bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived Quality of Life Is Related to a Healthy Lifestyle and Related Outcomes in Spanish Children and Adolescents: The Physical Activity, Sedentarism, and Obesity in Spanish Study
Authors: Ródenas-Munar Marina , Monserrat-Mesquida Margalida , Gómez Santiago F. , Wärnberg Julia , Medrano María , González-Gross Marcela , Gusi Narcís , Aznar Susana , Marín-Cascales Elena , González-Valeiro Miguel A. , Serra-Majem Lluís , Pulgar Susana , Segu Marta , Fitó Montse , Torres Silvia , Benavente-Marín Juan Carlos , Labayen Idoia , Zapico Augusto G. , Sánchez-Gómez Jesús , Jiménez-Zazo Fabio , Alcaraz Pedro E. , Sevilla-Sánchez Marta , Herrera-Ramos Estefanía , Schröder Helmut , Bouzas Cristina , Tur Josep A.
Published: December 2023

Background: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for safeguarding the well-being and quality of life perception, appropriate growth, and development of children and adolescents, while also mitigating the risk of future adult-onset diseases. Objective: To assess associations between perceived quality of life and healthy lifestyle and related outcomes in Spanish children and adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of 8–16-year-old children and adolescents (n = 3534) were included in the nationwide study of Physical Activity, Sedentarism, and Obesity in Spanish Youth (PASOS). Data were collected through (1) questionnaires on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), healthy lifestyle outcomes (dietary intake, physical fitness, sleep, and screen time), and (2) anthropometric measurements for weight status assessment. Data were analysed by logistic regression, using the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as the grouping variable. Results: Participants with a lower HRQoL were those with a lower adherence to the MedDiet and lower achievement of the recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables. They were also less likely to follow the recommendations for screen time and sleep (with the exception of the weekend) compared to participants with a higher HRQoL. Participants with a lower HRQoL showed a lower healthy weight status and poorer physical fitness than those with a higher HRQoL. Conclusions: Healthy eating habits, healthy weight status (normal weight), appropriate sleep time, physical fitness, and limited screen time play a crucial role in the perceived quality of life in children and adolescents.
Factors Influencing the Degree of Employee Involvement in Preventive Nutrition and Physical Activity Web-Based Programs in Medium and Small Enterprises
Authors: Stubelj Mojca , Širok Klemen , Laporšek Suzana , Perčič Simona
Published: December 2023

This cross-sectional study was part of a comprehensive workplace health promotion program (WHPP) implemented in the work environment of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Western Slovenia, which included web-based educational campaigns aimed at promoting positive lifestyle changes among workers, including healthy eating habits and physical activity. As part of this program, which included campaigns in the areas of stress management, ergonomics, sleep hygiene, communication, work climate, and absenteeism, we developed and examined the engagement frequency in web-based content on healthy eating and physical activity for the companies included in the WHPP. This part of the project lasted from 2020 to 2022. Prior to the educational campaign, participants voluntarily completed a screening questionnaire. We analyzed the patterns of 370 workers in terms of their job classification (predominantly sedentary, predominantly standing, or predominantly physical), body mass index (BMI), gender, age, and selected indicators of diet and physical activity. Of the 88 companies participating in the WHPP, 26 took part in our web-based educational campaigns on nutrition and physical activity. Through an empirical analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics and a linear regression, we found that, on average, the engagement frequency (i.e., proportion of educational personal e-mails read) was highest among men with sedentary work, with older employees participating more actively than expected. Moreover, workers with good dietary habits and a favorable BMI proved to be the most avid readers of the web-based campaigns. Despite the overall low participant engagement frequency, it is clear that web-based educational campaigns are more appealing to workers with sedentary jobs and good dietary habits. This study provides valuable information on the potential effectiveness of appropriate workplace health promotion campaigns for SMEs and public health practices.
Toll-like Receptor 4 Differentially Modulates Cardiac Function in Response to Chronic Exposure to High-Fat Diet and Pressure Overload
Authors: Tian Liping , Jarrah Mohammad , Herz Hussein , Chu Yi , Xu Ying , Tang Yiqun , Yuan Jinxiang , Mokadem Mohamad
Published: December 2023

Background/Aim: The impact of myocardial stressors such as high-fat diet (HFD) and pressure overload has been extensively studied. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) deficiency has been suggested to have a protective role in response to these stressors, although some conflicting data exist. Furthermore, there is limited information about the role of TLR4 on cardiac remodeling in response to long-term exposure to stressors. This study aims to investigate the effects of TLR4 deficiency on cardiac histology and physiology in response to chronic stressors. Methods: TLR4-deficient (TLR4−/−) and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to either HFD or a normal diet (ND) for 28 weeks. Another group underwent abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) or a sham procedure and was monitored for 12 weeks. Inflammatory markers, histology, and echocardiography were used to assess the effects of these interventions. Results: TLR4−/− mice exhibited reduced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis after long-term HFD exposure compared to ND without affecting cardiac function. On the other hand, TLR4 deficiency worsened cardiac function in response to AAC, leading to decreased ejection fraction (EF%) and increased end-systolic volume (ESV). Conclusions: TLR4 deficiency provided protection against HFD-induced myocardial inflammation but impaired hemodynamic cardiac function under pressure overload conditions. These findings highlight the crucial role of TLR4 and its downstream signaling pathway in maintaining cardiac output during physiologic cardiac hypertrophy in response to pressure overload.
Antiviral Activity of Zinc Finger Antiviral Protein (ZAP) in Different Virus Families
Authors: de Andrade Kívia Queiroz , Cirne-Santos Claudio Cesar
Published: December 2023

