bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Positioning the Value of Dietary Carbohydrate, Carbohydrate Quality, Glycemic Index, and GI Labelling to the Canadian Consumer for Improving Dietary Patterns
Authors: Marinangeli Christopher P. F. , Castellano Joanna , Torrance Peg , Lewis Joanne , Gall Casey Carolyn , Tanuta Jackie , Curran Julianne , Harding Scott V. , Jenkins David J. A. , Sievenpiper John L.
Published: February 2019

The objectives of this qualitative study was to: (1) understand Canadian consumers’ knowledge and perception of dietary carbohydrates, carbohydrate quality, and the glycemic index (GI); and (2) determine Canadian’s receptiveness to GI labelling to assist with identifying and consuming foods of higher carbohydrate quality. Focus groups were recruited in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal and grouped according to body mass index (BMI) (NBW, normal body weight; PO, previously obese; and OW/OB, overweight/obese) and diagnosis with prediabetes and diabetes (PO (Vancouver) and OW/OB (Montreal and Toronto). Subjects in all groups linked excess consumption of carbohydrate with weight gain. PO and OW/OB groups were conflicted between perceived negative consequences and feelings of pleasure associated with carbohydrate consumption. Subjects were largely unfamiliar with the term ‘carbohydrate quality’, but were often associated with classifying carbohydrates as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. The concept of the GI resonated well across groups after exposure to corresponding educational materials. However, NBW groups largely felt that the GI was irrelevant to their dietary choices as they did not have a history of diabetes. PO and OW/OB groups associated the GI with diabetes management. The concept of a GI labelling program to help facilitate healthier carbohydrate choices was well received across all groups, especially when the low GI was interpreted as giving permission to consume foods they enjoyed eating. Results suggest that the GI could be used as a consumer-facing labelling program in Canada and assist with de-stigmatizing carbohydrate foods by helping to facilitate the consumption of carbohydrate foods that align with healthy dietary patterns.
The Relevance of Toxic AGEs (TAGE) Cytotoxicity to NASH Pathogenesis: A Mini-Review
Authors: Sakasai-Sakai Akiko , Takata Takanobu , Takino Jun-ichi , Takeuchi Masayoshi
Published: February 2019

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common feature of chronic liver disease. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe form of NAFLD, and one of its risk factors is hyperglycemia. The chronic ingestion of excessive amounts of high-fructose corn syrup is associated with an increased prevalence of fatty liver. Under hyperglycemic conditions, advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are generated through a non-enzymatic glycation reaction between the ketone or aldehyde groups of sugars and amino groups of proteins. Glyceraldehyde (GA) is a metabolic intermediate of sugars, and GA-derived AGEs (known as toxic AGEs (TAGE)) have been implicated in the development of NASH. TAGE accumulates more in serum or liver tissue in NASH patients than in healthy controls or patients with simple steatosis. Furthermore, the TAGE precursor, GA, causes cell damage through protein dysfunctions by TAGE modifications and induces necrotic-type hepatocyte death. Intracellular TAGE may leak outside of necrotic-type cells. Extracellular TAGE then induce inflammatory or fibrotic responses related to the pathology of NASH in surrounding cells, including hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells. This review focuses on the contribution of TAGE to the pathology of NASH, particularly hepatic cell death related to NASH.
Effects of Varying the Color, Aroma, Bitter, and Sweet Levels of a Grapefruit-Like Model Beverage on the Sensory Properties and Liking of the Consumer
Authors: Gous Andries G. S. , Almli Valérie L. , Coetzee Vinet , de Kock Henrietta L.
Published: February 2019

Color, aroma, sweet, and bitter tastes contribute to the sensory perception of grapefruit juice. Consumers differ about liking grapefruit. A reason is the bitter taste that characterize the fruit. The objective was to determine the effect of varying the color (red or yellow), aroma (two levels), bitterness (three levels), and sweetness (three levels) of a grapefruit-like model beverage, on consumers’ liking and perception of its sensory properties. The sensory profiles of thirty-six grapefruit-like beverages, created on the basis of a factorial design, has been described. Consumers rated their liking of color, aroma, and flavor of the twelve most diverse beverages. Bitter and sweet levels of the beverages had a significant effect on the flavor and aftertaste attributes. Aroma concentration had a significant effect on the majority of the sensory attributes. Color had a significant effect on perception of some of the aroma attributes, as well as the grapefruit’s flavor intensity. Consumers liked the red beverages more than the yellow ones, and those with low aroma over the high aroma intensity. Consumers preferred the low bitter/high sweet beverages. Pungent and grapefruit aroma were found to be negative drivers for liking of the aroma. Sweet and citrus flavors were found to be positive drivers and sour and bitter flavors were found to be negative drivers of flavor-preferences (or liking) of the tested beverages.
Inhibition of Tumor Growth by Dietary Indole-3-Carbinol in a Prostate Cancer Xenograft Model May Be Associated with Disrupted Gut Microbial Interactions
Authors: Wu Yanbei , Li Robert W. , Huang Haiqiu , Fletcher Arnetta , Yu Lu , Pham Quynhchi , Yu Liangli , He Qiang , Wang Thomas T. Y.
Published: February 2019

