bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Structural Parameter Optimization and Springback Compensation Methods of a Steel Bar Hoop Bending Machine
Authors: Wei Jianxiong , Ren Jianhua , Zhou Zhengwei , Xie Yanwei
Published: August 2023

After being processed into a certain shape by a stirrup bending machine, steel bars are used as the skeleton of reinforced concrete in construction. The accuracy of their bending directly affects the bearing capacity of reinforced concrete. In order to improve the accuracy of the springback angle of steel bars after bending, this paper focuses on optimizing the structural parameters of the steel bar bending machine and controlling the springback angle of steel bars. The influence of the support shaft diameter, bending crankshaft diameter, and bending crankshaft radius on the springback angle of steel bars is analyzed using ANSYS explicit dynamic simulation and experimental analysis. By combining orthogonal experimental methods, the bending structural parameters were optimized, including a support shaft diameter of 20 mm, a crankshaft bending diameter of 40 mm, and a crankshaft bending radius of 80 mm. This can effectively reduce the springback angle of the steel bars and improve the accuracy of the bending angle after bending. In addition, in order to improve the control accuracy of the steel bar springback angle, a cubic spline interpolation method was proposed, and the collected steel bar springback angle data were fitted using Matlab. At the same time, comparisons were made between the least squares method, polynomial interpolation method, and cubic spline interpolation method. The results show that the compensation formula obtained by using the cubic spline interpolation method can effectively improve the control accuracy of the steel bar bending springback angle.
Benchmarking RNA Editing Detection Tools
Authors: Morales David Rodríguez , Rennie Sarah , Uchida Shizuka
Published: August 2023

RNA, like DNA and proteins, can undergo modifications. To date, over 170 RNA modifications have been identified, leading to the emergence of a new research area known as epitranscriptomics. RNA editing is the most frequent RNA modification in mammalian transcriptomes, and two types have been identified: (1) the most frequent, adenosine to inosine (A-to-I); and (2) the less frequent, cysteine to uracil (C-to-U) RNA editing. Unlike other epitranscriptomic marks, RNA editing can be readily detected from RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data without any chemical conversions of RNA before sequencing library preparation. Furthermore, analyzing RNA editing patterns from transcriptomic data provides an additional layer of information about the epitranscriptome. As the significance of epitranscriptomics, particularly RNA editing, gains recognition in various fields of biology and medicine, there is a growing interest in detecting RNA editing sites (RES) by analyzing RNA-seq data. To cope with this increased interest, several bioinformatic tools are available. However, each tool has its advantages and disadvantages, which makes the choice of the most appropriate tool for bench scientists and clinicians difficult. Here, we have benchmarked bioinformatic tools to detect RES from RNA-seq data. We provide a comprehensive view of each tool and its performance using previously published RNA-seq data to suggest recommendations on the most appropriate for utilization in future studies.
Category-Specific Stress Mindsets: Beliefs about the Debilitating versus Enhancing Effects of Specific Types of Stressors among Young Adults
Authors: Murphy Elijah R. , Cox Diana J. , Fisseha Feven , Gunthert Kathleen C.
Published: August 2023

Recently, research has shown that stress mindsets, or the degree to which people believe that stress is enhancing versus debilitating, impact the ways they process and react to stress. However, young adults encounter various forms of stress, which might elicit different stress mindsets. This study investigated (1) how much young adults think about specific types of stressors as they complete stress mindset measures and (2) how stress mindsets vary across stressor types. Method: Participants (n = 182) completed measures of general and category-specific stress mindsets (academic, interpersonal, identity-based, illness, societal, financial) and rated how much they thought of each category when completing the general mindset measure. Results: Academic stress was the most salient, and identity-based discrimination was the least salient as participants completed the stress mindset measure. Academic stress was perceived as the most stress-enhancing, and illness stressors were rated as the least stress-enhancing. Cisgender women reported stronger stress-is-debilitating mindsets for interpersonal and illness/injury-related stressors as compared with cisgender men. Conclusion: Stress mindset ratings in research studies might be weighted toward certain types of stressors. Further, young adults’ mindsets differ across different stressor categories. This nuance has implications for how we conceptualize stress mindset in interventions and research.
The Pathway between Social Dominance Orientation and Drop out from Hierarchy-Attenuating Contexts: The Role of Moral Foundations and Person-Environment Misfit
Authors: Tesi Alessio , Di Santo Daniela , Aiello Antonio
Published: August 2023

The present study examines the role of individuals’ preference for unequal intergroup relations in exacerbating a process of differential attrition from organizations that value intergroup equality (i.e., hierarchy-attenuating contexts). We proposed that people functioning within a well-recognized hierarchy-attenuating context (i.e., students of social work) who were higher on social dominance orientation (SDO) would be more likely to leave their institution through two pathways; first, people higher on SDO would have fewer moral concerns of social fairness and human harm-avoidance (i.e., individualizing); in turn, a lack of individualizing morality would stimulate a perceived person-environment misfit, ultimately increasing their intention to leave. We conducted a single cross-sectional design study involving a convenience sample of 245 undergraduate social work students. Overall, the results of the serial mediation model suggest that people higher on SDO intend to leave their organization that supports inclusive equality via reduced individualizing morality and high perceived P-E misfit. These findings contribute to understanding the role of socio-political orientations and moral beliefs in hindering proper adaptation to contexts that value egalitarian social norms, with relevant implications for individuals and groups.
Rheological Properties and Microscopic Morphology Evaluation of UHMWPE-Modified Corn Stover Oil Bio-Asphalt
Authors: Li Jian , Luo Chuanxi , Jie Jixing , Cui Haobin
Published: August 2023

