bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation and Economic Investigation of CO2 Separation from Gas Turbine Exhaust Gas by Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell with Exhaust Gas Recirculation and Selective Exhaust Gas Recirculation
Authors: Bian Jing , Duan Liqiang , Yang Yongping
Published: April 2023

The paper presents a simulation investigation of using a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) combined with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) or selective exhaust gas recirculation (SEGR) to reduce CO2 emission from the gas turbine in order to cope with climate change problem. EGR or SEGR can be used to concentrate the low-concentration CO2 in gas turbine exhausts. The CO2 concentration is then raised further by adding gas turbine exhaust to the MCFC’s cathode. The suggested gas–steam combined cycle system paired with MCFC and CO2 collection without EGR is contrasted with two novel gas–steam combined cycle systems integrated with MCFC, EGR, or SEGR with CO2 capture (the reference system). The thermal efficiency of the gas–steam combined cycle systems’ integrated MCFC, EGR and SEGR with CO2 collection is 56.08%, which is 1.3% higher than the reference system. The cost of CO2 avoided in the new system with SEGR will be equal to that of the system with the MEA technique for CO2 capture if the MCFC cost is reduced to 904.4 USD/m2.
The Indoor Climate of Hospitals in Tropical Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nyembwe Jean-Paul Kapuya Bulaba , Ogundiran John Omomoluwa , Chenari Behrang , Simões Nuno Albino Vieira , Gameiro da Silva Manuel
Published: April 2023

An indoor climate impacts human comfort, well-being, and safety. Therefore, it remains an important topic since, nowadays, people spend a significant amount of time indoors. Additionally, as tropical geographical zones become more populated, urbanised, and industrialised, the energy demand for air conditioning will rise significantly. In terms of the indoor climate, hospitals are particularly demanding due to the special needs of their occupants, however there is a paucity of studies about the tropics. Through a systematic analysis of accessible data and peer-reviewed articles, this study performed a quantitative and qualitative review of the scientific studies selected by the defined inclusion and exclusion parameters. A total of 65 tropics-related scientific publications, 28 on indoor thermal comfort and 37 on indoor air quality published between 2000 and 2023, were systematically reviewed. This study’s findings corroborated those from the previous studies, alluding that there is a paucity of scientific studies on the indoor climate conditions of buildings in tropical countries. A total of 42 studies (65%) were conducted in Asia and 15 studies (23%) in Africa. Six studies (9%) were reported in South America and two studies (3%) were obtained from Oceania, Australia. The results indicated that tropical Africa recorded the lowest number of indoor climate studies considering the population indices. Many of the reviewed indoor climate studies employed mixed methods, whereas only very few considered a seasonal approach. Meanwhile, in the developing tropics, only one record was found regarding an indoor climate study of hospitals based on their locations (correlating the outdoor and indoor air quality). Additionally, no record was found regarding the IC studies of hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa, in which, the IC impact on the occupant’s performance, productivity, and behaviour was assessed. Inferably, gaps still exist in the indoor climate of tropical hospitals. The current study highlights the need to improve the indoor climate considerations in the design, siting, awareness, regulations, and policy implementations concerning the hospitals in developing tropical countries. In conclusion, the study emphasises the need for more scientific studies on the indoor climate of tropical hospitals and highlights the relevant areas of the indoor climate studies in future works for considering the climate, environmental, socio-economic, infrastructural, and demographic peculiarities of the tropics for the betterment of hospital indoor climates in developing tropical countries.
Residential Consumers’ Lifestyle Energy Usage and Energy Efficiency in Selected States in Malaysia
Authors: Daud Salina , Wan Hanafi Wan Noordiana , Ayodele Bamidele Victor , Rajadurai Jegatheesan , Mustapa Siti Indati , Ahmad Nurul Nadiah , Wan Abdullah Wan Mohammad Taufik , Toolib Siti Norhidayah , Asha’ari Maryam Jamilah , Afsarizal Harni Aziera
Published: April 2023

In recent decades, significant changes have occurred in the consumer lifestyle and energy consumption structure. In order to foster a more holistic understanding of how residential consumers use energy in their everyday life and how it affects energy efficiency, individual data about energy-related behaviour in six primary areas, namely, housing, mobility, diet, consumption, leisure activities, and information, were studied. Specifically, the objective of this study is to investigate energy efficiency behaviour based on residential consumers’ lifestyles. An exploratory pilot study with a total of 50 respondents was carried out in month of July. Data were collected from residential consumers from six states in Peninsular Malaysia and were analysed using the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling approach. The result showed that consumption, housing, and information are the dominant direct contributors to energy efficiency. By understanding these lifestyles, researchers and policymakers can better understand consumer energy consumption behaviour and design targeted interventions to encourage energy efficiency and conservation. The paper highlights the need for further research on consumer lifestyles and their contribution to energy efficiency. It also provides findings from this study that was used to refine the research tools for future research.
Comparative Study of Grid Frequency Stability Using Flywheel-Based Variable-Speed Drive and Energy Capacitor System
Authors: Okedu Kenneth , Kalam Akhtar
Published: April 2023

