bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dapagliflozin Restores Impaired Autophagy and Suppresses Inflammation in High Glucose-Treated HK-2 Cells
Authors: Xu Jing , Kitada Munehiro , Ogura Yoshio , Liu Haijie , Koya Daisuke
Published: June 2021

Sodium-glucose cotransporter2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have a reno-protective effect in diabetic kidney disease. However, the detailed mechanism remains unclear. In this study, human proximal tubular cells (HK-2) were cultured in 5 mM glucose and 25 mM mannitol (control), 30 mM glucose (high glucose: HG), or HG and SGLT2 inhibitor, dapagliflozin-containing medium for 48 h. The autophagic flux was decreased, accompanied by the increased phosphorylation of S6 kinase ribosomal protein (p-S6RP) and the reduced phosphorylation of AMP-activated kinase (p-AMPK) expression in a HG condition. Compared to those of the control, dapagliflozin and SGLT2 knockdown ameliorated the HG-induced alterations of p-S6RP, p-AMPK, and autophagic flux. In addition, HG increased the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB) p65 and the cytoplasmic nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor 3 (NLRP3), mature interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factorα (TNFα) expression. Dapagliflozin, SGLT2 knockdown, and NF-κB p65 knockdown reduced the extent of these HG-induced inflammatory alterations. The inhibitory effect of dapagliflozin on the increase in the HG-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 was abrogated by knocking down AMPK. These data indicated that in diabetic renal proximal tubular cells, dapagliflozin ameliorates: (1) HG-induced autophagic flux reduction, via increased AMPK activity and mTOR suppression; and (2) inflammatory alterations due to NF-κB pathway suppression.
Bioengineering Approaches to Improve In Vitro Performance of Prepubertal Lamb Oocytes
Authors: Mastrorocco Antonella , Cacopardo Ludovica , Lamanna Daniela , Temerario Letizia , Brunetti Giacomina , Carluccio Augusto , Robbe Domenico , Dell’Aquila Maria Elena
Published: June 2021

Juvenile in vitro embryo technology (JIVET) provides exciting opportunities in animal reproduction by reducing the generation intervals. Prepubertal oocytes are also relevant models for studies on oncofertility. However, current JIVET efficiency is still unpredictable, and further improvements are needed in order for it to be used on a large-scale level. This study applied bioengineering approaches to recreate: (1) the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the cumulus–oocyte complex (COC), by constructing—via bioprinting technologies—alginate-based microbeads (COC-microbeads) for 3D in vitro maturation (3D-IVM); (2) dynamic IVM conditions, by culturing the COC in a millifluidic bioreactor; and (3) an artificial follicular wall with basal membrane, by adding granulosa cells (GCs) and type I collagen (CI) during bioprinting. The results show that oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, as well as blastocyst quality, were improved after 3D-IVM compared to 2D controls. The dynamic 3D-IVM did not enhance oocyte maturation, but it improved oocyte bioenergetics compared with static 3D-IVM. The computational model showed higher oxygen levels in the bioreactor with respect to the static well. Microbead enrichment with GCs and CI improved oocyte maturation and bioenergetics. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that bioengineering approaches that mimic the physiological follicle structure could be valuable tools to improve IVM and JIVET.
A Distinct Faecal Microbiota and Metabolite Profile Linked to Bowel Habits in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Ahluwalia Bani , Iribarren Cristina , Magnusson Maria K. , Sundin Johanna , Clevers Egbert , Savolainen Otto , Ross Alastair B. , Törnblom Hans , Simrén Magnus , Öhman Lena
Published: June 2021

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are suggested to have an altered intestinal microenvironment. We therefore aimed to determine the intestinal microenvironment profile, based on faecal microbiota and metabolites, and the potential link to symptoms in IBS patients. The faecal microbiota was evaluated by the GA-mapTM dysbiosis test, and tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was used for faecal metabolomic profiling in patients with IBS and healthy subjects. Symptom severity was assessed using the IBS Severity Scoring System and anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A principal component analysis based on faecal microbiota (n = 54) and metabolites (n = 155) showed a clear separation between IBS patients (n = 40) and healthy subjects (n = 18). Metabolites were the main driver of this separation. Additionally, the intestinal microenvironment profile differed between IBS patients with constipation (n = 15) and diarrhoea (n = 11), while no clustering was detected in subgroups of patients according to symptom severity or anxiety. Furthermore, ingenuity pathway analysis predicted amino acid metabolism and several cellular and molecular functions to be altered in IBS patients. Patients with IBS have a distinct faecal microbiota and metabolite profile linked to bowel habits. Intestinal microenvironment profiling, based on faecal microbiota and metabolites, may be considered as a future non-invasive diagnostic tool, alongside providing valuable insights into the pathophysiology of IBS.
Autonomy in the Development of Stem Cell-Derived Embryoids: Sprouting Blastocyst-Like Cysts, and Ethical Implications
Authors: Denker Hans-Werner
Published: June 2021

