bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Students’ attitudes toward flipped classroom model: Focusing on Iranian advanced EFL learners
Authors: Namaziandost Ehsan , Ziafar Meisam , Neisi Leila
Published: June 2020

Flipped classroom is an engaging, student-centered approach that has been built to enhance the quality of the classroom time. Generally speaking, this approach, whose implementations are performed mostly in physical sciences, has also recently attracted the attention of educators and scholars in various disciplines. Flipped classroom technology is an advancement that helps learners to enhance engagement, increase motivation and develop their communicative abilities. The current study aimed to examine Iranian advanced EFL learners’ attitudes toward using flipped classroom model. To fulfil this objective, 80 advanced EFL learners answered an attitude questionnaire after 10 sessions instructed in a flipped classroom. After collection the data and analyzing them, the results indicated that the learners’ attitude toward using flipped classroom was significantly positive. Eventually, the researchers concluded with some suggestions for educators to adopt the flipped classroom technology to create better learning environments for their students and to reach better learning consequences.
Dynamics of thermophysical parameters of silver ablation jets at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Kozadaev Konstantin V.
Published: June 2020

The paper demonstrates an approach to modeling the thermophysical parameters of vapor in an ablative silver jet propagating at atmospheric pressure. The proposed semi-empirical model is based on the modification of the Anisimov – Luk’yanchuk model taking into account the Zeldovich – Raiser dynamic condensation theory. Such process of dynamic condensation of spherical (or semi-spherical) ablative jets can also be graphically represented as passing in the expanding vapor-plasma cloud of the three spatial concentric spherical waves from the periphery to the center of cloud. There are «saturation» wave (corresponding to the moment of crossing the Poisson adiabate with saturation adiabate at the phase diagram of vapor), wave of nuclear «etching» (the moment of greatest supercooling of vapor in the jet) and the «quenching» wave (stabilization of the condensation degree of the vapor in the jet). Due to the revision of a number of basements of the Anisimov – Luk’yanchuk  model, it was possible to offer an adequate description of thermodynamic processes occurring at normal atmospheric gas pressure.
Pine production potential on semihydromorphic edafotope of Belarusian Polesje under changing climatic conditions
Authors: Матюшевская Екатерина Викторовна , Киселев Виктор Никифорович , Яротов Алексей Евгеньевич , Хвиневич Виктория Андреевна
Published: June 2020

There are presented the results of the study of the pine tree-ring growth dynamics in the regional semidimorphic and climatic conditions of Belarusian Polesje. It has been shown that the production potential in the increase in stem mass of trees in a bilberry pine is individual. The maximum individual tree-ring growth does not coincide with the calendar and does not depend on weather and climate conditions, with the exception of years with meteorological anomalies. Resource capabilities of pine for the growth of stem mass decreased in the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century after lowering the groundwater as a result of drainage reclamation and during climate warming with relative aridization.
Convenient and Conditional Humanitarianism: Evacuating French and French Jewish Children to Switzerland during the Second World War
Authors: Sambells Chelsea
Published: June 2020

This article provides details of a relatively little-known Swiss initiative during the Second World War. From 1940, Swiss charities provided large-scale humanitarian aid to war-stricken children, offering short-stay evacuations of over 60,000 French, Belgian and Yugoslav children to Swiss families, including at least some French Jewish children. In summer 1942, however, when French authorities began the round-ups of Jews, this approach faltered. That September, when many French Jewish children were stranded after their parents' deportation, a meeting took place between the Swiss ambassador and the French Premier, Pierre Laval. A deal might have been struck to protect these French Jewish children from deportation and extermination, but was not the preferred policy. This article analyses that meeting, concluding that Swiss officials were bound by the view that their own self-mandated neutrality might be compromised, despite a pre-existing evacuation infrastructure and strong Swiss public support, and to the fatal detriment of thousands of French Jewish children.
Frequency-modulated ultra-low-frequency waves in near-Earth space
Authors: Guglielmi A V , Potapov A S
Published: June 2020

This review is devoted to ultra-low-frequency electromagnetic waves of a natural origin. A variety of frequency-modulated waves whose sources are located in the ionosphere, in the radiation belt, on the periphery of the magnetosphere, and in the solar wind in front of the magnetosphere bow shock are considered. The main focus is on the mechanisms of the formation of frequency modulation. Analysis of frequency modulation gives us information about the processes of excitation and propagation of waves, as well as about physical conditions in places of excitation and along signal propagation paths. Relevant open question about the physics of frequency-modulated waves are indicated.
First Report of Symphodus melops (Linnaeus, 1758) with Maximum Length in the Black Sea
Authors: AYDIN Mehmet
Published: June 2020

An individual of corkwing wrasse Symphodus melops (female) was captured by trammel nets on May 15, 2020, at 20 m depths from Ordu, the southern Black Sea coast. The total length and weight were measured as 320 mm and 520 g. The specimen was female with a gonad weight of 42 g and it was determined to be eight years old. This is the first record for the S. melops from the Black Sea. Its total length and weight were the maximum observed values for the species for the World. The paper is considered to contribute to fisheries biology and international scientific literature.
An Inquiry into the Management Theory: Introducing Cooperative Advantage
Authors: Kayak Murat
Published: June 2020

