bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Hospital Rooming-in Practice in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Multi-Center Study
Authors: Taha Zainab , Ali Hassan Ahmed , Wikkeling-Scott Ludmilla , Eltoum Ruba , Papandreou Dimitrios
Published: August 2020

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends rooming-in to reduce infant mortality rates. Little research has been done to assess practices such as rooming-in and its relation to breastfeeding in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of rooming-in during hospital stay among mothers with infants six months old and below, in addition to other associated factors in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This study utilized a sub-sample extracted from a dataset based on a convenience sample of mothers who were recruited from governmental maternal and child health centers as well as from the community. The purpose of the original research was to evaluate infant and young children’s feeding practices. A pre-tested questionnaire was used during interviews with mothers once ethical clearance was in place. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to describe the results. The original sample included 1822 participants, of which 804 infants met the inclusion criteria. The mean age for mothers and infants was 30.3 years and 3.5 months, respectively. The rate of rooming-in during hospital stay was 97.5%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated factors associated with not rooming-in were low maternal age (Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) = 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03, 1.30), low gestational age (GA) (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.52, 2.36), abnormal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) (AOR = 3.77, 95 % CI: 1.22, 11.76), and delayed initiation of breastfeeding (AOR = 4.47, 95 % CI: 1.08, 18.48). In the context of the high rate of rooming-in revealed in this study, there should be a focus on those groups who do not room-in (i.e., younger women and those with babies of a younger gestational age). Rooming-in practice provides self-confidence in taking care of a baby, knowledge about breastfeeding, and stimulates early-phase lactation.
Effects of Habitual Caffeine Intake, Physical Activity Levels, and Sedentary Behavior on the Inflammatory Status in a Healthy Population
Authors: Rodas Lluis , Riera-Sampol Aina , Aguilo Antoni , Martínez Sonia , Tauler Pedro
Published: August 2020

Low-grade chronic inflammation is associated with many chronic diseases and pathological conditions. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of regular caffeine intake, physical activity levels, and sedentary behavior on the inflammatory status in healthy participants. In total, 112 men and 132 women aged 18 to 55 years and belonging to the staff and student population of the University of the Balearic Islands volunteered to participate in this descriptive cross-sectional study. Plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers were measured. Weight, height, and body composition (bioelectrical impedance) were determined. Caffeine intake, physical activity levels and sitting time, and diet quality were determined using questionnaires. Statistical regression analysis showed that caffeine intake was a negative predictor of C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.001). Body fat percentage was positively associated with CRP (p < 0.001) and inversely associated with adiponectin (p = 0.032) and interleukin (IL)-10 levels (p = 0.001). Visceral fat was the main predictor for IL-6 (p < 0.001) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (p < 0.001). Sitting time was found to be the main, inverse, predictor for IL-10 (p < 0.001), and a positive predictor for TNF-α (p < 0.001). In conclusion, regular caffeine consumption induced very limited anti-inflammatory effects. Sedentary behavior and body fat accumulation induced significant pro-inflammatory effects.
The Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Three Other Non-Viral Sexually Transmitted Infections among Pregnant Women in Pemba Island Tanzania
Authors: Juliana Naomi C.A. , Deb Saikat , Ouburg Sander , Chauhan Aishwarya , Pleijster Jolein , Ali Said M. , Morré Servaas A. , Sazawal Sunil , Ambrosino Elena
Published: August 2020

Efforts to map the burden of infections globally have shown a high prevalence of genital infections, including Chlamydia trachomatis, in sub-Saharan Africa. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the prevalence of selected non-viral genital infections among pregnant women in Pemba Island, Tanzania. Vaginal swabs were collected during pregnancy and stored in eNAT buffer. Detection of C. trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrheae, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Mycoplasma genitalium pathogens was performed by PCR using validated detection kits. Vaginal samples of 439 pregnant women between 16 and 48 years were tested. In fifty-five (12.5%) of them, at least one genital pathogen was detected. The most prevalent pathogen was T. vaginalis (7.1%), followed by C. trachomatis (4.6%) and M. genitalium (2.1%). None of the vaginal samples tested positive for N. gonorrheae. Consequently, among positive samples, 7.3% were for C. trachomatis and at least one other genital pathogen. This study provides insights on the burden of the four studied genital infections, and on the coinfections among pregnant women in Pemba Island, Tanzania. These results offer a starting point that can be useful to design further research in the field of maternal and child health in Pemba Island.
Rickettsia africae an Agent of African Tick Bite Fever in Ticks Collected from Domestic Animals in Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Iweriebor Benson Chuks , Nqoro Ayabulela , Obi Chikwelu Larry
Published: August 2020