The experimental production of complex structures resembling mammalian embryos (e.g., blastoids, gastruloids) from pluripotent stem cells in vitro has become a booming research field. Since some of these embryoid models appear to reach a degree of complexity that may come close to viability, a broad discussion has set in with the aim to arrive at a consensus on the ethical implications with regard to acceptability of the use of this technology with human cells. The present text focuses on aspects of the gain of organismic wholeness of such stem cell-derived constructs, and of autonomy of self-organization, raised by recent reports on blastocyst-like cysts spontaneously budding in mouse stem cell cultures, and by previous reports on likewise spontaneous formation of gastrulating embryonic disc-like structures in primate models. Mechanisms of pattern (axis) formation in early embryogenesis are discussed in the context of self-organization of stem cell clusters. It is concluded that ethical aspects of development of organismic wholeness in the formation of embryoids need to receive more attention in the present discussions about new legal regulations in this field.
Cellular Effects of Rhynchophylline and Relevance to Sleep Regulation
Authors: Ballester Roig Maria , Leduc Tanya , Areal Cassandra , Mongrain Valérie
Published: June 2021

Uncaria rhynchophylla is a plant highly used in the traditional Chinese and Japanese medicines. It has numerous health benefits, which are often attributed to its alkaloid components. Recent studies in humans show that drugs containing Uncaria ameliorate sleep quality and increase sleep time, both in physiological and pathological conditions. Rhynchophylline (Rhy) is one of the principal alkaloids in Uncaria species. Although treatment with Rhy alone has not been tested in humans, observations in rodents show that Rhy increases sleep time. However, the mechanisms by which Rhy could modulate sleep have not been comprehensively described. In this review, we are highlighting cellular pathways that are shown to be targeted by Rhy and which are also known for their implications in the regulation of wakefulness and sleep. We conclude that Rhy can impact sleep through mechanisms involving ion channels, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, tyrosine kinase receptors, extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/RAC serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways. In modulating multiple cellular responses, Rhy impacts neuronal communication in a way that could have substantial effects on sleep phenotypes. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of action of Rhy will have implications for sleep pharmacology.
Tuning the Electrical Properties of NiO Thin Films by Stoichiometry and Microstructure
Authors: Liu Yu-He , Liu Xiao-Yan , Sun Hui , Dai Bo , Zhang Peng , Wang Yong
Published: June 2021

Here, the electrical properties of NiO thin films grown on glass and Al2O3 (0001) substrates have been investigated. It was found that the resistivity of NiO thin films strongly depends on oxygen stoichiometry. Nearly perfect stoichiometry yields extremely high resistivity. In contrast, off-stoichiometric thin films possess much lower resistivity, especially for oxygen-rich composition. A side-by-side comparison of energy loss near the edge structure spectra of Ni L3 edges between our NiO thin films and other theoretical spectra rules out the existence of Ni3+ in NiO thin films, which contradicts the traditional hypothesis. In addition, epitaxial NiO thin films grown on Al2O3 (0001) single crystal substrates exhibit much higher resistivity than those on glass substrates, even if they are deposited simultaneously. This feature indicates the microstructure dependence of electrical properties.
Tailoring Mesoporous Silicon Surface to Form a Versatile Template for Nanoparticle Deposition
Authors: Khinevich Nadzeya , Juodėnas Mindaugas , Tamulevičienė Asta , Bandarenka Hanna , Tamulevičius Sigitas
Published: June 2021

Porous silicon (PS) can be used as a loading template in sensing or as a matrix to develop nanoparticle arrays. We present a comprehensive study of PS morphology and optical properties before and after the pore opening process, including the determination of thickness, pore size, and pore density of PS layers, its surface wettability, and reflectivity. The PS samples were fabricated by electrochemical anodization of monocrystalline silicon wafer in 5–20 wt.% hydrofluoric acid (HF) solution at a current density in the range of 20–200 mA/cm2. Anodization was followed by the pore opening process, i.e., the removal of a parasitic superficial layer with a “bottleneck” structure by reactive ion etching (RIE). The results illustrate that “bottleneck”-free PS allows to achieve a high pore density using a low HF concentration and a reduced current density. We established that this structure demonstrates higher hydrophobicity in comparison to the samples before RIE. The applicability of the developed “bottleneck”-free PS was tested via filling the pores with silver nanoparticles, indicating its potential use as a template for the fabrication of nanoparticle arrays.
Solid-State Synthesis of Layered MoS2 Nanosheets with Graphene for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Chothe Ujjwala , Ugale Chitra , Kulkarni Milind , Kale Bharat
Published: June 2021

Sodium-ion batteries have potential as energy-storage devices owing to an abundant source with low cost. However, most electrode materials still suffer from poor conductivity, sluggish kinetics, and huge volume variation. It is still challenging to explore apt electrode materials for sodium-ion battery applications to avoid the pulverization of electrodes induced by reversible intercalation of large sodium ions. Herein, we report a single-step facile, scalable, low-cost, and high-yield approach to prepare a hybrid material; i.e., MoS2 with graphene (MoS2-G). Due to the space-confined effect, thin-layered MoS2 nanosheets with a loose stacking feature are anchored with the graphene sheets. The semienclosed hybrid architecture of the electrode enhances the integrity and stability during the intercalation of Na+ ions. Particularly, during galvanostatic study the assembled Na-ion cell delivered a specific capacity of 420 mAhg−1 at 50 mAg−1, and 172 mAhg−1 at current density 200 mAg−1 after 200 cycles. The MoS2-G hybrid excels in performance due to residual oxygen groups in graphene, which improves the electronic conductivity and decreases the Na+ diffusion barrier during electrochemical reaction, in comparison with a pristine one.
Catalytic Effect of Ti or Pt in a Hexagonal Boron Nitride Surface for Capturing CO2
Authors: Ramirez-de-Arellano J. M. , Jiménez G. A. Fransuani , Magaña L. F.
Published: June 2021

