bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS) and Its Coordination with Transmission System: A Review and Co-Simulation
Authors: Pourghasem Gavgani Pouya , Baghbannovin Salar , Mohseni-Bonab Seyed Masoud , Kamwa Innocent
Published: March 2024

Ever-increasing penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) in the power grids, alongside their numerous benefits, brings new challenges that call for enhanced solutions in the field of control and management of power grids. The majority of the available research have considered either distribution or transmission grids in their studies. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the effects of DERs on the distribution and transmission grids is performed. The focus of this paper is on hierarchical management methods in order to categorize different approaches and highlight the gaps. Moreover, a review is conducted in the field of the newly introduced distributed energy resources management system (DERMS) concept. A DERMS can facilitate the hierarchical energy management procedure due to its functionalities and broad capabilities. Hence, its implementation in energy management and its impact on the power grid will be assessed with the aid of a co-simulation platform that considers both transmission and distribution grids.
Modeling of Dual-Phase Composite Magnetic Material and Its Application in Transformers
Authors: Liu Yang , Yang Fuyao , Han Yu , Gao Jie , Chen Dezhi , Bai Haonan
Published: March 2024

Dual-phase composite magnetic materials have magnetic and permanent magnetic properties. They can realize the dual-phase conversion of soft magnetic and permanent magnetic composites with a small amount of excitation energy. They have the advantages of good control and conversion characteristics and save energy, and they have a wide range of application scenarios in regard to power equipment. In this paper, the magnetization modeling of dual-phase composite magnetic materials is carried out based on micromagnetic theory, and a specific mathematical expression is given. Secondly, the preparation process of the dual-phase composite magnetic material is studied, the dual-phase composite magnetic material is prepared, and the demagnetization curve of the dual-phase composite magnetic material is measured. Finally, the application of dual-phase composite magnetic materials in power equipment is carried out. Using the soft magnetic and permanent magnetic characteristics of dual-phase composite magnetic materials, their impact on DC bias suppression in transformers is assessed. Magnetic circuit reluctance theory is used to develop the structure and electromagnetic design of a transformer. A transformer prototype with DC bias suppression ability based on dual-phase composite magnetic materials is manufactured, and simulation and experimental research are carried out. The simulation and experimental results verify the correctness of the proposed scheme. Although this scheme requires a more complex core structure, the energy-saving effect is remarkable without changing the transformer’s neutral grounding. The indicators meet the actual requirements of the project.
Research on Energy Hierarchical Management and Optimal Control of Compound Power Electric Vehicle
Authors: Zhang Zhiwen , Tang Jie , Zhang Jiyuan , Zhang Tianci
Published: March 2024

In response to the challenges posed by the low energy utilization of single-power pure electric vehicles and the limited lifespan of power batteries, this study focuses on the development of a compound power system. This study constructs a composite power system, analyzes the coupling characteristics of multiple systems, and investigates the energy management and optimal control mechanisms. Firstly, a power transmission scheme is designed for a hybrid electric vehicle. Then, a multi-state model is established to assess the electric vehicle’s performance under complex working conditions and explore how these conditions impact system coupling. Next, load power is redistributed using the Haar wavelet theory. The super capacitor is employed to stabilize chaotic and transient components in the required power, with low-frequency components serving as input variables for the controller. Further, power distribution is determined through the application of fuzzy logic theory. Input parameters include the system’s power requirements, power battery status, and super capacitor state of charge. The result is the output of a composite power supply distribution factor. To fully exploit the composite power supply’s potential and optimize the overall system performance, a global optimization control strategy using the dynamic programming algorithm is explored. The optimization objective is to minimize power loss within the composite power system, and the optimal control is calculated through interpolation using the interp function. Finally, a comparative simulation experiment is conducted under UDDS cycle conditions. The results show that the composite power system improved the battery discharge efficiency and reduced the number of discharge cycles and discharge current of the power battery. Under the cyclic working condition of 1369 s, the state of charge of the power battery in the hybrid power system decreases from 0.9 to 0.69, representing a 12.5% increase compared to the single power system. The peak current of the power battery in the hybrid power system decreases by approximately 20 A compared with that in the single power system. Based on dynamic programming optimization, the state of charge of the power battery decreases from 0.9 to 0.724. Compared with that of the single power system, the power consumption of the proposed system increases by 25%, that of the hybrid power fuzzy control system increases by 14.2%, and that of the vehicle decreases by 14.7% after dynamic programming optimization. The multimode energy shunt relationship is solved through efficient and reasonable energy management and optimization strategies. The performance and advantages of the composite energy storage system are fully utilized. This approach provides a new idea for the energy storage scheme of new energy vehicles.
Common-Mode Voltage Reduction of Modular Multilevel Converter Using Adaptive High-Frequency Injection Method for Medium-Voltage Motor Drives
Authors: Lee Jae-Woon , Kim Ji-Won , Lee Chee-Woo , Park Byoung-Gun
Published: March 2024

