bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative Ultrasound: Emerging Technology and Novel Applications in Brain Tumor Surgery
Authors: Giammalva Giuseppe Roberto , Ferini Gianluca , Musso Sofia , Salvaggio Giuseppe , Pino Maria Angela , Gerardi Rosa Maria , Brunasso Lara , Costanzo Roberta , Paolini Federica , Di Bonaventura Rina , Umana Giuseppe Emmanuele , Graziano Francesca , Palmisciano Paolo , Scalia Gianluca , Tumbiolo Silvana , Midiri Massimo , Iacopino Domenico Gerardo , Maugeri Rosario
Published: February 2022

Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) is becoming progressively more common during brain tumor surgery. We present data from our case series of brain tumor surgery performed with the aid of IOUS in order to identify IOUS advantages and crucial aspects that may improve the management of neurosurgical procedures for brain tumors. From January 2021 to September 2021, 17 patients with different brain tumors underwent brain tumor surgery aided by the use of IOUS. During surgery, the procedure was supported by the use of multiples ultrasonographic modalities in addition to standard B-mode: Doppler, color Doppler, elastosonography, and contrast-enhanced intraoperative ultrasound (CEUS). In selected cases, the use of IOUS during surgical procedure was combined with neuronavigation and the use of intraoperative fluorescence by the use of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). In one patient, a preoperative ultrasound evaluation was performed through a former iatrogenic skull defect. This study confirms the role of IOUS in maximizing the EOR, which is strictly associated with postoperative outcome, overall survival (OS), and patient’s quality of life (QoL). The combination of ultrasound advanced techniques such as Doppler, color Doppler, elastosonography, and contrast-enhanced intraoperative ultrasound (CEUS) is crucial to improve surgical effectiveness and patient’s safety while expanding surgeon’s view.
Targeting Nutrient Dependency in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Fan Kexin , Liu Zhan , Gao Min , Tu Kangsheng , Xu Qiuran , Zhang Yilei
Published: February 2022

Metabolic reprogramming is one of the hallmarks of tumor. Growing evidence suggests metabolic changes that support oncogenic progression may cause selective vulnerabilities that can be exploited for cancer treatment. Increasing demands for certain nutrients under genetic determination or environmental challenge enhance dependency of tumor cells on specific nutrient, which could be therapeutically developed through targeting such nutrient dependency. Various nutrients including several amino acids and glucose have been found to induce dependency in genetic alteration- or context-dependent manners. In this review, we discuss the extensively studied nutrient dependency and the biological mechanisms behind such vulnerabilities. Besides, existing applications and strategies to target nutrient dependency in different cancer types, accompanied with remaining challenges to further exploit these metabolic vulnerabilities to improve cancer therapies, are reviewed.
Topological Model of the Pseudogap State: Experimental Signatures
Authors: Diamantini M.  C. , Trugenberger C. A. , Bollinger A. T. , Vinokur V. M. , Božović I.
Published: February 2022

We summarize the basic ideas of our topological model of the pseudogap state of high temperature superconductors (HTS) as a condensate of charged magnetic monopoles, with a focus on new experimental signatures. These include the surface quantum Hall effect, the generation of electric fields when applying magnetic fields by the oblique Meissner effect, and the generation of circular electric fields surrounding electric currents by the oblique Ampère law.
Electromagnetic Field Evolution in Relativistic Heavy Ion Collision and Its Effect on Flow of Particles
Authors: Gezhagn Tewodros , Chaubey A. K.
Published: February 2022

We compute the electromagnetic fields generated in relativistic heavy-ion collisions using the iEBE-VISHNU framework. We calculated the incremental drift velocity from the four possible sources of electric force (coulomb, Lorentz, Faraday, and plasma-based) on the particles created. The effect of this external electromagnetic field on the flow harmonics of particles was investigated, and we found out that the flow harmonics values get suppressed and rouse in a non-uniform fashion throughout the evolution. More precisely, a maximum of close to 3% increase in elliptic flow was observed. We also found mass as the more dominant factor than charges for the change in flow harmonics due to the created electromagnetic field. On top of that, the magnetic field perpendicular to the reaction plane is found to be sizable, while the different radial electric forces were found to cancel out each other. Finally, we found out that the inclusion of electromagnetic field affects the flow of particles by suppressing or raising it in a non-uniform fashion throughout the evolution.
Developmental Trajectory of Inattention and Its Association With Depressive Symptoms in Adolescence: Peer Relationships as a Mediator
Authors: Park Sohee , Chang Hyein
Published: February 2022

