bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active Wild Food Practices among Culturally Diverse Groups in the 21st Century across Latgale, Latvia
Authors: Prūse Baiba , Simanova Andra , Mežaka Ieva , Kalle Raivo , Prakofjewa Julia , Holsta Inga , Laizāne Signe , Sõukand Renata
Published: June 2021

Local ecological knowledge (LEK), including but not limited to the use of wild food plants, plays a large role in sustainable natural resource management schemes, primarily due to the synergy between plants and people. There are calls for the study of LEK in culturally diverse areas due to a loss of knowledge, the active practice of utilizing wild plants in various parts of the world, and a decline in biodiversity. An ethnobotanical study in a border region of Latvia, characterised by diverse natural landscapes and people with deep spiritual attachments to nature, provided an opportunity for such insight, as well as the context to analyse wild food plant usages among different sociocultural groups, allowing us to explore the differences among these groups. Semi-structured interviews were carried out as part of a wider ethnobotanical field study to obtain information about wild food plants and their uses. The list of wild food plant uses, derived from 72 interviews, revealed a high level of homogenisation (in regards to knowledge) among the study groups, and that many local uses of wild food plants are still actively practiced. People did not gather plants as a recreational activity but rather as a source of diet diversification. The results provide evidence of the importance of safeguarding ecological and cultural diversity due to high local community dependency on natural resources.
Mould Growth Models and Risk Assessment for Emerging Timber Envelopes in Australia: A Comparative Study
Authors: Brambilla Arianna , Gasparri Eugenia
Published: June 2021

Timber envelopes provide multiple benefits in reducing both operational and embodied energy environmental impacts in construction. However, when poorly designed, they may incur in high risk of mould growth, affecting both building performance and occupant’s wellbeing. This research investigates the risk of mould growth associated with emerging timber envelopes in Australia, particularly looking at mass-timber and timber-framed wall typologies. The study compares the use of two mould growth assessment models: the VTT and the IBP biohygrothermal. Results provide relevant insights on both current design approaches and performance assessment methodologies. Whilst the study is based on Australian practice, conclusions have international relevance and applicability.
Polymeric Nanoparticles Decorated with Monoclonal Antibodies: A New Immobilization Strategy for Increasing Lipase Activity
Authors: Chronopoulou Laura , Sayalero Viviana Couto , Rahimi Hassan , Rughetti Aurelia , Palocci Cleofe
Published: June 2021

Recent advances in nanotechnology techniques enable the production of polymeric nanoparticles with specific morphologies and dimensions and, by tailoring their surfaces, one can manipulate their characteristics to suit specific applications. In this work we report an innovative approach for the immobilization of a commercial lipase from Candida rugosa (CRL) which employs nanostructured polymeric carriers conjugated with anti-lipase monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). MoAbs were chemically conjugated on the surface of polymeric nanoparticles and used to selectively adsorb CRL molecules. Hydrolytic enzymatic assays evidenced that such immobilization technique afforded a significant enhancement of enzymatic activity in comparison to the free enzyme.
Students’ Physical Activity Profiles According to Children’s Age and Parental Educational Level
Authors: Muñoz-Galiano Inés M. , Connor Jonathan D. , Gómez-Ruano Miguel A. , Torres-Luque Gema
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to identify different profiles of physical activity (PA) behaviors according to the school student’s age stage and their parents’ or guardians education level. Seven hundred twenty-seven students and parents of different educational stages were invited to take part in this study. The participants included, Preschool (1 to 5 years old), Primary School (6 to 11 years old), Secondary School (12 to 15 years old), and High School (16 to 18 years old). A questionnaire to assess the educational level of parents (low, intermediate, and high) and their child’s PA level and sedentary behaviors across various age stages was administered. The results showed a number of different physical activity profiles for preschool (4), primary (6), secondary (7) and high school (2) students. Primary and secondary school children’s behavioral profiles were reported to differ significantly between both physical activity levels and sedentary behaviors, while preschool students’ behavioral profiles only differed between sedentary behaviors. Higher parental education was most prevalent in clusters with significantly higher levels of PA in primary and secondary students, while there were equivocal trends for parental education level influencing behavioral profiles of high school students. These findings suggest there is some association between the behavioral profiles of student’s physical activity and sedentary behavior, and parental education level, most noticeably during the early to middle age stages.
Impact of Bilateral Coordinated Movement on Manipulative Skill Competency in Elementary School Students
Authors: Chen Jun , Wang Xiaozan , Chen Weiyun
Published: June 2021

