bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unravelling the Role of Kinases That Underpin Androgen Signalling in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Miller Katie Joanna , Asim Mohammad
Published: March 2022

The androgen receptor (AR) signalling pathway is the key driver in most prostate cancers (PCa), and is underpinned by several kinases both upstream and downstream of the AR. Many popular therapies for PCa that target the AR directly, however, have been circumvented by AR mutation, such as androgen receptor variants. Some upstream kinases promote AR signalling, including those which phosphorylate the AR and others that are AR-regulated, and androgen regulated kinase that can also form feed-forward activation circuits to promotes AR function. All of these kinases represent potentially druggable targets for PCa. There has generally been a divide in reviews reporting on pathways upstream of the AR and those reporting on AR-regulated genes despite the overlap that constitutes the promotion of AR signalling and PCa progression. In this review, we aim to elucidate which kinases—both upstream and AR-regulated—may be therapeutic targets and require future investigation and ongoing trials in developing kinase inhibitors for PCa.
Fast GC E-Nose and Chemometrics for the Rapid Assessment of Basil Aroma
Authors: Strani Lorenzo , D’Alessandro Alessandro , Ballestrieri Daniele , Durante Caterina , Cocchi Marina
Published: March 2022

The aim of this work is to assess the potentialities of the synergistic combination of an ultra-fast chromatography-based electronic nose as a fingerprinting technique and multivariate data analysis in the context of food quality control and to investigate the influence of some factors, i.e., basil variety, cut, and year of crop, in the final aroma of the samples. A low = level data fusion approach coupled with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and ANOVA—Simultaneous Component Analysis (ASCA) was used in order to analyze the chromatographic signals acquired with two different columns (MXT-5 and MXT-1701). While the PCA analysis results highlighted the peculiarity of some basil varieties, differing either by a higher concentration of some of the detected chemical compounds or by the presence of different compounds, the ASCA analysis pointed out that variety and year are the most relevant effects, and also confirmed the results of previous investigations.
Recent Advances in Quartz Crystal Microbalance Biosensors Based on the Molecular Imprinting Technique for Disease-Related Biomarkers
Authors: Akgönüllü Semra , Özgür Erdoğan , Denizli Adil
Published: March 2022

The molecular imprinting technique is a quickly developing field of interest regarding the synthesis of artificial recognition elements that enable the specific determination of target molecule/analyte from a matrix. Recently, these smart materials can be successfully applied to biomolecule detection in biomimetic biosensors. These biosensors contain a biorecognition element (a bioreceptor) and a transducer, like their biosensor analogs. Here, the basic difference is that molecular imprinting-based biosensors use a synthetic recognition element. Molecular imprinting polymers used as the artificial recognition elements in biosensor platforms are complementary in shape, size, specific binding sites, and functionality to their template analytes. Recent progress in biomolecular recognition has supplied extra diagnostic and treatment methods for various diseases. Cost-effective, more robust, and high-throughput assays are needed for monitoring biomarkers in clinical settings. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) biosensors are promising tools for the real-time and quick detection of biomolecules in the past two decades A quick, simple-to-use, and cheap biomarkers detection technology based on biosensors has been developed. This critical review presents current applications in molecular imprinting-based quartz crystal microbalance biosensors for the quantification of biomarkers for disease monitoring and diagnostic results.
Sexual Activity in Peruvian Adolescents: Relevance of Socio-Demographic Variables and Sexual Attitudes
Authors: Sierra Juan Carlos , Álvarez-Muelas Ana , Arcos-Romero Ana Isabel , Cervilla Oscar , Mangas Pablo , Muñoz-García Laura Elvira , Monge-Rodríguez Fredy S.
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to explain the masturbation frequency and sexual relationships in adolescents based on age, religious adherence, erotophilia, attitudes toward sexual fantasies and masturbation, and the traditional sexual double standard. A sample of 1120 Peruvian adolescents aged 13–17 years responded to a socio-demographic questionnaire and different scales about sexuality. The frequency of masturbation and sexual relationships, as well as in the sexual attitudes evaluated differed by sex, with boys scoring higher. The masturbation frequency was explained by erotophilia in boys, and by positive attitudes toward sexual fantasies in both sexes. The frequency of sexual relationships was explained by age and positive attitudes toward sexual fantasies in boys and only by the latter in girls. Positive attitudes toward sexual fantasies stand out as a variable for understanding sexual activity in adolescents.
Telementoring in Minimally Invasive Esophageal Atresia Repair: Results of a Case-Control Study and Lessons Learned from the TIC-PEA Study (Telemedical Interdisciplinary Care for Patients with Esophageal Atresia)
Authors: König Tatjana Tamara , Stefanescu Maria-Christina , Gianicolo Emilio , Holler Anne-Sophie , Muensterer Oliver J.
Published: March 2022

