bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potato Pathogens in Russia’s Regions: An Instrumental Survey with the Use of Real-Time PCR/RT-PCR in Matrix Format
Authors: Malko Alexander , Frantsuzov Pavel , Nikitin Maksim , Statsyuk Natalia , Dzhavakhiya Vitaly , Golikov Alexander
Published: January 2019

Viral and bacterial diseases of potato cause significant yield loss worldwide. The current data on the occurrence of these diseases in Russia do not provide comprehensive understanding of the phytosanitary situation. Diagnostic systems based on disposable stationary open qPCR micromatrices intended for the detection of eight viral and seven bacterial/oomycetal potato diseases have been used for wide-scale screening of target pathogens to estimate their occurrence in 11 regions of Russia and to assess suitability of the technology for high-throughput diagnostics under conditions of field laboratories. Analysis of 1025 leaf and 725 tuber samples confirmed the earlier reported data on the dominance of potato viruses Y, S, and M in most regions of European Russia, as well as relatively high incidences of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus, Pectobacterium atrosepticum, and P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, and provided detailed information on the phytosanitary status of selected regions and geographical spread of individual pathogens. Information on the occurrence of mixed infections, including their composition, was the first data set of this kind for Russia. The study is the first large-scale screening of a wide range of potato pathogens conducted in network mode using unified methodology and standardized qPCR micromatrices. The data represent valuable information for plant pathologists and potato producers and indicate the high potential of the combined use of matrix PCR technology and network approaches to data collection and analysis with the view to rapidly and accurately assess the prevalence of certain pathogens, as well as the phytosanitary state of large territories.
Non-typhoidal Salmonella in the Pig Production Chain: A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Impact on Human Health
Authors: Campos Joana , Mourão Joana , Peixe Luísa , Antunes Patrícia
Published: January 2019

Salmonellosis remains one of the most frequent foodborne zoonosis, constituting a worldwide major public health concern. The most frequent sources of human infections are food products of animal origin, being pork meat one of the most relevant. Currently, particular pig food production well-adapted and persistent Salmonella enterica serotypes (e.g., Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella 1,4,[5],12:i:-, Salmonella Derby and Salmonella Rissen) are frequently reported associated with human infections in diverse industrialized countries. The dissemination of those clinically-relevant Salmonella serotypes/clones has been related to the intensification of pig production chain and to an increase in the international trade of pigs and pork meat. Those changes that occurred over the years along the food chain may act as food chain drivers leading to new problems and challenges, compromising the successful control of Salmonella. Among those, the emergence of antibiotic resistance in non-typhoidal Salmonella associated with antimicrobials use in the pig production chain is of special concern for public health. The transmission of pig-related multidrug-resistant Salmonella serotypes, clones and/or genetic elements carrying clinically-relevant antibiotic resistance genes, frequently associated with metal tolerance genes, from pigs and pork meat to humans, has been reported and highlights the contribution of different drivers to the antibiotic resistance burden. Gathered data strengthen the need for global mandatory interventions and strategies for effective Salmonella control and surveillance across the pig production chain. The purpose of this review was to provide an overview of the role of pig and pork meat in human salmonellosis at a global scale, highlighting the main factors contributing to the persistence and dissemination of clinically-relevant pig-related Salmonella serotypes and clones.
Holography Using Curved Metasurfaces
Authors: Burch James , Di Falco Andrea
Published: January 2019

In this work, we demonstrate nonflat metasurface holograms with applications in imaging, sensing, and anticounterfeiting. For these holograms, the image and its symmetry properties, with respect to the polarization of the light, depend on the specific shape of the substrate. Additionally, the sensitivity of the holographic image to the substrate shape can be engineered by distributing the phase information into determined areas of the metasurface.
Tolerance of Iron-Deficient and -Toxic Soil Conditions in Rice
Authors: Mahender Anumalla , Swamy B. P. Mallikarjuna , Anandan Annamalai , Ali Jauhar
Published: January 2019