Background: Researchers have found that manipulative skill competency in childhood not only helps to improve physical activity participation but also helps adolescents learn specialized sports skills. This study aimed to examine the effects of an eight-week bilateral coordinated movement (BCM) intervention on manipulative skill competency in school-aged children. Methods: The participants were 314 fourth-grade students from two elementary schools in China. This study used a two-arm quasi-experimental research design. For one elementary school, two fourth-grade classes were assigned to the BCM group and another two fourth-grade classes were assigned to the control group. For the other elementary school, one fourth-grade class was assigned to the BCM group and another fourth-grade class to the control group. The students in the BCM group received an eight-week, two 40 min BCM lessons in soccer, and another eight-week, two 40-min BCM lessons in basketball. The control group received an eight-week two regular 40 min PE lessons in soccer and basketball, respectively. The students’ manipulative skill competency in soccer and basketball skills were pre- and post-tested using the two PE metric assessment rubrics. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, and ANCOVA and ANOVA repeated measures. Results: The results showed a significant main effect of time (pre-test vs. post-test) in soccer skills (F = 273.095, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.468) and in basketball skills (F = 74.619, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.193). Additionally, the results revealed a significant main effect of the group (BCM group vs. control group) in soccer skills (F = 37.532, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.108) and a marginal significant main effect of the groups in basketball skills (F = 3.619, p = 0.058, η2 = 0.011). Furthermore, there was a significant interaction effect between the time and the group in soccer skills (F = 37.532, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.108) and in basketball skills (F = 18.380, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.056). Conclusions: It was concluded that after participation in the eight-week, 16 40 min lessons of BCM, the fourth-grade students showed greater improvement in soccer and basketball dribbling, passing and receiving skills, compared to the control group.
Orthodontic Treatment of a Patient with Dentin Dysplasia Type I and Bilateral Maxillary Canine Impaction: Case Presentation and a Family-Based Genetic Analysis
Authors: Papagiannis Alexandros , Fanourakis Galinos , Mitsea Anastasia , Karayianni Kety , Vastardis Heleni , Sifakakis Iosif
Published: June 2021

Dentin dysplasia is a rare hereditary disorder, transmitted by autosomal dominant mode, affecting both dentin and pulp. In Type I crown morphology is normal, but root dentin organization loss leads to shorter roots. Mutations in the SSUH2, VPS4B and SMOC2 genes have been reported as responsible for this condition. Orthodontic treatment was conducted on an 11-year-old female patient presenting the disorder along with bilaterally impacted permanent maxillary canines, in close proximity to the roots of the lateral and central incisors. Treatment plan included lateral incisors extraction, surgical exposure and traction of the impacted canines. Light forces were applied from a custom-made trans-palatal arch. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment was performed using edgewise appliances. After 3 years and 2 months, group function occlusion was achieved. The canines underwent composite resin restorations. At one year post-retention, the dentition remained stable. Family-based genetic analysis did not reveal any mutations in the aforementioned genes pointing to further genetic heterogeneity of this disorder. As dental medicine becomes more sophisticated and personalized, the association between mutation type/function and orthodontic treatment response may provide useful therapeutic insights. The positive treatment response of the presented case could be attributed to a more “benign” mutation awaiting to be identified.
(How) Does Diversity Still Matter for the IPCC? Instrumental, Substantive and Co-Productive Logics of Diversity in Global Environmental Assessments
Authors: Standring Adam , Lidskog Rolf
Published: June 2021

To what extent has the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) succeeded in its ambition to shape a more diverse environmental expertise? In what ways are diversity important to the IPCC? What purposes does diversity serve in the IPCC’s production of global environmental assessments and thus environmental knowledge in general? These questions are explored by analyzing quantitative demographic data of the latest two assessment cycles (AR5 and AR6) and qualitative data from a semi-structured interview study with IPCC experts. The analysis shows that there have been improvements in diversity in recent years across measures of gender (women comprising 34% of authors in AR6 compared to 21% in AR5), regional representation and the proportion of authors from developing countries (35% in AR6 compared to 31% in AR5). These improvements have not, however, been distributed evenly when looking at the seniority of authors, nor when comparing across working groups, with WGI (the physical science) remaining much less diverse (28% female authors) than WGII (impacts) (41% female authors) and WGIII (mitigation) (32% female authors). The interviews suggest that rather than viewing diversity as a challenge it should be viewed as an opportunity to build capacity. Distinctions between scientific expertise and ‘diversity of voice’ need to be reconsidered in terms of both the substantive and instrumental value that a diverse range of knowledge, experience and skills add to the process of the scientific assessment of climate knowledge. In the concluding discussion, three points are raised: (i) the issue of diversity will probably grow in importance due to the fact that the complex task of transforming society has increasingly come into focus; (ii) the issue of diversity will be crucial for IPCC to maintain and develop its capacity to make assessments; (iii) the issue of diversity should not be reduced to simply a means for improving the process of making assessments, but should also improve the outcomes of the assessments.
Mechanical Intermittent Compression Affects the Progression Rate of Malignant Melanoma Cells in a Cycle Period-Dependent Manner
Authors: Morikura Takashi , Miyata Shogo
Published: June 2021