Background: Ticks transmit a plethora of pathogens of zoonotic implications. Their distribution, diversity and the pathogens they transmit differ from one ecological location to another. Rickettsia africae is the agent of African tick bite fever found in South Africa, a zoonotic infection that is frequently reported among travelers who have visited many sub-Saharan African countries where the pathogen is prevalent. Methods: Ticks were collected from domestic animals in Raymond Nkandla Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The ticks were identified morphologically prior to DNA extraction followed by molecular identification of randomly selected ticks from the morphologically delineated groups. To assess for the presence of tick-borne pathogens belonging to Rickettsia spp. by PCR (polymerase chain reaction), we used specific primer pairs targeting the gltA, ompA and ompB genes. The selected amplified ticks, all positive ompB and forty three ompA amplicons were sequenced in a commercial sequencing facility. The obtained nucleotide sequences were edited and subjected to BLASTn for homology search and phylogenetic analyses were performed with MEGA 7 Version for genetic relationships with curated reference sequences in GenBank. Results: A total of 953 ticks collected in the study were delineated into three genera consisting of Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma in decreasing order of abundance. The presence of rickettsial DNA was detected in 60/953 (6.3%) from the three genera of ticks screened. Genetic analyses of the DNA sequences obtained showed that they have phylogenetic relationship to members of the spotted fever group rickettsiae with R. africae, being the predominant SFGR (spotted fever group rickettsiae) detected in the screened ticks. Conclusion: This report shows that R. africae is the predominant spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks collected from domestic animals in the study area and the human health impacts are not known.
Resistance to Acetylsalicylic Acid in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease Is the Result of Metabolic Activity of Platelets
Authors: Grinshtein Yuriy I. , Savchenko Andrei A. , Kosinova Aleksandra A. , Goncharov Maxim D.
Published: August 2020

Sensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is important in the treatment of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Patients were divided into ASA sensitive (sASA) and ASA resistant (rASA) by the activity of platelet aggregation induced arachidonic acid (ARA) together with ASA. Induced platelet aggregation activity was studied in sASA and rASA patients with CHD before and after CABG. The level of synthesis of primary and secondary reactive oxygen species (ROS) by platelets was determined using chemiluminescent analysis. The activity of NAD- and NADP-dependent dehydrogenases in platelets was determined by the bioluminescent method. It was found that the aggregation activity of platelets depended on the sensitivity of CHD patients to ASA and decreased during postoperative ASA therapy. The most pronounced differences in metabolic parameters of platelets in sASA and rASA patients were detected by Nox2 activity. The synthesis of secondary ROS by platelets of CHD patients did not depend on the sensitivity of patients to ASA but increased during postoperative treatment with ASA. The activity of NAD(P)-dependent dehydrogenases in platelets did not differ in sASA and rASA patients with CHD.
Aerosol Delivery of Dornase Alfa Generated by Jet and Mesh Nebulizers
Authors: Chang Kyung Hwa , Moon Sang-Hyub , Yoo Sun Kook , Park Bong Joo , Nam Ki Chang
Published: August 2020

Recent reports on mesh nebulizers suggest the possibility of stable nebulization of various therapeutic protein drugs. In this study, the in vitro performance and drug stability of jet and mesh nebulizers were examined for dornase alfa and compared with respect to their lung delivery efficiency in BALB/c mice. We compared four nebulizers: two jet nebulizers (PARI BOY SX with red and blue nozzles), a static mesh nebulizer (NE-U150), and a vibrating mesh nebulizer (NE-SM1). The enzymatic activity of dornase alfa was assessed using a kinetic fluorometric DNase activity assay. Both jet nebulizers had large residual volumes between 24% and 27%, while the volume of the NE-SM1 nebulizer was less than 2%. Evaluation of dornase alfa aerosols produced by the four nebulizers showed no overall loss of enzymatic activity or protein content and no increase in aggregation or degradation. The amount of dornase alfa delivered to the lungs was highest for the PARI BOY SX-red jet nebulizer. This result confirmed that aerosol droplet size is an important factor in determining the efficiency of dornase alfa delivery to the lungs. Further clinical studies and analysis are required before any conclusions can be drawn regarding the clinical safety and efficacy of these nebulizers.
Schizonepeta Tenuifolia with Alpinia Oxyphylla Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis and Improves the Gut Microbiome in Nc/Nga Mice
Authors: Zhang Ting , Qiu Jingyi , Wu Xuangao , Huang Shaokai , Yuan Heng , Park Sunmin
Published: August 2020

