bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Additive Manufacturing in Off-Site Construction: Review and Future Directions
Authors: Pasco Jubert , Lei Zhen , Aranas Clodualdo
Published: January 2022

Additive manufacturing (AM) is one of the pillars of Industry 4.0 to attain a circular economy. The process involves a layer-by-layer deposition of material from a computer-aided-design (CAD) model to form complex shapes. Fast prototyping and waste minimization are the main benefits of employing such a technique. AM technology is presently revolutionizing various industries such as electronics, biomedical, defense, and aerospace. Such technology can be complemented with standardized frameworks to attract industrial acceptance, such as in the construction industry. Off-site construction has the potential to improve construction efficiency by adopting AM. In this paper, the types of additive manufacturing processes were reviewed, with emphasis on applications in off-site construction. This information was complemented with a discussion on the types and mechanical properties of materials that can be produced using AM techniques, particularly metallic components. Strategies to assess cost and material considerations such as Production line Breakdown Structure (PBS) and Value Stream Mapping are highlighted. In addition, a comprehensive approach that evaluates the entire life cycle of the component was suggested when comparing AM techniques and conventional manufacturing options.
Measuring the Construction Project Resilience from the Perspective of Employee Behaviors
Authors: He Zheng , Wang Genda , Chen Huihua , Zou Zhuojun , Yan Hongyan , Liu Linlin
Published: January 2022

The increasing developmental potentiality for the construction industry brings the huge challenge to make up the limitation of traditional construction project management mode when adapting to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Due to the high energy and resource consumption for the construction projects, there are a large number of uncertainties and disturbances in achieving resilient urban infrastructure. Studying construction project resilience (CPR) is imperative. However, prior studies preferred to measure resilience by systemic indicators, which are complex and unfriendly. Studying CPR from the perspective of employee behavior (EB) remains rare. Hence, this study proposed a social network analysis (SNA) methodology to overcome the research gap. Firstly, six EBs are identified by the systematic literature review (SLR). Then, the critical employees (CEs) and their interrelationships are investigated to form the social network. Six SNA parameters including density, degree centrality, betweenness centrality, efficiency, constraint, and cliques are selected to model the EBs, namely PMT cohesion, the identity of the project culture, formal behavior between employees, collaboration efficacy, informal social constraints, and reciprocity and mutual trust. Finally, the value of CPR is obtained and the strategies for improving the CPR are proposed from four characteristics: robustness, redundancy, rapidity, and resourcefulness. The findings provided a simple and effective techniques to measure the CPR and could benefit the project manager to improve the CPR by exerting accurate strategies to the EBs in poor performance.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery for Primary Hepatobiliary Tumors—Possibilities and Limitations
Authors: Spiegelberg Julia , Iken Tanja , Diener Markus K. , Fichtner-Feigl Stefan
Published: January 2022

Hepatocellular and cholangiocellular carcinoma are fatal primary hepatic tumors demanding extensive liver resection. Liver surgery is technically challenging due to the complex liver anatomy, with an intensive and variant vascular and biliary system. Therefore, major hepatectomies in particular are often performed by open resection and minor hepatectomies are often performed minimally invasively. More centers have adopted robotic-assisted surgery, intending to improve the laparoscopic surgical limits, as it offers some technical benefits such as seven degrees of freedom and 3D visualization. The da Vinci® Surgical System has dominated the surgical robot market since 2000 and has shown surgical feasibility, but there is still much controversy about its economic benefits and real benefits for the patient over the gold standard. The currently available retrospective case studies are difficult to compare, and larger, prospective studies and randomized trials are still urgently missing. Therefore, here we summarize the technical, surgical, and economic outcomes of robotic versus open and laparoscopic hepatectomies for primary liver tumors found in the latest literature reviews and meta-analyses. We conclude that complex robotic liver resections (RLR) are safe and feasible after the steep learning curve of the surgical team has plateaued. The financial burden is lower in high volume centers and is expected to decrease soon as new surgical systems will enter the market.
Correlation of Leptin, Proinflammatory Cytokines and Oxidative Stress with Tumor Size and Disease Stage of Endometrioid (Type I) Endometrial Cancer and Review of the Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Madeddu Clelia , Sanna Elisabetta , Gramignano Giulia , Tanca Luciana , Cherchi Maria Cristina , Mola Brunella , Petrillo Marco , Macciò Antonio
Published: January 2022

