bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Present Status, Limitations and Future Directions of Treatment Strategies Using Fucoidan-Based Therapies in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Miyata Yasuyoshi , Matsuo Tomohiro , Ohba Kojiro , Mitsunari Kensuke , Mukae Yuta , Otsubo Asato , Harada Junki , Matsuda Tsuyoshi , Kondo Tsubasa , Sakai Hideki
Published: December 2020

Bladder cancer (BC) is a common urological cancer, with poor prognosis for advanced/metastatic stages. Various intensive treatments, including radical cystectomy, chemotherapy, immune therapy, and radiotherapy are commonly used for these patients. However, these treatments often cause complications and adverse events. Therefore, researchers are exploring the efficacy of natural product-based treatment strategies in BC patients. Fucoidan, derived from marine brown algae, is recognized as a multi-functional and safe substrate, and has been reported to have anti-cancer effects in various types of malignancies. Additionally, in vivo and in vitro studies have reported the protective effects of fucoidan against cancer-related cachexia and chemotherapeutic agent-induced adverse events. In this review, we have introduced the anti-cancer effects of fucoidan extracts in BC and highlighted its molecular mechanisms. We have also shown the anti-cancer effects of fucoidan therapy with conventional chemotherapeutic agents and new treatment strategies using fucoidan-based nanoparticles in various malignancies. Moreover, apart from the improvement of anti-cancer effects by fucoidan, its protective effects against cancer-related disorders and cisplatin-induced toxicities have been introduced. However, the available information is insufficient to conclude the clinical usefulness of fucoidan-based treatments in BC patients. Therefore, we have indicated the aspects that need to be considered regarding fucoidan-based treatments and future directions for the treatment of BC.
Correction: Sundararajan, V., et al. SNAI1-Driven Sequential EMT Changes Attributed by Selective Chromatin Enrichment of RAD21 and GRHL2. Cancers 2020, 12, 1140
Authors: Sundararajan Vignesh , Tan Ming , Tan Tuan Zea , Pang Qing You , Ye Jieru , Chung Vin Yee , Huang Ruby Yun-Ju
Published: December 2020

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
A Prospective Phase II Study Evaluating Intraoperative Electrochemotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Djokic Mihajlo , Cemazar Maja , Bosnjak Masa , Dezman Rok , Badovinac David , Miklavcic Damijan , Kos Bor , Stabuc Miha , Stabuc Borut , Jansa Rado , Popovic Peter , Smid Lojze M. , Sersa Gregor , Trotovsek Blaz
Published: December 2020

The aim of this clinical study was to investigate the effectiveness and long-term safety of electrochemotherapy as an emerging treatment for HCC in patients not suitable for other treatment options. A prospective phase II clinical study was conducted in patients with primary HCC who were not suitable for other treatment options according to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification. A total of 24 patients with 32 tumors were treated by electrochemotherapy. The procedure was effective, feasible, and safe with some procedure-related side effects. The responses of the 32 treated nodules were: 84.4% complete response (CR), 12.5% partial response (PR), and 3.1% stable disease (SD). The treatment was equally effective for nodules located centrally and peripherally. Electrochemotherapy provided a durable response with local tumor control over 50 months of observation in 78.0% of nodules. The patient responses were: 79.2% CR and 16.6% PR. The median progression-free survival was 12 months (range 2.7–50), and the overall survival over 5 years of observation was 72.0%. This prospective phase II clinical study showed that electrochemotherapy was an effective, feasible, and safe option for treating HCC in patients not suitable for other treatment options.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Quinoline Yellow over Ag3PO4
Authors: Tab Asma , Dahmane Mohamed , Chemseddin Belabed , Bellal Bachir , Trari Mohamed , Richard Claire
Published: December 2020

In this study, the ability of Ag3PO4 to achieve the photocatalytic degradation of quinoline yellow (QY) a hazardous and recalcitrant dye, under UVA and visible light was investigated. The photocatalyst Ag3PO4 was synthesized through a precipitation method, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), BET Brunauer–Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, UV-Differential Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Ag3PO4 could successfully induce the photocatalytic degradation of QY under UVA and visible light. Optimal parameters were 0.5 g·L−1 of the catalyst, 20 ppm of QY and pH~7. Ag3PO4 was 1.6-times more efficient than TiO2 Degussa P25 under UVA light in degrading QY. Total organic carbon (TOC) analyses confirmed the almost complete QY mineralization. At least eight intermediate degradation products were identified by liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. The stability of Ag3PO4 was satisfactory as less than 5% Ag metal appeared in XRD analyses after 3 reuse cycles. These results show that under optimized conditions Ag3PO4 can efficiently achieve quinolone yellow mineralization.
Understanding Hydrodechlorination of Chloromethanes. Past and Future of the Technology
Authors: Liu Sichen , Otero Javier A. , Martin-Martinez Maria , Rodriguez-Franco Daniel , Rodriguez Juan J. , Gómez-Sainero Luisa M.
Published: December 2020

