bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case report: Treatment of congenital lobar emphysema with lung lobectomy in a puppy
Authors: Edwards Lauren M. , Lux Cassie N. , Everett Matthew , Hecht Silke
Published: June 2023

An 11-week-old, sexually intact female Catahoula Leopard dog was evaluated for a multiple-week history of exercise intolerance and intermittent periods of respiratory distress. Thoracic radiographs revealed a markedly hyperinflated right lung field, with compression of the surrounding lung lobes. Thoracic computed tomography further localized the hyperinflation to the right middle lung lobe, with suspicion of congenital lobar emphysema. A right intercostal thoracotomy with right middle lung lobectomy was performed successfully. Histopathology results confirmed bronchial cartilage hypoplasia with marked emphysema and pleural fibrosis. The puppy recovered from surgery uneventfully and was discharged from the hospital without any postoperative complications. At 18 months postoperatively, the dog was clinically normal with no return of respiratory distress. This case report describes successful surgical treatment of a large breed puppy with the uncommonly reported condition of congenital lobar emphysema.
Canine salivary gland carcinoma treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy: a retrospective case series
Authors: Gualtieri Patricia , Martin Tiffany , Leary Del , Lana Susan E. , LaRue Susan M. , Boss Mary-Keara
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the therapeutic outcomes of dogs with locally advanced salivary gland carcinomas (SGC) following stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

Methods

A single institution retrospective study was conducted of client-owned dogs with macroscopic SGC treated with SBRT. Patient signalment, clinical characteristics, and treatment parameters were recorded. Clinical benefit was determined based on follow-up physical examination and medical history. Progression-free interval (PFI), median survival time (MST), and disease-specific survival (DSS) were calculated using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Acute and late toxicity were recorded according to Veterinary Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (VRTOG) criteria.

Results

Six patients were included in the study. Tumor origins were mandibular (n = 3), parotid (n = 2), and zygomatic (n = 1) salivary glands. The SBRT prescription was 10 Gy × 3 daily or every other day. All patients (100%) experienced clinical benefit from treatment at a median time of 34 days (range 28–214). No local or regional nodal failure was reported following SBRT. Progressive pulmonary metastatic disease was documented in three dogs (50%). The median PFI was 260 days (range 43–1,014) and the MST was 397 days (range 185–1,014). Median DSS was 636 days (range 185–1,014). Four dogs (66.6%) died of confirmed or suspected metastatic SGC. The reported acute side effects included grade 2 mucositis (n = 1) and vision loss (n = 1). No late side effects were recorded.

Conclusion

This study suggests that SBRT may provide durable local control for invasive SGC in dogs. Further investigation in a larger cohort of patients is warranted. The incidence of reported acute and late toxicity was low.
Determinants of Contraceptive Use among Unmarried Young Women in Kakamega County, Kenya
Authors: Arlotti-Parish Elizabeth , Ajema Carolyne , Mutea Lilian , Ontiri Susan
Published: June 2023

Adolescent pregnancies adversely impact mental and reproductive health as well as educational and socio-economic outcomes. In Kakamega County, Kenya, 20% of adolescents begin childbearing by age 19. To inform interventions to reduce adolescent pregnancy, Jhpiego used the Barrier Analysis methodology, which is based on the Doer/Non-Doer study model, in which participants are categorized according to whether they are “Doers” or “Non-Doers” of the study behavior. This study examines the determinants of the behavior, “young unmarried women currently use modern contraceptive methods”. Participants included young women aged 15–19 who were sexually active, unmarried, and were using (“Doers”) or not using (“Non-Doers”) modern contraception. The findings reveal that the majority of Doers (88%) and Non-Doers (80%) understand the pregnancy risk associated with non-use, and there is no statistically significant difference between Doers’ and Non-Doers’ understanding of contraceptive benefits. Knowledge of side effects and misconceptions, such as the belief that contraception causes infertility, does not deter Doers from using contraception. Seventy percent of Doers note that contraception is accessible/available, while 39% of Non-Doers state the opposite. Doers are almost three times more likely than Non-Doers to say that most people approve of their contraceptive use, while Non-Doers are twice as likely as Doers to say that most people would not approve. Doers are four times more likely to indicate approval from their mothers and boyfriends. Non-Doers are five times more likely than Doers to have specific professional goals for the future. These findings illustrate the importance of moving away from fear-based messaging and instead highlighting social acceptability and contraception’s role in achieving future goals.
A Contemporary Atomistic Model of Art—A First-Person Introspection of the Artistic Process
Authors: Totlyakov Atanas Dimitrov
Published: June 2023

In modern science and human activity, we increasingly refer to creative thinking that does not belong to the strict definition of art. Art studies and art theory should answer the questions that emerge in the complex interaction among diverse creative fields. Art experience may be considered as one of many different manifestations of creative thinking (general creativity). When we develop ideas involving heterogeneous nuclei, our thoughts aim to encompass or reflect upon the area in between their fusion. This paper proposes a method of implementing an introspective analysis that brings the artist to a new position—the position of an explorer of their own cognitive space.
A New Big Data Processing Framework for the Online Roadshow
Authors: Leow Kang-Ren , Leow Meng-Chew , Ong Lee-Yeng
Published: June 2023

