bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drugs of the Kallikrein–Kinin System: An Overview
Authors: Marceau François
Published: July 2023

The kallikrein–kinin system consists of the two kininogen substrates present in the blood plasma, and two serine proteases: the plasma and tissue kallikreins. The action of the latter on kininogens produces small peptides, the kinins, short-lived, but endowed by powerful pharmacologic actions on blood vessels and other tissues. Many recent and exciting therapeutic developments in the field are briefly summarized. Notably, various novel strategies are being clinically developed to inhibit the formation of bradykinin or block its receptors in the management of hereditary angioedema. The interventions include orally bioavailable drugs, biotechnological proteins, and gene therapy. These approaches are currently explored in a variety of other inflammatory and thrombotic disorders. Harnessing controlled kinin formation is also of potential therapeutic interest, as shown by the clinical development of recombinant tissue kallikrein for ischemic stroke and renal disease. The biomarkers of kinin-mediated disorders, frequently implicating edemas, include the consumption of kininogen(s), plasma kallikrein activity, and the detection of circulating kinin metabolites such as fragments BK1–5 and BK2–9. Novel opportunities to clinically apply the underexploited drugs of the kallikrein–kinin system are briefly reviewed. This personal perspective is offered by an observer of and a participant in drug characterization throughout the last four decades.
Could Endothelin-1 Be a Promising Neurohormonal Biomarker in Acute Heart Failure?
Authors: Dmour Bianca-Ana , Costache Alexandru Dan , Dmour Awad , Huzum Bogdan , Duca Ștefania Teodora , Chetran Adriana , Miftode Radu Ștefan , Afrăsânie Irina , Tuchiluș Cristina , Cianga Corina Maria , Botnariu Gina , Șerban Lăcrămioara Ionela , Ciocoiu Manuela , Bădescu Codruța Minerva , Costache Irina Iuliana
Published: July 2023

Acute heart failure (AHF) is a life-threatening condition with high morbidity and mortality. Even though this pathology has been extensively researched, there are still challenges in establishing an accurate and early diagnosis, determining the long- and short-term prognosis and choosing a targeted therapeutic strategy. The use of reliable biomarkers to support clinical judgment has been shown to improve the management of AHF patients. Despite a large pool of interesting candidate biomarkers, endothelin-1 (ET-1) appears to be involved in multiple aspects of AHF pathogenesis that include neurohormonal activation, cardiac remodeling, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, atherosclerosis and alteration of the renal function. Since its discovery, numerous studies have shown that the level of ET-1 is associated with the severity of symptoms and cardiac dysfunction in this pathology. The purpose of this paper is to review the existing information on ET-1 and answer the question of whether this neurohormone could be a promising biomarker in AHF.
Bed Bugs (Hemiptera, Cimicidae): A Global Challenge for Public Health and Control Management
Authors: Akhoundi Mohammad , Zumelzu Coralie , Sereno Denis , Marteau Anthony , Brun Sophie , Jan Julie , Izri Arezki
Published: July 2023

Bed bugs, Cimex lectularius, and C. hemipterus are among the most common ectoparasites in human life worldwide. They feed on humans of all ages and sexes across all socioeconomic levels. Bed bugs’ blood feeding is responsible for a wide range of clinical manifestations varying from minor reactions to bullous eruptions or severe allergies. In addition, they are responsible for considerable psychological distress. Therefore, diagnosis of bed bug bites and their consequence manifestations is beneficial in adapting remedies and treatment protocols advised by clinicians. So far, there is regrettably no definitive way to control these ectoparasites despite extensive efforts of public health authorities to manage them. An overview of the literature and medical documents gathered from bed bug-infested patients referred to the Parasitology and Dermatology departments of Avicenne Hospital (Bobigny, France) allowed us to document and illustrate a range of clinical disorders and psychological concerns caused by bed bugs’ bites and their clinical diagnosis. We also review the available tools currently used to control the bed bugs and present potential candidate methods for their successful eradication.
Bronchiectasis Assessment in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia: A Non-Invasive Approach Using Forced Oscillation Technique
Authors: De Jesús-Rojas Wilfredo , Reyes-Peña Luis , Muñiz-Hernández José , Quiles Ruiz de Porras Patricia , Meléndez-Montañez Jesús , Ramos-Benitez Marcos J. , Mosquera Ricardo A.
Published: July 2023

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an autosomal recessive disorder that results from the dysfunction of motile cilia, which can cause chronic upper and lower respiratory infections leading to bronchiectasis. However, there is a need for additional tools to monitor the progression of bronchiectasis in PCD. The forced oscillation technique (FOT) is an effort-independent lung function test that can be used to evaluate respiratory mechanics. In this retrospective study, we aimed to describe the radiographic findings associated with respiratory impedance (resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs)) measured by FOT in six adult PCD patients and one pediatric with the (RSPH4A (c.921+3_921+6delAAGT (intronic)) founder mutation. We compared the radiographic findings on a high-resolution chest computed tomography (CT) scan with the FOT results. Our findings suggest that respiratory impedance measured by FOT may be a valuable tool for detecting and monitoring the progression of bronchiectasis in PCD patients with the (RSPH4A (c.921+3_921+6delAAGT (intronic)) founder mutation. However, further research is necessary to validate these results and determine the sensitivity and specificity of bronchiectasis monitoring in PCD patients with other genetic mutations.
Supporting the Transition to Higher Education: Finnish Principals’ Views on Opportunities and Challenges of Institutional Cooperation
Authors: Ikävalko Topias , Pernaa Johannes , Aksela Maija
Published: July 2023

