Showing papers by "Rovira i Virgili University published in 2022"
TL;DR: It is concluded that there is a significant association between chronic exposure to various outdoor air pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2 and CO, and the incidence/risk of COVID-19 cases, as well as the severity/mortality of the disease.
89 citations
École Polytechnique1, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg2, South China University of Technology3, University of Windsor4, University of California, Santa Barbara5, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology6, Sungkyunkwan University7, University of Washington8, York University9, Shanghai Jiao Tong University10, University of Minnesota11, Hewlett-Packard12, University of California, Berkeley13, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology14, Rovira i Virgili University15, Chinese Academy of Sciences16, University of California, San Diego17, Åbo Akademi University18, University of Chicago19, Fudan University20, Northwestern University21, Columbia University22, PARC23, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne24, University of Bari25
TL;DR: Bonnassieux et al. as mentioned in this paper presented a roadmap for the key areas of flexible and printable electronics. And they highlighted the current status and future challenges in the areas covered by the roadmap and highlighted the breadth and wide-ranging opportunities made available by flexible electronics technologies.
Abstract: Author(s): Bonnassieux, Y; Brabec, CJ; Cao, Y; Carmichael, TB; Chabinyc, ML; Cheng, KT; Cho, G; Chung, A; Cobb, CL; Distler, A; Egelhaaf, HJ; Grau, G; Guo, X; Haghiashtiani, G; Huang, TC; Hussain, MM; Iniguez, B; Lee, TM; Li, L; Ma, Y; Ma, D; McAlpine, MC; Ng, TN; Osterbacka, R; Patel, SN; Peng, J; Peng, H; Rivnay, J; Shao, L; Steingart, D; Street, RA; Subramanian, V; Torsi, L; Wu, Y | Abstract: This roadmap includes the perspectives and visions of leading researchers in the key areas of flexible and printable electronics. The covered topics are broadly organized by the device technologies (sections 1–9), fabrication techniques (sections 10–12), and design and modeling approaches (sections 13 and 14) essential to the future development of new applications leveraging flexible electronics (FE). The interdisciplinary nature of this field involves everything from fundamental scientific discoveries to engineering challenges; from design and synthesis of new materials via novel device design to modelling and digital manufacturing of integrated systems. As such, this roadmap aims to serve as a resource on the current status and future challenges in the areas covered by the roadmap and to highlight the breadth and wide-ranging opportunities made available by FE technologies.
68 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a model that links the energy sector (oil, natural gas, coal, electricity prices, and the share of fossil fuels in electricity generation), economic activity, and carbon price.
31 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the authors developed a model that links the energy sector (oil, natural gas, coal, electricity prices, and the share of fossil fuels in electricity generation), economic activity, and carbon price, which can be used as a monitoring tool for carbon price dynamics.
29 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that long-term PM10 burdens above WHO guidelines exacerbate COVID-19 outcomes, while it must be considered for an accurate medical prognosis of CO VID-19.
27 citations
TL;DR: The current assessment suggests that those derived from exposure to FRs were lower -although close- to assumable risks, evidencing the potential of FRs for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, mainly due to the exposure to TCIPP.
18 citations
TL;DR: A series of Dy3+-doped sodium lanthanum orthosilicate oxyapatites, NaLa9−xDyx(SiO4)6O2 (NLSO:xDy, x = 0.3), were synthesized by the solid-state reaction method at 1100 °C, with the aim of developing yellow emitting phosphors for applications in w-LEDs as discussed by the authors .
17 citations
01 Jan 2022
TL;DR: In this paper, a complete DC-AC conversion system fed by photovoltaic (PV) energy is presented, which consists of PV panels, $N$ DC-DC boost converters, cascaded H-bridge inverters, and a DC-link composed of capacitors and an LCL filter.
