bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near Isogenic Lines Confirm a Soybean Cyst Nematode Resistance Gene from PI 88788 on Linkage Group J
Authors: Glover K. D. , Wang D. , Arelli P. R. , Carlson S. R. , Cianzio S. R. , Diers B. W.
Published: August 2016

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) is one of the most destructive soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] pests worldwide. The most common source of SCN resistance used in soybean breeding in the northern USA is PI 88788. Previous research has shown that PI 88788 carries a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) conferring SCN resistance on linkage group (LG) G, which is believed to be rhg1 The objective of our research was to map and confirm additional SCN resistance QTL in Bell, a cultivar with resistance from PI 88788. One hundred four F4–derived lines (F4 population) developed from crossing the cultivars Bell and Colfax were tested for associations between 54 molecular markers and resistance to SCN populations PA3 (HG type 7, race 3) and PA14 (HG type 1.3.5.6.7, race 14). Three populations of near isogenic lines (NILs) were developed from F4 plants heterozygous for a region on LG J where a significant QTL was identified in the F4 population. The NIL populations were tested with genetic markers and also for resistance to both SCN populations. In the F4 population, SCN resistance QTL were identified at both rhg1 and on LG J. The LG J QTL was confirmed in NIL populations and was given the confirmed QTL designation cqSCN‐003. The effect of cqSCN‐003 was diminished in the NIL populations compared to the F4 population. This was at least partially the result of segregation distortion in the F4 population between the region containing rhg1 and the region containing cqSCN‐003. These results show the importance of verifying QTL in confirmation populations to estimate accurately their effects.
Cloning and Identification of Highly Expressed Genes in Barley Lemma and Palea
Authors: Abebe Tilahun , Skadsen Ronald W. , Kaeppler Heidi F.
Published: August 2016

The lemma and palea (lemma/palea) of cereals are photosynthetic organs that supply the developing kernel with carbon and nitrogen. Because of their rigid structure, the lemma/palea can also protect the kernel from pathogens and herbivory. However, very little is known about specific gene expression that enabled the lemma/palea carry out their functions. We have constructed three subtracted cDNA libraries from lemma/palea of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Morex) at the elongation (between pollination and milky stages) through dough stages of kernel development. Differential screening and northern hybridization showed that the cloned genes were highly expressed in the lemma/palea, compared with the flag leaf. Thus, they contained unique sequences not found in the flag leaf or were expressed in the lemma/palea at much higher levels, appearing as if they were induced. Sequence analysis of 226 clones identified a high proportion of genes for defense, structure, amino acid biosynthesis, and photosynthesis. High expression levels of defense‐related genes strongly suggest that lemma/palea constitutively accumulate defensive molecules to inhibit invasion of florets and kernels by pathogens. Increased expression of genes involved in cell wall synthesis and structural repair can improve physical barriers to herbivores and pathogens. High expression of genes for amino acid biosynthesis and photosynthesis indicates that the lemma/palea are major sources of nitrogen and carbon for the growing kernel.
Increased Transgene Expression by Breeding and Selection in White Clover
Authors: Schmidt M. A. , Martin G. S. , Artelt B. J. , Parrott W. A.
Published: August 2016

To determine if standard breeding methodology is applicable to transgenes, phenotypic recurrent selection was used to select for increased transgene expression in white clover, Trifolium repens L. Plants were transformed with nptII and gusA, and selected on 100 mg L−1 of kanamycin. Independently transformed plants were intercrossed, and the progeny was germinated on 200, 300, or 400 mg L−1 of kanamycin. Those seedlings surviving on 400 mg−1 were in turn intercrossed, and the progeny was selected on 300, 400, or 500 mg L−1 of kanamycin. NPTII levels were measured in each selected population, and Southern blots were made from individuals in each population. The highest‐expressing individual in the T2 had levels of NPTII that were more than four times higher than those in the highest parent. With selection on increasing levels of kanamycin, average expression across each generation went from 0.033 ng μg−1 NPTII in the parents to 0.095 ng μg−1 in the selected T1 plants to 0.539 ng μg−1 in the selected T2 plants. Southern hybridization suggested that plants displaying a heightened level of nptII expression in the T1 and T2 fell into two categories. The first contained one particular transgenic event, implicating the importance of other genomic factors in modulating gene expression. Alternatively, the plants had an accumulation of various nptII loci, suggesting an association between multiple transgene copies and high expression levels. On the basis of these results, selection for transgene expression appears to be a viable option for plant breeding programs.
Evaluation of unclogging aspects in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands
Authors: Miranda Suymara Toledo , de Matos Antonio Teixeira , Baptestini Gheila Corrêa Ferres , Borges Alisson Carraro
Published: August 2016

In horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSSF-CWs), the main operational problem is clogging of the porous medium. In this study, the unclogging of HSSF-CWs was evaluated, at rest, by adding a nitrogen-based nutrient solution to the influent. For this, six HSSF-CWs were used, consisting of two uncultivated (CW-C), two cultivated with Tifton 85-grass (Cynodon spp.) (CW-T) and two cultivated with alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) (CW-A), which were fully clogged after being used for the treatment of swine wastewater. The results indicated that passage of the nutrient solution for 55 days through the bed of the HSSF-CWs resulted in reductions of 11 and 33%, respectively, in the total volatile solids (TVS) concentration of fine clogging material in the CW-T and CW-A. With regard to the TVS content of the coarse clogging material, the reduction was even greater, being 33% for CW-T and 62% for CW-A. Measurements of K0 made along the beds (thirds 1, 2 and 3) before and after passage of the nutrient solution in the CWs indicated respective increases of 7, 13 and 0.1% in CW-C; 21, 11 and 7% in CW-T; and 52%, 6% and −6% (decrease) in CW-A. Runoff of the nutrient solution decreased gradually over time, presenting at the beginning of the experiment 26, 35 and 150 cm, and at the end (after 55 days of application) 0, 0 and 50 cm in the flow direction of the CW-C and CW-T and CW-A, respectively.
RBSD v. 1, n. 2
Authors: Completa Revista
Published: August 2016

Exemplar integral
Measurement Error as Alternative Explanation for the Observation that CrCl/GFR Ratio is Higher at Lower GFR
Authors: Zhang Xuehan , McCulloch Charles E. , Lin Feng , Lin Yen-chung , Allen Isabel Elaine , Bansal Nisha , Go Alan S. , Hsu Chi-yuan
Published: August 2016

Background and objectives

Overestimation of GFR by urinary creatinine clearance (CrCl) at lower levels of GFR has long been attributed to enhanced creatinine secretion. However, this does not take into consideration the contribution of errors in measured GFR (and CrCl) due to short-term biologic variability or test imprecision.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We analyzed cross-sectional data among 1342 participants from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort study with baseline measurement of GFR by iothalamate clearance (iGFR) and CrCl by 24-hour urine collection. We examined the CrCl/iGFR ratio classified by categories of iGFR and also by categories of CrCl.

Results

Overall, mean CrCl/iGFR ratio was 1.13. CrCl/iGFR ratio was higher at lower iGFR categories. In contrast, this ratio was lower at lower CrCl levels. We hypothesize these relationships could be due to measurement error, which is bolstered by replicating these trends in a simulation and modeling exercise in which there was no variation in the ratio of CrCl/iGFR with true kidney function but taking into account the effect of measurement error in both CrCl and iGFR (of magnitudes previously described in the literature). In our simulated data, the observed CrCl/iGFR ratio was higher at lower observed iGFR levels when patients were classified by categories of observed iGFR. When the same patients were classified by categories of observed CrCl, the observed CrCl/iGFR ratio was lower at lower observed CrCl levels.

Conclusions

The combined empirical and modeling results suggest that measurement errors (in both CrCl and iGFR) should be considered as an alternative explanation for the longstanding observation that the ratio of CrCl to iGFR gets larger as iGFR decreases.
Longitudinal Associations of Exposure to Perfluoroalkylated Substances in Childhood and Adolescence and Indicators of Adiposity and Glucose Metabolism 6 and 12 Years Later: The European Youth Heart Study
Authors: Domazet Sidsel L. , Grøntved Anders , Timmermann Amalie G. , Nielsen Flemming , Jensen Tina K.
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the long-term association of exposure to perfluoroalkylated substances, including perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), during childhood (9 years) and adolescence (15 years) on indicators of adiposity and glucose metabolism in adolescence (15 years) and young adulthood (21 years). Secondarily, we aim to clarify the degree of tracking of exposure from childhood into young adulthood.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data derived from a large multicenter prospective cohort study, in which the same participants have been observed from childhood (N = 590), during adolescence (N = 444), and into young adulthood (N = 369). Stored plasma samples were analyzed for PFOS and PFOA. Indicators of adiposity comprising body height, body weight, sum of four skinfolds, and waist circumference, as well as indicators of glucose metabolism, comprising fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, and insulin levels, β-cell function, and insulin resistance, have been collected at all study waves. Multiple linear regression was applied in order to model earlier exposure on later outcome while controlling for baseline outcome levels, sex, age, and socioeconomic factors.

RESULTS

Childhood exposure to PFOS was associated with indicators of adiposity at 15 years of age that are displayed in elevated BMI, skinfold thickness, and waist circumference, as well as increased skinfold thickness and waist circumference at 21 years of age. PFOA exposure in childhood was associated with decreased β-cell function at 15 years of age. We did not observe associations between exposure during adolescence and indicators of adiposity and glucose metabolism in young adulthood.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found evidence for childhood exposure to PFOS and PFOA predicting adiposity at 15 and 21 years of age and impaired β-cell function at 15 years of age, respectively.
Influence of SPS parameters on the density and hardness of zinc selenide
Authors: Safian Saman , Zakeri Mohammad , Rahimipour Mohammad Reza , Rahbari Ali , Irom Elnaz
Published: August 2016

