bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral and Laryngeal Articulation Control of Voicing in Children with and without Speech Sound Disorders
Authors: Wertzner Haydée Fiszbein , Neves Luciana Pagan , Jesus Luis M. T.
Published: May 2022

Voicing contrast is hard to master during speech motor development, and the phonological process of consonant devoicing is very frequent in children with Speech Sound Disorders (SSD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterise the oral and laryngeal articulation control strategies used by children with and without SSD as a function of place of articulation. The articulation rate and relative oral airflow amplitude (flow) were used to analyse how children controlled oral articulation; fundamental frequency (fo), open quotient (OQ), and a classification of voicing were used to explore laryngeal behaviour. Data from detailed speech and language assessments, oral airflow and electroglottography signals were collected from 13 children with SSD and 17 children without SSD, aged 5; 0 to 7; 8, using picture naming tasks. Articulation rate and flow in children with and without SSD were not significantly different, but a statistically reliable effect of place on flow was found. Children with and without SSD used different relative fo (which captures changes in fo during the consonant-vowel transition) and OQ values, and place of articulation had an effect on the strength of voicing. All children used very similar oral articulation control of voicing, but children with SSD used less efficient laryngeal articulation strategies (higher subglottal damping and more air from the lungs expelled in each glottal cycle) than children without SSD.
Cold Atmospheric Plasma-Activated Media Improve Paclitaxel Efficacy on Breast Cancer Cells in a Combined Treatment Model
Authors: Mihai Cosmin-Teodor , Mihaila Ilarion , Pasare Maria Antoanela , Pintilie Robert Mihai , Ciorpac Mitica , Topala Ionut
Published: May 2022

The use of plasma-activated media (PAM), an alternative to direct delivery of cold atmospheric plasma to cancer cells, has recently gained interest in the plasma medicine field. Paclitaxel (PTX) is used as a chemotherapy of choice for various types of breast cancers, which is the leading cause of mortality in females due to cancer. In this study, we evaluated an alternative way to improve anti-cancerous efficiency of PTX by association with PAM, the ultimate achievement being a better outcome in killing tumoral cells at smaller doses of PTX. MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines were used, and the outcome was measured by cell viability (MTT assay), the survival rate (clonogenic assay), apoptosis occurrence, and genotoxicity (COMET assay). Treatment consisted of the use of PAM in combination with under IC50 doses of PTX in short- and long-term models. The experimental data showed that PAM had the capacity to improve PTX’s cytotoxicity, as viability of the breast cancer cells dropped, an effect maintained in long-term experiments. A higher frequency of apoptotic, dead cells, and DNA fragmentation was registered in cells treated with the combined treatment as compared with those treated only with PT. Overall, PAM had the capacity to amplify the anti-cancerous effect of PTX.
The Role of the Microbiome in Gastroentero-Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (GEP-NENs)
Authors: Mohamed Amr , Asa Sylvia L. , McCormick Thomas , Al-Shakhshir Hilmi , Dasari Arvind , Mauricio Retuerto , Salem Iman , Ocuin Lee M. , Bajor David , Lee Richard T. , Selfridge J. Eva , Kardan Arash , Lee Zhenghong , Avril Norbert , Kopp Shelby , Winter Jordan M. , Hardacre Jeffrey M. , Ammori John B. , Ghannoum Mahmoud A.
Published: May 2022