Chloromethanes are a group of volatile organic compounds that are harmful to the environment and human health. Abundant studies have verified that hydrodechlorination might be an effective treatment to remove these chlorinated pollutants. The most outstanding advantages of this technique are the moderate operating conditions used and the possibility of obtaining less hazardous valuable products. This review presents a global analysis of experimental and theoretical studies regarding the hydrodechlorination of chloromethanes. The catalysts used and their synthesis methods are summarized. Their physicochemical properties are analyzed in order to deeply understand their influence on the catalytic performance. Moreover, the main causes of the catalyst deactivation are explained, and prevention and regeneration methods are suggested. The reaction systems used and the effect of the operating conditions on the catalytic activity are also analyzed. Besides, the mechanisms and kinetics of the process at the atomic level are reviewed. Finally, a new perspective for the upgrading of chloromethanes, via hydrodechlorination, to valuable hydrocarbons for industry, such as light olefins, is discussed.
Photocatalytic Decomposition of Acetaldehyde on Different TiO2-Based Materials: A Review
Authors: Tryba Beata , Rychtowski Piotr , Markowska-Szczupak Agata , Przepiórski Jacek
Published: December 2020

Purification of air from the organic contaminants by the photocatalytic process has been confirmed to be very perspective. Although many various photocatalysts have been prepared and studied so far, TiO2 is still the most commonly used, because of its advantageous properties such as non-toxicity, relatively low cost and high stability. Surface modifications of TiO2 were extensively proceeded in order to increase photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst under both UV and visible light activations. The intention of this review paper was to summarize the scientific achievements devoted to developing of TiO2-based materials considered as photocatalysts for the photocatalytic degradation of acetaldehyde in air. Influence of the preparation and modification methods on the parameters of the resultant photocatalyst is reviewed and discussed in this work. Affinity of the photocatalyst surfaces towards adsorption of acetaldehyde will be described by taking into account its physicochemical parameters. Impact of the contact time of a pollutant with the photocatalyst surface is analyzed and discussed with respect to both the degradation rate and mineralization degree of the contaminant. Influence of the photocatalyst properties on the mechanism and yield of the photocatalytic reactions is discussed. New data related to the acetaldehyde decomposition on commercial TiO2 were added, which indicated the different mechanisms occurring on the anatase and rutile structures. Finally, possible applications of the materials revealing photocatalytic activity are presented with a special attention paid to the photocatalytic purification of air from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
The Role of BAR Proteins and the Glycocalyx in Brain Endothelium Transcytosis
Authors: Leite Diana M. , Matias Diana , Battaglia Giuseppe
Published: December 2020

Within the brain, endothelial cells lining the blood vessels meticulously coordinate the transport of nutrients, energy metabolites and other macromolecules essential in maintaining an appropriate activity of the brain. While small molecules are pumped across specialised molecular transporters, large macromolecular cargos are shuttled from one side to the other through membrane-bound carriers formed by endocytosis on one side, trafficked to the other side and released by exocytosis. Such a process is collectively known as transcytosis. The brain endothelium is recognised to possess an intricate vesicular endosomal network that mediates the transcellular transport of cargos from blood-to-brain and brain-to-blood. However, mounting evidence suggests that brain endothelial cells (BECs) employ a more direct route via tubular carriers for a fast and efficient transport from the blood to the brain. Here, we compile the mechanism of transcytosis in BECs, in which we highlight intracellular trafficking mediated by tubulation, and emphasise the possible role in transcytosis of the Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) proteins and glycocalyx (GC)—a layer of sugars covering BECs, in transcytosis. Both BAR proteins and the GC are intrinsically associated with cell membranes and involved in the modulation and shaping of these membranes. Hence, we aim to summarise the machinery involved in transcytosis in BECs and highlight an uncovered role of BAR proteins and the GC at the brain endothelium.
Endothelium-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Associate with Poor Prognosis in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Nanou Afroditi , Mol Linda , Coumans Frank A. W. , Koopman Miriam , Punt Cornelis J. A. , Terstappen Leon W. M. M.
Published: December 2020

Elevated, tumor-derived extracellular vesicle (tdEV) and circulating tumor cell (CTC) loads in metastatic cancer are associated with poor clinical outcome. Herein, we investigate whether endothelium-derived extracellular vesicles (edEVs) can be detected in the blood of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients, and whether those vesicles associate with prognosis. The open-source ACCEPT (Automated CTC Classification, Enumeration, and Phenotyping) software was used to enumerate edEVs, tdEVs, and other objects from digitally stored CellSearch images acquired after CTC and circulating endothelial cell (CEC) enrichment from the blood of 395 mCRC patients before the initiation of a new therapy. Patients had participated in the prospective phase III CAIRO2 study. The presence of edEVs was found 5- to 10-fold higher than CECs. The hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) of progression-free survival (PFS) for increased CTCs (≥3 in 7.5 mL), tdEVs (≥40 in 7.5 mL), and edEVs (≥287 in 4.0 mL.) was 1.4 (1.1–1.9), 2.0 (1.5–2.6), and 1.7 (1.2–2.5), respectively. The HR of Overall Survival (OS) for increased CTCs, tdEVs and edEVs was 2.2 (1.7–3.0), 2.7 (2.0–3.5), and 2.1 (1.5–2.8), respectively. There was no cut-off value for CECs, leading to a dichotomization of patients with a significant HR. Only tdEVs remained a significant predictor of OS in the final multivariable model.
Different Calculation Strategies Are Congruent in Determining Chemotherapy Resistance of Brain Tumors In Vitro
Authors: Fischer Igor , Nickel Ann-Christin , Qin Nan , Taban Kübra , Pauck David , Steiger Hans-Jakob , Kamp Marcel , Muhammad Sajjad , Hänggi Daniel , Fritsche Ellen , Remke Marc , Kahlert Ulf Dietrich
Published: December 2020