In order to promote the efficient utilization of bio-oil, corn stover oil and petroleum asphalt were used to prepare bio-asphalt. UHMWPE was adopted to strengthen the high-temperature properties of bio-asphalt. UHMWPE-modified corn stover oil asphalt was prepared. Rheological and microscopic tests were carried out to study its performance. The softening point and viscosity of the modified asphalt were enhanced with a rise in the UHMWPE dosage. Its ductility and deformation ability increased at 5 °C. An MSCR test suggested that the asphalt’s creep recovery ability and anti-rutting properties decreased at a high stress level. Meanwhile, the low-temperature rheological behavior of UHMWPE-modified corn stover oil asphalt was superior to that of neat asphalt. The corn stover oil ameliorated the asphalt’s low-temperature properties but weakened its high-temperature behavior. The optimal preparation schemes for UHMWPE-modified corn stover oil asphalt were recommended through a comprehensive analysis of the properties. The recommended dosage of UHMWPE was 3–4%, while the corn stover oil dosage was 5%. However, when the dosage of corn stover oil was 10%, the recommended dosage of UHMWPE was 4%. UHMWPE powder was melted and cross-linked with neat asphalt during high-temperature preparation, demonstrating that UHMWPE can enhance the properties of asphalt. The UHMWPE polymer macromolecules can be dispersed in corn stover oil. UHMWPE can form a compact and robust network structure with asphalt. The feasible application of corn stover oil in road engineering was verified, which provides efficient solutions for waste utilization. This study will contribute to the sustainable development of road construction.
The Putative S1PR1 Modulator ACT-209905 Impairs Growth and Migration of Glioblastoma Cells In Vitro
Authors: Bien-Möller Sandra , Chen Fan , Xiao Yong , Köppe Hanjo , Jedlitschky Gabriele , Meyer Ulrike , Tolksdorf Céline , Grube Markus , Marx Sascha , Tzvetkov Mladen V. , Schroeder Henry W. S. , Rauch Bernhard H.
Published: August 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is still a deadly tumor due to its highly infiltrative growth behavior and its resistance to therapy. Evidence is accumulating that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) acts as an important tumor-promoting molecule that is involved in the activation of the S1P receptor subtype 1 (S1PR1). Therefore, we investigated the effect of ACT-209905 (a putative S1PR1 modulator) on the growth of human (primary cells, LN-18) and murine (GL261) GBM cells. The viability and migration of GBM cells were both reduced by ACT-209905. Furthermore, co-culture with monocytic THP-1 cells or conditioned medium enhanced the viability and migration of GBM cells, suggesting that THP-1 cells secrete factors which stimulate GBM cell growth. ACT-209905 inhibited the THP-1-induced enhancement of GBM cell growth and migration. Immunoblot analyses showed that ACT-209905 reduced the activation of growth-promoting kinases (p38, AKT1 and ERK1/2), whereas THP-1 cells and conditioned medium caused an activation of these kinases. In addition, ACT-209905 diminished the surface expression of pro-migratory molecules and reduced CD62P-positive GBM cells. In contrast, THP-1 cells increased the ICAM-1 and P-Selectin content of GBM cells which was reversed by ACT-209905. In conclusion, our study suggests the role of S1PR1 signaling in the growth of GBM cells and gives a partial explanation for the pro-tumorigenic effects that macrophages might have on GBM cells.
Orbital Exenteration for Craniofacial Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Patient Characteristics and Survival Outcomes
Authors: Qedair Jumanah , Haider Ali S. , Balasubramanian Kishore , Palmisciano Paolo , Hassan Taimur , Shahbandi Ataollah , Sabahi Mohammadmahdi , Kharbat Abdurrahman F. , Abou-Al-Shaar Hussam , Yu Kenny , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A. , El Ahmadieh Tarek Y. , Bin-Alamer Othman
Published: August 2023

