bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production and Physicochemical Properties of Starch Isolated from Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum)
Authors: Lu Wen-Chien , Chan Yung-Jia , Tseng Fang-Yu , Chiang Po-Yuan , Li Po-Hsien
Published: November 2019

Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz.) is an annual fast-growing underutilized pseudo cereal with a high percentage of starch content. In this study, djulis starch was extracted from the flour of dried grains by three different isolation procedures: (1) hydrochloric acid (HCl) isolation procedure (HP); (2) deionized water isolation procedure (WP); and (3) sodium hydroxide (NaOH) isolation procedure (NP), followed by investigation of the physicochemical properties of the isolated djulis starch. The amylose content of HP, WP, and NP was 22.14%, 24.15%, and 22.43%, respectively. For scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphological observation, djulis starch presented a polygonal shape with granule sizes of 0.56–1.96, 0.74–3.02, and 0.62–2.48 μm, respectively. Djulis starch showed the classification of typical A-type x-ray patterns, and the relative degree of crystallinity for HP, WP, and NP was 33.15%, 36.17%, and 37.42%, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis was used to determine the transition temperatures, transition range, and enthalpies of the gelatinization of starches. HP and WP isolated starch exhibited the highest ΔH 9.24 and 8.51 J/g, respectively, whereas NP starch showed the lowest ΔH of 6.95 J/g. The pasting temperatures of HP, WP, and NP isolated starch, which were analyzed by using a Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA), were 71.70 °C, 72.80 °C, and 69.53 °C, respectively. The dependence of swelling power for the three isolated starches on temperature was tested at 10 °C with intervals between 60 °C and 90 °C. In short, the NP isolation procedure with a stable reaction is compelling from a technological point of view.
Association Analysis of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the 5′ Regulatory Region of the IL-6 Gene with Eimeria tenella Resistance in Jinghai Yellow Chickens
Authors: Yu Hailiang , Zou Wenbin , Xin Shijie , Wang Xiaohui , Mi Changhao , Dai Guojun , Zhang Tao , Zhang Genxi , Xie Kaizhou , Wang Jinyu , Qiu Cong
Published: November 2019

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is an immunoregulatory cytokine involved in various inflammatory and immune responses. To investigate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes of IL-6 on resistance to Eimeria tenella (E. tenella), SNPs in the 5′ regulatory region of IL-6 were detected with direct sequencing, and the effects of SNPs and haplotypes on resistance to E. tenella were analyzed by the least square model in Jinghai yellow chickens. Nineteen SNPs were identified in the 5′ regulation region of IL-6, among which three SNPs were newly discovered. The SNP association analysis results showed that nine of the SNPs were significantly associated with E. tenella resistance indexes; the A-483G locus was significantly associated with the GSH-Px, IL-2, and IL-17 indexes (p < 0.05); the C-447G locus was significantly associated with the SOD, GSH-Px, IL-17, and IL-2 indexes (p < 0.05); and the G-357A locus had significant effects on the CAT and IL-16 indexes (p < 0.05). Haplotype analysis showed that H2H3 and H2H5 were favorable haplotype combinations with good coccidium resistance. Furthermore, we used qRT-PCR and observed that the expression of IL-6 in the infection group was higher than that in the control group in the liver, proventriculus, small intestine, thymus, kidney, and bursa of Fabricius and extremely significantly different than that in the cecum especially (p < 0.01). In summary, SNPs and haplotypes in the 5′ regulatory region of IL-6 have important effects on E. tenella resistance, and the results will provide a reference for molecular marker selection of E. tenella resistance in Jinghai yellow chickens.
Chinese Consumers’ Preferences for Attributes of Fresh Milk: A Best–Worst Approach
Authors: Jin Shaosheng , Yuan Rao , Zhang Yan , Jin Xin
Published: November 2019

Fresh milk represents a major type of dairy product in China, while it remains at a low level in terms of consumption. Consumers’ preferences are a crucial factor determining consumers’ attitudes and behavior towards fresh milk consumption. However, little is known about what drives consumers’ preferences for fresh milk. This study intends to fill this gap based on a survey with a sample of 1248 respondents in ten cities in China. The best–worst scaling (BWS) method was employed to measure the importance of different attributes that consumers consider when selecting fresh milk. The BWS result indicates that safety certification, shelf-life, and nutrition were ranked as the most important attributes of fresh milk, whereas origin, purchasing location, and package were found to be the least preferred attributes. Furthermore, the study also explored heterogeneities by dividing all samples into a developed area and a less developed area, and a latent class model (LCM) was then applied to classify consumers based on their preferences and demographics in these two areas, respectively. In developed areas, consumers were divided into “Safety First” and “Taste Sensitive”, and Gender and Age were significant determinants of class membership. In less developed areas, consumers were classified as “Quality Sensitive” and “Brand Sensitive”, while Education, Pregnancy, and Health condition were significant determinants of class membership. The findings might be useful for the government in terms of encouraging dairy companies to implement safety management certification, and suggest that companies should design differentiated strategies in different areas.
The Effectiveness of Cigarette Pack Health Warning Labels with Religious Messages in an Urban Setting in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kaplan Bekir , Hardesty Jeffrey J. , Martini Santi , Megatsari Hario , Kennedy Ryan , Cohen Joanna
Published: November 2019

