bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Win–Win Coordination between RES and DR Aggregators for Mitigating Energy Imbalances under Flexibility Uncertainty
Authors: Krasopoulos Christos T. , Papaioannou Thanasis G. , Stamoulis George D. , Ntavarinos Nikolaos , Patouni Malamatenia D. , Simoglou Christos K. , Papakonstantinou Athanasios
Published: December 2023

The integration of renewable rnergy sources (RESs) into the power grid involves operational challenges due to the inherent RES energy-production variability. Imbalances between actual power generation and scheduled production can lead to grid instability and revenue loss for RES operators and aggregators. To address this risk, in this paper, we introduce a mutually beneficial bilateral trading scheme between a RES and a DR aggregator to internally offset real-time energy imbalances before resorting to the flexibility market. We consider that the DR aggregator manages the energy demand of users, characterized by uncertainty in their participation in DR events and thus the actual provision of flexibility, subject to their offered monetary incentives. Given that the RES aggregator faces penalties according to dual pricing for positive or negative imbalances, we develop an optimization framework to achieve the required flexibility while addressing the trade-off between maximizing the profit of the RES and DR aggregators and appropriately incentivizing the users. By using appropriate parameterization of the solution, the achievable revenue for the imbalance offsetting can be shared between the RES and the DR aggregators while keeping users satisfied. Our analysis highlights the interdependencies of the demand–production energy imbalance on user characteristics and the RES and DR aggregator profits. Based on our results, we show that a win–win outcome (for the RES and DR aggregators and the users) is possible for a wide range of cases, and we provide guidelines so that such bilateral agreements between RES and DR aggregators could emerge in practical settings.
A Comparative Study of Fuel Density Precision Data Using Digital Densimeter Meters at Two Different Temperatures
Authors: de Camargo Mauro Alves Correa , Manea Gabriela Knippelberg Bifano , de Oliveira Elcio Cruz
Published: December 2023

The widespread use of liquid fuels can be monitored by their density and light fractions, which affect storage, combustion, handling, and contractual issues. The quantitative measurement of fuel density is carried out using an analytical procedure whose test method presents precision data (repeatability and reproducibility) at 15 °C, whereas Brazilian commercial legislation uses a base temperature of 20 °C. Therefore, the scope of this study was to evaluate whether there are statistically significant differences between these two temperatures. An interlaboratory study, considering homogeneity and stability checks, was carried out, and the data were treated using a one-way analysis of variance in a single-stage nested design for calculating the density precision data (under repeatability and reproducibility conditions). After using an F test to compare the variances at 15 °C and 20 °C, one concluded that these precision data are not always metrologically comparable.
Multi-Objective PSO for Control-Loop Tuning of DFIG Wind Turbines with Chopper Protection and Reactive-Current Injection
Authors: Aguilar Milton E. B. , Coury Denis V. , Reginatto Romeu , Monaro Renato M. , de Godoy Paulo Thiago , Jahn Tales G.
Published: December 2023

The control systems for the variable-speed wind turbine based on the Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) pose some tuning challenges. The performance and stability of DFIG wind turbines during faults in power grids are directly related to their controller settings. This work investigates how incorporating protection via a braking-Chopper controller connected to the DC link (DC Chopper) and a reactive-current injection during the PI-tuning process affects the performance of DFIG wind turbines during electrical faults. For the tuning process, the Multi-Objective-Particle-Swarm-Optimization (MOPSO) algorithm was used. Thus, two different approaches adopting this methodology were investigated, considering sequential and simultaneous tuning. The results showed that sequential tuning presented a better performance in relation to the reactive-current injection and lower amplitude deviations of the electrical quantities during and after the fault. On the other hand, simultaneous tuning reached damping of the mechanical oscillations faster and presented better performance of the protection system.
Grinding and Pelleting Characteristics of Municipal Solid Waste Fractions
Authors: Smith Zachary , Isaac Blesson , Tumuluru Jaya Shankar , Yancey Neal
Published: December 2023

The efficient utilization of low-cost carbon feedstocks, such as municipal solid waste (MSW), in biorefineries has become increasingly important for reducing GHG emissions and meeting the growing demand for renewable energy sources. However, MSW as a feedstock presents several challenges, including high moisture content, compositional variability, particle size and shape, density, and ash content. To address these challenges, the potential of mechanical dewatering and high-moisture pelleting processes for densifying MSW fractions, such as paper, cardboard, thin plastic, and thick plastic, into low-cost carbon feedstocks with improved handling and conversion properties were investigated. The effect of these preprocessing technologies on the critical quality attributes (CQAs) of the resulting pellets, including bulk density, durability, and size uniformity, were evaluated. The results showed that with these preprocessing technologies, the paper and cardboard fractions could be pelleted at moisture contents over 40% (w.b.) while achieving >99% durability and >300 kg/m3, while the high moisture plastic fractions were not suitable for pelleting. The thick plastic fraction processed in a screw press was shown to remove up to 30% of the moisture content in a single pass. These findings suggest that these mechanical preprocessing technologies can improve the physical properties of low-cost municipal solid waste fractions for biofuels production.
Energy Optimization of Marine Drive Systems with Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors
Authors: Tarnapowicz Dariusz , Zaleski Tymoteusz , Matuszak Zbigniew , Jaskiewicz Marek
Published: December 2023