Background: The outcomes of orbital exenteration (OE) in patients with craniofacial lesions (CFLs) remain unclear. The present review summarizes the available literature on the clinical outcomes of OE, including surgical outcomes and overall survival (OS). Methods: Relevant articles were retrieved from Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane according to PRISMA guidelines. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes. Results: A total of 33 articles containing 957 patients who underwent OE for CFLs were included (weighted mean age: 64.3 years [95% CI: 59.9–68.7]; 58.3% were male). The most common lesion was squamous cell carcinoma (31.8%), and the most common symptom was disturbed vision/reduced visual acuity (22.5%). Of the patients, 302 (31.6%) had total OE, 248 (26.0%) had extended OE, and 87 (9.0%) had subtotal OE. Free flaps (33.3%), endosseous implants (22.8%), and split-thickness skin grafts (17.2%) were the most used reconstructive methods. Sino-orbital or sino-nasal fistula (22.6%), flap or graft failure (16.9%), and hyperostosis (13%) were the most reported complications. Regarding tumor recurrences, 38.6% were local, 32.3% were distant, and 6.7% were regional. The perineural invasion rate was 17.4%, while the lymphovascular invasion rate was 5.0%. Over a weighted mean follow-up period of 23.6 months (95% CI: 13.8–33.4), a weighted overall mortality rate of 39% (95% CI: 28–50%) was observed. The 5-year OS rate was 50% (median: 61 months [95% CI: 46–83]). The OS multivariable analysis did not show any significant findings. Conclusions: Although OE is a disfiguring procedure with devastating outcomes, it is a viable option for carefully selected patients with advanced CFLs. A patient-tailored approach based on tumor pathology, extension, and overall patient condition is warranted.
TP53 and the Ultimate Biological Optimization Steps of Curative Radiation Oncology
Authors: Brahme Anders
Published: August 2023

The new biological interaction cross-section-based repairable–homologically repairable (RHR) damage formulation for radiation-induced cellular inactivation, repair, misrepair, and apoptosis was applied to optimize radiation therapy. This new formulation implies renewed thinking about biologically optimized radiation therapy, suggesting that most TP53 intact normal tissues are low-dose hypersensitive (LDHS) and low-dose apoptotic (LDA). This generates a fractionation window in LDHS normal tissues, indicating that the maximum dose to organs at risk should be ≤2.3 Gy/Fr, preferably of low LET. This calls for biologically optimized treatments using a few high tumor dose-intensity-modulated light ion beams, thereby avoiding secondary cancer risks and generating a real tumor cure without a caspase-3-induced accelerated tumor cell repopulation. Light ions with the lowest possible LET in normal tissues and high LET only in the tumor imply the use of the lightest ions, from lithium to boron. The high microscopic heterogeneity in the tumor will cause local microscopic cold spots; thus, in the last week of curative ion therapy, when there are few remaining viable tumor clonogens randomly spread in the target volume, the patient should preferably receive the last 10 GyE via low LET, ensuring perfect tumor coverage, a high cure probability, and a reduced risk for adverse normal tissue reactions. Interestingly, such an approach would also ensure a steeper rise in tumor cure probability and a higher complication-free cure, as the few remaining clonogens are often fairly well oxygenated, eliminating a shallower tumor response due to inherent ion beam heterogeneity. With the improved fractionation proposal, these approaches may improve the complication-free cure probability by about 10–25% or even more.
Effective Use of microRNA, BRAF and Sonographic Risk Assessment in Bethesda III Thyroid Nodules Requires a Different Approach to Nodules with Features of Nuclear Atypia and Other Types of Atypia
Authors: Słowińska-Klencka Dorota , Popowicz Bożena , Kulczycka-Wojdala Dominika , Szymańska Bożena , Duda-Szymańska Joanna , Wojtaszek-Nowicka Martyna , Kaczka Krzysztof , Klencki Mariusz
Published: August 2023

The aim of the study was to analyze the diagnostic usefulness of the combined assessment of the ultrasound risk category of the nodule (evaluated with EU-TIRADS system), the presence of BRAF V600E mutation and the expression of selected microRNAs (miR-146b, miR-221 and miR-222) in Bethesda category III thyroid nodules, separately for cases with nuclear atypia (AUS-nuclear) and cases with other types of atypia (AUS-other). We evaluated 161 nodules (66 AUS-nuclear and 95 AUS-other) with known results of postoperative histopathological examination. The rate of cancer and the rate of PTC among cancers were nearly three times higher in the AUS-nuclear than the AUS-other group. For AUS-nuclear nodules, the most effective diagnostic panel included, in addition to repeat FNA, the assessment of BRAF V600E mutation and the expression of miR-146b and miR-222 (sensitivity: 93.5%, specificity: 80.0%). For AUS-other nodules, a two-step procedure was most effective: at the first stage, forgoing surgical treatment in subjects with a benign repeat FNA outcome, and, at the second stage, the assessment of miR-222 expression and the EU-TIRADS category (sensitivity: 92.3%, specificity: 76.8%). The optimal use of molecular methods in the diagnostics of category III thyroid nodules requires a separate approach for nodules with nuclear atypia and nodules with other types of atypia.
Locally Advanced Adrenocortical Carcinoma in Children and Adolescents—Enigmatic and Challenging Cases
Authors: Kuhlen Michaela , Mier Pascal , Kunstreich Marina , Lessel Lienhard , Slavetinsky Christoph , Fuchs Jörg , Seitz Guido , Holterhus Paul-Martin , Wudy Stefan A. , Vokuhl Christian , Frühwald Michael C. , Vorwerk Peter , Redlich Antje
Published: August 2023