Gut microbiome balance plays a key role in human health and maintains gut barrier integrity. Dysbiosis, referring to impaired gut microbiome, is linked to a variety of diseases, including cancers, through modulation of the inflammatory process. Most studies concentrated on adenocarcinoma of different sites with very limited information on gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs). In this study, we have analyzed the gut microbiome (both fungal and bacterial communities) in patients with metastatic GEP-NENs. Fecal samples were collected and compared with matched healthy control samples using logistic regression distances utilizing R package MatchIt (version 4.2.0, Daniel E. Ho, Stanford, CA, USA). We examined differences in microbiome profiles between GEP-NENs and control samples using small subunit (SSU) rRNA (16S), ITS1, ITS4 genomic regions for their ability to accurately characterize bacterial and fungal communities. We correlated the results with different behavioral and dietary habits, and tumor features including differentiation, grade, primary site, and therapeutic response. All tests are two-sided and p-values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Gut samples of 34 patients (12 males, 22 females, median age 64 years) with metastatic GEP-NENs (22 small bowel, 10 pancreatic, 1 gall bladder, and 1 unknown primary) were analyzed. Twenty-nine patients had well differentiated GEP-neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs), (G1 = 14, G2 = 12, G3 = 3) and five patients had poorly differentiated GEP-neuroendocrine carcinomas (GEP-NECs). Patients with GEP-NENs had significantly decreased bacterial species and increased fungi (notably Candida species, Ascomycota, and species belonging to saccharomycetes) compared to controls. Patients with GEP-NECs had significantly enriched populations of specific bacteria and fungi (such as Enterobacter hormaechei, Bacteroides fragilis and Trichosporon asahii) compared to those with GEP-NETs (p = 0.048, 0.0022 and 0.034, respectively). In addition, higher grade GEP-NETs were associated with significantly higher Bacteroides fragilis (p = 0.022), and Eggerthella lenta (p = 0.00018) species compared to lower grade tumors. There were substantial differences associated with dietary habits and therapeutic responses. This is the first study to analyze the role of the microbiome environment in patients with GEP-NENs. There were significant differences between GEP-NETs and GEP-NECs, supporting the role of the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of these two distinct entities.
A Case of Tacrolimus Maculopathy
Authors: Santarelli Martina , Zeppieri Marco , Salati Carlo
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive agent commonly used in the management of solid organ allogeneic transplants in the prevention of rejection. Serious ophthalmic adverse effects with Tacrolimus have been reported in the literature, which includes cortical blindness and optic neuropathy. (2) Methods: We describe a rare case of maculopathy as a possible complication of Tacrolimus therapy. A 56-year-old man receiving Tacrolimus for immunosuppression after liver transplantation developed unilateral visual disturbance with a central scotoma. (3) Results: Ophthalmologic examination revealed unilateral maculopathy; a Tacrolimus macular toxicity was suspected. After drug discontinuation, a complete visual recovery was observed; however, the ultrastructural macular damage was irreversible. (4) Conclusions: Reports regarding maculopathy associated with Tacrolimus are limited. This case report adds to the current literature regarding the possible macular toxicity of this immunosuppressive agent, especially if it exceeds therapeutic serum levels. Further data are needed to confirm this possible association. A careful ophthalmologic examination should be promptly performed in patients manifesting visual disturbance while taking Tacrolimus to prevent irreversible, permanent vision loss due to possible drug toxicity.
Composition, Structure, and Properties of Ti, Al, Cr, N, C Multilayer Coatings on AISI W1-7 Alloyed Tool Steel
Authors: Loskutova Tetiana , Hatala Michal , Pogrebova Inna , Nikitina Natalya , Bobina Maryna , Radchenko Svetlana , Kharchenko Nadiia , Kotlyar Serhii , Pavlenko Ivan , Ivanov Vitalii
Published: May 2022

New methods of diffusion metallization of AISI W1-7 steel have been developed. The paper proposes a comparative analysis of the properties and characteristics of AISI W1-7 steel after three methods of chemical heat treatment: diffusion nitriding, nitrogen titration by physical deposition from the gas phase, and diffusion chromium plating with subsequent titanium alloys. The results are presented as a comprehensive analysis of coatings: metallographic, micro-X-ray spectral, X-ray phase, durometric, heat resistance, and wear resistance. It is established that multilayer protective coatings are formed as a result of treatments. It is shown that the coatings consist of carbide and nitride zones, intermetallic, and an Al2O3 layer outside the coating. The coatings have been found to contain barrier layers that prevent aluminum from penetrating the substrate. The maximum microhardness is typical for layers based on titanium carbide—30.3–35.5 GPa and titanium nitride—22.0–22.6 GPa, heat-resistant steels AISI W1-7 at a temperature of 900 °C in 4.2–8.5 times and wear resistance under sliding friction without lubrication up to 5.4 times compared to samples without treatment.
Biodegradation Study of Polyurethanes from Linseed and Passion Fruit Oils
Authors: Lopes Roseany V. V. , Loureiro Nuno P. D. , Quirino Rafael L. , Gomes Ana Cristina M. , Pezzin Ana Paula T. , Manzur Luciana P. , dos Santos Maria Lucília , Sales Maria J. A.
Published: May 2022

Bio-based polyurethanes (PU) have been developed as biodegradable and biocompatible, promising materials. In this work, PU foams with interesting properties and biodegradable characteristics were prepared from the polyols of linseed oil (LO) and passion fruit oil (PFO). The PUs reported herein were synthesized in 0.8 and 1.2 [NCO]/[OH] molar ratios, and were submitted to a soil degradation test, followed by analyses via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), stereomicroscope, thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results obtained indicate significant biodegradation activity. SEM micrographs of the PUs after soil the degradation test showed that the materials were susceptible to microbiological deterioration. TG/DTG curves showed that the PU samples were less thermally stable after the period of landfill than those freshly prepared. FTIR spectroscopy was used to identify chemical changes that occurred during biodegradation.
Crystal Breakage Due to Combined Normal and Shear Loading
Authors: Radel Benjamin , Gleiß Marco , Nirschl Hermann
Published: May 2022

Combined normal and shear stress on particles occurs in many devices for solid–liquid separation. Protein crystals are much more fragile compared to conventional crystals because of their high water content. Therefore, unwanted crystal breakage is to be expected in the processing of such materials. The influence of pressure and shearing has been investigated individually in the past. To analyze the influence of combined shear and normal stress on protein crystals, a modified shear cell for a ring shear tester is used. This device allows one to accurately vary the normal and shear stress on moist crystals in a saturated particle bed. Analyzing the protein crystals in a moist state is important because the mechanical properties change significantly after drying. The results show a big influence of the applied normal stress on crystal breakage while shearing. Higher normal loading leads to a much bigger comminution. The shear velocity, however, has a comparatively negligible influence.
Deformation Mechanism and Structural Changes in the Globular Ti-6Al-4V Alloy under Quasi-Static and Dynamic Compression: To the Question of the Controlling Phase in the Deformation of α+β Titanium Alloys
Authors: Markovsky Pavlo E. , Janiszewski Jacek , Dekhtyar Olexander , Mecklenburg Matthew , Prikhodko Sergey V.
Published: May 2022

