bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entropy-Based Measures of Hypnopompic Heart Rate Variability Contribute to the Automatic Prediction of Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Yan Xueya , Zhang Lulu , Li Jinlian , Du Ding , Hou Fengzhen
Published: February 2020

Surges in sympathetic activity should be a major contributor to the frequent occurrence of cardiovascular events towards the end of nocturnal sleep. We aimed to investigate whether the analysis of hypnopompic heart rate variability (HRV) could assist in the prediction of cardiovascular disease (CVD). 2217 baseline CVD-free subjects were identified and divided into CVD group and non-CVD group, according to the presence of CVD during a follow-up visit. HRV measures derived from time domain analysis, frequency domain analysis and nonlinear analysis were employed to characterize cardiac functioning. Machine learning models for both long-term and short-term CVD prediction were then constructed, based on hypnopompic HRV metrics and other typical CVD risk factors. CVD was associated with significant alterations in hypnopompic HRV. An accuracy of 81.4% was achieved in short-term prediction of CVD, demonstrating a 10.7% increase compared with long-term prediction. There was a decline of more than 6% in the predictive performance of short-term CVD outcomes without HRV metrics. The complexity of hypnopompic HRV, measured by entropy-based indices, contributed considerably to the prediction and achieved greater importance in the proposed models than conventional HRV measures. Our findings suggest that Hypnopompic HRV assists the prediction of CVD outcomes, especially the occurrence of CVD event within two years.
Theory of Quantum Path Entanglement and Interference with Multiplane Diffraction of Classical Light Sources
Authors: Gulbahar Burhan
Published: February 2020

Quantum history states were recently formulated by extending the consistent histories approach of Griffiths to the entangled superposition of evolution paths and were then experimented with Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger states. Tensor product structure of history-dependent correlations was also recently exploited as a quantum computing resource in simple linear optical setups performing multiplane diffraction (MPD) of fermionic and bosonic particles with remarkable promises. This significantly motivates the definition of quantum histories of MPD as entanglement resources with the inherent capability of generating an exponentially increasing number of Feynman paths through diffraction planes in a scalable manner and experimental low complexity combining the utilization of coherent light sources and photon-counting detection. In this article, quantum temporal correlation and interference among MPD paths are denoted with quantum path entanglement (QPE) and interference (QPI), respectively, as novel quantum resources. Operator theory modeling of QPE and counterintuitive properties of QPI are presented by combining history-based formulations with Feynman’s path integral approach. Leggett–Garg inequality as temporal analog of Bell’s inequality is violated for MPD with all signaling constraints in the ambiguous form recently formulated by Emary. The proposed theory for MPD-based histories is highly promising for exploiting QPE and QPI as important resources for quantum computation and communications in future architectures.
A Novel Counterfeit Feature Extraction Technique for Exposing Face-Swap Images Based on Deep Learning and Error Level Analysis
Authors: Zhang Weiguo , Zhao Chenggang , Li Yuxing
Published: February 2020

The quality and efficiency of generating face-swap images have been markedly strengthened by deep learning. For instance, the face-swap manipulations by DeepFake are so real that it is tricky to distinguish authenticity through automatic or manual detection. To augment the efficiency of distinguishing face-swap images generated by DeepFake from real facial ones, a novel counterfeit feature extraction technique was developed based on deep learning and error level analysis (ELA). It is related to entropy and information theory such as cross-entropy loss function in the final softmax layer. The DeepFake algorithm is only able to generate limited resolutions. Therefore, this algorithm results in two different image compression ratios between the fake face area as the foreground and the original area as the background, which would leave distinctive counterfeit traces. Through the ELA method, we can detect whether there are different image compression ratios. Convolution neural network (CNN), one of the representative technologies of deep learning, can extract the counterfeit feature and detect whether images are fake. Experiments show that the training efficiency of the CNN model can be significantly improved by the ELA method. In addition, the proposed technique can accurately extract the counterfeit feature, and therefore achieves outperformance in simplicity and efficiency compared with direct detection methods. Specifically, without loss of accuracy, the amount of computation can be significantly reduced (where the required floating-point computing power is reduced by more than 90%).
Demand and Storage Management in a Prosumer Nanogrid Based on Energy Forecasting
Authors: González-Romera Eva , Romero-Cadaval Enrique , Garrido-Zafra Joaquín , Florencias-Oliveros Olivia , Ruiz-Cortés Mercedes , Moreno-Munoz Antonio , González-de-la-Rosa Juan-José
Published: February 2020

Energy efficiency and consumers’ role in the energy system are among the strategic research topics in power systems these days. Smart grids (SG) and, specifically, microgrids, are key tools for these purposes. This paper presents a three-stage strategy for energy management in a prosumer nanogrid. Firstly, energy monitoring is performed and time-space compression is applied as a tool for forecasting energy resources and power quality (PQ) indices; secondly, demand is managed, taking advantage of smart appliances (SA) to reduce the electricity bill; finally, energy storage systems (ESS) are also managed to better match the forecasted generation of each prosumer. Results show how these strategies can be coordinated to contribute to energy management in the prosumer nanogrid. A simulation test is included, which proves how effectively the prosumers’ power converters track the power setpoints obtained from the proposed strategy.
Hardware-Simulator Development and Implementation for Hydraulic Turbine Generation Systems in a District Heating System
Authors: Jeon Sung-Soo , Lee Young Jae , Bak Yeongsu , Lee Kyo-Beum
Published: February 2020

