bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical Phase Recognition: From Public Datasets to Real-World Data
Authors: Kirtac Kadir , Aydin Nizamettin , Lavanchy Joël L. , Beldi Guido , Smit Marco , Woods Michael S. , Aspart Florian
Published: September 2022

Automated recognition of surgical phases is a prerequisite for computer-assisted analysis of surgeries. The research on phase recognition has been mostly driven by publicly available datasets of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (Lap Chole) videos. Yet, videos observed in real-world settings might contain challenges, such as additional phases and longer videos, which may be missing in curated public datasets. In this work, we study (i) the possible data distribution discrepancy between videos observed in a given medical center and videos from existing public datasets, and (ii) the potential impact of this distribution difference on model development. To this end, we gathered a large, private dataset of 384 Lap Chole videos. Our dataset contained all videos, including emergency surgeries and teaching cases, recorded in a continuous time frame of five years. We observed strong differences between our dataset and the most commonly used public dataset for surgical phase recognition, Cholec80. For instance, our videos were much longer, included additional phases, and had more complex transitions between phases. We further trained and compared several state-of-the-art phase recognition models on our dataset. The models’ performances greatly varied across surgical phases and videos. In particular, our results highlighted the challenge of recognizing extremely under-represented phases (usually missing in public datasets); the major phases were recognized with at least 76 percent recall. Overall, our results highlighted the need to better understand the distribution of the video data phase recognition models are trained on.
Design of an In-Process Quality Monitoring Strategy for FDM-Type 3D Printer Using Deep Learning
Authors: Sampedro Gabriel Avelino R. , Agron Danielle Jaye S. , Amaizu Gabriel Chukwunonso , Kim Dong-Seong , Lee Jae-Min
Published: September 2022

Additive manufacturing is one of the rising manufacturing technologies in the future; however, due to its operational mechanism, printing failures are still prominent, leading to waste of both time and resources. The development of a real-time process monitoring system with the ability to properly forecast anomalous behaviors within fused deposition modeling (FDM) additive manufacturing is proposed as a solution to the particular problem of nozzle clogging. A set of collaborative sensors is used to accumulate time-series data and its processing into the proposed machine learning algorithm. The multi-head encoder–decoder temporal convolutional network (MH-ED-TCN) extracts features from data, interprets its effect on the different processes which occur during an operational printing cycle, and classifies the normal manufacturing operation from the malfunctioning operation. The tests performed yielded a 97.2% accuracy in anticipating the future behavior of a 3D printer.
User-Centered Design as a Method for Engaging Users in the Development of Geovisualization: A Use Case of Temperature Visualization
Authors: Nakić Jelena , Kosović Ivana Nižetić , Franić Ana
Published: September 2022

Visualization of geographic data is part of many widely used solutions that aim to communicate the information to the end user. Effective visualizations are those that are tailored to a specific group of users and their tasks, as well as to specific properties of the data. Usability is a key concept for such solutions, and the most effective way to achieve high usability is to incorporate user-centered design (UCD) into the development process. In visualization, data are often coded by colors, so the choice of color schemes and color range is critical to enable the reverse mapping of colors to data. In this paper, we present a method for integrating the principles of UCD into the development process. In doing so, we use a case involving the selection of the most appropriate color scheme and associated parameters for representing temperature values on geographic maps. The method described is suitable for use in UCD-based research related to the visualization of various types of data and is useful for researchers and developers of geovisualizations.
Effect of the Insulating Layer on the Properties of SMC Inductors
Authors: Pošković Emir , Franchini Fausto , Ferraris Luca
Published: September 2022

In inductor applications, different soft magnetic materials are used depending on the frequency range. Owing to powder metallurgy technology and to the increase in the implementation of innovative multifunctional materials, it is possible to find an alternative to the traditional magnetic materials of the inductance application sector. This study concerns a deep analysis related to soft magnetic composite materials. The insulating layer’s effect is investigated to explore the applicability of such materials to the inductor sector. Four coatings systems are selected and two types of samples are prepared in the shape of a toroid and a rod, which are tested in different operating conditions. The rod inductors are also compared with a traditional one, based on soft ferrite materials. This work aims to integrate data coming from different measuring devices: the useful small-signal measurements of an RLC meter are completed by large-cycle data measured through a hysteresigraph. Different parameters are considered for the investigation: magnetic permeability (maximum and initial), iron losses at different induction peak values, and inductor quality factor are the most important. The obtained results prove that each analysis type is not fully reliable without the other in determining the coatings’ effects on the SMC inductors’ performance. In the end, it is demonstrated that SMC inductances can be successfully applied in a particular frequency range.
Forest Fire Risk Forecasting with the Aid of Case-Based Reasoning
Authors: Dorodnykh Nikita , Nikolaychuk Olga , Pestova Julia , Yurin Aleksandr
Published: September 2022

