bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speech Localization at Low Bitrates in Wireless Acoustics Sensor Networks
Authors: Mansali Mariem Bouafif , Zarazaga Pablo Pérez , Bäckström Tom , Lachiri Zied
Published: March 2022

The use of speech source localization (SSL) and its applications offer great possibilities for the design of speaker local positioning systems with wireless acoustic sensor networks (WASNs). Recent works have shown that data-driven front-ends can outperform traditional algorithms for SSL when trained to work in specific domains, depending on factors like reverberation and noise levels. However, such localization models consider localization directly from raw sensor observations, without consideration for transmission losses in WASNs. In contrast, when sensors reside in separate real-life devices, we need to quantize, encode and transmit sensor data, decreasing the performance of localization, especially when the transmission bitrate is low. In this work, we investigate the effect of low bitrate transmission on a Direction of Arrival (DoA) estimator. We analyze a deep neural network (DNN) based framework performance as a function of the audio encoding bitrate for compressed signals by employing recent communication codecs including PyAWNeS, Opus, EVS, and Lyra. Experimental results show that training the DNN on input encoded with the PyAWNeS codec at 16.4 kB/s can improve the accuracy significantly, and up to 50% of accuracy degradation at a low bitrate for almost all codecs can be recovered. Our results further show that for the best accuracy of the trained model when one of the two channels can be encoded with a bitrate higher than 32 kB/s, it is optimal to have the raw data for the second channel. However, for a lower bitrate, it is preferable to similarly encode the two channels. More importantly, for practical applications, a more generalized model trained with a randomly selected codec for each channel, shows a large accuracy gain when at least one of the two channels is encoded with PyAWNeS.
Dwarfs on the Shoulders of Giants: Bayesian Analysis With Informative Priors in Elite Sports Research and Decision Making
Authors: Hecksteden Anne , Forster Sabrina , Egger Florian , Buder Felix , Kellner Ralf , Meyer Tim
Published: March 2022

While sample sizes in elite sports are necessarily small, so are the effects that may be relevant. This conundrum is complicated by an understandable reluctance of athletes to comply with extensive study requirements. In Bayesian analyses, pre-existing knowledge (e.g., from sub-elite trials) can be formally included to supplement scarce data. Moreover, some design specifics for small sample research extend to the extreme case of a single subject. This provides the basis for actionable feedback (e.g., about individual responses) thereby incentivising participation. As a proof-of-concept, we conducted a replicated cross-over trial on the effect of cold-water immersion (CWI) on sprint performance recovery in soccer players. Times for 30 m linear sprint and the initial 5 m section, respectively, were measured by light gates before and 24 h after induction of fatigue. Data were analysed by Bayesian and by standard frequentist methods. Informative priors are based on a published metaanalysis. Seven players completed the trial. Sprint performance was 4.156 ± 0.193 s for 30 m linear sprint and 0.978 ± 0.064 s for the initial 5 m section. CWI improved recovery of sprint time for the initial 5 m section (difference to control: −0.060 ± 0.060 s, p = 0.004) but not for the full 30 m sprint (0.002 ± 0.115 s, p = 0.959), with general agreement between Bayesian and frequentist interval estimates. On the individual level, relevant differences between analytical approaches were present for most players. Changes in the two performance measures are correlated (p = 0.009) with a fairly good reproducibility of individual response patterns. Bayesian analyses with informative priors may be a practicable and meaningful option particularly for very small samples and when the analytical aim is decision making (use / don't use in the specific setting) rather than generalizable inference.
Scanning Models of Food Systems Resilience in the Indo-Pacific Region
Authors: Friedman Rachel S. , England Rachel M. , Ricketts Katie D. , van Wensveen Monica , Lim-Camacho Lilly , Crimp Steven
Published: March 2022

The Indo-Pacific is a region of the world experiencing rapid growth in population and development. However, it is also exposed to a number of social, economic, geopolitical, and biophysical stressors, which may undermine the region's ability to support its population, ensure food security, and sustain livelihoods. In response to the complex suite of stressors, a number of development initiatives and research programs have been established to build resilience in the region's food systems. These initiatives vary in scope and scale, but also in what they mean by the term resilience and the components of the food system they address. This variation has implications for the outcomes of these efforts and how well they match a theoretical ideal of resilience. This review examines how resilience and food systems are defined, conceptualized, and applied within research studies and projects or initiatives on food systems resilience funded or supported by national, regional, or multilateral government, and non-governmental institutions in the Indo-Pacific region. It also compares how the concepts are treated from an academic or theoretical perspective vs. in practical applications. We take a two-pronged approach: first, identifying organizations engaged in the Indo-Pacific region and developing an inventory of initiatives and projects that have bearing on food systems resilience; and second, carrying out literature searches to record research studies in the region that examine resilience within food systems. We then identify any formalized frameworks or definitions of resilience and/or food systems guiding these projects and studies. The results indicate there is a heavy focus on climate change and natural disasters, and to a lesser extent health-related shocks, in food systems resilience research and practice. Definitions, however, are inconsistently reported, and are often more simplistic than resilience theory depicts, favoring resilience conceptualizations around adaptation and a production-oriented food systems framing. While the specific definitions vary between research and applied projects, the fragmented and ambiguous use of terms presents a challenge for policy applications and coordination. Overall, establishing some clear guiding resilience principles, modified according to contextual factors, could enable more streamlined resilience work in Indo-Pacific food systems.
The Prognostic Significance and Gene Expression Characteristics of Gastric Signet-Ring Cell Carcinoma: A Study Based on the SEER and TCGA Databases
Authors: Ma Junren , Meng Yan , Zhou Xin , Guo Limei , Fu Wei
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study is based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program to explore the prognostic differences between signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRC) and intestinal-type gastric carcinoma (ITGC). This study is also based on gene sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to identify unique genetic contributions to the prognostic differences between the two subtypes of gastric cancer.

