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Abstract Background Energy systems, as critical infrastructures (CI), constitute Cyber-Physical-Social Systems (CPSS). Due to their inherent complexity and the importance of service continuity of CIs, digitization in this context encounters significant practical challenges. Digital Twins (DT) have emerged over the recent years as a promising solution for managing CPSSs by facilitating real-time interaction, synchronization, and control of physical assets. The selection of an appropriate architectural framework is crucial in constructing a DT, to ensure integration of enabling technologies and data from diverse sources. Objectives This study proposes a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to examine technological enablers, design choices, management strategies and Computational Challenges of DTs in Smart Energy Systems (SES) by also analyzing existing architectures and identifying key components. Methods The SLR follows a rigorous workflow exploiting a multi-database search with predefined eligibility criteria, accompanied by advanced searching techniques, such as manual screening of results and a documented search strategy, in order to ensure its comprehensiveness and reliability, More specifically, research questions are first defined and then submitted as queries to scientific digital libraries (i.e., IEEE Xplore, Scopus, and WoS) selected due to their coverage and reliability (Google Scholar was excluded for the presence of grey literature and non-peer-reviewed material). Then, inclusion and exclusion criteria are established to filter the results and shortlist the significant publications. Subsequently, relevant data are extracted, summarized, and categorized in order to identify common themes, existing gaps, and future research directions, with the aim of providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of DTs for SESs. Results From the proposed DT-based solutions described in the selected publications, the adopted architectures are examined and categorized depending on their logical building blocks, microservices, enabling technologies, human–machine interfaces (HMI), artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) implementations, data flow and data persistence choices, and Internet-of-Things (IoT) components involved. Additionally, the integration of edge-cloud computing and IoT technologies in literature are studied and discussed. Finally, gaps, opportunities, future study lines, and challenges of implementing DTs are thoroughly addressed. The results achieved also pave the way for a forthcoming design pattern catalog for DTs in CPSSs capable of supporting the engineering and research communities, by offering practical insights on implementation and integration aspects. Conclusion The proposed SLR provides a valuable resource for designing and implementing DTs of CPSSs in general and of SESs in particular. Furthermore, it highlights the potential benefits of adopting DTs to manage complex energy systems and it identifies areas for future research.

Abstract As real-time data sources expand, the need for detecting anomalies in streaming data becomes increasingly critical for cutting edge data-driven applications. Real-time anomaly detection faces various challenges, requiring automated systems that adapt continuously to evolving data patterns due to the impracticality of human intervention. This study focuses on energy systems (ES), critical infrastructures vulnerable to disruptions from natural disasters, cyber attacks, equipment failures, or human errors, leading to power outages, financial losses, and risks to other sectors. Early anomaly detection ensures energy supply continuity, minimizing disruption impacts, an enhancing system resilience against cyber threats. A systematic literature review (SLR) is conducted to answer 5 essential research questions in anomaly detection due to the lack of standardized knowledge and the rapid evolution of emerging technologies replacing conventional methods. A detailed review of selected literature, extracting insights and synthesizing results has been conducted in order to explore anomaly types that can be detected using Machine Learning algorithms in the scope of Energy Systems, the factors influencing this detection success, the deployment algorithms and security measurement to take in to consideration. This paper provides a comprehensive review and listing of advanced machine learning models, methods to enhance detection performance, methodologies, tools, and enabling technologies for real-time implementation. Furthermore, the study outlines future research directions to improve anomaly detection in smart energy systems.

This study provides an in-depth characterization of Jet-A1 swirled flames' dynamics using advanced decomposition techniques on high-speed OH* chemiluminescence images. Research conducted in a 300-kW combustor with global fuel-to-air ratios Φ = 0.36, 0.24, and 0.18 reveals dominant low-frequency components under ultra-lean conditions through statistical and wavelet analyses. Integrating Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD), Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD), and Multiscale Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (mPOD) enhances understanding by detailing the energy and frequency of flame modal structures. Observations show that as Φ decreases, flame size and intensity reduce, while fluctuations increase, indicating a transition towards unstable combustion dynamics. Furthermore, the frequency and intensity of burst phenomena increase, particularly in higher modes, indicating the system's approach to lean blowout (LBO). The application of nonlinear time series analysis, including autocorrelation (AFC) and phase space reconstruction, to mPOD eigenvalues, detects early warning signs of LBO. At lower Φ, the ACF reveals significant and frequent bursts, indicating high instability and intermittent behavior. Phase space reconstruction shows distorted orbits with a spiral-like structure, characteristic of substantial damping and irregular behavior near blowout conditions.

