Generation Imbalance Research Articles

Vision-Boosting Nutrition: Exploring the Benefits of Nutritional Supplements for Eye Health

Oxidative stress, defined by an imbalance in free radical generation and antioxidant defense, serves as a pivotal risk factor for multiple ocular pathologies, including glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

EPB41L4A-AS1 is required to maintain basal autophagy to modulates Aβ clearance

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques. Aβ is generated from the cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein by β and γ-secretases and cleared by neuroglial cells mediated autophagy. The imbalance of the intracellular Aβ generation and clearance is the causative factor for AD pathogenesis. However, the exact underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Our previous study reported that EPB41L4A-AS1 is an aging-related long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that is repressed in patients with AD. In this study, we found that downregulated EPB41L4A-AS1 in AD inhibited neuroglial cells mediated-Aβ clearance by decreasing the expression levels of multiple autophagy-related genes. We found that EPB41L4A-AS1 regulates the expression of general control of amino acid synthesis 5-like 2, an important histone acetyltransferase, thus affecting histone acetylation, crotonylation, and lactylation near the transcription start site of autophagy-related genes, ultimately influencing their transcription. Collectively, this study reveals EPB41L4A-AS1 as an AD-related lncRNA via mediating Aβ clearance and provides insights into the epigenetic regulatory mechanism of EPB41L4A-AS1 in gene expression and AD pathogenesis.

Diosgenin alleviates D-galactose-induced oxidative stress in rats' brain and liver targeting aging and apoptotic marker genes.

The theory of aging is primarily concerned with oxidative stress caused by an imbalance in reactive oxygen species generation and cellular antioxidants. To alleviate the oxidative stress, we investigated the protective effect of diosgenin (DSG) for D-galactose (D-gal) using 20 and 40mg of DSG/kg/day/orally for 42 days. The findings showed that D-gal caused brain and liver oxidative injuries by upregulating aging and oxidative markers. To counteract the oxidative stress caused by D-gal, DSG upregulated glutathione peroxidase-1, superoxide dismutase-1, and glutathione S-transferase-α. DSG also diminished the expression of p53, p21, Bcl-2-associated X protein, caspase-3, and mammalian target of rapamycin in brain and liver, as well as the build-up of β-galactosidase. DSG, in a dose-dependent manner, decreased the oxidative aging effects of D-gal in brain and liver tissues through targeting of aging and apoptotic marker genes. Finally, it should be noted that consuming DSG supplements is a suggesting natural preventative agent that may counteract aging and preserve health through improvement of body antioxidant status and control aging associated inflammation and cellular apoptosis.

Addressing the Timing Imbalance between Renewable Energy Generation and Use: Reversible Solid Oxide Cells Based on Rare-Earth Nickelate Oxygen Electrodes

Incorporating more renewable energy into our economy will require us to address the timing imbalance between renewable energy generation and its use. Reversible solid oxide cells which have the ability to be dynamically load cycled between electrolysis mode when renewable energy availability is plentiful, and fuel cell mode when stored energy needs to be used, offer a potential solution. In this work, we have fabricated solid oxide cells featuring a neodymium nickelate based oxygen electrode, nickel – yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) fuel electrodes, and YSZ solid electrolyte. The cells have been electrochemically characterized in electrolysis and fuel cells mode, as well as in dynamic load cycling mode for a period of five hundred hours. The cells were characterized by both DC polarization and AC impedance spectroscopy methods. Distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis of the impedance data reveal significant details about the mechanisms underlying degradation in electrolysis and dynamic cycling modes, and are strongly linked to microstructural changes in the fuel electrode. Further, the dynamic cycling experiments clearly reveal that operating the cells in the dynamic cycling mode mitigates against degradation that occurs when the cells are operated in electrolysis mode. These results strongly suggest that storage systems featuring stacks of such reversible solid oxide cells may offer a path forward to solving the timing imbalance of renewable energy generation and use.

Recruitment to social care roles in remote and rural contexts; strengthening the weakest link in integrated care?