The CCCH-type zinc finger antiviral protein (ZAP) in humans, specifically isoforms ZAP-L and ZAP-S, is a crucial component of the cell’s intrinsic immune response. ZAP acts as a post-transcriptional RNA restriction factor, exhibiting its activity during infections caused by retroviruses and alphaviruses. Its function involves binding to CpG (cytosine-phosphate-guanine) dinucleotide sequences present in viral RNA, thereby directing it towards degradation. Since vertebrate cells have a suppressed frequency of CpG dinucleotides, ZAP is capable of distinguishing foreign genetic elements. The expression of ZAP leads to the reduction of viral replication and impedes the assembly of new virus particles. However, the specific mechanisms underlying these effects have yet to be fully understood. Several questions regarding ZAP’s mechanism of action remain unanswered, including the impact of CpG dinucleotide quantity on ZAP’s activity, whether this sequence is solely required for the binding between ZAP and viral RNA, and whether the recruitment of cofactors is dependent on cell type, among others. This review aims to integrate the findings from studies that elucidate ZAP’s antiviral role in various viral infections, discuss gaps that need to be filled through further studies, and shed light on new potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Biological Potential and Bioaccessibility of Encapsulated Curcumin into Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals
Authors: Casanova Francisca , Pereira Carla F. , Ribeiro Alessandra B. , Castro Pedro M. , Freixo Ricardo , Martins Eva , Tavares-Valente Diana , Fernandes João C. , Pintado Manuela E. , Ramos Óscar L.
Published: December 2023

Curcumin is a natural phenolic compound with important biological functions. Despite its demonstrated efficacy in vitro, curcumin biological activities in vivo are dependent on its bioaccessibility and bioavailability, which have been highlighted as a crucial challenge. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-modified cellulose nanocrystals (CNC-CTAB) have been shown to be effective in curcumin encapsulation, as they have the potential to enhance biological outcomes. This study evaluated the biological effects of curcumin encapsulated within CNC-CTAB structures, namely its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, as well as the release profile under digestion conditions and intestinal permeability. Encapsulated curcumin demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively reducing reactive oxygen species and cytokine production by intestinal cells. The delivery system exhibited antimicrobial properties against Campylobacter jejuni bacteria, further suggesting its potential in mitigating intestinal inflammation. The system showed the ability to protect curcumin from degradation and facilitate its interaction with the intestinal epithelium, highlighting the potential of CNC-CTAB as carrier to enhance curcumin intestinal biological functions.
Investigation of OFDM-Based HS-PON Using Front-End LiFiSystem for 5G Networks
Authors: Kumari Meet , Banawan Mai , Arya Vivek , Mishra Satyendra Kumar
Published: December 2023

Fifth-generation (5G) technology has enabled faster communication speeds, lower latency, a broader range of coverage, and greater capacity. This research aims to introduce a bidirectional high-speed passive optical network (HS-PON) for 5G applications and services including mobile computing, cloud computing, and fiber wireless convergence. Using 16-ary quadrature amplitude modulation orthogonal frequency division multiplexing techniques, the system transmits uplinks and downlinks with a pair of four wavelengths each. Light fidelity (LiFi) services are provided with blue light-emitting-diode-based technology. With a threshold bit error rate (BER) of 10−3, the results demonstrate reliable transportation over a 100 km fiber at −17 dBm received power and in a maximum LiFi range of 20 m. Furthermore, the system offers symmetric 4 × 50 Gbps transmission rates under the impact of fiber–LiFi channel impairments with maximum irradiance and incidence half-angles of 500. Additionally, at threshold BER, the system provides a detection surface range from 1.5 to 4 cm2. Compared to existing networks, the system also provides a high gain and low noise figure. A number of features make this system an attractive option. These include its high speed, high reach, high split ratio, low cost, easy upgradeability, pay-as-you-grow properties, high reliability, and ability to accommodate a large number of users.
Maximizing the Response of a Helium Atom at the Third Harmonic of an Intense Femtosecond Ultraviolet Pulse
Authors: Khairulin Ilias R. , Emelin Mikhail Yu. , Popova Maria M. , Gryzlova Elena V. , Ryabikin Mikhail Yu. , Antonov Vladimir A.
Published: December 2023