Abstract: This letter introduces a complete DC-AC conversion system fed by photovoltaic (PV) energy. The system consists of $N$ PV panels, $N$ DC-DC boost converters, $N$ cascaded H-bridge inverters, a DC-link composed of $N$ capacitors and an LCL filter. This work aims at reaching threefold control objectives: i) Extracting the available maximum power by regulating the voltages across the PV panels, ii) Ensuring a unitary power factor, iii) Regulating the DC-link voltage to a desired reference. To achieve the mentioned objectives, a multi-loop regulator is designed. The PV panels are individually controlled to track the maximum power point in order to efficiently operate at either the same or different varying climatic conditions without failures. In addition to the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller, two cascaded loops guaranteeing a satisfactory power factor and DC-link voltage regulation are developed. The nonlinear backstepping approach combined with Lyapunov theory are used based on the averaged model for the synthesis of the multi-loop controller. The performance of the studied system is tested via MATLAB / SimPowerSystems environment. The obtained simulation results prove that the proposed controller meets its objectives and demonstrate the efficiency of the chosen control strategy under faulty conditions.
14 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the authors quantitatively analyzed the resilience of tourism to COVID-19 and its territorial distribution in Spain, a global tourism power and one of the countries most affected by the pandemic.
Abstract: This paper quantitatively analyzes the resilience of tourism to COVID-19 and its territorial distribution in Spain, a global tourism power and one of the countries most affected by the pandemic. A first descriptive analysis of data from the summer of 2020 shows that: i) resilience was not homogeneously distributed across Spanish provinces; ii) the territorial concentration of tourism demand decreased due to the pandemic crisis; iii) the distribution of resilience was not consistent with standard indicators of tourism competitiveness. Econometric modeling shows that pre-pandemic domestic market specialization and population density explain most observed variability. Therefore, resilience was largely predetermined, so that the different policies adopted by some territories to attract domestic demand played a minor explanatory role.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the physical and chemical properties of the synthesized catalysts were characterized, and the effect of different experimental factors on the biodiesel yield was studied, revealing that the CaO-TiO2 nano-catalyst displayed bifunctional properties, has both basic and acid phases, and leads to various effects on the catalyst activity in the transesterification process.
12 citations
TL;DR: A review of the current developments in monocular depth estimation based on deep learning techniques can be found in this paper , where the authors highlight the critical points of the state-of-the-art works on MDE from disparate aspects including input data shapes and training manners such as supervised, semi-supervised and unsupervised learning approaches in combination with applying different datasets and evaluation indicators.
Abstract: In current decades, significant advancements in robotics engineering and autonomous vehicles have improved the requirement for precise depth measurements. Depth estimation (DE) is a traditional task in computer vision that can be appropriately predicted by applying numerous procedures. This task is vital in disparate applications such as augmented reality and target tracking. Conventional monocular DE (MDE) procedures are based on depth cues for depth prediction. Various deep learning techniques have demonstrated their potential applications in managing and supporting the traditional ill-posed problem. The principal purpose of this paper is to represent a state-of-the-art review of the current developments in MDE based on deep learning techniques. For this goal, this paper tries to highlight the critical points of the state-of-the-art works on MDE from disparate aspects. These aspects include input data shapes and training manners such as supervised, semi-supervised, and unsupervised learning approaches in combination with applying different datasets and evaluation indicators. At last, limitations regarding the accuracy of the DL-based MDE models, computational time requirements, real-time inference, transferability, input images shape and domain adaptation, and generalization are discussed to open new directions for future research.
TL;DR: In this article, the presence of anti-hypertensive peptides in wine lees was investigated and six peptides were identified; three of them showing ACEi (IC50) values lower than 20 µm.
TL;DR: In this paper , a mixed-mode ion exchange sorbent was introduced to improve the selectivity and retention of solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbents, which incorporated cation-and anion exchange moieties within the same functional group attached to the polymeric network.
TL;DR: In this article , a novel finned tubular thermoelectric generator (FTTEG) is presented, with three distinguishing characteristics: (i) quadratic-profiled heat exchanger legs arranged axially, (ii) a resin-based semi-rigid assembly, and (iii) annular heat exchange fins.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors compared the ability of a waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) >90th percentile, a WHtR ≥0.55 and a BMI z-score ≥2 SD to predict cardiometabolic risk in children followed-up at different ages.
