bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Use of Geographically Weighted Regression for Analysis of Large On-Farm Experiments and Implications for Practical Application
Authors: Evans Fiona H. , Recalde Salas Angela , Rakshit Suman , Scanlan Craig A. , Cook Simon E.
Published: November 2020

On-farm experimentation (OFE) is a farmer-centric process that can enhance the adoption of digital agriculture technologies and improve farm profitability and sustainability. Farmers work with consultants or researchers to design and implement experiments using their own machinery to test management practices at the field or farm scale. Analysis of data from OFE is challenging because of the large spatial variation influenced by spatial autocorrelation that is not due to the treatment being tested and is often much larger than treatment effects. In addition, the relationship between treatment and yield response may also vary spatially. We investigate the use of geographically weighted regression (GWR) for analysis of data from large on-farm experiments. GWR estimates local regressions, where data are weighted by distance from the site using a distance-decay kernel. It is a simple approach that can be easily explained to farmers and their agronomic advisors. We use simulated data to test the ability of GWR to separate yield variation due to treatment from any underlying spatial variation in yield that is not due to treatment; show that GWR kernel bandwidth can be based on experimental design to accurately separate the underlying spatial variability from treatment effects; and demonstrate a step-wise model selection approach to determine when the response to treatment is global across the experiment or locally varying. We demonstrate our recommended approach on two large-scale experiments conducted on farms in Western Australia to investigate grain yield response to potassium fertiliser. We discuss the implications of our results for routine practical application to OFE and conclude that GWR has potential for wide application in a semi-automated manner to analyse OFE data, improve farm decision-making, and enhance the adoption of digital technologies.
Leaf Segmentation and Classification with a Complicated Background Using Deep Learning
Authors: Yang Kunlong , Zhong Weizhen , Li Fengguo
Published: November 2020

The segmentation and classification of leaves in plant images are a great challenge, especially when several leaves are overlapping in images with a complicated background. In this paper, the segmentation and classification of leaf images with a complicated background using deep learning are studied. First, more than 2500 leaf images with a complicated background are collected and artificially labeled with target pixels and background pixels. Two-thousand of them are fed into a Mask Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (Mask R-CNN) to train a model for leaf segmentation. Then, a training set that contains more than 1500 training images of 15 species is fed into a very deep convolutional network with 16 layers (VGG16) to train a model for leaf classification. The best hyperparameters for these methods are found by comparing a variety of parameter combinations. The results show that the average Misclassification Error (ME) of 80 test images using Mask R-CNN is 1.15%. The average accuracy value for the leaf classification of 150 test images using VGG16 is up to 91.5%. This indicates that these methods can be used to segment and classify the leaf image with a complicated background effectively. It could provide a reference for the phenotype analysis and automatic classification of plants.
Seeding Rates and Productivity of Broadcast Interseeded Cover Crops
Authors: Koehler-Cole Katja , Elmore Roger W.
Published: November 2020

Broadcast interseeding cover crops into corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) instead of drill-planting after harvest extends the cover crop season and improves productivity, but establishment can be insufficient. Our objectives were to find broadcast seeding rates that result in maximum spring biomass and N uptake. We tested cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) in south-central and eastern Nebraska in 2016–2017 and 2017–2018. Seeding rates for rye were 341, 512, and 682 seeds∙m−2, and 119, 178, and 238 seeds∙m−2 for vetch. We broadcast in late September and terminated by early May. Fall emergence was between 3 and 54% of broadcast seeds, and greater for vetch. When broadcast into corn, rye spring biomass was 1472 kg∙ha−1 with N uptake of 38 kg∙ha−1. Vetch biomass was 361 kg∙ha−1 with 13 kg∙ha−1 N uptake. In soybean, rye produced 2318 kg∙ha−1 with 59 kg N∙ha−1 and vetch produced 535 kg∙ha−1 with 21 kg N∙ha−1. Higher seeding rates increased biomass and N uptake only for rye broadcast into corn. Year and site effects and possibly differences in main crops influenced cover crop productivity.
Effect of Repeated Application of Sulfonylurea Herbicides on Sulfosulfuron Dissipation Rate in Soil
Authors: Paporisch Amit , Laor Yael , Rubin Baruch , Eizenberg Hanan
Published: November 2020

Accelerated microbial degradation following previous repeated applications of the same pesticide, or another pesticide of a similar chemical structure, is a known phenomenon. Currently there is limited information regarding accelerated degradation of sulfonylurea (SU) herbicides. This study is aimed to evaluate the effect of repeated SU applications on the degradation rate of the SU herbicide sulfosulfuron in soil. The effect of repeated applications of sulfosulfuron on its degradation was assessed in two soils, using a sorghum root elongation bioassay. The effect of consecutive applications of sulfonylurea herbicides over the course of three to four seasons was further examined in controlled environment and a field study. Degradation of sulfosulfuron was determined following its application to soil samples from the field or a controlled environment, by measuring sulfosulfuron residues using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Following the repeated application of sulfosulfuron in the bioassay, the time to reduce sorghum root growth by 50% was shortened by up to 31.6%. However, consecutive application of SUs in the controlled environment had no effect on sulfosulfuron degradation rate constant. Yet, sulfosulfuron degradation rate was enhanced by a factor of 1.35 following consecutive application of SUs in the field, compared to untreated control soil. The data confirm that sulfosulfuron degradation could be enhanced due to repeated sulfosulfuron applications, thus potentially reducing its herbicidal efficacy.
Effect of Ozone Fumigation on Physiological Processes and Bioactive Compounds of Red-Veined Sorrel (Rumex sanguineus ssp. sanguineus)
Authors: Matlok Natalia , Piechowiak Tomasz , Gorzelany Józef , Zardzewiały Miłosz , Balawejder Maciej
Published: November 2020

