bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Grafting of Chitosan-Essential Oil Microcapsules onto Cellulosic Fibers to Obtain Bio Functional Material
Authors: Bouaziz Aicha , Dridi Dorra , Gargoubi Sondes , Zouari Abir , Majdoub Hatem , Boudokhane Chedly , Bartegi Aghleb
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this work was to prepare chitosan–essential oil microcapsules using the simple coacervation method and to graft them onto cellulosic fibers to obtain bio functional textile. The microcapsules morphology was characterized by optical microscopy. The 2D dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea resin (DMDHEU) was used as a binding agent to graft microcapsules on the surface of cellulosic fibers. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) photographs and Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transformed Infrared (ATR-FTIR) analyses were performed to prove the interaction between cellulosic fibers and microcapsules. Furthermore, the properties of the different fabrics such as mechanical strength and air permeability were investigated. Furthermore, washing durability was evaluated. Finally, the antibacterial activity of the finished fibers against the strains Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was evaluated. The results evidence the ability of treated fabrics to induce bacteria growth inhibition. The coacervation method is a simple process to incorporate cinnamon essential oil on the cellulosic fiber’s surface. The use of essential oils as active agents seems to be a promising tool for many protective textile substrates such as antimicrobial masks, bacteriostatic fabrics and healthcare textiles.
MOCVD of Noble Metal Film Materials for Medical Implants: Microstructure and Biocompatibility of Ir and Au/Ir Coatings on TiNi
Authors: Vikulova Evgeniia S. , Karakovskaya Ksenya I. , Koretskaya Tatyana P. , Korolkov Ilya V. , Chepeleva Elena V. , Asanov Igor P. , Tsygankova Alphiya R. , Maksimovskii Eugene A. , Marchenko Ekaterina S. , Lantsukhay Yuriy A. , Zheravin Aleksander A. , Morozova Natalya B.
Published: May 2021

Noble metals such as Ir, Pt, Au are promising as coatings for metal medical implants to improve biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. Moreover, these coatings can be used as a basis for the further formation of bimetallic hetero-structures with enhanced antibacterial properties. In this work, we develop an approach to obtain such coatings by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). We have been focused on the formation of Ir coating with developed morphology and subsequent discrete Au coating onto the titanium nickelide (TiNi) implant material. Iridium was deposited in an oxidizing atmosphere from the volatile precursor [Ir(cod)(acac)] (cod = cyclooctadiene-1,5, acac = acetylacetonate-anion). The effects of the deposition temperature (290–350 °C) and amount of introduced oxygen on the composition (Ir, Ir + IrO2) and microstructure of the samples were studied. Hetero-metallic Au/Ir coatings were obtained using [(CH3)2Au(thd)] precursor (thd = dpm = dipivaloylmethanate-anion) at a deposition temperature of 240 °C in the presence of oxygen. To assess the biocompatibility, the toxicity of Ir/TiNi, Au/Ir/TiNi, and uncoated TiNi in relation to human embryonic stem cell line Man-1 was examined after 1, 3, and 5 days of incubation. The results obtained were explained based on the coating microstructures.
A Novel Technique for Full-Field Deformation and Temperature Measurement by Ultraviolet Imaging: Experimental Design and Preliminary Results
Authors: Zhang Jingqing , Shang Yong , Li Xuehang , Dong Yali , Pei Yanling
Published: May 2021

Synchronous measurement of full-field temperature and deformation at high temperature especially more than 1273 K is of much significance especially for part applications of turbine structures and materials. Non-contact optical methods attract more and more attention, however, current methods all face different challenges, such as strong light reflection on the surface of the specimen, disturbing radiation from environment, complex equipment setup, limited measured temperature not higher than 900 °C and so on. In this work, we develop an innovative technique to overcome some current problems. The measurement system employing an ultraviolet (UV) imaging system is composed of a scientific complementary metal oxide semiconductor (sCMOS) camera, a lens and a UV bandpass filter. The UV bandpass filter was used for thermal radiation elimination to acquire high quality images at elevated temperatures for deformation field calculation suitable for digital image correlation (DIC) method. The UV sensitive sCMOS camera without using active illumination was employed to collect enough UV radiation energy and eliminate the interference of the external ambient light, which is applicable for high accuracy temperature field measurement. Our system can realize the synchronous capture of image and temperature acquisition with passive UV imaging system at temperature not lower than 1473 K. The feasibility of the method was verified through heating molybdenum (Mo) and Ni-based superalloy IC21 materials. The temperature fields of Mo measured by the established imaging system up to 1835 K with error less than 0.25% showed the effectiveness for temperature measurement. The estimated deformation and temperature field of Ni-based superalloy IC21 up to 1473 K with measured temperature error less than 0.5% demonstrated well the great potential of the UV imaging system in simultaneous measurement of temperature and deformation fields at elevated temperatures.
Enhancing Graphene Retention and Electrical Conductivity of Plasma-Sprayed Alumina/Graphene Nanoplatelets Coating by Powder Heat Treatment
Authors: Wu Xiaoyu , Xie Shufeng , Xu Kangwei , Huang Lei , Wei Daling , Tian Jiajia
Published: May 2021