Patients and Methods

The clinical data were based on the SEER database from 2004 to 2015. Kaplan–Meier (KM) curves were used to compare 5-year overall survival (OS), and Cox regression was used for univariate and multivariate analyses. Gene expression profiles were obtained from TCGA database, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened. Functional enrichment analysis, protein interaction and survival analysis will be further carried out. Genes of interest were verified by the Human Protein Atlas, immunohistochemistry, and encyclopedia of Cancer Cell Lines (CCLE). The relationship between genes of interest and immune cell infiltration was also analyzed by Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER).

Results

Compared with ITGC patients, SRC patients were more likely to be female, tended to be younger, and have a greater tumor distribution in the middle and lower stomach (p < 0.01). SRCs showed a significantly better prognosis than ITGCs (p < 0.01) in early gastric cancer (EGC), while the prognosis of SRCs was significantly worse than ITGCs (p < 0.05) in advanced gastric cancer (AGC). A total of 256 DEGs were screened in SRCs compared to ITGCs, and the enrichment analysis and protein interactions revealed that differential genes were mainly related to extracellular matrix organization. Thrombospondin1 (THBS1) and serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade E, member 1 (SERPINE1) are significantly differentially expressed between SRC and ITGC, which has been preliminarily verified by immunohistochemistry and open-source databases. THBS1 and SERPINE1 are also associated with multiple immune cell infiltrates in gastric cancer.

Conclusions

There were significant differences in the clinicopathological features and prognosis between SRC and ITGC. These results suggest that SRC and ITGC may be two distinct types of tumors with different pathogeneses. We found many codifferentially expressed genes and important pathways between SRC and ITGC. THBS1 and SERPINE1 were significantly differentially expressed in the two types of gastric cancer, and may have potentially important functions.
Shuttle Transfer of mRNA Transcripts via Extracellular Vesicles From Male Reproductive Tract Cells to the Cumulus–Oocyte Complex in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Abumaghaid Mosleh M. , Abdelazim Aaser M. , Belali Tareg M. , Alhujaily Muhanad , Saadeldin Islam M.
Published: March 2022

Semen is known to contain an ovulation-inducing factor (identified as a nerve growth factor, NGF) that shows a significant increase in ovulation after semen deposition in induced ovulatory species. However, the interplay between the male reproductive tract cells and oocyte maturation through messenger RNA (mRNA) cargo is yet to be investigated. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the primary culture of rabbit prostate (pEVs), epididymis (eEVs), and testis (tEVs) were isolated to examine their contents for several mRNA transcripts through relative quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The expressions of NGF, neurotrophin (NTF3), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), A disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17), midkine (MDK), kisspeptin (KISS1), and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GNRH1) were examined in isolated EVs. EVs were characterized through transmission electron microscopy. EV uptake by cumulus cell culture was confirmed through microscopic detection of PKH26-stained EVs. Furthermore, the effects of pEVs, eEVs, and tEVs were compared with NGF (10, 20, and 30 ng/ml) supplementation on oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) and transcript expression. KISS1, NTF3, MDK, ADAM17, GAPDH, and ACTB were detected in all EV types. GNRH1 was detected in tEVs. NGF was detected in pEVs, whereas VEGFA was detected in eEVs. pEVs, eEVs, and 20 ng/ml NGF showed the highest grade of cumulus expansion, followed by tEVs and 10 ng/ml NGF. Control groups and 30 ng/ml NGF showed the least grade of cumulus expansion. Similarly, first polar body (PB) extrusion was significantly increased in oocytes matured with eEVs, pEVs, tEVs, NGF20 (20 ng/ml NGF), NGF10 (10 ng/ml NGF), control, and NGF30 (30 ng/ml NGF). Additionally, the expression of NGFR showed a 1.5-fold increase in cumulus cells supplemented with eEVs compared with the control group, while the expression of PTGS2 (COX2) and NTRK showed 3-fold and 5-fold increase in NGF20-supplemented cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), respectively. Oocyte PMP15 expression showed a 1.8-fold increase in IVM medium supplemented with eEVs. Additionally, oocyte NGFR and NTRK expressions were drastically increased in IVM medium supplemented with pEVS (3.2- and 1.6-fold, respectively) and tEVs (4- and 1.7-fold, respectively). This is the first report to examine the presence of mRNA cargo in the EVs of male rabbit reproductive tract cells that provides a model for the stimulation of female rabbits after semen deposition.
Donkey Skin Trade and Its Non-compliance With Legislative Framework
Authors: Lima Yuri Fernandes , Tatemoto Patricia , Reeves Emily , Burden Faith Adelaide , Santurtun Eduardo
Published: March 2022