Background: Locally advanced tumors account for approximately 50% of children and adolescents with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), and of these, up to 50% relapse. We explored the five-item microscopic score and the pS-GRAS score for guiding management. Methods: Data from children and adolescents with COG stage II and III ACC registered in the MET studies were included. The five-item and pS-GRAS score were retrospectively calculated. Results: By December 2021, 55 patients with stage II and III (stage II n = 18, stage III n = 37) had been reported. Median age was 4.3 years [0.1–17.8], median duration of follow-up 6.0 years [0–16.7]. 3-year event-free survival (EFS) rate was 76.5% and 49.8% (p = 0.088), respectively. In stage II tumors, neither the five-item score (p = 0.872) nor pS-GRAS grouping (p = 0.218) had any effect as prognostic factors. In stage III patients, EFS was impaired in tumors with unfavorable histology according to the five-item score (100% vs. 30.8%, p = 0.018). No difference was observed for pS-GRAS groups (p = 0.798). Conclusions: In patients with COG stage III, but not stage II, the five-item score affected EFS. Further studies are needed to identify patients at risk in COG stage II.
Effectiveness of Treatments That Alter Metabolomics in Cancer Patients—A Systematic Review
Authors: Navarro Ledesma Santiago , Hamed-Hamed Dina , González-Muñoz Ana , Pruimboom Leo
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, with the most frequent being breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men and colon cancer in both sexes. The use of metabolomics to find new biomarkers can provide knowledge about possible interventions based on the presence of oncometabolites in different cancer types. Objectives: The primary purpose of this review is to analyze the characteristic metabolome of three of the most frequent cancer types. We further want to identify the existence and success rate of metabolomics-based intervention in patients suffering from those cancer types. Our conclusions are based on the analysis of the methodological quality of the studies. Methods: We searched for studies that investigated the metabolomic characteristics in patients suffering from breast cancer, prostate cancer or colon cancer in clinical trials. The data were analyzed, as well as the effects of specific interventions based on identified metabolomics and one or more oncometabolites. The used databases were PubMed, Virtual Health Library, Web of Science, EBSCO and Cochrane Library. Only nine studies met the selection criteria. Study bias was analyzed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. This systematic review protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42023401474). Results: Only nine studies about clinical trials were included in this review and show a moderate quality of evidence. Metabolomics-based interventions related with disease outcome were conflictive with no or small changes in the metabolic characteristics of the different cancer types. Conclusions: This systematic review shows some interesting results related with metabolomics-based interventions and their effects on changes in certain cancer oncometabolites. The small number of studies we identified which fulfilled our inclusion criteria in this systematic review does not allow us to draw definitive conclusions. Nevertheless, some results can be considered as promising although further research is needed. That research must focus not only on the presence of possible oncometabolites but also on possible metabolomics-based interventions and their influence on the outcome in patients suffering from breast cancer, prostate cancer or colon cancer.
Shared Molecular Pathways in Glaucoma and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases: Insights from RNA-Seq Analysis and miRNA Regulation for Promising Therapeutic Avenues
Authors: Vasconcelos Carlos Franciney Moreira , Ribas Vinicius Toledo , Petrs-Silva Hilda
Published: August 2023

Advances in RNA-sequencing technologies have led to the identification of molecular biomarkers for several diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s diseases and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Despite the nature of glaucoma as a neurodegenerative disorder with several similarities with the other above-mentioned diseases, transcriptional data about this disease are still scarce. microRNAs are small molecules (~17–25 nucleotides) that have been found to be specifically expressed in the CNS as major components of the system regulating the development signatures of neurodegenerative diseases and the homeostasis of the brain. In this review, we sought to identify similarities between the functional mechanisms and the activated pathways of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, as well as to discuss how those mechanisms are regulated by miRNAs, using RNA-Seq as an approach to compare them. We also discuss therapeutically suitable applications for these disease hallmarks in clinical future studies.
Effect of Different Irrigation Managements on Infiltration Equations and Their Coefficients
Authors: Javadi Ali , Ostad-Ali-Askari Kaveh
Published: August 2023

The main aim of this paper was to analyze the sensitivity of the five infiltration equations (Kostiakov, Kostiakov–Lewis, Philip, Horton and SCS) and their coefficients to various ponding depths and initial soil moisture under different irrigation managements. The treatments included three qualities of water (electrical conductivity = 6, 3 and 0.6 dS/m), two managements of irrigation (intermittent irrigation and daily irrigation) and three irrigation periods (100, 45 and 8 days). The HYDRUS-1D model was calibrated to simulate infiltration in various initial soil moistures and ponding depths. Evaluating the performance of infiltration equations showed that the Horton and Kostiakov–Lewis had better accuracy and Kostiakov and SCS had less accuracy than the other equations. The empirical coefficients of SCS and Kostiakov had the most and least sensitivities, respectively. Furthermore, Horton was the most sensitive equation, while SCS was the least sensitive one. The output parameters under daily management were the most sensitive to variations in infiltration coefficients, especially when the salinity and sodium contents of water and soil were higher. The results also showed that the effect of the initial soil moisture on the infiltration coefficient in high permeable soil (arising from daily management) was greater; but in low permeable soil (arising from intermittent management), the ponding depth was more effective. It is concluded that the infiltration equations (specifically the SCS equation) and their coefficients (specifically coefficient c) should be calibrated relative to the initial soil moisture, ponding depth, soil solution and water irrigation quality. Particularly in areas with high permeable soil (in the daily management), the calibration of the infiltration equation should be conducted with the initial soil moisture. In these areas, the irrigation period should be controlled. In areas with low permeable soil (in intermittent management), calibration should be carried out relative to the ponding depth. In these areas, the inflow rate should be controlled.
Preparation Method and Application of Nanobubbles: A Review
Authors: Wang Yanwei , Wang Tianxiang
Published: August 2023