Although scientists and philosophers have debated epistemological questions since the time of Plato and Aristotle, the term Epistemology is not usually noticed in management research as mentioned in the literature by Johnson and Duberley in 2000. However, epistemology is still not usually noticed in management research. The most commonly known epistemological approaches are interpretative and positivism. The purpose of this study is to introduce a cooperative advantage model in management by addressing epistemology. The study focuses on how competitive advantage damage humankind. The study also figures out whether Management is Science or Not. The study findings show that management in fact is science and philosophy however scholars of the 20th and 21st century have made management just a discipline based on the puzzle-solving approach introduced by Thomas Kuhn in 1962. I sincerely hope the scientific community to pay attention to this research.
Orthokeratology for soft lens dryness
Authors: Conway Martin
Published: June 2020

Most users of soft contact lenses sooner or later face the problem of dry eyes when wearing them. Despite the development of polymer chemistry for contact lenses, which include additional moisturizing components, this problem is still relevant today. The use of tear substitutes and moisturizers is effective at the initial stage of treatment. In this regard, the appointment of orthokeratological lenses to users with soft contact lenses may be one of the possible solutions, including in patients of presbyopic age.
Possible adverse effects of the use of orthokeratology lenses (literature review)
Authors: Zhabina Olga
Published: June 2020

Orthokeratology is a method of correction of ametropia, which has been widely used throughout the world. In the presented review, based on the data of domestic and foreign literature, possible undesirable phenomena that occur when using orthokeratological lenses are described. Scien¬tists come to the conclusion that, despite the possibility of complications, the risk of undesired symptoms is significant¬ly reduced when the rules of the use and care of orthokera¬tology lenses are strictly followed, and that their incidence is less frequent than when using soft contact lenses.
Identification Process of Selected Graphic Features Apple Tree Pests by Neural Models Type MLP, RBF and DNN
Authors: Boniecki Piotr , Zaborowicz Maciej , Pilarska Agnieszka , Piekarska-Boniecka Hanna
Published: June 2020

In this paper, the classification capabilities of perceptron and radial neural networks are compared using the identification of selected pests feeding in apple tree orchards in Poland as an example. The goal of the study was the neural separation of five selected apple tree orchard pests. The classification was based on graphical information coded as selected characteristic features of the pests, presented in digital images. In the paper, MLP (MultiLayer Perceptrons), RBF (Radial Basis Function) and DNN (Deep Neural Networks) neural classification models are compared, generated using learning files acquired on the basis of information contained in digital photographs of five selected pests. In order to classify the pests, neural modeling methods were used, including digital image analysis techniques. The qualitative analysis of the neural models enabled the selection of optimal neuron topology that was characterized by the highest classification capability. As representative graphic features were selected five selected coefficients of shape and two defined graphical features of the classified objects. The created neuron model is dedicated as a core for computer systems supporting the decision processes occurring during apple production, particularly in the context of apple tree orchard pest protection automation.
A Prediction Tool for the Presence of Ceftriaxone-Resistant Uropathogens upon Hospital Admission
Authors: Li Nancy Yanzhe , Poh Gang Quan , Teng Gladys Chung Wei , Chen Hui Hiong , Chan Douglas Su Gin , Chan Siew-Pang , Tambyah Paul Anantharajah , Bagdasarian Natasha , Wu Jia En
Published: June 2020

Antimicrobial resistance among uropathogens is a particularly pressing problem in the Asia-Pacific region. The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence and susceptibility of uropathogens upon hospital admission and to develop a risk-scoring model to predict the presence of ceftriaxone-resistance uropathogens (CrP). This was a retrospective observational cohort study of patients with a positive urine culture within 48 h of presentation at National University Hospital, Singapore between June 2015 and August 2015. Escherichia coli was the most common uropathogen isolated (51.7%), followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (15.1%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.2%). Overall, 372 out of 869 isolates (42.8%) were resistant to ceftriaxone. Hospitalization for ≥2 days within past 30 days, antibiotic use within the past 3 months and male gender were associated with the presence of CrP. A risk score based on these parameters successfully predicted CrP with an area under the curve of 0.68. The risk score will help clinicians to accurately predict antibiotic resistance at the individual patient level and allow physicians to safely prescribe empiric ceftriaxone in patients at low risk of CrP, thus reducing the antibiotic selection pressure that is driving carbapenem resistance in hospitals throughout Asia.
Assessment of the In Vivo Antioxidant Activity of an Anthocyanin-Rich Bilberry Extract Using the Caenorhabditis elegans Model
Authors: González-Paramás Ana M. , Brighenti Virginia , Bertoni Laura , Marcelloni Laura , Ayuda-Durán Begoña , González-Manzano Susana , Pellati Federica , Santos-Buelga Celestino
Published: June 2020