We investigated the effect of doping a hexagonal boron nitride surface (hBN) with Ti or Pt on the adsorption of CO2. We performed first-principles molecular dynamics simulations (FPMD) at atmospheric pressure, and 300 K. Pristine hBN shows no interaction with the CO2 molecule. We allowed the Ti and Pt atoms to interact separately, with either a B-vacancy or an N-vacancy. Both Ti and Pt ended chemisorbed on the surface. The system hBN + Ti always chemisorbed the CO2 molecule. This chemisorption happens in two possible ways. One is without dissociation, and in the other, the molecule breaks in CO and O. However, in the case of the Pt atom as dopant, the resulting system repels the CO2 molecule.
Ab Initio Investigation of Helium Mobility in La2Zr2O7 Pyrochlore
Authors: Lu Yanxia , Peng Qing , Liu Chenguang
Published: June 2021

The α-decay of incorporated actinides continuously produces helium, resulting in helium accumulation and causing security concerns for nuclear waste forms. The helium mobility is a key issue affecting the accumulation and kinetics of helium. The energy barriers and migration pathways of helium in a potential high-level nuclear waste forms, La2Zr2O7 pyrochlore, have been investigated in this work using the climbing image nudged elastic band method with density functional theory. The minimum energy pathway for helium to migrate in La2Zr2O7 is identified as via La–La interstitial sites with a barrier of 0.46 eV. This work may offer a theoretical foundation for further prospective studies of nuclear waste forms.
In-Situ X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Raman Microscopy of Roselite Crystals, Ca2(Co2+,Mg)(AsO4)2 2H2O, from the Aghbar Mine, Morocco
Authors: Kloprogge Jacob Teunis , Wood Barry James , Ortillo Danilo Octaviano
Published: June 2021

Roselite from the Aghbar Mine, Morocco, [Ca2(Co2+,Mg)(AsO4)2 2H2O], was investigated by X-ray Photoelectron and Raman spectroscopy. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy revealed a cobalt to magnesium ratio of 3:1. Magnesium, cobalt and calcium showed single bands associated with unique crystallographic positions. The oxygen 1s spectrum displayed two bands associated with the arsenate group and crystal water. Arsenic 3d exhibited bands with a ratio close to that of the cobalt to magnesium ratio, indicative of the local arsenic environment being sensitive to the substitution of magnesium for cobalt. The Raman arsenate symmetric and antisymmetric modes were all split with the antisymmetric modes observed around 865 and 818 cm−1, while the symmetric modes were found around 980 and 709 cm−1. An overlapping water-libration mode was observed at 709 cm−1. The region at 400–500 cm−1 showed splitting of the arsenate antisymmetric mode with bands at 499, 475, 450 and 425 cm−1. The 300–400 cm−1 region showed the corresponding symmetric bending modes at 377, 353, 336 and 304 cm−1. The bands below 300 cm−1 were assigned to lattice modes.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Optical Properties of 2-(3-(Hexyloxy)-5-Methylphenoxy)-N-(4-Nitrophenyl)acetamide for Anion Detection
Authors: Jansukra Piangkwan , Duangthongyou Tanwawan , Suramitr Songwut , Chainok Kittipong , Wannalerse Boontana
Published: June 2021

In this study, 2-(3-(hexyloxy)-5-methylphenoxy)-N-(4-nitrophenyl)acetamide (sensor L1) was synthesized and characterized by FT–IR, ESI–MS, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single crystal X-ray techniques. The crystal structure and space group of sensor L1 was monoclinic and P21, respectively. The crystal packing of sensor L1 was dominantly linked by two strong hydrogen bonds forming a six membered ring pattern. The binding properties of sensor L1 and various anions (F−, Cl−, Br−, CH3COO−, C6H5COO−, and H2PO4−) were investigated by UV–Vis and 1H NMR spectroscopy in DMSO. The proton resonance signals of sensor L1 and F− greatly changed positions when compared to those of anions. The solution color of sensor L1 changed from pale yellow to orange in the presence of F−. The UV–Vis results indicate that sensor L1 and F− ions underwent an internal charge transfer process. The stoichiometric complex was confirmed by Job’s method, revealing a 1:1 formation for sensor L1 and fluoride. Our results show that sensor L1 is highly selective for fluoride ions over other anions.
Clinical Benefit from Lenvatinib and Pembrolizumab Observed in Mullerian Adenosarcoma: A Case Report
Authors: Alcindor Thierry , Jung Sungmi , Gilbert Lucy
Published: June 2021