In the present study, zinc selenide powder was successfully sintered using spark plasma sintering. The effect of spark plasma sintering temperature and pressure on the densification, microstructure and hardness were investigated. Relative density, microstructure, hardness and crystallographic properties of specimens were evaluated by means of the Archimedes method, optical microscopy/scanning electron microscopy, micro-Vickers and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The results indicated that temperature and pressure were the most effective parameters affecting the process. The maximum relative density (99.3%) and hardness (163 kg mm−2) were obtained using conditions of 1100°C for 5 min under 70 MPa. The crystallographic orientation (twinning) observed by optical microscopy was confirmed by X-ray diffraction results.
Synthesis and characterization of iron oxide nanoparticles prepared hydrothermally at different reaction temperatures and pH
Authors: Bhavani Palagiri , Rajababu Chintaparty , Arif Md. , Reddy Immareddy Venkata Subba , Reddy Nagireddy Ramamanohar
Published: August 2016

Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized with Fe+2 and Fe+3 precursors in a 1 : 2 ratio by using the hydrothermal method under different reaction temperatures and alkaline conditions. The iron oxide nanoparticles were characterized for structure, morphology, optical and magnetic properties. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the samples prepared at different hydrothermal temperatures exhibited a magnetite structure, the increased intensity of the peaks indicates a high degree of crystallinity. The transformation of goethite to Fe3O4 structure was observed with variation of the pH value. The morphological study revealed that some samples exhibited spherical particles and some others exhibited a mixed morphology of spheres and rods. The iron oxide synthesized at 190 °C exhibited better magnetic properties due to the uniform distribution of spheres with particles size in the range, 18 – 25 nm.
Effects of Municipal Wastewater Irrigation on Yield and Fertilizer Requirement of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Bangladesh
Authors: Mojid M A , Wyseure G C L , Biswas S K
Published: August 2016

Due to increasing scarcity of fresh water, use of unconventional water source (e.g., wastewater) in irrigation has now become important. However, inclusive information on the effects of wastewater on crop production and soil health is necessary for such intervention. This study was designed to evaluate these effects by demonstrating the contribution of municipal wastewater (hereafter called wastewater) on yield and nutrient requirement of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv Shatabdi. Five irrigation treatments - I1, I2, I3, I4 and I5  were tested in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications during November-March of 2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2009-2010 at the experimental field of the Bangladesh Agricultural University,  Mymensingh. The treatments I2-I5 consisted of blended wastewater and I1 of fresh water (control). The ratio of wastewater to total irrigation water was 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 in I2, I3, I4 and I5, respectively. Wheat was cultivated with three irrigations and recommended doses of fertilizer in three consecutive years. Wastewater contained nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) @ 17.5, 3.7 and 10.3 mg/L, respectively, and irrigation by raw wastewater (I5) contributed 19.1, 15.1 and 21.7% of the recommended N, P and K, respectively. Biomass yield increased with increasing fraction of wastewater in irrigation. Grain yield increased for the wastewater fraction of 0.50 - 0.75 in irrigation but decreased when irrigation was applied by raw wastewater. Excess fertilizer (under I5) boosted up growth of wheat, but did not contribute to the grain yield. Number of grains per spike; and grain, straw and biological yields significantly (p = 0.05) increased due to the contribution of wastewater. Wastewater significantly improved grain and biomass production, with the largest value obtained in I4 (4.61 t/ha grain yield and 11.36 t/ha biomass yield).  Raw wastewater in combination with recommended fertilizer doses caused over-fertilization that contributed only in biomass production but not in grain production of wheat and irrigation by wastewater substantially reduced fertilizer requirement of wheat.The Agriculturists 2016; 14(1) 01-14
Field Performance and Genetic Analysis in Some Advanced Lines of Mustard (Brassica rapa L.)
Authors: Arif Hussain Md. , Sarowar Hossain Md. , Shahidur Rashid Bhuiyan Md. , Zeba Naheed , Mohammad Mohsin Sayed
Published: August 2016

Twenty four genotypes including four check varieties of mustard (Brassica rapaL.) were collected for estimating the genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance of different characters related to the yield and yield components. The experiment was conducted at the Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University research farm, Dhaka during 2013-2014. Days to 50% flowering and days to 80% maturity showed moderate difference between the phenotypic and genotypic variance whereas, minimum differences were found in number of primary branches  plant-1, number of secondary branches plant-1, number of seeds siliqua-1, siliqua length and thousand seed weight and yield plant-1.  Number of secondary branches plant-1 showed high heritability coupled with high genetic advance in percentage of mean. On the other hand, days to 50% flowering, no. of siliqua plant-1, yield plant-1 showed high heritability with moderate genetic advance in percentage of mean. Days to 80% maturity, no. of primary branches plant-1, no. of seeds siliqua-1 showed high heritability coupled with low genetic advance in percentage of mean. The study showed that variations in the extent of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in traits under study which can facilitate selection for further improvement of important traits of Brassica rapa L.The Agriculturists 2016; 14(1) 112-121
A Novel 3D Analytical Scattering Model for Air-to-Ground Fading Channels
Authors: Gulfam Sardar , Nawaz Syed , Ahmed Abrar , Patwary Mohammad , Ni Qiang
Published: August 2016

