bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast Charging Guidance and Pricing Strategy Considering Different Types of Electric Vehicle Users’ Willingness to Charge
Authors: Han Huachun , Miu Huiyu , Lv Shukang , Yuan Xiaodong , Pan Yi , Zeng Fei
Published: September 2024

As the penetration rate of electric vehicles (EVs) increases, how to reasonably distribute the ensuing large charging load to various charging stations is an issue that cannot be ignored. This problem can be solved by developing a suitable charging guidance strategy, the development of which needs to be based on the establishment of a realistic EV charging behaviour model and charging station queuing system. Thus, in this paper, a guidance and pricing strategy for fast charging that considers different types of EV users’ willingness to charge is proposed. Firstly, the EVs are divided into two categories: private cars and online ride-hailing cars. These categories are then used to construct charging behaviour models. Based on this, a charging decision model for EV users is constructed. At the same time, a first-come-first-served (FCFS) charging station queuing system is constructed to model the real-time charging situation in the charging station in a more practical way. Finally, a dynamic tariff updating model is used to obtain the optimal time-of-use tariff for each charging station, and then the tariffs are used to guide the fast-charging demand. By comparing the spatial and temporal distribution of charging demand loads at charging stations under different scenarios and considering whether the tariffs at each charging station play a guiding role, it is verified that the proposed strategy effectively optimises the balanced distribution of EV charging loads and alleviates the congestion at charging stations.
Review of the Transition to Energy 5.0 in the Context of Non-Renewable Energy Sustainable Development
Authors: Zhironkin Sergey , Abu-Abed Fares
Published: September 2024

The problems of achieving the UN’s sustainable development goals related to providing both developed and developing countries with cheap and accessible energy, as well as in the context of taking climate action, cannot be solved, on the one hand, without a transition to Energy 5.0, within the framework of the upcoming Fifth Industrial Revolution. On the other hand, it cannot be carried out without ensuring a “seamless” Fourth Energy Transition, which poses new challenges for the technological modernization of power production from non-renewables. Along with this, the expected transition to a human-centric Industry 5.0 challenges researchers to identify obstacles to the diffusion of technologies within hydrocarbon production industries and ways to overcome them in regard to the upcoming Mining 5.0 and Oil and Gas 5.0 environment. In this regard, the purpose of this review is to analyze the structure of scientific publications in this field of research on the human-centric development of technologies in terms of these platforms in order to outline the basis for further research. To achieve this goal, this review provides a multifaceted overview of the main technologies of Industry 5.0, embodied within Energy 5.0, Mining 5.0, and Oil and Gas 5.0, such as collaborative artificial intelligence and co-bots, digital tees, the industrial Internet of Everything, smart cities, and industry; their human-centric nature is revealed as the basis for achieving significant sustainable development goals. This review concludes that there is a need for further analysis of certain areas of the transition to Energy 5.0, such as the human-centric development of digital technologies of Industry 5.0 in the fuel and energy sector, and the revision of its role in terms of achieving the sustainable development goals in the future.
Performance Evaluation of Distance Relay Operation in Distribution Systems with Integrated Distributed Energy Resources
Authors: Garibello-Narváez David R. , Gómez-Luna Eduardo , Vasquez Juan C.
Published: September 2024

This article presents the evaluation of the performance of the distance relay (ANSI function 21) when integrating Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) in a Local Distribution System (LDS). The aim is to understand the impacts of and the necessary modifications required in the operation of distance relays, considering different levels of DER aggregation, and identifying any threshold levels before issues arise. To achieve this, first, a comprehensive review was carried out to analyze the impacts generated in the protection systems. Second, by using the DigSilent Power Factory software, the implementation of the distance relay using a IEEE 13 Node Test Feeder was validated. The aggregation of the three fundamental types of DG, synchronous machines, solar panels, and wind turbines, was evaluated. The threshold at which distributed generation power injection begins to compromise distance protection performance was identified. This study compares the outcomes of using mho and quadrilateral protection schemes.
Identifying Critical Failures in PV Systems Based on PV Inverters’ Monitoring Unit: A Techno-Economic Analysis
Authors: Monteiro Filipe , Sarquis Eduardo , Branco Paulo
Published: September 2024

