bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study of Recirculating Flow Fields Downstream of a Diverse Range of Axisymmetric Bluff Body Geometries Suitable for Flame Stabilization
Authors: Paterakis Georgios , Souflas Konstantinos , Naxakis Andreas , Koutmos Panayiotis
Published: November 2021

This work investigates the non-reacting time averaged and fluctuating flow field characteristics downstream of a variety of axisymmetric baffles, operating in combination with an upstream double-cavity premixer arrangement. The study aims to broaden knowledge with respect to the impact of different bluff body shapes, leading and trailing edge flow contours, blockage ratios and incoming flow profiles impinging on the bluff body, on the development and properties of the downstream recirculating wake. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements have been employed to obtain the mean and turbulent velocity fields throughout the centrally located recirculation zone and the adjacent developing toroidal shear layer. The results are helpful in demarcating the cold flow structure variations in the near wake of the examined baffles which support and, to some extent, determine the flame anchoring performance and heat release disposition in counterpart reacting configurations. Additionally, such results could also assist in the selection of the most suitable flame stabilization configuration for fuels possessing challenging combustion behavior such as multi-component heavier hydrocarbons, biofuels, or hydrogen blends.
Physiological Influence of Stalk Rot on Maize Lodging after Physiological Maturity
Authors: Xue Jun , Gao Shang , Hou Liangyu , Li Lulu , Ming Bo , Xie Ruizhi , Wang Keru , Hou Peng , Li Shaokun
Published: November 2021

The stalk lodging caused by stalk rot after physiological maturity (PM) is a major factor restricting further development of mechanical grain harvesting in China. The physiological mechanism of stalk rot on maize stalk lodging after PM is not clear. This study, based on investigating stalk rot under natural field conditions, demonstrated the relation between stalk rot caused by Fusarium spp. and lodging of 35 maize cultivars after PM. In addition, three widely-planted maize cultivars were inoculated with Fusarium spp. at PM to analyze the pathogen of stalk rot causing lodging, by measuring the infection process, carbohydrate contents, and mechanical strength of stalks. Stalk lodging increased by 0.11–0.32% for each 1% incidence of stalk rot. The stalk rot pathogen infected stalks from the pith to the rind. At the level of longitudinal section, the stalk rot pathogen spread from the inoculation internode upwardly and downwardly. These infections gradually increased with the days after PM. Inoculated plants had decreased soluble sugar content; however, cellulose and lignin contained in the inoculated plants were both higher than that in the non-inoculated treatment. Crushing strength was significantly and positively correlated with percentage of soluble sugar. This indicated that the reduction of soluble sugar content during the natural senescence of maize stalk after PM was an important factor for the decrease of stalk strength and the increase of stalk lodging. The occurrence of stalk rot accelerated the decomposition of soluble sugar, which accelerated the decrease of stalk strength and greatly increased risk of stalk lodging.
Arsenic and Cadmium Accumulation in Soil as Affected by Continuous Organic Fertilizer Application: Implications for Clean Production
Authors: Sun Na , Thompson Rodney B. , Xu Junxiang , Liao Shangqiang , Suo Linna , Peng Yutao , Chen Qing , Yang Jungang , Li Yanmei , Zou Guoyuan , Sun Yanxin
Published: November 2021

As and Cd in soil can be assimilated and accumulated by vegetables and can be subsequently ingested by humans. Contradictory effects of organic fertilizer application on As and Cd accumulation in soil have been reported in previous studies. An eight-year greenhouse study was conducted on a sandy loam soil in Beijing, China to investigate the effects of organic fertilizer application rate on soil properties, and As and Cd accumulation in soil. The contamination risk of pak choi grown after eight years’ application of organic fertilizer was also evaluated. Soil organic carbon increased 3.0–3.8 times with low, medium and high rates of fertilizer application in 2018 compared to the initial soil. Organic fertilizer application significantly increased soil nutrients and microbial biomass while it mildly affected soil pH. The bioavailability of As/Cd has decreased after eight years’ application of organic fertilizer. Pak choi crop harvested from all three treatments in 2018 did not pose a threat to human health, even for life-time consumption. Soil total As content significantly decreased with organic fertilizer application, mainly due to the lower As content in the applied fertilizer than that in soil. Continuous application of clean organic fertilizer can be adopted to reduce the contamination risk of highly contaminated soil in the soil–plant system.
Application of Cogon Grass (Imperata cylindrica) as Biosorbent in Diesel-Filter System for Oil Spill Removal
Authors: Khalid Farah Eryssa , Ahmad Siti Aqlima , Zakaria Nur Nadhirah , Shaharuddin Noor Azmi , Sabri Suriana , Azmi Alyza Azzura , Khalil Khalilah Abdul , Verasoundarapandian Gayathiri , Gomez-Fuentes Claudio , Zulkharnain Azham
Published: November 2021