Burning loss of graphene in the high-temperature plasma-spraying process is a critical issue, significantly limiting the remarkable performance improvement in graphene reinforced ceramic coatings. Here, we reported an effective approach to enhance the graphene retention, and thus improve the performance of plasma-sprayed alumina/graphene nanoplatelets (Al2O3/GNPs) coatings by heat treatment of agglomerated Al2O3/GNPs powders. The effect of powder heat treatment on the microstructure, GNPs retention, and electrical conductivity of Al2O3/GNPs coatings were systematically investigated. The results indicated that, with the increase in the powder heat treatment temperature, the plasma-sprayed Al2O3/GNPs coatings exhibited decreased porosity and improved adhesive strength. Thermogravimetric analysis and Raman spectra results indicated that increased GNPs retention from 12.9% to 28.4%, and further to 37.4%, as well as decreased structural defects, were obtained for the AG, AG850, and AG1280 coatings, respectively, which were fabricated by using AG powders without heat treatment, powders heat-treated at 850 °C, and powders heat-treated at 1280 °C. Moreover, the electrical conductivities of AG, AG850, and AG1280 coatings exhibited 3 orders, 4 orders, and 7 orders of magnitude higher than that of Al2O3 coating, respectively. Powder heat treatment is considered to increase the melting degree of agglomerated alumina particles, eventually leaving less thermal energy for GNPs to burn; thus, a high retention amount and structural integrity of GNPs and significantly enhanced electrical conductivity were achieved for the plasma-sprayed Al2O3/GNPs coatings.
Template Effect of Multi-Phase Liquid Crystals
Authors: Gao Yao , Huang Tengfei , Lu Jiangang
Published: May 2021

The template effects on stability of twist structure liquid crystals (LCs) were investigated. By refilling a cholesteric LC (CLC) of different pitch into a blue phase LC (BPLC) template or a sphere phase LC (SPLC) template, a multi-phase and multi-pitch twist structure LC, which includes the refilling CLC and intrinsic template BPLC or SPLC, can be fabricated. By refilling a CLC of different chiral pitch into a CLC template, a multi-pitch CLC that includes the refilling CLC and intrinsic CLC, can be fabricated. Twist structure LC devices with multi-phase and multi-pitch show great potential for applications in optical communication, displays, and LC lasing.
Artificial Intelligence Based Algorithms for Prostate Cancer Classification and Detection on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Narrative Review
Authors: Twilt Jasper J. , van Leeuwen Kicky G. , Huisman Henkjan J. , Fütterer Jurgen J. , de Rooij Maarten
Published: May 2021

Due to the upfront role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis, a multitude of artificial intelligence (AI) applications have been suggested to aid in the diagnosis and detection of PCa. In this review, we provide an overview of the current field, including studies between 2018 and February 2021, describing AI algorithms for (1) lesion classification and (2) lesion detection for PCa. Our evaluation of 59 included studies showed that most research has been conducted for the task of PCa lesion classification (66%) followed by PCa lesion detection (34%). Studies showed large heterogeneity in cohort sizes, ranging between 18 to 499 patients (median = 162) combined with different approaches for performance validation. Furthermore, 85% of the studies reported on the stand-alone diagnostic accuracy, whereas 15% demonstrated the impact of AI on diagnostic thinking efficacy, indicating limited proof for the clinical utility of PCa AI applications. In order to introduce AI within the clinical workflow of PCa assessment, robustness and generalizability of AI applications need to be further validated utilizing external validation and clinical workflow experiments.
Multi-Solvent Extraction Procedure for the Pioneer Fecal Metabolomic Analysis—Identification of Potential Biomarkers in Stable Kidney Transplant Patients
Authors: Kouidhi Soumaya , Souai Nessrine , Alhujaily Muhanad , Zidi Oumaima , Kochbati Ameni , Redissi Alaeddine , Belali Tareg M. , Kossai Imene El , El Manaa Jamelddine , Cherif Ameur , Mnif Wissem , Mosbah Amor
Published: May 2021

Metabolic alteration plays a functional role in kidney allograft complications. Metabolomics is a promising high-throughput approach in nephrology but is still limited by the lack of overlap in metabolite coverage. We performed an untargeted fecal metabolomic analysis of forty stable kidney allograft recipients and twenty non-transplant controls. First, we applied the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) analysis coupled with the Diod Array detector. The potential biomarkers were then collected and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). In order to allow for complete coverage of the fecal polar and non-polar metabolites, the performance of five organic solvents with increasing polarity was investigated successively. UHPLC analysis revealed that the fecal metabolite profiles following the five extractions were significantly different between controls and kidney allografts. GC-MS analysis showed that the best predictors’ metabolites belonged mainly to long-chain fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and amino acids. Collectively, our results showed the efficiency of our pioneer method to successfully discriminate stable kidney-transplant recipients from controls. These findings suggest that distinct metabolic profiles mainly affect fatty acid biosynthesis and amino acid metabolism. In such a context, the novel insights into metabolomic investigation may be a valuable tool that could provide useful new relevant biomarkers for preventing kidney transplant complications.
Causes of Death and Survival in Alcoholic Cirrhosis Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation: Influence of the Patient’s Clinical Variables and Transplant Outcome Complications
Authors: Bolarín J. M. , Pérez-Cárceles M. D. , Hernández del Rincón J. P. , Luna A. , Minguela A. , Muro M. , Legaz I.
Published: May 2021