The Online Roadshow, a new type of web application, is a digital marketing approach that aims to maximize contactless business engagement. It leverages web computing to conduct interactive game sessions via the internet. As a result, massive amounts of personal data are generated during the engagement process between the audience and the Online Roadshow (e.g., gameplay data and clickstream information). The high volume of data collected is valuable for more effective market segmentation in strategic business planning through data-driven processes such as web personalization and trend evaluation. However, the data storage and processing techniques used in conventional data analytic approaches are typically overloaded in such a computing environment. Hence, this paper proposed a new big data processing framework to improve the processing, handling, and storing of these large amounts of data. The proposed framework aims to provide a better dual-mode solution for processing the generated data for the Online Roadshow engagement process in both historical and real-time scenarios. Multiple functional modules, such as the Application Controller, the Message Broker, the Data Processing Module, and the Data Storage Module, were reformulated to provide a more efficient solution that matches the new needs of the Online Roadshow data analytics procedures. Some tests were conducted to compare the performance of the proposed frameworks against existing similar frameworks and verify the performance of the proposed framework in fulfilling the data processing requirements of the Online Roadshow. The experimental results evidenced multiple advantages of the proposed framework for Online Roadshow compared to similar existing big data processing frameworks.
Physiological Signal Analysis and Stress Classification from VR Simulations Using Decision Tree Methods
Authors: Ishaque Syem , Khan Naimul , Krishnan Sridhar
Published: June 2023

Stress is induced in response to any mental, physical or emotional change associated with our daily experiences. While short term stress can be quite beneficial, prolonged stress is detrimental to the heart, muscle tissues and immune system. In order to be proactive against these symptoms, it is important to assess the impact of stress due to various activities, which is initially determined through the change in the sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic (PNS) nervous systems. After acquiring physiological data wirelessly through captive electrocardiogram (ECG), galvanic skin response (GSR) and respiration (RESP) sensors, 21 time, frequency, nonlinear, GSR and respiration features were manually extracted from 15 subjects ensuing a baseline phase, virtual reality (VR) roller coaster simulation, color Stroop task and VR Bubble Bloom game. This paper presents a comprehensive physiological analysis of stress from an experiment involving a VR video game Bubble Bloom to manage stress levels. A personalized classification and regression tree (CART) model was developed using a novel Gini index algorithm in order to effectively classify binary classes of stress. A novel K-means feature was derived from 11 other features and used as an input in the Decision Tree (DT) algorithm, strong learners Ensemble Gradient Boosting (EGB) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost (XGB)) embedded in a pipeline to classify 5 classes of stress. Results obtained indicate that heart rate (HR), approximate entropy (ApEN), low frequency and high frequency ratio (LF/HF), low frequency (LF), standard deviation (SD1), GSR and RESP all reduced and high frequency (HF) increased following the VR Bubble Bloom game phase. The personalized CART model was able to classify binary stress with 87.75% accuracy. It proved to be more effective than other related studies. EGB was able to classify binary stress with 100% accuracy, which outperformed every other related study. XGBoost and DT were able to classify five classes of stress with 72.22% using the novel K-means feature. This feature produced less error and better model performance in comparison to using all the features. Results substantiate that our proposed methods were more effective for stress classification than most related studies.
Clinical Results of Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE) with Holmium-166 Microspheres in the Multidisciplinary Oncologic Treatment of Patients with Primary and Secondary Liver Cancer
Authors: Drescher Robert , Köhler Alexander , Seifert Philipp , Aschenbach René , Ernst Thomas , Rauchfuß Falk , Freesmeyer Martin
Published: June 2023

Holmium-166 microspheres are used for the transarterial radioembolization (TARE) treatment of primary and secondary liver cancers. In this study, its efficacy regarding local tumor control and integration into the oncological treatment sequence of the first 20 patients treated in our institution were examined. A total of twenty-nine 166Ho-TARE procedures were performed to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, fourteen patients), metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC, four patients), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC, one patient), and hemangioendothelioma of the liver (HE, one patient). In eight patients, 166Ho-TARE was the initial oncologic treatment. In patients with HCC, the median treated-liver progression-free survival (PFS), overall PFS, and overall survival after 166Ho-TARE were 10.3, 7.3, and 22.1 months; in patients with mCRC, these were 2.6, 2.9, and 20.6 months, respectively. Survival after 166Ho-TARE in the patients with ICC and HE were 5.2 and 0.8 months, respectively. Two patients with HCC were bridged to liver transplantation, and one patient with mCRC was downstaged to curative surgery. In patients with HCC, a median treatment-free interval of 7.3 months was achieved. In line with previous publications, 166Ho-TARE was a feasible treatment option in patients with liver tumors, with favorable clinical outcomes in the majority of cases. It was able to achieve treatment-free intervals, served as bridging-to-transplant, and did not prevent subsequent therapies.
An Updated Review on Monkeypox Viral Disease: Emphasis on Genomic Diversity
Authors: Rabaan Ali , Alasiri Nada , Aljeldah Mohammed , Alshukairiis Abeer , AlMusa Zainab , Alfouzan Wadha , Abuzaid Abdulmonem , Alamri Aref , Al-Afghani Hani , Al-baghli Nadira , Alqahtani Nawal , Al-baghli Nadia , Almoutawa Mashahed , Mahmoud Alawi Maha , Alabdullah Mohammed , Bati Neda , Alsaleh Abdulmonem , Tombuloglu Huseyin , Arteaga-Livias Kovy , Al-Ahdal Tareq , Garout Mohammed , Imran Mohd
Published: June 2023