Recently, there has been a rise in the integration of renewable energy sources into power grids. As a result of this, there is a need to carry out new studies in order to understand the dynamics of power grids during disturbances that is mainly caused by the stochastic nature of wind energy. The operation of modern power grids that are tied to wind farms follows a stipulated grid requirement or grid codes, considering the allowable threshold frequency variation during grid dynamics. This paper presents a comparative study of two frequency control schemes considering grid frequency stability using two frequency control topologies. A novel dynamic flywheel scheme with a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) variable-speed wind turbine with the coordinated control of excess kinetic energy and mechanical torque during operation was the first scheme, and a control strategy of an energy capacitor system (ECS) with a squirrel cage induction generator fixed-speed wind turbine (FSWT) was the second scheme. The salient part of this study was that the DFIG maximum point power tracking for effective smoothing of the output of the wind generator in the first scheme was designed based on the control strategy of its reference power to achieve smoothing of the wind power at the terminals of the wind generator. The model system employed in this work was a wind farm that is tied to a conventional power grid made of steam and hydro synchronous turbines. For an effective and fair comparison of results, the same natural wind speed was used in PSCAD/EMTDC for both schemes. When no control, Scheme 1, and Scheme 2 were implemented, the frequency dips were 47.20, 49.99, and 49.99 Hz with overshoots of 50.500, 50.005, and 50.001 Hz and recovery times of over 600.00, 0.01, 0.01 s, respectively, for the frequency variable.
Assessing the Effects of Tradable Green Certificates and Renewable Portfolio Standards through Demand-Side Decision-Making Simulation: A Case of a System Containing Photovoltaic Power
Authors: Xu Yanbin , Ma Jiaxin , Wang Yuqing , Zeng Ming
Published: April 2023

Understanding the effect of a tradable green certificate (TGC) and renewable portfolio standard (RPS) policy mix is of great importance for sustainable renewable-energy development and carbon neutrality, given that the demand side subjects are the responsible subjects under China’s RPSs and studies from the demand-side perspective are relatively limited. To fill this gap, this paper analyzes the coupled relationship between the TGC market and the electricity market as well as the reflexivity of the TGC market. Meanwhile, on the basis of modeling TGC prices and renewable-energy uncertainty, this paper constructs a Markov decision process (MDP) model to simulate the sequential decision-making process of the demand side and further proposes a solution model based on dynamic programming and evolutionary algorithms. The results show that: (1) In addition to policy parameters such as RPS weight, TGC price caps and penalties, a preference for short-term benefits and renewable-energy uncertainty also affect transaction behaviors on the demand side. (2) Increasing RPS weight within an appropriate range can stimulate demand for renewable power and TGC, while excessively low RPS weight will result in accumulation of unsold TGC. In addition, the preference for short-term benefits can stimulate demand for renewable power and curb demand for TGC. (3) An increase in the TGC price cap can stimulate demand for renewable power and restrain demand for TGC, but this phenomenon may not exist when RPS weight is too low or responsible subjects prefer short-term benefits. (4) Setting a penalty of no less than the TGC price cap is of great significance to ensure the operation of the TGC market and RPSs.
Optimisation of a Multi-Element Airfoil for a Fixed-Wing Airborne Wind Energy System
Authors: Porta Ko Agustí , Smidt Sture , Schmehl Roland , Mandru Manoj
Published: April 2023

Airborne wind energy systems benefit from high-lift airfoils to increase power output. This paper proposes an optimisation approach for a multi-element airfoil of a fixed-wing system operated in pumping cycles to drive a drum-generator module on the ground. The approach accounts for the different design objectives of the tethered kite’s alternating production and return phases. The airfoil shape is first optimised for the production phase and then adapted for the requirements of the return phase by modifying the flap setting. The optimisation uses the multi-objective genetic algorithm NSGA-II in combination with the fast aerodynamic solver MSES. Once the optimal shape is determined, the aerodynamic performance is verified through CFD RANS simulations with OpenFOAM. The resulting airfoil achieves satisfactory performance for the production and return phases of the pumping cycles, and the CFD verification shows a fairly good agreement in terms of the lift coefficient. However, MSES significantly underpredicts the airfoil drag.
Multi-Horizon Wind Power Forecasting Using Multi-Modal Spatio-Temporal Neural Networks
Authors: Miele Eric Stefan , Ludwig Nicole , Corsini Alessandro
Published: April 2023