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that may be related to gut microbes. Schizonepeta Tenuifolia Briquet (STB) and Alpinia Oxyphylla Miquel (AOM) has traditionally been used for anti-inflammatory activity. We evaluated the effects of STB, AOM and STB+AOM extracts on 2,4-dinitro-1-chlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD skin lesions in Nc/Nga mice and action mechanism was explored. AD lesions were induced in the dorsal skin of Nc/Nga mice by topical application of 1% followed by 0.2% DNCB. After DNCB was applied, the mice had topical applications of either 30% water, 0.01% dexamethasone, 30% STB, 30% AOM, 15% STB + 15% AOM extracts in butylene glycol (BG). Each group was also fed corresponding high-fat diets with 1% dextrin (AD-Con and AD-Positive), 1% STB (AD-STB), 1% AOM (AD-AOM) and 0.5% STB + 0.5% (AD-MIX). Normal-control mice had no DNCB application. The study evaluated the skin AD severity, scratching behavior and weight changes of AD mice for 5 weeks. Compared with AD-Con, AD-STB, AD-AOM and AD-MIX alleviated the clinical AD symptoms (erythema, pruritus, edema, erosion and lichenification and scratching behaviors), normalized immune chemistry (serum IgE concentration, mast cells and eosinophil infiltration), improved skin hyperplasia and enhanced the gut microbiome. AD-STB, AD-AOM, AD-MIX and AD-positive treatments inhibited cutaneous mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-13 and serum IgE concentrations. AD-MIX most effectively reduced clinical AD symptoms and proinflammatory cytokines. AD-Positive also reduced them but serum GOT and GPT concentrations were abnormally high. AD-STB and AD-MIX increased the alpha-diversity of fecal bacteria and reduced the serum acetate concentration, compared to the AD-Con. In conclusion, the mixture of STB and AOM is effective for treating AD symptoms locally and systemically without adverse effects and are potential interventions for atopic dermatitis.
Anti-Inflammatory Polymeric Nanoparticles Based on Ketoprofen and Dexamethasone
Authors: Espinosa-Cano Eva , Aguilar Maria Rosa , Portilla Yadileiny , Barber Domingo F. , San Román Julio
Published: August 2020

Polymeric nanoparticles that combine dexamethasone and naproxen reduce inflammation and synergistically inhibit Interleukin-12b (Il12b) transcription in macrophages. This effect can be the result of a cyclooxygenase-dependent or a cyclooxygenase-independent mechanism. The aim of this work is to obtain potent anti-inflammatory polymeric nanoparticles by the combination of dexamethasone and ketoprofen, one of the most efficient cyclooxygenase-inhibitors among non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with appropriate hydrodynamic properties to facilitate accumulation and co-release of drugs in inflamed tissue. Nanoparticles are spherical with hydrodynamic diameter (117 ± 1 nm), polydispersity (0.139 ± 0.004), and surface charge (+30 ± 1 mV), which confer them with high stability and facilitate both macrophage uptake and internalization pathways to favor their retention at the inflamed areas and lysosomal degradation and drug release, respectively. In vitro biological studies concluded that the dexamethasone-loaded ketoprofen-bearing system is non-cytotoxic and efficiently reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide release. The RT-qPCR analysis shows that the ketoprofen nanoparticles were able to reduce to almost basal levels the expression of tested pro-inflammatory markers and increase the gene expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines under inflammatory conditions. However, the synergistic inhibition of Il12b observed in nanoparticles that combine dexamethasone and naproxen was not observed in nanoparticles that combine dexamethasone and ketoprofen, suggesting that the synergistic trans-repression of Il12b observed in the first case was not mediated by cyclooxygenase-dependent pathways.
Advancing Pharm. D. Training in Egypt through a Structured Preceptor Development Program
Authors: Patel Toral C. , Malhotra Jodie V. , Saseen Joseph J.
Published: August 2020

The Children’s Cancer Hospital of Egypt (CCHE) and the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SSPPS) collaborate to offer a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree to international pharmacists holding a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. The experiential training is provided by CCHE’s clinical pharmacist preceptors at CCHE. Clinical pharmacists at CCHE had prior experience precepting baccalaureate pharmacy students, but not Pharm.D. students when this program commenced. Therefore, the SSPPS faculty provided a live preceptor development program for select CCHE clinical pharmacists in 2017. Primary deliverables of the program included the preparation of individual preceptor development plans and experiential syllabi for program participants. Preceptor development plans and experiential syllabi were evaluated by the SSPPS faculty. Program participants were also evaluated on their assessment of learner case scenarios using introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) and advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) assessment tools created for the CCHE program. Participant performance on submitted preceptor development plans and experiential syllabi, and performance on the learner cases were all utilized for participant selection as Pharm.D. preceptors in the CCHE Pharm.D. program. This paper describes this preceptor development program, the process utilized to determine selection of Pharm.D. preceptors, and plans for providing continuing preceptor development for preceptors at CCHE.
Two-Qubit Bloch Sphere
Authors: Wie Chu-Ryang
Published: August 2020

Three unit spheres were used to represent the two-qubit pure states. The three spheres are named the base sphere, entanglement sphere, and fiber sphere. The base sphere and entanglement sphere represent the reduced density matrix of the base qubit and the non-local entanglement measure, concurrence, while the fiber sphere represents the fiber qubit via a simple rotation under a local single-qubit unitary operation; however, in an entangled bipartite state, the fiber sphere has no information on the reduced density matrix of the fiber qubit. When the bipartite state becomes separable, the base and fiber spheres seamlessly become the single-qubit Bloch spheres of each qubit. Since either qubit can be chosen as the base qubit, two alternative sets of these three spheres are available, where each set fully represents the bipartite pure state, and each set has information of the reduced density matrix of its base qubit. Comparing this model to the two Bloch balls representing the reduced density matrices of the two qubits, each Bloch ball corresponds to two unit spheres in our model, namely, the base and entanglement spheres. The concurrence–coherence complementarity is explicitly shown on the entanglement sphere via a single angle.
Histological, Physiological and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveal Gibberellin-Induced Axillary Meristem Formation in Garlic (Allium sativum)
Authors: Liu Hongjiu , Wen Yanbin , Cui Mingming , Qi Xiaofang , Deng Rui , Gao Jingcao , Cheng Zhihui
Published: August 2020

