bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parameter Robustness Enhanced Deadbeat Control for DFIG with ESO-Based Disturbance Estimation
Authors: Ni Kai , Shi Haochen , Zhang Jin , Zhang Chong , Wang Hongzhe , Sun Yizhou
Published: August 2023

Doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) are widely applied in wind energy conversion systems, where the harsh service environment and long-lasting operation can bring about motor parameter deviations, deteriorating the system performance. In this paper, an extended state observer (ESO)-based deadbeat control strategy that enhances the system parameter robustness is proposed. Firstly, the effects of motor parameter inaccuracy are analyzed to reflect the control errors and degradation of the system performance. Secondly, a lumped disturbance represented by an additional state extended from the system mathematical model is derived with the parameter inaccuracy taken into consideration. Finally, the parameter robustness enhanced deadbeat control method with the ESO-based disturbance estimation is developed to realize accurate prediction and control, even when the inductance of DFIG deviates under various operation conditions. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, simulations are carried out in MATLAB/Simulink for a 1.5 MW DFIG with a 30% stator and rotor inductance deviation. Compared to the conventional control method, smooth and fast dynamic performance is maintained, and the current ripple for the proposed control strategy can be reduced by approximately 40%, where the steady-state tracking performance and parameter robustness of the system are significantly enhanced.
Circular Water Management in Public Space—Experimental Feasibility Studies in Different Urban Contexts
Authors: Nicolini Elvira , Mamì Antonella
Published: August 2023

Several studies highlight the risks related to the growing water crisis, worsened by the effects of pollution, which increasingly make water sources non-potable. The current water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) approach improves resource efficiency and implements urban livability by combining natural water flows with all the scales of the urban landscape. The logistic and operational management of water disposal/treatment and distribution requires performing service design according to cities’ physical and morphological features, starting from their architectural and landscape characteristics. This paper aims to prove that different landscapes can offer different inspirations and possibilities to imagine a WSUD-coherent system, fulfilling the integration requirements with the urban system. For this purpose, three case studies, differing by dimension, morphology, and urban typology, are analyzed, experimenting with circular water usage with no resource waste. This research proposes concrete actions such as conservation, restoration or addition of permeable surfaces, the installation of new accumulation and treatment systems, and the use of water-saving devices. Starting from redesigning the water system, they can also include punctual redevelopment interventions on the urban built environments and opportunities for network development with public administrations, private businesses, third-sector organizations, and end users. This experimentation has led to water savings of up to 80% of the current consumption scenario.
Analysis on the Rationality of Urban Green Space Distribution in Hangzhou City Based on GF-1 Data
Authors: Zhang Danying , Liu Haijian , Yu Zhifeng
Published: August 2023

With its ecological, economic, and social benefits, urban green space (UGS) plays an important role in urban planning. Accordingly, it is also an important indicator in the evaluation of urban liveability. However, the extraction and statistical analysis of UGS are difficult because urban land use involves complex types and UGS exhibits fragmented distribution and common vegetation extraction models such as the NDVI model and pixel bipartite model. In addition, there are few studies that analyze UGS in Hangzhou with a pixel decomposition model. Therefore, applying the mixed pixel decomposition model with GF-1 data, the following three objectives were set in this study: (1) analyzing the temporal changes of UGS in Shangcheng District, Hangzhou from 2018 to 2020; (2) analyzing the spatial distribution characteristics of UGS in the six main urban areas of Hangzhou in 2020; (3) analyzing the rationality and influencing factors of UGS distribution in Hangzhou. In Shangcheng District, the overall UGS area increased from 2018 to 2020 due to the increase in forest area rather than grassland area. As for the main built-up area in Hangzhou, medium and high coverage of UGS were primarily observed, with an overall high level of greening and a relatively uniform vegetation cover. Only a few areas showed very low UGS coverage. Some differences were observed among administrative regions under the influence of topography, but the overall coverage is high. At the same time, the distribution of UGS in Hangzhou is closely related to policy guidance, the needs of urban residents, and the requirements of economic development. This research not only can provide a new way to analyze UGS features in Hangzhou but also provides scientific guidance for governments in urban planning.
A Detailed Analysis of the Modified Economic Method for Assessing the Performance of Photovoltaic Module Enhancing Techniques
Authors: Sultan Sakhr M. , Tso C. P. , Ajeel Raheem K. , Sobayel K. , Abdullah M. Z.
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the modified economic method (FMCE) for evaluating the performance of photovoltaic module (PV)-enhancing techniques, aiming to address existing research gaps. The impact of influential parameters on the FMCE is examined through illustrative examples. These parameters include the output power of a single solar cell without an enhancer, output power of a PV with an enhancer, manufacturing cost of the PV enhancer, one-watt cost of PV power, and maximum output power of a solar cell with an enhancer equivalent to maximum output power at standard test conditions (STC). The results of this study reveal that the output power of a single solar cell without an enhancer, number of solar cells with an enhancer in the PV, and manufacturing cost of the PV enhancer have a proportional relationship with the FMCE. As these parameters increase, the FMCE also increases, which negatively affects the cost-effectiveness of the PV enhancer, leading to lower performance. So, it is advisable to maintain the values of these parameters at lower levels. Conversely, the output power of a PV with an enhancer and the one-watt cost of PV power exhibit an inverse proportional relationship with the FMCE. As the output power of a PV with an enhancer and the one-watt cost of PV power increase, the FMCE decreases, which positively affects the cost-effectiveness of the PV enhancer, leading to higher performance. Hence, it is recommended to keep these two parameters high for optimal performance. In conclusion, the FMCE may have potential for application by designers and manufacturers of PV enhancers.
Tire Wear Monitoring Approach for Hotspot Identification in Road Deposited Sediments from a Metropolitan City in Germany
Authors: Venghaus Daniel , Neupert Johannes Wolfgang , Barjenbruch Matthias
Published: August 2023