This study investigated the developmental trajectory of inattention symptoms as a predictor of later depressive symptoms in adolescence, and examined potential mediating role of peer relationships in this process. Participants were adolescents who were part of the large longitudinal panel study on Korean Youths, Korean Children & Youth Panel Survey 2010 (KCYPS 2010) of the National Youth Policy Institute (NYPI). Specifically, data were drawn from two cohorts of KCYPS that differed in participant age (Panel 1: 2003 birth cohort, n = 2,342, 48.2% girls; Panel 2: 2000 birth cohorts, n = 2,378, 40.0% girls). We analyzed data collected from 2010 to 2016 when children in panel 1 were 6–7 to 12–13 years old, and children in panel 2 were 9–10 to 15–16 years old. Results of latent growth modeling (LGM) were as follows. In Panel 1, the inattention symptoms increased from 9–10 to 12–13 years. Otherwise, the inattention symptoms decreased from 11–12 to 15–16 years in panel 2. Additionally, in both panels, initial status and slope of inattention significantly predicted later levels of depressive symptoms, and peer relationships partly mediated the association between inattention trajectory and depressive symptoms. The findings are discussed with respect to considering the growth of inattention and the quality of peer relationships as promising targets for early identification and intervention of depression in adolescents.
Influence of Strength Programs on the Injury Rate and Team Performance of a Professional Basketball Team: A Six-Season Follow-Up Study
Authors: Caparrós Toni , Peña Javier , Baiget Ernest , Borràs-Boix Xantal , Calleja-Gonzalez Julio , Rodas Gil
Published: February 2022

This study aims to determine possible associations between strength parameters, injury rates, and performance outcomes over six seasons in professional basketball settings. Thirty-six male professional basketball players [mean ± standard deviation (SD): age, 30.5 ± 4.7 years; height, 199.5 ± 9.5 cm; body mass, 97.9 ± 12.9 kg; BMI 24.6 ± 2.5 kg/m2] participated in this retrospective observational study, conducted from the 2008–09 to the 2013–14 season. According to their epidemiological records, each player followed an individual plan designed within different strength training programs: Functional (n = 16), Eccentric (n = 8), or Resistance (n = 12). Seven hundred and fourteen valid records were obtained from 170 individual strength tests during 31 sessions. Tests performed were leg press, squat, and jerk. Parameters recorded were force, power, velocity, peak velocity, and time to peak velocity for strength; time loss injury and muscle injury for injury rate; and games won, games lost, and championships for performance outcomes. All the strength variables and injuries are independent of the strength programs (p < 0.01). The correlation analysis showed very significant relationships between muscular injuries and time to peak velocity (r = 0.94; p < 0.01), significant relationships between force and games lost (r = 0.85; p < 0.05), and muscular injuries with games lost (r = –0.81; p < 0.05) per season. Mean values per season described a possible association of force, time to peak velocity, and muscular injuries with performance outcomes (R2 = 0.96; p < 0.05). In this specific context, strength variables and injury rate data show no association with a single type of strength training program in this cohort of high-performance basketball players.
Health Care Professionals' Perception of Stress During COVID-19 Pandemic in Iran: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Rouhbakhsh Ashraf , Badrfam Rahim , Nejatisafa Ali-Akbar , Soori Marzieh , Sharafi Sayedeh Elham , Etesam Farnaz , Shahmansouri Nazila , Arbabi Mohammad , Noorbala Ahmad Ali
Published: February 2022

Background

The health care professionals have a unique role in controlling the pandemic of COVID-19 and decreasing its mortality and morbidity. The burden of care and psychological impact of working in this circumstance can be unfavorable for many caregivers. In this qualitative study, the health care professionals' perception of stress during COVID-19 pandemic in Iran was assessed and several implications were proposed.

Materials and Methods

The participants were selected among staff who were providing medical services to patients with COVID-19 infection at the largest teaching hospital in Iran. Quota sampling was used to include physicians, nurses, and other paramedics. The grounded theory was selected to develop interview questions. Moreover, the thematic approach was applied to analyze the data content and data analysis was performed based on open and axial coding following the implementation of codes in MAQDA software.

Results

A wide range of psychological reactions including anxiety, feelings of guilt, depression, and anger were detected in the staff. Uncertainty accompanied by the pandemic of COVID-19 and shortcomings in preparation for crisis management were recognized as the two main sources of stress among health care professionals.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of the study, it is important to identify and evaluate the mental health needs of healthcare professionals. To reduce stress among health staff at COVID-19 care centers, it seems that the optimal strategy is simultaneous improvement in equipment and crisis management.
Effectiveness of Faith-Based Interventions on the Rate of Discharged Against Medical Advice in Tertiary Newborn Units in Nigeria: A Protocol for an Open Label Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Alao Michael Abel , Ibrahim Olayinka Rasheed , Ogunbosi Babatunde Oluwatosin , Nna Emmanuel Okechukwu , Olapegba Peter Olamakinde
Published: February 2022

Background

Discharged against medical advice (DAMA) is a risk factor that often leads to adverse outcomes and hospital readmissions in neonatal units. A few studies have shown that spiritual/faith-based interventions (FBIs) tend to have a lower incidence of DAMA compared with public hospitals. Perhaps, a holistic approach to patient care that addresses the spiritual needs, the soul and the body component of a being in this setting may account for the observed lower incidence of DAMA. Limited randomized control trials (RCTs) exist on FBIs with regard to DAMA in the published literature. This study seeks to compare the effectiveness of FBI, social support, religiosity, and types of FBI on neonatal DAMA against standard of care in tertiary hospitals in Nigeria.

Methods

This RCT will be conducted in two public tertiary teaching hospitals in two of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The sociodemographic and clinical details of all patients admitted to the neonatal wards during the study period will be documented. Study participants will be selected through a multistage sampling technique. Subjects will be randomized and allocated to treatment and control arms having the established baseline measure of social support and religiosity. Ethical approval was obtained from the State Research Ethics Review Committee. A written informed consent will be obtained from the parents/caregivers prior to patient enrolment. The study will be conducted in line with the Declaration of Hesinki 2000. Appropriate statistical tools will be used for data collection and analysis.