Wind energy represents one of the leading renewable energy sectors and is considered instrumental in the ongoing decarbonization process. Accurate forecasts are essential for a reliable large-scale wind power integration, allowing efficient operation and maintenance, planning of unit commitment, and scheduling by system operators. However, due to non-stationarity, randomness, and intermittency, forecasting wind power is challenging. This work investigates a multi-modal approach for wind power forecasting by considering turbine-level time series collected from SCADA systems and high-resolution Numerical Weather Prediction maps. A neural architecture based on stacked Recurrent Neural Networks is proposed to process and combine different data sources containing spatio-temporal patterns. This architecture allows combining the local information from the turbine’s internal operating conditions with future meteorological data from the surrounding area. Specifically, this work focuses on multi-horizon turbine-level hourly forecasts for an entire wind farm with a lead time of 90 h. This work explores the impact of meteorological variables on different spatial scales, from full grids to cardinal point features, on wind power forecasts. Results show that a subset of features associated with all wind directions, even when spatially distant, can produce more accurate forecasts with respect to full grids and reduce computation times. The proposed model outperforms the linear regression baseline and the XGBoost regressor achieving an average skill score of 25%. Finally, the integration of SCADA data in the training process improved the predictions allowing the multi-modal neural network to model not only the meteorological patterns but also the turbine’s internal behavior.
Practical Approach to Underground Distribution Power Cable Fleet Management
Authors: Pattabi Pranav , Naderian Jahromi Ali , Lo Shanon , Martin-Sturmey Kurtis , Bhagwandass Nirvaan
Published: April 2023

With the growing requirements imposed by regulatory authorities, grid operators and power utilities firms are confronted with the challenging task of ensuring the reliability, safety, and resilience of distribution networks amid aging asset infrastructure and a lack of resources. Over the past 15 years, the health index (HI)-based analysis has become an increasingly popular asset management tool for several power utilities. This strongly focuses on HI-based analysis to consider not only factors such as the cable vintage, type, and operating conditions, but also maintenance testing data. In this regard, the best industry practices for cable maintenance testing, including VLF Tan-Delta, partial discharge (PD), and time domain reflectometry (TDR), are outlined. Moreover, online tests, such as infrared thermography, ultrasonic PD scan, and temperature monitoring, are discussed. This paper also summarizes the classic asset management strategies for underground (UG) distribution power cables. The paper offers a practical approach for cable fleet management based on authors’ experience dealing with distribution power utility cable management for North American power utilities firms in the past 10 years. The proposed approach ensures reliable cable management at the lowest total life cycle cost. The topic of fleet management for UG power cables considering various condition parameters and an overall risk assessment is outlined. The fleet management guideline of UG power cables covers both cables and their accessories, such as terminations and joints. The main contributions of the paper are to: (1) determine the key parameters and testing factors for condition assessment of cables; (2) offer a practical approach to cable management that is not only based on technical issues, but also considers risk and impact costs, such as financial impact, reliability impact, etc.; and (3) propose a methodology for translating the HI/calculated risks into GIS, making it possible to identify major degradation patterns for fleet assessment. Considering budget and resource limitations around testing UG cable installations, this paper aims to assist asset managers, engineers, and asset owners in developing an effective cable fleet management strategy.
Analysis of the Characteristics of Bio-Coal Briquettes from Agricultural and Coal Industry Waste
Authors: Nikiforov Alexandr , Kinzhibekova Akmaral , Prikhodko Evgeniy , Karmanov Amangeldy , Nurkina Sholpan
Published: April 2023

One of the options for reducing harmful emissions in the production of heat energy is the use of biomass, including in combination with industrial waste (for instance, coal and coke dust). Recent studies demonstrate that a mix of biomass and coal makes it possible to obtain a bio-coal briquette with better characteristics, which is a motivating factor in the search for alternative sources of heat energy from local agricultural waste. The aim of this research is to study the properties of bio-coal briquettes from biomass (sunflower husks and leaves) and industrial waste (coal and coke dust). The raw material was grinded and used for the production of bio-coal briquettes of 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, and 70% of biomass. The biomass was grinded to the size of no more than 2 mm for the fine fraction and no more than 6 mm for the coarse fraction. The briquettes were made mechanically using a hydraulic press with a compression pressure of 25 MPa without the use of any binder. The characteristics of the investigated bio-coal briquettes, such as density, strength, moisture content, ash content, volatile yield, calorific value, ignition time, burning duration, and burning rate, have good enough values. The fine fraction briquettes compared to the coarse fraction briquettes have a longer burning time (about threefold longer) and a lower burning rate. For all briquettes, an increase in the composition of coal dust results in a rise in the burning time, whereas the burning rate falls. The best in terms of strength, calorific value and combustion parameters are the following briquettes: 70% sunflower husk and 30% coal dust from the Karazhyra deposit; 60% sunflower husk and 40% coal dust from the Shubarkul deposit; briquettes from 70% sunflower husk and 30% coke dust; briquettes from 80% leaves and 20% coal dust from the Karazhyra deposit; and briquettes from 70% leaves and 30% coal dust from the Shubarkul deposit. The selected briquettes are suitable as an alternative source of fuel.
A Comparative Analysis of Waste Biomass Pyrolysis in Py-GC-MS and Fixed-Bed Reactors
Authors: Muzyka Roksana , Sobek Szymon , Dudziak Mariusz , Ouadi Miloud , Sajdak Marcin
Published: April 2023

