bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different response of the taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity of birds to forest fragmentation
Authors: Bełcik Michał , Lenda Magdalena , Amano Tatsuya , Skórka Piotr
Published: November 2020

Habitat fragmentation is considered as major threat to biodiversity worldwide. Biodiversity can be described as taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity. However, the effect of forest fragmentation on taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity is barely understood. We compare the response of taxonomic (species richness), phylogenetic and functional diversity of birds to forest fragmentation. We hypothesised that with increasing forest patch isolation and/or decreasing patch size the diversity of birds decreases but only if certain thresholds of fragmentation metrics are reached. Specifically, we hypothesized that out of the three diversity components the taxonomic diversity is the most sensitive to forest fragmentation, which means that it starts declining at larger patch size and higher connectivity values than phylogenetic and functional diversity do. We compared the three biodiversity metrics of central European bird species in a large set of forest patches located in an agricultural landscape. General additive modeling and segmented regression were used in analyses. Habitat fragmentation differentially affected studied biodiversity metrics. Bird taxonomic diversity was the most responsive towards changes in fragmentation. We observed an increase in taxonomic diversity with increasing patch area, which then stabilized after reaching certain patch size. Functional diversity turned out to be the least responsive to the fragmentation metrics and forest stand characteristics. It decreased linearly with the decreasing isolation of forest patches. Apart from the habitat fragmentation, bird taxonomic diversity but not phylogenetic diversity was positively associated with forest stand age. The lower share of dominant tree species, the highest taxonomic diversity was. While preserving a whole spectrum of forests (in terms of age, fragmentation and size) is important from the biodiversity perspective, forest bird species might need large, intact, old-growth forests. Since the large and intact forest becomes scarcer, our study underscore their importance for the preservation of forest specialist species.
Renal function is associated with blood neurofilament light chain level in older adults
Authors: Akamine Shoshin , Marutani Noriko , Kanayama Daisuke , Gotoh Shiho , Maruyama Riki , Yanagida Kanta , Sakagami Yukako , Mori Kohji , Adachi Hiroyoshi , Kozawa Junji , Maeda Norikazu , Otsuki Michio , Matsuoka Takaaki , Iwahashi Hiromi , Shimomura Iichiro , Ikeda Manabu , Kudo Takashi
Published: November 2020

Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a novel biomarker of neurodegenerative diseases. It is detectable in the peripheral blood, allowing low-invasive assessment of early signs of neurodegeneration. The level of NfL gradually increases with age; however, what other factors affect it remains unclear. The present study examined the association between blood NfL level and renal function among healthy participants undergoing a health check (n = 43, serum NfL) and patients with diabetes mellitus (n = 188, plasma NfL). All participants were 60 years of age or older; none were diagnosed with dementia. In each group, levels of blood NfL and serum creatinine significantly correlated (coefficient r = 0.50, 0.56). These associations remained statistically significant even after adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index. These findings indicate that blood NfL level might be partially affected by renal function. We recommend measuring renal function for a more precise evaluation of neuroaxonal damage, in particular, among older adults.
Analysis of the three dimensional structure of the kidney glomerulus capillary network
Authors: Terasaki Mark , Brunson Jason Cory , Sardi Justin
Published: November 2020

The capillary network of the kidney glomerulus filters small molecules from the blood. The glomerular 3D structure should help to understand its function, but it is poorly characterized. We therefore devised a new approach in which an automated tape collecting microtome (ATUM) was used to collect 0.5 μm thick serial sections from fixed mouse kidneys. The sections were imaged by scanning electron microscopy at ~ 50 nm/pixel resolution. With this approach, 12 glomeruli were reconstructed at an x–y–z resolution ~ 10 × higher than that of paraffin sections. We found a previously undescribed no-cross zone between afferent and efferent branches on the vascular pole side; connections here would allow blood to exit without being adequately filtered. The capillary diameters throughout the glomerulus appeared to correspond with the amount of blood flow within them. The shortest path (minimum number of branches to travel from afferent to efferent arterioles) is relatively independent of glomerular size and is present primarily on the vascular pole size. This suggests that new branches and longer paths form on the urinary pole side. Network analysis indicates that the glomerular network does not form by repetitive longitudinal splitting of capillaries. Thus the 3D structure of the glomerular capillary network provides useful information with which to understand glomerular function. Other tissue structures in the body may benefit from this new three dimensional approach.
A novel methylation signature predicts radiotherapy sensitivity in glioma
Authors: Feng Yuemei , Li Guanzhang , Shi Zhongfang , Yan Xu , Wang Zhiliang , Jiang Haoyu , Chen Ye , Li Renpeng , Zhai You , Chang Yuanhao , Zhang Wei , Yuan Fang
Published: November 2020

