bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Critical Role Played by Mitochondrial MITF Serine 73 Phosphorylation in Immunologically Activated Mast Cells
Authors: Paruchuru Lakshmi Bhargavi , Govindaraj Sharmila , Razin Ehud
Published: February 2022

In recent years, growing evidence has indicated the pivotal role of mitochondria in mast cell immunological activation. We have previously reported a decrease in degranulation and cytokine secretion following the inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) either by CPI-613 (PDH inhibitor/anti-cancer drug) or through its interaction with mitochondrial microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). In the present study, we further explored the role played by mitochondrial MITF in mast cell exocytosis using rat basophil leukemia cells [RBL], as well as mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). Here, we report that mast cell degranulation, cytokine secretion and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) activities were associated with phosphorylation of Serine 73 of mitochondrial MITF, controlled by extracellular signals regulated by protein kinase (ERK1/2) activity. Also, we report here that decreased OXPHOS activity following ERK1/2 inhibition (U0126 treatment) during IgE-Ag activation was mediated by the dephosphorylation of Serine 73 mitochondrial MITF, which inhibited its association with PDH. This led to a reduction in mast cell reactivity. In addition, a phosphorylation-mimicking mitochondrial MITF-S73D positively regulated the mitochondrial activity, thereby supporting mast cell degranulation. Thus, the present research findings highlight the prominence of mitochondrial MITF Serine 73 phosphorylation in immunologically activated mast cells.
Retirement Farewell, and Recommendations for the Next Generation of Scientists
Authors: Poltronieri Palmiro
Published: February 2022

While thematic journals have seen a great increase in submissions that ensure their status of monthly or bi-weekly editions, growing their audience in the scientific community, journals such as Challenges, at the crossroad of various disciplines, have laid their foundations as cross-cultural and interdisciplinary journals [...]
Factors Associated with Early Intervention Intensity for Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Authors: Meinzen-Derr Jareen , Tabangin Meredith E. , Altaye Mekibib , Ehrhardt Jennifer , Wiley Susan
Published: February 2022

We quantified the intensity of early intervention (EI) services allocated to 1262 children who were deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) within a state program and identified factors associated with intervention intensity. Child specific data were collected on children born between 2008 and 2014. Data from Individualized Family Service Plans of children enrolled in Part C EI programming were evaluated for the type and duration of services during their EI enrollment. Associations between EI intensity and child/family variables were examined. Median age of EI enrollment was 5.3 months. The most frequently received services included primary service coordination, specialized DHH service, special instruction, language therapy, and family training; 60% of children received 4 or more different EI services. The median service intensity was 138.1 min per month across all EI years. The factors associated with higher EI intensity included severe hearing loss, bilateral hearing loss and presence of a disability. Children enrolled in EI at later ages received higher intensity of specialized DHH services, suggesting a need to “catch up” due to late acquisition of services. Evaluating EI service intensity broadens our understanding of effective components of state-based programs that support the developmental needs of children who are DHH.
Thumb-Sucking Habits and Oral Health: An Analysis of YouTube Content
Authors: Hakami Zaki , Maganur Prabhadevi C. , Khanagar Sanjeev B. , Naik Sachin , Alhakami Khalid , Bawazeer Omar A. , Alassiry Ahmed Mohammed , Vishwanathaiah Satish
Published: February 2022

This study aims to investigate the content and usefulness of YouTube videos on** thumb-sucking habits. Methods: YouTube was systematically searched for all relevant videos on thumb sucking using primary keywords, such as thumb, finger, and digit sucking. Video information was assessed, such as the type of video, number of likes or dislikes, number of views, and duration of upload. The usefulness of videos was analyzed, and information about treatment modalities was evaluated. Results: A total of 331 YouTube videos (314 educational offerings and 17 testimonials) were included in the analysis. Individual users uploaded (36.6%), followed by healthcare professionals (30.5%). Only 4.83% of the videos were classified as having “very useful” general information content, whereas 51.1% were rated as “slightly useful.” There was no significant correlation between the usefulness score and the interaction rate, video length, or viewing rate. The videos advised a psychosocial approach and mechanical or reminder therapy in 32.33% and 25.07% of videos, respectively. Preventive methods accounted for 7.26%, and chemical treatments were discussed in 5.44% of the videos. Conclusion: Information on YouTube about thumb-sucking habits was unsatisfactory and should be improved by oral healthcare professionals and organizations.
Temporal Modulation of Drug Desensitization Procedures
Authors: Stan Razvan Costin
Published: February 2022

Drug hypersensitivity reactions are an unavoidable clinical consequence of the presence of new therapeutic agents. These adverse reactions concern patients afflicted with infectious diseases (e.g., hypersensitivity to antibiotics), and with non-infectious chronic diseases, such as in cancers, diabetes or cystic fibrosis treatments, and may occur at the first drug administration or after repeated exposures. Here we revise recent key studies on the mechanisms underlying the desensitization protocols, and propose an additional temporal regulation layer that is based on the circadian control of the signaling pathway involved and on the modulation of the memory effects established by the desensitization procedures.
A Study on the Effect of Geometry and Operating Variables on Density Wave Oscillation in a Supercritical Natural Circulation Loop
Authors: Rai Santosh Kumar , Ahlawat Neha , Upadhyay Raghvendra , Kumar Pardeep , Panwar Vinay
Published: February 2022

