bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient-Specific Planning for Thermal Magnetic Resonance of Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Oberacker Eva , Diesch Cecilia , Nadobny Jacek , Kuehne Andre , Wust Peter , Ghadjar Pirus , Niendorf Thoralf
Published: April 2021

Thermal intervention is a potent sensitizer of cells to chemo- and radiotherapy in cancer treatment. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a potential clinical target, given the cancer’s aggressive nature and resistance to current treatment options. This drives research into optimization algorithms for treatment planning as well as radiofrequency (RF) applicator design for treatment delivery. In this work, nine clinically realistic GBM target volumes (TVs) for thermal intervention are compared using three optimization algorithms and up to ten RF applicator designs for thermal magnetic resonance. Hyperthermia treatment planning (HTP) was successfully performed for all cases, including very small, large, and even split target volumes. Minimum requirements formulated for the metrics assessing HTP outcome were met and exceeded for all patient specific cases. Results indicate a 16 channel two row arrangement to be most promising. HTP of TVs with a small extent in the cranial–caudal direction in conjunction with a large radial extent remains challenging despite the advanced optimization algorithms used. In general, deep seated targets are favorable. Overall, our findings indicate that a one-size-fits-all RF applicator might not be the ultimate approach in hyperthermia of brain tumors. It stands to reason that modular and reconfigurable RF applicator configurations might best suit the needs of targeting individual GBM geometry.
Pharmacokinetics and Safety of a Novel Oral Liquid Formulation of 13-cis Retinoic Acid in Children with Neuroblastoma: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial
Authors: Veal Gareth J. , Tweddle Deborah A. , Visser Johannes , Errington Julie , Buck Helen , Marange Josephine , Moss Jon , Joseph Shiju , Mulla Hussain
Published: April 2021

(1) Background: 13-cis-retinoic acid (13-CRA) is a key component of neuroblastoma treatment protocols. This randomized crossover study compares the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety and palatability of a novel oral liquid formulation to the current method of extracting 13-CRA from capsules. (2) Methods: Pharmacokinetics was evaluated in two consecutive treatment cycles. Patients were randomized to receive either liquid or capsule formulation on cycle 1 and then crossed over to the alternative formulation on cycle 2. The daily dose was 200 mg/m2, reduced to 160 mg/m2 in patients with weight ≤ 12 kg. (3) Results: A total of 20 children, median (range) age 4.3 (1–11.6) y were recruited. Pharmacokinetic data were pooled and a population model describing the disposition of 13-CRA and 4-oxo-13-CRA was developed. Bioavailability of the liquid formulation was estimated to be 65% higher (95% CI; 51–79%) than the extracted capsule. CmaxSS and AUC(0-12)SS estimates were also significantly higher; mean (95% CI) differences were 489 (144–835) ng/mL and 3933 (2020–5846) ng/mL·h, respectively (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in reported adverse effects. Parents found dosing considerably easier with liquid formulation. (4) Conclusions: The pharmacokinetics, safety and palatability of a new liquid formulation of 13-CRA compares favorably to 13-CRA extracted from capsules. Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrial.gov NCT03291080.
Standing Variations Modeling Captures Inter-Individual Heterogeneity in a Deterministic Model of Prostate Cancer Response to Combination Therapy
Authors: Jain Harsh Vardhan , Sorribes Inmaculada C. , Handelman Samuel K. , Barnaby Johnna , Jackson Trachette L.
Published: April 2021

Sipuleucel-T (Provenge) is the first live cell vaccine approved for advanced, hormonally refractive prostate cancer. However, survival benefit is modest and the optimal combination or schedule of sipuleucel-T with androgen depletion remains unknown. We employ a nonlinear dynamical systems approach to modeling the response of hormonally refractive prostate cancer to sipuleucel-T. Our mechanistic model incorporates the immune response to the cancer elicited by vaccination, and the effect of androgen depletion therapy. Because only a fraction of patients benefit from sipuleucel-T treatment, inter-individual heterogeneity is clearly crucial. Therefore, we introduce our novel approach, Standing Variations Modeling, which exploits inestimability of model parameters to capture heterogeneity in a deterministic model. We use data from mouse xenograft experiments to infer distributions on parameters critical to tumor growth and to the resultant immune response. Sampling model parameters from these distributions allows us to represent heterogeneity, both at the level of the tumor cells and the individual (mouse) being treated. Our model simulations explain the limited success of sipuleucel-T observed in practice, and predict an optimal combination regime that maximizes predicted efficacy. This approach will generalize to a range of emerging cancer immunotherapies.
Eye Tumors in Childhood as First Sign of Tumor Predisposition Syndromes: Insights from an Observational Study Conducted in Germany and Austria
Authors: Reschke Madlen , Biewald Eva , Bronstein Leo , Brecht Ines B. , Dittner-Moormann Sabine , Driever Frank , Ebinger Martin , Fleischhack Gudrun , Grabow Desiree , Geismar Dirk , Göricke Sophia , Guberina Maja , Le Guin Claudia H. D. , Kiefer Tobias , Kratz Christian P. , Metz Klaus , Müller Bert , Ryl Tatsiana , Schlamann Marc , Schlüter Sabrina , Schönberger Stefan , Schulte Johannes H. , Sirin Selma , Süsskind Daniela , Timmermann Beate , Ting Saskia , Wackernagel Werner , Wieland Regina , Zenker Martin , Zeschnigk Michael , Reinhardt Dirk , Eggert Angelika , Ritter-Sovinz Petra , Lohmann Dietmar R. , Bornfeld Norbert , Bechrakis Nikolaos , Ketteler Petra
Published: April 2021

