bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Better Safe than Sorry: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Interstitial Lung Disease, and Medication—A Narrative Review
Authors: Andronache Iulia-Tania , Şuţa Victoria-Cristina , Şuţa Maria , Ciocodei Sabina-Livia , Vladareanu Liliana , Nicoara Alina Doina , Arghir Oana Cristina
Published: June 2023

It is well known that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are at an increased risk of developing non-infectious pulmonary complications, especially interstitial lung disease (ILD); however, the clinician must keep in mind that lung disease could not only be a manifestation of the underlying condition, but also a consequence of using disease-modifying therapies. New-onset ILD or ILD worsening has also been reported as a possible consequence of both conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic agents. This study is a narrative review of the current literature regarding the potential risk of developing interstitial lung disease along with the administration of specific drugs used in controlling rheumatoid arthritis. Its purpose is to fill knowledge gaps related to this challenging patient cohort by addressing various aspects of the disease, including prevalence, disease features, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes.
A Deep-Learning-Based Method Can Detect Both Common and Rare Genetic Disorders in Fetal Ultrasound
Authors: Tang Jiajie , Han Jin , Xue Jiaxin , Zhen Li , Yang Xin , Pan Min , Hu Lianting , Li Ru , Jiang Yuxuan , Zhang Yongling , Jing Xiangyi , Li Fucheng , Chen Guilian , Zhang Kanghui , Zhu Fanfan , Liao Can , Lu Long
Published: June 2023

A global survey indicates that genetic syndromes affect approximately 8% of the population, but most genetic diagnoses can only be performed after babies are born. Abnormal facial characteristics have been identified in various genetic diseases; however, current facial identification technologies cannot be applied to prenatal diagnosis. We developed Pgds-ResNet, a fully automated prenatal screening algorithm based on deep neural networks, to detect high-risk fetuses affected by a variety of genetic diseases. In screening for Trisomy 21, Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13, and rare genetic diseases, Pgds-ResNet achieved sensitivities of 0.83, 0.92, 0.75, and 0.96, and specificities of 0.94, 0.93, 0.95, and 0.92, respectively. As shown in heatmaps, the abnormalities detected by Pgds-ResNet are consistent with clinical reports. In a comparative experiment, the performance of Pgds-ResNet is comparable to that of experienced sonographers. This fetal genetic screening technology offers an opportunity for early risk assessment and presents a non-invasive, affordable, and complementary method to identify high-risk fetuses affected by genetic diseases. Additionally, it has the capability to screen for certain rare genetic conditions, thereby enhancing the clinic’s detection rate.
Efficacy of Early Optimization of Infliximab Guided by Therapeutic Drug Monitoring during Induction—A Prospective Trial
Authors: Garcia Karoline Soares , de Azevedo Matheus Freitas Cardoso , Carlos Alexandre de Sousa , Barros Luísa Leite , Oba Jane , Sobrado Junior Carlos Walter , Sipahi Aytan Miranda , Alves Olívia Duarte de Castro , Navarro-Rodriguez Tomás , Parra Rogério Serafim , Chebli Júlio Maria Fonseca , Chebli Liliana Andrade , Flores Cristina , Vieira Andrea , do Ceará Christianne Damasceno Arcelino , Queiroz Natália Sousa Freitas , Damião Aderson Omar Mourão Cintra
Published: June 2023

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) during induction therapy with anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs has emerged as a strategy to optimize response to these biologics and avoid undesired outcomes related to inadequate drug exposure. This study aimed to describe clinical, biological, and endoscopic remission rates at six months in Brazilian inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients following a proactive TDM algorithm guided by IFX trough levels (ITL) and antibodies to IFX (ATI) levels during induction, at week six. A total of 111 IBD patients were prospectively enrolled, excluding those previously exposed to the drug. ITL ≥ 10 μg/mL was considered optimal. Patients with suboptimal ITL (<10 µg/mL) were guided according to ATI levels. Those who presented ATI ≤ 200 ng/mL underwent dose intensification in the maintenance phase, and patients with ATI > 200 ng/mL discontinued IFX. In our study, proactive TDM was associated with persistence in the IFX rate at six months of 82.9%. At that time, rates of clinical, biological, and endoscopic remission in patients under IFX treatment were 80.2%, 73.9%, and 48.1%, respectively. Applying a simplified TDM-guided algorithm during induction seems feasible and can help improve patients’ outcomes in clinical practice.
Chromosomal Aberration t(14;17)(q32;q21) Simultaneously Activates HOXB5 and miR10a in Triple-Hit B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Nagel Stefan , Pommerenke Claudia , Meyer Corinna , Kaufmann Maren , MacLeod Roderick A. F.
Published: June 2023

