bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Circulating Galectin-3, Systemic Inflammation, and Protein-Energy Wasting in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Tsai Ming-Tsun , Ou Shuo-Ming , Chen Huan-Yuan , Tseng Wei-Cheng , Lee Kuo-Hua , Yang Chih-Yu , Yang Ruey-Bing , Tarng Der-Cherng
Published: August 2021

Galectin-3 reportedly participates in the inflammatory process that causes insulin resistance in the target tissues. However, the role of high plasma galectin-3 levels as an indicator of protein-energy wasting (PEW) in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis remains unclear. This study included 240 hemodialysis patients (64.5 [55.3−74.0] years, 35.8% women) from a tertiary medical center. A baseline assessment of demographic and clinical data, biochemical parameters, and body composition was conducted. Plasma galectin-3 and other biomarkers were measured using a multiplex bead-based immunoassay. Participants were then divided into two subgroups depending on the median value of plasma galectin-3. Malnutrition was identified using the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and the criteria of the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism. Independent risk factors for elevated plasma galectin-3 and malnutrition were identified by multivariate logistic regression. The high galectin-3 group was more likely to be older, have lower lean tissue mass and GNRI scores, be diagnosed with PEW, dialyze through a tunneled catheter, and have higher circulating IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 concentrations than the low galectin-3 group. After multivariate adjustment, only low mean arterial pressure, dialyzing with tunneled cuffed catheters, and elevated systemic inflammatory markers correlated with high galectin-3 levels. Plasma galectin-3 concentrations also increased significantly in hemodialysis patients with PEW. However, compared with other commonly used nutritional indicators, galectin-3 did not show superiority in predicting PEW. Although the plasma galectin-3 levels correlated with PEW severity, this correlation disappeared after adjustment for potential confounding variables (OR, 1.000; 95% CI, 0.999–1.001). In conclusion, plasma galectin-3 is a valuable biomarker for systemic inflammation but is less prominent for PEW in patients with maintenance hemodialysis. Further identification of novel biomarkers is required to detect patients at risk for malnutrition and implement appropriate interventions.
The Anti-Obesity Effects of Lemon Fermented Products in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes and in a Rat Model with High-Calorie Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Wu Chih-Chung , Huang Yu-Wen , Hou Chih-Yao , Chen Ya-Ting , Dong Cheng-Di , Chen Chiu-Wen , Singhania Reeta-Rani , Leang Jie-Yin , Hsieh Shu-Ling
Published: August 2021

Lemon (Citrus limon) has antioxidant, immunoregulatory, and blood lipid-lowering properties. This study aimed to determine the effect of the lemon fermented product (LFP) which is lemon fermented with Lactobacillus OPC1 to prevent obesity. The inhibition of lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes is examined using a Wistar rat model fed a high-fat diet to verify the anti-obesity efficacy and mechanism of LFP. Here, it was observed that LFP reduced cell proliferation and inhibited the lipid accumulation (8.3%) of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Additionally, LFP reduced body weight (9.7%) and fat tissue weight (25.7%) of rats; reduced serum TG (17.0%), FFA (17.9%), glucose (29.3%) and ketone body (6.8%); and increased serum HDL-C (17.6%) and lipase activity (17.8%). LFP regulated the mRNA expression of genes related to lipid metabolism (PPARγ, C/EBPα, SREBP-1c, HSL, ATGL, FAS, and AMPK). Therefore, LFP reduces body weight and lipid accumulation by regulating the mRNA expression of genes related to lipid metabolism. Overall, our results implicate LFP as a potential dietary supplement for the prevention of obesity.
Phytosterols, Cholesterol Control, and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Poli Andrea , Marangoni Franca , Corsini Alberto , Manzato Enzo , Marrocco Walter , Martini Daniela , Medea Gerardo , Visioli Francesco
Published: August 2021

The use of phytosterols (or plant sterols) for the control of plasma cholesterol concentrations has recently gained traction because their efficacy is acknowledged by scientific authorities and leading guidelines. Phytosterols, marketed as supplements or functional foods, are formally classified as food in the European Union, are freely available for purchase, and are frequently used without any health professional advice; therefore, they are often self-prescribed, either inappropriately or in situations in which no significant advantage can be obtained. For this reason, a panel of experts with diverse medical and scientific backgrounds was convened by NFI—Nutrition Foundation of Italy—to critically evaluate and summarize the literature available on the topic, with the goal of providing medical doctors and all health professionals useful information to actively govern the use of phytosterols in the context of plasma cholesterol control. Some practical indications to help professionals identify subjects who will most likely benefit from the use of these products, optimizing the therapeutic outcomes, are also provided. The panel concluded that the use of phytosterols as supplements or functional foods to control Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels should be preceded by the assessment of some relevant individual characteristics: cardiovascular risk, lipid profile, correct understanding of how to use these products, and willingness to pay for the treatment.
Seaweed Dietary Fiber Sodium Alginate Suppresses the Migration of Colonic Inflammatory Monocytes and Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome via the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Ejima Ryuta , Akiyama Masahiro , Sato Hiroki , Tomioka Sawako , Yakabe Kyosuke , Kimizuka Tatsuki , Seki Natsumi , Fujimura Yumiko , Hirayama Akiyoshi , Fukuda Shinji , Hase Koji , Kim Yun-Gi
Published: August 2021

