bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Patients with Solid Malignancies: A Retrospective Study in Two Hospitals
Authors: Jeon Cheon-Hoo , Kim Si-Ho , Kim Seulki , Bae Moonsuk , Lee Su-Jin , Lim Seungjin
Published: October 2022

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is a rare opportunistic infection in patients with solid malignancies. This study aimed to examine the characteristics of patients with solid cancers and PJP. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with solid tumors and PJP over an 11-year period, enrolling a total of 47 patients (30-day survival group: n = 20, 30-day mortality group: n = 27). Only 34% of patients received ≥20 mg of prednisolone for ≥2 weeks, and the 30-day mortality rate was 57.4%. The 30-day survival group included more women and patients with colon cancer than the mortality group. Furthermore, absolute lymphocyte counts (ALCs) were decreased at PJP symptom onset, as compared with the values observed 1–3 months earlier. Increased oxygen demand and low ALCs after 5–7 days of PJP treatment were also related to poor prognosis. Due to the limitations of this retrospective study, further studies that adhere to the PJP criteria of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium will be needed to evaluate PJP in solid malignancies more clearly.
Mycobacterium bovis Transmission between Cattle and a Farmer in Central Poland
Authors: Krajewska-Wędzina Monika , Radulski Łukasz , Waters W. Ray , Didkowska Anna , Zabost Anna , Augustynowicz-Kopeć Ewa , Brzezińska Sylwia , Weiner Marcin
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Zoonoses have recently become an increasing public health problem. Zoonoses are estimated to account for 60% of all emerging infectious diseases. One particularly important zoonosis is human tuberculosis, especially tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), which is naturally resistant to pyrazinamide (PZA). Material and Methods: The patient had a pulmonary form of tuberculosis accompanied by a cough and fever. At the same time, the disease was also confirmed in 20 out of 25 cattle on the farm. The clinical specimen (sputum) was examined in accordance with the European Union (EU) laboratories’ methodology. Tissue materials from cattle were verified in the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), in the Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) Reference Laboratory, Pulawy, Poland and tested in accordance with the guidelines for the laboratory diagnosis of BTB. Results: All M. bovis isolates represented one spoligotype, SB0120. The results of mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) evaluation showed the same genetic pattern. Conclusions: Findings from this study suggest the first confirmed interspecific transmission of Mycobacterium bovis, between a farmer and his cattle, in Poland. Present findings support the increasing concern regarding zoonotic TB that has been highlighted elsewhere.
Aspergillus Was the Dominant Genus Found during Diversity Tracking of Potentially Pathogenic Indoor Fungal Isolates
Authors: Andersson (Aino) Maria , Varga András , Mikkola Raimo , Vornanen-Winqvist Camilla , Salo Johanna , Kredics László , Kocsubé Sándor , Salonen Heidi
Published: October 2022

Viable airborne pathogenic fungi represent a potential health hazard when exposing vulnerable persons in quantities exceeding their resilience. In this study, 284 indoor fungal isolates from a strain collection of indoor fungi were screened for pathogenic potential through the ability to grow in neutral pH at 37 °C and 30 °C. The isolates were collected from 20 locations including 14 problematic and 6 non-problematic ordinary buildings. Out of the screened isolates, 170 isolates were unable to grow at 37 °C, whereas 67 isolates growing at pH 7.2 at 37 °C were considered as potential opportunistic pathogens. Forty-seven isolates growing at 30 °C but not at 37 °C were considered as less likely pathogens. Out of these categories, 33 and 33 strains, respectively, were identified to the species level. The problematic buildings included known opportunistic pathogens: Aspergillus calidoustus, Trichoderma longibrachiatum, Rhizopus arrhizus and Paecilomyces variotii, as well as less likely pathogens: Aspergillus versicolor, Chaetomium cochliodes, Chaetomium globosum and Chaetomium rectangulare. Opportunistic pathogens such as Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus tubingensis and less likely pathogens such as Aspergillus westerdijkiae, Chaetomium globosum and Dichotomopilus finlandicus were isolated both from ordinary and from problematic buildings. Aspergillus was the dominant, most diverse genus found during screening for potentially pathogenic isolates in the indoor strain collection. Studies on Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus calidodoustus revealed that tolerance to cleaning chemicals may contribute to the adaptation of Aspergillus species to indoor environments.
An Assessment of Student Pharmacists’ Knowledge of Electronic Cigarettes or Vapes—A Cross Sectional Study at One College of Pharmacy
Authors: Alfayoumi Ibrahim , Aqel Osama , Axon David R.
Published: October 2022