In cancer pharmacology, a drug candidate’s therapeutic potential is typically expressed as its ability to suppress cell growth. Different methods in assessing the cell phenotype and calculating the drug effect have been established. However, inconsistencies in drug response outcomes have been reported, and it is still unclear whether and to what extent the choice of data post-processing methods is responsible for that. Studies that systematically examine these questions are rare. Here, we compare three established calculation methods on a collection of nine in vitro models of glioblastoma, exposed to a library of 231 clinical drugs. The therapeutic potential of the drugs is determined on the growth curves, using growth inhibition 50% (GI50) and point-of-departure (PoD) as the criteria. An effect is detected on 36% of the drugs when relying on GI50 and on 27% when using PoD. For the area under the curve (AUC), a threshold of 9.5 or 10 could be set to discriminate between the drugs with and without an effect. GI50, PoD, and AUC are highly correlated. The ranking of substances by different criteria varies somewhat, but the group of the top 20 substances according to one criterion typically includes 17–19 top candidates according to another. In addition to generating preclinical values with high clinical potential, we present off-target appreciation of top substance predictions by interrogating the drug response data of non-cancer cells in our calculation technology.
Simple Development of Novel Reversible Colorimetric Thermometer Using Urea Organogel Embedded with Thermochromic Hydrazone Chromophore
Authors: Khattab Tawfik A. , El-Naggar Mehrez E. , Abdelrahman Meram S. , Aldalbahi Ali , Hatshan Mohammad Rafe
Published: December 2020

Thermochromic urea (U) organogel immobilized with a thermochromic tricyanofuran hydrazone (TCFH) chromophore was developed. Thermochromic TCFH chromophore bearing two nitro functional groups on a hydrazone recognition unit was synthesized via an azo-coupling reaction of tricyanofuran (TCF) heterocyclic moiety containing an active methyl group with the diazonium chloride salt of 2,4-dinitroaniline comprising two strongly electron-withdrawing nitro groups. The molecular structure of both intermediates and TCFH dye were characterized by several analytical methods, including 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, mass spectroscopy (MS), and elemental analysis. The thermochromic responsiveness could be attributed to the charge delocalization of TCFH as well as to the presence of an intramolecular charge transfer. The generated organogel displayed a thermoreversible sol–gel transition associated with color change. The origin of the monitored thermochromism is a conformational change of the tricyanofuran hydrazone backbone due to the temperature-driven deprotonation–protonation reversible process. The prepared urea–tricyanofuran hydrazone (UTCFH) thermometer acted as a diagnostic tool providing an instant color change between yellow, orange, red and purple upon changing the temperature of the UTCFH organogel in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). This color change was proportionally correlated with increasing the temperature from 44 to 63 °C. The UTCFH organogel composed of urea and push-π-pull hydrazone type tricyanofuran chromophore immobilized physically in the urea organogel was found to function as a temperature-driven chromic thermometer. This chromogenic UTCFH organogel in DMSO displayed a phase transition at 41–48 °C. The morphological properties of the gel internal fibrous nanostructure (80–120 nm) were monitored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The colorimetric measurements were monitored by UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. The chromogenic thermometer demonstrated a good reversibility without fatigue. The mechanism accounting for thermochromism of UTCFH organogel is proposed.
Prediction of Drug Potencies of BACE1 Inhibitors: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation and MM_GB(PB)SA Scoring
Authors: Hamed Mazen Y.
Published: December 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder. One of the important therapeutic approaches of AD is the inhibition of β-site APP cleaving enzyme-1 (BACE1). This enzyme plays a central role in the synthesis of the pathogenic β-amyloid peptides (Aβ) in Alzheimer’s disease. A group of potent BACE1 inhibitors with known X-ray structures (PDB ID 5i3X, 5i3Y, 5iE1, 5i3V, 5i3W, 4LC7, 3TPP) were studied by molecular dynamics simulation and binding energy calculation employing MM_GB(PB)SA. The calculated binding energies gave Kd values of 0.139 µM, 1.39 nM, 4.39 mM, 24.3 nM, 1.39 mM, 29.13 mM, and 193.07 nM, respectively. These inhibitors showed potent inhibitory activities in enzymatic and cell assays. The Kd values are compared with experimental values and the structures are discussed in view of the energy contributions to binding. Drug likeness of these inhibitors is also discussed. Accommodation of ligands in the catalytic site of BACE1 is discussed depending on the type of fragment involved in each structure. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and energy studies were used to explore the recognition of the selected BACE1 inhibitors by Asp32, Asp228, and the hydrophobic flap. The results show that selective BACE1 inhibition may be due to the formation of strong electrostatic interactions with Asp32 and Asp228 and a large number of hydrogen bonds, in addition to π–π and van der Waals interactions with the amino acid residues located inside the catalytic cavity. Interactions with the ligands show a similar binding mode with BACE1. These results help to rationalize the design of selective BACE1 inhibitors.
Diversity and Distribution of the Dominant Ant Genus Anonychomyrma (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Australian Wet Tropics
Authors: Leahy Lily , Scheffers Brett R. , Williams Stephen E. , Andersen Alan N.
Published: December 2020

