Search Results (9)

Dual-active bridge (DAB) converters have emerged as a preferred topology in electric vehicle charging and energy storage applications, owing to their structurally symmetric configuration and intrinsic galvanic isolation capabilities. However, conventional triple-phase shift (TPS) control strategies face significant challenges in maintaining high efficiency across ultra-wide output voltage and load ranges. To exploit the inherent structural symmetry of the DAB topology, a symmetric optimization strategy based on triple-phase shift (SOS-TPS) is proposed. The method specifically targets the forward buck operating mode, where an optimization framework is established to minimize the root mean square (RMS) current of the inductor, thereby addressing both switching and conduction losses. The formulation explicitly incorporates zero-voltage switching (ZVS) constraints and operating mode conditions. By employing the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) conditions in conjunction with the Lagrange multiplier method (LMM), the refined control trajectories corresponding to various power levels are analytically derived, enabling efficient modulation across the entire operating range. In the medium-power region, full-switch ZVS is inherently satisfied. In the low-power operation, full-switch ZVS is achieved by introducing a modulation factor λ, and a selection principle for λ is established. For high-power operation, the strategy transitions to a conventional single-phase shift (SPS) modulation. Furthermore, by exploiting the inherent symmetry of the DAB topology, the proposed method reveals the symmetric property of modulation control. The modulation strategy for the forward boost mode can be efficiently derived through a duty cycle and voltage gain mapping, eliminating the need for re-derivation. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed SOS-TPS strategy, a 2.3 kW experimental prototype was developed. The measured results demonstrate that the method ensures ZVS for all switches under the full load range, supports ultra-wide voltage conversion capability, substantially suppresses RMS current, and achieves a maximum efficiency of 97.3%. Full article

The dual-active-bridge (DAB) converter has emerged as a promising topology for renewable energy applications and microgrid systems due to its high power density and bidirectional energy-transfer capability. Enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of DAB converters requires the simultaneous realization of zero-voltage switching (ZVS) across all switches and the minimization of current stress over wide load and voltage ranges—two objectives that are often in conflict. Conventional modulation strategies with limited degrees of freedom fail to meet these dual goals effectively. To address this challenge, this paper introduces an enhanced integrated optimization strategy based on triple phase shift (EIOS-TPS). This approach formulates the power transmission requirement as an equality constraint and incorporates ZVS and mode boundary conditions as inequalities, resulting in a comprehensive optimization framework. Optimal phase-shift parameters are obtained using the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) conditions. To mitigate zero-current switching (ZCS) under a light load and achieve full-range ZVS with reduced current stress, a modulation factor λ is introduced, enabling a globally optimized control trajectory. An experimental 1176 W prototype is developed to validate the proposed method, which achieves full-range ZVS while maintaining low current stress. In the low-power region, it improves efficiency by up to 2.2% in buck mode and 2.0% in boost mode compared with traditional control strategies, reaching a peak efficiency of 96.5%. Full article

The decarbonization of the operational fleet through the implementation of renewable and low-carbon fuels (LCFs) is considered a key factor in achieving the regulatory greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets set by the IMO and the EU. In parallel with optimizing engine energy efficiency and emission characteristics during retrofitting for LCF operations, it is equally important to assess and ensure the reliability of engine components under permissible thermal and mechanical loads. This study investigated the key factors influencing thermal and mechanical stresses on the cylinder–piston assembly components as the engine’s operation shifts from diesel to biodiesel, natural gas, methanol, or ammonia. The methodological foundation of this research was an original comparative analysis method that evaluates the impacts of thermal stress and combustion cycle energy efficiency factors. The combustion cycle energy parameters were modeled using a single-zone mathematical model. The thermal load factor was determined based on the ALPHA (α_gas) coefficient of heat transfer intensity and the average combustion gas temperature (T_avg). The optimization of the combustion cycle during retrofitting was simulated without changes to the engine structure (or without “major” modernization, according to IMO terminology), with modifications limited to the engine’s combustion adjustment parameters. A key characteristic of the transition from diesel to LCFs is a significant increase in the maximum cycle pressure (Pmax), a factor influencing mechanical stresses: ammonia, +43%; LNG, +28%; methanol, +54–70%; biodiesel, no significant changes. This study confirms the adopted strategy to maintain thermal load factors for engine components equal to Dmax conditions. It is emphasized that, after ensuring Pmax-idem conditions, the thermal load during LCF operation aligns closely with the characteristic diesel level with minimal deviation. The thermal load reduction is associated with an increase in the excess air coefficient (λ) and a controlled reduction in the compression ratio within an allowable variation of ±1 unit. Based on statistical correlations, a rational increase in λ was identified, reaching up to 2.5 units. Considering the real-world operational load cycle structure of marine engines, further research will focus on analyzing thermal and mechanical stresses according to ISO 81/78, as well as E2 and E3 operational cycles. Full article