Recent advancements in power electronics have significantly improved photovoltaic (PV) inverters by equipping them with sophisticated monitoring capabilities. These enhancements provide economic advantages by facilitating swift failure detection and lowering monitoring costs. Educating users on the economic repercussions of undetected failures in specific inverter monitoring systems is crucial. This paper introduces a novel metric, “Cost of Detection”, which assesses the financial impact of failures, considering the repair expenses and the “quality” of the monitoring system in place. The study analyzed fifteen inverter monitoring solutions, focusing on the variance in alerts generated by the manufacturers’ standard and extra monitoring features. Employing the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method, alerts were prioritized based on their importance for two PV system scenarios: a low-power residential system (5 kWp) and a medium-power industrial/commercial system (100 kWp). Lisbon, Rome, and Berlin were chosen as the locations for these systems. The economic impact of system failures is evaluated annually for each capacity and city. Given the differing costs and annual yields, comparing their economic performance over time is essential. This comparison utilizes the Net Present Value (NPV), which estimates an investment’s worth by calculating the present value of all cash flows. The investment assessment includes only the costs of inverters and optimizers, excluding O&M expenses, licenses, and fees. Over five years, a higher NPV signifies a more economically advantageous solution. For residential systems, string inverters with optimizers have the highest NPV, surpassing those without optimizers by 17% across all three cities. The optimal monitoring solution in the industrial/commercial context was a string inverter with one optimizer for every two panels. Here, Rome emerged as the location with the most substantial NPV increase of 50%, followed by Berlin with 33% and Lisbon with 28%.
Do the Energy-Related Uncertainties Stimulate Renewable Energy Demand in Developed Economies? Fresh Evidence from the Role of Environmental Policy Stringency and Global Economic Policy Uncertainty
Authors: Saliba Chafic
Published: September 2024

Despite earlier research on green energy, there is still a significant gap in understanding how energy-related uncertainties affect renewable energy consumption (REN), especially in developed nations. Thus, this study explicitly looks into how the energy-related uncertainty index (EUI) can promote (or diminish) REN in sixteen wealthy nations between 2000 and 2020. Furthermore, we attempt to specify the factors of REN and explore whether environmental policy stringency (EPS) and global economic policy uncertainty (GEPU) could help moderate (or intensify) the EUI-REN nexus. To achieve this, we employ different panel data methods. The results underscore that the EUI significantly impacts REN, denoting that higher uncertainties related to energy markets lead to promoting REN. Additionally, the (EUI × EPS) underlines that EPS has a favorable role in increasing the positive effect of the EUI on REN in sample developed countries while (EUI × GEPU) has a detrimental effect. Remarkably, the findings underline that the effect of the EUI on REN is more positive in high EPS countries and that the positive effect of the EUI is more moderate when GEPU is high. The findings also underscore that the development of the financial market, FDI, personal remittances, and EPS positively stimulate REN whereas CO2, total natural resources rents, economic activity, and GEPU have a detrimental impact. The results are robust, and authorities and policymakers are advised to implement a wide range of policy proposals to accomplish sustainable development goals (SDGs) 7 and 13.
Two-Stage Optimal Configuration Strategy of Distributed Synchronous Condensers at the Sending End of Large-Scale Wind Power Generation Bases
Authors: Zhao Lang , Wang Zhidong , Li Yizheng , Wang Xueying , Hu Zhiyun , Xiao Yunpeng
Published: September 2024

The transmission end of large-scale wind power generation bases faces challenges such as high AC-DC coupling strength, low system inertia, and weak voltage support capabilities. Deploying distributed synchronous condensers (SCs) within and around wind farms can effectively provide transient reactive power support, enhance grid system inertia at the transmission end, and improve dynamic frequency support capabilities. However, the high investment and maintenance costs of SCs hinder their large-scale deployment, necessitating the investigation of optimal SC configuration strategies at critical nodes in the transmission grid. Initially, a node inertia model was developed to identify weaknesses in dynamic frequency support, and a critical inertia constraint based on node frequency stability was proposed. Subsequently, a multi-timescale reactive power response model was formulated to quantify the impact on short-circuit ratio improvement and transient overvoltage suppression. Finally, a two-stage optimal configuration strategy for distributed SCs at the transmission end was proposed, considering dynamic frequency support and transient voltage stability. In the first stage, the optimal SC configuration aimed to maximize system inertia improvement per unit investment to meet dynamic frequency support requirements. In the second stage, the configuration results from the first stage were adjusted by incorporating constraints for enhancing the multiple renewable short-circuit ratio (MRSCR) and suppressing transient overvoltage. The proposed model was validated using the feeder grid of a large energy base in western China. The results demonstrate that the optimal configuration scheme effectively suppressed transient overvoltage at the generator end and significantly enhanced the system’s dynamic frequency support strength.
Impact of the Location and Energy Carriers Used on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from a Building
Authors: Nawalany Grzegorz , Zitnak Miroslav , Michalik Małgorzata , Lendelova Jana , Sokołowski Paweł
Published: September 2024

The growth in population increases greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the environment. High GHG emissions are attributed to meat production, due to its high energy demand. The largest carbon footprint in the production of poultry meat is generated by combustion. This paper deals with the problem of greenhouse gas emissions (total dust, CO, CO2, NOx, SOx and benzo(a)pyrene) resulting from the generation of energy for heating broiler houses located in different locations in Europe. The study includes continuous measurements of selected microclimate parameters: temperature and relative humidity inside and outside the building, floor temperature, wind speed and direction, and solar radiation intensity. Validation and calibration of the model, emission calculations, and analysis of the obtained results were conducted. Eighteen design variants were assumed, differentiated by the heating fuel used (hard coal, fuel oil, gaseous fuels), material and construction solutions for the floor and the location of the facility. The analysis showed that CO2 emissions for a facility located in northern Europe are 123,153 kg higher compared to the same building located in southern Europe. In addition, increasing the floor’s thermal resistance by 3.69 m2·K·W−1 reduced harmful gas emissions by an average of 5.7% for each of the locations analysed.
Electric Vehicle Integration in Coupled Power Distribution and Transportation Networks: A Review
Authors: Hu Jingzhe , Wang Xu , Tan Shengmin
Published: September 2024