BCL2, BCL6 and MYC are major oncogenes in B-cell lymphoma. Their aberrant activation frequently occurs via chromosomal translocations which juxtapose light or heavy chain immunoglobulin (IG) genes to BCL2 and MYC or fuse diverse partner genes with BCL6. So-called double-hit lymphomas usually carry BCL2 and MYC rearrangements, while triple-hit lymphomas additionally bear BCL6-fusions. All these translocations are of diagnostic relevance and usually denote poor prognosis. Here, we genomically characterized classic follicular lymphoma (FL) cell line SC-1, thereby identifying t(14;18)(q32;q21) juxtaposing IGH and BCL2, t(8;14)(q24;q32) juxtaposing IGH and MYC, and t(3;3)(q25;q27) fusing MBNL1 to BCL6. In addition, we found that SC-1 carries a novel chromosomal rearrangement, t(14;17)(q32;q21), which, though present at establishment, has remained unreported until now. We further show that t(14;17)(q32;q21) juxtaposes IGH with the HOXB gene cluster at 17q21 and affect the oncogenic activation of both homeobox gene HOXB5 and neighboring micro-RNA gene miR10a. Moreover, we detected aberrant overexpression of HOXB5 in subsets of Burkitt lymphoma, FL, and multiple myeloma patients, confirming the clinical relevance of its deregulation. In SC-1, HOXB5 activation was additionally supported by co-expression of hematopoietic stem cell factor ZNF521, indicating an aberrant impact in cell differentiation. Functional investigations showed that HOXB5 represses the apoptotic driver BCL2L11 and promotes survival in the presence of etoposide, and that miR10a inhibits BCL6 and may thus play an oncogenic role in later stages of lymphomagenesis. Collectively, we characterize triple-hit B-cell line SC-1 and identify the aberrant expression of HOXB5 and miR10a, both novel oncogenes in B-cell lymphoma.
Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling in Gastrointestinal Cancer: Role of miRNAs as Biomarkers of Tumor Invasion
Authors: Lucarini Valeria , Nardozi Daniela , Angiolini Valentina , Benvenuto Monica , Focaccetti Chiara , Carrano Raffaele , Besharat Zein Mersini , Bei Roberto , Masuelli Laura
Published: June 2023

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are the most frequent neoplasm, responsible for half of all cancer-related deaths. Metastasis is the leading cause of death from GI cancer; thus, studying the processes that regulate cancer cell migration is of paramount importance for the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms adopted by cancer cells to promote cell migration and the subsequent metastasis formation by highlighting the key role that tumor microenvironment components play in deregulating cellular pathways involved in these processes. We, therefore, provide an overview of the role of different microRNAs in promoting tumor metastasis and their role as potential biomarkers for the prognosis, monitoring, and diagnosis of GI cancer patients. Finally, we relate the possible use of nutraceuticals as a new strategy for targeting numerous microRNAs and different pathways involved in GI tumor invasiveness.
Impact of Long-Term Shaolin Zen Meditation on Emotional Processing in Aging: A Visual ERP Study
Authors: Gu Huang , Liang Tiantian , Xin Zhaoyang , Lu Zilu , Li Qiaoling , Hong Hao
Published: June 2023

The aging process is always accompanied by a decline in cognitive and emotional functions. Although previous studies have identified the positive effects of different meditative practices on emotional and cognitive functions, few studies have investigated the most primitive Chinese meditation—Shaolin Zen meditation. In particular, data are extremely limited regarding the brain mechanism of the effects of Shaolin Zen meditation on cognitive and emotional functions during aging. The current study aimed to explore the effects of long-term Shaolin Zen meditation practice on event-related potentials (ERPs) during facial emotion recognition in aging. ERPs were recorded from 16 monks with long-term meditation experience and 20 controls without meditation experience. The significant age-related degenerative changes in the early ERP components did not present in the meditators but only in the controls without meditation experience. Additionally, we found no group differences in the late P3 component. These findings suggest that long-term Shaolin Zen meditation practice can counteract the age-related cognitive decline in the “down-top” automatic processing of emotional stimuli.
RNA Aptamer Targeting of Adam8 in Cancer Growth and Metastasis
Authors: Mi Zhiyong , Kuo Marissa C. , Kuo Paul C.
Published: June 2023

Cancer progression depends on an accumulation of metastasis-supporting physiological changes, which are regulated by cell-signaling molecules. In this regard, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 8 (Adam8) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is selectively expressed and induced by a variety of inflammatory stimuli. In this study, we identified Adam8 as a sox2-dependent protein expressed in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells when cocultured with mesenchymal-stem-cell-derived myofibroblast-like cancer-associated fibroblasts (myCAF). We have previously found that myCAF-induced cancer stemness is required for the maintenance of the myCAF phenotype, suggesting that the initiation and maintenance of the myCAF phenotype require distinct cell-signaling crosstalk pathways between cancer cells and myCAF. Adam8 was identified as a candidate secreted protein induced by myCAF-mediated cancer stemness. Adam8 has a known sheddase function against which we developed an RNA aptamer, namely, Adam8-Apt1-26nt. The Adam8-Apt1-26nt-mediated blockade of the extracellular soluble Adam8 metalloproteinase domain abolishes the previously initiated myCAF phenotype, or, termed differently, blocks the maintenance of the myCAF phenotype. Consequently, cancer stemness is significantly decreased. Xenograft models show that Adam8-Apt-1-26nt administration is associated with decreased tumor growth and metastasis, while flow cytometric analyses demonstrate a significantly decreased fraction of myCAF after Adam8-Apt-1-26nt treatment. The role of soluble Adam8 in the maintenance of the myCAF phenotype has not been previously characterized. Our study suggests that the signal pathways for the induction or initiation of the myCAF phenotype may be distinct from those involved with the maintenance of the myCAF phenotype.
Study on the Mechanism of Influencing Adolescents’ Willingness to Participate in Ice Sports
Authors: Liu Zhuoling , Wang Sai , Gu Qian
Published: June 2023

