bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Junction Temperature Prediction of Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistors in Wind Power Systems Based on an Improved Honey Badger Algorithm
Authors: Zhou Chao , Gao Bing , Yang Haiyue , Zhang Xudong , Liu Jiaqi , Li Lingling
Published: October 2022

To reduce carbon dioxide emissions, wind power generation is receiving more attention. The conversion of wind energy into electricity requires frequent use of insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). Therefore, it is important to improve their reliability. This study proposed a method to predict the junction temperature of IGBTs, which helps to improve their reliability. Limited by the bad working environment, the physical temperature measurement method proposed by previous research is difficult to apply. Therefore, a junction temperature prediction method based on an extreme learning machine optimized by an improved honey badger algorithm was proposed in this study. First, the data of junction temperature were obtained by the electro-heat coupling model method. Then, the accuracy of the proposed method was verified with the data. The results show that the average absolute error of the proposed method is 0.0303 °C, which is 10.62%, 11.14%, 91.67%, and 95.54% lower than that of the extreme learning machine optimized by a honey badger algorithm, extreme learning machine optimized by a seagull optimization algorithm, extreme learning machine, and back propagation neural network model. Therefore, compared with other models, the proposed method in this paper has higher prediction accuracy.
Research on Ultra-Short-Term Load Forecasting Based on Real-Time Electricity Price and Window-Based XGBoost Model
Authors: Zhao Xin , Li Qiushuang , Xue Wanlei , Zhao Yihang , Zhao Huiru , Guo Sen
Published: October 2022

With the continuous development of new power systems, the load demand on the user side is becoming more and more diverse and random, which also brings difficulties in the accurate prediction of power load. Although the introduction of deep learning algorithms has improved the prediction accuracy to a certain extent, it also faces problems such as large data requirements and low computing efficiency. An ultra-short-term load forecasting method based on the windowed XGBoost model is proposed, which not only reduces the complexity of the model, but also helps the model to capture the autocorrelation effect of the forecast object. At the same time, the real-time electricity price is introduced into the model to improve its forecast accuracy. By simulating the load data of Singapore’s electricity market, it is proved that the proposed model has fewer errors than other deep learning algorithms, and the introduction of the real-time electricity price helps to improve the prediction accuracy of the model. Furthermore, the broad applicability of the proposed method is verified by a sensitivity analysis on data with different sample sizes.
An Analytical Hierarchy-Based Method for Quantifying Hydraulic Fracturing Stimulation to Improve Geothermal Well Productivity
Authors: Yasin Qamar , Majdański Mariusz , Awan Rizwan Sarwar , Golsanami Naser
Published: October 2022

Hydraulic fracturing (HF) has been used for years to enhance oil and gas production from conventional and unconventional reservoirs. HF in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) has become increasingly common in recent years. In EGS, hydraulic fracturing creates a geothermal collector in impermeable or low-permeable hot dry rocks. Artificial fracture networks in the collector allow for a continuous flow of fluid in a loop connecting at least two wells (injector and producer). However, it is challenging to assess the fracability of geothermal reservoirs for EGS. Consequently, it is necessary to design a method that considers multiple parameters when evaluating the potential of geothermal development. This study proposes an improved fracability index model (FI) based on the influences of fracability-related geomechanical and petrophysical properties. These include brittle minerals composition, fracture toughness, minimum horizontal in-situ stress, a brittleness index model, and temperature effect to quantify the rock’s fracability. The hierarchical analytic framework was designed based on the correlation between the influencing factors and rock fracability. The results of the qualitative and quantitative approaches were integrated into a mathematical evaluation model. The improved fracability index model’s reliability was evaluated using well logs and 3D seismic data on low-permeable carbonate geothermal reservoirs and shale gas horizontal wells. The results reveal that the improved FI model effectively demonstrates brittle regions in the low-permeable carbonate geothermal reservoir and long horizontal section of shale reservoir. We divide the rock fracability into three levels: FI > 0.59 (the rock fracability is good); 0.59 > FI > 0.32 (the rock fracability is medium); and FI < 0.32, (the rock fracability is poor). The improved FI model can assist in resolving the uncertainties associated with fracability interpretation in determining the optimum location of perforation clusters for hydraulic fracture initiation and propagation in enhanced geothermal systems.
Investigation of the Evolution of Stratum Fracture during the Cavity Expansion of Underground Coal Gasification
Authors: Dong Zhen , Yi Haiyang , Zhao Yufeng , Wang Xinggang , Chu Tingxiang , Xue Junjie , Wu Hanqi , Chen Shanshan , Zhang Mengyuan , Chen Hao
Published: October 2022