The present study was designed to identify the effects of ozone fumigation of red-veined sorrel plants on the selected physiological parameters and contents of bioactive compounds in the plant leaves. Sorrel plants grown in a pot experiment were subjected, at the final stage of growth, to ozone fumigation at a concentration of 1 ppm (mg m−3) for one, three, five, seven, and 10 min. The ozone treatment was followed with measurements performed one, four, and eight days later. The relative chlorophyll content in the leaves and selected chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, the maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry and the performance index) and gas exchange parameters were assessed (net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2 concentration). By using the same leaves, the plant material was also assessed for the contents of bioactive compounds (total polyphenols) and for antioxidant properties (ABTS and DPPH assays). The ozone treatment did not produce adverse changes in the physiological parameters of the sorrel plants. Furthermore, no visible damage to the leaves was observed. On the other hand, the ozone fumigation induced the phenomenon of elicitation as a result of which it was observed that the ozone-treated sorrel plants had higher total polyphenol contents and greater antioxidant potential, compared to the plants of the same species grown in a traditional way without the ozone fumigation. Application of ozone fumigation in the production of Rumex sanguineus is associated with increased bioactive potential of the raw material obtained.
Natural Genetic Diversity of Nutritive Value Traits in the Genus Cynodon
Authors: Souza Cleber de , Lopez Yolanda , Munoz Patricio , Anderson William , Dall’Agnol Miguel , Wallau Marcelo , Rios Esteban
Published: November 2020

The Cynodon spp. collection maintained by United States Department of Agriculture National Plant Germplasm System (USDA-NPGS) has limited information on nutritive value (NV) traits. In this study, crude protein (CP), phosphorous concentration (P), in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were determined to (i) estimate genetic parameters for NV, (ii) obtain genetic values for the whole population across two harvests, (iii) estimate genotype by harvest interaction (GHI) for NV traits, and (iv) select accessions exhibiting improved NV traits compared to ‘Tifton 85′. The experiment was setup as a row-column design with two replicates and augmented representation of controls: Tifton 85, ‘Jiggs’, and ‘Coastal’. The whole-population was harvested twice, and data were analyzed using linear mixed models with repeated measures. In addition, a selected population of 15 genotypes were evaluated across 11 harvests to determine the extent of GHI. Genetic parameters revealed the presence of significant genetic variability, indicating potential improvements for NV through breeding. Specifically, P and IVDOM presented large variation, while NDF had lower diversity but some accessions exhibited lower NDF than Tifton 85. Low GHI, except for IVDOM, indicated genotypic stability and potential for selecting improved accessions under fewer harvests. Breeding line 240, PI-316510, and PI-3166536 presented superior NV than Tifton 85.
Investigation of Heat-Induced Changes in the Grain Yield and Grains Metabolites, with Molecular Insights on the Candidate Genes in Barley
Authors: Dawood Mona F. A. , Moursi Yasser S. , Amro Ahmed , Baenziger P. Stephen , Sallam Ahmed
Published: November 2020

Heat stress is one of the abiotic stresses that cause a significant reduction in barley yield. Climate change will increase the number of heatwaves, which will result in more deterioration in the agricultural sector. Therefore, understanding the physiological changes that occur in the plant to tolerate heat stress is very important. A collection of 60 Egyptian spring barley genotypes has been tested for heat stress under field conditions. To quantify the changes in yield-related traits and the grain-reserve parameters as indicators for heat tolerance, several traits were scored. The causative genes that regulate the variation of all traits of interest were identified via single-marker analysis using 16,966 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). Heat stress reduced yield-related traits, while some physiological traits (chlorophyll index, soluble carbohydrates, amino acids, and proline contents) increased. The genotypes were classified into four classes, A, B, C, and D, based on a reduction in grain yield per spike (GYPS) of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%, respectively. The physiological aspects were extensively studied in each group. The tolerant genotypes (class A) retained high yield-related traits as well as high reserved metabolites relative to the sensitive class D. The single-marker analysis and gene annotations revealed that the most effective markers and genes resided on chromosomes 1H and 4H. One of these markers, S4_250499621, was found to be associated with increased proline content, increased chlorophyll content, and decreased reduction in grain yield per spike and thousand kernel weight. This study is a part of our extended evaluation of this collection under various abiotic stresses at different developmental stages to develop climate-resilient crops.
Emergence of Third-Generation Cephalosporin-Resistant Morganella morganii in a Captive Breeding Dolphin in South Korea
Authors: Park Seon Young , Lee Kyunglee , Cho Yuna , Lim Se Ra , Kwon Hyemin , Han Jee Eun , Kim Ji Hyung
Published: November 2020

