bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Optimal Control of a Multistable, Cooperative Microactuator
Authors: Olbrich Michael , Schütz Arwed , Bechtold Tamara , Ament Christoph
Published: August 2021

In order to satisfy the demand for the high functionality of future microdevices, research on new concepts for multistable microactuators with enlarged working ranges becomes increasingly important. A challenge for the design of such actuators lies in overcoming the mechanical connections of the moved object, which limit its deflection angle or traveling distance. Although numerous approaches have already been proposed to solve this issue, only a few have considered multiple asymptotically stable resting positions. In order to fill this gap, we present a microactuator that allows large vertical displacements of a freely moving permanent magnet on a millimeter-scale. Multiple stable equilibria are generated at predefined positions by superimposing permanent magnetic fields, thus removing the need for constant energy input. In order to achieve fast object movements with low solenoid currents, we apply a combination of piezoelectric and electromagnetic actuation, which work as cooperative manipulators. Optimal trajectory planning and flatness-based control ensure time- and energy-efficient motion while being able to compensate for disturbances. We demonstrate the advantage of the proposed actuator in terms of its expandability and show the effectiveness of the controller with regard to the initial state uncertainty.
Effectiveness of Native STAND: A Five-Year Study of a Culturally Relevant Sexual Health Intervention
Authors: Skye Megan , McCoy Thomas , Kelley Allyson , Singer Michelle , Rushing Stephanie Craig , Donald Caitlin , Rajani Kavita , Morgan Brittany , Zaback Tosha , Lambert William
Published: August 2021

Culturally relevant interventions have the potential to improve adolescent health and protective factors associated with sexual risk taking. We evaluated the impact of the Native STAND curriculum with American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN or Native) high school students living across the U.S. using a pre-post evaluation design. Native STAND is a comprehensive sexual health curriculum for Native high school students that focuses on sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, and teen pregnancy prevention, while also covering drug and alcohol use, suicide, and dating violence. The curriculum was implemented in 48 AI/AN communities from 2014 to 2019. A significantly higher percentage of youth reported at post-test having a serious conversation about sex with their friends (post 36% vs. pre 28%, p < 0.001), thinking about lessons learned (post 24% vs. pre 7%, p < 0.0001), and sharing lessons learned during the conversation (post 21% vs. pre 4%, p < 0.001). A lower percentage of AI/AN youth reported being bullied in the last year (post 31% vs. pre 37%, p < 0.001). Family social support was moderated by dose, with subscale scores of 3.75 at post-with <27 sessions vs. 3.96 at post-with all 27 sessions (p = 0.02). The results demonstrate the effectiveness of Native STAND when delivered in a variety of settings. Efforts are now underway to update Native STAND for medical accuracy, improve alignment with typical class periods, and promote its use and an effective EBI for AI/AN youth.
Assessment of Different Water Use Efficiency Calculations for Dominant Forage Crops in the Great Lakes Basin
Authors: De Haan Kevin , Khomik Myroslava , Green Adam , Helgason Warren , Macrae Merrin L. , Kompanizare Mazda , Petrone Richard M.
Published: August 2021

Water use efficiency (WUE) can be calculated using a range of methods differing in carbon uptake and water use variable selection. Consequently, inconsistencies arise between WUE calculations due to complex physical and physiological interactions. The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare WUE estimates (harvest or flux-based) for alfalfa (C3 plant) and maize (C4 plant) and determine effects of input variables, plant physiology and farming practices on estimates. Four WUE calculations were investigated: two “harvest-based” methods, using above ground carbon content and either precipitation or evapotranspiration (ET), and two “flux-based” methods, using gross primary productivity (GPP) and either ET or transpiration. WUE estimates differed based on method used at both half-hourly and seasonal scales. Input variables used in calculations affected WUE estimates, and plant physiology led to different responses in carbon assimilation and water use variables. WUE estimates were also impacted by different plant physiological responses and processing methods, even when the same carbon assimilation and water use variables were considered. This study highlights a need to develop a metric of measuring cropland carbon-water coupling that accounts for all water use components, plant carbon responses, and biomass production.
Morphometric and Nutritional Characterization of the Main Spanish Lentil Cultivars
Authors: Plaza Javier , Morales-Corts M. Remedios , Pérez-Sánchez Rodrigo , Revilla Isabel , Vivar-Quintana Ana M.
Published: August 2021

