bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Urban Local High-Temperature Disaster Risk and the Spatially Heterogeneous Impacts of Blue-Green Space
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Ye Ruihan , Fu Xingyuan
Published: November 2023

Urban high-temperature disasters have gradually emerged as a significant threat to human society. Therefore, it is crucial to assess and identify areas at risk of such disasters and implement urban planning measures aimed at mitigating their impact. Additionally, a multitude of studies have demonstrated the significant cooling effect of urban blue-green spaces (UGBS), which play a pivotal role in urban environments. Incorporating a UBGS layout into planning and evaluation processes has substantial potential for mitigating high-temperature disasters. This paper presents the construction of a set of assessment processes for mitigating urban high-temperature disaster risk using a UBGS structure layout specifically for the main urban area of Harbin, China. We employed GIS and multi-source remote sensing imagery to develop local climate zone (LCZ) maps applicable to the designated study area. The differentiated impact of UBGS factors on high-temperature disaster risk was determined using the multi-scale geographical weighted regression model (MGWR). The results showed the following: (a) There was an overall low risk level, with 19.61% of the high-risk areas concentrated within the second ring road, forming a spatial pattern characterized by “one line, one cluster”. (b) The risk of the building category LCZs was generally higher than that of the natural category LCZs. The risk of the architectural LCZs could be summarized as the risk of low-density LCZs being smaller than that of the high-density LCZs, except LCZ 5. The mean value of the LCZ 2 and LCZ 5 types was the highest. (c) Through indicator screening, AREA_MN, SHAPE_MN, PD, and NP were found to be significant determinants influencing the risk, and the effectiveness and spatial differentiation of these main factors exhibited notable disparities. (d) By comparing different LCZ types, we concluded that the mitigation effect of these factors on risk may be interfered with by building height (BH); NP may be positively interfered with by BH; and PD and SHAPE_MN may be negatively interfered with by BH. The research results provided a new perspective and practical scientific basis for high-temperature disaster risk-mitigation planning based on UBGSs under LCZ classification.
Evaluation of Precipitation Frequency and Intensity as Estimated by the GPM IMERG Precipitation Product at Daily and Hourly Scales over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Yuanchun , Huang Yue , Xu Hongyuan , Wang Shu , Long Taicong , Zhao Qidao
Published: November 2023

The IMERG V06 hourly rainfall product at daily and hourly scales was evaluated during the warm season (May to September) from 2015 to 2020 using 651 high-quality rain-gauge stations over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Based on hourly observed rain-gauge precipitation, four categories were classified: light rainfall (0–12 mm·d−1), moderate rainfall (12–20.1 mm·d−1), torrential rainfall (20.1–32.2 mm·d−1), and extreme torrential rainfall (>32.2 mm·d−1). Precipitation frequency and intensity were calculated to further validate the accuracy and suitability of the IMERG estimated-precipitation product. At the daily scale, IMERG underestimated the number of days with less than moderate rainfall, but overestimated the frequency of torrential and extreme torrential rainfall. IMERG estimated the main characteristics of precipitation frequency at different daily precipitation amount levels better than the precipitation intensity, but its best estimate was at the moderate rainfall level, with the highest correlation coefficient (0.69) and the lowest root mean square error (0.17). At the hourly scale, IMERG underestimated the hourly precipitation amount mainly between the early morning and midday (the average deviation was 0.019 mm·h−1) and overestimated it between the afternoon and late night (the average deviation was 0.047 mm·h−1). IMERG overestimated precipitation frequency and underestimated precipitation intensity between the afternoon and the evening, which means that this analysis shows that IMERG estimated more precipitation hours than the observation and underestimated precipitation intensity. These results further our understanding of the suitability of the IMERG precipitation products over the TP and further improve the IMERG retrieval algorithm to better apply the corresponding precipitation product to light and extreme rainfall over regions with complicated topography.
Whole Genome Resequencing Revealed the Genetic Relationship and Selected Regions among Baicheng-You, Beijing-You, and European-Origin Broilers
Authors: Yang Kai , Zhang Jian , Zhao Yuelei , Shao Yonggang , Zhai Manjun , Liu Huagui , Zhang Lifan
Published: November 2023