Retinoblastoma and other eye tumors in childhood are rare diseases. Many eye tumors are the first signs of a genetic tumor predisposition syndrome and the affected children carry a higher risk of developing other cancers later in life. Clinical and genetic data of all children with eye tumors diagnosed between 2013–2018 in Germany and Austria were collected in a multicenter prospective observational study. In five years, 300 children were recruited into the study: 287 with retinoblastoma, 7 uveal melanoma, 3 ciliary body medulloepithelioma, 2 retinal astrocytoma, 1 meningioma of the optic nerve extending into the eye. Heritable retinoblastoma was diagnosed in 44% of children with retinoblastoma. One child with meningioma of the optic nerve extending into the eye was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis 2. No pathogenic constitutional variant in DICER1 was detected in a child with medulloepithelioma while two children did not receive genetic analysis. Because of the known association with tumor predisposition syndromes, genetic counseling should be offered to all children with eye tumors. Children with a genetic predisposition to cancer should receive a tailored surveillance including detailed history, physical examinations and, if indicated, imaging to screen for other cancer. Early detection of cancers may reduce mortality.
Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Single-Center Cohort Study
Authors: Scala Marcello , Schiavetti Irene , Madia Francesca , Chelleri Cristina , Piccolo Gianluca , Accogli Andrea , Riva Antonella , Salpietro Vincenzo , Bocciardi Renata , Morcaldi Guido , Di Duca Marco , Caroli Francesco , Verrico Antonio , Milanaccio Claudia , Viglizzo Gianmaria , Traverso Monica , Baldassari Simona , Scudieri Paolo , Iacomino Michele , Piatelli Gianluca , Minetti Carlo , Striano Pasquale , Garrè Maria Luisa , De Marco Patrizia , Diana Maria Cristina , Capra Valeria , Pavanello Marco , Zara Federico
Published: April 2021

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a proteiform genetic condition caused by pathogenic variants in NF1 and characterized by a heterogeneous phenotypic presentation. Relevant genotype–phenotype correlations have recently emerged, but only few pertinent studies are available. We retrospectively reviewed clinical, instrumental, and genetic data from a cohort of 583 individuals meeting at least 1 diagnostic National Institutes of Health (NIH) criterion for NF1. Of these, 365 subjects fulfilled ≥2 NIH criteria, including 235 pediatric patients. Genetic testing was performed through cDNA-based sequencing, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), and Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA). Uni- and multivariate statistical analysis was used to investigate genotype–phenotype correlations. Among patients fulfilling ≥ 2 NIH criteria, causative single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and copy number variations (CNVs) were detected in 267/365 (73.2%) and 20/365 (5.5%) cases. Missense variants negatively correlated with neurofibromas (p = 0.005). Skeletal abnormalities were associated with whole gene deletions (p = 0.05) and frameshift variants (p = 0.006). The c.3721C>T; p.(R1241*) variant positively correlated with structural brain alterations (p = 0.031), whereas Lisch nodules (p = 0.05) and endocrinological disorders (p = 0.043) were associated with the c.6855C>A; p.(Y2285*) variant. We identified novel NF1 genotype–phenotype correlations and provided an overview of known associations, supporting their potential relevance in the implementation of patient management.
Hypothalamic GHR—SIRT1 Axis in Fasting
Authors: de Lima Juliana Bezerra Medeiros , Ubah Chidera , Debarba Lucas Kniess , Ayyar Iven , Didyuk Olesya , Sadagurski Marianna
Published: April 2021

Many aspects of physiological functions are controlled by the hypothalamus, a brain region that connects the neuroendocrine system to whole-body metabolism. Growth hormone (GH) and the GH receptor (GHR) are expressed in hypothalamic regions known to participate in the regulation of feeding and whole-body energy homeostasis. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is the most conserved mamma-lian nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent protein deacetylase that plays a key role in controlling life span and sensing nutrient availability in the hypothalamus in response to caloric restriction. However, the interaction between GHR signaling and SIRT1 in the hypothal-amus is not established. In the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus, the anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-expressing neurons and the orexigenic agouti-related protein (AgRP)-expressing neurons are the major regulators of feeding and energy expenditure. We show that in the ARC, the majority of GHR-expressing neurons also express SIRT1 and respond to fasting by upregulating SIRT1 expression. Accordingly, hypothalamic upregulation of SIRT1 in response to fasting is blunted in animals with GHR deletion in the AgRP neurons (AgRPEYFPΔGHR). Our data thus reveal a novel interaction between GH and SIRT1 in responses to fasting.
Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) Based Biosensor Functionalized by HER2/neu Antibody for Breast Cancer Cell Detection
Authors: Yılmaz Merve , Bakhshpour Monireh , Göktürk Ilgım , Pişkin Ayşe Kevser , Denizli Adil
Published: April 2021

