bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigating Antibiotic Resistance: The Utilization of CRISPR Technology in Detection
Authors: Zhang Xuejiao , Huang Zhaojie , Zhang Yanxia , Wang Wen , Ye Zihong , Liang Pei , Sun Kai , Kang Wencheng , Tang Qiao , Yu Xiaoping
Published: December 2024

Antibiotics, celebrated as some of the most significant pharmaceutical breakthroughs in medical history, are capable of eliminating or inhibiting bacterial growth, offering a primary defense against a wide array of bacterial infections. However, the rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), driven by the widespread use of antibiotics, has evolved into a widespread and ominous threat to global public health. Thus, the creation of efficient methods for detecting resistance genes and antibiotics is imperative for ensuring food safety and safeguarding human health. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) systems, initially recognized as an adaptive immune defense mechanism in bacteria and archaea, have unveiled their profound potential in sensor detection, transcending their notable gene-editing applications. CRISPR/Cas technology employs Cas enzymes and guides RNA to selectively target and cleave specific DNA or RNA sequences. This review offers an extensive examination of CRISPR/Cas systems, highlighting their unique attributes and applications in antibiotic detection. It outlines the current utilization and progress of the CRISPR/Cas toolkit for identifying both nucleic acid (resistance genes) and non-nucleic acid (antibiotic micromolecules) targets within the field of antibiotic detection. In addition, it examines the current challenges, such as sensitivity and specificity, and future opportunities, including the development of point-of-care diagnostics, providing strategic insights to facilitate the curbing and oversight of antibiotic-resistance proliferation.
Exploring the Interaction of Biotinylated FcGamma RI and IgG1 Monoclonal Antibodies on Streptavidin-Coated Plasmonic Sensor Chips for Label-Free VEGF Detection
Authors: Khaligh Soodeh Salimi , Khalid-Salako Fahd , Kurt Hasan , Yüce Meral
Published: December 2024

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a critical angiogenesis biomarker associated with various pathological conditions, including cancer. This study leverages pre-biotinylated FcγRI interactions with IgG1-type monoclonal antibodies to develop a sensitive VEGF detection method. Utilizing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology, we characterized the binding dynamics of immobilized biotinylated FcγRI to an IgG1-type antibody, Bevacizumab (AVT), through kinetic studies and investigated suitable conditions for sensor surface regeneration. Subsequently, we characterized the binding of FcγRI-captured AVT to VEGF, calculating kinetic constants and binding affinity. A calibration curve was established to analyze the VEGF quantification capacity and accuracy of the biosensor, computing the limits of blank, detection, and quantification at a 95% confidence interval. Additionally, the specificity of the biosensor for VEGF over other protein analytes was assessed. This innovative biomimetic approach enabled FcγRI-mediated site-specific AVT capture, establishing a stable and reusable platform for detecting and accurately quantifying VEGF. The results indicate the effectiveness of the plasmonic sensor platform for VEGF detection, making it suitable for research applications and, potentially, clinical diagnostics. Utilizing FcγRI-IgG1 antibody binding, this study highlights the industrial and clinical value of advanced biosensing technologies, offering insights to enhance therapeutic monitoring and improve outcomes in anti-VEGF therapies.
The Impact of Virtual Streamer Anthropomorphism on Consumer Purchase Intention: Cognitive Trust as a Mediator
Authors: Li Chunyu , Huang Fei
Published: December 2024

As an important tool for brand promotion and marketing, the status of virtual streamers is gradually improving, especially in the Chinese market with a huge Internet user base. Virtual streamer anthropomorphism has gradually become an important research content in the field of consumer behavior. However, the specific mechanism by which the multidimensional anthropomorphic characteristics of virtual streamers affect consumer trust and purchase intention requires further investigation. Therefore, based on the avatar theory, this research explores how the anthropomorphic characteristics of virtual streamers affect consumer purchase intention through cognitive trust. The analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0 and AMOS 24.0, establishing a structural equation model. Through the analysis of questionnaire data from 503 Chinese consumers, it was found that behavioral anthropomorphism, cognitive anthropomorphism, and emotional anthropomorphism all exert a notable influence on cognitive trust. Appearance anthropomorphism and emotional anthropomorphism directly affect purchase intention, and cognitive trust has a significant impact on purchase intention. Moreover, cognitive trust fully mediates the effects of behavioral anthropomorphism and cognitive anthropomorphism on purchase intention and partially mediates the effects of emotional anthropomorphism on purchase intention. This study enriches the application of avatar theory in virtual streamers in live e-commerce and provides theoretical backing for virtual streamer development and enterprise marketing strategies. It also offers practical insights to help brands optimize virtual streamers and improve consumer participation and purchase conversion rates.
Impact of Various Erosive Environments on the Durability of POM Fiber-Reinforced Ultra-High-Performance Concrete
Authors: Dong Jingliang , Zong Yingliang , Shang Xiaopeng , Chen Xiaolei , Tu Zhen , Jiang Ren , Zhu Zebing
Published: December 2024