The world’s attention is currently focused on the energy transition to sustainable energy. The drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit global warming, energy security, and the generalization of access to energy have contributed to the adoption of the Moroccan Energy Strategy, with a strong focus on renewable energy (RE). Morocco is notoriously poor in conventional primary fossil energy resources, with energy dependence on the order of 90%. In addition, the energy crisis that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, compounded with steady increase in demand, has heavily affected the security and stability of the country’s energy situation. The transition to RE by strongly engaging in the implementation of several solar, wind, and hydro energy projects has made the country the leader in RE in Africa. These projects benefit from the country’s excellent solar and wind energy potential. As a consequence, by 2030, the share of RE in the installed capacity is expected to reach 52%. An overview of the current situation of RE (particularly solar energy) in Morocco is provided, including the potentials, obstacles, challenges, and future perspectives. Thanks to its high solar potential, it is predictable that Morocco’s effort will be focused on this field: the Erasmus plus INNOMED project is a virtuous example of international cooperation, aiming at promoting solar energy through capacity building and the creation of solar energy networks, in synergy with EU Partners.

This work explains the optimized synthesis process and preparation of a novel environmental friend and commercial biodiesel from Salicornia persica Akhani (SpA) as a low-water, drought-resistant, and saltwater tolerant plant and presents the comparative results on thermal and emission characteristics due to the application of this biodiesel in a combustion system. The effects of extraction method, kind of extraction solvent (polar and non-polar solvent), extraction time (10–25 min) and ratio of Salicornia grounded seeds to solvent (0.11–0.33 g/ml) on the yield of the extraction process were studied. The ultrasonic probe method with hexane solvent at 25 min of extraction time and 0.33 g/ml solute to solvent ratio gave the maximum oil yield of 33 wt% during the experiment. Conversion of Salicornia seeds oil into biodiesel was done with methanol in the presence of the Zn0.4Ni0.6Fe2O4@SO3H magnetic nanocomposites during transesterification reaction. Also, Fourier Transform Infrared technique (FT-IR) was done to show the oil conversion into biodiesel. Having a high amount of unsaturated fatty acids (USFA) and a low amount of saturated fatty acids (SFA) resulting from Gas Chromatography analysis (GC) and high oxidative stability of Salicornia seeds oil leads to the Salicornia persica Akhani biodiesel having the lowest dynamic viscosity (3.32 mPa.s at 40 °C) compared to other conventional biodiesels including palm, sunflower and soybean. Low viscosity has an essential role in the enhancement of fuel atomization, mixing, combustion and CO emission such that compared with B20 palm oil biodiesel fuel, the use of a B20 blend of Salicornia persica Akhani in an oil burner increases the maximum flame temperature by 3.7 % and decreases the CO emission by 46.5 %.

The growing concern about climate change and the contemporary increase in mobility requirements call for faster, cheaper, safer, and cleaner means of transportation. The retrofitting of fossil-fueled piston engine ultralight aerial vehicles to hydrogen power systems is an option recently proposed in this direction. The goal of this investigation is a comparative analysis of the environmental impact of conventional and hydrogen-based propulsive systems. As a case study, a hybrid electric configuration consisting of a fuel cell with a nominal power of about 30 kW, a 6 kWh LFP battery, and a pressurized hydrogen vessel is proposed to replace a piston prop configuration for an ultralight aerial vehicle. Both power systems are modeled with a backward approach that allows the efficiency of the main components to be evaluated based on the load and altitude at every moment of the flight with a time step of 1 s. A typical 90 min flight mission is considered for the comparative analysis, which is performed in terms of direct and indirect emissions of carbon dioxide, water, and pollutant substances. For the hydrogen-based configuration, two possible strategies are adopted for the use of the battery: charge sustaining and charge depleting. Moreover, the effect of the altitude on the parasitic power of the fuel cell compressor and, consequently, on the net efficiency of the fuel cell system is taken into account. The results showed that even if the use of hydrogen confines the direct environmental impact to the emission of water (in a similar quantity to the fossil fuel case), the indirect emissions associated with the production, transportation, and delivery of hydrogen and electricity compromise the desired achievement of pollutant-free propulsion in terms of equivalent emissions of CO2 and VOCs if hydrogen is obtained from natural gas reforming. However, in the case of green hydrogen from electrolysis with wind energy, the total (direct and indirect) emissions of CO2 can be reduced up to 1/5 of the fossil fuel case. The proposed configuration has the additional advantage of eliminating the problem of lead, which is used as an additive in the AVGAS 100LL.