This study proposes an adaptive high-frequency injection method (AHFI) aimed at mitigating common-mode voltage (CMV) on the AC side and alleviating current stress on power semiconductor devices within each arm of a medium-voltage motor propulsion system designed for modular multilevel converters. By adjusting the quantity of high-frequency components injected into each arm according to the fluctuation coefficient, the amplitude of injected high-frequency CMV and circulating currents can be reduced across medium to rated motor speeds. This approach enhances the start-up performance of medium-voltage motor drives while diminishing CMV effects on the motor side, resulting in decreased total harmonic distortion (THD) in the three-phase output waveforms. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the proposed AHFI method in SM voltage regulation and circulating current control under low-frequency operation is thoroughly analyzed. The validity of this method is established through comprehensive mathematical scrutiny and time–domain simulations performed using MATLAB/SIMULINK software (MATLAB version R2021b), along with real-time simulations conducted employing the real-time simulator OPAL/RT via hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HILS).
Acidogenic Fermentation of Food Waste for the Production of Short-Chain Fatty Acids: The Impact of Inoculum Type and Inoculum Heat Pretreatment
Authors: Jodhani Sharli , Sebastian Joseph , Lee Jangho , Venkiteshwaran Kaushik , Lee Hyung-Sool , Singh Virender , Ormeci Banu , Hussain Abid
Published: March 2024

Acidogenic fermentation is an emerging biotechnology that allows for the utilization of food waste as a feedstock to produce high-value products such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), effectively offering a tangible solution for food waste management as well as resource recovery. The objectives of the current study were to identify the ideal inoculum, waste-activated sludge (WAS) or anaerobic digester sludge (AD), for the acidogenic fermentation of food waste at room temperature, as well as to evaluate the impact of heat pretreatment of these inoculums on fermentation performance. The maximum hydrolysis yield of 399 g sCOD/kg VS added was obtained when untreated AD was used as the inoculum, whereas the pretreated AD inoculum provided the highest SCFA yield and conversion efficiency of 238 g sCODSCFA/kg VS added and 71%, respectively. Heat pretreatment had a detrimental impact on the WAS inoculum, leading to lower hydrolysis and SCFA yields, but exerted a positive influence on the AD inoculum. The microbial community showed that heat pretreatment negatively impacted the abundance of non-spore-forming hydrolytic and acidogenic microorganisms. Overall, this study demonstrates the critical role of inoculum type and heat pretreatment in optimizing the acidogenic fermentation process, laying the groundwork for future refinements in SCFA production from food waste through inoculum design.
Structural Features, Physicochemical Properties, and In Vitro Digestibility of the Starch-Lipid Complexes Formed between High Amylose Starch and Stearic Acid or Potassium Stearate
Authors: Zhai Yuheng , Zhang Hao , Sang Shangyuan , Ren Bin , Yuan Yongjun , Xing Jiali , Luo Xiaohu
Published: March 2024

Starch-lipid complexes were prepared from high amylose starch (HAS) with stearic acid (SA) or potassium stearate (PS) at different molar concentrations. The complexes (HAS-PS) formed between HAS and PS showed polyelectrolyte characteristics with ζ-potential ranging from −22.2 to −32.8 mV, and the electrostatic repulsion between anionic charges restricted the starch chain reassociation and facilitated the formation of V-type crystalline structures upon cooling. The hydrophobic effects enabled recrystallization of the SA, and the HAS-SA complexes exhibited weaker V-type crystalline structures than the HAS-PS complexes; both HAS-SA/PS complexes were of a similar “mass fractal” type, with a dimension varied from 2.15 to 2.96. The HAS-SA complexes had a considerable content of resistant starch (RS, 16.1~29.2%), whereas negligible RS was found in the HAS-PS complexes. The findings from the present study imply that the molecular order of starch chains and the macro-structures of starch particles are more important to regulate the digestibility of starch-lipid complexes than the crystalline structures.
Antilisterial Effectiveness of Origanum vulgare var. hirtum and Coridothymus capitatus Essential Oils and Hydrolates Alone and in Combination
Authors: D’Amato Serena , Rossi Chiara , Maggio Francesca , Valbonetti Luca , Savini Vincenzo , Paparella Antonello , Serio Annalisa
Published: March 2024

The antimicrobial activity of Origanum vulgare var. hirtum (O) and Coridothymus capitatus (C) essential oils (EOs) and hydrolates (HYs) of the same botanical species was evaluated on sixteen L. monocytogenes strains from food and clinical origins. The antimicrobial activity was assessed by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determination, viable cell enumeration over time up to 60 min, and evaluation of the cellular damage through Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM) analysis. EOs exhibited antimicrobial activity with MIC values ranging from 0.3125 to 10 µL/mL. In contrast, HYs demonstrated antimicrobial effectiveness at higher concentrations (125–500 µL/mL). The effect of HYs was rapid after the contact with the cells, and the cell count reduction over 60 min of HY treatment was about 1.2–1.7 Log CFU/mL. L. monocytogenes cells were stressed by HY treatment, and red cell aggregates were revealed through CLSM observation. Moreover, the combinations of EOs and HYs had an additive antilisterial effect in most cases and allowed the concentration of use to be reduced, while maintaining or improving the antimicrobial effectiveness. The combined use of EOs and HYs can offer novel opportunities for applications, thereby enhancing the antimicrobial effectiveness and diminishing the concentration of use. This provides the added benefit of reducing toxicity and mitigating any undesirable sensory effects.
Special Issue “Materials for Photobiology”
Authors: Scala Angela , Caruso Enrico , Mazzaglia Antonino
Published: March 2024