To address the durability challenges faced by traditional concrete in marine environments, this study focuses on polyoxymethylene (POM) fiber-reinforced ultra-high-performance concrete (PFUHPC) and, for the first time, systematically investigates the inhibitory effects of POM fibers on microstructural degradation and mechanical performance deterioration of ultra-high-performance concrete under various erosive environments. The results indicated the following: (1) The mass loss rate and compressive strength degradation in PFUHPC under different erosive environments initially increased and then decreased, demonstrating that the inclusion of POM fibers delayed corrosion and significantly improved the durability and stability of the material’s performance. (2) Compared to the natural environment, after 180 days of immersion in different erosive environments (seawater immersion, wet–dry cycles in seawater, chloride salt immersion, sulfate salt immersion, and complex salt immersion), the compressive strength degradations were observed to be 4.8%, 9.7%, 6.8%, 11.7%, and 10.7%. (3) Microscopic analysis after 180 days revealed that the main corrosion products were gypsum, ettringite, and Friedel’s salt (calcium chloroaluminate). Under the environments of seawater immersion and cyclic wetting and drying, the low concentrations of chloride and sulfate ions resulted in fewer corrosion products and a denser matrix. The primary corrosion product under the chloride salt immersion was Friedel’s salt, which led to surface cracking and microporosity, while under the sulfate immersion, gypsum and ettringite were predominant, resulting in more porous and loosely bound hydration products and more severe corrosions.
Treatment of Established Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy with N-Palmitoylethanolamide: A Randomized, Double-Blind Phase II Pilot Study
Authors: Davis Mellar P. , Ulrich Angela , Segal Rebecca , Gudena Vinay , Ruddy Kathryn J. , D’Andre Stacy , Giridhar Karthik V. , Vasireddy Vamsi K. , Agarwal Rajiv , Azzouqa Abdel-Ghani , Novotny Paul , McCue Shaylene , Bauer Brent , Loprinzi Charles L.
Published: December 2024

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) from oxaliplatin and taxane drugs is a bothersome toxicity. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) has been reported to improve myelinated nerve fiber function in patients experiencing painful CIPN. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of PEA in patients with established CIPN. Methods: Eligible patients were adults who had pain, numbness, tingling, or other symptoms of CIPN for at least three months following completion of paclitaxel, oxaliplatin, or cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Study patients were randomized to one of the two treatment groups (PEA versus placebo, both administered either once or twice daily). The CIPN20 questionnaire was assessed weekly. Results: A total of 17 males and 71 females participated in the study; most had neuropathy from paclitaxel. Most (85%) finished 8 weeks of treatment. There was no suggestion that either of the PEA arms did any better than the combined placebo arms. There was no signal of significant toxicity differences between the three study arms. Quality of life outcome measures were similar between the study arms, as were cognitive function evaluations. Discussion: PEA failed to improve established CIPN. Future trials might explore whether PEA may be effective in preventing CIPN or cognitive changes based on data that suggest it may be helpful in this situation. Conclusions: PEA failed to improve established chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.
Differentiating Sinonasal Tumor Entities with Fluorescein-Enhanced Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy: A Step Forward in Precision Diagnostics
Authors: Wenda Nina , Wagner Sebastian , Fruth Kai , Fisseler-Eckhoff Annette , Gosepath Jan
Published: December 2024

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Sinonasal malignancies are rare and highly diverse cancers that pose significant diagnostic challenges due to their variable histological features and complex anatomical locations. Accurate diagnosis is critical for guiding treatment, yet conventional methods often require multiple biopsies. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) for real-time imaging of sinonasal tumors to characterize specific features of different entities and improve diagnostic precision. Methods: Ten patients with various sinonasal malignancies, including squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma, olfactory neuroblastoma, sinonasal mucosal melanoma, and endonasal lymphoma, were examined using CLE during diagnostic endoscopy. CLE images were compared descriptively with histopathological cross-sections to identify unique imaging patterns for each tumor type. Results: CLE was feasible across all cases, with high-quality images obtained despite anatomical challenges in some cases. Characteristic features, such as vascular clusters in undifferentiated carcinoma, mucin-filled bubbles in adenocarcinoma, and small round cells in neuroblastoma, were identified and corresponded well with histopathological findings. CLE also helped guide biopsies by revealing areas with diagnostic relevance. Conclusions: CLE demonstrates promise as an adjunct diagnostic tool in sinonasal malignancies, offering real-time imaging that correlates with histopathological findings and aids in targeted biopsies. While this study provides preliminary insights into the utility of CLE, further research with larger cohorts and statistical validation is necessary to establish its diagnostic reliability and broader clinical application.
3D-Printed Reactor for Coupling Photoelectrochemical (Sea)Water Splitting with Solid-State H2 Storage
Authors: Wyżga Paweł , Macyk Joanna , Lin Yuan-Chih , Jensen Emil Høj , Guzik Matylda N. , Bieńkowski Krzysztof , Solarska Renata , Macyk Wojciech
Published: December 2024