Nowadays, a prime technology in generation IV nuclear reactors, the supercritical water reactor (SCWR), is the main object of focus. The current article aims to develop a thermal hydraulic numerical model for predicting density wave oscillation (DWO) in a supercritical water natural circulation loop (SCWNCL). A one-dimensional thermal hydraulic mathematical model was developed. The numerical model consists of nonlinear mass, momentum, and energy conservation equations, which were discretized by applying the implicit finite difference technique. The numerical model was validated with experimental results, and numerical simulations were carried out to find the marginal stability boundary (MSB) and draw the stability map for the loop. Further, the effects of geometry (i.e., diameter and hot leg length) and operating parameters (i.e., inlet system pressure and friction factor) on the density wave oscillation of the SCWNCL were analyzed.
Drastic Influence of Synthesis Conditions on Structural, Magnetic, and Magnetocaloric Properties of Mn(Fe,Ni)(Si,Al) Compounds
Authors: Nuendute Balnude , Hanggai Wuliji , Yibole Hargen , Tana Bao , Tegus Ojiyed , Guillou Francois
Published: February 2022

Mn compounds presenting magneto-structural phase transitions are currently intensively studied for their giant magnetocaloric effect; nevertheless, several parameters remain to be further optimized. Here, we explore the Mn(Fe,Ni)(Si,Al) series, which presents two advantages. The Mn content is fixed to unity ensuring a large saturation magnetization, and it is based on non-critical Si and Al elements instead of the more commonly employed Ge. Structural and magnetic properties of MnFe0.6Ni0.4Si1-xAlx compounds are investigated using powder X-ray diffraction, SEM, EDX, DSC, and magnetic measurements. We demonstrate that a magneto-structural coupling leading to transformation from ferromagnetic with orthorhombic TiNiSi-type structure to a paramagnetic hexagonal Ni2In-type phase can be realized for 0.06 < x ≤ 0.08. Unfortunately, the first-order transition is relatively broad and incomplete, likely as the result of insufficient sample homogeneity. A comparison between samples synthesized in different conditions (as-cast, quenched from 900 °C, or quenched from 1100 °C) reveals that Mn(Fe,Ni)(Si,Al) samples decompose into a Mn5Si3-type phase at intermediate temperatures, preventing the synthesis of high-quality samples by conventional methods such as arc-melting followed by solid-state reaction. By identifying promising MnFe0.6Ni0.4Si1-xAlx compositions, this study paves the way toward the realization of a giant magnetocaloric effect in these compounds using alternative synthesis techniques.
Report from the Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Consensus Cancer Conference—Management of Total Neoadjuvant Therapy in Rectal Cancer
Authors: Lim Howard , Abraham Aswin George , Ahmed Shahid , Ahmed Shahida , Brown Carl J. , Brunet Bryan , Davies Janine , Doll Corinne , Dueck Dorie-Anna , Gordon Vallerie , Hagel Kimberly , Hebbard Pamela , Kim Christina A. , Le Duc , Lee-Ying Richard , McGhie John Paul , Mulder Karen , Park Jason , Renouf Daniel J. , Schellenberg Devin , Wong Ralph P. W. , Zaidi Adnan
Published: February 2022

An educational session related to the Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference (WCGCCC) was held virtually on 14 October 2020. The WCGCCC is an interactive multidisciplinary conference attended by health care professionals from across Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba), who are involved in the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists; pathologists, radiologists, and allied health care professionals participated in presentation and discussion sessions for the purpose of developing the recommendations presented here. This consensus statement addresses current issues in the management of total neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer.
Solenysa, a Cretaceous Relict Spider Group in East Asia
Authors: Tian Jiahui , Zhan Yongjia , Shi Chengmin , Ono Hirotsugu , Tu Lihong
Published: February 2022

A time scale of phylogenetic relationships contributes to a better understanding of the evolutionary history of organisms. Herein, we investigate the temporal divergence pattern that gave rise to the poor species diversity of the spider genus Solenysa in contrast with the other six major clades within linyphiids. We reconstructed a dated phylogeny of linyphiids based on multi-locus sequence data. We found that Solenysa diverged from other linyphiids early in the Cretaceous (79.29 mya), while its further diversification has been delayed until the middle Oligocene (28.62 mya). Its diversification trend is different from all of the other major lineages of linyphiids but is closely related with the Cenozoic ecosystem transition caused by global climate changes. Our results suggest that Solenysa is a Cretaceous relict group, which survived the mass extinction around the K-T boundary. Its low species diversity, extremely asymmetric with its sister group, is largely an evolutionary legacy of such a relict history, a long-time lag in its early evolutionary history that delayed its diversification. The limited distribution of Solenysa species might be related to their extreme dependence on highly humid environments.
The Enigmatic Avian Oogenus Psammornis: A Review of Stratigraphic Evidence
Authors: Buffetaut Eric
Published: February 2022