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and malignant cancer of the central nervous system, and radiotherapy is widely applied in GBM treatment; however, the sensitivity to radiotherapy varies in different patients. To solve this clinical dilemma, a radiosensitivity prediction signature was constructed in the present study based on genomic methylation. In total, 1044 primary GBM samples with clinical and methylation microarray data were involved in this study. LASSO-COX, GSVA, Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis, and COX regression were performed for the construction and verification of predictive models. The R programming language was used as the main tool for statistical analysis and graphical work. Via the integration analysis of methylation and the survival data of primary GBM, a novel prognostic and radiosensitivity prediction signature was constructed. This signature was found to be stable in prognosis prediction in the TCGA and CGGA databases. The possible mechanism was also explored, and it was found that this signature is closely related to DNA repair functions. Most importantly, this signature could predict whether GBM patients could benefit from radiotherapy. In summary, a radiosensitivity prediction signature for GBM patients based on five methylated probes was constructed, and presents great potential for clinical application.
Variation of soil organic carbon and physical properties in relation to land uses in the Yellow River Delta, China
Authors: Jiao Shuying , Li Junran , Li Yongqiang , Xu Ziyun , Kong Baishu , Li Ye , Shen Yuwen
Published: November 2020

Soil physical properties and soil organic carbon (SOC) are considered as important factors of soil quality. Arable land, grassland, and forest land coexist in the saline-alkali reclamation area of the Yellow River Delta (YRD), China. Such different land uses strongly influence the services of ecosystem to induce soil degradation and carbon loss. The objective of this study is to evaluate the variation of soil texture, aggregates stability, and soil carbon affected by land uses. For each land use unit, we collected soil samples from five replicated plots from “S” shape soil profiles to the depth of 50 cm (0–5, 5–10, 10–20, 20–30, and 30–50 cm). The results showed that the grassland had the lowest overall sand content of 39.98–59.34% in the top 50 cm soil profile. The content of soil aggregates > 0.25 mm (R0.25), mean weight diameter and geometric mean diameter were significantly higher in grassland than those of the arable and forest land. R0.25, aggregate stability in arable land in the top 30 cm were higher than that of forest land, but lower in the soil profile below 20 cm, likely due to different root distribution and agricultural practices. The carbon management index (CMI) was considered as the most effective indicator of soil quality. The overall SOC content and CMI in arable land were almost the lowest among three land use types. In combination with SOC, CMI and soil physical properties, we argued that alfalfa grassland had the advantage to promote soil quality compared with arable land and forest land. This result shed light on the variations of soil properties influenced by land uses and the importance to conduct proper land use for the long-term sustainability of the saline-alkali reclamation region.
Feed additives for the control of post-weaning Streptococcus suis disease and the effect on the faecal and nasal microbiota
Authors: Correa-Fiz Florencia , Neila-Ibáñez Carlos , López-Soria Sergio , Napp Sebastian , Martinez Blanca , Sobrevia Laia , Tibble Simon , Aragon Virginia , Migura-Garcia Lourdes
Published: November 2020

Medicated feed is a common strategy to control the occurrence of Streptococcus suis disease in swine production, but feed additives may constitute an alternative to metaphylaxis. In a farm with post-weaning S. suis disease, the following additives were tested: lysozyme (Lys), medium chain fatty acids plus lysozyme (FA + Lys), FA plus a natural anti-inflammatory (FA + antiinf) and amoxicillin (Amox). During the course of the study, FA + antiinf and Amox groups showed lower prevalence of clinical signs compatible with S. suis disease than the rest of the groups. Piglets from the FA + antiinf group showed high diversity and richness in their nasal and faecal microbiota. Diet supplements did not have major effects on the faecal microbiota, where the genus Mitsuokella was the only differentially present in the FA + Lys group. In the nasal microbiota, piglets from FA + antiinf presented higher differential abundance of a sequence variant from Ruminococcaceae and lower abundance of an unclassified genus from Weeksellaceae. In general, we detected more significant changes in the nasal than in the feacal microbiota, and found that parity of the dams affected the microbiota composition of their offspring, with piglets born to gilts exhibiting lower richness and diversity. Our results suggest that additives could be useful to control post-weaning disease when removing antimicrobials in farms.
Mislabelling and high mercury content hampers the efforts of market-based seafood initiatives in Peru
Authors: Biffi Daniella , López-Mobilia Andrea , Kelez Shaleyla , Williams Dean A. , Chumchal Matthew M. , Weinburgh Molly
Published: November 2020

Peru is experiencing a “gastronomic boom” that is increasing the demand for seafood. We investigated two implicit assumptions of two popular sustainable seafood consumer-based initiatives: (1) seafood is labelled correctly, and (2) the recommended species are healthy for consumers. We used DNA barcoding to determine the taxonomic identity of 449 seafood samples from markets and restaurants and analysed the concentration of total mercury (THg) in a sub-sample (271 samples) of these. We found that a third of seafood is mislabelled and that over a quarter of all samples had mercury levels above the upper limit recommended by the US EPA (300 ng/g ww). Additionally, 30% of samples were threatened and protected species. Mislabelling often occurred for economic reasons and the lack of unique common names. Mislabelled samples also had significantly higher mercury concentrations than correctly labelled samples. The “best choice” species compiled from two sustainable seafood guides had less mislabelling, and when identified correctly through DNA barcoding, had on average lower mercury than the other species. Nevertheless, some high mercury species are included in these lists. Mislabelling makes the efforts of seafood campaigns less effective as does the inclusion of threatened species and species high in mercury.
Genetic diversity of the Griffon vulture population in Serbia and its importance for conservation efforts in the Balkans
Authors: Davidović Slobodan , Jelić Mihailo , Marinković Saša , Mihajlović Milica , Tanasić Vanja , Hribšek Irena , Sušić Goran , Dragićević Milan , Stamenković-Radak Marina
Published: November 2020