Iron (Fe) deficiency and toxicity are the most widely prevalent soil-related micronutrient disorders in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Progress in rice cultivars with improved tolerance has been hampered by a poor understanding of Fe availability in the soil, the transportation mechanism, and associated genetic factors for the tolerance of Fe toxicity soil (FTS) or Fe deficiency soil (FDS) conditions. In the past, through conventional breeding approaches, rice varieties were developed especially suitable for low- and high-pH soils, which indirectly helped the varieties to tolerate FTS and FDS conditions. Rice-Fe interactions in the external environment of soil, internal homeostasis, and transportation have been studied extensively in the past few decades. However, the molecular and physiological mechanisms of Fe uptake and transport need to be characterized in response to the tolerance of morpho-physiological traits under Fe-toxic and -deficient soil conditions, and these traits need to be well integrated into breeding programs. A deeper understanding of the several factors that influence Fe absorption, uptake, and transport from soil to root and above-ground organs under FDS and FTS is needed to develop tolerant rice cultivars with improved grain yield. Therefore, the objective of this review paper is to congregate the different phenotypic screening methodologies for prospecting tolerant rice varieties and their responsible genetic traits, and Fe homeostasis related to all the known quantitative trait loci (QTLs), genes, and transporters, which could offer enormous information to rice breeders and biotechnologists to develop rice cultivars tolerant of Fe toxicity or deficiency. The mechanism of Fe regulation and transport from soil to grain needs to be understood in a systematic manner along with the cascade of metabolomics steps that are involved in the development of rice varieties tolerant of FTS and FDS. Therefore, the integration of breeding with advanced genome sequencing and omics technologies allows for the fine-tuning of tolerant genotypes on the basis of molecular genetics, and the further identification of novel genes and transporters that are related to Fe regulation from FTS and FDS conditions is incredibly important to achieve further success in this aspect.
Recycling Polyethylene-Rich Plastic Waste from Landfill Reclamation: Toward an Enhanced Landfill-Mining Approach
Authors: Avolio Roberto , Spina Francesco , Gentile Gennaro , Cocca Mariacristina , Avella Maurizio , Carfagna Cosimo , Tealdo Gianluigi , Errico Maria Emanuela
Published: January 2019

In the frame of a circular economy, the maximization of secondary raw-material recovery is necessary to increase the economic and environmental sustainability of landfill mining and reclamation activities. In this paper, the polyethylene-rich plastic fraction recovered from the reclamation of an abandoned industrial landfill (landfill-recovered plastic, LRP) has been characterized through spectroscopic, thermal, morphological, and mechanical analyses. Then, an economically viable valorization and recycling strategy was set up. The effectiveness of this strategy in the enhancement of LRP properties has been demonstrated through morphological and mechanical characterizations.
Recent Advances in Engineered Stem Cell-Derived Cell Sheets for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Kim Hyunbum , Kim Yunhye , Park Jihyun , Hwang Nathaniel S. , Lee Yun Kyung , Hwang Yongsung
Published: January 2019

The substantial progress made in the field of stem cell-based therapy has shown its significant potential applications for the regeneration of defective tissues and organs. Although previous studies have yielded promising results, several limitations remain and should be overcome for translating stem cell-based therapies to clinics. As a possible solution to current bottlenecks, cell sheet engineering (CSE) is an efficient scaffold-free method for harvesting intact cell sheets without the use of proteolytic enzymes, and may be able to accelerate the adoption of stem cell-based treatments for damaged tissues and organs regeneration. CSE uses a temperature-responsive polymer-immobilized surface to form unique, scaffold-free cell sheets composed of one or more cell layers maintained with important intercellular junctions, cell-secreted extracellular matrices, and other important cell surface proteins, which can be achieved by changing the surrounding temperature. These three-dimensional cell sheet-based tissues can be designed for use in clinical applications to target-specific tissue regeneration. This review will highlight the principles, progress, and clinical relevance of current approaches in the cell sheet-based technology, focusing on stem cell-based therapies for bone, periodontal, skin, and vascularized muscles.
Enhancement in the Physico-Mechanical Functions of Seaweed Biopolymer Film via Embedding Fillers for Plasticulture Application—A Comparison with Conventional Biodegradable Mulch Film
Authors: M Hasan , Chong E.W.N. , Jafarzadeh Shima , Paridah M.T. , Gopakumar Deepu , Tajarudin H.A. , Thomas Sabu , Abdul Khalil H.P.S.
Published: January 2019

This study aimed to compare the performance of fabricated microbially induced precipitated calcium carbonate– (MB–CaCO3) based red seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) bio-polymer film and commercial calcium carbonate– (C–CaCO3) based red seaweed bio-film with the conventional biodegradable mulch film. To the best of our knowledge, there has been limited research on the application of commercial CaCO3 (C–CaCO3) and microbially induced CaCO3 (MB–CaCO3) as fillers for the preparation of films from seaweed bio-polymer and comparison with biodegradable commercial plasticulture packaging. The results revealed that the mechanical, contact angle, and biodegradability properties of the polymer composite films incorporated with C–CaCO3 and MB–CaCO3 fillers were comparable or even superior than the conventional biodegradable mulch film. The seaweed polymer film incorporated with MB–CaCO3 showed the highest contact angle of 100.94°, whereas conventional biodegradable mulch film showed a contact angle of 90.25°. The enhanced contact angle of MB–CaCO3 resulted in high barrier properties, which is highly desired in the current scenario for plasticulture packaging application. The water vapor permeability of MB–CaCO3 based seaweed films was low (2.05 ± 1.06 g·m/m2·s·Pa) when compared to conventional mulch film (2.68 ± 0.35 g·m/m2·s·Pa), which makes the fabricated film an ideal candidate for plasticulture application. The highest tensile strength (TS) was achieved by seaweed-based film filled with commercial CaCO3 (84.92% higher than conventional mulch film). SEM images of the fractured surfaces of the fabricated films revealed the strong interaction between seaweed and fillers. Furthermore, composite films incorporated with MB–CaCO3 promote brighter film, better water barrier, hydrophobicity, and biodegradability compared to C–CaCO3 based seaweed polymer film and conventional mulch film. From this demonstrated work, it can be concluded that the fabricated MB–CaCO3 based seaweed biopolymer film will be a promising candidate for plasticulture and agricultural application.
Correlation of Montmorillonite Sheet Thickness and Flame Retardant Behavior of a Chitosan–Montmorillonite Nanosheet Membrane Assembled on Flexible Polyurethane Foam
Authors: Chen Peng , Zhao Yunliang , Wang Wei , Zhang Tingting , Song Shaoxian
Published: January 2019

