bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roller Leveler Monitoring Using Acceleration Measurements and Models for Steel Strip Properties
Authors: Nikula Riku-Pekka , Leiviskä Kauko
Published: July 2020

The advanced steel grades and high productivity requirements in the modern steel industry subject production machines to increased mechanical stresses, which inflicts losses. Novel data-oriented solutions to the monitoring of machines have a pivotal role in loss prevention, but the industrial data with high sampling rates, noise, and dimensions bring challenges there. This study proposes a new monitoring approach for roller levelers based on vibration measurements and regression models for estimating steel strip properties including yield strength, width, and thickness. The regression residuals are monitored based on moving mean and range charts, which reveal changes from the expected normal operation. A high-dimensional feature set of 144,000 statistical features was studied with various feature selection methods, including filters and wrappers. Multiple linear regression and generalized regression neural network were applied in modeling. The approach was validated using data from an industrial roller leveler processing steel strips with diverse properties. The results reveal that the accurate prediction of the strip thickness from the strip properties is possible and multiple linear regression was generally the superior model therein. Additional simulations indicated that the control charts can detect deviant operation. Supplemental information about the momentary operation of the machine would improve the approach.
A Lévy-Driven Stochastic Queueing System with Server Breakdowns and Vacations
Authors: Peng Yi , Wu Jinbiao
Published: July 2020

Motivated by modelling the data transmission in computer communication networks, we study a Lévy-driven stochastic fluid queueing system where the server may subject to breakdowns and repairs. In addition, the server will leave for a vacation each time when the system is empty. We cast the workload process as a Lévy process modified to have random jumps at two classes of stopping times. By using the properties of Lévy processes and Kella–Whitt martingale method, we derive the limiting distribution of the workload process. Moreover, we investigate the busy period and the correlation structure. Finally, we prove that the stochastic decomposition properties also hold for fluid queues with Lévy input.
Existence and Stability Results on Hadamard Type Fractional Time-Delay Semilinear Differential Equations
Authors: Mahmudov Nazim , Al-Khateeb Areen
Published: July 2020

A delayed perturbation of the Mittag-Leffler type matrix function with logarithm is proposed. This combines the classic Mittag–Leffler type matrix function with a logarithm and delayed Mittag–Leffler type matrix function. With the help of this introduced delayed perturbation of the Mittag–Leffler type matrix function with a logarithm, we provide an explicit form for solutions to non-homogeneous Hadamard-type fractional time-delay linear differential equations. We also examine the existence, uniqueness, and Ulam–Hyers stability of Hadamard-type fractional time-delay nonlinear equations.
Iterative and Noniterative Splitting Methods of the Stochastic Burgers’ Equation: Theory and Application
Authors: Geiser Jürgen
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we discuss iterative and noniterative splitting methods, in theory and application, to solve stochastic Burgers’ equations in an inviscid form. We present the noniterative splitting methods, which are given as Lie–Trotter and Strang-splitting methods, and we then extend them to deterministic–stochastic splitting approaches. We also discuss the iterative splitting methods, which are based on Picard’s iterative schemes in deterministic–stochastic versions. The numerical approaches are discussed with respect to decomping deterministic and stochastic behaviours, and we describe the underlying numerical analysis. We present numerical experiments based on the nonlinearity of Burgers’ equation, and we show the benefits of the iterative splitting approaches as efficient and accurate solver methods.
Marine Terpenoids from Polar Latitudes and Their Potential Applications in Biotechnology
Authors: Núñez-Pons Laura , Shilling Andrew , Verde Cinzia , Baker Bill J. , Giordano Daniela
Published: July 2020

Polar marine biota have adapted to thrive under one of the ocean’s most inhospitable scenarios, where extremes of temperature, light photoperiod and ice disturbance, along with ecological interactions, have selected species with a unique suite of secondary metabolites. Organisms of Arctic and Antarctic oceans are prolific sources of natural products, exhibiting wide structural diversity and remarkable bioactivities for human applications. Chemical skeletons belonging to terpene families are the most commonly found compounds, whereas cytotoxic antimicrobial properties, the capacity to prevent infections, are the most widely reported activities from these environments. This review firstly summarizes the regulations on access and benefit sharing requirements for research in polar environments. Then it provides an overview of the natural product arsenal from Antarctic and Arctic marine organisms that displays promising uses for fighting human disease. Microbes, such as bacteria and fungi, and macroorganisms, such as sponges, macroalgae, ascidians, corals, bryozoans, echinoderms and mollusks, are the main focus of this review. The biological origin, the structure of terpenes and terpenoids, derivatives and their biotechnological potential are described. This survey aims to highlight the chemical diversity of marine polar life and the versatility of this group of biomolecules, in an effort to encourage further research in drug discovery.
Antiproliferative Activity of Mycalin A and Its Analogues on Human Skin Melanoma and Human Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Capasso Domenica , Borbone Nicola , Terracciano Monica , Di Gaetano Sonia , Piccialli Vincenzo
Published: July 2020