The Griffon vulture was once a widespread species across the region of Southeast Europe, but it is now endangered and in some parts is completely extinct. In the Balkan Peninsula the largest Griffon vulture inland population inhabits the territory of Serbia. We present, for the first time, the genetic data of this valuable population that could be a source for future reintroduction programs planned in South-eastern Europe. To characterize the genetic structure of this population we used microsatellite markers from ten loci. Blood samples were collected from 57 chicks directly in the nests during the ongoing monitoring program. We performed a comparative analysis of the obtained data with the existing data from three native populations from French Pyrenees, Croatia, and Israel. We have assessed the genetic differentiation between different native populations and determined the existence of two genetic clusters that differentiate the populations from the Balkan and Iberian Peninsulas. Furthermore, we analysed whether the recent bottleneck events influenced the genetic structure of the populations studied, and we found that all native populations experienced a recent bottleneck event, and that the population of Israel was the least affected. Nevertheless, the parameters of genetic diversity suggest that all analysed populations have retained a similar level of genetic diversity and that the Griffon vulture population from Serbia exhibits the highest value for private alleles. The results of this study suggest that the Griffon vulture populations of the Balkan Peninsula are genetically differentiated from the populations of the Iberian Peninsula, which is an important information for future reintroduction strategies.
Plastic zone range of a roadway considering the creep effect
Authors: Chen Haidong , Chen Xiangjun , Wang Zhaofeng , Li Zhiqiang , An Fenghua
Published: November 2020

The plastic zone range is an important parameter in the analysis of damage characteristics and the degree of damage to the rock surrounding a roadway. Based on the establishment of a plastic zone calculation model considering the creep effect, this paper obtains the characteristics of the change in the plastic zone damage range with time by solving the model. Additionally, the validity of the model is verified by field experiments. The research results can provide guidance for gas pressure measurement and gas drainage in coal mines.
Coastal urbanization alters carbon cycling in Tokyo Bay
Authors: Kubo Atsushi , Kanda Jota
Published: November 2020

The carbon budget of Tokyo Bay, a highly urbanized coastal basin, was estimated using a box model that incorporated inorganic and organic carbon data over an annual cycle (2011–2012). The surface water represented net autotrophic system in which the annual net community production (NCP) was 19 × 1010 gC year−1. The annual loading of dissolved inorganic carbon and total organic carbon (TOC) from freshwater inputs was 11.2 × 1010 and 4.9 × 1010 gC year−1, respectively. The annual TOC sedimentation rate was 3.1 × 1010 gC year−1, similar to the annual air–sea CO2 uptake (5.0 × 1010 gC year−1). Although the NCP and TOC loading from freshwater inputs were respectively 3.0 and 2.7 times lower than those in the 1970s, the TOC sedimentation rate was similar. Therefore, a relatively high carbon efflux from Tokyo Bay likely occurred in the 1970s, including CO2 efflux to the atmosphere and/or export of labile organic carbon to the open ocean. The changes in carbon flow between the 1970s and 2011–2012 resulted from improved water quality due to increased sewage treatment facilities and improved sewage treatment efficiency in the catchment, which decreased the amount of labile organic carbon flowing into the bay.
On-line range verification for proton beam therapy using spherical ionoacoustic waves with resonant frequency
Authors: Takayanagi Taisuke , Uesaka Tomoki , Nakamura Yuta , Unlu Mehmet Burcin , Kuriyama Yasutoshi , Uesugi Tomonori , Ishi Yoshihiro , Kudo Nobuki , Kobayashi Masanori , Umegaki Kikuo , Tomioka Satoshi , Matsuura Taeko
Published: November 2020

In contrast to conventional X-ray therapy, proton beam therapy (PBT) can confine radiation doses to tumours because of the presence of the Bragg peak. However, the precision of the treatment is currently limited by the uncertainty in the beam range. Recently, a unique range verification methodology has been proposed based on simulation studies that exploit spherical ionoacoustic waves with resonant frequency (SPIREs). SPIREs are emitted from spherical gold markers in tumours initially introduced for accurate patient positioning when the proton beam is injected. These waves have a remarkable property: their amplitude is linearly correlated with the residual beam range at the marker position. Here, we present proof-of-principle experiments using short-pulsed proton beams at the clinical dose to demonstrate the feasibility of using SPIREs for beam-range verification with submillimetre accuracy. These results should substantially contribute to reducing the range uncertainty in future PBT applications.
Time-resolved luminescence and excitation spectroscopy of co-doped Gd3Ga3Al2O12 scintillating crystals
Authors: Pankratova Viktorija , Kozlova Anna P. , Buzanov Oleg A. , Chernenko Kirill , Shendrik Roman , Šarakovskis Anatolijs , Pankratov Vladimir
Published: November 2020

