bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decontamination of Spores on Model Stainless-Steel Surface by Using Foams Based on Alkyl Polyglucosides
Authors: Dari Carolina , Dallagi Heni , Faille Christine , Dubois Thomas , Lemy Christelle , Deleplace Maureen , Abdallah Marwan , Gruescu Cosmin , Beaucé Julie , Benezech Thierry , Fameau Anne-Laure
Published: January 2023

In the food industry, the surfaces of processing equipment are considered to be major factors in the risk of food contamination. The cleaning process of solid surfaces is essential, but it requires a significant amount of water and chemicals. Herein, we report the use of foam flows based on alkyl polyglucosides (APGs) to remove spores of Bacillus subtilis on stainless-steel surfaces as the model-contaminated surface. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was also studied as an anionic surfactant. Foams were characterized during flows by measuring the foam stability and the bubble size. The efficiency of spores’ removal was assessed by enumerations. We showed that foams based on APGs could remove efficiently the spores from the surfaces, but slightly less than foams based on SDS due to an effect of SDS itself on spores removal. The destabilization of the foams at the end of the process and the recovery of surfactant solutions were also evaluated by using filtration. Following a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach, we evaluated the impact of the foam flow on the global environmental footprint of the process. We showed significant environmental impact benefits with a reduction in water and energy consumption for foam cleaning. APGs are a good choice as surfactants as they decrease further the environmental impacts.
Discovery of Novel Chinese Medicine Compounds Targeting 3CL Protease by Virtual Screening and Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Cheng Jin , Hao Yixuan , Shi Qin , Hou Guanyu , Wang Yanan , Wang Yong , Xiao Wen , Othman Joseph , Qi Junnan , Wang Yuanqiang , Chen Yan , Yu Guanghua
Published: January 2023

The transmission and infectivity of COVID-19 have caused a pandemic that has lasted for several years. This is due to the constantly changing variants and subvariants that have evolved rapidly from SARS-CoV-2. To discover drugs with therapeutic potential for COVID-19, we focused on the 3CL protease (3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2, which has been proven to be an important target for COVID-19 infection. Computational prediction techniques are quick and accurate enough to facilitate the discovery of drugs against the 3CLpro of SARS-CoV-2. In this paper, we used both ligand-based virtual screening and structure-based virtual screening to screen the traditional Chinese medicine small molecules that have the potential to target the 3CLpro of SARS-CoV-2. MD simulations were used to confirm these results for future in vitro testing. MCCS was then used to calculate the normalized free energy of each ligand and the residue energy contribution. As a result, we found ZINC15676170, ZINC09033700, and ZINC12530139 to be the most promising antiviral therapies against the 3CLpro of SARS-CoV-2.
Ethnic Differences in Preferences for Lifestyle Intervention among Women after Childbirth: A Multi-Methods Study in Australia
Authors: Chen Mingling , Makama Maureen , Skouteris Helen , Moran Lisa J. , Harrison Cheryce L. , Choi Tammie , Lim Siew
Published: January 2023

Postpartum weight retention contributes to maternal obesity and varies by ethnicity. Despite the well-established benefits of lifestyle intervention on weight management, little is known about how to engage postpartum women effectively, especially among ethnic minority groups. This multi-methods study aimed to explore ethnic differences in women’s preferences for lifestyle intervention after childbirth. Women within five years of childbirth and living with their youngest child in Australia were recruited in an online survey (n = 504) and semi-structured interviews (n = 17). The survey and interview questions were structured based on the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) framework. Ethnic groups were categorized as Oceanian, Asian and Other according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Chi-square tests were used to compare the preferred intervention characteristics between groups. Qualitative data were thematically analysed. The survey showed that most women across all ethnic groups were interested in receiving lifestyle support in the early postpartum period (from 7 weeks to 3 months postpartum). All ethnic groups preferred a regular lifestyle intervention delivered by health professionals that promotes accountability and provides practical strategies. However, Asian women had a higher desire for infant care and a lower desire for mental health in the intervention content compared with Oceanian women. Moreover, Asian women were more likely to favour interventions that are initiated in a later postpartum period, over a shorter duration, and with less intervention frequency, compared with Oceanian women. The interviews further indicated the need for intervention adaptations in the Asian group to address the cultural relevance of food and postpartum practices. These ethnic-specific preferences should be considered in the development of culturally appropriate intervention strategies to optimize engagement in healthy lifestyles among the targeted ethnic groups.
Fructose Diet-Associated Molecular Alterations in Hypothalamus of Adolescent Rats: A Proteomic Approach
Authors: D’Ambrosio Chiara , Cigliano Luisa , Mazzoli Arianna , Matuozzo Monica , Nazzaro Martina , Scaloni Andrea , Iossa Susanna , Spagnuolo Maria Stefania
Published: January 2023