PurposeRecruitment to social care roles can be the weakest link in many integrated systems, with vacancy rates being very high compared to other sectors, especially in remote and rural places. Analysis of Employer Value Propositions (EVPs) in social care can capture and challenge perceptions of care work.Design/methodology/approachThis study of EVP in four organisations in a rural setting in Scotland focussed on young people as a target demographic. This study interprets recruitment challenges in social care in three contexts, the technical-instrumental, the hermeneutic and the emancipatory.FindingsEVP articulation is at present not effective. Refreshed and new messaging has potential to attract, employ and nurture young people to the social care sector in remote and rural places.Research limitations/implicationsRecruiting to social care vacancies is crucial for sustainable social care. Improving the recruitment of young people is a key part of the longer-term solution. More studies on recruitment in a variety of remote and rural contexts, with a range of demographics, are needed.Practical implicationsThe potential impact is attracting more young people to the social care workforce, enhancing capacity for integrated care improving lives for people who receive care and for paid care workers and unpaid carers.Social implicationsRemote and rural areas often feature a generational imbalance, with more older people from in-migration and fewer young people from out-migration. Employment in social care has the capacity to redress that to some extent.Originality/valueThis study is original in outlining the messages and methods that can be adopted to boost recruitment to social care.

Design of Grid-Connected rooftop Photovoltaic system for leakage current reduction using optimization algorithms

Rooftop solar power systems refer to the organization of photovoltaic (PV) panels on the rooftop of a building. They are a feasible substitute for land-based solar arrays, and they are being used in different Asian countries. Thus regulations, grid connectivity, off-take, and land acquisition are the main obstacles that renewable energy plant owners face. At high penetration of rooftop PV, this voltage variability reduces the stability of the grid due to transient imbalance in load and generation and causes voltage and frequency to exceed set limits if not countered by power controls. To reduce this power loss in the transmission cable, a Manta Ray Foraging Optimization (MRFO) process is presented in this research. This method also enhances the PV system's performance. A Non-isolated Buck-Boost Converter is connected between the PV and the grid. For renewable energy applications, a new non-isolated Buck-Boost converter with high voltage gain and positive output voltage has been developed. This converter receives the voltage of input from the PV and gives the output as boosting or lowering the voltage. To improve the current tracking with high power conversion efficiency, a Finite Control Set Model Predictive Controller (FCS-MPC) is introduced for this converter. The proposed optimization algorithm is utilized to tune the controller and improves the dynamic process of the power plant system connected to the grid. This algorithm is simulated using the Matlab Simulink software. The voltage and power generated by the proposed rooftop PV are 560 V and 495.25 kW/sec. The voltage and electricity produced by the ground-mounted are very low compared to the proposed method, therefore, utilizing this rooftop solar PV model, that study generates more power than the ground-mounted PV. This study contributes to the field by improving the energy production of roof-top solar PV systems based on roof design.

Liver fibrosis in fish research: From an immunological perspective.

Liver fibrosis is a pathological process whereby the liver is subjected to various acute and chronic injuries, resulting in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), an imbalance of extracellular matrix generation and degradation, and deposition in the liver. This review article summarizes the current understanding of liver fibrosis in fish research. Liver fibrosis is a common pathological condition that occurs in fish raised in aquaculture. It is often associated with poor water quality, stressful conditions, and the presence of pathogens. The review describes the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis in fish, including the roles of various cells and molecules involved in the development and progression of the disease. The review also covers the various methods used to diagnose and assess the severity of liver fibrosis in fish, including histological analysis, biochemical markers, and imaging techniques. In addition, the article discusses the current treatment options for liver fibrosis in fish, including dietary interventions, pharmaceuticals, and probiotics. This review highlights the need for more in-depth research in this area to better understand the mechanisms by which liver fibrosis in fish occurs and to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. Finally, improved management practices and the development of new treatments will be critical to the sustainability of aquaculture and the health of farmed fish.

Controlled Islanding Resilience With High Penetration of Renewable Energy Resources

Controlled islanding is a last-resort recovery scheme for preventing cascading failures. Although effective, high levels of uncertainty from renewable energy resources challenge the promise of controlled islanding to prevent additional failures. Such uncertainties can lead to subsequent failures in individual islands, render the overall recovery approach ineffective, and reduce the grid resilience. This paper develops a stochastic cascading failure model to assess the resilience of islands against cascading failures under high penetration of renewables. The stochastic model incorporates physical system constraints and system data to predict the failures. Hence, the most probable cascades in islands with high uncertainties are efficiently identified, which enables evaluating the islands' resilience to cascades. The developed model significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of the resilience study in the presence of uncertainties. Case studies indicate that the increased penetration of intermittent renewables can improve or degrade the system resilience depending on the level of renewable generation. The case studies also reveal that an islanding strategy to minimize the imbalance of load and generation can lead to less resilient islands. These findings substantially enhance the understanding of controlled islanding under high generation uncertainties and improve resilience-oriented grid planning.