Polymer–clay membranes constructed via the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly, with a nanobrick wall structure, are known to exhibit high flame retardancy. In this work, chitosan–montmorillonite nanosheet (CH–MMTNS) membranes with different thickness of MMTNS were constructed to suppress the flammability of flexible polyurethane (FPU) foam. It was found that a thinner MMTNS membrane was more efficient in terms of reducing the flammability of the FPU foam. This was because such MMTNS membrane could deposit cheek by jowl and form a dense CH–MMTNS membrane on the foam surface, thus greatly limiting the translation of heat, oxygen, and volatile gases. In contrast, a thicker MMTNS constructed a fragmentary CH–MMTNS membrane on the coated foam surface, due to its greater gravity and weaker electrostatic attraction of chitosan; thus, the flame retardancy of a thick MMTNS membrane was lower. Moreover, the finding of different deposition behaviors of MMTNS membranes with different thickness may suggest improvements for the application of clay with the LbL assembly technology.
Influence of the Soluble–Insoluble Ratios of Cyclodextrins Polymers on the Viscoelastic Properties of Injectable Chitosan–Based Hydrogels for Biomedical Application
Authors: Palomino-Durand Carla , Lopez Marco , Cazaux Frédéric , Martel Bernard , Blanchemain Nicolas , Chai Feng
Published: January 2019

Injectable pre-formed physical hydrogels provide many advantages for biomedical applications. Polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC) formed between cationic chitosan (CHT) and anionic polymers of cyclodextrin (PCD) render a hydrogel of great interest. Given the difference between water-soluble (PCDs) and water-insoluble PCD (PCDi) in the extension of polymerization, the present study aims to explore their impact on the formation and properties of CHT/PCD hydrogel obtained from the variable ratios of PCDi and PCDs in the formulation. Hydrogels CHT/PCDi/PCDs at weight ratios of 3:0:3, 3:1.5:1.5, and 3:3:0 were elaborated in a double–syringe system. The chemical composition, microstructure, viscoelastic properties, injectability, and structural integrity of the hydrogels were investigated. The cytotoxicity of the hydrogel was also evaluated by indirect contact with pre-osteoblast cells. Despite having similar shear–thinning and self-healing behaviors, the three hydrogels showed a marked difference in their rheological characteristics, injectability, structural stability, etc., depending on their PCDi and PCDs contents. Among the three, all the best above-mentioned properties, in addition to a high cytocompatibility, were found in the hydrogel 3:1.5:1.5. For the first time, we gained a deeper understanding of the role of the PCDi/PCDs in the injectable pre-formed hydrogels (CHT/PCDi/PCDs), which could be further fine-tuned to enhance their performance in biomedical applications.
Fabrication and Application of Dual-Modality Polymer Nanoparticles Based on an Aggregation-Induced Emission-Active Fluorescent Molecule and Magnetic Fe3O4
Authors: Wang Lingyun , Huang Meiying , Tang Hao , Cao Derong , Zhao Yu
Published: January 2019

Fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) utilized for imaging hold great promise for biomedical applications, but it remains a challenging task. Here, we report novel dual-modality NPs using an aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active and near-infrared (NIR) emissive dye (TPAS) and magnetic Fe3O4 as the core, and biocompatible polymer Pluronic F-127 as the encapsulation matrix by self-assembly procedures. The obtained fluorescent-magnetic AIE NPs have both high fluorescence quantum yield (13.8%) at 700 nm and high magnetic saturation value. With good photostability and biocompatibility, the resulting NPs show effective MRI ability, but also a stain in cytoplasm with a strong NIR fluorescent signal.
Smart Community Energy Cost Optimization Taking User Comfort Level and Renewable Energy Consumption Rate into Consideration
Authors: Shi Kun , Li Dezhi , Gong Taorong , Dong Mingyu , Gong Feixiang , Sun Yajie
Published: January 2019