Background. Clinical and molecular mechanisms involved in the cause and time of death of alcoholic cirrhosis (AC) patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) are not entirely understood. In sudden death cases, judicial autopsy practice is mandatory for determining the cause and circumstances of death. The medico-legal autopsy data are essential for helping health authorities to guide future public health activities, assess the effectiveness of health systems, and adopt the necessary preventive measures to improve and adapt the treatments in order to increase these patients’ survival. Objective. Our study aimed to determine the different clinical and sociodemographic causes that influence the different causes of death and the short- and long-term survival of AC patients undergoing liver transplantation. Methods. A total of 122 deceased AC patients undergoing LT were analyzed at different times post-transplantation. The main pre- and post-transplant complications were analyzed in relation to the cause of death and the patient’s survival, as well as the causes and time at which the patient’s death occurred. Results. A total of 53.3% of non-sudden death was observed. A large number of the deaths of AC patients undergoing transplantation were due to non-sudden death, sepsis, and graft failure (GF), the main causes of death in the sample being similar in both sexes. In non-sudden deaths, there were no significant differences between the death rates either related or not related to the liver transplant. Sepsis was the main cause, with the highest percentage (21.3%) of mortality, followed by GF (18.9%) and multiorgan failure (15.6%) at ten years. Furthermore, our results showed how pre-transplant clinical complications, such as viral infections and encephalopathy, influence the age at which multiorgan failure occurs in the transplanted patient. Conclusion. Multiorgan failure is the leading cause of sudden death, with higher mortality during the first year after transplantation, followed by sepsis and GF. Our results show the vulnerability of AC patients, both in the hospital period after the transplant and outside.
Detection of S-HBsAg Mutations in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Konopleva Maria V. , Belenikin Maxim S. , Shanko Andrei V. , Bazhenov Alexey I. , Kiryanov Sergei A. , Tupoleva Tatyana A. , Sokolova Maria V. , Pronin Alexander V. , Semenenko Tatyana A. , Suslov Anatoly P.
Published: May 2021

Multiple studies of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genetic variability and its relationship with the disease pathogenesis are currently ongoing, stemming from growing evidence of the clinical significance of HBV mutations. It is becoming increasingly evident that patients with hematologic malignancies may be particularly prone to a higher frequency of such mutations. The present report is the first extensive study of the prevalence of escape mutations in S-HBsAg, performed using isolates from 59 patients from hospital hematology departments with diagnoses of leukemia (n = 32), lymphoma (n = 20), multiple myeloma (n = 3), and non-tumor blood diseases (n = 4). The isolates were serologically examined for the presence of HBV markers and sequenced using either next-generation sequencing (NGS) or Sanger sequencing. Occult hepatitis B was found in 5.1% of cases. Genetic analysis of the region corresponding to S-HBsAg demonstrated an exceptionally high mutation frequency in patients with leukemias (93.4%) and lymphomas (85.0%), along with the prominent mutation heterogeneity. Additionally, more than 15 mutations in one sample were found in patients with leukemias (6.3% of cases) and lymphomas (5.0% of cases). Most of the mutations were clinically significant. The study analyzes the mutation profile of HBV in different oncohematological diseases and the frequency of individual mutations. The data strongly suggest that the NGS method, capable of detecting minor populations of HBV mutations, provides a diagnostic advantage, lays the foundation for the development of screening methods, and allows for the study of the virological and pathogenetic aspects of hepatitis B.
Scaling Analysis of an Image Encryption Scheme Based on Chaotic Dynamical Systems
Authors: Reyes-López L. E. , Murguía J. S. , González-Aguilar H. , Ramírez-Torres M. T. , Mejía-Carlos M. , Armijo-Correa J. O.
Published: May 2021

Despite that many image encryption systems based on chaotic or hyperchaotic systems have been proposed to protect different kinds of information, it has been crucial to achieve as much security as possible in such systems. In this sense, we numerically implement a known image encryption system with some variants, making special emphasis when two operations are considered in the scrambling stage. The variants of such an encryption system are based on some hyperchaotic systems, which generated some substitution boxes and the keys of the system. With the aim to have a more complete evaluation, some internal stages of the image encryption scheme have been evaluated by using common statistical tests, and also the scaling behavior of the encrypted images has been calculated by means of a two-dimensional detrended fluctuation analysis (2D-DFA). Our results show that the image encryption systems that include two operations or transformations in the scrambling stage present a better performance than those encryption systems that consider just one operation. In fact, the 2D-DFA approach was more sensitive than some common statistical tests to determine more clearly the impact of multiple operations in the scrambling process, confirming that this scaling method can be used as a perceptual security metric, and it may contribute to having better image encryption systems.
Using an Implementation Trial of an ePortfolio System to Promote Student Learning through Self-Reflection: Leveraging the Success
Authors: Campbell Chris , Tran Tran Le Nghi
Published: May 2021

