bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anther Culture Efficiency in Quality Hybrid Rice: A Comparison between Hybrid Rice and Its Ratooned Plants
Authors: Pattnaik Snigdha , Dash Byomkesh , Bhuyan Sudhansu , Katara Jawahar , Parameswaran C. , Verma Ramlakhan , Ramesh Narayanaperumal , Samantaray Sanghamitra
Published: October 2020

An immense increase in human population along with diminished lands necessitates the increase of rice production since, it serves the human population as a staple food. Though rice hybrids (RH) are showing considerable yield enhancement over inbreds in terms of both quality and quantity, farmers’ adoption of hybrid rice technology has been much slower than expected because of several constraints such as seed cost and quality. Doubled haploid (DH) technology was considered useful for the development of inbred lines from rice hybrids in a single generation. Androgenesis shows its significance in development of DHs in rice which requires an efficient method to establish the production of large population. To start the anther culture, anthers are the main component of androgenesis to be isolated from unopened spikes. However, the duration of spikes availability for anther culture coupled with the segregation of rice hybrids in the next generation requires the main crop be ratooned to reduce the cost of cultivation. Therefore, the efficiency of the androgenic method was tested in main crop using a quality indica rice hybrid, 27P63 and its ratooned ones. The effects of various factors such as cold temperature pre-treatment of boots, treatment duration, and different combination of plant growth regulators (PGR) on callus response along with shoot regeneration were tested for development of DHs from both ratooned and non-ratooned plants. The N6 medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/L 2,4-D (2,4-dichlrophenoxy acetic acid), 0.5 mg/L BAP (6-benzylamino purine), and 30 g/L maltose was found to be most effective for callusing as compared to MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium. The N6 media inducted calli showed maximum response rate for green shoot regeneration in MS media supplemented with 0.5 mg/L NAA (1-napthaleneacetic acid), 0.5 mg/L Kn (Kinetin; 6-furfurylaminopurine), 1.5 mg/L BAP and 30 g/L sucrose after 2 weeks of culture. The pre-treatment of spikes at 10 °C for 2 d followed by a 7th and 8th d were found to be most effective for callusing as well as for regeneration, producing a total of 343 green plants from ratooned and main rice hybrid, 27P63. Morpho-agronomic trait-based assessment of ploidy status revealed 94.46% diploids, 3.49% polyploids, 0.58% mixploids, and 1.45% haploids. Microsatellite markers could authenticate all 324 fertile diploids as true DHs. Though this study shows a reduction in generation of DHs from ratooned plants as compared to the main crop, manipulation of chemical factors could optimize the method to enhance the production of considerable number of DHs. Utilization of ratooned of hybrid rice in androgenesis would save time and cost of cultivation.
Decomposition of Calcium Oxalate Crystals in Colobanthus quitensis under CO2 Limiting Conditions
Authors: Gómez-Espinoza Olman , González-Ramírez Daniel , Bresta Panagiota , Karabourniotis George , Bravo León A.
Published: October 2020

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals are widespread among plant species. Their functions are not yet completely understood; however, they can provide tolerance against multiple environmental stress factors. Recent evidence suggested that CaOx crystals function as carbon reservoirs since its decomposition provides CO2 that may be used as carbon source for photosynthesis. This might be advantageous in plants with reduced mesophyll conductance, such as the Antarctic plant Colobanthus quitensis, which have shown CO2 diffusion limitations. In this study, we evaluate the effect of two CO2 concentrations in the CaOx crystals decomposition and chlorophyll fluorescence of C. quitensis. Plants were exposed to airflows with 400 ppm and 11.5 ppm CO2 and the number and relative size of crystals, electron transport rate (ETR), and oxalate oxidase (OxO) activity were monitored along time (10 h). Here we showed that leaf crystal area decreases over time in plants with 11.5 ppm CO2, which was accompanied by increased OxO activity and only a slight decrease in the ETR. These results suggested a relation between CO2 limiting conditions and the CaOx crystals decomposition in C. quitensis. Hence, crystal decomposition could be a complementary endogenous mechanism for CO2 supply in plants facing the Antarctic stressful habitat.
Live Imaging of Phosphate Levels in Arabidopsis Root Cells Expressing a FRET-Based Phosphate Sensor
Authors: Assunção Ana G. L. , Gjetting Sisse K. , Hansen Michael , Fuglsang Anja T. , Schulz Alexander
Published: October 2020