Background: The enhanced consumption of fructose as added sugar represents a major health concern. Due to the complexity and multiplicity of hypothalamic functions, we aim to point out early molecular alterations triggered by a sugar-rich diet throughout adolescence, and to verify their persistence until the young adulthood phase. Methods: Thirty days old rats received a high-fructose or control diet for 3 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, treated animals were switched to the control diet for further 3 weeks, and then analyzed in comparison with those that were fed the control diet for the entire experimental period. Results: Quantitative proteomics identified 19 differentially represented proteins, between control and fructose-fed groups, belonging to intermediate filament cytoskeleton, neurofilament, pore complex and mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes. Western blotting analysis confirmed proteomic data, evidencing a decreased abundance of mitochondrial respiratory complexes and voltage-dependent anion channel 1, the coregulator of mitochondrial biogenesis PGC-1α, and the protein subunit of neurofilaments α-internexin in fructose-fed rats. Diet-associated hypothalamic inflammation was also detected. Finally, the amount of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its high-affinity receptor TrkB, as well as of synaptophysin, synaptotagmin, and post-synaptic protein PSD-95 was reduced in sugar-fed rats. Notably, deregulated levels of all proteins were fully rescued after switching to the control diet. Conclusions: A short-term fructose-rich diet in adolescent rats induces hypothalamic inflammation and highly affects mitochondrial and cytoskeletal compartments, as well as the level of specific markers of brain function; above-reported effects are reverted after switching animals to the control diet.
Monitoring Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) as a Potential Novel Allergenic Food: Effect of Food Processing and Matrix
Authors: Villa Caterina , Moura Mónica B. M. V. , Teixeira Carla S. S. , Costa Joana , Mafra Isabel
Published: January 2023

The consumption of insects has increased in western countries, raising concerns about their potential to induce food allergic reactions in sensitized/allergic individuals. This work intended to develop a real-time PCR approach for the detection/quantification of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) as a potential allergenic food in complex matrices. For this purpose, reference mixtures simulating the production of pork sausages and wheat biscuits containing known amounts of mealworm were used. Real-time PCR with TaqMan probe targeting the cytochrome b gene of T. molitor was able to detect up to 2 fg of insect DNA, and 1.0 and 0.1 mg/kg of mealworm flour in autoclaved sausages and baked biscuits, respectively. Generally, the method showed acceptable analytical performance parameters, confirming its suitability/applicability for a wide range of foods. However, real-time PCR data showed significant differences among food matrix and processing, highlighting the importance of using appropriate calibration models for quantitative analysis. Finally, the real-time PCR approach was successfully validated with blind mixtures and applied to commercial samples, demonstrating its efficacy and reliability in the quantification of mealworm in processed foodstuffs.
Microbiome and Asthma: Microbial Dysbiosis and the Origins, Phenotypes, Persistence, and Severity of Asthma
Authors: Valverde-Molina José , García-Marcos Luis
Published: January 2023

The importance of the microbiome, and of the gut-lung axis in the origin and persistence of asthma, is an ongoing field of investigation. The process of microbial colonisation in the first three years of life is fundamental for health, with the first hundred days of life being critical. Different factors are associated with early microbial dysbiosis, such as caesarean delivery, artificial lactation and antibiotic therapy, among others. Longitudinal cohort studies on gut and airway microbiome in children have found an association between microbial dysbiosis and asthma at later ages of life. A low α-diversity and relative abundance of certain commensal gut bacterial genera in the first year of life are associated with the development of asthma. Gut microbial dysbiosis, with a lower abundance of Phylum Firmicutes, could be related with increased risk of asthma. Upper airway microbial dysbiosis, especially early colonisation by Moraxella spp., is associated with recurrent viral infections and the development of asthma. Moreover, the bacteria in the respiratory system produce metabolites that may modify the inception of asthma and is progression. The role of the lung microbiome in asthma development has yet to be fully elucidated. Nevertheless, the most consistent finding in studies on lung microbiome is the increased bacterial load and the predominance of proteobacteria, especially Haemophilus spp. and Moraxella catarrhalis. In this review we shall update the knowledge on the association between microbial dysbiosis and the origins of asthma, as well as its persistence, phenotypes, and severity.
Hemodynamic and Rhythmologic Effects of Push-Dose Landiolol in Critical Care—A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Schnaubelt Sebastian , Eibensteiner Felix , Oppenauer Julia , Tihanyi Daniel , Neymayer Marco , Brock Roman , Kornfehl Andrea , Veigl Christoph , Al Jalali Valentin , Anders Sonja , Steinlechner Barbara , Domanovits Hans , Sulzgruber Patrick
Published: January 2023

