bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Selection of Anchoring System for Floating Houses by Means of AHP Method
Authors: Miszewska Emilia , Niedostatkiewicz Maciej , Wiśniewski Radosław
Published: April 2020

This paper indicates and analyses the use of anchoring systems, such as mooring piles, booms, mooring cables, and deadweight anchors with additional elastic connectors, which are the most frequently applied by the producers of floating houses. The selection of the most advantageous anchoring system is complicated and requires the application of quantitative and qualitative data and methods. This publication presents the results of the calculations using one of the most common methods of multi-criteria analysis of decision-making, namely AHP (analytic hierarchy process). The anchoring system, which is the most beneficial for users, has been indicated with the use of the main criteria such as: cost, time, external risk factors, geospatial factors, and the sub-criteria of the first and second order. Due to the conducted analysis, it has been shown that the most significant factor of the anchoring system selection for the users of floating houses is the investment cost that needs to be borne during the usage, and the most favourable anchoring system is the use of mooring cables.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells As Guideposts for Nanoparticle-Mediated Targeted Drug Delivery in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Layek Buddhadev , Shetty Mihir , Nethi Susheel Kumar , Sehgal Drishti , Starr Timothy K. , Prabha Swayam
Published: April 2020

Nanocarriers have been extensively utilized for the systemic targeting of various solid tumors and their metastases. However, current drug delivery systems, in general, suffer from a lack of selectivity for tumor cells. Here, we develop a novel two-step targeting strategy that relies on the selective accumulation of targetable synthetic receptors (i.e., azide moieties) in tumor tissues, followed by delivery of drug-loaded nanoparticles having a high binding affinity for these receptors. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were used as vehicles for the tumor-specific accumulation of azide moieties, while dibenzyl cyclooctyne (DBCO) was used as the targeting ligand. Biodistribution and antitumor efficacy studies were performed in both orthotopic metastatic and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumor models of ovarian cancer. Our studies show that nanoparticles are retained in tumors at a significantly higher concentration in mice that received azide-labeled MSCs (MSC-Az). Furthermore, we observed significantly reduced tumor growth (p < 0.05) and improved survival in mice receiving MSC-Az along with paclitaxel-loaded DBCO-functionalized nanoparticles compared to controls. These studies demonstrate the feasibility of a two-step targeting strategy for efficient delivery of concentrated chemotherapy for treating solid tumors.
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Santolaria Andrea , Perales Alfredo , Montesinos Pau , Sanz Miguel A.
Published: April 2020

The management of pregnant women with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a challenging situation where limited evidence-based information is available. We performed a systematic literature review to analyze the outcomes reported for both mother and fetus when APL is diagnosed during pregnancy. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were systematically searched to identify studies reporting cases of APL during pregnancy. Sixty-six articles met the eligibility criteria (53 single case reports). Ninety-two patients were eligible for induction therapy, with most them being treated with all-trans retinoic acid alone (32%) or combined with chemotherapy (43%), while the remaining patients received chemotherapy alone. Three patients were treated with arsenic-based regimens after delivery. Overall complete remission rate was 89%, with no statistically significant differences according to the type of induction and gestational age. During the first trimester, women were more likely to experience spontaneous and induced abortion compared to those during the second trimester (88% vs. 30%) (p < 0.0001), while only one patient diagnosed during the third trimester terminated in stillbirth. Twelve of 16 infants with neonatal complications had respiratory distress syndrome. Except two early deaths (Potter’s syndrome and pulmonary hemorrhage), all neonates evolved favorably. This study confirms that gestational age does not affect the results in the mother, but is closely related to fetal viability. Our results may be useful for the process of decision making that requires the involvement of the patient, hematologist, obstetrician and neonatologist.
Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Primary or Recurrent Adrenocortical Carcinoma. A Single Center Study
Authors: Tiberio Guido Alberto Massimo , Ferrari Vittorio , Ballarini Zeno , Casole Giovanni , Laganà Marta , Gritti Michele , Arici Elisa , Grisanti Salvatore , Nascimbeni Riccardo , Sigala Sandra , Berruti Alfredo , Coniglio Arianna
Published: April 2020

Background. This study explores the impact of Hypertermic Intra PEritoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) on adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) management through a safety analysis completed by a preliminary evaluation of survival performances. Methods. Retrospective chart review of 27 patients submitted to surgical treatment completed by HIPEC for primary (SP, 13 patients) or recurrent (SR, 14 patients, 17 treatments) ACC. Safety was evaluated by means of procedural morbidity and mortality. Survival performances included multiple end points: local/peritoneal disease-free survival (l/pDFS), overall progression-free survival (OPFS), and overall survival (OS). Results. In the SP group, mortality was nil and morbidity was 46% (major 23%). At a median follow-up of 25 months, the median value for all the different survival measures had not been reached. Mortality was also nil in the SR group. However, morbidity was 77% (major 18%). Median l/pDFS and OPFS were 12 ± 4 and 8 ± 2 months, respectively. At a median follow-up of 30 months, median OS had not been reached. Conclusion. Surgery and HIPEC is an invasive procedure. Its employment in the surgery for primary setting deserves attention as it may affect oncologic outcomes positively. Its value in the management of recurrences seems less appreciable, albeit it may find its place in the multimodal management of a rare disease for which multiple therapeutic options do not yet exist.
Iron Causes Lipid Oxidation and Inhibits Proteasome Function in Multiple Myeloma Cells: A Proof of Concept for Novel Combination Therapies
Authors: Bordini Jessica , Morisi Federica , Cerruti Fulvia , Cascio Paolo , Camaschella Clara , Ghia Paolo , Campanella Alessandro
Published: April 2020