Phosphorous (P) is an essential macronutrient in all organisms serving various fundamental biological processes, and is one of the least available plant nutrients in the soil. The application of inorganic phosphate (Pi) fertilizers is frequent, but it has a high environmental and financial cost. Breeding crops for improved Pi use-efficiency is a promising plant-based solution to pursue a reduction of fertilizer dependency. Availability of tools for monitoring changes of plant cellular Pi concentration in real-time can contribute to advancing knowledge on the molecular basis of Pi transport and homeostasis in plants. Genetically encoded fluorescent sensors have provided new insight on cellular processes. Here, we show that two Pi Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)-based sensors from the FLIPPi family, the low-affinity FLIPPi-30m and the high-affinity FLIPPi-4µ, can be expressed and analyzed in Arabidopsis thaliana with wild-type background. These FLIPPi sensors had not been tested in plants, but only in mammalian cell lines. We show FRET response and live imaging of Pi levels in seedling roots of Arabidopsis FLIPPi-30m and FLIPPi-4µ lines. Our results reinforce that sensors from the FLIPPi family are valuable tools for studying mechanisms of Pi transport and homeostasis in plants, and for research towards a more sustainable use of Pi fertilization.
Hydrodynamic Compatibility of Hyaluronic Acid and Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide as Ocular Mucin Supplements
Authors: Chun Taewoo , MacCalman Thomas , Dinu Vlad , Ottino Sara , Phillips-Jones Mary K. , Harding Stephen E.
Published: October 2020

Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been commonly used in eyedrop formulations due to its viscous lubricating properties even at low concentration, acting as a supplement for ocular mucin (principally MUC5AC) which diminishes with aging in a condition known as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or “dry eye”. A difficulty has been its short residence time on ocular surfaces due to ocular clearance mechanisms which remove the polysaccharide almost immediately. To prolong its retention time, tamarind seed gum polysaccharide (TSP) is mixed as a helper biopolymer with HA. Here we look at the hydrodynamic characteristics of HA and TSP (weight average molar mass Mw and viscosity η) and then explore the compatibility of these polymers, including the possibility of potentially harmful aggregation effects. The research is based on a novel combination of three methods: sedimentation velocity in the analytical ultracentrifuge (SV-AUC), size-exclusion chromatography coupled to multiangle light scattering (SEC-MALS) and capillary viscometry. HA and TSP were found to have Mw=(680±30) kg/mol and (830±30) kg/mol respectively, and η=1475±30 ml/g and 675±20 ml/g, respectively. The structure of HA ranges from a rodlike molecule at lower molar masses changing to a random coil for Mw > 800 kg/mol, based on the Mark–Houwink–Kuhn–Sakurada (MHKS) coefficient. TSP, by contrast, is a random coil across the range of molar masses. For the mixed HA-TSP systems, SEC-MALS indicates a weak interaction. However, sedimentation coefficient (s) distributions obtained from SV-AUC measurements together with intrinsic viscosity demonstrated no evidence of any significant aggregation phenomenon, reassuring in terms of eye-drop formulation technology involving these substances.
Investigation on the Coupling Effects between Flow and Fibers on Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Injection Parts
Authors: Huang Chao-Tsai , Lai Cheng-Hong
Published: October 2020

Glass or carbon fibers have been verified that can enhance the mechanical properties of the polymeric composite injection molding parts due to their orientation distribution. However, the interaction between flow and fiber is still not fully understood yet, especially for the flow–fiber coupling effect. In this study, we have tried to investigate the flow–fiber coupling effect on fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) injection parts utilizing a more complicated geometry system with three ASTM D638 specimens. The study methods include both numerical simulation and experimental observation. Results showed that in the presence of flow–fiber coupling effect, the melt flow front advancement presents some variation, specifically the “convex-flat-flat” pattern will change to a “convex-flat-concave” pattern. Furthermore, through the fiber orientation distribution (FOD) study, the flow–fiber coupling effect is not significant at the near gate region (RG). It might result from the strong shear force to repress the appearance of the flow–fiber interaction. However, at the end of filling region (ER), the flow–fiber coupling effect tries to diminish the flow direction orientation tensor component A11 and enhance the cross-flow orientation tensor component A22 simultaneously. It results in the dominance in the cross-flow direction at the ER. This orientation distribution behavior variation has been verified using a micro-computerized tomography (micro-CT) scan and image analysis technology.
Biocarbon Derived from Opuntia ficus indica for p-Nitrophenol Retention
Authors: Elhleli Hanedi , Mannai Faten , ben Mosbah Mongi , Khiari Ramzi , Moussaoui Younes
Published: October 2020

Activated carbon obtained from Opuntia ficus indica by sodium hydroxide activation was employed for the adsorption of p-nitrophenol from water. The activated carbons obtained were characterized by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, sorption of nitrogen, scanning electron microscopy, and Boehm titration. Effects of pH, contact time, amount of adsorbent, and temperature on the adsorption of p-nitrophenol were studied. Adsorption isotherms were analyzed using Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich models, and the thermodynamic parameters have been determined. The adsorption of p-nitrophenol was spontaneous, exothermic, and propitious at 15 °C and adopted the pseudo-second order model, and the most credible isotherm was Langmuir’s one. The activated carbon used in this work has good p-nitrophenol adsorption characteristics, and the study of the desorption and reuse of this carbon shows that it retains a removal rate greater than 94% after five cycles of adsorption-desorption.
Dynamic Modeling and Control of a Coupled Reforming/Combustor System for the Production of H2 via Hydrocarbon-Based Fuels
Authors: Ipsakis Dimitris , Damartzis Theodoros , Papadopoulou Simira , Voutetakis Spyros
Published: October 2020