A 32-year-old woman with chemorefractory mullerian adenosarcoma showed clinical benefit in response to administration of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab. In this case report, we describe the course of her illness and her response to this treatment.
A Panel Comprising Serum Amyloid A, White Blood Cells and Nihss for the Triage of Patients at Low Risk of Post-Stroke Infection
Authors: Azurmendi Gil Leire , Krattinger-Turbatu Laura , Schweizer Juliane , Katan Mira , Sanchez Jean-Charles
Published: June 2021

Accurate and early prediction of poststroke infections is important to improve antibiotic therapy guidance and/or to avoid unnecessary antibiotic treatment. We hypothesized that the combination of blood biomarkers with clinical parameters could help to optimize risk stratification during hospitalization. In this prospective observational study, blood samples of 283 ischemic stroke patients were collected at hospital admission within 72 h from symptom onset. Among the 283 included patients, 60 developed an infection during the first five days of hospitalization. Performance predictions of blood biomarkers (Serum Amyloid-A (SAA), C-reactive protein, procalcitonin (CRP), white blood cells (WBC), creatinine) and clinical parameters (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), age, temperature) for the detection of poststroke infection were evaluated individually using receiver operating characteristics curves. Three machine learning techniques were used for creating panels: Associative Rules Mining, Decision Trees and an internal iterative-threshold based method called PanelomiX. The PanelomiX algorithm showed stable performance when applied to two representative subgroups obtained as splits of the main subgroup. The panel including SAA, WBC and NIHSS had a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 45% to identify patients who did not develop an infection. Therefore, it could be used at hospital admission to avoid unnecessary antibiotic (AB) treatment in around half of the patients, and consequently, to reduce AB resistance.
Analysis of Features of Alzheimer’s Disease: Detection of Early Stage from Functional Brain Changes in Magnetic Resonance Images Using a Finetuned ResNet18 Network
Authors: Odusami Modupe , Maskeliūnas Rytis , Damaševičius Robertas , Krilavičius Tomas
Published: June 2021

One of the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is mild cognitive impairment (MCI), in which there are small variants of brain changes among the intermediate stages. Although there has been an increase in research into the diagnosis of AD in its early levels of developments lately, brain changes, and their complexity for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), makes early detection of AD difficult. This paper proposes a deep learning-based method that can predict MCI, early MCI (EMCI), late MCI (LMCI), and AD. The Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) fMRI dataset consisting of 138 subjects was used for evaluation. The finetuned ResNet18 network achieved a classification accuracy of 99.99%, 99.95%, and 99.95% on EMCI vs. AD, LMCI vs. AD, and MCI vs. EMCI classification scenarios, respectively. The proposed model performed better than other known models in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.
Coronary Computer Tomography Angiography in 2021—Acquisition Protocols, Tips and Tricks and Heading beyond the Possible
Authors: Giusca Sorin , Schütz Moritz , Kronbach Florian , Wolf David , Nunninger Peter , Korosoglou Grigorios
Published: June 2021

Recent technological advances, together with an increasing body of evidence from randomized trials, have placed coronary computer tomography angiography (CCTA) in the center of the diagnostic workup of patients with coronary artery disease. The method was proven reliable in the diagnosis of relevant coronary artery stenosis. Furthermore, it can identify different stages of the atherosclerotic process, including early atherosclerotic changes of the coronary vessel wall, a quality not met by other non-invasive tests. In addition, newer computational software can measure the hemodynamic relevance (fractional flow reserve) of a certain stenosis. In addition, if required, information related to cardiac and valvular function can be provided with specific protocols. Importantly, recent trials have highlighted the prognostic relevance of CCTA in patients with coronary artery disease, which helped establishing CCTA as the first-line method for the diagnostic work-up of such patients in current guidelines. All this can be gathered in one relatively fast examination with minimal discomfort for the patient and, with newer machines, with very low radiation exposure. Herein, we provide an overview of the current technical aspects, indications, pitfalls, and new horizons with CCTA, providing examples from our own clinical practice.
Quantum Uncertainties and Holism Seem to Render Irrelevant Qudit-Semantics
Authors: Leporini Roberto
Published: June 2021

We consider a semantics based on the peculiar holistic features of the quantum formalism. Any formula of the language gives rise to a quantum circuit that transforms the density operator associated to the formula into the density operator associated to the atomic subformulas in a reversible way. The procedure goes from the whole to the parts against the compositionality-principle and gives rise to a semantic characterization for a new form of quantum logic that has been called “Łukasiewicz quantum computational logic”. It is interesting to compare the logic based on qubit-semantics with that on qudit-semantics. Having in mind the relationships between classical logic and Łukasiewicz-many valued logics, one could expect that the former is stronger than the fragment of the latter. However, this is not the case. From an intuitive point of view, this can be explained by recalling that the former is a very weak form of logic. Many important logical arguments, which are valid either in Birkhoff and von Neumann’s quantum logic or in classical logic, are generally violated.
Inner Spacer Engineering to Improve Mechanical Stability in Channel-Release Process of Nanosheet FETs
Authors: Lee Khwang-Sun , Park Jun-Young
Published: June 2021