Photobiology is a challenging research area that aims to explore the interactions between light and living organisms and their biological consequences, with applications in the fields of photomedicine, photo(nano)technology, photosynthesis, and photosensory biology [...]
Epigenetic and Transcriptional Shifts in Human Neural Stem Cells after Reprogramming into Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Subsequent Redifferentiation
Authors: Haubenreich Carolin , Lenz Michael , Schuppert Andreas , Peitz Michael , Koch Philipp , Zenke Martin , Brüstle Oliver
Published: March 2024

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their derivatives have been described to display epigenetic memory of their founder cells, as well as de novo reprogramming-associated alterations. In order to selectively explore changes due to the reprogramming process and not to heterologous somatic memory, we devised a circular reprogramming approach where somatic stem cells are used to generate iPSCs, which are subsequently re-differentiated into their original fate. As somatic founder cells, we employed human embryonic stem cell-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) and compared them to iPSC-derived NSCs derived thereof. Global transcription profiling of this isogenic circular system revealed remarkably similar transcriptomes of both NSC populations, with the exception of 36 transcripts. Amongst these we detected a disproportionately large fraction of X chromosomal genes, all of which were upregulated in iPSC-NSCs. Concurrently, we detected differential methylation of X chromosomal sites spatially coinciding with regions harboring differentially expressed genes. While our data point to a pronounced overall reinstallation of autosomal transcriptomic and methylation signatures when a defined somatic lineage is propagated through pluripotency, they also indicate that X chromosomal genes may partially escape this reinstallation process. Considering the broad application of iPSCs in disease modeling and regenerative approaches, such reprogramming-associated alterations in X chromosomal gene expression and DNA methylation deserve particular attention.
Intradermal Injection of Hybrid Complexes of High- and Low-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronan: Where Do We Stand and Where Are We Headed in Regenerative Medicine?
Authors: Humzah Dalvi , Molina Beatriz , Salti Giovanni , Cigni Clara , Bellia Gilberto , Grimolizzi Franco
Published: March 2024

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a remarkably multifaceted biomacromolecule, playing a role in regulating myriad biological processes such as wound healing, tissue regeneration, anti-inflammation, and immunomodulation. Crosslinked high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid hydrogels achieve higher molar concentrations, display slower degradation, and allow optimal tissue product diffusion, while harnessing the synergistic contribution of different-molecular-weight hyaluronans. A recent innovation in the world of hyaluronic acid synthesis is represented by NAHYCO® Hybrid Technology, a thermal process leading to hybrid cooperative hyaluronic acid complexes (HCC). This review summarizes the current literature on the in vitro studies and in vivo applications of HCC, from facial and body rejuvenation to future perspectives in skin wound healing, dermatology, and genitourinary pathologies.
Identification of Genomic Signatures for Colorectal Cancer Survival Using Exploratory Data Mining
Authors: Hummel Justin J. , Liu Danlu , Tallon Erin , Snyder John , Warren Wesley , Shyu Chi-Ren , Mitchem Jonathan , Cortese Rene
Published: March 2024

Clinicopathological presentations are critical for establishing a postoperative treatment regimen in Colorectal Cancer (CRC), although the prognostic value is low in Stage 2 CRC. We implemented a novel exploratory algorithm based on artificial intelligence (explainable artificial intelligence, XAI) that integrates mutational and clinical features to identify genomic signatures by repurposing the FoundationOne Companion Diagnostic (F1CDx) assay. The training data set (n = 378) consisted of subjects with recurrent and non-recurrent Stage 2 or 3 CRC retrieved from TCGA. Genomic signatures were built for identifying subgroups in Stage 2 and 3 CRC patients according to recurrence using genomic parameters and further associations with the clinical presentation. The summarization of the top-performing genomic signatures resulted in a 32-gene genomic signature that could predict tumor recurrence in CRC Stage 2 patients with high precision. The genomic signature was further validated using an independent dataset (n = 149), resulting in high-precision prognosis (AUC: 0.952; PPV = 0.974; NPV = 0.923). We anticipate that our genomic signatures and NCCN guidelines will improve recurrence predictions in CRC molecular stratification.
Constitutive Overexpression of an NB-ARC Gene from Wild Chinese Vitis quinquangularis in Arabidopsis thaliana Enhances Resistance to Phytopathogenic Oomycete and Bacteria
Authors: Yin Xiangjing , Zha Qian , Sun Pengpeng , Xi Xiaojun , Jiang Aili
Published: March 2024