Forest fire is one of the serious threats to the population and infrastructure of Irkutsk Oblast because its territory is heavily forested. This paper discusses the main stages of solving the problem of forecasting the risk of forest fires via a case-based approach, including data preprocessing, formation of a case model, and creation of a prototype of a case-based expert system. The main contributions of the paper are the following: a case model that provides a compact representation of information about weather conditions, vegetation type, and infrastructure of the region in relation to the possible risk of a wildfire; a case-base containing information about wildfires in Irkutsk Oblast for the period from 2017 to 2020; and a methodology for creating prototypes of case bases providing the transformation of decision tables of a special type. The approbation of the approach was carried out for separate forest districts, namely Bodaibinsk and Kazachinsk-Lena. The accuracy score was used for the evaluation of the results of forecasting the risk of wildfires. The average score value reached 0.51. The evaluation results revealed that application of the case-based approach can be considered as the initial stage for deeper investigations with the use of different methods (data mining, neural networks) for more accurate forecasting.
Knowledge Graph Recommendation Model Based on Feature Space Fusion
Authors: Zhang Suqi , Wang Xinxin , Wang Rui , Gu Junhua , Li Jianxin
Published: September 2022

The existing recommendation model based on a knowledge graph simply integrates the behavior features in a user–item bipartite graph and the content features in a knowledge graph. However, the difference between the two feature spaces is ignored. To solve this problem, this paper presents a new recommendation model named the knowledge graph recommendation model based on feature space fusion (KGRFSF). Specifically, in the behavioral feature space, the behavioral features of users and items are constructed by extracting the behavioral feature from the user–item bipartite graph. In the content feature space, the content features related to users and items are extracted through the attention mechanism on the knowledge graph, and then the content feature vectors of users and items are constructed. Finally, through the feature space fusion model, the behavior features and content features are projected into the same preference feature space, and then the fusion of the two feature spaces is completed to construct the complete vector representations of users and items and calculate the vector similarity to predict the score of the user to the item. This paper applies the presented model to public datasets in the fields of music and film. It can be found through the experimental results that KGRFSF can effectively improve the recommendation accuracy compared with the existing models.
Recent Trends and Economic Aspects in the Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Sector
Authors: D’Agaro Edo , Gibertoni PierPaolo , Esposito Stefano
Published: September 2022

In recent decades, the global aquaculture sector has become more complex and dynamic due to several factors, such as strong demand at the retail level, diversification of farmed species, outsourcing of product processing, and synergies among producers, processors, and retailers. Globally, the fish food sector has become very important to meet the growing human demand for food. In 2020, 89% of fish production was used for direct human consumption (17% of the total protein consumed). Global fish consumption has increased (excluding algae) at an annual rate of 3% since 1960. In 2030, the total fish production is expected to reach 202 million tons (MT) and the aquaculture production 106 MT. The United Nations has estimated that, between now and 2030, the global demand for fish products will increase by at least 40 MT each year. This need cannot be satisfied by fishing alone, given that fishing practices have reached an intensity that is unsustainable, and that climate change and pollution are worsening the problems of marine ecosystems. European and Italian aquaculture is characterised by a diversification scenario in terms of production systems, technologies adopted, and species bred. According to an EU report, Italian aquaculture production has grown by 4% in the last five years (fourth place in Europe). In Italy, rainbow trout is the most widely farmed species. The production of rainbow trout contributes approximately 25.5% of the total value and 69.9% of the volume of farmed fish. Over the past ten years, trout production has increased by 8.5% overall with an average annual growth rate of 2.5%. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the economic situation of the rainbow trout production and consumption sectors in Italy using a supply chain approach. In particular, in this brief excursus, the main production trends and the economic and organisational relationships between the various companies and associations in the aquaculture sector are analysed.
Vectors as Sentinels: Rising Temperatures Increase the Risk of Xylella fastidiosa Outbreaks
Authors: Farigoule Pauline , Chartois Marguerite , Mesmin Xavier , Lambert Maxime , Rossi Jean-Pierre , Rasplus Jean-Yves , Cruaud Astrid
Published: September 2022

Global change is expected to modify the threat posed by pathogens to plants. However, little is known regarding how a changing climate will influence the epidemiology of generalist vector-borne diseases. We developed a high-throughput screening method to test for the presence of a deadly plant pathogen, Xylella fastidiosa, in its insect vectors. Then, using data from a four-year survey in climatically distinct areas of Corsica (France), we demonstrated a positive correlation between the proportion of vectors positive to X. fastidiosa and temperature. Notably, a higher prevalence corresponded with milder winters. Our projections up to 2100 indicate an increased risk of outbreaks. While the proportion of vectors that carry the pathogen should increase, the climate conditions will remain suitable for the bacterium and its main vector, with possible range shifts towards a higher elevation. Besides calling for research efforts to limit the incidence of plant diseases in the temperate zone, this work reveals that recent molecular technologies could and should be used for massive screening of pathogens in vectors to scale-up surveillance and management efforts.
Structural Basis of a Novel Agonistic Anti-OX40 Antibody
Authors: Zhang Jing , Jiang Xiaoyong , Gao Han , Zhang Fei , Zhang Xin , Zhou Aiwu , Xu Ting , Cai Haiyan
Published: September 2022

