bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic and optical responses of a composite material comprising individual single-walled carbon-nanotubes with a polymer coating
Authors: Shuba Mikhail V. , Yuko Dzmitry , Kuzhir Polina P. , Maksimenko Sergey A. , Ksenevich Vitaly K. , Lim Sung-Hwan , Kim Tae-Hwan , Choi Sung-Min
Published: June 2020

The composites and thin films comprising individual single-walled carbon nanotubes with a polymer coating (p-CNTs) have been prepared and their electromagnetic responses have been studied in a wide range from low-frequency (25–107 Hz) up to the infrared region. In spite of the high volume fraction of the nanotubes (up to 3.3%), the polymer coating prevents direct p-CNT contacts and the formation of the percolation network in those composites, so that p-CNTs interact only via the electromagnetic coupling. Thereby it is an ideal model system to verify experimentally the fundamental issues related to carbon nanotube electromagnetics, such as the influence of inter-tube electron tunneling on the localized plasmon resonance in the terahertz range, or the infrared absorption enhancement of polymer molecules attached to the nanotube surface. Along with addressing the fundamentals, applied carbon nanotube electromagnetics got insights important for the applications of p-CNT based composites as dielectric media in the terahertz regime. In particular, we found that the real part of the permittivity of the p-CNT film in the terahertz range is rather competitive, i.e. 8–13, however the loss tangent is not so small (0.4–0.6) as has been predicted. The way to increase p-CNT terahertz performance is also discussed.
Age-independent increasing prevalence of Human Papillomavirus-driven oropharyngeal carcinomas in North-East Italy
Authors: Del Mistro Annarosa , Frayle Helena , Menegaldo Anna , Favaretto Niccolò , Gori Silvia , Nicolai Piero , Spinato Giacomo , Romeo Salvatore , Tirelli Giancarlo , da Mosto Maria Cristina , Polesel Jerry , Boscolo Rizzo Paolo
Published: June 2020

HPV-driven oropharyngeal carcinomas (OPCs) show geographical variations with increasing temporal trends in several areas. We investigated their frequency and clinical outcomes within a prospective multicenter cohort study in North-East Italy. A tumor was defined as HPV-driven by using at least two different biomarkers, usually HPV-DNA positivity and p16INK4A overexpression. Different survival outcomes were compared among patients with HPV-driven and non-HPV-driven tumors. Overall, 42/130 (32.3%) patients with newly diagnosed OPC during the period 2000–2018 resulted HPV-driven; HPV16 was involved in 37 cases (88%), HPV33 in 3 cases (7%), HPV58 and HPV18 in 1 case each. Over time, HPV-driven cases raised from 16.7% (6/36) during 2000–2006 to 46.1% (24/52) during 2013–2018 (p < 0.001). The increase in HPV-driven OPCs was more marked in females than males (p = 0.010), and the frequency of HPV-driven cases was similar in the different age groups. In comparison to cases with non-HPV-driven tumors, a significantly (p < 0.001) better progression-free and overall survival were recorded among patients affected by HPV-driven OPC. The prevalence of HPV-driven OPC cases has been significantly increasing during the last two decades also in North-East Italy and was associated with favorable outcome. OPCs driven by non-HPV16 oncogenic types were restricted to patients older than 68-yrs.
Non-Newtonian droplet-based microfluidics logic gates
Authors: Asghari Elmira , Moosavi Ali , Hannani Siamak Kazemzadeh
Published: June 2020

Droplet-based microfluidic logic gates have many applications in diagnostic assays and biosciences due to their automation and the ability to be cascaded. In spite of many bio-fluids, such as blood exhibit non-Newtonian characteristics, all the previous studies have been concerned with the Newtonian fluids. Moreover, none of the previous studies has investigated the operating regions of the logic gates. In this research, we consider a typical AND/OR logic gate with a power-law fluid. We study the effects of important parameters such as the power-law index, the droplet length, the capillary number, and the geometrical parameters of the microfluidic system on the operating regions of the system. The results indicate that AND/OR states mechanism function in opposite directions. By increasing the droplet length, the capillary number and the power-law index, the operating region of AND state increases while the operating region of OR state reduces. Increasing the channel width will decrease the operating region of AND state while it increases the operating region of OR state. For proper operation of the logic gate, it should work in both AND/OR states appropriately. By combining the operating regions of these two states, the overall operating region of the logic gate is achieved.
Rational Design of a Protein Kinase A Nuclear-cytosol Translocation Reporter
Authors: Kim Allen K. , Wu Helen D. , Inoue Takanari
Published: June 2020

Protein Kinase A (PKA) exists as a tetrameric holoenzyme which activates with increase of cAMP and plays an important role in many physiological processes including cardiac physiology, neuronal development, and adipocyte function. Although this kinase has been the subject of numerous biosensor designs, a single-fluorophore reporter that performs comparably to Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) has not yet been reported. Here, we have used basic observations of electrostatic interactions in PKA substrate recognition mechanism and nucleus localization sequence motif to design a phosphorylation switch that shuttles between the cytosol and the nucleus, a strategy that should be generalizable to all basophilic kinases. The resulting reporter yielded comparable kinetics and dynamic range to the PKA FRET reporter, AKAR3EV. We also performed basic characterization and demonstrated its potential use in monitoring multiple signaling molecules inside cells using basic fluorescence microscopy. Due to the single-fluorophore nature of this reporter, we envision that this could find broad applications in studies involving single cell analysis of PKA activity.
High Oscillospira abundance indicates constipation and low BMI in the Guangdong Gut Microbiome Project
Authors: Chen Yi-ran , Zheng Hui-min , Zhang Guo-xia , Chen Fang-lan , Chen Li-dan , Yang Zhi-cong
Published: June 2020