Simulating the GB power system frequency during underfrequency events 2018–19

AbstractLightning hit a transmission power line outside London, England on 9 August 2019. There followed a loss of power from a cascade of generator outages that exceeded contingency reserves, leading to an exceptional fall in grid frequency causing widespread transport disruptions and the disconnection of over 1 m households. Simulating such events typically involves a system of differential equations representing the overall generation and load present at the time. A standard model based on the swing equation assumes unlimited capacity in aggregated resources, and the availability of these services throughout the duration of the frequency deviation. In simulating the effect of outages on the GB Grid frequency on 2019/8/9, the effect of limiting these services to the capacity of resources engaged during the event is examined. It is shown that by taking these refinements into account the timing and extent of the frequency nadir can be successfully estimated. Insight is gained into the responses of various grid characteristics and how they interact with unplanned generation imbalances. Using this adapted model, further events on the GB grid are examined to validate the influence of these features. With the model’s effectiveness validated, novel mitigating measures to preserve the stability of a low-inertia grid can be evaluated.

Dynamic material flow analysis of Chinese ethylene production processes and optimal pathway exploration with potential environmental-economic impacts

China is expected to become the largest ethylene producer globally; environmental problems related with traditional ethylene production process of Chinese petrochemical industry will be further stern. This study aims to propose a feasible and optimal ethylene production expansion pathway to improve the trade-off between the environment and economy. A novel approach was adopted with material-energy-value flow analysis integration by combining dynamic scenario analysis. According to the results of scenario analysis, cleaner and lightweight production processes optimization achieved by adopting the alternative ethylene production process mix alleviated environmental pressure and achieved a weak decoupling of the low-carbon economy. A 26.1% increase in carbon productivity was achieved compared with the baseline scenario, whereas the coal to ethylene route should be phased-out, as more than 90% of the pollutants are generated by 10%–17% of the coal to ethylene facilities. However, CO2 emissions from ethylene will inevitably increase along with doubling ethylene production. An imbalance in pollutant generation also emerges if large-scale naphtha is exclusively promoted for ethylene plant implementation. The study provides methodological support for investigating feasible roadmaps for key product capacity expansion, and has practical meaning for high-quality industrial development domestically and globally.

Comparative study on antioxidant activity of Gold 1, a new strain of Pyropia yezoensis

The global output of Pyropia yezoensis (dried seaweed or laver, also called ‘Gim’ in Korea) has been reduced over the half-decade due to the wide spread of red rot disease, a serious algal disease affecting P. yezoensis. Recently, Gold 1 (G1), which is a resistant strain of P. yezoensis to red rot disease, was developed and commercialized in South Korea, yet its physiological activity has not been investigated. In this study, a comparative study was performed on G1 and commercially available strain of P. yezoensis (CP) for their antioxidative activities. Aqueous extract of G1 showed more marked 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity compared to that of CP. In 293T cells, antioxidant activity against H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was only observed in G1 extract. In addition, G1 extract showed more potent inhibitory effect on H2O2-induced apoptotic cell death than CP extract, as examined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and fluorescence microscopy. Expression levels of various apoptosis-related genes, including B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein, p53, capase-3, and inflammatory cytokines, in H2O2-treated cells were significantly decreased by the treatment of G1. Taken together, the present study suggests that a new strain of red seaweed G1 can recover oxidative stress effectively by improving the imbalance of ROS generation and has a potential to be used a functional ingredient as an antioxidant source.

Need for Collaboration Between Teachers and Academic Research: Implications for Pedagogy, Knowledge Production and Quality Assurance in Nigerian Schools’ Social Studies Curriculum

This paper discusses issues of power, privilege, voice and status in educational research and the need for collaborative research between world of Teachers and Academics. Most of the involvement of academics in the teachers’ research movement has been to produce an academic inter programme. Despite the so called revolution in teachers’ research around the world today, where there is a lot of talk about teachers as producers of knowledge, there is still the perception that Academic research is the superior to that of Teachers. Teachers still research in Nigerian schools as an activity conducted by those outside the Nigerian secondary schools classroom for the benefit of the Teachers and Pupils at the primary and Secondary schools in Nigeria. While Teachers feel that academic research is irrelevant to their lives and the pupils, many academics in higher schools in Nigeria dismiss teachers research as trivial, theoretical and inconsequential and hence incapable of addressing the numerous problems facing the education industry in Nigeria. The point here is that both teachers and academics till today in Nigeria still see their enquiries as essentially irrelevant to one another. The political economy of knowledge production and utilization which has accorded a high status and rewards to certain forms of knowledge Production used by teachers sometimes deny the legitimacy of their own knowledge that they have generated through their school based inquiries. Research to most Academics use a specialized language that is outside purview of teachers. Teachers on the other hand feel that academic researchers are largely insensitive to the complex circumstances with which they are faced in their works and frequently feel oppressed and exploited by higher school researchers. The paper therefore discuss the need to correct the present imbalance in knowledge generation and the need to bridge the gap between teacher research and academic research in Social studies using four hypotheses and four questions. Recommendations were made.