The emergence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) strains of Morganella morganii is increasingly being recognized. Recently, we reported a fatal M. morganii infection in a captive bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) bred at a dolphinarium in South Korea. According to our subsequent investigations, the isolated M. morganii strain KC-Tt-01 exhibited extensive resistance to third-generation cephalosporins which have not been reported in animals. Therefore, in the present study, the genome of strain KC-Tt-01 was sequenced, and putative virulence and AMR genes were investigated. The strain had virulence and AMR genes similar to those of other M. morganii strains, including a strain that causes human sepsis. An amino-acid substitution detected at the 86th residue (Arg to Cys) of the protein encoded by ampR might explain the extended resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. These results indicate that the AMR M. morganii strain isolated from the captive dolphin has the potential to cause fatal zoonotic infections with antibiotic treatment failure due to extended drug resistance, and therefore, the management of antibiotic use and monitoring of the emergence of AMR bacteria are urgently needed in captive cetaceans for their health and conservation.
Intestinal Health and Threonine Requirement of Growing Pigs Fed Diets Containing High Dietary Fibre and Fermentable Protein
Authors: Wellington Michael O. , Thiessen Rochelle B. , Van Kessel Andrew G. , Columbus Daniel A.
Published: November 2020

Dietary fibre (DF) and fermentable crude protein (fCP) are dietary factors which affect nutrient utilization and intestinal health in pigs. A nitrogen (N)-balance study was conducted to determine the impact of DF and fCP on threonine (Thr) requirement for protein deposition (PD) and indicators of intestinal health. A total of 160 growing pigs (25 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 20 dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 × 5 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design with dietary fibre (low (LF) or high fibre (HF)], fCP [low (LfCP) or high fCP (HfCP)) and Thr (0.52, 0.60, 0.68, 0.76, or 0.82% standardized ileal digestible) as factors. Then, 4-day total urine and fecal collection was conducted, and pigs were euthanized for intestinal tissue and digesta sampling. Feeding high DF, regardless of fCP content, increased Thr requirement for PD (p < 0.05). High fCP, regardless of DF content, reduced Thr requirement for PD. Serum antioxidant capacity increased as dietary Thr level increased (p < 0.05). Cecal digesta short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) increased (p < 0.05) with HF and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA) increased with HfCP and reduced with HF (p < 0.05). HfCP reduced (p < 0.05) mucin-2 (MUC2) expression in the colon of the HF but not the LF fed pigs and HF increased MUC2 in the LfCP but not the HfCP fed pigs. Feeding HF diet increased (p < 0.05) expression of zonula occludens-1 in the LfCP with no effect on HfCP fed pigs. Ammonia concentration in both cecum and colon increased (p < 0.05) in the HfCP fed pigs. Overall, high DF reduced the negative impact of HfCP on intestinal health, as indicated by alterations in SCFA and BCFA production and gut barrier gene expression. While increased dietary Thr content is required for PD in pigs fed high DF, feeding high fCP reduced Thr requirements.
Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Companion Birds
Authors: Varriale Lorena , Dipineto Ludovico , Russo Tamara Pasqualina , Borrelli Luca , Romano Violante , D’Orazio Stefano , Pace Antonino , Menna Lucia Francesca , Fioretti Alessandro , Santaniello Antonio
Published: November 2020

Antimicrobial resistance is a public health concern worldwide and it is largely attributed to the horizontal exchange of transferable genetic elements such as plasmids carrying integrons. Several studies have been conducted on livestock showing a correlation between the systemic use of antibiotics and the onset of resistant bacterial strains. In contrast, although companion birds are historically considered as an important reservoir for human health threats, little information on the antimicrobial resistance in these species is available in the literature. Therefore, this study was aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonasaeruginosa isolated from 755 companion birds. Cloacal samples were processed for E. coli and P. aeruginosa isolation and then all isolates were submitted to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. P. aeruginosa was isolated in 59/755 (7.8%) samples, whereas E. coli was isolated in 231/755 (30.7%) samples. Most strains showed multidrug resistance. This study highlights that companion birds may act as substantial reservoirs carrying antimicrobial resistance genes which could transfer directly or indirectly to humans and animals, and from a One Health perspective this risk should not be underestimated.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Amikacin for Optimal Pharmacotherapy in Korean Patients with Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Jin Xuanyou , Oh Jaeseong , Cho Joo-Youn , Lee SeungHwan , Rhee Su-jin
Published: November 2020