The heterogeneity and metastatic features of cancer cells lead to a great number of casualties in the world. Additionally, its diagnosis as well as its treatment is highly expensive. Therefore, development of simple but effective diagnostic systems which detect the molecular markers of cancer is of great importance. The molecular changes on cancer cell membranes serve as targets, such as HER2/neu receptor which is detected on the surface of highly metastatic breast cancer cells. We have aimed to develop a specific and simple quartz crystal microbalance (QCM)-based system to identify HER2/neu expressing breast cancer cells via a receptor-specific monoclonal antibody. First, the QCM chip was coated with polymeric nanoparticles composed of hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA). The nanoparticle coated QCM chip was then functionalized by binding of HER2/neu antibody. The breast cancer cells with/without HER2/neu receptor expression, namely, SKBR3, MDA-MB 231 and also mouse fibroblasts were passed over the chip at a rate of 10–500 cells/mL and the mass changes (Δm) on cell/cm2 unit surface of sensor were detected in real-time. The detection limit of the system was 10 cells/mL. Thus, this QCM-based HER2/neu receptor antibody functionalized system might be used effectively in the detection of HER2/neu expressing SKBR3 breast cancer cells.
Principles of Dispersing Powders for 3D Printing
Authors: Zhou Hongli , Wang Xiaofeng , Wang Xinyu , Peng Chaoqun , Wang Richu , Zhou Kechao
Published: April 2021

During the past 30 years, more and more 3D-printing techniques based on suspensions with specific rheological properties have been innovated and improved. In this review, principles of dispersing and controlling powders for suspension-based 3D printing are summarized. The suspensions for direct ink writing (DIW) are taken as an example for 3D printing. According to the rheological property requirement of suspensions for direct ink writing, the routes on how its rheological properties can be manipulated are summarized and classified into two categories: I. self-solidification route; II. assistant-solidification route. The perspective on the future of 3D-printing techniques based on suspensions is also discussed.
Model and Analysis of Economic- and Risk-Based Objective Optimization Problem for Plant Location within Industrial Estates Using Epsilon-Constraint Algorithms
Authors: Wattanasaeng Niroot , Ransikarbum Kasin
Published: April 2021

In many countries, a number of industrial estates have been established to support the growth of the industrial sector, which is an essential strategy to drive economic growth. Planning for the location of industrial factories within an industrial estate, however, becomes complex, given the various types of industrial plants and the requirements of utilities to support operations within an industrial park. In this research, we model and analyze bi-objective optimization for locating plants within an industrial estate by considering economic- and risk-based cost objectives. Whereas economic objectives are associated with utility distances between plant locations, risk-based cost is a surrogate criterion derived from safety considerations. Next, risk-based data are further generated from Areal Locations of Hazardous Atmospheres (ALOHA), the hazard modeling program, and solutions to the bi-objective model are obtained from the Epsilon-constraint algorithm. Finally, the model is applied to a regional case study in a Thailand industrial estate, and the Pareto frontier is evaluated to demonstrate the trade-off between objectives.
Non-Hydrostatic Discontinuous/Continuous Galerkin Model for Wave Propagation, Breaking and Runup
Authors: Calvo Lucas , De Padova Diana , Mossa Michele , Rosman Paulo
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a new depth-integrated non-hydrostatic finite element model for simulating wave propagation, breaking and runup using a combination of discontinuous and continuous Galerkin methods. The formulation decomposes the depth-integrated non-hydrostatic equations into hydrostatic and non-hydrostatic parts. The hydrostatic part is solved with a discontinuous Galerkin finite element method to allow the simulation of discontinuous flows, wave breaking and runup. The non-hydrostatic part led to a Poisson type equation, where the non-hydrostatic pressure is solved using a continuous Galerkin method to allow the modeling of wave propagation and transformation. The model uses linear quadrilateral finite elements for horizontal velocities, water surface elevations and non-hydrostatic pressures approximations. A new slope limiter for quadrilateral elements is developed. The model is verified and validated by a series of analytical solutions and laboratory experiments.
Potential Effects of Melatonin and Micronutrients on Mitochondrial Dysfunction during a Cytokine Storm Typical of Oxidative/Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Martín Giménez Virna Margarita , de las Heras Natalia , Ferder León , Lahera Vicente , Reiter Russel J. , Manucha Walter
Published: April 2021