This study assessed the knowledge of e-cigarettes/vapes among a sample of student pharmacists. A 22-item cross-sectional electronic questionnaire was administered to all third- and fourth-year student pharmacists enrolled at one college of pharmacy in the United States (N = 256). Data were collected over six weeks in March/April 2022. One point was assigned for each correct knowledge item; points were then summed to create a total knowledge score for each person. Differences in the proportion of students who correctly answered each knowledge item were compared between year groups using a chi-square test, while differences between year groups for total knowledge score were compared using a two-sample t-test. The a priori alpha level was 0.05. Fifty students (third year = 30, fourth year = 20; female = 60%) completed the survey. Students’ e-cigarettes/vapes knowledge varied depending on the item. There was no statistically significant difference between third- and fourth-year students for total mean knowledge scores (third year = 12.5 ± 3.3, fourth year = 11.2 ± 3.1, p = 0.1780) or for each knowledge item, except for items 10 and 20. In conclusion, the findings from this survey of student pharmacists at one college of pharmacy in the United States indicate a need for more education around e-cigarettes/vapes for student pharmacists so that they are better able to counsel patients on their use.
Impact of Illegible Prescriptions on Dispensing Practice: A Pilot Study of South African Pharmacy Personnel
Authors: Modi Tasneem , Khumalo Ntandoyenkosi , Shaikh Rubina , Booth Zelna , Leigh-de Rapper Stephanie , Mahumane Gillian Dumsile
Published: October 2022

Illegible prescriptions are an illegal, frequent, and longstanding problem for pharmacy personnel engaged in dispensing. These contribute to patient safety issues and negatively impact safe dispensing in pharmaceutical delivery. To date, little is documented on measures taken to assess the negative impact posed by illegible prescriptions on South African pharmacy dispensing personnel. Therefore, this pilot study was performed to evaluate the ability of pharmacy personnel to read and interpret illegible prescriptions correctly; and to report on their perceived challenges, views and concerns when presented with an illegible prescription to dispense. A cross-sectional, three-tiered self-administered survey was conducted among pharmacy personnel. A total of 885 measurements were recorded. The ability to read an illegible prescription is not an indicator of competency, as all (100%) participants (novice and experienced) made errors and experienced difficulty evaluating and deciphering the illegible prescription. The medication names and dosages were correctly identified by only 20% and 18% of all participants. The use of digital prescriptions was indicated by 70% of the participants as a probable solution to the problem. Overall, improving the quality of written prescriptions and instructions can potentially assist dispensing pharmacy personnel in reducing illegible prescription-related patient safety issues and dispensing errors.
D2-Filled Hollow-Core Fiber Gas Raman Laser at 2.15 μm
Authors: Li Ziyan , Pei Wenxi , Li Hao , Huang Wei , Li Xuanxi , Wang Zefeng , Chen Jinbao
Published: October 2022

Fiber lasers around 2 µm band have attractive applications, such as coherent detecting, material processing, pump source for mid-IR lasers based on nonlinear frequency shift, etc. Fiber gas Raman lasers (FGRLs) based on the stimulated Raman scattering of the gas molecules filled in the hollow-core fibers (HCFs) have been proved an efficient method to enrich the wavelengths of fiber lasers. In this paper, we demonstrated a deuterium-filled fiber gas Raman laser working at 2147 nm. The pump laser is directly coupled into the HCF through the fusion splice between the HCF and the solid-core fiber. By adjusting the pressure, fiber length as well as the repetition frequency of the 1971 nm pump laser, a maximum average Raman power of ~2.57 W was obtained, with corresponding efficiency of ~40%. This work provides a simple and compact configuration for 2.1 µm fiber lasers, which is significant for their application.
Photonic-Assisted Receivers for Instantaneous Microwave Frequency Measurement Based on Discriminators of Resonance Type
Authors: Ivanov Alexander , Morozov Oleg , Sakhabutdinov Airat , Kuznetsov Artem , Nureev Ilnur
Published: October 2022

Photonic-assisted receivers for instantaneous microwave frequency measurement are devices used to measure the instantaneous frequency and amplitude of one or more microwave signals in the optical range, typically used in radar systems. Increasingly higher demands are placed on frequency range, accuracy and resolution during the development of instantaneous microwave frequency measurement applications, and these demands can be satisfied by the creation of new devices and operating principles. To permit further development in this area, it is necessary to generalize the experience gained during the development of devices based on frequency and amplitude discriminators of resonance type, including advanced ones with the best performances. Thus, in this report, we provide an overview of all the basic types of approaches used for the realization of photonic-assisted receivers based on fiber Bragg gratings, integrated Fano and optical ring resonators, Brillouin gain spectrum, and so on. The principles of their operation, as well as their associated advantages, disadvantages, and existing solutions to identified problems, are examined in detail. The presented approaches could be of value and interest to those working in the field of microwave photonics and radar systems, as we propose an original method for choosing photonic-assisted receivers appropriate for the characterization of multiple frequency measurements.
Tunable and Switchable Dual-Wavelength SLM Narrow-Linewidth Fiber Laser with a PMFBG-FP Filter Cascaded by Multi-Ring Cavity
Authors: Gao Mingquan , Yin Bin , Lv Yanzhi , Sang Guofeng , Hou Benran , Li Haisu , Wang Muguang , Wu Songhua
Published: October 2022