Adaptation to import iron for proliferation makes cancer cells potentially sensitive to iron toxicity. Iron loading impairs multiple myeloma (MM) cell proliferation and increases the efficacy of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. Here, we defined the mechanisms of iron toxicity in MM.1S, U266, H929, and OPM-2 MM cell lines, and validated this strategy in preclinical studies using Vk*MYC mice as MM model. High-dose ferric ammonium citrate triggered cell death in all cell lines tested, increasing malondialdehyde levels, the by-product of lipid peroxidation and index of ferroptosis. In addition, iron exposure caused dose-dependent accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins in highly iron-sensitive MM.1S and H929 cells, suggesting that proteasome workload contributes to iron sensitivity. Accordingly, high iron concentrations inhibited the proteasomal chymotrypsin-like activity of 26S particles and of MM cellular extracts in vitro. In all MM cells, bortezomib-iron combination induced persistent lipid damage, exacerbated bortezomib-induced polyubiquitinated proteins accumulation, and triggered cell death more efficiently than individual treatments. In Vk*MYC mice, addition of iron dextran or ferric carboxymaltose to the bortezomib-melphalan-prednisone (VMP) regimen increased the therapeutic response and prolonged remission without causing evident toxicity. We conclude that iron loading interferes both with redox and protein homeostasis, a property that can be exploited to design novel combination strategies including iron supplementation, to increase the efficacy of current MM therapies.
Management of HPV-Related Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: Pitfalls and Caveat
Authors: Perri Francesco , Longo Francesco , Caponigro Francesco , Sandomenico Fabio , Guida Agostino , Della Vittoria Scarpati Giuseppina , Ottaiano Alessandro , Muto Paolo , Ionna Franco
Published: April 2020

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are a very heterogeneous group of malignancies arising from the upper aerodigestive tract. They show different clinical behaviors depending on their origin site and genetics. Several data support the existence of at least two genetically different types of HNSCC, one virus-related and the other alcohol and/or tobacco and oral trauma-related, which show both clinical and biological opposite features. In fact, human papillomavirus (HPV)-related HNSCCs, which are mainly located in the oropharynx, are characterized by better prognosis and response to therapies when compared to HPV-negative HNSCCs. Interestingly, virus-related HNSCC has shown a better response to conservative (nonsurgical) treatments and immunotherapy, opening questions about the possibility to perform a pretherapy assessment which could totally guide the treatment strategy. In this review, we summarize molecular differences and similarities between HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC, highlighting their impact on clinical behavior and on therapeutic strategies.
An Explorative Analysis of ABCG2/TOP-1 mRNA Expression as a Biomarker Test for FOLFIRI Treatment in Stage III Colon Cancer Patients: Results from Retrospective Analyses of the PETACC-3 Trial
Authors: Stenvang Jan , Budinská Eva , van Cutsem Eric , Bosman Fred , Popovici Vlad , Brünner Nils
Published: April 2020

Biomarker-guided treatment for patients with colon cancer is needed. We tested ABCG2 and topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) mRNA expression as predictive biomarkers for irinotecan benefit in the PETACC-3 patient cohort. The present study included 580 patients with mRNA expression data from Stage III colon cancer samples from the PETACC-3 study, which randomized the patients to Fluorouracil/leucovorin (5FUL) +/− irinotecan. The primary end-points were recurrence free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients were divided into one group with high ABCG2 expression (above median) and low TOP-1 expression (below 75 percentile) (“resistant”) (n = 216) and another group including all other combinations of these two genes (“sensitive”) (n = 364). The rationale for the cut-offs were based on the distribution of expression levels in the PETACC-3 Stage II set of patients, where ABCG2 was unimodal and TOP1 was bimodal with a high expression level mode in the top quarter of the patients. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the hazard ratios and the association between variables and end-points and log-rank tests to assess the statistical significance of differences in survival between groups. Kaplan-Meier estimates of the survival functions were used for visualization and estimation of survival rates at specific time points. Significant differences were found for both RFS (Hazard ratio (HR): 0.63 (0.44–0.92); p = 0.016) and OS (HR: 0.60 (0.39–0.93); p = 0.02) between the two biomarker groups when the patients received FOLFIRI (5FUL+irinotecan). Considering only the Microsatellite Stable (MSS) and Microsatellite Instability-Low (MSI-L) patients (n = 470), the differences were even more pronounced. In contrast, no significant differences were observed between the groups when patients received 5FUL alone. This study shows that the combination of ABCG2 and TOP1 gene expression significantly divided the Stage III colon cancer patients into two groups regarding benefit from adjuvant treatment with FOLFIRI but not 5FUL.
Biodiesel Production from Melia azedarach and Ricinus communis Oil by Transesterification Process
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Musmar Sa’ed A , Kabir Faryal , Batool Iram , Rasheed Muhammad Asif , Jamil Farrukh , Khan Sami Ullah , Tlili Iskander
Published: April 2020

