bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characterisation of a Supergene Conditioning Super-High Vitamin C in Kiwifruit Hybrids
Authors: McCallum John , Laing William , Bulley Sean , Thomson Susan , Catanach Andrew , Shaw Martin , Knaebel Mareike , Tahir Jibran , Deroles Simon , Timmerman-Vaughan Gail , Crowhurst Ross , Hilario Elena , Chisnall Matthew , Lee Robyn , Macknight Richard , Seal Alan
Published: July 2019

During analysis of kiwifruit derived from hybrids between the high vitamin C (ascorbic acid; AsA) species Actinidia eriantha and A. chinensis, we observed bimodal segregation of fruit AsA concentration suggesting major gene segregation. To test this hypothesis, we performed whole-genome sequencing on pools of hybrid genotypes with either high or low AsA fruit. Pool-GWAS (genome-wide association study) revealed a single Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) spanning more than 5 Mbp on chromosome 26, which we denote as qAsA26.1. A co-dominant PCR marker was used to validate this association in four diploid (A. chinensis × A. eriantha) × A. chinensis backcross families, showing that the A. eriantha allele at this locus increases fruit AsA levels by 250 mg/100 g fresh weight. Inspection of genome composition and recombination in other A. chinensis genetic maps confirmed that the qAsA26.1 region bears hallmarks of suppressed recombination. The molecular fingerprint of this locus was examined in leaves of backcross validation families by RNA sequencing (RNASEQ). This confirmed strong allelic expression bias across this region as well as differential expression of transcripts on other chromosomes. This evidence suggests that the region harbouring qAsA26.1 constitutes a supergene, which may condition multiple pleiotropic effects on metabolism.
WRINKLED1, a “Master Regulator” in Transcriptional Control of Plant Oil Biosynthesis
Authors: Kong Que , Yuan Ling , Ma Wei
Published: July 2019

A majority of plant species generate and accumulate triacylglycerol (TAG) in their seeds, which is the main resource of carbon and energy supporting the process of seedling development. Plant seed oils have broad ranges of uses, being not only important for human diets but also renewable feedstock of industrial applications. The WRINKLED1 (WRI1) transcription factor is vital for the transcriptional control of plant oil biosynthetic pathways. Since the identification of the Arabidopsis WRI1 gene (AtWRI1) fifteen years ago, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the functions of WRI1 at multiple levels, ranging from the identification of AtWRI1 target genes to location of the AtWRI1 binding motif, and from discovery of intrinsic structural disorder in WRI1 to fine-tuning of WRI1 modulation by post-translational modifications and protein-protein interactions. The expanding knowledge on the functional understanding of the WRI1 regulatory mechanism not only provides a clearer picture of transcriptional regulation of plant oil biosynthetic pathway, but also helps generate new strategies to better utilize WRI1 for developing novel oil crops.
What Makes Adventitious Roots?
Authors: Gonin Mathieu , Bergougnoux Véronique , Nguyen Thu D. , Gantet Pascal , Champion Antony
Published: July 2019

The spermatophyte root system is composed of a primary root that develops from an embryonically formed root meristem, and of different post-embryonic root types: lateral and adventitious roots. Adventitious roots, arising from the stem of the plants, are the main component of the mature root system of many plants. Their development can also be induced in response to adverse environmental conditions or stresses. Here, in this review, we report on the morphological and functional diversity of adventitious roots and their origin. The hormonal and molecular regulation of the constitutive and inducible adventitious root initiation and development is discussed. Recent data confirmed the crucial role of the auxin/cytokinin balance in adventitious rooting. Nevertheless, other hormones must be considered. At the genetic level, adventitious root formation integrates the transduction of external signals, as well as a core auxin-regulated developmental pathway that is shared with lateral root formation. The knowledge acquired from adventitious root development opens new perspectives to improve micropropagation by cutting in recalcitrant species, root system architecture of crops such as cereals, and to understand how plants adapted during evolution to the terrestrial environment by producing different post-embryonic root types.
H-Mode Power Threshold Studies on MAST
Authors: Andrew Yasmin , Bähner Jan-Peter , Battle Ronan , Jirman Tomas
Published: July 2019

Analysis of the L–H and H–L transition power thresholds (Pth) and pedestal parameters are presented for the mega ampere spherical tokamak (MAST). The dependencies of Pth on the average, core plasma electron density, X-point height, and plasma current are described. Increasing X-point distance from the divertor floor over 10–12 cm is found to increase Pth by a factor of three, while X-point heights greater than this have no further influence. The X-point height dependence of Pth is also observed to be sensitive to the plasma current. An Ip decrease from 0.77 MA to 0.65 MA, is observed to lower Pth by a factor of three across the X-point height scan and increases the maximum X-point height at which Pth stops increasing by 3 cm. Finally, a comparison of the experimental results with the predictions by the finite beta drift wave model is made, which provides a reasonable condition for the transition into and out of the H-mode.
Long-Term Creep Behavior Prediction of Sol-Gel Derived SiO2- and TiO2-Wood Composites Using the Stepped Isostress Method
Authors: Hung Ke-Chang , Wu Tung-Lin , Wu Jyh-Horng
Published: July 2019

