bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Insight into Probiotics Bio-Route: Translocation from the Mother’s Gut to the Mammary Gland
Authors: Selvamani Shanmugaprakasham , Dailin Daniel , Gupta Vijai , Wahid Mohd , Keat Ho , Natasya Khairun , Malek Roslinda , Haque Shafiul , Sayyed R. , Abomoelak Bassam , Sukmawati Dalia , Varzakas Theodoros , El Enshasy Hesham
Published: August 2021

Human breast milk (HBM) is unique in its composition as it is adapted to fulfil the newborns’ nutritional requirement and helps in improving the health of newborns. Besides various nutrients, the human milk also contains diverse group of microbiotas. The human milk microbiota has a remarkable impact on the growth and development of a newborn. Additionally, the human milk microbiota enhances the colonization of microbes in the gut of infants. Debates about the origin of HBM microbial flora remain premature and contradictory in some cases. Recent data suggest that the maternal gut microbiota has a major impact on microbial composition, areolar skin, and from the infant’s oral cavity. The current review investigates the possible route of microbial transfer from the maternal gut to mammary gland and suggests that it might occur through the entero-mammary pathway. It involves precise selection of probiotic microorganisms from the gut, as the human gut hosts trillions of microorganisms involved in gut homeostasis and other metabolic pathways. Gastrointestinal lymphatic vessels, macrophages, and dendritic cells are shown to play a significant role in the microbial transmission. Furthermore, the role of microbial factors in the development of neonatal immunity and translocation of secretory IgA (SIgA) cells from the intestinal lumen to GALT and finally to mammary glands via entero-mammary link are discussed.
CHARMIE: A Collaborative Healthcare and Home Service and Assistant Robot for Elderly Care
Authors: Ribeiro Tiago , Gonçalves Fernando , Garcia Inês S. , Lopes Gil , Ribeiro António F.
Published: August 2021

The global population is ageing at an unprecedented rate. With changes in life expectancy across the world, three major issues arise: an increasing proportion of senior citizens; cognitive and physical problems progressively affecting the elderly; and a growing number of single-person households. The available data proves the ever-increasing necessity for efficient elderly care solutions such as healthcare service and assistive robots. Additionally, such robotic solutions provide safe healthcare assistance in public health emergencies such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19). CHARMIE is an anthropomorphic collaborative healthcare and domestic assistant robot capable of performing generic service tasks in non-standardised healthcare and domestic environment settings. The combination of its hardware and software solutions demonstrates map building and self-localisation, safe navigation through dynamic obstacle detection and avoidance, different human-robot interaction systems, speech and hearing, pose/gesture estimation and household object manipulation. Moreover, CHARMIE performs end-to-end chores in nursing homes, domestic houses, and healthcare facilities. Some examples of these chores are to help users transport items, fall detection, tidying up rooms, user following, and set up a table. The robot can perform a wide range of chores, either independently or collaboratively. CHARMIE provides a generic robotic solution such that older people can live longer, more independent, and healthier lives.
A Study of Longitudinal Waveguide with Band Gap Using Cylindrical and Conical Shape Periodic Structure
Authors: Oh Dong Hyeon , Yoon Gil Ho
Published: August 2021

This research presents the theoretical and experimental studies for cylindrical and conical periodic structures to control longitudinal wave motion. Many relevant researches exist to stop and pass a certain frequency wave without active devices with periodic structures called metamaterials. To modify or control longitudinal wave propagation, i.e., passing or blocking mechanical wave within specific frequency ranges, repeated mass-spring systems or metamaterials can be applied. By integrating a few identical structural components to form a whole structure, it is possible to make a mechanical filter for wave propagation. Most studies rely on straight bar with cylindrical structure. Thus, with a unit cell that have a cylindrical and conical structure, this research presents the extensions toward the studies of the wave motions for straight and curved bars with finite element simulations and experiment studies. The results show that the hybrid cylindrical and conical periodic structures can be effective in terms of wave motion control and stiffness.
Drift Evaluation of a Quadrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Sprayer: Effect of Liquid Pressure and Wind Speed on Drift Potential Based on Wind Tunnel Test
Authors: Liu Qi , Chen Shengde , Wang Guobin , Lan Yubin
Published: August 2021

Background: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) applied to agricultural plant protection is widely used, and the field of operation is expanding due to their high efficiency and pesticide application reduction. However, the work on pesticide drift lags behind the development of the UAV spraying device. Methods: We compared the spray drift potential at four liquid pressures of 2, 3, 4, and 5 bar ejected from the hydraulic nozzles mounted on a UAV test platform exposed to different wind speeds of 2, 4, and 6 m/s produced by a wind tunnel. The combination of the wind tunnel and the UAV test platform was used to obtain strict test conditions. The droplet size distribution under spray drift pressures was measured by a laser diffraction instrument. Results: Increasing the pressure leads to smaller droplet volume diameters and produced fine droplets of less than 100 µm. The deposition in the drift area was elevated at most of the sampling locations by setting higher pressure and faster wind speed. The deposition ratios were all higher than the flow ratios under three wind speeds after the adjustment of pressures. For most samples within a short drift distance (2–8 m), the drift with the rotor motor off was more than an order of magnitude higher than that with the rotor motor on at a pressure of 3 bar. Conclusions: In this study, the wind speed and liquid pressure all had a significant effect on the UAV spray drift, and the rotor wind significantly inhibited a large number of droplets from drifting further.
Quantitative Monitoring of Dynamic Blood Flows Using Coflowing Laminar Streams in a Sensorless Approach
Authors: Kang Yang Jun
Published: August 2021

