bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chitosan Oleate Coated Poly Lactic-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) Nanoparticles versus Chitosan Oleate Self-Assembled Polymeric Micelles, Loaded with Resveratrol
Authors: Miele Dalila , Catenacci Laura , Sorrenti Milena , Rossi Silvia , Sandri Giuseppina , Malavasi Lorenzo , Dacarro Giacomo , Ferrari Franca , Bonferoni Maria Cristina
Published: September 2019

Chitosan oleate (CS-OA), a chitosan salt with amphiphilic properties, has demonstrated the ability to self-assemble in aqueous environment to give polymeric micelles useful to load poorly soluble drugs. More recently, CS-OA was proposed to stabilize nanoemulsions during the preparation by emulsification and solvent evaporation of poly lactic-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with curcumin. Positive mucoadhesive behavior and internalization properties were demonstrated for these NPs attributable to the presence of positive charge at the NP surface. In the present paper, two CS-OA-based nanosystems, micelles and PLGA NPs, were compared with the aim of elucidating their physico-chemical characteristics, and especially their interaction with cell substrates. The two systems were loaded with resveratrol (RSV), a hydrophobic polyphenol endowed with anti-cancerogenic, anti-inflammatory, and heart/brain protective effects, but with low bioavailability mainly due to poor aqueous solubility. Calorimetric analysis and X-ray spectra demonstrated amorphization of RSV, confirming its affinity for hydrophobic domains of polymeric micelles and PLGA core of NPs. TGA decomposition patterns suggest higher stability of PLGA-NPs compared with polymeric micelles, that anyway resulted more stable than expected, considering the RSV release profiles, and the cell line interaction results.
Nozzle-Shaped Electrode Configuration for Dielectrophoretic 3D-Focusing of Microparticles
Authors: Krishna Salini , Alnaimat Fadi , Mathew Bobby
Published: September 2019

An experimentally validated mathematical model of a microfluidic device with nozzle-shaped electrode configuration for realizing dielectrophoresis based 3D-focusing is presented in the article. Two right-triangle shaped electrodes on the top and bottom surfaces make up the nozzle-shaped electrode configuration. The mathematical model consists of equations describing the motion of microparticles as well as profiles of electric potential, electric field, and fluid flow inside the microchannel. The influence of forces associated with inertia, gravity, drag, virtual mass, dielectrophoresis, and buoyancy are taken into account in the model. The performance of the microfluidic device is quantified in terms of horizontal and vertical focusing parameters. The influence of operating parameters, such as applied electric potential and volumetric flow rate, as well as geometric parameters, such as electrode dimensions and microchannel dimensions, are analyzed using the model. The performance of the microfluidic device enhances with an increase in applied electric potential and reduction in volumetric flow rate. Additionally, the performance of the microfluidic device improves with reduction in microchannel height and increase in microparticle radius while degrading with increase in reduction in electrode length and width. The model is of great benefit as it allows for generating working designs of the proposed microfluidic device with the desired performance metrics.
Fabrication of MoO3 Nanowire-based Membrane Devices for the Selective Adsorption of Cationic Dyes from Aqueous Solutions with High Performance and Reusability
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Park Soo-Jin
Published: September 2019

A series of ultralong (up to tens of micrometers) MoO3 nanowire-based membranes were synthesized for the treatment of aqueous solutions containing the cationic dyes methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB). This treatment method possesses extremely rapid and superhigh adsorbability (up to 521 and 321 mg/g for MB and RhB, respectively), as well excellent selective adsorption ability of cationic dyes with respect to the anionic dye methyl orange (MO). Moreover, the cationic dyes on the membrane can be desorbed easily, and reusability is good.
Analysis of Factors Influencing the Transmembrane Voltage Induced in Filamentous Fungi by Pulsed Electric Fields
Authors: Feng Xuebin , Zhu Mengyu , Xu Jin , Yin Wenqing , Hu Fei
Published: September 2019

This article studies the sterilization effects of high-voltage pulsed electric field (PEF) of technology on filamentous fungi. A cell dielectric model was proposed based on the physical structure of filamentous fungi. Basic theories of the electromagnetic field were comprehensively applied, and the multiphysics field simulation software COMSOL Multiphysics was used for more detailed study. The effects of PEF treatment parameters and microbial characteristic parameters on the resulting cell membrane and nuclear membrane changes were simulated and analyzed. The results showed significant effects on the transmembrane voltage of the cell membrane and nuclear membrane from the electric field intensity, pulse duration, cell membrane thickness, superposition effect of the pulses. However, the amount of hyphae had little effect, and the number of cell nuclei and the thickness of the cell walls had almost no effect on the transmembrane voltage of the cell membranes and the nuclear membranes. The results provide theoretical support for applying high-voltage PEFs to kill fungi in practical applications.
Synthesis of Poly-Sodium-Acrylate (PSA)-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles for Use in Forward Osmosis Draw Solutions
Authors: Ban Irena , Markuš Sabina , Gyergyek Sašo , Drofenik Miha , Korenak Jasmina , Helix-Nielsen Claus , Petrinić Irena
Published: September 2019

The synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) coated with hydrophilic poly-sodium-acrylate (PSA) ligands was studied to assess PSA-MNP complexes as draw solution (DS) solutes in forward osmosis (FO). For MNP-based DS, the surface modification and the size of the MNPs are two crucial factors to achieve a high osmolality. Superparamagnetic nanoparticles (NP) with functional groups attached may represent the ideal DS where chemical modifications of the NPs can be used in optimizing the DS osmolality and the magnetic properties allows for efficient recovery (DS re-concentration) using an external magnetic field. In this study MNPs with diameters of 4 nm have been prepared by controlled chemical co-precipitation of magnetite phase from aqueous solutions containing suitable salts of Fe2+ and Fe3+ under inert atmosphere and a pure magnetite phase could be verified by X-ray diffraction. Magnetic colloid suspensions containing PSA-coated MNPs with three different molar ratios of PSA:MNP = 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 were prepared and assessed in terms of osmotic pressure, aggregation propensity and magnetization. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of PSA on coated MNPs and pristine PSA-MNPs with a molar ratio PSA:MNP = 1:1 exhibited an osmotic pressure of 30 bar. Molar ratios of PSA:MNP = 1:2 and 1:3 lead to the formation of less stabile magnetic colloid solutions, which led to the formation of aggregates with larger average hydrodynamic sizes and modest osmotic pressures (5.5 bar and 0.2 bar, respectively). After purification with ultrafiltration, the 1:1 nanoparticles exhibited an osmotic pressure of 9 bar with no aggregation and a sufficient magnetization of 25 emu/g to allow for DS regeneration using an external magnetic field. However, it was observed that the amount of PSA molecules attached to the MNPs decreased during DS recycling steps, leaving only strong chelate-bonded core-shell PSA as coating on the MNPs. This demonstrates the crucial role of MNP coating robustness in designing an efficient MNP-based DS for FO.
The Mediterranean Diet, a Rich Source of Angiopreventive Compounds in Cancer
Authors: Martínez-Poveda Beatriz , Torres-Vargas José Antonio , Ocaña María del Carmen , García-Caballero Melissa , Medina Miguel Ángel , Quesada Ana R.
Published: September 2019

Diet-based chemoprevention of cancer has emerged as an interesting approach to evade the disease or even target its early phases, reducing its incidence or slowing down tumor progression. In its basis in the essential role of angiogenesis for tumor growth and metastasis, angioprevention proposes the use of inhibitors of angiogenesis in cancer prevention. The anti-angiogenic potential exhibited by many natural compounds contained in many Mediterranean diet constituents makes this dietary pattern especially interesting as a source of chemopreventive agents, defined within the angioprevention strategy. In this review, we focus on natural bioactive compounds derived from the main foods included in the Mediterranean diet that display anti-angiogenic activity, as well as their possible use as angiopreventive agents.
Complications Associated with Enteral Nutrition: CAFANE Study
Authors: Wanden-Berghe Carmina , Patino-Alonso Maria-Carmen , Galindo-Villardón Purificación , Sanz-Valero Javier
Published: September 2019

Objectives: To determine the association between home enteral nutrition (HEN) administration modality and its complications in patients. Methods: This is a prospective multicenter longitudinal study including 15 Spanish hospitals, from April 2015 to March 2017. A 4-month follow-up period was conducted for each patient by home visit. The study subjects were adult patients who began their nutrient intake by tube feeding, known as HEN, during the recruitment period. The variables studied included the type and modality of HEN administration and its related complications, such as vomiting, regurgitation, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal distention. Mechanical complications and bronchoaspiration were also evaluated. Descriptive variables were used for fitting. Results: The study consisted of 306 patients; 4 were lost due to death. Specific HEN modalities protected against constipation (odds ratio (OR) = 0.4) and regurgitation (OR = 0.4). The use of a nasogastric tube (NGT) resulted in a lower risk of diarrhea compared to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) (OR = 0.4) but resulted in a higher risk of tube obstruction (OR = 7.4). The use of intermittent gravity versus bolus feeding was a protection factor against vomiting (OR = 0.4), regurgitation (OR = 0.3), constipation (OR = 0.3), diarrhea (OR = 0.4) and abdominal distension (OR = 0.4). The increase in the number of doses was a risk factor for the incidence of regurgitation (OR = 1.3). Conclusions: Gastrointestinal complications were the most frequent problems, but an adequate choice of the formula, route, feeding modality, number of doses, administration time, and dose volume can reduce the risk of these complications.
Estimation of the Burden of Iron Deficiency Anemia in France from Iron Intake: Methodological Approach
Authors: De Oliveira Mota Juliana , Tounian Patrick , Guillou Sandrine , Pierre Fabrice , Membré Jeanne-Marie
Published: September 2019