With the rapid development of smart community technologies, how to improve user comfort levels and make full use of renewable energy have become urgent problems. This paper proposes an optimization algorithm to minimize daily energy costs while considering user comfort level and renewable energy consumption rate. In this paper, the structure of a typical smart community and the output models of all components installed in the community are introduced first. Then, the characteristics of different types of loads are analyzed, followed by defining the coefficients of user comfort level. In this step, the influence of load-scheduling on user comfort level and the renewable energy consumption rate is emphasized. Finally, based on the time-of-use gas price, this paper optimizes the daily energy costs for an off-grid community under the constraints of the comfort level and renewable energy consumption rate. Results show that scheduling transferable loads and interruptible loads are not independent to each other, and improving user comfort level requires spending more money as compensation. Moreover, fully consuming renewable energy has side effects on energy bills and battery lifetime. It is more conducive to system economy and stability if the maximum renewable energy consumption rate is restricted to 95%.
Late Quaternary Variations in the South American Monsoon System as Inferred by Speleothems—New Perspectives Using the SISAL Database
Authors: Deininger Michael , Ward Brittany Marie , Novello Valdir F. , Cruz Francisco W.
Published: January 2019

Here we present an overview of speleothem δ18O records from South America, most of which are available in the Speleothem Isotopes Synthesis and Analysis (SISAL_v1) database. South American tropical and subtropical speleothem δ18O time series are primarily interpreted to reflect changes in precipitation amount, the amount effect, and consequently history of convection intensity variability of convergence zones such as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the South America Monsoon System (SAMS). We investigate past hydroclimate scenarios in South America related to the South American Monsoon System in three different time periods: Late Pleistocene, Holocene, and the last two millennia. Precession driven summertime insolation is the main driver of convective variability over the continent during the last 120 kyrs (from present day to 120 kyrs BP), including the Holocene. However, there is a dipole between speleothem δ18O records from western and eastern South America. Records located in the central region of Brazil are weakly affected by insolation-driven variability, and instead are more susceptible to the variability associated with the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ). Cold episodic events in the Northern Hemisphere, such as Heinrich and Bond Events, and the Little Ice Age, increase the convective activity of the SAMS, resulting in increased precipitation amount in South America.
Vulnerability, Response-Ability, and the Promise of Making Refuge
Authors: Ng Edwin , Walsh Zack
Published: January 2019

This paper proposes “making refuge” as a conceptual placeholder and an analytical rubric, a guiding ethos and praxis, for the engaged Buddhist aspiration of responding to the social, political, economic, and planetary crises facing the world. Making refuge is conceived as the work of building the conditions of trust and safety necessary for living and dying well together as co-inhabitants of diverse communities and habitats. The paper will explain the rationale for making refuge by connecting the dharmic understanding of dukkha with feminist conceptualizations of the body and vulnerability. This will chart some theoretical and methodological pathways for engaged Buddhism to further its liberatory aspirations in reciprocity with emergent movements in radical critical theory, contemplative studies, and social and ecological activism. The paper will also examine the effects of white supremacy in U.S. Buddhism through the framework of making refuge. This will demonstrate how political healing and restorative justice might be cultivated through a dispositional ethics that pays appropriate attention to the vulnerabilities facing oppressed people.
Determination of Flow Parameters of a Water Flow Around an AUV Body
Authors: Hoth Julian , Kowalczyk Wojciech
Published: January 2019

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) have changed the way marine environment is surveyed, monitored and mapped. Autonomous underwater vehicles have a wide range of applications in research, military, and commercial settings. AUVs not only perform a given task but also adapt to changes in the environment, e.g., sudden side currents, downdrafts, and other effects which are extremely unpredictable. To navigate properly and allow simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) algorithms to be used, these effects need to be detected. With current navigation systems, these disturbances in the water flow are not measured directly. Only the indirect effects are observed. It is proposed to detect the disturbances directly by placing pressure sensors on the surface of the AUV and processing the pressure data obtained. Within this study, the applicability of different learning methods for determining flow parameters of a surrounding fluid from pressure on an AUV body are tested. This is based on CFD simulations using pressure data from specified points on the surface of the AUV. It is shown that support vector machines are most suitable for the given task and yield excellent results.
Estimating the Height and Basal Area at Individual Tree and Plot Levels in Canadian Subarctic Lichen Woodlands Using Stereo WorldView-3 Images
Authors: St-Onge Benoît , Grandin Simon
Published: January 2019

Lichen woodlands (LW) are sparse forests that cover extensive areas in remote subarctic regions where warming due to climate change is fastest. They are difficult to study in situ or with airborne remote sensing due to their remoteness. We have tested a method for measuring individual tree heights and predicting basal area at tree and plot levels using WorldView-3 stereo images. Manual stereo measurements of tree heights were performed on short trees (2–12 m) of a LW region of Canada with a residual standard error of ≈0.9 m compared to accurate field or UAV height data. The number of detected trees significantly underestimated field counts, especially in peatlands in which the visual contrast between trees and ground cover was low. The heights measured from the WorldView-3 images were used to predict the basal area at individual tree level and summed up at plot level. In the best conditions (high contrast between trees and ground cover), the relationship to field basal area had a R2 of 0.79. Accurate estimates of above ground biomass should therefore also be possible. This method could be used to calibrate an extensive remote sensing approach without in-situ measurements, e.g., by linking precise structural data to ICESAT-2 footprints.
Cycle Slip Detection during High Ionospheric Activities Based on Combined Triple-Frequency GNSS Signals
Authors: Zhao Dongsheng , Hancock Craig M. , Roberts Gethin Wyn , Jin Shuanggen
Published: January 2019