Donkeys (Equus asinus) are facing a global crisis. Their welfare, and even survival, is being compromised as the demand for their skins increases. This demand is driven by the need to supply raw materials to produce ejiao, a Traditional Chinese Medicine made from collagen extracted from donkey skins. Since there is no productive chain for donkey skin production outside of China, the global trade is an entirely extractive industry that has resulted in the decimation of some local donkey populations. The donkey skin trade is demonstrably unsustainable, from the ethical issues associated with poor welfare, to the biosecurity and human health risks the trade poses; and it violates both legal frameworks and moral expectations at both a national and global level.
Digitális munkafolyamatok teljes alsó és felső akrilát alaplemezes fogpótlás készítésekor
Authors: Palaszkó Dénes , Kőnig János , Borbély Judit , Hermann Péter , Körmendi Szandra
Published: March 2022

A teljes lemezes fogpótlások készítése nagy múlttal rendelkezik Magyarországon. Megbecsült hagyatéka ez nagy múltú elődeink úttörő újításainak, például Kemény Imre klinikai anatómiai leírásainak, valamint a Kaán Miklós által leírt komplex funkcionális szemléletnek [1], melyek ismerete az új évezredben is iránymutató. Mindezek mellett az elmúlt évtizedekben egyre nagyobb digitális térhódítás tapasztalható a fogászatban a lemezes fogpótlások készítése esetén is.A teljes fogatlanság nem csak a páciensek számára nagy teher, próbára teszi a fogorvos és fogtechnikus szakmai felkészültségét is. Segítségünkre lehet ezen kihívások során az a forradalom, amely megváltoztatta a rögzített pótlások és implantációs protetika mindennapjait. A digitális fejlődés lehetővé teszi, hogy a teljes lemezes fogpótlások különbözőmunkafázisait részben vagy egészben digitális módszerek segítségével oldjuk meg. Esetbemutatásunkban ennek egy lehetséges útvonalát mutatjuk be.
Kétoldali ajak- és szájpadhasadékkal rendelkező páciens protetikai ellátása CAD/CAM technológiával kivitelezett rögzített fogpótlással
Authors: Gallatz Katalin , Kivovics Péter , Németh Orsolya
Published: March 2022

A hasadékkal született páciensek komplex ellátásának befejező szakaszában történik meg a protetikai rehabilitáció, illetve a hasadék teljes zárása, amennyiben a sebészi beavatkozások nem oldották meg a problémát. A protetikai rehabilitációnak köszönhetően a helyreállított rágófunkció mellett tovább javulhat a páciens hangképzése, esztétikai megjelenése, ezen keresztül társadalmi beilleszkedése, szociális kapcsolatai is. Az új fogpótlás enyhítheti a páciens pszichés problémáját, melyet többnyire a külső megjelenés okoz. Így a hosszú rehabilitációs folyamat végén a fejlődési rendellenességgel született gyermek szociális beilleszkedésében nem, vagy kevésbé szenved zavart.A protetikai rehabilitációnál nemcsak a nehezített okklúziós viszonyok (keresztharapás, nyitottharapás, relatív progénia, eltérő tengelyállású pillérfogak stb.), hanem a helyreállító műtétek területének hegesedése, ezáltal beszűkült vestibulum, illetve a processus alveolaris folytonossági hiánya is kihívást jelent a protetikus számára. Ilyen esetekben nagy segítséget nyújt a CAD/CAM eljárás, melynek során a képernyőn megtervezhetjük, láthatjuk a kész fogpótlást, így mind a biomechanikai, mind a higiénés és esztétikai szempontoknak is jobban meg tudunk felelni.Közleményünkben kétoldali, ajak- és szájpadhasadékkal született páciens protetikai rehabilitációját ismertetjük.
Partial Purification and Characterization of the Lectins of Two Varieties of Phaseolus coccineus (Ayocote Bean)
Authors: González-Cruz Leopoldo , Valadez-Vega Carmen , Juárez-Goiz José Mayolo Simitrio , Flores-Martínez Norma Leticia , Montañez-Soto José Luis , Bernardino-Nicanor Aurea
Published: March 2022