The deformation mechanism of the Ti-6Al-4V (wt.%) alloy with globular structure was studied under conditions of quasi-static and high-strain compression with rates 10−3 s−1 and 2.1–3.3 × 103 s−1, respectively. High-strain compression was conducted using a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB). The details of the deformation mechanism were evaluated based on the analysis of the deformation hardening curves using the strain hardening exponent concept developed for titanium alloys in tension conditions. The used approach allowed us to identify the stages of plastic deformation observed and the controlling phase in deformation of two-phase alloy through the assessment of the strengthening index, n. It has been found that three deformation stages can be identified in quasi-static conditions. However, when the alloy is compressed at a high strain rate, the third deformation stage does not develop due to the high process rate. Further analysis of deformation curves reveals the leading role of the β-phase under the quasi-static conditions and the essential contribution of the second, α-phase, at a high compression rate. The findings on the deformation mechanism based on the analysis of hardening curves were supported by a detailed structural study.
The Role of Microstructure in Alkali–Silica Reaction Tests
Authors: Saccani Andrea , Manzi Stefania
Published: May 2022

Alkali–silica reactions were set off in cementitious mortars in different curing conditions, simulating short-term tests on reactivity. The investigated composites differed in some of their microstructural features. The total open porosity was modulated by changing the water/cement ratio and also by adding an air-entraining additive. By keeping the mortars’ porosity as the only variable, the effect on the measured expansion was evaluated. The dependence on porosity, specifically on the microstructure, of the macroscopic expansion that was used to assess the reactivity of the aggregates was studied. In particular, the connectivity of the porous network in the material, which is the dimension of the most frequent capillary porosity, exerts an influence on the expansion rate and extent. The results obtained under different conditions underline that the microstructure, that is the porosity of a composite and its size, always plays an important role in influencing the extent of expansion, a role that should be investigated and analyzed more deeply in accelerated procedures.
A First-Principles Study on the Structural and Carrier Transport Properties of Inorganic Perovskite CsPbI3 under Pressure
Authors: Huang Sheng , Jiao Mingzhi , Wang Xi , He Xinjian
Published: May 2022

Lead halide perovskite has attracted intensive attention for pressure and strain detection. Principally, pressure-induced changes in the structure and resistance of perovskite may bring great potential for developing high-performance piezoresistive pressure sensors. Herein, for the first time, we study the structural changes and the hot carrier cooling process of perovskite CsPbI3 under pressure based on density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory. The calculation results show that the lattice constant of CsPbI3 linearly decreases and the time and path of the hot carrier cooling process change apparently under pressure. Meanwhile, the pressure will change the transition dipole moment, and the position of the k-point will not affect the optical properties of perovskite. Subsequently, the electrical conductivity enlarges as the pressure increases due to the change in charge density caused by pressure, which will be helpful for its potential application in the pressure sensors.
Integrative Redescription of the Minibiotus intermedius (Plate, 1888)—The Type Species of the Genus Minibiotus R.O. Schuster, 1980
Authors: Kaczmarek Łukasz , Kayastha Pushpalata , Roszkowska Milena , Gawlak Magdalena , Mioduchowska Monika
Published: May 2022

In the present study, we used the integrative taxonomy approach to redescribe Minibiotus intermedius based on the newly found topotypic population in Marburg (Germany). As the original type material is not available, we designate a neotype to stabilize the taxonomy of the genus Minibiotus. Obtained mitochondrial COI barcode sequence and nuclear markers, i.e., 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA of M. intermedius from the neotype locality, were unique and distinct from those deposited in GenBank. In the first redescription of M. intermedius, only four specimens and no eggs from the neotype locality were analyzed. Moreover, genetic analyses were not conducted and barcodes were not available. Therefore, the present study, by establishing the neotype and providing integrative data on the neotype population, helps to better define the Minibiotus taxonomy and prevents further misunderstandings in the future.
Pediatric Brain Maturation and Migration Disorders
Authors: Barkovich Matthew J.
Published: May 2022

