bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Selenium Conjugated to Insect Protein on Pharmacokinetics of Florfenicol and Enrofloxacin in Laying Hens
Authors: Qiu Kai , Obianwuna Uchechukwu Edna , Wang Jing , Zhang Hai-jun , Qi Guang-hai , Wu Shu-geng
Published: October 2021

In the context of increasing awareness on the dietary supplementation of organic selenium in commercial poultry production and ensuring safe egg production, the present study investigated the effects of selenium on the pharmacokinetics of the therapeutic use of florfenicol and enrofloxacin from perspectives of laying performance, selenium deposition in eggs, and drug residue in plasma, organs, and eggs. A 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with two kinds of drugs (florfenicol vs. enrofloxacin, 200 mg/kg) and three levels of dietary organic selenium SCIP (selenium conjugated to insect protein) (0, 2, and 5 mg/kg) was designed together with a blank control group. Healthy Hy-Line Brown laying hens (n = 252, 40-week-old and 90.0 ± 1.7% of egg production rate) were randomly allocated into one of seven treatments with six replicates and six hens per replicate. The experiment lasted for 42 days and consisted of three periods (adjusted stage, depositional stage, and eliminating stage) of 14 days each. These stages entail feeding of the laying hens with basal diets, addition of drugs and selenium synchronously into the diets, drug withdrawal from diet, and supply of selenium uninterruptedly in the diet. Egg production and feed intake were recorded on daily and weekly bases, respectively. The selenium content in egg yolk, egg white, and whole eggs and the drug residues in eggs, plasma, liver, kidney, and breast muscle were determined on days 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, and 14 of the depositional and eliminating stages. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in egg production among the dietary treatments, but feed intake decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the drug treatment group compared to other groups. Dietary organic selenium decreased the residue of drugs in tissues and eggs, while the metabolism and deposition of selenium in laying hens were suppressed due to drug effects. The results of the present study are of significance to enrich the knowledge of the pharmacokinetics of florfenicol and enrofloxacin in laying hens and ensure the quality of poultry products.
Effects of Overexpression of the Egyptian Fruit Bat Innate Immune Genes on Filovirus Infections in the Host Cells
Authors: Kuzmin Ivan V. , Ramanathan Palaniappan , Basler Christopher F. , Bukreyev Alexander
Published: October 2021

Bats constitute a large and diverse group of mammals with unique characteristics. One of these is the ability of bats to maintain various pathogens, particularly viruses, without evidence of disease. The innate immune system has been implicated as one of the important components involved in this process. However, in contrast to the human innate immune system, little data is available for bats. In the present study we generated 23 fusion constructs of innate immune genes of Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) with mCherry as a fluorescent reporter. We evaluated the effects of overexpressing these genes on the replication of Marburg and Ebola viruses in the Egyptian fruit bat cell line R06EJ. Both viruses were substantially inhibited by overexpression of type I, II and III interferons, as well as by DDX58 (RIG-I), IFIH1, and IRF1. Our observations suggest that the broad antiviral activity of these genes reported previously in human cells is conserved in Egyptian fruit bats and these possess anti-filovirus activities that may contribute to the efficient virus clearance.
Indexing Model Based on Vector Normalization Available for Value Engineering in Building Materials
Authors: Lee Jongsik
Published: October 2021

Value engineering is a method of selecting the optimum design by evaluating the value of the original design and the alternative design. However, if the function score and the cost score of the evaluation subject are indexed, the range of the function index, the cost index and the value index calculated according to the functional attribute and the cost attribute may vary. The client is confused in the decision-making process of selecting the optimum design because the calculation range of the function, cost and value scores are different according to the evaluation subject. The necessity of indexing the cost score and the function score has been constantly raised, but it has been regarded as a difficult problem. This study presents a model that can index the function, cost and value scores using vector normalization method. Additionally, by applying this study model to the case of selecting finishing materials for the office automation floor of a building, the consistency of the study model was verified.
Influence of the Lockdown on PM2.5 Concentrations around an Urban School in the South of Belgium
Authors: Falzone Claudia , Muller Jérémy , Romain Anne-Claude
Published: October 2021

In 2020, the world was affected by an unprecedented health crisis. Europe had to close its internal and external borders, and the majority of countries had to impose lockdowns on their people. Shops, restaurants, building sites, and industries had to close, and working from home became the rule. This paper reflects a study conducted from 17 March to 25 June 2020, in which homemade low-cost devices measured PM2.5 concentrations at three different locations around a Belgian school and background concentrations. The period monitored covered seven reopening stages from lockdown to the reopening of borders. The overall analysis did not show any correlation between traffic and PM2.5 concentrations in the streets in any of the phases. However, the analysis of each reopening showed that it was possible to observe significant differences in the background concentrations measured in a rural town and on urban streets.
Comparing Four Types Methods for Karst NDVI Prediction Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Ma Yuju , Zuo Liyuan , Gao Jiangbo , Liu Qiang , Liu Lulu
Published: October 2021