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial chronic metabolic disorder that affects approximately one billion people worldwide. Recent studies have evaluated whether targeting the gut microbiota can prevent MetS. This study aimed to assess the ability of dietary fiber to control MetS by modulating gut microbiota composition. Sodium alginate (SA) is a seaweed-derived dietary fiber that suppresses high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MetS via an effect on the gut microbiota. We observed that SA supplementation significantly decreased body weight gain, cholesterol levels, and fat weight, while improving glucose tolerance in HFD-fed mice. SA changed the gut microbiota composition and significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroides. Antibiotic treatment completely abolished the suppressive effects of SA on MetS. Mechanistically, SA decreased the number of colonic inflammatory monocytes, which promote MetS development, in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. The abundance of Bacteroides was negatively correlated with that of inflammatory monocytes and positively correlated with the levels of several gut metabolites. The present study revealed a novel food function of SA in preventing HFD-induced MetS through its action on gut microbiota.
Poxvirus Interactions with the Host Ubiquitin System
Authors: Lant Sian , Maluquer de Motes Carlos
Published: August 2021

The ubiquitin system has emerged as a master regulator of many, if not all, cellular functions. With its large repertoire of conjugating and ligating enzymes, the ubiquitin system holds a unique mechanism to provide selectivity and specificity in manipulating protein function. As intracellular parasites viruses have evolved to modulate the cellular environment to facilitate replication and subvert antiviral responses. Poxviruses are a large family of dsDNA viruses with large coding capacity that is used to synthetise proteins and enzymes needed for replication and morphogenesis as well as suppression of host responses. This review summarises our current knowledge on how poxvirus functions rely on the cellular ubiquitin system, and how poxviruses exploit this system to their own advantage, either facilitating uncoating and genome release and replication or rewiring ubiquitin ligases to downregulate critical antiviral factors. Whilst much remains to be known about the intricate interactions established between poxviruses and the host ubiquitin system, our knowledge has revealed crucial viral processes and important restriction factors that open novel avenues for antiviral treatment and provide fundamental insights on the biology of poxviruses and other virus families.
Increased In Vitro Intercellular Barrier Function of Lung Epithelial Cells Using Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells
Authors: Ishii Mitsutoshi , Tsuchiya Tomoshi , Doi Ryoichiro , Morofuji Yoichi , Fujimoto Takashi , Muto Hideki , Suematsu Takashi , Mori Ryoichi , Matsumoto Keitaro , Miyazaki Takuro , Tomoshige Koichi , Watanabe Hironosuke , Iwatake Mayumi , Nagayasu Takeshi
Published: August 2021

With the emergence of coronavirus disease-2019, researchers have gained interest in the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) in acute respiratory distress syndrome; however, the mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of MSCs are unclear. We have previously reported that adipose-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs) strengthen the barrier function of the pulmonary vessels in scaffold-based bioengineered rat lungs. In this study, we evaluated whether AD-MSCs could enhance the intercellular barrier function of lung epithelial cells in vitro using a transwell coculture system. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements revealed that the peak TEER value was significantly higher in the AD-MSC coculture group than in the AD-MSC non-coculture group. Similarly, the permeability coefficient was significantly decreased in the AD-MSC coculture group compared to that in the AD-MSC non-coculture group. Immunostaining of insert membranes showed that zonula occuldens-1 expression was significantly high at cell junctions in the AD-MSC coculture group. Moreover, cell junction-related gene profiling showed that the expression of some claudin genes, including claudin-4, was upregulated in the AD-MSC coculture group. Taken together, these results showed that AD-MSCs enhanced the barrier function between lung epithelial cells, suggesting that both direct adhesion and indirect paracrine effects strengthened the barrier function of lung alveolar epithelium in vitro.
Augmented Reality Vector Light Field Display with Large Viewing Distance Based on Pixelated Multilevel Blazed Gratings
Authors: Shi Jiacheng , Hua Jianyu , Zhou Fengbin , Yang Min , Qiao Wen
Published: August 2021

Glasses-free augmented reality (AR) 3D display has attracted great interest in its ability to merge virtual 3D objects with real scenes naturally, without the aid of any wearable devices. Here we propose an AR vector light field display based on a view combiner and an off-the-shelf purchased projector. The view combiner is sparsely covered with pixelated multilevel blazed gratings (MBG) for the projection of perspective virtual images. Multi-order diffraction of the MBG is designed to increase the viewing distance and vertical viewing angle. In a 20-inch prototype, multiple sets of 16 horizontal views form a smooth parallax. The viewing distance of the 3D scene is larger than 5 m. The vertical viewing angle is 15.6°. The light efficiencies of all views are larger than 53%. We demonstrate that the displayed virtual 3D scene retains natural motion parallax and high brightness while having a consistent occlusion effect with natural objects. This research can be extended to applications in areas such as human–computer interaction, entertainment, education, and medical care.
Nanoclay Effect into the Biodegradation and Processability of Poly(lactic acid) Nanocomposites for Food Packaging
Authors: Oliver-Ortega Helena , Vandemoortele Victor , Bala Alba , Julian Fernando , Méndez José Alberto , Espinach Francesc Xavier
Published: August 2021

