bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noncoding RNome as Enabling Biomarkers for Precision Health
Authors: Cheong Jit Kong , Rajgor Dimple , Lv Yang , Chung Ka Yan , Tang Yew Chung , Cheng He
Published: September 2022

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), in the form of structural, catalytic or regulatory RNAs, have emerged to be critical effectors of many biological processes. With the advent of new technologies, we have begun to appreciate how intracellular and circulatory ncRNAs elegantly choreograph the regulation of gene expression and protein function(s) in the cell. Armed with this knowledge, the clinical utility of ncRNAs as biomarkers has been recently tested in a wide range of human diseases. In this review, we examine how critical factors govern the success of interrogating ncRNA biomarker expression in liquid biopsies and tissues to enhance our current clinical management of human diseases, particularly in the context of cancer. We also discuss strategies to overcome key challenges that preclude ncRNAs from becoming standard-of-care clinical biomarkers, including sample pre-analytics standardization, data cross-validation with closer attention to discordant findings, as well as correlation with clinical outcomes. Although harnessing multi-modal information from disease-associated noncoding RNome (ncRNome) in biofluids or in tissues using artificial intelligence or machine learning is at the nascent stage, it will undoubtedly fuel the community adoption of precision population health.
LoRa-Based Wireless Sensors Network for Rockfall and Landslide Monitoring: A Case Study in Pantelleria Island with Portable LoRaWAN Access
Authors: Ragnoli Mattia , Leoni Alfiero , Barile Gianluca , Ferri Giuseppe , Stornelli Vincenzo
Published: September 2022

Rockfalls and landslides are hazards triggered from geomorphological and climatic factors other than human interaction. The economic and social impacts are not negligible, therefore the topic has become an important field in the application of remote monitoring. Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are particularly suited for the deployment of such systems, thanks to the different technologies and topologies that are evolving nowadays. Among these, LoRa modulation technique represents a fitting technical solution for nodes communication in a WSN. In this paper, a smart autonomous LoRa-based rockfall and landslide monitoring system is presented. The structure has been operating in Pantelleria Island, Sicily, Italy. The sensing elements are disposed in sensor nodes arranged in a star topology. Network access to the LoRaWAN and the Internet is provided through gateways using a portable, solar powered device assembly. A system overview concerning both hardware and functionality of the nodes and gateways devices, then a power analysis is reported, and a monthly recorded result is presented, with related discussion.
B-Cell Targeted Therapies in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Incidence of Headache: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mavridis Theodoros , Papagiannakis Nikolaos , Breza Marianthi , Vavougios Georgios D. , Patas Kostas , Daponte Ariadne , Laskaratos Achilleas , Archontakis-Barakakis Paraschos , Pantazopoulos Ioannis , Mitsikostas Dimos D.
Published: September 2022

Background: Multiple Sclerosis treatment with B-cell targeted therapies may be associated with an increased incidence of headache. We aimed to find and compare the association of B-cell targeted therapies with the incidence of headache in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Methods: In a systematic based approach, the following databases were searched from inception until the 6th of June 2020: Pubmed/MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials Register. Only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) enrolling patients with Multiple Sclerosis comparing B-cell targeted therapies (Rituximab, Ocrelizumab, Ofatumumab, Ublituximab or Cladribine) with placebo were selected for the systematic review and further meta-analysis. PRISMA guidelines were followed at all stages of the systematic review. The primary outcome was an all-cause headache of B-cell targeting therapy in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Results: Nine RCTs were included. Compared with placebo, treatment with B-cell targeting therapies revealed a trend in headache risk, but it was not statistically significant (Relative Risk 1.12 [95% Confidence Interval 0.96–1.30]; p = 0.15; I2 = 9.32%). Surprisingly, in a sub-group analysis, Cladribine was statistically significant for an increase in headache risk (RR 1.20 [95% CI 1.006–1.42]; p = 0.042; I2 = 0%; 3 studies with 2107 participants). Conclusions: Even though a trend is shown, B-cell targeted therapies do not correlate with an increased incidence of headache as an adverse effect. Sub-analyses revealed a significant association between Cladribine alone and an increased incidence of headache. Whereas a purinergic signaling cascade is proposed as a mechanism of action, further research is needed to unravel the underlying pathogenetic mechanism of headache induction and establish headache prevention strategies.
Understanding Sustainable Livelihoods with a Framework Linking Livelihood Vulnerability and Resilience in the Semiarid Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Ye Wenli , Wang Yin , Yang Xinjun , Wu Kongsen
Published: September 2022

