bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chokeberry Pomace as a Component Shaping the Content of Bioactive Compounds and Nutritional, Health-Promoting (Anti-Diabetic and Antioxidant) and Sensory Properties of Shortcrust Pastries Sweetened with Sucrose and Erythritol
Authors: Raczkowska Ewa , Nowicka Paulina , Wojdyło Aneta , Styczyńska Marzena , Lazar Zbigniew
Published: January 2022

In this study, an attempt was made to develop shortcrust pastries containing different amounts of chokeberry pomace (0%, 10%, 30%, 50%), modulating their degree of sweetness via the application of sucrose or erythritol. The obtained products were assessed for their nutritional value (energy value, protein, fats, dietary fibre, sugars, minerals). Bioactive compounds, as well as antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties in an in vitro model and sensory attributes, were also analysed. Increasing the proportion of chokeberry pomace in shortcrust pastries improved their nutritional value, especially their energy value (reduction of nearly 30% for shortcrust pastries with 50% pomace sweetened with erythritol), nutritional fibre content (10-fold higher in shortcrust pastries with the highest proportion of pomace) and potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron content. Chokeberry pomace was also a carrier of 14 bioactive compounds. The most beneficial antioxidant and anti-diabetic effect was shown for shortcrust pastries containing 50% chokeberry pomace. In addition, it was shown that the use of erythritol as a sweetener has a beneficial effect on the perception of sensory attributes. Finally, it was shown that the developed products could be excellent alternatives to traditional shortcrust pastries and, at the same time, be a good way to utilize waste from the fruit industry.
Latent Dimensions of Auto-Encoder as Robust Features for Inter-Conditional Bearing Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Kancharla Chandrakanth R. , Vankeirsbilck Jens , Vanoost Dries , Boydens Jeroen , Hallez Hans
Published: January 2022

Condition-based maintenance (CBM) is becoming a necessity in modern manufacturing units. Particular focus is given to predicting bearing conditions as they are known to be the major reason for machine down time. With the open-source availability of different datasets from various sources and certain data-driven models, the research community has achieved good results for diagnosing faults in bearing fault datasets. However, existing data-driven fault diagnosis methods do not focus on the changing conditions of a machine or assume all conditional data are available all the time. In reality, conditions vary over time. This variability can be based on the measurement noise and operating conditions of the monitored machines such as radial load, axial load, rotation speed, etc. Moreover, the availability of the data measured in varying operating conditions is scarce, as it is not always feasible to collect in-process data in every possible condition or setting. Considering such a scenario, it is necessary to develop methodologies that are robust to conditional variability, i.e., methodologies to transfer the learning from one condition to another without prior knowledge of the variability. This paper proposes the usage of latent values of an auto-encoder as robust features for inter-conditional fault classification. The proposed robust classification method MLCAE-KNN is implemented in three steps. First, the time series data are transformed using Fast Fourier Transform. Using the transformed data of any one condition, a Multi-Layer Convolutional Auto-Encoder (MLCAE) is trained. Next, a K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) classifier is trained based on the latent features of MLCAE. The so-trained MLCAE-KNN is then used to predict the fault class of any new observation from a new condition. The results of using the latent features of the Auto-Encoder show superior inter-conditional classification robustness and superior accuracies compared to the state-of-the-art.
A Review on Vibration-Based Condition Monitoring of Rotating Machinery
Authors: Tiboni Monica , Remino Carlo , Bussola Roberto , Amici Cinzia
Published: January 2022

Monitoring vibrations in rotating machinery allows effective diagnostics, as abnormal functioning states are related to specific patterns that can be extracted from vibration signals. Extensively studied issues concern the different methodologies used for carrying out the main phases (signal measurements, pre-processing and processing, feature selection, and fault diagnosis) of a malfunction automatic diagnosis. In addition, vibration-based condition monitoring has been applied to a number of different mechanical systems or components. In this review, a systematic study of the works related to the topic was carried out. A preliminary phase involved the analysis of the publication distribution, to understand what was the interest in studying the application of the method to the various rotating machineries, to identify the interest in the investigation of the main phases of the diagnostic process, and to identify the techniques mainly used for each single phase of the process. Subsequently, the different techniques of signal processing, feature selection, and diagnosis are analyzed in detail, highlighting their effectiveness as a function of the investigated aspects and of the results obtained in the various studies. The most significant research trends, as well as the main innovations related to the various phases of vibration-based condition monitoring, emerge from the review, and the conclusions provide hints for future ideas.
Development of Rockburst Research: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Wu Meng , Ye Yicheng , Wang Qihu , Hu Nanyan
Published: January 2022

