , Cui Xiaotong , Wang Yuanzhen , Ding Linxi
Published: June 2023

Lightweight block ciphers are normally used in low-power resource-constrained environments, while providing reliable and sufficient security. Therefore, it is important to study the security and reliability of lightweight block ciphers. SKINNY is a new lightweight tweakable block cipher. In this paper, we present an efficient attack scheme for SKINNY-64 based on algebraic fault analysis. The optimal fault injection location is given by analyzing the diffusion of a single-bit fault at different locations during the encryption process. At the same time, by combining the algebraic fault analysis method based on S-box decomposition, the master key can be recovered in an average time of 9 s using one fault. To the best of our knowledge, our proposed attack scheme requires fewer faults, is faster to solve, and has a higher success rate than other existing attack methods.
The Electric Field Evaluation for Vibrating Rain Droplets on the Overhead Line Conductors
Authors: Xu Shuxin , Li Qi , Meng Wei , Tang Qi , Li Li , Hu Jianlin , Jiang Xingliang
Published: June 2023

The water droplets on the surface of the overhead line (OHL) conductors are subject to an intensive electric field, which induces electric force on the charged liquid surface. Under the combined action of the surface tension as well as the electric force, movement and deformation can be observed on those water droplets. These result in a re-distribution of charge density on the liquid surface and therefore a re-distribution of electric force. In this paper, in order to strengthen the understanding of this complex multi-physics problem of interaction and mutual coupling, the vibration characteristics of water droplets under alternating electric fields is studied using the finite element method (FEM). Parameters such as the volume size of the water droplet, static/dynamic contact angle between the water droplet and conductor surface and voltage level are studied in relation to the vibration characteristics. The reproducible correlation between the phase and amplitude of the water droplet vibration on the surface of the conductor and the applied voltage is established. According to the calculated instantaneous electric field strength, it is explained that protrusions such as water droplets are the starting point of corona discharge.
Physics-Informed Neural Networks for Low Reynolds Number Flows over Cylinder
Authors: Ang Elijah Hao Wei , Wang Guangjian , Ng Bing Feng
Published: June 2023

Physics-informed neural network (PINN) architectures are recent developments that can act as surrogate models for fluid dynamics in order to reduce computational costs. PINNs make use of deep neural networks, where the Navier-Stokes equation and freestream boundary conditions are used as losses of the neural network; hence, no simulation or experimental data in the training of the PINN is required. Here, the formulation of PINN for fluid dynamics is demonstrated and critical factors influencing the PINN design are discussed through a low Reynolds number flow over a cylinder. The PINN architecture showed the greatest improvement to the accuracy of results from the increase in the number of layers, followed by the increase in the number of points in the point cloud. Increasing the number of nodes per hidden layer brings about the smallest improvement in performance. In general, PINN is much more efficient than computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in terms of memory resource usage, with PINN requiring 5–10 times less memory. The tradeoff for this advantage is that it requires longer computational time, with PINN requiring approximately 3 times more than that of CFD. In essence, this paper demonstrates the direct formulation of PINN without the need for data, alongside hyperparameter design and comparison of computational requirements.
Reconfiguration of Distribution Networks with Simultaneous Allocation of Distributed Generation Using the Whale Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Mahdavi Elham , Asadpour Seifollah , Macedo Leonardo H. , Romero Rubén
Published: June 2023

The economic interest in power loss minimization and regulatory requirements regarding voltage levels in distribution systems are considered. In this paper, a computational technique to assist in the optimization of the power losses and voltage characteristic in the steady state through distribution network reconfiguration and the location and size of the distributed generators is addressed. The whale optimization algorithm (WOA) is chosen to perform this task since it can explore the sizeable combinatorial search space of the problem, which is also nonlinear and nonconvex. The purpose of this study is to mitigate power losses; voltage ranges are borne in mind as the problem restrictions. The proposals for solving the issue are evaluated using a specialized power flow algorithm. The algorithm is implemented in MATLAB and the 33-bus and 69-bus grids are employed to assess the performance of the approach. The results indicate that the WOA method outperforms regarding power loss reduction and voltage characteristic improvement in the concurrent integration of distribution network reconfiguration and distributed generators compared with the four metaheuristics shown in the results section.
Review of Modern Control Technologies for Voltage Regulation in DC/DC Converters of DC Microgrids
Authors: Korompili Asimenia , Monti Antonello
Published: June 2023