Discussion

The outcome of this analysis will give insights into the effectiveness of FBI on DAMA. It will also predict the effect of the mediators of parents/caregivers' religiosity, spirituality, forms of FBI, the religious sect of parents/caregivers, and social support on the rate of DAMA on neonatal admission in tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. This could help Public Health Institutions and Governments make decisions about the determinants of neonatal DAMA and how to mitigate such outcomes. It is hoped that the evidence from this study may guide policy formulation and guidelines on enhancing hospital retention of sick neonates until they are fit for discharge.

Trial Registration

This study was registered at the Pan Africa Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR202102670906630).
Can the Profitability of Medical Enterprises Be Improved After Joining China's Centralized Drug Procurement? A Difference-in-Difference Design
Authors: Hua Yu-Fei , Lu Jin , Bai Bing , Zhao Han-Qing
Published: February 2022

This paper explores the impact of joining centralized drug procurement of China on the profitability of medical enterprises by the difference-in-difference (DID) model. When centralized procurement cannot bring enough cost savings to enterprises, the price competition caused by centralized procurement will lead to the decline of enterprise profits. In the short term, the negative impact of China's drug centralized procurement policy on the net profit of enterprises is not obvious in the year when enterprises win the bid. After the government officially purchases from pharmaceutical enterprises, the negative impact of the drug centralized procurement policy of China on the net profit of enterprises begins to appear gradually. Therefore, the generic drug manufacturers increase R&D investment and have their own heavy products of original drugs as soon as possible to enhance their core competitiveness.
Integrating Urban Planning and Water Management Through Green Infrastructure in the United States-Mexico Border
Authors: Lara-Valencia Francisco , Garcia Margaret , Norman Laura M. , Anides Morales Alma , Castellanos-Rubio Edgar E.
Published: February 2022

Creating sustainable, resilient, and livable cities calls for integrative approaches and collaborative practices across temporal and spatial scales. However, practicability is challenged by institutional, social, and technical complexities and the need to build collective understanding of integrated approaches. Rapid urbanization along the United States-Mexico border, fueled by industrialization, trade, and migration, has resulted in cities confronted with recurrent flooding risk, extended drought, water pollution, habitat destruction and systemic vulnerabilities. The international border, which separates natural and built ecosystems, is both a challenge and an opportunity, making a unique social and institutional setting ideal for testing the integration of urban planning and water management. Our research focuses on fusing multi-functional and multi-scalar green infrastructure to restore ecosystem services through a strategic binational planning process. This paper describes this planning process, including the development and application of both a land suitability analysis and a hydrological model to optimally site green infrastructure in the Nogales, Arizona, United States—Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, cross border region. We draw lessons from this process and stakeholder feedback focused on the potential for urban green infrastructure, to allow for adaptation and even transformation in the face of current and future challenges such as limited resources, underdeveloped governance, bordering, and climate change. In sum, a cross border network of green infrastructure can provide a backbone to connect this transboundary watershed while providing both hydrological and social benefits.
Temporal Reduction in COVID-19-Associated Fatality Among Kidney Transplant Recipients: The Brazilian COVID-19 Registry Cohort Study
Authors: Sandes-Freitas Tainá Veras de , Cristelli Marina Pontello , Requião-Moura Lucio Roberto , Modelli de Andrade Luís Gustavo , Viana Laila Almeida , Garcia Valter Duro , de Oliveira Claudia Maria Costa , Esmeraldo Ronaldo de Matos , de Lima Paula Roberta , Charpiot Ida Maria Maximina Fernandes , Ferreira Teresa Cristina Alves , Franco Rodrigo Fontanive , Costa Kellen Micheline Alves Henrique , Simão Denise Rodrigues , Ferreira Gustavo Fernandes , Santana Viviane Brandão Bandeira de Mello , Almeida Ricardo Augusto Monteiro de Barros , Deboni Luciane Monica , Saldanha Anita Leme da Rocha , Noronha Irene de Lourdes , Oliveira Lívia Cláudio de , Carvalho Deise De Boni Monteiro de , Oriá Reinaldo Barreto , Medina-Pestana Jose Osmar , Tedesco-Silva Junior Helio
Published: February 2022