Monkeypox virus has remained the most virulent poxvirus since the elimination of smallpox approximately 41 years ago, with distribution mostly in Central and West Africa. Monkeypox (Mpox) in humans is a zoonotically transferred disease that results in a smallpox-like disease. It was first diagnosed in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and the disease has spread over West and Central Africa. The purpose of this review was to give an up-to-date, thorough, and timely overview on the genomic diversity and evolution of a re-emerging infectious disease. The genetic profile of Mpox may also be helpful in targeting new therapeutic options based on genes, mutations, and phylogeny. Mpox has become a major threat to global health security, necessitating a quick response by virologists, veterinarians, public health professionals, doctors, and researchers to create high-efficiency diagnostic tests, vaccinations, antivirals, and other infection control techniques. The emergence of epidemics outside of Africa emphasizes the disease’s global significance. Increased monitoring and identification of Mpox cases are critical tools for obtaining a better knowledge of the ever-changing epidemiology of this disease.
The Potential of Glucose Treatment to Reduce Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Apoptosis of Inflamed Neural Cells In Vitro
Authors: Cherng Juin-Hong , Chang Shu-Jen , Tsai Hsin-Da , Chun Chung-Fang , Fan Gang-Yi , Reeves Kenneth Dean , Lam King Hei Stanley , Wu Yung-Tsan
Published: June 2023

Neuroinflammation is a key feature in the pathogenesis of entrapment neuropathies. Clinical trial evidence suggests that perineural injection of glucose in water at entrapment sites has therapeutic benefits beyond a mere mechanical effect. We previously demonstrated that 12.5–25 mM glucose restored normal metabolism in human SH-SYFY neuronal cells rendered metabolically inactive from TNF-α exposure, a common initiator of neuroinflammation, and reduced secondary elevation of inflammatory cytokines. In the present study, we measured the effects of glucose treatment on cell survival, ROS activity, gene-related inflammation, and cell cycle regulation in the presence of neurogenic inflammation. We exposed SH-SY5Y cells to 10 ng/mL of TNF-α for 24 h to generate an inflammatory environment, followed by 24 h of exposure to 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mM glucose. Glucose exposure, particularly at 12.5 mM, preserved apoptotic SH-SY5Y cell survival following a neuroinflammatory insult. ROS production was substantially reduced, suggesting a ROS scavenging effect. Glucose treatment significantly increased levels of CREB, JNK, and p70S6K (p < 0.01), pointing to antioxidative and anti-inflammatory actions through components of the MAPK family and Akt pathways but appeared underpowered (n = 6) to reach significance for NF-κB, p38, ERK1/2, Akt, and STAT5 (p < 0.05). Cell regulation analysis indicated that glucose treatment recovered/restored function in cells arrested in the S or G2/M-phases. In summary, glucose exposure in vitro restores function in apoptotic nerves after TNF-α exposure via several mechanisms, including ROS scavenging and enhancement of MAPK family and Akt pathways. These findings suggest that glucose injection about entrapped peripheral nerves may have several favorable biochemical actions that enhance neuronal cell function.
Stage-Dependent Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 in the Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Večurkovská Ivana , Mašlanková Jana , Tomečková Vladimíra , Kaťuchová Jana , Kisková Terézia , Fröhlichová Lucia , Mareková Mária , Stupák Marek
Published: June 2023

Purpose: The development of sensitive and non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection of CRC and determination of their role in the individual stages of CRC. Methods: MMP-9 expression in serum and tissue, and BDNF expression in plasma were detected using the ELISA method. MMP-9 and BDNF in the tissue were also determined by immunohistochemical staining. Results: To assess the balance between changes in survival and tumor progression, we compared BDNF/MMP-9 ratios in tissues of living and deceased individuals. The tissue BDNF/MMP-9 ratio (evaluated immunohistochemically) decreased significantly with the progression of the disease in living patients. The BDNF/MMP-9 ratio was statistically significantly reduced in stages II and III compared to the benign group. However, in deceased individuals, the ratio showed an opposite tendency. Conclusion: The determination of the tissue BDNF/MMP9 ratio can be used as a prognostic biomarker of CRC.
Recent Advances in Locoregional Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Podlasek Anna , Abdulla Maheeba , Broering Dieter , Bzeizi Khalid
Published: June 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is responsible for 90% of primary hepatic cancer cases, and its incidence with associated morbidity and mortality is growing worldwide. In recent decades, there has been a revolution in HCC treatment. There are three main types of locoregional therapy: radiofrequency ablation, transarterial chemoembolisation, and transarterial radioembolisation. This article summarises recent advances in locoregional methods.
Identification of Genetic Risk Factors for Keratinocyte Cancer in Immunosuppressed Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Sunder-Plassmann Raute , Geusau Alexandra , Endler Georg , Weninger Wolfgang , Wielscher Matthias
Published: June 2023