Dietary iron deficiency (ID) is the first nutritional deficiency in the world, in terms of disability adjusted life years (DALY). This nutritional deficiency may lead to anemia, especially among children, adolescents, and adult women. The aim of this study was to build an original probabilistic model to quantitatively assess the ID, the iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and the subsequent health burden in France expressed in DALY, per age class and gender. The model considered the distribution of absorbed iron intake, the iron requirement distribution established by the European Food Safety Authority and the iron status in France. Uncertainty due to lack of data and variability due to biological diversity were taken into account and separated using a second-order Monte Carlo procedure. A total of 1290 (95% CI = 1230–1350) IDA cases corresponding to 16 (95% CI = 11–20) DALY were estimated per 100,000 individuals per year. The major contributors to IDA burden were menstruating females aged from 25 to 44 years old. Then, a consumption scenario was built with ground beef as intake, an increase in red meat consumption to 100 g/d would not eliminate entirely the IDA burden. The quantitative methodology applied here for France could be reused for other populations.
Impact of GSTA1 Polymorphisms on Busulfan Oral Clearance in Adult Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Michaud Veronique , Tran My , Pronovost Benoit , Bouchard Philippe , Bilodeau Sarah , Alain Karine , Vadnais Barbara , Franco Martin , Bélanger François , Turgeon Jacques
Published: September 2019

Background: Busulfan pharmacokinetics exhibit large inter-subject variability. Our objective was to evaluate the influence of glutathione S-transferase A1 (GSTA1) gene variants on busulfan oral clearance (CLo) in a population of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental retrospective study in adult patients (n = 87 included in the final analyses) receiving oral busulfan. Pharmacokinetics data (area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) determined from 10 blood samples) were retrieved from patients’ files and GSTA1 *A and *B allele polymorphisms determined from banked DNA samples. Three different limited sampling methods (LSM) using four blood samples were also compared. Results: Carriers of GSTA1*B exhibited lower busulfan CLo than patients with an *A/*A genotype (p < 0.002): Busulfan CLo was 166 ± 31, 187 ± 37 vs. 207 ± 47 mL/min for GSTA1*B/*B, *A/*B and *A/*A genotypes, respectively. Similar results were obtained with the tested LSMs. Using the standard AUC method, distribution of patients above the therapeutic range after the first dose was 29% for GSTA1*A/*A, 50% for *A/*B, and 65% for *B/*B. The LSMs correctly identified ≥91% of patients with an AUC above the therapeutic range. The misclassified patients had a mean difference less than 5% in their AUCs. Conclusion: Patients carrying GSTA1 loss of function *B allele were at increased risk of overdosing on their initial busulfan oral dose. Genetic polymorphisms associated with GSTA1 explain a significant part of busulfan CLo variability which could be captured by LSM strategies.
The Significance of NK1 Receptor Ligands and Their Application in Targeted Radionuclide Tumour Therapy
Authors: Majkowska-Pilip Agnieszka , Halik Paweł Krzysztof , Gniazdowska Ewa
Published: September 2019

To date, our understanding of the Substance P (SP) and neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) system shows intricate relations between human physiology and disease occurrence or progression. Within the oncological field, overexpression of NK1R and this SP/NK1R system have been implicated in cancer cell progression and poor overall prognosis. This review focuses on providing an update on the current state of knowledge around the wide spectrum of NK1R ligands and applications of radioligands as radiopharmaceuticals. In this review, data concerning both the chemical and biological aspects of peptide and nonpeptide ligands as agonists or antagonists in classical and nuclear medicine, are presented and discussed. However, the research presented here is primarily focused on NK1R nonpeptide antagonistic ligands and the potential application of SP/NK1R system in targeted radionuclide tumour therapy.
Impact of a Pharmacy-Led Transition of Care Service on Post-Discharge Medication Adherence
Authors: Stroud Alaina , Adunlin Georges , W. Skelley Jessica
Published: September 2019

This study assesses the effectiveness of a pharmacy-led transition of care (TOC) service on increasing patients’ understanding of, and reported adherence to, medication post hospital discharge. A cross-sectional survey was administered to patients who were discharged from the hospital with at least one medication received via bedside delivery from the TOC service. Adherence was assessed by asking the patient if they had taken their discharge medications as instructed by the prescriber. Satisfaction with the discharge medication counseling service was assessed through a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were conducted for all questionnaire items and qualitative data was examined using content analysis. The majority of patients (73%) were counseled on their medication(s) before leaving the hospital. Among those who received counseling, 76 patients had a better understanding of their medication(s). Ninety-five percent of the patients reported adherence, and all six of the patients reporting non-adherence claimed they were not counseled on their medications prior to discharge. Many patients had questions regarding their medication during the follow-up phone call, substantiating the need for further follow-up with patients once they have left the hospital environment. The implementation of medication bedside delivery and counseling services, followed by outpatient adherence monitoring via a transitional care management service, can result in higher levels of reported medication adherence.
Short-Wave Asymptotics for Gaussian Beams and Packets and Scalarization of Equations in Plasma Physics
Authors: Anikin Anatoly Yu. , Dobrokhotov Sergey Yu. , Klevin Alexander I. , Tirozzi Brunello
Published: September 2019