Static mechanical compression is a biomechanical factor that affects the progression of melanoma cells. However, little is known about how dynamic mechanical compression affects the progression of melanoma cells. In the present study, we show that mechanical intermittent compression affects the progression rate of malignant melanoma cells in a cycle period-dependent manner. Our results suggest that intermittent compression with a cycle of 2 h on/2 h off could suppress the progression rate of melanoma cells by suppressing the elongation of F-actin filaments and mRNA expression levels related to collagen degradation. In contrast, intermittent compression with a cycle of 4 h on/4 h off could promote the progression rate of melanoma cells by promoting cell proliferation and mRNA expression levels related to collagen degradation. Mechanical intermittent compression could therefore affect the progression rate of malignant melanoma cells in a cycle period-dependent manner. Our results contribute to a deeper understanding of the physiological responses of melanoma cells to dynamic mechanical compression.
Imaging Cardiovascular Inflammation in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Mester Andras , Benedek Imre , Rat Nora , Tolescu Cosmin , Polexa Stefania Alexandra , Benedek Theodora
Published: June 2021

Cardiac complications are among the most frequent extrapulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 and are associated with high mortality rates. Moreover, positive SARS-CoV-2 patients with underlying cardiovascular disease are more likely to require intensive care and are at higher risk of death. The underlying mechanism for myocardial injury is multifaceted, in which the severe inflammatory response causes myocardial inflammation, coronary plaque destabilization, acute thrombotic events, and ischemia. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is the non-invasive method of choice for identifying myocardial injury, and it is able to differentiate between underlying causes in various and often challenging clinical scenarios. Multimodal imaging protocols that incorporate CMR and computed tomography provide a complex evaluation for both respiratory and cardiovascular complications of SARS-CoV2 infection. This, in relation to biological evaluation of systemic inflammation, can guide appropriate therapeutic management in every stage of the disease. The use of artificial intelligence can further improve the diagnostic accuracy of these imaging techniques, thus enabling risk stratification and evaluation of prognosis. The present manuscript aims to review the current knowledge on the possible modalities for imaging COVID-related myocardial inflammation or post-COVID coronary inflammation and atherosclerosis.
Development and Analysis of the Novel Hybridization of a Single-Flash Geothermal Power Plant with Biomass Driven sCO2-Steam Rankine Combined Cycle
Authors: Mutlu Balkan , Baker Derek , Kazanç Feyza
Published: June 2021

This study investigates the hybridization scenario of a single-flash geothermal power plant with a biomass-driven sCO2-steam Rankine combined cycle, where a solid local biomass source, olive residue, is used as a fuel. The hybrid power plant is modeled using the simulation software EBSILON®Professional. A topping sCO2 cycle is chosen due to its potential for flexible electricity generation. A synergy between the topping sCO2 and bottoming steam Rankine cycles is achieved by a good temperature match between the coupling heat exchanger, where the waste heat from the topping cycle is utilized in the bottoming cycle. The high-temperature heat addition problem, common in sCO2 cycles, is also eliminated by utilizing the heat in the flue gas in the bottoming cycle. Combined cycle thermal efficiency and a biomass-to-electricity conversion efficiency of 24.9% and 22.4% are achieved, respectively. The corresponding fuel consumption of the hybridized plant is found to be 2.2 kg/s.
Timelessness Strictly inside the Quantum Realm
Authors: Thomsen Knud
Published: June 2021

Time is one of the undisputed foundations of our life in the real world. Here it is argued that inside small isolated quantum systems, time does not pass as we are used to, and it is primarily in this sense that quantum objects enjoy only limited reality. Quantum systems, which we know, are embedded in the everyday classical world. Their preparation as well as their measurement-phases leave durable records and traces in the entropy of the environment. The Landauer Principle then gives a quantitative threshold for irreversibility. With double slit experiments and tunneling as paradigmatic examples, it is proposed that a label of timelessness offers clues for rendering a Copenhagen-type interpretation of quantum physics more “realistic” and acceptable by providing a coarse but viable link from the fundamental quantum realm to the classical world which humans directly experience.
Performance Evaluation of Solar PV Inverter Controls for Overvoltage Mitigation in MV Distribution Networks
Authors: Almeida Dilini , Pasupuleti Jagadeesh , Raveendran Shangari K. , Basir Khan M. Reyasudin
Published: June 2021

The incorporation of real and reactive power control of solar photovoltaic (PV) inverters has received significant interest as an onsite countermeasure to the voltage rise problem. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the involvement of active power curtailment and reactive power absorption techniques of solar PV inverters for voltage regulation in medium voltage (MV) distribution networks. A case study has been conducted for a generic MV distribution network in Malaysia, demonstrating the effectiveness of fixed power factor control, Volt–Var, and Volt–Watt controls in mitigating overvoltage issues that have arisen due to the extensive integration of solar PV systems. The results revealed that the incorporation of real and reactive power controls of solar PV inverters aids in successfully mitigating overvoltage issues and support network operating conditions. Furthermore, the comparative analysis demonstrated the importance of employing the most appropriate control technique for improved network performance.
Multi-Fault Diagnosis in Three-Phase Induction Motors Using Data Optimization and Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Bazan Gustavo Henrique , Goedtel Alessandro , Duque-Perez Oscar , Morinigo-Sotelo Daniel
Published: June 2021