This study sought to assess the effectiveness of religious cigarette health warning labels (HWLs) in Indonesia, a country with a high public health burden from tobacco use. The study tested different religious and nonreligious messages related to suicide, secondhand smoke (SHS) and gangrene. Participants were smokers and non-smokers from Surabaya, Indonesia (n = 817). Participants rated each HWL for its effectiveness on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 = “not at all”, 10 = “extremely”) with respect to 10 items. Nonreligious HWLs were marginally superior for SHS and suicide while religious HWLs were marginally superior for gangrene. Given the close rating scores between religious and nonreligious HWLs, they were functionally equal in effectiveness. With proper assessment of potential unintended consequences, the implementation of religious HWLs could be considered for a proportion of HWLs.
The Role of Post-Translational Modifications in the Phase Transitions of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
Authors: Owen Izzy , Shewmaker Frank
Published: November 2019

Advances in genomics and proteomics have revealed eukaryotic proteomes to be highly abundant in intrinsically disordered proteins that are susceptible to diverse post-translational modifications. Intrinsically disordered regions are critical to the liquid–liquid phase separation that facilitates specialized cellular functions. Here, we discuss how post-translational modifications of intrinsically disordered protein segments can regulate the molecular condensation of macromolecules into functional phase-separated complexes.
Design of IoT-based Cyber–Physical Systems: A Driverless Bulldozer Prototype
Authors: Carreras Guzman Nelson H. , Mezovari Adam Gergo
Published: November 2019

From autonomous vehicles to robotics and machinery, organizations are developing autonomous transportation systems in various domains. Strategic incentives point towards a fourth industrial revolution of cyber–physical systems with higher levels of automation and connectivity throughout the Internet of Things (IoT) that interact with the physical world. In the construction and mining sectors, these developments are still at their infancy, and practitioners are interested in autonomous solutions to enhance efficiency and reliability. This paper illustrates the enhanced design of a driverless bulldozer prototype using IoT-based solutions for the remote control and navigation tracking of the mobile machinery. We illustrate the integration of a cloud application, communication protocols and a wireless communication network to control a small-scale bulldozer from a remote workstation. Furthermore, we explain a new tracking functionality of work completion using maps and georeferenced indicators available via a user interface. Finally, we provide a preliminary safety and security risk assessment of the system prototype and propose guidance for application in real-scale machinery.
Effect of the Post-Spinning Solvent Exchange on the Performance of Asymmetric, Polyimide Hollow Fibers Prepared by Using a Triple-Orifice Spinneret
Authors: Bernardo Paola , Tasselli Franco , Chiappetta Giovanni , Clarizia Gabriele
Published: November 2019

Hollow fibers (HFs) are widely applied in different membrane operations, particularly in gas separation. The present work investigates the effect of post-spinning treatment on the gas transport properties of polyimide-based HFs. The membranes were spun by using both a conventional spinneret and a triple-orifice spinneret. A systematic analysis was carried out by considering different alcohols as the first fluid for the solvent exchange, with or without n–hexane as a second fluid. The HFs were characterized by exploring the change of the morphology and the permselective properties as a consequence of the operation conditions for spinning and post-treatments. According to the morphology, for a specific hollow fiber type, an optimal post–treatment was identified. The HFs prepared with the triple-orifice spinneret, using a solvent–rich shell fluid, can take advantage of the post-treatment using larger alcohols, while smaller alcohols should be preferred for the conventional spun HFs that present inside–outside double skin layers.
Hybrid Systems Based on Talc and Chitosan for Controlled Drug Release
Authors: Lima Luciano C. B. , Coelho Caio C. , Silva Fabrícia C. , Meneguin Andréia B. , Barud Hernane S. , Bezerra Roosevelt D. S. , Viseras Cesar , Osajima Josy A. , Silva-Filho Edson C.
Published: November 2019