As the only two You-chicken breeds in China, Baicheng-You (BCY) and Beijing-You (BJY) chickens are famous for their good meat quality. However, so far, the molecular basis of germplasm of the two You-chicken breeds is not yet clear. The genetic relationship among BCY, BJY, and European-origin broilers (BRs) was analyzed using whole genome resequencing data to contribute to this issue. A total of 18,852,372 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained in this study. After quality control, 8,207,242 SNPs were applied to subsequent analysis. The data indicated that BJY chickens possessed distant distance with BRs (genetic differentiation coefficient (FST) = 0.1681) and BCY (FST = 0.1231), respectively, while BCY and BRs had a closer relationship (FST = 0.0946). In addition, by using FST, cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH), and cross-population composite likelihood ratio (XP-CLR) methods, we found 374 selected genes between BJY and BRs chickens and 279 selected genes between BCY and BJY chickens, respectively, which contained a number of important candidates or genetic variations associated with feather growth and fat deposition of BJY chickens and potential disease resistance of BCY chickens. Our study demonstrates a genome-wide view of genetic diversity and differentiation among BCY, BJY, and BRs. These results may provide useful information on a molecular basis related to the special characteristics of these broiler breeds, thus enabling us to better understand the formation mechanism of Chinese-You chickens.
Numerical Simulation Study of Basement Water Discharge Pressure Relief Method under Rainstorm Conditions
Authors: Chen Longfeng , Wang Weihua , Bu Anhui
Published: November 2023

The development and expansion of underground space has led to a continuous increase in both the occupied area and the burial depth of underground basements. Meanwhile, due to the inaccurate estimation of groundwater buoyancy, more and more anti-floating problems of underground basement caused by rainstorm have emerged. Combined with the principles of unsaturated seepage theory, this article uses Flac3d 6.0 software to conduct simulations on the influence of various significant factors on the effect of the water discharge pressure relief method, a novel approach to reduce buoyancy. The numerical results show that the water discharge pressure relief method can ensure the stability of the basement under rainstorm conditions compared with the basement without drainage holes. In order to improve the anti-floating efficiency of the water discharge pressure relief method in preventing floating, it is recommended to initially decrease the height and spacing of the drainage holes and follow by increasing the aperture of the drainage holes. The recommended spacing of the drainage holes is between 2 m and 3 m. The height of the drainage holes should be between 1 m and 1.5 m, and the aperture of the drainage holes should be no smaller than 100 mm. Furthermore, the water head of the basement floor is proportional to the permeability of the lower backfill and cushion, and it is not significantly influenced by the upper backfill soil when its permeability is within a low range. Finally, in order to achieve a satisfactory anti-floating effect, it can be attempted to reduce the longitudinal width of the lower backfill soil or moderately increase the thickness of the cushion.
The Evolution of Current Concept of the Reconstructive Ladder in Plastic Surgery: The Emerging Role of Translational Medicine
Authors: De Francesco Francesco , Zingaretti Nicola , Parodi Pier Camillo , Riccio Michele
Published: November 2023

Plastic surgeons have used the reconstructive ladder for many decades as a standard directory for complex trauma reconstruction with the goal of repairing body structures and restoring functionality. This consists of different surgical maneuvers, such as secondary intention and direct tissue closure, as well as more complex methods such as local tissue transfer and free flap. The reconstructive ladder represents widely known options achievable for tissue reconstruction and wound closure that puts at the bottom rung the simplest methods of reconstruction and strengthens the complexity by moving upward. Regenerative medicine and surgery constitute a quickly spreading area of translational research that can be employed by minimally invasive surgical strategies, with the aim of regenerating cells and tissues in vivo in order to reestablish normal function through the intrinsic potential of cells, in combination with biomaterials and appropriate biochemical stimuli. These translational procedures have the aim of creating an appropriate microenvironment capable of supporting the physiological cellular function to generate the desired cells or tissues and to generate parenchymal, stromal, and vascular components on demand, and above all to produce intelligent materials capable of determining the fate of cells. Smart technologies have been grown that give extra “rungs” on the classic reconstructive ladder to integrate a more holistic, patient-based approach with improved outcomes. This commentary presents the evolution of the traditional concept of the reconstructive ladder in the field of plastic surgery into a new course with the aim of achieving excellent results for soft tissue reconstruction by applying innovative technologies and biologically active molecules for a wide range of surgical diseases.
The Epigenetic Controller Lysine-Specific Demethylase 1 (LSD1) Regulates the Outcome of Hepatitis C Viral Infection
Authors: Papadopoulou Georgia , Petroulia Stavroula , Karamichali Eirini , Dimitriadis Alexios , Marousis Dimitrios , Ioannidou Elisavet , Papazafiri Panagiota , Koskinas John , Foka Pelagia , Georgopoulou Urania
Published: November 2023