This paper reports on a pilot study that was conducted during a technical trial of a new ePortfolio system at a large Australian university. Students from a large (n = 325) first-year educational technology course were given the opportunity to use the new ePortfolio system weekly as part of their reflective practice at the end of the hands-on tutorial classes and also through a blogging assignment that required six posts throughout the semester. Although the students reflecting on their work and ePortfolios themselves are not new concepts, this paper reports how assessment practices can be improved using ePortfolios and how students can improve their reflective practice through simple and regular use throughout the 12-week semester that the study was conducted. From the class, 208 students responded to the survey with the results being positive. The students were able to use the system easily and did not report many problems with crashing or freezing. The lessons learnt form an important part of this study for future iterations with these reported in the paper.
Feature Evaluation and Comparison in Radar Emitter Recognition Based on SAHP
Authors: Xue Jian , Tang Lan , Zhang Xinggan , Jin Lin , Hao Ming , Gui Youlin
Published: May 2021

In the field of radar emitter recognition, with the wide application of modern radar, the traditional recognition method based on typical five feature parameters cannot achieve satisfactory recognition results in a complex electromagnetic environment. Currently, many new feature extraction methods are presented, but few approaches have been applied for feature evaluation or performance comparison. To deal with this problem, a feature evaluation and selection method was proposed based on set pair analysis (SPA) theory and analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The main idea of this method is to use SPA theory to solve problems regarding the construction of the decision matrix based on AHP, as it relies heavily on expert’s subjective experience. The aim was to improve the objectivity of the evaluation. To check the effectiveness of the proposed method, six feature parameters were selected for a comprehensive performance evaluation. Then, the convolutional neural network (CNN) was introduced to validate the recognition capability based on the evaluation results. Simulation results demonstrated that the proposed method could achieve the feature analysis and evaluation more reasonably and objectively.
A Real Application of an Autonomous Industrial Mobile Manipulator within Industrial Context
Authors: Outón Jose Luis , Merino Ibon , Villaverde Iván , Ibarguren Aitor , Herrero Héctor , Daelman Paul , Sierra Basilio
Published: May 2021

In modern industry there are still a large number of low added-value processes that can be automated or semi-automated with safe cooperation between robot and human operators. The European SHERLOCK project aims to integrate an autonomous industrial mobile manipulator (AIMM) to perform cooperative tasks between a robot and a human. To be able to do this, AIMMs need to have a variety of advanced cognitive skills like autonomous navigation, smart perception and task management. In this paper, we report the project’s tackle in a paradigmatic industrial application combining accurate autonomous navigation with deep learning-based 3D perception for pose estimation to locate and manipulate different industrial objects in an unstructured environment. The proposed method presents a combination of different technologies fused in an AIMM that achieve the proposed objective with a success rate of 83.33% in tests carried out in a real environment.
Reducing Complexity of Server Configuration through Public Cloud Storage
Authors: Lee Sihyung
Published: May 2021

Hosting networking applications typically involves a server publicly accessible over the Internet. However, preparing a server requires excessive time and effort, particularly for non-expert users. This is because users configure multiple elements including the server, host firewalls, and network firewalls, while considering their interactions. To address this problem, we propose a method that uses public cloud storage, such that all messages are communicated through the storage between the server and clients. As the storage is public and accessible over the Internet, users need not consider firewalls and can focus on configuring the server. We implemented the proposed method for web applications and evaluated its performance by accessing applications from 90 hosts in diverse locations. The evaluation showed that the proposed method does not incur extra delays and clients can access the applications as reliably as the current practice of configuring servers. We also recruited 54 participants and examined the time required to configure a server with the proposed method compared to configuration using current practice. This study demonstrated that the proposed method reduces configuration time from 40−60 to nearly 30 min. We believe that the proposed method provides a basis for improving the manageability of server configuration.
Development Status and Multilevel Classification Strategy of Medical Robots
Authors: Guo Yingwei , Yang Yingjian , Liu Yang , Li Qiang , Cao Fengqiu , Feng Mengting , Wu Hanhui , Li Wei , Kang Yan
Published: May 2021