Imperata cylindrica, often known as cogon grass, is a low-cost and useful sorbent for absorbing oil and optimising processes. The effects of temperature, time, packing density and oil concentration on oil absorption efficiency were investigated and optimised utilising one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) and response surface methodology (RSM) approaches. Temperature and oil concentration are two important variables in the oil absorption process. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis were used to characterise cogon grass. After treatment and oil absorption, the FTIR method indicated new formation and deformation of functional groups, while SEM revealed changes in the surface and texture of cogon grass, including a roughened and jagged surface. Validation of the RSM model yielded 93.54% efficiency with 22.45 mL oil absorbed at 128 °C temperature and 36 (v/v)% oil concentration while keeping packing density and time constant at 30 min and 0.20 g/cm3, respectively. This study may provide an insight into the usefulness of a statistical approach to maximise the oil absorption of cogon grass as an oil sorbent.
Automatic Electrodiagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Machine Learning
Authors: Tsamis Konstantinos I. , Kontogiannis Prokopis , Gourgiotis Ioannis , Ntabos Stefanos , Sarmas Ioannis , Manis George
Published: November 2021

Recent literature has revealed a long discussion about the importance and necessity of nerve conduction studies in carpal tunnel syndrome management. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of automatic detection, based on electrodiagnostic features, for the median nerve mononeuropathy and decision making about carpal tunnel syndrome. The study included 38 volunteers, examined prospectively. The purpose was to investigate the possibility of automatically detecting the median nerve mononeuropathy based on common electrodiagnostic criteria, used in everyday clinical practice, as well as new features selected based on physiology and mathematics. Machine learning techniques were used to combine the examined characteristics for a stable and accurate diagnosis. Automatic electrodiagnosis reached an accuracy of 95% compared to the standard neurophysiological diagnosis of the physicians with nerve conduction studies and 89% compared to the clinical diagnosis. The results show that the automatic detection of carpal tunnel syndrome is possible and can be employed in decision making, excluding human error. It is also shown that the novel features investigated can be used for the detection of the syndrome, complementary to the commonly used ones, increasing the accuracy of the method.
High-Resolution Imaging for the Analysis and Reconstruction of 3D Microenvironments for Regenerative Medicine: An Application-Focused Review
Authors: Klontzas Michail E. , Protonotarios Alexandros
Published: November 2021

The rapid evolution of regenerative medicine and its associated scientific fields, such as tissue engineering, has provided great promise for multiple applications where replacement and regeneration of damaged or lost tissue is required. In order to evaluate and optimise the tissue engineering techniques, visualisation of the material of interest is crucial. This includes monitoring of the cellular behaviour, extracellular matrix composition, scaffold structure, and other crucial elements of biomaterials. Non-invasive visualisation of artificial tissues is important at all stages of development and clinical translation. A variety of preclinical and clinical imaging methods—including confocal multiphoton microscopy, optical coherence tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT)—have been used for the evaluation of artificial tissues. This review attempts to present the imaging methods available to assess the composition and quality of 3D microenvironments, as well as their integration with human tissues once implanted in the human body. The review provides tissue-specific application examples to demonstrate the applicability of such methods on cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and neural tissue engineering.
New Insights on the Relationship between Leptin, Ghrelin, and Leptin/Ghrelin Ratio Enforced by Body Mass Index in Obesity and Diabetes
Authors: Sitar-Tǎut Adela-Viviana , Cozma Angela , Fodor Adriana , Coste Sorina-Cezara , Orasan Olga Hilda , Negrean Vasile , Pop Dana , Sitar-Tǎut Dan-Andrei
Published: November 2021