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) alters gene expression epigenetically to rearrange the cellular microenvironment in a beneficial way for its life cycle. The host epigenetic changes induced by HCV lead to metabolic dysfunction and malignant transformation. Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is an epigenetic controller of critical cellular functions that are essential for HCV propagation. We investigated the putative role of LSD1 in the establishment of HCV infection using genetic engineering and pharmacological inhibition to alter endogenous LSD1 levels. We demonstrated for the first time that HCV replication was inhibited in LSD1-overexpressing cells, while specific HCV proteins differentially fine-tuned endogenous LSD1 expression levels. Electroporation of the full-length HCV genome and subgenomic replicons in LSD1 overexpression enhanced translation and partially restored HCV replication, suggesting that HCV might be inhibited by LSD1 during the early steps of infection. Conversely, the inhibition of LSD1, followed by HCV infection in vitro, increased viral replication. LSD1 was shown to participate in an intriguing antiviral mechanism, where it activates endolysosomal interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) via demethylation, leading endocytosed HCV virions to degradation. Our study proposes that HCV-mediated LSD1 oscillations over countless viral life cycles throughout chronic HCV infection may promote epigenetic changes related to HCV-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.
The Relationship between Dietary Habits and Periodontal Pathogens in a Sample of Romanian Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Motoc Georgiana Veronica , Juncar Raluca Iulia , Moca Abel Emanuel , Motoc Ovidiu , Moca Rahela Tabita , Țig Ioan Andrei , Vaida Luminița Ligia , Juncar Mihai
Published: November 2023

The role of diet in shaping oral microbiota and its potential contribution to the development of periodontal pathogens cannot be understated. This study aimed to explore the correlation between dietary habits and the prevalence of 11 periodontal pathogens among children and adolescents in Oradea, Romania. The identification of these pathogens was performed using the micro-IDent test kit, capable of detecting 11 specific periodontal pathogens. Bacterial sampling was conducted from the crevicular fluid in the morning, prior to brushing, followed by the completion of a brief questionnaire by parents. The questionnaire captured various aspects of the children’s eating habits, including meal frequency, consumption of sweets, and hydration levels. The collected samples were dispatched to the laboratory for analysis, which provided insights into the abundance of microorganisms. The study encompassed 60 participants aged between 2 and 18 years, with the majority reported by their parents to have regulated meal timings, frequent sugar intake, and adequate hydration. The findings revealed significant associations between certain dietary factors and the presence of specific periodontal pathogens. Notably, the absence of breastfeeding was linked with the detection of Tannerella forsythia and Campylobacter rectus. Furthermore, frequent consumption of sweets corresponded with the presence of Capnocytophaga spp., which was particularly observed in individuals consuming sweets 2–3 times a day. Insufficient age-appropriate hydration showed an association with the prevalence of T. forsythia, Peptostreptococcus micros, and Capnocytophaga spp. In this sample, it became evident that eating habits and diet influenced the presence of several periodontal pathogens. The lack of breastfeeding was predominantly associated with positive results for T. forsythia and C. rectus, while inadequate hydration correlated more frequently with the presence of T. forsythia and P. micros. Moreover, frequent consumption of sweets was linked to the presence of Capnocytophaga spp.
Temperature Sensing via Electromagnetically Induced Transparency Vapor
Authors: Liau Teh-Chau , Shen Jian-Qi , Su Shun-Feng
Published: November 2023

The behavior of multilevel atomic ensembles (e.g., alkali-metal atoms) can be influenced significantly by the intensity of a driving field (or controlling/coupling field). The phase coherence between two transition pathways driven by a probe light and a driving field can lead to the effect known as electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). In EIT, the probe light can pass through a three-level alkali-metal atomic vapor without absorption or reflection when two coherent resonances (transition pathways driven by the driving and probe fields) are present and the linewidths of the transparency windows are sufficiently narrow. The optical characteristics of atomic systems can also be affected by the Doppler broadening of the absorption profile in a spectroscope. Our analysis indicates that both broadenings (related to the transitions excited by the driving and probe fields) can be expanded, leading to an increase in the transmittance and reflectance broadenings when a coupling field with adaptive strength is applied; the corresponding temperature would, thus, be implemented and readable. We show that the most suitable preparation for temperature sensing via an EIT vapor is to provide 80 times the spontaneous decay rate (SDR) of the excited atomic levels. This configuration results in reflectance and transmittance values that range between zero and one and cover a temperature range of 0 K to 600 K. As an example, we demonstrate the integration of specialized coating technologies with EIT ensembles for temperature sensing in the range of dozens of kelvins at and above room temperature. A key advantage of this temperature-sensing system is its ability to use adaptive resonant visible light as the probe field. This novel approach may find applications in providing unprecedented levels of precision and control in temperature sensing for coating processes and in the design of other photonic or optical devices. It can also be used to determine the temperature-dependent behavior of the specific heat of alkali-metal solids and gases (including the latent heats of vaporization or sublimation of alkali-metal solids) through the reflection and transmission spectra of the vaporized EIT atomic vapors.
Composite of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Plastisol and Wood Flour as a Potential Coating Material
Authors: Siekierka Przemysław , Makarewicz Edwin , Wilczewski Sławomir , Lewandowski Krzysztof , Skórczewska Katarzyna , Mirowski Jacek , Osial Magdalena
Published: November 2023