A single longitudinal mode (SLM) dual-wavelength switchable erbium-doped fiber laser (DW-EDFL) based on polarization-maintaining fiber Bragg grating Fabry–Perot cavity (PMFBG-FP) cascaded multiple sub-ring cavities (MSCs) is proposed. A PMFBG-FP with a narrow-band transmission peak and MSCs was implemented as an optical filter to achieve stable dual-wavelength laser output and guaranteed SLM status. By stretching the PMFBG, a highly stable dual-wavelength tunable output could be achieved with a maximum tuning interval of 0.17 nm. The optical signal-to-noise-ratio (OSNR) at dual-wavelength lasing was higher than 57 dB, and the optimal wavelength and power fluctuations within 0.5 h were 0.01 nm and 0.79 dB, respectively. Meanwhile, the measured linewidths of each wavelength were 1.55 kHz and 1.65 kHz, respectively. The measured polarization states of the two laser wavelengths were linear and orthogonal, with a degree of polarization (DOP) of nearly 100%.
Investigation of the Genotoxicological Profile of Aqueous Betula pendula Extracts
Authors: Efthimiou Ioanna , Vlastos Dimitris , Triantafyllidis Vassilios , Eleftherianos Antonios , Antonopoulou Maria
Published: October 2022

Betula pendula belongs to the Betulaceae family and is most common in the northern hemisphere. Various birch species have exhibited antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer properties. In the present study, we investigated the genotoxic and cytotoxic activity as well as the antigenotoxic potential against the mutagenic agent mitomycin-C (MMC) of two commercial products, i.e., a Betula pendula aqueous leaf extract product (BE) and a Betula pendula product containing aqueous extract of birch leaves at a percentage of 94% and lemon juice at a percentage of 6% (BP) using the cytokinesis block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. The most prevalent compounds and elements of BE and BP were identified using UHPLC-MS and ICP-MS/MS, respectively. All mixtures of BE with MMC demonstrated a decrease in the MN frequencies, with the lowest and highest concentrations inducing a statistically significant antigenotoxic activity. BP lacked genotoxic potential, while it was cytotoxic in all concentrations. Its mixtures with MMC demonstrated statistically significant antigenotoxic activity only at the lowest concentration. UHPLC-MS and ICP-MS/MS showed the presence of various elements and phytochemicals. Our results reveal antigenotoxic and cytotoxic potential of both BE and BP, while the variations observed could indicate the importance of the interactions among different natural products and/or their compounds.
Comparative Transcriptomics for Genes Related to Berberine and Berbamine Biosynthesis in Berberidaceae
Authors: Roy Neha Samir , Park Nam-Il , Kim Nam-Soo , Park Yeri , Kim Bo-Yun , Kim Young-Dong , Yu Ju-Kyung , Kim Yong-In , Um Taeyoung , Kim Soonok , Choi Ik-Young
Published: October 2022

Berberine and berbamine are bioactive compounds of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) present in Berberis species. The contents of berbamine are 20 times higher than berberine in leaf tissues in three closely related species: Berberis koreana, B. thunbergii and B. amurensis. This is the first report on the quantification of berberine compared to the berbamine in the Berberis species. Comparative transcriptome analyses were carried out with mRNAs from the leaf tissues of the three-species. The comparison of the transcriptomes of B. thunbergii and B. amurensis to those of B. koreana, B. thunbergii showed a consistently higher number of differentially expressed genes than B. amurensis in KEGG and DEG analyses. All genes encoding enzymes involved in berberine synthesis were identified and their expressions were variable among the three species. There was a single copy of CYP80A/berbamunine synthase in B. koreana. Methyltransferases and cytochrome P450 mono-oxidases (CYPs) are key enzymes for BIA biosynthesis. The current report contains the copy numbers and other genomic characteristics of the methyltransferases and CYPs in Berberis species. Thus, the contents of the current research are valuable for molecular characterization for the medicinal utilization of the Berberis species.
Optimization and Potentials of Kraft Lignin Hydrolysates Obtained by Subcritical Water at Moderate Temperatures
Authors: Švarc-Gajić Jaroslava , Brezo-Borjan Tanja , Gosselink Richard J. A. , Slaghek Ted M. , Šojić-Merkulov Daniela , Ivetić Tamara , Bognár Szabolcs , Stojanović Zorica
Published: October 2022

Kraft lignin was treated with subcritical water at moderate temperatures (120–220 °C) in different gas atmospheres, with the goal of optimizing its depolymerization under mild conditions. Lignin depolymerization was observed and compared using different homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts in both nitrogen and carbon dioxide atmospheres. The most important treatment parameters for maximum lignin depolymerization and the highest yields of phenolic and other aromatic monomers were optimized. The influence of the process temperature, pressure, and time in both gas atmospheres was defined and optimized for maximum liberation of monomers into the aqueous phase. The yields of total phenols and other aromatics in the nitrogen atmosphere were the highest at 150 °C, whereas treatment in the carbon dioxide atmosphere required higher temperatures (200 °C) for a comparable efficiency. The effects of phenol addition as a capping agent in lignin depolymerization were observed and defined for both gas atmospheres. Phenol addition caused a remarkable increase in the total phenols content in the aqueous phase; however, it did not significantly affect the contents of other aromatics. The antioxidant properties of lignin hydrolysates obtained at different temperatures in different gas atmospheres were compared, correlated with the total phenols contents, and discussed, showing the promising potential of lignin hydrolysates obtained under mild subcritical water conditions.
Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidative, Antiobesity, Antidiabetic and Antimicrobial Investigations of Artemisia scoparia Grown in Palestine
Authors: Rahhal Belal M. , Jaradat Nidal , Hawash Mohammed , Qadi Mohammad , Issa Linda , Yahya Aya , Sanyora Sabreen , Saed Muhammad , Al-Rimawi Fuad
Published: October 2022