The evolution of fracture zone controls the safety of underground coal gasification (UCG) in terms of gas emission and water leakage. In order to understand the fracture propagation in the confining rock of a UCG cavity with various influence factors, this paper implemented a set of numerical models based on different geological and operating conditions. Analysis was implemented on the mechanism of fracture propagation and its evolution characteristics, suggesting that (a) continuum expansion of the cavity leads a near-field fracture circle in confining rock initially, followed by the roof caving and successive propagation of shear band. (b) The key observed influence factors of fracture propagation are the grade of confining rock, overburden pressure, dimension of the cavity and gasifying pressure, the linear relationships between them, and the fracture height. Additionally, the fracture depth in the base board was mainly caused by tensile fracture. (c) A model was proposed based on the evolution of fracture height and depth in roof and base board, respectively. Validation of this model associated with orthogonal tests suggests a good capacity for predicting fracture distribution. This paper has significance in guiding the design of the gasifying operation and safety assessment of UCG cavities.
Study on the Uniformity of Temperature Distribution of Transverse Flux Induction Heating Based on a New Magnetic Pole
Authors: Song Huabin , Wang Youhua , Peng Jiangpai , Liu Chengcheng
Published: October 2022

A new magnetic pole is designed and proposed for the transverse flux induction heating (TFIH) device, since the TFIH device with the original magnetic pole has the deficiencies of uneven temperature distribution on the strip surface at the outlet of the heater and large magnetic resistance of the alternating magnetic field through the magnetic circuit. Using the magnetic–thermal coupling calculation method proposed in this paper, the eddy current field and temperature field of the TFIH device with the original and new magnetic poles are calculated and analyzed under the same excitation. At the same time, the temperature distribution on the strip surface of the TFIH device with the new magnetic pole is calculated under different excitation parameters, and the magnitude and frequency are obtained when the uniformity of the temperature distribution is best.
The Impact of the Secular Trend of the Slovak Population on the Production of Wooden Beds and Seating Furniture
Authors: Gejdoš Miloš , Hitka Miloš
Published: October 2022

Every space used by a person should suit the anthropometric and biomechanical characteristics of the users. Poorly designed premises and types of equipment have a negative impact on human health. Furniture, as a device for daily use, can in the long term, with inadequate dimensions, significantly affect human health. In this work, we define the secular development of selected anthropometric dimensions of the Slovak population. Based on the positive development, we point out the dimensional and strength characteristics of bed and resting furniture and the dimensional and strength characteristics of seating furniture, which anthropometric dimensions influence. At the same time, we note the need to update the calculation formulas for pricing individual products, which will have an economic impact on wood furniture production. Based on the results, we can conclude that in most of the monitored characteristics of the Slovak population, such as height and bodyweight, the elbow height when sitting, palm width, hand length, length of the forearm to fingertip, buttock–knee length and knee height—sitting with shoes, affect the dimensions of the bed and seating furniture. This implies the need to update the current standards for the general Slovak population.
A Method for Estimating Forest Aboveground Biomass at the Plot Scale Combining the Horizontal Distribution Model of Biomass and Sampling Technique
Authors: Lu Chi , Xu Hui , Zhang Jialong , Wang Aiyun , Wu Heng , Bao Rui , Ou Guanglong
Published: October 2022

Accurate estimation of small-scale forest biomass is a prerequisite and basis for trading forest carbon sinks and optimizing the allocation of forestry resources. This study aims to develop a plot-scale methodology for estimating aboveground biomass (AGB) that combines a biomass horizontal distribution model (HDM) and sampling techniques to improve efficiency, reduce costs and provide the reliability of estimation for biomass. Simao pine (Pinus kesiya var. langbianensis) from Pu’er City, Yunnan Province, was used as the research subject in this study. A canopy profile model (CPM) was constructed based on data from branch analysis and transformed into a canopy biomass HDM. The horizontal distribution of AGB within the sample plots was simulated using the HDM based on the data from the per-wood survey and compared with the results from the location distribution model (LDM) simulation. AGB sampling estimations were carried out separately by combining different sampling methods with the AGB distribution of sample plot simulated by different biomass distribution models. The sampling effectiveness of all sampling schemes was compared and analyzed, and the best plan for the sampling estimation of AGB in plot-scale forests was optimized. The results are as follows: the power function model is the best model for constructing the CPM of the Simao pine in this study; with visual comparison and the analysis of the coefficient of variation, the AGB simulated by HDM has a larger and more continuous distribution than that simulated by LDM, which is closer to the actual distribution; HDM-based sampling plans have smaller sample sizes and sampling ratios than LDM-based ones; and lastly, the stratified sampling method (STS)-HDM-6 plan has the best sampling efficiency with a minimum sample size of 10 and a minimum sampling ratio of 15%. The result illustrates the potential of the method for estimating plot-scale forest AGB by combining HDM with sampling techniques to reduce costs and increase estimation efficiency effectively.
Population Dynamics of Juniperus macropoda Bossier Forest Ecosystem in Relation to Soil Physico-Chemical Characteristics in the Cold Desert of North-Western Himalaya
Authors: Kumar Dhirender , Bhardwaj Daulat Ram , Sharma Prashant , Bharti  , Sankhyan Neeraj , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Linh Nguyen Thi Thuy
Published: October 2022