This paper presents the results of a study of the properties of a new composite material made from poly(vinyl chloride) plastisol (PVC) and conifer-derived wood flour. The material can be used for thermal insulation, floor coverings with high resistance to mechanical trauma, and protective coatings. The plastisol was made from emulsion poly(vinyl chloride), the plasticiser was bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, and the stabiliser was octyltin mercapeptide. Two types of flour were used: fine-grained and coarse-grained. Its properties, such as bulk density, oil number, and plasticiser number, were determined. The polymer-wood composite contained 20 or 30 wt.% wood flour in PVC. Plastisol was obtained by repeated mixing, mashing, and venting under vacuum. The produced composite material was gelated at temperatures of 130, 150, and 170 °C. The gelation process of the composites was studied in a Brabender apparatus. Samples in the form of polymer films were used to study density, hardness, thermal stability, and mechanical and thermomechanical properties. The structure of the composites was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A summary of all test results showed that composite films made from PVC plastisol with 20 wt.% of fine wood flour gelled at 150 °C had the most favourable physical, mechanical, and thermal properties.
Ultraviolet Exposure Improves SERS Activity of Graphene-Coated Ag/ZrO2 Substrates
Authors: Bandarenka Hanna , Burko Aliaksandr , Laputsko Diana , Dronina Lizaveta , Kovalchuk Nikolai , Podelinska Alise , Shapel Uladzislau , Popov Anatoli I. , Bocharov Dmitry
Published: November 2023

This study reveals a significant improvement in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity of Ag/ZrO2 substrates covered with a few-layer graphene preliminary exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. The SERS-active substrates are formed by the “silver mirror” deposition of Ag nanoparticles on annealed zirconia blocks. The film composed of ~3 graphene layers is grown on copper foil by a chemical vapor deposition and then wet-transferred to the SERS-active substrates. The graphene-free Ag/ZrO2 samples are found to provide an enhancement of the Raman scattering from rhodamine 6G (R6G) at a micromolar concentration, which is associated with combined effects from the surface plasmon resonance in the Ag nanoparticles and a charge transfer facilitated by zirconium dioxide. It is revealed that the SERS signal from the analyte molecules can be suppressed by a UV exposure of the Ag/ZrO2 samples due to photocatalytic activity of the wide band gap semiconductor. However, if the samples are covered with a few-layer graphene (Gr/Ag/ZrO2) it prevents the dye molecule decomposition upon the UV treatment and improves SERS activity of the substrates. The 365 nm treatment leads to a 40% increase in the 10–6 M R6G SERS spectrum intensity, while the 254 nm irradiation causes it to rise by 47%, which is explained by different responses from the surface and bulk zirconia crystals to the short and long UV wavelengths. This enhancement is attributed to the distinct responses of surface and in-depth zirconia crystals to varied UV wavelengths and underscores the pivotal role of graphene as a protective and enhancing layer.
Draft Genome Sequence Data of Lysinibacillus sphaericus Strain 1795 with Insecticidal Properties
Authors: Romanenko Maria N. , Nesterenko Maksim A. , Shikov Anton E. , Nizhnikov Anton A. , Antonets Kirill S.
Published: November 2023

Lysinibacillus sphaericus holds a significant agricultural importance by being able to produce insecticidal toxins and chemical moieties of varying antibacterial and fungicidal activities. In this study, the genome of the L. sphaericus strain 1795 is presented. Illumina short reads sequenced on the HiSeq X platform were used to obtain the genome’s assembly by applying the SPAdes v3.15.4 software. The genome size based on a cumulative length of 23 contigs reached 4.74 Mb, with a respective N50 of 1.34 Mb. The assembled genome carried 4672 genes, including 4643 protein-encoding ones, 5 of which represented loci coding for insecticidal toxins active against the orders Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Blattodea. We also revealed biosynthetic gene clusters responsible for the synthesis of secondary metabolites with predicted antibacterial, fungicidal, and growth-promoting properties. The genomic data provided will be helpful for deepening our understanding of genetic markers determining the efficient application of the L. sphaericus strain 1795 primarily for biocontrol purposes in veterinary and medical applications against several groups of blood-sucking insects.
Machine Learning and Radiomics of Bone Scintigraphy: Their Role in Predicting Recurrence of Localized or Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wang Yu-De , Huang Chi-Ping , Yang You-Rong , Wu Hsi-Chin , Hsu Yu-Ju , Yeh Yi-Chun , Yeh Pei-Chun , Wu Kuo-Chen , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: November 2023