One of the most promising expectations in the design of new materials for food packaging is focused on the development of biodegradable systems with improved barrier character. In this sense PLA reinforced with nanoclay is a potential alternative to the use of conventional oil-derivative polymers due to the synergetic effect of the biodegradable character of PLA and the barrier-induced effect derived from the dispersion of nanoparticles. In this work, composite materials based on PLA and reinforced with bentonite nanoparticles (up to 4% w/w) (NC) have been prepared to produce films with improved barrier character against water vapor transportation. Additionally, the biodegradable character of the composites depending on the crystallinity of the polymer and percentage of NC have been evaluated in the presence of an enzymatic active medium (proteinase K). Finally, a study of the capacity to film production of the composites has been performed to determine the viability of the proposals. The dispersion of the nanoparticles induced a tortuous pathway of water vapor crossing, reducing this diffusion by more than 22%. Moreover, the nanoclays materials were in all the cases acceptable for food packing in terms of migration. A migration lower than 1 mg/m2 was obtained in all the materials. Nonetheless, the presence of the nanoclays in decreased biodegradable capacity was observed. The time was enlarged to more than 15 days for the maximum content (4% w/w). On the other hand, the incorporation of NC does not avoid the processability of the material to obtain film-shaped processed materials.
An Empirical Research of the Mechanism from Electric Vehicle Production to Charging Station R&D in China
Authors: Hu Haoxuan , Zhang Yuchen
Published: August 2021

Electric vehicles (EVs) are regarded as an effective method for dealing with serious environmental pollution. The Chinese government has implemented a series of incentives to accelerate the promotion of EV. However, the increasing production of EVs gives rise to a greater demand for better quality charging station. This study aimed to certify the impact of the production of EVs on charging station research and development (R&D) in China, with mediating effect methods and a panel fixed effect model. The conclusions derived from the study were: (1) Statistically, the production of EVs positively and significantly impacts charging station R&D; (2) the mediating role of investment in charging stations is verified in the relationship between the production of EVs and charging station R&D; (3) environmental tax can moderate the relationship between the production of EVs and charging station R&D. These results implicate, for the first time, that the production of EVs can enhance charging station R&D through the mediating role of charging station investments and the moderating role of environmental tax.
A Numerical Analysis of the Effects of Equivalence Ratio Measurement Accuracy on the Engine Efficiency and Emissions at Varied Compression Ratios
Authors: Yang Ruomiao , Sun Xiaoxia , Liu Zhentao , Zhang Yu , Fu Jiahong
Published: August 2021

Increasingly stringent regulations to reduce vehicle emissions have made it important to study emission mitigation strategies. Highly accurate control of the air-fuel ratio is an effective way to reduce emissions. However, a less accurate sensor can lead to reduced engine stability and greater variability in engine efficiency and emissions. Additionally, internal combustion engines (ICE) are moving toward higher compression ratios to achieve higher thermal efficiency and alleviate the energy crisis. The objective of this investigation was to analyze the significance of the accuracy of air-fuel ratio measurements at different compression ratios. In this study, a calibrated 1D CFD model was used to analyze the performance and emissions at different compression ratios. The results showed that carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) were sensitive to the equivalence ratio regardless of the compression ratio. With a slight change in the equivalence ratio, a high compression ratio had little effect on the change in engine performance and emissions. Moreover, with the same air-fuel ratio, an excessively high compression ratio (CR = 12) might result in knocking phenomenon, which increases the fluctuation of the engine output parameters and reduces engine stability. Overall, for precise control of combustion and thermal efficiency improvement, it is recommended that the measurement accuracy of the equivalence ratio is higher than 1% and the recommended value of the compression ratio are roughly 11.
Preparation and Evaluation of Epoxy Resin Prepared from the Liquefied Product of Cotton Stalk
Authors: Tuohedi Nuerjiamali , Wang Qingyue
Published: August 2021