Oscillospira is a common yet rarely cultivated gut bacterial genus. Recently human gut microbiota studies have demonstrated its underlying significance for host health. However, little is known about Oscillospira-related host information and the links between Oscillospira and other members of the gut microbial community. To study the ecology of Oscillospira and gain insights into Oscillospira-related host physiological conditions, we analyzed data from the Guangdong Gut Microbiome Project, one of the largest gut microbiota database currently. Data of 6376 participants were analyzed. We studied the prevalence and relative abundance of Oscillospira as well as the profiles of associated microbial communities. We found that Oscillospira is closely related to human health because its abundance was positively correlated with microbial diversity, high density lipoprotein, and sleep time, and was inversely correlated with diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, uric acid and Bristol stool type. Moreover, random forest analysis with five-fold cross validation showed Oscillospira could be a predictor of low BMI and constipation in the subset. Overall, in this study, we provide a basic understanding of Oscillospira-related microbiota profile and physiological parameters of the host. Our results indicate Oscillospira may play a role in aggravating constipation.
Bacterial community composition and potential pathogens along the Pinheiros River in the southeast of Brazil
Authors: Godoy Rafaela Garrido , Marcondes Marta Angela , Pessôa Rodrigo , Nascimento Andrezza , Victor Jefferson Russo , Duarte Alberto José da Silva , Clissa Patricia Bianca , Sanabani Sabri Saeed
Published: June 2020

The Pinheiros River in São Paulo, Brazil, crosses through the capital city and has its confluence with the River Tiete, which comprises several reservoirs along its course. Although Pinheiros River is considered one of the heaviest polluted rivers in Brazil, little is known about its bacterial composition, their metabolic functions or how these communities are affected by the physicochemical parameters of the river. In this study, we used the 16S rRNA gene Illumina MiSeq sequencing to profile the bacterial community from the water surface at 11 points along the course of the River. Taxonomical composition revealed an abundance of Proteobacteria phyla, followed by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, with a total of 233 classified bacterial families and 558 known bacterial genera. Among the 35 potentially pathogenic bacteria identified, Arcobacter was the most predominant genus. The disrupted physicochemical parameters detected in this study may possibly contribute to the composition and distribution of the bacterial community in the Pinheiros River. Predictive functional analysis suggests the River is abundant in motility genes, including bacterial chemotaxis and flagellar assembly. These results provide novel and detailed insights into the bacterial communities and putative function of the surface water in the Pinheiros River.
Prevalence and characterization of severe asthma in Hungary
Authors: Csoma Zsuzsanna , Gál Zsófia , Gézsi András , Herjavecz Irén , Szalai Csaba
Published: June 2020

Background: Severe asthma (SA) database was established in Hungary to estimate the prevalence of SA and to define and analyze clinical phenotypes of the patients. Methods: SA questionnaires were sent out to 143 public pulmonary dispensaries specialized for diagnosing and caring pulmonary patients. Data of 520 SA patients were evaluated. Results: The prevalence of SA within the asthmatic population in Hungary was 0.89%. The mean age of patients were 56.4 ± 13.4 years, SA were more frequent in females (64%), the prevalence of allergy was 56.6%, 72.1% of patients had persistent airflow limitation (FEV1 < 80%), 37.9% severe airway obstruction (FEV1 ≤ 60%), 33.6% required systemic corticosteroid maintenance therapy, 21.5% had salicylate intolerance and 43.2% rhinosinusitis. A Bayesian dependency network was calculated which revealed several interdependencies between the characteristics. E.g. there was a strong association between salicylate intolerance and rhinosinusitis, more patients received regular systemic corticosteroid treatment who had salicylate intolerance and the proportion of salicylate intolerance was significantly higher in females. Conclusion: The prevalence of SA was determined in Hungary which was lower than in other studies. Using a Bayesian-based network analysis several interdependencies were revealed between patient characteristics.
Author Correction: Structural and dynamic studies reveal that the Ala-rich region of ataxin-7 initiates α-helix formation of the polyQ tract but suppresses its aggregation
Authors: Hong Jun-Ye , Xue Wei , Yue Hong-Wei , Yang Hui , Jiang Lei-Lei , Hu Hong-Yu , Wang Dong-Dong , Wang Wen-Ning
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Stereoselective synthesis of fully substituted ethylenes via an Ag-catalyzed 1,6-nucleophilic addition/annulation cascade
Authors: Tang Bu-Zheng , Hao Wen-Juan , Li Jia-Zhuo , Zhu Shan-Shan , Tu Shu-Jiang , Jiang Bo
Published: June 2020

A catalytic 1,6-nucleophilic addition/annulation cascade was developed for the first time, and used to produce 27 hitherto unreported ethylene-linked 1-naphthol-imidazole pairs with generally good yields and complete stereoselectivity.
Modification of a H-terminated silicon surface by organic sulfide molecules: the mechanism and origin of reactivity
Authors: Yang Na , Li Weiyi , Dong Liang
Published: June 2020

