bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Risk of Parental Instability for Children Born Very Preterm and Impacts on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at Age 12
Authors: Gath Megan E. , Lee Samantha J. , Austin Nicola C. , Woodward Lianne J.
Published: February 2022

Caring for a child born preterm places significant emotional and financial burdens on family relationships. This paper examines (a) the extent to which children born very and extremely preterm are more likely to experience parental change/caregiver instability than children born full term, (b) predictors of parental change/s for preterm infants, and (c) whether exposure to parental change/caregiver instability increases child neurodevelopmental risk. Data were collected as part of a prospective longitudinal study of 110 very preterm and 113 full-term born infants and their parents studied from birth to corrected age 12 years. At ages 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 years, detailed information was collected about the frequency and nature of all parent/caregiver changes for 3–6 monthly intervals of each child’s life. At age 12, all children completed a comprehensive neurodevelopmental evaluation of their emotional and behavioural adjustment, cognition, and educational achievement. Results showed that children born very preterm were at increased risk of experiencing parental/caregiver changes, with this risk being greatest for those born extremely preterm. Neonatal medical complexity, family socioeconomic disadvantage, maternal psychological wellbeing, and child neurodevelopmental impairment were associated with a higher risk of parental change. Preterm birth and exposure to parental change/instability contributed additively to poorer child outcomes. Findings support the need for family-focused neonatal and postnatal care strategies for high-risk infants, to support parents as well as their infants to optimize child health and developmental outcomes.
Anticancer and Apoptotic Activity in Cervical Adenocarcinoma HeLa Using Crude Extract of Ganoderma applanatum
Authors: Kiddane Anley Teferra , Kang Min-Jae , Ho Truc Cong , Getachew Adane Tilahun , Patil Maheshkumar Prakash , Chun Byung-Soo , Kim Gun-Do
Published: February 2022

Cancer is currently one of the foremost health challenges and a leading cause of death worldwide. Cervical cancer is caused by cofactors, including oral contraceptive use, smoking, multiparity, and HIV infection. One of the major and considerable etiologies is the persistent infection of the oncogenic human papilloma virus. G. applanatum is a valuable medicinal mushroom that has been widely used as a folk medicine for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. In this study, we obtained crude extract from G. applanatum mushroom with a subcritical water extraction method; cell viability assay was carried out and the crude extract showed an antiproliferative effect in HeLa cells with IC50 of 1.55 ± 0.01 mg/mL; however, it did not show any sign of toxicity in HaCaT. Protein expression was detected by Western blot, stability of IκBα and downregulation of NFκB, IKKα, IKKβ, p-NFκB-65(Ser 536) and p-IKKα/β(Ser 176/180), suggesting loss of survival in a dose-dependent manner. RT-qPCR revealed RNA/mRNA expression; fold changes of gene expression in Apaf-1, caspase-3, cytochrome-c, caspase-9, Bax and Bak were increased, which implies apoptosis, and NFκB was decreased in a dose-dependent manner. DNA fragmentation was seen in the treatment groups as compared to the control group using gel electrophoresis. Identification and quantification of compounds were carried out by GC–MS and HPLC, respectively; 2(5H)furanone with IC50 of 1.99 ± 0.01 μg/mL could be the responsible anticancer compound. In conclusion, these findings suggest the potential use of the crude extract of G. applanatum as a natural source with anticancer activity against cervical cancer.
HIPIMS/UBM PVD Coating Equipment Designed to Coat Universal Sized Broaches
Authors: Münz Wolf-Dieter , Klink Roman , Aleksic Dejan , Mazaheri Mansour
Published: February 2022

This paper describes a physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating equipment, as well as the according deposition parameters suitable to provide hard nitride coatings on broaches up to a length of 2.2 m. The octagonal-shaped vacuum chamber reached a height of 4.5 m and a diameter of 1.2 m. To explore a sufficient and reproducible film, an adhesion test sample and tools were subjected to a pretreatment in a Cr2+ Ar+ high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HIPIMS) plasma prior to the actual film deposition. Two deposition methods were applied: reactive unbalanced magnetron (UBM) sputtering was introduced to deposit TiAlN-based coatings from Ti50Al50 2.5 m long targets. Alternatively, multilayer coatings were generated by reactive simultaneous UBM sputtering from Ti50Al50 and TiAl6V4 targets, respectively, and chromium targets utilizing high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HIPIMS) technology. In the latter case, three cathodes were furnished with 0.9 m long targets lined up upon each other. A segmented UBM cathode design was described to meet economic deposition if varying tool sample lots in the deferring workpiece lengths have to be handled in industrial practice. The resulting (TiAl/Cr)N multilayer coatings attained typical hardness values of HV 2800 and an adhesion measured by critical load up to 50 N. The cutting performance of this coating was evaluated by simulated shaping tests over a test length of 210 m on C 45 steel. The (TiAlV/Cr)N showed an improved wear behavior by factor of 2 to 3 compared to TiN deposited by cathodic arc operated in an industrial PVD coater. A real comparison was undertaken, applied to a 1.3 m long model broach. (TiAl/Cr)N showed a prolongation in industrial lifetime by 150% compared to TiN.
Planar Cu and O NMR and the Pseudogap of Cuprate Superconductors
Authors: Avramovska Marija , Nachtigal Jakob , Tsankov Stefan , Haase Jürgen
Published: February 2022