Psammornis rothschildi is an avian taxon established by Andrews in 1911 on the basis of eggshell fragments surface-collected near the city of Touggourt, in the north-eastern part of the Algerian Sahara. Since the initial discovery, a number of Psammornis specimens have been reported from various localities in North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania) and the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Iran). Most of the finds lack a stratigraphic context, which has resulted in considerable confusion about the geological age of Psammornis, with attributions ranging from the Eocene to the Holocene. A review of the available evidence shows that only two groups of localities provide reasonably reliable stratigraphic evidence: the Segui Formation of SW Tunisia, apparently of latest Miocene age, and the Aguerguerian (Middle Pleistocene) of NW Mauritania. This suggests a fairly long time range for Psammornis. Psammornis eggs are, in all likelihood, those of giant ostriches, although the lack of associated skeletal material makes it difficult to interpret the eggshell fragments in evolutionary terms. However, the oological record suggests that giant ostriches have been present in Africa since the late Miocene, which leads to the reconsideration of some hypotheses about the palaeobiogeographical history of the Struthionidae. The lack of Psammornis eggs transformed by humans suggests that this giant ostrich did not survive until Epipalaeolthic or Neolithic times.
Diagnostic Performance of High-Resolution Vessel Wall Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Digital Subtraction Angiography in Intracranial Vertebral Artery Dissection
Authors: Ryu Jiwook , Lee Kyung Mi , Kim Hyug-Gi , Choi Seok Keun , Kim Eui Jong
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Intracranial vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is being increasingly recognized as a leading cause of Wallenberg syndrome and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Conventional angiography is considered the standard diagnostic modality, but the diagnosis of VAD remains challenging. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for intracranial VAD. Materials and methods: Twenty-four patients with 27 VADs, who underwent both HR-VWI and DSA within 2 weeks, were consecutively enrolled in the study from March 2016 to September 2020. HR-VWI and DSA were performed to diagnose VAD and to categorize its angiographic features as either definite dissection or suspicious dissection. Features of HR-VWI were used to evaluate direct arterial wall imaging. The reference standard was set from the clinicoradiologic diagnosis. Two independent raters evaluated the angiographic features, dissection signs, and interrater agreement. Each subject was also dichotomized into two groups (suspicious or definite VAD) in each modality, and diagnosis from HR-VWI and DSA was compared with the final diagnosis by consensus. Results: HR-VWI had higher agreement (90.6% vs. 53.1%) with the final diagnosis and better interrater reliability (kappa value (κ) = 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.64–1.00) compared with DSA (κ = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.35–1.00). HR-VWI provided a more detailed identification of dissection signs (77.7% vs. 22.2%) and better reliability (κ = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.58–1.00 vs. κ = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.36–1.00), compared to DSA. HR-VWI was comparable to DSA for the depiction of angiographic features for VAD. Conclusions: HR-VWI may be useful to evaluate VAD, with better diagnostic confidence compared to DSA.
Swiss VET between National Framework and Cantonal Autonomy: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Bonoli Lorenzo , Vorpe Jackie
Published: February 2022

Despite the fact that the Swiss VET system has been regulated by federal laws since 1930, the 26 cantons that make up the Swiss Confederation enjoy a certain room for maneuver when implementing federal provisions at the regional level. This is reflected in sometimes significant differences between the cantons, particularly with regard to participation in dual VET. Based on a historical reconstruction of the institutionalization process of the Swiss VET system, our contribution first explains the institutional conditions under which cantonal differences are possible; secondly describes their evolution; and finally identifies the main factors which influence their appearance. In more detail, our contribution begins with a reconstruction of the development of VET in Switzerland and in three cantons (ZH, GE, TI) during the decisive period for the Swiss VET system from 1950 to 1970. This reconstruction is based firstly on a historical analysis of sources (laws, messages, statistical data, reports, brochures, press articles, etc.) published from 1880 to the present day, with particular attention to the period 1950–1970. This analysis allows us to reconstruct the process of institutionalization of the field, with emphasis on the constant tension between federal regulation and cantonal autonomy, as well as the statistical evolution of cantonal differences. In a second step, we subject the same set of sources to a discourse analysis allowing us to identify the main arguments accompanying the decision-making process in our three cantons. This latter analysis enables us to show the sometimes-subtle differences between cantonal policies and their respective conceptions of VET.
Mobile Broadband Performance Evaluation: Analysis of National Reports
Authors: Zelalem Jembre Yalew , Jung Woon-young , Attique Muhammad , Paul Rajib , Kim Beomjoon
Published: February 2022