Accumulated evidence suggests that the cruciferous vegetables-derived compound indole-3-carbinol (I3C) may protect against prostate cancer, but the precise mechanisms underlying its action remain unclear. This study aimed to verify the hypothesis that the beneficial effect of dietary I3C may be due to its modulatory effect on the gut microbiome of mice. Athymic nude mice (5–7 weeks old, male, Balb c/c nu/nu) with established tumor xenografts were fed a basal diet (AIN-93) with or without 1 µmoles I3C/g for 9 weeks. The effects of dietary I3C on gut microbial composition and microbial species interactions were then examined by 16s rRNA gene-based sequencing and co-occurrence network analysis. I3C supplementation significantly inhibited tumor growth (p < 0.0001) and altered the structure of gut microbiome. The abundance of the phylum Deferribacteres, more specifically, Mucispirillum schaedleri, was significantly increased by dietary I3C. Additionally, I3C consumption also changed gut microbial co-occurrence patterns. One of the network modules in the control group, consisting of seven bacteria in family S-27, was positively correlated with tumor size (p < 0.009). Moreover, dietary I3C disrupted microbial interactions and altered this association between specific microbial network and tumor development. Our results unraveled complex relationships among I3C ingestion, gut microbiota, and prostate tumor development and may provide a novel insight into the mechanism for the chemopreventive effect of dietary I3C on prostate cancer.
Letter to the Editor Re: Diaz M., et al. Nutrients 2018, 10, 1481
Authors: Martín Martínez Benjamín , López Liñán Maria
Published: February 2019

We have read with interest the article published by Diaz et al [...]
An Overview of the Most Significant Zoonotic Viral Pathogens Transmitted from Animal to Human in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Tayib Omar A.
Published: February 2019

Currently, there has been an increasing socioeconomic impact of zoonotic pathogens transmitted from animals to humans worldwide. Recently, in the Arabian Peninsula, including in Saudi Arabia, epidemiological data indicated an actual increase in the number of emerging and/or reemerging cases of several viral zoonotic diseases. Data presented in this review are very relevant because Saudi Arabia is considered the largest country in the Peninsula. We believe that zoonotic pathogens in Saudi Arabia remain an important public health problem; however, more than 10 million Muslim pilgrims from around 184 Islamic countries arrive yearly at Makkah for the Hajj season and/or for the Umrah. Therefore, for health reasons, several countries recommend vaccinations for various zoonotic diseases among preventive protocols that should be complied with before traveling to Saudi Arabia. However, there is a shortage of epidemiological data focusing on the emerging and reemerging of zoonotic pathogens transmitted from animal to humans in different densely populated cities and/or localities in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, further efforts might be needed to control the increasing impacts of zoonotic viral disease. Also, there is a need for a high collaboration to enhance the detection and determination of the prevalence, diagnosis, control, and prevention as well as intervention and reduction in outbreaks of these diseases in Saudi Arabia, particularly those from other countries. Persons in the health field including physicians and veterinarians, pet owners, pet store owners, exporters, border guards, and people involved in businesses related to animal products have adopted various preventive strategies. Some of these measures might pave the way to highly successful prevention and control results on the different transmission routes of these viral zoonotic diseases from or to Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the prevention of these viral pathogens depends on socioeconomic impacts, available data, improved diagnosis, and highly effective therapeutics or prophylaxis.
Light-Triggered Cellular Delivery of Oligonucleotides
Authors: Kontturi Leena-Stiina , van den Dikkenberg Joep , Urtti Arto , Hennink Wim E. , Mastrobattista Enrico
Published: February 2019

The major challenge in the therapeutic applicability of oligonucleotide-based drugs is the development of efficient and safe delivery systems. The carriers should be non-toxic and stable in vivo, but interact with the target cells and release the loaded oligonucleotides intracellularly. We approached this challenge by developing a light-triggered liposomal delivery system for oligonucleotides based on a non-cationic and thermosensitive liposome with indocyanine green (ICG) as photosensitizer. The liposomes had efficient release properties, as 90% of the encapsulated oligonucleotides were released after 1-minute light exposure. Cell studies using an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-based splicing assay with HeLa cells showed light-activated transfection with up to 70%–80% efficacy. Moreover, free ICG and oligonucleotides in solution transfected cells upon light induction with similar efficacy as the liposomal system. The light-triggered delivery induced moderate cytotoxicity (25%–35% reduction in cell viability) 1–2 days after transfection, but the cell growth returned to control levels in 4 days. In conclusion, the ICG-based light-triggered delivery is a promising method for oligonucleotides, and it can be used as a platform for further optimization and development.
Targeted Co-Delivery of siRNA and Methotrexate for Tumor Therapy via Mixed Micelles
Authors: Hao Fei , Lee Robert J. , Yang Chunmiao , Zhong Lihuang , Sun Yating , Dong Shiyan , Cheng Ziyuan , Teng Lirong , Meng Qingfan , Lu Jiahui , Xie Jing , Teng Lesheng
Published: February 2019