Exaggerated oxidative stress and hyper-inflammation are essential features of oxidative/inflammatory diseases. Simultaneously, both processes may be the cause or consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction, thus establishing a vicious cycle among these three factors. However, several natural substances, including melatonin and micronutrients, may prevent or attenuate mitochondrial damage and may preserve an optimal state of health by managing the general oxidative and inflammatory status. This review aims to describe the crucial role of mitochondria in the development and progression of multiple diseases as well as the close relationship among mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and cytokine storm. Likewise, it attempts to summarize the main findings related to the powerful effects of melatonin and some micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), which may be useful (alone or in combination) as therapeutic agents in the treatment of several examples of oxidative/inflammatory pathologies, including sepsis, as well as cardiovascular, renal, neurodegenerative, and metabolic disorders.
Divergence Entropy-Based Evaluation of Hydrophobic Core in Aggressive and Resistant Forms of Transthyretin
Authors: Banach Mateusz , Stapor Katarzyna , Fabian Piotr , Konieczny Leszek , Roterman Irena
Published: April 2021

The two forms of transthyretin differing slightly in the tertiary structure, despite the presence of five mutations, show radically different properties in terms of susceptibility to the amyloid transformation process. These two forms of transthyretin are the object of analysis. The search for the sources of these differences was carried out by means of a comparative analysis of the structure of these molecules in their native and early intermediate stage forms in the folding process. The criterion for assessing the degree of similarity and differences is the status of the hydrophobic core. The comparison of the level of arrangement of the hydrophobic core and its initial stages is possible thanks to the application of divergence entropy for the early intermediate stage and for the final forms. It was shown that the minimal differences observed in the structure of the hydrophobic core of the forms available in PDB, turned out to be significantly different in the early stage (ES) structure in folding process. The determined values of divergence entropy for both ES forms indicate the presence of the seed of hydrophobic core only in the form resistant to amyloid transformation. In the form of aggressively undergoing amyloid transformation, the structure lacking such a seed is revealed, being a stretched one with a high content of β-type structure. In the discussed case, the active presence of water in the structural transformation of proteins expressed in the fuzzy oil drop model (FOD) is of decisive importance for the generation of the final protein structure. It has been shown that the resistant form tends to generate a centric hydrophobic core with the possibility of creating a globular structure, i.e., a spherical micelle-like form. The aggressively transforming form reveals in the structure of its early intermediate, a tendency to form the ribbon-like micelle as observed in amyloid.
On Time Scales of Intrinsic Oscillations in the Climate System
Authors: Tsonis Anastasios A. , Wang Geli , Lu Wenxu , Kravtsov Sergey , Essex Christopher , Asten Michael W.
Published: April 2021

Proxy temperature data records featuring local time series, regional averages from areas all around the globe, as well as global averages, are analyzed using the Slow Feature Analysis (SFA) method. As explained in the paper, SFA is much more effective than the traditional Fourier analysis in identifying slow-varying (low-frequency) signals in data sets of a limited length. We find the existence of a striking gap from ~1000 to about ~20,000 years, which separates intrinsic climatic oscillations with periods ranging from ~60 years to ~1000 years, from the longer time-scale periodicities (20,000 year+) involving external forcing associated with Milankovitch cycles. The absence of natural oscillations with periods within the gap is consistent with cumulative evidence based on past data analyses, as well as with earlier theoretical and modeling studies.
Federated Quantum Machine Learning
Authors: Chen Samuel Yen-Chi , Yoo Shinjae
Published: April 2021

Distributed training across several quantum computers could significantly improve the training time and if we could share the learned model, not the data, it could potentially improve the data privacy as the training would happen where the data is located. One of the potential schemes to achieve this property is the federated learning (FL), which consists of several clients or local nodes learning on their own data and a central node to aggregate the models collected from those local nodes. However, to the best of our knowledge, no work has been done in quantum machine learning (QML) in federation setting yet. In this work, we present the federated training on hybrid quantum-classical machine learning models although our framework could be generalized to pure quantum machine learning model. Specifically, we consider the quantum neural network (QNN) coupled with classical pre-trained convolutional model. Our distributed federated learning scheme demonstrated almost the same level of trained model accuracies and yet significantly faster distributed training. It demonstrates a promising future research direction for scaling and privacy aspects.
The Influence of Martensitic Intercalations in Magnetic Shape Memory NiCoMnAl Multilayered Films
Authors: Becker Andreas , Ramermann Daniela , Ennen Inga , Büker Björn , Matalla-Wagner Tristan , Gottschalk Martin , Hütten Andreas
Published: April 2021

Hysteresis and transformation behavior were studied in epitaxial NiCoMnAl magnetic shape memory alloy thin films with varying number martensitic intercalations (MIs) placed in between. MIs consists of a different NiCoMnAl composition with a martensitic transformation occurring at much higher temperature than the host composition. With increasing number of intercalations, we find a decrease in hysteresis width from 17 K to 10 K. For a large difference in the layers thicknesses this is accompanied by a larger amount of residual austenite. If the thicknesses become comparable, strain coupling between them dominates the transformation process, which manifests in a shift of the hysteresis to higher temperatures, splitting of the hysteresis in sub hysteresis and a decrease in residual austenite to almost 0%. A long-range ordering of martensite and austenite regions in the shape of a 3D checker board pattern is formed at almost equal thicknesses.
Visual Arts in the University Educational Ecosystem: Analysis of Schools of Knowledge
Authors: González-Zamar Mariana-Daniela , Abad-Segura Emilio
Published: April 2021