Rockburst is a difficult problem in underground resource development and infrastructure construction. With scientific and technological progress, more research technologies and methods to prevent rockburst have been proposed and applied. Research content has become more comprehensive, and positive progress and achievements have been made. However, due to the complexity of rockburst control factors and the sudden occurrence of rockburst, the occurrence mechanism and accurate prediction of occurrence intensity and time are still difficult worldwide problems. In this paper, the research development and achievements of rockburst are reviewed. Firstly, various definitions and types of rockburst are briefly summarized. Then, research progress and achievements in four aspects are comprehensively reviewed, including methods and techniques of rockburst research (theoretical research, numerical simulation, physical model tests and in situ monitoring), mechanism of rockburst, classification and prediction of rockburst (empirical criteria, in situ monitoring, mathematical model approaches and rockburst chart) and prevention and control of rockburst. Of particular significance is that the classification and prediction with prevention and control are summarized in detail. Finally, limitations, deficiencies and some promising directions for future research are listed.
Explanations for Neural Networks by Neural Networks
Authors: Marton Sascha , Lüdtke Stefan , Bartelt Christian
Published: January 2022

Understanding the function learned by a neural network is crucial in many domains, e.g., to detect a model’s adaption to concept drift in online learning. Existing global surrogate model approaches generate explanations by maximizing the fidelity between the neural network and a surrogate model on a sample-basis, which can be very time-consuming. Therefore, these approaches are not applicable in scenarios where timely or frequent explanations are required. In this paper, we introduce a real-time approach for generating a symbolic representation of the function learned by a neural network. Our idea is to generate explanations via another neural network (called the Interpretation Network, or I-Net), which maps network parameters to a symbolic representation of the network function. We show that the training of an I-Net for a family of functions can be performed up-front and subsequent generation of an explanation only requires querying the I-Net once, which is computationally very efficient and does not require training data. We empirically evaluate our approach for the case of low-order polynomials as explanations, and show that it achieves competitive results for various data and function complexities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first approach that attempts to learn mapping from neural networks to symbolic representations.
Towards a Maturity Model for IoT Adoption by B2C Companies
Authors: Klisenko Olena , Serral Asensio Estefanía
Published: January 2022

The fast-growing market for the adoption of IoT technologies poses serious challenges for companies providing IoT solutions. These challenges require constant technological and managerial improvement from the companies. To select the right direction for improvements, managers need appropriate tools for analysis and decision making. Recognised tools of this type are maturity models. Currently, maturity models developed for IoT adoption are mainly oriented to the business to business (B2B) market, while business to consumer (B2C) companies also need such a reliable tool for business improvement. Thus, this work is intended to fill the gap in existing research through the development of a maturity model for IoT adoption focused on the B2C market. To achieve this goal, we based our model on the scientific literature as well as on practical experience gained by leading companies in the market of IoT solutions. Moreover, the development and validation of the maturity model are carried out in close collaboration with two reputable European experts with extensive practical experience in this field. The result is a maturity model, which is a balanced, practice-oriented tool for assessing the maturity of the IoT solutions implementation and accounting for the specificity of the B2C market.
Malignant Knee Joint Effusion—A New Dimension of Laboratory Diagnostics
Authors: Vanaskova Eliska , Kelbich Petr , Cegan Martin , Novotny Tomas
Published: January 2022

Joint effusions are most frequently caused by osteoarthritis, trauma, an infection process or an autoimmune disease. The development of joint effusion due to a tumor process is rare but should be taken into consideration in the diagnostics. Joint effusions are examined mostly by means of microbiology to rule out or confirm pyogenic synovitis. These standard processes may take up to several days. The article presented here describes a unique case of a 74-year-old female diagnosed with a generalized malignant process according to a cytological-energy analysis and an immunocytochemical examination of a malignant joint effusion caused by femoral condyle metastasis. Other widely-used imaging methods such as X-ray, full-body CT scan and also laboratory examinations confirmed the malignancy and the origin. A cytological-energy analysis and an immunocytochemical examination can expedite the diagnostic process, can outline the processes happening in the joint and can indicate further examinations and subsequent therapy. The use of these laboratory methods appears to be a helpful diagnostic option to obtain additional information about a joint effusion, including the information about an ongoing malignant process. In our case report, they helped to confirm the typing of the tumor within three days, without the need for a metastasis biopsy. In appropriate cases, synovial fluid can play a role in tumor diagnostics.
Radioimaging in the Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of the Vegetable Extract Obtained from Epilobium Parviflorum Schreb
Authors: Șachir Erdogan Elvis , Pușcașu Cristina Gabriela , Caraiane Aureliana , Raftu Gheorghe , Badea Victoria , Bartok-Nicolae Cristina , Grierosu Carmen , Feier Ramona
Published: January 2022

For years, apical microleakage has been considered the main factor in endodontic failure therapy. Sealing abilities and antibacterial properties of root canal sealers and intracanal medicaments between appointments have been recognized as important factors for the success of endodontic treatment. Background: Apical periodontitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease around the apex of a tooth root. The microorganisms reach the pulp by dentinal tubules especially when there is an open cavity after a coronal fracture and the pulp is in contact with the septic oral environment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the dynamics of healing by recording periapical index (PAI), after two appointment endodontic procedure with commercial or experimental intracanal medicament. Methods: A total of 40 patients with primary chronic apical periodontitis requiring root canal treatment were assigned randomly into four groups according to the teeth medicated with dehydrated plant extract, calcium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide mixed with chlorhexidine (CHX) gel 2%, Walkhoff paste and obturated on a second visit, 7 days later. Patients were recalled at intervals of 3, 6, and 12 months to evaluate the treated teeth both clinically and radiographically for periapical healing. A 5-score scale PAI was used to evaluate stages of the periapical healing on a periapical radiography using a Kodak Dental imaging software provided by the radio-imagistic center. Results: Radiological evaluation revealed that the experimental intracanal medicament had a cumulative positive healing capacity by reducing the PAI as well as all resorbable pastes used in endodontic conventional therapy. Conclusions: The results suggest that the vegetable dry extract obtained from Epilobium parviflorum Schreb can be used as an inter-appointment medication among with the root canal filling for the positive effect on apical healing quantified by reducing the PAI.
Recent Progress of the PAL-XFEL
Authors: Eom Intae , Chun Sae Hwan , Lee Jae Hyuk , Nam Daewoong , Ma Rory , Park Jaehyun , Park Sehan , Park Sang Han , Yang Haeryong , Nam Inhyuk , Cho Myung Hoon , Shim Chi Hyun , Kim Gyujin , Min Chang-Ki , Heo Hoon , Kang Heung-Sik , Kim Changbum
Published: January 2022

The X-ray free-electron laser of the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (PAL-XFEL) was opened to users in 2017. Since then, significant progress has been made in PAL-XFEL operation and beamline experiments. This includes increasing the FEL pulse energy, increasing the FEL photon energy, generating self-seeding FEL, and trials of two-color operation. In the beamline, new instruments or endstations have been added or are being prepared. Overall, beamline operation has been stabilized since its initiation, which has enabled excellent scientific results through efficient user experiments. In this paper, we describe details of the recent progress of the PAL-XFEL.
Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation: Annular Closure Devices and Key Design Requirements
Authors: Guardado Alexandra Alcántara , Baker Alexander , Weightman Andrew , Hoyland Judith A. , Cooper Glen
Published: January 2022

Lumbar disc herniation is one of the most common degenerative spinal conditions resulting in lower back pain and sciatica. Surgical treatment options include microdiscectomy, lumbar fusion, total disc replacement, and other minimally invasive approaches. At present, microdiscectomy procedures are the most used technique; however, the annulus fibrosus is left with a defect that without treatment may contribute to high reherniation rates and changes in the biomechanics of the lumbar spine. This paper aims to review current commercially available products that mechanically close the annulus including the AnchorKnot® suture-passing device and the Barricaid® annular closure device. Previous studies and reviews have focused mainly on a biomimetic biomaterials approach and have described some mechanical and biological requirements for an active annular repair/regeneration strategy but are still far away from clinical implementation. Therefore, in this paper we aim to create a design specification for a mechanical annular closure strategy by identifying the most important mechanical and biological design parameters, including consideration of material selection, preclinical testing requirements, and requirements for clinical implementation.
Comparison of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy with Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid Injection for Early Osteoarthritis of the Knees
Authors: Jhan Shun-Wun , Wang Ching-Jen , Wu Kuan-Ting , Siu Ka-Kit , Ko Jih-Yang , Huang Wen-Chiung , Chou Wen-Yi , Cheng Jai-Hong
Published: January 2022

Conservative treatments for early osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee included the use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) injection. Recently, several animal studies reported that extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) demonstrated chondroprotective effects on knee OA. The present study compared the efficacy of oral NSAIDs, HA injection, and noninvasive ESWT for early OA of the knee. Forty-five patients with early knee OA were randomized into three groups. NSAIDs group received celecoxib 200 mg daily for 3 weeks. HA group received intra-articular injection of HA once a week for 3 weeks. ESWT group received ESWT for 3 sessions at bi-weekly interval. All patients were followed up for one year. Evaluations included the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), plain radiography, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition, the functional scores were performed including, WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index) score, KOOS (knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome) score, and IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) score. All three groups showed significant improvement in VAS and functional scores as well as in the collected one-year follow-up data after treatments. ESWT group had better pain relief than NSAIDs and HA groups. ESWT group had better therapeutic effects in the functional scores than NSAIDs and HA groups. The bone mineral density (BMD) of proximal tibia is significantly increased after ESWT than others. In the serum ELISA, ESWT inhibited the expression of COMP in knee OA patients as compared with NSAIDs and HA groups. The parameters of MRI showed no significant differences between three groups after treatments. ESWT and intra-articular HA injection showed comparable results than NSAIDs. ESWT was superior in pain relief than HA and NSAIDs. The results demonstrated that ESWT was an effective and alternative therapy than HA and NSAIDs for early osteoarthritis of the knees.
Angiopoietin-like 4-Induced 3D Capillary Morphogenesis Correlates to Stabilization of Endothelial Adherens Junctions and Restriction of VEGF-Induced Sprouting
Authors: Liabotis Athanasia , Ardidie-Robouant Corinne , Mailly Philippe , Besbes Samaher , Gutierrez Charly , Atlas Yoann , Muller Laurent , Germain Stéphane , Monnot Catherine
Published: January 2022

Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) is a target of hypoxia that accumulates in the endothelial extracellular matrix. While ANGPTL4 is known to regulate angiogenesis and vascular permeability, its context-dependent role related to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been suggested in capillary morphogenesis. We here thus develop in vitro 3D models coupled to imaging and morphometric analysis of capillaries to decipher ANGPTL4 functions either alone or in the presence of VEGF. ANGPTL4 induces the formation of barely branched and thin endothelial capillaries that display linear adherens junctions. However, ANGPTL4 counteracts VEGF-induced formation of abundant ramified capillaries presenting cell–cell junctions characterized by VE-cadherin containing reticular plaques and serrated structures. We further deciphered the early angiogenesis steps regulated by ANGPTL4. During the initial activation of endothelial cells, ANGPTL4 alone induces cell shape changes but limits the VEGF-induced cell elongation and unjamming. In the growing sprout, ANGPTL4 maintains cohesive VE-cadherin pattern and sustains moderate 3D cell migration but restricts VEGF-induced endothelium remodeling and cell migration. This effect is mediated by differential short- and long-term regulation of P-Y1175-VEGFR2 and ERK1-2 signaling by ANGPTL4. Our in vitro 3D models thus provide the first evidence that ANGPTL4 induces a specific capillary morphogenesis but also overcomes VEGF effect.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases
Authors: Yefroyev David A , Jin Sha
Published: January 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of debilitating pathologies in which neuronal tissue dies due to the buildup of neurotoxic plaques, resulting in detrimental effects on cognitive ability, motor control, and everyday function. Stem cell technology offers promise in addressing this problem on multiple fronts, but the conventional sourcing of pluripotent stem cells involves harvesting from aborted embryonic tissue, which comes with strong ethical and practical concerns. The keystone discovery of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology provides an alternative and endless source, circumventing the unfavorable issues with embryonic stem cells, and yielding fundamental advantages. This review highlights iPSC technology, the pathophysiology of two major neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and then illustrates current state-of-the-art approaches towards the treatment of the diseases using iPSCs. The technologies discussed in the review emphasize in vitro therapeutic neural cell and organoid development for disease treatment, pathological modeling of neurodegenerative diseases, and 3D bioprinting as it applies to both.
Epigenetic Drugs and Their Immune Modulating Potential in Cancers
Authors: Liang Yingying , Turcan Sevin
Published: January 2022

Epigenetic drugs are used for the clinical treatment of hematologic malignancies; however, their therapeutic potential in solid tumors is still under investigation. Current evidence suggests that epigenetic drugs may lead to antitumor immunity by increasing antigen presentation and may enhance the therapeutic effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Here, we highlight their impact on the tumor epigenome and discuss the recent evidence that epigenetic agents may optimize the immune microenvironment and promote antiviral response.
Enhanced Loss of Retinoic Acid Network Genes in Xenopus laevis Achieves a Tighter Signal Regulation
Authors: Abbou Tali , Bendelac-Kapon Liat , Sebag Audeliah , Fainsod Abraham
Published: January 2022

Retinoic acid (RA) is a major regulatory signal during embryogenesis produced from vitamin A (retinol) by an extensive, autoregulating metabolic and signaling network to prevent fluctuations that result in developmental malformations. Xenopus laevis is an allotetraploid hybrid frog species whose genome includes L (long) and S (short) chromosomes from the originating species. Evolutionarily, the X. laevis subgenomes have been losing either L or S homoeologs in about 43% of genes to generate singletons. In the RA network, out of the 47 genes, about 47% have lost one of the homoeologs, like the genome average. Interestingly, RA metabolism genes from storage (retinyl esters) to retinaldehyde production exhibit enhanced gene loss with 75% singletons out of 28 genes. The effect of this gene loss on RA signaling autoregulation was studied. Employing transient RA manipulations, homoeolog gene pairs were identified in which one homoeolog exhibits enhanced responses or looser regulation than the other, while in other pairs both homoeologs exhibit similar RA responses. CRISPR/Cas9 targeting of individual homoeologs to reduce their activity supports the hypothesis where the RA metabolic network gene loss results in tighter network regulation and more efficient RA robustness responses to overcome complex regulation conditions.
Shining Light on the Dark Side of the Genome
Authors: Wallrath Lori L. , Rodriguez-Tirado Felipe , Geyer Pamela K.
Published: January 2022

Heterochromatin has historically been considered the dark side of the genome. In part, this reputation derives from its concentration near centromeres and telomeres, regions of the genome repressive to nuclear functions such as DNA replication and transcription. The repetitive nature of heterochromatic DNA has only added to its “darkness”, as sequencing of these DNA regions has been only recently achieved. Despite such obstacles, research on heterochromatin blossomed over the past decades. Success in this area benefitted from efforts of Sergio Pimpinelli and colleagues who made landmark discoveries and promoted the growth of an international community of researchers. They discovered complexities of heterochromatin, demonstrating that a key component, Heterochromatin Protein 1a (HP1a), uses multiple mechanisms to associate with chromosomes and has positive and negative effects on gene expression, depending on the chromosome context. In addition, they updated the work of Carl Waddington using molecular tools that revealed how environmental stress promotes genome change due to transposable element movement. Collectively, their research and that of many others in the field have shined a bright light on the dark side of the genome and helped reveal many mysteries of heterochromatin.
Morphological Difficulties in People with Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Moraleda-Sepúlveda Esther , López-Resa Patricia
Published: January 2022

Background: One of the linguistic features of people with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is found in the use of different types of morphology. People with DLD have serious difficulties in the use of grammatical morphology, and some studies suggest that this factor could constitute a clinical marker of the disorder. The goal of this research was to discover the distinctive characteristics of the different morphological subareas in people with DLD. Methods: The sample consisted of 90 children and adolescents between 6 and 15 years old, of which 47 were diagnosed with DLD and the remaining 43 were in the Typical Development (TD) group. The two groups were matched in chronological age. The assessment instrument used was the morphology scale of the BLOC-C test, which includes 19 different subareas of morphology, among which are inflectional and verbal morphology. Results: The results have shown that people with DLD perform at a lower level than the TD group in all morphology subareas, as well as in the mean and percentile obtained. Conclusions: These data have led us to explore explanations based on several hypotheses and to confirm the research outlining the explicit morphological difficulties in people with DLD.
Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Antiaging Activities of Ethanolic Seed Extracts of Four Mucuna Species
Authors: Theansungnoen Tinnakorn , Nitthikan Nichcha , Wilai Mayuramas , Chaiwut Phanuphong , Kiattisin Kanokwan , Intharuksa Aekkhaluck
Published: January 2022

The investigation into promising botanical materials for natural cosmetics is expanding due to environmental and health awareness. Here, we aimed to evaluate the phytochemical substances and the potential skin-related pharmacological activities of four Mucuna seeds, namely M. gigantea (Willd.) DC. (MGG), M. interrupta Gagnep. (MIT), M. monosperma Wight (MMM), and M. pruriens (L.) DC. (MPR), belonging to the Fabaceae family. In methodology, the Mucuna seeds were authenticated using morphological and molecular approaches. L-DOPA, phenolics, and flavonoid content, incorporated with HPLC and GC–MS fingerprinting analyses, were determined. Then, skin-related antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiaging activities were determined. The results revealed that MPR showed the highest L-DOPA content (75.94 mg/100 mg extract), whereas MGG exhibited the highest phenolic and flavonoid content (56.73 ± 0.62 mg gallic/g extract and 1030.11 ± 3.97 mg quercetin/g extract, respectively). Only MMM and MPR could inhibit all of S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and C. albicans, but no sample could inhibit C. acnes. Furthermore, all samples demonstrated antioxidant activity. Interestingly, all Mucuna samples exhibited strong collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase inhibitory activities. We conclude that the ethanolic extracts of four Mucuna seeds are probably advantageous in the development of skincare cosmeceutical products.
Management of Functional Neurological Disorders (FND): Experience from a Swiss FND Clinic
Authors: Barbey Anita , Pjanic Irena , Studer Helene , Bischoff Nina , Bassetti Claudio L. A. , Aybek Selma
Published: January 2022

Functional neurological disorder (FND) represent a common disorder with significant socio-economic impact. In this context and alongside recent new neuroscientific insights, FND attracts a growing interest both in clinical practice and academic activities. New international recommendation and expert opinions suggest that therapy of FND should be a tailored multidisciplinary management involving the neurologist, the physiotherapist, and in most cases the psychotherapist/psychiatrist. A first decisive step is the establishment of a definitive diagnosis, based on the presence of clinical positive signs during neurological assessment together with a clear communication and explanation of the diagnosis by the neurologist. A second important step is based on individual therapeutic sessions, involving different disciplines (neurology and psychotherapy or neurology and physiotherapy). Comorbidities, such as pain or fatigue and psychiatric comorbidities (anxiety, depression, dissociation etc.) should be carefully evaluated, as they need an individualized treatment path. New FND clinics have been created worldwide over the last decades to offer such multidisciplinary settings and this article will present the experience of a first Swiss FND clinic created in 2016. The aim is to highlight in the form of a narrative review the current literature supporting the usefulness and importance of FND clinics, by reviewing the latest evidence on multidisciplinary interventions in FND.
Bite Force, Occlusal Contact and Pain in Orthodontic Patients during Fixed-Appliance Treatment
Authors: Therkildsen Nicoline Mie , Sonnesen Liselotte
Published: January 2022

Previously, bite force, occlusal contact and pain were investigated in orthodontic patients with moderate-to-severe malocclusion, but not in patients with minor malocclusion. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in bite force, teeth in occlusal contact and pain in orthodontic patients with minor crowding before orthodontic treatment (T0), after bonding (T1), during treatment (T2), post-treatment (T3) and during retention (T4). In total, 27 patients (21 females, 6 males, median age 15.3 years) with neutral occlusion and normal craniofacial morphology were treated with non-extractions and fixed appliances. Differences in the registered data were analysed by a mixed linear model with repeated measures. Bite force and teeth in occlusal contact significantly decreased between T0 and T1 (p < 0.0001, respectively) and between T0 and T2 (p < 0.01, respectively). Bite force and teeth in occlusal contact significantly increased between T1 and T4 (p < 0.05, p < 0.0001, p < 0.001, respectively) and between T2 and T4 (p < 0.05, p < 0.0001, p < 0.01, respectively). No significant difference in pain was found. The results indicate that bite force and teeth in occlusal contact significantly decreased during treatment and reached baseline level at retention. The findings may prove valuable for informing orthodontic patients with minor malocclusion.
Learning about Students’ Receiving Special Educational Support Experiences of Qualification, Socialization and Subjectification in Finnish Vocational Education and Training: A Narrative Approach
Authors: Ryökkynen Sanna , Maunu Antti , Pirttimaa Raija , Kontu Elina K.
Published: January 2022

This paper airs the experiences of eighteen students with special educational needs completing their studies at a Finnish vocational institution, which has a mandate to provide intensive special support for the students. It contributes to the national and international discussion of education’s purposes and elaborates on students’ descriptions. The study frames a research question: To what extent are Biesta’s domains of good education—qualification, socialization, and subjectification—audible in the narratives of Finland’s VET special educational needs students? The paper adopts a narrative approach and uses narrative positioning analysis as a methodical tool to drill down into the themes produced in deductive content analysis. According to our analysis, subjectification and socialization were the most important domains of VET. The qualification domain of education did not appear as professional self-confidence in students’ narratives, but it served as subjectification and socialization. VET must be an inclusive process that provides all students with the opportunity to become balanced and civilized citizens and assist them in entering the world. To this end, instead of emphasizing measurable outcomes such as qualifications and employment rates, more attention should be paid on the social and subjective domains of VET.
Polynomial Algorithm for Minimal (1,2)-Dominating Set in Networks
Authors: Raczek Joanna
Published: January 2022

Dominating sets find application in a variety of networks. A subset of nodes D is a (1,2)-dominating set in a graph G=(V,E) if every node not in D is adjacent to a node in D and is also at most a distance of 2 to another node from D. In networks, (1,2)-dominating sets have a higher fault tolerance and provide a higher reliability of services in case of failure. However, finding such the smallest set is NP-hard. In this paper, we propose a polynomial time algorithm finding a minimal (1,2)-dominating set, Minimal_12_Set. We test the proposed algorithm in network models such as trees, geometric random graphs, random graphs and cubic graphs, and we show that the sets of nodes returned by the Minimal_12_Set are in general smaller than sets consisting of nodes chosen randomly.
Novel FPGA-Based Visual Stimulation Method for Eye Movement Analysis
Authors: Benitez Fernandez Alejandro , Socarrás Hernández Bárbaro N. , Herrera Rodríguez Justo M. , da Silva Bruno , Vázquez-Seisdedos Carlos R.
Published: January 2022

Several studies have demonstrated that irregularities in eye movements represent an important indicator to diagnose diseases affecting the central nervous system. In fact, abnormal horizontal and vertical eye movements play an important role in measuring the progress of neurodegenerative diseases. Electro-oculography (EOG) is a widespread technique that monitors the horizontal and vertical eye movements in response to a visual stimulation pattern. These visual stimuli require stimulus-response synchronization, low latency, and a real-time response. In this work, a novel system based on a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is designed to address hundreds of LEDs for the generation of multiple visual stimulus signals and for EOG acquisition. Our evaluation demonstrates that the proposed system enhances the accuracy of the signals generated, showing excellent results in the stimulus-response synchronism and quality of the stimuli waveform.
Electrical and Mathematical Modeling of Supercapacitors: Comparison
Authors: Cabrane Zineb , Lee Soo Hyoung
Published: January 2022

Supercapacitors are energy storage devices with high electrical power densities and long spanlife. Therefore, supercapacitor-based energy storage systems have been employed for a variety of applications. The modelling and simulation of SCs have been of great interest to this objective. This paper presents an electrical schema and mathematical modelling of three models of supercapacitors. The first is the RC model, the second is the two-branch model and the third is the multi-branch model. The objective of this modelling is to choose the best model that can respect the same behaviour of the experimental model. These models are compared with an experimental model. This comparison prove that the response voltage of the multi-branch model correctly describes the behaviour of the experimental model of Belhachemi. The disadvantage of this model is the slow simulation duration in MATLAB/Simulink. The RC model represented the faster model in terms of simulation. The choice of 15 branches in parallel in multi-branch models gives good results and correctly describes the reel model. The automatic charge and discharge voltage of SCs reduce by reducing the charge current.
Reliability Optimization of Multi-Energy System Considering Energy Storage Devices Effects under Weather Uncertainties
Authors: Liao Ziyan , Parisio Alessandra
Published: January 2022

Multi-energy systems (MES) allow various energy forms, such as electricity, gas, and heat, to interact and achieve energy transfer and mutually benefit, reducing the probability of load cutting in the event of a failure, increasing the energy utilization efficiency, and improving the reliability and robustness of the overall energy supply system. Since energy storage systems can help to restore power in the case of failure and store the surplus energy to enhance the flexibility of MES, this work provides a methodology for reliability optimization, considering different energy storage configuration schemes under weather uncertainties. First of all, a reliability evaluation model of a multi-energy system under weather uncertainties based on a sequential Monte Carlo simulation is established. Then, the reliability optimization problem is formulated as a multi-objective optimization problem to minimize the reliability index, SAIDI (system average interruption duration index), and the reliability cost. Finally, a case study implemented on a typical MES layout is used to demonstrate the proposed methodology. A comparative analysis of three widely adopted multi-objective metaheuristic algorithms, including NSGA-II (non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II), MOPSO (multiple objective particle swarm optimization), and SPEA2 (strength Pareto evolution algorithm 2), is performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The simulation results show that the NSGA-II algorithm leads to better optimal values and converges the fastest compared to the other two methods.
Dioxin Formation in Biomass Gasification: A Review
Authors: Safavi Aysan , Richter Christiaan , Unnthorsson Runar
Published: January 2022

The amount of PCDD/F emissions produced by gasification operations is often within standard limits set by national and international laws (<0.1 ng TEQ/Nm3). However, a recent assessment of the literature indicates that gasification cannot always reduce PCDD/Fs emissions to acceptable levels, and thus a common belief on the replacement of incineration with gasification in order to reduce PCDD/Fs emissions seems overly simplistic. A review that summarizes the evidence on when gasification would likely result in environmentally benign emissions with PCDD/F below legal limits, and when not, would be of scientific and practical interest. Moreover, there are no reviews on dioxin formation in gasification. This review discusses the available data on the levels of dioxins formed by gasifying different waste streams, such as municipal solid wastes, plastics, wood waste, animal manure, and sewage sludge, from the existing experimental work. The PCDD/Fs formation in gasification and the operational parameters that can be controlled during the process to minimize PCDD/Fs formation are reviewed.
Modeling of Double Stage Photovoltaic Inverter System with Fast Delayed Signal Cancellation for Fault Ride-Through Control Application in Microgrids
Authors: Buraimoh Elutunji , Davidson Innocent E.
Published: January 2022

This research presents a secondary control for a grid-supporting microgrid with photovoltaics sources to guarantee grid code compliance and ancillary services. The secondary control accomplishes the fault ride-through, which implements a delayed signal cancellation (DSC) algorithm for negative sequence detection. Without mode switching, the proposed control strategy meets grid code requirements and ensures voltage regulation at the secondary level, which is active and more salient throughout the transient period of host grid disturbances. This control also ensures a constant supply of the microgrid’s sensitive local load while adhering to grid code requirements. Similarly, active power injection into the main grid is limited by progressively altering the MPPT operating point dependent on the depth of voltage sag to optimize reactive power injection to sustain grid voltage sag. The recommended secondary control is triggered by utilizing the DSC process’s detection algorithm to identify the occurrence of a fault in a tiny fraction of a half-cycle in a grid fault. Consequently, while satisfying microgrid load needs, the devised technique guaranteed that increases in DC-link voltage and AC grid current were controlled. MATLAB Simscape ElectricalTM and OPAL-RT Lab are used to do time-domain simulations of the model using the recommended secondary control systems.
Local Energy Exchange Market for Community Off-Grid Microgrids: Case Study Los Molinos del Rio Aguas
Authors: Karystinos Christos , Vasilakis Athanasios , Kotsampopoulos Panos , Hatziargyriou Nikos
Published: January 2022

The energy transition to renewable energy in a democratic way is directly connected to the development of energy communities and community microgrids. Los Molinos del Rio Aguas (LMRA), an ecological community in the south of Spain, offers a promising case study for an off-grid community-owned microgrid. In this paper, the interconnection of autonomous solar home systems is proposed with the addition of community assets in order to create an off-grid community microgrid that is financially beneficial for the community. Based on this scenario, a Local Energy Market (LEM) based on Distributed Ledger (DL) technologies is implemented in order to foster the energy exchange and contribute to the social welfare of the community. The results provide a win-win scenario for the community and provides an example of an off-grid community microgrid in combination with a LEM that takes into consideration the social aspect of the community.
Evaluation of Urban Mobility Problems and Freight Solutions from Residents’ Perspectives: A Comparison of Belo Horizonte (Brazil) and Szczecin (Poland)
Authors: Kijewska Kinga , França João Guilherme Costa Braga , de Oliveira Leise Kelli , Iwan Stanislaw
Published: January 2022

An efficient urban freight transport (UFT) system is crucial for sustainable city development. However, implementing city logistics measures still seems challenging for municipalities and decision-makers. Moreover, city authorities’ decisions depend on politics and social issues, and the city residents’ opinions seem to be very important in this context. Therefore, the primary objective of this paper was to assess the perception of urban mobility problems and freight solutions from the perspective of city users, considering the point of view of Brazilian and Polish city dwellers. The work was based on a survey realised in Belo Horizonte (Brazil) and Szczecin (Poland). The analysis identified the similarities and differences between the perceptions of different resident groups in both cities. The practical advantage of this research is the establishment of a set of recommendations for city decision-makers in the context of residents’ perceptions and their expectations regarding the implementation of urban freight measures.
Laboratory Studies on Permeability of Coals Using Briquettes: Understanding Underground Storage of CO2
Authors: Kudasik Mateusz , Skoczylas Norbert , Braga Letícia Teixeira Palla
Published: January 2022

The work presents the laboratory studies on permeability of two bituminous coal briquettes under confining pressure conditions. The research was carried out in order to assess the possibility of using bituminous coal as a sorbent for CO2 storage in underground seams. Coal permeability tests were carried out on an original apparatus for testing seepage processes under isobaric conditions on samples subjected to confining pressure. In order to determine the impact of the load on the coal briquettes’ permeability, the tests were carried out at four confining pressures: 1.5, 10, 20 and 30 MPa. The obtained results showed that the coal permeability decreases with an increase in confining pressure. At depths below 250 m, the coal can be a rock poorly permeable to CO2, and under such conditions, the applicability of technologies related to the underground storage of CO2 to coal seams is limited or even impossible.
Effect of Rotor Bars Shape on the Single-Phase Induction Motors Performance: An Analysis toward Their Efficiency Improvement
Authors: Chasiotis Ioannis , Karnavas Yannis , Scuiller Franck
Published: January 2022

Mandatory regulations are published worldwide for the efficiency of line-operated electric motors. The small-sized single-phase induction motors (SPIMs) will not be off the hook in terms of efficiency, since new regulations are scheduled to be introduced regarding them no later than July 2023. By doing so, the efficiency of capacitor-run SPIMs will be forced to exceed the (currently) typical ratings and comply with the requirements of the IE3 (i.e., premium) efficiency class. Since this task is challenging, the already published research works investigated several design, control, and manufacturing aspects. Nevertheless, less attention has been devoted to the study of the rotor bar’s shape impact, both on the SPIMs’ efficiency and starting capability. This gap is filled in this work by examining rotor squirrel-cage configurations with eight different bar shapes for the case of a four-pole/1.0 HP capacitor-run SPIM. A sensitivity analysis, which involves the simultaneous variation of the bar’s cross-sectional area, run-capacitor value, and auxiliary to main winding turns ratio, is performed. The motor’s electromagnetic behavior is estimated through finite element analysis. Through the acquired results, useful directions toward the SPIMs’ efficiency enhancement are provided, while simultaneously conclusions—not found elsewhere—are drawn concerning performance quantities, such as the motor’s starting current, currents shift angle, particular losses, breakdown torque, etc.
Measuring Green Marketing: Scale Development and Validation
Authors: Vilkaite-Vaitone Neringa , Skackauskiene Ilona , Díaz-Meneses Gonzalo
Published: January 2022

Academics and practitioners are paying increasing attention to green marketing as lesser damage to the environment and future generations become a priority in a current complex business environment. Despite the expanding studies in this field, there is still a lack of psychometrically sound scales to measure green marketing practices. To fill this gap, the research aimed to develop and evaluate a multifaceted green marketing scale. First, we draw on theoretical evidence to define and conceptualize the construct of green marketing. Then, we use a multistudy scale development process to create and validate the Green Marketing Scale (GMaS). Two groups of participants were used for the validation of the scale. Study 1 (n = 102), with the help of exploratory factor analysis (EFA), refined and reduced the items, proposed the factor structure. Study 2 (n = 155) established the validity of the construct and the reliability of the scale. The authors have tested the six-factor model against the four-factor models using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with a sample of marketing managers. The results of the CFA have indicated that the revised version of the four-factor model appears to be the most tenable solution, as it shows the best fit for the data. The resulting 14-item GMaS captures a variety of green marketing manifestations across organizational settings and involves the dimensions of Strategy, Internal Marketing, Product, and Marketing Communication. In general, the research confirms the validity and reliability of the GMaS scale and can be used to measure green marketing in organizational settings in the energy industry.