The International Maritime Organization are introducing more and more stringent requirements concerning increasing ships’ energy efficiency. They are becoming a huge challenge for design engineers. This article proposes a method to increase the energy efficiency of mechatronic drive systems in ship systems via the use of highly efficient electric permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs). An innovative control strategy is suggested. It is based on the modification of the classic PMSM control and ensuring energy optimization through a reduction in reactive power in the Active Converter–PMSM system. Analytical and simulation studies using the Matlab–Simulink program are presented. They confirm the possibility of reducing reactive power in a PMSM drive system. A verification of the results of analytical and simulation examinations was conducted at a laboratory station with the use of the Speedgoat module operating in the Rapid Control Prototyping mode. Both the simulation and experimental research results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed PMSM control method. This method has good prospects for application in energy-saving marine drive systems.
A New Generation of Hydrogen-Fueled Hybrid Propulsion Systems for the Urban Mobility of the Future
Authors: Arsie Ivan , Battistoni Michele , Brancaleoni Pier Paolo , Cipollone Roberto , Corti Enrico , Di Battista Davide , Millo Federico , Occhicone Alessio , Peiretti Paradisi Benedetta , Rolando Luciano , Zembi Jacopo
Published: December 2023

The H2-ICE project aims at developing, through numerical simulation, a new generation of hybrid powertrains featuring a hydrogen-fueled Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) suitable for 12 m urban buses in order to provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for the abatement of both CO2 and criteria pollutant emissions. The full exploitation of the potential of such a traction system requires a substantial enhancement of the state of the art since several issues have to be addressed. In particular, the choice of a more suitable fuel injection system and the control of the combustion process are extremely challenging. Firstly, a high-fidelity 3D-CFD model will be exploited to analyze the in-cylinder H2 fuel injection through supersonic flows. Then, after the optimization of the injection and combustion process, a 1D model of the whole engine system will be built and calibrated, allowing the identification of a “sweet spot” in the ultra-lean combustion region, characterized by extremely low NOx emissions and, at the same time, high combustion efficiencies. Moreover, to further enhance the engine efficiency well above 40%, different Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) systems will be carefully scrutinized, including both Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC)-based recovery units as well as electric turbo-compounding. A Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) aftertreatment system will be developed to further reduce NOx emissions to near-zero levels. Finally, a dedicated torque-based control strategy for the ICE coupled with the Energy Management Systems (EMSs) of the hybrid powertrain, both optimized by exploiting Vehicle-To-Everything (V2X) connection, allows targeting H2 consumption of 0.1 kg/km. Technologies developed in the H2-ICE project will enhance the know-how necessary to design and build engines and aftertreatment systems for the efficient exploitation of H2 as a fuel, as well as for their integration into hybrid powertrains.
Green Synthesis of Soluble Polysilsesquioxane with Phthalimide Groups
Authors: Emel’yanov Artem I. , Bolgova Yuliya I. , Trofimova Olga M. , Pozdnyakov Alexander S.
Published: December 2023

Soluble polysilsesquioxane containing side-chain phthalimide groups (PSQ-PhI) was synthesized via a solvent- and catalyst-free hydrolytic polycondensation reaction using 2-[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione. The composition and structure of polysilsesquioxane was confirmed via 1H, 13C, and 29Si NMR spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction analysis, and elemental analysis. The synthesized silsesquioxane showed a monomodal molecular weight distribution. The average molecular weight of polysilsesquioxane is 11,200 Da, and the polydispersity index is 1.10. 29Si NMR analysis showed a half-peak width w1/2 3.1 ppm at δ −68.3, which corresponds to the PhI(CH2)3SiO3/2 unit and indicates an ordered structure in the polymer, with some defects caused by the presence of uncondensed silanol groups. PSQ-PhI showed good thermal stability (Td5% decomposition at 345 °C). The polysilsesquioxane-based coating was transparent in the visible region.
Regulating Pathways of Bacillus pumilus Adamalysin-like Metalloendopeptidase Expression
Authors: Rudakova Natalia L. , Sabirova Albina R. , Khasanov Damir I. , Danilova Iuliia V. , Sharipova Margarita R.
Published: December 2023