We study Gaussian wave beam and wave packet types of solutions to the linearized cold plasma system in a toroidal domain (tokamak). Such solutions are constructed with help of Maslov’s complex germ theory (short-wave or semi-classical asymptotics with complex phases). The term “semi-classical” asymptotics is understood in a broad sense: asymptotic solutions of evolutionary and stationary partial differential equations from wave or quantum mechanics are expressed through solutions of the corresponding equations of classical mechanics. This, in particular, allows one to use useful geometric considerations. The small parameter of the expansion is h = λ / 2 π L where λ is the wavelength and L the dimension of the system. In order to apply the asymptotic algorithm, we need this parameter to be small, so we deal only with high-frequency waves, which are in the range of lower hybrid waves used to heat the plasma. The asymptotic solution appears to be a Gaussian wave packet divided by the square root of the determinant of an appropriate Jacobi matrix (“complex divergence”). When this determinant is zero, focal points appear. Our approach allows one to write out asymptotics near focal points. We also claim that this approach is very practical and leads to formulas that can be used for numerical simulations in software like Wolfram Mathematica, Maple, etc. For the particular case of high-frequency beams, we present a recipe for constructing beams and packets and show the results of their numerical implementation. We also propose ideas to treat the more difficult general case of arbitrary frequency. We also explain the main ideas of asymptotic theory used to obtain such formulas.
Electroactive Composites with Block Copolymer-Templated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Magnetic Hyperthermia Application
Authors: Yang Shu-Chian , Chen Chun-Yu , Wan Hung-Yu , Huang Szu-Ying , Yang Ta-I
Published: September 2019

Cancer has been one of the leading causes of human death for centuries. Magnetic hyperthermia is a promising technique to confine and control cancers. However, particles used in magnetic hyperthermia leaking from where the cancers are located could compromise human health. Therefore, we developed electroactive iron oxide/block copolymer composites to tackle the leakage problem. Experimental results show that oleylamine-modified magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) particles and electroactive tetraaniline (TA) could be templated in the self-assembled microstructures of sulfonated [styrene-b-(ethylene-ran-butylene)-b-styrene] (S-SEBS) block copolymers. Various amounts of Fe3O4 particles and TA oligomer were incorporated in S-SEBS block copolymer and their electroactive behavior was confirmed by exhibiting two pairs of well-defined anodic and cathodic current peaks in cyclic voltammetry tests. The heating performance of the resultant TA/Fe3O4/polymer composites improved on increasing the added amount of Fe3O4 particles and TA oligomers. Both Fe3O4 and TA can contribute to improved heating performance, but Fe3O4 possesses a greater contribution than TA does. Hence, the main source for increasing the composites’ temperature is Neel relaxation loss from Fe3O4 magnetic particles.
Chitosan-Graft-Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide)/PVA Cryogels as Carriers for Mucosal Delivery of Voriconazole
Authors: Cheaburu-Yilmaz Catalina Natalia , Yilmaz Onur , Aydin Kose Fadime , Bibire Nela
Published: September 2019

The objective of this study was to prepare and characterize physically crosslinked gel formulations of chitosan (CS)-graft-poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for smart delivery of an antifungal drug, Voriconazole, for mucosal applications. For this purpose, cryogels of CS-g-PNIPAAm/PVA and CS/PVA were tested by means of texture profile analysis and rheology to determine optimal matrix properties for topical application. The ratio of 75/25 v/v % CS-g-PNIPAAm/PVA was selected to be used for formulation since it gave low compressibility and hardness (1.2 and 0.6 N) as well as high adhesion properties and non-Newtonian flow behavior. The cryogels and formulations were further characterized by means of FTIR spectroscopy, swelling behavior, texture analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and TGA), and rheological behavior. The drug loading capacity and in vitro release profile of the drug, storage stability, and cytotoxicity tests were also performed for the gel formulation. The FTIR, DSC, and TGA results verified the successful formation of cryogels. Swelling studies revealed a pH-dependent swelling ability with a maximum swelling degree of 1200% in acid and 990% in phosphate buffer (pH = 7.4). Thermal studies showed that CS-g-PNIPAAm/PVA 75/25 had higher thermal stability proving the structural complexity of the polymer. The loading capacity of Voriconazole was found to be 70% (w/w). The in vitro release profiles of Voriconazole showed Fickian release behavior for CS-g-PNIPAAm/PVA 75/25 gel with an approximate delivery of 38% within 8 h, slower than matrices containing unmodified chitosan. The storage stability test exhibited that the gel formulation was still stable even after aging for two months. Moreover, the cell culture assays revealed a non-toxic character of the polymeric matrix. Overall results showed that the CS-g-PNIPAAm/PVA 75/25 hydrogel has the potential to be used as a smart polymeric vehicle for topical applications.
Effect of Hydrothermal Pretreatment on Volatile Fatty Acids Production from Source-Separated Organics
Authors: Kakar Farokh laqa , Koupaie Ehssan Hosseini , Hafez Hisham , Elbeshbishy Elsayed
Published: September 2019