This paper presents not only a hardware-simulator development for hydraulic turbine generation systems (HTGS) in a district heating system (DHS) but also its control strategies and sequence. Generally, a DHS uses a differential pressure control valve (DPCV) to supply high-pressure–high-temperature fluids for customers depending on distance. However, long-term exposure of the DPCV to fluids increases the probability of cavitation and leads to heat loss in an event of cavitation. Therefore, a HTGS was introduced to solve this problem. It performs differential pressure control of the fluids, replaces the DPCV, and converts excess energy wasted by the DPCV to electrical energy. In this paper, the development of a hardware-simulator for HTGSs with a back-to-back converter, which uses two-level topologies, is proposed; moreover, control strategies and sequence used in this design are presented. The performance and validity of the proposed hardware-simulator and its control strategies are demonstrated by experimental results.
Nonlinear Dynamics, Switching Kinetics and Physical Realization of the Family of Chua Corsage Memristors
Authors: Mannan Zubaer Ibna , Kim Hyongsuk
Published: February 2020

This article reviews the nonlinear dynamical attributes, switching kinetics, bifurcation analysis, and physical realization of a family of generic memristors, namely, Chua corsage memristors (CCM). CCM family contains three 1-st order generic memristor dubbed as 2-lobe, 4-lobe, and 6-lobe Chua corsage memristors and can be distinguished in accordance with their asymptotic stable states. The 2-lobe CCM has two asymptotically stable equilibrium states and regarded as a binary memory device. In contrast, the versatile 4-lobe CCM and 6-lobe CCM are regarded as a multi-bit-per-cell memory device as they exhibit three and four asymptotic stable states, respectively, on their complex and diversified dynamic routes. Due to the diversified dynamic routes, the CC memristors exhibit a highly nonlinear DC V-I curve. Unlike most published highly-nonlinear DC V-I curves with several disconnected branches, the DC V-I curves of CCMs are contiguous along with a locally active negative slope region. Moreover, the DC V-I curves and parametric representations of the CCMs are explicitly analytical. Switching kinetics of the CCM family can be demonstrated with universal formulas of exponential state trajectories xn(t), time period tfn, and applied minimum pulse amplitude VA and width Δw. These formulas are regarded universal as they can be applied to any piecewise linear dynamic routes for any DC or pulse input and with any number of segments. When local activity, and bifurcation and chaos theorems are employed, CMMs exhibit unique stable limit cycles spawn from a supercritical Hopf bifurcation along with static attractors. In addition, the nonlinear circuit and system theoretic approach is applied to explain the asymptotic stability behavior of CCMs and to design real memristor emulators using off-the-shelf circuit components.
Thermal Characterization of Pinus radiata Wood Vacuum-Impregnated with Octadecane
Authors: Fuentes-Sepúlveda Rodrigo , García-Herrera Claudio , Vasco Diego A. , Salinas-Lira Carlos , Ananías Rubén A.
Published: February 2020

The incorporation of phase change materials (PCM) in construction components has become an alternative to reduce the effect of thermal loads in buildings with low thermal inertia. This study put together the effective heat storage capacity of an organic phase change material (O-PCM, octadecane) with the construction and production potential of Pinus radiata in Chile. The wood is impregnated with octadecane by using the Bethell method, showing that it has good retention of the impregnator, and that its size was not modified. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis (DSC) showed that the composite material could achieve fusion enthalpy values from 36 (20.8 MJ/m3) to 122 J/g (108.9 MJ/m3). The transient line heat source method used, indicated that impregnation of Pinus radiata with octadecane increases its specific heat at temperatures from 15 to 20 °C, while its thermal conductivity decreases in the radial and the tangent directions, and increases in the longitudinal direction, showing a decrease in the orthotropic behavior of the wood. The ability of Pinus radiata wood to store latent heat positioned it as a candidate material to be considered in the building industry as a heat storage system.
Weather Risk Management in Energy Sector: The Polish Case
Authors: Wieczorek-Kosmala Monika
Published: February 2020

The energy sector is perceived as one of the most exposed sectors to the consequences of weather risk both directly (damages of its infrastructure) and indirectly (frictions to the energy supply–demand balance). The main aim of this paper is to provide an insight into the impact of weather risk on economic activity of companies operating in the energy sector in Poland. The empirical objective is to examine whether energy companies: (i) identify their relevant weather risk exposures; (ii) evaluate the impact of weather risk in the cost-revenues dimension; and (iii) implement weather risk management tools, in this case—weather derivatives. In a methodical context, this study relies on a unique research approach and derives from works that examine companies’ risk disclosures in annual reports, by applying textual content analysis. The results indicate that Polish energy companies recognize the impact of weather risk on their performance, also in the cost-revenues dimension. However, although the reported weather risk management methods were diversified, the examined companies did not use weather derivatives to hedge their weather risk exposures. In the overall dimension, the companies leading with the perception and management of weather risk were diversified regarding performance and market size.
A Linear Regression Thermal Displacement Lathe Spindle Model
Authors: Lin Chih-Jer , Su Xiao-Yi , Hu Chi-Hsien , Jian Bo-Lin , Wu Li-Wei , Yau Her-Terng
Published: February 2020