The optimal regime of three-photon resonant excitation of a helium atom via a femtosecond ultraviolet (UV) pulse was discovered and numerically studied, at which the maximum power of the third harmonic of the UV field is achieved in the spectrum of dipole acceleration (the second time derivative of the induced dipole moment) of the atom. It is shown that the optimal frequency of the UV field nearly coincides with the frequency of the three-photon transition |1s2⟩–|1s2p⟩, taking into account its shift as a result of the dynamic Stark effect, and the intensity of the UV field is dictated by the condition of maximizing the product of the populations of the |1s2⟩ and |1s2p⟩ states, averaged over the time interval during which the UV field is non-zero. For the considered UV field durations, from 10 to 100 cycles of the carrier frequency (from units to tens of femtoseconds), the optimal intensity lies in the range from 1014 W/cm2 to several units of 1014 W/cm2. It is shown that with an optimal choice of the frequency and intensity of the UV field, the dynamics of excitation of bound and continuum states, as well as the shape of the time envelope of the dipole acceleration of the atom, weakly depend on the duration of the UV field envelope; only their time scale changes significantly. In addition, under optimal conditions, the average power of the third harmonic signal in the dipole acceleration spectrum is practically independent of the duration of the UV field envelope.
A High-Resolution Linkage Map Construction and QTL Analysis for Morphological Traits in Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum Linden)
Authors: Zhang Linbi , Chen Yanyan , Leng Qingyun , Lin Xinge , Lu Jinping , Xu Yueting , Li Haiyan , Xu Shisong , Huang Shaohua , López Hernán Ariel , Wang Yaru , Yin Junmei , Niu Junhai
Published: December 2023

Anthurium andraeanum Linden is a prominent ornamental plant belonging to the family Araceae and is cultivated worldwide. The morphology characteristics are crucial because they significantly impact ornamental values, commercial properties, and the efficiency of space utilization in production. However, only a few related investigations have been conducted in anthurium to date. In this study, an F1 genetic segregation population containing 160 progenies was generated through hybridization between potted and cut anthurium varieties. Fifteen morphological traits were assessed and revealed substantial levels of genetic variation and widespread positive correlation. Based on specific length amplified fragment (SLAF) sequencing technology, 8171 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were developed, and the high-density linkage map of 2202.27 cM in length distributed on 15 linkage groups was constructed successfully, with an average distance of 0.30 cM. Using the inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM) method, 59 QTLs related to 15 key morphological traits were successfully identified, which explained phenotypic variance (PVE) ranging from 6.21% to 17.74%. Thirty-three of those associated with 13 traits were designated as major QTLs with PVE > 10%. These findings offer valuable insights into the genetic basis of quantitative traits and are beneficial for molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) in anthurium breeding.
Three Biannual Rotations Cycles with Residue Incorporation Affect Wheat Production and Chemical Soil Properties
Authors: Hirzel Juan , Undurraga Pablo , Vera Carola , Matus Iván , Michelow Pascal
Published: December 2023

Background: There are few reports of crop rotations with high residue incorporation in terms of their effects on indicator crop yields and soil properties, so this study evaluated the effect of two medium-term biannual rotations on wheat yield development and soil chemical properties after six years of rotation. Methods: The experiment was conducted with two biannual rotations (canola–wheat and bean–wheat) and four residue incorporation levels (0%, 50%, 100%, and 200%) in an Andisol in south central Chile. Wheat grain yield and residue production were evaluated during each biannual cycle during three cycles of crop rotation, and soil chemical properties were evaluated at final evaluation. Results: The use of beans as a wheat preculture partially improved grain yield in 7.3%. The chemical properties of the soil showed an increase in pH (0.08 units), organic matter content (15 g kg−1), and concentrations of P (2.8 mg kg−1), S (7.4 mg kg−1), and Al (0.03 cmol+ kg−1) after canola cultivation, while after bean cultivation there was an increase in the available N concentration (3.7 mg kg−1). The use of increasing doses of residue allowed for an increase in the soil pH and decrease in the exchangeable Al concentration. Conclusion: The continuous incorporation of the residues produced within the biannual rotations evaluated in this volcanic soil did contribute to improving some chemical properties of the soil without affecting wheat crop yield.
Numerical Study and Hydrodynamic Calculation of the Feasibility of Retrofitting Tangentially Fired Boilers into Slag-Tap Boilers
Authors: Guo Qianxin , Yang Jiahui , Zhao Yonggang , Du Jiajun , Da Yaodong , Che Defu
Published: December 2023

Retrofitting a tangentially fired boiler into a slag-tap boiler offers a solution for fully burning high-alkali coal in power plant boilers. Numerical simulation and hydrodynamic calculation of such a retrofit scheme were performed in this study. The maximum temperature in the furnace after retrofitting is 2306.8 K, surpassing the pre-retrofit temperature of 2095.8 K. The average temperature in the combustion chamber of the slag-tap boiler is 2080.3 K, which ensures that the slag can be discharged in a molten state. When the coal consumption is halved relative to the working condition of the boiler maximum continuous rating (BMCR) in the slag-tap boiler, the maximum temperature in the combustion chamber decreases from 2306.8 to 2220.3 K. However, the temperature distribution remains relatively uniform, ensuring that the slag discharge is not disrupted. In both of the working conditions calculated in this study, the fluid flow rates in the water-cold wall are positively correlated with the wall heat fluxes. The maximum wall temperatures under the two working conditions are 653.9 and 590.6 K, respectively, both of which are well within the safe limits for the wall material. The results illustrate the feasibility of the retrofit scheme.
Three-Dimensional Geological Modeling of Coal Reservoirs and Analysis of Sensitivity Factors for Combined Mining Capacity
Authors: Wang Zhizhen , Tang Shuheng , Yan Zhifeng , Zhang Songhang , Xi Zhaodong , Zhang Ke , Wang Kaifeng , Zhang Qian , Yang Xiongxiong
Published: December 2023