Agonistic antibodies targeting co-stimulating receptor OX40 on T cells are considered as important as (or complementary to) the immune checkpoint blockers in cancer treatment. However, none of these agonistic antibodies have reached the late stage of clinical development partially due to the lack of intrinsic potency with the correlation between binding epitope and activity of the antibody not well understood. Here, we identified a novel anti-OX40 agonistic antibody DF004, which stimulated the proliferation of human CD4+ T cells in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in a mouse model. Our crystallography structural studies showed that DF004 binds to the CRD2 region of OX40 while RG7888, an OX40 agonist antibody developed by Roche, binds to CRD3 of OX40 to the diametrically opposite position of DF004. This suggests that the agonistic activities of the antibodies are not necessarily epitope dependent. As their agonistic activities critically depend on clustering or cross-linking, our structural modeling indicates that the agonistic activity requires the optimal positioning of three Fc receptor/antibody/OX40 complexes on the cell membrane to facilitate the formation of one intracellular hexameric TRAF complex for downstream signal transduction, which is relatively inefficient. This may explain the lack of sufficient potency of these OX40 antibodies in a therapeutic setting and sheds light on the development of cross-linking-independent agonistic antibodies.
The Tyrosine Phosphatase SHP2: A New Target for Insulin Resistance?
Authors: Saint-Laurent Céline , Mazeyrie Laurène , Tajan Mylène , Paccoud Romain , Castan-Laurell Isabelle , Valet Philippe , Edouard Thomas , Pradère Jean-Philippe , Dray Cédric , Yart Armelle
Published: September 2022

The SH2 containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2(SHP2) plays essential roles in fundamental signaling pathways, conferring on it versatile physiological functions during development and in homeostasis maintenance, and leading to major pathological outcomes when dysregulated. Many studies have documented that SHP2 modulation disrupted glucose homeostasis, pointing out a relationship between its dysfunction and insulin resistance, and the therapeutic potential of its targeting. While studies from cellular or tissue-specific models concluded on both pros-and-cons effects of SHP2 on insulin resistance, recent data from integrated systems argued for an insulin resistance promoting role for SHP2, and therefore a therapeutic benefit of its inhibition. In this review, we will summarize the general knowledge of SHP2’s molecular, cellular, and physiological functions, explaining the pathophysiological impact of its dysfunctions, then discuss its protective or promoting roles in insulin resistance as well as the potency and limitations of its pharmacological modulation.
The Central Domain of MCPH1 Controls Development of the Cerebral Cortex and Gonads in Mice
Authors: Wang Yaru , Zong Wen , Sun Wenli , Chen Chengyan , Wang Zhao-Qi , Li Tangliang
Published: September 2022

MCPH1 is the first gene identified to be responsible for the human autosomal recessive disorder primary microcephaly (MCPH). Mutations in the N-terminal and central domains of MCPH1 are strongly associated with microcephaly in human patients. A recent study showed that the central domain of MCPH1, which is mainly encoded by exon 8, interacts with E3 ligase βTrCP2 and regulates the G2/M transition of the cell cycle. In order to investigate the biological functions of MCPH1’s central domain, we constructed a mouse model that lacked the central domain of MCPH1 by deleting its exon 8 (designated as Mcph1-Δe8). Mcph1-Δe8 mice exhibited a reduced brain size and thinner cortex, likely caused by a compromised self-renewal capacity and premature differentiation of Mcph1-Δe8 neuroprogenitors during corticogenesis. Furthermore, Mcph1-Δe8 mice were sterile because of a loss of germ cells in the testis and ovary. The embryonic fibroblasts of Mcph1-Δe8 mice exhibited premature chromosome condensation (PCC). All of these findings indicate that Mcph1-Δe8 mice are reminiscent of MCPH1 complete knockout mice and Mcph1-ΔBR1 mice. Our study demonstrates that the central domain of MCPH1 represses microcephaly, and is essential for gonad development in mammals.
Public Perceptions on Human Health Risks of Climate Change in Cyprus: 2018 and 2021 Survey Results
Authors: Konstantinou Corina , Xeni Christina , van Bergen Henegouw Eva M. , Chaudhuri Nita , Beumer Carijn , Makris Konstantinos C.
Published: September 2022