Amikacin is used as a therapy for patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) who are resistant to macrolide antibiotics or have severe symptoms. This study aimed to characterize the pharmacokinetic properties of amikacin in patients with NTM-PD by developing a population pharmacokinetic model and to explore the optimal pharmacotherapy in patients with NTM-PD. For this study, all data were retrospectively collected. The amikacin pharmacokinetic properties were best described by a two-compartment model with first-order elimination. The estimated glomerular filtration rate and body weight were identified as significant covariates for clearance and the volume of distribution, respectively. A model-based simulation was conducted to explore the probability of reaching the target therapeutic range when various dose regimens were administered according to the body weight and renal function. The simulation results indicated that the amikacin dosage should be determined based on the body weight, and for patients who weigh over 70 kg, it is necessary to adjust the dose according to renal function. In conclusion, the optimal pharmacotherapy of amikacin for patients with NTM-PD was recommended based on the population pharmacokinetic model, which is expected to enable the personalization of drug therapy and improve the clinical outcomes of amikacin therapy.
A Lesson Learnt from Food Chemistry—Elevated Temperature Triggers the Antioxidant Action of Two Edible Isothiocyanates: Erucin and Sulforaphane
Authors: Cedrowski Jakub , Dąbrowa Kajetan , Krogul-Sobczak Agnieszka , Litwinienko Grzegorz
Published: November 2020

In this communication we demonstrate that two natural isothiocyanates, sulforaphane (SFN) and erucin (ERN), inhibit autoxidation of lipids at 140 °C but not below 100 °C. This effect is due to thermal decomposition of ERN and SFN to sulfenic acids and methylsulfinyl radicals, species able to trap lipidperoxyl radicals. Our observations shed new light on thermal processing of vegetables containing these two isothiocyanates.
Demonstration of Transmission Mode Soft X-ray NEXAFS Using Third- and Fifth-Order Harmonics of FEL Radiation at SACLA BL1
Authors: Iwayama Hiroshi , Nagasaka Masanari , Inoue Ichiro , Owada Shigeki , Yabashi Makina , Harries James R.
Published: November 2020

We demonstrate the applicability of third- and fifth-order harmonics of free-electron laser (FEL) radiation for soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy in the transmission mode at SACLA BL1, which covers a photon energy range of 20 to 150 eV in the fundamental FEL radiation. By using the third- and fifth-order harmonics of the FEL radiation, we successfully recorded near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra for Ar 2p core ionization and CO2 C 1s and O 1s core ionizations. Our results show that the utilization of third- and fifth-order harmonics can significantly extend the available photon energies for NEXAFS spectroscopy using an FEL and opens the door to femtosecond pump-probe NEXAFS using a soft X-ray FEL.
Enhancing English-Learning Performance through a Simulation Classroom for EFL Students Using Augmented Reality—A Junior High School Case Study
Authors: Chang Yuh-Shihng , Chen Chao-Nan , Liao Chia-Ling
Published: November 2020

In non-English-speaking countries, students learning EFL (English as a Foreign Language) without a “real” learning environment mostly shows poor English-learning performance. In order to improve the English-learning effectiveness of EFL students, we propose the use of augmented reality (AR) to support situational classroom learning and conduct teaching experiments for situational English learning. The purpose of this study is to examine whether the learning performance of EFL students can be enhanced using augmented reality within a situational context. The learning performance of the experimental student group is validated by means of the attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction (ARCS) model. According to statistical analysis, the experimental teaching method is much more effective than that of the control group (i.e., the traditional teaching method). The learning performance of the experimental group students is obviously enhanced and the feedback of using AR by EFL students is positive. The experimental results reveal that (1) students can concentrate more on the practice of speaking English as a foreign language; (2) the real-life AR scenarios enhanced student confidence in learning English; and (3) applying AR teaching materials in situational context classes can provide near real-life scenarios and improve the learning satisfaction of students.
Effects of Microbial Inoculants on the Fermentation and Preservation of Triticale Silages at High and Low Moisture Levels
Authors: Soundharrajan Ilavenil , Muthusamy Karnan , Han Ouk-Kyu , Lee Hyun Jeong , Purushothaman Sumitha , Kim Dahye , Choi Ki Choon
Published: November 2020

In the current study, Lactobacillus rhamnosus (KCC-51) and Lactobacillus paracasei (KCC-52) were isolated and investigated for their biological potential including antibacterial activity, probiotic potential, nutritional changes, fermentation ability, and microbial population in experimental silages at high moisture (HM) and low moisture (LM) conditions. These strains showed significant antibacterial activity and probiotic activities. There are no significant changes in the dry matter content (DM) and nutritional profiles of control, KCC-51, and KCC-52 treated silages. High lactic acid (LA) and low butyric acid (BA) levels were noted in the HM (LA: 4.82 ± 0.34 and 5.5 ± 0.03, BA: 0.01 ± 0.01 and 0.008 ± 0.001, %DM) and LM (LA: 2.27 ± 0.32 and 2.61 ± 0.2, BA: 0.017 ± 0.001 vs. 0.006 ± 0.05, %DM) silages treated with KCC-51 and KCC-52 respectively, compared to non-inoculated silages. KCC-51 and KCC-52 treatment increased acceptable range of acetic acid (AA) in HM (0.33 ± 0.02 and 0.24 ± 0.007, %DM) and LM (0.22 ± 0.007 and 0.35 ± 0.02, %DM) silages compared to non-inoculated silages (0.22 ± 0.03 and 0.17 ± 0.05, %DM). Rich LAB and low yeast counts were noted in the silages treated with KCC-51 and KCC-52, it indicated that the addition of these inoculants strongly dominated the enterobacterial growth and preserved the silage quality with essential metabolites. It suggests that L. rhamnosus and the L. paracasei could be used as potent inoculants for the silage production with enriched nutrients.
Waterproofing Performance Grade Proposal through Standard Test Result Comparison of Self Adhesive Rubberized Asphalt Sheet
Authors: Yoo Jae-Yong , Kim Soo-Yeon , Oh Sang-Keun
Published: November 2020