Anthocyanins have been associated with several health benefits, although the responsible mechanisms are not well established yet. In the present study, an anthocyanin-rich extract from bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) was tested in order to evaluate its capacity to modulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and resistance to thermally induced oxidative stress, using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as an in vivo model. The assays were carried out with the wild-type N2 strain and the mutant strains daf-16(mu86) I and hsf-1(sy441), which were grown in the presence of two anthocyanin extract concentrations (5 and 10 μg/mL in the culture medium) and further subjected to thermal stress. The treatment with the anthocyanin extract at 5 μg/mL showed protective effects on the accumulation of ROS and increased thermal resistance in C. elegans, both in stressed and non-stressed young and aged worms. However, detrimental effects were observed in nematodes treated with 10 μg/mL, leading to a higher worm mortality rate compared to controls, which was interpreted as a hormetic response. These findings suggested that the effects of the bilberry extract on C. elegans might not rely on its direct antioxidant capacity, but other mechanisms could also be involved. Additional assays were performed in two mutant strains with loss-of-function for DAF-16 (abnormal DAuer Formation factor 16) and HSF-1 (Heat Shock Factor 1) transcription factors, which act downstream of the insulin/insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway. The results indicated that the modulation of these factors could be behind the improvement in the resistance against thermal stress produced by bilberry anthocyanins in young individuals, whereas they do not totally explain the effects produced in worms in the post-reproductive development stage. Further experiments are needed to continue uncovering the mechanisms behind the biological effects of anthocyanins in living organisms, as well as to establish whether they fall within the hormesis concept.
Cold Waves in East China and Their Response to Two Types of Arctic Amplification
Authors: Tao Wei , Ni Yuman , Lu Chuhan
Published: June 2020

Cold waves occur frequently in East China, with their cold air source in the Arctic. Changes in the Arctic are often linked with Arctic amplification. The circulation anomaly associated with Arctic amplification is often represented by Arctic Oscillation (AO). In recent years, storms have frequently invaded the central Arctic region, resulting in dramatic changes in Arctic environment. In this paper, based on correlation studies, composite analysis, and case studies, the remote effects of the old and storm-induced Arctic amplification are compared, especially with regard to their impact on cold waves in East China. The results show that the AO can shed light on the interannual variation of cold events intermittently, although it cannot explain the increasing trend of cold waves in the southern part of East China. However, this long-term trend correlates well with storm activity. Cyclones are becoming more active in the western Arctic and anticyclones are intensifying in the eastern Arctic. In this scenario, the storm-induced warm advection could enhance the ridge over northeast Eurasia, the Siberian High expands southeastward, and cold air accumulates in northeast Asia, which cools the northern part of East China directly. The circulation around the Siberian High leads to a northeast wind in the southern part of East China, which plays a vital role in snowstorms. This study could improve our understanding of the global effects of Arctic changes and could enhance the prediction skill of cold waves.
Low-Fouling Substrates for Plasmonic Sensing of Circulating Biomarkers in Biological Fluids
Authors: Mauriz Elba
Published: June 2020

The monitoring of biomarkers in body fluids provides valuable prognostic information regarding disease onset and progression. Most biosensing approaches use noninvasive screening tools and are conducted in order to improve early clinical diagnosis. However, biofouling of the sensing surface may disturb the quantification of circulating biomarkers in complex biological fluids. Thus, there is a great need for antifouling interfaces to be designed in order to reduce nonspecific adsorption and prevent inactivation of biological receptors and loss of sensitivity. To address these limitations and enable their application in clinical practice, a variety of plasmonic platforms have been recently developed for biomarker analysis in easily accessible biological fluids. This review presents an overview of the latest advances in the design of antifouling strategies for the detection of clinically relevant biomarkers on the basis of the characteristics of biological samples. The impact of nanoplasmonic biosensors as point-of-care devices has been examined for a wide range of biomarkers associated with cancer, inflammatory, infectious and neurodegenerative diseases. Clinical applications in readily obtainable biofluids such as blood, saliva, urine, tears and cerebrospinal and synovial fluids, covering almost the whole range of plasmonic applications, from surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), are also discussed.
Appraisal of Motor Skills in a Sample of Students within the Moldavian Area
Authors: Onose Ionut , Abalasei Beatrice Aurelia , Onose Raluca Mihaela , Albu Adriana
Published: June 2020