Anonychomyrma is a dolichoderine ant genus of cool-temperate Gondwanan origin with a current distribution that extends from the north of southern Australia into the Australasian tropics. Despite its abundance and ecological dominance, little is known of its species diversity and distribution throughout its range. Here, we describe the diversity and distribution of Anonychomyrma in the Australian Wet Tropics bioregion, where only two of the many putative species are described. We hypothesise that the genus in tropical Australia retains a preference for cool wet rainforests reminiscent of the Gondwanan forests that once dominated Australia, but now only exist in upland habitats of the Wet Tropics. Our study was based on extensive recent surveys across five subregions and along elevation and vertical (arboreal) gradients. We integrated genetic (CO1) data with morphology to recognise 22 species among our samples, 20 of which appeared to be undescribed. As predicted, diversity and endemism were concentrated in uplands above 900 m a.s.l. Distribution modelling of the nine commonest species identified maximum temperature of the warmest month, rainfall seasonality, and rainfall of the wettest month as correlates of distributional patterns across subregions. Our study supported the notion that Anonychomyrma radiated from a southern temperate origin into the tropical zone, with a preference for areas of montane rainforest that were stably cool and wet over the late quaternary.
Resource Partitioning of Sympatric African Wolves (Canis lupaster) and Side-Striped Jackals (Canis adustus) in an Arid Environment from West Africa
Authors: Paúl Maria João , Layna Jorge F. , Monterroso Pedro , Álvares Francisco
Published: December 2020

Knowledge on interference competition between species, particularly for scarce crucial resources, such as water, is a topic of increasing relevance for wildlife management given climate change scenarios. This study focuses on two sympatric canids, the African wolf and the side-striped jackal, to evaluate their group size and spatiotemporal activity patterns in the use of a limited resource by monitoring artificial waterholes in a semi-arid environment located in Senegal (West Africa). Remote cameras were deployed at five artificial waterholes to evaluate the number of individuals, age and activity patterns of resource use. African wolves (n = 71; 31% of all carnivore detections) and side-striped jackals (n = 104; 45%) were the most detected carnivore species. While both canids tended to occur alone at waterholes, they showed an evident monthly variation in group size. Both species showed a high activity overlap, with a bimodal activity pattern in waterhole use. However, we found evidence of unidirectional spatiotemporal avoidance, suggesting African wolves might be dominant over side-striped jackals. Our findings provide useful insights to investigate niche partitioning on the use of limited resources and have conservation implications for regions with a prolonged dry season.
Introduction of a Simplified Psoriatic Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (sPsAMRIS): A Potential Tool for Treatment Monitoring in Peripheral Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Abrar Daniel B. , Schleich Christoph , Brinks Ralph , Goertz Christine , Frenken Miriam , Schneider Matthias , Nebelung Sven , Sewerin Philipp
Published: December 2020

Background: To evaluate whether a simplified (s) version of the psoriatic arthritis magnetic resonance imaging score (PsAMRIS), sPsAMRIS, is a potential tool for therapy monitoring in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods: Seventeen patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3 T of the clinically dominant hand at baseline and after 6 months. Scoring was performed by two musculoskeletal radiologists in terms of the PsAMRIS and sPsAMRIS, which is a simplified version with reduced item numbers based on prior evaluation of responsiveness to change by standardized response means (SRMs). Both scores were compared by calculation of overall and each sub-score’s SRMs and relative efficacy (RE) after bootstrapping. Results: PsAMRIS sub-scores of MCP joints 3 and 4, and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint 4 had the highest SRM (−0.07 each), indicating highest responsiveness to change, and were, therefore, included in sPsAMRIS. Compared to PsAMRIS, sPsAMRIS was characterized by higher SRMs (sPsAMRIS: −0.13 vs. PsAMRIS: −0.02) and higher RE (29.46). sPsAMRIS and PsAMRIS were highly correlated at baseline (r = 0.75, p < 0.01 (Pearson’s correlation)) and at 6-month follow-up (r = 0.64, p = 0.01). Mean time burden for completion of scoring per MRI study was significantly reduced when using PsAMRIS (469 ± 87.03 s) as compared to sPsAMRIS (140.1 ± 21.25 s) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Due to its similar responsiveness to change compared to standard PsAMRIS, and time efficiency, sPsAMRIS might be a potential diagnostic tool to quantitatively assess and monitor therapy in PsA.
Effects of Interface Trap on Transient Negative Capacitance Effect: Phase Field Model
Authors: Kim Taegeon , Shin Changhwan
Published: December 2020