Integrating electric vehicles (EVs) into the coupled power distribution network (PDN) and transportation network (TN) presents substantial challenges. This paper explores three key areas in EV integration: charging/discharging scheduling, charging navigation, and charging station planning. First, the paper discusses the features and importance of EV integrated traffic–power networks. Then, it examines key factors influencing EV strategy, such as user behavior, charging preferences, and battery performance. Next, the study establishes an EV charging and discharging model, with particular emphasis on the complexities introduced by factors such as pricing mechanisms and integration approaches. Furthermore, the charging navigation model and the role of real-time traffic information are discussed. Additionally, the paper highlights the importance of multi-type charging stations and the impact of uncertainty on charging station planning. The paper concludes by identifying significant challenges and potential opportunities for EV integration. Future research should focus on enhancing coupled network modeling, refining user behavior models, developing incentive pricing mechanisms, and advancing autonomous driving and automated charging technologies. Such efforts will be essential for achieving a sustainable and efficient EV ecosystem.
The Interrelationships and Driving Factors of Ecosystem Service Functions in the Tianshan Mountains
Authors: Chen Wudi , Wang Ran , Liu Xiaohuang , Lin Tao , Hao Zhe , Zhang Yukun , Zheng Yu
Published: September 2024

Ecosystems offer natural resources and habitats for humans, serving as the foundation for human social development. Taking the Tianshan Mountains as the study area, this study investigated the changing trends, hot spots, and driving factors of water yield (WY), soil conservation (SC), carbon storage (CS), and habitat quality (HQ), in the Tianshan region, from 1990 to 2020. To determine the trade-offs and synergies between the ESs, we employed the Spearman correlation coefficient, geographically weighted regression, the self-organizing map (SOM), and other methods. Five main results were obtained. (1) There were similar spatial distribution patterns for WY, HQ, CS, and SC, with high-value areas mainly concentrated in grassland zones, forest zones, river valleys, and the intermountain basins of the mountain range, while regions with low value were clustered in desert zones and snow/ice zones. (2) According to the hotspot analysis, areas with relatively strong ES provisioning for WY, HQ, CS, and SC, were primarily concentrated in the BoroHoro Ula Mountains and Yilianhabierga Mountains. In contrast, areas with relatively weak ES provisioning were mainly located in the Turpan Basin. (3) Precipitation was the primary explanatory factor for WY. Soil type, potential evapotranspiration (PET), and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were the primary explanatory factors for HQ. Soil type and NDVI were the primary explanatory factors for CS. PET was the primary explanatory factor for SC. (4) There were synergistic relationships between the WY, HQ, CS, and SC, with the strongest synergies found between CS–HQ, WY–HQ, and WY–SC. (5) Six ES bundles were identified through the SOM method, with their composition varying at different spatial scales, indicating the need for different ES management priorities in different regions. Our analysis of ESs, from various perspectives, offers insights to aid sustainable ecosystem management and conservation efforts in the Tianshan region and other major economic areas worldwide.
An Intelligent System for Determining Driver Anxiety Level: A Comparison Study of Two Fuzzy-Based Models
Authors: Liu Yi , Barolli Leonard
Published: September 2024

While driving, stress and frustration can affect safe driving and pose the risk of causing traffic accidents. Therefore, it is important to control the driver’s anxiety level in order to improve the driving experience. In this paper, we propose and implement an intelligent system based on fuzzy logic (FL) for deciding the driver’s anxiety level (DAL). In order to investigate the effects of the considered parameters and compare the evaluation results, we implement two models: DAL Model 1 (DALM1) and DAL Model 2 (DALM2). The input parameters of DALM1 include driving experience (DE), in-car environment conditions (IECs), and driver age (DA), while for DALM2, we add a new parameter called the accident anxiety state (AAS). For both models, the output parameter is DAL. We carried out many simulations and compared the results of DALM1 and DALM2. The evaluation results show that the DAL is very good for drivers’ ages between 30 to 50 years old. However, when the driver’s age is below 30 or above 50, DAL tends to decline. With an increase in DE and IECs, the DAL value is decreased. But when the AAS is increased, the DAL is increased. DALM2 is more complex because the rule base is larger than DALM1, but it makes a better decision of DAL value.
Enhanced Impact Strength of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Using Steel Fiber and Polyurethane Grout Materials: A Comparative Study
Authors: Al-shawafi Ali , Zhu Han , Haruna S. I. , Ibrahim Yasser E. , Luqsum Saleh Ahmed
Published: September 2024