The selection of children for training in a certain sports branch should be based on the assessment of their physical development and their motor skills. The aim of the study: the evaluation of the students’ motor skills in relation to Body Mass Index (BMI) in order to orient them towards certain sports branches. Methods: The research study was conducted on a sample of 220 fifth grade students within the Moldavian Area. We have calculated the BMI and we have assessed the motor skills according to the national standards established for each school grade. Results: The BMI values are mainly normal (75.45%), yet there are significant differences in development between students in the three counties under analysis, with the most significant values recorded in the county of Suceava (18.48 ± 0.45 for boys and 18.06 ± 0.48 for girls). As far as the push-ups test grading is concerned, 8.63% of the students achieved below 5; there are also significant differences from one region to another (the highest values were recorded in Iasi 11.05 ± 1.00 for boys, 9.93 ± 0.97 for girls, in Suceava 7.98 ± 0.89 for boys and 4.18 ± 0.46 for girls and in Vrancea 9.97 ± 0.48 for boys and 7.70 ± 0.33 for girls). Softball throw was perfectly executed and graded with 10 by 59.09% of the students. Standing long jump was graded with 10 for only 30.45% of the students. The differences obtained according to p-value indicated considerable differences for all motor skills tests and for all study groups. Conclusions: there are substantial differences in children’s physical development and motor skills from one county to another and this aspect is essential in the selection of young people who will practice high performance sports.
Loss of Close Relationships and Loss of Religious Belonging as Cumulative Ostracism: From Social Death to Social Resurrection
Authors: Zamperini Adriano , Menegatto Marialuisa , Mostacchi Miriam , Barbagallo Simone , Testoni Ines
Published: June 2020

Background: Ostracism is a negative experience that has been studied primarily in laboratory settings. This study extends current research by investigating ostracism in daily life, analyzing the transition from social death to social resurrection of Catholic partners who suffered ostracism both in the couple (with the consequent divorce) and in the religious community they belong to (ban from religious practices). Therefore, we introduce the notion of ‘cumulative ostracism’. Method: Data are composed of the biographical narratives of n = 25 participants in a religious experience group in a period of 7 months. A narrative analysis was used within the framework of the temporal need–threat model. Results: Participants’ narratives are consistent with the temporal need–threat model. The ostracism experience, both in the couple and in the religious group, is characterized by the sequence: immediate stage, coping stage and resignation stage. Moreover, the cumulative ostracism suffered by the participants presents an analogy with the cumulative trauma that occurs in intra-family abuse. Social resurrection occurs through the encounter with a new religious group that allows ostracized people to experience a Catholic religious affiliation again. Conclusions: Our findings reflect the existing theory and add to the existing laboratory research by capturing ostracism-unique dynamics in real life.
Complementary Use of Carbohydrate Antigens Lewis a, Lewis b, and Sialyl-Lewis a (CA19.9 Epitope) in Gastrointestinal Cancers: Biological Rationale towards a Personalized Clinical Application
Authors: Indellicato Rossella , Zulueta Aida , Caretti Anna , Trinchera Marco
Published: June 2020

Carbohydrate antigen 19.9 (CA19.9) is used as a tumor marker for clinical and research purposes assuming that it is abundantly produced by gastrointestinal cancer cells due to a cancer-associated aberrant glycosylation favoring its synthesis. Recent data has instead suggested a different picture, where immunodetection on tissue sections matches biochemical and molecular data. In addition to CA19.9, structurally related carbohydrate antigens Lewis a and Lewis b are, in fact, undetectable in colon cancer, due to the down-regulation of a galactosyltransferase necessary for their synthesis. In the pancreas, no differential expression of CA19.9 or cognate glycosyltransferases occurs in cancer. Ductal cells only express such Lewis antigens in a pattern affected by the relative levels of each glycosyltransferase, which are genetically and epigenetically determined. The elevation of circulating antigens seems to depend on the obstruction of neoplastic ducts and loss of polarity occurring in malignant ductal cells. Circulating Lewis a and Lewis b are indeed promising candidates for monitoring pancreatic cancer patients that are negative for CA19.9, but not for improving the low diagnostic performance of such an antigen. Insufficient biological data are available for gastric and bile duct cancer. Studying each patient in a personalized manner determining all Lewis antigens in the surgical specimens and in the blood, together with the status of the tissue-specific glycosylation machinery, promises fruitful advances in translational research and clinical practice.
DFT Study on Mechanisms of the N2O Direct Catalytic Decomposition over Cu-ZSM-5: The Detailed Investigation on NO Formation Mechanism
Authors: Gao Congru , Li Jianwei , Zhang Jie , Sun Xiuliang
Published: June 2020

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an industrial emission that causes the greenhouse effect and damages the ozone layer. Density functional theory study on the N2O direct catalytic decomposition over Cu–ZSM-5 has been performed in this paper. Two possible reaction mechanisms for N2O direct catalytic decomposition over Cu-ZSM-5 were proposed (O2 formation mechanism and Nitric oxide (NO) formation mechanism). The geometrical parameters, vibration frequency and thermodynamic data of the intermediate states in each step have been examined. The results indicate that N2O can be adsorbed on active site Cu in two ways (O-terminal or N-terminal), and N2O decomposition reactions can occur in both cases. The NO formation mechanism exhibits higher N2O dissociation reaction due to lower energy barrier.
A Novel Hybrid Secure Image Encryption Based on the Shuffle Algorithm and the Hidden Attractor Chaos System
Authors: Jin Xin , Duan Xintao , Jin Hang , Ma Yuanyuan
Published: June 2020