This study reviewed new concept waterproofing performance gradation to respond to the limit of unified single standard performance standard used in each country from the past until now. This study was carried out using the standard test data from 34 products tested and evaluated by Korea’s national quality test institution for 2 years (2018~2019) based on national standard specification (KS F 4934, Self-Adhesive Rubberized Asphalt Sheet). Major proposal contents utilized the result values of 9 waterproofing performance evaluation criteria included in the national standard specification. Major study contents and results are as follows. Existing widely used domestic and overseas standard grading (Stanine, Sten Scores, Grade 5 Scale, energy consumption efficiency, and other grading) theories were investigated and analyzed. Based on the analysis contents, standard Grade 5 Scale system suitable for waterproofing material performance grading was selected and applied. Grade sections were set according to the application ratio for each grade section of Grade 5 Scale (grade 1 with 10%, grade 2 with 20%, grade 3 with 40%, grade 4 with 20% and grade 5 with 10%). According to the set sections, performance grades were derived for 9 test criteria of 34 products. Section setting standard for grade section was derived centered on the performance result values of 9 criteria. As a result, average value of waterproofing performance of each of 9 test criteria for 34 products was verified to have 1.2 times to 7.52 times higher performance value than the minimum quality standard (based on grade 5). Such results sufficiently showed the limit of the current unified single standard performance application. Also, as a solution for waterproofing quality degradation problem, possibility to apply the waterproofing performance grading of this study was verified. Therefore, through this study, it is decided that new concept quality standard to pursue future waterproofing industry development can be set, quality reinforcement is possible by performance grading for each product and sustainable waterproofing performance maintaining effect at the waterproofing construction site can be expected with the use of such gradation.
Implementation of a Sensor Big Data Processing System for Autonomous Vehicles in the C-ITS Environment
Authors: Yoo Aelee , Shin Sooyeon , Lee Junwon , Moon Changjoo
Published: November 2020

To provide a service that guarantees driver comfort and safety, a platform utilizing connected car big data is required. This study first aims to design and develop such a platform to improve the function of providing vehicle and road condition information of the previously defined central Local Dynamic Map (LDM). Our platform extends the range of connected car big data collection from OBU (On Board Unit) and CAN to camera, LiDAR, and GPS sensors. By using data of vehicles being driven, the range of roads available for analysis can be expanded, and the road condition determination method can be diversified. Herein, the system was designed and implemented based on the Hadoop ecosystem, i.e., Hadoop, Spark, and Kafka, to collect and store connected car big data. We propose a direction of the cooperative intelligent transport system (C-ITS) development by showing a plan to utilize the platform in the C-ITS environment.
Web-Based Serious Games and Accessibility: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Salvador-Ullauri Luis , Acosta-Vargas Patricia , Luján-Mora Sergio
Published: November 2020

Nowadays, serious games, called training or learning games, have been incorporated into teaching and learning processes. Due to the increase of their use, the need to guarantee their accessibility arises in order to include people with disabilities in the educational environments in an integral way. There are reviews of the literature on video games but not on web-based serious games. Serious games are different from the previous ones because their educational processes allow reinforcing learning. This literature review was conducted using the recommendations for systematic reviews proposed by Kitchenham and Petersen. Three independent reviewers searched the ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for the most relevant articles published between 2000 and 2020. Review selection and extraction were made using an interactive team approach. We applied the study selection process’s flowchart adapted from the PRISMA statement to filter in three stages. This systematic literature review provides researchers and practitioners with the current state of web-based serious games and accessibility, considering cognitive, motor, and sensory disabilities.
Dynamic Energy Modelling as an Alternative Approach for Reducing Performance Gaps in Retrofitted Schools in Denmark
Authors: Jradi Muhyiddine
Published: November 2020