Pyrolysis is one of the most popular methods for the thermal conversion of biomass-derived materials, which can be applied to produce valuable products such as biochar, bio-oil, and pyrolysis gas. However, this does not change the need for more precise data on the products obtained from such processes under different conditions, using different types of reactors or types of biomass material. Pyrolysis products can have a high energy value and have been extensively studied. In the presented research, three potential energy feedstocks from waste biomass, wheat cereal straw (CS), tobacco waste (TW), and furniture waste (FW) were comprehensively evaluated in terms of product yields, as well as the chemical composition of the volatile products of the pyrolysis process using the pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry technique and the chemical distribution of the products obtained under fixed-bed pyrolysis conditions. The obtained results were compared to data from the literature, which provided thorough information on the pyrolysis of biomass materials in diverse systems. The research identified the primary elements of the liquid fraction, such as N-compounds, furans, phenols, benzene, PAHs, aldehyde-ketone-alcohol, and organic acids, which were the main constituents of the liquid fraction, and the concentration of non-condensable components of gaseous products. The research discussed in this article provides a comprehensive approach to the thermal conversion of biomass materials, which, depending on their origin, processing conditions, and methodologies, can be utilised for more than only energy production.
Evaluating Groundwater Nitrate Status across the River Ythan Catchment (Scotland) following Two Decades of Nitrate Vulnerable Zone Designation
Authors: Johnson Hamish , Simpson Emma May , Troldborg Mads , Ofterdinger Ulrich , Cassidy Rachel , Soulsby Chris , Comte Jean-Christophe
Published: April 2023

Diffuse agricultural pollution is one of the greatest challenges to achieving good chemical and ecological status of Scotland’s water bodies. The River Ythan in Aberdeenshire was designated a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) in the year 2000, due to the eutrophication of the Ythan Estuary and rising nitrate trends in Private Water Supply (PWS) groundwater abstractions. The third River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) for Scotland reported the Ellon groundwater body of the River Ythan catchment to be of poor chemical status as of 2021 with respect to nitrate, and forecasted groundwater recovery beyond 2027. Following two decades of NVZ designation, we investigated the drivers of groundwater nitrate across the River Ythan catchment through an analysis of long-term (2009–2018) groundwater quality monitoring data collected by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) and a recent synoptic groundwater nitrate sampling survey of PWSs. Groundwater nitrate was found to remain elevated across the catchment area, and appeared to be highly sensitive to agricultural practices and meteorological forcing, indicating a high sensitivity of groundwater quality to environmental change. Further hydrogeological characterisation is recommended to better understand the effects of agricultural practices on groundwater quality, and to facilitate achievement of future RBMP goals under a changing climate.
Effect of Steaming and Microwave Heating on Taste of Clear Soup with Split-Gill Mushroom Powder
Authors: Hiranpradith Vimolpa , Therdthai Nantawan , Soontrunnarudrungsri Aussama
Published: April 2023

Salt is widely overconsumed. Among the strategies used in low-salt foods, the addition of flavor enhancers to improve saltiness perception through an umami taste is a viable and promising technique. This study investigated using split-gill mushroom (SGM) powder containing umami taste to increase saltiness in a clear soup for two different heating conditions: steaming under high pressure and microwave heating. According to the E-tongue results, the addition of 0.2–0.8% SGM produced a different taste in the soup compared to the addition of salt, and the addition of 0.2–0.8% SGM yielded a similar taste to the addition of 0.4–0.6% MSG in a plain, clear soup. In flavored soup, SGM at a high concentration had a taste-enhancing impact comparable to 0.4% MSG, whereas SGM at a low concentration had no taste-enhancing effect. The flavored soups containing 0.4 or 0.8% SGM consisted of two umami 5′-nucleotides: adenosine 5′-monophosphate (5′-AMP) and guanosine 5′-monophosphate (5′-GMP); however, inosine 5′-monophosphate (5′-IMP) was not detected. The major umami amino acids were glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and arginine. Microwave heating increased the salinity and total nucleotides and could maintain the umami amino acids, whereas aspartic acid (one of the umami amino acids) was reduced by 8.23% after steaming under high pressure. Thus, after microwave heating and steaming under high pressure, the equivalent umami concentration was reduced by 43.11 and 44.53%, respectively. In conclusion, the addition of SGM and volumetric heating using microwaves could be an alternative method for reducing the amount of salt in soup by increasing the umami taste intensity and salinity.
Effect of DHA-Enriched Phospholipids from Fish Roe on Rat Fecal Metabolites: Untargeted Metabolomic Analysis
Authors: Lu Xiaodan , Huang Luyao , Chen Yanjun , Hu Ling , Zhong Rongbin , Chen Lijiao , Cheng Wenjian , Zheng Baodong , Liang Peng
Published: April 2023