Aiming at the problems of small key space, low security of encryption structure, and easy to crack existing image encryption algorithms combining chaotic system and DNA sequence, this paper proposes an image encryption algorithm based on a hidden attractor chaotic system and shuffling algorithm. Firstly, the chaotic sequence generated by the hidden attractor chaotic system is used to encrypt the image. The shuffling algorithm is used to scramble the image, and finally, the DNA sequence operation is used to diffuse the pixel value of the image. Experimental results show that the key space of the scheme reaches 2327 and is very sensitive to keys. The histogram of encrypted images is evenly distributed. The correlation coefficient of adjacent pixels is close to 0. The entropy values of encrypted images are all close to eight and the unified average change intensity (UACI) value and number of pixel changing rate (NPCR) value are close to ideal values. All-white and all-black image experiments meet the requirements. Experimental results show that the encryption scheme in this paper can effectively resist exhaustive attacks, statistical attacks, differential cryptanalysis, known plaintext and selected plaintext attacks, and noise attacks. The above research results show that the system has better encryption performance, and the proposed scheme is useful and practical in communication and can be applied to the field of image encryption.
Lie Group Statistics and Lie Group Machine Learning Based on Souriau Lie Groups Thermodynamics & Koszul-Souriau-Fisher Metric: New Entropy Definition as Generalized Casimir Invariant Function in Coadjoint Representation
Authors: Barbaresco Frédéric
Published: June 2020

In 1969, Jean-Marie Souriau introduced a “Lie Groups Thermodynamics” in Statistical Mechanics in the framework of Geometric Mechanics. This Souriau’s model considers the statistical mechanics of dynamic systems in their “space of evolution” associated to a homogeneous symplectic manifold by a Lagrange 2-form, and defines in case of non null cohomology (non equivariance of the coadjoint action on the moment map with appearance of an additional cocyle) a Gibbs density (of maximum entropy) that is covariant under the action of dynamic groups of physics (e.g., Galileo’s group in classical physics). Souriau Lie Group Thermodynamics was also addressed 30 years after Souriau by R.F. Streater in the framework of Quantum Physics by Information Geometry for some Lie algebras, but only in the case of null cohomology. Souriau method could then be applied on Lie groups to define a covariant maximum entropy density by Kirillov representation theory. We will illustrate this method for homogeneous Siegel domains and more especially for Poincaré unit disk by considering SU(1,1) group coadjoint orbit and by using its Souriau’s moment map. For this case, the coadjoint action on moment map is equivariant. For non-null cohomology, we give the case of Lie group SE(2). Finally, we will propose a new geometric definition of Entropy that could be built as a generalized Casimir invariant function in coadjoint representation, and Massieu characteristic function, dual of Entropy by Legendre transform, as a generalized Casimir invariant function in adjoint representation, where Souriau cocycle is a measure of the lack of equivariance of the moment mapping.
Energy Shaping Control for Wireless Power Transfer System in Automatic Guided Vehicles
Authors: Chen Wenjie , Liu Jia , Chen Si , Zhang Liyan
Published: June 2020

This paper proposes an energy shaping controller of a DC/DC converter for automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) wireless power transfer (WPT). A transformer is inserted after the LCC topology to improve the transfer power, and the DC/DC boost converter is added before this topology to obtain desired systematic power dynamically. The system power transfer model is derived based on the idea of voltage transformation and the desired power can be implemented indirectly through regulating desired output voltage of DC/DC converter. With the proposed controller, this WPT system will have a much better dynamic performance and the effective working time can be increased significantly. Furthermore, this paper proposes dynamical regulation strategy for output power to get real time target power according to the charging curve of the battery. Simulation and experimental results verified the control performance of the proposed control scheme. A WPT prototype with power up to 1.65 kW was built, and 92.12% efficiency from DC power source to battery load is achieved, which is 4% higher than that obtained by the conventional PID method.
Effect of Synthesis Temperature on Structure and Electrochemical Performance of Spinel-Layered Li1.33MnTiO4+z in Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Vu Ngoc Hung , Dao Van-Duong , Tran Huu Ha , Im Won Bin
Published: June 2020

Herein, the spinel-layered cathode material Li1.33MnTiO4+z (0.8LiMnTiO4•0.2Li2Mn0.5Ti0.5O3) is investigated for the purpose of developing a high-capacity, low-cost, and environmentally friendly cathode for Li-ion batteries. Sol-gel synthesis is conducted and the relationships between synthesis temperature, structure, and electrochemical performance of the cathodes are studied. The effects of size and purity on the capacities of these cathodes are discussed. The samples fired at 500 and 600 °C contain an impurity phase of TiO2, thus delivering capacities of 208 and 210 mAh g−1 at C/10, respectively. The sample fired at 700 °C without the impurity phase of TiO2 shows a high capacity of 222 mAh g−1 at C/10 and capacity retention of 90.5% after 100 cycles at 1C.
Modeling Framework Simulating the TERRE Activation Optimization Function
Authors: Roumkos Christos , Biskas Pandelis , Marneris Ilias
Published: June 2020

