bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drinking or Smoking While Breastfeeding and Later Academic Outcomes in Children
Authors: Gibson Louisa , Porter Melanie
Published: March 2020

Alcohol consumed by breastfeeding mothers has been associated with reduced grammatical comprehension and cognition in children. This study examined whether drinking or smoking while breastfeeding was associated with reductions in Australian National Assessment Program–Literacy and Numeracy assessments. Data was sourced from The Growing Up in Australia Study. This is an ongoing longitudinal study of 5107 infants and mothers recruited in 2004 and followed over time every two years. Multivariable linear regression found that maternal alcohol consumption at study entry was associated with reductions in Grade 3 (age 7–10 years) National Assessment Program–Literacy and Numeracy writing (b = −1.56, 95% CI: −2.52; −0.60, p = 0.01), spelling (b = −2.06, 95% CI: −3.31; −0.81, p < 0.0001) and grammar and punctuation (b = −2.11, 95% CI: −3.59; −0.64, p = 0.01) scores, as well as Grade 5 (age 9–11 years) spelling scores (b = −1.58, 95% CI: −2.74; −0.43, p = 0.03) in children who had been breastfed at any time. This was not evident in babies who had never breastfed, or in the smaller group of infants who were actively breastfeeding at study entry. Smoking was not associated with any outcome variable. Drinking alcohol while breastfeeding may result in dose-dependent reductions in children’s academic abilities. While reductions are small, they may be of clinical significance if mothers drink large quantities. Further analyses are planned to assess developmental, physical and behavioural outcomes in children.
Preoccupation with Body Weight and Under-Reporting of Energy Intake in Female Japanese Nutrition Students
Authors: Kagawa Masaharu , Hills Andrew P.
Published: March 2020

The present study aimed to examine associations between body image and under-reporting in female Japanese university students enrolled in a nutrition degree program. A total of 100 participants (aged 18–29 years) completed (1) a self-administered questionnaire including the Ben-Tovim Walker Body Attitudes Questionnaire (BAQ), (2) a dietary assessment using a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ), (3) a physical activity assessment using Bouchard’s Physical Activity Record (BAR) and a tri-axial accelerometer, (4) detailed anthropometry, and (5) body composition assessment. Based on the energy intake to basal metabolic rate ratio (EI:BMR) and using a cut-off point of 1.35, 67% of participants were considered under-reporters (URs). While there was no between-group difference in BMI, URs had significantly (p < 0.05) greater percentage body fat (%BF) and trunk fat (%TF) compared with non-URs. Regression analyses indicated accuracy of body perception and a discrepancy between current and ideal weight were associated with EI:BMR, whereas the salience subscale of the BAQ was associated with reported EI. The study raises concerns regarding the validity of EI reported from young Japanese females as they are known to have a strong preoccupation with thinness, even with an acceptable BMI and health and nutritional knowledge.
Anti-Melanogenic Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Sorghum bicolor on IBMX–Induced Melanogenesis in B16/F10 Melanoma Cells
Authors: Han Hye Ju , Park Seon Kyeong , Kang Jin Yong , Kim Jong Min , Yoo Seul Ki , Heo Ho Jin
Published: March 2020

To evaluate possibility as a skin whitening agent of Sorghum bicolor (S. bicolor), its antioxidant activity and anti-melanogenic effect on 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX)-induced melanogenesis in B16/F10 melanoma cells were investigated. The result of total phenolic contents (TPC) indicated that 60% ethanol extract of S. bicolor (ESB) has the highest contents than other ethanol extracts. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2’-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS)/1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) inhibitory effect. These results showed ESB has significant antioxidant activities. Inhibitory effect against tyrosinase was also assessed using L-tyrosine (IC50 value = 89.25 μg/mL) and 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine (L-DOPA) as substrates. In addition, ESB treatment effectively inhibited melanin production in IBMX-induced B16/F10 melanoma cells. To confirm the mechanism on anti-melanogenic effect of ESB, we examined melanogenesis-related proteins. ESB downregulated melanogenesis by decreasing expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1. Finally, 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (9-HODE), 1,3-O-dicaffeoylglycerol and tricin as the main compounds of ESB were analyzed using the ultra-performance liquid chromatography-ion mobility separation-quadrupole time of flight/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-IMS-QTOF/MS2). These findings suggest that ESB may have physiological potential to be used skin whitening material.
Evaluation of a Pharmacist Led Oral Chemotherapy Clinic: A Pilot Program in the Gastrointestinal Oncology Clinic at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Darling Julianne O. , Raheem Farah , Carter Katelyn C. , Ledbetter Elizabeth , Lowe Jennifer F. , Lowe Christopher
Published: March 2020