Throughout history, the visual arts have allowed for a dynamic of aesthetic feedback, cultural plurality, and a standardization of the artistic phenomenon. The objective of this study is to analyze the current lines of research at the international level, during the period 1952–2020, on the visual arts in the university educational ecosystem. Bibliometric techniques were applied to 1727 articles in the thematic area of the “Arts and Humanities” to obtain the findings included in this report. Scientific production has increased mainly in the last decade, making up around 70% of all publications. Five schools of knowledge have been identified that generate articles on this topic related to art, visual culture, modernity, music, and history. The growing trend of scientific production worldwide shows the interest in developing aspects of this field of study. This article contributes to the academic, scientific, and institutional discussion on the role of the visual arts in contemporary society.
Augmentation of Severe Weather Impact to Far-Infrared Sensor Images to Improve Pedestrian Detection System
Authors: Tumas Paulius , Serackis Artūras , Nowosielski Adam
Published: April 2021

Pedestrian detection is an essential task for computer vision and the automotive industry. Complex systems like advanced driver-assistance systems are based on far-infrared data sensors, used to detect pedestrians at nighttime, fog, rain, and direct sun situations. The robust pedestrian detector should work in severe weather conditions. However, only a few datasets include some examples of far-infrared images with distortions caused by atmospheric precipitation and dirt covering sensor optics. This paper proposes the deep learning-based data augmentation technique to enrich far-infrared images collected in good weather conditions by distortions, similar to those caused by bad weather. The six most accurate and fast detectors (TinyV3, TinyL3, You Only Look Once (YOLO)v3, YOLOv4, ResNet50, and ResNext50), performing faster than 15 FPS, were trained on 207,001 annotations and tested on 156,345 annotations, not used for training. The proposed data augmentation technique showed up to a 9.38 mean Average Precision (mAP) increase of pedestrian detection with a maximum of 87.02 mAP (YOLOv4). Proposed in this paper detectors’ Head modifications based on a confidence heat-map gave an additional boost of precision for all six detectors. The most accurate current detector, based on YOLOv4, reached up to 87.20 mAP during our experimental tests.
A New Grid-Connected Constant Frequency Three-Phase Induction Generator System under Unbalanced-Voltage Conditions
Authors: Moradian Mohammadreza , Soltani Jafar , Arab Markadeh Gholam Reza , Shahinzadeh Hossein , Amirat Yassine
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a new constant frequency, direct grid-connected wind-based induction generator system (IGS). The proposed system includes a six-phase cage rotor with two separate three-phase balanced stator windings and a three-phase SV-PWM inverter which is used as a STATCOM. The first stator winding is connected to the STATCOM and is used to excite the machine. The main frequency of the STATCOM is considered to be constant and equal to the main grid frequency. In the second stator winding, the frequency of the induced emf is equal to the constant frequency, so the generator output frequency is independent of the load power demand and its prime mover speed. The second stator winding is directly connected to the main grid without an intermediate back-to-back converter. In order to regulate the IGS output active and reactive power components, a sliding mode control (SMC) is designed. Assuming unbalanced three-phase voltages for the main grid, a second SMC is developed to remove the machine output’s negative sequence currents. Moreover, a conventional PI controller is used to force the average exchanging active power between the machine and STATCOM to zero. This PI controller generates the reference value of the rotor angular speed. An adjustable speed pitch angle-controlled wind turbine is used as the IGS’s prime mover. The effectiveness and capability of the proposed control scheme have been supported by the simulation results.
Sinterconnects: All-Copper Top-Side Interconnects Based on Copper Sinter Paste for Power Module Packaging
Authors: Roshanghias Ali , Malago Perla , Kaczynski Jaroslaw , Polom Timothy , Bardong Jochen , Holzmann Dominik , Malik Muhammad-Hassan , Ortner Michael , Hirschl Christina , Binder Alfred
Published: April 2021

Copper sinter paste has been recently established as a robust die-attach material for high -power electronic packaging. This paper proposes and studies the implementation of copper sinter paste materials to create top-side interconnects, which can substitute wire bonds in power packages. Here, copper sinter paste was exploited as a fully printed interconnect and, additionally, as a copper clip-attach. The electrical and thermal performances of the copper-sinter paste interconnections (“sinterconnects”) were compared to a system with wire bonds. The results indicate comparable characteristics of the sinterconnect structures to the wire-bonded ones. Moreover, the performance of copper sinterconnects in a power module was further quantified at higher load currents via finite element analysis. It was identified that the full-area thermal and electrical contact facilitated by the planar sinterconnects can reduce ohmic losses and enhance the thermal management of the power packages.
Performance Improvement of Grid-Connected Induction Motors through an Auxiliary Winding Set
Authors: Tornello Luigi Danilo , Foti Salvatore , Cacciato Mario , Testa Antonio , Scelba Giacomo , De Caro Salvatore , Scarcella Giuseppe , Rizzo Santi Agatino
Published: April 2021