The present work aims to provide insights into the dynamic operation of a coupled reformer/combustion unit that can utilize a variety of saturated hydrocarbons (HCs) with 1–4 C atoms towards H2 production (along with CO2). Within this concept, a preselected HC-based feedstock enters a steam reforming reactor for the production of H2 via a series of catalytic reactions, whereas a sequential postprocessing unit (water gas shift reactor) is then utilized to increase H2 purity and minimize CO. The core unit of the overall system is the combustor that is coupled with the reformer reactor and continuously provides heat (a) for sustaining the prevailing endothermic reforming reactions and (b) for the process feed streams. The dynamic model as it is initially developed, consists of ordinary differential equations that capture the main physicochemical phenomena taking place at each subsystem (energy and mass balances) and is compared against available thermodynamic data (temperature and concentration). Further on, a distributed control scheme based on PID (Proportional–Integral–Derivative) controllers (each one tuned via Ziegler–Nichols/Z-N methodology) is applied and a set of case studies is formulated. The aim of the control scheme is to maintain the selected process-controlled variables within their predefined set-points, despite the emergence of sudden disturbances. It was revealed that the accurately tuned controllers lead to (a) a quick start-up operation, (b) minimum overshoot (especially regarding the sensitive reactor temperature), (c) zero offset from the desired operating set-points, and (d) quick settling during disturbance emergence.
The Challenges of a Biodiesel Implementation Program in Malaysia
Authors: Zulqarnain  , Yusoff Mohd Hizami Mohd , Ayoub Muhammad , Jusoh Norwahyu , Abdullah Ahmad Zuhairi
Published: October 2020

The palm biodiesel industry is facing many challenges implementing biodiesel program in Malaysia. This paper addresses the importance of the B10 blend (10% biodiesel, 90% petroleum diesel), global challenges of palm oil import and export, and protective measures for continuous positive growth of the palm oil sector. Palm oil is the backbone of Malaysia’s economy, covering more than 5% of its gross domestic product (GDP). The key steps taken by the Malaysian government for the successful implementation of the B10 program are discussed in this review study. Till now, B5 and B7 biodiesel programs have been successfully implemented in Malaysia. The B10 biodiesel program is attractive because of the developed local palm oil sector. The B10 biodiesel program will increase the use of renewable energy sources, and is expected to increase the productivity of palm oil and biodiesel implementation in the country. Despite successful B5 and B7 programs, Malaysia is facing challenges for the implementation of biodiesel due to fluctuation in crude palm oil prices, low domestic usage of palm oil, and vehicle warranty. The improvement of palm oil and promotion of B10 through targeted agencies in the central region of Malaysia will help to implement the biodiesel program successfully.
The Effect of Amending Soil with Waste Elemental Sulfur on the Availability of Selected Macroelements and Heavy Metals
Authors: Tabak Monika , Lisowska Aneta , Filipek-Mazur Barbara , Antonkiewicz Jacek
Published: October 2020

Elemental sulfur of waste origin may be a valuable sulfur source for plants. However, assessing the suitability of environmental use of a waste material should confirm there is no harmful effect of the material on soil environment. The purpose of the incubation experiment was to assess the availability of selected elements (P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cd) in soils supplemented with waste elemental sulfur. The research was conducted on two soils: light and heavy, and with three sulfur doses applied to each soil. Available forms of elements in the soils were extracted 60 days after the waste introduction, with three reagents: 0.01 mol L−1 CaCl2, Mehlich 3 and 1 mol L−1 HCl. Additionally, to determine the impact of the introduced sulfur on soil acidification, soil pH was periodically checked during the experiment. The sulfur addition intensified acidification of the light soil, and, to a lesser extent, of the heavy soil. The acidifying effect was stronger when the sulfur dose was higher. The content of available forms of elements in the soils depended mainly on the strength of the used extractants (generally, the highest amounts were extracted with 1 mol L−1 HCl and the lowest with 0.01 mol L−1 CaCl2). The effect of sulfur introduction on element availability was small. No harmful effect on element availability in soils was stated.
Material Requirements Planning Using Variable-Sized Bin-Packing Problem Formulation with Due Date and Grouping Constraints
Authors: Gradišar Dejan , Glavan Miha
Published: October 2020

Correct planning is crucial for efficient production and best quality of products. The planning processes are commonly supported with computer solutions; however manual interactions are commonly needed, as sometimes the problems do not fit the general-purpose planning systems. The manual planning approach is time consuming and prone to errors. Solutions to automatize structured problems are needed. In this paper, we deal with material requirements planning for a specific problem, where a group of work orders for one product must be produced from the same batch of material. The presented problem is motivated by the steel-processing industry, where raw materials defined in a purchase order must be cut in order to satisfy the needs of the planned work order while also minimizing waste (leftover) and tardiness, if applicable. The specific requirements of the problem (i.e., restrictions of which work orders can be produced from a particular group of raw materials) does not fit the regular planning system used by the production company, therefore a case-specific solution was developed that can be generalized also to other similar cases. To solve this problem, we propose using the generalized bin-packing problem formulation which is described as an integer programming problem. An extension of the bin-packing problem formulation was developed based on: (i) variable bin sizes, (ii) consideration of time constraints and (iii) grouping of items/bins. The method presented in the article can be applied for small- to medium-sized problems as first verified by several examples of increasing complexity and later by an industrial case study.
Study on the Sustainability Evaluation Method of Logistics Parks Based on Emergy
Authors: Wang Cui , Liu Hongjun , Yu Li’e , Wang Hongyan
Published: October 2020