Recently, an analysis of all available planar oxygen shift and relaxation data for the cuprate high-temperature superconductors showed that the data can be understood with a simple spin susceptibility from a metallic density of states common to all cuprates. It carries a doping dependent but temperature independent pseudogap at the Fermi surface, which causes the deviations from normal metallic behavior, also in the specific heat. Here, a more coherent, unbiased assessment of all data, including planar Cu, is presented and consequences are discussed, since the planar Cu data were collected and analyzed prior to the O data. The main finding is that the planar Cu shifts for one direction of the external magnetic field largely follow from the same states and pseudogap. This explains the shift suppression stated more recently, which leads to the failure of the Korringa relation in contrast to an enhancement of the relaxation due to antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations originally proposed. However, there is still the need for a second spin component that appears to be associated with the Cu 3d(x2−y2) hole to explain the complex Cu shift anisotropy and family dependence. Furthermore, it is argued that the planar Cu relaxation which was reported recently to be rather ubiquitous for the cuprates, must be related to this universal density of states and the second spin component, while not being affected by the simple pseudogap. Thus, while this universal metallic density of states with a pseudogap is also found in the planar Cu data, there is still need for a more elaborate scenario that eludes planar O.
Study on the Molten Pool Fluid Behavior of PAW-Cable-Type Seven-Wire GMAW Hybrid Welding
Authors: Zhang Chao , Hu Qingxian , Pu Juan , Wu Hao
Published: February 2022

Plasma arc welding (PAW)-cable-type seven-wire GMAW (gas metal arc welding) hybrid welding is known as a high-efficiency welding combining plasma arc, GMAW arc and cable-type welding wire. In this study, numerical simulation via Fluent of the molten pool temperature field and flow field and experimental verification were conducted on Q235 thin plate hybrid welding with cable-type wire to explore molten pool fluid behavior. The simulation results show that keyholes form in the molten pool due to the strong penetration ability of a plasma arc and then the evolved pores by the surface tension float out of the molten pool. When the GMAW welding current increases, both the length and width of the weld pool enlarge, the weld reinforcement increases and the flow rate of molten metal in the weld pool also speeds up. While the PAW current increases, the weld pool length also increases and the molten metal in the weld pool significantly flows faster, but the weld reinforcement decreases. When the welding speed increases, the weld pool length and fusion depth decrease, but the reinforcement will first increase and then decrease. The experimental results are in strong agreement with the simulation results. It shows that the numerical analysis model established in this paper is accurate, laying a certain theoretical foundation for the popularization of PAW-cable-type seven-wire GMAW hybrid welding.
Methods of Sentinel Lymph Node Detection and Management in Urinary Bladder Cancer—A Narrative Review
Authors: Sinha Ankit , West Alexander , Hayes John , Teoh Jeremy , Decaestecker Karel , Vasdev Nikhil
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Detection of lymph node status in bladder cancer significantly impacts clinical decisions regarding its management. There is a wide range of detection modalities for this task, including lymphoscintigraphy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, single-photon emission computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and fluoroscopy. We aimed to study the pre- and intraoperative detection modalities of sentinel lymph nodes in urinary bladder cancer. Method: This narrative review was performed by searching the PubMed and EMBASE libraries using the following search terms: (“Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder” OR “urothelial cancer” OR “urinary bladder cancer” OR “bladder cancer”) AND ((“sentinel lymph node”) OR (“lymphatic mapping”) OR (“lymphoscintigraphy”) OR (“lymphangiography”) OR (“lymph node metastases”)). Studies analysing the effectiveness and outcomes of sentinel lymph node detection in bladder cancer were included, while non-English language, duplicates, and non-article studies were excluded. After analysing the libraries and a further manual search of bibliographies, 31 studies were included in this paper. We followed the RAMESES publication standard for narrative reviews to produce this paper. Results: Of the 31 studies included, 7 studies included multiple detection methods; 5 studies included lymphoscintigraphy; 5 studies included computed tomography and/or single-photon emission computed tomography; 5 studies included fluoroscopy; 4 studies included magnetic resonance imaging; and 5 studies included positron emission tomography. Discussion: Anatomical, radioactive, and functional detection modalities have been studied independently and in combination. The consensus is that preoperative detection with imaging helps guide surgical management and intraoperative detection methods help capture any lymph nodes that may have been missed. Each of these types of detection represent their own set of benefits and drawbacks, but there is currently limited evidence to support any change in overall practice to replace conventional staging.
Phylotranscriptomic and Evolutionary Analyses of Oedogoniales (Chlorophyceae, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Xiong Qian , Hu Yuxin , Dong Xiaoqi , Chen Yangliang , Liu Guoxiang , Hu Zhengyu
Published: February 2022