A combination of chemotherapeutic drugs and siRNA is emerging as a new modality for cancer therapy. A safe and effective carrier platform is needed for combination drug delivery. Here, a functionalized mixed micelle-based delivery system was developed for targeted co-delivery of methotrexate (MTX) and survivin siRNA. Linolenic acid (LA) was separately conjugated to branched polyethlenimine (b-PEI) and methoxy-polyethyleneglycol (mPEG). MTX was then conjugated to LA-modified b-PEI (MTX-bPEI-LA) to form a functionalized polymer-drug conjugate. Functionalized mixed micelles (M-MTX) were obtained by the self-assembly of MTX-bPEI-LA and LA-modified mPEG (mPEG-LA). M-MTX had a narrow particle size distribution and could successfully condense siRNA at an N/P ratio of 16/1. M-MTX/siRNA was selectively taken up by HeLa cells overexpressing the folate receptor (FR) and facilitated the release of the siRNA into the cytoplasm. In vitro, M-MTX/siRNA produced a synergy between MTX and survivin siRNA and markedly suppressed survivin protein expression. In tumor-bearing mice, M-MTX/Cy5-siRNA showed an elevated tumor uptake. In addition, M-MTX/siRNA inhibited tumor growth. Immunohistochemistry and a western blot analysis showed a significant target gene downregulation. In conclusion, M-MTX/siRNA was highly effective as a delivery system and may serve as a model for the targeted co-delivery of therapeutic agents.
Calcium Phosphate Spacers for the Local Delivery of Sitafloxacin and Rifampin to Treat Orthopedic Infections: Efficacy and Proof of Concept in a Mouse Model of Single-Stage Revision of Device-Associated Osteomyelitis
Authors: Trombetta Ryan P. , Ninomiya Mark J. , El-Atawneh Ihab M. , Knapp Emma K. , de Mesy Bentley Karen L. , Dunman Paul M. , Schwarz Edward M. , Kates Stephen L. , Awad Hani A.
Published: February 2019

Osteomyelitis is a chronic bone infection that is often treated with adjuvant antibiotic-impregnated poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) cement spacers in multi-staged revisions. However, failure rates remain substantial due to recurrence of infection, which is attributed to the poor performance of the PMMA cement as a drug release device. Hence, the objective of this study was to design and evaluate a bioresorbable calcium phosphate scaffold (CaPS) for sustained antimicrobial drug release and investigate its efficacy in a murine model of femoral implant-associated osteomyelitis. Incorporating rifampin and sitafloxacin, which are effective against bacterial phenotypes responsible for bacterial persistence, into 3D-printed CaPS coated with poly(lactic co-glycolic) acid, achieved controlled release for up to two weeks. Implantation into the murine infection model resulted in decreased bacterial colonization rates at 3- and 10-weeks post-revision for the 3D printed CaPS in comparison to gentamicin-laden PMMA. Furthermore, a significant increase in bone formation was observed for 3D printed CaPS incorporated with rifampin at 3 and 10 weeks. The results of this study demonstrate that osteoconductive 3D printed CaPS incorporated with antimicrobials demonstrate more efficacious bacterial colonization outcomes and bone growth in a single-stage revision in comparison to gentamicin-laden PMMA requiring a two-stage revision.
In Vitro Methods to Study Colon Release: State of the Art and An Outlook on New Strategies for Better In-Vitro Biorelevant Release Media
Authors: Wahlgren Marie , Axenstrand Magdalena , Håkansson Åsa , Marefati Ali , Lomstein Pedersen Betty
Published: February 2019

The primary focus of this review is a discussion regarding in vitro media for colon release, but we also give a brief overview of colon delivery and the colon microbiota as a baseline for this discussion. The large intestine is colonized by a vast number of bacteria, approximately 1012 per gram of intestinal content. The microbial community in the colon is complex and there is still much that is unknown about its composition and the activity of the microbiome. However, it is evident that this complex microbiota will affect the release from oral formulations targeting the colon. This includes the release of active drug substances, food supplements, and live microorganisms, such as probiotic bacteria and bacteria used for microbiota transplantations. Currently, there are no standardized colon release media, but researchers employ in vitro models representing the colon ranging from reasonable simple systems with adjusted pH with or without key enzymes to the use of fecal samples. In this review, we present the pros and cons for different existing in vitro models. Furthermore, we summarize the current knowledge of the colonic microbiota composition which is of importance to the fermentation capacity of carbohydrates and suggest a strategy to choose bacteria for a new more standardized in vitro dissolution medium for the colon.
Ionic Liquids as Potential and Synergistic Permeation Enhancers for Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Sidat Zainul , Marimuthu Thashree , Kumar Pradeep , du Toit Lisa C. , Kondiah Pierre P. D. , Choonara Yahya E. , Pillay Viness
Published: February 2019

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) show clear advantages over conventional routes of drug administration. Nonetheless, there are limitations to current TDDS which warrant further research to improve current TDD platforms. Spurred by the synthesis of novel biodegradable ionic liquids (ILs) and favorable cytotoxicity studies, ILs were shown to be a possible solution to overcome these challenges. Their favorable application in overcoming challenges ranging from synthesis, manufacture, and even therapeutic benefits were documented. In this review, said ILs are highlighted and their role in TDDS is reviewed in terms of (a) ILs as permeation enhancers (single agents or combined), (b) ILs in drug modification, and (c) ILs as active pharmaceutical ingredients. Furthermore, future combination of ILs with other chemical permeation enhancers (CPEs) is proposed and discussed.
MES: A Mathematical Model for the Revival of Natural Philosophy
Authors: Ehresmann Andrée , Vanbremeersch Jean-Paul
Published: February 2019