Background: The highly β1-selective beta-blocker Landiolol is known to facilitate efficient and safe rate control in non-compensatory tachycardia or dysrhythmia when administered continuously. However, efficacy and safety data of the also-available bolus formulation in critically ill patients are scarce. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study on a real-life cohort of critical care patients, who had been treated with push-dose Landiolol due to sudden-onset non-compensatory supraventricular tachycardia. Continuous hemodynamic data had been acquired via invasive blood pressure monitoring. Results: Thirty patients and 49 bolus applications were analyzed. Successful heart rate control was accomplished in 20 (41%) cases, rhythm control was achieved in 13 (27%) episodes, and 16 (33%) applications showed no effect. Overall, the heart rate was significantly lower (145 (130–150) vs. 105 (100–125) bpm, p < 0.001) in a 90 min post-application observational period in all subgroups. The median changes in blood pressure after the bolus application did not reach clinical significance. Compared with the ventilation settings before the bolus application, the respiratory settings including the required FiO2 after the bolus application did not differ significantly. No serious adverse events were seen. Conclusions: Push-dose Landiolol was safe and effective in critically ill ICU patients. No clinically relevant impact on blood pressure was noted.
Design, Development, and Optimisation of Smart Linker Chemistry for Targeted Colonic Delivery—In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Abd-Ellah Heba S. , Mudududdla Ramesh , Carter Glen P. , Baell Jonathan B.
Published: January 2023

Drug targeting is necessary to deliver drugs to a specific site of action at a rate dictated by therapeutic requirements. The pharmacological action of a drug can thereby be optimised while minimising adverse effects. Numerous colonic drug delivery systems have been developed to avoid such undesirable side effects; however, these systems lack site specificity, leaving room for further improvement. The objective of the present study was to explore the potential of amino-alkoxycarbonyloxymethyl (amino-AOCOM) ether prodrugs as a general approach for future colonic delivery. To circumvent inter- and intra-subject variabilities in enzyme activities, these prodrugs do not rely on enzymes but rather are activated via a pH-triggered intramolecular cyclisation–elimination reaction. As proof of concept, model compounds were synthesised and evaluated under various pH conditions, simulating various regions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Probe 15 demonstrated excellent stability under simulated stomach- and duodenum-like conditions and protected 60% of the payload in a small intestine-like environment. Moreover, 15 displayed sustained release at colonic pH, delivering >90% of the payload over 38 h. Mesalamine (Msl) prodrugs 21 and 22 were also synthesised and showed better stability than probe 15 in the simulated upper GIT but relatively slower release at colonic pH (61–68% of Msl over 48 h). For both prodrugs, the extent of release was comparable to that of the commercial product Asacol. This study provides initial proof of concept regarding the use of a cyclisation-activated prodrug for colon delivery and suggests that release characteristics still vary on a case-by-case basis.
Fractal Kinetic Implementation in Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling
Authors: Jung Woojin , Ryu Hyo-jeong , Chae Jung-woo , Yun Hwi-yeol
Published: January 2023

Compartment modeling is a widely accepted technique in the field of pharmacokinetic analysis. However, conventional compartment modeling is performed under a homogeneity assumption that is not a naturally occurring condition. Since the assumption lacks physiological considerations, the respective modeling approach has been questioned, as novel drugs are increasingly characterized by physiological or physical features. Alternative approaches have focused on fractal kinetics, but evaluations of their application are lacking. Thus, in this study, a simulation was performed to identify desirable fractal-kinetics applications in conventional modeling. Visible changes in the profiles were then investigated. Five cases of finalized population models were collected for implementation. For model diagnosis, the objective function value (OFV), Akaike’s information criterion (AIC), and corrected Akaike’s information criterion (AICc) were used as performance metrics, and the goodness of fit (GOF), visual predictive check (VPC), and normalized prediction distribution error (NPDE) were used as visual diagnostics. In most cases, model performance was enhanced by the fractal rate, as shown in a simulation study. The necessary parameters of the fractal rate in the model varied and were successfully estimated between 0 and 1. GOF, VPC, and NPDE diagnostics show that models with the fractal rate described the data well and were robust. In the simulation study, the fractal absorption process was, therefore, chosen for testing. In the estimation study, the rate application yielded improved performance and good prediction–observation agreement in early sampling points, and did not cause a large shift in the original estimation results. Thus, the fractal rate yielded explainable parameters by setting only the heterogeneity exponent, which reflects true physiological behavior well. This approach can be expected to provide useful insights in pharmacological decision making.
Regulation of Staphylococcus aureus Virulence and Application of Nanotherapeutics to Eradicate S. aureus Infection
Authors: Arunachalam Kannappan , Pandurangan Poonguzhali , Shi Chunlei , Lagoa Ricardo
Published: January 2023