Five decades have passed since the first bit was transmitted over the internet. Although the internet has improved our lives and led to the digital economy, currently only 51% of the world’s population have access to it. Currently, consumers mostly access the internet via mobile broadband, 2G, 3G, and 4G services. Regulatory bodies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the US are responsible for ensuring that consumers receive an adequate service from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). Usually, regulators evaluate the performance of each MNO in terms of service quality yearly and publish a report. To evaluate performance, metrics such as coverage, download/upload speed, and the number of subscribers can be used. However, the evaluation process and the metrics used by each regulatory body are inconsistent, and this makes it hard to determine which nations are providing adequate services to their citizens. Furthermore, it is not clear as to which performance evaluation is the right path. In this case study, we analyzed the reports released from eight nations (United States of America, United Kingdom, France, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Australia) as of the year 2020. We then point out the advantages and the drawbacks of the current evaluation process and metrics. Furthermore, a discussion on why the current methods are not sufficient to evaluate 5G services is presented. Our findings indicate that there is a great need for a unified metric and that this process becomes more complex with the rollout of 5G.
BAIV: An Efficient Blockchain-Based Anonymous Authentication and Integrity Preservation Scheme for Secure Communication in VANETs
Authors: Maria Azees , Rajasekaran Arun Sekar , Al-Turjman Fadi , Altrjman Chadi , Mostarda Leonardo
Published: February 2022

Recent development in intelligent transport systems (ITS) has led to the improvement of driving experience in vehicular ad-hoc network (VANET) systems. Providing a low computational cost with high serving capability, however, is a critical phenomenon in the current VANET system. In the existing scenario, when the authenticated vehicle user moves from one roadside unit (RSU) to another RSU region, re-authentication of the vehicle user is required by the current RSU, which increases the computational complexity. To overcome the above-mentioned challenge, a blockchain-based authentication protocol is developed in this work. In this suggested process, blockchain is integrated with VANET, which enables the authentication of the vehicle user without the involvement of a trusted authority. Moreover, the integrity of the message and privacy of vehicle users are preserved in the blockchain network. Even though many blockchain-based schemes have been proposed recently, the existing schemes were not focused on conditional anonymity. However, in our proposed scheme, conditional privacy is introduced to revoke the malicious vehicles in the case of disputes and to avoid further damage to the VANET system. As a result, the proposed scheme provides an efficient mechanism for anonymous authentication, privacy, and integrity preservation with conditional tracking. Finally, the defense against different security threats is explained in the security analysis section, and the performance investigation section shows the competence and efficacy of our method with similar related methods.
Solar Energy Compensation for Building Energy Saving with Thermal Comfort in a Cold Climate
Authors: Chen Xiangping , Cai Yongxiang , Xiao Xiaobing , Zheng Youzhuo , Yang Anqian
Published: February 2022

This paper proposes an energy-saving strategy with assistance from solar thermal compensation for building energy systems. The target of the control strategy was to minimize energy consumption under thermal comfort constraints in buildings. First, the factors influential to indoor temperature in building environments were analyzed. Secondly, the internal and external factors, such as building materials; building orientation; window size; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) facilities; blinding device; solar irradiation; wind speed; and outdoor temperature were used to construct a building model on the platform ENERGYPLUS (E+). A controller aiming to regulate the amount of solar irradiation was developed with the Building Controls Virtual Test Bed (BCVTB) tool. Afterward, the building performance under different strategies was tested by co-simulation using both the computational platforms, E+ and BCVTB. The optimum scheme achieved 30.6% energy savings while meeting the same comfort criterion of its competition strategy. The study verified that the proposed strategy of combined heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and blind control could realize the energy savings and comfort satisfaction at the same time. The proposed method provides a reference to the development of low-/zero-energy building concepts in the field.
A Comprehensive Virtual Synchronous Generator Control Strategy for Harmonic and Imbalance Voltage Suppression of Multi-Inverter Parallel Microgrid
Authors: Dong Yannan , Ma Shaohua , Han Zijiao , Dong Henan , Li Xiangjun
Published: February 2022

To reduce the impact of the imbalance of mixed non-linear loads on an inverter voltage output in the microgrid, we improve the disadvantage of the lack of damping and inertia for traditional droop control. This paper proposes a comprehensive virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control strategy for harmonic suppression and imbalance suppression of a multi-inverter parallel microgrid. On one hand, an improved VSG control strategy is proposed to increase the damping and inertia of distributed generations (DGs) in the microgrid, and secondary control is introduced to improve system stability. On the other hand, the frequency division suppression control strategy is used to eliminate the influence of harmonics, and the negative sequence component is compensated to eliminate the influence of imbalance. Then small-signal analysis is used for analysis of the stability of the strategy. Finally, we verify the comprehensive control strategy proposed in this paper through experiments. The experimental results suggest a significant improvement on the voltage, frequency, power optimization, handling of non-linear load and capacity distribution precision, as well as providing inertia support for the system.
An Optimal Procedure for the Design of Discrete Constrained Lens Antennas with Minimized Optical Aberrations. Part I: Two-Dimensional Architectures
Authors: Toso Giovanni , Angeletti Piero
Published: February 2022