Regional climate is complicated and unpredictable in the context of global climate change. Farmers on the Loess Plateau, who rely on agriculture and natural resources for subsistence, are one of the groups feeling the early effects of climate change. Their vulnerability is determined by their degree of connection with the natural environment. Frequent droughts on the Loess Plateau have severely challenged farmers’ livelihoods, although some actions have been taken to adapt to these changes. To enable farmers to find sustainable livelihood strategies in challenging natural conditions, we established a research framework to link livelihood vulnerability and resilience and applied it to Jiaxian County, a specific research area in the Loess Plateau of China. To validate previous research, we studied the fluctuation trends of farmers’ livelihood vulnerability and livelihood resilience in the past 30 years and the interrelationships between these two trends and their influencing factors. The results are as follows: since 1990, livelihood vulnerability has been polarized; however, moderate vulnerability has always been dominant. Livelihood resilience shows a trend of continuous enhancement. The relationship between livelihood vulnerability and resilience is complex, and the direction of change between the two can be both similar and different. The topography, arable land conditions, soil quality, and irrigation conditions in different areas impact vulnerability and resilience, and the degree of impact is different in different periods. Farmers’ livelihood strategies depend on their cognitive decision making and livelihood assets, which are critical vulnerability and resilience factors. Most farmers in the study area have undergone significant livelihood strategy changes, while some maintain their original livelihood strategies. These findings provide policy implications for reducing vulnerability, enhancing resilience, and helping smallholder farmers find sustainable livelihood strategies to avoid poverty traps.
Geospatial Analysis and Land Suitability for “FloodWise” Practices: Nature-Based Solutions for Flood Mitigation in Eastern, Rural North Carolina
Authors: Baldwin Madalyn , Fox Andrew , Klondike Travis , Hovis Meredith , Shear Theodore , Joca Lauren , Hester Megan , Cubbage Frederick
Published: September 2022

As the global climate continues to change, extreme weather events such as hurricanes and heavy rainfall are becoming more frequent. Subsequently, flooding and standing water disrupt and negatively impact many communities. The use of nature-based solutions (NBS) is an innovative and sustainable approach to flood mitigation. Geospatial research and applications have developed rapidly to identify and map broad regions in the world, as well as specific locations for NBS. We conducted a geospatial analysis in ArcGIS Pro to identify areas where NBS, referred to as “FloodWise” practices in this study, could be sited in the North Carolina Coastal Plain to strategically reduce flooding and provide water quality and habitat improvement. The study provides a spatially explicit application of integrated remote sensing, scientific and professional knowledge, and extant databases to screen diverse variables and identify potential specific NBS opportunities and sites. The practices modeled in this study are wetland restoration, afforestation, agroforestry, “water farming” (which uses a combination of dry dams and berms), and stream restoration. Maps of specific areas and tracts in the county for the NBS practices in Robeson County, North Carolina were developed based on the land ownership size, biophysical characteristics, current land uses, and water management opportunities. Land suitability locations revealed in these maps can be used in future resilience planning initiatives to reduce floodwaters on North Carolina’s rural landscapes. The geospatial analysis methodologies employed in this study can be followed to model NBS locations for flood reduction and water storage opportunities in other counties in Eastern North Carolina or other regions with similar topographies and land-type characteristics.
Fluvisols Contribution to Water Retention Hydrological Ecosystem Services in Different Floodplain Ecosystems
Authors: Kanianska Radoslava , Benková Nikola , Ševčíková Janka , Masný Matej , Kizeková Miriam , Jančová Ľubica , Feng Jianying
Published: September 2022

Water retention is an important hydrological ecosystem service of active floodplain soils. The aim of the study was to evaluate the soil chemical, physical, and hydrological properties in Fluvisols in three different ecosystems that have an impact on water retention hydrological ecosystem services (WRHESs). We selected 16 localities along the Štiavnica River in Central Slovakia, 8 located in riparian zones (RZ), 5 in arable lands (AL), and 3 in grasslands (GL). Soil samples were collected from two layers (0–10 and 20–30 cm). In the laboratory, the soil physical (soil texture) and soil chemical properties (pH, soil organic carbon content, humic and fulvic acid ratio) were determined. Using undisturbed soil samples, the soil physical characteristics (particle density, bulk density, porosity, and actual soil moisture–SMa) were measured. With the help of pedotransfer functions, hydrological soil properties (field water capacity–FWC, wilting point–WP, available water capacity–AWC) were estimated. The recorded properties differed between the localities, ecosystems, and two layers. The SMa values showed a higher soil water retention potential of extensively used ecosystems, such as GL and RZ. However, the hydrological properties estimated by pedotransfer functions (FWC, WP, AWC) showed a higher soil water retention potential in AL localities. This indicated that for calculations, selected pedotransfer functions (particle size fractions, organic matter, and bulk density) and other soil or ecosystem properties (e.g., vegetation cover, meteorological conditions) have an impact on WRHESs. One such soil factor can be the quality of organic matter. On the basis of the results of the ANOVA, significant differences emerged between the different ecosystems for selected basic chemical, physical, and hydrological properties. The effect of the soil layer on the soil properties was revealed only in the case of SOC. The results indicated the effect of different ecosystems on soil WRHES and the importance of extensively managed ecosystems, such as RZ and GL. From this point of view, the reduction in the RZ and GL areas during a period of the last 70 years is negative. The findings should be taken into account in future sustainable floodplain management and landscape architecture.
Influence of Natural Disaster Shock and Collective Action on Farmland Transferees’ No-Tillage Technology Adoption in China
Authors: Xue Chenle , Qiao Dan , Aziz Noshaba
Published: September 2022

Climate change in natural disasters such as droughts and floods has caused people to adopt, extend, and diffuse adaptive agricultural technologies. Meanwhile, the development of the farmland leasing market has pushed agricultural laborers to migrate from rural to urban areas, resulting in less participation in collective action. It is generally believed that no-tillage technology lessens the agricultural production risks instigated by climate change and natural disasters. However, previous literature has given little attention to this phenomenon, especially in the context of China. So, to fill this gap, the current study explores the influence of natural disaster shock and collective action on farmland transferees’ no-tillage technology adoption using the data of 621 farmland transferees from Shaanxi, Gansu, and Ningxia provinces, China. By using Heckman’s two-stage and moderating-effect models, the findings initially reveal that in the sample, 249 farmland transferees adopt no-tillage technology, accounting for 40.10% of farmland transferees. The farmland area in which no-tillage technology is adopted accounts for 23.90% of the total farmland area. Natural disaster shock exerts a positive and significant influence on transferees’ no-tillage technology adoption, i.e., if the intensity of natural disaster shock increases by one unit, the adoption rate and adoption degree will increase by 24.9% and 9.5%, respectively. Meanwhile, collective action also positively and significantly impacts transferees’ no-tillage technology adoption. If the number of transferees participating in collective action increases by one unit, the adoption rate and degree will increase by 13.3% and 6.5%, respectively. Further, it is found that collective action positively moderates the relationship between natural disaster shock and the adoption of no-tillage technology by farmland transferees. Additionally, educational level, agricultural income, farmland area, etc., are also found to influence transferees’ no-tillage technology adoption significantly. Moreover, based on gender and organizational participation differences, the findings reveal that the effects of natural disaster shock and collective action are heterogeneous. The results propose that policymakers should take countermeasures such as providing training in no-tillage skills, raising no-tillage subsidy standards, and guiding long-term farmland transference.
Alterations in Baroreflex Sensitivity and Blood Pressure Variability Following Sport-Related Concussion
Authors: Ellingson Chase J. , Singh Jyotpal , Ellingson Cody A. , Sirant Luke W. , Krätzig Gregory P. , Dorsch Kim D. , Piskorski Jaroslaw , Neary J. Patrick
Published: September 2022

Current methods to diagnose concussions are subjective and difficult to confirm. A variety of physiological biomarkers have been reported, but with conflicting results. This study assessed heart rate variability (HRV), spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and systolic blood pressure variability (BPV) in concussed athletes. The assessment consisted of a 5-min seated rest followed by a 5-min (0.1 Hz) controlled breathing protocol. Thirty participants completed baseline assessments. The protocol was repeated during the post-injury acute phase (days one to five). Total (p = 0.02) and low-frequency (p = 0.009) BPV spectral power were significantly decreased during the acute phase of concussion. BRS down-sequence (p = 0.036) and up-sequence (p = 0.05) were significantly increased in the acute phase of concussion, with a trend towards an increased BRS pooled (p = 0.06). Significant decreases in HRV were also found. Acute concussion resulted in altered BRS and BPV dynamics compared to baseline. These findings highlight objective physiological parameters that could aid concussion diagnosis and return-to-play protocols.
Dynamometer Testing of Energy Efficient Hydraulic Fluids and Fuel Savings Analysis for US Army Construction and Material Handling Equipment
Authors: Bramer Jill , Sattler Eric , Michael Paul
Published: September 2022

The US Army uses MIL-PRF-2104 SAE 10 hydraulic fluid in its construction and material handling equipment. This oil meets basic performance requirements but has not been optimized for hydraulic system efficiency. Hydraulic system efficiency is important because fuel transportation has unique costs and dangers in military applications. Two energy efficient hydraulic fluids were compared to MIL-PRF-2104 SAE 10 in dynamometer testing. The higher efficiency fluids reduced internal leakage flow losses and decreased low-speed motor friction. Fleet-wide fuel savings estimates for US Army construction and material handling machines were derived from engine fuel consumption models, vehicle mission profiles, hydraulic circuit analysis and dynamometer test results. The savings due to reduced fuel consumption was estimated to be $8,000,000 per annum.
Saquayamycin B1 Suppresses Proliferation, Invasion, and Migration by Inhibiting PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Jianjiang , Han Ningning , Zhang Hao , Xie Xiaoyu , Zhu Yaoyao , Zhang E , Ma Jiahui , Shang Chuangeng , Yin Mengxiong , Xie Weidong , Li Xia
Published: September 2022

Moromycin B (Mor B), saquayamycin B1 (Saq B1), saquayamycin B (Saq B), and landomycin N (Lan N), four angucyclines produced by the marine-derived actinomycete Streptomyces sp., are a class of polyketone compounds containing benzanthracene. Here, the structure–activity relationship of these four compounds was analyzed in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Saq B1, which showed the strongest cytotoxicity with an IC50 of 0.18–0.84 µM for CRC cells in MTT assays, was employed to test underlying mechanisms of action in SW480 and SW620 cells (two invasive CRC cell lines). Our results showed that Saq B1 inhibited CRC cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Notably, lower cytotoxicity was measured in normal human hepatocyte cells (QSG-7701). Furthermore, we observed proapoptosis, antimigration, and anti-invasion activities of Saq B1 in CRC cells. At the same time, the protein and mRNA expression of important markers related to the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis changed, including N-cadherin, E-cadherin, and Bcl-2, in Saq B1-treated CRC cells. Surprisingly, the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was shown to be involved in Saq B1-induced apoptosis, and in inhibiting invasion and migration. Computer docking models also suggested that Saq B1 might bind to PI3Kα. Collectively, these results indicate that Saq B1 effectively inhibited growth and decreased the motor ability of CRC cells by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which provides more possibilities for the development of drugs in the treatment of CRC.
Inhibition of Nematocyst Discharge from Pelagia noctiluca (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa)—Prevention Measures against Jellyfish Stings
Authors: Ballesteros Ainara , Trullas Carles , Jourdan Eric , Gili Josep-Maria
Published: September 2022

Pelagia noctiluca stings are common in Mediterranean coastal areas and, although the venom is non-lethal, they are painful. Due to its high toxicity and abundance, P. noctiluca is considered a target species for the focus of research on active ingredients to reduce the symptoms of its sting. To determine the effect of 31 substances and formulations on nematocyst discharge, we performed three tests: (1) screening of per se discharge activator solutions, (2) inhibitory test with nematocyst chemical stimulation (5% acetic acid) and (3) inhibitory test quantifying the hemolytic area. Ammonia, barium chloride, bleach, scented ammonia, carbonated cola, lemon juice, sodium chloride and papain triggered nematocyst discharge. All of them were ruled out as potential inhibitors. Butylene glycol showed a reduction in nematocyst discharge, while the formulations of 10% lidocaine in ethanol, 1.5% hydroxyacetophenone in distilled water + butylene glycol, and 3% Symsitive® in butylene glycol inhibited nematocyst discharge. These last results were subsequently correlated with a significant decrease in hemolytic area in the venom assays versus seawater, a neutral solution. The presented data represent a first step in research to develop preventive products for jellyfish stings while at the same time attempting to clarify some uncertainties about the role of various topical solutions in P. noctiluca first-aid protocols.
The Effect of the Shear Flow on Columnar Crystal Growth in an Undercooled Melt
Authors: Chen Mingwen , Jiang Jiaxuan , Li Linyi , Wang Zidong
Published: September 2022

Herein, the effect of the shear flow on the growth of columnar crystals in an undercooled melt is studied. The asymptotic method is used to solve the dynamic model for the growth of a columnar crystal. The resulting asymptotic solution shows that the shear flow significantly changes the interface morphology of the columnar crystal. With the shear effect of the forced flow, the growth rate of the columnar interface increases in the shear direction of the shear flow. As the shear rate of the shear flow further increases, the interface of the columnar crystal is seriously deformed and distorted. The shear flow causes the columnar crystal in the undercooled melt to tend to evolve into smaller crystals in the initial stage of crystal growth. The analytical result provides a prediction of the formation of interface microstructures during solidification through the change of processing parameters.
Al-Decorated C2N Monolayer as a Potential Catalyst for NO Reduction with CO Molecules: A DFT Investigation
Authors: Liu Xinmiao , Xu Yunjie , Sheng Li
Published: September 2022

Developing efficient and economical catalysts for NO reduction is of great interest. Herein, the catalytic reduction of NO molecules on an Al-decorated C2N monolayer (Al-C2N) is systematically investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our results reveal that the Al-C2N catalyst is highly selective for NO, more so than CO, according to the values of the adsorption energy and charge transfer. The NO reduction reaction more preferably undergoes the (NO)2 dimer reduction process instead of the NO direct decomposition process. For the (NO)2 dimer reduction process, two NO molecules initially co-adsorb to form (NO)2 dimers, followed by decomposition into N2O and Oads species. On this basis, five kinds of (NO)2 dimer structures that initiate four reaction paths are explored on the Al-C2N surface. Particularly, the cis-(NO)2 dimer structures (Dcis-N and Dcis-O) are crucial intermediates for NO reduction, where the max energy barrier along the energetically most favorable pathway (path II) is as low as 3.6 kcal/mol. The remaining Oads species on Al-C2N are then easily reduced with CO molecules, being beneficial for a new catalytic cycle. These results, combined with its low-cost nature, render Al-C2N a promising catalyst for NO reduction under mild conditions.
Nutritional Composition of Infant Cereal Prototypes Can Precisely Predict Their Glycemic Index
Authors: Monnard Cathriona , Rytz Andreas , Tudorica Carmen Mirela , Fiore Gina L. , Do Tram Anh Line , Bhaskaran Kalpana , Macé Katherine , Shahkhalili Yasaman
Published: September 2022

Designing cereal-based products with appropriate metabolic responses is of high interest to the food industry in view of the potential health impact of the product. The objective of this study was to test whether a model that used the nutrient composition of breakfast cereals to predict their glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) could also accurately predict the GI and GL for complete (containing protein, reconstituted in water) infant cereal prototypes. Four independent studies measured the postprandial glucose response of 20 complete infant cereal prototypes (51–76 g/100 g glycemic carbohydrates) in healthy adults. The predictions were strongly correlated with the measured values for both the GI (r = 0.93, p-value < 0.01) and GL (r = 0.98, p-value < 0.01). The in vivo incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for glucose showed a strong linear relationship with the predicted GL (r = 0.99, p < 0.01). In summary, the model previously developed to predict the GI and GL of breakfast cereals was both accurate and precise for infant cereals and could be considered a simple tool to support nutritionally responsible product development.
From Regenerated Wood Pulp Fibers to Cationic Cellulose: Preparation, Characterization and Dyeing Properties
Authors: Pereira Bárbara , Matos Filipe S. , Valente Bruno F. A. , Von Weymarn Niklas , Kamppuri Taina , Freire Carmen S. R. , Silvestre Armando J. D. , Vilela Carla
Published: September 2022

The global demand for sustainable textile fibers is growing and has led to an increasing research interest from both academia and industry to find effective solutions. In this research, regenerated wood pulp fibers were functionalized with glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GTAC) to produce modified regenerated cellulose with cationic pending groups for improved dye uptake. The resultant cationic cellulose with a degree of substitution (DS) between 0.13 and 0.33 exhibited distinct morphologies and contact angles with water ranging from 65.7° to 82.5° for the fibers with DS values of 0.13 and 0.33, respectively. Furthermore, the thermal stability of the modified regenerated cellulose fibers, albeit lower than the pristine ones, reached temperatures up to 220 °C. Additionally, the modified fibers showed higher dye exhaustion and dye fixation values than the non-modified ones, attaining maxima values of 89.3% ± 0.9% and 80.6% ± 1.3%, respectively, for the cationic fibers with a DS of 0.13. These values of dye exhaustion and dye fixation are ca. 34% and 77% higher than those obtained for the non-modified fibers. Overall, regenerated wood pulp cellulose fibers can be used, after cationization, as textiles fiber with enhanced dye uptake performance that might offer new options for dyeing treatments.
Plant-Wide Modeling and Economic Analysis of Monoethylene Glycol Production
Authors: Haque Md Emdadul , Tripathi Namit , Palanki Srinivas , Xu Qiang , Nigam Krishna D. P.
Published: September 2022

Monoethylene glycol (MEG) is used to produce polyester fibers and polyethylene terephthalate resins. It is also utilized in antifreeze, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics applications. In this research, we consider the development of a novel process plant that produces MEG from ethylene. The proposed ethylene-to-ethylene oxide (EO) plant is integrated with an EO-to-MEG plant to reduce utility costs and recover high-value products. Energy-saving opportunities are analyzed via heat integration tools. Furthermore, a multitube glycol reactor is used in conjunction with a novel MTO catalyst in the ethylene-to-EO reactor. Our results demonstrate that the integrated EO/EG plant produces ethylene glycols with that same purity and product recovery as conventional designs. A comparative economic assessment based on a 200,000 t/y plant indicates that process integration techniques can reduce costs significantly.
Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Carbonisation of Waste Biomass: The Effect of Process Conditions on Hydrochar Properties
Authors: Holliday Mathew C. , Parsons Daniel R. , Zein Sharif H.
Published: September 2022

Hydrochars are an alternative form of biochar produced by hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC), a potentially cheaper and greener method. In this paper, the effect of multiple variables on hydrochar properties was investigated. Waste biomass was converted to hydrochar via microwave-assisted hydrothermal carbonisation. The variables were temperature, solution ratio (water-biomass ratio), time, particle size, pH and acetone washing. The measured properties were yield, carbon, oxygen and ash content, higher heating value (HHV), carbon and energy recovery and dye and water adsorption. Feedstock significance was investigated using apple, wheat, barley, oat and pea straw. The investigation into this specific combination of variables and feedstock has not been done before. HTC increased carbon content (~60%), HHV (~24 MJ/kg) and water adsorption and reduced oxygen content and dye adsorption. Thermal analysis suggested hydrochars were not suitable for sequestration. Decreasing the solution ratio was the most significant factor in increasing yield, carbon recovery and energy yield. Increasing the temperature was the most significant factor in increasing carbon and decreasing oxygen content. This affected HHV, with higher temperatures producing a higher energy material, surpassing brown coal. Hydrochars produced at a high solution ratio, temperature and times showed the best carbonisation. Smaller particle size increased yield and carbonisation but increased ash content. Low solution pH increased carbon content, HHV and water adsorption but lowered yield, carbon recovery, energy yield, dye adsorption and oxygen and ash content. High pH increased ash content and dye adsorption but lowered yield, carbon recovery, energy yield and dye adsorption. Acetone decreased yield, carbon recovery, energy yield, carbon content and HHV but increased oxygen, ash content and dye and water adsorption. Barley biomass showed the highest yield and carbon recovery, and pea showed the highest energy yield and HHV. Apple showed the highest carbon content. All the hydrochars showed promise as solid fuels, a soil additive and a precursor for activated carbon but lacked high adsorption for pollutant adsorbents and stability for carbon sequestration.
Preparation and Phosphorus Removal Performance of Zr–La–Fe Ternary Composite Adsorbent Embedded with Sodium Alginate
Authors: Li Xiuling , Liang Hanyu , Mo Yanling , Wei Yansong
Published: September 2022

Using single metal salts of zirconium, lanthanum, and iron as raw materials and sodium alginate as a cross-linking agent, a new composite adsorbent was prepared via the co-precipitation method and embedding immobilization technology, and its phosphorus adsorption performance in wastewater was evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used for characterization, and a 0.5 mol·L−1 sodium hydroxide solution was used to regenerate the adsorbent. The experimental results demonstrated that the adsorption rate reached 99.88% when the wastewater volume was 50 mL, the initial concentration of phosphorus-containing wastewater was 5 mg·L−1, the pH was 5, the dosage of composite adsorbent was 0.2 g, and the adsorption time was 200 min. The prepared adsorbent could reduce the initial phosphorus concentration of 5 mg·L−1 to 0.006 mg·L−1 in simulated wastewater, and from 4.17 mg·L−1 in urban sewage to undetected (<0.01 mg·L−1), thus meeting the discharge requirements of the grade A standard of the Urban Sewage Treatment Plant Pollutant Discharge Standard (GB18918-2002). The adsorption process conformed to the Freundlich adsorption isothermal equation and quasi-second-order kinetic equation, and the adsorption reaction was exothermic and spontaneous. More importantly, after three lye regeneration tests, the removal rate of phosphorus in water remained above 68%, that is, the composite adsorbent could be reproducibly fabricated and recycled. The characterization results showed that the surface of the composite adsorbent was rough, with a complex pore structure. After phosphorus removal, the surface morphology of the composite adsorbent showed a similar honeycomb structure, with a P-H, P-O stretching vibration peak and a characteristic P2p peak. At the same time, the proportion of hydroxyl groups (M-OH) on the metal surface decreased after adsorption. Our findings thus demonstrate that the mechanism of phosphorus removal is mainly based on the coordination exchange reaction between phosphate and metal active sites and surface hydroxyl groups, resulting in the formation of granular phosphate deposits.
A Multiobjective Variable Neighborhood Search with Learning and Swarm for Permutation Flowshop Scheduling with Sequence-Dependent Setup Times
Authors: Li Kun , Tian Huixin
Published: September 2022

In recent years, the permutation flowshop scheduling problem (PFSP) with sequence-dependent setup times has been widely investigated in the literature, most focusing on the single-objective optimization problem. However, in a practical production environment, schedulers usually need to handle several conflicting objectives simultaneously, which makes the multiobjective PFSP with sequence-dependent setup times (MOPFSP-SDST) more difficult and time consuming to be solved. Therefore, this paper proposes a learning and swarm based multiobjective variable neighborhood search (LS-MOVNS) for this problem to minimize makespan and total flowtime. The main characteristic of the proposed LS-MOVNS is that it can achieve the balance between exploration and exploitation by integrating swarm-based search with VNS in the multiobjective environment through machine learning technique. For example, the learning-based selection of solutions for multiobjective local search and the adaptive determination of neighborhood sequence to perform the local search are presented based on clustering and statistics to improve the search efficiency. Experimental results on benchmark problems illustrate that the proposed LS-MOVNS algorithm is very effective and competitive to solve MOPFSP-SDST.
Combined Biocidal Effect of Gaseous Ozone and Citric Acid on Acinetobacter baumannii Biofilm Formed on Ceramic Tiles and Polystyrene as a Novel Approach for Infection Prevention and Control
Authors: Piletić Kaća , Kovač Bruno , Planinić Matej , Vasiljev Vanja , Karačonji Irena Brčić , Žigon Jure , Gobin Ivana , Oder Martina
Published: September 2022

Acinetobacter baumannii is a prominent emerging pathogen responsible for a variety of hospital-acquired infections. It can contaminate inanimate surfaces and survive in harsh environmental conditions for prolonged periods of time in the form of biofilm. Biofilm is difficult to remove with only one method of disinfection, so combined disinfection methods and biocidal active substances are needed for biofilm eradication. Additionally, having in mind ecological demands, legislators are more prone using fewer toxic substances for disinfection that produce less solid waste and hazardous disinfection byproducts. Gaseous ozone and citric acid are natural biocidal compounds, and the purpose of this study was to determine their combined biocidal effects on A. baumannii biofilm formed on ceramics and polystyrene. Twenty-four-hour A. baumannii biofilm formed on ceramic tiles and polystyrene was exposed to different combinations of disinfection protocols with 25 ppm of gaseous ozone for 1 h exposure time and 15% citric acid for 10 min exposure. The total number of bacteria was counted afterwards and expressed as CFU/cm2. The determined disinfection protocols of A. baumannii biofilm with combined citric acid and gaseous ozone caused reduction of 2.8 to 5.89 log10 CFU (99.99% inhibition rate) of total viable bacteria for each method, with the citric acid–ozone–citric acid disinfection protocol being most successful in eradication of viable bacteria on both ceramics and polystyrene. In conclusion, gaseous ozone and citric acid showed good combined biocidal effects on A. baumannii biofilm and successfully reduced early A. baumannii biofilm from ceramic and polystyrene surfaces. The given combination of active substances can be a good option for eco-friendly disinfection of hospital inanimate surfaces from A. baumannii biofilm contamination with prior mechanical cleaning.
Community Integrated Energy System Multi-Energy Transaction Decision Considering User Interaction
Authors: Li Yuantian , Wang Xiaojing
Published: September 2022

With the gradual liberalization of China’s energy market, the distributed characteristics of each entity in the community integrated energy system are more and more obvious, and the traditional centralized optimization is difficult to reveal the interaction between the entities. This paper aims to improve the profit of the community operator and the users’ value-added benefit of energy use, and proposes a multi-energy transaction decision of a community integrated energy system considering user interaction. First, a refined model of user interaction, including energy conversion, is established, and then the optimization model of multi-energy transaction decision between the community operator and the users is constructed based on the master–slave game. The upper layer aims to maximize the profit of the community operator according to the energy use strategies’ feedback from the users, decides the retail energy prices of the community operator to the users, and optimization variables include equipment output and energy purchased from the power grid and natural gas grid. The lower layer aims to maximize the value-added benefit of energy use for users. The users optimize their energy use strategies based on the retail energy prices published by the community operator. The model is solved by the differential evolution algorithm combined with the CPLEX solver. Finally, different scenarios are analyzed in a numerical example, and the results show that the strategy proposed in this paper to set community prices increases the community operator’s profit and profit margin by 5.9% and 7.5%, respectively, compared to using market energy prices directly. At the same time, the value-added benefit to users also increases by 15.2%. The community operator and users can achieve a win–win situation.
Data Augmentation to Support Biopharmaceutical Process Development through Digital Models—A Proof of Concept
Authors: Botton Andrea , Barberi Gianmarco , Facco Pierantonio
Published: September 2022

In recent years, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are gaining a wide market share as the most impactful bioproducts. The development of mAbs requires extensive experimental campaigns which may last several years and cost billions of dollars. Following the paradigm of Industry 4.0 digitalization, data-driven methodologies are now used to accelerate the development of new biopharmaceutical products. For instance, predictive models can be built to forecast the productivity of the cell lines in the culture in such a way as to anticipate the identification of the cell lines to be progressed in the scale-up exercise. However, the number of experiments that can be performed decreases dramatically as the process scale increases, due to the resources required for each experimental run. This limits the availability of experimental data and, accordingly, the applicability of data-driven methodologies to support the process development. To address this issue in this work we propose the use of digital models to generate in silico data and augment the amount of data available from real (i.e., in vivo) experimental runs, accordingly. In particular, we propose two strategies for in silico data generation to estimate the endpoint product titer in mAbs manufacturing: one based on a first principles model and one on a hybrid semi-parametric model. As a proof of concept, the effect of in silico data generation was investigated on a simulated biopharmaceutical process for the production of mAbs. We obtained very promising results: the digital model effectively supports the identification of high-productive cell lines (i.e., high mAb titer) even when a very low number of real experimental batches (two or three) is available.
Orthogonal Optimization Design of the Compound Impeller for a New Type of Dishwasher Pump
Authors: Li Yanjun , Sun Haichao , Xu Hui , Wang Xikun , Li Yalin
Published: September 2022