Currently, adipose tissue is considered an endocrine organ, however, there are still many questions regarding the roles of adipokines—leptin and ghrelin being two adipokines. The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between the adipokines and their ratio with obesity and diabetes. Methods: Sixty patients (mean age 61.88 ± 10.08) were evaluated. Cardiovascular risk factors, leptin, ghrelin, and insulin resistance score values were assessed. The patients were classified according to their body mass index (BMI) as normal weight, overweight, and obese. Results: 20% normal weight, 51.7% overweight, 28.3% obese, and 23.3% diabetic. Obese patients had higher leptin values (in obese 34,360 pg/mL vs. overweight 18,000 pg/mL vs. normal weight 14,350 pg/mL, p = 0.0049) and leptin/ghrelin ratio (1055 ± 641 vs. 771.36 ± 921 vs. 370.7 ± 257, p = 0.0228). Stratifying the analyses according to the presence of obesity and patients’ gender, differences were found for leptin (p = 0.0020 in women, p = 0.0055 in men) and leptin/ghrelin ratio (p = 0.048 in women, p = 0.004 in men). Mean leptin/BMI and leptin/ghrelin/BMI ratios were significantly higher, and the ghrelin/BMI ratio was significantly lower in obese and diabetic patients. In conclusion, obesity and diabetes are associated with changes not only in the total amount but also in the level of adipokines/kg/m2. Changes appear even in overweight subjects, offering a basis for early intervention in diabetic and obese patients.
Multi-Target Effects of Novel Synthetic Coumarin Derivatives Protecting Aβ-GFP SH-SY5Y Cells against Aβ Toxicity
Authors: Huang Ching-Chia , Chang Kuo-Hsuan , Chiu Ya-Jen , Chen Yi-Ru , Lung Tsai-Hui , Hsieh-Li Hsiu Mei , Su Ming-Tsan , Sun Ying-Chieh , Chen Chiung-Mei , Lin Wenwei , Lee-Chen Guey-Jen
Published: November 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease presenting with progressive memory and cognitive impairments. One of the pathogenic mechanisms of AD is attributed to the aggregation of misfolded amyloid β (Aβ), which induces neurotoxicity by reducing the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its high-affinity receptor tropomyosin-related kinase B (TRKB) and increasing oxidative stress, caspase-1, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities. Here, we have found the potential of two novel synthetic coumarin derivatives, ZN014 and ZN015, for the inhibition of Aβ and neuroprotection in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell models for AD. In SH-SY5Y cells expressing the GFP-tagged Aβ-folding reporter, both ZN compounds reduced Aβ aggregation, oxidative stress, activities of caspase-1 and AChE, as well as increased neurite outgrowth. By activating TRKB-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT) signaling, these two ZN compounds also upregulated the cAMP-response-element binding protein (CREB) and its downstream BDNF and anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2). Knockdown of TRKB attenuated the neuroprotective effects of ZN014 and ZN015. A parallel artificial membrane permeability assay showed that ZN014 and ZN015 could be characterized as blood–brain barrier permeable. Our results suggest ZN014 and ZN015 as novel therapeutic candidates for AD and demonstrate that ZN014 and ZN015 reduce Aβ neurotoxicity via pleiotropic mechanisms.
The Challenges and Opportunities in the Development of MicroRNA Therapeutics: A Multidisciplinary Viewpoint
Authors: Momin Mohammad Yahya , Gaddam Ravinder Reddy , Kravitz Madeline , Gupta Anisha , Vikram Ajit
Published: November 2021

microRNAs (miRs) are emerging as attractive therapeutic targets because of their small size, specific targetability, and critical role in disease pathogenesis. However, <20 miR targeting molecules have entered clinical trials, and none progressed to phase III. The difficulties in miR target identification, the moderate efficacy of miR inhibitors, cell type-specific delivery, and adverse outcomes have impeded the development of miR therapeutics. These hurdles are rooted in the functional complexity of miR’s role in disease and sequence complementarity-dependent/-independent effects in nontarget tissues. The advances in understanding miR’s role in disease, the development of efficient miR inhibitors, and innovative delivery approaches have helped resolve some of these hurdles. In this review, we provide a multidisciplinary viewpoint on the challenges and opportunities in the development of miR therapeutics.
Contemporary Physical Clone-Resistant Identity for IoTs and Emerging Technologies
Authors: Hamadaqa Emad , Mulhem Saleh , Adi Wael , Berekovic Mladen
Published: November 2021

Internet of things (IoT) technologies have recently gained much interest from numerous industries, where devices, machines, sensors, or simply things are linked with each other over open communication networks. However, such an operation environment brings new security threats and technology challenges in securing and stabilizing such large systems in the IoT world. Device identity in such an environment is an essential security requirement as a secure anchor for most applications towards clone-resistant resilient operational security. This paper analyzes different contemporary authenticated identification techniques and discusses possible future technologies for physically clone-resistant IoT units. Two categories of identification techniques to counteract cloning IoT units are discussed. The first category is inherently cloneable and includes the classical identification mechanisms based on secret and public key cryptography. Such techniques deploy mainly secret keys stored permanently somewhere in the IoT devices as classical means to make units clone-resistant. However, such techniques are inherently cloneable as the manufacturer or device personalizers can clone them by re-using the same secret key (which must be known to somebody) or reveal keys to third parties to create cloned entities. In contrast, the second, more resilient category is inherently unclonable because it deploys unknown and hard to predict born analog modules such as physical unclonable functions (PUFs) or mutated digital modules and so-called secret unknown ciphers (SUCs). Both techniques are DNA-like identities and hard to predict and clone even by the manufacturer itself. Born PUFs were introduced two decades ago; however, PUFs as analog functions failed to serve as practically usable unclonable electronic identities due to being costly, unstable/inconsistent, and non-practical for mass application. To overcome the drawbacks of analog PUFs, SUCs techniques were introduced a decade ago. SUCs, as mutated modules, are highly consistent, being digital modules. However, as self-mutated digital modules, they offer only clone-resistant identities. Therefore, the SUC technique is proposed as a promising clone-resistant technology embedded in emerging IoT units in non-volatile self-reconfiguring devices. The main threats and expected security requirements in the emerging IoT applications are postulated. Finally, the presented techniques are analyzed, classified, and compared considering security, performance, and complexity given future expected IoT security features and requirements.
Transport and Mobility Needs for an Ageing Society from a Policy Perspective: Review and Implications
Authors: Lin Dong , Cui Jianqiang
Published: November 2021