This study determined the transcriptomes of eight Oedogoniales species, including six species from Oedogonium and two species from Oedocladium to conduct phylotranscriptomic and evolutionary analyses. 155,952 gene families and 192 single-copy orthogroups were detected. Phylotranscriptomic analyses based on single-copy orthogroups were conducted using supermatrix and coalescent-based approaches. The phylotranscriptomic analysis results revealed that Oedogonium is polyphyletic, and Oedocladium clustered with Oedogonium. Together with the transcriptomes of the OCC clade in the public database, the phylogenetic relationship of the three orders (Oedogoniales, Chaetophorales, Chaetopeltidales) is discussed. The non-synonymous (dN) to synonymous substitution (dS) ratios of single-copy orthogroups of the terrestrial Oedogoniales species using a branch model of phylogenetic analysis by maximum likelihood were estimated, which showed that 92 single-copy orthogroups were putative rapidly evolving genes. Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses results revealed that some of the rapidly evolving genes were associated with photosynthesis, implying that terrestrial Oedogoniales species experienced rapid evolution to adapt to terrestrial habitats. The phylogenetic results combined with evolutionary analyses suggest that the terrestrialization process of Oedogoniales may have occured more than once.
The Effect of the Tumor Microenvironment on Lymphoid Neoplasms Derived from B Cells
Authors: Ingravallo Giuseppe , Tamma Roberto , Opinto Giuseppina , Annese Tiziana , Gaudio Francesco , Specchia Giorgina , Perrone Tommasina , Musto Pellegrino , Cazzato Gerardo , Bellitti Emilio , Capodiferro Saverio , Maiorano Eugenio , Ribatti Domenico
Published: February 2022

Lymphomas are characteristic tumors surrounded by an inflammatory microenvironment. The cells of the microenvironment are essential for the growth and survival of neoplastic cells and are recruited through the effect of cytokines/chemokines. Lymphomas include heterogeneous groups of neoplasms infiltrating various lymphoid structures which may arise from B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells at various stages of their differentiation state. In this review article, we analyze the literature data concerning the involvement of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the progression of lymphomas and the recent advances in the analysis of microenvironment components in the most common forms: some mature B cell lymphoma neoplasms and classic Hodgkin lymphomas. The complex crosstalk between the TME and tumor cells led to the discovery of many mechanisms usable as molecular-targeted therapy through the control of diverse elements of the TME, varying from inhibitors of angiogenic cytokines and their receptors to the regulation of cells’ activities and the novel immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Molecular Approaches in Fetal Malformations, Dynamic Anomalies and Soft Markers: Diagnostic Rates and Challenges—Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mastromoro Gioia , Guadagnolo Daniele , Khaleghi Hashemian Nader , Marchionni Enrica , Traversa Alice , Pizzuti Antonio
Published: February 2022

Fetal malformations occur in 2–3% of pregnancies. They require invasive procedures for cytogenetics and molecular testing. “Structural anomalies” include non-transient anatomic alterations. “Soft markers” are often transient minor ultrasound findings. Anomalies not fitting these definitions are categorized as “dynamic”. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the diagnostic yield and the rates of variants of uncertain significance (VUSs) in fetuses undergoing molecular testing (chromosomal microarray (CMA), exome sequencing (ES), genome sequencing (WGS)) due to ultrasound findings. The CMA diagnostic yield was 2.15% in single soft markers (vs. 0.79% baseline risk), 3.44% in multiple soft markers, 3.66% in single structural anomalies and 8.57% in multiple structural anomalies. Rates for specific subcategories vary significantly. ES showed a diagnostic rate of 19.47%, reaching 27.47% in multiple structural anomalies. WGS data did not allow meta-analysis. In fetal structural anomalies, CMA is a first-tier test, but should be integrated with karyotype and parental segregations. In this class of fetuses, ES presents a very high incremental yield, with a significant VUSs burden, so we encourage its use in selected cases. Soft markers present heterogeneous CMA results from each other, some of them with risks comparable to structural anomalies, and would benefit from molecular analysis. The diagnostic rate of multiple soft markers poses a solid indication to CMA.
Wheelchair Skills Education and Training for Children with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus and Their Parents: A Pilot Study
Authors: Gowran Rosemary Joan , Collins Marion B. , McGlanaghy Joanne , Shanahan Ellen , Cleary Yvonne
Published: February 2022