Liquefaction of waste lignocellulosic biomass is a viable technology for replacing fossil fuels and meeting sustainable development goals. In this study, bio-based epoxy resins were prepared from polyhydric-alcohol-liquefied cotton stalk by glycidyl etherification. The cotton stalk was liquefied in a polyethylene glycol/glycerol cosolvent under H2SO4 catalysis. Epon 828 and cotton-stalk-based epoxy resins could be cured using methylhexahydrophthalic anhydride as the curing agent, and the curing process was exothermic. The thermal properties and tensile strength of cured resins were investigated to examine the effect of adding cotton-stalk-based resin on the performance of the copolymerized epoxy resin. Further, the liquefied-cotton-stalk-based epoxy resin was blended with Epon 828 at different ratios (10, 20, and 30 mass%) and cured with a curing agent in the presence of 2-methylimidazole catalyst. An increase in the peak temperature and a reduction in the heat of curing and activation energy of the Epon 828 epoxy resin was observed with increasing content of the cotton-stalk-based epoxy resin. The tensile strength (35.4 MPa) and elastic modulus (1.5 GPa) of the highly crosslinked cotton-stalk-based epoxy resin were equivalent to those of the petroleum-based epoxy resin Epon 828.
Escherichia coli Cultivation Process Modelling Using ABC-GA Hybrid Algorithm
Authors: Roeva Olympia , Zoteva Dafina , Lyubenova Velislava
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is hybridized with the genetic algorithm (GA) for a model parameter identification problem. When dealing with real-world and large-scale problems, it becomes evident that concentrating on a sole metaheuristic algorithm is somewhat restrictive. A skilled combination between metaheuristics or other optimization techniques, a so-called hybrid metaheuristic, can provide more efficient behavior and greater flexibility. Hybrid metaheuristics combine the advantages of one algorithm with the strengths of another. ABC, based on the foraging behavior of honey bees, and GA, based on the mechanics of nature selection, are among the most efficient biologically inspired population-based algorithms. The performance of the proposed ABC-GA hybrid algorithm is examined, including classic benchmark test functions. To demonstrate the effectiveness of ABC-GA for a real-world problem, parameter identification of an Escherichia coli MC4110 fed-batch cultivation process model is considered. The computational results of the designed algorithm are compared to the results of different hybridized biologically inspired techniques (ant colony optimization (ACO) and firefly algorithm (FA))—hybrid algorithms as ACO-GA, GA-ACO and ACO-FA. The algorithms are applied to the same problems—a set of benchmark test functions and the real nonlinear optimization problem. Taking into account the overall searchability and computational efficiency, the results clearly show that the proposed ABC–GA algorithm outperforms the considered hybrid algorithms.
Similarity and Froude Number Similitude in Kinematic and Hydrodynamic Features of Solitary Waves over Horizontal Bed
Authors: Lin Chang , Kao Ming-Jer , Yang James , Raikar Rajkumar Venkatesh , Yuan Juan-Ming , Hsieh Shih-Chun
Published: August 2021

This study presents, experimentally, similarity and Froude number similitude (FNS) in the dimensionless features of two solitary waves propagating over a horizontal bed, using two wave gauges and a high-speed particle image velocimetry (HSPIV). The two waves have distinct wave heights H0 (2.9 and 5.8 cm) and still water depths h0 (8.0 and 16.0 cm) but identical H0/h0 (0.363). Together with the geometric features of free surface elevation and wavelength, the kinematic characteristics of horizontal and vertical velocities, as well as wave celerity, are elucidated. Illustration of the hydrodynamic features of local and convective accelerations are also made in this study. Both similarity and FNS hold true for the dimensionless free surface elevation (FSE), wavelength and celerity, horizontal and vertical velocities, and local and convective accelerations in the horizontal and vertical directions. The similarities and FNSs indicate that gravity dominates and governs the wave kinematics and hydrodynamics.
Flexible Item Response Modeling in R with the flexmet Package
Authors: Feuerstahler Leah
Published: August 2021

The filtered monotonic polynomial (FMP) model is a semi-parametric item response model that allows flexible response function shapes but also includes traditional item response models as special cases. The flexmet package for R facilitates the routine use of the FMP model in real data analysis and simulation studies. This tutorial provides several code examples illustrating how the flexmet package may be used to simulate FMP model parameters and data (both for dichotomous and polytomously scored items), estimate FMP model parameters, transform traditional item response models to different metrics, and more. This tutorial serves as both an introduction to the unique features of the FMP model and as a practical guide to its implementation in R via the flexmet package.
Minimum Time for the Evolution to a Nonorthogonal Quantum State and Upper Bound of the Geometric Efficiency of Quantum Evolutions
Authors: Cafaro Carlo , Alsing Paul M.
Published: August 2021

We present a simple proof of the fact that the minimum time TAB for quantum evolution between two arbitrary states A and B equals TAB=ℏcos−1A|B/ΔE with ΔE being the constant energy uncertainty of the system. This proof is performed in the absence of any geometrical arguments. Then, being in the geometric framework of quantum evolutions based upon the geometry of the projective Hilbert space, we discuss the roles played by either minimum-time or maximum-energy uncertainty concepts in defining a geometric efficiency measure ε of quantum evolutions between two arbitrary quantum states. Finally, we provide a quantitative justification of the validity of the inequality ε≤1 even when the system only passes through nonorthogonal quantum states.
Coal to Biomass Conversion as a Path to Sustainability: A Hypothetical Scenario at Pego Power Plant (Abrantes, Portugal)
Authors: Casau Margarida , Cancela Diana C. M. , Matias João C. O. , Dias Marta Ferreira , Nunes Leonel J. R.
Published: August 2021