As a link for energy transfer between the land and atmosphere in the terrestrial ecosystem, karst vegetation plays an important role. Karst vegetation is not only affected by environmental factors but also by intense human activities. The nonlinear characteristics of vegetation growth are induced by the interaction mechanism of these factors. Previous studies of this relationship were not comprehensive, and it is necessary to further explore it using a suitable method. In this study, we selected climate, human activities, topography, and soil texture as the response factors; a nonlinear relationship model between the karst normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and these factors was established by applying a back propagation neural network (BPNN), a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN), the random forest (RF) algorithm, and support vector regression (SVR); and then, the karst NDVI was predicted. The coefficient of determination (R2), mean square error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the obtained results were calculated, and the mean R2 values of the BPNN, RBFNN, RF, and SVR models were determined to be 0.77, 0.86, 0.89, and 0.91, respectively. Compared with the BPNN, RBFNN, and RF models, the SVR model had the lowest errors, with mean MSE, RMSE, and MAPE values of 0.001, 0.02, and 2.77, respectively. The results show that the BPNN, RBFNN, RF, and SVR models are within acceptable ranges for karst NDVI prediction, but the overall performance of the SVR model is the best, and it is more suitable for karst vegetation prediction.
Carollia perspicillata: A Small Bat with Tremendous Translational Potential for Studies of Brain Aging and Neurodegeneration
Authors: Stewart Mark , Morello Timothy , Kollmar Richard , Orman Rena
Published: October 2021

As the average human lifespan lengthens, the impact of neurodegenerative disease increases, both on the individual suffering neurodegeneration and on the community that supports those individuals. Studies aimed at understanding the mechanisms of neurodegeneration have relied heavily on observational studies of humans and experimental studies in animals, such as mice, in which aspects of brain structure and function can be manipulated to target mechanistic steps. An animal model whose brain is structurally closer to the human brain, that lives much longer than rodents, and whose husbandry is practical may be valuable for mechanistic studies that cannot readily be conducted in rodents. To demonstrate that the long-lived Seba’s short-tailed fruit bat, Carollia perspicillata, may fit this role, we used immunohistochemical labeling for NeuN and three calcium-binding proteins, calretinin, parvalbumin, and calbindin, to define hippocampal formation anatomy. Our findings demonstrate patterns of principal neuron organization that resemble primate and human hippocampal formation and patterns of calcium-binding protein distribution that help to define subregional boundaries. Importantly, we present evidence for a clear prosubiculum in the bat brain that resembles primate prosubiculum. Based on the similarities between bat and human hippocampal formation anatomy, we suggest that Carollia has unique advantages for the study of brain aging and neurodegeneration. A captive colony of Carollia allows age tracking, diet and environment control, pharmacological manipulation, and access to behavioral, physiological, anatomical, and molecular evaluation.
Noncontact Optical Measurement of Aqueous Humor Glucose Levels and Correlation with Serum Glucose Levels in Rabbit
Authors: Hwang Yih-Shiou , Kang Eugene , Shen Chia-Rui , Hong Wei-Hsin , Wu Wei-Chi
Published: October 2021

The noninvasive measurement of serum glucose levels has been investigated for the monitoring of blood sugar control in diabetes. In our study, we aimed to develop a novel noncontact glucometer (NCGM) utilizing an optical approach to measure the intraocular aqueous humor glucose levels in the anterior chamber of rabbit eyes. The NCGM consists of a hybrid optical system that simultaneously measures near-infrared absorption and the polarized rotatory distribution of glucose molecules in the aqueous humor. In vitro optical measurements demonstrated that NCGM measurements had high precision and repeatability for different glucose levels, including 50 mg/dL (14.36%), 100 mg/dL (−4.05%), 200 mg/dL (−5.99%), 300 mg/dL (4.86%), 400 mg/dL (−2.84%), 500 mg/dL (−0.11%), and 600 mg/dL (4.48%). In the rabbit experiments, we found a high correlation between aqueous glucose levels and serum glucose levels, with a mean difference of 8 mg/dL. According to the testing results, the in vivo NCGM measurement of aqueous humor glucose levels also displayed a high correlation with serum glucose levels, with a mean difference of 29.2 mg/dL. In conclusion, aqueous humor glucose levels were accurately measured using the NCGM, and the results correlated with serum glucose levels.
In-Plane Seismic Response of Unreinforced and Jacketed Masonry Walls
Authors: Medić Senad , Hrasnica Mustafa
Published: October 2021

Low-rise residential and public masonry structures constitute a large portion of the building patrimony, yet they were erected during the massive reconstruction of Southeast Europe after World War II before any design rules existed in the engineering praxis. Unreinforced unconfined masonry buildings (URM) were proven rather vulnerable during stronger earthquake motions in the recent past. To determine lateral strength, stiffness, and capacity of energy dissipation of the URM walls, in-plane tests were performed at the University of Sarajevo. Two full-scale plain walls (233 × 241 × 25 cm) built with solid clay brick and lime-cement mortar and two walls strengthened with RC jacketing on both sides were subjected to cyclic lateral loading under constant vertical precompression. Plain walls failed in shear with a typical cross-diagonal crack pattern. Jacketed walls exhibited rocking with characteristic S-shaped hysteretic curves and significantly larger ductility compared with plain walls. Wallets were tested for modulus of elasticity and compressive strength of masonry and the results showed considerable variations.
Analysis of Post-Colonoscopy Colorectal Cancer and Its Subtypes in a Screening Programme
Authors: Unanue-Arza Saloa , Idigoras-Rubio Isabel , Fernández-Landa Maria Jose , Bilbao-Iturribarria Isabel , Bujanda Luis , Portillo Isabel
Published: October 2021