Background: Machine-learning (ML) and radiomics features have been utilized for survival outcome analysis in various cancers. This study aims to investigate the application of ML based on patients’ clinical features and radiomics features derived from bone scintigraphy (BS) and to evaluate recurrence-free survival in local or locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa) patients after the initial treatment. Methods: A total of 354 patients who met the eligibility criteria were analyzed and used to train the model. Clinical information and radiomics features of BS were obtained. Survival-related clinical features and radiomics features were included in the ML model training. Using the pyradiomics software, 128 radiomics features from each BS image’s region of interest, validated by experts, were extracted. Four textural matrices were also calculated: GLCM, NGLDM, GLRLM, and GLSZM. Five training models (Logistic Regression, Naive Bayes, Random Forest, Support Vector Classification, and XGBoost) were applied using K-fold cross-validation. Recurrence was defined as either a rise in PSA levels, radiographic progression, or death. To assess the classifier’s effectiveness, the ROC curve area and confusion matrix were employed. Results: Of the 354 patients, 101 patients were categorized into the recurrence group with more advanced disease status compared to the non-recurrence group. Key clinical features including tumor stage, radical prostatectomy, initial PSA, Gleason Score primary pattern, and radiotherapy were used for model training. Random Forest (RF) was the best-performing model, with a sensitivity of 0.81, specificity of 0.87, and accuracy of 0.85. The ROC curve analysis showed that predictions from RF outperformed predictions from other ML models with a final AUC of 0.94 and a p-value of <0.001. The other models had accuracy ranges from 0.52 to 0.78 and AUC ranges from 0.67 to 0.84. Conclusions: The study showed that ML based on clinical features and radiomics features of BS improves the prediction of PCa recurrence after initial treatment. These findings highlight the added value of ML techniques for risk classification in PCa based on clinical features and radiomics features of BS.
MDMA-Based Psychotherapy in Treatment-Resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Brief Narrative Overview of Current Evidence
Authors: Riaz Kainat , Suneel Sejal , Hamza Bin Abdul Malik Mohammad , Kashif Tooba , Ullah Irfan , Waris Abdul , Di Nicola Marco , Mazza Marianna , Sani Gabriele , Martinotti Giovanni , De Berardis Domenico
Published: November 2023

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental health disorder that causes significant dysfunction in individuals. Currently, there are many approved pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy treatment options for PTSD, but unfortunately, half of the patients do not respond to traditional therapies. In this article, we review clinical trials and research on 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy in PTSD patients, its pharmacokinetics, and current treatment guidelines for PTSD. Our findings are based on the results of the efficacy of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy from six phase II randomized controlled trials. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD has received the “breakthrough therapy” designation from the FDA. MDMA can reduce PTSD symptoms even in treatment-resistant cases by increasing certain neurohormones, i.e., dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and oxytocin. It also modulates activities in the brain regions involved in fear and anxiety. Future research is needed to show whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and whether its use can be integrated into available treatment options for PTSD.
Stability of Medicines Transported by Cargo Drones: Investigating the Effects of Vibration from Multi-Stage Flight
Authors: Theobald Katherine , Zhu Wanqing , Waters Timothy , Cherrett Thomas , Oakey Andy , Royall Paul G.
Published: November 2023

The timely distribution of medicines to patients is an essential part of the patient care plan, and maximising efficiency in the logistics systems behind these movements is vital to minimise cost. Before drones can be used for moving medical cargo, medical regulatory authorities require assurance that the transported products will not be adversely affected by in-flight conditions unique to each drone. This study set out to (i) quantify the vibration profile by phases of flight, (ii) determine to what extent there were significant differences in the observed vibration between the phases, and (iii) assess the quality of flown monoclonal antibody (mAb) infusions used in the treatment of cancer. Vibrations emanating from the drone and transmitted through standard medical packaging were monitored with the storage specifications for mean kinematic temperature (2–8 °C) being met. Vibration levels were recorded between 1.5 and 3 g, with the dominant octave band being 250 Hz. After 60 flights, the quality attributes of flown infusions regarding size integrity were found to be no different from those of the control infusions. For example, the particle size had a variation of less than 1 nm; one peak for Trastuzumab was 14.6 ± 0.07 nm, and Rituximab was 13.3 ± 0.90 nm. The aggregation (%) and fragmentation (%) remained at 0.18 ± 0.01% and 0.11 ± 0.02% for Trastuzumab, 0.11 ± 0.01% and 2.82 ± 0.15% for Rituximab. The results indicated that in the case of mAbs, the quality assurance specifications were met and that drone vibration did not adversely affect the quality of drone-flown medicines.
The Mental Health of UK Postgraduate Research Students following the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zile Amy , Porter Bryony , Crozier Kenda , Sanderson Kristy
Published: November 2023

The mental health of postgraduate research students (PGRs) is a growing area of interest to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and researchers and has important implications for PGR wellbeing, success, and attrition. This study aimed to explore PGR experiences of mental health during the pandemic, the supervisory relationship, and seeking support. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 PGRs from across the UK. Questions invited PGRs to share their experience of supervision, the impact of supervision on their mental health, and any experience of discussing mental health with their supervisor(s). The experiences of supervision varied, as did the university responses to the pandemic and levels of supervisory support. A number of PGRs felt that their supervision experiences had negatively impacted their wellbeing and reported stigma and discriminatory practices. Themes identified included discourses, supervisory knowledge, university resources, and the research culture as key factors that impacted the mental health of PGRs. Supervisors often upheld perceptions of PhD life as being isolating, with negative impacts on wellbeing to be expected, setting expectations of overworking, anxiety, and stress. The move from pandemic to post-pandemic life posed both challenges and benefits. Issues of training on mental health awareness, university processes, and accessibility of services should be considered by HEIs.
Human Capabilities in this Post-Neoliberal Period: A Summative Editorial
Authors: St. John Edward P.
Published: November 2023