Minimally invasive esophageal atresia (EA) repair is deemed one of the most demanding procedures in pediatric surgery. Open repair is considered the gold standard and learning opportunities for minimally invasive repairs remain scarce. “Telemedical Interdisciplinary Care for Patients with Esophageal Atresia (TIC-PEA)” offers free access to an interdisciplinary network of experts for telemedical consultation (telementoring). The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in TIC-PEA patients compared to the general population. TIC-PEA patients were matched and compared to controls regarding the use of MIS, patient characteristics, and complications. Patients (n = 31) were included at a mean age of 62.8 days (95%-CI: 41.4–84.3, 77% after the primary esophageal repair). The odds-ratio to have MIS was 4.03 (95%-confidence interval: 0.79–20.55) for esophageal anastomosis and 4.60 (95%-confidence interval: 0.87–24.22) for tracheoesophageal fistula-repair in the TIC-PEA group. Telementoring offered the chance to select the ideal candidate for MIS, plan the procedure, and review intraoperative images and videos with the expert. Telementoring as offered is ideal to promote MIS for EA and helps to address the individual learning curve. In order to maximize benefits, patients need to be included prior to the first esophageal procedure.
Cloud-Based Decision Support System for Air Quality Management
Authors: Evagelopoulos Vasilis , Charisiou Nikolaos D. , Logothetis Milton , Evagelopoulos Georgios , Logothetis Christopher
Published: March 2022

Air quality is important for the protection of human health, the environment and our cultural heritage and it is an issue that will acquire increased significance in the future due to the adverse effects of climate change. Thus, it is important to not simply monitor air quality, but to make information immediately available to those responsible for monitoring the networks, to policy/decision makers, but also to the general population. Moreover, the development of information technologies over the last couple of decades has allowed the proliferation of real-time pollution monitoring. The work presented herein concerns the development of an effective way of monitoring environmental parameters using dedicated software. It offers a complete suite of applications that support environmental data collection management and reporting for air quality and associated meteorology. It combines modern technologies for the proper monitoring of air quality networks, which can consist of one or more measuring stations. Innovatively, it also focuses on how to effectively present the relevant information, utilizing modern technologies, such as cloud and mobile applications, to network engineers, policy/decision managers, and to the general public at large. It also has the capability of notifying appropriate personnel in the event of failures, overruns or abnormal values. The system, in its current configuration, handles information from six networks that include over 55 air pollution monitoring stations that are located throughout Greece. This practical application has shown that the system can achieve high data availability rates, even higher than 99% during the year.
The Influence of CaCl2-Blended Acrylic Polymer on Steel Rebar Corrosion and Acid Attack Resistance of Mortar
Authors: Onuaguluchi Obinna , Banthia Nemkumar
Published: March 2022

A realistic forecast of the impact of CaCl2-blended acrylic polymer (CP) emulsions on steel reinforcement corrosion is difficult without a detailed study. This is traceable to the conflicting effects of cement additives on the chloride threshold value, pore solution chemistry, and matrix resistivity. Hence, in the study reported herein, the actual influence of 0.5–1.5 wt% CP on rebar corrosion was assessed via an accelerated corrosion test. The macrocell current, half-cell potential measurements (HCP), reinforcement cover crack propagation, and rebar deterioration were monitored. The resistance of mortar specimens to acid-induced degradation was also evaluated over time. The corrosion test results indicate that steel rebar corrosion initiation in the mortar expedited as the CP dosage in mixtures increased. Consequently, the time required for the CP-modified specimens to crack shortened. Moreover, non-uniform rebar section loss and surface crack width widening were also observed in CP-modified mortar specimens. However, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses of the plain Ref and 1.5% CP corrosion byproduct residues indicated that key phases such as akaganeite, goethite, lepidocrocite, hematite, and magnetite were quantitatively similar. Interestingly, the addition of 1.0–1.5% CP to mixtures enhanced the acid attack resistance of mortars. For now, these results indicate that CP should only be used as a chemical admixture in unreinforced cement composites.
Applications of Optical Coherence Tomography in the Ocular Diagnosis: From the Tear Film to the Sclera
Authors: Iovino Claudio , Di Iorio Valentina , Brunetti-Pierri Raffaella , Lanza Michele
Published: March 2022

The latest technological developments have radically impacted the daily practice of ophthalmologists, thanks to the advent of novel diagnostic tools that facilitate an early diagnosis and allow a better management of ocular disorders [...]
The Diagnosis and Treatment of Fungal Endophthalmitis: An Update
Authors: Danielescu Ciprian , Stanca Horia Tudor , Iorga Raluca-Eugenia , Darabus Diana-Maria , Potop Vasile
Published: March 2022