Mechanical stress is demonstrated in the fabrication process of nanosheet FETs. In particular, unwanted mechanical instability stemming from gravity during channel-release is covered in detail by aid of 3-D simulations. The simulation results show the physical weakness of suspended nanosheets and the impact of nanosheet thickness. Inner spacer engineering based on geometry and elastic property are suggested for better mechanical stability. The formation of wide contact area between inner spacer and nanosheet, as well as applying rigid spacer dielectric material, are preferred.
Evaluation of ICEYE Microsatellites Sensor for Surface Motion Detection—Jakobshavn Glacier Case Study
Authors: Łukosz Magdalena A. , Hejmanowski Ryszard , Witkowski Wojciech T.
Published: June 2021

The marine-terminating glaciers are one of the biggest contributors to global sea-level rise. Research on this aspect of the effects of global climate change is developing nowadays in several directions. One of them is monitoring of glaciers movements, especially with satellite data. In addition to well-known analyzes based on radar data from available satellites, the possibility of studying glacier displacements from new sensors, the so-called microsatellites need to be studied. The main purpose of research was evaluation of the possibility of applying new high-resolution ICEYE radar data to observe glacier motion. Stripmap High mode were used to obtain velocities for the Jakobshavn glacier with an Offset-Tracking method. Obtained results were compared with displacements obtained from the Sentinel-1 data. The comparative analysis was performed on displacements in range and azimuth directions and for maximum velocity values. Moreover, correlation plots showed that in different parts of glaciers, a comparison of obtained velocities delivers different correlation coefficients (R2) in a range from 0.52 to 0.97. The analysis showed that the scale of movements is similar from both sensors. However, Sentinel-1 data present underestimation of velocities comparing to ICEYE data. The biggest deviations between results were observed around the maximum velocities, near the Kangia Ice Fjord Bay. In the analysis the amplitude information was used as well. This research presents that data from the ICEYE microsatellites can be successfully used for monitoring glacial areas and it allows for more precise observations of displacement velocity field.
Effect of Two Different Heat Transfer Fluids on the Performance of Solar Tower CSP by Comparing Recompression Supercritical CO2 and Rankine Power Cycles, China
Authors: Agyekum Ephraim Bonah , Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday , Bekun Festus Victor , Kumar Nallapaneni Manoj , Panjwani Manoj Kumar
Published: June 2021

China intends to develop its renewable energy sector in order to cut down on its pollution levels. Concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies are expected to play a key role in this agenda. This study evaluated the technical and economic performance of a 100 MW solar tower CSP in Tibet, China, under different heat transfer fluids (HTF), i.e., Salt (60% NaNO3 40% KNO3) or HTF A, and Salt (46.5% LiF 11.5% NaF 42% KF) or HTF B under two different power cycles, namely supercritical CO2 and Rankine. Results from the study suggest that the Rankine power cycle with HTF A and B recorded capacity factors (CF) of 39% and 40.3%, respectively. The sCO2 power cycle also recorded CFs of 41% and 39.4% for HTF A and HTF B, respectively. A total of 359 GWh of energy was generated by the sCO2 system with HTF B, whereas the sCO2 system with HTF A generated a total of 345 GWh in the first year. The Rankine system with HTF A generated a total of 341 GWh, while the system with B as its HTF produced a total of 353 GWh of electricity in year one. Electricity to grid mainly occurred between 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. throughout the year. According to the results, the highest levelized cost of energy (LCOE) (real) of 0.1668 USD/kWh was recorded under the Rankine cycle with HTF A. The lowest LCOE (real) of 0.1586 USD/kWh was obtained under the sCO2 cycle with HTF B. In general, all scenarios were economically viable at the study area; however, the sCO2 proved to be more economically feasible according to the simulated results.
Dynamics of Electricity Production against the Backdrop of Climate Change: A Case Study of Hydropower Plants in Poland
Authors: Kubiak-Wójcicka Katarzyna , Szczęch Leszek
Published: June 2021

Renewable energy sources (RES) play an important role in the European Union’s energy sector as a result of the energy policy framework adopted. Its share in the final energy consumption varies depending on the country and the adopted energy policy. The article presents the structure of electricity production from renewable energy sources in Poland in the years 2002–2019. It was found that the share of energy production from hydroelectric power plants in Poland in relation to the amount of energy produced from renewable energy sources in the analyzed years has strongly decreased. The reason for this state was an increase in the production of energy coming from wind and biomass energy combined with an increase in subsidies for these energy producers. Additionally, unstable hydrological conditions, mainly low river flows, may be the reason for the low share of energy produced in power plants. As a case study, data for five small hydropower plants (SHP) located on the Gwda river (north-western Poland) were analyzed. Electricity production volumes were analyzed depending on the size of the Gwda river flow. It was found that the lower amount of electricity produced at SHPs on the Gwda river is mainly due to lower flows in the river. In the future, unstable electricity production from renewable energy sources may have a significant impact on achieving Poland’s energy targets in 2030.
Oil Price Uncertainty, Globalization, and Total Factor Productivity: Evidence from the European Union
Authors: Balashova Svetlana , Serletis Apostolos
Published: June 2021