Understanding public perceptions on the health impacts of climate change will help to better address planetary health challenges. This study aimed to assess differences in perceptions in the Cypriot population regarding climate-related health risks, information sources used, and self-assessed health status over a three-year period, along with the relationship between sociodemographics and perceptions on climate-related health risks. Two cross-sectional surveys on environmental health risks and climate change, information sources, and self-assessed health were conducted in July–December 2018 (n = 185) and August–September 2021 (n = 202) among adults living in Cyprus. A descriptive analysis of the survey responses was conducted. Between-survey and within-survey associations were examined among environmental and health risk perceptions and stratified by sociodemographics (age, sex, educational level) using chi-square tests. The perceived views on most questions about environmental health risks and climate change were not different between the two surveys (p > 0.05). With environmental factors in mind, such as climate change, pollution, and toxic waste, most respondents (>72%) considered that health issues such as asthma, cancer, obesity, type II diabetes, and high blood pressure would occur much more often or somewhat more often in the next 10 years. In both surveys, the most popular sources of information about environmental health risks were social media/the internet, followed by TV news and TV films and documentaries. Notable differences in several perceptions on climate-related health risks were observed between females and males, while age and educational level did not influence most perceptions. Women were more likely than men to report that environmental factors such as temperature rise, extreme weather events, and air pollution will be extremely influenced by climate change (p < 0.05). The study survey populations recognized the important linkages between climate change and human health, including their drivers. Sex was an important factor for differentiated perceptions on environmental health risks and climate change. Such survey results on perceptions about climate change and their impact on population health can be used to inform public awareness and risk communication campaigns.
Intrafraction Prostate Motion Management for Ultra-Hypofractionated Radiotherapy of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Oehler Christoph , Roehner Nina , Sumila Marcin , Curschmann Jürgen , Storelli Fabrizio , Zwahlen Daniel Rudolf , Schneider Uwe
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Determine the time-dependent magnitude of intrafraction prostate displacement and a cutoff for the tracking decision. Methods: Nine patients with localized prostate cancer were treated with ultra-hypofractionated radiotherapy (CyberKnife) with fiducial markers. Exact tract kV/kV imaging was used with an average interval of 19–92 s. A Gaussian distribution was calculated for the x-, y-, and z-directions (σx,y,z). The variation of prostate motion (μσ) was obtained by averaging the patients’ specifics, and the safety margin was calculated to be MAB = WYm + WBSs. Results: The calculated PTV safety margins were as follows: at 40 s: 0.55 mm (L/r), 0.85 mm (a/p), and 1.05 mm (s/i); at 60 s: 0.9 mm (L/r), 1.35 mm (a/p), and 1.55 mm (s/i); at 100 s: 1.5 mm (L/r), 2.3 mm (a/p), and 2.6 mm (s/i); at 150 s: 1.9 mm (L/r), 3.1 mm (a/p), and 3.6 mm (s/i); at 200 s: 2.2 mm (L/r), 3.8 mm (a/p), and 4.2 mm (s/i); and at 300 s: 2.6 mm (L/r), 5.3 mm (a/p), and 5.6 mm (s/i). A tracking cutoff of 2.5 min seemed reasonable. In order to achieve an accuracy of < 1 mm, tracking with < 50 s intervals was necessary. Conclusions: For ultra-hypofractionated radiotherapy of the prostate with treatment times > 2.5 min, intrafraction motion management is recommended.
Effects of Instruction in Writing-to-Learn on Low-Achieving Adolescents in Biology and Mathematics Classes
Authors: Van Dijk Aartje , Van Gelderen Amos , Kuiken Folkert
Published: September 2022

This study investigates the effects of instruction in genre writing with planning and revising activities (GWPR) on learning. This type of instruction appeared to be successful in promoting learning in several types of education. However, there are few studies on the effects on low achievers. Therefore, two studies were conducted with low-achieving students, each comprising a quasi-experimental study and a small-scale think-aloud study, both of which were embedded in regular education for low-achieving adolescents. The first study took place in biology classes (grade 7, three lessons); the second study was in mathematics classes (grade 10, six lessons). The researchers co-created writing-to-learn tasks with the teachers. The results showed positive effects on learning in mathematics classes as compared with the control group, but not in biology classes. The think-aloud study in the experimental mathematics class condition provided evidence of the learning by writing process. In the experimental biology class condition, such evidence was barely present. The results suggest that the experimental intervention in biology classes was too short for the students to grasp the essentials of learning by writing. This paper also discusses suggestions for further research and pedagogical implications.
Changing with the Times: Report on School Leadership in a Society in Transition
Authors: Alhuzaim Muhammad Othman , Elmoussa Omar , Pilotti Maura A. E.
Published: September 2022

The present study examined the status of leadership in the secondary education sector of a society in transition from an economic engine based on tribal ties and oil production to one that is diversified and meritocratic. It focused on high schools as one of the focal points of top–down interventions intended to promote social change. The study relied on the MLQ-5x to collect the views of leadership styles and outcomes that high-school leaders (principals) attribute to themselves and that constituents (teachers) attribute to them. A stratified random sample of high schools in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia was tested. In this study, transformational leadership was the prevailing style for both leaders’ self-attributions and constituents’ attributions, suggesting that change is now an accepted notion. However, only a moderate level of agreement existed between leaders and constituents on the actual persons who embody it, thereby indicating that the translation of abstract ideas into practical realities is a work in progress.
Power Dispatching of Multi-Microgrid Based on Improved CS Aiming at Economic Optimization on Source-Network-Load-Storage
Authors: Du Xiaodong , Wang Libin , Zhao Jianli , He Yuling , Sun Kai
Published: September 2022