Because of long-term immunosuppression, solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk for keratinocyte cancer. We matched solid organ transplant patients (n = 150), cases with keratinocyte cancers and tumor-free controls, considering the most important risk factors for keratinocyte cancer in solid organ transplant recipients. Using whole exome data of germline DNA from this patient cohort, we identified several genetic loci associated with the occurrence of multiple keratinocyte cancers. We found one genome-wide significant association of a common single nucleotide polymorphism located in EXOC3 (rs72698504). In addition, we found several variants with a p-value of less than 10−5 associated with the number of keratinocyte cancers. These variants were located in the genes CYB561, WASHC1, PITRM1-AS1, MUC8, ABI3BP, and THBS2-AS1. Using whole exome sequencing data, we performed groupwise tests for rare missense variants in our dataset and found robust associations (p < 10−6, Burden Zeggini test) between MC1R, EPHA8, EPO, MYCT1, ADGRG3, and MGME1 and keratinocyte cancer. Thus, overall, we detected genes involved in pigmentation/UV protection, tumor suppression, immunomodulation, intracellular traffic, and response to UV as genetic risk factors for multiple keratinocyte cancers in solid organ transplant recipients. We also grouped selected genes to pathways and found a selection of genes involved in the “cellular response to UV” to be significantly associated with multiple keratinocyte cancers.
Epidemiological Study of Malignant Paediatric Liver Tumours in Denmark 1985–2020
Authors: Nissen Thomas N. , Rechnitzer Catherine , Albertsen Birgitte K. , Borgwardt Lotte , Christensen Vibeke B. , Fallentin Eva , Hasle Henrik , Johansen Lars S. , Maroun Lisa L. , Nissen Karin B. , Rasmussen Allan , Rathe Mathias , Rosthøj Steen , Schultz Nicolai A. , Wehner Peder S. , Jørgensen Marianne H. , Brok Jesper
Published: June 2023

Background: Malignant liver tumours in children are rare and national outcomes for this tumour entity are rarely published. This study mapped paediatric liver tumours in Denmark over 35 years and reported on the incidence, outcomes and long-term adverse events. Methods: We identified all liver tumours from the Danish Childhood Cancer Registry and reviewed the case records for patient and tumour characteristics, treatment and clinical outcome. Results: We included 79 patients in the analyses. Overall crude incidence was ~2.29 per 1 million children (<15 yr) per year, with 61 hepatoblastomas (HB), 9 hepatocellular carcinomas and 9 other hepatic tumours. Overall 5-year survival was 84%, 78% and 44%, respectively. Nine patients had underlying liver disease or predisposition syndrome. Seventeen children underwent liver transplantation, with two late complications, biliary stenosis and liver fibrosis. For HB, age ≥ 8 years and diagnosis prior to 2000 were significant predictors of a poorer outcome. Adverse events included reduced renal function in 10%, reduced cardiac function in 6% and impaired hearing function in 60% (19% needed hearing aids). Behavioural conditions requiring additional support in school were registered in 10 children. Conclusions: In Denmark, incidences of malignant liver tumours during the last four decades have been increasing, as reported in the literature. HB survival has improved since the year 2000 and is comparable with international results. Reduced hearing is the major treatment-related side effect and affects approximately 60% of patients.
Racial Disparities among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Other Pacific Islander Patients with Cancer Who Refuse Recommended Radiation Therapy or Surgery
Authors: Lau Brianna , Tominez Paul , Shing Jaimie Z. , Vo Jacqueline B. , Pollom Erqi , Taparra Kekoa
Published: June 2023

Despite radiation therapy (RT) and surgery being the curative treatments, prior work demonstrated that the aggregated Asian American (AA) and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders (NHPI) population refuse RT and surgery at a higher rates than other races. Given that AA and NHPI are distinct groups, data disaggregation is necessary to understand racial and ethnic disparities for treatment refusal. We aimed to (1) compare RT and surgery refusal rates between AA and NHPI populations, (2) assess RT and surgery refusal on overall mortality, and (3) determine predictors of refusing RT and surgery using the United States (U.S.) National Cancer Database. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for treatment refusal were calculated using logistic regression. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were calculated for overall survival using Cox proportional hazard models among propensity score-matched groups. The overall rate of RT refusal was 4.8% and surgery refusal was 0.8%. Compared to East AA patients, NHPI patients had the highest risk of both RT refusal (aOR = 1.38, 95%CI = 1.21–1.61) and surgery refusal (aOR = 1.28, 95%CI = 1.00–1.61). RT refusal significantly predicted higher mortality (aHR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.08–1.27), whereas surgery refusal did not. Predictors of RT and surgery refusal were older patient age, high comorbidity index, and cancer diagnosis between 2011–2017. The results show heterogenous treatment refusal patterns among AA and NHPI populations, suggesting areas for targeted intervention.
Identification of Tissue-Resident Natural Killer and T Lymphocytes with Anti-Tumor Properties in Ascites of Ovarian Cancer Patients
Authors: Bernson Elin , Huhn Oisín , Karlsson Veronika , Hawkes Delia , Lycke Maria , Cazzetta Valentina , Mikulak Joanna , Hall James , Piskorz Anna M. , Portuesi Rosalba , Vitobello Domenico , Fiamengo Barbara , Siesto Gabriele , Horowitz Amir , Ghadially Hormas , Mavilio Domenico , Brenton James D. , Sundfeldt Karin , Colucci Francesco
Published: June 2023