Thermal error is one of the main reasons for the loss of accuracy in lathe machining. In this study, a thermal deformation compensation model is presented that can reduce the influence of spindle thermal error on machining accuracy. The method used involves the collection of temperature data from the front and rear spindle bearings by means of embedded sensors in the bearing housings. Room temperature data were also collected as well as the thermal elongation of the main shaft. The data were used in a linear regression model to establish a robust model with strong predictive capability. Three methods were used: (1) Comsol was used for finite element analysis and the results were compared with actual measured temperatures. (2) This method involved the adjustment of the parameters of the linear regression model using the indicators of the coefficient of determination, root mean square error, mean square error, and mean absolute error, to find the best parameters for a spindle thermal displacement model. (3) The third method used system recognition to determine similarity to actual data by dividing the model into rise time and stable time. The rise time was controlled to explore the accuracy of prediction of the model at different intervals. The experimental results show that the actual measured temperatures were very close to those obtained in the Comsol analysis. The traditional model calculates prediction error values within single intervals, and so the model was divided to give rise time and stable time. The experimental results showed two error intervals, 19µm in the rise time and 15µm in the stable time, and these findings allowed the machining accuracy to be enhanced.
Methodology of Excavator System Energy Flow-Down
Authors: An Kwangman , Kang Hyehyun , An Youngkuk , Park Jinil , Lee Jonghwa
Published: February 2020

Due to the strengthening of air-quality regulations, researchers have been investigating methods to improve excavator energy efficiency. Many researchers primarily conducted simulation studies employing mathematical models to analyze the energy consumption of excavator systems, which is necessary to examine the fuel efficiency improvement margin and the improvement effect. However, to effectively study the improvement of excavator efficiency, the real-time energy consumption characteristics must be examined through simulations and analyses of actual equipment-based energy consumption. Accordingly, this study establishes an energy flow-down model for the entire excavator system based on actual equipment tests. A measurement system is built to measure the required data, thereby establishing an experimental methodology for modeling each component. This paper presents an excavator system energy flow-down methodology that integrates the energy flow-down model, measurement system, and experimental methodology. This methodology was applied to dig and dump operations, and the energy consumption characteristics were analyzed. An analysis of the operating modes indicates that 59.8% of the total fuel energy was consumed in the engine system, 17% in the hydraulic system, and 23.2% in the hydraulic actuation systems. The methodology can be used to help analysis of the fuel efficiency improvement margin under various conditions.
Control of a Modular Multilevel Matrix Converter for Unified Power Flow Controller Applications
Authors: Duran Alberto , Ibaceta Efrain , Diaz Matias , Rojas Felix , Cardenas Roberto , Chavez Hector
Published: February 2020

The modular multilevel matrix converter has been proposed as a suitable option for high power applications such as flexible AC transmission systems. Among flexible AC transmission systems, the unified power flow controller stands out as the most versatile device. However, the application of the modular multilevel matrix converter has not been thoroughly analyzed for unified power flow controller applications due to the sophisticated control systems that are needed when its ports operate at equal frequencies. In this context, this paper presents a cascaded control structure for a modular multilevel matrix converter based unified power flow controller. The control is implemented in a decoupled reference frame, and it features proportional-integral external controllers and internal proportional multi-resonant controllers. Additionally, the input port of the modular multilevel matrix converter is regulated in grid-feeding mode, and the output port is regulated in grid-forming mode to provide power flow compensation. The effectiveness of the proposed vector control system is demonstrated through simulation studies and experimental validation tests conducted with a 27-cell 5 kW prototype.
Local Heating Networks with Waste Heat Utilization: Low or Medium Temperature Supply?
Authors: Kauko Hanne , Rohde Daniel , Hafner Armin
Published: February 2020

District heating enables an economical use of energy sources that would otherwise be wasted to cover the heating demands of buildings in urban areas. For efficient utilization of local waste heat and renewable heat sources, low distribution temperatures are of crucial importance. This study evaluates a local heating network being planned for a new building area in Trondheim, Norway, with waste heat available from a nearby ice skating rink. Two alternative supply temperature levels have been evaluated with dynamic simulations: low temperature (40 °C), with direct utilization of waste heat and decentralized domestic hot water (DHW) production using heat pumps; and medium temperature (70 °C), applying a centralized heat pump to lift the temperature of the waste heat. The local network will be connected to the primary district heating network to cover the remaining heat demand. The simulation results show that with a medium temperature supply, the peak power demand is up to three times higher than with a low temperature supply. This results from the fact that the centralized heat pump lifts the temperature for the entire network, including space and DHW heating demands. With a low temperature supply, heat pumps are applied only for DHW production, which enables a low and even electricity demand. On the other hand, with a low temperature supply, the district heating demand is high in the wintertime, in particular if the waste heat temperature is low. The choice of a suitable supply temperature level for a local heating network is hence strongly dependent on the temperature of the available waste heat, but also on the costs and emissions related to the production of district heating and electricity in the different seasons.
Energy Harvesting by a Novel Substitution for Expansion Valves: Special Focus on City Gate Stations of High-Pressure Natural Gas Pipelines
Authors: Sheikhnejad Yahya , Simões João , Martins Nelson
Published: February 2020