Oral chemotherapy represents a major patient-centric advancement in therapy convenience. However, ownership of safe and correct administration of these agents requires significant patient education. To address this challenge, an in-person pharmacist-led oral chemotherapy education clinic in gastrointestinal oncology patients within an academic medical center was created and assessed. In this pilot program, a medication-specific quiz was administered to patients before and after education performed by a pharmacist to assess patient understanding of their new oral chemotherapy. A five-question satisfaction survey was also administered at the conclusion of the pharmacist clinic visit. Primary outcome was the percentage difference between pre-and post-education quiz scores. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction, time to treatment initiation, and number of pharmacist interventions. Frequencies and medians were used to describe categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Of the 18 patients analyzed, 50% were male and median age was 59.5 years. Approximately 28% had colon cancer, and 61% were treated with capecitabine. The median post-education scores improved from a pre-education score of 75% to 100%. Overall, seventeen of the eighteen patients responded with “strongly agree” to all satisfaction survey statements. An in-person oncology pharmacist-led oral chemotherapy education session demonstrated an improvement in patients’ understanding of their new oral chemotherapy treatment.
Modulating the Mechanical Properties of Electrospun PHB/PCL Materials by Using Different Types of Collectors and Heat Sealing
Authors: Borisova Irena , Stoilova Olya , Manolova Nevena , Rashkov Iliya
Published: March 2020

Two-component fibrous materials based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB, Tm = 160 °C) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL, Tm = 60 °C) were successfully fabricated by dual-jet electrospinning of their separate spinning solutions. The desired alignment of the fibers that compose PHB/PCL mats was achieved by using three types of rotating collectors—drum (smooth), blade and grid. Additional fiber alignment in the direction of collector rotation was achieved by rotating at 2200 rpm. Moreover, the selected concentration of PCL spinning solution resulted in fibers with spindle-like defects along their length. Thus, “segment” sealing of the PHB (high-melting) fibers by the molten PCL (low-melting) fibers/defects sites was achieved after heating the PHB/PCL mats above the melting temperature (Tm) of PCL. The surface morphology, thermal behavior and mechanical properties of the PHB/PCL mats before and after thermal treatment were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and mechanical tests. The results indicated that regardless of the cutting direction of the specimens (0° or 90°), thermal treated PHB/PCL mats reveal enhanced mechanical properties. Therefore, this work provides an easily feasible route for the fabrication of electrospun PHB/PCL mats with tunable mechanical properties and improved performance.
RETRACTED: In-Situ Yeast Fermentation Medium in Fortifying Protein and Lipid Accumulations in the Harvested Larval Biomass of Black Soldier Fly
Authors: Wong Chung , Ho Yeek , Lim Jun , Show Pau , Chong Siewhui , Chan Yi , Ho Chii , Mohamad Mardawani , Wu Ta , Lam Man , Pan Guan
Published: March 2020

Recently, worldwide researchers have been focusing on exploiting of black soldier fly larval (BSFL) biomass to serve as the feed mediums for farmed animals, including aquaculture farming, in order to assuage the rising demands for protein sources. In this study, yeast was introduced into coconut endosperm waste (CEW) whilst serving as the feeding medium to rear BSFL in simultaneously performed in situ fermentation. It was found that at a 2.5 wt% yeast concentration, the total biomass gained, growth rate and rearing time were improved to 1.145 g, 0.085 g/day and 13.5 days, respectively. In terms of solid waste reduction, the inoculation of yeast over 0.5 wt% in CEW was able to achieve more than 50% overall degradation, with the waste reduction indexes (WRIs) ranging from 0.038 to 0.040 g/day. Disregarding the concentration of yeast introduced, the protein productivity from 20 BSFL was enhanced from only 0.018 g/day (the control) to 0.025 g/day with the presence of yeast at arbitrary concentrations. On the other hand, the larval protein yield was fortified from the control (28%) to a highest value of 35% with the presence of a mere 0.02 wt% yeast concentration. To summarize, the inclusion of a minimal amount of yeast into CEW for in situ fermentation ultimately enhanced the growth of BSFL, as well as its protein yield and productivity.
A Proposal for Public Health Information System-Based Health Promotion Services
Authors: Yoon Kichan , Park Sewon , Choi Solji , Lee Munjae
Published: March 2020

This study aims to examine the current status and utilization of 22 health promotion projects that use the health care information system. We investigate the health promotion examination results for a counseling project held at health centers, which use information connected with the Health Insurance Corporation. First, we review the status of 22 health promotion projects, including 13 integrated health promotion projects and 9 other health promotion projects. Next, we examine the linkages between the 22 projects and other health promotion systems. Consequently, despite accumulating vast amounts of data, only 10 places could be linked to health promotion data in the health and medical information system; the Social Security Information Service was the only exception to this trend. The Public Health Information System (PHIS) had the lowest data utilization rate in the project. The study results show that it is necessary to utilize data from local health and medical institutions in order to provide information system-based health promotion services. In particular, it seems to be effective when health and medical institutions provided various counseling services and other linked services to local residents in connection with the Korea Health Insurance Corporation’s health examination results.
Effect of Nitrate and Perchlorate on Selenate Reduction in a Sequencing Batch Reactor
Authors: Kim Hyun-Woo , Hong Seong Hwan , Choi Hyeoksun
Published: March 2020