Energy consumption is associated with economic growth, but it comes with a toll regarding the environment. Renewable energies can be considered substitutes for fossil fuels and may contribute to reducing the environmental degradation that the world is presently facing. With this research, we aimed to offer a broader view of the state-of-the-art in this field, particularly regarding coal and biomass. The main objective is to present a viable and sustainable solution for the coal power plants still in operation, using as a hypothetical example the Pego Power Plant, the last operating coal fueled power plant in Portugal. After the characterization of land use and energy production in Portugal, and more particularly in the Médio Tejo region, where the power plant is located, the availability of biomass was assessed and it was concluded that the volume of biomass needed to keep the Pego power plant working exclusively with biomass is much lower than the yearly growth volume of biomass in the region, which means that this transition would be viable in a sustainable way. This path is aligned with policies to fight climate change, since the use of biomass for energy is characterized by low levels of GHGs emissions when compared to coal. The risk of rural fires would be reduced, and the economic and social impact for this region would be positive.
Preflight Radiometric Calibration of TIS Sensor Onboard SDG-1 Satellite and Estimation of Its LST Retrieval Ability
Authors: Liu Wanyue , Li Jiaguo , Zhang Ying , Zhao Limin , Cheng Qiuming
Published: August 2021

The thermal Infrared Spectrometer (TIS) is the thermal infrared (TIR) sensor on-board the first Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-1) satellite. The TIS data can potentially be used to support improved monitoring of ground conditions with high-spatial resolutions, so accurate radiometric calibration is required. A meticulous radiometric calibration was conducted on the prototype of TIS to test its ability to convert a raw digital number (DN) to at-aperture radiance. The initial maximum radiometric error was 2.19 K at 300 K for Band 1(B1) and the minimum radiometric error was 0.25 K at 300 K rooted in Band 3 (B3). The R-Squared (R2) was over 0.99 for each band. The methodology was refined to divide the channel detectable temperature range into three sub-ranges and then the maximum radiometric errors were reduced to less than 1 K at 300 K for three bands. Subsequently, the Generalized Split-Window (SW) algorithm was preformed to estimate the ability of TIS on land surface temperature (LST) retrieval. In order to take advantage of its high-spatial resolution and make full use of TIR data, three-channel SW algorithm was also performed for intercomparison. Results showed that the SW algorithm can obtain LST with root-mean-square error (RMSE) less than 1K. Compared with two-channel algorithm with RMSE = 0.94 K, three-channel algorithm achieves better results in retrieving LST with RMSE = 0.82 K. For different land surface types, water samples achieved the minimum RMSE, and for different atmospheric column water vapor (CWV), dry atmospheres obtained better results. The sensitivity analysis of SW algorithm was considered along with noise-equivalent differential temperature (NEΔT), uncertainty of land surface emissivity (LSE) and input land surface temperature (Ts). Generally, three-channel algorithm was more stable to LSE uncertainties, and the error changes were within 40%. But when NEΔT and Ts uncertainties were included, the error percentage of three-channel SW method increases more, which means three-channel SW method is more sensitive to those two factors. All in all, the methodology and results used for radiometric calibration and LST retrieval in this study provide valuable guidance for the flight model of TIS and post-launch applications.
Oil Well Detection via Large-Scale and High-Resolution Remote Sensing Images Based on Improved YOLO v4
Authors: Shi Pengfei , Jiang Qigang , Shi Chao , Xi Jing , Tao Guofang , Zhang Sen , Zhang Zhenchao , Liu Bin , Gao Xin , Wu Qian
Published: August 2021

Oil is an important resource for the development of modern society. Accurate detection of oil wells is of great significance to the investigation of oil exploitation status and the formulation of an exploitation plan. However, detecting small objects in large-scale and high-resolution remote sensing images, such as oil wells, is a challenging task due to the problems of large number, limited pixels, and complex background. In order to overcome this problem, first, we create our own oil well dataset to conduct experiments given the lack of a public dataset. Second, we provide a comparative assessment of two state-of-the-art object detection algorithms, SSD and YOLO v4, for oil well detection in our image dataset. The results show that both of them have good performance, but YOLO v4 has better accuracy in oil well detection because of its better feature extraction capability for small objects. In view of the fact that small objects are currently difficult to be detected in large-scale and high-resolution remote sensing images, this article proposes an improved algorithm based on YOLO v4 with sliding slices and discarding edges. The algorithm effectively solves the problems of repeated detection and inaccurate positioning of oil well detection in large-scale and high-resolution remote sensing images, and the accuracy of detection result increases considerably. In summary, this study investigates an appropriate algorithm for oil well detection, improves the algorithm, and achieves an excellent effect on a large-scale and high-resolution satellite image. It provides a new idea for small objects detection in large-scale and high-resolution remote sensing images.
Using Eco-Geographical Zoning Data and Crowdsourcing to Improve the Detection of Spurious Land Cover Changes
Authors: Zhu Ling , Gao Dejun , Jia Tao , Zhang Jingyi
Published: August 2021

To address problems in remote sensing image change detection, this study proposes a method for identifying spurious changes based on an eco-geographical zoning knowledge base and crowdsourced data mining. After preliminary change detection using the super pixel cosegmentation method, eco-geographical zoning is introduced, and the rules of spurious change are collected based on the knowledge of expert interpreters, and from statistics on existing land cover products according to each eco-geographical zone. Uncertain changed patches with a high possibility of spurious change according to the eco-geographical zoning rule were published in the form of a map service on an online platform, and then crowd tagging information on spurious changed patches was collected. The Hyperlink-Induced Topic Search (HITS) algorithm was used to calculate the spurious change degree of changed patches. We selected the northern part of Laos as the experimental area and the Chinese GF-1 Wide Field View (WFV) images for change detection to verify the effectiveness of the method. The results show that the accuracy of change detection improves by 23% after removing the spurious changes. Spurious changes caused by clouds, river water turbidity, spectral differences in cultivated land before and after harvest, and changes in shrubs, grassland, and forest density, can be removed using an eco-geographical zoning knowledge base and crowdsourced data mining methods.
Retrieving Precipitable Water Vapor from Real-Time Precise Point Positioning Using VMF1/VMF3 Forecasting Products
Authors: Sun Peng , Zhang Kefei , Wu Suqin , Wan Moufeng , Lin Yun
Published: August 2021