In recent, large case series of fungal endophthalmitis (FE) that were published by Asian authors, the most frequent etiologic agents for all types of FE are molds (usually Aspergillus species, while Fusarium is the prevalent etiology in keratitis-related FE). Candida was the organism found in most cases of endogenous FE. However, we must keep in mind that prevalence of fungal species varies with the geographical area. Lately, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was increasingly used for the diagnosis of FE, allowing for very high diagnostic sensitivity, while the costs become more affordable with time. The most important shortcoming of PCR—the limited number of pathogens that can be simultaneously searched for—may be overcome by newer techniques, such as next-generation sequencing. There are even hopes of searching for genetic sequences that codify resistance to antifungals. We must not forget the potential of simpler tests (such as galactomannan and β-d-glucan) in orienting towards a diagnosis of FE. There are few reports about the use of newer antifungals in FE. Echinocandins have low penetration in the vitreous cavity, and may be of use in cases of fungal chorioretinitis (without vitritis), or injected intravitreally as an off-label, salvage therapy.
The Role of Nuclear Medicine Imaging with 18F-FDG PET/CT, Combined 111In-WBC/99mTc-Nanocoll, and 99mTc-HDP SPECT/CT in the Evaluation of Patients with Chronic Problems after TKA or THA in a Prospective Study
Authors: Aleksyniene Ramune , Iyer Victor , Bertelsen Henrik Christian , Nilsson Majbritt Frost , Khalid Vesal , Schønheyder Henrik Carl , Larsen Lone Heimann , Nielsen Poul Torben , Kappel Andreas , Thomsen Trine Rolighed , Lorenzen Jan , Ørsted Iben , Simonsen Ole , Jordal Peter Lüttge , Rasmussen Sten
Published: March 2022

Background: The aim of this prospective study was to assess the diagnostic value of nuclear imaging with 18F-FDG PET/CT (FDG PET/CT), combined 111In-WBC/99mTc-Nanocoll, and 99mTc-HDP SPECT/CT (dual-isotope WBC/bone marrow scan) for patients with chronic problems related to knee or hip prostheses (TKA or THA) scheduled by a structured multidisciplinary algorithm. Materials and Methods: Fifty-five patients underwent imaging with 99mTc–HDP SPECT/CT (bone scan), dual-isotope WBC/bone marrow scan, and FDG PET/CT. The final diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) and/or loosening was based on the intraoperative findings and microbiological culture results and the clinical follow-up. Results: The diagnostic performance of dual-isotope WBC/bone marrow SPECT/CT for PJI showed a sensitivity of 100% (CI 0.74–1.00), a specificity of 97% (CI 0.82–1.00), and an accuracy of 98% (CI 0.88–1.00); for PET/CT, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 100% (CI 0.74–1.00), 71% (CI 0.56–0.90), and 79% (CI 0.68–0.93), respectively. Conclusions: In a standardized prospectively scheduled patient group, the results showed highly specific performance of combined dual-isotope WBC/bone marrow SPECT/CT in confirming chronic PJI. FDG PET/CT has an appropriate accuracy, but the utility of its use in the clinical diagnostic algorithm of suspected PJI needs further evidence.
Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS)—Treatment with Verbal and Written Information, B Vitamins, Probiotics, and Low-Level Laser Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Lončar-Brzak Božana , Škrinjar Ivana , Brailo Vlaho , Vidović-Juras Danica , Šumilin Lada , Andabak-Rogulj Ana
Published: March 2022

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the most effective treatment option for burning mouth syndrome. Methods: Informative treatment alone, B vitamin injections, oral cavity probiotics, and low-level laser therapy were evaluated and compared. The study included new patients diagnosed with burning mouth syndrome, who were randomly allocated into one of four treatment groups. The primary outcome was improvement in patient’s quality of life as determined by a self-perceived Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) quality of life questionnaire before and after therapy. The secondary outcome was determination of mucosal symptom intensity according to visual analog scale (VAS) grading from 0 to 10. Data were submitted to statistical analysis. Results: A total of 62 patients completed the study. Oral cavity probiotics and LLLT scores for OHIP-14 resulted in a statistically significant difference before and after therapy. Standardized effect sizes between OHIP scores before and after treatment were the greatest for patients who had received oral cavity probiotics. Conclusions: Oral cavity probiotics and LLLT were the most effective treatment for improvement in quality of life. Further investigation on a larger group of patients is required.
Is Fiscal Decentralization Growth Enhancing? A Cross-Country Study in Developing Countries over the Period 1990–2014
Authors: Digdowiseiso Kumba
Published: March 2022

For several decades, many scholars have widely debated the nexus between devolution of fiscal powers and efficiency. However, several studies have neglected the role of institutions and other institutional settings in fiscal decentralization. This study augments the literature by revisiting the fiscal decentralization–growth nexus regarding institutional quality in 24 developing countries over the period 1990–2014. By using estimators of fixed effects (FE), random effects (RE), and the system generalized method of moments (GMM), it is shown that growth depends on the level of fiscal authority and its interaction with institutions. In this case, increasing the extent of cosharing has a detrimental effect on growth in countries with poor governance, a high risk of corruption, and nondemocratic governments. However, shared rule contributes to growth by enhancing the degree of law and order and the quality of bureaucracy.
Predicting House Prices Using DMA Method: Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Hacıevliyagil Nuri , Drachal Krzysztof , Eksi Ibrahim Halil
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study is to analyze the dynamics of the housing market in Turkey’s economy and to examine the impact of variables related to housing prices. Preferred by many international housing investors, Turkey hosts profitable real estate investments as one of the developing countries with a shining housing market. This study applies the dynamic model averaging (DMA) methodology to predict monthly house price growth. With the increasing use of information technologies, Google online searches are incorporated into the study. For this purpose, twelve independent variables, with the Residential Property Price Index as the dependent variable, were used in the period January 2010–December 2019. According to the analysis results, it was observed that some variables, such as bond yields, the level of mortgages, foreign direct investments, unemployment, industrial production, exchange rates, and Google Trends index, are determinants of the Residential Property Price Index.
Mindfulness and Balanced Time Perspective: Predictive Model of Psychological Well-Being and Gender Differences in College Students
Authors: Fuentes Andrea , Oyanadel Cristián , Zimbardo Philip , González-Loyola Melissa , Olivera-Figueroa Lening A. , Peñate Wenceslao
Published: March 2022