Using the algorithm of the World Endoscopy Organisation (WEO), we have studied retrospectively all colorectal cancers, both detected and non-detected by the Basque Country screening programme from 2009 to 2017. In the screening programme 61,335 colonoscopies were performed following a positive Faecal Immunochemical test (FIT) (≥20 µg Hb/g faeces) and the 128 cases of post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer (PCCRC) detected were analysed. Among them, 50 interval type PCCRCs were diagnosed (before the recommended surveillance), 0.8 cases per 1000 colonoscopies performed, and 78 non-interval type PCCRCs (in the surveillance carried out at the recommended time or delayed), 1.3 per 1000 colonoscopies. Among the non-interval type PCCRCs, 61 cases were detected in the surveillance carried out at the recommended time (type A) and 17 when the surveillance was delayed (type B), 1 case per 1000 colonoscopies performed and 0.28 cases per 1000 colonoscopies performed, respectively. Interval type PCCRC is less frequent than non-interval type PCCRC. In interval type PCCRCs, CRCs detected in advanced stages (stages III–IV) were significantly more frequent than those detected in early stages, compared to those of non-interval type PCCRCs (OR = 3.057; 95% CI, 1.410–6.625; p < 0.005). Non-interval type B PCCRCs are less frequent than non-interval type A PCCRCs, but the frequency of advanced stages is higher in interval type B PCCRCs.
Frequent Epigenetic Inactivation of DIRAS-1 and DIRAS-2 Contributes to Chemo-Resistance in Gliomas
Authors: Rothhammer-Hampl Tanja , Liesenberg Franziska , Hansen Natalie , Hoja Sabine , Delic Sabit , Reifenberger Guido , Riemenschneider Markus J.
Published: October 2021

We previously reported that DIRAS-3 is frequently inactivated in oligodendrogliomas due to promoter hypermethylation and loss of the chromosomal arm 1p. DIRAS-3 inactivation was associated with better overall survival. Consequently, we now investigated regulation and function of its family members DIRAS-1 and DIRAS-2. We found that DIRAS-1 was strongly downregulated in 65% and DIRAS-2 in 100% of analyzed glioma samples compared to non-neoplastic brain tissue (NNB). Moreover, a significant down-regulation of DIRAS-1 and -2 was detected in glioma data obtained from the TCGA database. Mutational analyses did not reveal any inactivating mutations in the DIRAS-1 and -2 coding regions. Analysis of the DIRAS-1 and -2 promoter methylation status showed significantly higher methylation in IDH-mutant astrocytic and IDH-mutant and 1p/19q-codeleted oligodendroglial tumors compared to NNB. Treatment of U251MG and Hs683 glioblastoma cells lines with 5-azacytidine led to significant re-expression of DIRAS-1 and -2. For IDH-wild-type primary gliomas, however, we did not observe significantly elevated DIRAS-1 and -2 promoter methylation levels, but still detected strong downregulation of both DIRAS family members. Additional analyses revealed that DIRAS-1 and -2 expression was also regulated by histone modifications. We observed a shift towards promoter heterochromatinization for DIRAS-1 and less promoter euchromatinization for DIRAS-2 in IDH-wild-type glioblastomas compared to controls. Treatment of the two glioblastoma cell lines with a histone deacetylase inhibitor led to significant re-expression of DIRAS-1 and -2. Functionally, overexpression of DIRAS-1 and -2 in glioblastoma cells translated into significantly higher sensitivity to lomustine treatment. Analyses of DNA damage markers revealed that DIRAS-1 and -2 may play a role in p53-dependent response to alkylating chemotherapy.
Cell Biology of Giant Cell Tumour of Bone: Crosstalk between m/wt Nucleosome H3.3, Telomeres and Osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Forsyth Ramses G. , Krenács Tibor , Athanasou Nicholas , Hogendoorn Pancras C. W.
Published: October 2021

Giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB) is a rare and intriguing primary bone neoplasm. Worrisome clinical features are its local destructive behaviour, its high tendency to recur after surgical therapy and its ability to create so-called benign lung metastases (lung ‘plugs’). GCTB displays a complex and difficult-to-understand cell biological behaviour because of its heterogenous morphology. Recently, a driver mutation in histone H3.3 was found. This mutation is highly conserved in GCTB but can also be detected in glioblastoma. Denosumab was recently introduced as an extra option of medical treatment next to traditional surgical and in rare cases, radiotherapy. Despite these new insights, many ‘old’ questions about the key features of GCTB remain unanswered, such as the presence of telomeric associations (TAs), the reactivation of hTERT, and its slight genomic instability. This review summarises the recent relevant literature of histone H3.3 in relation to the GCTB-specific G34W mutation and pays specific attention to the G34W mutation in relation to the development of TAs, genomic instability, and the characteristic morphology of GCTB. As pieces of an etiogenetic puzzle, this review tries fitting all these molecular features and the unique H3.3 G34W mutation together in GCTB.
Peutz–Jeghers Syndrome and the Role of Imaging: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Associated Cancers
Authors: Klimkowski Sergio , Ibrahim Mohamed , Ibarra Rovira Juan J. , Elshikh Mohamed , Javadi Sanaz , Klekers Albert R. , Abusaif Abdelraham A. , Moawad Ahmed W. , Ali Kamran , Elsayes Khaled M.
Published: October 2021

The Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant neoplastic syndrome defined by hamartomatous polyps through the gastrointestinal tract, development of characteristic mucocutaneous pigmentations, and an elevated lifetime cancer risk. The majority of cases are due to a mutation in the STK11 gene located at 19p13.3. The estimated incidence of PJS ranges from 1:50,000 to 1:200,000. PJS carries an elevated risk of malignancies including gastrointestinal, breast, lung, and genitourinary (GU) neoplasms. Patients with PJS are at a 15- to 18-fold increased malignancy risk relative to the general population. Radiologists have an integral role in the diagnosis of these patients. Various imaging modalities are used to screen for malignancies and complications associated with PJS. Awareness of various PJS imaging patterns, associated malignancies, and their complications is crucial for accurate imaging interpretation and patient management. In this manuscript, we provide a comprehensive overview of PJS, associated malignancies, and surveillance protocols.
A Real-World Application of Liquid Biopsy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: The Poseidon Study
Authors: Procaccio Letizia , Bergamo Francesca , Daniel Francesca , Rasola Cosimo , Munari Giada , Biason Paola , Crucitta Stefania , Barsotti Giulia , Zanella Giulia , Angerilli Valentina , Magro Cristina , Paccagnella Silvia , Di Antonio Veronica , Loupakis Fotios , Danesi Romano , Zagonel Vittorina , Del Re Marzia , Lonardi Sara , Fassan Matteo
Published: October 2021

Background: First-line decision making is the key to the successful care of mCRC patients and RAS/BRAF status is crucial to select the best targeted agent. In hub centers, a relevant proportion of patients referred from small volume centers may not have standard tissue-based (STB) molecular results available at the time of the first visit (T0). Liquid biopsy (LB) may help circumvent these hurdles. Methods: A monoinstitutional prospective head-to-head comparison of LB versus (vs.) STB testing was performed in a real-world setting. Selection criteria included: mCRC diagnosis with unknown RAS/BRAF status at T0, tumoral tissue archived in external centers, no previous treatment with anti-EGFR. At T0, patients underwent plasma sampling for LB testing and procedure for tissue recovery. RAS/BRAF genotyping was carried out by droplet digital PCR on circulating-tumoral (ct) DNA. The primary endpoint was the comparison of time to LB (T1) vs. STB (T2) results using the Mann–Whitney U test. Secondary endpoints were the concordance between LB and STB defined as overall percent agreement and the accuracy of LB in terms of specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive value. We also performed an exploratory analysis on urinary (u) ctDNA. Results: A total of 33 mCRC patients were included. Mean T1 and T2 was 7 and 22 days (d), respectively (p < 0.00001). T2 included a mean time for archival tissue recovery of 17 d. The overall percent agreement between LB and STB analysis was 83%. Compared to STB testing, LB specificity and sensitivity were 90% and 80%, respectively, with a positive predictive value of 94% and negative one of 69%. In detail, at STB and LB testing, RAS mutation was found in 45% and 42% of patients, respectively; BRAF mutation in 15%. LB results included one false positive and four false negative. False negative cases showed a significantly lower tumor burden at basal CT scan. Concordance between STB and uctDNA testing was 89%. Conclusions: Faster turnaround time, high concordance and accuracy are three key points supporting the adoption of LB in routinary mCRC care, in particular when decision on first-line therapy is urgent and tissue recovery from external centers may require a long time. Results should be interpreted with caution in LB wild-type cases with low tumor burden.
Ru-gC3N4 Catalyzed Hydrodebenzylation of Benzyl Protected Alcohol and Acid Groups Using Sodium Hypophosphite as a Hydrogen Source
Authors: Chakraborty Sourav , Bahuguna Ashish , Sasson Yoel
Published: October 2021

A straightforward process for hydrodebenzylation of benzyl protected acid and alcohol derivatives to the corresponding acids and alcohols using sodium hypophosphite in the presence of Ru-GCN catalyst is reported. The developed Ru-GCN catalyst is cost effective compared to other noble metal-based catalysts and has been explored to exhibit excellent activity for catalytic hydrodebenzylation reactions under moderate reaction conditions. The non-corrosive sodium hypophosphite has been found as a better hydrogen donor compared to alkali metal formats in presence of Ru-GCN catalyst. The stated catalyst was characterized using several spectrometric and material characterization methods such as PXRD, IR, SEM, TEM, XPS, and TGA. The Ru-GCN catalyst corroborated good reusability and stability for multiple cycles. The catalyst preparation is facile and the developed process is simple and safe as it avoids use of high hydrogen pressure. The developed protocol can also be replicated on industrial scale on account of excellent recyclability and retained activity after multiple cycles and makes the process sustainable. Gram scale reaction was performed to verify the industrial potential of reported catalyst.
Al2O3-Supported Transition Metals for Plasma-Catalytic NH3 Synthesis in a DBD Plasma: Metal Activity and Insights into Mechanisms
Authors: Gorbanev Yury , Engelmann Yannick , van’t Veer Kevin , Vlasov Evgenii , Ndayirinde Callie , Yi Yanhui , Bals Sara , Bogaerts Annemie
Published: October 2021