A technique to improve the performance of grid-connected induction motors by exploiting an auxiliary winding set is proposed in this paper. This auxiliary winding features the same distribution of the main winding, although with a reduced number of turns and it is fed by an inverter a fraction of the power in comparison with the rated size of the induction motor. As shown in the paper, through the auxiliary winding, it is possible to set the machine power factor, increasing the efficiency of the power conversion system and mitigating speed oscillations due to torque disturbances. A mitigation of the grid current peaks due to motor start-up is obtainable. First, the proposed technique is theoretically introduced, then a feasibility assessment is accomplished by simulations.
Building Retrofitting through Coupling of Building Energy Simulation-Optimization Tool with CFD and Daylight Programs
Authors: Rabani Mehrdad , Bayera Madessa Habtamu , Nord Natasa
Published: April 2021

Simultaneous satisfaction of both thermal and visual comfort in buildings may be a challenging task. Therefore, this paper suggests a comprehensive framework for the building energy optimization process integrating computational fluid dynamics (CFD) daylight simulations. A building energy simulation tool, IDA Indoor Climate and Energy (IDA-ICE), was coupled with three open-source tools including GenOpt, OpenFOAM, and Radiance. In the optimization phase, several design variables i.e., building envelope properties, fenestration parameters, and Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system set points, were selected to minimize the total building energy use and simultaneously improve thermal and visual comfort. Two different scenarios were investigated for retrofitting of a generic office building located in Oslo, Norway. In the first scenario a constant air volume (CAV) ventilation system with a local radiator in each zone was used, while an all-air system equipped with a demand control ventilation (DCV) was applied in the second scenario. Findings showed that, compared to the reference design, significant reduction of total building energy use, around 77% and 79% in the first and second scenarios, was achieved respectively, and thermal and visual comfort conditions were also improved considerably. However, the overall thermal and visual comfort satisfactions were higher when all-air system was applied.
A New Decentralized Control Strategy of Microgrids in the Internet of Energy Paradigm
Authors: Alhasnawi Bilal Naji , Jasim Basil H. , Sedhom Bishoy E. , Hossain Eklas , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: April 2021

The Energy Internet paradigm is the evolution of the Internet of Things concept in the power system. Microgrids (MGs), as the essential element in an Energy Internet, are expected to be controlled in a corporative and flexible manner. This paper proposes a novel decentralized robust control strategy for multi-agent systems (MASs) governed MGs in future Energy Internet. The proposed controller is based on a consensus algorithm applied with the connected distributed generators (DGs) in the MGs in the energy internet paradigm. The proposed controller’s objectives are the frequency/voltage regulation and proportional reactive/active power-sharing for the hybrid DGs connected MGs. A proposed two-level communication system is implemented to explain the data exchange between the MG system and the cloud server. The local communication level utilizes the transmission control protocol (TCP)/ internet protocol (IP) and the message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT) is used as the protocol for the global communication level. The proposed control strategy has been verified using a hypothetical hybrid DGs connected MG such as photovoltaic or wind turbines in MATLAB Simulink environment. Several scenarios based on the system load types are implemented using residential buildings and small commercial outlets. The simulation results have verified the feasibility and effectiveness of the introduced strategy for the MGs’ various operating conditions.
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion—Flexible Enabling Technology for Variable Renewable Energy Integration in the Caribbean
Authors: Brecha Robert J. , Schoenenberger Katherine , Ashtine Masaō , Koon Koon Randy
Published: April 2021

Many Caribbean island nations have historically been heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels for both power and transportation, while at the same time being at an enhanced risk from the impacts of climate change, although their emissions represent a very tiny fraction of the global total responsible for climate change. Small island developing states (SIDSs) are among the leaders in advocating for the ambitious 1.5 °C Paris Agreement target and the transition to 100% sustainable, renewable energy systems. In this work, three central results are presented. First, through GIS mapping of all Caribbean islands, the potential for near-coastal deep-water as a resource for ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is shown, and these results are coupled with an estimate of the countries for which OTEC would be most advantageous due to a lack of other dispatchable renewable power options. Secondly, hourly data have been utilized to explicitly show the trade-offs between battery storage needs and dispatchable renewable sources such as OTEC in 100% renewable electricity systems, both in technological and economic terms. Finally, the utility of near-shore, open-cycle OTEC with accompanying desalination is shown to enable a higher penetration of renewable energy and lead to lower system levelized costs than those of a conventional fossil fuel system.
Simulation Verification of Overcurrent Protection Operation in Power Networks Integrating Renewable Energy Sources in Energy Communities
Authors: Szablicki Mateusz , Rzepka Piotr , Halinka Adrian
Published: April 2021