This paper provides an overview of modern feedback control methods for the voltage regulation in DC/DC converters of DC microgrids. Control objectives and practical restrictions are defined and used as indicators for the analysis and performance assessment of the control methods. After presenting the concept of each control method, the advantages and limitations in the converter applications are discussed. The main conclusions of this overview can be used as recommendations for the selection of the suitable control method according to the control requirements in the DC microgrid. The low robustness against disturbances is a major issue in all control methods. For the enhancement of the robustness of the feedback control methods, three approaches are reviewed. Applications of these approaches in DC/DC converters are compared with regard to the achieved disturbance rejection and the related cost of nominal performance degradation. The disturbance/uncertainty estimation and attenuation (DUEA) framework appears to be the most promising approach to compromising these opposing control objectives. This overview is presented for a general DC/DC converter, without any additional control design requirement imposed by a specific converter plant. This allows the generalisation of the conclusions of the performance assessment, which can facilitate the application of the control methods in similar systems, such as in AC/DC converters or motor drives.
Finite Element Method Assisted Audible Noise Detection for Overhead Line Conductors Using the Cage Experiment
Authors: Li Yigui , Li Qi , Meng Wei , Tang Qi , Li Li , Hu Jianlin , Jiang Xingliang
Published: June 2023

Audible noise (AN) has been the main concern in recent years when considering electromagnetic environmental impact in designing overhead lines (OHLs). Driven by the increased demand of high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines, a novel corona cage experiment is built in association with an acoustic simulation using the finite element method (FEM). The characteristics of the acoustic wave propagation within the testing hall are analyzed using FEM, and the optimized locations for AN detection are determined. On the basis of complying with measurement standards, the location of the measurement is selected to be closer to the sound source and further away from the reflecting surface, to generate more accurate measurement results. In the designated test hall for this paper, the influence of refraction and reflection of sound waves is not obvious. The attenuation of sound waves below 4 kHz is negligible, while for higher frequencies such as 4 kHz and 8 kHz it is significant. Finally, FEM simulation is used to optimize the location for measurement microphones, and further experiments are carried out to verify its accuracy.
Transients in Input and Output Signals in DC–DC Converters Working in Maximum Power Point Tracking Systems
Authors: Walczak Marcin , Bychto Leszek
Published: June 2023

Designing a maximum power point tracking system (MPPT) can raise many questions when it comes to choosing the best converter and algorithm for the job. The number of possible solutions can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to MPPT algorithms. New algorithms are often tested in simulation environments only, where the accuracy and speed of a single measurement (i.e., in a single step) are usually assumed and sometimes unintentionally exaggerated. In practice, even if the algorithm is fast, its speed is limited by other factors. This article emphasizes the time limitations that are related to converter parameters and that naturally exist in all maximum power point tracking systems. Additionally, the article proposes a measurement method that enables voltage and current measurements with good accuracy for different transients that exist at the input and output of DC–DC converters.
CO2 Capture in a Thermal Power Plant Using Sugarcane Residual Biomass
Authors: Restrepo-Valencia Sara , Walter Arnaldo
Published: June 2023

The decarbonization of energy matrices is crucial to limit global warming below 2 °C this century. An alternative capable of enabling zero or even negative CO2 emissions is bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). In this sense, the Brazilian sugar–energy sector draws attention, as it would be possible to combine the production of fuel and electricity from renewable biomass. This paper is the final part of a study that aimed to research carbon capture and storage (CCS) in energy systems based on sugarcane. The case studied is CCS in thermal power plants considering two different technologies: the steam cycle based on the condensing–extraction steam turbine (CEST) and the combined cycle integrated to biomass gasification (BIG-CC). The results for the thermal power plant indicate that the CO2 capture costs may be lower than those in cogeneration systems, which were previously studied. The main reasons are the potential scale effects and the minimization of energy penalties associated with integrating the CCS system into the mills. In the best cases, capture costs can be reduced to EUR 54–65 per ton of CO2 for the CEST technology and EUR 57–68 per ton of CO2 for the BIG-CC technology.
Investing in Distributed Generation Technologies at Polish University Campuses during the Energy Transition Era
Authors: Zagrajek Krzysztof , Kłos Mariusz , Rasolomampionona Desire D. , Lewandowski Mirosław , Pawlak Karol , Baran Łukasz , Barcz Tomasz , Kołaczyński Przemysław , Suchecki Wojciech
Published: June 2023

The functioning of universities during the energy transition can be quite a challenge for them. On one hand, it is necessary to pursue a sensible policy of sustainable development based on the growth of their own renewable energy sources and electricity storage facilities. The aim of such measures is to increase self-consumption and ensure partial energy self-reliance while reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. On the other hand, the current geopolitical situation has indicated significant problems in the energy sectors of European Union countries. From the point of view of decision-makers at universities, the main concern should be ensuring the continuity of the operation of such a facility, including ensuring the energy security of the sites under management. Thus, it is necessary to merge these two areas and consider the development of an energy management strategy on university campuses oriented towards the development of distributed generation resources. For this purpose, one of the methods of multi-criteria decision aiding the ELECTRE I was used. As a result of the analyses, an energy management strategy was established for the main campus of the Warsaw University of Technology, which simultaneously ensures energy security and sustainability efforts.
EVs’ Integration Impact on the Reliability of Saudi Arabia’s Power System
Authors: Softah Wael , Aldhubaib Hani A.
Published: June 2023