The modular photoelectrochemical (PEC) reactor accommodating eight photoelectrodes with a total active area of up to 46 cm2 has been designed and manufactured using the fused deposition modeling method. The device was equipped with an electrolyte flow system, a relay module for the photoelectrode connection, and a feedback-loop module for switching between counter electrodes. The performance and durability of the system were tested within three case study experiments. The water splitting process was successfully combined with an in situ hydrogen storage in the form of metal hydride phases (confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction) using Fe2O3- or WO3-based photoanodes and LaNi5-based cathodes. The PEC water oxidation at the anodes was realized either in a strongly alkaline electrolyte (pH > 13.5) or in acidified synthetic seawater (pH < 2) for Fe2O3 and WO3 electrodes, respectively. In the latter case, the photoresponse of the anodes decreased the cell charging voltage by 1.7 V at the current density of 60 mA∙g−1. When the seawater was used as an anolyte, the oxygen evolution reaction was accompanied by the chlorine evolution reaction. The manufactured PEC-metal hydride reactor revealed mechanical and chemical stability during a prolonged operation over 300 h and in the broad range of pH values.
Apolipoprotein-L Functions in Membrane Remodeling
Authors: Pays Etienne
Published: December 2024

The mammalian Apolipoprotein-L families (APOLs) contain several isoforms of membrane-interacting proteins, some of which are involved in the control of membrane dynamics (traffic, fission and fusion). Specifically, human APOL1 and APOL3 appear to control membrane remodeling linked to pathogen infection. Through its association with Non-Muscular Myosin-2A (NM2A), APOL1 controls Golgi-derived trafficking of vesicles carrying the lipid scramblase Autophagy-9A (ATG9A). These vesicles deliver APOL3 together with phosphatidylinositol-4-kinase-B (PI4KB) and activated Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) to mitochondrion–endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contact sites (MERCSs) for the induction and completion of mitophagy and apoptosis. Through direct interactions with PI4KB and PI4KB activity controllers (Neuronal Calcium Sensor-1, or NCS1, Calneuron-1, or CALN1, and ADP-Ribosylation Factor-1, or ARF1), APOL3 controls PI(4)P synthesis. PI(4)P is required for different processes linked to infection-induced inflammation: (i) STING activation at the Golgi and subsequent lysosomal degradation for inflammation termination; (ii) mitochondrion fission at MERCSs for induction of mitophagy and apoptosis; and (iii) phagolysosome formation for antigen processing. In addition, APOL3 governs mitophagosome fusion with endolysosomes for mitophagy completion, and the APOL3-like murine APOL7C is involved in phagosome permeabilization linked to antigen cross-presentation in dendritic cells. Similarly, APOL3 can induce the fusion of intracellular bacterial membranes, and a role in membrane fusion can also be proposed for endothelial APOLd1 and adipocyte mAPOL6, which promote angiogenesis and adipogenesis, respectively, under inflammatory conditions. Thus, different APOL isoforms play distinct roles in membrane remodeling associated with inflammation.
A Review on Analytical Techniques for Quantitative Detection of Biogenic Amines in Aquatic Products
Authors: Chen Zixin , Xie Jing , Mei Jun
Published: December 2024

Aquatic products contain a large amount of protein, which can promote the production of a variety of biogenic amines through the function of microorganisms. Biogenic amines are a broad category of organic substances that contain nitrogen and have a low molecular weight. The presence of biogenic amines can cause the deterioration and excessive accumulation of aquatic products, which can cause damage to human health. Therefore, it is essential to discover a fast, convenient, and easy to operate method for the determination of biogenic amines in aquatic products. In this paper, the function and research significance of biogenic amines are analyzed from the aspects of their formation, toxicological properties, harm to the human body, and control methods. Several common direct detection techniques and indirect techniques for biogenic amines are briefly introduced especially sensors. This review provides references for efficient detection in the future.
Focused Review on Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C3N4) in Corrosion and Erosion Applications
Authors: Fayyad Eman M. , Nabhan Fatma , Abdullah Aboubakr M.
Published: December 2024

Inorganic, organic, and metallic coatings have received much attention due to their great protection applications in oil and gas industries and their development through finding eco-friendly materials for the coatings. Their unique structure, low cost, and facile synthesis are some of the few properties of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) materials that make them useful in a number of applications. Moreover, g-C3N4 offers exceptional chemical and thermal stability and a high specific surface area, and it is well known for its outstanding biocompatibility and biological activity. Numerous investigations have reported various types of C3N4-incorporated coatings that have enhanced corrosion, wear, and mechanical resistance properties. This review highlights the new applications of g-C3N4 (standalone, in an alloy, or composite) as a coating in the wear and corrosion protection fields. Furthermore, a strong focus on the structure, unique properties, and preparation technique of g-C3N4 are summarized, especially in metallic coatings, which is a highly novel trend. Lastly, various important issues based on current research are proposed for future prospective work that should be further studied in this attractive research topic.
Microstructural, Nanomechanical, and Tribological Properties of Thin Dense Chromium Coatings
Authors: Broitman E. , Jahagirdar A. , Rahimi E. , Meeuwenoord R. , Mol J. M. C.
Published: December 2024