Neurodevelopmental disorders, including neuronal migration disorders, are best understood in the context of altered normal development. Neurons normally migrate from their site of origin to their (usually cortical) destination using a wide range of molecular and cellular signaling as a guide. In the case of abnormal migration neurons: (1) do not migrate and remain at their site of origin; (2) incompletely migrate and remain within the white matter; (3) migrate to the cortex but fail to organize correctly; or (4) over-migrate, beyond the cortex. In this review, we discuss normal brain development, along with the malformations that result from these different migration abnormalities.
Structural Conformation Comparison of Different Clear Aligner Systems: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Alhendi Aseel , Khounganian Rita , Ali Raisuddin , Syed Saeed Ali , Almudhi Abdullazez
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the structural conformations of three clear aligner systems, Eon®, SureSmile®, and Clarity®, and compare them with the most commonly used system, Invisalign®. Clear aligner samples from Invisalign®, Eon®, SureSmile®, and Clarity® were cut into 5 × 5 mm squares and exposed to artificial saliva for 2 weeks. The specimens were then subjected to a Vickers hardness test by applying three separate indentations with a 25 gf load for 15 s. Hardness was calculated using the following formula: Vickers hardness number = 1.854 (F/D2). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was performed, with a diamond hemisphere and infrared beam being allowed to pass through each specimen. A mid-infrared range from 4000 to 375 cm−1 was recorded. The samples were also evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis spectroscopy at different magnifications. No statistically significant differences were observed between the included systems with regard to hardness. All systems showed a polyurethane-based material, as illustrated by the FTIR analysis. Some structural variations were noted in the Invisalign® system, which had a more homogeneous architecture. Statistically significant differences in the carbon weights were found among the systems. The four systems presented comparable hardness levels. Mild molecular composition differences were found, but all systems had the similarity of being composed of a polyurethane-based material. Carbon and oxygen were the main elements, as they were located in all studied clear aligners. The SEM analysis revealed that Invisalign® had a smoother surface than the other three systems. All included clear aligners had similar characteristics with minimal differences, providing a wide variety of options for clinical orthodontic treatment according to patients’ demands.
Comparison of the Parameters of the Exergoeconomic Environmental Analysis of Two Combined Cycles of Three Pressure Levels with and without Postcombustion
Authors: Torres González Edgar Vicente , Castro Hernández Sergio , Lugo Méndez Helen Denise , Arroyo Cabañas Fernando Gabriel , Valencia López Javier , Lugo Leyte Raúl
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, in Mexico, most of the installed electricity generation capacity corresponds to combined cycles, representing 37.1%. For this reason, it is important to maintain these cycles in good operating conditions, with the least environmental impacts. An exergoeconomic and environmental analysis is realized to compare the operation of the combined cycle, with and without postcombustion, with the comparison of exergoeconomic and environmental indicators. With the productive structure of the energy system, the process of formation of the final products and the residues are identified, and an allocation criterion is also used to impute the formation cost of residue to the productive components related to its formation. This criterion considers the irreversibilities generated in each productive component that participates in the formation of a residue. The compositions of pollutant gases emitted are obtained, and their environmental impact is determined. The unit exergoeconomic cost of the power output in the gas turbine is lower in the combined cycle with postcombustion, indicating greater efficiency in the process of obtaining this energy stream, and the environmental indicators of global warming, smog formation and acid rain formation are higher in the combined cycle with postcombustion, these differences being 5.22%, 5.53% and 5.30%, respectively.
Connecting Students’ Interests to a Learning Context: The Case of Ecosystem Services in STEM Education
Authors: Mikhailova Elena A. , Post Christopher J. , Younts Grayson L. , Schlautman Mark A.
Published: May 2022

Interest in a subject matter is a powerful motivation in education. Prior knowledge of students’ interests can be helpful in teaching the concept of ecosystem services (ES) and disservices (ED), which is increasingly being used in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, including soil science. Study objectives were to evaluate prior students’ soil science-related interests and use them to expand the learning context of a laboratory exercise on soil reaction (pH) with ES/ED in an online introductory soil science course (FNR 2040: Soil Information Systems) taught at Clemson University. Students from multiple fields of study (environmental and natural resources, forestry, and wildlife biology) completed the laboratory exercise in Fall 2021. This exercise on soil regulating and provisioning ES/ED included a sequence of reusable learning objects (RLOs), which are self-contained online modules frequently used for e-learning. Laboratory activities included calculating the liming replacement cost of soil inorganic carbon (SIC) and avoided social cost of carbon (SC-CO2) from soil inorganic carbon (SIC) stocks in the assigned soil. The laboratory exercise was effective in increasing the familiarity with the concept of ES/ED (+39.4 increase in “extremely familiar” category) and the concept of SIC (+44.7 increase in “moderately familiar” category). The graded online quiz consisted of 9 questions and was taken by 55 students with an average score of 7.0 (out of 9). A post-assessment survey found that the laboratory was an effective way to learn about soil pH, SIC, and their ES/ED. Detailed student comments showed learning enjoyment (e.g., calculations, good experience), the value of multimedia (e.g., video, PowerPoint), the learning flexibility (e.g., separate parts), content applicability (e.g., economic values of services), and constructive criticism (e.g., clearer instructions, lots of information). A word cloud based on comments by the students about their soil ES laboratory exercise experience indicated the most common words submitted by students to describe their experience, such as “soil”, “calculations”, “enjoyed”, “learning”, and “values”, among others. Applied recommendations are proposed to develop future exercises based on the alignment of students’ interests, STEM subject matter, and ES/ED applications.
Task Scheduling in Cloud Computing Environment Using Advanced Phasmatodea Population Evolution Algorithms
Authors: Zhang An-Ning , Chu Shu-Chuan , Song Pei-Cheng , Wang Hui , Pan Jeng-Shyang
Published: May 2022