The different kinds of knowledge which were connected in Natural Philosophy (NP) have been later separated. The real separation came when Physics took its individuality and developed specific mathematical models, such as dynamic systems. These models are not adapted to an integral study of living systems, by which we mean evolutionary multi-level, multi-agent, and multi-temporality self-organized systems, such as biological, social, or cognitive systems. For them, the physical models can only be applied to the local dynamic of each co-regulator agent, but not to the global dynamic intertwining these partial dynamics. To ‘revive’ NP, we present the Memory Evolutive Systems (MES) methodology which is based on a ‘dynamic’ Category Theory; it proposes an info-computational model for living systems. Among the main results: (i) a mathematical translation of the part–whole problem (using the categorical operation colimit) which shows how the different interpretations of the problem support diverging philosophical positions, from reductionism to emergentism and holism; (ii) an explanation of the emergence, over time, of structures and processes of increasing complexity order, through successive ‘complexification processes’. We conclude that MES provides an emergentist-reductionism model and we discuss the different meanings of the concept of emergence depending on the context and the observer, as well as its relations with anticipation and creativity.
Optical Space Switches in Data Centers: Issues with Transport Protocols
Authors: Abu-Tair Mamun , Perry Philip , Morrow Philip , McClean Sally , Scotney Bryan , Parr Gerard , Biswas Md Israfil
Published: February 2019

A number of new architectures for data centre networks employing reconfigurable, SDN controlled, all-optical networks have been reported in recent years. In most cases, additional capacity was added to the system which unsurprisingly improved performance. In this study, a generalised network model that emulates the behaviour of these types of network was developed but where the total capacity is maintained constant so that system behaviour can be understood. An extensive emulated study is presented which indicates that the reconfiguration of such a network can have a detrimental impact on Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) congestion control mechanisms that can degrade the performance of the system. A number of simple scheduling mechanisms were investigated and the results show that an on-demand scheduling mechanism could deliver a throughput increase of more than ∼50% without any increase in total installed network capacity. These results, therefore, indicate the need to link the network resource management with new datacentre network architectures.
Effect of Hydration in Corona Layer on Structural Change of Thermo-Responsive Polymer Micelles
Authors: Akino Yusuke , Morimoto Kosuke , Tsuboi Kengo , Kanazawa Satoshi , Akiba Isamu
Published: February 2019

The effect of hydration in corona layer on temperature responsiveness of polymer micelles consisting of poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone)-block-poly(n-octadecyl acrylate) (PVP-b-PODA) was investigated. Small-angle X-ray scattering and dynamic light scattering showed two-step shape change of PVP-b-PODA micelles around 45 and 65 °C with elevating temperature, although only one-step shape change was observed at 45 °C in cooling process. In the first step, shape of PVP-b-PODA micelles was changed from disk to ellipsoidal oblate at the melting temperature (Tm) of PODA, although similar micelles consisting of another amphiphilic block copolymers containing PODA simply changed from disk to sphere at the Tm with elevating temperature. PVP-b-PODA micelles changed to spherical shape above 65 °C. Two-dimensional (2D) 1H-NMR showed the PVP chains were perfectly dehydrated above 65 °C. Therefore, it was suggested that the appearance of ellipsoidal shape between Tm of PODA and 65 °C was caused owing to shape memory effect of pseudo network of corona layer due to robust hydration of PVP chains.
Comparison of the Utilization of 110 °C and 120 °C Heat Sources in a Geothermal Energy System Using Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) with R245fa, R123, and Mixed-Ratio Fluids as Working Fluids
Authors: Surindra Mochamad Denny , Caesarendra Wahyu , Prasetyo Totok , Mahlia Teuku Meurah Indra , Taufik
Published: February 2019

Binary cycle experiment as one of the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technologies has been known to provide an improved alternate scenario to utilize waste energy with low temperatures. As such, a binary geothermal power plant simulator was developed to demonstrate the geothermal energy potential in Dieng, Indonesia. To better understand the geothermal potential, the laboratory experiment to study the ORC heat source mechanism that can be set to operate at fixed temperatures of 110 °C and 120 °C is conducted. For further performance analysis, R245fa, R123, and mixed ratio working fluids with mass flow rate varied from 0.1 kg/s to 0.2 kg/s were introduced as key parameters in the study. Data from the simulator were measured and analyzed under steady-state condition with a 20 min interval per given mass flow rate. Results indicate that the ORC system has better thermodynamic performance when operating the heat source at 120 °C than those obtained from 110 °C. Moreover, the R123 fluid produces the highest ORC efficiency with values between 9.4% and 13.5%.
Political Justice: Levinas Contra Aristotle
Authors: Bell Nathan
Published: February 2019