Validating ethnobotanical data from underexplored traditional plant remedies provides an infinite source of new pharmaceutical chemicals. The purpose of this study was to determine the phytochemical composition and several biological activities (antioxidant, anti-lipase, anti-α-amylase, anti-α-glucosidase, and antimicrobial) of aqueous, ethanol, hexane, and acetone Artemisia scoparia leaf extracts. An exhaustive technique was employed to extract A. scoparia four extracts. At the same time, standard analytical and biochemical assays were utilized to determine preliminary phytochemical screening, anti-DPPH, anti-lipase, anti-α-glucosidase, and anti-α-amylase activities. Furthermore, the antimicrobial effects against seven microbial strains were evaluated using a broth micro-dilution assay. Acetone A. scoparia extract exhibited the highest DPPH scavenging and anti-α-glucosidase activities (IC50 = 21.87 ± 0.71, and 149.75 ± 1.33 µg/mL, respectively), as well as the ethanol extract, exhibited the highest anti-α-amylase activity (IC50 = 251 ± 1.34 µg/mL) while the aqueous extract had the best anti-lipase activity (IC50 = 102 ± 0.27 µg/mL) among other extracts. Moreover, A. scoparia hexane extract has more powerful activity against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa than Ciprofloxacin and Ampicillin antibiotics with MICs of 0.78 ± 0.01, 0.39 ± 0.01, 0.78 ± 0.01, and 1.56 ± 0.22 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, hexane and acetone extracts of A. scoparia have the same antifungal power as Fluconazole (1.56 ± 0.22 µg/mL). The outcomes of the current study indicated that the A. scoparia acetone, ethanol, and aqueous extracts had promising antioxidant, anti-lipase, and anti-α-amylase effects, while hexane and acetone extracts had interesting antimicrobial potential. A. scoparia four extracts of potentially bioactive compounds can be selected for further isolation and purification. Moreover, clinical investigations and in vivo approaches should be implemented to confirm the pharmaceutical benefits of these extracts against diabetes, obesity, oxidative stress, and microbial infections.
Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Antibiotic Adsorption Properties of Graphene-Modified Nonwoven Materials for Application in Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Kogut Igor , Armbruster Friederike , Polak Daniel , Kaur Sandeep , Hussy Stephan , Thiem Tobias , Gerhardts Anja , Szwast Maciej
Published: October 2022

The utilization of adsorptive nonwovens as a pretreatment unit may lead to novel, cost-efficient wastewater treatment technologies with remarkable properties for environmental protection, such as efficient adsorption of antibiotics. This paper uses graphene-modified nonwoven (GMN) to examine (i) how the adsorption of tetracycline (TCY)—especially since this antibiotic is frequently detected in the environment—takes place on an environmentally relevant concentration scale, and (ii) what factors influence the antibacterial and antifungal properties profile of this material class. This study demonstrates that combining graphene particles with commercial textile auxiliaries clearly enhances the antibacterial and antifungal properties of the modified nonwoven materials. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the TCY residues at ng/mL scale. The adsorption results follow Henry and Redlich–Peterson isotherms and emphasize the adsorption process at low concentration levels of TCY. Therefore, the appropriately designed GMNs have a great potential application for wastewater treatment in sewage plants. Statistical analysis (skewness and kurtosis) of nonwovens and modified nonwovens morphology allowed us to determine the parameters influencing the growth of fungi in such structures. GMN structures are capable of adsorbing antibiotics; a two-fold reduction of TCY was obtained in the studies.
Investigation on Impact Strength of Friction Stud Welded AA6061-B4C Composite/AISI 1030 Steel Joints in Inert Gas Atmosphere
Authors: Hynes Navasingh Rajesh Jesudoss , Raja Selvaraj , Tharmaraj Ramakrishnan , Brykov Michael , Ene Antoaneta
Published: October 2022

A more contemporary variation of the friction welding procedure, friction stud welding, is promising for military, space, automotive and naval applications. The joining of steel/aluminium matrix composite joints has been crucial in many of these contemporary applications. In all of these applications, the strength of the dissimilar joint is a critical consideration. Heat-affected zones arise because of the heterogeneous temperature distribution and change in thermal characteristics, which weaken the strength of the joints between different materials. The presence of oxygen in the weld interfacial region of the dissimilar joint is detrimental to its strength and integrity. Hence, a new method that can strengthen the dissimilar joint is adopted in the current work. In the friction stud-welding machine, an additional set up is integrated for providing an inert atmospheric condition during the welding process. Microstructural analysis shows that an inert atmosphere is helpful to get rid of oxygen at the interface and it increases joint efficiency. The results show that the impact strength of AA6061-B4C composite/AISI 1030 steel joints tends to increase in the argon inert atmosphere from 14% to 28%.
Changing Ready-to-Drink Coffee Aroma Using Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma
Authors: Rodrigues Sueli , Fernandes Fabiano A. N.
Published: October 2022