Women with ovarian cancer have limited therapy options, with immunotherapy being unsatisfactory for a large group of patients. Tumor cells spread from the ovary or the fallopian tube into the abdominal cavity, which is commonly accompanied with massive ascites production. The ascites represents a unique peritoneal liquid tumor microenvironment with the presence of both tumor and immune cells, including cytotoxic lymphocytes. We characterized lymphocytes in ascites from patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Our data reveal the presence of NK and CD8+ T lymphocytes expressing CD103 and CD49a, which are markers of tissue residency. Moreover, these cells express high levels of the inhibitory NKG2A receptor, with the highest expression level detected on tissue-resident NK cells. Lymphocytes with these features were also present at the primary tumor site. Functional assays showed that tissue-resident NK cells in ascites are highly responsive towards ovarian tumor cells. Similar results were observed in an in vivo mouse model, in which tissue-resident NK and CD8+ T cells were detected in the peritoneal fluid upon tumor growth. Together, our data reveal the presence of highly functional lymphocyte populations that may be targeted to improve immunotherapy for patients with ovarian cancer.
Photoelectrochemical Deposition of Silicon–Carbon Layer on P-Type Semiconductors and Aluminum–Copper Alloy in Ionic Liquid
Authors: Grigucevičienė Asta , Kalinauskas Putinas , Staišiūnas Laurynas , Leinartas Konstantinas , Selskis Algirdas , Juzeliūnas Eimutis
Published: June 2023

Electrochemical deposition of silicon at room temperature is problematic due to the intrinsically low conductivity of the deposits. This study reports the photoelectrochemical (PEC) deposition of silicon (Si) and silicon–carbon (Si–C) layers from an ionic liquid at 40 °C using silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4) as a silicon precursor. Amorphous layers are deposited on p-type silicon (p-Si), p-type gallium arsenide (p-GaAs), and aluminum–copper alloy AA2024. The semiconductor substrates are activated by white LED illumination, which generates photoelectrons, thereby making the substrate conductive with respect to the cathodic reaction. The photoresponsiveness of the deposits is proven by the light-induced photocurrents on an optically inactive substrate made of the alloy AA 2024. The proposed method paves the way for the electrochemical modification of semiconductors and metals with Si and Si–C structures, which are applicable in various fields, such as batteries, anti-corrosion coatings, photovoltaics, or PEC electrodes for hydrogen production.
Advances in Scale Assessment of Seabird Bycatch: A New Methodological Framework
Authors: Marchowski Dominik
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a methodology for indirectly estimating the scale of seabird bycatch using existing data. The study focuses on five key species of ducks that winter in the Polish waters of the Baltic Sea and are highly susceptible to bycatch: Long-tailed Duck, Velvet Scoter, Common Scoter, Greater Scaup, and Tufted Duck. The evaluation units used are divided into the Bornholm (BS) and Gotland Subdivisions (GS) within the Polish Exclusive Economic Zone (PEEZ). The analysis acknowledges the lack of bycatch data for certain areas known to have high concentrations of diving birds and fishing activity. The population sizes of waterbirds were assessed using ship-based surveys and a distance sampling approach. Fishing effort data from the five winter seasons between 2015/2016 and 2019/2020 were analyzed. Bycatch rates were estimated based on surveys conducted in previous seasons, and threshold values for bycatch were established using the concept of “small numbers” defined in EU directives. The results show that within the GS of the PEEZ, the estimated average abundance of all diving waterbirds was 174,800 individuals, with an average annual bycatch of 7921 birds (4.5% of the total). The Velvet Scoter was the most abundant species, followed by the Long-tailed Duck. In the BS, the estimated average abundance of diving waterbirds was 624,600 individuals, with an average annual bycatch of 5056 birds (0.8% of the total). The Long-tailed Duck was the most numerous species, followed by the Velvet Scoter. Acceptable bycatch thresholds were exceeded for all species in both subdivisions despite a much smaller scale of bycatch in the BS. The findings highlight the need for effective management and conservation measures to address the high mortality of seabirds due to bycatch. The methodology presented in this study offers a valuable approach for estimating bycatch scale and can support efforts to minimize the impact on seabird populations.
Environmental Influence on the Occurrence of Multi-Organ Cystic Echinococcosis Infection in a Patient from Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Santucciu Cinzia , Ferrari Paolo Albino , Grimaldi Giulia , Murenu Alessandro , Nemolato Sonia , Bonelli Piero , Masala Giovanna , Porcu Giuseppe Salvatore , Cherchi Roberto
Published: June 2023

An uncommon clinical case of an adult woman who was referred to the hospital with severe symptoms attributable to cystic echinococcosis (CE) is described in this report. According to a questionnaire, the subject was exposed to a high risk of infection since she was employed on a farm about 20 years before diagnosis. She lived close to several animal species and handled vegetables in inadequate hygienic conditions. Medical and laboratory investigations confirmed the presence of massive echinococcal cystic lesions in each lung and in the liver. Given the peculiarity of the case, pharmacological and surgical treatments were the only conceivable option. The association of pharmacological treatment, surgery, and interventional radiology procedure represented a reliable and effective way to handle a complex case of human hydatidosis. A multi-disciplinary approach was mandatory, resulting in a clear and conclusive diagnosis of CE caused by the zoonotic parasite E. granulosus sensu stricto of the G1 genotype.
UAV Communication Recovery under Meteorological Conditions
Authors: Song Mengan , Huo Yiming , Liang Zhonghua , Dong Xiaodai , Lu Tao
Published: June 2023