Selenate removal from a water body is being vigorously debated owing to severe health impact, but inhibitions of coexisting anions have been reported. To suggest a viable treatment option, this study investigates the effect of nitrate and perchlorate on selenate reduction in a laboratory-scale sequencing batch reactor. The experimental design tests how competing electron acceptors (NO3− and ClO4−) and electron donor (acetate) limitations affect selenate reduction in the reactor. Results show that the reactor achieves almost complete selenate reduction within the initial concentration ranges of 0.1–1 mM by enriching selenate-reducing bacteria with appropriate temperature (30 °C) and acclimation period (50 days). We monitored simultaneous selenate and nitrate reduction in the reactor without specific inhibition due to a difference in microbial growth strategy related to electron donor status. Lack of perchlorate-reducing bacteria makes perchlorate addition (0.2 mM) not to be closely associated with dissimilative perchlorate reduction. These results provide information that can help us to understand the effect of competing electron acceptors on selenate reduction and the kinetics of potential parallel reactions in the reactor.
Analysis of the Sieve Unit Inclination Angle in the Cleaning Process of Oat Grain in a Rotary Cleaning Device
Authors: Krzysiak Zbigniew , Samociuk Waldemar , Zarajczyk Janusz , Kaliniewicz Zdzisław , Pieniak Daniel , Bogucki Marcin
Published: March 2020

The article presents some of the research on the wider work related to testing and improving a new rotary cleaning device. The new cereal grain cleaning and separation device can support the development of sustainable agriculture in terms of seed purity and quality. This device is especially useful for small and medium-sized farms. This device has the characteristics of a multi-stage screen aided by an air stream (i.e., by pneumoseparation). The prototype was constructed at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin. The research was conducted at a test stand, which allowed changes in the operating parameters of the cleaner and their measurement. The scope of the tests included determining the influence of the inclination angle of the sieve unit (α) on the effectiveness and efficiency of oat grain cleaning. The experiment was carried out using two rotational spindle speeds: 5 and 75 rpm. The quality of the separation and cleaning of oat grains was evaluated using six cleaning process parameters: plump grain mass separation coefficient (Spg), fine grain separation coefficient (Sfg), fine impurities separation coefficient (Sfi), chaff separation coefficient (Sch), total coefficient of cleaning effectiveness (E), plump grain cleaning efficiency (qpg). Results showed the significant effect of the sieve drum inclination angle on the efficiency and effectiveness of oat grain cleaning.
Techno-Economic Analysis of CO2 Capture Technologies in Offshore Natural Gas Field: Implications to Carbon Capture and Storage in Malaysia
Authors: Sukor Norhasyima Rahmad , Shamsuddin Abd Halim , Mahlia Teuku Meurah Indra , Mat Isa Md Faudzi
Published: March 2020

Growing concern on global warming directly related to CO2 emissions is steering the implementation of carbon capture and storage (CCS). With Malaysia having an estimated 37 Tscfd (Trillion standard cubic feet) of natural gas remains undeveloped in CO2 containing natural gas fields, there is a need to assess the viability of CCS implementation. This study performs a techno-economic analysis for CCS at an offshore natural gas field in Malaysia. The framework includes a gas field model, revenue model, and cost model. A techno-economic spreadsheet consisting of Net Present Value (NPV), Payback Period (PBP), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) is developed over the gas field’s production life of 15 years for four distinctive CO2 capture technologies, which are membrane, chemical absorption, physical absorption, and cryogenics. Results predict that physical absorption solvent (Selexol) as CO2 capture technology is most feasible with IRR of 15% and PBP of 7.94 years. The output from the techno-economic model and associated risks of the CCS project are quantified by employing sensitivity analysis (SA), which indicated that the project NPV is exceptionally sensitive to gas price. On this basis, the economic performance of the project is reliant on revenues from gas sales, which is dictated by gas market price uncertainties.
Multi-Objective Optimal Configuration of the CCHP System
Authors: Zheng Liukang , Wang Xiaoli , Jiang Baochen
Published: March 2020

The combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) system not only has high energy efficiency but also has different load structures. Traditional separate production (SP) system and power supply system do not consider the land cost in terms of the environmental benefits, and in the aspect of the power supply reliability, the grid-connected inverter cost is also ignored. Considering the deficiency of the traditional energy supply system, this paper builds the CCHP system construction cost model. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) is adopted to find out the minimum value of the construction cost, and the optimal system construction scheme is constructed from three aspects which are system reliability, economic benefits and environmental benefits. In this paper, the typical daily data, as well as the meteorological data and the load data, in the last four years are taken as experimental dataset. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional SP system and power supply system, the CCHP system established in this paper not only achieves lower cumulative investment cost, but also has a good power supply reliability and environmental benefits.
Studies on Influence of Cell Temperature in Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Operation
Authors: Govindarasu R. , Somasundaram S.
Published: March 2020