The Trans-European Replacement Reserve Exchange (TERRE) project is the European implementation project for exchanging Balancing Energy (BE) from Replacement Reserves (RR). Its main objective is to operate a common European platform that gathers all RR Balancing Energy Orders (BEOs) from Transmission System Operators’ (TSOs) local BE markets into a Common Merit Order List (CMOL). It provides an optimized allocation of RR, covering all TSOs’ RR BE needs, by executing the Activation Optimization Function (AOF). In this paper, the mathematical formulation of the AOF is presented, which explicitly incorporates all standard products and constraints that are provisioned in the approved implementation framework. The clearing problem is formulated as a Mixed Integer Linear Programming model and solved within an iterative algorithm for the handling of Paradoxically Accepted Orders (PAOs). The modeling framework allows the coordination of two distinct market setups, i.e., the self-dispatch and central dispatch. To this end, a BEO conversion pre-process is executed for markets applying the central-dispatch setup, in order to attain the BE quantities for inclusion in the CMOL. The proposed model is evaluated using a test case including six countries that participate in the TERRE project (Portugal, Spain, France, Great Britain, Switzerland, Italy) as well as Greece.
Development of an Efficient Tool for Solar Charging Station Management for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Steinschaden Simon , Baptista José
Published: June 2020

One important goal of the climate commitment in the European Union (EU) is to reduce primary energy demand in the transport sector and increase the use of renewables, since around 33% of primary energy is consumed in this sector. Therefore, the EU ordered its member states to raise the number of electric vehicles (EVs) within Europe. Consequently, the energy demand for electricity will rise as a function of the number of EVs. To avoid local grid overload and guarantee a higher percentage of clean energy, EV charging stations can be supported by a combined system of grid-connected photovoltaic modules and battery storage. In this paper, the focus lies on the feasibility and economic aspects of such systems. To provide an overview of the different e-charging station combinations, a support tool was modelled and developed, making it possible to size and manage EVs charging stations with only a few input parameters. Thanks to its easy handling, the tool suits a wide spectrum of users. Due to enhanced optional settings, this tool is suitable for detailed input parameters for professionals as well. Input categories are basically divided into the photovoltaic (PV) system, battery storage, the charging station itself, and investment analysis. The tool supports decisions for solar charging stations designed for different parking locations like offices, schools, and public and private places.
Survey and Classification of Business Models for the Energy Transformation
Authors: Giehl Johannes , Göcke Hayri , Grosse Benjamin , Kochems Johannes , Müller-Kirchenbauer Joachim
Published: June 2020

The energy transformation is changing the structure of the energy sector in Europe and Germany. In this paper the current structure of the energy sector is analysed both empirically as well as theoretically. Therefore, the authors have developed the business model framework for the energy transformation (BMFE). The framework is a synthesis of classical business model designs. An exhaustive survey of existing business models based on primary data collection and a literature review leads to 638 business models. Finally, 69 prototypical business models of the energy sector are the result of the classification of these business models. The information of the business models within the BMFE is applied to show the growing importance of value creation networks in energy industry. The work represents the current status of the business models in the energy sector.
An Innovative Adaptive Droop Control Based on Available Energy for DC Micro Distribution Grids
Authors: Nguyen Huu Duc
Published: June 2020

DC distribution grids are increasingly a promising solution for wind and solar integration due to good matching with DC output voltage such as photovoltaic (PV) array systems, distributed battery storage systems (BESS) and electric vehicles. To overcome the control problems involving coordination control schemes of multi-BESSs in real-time as well as operation strategies of DC grids in the long-term, this paper presents the effective adaptive coordinated droop control of multi-battery energy storage systems (MBESSs) in DC distribution grids. The adaptive coordinated droop is proposed according to the available energy levels in BESSs. With the proposed method, the dual-objectives, which are stabilization of DC voltages especially through disturbance for instance outage of BESS and enhancement of State of Charge (SOC)-balance speed among BESSs, can be achieved. Analytical derivations are established to investigate the impacts of the adaptive method. Meanwhile, the influence of the proposed method on the stability is presented.
Impact of Pretreatment on Hydrothermally Carbonized Spruce
Authors: Partridge Anna , Sermyagina Ekaterina , Vakkilainen Esa
Published: June 2020

Upgrading biomass waste streams can improve economics in wood industries by adding value to the process. This work considers use of a hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process for the residual feedstock after lignin and hemicelluloses extraction. Batch experiments were performed at 200–240 °C temperatures and three hours residence time with an 8:1 biomass to water ratio for two feedstocks: Raw spruce and spruce after lignin extraction. The proximate analysis and heating value showed similar results for both feedstocks, indicating that the thermochemical conversion is not impacted by the removal of lignin and hemicelluloses; the pretreatment processing slightly increases the heating value of the treated feedstock, but the HTC conversion process produces a consistent upgrading trend for both the treated and untreated feedstocks. The energy yield was 9.7 percentage points higher for the treated wood on average across the range temperatures due to the higher mass yield in the treated experiments. The energy densification ratio and the mass yield were strongly correlated with reaction temperature, while the energy yield was not. Lignocellulosic composition of the solid HTC product is mainly affected by HTC treatment, the effect of lignin extraction is negligible.
Potentially Toxic Elements in Urban Soils of Havana, Cuba
Authors: Moreno-Alvarez Juan Miguel , Orellana-Gallego Rosa , Fernandez-Marcos Maria Luisa
Published: June 2020