Inorganic matrices and biopolymers have been widely used in pharmaceutical fields. They show properties such as biocompatibility, incorporation capacity, and controlled drug release, which can become more attractive if they are combined to form hybrid materials. This work proposes the synthesis of new drug delivery systems (DDS) based on magnesium phyllosilicate (Talc) obtained by the sol–gel route method, the biopolymer chitosan (Ch), and the inorganic-organic hybrid formed between this matrix (Talc + Ch), obtained using glutaraldehyde as a crosslink agent, and to study their incorporation/release capacity of amiloride as a model drug. The systems were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Therma analysis TG/DTG, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) that supported the DDS’s formation. The hybrid showed a better drug incorporation capacity compared to the precursors, with a loading of 55.74, 49.53, and 4.71 mg g−1 for Talc + Ch, Talc, and Ch, respectively. The release assays were performed on a Hanson Research SR-8 Plus dissolver using apparatus I (basket), set to guarantee the sink conditions. The in vitro release tests showed a prolongation of the release rates of this drug for at least 4 h. This result proposes that the systems implies the slow and gradual release of the active substance, favoring the maintenance of the plasma concentration within a therapeutic window.
Investigations on Aging Behavior and Mechanism of Polyurea Coating in Marine Atmosphere
Authors: Che Kaiyuan , Lyu Ping , Wan Fei , Ma Mingliang
Published: November 2019

In this investigation, the aging behaviors of polyurea coating exposed to marine atmosphere for 150 days were studied and the mechanism was analyzed. The influences on surface and mechanical properties, surface morphology, thermal stability behavior, as well as chemical changes evolution of the coating were investigated. By attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), changes in the chemical properties of polyurea coatings before (PCB) and after 150 d (PCA) of aging were analyzed, and emphasis was given to the effect of aging on functional group change, the hydrogen bonding behavior, and phase separated morphology. The results displayed prominent chain scission during aging, such as N–H, C=O, and C–O–C and the hydrogen bonded urea carbonyl content showed a decrease trend. The relative content of soft and hard segments showed a significant change, which increased the degree of phase separation.
Equations of State of Simple Solids (Including Pb, NaCl and LiF) Compressed in Helium or Neon in the Mbar Range
Authors: Dewaele Agnès
Published: November 2019

The equations of state measured under ambient temperature in the Mbar range are reviewed, focusing on experiments using diamond anvils cells with a quasi-hydrostatic pressure transmitting medium (helium or neon) and coupled with X-ray diffraction. Equations of state (EoS) parameters are listed with an unified pressure metrology for all data. This metrology is based on the efforts made in the 2000s to update the ruby luminescence pressure scale, after the collection of original data. To complete this database, unpublished P-V data for lead (Pb), sodium chloride (NaCl) and lithium fluoride (LiF) are also provided with the same metrology. Systematic effects of the pressure metrology on the EoS parameters are discussed.
Structural Analysis of Gluco-Oligosaccharides Produced by Leuconostoc lactis and Their Prebiotic Effect
Authors: Lee Sulhee , Park Jisun , Jang Jae-Kweon , Lee Byung-Hoo , Park Young-Seo
Published: November 2019

Leuconostoc lactis CCK940, which exhibits glycosyltransferase activity, produces oligosaccharides using sucrose and maltose as donor and receptor molecules, respectively. The oligosaccharides produced were purified by Bio-gel P2 chromatography and the purified oligosaccharides (CCK-oligosaccharides) consisted of only glucose. 1H-NMR analysis revealed that the CCK-oligosaccharides were composed of 77.6% α-1,6 and 22.4% α-1,4 glycosidic linkages, and the molecular weight of the CCK-oligosaccharides was found to be 9.42 × 102 Da. To determine the prebiotic effect of the CCK-oligosaccharides, various carbon sources were added in modified media. Growth of six probiotic strains, Lactobacillus casei, L. pentosus, L. plantarum, Weissella cibaria, Bifidobacterim animalis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was better when the CCK-oligosaccharides were used as the sole carbon source compared to fructo-oligosaccharides, which are widely used as prebiotics. These results showed that the CCK-oligosaccharides produced from Leu. lactis CCK940 could serve as good candidates for novel prebiotics.
TMSBr-Promoted Cascade Cyclization of ortho-Propynol Phenyl Azides for the Synthesis of 4-Bromo Quinolines and Its Applications
Authors: Jin Fengyan , Yang Tao , Song Xian-Rong , Bai Jiang , Yang Ruchun , Ding Haixin , Xiao Qiang
Published: November 2019

Difficult-to-access 4-bromo quinolines are constructed directly from easily prepared ortho-propynol phenyl azides using TMSBr as acid-promoter. The cascade transformation performs smoothly to generate desired products in moderate to excellent yields with good functional groups compatibility. Notably, TMSBr not only acted as an acid-promoter to initiate the reaction, and also as a nucleophile. In addition, 4-bromo quinolines as key intermediates could further undergo the coupling reactions or nucleophilic reactions to provide a variety of functionalized compounds with molecular diversity at C4 position of quinolines.
Synergistic Cytoprotective Effects of Rutin and Ascorbic Acid on the Proteomic Profile of 3D-Cultured Keratinocytes Exposed to UVA or UVB Radiation
Authors: Gęgotek Agnieszka , Jarocka-Karpowicz Iwona , Skrzydlewska Elżbieta
Published: November 2019