Nowadays, Thin Dense Chromium (TDC) coatings are being industrially used in rolling bearings applications due to their claimed advantages such as high hardness, low wear, and good corrosion resistance. However, despite their broad commercial use, very little has been published in the open scientific literature regarding their microstructure, nanomechanical, and tribological properties. In this paper, TDC coatings with a thickness of about 5 µm were deposited by a customized electrochemical process on ASTM 52100 bearing steel substrates. Surface microstructure and chemical composition analysis of the TDC coatings was carried out by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The results revealed a coating with a dense, nodular, and polycrystalline microstructure. Unlike standard electrodeposited “Hard Chromium” coatings, TDC coatings show no presence of micro/nano-cracks, likely contributing to their superior corrosion resistance. The nanomechanical behavior, studied by nanoindentation as a function of penetration depths, exhibits a pronounced size effect near the coating surface that can be linked to the nodular microstructure. A hard surface with hardness HIT 14.9 ± 0.5 GPa and reduced elastic modulus Er = 216.8 ± 3.9 GPa was observed. Tribological characterization under the presence of lubricants was performed by two single-contact tribometers using coated and uncoated steel balls against flat steel substrates. An in-house fretting wear rig was used to measure the lubricated friction coefficient in pure sliding conditions, whilst the friction performance in rolling/sliding lubricated conditions was evaluated using a WAM test rig. In pure sliding, TDC/TDC contacts show ~13% lower friction than for steel. Under rolling/sliding conditions with 5% sliding, the traction coefficient of TDC/TDC coating contact was at least 20% lower than that for steel/steel contact. The tribological results obtained in various contact conditions demonstrate the benefits of applying TDC coatings to reduce bearing friction.
Econometric Insights into LNG Carrier Port Congestion and Energy Inflation: A Data-Driven Approach
Authors: Karamperidis Stavros , Melas Konstantinos D. , Michail Nektarios A.
Published: December 2024

We examine how LNG carrier port congestion in European ports, measured via detailed vessel-level AIS data, affects euro area energy inflation. As energy inflation significantly affects headline inflation, this study provides an additional factor that can contribute to inflationary pressures. Overall, the results show that higher port congestion increases natural gas prices with the latter having an impact on energy inflation. The reaction stands at 0.1% per 1% shock in port congestion. These findings underline the relationship between the shipping industry and the real economy and support the view that shipping developments can potentially be used as leading indicators.
Molecular Identification of Dibothriocephalus nihonkaiense Infection Using Nanopore Sequencing: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Tsang Hin-Fung , Leung Stanley W.M. , Hung Tin-Nok , Law Icy , Lam Ka-Wai , Chan Loiston , Wong Sze-Chuen Cesar
Published: December 2024

Background: Dibothriocephalus nihonkaiense (previously known as Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense) infection is not common in Hong Kong. D. nihonkaiense is a fish-borne cestode parasite that infects humans after consuming raw or insufficiently cooked fish containing plerocercoids. Case presentation: We reported a case of D. nihonkaiense infection in a 40-year-old woman who presented with a complaint of epigastric pain and diarrhea. A curvilinear opacity was seen at the upper quadrant of the abdomen via abdominal X-ray. An incomplete 80 cm long strobila of D. nihonkaiense without a scolex and neck was found in her feces. A grayish-brown oval egg with an inconspicuous operculum and small knob at the abopercular end was also found. Species-level identification was performed using Nanopore sequencing. Complete blood count and serum vitamin B12 level were tested to check for megaloblastic anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency, respectively. Laboratory investigations demonstrated an elevated percentage of monocytes in peripheral blood. A single oral dose of praziquantel (25 mg/kg) was prescribed to the patient. There was no evidence of relapse after the treatment. Conclusions: We reported a case of D. nihonkaiense infection using Oxford Nanopore NGS as a tool for accurate parasite identification.
Contextual Fine-Tuning of Language Models with Classifier-Driven Content Moderation for Text Generation
Authors: Punnaivanam Matan , Velvizhy Palani
Published: December 2024

In today’s digital age, ensuring the appropriateness of content for children is crucial for their cognitive and emotional development. The rise of automated text generation technologies, such as Large Language Models like LLaMA, Mistral, and Zephyr, has created a pressing need for effective tools to filter and classify suitable content. However, the existing methods often fail to effectively address the intricate details and unique characteristics of children’s literature. This study aims to bridge this gap by developing a robust framework that utilizes fine-tuned language models, classification techniques, and contextual story generation to generate and classify children’s stories based on their suitability. Employing a combination of fine-tuning techniques on models such as LLaMA, Mistral, and Zephyr, alongside a BERT-based classifier, we evaluated the generated stories against established metrics like ROUGE, METEOR, and BERT Scores. The fine-tuned Mistral-7B model achieved a ROUGE-1 score of 0.4785, significantly higher than the base model’s 0.3185, while Zephyr-7B-Beta achieved a METEOR score of 0.4154 compared to its base counterpart’s score of 0.3602. The results indicated that the fine-tuned models outperformed base models, generating content more aligned with human standards. Moreover, the BERT Classifier exhibited high precision (0.95) and recall (0.97) for identifying unsuitable content, further enhancing the reliability of content classification. These findings highlight the potential of advanced language models in generating age-appropriate stories and enhancing content moderation strategies. This research has broader implications for educational technology, content curation, and parental control systems, offering a scalable approach to ensuring children’s exposure to safe and enriching narratives.
Evaluation of Meteorological Drought Using SPI and SPEI on Wheat Yield in Southwestern Iran
Authors: Adib Arash , Amiri Mahsa , Lotfirad Morteza , Farajpanah Hiwa
Published: December 2024