The current cycle slip detection methods of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) were mostly proposed on the basis of assuming the ionospheric delay varying smoothly over time. However, these methods can be invalid during active ionospheric periods, e.g., high Kp index value and scintillations, due to the significant increase of the ionospheric delay. In order to detect cycle slips during high ionospheric activities successfully, this paper proposes a method based on two modified Hatch–Melbourne–Wübbena combinations. The measurement noise in the Hatch–Melbourne–Wübbena combination is minimized by employing the optimally selected combined signals, while the ionospheric delay is detrended using a smoothing technique. The difference between the time-differenced ambiguity of the combined signal and this estimated ionospheric trend is adopted as the detection value, which can be free from ionospheric effect and hold the high precision of the combined signal. Five threshold determination methods are proposed and compared to decide the cycle slip from the magnitude aspect. This proposed method is tested with triple-frequency Global Navigation Satellite System observations collected under high ionospheric activities. Results show that the proposed method can correctly detect and fix cycle slips under disturbed ionosphere.
The GEWEX Water Vapor Assessment: Overview and Introduction to Results and Recommendations
Authors: Schröder Marc , Lockhoff Maarit , Shi Lei , August Thomas , Bennartz Ralf , Brogniez Helene , Calbet Xavier , Fell Frank , Forsythe John , Gambacorta Antonia , Ho Shu-peng , Kursinski E. Robert , Reale Anthony , Trent Tim , Yang Qiong
Published: January 2019

To date, a large variety of water vapour data records from satellite and reanalysis are available. It is key to understand the quality and uncertainty of these data records in order to fully exploit these records and to avoid data being employed incorrectly or misinterpreted. Therefore, it is important to inform users on accuracy and limitations of these data records based on consistent inter-comparisons carried out in the framework of international assessments. Addressing this challenge is the major objective of the Global Water and Energy Exchanges (GEWEX) water vapor assessment (G-VAP) which was initiated by the GEWEX Data and Assessments Panel (GDAP). Here, an overview of G-VAP objectives and an introduction to the results from G-VAP’s first phase are given. After this overview, a summary of available data records on water vapour and closely related variables and a short introduction to the utilized methods are presented. The results from inter-comparisons, homogeneity testing and inter-comparison of trend estimates, achieved within G-VAP’s first phase are summarized. The conclusions on future research directions for the wider community and for G-VAP’s next phase are outlined and recommendations have been formulated. For instance, a key recommendation is the need for recalibration and improved inter-calibration of radiance data records and subsequent reprocessing in order to increase stability and to provide uncertainty estimates. This need became evident from a general disagreement in trend estimates (e.g., trends in TCWV ranging from −1.51 ± 0.17 kg/m2/decade to 1.22 ± 0.16 kg/m2/decade) and the presence of break points on global and regional scale. It will be a future activity of G-VAP to reassess the stability of updated or new data records and to assess consistency, i.e., the closeness of data records given their uncertainty estimates.
Continuous Wavelet Analysis of Leaf Reflectance Improves Classification Accuracy of Mangrove Species
Authors: Xu Yi , Wang Junjie , Xia Anquan , Zhang Kangyong , Dong Xuanyan , Wu Kaipeng , Wu Guofeng
Published: January 2019

Due to continuous degradation of mangrove forests, the accurate monitoring of spatial distribution and species composition of mangroves is essential for restoration, conservation and management of coastal ecosystems. With leaf hyperspectral reflectance, this study aimed to explore the potential of continuous wavelet analysis (CWA) combined with different sample subset partition (stratified random sampling (STRAT), Kennard-Stone sampling algorithm (KS), and sample subset partition based on joint X-Y distances (SPXY)) and feature extraction methods (principal component analysis (PCA), successive projections algorithm (SPA), and vegetation index (VI)) in mangrove species classification. A total of 301 mangrove leaf samples with four species (Avicennia marina, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Kandelia obovate and Aegiceras corniculatum) were collected across six different regions. The smoothed reflectance (Smth) and first derivative reflectance (Der) spectra were subjected to CWA using different wavelet scales, and a total of 270 random forest classification models were established and compared. Among the 120 models with CWA of Smth, 88.3% of models increased the overall accuracy (OA) values with an improvement of 0.2–28.6% compared to the model with the Smth spectra; among the 120 models with CWA of Der, 25.8% of models increased the OA values with an improvement of 0.1–11.4% compared to the model with the Der spectra. The model with CWA of Der at the scale of 23 coupling with STRAT and SPA achieved the best classification result (OA = 98.0%), while the best model with Smth and Der alone had OA values of 86.3% and 93.0%, respectively. Moreover, the models using STRAT outperformed those using KS and SPXY, and the models using PCA and SPA had better performances than those using VIs. We have concluded that CWA with suitable scales holds great potential in improving the classification accuracy of mangrove species, and that STRAT combined with the PCA or SPA method is also recommended to improve classification performance. These results may lay the foundation for further studies with UAV-acquired or satellite hyperspectral data, and the encouraging performance of CWA for mangrove species classification can also be extended to other plant species.
Assimilation of GPSRO Bending Angle Profiles into the Brazilian Global Atmospheric Model
Authors: Banos Ivette H. , Sapucci Luiz F. , Cucurull Lidia , Bastarz Carlos F. , Silveira Bruna B.
Published: January 2019