A geometry-based three-dimensional (3D) novel stochastic channel model for air-to-ground (A2G) and ground-to-air (G2A) radio propagation environments is proposed. The vicinity of a ground station (GS) is modelled as surrounded by effective scattering points; whereas the elevated air station’s (AS) vicinity is modelled as a scattering-free region. Characterization of the Doppler spectrum, dispersion in the angular domain and second order fading statistics of the A2G/G2A radio communication channels is presented. Closed-form analytical expressions for joint and marginal probability density functions (PDFs) of Doppler shift, power and angle of arrival (AoA) are derived. Next, the paper presents a comprehensive analysis on the characteristics of angular spread on the basis of shape factors (SFs) for A2G/G2A radio propagation environments independently in both the azimuth and elevation planes. The analysis is further extended to second order statistics of the fading channel; where the behaviour of the level crossing rate (LCR), average fade duration (AFD), auto-covariance and coherence distance for the A2G/G2A radio propagation environment is studied. Finally, the impact of physical channel parameters, such as the mobility of AS, the height of AS, the height of GS and the delay of the longest propagation path, on the distribution characteristics of Doppler shift, angular spread and second order statistics is thoroughly studied.
High Yield Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite (HAP) and Palladium Doped HAP via a Wet Chemical Synthetic Route
Authors: Kamieniak Joanna , Bernalte Elena , Foster Christopher , Doyle Aidan , Kelly Peter , Banks Craig
Published: August 2016

A novel procedure for the synthesis of both hydroxyapatite (HAP) and palladium doped HAP via a wet chemical precipitation method is described herein. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy are utilised to characterise the synthesised material’s morphology, structure and crystallinity. The developed synthetic protocol produces high purity HAP with an average yield of 83.7 (±0.10)% and an average particle size of 58.2 (±0.98) nm, such synthesis has been achieved at room temperature and within a time period of less than 24 h. Additionally, in order to enhance the overall conductivity of the material, a range of Pd (2, 4 and 6 wt %) metal doped HAP has been synthesised, characterised and, for the first time, applied towards the competitive electrocatalytic detection of hydrazine, exhibiting a linear range of 50–400 µM with a limit of detection (3σ) of 30 µM.
A Hybrid Multi-Step Model for Forecasting Day-Ahead Electricity Price Based on Optimization, Fuzzy Logic and Model Selection
Authors: Jiang Ping , Liu Feng , Song Yiliao
Published: August 2016

The day-ahead electricity market is closely related to other commodity markets such as the fuel and emission markets and is increasingly playing a significant role in human life. Thus, in the electricity markets, accurate electricity price forecasting plays significant role for power producers and consumers. Although many studies developing and proposing highly accurate forecasting models exist in the literature, there have been few investigations on improving the forecasting effectiveness of electricity price from the perspective of reducing the volatility of data with satisfactory accuracy. Based on reducing the volatility of the electricity price and the forecasting nature of the radial basis function network (RBFN), this paper successfully develops a two-stage model to forecast the day-ahead electricity price, of which the first stage is particle swarm optimization (PSO)-core mapping (CM) with self-organizing-map and fuzzy set (PCMwSF), and the second stage is selection rule (SR). The PCMwSF stage applies CM, fuzzy set and optimized weights to obtain the future price, and the SR stage is inspired by the forecasting nature of RBFN and effectively selects the best forecast during the test period. The proposed model, i.e., CM-PCMwSF-SR, not only overcomes the difficulty of reducing the high volatility of the electricity price but also leads to a superior forecasting effectiveness than benchmarks.
Sustainable New Brick and Thermo-Acoustic Insulation Panel from Mineralization of Stranded Driftwood Residues
Authors: Pisello Anna , Fabiani Claudia , Makaremi Nastaran , Castaldo Veronica , Cavalaglio Gianluca , Nicolini Andrea , Barbanera Marco , Cotana Franco
Published: August 2016

There is considerable interest recently in by-products for application in green buildings. These materials are widely used as building envelope insulators or blocks. In this study, an experimental study was conducted to test stranded driftwood residues as raw material for possible thermo-acoustic insulation panel and environmentally sustainable brick. The thermal and acoustic characteristics of such a natural by-product were examined. Part of samples were mineralized by means of cement-based additive to reinforce the material and enhance its durability as well as fire resistance. Several mixtures with different sizes of ground wood chips and different quantities of cement were investigated. The thermo-acoustic in-lab characterization was aimed at investigating the thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, volumetric specific heat, and acoustic transmission loss. All samples were tested before and after mineralization. Results from this study indicate that it is possible to use stranded driftwood residues as building materials with competitive thermo-acoustic properties. In fact, the thermal conductivity was shown to be always around 0.07 W/mK in the unbound samples, and around double that value for the mineralized samples, which present a much higher volumetric specific heat (1.6 MJ/m3K) and transmission loss capability. The lignin powder showed a sort of intermediate behavior between the unbound and the mineralized samples.
Adding Natural Areas to Social Indicators of Intra-Urban Health Inequalities among Children: A Case Study from Berlin, Germany
Authors: Kabisch Nadja , Haase Dagmar , Annerstedt van den Bosch Matilda
Published: August 2016