Endometrioid endometrial cancer is associated with increased BMI and obesity through multiple pathogenetic mechanisms involving hyperestrogenism, hyperinsulinemia, altered adipokine secretion, inflammation, and oxidative stress. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between BMI, leptin, the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNFα, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the traditional prognostic factors T, G, N and M status among type I endometrioid and type II endometrial cancer patients. We enrolled 305 consecutive endometrial cancer patients prospectively. We found that BMI, leptin, and IL-6 significantly correlated with T status, N status, and M status among endometrioid type I endometrial cancer patients. Among type II endometrial cancer patients, BMI and leptin did not correlate with any of the prognostic parameters, whereas there was a positive correlation between IL-6 and the presence of distant metastases. In the multivariate regression analysis, BMI, leptin, and IL-6 were independent predictive variables of T, N, and M status in endometrioid type I endometrial cancer patients. Our study demonstrates that weight gain, adiposity-related adipokines, inflammation, and oxidative stress correlate with the prognostic factors of endometrioid endometrial cancer. Knowledge of the role of obesity-related biological pathways and mediators in the pathogenesis and prognosis of endometrioid endometrial malignancies may offer new perspectives on combined therapeutic strategies that have not been explored to date, both in the advanced disease and in the adjuvant setting.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Malignant Rhabdoid and Small Cell Undifferentiated Liver Tumors: A Rational for a Uniform Classification
Authors: Fuchs Juri , Murtha-Lemekhova Anastasia , Kessler Markus , Ruping Fabian , Günther Patrick , Fichtner Alexander , Sturm Dominik , Hoffmann Katrin
Published: January 2022

Background: Rhabdoid liver tumors in children are rare and have a devastating prognosis. Reliable diagnosis and targeted treatment approaches are urgently needed. Immunohistochemical and genetic studies suggest that tumors formerly classified as small cell undifferentiated hepatoblastoma (SCUD) belong to the entity of malignant rhabdoid tumors of the liver (MRTL), in contrast to hepatoblastomas with focal small cell histology (F-SCHB). This may have relevant implications on therapeutic approaches. However, studies with larger cohorts investigating the clinical relevance of the histological and genetic similarities for patients are lacking. Purpose: To analyze possible similarities and differences in patient characteristics, tumor biology, response to treatment, and clinical course of patients with MRTL, SCUD and F-SCHB. Applied therapeutic regimens and prognostic factors are investigated. Methods: A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, and CENTRAL was performed for this PRISMA-compliant systematic review. All studies of patients with MRTL, SCUD and F-SCHB that provided individual patient data were included. Demographic, histological, and clinical characteristics of the three subgroups were compared. Overall survival (OS) was estimated with the Kaplan–Meier method and prognostic factors investigated in a multivariable Cox regression model. Protocol registered: PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021258760. Results: Fifty-six studies with a total of 118 patients were included. The two subgroups MRTL and SCUD did not differ significantly in baseline patient characteristics. However, heterogenous diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms were applied. Large histological and clinical overlap between SCUD and MRTL could be shown. Two-year OS was 22% for MRTL and 13% for SCUD, while it was significantly better in F-SCHD (86%). Chemotherapeutic regimens for hepatoblastoma proved to be ineffective for both SCUD and MRTL, but successful in F-SCHB. Soft tissue sarcoma chemotherapy was associated with significantly better survival for MRTL and SCUD, but was rarely applied in SCUD. Patients who did not undergo surgical tumor resection had a significantly higher risk of death. Conclusions: While F-SCHB is a subtype of HB, SCUD should be classified and treated as a type of MRTL. Surgical tumor resection in combination with intensive, multi-agent chemotherapy is the only chance for cure of these tumors. Targeted therapies are highly needed to improve prognosis. Currently, aggressive regimens including soft tissue sarcoma chemotherapy, extensive resection, radiotherapy or even liver transplantation are the only option for affected children.
Nanoparticle-Based Modification of the DNA Methylome: A Therapeutic Tool for Atherosclerosis?
Authors: Márquez-Sánchez Ana Cristina , Sánchez-Segura Lino , Lund Gertrud , Zaina Silvio
Published: January 2022

Cardiovascular epigenomics is a relatively young field of research, yet it is providing novel insights into gene regulation in the atherosclerotic arterial wall. That information is already pointing to new avenues for atherosclerosis (AS) prevention and therapy. In parallel, advances in nanoparticle (NP) technology allow effective targeting of drugs and bioactive molecules to the vascular wall. The partnership of NP technology and epigenetics in AS is just beginning and promises to produce novel exciting candidate treatments. Here, we briefly discuss the most relevant recent advances in the two fields. We focus on AS and DNA methylation, as the DNA methylome of that condition is better understood in comparison with the rest of the cardiovascular disease field. In particular, we review the most recent advances in NP-based delivery systems and their use for DNA methylome modification in inflammation. We also address the promises of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors for prevention and therapy. Furthermore, we emphasize the unique challenges in designing therapies that target the cardiovascular epigenome. Lastly, we touch the issue of human exposure to industrial NPs and its impact on the epigenome as a reminder of the undesired effects that any NP-based therapy must avoid to be apt for secondary prevention of AS.
Structure and Photocatalytic Activity of Copper and Carbon-Doped Metallic Zn Phase-Rich ZnO Oxide Films
Authors: Tuckute Simona , Varnagiris Sarunas , Urbonavicius Marius , Demikyte Emilija , Bockute Kristina , Lelis Martynas
Published: January 2022