Staphylococcus aureus is a versatile pathogen known to cause hospital- and community-acquired, foodborne, and zoonotic infections. The clinical infections by S. aureus cause an increase in morbidity and mortality rates and treatment costs, aggravated by the emergence of drug-resistant strains. As a multi-faceted pathogen, it is imperative to consolidate the knowledge on its pathogenesis, including the mechanisms of virulence regulation, development of antimicrobial resistance, and biofilm formation, to make it amenable to different treatment strategies. Nanomaterials provide a suitable platform to address this challenge, with the potential to control intracellular parasitism and multidrug resistance where conventional therapies show limited efficacy. In a nutshell, the first part of this review focuses on the impact of S. aureus on human health and the role of virulence factors and biofilms during pathogenesis. The second part discusses the large diversity of nanoparticles and their applications in controlling S. aureus infections, including combination with antibiotics and phytochemicals and the incorporation of antimicrobial coatings for biomaterials. Finally, the limitations and prospects using nanomaterials are highlighted, aiming to foster the development of novel nanotechnology-driven therapies against multidrug-resistant S. aureus.
Multipurpose Laser Instrument for Interplanetary Ranging, Time Transfer, and Wideband Communications
Authors: Degnan John J.
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we discuss the design and feasibility of a multifunctional laser instrument capable of precision ranging, time transfer, and wideband communications over interplanetary distances throughout our solar system. To simplify the communications discussion, On-Off Keying (OOK) is assumed for the high bandwidth (MHz to GHz) modulation format, and the required laser powers and transmit and receive apertures are determined for each Earth–planet link as a function of data rate. Optimization of the transmitter and receiver antenna gains is reviewed. It is further assumed that the spacecraft is in orbit about the planet of interest in order to justify the need for large data downloads rates and that single-photon sensitive detector arrays can be utilized to aid in the acquisition, detection, and tracking of the opposite terminal. Satellite acquisition and tracking is complicated by the long one-way propagation distances (up to 40 AU), the finite speed of light, the orbital and rotational velocities of the two planets, and, if applicable, the spacecraft orbital speed about the planet. Taking advantage of the highly circular and coplanar planetary orbits within our solar system, point ahead angles are estimated for all combinations of possible Earth–planet positions revealing solar orbital geometries where planetary motion does not introduce a need for point ahead angles. Finally, possible methods for simplifying the initial mutual acquisition of the planetary and Earth terminals and maintaining the coalignment of their respective optical systems is discussed.
Colletotrichum echinochloae: A Potential Bioherbicide Agent for Control of Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv.)
Authors: Gu Qiongnan , Chu Shihai , Huang Qichao , Chen Anan , Li Lin , Li Ruhai
Published: January 2023

Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv.) is one of the most troublesome weeds in transplanted and direct-seeded rice worldwide. To develop a strategy for the biocontrol of barnyardgrass, fungal isolates were recovered from barnyardgrass plants that exhibited signs of necrosis and wilt. An isolate B-48 with a high level of pathogenicity to barnyardgrass was identified after pathogenicity tests. From cultural and DNA sequence data, this strain was identified as Colletotrichum echinochloae. The inoculation of the barnyardgrass plant with C. echinochloae caused a significant reduction in fresh weight. The isolate B-48 was highly pathogenic to barnyardgrass at the three- to four-leaf stages. When inoculated at a concentration of 1 × 107 spores/mL, barnyardgrass could achieve a reduction in fresh weight of more than 50%. This strain was safe for rice and most plant species. The results of this study indicated that this strain could be a potential mycoherbicide for barnyardgrass control in paddy fields in the future.
Effects of the Rainfall Intensity and Slope Gradient on Soil Erosion and Nitrogen Loss on the Sloping Fields of Miyun Reservoir
Authors: Wang Lei , Li Yan , Wu Jiajun , An Zhizhuang , Suo Linna , Ding Jianli , Li Shuo , Wei Dan , Jin Liang
Published: January 2023

Environmental loss is primarily caused by soil, water, and nutrient loss, and runoff is associated with nutrient transport and sediment loss. Most existing studies have focused on one influencing factor, namely slope gradient or rainfall intensity, for slope erosion and nutrient loss, but the joint effects of the two factors have rarely been researched. In this context, the impact of slope gradients (0°, 5°, 10°, and 15°) and rainfall intensities (30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 mm/h) on soil erosion and nutrient loss on the sloping fields of Miyun Reservoir were explored using the indoor artificial rainfall simulation testing system. Based on the results of the study, the variation of runoff coefficient with slope gradient was not noticeable for rainfall intensities <40 mm/h; however, for rainfall intensities >40 mm/h, the increased range of runoff coefficient doubled, and the increase was the fastest under 0° among the four slope gradients. The slope surface runoff depth and runoff rate showed positive correlations with the rainfall intensity (r = 0.875, p < 0.01) and a negative correlation with the slope gradient. In addition, the cumulative sediment yield was positively related to the slope gradient and rainfall intensity (r > 0.464, p < 0.05). Moreover, the slope surface runoff-associated and sediment-associated loss rates of total nitrogen (TN) rose as the rainfall intensity or slope gradient increased, and significant linear positive correlations were found between the runoff-associated TN loss rate (NLr) and the runoff intensity and between the sediment-associated NLr and the erosion intensity. In addition, there were positive linear correlations between slope runoff-associated or sediment-associated TN loss volumes and rainfall intensity, surface runoff, and sediment loss volumes, which were highly remarkable. The slope gradient had a significant positive correlation with the slope surface runoff-associated TN loss at 0.05 (r = 0.452) and a significant positive correlation with the sediment-associated TN loss at the level of 0.01 (r = 0.591). The rainfall intensity exhibited extremely positive correlations with the slope surface runoff-associated and sediment-associated TN loss at 0.01 (r = 0.717 and 0.629) Slope gradients have less effect on nitrogen loss on sloped fields than rainfall intensity, mainly because rainfall intensity affects runoff depth. Based on the findings of this study, Miyun Reservoir may be able to improve nitrogen loss prevention and control.
Phytoremediation of Potentially Toxic Elements: Role, Status and Concerns
Authors: Wani Zishan Ahmad , Ahmad Zeeshan , Asgher Mohd , Bhat Jahangeer A. , Sharma Manju , Kumar Ashish , Sharma Virbala , Kumar Amit , Pant Shreekar , Lukatkin Alexander S. , Anjum Naser A.
Published: January 2023