Ferroelectric materials have received significant attention as next-generation materials for gates in transistors because of their negative differential capacitance. Emerging transistors, such as the negative capacitance field effect transistor (NCFET) and ferroelectric field-effect transistor (FeFET), are based on the use of ferroelectric materials. In this work, using a multidomain 3D phase field model (based on the time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau equation), we investigate the impact of the interface-trapped charge (Qit) on the transient negative capacitance in a ferroelectric capacitor (i.e., metal/Zr-HfO2/heavily doped Si) in series with a resistor. The simulation results show that the interface trap reinforces the effect of transient negative capacitance.
Design of Mirror Therapy System Base on Multi-Channel Surface-Electromyography Signal Pattern Recognition and Mobile Augmented Reality
Authors: Liu Lizheng , Cui Jianjun , Niu Jian , Duan Na , Yu Xianjia , Li Qingqing , Yeh Shih-Ching , Zheng Li-Rong
Published: December 2020

Numerous studies have proven that the mirror therapy can make rehabilitation more effective on hemiparesis following a stroke. Using surface electromyography (SEMG) to predict gesture presents one of the important subjects in related research areas, including rehabilitation medicine, sports medicine, prosthetic control, and so on. However, current signal analysis methods still fail to achieve accurate recognition of multimode motion in a very reliable way due to the weak physiological signal and low noise-ratio. In this paper, a mirror therapy system based on multi-channel SEMG signal pattern recognition and mobile augmented reality is studied. Besides, wavelet transform method is designed to mitigate the noise. The spectrogram obtained by analyzing electromyography signals is proposed to be used as an image. Two approaches, including Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and grid-optimized Support Vector Machine (SVM), are designed to classify the SEMG of different gestures. The mobile augmented reality provides a virtual hand movement in the real environment to perform mirror therapy process. The experimental results show that the overall accuracy of SVM is 93.07%, and that of CNN is up to 97.8%.
Robustness of Rhythmic-Based Dynamic Hand Gesture with Surface Electromyography (sEMG) for Authentication
Authors: Wong Alex Ming Hui , Furukawa Masahiro , Maeda Taro
Published: December 2020

Authentication has three basic factors—knowledge, ownership, and inherence. Biometrics is considered as the inherence factor and is widely used for authentication due to its conveniences. Biometrics consists of static biometrics (physical characteristics) and dynamic biometrics (behavioral). There is a trade-off between robustness and security. Static biometrics, such as fingerprint and face recognition, are often reliable as they are known to be more robust, but once stolen, it is difficult to reset. On the other hand, dynamic biometrics are usually considered to be more secure due to the constant changes in behavior but at the cost of robustness. In this paper, we proposed a multi-factor authentication—rhythmic-based dynamic hand gesture, where the rhythmic pattern is the knowledge factor and the gesture behavior is the inherence factor, and we evaluate the robustness of the proposed method. Our proposal can be easily applied with other input methods because rhythmic pattern can be observed, such as during typing. It is also expected to improve the robustness of the gesture behavior as the rhythmic pattern acts as a symbolic cue for the gesture. The results shown that our method is able to authenticate a genuine user at the highest accuracy of 0.9301 ± 0.0280 and, also, when being mimicked by impostors, the false acceptance rate (FAR) is as low as 0.1038 ± 0.0179.
Method for Estimating Solar Energy Potential Based on Photogrammetry from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Fuentes Jose Eduardo , Moya Francisco David , Montoya Oscar Danilo
Published: December 2020

This study presents a method to estimate the solar energy potential based on 3D data taken from unmanned aerial devices. The solar energy potential on the roof of a building was estimated before the placement of solar panels using photogrammetric data analyzed in a geographic information system, and the predictions were compared with the data recorded after installation. The areas of the roofs were chosen using digital surface models and the hemispherical viewshed algorithm, considering how the solar radiation on the roof surface would be affected by the orientation of the surface with respect to the sun, the shade of trees, surrounding objects, topography, and the atmospheric conditions. The results show that the efficiency percentages of the panels and the data modeled by the proposed method from surface models are very similar to the theoretical efficiency of the panels. Radiation potential can be estimated from photogrammetric data and a 3D model in great detail and at low cost. This method allows the estimation of solar potential as well as the optimization of the location and orientation of solar panels.
A Case Study on Power Quality in a Virtual Power Plant: Long Term Assessment and Global Index Application
Authors: Jasiński Michal , Sikorski Tomasz , Kaczorowska Dominika , Rezmer Jacek , Suresh Vishnu , Leonowicz Zbigniew , Kostyla Paweł , Szymańda Jarosław , Janik Przemysław
Published: December 2020