The number of cloves in a garlic bulb is controlled by axillary meristem differentiation, which directly determines the propagation efficiency. Our previous study showed that injecting garlic plants with gibberellins (GA3) solution significantly increased clove number per bulb. However, the physiological and molecular mechanism of GA-induced axillary bud formation is still unknown. Herein, dynamic changes in histology, phytohormones, sugars and related genes expression at 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 days after treatment (DAT) were investigated. Histological results indicated two stages (axillary meristem initiation and dormancy) were in the period of 0–30 days after GA3 treatment. Application of GA3 caused a significant increase of GA3 and GA4, and the downregulation of AsGA20ox expression. Furthermore, the change trends in zeatin riboside (ZR) and soluble sugar were the same, in which a high level of ZR at 2 DAT and high content of soluble sugar, glucose and fructose at 4 DAT were recorded, and a low level of ZR and soluble sugar arose at 16 and 32 DAT. Overall, injection of GA3 firstly caused the downregulation of AsGA20ox, a significant increase in the level of ZR and abscisic acid (ABA), and the upregulation of AsCYP735 and AsAHK to activate axillary meristem initiation. Low level of ZR and soluble sugar and a high level of sucrose maintained axillary meristem dormancy.
The Seedlings of Different Japonica Rice Varieties Exhibit Differ Physiological Properties to Modulate Plant Survival Rates under Submergence Stress
Authors: Li Yu-Syuan , Ou Shang-Ling , Yang Chin-Ying
Published: August 2020

Oryza sativa is a major food crop in Asia. In recent years, typhoons and sudden downpours have caused field flooding, which has resulted in serious harm to the production of rice. In this study, our data revealed that the plant heights of the five Japonica varieties increased during submergence. The elongation rates of TN14, KH139, and TK9 increased significantly during submergence. Chlorophyll contents of the five varieties significantly decreased after submergence and increased after recovery. Moreover, the chlorophyll content of KH139 was significantly higher than those of the other four varieties after recovery. The plant survival rates of the five varieties were higher than 50% after four-day submergence. After eight-day submergence, the survival rate of KH139 remained at 90%, which was the highest among the different varieties. The KH139 presented lower accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and the catalase activity than those of the other four varieties under submergence. The sucrose synthase 1 and alcohol dehydrogenase 1 were induced in KH139 under submergence. The results presented that different varieties of japonica rice have different flood tolerances, especially KH139 under submergence was superior to that of the other four varieties. These results can provide crucial information for future research on japonica rice under flooding stress.
Three Alkaloids from an Apocynaceae Species, Aspidosperma spruceanum as Antileishmaniasis Agents by In Silico Demo-case Studies
Authors: Morales-Jadán Diana , Blanco-Salas José , Ruiz-Téllez Trinidad , Centeno Francisco
Published: August 2020

This paper is focused on demonstrating with a real case that Ethnobotany added to Bioinformatics is a promising tool for new drugs search. It encourages the in silico investigation of “challua kaspi”, a medicinal kichwa Amazonian plant (Aspidosperma spruceanum) against a Neglected Tropical Disease, leishmaniasis. The illness affects over 150 million people especially in subtropical regions, there is no vaccination and conventional treatments are unsatisfactory. In attempts to find potent and safe inhibitors of its etiological agent, Leishmania, we recovered the published traditional knowledge on kichwa antimalarials and selected three A. spruceanum alkaloids, (aspidoalbine, aspidocarpine and tubotaiwine), to evaluate by molecular docking their activity upon five Leishmania targets: DHFR-TS, PTR1, PK, HGPRT and SQS enzymes. Our simulation results suggest that aspidoalbine interacts competitively with the five targets, with a greater affinity for the active site of PTR1 than some physiological ligands. Our virtual data also point to the demonstration of few side effects. The predicted binding free energy has a greater affinity to Leishmania proteins than to their homologous in humans (TS, DHR, PKLR, HGPRT and SQS), and there is no match with binding pockets of physiological importance. Keys for the in silico protocols applied are included in order to offer a standardized method replicable in other cases. Apocynaceae having ethnobotanical use can be virtually tested as molecular antileishmaniasis new drugs.
Prediction of Moisture and Aging Conditions of Oil-Immersed Cellulose Insulation Based on Fingerprints Database of Dielectric Modulus
Authors: Zhang Yiyi , Li Sheng , Fan Xianhao , Liu Jiefeng , Li Jiaxi
Published: August 2020