To improve the sustainable development ability of logistics parks, this study constructs a sustainability evaluation method of logistics parks based on emergy; analyzes the input (energy, land, investment, equipment, information technology, and human resources) and output (income and waste) of logistics parks from the perspective of emergy; studies the characteristics of the emergy flow of logistics parks; and constructs the function, structure, ecological efficiency, and sustainable development indexes of logistics parks. The basic situation, resource efficiency, and environmental friendliness of the logistics parks are comprehensively evaluated from the emergy point of view. On this basis, targeted decision suggestions are provided for the sustainable development of logistics parks. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the method are verified by an example. This study reveals the internal relationship among economic, environmental, and social benefits of logistics parks through emergy and provides theoretical and methodological support for the sustainable development of logistics parks.
Modification of Graphite Felt with Lead (II) Formate and Acetate—An Approach for Preparation of Lightweight Electrodes for a Lead-Acid Battery
Authors: Ilginis Arminas , Griškonis Egidijus
Published: October 2020

Lead-acid battery (LAB) weight is a major downside stopping it from being adapted to electric/hybrid vehicles. Lead grids constitute up to 50% of LAB electrode’s weight and it only ensures electric connection to electrochemically active material and provides structural integrity. Using graphite felt (GF) as a current collector can reduce the electrode’s weight while increasing the surface area. Modification of GF with lead (II) oxide using impregnation and calcination techniques and lead (II) formate and acetate as precursors was conducted to produce composite electrodes. It was found that lead (II) formate is not a viable material for this purpose, whereas multiple impregnation in lead (II) acetate saturated solution and calcination in air leads to thermal destruction GF. However, impregnation and calcination under nitrogen atmosphere in three cycles produced a sample of good quality with a mass loading of lead (II) oxide that was 17.18 g g−1 GF. This equates to only 5.5% of the total mass of composite electrode to be GF, which is immensely lower than lead grid mass in traditional electrodes. This result shows that a possible lightweight alternative of LAB electrode can be produced using the proposed modification method.
Assessment of the Release Profile of Fibroblast Growth Factor-2-Load Mesoporous Calcium Silicate/Poly-ε-caprolactone 3D Scaffold for Regulate Bone Regeneration
Authors: Kao Chia-Tze , Chen Yen-Jen , Huang Tsui-Hsien , Lin Yen-Hong , Hsu Tuan-Ti , Ho Chia-Che
Published: October 2020

Recent advances in three-dimensional printing technology enable facile and on-demand fabrication of patient-specific bone scaffolds. However, there is still an urgent need for printable biomaterials with osteoinductivity. In the present study, we propose an approach to synthesize fibroblast growth factor-2 loaded-mesoporous calcium silicate nanoparticles. The growth factor loaded-nanoparticles served as fillers of polycaprolactone and then the composite scaffolds with a controlled pore structure were obtained through a fused deposition modeling technique. To evaluate the feasibility of the composite scaffolds in bone tissue engineering, drug release kinetic, bioactivity, cell proliferation, differentiation, and animal study were conducted. Our findings illustrate that utilization of mesoporous calcium silicate allowed the introduction of fibroblast growth factor-2 into the composite scaffolds through a simple soaking process and then gradually released from the scaffold to facilitate proliferation and osteogenesis differentiation of human Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells. Additionally, the in vivo femur defect experiments also indicate that the co-existence of calcium silicate and fibrous growth factor-2 synergistically accelerated new bone formation. These results demonstrate that the fibroblast growth factor-2-loaded mesoporous calcium silicate nanoparticles/polycaprolactone composite scaffolds may serve as potential bone grafts for facilitating repair of defected bone tissues.
Comparison of Climate Model Simulations of the Younger Dryas Cold Event
Authors: Renssen Hans
Published: October 2020

Results of five climate model simulation studies on the Younger Dryas cold event (YD) are compared with a focus on temperature and precipitation. Relative to the Bølling-Allerød interstadial (BA), the simulations show consistent annual cooling in Europe, Greenland, Alaska, North Africa and over the North Atlantic Ocean and Nordic Seas with maximum reduction of temperatures being simulated over the oceans, ranging from −25 °C to −6 °C. Warmer conditions were simulated in the interior of North America. In two experiments, the mid-to-high latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere were also warmer, associated with a strong bi-polar seesaw mechanism in response to a collapse of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC). The modelled YD-BA temperature response was in general agreement with proxy-based evidence. The simulations reveal reduced YD-BA precipitation (up to 150 mm yr−1) over all regions with major cooling, and over the northern equatorial region. South of the equator, modelled precipitation seemed to increase due to a southward shift of the InterTropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The largest uncertainty in the YD is the high-latitude response, where the models show diverging results. This disagreement is partly related to uncertainties in the freshwater forcing. Most model studies assume an AMOC shutdown, but this is incompatible with proxy evidence.
Preliminary Work on a Virtual Reality Interface for the Guidance of Underwater Robots
Authors: de la Cruz Marcos , Casañ Gustavo , Sanz Pedro , Marín Raúl
Published: October 2020