Background: Many children with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus use manual wheelchairs. However, training to ensure appropriate wheelchair use is limited and informal, and this negatively impacts daily activity and participation. Evidence suggests formal training can increase children’s confidence and independence, with early intervention being critical for healthy development. In Ireland, like in many other regions internationally, such interventions are not readily available to families. Aim and objectives: The overall aim of the study was to pilot wheelchair skills training for children aged 3–8 years with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus and their parents, to develop a sustainable program. The objectives were: (1) to develop and evaluate a wheelchair skills information pack; (2) to investigate the impact of training on children’s performance of wheelchair skills; (3) to explore parents’ perspectives on how training influenced their children’s daily participation; (4) to identify beneficial aspects of program delivery for children and parents. Methods: We applied a mixed-methods study design that included three stages: (1) evaluation of the use of a bespoke wheelchair skills information pack; (2) within-subject pre-post analysis of the wheelchair skills test (WST) and individual training goals; (3) qualitative thematic analysis of Photovoice documentary narratives from focus groups with parents. Results: Four children and their parents participated in the study. Parents reported the wheelchair skills information pack to be useful, recommending more child-friendly images, and the provision of the pack when children first receive their wheelchairs. Analysis of the pre/post-WST showed an increase in the performance of skills. Parents’ perspectives and experiences are captured in two Photovoice themes: (1) children developing their skills, (2) supporting parents to support their children. Conclusion: The pilot program was a success for these families, highlighting potential gaps in Irish wheelchair provision services and the need for wheelchair skills education and training to support parents and children.
Simulating Solid-Liquid Phase-Change Heat Transfer in Metal Foams via a Cascaded Lattice Boltzmann Model
Authors: Feng Xiang-Bo , Liu Qing
Published: February 2022

A cascaded lattice Boltzmann (CLB) model is constructed for simulating heat transfer in metal-foam-based solid-liquid phase change materials (PCMs). The present model captures the phase interface implicitly via the enthalpy methodology, and to avoid iterations in simulations, the CLB equation of the PCM employs the enthalpy as the basic evolution variable through modifying the cascaded collision process. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness and practicability of the CLB model for investigating heat transfer in solid-liquid PCMs with metal foams. The effects of the inertial coefficient, permeability and porosity on the melting process are investigated. The results indicate that the empirical correlations of inertial coefficient and permeability based on packed beds overestimate the melting rate at high porosities. Moreover, the porosity has significant impact on phase-change processes. The melting rate increases as the porosity of the metal foam decreases since heat conduction through high thermal conductive metal foam dominates the total heat transfer.
Phase-Amplitude Relations for a Particle with a Superposition of Two Energy Levels in a Double Potential Well
Authors: Flom Ofir , Yahalom Asher , Levitan Jacob , Zilberberg Haggai
Published: February 2022

We study the connection between the phase and the amplitude of the wave function and the conditions under which this relationship exists. For this we use the model of particle in a box. We have shown that the amplitude can be calculated from the phase and vice versa if the log analytical uncertainty relations are satisfied.
Multiscale Weighted Permutation Entropy Analysis of Schizophrenia Magnetoencephalograms
Authors: Bai Dengxuan , Yao Wenpo , Wang Shuwang , Wang Jun
Published: February 2022

Schizophrenia is a neuropsychiatric disease that affects the nonlinear dynamics of brain activity. The primary objective of this study was to explore the complexity of magnetoencephalograms (MEG) in patients with schizophrenia. We combined a multiscale method and weighted permutation entropy to characterize MEG signals from 19 schizophrenia patients and 16 healthy controls. When the scale was larger than 42, the MEG signals of schizophrenia patients were significantly more complex than those of healthy controls (p<0.004). The difference in complexity between patients with schizophrenia and the controls was strongest in the frontal and occipital areas (p<0.001), and there was almost no difference in the central area. In addition, the results showed that the dynamic range of MEG complexity is wider in healthy individuals than in people with schizophrenia. Overall, the multiscale weighted permutation entropy method reliably quantified the complexity of MEG from schizophrenia patients, contributing to the development of potential magnetoencephalographic biomarkers for schizophrenia.
A Novel General (n, n)-Threshold Multiple Secret Images Sharing Scheme Based on Information Hiding in the Sharing Domain
Authors: Xing Fengyue , Yan Xuehu , Yu Long , Li Longlong
Published: February 2022

(k,n)-threshold secret image sharing (SIS) protects an image by dividing it into n shadow images. The secret image will be recovered as we gather k or more shadow images. In complex networks, the security, robustness and efficiency of protecting images draws more and more attention. Thus, we realize multiple secret images sharing (MSIS) by information hiding in the sharing domain (IHSD) and propose a novel and general (n,n)-threshold IHSD-MSIS scheme (IHSD-MSISS), which can share and recover two secret images simultaneously. The proposed scheme spends less cost on managing and identifying shadow images, and improves the ability to prevent malicious tampering. Moreover, it is a novel approach to transmit important images with strong associations. The superiority of (n,n)-threshold IHSD-MSISS is in fusing the sharing phases of two secret images by controlling randomness of SIS. We present a general construction model and algorithms of the proposed scheme. Sufficient theoretical analyses, experiments and comparisons show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
A Fractional-Order Sinusoidal Discrete Map
Authors: Liu Xiaojun , Tang Dafeng , Hong Ling
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a novel fractional-order discrete map with a sinusoidal function possessing typical nonlinear features, including chaos and bifurcations, is proposed. Firstly, the basic properties involving the stability of the equilibrium points and the symmetry of the map are studied by theoretical analysis. Secondly, the dynamics of the map in commensurate-order and incommensurate-order cases with initial conditions belonging to different basins of attraction is investigated by numerical simulations. The bifurcation types and influential parameters of the map are analyzed via nonlinear tools. Hopf, period-doubling, and symmetry-breaking bifurcations are observed when a parameter or an order is varied. Bifurcation diagrams and maximum Lyapunov exponent spectrums, with both a variation in a system parameter and an order or two orders, are shown in a three-dimensional space. A comparison of the bifurcations in fractional-order and integral-order cases shows that the variation in an order has no effect on the symmetry-breaking bifurcation point. Finally, the heterogeneous hybrid synchronization of the map is realized by designing suitable controllers. It is worth noting that the increase in a derivative order can promote the synchronization speed for the fractional-order discrete map.
Spatial Modeling of Precipitation Based on Data-Driven Warping of Gaussian Processes
Authors: Agou Vasiliki D. , Pavlides Andrew , Hristopulos Dionissios T.
Published: February 2022

Modeling and forecasting spatiotemporal patterns of precipitation is crucial for managing water resources and mitigating water-related hazards. Globally valid spatiotemporal models of precipitation are not available. This is due to the intermittent nature, non-Gaussian distribution, and complex geographical dependence of precipitation processes. Herein we propose a data-driven model of precipitation amount which employs a novel, data-driven (non-parametric) implementation of warped Gaussian processes. We investigate the proposed warped Gaussian process regression (wGPR) using (i) a synthetic test function contaminated with non-Gaussian noise and (ii) a reanalysis dataset of monthly precipitation from the Mediterranean island of Crete. Cross-validation analysis is used to establish the advantages of non-parametric warping for the interpolation of incomplete data. We conclude that wGPR equipped with the proposed data-driven warping provides enhanced flexibility and—at least for the cases studied– improved predictive accuracy for non-Gaussian data.
Effect of the Complexity of the Customs Tax System on the Tax Effort
Authors: González Aguirre Jazmín , Del Villar Alberto
Published: February 2022

This paper empirically analyses the effects of the tax complexity and other elements, such as natural resource revenues, public expenditure, and the capacity of the statistical system, on the efficiency of Ecuadorian Customs Administration. For this purpose, the methodology used consists of modeling a stochastic production frontier whose estimation procedure is based on the maximum likelihood method for a data panel composed of six countries: Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama for the period from 2006 to 2017. The results of the study show that the countries whose tax system has a lower degree of complexity present a better level of revenue collected and tax effort as well as an improvement in the quality and dissemination of national statistical data. Furthermore, this paper provides evidence that the tax effort tends to decrease when the price of crude oil is on the rise.
The Construction of an Undergraduate Creativity Seminar 33 Years in the Making
Authors: Hennessey Beth A.
Published: February 2022

For 33 years, I offered an undergraduate, upper-level seminar on the Psychology of Creativity. A review of nearly three dozen versions of seminar syllabi, readings, assignments and student work reveals a chronicling of the evolution of the study of creativity as well as the evolution of classroom teaching, student sensibilities, and my own changing views.
Nickel-Based Electrocatalysts for Water Electrolysis
Authors: Angeles-Olvera Zuraya , Crespo-Yapur Alfonso , Rodríguez Oliver , Cholula-Díaz Jorge , Martínez Luz , Videa Marcelo
Published: February 2022

Currently, hydrogen production is based on the reforming process, leading to the emission of pollutants; therefore, a substitute production method is imminently required. Water electrolysis is an ideal alternative for large-scale hydrogen production, as it does not produce any carbon-based pollutant byproducts. The production of green hydrogen from water electrolysis using intermittent sources (e.g., solar and eolic sources) would facilitate clean energy storage. However, the electrocatalysts currently required for water electrolysis are noble metals, making this potential option expensive and inaccessible for industrial applications. Therefore, there is a need to develop electrocatalysts based on earth-abundant and low-cost metals. Nickel-based electrocatalysts are a fitting alternative because they are economically accessible. Extensive research has focused on developing nickel-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution. Theoretical and experimental work have addressed the elucidation of these electrochemical processes and the role of heteroatoms, structure, and morphology. Even though some works tend to be contradictory, they have lit up the path for the development of efficient nickel-based electrocatalysts. For these reasons, a review of recent progress is presented herein.
Integrated Carbon-Capture-Based Low-Carbon Economic Dispatch of Power Systems Based on EEMD-LSTM-SVR Wind Power Forecasting
Authors: Ding Can , Zhou Yiyuan , Ding Qingchang , Li Kaiming
Published: February 2022