TL;DR: In this article , a programmable, bifunctional, scalable, high-performance, and low-cost bioinspired catalyst for photo/electrochemical CO2 reduction (P/EC-R) is presented.
Abstract: In recent years, CO2 photo/electroreduction has received great attention due to the urges and concerns to solve problems connected with global warming, for example, reducing the consumption of fossil fuels as energy sources and switching to renewable energy sources. The realization of this technology depends on efficient photo/electrocatalysts with high selectivity for the products. Herein, we report a programmable, bifunctional, scalable, high-performance, and low-cost bioinspired catalyst for photo/electrochemical CO2 reduction (P/EC-R). We synthesized hydroxyapatite (HAP) needle-like nanoparticles coated with a functional polydopamine polymer (HAP/P(DOPA)) and then modified them with copper nanoparticles (HAP/P(DOPA)/Cu NPs). It was expected that HAP and P(DOPA), due to their plentiful functional groups such as hydroxyl (−OH–), oxygen (−O•– and ═O), and amines (−NH2 and −NH−), provide extensive active catalytic sites, participate in the capture, maintenance, and hydrogenation of the CO2 intermediate, and offer a combination of efficient electrical conduction and photoactivity and synergistic effect together with Cu nanoparticles, thus potentially empowering CO2 P/EC-R. Interestingly, varying the polymerization time of the coating layer (P(DOPA)) leads to different product selectivities in both photoelectrochemical and electrochemical reactions. In a shorter polymerization period (2 h), CO (>83%) is the main product, while for 5 and 15 h, C2H6 (>70%) and CH4 (>74%) are the main products, respectively. It is noteworthy to mention that as the applied potential increased (>−1.2 V vs RHE), propanal (C3H6O, FE > 35%) and surprisingly ethyl acetate (C4H8O2, FE > 67%) have been detected. This is the first report on the C4 product.
TL;DR: In this article, the structure of the host matrix was refined by the Rietveld method: Ca8NaBi(PO4)6F2:xEu (x ǫ = 0.35 Eu) was simulated revealing an indirect bandgap of 3.46 eV Eu3+ ions in host matrix replace for the Bi3+ ones in two types of sites: M1 (C3 symmetry and IX-fold oxygen coordination) and M2 (CS symmetry and VII-fold coordination by one fluoride and six oxygens).
TL;DR: In this article , the functionality of micro/nanorobots as a biomedical treatment system for stomach/intestinal diseases was reviewed from the first in vivo report in December 2014 to the latest in August 2021.
Abstract: Nano/microrobots (NMRs) are tiny devices that can convert energy into motion and operate at nano/microscales.54 Especially in biomedical research, NMRs have received much attention over the past twenty years because of their excellent capabilities and great potential in various applications, including on-demand drug delivery, gene and cell transport, and precise microsurgery. Reports published in recent years show that synthetic nano/microrobots have promising potential to function in the gastrointestinal (GI) region, particularly in terms of drug delivery. These tiny robots were able to be designed in such a way that they propel in their surroundings (biological media) with high speed, load cargo (drug) efficiently, transport it safely, and release upon request successfully. Their propulsion, retention, distribution, and toxicity in the GI tract of mice has been evaluated. The results envisage that such nano/microrobots can be further modified and developed as a new-generation treatment of GI tract diseases. In this minireview, we focus on the functionality of micro/nanorobots as a biomedical treatment system for stomach/intestinal diseases. We review the research progress from the first in vivo report in December 2014 to the latest in August 2021. Then, we discuss the treatment difficulties and challenges in vivo application (in general) and possible future development routes.
TL;DR: In this paper , a bifunctional Ni-Pt nanocatalyst supported on TiO2 and Al2O3 was developed for hydrogen and valued fuels generation from pyrolysis-catalytic steam reforming conditions of microplastics waste dissolved in phenol.
TL;DR: In this article , the structure of the host matrix was refined by the Rietveld method: Ca8NaBi(PO4)6F2:xEu (x = 0.01-0.5) apatite phosphors have been synthesized at 900 °C by the modified Pechini process.