Resistance (R) genes were used to recognize pathogen effectors directly or indirectly in plants and activate defense signal pathways. Most of these R proteins consist of a nucleotide-binding adaptor (NB-ARC) domain, a leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain and some also have a coiled-coil (CC) structure. In this study, we cloned a gene which encodes the CC-NB-ARC-LRR R protein (VqCNL) from Chinese wild grapevine Vitis. quinquangularis accession ‘Dan-2’. The transcript of VqCNL was obviously induced by inoculation with Plasmopara viticola and the salicylic acid (SA) treatment. The results of sequence analysis showed that the VqCNL gene contained a CC domain at the N-terminus, along with an NB-ARC and an LRR domain at the C-terminus. We transferred this gene into wildtype Arabidopsis and treated transgenic lines with Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis (Hpa) and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000); the results demonstrated that VqCNL promotes broad spectrum resistance to pathogens. Furthermore, qPCR analysis displayed that VqCNL may display a significant function in disease resistance via activating SA signaling pathways. In general, these conclusions primarily demonstrated that VqCNL enhances the disease resistance level in plants and contributes to future research of the R gene identification for grape breeding biotechnology.
Navigating the Nexus: HIV and Breast Cancer—A Critical Review
Authors: Marino Andrea , Pavone Giuliana , Martorana Federica , Fisicaro Viviana , Motta Lucia , Spampinato Serena , Celesia Benedetto Maurizio , Cacopardo Bruno , Vigneri Paolo , Nunnari Giuseppe
Published: March 2024

Despite significant advances in the management of antiretroviral therapy (ART), leading to improved life expectancy for people living with HIV (PLWH), the incidence of non-AIDS-defining cancers, including breast cancer, has emerged as a critical concern. This review synthesizes current evidence on the epidemiology of breast cancer among HIV-infected individuals, highlighting the potential for an altered risk profile, earlier onset, and more advanced disease at diagnosis. It delves into the molecular considerations underpinning the relationship between HIV and breast cancer, including the role of immunosuppression, chronic inflammation, and gene expression alterations. Additionally, it examines the complexities of managing breast cancer in the context of HIV, particularly the challenges posed by ART and anticancer agents’ cross-toxicities and drug–drug interactions. The review also addresses survival disparities, underscoring the need for improved cancer care in this population. By identifying gaps in knowledge and areas requiring further research, this review aims to illuminate the complexities of HIV-associated breast cancer, fostering a deeper understanding of its epidemiology, molecular basis, and clinical management challenges, thereby contributing to better outcomes for individuals at the intersection of these two conditions. This narrative review systematically explores the intersection of HIV infection and breast cancer, focusing on the impact of HIV on breast cancer risk, outcomes, and treatment challenges.
Morquio A Syndrome: Identification of Differential Patterns of Molecular Pathway Interactions in Bone Lesions
Authors: Álvarez J. Victor. , Bravo Susana B. , Chantada-Vázquez María Pilar , Pena Carmen , Colón Cristóbal , Tomatsu Shunji , Otero-Espinar Francisco J. , Couce María L.
Published: March 2024

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA (MPS IVA; Morquio A syndrome) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease (LSD) caused by deficiency of a hydrolase enzyme, N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase, and characterized clinically by mainly musculoskeletal manifestations. The mechanisms underlying bone involvement in humans are typically explored using invasive techniques such as bone biopsy, which complicates analysis in humans. We compared bone proteomes using DDA and SWATH-MS in wild-type and MPS IVA knockout mice (UNT) to obtain mechanistic information about the disease. Our findings reveal over 1000 dysregulated proteins in knockout mice, including those implicated in oxidative phosphorylation, oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species), DNA damage, and iron transport, and suggest that lactate dehydrogenase may constitute a useful prognostic and follow-up biomarker. Identifying biomarkers that reflect MPS IVA clinical course, severity, and progression have important implications for disease management.
Novel Therapeutic Approaches for the Management of Elevated Lipoprotein(a): From Traditional Agents to Future Treatment Options
Authors: Paragh György , Zilahi Péter , Kolozsvári László Róbert , Lőrincz Hajnalka , Fülöp Péter , Harangi Mariann
Published: March 2024

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Despite the availability of effective low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering agents, an increased cardiovascular risk is still observed in individuals with therapeutic LDL-C levels. One of these cardiovascular risk factors is elevated plasma lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) concentration, which maintains chronic inflammation through the increased presence of oxidized phospholipids on its surface. In addition, due to its 90 percent homology with the fibrinolytic proenzyme plasminogen, Lp(a) exhibits atherothrombotic effects. These may also contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk in individuals with high Lp(a) levels that previous epidemiological studies have shown to exist independently of LDL-C and other lipid parameters. In this review, the authors overview the novel therapeutic options to achieve effective Lp(a) lowering treatment, which may help to define tailored personalized medicine and reduce the residual cardiovascular risk in high-risk patients. Agents that increase LDL receptor expression, including statins, proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 inhibitors, and LDL production inhibitors, are also discussed. Other treatment options, e.g., cholesterolester transfer protein inhibitors, nicotinic acid derivatives, thyroid hormone mimetics, lipoprotein apheresis, as well as apolipoprotein(a) reducing antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs, are also evaluated.
Anisotropic Local Structure of SrFe2−xNixAs2 (x = 0.00, 0.16, and 0.23) Superconductor Probed by Polarized X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Measurements
Authors: Hacisalihoglu M. Y. , Tortora L. , Tomassucci G. , Simonelli L. , Saini N. L.
Published: March 2024