The world population is ageing, and many countries in the world are confronted by significant challenges in adapting their health and social systems to meet the requirements of this demographic change. It is well-accepted that mobility is often closely linked to a person’s independence, wellbeing and quality of life. Interest has increased across the world with regard to how the mobility needs of an ageing society can be addressed, since an ageing population is confronting nations across the globe and poses long-term challenges on a nation’s many aspects, including transport. Questions of how future policies can better respond to the mobility needs of an ageing population and how these policies can be delivered have emerged as major concerns for transport planners, operators and decision-makers. This review explores the way in which implemented policies have addressed the mobility needs of an ageing society, focusing on the provision of accessible, safe and affordable transport. More specifically, the paper reviews legislative and institutional approaches of addressing the mobility needs of an ageing population. The paper discusses the outcomes of these approaches and the remaining challenges in this policy area that relate to elderly people’s mobility and provides future research directions. Based on the discussion, clear conclusions about the effectiveness of particular policies are difficult to make. Alternative approaches (e.g., technological innovations) need to be considered in addressing older people’s mobility needs.
Thermomechanical Impact of the Single-Lip Deep Hole Drilling on the Surface Integrity on the Example of Steel Components
Authors: Nickel Jan , Baak Nikolas , Volke Pascal , Walther Frank , Biermann Dirk
Published: November 2021

The fatigue behavior of components made of quenched and tempered steel alloys is of elementary importance, especially in the automotive industry. To a great extent, the components’ fatigue strength is influenced by the surface integrity properties. For machined components, the generated surface is often exposed to the highest thermomechanical loads, potentially resulting in transformations of the subsurface microstructure and hardness as well as the residual stress state. While the measurement of the mechanical load using dynamometers is well established, in-process temperature measurements are challenging, especially for drilling processes due to the process kinematics and the difficult to access cutting zone. To access the impact of the thermomechanical load during the single-lip drilling process on the produced surface integrity, an in-process measurement was developed and applied for different cutting parameters. By using a two-color pyrometer for temperature measurements at the tool’s cutting edge in combination with a dynamometer for measuring the occurring force and torque, the influence of different cutting parameter variations on the thermomechanical impact on the bore surface are evaluated. By correlating force and temperature values with the resultant surface integrity, a range of process parameters can be determined in which the highest dynamic strength of the samples is expected. Thermally induced defects, such as the formation of white etching layers (WEL), can be avoided by the exact identification of critical parameter combinations whereas a mechanically induced microstructure refinement and the induction of residual compressive stresses in the subsurface zone is targeted. Further, eddy-current analysis as a non-destructive method for surface integrity evaluation is used for the characterization of the surface integrity properties.
COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis: A Single-Center Experience in Central Valley, California, January 2020–March 2021
Authors: Sivasubramanian Geetha , Ghanem Hebah , Maison-Fomotar Michele , Jain Ratnali , Libke Robert
Published: November 2021

Reports of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) have been widely published across the world since the onset of the pandemic with varying incidence rates. We retrospectively studied all patients with severe COVID-19 infection who were admitted to our tertiary care center′s intensive care units between January 2020 and March 2021, who also had respiratory cultures positive for Aspergillus species. Among a large cohort of 970 patients admitted to the ICU with severe COVID-19 infections during our study period, 48 patients had Aspergillus species growing in respiratory cultures. Based on the 2020 European Confederation of Medical Mycology and the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ECMM/ISHAM) consensus criteria, 2 patients in the study had proven CAPA, 9 had probable CAPA, and 37 had possible CAPA. The incidence of CAPA was 5%. The mean duration from a positive COVID-19 test to Aspergillus spp. being recovered from the respiratory cultures was 16 days, and more than half of the patients had preceding fever or worsening respiratory failure despite adequate support and management. Antifungals were given for treatment in 44% of the patients for a mean duration of 13 days. The overall mortality rate in our study population was extremely high with death occurring in 40/48 patients (83%).
How Dopamine Influences Survival and Cellular Immune Response of Rhipicephalus microplus Inoculated with Metarhizium anisopliae
Authors: Corrêa Thaís Almeida , Fiorotti Jéssica , Mesquita Emily , Meirelles Laura Nóbrega , Camargo Mariana Guedes , Coutinho-Rodrigues Caio Junior Balduino , Marciano Allan Felipe , Bittencourt Vânia Rita Elias Pinheiro , Golo Patrícia Silva
Published: November 2021

Dopamine (DA) is a biogenic monoamine reported to modulate insect hemocytes. Although the immune functions of DA are known in insects, there is a lack of knowledge of DA’s role in the immune system of ticks. The use of Metarhizium anisopliae has been considered for tick control, driving studies on the immune response of these arthropods challenged with fungi. The present study evaluated the effect of DA on the cellular immune response and survival of Rhipicephalus microplus inoculated with M. anisopliae blastospores. Exogenous DA increased both ticks’ survival 72 h after M. anisopliae inoculation and the number of circulating hemocytes compared to the control group, 24 h after the treatment. The phagocytic index of tick hemocytes challenged with M. anisopliae did not change upon injection of exogenous DA. Phenoloxidase activity in the hemolymph of ticks injected with DA and the fungus or exclusively with DA was higher than in untreated ticks or ticks inoculated with the fungus alone, 72 h after treatment. DA was detected in the hemocytes of fungus-treated and untreated ticks. Unveiling the cellular immune response in ticks challenged with entomopathogenic fungi is important to improve strategies for the biological control of these ectoparasites.
Employment in Tourism Industries: Are There Subsectors with a Potentially Higher Level of Income?
Authors: Dorta-González Pablo , González-Betancor Sara M.
Published: November 2021