Directmethanol fuel cells (DMFCs) offer one of the most promising alternatives for the replacement of fossil fuels. A DMFC that had an active Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) area of 45 cm2, a squoval-shaped manifold hole design, and a Pt-Ru/C catalyst combination at the anode was taken for analysis in simulation and real-time experimentation. A mathematical model was developed using dynamic equations of a DMFC. Simulation of a DMFC model using MATLAB software was carried out to identify the most influencing process variables, namely cell temperature, methanol flow rate and methanol concentration during a DMFC operation. Simulation results were recorded and analyzed. It was observed from the results that the cell temperature was the most influencing process variable in the DMFC operation, more so than the methanol flow rate and the methanol concentration. In the DMFC, real-time experimentation was carried out at different cell temperatures to find out the optimum temperature at which maximum power density was obtained. The results obtained in simulation and the experiment were compared and it was concluded that the temperature was the most influencing process variable and 333K was the optimum operating temperature required to achieve the most productive performance in power density of the DMFC.
Power Plant Optimisation—Effective Use of the Nelder-Mead Approach
Authors: Niegodajew Paweł , Marek Maciej , Elsner Witold , Kowalczyk Łukasz
Published: March 2020

This paper demonstrates the use of a combined software package including IPSEpro and MATLAB in the optimisation of a modern thermal cycle. A 900 MW power plant unit (operating at ultra-supercritical conditions) was considered as the study object. The Nelder-Mead simplex-based, direct search method was used to increase power plant efficiency and to find the optimal thermal cycle configuration. As the literature reveals, the Nelder-Mead approach is very sensitive to the simplex size and to the choice of method coefficients, i.e., reflection, expansion and contraction. When these coefficients are improperly chosen, the finding of the optimal solution cannot be guaranteed, particularly in such complex systems as thermal cycles. Hence, the main goal of the present work was to demonstrate the capability of an integrated software package including IPSEpro, MATLAB and MS Excel in the optimisation process of a complex thermal cycle, as well as to examine the effectiveness of the most popular sets of Nelder-Mead coefficients previously proposed by other researchers. For the investigation purposes, the bleed and outlet pressures from the turbines were considered as decision variables, and the power plant efficiency was used as an objective function.
The Splendors and Miseries of Open Access Scientific Publishing in Ukraine
Authors: Novikov Andriy
Published: March 2020

The letter represents the author’s opinion on the reasons and background of the actively developing practice of unconscientious open access scientific publishing, as well as briefly discussing the current condition of academic publishing and indexation in Ukraine.
Transcending the Suffering in Cancer: Impact of a Spiritual Life Review Intervention on Spiritual Re-Evaluation, Spiritual Growth and Psycho-Spiritual Wellbeing
Authors: Post Lenneke , Ganzevoort R. Ruard , Verdonck-de Leeuw Irma M.
Published: March 2020

In the confrontation with cancer, spiritual re-evaluation may help people to transform all-encompassing suffering into spiritual growth and psycho-spiritual wellbeing. The aim of this study was to examine whether spiritual life review (SLR), a semi-structured group narrative intervention that supports people with cancer to write and present their spiritual life story, is effective for the improvement of spiritual re-evaluation, spiritual growth, and psycho-spiritual wellbeing. In this mixed methods study, 57 cancer patients participated. Quantitative data were collected by means of patient reported outcomes (SAIL, Dutch Ryff, and NEIS) at baseline, post-intervention, and three and nine months follow-up (44 participants completed up to 9 months post-intervention). Changes over time were assessed via linear mixed model analysis (LMM). Qualitative data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews with 33 participants nine months post-intervention, and were coded in a two-stage process. Participating in SLR facilitated spiritual re-evaluation, and improved the course of spiritual growth, psycho-spiritual wellbeing, and ego-integrity. This study provides evidence that SLR is likely to improve spiritual re-evaluation, spiritual growth, and psycho-spiritual wellbeing after confrontation with cancer; it also suggests the importance of self-affirmation and ego-integrity for spirituality; and underscores the relevance of narrative spiritual interventions in the oncology setting.
Current Practices in UAS-based Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Tmušić Goran , Manfreda Salvatore , Aasen Helge , James Mike R. , Gonçalves Gil , Ben-Dor Eyal , Brook Anna , Polinova Maria , Arranz Jose Juan , Mészáros János , Zhuang Ruodan , Johansen Kasper , Malbeteau Yoann , de Lima Isabel Pedroso , Davids Corine , Herban Sorin , McCabe Matthew F.
Published: March 2020