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel usually produced from vegetable oils and animal fats. This study investigates the extraction of oil and its conversion into biodiesel by base-catalyzed transesterification. Firstly, the effect of various solvents (methanol, n-hexane, chloroform, di-ethyl ether) on extraction of oil from non-edible crops, such as R. communis and M. azedarach, were examined. It was observed that a higher concentration of oil was obtained from R. communis (43.6%) as compared to M. azedarach (35.6%) by using methanol and n-hexane, respectively. The extracted oils were subjected to NaOH (1%) catalyzed transesterification by analyzing the effect of oil/methanol molar ratio (1:4, 1:6, 1:8 and 1:10) and varying temperature (20, 40, 60 and 80 °C) for 2.5 h of reaction time. M. azedarach yielded 88% and R. communis yielded 93% biodiesel in 1:6 and 1:8 molar concentrations at ambient temperature whereas, 60 °C was selected as an optimum temperature, giving 90% (M. azedarach) and 94% (R. communis) biodiesel. The extracted oil and biodiesel were characterized for various parameters and most of the properties fulfilled the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard biodiesel. The further characterization of fatty acids was done by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS) and oleic acid was found to be dominant in M. azedarach (61.5%) and R. communis contained ricinoleic acid (75.53%). Furthermore, the functional groups were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The results suggested that both of the oils are easily available and can be used for commercial biodiesel production at a cost-effective scale.
Gap Size Dependence of Atomistic-Resolved Peptide Bond Signals by Tunneling Current Across Nano-Gaps of Graphene Nano-Ribbons
Authors: Civitarese Tommaso , Zollo Giuseppe
Published: April 2020

According to the recent literature, it has been demonstrated that the atomistic scale recognition of amino acids and peptide-bonds in polypeptides and proteins is in principle possible by measuring the tunneling current flowing across a narrow nano-gap in graphene nano ribbons during the peptide translocation. In this paper, we concentrate on the tunneling current signal properties measured for nano-gaps of different sizes. Using the non equilibrium Green function method based on the density functional theory, we have studied the tunneling current for larger gap sizes that can be actually realized according to the present state of the art sub-nanometer nano-pore and nano-gap technology. Also in these cases the peptide bond can be still recognized, the obtained signal being well within the measurable range of the current. The signal shapes undergo a change from a double peak feature per peptide bond for narrow gaps to a structured single peak signal per peptide bond for wider gaps. The reason is related to the different orbital overlap range of the two contributions giving rise to the original double peak signal for narrow gaps.
Cascaded Thermodynamic and Environmental Analyses of Energy Generation Modalities of a High-Performance Building Based on Real-Time Measurements
Authors: Al Doury Raaid Rashad Jassem , Ozkan Saadet , Mengüç M. Pinar
Published: April 2020

This study presents cascaded thermodynamic and environmental analyses of a high-performance academic building. Five different energy efficiency measures and operation scenarios are evaluated based on the actual measurements starting from the initial design concept. The study is to emphasize that by performing dynamical energy, exergy, exergoeconomic, and environmental analyses with increasing complexity, a better picture of building performance indicators can be obtained for both the building owners and users, helping them to decide on different investment strategies. As the first improvement, the original design is modified by the addition of a ground-air heat exchanger for pre-conditioning the incoming air to heat the ground floors. The installation of roof-top PV panels to use solar energy is considered as the third case, and the use of a trigeneration system as an energy source instead of traditional boiler systems is considered as the fourth case. The last case is the integration of all these three alternative energy modalities for the building. It is determined that the use of a trigeneration system provides a better outcome than the other scenarios for decreased energy demand, for cost reduction, and for the improved exergy efficiency and sustainability index values relative to the original baseline design scenario. Yet, an integrated approach combining all these energy generation modalities provide the best return of investment.
Upgrading Model Selection Criteria with Goodness of Fit Tests for Practical Applications
Authors: Rossi Riccardo , Murari Andrea , Gaudio Pasquale , Gelfusa Michela
Published: April 2020

The Bayesian information criterion (BIC), the Akaike information criterion (AIC), and some other indicators derived from them are widely used for model selection. In their original form, they contain the likelihood of the data given the models. Unfortunately, in many applications, it is practically impossible to calculate the likelihood, and, therefore, the criteria have been reformulated in terms of descriptive statistics of the residual distribution: the variance and the mean-squared error of the residuals. These alternative versions are strictly valid only in the presence of additive noise of Gaussian distribution, not a completely satisfactory assumption in many applications in science and engineering. Moreover, the variance and the mean-squared error are quite crude statistics of the residual distributions. More sophisticated statistical indicators, capable of better quantifying how close the residual distribution is to the noise, can be profitably used. In particular, specific goodness of fit tests have been included in the expressions of the traditional criteria and have proved to be very effective in improving their discriminating capability. These improved performances have been demonstrated with a systematic series of simulations using synthetic data for various classes of functions and different noise statistics.
Strategic Alliances in Firm-Centric and Collective Contexts: Implications for Indigenous Entrepreneurship
Authors: Jongwe Antony I. , Moroz Peter W. , Gordon Moses , Anderson Robert B.
Published: April 2020