Coffee is one of the world’s most consumed beverages, and its aroma plays an essential role in consumer acceptance. Ready-to-drink coffee is popular in many countries and can be bought with different flavoring agents. In this work, we evaluated the changes that can be made to ready-to-drink coffee by applying cold plasma to convert coffee volatiles, modulating its aroma chemically. To achieve this goal, dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) plasma was applied to ready-to-drink coffee at different excitation frequencies and processing times. Several chemical reactions were observed, and their routes were proposed. DBD plasma technology increased the relevance of the desirable nutty descriptor from 2.9 to 27.7%. The technology can also increase the significance of the fruity and green descriptors, which can be modulated to produce specialty or gourmet ready-to-drink coffees.
Analysis of Enhanced Heat Transfer Characteristics of Coaxial Borehole Heat Exchanger
Authors: Sun Lin , Fu Biwei , Wei Menghui , Zhang Si
Published: October 2022

Coaxial borehole heat exchangers provide a practical method for geothermal energy extraction, but heat transfer efficiency is low. In order to address this problem, three coaxial borehole heat exchangers with vortex generators, based on the enhanced heat transfer theory, are proposed in this paper. The author compared and analyzed the heat transfer performance of three coaxial borehole heat exchangers with vortex generators and those of traditional structures, which explains why the new heat exchanger’s heat transfer mechanism is enhanced. The results demonstrated that the vortex generator can enhance the fluid flow’s turbulent kinetic energy in the coaxial heat exchanger. This generator can also improve the mixing characteristics of the fluid flow and heat transfer. The resultant increase in the inlet flow velocity can decrease the friction coefficient f, increase the Nusselt number and strengthen the coaxial sleeve. As a result, the heat exchange performance of the tubular heat exchanger will also be improved. The thread vortex generator (TVG) heat exchanger outperforms the other three heat exchangers in terms of heat exchange performance, extraction temperature and heat extraction power. The results evidenced that the TVG heat exchanger is better than the smooth tube heat exchanger. The thermal performance coefficient PEC was improved by 1.1 times, and the extraction temperature and heating power were increased by 24.06% and 11.93%, respectively. A solid theoretical foundation is provided by the extracted outcomes for designing and selecting high-efficiency coaxial borehole heat exchangers suitable for geothermal energy extraction.
Quantifying Lidar Elevation Accuracy: Parameterization and Wavelength Selection for Optimal Ground Classifications Based on Time since Fire/Disturbance
Authors: Nelson Kailyn , Chasmer Laura , Hopkinson Chris
Published: October 2022

Pre- and post-fire airborne lidar data provide an opportunity to determine peat combustion/loss across broad spatial extents. However, lidar measurements of ground surface elevation are prone to uncertainties. Errors may be introduced in several ways, particularly associated with the timing of data collection and the classification of ground points. Ground elevation data must be accurate and precise when estimating relatively small elevation changes due to combustion and subsequent carbon losses. This study identifies the impact of post-fire vegetation regeneration on ground classification parameterizations for optimal accuracy using TerraScan and LAStools with airborne lidar data collected in three wavelengths: 532 nm, 1064 nm, and 1550 nm in low relief boreal peatland environments. While the focus of the study is on elevation accuracy and losses from fire, the research is also highly pertinent to hydrological modelling, forestry, geomorphological change, etc. The study area includes burned and unburned boreal peatlands south of Fort McMurray, Alberta. Lidar and field validation data were collected in July 2018, following the 2016 Horse River Wildfire. An iterative ground classification analysis was conducted whereby validation points were compared with lidar ground-classified data in five environments: road, unburned, burned with shorter vegetative regeneration (SR), burned with taller vegetative regeneration (TR), and cumulative burned (both SR and TR areas) in each of the three laser emission wavelengths individually, as well as combinations of 1550 nm and 1064 nm and 1550 nm, 1064 nm, and 532 nm. We find an optimal average elevational offset of ~0.00 m in SR areas with a range (RMSE) of ~0.09 m using 532 nm data. Average accuracy remains the same in cumulative burned and TR areas, but RMSE increased to ~0.13 m and ~0.16 m, respectively, using 1550 nm and 1064 nm combined data. Finally, data averages ~0.01 m above the field-measured ground surface in unburned boreal peatland and transition areas (RMSE of ~0.19 m) using all wavelengths combined. We conclude that the ‘best’ offset for depth of burn within boreal peatlands is expected to be ~0.01 m, with single point measurement uncertainties upwards of ~0.25 m (RMSE) in areas of tall, dense vegetation regeneration. The importance of classification parameterization identified in this study also highlights the need for more intelligent adaptative classification routines, which can be used in other environments.
Fuzzy Logic System Assisted Sensing Resource Allocation for Optical Fiber Sensing and Communication Integrated Network
Authors: Zhang Chenlin , Wang Pan
Published: October 2022