With the increasing role that unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are playing in data collection for environmental studies, two key challenges relate to harmonizing and providing standardized guidance for data collection, and also establishing protocols that are applicable across a broad range of environments and conditions. In this context, a network of scientists are cooperating within the framework of the Harmonious Project to develop and promote harmonized mapping strategies and disseminate operational guidance to ensure best practice for data collection and interpretation. The culmination of these efforts is summarized in the present manuscript. Through this synthesis study, we identify the many interdependencies of each step in the collection and processing chain, and outline approaches to formalize and ensure a successful workflow and product development. Given the number of environmental conditions, constraints, and variables that could possibly be explored from UAS platforms, it is impractical to provide protocols that can be applied universally under all scenarios. However, it is possible to collate and systematically order the fragmented knowledge on UAS collection and analysis to identify the best practices that can best ensure the streamlined and rigorous development of scientific products.
Evaluation and Comparison of Light Use Efficiency and Gross Primary Productivity Using Three Different Approaches
Authors: Wang Mengjia , Sun Rui , Zhu Anran , Xiao Zhiqiang
Published: March 2020

Light use efficiency (LUE), which characterizes the efficiency with which vegetation converts captured/absorbed radiation into organic dry matter through photosynthesis, is a key parameter for estimating vegetation gross primary productivity (GPP). Studies suggest that diffuse radiation induces a higher LUE than direct radiation in short-term and site-scale experiments. The clearness index (CI), described as the fraction of solar incident radiation on the surface of the earth to the extraterrestrial radiation at the top of the atmosphere, is added to the parameterization approach to explain the conditions of diffuse and direct radiation in this study. Machine learning methods—such as the Cubist regression tree approach—are also popular approaches for studying vegetation carbon uptake. This paper aims to compare and analyze the performances of three different approaches for estimating global LUE and GPP. The methods for collecting LUE were based on the following: (1) parameterization approach without CI; (2) parameterization approach with CI; and (3) Cubist regression tree approach. We collected GPP and meteorological data from 180 FLUXNET sites as calibration and validation data and the Global Land Surface Satellite (GLASS) products and ERA-interim data as input data to estimate the global LUE and GPP in 2014. Site-scale validation with FLUXNET measurements indicated that the Cubist regression approach performed better than the parameterization approaches. However, when applying the approaches to global LUE and GPP, the parameterization approach with the CI became the most reliable approach, then closely followed by the parameterization approach without the CI. Spatial analysis showed that the addition of the CI improved the LUE and GPP, especially in high-value zones. The results of the Cubist regression tree approach illustrate more fluctuations than the parameterization approaches. Although the distributions of LUE presented variations over different seasons, vegetation had the highest LUE, at approximately 1.5 gC/MJ, during the whole year in equatorial regions (e.g., South America, middle Africa and Southeast Asia). The three approaches produced roughly consistent global annual GPPs ranging from 109.23 to 120.65 Pg/yr. Our results suggest the parameterization approaches are robust when extrapolating to the global scale, of which the parameterization approach with CI performs slightly better than that without CI. By contrast, the Cubist regression tree produced LUE and GPP with lower accuracy even though it performed the best for model validation at the site scale.
Lossy and Lossless Video Frame Compression: A Novel Approach for High-Temporal Video Data Analytics
Authors: Ahmed Zayneb , Hussain Abir Jaafar , Khan Wasiq , Baker Thar , Al-Askar Haya , Lunn Janet , Al-Shabandar Raghad , Al-Jumeily Dhiya , Liatsis Panos
Published: March 2020

The smart city concept has attracted high research attention in recent years within diverse application domains, such as crime suspect identification, border security, transportation, aerospace, and so on. Specific focus has been on increased automation using data driven approaches, while leveraging remote sensing and real-time streaming of heterogenous data from various resources, including unmanned aerial vehicles, surveillance cameras, and low-earth-orbit satellites. One of the core challenges in exploitation of such high temporal data streams, specifically videos, is the trade-off between the quality of video streaming and limited transmission bandwidth. An optimal compromise is needed between video quality and subsequently, recognition and understanding and efficient processing of large amounts of video data. This research proposes a novel unified approach to lossy and lossless video frame compression, which is beneficial for the autonomous processing and enhanced representation of high-resolution video data in various domains. The proposed fast block matching motion estimation technique, namely mean predictive block matching, is based on the principle that general motion in any video frame is usually coherent. This coherent nature of the video frames dictates a high probability of a macroblock having the same direction of motion as the macroblocks surrounding it. The technique employs the partial distortion elimination algorithm to condense the exploration time, where partial summation of the matching distortion between the current macroblock and its contender ones will be used, when the matching distortion surpasses the current lowest error. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed approach over state-of-the-art techniques, including the four step search, three step search, diamond search, and new three step search.
Scene Acquisition with Multiple 2D and 3D Optical Sensors: A PSO-Based Visibility Optimization
Authors: Buonamici Francesco , Furferi Rocco , Governi Lapo , Marzola Antonio , Volpe Yary
Published: March 2020