Despite to the significant literature available on the design and applications of two-dimensional constrained lens antennas, and in particular on the Rotman–Turner lens, a rigorous study focused on the minimization of optical aberrations does not seem to be available. A general procedure for the design of two-dimensional bootlace lens antennas with a flat front profile is proposed in this paper. For the 3-foci lens, the best performance is achievable when, in addition to the three nominal focal points, two additional symmetric quasi foci are present. For the 4-foci lens the best performance is obtained when the presence of one additional quasi focus on the lens axis is guaranteed. Both the 3- and 4-foci lenses, when optimized, converge to the same configuration which exhibits aberrations following a Chebyshev-like behavior and guarantees quasi 5 foci. The optimized lens architecture is such that, for every scanning angle, the aberrations in the two extreme points are the most significant and exhibit opposite values. Any variation from this optimal condition implies increased aberrations. Although a 5-foci lens with flat front profile cannot be derived, one quasi-5-foci lens is derived asymptotically starting from two completely different lens architectures. A maximization of the number of foci combined with a rigorous derivation of the focal curve turned to be the key driver to identify an optimal two-dimensional bootlace lens. The quasi 5-foci lens presented can be considered the optimum Rotman–Turner lens in terms of optical aberrations allowing to reduce the optical aberrations by about one order of magnitude as compared to the best results available in the literature.
Virtual Reality Tool for Exploration of Three-Dimensional Cellular Automata
Authors: Arevalo Camilo , Kariyado Yuta , Villegas Julián
Published: February 2022

We present a Virtual Reality (VR) tool for exploration of three-dimensional cellular automata. In addition to the traditional visual representation offered by other implementations, this tool allows users to aurally render the active (alive) cells of an automaton in sequence along one axis or simultaneously create melodic and harmonic textures, while preserving in all cases the relative locations of these cells to the user. The audio spatialization method created for this research can render the maximum number of audio sources specified by the underlying software (255) without audio dropouts. The accuracy of the achieved spatialization is unrivaled since it is based on actual distance measurements as opposed to coarse distance approximations used by other spatialization methods. A subjective evaluation (effectively, self-reported measurements) of our system (n=30) indicated no significant differences in user experience or intrinsic motivation between VR and traditional desktop versions (PC). However, participants in the PC group explored more of the universe than the VR group. This difference is likely to be caused by the familiarity of our cohort with PC-based games.
Design of a Broadband MMIC Driver Amplifier with Enhanced Feedback and Temperature Compensation Technique
Authors: Zhang Shengli , Wan Jing , Zhao Jinxiang , Yang Zhe , Yan Yuepeng , Liang Xiaoxin
Published: February 2022

This paper presents a broadband GaN pseudo high-electron-mobility transistor (pHEMT) two-stage driver amplifier based on an enhanced feedback technique for a wideband system. Through well-designed parameter values of the feedback and the matching structure of the circuit, a relatively flat frequency response was obtained over a wide frequency band. Simultaneously, in order to reduce the fluctuation of current caused by the environmental temperature, a bias circuit with quiescent current temperature compensation was designed. The driver power amplifier, which was implemented in the form of a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC), was designed to drive a broadband high-power amplifier. The designed broadband driver amplifier for the 6 GHz to 20 GHz frequency band had a very small die size of 1.5 × 1.2 mm2 due to the use of an optimized impedance matching structure. It exhibited a small-signal gain of 12.5 dB and output power of 26 dBm. The flatness of this driver amplifier for gain and output power was achieved as ±2.5 dB and ±1 dB over the entire frequency band, respectively. The experimental results showed up to 35 dBm in the OIP3, and the current variation range was ±5 mA after using the temperature compensation bias circuit.
Hosting Capacity Calculation Deploying a Hybrid Methodology: A Case Study Concerning the Intermittent Nature of Photovoltaic Distributed Generation and the Variable Nature of Energy Consumption in a Medium Voltage Distribution Network
Authors: Lima Ezequiel Junio , Freitas Luiz Carlos Gomes
Published: February 2022

The main methods employed for Hosting Capacity (HC) calculations are basically classified into deterministic, stochastic and time series. In this scenario, the authors herein propose a hybrid methodology, which shows efficiency and ease of implementation. Besides the method presented, it is also calculated a hosting capacity of a real feeder which was modeled and analyzed taking into consideration variations in load and power injected by distributed generation sources. The proposed hybrid method deploys just one time series with the feeder power demand data, which are easily obtained from the feeder’s origin substation. Low voltage loads were modeled by the ratio between their maximum demands and the feeder maximum demand, making easier to start up the grid model implementation. Hence, the advantages of the proposed methodology can be summarized in: (a) easy to obtain the input parameters; (b) agility in implementing the study; (c) higher processing speed and (d) results consistent with the time series method. Finally, in view of the advantages and obtained results, the proposed hybrid methodology shows itself as a promising and attractive tool for the studies of hosting capacity by the utilities.
A Model of DC-DC Converter with Switched-Capacitor Structure for Electric Vehicle Applications
Authors: Pellitteri Filippo , Di Dio Vincenzo , Puccio Christian , Miceli Rosario
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a DC-DC converter with an innovative topology for automotive applications is proposed. The goal of the presented power converter is the electrical storage system management of an electric vehicle (EV). The presented converter is specifically compliant with a 400 V battery, which represents the high-voltage primary source of the system. This topology is also able to act as a bidirectional power converter, so that in this case, the output section is an active stage, which is able to provide power as, for example, in the case of a low-voltage battery or a supercapacitor. The proposed topology can behave either in step-down or in step-up mode, presenting in both cases a high gain between the input and output voltage. Simulation results concerning the proposed converter, demonstrating the early feasibility of the system, were obtained in a PowerSIM environment and are described in this paper.
Power Load Forecasting Considering Climate Factors Based on IPSO-Elman Method in China
Authors: Liu Jicheng , Yin Yu
Published: February 2022