Determination of blood viscosity requires consistent measurement of blood flow rates, which leads to measurement errors and presents several issues when there are continuous changes in hematocrit changes. Instead of blood viscosity, a coflowing channel as a pressure sensor is adopted to quantify the dynamic flow of blood. Information on blood (i.e., hematocrit, flow rate, and viscosity) is not provided in advance. Using a discrete circuit model for the coflowing streams, the analytical expressions for four properties (i.e., pressure, shear stress, and two types of work) are then derived to quantify the flow of the test fluid. The analytical expressions are validated through numerical simulations. To demonstrate the method, the four properties are obtained using the present method by varying the flow patterns (i.e., constant flow rate or sinusoidal flow rate) as well as test fluids (i.e., glycerin solutions and blood). Thereafter, the present method is applied to quantify the dynamic flows of RBC aggregation-enhanced blood with a peristaltic pump, where any information regarding the blood is not specific. The experimental results indicate that the present method can quantify dynamic blood flow consistently, where hematocrit changes continuously over time.
ELOVL5-Mediated Long Chain Fatty Acid Elongation Contributes to Enzalutamide Resistance of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Xu Huan , Li Sangsang , Sun Yi , Xu Lingfan , Hong Xin , Wang Zhong , Hu Hailiang
Published: August 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) exhibits an elevated level of de novo lipogenesis that provides both energy and basic metabolites for its malignant development. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are elongated and desaturated from palmitate but their effects on PCa progression remain largely unknown. Here, we showed that PUFAs were significantly upregulated by androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and elevated in neuroendocrine (NE)-like PCa cells. The key enzyme of PUFA elongation, ELOVL5, was overexpressed in NE-like PCa cells as well. Furthermore, we demonstrated that knocking down ELOVL5 in enzalutamide resistant NE-like PCa cells diminished the neuroendocrine phenotypes and enzalutamide resistance, while overexpressing ELOVL5 augmented the enzalutamide resistance of PCa cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, ELOVL5-mediated PUFA elongation enhanced the lipid raft-associated AKT-mTOR signaling activation and therefore contributes to the enzalutamide resistance. These findings suggest that ELOLV5-mediated PUFA elongation may be a potential novel target for the treatment of enzalutamide resistant NE-like PCa.
Kallikrein-Related Peptidase 6 Is Associated with the Tumour Microenvironment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Candido Juliana B. , Maiques Oscar , Boxberg Melanie , Kast Verena , Peerani Eleonora , Tomás-Bort Elena , Weichert Wilko , Sananes Amiram , Papo Niv , Magdolen Viktor , Sanz-Moreno Victoria , Loessner Daniela
Published: August 2021

As cancer-associated factors, kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) are components of the tumour microenvironment, which represents a rich substrate repertoire, and considered attractive targets for the development of novel treatments. Standard-of-care therapy of pancreatic cancer shows unsatisfactory results, indicating the need for alternative therapeutic approaches. We aimed to investigate the expression of KLKs in pancreatic cancer and to inhibit the function of KLK6 in pancreatic cancer cells. KLK6, KLK7, KLK8, KLK10 and KLK11 were coexpressed and upregulated in tissues from pancreatic cancer patients compared to normal pancreas. Their high expression levels correlated with each other and were linked to shorter survival compared to low KLK levels. We then validated KLK6 mRNA and protein expression in patient-derived tissues and pancreatic cancer cells. Coexpression of KLK6 with KRT19, αSMA or CD68 was independent of tumour stage, while KLK6 was coexpressed with KRT19 and CD68 in the invasive tumour area. High KLK6 levels in tumour and CD68+ cells were linked to shorter survival. KLK6 inhibition reduced KLK6 mRNA expression, cell metabolic activity and KLK6 secretion and increased the secretion of other serine and aspartic lysosomal proteases. The association of high KLK levels and poor prognosis suggests that inhibiting KLKs may be a therapeutic strategy for precision medicine.
Early Drosophila Oogenesis: A Tale of Centriolar Asymmetry
Authors: Riparbelli Maria Giovanna , Persico Veronica , Callaini Giuliano
Published: August 2021