Nanobubbles represent a special colloidal system, as they have high stability and large specific surface areas. The preparation of nanobubbles is currently a hot research topic, as it crucial to investigate their characteristics and expand their applications. This article explains the mechanism of generating nanobubbles based on chemical and physical methods, introduces their basic composition’s structure and properties, summarizes the methods of preparing bulk nanobubbles (BNBs) and surface nanobubbles (SNBs), and clarifies the preparation principles and techniques. Seven practical applications of nanobubbles are cited in this paper, including their use as ultrasonic contrast agents in medical imaging, drug delivery systems in drug transportation, promoters of plant growth by affecting plant respiration and water absorption at the roots, tools to remove dirt from surfaces by generating energy during nanobubble bursting, producers of high-density negative ions and free radicals to react with pollutants in wastewater, tools to reduce the resistance of the fluid flow through channels by lowering the internal friction, and means of improving the mineral flotation recovery rate by enhancing the absorption capacity of bubbles to minerals. Finally, the future development of nanobubble preparation technology is discussed, including their roles in optimizing equipment and preparation methods; improving the quantity, efficiency, stability, controllability, and homogeneity of nanobubble generation; and promoting the industrial production of nanobubbles.
Comparative Pollen Morphology of the Genus Chaenomeles Lindl. (Rosaceae): Diagnostic Features and Implications for Taxonomy
Authors: Wang Yihan , Huang Ziqi , Ma Wenxin , Liu Jiaojiao , Tian Li , Zhou Yuchao , Shang Fude , Guo Peng
Published: August 2023

The taxonomic placements of Chaenomeles Lindl. (Rosaceae) and their intrageneric species have long been controversial. This research aims to explore the palynomorphological characters of all Chaenomeles extant species in detail and to compare the results with phylogenetic relationships and the taxonomic classification scheme. The pollen morphology of 30 individuals of six taxa of Chaenomeles was investigated using both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The pollens were measured, observed and statistically analyzed for 12 quantitative features and 2 qualitative ones. The study revealed that the Chaenomeles pollens are monad, tri-colporate, medium in size (P = 32.78–42.74 μm, E = 30.42–36.31 μm) and prolatespheroidal to subprolate in shape (P/E = 0.98–1.35). Based on exine ornamentation observed under SEM, two sexine sculpture types (type I—striate with microperforations, type II—striate with macroperforations) and two subtypes (twisted-striate, reticulate-striate) were recognized in the genus. Statistical analysis identified some pollen characteristics with diagnostic importance, including pollen shape, colpus dimension, length or direction of striae and diameter of perforation. These characteristics may have diagnostic and taxonomic value for the genus Chaenomeles and the family Rosaceae. An artificial key to studied species, based on pollen micromorphological attributes, is also provided. The obtained result was basically consistent with that of molecular studies published earlier. This study, for the first time, provides palynological evidence for the hybrid origin hypothesis of C. sinensis and supports the placement of this species in the monotypic genus Pseudocydonia.
Integrative Morphological and Genetic Characterisation of the Fish Parasitic Copepod Ergasilus mirabilis Oldewage & van As, 1987: Insights into Host Specificity and Distribution in Southern Africa
Authors: Fikiye Precious P. , Smit Nico J. , Van As Liesl L. , Truter Marliese , Hadfield Kerry A.
Published: August 2023

Ergasilids are external parasites typically found on the gills and fins of their hosts. In Africa, 19 species of Ergasilus von Nordmann, 1832 are reported. Of those, Ergasilus mirabilis Oldewage & van As, 1987 is one of the least host-specific, with a wide distribution range in southern Africa. As with most species in the genus, genetic data are not available to support the morphological placement of this species within the genus. Specimens representing E. mirabilis were obtained from the gills of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) collected from several localities in South Africa and Zambia. Fish were dissected and gills screened using standard techniques. Following a comprehensive morphological study using light and scanning electron microscopy, additional morphological characters are reported. Furthermore, novel data on partial 18S, 28S (rRNA), and COI (mtDNA) gene regions are presented. This is the first integrative study on the morphology of E. mirabilis with supporting genetic data, as well as new distribution records from the KuShokwe Pan in the Phongolo River floodplain and the Vaal River in South Africa, and from the Barotse floodplain in Zambezi River, Zambia. An updated overview is provided for the species of Ergasilus from Africa, including hosts, distribution, and genetic information.
Deep Learning Modeling of Cardiac Arrhythmia Classification on Information Feature Fusion Image with Attention Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Jin Huiyuan , Zheng Bin , Luo Wenbo
Published: August 2023