This work analyzes the tourist sector, the employment generated by the tourism industries, and its relationship with tourism receipts. The hypothesis is that there are tourist subsectors with a potentially higher level of income. The article studies the impact of the distribution of the employed population in the different subsectors of the tourism industry, controlling for the most important economic variables, on the level of income per arrival in 24 OECD countries, using panel data for the period 2008–2018. As its main result, the model indicates that the labor force that increases most the receipts per arrival is the ‘travel agencies and other reservation services’, followed by the ‘sports and recreation industry’ labor force, while having a large labor force in the ‘food and beverage’ or ‘cultural industry’ operates in the opposite direction.
Predictive Constructions Based on Measure-Valued Pólya Urn Processes
Authors: Fortini Sandra , Petrone Sonia , Sariev Hristo
Published: November 2021

Measure-valued Pólya urn processes (MVPP) are Markov chains with an additive structure that serve as an extension of the generalized k-color Pólya urn model towards a continuum of possible colors. We prove that, for any MVPP (μn)n≥0 on a Polish space X, the normalized sequence (μn/μn(X))n≥0 agrees with the marginal predictive distributions of some random process (Xn)n≥1. Moreover, μn=μn−1+RXn, n≥1, where x↦Rx is a random transition kernel on X; thus, if μn−1 represents the contents of an urn, then Xn denotes the color of the ball drawn with distribution μn−1/μn−1(X) and RXn—the subsequent reinforcement. In the case RXn=WnδXn, for some non-negative random weights W1,W2,…, the process (Xn)n≥1 is better understood as a randomly reinforced extension of Blackwell and MacQueen’s Pólya sequence. We study the asymptotic properties of the predictive distributions and the empirical frequencies of (Xn)n≥1 under different assumptions on the weights. We also investigate a generalization of the above models via a randomization of the law of the reinforcement.
Temporal Degree-Degree and Closeness-Closeness: A New Centrality Metrics for Social Network Analysis
Authors: Elmezain Mahmoud , Othman Ebtesam A. , Ibrahim Hani M.
Published: November 2021

In the area of network analysis, centrality metrics play an important role in defining the “most important” actors in a social network. However, nowadays, most types of networks are dynamic, meaning their topology changes over time. The connection weights and the strengths of social links between nodes are an important concept in a social network. The new centrality measures are proposed for weighted networks, which relies on a time-ordered weighted graph model, generalized temporal degree and closeness centrality. Furthermore, two measures—Temporal Degree-Degree and Temporal Closeness-Closeness—are employed to better understand the significance of nodes in weighted dynamic networks. Our study is caried out according to real dynamic weighted networks dataset of a university-based karate club. Through extensive experiments and discussions of the proposed metrics, our analysis proves that there is an effectiveness on the impact of each node throughout social networks.
Multi-Robot Routing Problem with Min–Max Objective
Authors: David Jennifer , Rögnvaldsson Thorsteinn
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we study the “Multi-Robot Routing problem” with min–max objective (MRR-MM) in detail. It involves the assignment of sequentially ordered tasks to robots such that the maximum cost of the slowest robot is minimized. The problem description, the different types of formulations, and the methods used across various research communities are discussed in this paper. We propose a new problem formulation by treating this problem as a permutation matrix. A comparative study is done between three methods: Stochastic simulated annealing, deterministic mean-field annealing, and a heuristic-based graph search method. Each method is investigated in detail with several data sets (simulation and real-world), and the results are analysed and compared with respect to scalability, computational complexity, optimality, and its application to real-world scenarios. The paper shows that the heuristic method produces results very quickly with good scalability. However, the solution quality is sub-optimal. On the other hand, when optimal or near-optimal results are required with considerable computational resources, the simulated annealing method proves to be more efficient. However, the results show that the optimal choice of algorithm depends on the dataset size and the available computational budget. The contribution of the paper is three-fold: We study the MRR-MM problem in detail across various research communities. This study also shows the lack of inter-research terminology that has led to different names for the same problem. Secondly, formulating the task allocation problem as a permutation matrix formulation has opened up new approaches to solve this problem. Thirdly, we applied our problem formulation to three different methods and conducted a detailed comparative study using real-world and simulation data.
Towards Automated Analysis of Grain Spikes in Greenhouse Images Using Neural Network Approaches: A Comparative Investigation of Six Methods
Authors: Ullah Sajid , Henke Michael , Narisetti Narendra , Panzarová Klára , Trtílek Martin , Hejatko Jan , Gladilin Evgeny
Published: November 2021