Urban soils are characterised by a strong anthropogenic influence. Potentially toxic elements were studied in various horizons of 35 urban soils in Havana, Cuba, classified as Urbic or Garbic Technosols. Pseudo-total, available, and acid-oxalate extractable concentrations were determined. The pseudo-total concentrations were generally higher than the average values for the world’s soils but similar to those published for urban soils. In a few cases, very high values of copper or lead were found. Nickel and chromium concentrations exceeded the maximum allowable concentrations for agricultural soils in 22% and 12% of samples. Vanadium concentrations were always very high. There was minimum enrichment of most samples in Co, Mn, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Ni, but outliers reached moderate or significant enrichment. Enrichment was significant for V, while for Pb, Zn, and Hg the median values denoted moderate enrichment, but outliers reached significant enrichment in Zn and extremely high enrichment in Pb and Hg. The available elements amounted to between 0.07% of the pseudo-total vanadium and 30% lead and cadmium. The published toxicity limits for bioavailable Cd, Mn, Ni, and Pb were exceeded in 14%, 39%, 10%, and 56% of samples, respectively. The concentrations of pseudo-total total iron, cobalt, chromium, and nickel, and available cobalt, nickel and titanium were significantly lower in soils with gleyic properties (reducing conditions).
Oxidative Stability of Protease Treated Peanut with Reduced Allergenicity
Authors: Yu Jianmei , Smith Ivy N. , Idris Nadia , Gregory Nicole , Mikiashvili Nona
Published: June 2020

Oxidative stability and allergenicity are two major concerns of peanuts. This study evaluated the impact of protease treatment of peanuts on its oxidative stability during storage. The raw and dry-roasted peanut kernels were hydrolyzed with Alcalase solution at pH 7.5 for 3 h. The contents of Ara h 1, Ara h 2, and Ara h 6 in peanuts were determined before and after enzyme treatment by a sandwich ELISA. After drying, the samples were packed in eight amber glass jars and stored at 37 °C for 1–8 weeks. Controls are untreated raw and dry-roasted peanuts packed and stored in the same way as their treated counterparts. Samples were taken biweekly to determine peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as indicators of oxidation (n = 3), and to determine antioxidant activity. Alcalase treatment reduced intact major allergens Ara h 1, Ara h 2, and Ara h 6 by 100%, 99.8%, and 85%, respectively. The PVs of Alcalase-treated raw and roasted peanuts was lower than those of untreated (p < 0.05) over the 8-week storage. The TBARS of Alcalase-treated raw peanuts were slightly higher than that of untreated (p < 0.05), but the TBARS of Alcalase-treated dry-roasted peanuts were slightly but significantly lower than that of untreated (p < 0.05). The protease treatment increased the antioxidant activities including reducing power, DPPH free radical scavenging capacity, and metal chelating capacity of peanuts.
Polycomb Repression without Bristles: Facultative Heterochromatin and Genome Stability in Fungi
Authors: Ridenour John B. , Möller Mareike , Freitag Michael
Published: June 2020

Genome integrity is essential to maintain cellular function and viability. Consequently, genome instability is frequently associated with dysfunction in cells and associated with plant, animal, and human diseases. One consequence of relaxed genome maintenance that may be less appreciated is an increased potential for rapid adaptation to changing environments in all organisms. Here, we discuss evidence for the control and function of facultative heterochromatin, which is delineated by methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me) in many fungi. Aside from its relatively well understood role in transcriptional repression, accumulating evidence suggests that H3K27 methylation has an important role in controlling the balance between maintenance and generation of novelty in fungal genomes. We present a working model for a minimal repressive network mediated by H3K27 methylation in fungi and outline challenges for future research.
Modelling with Volna-OP2—Towards Tsunami Threat Reduction for the Irish Coastline
Authors: Giles Daniel , McConnell Brian , Dias Frédéric
Published: June 2020

Tsunamis are infrequent events that have the potential to be extremely destructive. The last major tsunami to effect the Irish coastline was the Lisbon 1755 event. That event acts as a candidate worst case scenario for hazard assessment and the impacts on the Irish Coastline are presented here. As there is no general consensus on the 1755 earthquake source, multiple sources highlighted in the literature are investigated. These sources are used to generate the initial conditions and the resultant tsunami waves are simulated with the massively parallelised Volna-OP2 finite volume tsunami code. The hazard associated with the event is captured on three gradated levels. A reduced faster than real time tsunami ensemble is produced for the North-East Atlantic on a regional level in 93 s using two Nvidia V100 GPUs. By identifying the most vulnerable sections of the Irish coastline from this regional forecast, some locally refined simulations are further carried out in a faster than real time setting. As arrival times on the coastline can be on the O (mins), these faster than real time reduced ensembles are of great benefit for tsunami warning. Volna-OP2’s capabilities in this respect are clearly demonstrated here. Finally, high resolution inundation simulations, which build upon the ensemble results, are carried out. To date this study provides the best estimate of assessing the hazard associated with a Lisbon-type tsunami event for the Irish coastline. The results of the inundation mapping highlight that along the vulnerable sections of coastline, inundation is constrained to low-lying areas with maximum run-up heights of 3.4 m being found.
Objective Work-Related Factors, Job Satisfaction and Depression: An Empirical Study among Internal Migrants in China
Authors: Zhang Nannan , Chai Dinghong
Published: June 2020