The multi-microgrid is gradually springing up with widespread use of the distributed generation. It is of great meaning to have research on the energy mutual optimization of the multi-microgrid to improve the new energy-consumption capacity. In this paper, a comprehensive economic model of the multi-microgrid is proposed for optimizing the power dispatching, and the source-network-load-storage is taken into account. Different from other studies, the special novelty of this paper is the improved cuckoo search (CS) algorithm which is adopted to optimize the power dispatching of the multi-microgrid. Comparing with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, the improved CS algorithm has better performance in solving the proposed model. The optimal power supply strategy is determined by predicting the optimal state of charge of the battery in the model of the multi-microgrid. The model effectiveness of the multi-microgrid is confirmed in the case study of Wangjiazhai area. With this method, the optimal power dispatching is determined.
Transformer-Based Disease Identification for Small-Scale Imbalanced Capsule Endoscopy Dataset
Authors: Bai Long , Wang Liangyu , Chen Tong , Zhao Yuanhao , Ren Hongliang
Published: September 2022

Vision Transformer (ViT) is emerging as a new leader in computer vision with its outstanding performance in many tasks (e.g., ImageNet-22k, JFT-300M). However, the success of ViT relies on pretraining on large datasets. It is difficult for us to use ViT to train from scratch on a small-scale imbalanced capsule endoscopic image dataset. This paper adopts a Transformer neural network with a spatial pooling configuration. Transfomer’s self-attention mechanism enables it to capture long-range information effectively, and the exploration of ViT spatial structure by pooling can further improve the performance of ViT on our small-scale capsule endoscopy dataset. We trained from scratch on two publicly available datasets for capsule endoscopy disease classification, obtained 79.15% accuracy on the multi-classification task of the Kvasir-Capsule dataset, and 98.63% accuracy on the binary classification task of the Red Lesion Endoscopy dataset.
Analysis, Design, and Experimental Verification of a Parallel Wireless Power and Data Transmission Method for Rotary Steering Systems
Authors: Jia Jianbo , Jia Yahui , Li Xiaofei
Published: September 2022

In the rotary steering system of oil drilling, both power and data transmission are needed. This paper presents a parallel power and data transmission method for a rotating steering system with output voltage control. To reduce the size of the system, power and data are transmitted through the same rotational coupling mechanism. A power transfer resonance circuit is used to suppress the influence of the power transfer on data transmission. Therefore, crosstalk interference between the power and the data transmission channel is negligible. The experimental prototype is built, and the feasibility of the data transfer method and the closed-loop control method is verified. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical analysis.
Adaptive PI and RBFNN PID Current Decoupling Controller for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Drives: Hardware-Validated Results
Authors: Zeng Xiaoli , Wang Weiqing , Wang Haiyun
Published: September 2022

This study presents an adaptive proportional-integral (PI) and radial basis function neural network proportional-integral-derivative (PID) current control solution for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drives. The proposed controller includes four controls: a decoupling term, a PI term, a supervision term, and a radial basis neural network-PID (RBFNN-PID) term. The first control term makes up the nonlinear factors, the second automatically adjusts the control gains, the third guarantees the system stability, and the fourth optimizes the PID parameters to achieve optimal system performance. Unlike off-line tuned PID controllers, the adaptive controller includes an adaptive tuning method for the on-line adjustment of control gain based on the gradient descent strategy. Therefore, it can be adjusted and handle the uncertainty of any system parameters. The program is not only simple and easy to be implemented but also ensures the accuracy and rapidity of the tracking speed. The control system has proven to be asymptotically stable. To verify the theory and application of the algorithm, a comparative experiment between the adaptive PI + RBFNN-PID controller and traditional PI + PID controller was conducted, demonstrating good robustness, which can effectively improve the PMSM. The results confirm that the proposed design achieves excellent control stability (i.e., quicker transient responding and smaller steady state error) in the presence of parametric uncertainty compared to conventional PID methods.
Fault Detection and Identification of Furnace Negative Pressure System with CVA and GA-XGBoost
Authors: Ling Dan , Li Chaosong , Wang Yan , Zhang Pengye
Published: September 2022

The boiler is an essential energy conversion facility in a thermal power plant. One small malfunction or abnormal event will bring huge economic loss and casualties. Accurate and timely detection of abnormal events in boilers is crucial for the safe and economical operation of complex thermal power plants. Data-driven fault diagnosis methods based on statistical process monitoring technology have prevailed in thermal power plants, whereas the false alarm rates of those methods are relatively high. To work around this, this paper proposes a novel fault detection and identification method for furnace negative pressure system based on canonical variable analysis (CVA) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting improved by genetic algorithms (GA-XGBoost). First, CVA is used to reduce the data redundancy and construct the canonical residuals to measure the prediction ability of the state variables. Then, the fault detection model based on GA-XGBoost is schemed using the constructed canonical residual variables. Specially, GA is introduced to determine the optimal hyperparameters of XGBoost and speed up the convergence. Next, this paper presents a novel fault identification method based on the reconstructed contribution statistics, considering the contribution of state space, residual space and canonical residual space. Besides, the proposed statistics renders different weights to the state vectors, the residual vectors and the canonical residual vectors to improve the sensitivity of faulty variables. Finally, the real industrial data from a boiler furnace negative pressure system of a certain thermal power plant is used to demonstrate the ability of the proposed method. The result demonstrates that this method is accurate and efficient to detect and identify the faults of a true boiler.
Experimental Study on the Effect of Bedding on the Fracture Process Zone of Shale
Authors: Tang Tiewu , Shi Xiaoshan , Zhu Xiaojing , Li Liyun
Published: September 2022