Cerium doped Gd3Ga3Al2O12 (GGAG) single crystals as well as GGAG:Ce single crystals co-doped by divalent (Mg2+, Ca2+) and tetravalent (Zr4+, Ti4+) ions have been studied by means of time-resolved luminescence as well as the excitation luminescence spectroscopy in vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and soft X-ray (XUV) spectral range. Tunable laser excitation was applied for time-resolved experiments in order to obtain luminescence decay curves under excitations in Ce3+, Gd3+ and excitonic absorption bands. The influence of the co-dopant ions on the Ce3+ luminescence decay kinetics is elucidated. The fastest luminescence decay was observed for the Mg2+ co-doped crystals under any excitation below bandgap energy indicating the perturbation of the 5d states of Ce3+ by Mg2+ ions. Synchrotron radiation was utilized for the luminescence excitation in the energy range from 4.5 to 800 eV. Special attention was paid to the analysis of Ce3+ excitation spectra in VUV and XUV spectral range where multiplication of electronic excitation (MEE) processes occur. Our results demonstrated that GGAG:Ce single crystals co-doped by Mg2+ ions as well as the GGAG:Ce crystal annealed in vacuum reveal the most efficient excitation of Ce3+ emission in VUV-XUV excitation range. The role of intrinsic defects in MEE processes in the co-doped as well as in the annealed GGAG:Ce single crystals is discussed.
Carbon nitride nanoparticles as ultrasensitive fluorescent probes for the detection of α-glucosidase activity and inhibitor screening
Authors: Guo Feng-Na , Wang Yi-Ting , Wu Na , Feng Li-Xia , Zhang Hui-Chao , Yang Ting , Wang Jian-Hua
Published: November 2020

A novel strategy for the detection of α-glucosidase activity and inhibitor screening was developed based on fluorescent carbon nitride nanoparticles.
A feasibility study on the application of separable coded masks to X-ray fluorescence imaging
Authors: Sun Shifeng , Ouyang Xiaoping
Published: November 2020

The coded images acquired by the XRF imaging system can be reconstructed with a neural network and an iterative algorithm.
Alkylaminomaleimide fluorophores: synthesis via air oxidation and emission modulation by twisted intramolecular charge transfer
Authors: Guo Yun , Yao Linli , Luo Ling , Wang Hang-Xing , Yang Ze , Wang Zhao , Ai Shu-Lun , Zhang Yuexing , Zou Qi-Chao , Zhang Hao-Li
Published: November 2020

A novel strategy to synthesize 3-alkylaminomaleimide fluorophores via air oxidation is developed, and the structural features for the designed TICT fluorophores with bright emission are established.
Targeting intracranial patient-derived glioblastoma (GBM) with a NIR-I fluorescent immunoconjugate for facilitating its image-guided resection
Authors: Hettie Kenneth S. , Teraphongphom Nutte Tarn , Ertsey Robert D. , Rosenthal Eben L. , Chin Frederick T.
Published: November 2020

Fluorescent immunoconjugate cetuximab-IRDye800 bypasses the blood-brain-barrier to afford visualization of patient-derived GBM39 brain tumor tissue for facilitating its fluorescence-guided resection.
Violet-light stimulated synaptic and learning functions in a zinc–tin oxide photoelectric transistor for neuromorphic computation
Authors: Lin Ting-Ruei , Shih Li-Chung , Cheng Po-Jen , Chen Kuan-Ting , Chen Jen-Sue
Published: November 2020

Photonic potentiation and electric depression are realized in a ZTO thin film transistor for the application in neuromorphic computation.
Fluorene-based enamines as low-cost and dopant-free hole transporting materials for high performance and stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Daskeviciute Sarune , Momblona Cristina , Rakstys Kasparas , Sutanto Albertus Adrian , Daskeviciene Maryte , Jankauskas Vygintas , Gruodis Alytis , Bubniene Giedre , Getautis Vytautas , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: November 2020

One-pot synthesized low-cost HTM V1275 exhibits a remarkable performance of 19.3% in PSCs with exceptional stability retaining 125% of the original PCE after 500 h.
Defect-rich bimetallic yolk–shell metal-cyanide frameworks as efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reactions
Authors: Feng Yongqiang , Dong Peipei , Cao Liyun , Wang Xiao , Wang Jia , Wang Hai , Feng Weihang , Chen Junsheng , Feng Liangliang , He Chaozheng , Huang Jianfeng
Published: November 2020

A defect-rich yolk–shell Co–Fe Prussian-blue analogue was fabricated using a reduction-induced dissolution–recrystallization strategy, which exhibited enhanced OER performance in an alkaline medium.
A chemical map of NaSICON electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Singh Baltej , Wang Ziliang , Park Sunkyu , Gautam Gopalakrishnan Sai , Chotard Jean-Noël , Croguennec Laurence , Carlier Dany , Cheetham Anthony K. , Masquelier Christian , Canepa Pieremanuele
Published: November 2020