Cloud computing seems to be the result of advancements in distributed computing, parallel computing, and network computing. The management and allocation of cloud resources have emerged as a central research direction. An intelligent resource allocation system can significantly minimize the costs and wasting of resources. In this paper, we present a task scheduling technique based on the advanced Phasmatodea Population Evolution (APPE) algorithm in a heterogeneous cloud environment. The algorithm accelerates up the time taken for finding solutions by improving the convergent evolution of the nearest optimal solutions. It then adds a restart strategy to prevent the algorithm from entering local optimization and balance its exploration and development capabilities. Furthermore, the evaluation function is meant to find the best solutions by considering the makespan, resource cost, and load balancing degree. The results of the APPE algorithm being tested on 30 benchmark functions show that it outperforms similar algorithms. Simultaneously, the algorithm solves the task scheduling problem in the cloud computing environment. This method has a faster convergence time and greater resource usage when compared to other algorithms.
BER Minimization by User Pairing in Downlink NOMA Using Laser Chaos Decision-Maker
Authors: Sugiyama Masaki , Li Aohan , Duan Zengchao , Naruse Makoto , Hasegawa Mikio
Published: May 2022

In next-generation wireless communication systems, non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) has been recognized as essential technology for improving the spectrum efficiency. NOMA allows multiple users transmit data using the same resource block simultaneously with proper user pairing. Most of the pairing schemes, however, require prior information, such as location information of the users, leading to difficulties in realizing prompt user pairing. To realize real-time operations without prior information in NOMA, a bandit algorithm using chaotically oscillating time series, which we refer to as the laser chaos decision-maker, was demonstrated. However, this scheme did not consider the detailed communication processes, e.g., modulation, error correction code, etc. In this study, in order to adapt the laser chaos decision-maker to real communication systems, we propose a user pairing scheme based on acknowledgment (ACK) and negative acknowledgment (NACK) information considering detailed communication channels. Furthermore, based on the insights gained by the analysis of parameter dependencies, we introduce an adaptive pairing method to minimize the bit error rate of the NOMA system under study. The numerical results show that the proposed method achieves superior performances than the traditional using pairing schemes, i.e., Conventional-NOMA pairing scheme (C-NOMA) and Unified Channel Gain Difference pairing scheme (UCGD-NOMA), and ϵ-greedy-based user pairing scheme. As the cell radius of the NOMA system gets smaller, the superior on the BER of our proposed scheme gets bigger. Specifically, our proposed scheme can decrease the BER from 10−1 to 10−5 compared to the conventional schemes when the cell radius is 400 m.
Modern Optimal Controllers for Hybrid Active Power Filter to Minimize Harmonic Distortion
Authors: Alasali Feras , Nusair Khaled , Foudeh Husam , Holderbaum William , Vinayagam Arangarajan , Aziz Asma
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, AC distributed power networks are facing many challenges in guaranteeing and improving the required level of power quality indices in power networks with increasing nonlinear, time-variable and unbalanced loads. Power networks can benefit from avoiding and minimizing different AC problems, such as frequency fluctuation and Total Harmonic Distortions (THDs), by using power filters, such as Hybrid Active Power Filters (HAPFs). Therefore, attention towards responsible power quality indices, such as Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), Power Factor (P.F) and Harmonic Pollution (HP) has increased. THD and HP are important indices to show the level of power quality at the network. In this paper, modern optimization techniques have been employed to optimize HAPF parameters, and minimize HP, by using a nature-inspired optimization algorithm, namely, Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA). The WOA algorithm is compared to the most competitive powerful metaheuristic optimization algorithms: Manta Ray Foraging Optimization (MRFO), Artificial Ecosystem-based Optimization (AEO) and Golden Ratio Optimization Method (GROM). In addition, the WOA, and the proposed modern optimization algorithms, are compared to the most competitive metaheuristic optimization algorithm for HAPF from the literature, called L-SHADE. The comparison results show that the WOA algorithm outperformed all other optimization algorithms, in terms of minimizing harmonic pollution, through optimizing parameters of HAPF; therefore, this paper aims to present the WOA as a powerful control model for HAPF.
High-Power Electromagnetic Pulse Effect Prediction for Vehicles Based on Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Cao Le , Hao Shuai , Zhao Yuan , Wang Cheng
Published: May 2022