Research suggests that there is a relationship between the health of urban populations and the availability of green and water spaces in their daily environment. In this paper, we analyze the potential intra-urban relationships between children’s health determinants and outcomes and natural areas in Berlin, Germany. In particular, health indicators such as deficits in viso-motoric development in children are related to environmental indicators such as the natural area cover, natural area per capita and distance to natural areas; however, these indicators are also correlated with social determinants of health. The methodological approach used in this study included bivariate and multivariate analyses to explore the relations between health inequalities and social, socio-economic, and land use parameters. The results on a sub-district level indicated that there was a correlation between natural areas and social health determinants, both of which displayed a certain intra-urban spatial pattern. In particular, a lower percentage of natural area cover was correlated with deficits in viso-motoric development. However, results with percentage of natural area cover and per capita natural area with childhood overweight were not conclusive. No significant correlation was found for percentage of natural area cover and overweight, while significant negative correlation values were found between overweight and per capita natural area. This was identified particularly in the districts that had lower social conditions. On the other hand, the districts with the highest social conditions had the comparatively lowest levels of complete measles immunization. This study may facilitate public health work by identifying the urban areas in which the strengthening of health resources and actions should be prioritized and also calls for the inclusion of natural areas among the social health indicators included in intra-urban health inequality tools.
Droplet Digital PCR Based Androgen Receptor Variant 7 (AR-V7) Detection from Prostate Cancer Patient Blood Biopsies
Authors: Ma Yafeng , Luk Alison , Young Francis , Lynch David , Chua Wei , Balakrishnar Bavanthi , De Souza Paul , Becker Therese
Published: August 2016

Androgen receptor splice variant V7 (AR-V7) was recently identified as a valuable predictive biomarker in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. Here, we report a new, sensitive and accurate screen for AR-V7 mRNA expression directly from circulating tumor cells (CTCs): We combined EpCAM-based immunomagnetic CTC isolation using the IsoFlux microfluidic platform with droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) to analyze total AR and AR-V7 expression from prostate cancer patients CTCs. We demonstrate that AR-V7 is reliably detectable in enriched CTC samples with as little as five CTCs, even considering tumor heterogeneity, and confirm detection of AR-V7 in CTC samples from advanced prostate cancer (PCa) patients with AR-V7 detection limited to castrate resistant disease status in our sample set. Sensitive molecular analyses of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) or circulating tumor nucleic acids present exciting strategies to detect biomarkers, such as AR-V7 from non-invasive blood samples, so-called blood biopsies.
Caffeine Consumption and Sleep Quality in Australian Adults
Authors: Watson Emily , Coates Alison , Kohler Mark , Banks Siobhan
Published: August 2016

Caffeine is commonly consumed to help offset fatigue, however, it can have several negative effects on sleep quality and quantity. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between caffeine consumption and sleep quality in adults using a newly validated caffeine food frequency questionnaire (C-FFQ). In this cross sectional study, 80 adults (M ± SD: 38.9 ± 19.3 years) attended the University of South Australia to complete a C-FFQ and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Caffeine consumption remained stable across age groups while the source of caffeine varied. Higher total caffeine consumption was associated with decreased time in bed, as an estimate of sleep time (r = −0.229, p = 0.041), but other PSQI variables were not. Participants who reported poor sleep (PSQI global score ≥ 5) consumed 192.1 ± 122.5 mg (M ± SD) of caffeine which was significantly more than those who reported good sleep quality (PSQI global score < 5; 125.2 ± 62.6 mg; p = 0.008). The C-FFQ was found to be a quick but detailed way to collect population based caffeine consumption data. The data suggests that shorter sleep is associated with greater caffeine consumption, and that consumption is greater in adults with reduced sleep quality.
SensoTube: A Scalable Hardware Design Architecture for Wireless Sensors and Actuators Networks Nodes in the Agricultural Domain
Authors: Piromalis Dimitrios , Arvanitis Konstantinos
Published: August 2016

Wireless Sensor and Actuators Networks (WSANs) constitute one of the most challenging technologies with tremendous socio-economic impact for the next decade. Functionally and energy optimized hardware systems and development tools maybe is the most critical facet of this technology for the achievement of such prospects. Especially, in the area of agriculture, where the hostile operating environment comes to add to the general technological and technical issues, reliable and robust WSAN systems are mandatory. This paper focuses on the hardware design architectures of the WSANs for real-world agricultural applications. It presents the available alternatives in hardware design and identifies their difficulties and problems for real-life implementations. The paper introduces SensoTube, a new WSAN hardware architecture, which is proposed as a solution to the various existing design constraints of WSANs. The establishment of the proposed architecture is based, firstly on an abstraction approach in the functional requirements context, and secondly, on the standardization of the subsystems connectivity, in order to allow for an open, expandable, flexible, reconfigurable, energy optimized, reliable and robust hardware system. The SensoTube implementation reference model together with its encapsulation design and installation are analyzed and presented in details. Furthermore, as a proof of concept, certain use cases have been studied in order to demonstrate the benefits of migrating existing designs based on the available open-source hardware platforms to SensoTube architecture.
Real-Time Identification of Smoldering and Flaming Combustion Phases in Forest Using a Wireless Sensor Network-Based Multi-Sensor System and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Yan Xiaofei , Cheng Hong , Zhao Yandong , Yu Wenhua , Huang Huan , Zheng Xiaoliang
Published: August 2016

