bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Feeding either Red or White Grape Marc on Milk Production and Methane Emissions from Early-Lactation Dairy Cows
Authors: Moate Peter J. , Jacobs Joe L. , Hixson Josh L. , Deighton Matthew H. , Hannah Murray C. , Morris Greg L. , Ribaux Brigid E. , Wales William J. , Williams S. Richard O.
Published: June 2020

Globally, annual production of grape marc (GM), the residue of skins, seeds and stems remaining after making wine, has been estimated to be approximately nine million tonnes. No previous studies have compared effects on milk production and methane emissions when GM from either red or white grapes was fed to dairy cows. This experiment examines the effects of partial replacement of a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) based diet with GM from either red or white grapes on yield and composition of milk and methane emissions. Thirty-two Holstein dairy cows in early lactation were offered either a control diet containing 15.0 kg dry matter (DM) of freshly harvested perennial ryegrass and 5.2 kg of a concentrate mix, or a diet similar to the control diet but with 5 kg DM of ryegrass replaced with 5 kg DM of GM from red grapes (RGM), or a diet similar to the RGM diet except the GM was from white grapes (WGM). Individual cow feed intakes, milk yields, and methane emissions were measured. Both diets containing GM decreased milk yields by approximately 10% and methane emissions by 15%. When fed to dairy cows, GM reduces methane emissions but at the cost of decreased milk production.
Development of BIM-Based Risk Rating Estimation Automation and a Design-for-Safety Review System
Authors: Lee Yongha , Kim Inhan , Choi Jungsik
Published: June 2020

Various laws and guidelines on designing for safety have been developed world-wide, and these were used to identify risks at construction sites in advance through qualitative and quantitative safe management. In other words, attention is being paid to safe management based on design drawings and models rather than field visits. It was predicted that the introduction of the concept of design-for-safety would minimize risk at construction sites through safe management in the design phase. This is because the efficiency and reliability of such a strategy has been demonstrated in various cases abroad. However, domestic design-for-safety suggests a very limited range of evaluation items, so there is a limit to using such strategies in construction sites. Building information modeling (BIM) technology is attracting attention in situations when safe management must also be based on design proposals. Although previous studies on the identification of falling disasters and automatic identification of hazards have been conducted, these studies only deal with a limited range of items for identifying risk items. For example, BIM-based risk extraction, which is limited to falling disasters, is only at the level of risk recognition that can be derived based on the process table, and evaluation is not made accordingly. It is difficult to assess the overall disaster risk in many of the items required for risk rating estimation. In this paper, we solve the above problems by deriving a BIM-based risk rating estimation scenario based on the disaster scenario for automating BIM-based risk rating estimation, and we developed an evaluation system using this method. The BIM-based risk rating estimation methodology was presented through BIM-based hazard extraction, evaluation of requirement information, evaluation item selection, and using the evaluation system in a design-for-safety review.
Impact of Model Resolution and Initial/Boundary Conditions in Forecasting Flood-Causing Precipitations
Authors: Ferrari Francesco , Cassola Federico , Tuju Peter Enos , Stocchino Alessandro , Brotto Paolo , Mazzino Andrea
Published: June 2020

In late summer and autumn Mediterranean coastal regions are quite regularly affected by small-scale, flood-producing convective systems. The complexity of mesoscale triggering mechanisms, related to low-level temperature gradients, moisture convergence, and topographic effects contributes to limit the predictability of such phenomena. In the present work, a severe convection episode associated to a flash flood occurred in Cannes (southern France) in October 2015, is investigated by means of numerical simulations with a state-of-the-art nonhydrostatic mesoscale model. In the modelling configuration operational at the University of Genoa precipitation maxima were underestimated and misplaced. The impact of model resolution as well as initial and boundary conditions on the quantitative precipitation forecasts is analyzed and discussed. In particular, the effect of ingesting a high-resolution satellite-derived sea surface temperature field is proven to be beneficial in terms of precipitation intensity and localization, especially when also associated with the most accurate lateral boundary conditions.
Embodied CO2 Emission Changes in Manufacturing Trade: Structural Decomposition Analysis of China, Japan, and Korea
Authors: Yoon Young , Kim Yoon-Kyung , Kim Jinsoo
Published: June 2020