Nowadays, there is a growing demand for high-quality vegetal protein food products, such as pulses and lentils in particular. However, there is no scientific evidence on the nutritional and morphometric characterization of the main lentil cultivars in the Western Mediterranean area. For this reason, the aim of this work is to carry out a morphometric and nutritional characterization of the main Spanish lentil cultivars. Nutrient content assessment was performed on dry matter. The results showed that all studied cultivars are large and heavy lentils, except for the cultivar “Pardina”. They have high protein levels, ranging from 21% to 25%, which is higher than those found in any other pulse, as well as a high carbohydrate content, greater than 59% in all cases. Fiber content was higher than expected in “Armuña” and “Rubia Castellana” cultivars, ranging from 6% to 6.6%, and exceptionally high in the case of the cultivar “Pardina”, which reached 7.8%. Conversely, very low values were found for fat content, varying between 0.5% and 0.9%. Ca, Fe and Mg levels were remarkably higher (from 550 ppm to 851 ppm, from 98 ppm to 139 ppm and from 790 ppm to 989 ppm, respectively) than those found for other lentil cultivars, especially the high Mg content in the cultivars “Jaspeada” and “Microjaspeada”, both above 955 ppm. Clear differentiation was found between the cultivars “Rubia Castellana”, “Pardina” and those included in the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) “Lenteja de la Armuña”. Overall, lentil cultivars included in the PGI “Lenteja de la Armuña” showed better morphometric and nutritional characteristics than cultivars “Pardina” or “Rubia Castellana”.
Managing Soil Organic Carbon for Mitigating Climate Change and Increasing Food Security
Authors: Rumpel Cornelia , Chabbi Abad
Published: August 2021

This Special Issue contains articles presenting advances in soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration practices, considering their benefits, trade-offs and monitoring. The studies deal with (1) agricultural practices and climate change, (2) the effect of organic matter amendments, and (3) the development of monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) strategies. It is concluded that region-specific approaches are required for the implementation and monitoring of SOC sequestering practices.
UAV, a Farm Map, and Machine Learning Technology Convergence Classification Method of a Corn Cultivation Area
Authors: Lee Dong-Ho , Kim Hyeon-Jin , Park Jong-Hwa
Published: August 2021

South Korea’s agriculture is characterized by a mixture of various cultivated crops. In such an agricultural environment, convergence technology for ICT (information, communications, and technology) and AI (artificial intelligence) as well as agriculture is required to classify objects and predict yields. In general, the classification of paddy fields and field boundaries takes a lot of time and effort. The Farm Map was developed to clearly demarcate and classify the boundaries of paddy fields and fields in Korea. Therefore, this study tried to minimize the time and effort required to divide paddy fields and fields through the application of the Farm Map. To improve the fact that UAV image processing for a wide area requires a lot of time and effort to classify objects, we suggest a method for optimizing cultivated crop recognition. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability and effectiveness of machine learning classification techniques using a Farm Map in object-based mapping of agricultural land using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In this study, the advanced function selection method for object classification is to improve classification accuracy by using two types of classifiers, support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF). As a result of classification by applying a Farm Map-based SVM algorithm to wide-area UAV images, producer’s accuracy (PA) was 81.68%, user’s accuracy (UA) was 75.09%, the Kappa coefficient was 0.77, and the F-measure was 0.78. The results of classification by the Farm Map-based RF algorithm were as follows: PA of 96.58%, UA of 92.27%, a Kappa coefficient of 0.94, and the F-measure of 0.94. In the cultivation environment in which various crops were mixed, the corn cultivation area was estimated to be 96.54 ha by SVM, showing an accuracy of 90.27%. RF provided an estimate of 98.77 ha and showed an accuracy of 92.36%, which was higher than that of SVM. As a result of using the Farm Map for the object-based classification method, the agricultural land classification showed a higher efficiency in terms of time than the existing object classification method. Most importantly, it was confirmed that the efficiency of data processing can be increased by minimizing the possibility of misclassification in the obtained results. The obtained results confirmed that rapid and reliable analysis is possible when the cultivated area of crops is identified using UAV images, a Farm Map, and machine learning.
The Dynamic Conversion of Dietary Protein and Amino Acids into Chicken-Meat Protein
Authors: Macelline Shemil P. , Chrystal Peter V. , Liu Sonia Y. , Selle Peter H.
Published: August 2021

This review considers the conversion of dietary protein and amino acids into chicken-meat protein and seeks to identify strategies whereby this transition may be enhanced. Viable alternatives to soybean meal would be advantageous but the increasing availability of non-bound amino acids is providing the opportunity to develop reduced-crude protein (CP) diets, to promote the sustainability of the chicken-meat industry and is the focus of this review. Digestion of protein and intestinal uptakes of amino acids is critical to broiler growth performance. However, the transition of amino acids across enterocytes of the gut mucosa is complicated by their entry into either anabolic or catabolic pathways, which reduces their post-enteral availability. Both amino acids and glucose are catabolised in enterocytes to meet the energy needs of the gut. Therefore, starch and protein digestive dynamics and the possible manipulation of this ‘catabolic ratio’ assume importance. Finally, net deposition of protein in skeletal muscle is governed by the synchronised availability of amino acids and glucose at sites of protein deposition. There is a real need for more fundamental and applied research targeting areas where our knowledge is lacking relative to other animal species to enhance the conversion of dietary protein and amino acids into chicken-meat protein.
Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis Revealed Lipometabolic Disorders in Perirenal Adipose Tissue of Rabbits Subject to a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Xia Siqi , Shao Jiahao , Elzo Mauricio A. , Tang Tao , Li Yanhong , Lai Tianfu , Gan Mingchuan , Ma Yuan , Jia Xianbo , Lai Songjia , Wang Jie
Published: August 2021