With the development of information transmission, there is an increasing demand for state monitoring of fiber-optic communication networks to improve the security and self-healing ability of the network. Distributed optical fiber sensing is one of the most attractive methods because it can achieve real-time detection of the whole network without additional sensing heads. However, when the sensing network is introduced into the communication network, the failure probability should be efficiently suppressed with limited sensing resources. In this paper, the fuzzy logic system is used to evaluate the impact of different sensing resource allocation on optical cable network quality. The link failure probability and path failure probability under the condition of uniform and non-uniform sensing resource allocation are simulated and analyzed, respectively. As shown in the analysis results, the failure probability under non-uniform allocation is significantly lower than under uniform allocation. In this paper, we discussed and addressed the allocation of the optical fiber sensing and communication integrated (OFSCI) network with the limited sensing resource for the first time. The results are helpful to develop an allocation strategy for optical fiber sensing and a communication integrated network with a higher robustness.
Characterization of Volcanic Cloud Components Using Machine Learning Techniques and SEVIRI Infrared Images
Authors: Torrisi Federica , Amato Eleonora , Corradino Claudia , Mangiagli Salvatore , Del Negro Ciro
Published: October 2022

Volcanic explosive eruptions inject several different types of particles and gasses into the atmosphere, giving rise to the formation and propagation of volcanic clouds. These can pose a serious threat to the health of people living near an active volcano and cause damage to air traffic. Many efforts have been devoted to monitor and characterize volcanic clouds. Satellite infrared (IR) sensors have been shown to be well suitable for volcanic cloud monitoring tasks. Here, a machine learning (ML) approach was developed in Google Earth Engine (GEE) to detect a volcanic cloud and to classify its main components using satellite infrared images. We implemented a supervised support vector machine (SVM) algorithm to segment a combination of thermal infrared (TIR) bands acquired by the geostationary MSG-SEVIRI (Meteosat Second Generation—Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager). This ML algorithm was applied to some of the paroxysmal explosive events that occurred at Mt. Etna between 2020 and 2022. We found that the ML approach using a combination of TIR bands from the geostationary satellite is very efficient, achieving an accuracy of 0.86, being able to properly detect, track and map automatically volcanic ash clouds in near real-time.
A Reverse Modification Method for Binary Code and Data
Authors: Yu Lei , Duan Yucong
Published: October 2022

This paper reveals the hidden dangers of reverse data modifications on distributed software with network synchronization, during the era of 5G, which may occur in more important domains, such as telemedicine and automatic driving. We used pseudo-codes to formally elaborate the distributed software architectures and design patterns. It is necessary to deal with three challenges for the modification of binary code and data in the distributed software architectures: (1) the base virtual addresses of software objects are changed frequently for safety; (2) prior knowledge of the reverse is not considered; (3) system memory values of some target objects are changed with extreme speed. For this purpose, a novel reverse modification method for binary code and data is proposed. According to the knowledge-based rules, our method can manipulate physical data, sight data, animation data, etc., while the game synchronization mechanism cannot detect the changes. The implementation details of our method are presented using high-level programming languages (C++) and low-level programming languages (assembly), based on multiple snippets, so that readers can understand both the overall distributed software developments and the corresponding reverse processes. In particular, two network games are used for the demonstrations in this paper. The demonstration results show that our proposed methodology is efficient (as proved by formulas and practices) to manipulate the codes and data of distributed software using a synchronization mechanism.
Robust Feature Matching for 3D Point Clouds with Progressive Consistency Voting
Authors: Quan Siwen , Yin Kunpeng , Ye Kaixiao , Nan Kechen
Published: October 2022

Feature matching for 3D point clouds is a fundamental yet challenging problem in remote sensing and 3D computer vision. However, due to a number of nuisances, the initial feature correspondences generated by matching local keypoint descriptors may contain many outliers (incorrect correspondences). To remove outliers, this paper presents a robust method called progressive consistency voting (PCV). PCV aims at assigning a reliable confidence score to each correspondence such that reasonable correspondences can be achieved by simply finding top-scored ones. To compute the confidence score, we suggest fully utilizing the geometric consistency cue between correspondences and propose a voting-based scheme. In addition, we progressively mine convincing voters from the initial correspondence set and optimize the scoring result by considering top-scored correspondences at the last iteration. Experiments on several standard datasets verify that PCV outperforms five state-of-the-art methods under almost all tested conditions and is robust to noise, data decimation, clutter, occlusion, and data modality change. We also apply PCV to point cloud registration and show that it can significantly improve the registration performance.
A Systematic Literature Review of Handheld Augmented Reality Solutions for People with Disabilities
Authors: Žilak Matea , Car Željka , Čuljak Ivana
Published: October 2022

Mobile applications on smartphones and tablets have become part of our everyday lives. The number of augmented reality (AR) technology applications is also increasing. Augmented reality has proven to be effective in various areas of human life, from education, marketing, and training to navigation. All people have the right to access information and use available technologies, but not everyone has the same opportunities. To contribute to the digital inclusion of people who are often disadvantaged in this regard, we should think about the accessibility of digital technologies, including mobile augmented reality (MAR). The specificity of MAR is a new way of human–computer interaction compared to traditional mobile solutions. The objective of this review paper is to analyze the handheld AR solutions developed for people with different disabilities to identify accessibility challenges related to interaction when performing different tasks in AR. It also explores and presents accessibility features and other accessibility best practices, as well as potential future research directions related to the personalization and customization of such solutions for individuals. The results of this literature review can contribute to the creation of accessibility guidelines in the field of handheld AR and encourage the development of accessible AR solutions that can benefit not only people with disabilities but also people without disabilities.
A Weighted-LSM Method to Improve Classification and Concentration Evaluation from Laser-Induced Fluorescence Spectra
Authors: Gabbarini Valentina , Puleio Alessandro , Rossi Riccardo , Malizia Andrea , Gaudio Pasqualino
Published: October 2022