Background: Ice sports are an effective means to promote the physical health of adolescents, and the willingness to participate in ice sports is the basis of adolescents’ awareness of their participation in ice sports and an important prerequisite for their participation. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms influencing adolescents’ willingness to participate in ice sports. Methods: Using the stimulus-organism-response theoretical framework, the motivation-opportunity-ability model, and the technology acceptance model, a theoretical model of the influencing mechanisms of adolescents’ participation in ice sports was constructed. A total of 3419 secondary school students were surveyed, and the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling, the mechanisms influencing adolescents’ willingness to participate in ice sports and the moderating role of perceived riskiness and perceived ease of use are proposed and tested. Results: The study found that participation motivation, participation ability, perceived usefulness, and perceived risk all have significant effects on adolescents’ willingness to participate in ice sports. The degree of influence in descending order is as follows: ability to participate, perceived usefulness, motivation to participate, and perceived risk. Perceived risk plays a mediating role in the process of motivation to participate and ability to participate influencing willingness to participate. Perceived ease of use plays a mediating role in the process of motivation to participate influencing perceived usefulness. Conclusions: This study provides a systematic understanding of the mechanisms that influence adolescents’ willingness to participate in ice sports. The findings provide valuable insights into the subject of adolescents’ ice sport participation and can inform the development of strategies to increase participation in these activities. Future research should deepen the investigation of the patterns of willingness to participate in ice sports behavior among adolescents, which is important for promoting the sustainable development of ice sports, improving the health of adolescents, and advancing the construction of a healthy China, a healthy world, and global health.
ADHD Symptoms Increase Perception of Classroom Entropy and Impact Teacher Stress Levels
Authors: Fabio Rosa Angela , Mento Carmela , Gangemi Antonio , Picciotto Giulia
Published: June 2023

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder among school-age children, characterized by persistent behavioral patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity. These behaviors can create stress for teachers and negatively affect teacher–student interactions. This study hypothesized that a high frequency of ADHD students in the classroom can increase internal and external entropy, ultimately resulting in a negative stress impact on teachers. The physical concept of entropy, which measures the degree of disorder in a system, was used to better understand this relationship. The study evaluated 177 primary school teachers in their response to interacting with students with ADHD, using the Measurement of Psychological Stress (MPS) to evaluate subjective stress levels and the QUEIs and QUEIp questionnaires to measure structural and personal entropy. Path analysis was applied to identify the factors associated with the total score of MPS. The hypothesis was confirmed, as the frequency of ADHD students had a negative impact on teachers’ entropy levels and personal entropy was found to significantly increase stress levels. The study highlights the negative impact of ADHD symptoms on stress levels and personal entropy of teachers when interacting with students with ADHD. These findings suggest the need for interventions aimed at balancing the frequency of students with ADHD and promoting positive training on stress reduction for teacher–student interactions.
Children with ADHD Symptomatology: Does POET Improve Their Daily Routine Management?
Authors: Frisch Carmit , Tirosh Emanuel , Rosenblum Sara
Published: June 2023

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) struggle with executive delays while managing their daily tasks. This is a secondary analysis of existing data from open-label research examining the efficacy of Parental Occupational Executive Training (POET). It further examines POET’s efficacy in increasing young children’s (3.83 to 7.08 years) executive control over daily routines, and in decreasing their ADHD symptoms. Additionally, the second analysis investigates which of the children’s increased capabilities is better associated with the change in their daily routine management following the intervention. Parents of children with ADHD symptomatology (N = 72, 55 boys) received eight POET sessions. They completed standardised ADHD symptomatology, executive management of daily routines, and executive functions (EF) questionnaires at pretest, post-test, and 3-month follow-up. Children’s ADHD symptoms and their management of daily routines significantly improved following the POET intervention. The children’s score changes in EF accounted for 37% of the variance in their improved routine management. These findings suggest that interventions aiming to increase children’s executive control over their daily routines should improve their broader array of EF besides decreasing core ADHD symptoms.
Two Conformational Polymorphs of a Bioactive Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine
Authors: Tan Sang Loon , Tan Yee Seng , Ng Jia Hui , Dolzhenko Anton V. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: June 2023