The Global Positioning System (GPS) Radio Occultation (RO) technique allows valuable information to be obtained about the state of the atmosphere through vertical profiles obtained at various processing levels. From the point of view of data assimilation, there is a consensus that less processed data are preferable because of their lowest addition of uncertainties in the process. In the GPSRO context, bending angle data are better to assimilate than refractivity or atmospheric profiles; however, these data have not been properly explored by data assimilation at the CPTEC (acronym in Portuguese for Center for Weather Forecast and Climate Studies). In this study, the benefits and possible deficiencies of the CPTEC modeling system for this data source are investigated. Three numerical experiments were conducted, assimilating bending angles and refractivity profiles in the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) system coupled with the Brazilian Global Atmospheric Model (BAM). The results highlighted the need for further studies to explore the representation of meteorological systems at the higher levels of the BAM model. Nevertheless, more benefits were achieved using bending angle data compared with the results obtained assimilating refractivity profiles. The highest gain was in the data usage exploring 73.4% of the potential of the RO technique when bending angles are assimilated. Additionally, gains of 3.5% and 2.5% were found in the root mean square error values in the zonal and meridional wind components and geopotencial height at 250 hPa, respectively.
Unsupervised Deep Noise Modeling for Hyperspectral Image Change Detection
Authors: Li Xuelong , Yuan Zhenghang , Wang Qi
Published: January 2019

Hyperspectral image (HSI) change detection plays an important role in remote sensing applications, and considerable research has been done focused on improving change detection performance. However, the high dimension of hyperspectral data makes it hard to extract discriminative features for hyperspectral processing tasks. Though deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) have superior capability in high-level semantic feature learning, it is difficult to employ CNN for change detection tasks. As a ground truth map is usually used for the evaluation of change detection algorithms, it cannot be directly used for supervised learning. In order to better extract discriminative CNN features, a novel noise modeling-based unsupervised fully convolutional network (FCN) framework is presented for HSI change detection in this paper. Specifically, the proposed method utilizes the change detection maps of existing unsupervised change detection methods to train the deep CNN, and then removes the noise during the end-to-end training process. The main contributions of this paper are threefold: (1) A new end-to-end FCN-based deep network architecture for HSI change detection is presented with powerful learning features; (2) An unsupervised noise modeling method is introduced for the robust training of the proposed deep network; (3) Experimental results on three datasets confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Hierarchical Deep Fusion Framework for Egocentric Activity Recognition using a Wearable Hybrid Sensor System
Authors: Yu Haibin , Pan Guoxiong , Pan Mian , Li Chong , Jia Wenyan , Zhang Li , Sun Mingui
Published: January 2019

Recently, egocentric activity recognition has attracted considerable attention in the pattern recognition and artificial intelligence communities because of its wide applicability in medical care, smart homes, and security monitoring. In this study, we developed and implemented a deep-learning-based hierarchical fusion framework for the recognition of egocentric activities of daily living (ADLs) in a wearable hybrid sensor system comprising motion sensors and cameras. Long short-term memory (LSTM) and a convolutional neural network are used to perform egocentric ADL recognition based on motion sensor data and photo streaming in different layers, respectively. The motion sensor data are used solely for activity classification according to motion state, while the photo stream is used for further specific activity recognition in the motion state groups. Thus, both motion sensor data and photo stream work in their most suitable classification mode to significantly reduce the negative influence of sensor differences on the fusion results. Experimental results show that the proposed method not only is more accurate than the existing direct fusion method (by up to 6%) but also avoids the time-consuming computation of optical flow in the existing method, which makes the proposed algorithm less complex and more suitable for practical application.
Design and Feasibility Study of a Leg-exoskeleton Assistive Wheelchair Robot with Tests on Gluteus Medius Muscles
Authors: Huang Gao , Ceccarelli Marco , Huang Qiang , Zhang Weimin , Yu Zhangguo , Chen Xuechao , Mai Jingeng
Published: January 2019