Mycalin A, a polybrominated C15 acetogenin isolated from the encrusting sponge Mycale rotalis, displays an antiproliferative activity on human melanoma (A375) and cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells and induces cell death by an apoptotic mechanism. Various analogues and degraded derivatives of the natural substance have been prepared. A modification of the left-hand part of the molecule generates the most active substances. A structurally simplified lactone derivative of mycalin A, lacking the C1–C3 side chain, is the most active among the synthesized compounds exhibiting a strong cytotoxicity on both A375 and HeLa cells but not but not on human dermal fibroblast (HDF) used as healthy cells. Further evidence on a recently discovered chlorochromateperiodate-catalyzed process, used to oxidise mycalin A, have been collected.
Parkinson’s Disease, Periodontitis and Patient-Related Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lyra Patrícia , Machado Vanessa , Proença Luís , Domingos Josefa , Godinho Catarina , Mendes José João , Botelho João
Published: July 2020

Background and objectives: People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) may be at risk of having bad periodontal status. A consistent periodontal examination is critical to investigate how it impacts on PD quality of life. We aimed to assess the periodontal status of people with PD, and its association with quality of life and self-perceived xerostomia. Materials and Methods: To this end, from February to March 2020, we consecutively enrolled 28 PD individuals, and motor and non-motor symptoms of PD were assessed using the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS). We performed full-mouth periodontal examination and gathered information on self-perceived quality of life in PD, oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) and xerostomia. Results: The prevalence of periodontitis was 75.0% and most cases were identified as severe (46.4%). Upper extremity rigidity, hand posture and kinetic tremors were significantly correlated with worse periodontal status. PDQ-8 showed to be correlated with self-perceived oral health-related quality of life and xerostomia levels. Conclusions: This group of people with PD had a high prevalence of periodontitis. Deteriorated levels of the upper extremities in advanced stages of PD were associated with worse periodontal status and hygiene habits. Quality of life in PD appears to be associated with self-perceived OHRQoL and xerostomia.
Dynamics of the Honeybee (Apis mellifera) Gut Microbiota Throughout the Overwintering Period in Canada
Authors: Bleau Naomie , Bouslama Sidki , Giovenazzo Pierre , Derome Nicolas
Published: July 2020

Microbial symbionts inhabiting the honeybee gut (i.e., gut microbiota) are essential for food digestion, immunity, and gut protection of their host. The taxonomic composition of the gut microbiota is dynamic throughout the honeybee life cycle and the foraging season. However, it remains unclear how drastic changes occurring in winter, such as food shortage and cold weather, impact gut microbiota dynamics. The objective of this study was to characterize the gut microbiota of the honeybee during the overwintering period in a northern temperate climate in Canada. The microbiota of nine honeybee colonies was characterized by metataxonomy of 16S rDNA between September 2017 and June 2018. Overall, the results showed that microbiota taxonomic composition experienced major compositional shifts in fall and spring. From September to November, Enterobacteriaceae decreased, while Neisseriaceae increased. From April to June, Orbaceae increased, whereas Rhizobiaceae nearly disappeared. Bacterial diversity of the gut microbiota decreased drastically before and after overwintering, but it remained stable during winter. We conclude that the honeybee gut microbiota is likely to be impacted by the important meteorological and dietary changes that take place before and after the overwintering period. Laboratory trials are needed to determine how the observed variations affect the honeybee health.
Population Structure of Non-ST6 Listeria monocytogenes Isolated in the Red Meat and Poultry Value Chain in South Africa
Authors: Matle Itumeleng , Mafuna Thendo , Madoroba Evelyn , Mbatha Khanyisile R. , Magwedere Kudakwashe , Pierneef Rian
Published: July 2020

Meat products have been implicated in many listeriosis outbreaks globally, however there is a dearth of information on the diversity of L. monocytogenes isolates circulating in food products in South Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate the population structure of L. monocytogenes isolated in the meat value chain within the South African market. Based on whole-genome sequence analysis, a total of 217 isolates were classified into two main lineage groupings namely lineages I (n = 97; 44.7%) and II (n = 120; 55.3%). The lineage groups were further differentiated into IIa (n = 95, 43.8%), IVb (n = 69, 31.8%), IIb (n = 28, 12.9%), and IIc (n = 25, 11.5%) sero-groups. The most abundant sequence types (STs) were ST204 (n = 32, 14.7%), ST2 (n = 30, 13.8%), ST1 (n = 25, 11.5%), ST9 (n = 24, 11.1%), and ST321 (n = 21, 9.7%). In addition, 14 clonal complex (CCs) were identified with over-representation of CC1, CC3, and CC121 in “Processed Meat-Beef”, “RTE-Poultry”, and “Raw-Lamb” meat categories, respectively. Listeria pathogenic islands were present in 7.4% (LIPI-1), 21.7% (LIPI-3), and 1.8% (LIPI-4) of the isolates. Mutation leading to premature stop codons was detected in inlA virulence genes across isolates identified as ST121 and ST321. The findings of this study demonstrated a high-level of genomic diversity among L. monocytogenes isolates recovered across the meat value chain control points in South Africa.
Feature of Adhesins Produced by Human Clinical Isolates of Mycobacterium intracellulare, Mycobacterium intracellulare subsp. chimaera and Closely Related Species
Authors: Lefrancois Louise H. , Cochard Thierry , Branger Maxime , Peuchant Olivia , Conde Cyril , Pastuszka Adeline , Locht Camille , Lanotte Philippe , Biet Franck
Published: July 2020