ZnO is one of the most important industrial metal oxide semiconductors. However, in order to fully realise its potential, the electronic structure of ZnO has to be modified to better fit the needs of specific fields. Recent studies demonstrated that reactive magnetron sputtering under Zn-rich conditions promotes the formation of intrinsic ZnO defects and allows the deposition of metallic Zn phase-rich ZnO films. In photocatalytic efficiency tests these films were superior to traditional ZnO oxide, therefore, the purposeful formation of intrinsic ZnO defects, namely Zn interstitials and oxygen vacancies, can be considered as advantageous self-doping. Considering that such self-doped ZnO remains a semiconductor, the natural question is if it is possible to further improve its properties by adding extrinsic dopants. Accordingly, in the current study, the metallic Zn phase-rich ZnO oxide film formation process (reactive magnetron sputtering) was supplemented by simultaneous sputtering of copper or carbon. Effects of the selected dopants on the structure of self-doped ZnO were investigated by X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscope and photoluminescence techniques. Meanwhile, its effect on photocatalytic activity was estimated by visible light activated bleaching of Methylene Blue. It was observed that both dopants modify the microstructure of the films, but only carbon has a positive effect on photocatalytic efficiency.
Generation of Human Stomach Cancer iPSC-Derived Organoids Induced by Helicobacter pylori Infection and Their Application to Gastric Cancer Research
Authors: Ku Chia-Chen , Wuputra Kenly , Pan Jia-Bin , Li Chia-Pei , Liu Chung-Jung , Liu Yi-Chang , Saito Shigeo , Chan Te-Fu , Lin Chang-Shen , Wu Deng-Chyang , Yokoyama Kazunari K.
Published: January 2022

There is considerable cellular diversity in the human stomach, which has helped to clarify cell plasticity in normal development and tumorigenesis. Thus, the stomach is an interesting model for understanding cellular plasticity and for developing prospective anticancer therapeutic agents. However, many questions remain regarding the development of cancers in vivo and in vitro in two- or three-dimensional (2D/3D) cultures, as well as the role of Helicobacter pylori (H. p.) infection. Here, we focus on the characteristics of cancer stem cells and their derived 3D organoids in culture, including the formation of stem cell niches. We define the conditions required for such organoid culture in vitro and examine the ability of such models for testing the use of anticancer agents. We also summarize the signaling cascades and the specific markers of stomach-cancer-derived organoids induced by H. p. infection, and their stem cell niches.
The Role of the Dynamic Lung Extracellular Matrix Environment on Fibroblast Morphology and Inflammation
Authors: Hackett Tillie-Louise , Vriesde Noamie R. T. F. , AL-Fouadi May , Mostaco-Guidolin Leila , Maftoun Delaram , Hsieh Aileen , Coxson Nicole , Usman Kauna , Sin Don D. , Booth Steve , Osei Emmanuel T.
Published: January 2022

The extracellular matrix (ECM) supports lung tissue architecture and physiology by providing mechanical stability and elastic recoil. Over the last several decades, it has become increasingly clear that the stiffness of the ECM governs many cellular processes, including cell-phenotype and functions during development, healing, and disease. Of all the lung ECM proteins, collagen-I is the most abundant and provides tensile strength. In many fibrotic lung diseases, the expression of collagen is increased which affects the stiffness of the surrounding environment. The goal of this study was to assess the effect on fibroblast morphology, cell death, and inflammation when exposed to 2D and 3D low (0.4 mg/mL) versus high (2.0 mg/mL) collagen-I-matrix environments that model the mechanics of the breathing lung. This study demonstrates that human fetal lung fibroblasts (HFL1), grown in a 3D collagen type-I environment compared to a 2D one, do not form cells with a myofibroblast morphology, express less F-actin stress fibers, exhibit less cell death, and significantly produce less pro-inflammatory IL-6 and IL-8 cytokines. Exposure to mechanical strain to mimic breathing (0.2 Hz) led to the loss of HFL1 fibroblast dendritic extensions as well as F-actin stress fibers within the cell cytoskeleton, but did not influence cytokine production or cell death. This dynamic assay gives researchers the ability to consider the assessment of the mechanodynamic nature of the lung ECM environment in disease-relevant models and the potential of mechano-pharmacology to identify therapeutic targets for treatment.
An Imaging and Computational Algorithm for Efficient Identification and Quantification of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Authors: Singhal Apurwa , Yadav Shubhi , Chandra Tulika , Mulay Shrikant R. , Gaikwad Anil Nilkanth , Kumar Sachin
Published: January 2022