Environmental contamination with a myriad of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is triggered by various natural and anthropogenic activities. However, the industrial revolution has increased the intensity of these hazardous elements and their concentration in the environment, which, in turn, could provoke potential ecological risks. Additionally, most PTEs pose a considerable nuisance to human beings and affect soil, aquatic organisms, and even nematodes and microbes. This comprehensive review aims to: (i) introduce potentially toxic elements; (ii) overview the major sources of PTEs in the major environmental compartments; (iii) briefly highlight the major impacts of PTEs on humans, plants, aquatic life, and the health of soil; (iv) appraise the major methods for tackling PTE-caused pollution; (v) discuss the concept and applications of the major eco-technological/green approaches (comprising phytoextraction, rhizofiltration, phytostabilization, phytovolatilization, and phytorestoration); (vi) highlight the role of microbes in phytoremediation under PTE stress; and (vii) enlighten the major role of genetic engineering in advancing the phytoremediation of varied PTEs. Overall, appropriate strategies must be developed in order to stop gene flow into wild species, and biosafety issues must be properly addressed. Additionally, consistent efforts should be undertaken to tackle the major issues (e.g., risk estimation, understanding, acceptance and feasibility) in order to guarantee the successful implementation of phytoremediation programs, raise awareness of this green technology among laymen, and to strengthen networking among scientists, stakeholders, industrialists, governments and non-government organizations.
Friction Behavior between Carbon Fiber Plain Weave and Metal Semi-Cylinder Tool
Authors: Wu Ning , Guo Qi , Xie Ximing , Chen Li
Published: January 2023

The deformations that occur during composite forming processes are governed by the friction between the fabrics and tooling material on the mesoscopic level. The effect of normal load and multi-plies on the frictional behavior of the carbon plain weave is investigated by simulating the friction between the fabric and metal semi-cylinder tool by using the experimental method. The periodic wavy friction-displacement curve between the metal tool and fabric is caused by the interwoven structure of the fabric. Both the increase in the normal load and the number of layers cause an increase in the real contact area during friction, leading to an increase in the friction force. The real contact area is calculated based on the Hertzian contact model and the self-designed testing method. The friction force values obtained from multiplying the real contact area with shear strength are closely aligned with the measured results.
Cracking and Fiber Debonding Identification of Concrete Deep Beams Reinforced with C-FRP Ropes against Shear Using a Real-Time Monitoring System
Authors: Papadopoulos Nikos A. , Naoum Maria C. , Sapidis George M. , Chalioris Constantin E.
Published: January 2023

Traditional methods for estimating structural deterioration are generally costly and inefficient. Recent studies have demonstrated that implementing a network of piezoelectric transducers mounted to critical regions of concrete structural members substantially increases the efficacy of the structural health monitoring (SHM) method. This study uses a recently developed electro-mechanical-admittance (EMA)-based SHM system for real-time damage diagnosis of carbon FRP (C-FRP) ropes installed as shear composite reinforcement in RC deep beams. The applied SHM technique uses the frequency response measurements of a network of piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT) patches. The proposed strengthening methods using C-FRP ropes as ETS and NSM shear reinforcement and the applied anchorage techniques significantly enhanced the strength and the overall performance of the examined beams. The retrofitted beams exhibited increased shear capacity and improved post-peak response with substantial ductility compared with the brittle failure of the non-strengthened specimens. The health condition and the potential debonding failure of the applied composite fiber material were also examined and quantified using the proposed SHM technique. Damage quantification of C-FRP ropes is achieved by comparing and assessing the values of several statistical damage indices. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed monitoring system successfully diagnosed the region where the damage occurred by providing early warning of the forthcoming critical shear cracking of concrete and C-FRP rope debonding failures. Furthermore, the internal PZT transducers showed sound indications of the C-FRP rope’s health condition, demonstrating a direct correlation with the mechanical performance of the fibers.
Chitosan-Based Polymer Nanocomposites for Environmental Remediation of Mercury Pollution
Authors: Goci Mvula Confidence , Leudjo Taka Anny , Martin Lynwill , Klink Michael John
Published: January 2023