Juniperus macropoda is the only tree species of a cold desert ecosystem that is experiencing high anthropogenic pressure and has a poor regeneration status due to harsh environmental conditions. Due to the limited distribution of Juniperus macropoda in this region, the species have remained largely unexplored in terms of understanding the distribution pattern along the elevation and soil fertility gradients. Therefore, the current research was carried out along the elevational gradient, starting from the base line at 3000 m above sea level (m asl) asl with an elevational plot distance of 180 m. The study revealed that the average density of J. macropoda declined gradually from the first elevation range, i.e., 3000–3180 m asl onward, and extended up to the elevation range of 3900–4080 m asl. However, the average seedling and sapling densities were highest at mid-elevation and extended up to an elevation range of 4080–4260 m asl. The J. macropoda population formed a reverse J-shaped structure only up to 3540–3720 m asl. The maximum total biomass and carbon density were recorded in the lowest elevational range, and decreased subsequently. The primary soil nutrients under study decreased sharply along the elevational gradient. Seedling, sapling and tree distributions had a significantly positive relationship (p < 0.05) with available N, P, K, SOC, silt and clay contents and were negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with sand contents. The outcome of the study will form the basis for devising a plan for the management and conservation of J. macropoda forests.
Evidence of Pheromone Use in a Fulgorid, Spotted Lanternfly
Authors: Faal Hajar , Cooperband Miriam F. , Canlas Isaiah , Carrillo Daniel
Published: October 2022

The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) is a polyphagous, phloem-feeding invasive forest, agricultural, and nuisance pest that is rapidly spreading through the U.S. Little is known about how fulgorids locate each other to mate. To determine if conspecific semiochemicals such as pheromones occur, whole body extracts (WBE) of adult spotted lanternflies from different physiological states were tested for attraction in a dual-choice olfactometer. In olfactometer assays, prior to mating, males were oriented to WBE from males and females. During their mating period, males were attracted to WBE of females, but not to that of males. After mating and oviposition had taken place, males were not attracted to either male or female extracts. Conversely, females did not orient to any WBE from either sex during any physiological state. These behavioral responses by males but not females to WBE from conspecifics in different physiological states suggest the possible presence of an aggregation-sex pheromone in the spotted lanternfly.
Spatiotemporal Variation of NDVI in Anhui Province from 2001 to 2019 and Its Response to Climatic Factors
Authors: Han Weijie , Chen Donghua , Li Hu , Chang Zhu , Chen Jian , Ye Lizao , Liu Saisai , Wang Zuo
Published: October 2022

This paper intends to clarify that the spatial and temporal evolutionary patterns of regional vegetation and their relationship with climate form a premise of ecological conservation and environmental governance, and play an important role in maintaining regional ecosystem balance and promoting sustainable development. Based on measured data collected from NDVI remote sensing products and meteorological stations, NDVI variation in Anhui Province from 2001 to 2019 was determined through trend analysis and measurement methods involving coefficient of variation and Hurst index; in addition, the response to climatic factors was also explored. It was concluded that, firstly, in terms of spatiotemporal analysis, the interannual variation of NDVI in Anhui Province showed an increasing trend with a rate of 0.024/10 a, while the monthly variation showed a weak bimodal pattern, with the highest value in August and the lowest value in January. Furthermore, NDVI in Anhui Province showed significant spatial heterogeneity, with high values concentrated in mountainous regions in southern Anhui and Dabie Mountain region, and low values concentrated in the hilly areas of Jianghuai and areas along the Yangtze River. At the same time, the overall spatial variation of NDVI showed an increasing trend, and the areas with extremely significant and significant improvement in vegetation coverage accounted for 54.69% of the total area of Anhui Province. Secondly, in terms of the analysis on variation characteristics, the variation of NDVI in Anhui Province was generally stable, with an average CV coefficient of variation of 0.089, which, however, was quite different in different regions; meanwhile, the future trend of NDVI variation in the study areas was mostly in a random manner. Thirdly, the response of NDVI in Anhui Province to climatic factors showed significant spatial heterogeneity. NDVI was found to be positively correlated with precipitation and negatively correlated with temperature; in general, the impact of precipitation on NDVI was greater than that of temperature. In the 19 years studied, NDVI in Anhui Province showed an increasing trend; and climate, topography and human activities led to heterogeneous spatial distribution of vegetation. Therefore, in the future, the evolutionary trend of vegetation will be relatively random, and NDVI will be more greatly affected by temperature, than by precipitation.
Caputo Fractional Evolution Equations in Discrete Sequences Spaces
Authors: Mahillo Alejandro , Miana Pedro J.
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we treat some fractional differential equations on the sequence Lebesgue spaces ℓp(N0) with p≥1. The Caputo fractional calculus extends the usual derivation. The operator, associated to the Cauchy problem, is defined by a convolution with a sequence of compact support and belongs to the Banach algebra ℓ1(Z). We treat in detail some of these compact support sequences. We use techniques from Banach algebras and a Functional Analysis to explicity check the solution of the problem.
A Variable-Order Fuzzy Logic Controller Design Method for an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Based on NSGA-II
Authors: Zhu Boyu , Liu Lu , Zhang Lichuan , Liu Mingwei , Duanmu Yixiang , Chen Yi , Dang Peidong , Li Jiabao
Published: October 2022