Induction motors are very robust, with low operating and maintenance costs, and are therefore widely used in industry. They are, however, not fault-free, with bearings and rotor bars accounting for about 50% of the total failures. This work presents a two-stage approach for three-phase induction motors diagnosis based on mutual information measures of the current signals, principal component analysis, and intelligent systems. In a first stage, the fault is identified, and, in a second stage, the severity of the defect is diagnosed. A case study is presented where different severities of bearing wear and bar breakage are analyzed. To test the robustness of the proposed method, voltage imbalances and load torque variations are considered. The results reveal the promising performance of the proposal with overall accuracies above 90% in all cases, and in many scenarios 100% of the cases are correctly classified. This work also evaluates different strategies for extracting the signals, showing the possibility of reducing the amount of information needed. Results show a satisfactory relation between efficiency and computational cost, with decreases in accuracy of less than 4% but reducing the amount of data by more than 90%, facilitating the efficient use of this method in embedded systems.
Influence of Parasitic Resistances on the Input Resistance of Buck and Boost Converters in Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Systems
Authors: Walczak Marcin , Bychto Leszek
Published: June 2021

DC/DC converters are widely used in photovoltaic (PV) systems to maximize the power drained from solar panels. As the power generated by a PV panel depends on the temperature and irradiance level, a converter needs to constantly modify its input resistance to remain at the maximum power point (MPP). The input resistance of a converter can be described by a simple equation that includes the converter load resistance and the duty cycle of the switching signal. The equation is sufficient for an ideal converter but can lead to incorrect results for a real converter, which naturally features some parasitic resistances. The goal of this study is to evaluate how the parasitic resistances of a converter influence its input resistance and if they are relevant in terms of MPPT system operation.
A Hidden DCT-Based Invisible Watermarking Method for Low-Cost Hardware Implementations
Authors: Wang Yuxuan , Luo Yuanyong , Wang Zhongfeng , Pan Hongbing
Published: June 2021

This paper presents an invisible and robust watermarking method and its hardware implementation. The proposed architecture is based on the discrete cosine transform (DCT) algorithm. Novel techniques are applied as well to reduce the computational cost of DCT and color space conversion to achieve low-cost and high-speed performance. Besides, a watermark embedder and a blind extractor are implemented in the same circuit using a resource-sharing method. Our approach is compatible with various watermarking embedding ratios, such as 1/16 and 1/64, with a PSNR of over 45 and the NC value of 1. After Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) compression with a quality factor (QF) of 50, our method can achieve an NC value of 0.99. Results from a design compiler (DC) with TSMC-90 nm CMOS technology show that our design can achieve the frequency of 2.32 GHz with the area consumption of 304,980.08 μm2 and power consumption of 508.1835 mW. For the FPGA implementation, our method achieved a frequency of 421.94 MHz. Compared with the state-of-the-art works, our design improved the frequency by 4.26 times, saved 90.2% on area and increased the power efficiency by more than 1000 fold.
Resolution of Spike Overlapping by Biogeography-Based Optimization
Authors: Chiarion Giovanni , Mesin Luca
Published: June 2021

There are many cases in which the separation of different sources from single channel recordings is important, for example, in fluorescence spectral overlap compensation, electrical impedance signaling, intramuscular electromyogram decomposition or in the case of spike sorting of neuron potentials from microelectrode arrays (MEA). Focusing on the latter, the problem can be faced by identifying spikes emerging from the background and clustering into different groups, indicating the activity of different neurons. Problems are found when more spikes are superimposed in overlapped waveforms. We discuss the application of Biogeography-Based Optimization (BBO) to resolve this specific problem. Our algorithm is compared with three spike-sorting methods (SpyKING Circus, Common Basis Pursuit and Klusta), showing statistically better performance (in terms of F1 score, True Positive Rate—TPR and Positive Predictive Value—PPV) in resolving overlaps in realistic, simulated data. Specifically, BBO showed median F1, TPR and PPV of 100%, 100% and about 75%, respectively, considering a simulated noise with the same spectral density as the experimental one and a similar power with highly statistically significant improvements of at least two performance indexes over each of the other three tested algorithms.
Event-Driven Interoperable Manufacturing Ecosystem for Energy Consumption Monitoring
Authors: Rocha Andre Dionisio , Freitas Nelson , Alemão Duarte , Guedes Magno , Martins Renato , Barata José
Published: June 2021

Industrial environments are heterogeneous systems that create challenges of interoperability limiting the development of systems capable of working collaboratively from the point of view of machines and software. Additionally, environmental issues related to manufacturing systems have emerged during the last decades, related to sustainability problems faced in the world. Thus, the proposed work aims to present an interoperable solution based on events to reduce the complexity of integration, while creating energetic profiles for the machines to allow the optimization of their energy consumption. A publish/subscribe-based architecture is proposed, where the instantiation is based on Apache Kafka. The proposed solution was implemented in two robotic cells in the automotive industry, constituted by different hardware, which allowed testing the integration of different components. The energy consumption data was then sent to a Postgres database where a graphical interface allowed the operator to monitor the performance of each cell regarding energy consumption. The results are promising due to the system’s ability to integrate tools from different vendors and different technologies. Furthermore, it allows the possibility to use these developments to deliver more sustainable systems using more advanced solutions, such as production scheduling, to reduce energy consumption.
Electromagnetic Design of High-Power and High-Speed Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Considering Loss Characteristics
Authors: Ji Wen , Ni Fei , Gao Dinggang , Luo Shihui , Lv Qichao , Lv Dongyuan
Published: June 2021

The motor is an important part of the flywheel energy storage system. The flywheel energy storage system realizes the absorption and release of electric energy through the motor, and the high-performance, low-loss, high-power, high-speed motors are key components to improve the energy conversion efficiency of energy storage flywheels. This paper analyzes the operating characteristics of the permanent magnet synchronous motor/generator (PMSG) used in the magnetically levitated flywheel energy storage system (FESS) and calculates the loss characteristics in the drive and power generation modes. Based on this, the electromagnetic part of the motor is optimized in detail. Aiming at this design, this paper calculates the loss characteristics of driving and power generation modes in detail, including its winding loss, core loss, rotor eddy current loss and mechanical loss. The calculation results show that the design meets the loss requirements. It can reduce the no-load loss of the permanent magnet synchronous motor at high speed and improve the energy conversion efficiency, which gives this system practical application prospects.
Cascaded Centered Moving Average Filters for Energy Management in Multisource Power Systems with a Large Number of Devices
Authors: Saidi Ramzi , Olivier Jean-Christophe , Machmoum Mohamed , Chauveau Eric
Published: June 2021

Hybrid systems constitute one of the solutions for supplying isolated applications. Such systems are classically based on clean energy sources. When the renewable energy sources have intermittent productions, they are associated with storage systems. This makes the system economically more interesting. Economically speaking, hybrid energy systems using multiple energy sources are often expensive and their cost must be optimized. This optimization can be done for the system sizing or for its energy management. However, optimizing one does not guarantee the optimization of the other. Indeed, previous studies optimize either the design and apply it with a simple energy management strategy, or the energy management with predetermined sizing supposed optimized, while minimizing the number of sources that contain the hybrid system. In this paper, an energy management and sizing algorithm, applicable to multisource systems, composed of a large number of sources, is proposed. The method is based on a modified centered moving average filters architecture for energy management, which permits one to consider and to automatically balance the forecasting errors in solar and load profiles. The energy management is then limited to a small number of parameters, which are the averaging horizon and weight coefficients. It is then possible to optimize, at the same time, the sizing and the energy management of such power systems. The proposed optimization criterion is based on a techno-economic approach, by considering acquisition and operation costs, as well as the ageing of the different devices. The main novelty of this approach is the use of energy management formulation that is able to manage an architecture with a high number of controlled devices. An original formulation of centered moving average filters also permits one to automatically balance the power bias due to forecasting errors on the renewable resources and the load profile. The method is applied to five devices, including photovoltaic panels, a fuel cell, two batteries with different technologies (Li-ion and lead-acid) and supercapacitors.
An Integrated Optimisation-Simulation Framework for Scalable Smart Charging and Relocation of Shared Autonomous Electric Vehicles
Authors: Iacobucci Riccardo , Bruno Raffaele , Schmöcker Jan-Dirk
Published: June 2021

Ride-hailing with autonomous electric vehicles and shared autonomous electric vehicle (SAEV) systems are expected to become widely used within this decade. These electrified vehicles can be key enablers of the shift to intermittent renewable energy by providing electricity storage to the grid and offering demand flexibility. In order to accomplish this goal, practical smart charging strategies for fleets of SAEVs must be developed. In this work, we present a scalable, flexible, and practical approach to optimise the operation of SAEVs including smart charging based on dynamic electricity prices. Our approach integrates independent optimisation modules with a simulation model to overcome the complexity and scalability limitations of previous works. We tested our solution on real transport and electricity data over four weeks using a publicly available dataset of taxi trips from New York City. Our approach can significantly lower charging costs and carbon emissions when compared to an uncoordinated charging strategy, and can lead to beneficial synergies for fleet operators, passengers, and the power grid.
Case Study of a Hybrid Wind and Tidal Turbines System with a Microgrid for Power Supply to a Remote Off-Grid Community in New Zealand
Authors: Majdi Nasab Navid , Kilby Jeff , Bakhtiaryfard Leila
Published: June 2021

This paper evaluates the feasibility of using a hybrid system consisting of wind and tidal turbines connected to a microgrid for power supply to coastal communities that are isolated from a main supply grid. The case study is Stewart Island, where the cost of electricity, provided by a central diesel power station, is higher than the grid network in New Zealand. Local residents believe that reducing the consumption of diesel and having a renewable source of electricity generation are two of the island’s highest priorities. Merging a tidal energy source (predictable) with wind (unpredictable) and diesel (back-up), through a microgrid, may be a way to increase reliability and decrease the cost of generation. Several off-grid configurations are simulated using HOMER and WRPLOT software. Using two wind and four tidal turbines, plus one diesel generator for back-up, is the best design in terms of lower greenhouse gas emissions, higher renewable fraction, and reduced net present cost.
Trefftz Method of Solving a 1D Coupled Thermoelasticity Problem for One- and Two-Layered Media
Authors: Maciąg Artur , Grysa Krzysztof
Published: June 2021

This paper discusses a 1D one-dimensional mathematical model for the thermoelasticity problem in a two-layer plate. Basic equations in dimensionless form contain both temperature and displacement. General solutions of homogeneous equations (displacement and temperature equations) are assumed to be a linear combination of Trefftz functions. Particular solutions of these equations are then expressed with appropriately constructed sums of derivatives of general solutions. Next, the inverse operators to those appearing in homogeneous equations are defined and applied to the right-hand sides of inhomogeneous equations. Thus, two systems of functions are obtained, satisfying strictly a fully coupled system of equations. To determine the unknown coefficients of these linear combinations, a functional is constructed that describes the error of meeting the initial and boundary conditions by approximate solutions. The minimization of the functional leads to an approximate solution to the problem under consideration. The solutions for one layer and for a two-layer plate are graphically presented and analyzed, illustrating the possible application of the method. Our results show that increasing the number of Trefftz functions leads to the reduction of differences between successive approximations.
Machine Learning-Based Small Hydropower Potential Prediction under Climate Change
Authors: Jung Jaewon , Han Heechan , Kim Kyunghun , Kim Hung Soo
Published: June 2021

As the effects of climate change are becoming severe, countries need to substantially reduce carbon emissions. Small hydropower (SHP) can be a useful renewable energy source with a high energy density for the reduction of carbon emission. Therefore, it is necessary to revitalize the development of SHP to expand the use of renewable energy. To efficiently plan and utilize this energy source, there is a need to assess the future SHP potential based on an accurate runoff prediction. In this study, the future SHP potential was predicted using a climate change scenario and an artificial neural network model. The runoff was simulated accurately, and the applicability of an artificial neural network to the runoff prediction was confirmed. The results showed that the total amount of SHP potential in the future will generally a decrease compared to the past. This result is applicable as base data for planning future energy supplies and carbon emission reductions.
Simulation of the Immunity Test of a Photovoltaic System Disturbed by Electromagnetic Voltage Surge
Authors: Bugała Dorota , Bugała Artur , Machczyński Wojciech
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a computer simulation model (in the MATLAB/Simulink environment) of a photovoltaic system disturbed by a 1.2/50 µs voltage surge pulse, while operating as part of the fixed system of an intelligent building. The tested part of the system consisted of a single PV module and a single-phase DC/AC voltage source converter provided with a maximum power point tracking system. The simulation of the test performed in accordance with the IEC 61000-4-5 standard required the development of a model of a surge waveform generator and a model of a coupling/decoupling network. The 1.2/50 μs voltage surge pulse was introduced into the system from the power grid side. During the test significant changes in the value of the AC voltage and current were found in the DC/AC converter system. The results of the computer simulation tests were verified with measurements performed in an accredited electromagnetic compatibility laboratory using the instructions specified in IEC 61000-4-5. The MATLAB/Simulink environment was proved as a useful tool of the assessment of effects of conducted electromagnetic disturbances on electronic/electric devices.
Effects of Neohesperidin Dihydrochalcone (NHDC) on Oxidative Phosphorylation, Cytokine Production, and Lipid Deposition
Authors: Choi Sooyeon , Yu Seungmin , Lee Jonghun , Kim Wooki
Published: June 2021

The sweetener neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC) is a precursor for anthocyanins and has been reported to have various bioactivities, including antioxidant and hepatitis inhibitory effects. However, its inflammatory functions and mechanisms of action are poorly understood. In this study, RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were treated with NHDC and its metabolite dihydrocaffeic acid (DHCA), after which cytokine production and mitochondrial respiration were assessed. DHCA significantly down-regulated the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In contrast, NHDC had a marginal effect, suggesting that the biological metabolism of NHDC to DHCA is required for its anti-inflammatory function. However, both NHDC and DHCA rescued LPS-induced suppression of oxidative phosphorylation, which is a hallmark of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. 3T3-L1 adipocytes showed lower fat deposition in the presence of DHCA, while sugar-containing NHDC showed a slight increase in fat deposition. In high-fat diet-induced obese mice, treatment with NHDC successfully down-regulated body weight gain in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, M2 polarized bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) from NHDC-fed mice secreted an increased amount of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Overall, these results indicate that NHDC and its physiological metabolite DHCA have the potential to suppress the inflammatory response and obese status.
Short-Term Implications of Climate Shocks on Wheat-Based Nutrient Flows: A Global “Nutrition at Risk” Analysis through a Stochastic CGE Model
Authors: Tanaka Tetsuji , Geyik Özge , Karapinar Bariş
Published: June 2021

Food security analyses of international trade largely overlook the importance of substantial heterogeneity and complexity of nutrient content in food products. This paper quantifies the extent to which wheat-based nutrient supplies, including energy, protein, iron, zinc, and magnesium, are exposed to the risks of realistic productivity and trade shocks. By employing a static and stochastic world trade computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, we find that productivity shocks may result in losses in households’ nutrient consumption of up to 18% for protein, 33.1% for zinc, and 37.4% for magnesium. Significant losses are observed in countries mostly in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. Since the main centers of wheat exports have recently been shifting to former Soviet Union countries, we also simulated the nutritional risks of export restrictions imposed by the Russian Federation, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan, which have resorted to this policy instrument in recent years. We find that partial export restrictions increase the probability of nutrient shocks by five times or more in most countries that we studied. Increased nutrient deficiencies have a range of public health implications in the affected countries, which could be mitigated and/or avoided by adjusting production and trade policies and by targeting high nutritional risk groups, such as women and children. Since the potential implications of supply shocks are diffused across countries through international trade, the stricter regulation of export restrictions to enhance the predictably and reliability of global food supplies is also needed.
Mortality Trends by Causes of Death and Healthcare during a Period of Global Uncertainty (1990–2017)
Authors: Ursache Simona-Andreea , Gabor Vicentiu-Robert , Muntele Ionel , Maftei Mihai
Published: June 2021

In this study we aim to highlight the spatial differences, intensity and frequency of causes of death associated with a range of diseases and the implications of the socio-economic impact on healthcare worldwide between 1990 and 2017: (1) Background: At the same time, an attempt was made to find regional spatial patterns that may be typical for a given geographical area, based on the assumption that global health care is in a permanent state of uncertainty as developed countries have a different morbidity profile than emerging or developing countries. (2) Methods: Using information provided by Global Burden of Disease Collaborative Network, Our World in Data and the World Bank, a multidimensional analysis was carried out, comprising four types of statistical models: grouping analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) Bravais–Pearson linear correlation and multivariate regression. (3) Results: The results confirm the hypothesis of significant correlations between the frequency of causes of death, quality of health care and quality of public health infrastructure, validated by incidence with socio-economic indicators. The study contributes to the literature by analysing trends in the spatial distribution of causes of death worldwide, detecting regional differentiations and testing how socio-economic factors may limit the incidence of morbidity.
Does the Coronectomy a Feasible and Safe Procedure to Avoid the Inferior Alveolar Nerve Injury during Third Molars Extractions? A Systematic Review
Authors: Póvoa Raphaela Capella de Souza , Mourão Carlos Fernando de Almeida Barros , Geremias Thaise Cristina , Sacco Roberto , Guimarães Ludmilla Silva , Montemezzi Pietro , Cardarelli Angelo , Moraschini Vittorio , Calasans-Maia Mônica Diuana , Louro Rafael Seabra
Published: June 2021

This systematic review aimed to review the literature on the coronectomy technique and evaluate the incidence of success and complications as a surgical approach for inferior third molars. Online databases were searched for data on the frequency of inferior alveolar nerve damage, lingual nerve damage, root migration, pain, infection, dry socket, and extraction of the remaining root, and data on the necessity of reintervention were also extracted. Randomized clinical trials, controlled clinical trials, prospective cohort studies, and prospective and retrospective studies with or without the control group were intercepted. This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CDR 42020135485). Sixteen papers analyzed 2176 coronectomies in total, and only five of them were judged as appropriate according to methodological quality assessment. The incidence of inferior alveolar nerve injury was documented in 0.59% of the procedures, lingual nerve injury in 0.22%, infection 3.95%, dry socket 1.12%, extraction of the root 5.28%, and reintervention 1.13%. The pain was the most reported, in 22.04% of the population. This study provides an overview of the clinical success and complications of coronectomy, and their prevalence. A coronectomy may be considered a low-risk procedure and an option for treatment to avoid potential damage to nervous structures. However, patients should still undergo a full screening and evaluation of postsurgical procedures.
Risk of Weight Loss in Adult Patients and the Effect of Staffing Registered Dietitians in Kaifukuki (Convalescent) Rehabilitation Wards: A Retrospective Analysis of a Nationwide Survey
Authors: Nishioka Shinta , Kokura Yoji , Okamoto Takatsugu , Takayama Masako , Miyai Ichiro
Published: June 2021