LncRNA SERPINB9P1 Regulates SIRT6 Mediated Osteogenic Differentiation of BMSCs via miR-545-3p.

Evidence has shown that the altered osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) under pathological conditions, such as osteoporosis, lead to the imbalance of bone tissue generation and destruction. Recent studies have indicated that long noncoding RNAs may play a role in regulating BMSCs osteogenic differentiation. This contributed to our impetus to move forward with the investigation of the function of lncRNA SERPINB9P1 in osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and the potential mechanisms involved. Osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs was induced by osteogenic medium. Relative expression of lncRNA SERPINB9P1 and miR-545-3p were tested by qRT-PCR. Osteogenic mineralization was examined by Alizarin S Red staining, ALP staining, and ALP activity assay. Expression of osteoblastic markers were detected by Western blot. RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to test the interaction between lncRNA SERPINB9P1 and miR-545-3p. BMSCs osteogenic differentiation resulted in LncRNA SERPINB9P1 overexpression while miR-545-3p inhibition. Functional assays suggest that knockdown of lncRNA SERPINB9P1 or overexpression of miR-545-3p both inhibit BMSC osteogenic differentiation. lncRNA SERPINB9P1 was proven to regulate the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by altering SIRT6 expression through its suppressive effects on miR-545-3p. lncRNA SERPINB9P1 promotes osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs through the miR-545-3p/SIRT6 pathway.

Cancer research across Africa: a comparative bibliometric analysis

IntroductionResearch is a critical pillar in national cancer control planning. However, there is a dearth of evidence for countries to implement affordable strategies. The WHO and various Commissions have recommended...

The Interplay between Finasteride-Induced Androgen Imbalance, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, Oxidative Stress, and Liver Disorders in Paternal and Filial Generation.

Finasteride (Fin) causes androgen imbalance by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone (T) to its more active metabolite, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Androgen receptors (AR) are present (e.g., in hepatocytes), which have well-developed endoplasmic reticulum (ERet). Cellular protein quality control is carried out by ERet in two paths: (i) unfolded protein response (UPR) and/or (ii) endoplasmic reticulum associated degradation (ERAD). ERet under continuous stress can generate changes in the UPR and can direct the cell on the pathway of life or death. It has been demonstrated that genes involved in ERet stress are among the genes controlled by androgens in some tissues. Oxidative stress is also one of the factors affecting the functions of ERet and androgens are one of the regulators of antioxidant enzyme activity. In this paper, we discuss/analyze a possible relationship between androgen imbalance in paternal generation with ERet stress and liver disorders in both paternal and filial generation. In our rat model, hyperglycemia and subsequent higher accumulation of hepatic glycogen were observed in all filial generation obtained from females fertilized by Fin-treated males (F1:Fin). Importantly, genes encoding enzymes involved in glucose and glycogen metabolism have been previously recognized among UPR targets.

Thermodynamic analysis and evaluation of a novel composition adjustable Carnot battery under variable operating scenarios

Discontinuity of production resulting in supply imbalance is the main problem hindering renewable energy development. Carnot battery (CB) is a recently emerged large-scale power storage technology to solve the supply imbalance of renewable energy power generation. Improving the component performance of CB under variable operating conditions is crucial to guarantee the life-span performance of the CB. In the present study, a composition-adjustable CB is proposed. The application and optimization of the zeotropic mixture improved the heat match in the heat transfer component. The composition adjustment is conducted to relieve the excess operating parameter deviation of mechanical components. Thermodynamic analysis and optimization models are formulated, and a genetic algorithm is applied to solve the models. Case studies under several operating scenarios are conducted to verify the superiority of the proposed composition-adjustable CB over a conventional CB and a zeotropic CB. Results show that under a benchmark operating scenario, compared with conventional CB, the round-trip efficiency and exergy efficiency of CB using zeotropic working fluid are improved by 22.40% and 16.78%. Considering the limitation of the mechanical components under variable operating scenarios, composition-adjustable CB has the largest operating range. Three CBs demonstrate different operating strategies to maintain the flexible and efficient operation of the mechanical components, among which the operating performance of composition-adjustable CB is the best. During the discharging process, the exergy efficiency of the expander in composition-adjustable CB is up to 18.19% and 0.94% higher than that of zeotropic CB and conventional CB, respectively. Overall, compared with conventional CB and zeotropic CB under variable operating scenarios, the average round-trip efficiency of composition-adjustable CB is improved by 56.34 % and 26.98 %, respectively; the average exergy efficiency of composition-adjustable CB is improved by 51.26 % and 25.21 %, respectively.