In this study, methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMOS), methyltriethoxysilane (MTEOS), tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), and titanium(IV) isopropoxide (TTIP) were used as precursor sols to prepare wood-inorganic composites (WICs) by a sol-gel process, and subsequently, the long-term creep behavior of these composites was estimated by application of the stepped isostress method (SSM). The results revealed that the flexural modulus of wood and WICs were in the range of 9.8–10.5 GPa, and there were no significant differences among them. However, the flexural strength of the WICs (93–103 MPa) was stronger than that of wood (86 MPa). Additionally, based on the SSM processes, smooth master curves were obtained from different SSM testing parameters, and they fit well with the experimental data. These results demonstrated that the SSM was a useful approach to evaluate the long-term creep behavior of wood and WICs. According to the Eyring equation, the activation volume of the WICs prepared from MTMOS (0.825 nm3) and TEOS (0.657 nm3) was less than that of the untreated wood (0.832 nm3). Furthermore, the WICs exhibited better performance on the creep resistance than that of wood, except for the WICMTEOS. The reduction of time-dependent modulus for the WIC prepared from MTMOS was 26% at 50 years, which is the least among all WICs tested. These findings clearly indicate that treatment with suitable metal alkoxides could improve the creep resistance of wood.
Online Operation Risk Assessment of the Wind Power System of the Convolution Neural Network (CNN) Considering Multiple Random Factors
Authors: Gong Qingwu , Tan Si , Wang Yubo , Liu Dong , Qiao Hui , Wu Liuchuang
Published: July 2019

In order to solve the problem of the inaccuracy of the traditional online operation risk assessment model based on a physical mechanism and the inability to adapt to the actual operation of massive online operation monitoring data, this paper proposes an online operation risk assessment of the wind power system of the convolution neural network (CNN) considering multiple random factors. This paper analyzes multiple random factors of the wind power system, including uncertain wind power output, load fluctuations, frequent changes in operation patterns, and the electrical equipment failure rate, and generates the sample data based on multi-random factors. It uses the CNN algorithm network, offline training to obtain the risk assessment model, and online application to obtain the real-time online operation risk state of the wind power system. Finally, the online operation risk assessment model is verified by simulation using the standard network of 39 nodes of 10 machines New England system. The results prove that the risk assessment model presented in this paper is more rapid and suitable for online application.
Lipase Production by Solid-State Cultivation of Thermomyces Lanuginosus on By-Products from Cold-Pressing Oil Production
Authors: Tišma Marina , Tadić Toma , Budžaki Sandra , Ostojčić Marta , Šalić Anita , Zelić Bruno , Tran Nghiep Nam , Ngothai Yung , Hessel Volker
Published: July 2019

This study shows that by-products obtained after cold-pressing oil production (flex oil cake, hemp oil cake, hull-less pumpkin oil cake) could be used as substrates for the sustainable and cost-effective production of lipase when cultivating Thermomyces lanuginosus under solid-state conditions (T = 45 °C, t = 9 days). Lipase showed optimum activity at T = 40 °C. The produced lipase extract was purified 17.03-folds with a recovery of 1% after gel chromatography. Three different batch experiments were performed in order to test the possibility of using the lipase in biodiesel production. Experiments were performed with a commercial, unpurified enzyme, and partially purified lipase with sunflower oil and methanol as substrates in a batch reactor at 40 °C. During the experiments, the operational stability of the enzyme was studied. The obtained results clearly showed that produced crude and purified lipase can be used for biodiesel production, but the process needs some additional optimization. As for operation stability, it was noticed that the commercial enzyme was deactivated after 30 h, while produced crude enzyme remained 8.25% of its activity after 368 h.
Optimization of Total Anthocyanin Content, Stability and Antioxidant Evaluation of the Anthocyanin Extract from Vietnamese Carissa Carandas L. Fruits
Authors: Le Xuan Tien , Huynh Minh Thuan , Pham Tri Nhut , Than Van Thai , Toan Tran Quoc , Bach Long Giang , Trung Nguyen Quang
Published: July 2019

In this study, the extraction of anthocyanin colorant from karanda fruit (Carissa carandas L.) was carried out and optimized with multiple single factor assays. Selected conditions for yield maximization consisted of ripen fruits with black-purple color, material size of thin slices (1.0–1.5 mm), solvent of EtOH 50%, material/ solvent ratio of 1:3, temperature of 50 °C, extraction time of 45 min, and two extraction cycles. The anthocyanin content in the extract was 277.2 mg/L, which is equivalent to 9.33 mg anthocyanin per gram of dry material. Aqueous solutions of the extract and dried extracts from Carissa carandas fruit were evaluated for stability at two temperature conditions, namely room temperature (30 ± 2 °C) and 45 °C. The temperature exerted great impact on color change, anthocyanin content and the degree of polymerization of anthocyanin. Aqueous solutions of extract with citric acid (3.0–5.0 g/L) were generally more color stable and less anthocyanin degradable than those without citric acid. In the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging assay, The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the dried extract was 87.56 μg/mL, which was approximately 29 times higher than that of vitamin C. After 3-month storage at −18 °C, IC50 of the dried extract was 173.67 μg/mL.
Aqueous and Enzymatic Extraction of Oil and Protein from Almond Cake: A Comparative Study
Authors: Souza Thaiza S. P. , Dias Fernanda F. G. , Koblitz Maria G. B. , M. L. N. de M. Bell Juliana
Published: July 2019

The almond cake is a protein- and oil-rich by-product of the mechanical expression of almond oil that has the potential to be used as a source of valuable proteins and lipids for food applications. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the individual and combined effects of solids-to-liquid ratio (SLR), reaction time, and enzyme use on oil and protein extraction yields from almond cake. A central composite rotatable design was employed to maximize the overall extractability and distribution of extracted components among the fractions generated by the aqueous (AEP) and enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction process (EAEP). Simultaneous extraction of oil and protein by the AEP was favored by the use of low SLR (1:12.82) and longer reaction times (2 h), where extraction yields of 48.2% and 70% were achieved, respectively. Increased use of enzyme (0.85%) in the EAEP resulted in higher oil (50%) and protein (75%) extraction yields in a shorter reaction time (1 h), compared with the AEP at the same reaction time (41.6% oil and 70% protein extraction). Overall, extraction conditions that favored oil and protein extraction also favored oil yield in the cream and protein yield in the skim. However, increased oil yield in the skim was observed at conditions where higher oil extraction was achieved. In addition to improving oil and protein extractability, the use of enzyme during the extraction resulted in the production of skim fractions with smaller and more soluble peptides at low pH (5.0), highlighting possible uses of the EAEP skim in food applications involving acidic pH. The implications of the use of enzyme during the extraction regarding the de-emulsification of the EAEP cream warrant further investigation.
Research on Green Management Effect Evaluation of Power Generation Enterprises in China Based on Dynamic Hesitation and Improved Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Qin Yunfu , Li Menglu , De Gejirifu , Huang Liling , Yang Shenbo , Tan Qinkun , Tan Zhongfu , Zhou Fengao
Published: July 2019

Carbon emissions and environmental protection issues have become the pressure from the international community during the current transitional stage of China’s energy transformation. China has set a macro carbon emission target, which will reduce carbon emissions per unit of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 40% in 2020 and 60–65% in 2030 than that in 2005. To achieve the emission reduction target, the industrial structure must be adjusted and upgraded. Furthermore, it must start from a high-pollution and high-emission industry. Therefore, it is of practical significance to construct a low-carbon sustainability and green operation benefits of power generation enterprises to save energy and reduce emissions. In this paper, an intuitionistic fuzzy comprehensive analytic hierarchy process based on improved dynamic hesitation degree (D-IFAHP) and an improved extreme learning machine algorithm optimized by RBF kernel function (RELM) are proposed. Firstly, we construct the evaluation indicator system of low-carbon sustainability and green operation benefits of power generation enterprises. Moreover, during the non-dimensional processing, the evaluation index system is determined. Secondly, we apply the evaluation indicator system by an empirical analysis. It is proved that the D-IFAHP evaluation model proposed in this paper has higher accuracy performance. Finally, the RELM is applied to D-IFAHP to construct a combined evaluation model named D-IFAHP-RELM evaluation model. The D-IFAHP evaluation results are used as the input of the training sets of the RELM algorithm, which simplifies the comprehensive evaluation process and can be directly applied to similar projects.
Birds and Beasts in the Zhuangzi, Fables Interpreted by Guo Xiang and Cheng Xuanying
Authors: Lynn Richard John
Published: July 2019

Birds and beasts often appear in the Zhuangzi, in fables and parables meant to be read analogically as instructions for human thought and behavior. Whereas the analogical significance of some fables is obvious, in others it is obscure and in need of explication, and even the readily accessible can be made to yield more clarity thanks to commentaries. This paper explores contributions made by the commentaries of Guo Xiang (252–312) and Cheng Xuanying (ca. 620–670) to the understanding of such fables. Guo Xiang and Wang Bi 王弼 (226–249) are the two most important figures in the xuanxue 玄學 “arcane learning” or “Neo-Daoism” movement of early medieval China (third to sixth century C.E.), which combined elements of Confucianism with the thought of Daoist foundational texts, especially the Daode jing (Classic of the Dao and Virtue) and the Zhuangzi (Sayings of Master Zhuang). Focus of the movement was the promotion of the concept and practice of the sage-ruler as a catalyst for the regeneration of self and society, leading to the foundation of a worldly utopia. Guo’s is the earliest intact philosophical commentary to the Zhuangzi and one of the most widely read during premodern times. Cheng Xuanying composed the only subcommentary to Guo’s commentary. Its more explicit style is most helpful in deciphering Guo’s too often cryptic and elliptical statements. However, it also tends to shunt Guo’s statecraft reading of the Zhuangzi more in the direction of explicating philosophical and religious dimensions of the text. Whereas Guo’s observations about sagehood, self-fulfillment, and the good life largely focus on the sage-ruler and his relation to his people, Cheng’s approach tends more to explore issues of personal self-realization and individual enlightenment, and, as such, is far more “religious” than Guo’s. However, when it comes to accounts of birds and beasts, parodies and satires, which address the limitations, failures, delusions and faulty assumptions, narrow-mindedness, and other human foibles, both Guo and Cheng see them all rooted in self-conscious thought and knowledge, and thus deadly impediments to enlightenment. Other passages about beasts and birds use animal fables as exemplars of truth concerning endowed personal nature and the natural propensity to stay within the bounds of individual natural capacity. Since the commentaries of Guo and Cheng add important dimensions to these accounts, this study explores these as well.
Loss Reserving Models: Granular and Machine Learning Forms
Authors: Taylor Greg
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this paper is to survey recent developments in granular models and machine learning models for loss reserving, and to compare the two families with a view to assessment of their potential for future development. This is best understood against the context of the evolution of these models from their predecessors, and the early sections recount relevant archaeological vignettes from the history of loss reserving. However, the larger part of the paper is concerned with the granular models and machine learning models. Their relative merits are discussed, as are the factors governing the choice between them and the older, more primitive models. Concluding sections briefly consider the possible further development of these models in the future.
Rotational Workspace Expansion of a Planar CDPR with a Circular End-Effector Mechanism Allowing Passive Reconfiguration
Authors: Carpio Alemán Marco , Saltaren Roque , Rodriguez Alejandro , Portilla Gerardo , Placencia Juan
Published: July 2019

Cable-Driven Parallel Robots (CDPR) operate over a large positional workspace and a relatively large orientation workspace. In the present work, the expansion of the orientation Wrench Feasible Workspace (WFW) in a planar four-cable passive reconfigurable parallel robot with three degrees of freedom was determined. To this end, we proposed a circular-geometry effector mechanism, whose structure allows automatic mobility of the two anchor points of the cables supporting the End Effector (EE). The WFW of the proposed circular structure robot was compared with that of a traditional robot with a rectangular geometry and fixed anchor points. Considering the feasible geometric and tension forces on the cables, the generated workspace volume of the robot was demonstrated in an analysis-by-intervals. The results were validated by simulating the orientation movements of the robot in ADAMS software and a real experimental test was developed for a hypothetical case. The proposed design significantly expanded the orientation workspace of the robot. The remaining limitation is the segment of the travel space in which the mobile connection points can slide. Overcoming this limitation would enable the maximum rotation of the EE.
Fault Diagnosis for UAV Blades Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Iannace Gino , Ciaburro Giuseppe , Trematerra Amelia
Published: July 2019

In recent years, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been used in several fields including, for example, archaeology, cargo transport, conservation, healthcare, filmmaking, hobbies and recreational use. UAVs are aircraft characterized by the absence of a human pilot on board. The extensive use of these devices has highlighted maintenance problems with regard to the propellers, which represent the source of propulsion of the aircraft. A defect in the propellers of a drone can cause the aircraft to fall to the ground and its consequent destruction, and it also constitutes a safety problem for objects and people that are in the range of action of the aircraft. In this study, the measurements of the noise emitted by a UAV were used to build a classification model to detect unbalanced blades in a UAV propeller. To simulate the fault condition, two strips of paper tape were applied to the upper surface of a blade. The paper tape created a substantial modification of the aerodynamics of the blade, and this modification characterized the noise produced by the blade in its rotation. Then, a model based on artificial neural network algorithms was built to detect unbalanced blades in a UAV propeller. This model showed high accuracy (0.9763), indicating a high number of correct detections and suggests the adoption of this tool to verify the operating conditions of a UAV. The test must be performed indoors; from the measurements of the noise produced by the UAV it is possible to identify an imbalance in the propeller blade.
Remote Sensing of Lake Ice Phenology across a Range of Lakes Sizes, ME, USA
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Pavelsky Tamlin M.
Published: July 2019

Remote sensing of ice phenology for small lakes is hindered by a lack of satellite observations with both high temporal and spatial resolutions. By merging multi-source satellite data over individual lakes, we present a new algorithm that successfully estimates ice freeze and thaw timing for lakes with surface areas as small as 0.13 km2 and obtains consistent results across a range of lake sizes. We have developed an approach for classifying ice pixels based on the red reflectance band of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) imagery, with a threshold calibrated against ice fraction from Landsat Fmask over each lake. Using a filter derived from the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA-2) surface air temperature product, we removed outliers in the time series of lake ice fraction. The time series of lake ice fraction was then applied to identify lake ice breakup and freezeup dates. Validation results from over 296 lakes in Maine indicate that the satellite-based lake ice timing detection algorithm perform well, with mean absolute error (MAE) of 5.54 days for breakup dates and 7.31 days for freezeup dates. This algorithm can be applied to lakes worldwide, including the nearly two million lakes with surface area between 0.1 and 1 km2.
Monitoring the Land Subsidence Area in a Coastal Urban Area with InSAR and GNSS
Authors: Hu Bo , Chen Junyu , Zhang Xingfu
Published: July 2019

In recent years, the enormous losses caused by urban surface deformation have received more and more attention. Traditional geodetic techniques are point-based measurements, which have limitations in using traditional geodetic techniques to detect and monitor in areas where geological disasters occur. Therefore, we chose Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technology to study the surface deformation in urban areas. In this research, we discovered the land subsidence phenomenon using InSAR and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology. Two different kinds of time-series InSAR (TS-InSAR) methods: Small BAseline Subset (SBAS) and the Permanent Scatterer InSAR (PSI) process were executed on a dataset with 31 Sentinel-1A Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images. We generated the surface deformation field of Shenzhen, China and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The time series of the 3d variation of the reference station network located in the HKSAR was generated at the same time. We compare the characteristics and advantages of PSI, SBAS, and GNSS in the study area. We mainly focus on the variety along the coastline area. From the results generated by SBAS and PSI techniques, we discovered the occurrence of significant subsidence phenomenon in the land reclamation area, especially in the metro construction area and the buildings with a shallow foundation located in the land reclamation area.
A Robust Vision-Based Method for Displacement Measurement under Adverse Environmental Factors Using Spatio-Temporal Context Learning and Taylor Approximation
Authors: Dong Chuan-Zhi , Celik Ozan , Catbas F. Necati , OBrien Eugene , Taylor Su
Published: July 2019

Currently, the majority of studies on vision-based measurement have been conducted under ideal environments so that an adequate measurement performance and accuracy is ensured. However, vision-based systems may face some adverse influencing factors such as illumination change and fog interference, which can affect measurement accuracy. This paper developed a robust vision-based displacement measurement method which can handle the two common and important adverse factors given above and achieve sensitivity at the subpixel level. The proposed method leverages the advantage of high-resolution imaging incorporating spatial and temporal contextual aspects. To validate the feasibility, stability, and robustness of the proposed method, a series of experiments was conducted on a two-span three-lane bridge in the laboratory. The illumination changes and fog interference were simulated experimentally in the laboratory. The results of the proposed method were compared to conventional displacement sensor data and current vision-based method results. It was demonstrated that the proposed method gave better measurement results than the current ones under illumination change and fog interference.
A Sensitive Carbon Monoxide Sensor Based on Photoacoustic Spectroscopy with a 2.3 μm Mid-Infrared High-Power Laser and Enhanced Gas Absorption
Authors: Qiao Shunda , Ma Yufei , He Ying , Yu Xin , Zhang Zhonghua , Tittel Frank K.
Published: July 2019

A photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS)-based carbon monoxide (CO) gas sensor with a high-power laser and an enhanced gas absorption was demonstrated. The light source was a distributed feedback (DFB), continuous wave (CW) diode laser with a high output power of ~8 mW to give a strong excitation. The target gas received optical absorption enhanced two times by using a right-angle prism reflecting the laser beam. In order to reduce the noise from the background, wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) and second-harmonic detection techniques were used. The modulation frequency and modulation depth were optimized theoretically and experimentally. Water vapor was added in the PAS sensor system to increase the vibrational–translational (V–T) relaxation rate of the CO molecule, which resulted in an ~8 times signal enhancement compared with the using of a dry CO/N2 gas mixture. The amplitude of the 2f signal had a 1.52-fold improvement compared to the one with only one time absorption. The experimental results showed that such a sensor had an excellent linear response to the optical power and gas concentration. At 1 s integration time, a minimum detection limit (MDL) for CO detection of 9.8 ppm was achieved. The long-term stability of the sensor system was evaluated with an Allan deviation analysis. When the integration time was 1100 s, the MDL improved to be 530 ppb. The detection performance of such a PAS-based CO sensor can be further improved when a laser with a higher output power and increasing optical absorption times is used.
A Novel Approach for Multi-Lead ECG Classification Using DL-CCANet and TL-CCANet
Authors: Yang Weiyi , Si Yujuan , Wang Di , Zhang Gong
Published: July 2019

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become one of the most serious diseases that threaten human health. Over the past decades, over 150 million humans have died of CVDs. Hence, timely prediction of CVDs is especially important. Currently, deep learning algorithm-based CVD diagnosis methods are extensively employed, however, most such algorithms can only utilize one-lead ECGs. Hence, the potential information in other-lead ECGs was not utilized. To address this issue, we have developed novel methods for diagnosing arrhythmia. In this work, DL-CCANet and TL-CCANet are proposed to extract abstract discriminating features from dual-lead and three-lead ECGs, respectively. Then, the linear support vector machine specializing in high-dimensional features is used as the classifier model. On the MIT-BIH database, a 95.2% overall accuracy is obtained by detecting 15 types of heartbeats using DL-CCANet. On the INCART database, overall accuracies of 94.01% (II and V1 leads), 93.90% (V1 and V5 leads) and 94.07% (II and V5 leads) are achieved by detecting seven types of heartbeat using DL-CCANet, while TL-CCANet yields a higher overall accuracy of 95.52% using the above three leads. In addition, all of the above experiments are implemented using noisy ECG data. The proposed methods have potential to be applied in the clinic and mobile devices.
Two Degree-of-Freedom Fiber-Coupled Heterodyne Grating Interferometer with Milli-Radian Operating Range of Rotation
Authors: Yang Fuzhong , Zhang Ming , Zhu Yu , Ye Weinan , Wang Leijie , Xia Yizhou
Published: July 2019

In the displacement measurement of the wafer stage in lithography machines, signal quality is affected by the relative angular position between the encoder head and the grating. In this study, a two-degree-of-freedom fiber-coupled heterodyne grating interferometer with large operating range of rotation is presented. Fibers without fiber couplers are utilized to receive the interference beams for high-contrast signals under the circumstances of large angular displacement and ZEMAX ray tracing software simulation and experimental validation have been carried out. Meanwhile, a reference beam generated inside the encoder head is adopted to suppress the thermal drift of the interferometer. Experimental results prove that the proposed grating interferometer could realize sub-nanometer displacement measurement stability in both in-plane and out-of-plane directions, which is 0.246 nm and 0.465 nm of 3σ value respectively within 30 s.
Monocular Robust Depth Estimation Vision System for Robotic Tasks Interventions in Metallic Targets
Authors: Veiga Almagro Carlos , Di Castro Mario , Lunghi Giacomo , Marín Prades Raúl , Sanz Valero Pedro José , Pérez Manuel Ferre , Masi Alessandro
Published: July 2019

Robotic interventions in hazardous scenarios need to pay special attention to safety, as in most cases it is necessary to have an expert operator in the loop. Moreover, the use of a multi-modal Human-Robot Interface allows the user to interact with the robot using manual control in critical steps, as well as semi-autonomous behaviours in more secure scenarios, by using, for example, object tracking and recognition techniques. This paper describes a novel vision system to track and estimate the depth of metallic targets for robotic interventions. The system has been designed for on-hand monocular cameras, focusing on solving lack of visibility and partial occlusions. This solution has been validated during real interventions at the Centre for Nuclear Research (CERN) accelerator facilities, achieving 95% success in autonomous mode and 100% in a supervised manner. The system increases the safety and efficiency of the robotic operations, reducing the cognitive fatigue of the operator during non-critical mission phases. The integration of such an assistance system is especially important when facing complex (or repetitive) tasks, in order to reduce the work load and accumulated stress of the operator, enhancing the performance and safety of the mission.
Design of Remote Expert Evaluation System in Remote Mountainous Area Based on Cloud Service Platform
Authors: Yu Zhuo , Cheng Wenjuan , Lin Li
Published: July 2019

Faced with limited technical strength and resource protection requirements in remote mountainous areas, a remote expert evaluation system was designed based on a cloud service platform. On the basis of the analysis of system users, the remote expert evaluation system was structured, and then the cloud platform service architecture and the system functions were designed. This cloud platform construction could enhance the informatization level of the planning review process and improve the efficiency and the scientific nature of the review process.
Climate Change Migration and Displacement: Learning from Past Relocations in the Pacific
Authors: Tabe Tammy
Published: July 2019

It has been projected that the single greatest impact of environmental changes will be on human migration and displacement. Migration has been extensively discussed and documented as an adaptation strategy in response to environmental changes, and more recently, to climate change. However, forced relocation will lead to the displacement of people, and although much has been written about it, very little has been documented from the Pacific Islands perspective, especially by communities that were forced to relocate as a result of colonialism and those that have been forced to migrate today as a result of climate change impacts. Using the Gilbertese resettlement from the Phoenix Islands to the Solomon Islands, in particular, Wagina Island in the 1960s as a case study of forced relocation and displacement of Pacific Islands people during the colonial period, this paper aims to underline some of the important lessons that can be learned from this historical case to inform the present and future challenges of climate change migration and displacement. Without dismissing migration as a coping strategy, the paper argues that the forced relocation of people from their home islands as a result of climate change will lead to displacement. It accentuates that in the case of Pacific Islands, forced relocation will lead to displacement if they are forced to leave their land because of their deep relationship and attachment to it. The paper also emphasizes the need to acknowledge and honor Pacific Islands’ voices and perceptions in discourses on climate change migration and displacement at national, regional and international forums.
The Importance of Fundamental Motor Skills in Identifying Differences in Performance Levels of U10 Soccer Players
Authors: Jukic Ivan , Prnjak Katarina , Zoellner Anja , Tufano James , Sekulic Damir , Salaj Sanja
Published: July 2019