In this study, a partial purification and characterization of the lectins from two varieties of Phaseolus coccineus (black and purple ayocote bean) was carried out. A partial purification of the lectins was performed by affinity chromatography on fetuin-agarose. The lectins’ characterization showed that the hemagglutination activity was only inhibited by the fetuin and that the saccharides (mono-, di- and tri-saccharides) do not influence their hemagglutination capacity. A difference in the relative molecular weight between the two Phaseolus varieties was observed, 28.5 kDa for the black variety and 30.6 kDa for the purple variety. In the lectins of both Phaseolus varieties, ions were detected in their structure and influenced their hemagglutination activity, principally to the ion Ca+2; on the other hand, only the lectins of the purple variety of the Phaseolus, had a detectable ion, Cu+2. The lectins showed thermostability in the temperature range of 25 and 70 °C, on the other hand, in the pH range between 3 and 10, the lectins showed hemagglutination activity. According to the obtained results, the structural differences between the lectins obtained from both Phaseolus varieties influence their hemagglutination activity.
Soil Macrofauna Abundance and Taxonomic Richness under Long-Term No-Till Conservation Agriculture in a Semi-Arid Environment of South Africa
Authors: Zulu Samukelisiwe G. , Motsa Nozipho M. , Sithole Nkanyiso J. , Magwaza Lembe S. , Ncama Khayelihle
Published: March 2022

Soil macrofauna are a critical component for ecosystem function and strongly affect production sustainability. The effect of fertiliser management practices, in different cropping systems, on soil macrofauna communities remains poorly understood in semi-arid to arid regions. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of tillage practices i.e., no-till (NT), rotational tillage (RT) and conventional tillage (CT) and nitrogen fertiliser application rates (0, 100 and 200 kg/ha N) (urea) on abundance and order diversity of soil macrofauna in a maize continuous monocropping system. The sampling of macrofauna in the trial was conducted in April 2019, August 2019 and March 2020 using 25 cm × 25 cm × 25 cm steel monoliths in randomly selected positions, and this was replicated four times. The study found a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the abundance of soil macrofauna in NT (127 ind/m2) and RT (110 ind/m2) compared to CT (51 ind/m2) treatment. The abundance of macrofauna was also negatively affected by increasing the rate of fertiliser, with 0, 100 and 200 kg/ha resulting in 133, 94 and 62 ind/m2. Orders Haplotaxida and Diplopoda were found to be sensitive to increases in the fertiliser application rate. Haplotaxida (48.4%) was the most abundant order, followed by Coleoptera (18.2%). Other orders included Diplopoda (9.2%), Gastropoda (6.3%), Isoptera (4.7%), Chilopoda (4.7%), Araneae (4%), Hymenoptera (3.2%), Orthoptera (0.9%) and Dermaptera (0.3%). No-till (NT) and rotational tillage (RT) with mulch favoured the establishment of various macrofauna communities in the studied cropping system.
Comprehensive Assessment of Environmental Pollution in a Poultry Farm Depending on the Season and the Laying Hen Breeding System
Authors: Szablewski Tomasz , Stuper-Szablewska Kinga , Cegielska-Radziejewska Renata , Tomczyk Łukasz , Szwajkowska-Michałek Lidia , Nowaczewski Sebastian
Published: March 2022

The odors and dust emitted from hen houses affect human health and the condition of crops. The source of fumes is an element of the poultry house environment that affects the level of dust (litter and feed), the concentration of volatile compounds and the composition of the microflora (litter, dust and fodder). The research carried out as part of this study is a comprehensive assessment of the microbiological contamination (Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae, and microscopic fungi) of all the elements that make up the environment of the poultry house (feed, litter, dust pollution and the atmosphere of the poultry house) in an annual cycle. The air from both types of farms is tested in terms of the quantity and quality of volatile compounds. Two types of laying hens reared on litter were compared: commercial and backyard farms. It was found that the seasons of the year and the system of keeping hens have a significant impact on the microbiological contamination with volatile compounds of the environment and the atmosphere of the hen houses. The obtained results of chemical, microbiological and questionnaire tests show that commercial farms carry a lower microbiological risk to the environment than backyard farm.
Pig Manure Management: A Methodology for Environmentally Friendly Decision-Making
Authors: Izmaylov Andrey , Briukhanov Aleksandr , Shalavina Ekaterina , Vasilev Eduard
Published: March 2022