A high-fat diet (HFD) is widely recognized as a significant modifiable risk for insulin resistance, inflammation, Type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis and other metabolic diseases. However, the biological mechanism responsible for key metabolic disorders in the PAT of rabbits subject to HFD remains unclear. Here, untargeted metabolomics (LC-MS/MS) combined with liquid chromatography (LC) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) were used to evaluate PAT metabolic changes. Histological observations showed that the adipocytes cells and density of PAT were significantly increased in HFD rabbits. Our study revealed 206 differential metabolites (21 up-regulated and 185 down-regulated); 47 differential metabolites (13 up-regulated and 34 down-regulated), comprising mainly phospholipids, fatty acids, steroid hormones and amino acids, were chosen as potential biomarkers to help explain metabolic disorders caused by HFD. These metabolites were mainly associated with the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway, the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway, and the platelet activation pathway. Our study revealed that a HFD caused significant lipometabolic disorders. These metabolites may inhibit oxygen respiration by increasing the adipocytes cells and density, cause mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction, produce inflammation, and finally lead to insulin resistance, thus increasing the risk of Type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and other metabolic syndromes.
Systematic Review of Hepatitis E Virus in Brazil: A One-Health Approach of the Human-Animal-Environment Triad
Authors: Moraes Danny Franciele da Silva Dias , Mesquita João R. , Dutra Valéria , Nascimento Maria São José
Published: August 2021

Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world with diverse socioeconomic and sanitary conditions, also being the fourth largest pig producer in the world. The aim of the present systematic review was to collect and summarize all HEV published data from Brazil (from 1995 to October 2020) performed in humans, animals, and the environment, in a One Health perspective. A total of 2173 papers were retrieved from five search databases (LILACs, Mendeley, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) resulting in 71 eligible papers after application of exclusion/inclusion criteria. Data shows that HEV genotype 3 (HEV-3) was the only retrieved genotype in humans, animals, and environment in Brazil. The South region showed the highest human seroprevalence and also the highest pig density and industry, suggesting a zoonotic link. HEV-1 and 2 were not detected in Brazil, despite the low sanitary conditions of some regions. From the present review we infer that HEV epidemiology in Brazil is similar to that of industrialized countries (only HEV-3, swine reservoirs, no waterborne transmission, no association with low sanitary conditions). Hence, we alert for the implementation of HEV surveillance systems in swine and for the consideration of HEV in the diagnostic routine of acute and chronic hepatitis in humans.
Lameness in Early Lactation Is Associated with Lower Productive and Reproductive Performance in a Herd of Supplemented Grazing Dairy Cows
Authors: Logroño Joaquín Chiozza , Rearte Ramiro , Corva Santiago Gerardo , Domínguez Germán Ariel , de la Sota Rodolfo Luzbel , Madoz Laura Vanina , Giuliodori Mauricio Javier
Published: August 2021

The main aim of this study was to assess the associations between the timing of lameness clinical case occurrence in lactation with productive and reproductive performances in grazing Holstein cows. A cohort study was carried out on a dataset with records from a commercial dairy herd (Buenos Aires, Argentina) for cows that calved and were dried off from January 2010 through June 2017. The first recorded event of lameness per lactation was considered for the study. Criteria for lactation inclusion included not having uterine diseases, mastitis, or anovulatory cysts during the studied risk period (i.e., up to 200 DIM). Therefore, a total of 7156 out of 20,086 lactations were included in the statistical analysis. The association between lameness case occurrence in lactation (cows not lame (LG0) vs. lame cows between parturition and first service (LG1) vs. lame cows between first service and first pregnancy (LG2)) with productive (i.e., accumulated milk yield to 150 DIM (MILK150) and 300 DIM (MILK305)) and reproductive performances (hazard of insemination and pregnancy) was analyzed with linear regression models and proportional hazard regression models, respectively. Lame cows produced 161 and 183 kg less MILK150 and MILK305 than non-lame herd mates, respectively. Moreover, LG1 cows produced 216 kg less MILK150 and 200 kg less MILK305 than LG0 cows, and LG2 cows also produced 58 kg less MILK150 and 158 kg less MILK305 than LG0 cows. The LG1 cows had a lower hazard of service than LG0 cows (HR = 0.43, 95%CI = 0.39–0.47). Furthermore, LG1 cows had a lower hazard of pregnancy than LG0 cows (HR = 0.52, 95%CI = 0.46–0.59) and took longer to get pregnant than LG0 cows (median [95%CI], 139 [132–144] vs. 101 [99–103]). Moreover, LG2 cows had a much lower hazard of pregnancy than LG0 cows (HR = 0.08, 95%CI = 0.05–0.12) and much longer calving to first pregnancy interval than LG0 cows (188 [183–196] vs. 101 [99–103]). In conclusion, cows that become lame in early lactation produce less milk and have lower hazards of insemination and pregnancy than herd mates that are healthy or become lame later in lactation. In addition, cows that become lame immediately after the voluntarily waiting period have the poorest reproductive performance (i.e., they have the lowest hazard of pregnancy and the longest calving to pregnancy interval).
Seasonal Variation in the Faecal Microbiota of Mature Adult Horses Maintained on Pasture in New Zealand
Authors: Fernandes Karlette A. , Gee Erica K. , Rogers Chris W. , Kittelmann Sandra , Biggs Patrick J. , Bermingham Emma N. , Bolwell Charlotte F. , Thomas David G.
Published: August 2021