N2 fixation into NH3 is one of the main processes in the chemical industry. Plasma catalysis is among the environmentally friendly alternatives to the industrial energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process. However, many questions remain open, such as the applicability of the conventional catalytic knowledge to plasma. In this work, we studied the performance of Al2O3-supported Fe, Ru, Co and Cu catalysts in plasma-catalytic NH3 synthesis in a DBD reactor. We investigated the effects of different active metals, and different ratios of the feed gas components, on the concentration and production rate of NH3, and the energy consumption of the plasma system. The results show that the trend of the metal activity (common for thermal catalysis) does not appear in the case of plasma catalysis: here, all metals exhibited similar performance. These findings are in good agreement with our recently published microkinetic model. This highlights the virtual independence of NH3 production on the metal catalyst material, thus validating the model and indicating the potential contribution of radical adsorption and Eley-Rideal reactions to the plasma-catalytic mechanism of NH3 synthesis.
Catalytic Tar Conversion in Two Different Hot Syngas Cleaning Systems
Authors: Straczewski Grazyna , Mai Robert , Gerhards Uta , Garbev Krassimir , Leibold Hans
Published: October 2021

Tar in the product gas of biomass gasifiers reduces the efficiency of gasification processes and causes fouling of system components and pipework. Therefore, an efficient tar conversion in the product gas is a key step of effective and reliable syngas production. One of the most promising approaches is the catalytic decomposition of the tar species combined with hot syngas cleaning. The catalyst must be able to convert tar components in the synthesis gas at temperatures of around 700 °C downstream of the gasifier without preheating. A Ni-based doped catalyst with high activity in tar conversion was developed and characterized in detail. An appropriate composition of transition metals was applied to minimize catalyst coking. Precious metals (Pt, Pd, Rh, or a combination of two of them) were added to the catalyst in small quantities. Depending on the hot gas cleaning system used, both transition metals and precious metals were co-impregnated on pellets or on a ceramic filter material. In the case of a pelletized-type catalyst, the hot gas cleaning system revealed a conversion above 80% for 70 and 110 h. The catalyst composed of Ni, Fe, and Cr oxides, promoted with Pt and impregnated on a ceramic fiber filter composed of Al2O3(44%)/SiO2(56%), was the most active catalyst for a compact cleaning system. This catalyst was catalytically active with a naphthalene conversion of around 93% over 95 h without catalyst deactivation.
Enhanced Parameter Estimation with Periodically Driven Quantum Probe
Authors: Ivanov Peter A.
Published: October 2021

I propose a quantum metrology protocol for measuring frequencies and weak forces based on a periodic modulating quantum Jahn–Teller system composed of a single spin and two bosonic modes. I show that, in the first order of the frequency drive, the time-independent effective Hamiltonian describes spin-dependent interaction between the two bosonic modes. In the limit of high-frequency drive and low bosonic frequency, the quantum Jahn–Teller system exhibits critical behavior which can be used for high-precision quantum estimation. A major advantage of the scheme is the robustness of the system against spin decoherence, which allows it to perform parameter estimation with measurement time not limited by spin dephasing.
Hybrid Energy Storage System with Vehicle Body Integrated Super-Capacitor and Li-Ion Battery: Model, Design and Implementation, for Distributed Energy Storage
Authors: Raman Sekhar Raghu , Cheng Ka-Wai (Eric) , Xue Xiang-Dang , Fong Yat-Chi , Cheung Simon
Published: October 2021

In this paper, a distributed energy storage design within an electric vehicle for smarter mobility applications is introduced. Idea of body integrated super-capacitor technology, design concept and its implementation is proposed in the paper. Individual super-capacitor cells are connected in series or parallel to form a string connection of super-capacitors with the associated management unit to form a panel. These super-capacitor panels are shaped to fit the alternative concept of vehicle design, and it solves the design issues and prepares for configurable electric vehicles. Body integration of super-capacitors enhances the acceleration, and regenerative braking performances of the electric vehicle increases the operating life of the Li-ion battery and improves space utilization by giving more area for the main energy source, the Li-ion battery. Integrating super-capacitor into the car body involves special packaging technology to minimize space and promotes distributed energy storage within a vehicle. This pioneering design encourages future configurable electric vehicles. Model of both the Li-ion battery and the super-capacitor employed is studied with its series internal resistance determined at various C-rates. Loss and the efficiency analysis of the bi-directional converter, traits of body integrated super-capacitors system and control of the interleaved bi-directional converter to regulate the power-sharing in the hybrid energy storage system is presented.
Determining Actuator Requirements for Cyclic Varying Pitch Propeller for Ships
Authors: Freiberg Uffe Sjølund , Andersen Torben O. , Nielsen Jens Ring , Pedersen Henrik C.
Published: October 2021