Designing an acquisition system for 2D or 3D information, based on the integration of data provided by different sensors is a task that requires a labor-intensive initial design phase. Indeed, the definition of the architecture of such acquisition systems needs to start from the identification of the position and orientation of the sensors observing the scene. Their placement is carefully studied to enhance the efficacy of the system. This often coincides with the need to maximize the surfaces observed by the sensors or some other metric. An automatic optimization procedure based on the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, to seek the most convenient setting of multiple optical sensors observing a 3D scene, is proposed. The procedure has been developed to provide a fast and efficient tool for 2D and 3D data acquisition. Three different objective functions of general validity, to be used in future applications, are proposed and described in the text. Various filters are introduced to reduce computational times of the whole procedure. The method is capable of handling occlusions from undesired obstacle in the scene. Finally, the entire method is discussed with reference to 1) the development of a body scanner for the arm-wrist-hand district and 2) the acquisition of an internal environment as case studies.
A Novel Fabry-Pérot Optical Sensor for Guided Wave Signal Acquisition
Authors: Xu Cheng , Sharif Khodaei Zahra
Published: March 2020

In this paper, a novel hybrid damage detection system is proposed, which utilizes piezoelectric actuators for guided wave excitation and a new fibre optic (FO) sensor based on Fabry-Perot (FP) and Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG). By replacing the FBG sensors with FBG-based FP sensors in the hybrid damage detection system, a higher strain resolution is achieved, which results in higher damage sensitivity and higher reliability in diagnosis. To develop the novel sensor, optimum parameters such as reflectivity, a wavelength spectrum, and a sensor length were chosen carefully through an analytical model of the sensor, which has been validated with experiments. The sensitivity of the new FBG-based FP sensors was compared to FBG sensors to emphasize the superiority of the new sensors in measuring micro-strains. Lastly, the new FBG-based FP sensor was utilized for recording guided waves in a hybrid setup and compared to the conventional FBG hybrid sensor network to demonstrate their improved performance for a structural health monitoring (SHM) application.
Comparison of CNN Algorithms on Hyperspectral Image Classification in Agricultural Lands
Authors: Hsieh Tien-Heng , Kiang Jean-Fu
Published: March 2020

Several versions of convolutional neural network (CNN) were developed to classify hyperspectral images (HSIs) of agricultural lands, including 1D-CNN with pixelwise spectral data, 1D-CNN with selected bands, 1D-CNN with spectral-spatial features and 2D-CNN with principal components. The HSI data of a crop agriculture in Salinas Valley and a mixed vegetation agriculture in Indian Pines were used to compare the performance of these CNN algorithms. The highest overall accuracy on these two cases are 99.8% and 98.1%, respectively, achieved by applying 1D-CNN with augmented input vectors, which contain both spectral and spatial features embedded in the HSI data.
Investigating the Impact of Washing Cycles on Silver-Plated Textile Electrodes: A Complete Study
Authors: Gaubert Valentin , Gidik Hayriye , Bodart Nicolas , Koncar Vladan
Published: March 2020

Although market prediction for smart textiles in the coming years is high, their washability will be among the main criteria for their mass adoption. Hence, the need to understand precisely how the washing process can damage them. Therefore, the best care instructions can be determined and serve as guidelines for smart textile manufacturers to control the quality of their smart garments as well as their customers to wash them cautiously. In this study, only the sensing part, silver-plated-nylon electrode sensors, is taken into account. To determine the chemical and the mechanical impacts of the machine-washing process separately and simultaneously, textile electrodes were put in different washing conditions: with and without bleaching agents, with and without mechanical constraints, etc. Then spectrophotometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) were used to characterize these electrodes. Results show that liquid detergents should be preferred to powder ones. Indeed, the latter contain bleaching agents that tend to oxidize the silver layer, making it more vulnerable to the mechanical rubbings that tear off the silver layer progressively washes after washes. As a consequence, the silver-plated-nylon loses rapidly its conductivity so that the electrode is no longer able to sense biopotentials.
Predicting Crop Evapotranspiration by Integrating Ground and Remote Sensors with Air Temperature Forecasts
Authors: Pelosi Anna , Villani Paolo , Falanga Bolognesi Salvatore , Chirico Giovanni Battista , D’Urso Guido
Published: March 2020