Plastic in the environment poses an increasing challenge. Microplastics, which include tire wear, enter the aquatic environment via different pathways, and increasing vehicle traffic leads to increased tire wear. This paper describes an approach for how inner-city tire wear hotspots can systematically be identified by sampling road-deposited sediments (RDS) by sweeping. Within the investigations herein described, six inner-city monitoring sites were sampled. The total masses of solids as well as the amount of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) representing Tire and Road Wear Particles (TRWP) were determined. It was shown that the sites differ significantly from each other with regard to SBR parts. The amount of SBR in the curve was on average eight times higher than in the slope, and in the area of the traffic lights, it was on average three times higher than in the slope. The RDS mass results also differ but with a factor of 2 for the curve and of 1.5 for the traffic light. The investigations and the corresponding results in this paper are unique, and the monitoring approach can be used in the future to derive and optimize sustainable measures in order to reduce the discharge of TRWP into the environment by road runoff.
The Equity of Basic Educational Facilities from the Perspective of Space
Authors: Huang Qiya , Cui Xijuan , Ma Libang
Published: August 2023

Basic education pursues “balance” and “quality” under the premise of “universalization”. High-quality and balanced education is the general strategy of international education. We used urban network tools to measure the spatial equity of three types of basic educational facilities (kindergarten, primary school, and middle school) in the main urban area of Lanzhou City, China, from the perspective of supply and demand. This can optimize the allocation of educational facilities, and make up for the shortage of basic educational facilities. It can also provide a scientific reference and new ideas for research on public service facilities. The conclusions are: (1) The distribution of basic educational facilities presented a typical pattern of belt-shaped clusters, river trends, and dense east and sparse west. The spatial dislocation between facilities and residential buildings was significant and occurred in numerous instances. (2) The supply of basic educational facilities was weak. There were significant differences in spatial accessibility among different types and regions. The spatial accessibility of kindergartens (34.83%) was the best with regard to walking conditions, followed by primary schools (27.43%) and middle schools (21.11%). (3) The distribution of basic educational facilities was affected by factors such as historical development, natural geography, social economies, and the travel behaviors of residents; (4) It is necessary to improve the problem of spatial imbalance through the implementation of refined planning management and resource allocation of infrastructure, the construction of a “community life circle”, and the establishment of an early warning mechanism for academic degree attainment combined with big data.
An Efficient and Universal Real-Time Data Integrity Verification Scheme Based on Symmetric Key in Stream Computing System
Authors: Wang Hongyuan , Zhu Wanting , Zu Baokai , Li Yafang
Published: August 2023

The integrity of real-time data streams has not been solved for a long time and has gradually become a difficult problem in the field of data security. Most of the current data integrity verification schemes are constructed using cryptographic algorithms with complex computation, which cannot be directly applied to real-time stream computing systems. Aiming at the above issue, this paper adopts the Carter–Wegman MAC method, pseudo-random function and symmetric cryptography mechanism to construct the Real-Time Data Integrity Verification scheme based on symmetric key in stream computing systems (RT-DIV), which converts a one-time MAC to a multiple-time MAC and retains the advantage of security performance. Then, a security analysis is given under the standard model. Finally, experiments and data analysis are conducted in a simulated environment, and the experimental results show that the RT-DIV scheme can effectively guarantee the integrity of real-time data streams. Furthermore, the RT-DIV scheme lays the foundation for the secure application of the stream computing system.
B Meson Decays in the Covariant Confined Quark Model
Authors: Dubnička Stanislav , Dubničková Anna Z. , Ivanov Mikhail A. , Liptaj Andrej
Published: August 2023

The aim of this text is to present the covariant confined quark model (CCQM) and review its applications in the decays of B mesons. We do so in the context of existing experimental measurements and theoretical results of other authors, which we also review. The physics principles are, in detail, exposed for the CCQM; the other results (theoretical and experimental) are surveyed in an enumerative way with comments. We proceed by considering, successively, three categories of decay processes: leptonic, semileptonic and non-leptonic.
New Results on a Fractional Integral of Extended Dziok–Srivastava Operator Regarding Strong Subordinations and Superordinations
Authors: Alb Lupaş Alina
Published: August 2023