This paper uncovers linkages between oil price uncertainty, total factor productivity (TFP) growth, and critical indicators of knowledge production and spillovers. It contributes to the literature by investigating the effects of oil price volatility on TFP growth, controlling for two different channels for TFP growth; benefits from the quality of the national innovation system and from adopting new technologies. We use an unbalanced panel for 28 European Union countries for the period from 1990 to 2018. We find that oil price uncertainty has a negative and statistically significant effect on TFP growth, even after we control for technological advancements and the effects of globalization. We also find that the scale of research and innovation and international trade are positive contributors to TFP growth.
A Real-Time Optimal Car-Following Power Management Strategy for Hybrid Electric Vehicles with ACC Systems
Authors: Sun Xiaobo , Liu Weirong , Wen Mengfei , Wu Yue , Li Heng , Huang Jiahao , Hu Chao , Huang Zhiwu
Published: June 2021

This paper develops a model predictive multi-objective control framework based on an adaptive cruise control (ACC) system to solve the energy allocation and battery state of charge (SOC) maintenance problems of hybrid electric vehicles in the car-following scenario. The proposed control framework is composed of a car-following layer and an energy allocation layer. In the car-following layer, a multi-objective problem is solved to maintain safety and comfort, and the generated speed sequence in the prediction time domain is put forward to the energy allocation layer. In the energy allocation layer, an adaptive equivalent-factor-based consumption minimization strategy with the predicted velocity sequences is adopted to improve the engine efficiency and fuel economy. The equivalent factor reflects the extent of SOC variation, which is used to maintain the battery SOC level when optimizing the energy. The proposed controller is evaluated in the New York City Cycle (NYCC) driving cycle and the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS) driving cycle, and the comparison results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Innovative Development of Programmable Phase Change Materials and Their Exemplary Application
Authors: Lengsfeld Kristin , Walter Moritz , Krus Martin , Pappert Sandra , Teicht Christian
Published: June 2021

The research project Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence “Programmable Materials” aims to develop new materials that can change their properties according to defined boundaries. This article describes the development and use of a novel programmable phase change material (PCM) for latent heat storage applications. At the moment, these PCMs have a programmable trigger mechanism incorporated that activates the crystallization of the material as a reaction to a defined stimulus so that the stored heat is released. In future development stages, programmability is to be integrated on the material level. The latent heat storage that is based on PCMs can be recharged by using the energy of the sun. As an example, for a possible application of such a material, the use of a novel programmable PCM in greenhouses to support heating energy reduction or to reduce the risk of frost is explained. Using the hygrothermal simulation tool WUFI® Plus, the effects in greenhouse constructions without and with commercially available or novel programmable PCMs are calculated and presented in the present article. The calculations are based on the material data of calcium chloride hexahydrate (CaCl2-6H2O), as this material serves as a basic material for the development of programmable PCM compositions. The results of the simulations show a positive impact on the indoor temperatures in greenhouses in view of the risk of frost and the reduction of heating energy. Thus, the vegetation period can be extended in combination with a lower energy load. By an eligible actuation mechanism, an inherent material system for temperature control can be created.
Energy Management System Based on a Gamified Application for Households
Authors: Avila Manuel , Méndez Juana Isabel , Ponce Pedro , Peffer Therese , Meier Alan , Molina Arturo
Published: June 2021

Nowadays, the growth in the consumption of energy and the need to face pollution resulting from its generation are causing concern for consumers and providers. Energy consumption in residential buildings and houses is about 22% of total energy production. Cutting-edge energy managers aim to optimize electrical devices in homes, taking into account users’ patterns, goals, and needs, by creating energy consumption awareness and helping current change habits. In this way, energy manager systems (EMSs) monitor and manage electrical appliances, automate and schedule actions, and make suggestions regarding electrical consumption. Furthermore, gamification strategies may change energy consumption patterns through energy managers, which are seen as an option to save energy and money. Therefore, this paper proposes a personalized gamification strategy for an EMS through an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) decision-making engine to classify the level of electrical consumption and persuade the end-user to reduce and modify consumption patterns, saving energy and money with gamified motivations. These strategies have proven to be effective in changing consumer behavior with intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. The interfaces consider three cases for summer and winter periods to calculate the saving-energy potentials: (1) for a type of user that is interested in home-improvement efforts while helping to save energy; (2) for a type of user that is advocating to save energy; (3) for a type of user that is not interested in saving energy. Hence, each interface considers the end-user’s current consumption and the possibility to modify their consumption habits using their current electrical devices. Finally, an interface displaying the electrical consumption for each case exemplifies its linkage with EMSs.
Sound Localization for Ad-Hoc Microphone Arrays
Authors: Liaquat Muhammad Usman , Munawar Hafiz Suliman , Rahman Amna , Qadir Zakria , Kouzani Abbas Z. , Mahmud M. A. Parvez
Published: June 2021