When considering that over 80% of buildings in Denmark were built before the 1980′s, a holistic energy retrofitting of the existing building stock is a major milestone to attain the energy and environmental targets of the country. In this work, a case study of three public schools is considered for post-retrofit process evaluation. The three schools were heavily retrofitted by September 2018 with energy conservation and improvement measures that were implemented targeting both the building envelope and various energy systems. A technical evaluation of the energy retrofit process in the schools was carried out, when considering one year of operation after the completion of the retrofitting work. Actual data from the heating and electricity meters in the schools were collected and compared with the pre-retrofit design numbers which rely majorly on static tabulated numbers for savings evaluation. It was shown that the retrofit design numbers largely overestimate the attained savings, where the average performance gap between the expected and real numbers for the three schools is around 61% and 136% for annual heating and electricity savings, respectively. On the other hand, an alternative approach was proposed where calibrated dynamic energy performance models, which were developed for the three schools in EnergyPlus, were used to simulate the impact of implementing the retrofit measures. It was shown that implementing this approach could predict much better the impacts of the retrofit process with an average gap of around 17% for heating savings and 21% for electricity savings. Based on the post-retrofit process evaluation in the three schools, it was concluded that using dynamic model simulations has the potential of lowering the performance gap between the promised and real savings when compared to static tabulated approaches, although the savings are still generally over-estimated in both approaches.
Comparative Study between Current Practices on Cassava Drying by Small-Size Enterprises in Africa
Authors: Precoppe Marcelo , Komlaga Gregory Afra , Chapuis Arnaud , Müller Joachim
Published: November 2020

Small-size enterprises drying cassava in Africa mostly use fixed-bed dryers or pneumatic dryers. The objective of this study was to determine which of those two dryers is the best choice for this operation. Energy performance, product quality and costs were measured and analysed using a comparative experiment design. Each dryer was considered as a treatment and experiments were performed in quintuplicate at a cassava processing small-size enterprise in Ghana. The energy performance of the pneumatic dryer was superior because of the better contact between the cassava grits and the drying air, resulting in greater heat and mass transfer. The cassava flour obtained from the fixed-bed dryer had a higher Whiteness Index, but the same level of lightness, and the staff responsible for managing product quality was not able to visually distinguish them. As a result of the pneumatic dryer’s better energy performance, its operating cost was lower. The capital cost of this dryer was higher, but to recover the additional investment only 194 days of operation were needed. Therefore, it was concluded that pneumatic dryers are a better choice of equipment for cassava drying by small-size enterprises in Africa.
Rapid Online Solid-State Battery Diagnostics with Optically Pumped Magnetometers
Authors: Hu Yinan , Iwata Geoffrey Z. , Bougas Lykourgos , Blanchard John W. , Wickenbrock Arne , Jakob Gerhard , Schwarz Stephan , Schwarzinger Clemens , Jerschow Alexej , Budker Dmitry
Published: November 2020

Solid-state battery technology is motivated by the desire to deliver flexible power storage in a safe and efficient manner. The increasingly widespread use of batteries from mass production facilities highlights the need for a rapid and sensitive diagnostic tool for identifying battery defects. We demonstrate the use of atomic magnetometry to measure the magnetic fields around miniature solid-state battery cells. These fields encode information about battery manufacturing defects, state of charge, and impurities, and they can provide important insights into battery aging processes. Compared with SQUID-based magnetometry, the availability of atomic magnetometers, however, highlights the possibility of constructing a low-cost, portable, and flexible implementation of battery quality control and characterization technology.
Spatial Mobility of U and Th in a U-enriched Area (Central Portugal)
Authors: Antunes Margarida , Santos António , Valente Teresa , Albuquerque Teresa
Published: November 2020

Uranium and thorium are toxic in different environments. The exploitation of uranium mines and associated mine drainage leaching towards streams, sediments, and soils cause relevant pollution. The U-mine areas present high concentrations of potentially toxic elements with several consequences to ecosystems and human health. Physicochemical and potentially toxic elements of mine dumps, stream sediments, and soils from the Canto Lagar uranium mine area (Central Portugal) were analyzed. Stream sediments, soils, and mine dumps show a large range in the concentration values of Fe, U, As, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Th, suggesting geological and mine contributions. Most of the selected potential toxic elements from sediments present a low to moderate contamination degree, except for As, W, and U, which vary between high and very high contamination index. The soils must not be used in agricultural or residential activities due to contamination in As and U. This abandoned mine represents an environmental risk due to the spatial mobility and dispersion of potentially toxic elements from the dumps to the sediments and soils, as well as by surface runoff and wind.
Analysis of the Effect of Nano-SiO2 and Waterproofing Agent on the Water Transportation Process in Mortar Using NMR
Authors: Meng Tao , Wei Huadong , Ying Kanjun , Wang Menghua
Published: November 2020

Moisture diffusion in cement-based materials significantly impacts its durability. In this study, we analyzed the effect of adding a waterproofing agent and nano-SiO2 (NS) on the water transportation process in mortar using capillary water absorption tests and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. The results indicate that the combined action of the waterproofing agent and nano-SiO2 drastically reduce the capillary water absorption coefficient and have a more significant impact than only adding the waterproofing agent. The moisture diffusion in different sections of the mortar during the water absorption process is obtained from the NMR test results and two function models. Comparative studies indicate that the NMR test results have good correlation with the capillary water absorption test results and provide accurate process data. The NMR analysis results offer a new analytical method to characterize the porosity of cement-based materials by continuously monitoring small-pitch sections.
A Gamified Augmented Reality Application for Digital Heritage and Tourism
Authors: Paliokas Ioannis , Patenidis Athanasios T. , Mitsopoulou Eirini E. , Tsita Christina , Pehlivanides George , Karyati Elli , Tsafaras Spyros , Stathopoulos Evangelos A. , Kokkalas Alexandros , Diplaris Sotiris , Meditskos Georgios , Vrochidis Stefanos , Tasiopoulou Eleana , Riggas Christodoulos , Votis Konstantinos , Kompatsiaris Ioannis , Tzovaras Dimitrios
Published: November 2020