This study examined the differences in fundamental motor skills (FMSs) and specific conditioning capacities (SCCs) between a coach’s classification of first team (FT) and second team (ST) U10 soccer players and examined the most important qualities based on how the coach differentiates them. The FT (n = 12; Mage = 9.72 ± 0.41) and ST (n = 11; Mage = 9.57 ± 0.41) soccer players were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2, standing long jump, sit and reach, diverse sprints, and the 20 m multistage fitness test (MSFT). The coach’s subjective evaluation of players was obtained using a questionnaire. No significant differences existed between the FT and ST in any variables (p > 0.05). However, large and moderate effect sizes were present in favour of the FT group in locomotor skills (d = 0.82 (0.08, 1.51)), gross motor quotient (d = 0.73 (0.00, 1.41)), height (d = 0.61 (−0.12, 1.29)), MSFT (d = 0.58 (−0.14, 1.25)), and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) (d = 0.55 (−0.17, 1.22)). Furthermore, the coach perceived the FT group as having greater technical and tactical qualities relative to ST players. This suggests that it might be more relevant for players of this age to develop good FMS connected to technical skills, before focusing on SCC. Therefore, it might be beneficial for soccer coaches to emphasize the development of FMSs due to their potential to identify talented young soccer players and because they underpin the technical soccer skills that are required for future soccer success.
Economic Globalization Impacts on the Ecological Environment of Inland Developing Countries: A Case Study of Laos from the Perspective of the Land Use/Cover Change
Authors: Wang Jun , Sui Lichun , Yang Xiaomei , Wang Zhihua , Ge Dazhuan , Kang Junmei , Yang Fengshuo , Liu Yueming , Liu Bin
Published: July 2019

Economic globalization promotes the economic development of underdeveloped regions but also influences the ecological environments of these regions, such as natural forest degradation. For inland developing regions with underdeveloped traffic routes, are the effects on the ecological environment also as obvious? To reveal the response characteristics of the ecological environment of the inland developing countries to globalization, we took Laos as an example, and used the land use/cover change data and also its exports and imports data to analyze the ecological environment change since the millennium. Land use transfer matrix analysis showed that Laos had encountered a large conversion of 14.43% natural forest to plantation forest since 2000 to 2017, and also a degradation of 5.94% natural forest to shrubland and grassland. Landscape pattern analysis showed that these changes were the main reasons of the fragmentation of ecological patches, which would lead to a reduction in biodiversity. More, topographic analysis further showed that natural forest degradation mainly took place in high-altitude and large slope areas, which could increase the potential of natural hazards such as floods. Coupling analysis with its exports and imports data indicated that economic globalization still had a significant impact on the country’s ecological environment although Laos is an inland developing country. Laos should strengthen the regulation of renewable resources such as forests and water resources, to avoid losing the renewable resources market while still enjoying the dividends of economic globalization. At the same time, it is necessary to accurately evaluate the indirect impacts of development on neighboring countries to ensure sustainable development.
Development of a Holistic Assessment Framework for Industrial Organizations
Authors: Aravossis Konstantinos G. , Kapsalis Vasilis C. , Kyriakopoulos Grigorios L. , Xouleis Theofanis G.
Published: July 2019

The evaluation and selection among the best production practices beyond the conventional linear models is, nowadays, concerned with those holistic approaches drawn toward environmental assessment in industry. Therefore, researchers need to develop an analysis that can evaluate the performance of industrial organization in the light of their environmental viewpoint. This study implemented a pilot co-integrated scheme based on an innovative in-house Holistic Assessment Performance Index for Environment (HAPI-E) industry tool while assimilating the principles of circular economy through the Eco-innovation Development and Implementation Tool (EDIT). For the latter, nine qualitative indicators were motivated and enriched the weighting criteria of the questionnaire. The decomposition of the complexity and preferences mapping was accompanied by a multi-criteria holistic hierarchical analysis methodology in order to synthesize a single index upon a need-driven scoring. This multi-criteria decision approach in industry can quantify the material and process flows, thus enhancing the existing knowledge of manipulating internal resources. The key-criteria were based on administrative, energy, water, emissions, and waste strategies. Subsequently, the HAPI-E industry tool was modeled on the food industry, being particularly focused on pasta-based industrial production. Then, the parameters of this tool were modeled, measured, and evaluated in terms of the environmental impact awareness. The magnitude of necessary improvements was unveiled, while future research orientations were discussed. The HAPI-E industry tool can be utilized as a precautionary methodology on sustainable assessment while incorporating multifaceted and quantification advantages.
Thermal Perception in Mild Climate: Adaptive Thermal Models for Schools
Authors: Campano Miguel Ángel , Domínguez-Amarillo Samuel , Fernández-Agüera Jesica , Sendra Juan José
Published: July 2019