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a crucial tool for assessing cardiac health in humans. Aiming to enhance the accuracy of ECG signal classification, a novel approach is proposed based on relative position matrix and deep learning network information features for the classification task in this paper. The approach improves the feature extraction capability and classification accuracy via techniques of image conversion and attention mechanism. In terms of the recognition strategy, this paper presents an image conversion using relative position matrix information. This information is utilized to describe the relative spatial relationships between different waveforms, and the image identification is successfully applied to the Gam-Resnet18 deep learning network model with a transfer learning concept for classification. Ultimately, this model achieved a total accuracy of 99.30%, an average positive prediction rate of 98.76%, a sensitivity of 98.90%, and a specificity of 99.84% with the relative position matrix approach. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, different image conversion techniques are compared on the test set. The experimental results demonstrate that the relative position matrix information can better reflect the differences between various types of arrhythmias, thereby improving the accuracy and stability of classification.
Closed-Form Expressions of Upper Bound for Polarization-MDCSK System
Authors: Miao Meiyuan , Wang Lin , Xu Weikai
Published: August 2023

The performance analysis of polarization M-ary differential chaos shift keying (P-MDCSK) has been expressed using a tight upper bound with the Q-function. However, evaluating the Q-function directly is not a closed expression and there has been less work on closed expression for the upper bound. In order to solve the problem, this paper presents approximate closed-form expressions on the error probability of P-MDCSK. This expression is derived by employing a polynomial approximation of the Q-function. These closed-form expressions are verified through simulations conducted under both additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and multipath Rayleigh fading channels. The simulation results reveal that there exists only a negligible gap between the simulations and the derived closed-form expressions. For example, it is observed that the theoretical approximate closed-form expressions exhibit a marginal deviation of approximately 0.4 dB from the simulations when the bit error rate (BER) reaches 10−4. Although the proposed method can only give approximate closed-form expressions of the upper bound, it provides an effective method for other communication schemes where the exact BER closed-form formula cannot be obtained.
An Increase in the Energy Efficiency of Abrasive Jet Equipment Based on the Rational Choice of Nozzle Geometry
Authors: Baha Vadym , Mižáková Jana , Pavlenko Ivan
Published: August 2023

Permanently increasing requirements for the accuracy of abrasive jet machining (AJM) predetermine a need to increase requirements for the rational choice of the related energy-efficient technological equipment. Due to the relatively cheap and high-quality cleaning of materials from contaminants using AJM, the problem of increasing the energy efficiency of the corresponding equipment based on the rational choice of nozzle geometry becomes more topical. This is also because the working nozzle is a consumable part that requires periodic replacements. Therefore, this article deals with rational designing working nozzles as a reliable way to decrease the power consumption of the compressor equipment while engaging in AJM. For this purpose, experimental and numerical studies of the operating processes in the nozzle were carried out. The main idea of increasing the nozzle’s efficiency was to reduce the contact area between the working flow and the nozzle. Due to this, the friction of the abrasive material with its walls was decreased. As a result, the AJM was accelerated, and the energy consumption of the corresponding compressor equipment was reduced. The research showed that a decrease in the nozzle’s length up to 4 mm increased the flow ratio by 84% and decreased the energy consumption of the 40 kW compressor unit by 4.5 times.
Directions of Application of Phasor Measurement Units for Control and Monitoring of Modern Power Systems: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Pazderin Andrey , Zicmane Inga , Senyuk Mihail , Gubin Pavel , Polyakov Ilya , Mukhlynin Nikita , Safaraliev Murodbek , Kamalov Firuz
Published: August 2023

The development of modern power systems is directly related to changes in the traditional principles of management, planning, and monitoring of electrical modes. The mass introduction of renewable energy sources and control devices based on power electronics components contributes to changing the nature of the flow of transient and quasi-established electrical modes. In this area, the problem arises of conducting a more accurate and rapid assessment of the parameters of the electrical regime using synchronized vector measurement devices. The paper presents an extensive meta-analysis of the modern applications of phasor measurement units (PMUs) for monitoring, emergency management and protection of power systems. As a result, promising research directions, the advantages and disadvantages of the existing approaches to emergency management, condition assessment, and relay protection based on PMUs are identified.
Research on Low-Carbon, Energy-Saving Sintering Process with Uniform Temperature for Drill Bits
Authors: Wang Jinlong , Gao Ke , Li Peishu , Zhao Yan
Published: August 2023

A low-carbon and energy-saving sintering process with uniform temperature distribution has been developed to address several issues associated with the sintering of drill bits in medium-frequency furnaces, namely, the large circumferential temperature differences, uneven heating of the mold, and low energy utilization. Theoretical calculations indicated that the output energy of the conventional drill bit sintering process was 12.7 kW·h, with an energy loss of 8.84 kW·h. The low-carbon sintering process achieved an output energy of 4.2 kW·h, with an energy loss of only 0.26 kW·h. Consequently, the energy utilization rates for the two processes were 30.4% and 93.8%, respectively. It was observed through the experiment that when sintering 76/49 mm drill bits at insulation temperatures of 900 °C and 1080 °C, the circumferential temperature differences in the mold were 43.7 °C and 48 °C, respectively, in the conventional drill bit sintering process. In contrast, the circumferential temperature differences in the mold were reduced to 8.7 °C and 11.3 °C, respectively, in the low-carbon and energy-saving sintering process with uniform temperature. This indicates that the average circumferential temperature difference in the mold can be reduced by 81.61% at 900 °C and by 76.46% at 1080 °C, leading to improved drill bit quality.
Feature Transfer and Rapid Adaptation for Few-Shot Solar Power Forecasting
Authors: Ren Xin , Wang Yimei , Cao Zhi , Chen Fuhao , Li Yujia , Yan Jie
Published: August 2023