Seasonal variation in the faecal microbiota of forage-fed horses was investigated over a 12-month period to determine whether the bacterial diversity fluctuated over time. Horses (n = 10) were maintained on pasture for one year, with hay supplemented from June to October. At monthly intervals, data were recorded on pasture availability and climate (collected continuously and averaged on monthly basis), pasture and hay samples were collected for nutrient analysis, and faecal samples were collected from all horses to investigate the diversity of faecal microbiota using next-generation sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform. The alpha diversity of bacterial genera was high in all samples (n = 118), with significantly higher Simpson’s (p < 0.001) and Shannon-Wiener (p < 0.001) diversity indices observed during the months when horses were kept exclusively on pasture compared to the months when pasture was supplemented with hay. There were significant effects of diet, season, and month (ANOSIM, p < 0.01 for each comparison) on the beta diversity of bacterial genera identified in the faeces. While there was some inter-horse variation, hierarchical clustering of beta diversity indices showed separate clades originating for samples obtained during May, June, and July (late-autumn to winter period), and January, February, and March (a period of drought), with a strong association between bacterial taxa and specific nutrients (dry matter, protein, and structural carbohydrates) and climate variables (rainfall and temperature). Our study supports the hypothesis that the diversity and community structure of the faecal microbiota of horses kept on pasture varied over a 12-month period, and this variation reflects changes in the nutrient composition of the pasture, which in turn is influenced by climatic conditions. The findings of this study may have implications for grazing management and the preparation of conserved forages for those horses susceptible to perturbations of the hindgut microbiota.
Epitope Mapping of Monoclonal Antibodies to Calreticulin Reveals That Charged Amino Acids Are Essential for Antibody Binding
Authors: Bergmann Ann Christina , Kyllesbech Cecilie , Slibinskas Rimantas , Ciplys Evaldas , Højrup Peter , Trier Nicole Hartwig , Houen Gunnar
Published: August 2021

Calreticulin is a chaperone protein, which is associated with myeloproliferative diseases. In this study, we used resin-bound peptides to characterize two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed to calreticulin, mAb FMC 75 and mAb 16, which both have significantly contributed to understanding the biological function of calreticulin. The antigenicity of the resin-bound peptides was determined by modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Specific binding was determined to an 8-mer epitope located in the N-terminal (amino acids 34–41) and to a 12-mer peptide located in the C-terminal (amino acids 362–373). Using truncated peptides, the epitopes were identified as TSRWIESK and DEEQRLKEEED for mAb FMC 75 and mAb 16, respectively, where, especially the charged amino acids, were found to have a central role for a stable binding. Further studies indicated that the epitope of mAb FMC 75 is assessable in the oligomeric structure of calreticulin, making this epitope a potential therapeutic target.
TRPM2 Non-Selective Cation Channels in Liver Injury Mediated by Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Ali Eunus S. , Rychkov Grigori Y. , Barritt Greg J.
Published: August 2021

TRPM2 channels admit Ca2+ and Na+ across the plasma membrane and release Ca2+ and Zn2+ from lysosomes. Channel activation is initiated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to a subsequent increase in ADP-ribose and the binding of ADP-ribose to an allosteric site in the cytosolic NUDT9 homology domain. In many animal cell types, Ca2+ entry via TRPM2 channels mediates ROS-initiated cell injury and death. The aim of this review is to summarise the current knowledge of the roles of TRPM2 and Ca2+ in the initiation and progression of chronic liver diseases and acute liver injury. Studies to date provide evidence that TRPM2-mediated Ca2+ entry contributes to drug-induced liver toxicity, ischemia–reperfusion injury, and the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to cirrhosis, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Of particular current interest are the steps involved in the activation of TRPM2 in hepatocytes following an increase in ROS, the downstream pathways activated by the resultant increase in intracellular Ca2+, and the chronology of these events. An apparent contradiction exists between these roles of TRPM2 and the role identified for ROS-activated TRPM2 in heart muscle and in some other cell types in promoting Ca2+-activated mitochondrial ATP synthesis and cell survival. Inhibition of TRPM2 by curcumin and other “natural” compounds offers an attractive strategy for inhibiting ROS-induced liver cell injury. In conclusion, while it has been established that ROS-initiated activation of TRPM2 contributes to both acute and chronic liver injury, considerable further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved, and the conditions under which pharmacological inhibition of TRPM2 can be an effective clinical strategy to reduce ROS-initiated liver injury.
Experimental Investigation on Integrated Subsurface Monitoring of Soil Slope Using Acoustic Emission and Mechanical Measurement
Authors: Deng Lizheng , Yuan Hongyong , Chen Jianguo , Fu Ming , Chen Yang , Li Kaiyuan , Yu Miaomiao , Chen Tao
Published: August 2021