In 2012, new classes of analytic functions on U×U¯ with coefficient holomorphic functions in U¯ were defined to give a new approach to the concepts of strong differential subordination and strong differential superordination. Using those new classes, the extended Dziok–Srivastava operator is introduced in this paper and, applying fractional integral to the extended Dziok–Srivastava operator, we obtain a new operator Dz−γHmlα1,β1 that was not previously studied using the new approach on strong differential subordinations and superordinations. In the present article, the fractional integral applied to the extended Dziok–Srivastava operator is investigated by applying means of strong differential subordination and superordination theory using the same new classes of analytic functions on U×U¯. Several strong differential subordinations and superordinations concerning the operator Dz−γHmlα1,β1 are established, and the best dominant and best subordinant are given for each strong differential subordination and strong differential superordination, respectively. This operator may have symmetric or asymmetric properties.
The Impact of Storage Temperature and Time on Ergot Alkaloid Concentrations
Authors: Cherewyk Jensen E. , Grusie-Ogilvie Taylor J. , Parker Sarah E. , Blakley Barry R. , Al-Dissi Ahmad N.
Published: August 2023

Ergot sclerotia produce toxic secondary metabolites, ergot alkaloids, that infect cereal crops and grasses. Ergot alkaloids have two isomeric configurations: the C-8-R-isomer (R-epimer), and the C-8-S-isomer (S-epimer). Ergot contaminated matrices, such as cereal grains or grasses, may be stored for extended periods at various temperatures before being analyzed, utilized, or consumed. This study assessed the concentration of six common ergot alkaloids in both configurations found in naturally contaminated wheat over time (one, two, and four months) at different temperatures (room temperature, +4 °C, and −20 °C) using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The data indicate that the total ergot concentration within a natural contaminated sample varies over time at room temperature, +4 °C, and −20 °C. The total ergot concentration increased until month two, and decreased at month four, independent of temperature (p < 0.05). The total R-epimer concentration appeared to be less stable over time than the total S-epimer concentration. The changes in the total R and total S-epimer concentrations may have been caused by changes in the ergocristine and ergocristinine concentrations, respectively. Time and temperature should be considered when storing potentially contaminated matrices in a laboratory or practical agriculture situations. Quantification of ergot contaminated matrices should occur prior to their use to ensure the most reliable estimates of the concentration of ergot.
The Infrared Extinction Law in the Ophiuchus Molecular Cloud Based on the UKIDSS and Spitzer c2d Surveys
Authors: Li Jun , Chen Xi
Published: August 2023

Investigating the extinction properties in dense molecular clouds is of significant importance for understanding the behavior of interstellar dust and its impact on observations. In this study, we comprehensively examined the extinction law in the Ophiuchus cloud across a wavelength range from 0.8 μm to 8 μm. To achieve this, we analyzed NIR and MIR data obtained from the UKIDSS GCS and the Spitzer c2d survey, respectively. By fitting a series of color–color diagrams, we determined color-excess ratios EJ−λ/EJ−K for seven passbands. These ratios were then directly converted to derive the relative extinction law Aλ/AK. Our findings demonstrate that the Ophiuchus cloud exhibits a characteristic of flat MIR extinction, consistent with previous studies. Additionally, our results reveal variations in the extinction law with extinction depth, indicating a flatter trend from the NIR to MIR bands as extinction increases. Notably, our analysis reveals no significant difference in the MIR extinction law among the four dark clouds: L1712, L1689, L1709, and L1688. However, distinct variations were observed in the extinction law for regions outside the dark clouds, specifically L1688N and L1688W. These regions displayed lower color-excess ratios EJ−λ/EJ−K in the Spitzer/IRAC bands. This observation lends support to the dust growth occurring in the dense regions of the Ophiuchus cloud.
Multiple Vaccines and Strategies for Pandemic Preparedness of Avian Influenza Virus
Authors: Xu Hai , Zhu Shanyuan , Govinden Roshini , Chenia Hafizah Y.
Published: August 2023

Avian influenza viruses (AIV) are a continuous cause of concern due to their pandemic potential and devasting effects on poultry, birds, and human health. The low pathogenic avian influenza virus has the potential to evolve into a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, resulting in its rapid spread and significant outbreaks in poultry. Over the years, a wide array of traditional and novel strategies has been implemented to prevent the transmission of AIV in poultry. Mass vaccination is still an economical and effective approach to establish immune protection against clinical virus infection. At present, some AIV vaccines have been licensed for large-scale production and use in the poultry industry; however, other new types of AIV vaccines are currently under research and development. In this review, we assess the recent progress surrounding the various types of AIV vaccines, which are based on the classical and next-generation platforms. Additionally, the delivery systems for nucleic acid vaccines are discussed, since these vaccines have attracted significant attention following their significant role in the fight against COVID-19. We also provide a general introduction to the dendritic targeting strategy, which can be used to enhance the immune efficiency of AIV vaccines. This review may be beneficial for the avian influenza research community, providing ideas for the design and development of new AIV vaccines.
Is Slovakia Almost a Hepatitis D Free Country?
Authors: Kristian Pavol , Hockicková Ivana , Hatalová Elena , Žilinčanová Daniela , Rác Marek , Bednárová Veronika , Lenártová Patrícia Denisa , Dražilová Sylvia , Skladaný Ľubomír , Schréter Ivan , Jarčuška Peter , Halánová Monika
Published: August 2023