The combination of ascorbic acid and rutin, often used in oral preparations, due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, can be used to protect skin cells against the effects of UV radiation from sunlight. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic effect of rutin and ascorbic acid on the proteomic profile of UVA and UVB irradiated keratinocytes cultured in a three-dimensional (3D) system. Results showed that the combination of rutin and ascorbic acid protects skin cells against UV-induced changes. In particular, alterations were observed in the expression of proteins involved in the antioxidant response, DNA repairing, inflammation, apoptosis, and protein biosynthesis. The combination of rutin and ascorbic acid also showed a stronger cytoprotective effect than when using either compound alone. Significant differences were visible between rutin and ascorbic acid single treatments in the case of protein carboxymethylation/carboxyethylation. Ascorbic acid prevented UV or rutin-induced protein modifications. Therefore, the synergistic effect of rutin and ascorbic acid creates a potentially effective protective system against skin damages caused by UVA and UVB radiation.
Arterial Stiffness, Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Fruits Intake in a Rural Population Sample: Data from the Brisighella Heart Study
Authors: Cicero Arrigo F.G. , Fogacci Federica , Desideri Giovambattista , Grandi Elisa , Rizzoli Elisabetta , D’Addato Sergio , Borghi Claudio
Published: November 2019

Introduction: There is conflicting information linking fruit and fructose intake with cardiometabolic disorders. The main objective of our study was to evaluate the association between intake of fruits and sugar-sweetened beverages, and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), a non-invasive marker of arterial aging, in a large population sample. Methods: For this study, we selected four age and sex-matched subgroups from the last Brisighella Heart Study population survey, after exclusion of those in secondary prevention for cardiovascular diseases, affected by gout and moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease (defined as eGFR < 60 mL/min), and/or actively treated with direct vasodilating drugs (calcium-antagonists, alpha-blockers, nitrates). The remaining subjects were classified into four groups: (1) low fruit and low sugar-sweetened beverage intake (LFLB), (2) high fruit and low sugar-sweetened beverage intake (HFLB), (3) low fruit and high sugar-sweetened beverage intake (LFHB), (4) high fruit and high sugar-sweetened beverage intake (HFHB). Results: CfPWV was significantly elevated in subjects consuming a higher fructose load, particularly when it was derived from industrially sweetened beverages (pooled LFHB & HFHB: 9.6 ± 2.3 m/s; pooled LFLB & HFLB: 8.6 ± 2.3 m/s, p < 0.001). Moreover, the main predictors of cfPWV values were serum uric acid (B = 0.391, 95%CI 0.321–0.486, p = 0.001), fructose load from both fruits and sugar-sweetened beverages (B = 0.310, 95%CI 0.099–0.522, p = 0.004), triglycerides (B = 0.228, 95%CI 0.117–0.389, p = 0.018), fasting plasma glucose (B = 0.015, 95%CI 0.008–0.022, p < 0.001) and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (B = −0.043, 95%CI −0.052–−0.035, p < 0.001). Conclusion: our data suggest that increased intake of fructose derived from industrial sweetened beverages, though not from fruits, is associated with higher pulse wave velocity.
Development and Evaluation of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Drug–Disease Models for Predicting Rifampicin Exposure in Tuberculosis and Cirrhosis Populations
Authors: Rasool Muhammad F. , Khalid Sundus , Majeed Abdul , Saeed Hamid , Imran Imran , Mohany Mohamed , Al-Rejaie Salim S. , Alqahtani Faleh
Published: November 2019

The physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) approach facilitates the construction of novel drug–disease models by allowing incorporation of relevant pathophysiological changes. The aim of the present work was to explore and identify the differences in rifampicin pharmacokinetics (PK) after the application of its single dose in healthy and diseased populations by using PBPK drug–disease models. The Simcyp® simulator was used as a platform for modeling and simulation. The model development process was initiated by predicting rifampicin PK in healthy population after intravenous (i.v) and oral administration. Subsequent to successful evaluation in healthy population, the pathophysiological changes in tuberculosis and cirrhosis population were incorporated into the developed model for predicting rifampicin PK in these populations. The model evaluation was performed by using visual predictive checks and the comparison of mean observed/predicted ratios (ratio(Obs/pred)) of the PK parameters. The predicted PK parameters in the healthy population were in adequate harmony with the reported clinical data. The incorporation of pathophysiological changes in albumin concentration in the tuberculosis population revealed improved prediction of clearance. The developed PBPK drug–disease models have efficiently described rifampicin PK in tuberculosis and cirrhosis populations after administering single drug dose, as the ratio(Obs/pred) for all the PK parameters were within a two-fold error range. The mechanistic nature of the developed PBPK models may facilitate their extension to other diseases and drugs.
Silicone Resin Polymer Used in Preventive Maintenance of Asphalt Mixture Based on Fog Seal
Authors: Cui Peide , Wu Shaopeng , Xu Haiqin , Lv Yang
Published: November 2019