For the reactions of disulfide molecules (RSSR), the steric effect rather than the electronic effect of the R group is the main origin of the different reactivity. In the reactions of sulfide molecules (RSXR′, X = S, P, Si, O, N, C), charges on the S atom and dissociation energies of the S–X bonds have a great impact on the reactivity of these reactions.
Microfluidic perfusion modulates growth and motor neuron differentiation of stem cell aggregates
Authors: Jackson-Holmes Emily L. , Schaefer Amanda W. , McDevitt Todd C. , Lu Hang
Published: June 2020

This work explores how media exchange frequency and device geometry modulate the biochemical environment and impact three-dimensional stem cell differentiation.
Microfluidic on-demand engineering of longitudinal dynamic self-assembly of particles
Authors: Liu Linbo , Xu Haoyan , Xiu Haibo , Xiang Nan , Ni Zhonghua
Published: June 2020

A viscoelasticity-induced self-assembling microfluidic system is proposed to increase the manoeuvrability and orderliness of longitudinal dynamic self-assembly of particles, achieving control of interparticle spacing's and particle frequency.
A topological isomer of the Au25(SR)18−nanocluster
Authors: Matus María Francisca , Malola Sami , Kinder Bonilla Emily , Barngrover Brian M. , Aikens Christine M. , Häkkinen Hannu
Published: June 2020

Computer simulations predict an isomer of the well-known thiolate-stabilized Au25(SR)18−cluster that is isoenergetic to the known structure and is topologically connectedviaa low-energy barrier.
Morphology control, spectrum modification and extended optical applications of rare earth ion doped phosphors
Authors: Wang Xiangfu , Xu Jintang , Yu Jihong , Bu Yanyan , Marques-Hueso Jose , Yan Xiaohong
Published: June 2020

This review summarizes the morphology control strategy, phase transfer theory, spectrum modulation, and extended optical applications of RE3+-doped phosphors.
Theoretical analysis of the absorption spectrum, electronic structure, excitation, and intramolecular electron transfer of D–A′–π–A porphyrin dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Xu Zhijie , Gao Shaolei , Lu Xiaoqing , Li Yuanyuan , Li Yameng , Wei Shuxian
Published: June 2020

A serious of porphyrin dyes with D–A′–π–A structure were designed. DFT and TD-DFT calculations were performed to shed light on how the type and position of auxiliary acceptors influence the photoelectric performance of the dyes.
Organometallic chemical deposition of crystalline iridium oxide nanoparticles on antimony-doped tin oxide support with high-performance for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Rajan Ziba S. H. S. , Binninger Tobias , Kooyman Patricia J. , Susac Darija , Mohamed Rhiyaad
Published: June 2020

Organometallic chemical deposition (OMCD) of epitaxially anchored rutile IrO2 nanoparticles on Sb-doped SnO2 support, with high-performance towards the oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
Ionic liquid surfactants as multitasking micellar catalysts for epoxidations in water
Authors: Schmidt Fabian , Zehner Bastian , Korth Wolfgang , Jess Andreas , Cokoja Mirza
Published: June 2020

Surface-active imidazolium tungstate ILs are multitask epoxidation catalysts in water using H2O2as oxidant. The micelles solubilize olefins in the aqueous phase and catalyze the epoxidation. Organophosphonic acids greatly increase the reaction rate.
A simple synthetic approach to enhance the thermal luminescence sensitivity of Tb3+ complexes with thiacalix[4]arene derivatives through upper-rim bromination
Authors: Podyachev Sergey N. , Sudakova Svetlana N. , Nagimov Rinas N. , Masliy Alexey N. , Syakaev Victor V. , Lapaev Dmitry V. , Buzyurova Daina N. , Babaev Vasily M. , Gimazetdinova Gulnaz Sh. , Kuznetsov Andrey M. , Mustafina Asiya R.
Published: June 2020

The thermal sensitivity enhancement of Tb3+-centered luminescence of dimer complexes with thiacalix[4]arene derivatives was achieved through their upper-rim bromination.
Synthesis of Ag@CuO nanohybrids and their photo-enhanced bactericidal effect through concerted Ag ion release and reactive oxygen species generation
Authors: Li He , Zou Yu , Jiang Jiang
Published: June 2020

Ag@CuO core–shell nanohybrids exhibit a synergistic photo-enhanced bactericidal effect, due to concerted Ag+release and enhanced1O2generation.
Solvometallurgical recovery of cobalt from lithium-ion battery cathode materials using deep-eutectic solvents
Authors: Peeters Nand , Binnemans Koen , Riaño Sofía
Published: June 2020

Solvometallurgical recovery of cobalt from lithium cobalt oxide by using a choline chloride–citric acid deep eutectic solvent (DES) in presence of aluminium and copper current collectors.
LRSK: a low-rank self-representation K-means method for clustering single-cell RNA-sequencing data
Authors: Sun Ye-Sen , Ou-Yang Le , Dai Dao-Qing
Published: June 2020

The development of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies brings tremendous opportunities for quantitative research and analyses at the cellular level.
The highly efficient and selective dicarbonylation of acetylene catalysed by palladium nanosheets supported on activated carbon
Authors: Wei Xuemei , Ma Zhanwei , Lu Jinzhi , Mu Xinyuan , Hu Bin
Published: June 2020