Frequency-domain spectroscopy (FDS) is demonstrated to be affected by electrode polarization and conductance behavior in the low-frequency ranges, which causes the unreliable prediction results of transformer cellulose insulation. In order to solve this issue, a fingerprint database based on the dielectric modulus is reported to predict the degree of polymerization (DP) and moisture content of cellulose insulation. In the current work, the relevant fingerprints that characterize the insulation conditions are obtained by studying the dielectric modulus curves of cellulose insulation with various insulation conditions, as well as the DC conductivity of transformer oil. Then, the dielectric modulus fingerprint database is established in the lab, and the accuracy of the reported fingerprint database is later verified. As a potential tool, the dielectric modulus fingerprint database is tested by several samples, and the results demonstrate that the accuracy of this method is more than 80%. In that respect, an interesting discovery of this paper is that the dielectric modulus fingerprint database may be a helpful tool for conditions prediction of the transformer cellulose insulation system.
Tetrafunctional Epoxy Resin-Based Buoyancy Materials: Curing Kinetics and Properties
Authors: Yu Sizhu , Li Xiaodong , Zou Meishuai , Li Zhiren , Wang Shuo , Wang Danhui
Published: August 2020

In order to synthesize a new kind of buoyancy material with high-strength, low-density and low-water-absorption and to study the curing reaction of tetraglycidylamine epoxy resin with an aromatic amine curing agent, the non-isothermal differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) method is used to calculate the curing kinetics parameters of N,N,N′,N′-tetraepoxypropyl-4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane epoxy resin (AG-80) and the m-xylylenediamine (m-XDA) curing process. Further, buoyancy materials with different volume fractions of hollow glass microsphere (HGM) compounded with a AG-80 epoxy resin matrix were prepared and characterized. The curing kinetics calculation results show that, for the curing reaction of the AG-80/m-XDA system, the apparent activation energy increases with the conversion rates increasing and the reaction model is the Jander equation (three-dimensional diffusion, 3D, n = 1/2). The experimental results show that the density, compressive strength, saturated water absorption and water absorption rate of the composite with 55 v % HGM are 0.668 g·cm−3, 107.07 MPa, 0.17% and 0.025 h−1/2, respectively. This kind of composite can probably be used as a deep-sea buoyancy material.
Detection of E. coli O157:H7 in Food Using Automated Immunomagnetic Separation Combined with Real-Time PCR
Authors: Park Ji Young , Lim Min-Cheol , Park Kisang , Ok Gyeongsik , Chang Hyun-Joo , Lee Nari , Park Tae Jung , Choi Sung-Wook
Published: August 2020

In this study, we describe the development of an automated immunomagnetic separation device combined with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting foodborne bacteria. Immunomagnetic separation (IMS) is a well-known method for the separation and concentration of target bacteria from a large volume of food samples. Magnetic beads functionalized with an antibody provide selectivity for target bacteria such as Escherichia coli O157:H7. Moreover, compared to conventional methods, real-time PCR enables high-sensitivity detection of target bacteria. The method proposed in this study involves three steps: (1) pre-enrichment, (2) automated IMS and concentration of target bacteria, and (3) detection of target bacteria by real-time PCR. Using food samples with a working sample volume as large as 250 mL, the whole process only requires 3 h. As a result, target bacteria in the range of 101–102 colony-forming units per mg or g of sample can be detected in food samples, such as milk, ground beef, and cabbage, by using the proposed approach. We anticipate that the automated IMS system combined with real-time PCR will contribute to the development of a fully automated system for detecting foodborne bacteria and serve as a multi-tester for a variety of bacterial strains in the capacity of a sample-to-answer device in the near future.
Synthesis and Characterization of CoxOy–MnCO3 and CoxOy–Mn2O3 Catalysts: A Comparative Catalytic Assessment Towards the Aerial Oxidation of Various Kinds of Alcohols
Authors: Alduhaish Osamah , Adil Syed Farooq , Assal Mohamed E. , Shaik Mohammed Rafi , Kuniyil Mufsir , Manqari Khalid M. , Sekou Doumbia , Khan Mujeeb , Khan Aslam , Dewidar Ahmed Z. , Al-Warthan Abdulrahman , Siddiqui Mohammed Rafiq H.
Published: August 2020

CoxOy–manganese carbonate (X%)(CoxOy–MnCO3 catalysts (X = 1–7)) were synthesized via a straightforward co-precipitation strategy followed by calcination at 300 °C. Upon calcination at 500 °C, these were transformed to CoxOy–dimanganese trioxide i.e., (X%)CoxOy–Mn2O3. A relative catalytic evaluation was conducted to compare the catalytic efficiency of the two prepared catalysts for aerial oxidation of benzyl alcohol (BzOH) to benzaldehyde (BzH) using O2 molecule as a clean oxidant without utilizing any additives or alkalis. Amongst the different percentages of doping with CoxOy (0–7% wt./wt.) on MnCO3 support, the (1%)CoxOy–MnCO3 catalyst exhibited the highest catalytic activity. The influence of catalyst loading, calcination temperature, reaction time, and temperature and catalyst dosage was thoroughly assessed to find the optimum conditions of oxidation of benzyl alcohol (BzOH) for getting the highest catalytic efficiency. The (1%)CoxOy–MnCO3 catalyst which calcined at 300 °C displayed the best effectiveness and possessed the largest specific surface area i.e., 108.4 m2/g, which suggested that the calcination process and specific surface area play a vital role in this transformation. A 100% conversion of BzOH along with BzH selectivity >99% was achieved after just 20 min. Notably, the attained specific activity was found to be considerably larger than the previously-reported cobalt-containing catalysts for this transformation. The scope of this oxidation reaction was expanded to various alcohols containing aromatic, aliphatic, allylic, and heterocyclic alcohols without any further oxidation i.e., carboxylic acid formation. The scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area analytical techniques were used to characterize the prepared catalysts. The obtained catalyst could be easily regenerated and reused for six consecutive runs without substantial decline in its efficiency.
Application of Detrended Fluctuation Analysis and Yield Stability Index to Evaluate Near Infrared Spectra of Green and Roasted Coffee Samples
Authors: Benes Eszter , Fodor Marietta , Kovács Sándor , Gere Attila
Published: August 2020