The optimal utilization of wind power and the application of carbon capture power plants are important measures to achieve a low-carbon power system, but the high-energy consumption of carbon capture power plants and the uncertainty of wind power lead to low-carbon coordination problems during load peaks. To address these problems, firstly, the EEMD-LSTM-SVR algorithm is proposed to forecast wind power in the Belgian grid in order to tackle the uncertainty and strong volatility of wind power. Furthermore, the conventional thermal power plant is transformed into an integrated carbon capture power plant containing split-flow and liquid storage type, and the low-carbon mechanism of the two approaches is adequately discussed to give the low-carbon realization mechanism of the power system. Secondly, the mathematical model of EEMD-LSTM-SVR algorithm and the integrated low-carbon economic dispatch model are constructed. Finally, the simulation is verified in a modified IEEE-39 node system with carbon capture power plant. Compared with conventional thermal power plants, the carbon emissions of integrated carbon capture plants will be reduced by 78.248%; the abandoned wind of split carbon capture plants is reduced by 53.525%; the total cost of wind power for dispatch predicted using the EEMD-LSTM-SVR algorithm will be closer to the actual situation, with a difference of only USD 60. The results demonstrate that the dispatching strategy proposed in this paper can effectively improve the accuracy of wind power prediction and combine with the integrated carbon capture power plant to improve the system wind power absorption capacity and operational efficiency while achieving the goal of low carbon emission.
Electric Vehicle Battery Storage Concentric Intelligent Home Energy Management System Using Real Life Data Sets
Authors: Minhas Daud Mustafa , Meiers Josef , Frey Georg
Published: February 2022

To meet the world’s growing energy needs, photovoltaic (PV) and electric vehicle (EV) systems are gaining popularity. However, intermittent PV power supply, changing consumer load needs, and EV storage limits exacerbate network instability. A model predictive intelligent energy management system (MP-iEMS) integrated home area power network (HAPN) is being proposed to solve these challenges. It includes forecasts of PV generation and consumers’ load demand for various seasons of the year, as well as the constraints on EV storage and utility grid capacity. This paper presents a multi-timescale, cost-effective scheduling and control strategy of energy distribution in a HAPN. The scheduling stage of the MP-iEMS applies a receding horizon rule-based mixed-integer expert system.To show the precise MP-iEMS capabilities, the suggested technique employs a case study of real-life annual data sets of home energy needs, EV driving patterns, and EV battery (dis)charging patterns. Annual comparison of unique assessment indices (i.e., penetration levels and utilization factors) of various energy sources is illustrated in the results. The MP-iEMS ensures users’ comfort and low energy costs (i.e., relative 13% cost reduction). However, a battery life-cycle degradation model calculates an annual decline in the storage capacity loss of up to 0.013%.
Zero-Energy Computation Offloading with Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer for Two-Hop 6G Fog Networks
Authors: Tarchi Daniele , Bozorgchenani Arash , Gebremeskel Mulubrhan Desta
Published: February 2022

Currently, we are faced with an ever-increasing number of devices and objects connected to the Internet aimed at creating the so-called Internet of Things framework, fostering the creation of a connected world of objects. One of the main challenges we are actually facing is constituted by the constrained sizes of such objects: reduced memory, reduced computational capacity, and reduced battery sizes. Particular attention should be devoted to energy efficiency, since a potential energy shortage would negatively impact not only its operation but also network-wide operation, considering the tight connections among any object. According to the 6G system’s use-case related to self-sustainability and zero-energy networks, this paper focuses on an energy-efficient fog network architecture for IoT scenarios, jointly implementing computation offloading operations and simultaneous wireless information and power Transfer (SWIPT), hence, enabling the possibility of jointly transferring energy and computational tasks among the nodes. The system under consideration is composed of three nodes, where an access point (AP) is considered to be always connected to the power network, while a relay node and an end node can harvest energy from the AP. The proposed solution allows to jointly optimize the computation offloading and the energy harvesting phases while maximizing the network lifetime, so as to maximize the operational time of the network. Numerical results obtained on MATLAB demonstrate that the proposed algorithm performs better than the other benchmarks considered for comparison.
Vibration Response Analysis of Hydraulic Support Based on Real Shape Coal Gangue Particles
Authors: Wan Lirong , Wang Jiantao , Ma Dejian , Zeng Qingliang , Li Zhaoji , Zhu Yanpeng
Published: February 2022

Top coal caving is an important way of thick coal seam mining. The current coal gangue identification technology is not mature, resulting in a low degree of automation of coal caving. The current numerical simulation pays little attention to the real shape of rocks. This paper aims to reveal the vibration response of the tail beam under the action of real shape coal gangue particles. First, the real shape rock and hydraulic support model are established, and the relationship between the Rock Mixed Ratio (RMR) and the vibration signal characteristics during the impact process are studied. The influence of falling velocity and coal strength on this relationship are analyzed. Finally, the influence of motion mode on this relationship is analyzed and discussed. The numerical results show that the increase of the RMR can significantly enhance the velocity and acceleration signals of the tail beam, and the signals caused by different RMR are still different under different velocities and strengths. The best recognition effect can be obtained when the coal gangue particles slip on the hydraulic support, and the effect is the the worst when the coal gangue particles impact upon and roll on the hydraulic support. The conclusion provides directions for further study of coal gangue identification based on vibration.
Photovoltaic Performance of Spherical TiO2 Nanoparticles Derived from Titanium Hydroxide Ti(OH)4: Role of Annealing Varying Temperature
Authors: Almomani Mohammad S. , Ahmed Naser M. , Rashid Marzaini , Suardi Nursakinah , Almessiere Munirah A. , Madkhali Nawal , Aldaghri Osamah A. , Ibnaouf Khalid Hassan
Published: February 2022