Although Augmented Reality (AR) technology has entered many market and knowledge domains such as games and leisure activities, it remains rather limited in digital heritage. After studying the potentiality of using modern AR elements in a museum context, this paper proposes the use of additional game and educational elements in the core AR application in order to enhance the overall on-the-spot museum visitor’s experience. An agile AR application design methodology was followed by taking into account the needs of small-to-medium sized real-world museums. Moreover, a heuristic evaluation protocol was applied by a group of experts in order to test the proof-of-concept AR application, in which some novel elements were proposed such as the AR quiz game. The main findings indicate that enhanced AR experiences in museum settings can make a nice fit with the user environment, physical and perceptual abilities, known metaphors, and user position and motion in 3D space. Moreover, AR services can be provided under a minimum distraction and physical effort. As a conclusion, AR technologies are mature enough to be standardized for museum usage, while the audience seems to be ready to take advantage of the related enhanced museum experiences to maximize both user satisfaction and learning outcomes.
In Vitro Evidences of Different Fibroblast Morpho-Functional Responses to Red, Near-Infrared and Violet-Blue Photobiomodulation: Clues for Addressing Wound Healing
Authors: Chellini Flaminia , Tani Alessia , Zecchi-Orlandini Sandra , Giannelli Marco , Sassoli Chiara
Published: November 2020

Although photobiomodulation (PBM) has proven promising to treat wounds, the lack of univocal guidelines and of a thorough understanding of light–tissue interactions hampers its mainstream adoption for wound healing promotion. This study compared murine and human fibroblast responses to PBM by red (635 ± 5 nm), near-infrared (NIR, 808 ± 1 nm), and violet-blue (405 ± 5 nm) light (0.4 J/cm2 energy density, 13 mW/cm2 power density). Cell viability was not altered by PBM treatments. Light and confocal laser scanning microscopy and biochemical analyses showed, in red PBM irradiated cells: F-actin assembly reduction, up-regulated expression of Ki67 proliferation marker and of vinculin in focal adhesions, type-1 collagen down-regulation, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and metalloproteinase-9 expression/functionality increase concomitant to their inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) decrease. Violet-blue and even more NIR PBM stimulated collagen expression/deposition and, likely, cell differentiation towards (proto)myofibroblast phenotype. Indeed, these cells exhibited a higher polygonal surface area, stress fiber-like structures, increased vinculin- and phospho-focal adhesion kinase-rich clusters and α-smooth muscle actin. This study may provide the experimental groundwork to support red, NIR, and violet-blue PBM as potential options to promote proliferative and matrix remodeling/maturation phases of wound healing, targeting fibroblasts, and to suggest the use of combined PBM treatments in the wound management setting.
Understanding Server Authentication in WPA3 Enterprise
Authors: Bartoli Alberto
Published: November 2020

In December 2019, the Wi-Fi Alliance published version 2 of WPA3, the new certification program for Wi-Fi devices that updates WPA2. This new version of WPA3 addresses, amongst other things, one of the crucial weaknesses of WPA2: in many practical deployments of enterprise Wi-Fi networks—i.e., networks in which users have personalized credentials—a device may easily be attacked by fraudulent access points claiming to have the name of the targeted network (evil twins). In this work, we present the mechanisms that WPA3 version 2 has introduced for mitigating these risks, which have become more and more relevant in recent years. We discuss the defensive power and potential impact of the various options available. Understanding the resulting scenario is important because WPA3 will determine the behavior of such a fundamental and widespread technology as enterprise Wi-Fi for many years, yet WPA3 enterprise networks may still be configured in a way that could not provide much better defensive power than WPA2.
The Effects of the Rectus Femoris Muscle on Knee and Foot Kinematics during the Swing Phase of Normal Walking
Authors: Frigo Carlo Albino , Wyss Christian , Brunner Reinald
Published: November 2020

The role of rectus femoris (RF) muscle during walking was analyzed through musculoskeletal models to understand the effects of muscle weakness and hyperactivity. Such understanding is fundamental when dealing with pathological gait, but the contribution of RF as a bi-articular muscle is particularly difficult to estimate. Anybody software was used for inverse dynamics computation, and SimWise-4D for forward dynamics simulations. RF force was changed in the range of 0 to 150%, and the resulting kinematics were analyzed. Inverse dynamics showed a short positive RF power in correspondence with the onset of knee extension in the swing phase. Forward dynamics simulations showed an increasing knee flexion and initial toe contact when the RF force was decreased, and increasing knee extension and difficult foot clearance when the RF force was increased. The step became shorter with both increased and reduced RF force. In conclusion, the RF actively contributes to the knee extension in the swing phase. RF also contributes to obtaining a proper step length and to preparing the foot for initial heel contact. So the effect of RF muscle as a bi-articular muscle seems fundamental in controlling the motion of distal segments. RF overactivity should be considered as a possible cause for poor foot clearance in some clinical cases, while RF weakness should be considered in cases with apparent equinus.
URSA-PQ: A Mobile and Flexible Pump-Probe Instrument for Gas Phase Samples at the FLASH Free Electron Laser
Authors: Metje Jan , Lever Fabiano , Mayer Dennis , Squibb Richard James , Robinson Matthew S. , Niebuhr Mario , Feifel Raimund , Düsterer Stefan , Gühr Markus
Published: November 2020