The muscles of the lower limbs directly influence leg motion, therefore, lower limb muscle exercise is important for persons living with lower limb disabilities. This paper presents a medical assistive robot with leg exoskeletons for locomotion and leg muscle exercises. It also presents a novel pedal-cycling actuation method with a crank-rocker mechanism. The mechanism is driven by a single motor with a mechanical structure that ensures user safety. A control system is designed based on a master-slave control with sensor fusion method. Here, the intended motion of the user is detected by pedal-based force sensors and is then used in combination with joystick movements as control signals for leg-exoskeleton and wheelchair motions. Experimental data is presented and then analyzed to determine robotic motion characteristics as well as the assistance efficiency with attached electromyogram (EMG) sensors. A typical muscle EMG signal analysis shows that the exercise efficiency for EMG activated amplitudes of the gluteus medius muscles approximates a walking at speed of 3 m/s when cycling at different speeds (i.e., from 16 to 80 r/min) in a wheelchair. As such, the present wheelchair robot is a good candidate for enabling effective gluteus medius muscle exercises for persons living with gluteus medius muscle disabilities.
Adherence to Urban Agriculture in Order to Reach Sustainable Cities; a BWM–WASPAS Approach
Authors: Kolagar Milad
Published: January 2019

Today, the uncontrolled urban expansion and ever-increasing rise of construction have caused the need for food, urban greenery, and a healthy environment to be felt more than any other time. On the other hand, population growth and the reduced production of agricultural products and food have jeopardized food security in urban areas, which will endanger the sustainable development of cities. However, the main problem, in which many societies are involved, is how to respond to these needs in a sustainable way. One of the ways of responding to these dilemmas in large cities is the purposeful implementation of urban agriculture. Urban agriculture development, as an important issue, requires the adoption of fundamental and logical policies. In this regard, this research was conducted to evaluate the extent of adherence to urban agriculture in Iran’s eight densely populated cities using a new combined approach of the best–worst method (BWM) and weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS). The results indicated that urban agriculture still has a long way to go and should be considered more seriously. Moreover, vertical farming has been suggested as one of the ways of promoting urban agriculture in the country and smoothing the way to sustainable development.
Text–Image Relationships in Tweets: Shaping the Meanings of an Epidemic
Authors: Morin Celine , Mercier Arnaud , Atlani-Duault Laetitia
Published: January 2019

1. Background: While many studies analyze the functions that images can fulfill during humanitarian crises or catastrophes, an understanding of how meaning is constructed in text–image relationships is lacking. This article explores how discourses are produced using different types of text–image interactions. It presents a case study focusing on a humanitarian crisis, more specifically the sexual transmission of Ebola. 2. Methods: Data were processed both quantitatively and qualitatively through a keyword-based selection. Tweets containing an image were retrieved from a database of 210,600 tweets containing the words “Ebola” and “semen”, in English and in French, over the course of 12 months. When this first selection was crossed with the imperative of focusing on a specific thematic (the sexual transmission of Ebola) and avoiding off-topic text–image relationships, it led to reducing the corpus to 182 tweets. 3. Results: The article proposes a four-category classification of text–image relationships. Theoretically, it provides original insights into how discourses are built in social media; it also highlights the semiotic significance of images in expressing an opinion or an emotion. 4. Conclusion: The results suggest that the process of signification needs to be rethought: Content enhancement and dialogism through images have a bearing on Twitter’s use as a public sphere, such as credibilization of discourses or politicization of events. This opens the way to a new, more comprehensive approach to the rhetorics of users on Twitter.
Impact of Public Transport Context Situation and Culture on Mode Choice
Authors: Loyola Miguel , Shiftan Yoram , Aviram Haim , Monterde-i-Bort Hector
Published: January 2019

Arrival on time when reaching a trip destination is perceived differently by different communities, but the need to arrive at the desired time is essential. This study conducted a cross-cultural comparison of the waiting time reliability of public bus transport systems in three cities in three different countries: Haifa, Israel; Quito, Ecuador; and Valencia, Spain. The objective of the study was to understand and compare the importance of reliable public transport for university students attending classes in these diverse locations. A stated preference survey was conducted that considered the local fares and current travel times for each community. A logit model was designed to detect the importance of the waiting time reliability of bus timing. The values of time and value of reliability were estimated for each location, and the results were compared. The study established that reliability is, in fact, one of the important characteristics when choosing a travel mode (along with cost and travel time) across all of these diverse communities. The results showed that in all of the samples, the Value of Reliability (VOR) late was much higher than the Value of Reliability (VOR) early. Due to the differences between the transportation systems of the distinct countries, this study did not cover all possible transportation variables. An in-depth study, covering other variables, should be undertaken in the future.
Kinetic Analysis of Swimming Flip-Turn Push-Off Techniques
Authors: Weimar Wendi , Sumner Andrea , Romer Braden , Fox John , Rehm Jared , Decoux Brandi , Patel Jay
Published: January 2019