As Professor Wang Chen noted in the introduction, this Special Issue was conceptualized after conversations concerning the prospect of an international center focused on “education development and social justice [...]
Evaluation of Quality of Life and Emotional Disturbances in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Saitakis George , Roukas Dimitrios , Hatziagelaki Erifili , Efstathiou Vasiliki , Theodossiadis Panagiotis , Rizos Emmanouil
Published: November 2023

Diabetes has detrimental effects on many organs, including the kidneys, heart, and the central nervous system, with ophthalmic involvement and Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), specifically, being among the most severe and prominent consequences. Diabetic Retinopathy and especially advanced stages of the disease, have a crucial impact on patients’ quality of life and emotional status. In this context, emotional imbalance, psychological side effects and comorbidities, like anxiety disorders, could emerge, deteriorating the patients’ condition further. A number of questionnaires can be employed in the evaluation of the potential impact of Diabetic Retinopathy on patients’ quality of life, including the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25). Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema with vision-related quality of life, as well as the potential association between the disease’s severity, emotional status of patients and the manifestation of anxiety and psychological features. Results: Patients with fundoscopic findings had significantly lower scores in all VFQ-25 subscales, indicating worse quality of life in comparison to patients without DR. Severity of DR, greater levels of anxiety, daily sitting time, unemployment and lower education level, were all found to be significantly, negatively associated with a worse quality of life. Regarding emotional status, more years of suffering from diabetes, treatment with insulin and the hours being idle per day were associated with an increased burden of anxiety. In addition, the presence of a concomitant disease, findings in fundoscopy, diabetic macular edema and treatment with anti-VEFG injections, as well as the number of doses, were significantly associated with greater anxiety. Multivariate analysis showed that having Severe Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy or having Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy and receiving insulin therapy (alone or in combination with another treatment), were significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety. Conclusion: The well-established impact of DR on the patients’ well-being, quality of life and emotional status render DR and CME prevention, stabilization or delaying progression as a necessity in order to protect patients from developing psychiatric symptoms. On the other hand, the speculated bi-directional association between emotional problems and DR progression highlights the importance of acknowledging and dealing with psychological issues with the aim of delaying DR progression.
Model Predictive Control Design and Hardware in the Loop Validation for an Electric Vehicle Powertrain Based on Induction Motors
Authors: Uralde Jokin , Barambones Oscar , Artetxe Eneko , Calvo Isidro , del Rio Asier
Published: November 2023

Electric vehicles (EV) have gained importance in recent years due to environmental pollution and the future scarcity of fossil resources. They have been the subject of study for many years, where much work has focused on batteries and the electric motor (EM). There are several types of motors in the market but the most widely used are induction motors, especially squirrel cage motors. Induction motors have also been extensively studied and, nowadays, there are several control methods used—for example, those based on vector control, such as field-oriented control (FOC) and direct torque control (DTC). Further, at a higher level, such as the speed loop, several types of controllers, such as proportional integral (PI) and model predictive control (MPC), have been tested. This paper shows a comparison between a Continuous Control Set MPC (CCS-MPC) and a conventional PI controller within the FOC method, both in simulation and hardware in the loop (HIL) tests, to control the speed of an induction motor for an EV powered by lithium-ion batteries. The comparison is composed of experiments based on the speed and quality of response and the controllers’ stability. The results are shown graphically and numerically analyzed using performance metrics such as the integral of the absolute error (IAE), where the MPC shows a 50% improvement over the PI in the speed tracking performance. The efficiency of the MPC in battery consumption is also demonstrated, with 5.07 min more driving time.
Energy Efficient Power Allocation in Massive MIMO Based on Parameterized Deep DQN
Authors: Sharma Shruti , Yoon Wonsik
Published: November 2023

Machine learning offers advanced tools for efficient management of radio resources in modern wireless networks. In this study, we leverage a multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (DRL) approach, specifically the Parameterized Deep Q-Network (DQN), to address the challenging problem of power allocation and user association in massive multiple-input multiple-output (M-MIMO) communication networks. Our approach tackles a multi-objective optimization problem aiming to maximize network utility while meeting stringent quality of service requirements in M-MIMO networks. To address the non-convex and nonlinear nature of this problem, we introduce a novel multi-agent DQN framework. This framework defines a large action space, state space, and reward functions, enabling us to learn a near-optimal policy. Simulation results demonstrate the superiority of our Parameterized Deep DQN (PD-DQN) approach when compared to traditional DQN and RL methods. Specifically, we show that our approach outperforms traditional DQN methods in terms of convergence speed and final performance. Additionally, our approach shows 72.2% and 108.5% improvement over DQN methods and the RL method, respectively, in handling large-scale multi-agent problems in M-MIMO networks.
Efficiency Assessment of Traditional GaAs and Low-Power InGaAs Schottky Diodes in Full-Band Mixers at 0.3 THz
Authors: Martinez Gil Javier , Moro-Melgar Diego , Negrus Artur , Oprea Ion , Cojocari Oleg
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we present and compare two different full-band WR3.4 Sub-Harmonic Mixers (SHMs), featuring traditional GaAs and the novel low-barrier InGaAs discrete diodes. In this study, an Active Multiplier Chain (AMC) is used as a Local Oscillator source, which provides peak powers beyond 20 mW. The GaAs mixer presents Single-Sideband (SSB) Conversion Loss (CL) of 10 dB and Double-Sideband (DSB) Noise Temperature (NT) of 3000 K across the entire RF and IF bands when an LO power of 6–10 mW is applied. The low-barrier mixer featuring the new and improved batch of InGaAs diodes performs SSB Conversion Loss of 15 dB and DSB Noise Temperature of 9000 K, using LO powers of 0.5 mW. In this work, a comparison of the CL and NT of both mixers is carried out, highlighting the excellent performances of GaAs diodes and the minimum LO power requirements needed by InGaAs counterparts, as well as future perspectives in InGaAs mixer performances. The mixers and diodes were fully designed, fabricated, and tested at ACST GmbH.
A Novel Asynchronous Sliding Mode Design for Switched Systems under Input–Output Finite-Time Stability
Authors: Zhao Haijuan , Ma Juan , Xu Qinqi
Published: November 2023

In this work, the input–output finite-time stability (IO-FTS) of a class of continuous-time switched systems characterized by uncertainties and subjected to external disturbances is studied under asynchronous switching by means of the sliding mode control (SMC) method. The IO-FTS poses a finite-time constraint problem, which involves addressing two main issues: firstly, ensuring that the state trajectory of the switched system reaches the given sliding mode surface within the specified time, and secondly, achieving IO-FTS for the closed-loop switched system during asynchronous switching. To address these issues, we apply a partitioning strategy and construct asynchronous sliding mode controllers with adjustable parameters to ensure the reachability of the system’s state trajectory within a finite time. Subsequently, we employ a multiple Lyapunov function (MLF) approach to provide sufficient conditions that ensure IO-FTS during the whole phase [0,T] for the resulting switched system. Additionally, we analyze the asynchronous characteristics concerning the reachability phase of the designed sliding surface, considering the system’s switching properties. Finally, we demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach with a numerical example.
A New Centralized Equalizer with a Simpler Control Strategy for Series-Connected Batteries
Authors: Liu Hongrui , Yang Xudong , Wei Xiangyang , Ai Junjie
Published: November 2023

The centralized equalizer has a good prospect in the mobile battery system due to its small size and light weight. However, equalizers with a centralized structure generally need a tricky balancing strategy and have an improbable balancing performance. This paper proposes an equalizer with multi-modes. It has a more straightforward balancing strategy than conventional equalizers with a centralized structure. This allows it to deal with the problem of inconsistency in a battery string more effectively without repeated actions of the switch matrix. Moreover, the merits of conventional equalizers with a centralized structure, such as being low-cost and compactness, remain in the proposed scheme. The operating principle, balancing strategy, and balancing efficiency are analyzed in detail. An experimental prototype for a battery string containing four cells is implemented after simulations. Experimental results validate that the proposed equalizer can balance a battery string with an efficiency of 81.7%.
Research on the Current Control Strategy of a Brushless DC Motor Utilizing Infinite Mixed Sensitivity Norm
Authors: Yuan Tianqing , Chang Jiu , Zhang Yupeng
Published: November 2023

During the brushless DC (BLDC) motor working process, the system encounters inevitable uncertainties. These ambiguities stem from potential fluctuations, random occurrences, measurement inaccuracies, varying operational conditions, environmental shifts such as temperature alterations, among other factors. Uncertainties, an inherent aspect of any real control system, can be broadly classified into two categories: sensor signal uncertainties and discrepancies between the mathematical and actual models due to parameter perturbations. To mitigate the impact of sensor noise and parameter perturbations on the BLDC motor, a robust control strategy utilizing infinite norm mixed sensitivity based on PI control strategy (PI-H∞-MIX) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the closed-loop control structure and transfer function model of the BLDC motor control system current loop are analyzed based on the current loop circuit topology, and then, the model parameters perturbation is analyzed, and the multiplicative uncertainty bound is given. In addition, the appropriate weighting function is selected to ensure the robustness of the system. In this case, the controller design problem is transformed into the H∞ standard control problem, and then, the system augmentation matrix is established, and the controller is solved by Matlab/Simulink. Finally, the performances of the traditional PI control strategy and the PI-H∞-MIX are compared and analyzed. The results show that (1) the proposed PI-H∞-MIX strategy can improve the control system robustness under the parameter perturbation condition effectively, and (2) the proposed PI-H∞-MIX strategy can suppress the noise signal of the sensor.
Intelligent Frequency Decision Communication with Two-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Liu Xin , Shi Mengqi , Wang Mei
Published: November 2023