In order to implement the national need for the optimal allocation of power resources, power load forecasting, as an important research topic, has important theoretical and practical significance. The purpose of this study is to construct a prediction model considering climate factors based on a large amount of historical data, and to prove that the prediction accuracy is related to both climate factors and load regularity. The results of load forecasting are affected by many climate factors, so firstly the climate variables affecting load forecasting are screened. Secondly, a load prediction model based on the IPSO-Elman network learning algorithm is constructed by taking the difference between the predicted value of the neural network and the actual value as the fitness function of particle swarm optimization. In view of the great influence of weights and thresholds on the prediction accuracy of the Elman neural network, the particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) is used to optimize parameters in order to improve the prediction accuracy of ELMAN neural network. Thirdly, prediction with and without climate factors is compared and analyzed, and the prediction accuracy of the model compared by using cosine distance and various error indicators. Finally, the stability discriminant index of historical load regularity is introduced to prove that the accuracy of the prediction model is related to the regularity of historical load in the forecast area. The prediction method proposed in this paper can provide reference for power system scheduling.
Energy Recovery from Waste—Closing the Municipal Loop
Authors: den Boer Emilia , Banaszkiewicz Kamil , den Boer Jan , Pasiecznik Iwona
Published: February 2022

Municipal waste management in the EU has been challenged to a thorough transformation towards a Circular Economy. It is addressed by a number of quantitative policy targets, including a restriction on municipal waste landfilling to 10% in 2035. This paper presents the data on municipal waste composition in a large Polish city, based on thorough waste sorting analyses. On average, 374 kg of municipal waste is collected per capita in Wroclaw, of which 41% are separately collected fractions. The approach to implement the EU recycling targets until 2035 is presented, including an increase of sorting and recycling efficiency and a significant share of recyclables being retrieved from the residual waste fraction. Notwithstanding the recycling targets, an important stream of residual waste remains, amounting to 200 k ton in 2020 and approx. 130 k ton in 2035, which is available for energy recovery. The respective LHV values range from 8.5 to 7.6 MJ/kg. The results indicate that the residual waste stream, after satisfying the recycling targets, is still suitable for energy recovery through the whole period until 2035. Moreover, it is a necessary step towards closing the materials cycling in the municipal sector and the only option so far to reduce landfilling sufficiently.
Effect of Ground Electrodes on the Susceptibility to Damage of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) under Impulse Conditions
Authors: Muhammad Usman , Mohamad Nor Normiza , Ramli Annuar Mohd , Ahmad Nurul Nadia
Published: February 2022

One of the requirements for the safe operation of customer premises equipment (CPE) is an adequate grounding system as a means to divert high fault currents to the ground. In this work we report on the results of an experimental study of the impulse characteristics at a charging voltage of 30 kV on the surge protective device connected to 16 earth electrodes and installed at two sites, giving various ground resistance at low voltages, RDC values. All of these grounding electrodes were installed and tested under the same charging voltage to determine the effectiveness of ground electrodes toward the damage of a modem at the premises. We observed that modems did not experience damage when the ground electrode of the distribution pole (DP) had an RDC below 30 Ω in general and below 46 Ω when ground electrodes installed in low resistivity soil were used. The impulse polarity did not affect the damage susceptibility of the CPE.
Ecological Restoration of a Loess Open-Cast Mining Area in China: Perspective from an Ecological Security Pattern
Authors: Yang Kai , Wang Shufei , Cao Yingui , Li Shengpeng , Zhou Wenxiang , Liu Shihan , Bai Zhongke
Published: February 2022

Open-cast coal mining in China has developed rapidly due to its obvious advantages over underground mining. However, it may have negative ecological effects, such as biodiversity loss, water shortage, and soil erosion. Identifying and protecting the key areas with high importance for ecological sustainability are great challenges. The construction of an ecological security pattern (ESP) can improve landscape connectivity and reduce the fragmentation of ecological patches. Thus, it can be seen as an effective measure to protect regional ecological sustainability. In this study, taking the Pingshuo open-cast mining area as a case study area, ecological sources are identified through ecosystem structure and function, and corridors are extracted by constructing an ecological resistance surface, thus forming a valid ecological network. The results show that in 2018, the ESP in the study area included 11 sources with an area of 147.74 km2 and 17 corridors with a length of 92.11 km. Specifically, the ecological sources are mainly distributed in Taocun Township, Jingping Township, and Xiangyangbao Township. Among these 11 sources, sources 7 and 8 are reclaimed waste dump land, meaning that the land reclamation work in Pingshuo greatly promotes connectivity. Furthermore, dump 1 can be restored in the future by constructing three new corridors, which will greatly improve the landscape connectivity of Yuling Township. Overall, this study not only provides an effective framework for constructing and optimizing ESPs in ecologically fragile coal mining areas, but it also adds new insights to the concept of land reclamation in these areas.
Application of Electrospun Nonwoven Fibers in Air Filters
Authors: Borojeni Iman Azarian , Gajewski Grzegorz , Riahi Reza A.
Published: February 2022