In a context where artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education, this study analyzes how students’ perceptions of AI influence their academic integrity (INA), with a focus on sustainable education. Through a correlational-explanatory analysis based on Structural Equation Models (SEMs) applied to a sample of 659 students from 13 universities in Chile and Peru, it is observed that AI has a significant and direct impact on academic integrity in both countries (β = 0.44). In Peru, the most influential dimension is trust in education (λ = 0.86), followed by social, economic, security, and risk implications (λ = 0.78), while attitudes towards AI also have a direct impact on integrity factors (β = 0.15). In Chile, the dimensions of trust in education (λ = 0.83) and social and economic impact (λ = 0.79) are most relevant, and the relationships between the dimensions of academic integrity such as justice, respect, and responsibility (λ = 0.71) are stronger. The study highlights the importance of incorporating AI literacy into educational curricula and developing regulatory frameworks that promote its ethical use, linking these actions to sustainable education. The findings highlight the need for sustainable educational approaches that enhance understanding of AI and ensure that its use in academia is beneficial, ethical, and contributes to sustainable development. Full article

Interferons (IFNs) produced by airway epithelial cells are crucial in defending against pathogens. Fluctuations in IFN-λ levels may influence coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) severity. However, conflicting data have been reported regarding serum IFN-λ concentrations in COVID-19 patients. To address this, we evaluated serum IFN-λ levels over time in moderate and severe COVID-19 patients and their association with cytokine production and clinical parameters using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the Bio-Plex Pro Human Cytokine 17-plex Assay. Results from testing 51 COVID-19 patients showed that 68% lacked detectable serum IFN-λ. Among non-IFN-λ secretors, severe COVID-19 predominated. In contrast, IFN-λ secretors displayed stable IFN-λ levels in moderate cases, while severe cases showed a decline over time, which persisted even after recovery. A negative correlation was observed between IFN-λ levels and inflammatory markers. This, combined with an increase in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and clinical improvement, suggests a regulatory role for IFN-λ in promoting faster recovery. Despite this, survival rates were similar between the groups, indicating that while IFN-λ influences the course of the disease, it does not directly affect overall survival. In conclusion, IFN-λ is vital, but not unique, for the antiviral response and COVID-19 recovery. Simultaneously, serum IFN-λ deficiency signifies severe COVID-19. Full article

Interactions between neoplastic and immune cells taking place in tumors drive cancer regulatory mechanisms both in humans and animals. IFN-λ, a potent antiviral factor, is also secreted in the tumor; however, its role in tumor development is still unclear. In our study, we investigate the influence of IFN-λ on the canine mammary tumor (CMT) cell survival and their metastatic potential in vitro. First, we examined, by Western blot, the expression of the IFN-λ receptor complex in three CMT cell lines (P114, CMT-U27 and CMT-U309). We showed that only two cell lines (P114 and CMT-U27) express both (IL-28RA and IL-10Rb) receptor subunits and respond to IFN-λ treatment by STAT phosphorylation and the expression of interferon-stimulated genes. Using MTT, crystal violet and annexin-V assays, we showed a minimal role of IFN-λ in CMT viability. However, IFN-λ administration had a contradictory effect on cell migration in the scratch test, namely, it increased P114 and decreased CMT-U27 motility. Moreover, we demonstrated that this process is related to the expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors; furthermore, it is independent of Akt and ERK signaling pathways. To conclude, we showed that IFN-λ activity is reliant on the expression of two receptor subunits and tumor type, but further investigations are needed. Full article