The minor secreted proteinase of B. pumilus 3-19 MprBp classified as the unique bacillary adamalysin-like enzyme of the metzincin clan. The functional role of this metalloproteinase in the bacilli cells is not clear. Analysis of the regulatory region of the mprBp gene showed the presence of potential binding sites to the transcription regulatory factors Spo0A (sporulation) and DegU (biodegradation). The study of mprBp activity in mutant strains of B. subtilis defective in regulatory proteins of the Spo- and Deg-systems showed that the mprBp gene is partially controlled by the Deg-system of signal transduction and independent from the Spo-system.
Integrated Bulk Segregant Analysis, Fine Mapping, and Transcriptome Revealed QTLs and Candidate Genes Associated with Drought Adaptation in Wild Watermelon
Authors: Mahmoud Ahmed , Qi Rui , Chi Xiaolu , Liao Nanqiao , Malangisha Guy Kateta , Ali Abid , Moustafa-Farag Mohamed , Yang Jinghua , Zhang Mingfang , Hu Zhongyuan
Published: December 2023

Drought stress has detrimental effects on crop productivity worldwide. A strong root system is crucial for maintaining water and nutrients uptake under drought stress. Wild watermelons possess resilient roots with excellent drought adaptability. However, the genetic factors controlling this trait remain uninvestigated. In this study, we conducted a bulk segregant analysis (BSA) on an F2 population consisting of two watermelon genotypes, wild and domesticated, which differ in their lateral root development under drought conditions. We identified two quantitative trait loci (qNLR_Dr. Chr01 and qNLR_Dr. Chr02) associated with the lateral root response to drought. Furthermore, we determined that a small region (0.93 Mb in qNLR_Dr. Chr01) is closely linked to drought adaptation through quantitative trait loci (QTL) validation and fine mapping. Transcriptome analysis of the parent roots under drought stress revealed unique effects on numerous genes in the sensitive genotype but not in the tolerant genotype. By integrating BSA, fine mapping, and the transcriptome, we identified six genes, namely L-Ascorbate Oxidase (AO), Cellulose Synthase-Interactive Protein 1 (CSI1), Late Embryogenesis Abundant Protein (LEA), Zinc-Finger Homeodomain Protein 2 (ZHD2), Pericycle Factor Type-A 5 (PFA5), and bZIP transcription factor 53-like (bZIP53-like), that might be involved in the drought adaptation. Our findings provide valuable QTLs and genes for marker-assisted selection in improving water-use efficiency and drought tolerance in watermelon. They also lay the groundwork for the genetic manipulation of drought-adapting genes in watermelon and other Cucurbitacea species.
The Use of Tissue-on-Chip Technology to Focus the Search for Extracellular Vesicle miRNA Biomarkers in Thyroid Disease
Authors: Haigh Thomas , Beattie Hannah , Wade Mark A. , England James , Kuvshinov Dmitriy , Karsai Laszlo , Greenman John , Green Victoria
Published: December 2023

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) contain microRNAs (miRNAs) which have potential to act as disease-specific biomarkers. The current study uses an established method to maintain human thyroid tissue ex vivo on a tissue-on-chip device, allowing the collection, isolation and interrogation of the sEVs released directly from thyroid tissue. sEVs were analysed for differences in miRNA levels released from benign thyroid tissue, Graves’ disease tissue and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), using miRNA sequencing and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to identify potential biomarkers of disease. Thyroid biopsies from patients with benign tissue (n = 5), Graves’ disease (n = 5) and PTC (n = 5) were perfused with medium containing sEV-depleted serum for 6 days on the tissue-on-chip device. During incubation, the effluents were collected and ultracentrifuged to isolate sEVs; miRNA was extracted and sequenced (miRNASeq). Out of the 15 samples, 14 passed the quality control and miRNASeq analysis detected significantly higher expression of miR-375-3p, miR-7-5p, miR-382-5p and miR-127-3p in the sEVs isolated from Graves’ tissue compared to those from benign tissue (false discovery rate; FDR p < 0.05). Similarly, miR-375-3p and miR-7-5p were also detected at a higher level in the Graves’ tissue sEVs compared to the PTC tissue sEVs (FDR p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between miRNA in sEVs from PTC vs. those from benign tissue. These results were supported by Quantitative Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The novel findings demonstrate that the tissue-on-chip technology is a robust method for isolating sEVs directly from the tissue of interest, which has permitted the identification of four miRNAs, with which further investigation could be used as biomarkers or therapeutic targets within thyroid disease.
Ferroptosis, Metabolic Rewiring, and Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Žalytė Eglė
Published: December 2023

Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of regulated cell death. The main feature of ferroptosis is excessive membrane lipid peroxidation caused by iron-mediated chemical and enzymatic reactions. In normal cells, harmful lipid peroxides are neutralized by glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). When GPX4 is inhibited, ferroptosis occurs. In mammalian cells, ferroptosis serves as a tumor suppression mechanism. Not surprisingly, in recent years, ferroptosis induction has gained attention as a potential anticancer strategy, alone or in combination with other conventional therapies. However, sensitivity to ferroptosis inducers depends on the metabolic state of the cell. Endometrial cancer (EC) is the sixth most common cancer in the world, with more than 66,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Out of all gynecological cancers, carcinogenesis of EC is mostly dependent on metabolic abnormalities. Changes in the uptake and catabolism of iron, lipids, glucose, and glutamine affect the redox capacity of EC cells and, consequently, their sensitivity to ferroptosis-inducing agents. In addition to this, in EC cells, ferroptosis-related genes are usually mutated and overexpressed, which makes ferroptosis a promising target for EC prediction, diagnosis, and therapy. However, for a successful application of ferroptosis, the connection between metabolic rewiring and ferroptosis in EC needs to be deciphered, which is the focus of this review.
Porcine Placenta Peptide Inhibits UVB-Induced Skin Wrinkle Formation and Dehydration: Insights into MAPK Signaling Pathways from In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Sim Woo-Jin , Kim Jinhak , Baek Kwang-Soo , Lim Wonchul , Lim Tae-Gyu
Published: December 2023

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight accelerates skin aging, leading to various clinical manifestations such as wrinkles, dryness, and loss of elasticity. This study investigated the protective effects of porcine placenta peptide (PPP) against UVB-induced skin photoaging. Female hairless SKH-1 mice were orally administered PPP for 12 weeks, followed by UVB irradiation. PPP significantly reduced wrinkle formation, improved skin moisture levels, and prevented collagen degradation. Mechanistically, PPP inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and upregulated collagen production. Moreover, PPP elevated hyaluronic acid levels, contributing to enhanced skin hydration. Additionally, PPP demonstrated antioxidant properties by increasing the expression of the antioxidant enzyme GPx-1, thereby reducing UVB-induced inflammation. Further molecular analysis revealed that PPP suppressed the activation of p38 MAP kinase and JNK signaling pathways, crucial mediators of UV-induced skin damage. These findings highlight the potential of porcine placental peptides as a natural and effective intervention against UVB-induced skin photoaging. The study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of PPP, emphasizing its potential applications in skincare and anti-aging formulations.
Functional Genome Analyses Reveal the Molecular Basis of Oil Accumulation in Developing Seeds of Castor Beans
Authors: Yu Anmin , Zhou Zekun , Chen Yizhong , Sun Jing , Li Ping , Gu Xu , Liu Aizhong
Published: December 2023

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) seeds produce abundant ricinoleic acid during seed maturation, which is important for plant development and human demands. Ricinoleic acid, as a unique hydroxy fatty acid (HFA), possesses a distinct bond structure that could be used as a substitute for fossil fuels. Here, we identified all homologous genes related to glycolysis, hydroxy fatty acid biosynthesis, and triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation in castor seeds. Furthermore, we investigated their expression patterns globally during five seed development stages. We characterized a total of 66 genes involved in the glycolysis pathway, with the majority exhibiting higher expression levels during the early stage of castor bean seed development. This metabolic process provided abundant acetyl-CoA for fatty acid (FA) biosynthesis. Subsequently, we identified 82 genes involved in the processes of de novo FA biosynthesis and TAG assembly, with the majority exhibiting high expression levels during the middle or late stages. In addition, we examined the expression patterns of the transcription factors involved in carbohydrate and oil metabolism. For instance, RcMYB73 and RcERF72 exhibited high expression levels during the early stage, whereas RcWRI1, RcABI3, and RcbZIP67 showed relatively higher expression levels during the middle and late stages, indicating their crucial roles in seed development and oil accumulation. Our study suggests that the high HFA production in castor seeds is attributed to the interaction of multiple genes from sugar transportation to lipid droplet packaging. Therefore, this research comprehensively characterizes all the genes related to glycolysis, fatty acid biosynthesis, and triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation in the castor and provides novel insight into exploring the genetic mechanisms underlying seed oil accumulation in the endosperm of castor beans.
Novel Hydroxamic Acids Containing Aryl-Substituted 1,2,4- or 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Backbones and an Investigation of Their Antibiotic Potentiation Activity
Authors: Zhukovets Anastasia A. , Chernyshov Vladimir V. , Al’mukhametov Aidar Z. , Seregina Tatiana A. , Revtovich Svetlana V. , Kasatkina Mariia A. , Isakova Yulia E. , Kulikova Vitalia V. , Morozova Elena A. , Cherkasova Anastasia I. , Mannanov Timur A. , Anashkina Anastasia A. , Solyev Pavel N. , Mitkevich Vladimir A. , Ivanov Roman A.
Published: December 2023