The current trend towards larger pig farms increases their profitability but might harm animal welfare and the environment. More efficient pig manure management is a way to address this challenge. Available manure handling and utilisation systems may feature from 8 to 50% nutrient loss to the environment. Therefore, the proper choice of technological solutions is of high priority. In regard, the study developed a methodology including calculation, analysis and modelling techniques for the accurate accounting of manure amount, its fractions and their nitrogen and phosphorus content for different processing technologies with due regard to the limiting factors of the farm and the end-product consumer requirements. The methodology was applied to justify the best suitable processing technology for a large-scale pig farm in the Leningrad Region with 17,800 heads of pigs and 54,750 t of pig manure per year. The selected technology included manure separation into fractions, aeration and secondary sedimentation of the liquid fraction and passive composting of the solid fraction. It demonstrated the total amount of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the end-products of 278.94 t per year, with the 26% total nutrients loss on all technological stages, and specific capital and operating costs of USD 55.5 per ton of manure produced. The methodology was tested by comparing the calculated data and the data from previous surveys of 15 pig farms in Russia. The differences between the values were found from 0.9 to 12.5% in mass; 2.8 to 13.9% in N content and 1.7 to 9.9% in P content. The developed methodology supports planning the production of the manure-based end-products in a given amount and with target nutrient content, depending on different processing technological solutions, achieving both economic and environmental goals.
Urinary Proteome Differences in Canine Diabetes with and without the Presence of Microalbuminuria
Authors: Winiarczyk Dagmara , Winiarczyk Mateusz , Michalak Katarzyna , Winiarczyk Stanisław , Adaszek Łukasz
Published: March 2022

In this study we aimed to analyze the protein composition of the urine collected from the healthy animals and compare it to the two diabetic groups (DM I normoalbuminuric diabetic dogs; DM II diabetic dogs with microalbuminuria). We tried to identify potential urinary proteins which could be up- or downregulated in diabetic patients even before the appearance of microalbuminuria. Methods: After obtaining urine, we performed two-dimensional electrophoresis, followed by Delta2D software analysis, which allowed for selection and identification with MALDI-TOF spectrometry, statistically significant differentially expressed proteins. Our study revealed 286 common protein spots on 2D gels from the diabetic and control group. From these proteins five were positively identified by MALDI-TOF MS. To further evaluate the five differentiating proteins, the Panther program was used to assign them to appropriate biological process. Conclusion: Significant number of identified proteins play a role in intracellular signaling—vesicle formation, bonding, transport through membranes. This may suggest that first signs of kidney diabetic cellular impairment may be seen in the urine composition before any clinical signs occur.
Customized Convolutional Neural Networks Technology for Machined Product Inspection
Authors: Huang Yi-Cheng , Hung Kuo-Chun , Liu Chun-Chang , Chuang Ting-Hsueh , Chiou Shean-Juinn
Published: March 2022

Metal workpieces are an indispensable and important part of the manufacturing industry. Surface flaws not only affect the appearance, but also affect the efficiency of the workpiece and reduce the safety of the product. Therefore, the appearance of the product needs to be inspected to determine if there are surface defects, such as scratches, dirt, chipped objects, etc., after production is completed. The traditional manual comparison inspection method is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but human error is also unavoidable when inspecting thousands or tens of thousands of products. Therefore, Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) is often used today. The traditional AOI algorithm does not fully meet the subtle detection requirements and needs to import a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), but the common deep residual networks are too large, such as ResNet-101, ResNet-152, DarkNet-19, and DarkNet-53. Therefore, this research proposes an improved customized convolutional neural network. We used a self-built convolutional neural network model to detect the defects on the metal’s surface. Grad–CAM was used to display the result of the last layer of convolution as the basis for judging whether it was OK or NG. The self-designed CNN network architecture could be customized and adjusted without using a large network model. The customized network model designed in this study was compared with LeNet, VGG-19, ResNet-34, DarkNet-19, and DarkNet-53 after training five times each. The experimental results show that the self-built customized deep learning model avoiding the use of pooling and fully connected layers can effectively improve the recognition rate of defective samples and unqualified samples, and reduce the training cost. Our custom-designed models have great advantages over other models. The results of this paper contribute to the development of new diagnostic technologies for smart manufacturing.
The Association between the Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Metabolic Syndrome Components in Young Rural Adults in South Africa
Authors: Seloka Mohlago Ablonia , Matshipi Moloko , Mphekgwana Peter Modupi , Monyeki Kotsedi Daniel
Published: March 2022

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the key risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. However, lifestyle habits including high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) contribute to its onset. The current study was aimed at investigating the association between SSBs consumption and MetS components among young adults aged 22 to 30 years. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study where a total of 596 young adults (307 females and 287 males) participated. Blood pressure, biochemical assessment, and anthropometric measurements were taken following protocols. A validated 24 h recall questionnaire and food manuals were used to collect SSBs data. Binary logistic regression was applied to determine the association between SSBs consumption and MetS components. Results: In males, high SSBs consumption increased the risk of high fasting blood glucose (FBG) (p < 0.05). In females, high and low SSBs consumption decreased the risk of reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), whereas only high SSBs consumption was associated with decreased risk of high triglycerides (TG) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, high TG, reduced HDL-C and high FBG was significantly associated with high consumption of SSBs. Longitudinal studies are recommended to further investigate the extent to which SSBs influences components of MetS.
Current Trajectories and New Challenges for Visual Comfort Assessment in Building Design and Operation: A Critical Review
Authors: Blanco Cadena Juan Diego , Poli Tiziana , Košir Mitja , Lobaccaro Gabriele , Mainini Andrea Giovanni , Speroni Alberto
Published: March 2022