Due to the large non-homogeneity of coal reservoirs, there is a large uncertainty about the extent of the impact on coal bed methane production capacity. The Hanchengbei Block has the problems of early exploration, less available production data, and large variations in developed production capacity within a single well group during test production. Therefore, how to use the existing data to analyze the geological factors affecting the development of coalbed methane in the Hanchengbei Block is particularly important. In this paper, based on the coal seam properties and production characteristics of the Hanchengbei Block, a three-dimensional geological model of the area was meticulously constructed using Petrel 2015 modeling software. Through the utilization of stochastic modeling techniques, reservoir attributes were visualized in three dimensions, and probability distribution functions as well as confidence intervals for different geological parameters were derived through geological statistics. Building upon this foundation, a dual-layer geological model incorporating multiple factors was established using Comet3.0 numerical simulation software. Monte Carlo simulation methods were then employed to simulate the effects of various geological parameters on gas production, yielding corresponding simulation results. Through normalization processes, parameter sensitivity was analyzed to determine the primary controlling factors influencing production capacity. The results show that the thickness of the No. 5 coal seam in the Hanchengbei Block is mainly distributed in the range of 1.35–6.89 m; the gas content is 10.28–15.52 m3/t; and the permeability is 0.014–0.048 mD. Under their joint influence, the average gas production of Hanchengbei Block is between 310–720 m3/d. The main factors affecting the capacity of Hanchengbei Block are the thickness and gas content of the coal seam. This study can provide a basis for the subsequent optimization of favorable areas, the formulation of drainage systems, and the design and optimization of development well networks.
Numerical Simulations of Gasification of Low-Grade Coal and Lignocellulosic Biomasses in Two-Stage Multi-Opposite Burner Gasifier
Authors: Rehman Anees u , Unar Imran Nazir , Abro Masroor , Qureshi Khadija , Almani Sikandar , Jatoi Abdul Sattar
Published: December 2023

Thermochemical processes utilizing biomass demonstrate promising prospects for the generation of syngas. In this work, a gasification process employing combination of an indigenous low-grade coal with two distinct biomass sources, namely rice husk (RH) and wood sawdust (WS), was explored. The gasification of the selected feedstock was performed using a double-staged multi-opposite burner (MOB) gasifier. A 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was employed to analyze the effect of kinetic and diffusion rates on the overall gasification performance of an entrained flow biomass gasifier. DPM was employed to track the particles’ trajectory, while the gas phase was treated as the continuous phase, and its behavior was predicted using a standard k-epsilon turbulent model. To calculate both the homogeneous and heterogeneous reaction rates, the finite rate/eddy dissipation model was implemented. The findings indicate that the char conversion efficiency exceeded 95% across all instances. Among the different reaction schemes, scheme E (which involved complete volatile and char combustion reactions) produced better results in comparison with published results, with less than 1% error. Hence, scheme E was validated and utilized for the rest of the simulated cases. The feeding rate has an inverse effect on the overall performance of the gasifier. An increase in feed rate decreases the CO and H2 composition in syngas. The maximum CO value was observed to be 57.59% at a 1.0 O/C ratio with a 0.005 kg/s feed rate, and the maximum H2 value was observed to be 16.58% in the same conditions for Lakhra coal samples. In summary, Lakhra coal exhibited better performance than other biomass samples due to its better fixed carbon and volatiles in its composition.
GNOS-II on Fengyun-3 Satellite Series: Exploration of Multi-GNSS Reflection Signals for Operational Applications
Authors: Sun Yueqiang , Huang Feixiong , Xia Junming , Yin Cong , Bai Weihua , Du Qifei , Wang Xianyi , Cai Yuerong , Li Wei , Yang Guanglin , Zhai Xiaochun , Xu Na , Hu Xiuqing , Liu Yan , Liu Cheng , Wang Dongwei , Qiu Tongsheng , Tian Yusen , Duan Lichang , Li Fu , Meng Xiangguang , Liu Congliang , Tan Guangyuan , Hu Peng , Wu Ruhan , Song Dongmei
Published: December 2023

The Global Navigation Satellite System Occultation Sounder II (GNOS-II) payload onboard the Chinese Fengyun-3E (FY-3E) satellite is the world’s first operational spaceborne mission that can utilize reflected signals from multiple navigation systems for Earth remote sensing. The satellite was launched into an 836-km early-morning polar orbit on 5 July 2021. Different GNSS signals show different characteristics in the observations and thus require different calibration methods. With an average data latency of less than 3 h, many near real-time applications are possible. This article first introduces the FY-3E/GNOS-II mission and instrument design, then describes the extensive calibration methods for the multi-GNSS measurements, and finally presents application results in the remote sensing of ocean surface winds, land soil moisture and sea ice extent. Especially, the ocean surface wind product has been used in operational applications such as assimilation in the numerical weather prediction model and monitoring of tropical cyclones. Currently, GNOS-II has been carried by FY-3E, FY-3F (launched in August 2023) and FY-3G (launched in April 2023). It will be also carried by future follow-on FY series and a more complete multi-GNSS reflectometry constellation will be established.
Associating Anomaly Detection Strategy Based on Kittler’s Taxonomy with Image Editing to Extend the Mapping of Polluted Water Bodies
Authors: Marinho Giovanna Carreira , Júnior Wilson Estécio Marcílio , Dias Mauricio Araujo , Eler Danilo Medeiros , Artero Almir Olivette , Casaca Wallace , Negri Rogério Galante
Published: December 2023