The concept of virtual power plants (VPP) was introduced over 20 years ago but is still actively researched. The majority of research now focuses on analyzing case studies of such installations. In this article, the investigation is based on a VPP in Poland, which contains hydropower plants (HPP) and energy storage systems (ESS). For specific analysis, the power quality (PQ) issues were selected. The used data contain 26 weeks of multipoint, synchronic measurements of power quality levels in four related points. The investigation is concerned with the application of a global index to a single-point assessment as well as an area-related assessment approach. Moreover, the problem of flagged data is discussed. Finally, the assessment of VPP’s impact on PQ level is conducted.
A Review of the Enabling Methodologies for Knowledge Discovery from Smart Grids Data
Authors: De Caro Fabrizio , Andreotti Amedeo , Araneo Rodolfo , Panella Massimo , Rosato Antonello , Vaccaro Alfredo , Villacci Domenico
Published: December 2020

The large-scale deployment of pervasive sensors and decentralized computing in modern smart grids is expected to exponentially increase the volume of data exchanged by power system applications. In this context, the research for scalable and flexible methodologies aimed at supporting rapid decisions in a data rich, but information limited environment represents a relevant issue to address. To this aim, this paper investigates the role of Knowledge Discovery from massive Datasets in smart grid computing, exploring its various application fields by considering the power system stakeholder available data and knowledge extraction needs. In particular, the aim of this paper is dual. In the first part, the authors summarize the most recent activities developed in this field by the Task Force on “Enabling Paradigms for High-Performance Computing in Wide Area Monitoring Protective and Control Systems” of the IEEE PSOPE Technologies and Innovation Subcommittee. Differently, in the second part, the authors propose the development of a data-driven forecasting methodology, which is modeled by considering the fundamental principles of Knowledge Discovery Process data workflow. Furthermore, the described methodology is applied to solve the load forecasting problem for a complex user case, in order to emphasize the potential role of knowledge discovery in supporting post processing analysis in data-rich environments, as feedback for the improvement of the forecasting performances.
Optimization of the Cutting Process Parameters to Ensure High Efficiency of Drilling Tunnels and Use the Technical Potential of the Boom-Type Roadheader
Authors: Cheluszka Piotr
Published: December 2020

This paper deals with the automation of the rock cutting process with roadheaders used widely in civil engineering for drilling roadways in underground mines and tunnels. Although there has been intensive technical development, roadheaders are still manually controlled. Manual control does not allow optimizing the values of the cutting process parameters, which often results in low mining efficiency, especially in the case of hard rocks, as well as high energy consumption and significant dynamic overloading of the roadheader. As part of theoretical and experimental research, an automatic control system was designed for the boom-type roadheader and an algorithm was developed for the optimal control of the cutting process parameters. Control criteria have been formulated, based on which the current values of the cutting process parameters are worked out using the information on the dynamic load state of the roadheader. The paper presents selected results of numerical tests conducted on roadheader dynamics, which simulated the automatic control system operation of the heading face cutting process of drilled roadway or tunnel. These tests were intended to analyze the behavior of the investigated object during simulated rock cutting in automatic mode. The results confirmed the possibility of a significant reduction in mining energy consumption.
Can Green Hydrogen Production Be Economically Viable under Current Market Conditions
Authors: Jovan David Jure , Dolanc Gregor
Published: December 2020

This paper discusses the potential of green hydrogen production in a case study of a Slovenian hydro power plant. To assess the feasibility and eligibility of hydrogen production at the power plant, we present an overview of current hydrogen prices and the costs of the power-to-gas system for green hydrogen production. After defining the production cost for hydrogen at the case study hydro power plant, we elaborate on the profitability of hydrogen production over electricity. As hydrogen can be used as a sustainable energy vector in industry, heating, mobility, and the electro energetic sectors, we discuss the current competitiveness of hydrogen in the heating and transport sectors. Considering the current prices of different fuels, it is shown that hydrogen can be competitive in the transport sector if it is unencumbered by various environmental taxes. The second part of the paper deals with hydrogen production in the context of secondary control ancillary service provided by a case study power plant. Namely, hydrogen can be produced during the time period when there is no demand for extra electric power within a secondary control ancillary service, and thus the economics of power plant operation can be improved.
Prediction of Sorption Processes Using the Deep Learning Methods (Long Short-Term Memory)
Authors: Skrobek Dorian , Krzywanski Jaroslaw , Sosnowski Marcin , Kulakowska Anna , Zylka Anna , Grabowska Karolina , Ciesielska Katarzyna , Nowak Wojciech
Published: December 2020