Visual comfort can affect building occupants’ behaviour, productivity and health. It is highly dependent on the occupant and how they perform a task indoors. In that regard, an occupant centred approach is more suitable for evaluating the lighting perception of the indoor environment. Nevertheless, the process of rating and estimating the visual comfort makes a limited distinction between physiological differences (e.g., ageing eye, light sensitivity), field of view, and personal preferences, which have been proven to influence the occupants’ lighting needs to complete their tasks. Such features were not considered while establishing the visually comfortable conditions; perhaps due to the challenge of coupling the assumptions made during building design to the performance indicators monitored during building operation. This work focuses on reviewing literature findings on how the common design approach deviates from real building performance, particularly failing to prevent visual disturbances that can trigger the inefficient operation of building systems. Additionally, it is highlighted that redesigned visual comfort assessment methods and metrics are required to bridge the gap between the lighting environment ratings computed and surveyed. One possibility is to consider such physiological features that induce lighting experiences. Finally, it was deducted that it is important to target the occupants’ eye response to calibrate limit thresholds, propose occupant profiling, and that it is convenient to continuously monitor the occupants’ perception of indoor lighting conditions.
Ultra-Broadband Bending Beam and Bottle Beam Based on Acoustic Metamaterials
Authors: Fan Xudong , Huang Xiaolong , Kang Yang , Li Can , Li Ning , Weng Chunsheng
Published: March 2022

We report the realization of an ultra-broadband bending beam based on acoustic metamaterials by the theoretical prediction and the numerical validation. The proposed structure is composed of a series of straight tubes with spatially modulated depths. We analytically derive the depth profile required for the generation of an ultra-broadband bending beam, and examine the performance of the metastructure numerically. The design is then extended for the generation of a three-dimensional bottle beam. The transverse trapping behaviours on small rigid objects by the bottle beam are investigated based on the force potential. Our work will help the further study of broadband acoustic meta-structures, and may also find applications in a variety of fields such as ultrasound imaging, health monitoring and particle manipulations.
Classification of Sleep Stage with Biosignal Images Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Joe Moon-Jeung , Pyo Seung-Chan
Published: March 2022

Clinicians and researchers divide sleep periods into different sleep stages to analyze the quality of sleep. Despite advances in machine learning, sleep-stage classification is still performed manually. The classification process is tedious and time-consuming, but its automation has not yet been achieved. Another problem is low accuracy due to inconsistencies between somnologists. In this paper, we propose a method to classify sleep stages using a convolutional neural network. The network is trained with EEG and EOG images of time and frequency domains. The images of the biosignal are appropriate as inputs to the network, as these are natural inputs provided to somnologists in polysomnography. To validate the network, the sleep-stage classifier was trained and tested using the public Sleep-EDFx dataset. The results show that the proposed method achieves state-of-the-art performance on the Sleep-EDFx (accuracy 94%, F1 94%). The results demonstrate that the classifier is able to learn features described in the sleep scoring manual from the sleep data.
Location Optimisation in the Process of Designing Infrastructure of Point Pollutant Emitters to Meet Specific Environmental Protection Standards
Authors: Majer Marcin , Dzierwa Piotr M. , Deja Marek , Herz Mariusz , Podpora Michal
Published: March 2022

This article addresses the challenge of searching for the optimal location for a newly designed pollutant emitter (new factory or other facility) in relation to the requirements imposed by environmental protection regulations on the concentrations of selected pollutants in a given area, taking into account the currently existing levels of analysed substances. The paper presents the key issues of the dispersion of pollutants in atmospheric air and pollutant dispersion models. The Gaussian model of a plume, based on the Pasquill diffusion equation, is chosen to simulate the dispersion of pollutants in atmospheric air. The key issue within the paper constitutes the research section responsible for using the Monte Carlo global optimisation method in order to find the optimal location. The proposed algorithm is intended to offer measurable and subjective arguments and options to preliminary discussions on choosing a location for new factories, while such discussions choices should be fact-based and ecologically acceptable instead of fulfilling only political or economical goals. The paper is intended to present the need for easily interpretable arguments for discussions and responsible decisions on choosing the lowest-impact location of pollutant emitters to the scientific community.
Dual Band Electrically Small Complementary Double Negative Structure Loaded Metamaterial Inspired Circular Microstrip Patch Antenna for WLAN Applications
Authors: Thankachan Shiney , Paul Binu
Published: March 2022