The Mycobacterium avium complex includes two closely related species, Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare. They are opportunistic pathogens in humans and responsible for severe disease in a wide variety of animals. Yet, little is known about factors involved in their pathogenicity. Here, we identified, purified and characterized adhesins belonging to the heparin-binding hemagglutinin (HBHA) and laminin-binding protein (LBP) family from M. intracellulare ATCC13950 and examined clinical isolates from patients with different pathologies associated with M. intracellulare infection for the presence and conservation of HBHA and LBP. Using a recombinant derivative strain of M. intracellulare ATCC13950 producing green fluorescent protein and luciferase, we found that the addition of heparin inhibited mycobacterial adherence to A549 cells, whereas the addition of laminin enhanced adherence. Both HBHA and LBP were purified by heparin-Sepharose chromatography and their methylation profiles were determined by mass spectrometry. Patients with M. intracellulare infection mounted strong antibody responses to both proteins. By using PCR and immunoblot analyses, we found that both proteins were highly conserved among all 17 examined clinical M. intracellulare isolates from patients with diverse disease manifestations, suggesting a conserved role of these adhesins in M. intracellulare virulence in humans and their potential use as a diagnostic tool.
Design of Targeted Nanostructured Coordination Polymers (NCPs) for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Novio Fernando
Published: July 2020

Conventional cancer chemotherapy presents notable drug side effects due to non-selective action of the chemotherapeutics to normal cells. Nanoparticles decorated with receptor-specific ligands on the surface have shown an important role in improving site-selective binding, retention, and drug delivery to the cancer cells. This review summarizes the recent reported achievements using nanostructured coordination polymers (NCPs) with active targeting properties for cancer treatment in vitro and in vivo. Despite the controversy surrounding the effectivity of active targeting nanoparticles, several studies suggest that active targeting nanoparticles notably increase the selectivity and the cytotoxic effect in tumoral cells over the conventional anticancer drugs and non-targeted nanoparticle platform, which enhances drug efficacy and safety. In most cases, the nanocarriers have been endowed with remarkable capabilities such as stimuli-responsive properties, targeting abilities, or the possibility to be monitored by imaging techniques. Unfortunately, the lack of preclinical studies impedes the evaluation of these unique and promising findings for the translation of NCPs into clinical trials.
IsoSearch: An Untargeted and Unbiased Metabolite and Lipid Isotopomer Tracing Strategy from HR-LC-MS/MS Datasets
Authors: Huang He , Yuan Min , Seitzer Phillip , Ludwigsen Susan , Asara John M.
Published: July 2020

Stable isotopic tracer analysis is a technique used to determine carbon or nitrogen atom incorporation into biological systems. A number of mass spectrometry based approaches have been developed for this purpose, including high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HR-LC-MS/MS), selected reaction monitoring (SRM) and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). We have developed an approach for analyzing untargeted metabolomic and lipidomic datasets using high-resolution mass spectrometry with polarity switching and implemented our approach in the open-source R script IsoSearch and in Scaffold Elements software. Using our strategy, which requires an unlabeled reference dataset and isotope labeled datasets across various biological conditions, we traced metabolic isotopomer alterations in breast cancer cells (MCF-7) treated with the metabolic drugs 2-deoxy-glucose, 6-aminonicotinamide, compound 968, and rapamycin. Metabolites and lipids were first identified by the commercial software Scaffold Elements and LipidSearch, then IsoSearch successfully profiled the 13C-isotopomers extracted metabolites and lipids from 13C-glucose labeled MCF-7 cells. The results interpreted known models, such as glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway inhibition, but also helped to discover new metabolic/lipid flux patterns, including a reactive oxygen species (ROS) defense mechanism induced by 6AN and triglyceride accumulation in rapamycin treated cells. The results suggest the IsoSearch/Scaffold Elements platform is effective for studying metabolic tracer analysis in diseases, drug metabolism, and metabolic engineering for both polar metabolites and non-polar lipids.
Fish Consumption and Coronary Heart Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Bo , Xiong Ke , Cai Jing , Ma Aiguo
Published: July 2020