Sound localization is a field of signal processing that deals with identifying the origin of a detected sound signal. This involves determining the direction and distance of the source of the sound. Some useful applications of this phenomenon exists in speech enhancement, communication, radars and in the medical field as well. The experimental arrangement requires the use of microphone arrays which record the sound signal. Some methods involve using ad-hoc arrays of microphones because of their demonstrated advantages over other arrays. In this research project, the existing sound localization methods have been explored to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each method. A novel sound localization routine has been formulated which uses both the direction of arrival (DOA) of the sound signal along with the location estimation in three-dimensional space to precisely locate a sound source. The experimental arrangement consists of four microphones and a single sound source. Previously, sound source has been localized using six or more microphones. The precision of sound localization has been demonstrated to increase with the use of more microphones. In this research, however, we minimized the use of microphones to reduce the complexity of the algorithm and the computation time as well. The method results in novelty in the field of sound source localization by using less resources and providing results that are at par with the more complex methods requiring more microphones and additional tools to locate the sound source. The average accuracy of the system is found to be 96.77% with an error factor of 3.8%.
Wind Climate and Wind Power Resource Assessment Based on Gridded Scatterometer Data: A Thracian Sea Case Study
Authors: Kokkos Nikolaos , Zoidou Maria , Zachopoulos Konstantinos , Nezhad Meysam Majidi , Garcia Davide Astiaso , Sylaios Georgios
Published: June 2021

The present analysis utilized the 6-hourly data of wind speed (zonal and meridional) for the period between 2011 and 2019, as retrieved from the Copernicus Marine Environmental Service (CMEMS), covering the Thracian Sea (the northern part of the Aegean Sea). Data were estimated from the global wind fields derived from the Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) L2b scatterometer on-board Meteorological Operational (METOP) satellites, and then processed towards the equivalent neutral-stability 10 m winds with a spatial resolution of 0.25° × 0.25°. The analysis involved: (a) descriptive statistics on wind speed and direction data; (b) frequency distributions of daily-mean wind speeds per wind direction sector; (c) total wind energy content assessment per wind speed increment and per sector; (d) total annual wind energy production (in MWh/yr); and (e) wind power density, probability density function, and Weibull wind speed distribution, together with the relevant dimensionless shape and scale parameters. Our results show that the Lemnos Plateau has the highest total wind energy content (4455 kWh/m2/yr). At the same time, the area to the SW of the Dardanelles exhibits the highest wind energy capacity factor (~37.44%), producing 7546 MWh/yr. This indicates that this zone could harvest wind energy through wind turbines, having an efficiency in energy production of 37%. Lower capacity factors of 24–28% were computed at the nearshore Thracian Sea zone, producing between 3000 and 5600 MWh/yr.
Data-Driven Energy Storage Scheduling to Minimise Peak Demand on Distribution Systems with PV Generation
Authors: Borghini Eugenio , Giannetti Cinzia , Flynn James , Todeschini Grazia
Published: June 2021

The growing adoption of decentralised renewable energy generation (such as solar photovoltaic panels and wind turbines) and low-carbon technologies will increase the strain experienced by the distribution networks in the near future. In such a scenario, energy storage is becoming a key alternative to traditional expensive reinforcements to network infrastructure, due to its flexibility, decreasing costs and fast deployment capabilities. In this work, an end-to-end data-driven solution to optimally design the control of a battery unit with the aim of reducing the peak electricity demand is presented. The proposed solution uses state-of-the-art machine learning methods for forecasting electricity demand and PV generation, combined with an optimisation strategy to maximise the use of photovoltaic energy to charge the energy storage unit. To this end, historical demand, weather, and solar energy generation data collected at the Stentaway Primary substation near Plymouth, UK, and at other six locations were employed.
Factors Affecting the Ratio of Female to Male of Pinewood Nematodes Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner & Buhrer) Nickle
Authors: Wei Pengfei , Li Yongxia , Zhang Wei , Gao Mengge , Liu Zhenkai , Zhang Xingyao
Published: June 2021

The pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (B. xylophilus) is responsible for a devastating disease of pine forests. Its pathogenicity is closely related to the numbers of individual B. xylophilus. The ratio of female to male (sex ratio) is key to understanding population change in this species. The sex ratio of B. xylophilus varies widely, but it is unclear how it is affected by environmental changes. The sex ratios of nematodes, isolated from different samples in the wild, varied between 0.93 and 2.20. Under laboratory conditions, maternal age and the population did not affect the sex ratio of progeny. A change from good to poor nutritional status was associated with a reduction of the sex ratio of progeny from 1.85 to 1.41, which was speculated to result from a change in the primary sex ratio. Thus, B. xylophilus effectively maintains the sex ratio with maternal age and population changes but adjusts the sex ratio of progeny on the basis of the changes in nutrition.
A Collaborative Region Detection and Grading Framework for Forest Fire Smoke Using Weakly Supervised Fine Segmentation and Lightweight Faster-RCNN
Authors: Pan Jin , Ou Xiaoming , Xu Liang
Published: June 2021