The paper introduces the artificial intelligence (AI) approach for modeling fluidized adsorption beds. The idea of fluidized bed application allows a significantly increased heat transfer coefficient between adsorption bed and the surface of a heat exchanger, improving the performance of adsorption cooling and desalination systems. The Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network algorithm was used, classified as a deep learning method, to predict the vapor mass quantity in the adsorption bed. The research used an LSTM network with two hidden layers. The network used in the study is composed of seven inputs (absolute pressures in the adsorption chamber and evaporator, the temperatures in adsorption chamber and evaporator, relative pressure, the temperatures in the center of adsorption bed and 25 mm from the bed center, the kind of the solids mixture, the percentage value of the addition) and one output (mass of the sorption bed). The paper presents numerical research concerning mass prediction with the algorithm mentioned above for three sorbents in fixed ad fluidized beds. The results obtained by the developed algorithm of the LSTM network and the experimental tests are in good agreement of the matching the results above 0.95.
Investigation on the Thermal Condition of a Traditional Cold-Lane in Summer in Subtropical Humid Climate Region of China
Authors: Chen Hui , Wei Yin , Lin Yaolin , Yang Wei , Chen Xiaoming , Kolokotroni Maria , Liu Xiaohong , Zhang Guoqiang
Published: December 2020

A Chinese traditional narrow street, named Cold-Lane, can create a microclimatic zone that provides pedestrian thermal comfort under hot and humid climate conditions. This phenomenon was observed through experimental measurement during the summer of 2016. The heat transfer rate over the pedestrian body surface was calculated to reveal why pedestrians experience a cool sensation, and computational flow dynamics (CFD) simulation was carried out to study the influence of the street aspect ratio on the shading effect. It was found that the perception of thermal comfort can be attributed mainly to the radiation between the relatively cool surrounding walls and the human body, and the wind velocity has little effect on sensible heat dissipation. The cool horizontal and vertical surfaces in the street canyon are mainly due to the shading effect as a result of the small aspect ratio, which is a typical characteristic of the traditional Chinese street. The shading effect of the high walls on both sides creates the cooling effect of this narrow street.
Forecasting Photovoltaic Power Generation Using Satellite Images
Authors: Yu Dukhwan , Lee Seowoo , Lee Sangwon , Choi Wonik , Liu Ling
Published: December 2020

As the relative importance of renewable energy in electric power systems increases, the prediction of photovoltaic (PV) power generation has become a crucial technology, for improving stability in the operation of next-generation power systems, such as microgrid and virtual power plants (VPP). In order to improve the accuracy of PV power generation forecasting, a fair amount of research has been applied to weather forecast data (to a learning process). Despite these efforts, the problems of forecasting PV power generation remains challenging since existing methods show limited accuracy due to inappropriate cloud amount forecast data, which are strongly correlated with PV power generation. To address this problem, we propose a PV power forecasting model, including a cloud amount forecasting network trained with satellite images. In addition, our proposed model adopts convolutional self-attention to effectively capture historical features, and thus acquire helpful information from weather forecasts. To show the efficacy of the proposed cloud amount forecast network, we conduct extensive experiments on PV power generation forecasting with and without the cloud amount forecast network. The experimental results show that the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of our proposed prediction model, combined with the cloud amount forecast network, are reduced by 22.5% compared to the model without the cloud amount forecast network.
Prediction and Validation of the Annual Energy Production of a Wind Turbine Using WindSim and a Dynamic Wind Turbine Model
Authors: Song Yuan , Paek Insu
Published: December 2020

In this study, dynamic simulations of a wind turbine were performed to predict its dynamic performance, and the results were experimentally validated. The dynamic simulation received time-domain wind speed and direction data and predicted the power output by applying control algorithms. The target wind turbine for the simulation was a 2 MW wind turbine installed in an onshore wind farm. The wind speed and direction data for the simulation were obtained from WindSim, which is a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code for wind farm design, and measured wind speed and direction data with a mast were used for WindSim. For the simulation, the wind turbine controller was tuned to match the power curve of the target wind turbine. The dynamic simulation was performed for a period of one year, and the results were compared with the results from WindSim and the measurement. It was found from the comparison that the annual energy production (AEP) of a wind turbine can be accurately predicted using a dynamic wind turbine model with a controller that takes into account both power regulations and yaw actions with wind speed and direction data obtained from WindSim.
A New Generation of Thermal Energy Benchmarks for University Buildings
Authors: Vaisi Salah , Mohammadi Saleh , Nastasi Benedetto , Javanroodi Kavan
Published: December 2020

In 2008, the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE TM46 UC) presented an annual-fixed thermal energy benchmark of 240 kWh/m2/yr for university campus (UC) buildings as an attempt to reduce energy consumption in public buildings. However, the CIBSE TM46 UC benchmark fails to consider the difference between energy demand in warm and cold months, as the thermal performance of buildings largely depends on the ambient temperature. This paper presents a new generation of monthly thermal energy benchmarks (MTEBs) using two computational methods including mixed-use model and converter model, which consider the variations of thermal demand throughout a year. MTEBs were generated using five basic variables, including mixed activities in the typical college buildings, university campus revised benchmark (UCrb), typical operation of heating systems, activities impact, and heating degree days. The results showed that MTEBs vary from 24 kWh/m2/yr in January to one and nearly zero kWh/m2/yr in June and July, respectively. Based on the detailed assessments, a typical college building was defined in terms of the percentage of its component activities. Compared with the 100% estimation error of the TM46 UC benchmark, the maximum 21% error of the developed methodologies is a significant achievement. The R-squared value of 99% confirms the reliability of the new generation of benchmarks.
A New Commerce Operation Model for Integrated Energy System Containing the Utilization of Bio-Natural Gas
Authors: Zhang Guoliang , Lou Suhua , Wu Yaowu , Wu Yang , Wen Xiangfeng
Published: December 2020