Epidemiological studies on the impact of fish consumption on coronary heart disease (CHD) incidence have shown inconsistent results. In addition, in terms of CHD mortality, although previous meta-analyses showed that fish consumption reduces the risk of CHD, six newly incorporated studies show that fish consumption has no impact on CHD. Therefore, the results still need to be verified. The purpose of this study is to quantitatively evaluate the impact of fish consumption on CHD incidence and mortality. Relevant studies were identified from PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to October 2019. The multivariate-adjusted relative risks (RRs) for the highest versus the lowest fish consumption categories and the 95% confidence intervals were computed with a random-effect model. A restricted cubic spline regression model was used to assess the dose–response relationship between fish consumption and CHD incidence and mortality. Forty prospective cohort studies were incorporated into research. Among them, 22 studies investigated the association between fish consumption and CHD incidence (28,261 cases and 918,783 participants), and the summary estimate showed that higher fish consumption was significantly associated with a lower CHD incidence [RR: 0.91, 95% CI: (0.84, 0.97); I2 = 47.4%]. Twenty-seven studies investigated the association between fish consumption and CHD mortality (10,568 events and 1,139,553 participants), and the summary estimate showed that higher fish intake was significantly associated with a lower CHD mortality [RR: 0.85, 95% CI: (0.77, 0.94); I2 = 51.3%]. The dose–response analysis showed that the CHD incidence and mortality were reduced by 4%, respectively, with a 20 g/day increment in fish consumption. This meta-analysis indicates that fish consumption is associated with a lower CHD incidence and mortality.
Impact of Protein Intake in Older Adults with Sarcopenia and Obesity: A Gut Microbiota Perspective
Authors: Prokopidis Konstantinos , Cervo Mavil May , Gandham Anoohya , Scott David
Published: July 2020

The continuous population increase of older adults with metabolic diseases may contribute to increased prevalence of sarcopenia and obesity and requires advocacy of optimal nutrition treatments to combat their deleterious outcomes. Sarcopenic obesity, characterized by age-induced skeletal-muscle atrophy and increased adiposity, may accelerate functional decline and increase the risk of disability and mortality. In this review, we explore the influence of dietary protein on the gut microbiome and its impact on sarcopenia and obesity. Given the associations between red meat proteins and altered gut microbiota, a combination of plant and animal-based proteins are deemed favorable for gut microbiota eubiosis and muscle-protein synthesis. Additionally, high-protein diets with elevated essential amino-acid concentrations, alongside increased dietary fiber intake, may promote gut microbiota eubiosis, given the metabolic effects derived from short-chain fatty-acid and branched-chain fatty-acid production. In conclusion, a greater abundance of specific gut bacteria associated with increased satiation, protein synthesis, and overall metabolic health may be driven by protein and fiber consumption. This could counteract the development of sarcopenia and obesity and, therefore, represent a novel approach for dietary recommendations based on the gut microbiota profile. However, more human trials utilizing advanced metabolomic techniques to investigate the microbiome and its relationship with macronutrient intake, especially protein, are warranted.
Quantum Effects on the Mesoscale
Authors: Khantuleva Tatiana A. , Kats Victor M.
Published: July 2020

In different areas of mechanics, highly non-equilibrium processes are accompanied by self-organization of various type turbulent structures and localized inhomogeneities at intermediate scale between macro and micro levels. In order to describe the self-organization of the new dynamic structures on the mesoscale, a new problem formulation based on the results of non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, control theory of adaptive systems, and theory of a special type nonlinear operator sets is proposed. Determination of the turbulent structure parameters through constraints imposed on the system in the form of nonlinear functionals is an inverse problem similar to problems on spectra in quantum mechanics. Like in quantum mechanics, the bounded system in response to impact forms a discrete spectrum of the turbulent structure sizes and lifetimes which goes into continuous spectrum close-to-equilibrium. The proposed description of the structure evolution on the intermediate scale level which is valid far from thermodynamic equilibrium bridges the gap between macroscopic theories and quantum mechanics and affirms the unity of the physical laws of nature.
Salycilic Acid Induces Exudation of Crocin and Phenolics in Saffron Suspension-Cultured Cells
Authors: Moradi Azar , Zarinkamar Fatemeh , De Domenico Stefania , Mita Giovanni , Di Sansebastiano Gian Pietro , Caretto Sofia
Published: July 2020

The production of crocin, an uncommon and valuable apocarotenoid with strong biological activity, was obtained in a cell suspension culture of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) established from style-derived calli to obtain an in-vitro system for metabolite production. Salycilic acid (SA) was used at different concentrations to elicit metabolite production, and its effect was analyzed after a 4 days of treatment. HPLC-DAD analysis was used for total crocin quantification while the Folin-Ciocâlteu method was applied for phenolic compounds (PC) content. Interestingly, despite cell growth inhibition, a considerable exudation was observed when the highest SA concentration was applied, leading to a 7-fold enhanced production of crocin and a 4-fold increase of phenolics compared to mock cells. The maximum antioxidant activity of cell extracts was evidenced after SA 0.1 mM elicitation. Water-soluble extracts of saffron cells at concentrations of 1, 0.5, and 0.1 µg mL−1 showed significant inhibitory effects on MDA-MB-231 cancer cell viability. The heterologous vacuolar markers RFP-SYP51, GFPgl133Chi, and AleuRFP, were transiently expressed in protoplasts derived from the saffron cell suspensions, revealing that SA application caused a rapid stress effect, leading to cell death. Cell suspension elicitation with SA on the 7th day of the cell growth cycle and 24 h harvest time was optimized to exploit these cells for the highest increase of metabolite production in saffron cells.
The Influence of the Porous Structure of Activated Coke for the Treatment of Gases from Coal Combustion on Its Mechanical Strength
Authors: Hu Zhongjie , Zhou Heng , Zhang Weili , Wu Shengli
Published: July 2020