This study examined the impact properties of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) mixtures with steel fiber (SF) and retrofitted with polyurethane (PU) grouting using repeated drop-weight tests. Micro-steel fiber was added to UHPC mixes from 0 to 3% Vf, and PU grouting overlays of 5 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm were applied. Digital image correlation (DIC) was used to analyze failure modes. The results showed significant impact durability and energy absorption improvements with increased SF content and thicker PU overlays. UHPC-15PU exhibited 363% and 449% higher first crack and failure strengths than UHPC-5PU. DIC analysis confirmed the failure patterns of the U-shaped UHPC specimen under impact load conditions.
Combined Effects of Fishing and Environment on the Growth of Larimichthys polyactis in Coastal Regions of China
Authors: Yin Zhuo , Xia Yun , Zhang Chi , Zhang Rui , Liu Dan , Liu Yang
Published: September 2024

In fisheries’ stock assessments, the concept of “growth plasticity”—the ability of organisms to modulate their growth rates in response to environmental conditions—has gained attention in recent years. Historically, the impacts of fishing activities and environmental fluctuations were considered separately, while their combined effects have recently come into focus. This study collected 834 adult small yellow croakers (Larimichthys polyactis) from the northern Yellow Sea, the central Yellow Sea, the southern Yellow Sea, and the northern East Sea by trawling during 2020–2021. Using otolith increments as a proxy for annual somatic growth, the study reconstructed otolith chronologies during 2015–2020 for these four stocks. The results of the mixed-effects modeling suggested that temperature during spawning and previous overwintering seasons had comparable importance for the annual growth of small yellow croakers, with higher temperature promoting growth. The growth of small yellow croakers was also found to be correlated with ENSO events, with a lag of 1 to 2 years. A further investigation into combined effects revealed that higher fishing pressure might inhibit the small yellow croaker’s response to favorable environmental conditions. Furthermore, considering the potential differences in growth plasticity among stocks, an analysis was conducted on the spatial variations in growth response to these factors. The analysis revealed that, compared to the stocks in the Yellow Sea, the stock from the East China Sea could exhibit higher growth, superior adaptability to temperature, and a distinctive response to fishing pressure. In conclusion, the present study, while primarily focusing on temperature, preliminarily analyzed the combined effects of fishing and environment and underscored the differences in growth plasticity between stocks in the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea. Despite the limited factors analyzed in this study, it suggests a direction for future studies, highlighting the necessity to include more environmental factors, and even population factors (e.g., the biomass of preys), for a more comprehensive understanding of the combined effects. Based on the observed differences between the two potential subpopulations, this study also provides new insights for the management of the small yellow croaker based on metapopulation dynamics.
Ex Situ Target Strength Measurements of Rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli) and Striped Beakperch (Oplegnathus fasciatus)
Authors: Yoon Euna , Oh Woo-Seok , Lee Kyounghoon
Published: September 2024

The rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli) and striped beakperch (Oplegnathus fasciatus) were released in marine ranching areas in Korea, Japan, and China to maintain fishery resources in coastal areas. To estimate the density and biomass of fishery resources, the target strength (TS) of target marine organisms is needed to scale integrated volume backscattering coefficients. In this study, the target strength–length (TS–L) relationship for live rockfish and striped beakperch was derived using ex situ methods at a frequency of 200 kHz. The TS-L function for rockfish and striped beakperch can be expressed as TSAvg. = 20logTL − 69.25 (R2 = 0.35) and TSAvg. = 20logFL − 67.01 (R2 = 0.31), respectively. These results can be used to assess the growth, density, and abundance of the two species using acoustics.
Systematic Review of Multi-Species Models in Fisheries: Key Features and Current Trends
Authors: Couve Pablo , Bahamon Nixon , Canales Cristian M. , Company Joan B.
Published: September 2024

In the context of ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM), multi-species models offer a potential alternative to traditional single-species models for managing key species, particularly in mixed-fishery settings. These models account for interactions between different species, providing a more holistic approach to fisheries compared to traditional single-species management. There is currently no comprehensive list or recent analysis of the diverse methods used to account for species interactions in fisheries worldwide. We conducted a systematic review to objectively present the current multi-species models used in fisheries. The systematic search identified 86 multi-species models, which were then evaluated to assess their similarities. Employing a clustering analysis, three distinct groups were identified: extensions of single-species/dynamic multi-species models, aggregated ecosystem models, and end-to-end/coupled and hybrid models. The first group was among the most diverse, owing to their ability to integrate biological components, while maintaining an intermediate level of complexity. The second group, primarily defined by the EwE method, features an aggregated biomass pool structure incorporating biological components and environmental effects. The third cluster featured the most complex models, which included a comprehensive representation of size and age structure, the ability to incorporate biological components and environmental effects, as well as spatial representation. The application of these methods is primarily concentrated on small pelagic and demersal species from North America and Europe. This analysis provides a comprehensive guide for stakeholders on the development and use of multi-species models, considering data constraints and regional contexts.
Anomalous Diffusion and Non-Markovian Reaction of Particles near an Adsorbing Colloidal Particle
Authors: Gryczak Derik W. , Lenzi Ervin K. , Rosseto Michely P. , Evangelista Luiz R. , da Silva Luciano R. , Lenzi Marcelo K. , Zola Rafael S.
Published: September 2024