We have investigated the effect of the Ni substitution on the local structure and the valence electronic states of the SrFe2−xNixAs2 (x = 0.00, 0.16, and 0.23) superconductor with a multi-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. The As K-edge and Fe K-edge EXAFS measurements in the two polarizations (E‖ab and E‖c) show a clear change in the local structure with Ni concentration. The near-neighbor bondlengths and the related mean-square relative displacements (MSRDs) decrease as the Ni content increases. The polarized XANES spectra at the As, Fe and Ni K edges reveal a systematic change in the anisotropy of the valence electronic structure. The results suggest that the quasi 2D electronic structure of this system tends to become more isotropic as the Ni content increases. The local structure and the valence electronic states are discussed in the frame of the evolving electronic transport of the SrFe2−xNixAs2 system.
Advances in the Applications of Clinoptilolite-Rich Tuffs
Authors: Pavlović Jelena , Hrenović Jasna , Povrenović Dragan , Rajić Nevenka
Published: March 2024

Adsorptive, catalytic, and antibacterial properties of clinoptilolite-rich tuffs (ZT) are presented here. ZT transformed into Fe-containing ZT (Fe-ZT) removes various organic and inorganic anions from water. Fe-ZT, which contains selenium, is beneficial for growing Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms. The fungi convert inorganic Se from Fe-ZT into a more useful organically bonded form. ZT and Fe-ZT as supplements retain nitrogen and potassium in sandy, silty loam and silty clay soils. ZT shows an affinity toward toxic metal cations, which are essential for cleaning contaminated water. The adsorption of atenolol, acetylsalicylic, and salicylic acid onto M-ZT (M–Cu2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, or Zn2+) from water solutions suggests that both the natures of M and pharmaceuticals have a significant impact on the adsorption mechanism and determine the adsorption capability of the ZT. ZT is an excellent carrier for ultrafine (2–5 nm) nano oxide particles, which have been shown to have catalytic activity in different chemical processes and photodegradation reactions of organic pollutants. ZT can also be transformed into SO4-SnO2-ZT, which is catalytically active as a solid acid. M-ZT is an effective carrier of valuable bacteria. Ag-ZT possesses beneficial bactericidal activity in disinfecting water and soil remediation.
Zirconia Toughened Alumina Ceramics via Forming Intragranular Structure
Authors: Li Junguo , Cai Qiwang , Luo Guoqiang , Zhong Xinyu , Shen Qiang , Tu Rong , Guo Xiaoping , Ding Renchi
Published: March 2024

The distribution of second phase particles in the microstructure of composite ceramics affects the mechanical properties, and the intragranular structures often result in better properties compared to the intergranular structures. However, it is difficult to obtain composite ceramics with intragranular structure by conventional route. To produce composite ceramics with an intragranular structure in a simpler route. In this work, starting powders with different phase compositions were obtained by the co-precipitation method, and zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) composite ceramics were prepared with these starting powders by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The results show that it is easier to fabricate ZTA composite ceramics with an intragranular structure by using composite powders containing amorphous or transition phase Al2O3 as starting materials. The phase composition of the powder prepared by the co-precipitation method after calcination at 1100 °C is θ-Al2O3 and t-ZrO2, and the average grain size after sintering at 1500 °C is 1.04 ± 0.28 µm, and the maximum Vickers hardness and fracture toughness of the specimens reach 19.37 ± 0.43 GPa and 6.18 ± 0.06 MPa·m1/2, respectively. The ZrO2 particles were the core of crystallization and grow together with the Al2O3 matrix, forming the intragranular structure of ZTA ceramics. This work may provide a new idea for preparing composite ceramics with intragranular structure.
Transfer Learning with ResNet3D-101 for Global Prediction of High Aerosol Concentrations
Authors: Nikezić Dušan P. , Radivojević Dušan S. , Lazović Ivan M. , Mirkov Nikola S. , Marković Zoran J.
Published: March 2024

In order to better predict the high aerosol concentrations associated with air pollution and climate change, a machine learning model was developed using transfer learning and the segmentation process of global satellite images. The main concept of transfer learning lies on convolutional neural networks and works by initializing the already trained model weights to better adapt the weights when the network is trained on a different dataset. The transfer learning technique was tested with the ResNet3D-101 model pre-trained from a 2D ImageNet dataset. This model has performed well for contrail detection to assess climate impact. Aerosol distributions can be monitored via satellite remote sensing. Satellites can monitor some aerosol optical properties like aerosol optical thickness. Aerosol optical thickness snapshots were the input dataset for the model and were obtained from NASA’s Terra-Modis satellite; the output images were segmented by comparing the pixel values with a threshold value of 0.8 for aerosol optical thickness. Hyperparameter optimization finds a tuple of hyperparameters that yields an optimal model that minimizes a predefined loss function on given independent data. The model structure was adjusted in order to improve the performance of the model by applying methods and hyperparameter optimization techniques such as grid search, batch size, threshold, and input length. According to the criteria defined by the authors, the distance domain criterion and time domain criterion, the developed model is capable of generating adequate data and finding patterns in the time domain. As observed from the comparison of relative coefficients for the criteria metrics proposed by the authors, ddc and dtc, the deep learning model based on ConvLSTM layers developed in our previous studies has better performance than the model developed in this study with transfer learning.
Temperature-Dependent Young’s Modulus of TaC- and TiC-Strengthened Co-Re-Based Alloys
Authors: Fiedler Torben , Seif Eugen , Sinning Hans-Rainer , Rösler Joachim
Published: March 2024