Background: It is assumed that the prevalence of hepatitis D in HBsAg-positive individuals reaches 4.5–13% in the world and on average about 3% in Europe. Data from several European countries, including Slovakia, are missing or are from an older period. Methods: We analyzed all available data on hepatitis D from Slovakia, including reports from the Slovak Public Health Authority and the results of one prospective study, and three smaller surveys. The determination of anti-HDV IgG and IgM antibodies and/or HDV RNA was used to detect hepatitis D. Results: In the years 2005–2022, no confirmed case of acute or chronic HDV infection was reported in Slovakia. The presented survey includes a total of 343 patients, of which 126 were asymptomatic HBsAg carriers, 33 acute hepatitis B, and 184 chronic hepatitis B cases. In a recent prospective study of 206 HBsAg-positive patients who were completely serologically and virologically examined for hepatitis B and D, only 1 anti-HDV IgG-positive and no anti-HDV IgM or HDV RNA-positive cases were detected. In other smaller surveys, two anti-HDV IgG-positive patients were found without the possibility of HDV RNA confirmation. In total, only 3 of 329 HBsAg-positive patients (0.91%) tested positive for anti-HDV IgG antibodies, and none of 220 tested positive for HDV RNA. Conclusion: The available data show that Slovakia is one of the countries with a very low prevalence of HDV infection, reaching less than 1% in HBsAg-positive patients. Routine testing for hepatitis D is lacking in Slovakia, and therefore it is necessary to implement testing of all HBsAg-positive individuals according to international recommendations.
Functional Involvement of circRNAs in the Innate Immune Responses to Viral Infection
Authors: Maarouf Mohamed , Wang Lulu , Wang Yiming , Rai Kul Raj , Chen Yuhai , Fang Min , Chen Ji-Long
Published: August 2023

Effective viral clearance requires fine-tuned immune responses to minimize undesirable inflammatory responses. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that are abundant and highly stable, formed by backsplicing pre-mRNAs, and expressed ubiquitously in eukaryotic cells, emerging as critical regulators of a plethora of signaling pathways. Recent progress in high-throughput sequencing has enabled a better understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological functions of circRNAs, overcoming the obstacle of the sequence overlap between circRNAs and their linear cognate mRNAs. Some viruses also encode circRNAs implicated in viral replication or disease progression. There is increasing evidence that viral infections dysregulate circRNA expression and that the altered expression of circRNAs is critical in regulating viral infection and replication. circRNAs were shown to regulate gene expression via microRNA and protein sponging or via encoding small polypeptides. Recent studies have also highlighted the potential role of circRNAs as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, RNA vaccines and antiviral therapy candidates due to their higher stability and lower immunogenicity. This review presents an up-to-date summary of the mechanistic involvement of circRNAs in innate immunity against viral infections, the current understanding of their regulatory roles, and the suggested applications.
The Burden of Streptococcus pneumoniae-Related Admissions and In-Hospital Mortality: A Retrospective Observational Study between the Years 2015 and 2022 from a Southern Italian Province
Authors: Cedrone Fabrizio , Montagna Vincenzo , Del Duca Livio , Camplone Laura , Mazzocca Riccardo , Carfagnini Federica , Fortunato Valterio , Di Martino Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) has high worldwide incidence and related morbidity and mortality, particularly among children and geriatric patients. SP infection could manifest with pneumonia, bacteremia, sepsis, meningitis, and osteomyelitis. This was a retrospective study aimed at evaluating the incidence, comorbidities, and factors associated with in-hospital mortality of pneumococcal disease-related hospitalization in a province in southern Italy from the years 2015 to 2022. This study was performed in the Local Health Authority (LHA) of Pescara. Data were collected from hospital discharge records (HDRs): this database is composed of 288,110 discharge records from LHA Pescara’s hospitals from 2015 to 2022. Streptococcus Pneumoniae-related hospitalizations were about 5% of the hospitalizations; 67% of these were without comorbidities; 21% were with one comorbidity; and 13% were with two or more comorbidities. Regarding mortality of SP infection, the most affected age group was older people, with the percentage of cases among the over-65s being more than 50% compared to the other age groups. HDRs represent a valid and useful epidemiological tool for evaluating the direct impact of pneumococcal disease on the population and also indirectly for evaluating the effectiveness of vaccination strategies and directing them.
COVID-19 Vaccination Effectiveness in the General Population of an Italian Province: Two Years of Follow-Up
Authors: Rosso Annalisa , Flacco Maria Elena , Soldato Graziella , Di Martino Giuseppe , Acuti Martellucci Cecilia , Carota Roberto , De Benedictis Marco , Di Marco Graziano , Di Luzio Rossano , Fiore Matteo , Caponetti Antonio , Manzoli Lamberto
Published: August 2023