UUV depth control requires the controlled system to have good transient response and robustness under the premise of ensuring real-time performance. The flexibility of fractional-order control provides an idea to solve this problem. This paper proposes a controller design method for UUV depth control (VD-SIFLC) based on fractional calculus, fuzzy control, dynamic parameters and a fast non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II). First, the overall structure of the controller, the UUV model and the model of external disturbances are presented. Then, the design methods of control input, order selector, membership function and scale factor selector are given, respectively. Then, the necessary conditions, such as optimization objectives and optimization parameters in the optimization algorithm, are analyzed. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is verified by comparative experiments with the SIFLC. Simulation results show that the controlled system with the VD-FIFLC could achieve better robustness and dynamic and steady-state performance. Moreover, according to the actual task requirements, the appropriate parameters can be selected by the user from the pareto solution set, which is suitable to be used in the actual applications.
Mild Solution for the Time-Fractional Navier–Stokes Equation Incorporating MHD Effects
Authors: Shafqat Ramsha , Niazi Azmat Ullah Khan , Yavuz Mehmet , Jeelani Mdi Begum , Saleem Kiran
Published: October 2022

The Navier–Stokes (NS) equations involving MHD effects with time-fractional derivatives are discussed in this paper. This paper investigates the local and global existence and uniqueness of the mild solution to the NS equations for the time fractional differential operator. In addition, we work on the regularity effects of such types of equations which are caused by MHD flow.
Initial Boundary Value Problem for a Fractional Viscoelastic Equation of the Kirchhoff Type
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Li
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we study the initial boundary value problem for a fractional viscoelastic equation of the Kirchhoff type. In suitable functional spaces, we define a potential well. In the framework of the potential well theory, we obtain the global existence of solutions by using the Galerkin approximations. Moreover, we derive the asymptotic behavior of solutions by means of the perturbed energy method. Our main results provide sufficient conditions for the qualitative properties of solutions in time.
Flow of a Self-Similar Non-Newtonian Fluid Using Fractal Dimensions
Authors: Bouchendouka Abdellah , Fellah Zine El Abiddine , Larbi Zakaria , Ongwen Nicholas O. , Ogam Erick , Fellah Mohamed , Depollier Claude
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the study of the fully developed flow of a self-similar (fractal) power-law fluid is presented. The rheological way of behaving of the fluid is modeled utilizing the Ostwald–de Waele relationship (covering shear-thinning, Newtonian and shear-thickening fluids). A self-similar (fractal) fluid is depicted as a continuum in a noninteger dimensional space. Involving vector calculus for the instance of a noninteger dimensional space, we determine an analytical solution of the Cauchy equation for the instance of a non-Newtonian self-similar fluid flow in a cylindrical pipe. The plot of the velocity profile obtained shows that the rheological behavior of a non-Newtonian power-law fluid is essentially impacted by its self-similar structure. A self-similar shear thinning fluid and a self-similar Newtonian fluid take on a shear-thickening way of behaving, and a self-similar shear-thickening fluid becomes more shear thickening. This approach has many useful applications in industry, for the investigation of blood flow and fractal fluid hydrology.
Is Mitochondria DNA Variation a Biomarker for AD?
Authors: Gao Ruonan , Ma Suk Ling
Published: October 2022

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia and is characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. The underlying mechanism of AD has not been fully understood. At present there is no method to detect AD at its early stage. Recent studies indicate that mitochondria dysfunction is related to AD pathogenesis. Altered mitochondria functions are found in AD and influence both amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau pathology. Variations in mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) lead to a change in energy metabolism in the brain and contribute to AD. MtDNA can reflect the status of mitochondria and therefore play an essential role in AD. In this review, we summarize the changes in mtDNA and mtDNA mutations in AD patients and discuss the possibility of mtDNA being a biomarker for the early diagnosis of AD.
Prospective Observational Study after Eversion Carotid Endarterectomy with Ultrasound-Guided Deep-Intermediate Cervical Plexus Blockade
Authors: Vega Colón María , López González José Manuel , Jiménez Gómez Bárbara María , Pico Veloso Jandro , Fernández Mendez Marta , Fernández Suárez Félix Ezequiel , del Castro Madrazo José Antonio , Álvarez Marcos Francisco , Fajardo Pérez Mario , Lin Jui-An , Galluccio Felice , Hou Jin-De , Chan Shun-Ming
Published: October 2022