Two monoclinic (P21/c; Z′ = 1) polymorphs, α (from methanol) and β (from ethanol, n-propanol and iso-propanol), of a bioactive pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivative have been isolated and characterised by X-ray crystallography as well as by a range of computational chemistry techniques. The different conformations observed for the molecules in the crystals are due to the dictates of molecular packing as revealed by geometry-optimisation calculations. The crucial difference in the molecular packing pertains to the formation of phenylamino-N–H···N(pyrazolyl) hydrogen bonding within supramolecular chains with either helical (α-form; 21-screw symmetry) or zigzag (β-form; glide symmetry). As a consequence, the molecular packing is quite distinct in the polymorphs. Lattice energy calculations indicate the β-form is more stable by 11 kJ/mol than the α-form.
A Structural and Thermal Comparative Review of 3D-Printed Wall Shapes
Authors: Bello Nicholas D. , Memari Ali M.
Published: June 2023

This article explores several aspects of the three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP) industry. More specifically, it begins with a literature review discussing the background of this technology. This literature review also explores several of the challenges that the industry is currently facing. In this way, a knowledge gap is identified. More specifically, there are few studies that have explored the structural and thermal performance of typical walls printed in this industry. Therefore, we used the simulation tool in SolidWorks to examine the structural behavior of several different wall types when pressure was applied to the exterior face. In addition to this, the thermal performance of different wall types was also studied in SolidWorks by applying a temperature difference between the exterior and interior faces of each wall. For example, one wall shape in this study had minimum factor of safety of approximately 100 due when a load was applied, and the same wall lost approximately 212 W due to the temperature difference applied in this study. Finally, SolidWorks was used to calculate the moment of inertia of the cross sections of several of these walls, which helped to provide a better understanding of each wall’s structural rigidity.
Shannon Entropy and Herfindahl-Hirschman Index as Team’s Performance and Competitive Balance Indicators in Cyclist Multi-Stage Races
Authors: Ausloos Marcel
Published: June 2023

It seems that one cannot find many papers relating entropy to sport competitions. Thus, in this paper, I use (i) the Shannon intrinsic entropy (S) as an indicator of “teams sporting value” (or “competition performance”) and (ii) the Herfindahl-Hirschman index (HHi) as a “teams competitive balance” indicator, in the case of (professional) cyclist multi-stage races. The 2022 Tour de France and 2023 Tour of Oman are used for numerical illustrations and discussion. The numerical values are obtained from classical and and new ranking indices which measure the teams “final time”, on one hand, and “final place”, on the other hand, based on the “best three” riders in each stage, but also the corresponding times and places throughout the race, for these finishing riders. The analysis data demonstrate that the constraint, “only the finishing riders count”, makes much sense for obtaining a more objective measure of “team value” and team performance”, at the end of a multi-stage race. A graphical analysis allows us to distinguish various team levels, each exhibiting a Feller-Pareto distribution, thereby indicating self-organized processes. In so doing, one hopefully better relates objective scientific measures to sport team competitions. Moreover, this analysis proposes some paths to elaborate on forecasting through standard probability concepts.
Self-Location Based on Grid-like Representations for Artificial Agents
Authors: Dai Chuanjin , Xie Lijin
Published: June 2023

Self-location plays a crucial role in a framework of autonomous navigation, especially in a GNSS/radio-denied environment. At the current time, self-location for artificial agents still has to resort to the visual and laser technologies in the framework of deep neural networks, which cannot model the environments effectively, especially in some dynamic and complex scenes. Instead, researchers have attempted to transplant the navigation principle of mammals into artificial intelligence (AI) fields. As a kind of mammalian neuron, the grid cells are believed to provide a context-independent spatial metric and update the representation of self-location. By exploiting the mechanism of grid cells, we adopt the oscillatory interference model for location encoding. Furthermore, in the process of location decoding, the capacity of autonomous navigation is extended to a significantly wide range without the phase ambiguity, based on a multi-scale periodic representation mechanism supported by a step-wise phase unwrapping algorithm. Compared with the previous methods, the proposed grid-like self-location can achieve a much wider spatial range without the limitation imposed by the spatial scales of grid cells. It is also able to suppress the phase noise efficiently. The proposed method is validated by simulation results.
Aerodynamic Study of MotoGP Motorcycle Flow Redirectors
Authors: González-Arcos Borja , Gamez-Montero Pedro Javier
Published: June 2023