This study investigated the driving factors of embodied carbon emission changes in manufacturing trades through structural decomposition analysis. For empirical analysis, we developed an environmental multiregional input–output model for Korea, Japan, and China for 1995–2009. The three countries, which are economically and environmentally significant in Asia, are not only tightly linked economically through global value chains, but also close geographically, sharing various environmental issues. The results show that China is a net exporter of embodied carbon emissions to Japan and Korea, despite a substantial trade deficit. Its exports are more carbon-intensive than its imports from Japan and Korea. China’s embodied emissions were mainly affected by a change in carbon-intensive production and trade structure, and Japan’s and Korea’s were affected by China’s final demand. At the sectoral level, “Electrical and Optical Equipment”, “Basic Metals and Fabricated Metal”, and “Textiles and Textile Products” mainly affected the embodied carbon emission changes in these three countries. As a result, a considerable share of carbon-intensive production has shifted to China and increased consumption of China’s final products and services in the manufacturing industries, resulting in a significant increase in embodied carbon emissions. Additionally, our findings at the sectoral level could provide important evidence regarding the effective environmental policies that enable sustainable industries. With the increasing interest in the embodied carbon emissions, future research would pay more attention to the bilateral trades of major carbon-emitting countries and multilateral trades.
Thymus vulgaris L. Essential Oil Solid Formulation: Chemical Profile and Spasmolytic and Antimicrobial Effects
Authors: Micucci Matteo , Protti Michele , Aldini Rita , Frosini Maria , Corazza Ivan , Marzetti Carla , Mattioli Laura Beatrice , Tocci Gabriella , Chiarini Alberto , Mercolini Laura , Budriesi Roberta
Published: June 2020

A new Thymus vulgaris L. solid essential oil (SEO) formulation composed of liquid EO linked to solid excipients has been chemically analysed and evaluated for its intestinal spasmolytic and antispastic effects in ex vivo ileum and colon of guinea pig and compared with liquid EO and excipients. Liquid EO and solid linked EO were analysed by original capillary electrochromatography coupled to diode array detection (CEC-DAD) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methodologies. The main bioactive constituents are thymol and carvacrol, with minor constituents for a total of 12 selected analysed compounds. Liquid EO was the most effective in decreasing basal contractility in ileum and colon; excipients addiction permitted normal contractility pattern in solid linked EO SEO. In ileum and colon, the Thymus vulgaris L. solid formulation exerted the relaxant activity on K+-depolarized intestinal smooth muscle as well as liquid EO. The solid essential oil exhibits antimicrobial activity against different strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella Thyphimurium, Candida albicans) similarly to liquid oil, with activity against pathogen, but not commensal strains (Bifidobacterium Breve, Lactobacillus Fermentum) in intestinal homeostasis. Therefore, Thymus vulgaris L. solid essential oil formulation can be proposed as a possible spasmolytic and antispastic tool in medicine.
Effort-Based Decision-Making and Gross Motor Performance: Are They Linked?
Authors: Gill Simone V. , Abplanalp Samuel J. , Keegan Laura , Fulford Daniel
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between effort-based decision making and gross motor performance. Effort-based decision making was measured using a modified version of the Effort Expenditure for Rewards Task (EEfRT), in which participants pressed a button on a keyboard to fill a bar on a screen for monetary reward. Participants received monetary rewards that were commensurate with the level of effort that they were willing to expend. Gross motor performance was measured with a walking task, in which participants matched their steps to the beat of an audio metronome; they walked to metronome beats that were slower and also faster than their normal walking pace. We hypothesized that increased effort during the effort-based decision making task would be paired with an increase in steps taken per minute during the gross motor task. However, the results of this study indicated a lack of a statistically significant relationship between the effort-based decision making task and the gross motor task. Planning rather than decision-making may have been the cognitive construct that governed our gross motor task. These findings can be beneficial when thinking about potential interventions for populations who experience deficits in motor performance and cognition as well as for understanding the relationship between both cognitive and motor performance in healthy adults.
The miR-26b-5p/KPNA2 Axis Is an Important Regulator of Burkitt Lymphoma Cell Growth
Authors: Niu Fubiao , Kazimierska Marta , Nolte Ilja M. , Terpstra Miente Martijn , de Jong Debora , Koerts Jasper , van der Sluis Tineke , Rutgers Bea , O’Connell Ryan M. , Kok Klaas , van den Berg Anke , Dzikiewicz-Krawczyk Agnieszka , Kluiver Joost
Published: June 2020

The expression of several microRNAs (miRNAs) is known to be changed in Burkitt lymphoma (BL), compared to its normal counterparts. Although for some miRNAs, a role in BL was demonstrated, for most of them, their function is unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify miRNAs that control BL cell growth. Two BL cell lines were infected with lentiviral pools containing either 58 miRNA inhibitors or 44 miRNA overexpression constructs. Eighteen constructs showed significant changes in abundance over time, indicating that they affected BL growth. The screening results were validated by individual green fluorescent protein (GFP) growth competition assays for fifteen of the eighteen constructs. For functional follow-up studies, we focused on miR-26b-5p, whose overexpression inhibited BL cell growth. Argonaute 2 RNA immunoprecipitation (Ago2-IP) in two BL cell lines revealed 47 potential target genes of miR-26b-5p. Overlapping the list of putative targets with genes showing a growth repression phenotype in a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screen, revealed eight genes. The top-5 candidates included EZH2, COPS2, KPNA2, MRPL15, and NOL12. EZH2 is a known target of miR-26b-5p, with oncogenic properties in BL. The relevance of the latter four targets was confirmed using sgRNAs targeting these genes in individual GFP growth competition assays. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed binding of miR-26b-5p to the predicted target site for KPNA2, but not to the other genes. In summary, we identified 18 miRNAs that affected BL cell growth in a loss- or gain-of-function screening. A tumor suppressor role was confirmed for miR-26b-5p, and this effect could at least in part be attributed to KPNA2, a known regulator of OCT4, c-jun, and MYC.
Effect of Serum SPARC Levels on Survival in Patients with Digestive Tract Cancer: A Post Hoc Analysis of the AMATERASU Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Akutsu Taisuke , Ito Eisaku , Narita Mitsuo , Ohdaira Hironori , Suzuki Yutaka , Urashima Mitsuyoshi
Published: June 2020