(1) Introduction: The aim was to describe the anesthetic and surgical technique of eversion carotid endarterectomy performed under intermediate-deep cervical block with sedation, and to analyze the intraoperative and postoperative results. (2) Material and Methods: Thirty cases of unilateral eversion carotid endarterectomy (n = 30), performed between 2019–2020 in a tertiary center under intermediate-deep ultrasound-guided cervical plexus block and sedation, were prospectively observed and analyzed. Hemodynamic (blood pressure, heart rate) and neurological (cerebral oximetry) variables were measured in four intraoperative phases: at the beginning of the operation, prior to carotid clamping, after unclamping and at the end of the operation. We assessed acute postoperative pain in a numerical rating scale at 6, 12 and 24 h, early and 30-day complications, and length of stay. (3) Results: Baseline mean arterial pressure values were 100.4 ± 18 mmHg, pre-clamping 95.8 ± 14 mmHg, post-clamping 94.9 ± 11 mmHg, and at the end of the operation 102.4 ± 16 mmHg. Cerebral oximetry values were 61.7 ± 7/62.7 ± 8, 68.5 ± 9.6/69.1 ± 11.7 and 68.1 ± 10/68.1 ± 10 for the left and right hemispheres at baseline, pre- and post-clamping, respectively. The pain assessment showed a score less than or equal to 3. The incidence of residual nerve block, early complications, and major complications in the first 30 days was 40%, 16.7% and 3.3%, respectively. (4) Conclusions: The combination of intermediate-deep cervical plexus block and low-dose sedation is an effective and safe alternative in awake eversion carotid endarterectomy.
Using a Taxonomy to Systematically Identify and Describe Self-Management Interventions Components in Randomized Trials for COPD
Authors: Heijmans Monique , Poortvliet Rune , Van der Gaag Marieke , González-González Ana I. , Beltran Puerta Jessica , Canelo-Aybar Carlos , Valli Claudia , Ballester Marta , Rocha Claudio , Garcia Montserrat León , Salas-Gama Karla , Kaloteraki Chrysoula , Santero Marilina , Niño de Guzmán Ena , Spoiala Cristina , Gurung Pema , Moaddine Saida , Willemen Fabienne , Cools Iza , Bleeker Julia , Kancheva Angelina , Ertl Julia , Laure Tajda , Kancheva Ivana , Pacheco-Barrios Kevin , Zafra-Tanaka Jessica , Mavridis Dimitris , Angeliki Veroniki Areti , Zevgiti Stella , Seitidis Georgios , Alonso-Coello Pablo , Groene Oliver , Sunol Rosa , Orrego Carola
Published: October 2022

Self-management interventions (SMIs) may improve outcomes in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). However, accurate comparisons of their relative effectiveness are challenging, partly due to a lack of clarity and detail regarding the intervention content being evaluated. This study systematically describes intervention components and characteristics in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to COPD self-management using the COMPAR-EU taxonomy as a framework, identifying components that are insufficiently incorporated into the design of the intervention or insufficiently reported. Overall, 235 RCTs published between 2010 and 2018, from a systematic review were coded using the taxonomy, which includes 132 components across four domains: intervention characteristics, expected patient (or caregiver) self-management behaviours, patient relevant outcomes, and target population characteristics. Risk of bias was also assessed. Interventions mainly focused on physical activity (67.4%), and condition-specific behaviours like breathing exercise (63.5%), self-monitoring (50.8%), and medication use (33.9%). Support techniques like education and skills-training, self-monitoring, and goal setting (over 35% of the RCTs) were mostly used for this. Emotional-based techniques, problem-solving, and shared decision-making were less frequently reported (less than 15% of the studies). Numerous SMIs components were insufficiently incorporated into the design of COPD SMIs or insufficiently reported. Characteristics like mode of delivery, intensity, location, and providers involved were often not described. Only 8% of the interventions were tailored to the target population’s characteristics. Outcomes that are considered important by patients were hardly taken into account. There is still a lot to improve in both the design and description of SMIs for COPD. Using a framework such as the COMPAR-EU SMI taxonomy may contribute to better reporting and to better informing of replication efforts. In addition, prospective use of the taxonomy for developing and reporting intervention content would further aid in building a cumulative science of effective SMIs in COPD.
Examining Poverty Reduction of Poverty-Stricken Farmer Households under Different Development Goals: A Multiobjective Spatio-Temporal Evolution Analysis Method
Authors: Wang Yanhui , Jia Shoujie , Qi Wenping , Huang Chong
Published: October 2022

Accurately identifying the degree of poverty and poverty-causing factors of poverty-stricken farmer households is the first key step to alleviating absolute and relative poverty. This paper introduces a multiobjective spatio-temporal evolution analysis method to examine poverty reduction of poverty-stricken farmer households under different development goals. A G-TOPSIS model was constructed to evaluate poverty-stricken households under short-, medium-, and long-term development goals. Then, GIS analysis methods were employed to reveal the spatio-temporal distribution of poverty-stricken households, and poverty causing factors were detected using the obstacle degree model. Taking Fugong County in Yunnan Province, China, as an example, the empirical results show that: (1) Great progress has been made in poverty reduction during the study period; however, some farmer households which have escaped absolute poverty are still in relative poverty and are still highly vulnerable. (2) Farmers with higher achievement rates under three different development goals are mainly distributed in the central and northern regions of study area, with a pattern of high–high agglomeration under the medium and low development goals, while low–low agglomeration mostly appears in central-southern regions. (3) Under the short-term development goals, the main poverty-causing factors are per capita net income, safe housing, sanitary toilets, years of education of labor force and family health. Under the medium- and long-term goals, per capita net income, labor force education and safe housing are the development limitations. (4) Infrastructure and public service are crucial to ending absolute poverty, and the endogenous force of regional development should be applied to alleviate the relative poverty through sustainable development industries and high-quality national education.
The Effect COVID Has Had on the Wants and Needs of Children in Terms of Play: Text Mining the Qualitative Response of the Happen Primary School Survey with 20,000 Children in Wales, UK between 2016 and 2021
Authors: James Michaela , Rasheed Mustafa , Bandyopadhyay Amrita , Mannello Marianne , Marchant Emily , Brophy Sinead
Published: October 2022