Coffee quality, and therefore its price, is determined by coffee species and varieties, geographic location, the method used to process green coffee beans, and particularly the care taken during coffee production. Determination of coffee quality is often done by the nondestructive and fast near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), which provides a huge amount of data about the samples. NIRS data require sophisticated, multivariate data analysis methods, such as principal component analysis, or linear discriminant analysis. Since the obtained data are a set of spectra, they can also be analyzed by signal processing methods. In the present study, the applications of two novel methods, detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) and yield stability index (YSI), is introduced on NIR spectra of different roasting levels of coffee samples. Fourteen green coffee samples from all over the world have been roasted on three different levels and their NIR spectra were analyzed. DFA successfully differentiated the green samples from the roasted ones, however, the joint analysis of all samples was not able to differentiate the roasting levels. On the other hand, DFA successfully differentiated the roasting levels on samples level, which was strengthened by a 100% accurate agglomerative hierarchical clustering. YSI was first used in NIR signal processing and was able to detect that a light roast is the most stable among all roasting levels. Future research should focus on the application of DFA in terms of the analysis of the effects of other transformation methods of the spectra.
Discrete Output Regulator Design for the Linearized Saint–Venant–Exner Model
Authors: Cassol Guilherme Ozorio , Dubljevic Stevan
Published: August 2020

This manuscript addresses the regulator design in the discrete-time setting for the unstable linearized Saint–Venant–Exner model, which describes the dynamics of a sediment-filled water canal. The proposed regulator ensures the closed-loop stability and proper tracking of polynomial and periodic reference signals using output feedback in a sample-data setting. To design this regulator, the system discrete representation is achieved by the application of the structure-preserving Cayley-Tustin time discretization and the direct relation with the regulator in the continuous-time setting is shown. The regulator design in the continuous-time setting is developed using the backstepping methodology ensuring the closed-loop stability and the observer design, while the Sylvester equations are solved to achieve proper tracking. Finally, the numerical simulation results are presented to show the performance of the regulator.
Water Cycle Algorithm for Modelling of Fermentation Processes
Authors: Roeva Olympia , Angelova Maria , Zoteva Dafina , Pencheva Tania
Published: August 2020

The water cycle algorithm (WCA), which is a metaheuristic method inspired by the movements of rivers and streams towards the sea in nature, has been adapted and applied here for the first time for solving such a challenging problem as the parameter identification of fermentation process (FP) models. Bacteria and yeast are chosen as representatives of FP models that are subjected to parameter identification due to their impact in different industrial fields. In addition, WCA is considered in comparison with the genetic algorithm (GA), which is another population-based technique that has been proved to be a promising alternative of conventional optimisation methods. The obtained results have been thoroughly analysed in order to outline the advantages and disadvantages of each algorithm when solving such a complicated real-world task. A discussion and a comparative analysis of both metaheuristic algorithms reveal the impact of WCA on model identification problems and show that the newly applied WCA outperforms GA with regard to the model accuracy.
Kinetic Analysis of Algae Gasification by Distributed Activation Energy Model
Authors: Ji Guozhao , Raheem Abdul , Wang Xin , Fu Weng , Qu Boyu , Gao Yuan , Li Aimin , Zhao Ming , Dong Weiguo , Zhang Zhien
Published: August 2020