Background: The aims of the study were to establish an adjustment model to analyze the relationship among mindfulness, balanced time perspective (BTP) and psychological well-being (PWB) in college students and to explore gender differences among the variables. Method: The sample consisted of 380 college students, 220 women and 160 men, uniformly distributed according to the university’s faculties. Results: The results indicate that the synergy between mindfulness and BTP predicts the variance of PWB by 55%. Regarding gender differences, it was found that women have a greater tendency towards Past Positive than men and men a higher tendency towards Present Hedonistic than women. In addition, in the group of women, a stronger relationship was found among the variables and, consequently, a greater predictive value for PWB (58%), displaying an enhanced disposition to high PWB compared to men. Conclusions: Together, mindfulness and BTP promote optimal psychological functioning and alleviate or reduce discomfort. Thus, their promotion and training in universities is especially important given the high prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in college students.
Recent Advances in MOF-Based Adsorbents for Dye Removal from the Aquatic Environment
Authors: Beydaghdari Mohammadreza , Hooriabad Saboor Fahimeh , Babapoor Aziz , Karve Vikram , Asgari Mehrdad
Published: March 2022

The adsorptive removal of dyes from industrial wastewater using commercially available adsorbents is not significantly efficient. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) offer outstanding properties which can boost the separation performance over current commercial adsorbents and hence, these materials represent a milestone in improving treatment methods for dye removal from water. Accordingly, in this paper, the recent studies in the modification of MOF structures in dye removal from the aquatic environment have been discussed. This study aims to elaborate on the synthetic strategies applied to improve the adsorption efficiency and to discuss the major adsorption mechanisms as well as the most influential parameters in the adsorptive removal of dyes using MOFs. More particularly, the advanced separation performance of MOF-based adsorbents will be comprehensively explained. The introduction of various functional groups and nanomaterials, such as amine functional groups, magnetic nanoparticles, and carbon-based materials such as graphene oxide and CNT, onto the MOFs can alter the removal efficiency of MOF-based adsorbents through enhancing the water stability, dispersion in water, interactions between the MOF structure and the contaminant, and the adsorption capacity. Finally, we summarize the challenges experienced by MOF-based materials for dye removal from water and propose future research outlooks to be considered.
Assessment of the Effect of Corona Discharge on Synchronous Generator Self-Excitation
Authors: Al_Issa Huthaifa A. , Drechny Marcin , Trrad Issam , Qawaqzeh Mohamed , Kuchanskyy Vladislav , Rubanenko Olena , Kudria Stepan , Vasko Petro , Miroshnyk Oleksandr , Shchur Taras
Published: March 2022

The method of operative determination of active power losses (both loading and crown) in alternating current lines has been improved. The proposed technique allows monitoring of active power losses in lines. Based on the comparative analysis of different approximation methods, the most effective method of analytical representation of regression dependences of active power losses on the corona on voltage for different weather conditions is proposed. The validity and reliability of scientific statements, conclusions, and recommendations given in the dissertation are confirmed by the analysis of the results of comparative calculations performed for different models. The efficiency of the developed algorithms and programs was tested on control examples with reference source data, where the results of the calculations were compared with the results obtained by standard programs. The developed technique of operative determination of losses of active power (loading and on a crown) allows one to carry out current monitoring of losses and passive parameters of high-voltage power lines of alternating current. The phenomena of self-excitation of generators connected to unloaded power lines are considered at great length. A physical analysis of the ongoing processes is given, and calculation methods are proposed that have been experimentally tested on a dynamic model. The paper takes into account the effect of the wire corona on the conditions of self-excitation of generators with the necessary developments to prevent this negative phenomenon in the main electrical network. Models and methods have been developed for evaluating the effect of the wire corona on the conditions for the occurrence of self-excitation in ultra-high voltage transmission lines.
An Experimental Study of Thermal Comfort and Indoor Air Quality—A Case Study of a Hotel Building
Authors: Borowski Marek , Zwolińska Klaudia , Czerwiński Marcin
Published: March 2022