Abstract Split-Hand/Foot Malformation type 3 (SHFM3) is a congenital limb malformation associated with tandem duplications at the LBX1/FGF8 locus. Yet, the disease patho-mechanism remains unsolved. Here we investigate the functional consequences of SHFM3-associated rearrangements on chromatin conformation and gene expression in vivo in transgenic mice. We show that the Lbx1/Fgf8 locus consists of two separate, but interacting, regulatory domains. Re-engineering of a SHFM3-associated duplication and a newly reported inversion in mice results in restructuring of the chromatin architecture. This leads to ectopic activation of the Lbx1 and Btrc genes in the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) in an Fgf8-like pattern induced by AER-specific enhancers of Fgf8. We provide evidence that the SHFM3 phenotype is the result of a combinatorial effect on gene misexpression in the developing limb. Our results reveal insights into the molecular mechanism underlying SHFM3 and provide conceptual framework for how genomic rearrangements can cause gene misexpression and disease.

The world's attention is currently focused on the energy transition to sustainable energy. The drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit global warming, energy security, and the generalization of access to energy have contributed to the adoption of the Moroccan Energy Strategy, with a strong focus on renewable energy (RE). Morocco is notoriously poor in conventional primary fossil energy resources, with energy dependence on the order of 90%. In addition, the energy crisis that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, compounded with steady increase in demand, has heavily affected the security and stability of the country's energy situation. The transition to RE by strongly engaging in the implementation of several solar, wind, and hydro energy projects has made the country the leader in RE in Africa. These projects benefit from the country's excellent solar and wind energy potential. As a consequence, by 2030, the share of RE in the installed capacity is expected to reach 52%. An overview of the current situation of RE (particularly solar energy) in Morocco is provided, including the potentials, obstacles, challenges, and future perspectives. Thanks to its high solar potential, it is predictable that Morocco's effort will be focused on this field: the Erasmus plus INNOMED project is a virtuous example of international cooperation, aiming at promoting solar energy through capacity building and the creation of solar energy networks, in synergy with EU Partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of an atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) intake has been investigated with a focus on the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. A numerical dataset was derived from extensive DSMC analysis of rarefied flow across various intake configurations. The intake geometry, based on a concept from the literature, comprises a cylindrical body with four annular coaxial channels and a conical convergent diffuser. By maintaining the aspect ratio of the coaxial channels, the DSMC simulations were performed by changing three key parameters: inlet area, convergent diffuser angle, and operating discharge voltage, at altitudes ranging from 140 to 200 km. The analysis of the ABEP system revealed that altitude has the most significant influence on the discharge power, while the effects of the diffuser angle and inlet area are comparatively smaller. Analysis at fixed altitudes reveals a strong influence of altitude on discharge power, while the diffuser angle and the inlet area play a minor role. The results also show that the sensitivity of the discharge power to the diffuser angle increases as the altitude approaches the highest level of 200 km. Furthermore, an evolutionary-based optimization methodology was applied, taking into account the requirements of a drag-to-thrust ratio of less than 1 and a discharge power of less than 12 kW. Optimization analysis in the full altitude range revealed that the optimal diffuser angle falls within the narrow range of 15 ° – 20 ° , corresponding to an optimal operating altitude range of 170 – 178 km. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces an innovative approach involving the injection of hydrogen into a low-swirl, non-premixed flame, which operates with gaseous fuels derived from an air-blast atomizer designed for aero-engine applications. The aim is to characterize how hydrogen enrichment influences flame structures while maintaining a constant thermal output of 4.6 kW. Using high-speed chemiluminescence imaging, three fueling conditions were compared: the first involved pure methane/air, while the second and third conditions introduced varying levels of hydrogen to an air–methane mixture. The results reveal significant effects of hydrogen enrichment on flame characteristics, including a slightly shorter length and a wider angle attributed to heightened expansion within the Combustion Recirculation Zone. Moreover, the emission of UV light underwent considerable changes, resulting in a shifted luminosity zone and reduced variance. To delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms, the researchers employed Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) and Spectral Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (SPOD) analyses, showing coherent structures and energetic modes within the flames. Hydrogen enrichment led to the development of smaller structures near the nozzle exit, accompanied by longitudinal oscillations and vortex shedding phenomena. These findings contribute to an advanced understanding of hydrogen’s impact on flame characteristics, thereby propelling efforts toward improved flame stability. Additionally, these insights hold significance in the exploration of hydrogen as an alternative energy source with potential environmental benefits.