Observational studies suggest that physical activity may improve, whereas sarcopenia may worsen the survival of cancer patients. It has been suggested that secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), one of the myokines that is secreted into the bloodstream by muscle contraction, has tumor-suppressive effects. Based on the hypothesis that serum SPARC level may be a potential prognostic biomarker, a post hoc analysis of the AMATERASU randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of postoperative oral vitamin D supplementation (2000 IU/day) in patients with stage I–III digestive tract cancer from the esophagus to the rectum (UMIN000001977) was conducted with the aim of exploring the association between serum SPARC levels after operation and survival. On multivariate analyses adjusting serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, vitamin D supplementation, sarcopenia, body mass index, age, sex, cancer loci, stage, and adjuvant chemotherapy, patients with SPARC levels lower than the median level had a significantly higher risk for death than those with higher levels (hazard ratio, 2.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.25–4.05; p = 0.007), whereas there were no significant associations with other outcomes including recurrence. However, on the same multivariate analyses, sarcopenia was not a risk factor for death and/or relapse. These results suggest that serum SPARC levels may be a potential biomarker for death but not cancer relapse.
Potential Onco-Suppressive Role of miR122 and miR144 in Uveal Melanoma through ADAM10 and C-Met Inhibition
Authors: Amaro Adriana , Croce Michela , Ferrini Silvano , Barisione Gaia , Gualco Marina , Perri Patrizia , Pfeffer Ulrich , Jager Martine J. , Coupland Sarah E. , Mosci Carlo , Filaci Gilberto , Fabbi Marina , Queirolo Paola , Gangemi Rosaria
Published: June 2020

Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare tumor of the eye that leads to deadly metastases in about half of the patients. ADAM10 correlates with c-Met expression in UM and high levels of both molecules are related to the development of metastases. MiR122 and miR144 modulate ADAM10 and c-Met expression in different settings. We hypothesized a potential onco-suppressive role for miR122 and miR144 through modulation of ADAM10 and c-Met in UM. We analyzed the UM Cancer Genome Atlas data portal (TCGA) dataset, two other cohorts of primary tumors and five human UM cell lines for miR122 and miR144 expression by miR microarray, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, miR transfection and luciferase reporter assay. Our results indicate that miR122 and miR144 are expressed at low levels in the UM cell lines and in the TCGA UM dataset and were down-modulated in a cohort of seven UM samples, compared to normal choroid. Both miR122 and miR144 directly targeted ADAM10 and c-Met. Overexpression of miR122 and miR144 led to reduced expression of ADAM10 and c-Met in the UM cell lines and impaired cell proliferation, migration, cell cycle and shedding of c-Met ecto-domain. Our results show that miR122 and miR144 display an onco-suppressive role in UM through ADAM10 and c-Met modulation.
Prognostic Value of Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte Telomere Length in Gynecologic Malignant Tumors
Authors: Shanta Kamrunnahar , Nakayama Kentaro , Ishikawa Masako , Ishibashi Tomoka , Yamashita Hitomi , Sato Seiya , Sasamori Hiroki , Sawada Kiyoka , Kurose Sonomi , Mahmud Hossain Mohammad , Razia Sultana , Iida Kouji , Ishikawa Noriyoshi , Kyo Satoru
Published: June 2020