Ensuring the comfort and health of occupants is the main objective of properly functioning building systems. Regardless of the season and building types, it is the priority of the designers and building managers. The indoor air parameters affect both the well-being and health of users. Furthermore, it could impact the effectiveness of their work and concentration abilities. In hotel facilities, the guests’ comfort is related directly to positive opinions or customer complaints, which is related to financial benefits or losses. The main goal of this study is the analysis of the indoor environmental quality in guests’ rooms, based on the example of a hotel in Poland. The article assesses the variability of air parameters, including temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentrations, and the acceptability of indoor conditions. The research was carried out in November 2020. Based on the collected data, the dynamics of changes of selected air parameters were analyzed. The article analyzes the comfort indicators inside guest rooms, including the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage of the Dissatisfied (PPD) index. The obtained results were compared with the optimal conditions of use to ensure the guests’ comfort. As the analysis showed, the temperature and humidity conditions are maintained at a satisfactory level for most of the time. It was noticed that the CO2 concentrations temporarily exceeded the value of 2000 ppm in two of the analyzed guests’ rooms, which could cause discomfort to hotel guests. In these rooms, the increase in the volume of ventilation airflow should be considered. The measured parameters dynamically varied over time, and there was no repeatability or clear patterns of variation. This is due to the individual preferences and behavior of users. A detailed analysis is extremely difficult due to the possibility of opening windows by users, the irregular presence of hotel guests in the rooms, and the inability to verify the exact number of users in the room during the measurements.
Study on Flow Characteristics and Mass Transfer Mechanism of Kettle Taylor Flow Reactor
Authors: Ye Li , Wan Tengfei , Xie Xiaohui , Hu Lin
Published: March 2022

A scheme of a gas–liquid mixed jet is designed by installing gas distributor at the bottom of a stirred tank reactor to generate Taylor vortex. The eddy flow characteristics and mass transfer mechanism in the reactor are analyzed by numerical simulation and experiment. The results show that the evolution law of Taylor vortex in a stirred tank reactor with a rotating Reynolds number is similar to that in a conventional Taylor reactor. The Taylor vortex generated in the stirred tank reactor creates a partial plug flow region in the original complete mixing flow pattern, which reduces back mixing, the plug flow area expands with the increase of rotating Reynolds number. Under the condition of a critical rotating Reynolds number (Recr), the gas phase homogeneity of the reactor is increased by 28% and the dissolved oxygen rate is increased by about 5 times, which effectively improves the flow condition in the reactor and strengthens the mass transfer efficiency between the gas and liquid. The research results provide a theoretical basis for breaking through the limitation of small reaction space of conventional Taylor flow reactor and expanding production scale. The refit of kettle reactor is universal and easy to operate.
A Wind Power Forecasting Model Using LSTM Optimized by the Modified Bald Eagle Search Algorithm
Authors: Tuerxun Wumaier , Xu Chang , Guo Hongyu , Guo Lei , Zeng Namei , Gao Yansong
Published: March 2022

High-precision forecasting of short-term wind power (WP) is integral for wind farms, the safe dispatch of power systems, and the stable operation of the power grid. Currently, the data related to the operation and maintenance of wind farms mainly comes from the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, with certain information about the operating characteristics of wind turbines being readable in the SCADA data. In short-term WP forecasting, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) is a commonly used in-depth learning method. In the present study, an optimized LSTM based on the modified bald eagle search (MBES) algorithm was established to construct an MBES-LSTM model, a short-term WP forecasting model to make predictions, so as to address the problem that the selection of LSTM hyperparameters may affect the forecasting results. After preprocessing the WP data acquired by SCADA, the MBES-LSTM model was used to forecast the WP. The experimental results reveal that, compared with the PSO-RBF, PSO-SVM, LSTM, PSO-LSTM, and BES-LSTM forecasting models, the MBES-LSTM model could effectively improve the accuracy of WP forecasting for wind farms.
Numerical Probabilistic Load Flow Analysis in Modern Power Systems with Intermittent Energy Sources
Authors: Mišurović Filip , Mujović Saša
Published: March 2022

Renewable resources integration through distributed generation (DG) affects conventional consideration of power system performance and confronts deterministic load flow (DLF) analysis with serious challenges. The DLF gives a snapshot of the system state neglecting all of the uncertainties arising from intermittent DG driven by variable weather conditions or volatile consumption. Therefore, with the aim of finer tracking and presentation of system variables, a probabilistic load flow (PLF) approach should be adopted. First, this article gives a literature overview of different PLF techniques. It focuses on numerical techniques examining them for simple random and Latin Hypercube sampling, vastly applied in previous works, and proposes a method combining Monte Carlo simulations with Halton quasi-random numbers. Stochastic modelling is performed for solar and wind power output. For method comparison and confirmation of the applicability of suggested PLF method with Halton sequences, different IEEE test cases were used, all modified by attaching DGs. More profound method assessment is conducted through discussing different renewables penetration levels and processing time. The overall simulation outcomes have shown that results of Halton method are of similar precision as the generally used Latin Hypercube method and therefore indicated the relevance of the proposed method and its potential for application in contemporary system analysis.
Modulated Predictive Control to Improve the Steady-State Performance of NSI-Based Electrification Systems
Authors: Gokdag Mustafa
Published: March 2022