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are associated with multiple disease pathologies including sepsis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, systemic lupus erythematosus, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and COVID-19. NETs, being a disintegrated death form, suffered inconsistency in their identification, nomenclature, and quantifications that hindered therapeutic approaches using NETs as a target. Multiple strategies including microscopy, ELISA, immunoblotting, flow cytometry, and image-stream-based methods have exhibited drawbacks such as being subjective, non-specific, error-prone, and not being high throughput, and thus demand the development of innovative and efficient approaches for their analyses. Here, we established an imaging and computational algorithm using high content screening (HCS)—cellomics platform that aid in easy, rapid, and specific detection as well as analyses of NETs. This method employed membrane-permeable and impermeable DNA dyes in situ to identify NET-forming cells. Automated algorithm-driven single-cell analysis of change in nuclear morphology, increase in nuclear area, and change in intensities provided precise detection of NET-forming cells and eliminated user bias with other cell death modalities. Further combination with Annexin V staining in situ detected specific death pathway, e.g., apoptosis, and thus, discriminated between NETs, apoptosis, and necrosis. Our approach does not utilize fixation and permeabilization steps that disturb NETs, and thus, allows the time-dependent monitoring of NETs. Together, this specific imaging-based high throughput method for NETs analyses may provide a good platform for the discovery of potential inhibitors of NET formation and/or agents to modulate neutrophil death, e.g., NETosis-apoptosis switch, as an alternative strategy to enhance the resolution of inflammation.
The Contribution of Non-Neuronal Cells in Neurodegeneration: From Molecular Pathogenesis to Therapeutic Challenges
Authors: D’Ambrosi Nadia , Cozzolino Mauro , Apolloni Savina
Published: January 2022

Neuron loss occurring in neurodegenerative diseases represents just the final step in a series of events involving several cell types, other than neurons, that actively contribute to the overall pathogenic mechanisms by establishing harmful non-cell autonomous effects [...]
Organophosphorus Flame Retardant TDCPP Displays Genotoxic and Carcinogenic Risks in Human Liver Cells
Authors: Saquib Quaiser , Al-Salem Abdullah M. , Siddiqui Maqsood A. , Ansari Sabiha M. , Zhang Xiaowei , Al-Khedhairy Abdulaziz A.
Published: January 2022

Tris(1,3-Dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TDCPP) is an organophosphorus flame retardant (OPFR) widely used in a variety of consumer products (plastics, furniture, paints, foams, and electronics). Scientific evidence has affirmed the toxicological effects of TDCPP in in vitro and in vivo test models; however, its genotoxicity and carcinogenic effects in human cells are still obscure. Herein, we present genotoxic and carcinogenic properties of TDCPP in human liver cells (HepG2). 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and neutral red uptake (NRU) assays demonstrated survival reduction in HepG2 cells after 3 days of exposure at higher concentrations (100–400 μM) of TDCPP. Comet assay and flow cytometric cell cycle experiments showed DNA damage and apoptosis in HepG2 cells after 3 days of TDCPP exposure. TDCPP treatment incremented the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), Ca2+ influx, and esterase level in exposed cells. HepG2 mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) significantly declined and cytoplasmic localization of P53, caspase 3, and caspase 9 increased after TDCPP exposure. qPCR array quantification of the human cancer pathway revealed the upregulation of 11 genes and downregulation of two genes in TDCPP-exposed HepG2 cells. Overall, this is the first study to explicitly validate the fact that TDCPP bears the genotoxic, hepatotoxic, and carcinogenic potential, which may jeopardize human health.
Tailoring Properties of Hafnium Nitride Thin Film via Reactive Gas-Timing RF Magnetron Sputtering for Surface Enhanced-Raman Scattering Substrates
Authors: Sucheewa Nguentra , Wongwiriyapan Winadda , Klamchuen Annop , Obata Michiko , Fujishige Masatsugu , Takeuchi Kenji , Lertvanithphol Tossaporn , Wutikhun Tuksadon , Kullyakool Saifon , Auttasiri Wanwalee , Sowasod Nataporn , Prataen Theerayut , Tanthapanichakoon Wiwut , Nukeaw Jiti
Published: January 2022

This study successfully demonstrated the tailoring properties of hafnium nitride (HfN) thin films via reactive gas-timing (RGT) RF magnetron sputtering for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate applications. The optimal RGT sputtering condition was investigated by varying the duration time of the argon and nitrogen gas sequence. The RGT technique formed thin films with a grain size of approximately 15 nm. Additionally, the atomic ratios of nitrogen and hafnium can be controlled between 0.24 and 0.28, which is greater than the conventional technique, resulting in a high absorbance in the long wavelength region. Moreover, the HfN thin film exhibited a high Raman signal intensity with an EF of 8.5 × 104 to methylene blue molecules and was capable of being reused five times. A superior performance of HfN as a SERS substrate can be attributed to its tailored grain size and chemical composition, which results in an increase in the hot spot effect. These results demonstrate that the RGT technique is a viable method for fabricating HfN thin films with controlled properties at room temperature, which makes them an attractive material for SERS and other plasmonic applications.
Study on the High-Temperature Deformation and Dynamic Recrystallization Behavior near the Interface of Stainless Steel Cladding
Authors: Shuai Meirong , Chang Binbin , Zhang Min , Chu Zhibing , Li Haibin , Li Liang , Zhou Lu
Published: January 2022