Mercury is a well-known heavy metal pollutant of global importance, typically found in effluents (lakes, oceans, and sewage) and released into the atmosphere. It is highly toxic to humans, animals and plants. Therefore, the current challenge is to develop efficient materials and techniques that can be used to remediate mercury pollution in water and the atmosphere, even in low concentrations. The paper aims to review the chitosan-based polymer nanocomposite materials that have been used for the environmental remediation of mercury pollution since they possess multifunctional properties, beneficial for the adsorption of various kinds of pollutants from wastewater and the atmosphere. In addition, these chitosan-based polymer nanocomposites are made of non-toxic materials that are environmentally friendly, highly porous, biocompatible, biodegradable, and recyclable; they have a high number of surface active sites, are earth-abundant, have minimal surface defects, and are metal-free. Advances in the modification of the chitosan, mainly with nanomaterials such as multi-walled carbon nanotube and nanoparticles (Ag, TiO2, S, and ZnO), and its use for mercury uptake by batch adsorption and passive sampler methods are discussed.
Optimal Design of Energy Sources for a Photovoltaic/Fuel Cell Extended-Range Agricultural Mobile Robot
Authors: Ghobadpour Amin , Cardenas Alben , Monsalve German , Mousazadeh Hossein
Published: January 2023

Powertrain electrification in the agricultural vehicles is still in the initial stages. This article analyzes the energy behavior of a Photovoltaic/Fuel Cell Agricultural Mobile Robot (PV/FCAMR) as the preliminary step before development. This concept incorporates three energy storage sources for the powertrain: a battery pack, a Fuel Cell (FC) system, and a Photovoltaic (PV) system. This paper proposes an approach based on the Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithms to determine the sizes of the FC and battery of an FCAMR. A differential drive mobile robot was used as a case study to extract the typical working cycles of farming applications. The FCAMR vehicle model was developed in MATLAB/Simulink to evaluate vehicle energy consumption and performance. For the energy analysis and evaluation, the FCAMR was tested based on two realistic working cycles comprising circular and rectangular moving patterns. The results showed that the proposed arrangement could extend the FCAMR autonomy by 350% as opposed to the pure electric system. This allows for at least 8 h of work with a tank filled with 150 g hydrogen and a PV system with a 0.5 m2 monocrystalline solar panel. The simulation results have demonstrated the relevance and robustness of this approach in relation to various working cycles. The cost comparison between the theoretical and optimization sizing methods showed at least an 8% decrease for the FCAMR. Furthermore, adding the PV system extended the vehicle’s range by up to 5%. This study provides an optimal solution for energy sources sizing of mobile robots as futuristic agricultural vehicles.
Detection of the Large Surface Explosion Coupling Experiment by a Sparse Network of Balloon-Borne Infrasound Sensors
Authors: Silber Elizabeth A. , Bowman Daniel C. , Ronac Giannone Miro
Published: January 2023

In recent years, high-altitude infrasound sensing has become more prolific, demonstrating an enormous value especially when utilized over regions inaccessible to traditional ground-based sensing. Similar to ground-based infrasound detectors, airborne sensors take advantage of the fact that impulsive atmospheric events such as explosions can generate low frequency acoustic waves, also known as infrasound. Due to negligible attenuation, infrasonic waves can travel over long distances, and provide important clues about their source. Here, we report infrasound detections of the Apollo detonation that was carried on 29 October 2020 as part of the Large Surface Explosion Coupling Experiment in Nevada, USA. Infrasound sensors attached to solar hot air balloons floating in the stratosphere detected the signals generated by the explosion at distances 170–210 km. Three distinct arrival phases seen in the signals are indicative of multipathing caused by the small-scale perturbations in the atmosphere. We also found that the local acoustic environment at these altitudes is more complex than previously thought.
Discovering the Ancient Tomb under the Forest Using Machine Learning with Timing-Series Features of Sentinel Images: Taking Baling Mountain in Jingzhou as an Example
Authors: Liu Yichuan , Hu Qingwu , Wang Shaohua , Zou Fengli , Ai Mingyao , Zhao Pengcheng
Published: January 2023

Cultural traces under forests are one of the main problems affecting the identification of archaeological sites in densely forested areas, so it is full of challenges to discover ancient tombs buried under dense vegetation. The covered ancient tombs can be identified by studying the time-series features of the vegetation covering the ancient tombs on the multi-time series remote sensing images because the ancient tombs buried deep underground have long-term underground space structures, which affect the intrinsic properties of the surface soil so that the growth status of the covering vegetation is different from that of the vegetation in the area without ancient tombs. We first use the highly detailed DSM data to select the ancient tombs that cannot be visually distinguished on the optical images. Then, we explored and constructed the temporal features of the ancient tombs under the forest and the non-ancient tombs in the images, such as the radar timing-series features of Sentinel 1 and the multi-spectral and vegetation index timing-series features of Sentinel 2. Finally, based on these features and machine learning, we designed an automatic identification algorithm for ancient tombs under the forest. The method has been validated in Baling Mountain in Jingzhou, China. It is very feasible to automatically identify ancient tombs covered by surface vegetation by using the timing-series features of remote sensing images. Additionally, the identification of large ancient tombs or concentrated ancient tombs is more accurate, and the accuracy is improved after adding radar features. The paper concludes with a discussion of the current limitations and future directions of the method.
Deep Learning-Based Adaptive Compression and Anomaly Detection for Smart B5G Use Cases Operation
Authors: El Sayed Ahmad , Ruiz Marc , Harb Hassan , Velasco Luis
Published: January 2023