Lipid metabolism disorder has become an important hidden danger threatening human health, and various supplements to treat lipid metabolism disorder have been studied. Our previous studies have shown that DHA-enriched phospholipids from large yellow croaker (Larimichthys Crocea) roe (LYCRPLs) have lipid-regulating effects. To better explain the effect of LYCRPLs on lipid regulation in rats, the fecal metabolites of rats were analyzed from the level of metabolomics in this study, and GC/MS metabolomics measurements were performed to figure out the effect of LYCRPLs on fecal metabolites in rats. Compared with the control (K) group, 101 metabolites were identified in the model (M) group. There were 54, 47, and 57 metabolites in the low-dose (GA), medium-dose (GB), and high-dose (GC) groups that were significantly different from that of group M, respectively. Eighteen potential biomarkers closely related to lipid metabolism were screened after intervention with different doses of LYCRPLs on rats, which were classified into several metabolic pathways in rats, including pyrimidine metabolism, the citric acid cycle (TCA cycle), the metabolism of L-cysteine, carnitine synthesis, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, glycolysis, and bile secretion. L-cysteine was speculated to be a useful biomarker of LYCRPLs acting on rat fecal metabolites. Our findings indicated that LYCRPLs may regulate lipid metabolism disorders in SD rats by activating these metabolic pathways.
The Effect of the LMC on the Milky Way System
Authors: Vasiliev Eugene
Published: April 2023

We review the recent theoretical and observational developments concerning the interaction of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) with the Milky Way and its neighbourhood. An emerging picture is that the LMC is a fairly massive companion (10–20% of the Milky Way mass) and just passed the pericentre of its orbit, likely for the first time. The gravitational perturbation caused by the LMC is manifested at different levels. The most immediate effect is the deflection of orbits of stars, stellar streams, or satellite galaxies passing in the vicinity of the LMC. Less well known but equally important is the displacement (reflex motion) of central regions of the Milky Way about the centre of mass of both galaxies. Since the Milky Way is not a rigid body, this displacement varies with the distance from the LMC, and as a result, the Galaxy is deformed and its outer regions (beyond a few tens kpc) acquire a net velocity with respect to its centre. These phenomena need to be taken into account at the level of precision warranted by current and future observational data, and improvements on the modelling side are also necessary for an adequate interpretation of these data.
Factors Determining the Level of Acceptance of Illness and Satisfaction with Life in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Piotrkowska Renata , Kruk Agnieszka , Krzemińska Aneta , Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska Wioletta , Kwiecień-Jaguś Katarzyna
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Cancer threatens life and brings about many negative emotions in patients, which influence their satisfaction with life and contribute to a low level of their acceptance of illness. This is why the acceptance of illness is a serious problem among patients with cancer; contributes to the intensification of symptoms; and influences the patient’s physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual condition. Aim: The purpose of this work is to assess the acceptance of illness and satisfaction with life in patients with cancer, as well as to identify social, demographical, and clinical factors that significantly differentiate their acceptance of illness and satisfaction with life. Materials and Methods: The study involved 120 patients with cancer aged 18 to 88. The study was conducted in the form of a questionnaire based on standard research tools: Acceptance of Illness (AIS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Social, demographical, and clinical data were collected in the original questionnaire. Results: A group of 120 patients was studied, including 55.83% (n = 67) women and 44.16% (n = 53) men. The average age was 56. A general acceptance-of-illness index obtained by the patients was 21.6 ± 7.32 and a general satisfaction-with-life index was 19.14 ± 5.78. The statistical analysis indicated a significant correlation between the acceptance of illness and the intensity of pain (rHO = −0.19; p < 0.05), fatigue ((Z = 1.92; p > 0.05), and diarrhoea (t(118) = 2.54; p < 0.05). The correlation between the intensity of pain and satisfaction with life was negative (rHO = −0.20; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The greater acceptance of illness, the greater satisfaction with life in patients with cancer. Pain, fatigue, and diarrhoea decrease the acceptance of illness. In addition, pain decreases the level of satisfaction with life. Social and demographical factors do not determine the level of acceptance of illness and satisfaction with life.
Multilevel Modeling of Individual and Group Level Influences on Critical Thinking and Clinical Decision-Making Skills among Registered Nurses: A Study Protocol
Authors: Zainal Nur Hidayah , Musa Kamarul Imran , Rasudin Nur Syahmina , Mamat Zakira
Published: April 2023

Critical thinking and clinical decision-making are two essential components of nursing services. The practice of nursing requires both components at every level of nurses’ daily tasks. This paper describes the protocol for an ongoing project, which aims to examine the prevalence of critical thinking and clinical decision-making among registered nurses and determine the factors that influence the skills at individual and group levels using a multilevel modeling approach. Survey data will be collected from approximately nine states, with nine general hospitals, nine district hospitals, one private hospital, and one educational hospital in Malaysia included. We aim to recruit 800 registered nurses working shifts in hospital settings. We will use questionnaires to measure the perceived nurses’ knowledge, critical thinking skills, and clinical decision-making skills. The study will have three levels as the nurses are nested within the unit and further nested within the hospitals. This study will give an insight into the nursing profession today where critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills can play a significant role in patient safety and the quality of care in nursing practice.
Factors Determining the Quality of Life of Polish Women during Menopause Based on the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire
Authors: Bień Agnieszka , Korżyńska-Piętas Magdalena , Zarajczyk Marta , Wysokiński Mariusz , Niewiadomska Iwona , Jurek Krzysztof , Rzońca Ewa
Published: April 2023