There is scarce evidence regarding the risk of weight loss and the effect of having registered dietitians (RDs) on staff in rehabilitation wards on weight loss. We aimed to examine the effects of RDs in Kaifukuki (convalescent) rehabilitation wards (KRWs) on the prevention of weight loss in adult patients. Data from 2-year nationwide annual surveys on KRWs in Japan were retrospectively analysed. Weight loss was defined as loss of ≥5% weight during the KRW stay. Risk of weight loss in class 1 KRWs (obligated to provide nutrition care) was compared with that in class 2–6 KRWs (not obligated). Risk of weight loss in class 2–6 KRWs with RDs was compared to those without. Overall, 17.7% of 39,417 patients lost weight. Class 1 KRWs showed a lower risk of weight loss than class 2–6 KRWs (17.3% vs. 18.5%, p = 0.003). KRWs with RDs showed a significantly lower incidence of weight loss than those without RDs (16.1% vs. 18.8%, p = 0.015). Class 1 KRWs and exclusively staffed RDs were independently associated with lower odds of weight loss (odds ratio = 0.915 and 0.810, respectively). Approximately 18% of KRW patients lost weight, and having RDs on staff can lower the risk of weight loss.
Detection of a Point Mutation (G143A) in Cyt b of Corynespora cassiicola That Confers Pyraclostrobin Resistance
Authors: Li Xiuhuan , Li Chengcheng , Li Guixiang , Zhu Jiamei , Liu Feng , Jiang Lin , Mu Wei , Liu Xili
Published: June 2021

Point mutation G143A in the cytochrome b (Cyt b) protein commonly confers resistance to quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicides in phytopathogenic fungi, including Corynespora cassiicola, which causes cucumber target spot disease. However, the effect of G143A on the binding between the QoI fungicide and the Cyt b protein, and the use of LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) to detect this point mutation had not been reported previously in C. cassiicola. In this study, the sensitivity of 131 C. cassiicola isolates—collected from Shandong province, China in 2019 and 2020—to pyraclostrobin was determined. The EC50 values ranged from 1.67 to 8.82 μg/mL, and sequencing results showed that all C. cassiicola isolates contained the G143A mutation. Molecular docking results suggested that G143A significantly alters the affinity of pyraclostrobin to the Cyt b protein. Following development of three LAMP primer pairs, the best reaction condition for LAMP analysis was 65 °C for 60 min, and the detection limit was 0.01 ng/μL of DNA containing the point mutation. In conclusion, the G143A mutation conferring pyraclostrobin resistance is widespread in C. cassiicola from Shandong province, and the LAMP method can be used to monitor QoI resistance in C. cassiicola caused by the G143A mutation in the field.
A Methodology for Dynamic Assessment of Laboratory Safety by SEM-SD
Authors: Ma Laihao , Ma Xiaoxue , Zhang Jingwen , Yang Qing , Wei Kai
Published: June 2021

Lab safety problems have become an impeding factor that cannot be ignored in normal teaching and scientific research activities at colleges and universities. As the risk factors of lab accidents can be conceptualized as occurring at multiple levels, systematically improving and optimizing lab safety is the crucial route to accident prevention in labs. In this paper, a novel method that integrates a structural equation model (SEM) and system dynamics (SD) is presented to dynamically assess lab safety with the characteristics of insufficient data and uncertainty. On the basis of a questionnaire investigation, the SEM was utilized to determine the influencing factors on lab safety and acquire the path coefficients among these factors, which were embedded into the SD model as the weight of the influencing factors. An illustration was carried out to test and validate the proposed method, and a sensitivity analysis was also conducted to recognize variables contributing the most to the improvement of lab safety. The results demonstrated that the safety input of human and management subsystems is the most effective to improve the lab safety; meanwhile, “safety awareness”, “emergency ability”, “operation skills”, “safety culture” and “safety training” are the top five contributing factors, which can promote lab safety in the shortest time.
The Effect of Women’s Empowerment in the Utilisation of Family Planning in Western Ethiopia: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach
Authors: Muluneh Muluken Dessalegn , Francis Lyn , Ayele Mhiret , Abebe Sintayehu , Makonnen Misrak , Stulz Virginia
Published: June 2021

This study examines the associations between women’s empowerment and family planning use in Jimma Zone, Western Ethiopia. A total of 746 randomly selected married women of reproductive age were interviewed. The data were employed by structural equation modelling (SEM) to investigate the complex and multidimensional pathways to show women’s empowerment domains in family planning utilisation. Results of the study revealed that 72% of married women had used family planning. Younger women, having access to information, having access to health facilities and being aware about family planning methods, living in a rural area, having an older partner and increased household decision-making power were associated with using family planning methods. Women’s empowerment is an important determinant of contraceptive use. Women’s empowerment dimensions included increased household decision-making power, socio-demographic variables and having access to information about family planning and accessible health facilities. These were found to be important determinants of contraceptive use. Future interventions should focus on integrating women’s empowerment into family planning programming, particularly in enhancing women’s autonomy in decision making. Further research is warranted on the socio-cultural context of women that influences women’s empowerment and family planning use to establish an in-depth understanding and equity of women in society.