Air filtration has seen a sizable increase in the global market this past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nanofiber nonwoven mats are able to reach certain efficiencies with a low-pressure drop, have a very high surface area to volume ratio, filter out submicron particulates, and can customize the fiber material to better suit its purpose. Although electrospinning nonwoven mats have been very well studied and documented there are not many papers that combine them. This review touches on the various ways to manufacture nonwoven mats for use as an air filter, with an emphasis on electrospinning, the mechanisms by which the fibrous nonwoven air filter stops particles passing through, and ways that the nonwoven mats can be altered by morphology, structure, and material parameters. Metallic, ceramic, and organic nanoparticle coatings, as well as electrospinning solutions with these same materials and their properties and effects of air filtration, are explored.
Time Trends of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a 2008–2021 German National Survey of Hemp Food Products
Authors: Dräger Hannah , Barthlott Ines , Golombek Patricia , Walch Stephan G. , Lachenmeier Dirk W.
Published: February 2022

∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is known as the main psychotropic compound present in the hemp plant. It also occurs in commercially available hemp food products and may have adverse effects on consumers. This article provides an overview of the current situation of the THC content in hemp food products in Germany in recent years. The content of THC was evaluated in a data set of 5 different hemp food product groups (tea, seeds, seed oils, food supplements, and nonalcoholic beverages) comprising 511 samples. For the toxicological assessment, the THC intake was estimated and the exhaustion of acute reference dose (ARfD) and lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) was calculated using average daily consumption scenarios. Data show that hemp beverages and seeds typically do not contain amounts of THC that can exceed toxicological thresholds. On the contrary, hemp food supplements, such as cannabidiol (CBD) products, can contain high levels of THC, since the THC content of 18% of the samples has the potential to exceed the LOAEL and 8% even exceed the minimum intoxication dose. However, a significant linear decrease in the THC content of hemp food supplements was observed between 2018 and 2021 (n = 111, R = −0.36, p < 0.0001). A problematic food group is also tea based on flowers, leading to an increase in overall THC levels in recent years. Regulation of low-THC products within the framework of controlled distribution of cannabis for recreational use appears to be advisable.
Dual-Enzyme-Based Signal-Amplified Aptasensor for Zearalenone Detection by Using CRISPR-Cas12a and Nt.AlwI
Authors: Yao Xijing , Yang Qingli , Wang Yifei , Bi Chuanlin , Du Han , Wu Wei
Published: February 2022

Zearalenone (ZEN) is harmful to animals and human beings, so it is very important to develop a rapid and sensitive method for the detection of ZEN. In this paper, we proposed a novel ZEN-monitoring method using two aptamers as recognition elements and EnGen LbaCas12a and Nt.AlwI nicking endonuclease as signal amplifiers. When ZEN was present, it bound to the aptamer Z0 and, Z1 was released into solution. The solution was then separated and the Nt.AlwI enzyme was added in order to form a nicking-enzyme cycle, thereby producing large amounts of the ssDNA Z3 for 30 min. The Z3 formed a CRISPR-Cas12a-Z3 complex with CRISPR-Cas12a, activated the trans-cleavage ability of Cas12a, cleaved the Quenched Reporter for 20 min, and underwent fluorescence recovery. The aptasensor was able to sensitively detect ZEN in the linear range of 1–1000 pg/mL, with a detection limit as low as 0.213 pg/mL. The detection time lasted for 2 h. Additionally, this detection technology can also be used to monitor other hazards.
Osmotic Dehydration, Drying Kinetics, and Quality Attributes of Osmotic Hot Air-Dried Mango as Affected by Initial Frozen Storage
Authors: Khuwijitjaru Pramote , Somkane Supawadee , Nakagawa Kyuya , Mahayothee Busarakorn
Published: February 2022

Using frozen mango for osmotic hot air drying is still uncommon due to a lack of knowledge on the effect of the freezing process on the final product’s quality attributes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the freezing method (slow and quick freezing) and frozen storage time at −18 °C (0, 1, and 2 months) on mass transfer kinetics during osmotic dehydration, drying kinetics during hot air drying, and final quality attributes of the dried mango. The results indicated that Peleg’s model could describe the water loss and solid gain during the osmotic dehydration in a 38° Brix sugar solution. Freezing before osmotic dehydration reduced the water loss rate while increasing the solid uptake content. Frozen mangoes showed slightly higher drying rates at 50 and 60 °C than the fresh ones. Freezing and frozen storage also retarded the browning reaction and polyphenol oxidase activities. The osmotic-dried mango obtained from frozen mangoes showed a chewy and gummy texture, which could be considered a distinctive texture characteristic for dried mango.
Self-Healable and Super-Tough Double-Network Hydrogel Fibers from Dynamic Acylhydrazone Bonding and Supramolecular Interactions
Authors: Hua Jiachuan , Liu Chang , Fei Bin , Liu Zunfeng
Published: February 2022