A countless amount of energy has been wasted in all kinds of expansion valves (EV) in industries. In fact, EVs, including regulators, throttling valves, capillary tubes, etc., have been used to intentionally reduce the potential of carrier fluid. City gate stations (CGS) have been recognized as one of the important points with high potential for energy harvesting due to its function for regulating natural gas (NG) pressure by EV. In this study, Tesla turbine (TT) is introduced as a new candidate for substitution of EV, particularly those that have been employed in CGS on high-pressure NG pipelines, as well as those applications in which high-potential fluid must be reduced to a low-potential state to form a complete thermodynamic cycle or to be used at end-user equipment. Although harvesting energy is one of the hottest fields of science and engineering, there are few traces of research on using a TT as an alternative for EVs, even for the industries possessing high-pressure lines. This numerical experiment intends to show the capability of TT as a robust candidate for substituting regulation valves through investigating thermohydrodynamic characteristics of the turbulent high-pressure compressible NG flow through a TT under different operation conditions. This study, with the objective of managing the exploitation of resources, can be considered as one step forward toward reinforcing economic and environmental pillars of sustainable development. It is also found that the generated power by TT can support the 285 7W LED simultaneously, or it is equivalent to 84.4 m2 area of the solar panel (150 W, 15.42% efficiency) for the climate condition of Toronto, Canada.
Impact of Energy Storage Useful Life on Intelligent Microgrid Scheduling
Authors: Baron Carlo , Al-Sumaiti Ameena S. , Rivera Sergio
Published: February 2020

Planning the operation scheduling with optimization heuristic algorithms allows microgrids to have a convenient tool. The developments done in this study attain this scheduling taking into account the impact of energy storage useful life in the microgrid operation. The scheduling solutions, proposed for the answer of an optimization problem, are obtained by using a metaheuristic algorithm called Differential Evolutionary Particle Swarm Optimization (DEEPSO). Thanks to the optimization that is conducted in this study, it is possible to formulate dispatches of the existent microgrid (MG) by always looking for the ideal dispatch that implies a lower cost and provides a greater viability to any project related to renewable energy, electric vehicles and energy storage. These advances oblige the battery manufacturers to start looking for more powerful batteries, with lower costs and longer useful life. In this way, this paper proposes a scheduling tool considering the energy storage useful life.
Stability of Li-LSX Zeolite in the Catalytic Pyrolysis of Non-Treated and Acid Pre-Treated Isochrysis sp. Microalgae
Authors: Abd Rahman Nur Adilah , Fermoso Javier , Sanna Aimaro
Published: February 2020

This paper investigates the use of Li-LSX-zeolite catalyst over three regeneration cycles in presence of non-treated and acid pre-treated Isochrysis sp. microalgae. The spent and regenerated catalysts were characterised by surface analysis, elemental analysis (EA), SEM-EDS, and XRD to correlate their properties with the bio-oil yield and quality. The acid pre-treatment removed alkali metals, reducing gas yield in favour of bio-oil, but, at the same time, led to catalyst deactivation by fouling. Differently, the non-treated microalgae resulted in a bio-oil enriched in C and H and depleted in O, compared to the pre-treated ones, denoting higher deoxygenation activity. After 3 pyrolysis/regeneration cycles, the analyses suggest that there are no major changes on catalyst using non-treated microalgae. Regeneration at 700 °C has been shown to be able to remove most of the coke without damaging the Li-LSX zeolite structure. In summary, Li-LSX zeolite was effective in maintaining deoxygenation activity over three cycles in the pyrolysis of non-treated Isochrysis microalgae, while the algae pre-treatment with sulphuric acid was detrimental on the catalyst activity.
Fabrication and Photovoltaic Properties of Organic Solar Cell Based on Zinc Phthalocyanine
Authors: Islam Zahoor Ul , Tahir Muhammad , Syed Waqar Adil , Aziz Fakhra , Wahab Fazal , Said Suhana Mohd , R. Sarker Mahidur , Md Ali Sawal Hamid , Sabri Mohd Faizul Mohd
Published: February 2020