Automated analysis of small and optically variable plant organs, such as grain spikes, is highly demanded in quantitative plant science and breeding. Previous works primarily focused on the detection of prominently visible spikes emerging on the top of the grain plants growing in field conditions. However, accurate and automated analysis of all fully and partially visible spikes in greenhouse images renders a more challenging task, which was rarely addressed in the past. A particular difficulty for image analysis is represented by leaf-covered, occluded but also matured spikes of bushy crop cultivars that can hardly be differentiated from the remaining plant biomass. To address the challenge of automated analysis of arbitrary spike phenotypes in different grain crops and optical setups, here, we performed a comparative investigation of six neural network methods for pattern detection and segmentation in RGB images, including five deep and one shallow neural network. Our experimental results demonstrate that advanced deep learning methods show superior performance, achieving over 90% accuracy by detection and segmentation of spikes in wheat, barley and rye images. However, spike detection in new crop phenotypes can be performed more accurately than segmentation. Furthermore, the detection and segmentation of matured, partially visible and occluded spikes, for which phenotypes substantially deviate from the training set of regular spikes, still represent a challenge to neural network models trained on a limited set of a few hundreds of manually labeled ground truth images. Limitations and further potential improvements of the presented algorithmic frameworks for spike image analysis are discussed. Besides theoretical and experimental investigations, we provide a GUI-based tool (SpikeApp), which shows the application of pre-trained neural networks to fully automate spike detection, segmentation and phenotyping in images of greenhouse-grown plants.
Individualised Ball Speed Prediction in Baseball Pitching Based on IMU Data
Authors: Gomaz Larisa , Veeger DirkJan , van der Graaff Erik , van Trigt Bart , van der Meulen Frank
Published: November 2021

Ball velocity is considered an important performance measure in baseball pitching. Proper pitching mechanics play an important role in both maximising ball velocity and injury-free participation of baseball pitchers. However, an individual pitcher’s characteristics display individuality and may contribute to velocity imparted to the ball. The aim of this study is to predict ball velocity in baseball pitching, such that prediction is tailored to the individual pitcher, and to investigate the added value of the individuality to predictive performance. Twenty-five youth baseball pitchers, members of a national youth baseball team and six baseball academies in The Netherlands, performed ten baseball pitches with maximal effort. The angular velocity of pelvis and trunk were measured with IMU sensors placed on pelvis and sternum, while the ball velocity was measured with a radar gun. We develop three Bayesian regression models with different predictors which were subsequently evaluated based on predictive performance. We found that pitcher’s height adds value to ball velocity prediction based on body segment rotation. The developed method provides a feasible and affordable method for ball velocity prediction in baseball pitching.
Assessment of Impact Energy Harvesting in Composite Beams with Piezoelectric Transducers
Authors: Margelis Nikolaos , Plagianakos Theofanis S. , Karydis-Karandreas Panagiotis , Papadopoulos Evangelos G.
Published: November 2021

Piezoelectric energy harvesting (PEH) is studied in the case of a low-velocity impact of a rigid mass on a composite beam. A methodology is outlined, encompassing modelling of the open-circuit impact response in a finite element (FE) package, formulation of a lumped parameter (LP) model for the piezoelectric transducer connected with the harvesting circuit, and experimental verification of the impact using a custom portable configuration with impactor motion control. The subcircuit capacitor charging effect, the impactor mass and velocity on the harvesting subcircuit response, and the obtained output power are quantified. The results indicate that the current methodology can be used as a design tool for the structure and the harvesting circuit to achieve power output from composite beams with piezoelectric patches under impact conditions.
Broken Rotor Bar Detection in Induction Motors through Contrast Estimation
Authors: Ferrucho-Alvarez Edna Rocio , Martinez-Herrera Ana Laura , Cabal-Yepez Eduardo , Rodriguez-Donate Carlos , Lopez-Ramirez Misael , Mata-Chavez Ruth Ivonne
Published: November 2021

Induction motors (IM) are key components of any industrial process; hence, it is important to carry out continuous monitoring to detect incipient faults in them in order to avoid interruptions on production lines. Broken rotor bars (BRBs), which are among the most regular and most complex to detect faults, have attracted the attention of many researchers, who are searching for reliable methods to recognize this condition with high certainty. Most proposed techniques in the literature are applied during the IM startup transient, making it necessary to develop more efficient fault detection techniques able to carry out fault identification during the IM steady state. In this work, a novel methodology based on motor current signal analysis and contrast estimation is introduced for BRB detection. It is worth noting that contrast has mainly been used in image processing for analyzing texture, and, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, it has never been used for diagnosing the operative condition of an induction motor. Experimental results from applying the approach put forward validate Unser and Tamura contrast definitions as useful indicators for identifying and classifying an IM operational condition as healthy, one broken bar (1BB), or two broken bars (2BB), with high certainty during its steady state.
On the Sensing and Calibration of Residual Stresses Measurements in the Incremental Hole-Drilling Method
Authors: Ammar Mohamed , Shirinzadeh Bijan , Lai Kai , Wei Weichen
Published: November 2021