High-quality titanium dioxide (TiO2 or titania) nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) with tailored morphologies are desirable for efficient photovoltaic applications. In this view, some thin films containing spherical TiO2NPs were prepared on indium tin oxide (ITO) and silicon (Si) substrates from titanium hydroxide Ti(OH)4 using the unified sol-gel, spray and spin coating method followed by thermal annealing at different temperatures (in the range of 200–650 °C). Samples were characterized using various analytical tools to determine the influence of annealing temperatures on their structures, morphologies, and optical and photovoltaic characteristics. A field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) images of the annealed films displayed the existence of spherical TiO2NPs of average size in the range of 3.2 to 33.94 nm. XRD analysis of the films showed their amorphous nature with anatase and rutile phase. Optical UV-Vis spectral analysis of the annealed films exhibited a decrease in the bandgap energy from 3.84 to 3.24 eV with the corresponding increase of annealing temperature from 200 to 650 °C. The optimum films obtained at 500 and 600 °C were utilized as electron transport layers to fabricate the metal-insulator-semiconductor solar cells. The cells’ power conversion efficiency assembled with the spherical TiO2NPs-enclosed thin films annealed at 500 and 600 °C were 1.02 and 0.28%, respectively. Furthermore, it was shown that the overall properties and photovoltaic performance of the TiO2NPs-based thin films could be improved via thermal annealing.
Using Natural Gas Resources to De-Risk Renewable Energy Investments in Lower-Income Countries
Authors: Olleik Majd , Hamie Hassan , Auer Hans
Published: February 2022

Combatting climate change necessitates a substantial global increase in renewable electricity capacity. Many low-income and lower-middle-income countries suffer from unfavorable green financing conditions. Fifteen of these countries possess substantial natural gas reserves. To overcome green financing constraints in such countries, we propose an integrated energy contract that awards a renewable energy project in parallel with an upstream natural gas project to interested energy companies. The state returns from the natural gas project provide a guarantee for renewable energy investments, reducing their associated risks. We conduct Monte Carlo simulations for each of the targeted countries after populating the input parameters for the upstream natural gas and renewable energy projects, including forecasting country-specific natural gas prices. When accounting for 10% of their existing natural gas reserves in the proposed contract, Nigeria, Myanmar, and Indonesia can achieve more than 60% of their 2030 renewable energy target capacity additions while countries with low access to electricity can significantly upscale their installed capacities. The guarantee mechanism provides protection levels exceeding 96% on renewable energy investments. The proposed contract enables the considered countries to increase their renewable energy capacities while inducing economic development.
FOWT Stability Study According to Number of Columns Considering Amount of Materials Used
Authors: Yang Ho-Seong , Alkhabbaz Ali , Edirisinghe Dylan Sheneth , Tongphong Watchara , Lee Young-Ho
Published: February 2022

Considering stability and fabrication cost, 3–4 columns are usually adopted for semi-submersible platform designs. Although increasing the number of columns provides more stability for both floating platform and system as a whole, it is generally not economically viable. In this respect, the present work provides a high-fidelity analysis of semi-submersible platform stability and hydrodynamic response for different design concepts. The number of columns was considered as the main design parameter and was varied from 3–6 columns. The semi-submersible weight was kept constant during the simulation period by changing the column diameter and amount of ballast water. The investigation was carried out using the potential code Orcawave, the results of which were input directly to the engineering tool OrcaFlex. Four different types of semi-submersible platforms with a varying number of columns were tested and compared under extreme environmental conditions in order to ensure their stability and hydrodynamic response. The simulation findings revealed that platform stability was more affected by the geometrical features of the floater than by the number of columns. Furthermore, the number of columns did not have a significant impact on hydrodynamic behavior for the same platform geometry.
Soil Type Influences Rhizosphere Bacterial Community Assemblies of Pecan Plantations, a Case Study of Eastern China
Authors: Tang Yujie , Liu Junping , Bao Jiashu , Chu Guolin , Peng Fangren
Published: February 2022

The rhizosphere microbiome is closely related to forest health and productivity. However, whether soil type affects pecan (Carya illinoinensis) rhizosphere microbiomes is unclear. We aimed to explore the diversity and structural characteristics of rhizosphere bacteria associated with pecan plantations grown in three soil types (Luvisols, Cambisols, Solonchaks) in Eastern China and analyze their potential functions through high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that the diversity and community structure of rhizosphere bacteria in pecan plantations were significantly affected by soil type and the pH, available phosphorus content, electrical conductivity, soil moisture, and ammonium nitrogen contents were the main factors. At the phylum level, the rhizosphere bacterial community composition was consistent, mainly included Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Chloroflexi. At the family level, the pecan plantations formed different rhizosphere enriched biomarkers due to the influence of soil type, with functional characteristics such as plant growth promotion and soil nutrient cycling. In addition, there existed low abundance core species such as Haliangiaceae, Bryobacteraceae, and Steroidobacteraceae. They played important roles in the rhizosphere environments through their functional characteristics and community linkages. Overall, this study provides a basis for the study of the rhizosphere microbiome in different soil types of pecan plantations, and plays an important role in the sustainable management of forest soil.
The Missing Limb: Including Impacts of Biomass Extraction on Forest Carbon Stocks in Greenhouse Gas Balances of Wood Use
Authors: Fehrenbach Horst , Bischoff Mascha , Böttcher Hannes , Reise Judith , Hennenberg Klaus Josef
Published: February 2022