Conversion of algal biomass into energy products via gasification has attracted increasing research interests. A basic understanding of the gasification kinetics of algal biomass is of fundamental importance. Distributed activation energy model (DAEM), which provides the information of energy barrier distribution during the gasification process, is a promising tool to study the kinetic process of algae gasification. In this study, DAEM model was used to investigate Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina gasification. The activation energy of Chlorella vulgaris gasification was in the range from 370 to 650 kJ mol−1. The range of activation energy for Spirulina gasification was a bit wider, spanning from 330 to 670 kJ mol−1. The distribution of activation energy for both Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina showed that 500 kJ mol−1 had the most components, and these components were gasified at around 300 °C. The DAEM algorithm was validated by the conversion and conversion rate from experimental measurement, demonstrating that DAEM is accurate to describe the kinetics of algal biomass gasification.
Globally Optimal Inverse Kinematics Method for a Redundant Robot Manipulator with Linear and Nonlinear Constraints
Authors: Tringali Alessandro , Cocuzza Silvio
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a novel inverse kinematics global method for a redundant robot manipulator performing a tracking maneuver. The proposed method, based on the choice of appropriate initial joint trajectories that satisfy the kinematic constraints to be used as inputs for a multi-start optimization algorithm, allows for the optimization of different integral cost functions, such as kinetic energy and joint torques norm, and can provide solutions with a variety of constraints, both linear and nonlinear. Furthermore, it is suitable for multi-objective optimization, and it is able to find multiple optima with minimal input from the user, and to solve cyclic trajectories. Problems with a high number of parameters have been addressed providing a sequential version of the method based on successive stages of interpolation. The results of simulations with a three-Degrees-of-Freedom (DOF) redundant manipulator have been compared with a solution available in the literature based on the calculus of variations, thus leading to the validation of the method. Moreover, the effectiveness of the presented method has been shown when used to solve problems with constraints on joint displacement, velocity, torque, and power.
Quantification of Margalefidinium polykrikoides Blooms along the South Coast of Korea Using Airborne Hyperspectral Imagery
Authors: Shin Jisun , Kim Soo Mee , Kim Keunyong , Ryu Joo-Hyung
Published: August 2020

The red tide bloom-forming dinoflagellate Margalefidinium polykrikoides is well known for its harmful effects on marine organisms, and for killing fish in aquaculture cages via gill clogging at a high cell abundance. To minimize the damage caused by red tide blooms, it is essential to understand their detailed spatial distribution with high accuracy. Airborne hyperspectral imagery (HSI) is useful for quantifying red tide cell abundance because it provides substantial information on optical features related to red tide species. However, because published red tide indexes were developed for multichannel ocean color sensors, there are some limitations to applying them directly to HSI. In this study, we propose a new index for quantifying M. polykrikoides blooms along the south coast of Korea and generate a M. polykrikoides cell abundance map using HSI. A new index for estimating cell abundance was proposed using the pairs of M. polykrikoides cell abundances and in situ spectra. After optimization of the published red tide indexes and band correlation analyses, the green-to-fluorescence ratio (GFR) index was proposed based on red tide spectral characteristics. The GFR index was computed from the green (524 and 583 nm) and fluorescence wavelength bands (666 and 698 nm) and converted into red tide cell abundance using a second-order polynomial regression model. The newly proposed GFR index showed the best performance, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.52, root mean squared error (RMSE) of 877.98 cells mL−1, and mean bias error (MBE) of −18.42 cells mL−1, when applied to atmospherically corrected HSI. The M. polykrikoides cell abundance map generated from the GFR index provides precise spatial distribution information and allowed us to estimate a wide range of cell abundance up to 5000 cells mL−1. This study indicates the potential of the GFR index for quantifying M. polykrikoides cell abundance from HSI with a reasonably high level of accuracy.
An SBAS Integrity Model to Overbound Residuals of Higher-Order Ionospheric Effects in the Ionosphere-Free Linear Combination
Authors: Schlüter Stefan , Hoque Mohammed Mainul
Published: August 2020

The next generation of satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS) will support aviation receivers that take advantage of the ionosphere-free dual-frequency combination. By combining signals of the L1 and L5 bands, about 99% of the ionospheric refraction effects on the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) signals can be removed in the user receivers without additional SBAS corrections. Nevertheless, even if most of the negative impacts on GNSS signals are removed by the ionospheric-free combination, some residuals remain and have to be taken into account by overbounding models in the integrity computation conducted by safety-of-live (SoL) receivers in airplanes. Such models have to overbound residuals as well, which result from the most rare extreme ionospheric events, e.g., such as the famous “Halloween Storm”, and should thus include the tails of the error distribution. Their application shall lead to safe error bounds on the user position and allow the computation of protection levels for the horizontal and vertical position errors. Here, we propose and justify such an overbounding model for residual ionospheric delays that remain after the application of the ionospheric-free linear combination. The model takes into account second- and third-order ionospheric refraction effects, excess path due to ray bending, and increased ionospheric total electron content (TEC) along the signal path due to ray bending.
Misperceptions of Predominant Slum Locations? Spatial Analysis of Slum Locations in Terms of Topography Based on Earth Observation Data
Authors: Müller Inken , Taubenböck Hannes , Kuffer Monika , Wurm Michael
Published: August 2020

Slums are a physical expression of poverty and inequality in cities. According to the UN definition, this inequality is, e.g., reflected in the fact that slums are much more often located in hazardous zones. However, this has not yet been empirically investigated. In this study, we derive proxies from multi-sensoral high resolution remote sensing data to investigate both the location of slums and the location of slopes. We do so for seven cities on three continents. Using a chi-squared test of homogeneity, we compare the locations of formal areas with that of slums. Contrary to the perception indirectly stated in the literature, we find that slums are in none of the sample cities predominantly located in these exposed areas. In five out of seven cities, the spatial share of slums on hills steeper than 10° is even less than 5% of all slums. However, we also find a higher likelihood of slums occurring in these exposed areas than of formal settlements. In six out of seven sample cities, the probability that a slum is located in steep areas is higher than for a formal settlement. As slums mostly feature higher population densities, these findings reveal a clear tendency that slum residents are more likely to settle in exposed areas.
Erratum: Skoneczny, H., et al. Fire Blight Disease Detection for Apple Trees: Hyperspectral Analysis of Healthy, Infected and Dry Leaves. Remote Sensing 2020, 12(13), 2101
Authors: Skoneczny Hubert , Kubiak Katarzyna , Spiralski Marcin , Kotlarz Jan , Mikiciński Artur , Puławska Joanna
Published: August 2020