This study investigated influences of the open/close states of pores and porosity distribution of activated coke on the mechanical strength of common activated coke for the purification of coal-fired flue gas by analyzing pore structure, abrasive resistance, and compression strengths of 9 types of desulfurization and denitration activated cokes. Research conclusions are conducive to disclosing the influences of porosity characteristics of activated coke for the purification of coal-fired flue gas on mechanical strength, decreasing the physical consumption of activated coke in the recycling of flue gas purification systems, and lowering the purification cost of coal-fired flue gas. According to research results, pores in the ranges of 0–2 nm and 2–500 nm of activated coke are further developed after recycling using the coal-fired flue gas purification system, and the average compression strength of activated coke is about 70% of the added fresh activated coke. However, the abrasive resistance of the recycled activated coke which has a smooth surface is higher than that of the fresh activated coke. Open pores are the main cause of reduced compression strength of activated coke. Open pores in the range of 2–500 nm can destroy the compression strength of activated coke the most. The open/close states of pores cause no significant impacts on the abrasive resistance of activated coke, but pores with diameters ranging from 0–2 nm can destroy the abrasive resistance of activated coke most significantly.
The Best of Both Worlds? Integrating Sentinel-2 Images and airborne LiDAR to Characterize Forest Regeneration
Authors: Landry Stéphanie , St-Laurent Martin-Hugues , Pelletier Gaetan , Villard Marc-André
Published: July 2020

Sustainable forest management relies on practices ensuring vigorous post-harvest regeneration. Data on regeneration structure and composition are often collected through intensive field surveys. Remote sensing technologies (e.g., Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), satellite imagery) can cover a much larger spatial extent, but their ability to estimate regeneration characteristics is often challenged by the obstruction associated with canopy foliage. Here, we determined whether the integration of LiDAR and Sentinel-2 images can increase the accuracy of sapling density estimates and whether this accuracy decreased with canopy cover in the Acadian forest of New Brunswick, Canada. Using random forest regression, we compared the accuracy of three models (LiDAR and Sentinel-2 images alone or combined) to estimate sapling density for two species groups: saplings of all species or commercial species only. The integration of both sensors did not increase the accuracy of sapling density estimates, nor did it reduce the negative influence of canopy cover for either species group compared to LiDAR, but it increased the accuracy by approximately 15% relative to Sentinel-2 images. Under very high canopy cover, the accuracy of density estimates for all species combined was significantly lower with Sentinel-2 images only. We recommend using LiDAR and high-resolution satellite images acquired in the fall to obtain more accurate estimates of sapling density.
A Review of Coating Materials Used to Improve the Performance of Optical Fiber Sensors
Authors: Li Changxu , Yang Wenlong , Wang Min , Yu Xiaoyang , Fan Jianying , Xiong Yanling , Yang Yuqiang , Li Linjun
Published: July 2020

In order to improve the performance of fiber sensors and fully tap the potential of optical fiber sensors, various optical materials have been selectively coated on optical fiber sensors under the background of the rapid development of various optical materials. On the basis of retaining the original characteristics of the optical fiber sensors, the coated sensors are endowed with new characteristics, such as high sensitivity, strong structure, and specific recognition. Many materials with a large thermal optical coefficient and thermal expansion coefficients are applied to optical fibers, and the temperature sensitivities are improved several times after coating. At the same time, fiber sensors have more intelligent sensing capabilities when coated with specific recognition materials. The same/different kinds of materials combined with the same/different fiber structures can produce different measurements, which is interesting. This paper summarizes and compares the fiber sensors treated by different coating materials.
Deep Learning Sensor Fusion for Autonomous Vehicle Perception and Localization: A Review
Authors: Fayyad Jamil , Jaradat Mohammad A. , Gruyer Dominique , Najjaran Homayoun
Published: July 2020