This study examines the associations between objective work-related factors, job satisfaction and depression among migrants in China. Data from a representative sample of Chinese migrants named Management and Services of Migrants Study (MSMS) were used after excluding 1068 self-employed participants. We employed multivariate linear regression analysis. Depression was measured by the Centre for Epidemiologic Study Depression (C-ESD) scale. Objective work-related factors included firm size, job classification, mode of employment, working hours per week, union membership and working overtime compulsorily. Measurement of job satisfaction was derived from the Job Descriptive Index. We found that migrants in the sales/services sector and the clerical/technical/managerial sector had more depressive symptoms compared with those in the manufacturing/transportation sector. Working more than 55 h per week was associated with more depressive symptoms. Working overtime compulsorily and joining a labour union were all associated with more depressive symptoms. In addition, job satisfaction was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. The research findings on the relationship between work-related factors and depressive symptoms may serve as a guide for vocational rehabilitation counselling programs and for further research on depression in workplaces.
Exposure to Toenail Heavy Metals and Child Behavior Problems in Nine-Year-Old Children: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Karatela Shamshad , Coomarasamy Christin , Paterson Janis , Ward Neil I.
Published: June 2020

Behavioral problems are multifactorial and includes perinatal, maternal, family, parenting, socio-economic and personal risk factors, but less is known about the association of postnatal heavy metals on children’s behavioral problems in Pacific Island children. Methods: A cohort of eligible nine-year-old children within a Pacific Island Families longitudinal study were recruited for a cross-sectional study. Child behavior problems were assessed using the child behavior checklist. Heavy metals (including Ni, Cu, Pb, Al, Cr and Cd) were determined in toenails, after acid digestion and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Other factors such as lifestyle (smoking in pregnancy), health outcomes (obesity, health status), demographics (gender, ethnicity, parents’ marital status) and socioeconomic status (household income levels) were also collected. The statistical analysis included t-tests for independent sample and Mann–Whitney U-test, and chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests of independence for comparisons of the proportions. Regression models tested the hypothesized risk factors for behavior outcomes. Results: This observational study enrolled 278 eligible Pacific Island children living in Auckland, New Zealand. The prevalence of behavioral problems in the clinical range was high (22%) but there was no significant association between heavy metals in toenails and adverse behavioral outcomes. Conclusion: Regular monitoring and assessments of children for environmental risk factors, as well as social and lifestyle factors for behavior problems, continues. Alternative indicators of exposure to heavy metal should be evaluated.
Preparedness and Preventive Behaviors for a Pandemic Disaster Caused by COVID-19 in Serbia
Authors: Cvetković Vladimir M. , Nikolić Neda , Radovanović Nenadić Una , Öcal Adem , K. Noji Eric , Zečević Miodrag
Published: June 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The disease was first detected in Wuhan, the capital of China’s Hubei province, in December 2019 and has since spread globally, especially to Europe and North America, resulting in the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic disaster of 2019–2020. Although most cases have mild symptoms, there is some progression to viral pneumonia and multi-organ failure and death. More than 4.6 million cases have been registered across 216 countries and territories as of 19 April 2020, resulting in more than 311,000 deaths. Risk to communities with continued widespread disease transmission depends on characteristics of the virus, including how well it spreads between people; the severity of resulting illness; and the medical or other measures available to control the impact of the virus (for example, vaccines or medications that can treat the illness) and the relative success of these. In the absence of vaccines or medications, non-pharmaceutical interventions were the most important response strategy based on community interventions such as person-to-person distancing, mask-wearing, isolation and good personal hygiene (hand-washing)—all of which have been demonstrated can reduce the impact of this seemingly unstoppable globally spreading natural disaster. This paper presents the results of quantitative research regarding the level of citizen preparedness for disasters caused by coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Serbia. The survey was conducted using a questionnaire that was requested and then collected online among 975 respondents during disaster in April 2020. The questionnaire examined citizens’ basic socio-economic and demographic characteristics, their knowledge, preparedness, risk perception and preventive measures taken individually and as a community to prevent the death and widespread transmission of novel coronavirus disease 2019 in the Republic of Serbia. Based on the findings that there are major differences in the public’s perception of risks posed by communicable disease threats such as presented by COVID-19, emergency management agencies should use these differences to develop targeted strategies to enhance community and national preparedness by promoting behavioral change and improving risk management decision-making.