Background: Lymphocyte telomere length is strongly correlated with patient prognosis in several malignant tumor types and is thought to be related to tumor immunity. However, this correlation has not been studied in gynecological cancers. We determined the prognostic significance of peripheral blood lymphocyte telomere length in gynecologic cancers. Methods: Telomere length of lymphocytes from patients with gynecological malignant tumors (ovarian cancer (OC), N = 72; cervical cancer (CC), N = 63; endometrial cancer (EC), N = 87) was examined by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR of isolated mononuclear cells. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazard analyses were used to determine the association between lymphocyte telomere length and clinicopathological factors. Results: The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients were based on the dichotomized lymphocyte telomere length using the median as a threshold (OC: 0.75, CC: 1.94, and EC: 1.09). A short telomere length was significantly correlated with residual tumors (≥1 cm) in OC and with advanced stage (III and IV) of CC. In OC and CC, patients with shorter relative lymphocyte telomere length (RLT) had significantly poorer OS and PFS than patients with longer RLT (p = 0.002, p = 0.003, and p = 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). However, in EC, RLT was not significantly associated with OS or PFS (p = 0.567 and p = 0.304, log-rank test). Multivariate analysis showed that shorter RLT was a significant independent prognostic factor of PFS and OS for OC (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively) and CC (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). Conclusions: Patients with OC and CC with shorter lymphocyte telomeres have significantly reduced survival; therefore, the peripheral blood lymphocyte telomere length is a prognostic biomarker in OC and CC.
Clinical Validation Results of an Innovative Non-Invasive Device for Colorectal Cancer Preventive Screening through Fecal Exhalation Analysis
Authors: Zonta Giulia , Malagù Cesare , Gherardi Sandro , Giberti Alessio , Pezzoli Alessandro , De Togni Aldo , Palmonari Caterina
Published: June 2020

Screening is recommended to reduce both incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer. Currently, many countries employ fecal occult blood test (FOBT). In Emilia-Romagna (Italy), since 2005, FOBT immunochemical version (FIT) is performed every two years on people aged between 50 and 69 years. A colonoscopy is then carried out on those who are FIT positive. However, FIT shows approximately 65% false positives (non-tumoral bleedings), leading to many negative colonoscopies. The use of an economic and easy-to-use method to check FOBT-positives will improve screening effectiveness, reducing costs to the national health service. This work illustrates the results of a three-year clinical validation protocol (started in 2016) of a patented device composed of a core of nanostructured gas sensors. This device was designed to identify CRC presence by fecal volatile compounds, with a non-invasive, in vitro and low-cost analysis. Feces are, in fact, affected by tumor-volatile biomarkers, produced by cellular peroxidation and metabolic alterations. The protocol consisted in the analysis of fecal samples of FIT-positive subjects, using colonoscopy as a gold standard. A total of 398 samples were analyzed with machine learning techniques, leading to a sensitivity and specificity of 84.1% and 82.4%, respectively, and a positive predictive value of 72% (25–35% for FIT).
The Expression, Functions and Mechanisms of Circular RNAs in Gynecological Cancers
Authors: Dong Peixin , Xu Daozhi , Xiong Ying , Yue Junming , Ihira Kei , Konno Yosuke , Watari Hidemichi
Published: June 2020

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed, endogenous non-coding RNAs and certain circRNAs are linked to human tumors. Owing to their circular form, circRNAs are protected from degradation by exonucleases, and therefore, they are more stable than linear RNAs. Many circRNAs have been shown to sponge microRNAs, interact with RNA-binding proteins, regulate gene transcription, and be translated into proteins. Mounting evidence suggests that circRNAs are dysregulated in cancer tissues and can mediate various signaling pathways, thus affecting tumorigenesis, metastasis, and remodeling of the tumor microenvironment. First, we review the characteristics, biogenesis, and biological functions of circRNAs, and describe various mechanistic models of circRNAs. Then, we provide a systematic overview of the functional roles of circRNAs in gynecological cancers. Finally, we describe the potential future applications of circRNAs as biomarkers for prognostic stratification and as therapeutic targets in gynecological cancers. Although the function of most circRNAs remains elusive, some individual circRNAs have biologically relevant functions in cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. Certain circRNAs have the potential to serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in gynecological cancers.
Aquaporin-11 Contributes to TGF-β1-induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Human Visceral Adipocytes: Role in Obesity-Associated Inflammation
Authors: Frühbeck Gema , Balaguer Inmaculada , Méndez-Giménez Leire , Valentí Víctor , Becerril Sara , Catalán Victoria , Gómez-Ambrosi Javier , Silva Camilo , Salvador Javier , Calamita Giuseppe , Malagón María M. , Rodríguez Amaia
Published: June 2020