Autonomous vehicles (AV) are expected to improve, reshape, and revolutionize the future of ground transportation. It is anticipated that ordinary vehicles will one day be replaced with smart vehicles that are able to make decisions and perform driving tasks on their own. In order to achieve this objective, self-driving vehicles are equipped with sensors that are used to sense and perceive both their surroundings and the faraway environment, using further advances in communication technologies, such as 5G. In the meantime, local perception, as with human beings, will continue to be an effective means for controlling the vehicle at short range. In the other hand, extended perception allows for anticipation of distant events and produces smarter behavior to guide the vehicle to its destination while respecting a set of criteria (safety, energy management, traffic optimization, comfort). In spite of the remarkable advancements of sensor technologies in terms of their effectiveness and applicability for AV systems in recent years, sensors can still fail because of noise, ambient conditions, or manufacturing defects, among other factors; hence, it is not advisable to rely on a single sensor for any of the autonomous driving tasks. The practical solution is to incorporate multiple competitive and complementary sensors that work synergistically to overcome their individual shortcomings. This article provides a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art methods utilized to improve the performance of AV systems in short-range or local vehicle environments. Specifically, it focuses on recent studies that use deep learning sensor fusion algorithms for perception, localization, and mapping. The article concludes by highlighting some of the current trends and possible future research directions.
Secure Route-Obfuscation Mechanism with Information-Theoretic Security for Internet of Things
Authors: Rauf Abid , Wang Zhaohong , Sajid Hasan , Ali Tahir Muhammad
Published: July 2020

As accessibility of networked devices becomes more and more ubiquitous, groundbreaking applications of the Internet of Things (IoT) find their place in many aspects of our society. The exploitation of these devices is the main reason for the cyberattacks in IoT networks. Security design is still an open problem and a crucial step in making IoT applications successful. In dicey environments, such as e-health, smart grid, and smart cities, real-time commands must reach the end devices in the scale of milliseconds. Traditional public-key cryptosystem, albeit necessary in the context of general Internet security, falls short in establishing new session keys in the scale of milliseconds for critical messages. In this paper, a systematic perspective for securing IoT communication, specifically satisfying the real-time constraint against certain adversaries in realistic settings. First, at the network layer, we propose a secret random route computation scheme using the software-defined network (SDN) based on a capability scheme using the network actions. The computed routes are random in the eyes of the eavesdropper. Second, at the application layer, the source breaks command messages into secret shares and sends them through the network to the destination. Only the legitimate destination device can reconstruct the command. The secret sharing scheme is efficient compared to PKI and comes with information-theoretic security against adversaries. Our proof formalizes the notion of security of the proposed scheme, and our simulations validate our design.
Dynamic RFID Identification in Urban Traffic Management Systems
Authors: Pawłowicz Bartosz , Trybus Bartosz , Salach Mateusz , Jankowski-Mihułowicz Piotr
Published: July 2020

The paper covers the application of Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology in road traffic management with regard to vehicle identification. Various infrastructure configurations for Automated Vehicle Identification (AVI) have been presented, including configurations that can be used in urban traffic as part of the Smart City concept. In order to describe the behavior of multiple identifications of moving vehicles, an operation model of the dynamic identification using RFID is described. While it extends the definition of the correct work zone, this paper introduces the concept of dividing the zone into sections corresponding to so-called inventory rounds. The system state is described using a set of matrices in which unread, read, and lost transponders are recorded in subsequent rounds and sections. A simplified algorithm of the dynamic object identification system was also proposed. The results of the simulations and lab experiments show that the efficiency of mobile object identification is conditioned by the parameters of the communication protocol, the speed of movement, and the number of objects.
Velocity Sensor for Real-Time Backstepping Control of a Multirotor Considering Actuator Dynamics
Authors: Mayorga-Macías Walter Alejandro , González-Jiménez Luis Enrique , Meza-Aguilar Marco Antonio , Luque-Vega Luis Fernando
Published: July 2020

A real-time implementation of a control scheme for a multirotor, based on angular velocity sensors for the actuators, is presented. The control scheme is composed of two loops: an inner loop for the actuators and an outer loop for the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV control algorithm is designed by means of the backstepping technique and a robust sliding mode differentiator, and the actuator control strategy is based on a standard proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller. A robust exact differentiator, based on high order sliding modes, is used to estimate the complex derivatives present in the proposed control law. As the measurements of the propeller’s angular velocities are required for the control law, velocity sensors are mounted in the axles of the rotors to retrieve them and a signal conditioning stage is implemented. In addition, dynamical models for the actuators of the aircraft were calculated by means of transfer functions obtained via experimental measurements in a test bench developed for this purpose. This test bench permits to characterize the parameters of the transfer functions by comparing the forces computed using the nominal parameter to the measured forces. To this end, it is assumed that the loads in the actuators of the vehicle are insignificant during flight. The effectiveness of the proposed sensor, its signal conditioning, and the overall control scheme are validated by means of simulation results and real-time experiments.
Accurate Spirometry with Integrated Barometric Sensors in Face-Worn Garments
Authors: Zhou Bo , Baucells Costa Alejandro , Lukowicz Paul
Published: July 2020