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Segmentation of Vegetation and Flood from Aerial Images Based on Decision Fusion of Neural Networks
Authors: Ichim Loretta , Popescu Dan
Published: August 2020

The detection and evaluation of flood damage in rural zones are of great importance for farmers, local authorities, and insurance companies. To this end, the paper proposes an efficient system based on five neural networks to assess the degree of flooding and the remaining vegetation. After a previous analysis the following neural networks were selected as primary classifiers: you only look once network (YOLO), generative adversarial network (GAN), AlexNet, LeNet, and residual network (ResNet). Their outputs were connected in a decision fusion scheme, as a new convolutional layer, considering two sets of components: (a) the weights, corresponding to the proven accuracy of the primary neural networks in the validation phase, and (b) the probabilities generated by the neural networks as primary classification results in the operational (testing) phase. Thus, a subjective behavior (individual interpretation of single neural networks) was transformed into a more objective behavior (interpretation based on fusion of information). The images, difficult to be segmented, were obtained from an unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry flight after a moderate flood in a rural region of Romania and make up our database. For segmentation and evaluation of the flooded zones and vegetation, the images were first decomposed in patches and, after classification the resulting marked patches were re-composed in segmented images. From the performance analysis point of view, better results were obtained with the proposed system than the neural networks taken separately and with respect to some works from the references.
Development and Characterization of a Compact Device for Measuring the Braking Torque of a Vehicle
Authors: Olmeda Ester , Garrosa María , Sánchez Susana Sanz , Díaz Vicente
Published: August 2020

In this article, a new force transducer is designed, developed and built for the measurement of braking forces in the wheel rim of a motor vehicle. The parameters of the transducer design are justified using numerical simulation. In order to install it in the vehicle in a simple and interference-free way, the metal base of the caliper rod is used. It is manufactured and installed in a vehicle in order to obtain the signals of the wheel braking torque, in real time, and at different speeds of circulation, carrying out several tests on the track. Subsequently, data are obtained from calculations of the disc brake system itself. The latter provides instantaneous adherence values between the brake pad and the disc.
The ANEMONE: Theoretical Foundations for UX Evaluation of Action and Intention Recognition in Human-Robot Interaction
Authors: Lindblom Jessica , Alenljung Beatrice
Published: August 2020

The coexistence of robots and humans in shared physical and social spaces is expected to increase. A key enabler of high-quality interaction is a mutual understanding of each other’s actions and intentions. In this paper, we motivate and present a systematic user experience (UX) evaluation framework of action and intention recognition between humans and robots from a UX perspective, because there is an identified lack of this kind of evaluation methodology. The evaluation framework is packaged into a methodological approach called ANEMONE (action and intention recognition in human robot interaction). ANEMONE has its foundation in cultural-historical activity theory (AT) as the theoretical lens, the seven stages of action model, and user experience (UX) evaluation methodology, which together are useful in motivating and framing the work presented in this paper. The proposed methodological approach of ANEMONE provides guidance on how to measure, assess, and evaluate the mutual recognition of actions and intentions between humans and robots for investigators of UX evaluation. The paper ends with a discussion, addresses future work, and some concluding remarks.
Real-Time Monitoring Method for Layered Compaction Quality of Loess Subgrade Based on Hydraulic Compactor Reinforcement
Authors: Xu Tianyu , Zhou Zhijun , Yan Ruipeng , Zhang Zhipeng , Zhu Linxuan , Chen Chaoran , Xu Fu , Liu Tong
Published: August 2020

Hydraulic compactor is an efficient reinforcement machine for loess subgrade. However, it is difficult to control the layered compaction quality of the subgrade. This research presents a real-time layered compactness monitoring method for hydraulic compactor reinforcement of subgrade in loess areas. The hydraulic force coefficient is first introduced, and the dynamic response model of the hydraulic rammer and soil is established. The relationship between the acceleration of the hydraulic rammer and the compactness of subgrade is then obtained based on the collision theory in elastic half space. A full-scale test using a hydraulic compactor to reinforce loess subgrade was also carried out. Results show that the hydraulic compactor obtains the effective influence depth for the reinforcement of loess subgrade. Within the effective reinforcement depth, the relationship between the peak acceleration of the rammer and the layered compactness of subgrade can be well fitted by a quadratic function model. The layered compactness of the subgrade and the working state of the hydraulic compactor can then be remotely monitored at a mobile terminal in real time. Furthermore, the monitoring technology was applied to Huangling-Yan’an Expressway in China, significantly improving the accuracy and efficiency of real-time monitoring of the layered compactness of subgrade in the loess area.