Data from the general population suggest that fatality rates declined during the course of the pandemic. This analysis, using data extracted from the Brazilian Kidney Transplant COVID-19 Registry, seeks to determine fatality rates over time since the index case on March 3rd, 2020. Data from hospitalized patients with RT-PCR positive SARS-CoV-2 infection from March to August 2020 (35 sites, 878 patients) were compared using trend tests according to quartiles (Q1: <72 days; Q2: 72–104 days; Q3: 105–140 days; Q4: >140 days after the index case). The 28-day fatality decreased from 29.5% (Q1) to 18.8% (Q4) (pfor-trend = 0.004). In multivariable analysis, patients diagnosed in Q4 showed a 35% reduced risk of death. The trend of reducing fatality was associated with a lower number of comorbidities (20.7–10.6%, pfor-trend = 0.002), younger age (55–53 years, pfor-trend = 0.062), and better baseline renal function (43.6–47.7 ml/min/1.73 m2, pfor-trend = 0.060), and were confirmed by multivariable analysis. The proportion of patients presenting dyspnea (pfor-trend = 0.001) and hypoxemia (pfor-trend < 0.001) at diagnosis, and requiring intensive care was also found reduced (pfor-trend = 0.038). Despite possible confounding variables and time-dependent sampling differences, we conclude that COVID-19-associated fatality decreased over time. Differences in demographics, clinical presentation, and treatment options might be involved.
Design of Digital Constrained Linear Least-Squares Multiple-Resonator-Based Harmonic Filtering
Authors: Kušljević Miodrag D. , Vujičić Vladimir V.
Published: February 2022

Although voiced speech signals are physical signals which are approximately harmonic and electric power signals are true harmonic, the algorithms used for harmonic analysis in electric power systems can be successfully used in speech processing, including in speech enhancement, noise reduction, speaker recognition, and hearing aids. The discrete Fourier transform (DFT), which has been widely used as a phasor estimator due to its simplicity, has led to the development of new DFT-based algorithms because of its poor performance under dynamic conditions. The multiple-resonator (MR) filter structure proposed in previous papers has proven to be a suitable approach to dynamic harmonic analysis. In this article, optimized postprocessing compensation filters are applied to obtain frequency responses of the transfer functions convenient for fast measurements in dynamic conditions. An optimization design method based on the constrained linear least-squares (CLLS) is applied. This way, both the flatness in the passband and the equiripple attenuation in the stopband are satisfied simultaneously, and the latency is reduced.
The Sustainable Development of Organic Agriculture: The Role of Wellness Tourism and Environmental Restorative Perception
Authors: Xue Lin-Lin , Shen Ching-Cheng
Published: February 2022

This study explored the impact of environmental restorative perception (ERP) on loyalty through place attachment and healthy image within organic agriculture. The visitors to organic agritourism in Hualien County and Taitung of Taiwan were taken as samples and 410 valid questionnaires were collected. LISREL 8.52 and regression analysis were adopted to explore the relationship among different variables. It was found that ERP is helpful for raising place attachment, healthy image, and loyalty to tourist destinations, and the non-toxic and organic sustainable environment created in organic agritourism has a restorative perception that can be used to attract tourists improving their health through travels, contributing to the transition of rural tourism to wellness tourism.
Precision Irrigation Management Using Machine Learning and Digital Farming Solutions
Authors: Abioye Emmanuel Abiodun , Hensel Oliver , Esau Travis J. , Elijah Olakunle , Abidin Mohamad Shukri Zainal , Ayobami Ajibade Sylvester , Yerima Omosun , Nasirahmadi Abozar
Published: February 2022

Freshwater is essential for irrigation and the supply of nutrients for plant growth, in order to compensate for the inadequacies of rainfall. Agricultural activities utilize around 70% of the available freshwater. This underscores the importance of responsible management, using smart agricultural water technologies. The focus of this paper is to investigate research regarding the integration of different machine learning models that can provide optimal irrigation decision management. This article reviews the research trend and applicability of machine learning techniques, as well as the deployment of developed machine learning models for use by farmers toward sustainable irrigation management. It further discusses how digital farming solutions, such as mobile and web frameworks, can enable the management of smart irrigation processes, with the aim of reducing the stress faced by farmers and researchers due to the opportunity for remote monitoring and control. The challenges, as well as the future direction of research, are also discussed.
Energy Drinks and Their Acute Effects on Heart Rhythm and Electrocardiographic Time Intervals in Healthy Children and Teenagers: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Mandilaras Guido , Li Pengzhu , Dalla-Pozza Robert , Haas Nikolaus Alexander , Oberhoffer Felix Sebastian
Published: February 2022

Beyond their effect on blood pressure, the effect of energy drinks on heart rate in children and teenagers has not been evaluated until now. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the acute cardiovascular effects of energy drinks in healthy children and teenagers. Twenty-six children and adolescents (mean age 14.49 years) received a commercially available energy drink (ED) and placebo on two consecutive days based on the maximum caffeine dosage as proposed by the European Food Safety Authority. Heart rhythm and electrocardiographic time intervals were assessed in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical study design. ED consumption resulted in a significantly increased number of supraventricular extrasystoles (SVES) compared to the placebo, whereas supraventricular tachycardia or malignant ventricular arrhythmias were not observed. The mean heart rate (HR) was significantly lower following consumption of EDs. In contrast, QTc intervals were not affected by EDs. Being the first of its kind, this trial demonstrates the cardiovascular and rhythmological effects of EDs in minors. Interestingly, EDs were associated with adverse effects on heart rhythm. Whether higher dosages or consumption in children with preexisting conditions may cause potentially harmful disorders was beyond the scope of this pilot study and remains to be determined in future trials. Trial Registration Number (DRKS-ID): DRKS00027580.
Numerical Simulation of Heat and Mass Transfer in an Open-Cell Foam Catalyst on Example of the Acetylene Hydrogenation Reaction
Authors: Solovev Sergei A. , Soloveva Olga V. , Akhmetova Irina G. , Vankov Yuri V. , Paluku Daniel L.
Published: February 2022