Our study proposes a UAV communications recovery strategy under meteorological conditions based on a ray tracing simulation of excessive path loss in four distinct three-dimensional (3D) urban environments. We start by reviewing the air-to-ground propagation loss model under meteorological conditions, as well as the specific attenuation of rain, fog, and snow, and we propose a new expression for line-of-sight (LoS) probability. Using the two frequency bands of 28 GHz and 71 GHz, we investigate the impact of specific attenuation caused by different weather conditions and analyze the relationship between the radius of the UAV coverage area and the elevation angle. Furthermore, we investigate the effects of the rainfall rate, liquid water density, and snowfall rate on the maximum coverage area and optimal height of the UAV. Eventually, we propose a strategy that involves compensating for the maximum path loss and adjusting the UAV’s position to recover the coverage of the UAV to ground users. Our results show that rain has the greatest impact on the UAV’s coverage area and optimum height among the three types of weather conditions. For various weather conditions, relative to Region 1, the percentage reduction in the maximum coverage radius of Region 2 to Region 4 increases gradually, and the extent of each increase is approximately 10%. Moreover, after adding the compensated path loss, the coverage radius of the UAV in the four regions is restored to a value slightly larger than that before the rain. In addition, rain caused the greatest reduction in UAV coverage for suburban environments and the lowest for high-rise urban environments.
Particle Deposition Distribution of Multi-Rotor UAV-Based Fertilizer Spreader under Different Height and Speed Parameters
Authors: Song Cancan , Liu Lilian , Wang Guobin , Han Jingang , Zhang Tongsheng , Lan Yubin
Published: June 2023

As an effective supplement to ground machinery, UAVs play an important role in agriculture and have become indispensable intelligent equipment in the development of precision agriculture. Various types of agricultural UAV-based spreading devices, mainly disc-type and pneumatic-type, have appeared in domestic and foreign markets. UAV-based rice topdressing has gradually become a widely recognized application with great market potential. In the process of UAV-based low-altitude fertilization, due to the existence of the rotor wind field, the environment for particle air diffusion is complex, and the movement trajectory and deposition distribution of fertilizer are affected by many factors, resulting in large differences in the spreading. The flight height and speed have a great influence on particle movement and deposition, and a reasonable combination of work parameters can be used for efficient and high-quality particle deposition. In order to obtain better particle deposition distribution, this paper uses the method of a single flight line to test and analyze the characteristics of particle deposition distribution for fertilization using multi-rotor UAVs at different flight heights and speeds. The effective swath width and deposition uniformity obtained via the simulation of overlapped route superposition were used to optimized the appropriate work parameters to ensure that a reasonable and effective deposition amount can be obtained during actual application. The results show that the flight height and speed and the interaction of both have an important influence on the deposition amount and the effective width, but it is not a simple linear relationship. On the whole, as the flight height increases, the coefficient of variation decreases and the effective width increases, but it is not obvious when the speed is low. For the R20, when the flight speed is 2 m/s, the effective width first increases and then decreases with the increase in flight height, and the difference in the deposition amount at a height of 5 m is larger than that at other heights. Under the three working heights, the effective swath width is the same when the flight speed is 4 m/s and 6 m/s, and the effective swath width is also the same when the speed is 7 m and 9 m. For the T16, when the flight speed is 4 m/s, the deposition uniformity is relatively good, and the effective width increases with the increase in flight height. Therefore, the combination of 7–6 m/s and 9–4 m/s parameters will be the best operating parameters for R20 and T16. However, considering the actual dynamic meteorological environment in the field, the operating height can be appropriately lowered according to the influence of the crosswind during actual operation. The research results of this paper can provide scientific reference and suggestions for further improving the effect of UAV-based fertilization.
Experimental Evidence for Double Quaternary Azeotropy’s Existence
Authors: Frolkova Anastasia , Zhuchkov Valeriy , Frolkova Alla
Published: June 2023

The phase equilibrium in an acetonitrile + water + cyclohexene + chloroform system was studied at 101.3 kPa. A prediction regarding the internal structure of the composition tetrahedron (presence/absence of one/two internal singular points) was made using thermodynamic modeling in AspenPlus V.10.0. The existence of two internal quaternary azeotropes (of node type with a minimum boiling point and of saddle type) was confirmed as a result of a full-scale experiment. Thermodynamic-topological analysis of the structure of phase equilibrium diagrams was carried out to confirm the correctness of the diagram construction.
Home Energy Management Systems Adoption Scenarios: The Case of Italy
Authors: Gualandri Fabio , Kuzior Aleksandra
Published: June 2023

The 2030 zero-net emission target in the E.U. demands a significant improvement in the energy performance of the building stock. This study analyses the adoption of connected thermostats and Home energy-management system solutions (HEMS) as an effective means to tackle the residential energy footprint. It reviews the main features of HEMS systems in terms of technology, cross-study performances, and the obstacles to widespread adoption; the study adopts the case-study methodology to examine the impact on the Italian real estate stock at a regional level. A matrix of adoption scenarios assesses the potential benefits of global residential energy savings, weighted by local climatic variations, dimension, number of single dwellings, and average primary energy reduction per household. Results demonstrate that all adoption scenarios dramatically reduce residential energy consumption, outperforming the E.U. targets for Italy by 2030.
Investing in Wind Energy Using Bi-Level Linear Fractional Programming
Authors: Alrasheedi Adel F. , Alshamrani Ahmad M. , Alnowibet Khalid A.
Published: June 2023