Background: The aim of the study was to present the process of cultural adaptation to Polish conditions and the validation of a scale assessing the quality of life of Polish women during the menopause and to identify the factors determining this quality of life. Methods: The research tools were the menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) questionnaire and a standardized interview questionnaire comprising questions on the participants’ characteristics. The study involved 516 women using health care services who had symptoms caused by the menopause. Results: The value of the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.923. The discriminative power coefficients of all the questionnaire items were higher than 0.3. The study confirmed the validity and internal consistency of the Polish version of the MENQOL questionnaire for measuring the quality of life of postmenopausal women, suggesting that the tool can be used for screening menopausal symptoms in women. There was a relationship between general quality of life and age (p = 0.002), marital status (p < 0.001), education (p = 0.021), the impact of professional work (p < 0.001), the impact of physical activity (p < 0.001) and the impact of social life (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In the group of women who took part in the study, the authors observed a lower quality of life during menopause reported by older women who were married/in a stable relationship, with no formal education (no formal education) and who, according to their subjective assessment, negatively evaluated the impact of the accompanying menopause-related symptoms on their work, physical activity and social life.
Degree of Acceptance of Virtual Reality by Health Sciences Students
Authors: Cabero-Almenara Julio , Llorente-Cejudo Carmen , Palacios-Rodríguez Antonio , Gallego-Pérez Óscar
Published: April 2023

Virtual Reality (VR) is an emerging technology with educational benefits demonstrated in numerous studies. Its integration into the curriculum implies the use of cognitive resources by students and the training of digital skills by teachers. The objective of this study is to determine the degree of acceptance of students with learning objects produced in VR and in 360°, as well as to analyze their evaluation and the established relationships. A sample of 136 medical students who completed questionnaires on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the quality of the training activity was used. The results show high levels of acceptance, both in VR and 360° objects. The students perceived the usefulness of the training activity as high, with significant correlations between the different dimensions. This study demonstrates the potential of VR as an educational technology and offers new perspectives for future research.
The Use of Machine Learning for Inferencing the Effectiveness of a Rehabilitation Program for Orthopedic and Neurological Patients
Authors: Santilli Valter , Mangone Massimiliano , Diko Anxhelo , Alviti Federica , Bernetti Andrea , Agostini Francesco , Palagi Laura , Servidio Marila , Paoloni Marco , Goffredo Michela , Infarinato Francesco , Pournajaf Sanaz , Franceschini Marco , Fini Massimo , Damiani Carlo
Published: April 2023

Advance assessment of the potential functional improvement of patients undergoing a rehabilitation program is crucial in developing precision medicine tools and patient-oriented rehabilitation programs, as well as in better allocating resources in hospitals. In this work, we propose a novel approach to this problem using machine learning algorithms focused on assessing the modified Barthel index (mBI) as an indicator of functional ability. We build four tree-based ensemble machine learning models and train them on a private training cohort of orthopedic (OP) and neurological (NP) hospital discharges. Moreover, we evaluate the models using a validation set for each category of patients using root mean squared error (RMSE) as an absolute error indicator between the predicted mBI and the actual values. The best results obtained from the study are an RMSE of 6.58 for OP patients and 8.66 for NP patients, which shows the potential of artificial intelligence in predicting the functional improvement of patients undergoing rehabilitation.
DeepSTABp: A Deep Learning Approach for the Prediction of Thermal Protein Stability
Authors: Jung Felix , Frey Kevin , Zimmer David , Mühlhaus Timo
Published: April 2023

Proteins are essential macromolecules that carry out a plethora of biological functions. The thermal stability of proteins is an important property that affects their function and determines their suitability for various applications. However, current experimental approaches, primarily thermal proteome profiling, are expensive, labor-intensive, and have limited proteome and species coverage. To close the gap between available experimental data and sequence information, a novel protein thermal stability predictor called DeepSTABp has been developed. DeepSTABp uses a transformer-based protein language model for sequence embedding and state-of-the-art feature extraction in combination with other deep learning techniques for end-to-end protein melting temperature prediction. DeepSTABp can predict the thermal stability of a wide range of proteins, making it a powerful and efficient tool for large-scale prediction. The model captures the structural and biological properties that impact protein stability, and it allows for the identification of the structural features that contribute to protein stability. DeepSTABp is available to the public via a user-friendly web interface, making it accessible to researchers in various fields.
Crosstalk between Metabolite Production and Signaling Activity in Breast Cancer
Authors: Çubuk Cankut , Loucera Carlos , Peña-Chilet María , Dopazo Joaquin
Published: April 2023