This paper presents a modulated model predictive control (M2PC) strategy for a nine-switch inverter (NSI) based electrification system to improve the steady-state performance. The model predictive control method has gained significant interest due to its straightforward structure. However, the traditional finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) imposes a high computational burden that is problematic in practical applications. This prevents reaching the high sampling frequencies due to an excessive increase in algorithm run-time. Selecting a low sampling frequency causes an unpleasant distortion in the control variable or poor power quality. An M2PC method for the NSI is proposed in this work to remove this trade-off. One zero vector and two active vectors are selected by evaluating a cost function for each allowed switching state of the NSI. The duty cycles of these vectors are calculated by assessing the cost function employing current error terms. An optimized sequence of these vectors is applied to the system that operates with the fixed-modulation frequency. Thus, an improvement in power quality (reduced harmonics with a better spectral content) with a lower sampling frequency is achieved. The computational burden rate (CBR) on the processor is reduced. These enhancements were proved by simulation and experimental studies. The comparison work was conducted to highlight the advantages of the proposed method over the other techniques reported in the literature. The proposed M2PC method was verified on a lab-scale NSI prototype driving two induction machines. The machine torques and speeds are well regulated, and the quality of the stator current is improved.
Mechanism of Coking Pressure Generation in the Light of the Results of Laboratory Tests
Authors: Strugała Andrzej , Rozwadowski Andrzej , Dziok Tadeusz
Published: March 2022

The phenomenon of coking pressure is crucial for cokemaking both in respect of a safe coke oven battery operation and a proper quality of the produced coke. In spite of that, the mechanism of this phenomenon has not been clearly explained yet. The aim of the presented research was to clarify which of the phenomena most commonly mentioned in the literature on the subject, i.e., the reduced gas permeability of the plastic layer or the swelling of plasticized coal grains, is responsible for generating internal coking pressure. To that end, laboratory equipment was developed which enabled examining the pressure generated by the bed of plasticized coal grains under conditions of a varying possibility of its expansion. The results of the examinations suggest that the swelling phenomenon of plasticized coal grains is the direct cause of coking pressure, and the coking pressure strongly depends on the possibility of plastic layer expansion. The results confirm also the migration phenomenon of plasticized coal matter, especially towards the cool part of the charge as well as the possibility of compression of this part of coal charge. As a result of both these phenomena, it becomes possible for the plastic layer to expand, which results in a reduction of generated coking pressure.
Land Vulnerability, Risk Zoning, and Ecological Protection in the Protection Forest of Pagaibamba (Peru)
Authors: Escobedo-Monge María Antonieta , Aparicio Santiago , Valencia Ramos Manuel , Escobedo-Monge Marlene Fabiola , Parodi-Román Joaquín , García-Llatas Luis Felipe , Marquina Pozo Rubén
Published: March 2022

The protection of natural areas is considered an essential strategy for environment conservation. The objective of this work was to determine the level of vulnerability, considering the characterization and identification of the risk zones and ecological protection of the Pagaibamba Protection Forest (PPF, Peru). To determine the vulnerable areas, Landsat ETM satellite images, topographic, geological, ecological, and vegetation cover maps were used. Geological, physiographic, edaphological, vegetation cover, and land use potential characteristics, were analyzed. Three Ecological Protection and Risk Zones were identified, with the largest extension of the PPF corresponding to lands of very high and high vulnerability and high ecological risk, which include >85% of Protected Natural Areas (PNA) and 54% of the Buffer Zone (BZ). Moderate risk areas represent 30% of the Buffer Zone (BZ) and 13% of the PNA, and the low-risk areas (represent 15% of the BZ and 2% of the PNA). Biogeographically, the PPF was related to the Cloudy Montane Forests Ecoregion of the Andes Mountains, standing out the Tropical Montane Cloud Forest (TMCF) and the Tropical Lower Montane Cloud Forest (TLMCF). These forests are a global conservation priority due to their great biodiversity, high level of endemicity of flora and fauna, and the crucial hydrological function they fulfill.
Influence of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Ropes Applied as External Diagonal Reinforcement on the Shear Deformation of RC Joints
Authors: Karayannis Chris , Golias Emmanouil , Kalogeropoulos George I.
Published: March 2022