In this article, a compact dual band metamaterial inspired circular microstrip patch antenna for WLAN applications is presented. The antenna consists of a circular patch loaded with a complementary double negative metamaterial structure which produces a percentage miniaturisation of 60.7%. The circular microstrip patch antenna used for developing the proposed antenna has a resonant frequency of 6.2 GHz with an impedance bandwidth of 3.5% before the metamaterial structure is applied upon it. The loading of the proposed metamaterial structure inspires the antenna to lower its resonant frequency with enhanced bandwidth and generate one additional resonance. The designed antenna can be tuned throughout the C-band by simply altering the size of the metamaterial structure loaded upon it. However, the prototype of the antenna is designed for the most commonly used wireless communication bands at 2.4 GHz and 5.2 GHz. The 10 dB impedance bandwidth of 1.63% at 2.4 GHz and 13.15% at 5.2 GHz are achieved by this design. The electrical parameters of the proposed antenna are ka = 0.72 and QChu = 4.07 rendering it electrically small. This electrical compactness and bandwidth enhancement are caused by the loading of metamaterial structure. The proposed antenna is fabricated on low cost FR4 substrate and has an overall compact electrical size of 0.164 λ0 × 0.164 λ0 × 0.013 λ0 and physical dimensions 20 × 20 × 1.6 mm3, with peak gain 3.8 dBi and 2.9 dBi at 2.4 GHz and 5.2 GHz respectively.
Research on Identification Method for Interface Flange in Automatic Docking System of Fluid Loading and Unloading Arm for Bottom Loading
Authors: Liu Mingqin , Li Zongzhou , Liu Jie , Mao Zhongguo , Xu Minglong , Lyu Sungki
Published: March 2022

The automatic docking system of the loading and offloading arm of a tank car is the key link to realizing the unmanned operation of tank car loading and unloading. The spatial position detection of the flange port of a tank car can guide the automatic docking of the fluid loading and offloading arm and flange port of the tank car. In this paper, a flange position detection method based on image recognition was proposed. Firstly, the end state of the loading arm was analyzed to determine the expression mode of the loading arm’s spatial pose so as to form a unified expression with the flange position and docked pose on the tank car. Then, for the image processing of the flange port of the tank car, this paper binarized the edge of the flange end face based on the Otsu algorithm, used the Canny algorithm for edge detection, used the least squares method to fit the image edge coordinates into a spatial circle, calculated the center coordinates and normal vector of the flange end face, and used these parameters to guide the end of the loading arm to adjust the position and attitude so that it was consistent with the position and pose of the flange port to realize docking. Then, a circular object center detection and calibration experiment, a flange end face image experiment, and an automobile tank car flange port physical detection experiment were carried out. The test results show that the spatial coordinate accuracy of the flange port diameter and center detected by this method meets the requirements of the loading arm automatic docking system, providing a research idea for the design of an automatic docking system for the loading and unloading arm of a tank car.
Physical and Microbiological Characteristics and Antioxidant Activity of Honey Bee Pollen
Authors: Straumite Evita , Bartule Madara , Valdovska Anda , Kruma Zanda , Galoburda Ruta
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of bee-collected pollen, with special consideration to the antimicrobial resistance of the isolated microorganisms to the selected antibiotics. A hierarchy cluster analysis was conducted, in which bee pollen samples were divided into four groups by their colour. The highest antioxidant activity among monofloral bee pollen was found for the autumn raspberry pollen and the lowest for the clover pollen, using the ABTS test. The total phenol content in rapeseed bee pollen was the second-highest among all samples analysed, which might indicate a correlation between high phenol content and strong antioxidant activity. Our study indicated a moderate correlation between bee pollen moisture content and Enterobacteriaceae counts, as well as a correlation between moisture content and total bacterial count. Among all bacteria (n = 34) isolated from pollen, the highest prevalence was found in Bacillus spp. and coagulase-negative staphylococci. The resistance of isolated microorganisms was identified in 18 cases. The high number of antimicrobial resistance cases, i.e., when isolates were resistant to ampicillin (seven cases) and penicillin (eight cases), indicates an environmental effect because, for this study, no antibiotics were used in the apiaries harvesting pollen. This indicates the need for improved safety procedures in bee pollen production for human consumption.
Modified Compositions of Micelle–Clay and Liposome–Clay Composites for Optimal Removal from Water of Bacteria and Hydrophobic Neutral Chemicals
Authors: Benitez Ana R. , Margalit Dani , Ryskin Marklen , Dor Maoz , Shuali Uri , Nir Shlomo , Polubesova Tamara , Ben-Ari Julius , Kertsnus-Banchik Jeny , Undabeytia Tomas
Published: March 2022