Real-time precise point positioning (RT-PPP) has become a powerful technique for the determination of the zenith tropospheric delay (ZTD) over a GPS (global positioning system) or GNSS (global navigation satellite systems) station of interest, and the follow-on high-precision retrieval of precipitable water vapor (PWV). The a priori zenith hydrostatic delay (ZHD) and the mapping function used in the PPP approach are the two factors that could affect the accuracy of the PPP-based ZTD significantly. If the in situ atmospheric pressure is available, the Saastamoinen model can be used to determine ZHD values, and the model-predicted ZHD results are of high accuracy. However, not all GPS/GNSS are equipped with an in situ meteorological sensor. In this research, the daily forecasting ZHD and mapping function values from VMF1 forecasting (VMF1_FC) and VMF3 forecasting (VMF3_FC) products were used for the determination of the GPS-derived PWV. The a priori ZHDs derived from VMF1_FC and VMF3_FC were first evaluated by comparing against the reference ZHDs from globally distributed radiosonde stations. GPS observations from 41 IGS stations that have co-located radiosonde stations during the period of the first half of 2020 were used to test the quality of GPS-ZTD and GPS-PWV. Three sets of ZTDs estimated from RT-PPP solutions using the a priori ZHD and mapping function from the following three VMF products were evaluated: (1) VMF1_FC; (2) VMF3_FC (resolution 5° × 5°); (3) VMF3_FC (resolution 1° × 1°). The results showed that, when the ZHDs from 443 globally distributed radiosonde stations from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2021 were used as the reference, the mean RMSEs of the ZHDs from the three VMF products were 5.9, 5.4, and 4.3 mm, respectively. The ZTDs estimated from RT-PPP at 41 selected IGS stations were compared with those from IGS, and the results showed that the mean RMSEs of the ZTDs of the 41 stations from the three PPP solutions were 8.6, 9.0, and 8.6 mm, respectively, and the mean RMSEs of the PWV converted from their corresponding ZWDs were 1.9, 2.4, and 1.7 mm, respectively, in comparison with the reference PWV from co-located radiosonde stations. The results suggest that the a priori ZHD and mapping function from VMF1_FC and VMF3_FC can be used for the precise determination of real-time GPS/GNSS-PWV in most regions, especially the VMF3_FC (resolution 1° × 1°) product.
Coordination of Macro Base Stations for 5G Network with User Clustering
Authors: Li Kun , Ai Xiaomeng , Fang Jiakun , Zhou Bo , Le Lingling , Wen Jinyu
Published: August 2021

With the increasing amounts of terminal equipment with higher requirements of communication quality in the emerging fifth generation mobile communication network (5G), the energy consumption of 5G base stations (BSs) is increasing significantly, which not only raises the operating expenses of telecom operators but also imposes a burden on the environment. To solve this problem, a two-step energy management method that coordinates 5G macro BSs for 5G networks with user clustering is proposed. The coordination among the communication equipment and the standard equipment in 5G macro BSs is developed to reduce both the energy consumption and the electricity costs. A novel user clustering method is proposed together with Benders decomposition to accelerate the solving process. Simulation results show that the proposed method is computationally efficient and can ensure near-optimal performance, effectively reducing the energy consumption and electricity costs compared with the conventional dispatching scheme.
Contactless Simultaneous Breathing and Heart Rate Detections in Physical Activity Using IR-UWB Radars
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Yang Xiuzhu , Ding Yi , Wang Yili , Zhou Jialin , Zhang Lin
Published: August 2021

Vital signs monitoring in physical activity (PA) is of great significance in daily healthcare. Impulse Radio Ultra-WideBand (IR-UWB) radar provides a contactless vital signs detection approach with advantages in range resolution and penetration. Several researches have verified the feasibility of IR-UWB radar monitoring when the target keeps still. However, various body movements are induced by PA, which lead to severe signal distortion and interfere vital signs extraction. To address this challenge, a novel joint chest–abdomen cardiopulmonary signal estimation approach is proposed to detect breath and heartbeat simultaneously using IR-UWB radars. The movements of target chest and abdomen are detected by two IR-UWB radars, respectively. Considering the signal overlapping of vital signs and body motion artifacts, Empirical Wavelet Transform (EWT) is applied on received radar signals to remove clutter and mitigate movement interference. Moreover, improved EWT with frequency segmentation refinement is applied on each radar to decompose vital signals of target chest and abdomen to vital sign-related sub-signals, respectively. After that, based on the thoracoabdominal movement correlation, cross-correlation functions are calculated among chest and abdomen sub-signals to estimate breath and heartbeat. The experiments are conducted under three kinds of PA situations and two general body movements, the results of which indicate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed approach.
BNS: A Framework for Wireless Body Area Network Realistic Simulations
Authors: Caballero Egberto , Ferreira Vinicius , Lima Robson Araújo , Soto Julio César Huarachi , Muchaluat-Saade Débora , Albuquerque Célio
Published: August 2021