The commonly used materials in fog seal are emulsified asphalt and modified emulsified asphalt. Nevertheless, there are some intractable problems including aging under ultraviolet, poor permeability, and moisture susceptibility. Therefore, silicone resin polymer was used as a kind of innovative fog seal material in this study. Physicochemical properties of solidified silicone resin were characterized. X-ray computed tomography and 3D reconstruction technology were used to evaluate permeability and distribution of silicone resin polymer in an asphalt mixture. Moisture sensitivity and high-temperature performance of the asphalt mixture maintained by silicone resin polymer were also detected. The results show that surface characteristic of silicone resin can effectively isolate moisture, thereby improving moisture resistance of the asphalt mixture. Silicone resin was found to be evenly distributed throughout the pores of a sample when the dosage was 400 or 600 mL/m2. The pore filling rate increased by 16.3% when the dosage was changed from 200 to 400 mL/m2, whereas it only increased by 3.7% when dosage increased from 400 to 600 mL/m2. Moisture damage resistance of asphalt mixtures generally increased as the dosage of silicone was increased. However, as the dosage increased from 400 to 600 mL/m2, the growth rate in residual Marshall stability (RMS) and tensile strength ratio (TSR) slowed significantly since the pore filling effect of silicone has reached the upper limit. Dosage of silicone resin has little effect on the results of the rutting test while it has significant influence on Hamburg wheel tracking test (HWT). Furthermore, it was found that 400 mL/m2 is the optimum silicone dosage for open-graded friction course (OGFC)-13 mixture in consideration of permeability, distribution, performance of mixture, and economic cost.
Distinguishing Photosynthetic and Non-Photosynthetic Vegetation: How Do Traditional Observations and Spectral Classification Compare?
Authors: Fisk Claire , Clarke Kenneth , Delean Steven , Lewis Megan
Published: November 2019

Remotely sensed ground cover maps are routinely validated using field data collected by observers who classify ground cover into defined categories such as photosynthetic vegetation (PV), non-photosynthetic vegetation (NPV), bare soil (BS), and rock. There is an element of subjectivity to the classification of PV and NPV, and classifications may differ between observers. An alternative is to estimate ground cover based on in situ hyperspectral reflectance measurements (HRM). This study examines observer consistency when classifying vegetation samples of wheat (Triticum aestivum var. Gladius) covering the full range of photosynthetic activity, from completely senesced (0% PV) to completely green (100% PV), as photosynthetic or non-photosynthetic. We also examine how the classification of spectra of the same vegetation samples compares to the observer results. We collected HRM and photographs, over two months, to capture the transition of wheat leaves from 100% PV to 100% NPV. To simulate typical field methodology, observers viewed the photographs and classified each leaf as either PV or NPV, while spectral unmixing was used to decompose the HRM of the leaves into proportions of PV and NPV. The results showed that when a leaf was ≤25% or ≥75% PV observers tended to agree, and assign the leaf to the expected category. However, as leaves transitioned from PV to NPV (i.e., PV ≥ 25% but ≤ 75%) observers’ decisions differed more widely and their classifications showed little agreement with the spectral proportions of PV and NPV. This has significant implications for the reliability of data collected using binary methods in areas containing a significant proportion of vegetation in this intermediate range such as the over/underestimation of PV and NPV vegetation and how reliably this data can then be used to validate remotely sensed products.
Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Mapping with Details: Smallholder versus Industrial Plantations and their Extent in Riau, Sumatra
Authors: Descals Adrià , Szantoi Zoltan , Meijaard Erik , Sutikno Harsono , Rindanata Guruh , Wich Serge
Published: November 2019