UDP-3-O-(R-3-hydroxymyristoyl)-N-acetylglucosamine deacetylase (LpxC) is a zinc amidase that catalyzes the second step of the biosynthesis of lipid A, which is an outer membrane essential structural component of Gram-negative bacteria. Inhibitors of this enzyme can be attributed to two main categories, non-hydroxamate and hydroxamate inhibitors, with the latter being the most effective given the chelation of Zn2+ in the active site. Compounds containing diacetylene or acetylene tails and the sulfonic head, as well as oxazoline derivatives of hydroxamic acids, are among the LpxC inhibitors with the most profound antibacterial activity. The present article describes the synthesis of novel functional derivatives of hydroxamic acids—bioisosteric to oxazoline inhibitors—containing 1,2,4- and 1,3,4-oxadiazole cores and studies of their cytotoxicity, antibacterial activity, and antibiotic potentiation. Some of the hydroxamic acids we obtained (9c, 9d, 23a, 23c, 30b, 36) showed significant potentiation in nalidixic acid, rifampicin, and kanamycin against the growth of laboratory-strain Escherichia coli MG1655. Two lead compounds (9c, 9d) significantly reduced Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 growth in the presence of nalidixic acid and rifampicin.
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 15 Is a New Predictive Biomarker and Potential Therapeutic Target for Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Zhong Qiu-Hua , Lau Andy T. Y. , Xu Yan-Ming
Published: December 2023

Mitogen-activated protein kinase 15 (MAPK15) has been reported to be associated with several cancers. This study aimed to explore for the first time on the relationship between MAPK15 expression and cancer progression/drug responsiveness in ovarian carcinoma. To this end, MAPK15 expression level was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of an ovarian tissue array (10 normal and 70 malignant samples). Drug sensitivity of ovarian cancer cell lines (including OVCAR3 and SKOV3) was measured by MTS assay. The modulation of MAPK15 expression in OVCAR3 and SKOV3 was verified by immunoblot and real-time PCR analyses. The prognostic value of MAPK15 in ovarian cancer patients was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. The IHC results showed that MAPK15 expression was negatively associated with tumor grade, TNM stage, tumor size, and regional lymph node metastasis of ovarian carcinoma. Importantly, overexpressing MAPK15 increased cisplatin toxicity in ovarian carcinoma cells and online database analysis indicated that patients with high MAPK15 expression had favorable prognosis with/without chemotherapy. Taken together, our results indicate that a decreased MAPK15 expression is associated with advanced-stage ovarian cancer and unfavorable survival outcomes. MAPK15 may be a new biomarker for ovarian cancer, and the encouraging therapeutic strategy would be found by combining the regulation of MAPK15 expression.
SAE3D: Set Abstraction Enhancement Network for 3D Object Detection Based Distance Features
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Bao Zhiping , Tian Qing , Lyu Zhuoyang
Published: December 2023

With the increasing demand from unmanned driving and robotics, more attention has been paid to point-cloud-based 3D object accurate detection technology. However, due to the sparseness and irregularity of the point cloud, the most critical problem is how to utilize the relevant features more efficiently. In this paper, we proposed a point-based object detection enhancement network to improve the detection accuracy in the 3D scenes understanding based on the distance features. Firstly, the distance features are extracted from the raw point sets and fused with the raw features regarding reflectivity of the point cloud to maximize the use of information in the point cloud. Secondly, we enhanced the distance features and raw features, which we collectively refer to as self-features of the key points, in set abstraction (SA) layers with the self-attention mechanism, so that the foreground points can be better distinguished from the background points. Finally, we revised the group aggregation module in SA layers to enhance the feature aggregation effect of key points. We conducted experiments on the KITTI dataset and nuScenes dataset and the results show that the enhancement method proposed in this paper has excellent performance.
A New Internet of Things Hybrid VLC/RF System for m-Health in an Underground Mining Industry
Authors: Iturralde Daniel , Guaña-Moya Javier , Játiva Pablo Palacios , Sánchez Iván , Ijaz Muhammad , Dehghan Firoozabadi Ali , Zabala-Blanco David
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes a new system based on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for the monitoring of Mobile Health (m-Health) of workers in the underground mining industry. The proposed architecture uses a hybrid model in data transmission. Visible Light Communication (VLC) is used for downlink because of its narrow coverage, which aids in worker positioning. Radio frequency (RF) communication technology is used to send data for primary vital signs in the uplink, which is more efficient in transmission and is a viable solution according to the problem raised. The results obtained in terms of coverage and transmission for the downlink and uplink links show the feasibility of implementing the proposed system.
Recent Progress of Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerator-Based Sensor for Pulse Wave Monitoring
Authors: Wang Yiming , Wang Xiaoke , Nie Shijin , Meng Keyu , Lin Zhiming
Published: December 2023

Today, cardiovascular diseases threaten human health worldwide. In clinical practice, it has been concluded that analyzing the pulse waveform can provide clinically valuable information for the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. Accordingly, continuous and accurate monitoring of the pulse wave is essential for the prevention and detection of cardiovascular diseases. Wearable triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are emerging as a pulse wave monitoring biotechnology due to their compelling characteristics, including being self-powered, light-weight, and wear-resistant, as well as featuring user-friendliness and superior sensitivity. Herein, a comprehensive review is conducted on the progress of wearable TENGs for pulse wave monitoring. Firstly, the four modes of operation of TENG are briefly described. Secondly, TENGs for pulse wave monitoring are classified into two categories, namely wearable flexible film-based TENG sensors and textile-based TENG sensors. Next, the materials, fabrication methods, working mechanisms, and experimental performance of various TENG-based sensors are summarized. It concludes by comparing the characteristics of the two types of TENGs and discussing the potential development and challenges of TENG-based sensors in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and personalized healthcare.
Environment-Aware Adaptive Reinforcement Learning-Based Routing for Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Jiang Yi , Zhu Jinlin , Yang Kexin
Published: December 2023