The conventional fracture in shale hydraulic fracturing belongs to the type-I fracture, and the size of the fracture process zone (FPZ) is an important index to measure the fracability of rock mass. This index is also one of the feasible entry points to study the complexity of the fracture network. In order to visually observe the type-I FPZ at the tip of shale fractures, and to study the relationship between the mechanical properties, the shape and size of the FPZ, and the bedding structure, Notched Semi-Circular Bend (NSCB) tests were conducted with three typical fracture direction-bedding orientations (splitter, arrester, divider). The digital image correlation (DIC) method was used to realize the intuitive observation of the real fracture process and the FPZ near the fracture tip. The test found that the FPZ of shale is narrow and long as a whole and is “flame-like”. The height-to-length ratio of the FPZ at the fracture tip determines whether bending and deflection happen between the new fracture and the prefabricated cracks when the fracture occurs. Most of the specimens often appear in the FPZ with a beaded high shear strain zone before the fracture, which is caused by the oblique communication of micro-cracks in the FPZ before the fracture. The appearance of a beaded zone of high shear strain indicates that macroscopic fracture is imminent. The research results can be used for the design of disaster early warning and prevention programs.
Improved Frequency Control Strategy for Offshore Wind Farm Integration via VSC-HVDC
Authors: Zeng Rui , Wang Yizhen
Published: September 2022

Voltage source converter based high voltage DC system (VSC-HVDC) has become a very promising solution to integrate offshore wind farm. However, the equivalent inertia of the modern power system with large renewable energy integration becomes small, which will arouse some frequency stability problems. To tackle this problem, this paper proposes an improved frequency regulation strategy for VSC-HVDC integrated offshore wind farm. Firstly, in the frequency decrease stage, the rotor kinetic energy of wind turbines (WTs) is used to suppress the decrease of the frequency, and the control parameters are determined to make full use of the mechanical power and rotor kinetic energy of WTs, the frequency nadir is improved. Secondly, in the rotor speed recovery stage, the DC capacitors of VSC-HVDC are used to release power to compensate the deficiency value of wind farm output power and avoid the secondary frequency drop (SFD) problem. Lastly, the simulation is conducted in PSCAD/EMTDC to validate the effectiveness of the proposed coordinated frequency control strategy.
Microorganisms as New Sources of Energy
Authors: Talapko Jasminka , Talapko Domagoj , Matić Anita , Škrlec Ivana
Published: September 2022

The use of fossil energy sources has a negative impact on the economic and socio-political stability of specific regions and countries, causing environmental changes due to the emission of greenhouse gases. Moreover, the stocks of mineral energy are limited, causing the demand for new types and forms of energy. Biomass is a renewable energy source and represents an alternative to fossil energy sources. Microorganisms produce energy from the substrate and biomass, i.e., from substances in the microenvironment, to maintain their metabolism and life. However, specialized microorganisms also produce specific metabolites under almost abiotic circumstances that often do not have the immediate task of sustaining their own lives. This paper presents the action of biogenic and biogenic–thermogenic microorganisms, which produce methane, alcohols, lipids, triglycerides, and hydrogen, thus often creating renewable energy from waste biomass. Furthermore, some microorganisms acquire new or improved properties through genetic interventions for producing significant amounts of energy. In this way, they clean the environment and can consume greenhouse gases. Particularly suitable are blue-green algae or cyanobacteria but also some otherwise pathogenic microorganisms (E. coli, Klebsiella, and others), as well as many other specialized microorganisms that show an incredible ability to adapt. Microorganisms can change the current paradigm, energy–environment, and open up countless opportunities for producing new energy sources, especially hydrogen, which is an ideal energy source for all systems (biological, physical, technological). Developing such energy production technologies can significantly change the already achieved critical level of greenhouse gases that significantly affect the climate.
Understanding the Effect of Ozone on Listeria monocytogenes and Resident Microbiota of Gorgonzola Cheese Surface: A Culturomic Approach
Authors: Panebianco Felice , Rubiola Selene , Buttieri Chiara , Di Ciccio Pierluigi Aldo , Chiesa Francesco , Civera Tiziana
Published: September 2022

The occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes on Gorgonzola cheese surface was reported by many authors, with risks arising from the translocation of the pathogen inside the product during cutting procedures. Among the novel antimicrobial strategies, ozone may represent a useful tool against L. monocytogenes contamination on Gorgonzola cheese rind. In this study, the effect of gaseous ozone (2 and 4 ppm for 10 min) on L. monocytogenes and resident microbiota of Gorgonzola cheese rind stored at 4 °C for 63 days was evaluated. A culturomic approach, based on the use of six media and identification of colonies by MALDI-TOF MS, was used to analyse variations of resident populations. The decrease of L. monocytogenes was less pronounced in ozonised rinds with final loads of ~1 log CFU/g higher than controls. This behaviour coincided with a lower maximum population density of lactobacilli in treated samples at day 28. No significant differences were detected for the other microbial determinations and resident microbiota composition among treated and control samples. The dominant genera were Candida, Carnobacterium, Staphylococcus, Penicillium, Saccharomyces, Aerococcus, Yarrowia, and Enterococcus. Based on our results, ozone was ineffective against L. monocytogenes contamination on Gorgonzola rinds. The higher final L. monocytogenes loads in treated samples could be associated with a suppressive effect of ozone on lactobacilli, since these are antagonists of L. monocytogenes. Our outcomes suggest the potential use of culturomics to study the ecosystems of complex matrices, such as the surface of mould and blue-veined cheeses.
High-Intensity Ultrasound Processing Enhances the Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Capacity and Microbiological Quality of Melon (Cucumis melo) Juice
Authors: Rodríguez-Rico Daniel , Sáenz-Esqueda María de los Ángeles , Meza-Velázquez Jorge Armando , Martínez-García Juan José , Quezada-Rivera Jesús Josafath , Umaña Mónica M. , Minjares-Fuentes Rafael
Published: September 2022

The bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity and microbiological quality of melon juice processed by high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) were studied. Melon juice was processed at two ultrasound intensities (27 and 52 W/cm2) for two different processing times (10 and 30 min) using two duty cycles (30 and 75%). Unprocessed juice was taken as a control. Total carotenoids and total phenolic compounds (TPC) were the bioactive compounds analyzed while the antioxidant capacity was determined by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays. The microbiological quality was tested by counting the aerobic and coliforms count as well as molds and yeasts. Total carotenoids increased by up to 42% while TPC decreased by 33% as a consequence of HIUS processing regarding control juice (carotenoids: 23 μg/g, TPC: 1.1 mg GAE/g), gallic acid and syringic acid being the only phenolic compounds identified. The antioxidant capacity of melon juice was enhanced by HIUS, achieving values of 45% and 20% of DPPH and ABTS inhibition, respectively, while >120 mg TE/100 g was determined by FRAP assay. Further, the microbial load of melon juice was significantly reduced by HIUS processing, coliforms and molds being the most sensitive. Thus, the HIUS could be an excellent alternative supportive the deep-processing of melon products.
A Controlled Experiment to Test the Efficacy of Ground-Penetrating Radar in the Search for Clandestine Burials in Poland
Authors: Borkowski Tomasz , Constantino Fernando , Novo Alexandre , Frattarelli Jamie , Trzciński Maciej
Published: September 2022

The international workshop ‘Forensic Search and Recovery of Clandestine Graves’ took place over two days in 2021 in Wroclaw, Poland. The goal of the workshop was to improve search methods and techniques related to the examination of clandestine burial sites. Geophysical methods were used by an international team of multi-disciplinary specialists to detect simulated burial sites. The training focused on testing methods, including Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR), to verify the effectiveness of the methods in the search for two features representing clandestine burials. The forensic community in Central European countries, including Poland, has been slow to adopt these technologies due to controversial results. While geophysical research is successfully carried out in archaeological research and forensic contexts internationally, its application in the activities of the prosecutor’s office and the police in Poland has been relatively unsuccessful. This has resulted in several controversies related primarily to the erroneous expectations of how the methods are successfully applied. This may be the result of operator inexperience in applying these methods to the search for clandestine burials. This training paired an experienced GPR operator with law enforcement teams and archaeologists, leading to the successful discovery of simulated burials using GPR.
Spirituality and Religious Diversity in Nursing: A Scoping Review
Authors: Murgia Carla , Notarnicola Ippolito , Caruso Rosario , De Maria Maddalena , Rocco Gennaro , Stievano Alessandro
Published: September 2022

Spirituality is a common theme in the field of healthcare research. This study aimed to examine nurses’ perceptions of spirituality in the context of the religious diversity of patients in pluri-religious settings. We performed a scoping review following the methodology on studies conducted between 2010 and 2020. We searched the following databases: CINAHL Plus, PubMed, and PsycINFO. For the identification of grey literature, the OpenGrey database was used. In total, 789 articles were reviewed. Of these, 16 met predetermined inclusion criteria. Two main overarching themes emerged from our inductive analysis: (a) the intertwining of spirituality and spiritual care in diverse religious landscapes and (b) obstacles impeding the inclusion of spiritual care in pluri-religious settings. According to our results, nurses consider that spirituality is interconnected with spiritual care for individuals from different religious backgrounds. Interpretations of spirituality in nursing practice vary widely, with spirituality and religiosity often shaped and influenced by culture and the experience of the professionals. Nurses attribute various meanings to spiritual care, most of which center on respecting personal, interpersonal, and relational aspects of religious and cultural beliefs and practices. Lack of education and specific skills, insufficient time, role ambiguity, and different religious beliefs were identified as hurdles to spiritual care. A poor work environment, a lack of patient privacy, including personal space, and a lack of compassion were also reported as deterrents to spiritual healing. More knowledge and training on different religions and spirituality are required to meet patients’ spiritual needs to better overcome these hurdles.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Functional, Communicative and Critical Health Literacy Instrument (FCCHL-SR) for Diabetic Patients in Serbia
Authors: Levic Marija , Bogavac-Stanojevic Natasa , Krajnovic Dusanka
Published: September 2022