An ultrathin Pd nanosheet-supported heterogeneous catalyst, PdCO/AC, with exposed (111) crystal plane was synthesized, and it shows superior catalytic reactivity (∼43.8%) and selectivity (∼99.0%) for the dicarbonylation of acetylene and CO.
Facile synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic activity of Ag–SnS nanocomposites
Authors: Behera Chandini , Ghosh Surya Prakash , Kar Jyoti P. , Samal Saroj L
Published: June 2020

The enhanced photocatatlytic properties of Ag–SnS nanocomposites are considered to be due to the synergistic effect of high surface area, broad range of photon absorption and efficient charge separation.
Copper(ii)-catalyzed protoboration of allenes in aqueous media and open air
Authors: Snead Russell F. , Nekvinda Jan , Santos Webster L.
Published: June 2020

A copper(ii)-catalyzed internal protoboration of monosubstituted allenes efficiently occurs in water at room temperature and open air to generate 1,1-disubstituted vinyl boronic acid derivatives.
Efficient copper(i)-catalyzed oxidative intermolecular 1,2-estersulfenylation of styrenes with peroxyesters and disulfides
Authors: Luo Yiting , Su Rongkui , Yang Hongming
Published: June 2020

A copper(i)-catalyzed intermolecular 1,2-estersulfenylation of styrenes with peroxyesters and disulfides for the synthesis of thio-substituted esters was developed.
Red-shifted backbone N–H photocaging agents
Authors: Mangubat-Medina Alicia E. , Trial Hallie O. , Vargas Reyner D. , Setegne Mekedlawit T. , Bader Taysir , Distefano Mark D. , Ball Zachary T.
Published: June 2020

A 3-nitrodibenzofuran cure provides blue-shifted reactivity in vinylogous photocleavage processes.
A [Pd2L4]4+cage complex forn-octyl-β-d-glycoside recognition
Authors: Schaapkens Xander , Bobylev Eduard O. , Reek Joost N. H. , Mooibroek Tiddo J.
Published: June 2020

A Pd2L4coordination cage with improved solubility properties was prepared and used to bindn-octyl glycosides, showing a preference for the all equatorialn-octyl glucoside.
Facile synthesis of multi-functional elastic polyaniline/polyvinyl alcohol composite gels by a solution assembly method
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Chi Hang , Zhou Anan , Zheng Renhao , Bai Hua , Zhang Tongyi
Published: June 2020

Polyaniline/polyvinyl alcohol composite organogels and hydrogels were prepared by a solution assembly method and used in stretchable electrochemical capacitors and press sensors.
Computational searches for crystal structures of dioxides of group 14 elements (CO2, SiO2, GeO2) under ultrahigh pressure
Authors: Nabata Hitoshi , Takagi Makito , Saita Kenichiro , Maeda Satoshi
Published: June 2020

In this study, we focused on the effect of pressure on the crystal structures of dioxides of group 14 elements, i.e. SiO2, GeO2, and CO2.
Correction: Hydrophobic mesoporous silicon dioxide for improving foam stability
Authors: Meng Lihui , Liu Qingwang , Wang Jigang , Fan Zhenzhong , Wei Xiaoming
Published: June 2020

Correction for ‘Hydrophobic mesoporous silicon dioxide for improving foam stability’ by Lihui Meng et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 18565–18571, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA02161J.
Bacillus subtilis biofilms characterized as hydrogels. Insights on water uptake and water binding in biofilms
Authors: Ido Nir , Lybman Amir , Hayet Shahar , Azulay David N. , Ghrayeb Mnar , Liddawieh Sajeda , Chai Liraz
Published: June 2020

Bacillus subtilis biofilms resemble cross-linked hydrogels in their morphology and swelling properties. All the water in these biofilms is bound water. Water binding is mostly related with accumulated solutes.
Design principles for non-reciprocal photomechanical actuation
Authors: Lahikainen Markus , Zeng Hao , Priimagi Arri
Published: June 2020

Non-reciprocal motions are a sequence of movements exhibiting time-reversal asymmetry. This work introduces design principles for non-reciprocal light-triggered actuation and self-oscillation.
Chemistry on the electrodes: post-functionalization and stability enhancement of anchored dyes on mesoporous metal oxide photoelectrochemical cells with copper-free Huisgen cycloaddition reaction
Authors: Bentounsi Yousra , Seintis Konstantinos , Ameline Dorine , Diring Stéphane , Provost David , Blart Errol , Pellegrin Yann , Cossement Damien , Vauthey Eric , Odobel Fabrice
Published: June 2020

Copper-free Huisgen cycloaddition reaction was applied to post grafted dyes on mesoporous electrodes. It enhances the stability towards desorption and offers the possibility of dye functionalization directly performed on the electrodes.
In situ thermal behavior of resistance drift in GeTe and Ge2Sb2Te5 nanowires via Raman thermometry
Authors: Park Sungjin , Kim Taeok , Hwang Soobin , Park Dambi , Ahn Min , Cho Mann-Ho
Published: June 2020

The time-dependent resistance drift in GeTe and Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) nanowires is investigated via Raman thermometry.
A facile strategy for fabricating multifunctional ionogel based electronic skin
Authors: Sun Jingxian , Li Ruiqi , Lu Guoqiang , Yuan Yixin , Zhu Xiaoqun , Nie Jun
Published: June 2020