How might diverse and often conflicting knowledge and belief structures and practices be mobilized into legitimate approaches for people looking to address the need for heightened responsible and sustainable entrepreneurial action by business organizations; humanizing the role of business in development? To answer this question, we explore two previously unconnected but aligned streams of literature: (i) work on strategic business alliances in general (R1); and (ii) work on corporate/Indigenous community partnerships specifically (R2). A systematic literature search identified 300 papers on the topics in total. We selected 39 general and 23 Indigenous-specific papers for review using a guiding classification matrix to determine principal themes and concepts. Both streams of literature were reviewed, and an approach was developed to identify areas where the empirical observation of Indigenous partnerships provides a contribution to the theory and practice of Indigenous entrepreneurship within the realm of strategic alliance formation, and vice versa. The paper concludes with a discussion of dissimilarities in the two streams of literature and maps out avenues for future research into strategic alliances involving corporate responsibility and sustainability (CRS), approaches based on Indigenous belief and value systems, and Indigenous entrepreneurship.
Performance Enhancement of Direct Torque-Controlled Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor with a Flexible Switching Table
Authors: Nasr Ahmed , Gu Chunyang , Bozhko Serhiy , Gerada Chris
Published: April 2020

In this paper, a flexible switching table (FST) for direct torque control (DTC) of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) was proposed to enhance the steady-state and dynamic performances of the drive system. First, the influence of each converter output voltage vectors on the torque and stator flux deviation rates was analyzed to assess the voltage selection strategies of the conventional STs and their impact on the DTC system’s performance. Then, a new flexible ST was proposed which uses a simple algorithm to adaptively select the appropriate voltage vector for two of its states according to the system operating condition. The effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed FST were verified through a comparative evaluation with the conventional STs using experimental results obtained from a 0.75 kW PMSM drive system.
Household Sharing for Carbon and Energy Reductions: The Case of EU Countries
Authors: Ivanova Diana , Büchs Milena
Published: April 2020

As households get smaller worldwide, the extent of sharing within households reduces, resulting in rising per capita energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This article examines for the first time the differences in household economies of scale across EU countries as a way to support reductions in energy use and GHG emissions, while considering differences in effects across consumption domains and urban-rural typology. A country-comparative analysis is important to facilitate the formulation of context-specific initiatives and policies for resource sharing. We find that one-person households are most carbon- and energy-intensive per capita with an EU average of 9.2 tCO2eq/cap and 0.14 TJ/cap, and a total contribution of about 17% to the EU’s carbon and energy use. Two-person households contribute about 31% to the EU carbon and energy footprint, while those of five or more members add about 9%. The average carbon and energy footprints of an EU household of five or more is about half that of a one-person average household, amounting to 4.6 tCO2eq/cap and 0.07 TJ/cap. Household economies of scale vary substantially across consumption categories, urban-rural typology and EU countries. Substantial household economies of scale are noted for home energy, real estate services and miscellaneous services such as waste treatment and water supply; yet, some of the weakest household economies of scale occur in high carbon domains such as transport. Furthermore, Northern and Central European states are more likely to report strong household economies of scale—particularly in sparsely populated areas—compared to Southern and Eastern European countries. We discuss ways in which differences in household economies of scale may be linked to social, political and climatic conditions. We also provide policy recommendations for encouraging sharing within and between households as a contribution to climate change mitigation.
Evolution of the HVDC Link Connecting Offshore Wind Farms to Onshore Power Systems
Authors: Ryndzionek Roland , Sienkiewicz Łukasz
Published: April 2020

This paper presents an overview of the DC link development and evolution dedicated to HVDC structure for connecting offshore wind power plants to onshore power systems. The growing demand for the green energy has forced investors in power industry to look for resources further out at sea. Hence, the development of power electronics and industrial engineering has enabled offshore wind farms to be situated further from the shore and in deeper waters. However, their development will require, among other technologies, DC-DC conversion systems. The advantages of HVDC over HVAC technology in relation to transmission distance are given. The different HVDC configurations and topologies of HVDC converters are elucidated. In this context, the HVDC grids are a promising alternative for the expansion of the existing AC grid.
Comparison of Different Driving Modes for the Wind Turbine Wake in Wind Tunnels
Authors: Dou Bingzheng , Yang Zhanpei , Guala Michele , Qu Timing , Lei Liping , Zeng Pan
Published: April 2020