The transition from upper secondary school to higher education is a major change in students’ lives. Supporting students to make informed decisions based on a realistic view of higher education is one of the key elements to ensuring their motivation in future studies. Cooperation between upper secondary and higher education is one model for providing students with realistic views. However, little research has been produced from this cooperation. Therefore, the aim of this paper, based on mixed-method research, is to produce new insights into the opportunities provided by institutional cooperation by analyzing the views of Finnish upper secondary school principals (N = 94). The data were gathered using an online survey and analyzed via qualitative content analysis and descriptive statistics. The results indicate that principals consider cooperation with higher education institutions to be beneficial but there are some challenges in its implementation, such as the different structures of upper secondary schools and universities and inadequate information about possible opportunities. There are also great differences in upper secondary schools’ levels of participation. Distance to the nearest higher education institution and the size of the upper secondary school affected the participation models. There is a need to support cooperation between institutions to ensure equal possibilities for students, such as common structures, better information, as well as a multitude of different opportunities.
Towards Enabling Haptic Communications over 6G: Issues and Challenges
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Ullah Khan Fasih , Zafar Muhammad , Mudassar Muhammad , Zaigham Zaheer Muhammad , Mehmood Cheema Khalid , Kamran Muhammad , Jung Woo-Sung
Published: July 2023

This research paper provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and potential solutions related to enabling haptic communication over the Tactile Internet in the context of 6G networks. The increasing demand for multimedia services and device proliferation has resulted in limited radio resources, posing challenges in their efficient allocation for Device-to-Device (D2D)-assisted haptic communications. Achieving ultra-low latency, security, and energy efficiency are crucial requirements for enabling haptic communication over TI. The paper explores various methodologies, technologies, and frameworks that can facilitate haptic communication, including backscatter communications (BsC), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), and software-defined networks. Additionally, it discusses the potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), network slicing, and wireless communication beyond 100 GHz and THz levels in improving haptic communication performance. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing security risks, optimizing resource allocation, and minimizing network congestion to unlock the potential of future networks and services. Aerial, ground, and underwater communication technologies are highlighted as key components of 6G networks, each with their advantages and challenges. The need for specialized equipment in remote areas to meet the bandwidth and latency requirements of haptic communication is underscored. The findings of this research contribute to a deeper understanding of haptic communication in the context of 6G networks and provide insights into potential solutions for overcoming the associated challenges.
A New PSO Technique Used for the Optimization of Multiobjective Economic Emission Dispatch
Authors: Singh Nagendra , Chakrabarti Tulika , Chakrabarti Prasun , Margala Martin , Gupta Amit , Krishnan Sivaneasan Bala , Unhelkar Bhuvan
Published: July 2023

Most power is generated using fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and diesel. The contribution of coal to power generation is very high compared to other sources. Almost all thermal power plants use coal as a fuel for power generation. Such sources of fossil fuels are limited and thus the cost of power generation increases. At the same time, the induced toxic gases due to these fossil fuels pollute the environment. The objective of this work is to solve the economic emission dispatch problem. Economic emission dispatch helps to find out how to operate power plants at the minimum cost and induce the minimum emissions at a thermal power plant. Economic emission dispatch with constraints is a nonlinear optimization problem. For the solution of such nonlinear economic emission load dispatch problems, this work considers a new particle swarm optimization technique. The proposed new PSO gives the best solution for economic emission load dispatch and handles the constraints. For the testing of the proposed new PSO algorithm, this work considered a case study of a system of six generating units, and it was tested for load demands of 700 MW, 800 MW, and 1000 MW. The results of the new PSO for the three load demands considered give the minimum generation cost, minimum emission, and minimum total cost compared to other optimization algorithms. The proposed techniques are effective, and they can help obtain the minimum generation cost and minimize emissions.
Design of a Wide-Range and High-Precision Analog Front-End Circuit for Multi-Parameter Sensors
Authors: Yang Yating , Li Zheng , Liu Mingyang , Liu Wei , Li Zhenming , Hou Ying , Liu Xin , Wang Xiaosong , Liu Yu
Published: July 2023