Water use efficiency in agriculture can be improved by implementing advisory systems that support on-farm irrigation scheduling, with reliable forecasts of the actual crop water requirements, where crop evapotranspiration (ETc) is the main component. The development of such advisory systems is highly dependent upon the availability of timely updated crop canopy parameters and weather forecasts several days in advance, at low operational costs. This study presents a methodology for forecasting ETc, based on crop parameters retrieved from multispectral images, data from ground weather sensors, and air temperature forecasts. Crop multispectral images are freely provided by recent satellite missions, with high spatial and temporal resolutions. Meteorological services broadcast air temperature forecasts with lead times of several days, at no subscription costs, and with high accuracy. The performance of the proposed methodology was applied at 18 sites of the Campania region in Italy, by exploiting the data of intensive field campaigns in the years 2014–2015. ETc measurements were forecast with a median bias of 0.2 mm, and a median root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.75 mm at the first day of forecast. At the 5th day of accumulated forecast, the median bias and RMSE become 1 mm and 2.75 mm, respectively. The forecast performances were proved to be as accurate and as precise as those provided with a complete set of forecasted weather variables.
Experimental Study on Vibration Characteristics of Unit-Plate Ballastless Track Systems Laid on Long-Span Bridges Using Full-Scale Test Rigs
Authors: Zheng Weiqi , Sheng Xingwang , Zhu Zhihui , Luo Tianjing , Liu Zecheng
Published: March 2020

In this work, we present a series of hammering tests on full-scale unit-plate ballastless tracks used for long-span bridges. There is no denying that it is a new attempt to pave ballastless tracks on high-speed railway long-span bridges; the related issues deserve to be studied, and especially the vibration characteristics. Hence, the vibration characteristics and transmission rules of the ballastless track with geotextile or rubber isolation layers are explored, and the vibration reduction effect of the rubber isolation layer is analyzed. The main conclusions are as follows: the isolation layers change vibration modes and transmission characteristics of ballastless tracks; the introduction of the rubber isolation layer makes the excited vibration frequency range of the ballastless track concentrated; and the vibrations of the ballastless track with the rubber isolation layers are stable. Moreover, the rubber isolation layer has an obvious attenuation effect on vibration transmission in ballastless track structures. When the vibration is transmitted from the rail to the bridge deck, the vibration level differences of the ballastless track with rubber isolation layers are 20 dB larger than that of the ballastless track with the geotextile isolation layers. The vibration attenuation rate of the rubber isolation layer is about ten times larger than that of geotextile isolation layer.
Impact of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Discussions in Smart Cities: Comprehensive Assessment of Social Media Data
Authors: Hajikhani Arash
Published: March 2020

Discussions on “smart cities” are gaining in popularity in the past two decades and has shown potential in tackling the cities’ environmental, social, and economic challenges. Smart cities are known as a system of physical infrastructure, the information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, and the social infrastructure that exchange information that flows between its many different subsystems. The “smart cities” concept has been introduced with various dimensions, among those, the embedded ICT infrastructure in smart cities is playing a decisive role between the functions of the system. One of the important derivatives of ICT is the new communication mediums known as social network services (SNSs), which is emergent and introduces additional functionalities to “smart cities”. This paper seeks to advance the understanding of SNSs in smart cities to evaluate the effects on the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. This agenda has been tackled by a rigorous methodological approach in order to capture and evaluate the presence of entrepreneurially concerned discussions in a popular SNS intermediate (Twitter). Beyond the methodological contribution on handling big data in SNSs for gaining insights on innovation and entrepreneurial aspects in smart cities, the findings distinguished the influence of a certain category of content generators (professionals) that drive the biggest motives of the interactions in SNSs.
A Low-Cost Vehicular Traffic Monitoring System Using Fog Computing
Authors: Vergis Spiridon , Komianos Vasileios , Tsoumanis Georgios , Tsipis Athanasios , Oikonomou Konstantinos
Published: March 2020

With the rapid increase of vehicles in use worldwide, the need for efficient traffic monitoring systems has arisen. This work proposes a low-cost vehicular traffic monitoring system using IoT devices and fog computing. The system is based on a three-tiered architecture which is composed of (i) the mobile tracking system that records the positions of the vehicles using GPS technologies; (ii) the information gathering system which gathers all the data collected by the mobile tracking system; and (iii) the fog devices that process the data collected and extract the information needed. The system is tested in the town of Corfu during a period of increased tourism when the traffic is considered to be relatively dense. The mobile tracking system devices are placed on taxis and with the help of professional taxi drivers the accuracy of the data collected is evaluated. The system is able to record the movement of the vehicles accurately using its own independent data. The results can be remotely accessed by utilizing fog and cloud computing infrastructure established to process the data and upload it on a server. The system is used to give a better understanding of the speed variance in the center of the town during different dates and hours. In conclusion the system presented in this study can be utilized to monitor the traffic and provide vital information about its behavior in relation to time.
Optimal MTS and MTO Hybrid Production System for a Single Product Under the Cap-And-Trade Environment
Authors: Xiong Shouyao , Feng Yuanyuan , Huang Kai
Published: March 2020