Oil palm is rapidly expanding in Southeast Asia and represents one of the major drivers of deforestation in the region. This includes both industrial-scale and smallholder plantations, the management of which entails specific challenges, with either operational scale having its own particular social and environmental challenges. Although, past studies addressed the mapping of oil palm with remote sensing data, none of these studies considered the discrimination between industrial and smallholder plantations and, furthermore, between young and mature oil palm stands. This study assesses the feasibility of mapping oil palm plantations, by typology (industrial versus smallholder) and age (young versus mature), in the largest palm oil producing region of Indonesia (Riau province). The impact of using optical images (Sentinel-2) and radar scenes (Sentinel-1) in a Random Forest classification model was investigated. The classification model was implemented in a cloud computing system to map the oil palm plantations of Riau province. Our results show that the mapping of oil palm plantations by typology and age requires a set of optimal features, derived from optical and radar data, to obtain the best model performance (OA = 90.2% and kappa = 87.2%). These features are texture images that capture contextual information, such as the dense harvesting trail network in industrial plantations. The study also shows that the mapping of mature oil palm trees, without distinction between smallholder and industrial plantations, can be done with high accuracy using only Sentinel-1 data (OA = 93.5% and kappa = 86.9%) because of the characteristic backscatter response of palm-like trees in radar scenes. This means that researchers, certification bodies, and stakeholders can adequately detect mature oil palm stands over large regions without training complex classification models and with Sentinel-1 features as the only predictive variables. The results over Riau province show that smallholders represent 49.9% of total oil palm plantations, which is higher than reported in previous studies. This study is an important step towards a global map of oil palm plantations at different production scales and stand ages that can frequently be updated. Resulting insights would facilitate a more informed debate about optimizing land use for meeting global vegetable oil demands from oil palm and other oil crops.
High-Quality Cloud Masking of Landsat 8 Imagery Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Hughes M. Joseph , Kennedy Robert
Published: November 2019

The Landsat record represents an amazing resource for discovering land-cover changes and monitoring the Earth’s surface. However, making the most use of the available data, especially for automated applications ingesting thousands of images without human intervention, requires a robust screening of cloud and cloud-shadow, which contaminate clear views of the land surface. We constructed a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) model to semantically segment Landsat 8 images into regions labeled clear-sky, clouds, cloud-shadow, water, and snow/ice. For training, we constructed a global, hand-labeled dataset of Landsat 8 imagery; this labor-intensive process resulted in the uniquely high-quality dataset needed for the creation of a high-quality model. The CNN model achieves results on par with the ability of human interpreters, with a total accuracy of 97.1%, omitting only 3.5% of cloud pixels and 4.8% of cloud shadow pixels, which is seven to eight times fewer missed pixels than the masks distributed with the imagery. By harnessing the power of advanced tensor processing units, the classification of full images is I/O bound, making this approach a feasible method to generate masks for the entire Landsat 8 archive.
InSAR Time Series Analysis of L-Band Data for Understanding Tropical Peatland Degradation and Restoration
Authors: Zhou Zhiwei , Li Zhenhong , Waldron Susan , Tanaka Akiko
Published: November 2019

In this study, satellite radar observations are employed to reveal spatiotemporal changes in ground surface height of peatlands that have, and have not, undergone restoration in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Our time series analysis of 26 scenes of Advanced Land Observation Satellite-1 (ALOS-1) Phased-Array L-band Synthetic-Aperture Radar (PALSAR) images acquired between 2006 and 2010 suggests that peatland restoration was positively affected by the construction time of dams—the earlier the dam was constructed, the more significant the restoration appears. The results also suggest that the dams resulted in an increase of ground water level, which in turn stopped peat losing height. For peatland areas without restoration, the peatland continuously lost peat height by up to 7.7 cm/yr. InSAR-derived peat height changes allow the investigation of restoration effects over a wide area and can also be used to indirectly assess the relative magnitude and spatial pattern of peatland damage caused by drainage and fires. Such an assessment can provide key information for guiding future restoration activities.
Feasibility of a Sensor-Based Gait Event Detection Algorithm for Triggering Functional Electrical Stimulation during Robot-Assisted Gait Training
Authors: Schicketmueller Andreas , Rose Georg , Hofmann Marc
Published: November 2019

Technologies such as robot-assisted gait trainers or functional electrical stimulation can improve the rehabilitation process of people affected with gait disorders due to stroke or other neurological defects. By combining both technologies, the potential disadvantages of each technology could be compensated and simultaneously, therapy effects could be improved. Thus, an algorithm was designed that aims to detect the gait cycle of a robot-assisted gait trainer. Based on movement data recorded with inertial measurement units, gait events can be detected. These events can further be used to trigger functional electrical stimulation. This novel setup offers the possibility of equipping a broad range of potential robot-assisted gait trainers with functional electrical stimulation. The aim of this paper in particular was to test the feasibility of a system using inertial measurement units for gait event detection during robot-assisted gait training. Thus, a 39-year-old healthy male adult executed a total of six training sessions with two robot-assisted gait trainers (Lokomat and Lyra). The measured data from the sensors were analyzed by a custom-made gait event detection algorithm. An overall detection rate of 98.1% ± 5.2% for the Lokomat and 94.1% ± 6.8% for the Lyra was achieved. The mean type-1 error was 0.3% ± 1.2% for the Lokomat and 1.9% ± 4.3% for the Lyra. As a result, the setup provides promising results for further research and a technique that can enhance robot-assisted gait trainers by adding functional electrical stimulation to the rehabilitation process.
An Evaluation Framework for Spectral Filter Array Cameras to Optimize Skin Diagnosis
Authors: Bauer Jacob Renzo , Thomas Jean-Baptiste , Hardeberg Jon Yngve , Verdaasdonk Rudolf M.
Published: November 2019