The objective of this research is to determine the meteorological drought index and the effective rainfall model that exhibit the highest correlation with the yield of rainfed wheat in the Karkheh watershed. Additionally, using spatial statistics analysis, the trend and status of drought in various parts of the watershed will be identified. This will allow for the determination of suitable areas for rainfed wheat cultivation in the near future. In this research, meteorological drought monitoring was conducted using the standardized precipitation index (SPI) and standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) drought indices at 34 synoptic stations of the Karkheh watershed in southwestern Iran from 1981 to 2016. Effective precipitation (EPCP) was calculated using four methods, namely the United States bureau of reclamation method (USBR), the simplified version of soil conservation service of the United States department of agriculture method (USDA-SCS simplified), the food and agriculture organization of the United Nations method (FAO), and the CROPWAT version of the USDA-SCS method (USDA-SCS CROPWAT). The correlation between SPI and SPEI and between wheat yield and these indices was performed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (R) to select the best index for assessing the effects of meteorological droughts on the agricultural sector. The analysis of the drought features showed that the SPEI reported milder and longer droughts in most synoptic stations. The spatial pattern of drought in the Karkheh watershed was determined using spatial statistics methods, and global Moran’s I statistic showed that the drought in the Karkheh watershed had spatial autocorrelation and a clustered pattern with a 99% confidence level. The results of global and local Moran’s I and the Getis-Ord statistic (Gi*) showed that milder droughts prevailed in the northern clusters and more severe droughts in the southern clusters. Also, the correlation between wheat yield and the SPI and SPEI was positive in all stations except for the stations of Kermanshah province and Aqa Jan Bolaghi, which is due to the existence of numerous dams and springs in these areas. Considering the impact of temperature (Tmean) on meteorological drought, it is suggested that in addition to the SPI, the SPEI should also be used to predict droughts in the Karkheh watershed.
A Qualitative Investigation into the Experiences of Students with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD/Dyspraxia) in Higher Education
Authors: Gentle Judith , Ivanova Mirela , Martel Marie , Glover Scott , Hosein Anesa
Published: December 2024

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD/Dyspraxia) is a commonly misunderstood and under-recognized specific learning difficulty (SpLD) in educational settings. This lifelong condition affects fine and gross motor coordination and significantly interferes with many activities of daily living, academic achievement, and employment opportunities. However, most Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are unaware of its prevalence within their context, even though 5% of the general population have DCD and the enrolment of students in UK Higher Education with a known disability has increased by 42.4% between 2018 and 2023. Thus, understanding the lived experiences of students with DCD within Higher Education in the UK remains a considerable gap in knowledge. Through the use of focus groups, the lived experiences of 10 students with DCD at two UK HEIs were investigated. The thematic analysis identified four main themes: ‘Awareness of DCD’, ‘Participation in Higher Education for individuals with DCD’, ‘Wellbeing’, and ‘Everyday living’. Students shared that HEIs appeared to lack awareness of DCD and felt they had an inability to specify the correct support at university. Importantly, whilst the students in the study were not always confident in identifying the specific support they needed, they shared the strategies they used to aid their university experience. The students described the physical toll that many everyday living tasks can take, which subsequently negatively impact academic participation and wellbeing. On a positive note, many of the students discussed positive experiences at university, such as enjoying their own autonomy (and flexibility) to be independent and inform strategies for their own learning. Importantly, the findings from this work highlight the complexity and heterogeneity of DCD and the need for a tailored approach to supporting individuals with this condition. Given the importance of educational qualifications to enter the workplace, and the contribution of employment to quality of life, these findings help signpost areas where HEIs can improve the experiences of students with DCD that may also enhance academic success.
Relay Protection Using Inductive Coils: A Resource-Saving Approach
Authors: Markovskiy Vadim Pavlovich , Issabekov Dauren Dzhambulovich , Mel’Nikov Viktor Yuryevich
Published: December 2024