The need for intervention in underwater environments has increased in recent years but there is still a long way to go before AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicleswill be able to cope with really challenging missions. Nowadays, the solution adopted is mainly based on remote operated vehicle (ROV) technology. These ROVs are controlled from support vessels by using unnecessarily complex human–robot interfaces (HRI). Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the complexity of these systems to make them easier to use and to reduce the stress on the operator. In this paper, and as part of the TWIN roBOTs for the cooperative underwater intervention missions (TWINBOT) project, we present an HRI (Human-Robot Interface) module which includes virtual reality (VR) technology. In fact, this contribution is an improvement on a preliminary study in this field also carried out, by our laboratory. Hence, having made a concerted effort to improve usability, the HRI system designed for robot control tasks presented in this paper is substantially easier to use. In summary, reliability and feasibility of this HRI module have been demonstrated thanks to the usability tests, which include a very complete pilot study, and guarantee much more friendly and intuitive properties in the final HRI-developed module presented here.
A Multi Sensor Approach to Forest Type Mapping for Advancing Monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in Myanmar
Authors: Biswas Sumalika , Huang Qiongyu , Anand Anupam , Mon Myat Su , Arnold Franz-Eugen , Leimgruber Peter
Published: October 2020

Monitoring forests is important for measuring overall success of the 2030 Agenda because forests play an essential role in meeting many Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), especially SDG 15. Our study evaluates the contribution of three satellite data sources (Landsat-8, Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-1) for mapping diverse forest types in Myanmar. This assessment is especially important because Myanmar is currently revising its classification system for forests and it is critical that these new forest types can be accurately mapped and monitored over time using satellite imagery. Our results show that using a combination of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 yields the highest accuracy (89.6% ± 0.16 percentage point(pp)), followed by Sentinel-2 alone (87.97% ± 0.11 pp) and Landsat-8 (82.68% ± 0.13 pp). The higher spatial resolution of Sentinel-2 Blue, Green, Red, Narrow Near Infrared and Short Wave Infrared bands enhances accuracy by 4.83% compared to Landsat-8. The addition of the Sentinel-2 Near Infrared and three Vegetation Red Edge bands further improve accuracy by 0.46% compared to using only Sentinel-2 Blue, Green, Red, Narrow Near Infrared and Short Wave Infrared bands. Adding the radar information from Sentinel-1 further increases the accuracy by 1.63%. We were able to map the two major forest types, Upper Moist and Upper Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest, which comprise 90% of our study area. Accuracies for these forest types ranged from 77 to 96% depending on the sensors used, demonstrating the feasibility of using satellite data to map forest categories from a newly revised classification system. Our results advance the ongoing development of the National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS) by the Myanmar Forest Department and United Nations-Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO) and facilitates future monitoring of progress towards the SDGs.
Spatial and Temporal Pasture Biomass Estimation Integrating Electronic Plate Meter, Planet CubeSats and Sentinel-2 Satellite Data
Authors: Gargiulo Juan , Clark Cameron , Lyons Nicolas , de Veyrac Gaspard , Beale Peter , Garcia Sergio
Published: October 2020

There is a substantial opportunity to lift feed utilization and profitability on pasture-based dairy systems through both increased pasture monitoring accuracy and frequency. The first objective of this experiment was to determine the impact of the number of electronic rising plate meter (RPM) readings and walking pattern on the accuracy of the RPM to determine pasture biomass. The second objective was to evaluate current satellite technology (i.e., small CubeSats and traditional large satellites) in combination with the electronic RPM as an accurate tool for systematic pasture monitoring. The experiment was conducted from October to December 2019 at Camden, Australia. Two experimental paddocks, each of 1.1 ha, were sown with annual ryegrass and monitored with an electronic RPM integrated with Global Navigation Satellite System and with two different satellites (Planet CubeSats and Sentinel-2 satellite). Here we show that 70 RPM readings achieve a ± 5% error in the pasture biomass estimations (kg DM/ha), with no effect of the walking pattern on accuracy. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) derived from satellites showed a good correlation with pasture biomass estimated using the electronic RPM (R2 0.74–0.94). Satellite pasture biomass and growth rate estimations were similar to RPM in one regrowth period but underestimated by ≈20% in the other. Our results also reveal that the accuracy of uncalibrated satellites (i.e., biomass estimated using NDVI to kg DM/ha standard equations) is low (R2 0.61, RMSE 566–1307 kg DM/ha). However, satellites calibrated with a RPM showed greater accuracy in the estimations (R2 0.72, RMSE 255 kg DM/ha). Current satellite technology, when used with the electronic RPM, has the potential to not only reduce the time required to monitor pasture biomass manually but provide finer scale measurements of pasture biomass within paddocks. Further work is required to test this hypothesis, both spatially and temporally.
Evapotranspiration Partitioning at Field Scales Using TSEB and Multi-Satellite Data Fusion in The Middle Reaches of Heihe River Basin, Northwest China
Authors: Li Yan , Huang Chunlin , Kustas William P. , Nieto Hector , Sun Liang , Hou Jinliang
Published: October 2020