Compared with slope surface measurement, subsurface monitoring has the potential to detect abnormal changes at an earlier stage. Due to the large-scale deformation of landslides and the complex geological environment, the existing subsurface devices generally have limited measuring range or high economic cost. Thus, it is urgent to develop an advanced method to improve the sustainable monitoring of large subsurface deformation. In this study, a novel flexible device is designed for slope subsurface monitoring, which combines an active waveguide of acoustic emission and the distinctive structure of a large-deformation bolt. An experimental system is built and a loading process of three-stage deformation is carried out to test the performance of the flexible device. The kinematic, mechanical and acoustic emission parameters are synchronously obtained in the whole landslide model test. The results indicate that different evolution stages of a landslide can be distinguished by sliding acceleration. The axial tension within the anchor cable changes consistently with sliding thrust. In addition, using acoustic emission to quantify slope deformation has achieved strong correlation. An extra experiment with constant velocity is conducted to explore the precision of deformation quantification by acoustic emission. A schematic diagram is presented for how this novel device would be used for landslide monitoring in the field, with the potential practicability of stabilizing the slope.
A Case Study of a Large Unstable Mass Stabilization: “El Portalet” Pass at the Central Spanish Pyrenees
Authors: Cobos Guillermo , Eguibar Miguel Ángel , Torrijo Francisco Javier , Garzón-Roca Julio
Published: August 2021

This case study presents the engineering approach conducted for stabilizing a landslide that occurred at “El Portalet” Pass in the Central Spanish Pyrenees activated due to the construction of a parking lot. Unlike common slope stabilization cases, measures projected here were aimed at slowing and controlling the landslide, and not completely stopping the movement. This decision was taken due to the slow movement of the landslide and the large unstable mass involved. The degree of success of the stabilization measures was assessed by stability analyses and data obtained from different geotechnical investigations and satellite survey techniques such as GB-SAR and DinSAR conducted by different authors in the area under study. The water table was found to be a critical factor in the landslide’s stability, and the tendency of the unstable slope for null movement (total stability) was related to the water table lowering process, which needs more than 10 years to occur due to regional and climatic issues. Results showed a good performance of the stabilization measures to control the landslide, demonstrating the effectiveness of the approach followed, and which became an example of a good response to the classical engineering duality cost–safety.
Accuracy of the Provisional Prosthesis Scanning Techniqueversus a Conventional Impression Technique on Completely Edentulous Arches
Authors: Lee Chunui , Dusmukhamedov Shavkat , Fang Yi-Qin , Jeong Seung-Mi , Choi Byung-Ho
Published: August 2021

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to compare the marginal fit of fixed dental restorations fabricated with the provisional prosthesis scanning technique versus a conventional impression technique and to determine the effect of both variables on the accuracy outcome. Materials and Methods: Twelve identical polyurethane edentulous maxillary models were equally divided into two groups: control (conventional impression group) and test (provisional prosthesis scanning group). After obtaining the impression using the above-mentioned methods and further preparing the final prosthesis, the passivity of the metal framework prosthesis was checked using a single screw test, i.e., only one screw was fixed on the terminal right abutment, and all others were empty. The marginal fit of the final prosthetic frameworks screwed onto the implants on the terminal left abutment was measured at the terminal right sight by periapical radiographs obtained immediately after metal framework placements in both groups. The medians derived from the two groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney test. In all tests, a p-value < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results: In the provisional prosthesis scanning group, the median marginal fit discrepancy was 170 µm (range 120–190). In the conventional impression group, the median marginal fit discrepancy was 1080 µm (range 1040–1100). There was a significant difference in the implant-framework marginal gap fit discrepancy between these two groups. Conclusion: Prostheses fabricated with the provisional prosthesis scanning technique are significantly more accurate than those fabricated with conventional impression techniques.
On the Improvement of ROS-Based Control for Teleoperated Yaskawa Robots
Authors: Baklouti Sana , Gallot Guillaume , Viaud Julien , Subrin Kevin
Published: August 2021

This paper deals with Yaskawa robots controlling the Robot Operating System (ROS) for teleoperation tasks. The integration of an open-source ROS interface based on standard Motoman packages into control loop leads to large trajectory tracking errors and latency, which are unsuitable for robotic teleoperation. An improved version of the standard ROS-based control is proposed by adding a new velocity control mode into the standard Motoman ROS driver. These two approaches are compared in terms of response time and tracking delay. Investigations applied on the Yaskawa GP8 robot while using the proposed improved ROS-based control confirmed trajectory tracking and latency improvements, which can achieve 43% with respect to standard control.
Property Analysis of Slag Composite Concrete Using a Kinetic–Thermodynamic Hydration Model
Authors: Park Ki-Bong , Wang Yi-Sheng , Wang Xiao-Yong
Published: August 2021