In the present work, based on numerical simulation, a comparative analysis of the flow of a chemically reacting gas flow through a catalyst is performed using the example of selective hydrogenation of acetylene in a wide range of flow temperatures variation. Catalyst models are based on open-cell foam material. A comparison is also made with calculations and experimental data for a granular catalyst. The porosity and cell diameter were chosen as variable parameters for the porous catalyst. The results of numerical studies were obtained in the form of component concentration fields of the gas mixture, vector fields of gas movement, values of conversion, and selectivity of the reaction under study. The parameters of the porous material of the catalyst are determined for the maximum efficiency of the process under study.
Co-Occurring CSF3R W791* Germline and Somatic T618I Driver Mutations Induce Early CNL and Clonal Progression to Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukemia
Authors: Adam Franziska C. , Szybinski Jakub , Halter Jörg P. , Cantoni Nathan , Wenzel Friedel , Leonards Katharina , Brkic Sime , Passweg Jakob R. , Touw Ivo , Maxson Julia E. , Meyer Sara C.
Published: February 2022

Chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL) relates to mutational CSF3R activation with membrane proximal CSF3R mutations such as T618I as driver mutations, but the significance of truncating mutations is not clarified. In CNL, concomitant mutations promote disease progression, but insight into longitudinal acquisition is incomplete. In this study, we investigated the role of co-occurring germline and somatic CSF3R mutations in CNL, and assessed the impact of clonal evolution on transformation to acute leukemia. We employed sequential next generation sequencing and SNP array karyotyping to assess clonal evolution in CNL of early manifestation age based on a 33-year-old patient. Germline vs. somatic mutations were differentiated using a sample from the hair follicle. To investigate a potential predisposition for CNL development and progression by germline CSF3R-W791*, allelic localizations were evaluated. We detected a somatic CSF3R-T618I mutation at 46% variant allele frequency (VAF) at the time of CNL diagnosis, which co-occurred with a CSF3R-W791* truncation at 50% VAF in the germline. Evaluation of allelic localization revealed CSF3R-T618I and W791* on the same allele. A concomitant ASXL1 mutation at 39% VAF increased to 48% VAF upon transformation to mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL), which has both myeloid and lymphoid features. Clonal evolution further involved expansion of the CSF3R double-mutant clone to 90% VAF via copy neutral loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 1p and the emergence of a RUNX1 mutant subclone. Allogeneic transplantation induced complete remission. This study highlights that CNL not only transforms to AML but also to MPAL. The molecular evolution is especially interesting with a CSF3R-W791* mutation in the germline and acquisition of CSF3R-T618I on the same allele compatible with increased susceptibility for mutation acquisition facilitating RUNX1-related clonal transformation.
Symmetry-Induced Emergence of a Pseudo-Qutrit in the Dipolar Coupling of Two Qubits
Authors: Belousov Yury , Man’ko Vladimir I. , Migliore Agostino , Sergi Alessandro , Messina Antonino
Published: February 2022

We investigate a system of two identical and distinguishable spins 1/2, with a direct magnetic dipole–dipole interaction, in an external magnetic field. Constraining the hyperfine tensor to exhibit axial symmetry generates the notable symmetry properties of the corresponding Hamiltonian model. In fact, we show that the reduction of the anisotropy induces the invariance of the Hamiltonian in the 3×3 subspace of the Hilbert space of the two spins in which S^2 invariably assumes its highest eigenvalue of 2. By means of appropriate mapping, it is then possible to choose initial density matrices of the two-spin system that evolve in such a way as to exactly simulate the time evolution of a pseudo-qutrit, in the sense that the the actual two-spin system nests the subdynamics of a qutrit regardless of the strength of the magnetic field. The occurrence of this dynamic similitude is investigated using two types of representation for the initial density matrix of the two spins. We show that the qutrit state emerges when the initial polarizations and probability vectors of the two spins are equal to each other. Further restrictions on the components of the probability vectors are reported and discussed.
Optimal Power Sharing in Microgrids Using the Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Ullah Kalim , Jiang Quanyuan , Geng Guangchao , Rahim Sahar , Khan Rehan Ali
Published: February 2022

In smart grids, a hybrid renewable energy system that combines multiple renewable energy sources (RESs) with storage and backup systems can provide the most cost-effective and stable energy supply. However, one of the most pressing issues addressed by recent research is how best to design the components of hybrid renewable energy systems to meet all load requirements at the lowest possible cost and with the best level of reliability. Due to the difficulty of optimizing hybrid renewable energy systems, it is critical to find an efficient optimization method that provides a reliable solution. Therefore, in this study, power transmission between microgrids is optimized to minimize the cost for the overall system and for each microgrid. For this purpose, artificial bee colony (ABC) is used as an optimization algorithm that aims to minimize the cost and power transmission from outside the microgrid. The ABC algorithm outperforms other population-based algorithms, with the added advantage of requiring fewer control parameters. The ABC algorithm also features good resilience, fast convergence, and great versatility. In this study, several experiments were conducted to show the productivity of the proposed ABC-based approach. The simulation results show that the proposed method is an effective optimization approach because it can achieve the global optimum in a very simple and computationally efficient way.
Improving Subsurface Characterisation with ‘Big Data’ Mining and Machine Learning
Authors: Brackenridge Rachel E. , Demyanov Vasily , Vashutin Oleg , Nigmatullin Ruslan
Published: February 2022