This paper presents the development and principle of operation of resource-saving overcurrent protection, which is an alternative to traditional current protections. The experiments were used to study the electromagnetic field for the protection of electrical installations connected to the cells of complete switchgears, voltage 6–10 kV, without the use of conventional protections with metal-core current transformers. As is known, such current transformers (CTs) have significant weight and dimensional parameters and high price costs. The method of research is comparison of the developed protection with traditional current protections made using traditional measuring current transformers. The scientific novelty of this work consists of the developmental theory of the construction of protection for inductive coils based on the measurement of electromotive force values in different modes and points in the simulation of a three-phase short circuit inside the cell of the complete switchgear. The dependence of magnetic induction on the position of the inductive coil inside the cell has been found. It has been shown that the simplest formula of the Biot–Savart–Laplace law can be used to calculate them. This paper presents and describes the conducted experiments with their methodology. As a result of the industrial application of such protections, the act of implementation of the patent for the invention of an industrial enterprise is presented. The selection of settings of resource-saving protection is presented, as well as a feasibility study of the presented protection in comparison with conventional protection. This paper consists of the following sections: The Materials and Methods section describes the methodology used to achieve the purpose of the research. The Experiments section describes all the experiments conducted to achieve the purpose of the research. The Results section presents the results of the conducted experiments, an evaluation of the use of inductive coils in relay protection, an example of calculating the selection of the settings of parameters of resource-saving protection, a presentation of the patent for the invention, and a presentation of the feasibility study of the effectiveness of the considered resource-saving protection on inductive coils. The Conclusions section presents the result of this work, which is the creation of resource-saving protection on inductance coils. The References section presents a list of the sources used.
Reducing Computational Cost in MobileViT for Edge-Oriented Models Through Token Merging
Authors: Yasukura Mitsuhiko , Yoshioka Michifumi , Inoue Katsufumi
Published: December 2024

We focus on developing a lightweight model for resource-constrained devices, building on MobileViT, a hybrid model that combines the strengths of Transformers and CNNs to balance high accuracy and computational efficiency for image classification. Transformers, while effective at capturing global information, often have higher computational costs than CNNs due to the complexity of their self-attention mechanism. To address this, we introduce the Token Merging (ToMe) technique into MobileViT to reduce computational costs. However, because the number of tokens changes during merging, ToMe cannot be directly applied to MobileViT without adjustments. We propose simple methods, specifically reshaping features and removing skip connections, to resolve this issue. Additionally, we make adjustments to MobileViT’s structure to better support the application of ToMe. Our approach improves inference efficiency while retaining a competitive level of accuracy. The resulting models achieve a balance between performance and computational speed, offering a practical solution for hybrid architectures. This work shows the potential of ToMe-based techniques to broaden the range of lightweight model options, catering to diverse application requirements.
Miniaturized Hybrid Filter Using Capacitive-Loaded QMSIW and Stripline Resonators
Authors: Tang Luyao , Han Wei , Wei Hao , Li Yanbin
Published: December 2024

In this paper, a compact capacitive-loaded quarter-mode substrate integrated waveguide (CL-QMSIW) resonator is proposed and analyzed. This resonator is created by loading a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) capacitor inside the QMSIW resonator. A miniaturized hybrid bandpass filter with deep stopband suppression is designed based on the CL-QMSIW resonator and the stripline resonator. The filter generates a transmission zero (TZ) that can be adjusted flexibly through cross-coupling in its lower stopband, which significantly enhances the filter’s selectivity. To verify the correctness of the proposed filter, a third-order filter was created and produced, utilizing the low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) technique. The measurement outcomes align with the results from the electromagnetic simulations. The filter is characterized by a center frequency of 7 GHz, while the core size is only 0.33λg×0.17λg, and the lowest insertion loss (IL) within the band is 1.4 dB, achieving a TZ at 5.1 GHz. The proposed filter features a compact dimension, excellent selectivity, and low insertion loss.
Influence of Melting State of Deposited Layer at Electromagnetic Launch Sliding Electrical Contact Interface on Armature Melting
Authors: Yao Jinming , Zhang Tengfei , Fu Qiang , Wu Shibing
Published: December 2024

In the repeated launching process, there is an Aluminum Deposited Layer (ADL) on the rail surface. The ADL will melt when heated, and its different melting states will have an important influence on the armature melting process. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the melting characteristics of the armature under different melting states of the ADL. Firstly, the ADL’s thickness and its melting state are analyzed. Secondly, theoretical calculation models of armature melting are established under the partially melted state and the fully melted state of the ADL, respectively, and the influence of the melting state of the ADL on armature melting is investigated. Finally, considering the effect of non-uniform contact pressure on contact resistance, a three-dimensional finite element simulation model of armature surface melting morphology was established based on multi-physics field coupling for a more accurate analysis of armature surface melting and making a comparative analysis with the experimental results and theoretical analysis results. The results show that the ADL’s thickness increases linearly with the number of shots. When the ADL’s thickness is thin enough, it is in a fully melting state. With the increase in the ADL’s thickness, the ADL will transition to a partially melting state. When the ADL is in a fully melting state, the melting of the armature decreases with the increase in the ADL’s thickness. When the ADL’s thickness reaches a certain value, the corresponding armature melting is reduced to the minimum and no longer changes. The maximum melting depth of the armature surface calculated by finite element is 0.617 mm, which is close to the experimental measurement result of 0.6 mm, verifying the accuracy of the model. The research results can provide a basis for studying the melting mechanism of the armature and provide technical support for controlling ADL and optimizing the design of the armature structure.
Unsupervised Domain Adaptation Semantic Segmentation of Remote Sensing Imagery with Scene Covariance Alignment
Authors: Cao Kangjian , Wang Sheng , Wei Ziheng , Chen Kexin , Chang Runlong , Xu Fu
Published: December 2024