A new type of dishwasher pump without a pipeline system was invented for the first time to form an original sink-type dishwasher avoiding the accumulation of dirt in the hydraulic system. In order to improve the hydraulic performance of this new type of dishwasher pump with twin-volute passive rotation driven by a compound impeller, an orthogonal optimal design method was first introduced to optimize the compound impeller composed of axial cascades and radial blades. Six geometric parameters were selected as the main factors to design the orthogonal table L18(36). All impeller models were manufactured via high-precision 3D printing and tested to determine the optimal solution. Firstly, the hydraulic performance was measured using a specially designed test bench under the assumption of static-volute conditions. Then, the optimization scheme was verified in real machine experiments under the rotating-volute condition, and numerical calculations were used to assess the performance improvement due to optimization under the static- and rotating-volute conditions. The results show that the main factors affecting the pump head and efficiency are impeller outlet diameter D2 and profile line L. The optimized pump head and efficiency are significantly higher than those of the original scheme. Furthermore, the entropy production of each flow passage component of this new type of dishwasher pump is significantly reduced after optimization. Under the static-volute condition, the scheme obtained using the range analysis displays an increase of 0.3 m in the pump head and 2.99% in pump efficiency. Under the rotating-volute condition, the optimization scheme is also effective (pump head increased by 0.54 m, and pump efficiency by 7.46%). At the same time, the passive rotation speed of the twin-volute increases from 60 rpm to 70 rpm, verifying that both the optimization method is reliable and can be used when developing and optimizing dishwasher pumps.
Augmented and Virtual Reality Experiences for Learning Robotics and Training Integrative Thinking Skills
Authors: Verner Igor , Cuperman Dan , Perez-Villalobos Huberth , Polishuk Alex , Gamer Sergei
Published: September 2022

Learning through augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences has become a valuable approach in modern robotics education. This study evaluated this approach and investigated how 99 first-year industrial engineering students explored robot systems through such online experiences while staying at home. The objective was to examine learning in the AR/VR environment and evaluate its contribution to understanding the robot systems and to fostering integrative thinking. During the AR experiences that we developed using Vuforia Studio, the students learned about TurtleBot2 and RACECAR MN robots while disassembling and modifying their models and by obtaining information about their components. In the VR experience with the RacecarSim simulator, the students explored sensor-based robot navigation. Quizzes were used to assess understanding of robot systems, and a post-workshop questionnaire evaluated the workshop’s contribution to learning about the robots and to training integrative thinking skills. The data indicate that the students gained understanding of the robot systems, appreciated the contribution of the augmented and virtual reality apps, and widely used integrative thinking throughout the practice. Our study shows that AR apps and virtual simulators can be effectively used for experiential learning about robot systems in online courses. However, these experiences cannot replace practice with real robots.
Improved Visual SLAM Using Semantic Segmentation and Layout Estimation
Authors: Mahmoud Ahmed , Atia Mohamed
Published: September 2022

The technological advances in computational systems have enabled very complex computer vision and machine learning approaches to perform efficiently and accurately. These new approaches can be considered a new set of tools to reshape the visual SLAM solutions. We present an investigation of the latest neuroscientific research that explains how the human brain can accurately navigate and map unknown environments. The accuracy suggests that human navigation is not affected by traditional visual odometry drifts resulting from tracking visual features. It utilises the geometrical structures of the surrounding objects within the navigated space. The identified objects and space geometrical shapes anchor the estimated space representation and mitigate the overall drift. Inspired by the human brain’s navigation techniques, this paper presents our efforts to incorporate two machine learning techniques into a VSLAM solution: semantic segmentation and layout estimation to imitate human abilities to map new environments. The proposed system benefits from the geometrical relations between the corner points of the cuboid environments to improve the accuracy of trajectory estimation. Moreover, the implemented SLAM solution semantically groups the map points and then tracks each group independently to limit the system drift. The implemented solution yielded higher trajectory accuracy and immunity to large pure rotations.
Road Recognition Based on Vehicle Vibration Signal and Comfortable Speed Strategy Formulation Using ISA Algorithm
Authors: Wang Xiulai , Cheng Zhun , Ma Ningling
Published: September 2022

When a vehicle is being driven, it is excited by the road roughness and generates its own vibration. In order to improve the vehicle’s riding comfort and the physical–mental health of passengers in the vehicle, this paper proposes a formulation method for a comfortable speed strategy and the technical route of its application. According to international standard ISO 2631-1, the relationship between the weighted root-mean-square acceleration value and comfortable vehicle speed is analyzed. The simulation test platform of the road roughness signal and vehicle vibration signal is built by using the filtering white noise method and the second Lagrange equation through Matlab/Simulink. Combined with the simulation platform, this paper extracts seven characteristics with statistical properties from the time-domain signal and obtains 500 sample data. Random forest (RF), extreme learning machine (ELM), and radial basis function neural network (RBF-NN) are applied to identify roads. Two comfortable speed strategy formulation methods based on the improved simulated annealing (ISA) algorithm are proposed and compared according to the solution effect of each grade of comfortable speed. The results show that the simulated signals of each grade road roughness are accurate. Road recognition can be effectively carried out using the statistical characteristics of vehicle vibration acceleration signals. ELM has high recognition accuracy and fast execution speed. The ISA-II algorithm has a low solution error of comfortable speed and a low computation time. The comfortable speed of the research vehicle on different road grades showed a great difference.