Large databases of legacy hydrocarbon reservoir and well data provide an opportunity to use modern data mining techniques to improve our understanding of the subsurface in the presence of uncertainty and improve predictability of reservoir properties. A data mining approach provides a way to screen dependencies in reservoir and fluid data and enable subsurface specialists to estimate absent properties in partial or incomplete datasets. This allows for uncertainty to be managed and reduced. An improvement in reservoir characterisation using machine learning results from the capacity of machine learning methods to detect and model hidden dependencies in large multivariate datasets with noisy and missing data. This study presents a workflow applied to a large basin-scale reservoir characterization database. The study aims to understand the dependencies between reservoir attributes in order to allow for predictions to be made to improve the data coverage. The machine learning workflow comprises the following steps: (i) exploratory data analysis; (ii) detection of outliers and data partitioning into groups showing similar trends using clustering; (iii) identification of dependencies within reservoir data in multivariate feature space with self-organising maps; and (iv) feature selection using supervised learning to identify relevant properties to use for predictions where data are absent. This workflow provides an opportunity to reduce the cost and increase accuracy of hydrocarbon exploration and production in mature basins.
Repowering Coal Power in China by Nuclear Energy—Implementation Strategy and Potential
Authors: Xu Song , Lu Yiu Hin Martin , Mutailipu Meiheriayi , Yan Kanti , Zhang Yaoli , Qvist Staffan
Published: February 2022

This article discusses a sustainable low-carbon development strategy that uses nuclear heat sources to replace coal boilers at existing coal power plants in China, to help support a resource and cost-effective low-carbon development. Based on the local situation in China, a three-stage strategy to explore the potential of repowering coal power by nuclear energy is proposed. The main focus of this study is to conduct a more detailed exploration of the 1st stage of this strategy, which includes coal plants located on the coast in regions that already have nuclear power installations. The study makes use of HTR-PM modular reactor for retrofit analysis for the types of coal units present in 1st stage of the strategy. The results show that: 1. There is a technical and economic basis for exploring nuclear power retrofit decarbonization. This conclusion is backed up by on-site transformation analysis and demonstration of the conversion of representative plant units to ensure the validity and reliability of the data. 2. This research provides a new pathway for the problem of stranded assets in China’s power sector decarbonization. The use of HTR-PM modules for retrofit can save up to 1200 billion $ as well as retaining local jobs and economic activity in areas currently hosting coal plants, which brings to society great economic and social benefits.
Biodiesel and Bioplastic Production from Waste-Cooking-Oil Transesterification: An Environmentally Friendly Approach
Authors: da Silva Cristina Almeida , dos Santos Raíssa Nunes , Oliveira Geiser Gabriel , de Souza Ferreira Talita Pereira , de Souza Nelson Luis Gonçalves Dias , Soares Aline Souza , de Melo Joece Ferreira , Colares Carla Jovania Gomes , de Souza Ueric José Borges , de Araújo-Filho Renisson Neponuceno , de Souza Aguiar Raimundo Wagner , dos Santos Gil Rodrigues , Gabev Evgeni Evgeniev , Campos Fabrício Souza
Published: February 2022

Alternative sources of fuel have been a concern in the last few decades. The growth of urbanization and industrialization will lead to the exhaustion of fossil fuels, attracting studies on alternative routes. The main aim of this study was to produce biodiesel from waste cooking oil (WCO) by methyl transesterification using sodium hydroxide as a catalyst. For this, the physicochemical parameters of biodiesel were studied in triplicate (density, acidity, saponification, viscosity, corrosiveness to copper, visual appearance, and cloud point). An analysis by thin layer chromatography and infrared spectrometry was also performed. The increase in yield (83.3%) was directly proportional to the increase in the catalyst (0.22 g of NaOH). The infrared absorption spectra of WCO and biodiesel showed the presence of common and singular bands of each material. Furthermore, a simple and low-cost mechanism was proposed for purifying glycerol. The spectra of glycerol versus purified glycerin showed that the glycerin produced was pure, being used in the formulation of bioplastic. The product was checked for biodegradation and photodegradation, with incredible soil-degradation times of 180 days and photodegradation of only 60 days. In this way, biodiesel production from WCO showed environmentally friendly proposals and applicability. As the next steps, it is necessary to test the biodiesel produced in combustion engines and improve the bioplastic production, including a spectroscopic characterization and extensive biodegradation testing.
Branched versus Linear Structure: Lowering the CO2 Desorption Temperature of Polyethylenimine-Functionalized Silica Adsorbents
Authors: Hack Jannis , Frazzetto Seraina , Evers Leon , Maeda Nobutaka , Meier Daniel M.
Published: February 2022