Simulation is a useful and common technique to evaluate the performance of networks when the implementation of a real scenario is not available. Specifically for Wireless Body Area Networks (WBAN), it is crucial to perform evaluations in environments as close as possible to the real conditions of use. To achieve that, simulations must include different protocol layers involved in WBAN and models close to reality to create realistic simulation environments for e-health applications. To satisfy these needs, this work presents the BNS framework, a flexible tool for WBAN simulations. The proposal is an extension of the Castalia framework, which includes: (1) a new wireless channel model considering real radio-propagation over the human body; (2) an updated implementation of the WBAN MAC protocol in Castalia, with functionalities and requirements in accordance with the IEEE 802.15.6 standard; (3) a new comprehensive and configurable mobility model for simulating intra-WBAN communication; (4) a temperature module based on the Pennes bioheat transfer equation, to model the temperature of a WBAN node based on the activity of the node; and (5) a Healthcare Application Layer that implements data representation and a communication protocol between Personal Health Devices (PHD) following the ISO/IEEE 11073 standard. Three use cases are presented, where WBAN scenarios are simulated and evaluated using the proposed BNS framework. Results show that BNS is a valid and flexible tool to evaluate WBAN solutions through simulation.
Minimal Focal Spot Size Measured Based on Intensity and Power Flow
Authors: Kotlyar Victor V. , Stafeev Sergey S. , Zaitsev Vladislav D.
Published: August 2021

It is shown, theoretically and numerically, that the distributions of the longitudinal energy flow for tightly focused light with circular and linear polarization are the same, and that the spot has circular symmetry. It is also shown that the longitudinal energy flows are equal for optical vortices with unit topological charge and with radial or azimuthal polarization. The focal spot has a minimum diameter (all other characteristics being equal), which is measured based on the intensity of an optical vortex with azimuthal polarization. The diameter of the focal spot calculated from the energy flow for light with circular or linear polarization is slightly larger (by a fraction of a percentage). The magnitude of the diameter based on the intensity plays a role in the interaction of light with matter, and the magnitude of the diameter based on the energy flux affects the resolution in optical microscopy which is crucial in sensorial applications.
On the Time to Buffer Overflow in a Queueing Model with a General Independent Input Stream and Power-Saving Mechanism Based on Working Vacations
Authors: Kobielnik Martyna , Kempa Wojciech
Published: August 2021

A single server GI/M/1 queue with a limited buffer and an energy-saving mechanism based on a single working vacation policy is analyzed. The general independent input stream and exponential service times are considered. When the queue is empty after a service completion epoch, the server lowers the service speed for a random amount of time following an exponential distribution. Packets that arrive while the buffer is saturated are rejected. The analysis is focused on the duration of the time period with no packet losses. A system of equations for the transient time to the first buffer overflow cumulative distribution functions conditioned by the initial state and working mode of the service unit is stated using the idea of an embedded Markov chain and the continuous version of the law of total probability. The explicit representation for the Laplace transform of considered characteristics is found using a linear algebra-based approach. The results are illustrated using numerical examples, and the impact of the key parameters of the model is investigated.
Development of Lectin Modified Fluorescent Magnetic Particles for Highly Sensitive Detection of Glycoconjugates
Authors: Suzuki Yoshio
Published: August 2021

I conducted this study to develop an improved method for glycome detection using fluorescent magnetic beads, whose surfaces were modified using lectins, for the highly sensitive detection of saccharides or glycoproteins via fluorescence quenching using a novel fluorescence emitter and quencher pair. The emitter (Cy3 fluorophore) was incorporated into magnetic beads, and a fluorescence quencher (cyanopyranyl group) was bound to glycomes via covalent bonding. The fluorescence intensities of fluorescent magnetic beads containing lectins decreased specifically in the presence of glycomes, which was a result of fluorescence quenching from Cy3 to cyanopyranyl groups due to the formation of a stable complex between lectins and glycome. Fluorescence intensities were plotted as a function of glycoprotein concentration, and good linear relationships were observed. This method enabled the fluorescent reading-out of a series of lectin-glycome interactions on the basis of recognition selectivity and affinity of immobilized lectins without tedious washing processes. Moreover, a simple profiling process was performed using this assay for diverse glycoconjugates, which not only included simple saccharides but also glycoproteins and glycome in cell lysates. These results clearly indicate that the combination of magnetic beads with the novel emitter-quencher pair enabled the highly sensitive detection of lectin-glycome interactions.
Particle Motion Characteristics in W-Shaped Hydrocyclones
Authors: Jiang Lanyue , Liu Peikun , Zhang Yuekan , Yang Xinghua , Li Xiaoyu , Zhang Yulong , Wang Hui
Published: August 2021