Remote sensing imagery (RSI) segmentation plays a crucial role in environmental monitoring and geospatial analysis. However, in real-world practical applications, the domain shift problem between the source domain and target domain often leads to severe degradation of model performance. Most existing unsupervised domain adaptation methods focus on aligning global-local domain features or category features, neglecting the variations of ground object categories within local scenes. To capture these variations, we propose the scene covariance alignment (SCA) approach to guide the learning of scene-level features in the domain. Specifically, we propose a scene covariance alignment model to address the domain adaptation challenge in RSI segmentation. Unlike traditional global feature alignment methods, SCA incorporates a scene feature pooling (SFP) module and a covariance regularization (CR) mechanism to extract and align scene-level features effectively and focuses on aligning local regions with different scene characteristics between source and target domains. Experiments on both the LoveDA and Yanqing land cover datasets demonstrate that SCA exhibits excellent performance in cross-domain RSI segmentation tasks, particularly outperforming state-of-the-art baselines across various scenarios, including different noise levels, spatial resolutions, and environmental conditions.
Improving Short-Term Load Forecasting with Multi-Scale Convolutional Neural Networks and Transformer-Based Multi-Head Attention Mechanisms
Authors: Ding Sheng , He Dongyi , Liu Guiran
Published: December 2024

This research introduces an original approach to time series forecasting through the use of multi-scale convolutional neural networks with Transformer modules. The objective is to focus on the limitations of short-term load forecasting in terms of complex spatio-temporal dependencies. The model begins with the convolutional layers, which perform feature extraction from the time series data to look for features with different temporal resolutions. The last step involves making use of the self-attention component of the Transformer block, which tries to find the long-range dependencies within the series. Also, a spatial attention layer is included to handle the interactions among the different samples. Equipped with these features, the model is able to make predictions. Experimental results show that this model performs better compared to the time series forecasting models in the literature. It is worth mentioning that the MSE score or mean square error of the model was 0.62, while the measure of fit R2 was 0.91 in predicting the individual household electric power consumption dataset. The baseline models for this dataset such as the LSTM model had an MSE of 2.324 and R2 value of 0.79, showing that the proposed model was significantly improved by a margin.
Adaptive Hybrid Overcurrent Protection Scheme with High Shares of Distributed Energy Resources
Authors: Banerjee Gourab , Hachmann Christian , Lipphardt Jan , Wiese Nils , Braun Martin
Published: December 2024

In this research paper, an adaptive and intelligent protection scheme is developed that brings selectivity and sensitivity to the conventional overcurrent relays considering the changes in grid topologies, changes in grid operation modes, and changes in short-circuit behavior due to the contributions from distributed energy resources in the medium-voltage distribution grids. A quasi-static medium-voltage benchmark grid model is used in the Python-based power system tool pandapower. Definite-time overcurrent relay devices are extended with a communication signal-based tripping scheme suitable for a decentralized communication architecture. Current phasor angles are compared between two primary relays and the result is fed into a tripping logic to achieve selectivity of the primary protection. Furthermore, communication between the primary and backup relays is established, extending the communication signal-based tripping scheme. It analyzes in which cases the proposed communication-based protection scheme’s ability to isolate the faulty section after short-circuit events is comparable to conventional schemes based on distance relays that require additional voltage measurements or differential relays that require dedicated high-speed communication. Therefore, the pre-existing and installed communication capabilities can be used to avoid the need for additional measurement hardware or communication technology.
Where Does Energy Poverty End and Where Does It Begin? A Review of Dimensions, Determinants and Impacts on Households
Authors: Szczygieł Oskar , Harbiankova Alena , Manso Maria
Published: December 2024

The paper explores the concept of energy poverty (EP) by examining its definition, dimensions, determinants, and impacts on households. The study underscores the necessity of comprehending the multifaceted subjective and objective nature of energy poverty, as evidenced by the proposal of a comprehensive tool for measuring energy poverty from a broad perspective. The concept of energy poverty comprises seven principal dimensions, namely, political, economic, health, infrastructure, social, energy transfer, and climate and environmental. Each of these dimensions operates as both a cause and a consequence of energy poverty, thereby creating a cyclical relationship between the various determinants. A significant aspect of the study is the utilization of objective and subjective indicators. These include measures of the relationship between expenditure and income, the technical condition of buildings, thermal comfort, debt, and initiatives taken to prevent this phenomenon at the household level. The concept posits a novel attribute of EP, namely, “transitional state”, which signifies that energy poverty can concurrently serve as a catalyst and a consequence of adverse socio-economic phenomena in certain instances affecting the overall quality of life. The recommendations encompass using a holistic method that considers not only the analysis of the energy poverty index but also detailed and subjective indicators. The proposed tool will enable a more effective formulation of public policy at the European Union level, providing a unified direction to research this phenomenon at multiple precision levels.
Online Monitoring Method for Opening and Closing Time of 10 kV Spring Energy Storage Circuit Breaker Based on Transient Electrical Signal Characteristic Point Marking and Self-Calibration
Authors: Weng Liting , Xiao Jiangtao , Zhang Zhaochuang , Wang Jingang , Wen Yuchuan , Zhang Fan , Zhang Xingyu , Ma Lingyi , Zhao Pengcheng
Published: December 2024