This paper investigates the effect of involving electric vehicles (EVs) in the load profile on the generation system. The impact was studied from a reliability perspective on Saudi Arabia’s total generation system capacity as one source supplying the expected load for the year 2030. The EV load profile was then added. The outcomes were examined considering the gradual penetration percentage to the total load. The reliability indices measured are the loss of load probability (LOLP) and the expected energy not supplied (EENS). The results show that the estimated generation system of Saudi Vision 2030 will not withstand the estimated number of EVs without negatively impacting reliability. Similarly, the reliability assessment was conducted for the central region considering EVs in Riyadh City to verify Saudi Vision 2030. The results show that EV integration will greatly affect the electrical network’s reliability. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was conducted for Saudi Arabia and the central region to assess the generation system better. The study shows that investing in the generation infrastructure is essential to handle EV growth for the upcoming years. The work introduced in this paper will also help decision-makers make appropriate planning decisions in the future.
CFD Simulation and Experimental Study on a Thermal Energy Storage–Updraft Solid Waste Gasification Device
Authors: Sun Zepeng , Wang Yazhuo , Gu Jing , Yuan Haoran , Liu Zejian , Cheng Leilei , Li Xiang , Li Xian
Published: June 2023

A thermal energy storage–updraft gasification device is a type of reactor that should be considered for use in solid waste gasification research that can save energy. However, the operating parameters and internal flow field during its operation remain unclear. In this study, a numerical model of the thermal energy storage–solid waste gasification device based on the computational fluid dynamics dense discrete phase model (CFD-DDPM) which had almost never been used before was established, and an innovative method that causes particles to be piled to simulate the gasification process was proposed according to the updraft fixed bed gasification characteristics; meanwhile, solid waste gasification experiments were conducted on the device. This study focused on the influence of moisture content and excess air coefficient on the gasification process of solid waste particles, and the velocity, pressure, temperature, and species distribution of the internal flow field of the device were analyzed. Simulation results showed that the higher the moisture content of particles, the greater the amplitude of changes in the internal physical field of the device. The fluid pressure drop is around 25 Pa–75 Pa for different working conditions. The combustible species of the gas of moist particles raise slightly with the increase in excess air coefficient, while the dry particles have the opposite effect. Compared with other gasification devices of the same type, the hydrogen production of this device is about 2–3 times higher. Our findings could facilitate the analysis, predict the operation status, and provide a theoretical basis for the improvement of this device.
Investigation of the Temperature Field Distribution in an EI Type Iron-Cored Coil Using 3D FEM Modeling at Different Load Conditions
Authors: Darzhanova Denitsa , Iatcheva Ilona
Published: June 2023

In this present paper, results for the temperature distribution in electromagnetic construction in the form of coil coupled with EI-type ferromagnetic core are presented. This construction is typical for small electric transformers (AC operation mode) or chokes—DC or AC operation mode. Investigation has been provided using 3D finite element method computer modeling at various load conditions to simulate power dissipation both in the coil and the core volumes. The results obtained were used to calculate overall thermal resistances toward ambient free air and the thermal resistance between the coil and the core. These results show the important role the thermal resistance between the coil and the core may play for both steady-state and transient device operation.
Online Evaluation Method of CVT Internal Insulation Abnormality Based on Self-Supervised Learning
Authors: He Jun , Zhou Zhihao , Tong Chao , Li Fan , Rao Fangxi , Xu Qiu
Published: June 2023

A capacitive voltage transformer (CVT) is one of the electrical quantities measurement devices, and the state of its internal insulation is the key factor for ensuring the accuracy of its measurement of electrical energy. In view of the fact that the traditional real-time evaluation method of a CVT internal insulation anomaly mainly relies on empirical rules and prior knowledge and lacks the ability to independently mine effective features, an online evaluation method of a CVT internal insulation anomaly based on self-supervised learning is proposed. Firstly, an autoencoder is constructed to extract the residual sequence of the CVT secondary voltage and eliminate the influence of primary voltage fluctuation and power system voltage regulation. Without any prior knowledge, the complex dependence of the residual sequences in time and feature dimensions is learned by using a parallel graph attention layer (GATv2). Finally, a joint optimization based on the prediction and reconstruction model is introduced to obtain the abnormal inference score at each timestamp and realize the evaluation of the CVT internal insulation status. Experimental analysis shows that this method can effectively eliminate the influence of primary voltage fluctuation and power system voltage regulation on the online evaluation of the CVT internal insulation status and independently excavate the abnormal characteristics of the CVT secondary voltage to realize real-time monitoring and early warning of the CVT internal insulation status.