Using first-principles calculations, we chart the chemical space of 3d transition metal-based NaSICON phosphates with the formula NaxMM′(PO4)3 (with M and M′ = Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni). Novel NaSICON compositions were revealed.
Circulating and local nuclear expression of survivin and fibulin-3 genes in discriminating benign from malignant respiratory diseases: correlation analysis
Authors: Hassan Mohammed H. , Abuhamdah Sawsan , Abdel-Bary Mohamed , Wahman Mohammed , Abd-Elhamid Tarek Hamdy , Beshay Morris , Mosallam Karam , Elsadek Bakheet E.M.
Published: November 2020

Survivin is an inhibitor of apoptosis as well as a promoter of cell proliferation. Fibulin-3 is a matrix glycoprotein that displays potential for tumor suppression or propagation. The present study aimed to validate the expression levels of survivin and fibulin-3 in benign and malignant respiratory diseases. This case–control study included 219 patients categorized into five groups. Group A included 63 patients with lung cancer, group B included 63 patients with various benign lung diseases, group D included 45 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), and group E included 48 patients with various benign pleural diseases. Group C included 60 healthy individuals (control group). Serum survivin and fibulin-3 levels were measured by ELISA, whereas their nuclear expressions in the lung and pleura were assessed via Western blot analysis. The results showed significantly higher survivin serum levels and significantly lower fibulin-3 levels in group A compared with in group B and controls (P<0.001). There were significantly higher serum levels of survivin and fibulin-3 in group D compared with in group E and controls (P<0.001), consistent with observed nuclear survivin and fibulin-3 expression levels. Fibulin-3 was determined to have higher value than survivin in discriminating lung cancer from MPM (P<0.05). Survivin and fibulin-3 could be useful diagnostic markers for lung and pleural cancers, and fibulin-3 expression was particularly useful in differentiating lung cancer from MPM.
Definition of Key Indicators to Identify Optimal Distribution Grid Restoration Strategies
Authors: Strunck Christoph , Rehtanz Christian
Published: November 2020

Due to significant changes in the power energy system and extreme weather conditions as a result of the increasing impact of climate change, large scale blackouts become more likely. With the rising penetration of renewable energy sources in distribution grids and the shutdown of large conventional power plants, the system inertia and therefore the resilience is decreasing. This will have a significant influence on the provision of ancillary services in the future. Especially for grid restoration processes, new concepts are necessary to assure an optimal integration of the distributed energy resources to resupply a grid after a blackout. However, to identify and assess the capability of distribution grids to restore the grid operation to resupply their grid independently of the transmission system key indicators are necessary for an analysis. Hence, this paper introduces a key indicator system, which has the goal to address several challenges of a distribution grid restoration.
Hybrid Power Systems for Buildings and Factories
Authors: Tseng Chung-Jen , Chen Cheng-I , Yao Cheng-You , Lee Kan-Rong
Published: November 2020

Integrated hybrid power systems have become more and more important in recent years. The functioning of medium-temperature proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cell (pSOFC) hybrid system is proposed in this work. The combined system consists of a pSOFC stack, steam methane reformer, compressors, burners, heat exchangers and methanol synthesizing reactor. The excess waste heat of the burner is recovered using heat exchangers. Also, the unutilized hydrogen from SOFC is used for carbon reduction by methanol production. The functioning of configured system is explored by using Matlab/Simulink/Thermolib software. In pSOFC operation, stoichiometric ratio (Sto) of air is maintained 3 and Sto of hydrogen is varied between 1.4 to1.7. Results show that the benefit of carbon reduction depends on methanol production. By using water separator, the methanol production efficiency increases dramatically. In addition, hydrogen transfer membrane is used to increase stack efficiency and control the temperature of stack chamber and reformer. This further improves benefit of carbon reduction. The proposed hybrid system in this work can be used to power huge residential buildings and some factories.
On the use of dynamic state estimation for the optimal control of power system
Authors: Domyshev Alexander , Tikhonov Alexander
Published: November 2020

Investigations of the application of classical methods of dynamic state estimation on the data of a real power system for the purposes of optimal control have been carried out. A modern feature of state estimation for a large power system is that data from the SCADA system are fed to the calculation subsystem with a fairly small frequency. It is shown that the use of classical methods of dynamic state estimation for such problems is limited. The study was carried out using the ergodic theory of a dynamical system.
New method of stochastic optimization for dynamic optimal power flow
Authors: Domyshev Alexander
Published: November 2020

An universal algorithm for stochastic optimization is proposed. This algorithm is effective for dynamic optimization of process changing in time with taking into account the time-dependent cost of actions. Proposed algorithm is tested on the model of quite big power system and proved to be effective.
Monitoring and analysis of SCADA and WAMS data for EPS digitalization
Authors: Kolosok Irina , Gurina Liudmila
Published: November 2020

The properties of electric power systems (EPSs) are currently in the process of digital transformation, which should be taken into account when controlling them. Despite the numerous advantages of the digital transition, there are still problems with quality of the data used to control the EPS, and they are to a greater extent associated with the cybersecurity threats to the EPS information and communication infrastructure. The paper demonstrates the effect of changes in cybersecurity properties of the information and communication infrastructure on the quality of data streams coming from SCADA and WAMS, and reveals their complex interaction. The need has arisen to assess the quality of data during cyberattacks on systems for collecting, transmitting and processing the information. An algorithm is proposed to assess the quality of measurements based on the fuzzy logic.
Application of FACTS devices for flexibility control of transmission networks
Authors: Kolosok Irina , Korkina Elena , Tikhonov Alexander
Published: November 2020