In this paper, I argue that two radically different conceptions of political justice can be derived from the work of Aristotle and Emmanuel Levinas—notions of justice that are indeed directly opposed. Aristotle defines justice in terms of considerations of moderation, prudence, and measure, where the virtuous actor is supposed to demonstrate aspects of character and perform acts that are neither deficient nor excessive; yet the ethics of Levinas, as instantiated in justice, is a demand that responding to the needs of others not be limited by moderate considerations, but can precisely be realized as an exorbitant and anarchic assumption of responsibility. It thus becomes of decisive importance for both a thinking of the political, and political praxis, in determining which conception of justice is found to be more compelling. I illustrate the stakes of this difference with reference to the politics of asylum, and in particular, a discussion of the historical case of the Kindertransport.
Fusing Multimodal Video Data for Detecting Moving Objects/Targets in Challenging Indoor and Outdoor Scenes
Authors: Kandylakis Zacharias , Vasili Konstantinos , Karantzalos Konstantinos
Published: February 2019

Single sensor systems and standard optical—usually RGB CCTV video cameras—fail to provide adequate observations, or the amount of spectral information required to build rich, expressive, discriminative features for object detection and tracking tasks in challenging outdoor and indoor scenes under various environmental/illumination conditions. Towards this direction, we have designed a multisensor system based on thermal, shortwave infrared, and hyperspectral video sensors and propose a processing pipeline able to perform in real-time object detection tasks despite the huge amount of the concurrently acquired video streams. In particular, in order to avoid the computationally intensive coregistration of the hyperspectral data with other imaging modalities, the initially detected targets are projected through a local coordinate system on the hypercube image plane. Regarding the object detection, a detector-agnostic procedure has been developed, integrating both unsupervised (background subtraction) and supervised (deep learning convolutional neural networks) techniques for validation purposes. The detected and verified targets are extracted through the fusion and data association steps based on temporal spectral signatures of both target and background. The quite promising experimental results in challenging indoor and outdoor scenes indicated the robust and efficient performance of the developed methodology under different conditions like fog, smoke, and illumination changes.
A Set of Satellite-Based Near Real-Time Meteorological Drought Monitoring Data over China
Authors: Zhang Xuejun , Su Zhicheng , Lv Juan , Liu Weiwei , Ma Miaomiao , Peng Jian , Leng Guoyong
Published: February 2019

A high-resolution and near real-time drought monitoring dataset has not been made readily available in drought-prone China, except for the low-resolution global product. Here we developed a set of near real-time meteorological drought data at a 0.25° spatial resolution over China, by seamlessly merging the satellite-based near real-time (RT) precipitation (3B42RTv7) into the high-quality gauge-based retrospective product (CN05.1) using the quantile-mapping (QM) bias-adjustment method. Comparing the standard precipitation index (SPI) from the satellite-gauge merged product (SGMP) with that from the retrospective ground product CN05.1 (OBS) shows that the SGMP reproduces well the observed spatial distribution of SPI and the pattern of meteorological drought across China, at both the 6-month and 12-month time scales. In contrast, the UN-SGMP generated by merging the unadjusted raw satellite precipitation into the gauging data shows systematical overestimation of the SPI, leaving less meteorological droughts to be identified. Furthermore, the SGMP is found to be able to capture the inter-annual variation of percentage area in meteorological droughts. These validation results suggest that the newly developed drought dataset is reliable for monitoring meteorological drought dynamics in near real-time. This dataset will be routinely updated as the satellite RT precipitation is made available, thus facilitating near real-time drought diagnosis in China.
Crop Classification Based on a Novel Feature Filtering and Enhancement Method
Authors: Wang Limin , Dong Qinghan , Yang Lingbo , Gao Jianmeng , Liu Jia
Published: February 2019

Vegetation indices, such as the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) or enhanced vegetation index (EVI) derived from remote sensing images, are widely used for crop classification. However, vegetation index profiles for different crops with a similar phenology lead to difficulties in discerning these crops both spectrally and temporally. This paper proposes a feature filtering and enhancement (FFE) method to map soybean and maize, two major crops widely cultivated during the summer season in Northeastern China. Different vegetation indices are first calculated and the probability density functions (PDFs) of these indices for the target classes are established based on the hypothesis of normal distribution; the vegetation index images are then filtered using the PDFs to obtain enhanced index images where the pixel values of the target classes are ”enhanced”. Subsequently, the minimum Gini index of each enhanced index image is computed, generating at the same time the weight for every index. A composite enhanced feature image is produced by summing all indices with their weights. Finally, a classification is made from the composite enhanced feature image by thresholding, which is derived automatically based on the samples. The efficiency of the proposed FFE method is compared with the maximum likelihood classification (MLC), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF) in a mapping operation to determine the soybean and maize distribution in a county in Northeastern China. The classification accuracies resulting from this comparison show that the FFE method outperforms MLC, and its accuracies are similar to those of SVM and RF, with an overall accuracy of 0.902 and a kappa coefficient of 0.846. This indicates that the FFE method is an appropriate method for crop classification to distinguish crops with a similar phenology. Our research also shows that when the sample size reaches a certain level (e.g., 2000), the mean and standard deviation of the sample are very close to the actual values, which leads to high classification accuracy. In a case where the condition of normal distribution is not fulfilled, the PDF of the vegetation index can be created by a lookup table. Furthermore, as the method is rather simple and explicit, and convenient in terms of computing, it can be used as the backbone for automatic crop mapping operations.
Retrieving the Lake Trophic Level Index with Landsat-8 Image by Atmospheric Parameter and RBF: A Case Study of Lakes in Wuhan, China
Authors: Zhou Yadong , He Baoyin , Xiao Fei , Feng Qi , Kou Jiefeng , Liu Hui
Published: February 2019