Herein, we report thin films’ characterizations and photovoltaic properties of an organic semiconductor zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc). To study the former, a 100 nm thick film of ZnPc is thermally deposited on quartz glass by using vacuum thermal evaporator at 1.5 × 10−6 mbar. Surface features of the ZnPc film are studied by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) with in situ energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis and atomic force microscope (AFM) which reveal uniform film growth, grain sizes and shapes with slight random distribution of the grains. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies are carried out of the ZnPc thin films to measure its optical bandgap (1.55 eV and 3.08 eV) as well as to study chemical composition and bond-dynamics. To explore photovoltaic properties of ZnPc, an Ag/ZnPc/PEDOT:PSS/ITO cell is fabricated by spin coating a 20 nm thick film of hole transport layer (HTL)—poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS)—on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate followed by thermal evaporation of a 100 nm layer of ZnPc and 50 nm silver (Ag) electrode. Current-voltage (I-V) properties of the fabricated device are measured in dark as well as under illumination at standard testing conditions (STC), i.e., 300 K, 100 mW/cm2 and 1.5 AM global by using solar simulator. The key device parameters such as ideality factor (n), barrier height ( ϕ b ), junction/interfacial resistance (Rs) and forward current rectification of the device are measured in the dark which exhibit the formation of depletion region. The Ag/ZnPc/PEDOT:PSS/ITO device demonstrates good photovoltaic characteristics by offering 0.48 fill factor (FF) and 1.28 ± 0.05% power conversion efficiency (PCE), η.
Regenerative Braking for Energy Recovering in Diesel-Electric Freight Trains: A Technical and Economic Evaluation
Authors: Mayrink Sergio , Oliveira Janaína G. , Dias Bruno H. , Oliveira Leonardo W. , Ochoa Juan S. , Rosseti Gustavo S.
Published: February 2020

The present work evaluates the application of regenerative braking for energy recovery in diesel-electric freight trains to increase efficiency and to improve decarbonization. The energy from regenerative braking has to be stored onboard when the track is not electrified. Different technologies of energy recovery are presented and discussed. The energy balance of an existing route is presented and simulated for different battery sizes. The analysis is illustrated with experimental data from an important Brazilian railway. Results show that the energy recovery from regenerative brake is a feasible investment and may be recommended to increase the efficiency in transportation and also to improve the low carbon mobility in railway systems.
IEC 61850-Based Centralized Busbar Differential Protection with Data Desynchronization Compensation
Authors: Song Myeong-Hoon , Kang Sang-Hee , Lee Nam-Ho , Nam Soon-Ryul
Published: February 2020

This paper proposes an IEC 61850-based centralized busbar differential protection scheme, in which data desynchronization between intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) leads to differential current errors. As the differential current errors could result in erroneous operation of the centralized busbar differential protection, data desynchronization should be compensated for. The main causes of data desynchronization are subdivided into measurement timing and time synchronization errors. In this paper, the first-order Lagrange interpolation polynomial is used to compensate for measurement timing errors and the voltage angle differences between IEDs are used to compensate for time synchronization errors. The centralized busbar differential protection is tested using a real-time digital simulator and IEC 61850-based IEDs, which are implemented with the MMS-EASE Lite library and Smart Grid Infrastructure Evaluation Module. The test results show that the data desynchronization compensation can significantly reduce differential current errors, and thus prevent erroneous operation of the IEC 61850-based centralized busbar differential protection.
Market Design and Trading Strategies for Community Energy Markets with Storage and Renewable Supply
Authors: Alabdullatif Abdullah M. , Gerding Enrico H. , Perez-Diaz Alvaro
Published: February 2020

Community Energy Markets (CEMs) enable trading opportunities between participants in a community to achieve savings and profits. However, the market design and the behaviour of participants are key factors that determine the success of such markets. To this end, this research presents a CEM model and conducts agent-based simulations to study the benefits of the CEM to consumers and prosumers. The proposed market structure is an hour-ahead periodic double auction. In particular, market rules are proposed that incentivise the provision of energy supply to the community and the investment in energy storage. Furthermore, a trading strategy is introduced that leverages energy flexibility created by the storage devices. Finally, as well as the hour-ahead market, we include a minute-by-minute balancing as part of the CEM’s energy exchange mechanism. The balancing approach is introduced to account for a community budget deficit caused by the time difference between supply and demand. The proposed market results in cost savings for consumers and profit for prosumers similar to existing approaches, while increasing the energy suppliers’ percentage of financial benefits from 50% to a range between 60–96% depending on the community configuration. Moreover, the market model accounts for uncertainties in supply and demand and suggests a methodology to overcome the community budget deficit.
Temperature Measurements on a Solar and Low Enthalpy Geothermal Open-Air Asphalt Surface Platform in a Cold Climate Region
Authors: Çuhac Caner , Mäkiranta Anne , Välisuo Petri , Hiltunen Erkki , Elmusrati Mohammed
Published: February 2020