To ensure the long service life of concrete buildings in the marine environment, it is urgent to develop building materials with good corrosion resistance and weatherability. Stainless steel cladding is suitable for a highly corrosive environment and provides cost advantages. This paper investigated the deformation coordination and the microstructure evolution near the cladding interface of stainless steel/carbon steel. The stress-strain curves at different temperatures and strain rates were analyzed on the basis of high-temperature compression experiments. In addition, the sin-hyperbolic constitutive model was constructed, and the optimized parameters were obtained using electron backscatter diffraction characterization technology. The results show that at the deformation temperature of 1100 °C and the strain rate of 1 s−1, the deformation coordination increases significantly near the interface, accompanied by a large number of recrystallized grains, which has a positive impact on the comprehensive performance of the materials.
Experiences of Diabetes Self-Management: A Focus Group Study among the Middle-Aged Population of Rural Pakistan with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ansari Rashid M. , Harris Mark F. , Hosseinzadeh Hassan , Zwar Nicholas
Published: January 2022

Objectives: The middle-aged population from rural areas of Pakistan is disproportionately at risk of developing and mismanaging their diabetes. The purpose of this study was to explore the self-management experiences of two focus groups in the middle-aged population with type 2 diabetes mellitus living in rural Pakistan. Methods: The study design is based on the exploratory research using a qualitative approach. Purposive sampling was used to recruit patients with diabetes from the metabolic outpatient clinics of medical centers in rural areas of Pakistan. The data were collected for two focus groups consisting of 20 persons (10 men and 10 women) with type 2 diabetes mellitus, ranging in age from 40 to 65 years, who were receiving diabetic care at a local health facility. Focus group discussions with a sample size of 10 participants each were all recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. The data were evaluated thematically. Results: Participants described diabetes management as emotionally, physically, and socially taxing. The analysis of the data indicated three major themes: (1) diabetes as a challenging disease; (2) understanding diabetes and its challenges; (3) following diabetes self-management practices. Throughout the session, participants discussed the impact of diabetes on their daily life. This study provided new insights into the experiences of the middle-aged population of Pakistan regarding their self-management of diabetes. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals should become involved in diabetes self-management education as soon as feasible to alleviate patient worry and establish better patient-centered, culturally sensitive professional abilities. Along with monitoring patients’ self-management, healthcare professionals should place a greater emphasis on patients’ understanding of the disease and its challenges and associated complications. It is recommended to establish diabetes support groups to encourage patients to share their experiences of diabetes self-management.
Cancer Immunotherapy with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors-Biomarkers of Response and Toxicity; Current Limitations and Future Promise
Authors: Healey Bird Brian , Nally Ken , Ronan Karine , Clarke Gerard , Amu Sylvie , Almeida Ana S. , Flavin Richard , Finn Stephen
Published: January 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are monoclonal antibodies that are used to treat over one in three cancer patients. While they have changed the natural history of disease, prolonging life and preserving quality of life, they are highly active in less than 40% of patients, even in the most responsive malignancies such as melanoma, and cause significant autoimmune side effects. Licenced biomarkers include tumour Programmed Death Ligand 1 expression by immunohistochemistry, microsatellite instability, and tumour mutational burden, none of which are particularly sensitive or specific. Emerging tumour and immune tissue biomarkers such as novel immunohistochemistry scores, tumour, stromal and immune cell gene expression profiling, and liquid biomarkers such as systemic inflammatory markers, kynurenine/tryptophan ratio, circulating immune cells, cytokines and DNA are discussed in this review. We also examine the influence of the faecal microbiome on treatment outcome and its use as a biomarker of response and toxicity.
An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of the Efficacy of Pantoprazole as a Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel in an Acidic Medium
Authors: Berisha Avni
Published: January 2022

The corrosion behavior of mild steel in a 1 M aqueous sulfuric acid medium in the presence and absence of the drug Pantoprazole was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization and quantum chemical calculations as well as Monte Carlo and molecular dynamic simulations. The potentiodynamic experiments indicated that this molecule, as a result of its adsorption on a mild steel surface, functioned as a mixed inhibitor. The goal of the study was to use theoretical calculations to acquire a better understanding of how inhibition works. The adsorption behavior of the examined compounds on the Fe (1 1 0) surface was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation. Furthermore, the molecules were studied using density functional theory (DFT), especially the PBE functional, to determine the relationship between the molecular structure and the corrosion inhibition behavior of the chemical under research. The adsorption energies of Pantoprazole (in its three different protonation states) iron were calculated more precisely using molecular mechanics with periodic boundary conditions (PBC). The predicted theoretical parameters were found to be in agreement with the experimental data, which was a considerable help in understanding the corrosion inhibition mechanism displayed by this chemical.
Distributed Edge Computing with Blockchain Technology to Enable Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency V2X Communications
Authors: Vladyko Andrei , Elagin Vasiliy , Spirkina Anastasia , Muthanna Ammar , Ateya Abdelhamied
Published: January 2022