Comparing and selecting an adequate spectral filter array (SFA) camera is application-specific and usually requires extensive prior measurements. An evaluation framework for SFA cameras is proposed and three cameras are tested in the context of skin analysis. The proposed framework does not require application-specific measurements and spectral sensitivities together with the number of bands are the main focus. An optical model of skin is used to generate a specialized training set to improve spectral reconstruction. The quantitative comparison of the cameras is based on reconstruction of measured skin spectra, colorimetric accuracy, and oxygenation level estimation differences. Specific spectral sensitivity shapes influence the results directly and a 9-channel camera performed best regarding the spectral reconstruction metrics. Sensitivities at key wavelengths influence the performance of oxygenation level estimation the strongest. The proposed framework allows to compare spectral filter array cameras and can guide their application-specific development.
Fault Diagnosis of a Rotor and Ball-Bearing System Using DWT Integrated with SVM, GRNN, and Visual Dot Patterns
Authors: Chu Wen-Lin , Lin Chih-Jer , Kao Kai-Chun
Published: November 2019

In this study, a set of methods for the inspection of a working motor in real time was proposed. The aim was to determine if ball-bearing operation is normal or abnormal and to conduct an inspection in real time. The system consists of motor control and measurement systems. The motor control system provides a set fixed speed, and the measurement system uses an accelerometer to measure the vibration, and the collected signal data are sent to a PC for analysis. This paper gives the details of the decomposition of vibration signals, using discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and computation of the features. It includes the classification of the features after analysis. Two major methods are used for the diagnosis of malfunction, the support vector machines (SVM) and general regression neural networks (GRNN). For visualization and to input the signals for visualization, they were input into a convolutional neural network (CNN) for further classification, as well as for the comparison of performance and results. Unique experimental processes were established with a particular hardware combination, and a comparison with commonly used methods was made. The results can be used for the design of a real-time motor that bears a diagnostic and malfunction warning system. This research establishes its own experimental process, according to the hardware combination and comparison of commonly used methods in research; a design for a real-time diagnosis of motor malfunction, as well as an early warning system, can be built thereupon.
Fog Computing Enabling Industrial Internet of Things: State-of-the-Art and Research Challenges
Authors: Basir Rabeea , Qaisar Saad , Ali Mudassar , Aldwairi Monther , Ashraf Muhammad Ikram , Mahmood Aamir , Gidlund Mikael
Published: November 2019

Industry is going through a transformation phase, enabling automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies and processes, and this transformation is called Industry 4.0. Industrial Internet-of-Things (IIoT) applications require real-time processing, near-by storage, ultra-low latency, reliability and high data rate, all of which can be satisfied by fog computing architecture. With smart devices expected to grow exponentially, the need for an optimized fog computing architecture and protocols is crucial. Therein, efficient, intelligent and decentralized solutions are required to ensure real-time connectivity, reliability and green communication. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of methods and techniques in fog computing. Our focus is on fog infrastructure and protocols in the context of IIoT applications. This article has two main research areas: In the first half, we discuss the history of industrial revolution, application areas of IIoT followed by key enabling technologies that act as building blocks for industrial transformation. In the second half, we focus on fog computing, providing solutions to critical challenges and as an enabler for IIoT application domains. Finally, open research challenges are discussed to enlighten fog computing aspects in different fields and technologies.
Disposable Injection Molded Conductive Electrodes Modified with Antimony Film for the Electrochemical Determination of Trace Pb(II) and Cd(II)
Authors: Christidi Savvina , Chrysostomou Alexia , Economou Anastasios , Kokkinos Christos , Fielden Peter R. , Baldock Sara J. , Goddard Nicholas J.
Published: November 2019

This work describes a novel electrochemical sensor fabricated by an injection molding process. This device features a conductive polymer electrode encased in a plastic holder and electroplated in situ with a thin antimony film. The antimony film sensor was applied to the determination of Pb(II) and Cd(II) by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). The deposition of Sb on the sensor was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and microscopy. The experimental variables (concentration of the antimony plating solution, deposition potential and time, stripping waveform) were investigated, and the potential interferences were studied and addressed. The limits of detection were 0.95 μg L−1 for Pb(II) and 1.3 for Cd(II) (at 240 s of preconcentration) and the within-sensor percentage relative standard deviations were 4.2% and 4.9%, respectively, at the 25 μg L−1 level (n = 8). Finally, the sensor was applied to the determination of Pb(II) and Cd(II) in a phosphorite sample and a lake water sample.
HabITec: A Sociotechnical Space for Promoting the Application of Technology to Rehabilitation
Authors: Kendall Elizabeth , Oh Soo , Amsters Delena , Whitehead Mary , Hua Justin , Robinson Paul , Palipana Dinesh , Gall Andrew , Cheung Ming , Potter Leigh Ellen , Smith Derek , Lightfoot Brett
Published: November 2019