Investing in wind energy is a tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions without negatively impacting the environment to accelerate progress towards global net zero. The objective of this study is to present a methodology for efficiently solving the wind energy investment problem, which aims to identify an optimal wind farm placement and capacity based on fractional programming (FP). This study adopts a bi-level approach whereby a private price-taker investor seeks to maximize its profit at the upper level. Given the optimal placement and capacity of the wind farm, the lower level aims to optimize a fractional objective function defined as the ratio of total generation cost to total wind power output. To solve this problem, the Charnes-Cooper transformation is applied to reformulate the initial bi-level problem with a fractional objective function in the lower-level problem as a bi-level problem with a fractional objective function in the upper-level problem. Afterward, using the primal-dual formulation, a single-level linear FP model is created, which can be solved via a sequence of mixed-integer linear programming (MILP). The presented technique is implemented on the IEEE 118-bus power system, where the results show the model can achieve the best performance in terms of wind power output.
New Approach for Photovoltaic Parameters Extraction for Low-Cost Electronic Devices
Authors: Firman Andrés , Prieb Cesar , González Mayans Alexis Raúl , Cáceres Manuel , Vera Luis Horacio , de la Casa Higueras Juan
Published: June 2023

This work proposes a new five-parameter model equation for PV devices, which operates as a function of the main representative parameters of PV devices. It is specifically developed for implementation in embedded systems. The methodology presented in this work is notable due to the fact that three of the five parameters can be directly extracted from the experimental current–voltage (I–V) curve, simplifying the iterative process until a pre-set small difference in the determination of the maximum power is achieved. The iterative methodology for extracting the remaining parameters is also described. The proposed methodology is verified by applying it to seven different PV technologies, including crystalline and thin-film technologies. Its parameters are compared with those obtained using the highly precise trust region iterative method. The resulting parameters and the error in the adjustment along the I–V curve are discussed. This methodology demonstrates the capability to accurately adjust the model along the entire I–V curve, determine the maximum power, and is not dependent on highly variable parameters.
Grid Integration of Livestock Biogas Using Self-Excited Induction Generator and Spark-Ignition Engine
Authors: Trairat Panupon , Somkun Sakda , Kaewchum Tanakorn , Suriwong Tawat , Maneechot Pisit , Panpho Teerapon , Wansungnern Wikarn , Banthuek Sathit , Prasit Bongkot , Kiatsiriroat Tanongkiat
Published: June 2023

This study developed a grid-connected biogas power generation system for a rural community using a 3-phase 2.2 kW squirrel-cage induction machine as the self-excited induction generator. The generator was driven by a 196 cc single-cylinder spark-ignition engine fueled by biogas. We developed a back-to-back converter that consists of a 3-phase PWM rectifier as the generator-side converter and a single-phase LCL-filtered grid-connected inverter. The generator-side converter transferred the active power to the grid-side converter and supplied the reactive power control back to the generator. The notch filter-based bus voltage control on the generator side mitigated the inter-harmonics in the generator current. The injected grid current complied with the IEEE 1547 standard because of the multi-frequency unbalanced synchronous reference frame control. The proposed system was validated with biogas produced from pig manure at a pig farm in central Thailand, which found a maximum output of 1.2 kW with a thermal system efficiency of 10.7%. The proposed system was scheduled to operate at 1.2 kW for 8 h per day with a levelized cost of 0.07 US$/kWh, 42% cheaper than the retail electricity price, and a payback period of 2.76 years. The proposed system is suitable for a farm with a minimum of 34 pigs.
A Comprehensive Analysis of the Penetration of Detailed Type 4 Wind Turbine Generators in the Two-Area Benchmark System
Authors: Trentini Rodrigo , Kutzner Rüdiger , Saldanha John J. A. , Nied Ademir , Dezuo Tiago Jackson May , Cavalca Mariana Santos Matos
Published: June 2023

The shift towards RES introduces challenges related to power system stability due to the characteristics of inverter-based resources (IBRs) and the intermittent nature of renewable resources. This paper addresses these challenges by conducting comprehensive time and frequency simulations on the IEEE two-area benchmark power system with detailed type 4 wind turbine generators (WTGs), including turbines, generators, converters, filters, and controllers. The simulations analyse small-signal and transient stability, considering variations in active and reactive power, short-circuit events, and wind variations. Metrics such as rate of change of frequency (RoCoF), frequency nadir, percentage of frequency variation, and probability density function (PDF) are used to evaluate the system performance. The findings emphasise the importance of including detailed models of RES in stability analyses and demonstrate the impact of RES penetration on power system dynamics. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of RES integration challenges and provides insights for ensuring the reliable and secure operation of power systems in the presence of high levels of RES penetration.
Inverter Operation Mode of a PhotoVoltaic Cascaded H-Bridge Battery Charger
Authors: Coppola Marino , Guerriero Pierluigi , Dannier Adolfo , Daliento Santolo , Del Pizzo Andrea
Published: June 2023