DOI•
Government College University1, Rovira i Virgili University2, Queensland University of Technology3, Beijing University of Chemical Technology4, Riphah International University5, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals6, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences7, Chinese Academy of Sciences8, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia9
TL;DR: In this paper, cellulose nanocrystals and molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) incorporated into ZnO nanorods (NRs) were synthesized via a chemical precipitation route at room temperature.
Abstract: Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) incorporated into ZnO nanorods (NRs) were synthesized via a chemical precipitation route at room temperature. All concerned samples were characterized to examine their optical properties, elemental composition, phase formation, surface morphology and functional group presence. The aim of this research was to enhance the catalytic properties of ZnO by co-doping with various concentrations of CNCs and MoS2 NRs. It was renowned that doped ZnO NRs showed superior catalytic activity compared to bare ZnO NRs. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) inhibition zones for samples were recorded for E. coli and S. aureus at low and high concentrations, respectively. The in vitro bactericidal potential of ZnO-CNC and ZnO-CNC-MoS2 nanocomposites was further confirmed through in silico molecular docking predictions against the DHFR and DHPS enzymes of E. coli and S. aureus. Molecular docking studies suggested the inhibition of these enzyme targets by CNC nanocomposites as a possible mechanism governing their bactericidal activity.
TL;DR: In this article , cellulose nanocrystals and molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) incorporated into ZnO nanorods (NRs) were synthesized via a chemical precipitation route at room temperature.
Abstract: Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) incorporated into ZnO nanorods (NRs) were synthesized via a chemical precipitation route at room temperature. All concerned samples were characterized to examine their optical properties, elemental composition, phase formation, surface morphology and functional group presence. The aim of this research was to enhance the catalytic properties of ZnO by co-doping with various concentrations of CNCs and MoS2 NRs. It was renowned that doped ZnO NRs showed superior catalytic activity compared to bare ZnO NRs. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) inhibition zones for samples were recorded for E. coli and S. aureus at low and high concentrations, respectively. The in vitro bactericidal potential of ZnO-CNC and ZnO-CNC-MoS2 nanocomposites was further confirmed through in silico molecular docking predictions against the DHFR and DHPS enzymes of E. coli and S. aureus. Molecular docking studies suggested the inhibition of these enzyme targets by CNC nanocomposites as a possible mechanism governing their bactericidal activity.
TL;DR: Using a Bayesian approach to symbolic regression, the authors explored a vast amount of suitable mathematical expressions to model the link between energy-related impacts and socioeconomic drivers and found closed-form analytical expressions that outperform the well-established STIRPAT equation and whose mathematical structure challenges the assumption of constant elasticities adopted in the literature.
TL;DR: In this article , a series of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were synthesized using (1R, 2S)-(−)-ephedrine or (1S, 2 S)-(+)-pseudoephedrin as template, methacrylic acid as functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross-linking agent.
TL;DR: In this article , the use of natural clays, zeolites and oxides as supports or active catalysts in the ozonation process, with emphasis on the structural characteristics and modifications performed in the raw natural materials; the catalytic oxidation mechanism; effect of the operating parameters and degradation efficiency outcomes.
Abstract: Ozone has been successfully employed in water treatment due to its ability to oxidize a wide variety of refractory compounds. In order to increase the process efficiency and optimize its economy, the implementation of heterogeneous catalysts has been encouraged. In this context, the use of cheap and widely available natural materials is a promising option that would promote the utilization of ozone in a cost-effective water treatment process. This review describes the use of natural clays, zeolites and oxides as supports or active catalysts in the ozonation process, with emphasis on the structural characteristics and modifications performed in the raw natural materials; the catalytic oxidation mechanism; effect of the operating parameters and degradation efficiency outcomes. According to the information compiled, more research in realistic scenarios is needed (i.e., real wastewater matrix or continuous operation in pilot scale) in order to transfer this technology to the treatment of real wastewater streams.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used a permutational hierarchical method called boostrapping cluster analysis based on taxonomic absence/presence matrices (at both generic and specific level) and carried out Mantels tests assessing magnitude of time, space, ecology, and taxonomy as source of difference between guilds.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors used the WorldClim v. 2.1 climate database to reconstruct the climate at Dmanisi (Georgia) during human occupation of the site.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors investigated the prognostic value of genomic intratumor heterogeneity and aneuploidy for disease recurrence in stage II colon cancer patients and proposed a machine learning approach to evaluate their ability to predict individual relapse risk.