Daily evapotranspiration (ET) and its components of evaporation (E) and transpiration (T) at field scale are often required for improving agricultural water management and maintaining ecosystem health, especially in semiarid and arid regions. In this study, multi-year daily ET, E, and T at a spatial resolution of 100 m in the middle reaches of Heihe River Basin were computed based on an ET partitioning method developed by combing remote sensing-based ET model and multi-satellite data fusion methodology. Evaluations using flux tower measurements over irrigated cropland and natural desert sites indicate that this method can provide reliable estimates of surface flux partitioning and daily ET. Modeled daily ET yielded root mean square error (RMSE) values of 0.85 mm for cropland site and 0.84 mm for desert site, respectively. The E and T partitioning capabilities of this proposed method was further assessed by using ratios E/ET and T/ET derived from isotopic technology at the irrigated cropland site. Results show that apart from early in the growing season when the actual E was reduced by plastic film mulching, the modeled E/ET and T/ET agree well with observations in terms of both magnitude and temporal dynamics. The multi-year seasonal patterns of modeled ET, E, and T at field scale from this ET partitioning method shows reasonable seasonal variation and spatial variability, which can be used for monitoring plant water consumption in both agricultural and natural ecosystems.
Ping-Pong Free Advanced and Energy Efficient Sensor Relocation for IoT-Sensory Network
Authors: Kim Moonseong , Park Sooyeon , Lee Woochan
Published: October 2020

With the growing interest in big data technology, mobile IoT devices play an essential role in data collection. Generally, IoT sensor nodes are randomly distributed to areas where data cannot be easily collected. Subsequently, when data collection is impossible (i.e., sensing holes occurrence situation) due to improper placement of sensors or energy exhaustion of sensors, the sensors should be relocated. The cluster header in the sensing hole sends requests to neighboring cluster headers for the sensors to be relocated. However, it can be possible that sensors in the specific cluster zones near the sensing hole are continuously requested to move. With this knowledge, there can be a ping-pong problem, where the cluster headers in the neighboring sensing holes repeatedly request the movement of the sensors in the counterpart sensing hole. In this paper, we first proposed the near-uniform selection and movement scheme of the sensors to be relocated. By this scheme, the energy consumption of the sensors can be equalized, and the sensing capability can be extended. Thus the network lifetime can be extended. Next, the proposed relocation protocol resolves a ping-pong problem using queues with request scheduling. Another crucial contribution of this paper is that performance was analyzed using the fully-customed OMNeT++ simulator to reflect actual environmental conditions, not under over-simplified artificial network conditions. The proposed relocation protocol demonstrates a uniform and energy-efficient movement with ping-pong free capability.
A Real-Time Thermal Monitoring System Intended for Embedded Sensors Interfaces
Authors: Ettahri Ouafaa , Oukaira Aziz , Ali Mohamed , Hassan Ahmad , Nabavi Morteza , Savaria Yvon , Lakhssassi Ahmed
Published: October 2020

This paper proposes a real-time thermal monitoring method using embedded integrated sensor interfaces dedicated to industrial integrated system applications. Industrial sensor interfaces are complex systems that involve analog and mixed signals, where several parameters can influence their performance. These include the presence of heat sources near sensitive integrated circuits, and various heat transfer phenomena need to be considered. This creates a need for real-time thermal monitoring and management. Indeed, the control of transient temperature gradients or temperature differential variations as well as the prediction of possible induced thermal shocks and stress at early design phases of advanced integrated circuits and systems are essential. This paper addresses the growing requirements of microelectronics applications in several areas that experience fast variations in high-power density and thermal gradient differences caused by the implementation of different systems on the same chip, such as the new-generation 5G circuits. To mitigate adverse thermal effects, a real-time prediction algorithm is proposed and validated using the MCUXpresso tool applied to a Freescale embedded sensor board to monitor and predict its temperature profile in real time by programming the embedded sensor into the FRDM-KL26Z board. Based on discrete temperature measurements, the embedded system is used to predict, in advance, overheating situations in the embedded integrated circuit (IC). These results confirm the peak detection capability of the proposed algorithm that satisfactorily predicts thermal peaks in the FRDM-KL26Z board as modeled with a finite element thermal analysis tool (the Numerical Integrated elements for System Analysis (NISA) tool), to gauge the level of local thermomechanical stresses that may be induced. In this paper, the FPGA implementation and comparison measurements are also presented. This work provides a solution to the thermal stresses and local system overheating that have been a major concern for integrated sensor interface designers when designing integrated circuits in various high-performance technologies or harsh environments.
Determination of Synthetic Cathinones in Urine and Oral Fluid by Liquid Chromatography High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry and Low-Resolution Mass Spectrometry: A Method Comparison
Authors: Pascual-Caro Sergi , Borrull Francesc , Aguilar Carme , Calull Marta
Published: October 2020