Among the morphological processes that characterize the early stages of Drosophila oogenesis, the dynamic of the centrioles deserves particular attention. We re-examined the architecture and the distribution of the centrioles within the germarium and early stages of the vitellarium. We found that most of the germ cell centrioles diverge from the canonical model and display notable variations in size. Moreover, duplication events were frequently observed within the germarium in the absence of DNA replication. Finally, we report the presence of an unusually long centriole that is first detected in the cystoblast and is always associated with the developing oocyte. This centriole is directly inherited after the asymmetric division of the germline stem cells and persists during the process of oocyte selection, thus already representing a marker for oocyte identification at the beginning of its formation and during the ensuing developmental stages.
Integral Membrane Protein 2A Is a Negative Regulator of Canonical and Non-Canonical Hedgehog Signalling
Authors: Morales-Alcala Cintli C. , Georgiou Ioanna Ch. , Timmis Alex J. , Riobo-Del Galdo Natalia A.
Published: August 2021

The Hedgehog (Hh) receptor PTCH1 and the integral membrane protein 2A (ITM2A) inhibit autophagy by reducing autolysosome formation. In this study, we demonstrate that ITM2A physically interacts with PTCH1; however, the two proteins inhibit autophagic flux independently, since silencing of ITM2A did not prevent the accumulation of LC3BII and p62 in PTCH1-overexpressing cells, suggesting that they provide alternative modes to limit autophagy. Knockdown of ITM2A potentiated PTCH1-induced autophagic flux blockade and increased PTCH1 expression, while ITM2A overexpression reduced PTCH1 protein levels, indicating that it is a negative regulator of PTCH1 non-canonical signalling. Our study also revealed that endogenous ITM2A is necessary for timely induction of myogenic differentiation markers in C2C12 cells since partial knockdown delays the timing of differentiation. We also found that basal autophagic flux decreases during myogenic differentiation at the same time that ITM2A expression increases. Given that canonical Hh signalling prevents myogenic differentiation, we investigated the effect of ITM2A on canonical Hh signalling using GLI-luciferase assays. Our findings demonstrate that ITM2A is a strong negative regulator of GLI transcriptional activity and of GLI1 stability. In summary, ITM2A negatively regulates canonical and non-canonical Hh signalling.
How Mechanical Forces Change the Human Endometrium during the Menstrual Cycle in Preparation for Embryo Implantation
Authors: Sternberg Anna K. , Buck Volker U. , Classen-Linke Irmgard , Leube Rudolf E.
Published: August 2021

The human endometrium is characterized by exceptional plasticity, as evidenced by rapid growth and differentiation during the menstrual cycle and fast tissue remodeling during early pregnancy. Past work has rarely addressed the role of cellular mechanics in these processes. It is becoming increasingly clear that sensing and responding to mechanical forces are as significant for cell behavior as biochemical signaling. Here, we provide an overview of experimental evidence and concepts that illustrate how mechanical forces influence endometrial cell behavior during the hormone-driven menstrual cycle and prepare the endometrium for embryo implantation. Given the fundamental species differences during implantation, we restrict the review to the human situation. Novel technologies and devices such as 3D multifrequency magnetic resonance elastography, atomic force microscopy, organ-on-a-chip microfluidic systems, stem-cell-derived organoid formation, and complex 3D co-culture systems have propelled the understanding how endometrial receptivity and blastocyst implantation are regulated in the human uterus. Accumulating evidence has shown that junctional adhesion, cytoskeletal rearrangement, and extracellular matrix stiffness affect the local force balance that regulates endometrial differentiation and blastocyst invasion. A focus of this review is on the hormonal regulation of endometrial epithelial cell mechanics. We discuss potential implications for embryo implantation.
Investigating Optimal Chemotherapy Options for Osteosarcoma Patients through a Mathematical Model
Authors: Le Trang , Su Sumeyye , Shahriyari Leili
Published: August 2021

Since all tumors are unique, they may respond differently to the same treatments. Therefore, it is necessary to study their characteristics individually to find their best treatment options. We built a mathematical model for the interactions between the most common chemotherapy drugs and the osteosarcoma microenvironments of three clusters of tumors with unique immune profiles. We then investigated the effects of chemotherapy with different treatment regimens and various treatment start times on the behaviors of immune and cancer cells in each cluster. Saliently, we suggest the optimal drug dosages for the tumors in each cluster. The results show that abundances of dendritic cells and HMGB1 increase when drugs are given and decrease when drugs are absent. Populations of helper T cells, cytotoxic cells, and IFN-γ grow, and populations of cancer cells and other immune cells shrink during treatment. According to the model, the MAP regimen does a good job at killing cancer, and is more effective than doxorubicin and cisplatin combined or methotrexate alone. The results also indicate that it is important to consider the tumor’s unique growth rate when deciding the treatment details, as fast growing tumors need early treatment start times and high dosages.
Diagnostic Performance of SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test in a Large, German Cohort
Authors: Mboma Olivier , Rieke Elmar , Ahmad-Nejad Parviz , Wirth Stefan , Aydin Malik
Published: August 2021