Macroscopic hydrogel fibers are highly desirable for smart textiles, but the fabrication of self-healable and super-tough covalent/physical double-network hydrogels is rarely reported. Herein, copolymers containing ketone groups were synthesized and prepared into a dynamic covalent hydrogel via acylhydrazone chemistry. Double-network hydrogels were constructed via the dynamic covalent crosslinking of copolymers and the supramolecular interactions of iota-carrageenan. Tensile tests on double-network and parental hydrogels revealed the successful construction of strong and tough hydrogels. The double-network hydrogel precursor was wet spun to obtain macroscopic fibers with controlled drawing ratios. The resultant fibers reached a high strength of 1.35 MPa or a large toughness of 1.22 MJ/m3. Highly efficient self-healing performances were observed in hydrogel fibers and their bulk specimens. Through the simultaneous healing of covalent and supramolecular networks under acidic and heated conditions, fibers achieved rapid and near-complete healing with 96% efficiency. Such self-healable and super-tough hydrogel fibers were applied as shape memory fibers for repetitive actuating in response to water, indicating their potential in intelligent fabrics.
GUCY2D-Related Retinal Dystrophy with Autosomal Dominant Inheritance—A Multicenter Case Series and Review of Reported Data
Authors: Neubauer Jonas , Hahn Leo , Birtel Johannes , Boon Camiel J. F. , Charbel Issa Peter , Fischer M. Dominik
Published: February 2022

To report the clinical phenotype and associated genotype of a European patient cohort with GUCY2D-related autosomal-dominant (AD) cone–/cone–rod dystrophy (COD/CORD), we retrospectively analyzed 25 patients (17 female, range 12–68) with GUCY2D-related AD-COD/CORD from three major academic centers in Europe and reviewed the previously published data of 148 patients (visual acuity (VA), foveal thickness, age of first symptoms, and genetic variant). Considering all the patients, the onset of first symptoms was reported at a median age of 7 years (interquartile range 5–19 years, n = 78), and mainly consisted of reduced VA, photophobia and color vision abnormality. The disease showed a high degree of inter-eye symmetry in terms of VA (n = 165, Spearman’s ρ = 0.85, p < 0.0001) and foveal thickness (Spearman’s ρ = 0.96, n = 38, p < 0.0001). Disease progression was assessed by plotting VA as a function of age (n = 170). A linear best-fit analysis suggested a loss of 0.17 logMAR per decade (p < 0.0001). We analyzed the largest cohort described so far (n = 173), and found that the most common mutations were p.(Arg838Cys) and p.(Arg838His). Furthermore, the majority of patients suffered severe vision loss in adulthood, highlighting a window of opportunity for potential intervention. The emerging patterns revealed by this study may aid in designing prospective natural history studies to further define endpoints for future interventional trials.
Characteristics of Sub-Aerially Emplaced Pyroclasts in the Surtsey Eruption Deposits: Implications for Diverse Surtseyan Eruptive Styles
Authors: Verolino Andrea , White James D. L. , Baxter Rachael J. M. , Schipper C. Ian , Thordarson Thor
Published: February 2022

The 1963–1967 shallow-to-emergent eruption in Iceland’s Vestmannaeyjar earned a place in the history of volcanology by creating the island of Surtsey while under close observation of volcanologist Sigurdur Thorarinsson (Sigurður Þórarinsson in Icelandic). This is an example of what is now called Surtseyan volcanism, and it included explosive and effusive phases from multiple vents that formed the island of Surtsey itself, as well as one fully subaqueous pyroclastic edifice and two additional, but ephemeral, islands. Sigurdur Thorarinsson identified tephra jetting and continuous uprush as characteristic types of subaerial explosive activity of Surtseyan volcanism. Subaerial cone-forming deposits of Surtseyan volcanism are typically poorly sorted, with fine-grained beds rich in sideromelane ash fragments, punctuated by larger, ubiquitously composite bombs, whereas deposits sampled by coring deep into the submarine edifice include fines-poor horizons dominated by vesicular coarse sideromelane ash. Here, we present new textural data and highlight the diversity of pyroclasts and microtextures from Surtsey (Surtur I and Surtur II) and its satellite vents (Surtla, Syrtlingur and Jolnir), in the context of Surtseyan volcanism. We used several sample sets. Some were collected during the 3.5-year long eruption and were conserved in the Icelandic Natural History Museum, including one sample from the core drilled into Surtsey in 1979. Other samples were collected during more recent field campaigns on Surtsey Island. In closing, we discuss the implications of this diversity for the range of activity and products produced by Surtsey.