The global carbon neutrality challenge places a spotlight on forests as carbon sinks. However, greenhouse gas (GHG) balances of wood for material and energy use often reveal GHG emission savings in comparison with a non-wood reference. Is it thus better to increase wood production and use, or to conserve and expand the carbon stock in forests? GHG balances of wood products mostly ignore the dynamics of carbon storage in forests, which can be expressed as the carbon storage balance in forests (CSBF). For Germany, a CSBF of 0.25 to 1.15 t CO2-eq. m−3 wood can be assumed. When the CSBF is integrated into the GHG balance, GHG mitigation substantially deteriorates and wood products may even turn into a GHG source, e.g., in the case of energy wood. In such cases, building up forest carbon stocks would be the better option. We conclude that it is vital to include the CSBF in GHG balances of wood products to assess the impacts of wood extraction from forests. Only then can GHG balances provide political decision makers and stakeholders in the wood sector with a complete picture of GHG emissions.
The Edaphic and Vegetational Properties Controlling Soil Aggregate Stability Vary with Plant Communities in an Arid Desert Region of Northwest China
Authors: Jiang Lamei , Hu Dong , Lv Guanghui
Published: February 2022

The stability of soil aggregates is the basis for supporting ecosystem functions and related services provided by the soil. In order to explore the mechanism of the influence of soil and vegetation properties on the stability of soil aggregates in desert communities, the particle size distribution and aggregate in different communities were compared, and the contribution of soil physical and chemical properties (soil salinity, soil water content, soil pH, soil organic carbon, soil total phosphorus, soil total nitrogen, etc.) and vegetation properties (species richness, phylogenetic richness, plant height and coverage, etc.) to the stability of soil aggregates was determined by using a structural equation model. The results show the following: Soil water content, organic carbon, and salt in river bank plant communities have significant direct positive effects on the mean weight diameter of soil, with path coefficients of 0.50, 0.11, and 0.24, respectively (p < 0.01). Water also indirectly affects soil stability by affecting plant height, soil salt, and soil organic carbon; species richness and vegetation coverage have significant direct positive effects on the soil stability index, with path coefficients of 0.13 and 0.11, respectively (p < 0.01). In the desert marginal plant community, the plant coverage and species richness have significant positive effects on soil stability, with path coefficients of 0.43 (p < 0.001) and 0.35 (p < 0.001), respectively. Phylogenetic richness has a significant direct negative effect on soil stability (p < 0.05), with an effect value of −0.27. Phylogenetic richness indirectly affects soil stability by adjusting the coverage, with an indirect effect value of 0.23. Moisture, ammonium nitrogen, and nitrate nitrogen have significant direct positive effects on soil stability, with effect values of 0.12, 0.09, and 0.15, respectively. Our research shows that the process of soil stabilization is mainly controlled by soil factors and vegetation characteristics, but its importance varies with different community types.
Outbreaks of Douglas-Fir Beetle Follow Western Spruce Budworm Defoliation in the Southern Rocky Mountains, USA
Authors: Cole Hailey M. , Andrus Robert A. , Butkiewicz Cori , Rodman Kyle C. , Santiago Olivia , Tutland Niko J. , Waupochick Angela , Hart Sarah J.
Published: February 2022

Changes in climate are altering disturbance regimes in forests of western North America, leading to increases in the potential for disturbance events to overlap in time and space. Though interactions between abiotic and biotic disturbance (e.g., the effect of bark beetle outbreak on subsequent wildfire) have been widely studied, interactions between multiple biotic disturbances are poorly understood. Defoliating insects, such as the western spruce budworm (WSB; Choristoneura freemanni), have been widely suggested to predispose trees to secondary colonization by bark beetles, such as the Douglas-fir beetle (DFB; Dendroctonus pseudotsugae). However, there is little quantitative research that supports this observation. Here, we asked: Does previous WSB damage increase the likelihood of subsequent DFB outbreak in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forests of the Southern Rocky Mountains, USA? To quantify areas affected by WSB and then DFB, we analyzed Aerial Detection Survey data from 1999–2019. We found that a DFB presence followed WSB defoliation more often than expected under a null model (i.e., random distribution). With climate change expected to intensify some biotic disturbances, an understanding of the interactions between insect outbreaks is important for forest management planning, as well as for improving our understanding of forest change.