We assessed the performance of a rapid antigen test (RAT) in everyday clinical practice. Between 1 November 2020 until 1 April 2021 all in-patients at the Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, Germany, as well as the accompanying relatives at the Children’s Hospital received a SARS-CoV-2 RAT and a SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR prior to admission. Out of 3686 patients, 22 (0.6%) subjects were tested positive by RT-PCR and RAT, and 3591 (97.4%) were negative by both methods, showing discordant results: RT-PCR+/RAT− in 58 (1.6%) and RT-PCR−/RAT+ in 15 patients (0.4%). Overall sensitivity and specificity of RAT was 27.5% (95%CI 18.1–38.6%) and 99.6% (95%CI 99.3–99.8%), respectively. The sensitivity was slightly higher in adults (30.4%, 95%CI 18.8–90.9%) than in pediatric subjects (20.8%, 95%CI 7.1–42.2%). False negative RAT had a statistically higher Ct-value (p < 0.001) compared to true positive values, and overall sensitivity increased to 80% [59.3–93.2%] with Ct value < 30. While the sensitivity of the RAT was poor compared with the RT-PCR, the specificity was excellent. However, the sensitivity increased with lower Ct value, and with the right anamnesis the RAT can be a quick and easy approach to distinguish people who are infectious with SARS-CoV-2 from noninfectious people, enabling appropriate triage in clinical practice while waiting for the RT-PCR result.
Polyvinyl Alcohol and Nano-Clay Based Solution Processed Packaging Coatings
Authors: Chandio Ali , Channa Iftikhar , Rizwan Muhammad , Akram Shakeel , Javed Muhammad , Siyal Sajid , Saleem Muhammad , Makhdoom Muhammad , Ashfaq Tayyaba , Khan Safia , Hussain Shahid , Albaqami Munirah , Alotabi Reham
Published: August 2021

Cost-effective, clean, highly transparent, and flexible as well as a coatable packaging material is envisioned to solve or at least mitigate quality preservation issues of organic materials, originating from moisture interaction under ambient conditions. Liquid phase processing of packaging coatings using nano-clay and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) has been developed and reported. Detailed analysis of the developed coating revealed moisture permeability of 2.8 × 10−2 g·cm/m2·day at 40 °C and 85% relative humidity (RH), which is in close accordance with Bharadwaj’s theoretical permeability model. Moreover, the developed coatings are not only more than 90% transparent, when exposed to white light, but also exhibit excellent flexibility and even after going through 10,000 bending cycles maintained the same blocking effect against moisture.
Personality Traits and Urinary Symptoms Are Associated with Mental Health Distress in Patients with a Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Gillis Charles , Ilie Gabriela , Mason Ross , Bailly Gregory , Lawen Joseph , Bowes David , Patil Nikhilesh , Wilke Derek , Rutledge Robert David Harold , Bell David , Rendon Ricardo
Published: August 2021

Objective: With a prolonged natural history compared with many other cancers, prostate cancer patients have high rates of mental illness over the duration of their treatment. Here, we examine the relationship between personality and mental health distress in a sample of prostate cancer patients. Methods: This study was conducted in the Canadian Maritime provinces, where a cohort of 189 men with prostate cancer were invited to complete a quality-of-life online survey between May 2017 and December 2019. The presence or absence of screening positive for mental health illness was the primary outcome and was assessed using Kessler’s 10-item scale (K10). Urinary symptoms were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). The ten-item personality inventory (TIPI) assessed extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability (or neuroticism), and openness to experiences. A multivariate logistic regression model was created to examine the association between personality, urinary symptoms, and mental health distress, while controlling for time from diagnosis, treatment type, age, and multimorbidity. Results: Screening positive for mental illness (18.0%) was associated with personality traits of low levels of emotional stability (OR = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.03–0.20) and moderate to severe urinary problems (OR = 5.21, 95% CI: 1.94–14.05)). There was no identified association between treatment received for prostate cancer and personality type. Conclusion: Screening for mental health illness in this population may help reduce morbidity associated with cancer treatment, as well as identify patients who may be at risk of mental health distress and could benefit from individualized mental health support services. These findings suggest that multidisciplinary care is essential for the management of these patients.
“We’re on a Merry-Go-Round”: Reflections of Patients and Carers after Completing Treatment for Sarcoma
Authors: Weaver Rhys , O’Connor Moira , Carey Smith Richard , Sheppard Dianne , Halkett Georgia K. B.
Published: August 2021

Sarcoma is a rare cancer that has a significant impact on patients’ and carers’ quality of life. Despite this, there has been a paucity of research exploring the diverse experiences of patients and carers following sarcoma treatment. The aim of this study was to explore patients’ and carers’ reflections on life after treatment for sarcoma. A qualitative research design with a social constructionist epistemology was used. Participants included patients previously treated for sarcoma (n = 21) and family carers of patients treated for sarcoma (n = 16). Participants completed semi-structured interviews which were analysed using thematic analysis. Three primary themes were identified: “This journey is never going to be over”, “But what happens when I am better?”, and finding a silver lining. Participants represented sarcoma as having a long-term, and sometimes indefinite, threat on their life that they had limited control over. Conclusions: This study highlight the heterogeneous and ongoing needs of sarcoma survivors and their families. Patients and carers strove to translate their experiences in a meaningful way, such as by improving outcomes for other people affected by sarcoma. Parental carers in particular attempted to protect the patient from the ongoing stress of managing the disease.
The Method of Static Semantic Map Construction Based on Instance Segmentation and Dynamic Point Elimination
Authors: Li Jingyu , Zhang Rongfen , Liu Yuhong , Zhang Zaiteng , Fan Runze , Liu Wenjiang
Published: August 2021