Anomaly detection based on Kittler’s Taxonomy (ADS-KT) has emerged as a powerful strategy for identifying and categorizing patterns that exhibit unexpected behaviors, being useful for monitoring environmental disasters and mapping their consequences in satellite images. However, the presence of clouds in images limits the analysis process. This article investigates the impact of associating ADS-KT with image editing, mainly to help machines learn how to extend the mapping of polluted water bodies to areas occluded by clouds. Our methodology starts by applying ADS-KT to two images from the same geographic region, where one image has meaningfully more overlay contamination by cloud cover than the other. Ultimately, the methodology applies an image editing technique to reconstruct areas occluded by clouds in one image based on non-occluded areas from the other image. The results of 99.62% accuracy, 74.53% precision, 94.05% recall, and 83.16% F-measure indicate that this study stands out among the best of the state-of-the-art approaches. Therefore, we conclude that the association of ADS-KT with image editing showed promising results in extending the mapping of polluted water bodies by a machine to occluded areas. Future work should compare our methodology to ADS-KT associated with other cloud removal methods.
Multi-Modal Image Registration Based on Phase Exponent Differences of the Gaussian Pyramid
Authors: Yan Xiaohu , Cao Yihang , Yang Yijun , Yao Yongxiang
Published: December 2023

In multi-modal images (MMI), the differences in their imaging mechanisms lead to large signal-to-noise ratio differences, which means that the matching of geometric invariance and the matching accuracy of the matching algorithms often cannot be balanced. Therefore, how to weaken the signal-to-noise interference of MMI, maintain good scale and rotation invariance, and obtain high-precision matching correspondences becomes a challenge for multimodal remote sensing image matching. Based on this, a lightweight MMI alignment of the phase exponent of the differences in the Gaussian pyramid (PEDoG) is proposed, which takes into account the phase exponent differences of the Gaussian pyramid with normalized filtration, i.e., it achieves the high-precision identification of matching correspondences points while maintaining the geometric invariance of multi-modal matching. The proposed PEDoG method consists of three main parts, introducing the phase consistency model into the differential Gaussian pyramid to construct a new phase index. Then, three types of MMI (multi-temporal image, infrared–optical image, and map–optical image) are selected as the experimental datasets and compared with the advanced matching methods, and the results show that the NCM (number of correct matches) of the PEDoG method displays a minimum improvement of 3.3 times compared with the other methods, and the average RMSE (root mean square error) is 1.69 pixels, which is the lowest value among all the matching methods. Finally, the alignment results of the image are shown in the tessellated mosaic mode, which shows that the feature edges of the image are connected consistently without interlacing and artifacts. It can be seen that the proposed PEDoG method can realize high-precision alignment while taking geometric invariance into account.
Multi-Sensor Observations Reveal Large-Amplitude Nonlinear Internal Waves in the Kara Gates, Arctic Ocean
Authors: Kozlov Igor E. , Kopyshov Ilya O. , Frey Dmitry I. , Morozov Eugene G. , Medvedev Igor P. , Shiryborova Arina I. , Silvestrova Ksenya P. , Gavrikov Aleksandr V. , Ezhova Elizaveta A. , Soloviev Dmitry M. , Plotnikov Evgeny V. , Zhuk Vladislav R. , Gaisky Pavel V. , Osadchiev Alexander A. , Stepanova Natalia B.
Published: December 2023

We present multi-sensor measurements from satellites, unmanned aerial vehicle, marine radar, thermal profilers, and repeated conductivity–temperature–depth casts made in the Kara Gates strait connecting the Barents and the Kara Seas during spring tide in August 2021. Analysis of the field data during an 18-h period from four stations provides evidence that a complex sill in the Kara Gates is the site of regular production of intense large-amplitude nonlinear internal waves. Satellite data show a presence of a relatively warm northeastward surface current from the Barents Sea toward the Kara Sea attaining 0.8–0.9 m/s. Triangle-shaped measurements using three thermal profilers revealed pronounced vertical thermocline oscillations up to 40 m associated with propagation of short-period nonlinear internal waves of depression generated by stratified flow passing a system of shallow sills in the strait. The most intense waves were recorded during the ebb tide slackening and reversal when the background flow was predominantly supercritical. Observed internal waves had wavelengths of ~100 m and traveled northeastward with phase speeds of 0.8–0.9 m/s. The total internal wave energy per unit crest length for the largest waves was estimated to be equal to 1.0–1.8 MJ/m.
All-Weather Monitoring of Ulva prolifera in the Yellow Sea Based on Sentinel-1, Sentinel-3, and NPP Satellite Data
Authors: Li Chuan , Zhu Xiangyu , Li Xuwen , Jiang Sheng , Shi Hao , Zhang Yue , Chen Bing , Ge Zhiwei , Mao Lingfeng
Published: December 2023