The combination of artificial intelligence technology and medical science has inspired the emergence of medical robots with novel functions that use new materials and have a neoteric appearance. However, the diversity of medical robots causes confusion regarding their classification. In this paper, we review the concepts pertinent to major classification methods and development status of medical robots. We survey the classification methods according to the appearance, function, and application of medical robots. The difficulties surrounding classification methods that arose are discussed, for example, (1) it is difficult to make a simple distinction among existing types of medical robots; (2) classification is important to provide sufficient applicability to the existing and upcoming medical robots; (3) future medical robots may destroy the stability of the classification framework. To solve these problems, we proposed an innovative multilevel classification strategy for medical robots. According to the main classification method, the medical robots were divided into four major categories—surgical, rehabilitation, medical assistant, and hospital service robots—and personalized classifications for each major category were proposed in secondary classifications. The technologies currently available or in development for surgical robots and rehabilitation robots are discussed with great emphasis. The technical preferences of surgical robots in the different departments and the rehabilitation robots in the variant application scenes are perceived, by which the necessity of further classification of the surgical robots and the rehabilitation robots is shown and the secondary classification strategy for surgical robots and rehabilitation robots is provided. Our results show that the distinctive features of surgical robots and rehabilitation robots can be highlighted and that the communication between professionals in the same and other fields can be improved.
Electronic Device and Data Processing Method for Soil Resistivity Analysis
Authors: Acho Leonardo , Pujol-Vázquez Gisela , Gibergans-Báguena José
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a mathematical algorithm and an electronic device to study soil resistivity. The system was based on introducing a time-varying electrical signal into the soil by using two electrodes and then collecting the electrical response of the soil. Hence, the proposed electronic system relied on a single-phase DC-to-AC converter followed by a transformer for the soil-to-circuit coupling. By using the maximum likelihood statistical method, a mathematical algorithm was realized to discern soil resistivity. The novelty of the numerical approach consisted of modeling a set of random data from the voltmeters by using a parametric uniform probability distribution function, and then, a parametric estimation was carried out for dataset analysis. Furthermore, to validate our contribution, a two-electrode laboratory experiment with soil was also designed. Finally, and according to the experimental outcomes, our electronic circuit and mathematical data analysis approach were able to detect different soil resistivities.
A Review of I–V Tracers for Photovoltaic Modules: Topologies and Challenges
Authors: Morales-Aragonés José Ignacio , Dávila-Sacoto Miguel , González Luis G. , Alonso-Gómez Víctor , Gallardo-Saavedra Sara , Hernández-Callejo Luis
Published: May 2021

Current–voltage (I–V) curve tracers are used for measuring voltage and current in photovoltaic (PV) modules. I–V curves allow identifying certain faults in the photovoltaic module, as well as quantifying the power performance of the device. I–V curve tracers are present in different topologies and configurations, by means of rheostats, capacitive loads, electronic loads, transistors, or by means of DC–DC converters. This article focuses on presenting all these configurations. The paper shows the electrical parameters to which the electronic elements of the equipment are exposed using LTSpice, facilitating the appropriate topology selection. Additionally, a comparison has been included between the different I–V tracers’ topologies, analyzing their advantages and disadvantages, considering different factors such as their flexibility, modularity, cost, precision, speed or rating, as well as the characteristics of the different DC–DC converters.
A Preliminary Study on Dependence of Mercury Distribution on the Degree of Coalification in Ningwu Coalfield, Shanxi, China
Authors: Su Yinjiao , Liu Xuan , Teng Yang , Zhang Kai
Published: May 2021

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic trace element emitted from coal conversion and utilization. Samples with different coal ranks and gangue from Ningwu Coalfield are selected and investigated in this study. For understanding dependence of mercury distribution characteristics on coalification degree, Pearson regression analysis coupled with Spearman rank correlation is employed to explore the relationship between mercury and sulfur, mercury and ash in coal, and sequential chemical extraction method is adopted to recognize the Hg speciation in the samples of coal and gangue. The measured results show that Hg is positively related to total sulfur content in coal and the affinity of Hg to different sulfur forms varies with the coalification degree. Organic sulfur has the biggest impact on Hg in peat, which becomes weak with increasing the coalification degree from lignite to bituminous coal. Sulfate sulfur is only related to Hg in peat or lignite as little content in coal. However, the Pearson linear correlation coefficients of Hg and pyritic sulfur are relatively high with 0.479 for lignite, 0.709 for sub-bituminous coal and 0.887 for bituminous coal. Hg is also related to ash content in coal, whose Pearson linear correlation coefficients are 0.504, 0.774 and 0.827 respectively, in lignite, sub-bituminous coal and bituminous coal. Furthermore, Hg distribution is directly depended on own speciation in coal. The total proportion of F2 + F3 + F4 is increased from 41.5% in peat to 87.4% in bituminous coal, but the average proportion of F5 is decreased from 56.8% in peat to 12.4% in bituminous coal. The above findings imply that both Hg and sulfur enrich in coal largely due to the migration from organic state to inorganic state with the increase of coalification degree in Ningwu Coalfield.
Energy Efficiency Improvement Solutions for Supermarkets by Low-E Glass Door and Digital Semi-Hermetic Compressor
Authors: Saengsikhiao Piyanut , Taweekun Juntakan
Published: May 2021