Play is central to children’s physical and social development. This study examines changes in children’s response to questions on play opportunities between 2016 and 2021. Primary school children aged 8–11 in Wales participated in the HAPPEN survey between 2016 and 2021. The survey captures a range of information about children’s health and wellbeing, including open-ended questions about what could make them happier. Text mining methods were used to examine how open-ended responses have changed over time in relation to play, before and, after the COVID enforced school closures. A total of 20,488 participant responses were analysed, 14,200 pre-school closures (2016 to pre-March 2020) and 6248 after initial school closures (September 2020–December 2021). Five themes were identified based on children’s open-ended responses; (a) space to play (35%), (b) their recommendations on play (31%), (c) having permission to play (20%), (d) their feelings on health and wellbeing and play (10%) and (e) having time to play (4%). Despite differences due to mitigation measures, the predominant recommendation from children after COVID is that they would like more space to play (outside homes, including gardens), more time with friends and protected time to play with friends in school and at home.
Stress and Occupational Burnout of Nurses Working with COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Tomaszewska Katarzyna , Majchrowicz Bożena , Snarska Katarzyna , Telega Donata
Published: October 2022

COVID-19 pandemic brings many challenges to the daily work of nurses. While carrying out professional tasks for patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, nurses experience tremendous psychological pressure due to their workload in a high-risk environment. This causes severe stress and leads to occupational burnout. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of stress and occupational burnout among surveyed nurses working with patients with COVID-19. A total of 118 nurses working with patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus participated in the study. Among the respondents, there were 94.9% women and 5.1% men. The average age of the respondents was 38.1 +/− 2.1. The survey was conducted between April and May 2022. The research tool was a survey questionnaire, consisting of three parts: sociodemographic data and self-administered survey questionnaire containing questions about the specifics of working with COVID-19 patients. The third part was a standardized tool: the MBI Burnout Questionnaire by Christina Maslach. Participation in the study was anonymous and voluntary. Statistical analysis for independence of variables used the Chi-square test. On the other hand, coefficients based on the Phi test and Kramer’s V test, as well as non-parametric Mann–Whitney U-test (for 2 samples) and Kruskal–Wallis test (for more than 2 samples) were used to determine the strength of the relationship. During these analyses, in addition to standard statistical significance, the corresponding “p” values were calculated using the Monte Carlo method. The results obtained allow us to conclude that surveyed nurses working with COVID-19 patients are exposed to various stressors leading to occupational burnout. The vast majority of respondents, i.e., 90.7%, believe that stress is an integral part of the nursing profession and the average of MBI burnout among respondents was 55.67 +/− 9.77 pts., emotional exhaustion 24.74 +/− 6.11, depersonalization 12.42 +/− 2.99 and a sense of personal achievement 18.52 +/− 4.50 which means that only slightly more than half of the nurses surveyed noticed symptoms of occupational burnout themselves. The research has revealed that working with a patient who is positive for COVID-19 is a cause of stress and is related to experiencing symptoms of burnout in the group of surveyed nurses.
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: A 9-Year Follow Up Cohort Study
Authors: Mangia Alessandra , Piazzolla Annarita Valeria , Squillante Maria Maddalena , Cocomazzi Giovanna , Valori Vanna Maria , Copetti Massimiliano , Parente Paola , Attino Vito , Guido Maria
Published: October 2022

Background and aim: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may progress to severe liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. A limited number of studies with a long follow up assessed fibrosis progression and related predictors in untreated patients with a histological diagnosis of NAFLD. This study aims to investigate rate and predictors of NAFLD progression. Methods: For 9 (2–16.7) years, we followed up a cohort of patients histologically diagnosed. Disease progression was defined by a composite endpoint as evidence of cirrhosis in patients without cirrhosis at baseline, evidence of de novo occurrence of cirrhosis complications, histologically established worsening of stage 1 of fibrosis or increase of 20% in liver stiffness by transient elastography in patients rejecting a second liver biopsy. Results: A total of 91 patients were enrolled. Of them, 31 had NAFL and 60 NASH. A second liver biopsy was performed in 22 NASH patients and in 4 NAFL. Disease progression was observed in 38.5% NASH and in 12.0% NAFL (p = 0.034). Patients with portal inflammation had a higher risk of progression (66.7% vs 26%, p = 0.021). High triglycerides levels, advanced fibrosis at baseline and the duration of follow-up predict disease progression (p = 0.021; OR = 6.93, 95% CI 1.33–36.08, p = 0.43; OR 8.37; 95% CI 1.07–65.58 and p = 0.034; OR = 0.88; 95% CI 0.78–0.99, respectively). Conclusions: Our results reinforce the evidence that, in the absence of pharmacologic treatment, NASH progresses in about 40% of patients. Liver biopsy is the only mean to discriminate NAFL from NASH. The prognostic role of portal inflammation needs to be explored in larger series.
Transcriptomic Dynamics of Active and Inactive States of Rho GTPase MoRho3 in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Li Qian , Chen Xi , Lin Lianyu , Zhang Lianhu , Wang Li , Bao Jiandong , Zhang Dongmei
Published: October 2022