Synthetic cathinones have become very popular recreational drugs. Therefore, determining them in biological samples is now a matter of concern. In recent years, different methods that have been developed can determine these drugs at low-concentration levels. In general, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry detection plays an important role in these methods and the trend is to use low-resolution and high-resolution mass spectrometry. In this article, for the first time, we compare these two analyzers using an Orbitrap and a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer in order to determine a group of synthetic cathinones in urine and oral fluid samples. For this comparison, we evaluated and compared different parameters: Method detection and quantification limits, linearity, apparent recoveries, matrix effect, repeatability (intra-day), reproducibility (inter-day), and accuracy. Similar results were obtained for the two analyzers for the apparent recoveries and matrix effect. However, triple quadrupole showed higher sensitivity compared to Orbitrap for both urine and oral fluid samples. The quantification limits in urine and the detection limits in saliva were two times lower for triple quadrupole. Finally, when blind samples were analyzed to study the accuracy, similar results were obtained for both analyzers.
Short-Term Intersection Traffic Flow Forecasting
Authors: Qu Wenrui , Li Jinhong , Yang Lu , Li Delin , Liu Shasha , Zhao Qun , Qi Yi
Published: October 2020

The intersection is a bottleneck in an urban roadway network. As traffic demand increases, there is a growing congestion problem at urban intersections. Short-term traffic flow forecasting is crucial for advanced trip planning and traffic management. However, there are only a handful of existing models for forecasting intersection traffic flow. In addition, previous short-term traffic flow forecasting models usually were for predicting roadway conditions in a very short period, such as one minute or five minutes, which is often too late given that a driver may well be approaching the bottleneck already. Being able to accurately predict traffic congestions in about half-hour advance is very critical for advanced trip planning and traffic management. To fill this gap, this research develops a two-layer stacking model for intersection short-term traffic flow forecasting by integrating the K-nearest neighbor (KNN) and Elman Neural Network modeling methods. It was developed using the 24-h cycle by cycle traffic data collected at a signalized intersection in Jinan, China. The developed model is evaluated by applying it to the same intersection for forecasting the short-term traffic conditions in a different set of days. The prediction performance of this model was compared with four other models developed using some existing non-parametric modeling and machine learning methods, including clustering, backpropagation (BP) neural network, KNN, and Elman Neural Network. The results of this study indicate that the proposed model outperforms other existing models in terms of its prediction accuracy.
Inquiring Structure and Forms of Collaboration in Tourism through Social Network Analysis
Authors: Cehan Alexandra , Eva Mihail , Iațu Corneliu , Costa Carlos
Published: October 2020

Collaboration in tourism is widely perceived as a solution for achieving success and for ensuring sustainability in tourist destinations. However, collaboration is a complex and dynamic process, and although there is a growing interest in understanding its mechanisms, much remains unexplored on the matter. The aim of this paper is to operationalise a network approach in analysing characteristics of collaboration in tourism and then to reveal structural weaknesses and strengths from a destination management perspective. The background for analysis is a well-known tourist destination in Romania (Vatra Dornei) that can be considered illustrative for a large spectrum of Eastern European destinations. Methodologically, Social Network Analysis (SNA) techniques were employed, centred on matters related to density and centrality of the tourism network. The results reveal a series of deficiencies inside the network, which have to be addressed by policymakers: (i) a general low level of collaboration; (ii) poor communication between public and private sectors; (iii) a reduced number of central stakeholders but high diversity regarding their fields of activity. The study contributes to the literature by advancing knowledge on particularities of collaboration among tourism stakeholders, while also adding evidence to the utility of SNA in understanding relational dynamics specific to tourism destinations.
Economic Paradigms and Corporate Culture after the Great COVID-19 Pandemic: Towards a New Role of Welfare Organisations and Insurers
Authors: Di Lorenzo Emilia , Sibillo Marilena
Published: October 2020

Current events have put us in front of new paradigms on which our life and its economic aspects seem to be based: the worldwide spread of contagion from COVID-19 threatens dramatic long-term changes in the economy, lifestyle, and social structures. Valuing virtuous behaviour through the transfer and sharing of risks among several actors allows us to achieve benefits for all. The COVID-19 pandemic leads us to experiment with new forms of public health protection, including through insurance instruments. The role of insurance companies, intrinsically linked with the protection of primary areas such as healthcare and welfare, therefore becomes more critical than ever in terms of securing the protection of people, families, and productive activities. This work endorses the design of a virtuous cycle of investments, which may be implemented starting with insurance companies; such a project would unfold through insurance policies’ contractual lines, securitisation schemes, investment policies, and socially responsible corporate strategies
Rural Households’ Livelihood Strategy Choice and Livelihood Diversity of Main Ethnic Minorities in Chongqing, China
Authors: Mao Shuxin , Qiu Sha , Li Tao , Tang Mingfang
Published: October 2020