In marine applications, a cyclic varying pitch (CVP) propeller is a propeller in which the propeller blade can be cyclic-pitched. This cyclic pitching of the propeller blades is used to adapt to the local flow conditions in the non-uniform wake field that the propeller operates in, behind the ship hull. This has the potential to improve the performance of the propulsion system relative to a propeller which has fixed pitch for each revolution. The potential performance improvements include increasing the propulsion efficiency and reducing the cavitation, pressure pulses, vibrations and noise problems. However, the CVP propeller is not on the market today, and several challenges have to be addressed before the CVP propeller may be realized. One of these challenges is how to design the individual cyclic pitch mechanism for the propeller. However, before the cyclic pitch mechanism can be designed, it is necessary to know the requirements for it, such as the required pitching power and torque. The focus of the current paper is therefore to present a model for the propeller, by which it is possible to determine the loads acting on the CVP propeller blades during the cyclic pitching, and hence the actuator force/torque and power requirements. To illustrate the usefulness of the model, an example is presented, in which the loads on a CVP propeller are determined, together with the requirements for the individual cyclic pitch mechanism. The efficiency results presented are, however, not representative of the efficiency improvement that may be obtained, as neither the propeller nor the pitch trajectory has been optimised. The results do, however, serve to show the benefit and validity of the model.
Short-Term Multiple Load Forecasting Model of Regional Integrated Energy System Based on QWGRU-MTL
Authors: Wang Songyao , Zhang Zhisheng
Published: October 2021

In order to improve the accuracy of the multiple load forecasting of a regional integrated energy system, a short-term multiple load forecasting model based on the quantum weighted GRU and multi-task learning framework is proposed in this paper. Firstly, correlation analysis is carried out using a maximum information coefficient to select the input of the model. Then, a multi-task learning architecture is constructed based on the quantum weighted GRU neural network, and the coupling information among multiple loads is learned through the sharing layer in order to improve the prediction accuracy of multiple loads. Finally, the PSO algorithm is used to optimize the parameters of the quantum weighted GRU. The simulation data of a regional integrated energy system in northern China are used to predict the power and cooling loads on summer weekdays and rest days, and the results show that, compared with the LSTM, GRU and single task learning QWGRU models, the proposed model is more effective in the multiple load forecasting of a regional integrated energy system.
Sustainability Indicators for the Manufacturing and Use of a Fuel Cell Prototype and Hydrogen Storage for Portable Uses
Authors: Garraín Daniel , Banacloche Santacruz , Ferreira-Aparicio Paloma , Martínez-Chaparro Antonio , Lechón Yolanda
Published: October 2021

A sustainability assessment regarding the manufacturing process and the use of a new proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), specially designed for portable hydrogen applications, is presented. The initial fuel cell prototype has been configured by taking into account exclusively technical issues. However, a life cycle analysis considering environmental and socioeconomic impacts is crucial to improve the model to develop a more sustainable product. From the environmental perspective, the durability of the system and its efficiency are key elements required to decrease the potential overall impacts. High electricity consumption for manufacturing requires a commitment to the use of renewable energies, due to the high current value of the projected impact of climate change (42.5 tonnes of CO2 eq). From the socioeconomic point of view, the dependence of imported components required for the synthesis of some materials displaces the effects of value added and employment in Spain, potentially concentrating the largest impact on countries such as Singapore, Japan and the UK, whereas the cell assembly would have a greater benefit for the country of fabrication. These results provide a basis for new research strategies since they can be considered standard values for improving future upgrades of the fuel cell in terms of sustainability.
Solid Biofuels Scenarios from Rural Agricultural and Forestry Residues for Mexican Industrial SMEs
Authors: Ruíz-Carmona Oscar , Islas-Samperio Jorge M. , Larrondo-Posadas Lourdes , Manzini Fabio , Grande-Acosta Genice K. , Álvarez-Escobedo Christian
Published: October 2021