This study presents a prediction model for high-power electromagnetic pulse (HPEMP) effects on aboveground vehicles based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Since a vehicle is often located aboveground and is close to the air-ground–half-space interface, the electromagnetic energy coupled into the vehicle by the ground reflected waves cannot be ignored. Consequently, the analysis of the vehicle’s HPEMP effect is a composite electromagnetic scattering problem of the half-space and the vehicles above it, which is often analyzed using different half-space numerical methods. However, traditional numerical methods are often limited by the complexity of the actual half-space models and the high computational demands of complex targets. In this study, a prediction method is proposed based on a CNN, which can analyze the electric field and energy density under different incident conditions and half-space environments. Compared with the half-space finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, the accuracy of the prediction results was above 98% after completing the training of the CNN network, which proves the correctness and effectiveness of the method. In summary, the CNN prediction model in this study can provide a reference for evaluating the HPEMP effect on the target over a complex half-space medium.
The Performance of Induction Machines
Authors: Palka Ryszard
Published: May 2022

Induction machines are one of the most important technical applications for both the industrial world and private use [...]
Power Converter Solutions for Industrial PV Applications—A Review
Authors: Verbytskyi Ievgen , Lukianov Mykola , Nassereddine Kawsar , Pakhaliuk Bohdan , Husev Oleksandr , Strzelecki Ryszard Michał
Published: May 2022

As the use of photovoltaics becomes more widespread, new technologies for more efficient energy generation, transmission, and distribution based on power electronics converters are being developed. The most common applications are grid-on, energy storage, hybrid, and high voltage gain applications. These applications impose several additional requirements in the design of power converters associated with the solar battery’s maximum power tracking and operation in a wide range of input currents and voltages. The practical realization of such solutions can be implemented on the basis of various topologies, which requires a preliminary application of criteria for assessing their effectiveness. The paper conducts a comparison of different topologies on power converters based on two parameters that describe their cost and power loss for various PV applications. For a straightforward study, these parameters are represented using the gain factor, which allows for an accurate comparison of the efficiency of various types of converters.
A Fuzzy-Genetic-Based Integration of Renewable Energy Sources and E-Vehicles
Authors: Agrawal Himanshi , Talwariya Akash , Gill Amandeep , Singh Aman , Alyami Hashem , Alosaimi Wael , Ortega-Mansilla Arturo
Published: May 2022

E-Vehicles are used for transportation and, with a vehicle-to-grid optimization approach, they may be used for supplying a backup source of energy for renewable energy sources. Renewable energy sources are integrated to maintain the demand of consumers, mitigate the active and reactive power losses, and maintain the voltage profile. Renewable energy sources are not supplied all day and, to meet the peak demand, extra electricity may be supplied through e-Vehicles. E-Vehicles with random integration may cause system unbalancing problems and need a solution. The objective of this paper is to integrate e-Vehicles with the grid as a backup source of energy through the grid-to-vehicle optimization approach by reducing active and reactive power losses and maintaining voltage profile. In this paper, three case studies are discussed: (i) integration of renewable energy sources alone; (ii) integration of e-Vehicles alone; (iii) integration of renewable energy sources and e-Vehicles in hybrid mode. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the integration and the active and reactive power losses are minimum when we used the third case.
The Economic Situation of Polish Cities in Post-Mining Regions. Long-Term Analysis on the Example of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin
Authors: Jonek-Kowalska Izabela , Turek Marian
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this article is to identify the long-term economic consequences of mine decommissioning for five selected cities located in Poland in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. It is carried out over a period of 18 years and covers the period 2003–2020. The economic effects of decommissioning are examined in the context of the budgets of cities where mining plants were closed. In the course of the analyses, the authors of the article attempt to answer the following research questions: (1) has the decommissioning of the mines influenced the current and strategic situation of the examined cities in terms of their budgets? (2) Have the examined cities felt the economic effects of mine decommissioning in a similar way? The assessment of the economic effects of mine decommissioning was carried out from the following two perspectives: (1) operational, relating to the balance of local budgets, and (2) strategic, taking into account the level of long-term liabilities of the examined cities. As part of the research methodology, budget analysis, descriptive statistics, dynamics and trends analysis, correlation and comparative analysis were used. The research carried out in the article shows that the decommissioning of hard coal mines in the examined cities of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin had a negative impact on the balance of local budgets and the level of long-term debt. This was especially true in the cities where all the mines had been decommissioned and which had no way of replacing the mining industry with other economic alternatives. The cities with more diversified economic activity and sources of income were in a better economic condition.
Special Issue: Feature Papers in Eng 2021
Authors: Gil Bravo Antonio
Published: May 2022

The aim of this first Eng Special Issue is to collect experimental and theoretical research relating to engineering science and technology [...]
Water Uptake Pattern by Coniferous Forests in Two Habitats Linked to Precipitation Changes in Subtropical Monsoon Climate Region, China
Authors: Jia Jianbo , Chen Yu , Lu Jia , Yan Wende
Published: May 2022