We present a highly flexible and portable instrument to perform pump-probe spectroscopy with an optical and an X-ray pulse in the gas phase. The so-called URSA-PQ (German for ‘Ultraschnelle Röntgenspektroskopie zur Abfrage der Photoenergiekonversion an Quantensystemen’, Engl. ‘ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy for probing photoenergy conversion in quantum systems’) instrument is equipped with a magnetic bottle electron spectrometer (MBES) and tools to characterize the spatial and temporal overlap of optical and X-ray laser pulses. Its adherence to the CAMP instrument dimensions allows for a wide range of sample sources as well as other spectrometers to be included in the setup. We present the main design and technical features of the instrument. The MBES performance was evaluated using Kr M4,5NN Auger lines using backfilled Kr gas, with an energy resolution ΔE/E ≅ 1/40 in the integrating operative mode. The time resolution of the setup at FLASH 2 FL 24 has been characterized with the help of an experiment on 2-thiouracil that is inserted via the instruments’ capillary oven. We find a time resolution of 190 fs using the molecular 2p photoline shift and attribute this to different origins in the UV-pump—the X-ray probe setup.
A Methodology and Experimental Implementation for Industrial Robot Health Assessment via Torque Signature Analysis
Authors: Izagirre Unai , Andonegui Imanol , Egea Aritz , Zurutuza Urko
Published: November 2020

This manuscript focuses on methodological and technological advances in the field of health assessment and predictive maintenance for industrial robots. We propose a non-intrusive methodology for industrial robot joint health assessment. Torque sensor data is used to create a digital signature given a defined trajectory and load combination. The signature of each individual robot is later used to diagnose mechanical deterioration. We prove the robustness and reliability of the methodology in a real industrial use case scenario. Then, an in depth mechanical inspection is carried out in order to identify the root cause of the failure diagnosed in this article. The proposed methodology is useful for medium and long term health assessment for industrial robots working in assembly lines, where years of almost uninterrupted work can cause irreversible damage.
An Energy-Aware Method for Selecting Cluster Heads in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Rahiminasab Atefeh , Tirandazi Peyman , Ebadi M. J. , Ahmadian Ali , Salimi Mehdi
Published: November 2020

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) include several sensor nodes that have limited capabilities. The most critical restriction in WSNs is energy resources. Moreover, since each sensor node’s energy resources cannot be recharged or replaced, it is inevitable to propose various methods for managing the energy resources. Furthermore, this procedure increases the network lifetime. In wireless sensor networks, the cluster head has a significant impact on system global scalability, energy efficiency, and lifetime. Furthermore, the cluster head is most important in combining, aggregating, and transferring data that are received from other cluster nodes. One of the substantial challenges in a cluster-based network is to choose a suitable cluster head. In this paper, to select an appropriate cluster head, we first model this problem by using multi-factor decision-making according to the four factors, including energy, mobility, distance to centre, and the length of data queues. Then, we use the Cluster Splitting Process (CSP) algorithm and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method in order to provide a new method to solve this problem. These four factors are examined in our proposed approach, and our method is compared with the Base station Controlled Dynamic Clustering Protocol (BCDCP) algorithm. The simulation results show the proposed method in improving the network lifetime has better performance than the base station controlled dynamic clustering protocol algorithm. In our proposed method, the energy reduction is almost 5% more than the BCDCP method, and the packet loss rate in our proposed method is almost 25% lower than in the BCDCP method.
Barriers and Benefits of ICT Adoption in the Nigerian Construction Industry. A Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Moshood Taofeeq , Nawanir Gusman , Sorooshian Shahryar , Mahmud Fatimah , Adeleke Adekunle
Published: November 2020

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is seen as a way to enhance knowledge collection in the construction sector. Although the theoretical benefits of ICT implementation have been clarified, realizing such benefits is insufficient. This paper attempted a systematic analysis of the literature using ATLAS.ti 9 software to save, identify, and analyze this study’s data. A total of 102 articles were actively reviewed, including 82 Scopus journals and 20 conference papers published from 2003 to 2020. In this article, from a construction industry point of view, the ICT adoption process is considered as an interaction between technology, task, and an individual from a construction industry perspective. While ICT is acknowledged as a source of aggressive gain by both practitioners and scholars, ICT’s sole presence would definitely not guarantee achievement in the industry’s ICT approval. Companies cannot grasp the full benefits of ICT, except that users are able to adopt the technology. Hence, the issues related to ICT adoption need to be examined.