With the rapid development of the intelligent transportation system (ITS), routing in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) has become a popular research topic. The high mobility of vehicles in urban streets poses serious challenges to routing protocols and has a significant impact on network performance. Existing topology-based routing is not suitable for highly dynamic VANETs, thereby making location-based routing protocols the preferred choice due to their scalability. However, the working environment of VANETs is complex and interference-prone. In wireless-network communication, the channel contention introduced by the high density of vehicles, coupled with urban structures, significantly increases the difficulty of designing high-quality communication protocols. In this context, compared to topology-based routing protocols, location-based geographic routing is widely employed in VANETs due to its avoidance of the route construction and maintenance phases. Considering the characteristics of VANETs, this paper proposes a novel environment-aware adaptive reinforcement routing (EARR) protocol aimed at establishing reliable connections between source and destination nodes. The protocol adopts periodic beacons to perceive and explore the surrounding environment, thereby constructing a local topology. By applying reinforcement learning to the vehicle network’s route selection, it adaptively adjusts the Q table through the perception of multiple metrics from beacons, including vehicle speed, available bandwidth, signal-reception strength, etc., thereby assisting the selection of relay vehicles and alleviating the challenges posed by the high dynamics, shadow fading, and limited bandwidth in VANETs. The combination of reinforcement learning and beacons accelerates the establishment of end-to-end routes, thereby guiding each vehicle to choose the optimal next hop and forming suboptimal routes throughout the entire communication process. The adaptive adjustment feature of the protocol enables it to address sudden link interruptions, thereby enhancing communication reliability. In experiments, the EARR protocol demonstrates significant improvements across various performance metrics compared to existing routing protocols. Throughout the simulation process, the EARR protocol maintains a consistently high packet-delivery rate and throughput compared to other protocols, as well as demonstrates stable performance across various scenarios. Finally, the proposed protocol demonstrates relatively consistent standardized latency and low overhead in all experiments.
A Velocity Stretch Reflex Threshold Based on Muscle–Tendon Unit Peak Acceleration to Detect Possible Occurrences of Spasticity during Gait in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Koussou Axel , Dumas Raphaël , Desailly Eric
Published: December 2023

Spasticity might affect gait in children with cerebral palsy. Quantifying its occurrence during locomotion is challenging. One approach is to determine kinematic stretch reflex thresholds, usually on the velocity, during passive assessment and to search for their exceedance during gait. These thresholds are determined through EMG-Onset detection algorithms, which are variable in performance and sensitive to noisy data, and can therefore lack consistency. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of determining the velocity stretch reflex threshold from maximal musculotendon acceleration. Eighteen children with CP were recruited and underwent clinical gait analysis and a full instrumented assessment of their soleus, gastrocnemius lateralis, semitendinosus, and rectus femoris spasticity, with EMG, kinematics, and applied forces being measured simultaneously. Using a subject-scaled musculoskeletal model, the acceleration-based stretch reflex velocity thresholds were determined and compared to those based on EMG-Onset determination. Their consistencies according to physiological criteria, i.e., if the timing of the threshold was between the beginning of the stretch and the spastic catch, were evaluated. Finally, two parameters designed to evaluate the occurrence of spasticity during gait, i.e., the proportion of the gait trial time with a gait velocity above the velocity threshold and the number of times the threshold was exceeded, were compared. The proposed method produces velocity stretch reflex thresholds close to the EMG-based ones. For all muscles, no statistical difference was found between the two parameters designed to evaluate the occurrence of spasticity during gait. Contrarily to the EMG-based methods, the proposed method always provides physiologically consistent values, with median electromechanical delays of between 50 and 130 ms. For all subjects, the semitendinosus velocity during gait usually exceeded its stretch reflex threshold, while it was less frequent for the three other muscles. We conclude that a velocity stretch reflex threshold, based on musculotendon acceleration, is a reliable substitute for EMG-based ones.
A Statistical Approach for the Integration of Multi-Temporal InSAR and GNSS-PPP Ground Deformation Measurements
Authors: Delen Ahmet , Sanli Fusun Balik , Abdikan Saygin , Dogan Ali Hasan , Durdag Utkan Mustafa , Ocalan Taylan , Erdogan Bahattin , Calò Fabiana , Pepe Antonio
Published: December 2023