Diverse sensing techniques have been developed and combined with machine learning method for forest fire detection, but none of them referred to identifying smoldering and flaming combustion phases. This study attempts to real-time identify different combustion phases using a developed wireless sensor network (WSN)-based multi-sensor system and artificial neural network (ANN). Sensors (CO, CO2, smoke, air temperature and relative humidity) were integrated into one node of WSN. An experiment was conducted using burning materials from residual of forest to test responses of each node under no, smoldering-dominated and flaming-dominated combustion conditions. The results showed that the five sensors have reasonable responses to artificial forest fire. To reduce cost of the nodes, smoke, CO2 and temperature sensors were chiefly selected through correlation analysis. For achieving higher identification rate, an ANN model was built and trained with inputs of four sensor groups: smoke; smoke and CO2; smoke and temperature; smoke, CO2 and temperature. The model test results showed that multi-sensor input yielded higher predicting accuracy (≥82.5%) than single-sensor input (50.9%–92.5%). Based on these, it is possible to reduce the cost with a relatively high fire identification rate and potential application of the system can be tested in future under real forest condition.
Correction: Gao, Q. et al. A Context-Aware Mobile User Behavior-Based Neighbor Finding Approach for Preference Profile Construction. Sensors 2016, 16, 143
Authors: Gao Qian , Fu Deqian , Dong Xiangjun
Published: August 2016

At ﬁrst, may I offer my profoundest respects to the previous work obtained by the author Shi, whose work enlarged our view and set a good research direction for us and enlightened the initial idea of our paper.[...]
A Review: Origins of the Dielectric Properties of Proteins and Potential Development as Bio-Sensors
Authors: Bibi Fabien , Villain Maud , Guillaume Carole , Sorli Brice , Gontard Nathalie
Published: August 2016

Polymers can be classified as synthetic polymers and natural polymers, and are often characterized by their most typical functions namely their high mechanical resistivity, electrical conductivity and dielectric properties. This bibliography report consists in: (i) Defining the origins of the dielectric properties of natural polymers by reviewing proteins. Despite their complex molecular chains, proteins present several points of interest, particularly, their charge content conferring their electrical and dielectric properties; (ii) Identifying factors influencing the dielectric properties of protein films. The effects of vapors and gases such as water vapor, oxygen, carbon dioxide, ammonia and ethanol on the dielectric properties are put forward; (iii) Finally, potential development of protein films as bio-sensors coated on electronic devices for detection of environmental changes particularly humidity or carbon dioxide content in relation with dielectric properties variations are discussed. As the study of the dielectric properties implies imposing an electric field to the material, it was necessary to evaluate the impact of frequency on the polymers and subsequently on their structure. Characterization techniques, on the one hand dielectric spectroscopy devoted for the determination of the glass transition temperature among others, and on the other hand other techniques such as infra-red spectroscopy for structure characterization as a function of moisture content for instance are also introduced.
Analysis of the Changing Landscape of a World Heritage Site: Case of Luang Prabang, Lao PDR
Authors: Leong Ceelia , Takada Jun-ichi , Yamaguchi Shinobu
Published: August 2016

The Luang Prabang World Heritage Site experienced tremendous change caused by rapid development and tourism growth. It is recognized that change is inevitable in evolving historic urban cities. Adequate information is essential in formulating strategies to manage change without compromising heritage values. Existing studies are critical of the impact of tourism negatively transforming Luang Prabang but lack in-depth analysis and a significant sample size to clearly discern the changes. This paper addresses the need to visualize the significant changes affecting the built environment of the core inscribed area of Luang Prabang World Heritage. Geographic information systems (GIS) were applied to compare the landscape between 1999 and 2009 based on indicators adopted from the Safeguarding and Preservation Plan (PSMV). Four significant changes were identified as follows: (1) there was an evident shift from residential to touristic use, particularly to guesthouses; (2) Lao traditional architecture has replaced modern architecture; (3) modern building materials have replaced traditional building materials; and (4) traditional roof materials have replaced modern roof materials. Changes in landscape were interpreted and factors that caused the changes were identified from the local stakeholders’ perspective.
Intelligent Control of a Distributed Energy Generation System Based on Renewable Sources
Authors: Vlad Ciprian , Barbu Marian , Vilanova Ramon
Published: August 2016

The control of low power systems, which include renewable energy sources, a local network, an electrochemical storage subsystem and a grid connection, is inherently hierarchical. The lower level consists of the wind energy sources (power limitation at rated value in full load regime and energy optimization in partial load regime) and photovoltaic (energy conversion optimization) control systems. The present paper deals with control problem at the higher level and aims at generating the control solution for the energetic transfer between the system components, given that the powers of the renewable energy sources and the power in the local network have random characteristics. For the higher level, the paper proposes a mixed performance criterion, which includes an energy sub-criterion concerning the costs of electricity supplied to local consumers, and a sub-criterion related to the lifetime of the battery. Three variants were defined for the control algorithm implemented by using fuzzy logic techniques, in order to control the energy transfer in the system. Particular attention was given to developing the models used for the simulation of the distributed energy system components and to the whole control system, given that the objective is not the real-time optimization of the criterion, but to establish by numerical simulation in the design stage the “proper” parameters of the control system. This is done by taking into account the multi-criteria performance objective when the power of renewable energy sources and the load have random characteristics.
Life Cycle CO2 Assessment by Block Type Changes of Apartment Housing
Authors: Baek Cheonghoon , Tae Sungho , Kim Rakhyun , Shin Sungwoo
Published: August 2016

The block type and structural systems in buildings affect the amount of building materials required as well as the CO2 emissions that occur throughout the building life cycle (LCCO2). The purpose of this study was to assess the life cycle CO2 emissions when an apartment housing with ‘flat-type’ blocks (the reference case) was replaced with more sustainable ‘T-type’ blocks with fewer CO2 emissions (the alternative case) maintaining the same total floor area. The quantity of building materials used and building energy simulations were analyzed for each block type using building information modeling techniques, and improvements in LCCO2 emission were calculated by considering high-strength concrete alternatives. By changing the bearing wall system of the ‘flat-type’ block to the ‘column and beam’ system of the ‘T-type’ block, LCCO2 emissions of the alternative case were 4299 kg-CO2/m2, of which 26% was at the construction stage, 73% was as the operational stage and 1% was at the dismantling and disposal stage. These total LCCO2 emissions were 30% less than the reference case.
APPLICATION OF A THEORY AND SIMULATION-BASED CONVECTIVE BOUNDARY MIXING MODEL FOR AGB STAR EVOLUTION AND NUCLEOSYNTHESIS
Authors: Battino U. , Pignatari M. , Ritter C. , Herwig F. , Denisenkov P. , Hartogh J. W. Den , Trappitsch R. , Hirschi R. , Freytag B. , Thielemann F. , Paxton B.
Published: August 2016

The s-process nucleosynthesis in Asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars depends on the modeling of convective boundaries. We present models and s-process simulations that adopt a treatment of convective boundaries based on the results of hydrodynamic simulations and on the theory of mixing due to gravity waves in the vicinity of convective boundaries. Hydrodynamics simulations suggest the presence of convective boundary mixing (CBM) at the bottom of the thermal pulse-driven convective zone. Similarly, convection-induced mixing processes are proposed for the mixing below the convective envelope during third dredge-up (TDU), where the

pocket for the s process in AGB stars forms. In this work, we apply a CBM model motivated by simulations and theory to models with initial mass M = 2 and

, and with initial metal content Z = 0.01 and Z = 0.02. As reported previously, the He-intershell abundances of

and

are increased by CBM at the bottom of the pulse-driven convection zone. This mixing is affecting the

(α, n)

activation and the s-process efficiency in the

-pocket. In our model, CBM at the bottom of the convective envelope during the TDU represents gravity wave mixing. Furthermore, we take into account the fact that hydrodynamic simulations indicate a declining mixing efficiency that is already about a pressure scale height from the convective boundaries, compared to mixing-length theory. We obtain the formation of the

-pocket with a mass of

. The final s-process abundances are characterized by

and the heavy-to-light s-process ratio is

. Finally, we compare our results with stellar observations, presolar grain measurements and previous work.
Sensor Data Geographic Forwarding in Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Spaces
Authors: Ammari Habib M. , Ahmed Amer
Published: August 2016

A wireless sensor network is a collection of sensor nodes that have the ability to sense phenomena in a given environment and collect data, perform computation on the gathered data, and transmit (or forward) it to their destination. Unfortunately, these sensor nodes have limited power, computational, and storage capabilities. These factors have an influence on the design of wireless sensor networks and make it more challenging. In order to overcome these limitations, various power management techniques and energy-efficient protocols have been designed. Among such techniques and protocols, geographic routing is one of the most efficient ways to solve some of the design issues. Geographic routing in wireless sensor networks uses location information of the sensor nodes to define a path from source to destination without having to build a network topology. In this paper, we present a survey of the existing geographic routing techniques both in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) spaces. Furthermore, we will study the advantages of each routing technique and provide a discussion based on their practical possibility of deployment.
Parameter Setting and Stability of PI Controller for AQM Router
Authors: Dash Prasant Kumar , Bisoy Sukant Kishoro , Kamila Narendra Kumar , Panda Madhumita
Published: August 2016