Ulva prolifera (U. prolifera), a global eco-environmental issue, has been recurring annually in the Yellow Sea of China since 2007, leading to significant impacts on the coastal ecosystem and the economies of coastal cities. To enhance the frequency of daily monitoring for U. prolifera and to advance the multi-source remote sensing monitoring system, a combination of the Sentinel-1 SAR remote sensing satellite and the Sentinel-3 OLCI and NPP VIIRS optical remote sensing satellites was employed. This comprehensive analysis encompassed the examination of Sentinel-1 C band characteristics, the range of influence of U. prolifera, and the migration trajectory of its enrichment zones. On 6 June 2021, three satellite images depicted the northwest drift of U. prolifera, followed by a southward movement after making contact with the coast of Qingdao, China, on 12 June. The most extensive impact area caused by U. prolifera was observed on 18 June. Subsequently, the images revealed a contraction and enrichment of U. prolifera in an eas–-west direction. The amalgamation of radar and optical remote sensing satellites in a multi-frequency monitoring approach allows for a continuous all-weather surveillance mechanism for U. prolifera. This mechanism serves to provide timely alerts for the prevention and management of U. prolifera outbreaks.
Novel Deposition Method of Crosslinked Polyethylene Thin Film for Low-Refractive-Index Mid-Infrared Optical Coatings
Authors: Jeon Taeyoon , Myung Jieun , Choi Changsoon , Shayegan Komron , Lewis Scott M. , Scherer Axel
Published: December 2023

Mid-infrared optics require optical coatings composed of high- and low-refractive-index dielectric layers for the design of optical mirrors, filters, and anti-reflection coatings. However, there are not many technologies for depositing a material with a refractive index of less than 2 and a low loss in the mid-infrared region. Here, we present a unique deposition method of crosslinked polyethylene thin film for mid-IR optical filter design. Polyethylene has a refractive index of 1.52 in the mid-infrared region and a small number of absorption peaks, so it is useful for making optical filters in the mid-infrared region. Only 1 keV of energy is required to crosslink the entire film by irradiating an electron beam while depositing polyethylene. In addition, crosslinked polyethylene thin film has high mechanical strength, so there is no cracking or peeling when used with germanium. This allows for the use of crosslinked polyethylene as a low refractive index for mid-infrared optical coating.
The Identification of Bee Comb Cell Contents Using Semiconductor Gas Sensors
Authors: Bąk Beata , Wilk Jakub , Artiemjew Piotr , Siuda Maciej , Wilde Jerzy
Published: December 2023

Beekeeping is an extremely difficult field of agriculture. It requires efficient management of the bee nest so that the bee colony can develop efficiently and produce as much honey and other bee products as possible. The beekeeper, therefore, must constantly monitor the contents of the bee comb. At the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, research is being carried out to develop methods for efficient management of the apiary. One of our research goals was to test whether a gas detector (MCA-8) based on six semiconductor sensors—TGS823, TGS826, TGS832, TGS2600, TGS2602, and TGS2603 from the company FIGARO—is able to recognize the contents of bee comb cells. For this purpose, polystyrene and wooden test chambers were created, in which fragments of bee comb with different contents were placed. Gas samples were analyzed from an empty comb, a comb with sealed brood, a comb with open brood, a comb with carbohydrate food in the form of sugar syrup, and a comb with bee bread. In addition, a sample of gas from an empty chamber was tested. The results in two variants were analyzed: (1) Variant 1, the value of 270 s of sensor readings from the sample measurement (exposure phase), and (2) Variant 2, the value of 270 s of sensor readings from the sample measurement (measurement phase) with baseline correction by subtracting the last 600 s of surrounding air measurements (flushing phase). A five-time cross-validation 2 (5xCV2) test and the Monte Carlo cross-validation 25 (trained and tested 25 times) were performed. Fourteen classifiers were tested. The naive Bayes classifier (NB) proved to be the most effective method for distinguishing individual classes from others. The MCA-8 device brilliantly differentiates an empty comb from a comb with contents. It differentiates better between an empty comb and a comb with brood, with results of more than 83%. Lower class accuracy was obtained when distinguishing an empty comb from a comb with food and a comb with bee bread, with results of less than 73%. The matrix of six TGS sensors in the device shows promising versatility in distinguishing between various types of brood and food found in bee comb cells. This capability, though still developing, positions the MCA-8 device as a potentially invaluable tool for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of beekeepers in the future.
InertialNet: Inertial Measurement Learning for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping
Authors: Lin Huei-Yung , Liu Tse-An , Lin Wei-Yang
Published: December 2023

SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) plays a crucial role in autonomous robot navigation. A challenging aspect of visual SLAM systems is determining the 3D camera orientation of the motion trajectory. In this paper, we introduce an end-to-end network structure, InertialNet, which establishes the correlation between the image sequence and the IMU signals. Our network model is built upon inertial measurement learning and is employed to predict the camera’s general motion pose. By incorporating an optical flow substructure, InertialNet is independent of the appearance of training sets and can be adapted to new environments. It maintains stable predictions even in the presence of image blur, changes in illumination, and low-texture scenes. In our experiments, we evaluated InertialNet on the public EuRoC dataset and our dataset, demonstrating its feasibility with faster training convergence and fewer model parameters for inertial measurement prediction.
Prototype of Data Collector from Textronic Sensors
Authors: Korzeniewska Ewa , Zawiślak Rafał , Przybył Szymon , Sarna Piotr , Bilska Anna , Mączka Mariusz
Published: December 2023