The knowledge of Young’s modulus is important for a quantitative assessment of strengthening contributions in CoRe alloys, such as strengthening by carbides. In this work, the temperature-dependent Young‘s modulus of monocarbide-strengthened CoRe-based alloys is measured using the vibrating reed technique. In this method, a reed-shaped sample is excited electrostatically, and the eigenfrequencies are determined. Using these frequencies, Young’s modulus can be derived analytically or, more reliably, assisted by finite element simulations. The resulting values for Young’s modulus are compared to theoretical estimations, and the influence of titanium- and tantalum-carbides on Young’s modulus is evaluated. It was found that low amounts of carbides increase Young’s modulus significantly. Analytical estimations are in good agreement with experimental results of TaC-containing alloys, whereas estimations for TiC-containing alloys are inaccurate.
The Formation of Phytic Acid–Silane Films on Cold-Rolled Steel and Corrosion Resistance
Authors: Duan Wanjiao , Fan Yunying , Shu Baipo , Liu Yichun , Wan Yi , Xiao Rongguang , Xu Jianxin , Qing Shan , Xiao Qingtai
Published: March 2024

In this work, phytic acid (PA) and 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTS) underwent a condensation process to produce a phytic acid–silane (abbreviated PAS) passivation solution. Additionally, it was applied to the surface of cold-rolled steel to create a composite phytic acid–silane film. The functional groups of the passivation solution were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The composite film was evaluated using an electrochemical workstation, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and pull-off test. These techniques allowed for the characterization of the film’s micromorphology, oxidation, chemical composition and adhesion strength. The results show that the PAS composite film provides higher protection efficiency compared to cold-rolled steel substrates, low phosphorus passivation films, single phytate passivation films and commercial phosphate films. This composite film also has a higher adhesion strength, which is beneficial for subsequent coating, and a possible corrosion resistance mechanism was proposed as well. The PAS layer successfully prevents the penetration of corrosive media into the cold-rolled steel surface utilizing P–O–Fe bonds, thus improving the corrosion barrier effect of the substrate.
Unveiling Shared Immune Responses in Porcine Alveolar Macrophages during ASFV and PRRSV Infection Using Single-Cell RNA-seq
Authors: Jiang Bo , Li Lu , Wu Yu , Wang Xiaoying , Gao Ning , Xu Zhichao , Guo Chunhe , He Sheng , Zhang Guihong , Chen Yaosheng , Liu Xiaohong , Li Zhengcao
Published: March 2024

African swine fever virus (ASFV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infections lead to severe respiratory diseases in pigs, resulting in significant economic losses for the global swine industry. While numerous studies have focused on specific gene functions or pathway activities during infection, an investigation of shared immune responses in porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) after ASFV and PRRSV infections was lacking. In this study, we conducted a comparison using two single-cell transcriptomic datasets generated from PAMs under ASFV and PRRSV infection. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) RIG-I (DDX58), MDA5 (IFIH1), and LGP2 (DHX58) were identified as particularly recognizing ASFV and PRRSV, triggering cellular defense responses, including the upregulation of four cytokine families (CCL, CXCL, IL, and TNF) and the induction of pyroptosis. Through weighted gene co-expression network analysis and protein–protein interaction analysis, we identified thirteen gene and protein interactions shared by both scRNA-seq analyses, suggesting the ability to inhibit both ASFV and PRRSV viral replication. We discovered six proteins (PARP12, PARP14, HERC5, DDX60, RSAD2, and MNDA) in PAMs as inhibitors of ASFV and PRRSV replication. Collectively, our findings showed detailed characterizations of the immune responses in PAMs during ASFV and PRRSV infections, which may facilitate the treatments of these viral diseases.
Viroid Replication, Movement, and the Host Factors Involved
Authors: Zhang Yuhong , Nie Yuxin , Wang Luyou , Wu Jian
Published: March 2024

Viroids represent distinctive infectious agents composed solely of short, single-stranded, circular RNA molecules. In contrast to viruses, viroids do not encode for proteins and lack a protective coat protein. Despite their apparent simplicity, viroids have the capacity to induce diseases in plants. Currently, extensive research is being conducted on the replication cycle of viroids within both the Pospiviroidae and Avsunviroidae families, shedding light on the intricacies of the associated host factors. Utilizing the potato spindle tuber viroid as a model, investigations into the RNA structural motifs involved in viroid trafficking between different cell types have been thorough. Nevertheless, our understanding of the host factors responsible for the intra- and inter-cellular movement of viroids remains highly incomplete. This review consolidates our current knowledge of viroid replication and movement within both families, emphasizing the structural basis required and the identified host factors involved. Additionally, we explore potential host factors that may mediate the intra- and inter-cellular movement of viroids, addressing gaps in our understanding. Moreover, the potential application of viroids and the emergence of novel viroid-like cellular parasites are also discussed.
Contamination and Control of Mycotoxins in Grain and Oil Crops
Authors: Zhang Chenchen , Qu Zheng , Hou Jie , Yao Yanpo
Published: March 2024