The detection of biological agents using optical systems is an open field of research. Currently, different spectroscopic techniques allow to detect and classify chemical agents while a fast and accurate technique able to identify biological agents is still under investigation. Some optical techniques, such as Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) or Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF), are already used as classification methods. However, the presence of background, spectrum similarities and other confounders make these techniques not very specific. This work shows a new method to achieve better performances in terms of classification and concentration evaluations. The method is based on the Weighted Least Square Minimization method. In fact, by using ad hoc weights, the LSM looks at specific features of the spectra, resulting in higher accuracy. In order to make a systematic analysis, numerical tests have been conducted. With these tests, the authors were able to highlight the various advantages and drawbacks of the new methodology proposed. Then, the method was applied to some LIF measurements to investigate the applicability of the method to preliminary experimental cases. The results show that, by using this new weighted LSM, it is possible to achieve better classification and concentration evaluation performances. Finally, the possible application of the new method is discussed.
Towards Developing a Robust Intrusion Detection Model Using Hadoop–Spark and Data Augmentation for IoT Networks
Authors: Manzano Sanchez Ricardo Alejandro , Zaman Marzia , Goel Nishith , Naik Kshirasagar , Joshi Rohit
Published: October 2022

In recent years, anomaly detection and machine learning for intrusion detection systems have been used to detect anomalies on Internet of Things networks. These systems rely on machine and deep learning to improve the detection accuracy. However, the robustness of the model depends on the number of datasamples available, quality of the data, and the distribution of the data classes. In the present paper, we focused specifically on the amount of data and class imbalanced since both parameters are key in IoT due to the fact that network traffic is increasing exponentially. For this reason, we propose a framework that uses a big data methodology with Hadoop–Spark to train and test multi-class and binary classification with one-vs-rest strategy for intrusion detection using the entire BoT IoT dataset. Thus, we evaluate all the algorithms available in Hadoop–Spark in terms of accuracy and processing time. In addition, since the BoT IoT dataset used is highly imbalanced, we also improve the accuracy for detecting minority classes by generating more datasamples using a Conditional Tabular Generative Adversarial Network (CTGAN). In general, our proposed model outperforms other published models including our previous model. Using our proposed methodology, the F1-score of one of the minority class, i.e., Theft attack was improved from 42% to 99%.
Non-Destructive Monitoring of Crop Fresh Weight and Leaf Area with a Simple Formula and a Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Moon Taewon , Kim Dongpil , Kwon Sungmin , Ahn Tae In , Son Jung Eek
Published: October 2022

Crop fresh weight and leaf area are considered non-destructive growth factors due to their direct relation to vegetative growth and carbon assimilation. Several methods to measure these parameters have been introduced; however, measuring these parameters using the existing methods can be difficult. Therefore, a non-destructive measurement method with high versatility is essential. The objective of this study was to establish a non-destructive monitoring system for estimating the fresh weight and leaf area of trellised crops. The data were collected from a greenhouse with sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum var. annuum); the target growth factors were the crop fresh weight and leaf area. The crop fresh weight was estimated based on the total system weight and volumetric water content using a simple formula. The leaf area was estimated using top-view images of the crops and a convolutional neural network (ConvNet). The estimated crop fresh weight and leaf area exhibited average R2 values of 0.70 and 0.95, respectively. The simple calculation was able to avoid overfitting with fewer limitations compared with the previous study. ConvNet was able to analyze raw images and evaluate the leaf area without additional sensors and features. As the simple calculation and ConvNet could adequately estimate the target growth factors, the monitoring system can be used for data collection in practice owing to its versatility. Therefore, the proposed monitoring system can be widely applied for diverse data analyses.
A Formal Energy Consumption Analysis to Secure Cluster-Based WSN: A Case Study of Multi-Hop Clustering Algorithm Based on Spectral Classification Using Lightweight Blockchain
Authors: Ebobissé Djéné Yves Frédéric , El Idrissi Mohammed Sbai , Tardif Pierre-Martin , Jorio Ali , El Bhiri Brahim , Fakhri Youssef
Published: October 2022

Wireless Sensors Networks are integrating human daily life at a fast rate. Applications cover a wide range of fields, including home security, agriculture, climate change, fire prevention, and so on and so forth. If WSN were initially flat networks, hierarchical, or cluster-based networks have been introduced in order to achieve a better performance in terms of energy efficiency, topology management, delay minimization, load balancing, routing techniques, etc. As cluster-based algorithms proved to be efficient in terms of energy balancing, security has been of less importance in the field. Data shared by nodes in a WSN can be very sensitive depending on the field of application. Therefore, it is important to ensure security at various levels of WSN. This paper proposes a formal modeling of the energy consumed to secure communications in a cluster-based WSN in general. The concept is implemented using the Proof of Authentication (POAh) paradigm of blockchain and applied to a Multi-hop Clustering Algorithm based on spectral classification. The studied metrics are residual energy in the network, the number of alive nodes, first and last dead node.
‘It’s Not a Race, It’s a Religion’: Denial of Anti-Muslim Racism in Online Discourses
Authors: Cheng Jennifer E.
Published: October 2022