The use of the innovative material of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced (C-FRP) ropes as external near surface mounted reinforcement for the strengthening of reinforced concrete beam-column joints is studied. The ropes are diagonally applied forming external X-type reinforcements on both sides of the joint body. The efficiency of the technique is mainly based on the assumption that the confinement of the joint body due to the applied X-shaped ropes and the contribution of the ropes as shear reinforcement are efficient enough to reduce the shear deformations observed in the joint core during the seismic excitation. Thereof the experimental measurements of the shear deformations of nine full scale beam-column joints tested in cyclic deformations are elaborated and presented herein. The specimens are sorted in two groups. Specimens of group A have been designed in the way that damage is mainly expected in the beam. On the other hand, in order to investigate the efficacy of the use of the ropes for substandard joints the group B specimens have been designed in the way that cracks and some damages are expected to develop in the joint body. Systematic and extended comparative presentations for specimens with and without ropes proved in all the examined cases that the externally mounted C-FRP ropes kept the joint body intact and substantially reduced the shear deformations especially in high drifts. Moreover, the influence of the externally mounted X-shaped C-FRP ropes on the seismic behaviour of these specimens is also examined in terms of the developing principal tensile stresses inside the joint body. From the comparisons of the principal stresses developing in specimens with and without X-form C-FRP ropes it became quite obvious that the ropes kept the joint body intact and allowed the development of higher values of principal stresses comparing with the stresses developing in specimens without ropes.
Comparative Analysis of Blood Transcriptome in the Yangtze Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis)
Authors: Fang Di-An , Liu Kai , Xu Dong-Po , Wang Yin-Ping , Xu Pao
Published: March 2022

The Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) is the sole freshwater subspecies of Neophocaenaphocaenoides, and there is a lack of data on its transcriptome. In this study, we applied RNA-seq technology to assemble, de novo, a transcriptome and analyzed differential expressed genes (DEGs). About 6 Gb of clean data was generated for the Yangtze finless porpoise blood (n = 6) through de novo sequencing. In total, 151,211 unigenes were generated and a total of 119,039 of these unigenes (78.72%) were functionally annotated when searched for within the NCBI Nr, SwissProt, GO, COG, and KEGG databases. Diverse and extensive expressed gene catalogs were sampled for the Yangtze finless porpoise. DESeq2 was used to analyze the differential expression genes (DEGs) obtained from the assembled transcriptome. The results indicated that DEGs have close relationships with the Yangtze finless porpoise’s development, evolution and adaptation. Further, we found that genes involved in cetacean TAG synthesis might directly explain the molecular basis of cetacean blubber thickening. These transcriptome data will assist in understanding molecular mechanisms of Yangtze finless porpoise adaptation.
Simulations of Graphene Oxide Dispersions as Discotic Nematic Liquid Crystals in Couette Flow Using Ericksen-Leslie (EL) Theory
Authors: Nikzad Arash , Bhatia Somesh , Grecov Dana
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study was to simulate the flow of graphene oxide (GO) dispersions, a discotic nematic liquid crystal (DNLC), using the Ericksen-Leslie (EL) theory. GO aqueous suspension, as a lubricant, effectively reduces the friction between solid surfaces. The geometry considered in this study was two cylinders with a small gap size, which is the preliminary geometry for journal bearings. The Leslie viscosity coefficients calculated in our previous study were used to calculate the stress tensor in the EL theory. The behavior of GO dispersions in the concentration range of 15 mg/mL to 30 mg/mL, shown in our recent experiments to be in the nematic phase, was investigated to obtain the orientation and the viscosity profile. The viscosities of GO dispersions obtained from numerical simulations were compared with those from our recent experimental study, and we observed that the values are within the range of experimental uncertainty. In addition, the alignment angles of GO dispersions at different concentrations were calculated numerically using EL theory and compared with the respective theoretical values, which were within 1% error. The anchoring angles corresponding to viscosity values closest to the experimental results were between 114 and 118 degrees. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the effects of different ratios of the elasticity coefficients in EL theory. Using this procedure, the same study could be extended for other DNLCs in different geometries.
Optimization of Osmotic Dehydration of Sapodilla (Achras zapota L.)
Authors: Coimbra Lívia Muritiba Pereira de Lima , Zagmignan Adrielle , Gomes Paulo Victor Vieira , Araujo Jânaira Farias , Santos Gabrielle Damasceno Costa dos , Miranda Rita de Cássia Mendonça de , Salgado Silvana Magalhães , Andrade Samara Alvachian Cardoso , Nascimento da Silva Luís Cláudio
Published: March 2022

Sapodilla (Achras zapota L.) is a fruit with a great nutritional potential; however, its perishable nature is a great obstacle for commercialization/exportation. Herein, osmotic dehydration was applied to sapodilla to reduce post-harvest losses and obtain a stable product with acceptable sensorial characteristics. Initially, a 2³ full-factorial design was performed to determine the effect of temperature (30–50 °C), sucrose concentration (40–60% °Brix) and immersion time (90–240 min) on the moisture loss (ML), solid gain (SG) and dehydration efficiency index (DEI). The samples with higher DEI values were subjected to sensory analysis, followed by physicochemical, microbiological and structural analyses. The temperature and the concentration of the osmotic solution had significant influence (p < 0.05) on ML and SG, whereas DEI was significantly influenced (p < 0.05) by the concentration of osmotic solution and the immersion time. The sample produced by osmotic dehydration using the optimized conditions (40 °C, 50 °Brix; 165 min) obtained higher scores on the sensorial attributes, greater compliance with microbiological standards and generated turgor reduction and ruptures of sapodilla cell walls.
Nitrite-Free Implications on Consumer Acceptance and the Behavior of Pathogens in Cured Pork Loins
Authors: Patarata Luis , Carvalho Filipa , Fraqueza Maria João
Published: March 2022