Semantic information usually contains a description of the environment content, which enables mobile robot to understand the environment and improves its ability to interact with the environment. In high-level human–computer interaction application, the Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) system not only needs higher accuracy and robustness, but also has the ability to construct a static semantic map of the environment. However, traditional visual SLAM lacks semantic information. Furthermore, in an actual scene, dynamic objects will reduce the system performance and also generate redundancy when constructing map. these all directly affect the robot’s ability to perceive and understand the surrounding environment. Based on ORB-SLAM3, this article proposes a new Algorithm that uses semantic information and the global dense optical flow as constraints to generate dynamic-static mask and eliminate dynamic objects. then, to further construct a static 3D semantic map under indoor dynamic environments, a fusion of 2D semantic information and 3D point cloud is carried out. the experimental results on different types of dataset sequences show that, compared with original ORB-SLAM3, both Absolute Pose Error (APE) and Relative Pose Error (RPE) have been ameliorated to varying degrees, especially on freiburg3-walking-xyz, the APE reduced by 97.78% from the original average value of 0.523, and RPE reduced by 52.33% from the original average value of 0.0193. Compared with DS-SLAM and DynaSLAM, our system improves real-time performance while ensuring accuracy and robustness. Meanwhile, the expected map with environmental semantic information is built, and the map redundancy caused by dynamic objects is successfully reduced. the test results in real scenes further demonstrate the effect of constructing static semantic maps and prove the effectiveness of our Algorithm.
Analysis and Modeling of Mueller–Muller Clock and Data Recovery Circuits
Authors: Liu Tao , Li Tiejun , Lv Fangxu , Liang Bin , Zheng Xuqiang , Wang Heming , Wu Miaomiao , Lu Dechao , Zhao Feng
Published: August 2021

In this paper, an accurate linear model of the Mueller–Muller phase detector (MMPD)-based clock and data recovery circuit (MM-CDR) is proposed, which analyzes several critical points of the MM-CDR including the linearization of the MMPD and the gain of the voter. Using our technique, the jitter between the recovery clock and the input data can be estimated with a sub-picosecond accuracy, as demonstrated in the simulation results of a 56 Gb/s quarter-rate MM-CDR implemented in 28 nm CMOS.
Bioh2, Heat and Power from Palm Empty Fruit Bunch via Pyrolysis-Autothermal Reforming: Plant Simulation, Experiments, and CO2 Mitigation
Authors: Tande Lifita N. , Resendiz-Mora Erik , Dupont Valerie
Published: August 2021

Empty fruit bunch, a significant by-product of the palm oil industry, represents a tremendous and hitherto neglected renewable energy resource for many countries in South East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. The design and simulation of a plant producing pure hydrogen through autothermal reforming (ATR) of palm empty fruit bunch (PEFB) was carried out based on successful laboratory experiments of the core process. The bio-oil feed to the ATR stage was represented in the experiments and in the simulation by a surrogate bio-oil mixture of 11 organic compounds shown to be main constituents of PEFB oil from previous work, and whose combined elemental composition and volatility was determined to be as close as possible to that of the real PEFB bio-oil. The experiments confirmed that H2 yields close to equilibrium predictions were achievable using an in-house synthetised Rh-Al2O3 catalyst in a packed bed reactor. Initial sensitivity analysis on the plant revealed that feed molar steam to carbon ratio should not exceed 3 for the optimal design of the ATR hydrogen production plant. An overall plant efficiency of 39.4% was obtained for the initial design, this value was improved to 67.5% by applying pinch analysis to enhance the integration of heat in the design. The proposed design renders CO2 savings of about 0.56 kg per kg of raw PEFB processed. The proposed design and accompanying experimental studies together make a strong case on the possibility of polygeneration of H2, heat, and power from an otherwise discarded agricultural waste.
Decarbonizing the Chilean Electric Power System: A Prospective Analysis of Alternative Carbon Emissions Policies
Authors: Babonneau Frédéric , Barrera Javiera , Toledo Javiera
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we investigate potential pathways for achieving deep reductions in CO2 emissions by 2050 in the Chilean electric power system. We simulate the evolution of the power system using a long-term planning model for policy analysis that identifies investments and operation strategies to meet demand and CO2 emissions reductions at the lowest possible cost. The model considers a simplified representation of the main transmission network and representative days to simulate operations considering the variability of demand and renewable resources at different geographical locations. We perform a scenario analysis assuming different ambitious renewable energy and emission reduction targets by 2050. As observed in other studies, we show that the incremental cost of reducing CO2 emissions without carbon capture or offset alternatives increases significantly as the system approaches zero emissions. Indeed, the carbon tax is multiplied by a factor of 4 to eliminate the last Mt of CO2 emissions, i.e., from 2000 to almost 8500 USD/tCO2 in 2050. This result highlights the importance of implementing technology-neutral mechanisms that help investors identify the most cost-efficient actions to reduce CO2 emissions. Our analysis shows that Carbon Capture and Storage could permit to divide by more than two the total system cost of a 100% renewable scenario. Furthermore, it also illustrates the importance of implementing economy-wide carbon emissions policies that ensure that the incremental costs to reduce CO2 emissions are roughly similar across different sectors of the economy.
A Buffer Power Source Based on a Supercapacitor for Starting an Induction Motor under Load
Authors: Saifulin Ruslan , Pajchrowski Tomasz , Breido Iosiff
Published: August 2021