Tip60, a key histone acetyltransferase of the MYST family and member of the nuclear multimeric protein complex (NuA4), regulates the activity and stability of proteins involved in the cell cycle, DNA damage responses, autophagy, etc. However, the function and regulatory mechanism of Tip60 homolog in Bombyx mori are not elucidated. In the present study, Bombyx Tip60 (BmTip60) was functionally identified. Developmental profiles showed that the protein levels and nuclear localization of BmTip60 peaked in fat body during the larval–pupal metamorphosis when autophagy was intensive; simultaneously, the BmTip60 protein migrated to form an upper band as detected by Western blot. Interestingly, the upper band of BmTip60 was reduced by λ-phosphatase treatment, indicating that it was a phosphorylated form of BmTip60. Results showed that BmTip60 was promoted by starvation but not 20-hydroxyecdysone treatment. Transcription factor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) affected by starvation was pivotal for BmTip60 protein migration. In addition, one mammalian phosphorylation site was identified in BmTip60 at Ser99, the constitutive-activation mutation of Ser99 to Asp99 but not its inactive mutation to Ala99 significantly upregulated autophagy, showing the critical role of phosphorylation at Ser99 for BmTip60-mediated autophagy. In conclusion, the starvation-AMPK axis promotes BmTip60 in B. mori, which was requisite for autophagy induction. These results reveal a regulatory mechanism of histone acetyltransferase Tip60 homologs by phosphorylation in insects, and sheds light on further related studies of acetylation regulation. Full article

The Zika virus (ZIKV) is a member of the Flaviviridae family and an important human pathogen. Most pathogenic viruses encode proteins that interfere with the activation of host innate immune responses. Like other flaviviruses, ZIKV interferes with the expression of interferon (IFN) genes and inhibits IFN-induced antiviral responses. ZIKV infects through epithelial barriers where IFN-λ1 is an important antiviral molecule. In this study, we analyzed the effects of ZIKV proteins on the activation of IFN-λ1 promoter. All ZIKV proteins were cloned and transiently expressed. ZIKV NS5, but no other ZIKV protein, was able to interfere with the RIG-I signaling pathway. This inhibition took place upstream of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) resulting in reduced phosphorylation of IRF3 and reduced activation of IFN-λ1 promoter. Furthermore, we showed that ZIKV NS5 interacts with the protein kinase IKKε, which is likely critical to the observed inhibition of phosphorylation of IRF3. Full article

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a cancer treatment modality that utilizes three components: light (λ 650–750 nm), a photosensitizer (PS) and molecular oxygen, which upon activation renders the modality effective. Colorectal cancer has one of the highest incident rates as well as a high mortality rate worldwide. In this study, a zinc (Zn) metal-based phthalocyanine (ZnPcSmix) PS was used to determine its efficacy for the treatment of colon adenocarcinoma cells (DLD-1 and Caco-2). Photoactivation of the PS was achieved by laser irradiation at a wavelength of 680 nm. Dose responses were performed to establish optimal PS concentration and irradiation fluence. A working combination of 20 µM ZnPcSmix and 5 J/cm² was used. Biochemical responses were determined after 1 or 24 h incubation post-treatment. Since ZnPcSmix is localized in lysosomes and mitochondria, mitochondrial destabilization analysis was performed monitoring mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Cytosolic acidification was determined measuring hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels in the cytoplasm. Having established apoptotic cell death induction, an apoptosis PCR array was performed to establish the apoptotic mechanism. In DLD-1 cells, expression of genes included 3 up-regulated and 20 down-regulated genes while in Caco-2 cells, there were 16 up-regulated and 22 down-regulated genes. In both cell lines, in up-regulated genes, there was a combination of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes that were significantly expressed. Gene expression results showed that more tumorigenic cells (DLD-1) went through apoptosis; however, they exhibit increased risk of resistance and recurrence, while less tumorigenic Caco-2 cells responded better to PDT, thus being suggestive of a better prognosis post-PDT treatment. In addition, the possible apoptotic mechanisms of cell death were deduced based on the genetic expression profiling of regulatory apoptotic inducing factors. Full article