This research presents an energy efficiency improvement solution for supermarkets with the use of low-E glass doors for open refrigerators and a digital semi-hermetic compressor to fix the speed of semi-hermetic compressors. The impact of a door’s installation causes its load to be reduced by 40%, and the compressor shuts down frequently, which decreases its lifetime. In order to ensure that energy-saving solutions do not affect maintenance costs, the installation of a digital semi-hermetic compressor is proposed to lower costs and save energy. Our economic results from tests carried out at a 3000 square meter supermarket, which was open from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. and in which we installed 82 doors on 15 open refrigerators, showed a 1.1-year payback period with an energy saving rate of 192,220 kWh/year for store No.1 (R22) and in which we installed 80 doors on 15 open refrigerators, showed a 1.4-year payback period with an energy saving rate of 171,185 kWh/year for store No.2 (R404A). The energy-saving effects of the digital semi-hermetic compressor, which fixes the speed of the semi-compressor and solves the problem of impact from fridge door installation, showed a 2.9-year payback period with an energy saving rate of 26,890 kWh/year for store No.1 (R22) and showed a 2.9-year payback period with an energy saving rate of 26,571 kWh/year for store No.2 (R404A). The results of store No.1 (R22) and store No.2 (R404A) showed no differences. This research is an extension of an energy-saving project that can be carried out on a continuous basis, increasing the efficiency of energy use and being a sustainable source of energy conservation.
Software Framework for Testing of Automated Driving Systems in the Traffic Environment of Vissim
Authors: Nalic Demin , Pandurevic Aleksa , Eichberger Arno , Fellendorf Martin , Rogic Branko
Published: May 2021

As the complexity of automated driving systemss (ADSs) with automation levels above level 3 is rising, virtual testing for such systems is inevitable and necessary. The complexity of testing these levels lies in the modeling and calculation demands for the virtual environment, which consists of roads, traffic, static and dynamic objects, as well as the modeling of the car itself. An essential part of the safety and performance analysis of ADSs is the modeling and consideration of dynamic road traffic participants. There are multiple forms of traffic flow simulation software (TFSS), which are used to reproduce realistic traffic behavior and are integrated directly or over interfaces with vehicle simulation software environments. In this paper we focus on the TFSS from PTV Vissim in a co-simulation framework which combines Vissim and CarMaker. As it is a commonly used software in industry and research, it also provides complex driver models and interfaces to manipulate and develop customized traffic participants. Using the driver model DLL interface (DMDI) from Vissim it is possible to manipulate traffic participants or adjust driver models in a defined manner. Based on the DMDI, we extended the code and developed a framework for the manipulation and testing of ADSs in the traffic environment of Vissim. The efficiency and performance of the developed software framework are evaluated using the co-simulation framework for the testing of ADSs, which is based on Vissim and CarMaker.
Research on the Relationship between Prices of Agricultural Production Factors, Food Consumption Prices, and Agricultural Carbon Emissions: Evidence from China’s Provincial Panel Data
Authors: Pang Jiaxing , Li Xiang , Li Xue , Chen Xingpeng , Wang Huiyu
Published: May 2021

China is a large agricultural country with a high level of agricultural carbon emissions. Whether market prices can be used in agricultural production as a means of agricultural carbon emissions reduction is of great significance to improve the allocation of agricultural production factors and expand large-scale production. This paper applies an autoregressive distributed lag–pooled mean group(ARDL–PMG) model to evaluate the relationship between agricultural production factor prices, food consumption prices, and agricultural carbon emissions, using Chinese provincial panel data from 1994 to 2018. The results show that agricultural carbon emissions and agricultural production factor prices show environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) characteristics; agricultural carbon emissions and food prices show a U-shaped curve; and agricultural production factors are positively correlated with food price in both directions in the long-term. The results of Granger causality tests show that price is the cause of agricultural carbon emissions; the price of agricultural production factors and the price of food consumption are mutually causal. Such results have implications for price, agriculture, and environmental policies. The analysis implies that the market price can be applied to agricultural carbon reduction, which will help policymakers to implement effective price policies in order to reduce agricultural carbon emissions. One implication is that promoting the marketization of agricultural production factors and reducing price distortions will be conducive to carbon emissions reduction in agriculture, which in turn will increase food consumption prices. Therefore, subsidies are needed at the consumption end, which will eventually achieve further carbon emissions reduction at the production and consumption ends.
Phytophthora mediterranea sp. nov., a New Species Closely Related to Phytophthora cinnamomi from Nursery Plants of Myrtus communis in Italy
Authors: Bregant Carlo , Mulas Antonio A. , Rossetto Giovanni , Deidda Antonio , Maddau Lucia , Piras Giovanni , Linaldeddu Benedetto T.
Published: May 2021