Variations in precipitation patterns under climate changes influence water availability, which has important implications for plants’ water use and the sustainability of vegetation. However, the water uptake patterns of the main forest species under different temporal spatial conditions of water availability remain poorly understood, especially in areas of high temporal spatial heterogeneity, such as the subtropical monsoon climate region of China. We investigated the water uptake patterns and physiological factors of the most widespread and coniferous forest species, Cunninghamia lanceolata L. and Pinus massoniana L., in the early wet season with short drought (NP), high antecedent precipitation (HP), and low antecedent precipitation (LP), as well as in the early dry season (DP), in edaphic and rocky habitats. The results showed that the two species mainly absorbed soil water from shallow layers, even in the short drought period in the wet season and switched to deeper layers in the early dry season in both habitats. It was noted that the trees utilized deep layers water in edaphic habitats when the antecedent rainfall was high. The two species showed no significant differences in water uptake depth, but exhibited notably distinct leaf water potential behavior. C. lanceolata maintained less negative predawn and midday water potential, whereas P. massoniana showed higher diurnal water potential ranges. Moreover, the water potential of P. massoniana was negatively associated with the antecedent precipitation amount. These results indicate that for co-existing species in these communities, there is significant eco-physiological niche segregation but no eco-hydrological segregation. For tree species in two habitats, the water uptake depth was influenced by the available soil water but the physiological factors were unchanged, and were determined by the species’ genes. Furthermore, during the long drought in the growing season, we observed probable divergent responses of C. lanceolata and P. massoniana, such as growth restriction for the former and hydraulic failure for the latter. However, when the precipitation was heavy and long, these natural species were able to increase the ecohydrological linkages between the ecosystem and the deep-layer system in this edaphic habitat.
The Potential of Widespread UAV Cameras in the Identification of Conifers and the Delineation of Their Crowns
Authors: Komárek Jan , Klápště Petr , Hrach Karel , Klouček Tomáš
Published: May 2022

With the ever-improving advances in computer vision and Earth observation capabilities, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) allow extensive forest inventory and the description of stand structure indirectly. We performed several flights with different UAVs and popular sensors over two sites with coniferous forests of various ages and flight levels using the custom settings preset by solution suppliers. The data were processed using image-matching techniques, yielding digital surface models, which were further analyzed using the lidR package in R. Consumer-grade RGB cameras were consistently more successful in the identification of individual trees at all of the flight levels (84–77% for Phantom 4), compared to the success of multispectral cameras, which decreased with higher flight levels and smaller crowns (77–54% for RedEdge-M). Regarding the accuracy of the measured crown diameters, RGB cameras yielded satisfactory results (Mean Absolute Error—MAE of 0.79–0.99 m and 0.88–1.16 m for Phantom 4 and Zenmuse X5S, respectively); multispectral cameras overestimated the height, especially in the full-grown forests (MAE = 1.26–1.77 m). We conclude that widely used low-cost RGB cameras yield very satisfactory results for the description of the structural forest information at a 150 m flight altitude. When (multi)spectral information is needed, we recommend reducing the flight level to 100 m in order to acquire sufficient structural forest information. The study contributes to the current knowledge by directly comparing widely used consumer-grade UAV cameras and providing a clear elementary workflow for inexperienced users, thus helping entry-level users with the initial steps and supporting the usability of such data in practice.
Response-Surface Statistical Optimization of Submerged Fermentation for Pectinase and Cellulase Production by Mucor circinelloides and M. hiemalis
Authors: Al Mousa Amal A. , Hassane Abdallah M. A. , Gomaa Abd El-Rahman F. , Aljuriss Jana A. , Dahmash Noura D. , Abo-Dahab Nageh F.
Published: May 2022

Cellulase and pectinase are degrading cellulosic and pectic substances that form plant cell walls and, thereby, they have a wide range of applications in the agro-industrial by-products recycling and food industries. In the current research, Mucor circinelloides and M. hiemalis strains were tested for their ability to produce cellulase and pectinase from tangerine peel by submerged fermentation. Experiments on five variables: temperature, pH, incubation period, inoculum size, and substrate concentration, were designed with a Box–Behnken design, as well as response surface methodology (RSM), and analysis of variance was performed. In addition, cellulase and pectinase were partially purified and characterized. At their optimum parameters, M. circinelloides and M. hiemalis afforded high cellulase production (37.20 U/mL and 33.82 U/mL, respectively) and pectinase (38.02 U/mL and 39.76 U/mL, respectively). The partial purification of M. circinelloides and M. hiemalis cellulase produced 1.73- and 2.03-fold purification with 31.12 and 32.02% recovery, respectively; meanwhile, 1.74- and 1.99-fold purification with 31.26 and 31.51% recovery, respectively, were obtained for pectinase. Partially purified cellulase and pectinase from M. circinelloides and M. hiemalis demonstrated the highest activity at neutral pH, and 70 and 50 °C, for cellulase and 50 and 60 °C, for pectinase, respectively. Moreover, 10 mM of K+ increased M. circinelloides enzymatic activity. The production of cellulase and pectinase from M. circinelloides and M. hiemalis utilizing RSM is deemed profitable for the decomposition of agro-industrial wastes.
A Fairness-Aware Peer-to-Peer Decentralized Learning Framework with Heterogeneous Devices
Authors: Chen Zheyi , Liao Weixian , Tian Pu , Wang  Qianlong , Yu Wei
Published: May 2022