To investigate the multiphase flow characteristics and improve the classification mechanism of a W-shaped hydrocyclone, this paper adopts the numerical simulation method to evaluate the effects of the particle size and density on the separation characteristics and motion behavior of particles. Forces, such as the centrifugal inertia force, pressure gradient force and fluid drag force, which control particle motion, are analyzed, and the classification mechanism of W-shaped hydrocyclones is examined in terms of the particle distribution and separation efficiency. The results indicate that the radial centrifugal inertia and pressure gradient forces in W-shaped hydrocyclones are hundreds of times the gravity force, which is the main driver of radial motion. Particle density and size changes greatly impact the movement and distribution of coarse particles, but no notable change occurs in fine particles. With increasing particle density, the cut size decreases, and the fractionation accuracy increases.
The Role of Personality Traits, Cooperative Behaviour and Trust in Governments on the Brexit Referendum Outcome
Authors: Areal Francisco J.
Published: August 2021

We analyse the role of personality traits along with individuals’ cooperative behaviour, level of trust in the UK government and the European Council (EC, the body that defines the European Union’s overall political direction and priorities) and socio-demographics on UK citizens’ voting choices on the 2016 Brexit referendum. We use data from a survey conducted in April 2019 on 530 UK citizens who voted in the 2016 Brexit referendum. We use a Probit model to investigate what role voters’ personality traits, their trust in government institutions, their level of cooperative behaviour and socio-demographics played in the way they voted. We find voters’ choice was associated voters’ personality traits. In particular, voters associated with being extraverted, acting with self-confidence and outspokenness (i.e., agency), and voters’ closeness to experience, to forming part of a diverse community and the exchange of ideas and experiences were found to be associated with voting for Brexit in the 2016 referendum. We found that voters’ willingness to cooperate with others was associated with being less likely to vote for Brexit. In addition, voters who trusted the UK government were more likely to vote for Brexit, whereas voters trusting the EC were more likely to vote for the UK to stay in the EU. We also found that voters with relatively high level of education were less likely to vote for Brexit and voters not seeking jobs were more likely to vote for Brexit than students, unemployed and retired. We conclude that incorporating personality profiles of voters, their pro-social behaviour as well as their views on trust in politicians/government institutions, along with socio-demographic variables, into individuals’ vote choice analysis can account for voter heterogeneity and provide a more complete picture of an individual’s vote choice decisions, helping to gain a better understanding of individual vote choices (e.g., better predictions of future individual vote intentions).
Efficient Plastic Recycling and Remolding Circular Economy Using the Technology of Trust–Blockchain
Authors: Khadke Swikriti , Gupta Pragya , Rachakunta Shanmukh , Mahata Chandreswar , Dawn Suma , Sharma Mohit , Verma Deepak , Pradhan Aniruddha , Krishna Ambati Mounika Sai , Ramakrishna Seeram , Chakrabortty Sabyasachi , Saianand Gopalan , Sonar Prashant , Biring Sajal , Dash Jatindra Kumar , Dalapati Goutam Kumar
Published: August 2021

Global plastic waste is increasing rapidly. In general, densely populated regions generate tons of plastic waste daily, which is sometimes disposed of on land or diverged to sea. Most of the plastics created in the form of waste have complex degradation behavior and are non-biodegradable by nature. These remain intact in the environment for a long time span and potentially originate complications within terrestrial and marine life ecosystems. The strategic management of plastic waste and recycling can preserve environmental species and associated costs. The key contribution in this work focuses on ongoing efforts to utilize plastic waste by introducing blockchain during plastic waste recycling. It is proposed that the efficiency of plastic recycling can be improved enormously by using the blockchain phenomenon. Automation for the segregation and collection of plastic waste can effectively establish a globally recognizable tool using blockchain-based applications. Collection and sorting of plastic recycling are feasible by keeping track of plastic with unique codes or digital badges throughout the supply chain. This approach can support a collaborative digital consortium for efficient plastic waste management, which can bring together multiple stakeholders, plastic manufacturers, government entities, retailers, suppliers, waste collectors, and recyclers.
Generational Effects of Workplace Flexibility on Work Engagement, Satisfaction, and Commitment in South Korean Deluxe Hotels
Authors: Jung Hyo-Sun , Yoon Hye-Hyun
Published: August 2021

This study examined the effects of workplace flexibility at deluxe hotels on work engagement, satisfaction, and commitment, to determine the moderating effect of generational characteristics (Generation X, Y, and Z). A total of 277 deluxe hotel employees in South Korea participated in the research. The results confirmed the positive effects of workplace flexibility on the engagement and satisfaction of deluxe hotel employees; second, employees’ work engagement had a positive effect on their satisfaction; third, employees’ satisfaction had a positive impact on employees’ commitment; and fourth, the influence of workplace flexibility on engagement did not differ by generation. However, Generation Z showed the largest increase in employee engagement resulting from work flexibility. This result signifies that, when compared to other generations, Generation Z places great importance on workplace flexibility. This study suggests that deluxe hotels should create flexible policies and organizational climates to increase employees’ work engagement, satisfaction, and commitment. The paper also discusses limitations and future research directions.