Abstract: Optimal selection of high-risk patients with stage II colon cancer is crucial to ensure clinical benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy. Here, we investigated the prognostic value of genomic intratumor heterogeneity and aneuploidy for disease recurrence. We combined targeted sequencing, SNP arrays, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry on a retrospective cohort of 84 untreated stage II colon cancer patients. We assessed the clonality of copy-number alterations (CNAs) and mutations, CD8+ lymphocyte infiltration, and their association with time to recurrence. Prognostic factors were included in machine learning analysis to evaluate their ability to predict individual relapse risk. Tumors from recurrent patients displayed a greater proportion of CNAs compared with non-recurrent (mean 31.3% versus 23%, respectively; p = 0.014). Furthermore, patients with elevated tumor CNA load exhibited a higher risk of recurrence compared with those with low levels [p = 0.038; hazard ratio (HR) 2.46], which was confirmed in an independent cohort (p = 0.004; HR 3.82). Candidate chromosome-specific aberrations frequently observed in recurrent cases included gain of the chromosome arm 13q (p = 0.02; HR 2.67) and loss of heterozygosity at 17q22–q24.3 (p = 0.05; HR 2.69). CNA load positively correlated with intratumor heterogeneity (R = 0.52; p < 0.0001). Consistently, incremental subclonal CNAs were associated with an elevated risk of relapse (p = 0.028; HR 2.20), which we did not observe for subclonal single-nucleotide variants and small insertions and deletions. The clinico-genomic model rated an area under the curve of 0.83, achieving a 10% incremental gain compared with clinicopathological markers (p = 0.047). In conclusion, tumor aneuploidy and copy-number intratumor heterogeneity were predictive of poor outcome and improved discriminative performance in early-stage colon cancer. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
TL;DR: In this article , the Schmidt hammer was used to quantify the impact resistance of a carboniferous carbonate sequence located in the Cantabrian Zone, the foreland fold-and-thrust belt of the Variscan orogen in western Iberia.
Chinese Academy of Engineering1, Qingdao University of Science and Technology2, Rovira i Virgili University3, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill4, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter5, Centre de Recherche sur les Ions, les Matériaux et la Photonique6, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics7, Max-Born-Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy8
TL;DR: In this paper , the growth, structure, polarized spectroscopy and efficient continuous-wave laser operation of an Yb 3+ -doped disordered calcium gadolinium borate crystal, Yb:GdCB, was reported.
Abstract: We report on the growth, structure, polarized spectroscopy and efficient continuous-wave laser operation of an Yb 3+ -doped disordered calcium gadolinium borate crystal, Yb 3+ :Ca 3 Gd 2 (BO 3 ) 4 (Yb:GdCB). Yb:GdCB belongs to the orthorhombic class [sp. gr. Pnma , lattice parameters a = 7.1937(0) Å, b = 15.5311(3) Å, c = 8.6140(7) Å]. The structure disorder of this material originates from a random distribution of Ca 2+ and Gd 3+ |Yb 3+ cations over three non-equivalent lattice sites. This leads to broad and smooth (“glassy-like”) absorption and emission spectra at room and low temperatures. The stimulated-emission cross-section of Yb 3+ , σ SE is 0.42×10 −20 cm 2 at 1025.1 nm for light polarization E || c and the luminescence lifetime of the 2 F 5/2 state is 644 µs. Continuous-wave laser performance of the Yb:GdCB crystal was evaluated under high-power diode-pumping at 976 nm for three crystal orientations along the crystallographic axes. For an a -cut crystal, a maximum output power of 5.58 W was achieved at ∼1057 nm with a slope efficiency of 51.7% and a linear laser polarization ( E || c ). The demonstrated power scaling capabilities and broadband emission properties of Yb:GdCB indicate that it is promising for generation of sub-50 fs pulses from passively mode-locked lasers at ∼1 µm.