Slag is increasingly unitized for the production of sustainable concrete. This paper presents a procedure with which to analyze the property development of slag composite concrete. Experimental studies of the hydration heat and compressive strength development and simulation studies using a kinetic hydration model and a thermodynamic model were performed. First, we performed an experimental study of the isothermal hydration heat of cement–slag blends. Based on the results of the experimental study on cumulative hydration heat, the reaction degree of slag was determined. We found that the reaction degree of slag decreased as the slag content increased. Second, the reaction degree of slag and cement were used as the input parameters for the Gibbs energy minimization (GEM) thermodynamic equilibrium model. Moreover, the phase assemblage of hydrating cement–slag was determined. The trends of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) are similar to those of strength. Based on the CSH content, the strength of hardening cement–slag blends was determined. In addition, the calcium hydroxide (CH) content resulting from the thermodynamic model shows good agreement with the experimental results. In summary, the integrated kinetic–thermodynamic model is useful for analyzing the properties of cement–slag blends.
Road Traffic Noise on the Santa Marta City Tourist Route
Authors: Jiménez-Uribe Dámaris A. , Daniels Darwin , Fleming Zoë L. , Vélez-Pereira Andrés M.
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of vehicular traffic on the environmental noise levels of the Santa Marta City tourist route on the Colombian coast. An analysis of vehicle types and frequencies at various times of the day over nearly a year helped to track the main sources of environmental noise pollution. Five sampling points were selected, which were distributed over 12 km, with three classified as peripheral urban and two as suburban. The average traffic flow was 966 vehicles/h and was mainly composed of automobiles, with higher values in the peripheral urban area. The noise level was 103.3 dBA, with background and peak levels of 87.2 and 107.3 dBA, respectively. The noise level was higher during the day; however, there were no differences between weekdays and weekends. The results from the analysis of variance showed that the number of vehicles and the noise levels varied greatly according to the time of day and sampling point location. The peak and mean noise levels were correlated with the number of automobiles, buses and heavy vehicles. The mean noise levels were similar at all sample points despite the traffic flow varying, and the background noise was only correlated for automobiles (which varied much more than the heavy vehicles between day and night).
Computer-Generated Hologram Based on Reference Light Multiplexing for Holographic Display
Authors: Pi Dapu , Liu Juan
Published: August 2021

In this article, we propose a reference light wave multiplexing scheme to increase the information capacity of computer-generated holograms. The holograms were generated by different reference light waves and superimposed together as a multiplexed hologram. A modified Gerchberg–Saxton algorithm was used to improve image quality, and different images could be reconstructed when the multiplexed hologram was illuminated by corresponding reference light waves. We performed both numerical simulations and optical experiments to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed scheme. Numerical simulations showed that the proposed method could reconstruct multiple images successfully by a single multiplexed hologram and optical experiments are consistently good with numerical simulations. It is expected that the proposed method has great potential to be widely applied in holographic displays in the future.
Classification of Alzheimer’s Disease Patients Using Texture Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Salunkhe Sumit , Bachute Mrinal , Gite Shilpa , Vyas Nishad , Khanna Saanil , Modi Keta , Katpatal Chinmay , Kotecha Ketan
Published: August 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been studied extensively to understand the nature of this complex disease and address the many research gaps concerning prognosis and diagnosis. Several studies based on structural and textural characteristics have already been conducted to aid in identifying AD patients. In this work, an image processing methodology was used to extract textural information and classify the patients into two groups: AD and Cognitively Normal (CN). The Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) was employed since it is a strong foundation for texture classification. Various textural parameters derived from the GLCM aided in deciphering the characteristics of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) region of interest (ROI). Several commonly used image classification algorithms were employed. MATLAB was used to successfully derive 20 features based on the GLCM of the MRI dataset. Based on the data analysis, 8 of the 20 features were determined as significant elements. Ensemble (90.2%), Decision Trees (88.5%), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) (87.2%) were the best performing classifiers. It was observed in GLCM that as the distance (d) between pixels increased, the classification accuracy decreased. The best result was observed for GLCM with d = 1 and direction (d, d, −d) with age and structural data.
Optimal Fractional PID Controller for Buck Converter Using Cohort Intelligent Algorithm
Authors: Warrier Preeti , Shah Pritesh
Published: August 2021

The control of power converters is difficult due to their non-linear nature and, hence, the quest for smart and efficient controllers is continuous and ongoing. Fractional-order controllers have demonstrated superior performance in power electronic systems in recent years. However, it is a challenge to attain optimal parameters of the fractional-order controller for such types of systems. This article describes the optimal design of a fractional order PID (FOPID) controller for a buck converter using the cohort intelligence (CI) optimization approach. The CI is an artificial intelligence-based socio-inspired meta-heuristic algorithm, which has been inspired by the behavior of a group of candidates called a cohort. The FOPID controller parameters are designed for the minimization of various performance indices, with more emphasis on the integral squared error (ISE) performance index. The FOPID controller shows faster transient and dynamic response characteristics in comparison to the conventional PID controller. Comparison of the proposed method with different optimization techniques like the GA, PSO, ABC, and SA shows good results in lesser computational time. Hence the CI method can be effectively used for the optimal tuning of FOPID controllers, as it gives comparable results to other optimization algorithms at a much faster rate. Such controllers can be optimized for multiple objectives and used in the control of various power converters giving rise to more efficient systems catering to the Industry 4.0 standards.
Resolving Elve, Halo and Sprite Halo Images at 10,000 Fps in the Taiwan 2020 Campaign
Authors: Kuo Cheng-Ling , Huang Tai-Yin , Hsu Cheng-Mao , Sato Mitsuteru , Lee Lou-Chuang , Lin Neng-Huei
Published: August 2021