This article investigates the denial of anti-Muslim racism in online discourses. It does so by examining Facebook posts responding to a bystander anti-racism video about a Muslim woman. Particularly salient on social media is the lack of rules, etiquette or social taboos around racism controlling what people post and how they express themselves. This allows comments that are blatantly racist and antagonistic rather than concealed and subtle as is more socially acceptable in offline spaces. Using critical discourse analysis, the article will delve into the rhetorical and linguistic strategies the posters use to deny that racism toward Muslims can exist. It will expose how the denial of anti-Muslim racism is used in attempts to silence Muslims and anti-racists as well as to convince the general public that Muslims deserve the ill treatment they receive. However, exposing the strategies of racism deniers gives us a better understanding of how to resist such discourses.
An Analysis of Repeated High Intensity Efforts (RHIE) across Different Competition Levels in Elite Rugby Union
Authors: Sheehan Adam , Malone Shane , Weldon Anthony , Waters Aled , Collins Kieran
Published: October 2022

The current investigation aimed to understand the differing positional demands across two elite rugby union competitions, with special reference to high-intensity effort (HIE) and repeated high-intensity effort (RHIE) activity. Four hundred and forty-one (n = 441) individual game files from thirty-five competitive games from the European Rugby Champions Cup (tier 1; n = 8) and PRO12 League (tier 2; n = 24) were analysed. Players’ locomotor profiles were recorded using wearable global positioning system microtechnology (10 Hz Catapult S5, Catapult Innovations, Australia). Locomotor activities were classified as running (≥4.4 m∙s−1), high-speed running (≥5.5 m∙s−1), accelerations (≥2 m∙s−2) and decelerations (≤−2 m∙s−2). Data was gathered on collisions (≥4 g−1), high-intensity efforts (HIE), repeated high-intensity efforts (RHIE), average number of efforts within a RHIE bout (n) and maximal number of efforts within a RHIE bout (n). Overall locomotor differences between competitions were trivial to small in nature, with tier 1 competition associated with a larger number of RHIE bouts (6.5 ± 1.4 vs. 5.7 ± 1.5, effect size, ES = 0.55) and efforts per bout (3.0 ± 1.1 vs. 2.4 ± 1.2, ES = 0.52). Collisions comprised a greater proportion of total HIE for forwards within tier 1 competition compared to tier 2 competition. The hooker (mean difference: 4 [−10 to 14]; ES = 0.30, small), lock (mean difference: 5 [−12 to 23]; ES = 0.36, small) and backrow (mean difference: 8 [−10 to 15]; ES = 0.54, small) positions engaged in more collisions during tier 1 competition compared to tier 2 competition. These findings can be used by athletic performance staff to design game-specific drills and recovery strategies during different competition weeks to ensure players are appropriately prepared for the differing demands of elite rugby competition.
The Stability of U(VI) and As(V) under the Influence of pH and Inorganic Ligands
Authors: Tian Qingshan , Wang Peng , Huang Yunxiang , Zhang Bo , Jiao Wentao
Published: October 2022

Uranium and arsenic are two pollutants commonly found in groundwater near uranium mines. However, the reactivity of U(VI) and As(V) need to be carefully investigated to better understand their fate and transport in the environment. In this study, the reactivity of U(VI) and As(V) were studied under various pH, bicarbonate, and Ca2+ levels. In air-equilibrated systems, the reactivity of U(VI) and As(V) generally decreased with the increase in pH, as evidenced by the solubility of U(VI) and As(V) increasing along with the elevation of pH. At pH = 8, 44.70% and 37.81% of initially added U(VI) and As(V) remained soluble. The addition of 1 mM of bicarbonate increased the reactivity of U(VI) and As(V) at mild acidic to neutral pH; however, the presence of bicarbonate significantly increased the solubility of U(VI) at mild alkaline condition, as nearly all U(VI) remained soluble at pH values of 8 and 9. After the addition of Ca2+, the solubility of both U(VI) and As(V) decreased at mild acidic to neutral pH ranges; however, the addition of Ca2+ markedly increased the soluble percentages of U(VI) at neutral pH, in which the condition 97.81 ± 2.95% of U(VI) remained soluble. Comparatively, only 36.13 ± 4.98% and 1.69 ± 1.08% of U(VI) were soluble at the same pH in air-equilibrated and bicarbonate systems. Our study demonstrated that U(VI) and As(V) are less reactive at neutral to alkaline conditions. Furthermore, the addition of bicarbonate and Ca2+ can further reduce the reactivity of U(VI) and As(V) at neutral to alkaline conditions. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the fate and transport of U(VI) and As(V) in groundwater and could aid in better designing of U(VI) and As(V) removal processes.