Aquaporin-11 (AQP11) is expressed in human adipocytes, but its functional role remains unknown. Since AQP11 is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident protein that transports water, glycerol, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), we hypothesized that this superaquaporin is involved in ER stress induced by lipotoxicity and inflammation in human obesity. AQP11 expression was assessed in 67 paired visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue samples obtained from patients with morbid obesity and normal-weight individuals. We found that obesity and obesity-associated type 2 diabetes increased (p < 0.05) AQP11 mRNA and protein in visceral adipose tissue, but not subcutaneous fat. Accordingly, AQP11 mRNA was upregulated (p < 0.05) during adipocyte differentiation and lipolysis, two biological processes altered in the obese state. Subcellular fractionation and confocal microscopy studies confirmed its presence in the ER plasma membrane of visceral adipocytes. Proinflammatory factors TNF-α, and particularly TGF-β1, downregulated (p < 0.05) AQP11 mRNA and protein expression and reinforced its subcellular distribution surrounding lipid droplets. Importantly, the AQP11 gene knockdown increased (p < 0.05) basal and TGF-β1-induced expression of the ER markers ATF4 and CHOP. Together, the downregulation of AQP11 aggravates TGF-β1-induced ER stress in visceral adipocytes. Owing to its “peroxiporin” properties, AQP11 overexpression in visceral fat might constitute a compensatory mechanism to alleviate ER stress in obesity.
Hybrid Plasma/Molecular-Dynamics Approach for Efficient XFEL Radiation Damage Simulations
Authors: Kozlov Alexander , Martin Andrew V. , Quiney Harry M.
Published: June 2020

X-ray free-electron laser pulses initiate a complex series of changes to the electronic and nuclear structure of matter on femtosecond timescales. These damage processes include widespread ionization, the formation of a quasi-plasma state and the ultimate explosion of the sample due to Coulomb forces. The accurate simulation of these dynamical effects is critical in designing feasible XFEL experiments and interpreting the results. Current molecular dynamics simulations are, however, computationally intensive, particularly when they treat unbound electrons as classical point particles. On the other hand, plasma simulations are computationally efficient but do not model atomic motion. Here we present a hybrid approach to XFEL damage simulation that combines molecular dynamics for the nuclear motion and plasma models to describe the evolution of the low-energy electron continuum. The plasma properties of the unbound electron gas are used to define modified inter-ionic potentials for the molecular dynamics, including Debye screening and drag forces. The hybrid approach is significantly faster than damage simulations that treat unbound electrons as classical particles, enabling simulations to be performed on large sample volumes.
Brachyuran Crabs (Decapoda) Associated with Rhodolith Beds: Spatio-Temporal Variability at Gran Canaria Island
Authors: Sánchez-Latorre Clara , Triay-Portella Raül , Cosme Marcial , Tuya Fernando , Otero-Ferrer Francisco
Published: June 2020

Crustaceans are a key component of the fauna living in rhodoliths, but patterns in their distribution and abundance remain largely unknown. This paper assessed spatio-temporal variability of Brachyura associated with rhodoliths. A seasonal study was conducted at three depth layers (18, 25, and 40 m), throughout two years (December 2015 to October 2017) at Gran Canaria Island (eastern Atlantic Ocean). A total of 765 crabs belonging to 10 species were collected. A larger abundance and richness of crabs at 25 m correlated with a larger biomass of epiphytic algae attached to rhodoliths. A seasonal pattern was also observed, where a higher richness of crabs occurred in the summer. The Xanthid crab, Nanocassiope melanodactylus, dominated the assemblage (83%); juveniles of this species were more abundant in deeper waters (40 m), while adults were more abundant on the shallower depth layers (18 m and 25 m). The species Pilmunus hirtellus was restricted to 25 m. Nevertheless, Pisa carinimana and Achaeus cranchii did not show any spatio-temporal pattern. In summary, this study demonstrated that two conspicuous crabs, N. melanodactylus and P. hirtellus, associated with rhodolith beds are bathymetrically segregated.
Scaling in Colloidal and Biological Networks
Authors: Nosonovsky Michael , Roy Prosun
Published: June 2020

Scaling and dimensional analysis is applied to networks that describe various physical systems. Some of these networks possess fractal, scale-free, and small-world properties. The amount of information contained in a network is found by calculating its Shannon entropy. First, we consider networks arising from granular and colloidal systems (small colloidal and droplet clusters) due to pairwise interaction between the particles. Many networks found in colloidal science possess self-organizing properties due to the effect of percolation and/or self-organized criticality. Then, we discuss the allometric laws in branching vascular networks, artificial neural networks, cortical neural networks, as well as immune networks, which serve as a source of inspiration for both surface engineering and information technology. Scaling relationships in complex networks of neurons, which are organized in the neocortex in a hierarchical manner, suggest that the characteristic time constant is independent of brain size when interspecies comparison is conducted. The information content, scaling, dimensional, and topological properties of these networks are discussed.
Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Purge Flow and Main Flow Interaction in a Low-Speed Turbine Cascade Passage
Authors: Zhao Lianpeng , Ma Hongwei
Published: June 2020