The wake of upstream wind turbine is known to affect the operation of downstream turbines and the overall efficiency of the wind farm. Wind tunnel experiments provide relevant information for understanding and modeling the wake and its dependency on the turbine operating conditions. There are always two main driving modes to operate turbines in a wake experiment: (1) the turbine rotor is driven and controlled by a motor, defined active driving mode; (2) the rotor is driven by the incoming wind and subject to a drag torque, defined passive driving mode. The effect of the varying driving mode on the turbine wake is explored in this study. The mean wake velocities, turbulence intensities, skewness and kurtosis of the velocity time-series estimated from hot-wire anemometry data, were obtained at various downstream locations, in a uniform incoming flow wind tunnel and in an atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnel. The results show that there is not a significant difference in the mean wake velocity between these two driving modes. An acceptable agreement is observed in the comparison of wake turbulence intensity and higher-order statistics in the two wind tunnels.
PLC Automation and Control Strategy in a Stirling Solar Power System
Authors: Mocanu Dan-Adrian , Bădescu Viorel , Bucur Ciprian , Ștefan Iuliana , Carcadea Elena , Răboacă Maria Simona , Manta Ioana
Published: April 2020

The Stirling engine together with a solar concentrator represents a solution for increasing energy efficiency. Thus, within the National Research and Development Institute for Cryogenic and Isotopic Technologies, an automation system was designed and implemented in order to control the processes inside the solar conversion unit using a programmable logic controller from Schneider Electric. The acquired parameters from the installed sensors were monitored using Unity Pro L software. The main objective of this paper is to solve the starting, operating, and shut-down sequences in safe conditions, as well as monitor the working parameters.
Gene Evaluation Algorithm for Reconfiguration of Medium and Large Size Photovoltaic Arrays Exhibiting Non-Uniform Aging
Authors: Alkahtani Mohammed , Hu Yihua , Wu Zuyu , Kuka Colin Sokol , Alhammad Muflih S. , Zhang Chen
Published: April 2020

Aging is known to exert various non-uniform effects on photovoltaic (PV) modules within a PV array that consequently can result in non-uniform operational parameters affecting the individual PV modules, leading to a variable power output of the overall PV array. This study presents an algorithm for optimising the configuration of a PV array within which different PV modules are subject to non-uniform aging processes. The PV array reconfiguration approach suggests maximising power generation across non-uniformly aged PV arrays by merely repositioning, rather than replacing, the PV modules, thereby keeping maintenance costs to a minimum. Such a reconfiguration strategy demands data input on the PV module electrical parameters so that optimal reconfiguration arrangements can be selected. The algorithm repetitively sorts the PV modules according to a hierarchical pattern to minimise the impact of module mismatch arising due to non-uniform aging of panels across the array. Computer modelling and analysis have been performed to assess the efficacy of the suggested approach for a variety of dimensions of randomly non-uniformly aged PV arrays (e.g., 5 × 5 and 7 × 20 PV arrays) using MATLAB. The results demonstrate that enhanced power output is possible from a non-uniformly aged PV array and that this can be applied to a PV array of any size.
Life Cycle Assessment of Giant Miscanthus: Production on Marginal Soil with Various Fertilisation Treatments
Authors: Krzyżaniak Michał , Stolarski Mariusz J. , Warmiński Kazimierz
Published: April 2020

In Poland, unutilised land occupies approximately two million hectares, and it could be partly dedicated to the production of perennial crops. This study aimed to determine the environmental impact of the production of giant miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus J.M. Greef & M. Deuter). The experiment was set up on a low-fertility site. The crop was cultivated on sandy soil, fertilised with digestate, and mineral fertilisers (in the dose of 85 and 170 kg ha−1 N), and was compared with giant miscanthus cultivated with no fertilisation (control). The cradle-to-farm gate system boundary was applied. Fertilisers were more detrimental to the environment than the control in all analysed categories. The weakest environmental links in the production of miscanthus in the non-fertilised treatment were fuel consumption and the application of pre-emergent herbicide. In fertilised treatments, fertilisers exerted the greatest environmental impact in all the stages of crop production. The production and use of fertilisers contributed to fossil depletion, human toxicity, and freshwater and terrestrial ecotoxicity. Digestate fertilisers did not lower the impact of biomass production. The current results indicate that the analysed fertiliser rates are not justified in the production of giant miscanthus on nutrient-deficient soils.
Research on the Critical Issues for Power Battery Reusing of New Energy Vehicles in China
Authors: Liu Zongwei , Liu Xinglong , Hao Han , Zhao Fuquan , Amer Amer Ahmad , Babiker Hassan
Published: April 2020

With the rapid development of new energy vehicles (NEVs) industry in China, the reusing of retired power batteries is becoming increasingly urgent. In this paper, the critical issues for power batteries reusing in China are systematically studied. First, the strategic value of power batteries reusing, and the main modes of battery reusing are analyzed. Second, the economic benefit models of power batteries echelon utilization and recycling are constructed. Finally, the economic benefits of lithium iron phosphate (LIP) battery and ternary lithium (TL) battery under different reusing modes are analyzed based on the economic benefit models. The results show that when the industrial chain is fully coordinated, LIP battery echelon utilization is profitable based on a reasonable scenario scheme. However, the multi-level echelon utilization is only practical under an ideal scenario, and more attention should be paid to the first level echelon utilization. Besides, the performance matching of different types of batteries has a great impact on the echelon utilization income. Thus, considering the huge potentials of China’s energy storage market, the design of automobile power batteries in the future should give due consideration to the performance requirements of energy storage batteries. Moreover, the TL battery could only be recycled directly, while the LIP has the feasibility of echelon utilization at present. At the same time, it will strengthen the cost advantage of the LIP battery, which deserves special attention.
Renewable Energy Powered Plugged-In Hybrid Vehicle Charging System for Sustainable Transportation
Authors: Devaraj Elangovan , Joseph Peter K. , Karuppa Raj Rajagopal Thundil , Sundaram Senthilarasu
Published: April 2020