The aims of the present study were to examine the influences of different push-off techniques on kinetic and kinematic parameters both in and out of the water. The two techniques were: (1) a push off that was characterized by rapid extension of knees and hips towards the wall, prior to contact (i.e., no countermovement), and, (2) where the swimmer glides into the wall, letting the wall flex the knees in an approximate countermovement or eccentric phase. Twenty trained male and female freestyle swimmers (age 26.1 ± 9.9 years, height 1.61 ± 0.04 m, and weight 65.6 ± 19.3 kg) participated. Data were analyzed by employing two (i.e., land and water) 3 (variables of interest) x 2 (push-off type) repeated measures ANOVAs with the alpha level set a priori at 05. Results indicated that there were significant main effects for peak perpendicular force (p < 0.001), perpendicular impulse (p = 0.018), and velocity at 2.5 m (p = 0.005) on land. However, no significant effects were found between techniques in the water trials. As many of the participants were master swimmers, it is possible that they were unable to approach the wall in the water at the requisite speed to elicit a benefit from the countermovement.
How Is Motivation Generated in Collaborative Consumption: Mediation Effect in Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation
Authors: Li Haoxiao , Wen Haoyu
Published: January 2019

Collaborative consumption, often associated with the sharing economy, is an emerging consumption pattern that emphasizes sharing the right to use the same units of goods or services rather than owning them. This study proposed a more comprehensive definition of collaborative consumption and five distinctive characteristics of collaborative consumption, and based on that, it explored the internal mechanism of motivation about participation in collaborative consumption of users by applying self-determination theory. The empirical research was conducted using bicycle sharing users’ survey data to test the research model. Data were analyzed by structural equation model approach using partial least squares path modeling and multi-level regression model approach. The results reveal that, for extrinsic motivations, perceived economic benefit and convenience had significant positive effect on perceived usefulness, and perceived usefulness as a mediator significantly affected the user’s intention to participate. For intrinsic motivations, sustainability, sense of belonging and trust had significant positive effect on enjoyment, and enjoyment as a mediator significantly affected the intention to participate. The findings suggest the important role of perceived usefulness and enjoyment in self-determination theory. This paper offers recommendations for stakeholders based on model results to promote sustainable development of collaborative consumption.
Short-Term Wind Speed Forecasting Based on Hybrid Variational Mode Decomposition and Least Squares Support Vector Machine Optimized by Bat Algorithm Model
Authors: Wu Qunli , Lin Huaxing
Published: January 2019

With the integration of wind energy into electricity grids, wind speed forecasting plays an important role in energy generation planning, power grid integration and turbine maintenance scheduling. This study proposes a hybrid wind speed forecasting model to enhance prediction performance. Variational mode decomposition (VMD) was applied to decompose the original wind speed series into different sub-series with various frequencies. A least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) model with the pertinent parameters being optimized by a bat algorithm (BA) was established to forecast those sub-series extracted from VMD. The ultimate forecast of wind speed can be obtained by accumulating the prediction values of each sub-series. The results show that: (a) VMD-BA-LSSVM displays better capacity for the prediction of ultra short-term (15 min) and short-term (1 h) wind speed forecasting; (b) the proposed forecasting model was compared with wavelet decomposition (WD) and ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), and the results indicate that VMD has stronger decomposition ability than WD and EEMD, thus, significant improvements in forecasting accuracy were obtained with the proposed forecasting models compared with other forecasting methods.
Sustainability Performance. A Comparative Analysis in the Polish Banking Sector
Authors: Korzeb Zbigniew , Samaniego-Medina Reyes
Published: January 2019

This article analyses the Polish banking sector’s involvement with sustainable development through a multidimensional evaluation applying the technique for order preference by similarity ideal solution (TOPSIS) method with different weight vectors. Our results highlight numerous shortcomings in the sustainability performance of commercial banking activities. In fact, there was backsliding during the analysed period (2015–2017), which suggests that supporting sustainability performance was not one of the priorities of the Polish banking sector. However, we found a dichotomy between national and foreign banks. The government-owned banks and national banks showed greater commitment to this issue than did the banks with foreign capital. This finding suggests that banks with foreign capital were not fully interested in sponsoring activities aimed at sustainable development.
Ancient Organic Residues as Cultural and Environmental Proxies: The Value of Legacy Objects
Authors: Koh Andrew J. , Birney Kathleen J.
Published: January 2019

Often treated as an accessory science, organic residue analysis (ORA) has the capacity to illuminate otherwise hidden aspects of ancient technology, culture, and economy, and therein can play a central role in archaeological inquiry. Through ORA, both the intact vessel freshly excavated from a tomb and the sherd tucked away in a museum storage closet can offer insights into their contents, their histories, and the cultures that created them—provided the results can be carefully calibrated to account for their treatment during and after excavation. The case study below presents ORA data obtained from a range of artifacts from Late Bronze Age Crete, setting results from freshly-excavated and legacy objects alongside one another. Although legacy objects do tend to yield diminished results from both a quantitative and qualitative perspective, our comparative work has demonstrated both their value and untapped potential when their object biographies are carefully considered. It also sheds light on biomarker degradation processes, which have implications for methodologies of extraction and interpretation of legacy objects. Comparative studies such as these broaden the pool of viable ORA candidates, and therein amplify ORA’s ability to reveal patterns of consumption as well as ecological and environmental change. They also highlight the role and value of data-sharing in collaborative environments such as the OpenARCHEM archaeometric database.