In order to protect the vulnerable turbine components from extreme high temperature, coolant flow is introduced from the compressor to the disk cavity, inevitably interacting with the main flow. This paper describes an experimental investigation of the interaction between the main flow and the purge flow in a low-speed turbine cascade with three purge flow rates, Cm = 0, Cm = 1%, and Cm = 2%. In order to study the effect of the interaction between the main flow and the purge flow on the secondary flows, a Rortex method developed by Liu Chaoquan is introduced to identify the vortex in the flow field. In the meantime, a method to calculate the mean entropy production rate based on the particle image velocimetry (PIV) result is adopted to investigate the flow loss. The PIV result indicates that the purge flow has a prominent impact on the flow field of the cascade passage, changing the velocity distribution that induces a local blockage area. The results of vortex identification show that the purge flow promotes the generation of the passage vortex near the suction side. In addition, the purge flow makes the passage vortex migrate to the tip wall direction, enlarging the region affected by the secondary flow. The mean entropy production (MEP) result shows that the flow loss is mainly caused by the passage vortex. The coincidence of the high-MEP region and the location of the passage vortex indicates that the purge flow increases the secondary flow loss by affecting the formation and the migration of the passage vortex.
Battery Second-Life for Dedicated and Shared Energy Storage Systems Supporting EV Charging Stations
Authors: Graber Giuseppe , Calderaro Vito , Galdi Vincenzo , Piccolo Antonio
Published: June 2020

Power systems are facing increasing strain due to the worldwide diffusion of electric vehicles (EVs). The need for charging stations (CSs) for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in urban and private parking areas (PAs) is becoming a relevant issue. In this scenario, the use of energy storage systems (ESSs) could be an effective solution to reduce the peak power request by CSs in PAs to the grid. Moreover, II-Life battery modules are a potential approach for cutting costs and implementing sustainable solutions. We propose a method to size ESSs coupled to CSs by using II-Life battery modules. Our methodology is based on the estimation of the residual cycles and the decrease in the supplied power due to the battery aging for defining the number of EV battery packs required for an ESS use case. Then, economic evaluations are presented to compare II-Life with the equivalent I-Life storage system.
Life Cycle Assessment of Electric Vehicle Batteries: An Overview of Recent Literature
Authors: Temporelli Andrea , Carvalho Maria Leonor , Girardi Pierpaolo
Published: June 2020

In electric and hybrid vehicles Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), batteries play a central role and are in the spotlight of scientific community and public opinion. Automotive batteries constitute, together with the powertrain, the main differences between electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles. For this reason, many decision makers and researchers wondered whether energy and environmental impacts from batteries production, can exceed the benefits generated during the vehicle’s use phase. In this framework, the purpose of the present literature review is to understand how large and variable the main impacts are due to automotive batteries’ life cycle, with particular attention to climate change impacts, and to support researchers with some methodological suggestions in the field of automotive batteries’ LCA. The results show that there is high variability in environmental impact assessment; CO2eq emissions per kWh of battery capacity range from 50 to 313 g CO2eq/kWh. Nevertheless, either using the lower or upper bounds of this range, electric vehicles result less carbon-intensive in their life cycle than corresponding diesel or petrol vehicles.
Identification of Energy Efficiency Trends in the Context of the Development of Industry 4.0 Using the Polish Steel Sector as an Example
Authors: Wolniak Radosław , Saniuk Sebastian , Grabowska Sandra , Gajdzik Bożena
Published: June 2020

The steel sector is crucial for the national economy of Poland and the global economy. In response to the challenges of the global steel market and the need to increase the sector’s competitiveness, a number of actions have been taken to increase the energy efficiency of steel production. Based on the synthesis of the literature and our own research, we describe the issues related to energy efficiency and the Industry 4.0 concept. The main aim of this paper is to identify energy efficiency trends in enterprises, especially those that focus on increasing the energy efficiency of production processes, and to make recommendations for investment policy for the Polish steel sector in the era of Industry 4.0. To achieve our goals and answer the research question, we used data from 2000–2019 for the Polish steel industry. The calculations and models in this paper were made by using Gretl software. Using direct research, an econometric model was built that verified the hypothesis regarding the relationship between investment in new technologies and the energy efficiency of steel production. Future investment policies should take the implementation of Industry 4.0 tools in the steel sector into account, which, according to the authors, will measurably improve energy efficiency.
Models for Short-Term Wind Power Forecasting Based on Improved Artificial Neural Network Using Particle Swarm Optimization and Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Viet Dinh Thanh , Phuong Vo Van , Duong Minh Quan , Tran Quoc Tuan
Published: June 2020

As sources of conventional energy are alarmingly being depleted, leveraging renewable energy sources, especially wind power, has been increasingly important in the electricity market to meet growing global demands for energy. However, the uncertainty in weather factors can cause large errors in wind power forecasts, raising the cost of power reservation in the power system and significantly impacting ancillary services in the electricity market. In pursuance of a higher accuracy level in wind power forecasting, this paper proposes a double-optimization approach to developing a tool for forecasting wind power generation output in the short term, using two novel models that combine an artificial neural network with the particle swarm optimization algorithm and genetic algorithm. In these models, a first particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to adjust the neural network parameters to improve accuracy. Next, the genetic algorithm or another particle swarm optimization is applied to adjust the parameters of the first particle swarm optimization algorithm to enhance the accuracy of the forecasting results. The models were tested with actual data collected from the Tuy Phong wind power plant in Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam. The testing showed improved accuracy and that this model can be widely implemented at other wind farms.
Effects of Decentral Heat Pump Operation on Electricity Storage Requirements in Germany
Authors: Hilpert Simon
Published: June 2020