Mycotoxins are carcinogenic, teratogenic and mutagenic toxic compounds produced by some filamentous fungi, which are extremely harmful to corn, rice, wheat, peanut, soybean, rapeseed and other grain and oil crops, and seriously threaten environmental safety, food safety and human health. With the rapid increase in the global population and the expansion of the main crop planting area, mycotoxin contamination has increased year by year in agricultural products. The current review aimed to summarize the contamination status and harmful effects of major mycotoxins of grain and oil crops and the environmental factors that impact mycotoxin contamination. Further, control measures of mycotoxin contamination, especially the biological control strategies, were discussed.
One-Step Construction of 1,3,4-Oxadiazoles with Anticancer Activity from Tertiary Amines via a Sequential Copper(I)-Catalyzed Oxidative Ugi/aza-Wittig Reaction
Authors: Sun Mei , Mao Nong-Qi , Wang Sheng-Long , Han Xin-Ming , Yao Gang , Xue Ping , Zeng Chong-Yang , Liu Yu-Ting , Chen Kai , Gao Xiao-Qing , Xiong Jun
Published: March 2024

An unparalleled copper(I)-catalyzed synthesis of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles from tertiary amines in one step has been described. The one-pot reactions involving (N-isocyanimine)triphenylphosphorane, tertiary amines, and carboxylic acids resulted in the formation of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles in moderate to good yields through a consecutive oxidative Ugi/aza-Wittig reaction, enabling the direct functionalization of sp3 C-H bonds adjacent to the nitrogen atom. This method offered several notable advantages, including ligands-free, exceptional productivity and a high functional group tolerance. The preliminary biological evaluation demonstrated that compound 4f inhibited hepatoma cells efficiently, suggesting potentially broad applications of the approach for synthesis and medicinal chemistry.
Mapping of Digital Platforms and e-Commerce Emergence in Africa: Evidence from Senegal
Authors: Thiaw Cheikh Abdou Lahad
Published: March 2024

A global trend regarding the “platformization” of the internet has been, for years, emerging roughly across all traditional industries. It is reflected in the proliferation of digital platforms (DPs) based on the creation of new activities or the online expansion of offers traditionally available only physically (e.g., boutiques, supermarkets). Thus, digital platforms are a new springboard of development opportunities for all businesses, and Africa, with demographic (more than 1.2 billion customers), economic (middle-class boom), and technological (internet and smartphone penetration) dynamism, represents a huge potential market for the DP industry. This exploratory research is based on a qualitative approach applied to the case of Senegalese DPs. From its finding, we have a mapping of DPs and a classifying typology of the types of actors involved, according to their specialization and their paradigmatic orientation. New insights into how DP organizations and the firms within them operate and create value are proposed as well as a new conceptual framework for the articulation of DPs, specifically those particularly adapted to the African context. This work opens avenues for future research linked to the scale of the new challenges related to marketing and managerial issues and the new business models that have recently been developed by innovative local actors (TukkiJamm, ShopMeWay, etc.).
Deep Learning-Based Prognostics and Health Management Model for Pilot-Operated Cryogenic Safety Valves
Authors: Kim Minho , Seong Hansaem , Kim Dohyun
Published: March 2024

This paper highlights the significance of safety and reliability in modern industries, particularly in sectors like petroleum and LNG, where safety valves play a critical role in ensuring system safety under extreme conditions. To enhance the reliability of these valves, this study aims to develop a deep learning-based prognostics and health management (PHM) model. Past empirical methods have limitations, driving the need for data-driven prediction models. The proposed model monitors safety valve performance, detects anomalies in real time, and prevents accidents caused by system failures. The research focuses on collecting sensor data, analyzing trends for lifespan prediction and normal operation, and integrating data for anomaly detection. This study compares related research and existing models, presents detailed results, and discusses future research directions. Ultimately, this research contributes to the safe operation and anomaly detection of pilot-operated cryogenic safety valves in industrial settings.
Utilizing Wearable Device Data for Syndromic Surveillance: A Fever Detection Approach
Authors: Kasl Patrick , Keeler Bruce Lauryn , Hartogensis Wendy , Dasgupta Subhasis , Pandya Leena S. , Dilchert Stephan , Hecht Frederick M. , Gupta Amarnath , Altintas Ilkay , Mason Ashley E. , Smarr Benjamin L.
Published: March 2024