In the paper, a model of a three-phase frequency-controlled induction electric drive has been developed in Simulink Matlab 2019 (MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA). This model is mathematically converted into a two-phase model by transforming equations. It is proposed to compensate the voltage drop in the power system during start-up operation under load by using supercapacitors as a buffer power source. A block of supercapacitors was calculated. Simulation modeling was performed at a different voltage than the network. The diagrams of the transient processes occurring in the electric drive when the power supply is changed were prepared. It was found that such a principle of implementing an additional source of electric energy allows to start induction electric drives in areas remote from industrial networks without significantly affecting their static and dynamic characteristics.
Assessment on the Application of Facilitated Transport Membranes in Cement Plants for CO2 Capture
Authors: Ferrari Maria-Chiara , Amelio Antonio , Nardelli Giuseppe Marino , Costi Riccardo
Published: August 2021

Carbon dioxide capture from cement plant flue gas can play an important role in mitigating CO2 emission that lead to climate change. Among all the technologies evaluated, membranes have potential to be one of the most energy-efficient and low-cost CO2 capture option. In this work, a novel membrane technology, Facilitated Transport Membranes (FTMs), is assessed to further reduce energy demand and cost for CO2 capture in a cement plant. A new process that employs FTMs is simulated and applied to a real clinker production plant in Italy (Colacem, Gubbio). The process is then compared with other carbon capture technologies. Results show that the FTM technology can be competitive with other technologies despite the need of steam to operate the membrane. Despite the benefit in terms of specific emission compared to more established absorption with liquid amines process, further improvements on membrane performances are needed to gain also an economic advantage for carbon capture in the cement industry.
Automatic Identification of Internal Wave Characteristics Affecting Bathymetric Measurement Based on Multibeam Echosounder Water Column Data Analysis
Authors: Zwolak Karolina , Marchel Łukasz , Bohan Aileen , Sumiyoshi Masanao , Roperez Jaya , Grządziel Artur , Wigley Rochelle Ann , Seeboruth Sattiabaruth
Published: August 2021

The accuracy of multibeam echosounder bathymetric measurement depends on the accuracy of the data of the sound speed layers within the water column. This is necessary for the correct modeling of ray bending. It is assumed that the sound speed layers are horizontal and static, according to the sound speed profile traditionally used in the depth calculation. In fact, the boundaries between varying water masses can be curved and oscillate. It is difficult to assess the parameters of these movements based on the sparse sampling of sound velocity profiles (SVP) collected through a survey; thus, alternative or augmented methods are needed to obtain information about water mass stratification for the time of a particular ping or a series of pings. The process of water column data collection and analysis is presented in this paper. The proposed method updates the sound speed profile by the automated detection of varying water mass boundaries, giving the option to adjust the SVP for each beam separately. This can increase the overall accuracy of a bathymetric survey and provide additional oceanographic data about the study area.
Advances in the Application of Machine Learning Techniques for Power System Analytics: A Survey
Authors: Miraftabzadeh Seyed Mahdi , Longo Michela , Foiadelli Federica , Pasetti Marco , Igual Raul
Published: August 2021

The recent advances in computing technologies and the increasing availability of large amounts of data in smart grids and smart cities are generating new research opportunities in the application of Machine Learning (ML) for improving the observability and efficiency of modern power grids. However, as the number and diversity of ML techniques increase, questions arise about their performance and applicability, and on the most suitable ML method depending on the specific application. Trying to answer these questions, this manuscript presents a systematic review of the state-of-the-art studies implementing ML techniques in the context of power systems, with a specific focus on the analysis of power flows, power quality, photovoltaic systems, intelligent transportation, and load forecasting. The survey investigates, for each of the selected topics, the most recent and promising ML techniques proposed by the literature, by highlighting their main characteristics and relevant results. The review revealed that, when compared to traditional approaches, ML algorithms can handle massive quantities of data with high dimensionality, by allowing the identification of hidden characteristics of (even) complex systems. In particular, even though very different techniques can be used for each application, hybrid models generally show better performances when compared to single ML-based models.
Necessity Analysis of Bypass Diode for AC Module under Partial Shading Condition
Authors: Ren Huixue , Han Peide
Published: August 2021