The small Rho GTPase acts as a molecular switch in eukaryotic signal transduction, which plays a critical role in polar cell growth and vesicle trafficking. Previous studies demonstrated that constitutively active (CA) mutant strains, of MoRho3-CA were defective in appressorium formation. While dominant-negative (DN) mutant strains MoRho3-DN shows defects in polar growth. However, the molecular dynamics of MoRho3-mediated regulatory networks in the pathogenesis of Magnaporthe oryzae still needs to be uncovered. Here, we perform comparative transcriptomic profiling of MoRho3-CA and MoRho3-DN mutant strains using a high-throughput RNA sequencing approach. We find that genetic manipulation of MoRho3 significantly disrupts the expression of 28 homologs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rho3-interacting proteins, including EXO70, BNI1, and BNI2 in the MoRho3 CA, DN mutant strains. Functional enrichment analyses of up-regulated DEGs reveal a significant enrichment of genes associated with ribosome biogenesis in the MoRho3-CA mutant strain. Down-regulated DEGs in the MoRho3-CA mutant strains shows significant enrichment in starch/sucrose metabolism and the ABC transporter pathway. Moreover, analyses of down-regulated DEGs in the in MoRho3-DN reveals an over-representation of genes enriched in metabolic pathways. In addition, we observe a significant suppression in the expression levels of secreted proteins suppressed in both MoRho3-CA and DN mutant strains. Together, our results uncover expression dynamics mediated by two states of the small GTPase MoRho3, demonstrating its crucial roles in regulating the expression of ribosome biogenesis and secreted proteins.
Genomic Data Mining Reveals Abundant Uncharacterized Transporters in Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii
Authors: Cai Hong , Zhang Hao , Guo Daniel H. , Wang Yufeng , Gu Jianying
Published: October 2022

Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii are causative agents of coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as Valley Fever. The increasing Valley Fever cases in the past decades, the expansion of endemic regions, and the rising azole drug-resistant strains have underscored an urgent need for a better understanding of Coccidioides biology and new antifungal strategies. Transporters play essential roles in pathogen survival, growth, infection, and adaptation, and are considered as potential drug targets. However, the composition and roles of transport machinery in Coccidioides remain largely unknown. In this study, genomic data mining revealed an abundant, uncharacterized repertoire of transporters in Coccidioides genomes. The catalog included 1288 and 1235 transporter homologs in C. immitis and C. posadasii, respectively. They were further annotated to class, subclass, family, subfamily and range of substrates based on the Transport Classification (TC) system. They may play diverse roles in nutrient uptake, metabolite secretion, ion homeostasis, drug efflux, or signaling. This study represents an initial effort for a systems-level characterization of the transport machinery in these understudied fungal pathogens.
Enhancing the Recovery of Bioactive Compounds of Soybean Fermented with Rhizopus oligosporus Using Supercritical CO2: Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Oxidative Proprieties of the Resulting Extract
Authors: do Prado Fernanda Guilherme , Pagnoncelli Maria Giovana Binder , Prado Maria Rosa Machado , Corazza Marcos Lucio , Soccol Vanete Thomaz , de Melo Pereira Gilberto Vinícius , Soccol Carlos Ricardo
Published: October 2022

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of supercritical CO2 combined with cosolvent for the recovery of bioactive compounds of soybean fermented with Rhizopus oligosporus NRRL 2710. Soxhlet extractions using seven different organic solvents (n-hexane, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, methanol, and water) were initially performed for comparative purposes. The extracts obtained were characterized by physicochemical, antioxidant, total phenolic, and oxidative proprieties. For the Soxhlet extractions, the highest and lowest yields obtained were 45.24% and 15.56%, using methanol and hexane, respectively. The extraction using supercritical CO2 combined with ethanol as a static modifier (scCO2 + EtOH) presented, at a high pressure (25 MPa) and temperature (80 °C), a phenolic compound content of 1391.9 μg GAE g−1 and scavenging of 0.17 g, reaching a 42.87% yield. The extracts obtained by sCO2 + EtOH were characterized by high contents of essential fatty acids (linoleic acid and oleic acid) and bioactive compounds (gallic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, daidzein, and genistein). These extracts also showed a great potential for inhibiting hyaluronidase enzymes (i.e., anti-inflammatory activity). Thermogravimetric analyses of the samples showed similar profiles, with oil degradation values in the range from 145 to 540 °C, indicating progressive oil decomposition with a mass loss ranging from 93 to 98.7%. In summary, this study demonstrated the flexibility of scCO2 + EtOH as a green technology that can be used to obtain high-value-added products from fermented soybean.
Fungal Hal3 (and Its Close Relative Cab3) as Moonlighting Proteins
Authors: Casamayor Antonio , Ariño Joaquín
Published: October 2022