Cured pork loins are valued products due to their particular sensory characteristics. These products are usually prepared with nitrite to guarantee adequate color and pathogen control. The use of nitrite in meat products has been criticized due to its potential contribution to carcinogenic N-nitroso-compound formation. The present work aimed to evaluate the effect of eliminating nitrite from the manufacturing of cured loins made with wine- and water-based marinades on the color evaluation of consumers and on the behavior of Clostridium sporogenes, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella. The use of nitrite in processing cured loins resulted in a color considered adequate by more than 50% of the consumers. When nitrite was not used, the color was described mainly as weak. The hedonic evaluation of cured loins did not reflect the color evaluation. The samples with a weak and an adequate color had similar hedonic evaluations. The present work did not allow us to infer the potential interest in injecting S. xylosus into meat to prepare cured loins. The use of nitrite did not affect the survival of Cl. sporogenes, L. monocytogenes, or Salmonella. The reduction in the aw was the primary determinant influencing pathogen survival. The production of nitrite-free cured loins seems possible once the control of pathogens can be achieved. However, the product will have a weaker color. Consumers appreciate sensory aspects other than color, which, combined with the positive impact of the “additive-free” claim, can support the possibility of producing cured loins without nitrite.
The Effect of Marinating on Fatty Acid Composition of Sous-Vide Semimembranosus Muscle from Holstein-Friesian Bulls
Authors: Tkacz Katarzyna , Tylewicz Urszula , Pietrzak-Fiećko Renata , Modzelewska-Kapituła Monika
Published: March 2022

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of two commercial oil marinades on marinated bovine semimembranosus muscles’ (n = 12) fatty acid composition. Fatty acids were determined in unmarinated raw and sous-vide beef and marinated muscles with two different marinades. The application of marinating changed the fatty acid composition in sous-vide beef. The sum of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and n-6/n-3 ratio decreased. However, the sum of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including n-6 and n-3, increased in marinated sous-vide beef, while a proportion of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and arachidonic acid (AA) decreased. The concentration (mg/100 g) of the sum of SFA and CLA in sous-vide beef was unaffected by marinating; however, the treatment significantly increased the sum of MUFA, PUFA, n-6 fatty and n-3 fatty acid concentrations. Using marinades containing canola oil and spices prior to the sous-vide treatment of beef was effective in improving its fatty acid composition.
Bioactive Compounds from Cocoa Husk: Extraction, Analysis and Applications in Food Production Chain
Authors: Belwal Tarun , Cravotto Christian , Ramola Sudipta , Thakur Monika , Chemat Farid , Cravotto Giancarlo
Published: March 2022

Cocoa husk is considered a waste product after cocoa processing and creates environmental issues. These waste products are rich in polyphenols, methylxanthine, dietary fibers, and phytosterols, which can be extracted and utilized in various food and health products. Cocoa beans represent only 32–34% of fruit weight. Various extraction methods were implemented for the preparation of extracts and/or the recovery of bioactive compounds. Besides conventional extraction methods, various studies have been conducted using advanced extraction methods, including microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), subcritical water extraction (SWE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). To include cocoa husk waste products or extracts in different food products, various functional foods such as bakery products, jam, chocolate, beverage, and sausage were prepared. This review mainly focused on the composition and functional characteristics of cocoa husk waste products and their utilization in different food products. Moreover, recommendations were made for the complete utilization of these waste products and their involvement in the circular economy.
Performance Prediction of Durum Wheat Genotypes in Response to Drought and Heat in Climate Change Conditions
Authors: Dettori Marco , Cesaraccio Carla , Duce Pierpaolo , Mereu Valentina
Published: March 2022

With an approach combining crop modelling and biotechnology to assess the performance of three durum wheat cultivars (Creso, Duilio, Simeto) in a climate change context, weather and agronomic datasets over the period 1973–2004 from two sites, Benatzu and Ussana (Southern Sardinia, Itay), were used and the model responses were interpreted considering the role of DREB genes in the genotype performance with a focus on drought conditions. The CERES-Wheat crop model was calibrated and validated for grain yield, earliness and kernel weight. Forty-eight synthetic scenarios were used: 6 scenarios with increasing maximum air temperature; 6 scenarios with decreasing rainfall; 36 scenarios combining increasing temperature and decreasing rainfall. The simulated effects on yields, anthesis and kernel weights resulted in yield reduction, increasing kernel weight, and shortened growth duration in both sites. Creso (late cultivar) was the most sensitive to simulated climate conditions. Simeto and Duilio (early cultivars) showed lower simulated yield reductions and a larger anticipation of anthesis date. Observed data showed the same responses for the three cultivars in both sites. The CERES-Wheat model proved to be effective in representing reality and can be used in crop breeding programs with a molecular approach aiming at developing molecular markers for the resistance to drought stress.