This publication discusses the risks of further use of classical overcurrent protections in modern power systems. The increasing penetration of renewable energy sources has caused a lot of challenges, among other things, the development of energy communities that balance local generation and consumption. Usually the interconnection line between the energy community and power systems are only used to balance the shortage or overflow of energy. As a result, most of the time these connections can be low loaded. Such a state can cause incorrect operation of power system protection approached, because the current level values are smaller than the required activation level for the protections. This article presents the potential incorrect operation of digital power system protection with overcurrent function. The obtained simulation results clearly show that the correctness of protection operation is strongly dependent on the level load of lines and the parameters and structure of the protection decision algorithms. These problems occur during low load line periods because these were not taken into account during the classical digital protection design stage. In the future this can cause problems with the fulfillment of the basic protection requirements of stability, speed, sensitivity. This publication suggests extra problems for power system protection research.
Rapid Detection of Pine Pathogens Lecanosticta acicola, Dothistroma pini and D. septosporum on Needles by Probe-Based LAMP Assays
Authors: Aglietti Chiara , Meinecke Colton D. , Ghelardini Luisa , Barnes Irene , van der Nest Ariska , Villari Caterina
Published: April 2021

Needle blights are serious needle fungal diseases affecting pines both in natural and productive forests. Among needle blight agents, the ascomycetes Lecanosticta acicola, Dothistroma pini and D. septosporum are of particular concern. These pathogens need specific, fast and accurate diagnostics since they are regulated species in many countries and may require differential management measures. Due to the similarities in fungal morphology and the symptoms they elicit, these species are hard to distinguish using morphological characteristics. The symptoms can also be confused with those caused by insects or abiotic agents. DNA-based detection is therefore recommended. However, the specific PCR assays that have been produced to date for the differential diagnosis of these pathogens can be applied only in a well-furnished laboratory and the procedure takes a relatively long execution time. Surveillance and forest protection would benefit from a faster diagnostic method, such as a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay, which requires less sophisticated equipment and can also be deployed directly on-site using portable devices. LAMP assays for the rapid and early detection of L. acicola, D. pini and D. septosporum were developed in this work. Species-specific LAMP primers and fluorescent assimilating probes were designed for each assay, targeting the beta tubulin (β-tub2) gene for the two Dothistroma species and the elongation factor (EF-1α) region for L. acicola. Each reaction detected its respective pathogen rapidly and with high specificity and sensitivity in DNA extracts from both pure fungal cultures and directly from infected pine needles. These qualities and the compatibility with inexpensive portable instrumentation position these LAMP assays as an effective method for routine phytosanitary control of plant material in real time, and they could profitably assist the management of L. acicola, D. pini and D. septosporum.
Evolution of Food Safety Features and Volatile Profile in White Sturgeon Caviar Treated with Different Formulations of Salt and Preservatives during a Long-Term Storage Time
Authors: Lopez Annalaura , Bellagamba Federica , Tirloni Erica , Vasconi Mauro , Stella Simone , Bernardi Cristian , Pazzaglia Mario , Moretti Vittorio Maria
Published: April 2021

Caviar is a semi-preserved fish preparation in which cold storage (around 0 °C) and packaging under anaerobic conditions are fundamental to guarantee adequate safety parameters. Consumers seem to prefer caviar prepared with food salt only, but according to the needs of the different distribution channels, some preservatives are used in order to prolong its shelf life and to allow less restrictive storage conditions. Traditionally, the most common preservative was sodium tetraborate (borax), a salt that contributes to the sensory profile of caviar. However, due to its toxicity, borax has been banned in many countries, and the current trend is to reduce or eliminate its use. In this study, we evaluated the evolution of food safety parameters (pH, water activity, microbiological parameters) and the volatile profile during 14 months of storage in caviar samples treated with three different preservatives: I. exclusively NaCl, II. a mixture of borax and NaCl, and III. a mixture of organic acids and salts. Microbial presence was studied by means of plate counts; volatile organic compounds were identified on the sample headspace by means of solid phase microextraction with gas-chromatography and mass spectrometry. Results showed relevant differences among the three treatments investigated, with salt samples characterized by the highest viable counts and the greatest presence of volatile products driven by oxidative and spoilage processes, mainly occurring toward lipid and amino acids. On the contrary, the mixture of organic acids and salts showed the best response during the entire storage period. Finally, the employment of a multiparametric statistic model allowed the identification of different clusters based on the time of ripening and the preservative treatments used.
New Insights into the Chemical Reactivity of Dry-Cured Fermented Sausages: Focus on Nitrosation, Nitrosylation and Oxidation
Authors: Bonifacie Aline , Gatellier Philippe , Promeyrat Aurélie , Nassy Gilles , Picgirard Laurent , Scislowski Valérie , Santé-Lhoutellier Véronique , Théron Laetitia
Published: April 2021