In the era of miniaturization of electronic equipment and the need to connect sensors with textile materials, including clothing, the processing of signals received from the implemented sensors becomes an important issue. Information obtained by measuring the electrical properties of the sensors must be sent, processed, and visualized. For this purpose, the authors of this article have developed a prototype of a data collector obtained from textronic sensors created on composite textile substrates. The device operates in a system consisting of an electronic module based on the nRF52 platform, which supports wireless communication with sensors using Bluetooth technology and transmits the obtained data to a database hosted on the Microsoft Azure platform. A mobile application based on React Native technology was created to control the data stream. The application enables automatic connection to the selected collector, data download and their presentation in the form of selected charts. Initial verification tests of the system showed the correctness and reliability of its operation, and the presented graphs created from the obtained data indicate the usefulness of the device in applications where measurements and recording of impedance, resistance, and temperature are necessary. The presented prototype of a data collector can be used for resistance, impedance, and temperature measurements in the case of textronic structures but also in other wearable electronic systems.
Intelligent Vehicle Decision-Making and Trajectory Planning Method Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning in the Frenet Space
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Chu Liang , Zhang Yao , Mao Yabin , Guo Chong
Published: December 2023

The complexity inherent in navigating intricate traffic environments poses substantial hurdles for intelligent driving technology. The continual progress in mapping and sensor technologies has equipped vehicles with the capability to intricately perceive their exact position and the intricate interplay among surrounding traffic elements. Building upon this foundation, this paper introduces a deep reinforcement learning method to solve the decision-making and trajectory planning problem of intelligent vehicles. The method employs a deep learning framework for feature extraction, utilizing a grid map generated from a blend of static environmental markers such as road centerlines and lane demarcations, in addition to dynamic environmental cues including vehicle positions across varied lanes, all harmonized within the Frenet coordinate system. The grid map serves as the input for the state space, and the input for the action space comprises a vector encompassing lane change timing, velocity, and vertical displacement at the lane change endpoint. To optimize the action strategy, a reinforcement learning approach is employed. The feasibility, stability, and efficiency of the proposed method are substantiated via experiments conducted in the CARLA simulator across diverse driving scenarios, and the proposed method can increase the average success rate of lane change by 6.8% and 13.1% compared with the traditional planning control algorithm and the simple reinforcement learning method.
Acetone Detection and Classification as Biomarker of Diabetes Mellitus Using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance Gas Sensor Array
Authors: Rodríguez-Torres Marcos , Altuzar Víctor , Mendoza-Barrera Claudia , Beltrán-Pérez Georgina , Castillo-Mixcóatl Juan , Muñoz-Aguirre Severino
Published: December 2023

A gas sensor array was developed and evaluated using four high-frequency quartz crystal microbalance devices (with a 30 MHz resonant frequency in fundamental mode). The QCM devices were coated with ethyl cellulose (EC), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), Apiezon L (ApL), and Apiezon T (ApT) sensing films, and deposited by the ultrasonic atomization method. The objective of this research was to propose a non-invasive technique for acetone biomarker detection, which is associated with diabetes mellitus disease. The gas sensor array was exposed to methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and acetone biomarkers in four different concentrations, corresponding to 1, 5, 10, and 15 µL, at temperature of 22 °C and relative humidity of 20%. These samples were used because human breath contains them and they are used for disease detection. Moreover, the gas sensor responses were analyzed using principal component analysis and discriminant analysis, achieving the classification of the acetone biomarker with a 100% membership percentage when its concentration varies from 327 to 4908 ppm, and its identification from methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol.
Efficient Filter Design to Compensate Fabrication Imperfections in 6G Communication Systems
Authors: Stamatopoulos Ioannis , Koutzoglou Ioannis , Karatzidis Dimitrios I. , Zaharis Zaharias D. , Lazaridis Pavlos I. , Kantartzis Nikolaos V.
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we present a consistent methodology for the reliable design of 6G-oriented filters with enhanced endurance to construction imperfections. The systematic formulation does not depend on the filter’s operating frequency and employs a robust strategy for obtaining new roots and poles of the filtering function. Essentially, it requires that all the local maxima of the filtering function do not fluctuate beyond the design attenuation levels for a set of predefined roots/poles distortions. To this purpose, two novel algorithms for the derivation of the appropriate filtering functions are developed, in the prior basis, together with a versatile optimization criterion and a heuristic comparison approach that guarantee optimal outcomes. Specifically, the principal idea of the first technique is to accurately extract the roots of the new polynomial from a system of equations on condition that the maximum local peaks of the distorted (due to imperfections) initial polynomial are below a prefixed threshold, such as the unit. Conversely, the second method develops an alternative polynomial, compressed in the amplitude and frequency range, so that a similar prerequisite regarding the maximum local peaks, is satisfied. It is stressed that both methods are fully generalized and may be applied to any polynomial combination, without increasing the overall complexity. The proposed framework is successfully verified in terms of theoretical examples and the numerical simulation of realistic waveguide and mictrostrip line filters, operating at frequencies from 2GHz to 65GHz, which unveil its superiority over existing schemes and implementations.
Multisensor and Multiscale Data Integration Method of TLS and GPR for Three-Dimensional Detailed Virtual Reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Di , Jia Dinghan , Ren Lili , Li Jiacun , Lu Yan , Xu Haiwei
Published: December 2023