Several studies show that heat pumps need to play a major role for space heating and hot water supply in highly decarbonised energy systems. The degree of elasticity of this additional electricity demand can have a significant impact on the electricity system. This paper investigates the effect of decentral heat pump flexibilisation through thermal energy storage units on electricity storage investment. The analysis is carried using an open source model for the German electricity system based on the Open Energy Modelling Framework (oemof). Results highlight the importance of flexible heat pump operation in 100% renewable energy systems and relate well to findings of other existing studies. Flexibilisation of heat pumps in the German energy system can reduce the need for electricity storage units significantly. While no impact was found for systems with a share below 80% renewable energy, investment in short term storage units is reduced by up to 42–62% in systems with shares of more than 80% renewable energy. In contrast, the impact on long term electricity storage investment was comparatively low in all modelled scenarios. Conducted sensitivity analyses show that both findings are rather insensitive with regard to the available biomass for electricity supply as well as to changes in the heat demand covered by heat pumps. Economically flexible heat pump operation has only a minor effect on system costs. However, the indirect replacement of battery with thermal energy storage units is environmentally beneficial due a lower resource consumption of minerals.
Land-Cover and Elevation-Based Mapping of Aboveground Carbon in a Tropical Mixed-Shrub Forest Area in West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Sumarga Elham , Nurudin Nuruddin , Suwandhi Ichsan
Published: June 2020

Carbon sequestration and storage are among the most important ecosystem services provided by tropical forests. Improving the accuracy of the carbon mapping of tropical forests has always been a challenge, particularly in countries and regions with limited resources, with limited funding to provide high-resolution and high-quality remote sensing data. This study aimed to examine the use of land-cover and elevation-based methods of aboveground carbon mapping in a tropical forest composed of shrubs and trees. We tested a geostatistical method with an ordinary kriging interpolation using three stratification types: no stratification, stratification based on elevation, and stratification based on land-cover type, and compared it with a simple mapping technique, i.e., a lookup table based on a combination of land cover and elevation. A regression modelling with land cover and elevation as predictors was also tested in this study. The best performance was shown by geostatistical interpolation without stratification and geostatistical interpolation based on land cover, with a coefficient of variation (CV) of the root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.44, better than the performance of lookup table techniques (with a CV of the RMSE of more than 0.48). The regression modeling provided a significant model, but with a coefficient of determination (R2) of only 0.29, and a CV of the RMSE of 0.49. The use of other variables should thus be further investigated. We discuss improving aboveground carbon mapping in the study area and the implications of our results for forest management.
Bark Thickness in Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens (D.Don) Endl.) Varies According to Tree- and Crown Size, Stand Structure, Latitude and Genotype
Authors: Berrill John-Pascal , O’Hara Kevin L. , Kichas Nickolas E.
Published: June 2020

Research Highlights: Bark thickness (BT) in coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens (D.Don) Endl.) varies in accordance with tree size, crown ratio, position within the canopy, height along the tree stem, genetic identity and latitude. However, current BT predictive equations do not account for such variability, leading to inaccurate BT estimations. We present improved BT models to increase the accuracy of BT estimates for coastal redwood in northern California. Background and Objectives: BT is an important metric that has many practical applications in forest management. However, BT varies substantially across species and environments, as well as across individuals and populations. Our objectives were to investigate BT along various gradients of change, with factors accounting for genetics, tapering of BT along the tree bole, differences in BT according to tree crown position within the stand, and the latitude. Materials and Methods: We collected BT data throughout most of redwood’s natural range along a north–south latitudinal gradient. Subsets of these data were used to examine the influence of particular variables on BT while holding the other variables constant. Results: Regionally, the bark was thicker among more xeric southern redwoods and thinner among more mesic northern redwoods. We found that the BT of codominant, intermediate and suppressed trees was around 8%, 14%, and 18% thicker, respectively, than bark of the same size dominant tree. Redwood trees growing in the partial shade of an overstory had thicker bark than trees growing in even-aged stands and incorporating genetic identity yielded major improvements in the BT model estimates, suggesting that BT is under genetic control. Bark thickness decreased with increasing height along the tree stem, with notable differences in the BT above and below breast height. Conclusions: We recommend utilizing the best available BT equations (over standard ‘bark factors’) in forest science, modeling and management applications. We also recommend the adoption of our drilling method for BT measurement on larger trees due to the potential for error associated with traditional bark gauge measurements.
Input Selection Methods for Soft Sensor Design: A Survey
Authors: Curreri Francesco , Fiumara Giacomo , Xibilia Maria Gabriella
Published: June 2020