After almost thirty years’ efforts on studying transient luminous events (TLEs), ground-based observation has confirmed the TLE family, including elves, halos, sprites, and blue jets, etc. The typical elve has the shortest emission time (<1 ms) in comparison with other TLEs. The second shortest is the halo emission. Although elves and halos are supposed to be more frequent than sprites, ground campaigns still have less probability of recording their images due to their fleeting and short emission. Additionally, the submillisecond imaging of elves, halos, and sprite halos helps us resolve their electro-optic dynamics and morphological features, but few have been reported in the literature. Our study presents the 10,000 fps imaging frames on elves, halos and sprite halos, compares their similarity and disparity, and analyzes their parent lightning properties with associated VLF and ELF data.
Precipitation Characteristics of Warm Season Weather Types in the Southeastern United States of America
Authors: Qian Jian-Hua , Viner Brian , Noble Stephen , Werth David
Published: August 2021

Daily weather types (WTs) over the Southeast United States have been analyzed using 850 hPa winds from reanalysis data from March to October of 1979–2019. Six WTs were obtained. WTs 1–3 represent mid-latitude synoptic systems propagating eastward. WT4 is a summer-type pattern predominantly occurring in June–August, with the center of the North Atlantic Subtropical High (NASH) along the Gulf coast in the southern United States. WT5 is most frequent from August to middle October, with the NASH pushed further north and southerly winds over the northern Great Plains. An anticyclone centered at the Carolina coast characterizes WT6, which occurs in all months but is slightly more frequent in the spring and fall, especially in October, corresponding to fair weather in the region. WTs 1, 2 and 3 can persist for only a few days. WTs 4, 5 and 6 can have long spells of persistence. Besides self-persistence, the most observed progression loop is WT1 to WT2, to WT3, and then back to WT1, corresponding to eastward-propagating waves. WTs 4 and 5 are likely to show persistence, with long periods of consecutive days. WT6 usually persists but can also transfer to WT3, i.e., a change from fair weather in the Southeast U.S. to rainy weather in the Mississippi River Valley. A diurnal cycle of precipitation is apparent for each WT, especially over coastal plains. The nocturnal precipitation in central U.S. is associated with WT3. WTs 1–3 are more frequent in El Niño years, corresponding to stronger westerly wave activities and above normal rainfall in the Southeast U.S. in the spring. The positive rainfall anomaly in the Mississippi and Ohio River valley in El Niño years is also associated with more frequent WT3.
Integrated Mobile Laboratory for Air Pollution Assessment: Literature Review and cc-TrAIRer Design
Authors: Boanini Chiara , Mecca Domenico , Pognant Federica , Bo Matteo , Clerico Marina
Published: August 2021

To promote research studies on air pollution and climate change, the mobile laboratory cc-TrAIRer (Climate Change—TRailer for AIR and Environmental Research) was designed and built. It consists of a trailer which affords particles, gas, meteorological and noise measurements. Thanks to its structure and its versatility, it can easily conduct field campaigns in remote areas. The literature review presented in this paper shows the main characteristics of the existing mobile laboratories. The cc-TrAIRer was built by evaluating technical aspects, instrumentations and auxiliary systems that emerged from previous studies in the literature. Some of the studies conducted in heterogeneous topography areas, such as the Po Valley and the Alps, using instruments that were chosen to be located on the mobile laboratory are here reported. The preliminary results highlight the future applications of the trailer and the importance of high temporal resolution data acquisition for the characterization of pollution phenomena. The potential applications of the cc-TrAIRer concern different fields, such as complex terrain, emergency situations, worksite and local source impacts and temporal and spatial distributions of atmospheric compounds. The integrated use of gas and particle analysers, a weather station and environment monitoring systems in a single easily transportable vehicle will contribute to research studies on global aspects of climate change.
Source Identification of a Chemical Incident in an Urban Area
Authors: Fernández Francisco J. , Vázquez-Méndez Miguel E.
Published: August 2021

This work deals aims to present a methodology for source identification of chemical incidents in urban areas. We propose an approximation of the problem within the framework of the optimal control theory and we provide an algorithm for its numerical resolution. Finally, we analyze the validity of the algorithm in several academic situations.
Antiviral Activity of Rosa damascena Mill. and Rosa alba L. Essential Oils against the Multiplication of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Strains Sensitive and Resistant to Acyclovir
Authors: Vilhelmova-Ilieva Neli , Dobreva Ana , Doynovska Rositsa , Krastev Dimo , Mileva Milka
Published: August 2021