The reprogramming of metabolism is a recognized cancer hallmark. It is well known that different signaling pathways regulate and orchestrate this reprogramming that contributes to cancer initiation and development. However, recent evidence is accumulating, suggesting that several metabolites could play a relevant role in regulating signaling pathways. To assess the potential role of metabolites in the regulation of signaling pathways, both metabolic and signaling pathway activities of Breast invasive Carcinoma (BRCA) have been modeled using mechanistic models. Gaussian Processes, powerful machine learning methods, were used in combination with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), a recent methodology that conveys causality, to obtain potential causal relationships between the production of metabolites and the regulation of signaling pathways. A total of 317 metabolites were found to have a strong impact on signaling circuits. The results presented here point to the existence of a complex crosstalk between signaling and metabolic pathways more complex than previously was thought.
CRIF1 siRNA-Encapsulated PLGA Nanoparticles Suppress Tumor Growth in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Piao Shuyu , Lee Ikjun , Kim Seonhee , Park Hyewon , Nagar Harsha , Choi Su-Jeong , Vu Giang-Huong , Kim Minsoo , Lee Eun-Ok , Jeon Byeong-Hwa , Kim Dong Woon , Seo Youngduk , Kim Cuk-Seong
Published: April 2023

Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system dysfunction in cancer cells has been exploited as a target for anti-cancer therapeutic intervention. The downregulation of CR6-interacting factor 1 (CRIF1), an essential mito-ribosomal factor, can impair mitochondrial function in various cell types. In this study, we investigated whether CRIF1 deficiency induced by siRNA and siRNA nanoparticles could suppress MCF-7 breast cancer growth and tumor development, respectively. Our results showed that CRIF1 silencing decreased the assembly of mitochondrial OXPHOS complexes I and II, which induced mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, and excessive mitochondrial fission. CRIF1 inhibition reduced p53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) expression, as well as NADPH synthesis, leading to additional increases in ROS production. The downregulation of CRIF1 suppressed cell proliferation and inhibited cell migration through the induction of G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Similarly, the intratumoral injection of CRIF1 siRNA-encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles inhibited tumor growth, downregulated the assembly of mitochondrial OXPHOS complexes I and II, and induced the expression of cell cycle protein markers (p53, p21, and p16) in MCF-7 xenograft mice. Thus, the inhibition of mitochondrial OXPHOS protein synthesis through CRIF1 deletion destroyed mitochondrial function, leading to elevated ROS levels and inducing antitumor effects in MCF-7 cells.
Heat Shock Proteins in Tooth Development and Injury Repair
Authors: Guo Shuling , Yang Haosun , Liu Jiacheng , Meng Zhaosong , Sui Lei
Published: April 2023

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a class of molecular chaperones with expression increased in response to heat or other stresses. HSPs regulate cell homeostasis by modulating the folding and maturation of intracellular proteins. Tooth development is a complex process that involves many cell activities. During tooth preparation or trauma, teeth can be damaged. The damaged teeth start their repair process by remineralizing and regenerating tissue. During tooth development and injury repair, different HSPs have different expression patterns and play a special role in odontoblast differentiation and ameloblast secretion by mediating signaling pathways or participating in protein transport. This review explores the expression patterns and potential mechanisms of HSPs, particularly HSP25, HSP60 and HSP70, in tooth development and injury repair.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes as Immunomodulatory Therapy for Corneal Scarring
Authors: Ong Hon Shing , Riau Andri K. , Yam Gary Hin-Fai , Yusoff Nur Zahirah Binte M. , Han Evelina J. Y. , Goh Tze-Wei , Lai Ruenn Chai , Lim Sai Kiang , Mehta Jodhbir S.
Published: April 2023

Corneal scarring is a leading cause of worldwide blindness. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been reported to promote corneal wound healing through secreted exosomes. This study investigated the wound healing and immunomodulatory effects of MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-exo) in corneal injury through an established rat model of corneal scarring. After induction of corneal scarring by irregular phototherapeutic keratectomy (irrPTK), MSC exosome preparations (MSC-exo) or PBS vehicle as controls were applied to the injured rat corneas for five days. The animals were assessed for corneal clarity using a validated slit-lamp haze grading score. Stromal haze intensity was quantified using in-vivo confocal microscopy imaging. Corneal vascularization, fibrosis, variations in macrophage phenotypes, and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated using immunohistochemistry techniques and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) of the excised corneas. Compared to the PBS control group, MSC-exo treatment group had faster epithelial wound closure (0.041), lower corneal haze score (p = 0.002), and reduced haze intensity (p = 0.004) throughout the follow-up period. Attenuation of corneal vascularisation based on CD31 and LYVE-1 staining and reduced fibrosis as measured by fibronectin and collagen 3A1 staining was also observed in the MSC-exo group. MSC-exo treated corneas also displayed a regenerative immune phenotype characterized by a higher infiltration of CD163+, CD206+ M2 macrophages over CD80+, CD86+ M1 macrophages (p = 0.023), reduced levels of pro-inflammatory IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α, and increased levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10. In conclusion, topical MSC-exo could alleviate corneal insults by promoting wound closure and reducing scar development, possibly through anti-angiogenesis and immunomodulation towards a regenerative and anti-inflammatory phenotype.
The Future of Energy Storage: Advancements and Roadmaps for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Adnan Muhammad
Published: April 2023