Rural household livelihood research of ethnic minorities is urgent to the development of ethnic areas in China and achieve the world poverty reduction goal. To improve ethnic rural household livelihood, it is fundamental to figure out what are the types, characteristics as well as impact factors of their livelihood strategies. In the study, we explored the household livelihood strategy choices and livelihood diversity of the main ethnic minorities (Tujia and Miao) in Chongqing, as well as how livelihood capitals impact livelihood strategy through methods of clustering, livelihood diversity index and multiple logistic regression under the framework of sustainable livelihood approach. The results show that: (1) Full-time job, both full-time and part-time job, part-time agriculture, part-time job and subsidized livelihood strategy are livelihood strategies adopted by Tujia and Miao rural households in Chongqing, China. (2) The characteristics of the identified livelihood strategies are diversified and various in natural, financial, human and finance capital. (3) A number of livelihood capitals impact the way that household choose their livelihood strategies, but the livelihood capitals have no significant impact on the livelihood diversity. By detailed analysis of the characteristic of rural ethnic household livelihood strategy, especial livelihood diversity, the research enriched sustainable livelihood literature and provided useful information for policymakers and practitioners in designing effective programs for regional sustainable development and ecological protection.
Potential of Sustainable Concept for Handling Organic Waste in Tunisia
Authors: Chaher Nour El Houda , Hemidat Safwat , Thabit Qahtan , Chakchouk Mehrez , Nassour Abdallah , Hamdi Moktar , Nelles Michael
Published: October 2020

Nowadays, Tunisia is seeking to implement cost-efficient and sustainable solutions in relation to the treatment of organic waste which, at up to 65%, makes up the largest proportion of total waste generated in the country. Therefore, an efficient tool for decision makers is needed to provide a clear approach about the potential of organic waste as well as the treatment concept, which can be adapted based on technical requirements and local conditions. Results revealed that there is a high variation in terms of the nature of the collected biowaste, which affects the selection of the adopted bioprocess for each geographical zone of the study area. Three main categories of biowaste are produced along the coastline of Tunisia: food waste (FW) (102.543 t/a); green waste (GW) (1.326.930 t/a); and cattle manure (CM) (1.548.350 t/a). Based on the results of similar projects and laboratory-scale research work, anaerobic and aerobic digestion were examined. Regarding aerobic digestion, the monitoring of several physicochemical parameters ascertained that the co-composting of FW and GW at different ratios (GW: FW = 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75) allowed the production of a stable and mature compost. A highly qualified end-product was generated from each trial categorized as a finished compost of class V with reference to German Standards of compost. Regarding the anaerobic process, different feedstock mixtures (FW:CM = 0:1, 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1) were prepared to feed semi-continuous anaerobic reactors. However, a significant improvement in the process development was recorded for digesters including a higher fraction of FW, which produced 0.846 LN/kg VSin as the maximum biogas production. Therefore, biological treatments of food waste and different co-substrates seems to be a suitable technique for Tunisia in terms of waste management, environmental, and energy aspects. However, the evaluation of the efficiency of the proposed biological treatments was also verified by a draw-up of a technical and economic feasibility analysis. Although the cost–benefit estimations proved that the profits from both the compost and biogas plants would be very modest, the feasibility of such sustainable projects should not only be evaluated on an economic basis, but also by taking into account socio-environmental considerations including decreasing environmental threats, providing work opportunities, increasing incomes, stimulating public awareness as well as reducing the operating costs linked to landfilling.
A Stochastic Intelligent Computing with Neuro-Evolution Heuristics for Nonlinear SITR System of Novel COVID-19 Dynamics
Authors: Umar Muhammad , Sabir Zulqurnain , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor , Shoaib Muhammad , Gupta Manoj , Sánchez Yolanda Guerrero
Published: October 2020

The present study aims to design stochastic intelligent computational heuristics for the numerical treatment of a nonlinear SITR system representing the dynamics of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The mathematical SITR system using fractal parameters for COVID-19 dynamics is divided into four classes; that is, susceptible (S), infected (I), treatment (T), and recovered (R). The comprehensive details of each class along with the explanation of every parameter are provided, and the dynamics of novel COVID-19 are represented by calculating the solution of the mathematical SITR system using feed-forward artificial neural networks (FF-ANNs) trained with global search genetic algorithms (GAs) and speedy fine tuning by sequential quadratic programming (SQP)—that is, an FF-ANN-GASQP scheme. In the proposed FF-ANN-GASQP method, the objective function is formulated in the mean squared error sense using the approximate differential mapping of FF-ANNs for the SITR model, and learning of the networks is proficiently conducted with the integrated capabilities of GA and SQP. The correctness, stability, and potential of the proposed FF-ANN-GASQP scheme for the four different cases are established through comparative assessment study from the results of numerical computing with Adams solver for single as well as multiple autonomous trials. The results of statistical evaluations further authenticate the convergence and prospective accuracy of the FF-ANN-GASQP method.