Monitoring surveys of Phytophthora related diseases in four forest nurseries in Italy revealed the occurrence of fourteen Phytophthora species to be associated with collar and root rot on fourteen plants typical of Mediterranean and alpine regions. In addition, a multilocus phylogeny analysis based on nuclear ITS and ß-tubulin and mitochondrial cox1 sequences, as well as micromorphological features, supported the description of a new species belonging to the phylogenetic clade 7c, Phytophthora mediterranea sp. nov. Phytophthora mediterranea was shown to be associated with collar and root rot symptoms on myrtle seedlings. Phylogenetically, P. mediterranea is closely related to P. cinnamomi but the two species differ in 87 nucleotides in the three studied DNA regions. Morphologically P. mediterranea can be easily distinguished from P. cinnamomi on the basis of its smaller sporangia, colony growth pattern and higher optimum and maximum temperature values. Data from the pathogenicity test showed that P. mediterranea has the potential to threaten the native Mediterranean maquis vegetation. Finally, the discovery of P. cinnamomi in alpine nurseries, confirms the progressive expansion of this species towards cold environments, probably driven by climate change.
Variation in Seed Harvest Potential of Carapa guianensis Aublet in the Brazilian Amazon: A Multi-Year, Multi-Region Study of Determinants of Mast Seeding and Seed Quantity
Authors: Klimas Christie A. , Wadt Lúcia Helena de Oliveira , Castilho Carolina Volkmer de , Lira-Guedes Ana Cláudia , da Costa Patricia , da Fonseca Fernanda Lopes
Published: May 2021

This work augments research on masting for the economically important tropical tree Carapa guianensis Aublet, specifically on whether determinants of mast years vary regionally, spatially, and due to longer term ENSO climate patterns. Longer term measurements (an 11-year period in Acre and Roraima; 4 years and 8 months in Amapá) from three regions of the Brazilian Amazon allowed for the analysis of whether climate cues were regionally consistent for this species. We used generalized linear mixed models, to determine which factors were significant in predicting whether trees would produce in a given year and to model the seed production quantity. We found a positive effect of increasing the diameter at breast height (dbh) on the quantity and likelihood of seed production. Our results also suggested that ecosystems and climate cues may jointly affect seed production. In flooded forests, increases in dry season rainfall had a negative impact on the likelihood of seed production whilst none of the precipitation variables investigated influenced the quantity of seeds produced. In drier terra firme forests in Acre with extended dry seasons, increases in dry season precipitation had significant and positive impacts on both the likelihood and the quantity of seed production. Our results illustrate the importance of considering plant habitat and climate to better understand individual and regional differences in seed production and their responses to inter-annual climate variation.
Microsites Influence the Light Response of Young Douglas-Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco)
Authors: Čater Matjaž
Published: May 2021

Two comparable sites with uneven-aged mixed forest stands with more than 20% Douglas-fir in the growing stock at an altitude of 650 m a.s.l. were selected. The physiological response of young trees to different light intensities was measured during the main growing season in three consecutive years, and four different light categories, which were determined from hemispherical photographs. The four light intensity categories were defined according to Indirect Site Factor (ISF%): in the open (A-ISF > 35%), at the outer forest edge (B-25% < ISF < 35%), at the inner forest edge (C-15% < ISF < 25%), and under complete canopy under mature forest stand (D-ISF < 15%). Climate data were obtained from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute ‘Climate Explorer’ website. For the intensive micrometeorological observations, four monitoring sites were established along the elevation gradient at each site during summer and late fall to record relative humidity (RH%) and temperature (°C) with a 30 min recording interval sequence. Measured assimilation responses (A) and light use efficiency (Φ) at one site followed the expected pattern, while humidity combined with microsite conditions proved significant in explaining the specific response of young Douglas-fir to the different light intensity at the other site. For higher survival and optimal future development of Douglas-fir in the changing environment, microsites with higher capacity for storage moisture and favorable microclimate should generally be preferred to exposed and dry sites.
Emerald Ash Borer Approaches the Borders of the European Union and Kazakhstan and Is Confirmed to Infest European Ash
Authors: Volkovitsh Mark G. , Bieńkowski Andrzej O. , Orlova-Bienkowskaja Marina J.
Published: May 2021

Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, native to East Asia, is an invasive pest of ash in North America and European Russia. This quarantine species is a threat to ash trees all over Europe. Survey in ten provinces of European Russia in 2019–2020 showed that EAB had spread faster and farther than was previously thought. The new infested sites were first detected in St. Petersburg (110–120 km from the EU border: Estonia, Finland) and Astrakhan Province (50 km from the Kazakhstan border). The current range of EAB in Europe includes Luhansk Province of Ukraine and 18 provinces of Russia: Astrakhan, Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga, Kursk, Lipetsk, Moscow, Orel, Ryazan, Smolensk, St. Petersburg, Tambov, Tula, Tver, Vladimir, Volgograd, Voronezh, and Yaroslavl. Within these, only seven quarantine phytosanitary zones in five provinces are declared by the National Plant Protection Organization of Russia. EAB was not found in the regions along the Middle Volga: Mari El, Chuvash and Tatarstan republics, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara and Saratov provinces. The infested sites in St. Petersburg and in the Lower Volga basin are range enclaves separated from the core invasion range by 470 and 370 km, correspondingly. It is possible that new enclaves can appear in the cities of Eastern Europe and Kazakhstan far from the current known range. All previously known infestations in European Russia were in green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), which was introduced from North America, and individual trees of European ash (F. excelsior). A first confirmed case of mass decline of several thousand of EAB-infested European ash trees in Moscow province is provided. Therefore, there is no more doubt that under certain conditions EAB can seriously damage native ash trees in European forests.
Effect of Baking Temperature on the Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Black Corn (Zea mays L.) Bread
Authors: Blanch Gracia Patricia , Ruiz del Castillo Maria Luisa
Published: May 2021