The current study presents three calibration approaches for the hole-drilling method (HDM). A total of 72 finite element models and 144 simulations were established to calibrate the measurements of the strain sensors. The first approach assumed the stresses acted on the boundaries of the drilled hole and thus analyzed the surrounding displacements field. The second analysis considered the loads on the outer surfaces of the specimen while measuring the strains’ differences between the model with and without the drilled hole. The third approach was more comprehensive as it considered the mechanical and thermal effects of the drilling operations. The proposed approaches were applied to two different materials (AISI 1045 and CFRP). The steel specimens were machined using a CNC lathe while the composite laminates were manufactured using the robotic fiber placement (RFP) process. Subsequently, the residual stresses (RSs) were measured using the HDM. The obtained data were compared with X-ray diffraction measurements for validation. The results showed better estimation of the RSs when utilizing the third approach and clear underestimation of the stresses using the second approach. A divergence in RSs values between the three approaches was also detected when measuring the stresses in the internal layers of the composite laminates.
Location-Aware Node Management Solution for Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity Scenarios
Authors: Burgueño Jesús , de-la-Bandera Isabel , Barco Raquel
Published: November 2021

The location of user equipments (UEs) allows application developers to customize the services for users to perceive an enhanced experience. In addition, this UE location enables network operators to develop location-aware solutions to optimize network resource management. Moreover, the combination of location-aware approaches and new network features introduced by 5G enables to further improve the network performance. In this sense, dual connectivity (DC) allows users to simultaneously communicate with two nodes. The basic strategy proposed by 3GPP to select these nodes is based only on the power received by the users. However, the network performance could be enhanced if an alternative methodology is proposed to make this decision. This paper proposes, instead of power-based selection, to choose the nodes that provide the highest quality of experience (QoE) to the user. With this purpose, the proposed system uses the UE location as well as multiple network metrics as inputs. A dense urban scenario is assumed to test the solution in a system-level simulation tool. The results show that the optimal selection varies depending on the UE location, as well as the increase in the QoE perceived by users of different services.
Mode Sensitivity Exploration of Silica–Titania Waveguide for Refractive Index Sensing Applications
Authors: Butt Muhammad A. , Kaźmierczak Andrzej , Tyszkiewicz Cuma , Karasiński Paweł , Piramidowicz Ryszard
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a novel and cost-effective photonic platform based on silica–titania material is discussed. The silica–titania thin films were grown utilizing the sol–gel dip-coating method and characterized with the help of the prism-insertion technique. Afterwards, the mode sensitivity analysis of the silica–titania ridge waveguide is investigated via the finite element method. Silica–titania waveguide systems are highly attractive due to their ease of development, low fabrication cost, low propagation losses and operation in both visible and near-infrared wavelength ranges. Finally, a ring resonator (RR) sensor device was modelled for refractive index sensing applications, offering a sensitivity of 230 nm/RIU, a figure of merit (FOM) of 418.2 RIU−1, and Q-factor of 2247.5 at the improved geometric parameters. We believe that the abovementioned integrated photonics platform is highly suitable for high-performance and economically reasonable optical sensing devices.
Characteristics and Problems of Smart City Development in China
Authors: Huang Kaihui , Luo Weijie , Zhang Weiwei , Li Jinhai
Published: November 2021

The rapid expansion of urbanization both in scale and population leads to a series of serious urban diseases, which become a huge obstacle to the healthy and sustainable development of cities. To alleviate these problems and challenges, China launched a smart city construction program in the past decade and has taken the lead in smart city construction in the world. However, there is still a lack of reflection and summary on the practice of smart cities in China. Based on the definition and concept of smart city, this paper points out the internal and external driving factors of China’s smart city development, then summarizes the four major characteristics of China’s smart city construction practice, and explores the main problems existing in the process of China’s smart city construction. Through the reflection and summary, we can facilitate development of smart cities in China, provide useful reference to urban planners and smart city practitioners in other countries and regions, and promote the healthy and sustainable development of cities.
Seasonality of Acute Lyme Disease in Children
Authors: Sundheim Kathryn , Levas Michael , Balamuth Fran , Thompson Amy , Neville Desiree , Garro Aris , Kharbanda Anupam , Monuteaux Michael , Nigrovic Lise
Published: November 2021

Due to the life cycle of its vector, Lyme disease has known seasonal variation. However, investigations focused on children have been limited. Our objective was to evaluate the seasonality of pediatric Lyme disease in three endemic regions in the United States. We enrolled children presenting to one of eight Pedi Lyme Net participating emergency departments. Cases were classified based on presenting symptoms: early (single erythema migrans (EM) lesion), early-disseminated (multiple EM lesions, headache, cranial neuropathy, or carditis), or late (arthritis). We defined a case of Lyme disease by the presence of an EM lesion or a positive two-tier Lyme disease serology. To measure seasonal variability, we estimated Fourier regression models to capture cyclical patterns in Lyme disease incidence. While most children with early or early-disseminated Lyme disease presented during the summer months, children with Lyme arthritis presented throughout the year. Clinicians should consider Lyme disease when evaluating children with acute arthritis throughout the year.
Feasibility Study for a Randomised Controlled Trial for the Topical Treatment of Impetigo in Australian General Practice
Authors: Gorges Hilary , Hall Leanne , Heal Clare
Published: November 2021