Vehicular communication is a promising technology that has been announced as a main use-case of the fifth-generation cellular system (5G). Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) is the vehicular communication paradigm that enables the communications and interactions between vehicles and other network entities, e.g., road-side units (RSUs). This promising technology faces many challenges related to reliability, availability and security of the exchanged data. To this end, this work aims to solve the scientific problem of building a vehicular network architecture for reliable delivery of correct and uncompromised data within the V2X concept to improve the safety of road users, using blockchain technology and mobile edge computing (MEC). The proposed work provides a formalized mathematical model of the system, taking into account the interconnection of objects and V2X information channels and an energy-efficient offloading algorithm to manage traffic offloading to the MEC server. The main applications of the blockchain and MEC technology in the developed system are discussed. Furthermore, the developed system, with the introduced sub-systems and algorithms, was evaluated over a reliable environment, for different simulation scenarios, and the obtained results are discussed.
A Win-Win Scheme for Improving the Environmental Sustainability of University Commuters’ Mobility and Getting Environmental Credits
Authors: Cirrincione Laura , Di Dio Salvatore , Peri Giorgia , Scaccianoce Gianluca , Schillaci Domenico , Rizzo Gianfranco
Published: January 2022

European Union Member States are called upon to meet internationally proposed environmental goals. This study is based, in particular, on the recommendation of the European Union (EU), which encourages Member States to pursue effective policies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions, including through appropriate changes in the behavioral habits of citizens. In this respect, among the main sectors involved, transport and mobility should certainly be mentioned. National institutions should be adequately involved in order to achieve the objectives set; in this regard, universities must certainly be considered for their educational value. These latter, for instance, could commit to improving the environmental performance of the mobility of their commuter students (to a not insignificant extent), since commuting modes are often the cause of high CO2 emissions; indeed, they still largely involve the use of internal combustion engines based on fossil fuels. In this paper, the effectiveness of a smartphone-app-based method to encourage commuter students to adopt more sustainable transport modes is evaluated. In more detail, starting from a statistical analysis of the status quo of mobility habits of a sample of students at the University of Palermo (Italy), an improvement of current habits toward a more sustainable path is encouraged through a new application (specifically created for this purpose) installed on students’ smartphones. Then, the daily and annual distances traveled by commuters with the new mobility modes are calculated, and the resulting savings in energy and CO2 emissions are estimated. Finally, it is proposed that the reduced emissions could be converted into energy-efficiency credits that the University could use to enter the emission trading system (ETS), here contextualized within the Italian “TEE” (“Energy Efficiency Credits”) scheme, while the benefits for students participating in the program could consist of reduced fees and free access to university services. The results obtained show the feasibility of the proposal. This approach can be considered a useful model that could be adopted by any other public institutions—not only universities—to facilitate their path toward decarbonization.
Developed Transfer Function Allows Hydro Generators to Enter the Full Range of Ancillary Services Market
Authors: Cicėnas Paulius , Radziukynas Virginijus
Published: January 2022

As the number of available renewable energy sources has increased annually, there has been a corresponding rise in the levels of pollution created by traditional electricity generation, ultimately contributing to breaking down the stability of the electrical system at large. Therefore, there is an increasing need to integrate the use of nonpolluting electricity sources, such as pumped storage hydropower plants (PSHP), to ensure the stability of the power system and to maintain the frequency of the system from year-to-year. This paper addresses the issue of PSHP being unsuitable for providing Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR) services and proposes real measurements of the aggregation approach to obtain different data arrays. Based on this, the proposed methodology is orientated toward obtaining transfer functions that were developed using the parametric identification models, and the efficiency of these functions was thoroughly investigated. The proposed transfer function in this paper, in combination with battery energy storage system (BESS) technologies, would allow PSHP technologies to occupy a space in the ancillary services market by providing FCR, Frequency Restoration Reserve (FRR), and Replacement Reserve (RR) services. The performance of the function activated in the BESS is positively validated using the Simulink modeling environment.
The Effect of Intake Valve Timing on Spark-Ignition Engine Performances Fueled by Natural Gas at Low Power
Authors: Rimkus Alfredas , Vipartas Tadas , Kriaučiūnas Donatas , Matijošius Jonas , Ragauskas Tadas
Published: January 2022

To reduce the greenhouse effect, it is important to reduce not only carbon dioxide but also methane emissions. Methane gas can be not only a fossil fuel (natural gas) but also a renewable energy source when it is extracted from biomass. After biogas has been purified, its properties become closer to those of natural gas or methane. Natural gas is an alternative energy source that can be used for spark-ignition engines, but its physicochemical properties are different from those of gasoline, and the spark-ignition engine control parameters need to be adjusted. This article presents the results of a study that considers a spark-ignition engine operating at different speeds (2000 rpm, 2500 rpm, and 3000 rpm) and the regulation of the timing of intake valve closure when the throttle is partially open (15%), allowing the engine to maintain the stoichiometric air–fuel mixture and constant spark timing. Studies have shown a reduction in engine break torque when petrol was replaced by natural gas, but break thermal efficiency has increased and specific emissions of pollutants (NOx, HC, CO2 (g/kWh)) have decreased. The analysis of the combustion process by the AVL BOOST program revealed different results when the engine ran on gasoline as opposed to when it ran on natural gas when the timing of intake valve closure changed. The volumetric efficiency of the engine and the speed of the combustion process, which are significant for engine performance due to the different properties of gasoline and natural gas fuels, can be partially offset by adjusting the spark timing and timing of intake valve closure. The effect of intake valve timing on engine fueled by natural gas more noticeable at lower engine speeds when the engine load is low.
Renewable Energy Status in Azerbaijan: Solar and Wind Potentials for Future Development
Authors: Mustafayev Feyruz , Kulawczuk Przemyslaw , Orobello Christian
Published: January 2022