To protect a photovoltaic module from the hot spot effect more efficiently, an AC (alternating current) module that contains a module-level MPPT (maximum power point tracking) has been put forward. In this paper, operation states of shadowed solar cells and relevant bypass diodes were studied through MATLAB/Simulink tools, and a commercial PV module was used to reveal the temperature change when working at different LMPP (local maximum power point). Experiment results show that bypass diode can reduce power loss for the AC module to some extent but has a limited effect on protecting the AC module from the hot spot effect. Instead, it is more likely to form a local hot spot when the bypass diode turns on, and the worst shading condition for the AC module with bypass diode is about 46.5% during work states.
An Occupant-Centric Theory of Building Control Systems and Their User Interfaces
Authors: Mahdavi Ardeshir , Teufl Helene , Berger Christiane
Published: August 2021

This paper presents an occupant-centric theory of buildings’ indoor-environmental control systems and their user interfaces. Buildings typically can have multiple devices and systems to maintain indoor-environmental conditions within certain ranges in order to meet occupants’ health and comfort requirements. Therefore, it is important to understand what those ranges are exactly, who defines them, and for whom. Health and comfort sciences offer some broad directions concerning desirable indoor conditions. These are typically formulated in various codes, standards, and guidelines in terms of target values or the set points of control variables. However, preferable conditions may differ at different times and for different individuals. Another question concerns the agency responsible for maintaining the preferred conditions. In some settings, conditions may be centrally controlled via the buildings’ automation systems, whereas in other settings, occupants might have the possibility to control their immediate surroundings. Given these qualifications, the objective of the present inquiry can be stated more precisely. We outline a human-ecologically inspired theory pertaining to the occupants’ perception of and interaction with a building’s indoor-environmental control systems and their user interfaces. Specifically, we explore the operationalization potential of the proposed theory as a compact assessment protocol for the evaluation of buildings’ responsiveness to occupants’ preferences. Initial experiences with the derivative protocol are promising. Nonetheless, in order to be fully applicable in practice, certain challenges must be addressed. These specifically include the need for more robust procedures toward the translation of occupants’ subjective judgments into quantitative evaluation scales.
Dynamic Behavior of Air Void during the Discharge of Cohesive Powder in a Hopper Using a Rubber Air Spring
Authors: Kawahara Hideo , Kudo Kazuhito , Ogata Koichiro
Published: August 2021

An unstable discharge rate occurs during dry fine powder discharge from a hopper because of the significant two-phase solid/gas interactions that occur in powder flows. In addition, the air bubble phenomenon may occur in a silo during fine powder discharge. In this study, we conducted experiments using a semi-conical dual-structure hopper, and examined the effects on the hopper internal flow structure, cavity fluid pressure, pressure inside the airtight cavity section, and the powder discharge rate when changes are made in the position of the supplied air injection port and the solenoid valve open/close timing. From the experimental results, it was confirmed that an appropriate pressure supply port position exists, and the change in expansion/contraction of the flexible container due to air vibration is determined by the balance between the amount of air inserted and the amount of air discharged, and does not affect the presence or absence of powder so much. Furthermore, as the pressure value in the airtight void is directly related to the change in the expansion and contraction of the flexible container, the maximum amplitude value of the pressure in the airtight void can be kept high and constant at the time of opening and closing the solenoid valve.
Association between Polymorphism rs1799732 of DRD2 Dopamine Receptor Gene and Personality Traits among MMA Athletes
Authors: Niewczas Marta , Grzywacz Anna , Leźnicka Katarzyna , Chmielowiec Krzysztof , Chmielowiec Jolanta , Maciejewska-Skrendo Agnieszka , Ruzbarsky Pavel , Masiak Jolanta , Czarny Wojciech , Cięszczyk Paweł
Published: August 2021

Four factors—namely, harm avoidance, novelty seeking, reward addiction and persistence—represent the nature of temperament that is not genetically determined in itself. It was shown in earlier studies that a strong propensity to look for novelty or a tendency to engage in risky behavior is correlated with genetic variants in the area of the genes encoding dopamine receptors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine whether there is a relationship between personality traits and genetic variants in the area of the DRD2 dopamine receptor gene in MMA athletes. The participants consisted of 85 mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes and 284 healthy, non-MMA male participants. Their personality traits were measured using the Revised Temperament and Character Inventory. Blood was collected for genetic assays and all samples were genotyped using the real-time PCR method. We observed a statistically significant effect of a complex factor of the DRD2 rs1799732 genotype on MMA participants’ control and reward dependence. Engaging in high-risk sport may be associated with several personality characteristics. The DRD2 rs1799732 polymorphism may be associated with reduced harm avoidance in martial arts athletes, thereby modulating athletes’ predisposition to participate in high-risk sport.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Nurses and Auxiliary Nursing Care Technicians—A Voluntary Online Survey
Authors: Sánchez-Sánchez Eduardo , García-Álvarez J. Ángel , García-Marín Esperanza , Gutierrez-Serrano María , Alférez Maria José M. , Ramirez-Vargas Guillermo
Published: August 2021