Li-ion batteries (LIBs) have advantages such as high energy and power density, making them suitable for a wide range of applications in recent decades, such as electric vehicles, large-scale energy storage, and power grids [...]
Functional Optical Nano/Micromaterials
Authors: Rho Won-Yeop , Jun Bong-Hyun
Published: April 2023

The interaction between light and optical materials is central to science, as these materials possess remarkable physical, chemical, and photonical characteristics [...]
The Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Nine Smilacaceae Species from Hong Kong: Inferring Infra- and Inter-Familial Phylogeny
Authors: Wong Kwan-Ho , Siu Tin-Yan , Tsang Stacey Shun-Kei , Kong Bobby Lim-Ho , Wu Hoi-Yan , But Grace Wing-Chiu , Hui Jerome Ho-Lam , Shaw Pang-Chui , Lau David Tai-Wai
Published: April 2023

The Smilacaceae is a cosmopolitan family consisting of 200–370 described species. The family includes two widely accepted genera, namely Smilax and Heterosmilax. Among them, the taxonomical status of Heterosmilax has been continuously challenged. Seven Smilax and two Heterosmilax species can be found in Hong Kong, with most of them having medicinal importance. This study aims to revisit the infra-familial and inter-familial relationships of the Smilacaceae using complete chloroplast genomes. The chloroplast genomes of the nine Smilacaceae species from Hong Kong were assembled and annotated, which had sizes of 157,885 bp to 159,007 bp; each of them was identically annotated for 132 genes, including 86 protein-coding genes, 38 transfer RNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. The generic status of Heterosmilax was not supported because it was nested within the Smilax clade in the phylogenetic trees, echoing previous molecular and morphological studies. We suggest delimitating the genus Heterosmilax as a section under the genus Smilax. The results of phylogenomic analysis support the monophyly of Smilacaceae and the exclusion of Ripogonum from the family. This study contributes to the systematics and taxonomy of monocotyledons, authentication of medicinal Smilacaceae, and conservation of plant diversity.
Identification of Gene Expression Signatures for Phenotype-Specific Drug Targeting of Cardiac Fibrosis
Authors: Lukovic Dominika , Hasimbegovic Ena , Winkler Johannes , Mester-Tonczar Julia , Müller-Zlabinger Katrin , Han Emilie , Spannbauer Andreas , Traxler-Weidenauer Denise , Bergler-Klein Jutta , Pavo Noemi , Goliasch Georg , Batkai Sandor , Thum Thomas , Zannad Faiez , Gyöngyösi Mariann
Published: April 2023

We have designed translational animal models to investigate cardiac profibrotic gene signatures. Domestic pigs were treated with cardiotoxic drugs (doxorubicin, DOX, n = 5 or Myocet®, MYO, n = 5) to induce replacement fibrosis via cardiotoxicity. Reactive interstitial fibrosis was triggered by LV pressure overload by artificial isthmus stenosis with stepwise developing myocardial hypertrophy and final fibrosis (Hyper, n = 3) or by LV volume overload in the adverse remodeled LV after myocardial infarction (RemoLV, n = 3). Sham interventions served as controls and healthy animals (Control, n = 3) served as a reference in sequencing study. Myocardial samples from the LV of each group were subjected to RNA sequencing. RNA-seq analysis revealed a clear distinction between the transcriptomes of myocardial fibrosis (MF) models. Cardiotoxic drugs activated the TNF-alpha and adrenergic signaling pathways. Pressure or volume overload led to the activation of FoxO pathway. Significant upregulation of pathway components enabled the identification of potential drug candidates used for the treatment of heart failure, such as ACE inhibitors, ARB, ß-blockers, statins and diuretics specific to the distinct MF models. We identified candidate drugs in the groups of channel blockers, thiostrepton that targets the FOXM1-regulated ACE conversion to ACE2, tyrosine kinases or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor inhibitors. Our study identified different gene targets involved in the development of distinct preclinical MF protocols enabling tailoring expression signature-based approach for the treatment of MF.
Blood Platelets in Infection: The Multiple Roles of the Platelet Signalling Machinery
Authors: Trivigno Silvia M. G. , Guidetti Gianni Francesco , Barbieri Silvia Stella , Zarà Marta
Published: April 2023

Platelets are classically recognized for their important role in hemostasis and thrombosis but they are also involved in many other physiological and pathophysiological processes, including infection. Platelets are among the first cells recruited to sites of inflammation and infection and they exert their antimicrobial response actively cooperating with the immune system. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on platelet receptor interaction with different types of pathogens and the consequent modulations of innate and adaptive immune responses.