Autonomous aircraft are the key enablers of future urban services, such as postal and transportation systems. Digital twins (DTs) are promising cutting-edge technologies that can transform the future transport ecosystem into an autonomous and resilient system. However, since DT is a data-driven solution based on AI, proper data management is essential in implementing DT as a service (DTaaS). One of the challenges in DT development is the availability of real-life data, particularly for training algorithms and verifying the functionality of DT. The current article focuses on data augmentation through synthetic data generation. This approach can facilitate the development of DT in case the developers do not have enough data to train the machine learning (ML) algorithm. The current twinning approach provides a prospective ideal state of the engine used for proactive monitoring of the engine’s health as an anomaly detection service. In line with the track of unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs) for urban air mobility in smart city applications, this paper focuses specifically on the common hybrid turbo-shaft in drones/helicopters. However, there is a significant gap in real-life similar synthetic data generation in the UAV domain literature. Therefore, rolling linear regression and Kalman filter algorithms were implemented on noise-added data, which simulate the data measured from the engine in a real-life operational life cycle. For both thermal and hybrid models, the corresponding DT model has shown high efficiency in noise filtration and a certain amount of predictions with a lower error rate on all engine parameters except the engine torque.

BRCA-1 associated protein 1 (BAP1) tumour predisposition syndrome (TPDS) is a hereditary condition characterised by germline mutation of the tumour suppressor BAP1. This disorder is associated with the development of various benign and malignant tumours, mainly involving the skin, eyes, kidneys, and mesothelium. In this article, we report the case of a man recruited through the Apulia (Southern Italy) Mesothelioma Regional Operational Centre of the National Register of Mesotheliomas, who suffered from uveal melanoma, renal cancer, and mesothelioma, and a familial cluster of BAP1 germline mutations demonstrated by molecular analyses. The family members of the proband developed multiple malignancies. As tumours arising in this context have specific peculiarities in terms of clinical behaviour, identification of this condition through appropriate genetic counselling should be considered for adequate primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention measures for offspring.

Peripartum depression (PPD) is a major complication of pregnancy, and numerous risk factors have been associated with its onset, including dysfunctional coping strategies and insecure attachment styles, both during pregnancy and postpartum. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of coping strategies in mediating the relationship between women’s attachment style and depressive symptomatology in pregnancy and one week after giving birth in a large sample of women (N = 1664). Our hypothesis was that the relationship between anxious and avoidant attachment and depressive symptomatology would be mediated by use of maladaptive coping strategies. The assessment instruments were Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Brief Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences (COPE), and Experiences in Close Relationship Scale (ECR). The results indicated that the effect of insecure attachment styles (anxious and avoidant attachment) on antepartum depressive symptomatology was partially mediated by dysfunctional coping styles. Anxious attachment also has an indirect significant effect on postpartum depressive symptomatology through emotional coping; however, avoidant attachment does not seem to be significantly related to postpartum depressive symptoms. Our findings revealed that not only is it important to consider attachment in understanding peripartum depressive symptomatology, but also that coping plays an important role in these relationships. These findings would help a preventive coping-based intervention strategy to enhance the capacity of women with insecure attachment styles to use more adaptive coping during and after pregnancy.