The current study investigates the effect of hydrothermal pretreatment (HTP) on acidification of source-separated organics (SSO) in terms of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production and solubilization. Temperature and retention time for HTP of SSO ranged from 150 to 240 °C and 5 to 30 min, respectively. The soluble substance after hydrothermal pretreatment initially increased, reaching its peak at 210 °C and then declined gradually. The highest overall chemical oxygen demand (COD) solubilization of 63% was observed at “210 °C-20 min” compared to 17% for raw SSO. The highest VFAs yield of 1536 mg VFAs/g VSS added was observed at “210 °C-20 min” compared to 768 mg VFAs/g VSS for raw SSO. Intensification of hydrothermal pretreatment temperature beyond 210 °C resulted in the mineralization of the organics and adversely affected the process.
Large-Scale Remote Sensing Image Retrieval Based on Semi-Supervised Adversarial Hashing
Authors: Tang Xu , Liu Chao , Ma Jingjing , Zhang Xiangrong , Liu Fang , Jiao Licheng
Published: September 2019

Remote sensing image retrieval (RSIR), a superior content organization technique, plays an important role in the remote sensing (RS) community. With the number of RS images increases explosively, not only the retrieval precision but also the retrieval efficiency is emphasized in the large-scale RSIR scenario. Therefore, the approximate nearest neighborhood (ANN) search attracts the researchers’ attention increasingly. In this paper, we propose a new hash learning method, named semi-supervised deep adversarial hashing (SDAH), to accomplish the ANN for the large-scale RSIR task. The assumption of our model is that the RS images have been represented by the proper visual features. First, a residual auto-encoder (RAE) is developed to generate the class variable and hash code. Second, two multi-layer networks are constructed to regularize the obtained latent vectors using the prior distribution. These two modules mentioned are integrated under the generator adversarial framework. Through the minimax learning, the class variable would be a one-hot-like vector while the hash code would be the binary-like vector. Finally, a specific hashing function is formulated to enhance the quality of the generated hash code. The effectiveness of the hash codes learned by our SDAH model was proved by the positive experimental results counted on three public RS image archives. Compared with the existing hash learning methods, the proposed method reaches improved performance.
A Robust Rule-Based Ensemble Framework Using Mean-Shift Segmentation for Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Shadman Roodposhti Majid , Lucieer Arko , Anees Asim , Bryan Brett
Published: September 2019

This paper assesses the performance of DoTRules—a dictionary of trusted rules—as a supervised rule-based ensemble framework based on the mean-shift segmentation for hyperspectral image classification. The proposed ensemble framework consists of multiple rule sets with rules constructed based on different class frequencies and sequences of occurrences. Shannon entropy was derived for assessing the uncertainty of every rule and the subsequent filtering of unreliable rules. DoTRules is not only a transparent approach for image classification but also a tool to map rule uncertainty, where rule uncertainty assessment can be applied as an estimate of classification accuracy prior to image classification. In this research, the proposed image classification framework is implemented using three world reference hyperspectral image datasets. We found that the overall accuracy of classification using the proposed ensemble framework was superior to state-of-the-art ensemble algorithms, as well as two non-ensemble algorithms, at multiple training sample sizes. We believe DoTRules can be applied more generally to the classification of discrete data such as hyperspectral satellite imagery products.
Experimental Assessment of Sleep-Related Parameters by Passive Infrared Sensors: Measurement Setup, Feature Extraction, and Uncertainty Analysis
Authors: Casaccia Sara , Braccili Eleonora , Scalise Lorenzo , Revel Gian Marco
Published: September 2019

A simple sleep monitoring measurement method is presented in this paper, based on a simple, non-invasive motion sensor, the Passive InfraRed (PIR) motion sensor. The easy measurement set-up proposed is presented and its performances are compared with the ones provided by a commercial, ballistocardiographic bed sensor, used as reference tool. Testing was conducted on 25 nocturnal acquisitions with a voluntary, healthy subject, using the PIR-based proposed method and the reference sensor, simultaneously. A dedicated algorithm was developed to correlate the bed sensor outputs with the PIR signal to extract sleep-related features: sleep latency (SL), sleep interruptions (INT), and time to wake (TTW). Such sleep parameters were automatically identified by the algorithm, and then correlated to the ones computed by the reference bed sensor. The identification of these sleep parameters allowed the computation of an important, global sleep quality parameter: the sleep efficiency (SE). It was calculated for each nocturnal acquisition and then correlated to the SE values provided by the reference sensor. Results show the correlation between the SE values monitored with the PIR and the bed sensor with a robust statistic confidence of 4.7% for the measurement of SE (coverage parameter k = 2), indicating the validity of the proposed, unobstructive approach, based on a simple, small, and low-cost sensor, for the assessment of important sleep-related parameters.
A Vibration Energy Harvester and Power Management Solution for Battery-Free Operation of Wireless Sensor Nodes
Authors: Rodriguez Juan Carlos , Nico Valeria , Punch Jeff
Published: September 2019