Energy transformation by power electronic converters is not feasible without the efficient use of renewable energy. The article tries to extend the use of renewable energy to PHEV battery charging. In PHEV, the battery is one of the major sources of stored energy. The converter used for charging these batteries is of crucial concern. The paper addresses various challenges in designing a DC to DC converter for battery charging in DC bus. An optimized converter is designed to work with renewable energy sources to accomplish a high boost ratio, low input current ripple, low output voltage ripple, high power efficiency, and high power density. A combination of two interleaved boost converters is effectively used with the overlap time switching to achieve a high voltage boost ratio in forming the DC bus. Transformer isolation is used to increase reliability and boost ratio further. The secondary side employs a series-connected voltage doubler. The converter boosts an input voltage of 24 V to a range of 300–400 V. Simulation results have been obtained for a 300 W system. Simulation results are validated by a prototype implementation for a 250 W system. The converter is studied and analyzed for steady-state and transient state characteristics and the power efficiency obtained is 92.9%.
Macromolecular Structure of a Commercial Humic Acid Sample
Authors: Capasso Sante , Chianese Simeone , Musmarra Dino , Iovino Pasquale
Published: April 2020

The molecular structure of a commercial sample of humic acids (HA) was investigated by membrane dialysis experiments (MD) and low-pressure size-exclusion chromatography (LP-SEC). MD showed that HA molecules were retained by dialysis membrane with a cut-off of 6–8 kDa, independently from HA concentration (15 or 150 mg L−1), NaHCO3 concentration (0.005–2.0 mol L−1), and from propan 2-ol (0–5 v/v %). SEC experiments at low pressure gave chromatograms with a broad peak, with an elution volume between those of the globular proteins bovine serum albumin (molecular weight = 66.5 kDa) and lysozyme from egg (molecular weight = 14.4 kDa). The pattern of the chromatogram did not vary with HA concentration, and second-run chromatograms of single eluted fractions showed relatively sharp peaks. From these data, we reveal that the commercial HA sample analysed has a macromolecular structure rather than being a supramolecular aggregate of relatively small molecules, as recently proposed for some samples of HA obtained from different sources.
Metabolomics Reveals Discrimination of Chinese Propolis from Different Climatic Regions
Authors: Wang Tongtong , Liu Quanhui , Wang Min , Zhang Limin
Published: April 2020

The chemical profiles of propolis vary greatly due to the botanic sources and geographic origins, which limit its standardization for modern usages. Here, we proposed a reliable 1H NMR-based metabolomic approach, to discriminate the function and quality of Chinese propolis. A total 63 Chinese propolis samples from different temperate regions were collected and extracted for NMR analysis. Twenty-one compositions in ethanol extracts were assigned based on characteristic chemical shifts and previous literature reports. Significant geographic indicators were identified after the PCA and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) analysis of the obtained 1H NMR data. It was found that the composition discriminations arose from long-term acclimation of the different climates of botanic origin and caused the differences in the biological activities. This study provides us a reasonable instruction for the quality control of Chinese propolis.
Chemosensory Sensitivity after Coffee Consumption Is Not Static: Short-Term Effects on Gustatory and Olfactory Sensitivity
Authors: Fjaeldstad Alexander W. , Fernandes Henrique M.
Published: April 2020

Chemosensory sensitivity has great variation between individuals. This variation complicates the chemosensory diagnostics, as well as the creation of a meal with universally high hedonic value. To ensure accurate characterization of chemosensory function, a common rule of thumb is to avoid food/beverages one hour before chemosensory testing. However, the scientific foundation of this time of fast remains unclear. Furthermore, the role of coffee on immediate chemosensitivity is not known and may have implications for optimization of gastronomy and hedonia. The aim of this study is to investigate the modularity effects of coffee consumption on immediate gustatory and olfactory sensitivity. We included 155 participants. By applying tests for olfactory and gustatory sensitivity before and after coffee intake, we found no changes in olfactory sensitivity, but significantly altered sensitivity for some basic tastants. We repeated our experimental paradigm using decaffeinated coffee and found similar results. Our results demonstrate that coffee (regular and decaffeinated) alters the subsequent perception of taste, specifically by increasing the sensitivity to sweet and decreasing the sensitivity to bitter. Our findings provide the first evidence of how coffee impacts short-term taste sensitivity and consequently the way we sense and perceive food following coffee intake—an important insight in the context of gastronomy, as well as in chemosensory testing procedures.
Chemical Composition, Antibacterial and Radical Scavenging Activity of Essential Oils from Satureja macrantha C.A.Mey. at Different Growth Stages
Authors: Aghbash Behzad Nezhadasad , Pouresmaeil Mohammad , Dehghan Gholamreza , Nojadeh Mohsen Sabzi , Mobaiyen Haedeh , Maggi Filippo
Published: April 2020