Solar heat, already captured by vast asphalt fields in urban areas, is potentially a huge energy resource. The vertical soil temperature profile, i.e., low enthalpy geothermal energy, reveals how efficiently the irradiation is absorbed or radiated back to the atmosphere. Measured solar irradiation, heat flux on the asphalt surface and temperature distribution over a range of depths describe the thermal energy from an asphalt surface down to 10 m depth. In this study, those variables were studied by long-term measurements in an open-air platform in Finland. To compensate the nighttime heat loss, the accumulated heat on the surface should be harvested during the sunny daytime periods. A cumulative heat flux over one year from asphalt to the ground was 70% of the cumulative solar irradiance measured during the same period. However, due to the nighttime heat losses, the net heat flux during 5 day period was only 18% of the irradiance in spring, and was negative during autumn, when the soil was cooling. These preliminary results indicate that certain adaptive heat transfer and storage mechanisms are needed to minimize the loss and turn the asphalt layer into an efficient solar heat collector connected with a seasonal storage system.
Can Soil Electrical Resistivity Measurements Aid the Identification of Forest Areas Prone to Windthrow Disturbance?
Authors: Homolák Marián , Gömöryová Erika , Pichler Viliam
Published: February 2020

This study investigates how certain forest soil properties influence the propensity of beech forests to windthrow disturbances. The field measurements of soil electrical resistivity were carried out in an old-growth natural beech forest where the soil has developed from Cainozoic sedimentary rock with mudstone–claystone stratigraphy. In 2014, the forest was hit by a severe windstorm, and dispersed windthrow occurred at certain plots. Apparent electrical resistivity measurements were performed to investigate whether some soil properties could influence the forest trees’ predisposition to windthrow. The increases in the clay content and soil bulk density below 30 cm were associated with weathered claystone and mudstone, which created a physiological barrier for deeper root penetration. The result of the χ 2 test suggested that the windthrown spots were not distributed evenly over the entire study area. They were mainly concentrated over approximately 50% of the area, and their positions coincided with low resistivity values, indicating low soil skeleton content, high clay content and soil moisture. Therefore, electrical resistivity tomography could be considered a useful predictive tool for reducing the risk of natural disturbances by preventive forest management.
The Dynamics of Transpiration to Evapotranspiration Ratio under Wet and Dry Canopy Conditions in a Humid Boreal Forest
Authors: Hadiwijaya Bram , Pepin Steeve , Isabelle Pierre-Erik , Nadeau Daniel F.
Published: February 2020

Humid boreal forests are unique environments characterized by a cold climate, abundant precipitation, and high evapotranspiration. Transpiration ( E T ), as a component of evapotranspiration (E), behaves differently under wet and dry canopy conditions, yet very few studies have focused on the dynamics of transpiration to evapotranspiration ratio ( E T / E ) under transient canopy wetness states. This study presents field measurements of E T / E at the Montmorency Forest, Québec, Canada: a balsam fir boreal forest that receives ∼ 1600 mm of precipitation annually (continental subarctic climate; Köppen classification subtype Dfc). Half-hourly observations of E and E T were obtained over two growing seasons using eddy-covariance and sap flow (Granier’s constant thermal dissipation) methods, respectively, under wet and dry canopy conditions. A series of calibration experiments were performed for sap flow, resulting in species-specific calibration coefficients that increased estimates of sap flux density by 34 % ± 8 % , compared to Granier’s original coefficients. The uncertainties associated with the scaling of sap flow measurements to stand E T , especially circumferential and spatial variations, were also quantified. From 30 wetting–drying events recorded during the measurement period in summer 2018, variations in E T / E were analyzed under different stages of canopy wetness. A combination of low evaporative demand and the presence of water on the canopy from the rainfall led to small E T / E . During two growing seasons, the average E T / E ranged from 35 % ± 2 % to 47 % ± 3 % . The change in total precipitation was not the main driver of seasonal E T / E variation, therefore it is important to analyze the impact of rainfall at half-hourly intervals.
Bat Algorithm Based Non-linear Contrast Stretching for Satellite Image Enhancement
Authors: Asokan Anju , Popescu Daniela E. , Anitha J. , Hemanth D. Jude
Published: February 2020

The remote sensing images acquired from the satellites are low contrast images. The availability of low contrast images and failure of the traditional methods such as Histogram Equalization and Gamma correction in preserving the brightness levels in the image are the main issues in satellite image processing. This paper proposes an optimized contrast stretching using non-linear transformation for image enhancement. The non-linear transformation is influenced by the appropriate choice of control parameters for the sample images since manual tuning for individual images is tedious. A Bat algorithm based tuning is employed for the automated selection of control parameters in the transformation. The performance of the optimization algorithm is compared against other metaheuristic algorithms such as Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). It is noted that the bat algorithm based contrast enhancement outperforms the other optimization techniques in terms of metrics such as Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), Mean Square Error (MSE), Absolute Mean Brightness Error (AMBE), Entropy and CPU time (Central Processing Unit).
Nano TiO2 Imparting Multifunctional Performance on Dyed Polyester Fabrics with some Disperse Dyes Using High Temperature Dyeing as an Environmentally Benign Method
Authors: Al-Etaibi Alya M. , El-Apasery Morsy Ahmed
Published: February 2020