Commercially available wearable devices (wearables) show promise for continuous physiological monitoring. Previous works have demonstrated that wearables can be used to detect the onset of acute infectious diseases, particularly those characterized by fever. We aimed to evaluate whether these devices could be used for the more general task of syndromic surveillance. We obtained wearable device data (Oura Ring) from 63,153 participants. We constructed a dataset using participants’ wearable device data and participants’ responses to daily online questionnaires. We included days from the participants if they (1) completed the questionnaire, (2) reported not experiencing fever and reported a self-collected body temperature below 38 °C (negative class), or reported experiencing fever and reported a self-collected body temperature at or above 38 °C (positive class), and (3) wore the wearable device the nights before and after that day. We used wearable device data (i.e., skin temperature, heart rate, and sleep) from the nights before and after participants’ fever day to train a tree-based classifier to detect self-reported fevers. We evaluated the performance of our model using a five-fold cross-validation scheme. Sixteen thousand, seven hundred, and ninety-four participants provided at least one valid ground truth day; there were a total of 724 fever days (positive class examples) from 463 participants and 342,430 non-fever days (negative class examples) from 16,687 participants. Our model exhibited an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.85 and an average precision (AP) of 0.25. At a sensitivity of 0.50, our calibrated model had a false positive rate of 0.8%. Our results suggest that it might be possible to leverage data from these devices at a public health level for live fever surveillance. Implementing these models could increase our ability to detect disease prevalence and spread in real-time during infectious disease outbreaks.
Room Temperature NH3 Selective Gas Sensors Based on Double-Shell Hierarchical SnO2@polyaniline Composites
Authors: Qu Yuan , Zheng Haotian , Lei Yuhua , Ding Ziwen , Li Siqi , Liu Song , Ji Wei
Published: March 2024

Morphology and structure play a crucial role in influencing the performance of gas sensors. Hollow structures, in particular, not only increase the specific surface area of the material but also enhance the collision frequency of gases within the shell, and have been studied in depth in the field of gas sensing. Taking SnO2 as an illustrative example, a dual-shell structure SnO2 (D-SnO2) was prepared. D-SnO2@Polyaniline (PANI) (DSPx, x represents D-SnO2 molar content) composites were synthesized via the in situ oxidative polymerization method, and simultaneously deposited onto a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate to fabricate an electrode-free, flexible sensor. The impact of the SnO2 content on the sensing performance of the DSPx-based sensor for NH3 detection at room temperature was discussed. The results showed that the response of a 20 mol% D-SnO2@PANI (DSP20) sensor to 100 ppm NH3 at room temperature is 37.92, which is 5.1 times higher than that of a pristine PANI sensor. Moreover, the DSP20 sensor demonstrated a rapid response and recovery rate at the concentration of 10 ppm NH3, with response and recovery times of 182 s and 86 s.
High Precision Positioning and Rotation Angle Estimation of a Flatbed Truck Based on BDS and Vision
Authors: Yu Xinli , Ren Yufei , Yin Xiaoxv , Meng Deqiang , Zhang Haikuan
Published: March 2024

Centimeter-level localization and precise rotation angle estimation for flatbed trucks pose significant challenges in unmanned forklift automated loading scenarios. To address this issue, the study proposed a method for high-precision positioning and rotation angle estimation of flatbed trucks using the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) and vision technology. First, an unmanned forklift equipped with a Time-of-Flight (ToF) camera and a dual-antenna mobile receiver for BDS positioning collected depth images and localization data near the front and rear endpoints of the flatbed. The Deep Dual-Resolution Network-23-slim (DDRNet-23-slim) model was used to segment the flatbed from the depth image and extract the straight lines at the edges of the flatbed using the Hough transform. The algorithm then computed the set of intersection points of the lines. A neighborhood feature vector was designed to identify the endpoint of a flatbed from a set of intersection points using feature screening. Finally, the relative coordinates of the endpoints were converted to a customized forklift navigation coordinate system by BDS positioning. A rotation angle estimation was then performed using the endpoints at the front and rear. Experiments showed that the endpoint positioning error was less than 3 cm, and the rotation angle estimation error was less than 0.3°, which verified the validity and reliability of the method.
Access to Children’s Perspectives?
Authors: Rasmussen Anna Busk , Schmidt Christina Haandbæk
Published: March 2024

Within the field of early childhood education, the Nordic model is characterised as being child-centred and holistic, based on children’s participation, democracy, autonomy, and freedom. Despite a strong tradition of incorporating children’s perspectives, research has identified it as a democratic problem that children continue to occupy a non-privileged position in which their voices are often unheard or disregarded in many contexts. Similarly, there is a tendency to apply adult-led methods, such as interviews, which can hinder the openness to children’s diverse ways of communicating, which is not just through verbal expressions. In this article, we position ourselves within what we perceive as the second wave of research on child perspectives in which the research interest converges on exploring how children’s perspectives are connected with the contexts in which children participate. Drawing on agential realism and an empirical example from a daycare centre, we demonstrate how children’s perspectives emerge from and become entangled with pedagogues, ethics, spaces, materials and discourse. Thus, the question is not about gaining access to children’s perspectives, but rather to be concerned with the interactions wherein children’s perspectives can emerge. This involves a critical view of the structures and basic assumptions that manifest themselves in the daily life of daycare centres and which underlie, and can result in, a subordination of children and children’s perspectives.