Black corn is known for its health-promoting properties, which are due to its high content of bioactive phytonutrients. However, the high temperatures required during the processing of bakery products usually trigger thermal degradation, and therefore, the loss of all labile bioactive compounds. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of baking temperature on the phenolic content (i.e., TPC, TAC and individual phenolics) and antioxidant activity in black corn (Millo corvo variety) bread. As a result, baking always resulted in a general decrease in TPC, even at 150 °C. In contrast, TAC only decreased when temperatures as high as 180 °C were applied. Some relevant individual phenolics were preserved during the whole process as long as 150 °C was used. In particular, the content of the major anthocyanin, namely, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, hardly decreased from the raw flour to the final bread. The loss of antioxidant activity of Millo corvo raw flour during bread baking was avoided by heating at 150 °C. These results demonstrate the appropriate temperature to bake Millo corvo corn bread without losing the antioxidant characteristics and health-promoting properties of the starting black corn.
An Editing-Site-Specific PCR Method for Detection and Quantification of CAO1-Edited Rice
Authors: Zhang Hongwen , Li Jun , Zhao Shengbo , Yan Xiaohong , Si Nengwu , Gao Hongfei , Li Yunjing , Zhai Shanshan , Xiao Fang , Wu Gang , Wu Yuhua
Published: May 2021

Genome-edited plants created by genome editing technology have been approved for commercialization. Due to molecular characteristics that differ from classic genetically modified organisms (GMOs), establishing regulation-compliant analytical methods for identification and quantification of genome-edited plants has always been regarded as a challenging task. An editing-site-specific PCR method was developed based on the unique edited sequence in CAO1-edited rice plants. Test results of seven primer/probe sets indicated that this method can identify specific CAO1-edited rice from other CAO1-edited rice and wild types of rice with high specificity and sensitivity. The use of LNA (locked nucleic acid) in a probe can efficiently increase the specificity of the editing-site-specific PCR method at increased annealing temperature which can eliminate non-specific amplification of the non-target. The genome-edited ingredient content in blinded samples at the level of 0.1% to 5.0% was accurately quantified by this method on the ddPCR platform with RSD of <15% and bias in the range of ±17%, meeting the performance requirements for GMO detection method. The developed editing-site-specific PCR method presents a promising detection and quantification technique for genome-edited plants with known edited sequence.
Comparative Analysis of Gasification and Adiabatic Digestion of Corn for Practical Implementation in Conventional Gas Turbines
Authors: Guteša Božo Milana , Valera-Medina Agustin
Published: May 2021

Clean, more responsible energy production in gas turbine power plants is a challenge. Interestingly, various alternative sources could be found in agricultural locations with great potential of being transformed from agricultural waste to energy. Corn cob gasification gas could be successfully implemented in gas turbines through co-firing with natural gas. Concurrently, agricultural biogas could also be employed for such a purpose. The technology could be implemented in locations such as Vojvodina, Serbia, which is an agricultural region with great potential for producing biogas from agricultural waste. Therefore, this paper approaches the practical implementation of gas produced by adiabatic corn digestion with CO2 recirculation. Five different cases were assessed. The results are compared to previous analyses that used co-firing of the corn cob gasification gas in representative gas turbine systems. Impacts of the fuel composition on the characteristics of combustion were analyzed using CHEMKIN PRO with GRI–Mech 3.0. Impacts of fuel quality on the power plant performance were analyzed through calculations with a numerical model based on a Brayton cycle of 3.9 MW power output. The application shows acceptable values during co-firing with natural gas without modification of the overall system, with better outlet parameters compared to pure corn gasification gas.
Nanogels as a Versatile Drug Delivery System for Brain Cancer
Authors: Stawicki Brielle , Schacher Tyler , Cho Hyunah
Published: May 2021

Chemotherapy and radiation remain as mainstays in the treatment of a variety of cancers globally, yet some therapies exhibit limited specificity and result in harsh side effects in patients. Brain tissue differs from other tissue due to restrictions from the blood–brain barrier, thus systemic treatment options are limited. The focus of this review is on nanogels as local and systemic drug delivery systems in the treatment of brain cancer. Nanogels are a unique local or systemic drug delivery system that is tailorable and consists of a three-dimensional polymeric network formed via physical or chemical assembly. For example, thermosensitive nanogels show promise in their ability to incorporate therapeutic agents in nano-structured matrices, be applied in the forms of sprays or sols to the area from which a tumor has been removed, form adhesive gels to fill the cavity and deliver treatment locally. Their usage does come with complications, such as handling, storage, chemical stability, and degradation. Despite these limitations, the current ongoing development of nanogels allows patient-centered treatment that can be considered as a promising tool for the management of brain cancer.