The evolution towards next-generation Beyond 5G (B5G) networks will require not only innovation in transport technologies but also the adoption of smarter, more efficient operations of the use cases that are foreseen to be the high consumers of network resources in the next decades. Among different B5G use cases, the Digital Twin (DT) has been identified as a key high bandwidth-demanding use case. The creation and operation of a DT require the continuous collection of an enormous and widely distributed amount of sensor telemetry data which can overwhelm the transport layer. Therefore, the reduction in such transported telemetry data is an essential objective of smart use case operation. Moreover, deep telemetry data analysis, i.e., anomaly detection, can be executed in a hierarchical way to reduce the processing needed to perform such analysis in a centralized way. In this paper, we propose a smart management system consisting of a hierarchical architecture for telemetry sensor data analysis using deep autoencoders (AEs). The system contains AE-based methods for the adaptive compression of telemetry time series data using pools of AEs (called AAC), as well as for anomaly detection in single (called SS-AD) and multiple (called MS-AGD) sensor streams. Numerical results using experimental telemetry data show compression ratios of up to 64% with reconstruction errors of less than 1%, clearly improving upon the benchmark state-of-the-art methods. In addition, fast and accurate anomaly detection is demonstrated for both single and multiple-sensor scenarios. Finally, a great reduction in transport network capacity resources of 50% and more is obtained by smart use case operation for distributed DT scenarios.
Rapid Design Optimization and Calibration of Microwave Sensors Based on Equivalent Complementary Resonators for High Sensitivity and Low Fabrication Tolerance
Authors: Haq Tanveerul , Koziel Slawomir
Published: January 2023

This paper presents the design, optimization, and calibration of multivariable resonators for microwave dielectric sensors. An optimization technique for the circular complementary split ring resonator (CC-SRR) and square complementary split ring resonator (SC-SRR) is presented to achieve the required transmission response in a precise manner. The optimized resonators are manufactured using a standard photolithographic technique and measured for fabrication tolerance. The fabricated sensor is presented for the high-resolution characterization of dielectric substrates and oil samples. A three-dimensional dielectric container is attached to the sensor and acts as a pool for the sample under test (SUT). In the presented technique, the dielectric substrates and oil samples can interact directly with the electromagnetic (EM) field emitted from the resonator. For the sake of sensor calibration, a relation between the relative permittivity of the dielectric samples and the resonant frequency of the sensor is established in the form of an inverse regression model. Comparisons with state-of-the-art sensors indicate the superiority of the presented design in terms of oil characterization reliability. The significant technical contributions of this work include the employment of the rigorous optimization of geometry parameters of the sensor, leading to its superior performance, and the development and application of the inverse-model-based calibration procedure.
Diversity Learning Based on Multi-Latent Space for Medical Image Visual Question Generation
Authors: Zhu He , Togo Ren , Ogawa Takahiro , Haseyama Miki
Published: January 2023

Auxiliary clinical diagnosis has been researched to solve unevenly and insufficiently distributed clinical resources. However, auxiliary diagnosis is still dominated by human physicians, and how to make intelligent systems more involved in the diagnosis process is gradually becoming a concern. An interactive automated clinical diagnosis with a question-answering system and a question generation system can capture a patient’s conditions from multiple perspectives with less physician involvement by asking different questions to drive and guide the diagnosis. This clinical diagnosis process requires diverse information to evaluate a patient from different perspectives to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Recently proposed medical question generation systems have not considered diversity. Thus, we propose a diversity learning-based visual question generation model using a multi-latent space to generate informative question sets from medical images. The proposed method generates various questions by embedding visual and language information in different latent spaces, whose diversity is trained by our newly proposed loss. We have also added control over the categories of generated questions, making the generated questions directional. Furthermore, we use a new metric named similarity to accurately evaluate the proposed model’s performance. The experimental results on the Slake and VQA-RAD datasets demonstrate that the proposed method can generate questions with diverse information. Our model works with an answering model for interactive automated clinical diagnosis and generates datasets to replace the process of annotation that incurs huge labor costs.
Magnetic Induction Tomography: Separation of the Ill-Posed and Non-Linear Inverse Problem into a Series of Isolated and Less Demanding Subproblems
Authors: Schledewitz Tatiana , Klein Martin , Rueter Dirk
Published: January 2023