This article presents a wide-range and high-precision analog front-end circuit for multi-parameter sensors that can handle sensor outputs of different types (R, C, V). A rail-to-rail baseline compensation method has been proposed, which further incorporates a fine offset elimination of 0.6 mV/step. Additionally, self-zeroing and correlated double-sampling techniques are integrated to reduce low-frequency noise and offset, prevent sensor signal saturation, and enhance the precision of the analog front-end circuit. By incorporating variable components in the sensor signal acquisition circuit and integrating them with the baseline compensation circuit, the applicability range of the sensor has been expanded (R: 7 Ω–1.7 MΩ, C: 50 fF–35 pF, V: 0.05–1.7 V). Test results show all interface circuits exhibit significant total conversion gains (C: 45 mV/fF, R: 14.5 mV/Ω, V: 144 V/V), achieving high precision. Meanwhile, a coefficient of determination (R2) greater than 0.998 indicates high conversion linearity of the circuit.
LiNbO3 Surface Acoustic Wave Resonators with Large Effective Electromechanical Coupling
Authors: Huang Shitian , Shuai Yao , Lv Lu , Wei Zijie , Fan Wei , Wang Yuedong , Zhu Dailei , Pan Xinqiang , Luo Wenbo , Wu Chuangui , Zhang Wanli
Published: July 2023

This paper reports an LNO surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator based on a shear horizontal mode with high operating frequency over 3 GHz, large electromechanical coupling of 33.54%, Q factor of 380, and a relatively good figure of merit (FOM) of 127. Combing crystal-ion-slicing (CIS) technology with a room temperature bonding method, a 4-inch single crystalline LNO thin film on silicon is prepared successfully. The influence of damaged LNO film on crystalline quality and SAW performance is comprehensively analyzed. After totally removing the damaged layer, the electromechanical coupling and Q factor is significantly improved. The high-performance SAW resonator possesses the potential to meet the requirements of SAW filters for the fifth-generation (5G) communication in terms of high frequency, large bandwidth, and a high-quality factor.
A Workpiece-Dense Scene Object Detection Method Based on Improved YOLOv5
Authors: Liu Jiajia , Zhang Shun , Ma Zhongli , Zeng Yuehan , Liu Xueyin
Published: July 2023

Aiming at the problem of detection difficulties caused by the characteristics of high similarity and disorderly arrangement of workpieces in dense scenes of industrial production lines, this paper proposes a workpiece detection method based on improved YOLOv5, which embeds a coordinate attention mechanism in the feature extraction network to enhance the network’s focus on important features and enhance the model’s ability to pinpoint targets. The pooling structure of the space pyramid has been replaced, which reduces the amount of calculation and further improves the running speed. A weighted bidirectional feature pyramid is introduced in the feature fusion network to realize efficient bidirectional cross-scale connection and weighted feature fusion, and improve the detection ability of small targets and dense targets. The SIoU loss function is used to improve the training speed and further improve the detection performance of the model. The average accuracy of the improved model on the self-built artifact dataset is improved by 5% compared with the original model and the number of model parameters is 14.6MB, which is only 0.5MB higher than the original model. It is proved that the improved model has the characteristics of high detection accuracy, strong robustness and light weight.
Design of a Series–Parallel All-DC Power Generation System Based on a New DC Wind Turbine
Authors: Kong Qingfeng , Song Guobing , Li Zhanlong , Wang Xiangjun
Published: July 2023

Wind energy is a good alternative to fossil fuels, as the use of fossil fuels has seriously exacerbated the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and has greatly affected the environment. Conventional AC wind farms and AC transmission systems inevitably face problems involving reactive currents and overvoltage in the context of large-scale, large-capacity, and long-distance transmission. However, the use of all-DC wind turbines, together with DC convergence and DC transmission systems, has obvious advantages over AC transmission in terms of transmission losses and expandability. Such technology does not require bulky frequency transformers and can well solve the aforementioned problems of reactive currents and overvoltage. This paper proposes a new series–parallel structure for an all-DC wind power generation system. The series end uses a DC/DC converter based on the Cuk circuit to solve the current consistency and power balancing problems of the series wind turbine through current control, whereas the parallel end uses a large-capacity DC/DC converter based on the capacity transfer principle, to solve the problem of voltage consistency at the grid-connected end. The series part is used to increase the voltage level of the system, which can reduce the huge construction costs of offshore platforms, and the parallel part is used to increase the capacity of the system, which enables its incorporation into large-scale wind farms to achieve the replacement of fossil fuel energy.
Fairness First Clustering: A Multi-Stage Approach for Mitigating Bias
Authors: Pan Renbo , Zhong Caiming
Published: July 2023

Fair clustering aims to partition a dataset while mitigating bias in the original dataset. Developing fair clustering algorithms has gained increasing attention from the machine learning community. In this paper, we propose a fair k-means algorithm, fair first clustering (FFC), which consists of an initialization stage, a relaxation stage, and an improvement stage. In the initialization stage, k-means is employed to cluster each group. Then a combination step and a refinement step are applied to ensure clustering quality and guarantee almost fairness. In the relaxation stage, a commonly used fairness metric, balance, is utilized to assess fairness, and a threshold is set to allow for fairness relaxation while improving the clustering quality. In the improvement stage, a local search method is used to improve the clustering quality without changing the fairness. Comparisons of fairness and clustering quality are carried out between our method and other state-of-the-art fair clustering methods on 10 datasets, which include both synthetic and real-world datasets. The results show that compared to the method with the second highest balance value, FFC shares the same SSE value on one dataset and achieves lower SSE values on six datasets.
Sliding Mode Control in Dynamic Systems
Authors: Uppal Ali Arshad , Azam Muhammad Rizwan , Iqbal Jamshed
Published: July 2023

Due to its inherent robustness and finite time convergence, sliding mode control (SMC) is extensively used for the control of nonlinear uncertain systems [...]
Passive Direct Position Determination Based on KL Transform and Feature Matching
Authors: Ren Han , Guo Rujiang , Liu Huijie
Published: July 2023

In this article, the problem of simultaneously estimating and localizing multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar emitters is considered for a distributed multi-station passive localization system, wherein the transmitted signal is unknown for receiver stations. To achieve highly accurate and robust localization performance, a novel algorithm based on the direct position determination (DPD) algorithm, Karhunen–Loève (KL) transform, and feature matching (FM) is addressed to jointly estimate the emitter position and the unknown signal waveform. First, we further derive the objective function of the DPD method and present an enhanced strategy to exploit as much waveform information as possible without any prior knowledge. By applying KL transform and FM techniques, the proposed method achieves MIMO radar emitter identification and emitter localization. The numerical results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the existing DPD approaches which ignore the transmitted signals, especially for a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
A Methodology for Calculating the R-L Parameters of a Nonlinear Hysteretic Inductor Model in the Time Domain
Authors: Divac Srđan , Rosić Marko , Zurek Stan , Koprivica Branko , Chwastek Krzysztof , Vesković Milan
Published: July 2023

The aim of this paper is to present a methodology for the calculation of the R-L parameters of a model of a nonlinear hysteretic inductor. The methodology is based on the analysis of the instantaneous magnetising power calculated from the hysteresis loop of the inductor and is completely developed in the time domain. The instantaneous magnetising power is firstly separated into the oscillatory and absorbed components. Thereafter, the parameter R is calculated using the absorbed component and the parameter L using the oscillatory component. The methodology is validated through the comparison of the results for parameters R and L obtained with the proposed method and the existing method based on the Poynting theorem. The validation is demonstrated on the specific simulated cases with idealised parameters of a nonlinear circuit. Additionally, the paper presents results for the parameters R and L calculated from the hysteresis loops measured at frequencies from 1 to 300 Hz. Furthermore, the fitting functions representing the variation of these parameters with the rate of change of magnetic flux density, and the corresponding results, are presented in the paper. A discussion of all the results presented and applicability of the methodology proposed, as well as the concluding remarks, are given thereafter.
Advanced ECMS for Hybrid Electric Heavy-Duty Trucks with Predictive Battery Discharge and Adaptive Operating Strategy under Real Driving Conditions
Authors: Schulze Sven , Feyerl Günter , Pischinger Stefan
Published: July 2023

To fulfil the CO2 emission reduction targets of the European Union (EU), heavy-duty (HD) trucks need to operate 15% more efficiently by 2025 and 30% by 2030. Their electrification is necessary as conventional HD trucks are already optimized for the long-haul application. The resulting hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) truck gains most of the fuel saving potential by the recuperation of potential energy and its consecutive utilization. The key to utilizing the full potential of HEV-HD trucks is to maximize the amount of recuperated energy and ensure its intelligent usage while keeping the operating point of the internal combustion engine as efficient as possible. To achieve this goal, an intelligent energy management strategy (EMS) based on ECMS is developed for a parallel HEV-HD truck which uses predictive discharge of the battery and adaptive operating strategy regarding the height profile and the vehicle mass. The presented EMS can reproduce the global optimal operating strategy over long phases and lead to a fuel saving potential of up to 2% compared with a heuristic strategy. Furthermore, the fuel saving potential is correlated with the investigated boundary conditions to deepen the understanding of the impact of intelligent EMS for HEV-HD trucks.
A Review on Active-Power-Sharing Techniques for Microgrids
Authors: Rizvi Syed , Abu-Siada Ahmed
Published: July 2023

This paper provides a thorough examination of various techniques for sharing active power between multiple dispatchable generation sources distributed within an interconnected microgrid. Ideally, an interconnected microgrid should function as a consistent load or source. However, achieving this ideal operation requires compensating for natural load fluctuations and the intermittent power output from non-dispatchable energy sources within the microgrid through timely and adequate adjustments made by dispatchable generation. Numerous control and management systems have been documented in the existing literature to achieve optimal microgrid operation. This paper presents a concise comparison of most of the proposed systems published in the literature. The benefits and restrictions of the proposed methods are thoroughly evaluated under various possible operating scenarios.
The Demand for Energy Imports from Non-Renewable Resources in EU-27 Economy
Authors: Iancu Ioana Ancuta , Hendrick Patrick , Micu Dan Doru , Cirstea Stefan Dragos
Published: July 2023

Energy imports and the transition to renewable energy sources are of critical importance in the current geopolitical context, which necessitates concrete actions to tackle the energy crisis at the European Union level. This study aimed to explore the impact of imported non-renewable energy resources on the EU-27 economy. It examined the correlations and causal relationships between the GDP, the GVA, R&D investments, and energy imports from 2000 to 2021. Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, while Pearson’s test identified correlations between variables. Linear and multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the effects of changes in independent variables on dependent variables. The study found a strong association between natural gas imports and the GDP, with increases in GDP leading to a more-than-fourfold rise in imports. Furthermore, a multiple regression analysis indicated that a 1% increase in R&D investments results in a 2.21% decrease in fossil fuel imports in 91.7% of cases. This suggests that R&D investments contribute to improved efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources.
Electrical Vehicle Charging Load Mobility Analysis Based on a Spatial–Temporal Method in Urban Electrified-Transportation Networks
Authors: Jawad Shafqat , Liu Junyong
Published: July 2023

Charging load mobility evaluation becomes one of the main concerns for charging services and power system stability due to the stochastic nature of electrical vehicles (EVs) and is critical for the robust scheduling of economic operations at different intervals. Therefore, the EV spatial–temporal approach for load mobility forecasting is presented in this article. Furthermore, the reliability indicators of large-scale EV distribution network penetration are analyzed. The Markov decision process (MDP) theory and Monte Carlo simulation are applied to efficiently forecast the charging load and stochastic path planning. A spatial–temporal model is established to robustly forecast the load demand, stochastic path planning, traffic conditions, and temperatures under different scenarios to evaluate the charging load mobility and EV drivers’ behavior. In addition, the distribution network performance indicators are explicitly evaluated. A Monte Carlo simulation is adopted to examine system stability considering various charging scenarios. Urban coupled traffic-distribution networks comprising 30-node transportation and 33-bus distribution networks are considered as a test case to illustrate the proposed study. The results analysis reveals that the proposed method can robustly estimate the charging load mobility. Furthermore, significant EV penetrations, weather, and traffic congestion further adversely affect the performance of the power system.
Energy Efficiency in Agriculture through Tokenization of 5G and Edge Applications
Authors: Kourtis Michail-Alexandros , Batistatos Michael , Xylouris Georgios , Oikonomakis Andreas , Santorinaios Dimitris , Zarakovitis Charilaos , Chochliouros Ioannis
Published: July 2023

This study delves into the potential of 5G and blockchain technologies in smart agriculture, specifically targeting remote farming sectors. A conceptual architecture is proposed, aiming to leverage these cutting-edge technologies while ensuring energy efficiency and sustainable development within the agriculture industry. We provide an in-depth analysis of 5G applications and explore alternative communication channels that could empower remote communities, introducing them to state-of-the-art technological solutions. A unique aspect of our research is the detailed presentation of a parametric insurance business case, designed to align with the proposed architecture, thereby illustrating the practicality of our approach. Moreover, we propose an innovative solution to the challenge of providing internet connectivity in rural areas using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Current limitations due to the weight of onboard equipment, which includes an access network and a backhaul link for internet provision, are addressed by introducing a lightweight 5G system onboard the UAV. This system serves multiple user equipment on the ground, with one acting as a connection gateway to the internet. This unique approach not only streamlines the process of providing rural internet connectivity but also opens up new markets for service providers and businesses related to lightweight 5G systems and UAV technology. Our work presents an avant-garde solution to technical challenges and offers significant business opportunities in the rapidly evolving telecommunications sector and beyond.
Study of Behavior of Voltage and Current Spectra of Three-Level Neutral Point Clamped Converter at Selected Harmonic Elimination Programmed Pulse Pattern Pulse-Width Modulation
Authors: Maklakov Aleksandr S. , Erdakov Ivan N.
Published: July 2023

The issue of converted voltage distortion by high-power converters at pulse-width modulation (PWM) with a low switching frequency of semiconductor modules is still relevant. Currently, the Programmed Pulse Pattern PWM (PPWM) technique is used extensively that allows pre-eliminating the selected harmonics from the converter’s voltage and current spectrum or reducing them to meet the voltage quality standard requirements. A review of scientific publications has shown the insufficiency of available studies on defining and estimating the impact of powerful converters with PPWM. The problem of defining the amplitudes of higher harmonics generated by a converter with PPWM, which are the main cause of electronic equipment failures at the common grid connection point, is particularly relevant. This study considers the behavior of the NPC converter voltage and current spectra at PPWM with the selected harmonic elimination (SHE) for three-level (3L) voltage waveforms. The behavior of up to the 50th non-eliminated harmonics in the NPC converter voltage and current spectra is first shown for a modulation factor changing within 0–1.15 at the pitch of 0.01 for six different SHE PPWM: no. 1–5 and 7; no. 2–5, 7, 11, and 13; no. 3–5, 7, 11, 13, 17, and 19; no. 4–5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, and 25; no. 5–5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 25; 29, and 31; no. 6–5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 25, 29, 31, 35, and 37. The concept proposed herein allows measuring the current consumed amplitudes of NPC converter with SHE PPWM at the low average error of about 6%. The adequacy of the approach used herein to determine the current harmonic amplitudes has been experimentally verified with laboratory equipment. The results are consistent with engineering accuracy. The research work is promising for further study and estimation of the impact of the NPC converter SHE PPWM for more complex multi-pulse grid connection circuits and resonance phenomena.
Geopolymer Building Materials Based on Fly Ash in Terms of Removing SO2, CO2, and Water Vapor
Authors: Zarębska Katarzyna , Szczurowski Jakub , Gazda-Grzywacz Magdalena , Wróbel Wojciech , Bator Jakub , Baran Paweł
Published: July 2023

This paper presents the results of sorption tests against selected gaseous pollutants SO2, CO2 and H2O on geopolymer materials obtained from high-calcium fly ash from lignite power generation. In the synthesis process, activation of geopolymer materials was carried out using KOH and NaOH. It was found that the activating agent significantly affects the porous structure of the samples. The sorption experiments conducted for the KOH-activated sample showed high SO2 adsorption efficiency, almost ten times higher than against CO2. The results demonstrate the possibility of utilizing fly ash obtained from the lignite energy processing sector for the synthesis of geopolymers with potential application of the materials as functional plastering compounds.
The Carbon Footprint of Hydrogen Produced with State-of-the-Art Photovoltaic Electricity Using Life-Cycle Assessment Methodology
Authors: Kolahchian Tabrizi Mehrshad , Famiglietti Jacopo , Bonalumi Davide , Campanari Stefano
Published: July 2023

The production of hydrogen as both chemical feed and energy carrier using low-carbon technologies is one of the solutions to reach net-zero emissions. This paper, firstly, reviews the publications on the life-cycle assessment of photovoltaic (PV)-based hydrogen production focused on the carbon footprint. Secondly, it updates the global warming potential (GWP) values of this H2 production process considering the state-of-the-art PV panels for installation in Italy. In the literature, H2 produced in Europe and the rest of the world results in a mean GWP equal to 4.83 and 3.82 kg CO2 eq./kg H2, respectively, in which PV systems contribute the highest share. The average efficiency of PV panels assumed in the literature is lower than the current PV modules. Updating the supply chain, efficiency, and manufacturing energy and material flows of PV modules can decrease the GWP value of the H2 produced by nearly 60% (1.75 kg CO2 eq./kg H2, with use of alkaline electrolyzer) in the Italian context, which can be further reduced with advancements in PV panels or electrolysis efficiency. The study proves that advancement in the PV industry and additional savings in the electrolyzer’s electrical demand can further decrease the carbon footprint of PV-based H2.
Thermal Management of Short-Range Distribution of Perishable Food Products Using Phase Change Materials in Packaging: Real-Time Field Data Acquisition
Authors: Aguiar Martim , Gaspar Pedro Dinis , da Silva Pedro Dinho
Published: July 2023

Maintaining a stable temperature is critical in ensuring the longevity of perishable foods, and frequent fluctuations due to short-range distribution conditions can negatively affect this stability. To mitigate these variations, an innovative modular packaging system utilizing phase change materials (PCMs) was employed in the transport and storage of horticultural products. This study’s real-time thermal condition data, collected using a wireless data acquisition system inserted in the packaging, demonstrated the efficacy of PCM in increasing temperature stability within the crates of horticultural products. The field tests conducted over 8 h showed that PCM-equipped packaging boxes exhibited a temperature variation of less than 1 °C, compared to non-PCM boxes, which saw variations up to 3 °C. This marked reduction in temperature fluctuation signifies the potential of PCM in improving thermal and logistics management in food conservation, thus reducing food waste. However, it is essential to implement a system for PCM alveoli reuse to avoid adverse environmental impacts. Future research should focus on the PCM alveoli autonomy and quantity requirements for specific conditions, and integrate sensors to monitor transport dynamics to enhance the understanding of temperature stability in perishable food transportation.
Spatial–Temporal Dynamics of Forest Extent Change in Southwest China in the Recent 20 Years
Authors: Zhang Yanlin , Wang Shujing , Han Xujun
Published: July 2023

Deforestation is thought of as a huge threat to carbon neutrality and the development of contemporary society and it has brought wide interest and attention in the science community to develop new methods to identify and quantify the occurrence and extent of forest loss. Understanding the forest-loss patterns is essential for forest management and protection. With the help of a high-spatial-resolution remote-sensing dataset on forest loss, the spatial and temporal dynamics of deforestation patterns in forests of Southwest China (SWC) have been investigated. The major findings of this study indicated that small-scale (<5 ha) deforestation raised pervasively in the region from 2001 to 2019, and the number of large patches of forest loss (>5 ha) has decreased significantly during the same period. Moreover, the mean size of forest-loss patches showed an increase from 0.34 ha to 0.61 ha over time. With the alarming trend of increasing deforestation in the southern region of our study area, the growth of emerging forest-loss hotspots was clearly observed in Chongqing and Sichuan Province. The results promoted an indepth understanding of forest-loss patterns in SWC and can help provide more coherent guidance for further forest monitoring and conservation.
Cinnamyl Alcohol Dehydrogenase Gene Regulates Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Reproduction and Development
Authors: Dong Guosong , Guo Qunqun , Deng Wenjun , Zhang Yu , Tai Hongzheng , Wang Chao , Du Guicai , Li Ronggui
Published: July 2023

Pine wilt disease (PWD) caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is a globally distributed destructive disease of pine forest. To study the PWD pathogenic mechanism, the cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase gene (BxCAD-1) from B. xylophilus was selected. The BxCAD-1 gene was amplified by PCR from the cDNA library of B. xylophilus and cloned into the expression vector pET-15b to construct the recombinant vector pET-15b-BxCAD-1. The recombinant cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase protein was purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography from Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) harboring pET-15b-BxCAD-1 induced by IPTG. The effects of pH, temperature, metal ions and substrates on the activity of BxCAD-1 were determined, showing the highest catalytic activity at pH 8.0 and 40 °C with cinnamyl alcohol as substrate and Zn2+ as an activator. To elucidate the functions of BxCAD-1 in B. xylophilus, the expression of the gene was down-regulated by RNA interference. Results showed that the movement, feeding, reproduction, spawning rate, hatching rate, lifespan, infectivity and sensitivity to ethanol decreased compared with negative controls. RNA interference also affected the development of B. xylophilus from the larval stage to the adult stage. In situ hybridization showed that the gene was expressed in the digestive tract of male and female adults. This study revealed a promising target for PWD control.
Effect of Glucose and Inactivated Yeast Additions on the Fermentation Performances of Lactiplantibacillus pentosus OM13 during the Production of Nocellara del Belice Table Olives
Authors: Alfonzo Antonio , Francesca Nicola , Naselli Vincenzo , Gaglio Raimondo , Corona Onofrio , Seminerio Venera , Settanni Luca , La Croce Francesco , Moschetti Giancarlo
Published: July 2023

The use of selected strains of lactic acid bacteria is necessary to produce fermented table olives with high hygiene and quality standards at the industrial level. A current tendency is the use of fermentation adjuvants (nutrients and activators) that can satisfy the nutritional needs of starter strains. In this study, five experimental protocols, different for nutrient and activator presence and addition of Lactiplantibacillus pentosus OM13 in freeze-dried form and after acclimatisation, were tested with the aim of improving the fermentation performances of the commercial starter. The trial inoculated with the starter strain acclimatised in the presence of nutrients and activator showed the most rapid acidification during the first phase of fermentation (third to ninth day), registering a pH loss of 3.40 units. The addition of adjuvants positively influences starter dominance (>89%) and rapid colonisation (>7 Log CFU/mL from third d) by indirectly limiting the presence of undesirable microorganisms. The analysis of volatile organic compounds revealed the presence of 32 chemicals distributed differently in each trial. Sensory evaluation showed that table olives produced with the different treatments were characterised by low bitterness, acidity, and absence of unpleasant odours/flavours. Control production showed slower acidification kinetics and lower sensory pleasantness than the other trials.
Potential Application of Marine Fucosyl-Polysaccharides in Regulating Blood Glucose and Hyperglycemic Complications
Authors: Tang Luying , Xiao Mengshi , Cai Shenyuan , Mou Haijin , Li Dongyu
Published: July 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become the world’s third major disease after tumors and cardiovascular disease. With the exploitation of marine biological resources, the efficacy of using polysaccharides isolated from marine organisms in blood glucose regulation has received widespread attention. Some marine polysaccharides can reduce blood glucose by inhibiting digestive enzyme activity, eliminating insulin resistance, and regulating gut microbiota. These polysaccharides are mainly fucose-containing sulphated polysaccharides from algae and sea cucumbers. It follows that the hypoglycemic activity of marine fucosyl-polysaccharides is closely related to their structure, such as their sulfate group, monosaccharide composition, molecular weight and glycosidic bond type. However, the structure of marine fucosyl-polysaccharides and the mechanism of their hypoglycemic activity are not yet clear. Therefore, this review comprehensively covers the effects of marine fucosyl-polysaccharides sources, mechanisms and the structure–activity relationship on hypoglycemic activity. Moreover, the potential regulatory effects of fucosyl-polysaccharides on vascular complications caused by hyperglycemia are also summarized in this review. This review provides rationales for the activity study of marine fucosyl-polysaccharides and new insights into the high-value utilization of marine biological resources.
Phenolic Composition of Brazilian BRS Carmem (Muscat Belly A × BRS Rúbea) Grapes: Evaluation of Their Potential Use as Bioingredients
Authors: Nishiyama-Hortense Yara Paula , Olivati Carolina , Pérez-Navarro José , Souza Reginaldo Teodoro , Janzantti Natália S. , Da-Silva Roberto , Hermosín-Gutiérrez Isidro , Gómez-Alonso Sergio , Lago-Vanzela Ellen Silva
Published: July 2023

The BRS Carmem grape was developed as an alternative for processing juices and wines. This study aimed to determine the phenolic compounds (PC) in the edible parts of this grape from two harvests—one harvested at ideal maturation time and another when the grapes were still immature—using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. Student’s t-test was used (α = 0.05) to evaluate differences in the PC content between the edible parts and between the harvests. Both skins showed a predominance of flavonols, anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids derivatives (HCAD) and stilbenes, with higher concentrations for harvest 1 than harvest 2. For both harvests (harvest 1 and harvest 2), the HCAD (mg of caftaric acid•kg fruit−1) was higher in whole grapes (383.98 and 67.09) than in their skins (173.95 and 21.74), with a predominance of trans-caffeic acid for all samples; the flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins (mg of (+)-catechin•kg fruit−1) presented higher concentrations in the seeds (flavan-3-ols: 203.20 and 182.71, proanthocyanidins: 453.57 and 299.86) than in the skins (flavan-3-ols: 1.90 and 4.56, proanthocyanidins: 37.58 and 98.92); the stilbenes concentration (µg 3-glc-resveratrol•kg fruit−1) was higher for the seeds from harvest 2 (896.25) than those from harvest 1 (48.67). BRS Carmem grapes contain a phenolic composition complex, and still have a relevant concentration of flavonols, anthocyanins and stilbenes, even when immature.
Recent Advances in Cellulose-Based Hydrogels Prepared by Ionic Liquid-Based Processes
Authors: Taokaew Siriporn
Published: July 2023

This review summarizes the recent advances in preparing cellulose hydrogels via ionic liquid-based processes and the applications of regenerated cellulose hydrogels/iongels in electrochemical materials, separation membranes, and 3D printing bioinks. Cellulose is the most abundant natural polymer, which has attracted great attention due to the demand for eco-friendly and sustainable materials. The sustainability of cellulose products also depends on the selection of the dissolution solvent. The current state of knowledge in cellulose preparation, performed by directly dissolving in ionic liquids and then regenerating in antisolvents, as described in this review, provides innovative ideas from the new findings presented in recent research papers and with the perspective of the current challenges.
A Comparative Thermoacoustic Insulation Study of Silica Aerogels Reinforced with Reclaimed Textile Fibres: Cotton, Polyester and Wool
Authors: Linhares Teresa , Carneiro Vitor H. , Pessoa de Amorim Maria T. , Durães Luisa
Published: July 2023

Silica aerogels are highly porous materials with exceptional thermal insulation performance. They become even more attractive if combined thermal and acoustic insulation is achieved. Silica aerogel composites reinforced with fibres are an ingenious way to surpass the fragility stemmed from the aerogel’s intrinsic porosity, and textile fibres are good sound absorption materials. Reclaimed fibres are a relatively low-cost feedstock and were obtained in this work exclusively through mechanical processes from textile wastes, thus promoting the concept of circular economy, namely for cotton, polyester and wool fibres. These reclaimed fibres were used as reinforcement matrices for silica aerogel composites obtained from sol–gel transformation of tetraethyl orthosilicate and isobutyltriethoxysilane/or vinyltrimethoxysilane precursors and dried at ambient pressure after silylation. Silica aerogel composites reinforced with reclaimed cotton fibres had the best sound absorption coefficient (a peak value of 0.89), while the polyester-reinforced composite exhibited the lowest thermal conductivity (k = ~24 mW m−1 K−1, Hot Disk). The better combined results on thermal and acoustic insulation were achieved by the wool-reinforced composites. The thermal conductivity values were less than 27 mW m−1 K−1, and the sound absorption coefficient achieved a peak value of 0.85. Therefore, the aerogel composites developed here can be selected for thermal or/and acoustic barriers by choosing a suitable type of fibre. Their design and preparation protocol followed environmental-friendly and cost-effective approaches.
The Carrier Frequency of Two SMN1 Genes in Parents of Symptomatic Children with SMA and the Significance of SMN1 Exon 8 in Carriers
Authors: Davidson Joanne E , Russell Jacqueline S , Martinez Noelia Nunez , Mowat David R , Jones Kristi J , Kirk Edwin P , Kariyawasam Didu , Farrar Michelle , D’Silva Arlene
Published: July 2023

Background: Current carrier screening methods do not identify a proportion of carriers that may have children affected by spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Additional genetic data is essential to inform accurate risk assessment and genetic counselling of SMA carriers. This study aims to quantify the various genotypes among parents of children with SMA. Method: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken at Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, the major SMA referral centre for New South Wales, Australia. Participants included children with genetically confirmed SMA born between 2005 and 2021. Data was collected on parent genotype inclusive of copy number of SMN1 exons 7 and 8. The number of SMN2 exon 7 copies were recorded for the affected children. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the proportion of carriers of 2+0 genotype classified as silent carriers. Chi-square test was used to correlate the association between parents with a heterozygous SMN1 exon 7 deletion and two copies of exon 8 and ≥3 SMN2 copy number in the proband. Results: SMA carrier testing was performed in 118/154 (76.6%) parents, incorporating 59 probands with homozygous SMN1 deletions and one proband with compound heterozygote pathogenic variants. Among parents with a child with SMA, 7.6% had two copies of SMN1 exon 7. When only probands with a homozygous SMN1 exon 7 deletion were included, 6.9% of parents had two copies of SMN1 exon 7. An association was observed between heterozygous deletion of SMN1 exon 7 with two copies of exon 8 in a parent and ≥3 SMN2 copy number in the affected proband (p = 0.07). Conclusions: This study confirmed a small but substantial proportion of silent carriers not identified by conventional screening within an Australian context. Accordingly, the effectiveness of carrier screening for SMA is linked with genetic counselling to enable health literacy regarding high and low risk results and is complemented by new-born screening and maintaining clinical awareness for SMA. Gene conversion events may underpin the associations between parent carrier status and proband SMN2 copy number.