Thoroughly validated instruments can provide a more accurate and reliable picture of how the instrument works and of the level of health literacy in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present work aimed at cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Functional, Communicative and Critical Health Literacy Instrument (FCCHL) in patients with T2DM in Serbia. After translation and back-translation, views from an expert group, one cognitive interview study (n = 10) and one survey study (n = 130) were conducted among samples of diabetic patients. Item analysis, internal consistency, content validity, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and reliability testing were performed. When all 14 items were analyzed, loading factors were above 0.55, but without adequate model fit. After removing two items with the lowest loadings FHL1 and IHL2 the fit indexes indicated a reasonable normed χ2 (SB scaled χ2/df = 1.90). CFI was 0.916 with SRMR = 0.0676 and RMSEA = 0.0831. To determine internal consistency, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.796 for the whole FCCHL-SR12. With only minor modifications compared to the English version, the 12-item FCCHL instrument is valid and reliable and can be used to measure health literacy among Serbian diabetic patients. However, future research on a larger population in Serbia is necessary for measuring the levels of HL and their relationship with other determinants in this country.
Work Ability after Breast Cancer: Study of Healthcare Personnel Operating in a Hospital of South Italy
Authors: Vella Francesca , Filetti Veronica , Cirrincione Luigi , Rapisarda Venerando , Matera Serena , Skerjanc Alenka , Cannizzaro Emanuele , Vitale Ermanno
Published: September 2022

Breast cancer (BrC) treatment can produce disabilities that often impact the quality of daily life and impact the social and working relationships of the patient. This paper looked into the remaining work ability in a group of female healthcare personnel (HCPs) with BrC in Southern Italy. Each HCP was subjected to a medical check, routine blood tests, and a questionnaire on the work ability index (WAI). Of 980 (100%) HCWs undergoing health control, 6% (n = 54) had experienced BRC, and only 66.6% (n = 36) agreed to take part in the study. A total of 28 (78%) were on night shifts. The WAI score was quite low in 5 (13.8%) cases, moderate in 10 (27.7%) cases, good in 14 (38.8%) cases, and excellent in 7 (19.5%) HCWs. Among all health figures, in nurses as well as technical staff, lower WAI scores were observed. HCWs reported various comorbidities, which affected WAI score, such as limited mobility in the upper limbs, arm/shoulder pain, numbness, and lymphoedema. The main complication that negatively affects any work activity is the morbidity in the upper limbs. This seems to affect the ability to perform tasks, and the re-entry to work is highlighted on sick leave days.
The Evolving Scenario of COVID-19 in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Esposito Pasquale , Picciotto Daniela , Cappadona Francesca , Russo Elisa , Falqui Valeria , Conti Novella Evelina , Parodi Angelica , Mallia Laura , Cavagnaro Sara , Battaglia Yuri , Viazzi Francesca
Published: September 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rapidly changing disease. Therefore, in this study, to evaluate the evolution of COVID-19 in hemodialysis patients, we retrospectively compared patients affected by COVID-19 during the first pandemic waves of 2020 (from March to December 2020—Group 1) with patients with COVID-19 from September 2021 to February 2022 (Group 2) after the full completion of vaccination. Group 1 was constituted of 44 patients (69.3 ± 14.6 years), and Group 2 of 55 patients (67.4 ± 15.3 years). Among Group 2, 52 patients (95%) were vaccinated. Patients of Group 2, compared with Group 1, were more often asymptomatic (38 vs. 10%, p = 0.002) and reported less frequent fever and pulmonary involvement. At diagnosis, Group 2 showed a significantly higher number of lymphocytes and lower levels of circulating IL-6 (16 ± 13.3 vs. 41 ± 39.4 pg/mL, p = 0.002). Moreover, in Group 2, inflammatory parameters significantly improved after a few days from diagnosis. Patients of Group 2 presented a lower hospitalization rate (12.7 vs. 38%, p = 0.004), illness duration (18.8 ± 7.7 vs. 29.2 ± 19.5 days, p = 0.005), and mortality rate (5.4 vs. 25%, p = 0.008). Finally, responders to the vaccination (80% of vaccinated patients) compared with nonresponders showed a reduction in infection duration and hospitalization (5 vs. 40%, p = 0.018). In conclusion, we found that COVID-19 presentation and course in hemodialysis patients have improved over time after the implementation of vaccine campaigns. However, due to the evolving nature of the disease, active surveillance is necessary.