A comprehensive assessment of indoor environmental conditions is performed on a representative sample of classrooms in schools across southern Spain (Mediterranean climate) to evaluate the thermal comfort level, thermal perception and preference, and the relationship with HVAC systems, with a comparison of seasons and personal clothing. Almost fifty classrooms were studied and around one thousand pool-surveys distributed among their occupants, aged 12 to 17. These measurements were performed during spring, autumn, and winter, considered the most representative periods of use for schools. A new proposed protocol has been developed for the collection and subsequent analysis of data, applying thermal comfort indicators and using the most frequent predictive models, rational (RTC) and adaptive (ATC), for comparison. Cooling is not provided in any of the rooms and natural ventilation is found in most of the spaces during midseasons. Despite the existence of a general heating service in almost all classrooms in the cold period, the use of mechanical ventilation is limited. Heating did not usually provide standard set-point temperatures. However, this did not lead to widespread complaints, as occupants perceive the thermal environment as neutral—varying greatly between users—and show a preference for slightly colder environments. Comparison of these thermal comfort votes and the thermal comfort indicators used showed a better fit of thermal preference over thermal sensation and more reliable results when using regional ATC indicators than the ASHRAE adaptive model. This highlights the significance of inhabitants’ actual thermal perception. These findings provide useful insight for a more accurate design of this type of building, as well as a suitable tool for the improvement of existing spaces, improving the conditions for both comfort and wellbeing in these spaces, as well as providing a better fit of energy use for actual comfort conditions.
A System to Determine the Optimal Work-in-Progress Inventory Stored in Interoperation Manufacturing Buffers
Authors: Grznár Patrik , Gregor Milan , Mozol Štefan , Krajčovič Martin , Dulina Ľuboslav , Gašo Martin , Major Michal
Published: July 2019

Continuous cost reduction is a subject of interest for almost every production company. The cost reflects the competitiveness and sustainability of the business. Many company costs are linked to the effectiveness of production. One such cost is the work-in-progress (WIP) inventory cost. The present article deals with the design of a system for calculating the optimal WIP inventory stored in a manufacturing buffer, which, in the long term, provides the lowest costs. The main goal of the article is to design a new system that allows for the calculation of the optimal capacity of interoperation manufacturing buffers and thus the calculation of the optimal WIP inventory, which influences the lead time and cost. The newly designed system consists of algorithms that describe various steps, many of which use mathematical models. The individual blocks of algorithms are described, and the proposed system is verified and validated by simulation of the production line in the automotive production company.
Household Welfare Implications of Better Fertilizer Access and Lower Use Inefficiency: Long-Term Scenarios for Ethiopia
Authors: Legesse Ermias Engida , Srivastava Amit Kumar , Kuhn Arnim , Gaiser Thomas
Published: July 2019

High population growth in Ethiopia is aggravating farmland scarcity, as the agrarian share of the population stays persistently high, and also creates increasing demand for food and non-food biomass. Based on this fact, this study investigates welfare implications of intensification measures like interventions that improve access and use efficiency to modern farming inputs. Using a dynamic meso-economic modeling framework for Ethiopia, ex-ante scenarios that simulate a) decreased costs of fertilizer use and b) elevated efficiency of fertilizer application for all crops are run for a period of 20 years. Fertilizer-yield response functions are estimated (based on results from an agronomic crop model and actual survey data) and embedded into the economic model in order to get realistic marginal returns to fertilizer application. This is our novel methodological contribution in which we introduce how to calculate input use inefficiency based on attainable yield levels from agronomic crop model and actual yield levels. Simultaneous implementation of these interventions lead to annual yield increases of 8.7 percent for an average crop farmer compared to the current level. Increased fertilizer application is also found to be profitable for an average farmer despite price reduction for crops following increased market supply. As a result of price and income effects of the interventions, all household types exhibit welfare gain. Non-farming households, being net consumers, enjoy lower costs of living. Rural farming households enjoy even higher welfare gain than non-farming households because they consume a higher share from crop commodities that become cheaper, and because their farming profits increase.
Fuzzy Decision-Support System for Safeguarding Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage
Authors: Prieto Andrés José , Macías-Bernal Juan Manuel , Silva Ana , Ortiz Pilar
Published: July 2019

In the current world economic situation, the maintenance of built heritage has been limited due to a lack of funds and accurate tools for proper management and implementation of these actions. However, in specific local areas, the maintenance and conservation of historical and cultural heritage have become an investment opportunity. In this sense, in this study, a new tool is proposed, for the estimation of the functional service life of heritage buildings in a local region (city of Seville, South Spain). This tool is developed in Art-Risk research project and consists of a free software to evaluate decisions in regional policies, planning and management of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, considering physical, environmental, economic and social resources. This tool provides a ranking of priority of intervention among case studies belonging to a particular urban context. This information is particularly relevant for the stakeholders responsible for the management of maintenance plans in built heritage.