The paper deals with a grid-connected single-phase battery charger integrated with photovoltaic generators (PVGs). The circuit topology consists of a multilevel architecture based on a Cascaded H-Bridge (CHB) rectifier. Its main task is to charge the batteries, primarily from the PVGs, by also assuring to keep their state-of-charge (SOC) balanced. Nevertheless, when the battery SOC overcomes a predefined upper limit, beyond which the charging process could be interrupted, the available PV power can no longer be transferred to the batteries. Therefore, to avoid an undesired curtailment of PV power production, this latter can be supplied to the grid by inverting the system operation. The paper shows how to achieve this result by implementing a dedicated control action based on a multi-step procedure. Numerical investigations are carried out on a 19-level CHB converter implemented in the PLECS environment to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control technique.
Intelligent ISSA-Based Non-Singular Terminal Sliding-Mode Control of DC–DC Boost Converter Feeding a Constant Power Load System
Authors: Liu Lu , Zeng Yun
Published: June 2023

In response to the issue of system oscillations in direct current (DC) microgrid systems with constant power loads (CPL), this paper proposes a non-singular terminal sliding-mode control (NTSMC) strategy based on the improved salp swarm algorithm (ISSA). Firstly, the state-feedback exact linearization technique is employed to establish a linearized model of the converter system. Then, the NTSMC based on a composite sliding-mode surface is designed to achieve rapid convergence and effectively weaken the chattering issue in traditional sliding-mode control, ensuring a constant power supply to the load. The parameters of the proposed NTSMC are optimized using the ISSA, which introduces an intelligent NTSMC. Finally, a MATLAB/Simulink simulation model is established. The simulation results show that the ISSA-based composite sliding-mode surface NTSMC system designed for DC microgrid systems with CPL exhibits high robustness and guarantees ideal steady-state characteristics and dynamic responses when input voltage fluctuations and load disturbances occur.
Ecoenzymatic Stoichiometry in the Rhizosphere and Bulk Soil of a Larix principis-rupprechtii Plantation in North China
Authors: Yang Liu , Jia Yanlong , Li Qianru , Cui Hongna , Lu Jinping , Ma Jiaojiao , Xu Zhongqi
Published: June 2023

Soil extracellular enzymes play an important role in ecosystem energy conversion and material cycling. Ecoenzymatic stoichiometry can reflect the relationship between the soil’s microbial nutrient cycle and nutrient limitation. However, there have been few studies on the differences in ecoenzymatic stoichiometry and nutrient limitation between rhizosphere soil and bulk soil. This study examined soil nutrients and enzyme activities in rhizosphere soil and bulk soil in a Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation in north China. The results showed that the levels of soil organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), and available nutrients in the rhizosphere soil were significantly higher than those in the bulk soil, whereas the total potassium (TK) level was significantly lower. The soil C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios of the rhizosphere soil also exceeded those of the bulk soil. The acid phosphatase (ACP), urease (UE), and β-glucosidase (β-GC) activities in the rhizosphere soil exceeded those in the bulk soil, whereas the activities of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosidase (NAG), aminopeptidase (LAP), and nitrogenase (NA) were lower. The ratios of C, N, and P acquisition activities changed from 1:1.7:1 in the rhizosphere soil to 1:2:1 in the bulk soil. Redundancy analysis showed that the available K and soil water content in the rhizosphere soil were the most important soil factors affecting soil enzyme activities and ecoenzymatic stoichiometry; those in the bulk soil were soil N:P and soil water content. These results suggest that not all soil enzyme activities present rhizosphere effects and that bulk soil is more susceptible to N limitation in Larix principis-rupprechtii plantations. Plant roots play an important role in regulating soil nutrients and soil activities, and future studies should examine the underlying mechanisms in more detail.
Purification and Characterization of Xylanase Produced by Aspergillus fumigatus Isolated from the Northern Border Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ameen Fuad
Published: June 2023

The purpose of the current work is to produce xylanase from certain agro-industrial wastes in an efficient and effective manner. The culture conditions for three strains of Aspergillus fumigatus are optimized in submerged fermentation (SmF). The most prolific strain (A. fumigatus KSA-2) produces the maximum xylanase at pH 9.0, 30 °C, after 7 days using yeast extract as a nitrogen supply. Aspergillus fumigatus KSA-2 is utilized to produce xylanase at optimum conditions from several agro-industrial wastes. Wheat bran is found to be the most fermentable material, yielding 66.0 U per gram dry substrate (U/gds). The generated xylanase is partly purified using 70% ammonium sulphate, yielding 40 g of dry enzyme powder from 400 g wheat bran. At pH 6.0 and 45 °C, the synthesized xylanase displayed its maximum activity (20.52 ± 1.714 U/mg). In the current study, the effect of ions and inhibitors on xylanase activity is investigated. Both Cu2+ and Mn2+ ions boost the specific activity over the control by 10.2% and 128.0%, respectively. The xylanase enzyme generated has a maximum activity of 4.311 ± 0.36 U/mL/min and the greatest specific activity of 20.53 ± 1.714 U/mg for birchwood xylan, showing a strong affinity for this substrate as opposed to the other xylan and non-xylan substrates.