Polyester fabrics were dyed with prepared disperse dyes using the high temperature dyeing method. The dye exhaustion of the dye baths were compared to the low-temperature dyeing method in an attempt to study the proportion of the dye effluent solution that affects the environment. The dye uptake of the high temperature dyeing method (HT) of polyester fabric was compared with low temperature dyeing, hence (HT) increased the color strength of the investigated dyes by 309 and 265%. This means that the amount of dye present in the dye effluents by using the high-temperature dyeing method is almost non-existent, and this is reflected positively on the environment as these wastes pollute the environment. Post-treated polyester fabric was prepared through a two-step hot process after being immersed in a solution of Titanium (IV) oxide nanoparticle sizeTiO2 NPs (21 nm primary particle size) at 80 °C followed by curing at 140 °C. The treated fabric realized an optimum UV protection factor of 34.9 and 283.6 degrees. These fabrics also demonstrated a strong ability to improve the light fastness properties. Finally, the potential applications of such value-added fabrics as self-cleaning and antifungal activities were investigated. The results indicated that the treated dyed fabrics with TiO2 NPs endowed fabrics with the excellent self-cleaning of methylene blue dye. From the above, the treated fabrics with nano-titanium dioxide can be used in some promising fields, for example, medical ones.
Developing a Serious Game That Supports the Resolution of Social and Ecological Problems in the Toolset Environment of Cities: Skylines
Authors: Olszewski Robert , Cegiełka Mateusz , Szczepankowska Urszula , Wesołowski Jacek
Published: February 2020

Game engines are not only capable of creating virtual worlds or providing entertainment, but also of modelling actual geographical space and producing solutions that support the process of social participation. This article presents an authorial concept of using the environment of Cities: Skylines and the C# programming language to automate the process of importing official topographic data into the game engine and developing a prototype of a serious game that supports solving social and ecological problems. The model—developed using digital topographic data, digital terrain models, and CityGML 3D models—enabled the creation of a prototype of a serious game, later endorsed by the residents of the municipality, local authorities, as well as the Ministry of Investment and Economic Development.
Geoweaver: Advanced Cyberinfrastructure for Managing Hybrid Geoscientific AI Workflows
Authors: Sun Ziheng , Di Liping , Burgess Annie , Tullis Jason A. , Magill Andrew B.
Published: February 2020

AI (artificial intelligence)-based analysis of geospatial data has gained a lot of attention. Geospatial datasets are multi-dimensional; have spatiotemporal context; exist in disparate formats; and require sophisticated AI workflows that include not only the AI algorithm training and testing, but also data preprocessing and result post-processing. This complexity poses a huge challenge when it comes to full-stack AI workflow management, as researchers often use an assortment of time-intensive manual operations to manage their projects. However, none of the existing workflow management software provides a satisfying solution on hybrid resources, full file access, data flow, code control, and provenance. This paper introduces a new system named Geoweaver to improve the efficiency of full-stack AI workflow management. It supports linking all the preprocessing, AI training and testing, and post-processing steps into a single automated workflow. To demonstrate its utility, we present a use case in which Geoweaver manages end-to-end deep learning for in-time crop mapping using Landsat data. We show how Geoweaver effectively removes the tedium of managing various scripts, code, libraries, Jupyter Notebooks, datasets, servers, and platforms, greatly reducing the time, cost, and effort researchers must spend on such AI-based workflows. The concepts demonstrated through Geoweaver serve as an important building block in the future of cyberinfrastructure for AI research.
A Harmonized Data Model for Noise Simulation in the EU
Authors: Kumar Kavisha , Ledoux Hugo , Schmidt Richard , Verheij Theo , Stoter Jantien
Published: February 2020

This paper presents our implementation of a harmonized data model for noise simulations in the European Union (EU). Different noise assessment methods are used by different EU member states (MS) for estimating noise at local, regional, and national scales. These methods, along with the input data extracted from the national registers and databases, as well as other open and/or commercially available data, differ in several aspects and it is difficult to obtain comparable results across the EU. To address this issue, a common framework for noise assessment methods (CNOSSOS-EU) was developed by the European Commission’s (EC) Joint Research Centre (JRC). However, apart from the software implementations for CNOSSOS, very little has been done for the practical guidelines outlining the specifications for the required input data, metadata, and the schema design to test the real-world situations with CNOSSOS. We describe our approach for modeling input and output data for noise simulations and also generate a real world dataset of an area in the Netherlands based on our data model for simulating urban noise using CNOSSOS.
Plant Lipid Bodies Traffic on Actin to Plasmodesmata Motorized by Myosin XIs
Authors: Veerabagu Manikandan , K Paul Laju , Rinne Päivi LH , van der Schoot Christiaan
Published: February 2020