We carried out a cohort study on the overall population of the province of Pescara, Italy, to assess the real-world effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination against infection, severe, or lethal COVID-19, two years after the start of the vaccination campaign. We included all the resident or domiciled subjects, and extracted the official demographic, vaccination, COVID-19, hospital and co-pay exemption datasets from 1 January 2021, up to 15 February 2023. Cox proportional hazards analyses were adjusted for gender, age, diabetes, hypertension, COPD, major cardio- and cerebrovascular events, cancer, and kidney diseases. Throughout the follow-up (466 days on average), 186,676 subjects received greater than or equal to three vaccine doses (of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, NVX-CoV2373, or JNJ-78436735), 47,610 two doses, 11,452 one dose, and 44,989 none. Overall, 40.4% of subjects were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Of them, 2.74% had severe or lethal (1.30%) COVID-19. As compared to the unvaccinated, the individuals who received greater than or equal to one booster dose showed a ≥85% lower risk of severe or lethal COVID-19. A massive impact of vaccination was found among the elderly: 22.0% of the unvaccinated, infected individuals died, as opposed to less than 3% of those who received greater than or equal to three vaccine doses. No protection against infection was observed, although this finding was certainly influenced by the Italian restriction policies to control the pandemic. Importantly, during the Omicron predominance period, only the group who received at least a booster dose showed a reduced risk of COVID-19-related death.
Tracing down the Updates on Dengue Virus—Molecular Biology, Antivirals, and Vaccine Strategies
Authors: Malik Shiza , Ahsan Omar , Mumtaz Hassan , Tahir Khan Muhammad , Sah Ranjit , Waheed Yasir
Published: August 2023

Background: Nearly half of the world is at risk of developing dengue infection. Dengue virus is the causative agent behind this public healthcare concern. Millions of dengue cases are reported every year, leading to thousands of deaths. The scientific community is working to develop effective therapeutic strategies in the form of vaccines and antiviral drugs against dengue. Methods: In this review, a methodological approach has been used to gather data from the past five years to include the latest developments against the dengue virus. Results: Different therapeutics and antiviral targets against the dengue virus are at different stages of development, but none have been approved by the FDA. Moreover, various vaccination strategies have also been discussed, including attenuated virus vaccines, recombinant subunit vaccines, viral vector vaccines, DNA vaccines, nanotechnology, and plant-based vaccines, which are used to develop effective vaccines for the dengue virus. Many dengue vaccines pass the initial phases of evaluation, but only two vaccines have been approved for public use. DENGVAXIA is the only FDA-approved vaccine against all four stereotypes of the dengue virus, but it is licensed for use only in individuals 6–16 years of age with laboratory-confirmed previous dengue infection and living in endemic countries. Takeda is the second vaccine approved for use in the European Union, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Argentina, Indonesia, and Thailand. It produced sustained antibody responses against all four serotypes of dengue virus, regardless of previous exposure and dosing schedule. Other dengue vaccine candidates at different stages of development are TV-003/005, TDENV PIV, V180, and some DNA vaccines. Conclusion: There is a need to put more effort into developing effective vaccines and therapeutics for dengue, as already approved vaccines and therapeutics have limitations. DENGVAXIA is approved for use in children and teenagers who are 6–16 years of age and have confirmed dengue infection, while Takeda is approved for use in certain countries, and it has withdrawn its application for FDA approval.
Developing Effective Cancer Vaccines Using Rendered-Inactive Tumor Cells
Authors: Zhao Shushu , Wu Shuting , Jiang Sheng , Zhao Gan , Wang Bin
Published: August 2023

Cancer is a major public health threat, and researchers are constantly looking for new ways to develop effective treatments. One approach is the use of cancer vaccines, which work by boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer. The goal of this study was to develop an effective cancer vaccine using rendered-inactive tumor cells. A CMS5 fibrosarcoma tumor model in BALB/c mice and an E.G7 lymphoma tumor model in C57BL/6 mice were used to evaluate how mitomycin C-inactivated tumor cells mediated tumor protection. The results showed that immunization with inactivated CMS5 cells significantly improved tumor suppression after a challenge with live CMS5 tumor cells, but no effect was observed using the E.G7 tumor model. The results suggested that DC (dendritic cell) responses to tumor antigens are critical. The maturation and activation of DCs were effectively promoted by mitomycin C-treated CMS5 cells, as well as enhanced phagocytosis ability in vitro. The tumor-protective effects established by the vaccination of inactivated CMS5 cells were CD8+ T cell-dependent, as the antitumor responses disappeared after eliminating CD8+ T cells. It was found that the tumor-prevention efficacy was dramatically increased by combining inactivated CM55 tumor cells with anti-CD25 antibodies to temporarily deplete Treg cells (regulatory T cells). This strategy could also significantly induce the rejection against E.G7 tumors. In addition, vaccination with anti-CD25 antibodies plus inactivated CMS5 cells elicited antitumor responses against heterologous tumors. According to the findings of this study, combining the immunization of inactivated tumor cells with an anti-CD25 antibody may be an effective method for cancer prevention.
Dynamic Risk Assessment of Landslide Hazard for Large-Scale Photovoltaic Power Plants under Extreme Rainfall Conditions
Authors: Li Ru , Huang Siyi , Dou Hongqiang
Published: August 2023