Traditional intelligent frequency-hopping anti-jamming technologies typically assume the presence of an ideal control channel. However, achieving this ideal condition in real-world confrontational environments, where the control channel can also be jammed, proves to be challenging. Regrettably, in the absence of a reliable control channel, the autonomous synchronization of frequency decisions becomes a formidable task, primarily due to the dynamic and heterogeneous nature of the transmitter and receiver’s spectral states. To address this issue, a novel communication framework for intelligent frequency decision is introduced, which operates without the need for negotiations. Furthermore, the frequency decision challenge between two communication terminals is formulated as a stochastic game, with each terminal’s utility designed to meet the requirements of a potential game. Subsequently, a two-agent deep reinforcement learning algorithm for best-response policy learning is devised to enable both terminals to achieve synchronization while avoiding jamming signals. Simulation results demonstrate that once the proposed algorithm converges, both communication terminals can effectively evade jamming signals. In comparison to existing similar algorithms, the throughput performance of this approach remains largely unaffected, with only a slightly extended convergence time. Notably, this performance is achieved without the need for negotiations, making the presented algorithm better suited for realistic scenarios.
Assessing the Cost-Effectiveness of Incentives for Energy Transition Using Marginal Abatement Cost Curves
Authors: Billi Sofia , Prina Matteo Giacomo , Castagna Marco , Sparber Wolfram
Published: November 2023

Incentive policies play a crucial role in encouraging the adoption of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures. This study analyzes and compares the incentives for energy transition in the South Tyrol region of Italy using a marginal abatement cost (MAC) curve constructed with an expert-based approach. The incentives for residential energy efficiency, mobility, and boiler replacement are characterized based on assumptions for costs, energy savings, and parameters. The resulting expert-based MAC curve analysis reveals boiler replacement incentives to be the most cost-effective, yielding CO2 reductions at the lowest cost but with limited potential as the incentive is limited to apartment blocks that are not in district heating areas. Mobility incentives enabling electric vehicle adoption have the highest CO2 reduction potential, albeit at higher costs per ton abated. Residential energy efficiency incentives fall between the two for cost-effectiveness and potential. The MAC curve approach provides a useful comparison of cost-effectiveness versus potential, guiding policy prioritization. This techno-economic assessment methodology can be applied to other regions pursuing energy transition. Overall, a balanced policy mix encompassing transport, buildings, and heating is required for comprehensive low-carbon transition.
Smart Street Light Control: A Review on Methods, Innovations, and Extended Applications
Authors: Agramelal Fouad , Sadik Mohamed , Moubarak Youssef , Abouzahir Saad
Published: November 2023

As urbanization increases, streetlights have become significant consumers of electrical power, making it imperative to develop effective control methods for sustainability. This paper offers a comprehensive review on control methods of smart streetlight systems, setting itself apart by introducing a novel light scheme framework that provides a structured classification of various light control patterns, thus filling an existing gap in the literature. Unlike previous studies, this work dives into the technical specifics of individual research papers and methodologies, ranging from basic to advanced control methods like computer vision and deep learning, while also assessing the energy consumption associated with each approach. Additionally, the paper expands the discussion to explore alternative functionalities for streetlights, such as serving as communication networks, environmental monitors, and electric vehicle charging stations. This multidisciplinary research aims to be a pivotal resource for both academics and industry professionals, laying the groundwork for future innovation and sustainable solutions in urban lighting.
Latin America towards Sustainability through Renewable Energies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Seminario-Córdova Renzo
Published: November 2023

Nowadays, the increase in global energy demand is notorious, a situation that, in turn, impacts the environment through the generation of pollutants that are harmful to the planet. In this sense, an energy transition towards clean energy sources, also known as renewable sources, is essential, as well as better energy management and a responsible use of available natural resources. In this context, the objective of this systematic review was to analyze the use of renewable energy sources in Latin America, in addition to the guidelines established for their use, and the consequences of the use of non-renewable sources. Therefore, the PRISMA method was applied, and 60 publications were selected, from which the existing interest in this region in combatting the increase in energy demand and the use of fossil fuels through renewable energies is evidenced. Finally, it is concluded that there is still a need for greater dissemination in the region regarding this problem, as well as greater actions on the part of industries and governments to make proper use of this type of energy source.