A multifunctional ionogel based electronic skin was synthesized via a facile strategy.
Review of defect chemistry in fluorite-structure ferroelectrics for future electronic devices
Authors: Park Min Hyuk , Lee Dong Hyun , Yang Kun , Park Ju-Yong , Yu Geun Taek , Park Hyeon Woo , Materano Monica , Mittmann Terence , Lomenzo Patrick D. , Mikolajick Thomas , Schroeder Uwe , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: June 2020

The defect chemistry and its effect on nanoscale polymorphism and physical/electrical properties in fluorite-structure ferroelectrics are reviewed.
High-glucose environment accelerates annulus fibrosus cell apoptosis by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Pang Lianglong , Yang Keshi , Zhang Zhi
Published: June 2020

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important risk factor of intervertebral disc degeneration. However, how DM affects annulus fibrosus (AF) biology remains unclear. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of high glucose on AF cell biology. Rat AF cells were cultured in baseline medium and culture medium with 0.2 M glucose. The inhibitor 4-PBA was added along with the high glucose culture medium to study the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in this process. Compared with the control cells, high glucose significantly increased cell apoptosis ratio and caspase-3/9 activity, up-regulated mRNA/protein expression of Bax and caspase-3/cleaved caspase-3, but down-regulated mRNA/protein expression of Bcl-2. Moreover, high glucose increased mRNA and protein expression of CHOP, ATF-6 and GRP78. However, once ER stress was inhibited by the inhibitor 4-PBA in the high glucose group, cell apoptosis ratio and caspase-3/9 activity were decreased, mRNA/protein expression of Bax and caspase-3/cleaved caspase-3 was down-regulated, but mRNA/protein expression of Bcl-2 was up-regulated. In conclusion, high glucose condition can promote AF cell apoptosis through inducing ER stress. The present study helps us understand the mechanism of disc degeneration in DM patients.
Enhanced SMARCD1, a subunit of the SWI/SNF complex, promotes liver cancer growth through the mTOR pathway
Authors: Zhou Yongjie , Xu Qing , Tao Lv , Chen Yuwei , Shu Yuke , Wu Zhenru , Lu Changli , Shi Yujun , Bu Hong
Published: June 2020

The chromatin remodeling complex SWI/SNF regulates the accessibility of target genes to transcription factors and plays a critical role in the tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The SWI/SNF complex is assembled from approximately 15 subunits, and most of these subunits have distinct roles and are often aberrantly expressed in HCC. A comprehensive exploration of the expression and clinical significance of these subunits would be of great value. In the present study, we obtained the gene expression profile of each SWI/SNF subunit and the corresponding clinical information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We found that 14 out of the 15 SWI/SNF subunits were significantly increased in HCC tissues compared with paired normal liver tissues, and 11 subunits were significantly associated with overall survival (OS). We identified a four-gene prognostic signature including actin-like 6A (ACTL6A), AT-rich interaction domain 1A (ARID1A), SWI/SNF related, matrix associated, actin dependent regulator of chromatin subfamily C member 1 (SMARCC1) and SWI/SNF related, matrix associated, actin dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily D, member 1 (SMARCD1) that could effectively predict OS in HCC patients. Among the genes, SMARCD1 has the most prognostic value. We further conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments and revealed that SMARCD1 promotes liver cancer growth by activating the mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study has revealed that the expression of SWI/SNF complex subunits, especially SMARCD1, is highly associated with HCC development and acts as a promising prognostic predictor.
Lumped thermal model for the multi‐layer switched reluctance motor
Authors: Vahedi Payam , Ganji Babak , Afjei Ebrahim
Published: June 2020

The multi‐layer switched reluctance motor (SRM) is a special type of the SRM which can be utilised appropriately in high‐power applications such as electric vehicle (EV). Thermal modelling of the multi‐layer SRM is considered for the first time in the present study and a lumped parameter thermal model is introduced for quick prediction of temperature rise in this motor. In the introduced lumped thermal model, independent thermal networks are considered for different parts of the machine including frame, stator yoke, stator pole, winding, air‐gap, end‐winding, end‐cap air, rotor pole, rotor core and shaft. All details of the modelling and the required equations are given and therefore someone can use the model easily. The developed thermal model is applied to a typical two‐layer 8/6 SRM and a prototyped three‐layer 8/8 SRM and the simulation results are then compared with those derived from three‐dimensional finite element (FE) method using ANSYS FE package and experimental results. These comparisons show well high computation speed and accuracy of the lumped thermal model developed for the multi‐layer SRM.
Efficiency and linearity enhancement of a two‐stage X‐band PA through simultaneous gate and drain supply modulation
Authors: Duffy Maxwell R. , Lasser Gregor , Cappello Tommaso , Popović Zoya
Published: June 2020

This study addresses an analogue method for mitigating the non‐linearities introduced by discrete supply modulation of a high‐efficiency power amplifier (PA). A 10 W two‐stage X‐band gallium–nitride monolithic microwave integrated circuit (PA with a peak power‐added efficiency of 55%, is tested with drain supply modulation from 10 to 20 V with an increase in efficiency and substantial degradation in linearity. In this work, the authors characterise the two‐stage PA dynamically to develop shaping functions for both gate bias voltages. They demonstrate that gate modulation can improve back‐off gain and linearity, specifically when gate biases of the two stages of a PA are independently modulated. Simultaneous gate and drain modulation results in 15 percentage point improvement in efficiency over a static supply, and a consistent improvement in noise power ratio over a static supply, for a 20 MHz noise‐like signal. Results with a 20 MHz long‐term evolution signal show comparable improvement in efficiency while maintaining adjacent channel power ratio near the level of the PA with a static supply.
COVID‐19 pandemic: a review of smart cities initiatives to face new outbreaks
Authors: Costa Daniel G. , Peixoto João Paulo J.
Published: June 2020