In Mexico, as in the rest of the world, the industry sector is frequently highly dependent on fossil fuels; in addition, energy transformation processes are not very efficient and scarcely oriented towards climate change mitigation. Given these facts, solid biofuels (SBFs) from agricultural and forestry residues from rural areas may represent an alternative that contributes to the decarbonization of the industrial sector, especially in Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). From an economic and climate change mitigation perspective, this study evaluates harnessing SBFs in SMEs related to lime, bricks, dairy products, craft beer, and artisanal mezcal (a well-known Mexican distilled alcoholic beverage), products mainly manufactured in rural areas of Mexico. For each of these SMEs, we constructed two energy consumption scenarios that span from 2018 to 2050. On the one hand, a baseline scenario (BS) that reflects the behaviour of historical energy consumption in Mexico and, on the other hand, an alternative scenario (AS) that proposes the use of SBFs with modern and efficient technologies and sustainable inputs of agricultural and forestry residues originated mainly from rural areas. According to our results, a comparison between the two scenarios reveals that two out of five SMEs industrial niches studied, appear with mitigation costs in the AS namely brick kilns, and limekilns SMEs that have mitigation costs of 9.99 and 19.74 USD/tCO2e, respectively, primarily due to the high investment cost of the new MK2 kilns and the relatively high cost of pellets, respectively. Since these niches have high mitigation potentials (7.77 MtCO2e for brick kilns and 2.83 MtCO2e for limekilns), their implementation requires adequate incentives and financing. On the contrary, the dairy, craft beer, and mezcal SMEs niches have negative mitigation costs (−14.30, −10.68, −0.98) USD/tCO2e, mainly due to the high savings in the cost of fossil fuels and their materialization, especially for the mezcal niche which has a mitigation potential of 2.97 MtCO2e, requires only an adequate regulatory and normative framework. We conclude that using commercial SBFs (pellets, briquettes, and traditional firewood) in SMEs niches contribute to generating formal markets with adequate distribution channels, both for SBFs and sustainable residual biomass inputs (residual firewood, agave bagasse, and spent barley grain). This alternative scenario also promotes the creation of green jobs in agricultural and forestry areas, adding an economic value to residual biomass inputs not previously considered and contributing to the social development of rural areas.
Loss of Liquid Lithium Coolant in an Accident in a DONES Test Cell Facility
Authors: Dongiovanni Danilo Nicola , D’Onorio Matteo
Published: October 2021

A Demo-Oriented early NEutron Source (DONES) facility for material irradiation with nuclear is currently being designed. DONES aims to produce neutrons with fusion-relevant spectrum and fluence by means of D–Li stripping reactions occurring between a deuteron beam impacting a stable liquid lithium flowing film implementing the target. Given the hazard constituted by the liquid lithium inventory and the potential risk of reactions with water, air, and concrete eventually resulting in fire events, the Target Test Cell (TTC) is filled with helium and the reinforced concrete walls forming the bio-shield are covered with steel liners. A loss of Li in TTC, due to a large break in the Quench Tank, is postulated, and consequences are deterministically studied. With the TTC liner being water-cooled, the impact of the liner temperature rise following a leakage event is evaluated. Two separate MELCOR code models have been defined for the liquid lithium loop and water-cooled loop and are numerically coupled. The amount of leaked inventory dependent on the implemented safety logic and impact on TTC containment is evaluated. The water pressurization pattern within the liner cooling loop is studied to highlight possible risks of lithium–water/concrete reactions.
Interrogating Mitochondrial Biology and Disease Using CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing
Authors: Tang Jia-Xin , Pyle Angela , Taylor Robert W. , Oláhová Monika
Published: October 2021

Mitochondrial disease originates from genetic changes that impact human bodily functions by disrupting the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system. MitoCarta is a curated and published inventory that sheds light on the mitochondrial proteome, but the function of some mitochondrially-localised proteins remains poorly characterised. Consequently, various gene editing systems have been employed to uncover the involvement of these proteins in mitochondrial biology and disease. CRISPR/Cas9 is an efficient, versatile, and highly accurate genome editing tool that was first introduced over a decade ago and has since become an indispensable tool for targeted genetic manipulation in biological research. The broad spectrum of CRISPR/Cas9 applications serves as an attractive and tractable system to study genes and pathways that are essential for the regulation and maintenance of mitochondrial health. It has opened possibilities of generating reliable cell and animal models of human disease, and with further exploitation of the technology, large-scale genomic screenings have uncovered a wealth of fundamental mechanistic insights. In this review, we describe the applications of CRISPR/Cas9 system as a genome editing tool to uncover new insights into pathomechanisms of mitochondrial diseases and/or biological processes involved in mitochondrial function.
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Analysis of Mobile Elements at 7q11.23 Williams–Beuren Region by Comparative Genomics
Authors: Cupaioli Francesca Anna , Fallerini Chiara , Mencarelli Maria Antonietta , Perticaroli Valentina , Filippini Virginia , Mari Francesca , Renieri Alessandra , Mezzelani Alessandra
Published: October 2021

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by a deficit in social interaction and communication. Many genetic variants are associated with ASD, including duplication of 7q11.23 encompassing 26–28 genes. Symmetrically, the hemizygous deletion of 7q11.23 causes Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS), a multisystem disorder characterized by “hyper-sociability” and communication skills. Interestingly, deletion of four non-exonic mobile elements (MEs) in the “canine WBS locus” were associated with the behavioral divergence between the wolf and the dog and dog sociability and domestication. We hypothesized that indel of these MEs could be involved in ASD, associated with its different phenotypes and useful as biomarkers for patient stratification and therapeutic design. Since these MEs are non-exonic they have never been discovered before. We searched the corresponding MEs and loci in humans by comparative genomics. Interestingly, they mapped on different but ASD related genes. The loci in individuals with phenotypically different autism and neurotypical controls were amplified by PCR. A sub-set of each amplicon was sequenced by Sanger. No variant resulted associated with ASD and neither specific phenotypes were found but novel small-scale insertions and SNPs were discovered. Since MEs are hyper-methylated and epigenetically modulate gene expression, further investigation in ASD is necessary.
Modulation of Global Gene Expression by Aneuploidy and CNV of Dosage Sensitive Regulatory Genes
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Wang Ruixue , Huang Cheng , Zhang Ludan , Sun Lin
Published: October 2021