Maintenance of power balance at each time moment in every node and in the electric power system as a whole is a mandatory condition for supplying the electric power of required quality (frequency, voltage levels). Property of the system to be considered as its ability to control power balance is referred to as flexibility. Technologies for operating conditions control or systems services are an efficient means of regulating the flexibility of HV transmission networks in the cycle of on-line and anti-emergency control. Present-day FACTS of the second generation based on power electronics whose control systems ensure high efficiency of control and stabilization are the most perspective means of flexibility regulating and control.

The paper considers potentials of using those devices for regulating the flexibility of 500/200 kV network that is a section of a real EPS. Calculations were performed in the simulation experiment and were based on real telemetry measurements using the State Estimation Software.

The results of the studies have showed that substitution of the first-generation FACTS devices by the controlled second-generation FACTS devices and installation of new present-day FACTS allows notable enhancement of HV electric networks controllability and ensures the required level of networks flexibility.
Modeling of heat transfer in inhomogeneous systems using the flow graph on the example of a lead-acid battery
Authors: Kozlova Mariia , Shamansky Vitaly
Published: November 2020

In this work, it is proposed to represent systems that are heterogeneous in terms of intensive parameters as a set of homogeneous subsystems between which extensive parameters are transferred. With this approach, it is possible to simplify the system by combining subsystems (or already the vertices of a graph) without losing its physical sense. This technique has been applied to simulate a lead acid battery.
Calculation of efficiency of work of converters of energy of solar heat and electric stations
Authors: Moskalenko Nikolay , Khamidullina Maryana , Akhmetshin Azat
Published: November 2020

The modeling of complex radiation heat exchange in the system “Sun-atmosphere-solar thermal and electric stations” is considered. The structural scheme of solar radiation inflows to the heat-absorbing surface of solar thermal and electrical stations is discussed. Calculations of spectral intensities and the flux of solar radiation, taking into account the selectivity of molecular absorption of radiation by the ingredients of the gas phase of the atmosphere, scattering and absorption of radiation by atmospheric aerosol and clouds, taking into account the statistics of their distribution depending on the location of the station and the time of year. Modeling of anthropogenic impacts on the operation of solar thermal and electrical stations in connection with the capture of anthropogenic emissions of sols by clouds is performed. An assessment of the impact of economic activity on the work of promising solar thermal and electrical stations. The developed methods for calculating the spectral intensities and fluxes of short-wave and long-wave radiation on the underlying surface make it possible to calculate the efficiency of the functioning of solar hot water supply systems for any location and structural solution.
Electricity demand management within the retail electricity market in Russia
Authors: N.S. Ogorodnikov
Published: November 2020

The article is devoted to the problem of managing the demand for electricity consumption within the framework of the retail electricity market in Russia. The author identifies and summarizes the existing demand management tools. The article substantiates the need for the development and implementation of innovative tools and mechanisms for managing the demand for electricity consumption.
Synthetic liquid fuels: prospects for innovative technologies based on underground coal gasification
Authors: Tyurina E. A. , Elsukov P. Yu. , Mednikov A.S.
Published: November 2020

The growing demand for energy, the depletion of oil and gas reserves, and the threat of global climate change have led to an increase in interest in underground coal gasification technologies (UCG) around the world. The potential for using underground gasification of low-grade coal resources with complex mining and geological conditions is huge. The main challenge is the development of competitive technologies for the production of synthesis gas and production of electricity, heat, and synthetic liquid fuels on its basis.

The paper presents a study of one of the promising areas of the use of UCG gas for the combined production of synthetic liquid fuel (methanol) and electricity. A mathematical model of the installation for combined production of methanol and electricity (ICPME) was developed. Based on this mathematical model, a technical and economic optimization of the parameters was carried out to assess the prospects of the scale of application of this coal processing method.

The purpose of research conducted using the mathematical models of the ICPME is to determine the optimal parameters of the installation and the sensitivity of its economic performance indicators to changes in external conditions.
Optimization of Capacities of Wind and Solar Power Plants in the Interstate Power Grid in North-East Asia Taking Into Account the Intermittence of Their Power Output
Authors: Trofimov Leonid N. , Trofimov Ivan L.
Published: November 2020

The paper considers the problems of optimization of wind and solar power plants (WPP and SPP) expansion and it operating modes in the prospective interstate power grid (ISPG) in Northeast Asia, taking into account the intermittence of their power output. A series of experiments with variations in the profiles of WPP and SPP in the model nodes were carried out. Also authors carried out some additional experiments with the increase in fuel costs for fossil fuel power plants due to environmental restrictions. As a result, an assessment of the character of the changes in the solution of the model for new installed capacities and their costs, depending on the variations for the profiles of the contributions generation of WPP and SPP to cover daily electrical load graphs, is obtained.
Research and Outlook on Northeast Asian Energy Interconnection
Authors: Gao Yi , Liu Zhe , Xu Xinzhi , Guo Yanfen , Li Jun
Published: November 2020