Large-scale photovoltaic power plants located in highland mountainous areas are vulnerable to landslides due to extreme rainfall, posing a significant threat to the normal operation of photovoltaic power plants. However, limited research has been conducted on landslide risk assessment specifically tailored to large photovoltaic power plants, with most studies focusing on static assessments that lack long-term sustainability in risk assessment and prediction. In this paper, a dynamic study on landslide risk at a large photovoltaic power plant project under extreme rainfall conditions is conducted. Firstly, the factors in landslide susceptibility assessment based on typical landslide characteristics in the study area are selected and an assessment index database using mapping units to extract the relevant factors is established. Subsequently, the ANP-FBN model is employed to evaluate the landslide susceptibility of large photovoltaic power plant sites. Furthermore, an assessment index system for landslide hazard vulnerability is developed by considering population, economic, and material vulnerabilities, and the AHP method is adapted to assess landslides vulnerability in the study area. Finally, the landslide rainfall threshold with the susceptibility and vulnerability assessment results are coupled to achieve a dynamic assessment of landslide hazard risk at large photovoltaic power plant sites under extreme rainfall conditions. The findings highlight that the central valley and the eastern steep slope of the study area are the primary “high” and “very high” risk areas. Moreover, with the increase in rainfall duration, the risk level of landslide hazards in the study area also rises.
Transport and Attenuation of an Artificial Sweetener and Six Pharmaceutical Compounds in a Sequenced Wetland-Steel Slag Wastewater Treatment System
Authors: Hussain Syed I. , Ptacek Carol J. , Blowes David W. , Liu YingYing , Wootton Brent C. , Balch Gordon , Higgins James
Published: August 2023

The occurrence of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), nutrients, and an artificial sweetener acesulfame in wastewater, and subsequent removal in an engineered system comprising aerobic wetland, anaerobic wetland, and steel slag cells, were investigated. The PhACs evaluated in this study covered a range of octanol–water partition coefficients (log Kow = 0.07–2.45) and acid dissociation constants (pKa = 1.7–13.9) and included carbamazepine, caffeine, sulfamethoxazole, ibuprofen, and naproxen. The mean flow rate in the system was 0.89 m3 day−1 (0.02 to 4.27 m3 day−1), representing a hydraulic retention time of 5 days. The removal efficiencies of PO4-P, NH3-N, and cBOD5 in the treatment system were >99, 82, and 98%. The removal efficiencies for the PhACs and acesulfame were classified into four groups, including those that were (a) efficiently removed (caffeine by >75%); (b) moderately removed (ibuprofen by 50–75%); (c) poorly removed (sulfamethoxazole and naproxen by 25–50%); and (d) recalcitrant (carbamazepine and acesulfame by <25%). Variability in concentrations and treatment efficiencies was observed in different sampling events, which may be due to variations in input concentrations or changes in the flow rate. The addition of a steel slag cell increased the overall removal efficiency of the studied compounds, except for carbamazepine.
Acidogenesis of Pentose Liquor to Produce Biohydrogen and Organic Acids Integrated with 1G–2G Ethanol Production in Sugarcane Biorefineries
Authors: Peixoto Guilherme , Mockaitis Gustavo , Moreira Wojtyla Kmiecik , Lima Daniel Moureira Fontes , de Lima Marisa Aparecida , Ferreira Filipe Vasconcelos , Fuess Lucas Tadeu , Polikarpov Igor , Zaiat Marcelo
Published: August 2023

Second-generation (2G) ethanol production has been increasingly evaluated, and the use of sugarcane bagasse as feedstock has enabled the integration of this process with first-generation (1G) ethanol production from sugarcane. The pretreatment of bagasse generates pentose liquor as a by-product, which can be anaerobically processed to recover energy and value-added chemicals. The potential to produce biohydrogen and organic acids from pentose liquor was assessed using a mesophilic (25 °C) upflow anaerobic packed-bed bioreactor in this study. An average organic loading rate of 11.1 g COD·L−1·d−1 was applied in the reactor, resulting in a low biohydrogen production rate of 120 mL·L−1 d−1. Meanwhile, high lactate (38.6 g·d−1), acetate (31.4 g·d−1), propionate (50.1 g·d−1), and butyrate (50.3 g·d−1) production rates were concomitantly obtained. Preliminary analyses indicated that the full-scale application of this anaerobic acidogenic technology for hydrogen production in a medium-sized 2G ethanol distillery would have the potential to completely fuel 56 hydrogen-powered vehicles per day. An increase of 24.3% was estimated over the economic potential by means of chemical production, whereas an 8.1% increase was calculated if organic acids were converted into methane for cogeneration (806.73 MWh). In addition, 62.7 and 74.7% of excess organic matter from the 2G ethanol waste stream could be removed with the extraction of organic acid as chemical commodities or their utilization as a substrate for biomethane generation, respectively.
Testing Scenario Identification for Automated Vehicles Based on Deep Unsupervised Learning
Authors: Liu Shuai , Ren Fan , Li Ping , Li Zhijie , Lv Hao , Liu Yonggang
Published: August 2023