Determining and monitoring ground deformations is critical for hazard management studies, especially in megacities, and these studies might help prevent future disaster conditions and save many lives. In recent years, the Golden Horn, located in the southeast of the European part of Istanbul within a UNESCO-protected region, has experienced significant changes and regional deformations linked to rapid population growth, infrastructure work, and tramway construction. In this study, we used Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) techniques to investigate the ground deformations along the Golden Horn coastlines. The investigated periods are between 2015 and 2020 and 2017 and 2020 for InSAR and GNSS, respectively. For the InSAR analyses, we used sequences of multi-temporal synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images collected by the Sentinel-1 and ALOS-2 satellites. The ground displacement products (i.e., time series and velocity maps) were then cross-compared with those achievable using the Precise Point Positioning (PPP) technique for the GNSS solutions, which can provide precise positions with a single receiver. In the proposed analysis, we compared the ground displacement velocities obtained by both methods by computing the standard deviations of the difference between the relevant observations considering a weighted least square estimation procedure. Additionally, we identified five circle buffers with different radii ranging between 50 m and 250 m for selecting the most appropriate coherent points to conduct the cross-comparison analysis. Moreover, a vertical displacement rate map was produced. The comparison of the vertical ground velocities derived from PPP and InSAR demonstrates that the PPP technique is valuable. For the coherent stations, the vertical displacement rates vary between −4.86 mm/yr and −23.58 mm/yr and −9.50 and −27.77 mm/yr for InSAR and GNSS, respectively.
CONTENT OF VASYL LOBURETS’ SCIENTIFIC AND PEDAGOGICAL ACTIVITY
Authors: Yermolenko O.
Published: December 2023

The article highlights the content of the scientific and pedagogical activities of the famous scientist-pedagogue, historian, local historian, and organizer of scientific work V. Loburеts. It is proved that the main feature of the V. Loburеts’ scientific and pedagogical activity was the harmonious integration of research and educational aspects. Based on the study of biographical, narrative literature, and archival materials, the main components are analyzed. They are the following: the development of the methodology of scientific and educational cognition (V. Loburets revealed the main principles of rational cognition of reality: objectivity in cognition, acceptance of the dominant role of practice in the process of cognition, holistic perception of science and the educational course, a harmonious combination of theoretical and practical aspects of cognition, the importance of the creative activity of the individual in cognition); improvement of the content, methods, and forms of teaching historical disciplines (V. Loburets improved the theoretical content of historical disciplines, which was based on the principles of scientific and cultural relevance, logical consistency, systematicity, integration of theory with practice, historicism, and the usage of the educational potential of academic disciplines); improvement of lecturing skills (V. Loburts’s lectures were characterized by scientific conceptuality, rational selection of material, logic and consistency, accuracy and flexibility of statements, optimal use of scientific terms, presentation of information that guides students’ self-study, and practical value for future activities at school). It has been determined that V. Loburets’s scientific and pedagogical activity had a general pedagogical and practice-oriented focus on the implementation of future teacher training.
FORMS OF COLLECTIVE MUSIC PLAYING ON PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS IN MUSIC SCHOOLS
Authors: Dudnyk Ye.
Published: December 2023

The article considers significant aspects of the organization of collective music-making on percussion instruments in music schools. Its purpose, tasks, and stages of learning are formulated according to age periodization. The author classifies percussion instruments, traces their evolution, and emphasizes new playing techniques that appeared as a result of the development of instruments and creative experimentation with sound. Different forms of collective music making are analyzed, such as march, classical, modern, and Latin American ones. It is emphasized that each of them has its own characteristics and advantages, but all of them can be successfully used to create educational music groups in music (art) schools. Crucial aspects of rehearsal methods and pedagogical strategies aimed at developing the musical skills and social skills of percussion ensemble members are revealed. Particular attention is paid to the choice of repertoire, the technique of playing percussion instruments, the development of students' listening skills and artistry, the coordination of musicians in the team, the interaction of teachers and students, the role of teachers in creating a musical and educational environment and a favorable atmosphere in the ensemble. The positive impact of collective music-making on the intellectual and psycho-emotional development of students studying in the percussion class has been revealed. New ideas are proposed that will contribute to scientific and methodical approaches improvement into the organization of collective music-making on percussion instruments.
THE CONCEPT OF UPDATING THE CONTENT OF FUTURE LECTURERS OF PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITIES TRAINING IN TERMS OF THE SOCIAL NEEDS DURING WAR AND POST-WAR TIMES
Authors: Kucheriavyi O.
Published: December 2023

The article defines and reveals the structural elements of the concept of updating the content of professional training of future lecturers of pedagogical higher education institutions in terms of the social needs during the war and post-war period. Conceptual ideas are revealed. They are the following: 1) the need to ensure anticipatory and culturally relevant nature of the content of education, to achieve functional completeness; 2) updating the content at the intersection of the post-war needs of society in revival and cultural creation and the teacher’s needs in personal and professional development; 3) transforming the content into a carrier of the dominant values of national culture, national spirit with the priority status of the Ukrainian language; 4) choosing a strategic line for professional, psycho-pedagogical and digital fundamentalization of the content; 5) taking into account in the content of education the needs of the personality of the future teacher in holistic development throughout life; 6) expansion of the functional range of the content due to the inclusion of the valeological-psycho-pedagogical function in unity with the activity-activating one; 7) enrichment of the content with the achievements of world scientific psychological and pedagogical innovations.