Northeast Asia is the most developed region in Asia with large energy demand, and plays an important role in the global economic development. Northeast Asia has been facing severe challenges in ensuring energy security, protecting the environment, and coping with climate change, because of their high dependency on fossil fuels and imports of oil from outside the region, and inverse distribution between energy resources and demand. In order to actively respond to climate change, promote the transition to low-carbon energy and sustainable development in the region, achieve the grand purpose of economic prosperity, social progress and ecological protection, this study is conducted with a focus on power grid interconnection in Northeast Asia. Based on the historical energy and power data in Northeast Asia, this paper studies the development trends of energy and power demand in future by combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Considering the distribution of clean energy bases, this paper proposes an energy interconnection scheme in Northeast Asia with high clear energy penetration scenario. To form the Asia-Europe energy interconnection, the construction of the Asia-Europe interconnection channels is briefly analyzed in this paper.
Infrastructure risk-oriented advantages of low-power nuclear power plants
Authors: Udyanskiy Yu. N. , Shchepetina T. D.
Published: November 2020

Variants of classification of risks of NPP design over the entire life cycle are proposed. The concept of integral risk is introduced and, on its basis, approaches to the creation of a low-risk nuclear power system based on small and medium power units are formulated. The key role of the human factor in the formation of risks is reflected. Comparison of the risks of NPPs of large and small capacity is carried out. .
Trends in the energy development of the Russian Federation and its Asian regions in the first half of the 21st century in the context of Russia’s energy ties with the countries of northeast Asia
Authors: Saneev Boris , Lagerev Anatoly , Khanaeva Valentina
Published: November 2020

The present paper deals with the role of the Asian regions of Russia (Siberia and the Russian Far East) in the production and consumption of energy resources in the country for the period up to 2050. The focus is on the dynamics and structure of energy resources outflows from the Asian regions of the country to the European part of the country and for exports to European and Asian destinations.
How the excitation system parameters and the generator protection settings affect the reliability of electricity delivery from distributed generation facilities
Authors: Ilyushin Pavel , Kulikov Aleksandr
Published: November 2020

The paper analyzes the causes of disruptions in electricity delivery to critical users in power areas that operate distributed generation facilities (DG), hereinafter referred to as DG areas. Statistics is shown to be affected by the types of the excitation systems (ES) chosen for the DG generators, as well as by the relay protection (RP) settings as configured when designing the facilities. The paper dwells upon the specifications of the ES’s used in low-power generators, their effective applications, as well as the consequences of disturbances in the power area or in an external grid. It is proven herein that RP settings as configured by generator manufacturers are often suboptimal, which jeopardizes their further operation, prevents the operator from aligning these settings to those of the grid RPs, and results in unnecessary disconnections. The paper also details upon calculating the parameters of DG-enabled grids in the common software suits, as well as on how to make a list of effective contingencies. It further gives recommendations on grouping the calculation problems by initial disturbance to optimize the number of projected scenarios. The authors prove that ES selection and generator RP configurations must be appropriate if DG facilities are to deliver electricity reliably.
An attempt at assessing the economic component of strategic threats to energy security
Authors: Kononov Dmitrii
Published: November 2020

The paper studies the main economic threats to energy security and the indicators descriptive of them. Available models to estimate the numerical values of these threats are presented. The results of modeled calculations are provided.
Keywords: energy security, strategic threats, indicators, risks.
Remote Study of Aufeis along the ‘Power of Siberia’ Gas Pipeline in the Aldan River Basin
Authors: Nogovitsyn Dmitry D. , Pinigin Dmitry D. , Nikolaeva Nadezhda A.
Published: November 2020

The ‘Power of Siberia’ gas pipeline route passes through the territories of South-West and South Yakutia, where the natural conditions are characterized by severe climatic, complex engineering geological and geocryological conditions. A variety of environmental conditions are mandatory for construction and operation in different areas with long-term soil and hazardous geocryological processes: debris flow formation, aufeis formation, soil heaving, thermokarst, thermosuffosion. Aufeis formation processes will be of particular importance during the construction of the pipeline. As a degree of their occurrence in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), it should be mentioned the Aldan upland. Aufeis occur almost in the majority of local stream valleys as a small areas of ice formations, basically confined to floodplain and riverbed.