Cardiorespiratory (CR) signals are crucial vital signs for fitness condition tracking, medical diagnosis, and athlete performance evaluation. Monitoring such signals in real-life settings is among the most widespread applications of wearable computing. We investigate how miniaturized barometers can be used to perform accurate spirometry in a wearable system that is built on off-the-shelf training masks often used by athletes as a training aid. We perform an evaluation where differential barometric pressure sensors are compared concurrently with a digital spirometer, during an experimental setting of clinical forced vital capacity (FVC) test procedures with 20 participants. The relationship between the two instruments is derived by mathematical modeling first, then by various regression methods from experiment data. The results show that the error of FVC vital values between the two instruments can be as low as 2∼3%. Beyond clinical tests, the method can also measure continuous tidal breathing air volumes with a 1∼3% error margin. Overall, we conclude that barometers with millimeter footprints embedded in face mask apparel can perform similarly to a digital spirometer to monitor breathing airflow and volume in pulmonary function tests.
Multi-Target Joint Detection; Tracking and Classification Based on Marginal GLMB Filter and Belief Function Theory
Authors: Liang Jun , Li Minzhe , Jing Zhongliang , Pan Han
Published: July 2020

This paper proposes a new solution to multi-target joint detection, tracking and classification based on labeled random finite set (RFS) and belief function theory. A class dependent multi-model marginal generalized labeled multi-Bernoulli (MGLMB) filter is developed to analytically calculate the multi-target number, state estimates and model probabilities. In addition, a two-level classifier based on continuous transferable belief model (cTBM) is designed for target classification. To make full use of the kinematic characteristics for classification, both the dynamic modes and states are considered in the classifier, the model dependent class beliefs are computed on the continuous state feature subspace corresponding to different dynamic modes and then fused. As a result that the uncertainty about the classes is well described for decision, the classification results are more reasonable and robust. Moreover, as the estimation and classification problems are jointly solved, the tracking and classification performance are both improved. In the simulation, a scenario contains multi-target with miss detection and dense clutter is used. The performance of multi-target detection, tracking and classification is better than traditional methods based on Bayesian classifier or single model. Simulation results are illustrated to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm.
Active Magnetic-Field Stabilization with Atomic Magnetometer
Authors: Zhang Rui , Ding Yudong , Yang Yucheng , Zheng Zhaoyu , Chen Jingbiao , Peng Xiang , Wu Teng , Guo Hong
Published: July 2020

A magnetically-quiet environment is important for detecting faint magnetic-field signals or nonmagnetic spin-dependent interactions. Passive magnetic shielding using layers of large magnetic-permeability materials is widely used to reduce the magnetic-field noise. The magnetic-field noise can also be actively monitored with magnetometers and then compensated, acting as a complementary method to the passive shielding. We present here a general model to quantitatively depict and optimize the performance of active magnetic-field stabilization and experimentally verify our model using optically-pumped atomic magnetometers. We experimentally demonstrate a magnetic-field noise rejection ratio of larger than ∼800 at low frequencies and an environment with a magnetic-field noise floor of ∼40 fT/Hz1/2 in unshielded Earth’s field. The proposed model provides a general guidance on analyzing and improving the performance of active magnetic-field stabilization with magnetometers. This work offers the possibility of sensitive detections of magnetic-field signals in a variety of unshielded natural environments.
Fiber Bragg Grating Monitoring of Full-bolt Axial Force of the Bolt in the Deep Strong Mining Roadway
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhang Nong , Kan Jiaguang , Xie Zhengzheng , Wei Qun , Yao Wenhao
Published: July 2020

With the increase of mining depth and strength, the evolution of bolt axial force is increasingly becoming important for ensuring the reliability and safety of support. To improve the problem of the existing coal mine roadway pressure-monitoring method, whereby it is difficult to continuously monitor the axial force of the bolt over a long period of time, a full rod fiber bragg grating (FBG) force-measuring bolt and system were designed based on the principle of fiber grating sensing. It was found that a trapezoidal groove is a relatively better groove. The linearity between the center wavelength offset of the fiber grating and the axial force was more than 0.99, and the conversion formula between the axial force of the bolt rod and the wavelength change of the fiber grating were obtained. The real-time monitoring revealed that the axial force of the bolt obviously changed before and after compression. The axial force distribution curve can be divided into the stable zone, growth zone, and peak zone. The influence of the roadway abutment pressure was approximately 130 m ahead of the working face, and the peak area was within the 25–35 m range of the advance working face. The axial force of the bolt rod at the end of the anchorage linearly increased with the tail end of the bolt, the axial force of the free segment was the largest, and the overall stress was essentially the same. The application results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the FBG full-length force bolt.
Novel Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Pulsatile Vascular Tissue Phantoms for the In-Vitro Investigation of Light Tissue Interaction in Photoplethysmography
Authors: Nomoni Michelle , May James M. , Kyriacou Panayiotis A.
Published: July 2020