Essential oils (EOs) from medicinal and aromatic plants are interesting products to be used as natural food preservatives. The EOs from the genus Satureja are reported to inhibit foodborne pathogens being worthy of use as food preservatives. Satureja macrantha is found in Western and Northwest Iran and commonly used as a food flavoring agent and for the treatment of urinary diseases. The objective of the present study was to identify the chemical composition of S. macrantha EOs at different growth stages (vegetative, flowering and fruiting stages) and to evaluate their biological activities. Chemical compositions were analyzed using GC-FID and GC-MS. The antibacterial activity was evaluated using the broth microdilution method against the foodborne pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC23922), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC29212) (Gram-positive), Enterobacter aerogenes (ATCC13046) and Escherichia coli. The antioxidant activity was estimated using the DPPH, ABTS and reducing power assays. The yields of S. macrantha EOs were in the range of 1.4–1.8%, thus scalable for the manufacture of food preservatives on an industrial level. The main compounds of EOs were carvacrol (42.7–48.2%), thymol (0.2–16.5%), p-cymene (10.1–14.7%) and γ-terpinene (7.9–9.1%) in all phenological stages examined. The strongest antibacterial activity (MICs = 5–20 µg/mL) of the EOs was recorded in samples obtained during the flowering stage where carvacrol (42.7%) and thymol (16.5) were present both at high percentages. On the other hand, the antioxidant activity was found to be slightly higher in the other stages. As the EO obtained at flowering showed the best inhibitory properties against foodborne pathogenic bacteria, it is suggested that plants at this stage can be selected as main sources of food preservative agents.
The Effect of Different Packaging Systems on the Shelf Life of Refrigerated Ground Beef
Authors: Conte-Junior Carlos A. , Monteiro Maria Lúcia G. , Patrícia Renata , Mársico Eliane T. , Lopes Márcia M. , Alvares Thiago S. , Mano Sérgio B.
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different packaging systems on the shelf life of refrigerated ground beef. The ground beef samples were packaged as follows: AA (100% ambient air), 90O2:10CO2 (90% O2 and 10% CO2), 80O2:20CO2 (80% O2 and 20% CO2), 70O2:30CO2 (70% O2 and 30% CO2), 60O2:40CO2 (60% O2 and 40% CO2), 50O2:50CO2 (50% O2 and 50% CO2), 100O2 (100% O2), and VP (vacuum packaging). All treatments were analyzed daily for O2 and CO2 levels, pH, filtration time, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), aerobic mesophilic heterotrophic bacteria (AMHB), and aerobic psychrotrophic heterotrophic bacteria (APHB) over 20 days at 2 °C. All MAP systems had a decrease of O2 and an increase of CO2 levels during storage period (p < 0.05). Overall, the MAP systems were similarly able to decrease the pH and retard the increase of TVB-N and filtration time over the storage period (p > 0.05). Moreover, the MAP systems increased the lag phase and/or the generation time of both AMHB and APHB, extending the shelf life by 3 (90O2:10CO2), 4 (70O2:30CO2 and 100O2), and 5 days (80O2:20CO2, 60O2:40CO2, 50O2:50CO2, and VP). All MAP systems were equally effective in retarding physicochemical degradation; however, 80O2:20CO2, 60O2:40CO2, 50O2:50CO2, and VP were the most effective in impairing bacterial growth and extending the shelf life of ground beef stored under refrigeration.
Sensory Characteristics and Volatile Compounds of Herbal Teas and Mixtures of Bush Tea with Other Selected Herbal Teas of South Africa
Authors: Malongane Florence , McGaw Lyndy Joy , Debusho Legesse Kassa , Mudau Fhatuwani Nixwell
Published: April 2020

South Africa has a traditional heritage of using indigenous herbal teas, and the demand for herbal teas motivated by the functional health benefits has far exceeded global supply. This has led to worldwide interest in the sensory characteristics and volatile compound characterisation of herbal drink formulations. The objective of this study was to investigate the descriptive sensory analysis and volatile compounds of bush, special, honeybush and rooibos tea and the blend of bush tea with special, honeybush and rooibos, respectively. The trained sensory panel scored each tea sample for aroma, taste, aftertaste and mouthfeel attributes using sensory evaluation practices. Compound identification was performed by gas chromatography connected to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The results of the study demonstrated that rooibos and honeybush tea had an overall sweet-caramel, honey-sweet, perfume floral and woody aroma while bush tea and special tea depicted green-cut grass, dry green herbal and astringent/dry mouth feel. The GC-MS analyses depicted the following compounds 2-furanmethanol, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, D-limonene, dihydroactinidolide, linalool, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal, and phytol. The blending of bush tea with rooibos and honeybush tea toned down its astringent mouth feel. Compounds identified in this study may be useful markers for potential herbal tea sensory characteristics.
RET Gene Fusions in Malignancies of the Thyroid and Other Tissues
Authors: Santoro Massimo , Moccia Marialuisa , Federico Giorgia , Carlomagno Francesca
Published: April 2020