A common dilemma with deep-learning-based solar power forecasting models is their heavy dependence on a large amount of training data. Few-Shot Solar Power Forecasting (FSSPF) has been investigated in this paper, which aims to obtain accurate forecasting models with limited training data. Integrating Transfer Learning and Meta-Learning, approaches of Feature Transfer and Rapid Adaptation (FTRA), have been proposed for FSSPF. Specifically, the adopted model will be divided into Transferable learner and Adaptive learner. Using massive training data from source solar plants, Transferable learner and Adaptive learner will be pre-trained through a Transfer Learning and Meta-Learning algorithm, respectively. Ultimately, the parameters of the Adaptive learner will undergo fine-tuning using the limited training data obtained directly from the target solar plant. Three open solar power forecasting datasets (GEFCom2014) were utilized to conduct 24-h-ahead FSSPF experiments. The results illustrate that the proposed FTRA is able to outperform other FSSPF approaches, under various amounts of training data as well as different deep-learning models. Notably, with only 10-day training data, the proposed FTRA can achieve an RMSR of 8.42%, which will be lower than the 0.5% achieved by the state-of-the-art approaches.
Global Review of International Nuclear Waste Management
Authors: Fernández-Arias Pablo , Vergara Diego , Antón-Sancho Álvaro
Published: August 2023

In the current situation of global energy transition, nuclear energy maintains its reputation as a stable power generation technology, without dependence on other resources and without CO2 emissions. However, one of the main problems with its use is the management of the radioactive waste it generates, which has given rise to different international strategies: (i) reprocessing; (ii) storage; and (iii) disposal. Given the interest generated by nuclear energy in recent times and the need to manage the waste generated, this paper presents a global review of the different international nuclear waste management strategies, using a scientific method based on (i) a bibliometric review of the scientific publications related to nuclear waste management and (ii) an analysis of the technical aspects of the different international management strategies. The effective and safe management of nuclear waste will contribute to the advancement of international nuclear energy development strategies that encourage the construction of new nuclear power plants and the lifetime extension of existing ones.
Optimization of Power-System Parameters and Energy-Management Strategy Research on Hybrid Heavy-Duty Trucks
Authors: Zhou Yongjian , Yang Rong , Zhang Song , Lan Kejun , Huang Wei
Published: August 2023

Hybrid heavy-duty trucks have attracted wide attention due to their excellent fuel economy and high mileage. For power-split hybrid heavy-duty trucks, the optimization of powertrain parameters is closely related to the control strategies of hybrid vehicles. In particular, the parameters of the powertrain system will directly affect the control of the vehicles’ power performance and economy. However, currently, research on hybrid heavy-duty trucks employing power-split configurations is lacking. Furthermore, few studies consider both the optimization of powertrain parameters and the control strategy at the same time to carry out comprehensive optimization research. In order to address these issues, this paper focuses on the fuel economy of hybrid heavy-duty trucks with power-split configurations. Improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) and dynamic programming (DP) algorithms are introduced to optimize powertrain parameters. With these methods being applied, hybrid heavy-duty trucks show a 2.15% improvement in fuel consumption compared to that of the previous optimization. Moreover, based on the optimal powertrain parameters, a DP-based rule-control strategy (DP-RCS) and optimal DP-RCS scheme are presented and used in this paper to conduct our research. Simulation results show that the optimal DP-RCS reduces fuel consumption per hundred kilometers by 11.35% compared to the rule-based control strategy (RCS), demonstrating that the combination of powertrain parameter optimization and DP-RCS effectively improves the fuel economy of hybrid heavy-duty trucks.
Proposing a Hybrid BTMS Using a Novel Structure of a Microchannel Cold Plate and PCM
Authors: Rabiei Moeed , Gharehghani Ayat , Saeedipour Soheil , Andwari Amin Mahmoudzadeh , Könnö Juho
Published: August 2023