This paper studies the optimal production planning in a hybrid Make-To-Stock (MTS) and Make-To-Order (MTO) production system for a single product under the cap-and-trade environment. The manufacturer aims to minimize the total cost in production, inventory and emissions allowances trading. The decisions include the selection of production mode (pure MTS, pure MTO or hybrid MTS/MTO), the inventory and emissions trading quantity. We derive the optimal solution analytically. We show that the cost of optimal MTO/MTS hybrid production strategy is remarkably less than that of either pure MTO or pure MTS production strategy alone. Compared with the no initial carbon quota and trading environment, there are significant differences in the optimal production decisions under trading environment. When the emissions cost is a source of costs, the manufacturer has to face more costs pressure even if there is no emissions allowance trading. In particular, the results show that the initial emissions allowance determines the optimal production decision and emissions allowance trading decision in cases where the difference between the inventory cost for per unit product and the delayed delivery cost for per unit order is between the minimum and the maximum emissions cost and has no effect on production mode and emissions allowances trading decision in other cases. These conclusions will provide optimal production decision and carbon trading decision for the manufacture under a cap-and-trade environment.
Inventory, Distribution and Geometric Characteristics of Landslides in Baoshan City, Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Shao Xiaoyi , Ma Siyuan , Xu Chong , Shen Lingling , Lu Yongkun
Published: March 2020

Inventorying landslides in mountainous areas is of great importance for prevention of geologic hazards. This study aimed to establish a detailed landslide inventory of Baoshan City, Yunnan Province, China, based on a large set of high-resolution satellite images from Google Earth. The landslides of this region were divided into two groups, i.e., recent landslides and old landslides. The spatial distribution and geometric characteristics of the two kinds of landslides were analyzed, respectively. Results show that 2427 landslides are present in the study area, including 2144 recent landslides and 283 old landslides with a total area of 7.2 km2 and 97.6 km2, respectively. The recent landslides occurred primarily at steep slopes with higher elevation, while old landslides took place at gentle terrains. For the slope position, most landslides, whether old or recent, cluster near ridges. The lower boundary of the recent landslides is far away from the valley, while the accumulation area of the old landslide is closer to the valley. The H/L (height to length) ratios are basically the same for all landslides, ranging from 0.2 to 0.5. Old landslides have larger mobility, as their travel distances are longer than recent landslides at the same height. The results would be helpful for further understanding the development and spatial distribution of the landslides in Southwest China, and also provide essential support for the subsequent landslide susceptibility mapping and geologic hazard assessment in this area.
Urban Standards and Ecosystem Services: The Evolution of the Services Planning in Italy from Theory to Practice
Authors: Colavitti Anna Maria , Floris Alessio , Serra Sergio
Published: March 2020

Human well-being is determined by multiple factors related to health, social relations, safety, environment, landscape, cultural heritage, and quality of services. The Italian planning system provided a set of “urban standards”, in terms of threshold values of areas per inhabitant destined for public services and facilities. The application of urban standards, for a period of more than fifty years, did not result in a broad improvement of life quality in the urban areas. This paper discusses the issue of urban facilities in Italy in order to evaluate the opportunity to innovate traditional standards according to the environmental and ecological paradigm, focusing on the benefits provided to humans by natural ecosystems, the so-called ecosystem services (ESs). The paper investigates the evolution of the Italian planning practice through the introduction of quality standards and innovative tools able to meet the ever-changing social demand. The research aims to verify if the ES concept is really implemented in the Italian planning practice and if the ecosystem approach has a real impact on political decision-making. Using a comparative method, four case-studies of urban municipal plans are selected and analyzed in order to identify different approaches and possible fields of innovation. The research highlighted a lack of integration of ecosystem services approach in the land use decisions, although there is an in-depth survey on the state of conservation of ecological and environmental resources. The local experiments of qualitative standards represent an attempt to deal with specific ecological emergencies, namely flood risk, air, water, and soil pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Conclusions discuss, from an international perspective, the need to revise the traditional planning approach in the field of public services and facilities, taking into account the influence of ecosystem services on human well-being.
Integrating Different Data Sources to Address Urban Security in Informal Areas. The Case Study of Kibera, Nairobi
Authors: De Filippi Francesca , Cocina Grazia Giulia , Martinuzzi Chiara
Published: March 2020

Nowadays, levels of crime and violence appear to be much higher in large cities in developing countries. This is the result of several factors, such as: the speed of urbanization, the inability of cities to provide sufficient infrastructure and the widening disparities in income and access to housing and services. These levels of inequality can have negative consequences from a social, economic and political point of view, with a destabilizing impact on societies and higher risks for the most disadvantaged people, especially those living in informal settlements. The paper presents the results of a study carried out by the Authors at the Department of Architecture and Design of the Polytechnic of Turin. Urban security is investigated in the context of Kibera slum (Nairobi) through the integration of two different tools, namely Participatory Mapping and Space Syntax. The research analyses the relation between criminal activities and the spatial and configurational features of the street network, with the aim to highlight some key environmental factors to take into consideration while constructing the new road Missing link #12. Specifically, the research identifies and studies seven parameters from the literature review: integration, illumination, vitality and diversity, visibility, active facades, territoriality and maintenance and image. The findings show that urban planning and design strongly impact crime occurrence. The crime hot-spots’ distribution in Kibera depends on the simultaneous interrelation of multiple components in the space.