Nitrite and nitrate are added to cured meat for their bacteriological, technological and sensorial properties. However, they are suspected to be involved in the formation of nitroso compounds (NOCs), such as potentially mutagenic nitrosamines, nitrosylheme and nitrosothiols. Controlling the sanitary and sensorial qualities of cured meat products by reducing these additives requires elucidating the mechanisms involved in the formation of NOCs. To this end, we studied the dose-response relationship of added sodium nitrite and/or sodium nitrate (0/0, 80/80, 0/200, and 120/120 ppm) on the formation of NOCs in dry cured fermented sausages. The results showed a basal heme iron nitrosylation in the absence of NaNO2/NaNO3 due to starter cultures. This reaction was promoted by the addition of NaNO2/NaNO3 in the other conditions. Reducing the dose to 80/80 ppm still limits lipid oxidation without the formation of non-volatile nitrosamines. Conversely, the addition of NO2/NO3 slightly increases protein oxidation through higher carbonyl content. The use of 80/80 ppm could be a means of reducing these additives in dry-cured fermented meat products.
Microwave and Ultrasound Pre-Treatments for Drying of the “Rocha” Pear: Impact on Phytochemical Parameters, Color Changes and Drying Kinetics
Authors: Önal Begüm , Adiletta Giuseppina , Di Matteo Marisa , Russo Paola , Ramos Inês N. , Silva Cristina L. M.
Published: April 2021

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of drying temperature and innovative pre-treatments (i.e., microwave and ultrasound) on “Rocha” pear drying behavior and quality characteristics, such as color, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Experiments were carried out with pear slabs subjected to microwaves (2450 MHz, 539 W, 4 min, microwave oven) and ultrasounds (35 kHz, 10 min, in an ultrasonic bath) as well as control samples. The drying process was conducted in a tray dryer at three different temperatures (50, 55 and 60 °C) and a fixed air velocity of 0.75 m/s. Microwave technology resulted in a higher quality deterioration in dried pear samples compared to those of controls and ultrasound pre-treated samples. The combined application of ultrasound pre-treatment and the higher drying temperature of 60 °C was characterized by the lowest color changes (ΔE = 3.86 ± 0.23) and higher preservation of nutritional parameters (total phenolic content, TPC = 345.60 ± 8.99; and antioxidant activity, EC50 = 8.80 ± 0.34). The drying characteristics of pear fruits were also analyzed by taking into account empirical models, with the Page model presenting the best prediction of the drying behavior. In conclusion, ultrasound application is a promising technology to obtain healthy/nutritious dried “Rocha” pear snacks as dietary sources for consumers.
Image Compression Using Fractal Functions
Authors: Svynchuk Olga , Barabash Oleg , Nikodem Joanna , Kochan Roman , Laptiev Oleksandr
Published: April 2021

The rapid growth of geographic information technologies in the field of processing and analysis of spatial data has led to a significant increase in the role of geographic information systems in various fields of human activity. However, solving complex problems requires the use of large amounts of spatial data, efficient storage of data on on-board recording media and their transmission via communication channels. This leads to the need to create new effective methods of compression and data transmission of remote sensing of the Earth. The possibility of using fractal functions for image processing, which were transmitted via the satellite radio channel of a spacecraft, is considered. The information obtained by such a system is presented in the form of aerospace images that need to be processed and analyzed in order to obtain information about the objects that are displayed. An algorithm for constructing image encoding–decoding using a class of continuous functions that depend on a finite set of parameters and have fractal properties is investigated. The mathematical model used in fractal image compression is called a system of iterative functions. The encoding process is time consuming because it performs a large number of transformations and mathematical calculations. However, due to this, a high degree of image compression is achieved. This class of functions has an interesting property—knowing the initial sets of numbers, we can easily calculate the value of the function, but when the values of the function are known, it is very difficult to return the initial set of values, because there are a huge number of such combinations. Therefore, in order to de-encode the image, it is necessary to know fractal codes that will help to restore the raster image.
Deciphering the Monilinia fructicola Genome to Discover Effector Genes Possibly Involved in Virulence
Authors: Vilanova Laura , Valero-Jiménez Claudio A. , van Kan Jan A.L.
Published: April 2021

Brown rot is the most economically important fungal disease of stone fruits and is primarily caused by Monilinia laxa and Monlinia fructicola. Both species co-occur in European orchards although M. fructicola is considered to cause the most severe yield losses in stone fruit. This study aimed to generate a high-quality genome of M. fructicola and to exploit it to identify genes that may contribute to pathogen virulence. PacBio sequencing technology was used to assemble the genome of M. fructicola. Manual structural curation of gene models, supported by RNA-Seq, and functional annotation of the proteome yielded 10,086 trustworthy gene models. The genome was examined for the presence of genes that encode secreted proteins and more specifically effector proteins. A set of 134 putative effectors was defined. Several effector genes were cloned into Agrobacterium tumefaciens for transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana plants, and some of them triggered necrotic lesions. Studying effectors and their biological properties will help to better understand the interaction between M. fructicola and its stone fruit host plants.