Azerbaijan has a well-developed hydrocarbon industry backed with abundant domestic resources. Oil and gas have played a crucial role in the economic revival of the country since independence was regained back in 1991. The legal foundation of the transition to carbon-zero energy generation was laid in the 1990s with a number of acts mentioning the importance of the shift. The government has an ambitious plan to improve the situation, though an action plan with targeted renewables share in production and consumption is still to be prepared. This study, based on systematic review methodology for qualitative research, analyzes the potential of renewables in Azerbaijan with a focus on solar and wind power, discusses the deficiencies hindering the development of the renewables industry, and develops recommendations on applicable actions to improve the situation in this regard. It also includes legislative acts of the Republic concerning renewable energy. The main objective of the study is to explore renewable energy potentials and assess the readiness of the country to make a shift towards green energy. The findings of the article demonstrate enough potential to increase the share of renewables. The potential, however, is obscured with a relatively less solid legal framework and a lack of expertise in the industry.
Energy and Economic Balance between Manure Stored and Used as a Substrate for Biogas Production
Authors: Mazurkiewicz Jakub
Published: January 2022

The aim of the study is to draw attention to the fact that reducing methane and nitrous oxide emissions as a result of traditional manure storage for several months in a pile is not only a non-ecological solution, but also unprofitable. A solution that combines both aspects—environmental and financial—is the use of manure as a substrate for a biogas plant, but immediately—directly after its removal from the dairy barn. As part of the case study, the energy and economic balance of a model farm with dairy farming for the scenario without biogas plant and with a biogas plant using manure as the main substrate in methane fermentation processes was also performed. Research data on the average emission of ammonia and nitrous oxide from 1 Mg of stored manure as well as the results of laboratory tests on the yield of biogas from dairy cows manure were obtained on the basis of samples taken from the farm being a case study. The use of a biogas installation would allow the emission of carbon dioxide equivalent to be reduced by up to 100 Mg per year. In addition, it has been shown that the estimated payback period for biogas installations is less than 5 years, and with the current trend of increasing energy prices, it may be even shorter—up to 4 years.
Experimental Evaluation of Distortion Effect for Grid-Connected PV Systems with Reference to Different Types of Electric Power Quantities
Authors: Ikić Marko , Mikulović Jovan
Published: January 2022

Aware of the fact that the installed PV capacity and its power production rapidly increased in the last decade, with the huge impact that has been done to the power system, the distortion effects for grid-connected PV systems with reference to different types of electric power quantities will be presented in this article. The impact of the frequent fluctuation of solar irradiance on the behavior of the grid-connected PV system, due to cloud movements and resulting shadows and in terms of power quality and the evaluation of power components, is the topic of analysis in this research. Besides the simulation results of certain study cases, an experimental evaluation of electric power quantities on an actual PV system in real weather conditions was also performed. The experimental setup, formed through the combination of a PC and multifunctional I/O board with an appropriate software solution, was established and used for obtaining the target results. The methodology used for the evaluation of electric power quantities relied on the current physical components (CPC) theory for power definition. The experimental results were obtained for three different cases, namely, the low, medium, and high solar irradiance cases. On the basis of these results, the conclusions about distortion effects are given.
Performance Comparison of Control Strategies for Plant-Wide Produced Water Treatment
Authors: Hansen Leif , Bram Mads Valentin , Pedersen Simon , Yang Zhenyu
Published: January 2022

Offshore produced water treatment (PWT) accounts for cleaning the largest waste stream in the offshore oil and gas industry. If this separation process is not properly executed, large amounts of oil are often directly discharged into the ocean. This work extends two grey-box models of a three-phase gravity separator and a deoiling hydrocyclone, and combines them into a single plant-wide model for testing PWT control solutions in a typical process configuration. In simulations, three known control solutions—proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, H∞ control, and model predictive control (MPC)—are compared on the combined model to evaluate the separation performance. The results of the simulations clearly show what performance metrics each controller excels at, such as valve wear, oil discharge, oil-in-water (OiW) concentration variance, and constraint violations. The work incentivizes future control to be based on operational policy, such as defining boundary constraints and weights on oil discharge, rather than maintaining conventional intermediate performance metrics, such as water level in the separation and pressure drop ratio (PDR) over the hydrocyclone.
Aircraft Icing Severity Evaluation
Authors: Li Sibo , Paoli Roberto
Published: January 2022