Magnetic induction tomography (MIT) is based on remotely excited eddy currents inside a measurement object. The conductivity distribution shapes the eddies, and their secondary fields are detected and used to reconstruct the conductivities. While the forward problem from given conductivities to detected signals can be unambiguously simulated, the inverse problem from received signals back to searched conductivities is a non-linear ill-posed problem that compromises MIT and results in rather blurry imaging. An MIT inversion is commonly applied over the entire process (i.e., localized conductivities are directly determined from specific signal features), but this involves considerable computation. The present more theoretical work treats the inverse problem as a non-retroactive series of four individual subproblems, each one less difficult by itself. The decoupled tasks yield better insights and control and promote more efficient computation. The overall problem is divided into an ill-posed but linear problem for reconstructing eddy currents from given signals and a nonlinear but benign problem for reconstructing conductivities from given eddies. The separated approach is unsuitable for common and circular MIT designs, as it merely fits the data structure of a recently presented and planar 3D MIT realization for large biomedical phantoms. For this MIT scanner, in discretization, the number of unknown and independent eddy current elements reflects the number of ultimately searched conductivities. For clarity and better representation, representative 2D bodies are used here and measured at the depth of the 3D scanner. The overall difficulty is not substantially smaller or different than for 3D bodies. In summary, the linear problem from signals to eddies dominates the overall MIT performance.
A Wireless Rowing Measurement System for Improving the Rowing Performance of Athletes
Authors: Hohmuth Richard , Schwensow Daniel , Malberg Hagen , Schmidt Martin
Published: January 2023

The rowing technique is a key factor in the overall rowing performance. Nowadays the athletes’ performance is so advanced that even small differences in technique can have an impact on sport competitions. To further improve the athletes’ performance, individualized rowing is necessary. This can be achieved by intelligent measurement technology that provides direct feedback. To address this issue, we developed a novel wireless rowing measurement system (WiRMS) that acquires rowing movement and measures muscle activity using electromyography (EMG). Our measurement system is able to measure several parameters simultaneously: the rowing forces, the pressure distribution on the scull, the oar angles, the seat displacement and the boat acceleration. WiRMS was evaluated in a proof-of-concept study with seven experienced athletes performing a training on water. Evaluation results showed that WiRMS is able to assess the rower’s performance by recording the rower’s movement and force applied to the scull. We found significant correlations (p < 0.001) between stroke rate and drive-to-recovery ratio. By incorporating EMG data, a precise temporal assignment of the activated muscles and their contribution to the rowing motion was possible. Furthermore, we were able to show that the rower applies the force to the scull mainly with the index and middle fingers.
Dynamic Balance Control of Double Gyros Unicycle Robot Based on Sliding Mode Controller
Authors: Zhang Yang , Jin Hongzhe , Zhao Jie
Published: January 2023

This paper presents a doublegyroscope unicycle robot, which is dynamically balanced by sliding mode controller and PD controller based on its dynamics. This double−gyroscope robot uses the precession effect of the double gyro system to achieve its lateral balance. The two gyroscopes are at the same speed and in reverse direction so as to ensure that the precession torque of the gyroscopes does not interfere with the longitudinal direction of the unicycle robot. The lateral controller of the unicycle robot is a sliding mode controller. It not only maintains the balance ability of the unicycle robot, but also improves its robustness. The longitudinal controller of the unicycle robot is a PD controller, and its input variables are pitch angle and pitch angular velocity. In order to track the set speed, the speed of the unicycle robot is brought into the longitudinal controller to facilitate the speed control. The dynamic balance of the designed double gyro unicycle robot is verified by simulation and experiment results. At the same time, the anti−interference ability of the designed controller is verified by interference simulation and experiment.
A Single-Fed Wideband Circularly Polarized Cross-Fed Cavity-Less Magneto-Electric Dipole Antenna
Authors: Cai Linyu , Tong Kin-Fai
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we proposed a new wideband circularly polarized cross-fed magneto-electric dipole antenna. Different from conventional cross-dipole or magneto-electric dipole antennas, the proposed simple geometry realizes a pair of complementary magnetic dipole modes by utilizing the two open slots formed between the four cross-fed microstrip patches for achieving circular polarization and high stable gain across a wide frequency band. No parasitic elements are required for extending the bandwidths; therefore, both the radiation patterns and in-band gain are stable. The simulated field distributions demonstrated the phase complementarity of the two pairs of magnetic and electric dipole modes. A parametric study was also performed to demonstrate the radiation mechanism between the electric and magnetic dipole modes. The radiating elements are realized on a piece of double-sided dielectric substrate fed and mechanically supported by a low-cost commercial semirigid cable. The overall thickness of the antenna is about 0.22λo at the center frequency of axial ratio bandwidth. The measured results show a wide impedance bandwidth (|S11| < −10 dB) of 70.2% from 2.45 to 5.10 GHz. The in-band 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth is 51.5% from 3.0 to 5.08 GHz. More importantly, the gain of the antenna is 9.25 ± 0.56 dBic across the 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth.