bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Qualitative and Quantitative Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness and Safety of Magnetic Stimulation in Women with Urinary Incontinence Symptoms and Pelvic Floor Disorders
Authors: Filippini Maurizio , Biordi Nicoletta , Curcio Antonella , Comito Alessandra , Pennati Beatrice Marina , Farinelli Miriam
Published: May 2023

Background and objectives: Involuntary loss of urine owed to dysfunction of the detrusor muscle or muscles of the pelvic floor is known as urinary incontinence (UI). In this study, ultrasound monitoring was employed for the first time to measure the usefulness and safety of electromagnetic stimulation for women with Stress or Urge UI. Materials and Methods: A total of 62 women were enrolled, with a mean age of 55.1 (±14.5); 60% of them were menopausal and presented with urinary incontinence (UI). Eight validated questionnaires were used to evaluate Stress UI, prolapse, overactive bladder urge, faecal incontinence, and quality of life, and the whole study population was tested with ultrasounds at the beginning and at the end of the treatment cycle. The device used was a non-invasive electromagnetic therapeutic system composed of a main unit and an adjustable chair applicator shaped for deep pelvic floor area stimulation. Results: Ultrasound measurements and validated questionnaires revealed a consistent and statistically significant (p < 0.01) improvement of the mean scores when pre- and post-treatment data were considered. Conclusions: Study results showed that the proposed treatment strategy led to a significant improvement in Pelvic Floor Muscle (PFM) tone and strength in patients with UI and pelvic floor disorders, without discomfort or side effects. The demonstration was qualitatively carried out with validated questionnaires and quantitatively with ultrasounds exams. Thus, the “chair” device we used represents valuable and effective support that could be widely employed in the gynaecological field for patients affected by different pathologies.
A Wideband GRIN Dielectric Lens Antenna for 5G Applications
Authors: Aljaloud Khaled , Aladadi Yosef T. , Alkanhal Majeed A. S. , Abdulkawi Wazie M. , Hussain Rifaqat
Published: May 2023

This paper proposes a graded effective refractive indexes (GRIN) dielectric lens for 5G applications. The inhomogeneous holes in the dielectric plate are perforated to provide GRIN in the proposed lens. The constructed lens employs a collection of slabs that correspond to the specified graded effective refractive index. The thickness and the whole lens dimensions are optimized based on designing a compact lens with optimum lens antenna performance (impedance matching bandwidth, gain, 3 dB beamwidth, and sidelobe level). A wideband (WB) microstrip patch antenna is designed to be operated over the entire band of interest from 26 GHz to 30.5 GHz. For the 5G mm-wave band of operation, the behavior of the proposed lens along with a microstrip patch antenna is analyzed at 28 GHz for various performance parameters, including impedance matching bandwidth, 3 dB beamwidth, maximum gain, and sidelobe level. It has been observed that the antenna exhibits good performance over the entire band of interest in terms of gain, 3 dB beamwidth, and sidelobe level. The numerical simulation results are validated using two different simulation solvers. The proposed unique and innovative configuration is well-suited for 5G high gain antenna solutions with a low-cost and lightweight antenna structure.
A 0.6 VIN 100 mV Dropout Capacitor-Less LDO with 220 nA IQ for Energy Harvesting System
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Ge Qianhui , Zeng Yanhan
Published: May 2023

A fully integrated and high-efficiency low-dropout regulator (LDO) with 100 mV dropout voltage and nA-level quiescent current for energy harvesting has been proposed and simulated in the 180 nm CMOS process in this paper. A bulk modulation without an extra amplifier is proposed, which decreases the threshold voltage, lowering the dropout voltage and supply voltage to 100 mV and 0.6 V, respectively. To ensure stability and realize low current consumption, adaptive power transistors are proposed to enable system tropology to alter between 2-stage and 3-stage. In addition, an adaptive bias with bounds is utilized in an attempt to improve the transient response. Simulation results demonstrate that the quiescent current is as low as 220 nA and the current efficiency reaches 99.958% in the full load condition, load regulation is 0.0059 mV/mA, line regulation is 0.4879 mV/V, and the optimal PSR is −51 dB.
Shoe-Integrated Sensor System for Diagnosis of the Concomitant Syndesmotic Injury in Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: A Prospective Double-Blind Diagnostic Test
Authors: Li Yanzhang , Guo Rui , Wang Yuchen , Ma Jingzhong , Miao Xin , Yang Jie , Zhang Zhu , Wu Xiaoming , Ren Tianling , Jiang Dong
Published: May 2023

Chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) is commonly secondary to prior lateral ankle ligament injury, and the concomitant latent syndesmosis injury would prolong recovery time and increase the risk of substantial traumatic arthritis. However, differentiating syndesmotic injury from isolated lateral ankle ligament injury in CLAI cases is difficult by conventional physical and radiological examinations. To improve the accuracy of syndesmotic injury diagnosis, a shoe-integrated sensor system (SISS) is proposed. This system measures plantar pressure during walking to detect the presence of syndesmotic injury. The study included 27 participants who had ankle sprains and underwent an examination. Plantar pressure in eight regions of interest was measured for both limbs, and syndesmotic injuries were examined using arthroscopy. The width of the syndesmosis was measured to evaluate its severity. The characteristics of plantar pressure were compared between patients with normal and injured syndesmosis. The results indicated that peak plantar pressure ratios with logistic regression predicted value > 0.51 accurately distinguished concomitant syndesmotic injury during walking, with high sensitivity (80%) and specificity (75%). The post-test probability of having a syndesmotic injury was positively 80% and negatively 25%. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of cost-effective wearable sensors in objectively diagnosing concomitant syndesmotic injuries in cases of CLAI.
Synthesis, Structural Elucidation and Pharmacological Applications of Cu(II) Heteroleptic Carboxylates
Authors: Ullah Shaker , Sirajuddin Muhammad , Ullah Zafran , Mushtaq Afifa , Naz Saba , Zubair Muhammad , Haider Ali , Ali Saqib , Kubicki Maciej , Wani Tanveer A. , Zargar Seema , Rehman Mehboob Ur
Published: May 2023

Six heteroleptic Cu(II) carboxylates (1–6) were prepared by reacting 2-chlorophenyl acetic acid (L1), 3-chlorophenyl acetic acid (L2), and substituted pyridine (2-cyanopyridine and 2-chlorocyanopyridine). The solid-state behavior of the complexes was described via vibrational spectroscopy (FT-IR), which revealed that the carboxylate moieties adopted different coordination modes around the Cu(II) center. A paddlewheel dinuclear structure with distorted square pyramidal geometry was elucidated from the crystal data for complexes 2 and 5 with substituted pyridine moieties at the axial positions. The presence of irreversible metal-centered oxidation reduction peaks confirms the electroactive nature of the complexes. A relatively higher binding affinity was observed for the interaction of SS-DNA with complexes 2–6 compared to L1and L2. The findings of the DNA interaction study indicate an intercalative mode of interaction. The maximum inhibition against acetylcholinesterase enzyme was caused for complex 2 (IC50 = 2 µg/mL) compared to the standard drug Glutamine (IC50 = 2.10 µg/mL) while the maximum inhibition was found for butyrylcholinesterase enzyme by complex 4 (IC50 = 3 µg/mL) compared to the standard drug Glutamine (IC50 = 3.40 µg/mL). The findings of the enzymatic activity suggest that the under study compounds have potential for curing of Alzheimer’s disease. Similarly, complexes 2 and 4 possess the maximum inhibition as revealed from the free radical scavenging activity performed against DPPH and H2O2.
Design of Folate-Containing Liposomal Nucleic Acid Delivery Systems for Antitumor Therapy
Authors: Shmendel Elena V. , Puchkov Pavel A. , Maslov Michael A.
Published: May 2023

The delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids is a prospective method for the treatment of both inherited and acquired diseases including cancer. To achieve maximal delivery efficiency and selectivity, nucleic acids should be targeted to the cells of interest. In the case of cancer, such targeting may be provided through folate receptors overexpressed in many tumor cells. For this purpose, folic acid and its lipoconjugates are used. Compared to other targeting ligands, folic acid provides low immunogenicity, rapid tumor penetration, high affinity to a wide range of tumors, chemical stability, and easy production. Different delivery systems can utilize targeting by folate ligand including liposomal forms of anticancer drugs, viruses, and lipid and polymer nanoparticles. This review focuses on the liposomal gene delivery systems that provide targeted nucleic acid transport into tumor cells due to folate lipoconjugates. Moreover, important development step, such as rational design of lipoconjugates, folic acid content, size, and ζ-potential of lipoplexes are discussed.
Root–Soil Interactions for Pepper Accessions Grown under Organic and Conventional Farming
Authors: Morales-Manzo Ivan I. , Ribes-Moya Ana M. , Pallotti Claudia , Jimenez-Belenguer Ana , Moro Clara Pérez , Raigón María Dolores , Rodríguez-Burruezo Adrián , Fita Ana
Published: May 2023

Modern agriculture has boosted the production of food based on the use of pesticides and fertilizers and improved plant varieties. However, the impact of some such technologies is high and not sustainable in the long term. Although the importance of rhizospheres in final plant performance, nutrient cycling, and ecosystems is well recognized, there is still a lack of information on the interactions of their main players. In this paper, four accessions of pepper are studied at the rhizosphere and root level under two farming systems: organic and conventional. Variations in soil traits, such as induced respiration, enzymatic activities, microbial counts, and metabolism of nitrogen at the rhizosphere and bulk soil, as well as measures of root morphology and plant production, are presented. The results showed differences for the evaluated traits between organic and conventional management, both at the rhizosphere and bulk soil levels. Organic farming showed higher microbial counts, enzymatic activities, and nitrogen mobilization. Our results also showed how some genotypes, such as Serrano or Piquillo, modified the properties of the rhizospheres in a very genotype-dependent way. This specificity of the soil–plant interaction should be considered for future breeding programs for soil-tailored agriculture.
Molecular Weight Segregation and Thermal Conductivity of Polydisperse Wax–Graphene Nanocomposites
Authors: Boomstra Maarten , Geurts Bernard , Lyulin Alexey
Published: May 2023

Paraffin waxes are a promising material for heat storage with high energy density. Their low thermal conductivity, which limits the speed of charging and discharging in heat buffers, was previously shown to be improved by adding graphene nanofillers. In the present study, using molecular dynamics simulations, the segregation by molecular weight of polydisperse paraffin near graphene flakes is investigated. In liquid bidisperse paraffin composed of decane and triacontane, an aligned layer containing mainly triacontane was observed next to the graphene. Upon slow cooling, the wax crystallised into distinct layers parallel to the graphene sheet, with much stronger segregation by molecular weight than in the crystallised bidisperse wax without graphene. For polydisperse wax, the segregation effect was much less pronounced. The molten paraffin had a somewhat higher concentration of the longest chains in the first layers next to the graphene, but during crystallisation, the molecular weight segregation was only slightly increased. Measurements of crystallinity using an alternative version of the method developed by Yamamoto showed that the layers of wax were highly aligned parallel to the graphene, both in the solid state with all wax crystallised and in the liquid state with one layer of aligned wax above and below the graphene. Thermal conductivity was increased in planes parallel to the graphene flakes. The strong segregation of chain lengths in the bidisperse wax resulted in clear differences in thermal conductivity in the segregated regions. The less segregated polydisperse wax showed less variation in thermal conductivity.
Description of the Wild Strain Rhizobium rosettiformans DSM26376, Reclassified under Peteryoungia rosettiformans comb.nov., for Producing Glucuronan
Authors: Christophe Gwendoline , Hou Xiaoyang , Petit Emmanuel , Traikia Mounir , Le Cerf Didier , Rihouey Christophe , Gardarin Christine , Delattre Cédric , Michaud Philippe , Pierre Guillaume , Dubessay Pascal
Published: May 2023

Glucuronan is a polysaccharide composed of β-(1,4)-linked d-glucuronic acids having intrinsic properties and biological activities recoverable in many fields of application. Currently, the description of Sinorhyzobium meliloti M5N1CS mutant bacterial strain as the sole source of glucuronan makes it relevant to the exploration of new microorganisms producing glucuronan. In this study, the Peteryoungia rosettifformans strain (Rhizobia), was identified as a wild producer of an exopolysaccharide (RhrBR46) related to glucuronan. Structural and biochemical features, using colorimetric assays, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, high pressure size exclusion chromatography coupled to multi-angle light laser scattering, and enzymatic assays allowed the characterization of a polyglucuronic acid, having a molecular mass (Mw¯) of 1.85 × 105 Da, and being partially O-acetylated at C-2 and/or C-3 positions. The concentration of Mg2+ ions in the cultivation medium has been shown to impact the structure of RhrBR46, by reducing drastically its Mw¯ (73%) and increasing its DA (10%). Comparative structural analyses between RhrBR46 and the glucuronan from Sinorhyzobium meliloti M5N1CS strain revealed differences in terms of molecular weight, degree of acetylation (DA), and the distribution of acetylation pattern. These structural divergences of RhrBR46 might contribute to singular properties or biological activities of RhrBR46, offering new perspectives of application.
Subcritical Water Extraction of Mango Seed Kernels and Its Application for Cow Ghee Preservation
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Rambabu , Hai Abdul , Banat Fawzi
Published: May 2023

Mango seed kernel (MSK) extract contains phytochemicals, bioactives, and fatty acids that are of interest to food and nutritional scientists. The subcritical water extraction process (SCWE) can be effective in extracting valuable bioactives from MSK. In this study, SCWE was investigated and optimized for the extraction of bioactives from MSK using Box–Behnken experimental design. The extract yield was examined as a function of various process variables, namely, solvent-to-feed (L/S) ratio, extraction temperature (T), and extraction time (t). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for experimental results showed that extraction temperature was the most significant variable that impacted the extract yield. A maximum yield of 52.3% was obtained at optimized extraction conditions of L/S ratio = 20.7, T = 116.5 °C, and t = 45 min. Antioxidant assessment of the SCWE extract obtained at the optimized conditions showed higher total phenolic content (19.2 mg GAE/g), and DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity (>91%), than the extracts obtained by conventional hot water extraction and ultra-sound assisted extraction. Furthermore, an assessment of the MSK extract as a natural preservative showed that its inclusion (20% v/v) improved the oxidative stability of cow ghee with a par performance to synthetic butylated hydroxyanisole antioxidant (0.02% w/v). Thus, the study demonstrated SCWE as an effective green method for the production of MSK extract that could be applied for the preservation of oxidative food products.
Accelerated Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm by Cuckoo Search for Solving Engineering Design Problems
Authors: Hijjawi Mohammad , Alshinwan Mohammad , Khashan Osama A. , Alshdaifat Marah , Almanaseer Waref , Alomoush Waleed , Garg Harish , Abualigah Laith
Published: May 2023

Several metaheuristic algorithms have been implemented to solve global optimization issues. Nevertheless, these approaches require more enhancement to strike a suitable harmony between exploration and exploitation. Consequently, this paper proposes improving the arithmetic optimization algorithm (AOA) to solve engineering optimization issues based on the cuckoo search algorithm called AOACS. The developed approach uses cuckoo search algorithm operators to improve the ability of the exploitation operations of AOA. AOACS enhances the convergence ratio of the presented technique to find the optimum solution. The performance of the AOACS is examined using 23 benchmark functions and CEC-2019 functions to show the ability of the proposed work to solve different numerical optimization problems. The proposed AOACS is evaluated using four engineering design problems: the welded beam, the three-bar truss, the stepped cantilever beam, and the speed reducer design. Finally, the results of the proposed approach are compared with state-of-the-art approaches to prove the performance of the proposed AOACS approach. The results illustrated an outperformance of AOACS compared to other methods of performance measurement.
Relationship between Internal Stress Distribution and Microstructure in a Suspension-Sprayed Thermal Barrier Coating with a Columnar Structure
Authors: Yamazaki Yasuhiro , Shinomiya Keisuke , Okumura Tadaharu , Suzuki Kenji , Shobu Takahisa , Nakamura Yuiga
Published: May 2023

The suspension plasma spray (SPS) method is expected to become a novel coating method because it can achieve various microstructures using a suspension with submicron spray particles. Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) with a columnar structure, which might achieve high strain tolerance, can be obtained using the SPS technique. This study evaluated the internal stress distribution of the suspension-plasma-sprayed thermal barrier coating (SPS-TBC) with different columnar structures using hybrid measurement using high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction analysis and laboratory low-energy X-rays. The relationship between the microstructure and the internal stress distribution of the SPS-TBC was discussed on the basis of the experimental results. In addition, the in-plane internal stress was decreased by decreasing the column diameter. The thin columnar microstructure of the SPS-TBC has superior strain tolerance. The internal stresses in the SPS-TBC are periodic decrements caused by stress relaxation in porous layers in its column.
BLESSING: Exploring the Religious, Anthropological and Ethical Meaning
Authors: Burggraeve Roger
Published: May 2023

The point of departure for this essay, which reflects on the religious, anthropological and ethical meaning of the act of blessing, is the multifaceted tradition of all kinds of blessings in the Catholic faith community, both in a sacramental and non-sacramental context. To properly understand the act of blessing, it is necessary to outline the existential and religious background of the blessing as an experience and condition. Starting from the general biblical background of blessing as an earthly reality, attention is paid to the transition from the implicit to the explicit religious meaning of blessing as a gift. Subsequently, the act of blessing in its bi-dimensional modality, namely as word and gesture, receives the necessary attention. This is accomplished by a shift from a theological to a philosophical understanding; this is anthropological and existential understanding of blessing. First, the specificity of the blessing as a language event is examined. Then, the bodily and possibly material form of the act of blessing is explored phenomenologically. Thus, it will appear that what is specifically Christian also has universal significance, is literally “catholic”, that is, “kat’ holon”, meaningful “for everyone”. Last but not least, consideration is given to the “power” of the act of blessing, both its “founding” power and the risk of magical derailment.
MultiGAS Detection from Airborne Platforms on Italian Volcanic and Geothermal Areas
Authors: Silvestri Malvina , Diaz Jorge Andres , Rabuffi Federico , Romaniello Vito , Musacchio Massimo , Corrales Ernesto , Fox James , Marotta Enrica , Belviso Pasquale , Avino Rosario , Avvisati Gala , Buongiorno Maria Fabrizia
Published: May 2023

The measurement of volcanic gases, such as CO2 and SO2, emitted from summit craters and fumaroles is crucial to monitor volcanic activity, providing estimations of gases fluxes, and geochemical information that helps to assess the status and the risk level of an active volcano. During high degassing events, the measurement of volcanic emissions is a dangerous task that cannot be performed using hand portable or backpack carried gas analysis systems. Measurements of gases plumes could be safety achieved by using instruments mounted on UAS (Unmanned Aerial System). In this work, we present the measurements of CO2, SO2, and H2S gases collected with a miniaturized MultiGAS instrument during 2021 and 2022 field campaigns. They took place at several thermally active areas in Italy: Pisciarelli (Naples, Italy), Stromboli volcano (Messina, Italy), and Parco Naturalistico delle Biancane (Grosseto, Italy).
Experimental Tests and Simulations on Correction Models for the Rolling Shutter Effect in UAV Photogrammetry
Authors: Bruno Nazarena , Forlani Gianfranco
Published: May 2023

Many unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) host rolling shutter (RS) cameras, i.e., cameras where image rows are exposed at slightly different times. As the camera moves in the meantime, this causes inconsistencies in homologous ray intersections in the bundle adjustment, so correction models have been proposed to deal with the problem. This paper presents a series of test flights and simulations performed with different UAV platforms at varying speeds over terrain of various morphologies with the objective of investigating and possibly optimising how RS correction models perform under different conditions, in particular as far as block control is concerned. To this aim, three RS correction models have been applied in various combinations, decreasing the number of fixed ground control points (GCP) or exploiting GNSS-determined camera stations. From the experimental tests as well as from the simulations, four conclusions can be drawn: (a) RS affects primarily horizontal coordinates and varies notably from platform to platform; (b) if the ground control is dense enough, all correction models lead practically to the same mean error on checkpoints; however, some models may cause large errors in elevation if too few GCP are used; (c) in most cases, a specific correction model is not necessary since the affine deformation caused by RS can be adequately modelled by just applying the extended Fraser camera calibration model; (d) using GNSS-assisted block orientation, the number of necessary GCP is strongly reduced.
Editorial on Remote Sensing Application in Coastal Geomorphology and Processes
Authors: Silva Ana Nobre , Lira Cristina Ponte
Published: May 2023

Coastal zones are characterized by exceptional environmental, social, and economic importance, while, at the same time, being particularly vulnerable to climate-related changes [...]
Effective Emoticon Suggestion Technique Based on Active Emotional Input Using Facial Expressions and Heart Rate Signals
Authors: Kim Jesung , Kang Mincheol , Seo Bohun , Hong Jeongkyu , Kim Soontae
Published: May 2023

The evolution of mobile communication technology has brought about significant changes in the way people communicate. However, the lack of nonverbal cues in computer-mediated communication can make the accurate interpretation of emotions difficult. This study proposes a novel approach for using emotions as active input in mobile systems. This approach combines psychological and neuroscientific principles to accurately and comprehensively assess an individual’s emotions for use as input in mobile systems. The proposed technique combines facial and heart rate information to recognize users’ five prime emotions, which can be implemented on mobile devices using a front camera and a heart rate sensor. A user evaluation was conducted to verify the efficacy and feasibility of the proposed technique, and the results showed that users could express emotions faster and more accurately, with average recognition accuracies of 90% and 82% for induced and intended emotional expression, respectively. The proposed technique has the potential to enhance the user experience and provide more personalized and dynamic interaction with mobile systems.
Robot Navigation in Complex Workspaces Employing Harmonic Maps and Adaptive Artificial Potential Fields
Authors: Vlantis Panagiotis , Bechlioulis Charalampos P. , Kyriakopoulos Kostas J.
Published: May 2023

In this work, we address the single robot navigation problem within a planar and arbitrarily connected workspace. In particular, we present an algorithm that transforms any static, compact, planar workspace of arbitrary connectedness and shape to a disk, where the navigation problem can be easily solved. Our solution benefits from the fact that it only requires a fine representation of the workspace boundary (i.e., a set of points), which is easily obtained in practice via SLAM. The proposed transformation, combined with a workspace decomposition strategy that reduces the computational complexity, has been exhaustively tested and has shown excellent performance in complex workspaces. A motion control scheme is also provided for the class of non-holonomic robots with unicycle kinematics, which are commonly used in most industrial applications. Moreover, the tuning of the underlying control parameters is rather straightforward as it affects only the shape of the resulted trajectories and not the critical specifications of collision avoidance and convergence to the goal position. Finally, we validate the efficacy of the proposed navigation strategy via extensive simulations and experimental studies.
A Review of Subjective Assessments in Virtual Reality for Lighting Research
Authors: Scorpio Michelangelo , Carleo Davide , Gargiulo Martina , Navarro Pilar Chías , Spanodimitriou Yorgos , Sabet Parinaz , Masullo Massimiliano , Ciampi Giovanni
Published: May 2023

Immersive virtual reality allows showing people virtual environments with high levels of presence, realism, and “feeling of being”, as if they were in the real world. With this aim, virtual environments must provide proper light distributions and elicit sensations similar to those seen in the real world. So far, experiments with human subjects are the most effective way to evaluate the accuracy of virtual reality in reproducing real spaces. This paper investigates the role of subjective assessments in lighting research using virtual reality. According to the review results, the investigations aimed at using immersive virtual reality for lighting can mainly be divided into three groups: (i) comparison between virtual and physical environments, (ii) analysis of different lighting scenarios, and (iii) investigation of users’ interaction with the virtual model. On the one hand, the results show that immersive virtual reality is a useful tool for research and design in lighting. On the other hand, they highlight the limitations that still need to be overcome. Finally, the main findings and gaps concerning the subjective assessment were listed.
Asset Management, Reliability and Prognostics Modeling Techniques
Authors: Payette Mathieu , Abdul-Nour Georges
Published: May 2023

In recent years, reliability engineering has seen significant growth in data-driven modeling, mainly due to the democratization of sensing technologies, big data processing, and computing capabilities. It has also seen a paradigm shift, with Engineering of Asset Management (EAM) becoming widely accepted as a high-level framework to support corporate policies and strategies. The rapid evolution of research leads to the development of multiple research communities, making it difficult for the uninitiated to navigate the literature. Indeed, system reliability encompasses several research subfields that focus on maximizing the life cycle of assets, including Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety (RAMS), Prognostics and Health Management (PHM), and Engineering of Asset Management. This article proposes a review of these concepts with the aim of identifying the different scientific communities, what differentiates them, and what connects them. It also addresses RAMS and PHM modeling techniques and highlights the significance of these disciplines in ensuring the functioning of complex systems. In summary, this article aims to clarify the interrelationship between the topics of reliability engineering, to simplify the search and selection for modeling methods.
Promoting the Flexibility of Thermal Prosumers Equipped with Heat Pumps to Support Power Grid Management
Authors: Dino Giuseppe Edoardo , Catrini Pietro , Palomba Valeria , Frazzica Andrea , Piacentino Antonio
Published: May 2023

The increasing share of renewable energy sources in energy systems will lead to unpredictable moments of surplus/deficit in energy production. To address this issue, users with heat pumps can provide support to power grid operators through flexible unit operation achieved via Demand Response programs. For buildings connected to low-temperature heating networks with ensured third-party access, further room for flexibility can be explored by investigating the production of surplus heat that can be sold to the network. A key aspect lies in the identification of the energy pricing options that could encourage such flexible operation of a heat pump by “thermal prosumers”. To this aim, the present study investigates the impact of ad hoc variations in the electricity purchasing price through discounts or penalties included in the “network cost” component of the price on cost-effective operation of a heat pump connected to the thermal network. To discuss the effects of different pricing options in terms of increased flexibility, an office building located in Italy and equipped with a high-temperature heat pump is adopted as the case study. A heuristic profit-oriented management strategy of the heat pump is assumed, and dynamic simulations are performed. The results indicate that at current electricity prices, the heat pump operation is profitable both when supplying the heat to meet the building’s requirements and when producing surplus heat for sale to the thermal network. In addition, it is revealed that the penalties applied to the electricity purchasing price are effective in encouraging changes in the heat pump operation strategy, reducing its average production (the building increasingly relying on buying heat from the network) and the associated electricity consumption by 46.0% and 79.7% in the “light” and “severe” local power deficit scenarios, respectively.
Optimal Planning Approaches under Various Seasonal Variations across an Active Distribution Grid Encapsulating Large-Scale Electrical Vehicle Fleets and Renewable Generation
Authors: Huzaifa Muhammad , Hussain Arif , Haider Waseem , Kazmi Syed Ali Abbas , Ahmad Usman , Rehman Habib Ur
Published: May 2023

With the emergence of the smart grid, the distribution network is facing various problems, such as power limitations, voltage uncertainty, and many others. Apart from the power sector, the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) is leading to a rising power demand. These problems can potentially lead to blackouts. This paper presents three meta-heuristic techniques: grey wolf optimization (GWO), whale optimization algorithm (WOA), and dandelion optimizer (DO) for optimal allocation (sitting and sizing) of solar photovoltaic (SPV), wind turbine generation (WTG), and electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs). The aim of implementing these techniques is to optimize allocation of renewable energy distributed generation (RE-DG) for reducing active power losses, reactive power losses, and total voltage deviation, and to improve the voltage stability index in radial distribution networks (RDNs). MATLAB 2022a was used for the simulation of meta-heuristic techniques. The proposed techniques were implemented on IEEE 33-bus RDN for optimal allocation of RE-DGs and EVCSs while considering seasonal variations and uncertainty modeling. The results validate the efficiency of meta-heuristic techniques with a substantial reduction in active power loss, reactive power loss, and an improvement in the voltage profile with optimal allocation across all considered scenarios.
Population Growth Parameters of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) on Various Legume Seeds Reveal Potential Tolerance Traits
Authors: Jafari Hasan , Habibpour Behzad , Hemmati Seyed Ali , Stelinski Lukasz L.
Published: May 2023

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is a key polyphagous pest with global spread that causes economic damage to agricultural crops. It is commonly managed by synthetic insecticides, which can cause negative impacts on the environment and human health, as well as toxicity to natural enemies. Hence, investigations into alternative pest management approaches such as the use of resistant host plant cultivars against H. armigera is important. In this study, the effects of various legume seeds based on meridic diets were evaluated using biology and population growth parameters of H. armigera under laboratory conditions. The results indicated that the shortest developmental time and pupal incubation periods occurred on white kidney bean Dehghan, while the longest periods occurred on broad bean Mahta. The intrinsic rate of population increase (r) was highest when H. armigera was reared on white kidney bean Dehghan and cowpea Arabi, and the lowest when reared on broad bean Mahta and common bean Khomein. Furthermore, the highest net reproductive rate (R0) occurred on white kidney bean Dehghan and the lowest on common bean Khomein. Cluster analysis revealed that white kidney bean Dehghan and cowpea Arabi were the most susceptible hosts, while common bean Khomein, and broad beans Feyz and Mahta were the poorest and perhaps least susceptible hosts for population growth of H. armigera. Our results suggest that the selective use of certain bean cultivars as potential sources of antibiosis against this pest may be useful as part of an integrated management program.
Promotion of Sustainable Development in the EU: Social and Economic Drivers
Authors: Tu Yu-Xia , Kubatko Oleksandr , Piven Vladyslav , Kovalov Bohdan , Kharchenko Mykola
Published: May 2023

The transition to sustainability is a complex process that requires a clear understanding of its drivers and barriers. The paper explores the impact of different social and economic factors on sustainable development as a holistic process. The research involved data from 27 EU member states during 2012–2020. Hausman specification and Breusch and Pagan Lagrangian multiplier test were used to select the proper econometric model, which led to the use of generalized least squares regression with random effects to estimate the sustainable development drivers in the EU. The results suggested that corruption has no statistically significant impact on sustainability, whereas economic freedom increases Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index. Our empirical results demonstrated that GDP per capita inhibits sustainability transition, which could be a case of the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis. Unemployment has a negative impact on sustainable development; however, employment in science and research is its driver. It was unfolded that median income per capita and life expectancy have a statistically significant positive impact on the SDG Index. Following these findings, a wide range of policy recommendations was suggested. They include but are not limited to: ensuring economic freedom, human capital development, digitalization of public services, and lifelong education promotion.
Sustainable Internet of Vehicles System: A Task Offloading Strategy Based on Improved Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Wang Kun , Wang Xiaofeng , Liu Xuan
Published: May 2023

“Smart transportation” promotes urban sustainable development. The Internet of Vehicles (IoV) refers to a network with huge interaction, which comprises location, speed, route information, and other information about vehicles. To address the problems that the existing task scheduling models and strategies are mostly single and the reasonable allocation of tasks is not considered in these strategies, leading to the low completion rate of unloading, a task offloading with improved genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed. At first, with division in communication and calculation models, a system utility function maximization model is objectively conducted. The problem is solved by improved GA to obtain the scheme of optimal task offloading. As GA, in the traditional sense, inclines to a local optimum, the model herein introduces a Halton sequence for uniform initial population distribution. Additionally, the authors also adapt improved GA for the problem model and global optimal solution guarantee, thus improving the rate of task completion. Finally, the proposed method is proven through empirical study in view of scenario building. The experimental demonstration of the proposed strategy based on the built scenario shows that the task calculation completion rate is not less than 75%, and when the vehicle terminal is 70, the high-priority task completion rate also reaches 90%, which can realize reasonable allocation of computing resources and ensure the successful unloading of tasks.
Concepts of Picture Fuzzy Line Graphs and Their Applications in Data Analysis
Authors: Chen Zhihua , Khan Waheed Ahmad , Khan Aysha
Published: May 2023

The process of bundling and clustering hasno clear boundaries; hence, their analysis contains uncertainities. Thus, it is more suitable to deal withbundling and clusteringby usingfuzzy graphs. Since picture fuzzy sets (PFSs) are more accurate, compatible, and flexible compared to the other generalizations of fuzzy sets (FSs),hence, it would be more effective to present edge bundling and clustering usingpicture fuzzy line graphs (PFLGs). The aim of our study is to introduce the notions of picture fuzzy intersection graphs (PFIGs) and picture fuzzy line graphs (PFLGs). These concepts are the generalizations of fuzzy intersection graphs (FIGs) and fuzzy line graphs (FLGs), respectively. We begin our discussion by introducing some fresh and useful terminologies in the theory of fuzzy graphs such as fuzzy intersection number, picture fuzzy intersection number, etc., and we explore few interesting results related to them. Based on these concepts, first we introduce the notion of picture fuzzy intersection graphs (PFIGs) and discuss manyimportant characteristics of these graphs. Afterwards, we introduce the notion of picture fuzzy line graphs (PFLGs) and discuss their various properties. We also investigate some structural properties of our newly established fuzzy graphs usingweak isomorphism and isomorphism. Finally, we provide an outline of the applications of picture fuzzy line graphs (PFLGs) in terms of cluster-based picture fuzzy edge bundling (CBPFEB) and the picture fuzzy c-mean algorithm. Since asymmetrical clusters ensure that the databases remain identical across the clusters, our study is deeply related to symmety.
Efficient Multi-Source Self-Attention Data Fusion for FDIA Detection in Smart Grid
Authors: Wu Yi , Wang Qiankuan , Guo Naiwang , Tian Yingjie , Li Fengyong , Su Xiangjing
Published: May 2023

As a new cyber-attack method in power cyber physical systems, false-data-injection attacks (FDIAs) mainly disturb the operating state of power systems by tampering with the measurement data of sensors, thereby avoiding bad-data detection by the power grid and threatening the security of power systems. However, existing FDIA detection methods usually only focus on the detection feature extraction between false data and normal data, ignoring the feature correlation that easily produces diverse data redundancy, resulting in the significant difficulty of detecting false-data-injection attacks. To address the above problem, we propose a multi-source self-attention data fusion model for designing an efficient FDIA detection method. The proposed data fusing model firstly employs a temporal alignment technique to integrate the collected multi-source sensing data to the identical time dimension. Subsequently, a symmetric hybrid deep network model is built by symmetrically combining long short-term memory (LSTM) and a convolution neural network (CNN), which can effectively extract hybrid features for different multi-source sensing data. Furthermore, we design a self-attention module to further eliminate hybrid feature redundancy and aggregate the differences between attack-data features and normal-data features. Finally, the extracted features and their weights are integrated to implement false-data-injection attack detection using a single convolution operation. Extensive simulations are performed over IEEE14 node test systems and IEEE118 node test systems; the experimental results demonstrate that our model can achieve better data fusion effects and presents a superior detection performance compared with the state-of-the-art.
Using Blood Gas Analysis and Capnography to Determine Oxygenation Status in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Authors: Sharp Sarah M. , Gomez Forrest M. , Meegan Jenny M. , Rowles Teresa K. , Townsend Forrest , Schwacke Lori H. , Smith Cynthia R.
Published: May 2023

Following the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill in 2010, poor pulmonary health and reproductive failure in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the northern Gulf of Mexico were well-documented. One postulated etiology for the increased fetal distress syndrome and pneumonia found in affected perinatal dolphins was maternal hypoxia caused by lung disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of blood gas analysis and capnography in determining oxygenation status in bottlenose dolphins with and without pulmonary disease. Blood and breath samples were collected from 59 free-ranging dolphins in Barataria Bay, Louisiana (BB), during a capture–release health assessment program, and from 30 managed dolphins from the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program in San Diego, CA. The former was the oil-exposed cohort and the latter served as a control cohort with known health histories. Capnography and select blood gas parameters were compared based on the following factors: cohort, sex, age/length class, reproductive status, and severity of pulmonary disease. Animals with moderate–severe lung disease had higher bicarbonate concentrations (p = 0.005), pH (p < 0.001), TCO2 (p = 0.012), and more positive base excess (p = 0.001) than animals with normal–mild disease. Capnography (ETCO2) was found to have a weak positive correlation with blood PCO2 (p = 0.020), with a mean difference of 5.02 mmHg (p < 0.001). Based on these findings, indirect oxygenation measures, including TCO2, bicarbonate, and pH, show promise in establishing the oxygenation status in dolphins with and without pulmonary disease.
Associations between Air Pollution Exposure and Blood Pressure during Pregnancy among PRINCESA Cohort Participants
Authors: Buxton Miatta A. , Heydarzadeh Safa , Gronlund Carina J. , Castillo-Castrejon Marisol , Godines-Enriquez Myrna Souraye , O’Neill Marie S. , Vadillo-Ortega Felipe
Published: May 2023

High blood pressure (BP) is a risk factor for hypertensive disease during pregnancy. Exposure to multiple toxic air pollutants can affect BP in pregnancy but has been rarely studied. We evaluated trimester-specific associations between air pollution exposure and systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP). Ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter less than 10 and 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10, PM2.5) in the Pregnancy Research on Inflammation, Nutrition, & City Environment: Systematic Analyses (PRINCESA) study. Multipollutant generalized linear regression models with each pollutant and O3 were fit. Due to nonlinear pollution/BP associations, results are presented for “below the median” or “above the median”, where the beta estimate is the change in BP at a pollutant’s median versus BP at the pollutant’s minimum or maximum, respectively. Associations varied across trimesters and pollutants, and deleterious associations (higher blood pressure with higher pollution) were found only at pollutant values below the median: for SBP with NO2 in the second and third trimesters, and PM2.5 during the third trimester, and for DBP, PM2.5, and NO2 in the second and third trimesters. Findings suggest that minimizing prenatal exposure to air pollution may reduce the risks of changes in BP.
Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) as a Sentinel Species to Assess Trace Metal Occurrence: A Case Study of Kuwait Waters (Northwestern Arabian Gulf)
Authors: Karam Qusaie , Guermazi Wassim , Subrahmanyam M. , Al-Enezi Yousef , Ali Mohammad , Leignel Vincent , Annabi-Trabelsi Neila
Published: May 2023

Heavy metal pollution can adversely impact marine life, such as crabs, which can accumulate it in different organs and potentially transfer and biomagnify along the food chain in aquatic ecosystems. This study aimed to examine the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in sediment, water, and crab tissues (gills, hepatopancreas, and carapace) of the blue swimmer crab Portunus pelagicus in the coastal areas of Kuwait, northwestern Arabian Gulf. Samples were collected from Shuwaikh Port, Shuaiba Port, and Al-Khiran areas. The accumulation of metals in crabs were higher in the carapace > gill > digestive gland, and the highest metal concentration was found in crabs collected from Shuwaikh > Shuaiba > Al-Khiran. The metal concentrations in the sediments were in the order Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd. Zn was the highest metal concentration detected in marine water sampled from the Al-Khiran Area, whereas the lowest metal was Cd sampled in water from the Shuwaikh Area. The results of this study validate the marine crab P. pelagicus as a relevant sentinel and prospective bioindicator for evaluating heavy metal pollution in marine ecosystems.
A Chemical Proteomics Approach to Discover Regulators of Innate Immune Signaling
Authors: Kurland Andrew P. , Bonaventure Boris , Johnson Jeffrey R.
Published: May 2023

Innate immune pathways are tightly regulated to balance an appropriate response to infectious agents and tolerable levels of inflammation. Dysregulation of innate immune pathways can lead to severe autoinflammatory disorders or susceptibility to infections. Here, we aimed to identify kinases in common cellular pathways that regulate innate immune pathways by combining small-scale kinase inhibitor screening with quantitative proteomics. We found that inhibitors of kinases ATM, ATR, AMPK, and PLK1 reduced the induction of interferon-stimulated gene expression in response to innate immune pathway activation by poly(I:C) transfection. However, siRNA depletion of these kinases did not validate findings with kinase inhibitors, suggesting that off-target effects may explain their activities. We mapped the effects of kinase inhibitors to various stages in innate immune pathways. Determining the mechanisms by which kinase inhibitors antagonize these pathways may illuminate novel mechanisms of innate immune pathway control.