Among all circuit breaker faults, mechanical failures account for a considerable proportion, and online monitoring of their mechanical characteristics is of great practical significance. The opening and closing time is a very important feature of the mechanical characteristics of the circuit breaker. Online monitoring of the opening and closing time of the circuit breaker has always been the focus and difficulty of the intelligent technology of switchgear. In this paper, for a 10 kV spring energy storage vacuum circuit breaker, transient voltage and current signals are innovatively used to calibrate the opening time, breaking time, and closing time, and an online monitoring method for the opening and closing time of a vacuum circuit breaker based on transient electrical signals is proposed. An online monitoring platform was built and a multi-group closing test was carried out to simulate the power plant environment. The opening and closing time samples of a spring energy storage vacuum circuit breaker were measured and compared with the measurement results of the mechanical properties tester. The comparison results show that this method has good stability, and the calculation error is controlled within 1% after self-calibration, which provides a new idea for the online monitoring research of the mechanical characteristics of spring energy storage vacuum circuit breakers.
The Refractive Index of Human Milk Serum: Natural Variations and Dependency on Macronutrient Concentrations
Authors: de Wolf Johanna R. , Ali Kawthar , Legtenberg Chris G. , Verveld Wietske , Bosschaart Nienke
Published: December 2024

The refractive index (RI) of human milk serum (also known as whey, milk soluble fraction or milk plasma) depends on the individual molecular species dissolved in the serum and their concentrations. Although the human milk serum RI is known to influence milk analysis methods based on light scattering, the RI dependency on human milk serum composition is currently unknown. Therefore, we systematically evaluate how the RI depends on natural variations in macronutrient concentrations in the soluble fraction. We measure RI variations in serum simulating samples with controlled macronutrient concentrations, as well as skimmed and whole fore-, bulk, and hindmilk from 19 donors. For both types of samples, we relate the measured RI to the macronutrient composition. From the serum simulating samples, we observe that the RI depends more on variations in whey protein, than carbohydrate concentrations, while minerals have negligible influence. For all donated samples, the average RI was 1.3470 (range 1.3466–1.3474). Per donor, no significant differences were observed in RI between fore-, bulk, and hindmilk. We conclude that protein and solids-not-fat (i.e., the total contribution of carbohydrates, proteins and minerals present in milk) concentrations are most predictive for human milk serum RI.
Preparation of Nanocomposite Biopolymer Films from Commelina coelestis Willd Starch and Their Nanostructures as a Potential Replacement for Single-Use Polymers
Authors: García-Guzmán Lucia , Velazquez Gonzalo , Arzate-Vázquez Israel , Castaño-Rivera Patricia , Guerra-Valle Maria , Castaño Johanna , Guadarrama-Lezama Andrea Y.
Published: December 2024

This study explored the effect of incorporating cellulose and starch nanoparticles, obtained from the Commelina coelestis Willd plant, on the physical and chemical properties of starch-based films derived from the same plant. Additionally, the synergistic effect of combining the nanostructures was assessed. The nanocomposite biopolymer films were prepared by the casting method using 1 and 3 wt% concentrations of the nanostructures (CNCs: cellulose nanocrystals, CNFs: cellulose nanofibers, SNCs: starch nanocrystals), or their blend. The physicochemical (swelling capacity and water solubility), morphological (SEM and AFM), thermal (DSC and TGA), and mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young’s modulus) of the films were evaluated. The nanocomposite biopolymer films exhibited better dimensional stability (40–60%) than the control films. Tensile strength (8–300%) and Young’s modulus (15–690%) were improved. Moreover, these films displayed enhanced thermal stability, withstanding temperatures exceeding 305 °C. FTIR spectra evidenced intermolecular interaction among the matrix and nanostructures. Microscopic analyses further supported the integrity of the films, which displayed a homogeneous surface and the absence of fractures. In addition, the nanocomposite biopolymer films prepared with 1 wt% cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibers had a lower opacity than those with a higher percentage (3 wt%). Overall, our findings suggest that the Commelina coelestis Willd is a promising starch source that can be used to obtain nanocomposite biopolymer films as an alternative to produce novel, efficient, and eco-friendly materials with adequate thermo-mechanical properties intended to replace conventional plastic materials in single-use applications such as those used in the food packaging industry.