Pandemics impose an immense psychological burden on healthcare workers due to a combination of workplace stressors and personal fears. Nurses and auxiliary nursing care technicians (ANCTs) are on the front line of this pandemic and form the largest group in healthcare practice. The aim of this study is to determine the symptoms of depression and/or anxiety among nurses and ANCTs during the periods known as the first wave (March–June) and second wave (September–November) of theCOVID-19 pandemic in Spain. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire among nurses and ANCTs practising in Spain. During the first period, 68.3% and 49.6% of the subjects presented anxiety and depression, respectively, decreasing in the second period (49.5% for anxiety and 35.1% for depression). There were statistically significant differences between the different categories and periods (p < 0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively influenced mental health in nurses and ANCTs. Mental health should be monitored and coping strategies promoted to improve the health, productivity and efficiency of these professionals.
The Effects of Leisure Activities on Self-Efficacy and Social Adjustment: A Study of Immigrants in South Korea
Authors: Bum Chul-Ho , Lee Joon-Hee , Choi Chulhwan
Published: August 2021

This study classified leisure activity types into active, passive, and social leisure activities based on theory, and focused on determining the type that has a significant influence on the self-efficacy and social adjustment of immigrants staying in South Korea. The results of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), including post-hoc analysis using SPSS 23.0, were as follows: in principle, immigrants who participate in active or social leisure activities perceive their self-efficacy and social adjustment to be high. Differing slightly from this, the passive leisure activity type, which includes activities such as reading alone, listening to music, and surfing the web, may relieve their stress or provide them with psychological stability, but it was not found to be helpful in their adjustment to the new culture. The significance of this study lies in the finding that leisure activities help immigrants with social adjustment, in addition to physical and psychological aids that are already well known. We hope that the findings of the present study can be used as basic data for helping immigrants with smooth social adjustment and increasing their quality of life.
Korea’s Early COVID-19 Response: Findings and Implications
Authors: Ryu Shin-Kue , Chung Soon-Gwan
Published: August 2021

South Korea was a hotspot of the COVID-19 pandemic with confirmed infections quickly surpassing 10,000 people. However, the country quickly responded and contained additional infections with minimal costs of lives. Hence, the question, “what did they do differently?” Building on empirical fingerprints from over 1507 pages of South Korean government press briefings on their public sector response between 31 January 2020 and 1 July 2020, we capture the sufficiency-based mechanism in operation with two key findings. First, mechanisms matter in pandemic containment, i.e., sequence, complementary activities, and systematic settings are consequential to the witnessed outcome. Second, central government-led efforts were effective and in parts necessary to deal with invisible and rapidly spreading infections beyond a single jurisdictional boundary. These findings lead to a timely discussion on whether pandemics should be treated in the same scholarly limelight as other natural disasters.
UJAmI Location: A Fuzzy Indoor Location System for the Elderly
Authors: Albín-Rodríguez Antonio-Pedro , De-La-Fuente-Robles Yolanda-María , López-Ruiz José-Luis , Verdejo-Espinosa Ángeles , Espinilla Estévez Macarena
Published: August 2021

Due to the large number of elderly people with physical and cognitive issues, there is a strong need to provide indoor location systems that help caregivers monitor as many people as possible and with the best quality possible. In this paper, a fuzzy indoor location methodology is proposed in a smart environment based on mobile devices and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons where a set of Received Signal Strength Indicators (RSSI) is received by mobile devices worn by the inhabitants. The use of fuzzy logic and a fuzzy linguistic approach is proposed to deal with the imprecise nature of the RSSI values, which are influenced by external factors such as radio waves, causing significant fluctuations. A case study carried out at the Smart Lab of the University of Jaén (UJAmI Smart Lab) is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, where our proposal is compared with a non-fuzzy logic approach, obtaining an accuracy of 91.63%, approximately 10 points higher than the methodology without using fuzzy logic. Finally, our theoretical proposal is accompanied by a description of the UJAmI Location system, which applies the theory to the functionality of locating elderly people in indoor environments.
Geochemical Characteristics and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Surface Soil of Gaomi City
Authors: Gao Zongjun , Dong Hongzhi , Wang Songtao , Zhang Yuqi , Zhang Hairui , Jiang Bing , Liu Yang
Published: August 2021

Gaomi City, the hinterland of Jiaolai Plain in Shandong Peninsula, was selected as the research object. A total of 8197 surface soil samples were collected to determine the contents of eight soil heavy metals (HMs)including Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As), and Mercury (Hg). Statistical methods were used to find out the geochemical background (GCB) in the area, systematic clustering and factor analysis were used to study the homology between HMs, and single-factor evaluation method was used to evaluate the ecological risks in the study area. The results of the study show that the ecological risk of the surface soil in the study area is relatively low, dominated by a planar distribution, with only a few high-risk points. The uneven distribution of Hg in the surface soil is affected by human activities to a certain extent. The ratio of the GCB of the geological unit area to the GCB of the whole area shows that the Hg content of the Qingshan Group and Dasheng Group geological units is higher, and the Pb content in the subvolcanic rock area is slightly higher. The ecological pollution risk in the study area is generally low, and only exists individual high-risk areas, distributed radially in densely populated areas.