Background: The specific chemotherapeutics against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV) are nucleoside analogues such as acyclovir (ACV), but the most important problem is the formation of resistant mutants. The search for new therapeutic alternatives leads us to the purpose of investigating the effects of Rosa damascena Mill. and Rosa alba L. essential oils on the viral reproduction of susceptible (Victoria) and acyclovir-resistant (R-100) strains of HSV-1 replication in vitro, individually and in combination with acyclovir. Methods: Cytopathic effect inhibition test was used for assessment of antiviral activity of the oils, and the three-dimensional model of Prichard and Shipman was applied to evaluate the combined effect of oils with ACV on HSV-1 replication. Results: Both oils do not affect the replication of viral strains; they are able to influence only viral adsorption and extracellular virions and protect healthy cells from subsequent infection. In combination with lower doses of acyclovir, both oils demonstrate a significant synergistic effect on the replication of HSV-1, which is more contagious than the Victoria strain. Conclusions: The nonspecific mechanism of the reduction in viral reproduction caused by rose oils and the synergistic effect of their co-administration with the lower doses of specific inhibitor ACV makes them suitable therapeutics for overcoming viral resistance to HSV-1 infections.
Biotechnological and Biomedical Applications of Enzymes Involved in the Synthesis of Nucleosides and Nucleotides
Authors: Fernández-Lucas Jesús
Published: August 2021

Nucleic acid derivatives are involved in cell growth and replication, but they are also particularly important as building blocks for RNA and DNA synthesis [...]
Serum Chemerin Concentration Is Associated with Proinflammatory Status in Chronic Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Szpakowicz Anna , Szpakowicz Malgorzata , Lapinska Magda , Paniczko Marlena , Lawicki Slawomir , Raczkowski Andrzej , Kondraciuk Marcin , Sawicka Emilia , Chlabicz Malgorzata , Kozuch Marcin , Poludniewski Maciej , Dobrzycki Slawomir , Kowalska Irina , Kaminski Karol
Published: August 2021

Background: Chemerin is an adipokine and a chemoattractant for leukocytes. Increased chemerin levels were observed in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated associations between chemerin and biochemical measurements or body composition in CAD patients. Methods: In the study, we included patients with stable CAD who had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the past. All patients had routine blood tests, and their insulin and chemerin serum levels were routinely measured. Body composition was assessed with the DEXA method. Results: The study group comprised 163 patients (mean age 59.8 ± years, 26% of females, n = 43). There was no significant difference in serum chemerin concentrations between patients with diabetes and the remaining ones: 306.8 ± 121 vs. 274.15 ± 109 pg/mL, p = 0.1. Chemerin correlated positively with the white blood cell (WBC) count, the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, hsCRP, all fractions of cholesterol, triglycerides, platelet count, fasting insulin, and c-peptide. Chemerin levels were also correlated with total fat mass but only in a subgroup with normal glucose metabolism. Conclusion: In patients with CAD, serum chemerin levels are correlated with inflammation markers, insulin resistance, and an unfavorable lipid profile. Correlation with fat mass is dependent on glucose metabolism status. Depending on the presence of diabetes/prediabetes, the mechanisms regulating chemerin secretion may be different.
Epidemiological and Liver Biomarkers Profile of Epstein-Barr Virus Infection and Its Coinfection with Cytomegalovirus in Patients with Hematological Diseases
Authors: Ferrari de Freitas Lilian , de Melo Silva Jean , Nogueira Barbosa Anderson , Miranda Santos Enzo , Pinheiro-Silva Renato , Soares Pontes Gemilson
Published: August 2021

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) are viruses globally distributed that have been associated with the development and prognosis of many pathologies, including hematological diseases. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological profile of EBV infection and the infection-correlated hepatic manifestations in patients with hematological diseases of the northern Brazilian state of Amazonas. A total of 228 patients were serologically tested for the presence of anti-EBV and anti-CMV IgG antibodies through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The coinfection with CMV, sociodemographic and laboratory records of all patients were also assessed. The overall prevalence observed among the study population for EBV infection and EBV/CMV coinfection was 85.09% (95% CI: 0.80–0.90) and 78.51% (95% CI: 0.73–0.84), respectively. The age group 31–40 years old were more susceptible to EBV/CMV coinfection (95% CI: 1.59–93.41, p = 0.011), while young people aged 1–10 years old were less affected for both EBV infection (CI 95%; 0.66–0.91, p = 0.001) and EBV/CMV coinfection (95% CI: 0.52–0.81, p < 0.0001). High serum levels of the liver biomarker ferritin were associated with EBV infection (95% CI: 1.03–1.54, p = 0.031) and EBV/CMV coinfection (95% CI: 1.02–1.70, p = 0.038). Our findings indicated that the elevated prevalence of EBV infection is not associated with the hematological diseases or transfusion rates, but with the socioeconomic status of the study population. Also, this study suggests that the EBV infection and its coinfection with CMV are related to the increase of serum ferritin levels.