We investigate the diffusion phenomenon of particles in the vicinity of a spherical colloidal particle where particles may be adsorbed/desorbed and react on the surface of the colloidal particle. The mathematical model comprises a generalized diffusion equation to govern bulk dynamics and kinetic equations which can describe non-Debye relaxations and is used for the colloid’s surface. For the reaction processes, we also consider the presence of convolution kernels, which offer the flexibility of describing a single process or process with intermediate reactions before forming the final species. Our analysis focuses on analytical and numerical calculations to obtain the particles’ behavior on the colloidal particle’s surface and to determine how it affects the diffusion of particles around it. The solutions obtained show various behaviors that can be connected to anomalous diffusion phenomena and may be used to describe the ever-richer science of colloidal particles better.
Postharvest Quality of Arugula (Eruca sativa) Microgreens Determined by Microbiological, Physico-Chemical, and Sensory Parameters
Authors: Komeroski Marina R. , Beninca Thais , Portal Keyla A. , Malheiros Patrícia S. , Klug Tâmmila V. , Flores Simone H. , Rios Alessandro O.
Published: September 2024

(1) Background: Cultivating microgreens is emerging as an excellent market opportunity. Their easy, short, and sustainable production methods are the main reasons they are approved by growers. However, a feature that still prevents its further spread is the microbiological risk and their rapid senescence. The present study was conducted to evaluate the post-harvest storage and shelf life of arugula microgreens in different packaging through microbiological, physico-chemical, and sensory parameters; (2) Methods: Plants were stored at 5 °C in open air, vacuum sealed, and under modified atmosphere bags and tested at 0, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days; (3) Results: Microgreens stored in all packaging were safe for consumption within ten days. Regarding physical and chemical parameters, open packaging proved to be promising, with less weight loss and slower chlorophyll degradation. The sensory analysis demonstrated that the microgreens stored in the vacuum-sealed packaging showed a decrease in quality from the fifth day onwards for all attributes. However, the MAP presented good scores with a better visual quality, similar to the fresh microgreens.
Utilisation of Potassium Chloride in the Production of White Brined Cheese: Artificial Neural Network Modeling and Kinetic Models for Predicting Brine and Cheese Properties during Storage
Authors: Lisak Jakopović Katarina , Barukčić Jurina Irena , Marušić Radovčić Nives , Božanić Rajka , Jurinjak Tušek Ana
Published: September 2024

Excessive sodium consumption is a worldwide problem, prompting the industry to develop sodium-reduced products and substitute salts. High sodium consumption is a significant risk factor for high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. Excessive sodium intake also impairs the immune system in the gastrointestinal tract. Potassium chloride (KCl) is the most commonly used mineral salt due to its similarity to sodium chloride (NaCl), and its consumption has been shown to lower blood pressure when consumed in adequate amounts. The aim of this study was to partially replace NaCl with KCl at levels of 25%, 50% and 75% in the brine used to make white brined cheese. Parameters such as acidity, total dissolved solids, salinity, conductivity, colour, texture and sensory properties were evaluated during a 28-day refrigerated storage period. KCl can replace NaCl by 50%, and no significant differences in physicochemical and sensory parameters were observed during cheese storage compared to the control sample. In addition, the study investigates the use of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models to predict certain brine and cheese properties. The study successfully developed four different ANN models to accurately predict various properties such as brine pH, cheese colour and hardness over a 28-day storage period.
Prussian-Blue-Nanozyme-Enhanced Simultaneous Immunochromatographic Control of Two Relevant Bacterial Pathogens in Milk
Authors: Hendrickson Olga D. , Byzova Nadezhda A. , Dzantiev Boris B. , Zherdev Anatoly V.
Published: September 2024

Salmonella typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes are relevant foodborne bacterial pathogens which may cause serious intoxications and infectious diseases in humans. In this study, a sensitive immunochromatographic analysis (ICA) for the simultaneous detection of these two pathogens was developed. For this, test strips containing two test zones with specific monoclonal antibodies (MAb) against lipopolysaccharides of S. typhimurium and L. monocytogenes and one control zone with secondary antibodies were designed, and the double-assay conditions were optimized to ensure high analytical parameters. Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) were used as nanozyme labels and were conjugated with specific MAbs to perform a sandwich format of the ICA. Peroxidase-mimic properties of PBNPs allowed for the catalytic amplification of the colorimetric signal on test strips, enhancing the assay sensitivity. The limits of detection (LODs) of Salmonella and Listeria cells were 2 × 102 and 7 × 103 cells/mL, respectively. LODs were 100-fold less than those achieved due to the ICA based on the traditional gold label. The developed double ICA was approbated for the detection of bacteria in cow milk samples, which were processed by simple dilution by buffer before the assay. For S. typhimurium and L. monocytogenes, the recoveries from milk were 86.3 ± 9.8 and 118.2 ± 10.5% and correlated well with those estimated by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as a reference method. The proposed approach was characterized by high specificity: no cross-reactivity with other bacteria strains was observed. The assay satisfies the requirements for rapid tests: a full cycle from sample acquisition to result assessment in less than half an hour. The developed ICA has a high application potential for the multiplex detection of other foodborne pathogens.
Estimation of Fractal Dimension and Segmentation of Body Regions for Deep Learning-Based Gender Recognition
Authors: Lee Dong Chan , Jeong Min Su , Jeong Seong In , Jung Seung Yong , Park Kang Ryoung
Published: September 2024