Late 19th-century cytologists observed tiny oil drops in shoot parenchyma and seeds, but it was discovered only in 1972 that they were bound by a half unit-membrane. Later, it was found that lipid bodies (LBs) arise from the endoplasmic reticulum. Seeds are known to be packed with static LBs, coated with the LB-specific protein OLEOSIN. As shown here, apices of Populus tremula x P. tremuloides also express OLEOSIN genes and produce potentially mobile LBs. In developing buds, PtOLEOSIN (PtOLE) genes were upregulated, especially PtOLE6, concomitant with LB accumulation. To investigate LB mobility and destinations, we transformed Arabidopsis with PtOLE6-eGFP. We found that PtOLE6-eGFP fusion protein co-localized with Nile Red-stained LBs in all cell types. Moreover, PtOLE6-eGFP-tagged LBs targeted plasmodesmata, identified by the callose marker aniline blue. Pharmacological experiments with brefeldin, cytochalasin D, and oryzalin showed that LB-trafficking requires F-actin, implying involvement of myosin motors. In a triple myosin-XI knockout (xi-k/1/2), transformed with PtOLE6-eGFP, trafficking of PtOLE6-eGFP-tagged LBs was severely impaired, confirming that they move on F-actin, motorized by myosin XIs. The data reveal that LBs and OLEOSINs both function in proliferating apices and buds, and that directional trafficking of LBs to plasmodesmata requires the actomyosin system.
Multiple Skin Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa Due to Altered Laminin-332 Function
Authors: Fortugno Paola , Condorelli Angelo Giuseppe , Dellambra Elena , Guerra Liliana , Cianfarani Francesca , Tinaburri Lavinia , Proto Vittoria , De Luca Naomi , Passarelli Francesca , Ricci Francesca , Zambruno Giovanna , Castiglia Daniele
Published: February 2020

Variably reduced expression of the basement membrane component laminin-332 (α3aβ3γ2) causes junctional epidermolysis bullosa generalized intermediate (JEB-GI), a skin fragility disorder with an increased susceptibility to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) development in adulthood. Laminin-332 is highly expressed in several types of epithelial tumors and is central to signaling pathways that promote SCC tumorigenesis. However, laminin-332 mutations and expression in individuals affected by JEB-GI and suffering from recurrent SCCs have been poorly characterized. We studied a JEB-GI patient who developed over a hundred primary cutaneous SCCs. Molecular analysis combined with gene expression studies in patient skin and primary keratinocytes revealed that the patient is a functional hemizygous for the p.Cys1171* mutant allele which is transcribed in a stable mRNA encoding for a β3 chain shortened of the last two C-terminal amino acids (Cys1171-Lys1172). The lack of the Cys1171 residue involved in the C-terminal disulphide bond to γ2 chain did not prevent assembly, secretion, and proteolytic processing of the heterotrimeric molecule. Immunohistochemistry of SCC specimens revealed accumulation of mutant laminin-332 at the epithelial-stromal interface of invasive front. We conclude that the C-terminal disulphide bond is a structural element crucial for laminin-332 adhesion function in-vivo. By saving laminin-332 amount, processing, and signaling role the p.Cys1171* mutation may allow intrinsic pro-tumorigenic properties of the protein to be conveyed, thus contributing to invasiveness and recurrence of SCCs in this patient.
Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Human Fetal Growth
Authors: Street Maria Elisabeth , Bernasconi Sergio
Published: February 2020

Fetal growth is regulated by a complex interaction of maternal, placental, and fetal factors. The effects and outcomes that chemicals, widely distributed in the environment, may have on the health status of both the mother and the fetus are not yet well defined. Mainly mixtures of chemical substances are found in the mothers and placenta. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can be associated with fetal growth retardation, thyroid dysfunction, and neurological disorders. EDCs mostly interfere with insulin, glucocorticoid, estrogenic, and thyroid pathways, with subsequent effects on normal endocrine and metabolic functions, which cause changes in the epigenome and state of inflammation with life-long effects and consequences. International scientific societies recommend the implementation of research and of all possible preventive measures. This review briefly summarizes all these aspects.
Persistent Breeding-Induced Endometritis in Mares—A Multifaceted Challenge: From Clinical Aspects to Immunopathogenesis and Pathobiology
Authors: Canisso Igor F. , Segabinazzi Lorenzo G.T.M. , Fedorka Carleigh E.
Published: February 2020

Post-breeding endometritis (i.e., inflammation/infection of the endometrium), is a physiological reaction taking place in the endometrium of mares within 48 h post-breeding, aimed to clear seminal plasma, excess sperm, microorganisms, and debris from the uterine lumen in preparation for the arrival of an embryo. Mares are classified as susceptible or resistant to persistent breeding-induced endometritis (PBIE) based on their ability to clear this inflammation/infection by 48 h post-breeding. Mares susceptible to PBIE, or those with difficulty clearing infection/inflammation, have a deficient immune response and compromised physical mechanisms of defense against infection. Molecular pathways of the innate immune response known to be involved in PBIE are discussed herein. The role of the adaptive uterine immune response on PBIE remains to be elucidated in horses. Advances in the pathobiology of microbes involved in PBIE are also revised here. Traditional and non-traditional therapeutic modalities for endometritis are contrasted and described in the context of clinical and molecular aspects. In recent years, the lack of efficacy of traditional therapeutic modalities, alongside the ever-increasing incidence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, has enforced the development of non-traditional therapies. Novel biological products capable of modulating the endometrial inflammatory response are also discussed here as part of the non-traditional therapies for endometritis.