While the world still struggles against the devastating effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic, governments and organisations are discussing how new technologies can be exploited to relieve its impacts and how future pandemics can be avoided or minimised. Among the envisioned solutions, the development of more efficient and widespread smart city initiatives can improve the way critical data is retrieved, processed, stored, and disseminated, potentially improving the detection and mitigation of outbreaks while reducing the execution time when taking critical actions. In fact, some first responses to this pandemic are exploiting different technological solutions that could be ultimately adopted in more integrated city‐scale systems, opening many possibilities. Therefore, this study discusses potential solutions and review recent approaches that can be exploited in this complex scenario, describing feasible and promising development trends for the construction of the new expected health‐centric smart cities.
Bio‐inspired routing protocol for wireless sensor network to minimise the energy consumption
Authors: Nayak Padmalaya , Reddy Ch Praneeth
Published: June 2020

The minimisation of energy consumption has become an emerging topic in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) as these networks enable a wealth of new applications. The internet of things (IoT) application is one of them and the current hype around the IoT is huge. Therefore, the development of efficient communication protocols for WSNs is a major concern. In this context, various research communities have triggered several optimisation techniques to provide energy‐efficient solutions to WSNs. This study aims to apply the genetic algorithm (GA) in WSNs clustering and to evaluate its performance over another optimisation technique. The proposed protocol is analytically analysed and compared with a fuzzy logic (FL)‐based routing protocol and traditional routing protocol like LEACH and K‐means using a Java‐based custom simulator. Simulation results show that there is a trade‐off between GA‐clustering and FL‐clustering, but the overall performance of GA‐clustering is very promising for obtaining optimal energy consumption.
Efficiency of functioning solar collectors in selected households
Authors: Kowalczyk-Juśko Alina , Roczeń Paweł
Published: June 2020

The article presents the results of research on the efficiency of the solar collector system in south-eastern Poland. The basis of the article are the results of actual measurements recorded by the system measuring in 5 years (2014-2018). Three solar collectors with a total gross area of 6.3 m2 are used to heat utility water in a single-family house. The average annual heat production in this system was 1916 kWh. The system’s work was characterized by high seasonal and daily variability, which is related to the Polish climate’s specificity. Using the energy production data, the reduction of pollutant emissions achieved by changing the energy carrier was calculated: from electricity to heat from a renewable source, which is solar radiation. The installation of solar collectors allowed for satisfying part of the energy demand as well as reducing the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants into the atmosphere.
Effect of the temperature of waste cooking oil methyl esters on the value of nitrogen oxides emission from the self-ignition engine
Authors: Marcinkowski Damian , Czechlowski Mirosław , Gracz Weronika , Golimowski Wojciech , Mazurkiewicz Jakub
Published: June 2020

Combustion of diesel oil and liquid biofuels in self-ignition engines is related to the emission of harmful gases to the atmosphere (i.e. nitrogen, carbon or sulfur oxides). These compounds, emitted in significant quantities, pose a threat to human life and health, as well as to the natural environment. The goal of our research was to investigate the influence of temperature of the waste cooking oil methyl ester on the nitrogen oxides emission in the self-ignition engine. This is to help determine if the use of biofuel thermal activation can be used to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions. Experiments carried out on the test bench in relation to harmful nitrogen compounds (NOx). The emission of exhaust gases from a diesel engine fed with methyl esters of the cooking oil was measured. The measurements were made in accordance with ISO 8178-4. From the obtained test results it can be concluded that it is worth equipping the engine with installation for preheating the fuel before its injection, but the optimal value of fuel temperature reducing emissions is at least 70°C.
Impact of atmospheric precipitation on the volume of wastewater inflowing to the treatment plant in Nowy Targ
Authors: Nowobilska-Majewska Elwira , Kotowski Tomasz , Bugajski Piotr
Published: June 2020

The study determines the impact of precipitation on the amount of wastewater flowing into the treatment plant in Nowy Targ. The research period covered the years 2016 and 2017, in which the amount of precipitation and average daily wastewater inflows (during the so-called dry period, i.e. days without precipitation and in the so-called wet period, i.e. days with precipitation) were analyzed. The research period was divided into 5 characteristic ranges in terms of the amount of precipitation. It was found that on days with different intensity of precipitation, the amount of rainwater (in the total amount of wastewater flowing into the treatment plant) ranges from 14.2% to 32.5%. Taking into account the absolute values, it was found that the average daily amount of wastewater inflow on days with precipitation was from 14361 to 18248 m3∙d-1 compared to wastewater inflow on days without precipitation (12323 m3∙d-1). The obtained test results should be a signal for sewage network operators for the performance of intensive and effective actions aimed at eliminating illegal connections of drain pipe for rainwater and yard drains to sanitary collectors and the replacement combined sewer system to distribution sewer system in the city of Nowy Targ.
Application of 3D graphic software and GIS in visual impact assessment of high-voltage overhead transmission lines
Authors: Sojka Mariusz , Wróżyński Rafał , Pyszny Krzysztof
Published: June 2020