Aircraft icing refers to the ice buildup on the surface of an aircraft flying in icing conditions. The ice accretion on the aircraft alters the original aerodynamic configuration and degrades the aerodynamic performances and may lead to unsafe flight conditions. Evaluating the flow structure, icing mechanism and consequences is of great importance to the development of an anti/deicing technique. Studies have shown computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and machine learning (ML) to be effective in predicting the ice shape and icing severity under different flight conditions. CFD solves a set of partial differential equations to obtain the air flow fields, water droplets trajectories and ice shape. ML is a branch of artificial intelligence and, based on the data, the self-improved computer algorithms can be effective in finding the nonlinear mapping relationship between the input flight conditions and the output aircraft icing severity features.
Prefabricated Building Systems—Design and Construction
Authors: Gunawardena Tharaka , Mendis Priyan
Published: January 2022

Modern Methods of Construction with Offsite Manufacturing is an advancement from prefabricated technologies that existed for decades in the construction industry, and is a platform to integrate various disciplines into providing a more holistic solution. Due to the rapid speed of construction, reduced requirement of labour and minimised work on site, offsite manufacturing and prefabricated building systems are becoming more popular, and perhaps a necessity for the future of the global construction industry. The approach to the design and construction of prefab building systems demands a thorough understanding of their unique characteristics.
Metabolic Obesity in People with Normal Body Weight (MONW)—Review of Diagnostic Criteria
Authors: Pluta Waldemar , Dudzińska Wioleta , Lubkowska Anna
Published: January 2022

Disorders of metabolic obesity with normal body weight (MONW) are widely recognized risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Despite this, MONW is not diagnosed in clinical practice. There is no consensus on the definition of MONW, and measuring the degree of insulin resistance or obesity among apparently healthy, non-obese patients is not widely applicable. The awareness of the relationship between metabolic disorders such as MONW and a higher risk of mortality from cardiovascular causes and other related diseases prompts the need for action to be taken aimed at creating appropriate diagnostic models that will allow for the effective detection of those with metabolic abnormalities among people with normal body weight. Such actions are decisive in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to review the MONW diagnostic criteria used over the years.
Landscape Perception Identification and Classification Based on Electroencephalogram (EEG) Features
Authors: Wang Yuting , Wang Shujian , Xu Ming
Published: January 2022

This paper puts forward a new method of landscape recognition and evaluation by using aerial video and EEG technology. In this study, seven typical landscape types (forest, wetland, grassland, desert, water, farmland, and city) were selected. Different electroencephalogram (EEG) signals were generated through different inner experiences and feelings felt by people watching video stimuli of the different landscape types. The electroencephalogram (EEG) features were extracted to obtain the mean amplitude spectrum (MAS), power spectrum density (PSD), differential entropy (DE), differential asymmetry (DASM), rational asymmetry (RASM), and differential caudality (DCAU) in the five frequency bands of delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma. According to electroencephalogram (EEG) features, four classifiers including the back propagation (BP) neural network, k-nearest neighbor classification (KNN), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) were used to classify the landscape types. The results showed that the support vector machine (SVM) classifier and the random forest (RF) classifier had the highest accuracy of landscape recognition, which reached 98.24% and 96.72%, respectively. Among the six classification features selected, the classification accuracy of MAS, PSD, and DE with frequency domain features were higher than those of the spatial domain features of DASM, RASM and DCAU. In different wave bands, the average classification accuracy of all subjects was 98.24% in the gamma band, 94.62% in the beta band, and 97.29% in the total band. This study identifies and classifies landscape perception based on multi-channel EEG signals, which provides a new idea and method for the quantification of human perception.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Clinical Pathways for Non-SARS-CoV-2 Related Diseases in the Lazio Region, Italy
Authors: Piane Maria , Bianco Lavinia , Mancini Rita , Fornelli Paolo , Gabriele Angela , Medici Francesco , Battista Claudia , Greco Stefania , Croce Giuseppe , Franceschetti Laura , Napoli Christian , Ronchetti Mario , Anibaldi Paolo , Banchieri Giorgio
Published: January 2022

Clinical pathways (CPs) are multidisciplinary clinical governance tools necessary for the care management of the patients, whose aim is to outline the best practicable path within a health organization related to an illness or to a complex clinical situation. The COVID-19 pandemic emergency has created the need for an organizational renewal of care pathways based on the principles of “primary health care” recommended by the WHO. In Italy, the Hospitals and Local Health Authorities (ASL) have tried to guarantee the continuity of non-deferrable treatments and the maximum safety of both patients and health professionals. This study analyzes the organizational and managerial responses adopted in pathology-specific care pathways to assess how CPs as diagnostic tools responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in the first two waves. Twenty-four referents of Operational Units (UU OO) from Hospitals (AO) and Local Health Authorities (ASL) of the Lazio Region (Central Italy) that apply four different CPs responded to a survey, which analyzes the managerial and organizational responses of CPs in regard to different contexts. Results show that the structural and organizational adjustments of the CPs have made it possible to maintain an adequate level of care for specific treatment processes, with some common critical aspects that require improvement actions. The adjustments found could be useful for dealing with new outbreaks and/or new epidemics in order to try to mitigate the potential negative impact, especially on the most vulnerable patient categories.