The importance of atmospheric correction is pronounced for retrieving physical parameters in aquatic systems. To improve the retrieval accuracy of trophic level index (TLI), we built eight models with 43 samples in Wuhan and proposed an improved method by taking atmospheric water vapor (AWV) information and Landsat-8 (L8) remote sensing image into the input layer of radical basis function (RBF) neural network. All image information taken in RBF have been radiometrically calibrated. Except model(a), image data used in the other seven models were not atmospherically corrected. The eight models have different inputs and the same output (TLI). The models are as follows: (1) model(a), the inputs are seven single bands; (2) model(c), besides seven single bands (b1, b2, b3, b4, b5, b6, b7), we added the AWV parameter k1 to the inputs; (3) model(c1), the inputs are AWV difference coefficient k2 and the seven bands; (4) model(c2), the input layers include seven single bands, k1 and k2; (5) model(b), seven band ratios (b3/b5, b1/b2, b3/b7, b2/b5, b2/b7, b3/b6, and b3/b4) were used as input parameters; (6) model(b1), the inputs are k1 and seven band ratios; (7) model(b2), the inputs are k2 and seven band ratios; (8) model(b3), the inputs are k1, k2, and seven band ratios. We estimated models with root mean squared error (RMSE), model(a) > model(b3) > model(b1) > model(c2) > model(c) > model(b) > model(c1) > model(b2). RMSE of the eight models are 12.762, 11.274, 10.577, 8.904, 8.361, 6.396, 5.389, and 5.104, respectively. Model b2 and c1 are two best models in these experiments, which confirms both the seven single bands and band ratios with k2 are superior to other models. Results also corroborate that most lakes in Wuhan urban area are in mesotrophic and light eutrophic states.
Electrostatic MEMS Vibration Energy Harvesters inside of Tire Treads
Authors: Naito Yasuyuki , Uenishi Keisuke
Published: February 2019

An electret electrostatic MEMS vibration energy harvester for tire sensors mounted inside of the tire tread is reported. The device was designed so as to linearly change an electrostatic capacitance between the corrugated electret and output electrode according to the displacement of the proof mass. The electromechanical linearity was effective at reducing the power loss. The output power reached 495 μW under sinusoidal vibration despite the footprint size being as small as 1 cm2. Under impact vibration inside of the tire tread, the output power reached 60 μW at a traveling speed of 60 km/h. It was revealed that a higher mechanical resonance frequency of the harvester adjusted within the frequency band of a low-power spectral density of impact vibration acceleration was effective for high efficiency harvest impact vibration energy.
Ammonia Distribution Measurement on a Hot Gas Test Bench Applying Tomographical Optical Methods
Authors: Fischbacher Bernhard , Lechner Bernhard , Brandstätter Bernhard
Published: February 2019

Measuring the distribution of gas concentration is a very common problem in a variety of technological fields. Depending on the detectability of the gas, as well as the technological progress of the sector, different methods are used. In this paper, we present a device and methods to detect the ammonia concentration distribution in the exhaust system of diesel engines in order to increase the performance of the exhaust aftertreatment system. The device has been designed for usage on a hot gas test bench simulating exhaust gas conditions. It consists of multiple optical beams measuring ammonia line concentrations by applying nondispersive absorption spectroscopy in the deep ultraviolet region. The detectors consist of photodiodes allowing high sampling rates up to 3 kHz while providing a high signal-to-noise ratio. A detection limit of only 1 ppm has been achieved despite the short path length of only eight centimeters. The obtained line concentrations form an inverse problem. The methodology of the tomographic techniques is described in detail in order to best solve the inverse problem and obtain the ammonia concentration distribution images for each time step.
E-Skin Bimodal Sensors for Robotics and Prosthesis Using PDMS Molds Engraved by Laser
Authors: dos Santos Andreia , Pinela Nuno , Alves Pedro , Santos Rodrigo , Farinha Ricardo , Fortunato Elvira , Martins Rodrigo , Águas Hugo , Igreja Rui
Published: February 2019

Electronic skin (e-skin) is pursued as a key component in robotics and prosthesis to confer them sensing properties that mimic human skin. For pressure monitoring, a great emphasis on piezoresistive sensors was registered due to the simplicity of sensor design and readout mechanism. For higher sensitivity, films composing these sensors may be micro-structured, usually by expensive photolithography techniques or low-cost and low-customizable molds. Sensors commonly present different sensitivities in different pressure ranges, which should be avoided in robotics and prosthesis applications. The combination of pressure sensing and temperature is also relevant for the field and has room for improvement. This work proposes an alternative approach for film micro-structuration based on the production of highly customizable and low-cost molds through laser engraving. These bimodal e-skin piezoresistive and temperature sensors could achieve a stable sensitivity of −6.4 × 10−3 kPa−1 from 1.6 kPa to 100 kPa, with a very robust and reproducible performance over 27,500 cycles of objects grasping and releasing and an exceptionally high temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of 8.3%/°C. These results point toward the versatility and high benefit/cost ratio of the laser engraving technique to produce sensors with a suitable performance for robotics and functional prosthesis.
A Novel Method for Polar Form of Any Degree of Multivariate Polynomials with Applications in IoT
Authors: Akleylek Sedat , Soysaldı Meryem , Boubiche Djallel Eddine , Toral-Cruz Homero
Published: February 2019