The essence of the system of the teacher’s professional and digital competencies as a target guideline for updating the content of their professional training in the conditions of martial law in the country has been determined. The following principles of actual renewal of the content of the professional education of future teachers of pedagogical higher education institutions are characterized. They are the following: 1) value-content restructuring of mixed and online preparation of students for professional activities at the intersection of the needs of Ukraine in post-war revival and cultural creation and the needs of future teachers in the holistic development and quality performance of professional and civic functions; 2) cultivation of strategic lines of renewal of the content of future teachers’ pedagogical education in the context of its professional, psycho-pedagogical and digital fundamentalization in harmonious unity; 3) the dominance of the culturally dominant Ukrainian-centric direction of updating the content of professional future teacher training using digital technologies; 4) laying the value-content foundation of the reference image of the teacher-master of the pedagogical higher educational institution of the future in accordance with the requirements of Ukraine’s European progress; 5) integration in the content of future teachers’ education of humanitarian, socio-cultural, professional-subject and professional-psycho-pedagogical, valeological (prior to achieving mental health) and safety knowledge.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF PROFESSIONAL FUTURE PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER TRAINING IN THE CONDITIONS OF BLENDED LEARNING
Authors: Kuzminskyy A.
Published: December 2023

The article defines and theoretically substantiates the directions of digital transformation of the professional future teacher of Physical Education training in the conditions of blended learning as a pattern of informatization in the field of higher education. It is noted that the digital transformation of higher education establishments requires new target orientations, organizational models, and innovative digital technologies to improve the quality and accessibility of education. It is emphasized that digitalization contributes to the emergence of innovative forms, such as blended learning, while the spread of blended learning leads to digital transformations in the system of professional training of future Physical Education teachers at the level of goals (formation of digital competence among students, positive motivation for continuous professional self-development in conditions of dynamic changes); content (introduction of mandatory and optional educational components to increase digital literacy, inclusion in work programs of topics related to the use of “digital health” devices, electronic educational resources, cloud technologies, virtual and augmented reality tools); forms, methods and ways (rational combination of face-to-face and remote interaction, traditional approaches with innovative digital tools; use of personal digital devices, use of mobile, cloud, immersive technologies) and expected results (formation of the graduate’s ability to creatively and effectively use information and communication technologies in professional activities, self-education and self-development; readiness to implement innovations in professional activity in conditions of digital transformation of physical education).
A primary care research agenda for multiple long-term conditions: a Delphi study
Authors: Stokes Jonathan , Bower Peter , Smith Susan M , Guthrie Bruce , Blakeman Thomas , Valderas Jose M , Salisbury Chris
Published: December 2023

Background

Multiple long-term conditions (MLTC), also known as multimorbidity, has been identified as a priority research topic globally. Research priorities from the perspectives of patients and research funders have been described. Although most care for MLTC is delivered in primary care, the priorities of academic primary care have not been identified.

Aim

To identify and prioritise the academic primary care research agenda for MLTC.

Design and setting

This was a three-phase study with primary care MLTC researchers from the UK and other high-income countries.

Method

The study consisted of: an open-ended survey question, a face-to-face workshop to elaborate questions with researchers from the UK and Ireland, and a two-round Delphi consensus survey with international multimorbidity researchers.

Results

Twenty-five primary care researchers responded to the initial open-ended survey and generated 84 potential research questions. In the subsequent workshop discussion (n= 18 participants), this list was reduced to 31 questions. The longlist of 31 research questions was included in round 1 of the Delphi; 27 of the 50 (54%) round 1 invitees and 24 of the 27 (89%) round 2 invitees took part in the Delphi. Ten questions reached final consensus. These questions focused broadly on addressing the complexity of the patient group with development of new models of care for multimorbidity, and methods and data development.

Conclusion

These high-priority research questions offer funders and researchers a basis on which to build future grant calls and research plans. Addressing complexity in this research is needed to inform improvements in systems of care and for disease prevention.
Edward Said y Paul Ricoeur. El mundo en el texto versus el mundo del texto
Authors: Antara Koubaa Anouar
Published: December 2023

Un análisis de los planteamientos teóricos de Edward Said y Paul Ricoeur en relación al texto, por muy somero que sea, demuestra a las claras que sus concepciones al respecto se sitúan en las antípodas. En el presente trabajo se intenta demostrar que el origen de estas posturas textuales divergentes se debe a diferencias relativas al concepto mundo. Dicho de otra manera, un texto, según estos autores, puede tener un significado material o ideal en función de determinadas conexiones con el mundo al que hace referencia.