Impetigo affects millions of children worldwide. Most guidelines recommend antibiotics as first-line treatment; however, topical antiseptics present a potentially valuable, understudied, antibiotic-sparing treatment for mild impetigo. We aimed to determine the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing efficacy of soft white paraffin (SWP), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and mupirocin for mild impetigo. Participants were recruited from general practices and randomly assigned one of three treatments. Size and number of lesions were measured at the initial consultation and day six. Post-recruitment, interviews with general practitioners were transcribed and themes identified to determine protocol acceptability, recruitment barriers and avenues to improve delivery. Two participants received SWP (n = 1) and mupirocin (n = 1). Both commenced oral antibiotics following failure of assigned topical treatment in which lesions increased in size or number. Recruitment barriers included reduced presentation of impetigo due to COVID-19, pre-treatment with existing at-home medications and moderate/severe infection. Childcare centers and pharmacies were identified as alternative venues to improve the recruitment rate. Valuable insight was gained into the practicality of conducting a RCT of impetigo treatments in general practice. Future trials should consider recruiting outside of general practice clinics to capture patients at earlier, more mild stages of infection. Further investigation into the prevalence and impact of use of at-home expired antibiotics may be beneficial.
Legal regulation of the customs procedure of the free customs zone in the EAEU
Authors: Tugushev Anton Konstantinovic
Published: November 2021

In this article, the author analyzes the application of the customs procedure of the free customs zone in the space of the Eurasian Economic Union. The legal framework was considered as a regulative factor, taking into account a territorial aspect. In addition, the features of goods declaration and the completion of the procedure were established. Based on the conducted research, the author concludes that the determination of the country of origin of the goods, completion of the customs procedure, and the establishment of the obligation to pay fees are the key issues and require both theoretical studies and regulatory improvements.
Internet promotion of market services in the field of tourism and recreation
Authors: Glagoleva L.E. , Zatsepilina N.P. , Kovaleva E.N. , Zatsepilina L.S. , Sandberg A.B. , Sekhniev M.E.
Published: November 2021

The article reveals the possibilities of eff ective use of online promotion of market services in the fi eld of tourism and recreation. The ways of promoting a tourist product are considered. The most common methods for promoting a product by organizations in this industry include product promotion through creating their own page, electronic advertising, online promotions, direct mail, PR technologies, participation in international exhibitions and fairs on the Internet.
Formation of priority development territories in the Far Eastern Federal District as the most important component of Eurasian integration
Authors: Stepanov Kirill Igorevich , Orlov Sergey Leonidovich
Published: November 2021

The modern model of socio-economic development of Russia has formed in the past few years under the influence of global financial challenges and unpredictable political circumstances. This requires a search for new directions of strategic development sources, which are based on a truly historical transformation of the most promising areas in several subjects of the Far Eastern Federal District. Without rejecting the prevailing imperative of "European" direction of cooperation, such an approach could be a turning point in Russia's development for years to come and ensure the strengthening of the Eurasian integration processes.
El Análisis bibliométrico de la producción científica de Ecuador en ciencias agrícolas durante el periodo 2000 – 2020
Authors: Estevan Arevalo , Llerena Paz Manuel Andrés , Ávila Bailón John Alejandro
Published: November 2021

El presente artículo se estructuró mediante herramientas de indicadores bibliométricos, la actividad científica se subcategorizó en diferentes estratos para su análisis entre ello: a) provincias de mayor producción científica, b) producción científica por entes institucionales, c) autores más productivos, d) países de procedencia como por ejemplo: Ecuador, Panamá, y Estados Unidos, e) palabras clave como: Ecuador, agricultura, biodiversity y communities, f) idioma de procedencia, g) afiliación institucional, h) género de los autores y finalmente i) contenidos temáticos más relevantes que fueron: en áreas agrícolas, diversidad de técnicas para el desarrollo agropecuario e investigaciones de índole rural – urbano. El objetivo de la investigación fue conocer la evolución que ha tenido la disciplina de las ciencias agrarias en el Ecuador dentro del periodo de estudio. La metodología implementada fue de carácter descriptivo y de diseño bibliográfico. Todo aquello extraído de artículos arbitrados y contenidos en las consecutivas plataformas de reseñas bibliográficas: a) Web of Science, b) Science Direct, c) Scopus y d) Crossref. Los principales resultados de la investigación demostraron que el 83,33% de la producción científica se agrupó en tres provincias del Ecuador entre ellas: Guayas con el 29,31%, Pichincha con el 36,78% y Azuay con el 17,24%. Finalmente, las futuras investigaciones generarán un análisis bibliométrico de la generación de ingreso del sector agropecuario, es decir en cuanto contribuye el subsector agrícola, ganadero, pecuario y apicultor al Producto Interno Bruto (PIB) del Ecuador.