Following the identification of the BCR-ABL1 (Breakpoint Cluster Region-ABelson murine Leukemia) fusion in chronic myelogenous leukemia, gene fusions generating chimeric oncoproteins have been recognized as common genomic structural variations in human malignancies. This is, in particular, a frequent mechanism in the oncogenic conversion of protein kinases. Gene fusion was the first mechanism identified for the oncogenic activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase RET (REarranged during Transfection), initially discovered in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). More recently, the advent of highly sensitive massive parallel (next generation sequencing, NGS) sequencing of tumor DNA or cell-free (cfDNA) circulating tumor DNA, allowed for the detection of RET fusions in many other solid and hematopoietic malignancies. This review summarizes the role of RET fusions in the pathogenesis of human cancer.
Lyme Disease: Diversity of Borrelia Species in California and Mexico Detected Using a Novel Immunoblot Assay
Authors: Fesler Melissa C. , Shah Jyotsna S. , Middelveen Marianne J. , Du Cruz Iris , Burrascano Joseph J. , Stricker Raphael B.
Published: April 2020

Background: With more than 300,000 new cases reported each year in the United States of America (USA), Lyme disease is a major public health concern. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (Bbss) is considered the primary agent of Lyme disease in North America. However, multiple genetically diverse Borrelia species encompassing the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) complex and the Relapsing Fever Borrelia (RFB) group are capable of causing tickborne disease. We report preliminary results of a serological survey of previously undetected species of Bbsl and RFB in California and Mexico using a novel immunoblot technique. Methods: Serum samples were tested for seroreactivity to specific species of Bbsl and RFB using an immunoblot method based on recombinant Borrelia membrane proteins, as previously described. A sample was recorded as seropositive if it showed immunoglobulin M (IgM) and/or IgG reactivity with at least two proteins from a specific Borrelia species. Results: The patient cohort consisted of 90 patients residing in California or Mexico who met the clinical case definition of chronic Lyme disease. Immunoblot testing revealed that 42 patients were seropositive for Bbsl (Group 1), while 56 patients were seropositive for RFB (Group 2). Eight patients were seropositive for both Bbsl and RFB species. Group 1 included patients who were seropositive for Bbss (14), B. californiensis (eight), B. spielmanii (10), B. afzelii/B. garinii (10), and mixed infections that included B. mayonii (three). Group 2 included patients who were seropositive for B. hermsii (nine), B. miyamotoi (seven), B. turicatae (nine), and B. turcica (two). In the remaining Group 1 and Group 2 patients, the exact Borrelia species could not be identified using the immunoblot technique. Conclusions: Lyme disease is associated with a diverse group of Borrelia species in California and Mexico. Current testing for Lyme disease focuses on detection of Bbss, possibly resulting in missed diagnoses and failure to administer appropriate antibiotic therapy in a timely manner. The genetic diversity of Borrelia spirochetes must be considered in future Lyme disease test development.
Reflecting on PASUC Heritage Initiatives through Time, Positionality, and Place
Authors: Hutson Scott , Lamb Céline , Vallejo-Cáliz Daniel , Welch Jacob
Published: April 2020

This paper reports on heritage initiatives associated with a 12-year-long archaeology project in Yucatan, Mexico. Our work has involved both surprises and setbacks and in the spirit of adding to the repository of useful knowledge, we present these in a frank and transparent manner. Our findings are significant for a number of reasons. First, we show that the possibilities available to a heritage project facilitated by archaeologists depend not just on the form and focus of other stakeholders, but on the gender, sexuality, and class position of the archaeologists. Second, we provide a ground-level view of what approaches work well and which do not in terms of identifying aspects of cultural heritage that are relevant to a broad swath of stakeholders. Finally, we discuss ways in which heritage projects can overcome constraints to expanding community collaboration.
HIV-Related Stress Experienced by Newly Diagnosed People Living with HIV in China: A 1-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Huang Yunxiang , Luo Dan , Chen Xi , Zhang Dexing , Huang Zhulin , Xiao Shuiyuan
Published: April 2020

This study explored the HIV-related stressors that people living with HIV (PLWH) commonly experience and express as stressful at the time of diagnosis and 1 year later. The factors associated with stress levels and whether social support would moderate the negative effects of stress on psychological health (depressive and anxiety symptoms) were also investigated. Newly diagnosed PLWH were consecutively recruited in this study. Participants rated their stress with the HIV/AIDS Stress Scale at baseline and 1 year later. Social support, depression, and anxiety were also self-reported at both time points. There were significant decreases in stress levels 1 year after diagnosis. Stressors regarding confidentiality, disclosure, emotional distress, fear of infecting others, and excessive attention to physical functions were the most problematic at baseline and 1-year follow-up. A younger age, married status, not living alone, less income, presence of HIV symptoms, and lack of social support were associated with higher levels of stress. No stress-buffering effect of social support on depressive and anxiety symptoms was found in this study. Interventions to reduce stress among PLWH should take into consideration the following priority stressors: confidentiality, discrimination/stigma, serostatus disclosure, distressing emotions, fear of infecting others, and excessive attention to physical functions. More attention should be paid to PLWH with younger age, not living alone, less income, presence of HIV symptoms, and lack of social support.