Electromagnetic Vibration Energy Harvesting (EM-VEH) is an attractive alternative to batteries as a power source for wireless sensor nodes that enable intelligence at the edge of the Internet of Things (IoT). Industrial environments in particular offer an abundance of available kinetic energy, in the form of machinery vibrations that can be converted into electrical power through energy harvesting techniques. These ambient vibrations are generally broadband, and multi-modal harvesting configurations can be exploited to improve the mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion. However, the additional challenge of energy conditioning (AC-to-DC conversion) to make the harvested energy useful brings into question what specific type of performance is to be expected in a real industrial application. This paper reports the operation of two practical IoT sensor nodes, continuously powered by the vibrations of a standard industrial compressor, using a multi-modal EM-VEH device, integrated with customised power management. The results show that the device and the power management circuit provide sufficient energy to receive and transmit data at intervals of less than one minute with an overall efficiency of about 30%. Descriptions of the system, test-bench, and the measured outcomes are presented.
Real-Time Maritime Traffic Anomaly Detection Based on Sensors and History Data Embedding
Authors: Venskus Julius , Treigys Povilas , Bernatavičienė Jolita , Tamulevičius Gintautas , Medvedev Viktor
Published: September 2019

The automated identification system of vessel movements receives a huge amount of multivariate, heterogeneous sensor data, which should be analyzed to make a proper and timely decision on vessel movements. The large number of vessels makes it difficult and time-consuming to detect abnormalities, thus rapid response algorithms should be developed for a decision support system to identify abnormal movements of vessels in areas of heavy traffic. This paper extends the previous study on a self-organizing map application for processing of sensor stream data received by the maritime automated identification system. The more data about the vessel’s movement is registered and submitted to the algorithm, the higher the accuracy of the algorithm should be. However, the task cannot be guaranteed without using an effective retraining strategy with respect to precision and data processing time. In addition, retraining ensures the integration of the latest vessel movement data, which reflects the actual conditions and context. With a view to maintaining the quality of the results of the algorithm, data batching strategies for the neural network retraining to detect anomalies in streaming maritime traffic data were investigated. The effectiveness of strategies in terms of modeling precision and the data processing time were estimated on real sensor data. The obtained results show that the neural network retraining time can be shortened by half while the sensitivity and precision only change slightly.
Low-Cost Open Source Ultrasound-Sensing Based Navigational Support for the Visually Impaired
Authors: Petsiuk Aliaksei L. , Pearce Joshua M.
Published: September 2019

Nineteen million Americans have significant vision loss. Over 70% of these are not employed full-time, and more than a quarter live below the poverty line. Globally, there are 36 million blind people, but less than half use white canes or more costly commercial sensory substitutions. The quality of life for visually impaired people is hampered by the resultant lack of independence. To help alleviate these challenges this study reports on the development of a low-cost, open-source ultrasound-based navigational support system in the form of a wearable bracelet to allow people with the lost vision to navigate, orient themselves in their surroundings and avoid obstacles when moving. The system can be largely made with digitally distributed manufacturing using low-cost 3-D printing/milling. It conveys point-distance information by utilizing the natural active sensing approach and modulates measurements into haptic feedback with various vibration patterns within the four-meter range. It does not require complex calibrations and training, consists of the small number of available and inexpensive components, and can be used as an independent addition to traditional tools. Sighted blindfolded participants successfully demonstrated the device for nine primary everyday navigation and guidance tasks including indoor and outdoor navigation and avoiding collisions with other pedestrians.
User Identification from Gait Analysis Using Multi-Modal Sensors in Smart Insole
Authors: Choi Sang-Il , Moon Jucheol , Park Hee-Chan , Choi Sang Tae
Published: September 2019

Recent studies indicate that individuals can be identified by their gait pattern. A number of sensors including vision, acceleration, and pressure have been used to capture humans’ gait patterns, and a number of methods have been developed to recognize individuals from their gait pattern data. This study proposes a novel method of identifying individuals using null-space linear discriminant analysis on humans’ gait pattern data. The gait pattern data consists of time series pressure and acceleration data measured from multi-modal sensors in a smart insole used while walking. We compare the identification accuracies from three sensing modalities, which are acceleration, pressure, and both in combination. Experimental results show that the proposed multi-modal features identify 14 participants with high accuracy over 95% from their gait pattern data of walking.
Energy-Efficient Multi-Disjoint Path Opportunistic Node Connection Routing Protocol in Wireless Sensor Networks for Smart Grids
Authors: Anees Junaid , Zhang Hao-Chun , Baig Sobia , Lougou Bachirou Guene
Published: September 2019

The gradual increase in the maturity of sensor electronics has resulted in the increasing demand for wireless sensor networks for many industrial applications. One of the industrial platforms for efficient usage and deployment of sensor networks is smart grids. The critical network traffic in smart grids includes both delay-sensitive and delay-tolerant data for real-time and non-real-time usage. To facilitate these traffic requirements, the asynchronous working–sleeping cycle of sensor nodes can be used as an opportunity to create a node connection. Efficient use of wireless sensor network in smart grids depends on various parameters like working–sleeping cycle, energy consumption, network lifetime, routing protocol, and delay constraints. In this paper, we propose an energy-efficient multi-disjoint path opportunistic node connection routing protocol (abbreviated as EMOR) for sensor nodes deployed in neighborhood area network. EMOR utilizes residual energy, availability of sensor node’s buffer size, working–sleeping cycle of the sensor node and link quality factor to calculate optimum path connectivity after opportunistic connection random graph and spanning tree formation. The multi-disjoint path selection in EMOR based on service differentiation of real-time and non-real-time traffic leads to an improvement in packet delivery rate, network lifetime, end-end delay and total energy consumption.
A Bimetallic-Coated, Low Propagation Loss, Photonic Crystal Fiber Based Plasmonic Refractive Index Sensor
Authors: Mahfuz Mohammad Al , Hossain Md. Anwar , Haque Emranul , Hai Nguyen Hoang , Namihira Yoshinori , Ahmed Feroz
Published: September 2019