AQM is used to signal congestion early by dropping packets before the buffer becomes completely full. It has following goals: small queuing delays, low packets losses and high link utilization. This work investigates the dynamic of Proportional Integral (PI) controller in the presence of large FTP flows in homogeneous scenario. We systematically derive quantitative guidelines and set the parameters as a function of the scenario parameters bottleneck-bandwidth, round-trip-time, number of TCP flows in order to avoid severe oscillation of the queue size. To compare the best of PI we have considered Random Early Detection (RED), Random Exponential Marking (REM) and Adaptive Virtual Queue (AVQ) as active queue management schemes. Then we analyzed the performance of PI with DropTail, REM and AVQ in wired-cum-wireless network. Our result shows that, properly configuring the parameter of PI can stabilize queue length under dynamic environments and retain good performance even if the network parameters, such as the number of flows N, target queue length, round-trip time RTT.
Wireless Sensor Network Enabled Vehicle Parking System
Authors: Rao Madhuri , Kamila Narendra Kumar
Published: August 2016

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) has many applications and its application in vehicle parking systems is increasing as finding parking space for four wheeler and two wheeler vehicles is a growing challenge in many fast growing cities. Consumers are indeed looking for automated parking systems with reservations being made online so as to save time that is spent finding parking space. Vehicle Parking Systems are adopting wireless sensor networks for monitoring and also create possibilities of online bookings using sensor clouds when connected to the internet via the sink node, however maneuvering vehicles into the parking slots is challenging. Users can download and use mobile application of this parking system to book their parking slots which may be available due to a sensor cloud. These possibilities have many constraints which are multi objective as well. The chapter explores these dimensions.
Vampire Attacks in Wireless Ad-hoc Networks
Authors: Khurana Surinder , Singh Manmeet
Published: August 2016

The advancements made in the field of wireless networks have led the technology to the use of wireless ad-hoc networks in mainstream routines. The performance of these networks is heavily depends on routing protocols. Various routing protocols have been proposed. However, these protocols are prone to various type of attacks. This chapter discusses the vampire attack that is a risk to the energy resources of the wireless ad-hoc networks which drain the energy of the network by sending protocol compliant messages. In this chapter, we identify various categories of vampire attacks. This chapter discusses a secure sensor routing protocol designed to be invulnerable to various attacks but its topology discovery phase is vulnerable to the vampire attacks. This chapter also presents a modification to the protocol's topology discovery phase to detect the nodes performing vampire attacks and prevent the network from these attacks.
Development of an Intelligent Cradle to Monitor Bed-Wet and Hyperthermia Conditions
Authors: Nayak Suraj Kumar , Nawaz Aquib , Champaty Biswajeet , Shahnawaz Mohd. , Tibarewala D. N. , Mohapatra Biswajit , Pal Kunal
Published: August 2016

The current study reports the development of an intelligent baby cradle that can detect the baby movement, bed-wet condition and body surface temperature. There is a need to develop such kind of devices, especially for Indian scenario. The developed device monitors the movement of the body using a pyroelectric infrared (PIR) sensor. Once the movement is detected, it activates the motor which swings the cradle for five minutes. In addition to the movement detection of the baby, the cradle is able to monitor the bed-wet condition and body surface temperature. In case of either bed wet condition, hyperthermia or both, a global system for mobile communications (GSM) communication portal is activated to send a status report to the parent's mobile. It is expected that the above device will help not only the parents at home but also the nurses in the hospital condition.
Emergence of the Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa
Authors: Dervisevic Samir
Published: August 2016

This chapter gives an overview on the recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa which has lasted for over seventeen months. The Ebola virus has been implicated as a causative agent of viral haemorrhagic fever occurring in Central Africa over the last thirty-nine years. However, the Ebola virus has not previously been recognised as an endemic virus causing outbreaks of viral illness in West Africa. The start of what was to become the largest Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in known history was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on the 23rd of March 2014 and since then it has transformed into an unprecedented and severe epidemic affecting the three countries of West Africa (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone). The emergence of this lethal virus in a setting of profound poverty, a dysfunctional public-health and a weak government infrastructure alarmed the wider world and caused dread from an uncontrollable spread.
Ecotoxicity Effects of Nanomaterials on Aquatic Organisms
Authors: Barbero César A , Yslas Edith Inés
Published: August 2016

The increasing production and use of engineered nanomaterials raise concerns about inadvertent exposure and the potential for adverse effects on the aquatic environment. The aim of this chapter is focused on studies of nanotoxicity in different models of aquatic organisms and their impact. Moreover, the chapter provides an overview of nanoparticles, their applications, and the potential nanoparticle-induced toxicity in aquatic organisms. The topics discussed in this chapter are the physicochemical characteristic of nanomaterials (size, aggregation, morphology, surface charge, reactivity, dissolution, etc.) and their influence on toxicity. Further, the text discusses the direct effect of nanomaterials on development stage (embryonic and adult) in aquatic organisms, the mechanism of action as well as the toxicity data of nanomaterials in different species.f action as well as the toxicity data of nanomaterials in different species.