There are few studies utilizing only IR cameras for long-distance gender recognition, and they have shown low recognition performance due to their lack of color and texture information in IR images with a complex background. Therefore, a rough body segmentation-based gender recognition network (RBSG-Net) is proposed, with enhanced gender recognition performance achieved by emphasizing the silhouette of a person through a body segmentation network. Anthropometric loss for the segmentation network and an adaptive body attention module are also proposed, which effectively integrate the segmentation and classification networks. To enhance the analytic capabilities of the proposed framework, fractal dimension estimation was introduced into the system to gain insights into the complexity and irregularity of the body region, thereby predicting the accuracy of body segmentation. For experiments, near-infrared images from the Sun Yat-sen University multiple modality re-identification version 1 (SYSU-MM01) dataset and thermal images from the Dongguk body-based gender version 2 (DBGender-DB2) database were used. The equal error rates of gender recognition by the proposed model were 4.320% and 8.303% for these two databases, respectively, surpassing state-of-the-art methods.
Fractal Self-Similarity in Semantic Convergence: Gradient of Embedding Similarity across Transformer Layers
Authors: Lee Minhyeok
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a mathematical analysis of semantic convergence in transformer-based language models, drawing inspiration from the concept of fractal self-similarity. We introduce and prove a novel theorem characterizing the gradient of embedding similarity across layers. Specifically, we establish that there exists a monotonically increasing function that provides a lower bound on the rate at which the average cosine similarity between token embeddings at consecutive layers and the final layer increases. This establishes a fundamental property: semantic alignment of token representations consistently increases through the network, exhibiting a pattern of progressive refinement, analogous to fractal self-similarity. The key challenge addressed is the quantification and generalization of semantic convergence across diverse model architectures and input contexts. To validate our findings, we conduct experiments on BERT and DistilBERT models, analyzing embedding similarities for diverse input types. While our experiments are limited to these models, we empirically demonstrate consistent semantic convergence within these architectures. Quantitatively, we find that the average rates of semantic convergence are approximately 0.0826 for BERT and 0.1855 for DistilBERT. We observe that the rate of convergence varies based on token frequency and model depth, with rare words showing slightly higher similarities (differences of approximately 0.0167 for BERT and 0.0120 for DistilBERT). This work advances our understanding of transformer models’ internal mechanisms and provides a mathematical framework for comparing and optimizing model architectures.
Polyion Hydrogels of Polymeric and Nanofibrous Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Chitosan: Mechanical Characteristics and Potential Use in Environmental Remediation
Authors: Kawate Taisei , Wang Yehao , Chan Kayee , Shibata Nobuyuki , Doi Yuya , Masubuchi Yuichi , Zinchenko Anatoly
Published: September 2024

Recently, cellulose and other biomass nanofibers (NFs) have been increasingly utilized in the design of sustainable materials for environmental, biomedical, and other applications. However, the past literature lacks a comparison of the macromolecular and nanofibrous states of biopolymers in various materials, and the advantages and limitations of using nanofibers (NF) instead of conventional polymers are poorly understood. To address this question, hydrogels based on interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs) between carboxymethyl cellulose nanofibers (CMCNFs) and chitosan (CS) were prepared by ele+ctrostatic cross-linking and compared with the hydrogels of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and CS biopolymers. The presence of the rigid CMCNF altered the mechanism of the IPEC assembly and drastically affected the structure of IPEC hydrogels. The swelling ratios of CMCNF-CS hydrogels of ca. 40% were notably lower than the ca. 100–300% swelling of CMC-CS hydrogels. The rheological measurements revealed a higher storage modulus (G′) of the CMCNF-CS hydrogel, reaching 13.3 kPa compared to only 3.5 kPa measured for the CMC-CS hydrogel. Further comparison of the adsorption characteristics of the CMCNF-CS and CMC-CS hydrogels toward Cu2+, Cd2+, and Hg2+ ions showed the slightly higher adsorption capacity of CMC-CS for Cu2+ but similar adsorption capacities for Cd2+ and Hg2+. The adsorption kinetics obeyed the pseudo-second-order adsorption model in both cases. Overall, while the replacement of CMC with CMCNF in hydrogel does not significantly affect the performance of such systems as adsorbents, CMCNF imparts IPEC hydrogel with higher stiffness and a frequency-independent loss (G″) modulus and suppresses the hydrogel swelling, so can be beneficial in practical applications that require stable performance under various dynamic conditions.
Effect of Silk Fibroin on the Mechanical and Transport Properties of Agarose Hydrogels
Authors: Richterová Veronika , Pekař Miloslav
Published: September 2024