Distributed machine learning paradigms have benefited from the concurrent advancement of deep learning and the Internet of Things (IoT), among which federated learning is one of the most promising frameworks, where a central server collaborates with local learners to train a global model. The inherent heterogeneity of IoT devices, i.e., non-independent and identically distributed (non-i.i.d.) data, and the inconsistent communication network environment results in the bottleneck of a degraded learning performance and slow convergence. Moreover, most weight averaging-based model aggregation schemes raise learning fairness concerns. In this paper, we propose a peer-to-peer decentralized learning framework to tackle the above issues. Particularly, each local client iteratively finds a learning pair to exchange the local learning model. By doing this, multiple learning objectives are optimized to advocate for learning fairness while avoiding small-group domination. The proposed fairness-aware approach allows local clients to adaptively aggregate the received model based on the local learning performance. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach is capable of significantly improving the efficacy of federated learning and outperforms the state-of-the-art schemes under real-world scenarios, including balanced-i.i.d., unbalanced-i.i.d., balanced-non.i.i.d., and unbalanced-non.i.i.d. environments.
Channel Characterization and SC-FDM Modulation for PLC in High-Voltage Power Lines
Authors: Del Puerto-Flores Jose Alberto , Naredo José Luis , Peña-Campos Fernando , Del-Valle-Soto Carolina , Valdivia Leonardo J. , Parra-Michel Ramón
Published: May 2022

Digital communication over power lines is an active field of research and most studies in this field focus on low-voltage (LV) and medium-voltage (MV) power systems. Nevertheless, as power companies are starting to provide communication services and as smart-grid technologies are being incorporated into power networks, high-voltage (HV) power-line communication has become attractive. The main constraint of conventional HV power-line carrier (PLC) systems is their unfeasibility for being migrated to wideband channels, even with a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In this scenario, none of the current linear/non-linear equalizers used in single carrier schemes achieve the complete compensation of the highly dispersive conditions, which limits their operation to 4 kHz channels. In this paper, a new PLC-channel model is introduced for transmission lines incorporating the effects of the coupling equipment. In addition, the use of the single-carrier frequency-division modulation (SC-FDM) is proposed as a solution to operate PLC systems in a wide bandwidth, achieving transmission speeds above those of the conventional PLC system. The results presented in this paper demonstrate the superior performance of the SC-FDM-PLC over conventional PLC systems, obtaining a higher transmission capacity in 10 to 30 times.
A System Proposal for Information Management in Building Sector Based on BIM, SSI, IoT and Blockchain
Authors: Cocco Luisanna , Tonelli Roberto , Marchesi Michele
Published: May 2022

This work presents a Self Sovereign Identity based system proposal to show how Blockchain, Building Information Modeling, Internet of Thing devices, and Self Sovereign Identity concepts can support the process of building digitalization, guaranteeing the compliance standards and technical regulations. The proposal ensures eligibility, transparency and traceability of all information produced by stakeholders, or generated by IoT devices appropriately placed, during the entire life cycle of a building artifact. By exploiting the concepts of the Self Sovereign Identity, our proposal allows the identification of all involved stakeholders, the storage off-chain of all information, and that on-chain of the sole data necessary for the information notarization and certification, adopting multi-signature approval mechanisms where appropriate. In addition it allows the eligibility verification of the certificated information, providing also useful information for facility management. It is proposed as an innovative system and companies that adopt the Open Innovation paradigm might want to pursue it. The model proposal is designed exploiting the Veramo platform, hence the Ethereum Blockchain, and all the recommendations about Self Sovereign Identity systems given by the European Blockchain Partnership, and by the World Wide Web Consortium.
Modifying the Quality of Pig Carcasses, Meat, and Dry Fermented Sausage from Black Slavonian Pigs by Selecting the Final Body Weight and Nutrition
Authors: Samac Danijela , Senčić Đuro , Antunović Zvonko , Novoselec Josip , Prakatur Ivana , Steiner Zvonimir , Klir Šalavardić Željka , Ronta Mario , Kovačić Đurđica
Published: May 2022

A total of 96 Black Slavonian pigs were subjected to the research, in which they were split into 6 groups. Three groups (100, 120, and 130 kg) were fed a higher level (HL) of crude protein in fodder mixtures (CPFM), and three groups (100, 120, and 130 kg) were fed a lower level (LL) of CPFM. After the pigs were slaughtered, pig carcasses were dissected and the meat and halves quality indicators were determined. According to the influence of the final body weight (BW) and nutrition of pigs on the quality of their halves, meat, and dry fermented sausages (kulens), it was concluded that feeding an HL of CPFM increased the proportion of loin, belly rib part, and chin and increased the muscle tissue in the ham, loin, shoulder, neck, and belly rib parts. However, the chemical composition of the meat and the sensory properties of the kulen were not significantly affected by feeding the pigs an HL of CPFM. It was concluded that, by selecting the final BW and adjusting the feeding strategies for pigs, it is possible to modify the conformation and composition of pig carcasses and the quality of meat and kulens produced from the Black Slavonian pig, which is important because consumers prefer products with certain characteristics and of a standard quality and are ready to pay for them.