The paper presents the possibility of using GIS tools and 3D graphic software to assess the impact of high voltage overhead transmission lines on the landscape. The paper uses a digital elevation model developed on the basis of airborne laser scanning data. In addition, potential locations and high voltage overhead transmission lines tower heights have been used. The Viewshed tool available in the ArcGIS software made it possible to calculate the visibility range of tower. To limit the spatial range of the analysis 3D simulations were carried out in Blender version 2.79. Visibility range analysis was performed in the range from 250 m to 3000 m in steps of 250 m. The render analysis in relation to the percentage of the area occupied by the HVOTLs tower in the total field of view, allowed to limit the range of the analysis. Calculations have shown that the range of the HVOTLs tower impact assessment should be limited to 2 km. The very strong and strong visual impact of the tower range from 0 to 250 m. In contrast, there is a significant impact between 251 m and 750 m and a moderate and weak impact above 750 m.
Visual impact assessment of river regulation structures
Authors: Wróżyński Rafał , Pyszny Krzysztof , Sojka Mariusz
Published: June 2020

The paper presents the quantitative methodology for visual impact assessment of river regulation structures such as non-submerged groins and longitudinal dams. The method integrates LIDAR data, GIS tools, 3D graphic software and 360° panoramic images. Digital Surface Model (DSM) developed on the basis of LIDAR data and imported to 3D graphic software allows one to render images from any location of 3D scene. This feature was used for rendering 360° panoramic images from the perspective of the observers located on the study site in designated with the viewshed analysis area. Renders were verified against panoramic photographs taken during the field inspection. The proposed methodology was tested on two locations of Kostrzyn nad Odrą and Słubice cities where modernization of regulation structures on Oder River is planned. Calculated percentage values of river regulation structures occupying the full field of view of the observer for 25 locations in Kostrzyn nad Odrą and 19 locations in Słubice shows insignificant visual impact. The maximum values of 0.94% and 0.26% for Kostrzyn nad Odrą and Słubice respectively, where obtained. Additionally the visualization method in the form of “Little Planet” projections was presented, which allows for full documentation of the visual impact of the structures on the landscape.
An assessment of the wind power dynamics in the European coastal environment
Authors: Rusu Eugen , Diaconita Alexandra , Raileanu Alina
Published: June 2020

The objective of the proposed work is to assess the possible wind power dynamics along the European coastal environment in the context of the very predictable future development of the offshore wind energy extraction. From this perspective, 15 reference points have been selected in the Baltic, Mediterranean and Black seas, representing 5 representative locations for each sea, respectively. The proposed analysis is based on the wind fields provided by a Regional Climate Model (RCM) for the future time period 2021-2050. These data are processed and analysed considering the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios 4.5 and 8.5. In the first RCP scenario (4.5), an enhancement of the greenhouse gas emissions until 2040 is considered followed afterwards by a decline. On the other hand, the second scenario assumes that the greenhouse gas emissions enhancement will continue during the entire 21st century and after. The first scenario is considered as the most realistic approach, while the second as the most pessimistic. Furthermore, in order to complete the picture an analysis of the historical wind data coming from the same RCM for the past 30-year period 1976-2005 is also carried out. In this way, a more comprehensive image of the wind power dynamics in the some relevant locations from the European coastal environment is provided. In order to enlarge the perspective, the analysis of the historical data is also extended for some locations in the North Sea, where wind farms already operate. The results indicate a slight enhancement of the average wind power in most of the locations considered. This enhancement appears to be stronger for RCP8.5 than for RCP4.5. On the other hand, the maximum wind power is expected to have much higher peaks for RCP8.5 and this especially concerns the western side of the Black Sea. The work is still on going and the analysis will be extended in both space and time covering more coastal locations and the time period until the end of the 21 st century.
LPG Gas Detecting Robot Based on IOT
Authors: Younas Tanzila , Mukhi Deepak Kumar , Saifuddin Mufaddal , Hassan Zaidi S M Faiz , Fayyaz M Mahad , Khan Hamzah Ahmad
Published: June 2020

With new innovations and technologies world besides being facilitated is also subjected to face the threat of major misadventures and disasters. Likewise, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is generally used in household for kitchen in general and gas geysers or heaters in winter. Similarly, industries use it for different causes for instance furnace, boiling and get higher production at cheaper rate. Besides, this gas is igneous gas and can cause potential hazard at any time. Hence, in this paper research is made on Internet of Things (IOT) to reduce the chances of such mishaps by presenting a model of microcontroller-based LPG gas detecting and warning system. Furthermore, it explicates the development of self-directed android based mobile device for gas leakage detection that can be installed in all sort of places. Moreover, this device would be containing MQ6 sensor to detect the unwanted outflow and GPS module to locate particular location of leakage what is more Arduino is installed to disseminate information of leakage to different servers like Smartphones, Email and buzzer and shall give display on LCD. Subsequently, it will send the mobile alert to authorized and concerned authorities to take action with in time and there would be buzzer installed. In addition, this device promises automatic working with no need of human interference and assures reliability, efficiency along with cost-effectiveness check-ups of pipeline.
Application of photovoltaic cells as a source of energy in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) – case study
Authors: Papis Karolina , Figaj Rafał , Kuś Jakub , Żołądek Maciej , Zając Michał
Published: June 2020