Naturalistic driving data (NDD) are valuable for testing autonomous driving systems under various driving conditions. Automatically identifying scenes from high-dimensional and unlabeled NDD remains a challenging task. This paper presents a novel approach for automatically identifying test scenarios for autonomous driving through deep unsupervised learning. Firstly, US DAS2 NDD are leveraged, and the selection of data variables representing the vehicle state and surrounding environment is conducted to formulate the segmentation criterion. The isolation forest (IF) algorithm is then employed to segment the data, yielding two distinct types of datasets: typical scenarios and extreme scenarios. Secondly, a one-dimensional residual convolutional autoencoder (1D-RCAE) is developed to extract scenario features from the two datasets. Compared to four other autoencoders, the 1D-RCAE can effectively extract crucial information from high-dimensional data with optimal feature extraction capability. Next, considering the varying importance of different features, an information entropy (IE)-optimized K-means algorithm is employed to cluster the features extracted using 1D-RCAE. Finally, statistical analysis is performed on the parameters of each cluster of scenarios to explore their distribution characteristics within each class, and four typical scenarios are identified along with five extreme scenarios. The proposed unsupervised framework, combining IF, 1D-RCAE, and IE-improved K-means algorithms, can automatically identify typical and extreme scenarios from NDD. These identified scenarios can then be applied to test the performance of autonomous driving systems, enriching the library of automated driving test scenarios.
THE PHENOMENON OF POWER: IRVINE WELSH FILTH
Authors: KRYVORUCHKO Svitlana
Published: August 2023

The “Word” is central to the “unconscious” of the individual. The "unconscious" is not a chaos of words, but a system, like the structure of language. The unconscious of Irwin Welsh's characters in the novel Filth reveals “lack” and “desire” in statements and reflections. The purpose of the research is to reveal the mechanisms of “lack” and “desire” in order to analyze the subconscious of the hero I. Welsh and the subconscious
in general. In philology 2 half of 20-th century a new toolkit appeared for the analysis of texts: “desire” and “lack” in the characters of the characters of artistic works. I focus on the “desire” and “lack” of the hero Robertson I. Welsh, which are “keys” for understanding the psyche of a man and a woman at the turn of the 20-th-21-st centuries. An important dominant is “power”. “Power” is surrounded by “lack” and
“desire” in the human mind. The thirst for “power” becomes a motive for actions and movement of the hero's life strategy. In the “desire” and “lack” of power, I find destructive consequences for the psyche of a person, who goes to his goal and violates humane values, morality, imposes his will on others, and above all, puts his own “ego” first. The hero's rejection of humane guidelines eventually destroys his success, his goal, his family, the hero himself. I. Welsh depicts the collapse of a person who is able to put his goal – “position” as the highest value - and refused decency, friendship, love. The phenomenon of power is the core around which the development of the plot of the novel Filth by Irvine Welsh is wrapped. The idea of the novel is the destruction and self-destruction of the hero, who strives with all his might to gain power. Harmful human vices of the 20-th-21-st centuries reveal post-colonial problems: national conflict in the collective subconscious Scotland / England. The writer debunks social institutions at the level of violation of the law, emphasizes that the thirst for “power” destroys a person, warns about the destruction of the environment in a situation, when a person is given “power” for which he is not ready
THE DISCOURSE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: THE CASE STUDY OF ABUSE AMONG INTERNATIONAL COUPLES ON THE EXAMPLES OF THEIR INTERVIEWS
Authors: LUKYANTSEVA Polina
Published: August 2023

Gender equality is a widely discussed topic to some extent, but when it comes to domestic violence, gender-based violence, or any form of abuse, society and its authorities, represented by the government, are often hesitant to openly discuss these issues, particularly when international migrants and local citizens are involved. Japan is no exception. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to understand the background and depict the current situation regarding the issue of abuse and domestic violence between Japanese citizens and Russian-speaking expatriates.
through in-depth interviews, surveys, critical discourse analysis, and qualitative and quantitative approaches, the research aims to highlight significant obstacles faced by these households and examine the concept of freedom, safety, and abuse in these households.
THE SOUNDS OF SWEET FREEDOM: THE ECHOES OF INTERNATIONAL IN THE EUROPEAN LITERATURE AT THE END OF THE 19th THE BEGINNING OF THE 20th CENTURY
Authors: POTNITSEVA Tetiana
Published: August 2023