Integrated TLS and GPR data can provide multisensor and multiscale spatial data for the comprehensive identification and analysis of surficial and subsurface information, but a reliable systematic methodology associated with data integration of TLS and GPR is still scarce. The aim of this research is to develop a methodology for the data integration of TLS and GPR for detailed, three-dimensional (3D) virtual reconstruction. GPR data and high-precision geographical coordinates at the centimeter level were simultaneously gathered using the GPR system and the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal receiver. A time synchronization algorithm was proposed to combine each trace of the GPR data with its position information. In view of the improved propagation model of electromagnetic waves, the GPR data were transformed into dense point clouds in the geodetic coordinate system. Finally, the TLS-based and GPR-derived point clouds were merged into a single point cloud dataset using coordinate transformation. In addition, TLS and GPR (250 MHz and 500 MHz antenna) surveys were conducted in the Litang fault to assess the feasibility and overall accuracy of the proposed methodology. The 3D realistic surface and subsurface geometry of the fault scarp were displayed using the integration data of TLS and GPR. A total of 40 common points between the TLS-based and GPR-derived point clouds were implemented to assess the data fusion accuracy. The difference values in the x and y directions were relatively stable within 2 cm, while the difference values in the z direction had an abrupt fluctuation and the maximum values could be up to 5 cm. The standard deviations (STD) of the common points between the TLS-based and GPR-derived point clouds were 0.9 cm, 0.8 cm, and 2.9 cm. Based on the difference values and the STD in the x, y, and z directions, the field experimental results demonstrate that the GPR-derived point clouds exhibit good consistency with the TLS-based point clouds. Furthermore, this study offers a good future prospect for the integration method of TLS and GPR for comprehensive interpretation and analysis of the surficial and subsurface information in many fields, such as archaeology, urban infrastructure detection, geological investigation, and other fields.
Analysis of Contact Force and Shape Change on Grasping a Square Object Using an Actual Fin Ray Soft Gripper
Authors: Kitamura Takahide , Matsushita Kojiro , Nakatani Naoki
Published: December 2023

The Fin Ray-type soft gripper (FRSG) is a typical soft gripper structure and applies the deformation characteristics of the Fin Ray structure. This structure functions to stabilize the grasping of an object by passive deformation due to external forces. To analyze the performance of detailed force without compromising the actual FRSG characteristics, it is effective to incorporate multiple force sensors into the grasping object without installing them inside the Fin Ray structure. Since the grasping characteristics of the FRSG are greatly affected by the arrangement of the crossbeams, it is also important to understand the correspondence between the forces and the geometry. In addition, the grasping characteristics of an angular object have not been verified in actual equipment. Therefore, in this study, a contact force measurement device with 16 force sensors built into the grasping object and a structural deformation measurement device using camera images were used to analyze the correspondence between force and structural deformation on an actual FRSG. In the experiment, we analyzed the influence of the crossbeam arrangement on the grasping force and the grasping conditions of the square (0°) and rectangular (45°) shapes, and state that an ideal grasp in a square-shaped (45°) grasp is possible if each crossbeam in the FRSG is arranged at a different angle.
A Review of Lunar Communications and Antennas: Assessing Performance in the Context of Propagation and Radiation
Authors: Serria Elham , Gadhafi Rida , AlMaeeni Sara , Mukhtar Husameldin , Copiaco Abigail , Abd-Alhameed Raed , Lemieux Frederic , Mansoor Wathiq
Published: December 2023

Over the previous two decades, a notable array of space exploration missions have been initiated with the primary aim of facilitating the return of both humans and robots from Earth to the moon. The significance of these endeavors cannot be emphasized enough as numerous entities, both public and private, from across the globe have invested substantial resources into this pursuit. Researchers have committed their efforts to addressing the challenges linked to lunar communication. Even with all of these efforts, only a few of the many suggested designs for communication and antennas on the moon have been evaluated and compared. These designs have also not been shared with the scientific community. To bridge this gap in the existing body of knowledge, this paper conducts a thorough review of lunar surface communication and the diverse antenna designs employed in lunar communication systems. This paper provides a summary of the findings presented in lunar surface communication research while also outlining the assorted challenges that impact lunar communication. Apart from various antenna designs reported in this field, based on their intended usage, two additional classifications are introduced: (a) mission-based antennas—utilized in actual lunar missions—and (b) research-based antennas—employed solely for research purposes. Given the critical need to comprehend and predict lunar conditions and antenna behaviors within those conditions, this review holds immense significance. Its relevance is particularly pronounced in light of the numerous upcoming lunar missions that have been announced.