In this work, the effect of incorporating silk fibroin, a fibrous biocompatible protein, into physically cross-linked agarose hydrogels was investigated as a simple model study to examine how supramolecular fibrous structures influence the properties of the hydrogels. The rheological and transport properties were studied. Fibroin did not change the general viscoelastic properties of the investigated hydrogels but changed the viscoelastic moduli values and also the mesh size, as calculated from rheometry data. Fibroin influenced the mechanical properties depending on its concentration: at lower concentrations, it increased the mesh size, while at higher concentrations, it acted as a filler, decreasing the mesh size. Similarly, the storage and loss moduli were affected, either increasing or decreasing based on the fibroin concentration. The fibroin effect on the diffusion of two dyes differing in their charge was the result of a combination of structural effects, responsible also for changes in the rheological properties, and a result of electrostatic interactions between the charged groups. For positively charged methylene blue, low fibroin concentrations accelerated diffusion, while higher concentrations slowed it by filling network vacancies. In contrast, for negatively charged eosin-B, fibroin strongly impeded diffusion at all concentrations due to electrostatic repulsion, leading to its accumulation at the hydrogel interface. The findings of this work may contribute to an understanding of the behavior of the extracellular matrix or soft tissues as well as to the development of the tailored design of hydrogel materials.
Multi-Regional Pelvic Floor Muscle Function Diagnosis System Based on Inflatable Stretchable Electrode Array
Authors: Chen Hailu , Wu Siming , Wang Yinfeng , Chang Yinjuan , Li Mingjie , Xie Zhenwei , Wang Shengming
Published: September 2024

Background: Effective prevention and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) necessitates the identification of lesions within the complex pelvic floor muscle (PFM) groups associated with various symptoms. Here, we developed a multi-region pelvic floor muscle functional diagnosis system (MPDS) based on an inflatable stretchable electrode array, which aids in accurately locating areas related to PFD. Methods: Clinical diagnostic experiments were conducted on 56 patients with postpartum stress urinary incontinence (PSUI) and 73 postpartum asymptomatic controls. MPDS collects pelvic floor electromyography from all participants. By assessing EMG parameters such as activation time differences (ATD) and using Jensen–Shannon (JS) divergence to verify, with the aim of locating target muscle groups with functional abnormalities. Results: Clinical test results showed that by observing the AT sequence of the PSUI group and the control group, muscle groups with functional abnormalities in the Pubococcygeus muscle (PC) and Puborectalis muscle (PR) regions could be preliminarily diagnosed. In the assessment of regional muscle contribution values based on JS divergence, it was verified that the contribution values of rapid contraction in the PC and PR regions of the PSUI group were relatively lower compared to those of the control group, which correlated with urinary control dysfunction. Conclusions: These experiments demonstrate that the MPDS helps in accurately locating target muscle groups with functional abnormalities, showcasing its potential in precise assessment of complex muscle groups such as PFM, which may improve diagnostic precision and reliability.
A Combined mRNA and microRNA Transcriptome Analysis of B. oleracea Response to Plasmodiophora brassicae Infection
Authors: Wang Min , Zhu Xiaowei , Tai Xiang , Chen Jinxiu , Bo Tianyue
Published: September 2024

Clubroot disease, caused by the pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae, is a serious disease that poses a critical threat to cabbage production. However, the molecular mechanism of the microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the cabbage’s response to P. brassicae infection remains to be elucidated. Here, the mRNA and miRNA expression profiles of cabbage in response to a P. brassicae infection were analyzed. In the transcriptome analysis, 2217 and 5552 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at 7d and 21d after inoculation, which were enriched in MAPK signaling, plant–pathogen interaction, plant hormone signal transduction, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways. BolC02g057640.2J, BolC09g006890.2J, BolC02g013230.2J, BolC06g006490.2J, BolC03g052660.2J, BolC07g052580.2J, and BolC04g044910.2J were predicted to be significantly involved in the defense response or plant–pathogen interaction through co-expression network analysis. Small RNA data analysis identified 164 miRNAs belonging to 51 families. miR1515, miR166, miR159, and miR9563 had the greatest number of members among the miRNA families. Integrated analysis revealed 23 miRNA–mRNA interactions related to a P. brassicae infection. The target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) revealed the NAC, ARF, TCP, and SPL transcription factor members that probably participate in the defense response. This study provided new insights into the miRNA-involved regulatory system during the process of disease infection with P. brassicae in cabbage.
Further Evidence on Online Video-Feedback Intervention: Enhancing Parent–Child Interactions and Reducing Disordered Eating in Children
Authors: Cimino Silvia , Cerniglia Luca
Published: September 2024