Aufeis areas had been identified in trace areas by the method of deciphering satellite images within the territory of the hydrogeological zones of the Lena-Amur interfluve. As a result of remote studies, territorial and quantitative distributions in hydrogeological zones have been identified. As a result of the monitoring results the areas of each aufeis are determined and their contours are decoded due to satellite images of recent years (2018-2020).
The character of transformation of the threats to Russia’s energy security as the basis for evaluating the possibilities to meet the prospective demand for primary energy resources
Authors: Senderov Sergey , Rabchuk Viktor
Published: November 2020

The paper analyses the situation with ensuring energy security in Russia over the past five years and provides an assessment of the nature of the transformation of the most significant threats to Russia’s energy security until 2030. It is shown that by 2030 the annual potential of fuel and fuel in the country Energy complex for the production of primary fuel and energy resources together with the import of fuel and energy to Russia will significantly exceed its domestic needs. At the same time, the ability to export Russian natural gas could be significantly reduced. The paper shows that the situation with the decline in opportunities for the production and export of natural gas in Russia is not very encouraging. There are no prerequisites for a significant increase in world prices for hydrocarbons until 2030. And at the same time, there is a constant increase in the cost of oil and gas production and transportation on average across Russia. The paper concludes that the possibilities for the development of the Russian economy through the sale of only natural resources are practically exhausted by now.
Development of an Adaptive Module for Control of Energy Supply of the Consumer in the Distributive Electrical Network 0,4 kV for Elimination of the Phase Load Unsymmetry
Authors: Klimenko Yu.A. , Preobrazhensky A.P.
Published: November 2020

The paper considers the possibility of modeling the process of controlling the power supply of the consumer in the lower levels of network organizations to improve the quality indicators of electrical energy in the distribution electrical networks of 0.4 kV. The analysis of the process of control of indicators of the quality of electricity in the supply of energy to consumers. The block diagram of the adaptive power supply control module of the consumer and the algorithm of the control process are presented. A consumer power supply control module in 0.4 kV distribution networks is proposed.
Technology to Reduce Energy Costs in the Electric Steel Melting Shop
Authors: Hoshimov FA , Rakhmonov I U , Niyozov N N
Published: November 2020

The article proposes a technological scheme of energy consumption for enterprises of the textile industry using technical means. On the basis of experimental studies in the field of energy saving in industrial enterprises, in particular in the tequistine industry, the main criteria for optimizing the whole variety of tasks for energy saving and assessing the corresponding energy indicators of units and enterprises in general are being developed. In addition, methodological foundations of experimental research on energy saving at operating industrial enterprises are being developed, taking into account technological and operational factors affecting energy consumption levels.
An iterative method for elliptic problems with rapidly oscillating coefficients
Authors: Armstrong Scott , Hannukainen Antti , Kuusi Tuomo , Mourrat Jean-Christophe
Published: November 2020

We introduce a new iterative method for computing solutions of elliptic equations with random rapidly oscillating coefficients. Similarly to a multigrid method, each step of the iteration involves different computations meant to address different length scales. However, we use here the homogenized equation on all scales larger than a fixed multiple of the scale of oscillation of the coefficients. While the performance of standard multigrid methods degrades rapidly under the regime of large scale separation that we consider here, we show an explicit estimate on the contraction factor of our method which is independent of the size of the domain. We also present numerical experiments which confirm the effectiveness of the method, with openly available source code.
Parametric optimization while turning Ti-6Al-4V alloy in Mist-MQCL (Green environment) using the DEAR method
Authors: Lakshmi Vennela V. K. , Subbaiah Kambagowni Venkata , Kothapalli Arun Vikram , Suresh Kilparthi
Published: November 2020

Sustainability in any production emphasizes green-manufacturing techniques, improvement in quality with energy-efficient techniques, and environment-friendly processes. Titanium machining productivity is greatly influenced by speed, as high cutting velocity raises the temperatures in the shear zone and heat, owing to its low thermal conductivity. Hence in this work, an attempt is made to increase productivity by exploring the efficacy at transition speed for titanium alloy machining. Water-soluble lubricant is mist-sprayed as aerosols at a near-zero temperature in minor quantity, to minimize the temperatures generated during the cutting process at increased speed. Besides, an optimal decision variable vector optimizes multi-goals of machining Titanium grade 5 alloys under Minimum quantity cooling lubrication explored in this study in transitional speed zones. The response goals are the optimization of “vibration, surface quality, tool wear rate, and Material removal rate.” Multi goal optimization achieved by hybrid Taguchi coupled with Data Envelopment Analysis based Ranking (DEAR). The tool wear is very rapid at velocities of 200 mm/min. DEAR technique uses computed Multi performance rank index (MPRI) to predict the best data set at: (velocity, feed, doc) at (120 mm/min, 0.2 mm/rev, 1.0 mm). In this setting, the responses are compared in dry, flood, and MQL environment. It is observed a 30%, 60%, 40% improvement in surface finish, tool life, and vibrations compared to a dry environment and 13% and 3% of roughness and tool wear rate compared to a flood environment. Thus MQCL can be adopted for Ti6Al4V at transitional speeds.
Spannungskopfschmerzen: Prinzipien der Counterstrain-Behandlung
Authors: Kamp Rainer
Published: November 2020

Das Counterstrain-Konzept (Entspannen durch Positionieren) ist ein einfaches palpatorisch erfahrbares Konzept aus der Osteopathie. Es eignet sich auch zur Behandlung akuter und subakuter Schmerzzustände im Kopf-Nacken-Bereich. Viele Tenderpunkte (TP) stimmen in ihrer Lokalisation mit Akupunkturpunkten überein. Daher können Akupunkteure aufgrund ihrer Kenntnis der Lage der Akupunkturpunkte dieses Konzept einfach umsetzen. Ein wenig Übung ist jedoch erforderlich.