During last years, renewable energy sources (RES) find their way into the transportation industry. Among the units which may be powered directly with renewable energy, the UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) market is undergoing a rapid development. In this case mainly the solar energy is used. Photovoltaic modules are mainly located on the wings, so it is often necessary to use flexible PV cells which have lower efficiency than the flat ones. This study proves that airfoil geometry modifications by partial flattening are not beneficial from the aerodynamic point of view. The lower energy conversion on photovoltaic panels must be balanced by energy storage and energy management systems. The performance of exemplary installation mounted on AGH Solar Plane has been modelled with TRNSYS software. Obtained results allowed to establish the amount of produced, stored and used energy in six different months.
Techno-economic study on grid-connected PV system for major cities in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ali Amjad , Hussain Muzafar , Al-Sulaiman Fahad A. , Tahir Shahbaz , Irshad Kashif , Zahir Md Hasan , Malik Muhammad Zeeshan
Published: June 2020

This paper presents the economic, technical, and environmental performance of a GridConnected PV System (GCPVS) designed for a residential building consisting of 14 families for six major cities of Saudi Arabia. HOMER Pro was used in this study for the evaluation of the techno-economical & environmental performance of the GCPVS. Neom, which a newly developed city on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, which has never been investigated before for such conditions, is also considered among the selected cities in the current study and thus makes the work novel. This analysis demonstrates that CO2 emissions are considerably higher as compared to their counterparts in both; grid alone and grid + PV systems. The studies concluded that the grid + PV system was feasible for all cities. Parameters like Net Present Cost (NPC), Cost of Energy (COE), and excess electricity were proportional to the PV penetration, but with the increase of PV penetration, CO2 emissions decreased. For the grid + PV system, Neom was found to be the most economical as it demonstrated the lowest NPC ($80, 199) and CO2 emissions (63, 664 kg/yr), among others. Neom, as a rapidly developing city in the North-West of Saudi Arabia, possesses great potential for PV. The results of this study can be used to study further PV systems in different climate zones of Saudi Arabia.
Analysis of Different Energy Storage Technologies for Microgrids Energy Management
Authors: Benavides Darío , Arévalo Paúl , Gonzalez Luis G. , Aguado José A.
Published: June 2020

The importance of energy storage systems is increasing in microgrids energy management. In this study, an analysis is carried out for different types of energy storage technologies commonly used in the energy storage systems of a microgrid, such as: lead acid batteries, lithium ion batteries, redox vanadium flux batteries and supercapacitors. In this work, it is analyzed the process of charging and discharging (slow and fast) in these systems, the calculation of energy efficiency, performance and energy supplied under different load levels, in its normal operating conditions and installed power capacity is developed. The results allow us to choose the optimal conditions of charge and discharge at different levels of reference power, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the characteristics of each storage system within a microgrid.
An overview of the opportunities and challenges in sustaining the energy industry in Afghanistan
Authors: Ahady Shambalid , Dev Nirendra , Mandal Anubha
Published: June 2020

Energy access is not only crucial for economic growth but also important for any strategy to improve the health and social welfare of a nation. Afghanistan’s energy industry is in poor condition due to many years of war and negligence. Despite international agencies’ support and energy policies adopted in the last few years, Afghanistan has no universal access to power. Besides, the residences suffer from an irregular distribution of power supply. There is a growing gap between demand and supply, and the current predictions of demand do not show reality due to hindered economic growth. Afghanistan’s domestic power transmission is limited, which must be extended for the country to enjoy a stable and sustainable energy supply. Sustainability and security of Afghanistan’s power sector would rely on its ability to become self-reliant in power generation. Overall, the objective of this paper is to summarize the current energy status of Afghanistan and to identify energy opportunities for self-sufficiency and challenges in various aspects of energy sources. To meet energy demand, Afghanistan can develop its autochthonous hydrocarbon and renewable energy resources. By improving its domestic energy potential from natural resources, Afghanistan can fulfill its primary energy requirement. Further, along with policy formulation, appropriate and planned implementation of renewable energy policy, energy efficiency targets, and strategies, Afghanistan can reach energy self-sufficiency goals with socio-economic development.
Construction of a statistical learning tool based on ordinary differential equations to model the digestive behaviour of ross chickens
Authors: Bloyet Nicolas , Flourent Hélène , Frénod Emmanuel , Handa Marouan , Moundoyi Harold , Phuong Thuy Vo Thi
Published: June 2020

Being able to monitor and forecast farm animal performances is a strategic problem in the agronomy industry. We use a Data-Model Coupling approach to build a biomimetic Statistical Learning tool taking into account some aspects of the biological dynamics of the animal body. The objective is to build a tool which is able to assimilate data about daily feed consumption and measured performances.

The model encompasses several sub-models corresponding to compartments and permitting to mimic a kinetic process divided into several steps. Each sub-model contains parameters which can be learnt by using an optimization algorithm and data.

The goal of the ﬁrst application of the model on ﬁeld data was to simulate and predict the growth of chickens.

An experiment was performed during 70 days to collect every day the feed consumption and the weight gain of a male and a female chickens. After the learning of the model parameters, the model shows a very good approximation of the chicken’s weight evolution over time.