The battery thermal management system (BTMS) for lithium-ion batteries can provide proper operation conditions by implementing metal cold plates containing channels on both sides of the battery cell, making it a more effective cooling system. The efficient design of channels can improve thermal performance without any excessive energy consumption. In addition, utilizing phase change material (PCM) as a passive cooling system enhances BTMS performance, which led to a hybrid cooling system. In this study, a novel design of a microchannel distribution path where each microchannel branched into two channels 40 mm before the outlet port to increase thermal contact between the battery cell and microchannels is proposed. In addition, a hybrid cooling system integrated with PCM in the critical zone of the battery cell is designed. Numerical investigation was performed under a 5C discharge rate, three environmental conditions, and a specific range of inlet velocity (0.1 m/s to 1 m/s). Results revealed that a branched microchannel can effectively improve thermal contact between the battery cell and microchannel in a hot area of the battery cell around the outlet port of channels. The designed cooling system reduces the maximum temperature of the battery cell by 2.43 °C, while temperature difference reduces by 5.22 °C compared to the straight microchannel. Furthermore, adding PCM led to more uniform temperature distribution inside battery cell without extra energy consumption.
Effect of Drying Control Agent on Physicochemical and Thermal Properties of Silica Aerogel Derived via Ambient Pressure Drying Process
Authors: Pawlik Natalia , Szpikowska-Sroka Barbara , Miros Artur , Psiuk Bronisław , Ślosarczyk Agnieszka
Published: August 2023

This paper presents the effect of drying control agents on the physicochemical and thermal properties of hydrophobic silica aerogels derived via the ambient pressure drying (APD) method by a surface silylation using a TMCS/n-hexane mixture. The structural and physicochemical properties of synthesized DMF-modified and unmodified hydrophobic silica aerogels were characterized using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, thermo-gravimetric analysis, FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopic techniques. Based on the obtained results, the differences in structure between samples before and after a surface silylation and the effect of drying control agents were documented. The structural measurements confirmed the efficient silylation process (TMCS/n-hexane), as well as the presence of DMF residues of hydrogen bonded with unreacted Si-OH silanol groups within the silica backbone after surface modification. Based on TG analysis, it was found that DMF addition improves thermal resistance (up to 320 °C) and hydrophobic character of prepared aerogel. Modification of the silica aerogel synthesis process by DMF also resulted in a significant increase in BET—the specific surface area, for the unmodified aerogel was ~828 m2/g, and for the DMF-modified aerogel more than 1200 m2/g—much higher than the value of silica aerogels available on the market.
Integrating Locals’ Importance-Performance Perception of Adaptation Behaviour into Invasive Alien Plant Species Management Surrounding Nyika National Park, Malawi
Authors: Kanyangale Blessings-Isaac , Lee Chun-Hung
Published: August 2023

Invasive species are a huge concern to environmental management across the world because they threaten ecosystems, habitats, and species biodiversity, with largely permanent consequences. This study investigates the aspects of community capital and community resilience for the management of Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS) under importance-performance analysis in communities surrounding Nyika National Park (Mhuju and Ntchenachena) in Malawi. The study used the binary logistic regression model to determine the locals’ management and adaptation behaviours to IAPS. The findings show that although both IAPS management and adaptation were considered highly important, their performance was only rated at a low level, indicating a significant gap between the importance of eight management and adaptation behaviours for IAPS and their actual performance. The results also show that IAPS management strategies such as ‘’promoting community awareness of common IAPS and their impacts on livelihood” and “incorporating IAPS issues into the school curriculum” are useful in nurturing the locals’ management behaviour. Furthermore, we have identified the following characteristics as having a significant influence on the locals’ participation in IAPS impact reduction and adaptation: (1) age, (2) residential area, (3) understanding the IAPS impacts, (4) membership of farmers’ club or Village Natural Resource Management Committee (VNRMC), and (5) discussion of IAPS in farmer club or VNRMC. These findings provide empirical evidence to policy makers for an effective IAPS management strategy.
The Impact of Digital Economy Empowerment on Green Total Factor Productivity in Forestry
Authors: Chen Hanting , Ma Zhuoya , Xiao Hui , Li Jing , Chen Wenhui
Published: August 2023

The digital economy is an important engine for promoting green economic development, and the integration of the digital and real economies can accelerate the transformation of the real economy. In order to explore the multifaceted influence of digital economy on forestry green total factor productivity and its specific presentation form, based on the panel data of 277 cities in China from 2013 to 2019, this paper first used the super SBM model to measure the level of forestry green total factor productivity and adopted the entropy method to measure the level of the digital economy in each region. Secondly, the influence and mechanism of the digital economy on green total factor productivity in forestry were explored by using fixed-effect and intermediate-effect models, and the heterogeneity of the digital economy on forestry green total factor productivity was analyzed based on different regional classification methods. Finally, the spatial spillover effect of the digital economy was explored in depth by the spatial Durbin model. The results are as follows: firstly, there is a significant inverted U-shaped relationship between the digital economy and forestry green total factor productivity, which first promotes and then inhibits. Secondly, the relationship between the digital economy and the level of urban green innovation shows a positive U-shaped relationship, first inhibiting and then promoting, and can have an indirect impact on forestry green total factor productivity by promoting the level of green innovation. Third, China is still on the left side of the inverted U-shaped relationship between the digital economy and forestry green total factor productivity, i.e., it is at a stage where the digital economy can significantly contribute to forestry green total factor productivity. Fourth, the effect of the digital economy on green total factor productivity in forestry is heterogeneous in the east, central, and west and is more pronounced in regions with faster economic development or rich natural resources. Fifth, the impact of the digital economy on forestry green total factor productivity has a significant positive spatial spillover effect.