To promote the collaborative development of the bio-natural gas (BNG) industry and the integrated energy system (IES), this paper proposes a new commerce operation model considering the gas price adjustment mechanism for the IES with the utilization of bio-natural gas. The bi-level optimization model is used to simulate the clearing process within the open energy market framework, and the uncertainties of variable renewable energy output are modeled with a set of scenarios through the stochastic programming approach. In the upper-level model, the energy management center adjusts the bio-natural gas price rationally to minimize the expected total operating cost and release the price signal to the lower-level model; the lower-level model simulates the sub-markets clearing process to formulate detailed operation schemes. The bi-level model is transformed into a mathematical programming problem with equilibrium constraints (MPEC) through the Karush–Kuhn–Tucher (KKT) condition of the lower-level model, and the nonlinear model is converted into a mixed-integer linear programming problem and solved. The numerical results verified the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Impact of Stationary and Dynamic Conditions on the U-Value Measurements of Heavy-Multi Leaf Walls by Quantitative IRT
Authors: Tejedor Blanca , Barreira Eva , Peixoto de Freitas Vasco , Kisilewicz Tomasz , Nowak-Dzieszko Katarzyna , Berardi Umberto
Published: December 2020

Infrared thermography (IRT) has become a commonly applied non-destructive testing method for assessing building envelopes. Like any diagnosis tool, IRT requires an appropriate experience and principle understanding, mainly when the method is used for quantitative analyses. The challenges of the IRT often deal with the dynamic properties of building partitions. Climatic conditions have a certain variability, and the accumulated energy storage in the building components can affect their temperature as well as the calculated thermal performance. This paper aims to analyze how stationary and dynamic regimes of a quantitative IRT test could impact the measured thermal transmittance of heavy multi-leaf walls. Investigation in two European countries with different climatic conditions are reported. In this way, it is discussed which boundary conditions should be guaranteed to provide reliable information about a building envelope using quantitative IRT. In order to check the quality of the measurements, the heat flux meter (HFM) method was also implemented, following the ISO 9869. The research revealed that it could be possible to use short-lasting tests in the climatic conditions of Southern Europe, while long-term tests should be implemented in Northern European countries where climatic conditions are less regular.
A Sustainable Distribution Design for Multi-Quality Multiple-Cold-Chain Products: An Integrated Inspection Strategies Approach
Authors: Khan Abdul Salam , Salah Bashir , Zimon Dominik , Ikram Muhammad , Khan Razaullah , Pruncu Catalin I.
Published: December 2020

Cold-chain products are time-sensitive and perishable and pose the risk of failure if they are transported to a distant location. Thus, there is a need to analyze their quality during distribution so that the customers may receive optimal-quality products. To address this issue, this study integrates inspection strategies with the sustainable distribution system of multi-quality multiple-cold-chain products. A bi-objective model of cost and emission is proposed under the constraints of heterogeneous vehicle and time window. Furthermore, this study intends to address the following questions: which inspection strategy helps to ensure the potency of delivered products, and what is the impact of quality differentiation on the value of objective functions? A set of meta-heuristics is used for implementing the model using a rich panel of experiments. The results reveal that the quality conditions of different products impact the solutions of cost and emissions. Moreover, the conformity strategy is more viable, as it results in less cost and ensures that the quantity of delivered products meets the level of demand. Finally, the study provides implications for managers and practitioners to develop a sustainable distribution system to maintain the quality of cold-chain products.
Application of D-Decomposition Technique to Selection of Controller Parameters for a Two-Mass Drive System
Authors: Nalepa Radosław , Najdek Karol , Wróbel Karol , Szabat Krzysztof
Published: December 2020

In this work, issues related to the application of the D-decomposition technique to selection of the controller parameters for a drive system with flexibility are presented. In the introduction the commonly used control structures dedicated to two-mass drive systems are described. Then the mathematical model as well as control structure are introduced. The considered structure has only basic feedbacks from the motor speed and PI type controller. Due to the order of the closed-loop system, the free location of the system’s poles is not possible. Large oscillations can be expected in responses of the plant. In order to improve the characteristics of the drive, the tuning methodology based on the D-decomposition technique is proposed. The initial working point is selected using an analytical formula. Then the value of controller proportional gain is decreasing, until the required value of overshoot is obtained. In the paper different advantages of the D-decomposition technique are presented, for instance calculation of global stability area for the selected gain and phase margin, the impact of parameter changes, and additional delay evident in the system. Theoretical considerations are confirmed by simulation and experimental results.