The efficiency in water treatment by granulated complexes formed from the clay bentonite with (i) micelles of the cations of octadecyltrimethyl-ammonium (ODTMA) or (ii) liposomes of didodecyldimethyl-ammonium (DDAB) was investigated. The bentonite–ODTMA complexes were synthesized in three variations: I. mass ratio of 68/32, which resulted in an excess of positive charge of half of the clay cation exchange capacity and is denoted “ordinary”; II. complexes having higher loads of ODTMA, denoted “enriched”; and III. “neutral”. These variations were designed to optimize the efficiency and reduce the costs of water treatment. “Ordinary” and “neutral” complexes of DDAB were also synthesized. The “ordinary” complex of ODTMA was shown to be efficient in the removal of anionic/hydrophobic molecules and bacteria. The “enriched” complexes were more active in removal of bacteria from water by filtration due to the higher release of free ODTMA cations, which causes biostatic/biocidal effects. The corresponding “ordinary” and “neutral” complexes of ODTMA and DDAB yielded the same efficiency in removal from water of the neutral and hydrophobic herbicides, S-metolachlor (i) and alachlor (ii), respectively. Model calculations, which considered sorption/desorption and convection yielded simulations and predictions of filtration results of the herbicides. The neutral complexes are advantageous since their production saves about 1/3 of the amount of ODTMA or DDAB, which constitutes the expensive component in the respective composite.
Dynamic Response of Slope Inertia-Based Timoshenko Beam under a Moving Load
Authors: Lei Tuo , Zheng Yifei , Yu Renjun , Yan Yukang , Xu Ben
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the dynamic response of a simply supported beam subjected to a moving load is reinvestigated. Based on a new beam theory, slope inertia-based Timoshenko (SIBT), the governing equations of motion of the beam are derived. An analytical solution is presented by using a coupled Fourier and Laplace–Carson integral transformation method. The finite element solution is also developed and compared with the analytical solution. Then, a comparative study of three beam models based on the SIBT, Euler–Bernoulli and Timoshenko, subjected to a moving load, is presented. The results show that for slender beams, the dynamic responses calculated by the three theories have marginal differences. However, as the ratio of the cross-sectional size to beam length increases, the dynamic magnification factors for the mid-span displacement obtained by the SIBT and Timoshenko beams become larger than those obtained by the Euler–Bernoulli beams. Furthermore, until the ratio is greater than 1/3, the difference between the calculated results of the SIBT and Timoshenko beams becomes apparent.
Design and Experiments of a Compact Self-Assembling Mobile Modular Robot with Joint Actuation and Onboard Visual-Based Perception
Authors: Li Haiyuan , Wang Haoyu , Cui Linlin , Li Jiake , Wei Qi , Xia Jiqiang
Published: March 2022

Modular robots have the advantage of self-assembling into a large and complex structure to travel through territories beyond an individual robot’s capacity. A swarm of mobile robots is combined through mechanical interconnection and joint actuation to achieve a linked or articular configuration. In this paper, to enhance the perception, actuation and docking capacity of modular robots, a parallel mechanism-based docking system and onboard visual perception system are proposed in the design of a novel compact self-assembling mobile modular robot (SMMRob). Each module is self-contained, with a sensing or joint function. The robot modules can dock with each other based on relative positioning, which employs the visual perception of passive markers or active infrared signals in different localizations. Performance experiments were conducted to evaluate the robot module. Docking experiments were performed, along with an analysis of the success and failure results. The self-assembly of snake-like and quadruped robots was achieved in response to different environments, including an obstacle, gap or stair, and experiments were performed on self-assembly into a snake-like structure.
Resurrecting the Prospect of Supplementary Variableswith the Principle of Local Realism
Authors: Lad Frank
Published: March 2022

I produce a coherent mathematical formulation of the supplementary variables structure for Aspect’s experimental test of Bell’s inequality as devised by Clauser, Horne, Shimony, and Holt, a formalization which has been widely considered to be impossible. Contrary to Aspect’s understanding, it is made clear that a supplementary variable formulation can represent any tendered probability distribution whatsoever. This includes both the QM distribution and the “naive distribution”, which he had suggested as a foil. It has long been known that quantum theory does not support a complete distribution for the components of the thought experiment that underlies the inequality. However, further than that, here I identify precisely the bounding polytope of distributions that do cohere with both its explicit premises and with the prospect of supplementary variables. In this context, it is found once again that every distribution within this polytope respects the conditions of Bell’s inequality, and that the famous evaluation of the gedankenexpectation defying it as 22 is mistaken. The argument is relevant to all subsequent embellishments of experimental methodology post Aspect, designed to block seven declared possible loopholes. The probabilistic prognostications of quantum theory are not denied, nor are the experimental observations. However, their inferential implications have been misrepresented.
Cell Retention as a Viable Strategy for PHA Production from Diluted VFAs with Bacillus megaterium
Authors: Kacanski Milos , Pucher Lukas , Peral Carlota , Dietrich Thomas , Neureiter Markus
Published: March 2022

The production of biodegradable and biocompatible materials such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from waste-derived volatile fatty acids (VFAs) is a promising approach towards implementing a circular bioeconomy. However, VFA solutions obtained via acidification of organic wastes are usually too diluted for direct use in standard batch or fed-batch processes. To overcome these constraints, this study introduces a cell recycle fed-batch system using Bacillus megaterium uyuni S29 for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) production from acetic acid. The concentrations of dry cell weight (DCW), P3HB, acetate, as well as nitrogen as the limiting substrate component, were monitored during the process. The produced polymer was characterized in terms of molecular weight and thermal properties after extraction with hypochlorite. The results show that an indirect pH-stat feeding regime successfully kept the strain fed without prompting inhibition, resulting in a dry cell weight concentration of up to 19.05 g/L containing 70.21% PHA. After appropriate adaptations the presented process could contribute to an efficient and sustainable production of biopolymers.