Identification schemes based on multivariate polynomials have been receiving attraction in different areas due to the quantum secure property. Identification is one of the most important elements for the IoT to achieve communication between objects, gather and share information with each other. Thus, identification schemes which are post-quantum secure are significant for Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. Various polar forms of multivariate quadratic and cubic polynomial systems have been proposed for these identification schemes. There is a need to define polar form for multivariate dth degree polynomials, where d ≥ 4 . In this paper, we propose a solution to this need by defining constructions for multivariate polynomials of degree d ≥ 4 . We give a generic framework to construct the identification scheme for IoT and RFID applications. In addition, we compare identification schemes and curve-based cryptoGPS which is currently used in RFID applications.
The SmartHabits: An Intelligent Privacy-Aware Home Care Assistance System
Authors: Grgurić Andrej , Mošmondor Miran , Huljenić Darko
Published: February 2019

Many researchers and product developers are striving toward achieving ICT-enabled independence of older adults by setting up Enhanced Living Environments (ELEs). Technological solutions, which are often based on the Internet of Things (IoT), show great potential in providing support for Active Aging. To enhance the quality of life for older adults and overcome challenges in enabling individuals to achieve their full potential in terms of physical, social, and mental well-being, numerous proof-of-concept systems have been built. These systems, often labeled as Ambient Assisted Living (AAL), vary greatly in targeting different user needs. This paper presents our contribution using SmartHabits, which is an intelligent privacy-aware home care assistance system. The novel system comprising smart home-based and cloud-based parts uses machine-learning technology to provide peace of mind to informal caregivers caring for persons living alone. It does so by learning the user’s typical daily activity patterns and automatically issuing warnings if an unusual situation is detected. The system was designed and implemented from scratch, building upon existing practices from IoT reference architecture and microservices. The system was deployed in several homes of real users for six months, and we will be sharing our findings in this paper.
A Parametric Design Method for Optimal Quick Diagnostic Software
Authors: Yi Xiao-jian , Hou Peng
Published: February 2019

Fault diagnostic software is required to respond to faults as early as possible in time-critical applications. However, the existing methods based on early diagnosis are not adequate. First, there is no common standard to quantify the response time of a fault diagnostic software to the fault. Second, none of these methods take into account how the objective to improve the response time may affect the accuracy of the designed fault diagnostic software. In this work, a measure of the response time is provided, which was formulated using the time complexity of the algorithm and the signal acquisition time. Model optimization was built into the designed method. Its objective was to minimize the response time. The constraint of the method is to guarantee diagnostic accuracy to no less than the required accuracy. An improved feature selection method was used to solve the optimization modeling. After that, the design parameter of the optimal quick diagnostic software was obtained. Finally, the parametric design method was evaluated with two sets of experiments based on real-world bearing vibration data. The results demonstrated that optimal quick diagnostic software with a pre-defined accuracy could be obtained through the parametric design method.
Modular Pressure and Flow Rate-Balanced Microfluidic Serial Dilution Networks for Miniaturised Point-of-Care Diagnostic Platforms
Authors: Vasilakis Nikolaos , Papadimitriou Konstantinos I. , Morgan Hywel , Prodromakis Themistoklis
Published: February 2019

Fast, efficient and more importantly accurate serial dilution is a necessary requirement for most biochemical microfluidic-based quantitative diagnostic applications. Over the last two decades, a multitude of microfluidic devices has been proposed, each one demonstrating either a different type of dilution technique or complex system architecture based on various flow source and valving combinations. In this work, a novel serial dilution network architecture is demonstrated, implemented on two entirely different substrates for validation and performance characterisation. The single layer, stepwise serial diluter comprises an optimised microfluidic network, where identical dilution ratios per stage are ensured, either by applying equal pressure or equal flow rates at both inlets. The advantages of this serial diluter are twofold: Firstly, it is structured as a modular unit cell, simplifying the required fluid driving mechanism to a single source for both sample and buffer solution. Thus, this unit cell can be used as a fundamental microfluidic building block, forming multistage serial dilution cascades, once combined appropriately with itself or other similar unit cells. Secondly, the serial diluter can tolerate the inevitable flow source fluctuations, ensuring constant dilution ratios without the need to employ damping mechanisms, making it ideal for Point of Care (PoC) platforms. Proof-of-concept experiments with glucose have demonstrated good agreement between simulations and measurements, highlighting the validity of our serial diluter.
Evaluating Dynamic Approaches to Key (Re-)Establishment in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Nemec Lukas , Matyas Vashek , Ostadal Radim , Svenda Petr , Palant Pierre-Louis
Published: February 2019