Aneuploidy, which disrupts the genetic balance due to partial genome dosage changes, is usually more detrimental than euploidy variation. To investigate the modulation of gene expression in aneuploidy, we analyzed the transcriptome sequencing data of autosomal and sex chromosome trisomy in Drosophila. The results showed that most genes on the varied chromosome (cis) present dosage compensation, while the remainder of the genome (trans) produce widespread inverse dosage effects. Some altered functions and pathways were identified as the common characteristics of aneuploidy, and several possible regulatory genes were screened for an inverse dosage effect. Furthermore, we demonstrated that dosage changes of inverse regulator Inr-a/pcf11 can produce a genome-wide inverse dosage effect. All these findings suggest that the mechanism of genomic imbalance is related to the changes in the stoichiometric relationships of macromolecular complex members that affect the overall function. These studies may deepen the understanding of gene expression regulatory mechanisms.
Refugees at Work: The Preventative Role of Psychosocial Safety Climate against Workplace Harassment, Discrimination and Psychological Distress
Authors: Afsharian Ali , Dollard Maureen , Miller Emily , Puvimanasinghe Teresa , Esterman Adrian , De Anstiss Helena , Ziaian Tahereh
Published: October 2021

It is widely recognised that employment is vital in assisting young refugees’ integration into a new society. Drawing on psychosocial safety climate (PSC) theory, this research investigated the effect of organisational climate on young refugee workers’ mental health (psychological distress) through stressful social relational aspects of work (e.g., harassment, discrimination). Drawing on data from 635 young refugees aged between 15 and 26 in South Australia, 116 refugees with paid work were compared with 519 refugee students without work, and a sample of young workers from Australian Workplace Barometer (AWB) data (n = 290). The results indicated that refugees with paid work had significantly lower psychological distress compared with refugees with no paid work, but more distress than other young Australian workers. With respect to workplace harassment and abuse, young refugee workers reported significantly more harassment due to their ongoing interaction and engagement with mainstream Australian workers compared with unemployed refugees. Harassment played a vital role in affecting psychological health in refugees (particularly) and other young workers. While refugee youth experienced harassment at work, overall, their experiences suggest that their younger age upon arrival enabled them to seek and find positive employment outcomes. Although PSC did not differ significantly between the employed groups, we found that it likely negatively influenced psychological distress through the mediating effects of harassment and abuse. Hence, fostering pathways to successful employment and creating safe work based on high PSC and less harassment are strongly recommended to improve refugees’ mental health and adaptation.
How to Promote Low-Carbon Economic Development? A Comprehensive Assessment of Carbon Tax Policy in China
Authors: Liu Weijiang , Li Yangyang , Liu Tingting , Liu Min , Wei Hai
Published: October 2021

Facing the increasingly severe environmental problems, the development of a green and sustainable low-carbon economy has become an international trend. In China, the core issue of low-carbon economic development is effectively resolving the contradiction between the exploitation and utilization of fossil energy and greenhouse gas emissions (mainly carbon emissions). Based on the SAM matrix, we established a static Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model to simulate the impact of carbon tax policies on energy consumption, carbon emissions, and macroeconomics variables under 10, 20, and 30% emission reductions. Meanwhile, we analyze the impact of different carbon tax recycling mechanisms under the principle of tax neutrality. We find that the carbon tax effectively reduces carbon emissions, but it will negatively impact economic development and social welfare. A reasonable carbon tax recycling system based on the principle of tax neutrality can reduce the negative impact of carbon tax implementation. Among the four simulated scenarios of carbon tax cycle, the scenario of reducing residents’ personal income tax is most conducive to realizing the “double dividend” of carbon tax.
Coach’s Perception of Parent’s Attitudes in School-Age Sports
Authors: Villafaina Santos , Merellano-Navarro Eugenio , García-Ceberino Juan M.
Published: October 2021

The coach-parent relationship can significantly influence the sport participation, personal development, and sports performance of young athletes. This study aimed to investigate the coach’s perception of parent’s attitudes regarding competition attitude, the communication with the coach, and the environment during training sessions, taking into account the coaches’ sex, type of institution, or sport modality grouped into individual and collective sports. For this, a total of 159 coaches (22 females and 137 males) responded to the Questionnaire for Sports Coaches about their Opinion on the Attitudes of Fathers and Mothers in Sports (CTPMD). It analyses three factors: (1) competition attitude, (2) communication, and (3) environment. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was necessary to assess the model’s goodness of fit on each factor and to calculate the Cronbach’s Alpha, the average variance extracted, and the composite reliability to analyze the instrument reliability. Descriptive and inferential analysis was performed through the Mann-Whitney U and Rosenthal r statistical tests. The results showed significant differences in the competition attitude factor regarding type of institution (U = 1964.500; p-value < 0.001; r = 0.31), in favour of public institutions. There were also significant differences in the communication factor according to the coaches’ sex (U = 1112.000; p-value = 0.04; r = 0.16), with females’ coaches perceiving worse communication with parents than male coaches. This could be relevant because it negatively influences adherence to physical activity in children and adolescents, and therefore, their health.