Hal3 (Sis2) is a yeast protein that was initially identified as a regulatory subunit of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ser/Thr protein phosphatase Ppz1. A few years later, it was shown to participate in the formation of an atypical heterotrimeric phosphopantothenoylcysteine decarboxylase (PPCDC) enzyme, thus catalyzing a key reaction in the pathway leading to Coenzyme A biosynthesis. Therefore, Hal3 was defined as a moonlighting protein. The structure of Hal3 in some fungi is made of a conserved core, similar to bacterial or mammalian PPCDCs; meanwhile, in others, the gene encodes a larger protein with N- and C-terminal extensions. In this work, we describe how Hal3 (and its close relative Cab3) participates in these disparate functions and we review recent findings that could make it possible to predict which of these two proteins will show moonlighting properties in fungi.
Emotions in Crisis Coverage: How UK News Media Used Fear Appeals to Report on the Coronavirus Crisis
Authors: Hase Valerie , Engelke Katherine M.
Published: October 2022

During crises, journalists rely on emotional appeals to alert the public. This includes fear appeals, i.e., journalistic depictions of threats and measures against them. Focusing on the coronavirus crisis, this study analyzes the prevalence of fear appeals in journalistic news, differences between outlets, and changes over time. It employs a manual content analysis of UK online news between January and May 2020 (N = 1048). Results indicate that, during the early phases of the coronavirus pandemic, journalists relied heavily on fear-inducing messages by emphasizing threats related to COVID-19 and, though to a lesser degree, measures against these threats. Besides differences between tabloids and quality outlets, we find that fear-inducing content decreased before the UK itself became most affected, indicating that coverage served a warning function rather than mirroring national affectedness. Overall, the study illustrates that fear appeals are common in coverage of crises, where they enable journalists to take on the role of public mobilizers and facilitators of crises response strategies, for instance by governments.
About AutoGraphiX Conjecture on Domination Number and Remoteness of Graphs
Authors: Pei Lidan
Published: October 2022

A set D⊆V(G) is called a dominating set if N[v]∩D≠∅ for every vertex v in graph G. The domination number γ(G) is the minimum cardinality of a dominating set of G. The proximity π(v) of a vertex v is the average distance from it to all other vertices in graph. The remoteness ρ(G) of a connected graph G is the maximum proximity of all the vertices in graph G. AutoGraphiX Conjecture A.565 gives the sharp upper bound on the difference between the domination number and remoteness. In this paper, we characterize the explicit graphs that attain the upper bound in the above conjecture, and prove the improved AutoGraphiX conjecture.
Sizing and Design of a PV-Wind-Fuel Cell Storage System Integrated into a Grid Considering the Uncertainty of Load Demand Using the Marine Predators Algorithm
Authors: Mahmoud Fayza S. , Abdelhamid Ashraf M. , Al Sumaiti Ameena , El-Sayed Abou-Hashema M. , Diab Ahmed A. Zaki
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the utility grid is integrated with hybrid photovoltaic (PV)/wind/fuel cells to overcome the unavailability of the grid and the single implementation of renewable energy. The main purpose of this study is smart management of hydrogen storage tanks and power exchange between the hybrid renewable energy and the grid to minimize the total cost of the hybrid system and load uncertainties. PV and wind act as the main renewable energy sources, whereas fuel cells act as auxiliary sources designed to compensate for power variations and to ensure continuous power flow to the load. The grid is considered a backup system that works when hybrid renewable energy and fuel cells are unavailable. In this study, the optimal size of the components of the hybrid energy system is introduced using two methods: the marine predators’ algorithm (MPA) and the seagull optimization algorithm (SOA). The optimal sizing problem is also run accounting for the uncertainty in load demand. The results obtained from the proposed optimization are given with and without uncertainty in load demand. The simulation results of the hybrid system without uncertainty demonstrate the superiority of the MPA compared with SOA. However, in the case of load uncertainty, the simulation results (the uncertainty) are given using the MPA optimization technique with +5%, +10%, and +15% uncertainty in load, which showed that the net present cost and purchase energy are increased with uncertainty.
Some New Results on Convergence, Weak w2-Stability and Data Dependence of Two Multivalued Almost Contractive Mappings in Hyperbolic Spaces
Authors: Ofem Austine Efut , Abuchu Jacob Ashiwere , George Reny , Ugwunnadi Godwin Chidi , Narain Ojen Kumar
Published: October 2022

In this article, we introduce a new mixed-type iterative algorithm for approximation of common fixed points of two multivalued almost contractive mappings and two multivalued mappings satisfying condition (E) in hyperbolic spaces. We consider new concepts of weak w2-stability and data dependence results involving two multivalued almost contractive mappings. We provide examples of multivalued almost contractive mappings to show the advantage of our new iterative algorithm over some exiting iterative algorithms. Moreover, we prove several strong ∆-convergence theorems of our new algorithm in hyperbolic spaces. Furthermore, with another novel example, we carry out a numerical experiment to compare the efficiency and applicability of a new iterative algorithm with several leading iterative algorithms. The results in this article extend and improve several existing results from the setting of linear and CAT(0) spaces to hyperbolic spaces. Our main results also extend several existing results from the setting of single-valued mappings to the setting of multivalued mappings.