In recent years, the introduction of aerodynamic appendages and the study of their aerodynamic performance in MotoGP motorcycles has increased exponentially. It was in 2016, with the introduction of the single electronic control unit, that the search began for alternative methods to generate downforce that were not solely reliant on the motorcycle’s electronics. Since then, all types of spoilers, fins and wings have been observed on the fairings of MotoGP motorcycles. The latest breakthrough has been Ducati’s implementation of flow redirectors at the front and bottom of the fairing. The aim of the present study was to test two hypotheses regarding the performance of the flow redirector by responding to the corresponding research questions on its aerodynamic function and advantage, both in the straight and leaning position. In a preanalytical cognitive act, a visual study of MotoGP motorcycles was conducted and, accordingly, a 3D-CAD model was designed ad hoc in compliance with the FIM 2022 regulations for both the motorcycle and flow redirector. Numerical simulations using OpenFOAM software were then carried out for the aerodynamic analysis. Finally, the Taguchi methodology was applied as an effective simulation-based strategy to narrow down the combinations of geometric parameters, reduce the solution space, optimize the number of simulations, and statistically analyse the results. The aerodynamic performance of the flow redirector is highly dependent on the inlet flow when the motorcycle is in a straight position. The results indicate that all models with leaned motorcycle bearing the flow redirector, regardless of geometry, have an aerodynamic advantage, as the appendage generates downforce with a minimal increment of the drag coefficient. In a cornering situation, the flow separator in the flow redirector reduces the disadvantageous influence of wheel rotation on the “diffuser effect” by drawing the flow towards the outside of the curve, creating extra downforce.
Analysis of Changes in Electricity Generation from Renewable Energy Sources after Poland’s Accession to Structures of the European Union
Authors: Zbroński Daniel , Otwinowski Henryk , Górecka-Zbrońska Aleksandra , Urbaniak Dariusz , Wyleciał Tomasz
Published: June 2023

Poland, which has been a European Union member since 2004, has undertaken compliance with its commitments to increase its share in the generation of energy from renewable sources. The target set for 2020, which is to attain a share of 15 percent of the gross final consumption of energy coming from renewable sources, has been met by Poland. The new targets for 2030, incorporated in the draft the Energy Policy of Poland 2040, assume an increase to at least 23 percent of the proportion of energy obtained from renewable sources in the gross final energy consumption. On the basis of data from the Central Statistical Office, the authors of this work analysed the changes in electricity generation based on renewable energy sources. In the period of 2004–2021, it was stated that the percentages of individual renewable sources constitute 43.7% for wind energy, 35.3% for solid biofuels, 14% for hydropower, 4.2% for biogas, 2.5% for solar energy, and 0.3% for other sources (municipal waste and liquid biofuels). In addition, this work indicates the maximal relative changes in production and the maximal changes in the portion of production, in addition to the annual and periodic rate of changes in the production of these energy sources in Poland.
Heat Transfer in the Components of Power Boilers and Related Technological and Endurance Problems
Authors: Okrajni Jerzy , Wacławiak Krzysztof
Published: June 2023

Issues related to the generation of electricity are currently particularly important in Europe due to the need to ensure basic conditions for the function and development of the economy during crises caused by political conflicts with a global impact [...]
A Grid Status Analysis Method with Large-Scale Wind Power Access Using Big Data
Authors: Liu Dan , Kang Yiqun , Luo Heng , Ji Xiaotong , Cao Kan , Ma Hengrui
Published: June 2023

Targeting the problem of the power grid facing greater risks with the connection of large-scale wind power, a method for power grid state analysis using big data is proposed. First, based on the big data, the wind power matrix and the branch power matrix are each constructed. Second, for the wind energy matrix, the eigenvalue index in the complex domain and the spectral density index in the real domain are constructed based on the circular law and the M-P law, respectively, to describe the variation of wind energy. Then, based on the concept of entropy and the M-P law, the index for describing the variation of the branch power is constructed. Finally, in order to analyze the real-time status of the grid connected to large-scale wind power, the proposed index is combined with the sliding time window. The simulation results based on the enhanced IEEE-33 bus system show that the proposed method can perform real-time analysis on the grid state of large-scale wind power connection from different perspectives, and its sensitivity is good.
State-Space Load Flow Calculation of an Energy System with Sector-Coupling Technologies
Authors: Bottler Sebastian , Weindl Christian
Published: June 2023

This paper addresses the sector-coupling principle, highlights each associated sector’s technologies and showcases their future development, according to the German grid development plan. Furthermore, the research project ESM-Regio, and its goals in terms of simulatively analyzing the sector-coupling approach for a specific model region and future scenarios, is introduced. In this context, the key methods for modeling the electricity sector’s loading behavior are showcased. Most importantly, the state-space load flow calculation, load modeling (including the integration of the power demands of the sector-coupling technologies) and an assessment of grid operating equipment, based on thermal aging models, are described.
Non-Intrusive Load Identification Method Based on KPCA-IGWO-RF
Authors: Hu Sheng , Yuan Gongjin , Hu Kaifeng , Liu Cong , Wu Minghu
Published: June 2023

Non-invasive load monitoring (NILM) represents a crucial technology in enabling smart electricity consumption. In response to the challenges posed by high feature redundancy, low identification accuracy, and the high computational costs associated with current load identification models, a novel load identification model based on kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) and random forest (RF) optimized by improved Grey Wolf Optimizer (IGWO) is proposed. Initially, 17 steady-state load characteristics were selected as discrimination indexes. KPCA was subsequently employed to reduce the dimension of the original data and diminish the correlation between the feature indicators. Then, the dimension reduction in load data was classified by RF. In order to improve the performance of the classifier, IGWO was used to optimize the parameters of the RF classifier. Finally, the proposed model was implemented to identify 25 load states consisting of seven devices. The experimental results demonstrate that the identification accuracy of this method is up to 96.8% and the Kappa coefficient is 0.9667.
Perspective on the Development of Energy Storage Technology Using Phase Change Materials in the Construction Industry: A Review
Authors: Cunha Sandra , Sarcinella Antonella , Aguiar José , Frigione Mariaenrica
Published: June 2023

The construction industry is responsible for high energetic consumption, especially associated with buildings’ heating and cooling needs. This issue has attracted the attention of the scientific community, governments and authorities from all over the world, especially in the European Union, motivated by recent international conflicts which forced the countries to rethink their energy policies. Over the years, energy consumption has been based on non-renewable energy sources such as natural gas, oil and coal. Nowadays, it is urgent to implement solutions that aim to minimize these high energetic consumptions and act based on clean and renewable energy sources. In recent years, phase change materials (PCM) have become an area of high interest and development, since they allow to minimize the energy consumption in buildings, based in solar energy, due to their thermal storage capacity. The main objective of this work consists of a perspective of the evolution of the development and application of thermal storage technology through the incorporation of PCM in the construction sector, focusing on the last 10 years of research, showing the most recent developments of its application in construction materials, such as mortars, concrete, incorporation in porous aggregates, naturally based materials, carbon-based materials, boards, blocks and solar thermal systems.
The Role of State in Managing the Wind Energy Projects: Risk Assessment and Justification of the Economic Efficiency
Authors: Chebotareva Galina , Čábelková Inna , Strielkowski Wadim , Smutka Luboš , Zielińska-Chmielewska Anna , Bielski Stanislaw
Published: June 2023

Our paper focuses on assessing the role of state funding in supporting wind energy projects with a focus on economic efficiency and risk assessment. In particular, we analyze the new program aimed at supporting Russian renewable energy (RE) projects envisaged for the period from 2024–2035 that involves a reduction in investments in such projects and the introduction of large fines for non-compliance with regulatory requirements for localization and export. These strict rules imposed by the regulatory authorities, as well as the withdrawal by foreign manufacturers of equipment for renewable energy from the domestic energy market, put into doubt the economic feasibility of the participation of sector players in state-supported programs. Our paper assesses the economic justification for the practicality of the Russian energy market to implement renewable energy projects under the influence of negative environmental factors and the reduction of state support programs. We employ a case study of wind energy projects carried out in 2018–2020 as a part of the first sector support program. Our methodology is based on the calculations of the classical indicators of economic efficiency of projects (NPV, IRR, and DPP). Our own approach reveals that these indicators are supplemented by taking into account the cost of specific political, environmental, and economic risks of wind energy projects. Our results reveal that, at the moment, Russian wind energy projects in various scenarios retain a sufficient margin of financial strength and are able to withstand a reduction in the amount of financial support from the state. Our findings allow the formulation of some practical recommendations for reducing the share of governmental support for wind energy projects on the local energy market as a measure of cutting costs and increasing overall economic efficiency.
Research on Displacement Efficiency by Injecting CO2 in Shale Reservoirs Based on a Genetic Neural Network Model
Authors: Qin Shunli , Li Juhua , Chen Jingyou , Bi Xueli , Xiang Hui
Published: June 2023

Carbon dioxide injection can help solve two issues in shale reservoir production. Firstly, it can reduce carbon emissions while, secondly, improving unconventional reservoir recovery. There are many controlling factors for CO2 injection to enhance oil recovery in shale reservoirs, and the effect of field implementation varies greatly. The key to popularizing this extraction technology is determining the main controlling factors of CO2 displacement efficiency. Using CO2 shale displacement laboratory results, the grey correlation analysis method was used to determine the main controlling factors affecting core oil displacement efficiency, such as shale reservoir physical parameters (rock compressibility, porosity, median pore size, matrix permeability, TOC, and oil saturation) and engineering parameters (soaking time and injection pressure). The genetic algorithm (GA) was introduced to optimize the backpropagation (BP) neural network to construct the prediction model of the CO2 indoor displacement experiments in shale cores. The results showed that the injection pressure among the engineering parameters, the CO2 soaking time among the gas injection parameters, and the porosity among the shale physical parameters were the main controlling factors affecting the oil displacement efficiency. The prediction accuracy of the genetic neural network model improved, and the coefficient of determination (R2) reached 0.983. Compared with the conventional neural network model, the mean absolute error (MAE) was reduced by 30%, the root mean square error (RMSE) was reduced by 46%, and the R2 increased by 11%. Optimizing the learning and training of the prediction model significantly reduces the cost of laboratory experiments. The deep-learning model completed by training can intuitively show the degree of influence of input parameters on output parameters, providing a theoretical basis for the study of CO2 displacement mechanisms in shale reservoirs.
Fresnel Lens Solar-Pumped Laser with Four Rods and Beam Merging Technique for Uniform and Stable Emission under Tracking Error Influence
Authors: Tibúrcio Bruno D. , Liang Dawei , Almeida Joana , Garcia Dário , Catela Miguel , Costa Hugo , Vistas Cláudia R.
Published: June 2023

Significant numerical improvements in Fresnel lens Nd:YAG solar laser collection efficiency, laser quality factors and tracking error compensation capacity by two Fresnel lenses as primary solar concentrators are reported here. A Nd:YAG four-rod side-pumping configuration was investigated. The four-rod side-pumping scheme consisted of two large aspherical lenses and four semi-cylindrical pump cavities, where the Nd:YAG laser rods were placed, enabling an efficient solar pumping of the laser crystals. A 104.4 W continuous-wave multimode solar laser power was achieved, corresponding to 29.7 W/m2 collection efficiency, which is 1.68 times that of the most efficient experimental Nd:YAG side-pumped solar laser scheme with heliostat–parabolic mirror systems. End-side-pumped configuration has led to the most efficient multimode solar lasers, but it may cause more prejudicial thermal effects, poor beam quality factors and a lack of access to both rod end-faces to optimize the resonant cavity parameters. In the present work, an eight-folding-mirror laser beam merging technique was applied, aiming to attain one laser emission from the four laser rods that consist of the four-rod side-pumping scheme with a higher brightness figure of merit. A 79.8 W multimode laser output power was achieved with this arrangement, corresponding to 22.7 W/m2. The brightness figure of merit was 0.14 W, being 1.6, 21.9 and 15.7 times that of previous experimental Nd:YAG solar lasers pumped by Fresnel lenses. A significant advance in tracking error tolerance was also numerically attained, leading to a 1.5 times enhancement in tracking error width at 10% laser power loss (TEW10%) compared to previous experimental results.
ACE-Inhibitory Activity of Whey Proteins Fractions Derived of Fermentation by Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and Streptococcus thermophilus SY-102
Authors: Olvera-Rosales Laura Berenice , Pérez-Escalante Emmanuel , Castañeda-Ovando Araceli , Contreras-López Elizabeth , Cruz-Guerrero Alma Elizabeth , Regal-López Patricia , Cardelle-Cobas Alejandra , González-Olivares Luis Guillermo
Published: June 2023

Many studies have reported the benefits of probiotic microorganisms and the production of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Determining the proteolytic and ACE inhibition capacities during whey fermentation was the goal of the study. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, Streptococcus thermophilus SY-102, and both bacteria together were initially inoculated into whey, reaching an initial concentration of 108 CFU per milliliter in each fermentation system. Through the use of TNBS, SDS-PAGE, and SEC-HPLC methods, the proteolytic profile was examined. An in vitro investigation was performed to test the ACE inhibition capacity. With S. thermophilus, the logarithmic phase of microbial development was shorter than with L. rhamnosus (6 and 12 h, respectively). The logarithmic phase in the co-culture fermentation, however, was extended to 24 h. There were no significant differences in pH between the fermentations. However, the co-culture had a greater concentration of protein hydrolysis (453 ± 0.06 μg/mL), as indicated by the amount of free amino groups. Similarly, this fermentation produced more low molecular weight peptides. The higher inhibition activity, which increased at the conclusion of the fermentation with the co-culture and reached 53.42%, was influenced by the higher peptide synthesis. These findings highlighted the significance of creating useful co-culture products.
Functionalized Collagen/Poly(ethylene glycol) Diacrylate Interpenetrating Network Hydrogel Enhances Beta Pancreatic Cell Sustenance
Authors: Moreno-Castellanos Natalia , Cuartas-Gómez Elías , Vargas-Ceballos Oscar
Published: June 2023

Three-dimensional matrices are a new strategy used to tackle type I diabetes, a chronic metabolic disease characterized by the destruction of beta pancreatic cells. Type I collagen is an abundant extracellular matrix (ECM), a component that has been used to support cell growth. However, pure collagen possesses some difficulties, including a low stiffness and strength and a high susceptibility to cell-mediated contraction. Therefore, we developed a collagen hydrogel with a poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) interpenetrating network (IPN), functionalized with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to mimic the pancreatic environment for the sustenance of beta pancreatic cells. We analyzed the physicochemical characteristics of the hydrogels and found that they were successfully synthesized. The mechanical behavior of the hydrogels improved with the addition of VEGF, and the swelling degree and the degradation were stable over time. In addition, it was found that 5 ng/mL VEGF-functionalized collagen/PEGDA IPN hydrogels sustained and enhanced the viability, proliferation, respiratory capacity, and functionality of beta pancreatic cells. Hence, this is a potential candidate for future preclinical evaluation, which may be favorable for diabetes treatment.
Application of Red Onion Peel Extract for Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles in Hydrogels Exhibiting Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Puišo Judita , Paškevičius Algimantas , Žvirgždas Jonas , Dimitrova Todorka L. , Litvakas Andrejus , Adliene Diana
Published: June 2023

UV-initiated green synthesis of metal nanoparticles by using plant extracts as photoreducing agents is of particular interest since it is an environmentally friendly, easy-to-maintain, and cost-effective method. Plant molecules that act as reducing agents are assembled in a highly controlled way which makes them suitable for metal nanoparticle synthesis. Depending on the plant species, their application for green synthesis of metal nanoparticles for diverse applications may contribute to the mediation/reduction in organic waste amounts, thus enabling the implementation of the circular economy concept. In this work, UV-initiated green synthesis of Ag nanoparticles in hydrogels and hydrogel’s thin films containing gelatin (matrix), red onion peel extract of different concentrations, water, and a small amount of 1 M AgNO3 have been investigated and characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM and EDS analysis, XRD technique, performing swelling experiments and antimicrobial tests using bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), yeasts (Candida parapsilosis, Candida albicans) and microscopic fungi (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus). It was found that the antimicrobial effectiveness of the silver-enriched red onion peel extract–gelatin films was higher at lower AgNO3 concentrations as compared to those usually used in the commercially available antimicrobial products. The enhancement of the antimicrobial effectiveness was analyzed and discussed, assuming the synergy between photoreducing agent (red onion peel extract) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) in the initial gel solutions leading to the intensification of Ag nanoparticles production.
Correction: Suppan et al. Impact of Two Resuscitation Sequences on Alveolar Ventilation during the First Minute of Simulated Pediatric Cardiac Arrest: Randomized Cross-Over Trial. Healthcare 2022, 10, 2451
Authors: Suppan Laurent , Jampen Laurent , Siebert Johan N. , Zünd Samuel , Stuby Loric , Ozainne Florian
Published: June 2023

There was an error in the original publication [...]
Correction: Mackala et al. Evaluation of the Pre-Planned and Non-Planed Agility Performance: Comparison between Individual and Team Sports. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 975
Authors: Mackala Krzysztof , Vodičar Janez , Žvan Milan , Križaj Jožef , Stodolka Jacek , Rauter Samo , Šimenko Jožef , Čoh Milan
Published: June 2023

Jožef Šimenko was not included as an author in the original publication [...]
Perspectives of Brazilian Primary Care Nurses on Mental Health Care for Hypertensive Older Adults: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Figueiredo Clesyane , Nunes Daniella , Fusco Suzimar , Saidel Maria
Published: June 2023

Population longevity has been growing globally. In developing countries such as Brazil, the impact of this reality is enormous. The aging process is challenging for the healthcare system, making individuals more susceptible to chronic health conditions and mental health-related diseases. Primary healthcare (PHC) providers must be able to accompany older adults with their singularities in their work processes. This study aims to understand PHC nurses’ perspectives on the mental health care of hypertensive older adults. This is a study with a qualitative approach, using in-depth interviews and a focus group with 16 nurses from the five Brazilian municipalities with the highest number of older adults. The themes that emerged from the data collection were possibilities of PHC, characterization of PHC, and mental health care in PHC. The study findings contribute to the knowledge base on how PHC nurses provide care to hypertensive older adults and which weaknesses they should overcome in their work environment. The different ways providers have been developing strategies to improve their care should be encouraged, improved, and systematized.
Qualitative Analysis of Tree Canopy Top Points Extraction from Different Terrestrial Laser Scanner Combinations in Forest Plots
Authors: Kushwaha Sunni Kanta Prasad , Singh Arunima , Jain Kamal , Vybostok Jozef , Mokros Martin
Published: June 2023

In forestry research, for forest inventories or other applications which require accurate 3D information on the forest structure, a Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) is an efficient tool for vegetation structure estimation. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) can even provide high-resolution information in tree canopies due to its high penetration capability. Depending on the forest plot size, tree density, and structure, multiple TLS scans are acquired to cover the forest plot in all directions to avoid any voids in the dataset that are generated. However, while increasing the number of scans, we often tend to increase the data redundancy as we keep acquiring data for the same region from multiple scan positions. In this research, an extensive qualitative analysis was carried out to examine the capability and efficiency of TLS to generate canopy top points in six different scanning combinations. A total of nine scans were acquired for each forest plot, and from these nine scans, we made six different combinations to evaluate the 3D vegetation structure derived from each scan combination, such as Center Scans (CS), Four Corners Scans (FCS), Four Corners with Center Scans (FCwCS), Four Sides Center Scans (FSCS), Four Sides Center with Center Scans (FSCwCS), and All Nine Scans (ANS). We considered eight forest plots with dimensions of 25 m × 25 m, of which four plots were of medium tree density, and the other four had a high tree density. The forest plots are located in central Slovakia; European beech was the dominant tree species with a mixture of European oak, Silver fir, Norway spruce, and European hornbeam. Altogether, 487 trees were considered for this research. The quantification of tree canopy top points obtained from a TLS point cloud is very crucial as the point cloud is used to derive the Digital Surface Model (DSM) and Canopy Height Model (CHM). We also performed a statistical evaluation by calculating the differences in the canopy top points between ANS and the five other combinations and found that the most significantly different combination was FSCwCS respective to ANS. The Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of the deviations in tree canopy top points obtained for plots TLS_Plot1 and TLS_Plot2 ranged from 0.89 m to 14.98 m and 0.61 m to 7.78 m, respectively. The relative Root Mean Squared Error (rRMSE) obtained for plots TLS_Plot1 and TLS_Plot2 ranged from 0.15% to 2.48% and 0.096% to 1.22%, respectively.