The investigation focuses on the conceptual lines of the Communists hymn “International” in the light of their estimation by European writers of the end of the XXth the beginning of the XXth century. The analysis of the explicit and implicit meaning of the hymn which many writers of the time thought over proves their ambiguous attitude towards revolutionary, radical way in achieving freedom and happiness. Being witnesses of the end of the heroic Revolutionary epoch, and carrying the decadence world view they expressed their great doubt both in the “bloody battles” for everlasting freedom (even by “ruining everything to the end”) and in the slow reforming of the social structure. That ambiguous and doubtful position is found in the works of E. Zola, A. France, B. Shaw and O. Wilde who sometimes in ironic, parody form expressed their position simultaneously believing and hesitating in the possibility for a mankind to achieve freedom and social justice. The investigation focuses on the first drama by O. Wilde “Vera, or the Nihilists” (1880) practically unknown to the readers and fans of O. Wilde’s art. This play is based on the story of the conspiracy of Russian nihilists against monarchic power. In that one can feel an obvious impact on the English writers of the ideas and art of Dostoevsky, Turgenev, revolutionary, anarchist movement in Russia as well as in Europe. But the phenomenon of anarchism excited O. Wilde mostly as a manifestation of the universal evil which finds shelter in anyone’s soul. However, the amorphous and unexpressed position concerning that world evil is, according to O. Wilde, no less dangerous than the revolutionary fanaticism with its sing-password “trough blood to freedom”. Nihilism in O. Wilde’s interpretation is presented as a generalized image of such a despotic power that is unnatural for human relations. His first play demonstrates clearly the very problem over which everyone was thinking about at Wilde’s time while witnessing the results of the revolutionary century approaching its end. This problem is being topical since the 1930s when the development of the international anarchist movement in Europe was given a new push.
A MELODY OF UKRAINIAN UNITY MY WORDS - MY WEAPONS! I WILL PLAY... UKRAINE IS A TREASURE!
Authors: SAFONOVA Yuliya , Levchenko Natalia
Published: August 2023

The Russian-Ukrainian war brought severe trials to the Ukrainian people;
irreparable losses; cities and villages were destroyed by Russian shells, bombs, and rockets; thousands of soldiers and civilians were killed; but it did not live up to the horizon of hopes of the Russian invaders, which were outlined by the phrase: “Kyiv in three days”. The horrors of the war touched the fate of every Ukrainian and awakened the Cossack gene of struggle and freedom, motivating them to defend their Motherland by all possible means and methods. Art actively responded to the events of the war in Ukraine. Yulia Safonova found herself among a cohort of artists whose works became a manifestation of the spiritual resistance of Ukrainians to Russian military aggression and a powerful verbal factor in the formation of a convincing narrative of our Victory.
The Role of Gut Microbiota in Aging-Associated Diseases
Authors: Mobed Ahmad
Published: August 2023

Objectives: To review gut microbiota in aging-associated diseases. Design: A review study. Participants: People over 60 years of age with microbiota dysbiosis. Outcome measures: The occurrence of aging-associated diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), osteoarthritis (OA), prostate cancer (PC), and colorectal cancer (CRC). Results: The microbiome plays an essential role in the maturation, function, and regulation of human life from birth to old age. Human life, in turn, has co-evolved interactions with the trillions of beneficial microbes that inhabit our bodies while developing efficient responses to combat invading pathogens. Along with this, both human life and the gut microbiota (GM) undergo major modifications in conformation and function that resulted in increased vulnerability to infections and other age-related diseases such as Parkinson, Alzheimer, and OA. Conclusions: The GM is involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Its role in age-related diseases is well recognized and has been identified as a promising therapeutic target. Moreover, the microbiota of the elderly population exhibits unique microbial signatures that link the natural aging process to changes in the composition of the GM.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Depression in Older Adults in Tabriz, Iran: Data from the Health Status of Aged People in Tabriz (HSA-T Study)
Authors: Sameie-Sis Sirous , Naghdi-Sadeh ‪Reza , Parsian Zahra , Matlabi Hossein , Sullman Mark J. M. , Azizi-Zeinalhajlou Akbar
Published: August 2023

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of depression and identify the factors predicting depression among older people. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting(s): Tabriz, the capital city of the East Azerbaijan Province in northwestern Iran. Participants: A representative sample of≥60 years who were not institutionalized participated in this study. A total of 1071 participants (514 males and 557 females) were selected using the probability proportional to the size (PPS) sampling method. Outcome Measures: Depression, perceived social support, socioeconomic status (SES), and life satisfaction were assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Socioeconomic Status Questionnaire for Urban Households (SES Iran), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), respectively. Results: Depression was highly prevalent among Iranian older adults, and more than 77.0% (95% confidence interval (CI: 0.75-0.80) of the participants suffered from some level of depression. In addition, the prevalence of depression was significantly higher among women (85.0% vs. 70.0%, P<0.001). Furthermore, being female, older age, lower levels of physical activity, lower perceived social support, and lower life satisfaction were all associated with depression severity. Conclusions: The high prevalence of depression among older people in Iran and the significant role of social factors highlight the need to use a multidimensional approach when developing interventions to reduce depression among older adults.