Cardiac involvement is a major feature of RASopathies, a group of phenotypically overlapping syndromes caused by germline mutations in genes encoding components of the RAS/MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling pathway. In particular, Noonan syndrome (NS) is associated with a wide spectrum of cardiac pathologies ranging from congenital heart disease (CHD), present in approximately 80% of patients, to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), observed in approximately 20% of patients. Genotype–cardiac phenotype correlations are frequently described, and they are useful indicators in predicting the prognosis concerning cardiac disease over the lifetime. The aim of this review is to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of cardiac diseases associated particularly with NS, and to discuss the main morphological and clinical characteristics of the two most frequent cardiac disorders, namely pulmonary valve stenosis (PVS) and HCM. We will also report the genotype–phenotype correlation and its implications for prognosis and treatment. Knowing the molecular mechanisms responsible for the genotype–phenotype correlation is key to developing possible targeted therapies. We will briefly address the first experiences of targeted HCM treatment using RAS/MAPK pathway inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing concern about climate change and the contemporary increase in mobility requirements call for faster, cheaper, safer, and cleaner means of transportation. The retrofitting of fossil-fueled piston engine ultralight aerial vehicles to hydrogen power systems is an option recently proposed in this direction. The goal of this investigation is a comparative analysis of the environmental impact of conventional and hydrogen-based propulsive systems. As a case study, a hybrid electric configuration consisting of a fuel cell with a nominal power of about 30 kW, a 6 kWh LFP battery, and a pressurized hydrogen vessel is proposed to replace a piston prop configuration for an ultralight aerial vehicle. Both power systems are modeled with a backward approach that allows the efficiency of the main components to be evaluated based on the load and altitude at every moment of the flight with a time step of 1 s. A typical 90 min flight mission is considered for the comparative analysis, which is performed in terms of direct and indirect emissions of carbon dioxide, water, and pollutant substances. For the hydrogen-based configuration, two possible strategies are adopted for the use of the battery: charge sustaining and charge depleting. Moreover, the effect of the altitude on the parasitic power of the fuel cell compressor and, consequently, on the net efficiency of the fuel cell system is taken into account. The results showed that even if the use of hydrogen confines the direct environmental impact to the emission of water (in a similar quantity to the fossil fuel case), the indirect emissions associated with the production, transportation, and delivery of hydrogen and electricity compromise the desired achievement of pollutant-free propulsion in terms of equivalent emissions of CO2 and VOCs if hydrogen is obtained from natural gas reforming. However, in the case of green hydrogen from electrolysis with wind energy, the total (direct and indirect) emissions of CO2 can be reduced up to 1/5 of the fossil fuel case. The proposed configuration has the additional advantage of eliminating the problem of lead, which is used as an additive in the AVGAS 100LL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Major haemorrhage after injury is the leading cause of preventable death for trauma patients. Recent advancements in trauma care suggest damage control resuscitation (DCR) should start in the prehospital phase following major trauma. In Italy, Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) assist the most complex injuries and deliver the most advanced interventions including DCR. The effect size of DCR delivered prehospitally on survival remains however unclear.Methods and analysis This is an investigator-initiated, large, national, prospective, observational cohort study aiming to recruit >500 patients in haemorrhagic shock after major trauma. We aim at describing the current practice of hypotensive trauma management as well as propose the creation of a national registry of patients with haemorrhagic shock. Primary objective: the exploration of the effect size of the variation in clinical practice on the mortality of hypotensive trauma patients. The primary outcome measure will be 24 hours, 7-day and 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes include: association of prehospital factors and survival from injury to hospital admission, hospital length of stay, prehospital and in-hospital complications, hospital outcomes; use of prehospital ultrasound; association of prehospital factors and volume of first 24-hours blood product administration and evaluation of the prevalence of use, appropriateness, haemodynamic, metabolic and effects on mortality of prehospital blood transfusions. Inclusion criteria: age >18 years, traumatic injury attended by a HEMS team including a physician, a systolic blood pressure