Forest fires are serious disasters that affect countries all over the world. With the progress of image processing, numerous image-based surveillance systems for fires have been installed in forests. The rapid and accurate detection and grading of fire smoke can provide useful information, which helps humans to quickly control and reduce forest losses. Currently, convolutional neural networks (CNN) have yielded excellent performance in image recognition. Previous studies mostly paid attention to CNN-based image classification for fire detection. However, the research of CNN-based region detection and grading of fire is extremely scarce due to a challenging task which locates and segments fire regions using image-level annotations instead of inaccessible pixel-level labels. This paper presents a novel collaborative region detection and grading framework for fire smoke using a weakly supervised fine segmentation and a lightweight Faster R-CNN. The multi-task framework can simultaneously implement the early-stage alarm, region detection, classification, and grading of fire smoke. To provide an accurate segmentation on image-level, we propose the weakly supervised fine segmentation method, which consists of a segmentation network and a decision network. We aggregate image-level information, instead of expensive pixel-level labels, from all training images into the segmentation network, which simultaneously locates and segments fire smoke regions. To train the segmentation network using only image-level annotations, we propose a two-stage weakly supervised learning strategy, in which a novel weakly supervised loss is proposed to roughly detect the region of fire smoke, and a new region-refining segmentation algorithm is further used to accurately identify this region. The decision network incorporating a residual spatial attention module is utilized to predict the category of forest fire smoke. To reduce the complexity of the Faster R-CNN, we first introduced a knowledge distillation technique to compress the structure of this model. To grade forest fire smoke, we used a 3-input/1-output fuzzy system to evaluate the severity level. We evaluated the proposed approach using a developed fire smoke dataset, which included five different scenes varying by the fire smoke level. The proposed method exhibited competitive performance compared to state-of-the-art methods.
Ontology-Based Context Event Representation, Reasoning, and Enhancing in Academic Environments
Authors: Padilla-Cuevas Josué , Reyes-Ortiz José A. , Bravo Maricela
Published: June 2021

An Ambient Intelligence responds to user requests based on several contexts. A relevant context is related to what has happened in the ambient; therefore, it focuses a primordial interest on events. These involve information about time, space, or people, which is significant for modeling the context. In this paper, we propose an event-driven approach for context representation based on an ontological model. This approach is extendable and adaptable for academic domains. Moreover, the ontological model to be proposed is used in reasoning and enrichment processes with the context event information. Our event-driven approach considers five contexts as a modular perspective in the model: Person, temporal (time), physical space (location), network (resources to acquire data from the ambient), and academic events. We carried out an evaluation process for the approach based on an ontological model focused on (a) the extensibility and adaptability of use case scenarios for events in an academic environment, (b) the level of reasoning by using competence questions related to events, (c) and the consistency and coherence in the proposed model. The evaluation process shows promising results for our event-driven approach for context representation based on the ontological model.
Portable, Rapid, and Sensitive Time-Resolved Fluorescence Immunochromatography for On-Site Detection of Dexamethasone in Milk and Pork
Authors: Li Xiangmei , Chen Xiaomin , Wu Jinxiao , Liu Zhiwei , Wang Jin , Song Cuiping , Zhao Sijun , Lei Hongtao , Sun Yuanming
Published: June 2021

Dexamethasone (DEX) is widely used because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-endotoxin, anti-shock, and stress-enhancing response activities. It can increase the risk of diabetes and hypertension if it is abused or used improperly. However, there is a lack of sensitive and rapid screening methods for DEX in food. In this study, a time-resolved fluorescent microspheres immunochromatographic assay (TRFM-ICA) integrated with a portable fluorescence reader was developed for the quantitative detection of DEX in milk and pork. The cut-off values of the TRFM-ICA were 0.25 ng/mL and 0.7 µg/kg, respectively. The limits of quantitation (LOQs) were 0.003 ng/mL and 0.062 µg/kg, respectively. The recovery rates were 80.0–106.7%, and 78.6–83.6%, respectively, with the coefficients of variation ranging 6.3–12.5%, and 7.5–10.3%, respectively. A parallel experiment for 20 milk and 10 pork samples with LC-MS/MS was carried out to confirm the performance of the on-site application of the developed TRFM-ICA. The results of the two methods are basically the same; the correlation (R2) was >0.98. The establishment of TRFM-ICA will provide a new sensitive and efficient technical support for the rapid screening of DEX in food.
Effects of Flutriafol Fungicide on the Lipid Accumulation in Human Liver Cells and Rat Liver
Authors: Kwon Hyuk-Cheol , Sohn Hyejin , Kim Do-Hyun , Jeong Chang-Hee , Kim Dong-Wook , Han Sung-Gu
Published: June 2021

Flutriafol (FTF) is a triazole fungicide that can cause liver toxicity through the ingestion of its residues in food and water. However, little is known about the liver toxicity of FTF, particularly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in humans. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether FTF induces NAFLD in human liver cells and animal liver. HepG2 cells and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were treated with FTF at doses of 0–640 µM for 24 h and 0–150 mg/kg bw/day for 28 days, respectively. FTF (80, 160, and 320 µM) treatment to cells induced lipid accumulation. FTF (80 and 160 µM)-treated cells had higher levels of cytochrome P450 enzymes and reactive oxygen species and increased mitochondrial membrane potential loss than the control. FTF also increased the mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes through oxidative stress and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathways in HepG2 cells. However, a higher level of FTF (320 µM) induced apoptosis. The treatment of SD rats with FTF (2.5–150 mg/kg bw/day) induced fatty infiltration in the liver by impairing liver metabolism and inducing apoptosis. Therefore, our data suggest that human exposure to FTF residues may be a risk factor for liver diseases, such as NAFLD.