Soft Sensors (SSs) are inferential models used in many industrial fields. They allow for real-time estimation of hard-to-measure variables as a function of available data obtained from online sensors. SSs are generally built using industries historical databases through data-driven approaches. A critical issue in SS design concerns the selection of input variables, among those available in a candidate dataset. In the case of industrial processes, candidate inputs can reach great numbers, making the design computationally demanding and leading to poorly performing models. An input selection procedure is then necessary. Most used input selection approaches for SS design are addressed in this work and classified with their benefits and drawbacks to guide the designer through this step.
Molecular Diagnosis and Genetic Counseling of Cystic Fibrosis and Related Disorders: New Challenges
Authors: Bienvenu Thierry , Lopez Maureen , Girodon Emmanuelle
Published: June 2020

Identification of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene and its numerous variants opened the way to fantastic breakthroughs in diagnosis, research and treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). The current and future challenges of molecular diagnosis of CF and CFTR-related disorders and of genetic counseling are here reviewed. Technological advances have enabled to make a diagnosis of CF with a sensitivity of 99% by using next generation sequencing in a single step. The detection of heretofore unidentified variants and ethnic-specific variants remains challenging, especially for newborn screening (NBS), CF carrier testing and genotype-guided therapy. Among the criteria for assessing the impact of variants, population genetics data are insufficiently taken into account and the penetrance of CF associated with CFTR variants remains poorly known. The huge diversity of diagnostic and genetic counseling indications for CFTR studies makes assessment of variant disease-liability critical. This is especially discussed in the perspective of wide genome analyses for NBS and CF carrier screening in the general population, as future challenges.
Multiple Sclerosis: Impact on Oral Hygiene, Dysphagia, and Quality of Life
Authors: Covello Francesco , Ruoppolo Giovanni , Carissimo Camilla , Zumbo Giulia , Ferrara Carla , Polimeni Antonella , Vozza Iole
Published: June 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system reacts by damaging the central nervous system, specifically myelin and oligodendrocytes. It is the most debilitating neurological disease among young adults, causing personal, familiar, social, and professional limitations. Multiple sclerosis can cause disturbances in the orofacial district, due to a demyelination process on the nerves of the head and neck district. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral health status, dysphagia, and quality of life of patients affected by MS. For this study, 101 patients aged between 12 and 70 (47 males, 54 females) affected by MS were selected, and three questionnaires were handed out and anonymously filled in by them: An oral hygiene test, DYMUS (DYsphagia in MUltiple Sclerosis), and IOHIP-14 (Italian version Oral Health Impact Profile). Through the analysis of the questionnaires it was possible to observe pathological conditions, such as gingival inflammation, xerostomia, dysphagia, neuralgia, and dysarthria. Through the analysis it was possible to outline how the roles of a medical team, composed of a dentist, otolaryngologist, and dental hygienist, are fundamental in coping with other medical figures, during the whole development of the diseases, as well as to prevent possible complications.
Preferences of Patients with Non-Communicable Diseases for Primary Healthcare Facilities: A Discrete Choice Experiment in Wuhan, China
Authors: Jia Erping , Gu Yuanyuan , Peng Yingying , Li Xianglin , Shen Xiao , Jiang Mingzhu , Xiong Juyang
Published: June 2020

Objectives: To elicit stated preferences of patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) for primary healthcare (PHC) facilities and to explore the willingness-to-pay (WTP) for facility attributes. Methods: A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted through face to face interviews. The DCE survey was constructed by five attributes: type of service, treatment measures, cost, travel time, and care provider. Patients’ preferences and willingness to pay for facility attributes were analyzed using a mixed logit model, and interaction terms were used to assess preference heterogeneity among patients with different sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Patients placed different weights on attributes, depending on whether they perceived their health condition as minor or severe. For conditions perceived as minor, patients valued treatment measures (56.60%), travel time (32.34%) and care provider (8.51%) most. For conditions perceived as severe, they valued treatment measures (52.19%), care provider (38.69%), and type of service (7.30%) most. The WTP related to the change from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) service to Modern Medicine (MM) service was the largest for both severity scenarios. For conditions perceived as minor, patients would be willing to pay 102.84 CNY (15.43 USD) for a reduction in travel time to below 30 min. For conditions perceived as severe, WTP related to the change from general service to specialized service and from junior medical practitioner to senior medical practitioner, were highly valued by respondents, worth 107.3 CNY (16.10 USD) and 565.8 CNY (84.87 USD), respectively. Conclusions: Factors related to the provision of PHC, such as treatment measures, care provider and type of service were highly valued. The findings could contribute to the design of better PHC delivery, improve the participation of patients in PHC, and provide some evidence to promote shared decision-making.