Lowering the regeneration temperature for solid CO2-capture materials is one of the critical tasks for economizing CO2-capturing processes. Based on reported pKa values and nucleophilicity, we compared two different polyethylenimines (PEIs): branched PEI (BPEI) and linear PEI (LPEI). LPEI outperformed BPEI in terms of adsorption and desorption properties. Because LPEI is a solid below 73–75 °C, even a high loading amount of LPEI can effectively adsorb CO2 without diffusive barriers. Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) demonstrated that the desorption peak top dropped to 50.8 °C for LPEI, compared to 78.0 °C for BPEI. We also revisited the classical adsorption model of CO2 on secondary amines by using in situ modulation excitation IR spectroscopy, and proposed a new adsorption configuration, R1(R2)-NCOOH. Even though LPEI is more expensive than BPEI, considering the long-term operation of a CO2-capturing system, the low regeneration temperature makes LPEI attractive for industrial applications.
Assessment of Energy Sustainability Issues in the Andean Community: Additional Indicators and Their Interpretation
Authors: Ponomarenko Tatiana , Reshneva Ekaterina , Mosquera Urbano Alexander Patricio
Published: February 2022

To achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), it is necessary to solve the problem of assessing and measuring energy sustainability performance. A popular indicator used for this purpose is the World Energy Council (WEC) energy sustainability index, or the Energy Trilemma Index, which is based on such key metrics as energy security, energy equity, environmental sustainability, and country context. Each of the four metrics, or dimensions, includes many indicators that depend on both internal and external factors. By combining a variety of indicators into integral ones, WEC ranks countries in terms of energy sustainability. However, what is not taken into account is how countries differ in terms of economic development, income, energy mix, renewables use, ownership in the energy sector, and other factors, and neither is the methodology itself disclosed by the developers. As a provider for all other sectors of the economy, the energy sector plays an important role in developing countries. Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia, being members of the Andean Community, are neighbors and have similar economic conditions but lack transnational power grid interconnections, which hinders the development of a common energy market. In terms of energy sustainability, these countries’ ranks range from 45 to 101, according to the Energy Trilemma Index. The aim of the study is to develop a new methodology for assessing energy sustainability performance that will factor in the specific features of developing countries with a high share of hydroelectricity generation, and to calculate energy sustainability index indicators taking into account contemporary requirements for sustainable development, which include developing green and renewable energy and fostering decarbonization. This research reveals whether the countries’ energy sustainability indices correspond to their actual performance in energy development and identifies the factors influencing the values of the metrics in the Energy Trilemma Index. The methodology can be used to integrate the energy sectors of countries, as it allows for evaluating the state of the energy sector of several countries (for example, those of the Andean Community) as a whole.
Investigation of the Volatile Profile of Red Jujube by Using GC-IMS, Multivariate Data Analysis, and Descriptive Sensory Analysis
Authors: Qiao Yening , Chen Qinqin , Bi Jinfeng , Wu Xinye , Jin Xinwen , Gou Min , Yang Xinrui , Purcaro Giorgia
Published: February 2022

The aroma characteristics of six red jujube cultivars (Jinchang—‘JC’, Junzao—‘JZ’, Huizao—‘HZ’, Qiyuexian—‘QYX’, Hetiandazao—‘HTDZ’, and Yuanzao—‘YZ’), cultivated in Xinjiang Province, China, were studied by E-nose and GC-IMS. The presence of acetoin, E-2-hexanol, hexanal, acetic acid, and ethyl acetate played an important role in the classification results. JC, JZ, HZ, and YZ were different from others, while QYX and HTDZ were similar to each other. HZ had the most abundant specific VOCs, including linalool, nonanoic acid, methyl myristoleate, 2-acetylfuran, 1-octen-3-one, E-2-heptenal, 2-heptenone, 7-octenoic acid, and 2-pentanone. HZ had higher intensity in jujube ID, floral, sweet, and fruity attributes. Correlation analysis showed that jujube ID (identity) might be related to phenylacetaldehyde and isobutanoic acid that formed by the transamination or dehydrogenation of amino acids; meanwhile, the sweet attribute was correlated with amino acids, including threonine, glutamic acid, glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, lysine, histidine, and arginine.
Fucoidan Regulates Starch Digestion: In Vitro and Mechanistic Study
Authors: Koh Hui Si Audrey , Chong Jin Er Leonard , Lu Jun , Zhou Weibiao
Published: February 2022

Bread is a high glycemic index (GI) food with high amounts of readily digestible carbohydrates. Fucoidan refers to a group of sulfated polysaccharides isolated from brown seaweed that has been gaining traction for its many functional properties, including its ability to inhibit starch hydrolases. In this study, fucoidan was added into bread to lower the glycemic index of bread. Fucoidan fortification at 3.0% reduced the starch digestion rate of baked bread by 21.5% as compared to control baked bread. This translated to a 17.7% reduction in the predicted GI (pGI) with 3.0% of fucoidan. Fucoidan was retained in the bread after baking. Although the in vitro bioavailability of fucoidan was negligible, the in vitro bioaccessibility of fucoidan was high, at 77.1–79.8%. This suggested that although fucoidan may not be absorbed via passive diffusion, there is potential for the fucoidan to be absorbed via other modes of absorption. Thus, there is a potential for the use of fucoidan as a functional ingredient in bread to reduce the glycemic potential of bread.
Spatial Spillover Effects of Directed Technical Change on Urban Carbon Intensity, Based on 283 Cities in China from 2008 to 2019
Authors: Zhang Hui , Ke Haiqian
Published: February 2022