Wireless sensor networks with a large number of cheap low-power interconnected devices bring up challenging tasks when considering the security of their communications. In our previous work, we presented two approaches for the design of dynamic protocols for link key (re-)establishment in ad hoc networks, using two elements studied earlier—secrecy amplification and key extraction from radio channel fading. The goal of this article is to provide a unified approach to the design of these protocols, together with their experimental verification, in a real network with various settings. The overall results of our experiments show that our dynamic combination of secrecy amplification and key extraction from radio channel fading saves a significant portion of messages with corresponding energy expenditure and can adapt to a much wider scale of environments when compared to previous solutions based on the exploitation of the individual elements of secrecy amplification and key extraction from radio channel fading.
A Sensor Array Realized by a Single Flexible TiO2/POMs Film to Contactless Detection of Triacetone Triperoxide
Authors: Lü Xiaorong , Hao Puqi , Xie Guanshun , Duan Junyuan , Gao Li , Liu Bingxin
Published: February 2019

The homemade explosive, triacetone triperoxide (TATP), is easy to synthesize, sensitive to detonation but hard to detect directly. Vapor sensor arrays composed of a few sensor materials have the potential to discriminate TATP, but the stability of the sensor array is always a tricky problem since each sensor may encounter a device fault. Thus, a sensor array based on a single optoelectronic TiO2/PW11 sensor was first constructed by regulating the excitation wavelength to discriminate TATP from other explosives. By in situ doping of Na3PW12O40, a Keggin structure of PW11 formed on the TiO2 to promote the photoinduced electron-hole separation, thus obviously improving the detection sensitivity of the sensor film and shortening the response time. The response of the TiO2/PW11 sensor film to TATP under 365, 450 and 550 nm illumination is 81%, 42%, and 37%, respectively. The TiO2/PW11 sensor features selectivity to TATP and is able to detect less than 50 ppb. The flexibility and stability of the flexible sensor film is also demonstrated with the extent of bending. Furthermore, the sensing response cannot be affected by ambient air below 60% relative humidity.
Task Allocation Model Based on Worker Friend Relationship for Mobile Crowdsourcing
Authors: Zhao Bingxu , Wang Yingjie , Li Yingshu , Gao Yang , Tong Xiangrong
Published: February 2019

With the rapid development of mobile devices, mobile crowdsourcing has become an important research focus. According to the task allocation, scholars have proposed many methods. However, few works discuss combining social networks and mobile crowdsourcing. To maximize the utilities of mobile crowdsourcing system, this paper proposes a task allocation model considering the attributes of social networks for mobile crowdsourcing system. Starting from the homogeneity of human beings, the relationship between friends in social networks is applied to mobile crowdsourcing system. A task allocation algorithm based on the friend relationships is proposed. The GeoHash coding mechanism is adopted in the process of calculating the strength of worker relationship, which effectively protects the location privacy of workers. Utilizing synthetic dataset and the real-world Yelp dataset, the performance of the proposed task allocation model was evaluated. Through comparison experiments, the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed allocation mechanism were verified.
A Sensor System for Detecting and Localizing Partial Discharges in Power Transformers with Improved Immunity to Interferences
Authors: Drexler Petr , Čáp Martin , Fiala Pavel , Steinbauer Miloslav , Kadlec Radim , Kaška Miloš , Kočiš Lubomír
Published: February 2019

The paper reports on the solution, principles, and application results related to a system for diagnosing main transformers in power plants via the radiofrequency method. The subject of the diagnostics is the occurrence of partial discharge activity in transformers. The technical solution of the system is characterized in the introductory section of the article. There then follows a description of the operating principle and the implemented novel advanced methods for signal detection and source localization. The results obtained from practical application of the system within the diagnostics of high-power transformers are presented as well. Because ambient electromagnetic disturbance was recognized as a major issue during the system development, novel detection methods were proposed, implemented, and verified. The principal approach utilizes an external radiofrequency sensor to detect outer impulse disturbance and to eliminate disturbance-triggered acquisitions, and it also ensures direct real-time visualization of the desired impulse signals. The ability of weak signal detection was verified via artificial impulse signal injection into the transformer. The developed detection methods were completed with localization techniques for signal source estimation. The desired impulse signal was detected and localized during full operation of the main transformer, despite the presence of strong electromagnetic interference.
Toward Digitalization of Maritime Transport?
Authors: Sanchez-Gonzalez Pedro-Luis , Díaz-Gutiérrez David , Leo Teresa J. , Núñez-Rivas Luis R.
Published: February 2019

Although maritime transport is the backbone of world commerce, its digitalization lags significantly behind when we consider some basic facts. This work verifies the state-of-the-art as it currently applies to eight digital domains: Autonomous vehicles and robotics; artificial intelligence; big data; virtual reality, augmented and mixed reality; internet of things; the cloud and edge computing; digital security; and 3D printing and additive engineering. It also provides insight into each of the three sectors into which this industry has been divided: Ship design and shipbuilding; shipping; and ports. The work, based on a systematic literature review, demonstrates that there are domains on which almost no formal study has been done thus far and concludes that there are major areas that require attention in terms of research. It also illustrates the increasing interest on the subject, arising from the necessity of raising the maritime transport industry to the same level of digitalization as other industries.