Background: This study evaluated the effectiveness of an online intervention designed to improve parent–child interactions and address disordered eating behaviors in children. Using remote video-feedback sessions based on observations of mother–child feeding interactions, the intervention offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional in-person methods. Aims: The study aimed to assess the impact of online intervention on the quality of mother–child interactions during feeding and its effectiveness in reducing psychopathological symptoms in both mothers and children. Methods: The intervention was conducted entirely online, with improvements measured using SVIA scores for mother–child interactions and the SCL-90/R Global Severity Index (GSI) for maternal psychopathological symptoms, alongside evaluations of children’s emotional and behavioral functioning, particularly anxiety, depression, and aggression. Results: The intervention significantly improved the quality of mother–child interactions across all SVIA subscales and led to reductions in maternal symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as decreases in children’s emotional and behavioral symptoms. Conclusions: These findings suggest that online video-feedback interventions can effectively enhance mother–child relationships and reduce psychopathological symptoms in both mothers and children, although further research with larger sample sizes and more robust statistical analyses is needed to confirm these results.
A Cross-Border Biorisk Toolkit for Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Vandenberghe Pierre , Hayes Jessica S. , Connolly Maire A. , Gala Jean-Luc
Published: September 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to public health, exposing first responders to high biosafety risks during medical assistance and containment efforts. The PANDEM-2 study aimed to address these critical biosafety issues by emphasising the importance of frequently updated, harmonised guidelines. This study reviewed scientific publications, lessons learned, and real-world experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic to identify biorisk gaps in three critical areas: (i) patient transportation and management, (ii) sample handling and testing, and (iii) data management and communication by laboratory staff. At the onset of the pandemic, first responders faced several challenges, including the rapid expansion of emergency medical services, conversion of non-medical structures, increased internal and cross-border transport of infected patients, frequent changes in biosafety protocols, and a shortage of personal protective equipment. In response, this study developed a versatile and easily adaptable toolkit, including biosafety guidance and recommendations linked to updated national and international online repositories. It establishes the groundwork for a minimum standard that can be tailored to various pandemic response scenarios, using monkeypox as a fictive test case. The toolkit enables rapid access to updated information via QR codes and mobile devices, improving biorisk response by providing an adaptable and standardised approach for caregivers involved in national and cross-border responses.
Assessment of Medication Adherence Using Mobile Applications in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Scoping Review
Authors: Machado Belen , Quimbaya Pamela , Bustos Rosa-Helena , Jaimes Diego , Cortes Katherinne , Vargas Daniela , Perdomo Laura
Published: September 2024

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition that significantly impacts both patients and healthcare systems. The management of COPD involves various pharmacological intervention strategies, and addressing the issue of low adherence to these strategies has become a subject of significant interest. In response to this concern, there has been a shift toward utilizing telemedicine and mobile applications. The primary objective of this scoping review is to delineate the usage of mobile applications to enhance medication adherence in adult patients with COPD. This study involved a search of databases such as Medline, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrial.gov, focusing on the literature published in English and Spanish over the last decade. The selected studies assessed interventions involving mobile applications (mobile apps) designed to improve medication adherence. Four digital aids were identified and available on online platforms, mobile apps, or both: m-PAC, myCOPD, Wellinks mHealth, and Propeller Health. Propeller Health, in particular, is an app that directly measures medication adherence through electronic medication monitors attached to participants’ inhalers. Opening the app was associated with higher odds of using control medications compared to participants who did not open the app. The findings suggest that these digital interventions serve as valuable tools to enhance patient adherence to treatment. Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of different digital devices, such as digital inhalers and mobile applications, that directly measure medication adherence.
Glial-Cell-Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Promotes Glioblastoma Cell Migration and Invasion via the SMAD2/3-SERPINE1-Signaling Axis
Authors: Guo Xiaoxiao , Zhou Han , Liu Yifang , Xu Wei , Kanwore Kouminin , Zhang Lin
Published: September 2024

Glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is highly expressed and is involved in the malignant phenotype in glioblastomas (GBMs). However, uncovering its underlying mechanism for promoting GBM progression is still a challenging work. In this study, we found that serine protease inhibitor family E member 1 (SERPINE1) was a potential downstream gene of GDNF. Further experiments confirmed that SERPINE1 was highly expressed in GBM tissues and cells, and its levels of expression and secretion were enhanced by exogenous GDNF. SERPINE1 knockdown inhibited the migration and invasion of GBM cells promoted by GDNF. Mechanistically, GDNF increased SERPINE1 by promoting the phosphorylation of SMAD2/3. In vivo experiments demonstrated that GDNF facilitated GBM growth and the expressions of proteins related to migration and invasion via SERPINE1. Collectively, our findings revealed that GDNF upregulated SERPINE1 via the SMAD2/3-signaling pathway, thereby accelerating GBM cell migration and invasion. The present work presents a new mechanism of GDNF, supporting GBM development.