Currently there exists little knowledge or work in phantoms for the in-vitro evaluation of photoplethysmography (PPG), and its’ relationship with vascular mechanics. Such phantoms are needed to provide robust, basic scientific knowledge, which will underpin the current efforts in developing new PPG technologies for measuring or estimating blood pressure, blood flow and arterial stiffness, to name but a few. This work describes the design, fabrication and evaluation of finger tissue-simulating pulsatile phantoms with integrated custom vessels. A novel technique has been developed to produce custom polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) vessels by a continuous dip-coating process. This process can accommodate the production of different sized vessel diameters (1400–2500 µm) and wall thicknesses (56–80 µm). These vessels were embedded into a mould with a solution of PDMS and India ink surrounding them. A pulsatile pump experimental rig was set up to test the phantoms, where flow rate (1–12 L·min−1), heart rate (40–120 bpm), and total resistance (0–100% resistance clamps) could be controlled on demand. The resulting flow profiles approximates human blood flow, and the detected contact PPG signal (red and infrared) from the phantom closely resembles the morphology of in-vivo PPG waveforms with signal-to-noise ratios of 38.16 and 40.59 dB, for the red and infrared wavelengths, respectively. The progress made by this phantom development will help in obtaining new knowledge in the behaviour of PPG’s under differing flow conditions, optical tissue properties and differing vessel stiffness.
Graduates’ Opium? Cultural Values, Religiosity and Gender Segregation by Field of Study
Authors: Zuazu Izaskun
Published: July 2020

This paper studies the relationship between cultural values and gender distribution across fields of study in higher education. I compute national, field and subfield-level gender segregation indices for a panel dataset of 26 OECD countries for 1998–2012. This panel dataset expands the focus of previous macro-level research by exploiting data on gender segregation in specific subfields of study. Fixed-effects estimates associate higher country-level religiosity with lower gender segregation in higher education. These models crucially control for potential segregation factors, such as labor market and educational institutions, and gender gaps in both self-beliefs and academic performance in math among young people.
The Effect of Mixing Ratios on the Performance of an Integrated Poultry Slaughterhouse Wastewater Treatment Plant for a Recyclable High-Quality Effluent
Authors: Meiramkulova Kulyash , Orynbekov Duman , Saspugayeva Gulnur , Aubakirova Karlygash , Arystanova Sholpan , Kydyrbekova Aliya , Tashenov Erbolat , Nurlan Kartjanov , Mkilima Timoth
Published: July 2020

Poultry slaughterhouse wastewater is characterized by high pollution strength, making its treatment before discharge or recycling of great importance. This study investigated the potential influence of mixing ratios on the treatability of poultry slaughterhouse wastewater under three different mixing ratios; 20:80, 50:50, and 80:20 of defeathering and cooling sources, respectively. Wastewater samples were collected from the Izhevski production corporate (PC) poultry farm located in the Akmola region, Kazakhstan. The lab-scale treatment plant, designed to simulate the industrial-scale treatment plant of the poultry farm, consists of electrolysis, membrane filtration, and ultraviolet disinfection as the main units. The general design purpose of the Izhevski PC treatment plant is to treat about 1.25 m3/h (51.72%) of the total wastewater generated from the defeathering and cooling sections of the slaughterhouse to a recyclable degree. Water quality indices (WQIs) were developed for each of the studied mixing ratios. A comparative analysis was also done with drinking water quality standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the government of Kazakhstan. From the analysis results, the defeathering raw wastewater was generally higher in pollution strength than the cooling wastewater. It was also observed that the increase in the ratio of defeathering wastewater reduced treatment efficiency for some physicochemical parameters such as turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), color, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), as well as chemical oxygen demand (COD). However, 100% removal efficiency was achieved for the microbial parameters for all the three studied ratios. Based on the computed WQIs, the highest-quality effluent was achieved from the 20:80 (defeathering:cooling) mixing ratio. However, with the fact that all the three mixing ratios produced “excellent” status, the 80:20 (defeathering:cooling) mixing ratio stands to be an ideal option. The selection of 80:20 mixing ratio has the potential to reduce the pollution load in the wastewater discharged to the sewerage system, while achieving high-quality effluent for recycling in the cooling processes of the slaughterhouse.
How Do Intensification Practices Affect Weed Management and Yield in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) Crop?
Authors: Langeroodi Ali reza Safahani , Mancinelli Roberto , Radicetti Emanuele
Published: July 2020

Quinoa cultivation is well-adapted to sustainable cropping systems, even if seed yield could be severely limited due to several constraints, such as weeds. Field trials were performed in Gorgan (Iran) to quantify the effects of agro-ecological service crops (rye, CCr; winter vetch, CCw; and no cover, CC0), tillage regimes (conventional tillage, CT; and no-tillage, ZT), and herbicide rates (100% rate, H100; 75% rate, H75; and without herbicide, H0). Weed characteristics and quinoa yield were measured. Quinoa seed yield was the highest in CCw-ZT-H100. Seed yield in H100 and H75 were higher compared with H0 (2.30 vs. 1.58 t ha−1, respectively). Under conventional tillage, 46% of weed seeds were observed in the 0–10 cm soil layer and 54% in 10–20 cm soil layers, respectively, while, under no-tillage, about 63% of weed seeds were located up to 10 cm of soil. Amaranthus retroflexus L. was the most abundant species. The total weed density was the lowest in CCr-ZT-H100 and tended to be higher in CC0 (30.9 plant m−2) and under CT (29.0 plant m−2). These findings indicate that cover crops have potential for managing weeds in quinoa; however, their inclusion should be supported by chemical means to maintain high seed.