Technical change essentially drives regional social and economic development, and how technical change influences the regional sustainable development of the ecological environment is also of concern. However, technical change is not always neutral, so how does directed technical change affect urban carbon intensity? Is there a spatial spillover effect between these two? In order to answer these above questions, this article first explores the relationship between directed technical change and carbon intensity through the spatial Durbin model; then, it separately analyses whether the relationship between the two in low-carbon and non-low-carbon cities will differ; finally, we performed a robustness test by replacing weights, replacing the explained variable with a lag of one period, and replacing the explained variable. The conclusions are as follows: (1) There is a positive spatial correlation between the carbon intensity of Chinese cities—that is, there is a positive interaction between the carbon intensity of local cities and of neighboring cities. For every 1% change in the carbon intensity of neighboring cities, the carbon intensity of local cities changes by 0.1027% in the same direction. (2) The directed technical change has a significant inhibitory effect on urban carbon intensity, whether in local cities or neighboring cities. However, it is worth mentioning that the direct negative effect is greater in local cities than in neighboring cities. (3) The directed technical change in low-carbon cities has a stronger inhibitory effect on carbon intensity, with a direct effect coefficient of −0.5346 and an indirect effect coefficient of −0.2616. Due to less green policy support in non-low-carbon cities, the inhibitory effect of directed technical change on carbon intensity is weakened; even if the direct effects and indirect effects are superimposed, it is only −0.0510 rather than −0.7962 for low-carbon cities.
Enhanced Bacteremia in Dextran Sulfate-Induced Colitis in Splenectomy Mice Correlates with Gut Dysbiosis and LPS Tolerance
Authors: Thim-Uam Arthid , Makjaroen Jiradej , Issara-Amphorn Jiraphorn , Saisorn Wilasinee , Wannigama Dhammika Leshan , Chancharoenthana Wiwat , Leelahavanichkul Asada
Published: February 2022

Because both endotoxemia and gut dysbiosis post-splenectomy might be associated with systemic infection, the susceptibility against infection was tested by dextran sulfate solution (DSS)-induced colitis and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection models in splenectomy mice with macrophage experiments. Here, splenectomy induced a gut barrier defect (FITC-dextran assay, endotoxemia, bacteria in mesenteric lymph nodes, and the loss of enterocyte tight junction) and gut dysbiosis (increased Proteobacteria by fecal microbiome analysis) without systemic inflammation (serum IL-6). In parallel, DSS induced more severe mucositis in splenectomy mice than sham-DSS mice, as indicated by mortality, stool consistency, gut barrier defect, serum cytokines, and blood bacterial burdens. The presence of green fluorescent-producing (GFP) E. coli in the spleen of sham-DSS mice after an oral gavage supported a crucial role of the spleen in the control of bacteria from gut translocation. Additionally, LPS administration in splenectomy mice induced lower serum cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) than LPS-administered sham mice, perhaps due to LPS tolerance from pre-existing post-splenectomy endotoxemia. In macrophages, LPS tolerance (sequential LPS stimulation) demonstrated lower cell activities than the single LPS stimulation, as indicated by the reduction in supernatant cytokines, pro-inflammatory genes (iNOS and IL-1β), cell energy status (extracellular flux analysis), and enzymes of the glycolysis pathway (proteomic analysis). In conclusion, a gut barrier defect after splenectomy was vulnerable to enterocyte injury (such as DSS), which caused severe bacteremia due to defects in microbial control (asplenia) and endotoxemia-induced LPS tolerance. Hence, gut dysbiosis and gut bacterial translocation in patients with a splenectomy might be associated with systemic infection, and gut-barrier monitoring or intestinal tight-junction strengthening may be useful.
Remodeling of Cell Wall Components in Root Nodules and Flower Abscission Zone under Drought in Yellow Lupine
Authors: Wilmowicz Emilia , Kućko Agata , Alché Juan De Dios , Czeszewska-Rosiak Grażyna , Florkiewicz Aleksandra Bogumiła , Kapusta Małgorzata , Karwaszewski Jacek
Published: February 2022

We recently showed that yellow lupine is highly sensitive to soil water deficits since this stressor disrupts nodule structure and functioning, and at the same time triggers flower separation through abscission zone (AZ) activation in the upper part of the plant. Both processes require specific transformations including cell wall remodeling. However, knowledge about the involvement of particular cell wall elements in nodulation and abscission in agronomically important, nitrogen-fixing crops, especially under stressful conditions, is still scarce. Here, we used immuno-fluorescence techniques to visualize dynamic changes in cell wall compounds taking place in the root nodules and flower AZ of Lupinus luteus following drought. The reaction of nodules and the flower AZ to drought includes the upregulation of extensins, galactans, arabinans, xylogalacturonan, and xyloglucans. Additionally, modifications in the localization of high- and low-methylated homogalacturonans and arabinogalactan proteins were detected in nodules. Collectively, we determined for the first time the drought-associated modification of cell wall components responsible for their remodeling in root nodules and the flower AZ of L. luteus. The involvement of these particular molecules and their possible interaction in response to stress is also deeply discussed herein.