Predictive Control Algorithm for A Variable Load Hybrid Power System on the Basis of Power Output Forecast

Harmonious integration of renewable energy sources into current energy systems has taken on increasing importance amid the scarcity of carbon resources. Among the key problems is the imbalance in power consumption, power generation, and significant peak overloads. To deal with this issue, an intelligent software and hardware system is needed, which will effectively implement predictive control algorithms for various energy sources. The research examines the fundamental provisions of the concept of predictive control over a variable load hybrid power system on the basis of power output forecast. The analysis performed has allowed developing a method of predictive control over the power system in a small locality based on machine learning algorithms. The method was tested using an electric power complex simulation, which included four energy sources (solar panel, wind turbines, small hydrogenerator, and standard carbon-fueled generator). The proposed predictive control method has proved to be productive. The algorithms have allowed diversifying the reliability of power supply by ensuring the sustainability of the power grid.

Comparison of Hour-to-Hour and Hour-Block Energy Trading for Networked Microgrids to Optimize Profits

Networked Microgrids are a concept that emerged as a result of growing microgrid deployments in the distribution network. Microgrids in close geographical or electrical proximity are coupled to build networked microgrids. Networked microgrids offer coordinated energy management, as well as interaction and energy exchange across microgrids. This increases the reliability of microgrids and lowers their running costs. Hour-to-hour, depending on generation and load profiles, Time-of-Use pricing, microgrids can manage energy inside the microgrid and participate in energy trading with linked microgrids to reduce costs. Demand response is also utilized in energy management to achieve the above objectives. In contrast to the preceding hour-to-hour strategy, a unique hour-block-based demand response program in Networked Microgrids is suggested in this paper. In this paper, in contrast, to the above hour-to-hour approach a novel hour block-based demand response program in Networked Microgrids is proposed. Each hour block is formed based on generation and load imbalance, the role of Microgrids and the Time-of-Use tariff system. Both techniques are evaluated in terms of time and complexity using the Particle Swarm Optimization method. The economic benefits of individual microgrids and networked microgrids are also compared.

Optimal sizing and sitting of electric vehicle charging station by using archimedes optimization algorithm technique

<p><span lang="EN-US">Increasing penetration of EV load into the electricity sector will result in generation imbalance, an increase in real power loss, a low voltage profile and consequently a decrease in the margin of stability of voltage. It is necessary for the coordination of charging stations (CSs) for EV at the relevant locations to minimize the effect of increased EV load penetration in radial systems. In this paper, a new optimization method named Archimedes optimization algorithm (AOA) is proposed; it determined the optimal location and size for EV-CS for reducing power losses and improved voltage profile. In this work we used the photo voltaic (PV) renewable source as a main feeder for the CSs. Many of Artificial Intelligence technique are applied to determine the optimal sizing and sitting of EV-CSs considering the objective of minimization of real power loss. IEEE 33-bus testing network conducts simulation tests. The results highlighted the need to refine the EV-CS allocation to improve the performance. The ability to solve complex, non-linear objective optimization issues using AOA and to compare the results with other algorithms, namely particle swarm optimization (PSO), Cuckoo search algorithm (CSA), shows its effectiveness in minimizing the power loss as required.</span></p>

Advancements in 2D Materials Based Biosensors for Oxidative Stress Biomarkers

The imbalance in generation of reactive oxygen species and its depletion causes oxidative stress. Because of its importance, there is a need to explore the role of oxidative stress biomarkers. The limitations of the conventional methods cause the researchers look for other alternatives. Biosensors are highly promising candidates for the detection of trace quantities for various analytes with high specificity, selectivity, and quick response time. Nanomaterial based matrices are the most popular choice while fabricating a biosensor. Two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene, transitional metal dichalcogenides, and various metal oxides have been used for the biosensing of different oxidative stress analytes. High electron mobility, good optical properties, tunable properties, high yields, easy synthesis, and availability make these materials the first choice. In this review, we have comprehensively discussed various biomarkers associated with oxidative stress. The review will provide information related to different kinds and various synthesis procedures employed for 2D nanomaterials. The major focus of the review is to elaborate the role of 2D nanomaterial based structures for the optical and electrochemical methods for the detection of oxidative stress. This review is an effort to help the researchers better understand various 2D based transducers available for the detection of oxidative stress biomarkers.