In this paper, a low-loss, spiral lattice photonic crystal fiber (PCF)-based plasmonic biosensor is proposed for its application in detecting various biomolecules (i.e., sugar, protein, DNA, and mRNA) and biochemicals (i.e., serum and urine). Plasmonic material gold (Au) is employed externally to efficiently generate surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in the outer surface of the PCF. A thin layer of titanium oxide (TiO2) is also introduced, which assists in adhering the Au layer to the silica fiber. The sensing performance is investigated using a mode solver based on the finite element method (FEM). Simulation results show a maximum wavelength sensitivity of 23,000 nm/RIU for a bio-samples refractive index (RI) detection range of 1.32–1.40. This sensor also exhibits a very low confinement loss of 0.22 and 2.87 dB/cm for the analyte at 1.32 and 1.40 RI, respectively. Because of the ultra-low propagation loss, the proposed sensor can be fabricated within several centimeters, which reduces the complexity related to splicing, and so on.
Identifying Equipment Factors Associated with Snowplow Operator Fatigue
Authors: Camden Matthew C. , Hickman Jeffrey S. , Soccolich Susan A. , Hanowski Richard J.
Published: September 2019

A recent body of research in fatigue management indicates that other factors, including in-cab and external equipment, contribute to operator fatigue. The goal of this project was to identify winter road maintenance equipment (in-cab and external) that may increase or mitigate snowplow operator fatigue. To accomplish this goal, questionnaires from 2011 snowplow operators were collected from 23 states in the U.S. Results confirmed previous research that fatigue is prevalent in winter road maintenance operations. Winter road maintenance equipment that produced excessive vibrations, noise, reduced visibility, and complex task demands were found to increase snowplow operators’ self-reported fatigue. Similarly, equipment that reduced vibrations and external noise, improved visibility, and limited secondary tasks were found to reduce snowplow operator’s self-reported fatigue. Based on the questionnaire responses and the feasibility of implementation, the following equipment may help to mitigate or prevent snowplow operator fatigue: dimmable interior lighting, LED bulbs for exterior lighting, dimmable warning lights, a CD player or satellite radio in each vehicle, heated windshield, snow deflectors, narrow-beam auxiliary lighting, and more ergonomically designed seats with vibration dampening/air-ride technology.
Multi-Objective Cloud Manufacturing Service Selection and Scheduling with Different Objective Priorities
Authors: He Wei , Jia Guozhu , Zong Hengshan , Huang Tao
Published: September 2019

In recent years, with the support of new information technology and national policies, cloud manufacturing (CMfg) has developed rapidly in China. About CMfg, scholars have conducted extensive and in-depth research, among which multi-objective service selection and scheduling (SSS) attracts increasing attention. Generally, the objectives of the SSS problem involve several aspects, such as time, cost, environment and quality. In order to select an optimal solution, the preference of a decision maker (DM) becomes key information. As one kind of typical preference information, objective priorities are less considered in current studies. So, in this paper, a multi-objective model is first constructed for the SSS with different objective priorities. Then, a two-phase method based on the order of priority satisfaction (TP-OPS) is designed to solve this problem. Finally, computational experiments are conducted for problems with different services and tasks/subtasks, as well as different preference information. The results show that the proposed TP-OPS method can achieve a balance between the maximum comprehensive satisfaction and satisfaction differences, which is conducive to the sustainable development of CMfg. In addition, the proposed method allows the preference information to be gradually clarified, which has the advantage of providing convenience to DM.
International Strategy, R&D Intensity, and Sustainable Earnings of Biotech Firms
Authors: Lee Jaehong , Yang Young Soo
Published: September 2019

For a relatively small country such as Korea to successfully establish its presence in the global biotech industry, it must pair a successful domestic model with an effective export strategy. However, there are little empirical findings on the relationship between biotech firms’ internationalization strategy, research and development (R&D) intensity, and sustainable earnings. Thus, we explore this often overlooked area by analyzing the relationship between the international strategies and sustainable earnings of biotech firms. By using a sample of 29,583 firm-year observations in South Korea between 2000 and 2017, this study analyzes the association between internationalization strategy and sustainable earnings. Findings from the analysis show that internationalization strategy has a negative impact on biotech firms. However, the impact of international strategy on sustainable earnings of a biotech firm is observed to be positively influenced by R&D intensity. This study contributes to the research on the determinants of sustainable earnings by empirically proving that biotech firms’ internationalization strategy with high R&D investments leads to an increase in earnings sustainability.
Determinants of Variation in Household Energy Choice and Consumption: Case from Mahabad City, Iran
Authors: Soltani Mohammad , Rahmani Omeid , Beiranvand Pour Amin , Ghaderpour Yousef , Ngah Ibrahim , Misnan Siti Hajar
Published: September 2019

This study seeks to find a method to identify the dominant pattern of energy choice and consumption in households, centering on demographic factors affecting the use of home appliances. To this aim, this study dealt with a variety of energy sources widely used by households, namely, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electricity, and kerosene for cooking, heating and cooling, lighting, and home appliances. Additionally, significant associations for the household energy choice and consumption were identified for demographic variables including household size, gender, head-of-household age, educational level, and income group. A logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain quantitative data provided by a survey from 821 households across residential districts of urban and rural areas in Mahabad city, northwest Iran. Obtained data were analyzed within a proposed three-energy dimension model (3-ED). The results showed that, in the case of other variables remaining constant, income may lead to variation in LPG and electricity consumption. Unlike other independent variables, the head-of-household age failed to have a significant impact. The findings can contribute to a better understanding of effective factors got household energy choice and consumption in other cities, and they can be useful for the support of policy-makers in their consumption patterns.
Routing for Hazardous Materials Transportation in Urban Areas
Authors: Zhang Lukai , Feng Xuesong , Yang Yan , Ding Chuanchen
Published: September 2019

Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) are important for daily production in cities, which usually have a high population. To avoid the threat to public safety and security, the routes for HAZMAT transportation should be planned legitimately by mitigating the maximum risk to population centers. For the objective of min-max local risk in urban areas, this study has newly proposed an optimization model where the service of a link for HAZMAT transportation was taken as the key decision variable. Correspondingly, the symmetric problem of min-max optimization takes significant meanings. Moreover, in consideration of the work load of solving the model under a lot of decision variables, a heuristic algorithm was developed to obtain an optimal solution. Thereafter, a case study was made to test the proposed model and algorithm, and the results were compared with those generated by deterministic solving approaches. In addition, this research is able to be an effective reference for authorities on the management of HAZMAT transportation in urban areas.
First Isolation and Rapid Identification of Newcastle Disease Virus from Aborted Fetus of Dromedary Camel Using Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Teng Jade Lee Lee , Wernery Ulrich , Lee Hwei Huih , Joseph Sunitha , Fung Joshua , Elizabeth Shyna Korah , Yeong Kai Yan , Kinne Joerg , Chan Kwok-Hung , Lau Susanna Kar Pui , Woo Patrick Chiu Yat
Published: September 2019

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) causes morbidities and mortalities in wild and domestic birds globally. For humans, exposure to infected birds can cause conjunctivitis and influenza-like symptoms. NDV infections in mammals are rarely reported. In this study, using next-generation sequencing, an NDV was identified and isolated from Vero cells inoculated with the nasal swab of an aborted dromedary fetus in Dubai, during the time when an NDV outbreak occurred in a pigeon farm located in close proximity to the dairy camel farm where the mother of the aborted dromedary fetus resided, and there were a lot of pigeons in the camel farm. Genome analysis revealed that the structurally and functionally important features of other NDVs were also present in this dromedary NDV genome. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequences of fusion protein (F), hemagglutinin-neuraminidase protein (HN) and complete polyprotein showed that the virus belonged to sub-genotype VIg of class II NDV and is most closely related to pigeon NDVs in Egypt in the same year. The present study is the first that demonstrated isolation of NDV in dromedaries. Further study is warranted to investigate the relationship between NDV infection and abortion.
Production Strategies for Pentamer-Positive Subviral Dense Bodies as a Safe Human Cytomegalovirus Vaccine
Authors: Gogesch Patricia , Penner Inessa , Krauter Steffi , Büscher Nicole , Grode Leander , Aydin Inci , Plachter Bodo
Published: September 2019

Infections with the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) are associated with severe clinical manifestations in children following prenatal transmission and after viral reactivation in immunosuppressed individuals. The development of an HCMV vaccine has long been requested but there is still no licensed product available. Subviral dense bodies (DB) are immunogenic in pre-clinical models and are thus a promising HCMV vaccine candidate. Recently, we established a virus based on the laboratory strain Towne that synthesizes large numbers of DB containing the pentameric protein complex gH/gL/UL128-131 (Towne-UL130repΔGFP). The work presented here focuses on providing strategies for the production of a safe vaccine based on that strain. A GMP-compliant protocol for DB production was established. Furthermore, the DB producer strain Towne-UL130rep was attenuated by deleting the UL25 open reading frame. Additional genetic modifications aim to abrogate its capacity to replicate in vivo by conditionally expressing pUL51 using the Shield-1/FKBP destabilization system. We further show that the terminase inhibitor letermovir can be used to reduce infectious virus contamination of a DB vaccine by more than two orders of magnitude. Taken together, strategies are provided here that allow for the production of a safe and immunogenic DB vaccine for clinical testing.