Society is currently facing unprecedented technological advances that simultaneously create opportunities and risks. Technology has the potential to revolutionize rehabilitation and redefine the way we think about disability. As more advanced technology becomes available, impairments and the environmental barriers that engender disability can be significantly mitigated. The opportunity to apply technology to rehabilitation following serious injuries or illnesses is becoming more evident. However, the translation of these innovations into practice remains limited and often inequitable. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that not all relevant parties are involved in the decision-making process. Our solution was to create a sociotechnical system, known as HabITec, where people with disabilities, practitioners, funders, researchers, designers and developers can work together and co-create new solutions. Sociotechnical thinking is collaborative, interdisciplinary, adaptive, problem-solving and focused on a shared set of goals. By applying a sociotechnical approach to the healthcare sector, we aimed to minimize the lag in translating new technologies into rehabilitation practice. This collaborative co-design process supports innovation and ensures that technological solutions are practical and meaningful, ethical, sustainable and contextualized. In this conceptual paper, we presented the HabITec model along with the empirical evidence and theories on which it has been built.
Management and Perception of Metropolitan Natura 2000 Sites: A Case Study of La Mandria Park (Turin, Italy)
Authors: Battisti Luca , Corsini Filippo , Gusmerotti Natalia Marzia , Larcher Federica
Published: November 2019

The European Commission promotes management practices for nature conservation and human well-being, requiring the involvement of users in Natura 2000 sites. The research aim was to investigate the user’s aesthetic perception in relation to the adoption of different management measures, within an Italian metropolitan Natura 2000 site. The research was performed in La Mandria Park in 2018 (1780 ha). The method was based on a participatory approach (interviews, questionnaires and participatory mapping), involving both park managers and users. Four main landscape elements were identified: lawns, woodlands, lines of trees and water bodies. Questionnaires (N = 232) were analyzed by descriptive and regression analysis. Mapped preferred places were analyzed using ecological indexes on 500 m land use buffers. A gendered perception of the aesthetic quality was detected, demonstrating that women are more strictly connected to nature than men. Users involved in park activities better perceived the aesthetic quality, while regular visitors had a worst perception. From participatory mapping (N = 137), it emerges that the eight preferred places are characterized by a mixed land use with different maintenance regimes and ecological values. Users’ perceptions should be integrated in a co-management plan in metropolitan Natura 2000 sites, combining nature conservation with user enjoyment.
ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ ЭКСТЕРЬЕРНЫХ ИНДЕКСОВ В КАЧЕСТВЕ КРИТЕРИЕВ ОТБОРА БЫКОВ-ПРОИЗВОДИТЕЛЕЙ *
Authors: SMOTROVA E.A. , TULINOVA O.V.
Published: November 2019

Проведены исследования линейной оценки признаков экстерьера первотелок айрширской породы (n572), являющихся дочерьми 21 быка, на основании которых рассчитаны индексы композиции вымени (UDC) и качества конечностей (FLC), полифакторные индексы ПЭИ2 и ПЭИ6, коэффициент ранговой корреляции Спирмена между используемыми индексами и племенной ценностью быков по удою (ПЦВСКП). Отсутствие достоверной связи между UDC и FLC с ПЦВСКП препятствует улучшению экстерьера потомков при отборе по внутристадной оценке. Достоверно высокая взаимосвязь выявлена между UDC и финальной оценкой экстерьера, индексами ПЭИ2 и ПЭИ6 0,745, 0,706 и 0,710, соответственно. В процессе моделирования алгоритмов отбора быковпроизводителей установлено, что с введением 25ного отбора быков по ПЦВСКП вместе с увеличением самой оценки на 155 кг достоверно (P0,001) повышается индекс ПЭИ2 на 48 (P0,001), а при отборе 10 производителей на 247 кг и 81 при P0,001, соответственно. В результате отбора по ПЭИ2 получены высокие и достоверные селекционные дифференциалы (P0,001) по удою 430 кг, финальной оценке 0,67 баллов, индексу ПЭИ2 102, а также по внутристадной племенной ценности 108 кг. При моделировании двух вариантов отбора по UDC и FLC проведена сверка 5 лучших быков, при которой выявлено, что дочери производителей Лабри и Носто по сравнению со сверстницами при потере продуктивности на 115 кг достоверно улучшают показатели вымени на 0,3 (P0,05), конечностей на 1,1 (P0,001) и финальную оценку на 1,0 балл (P0,001).

Studies were carried out on a linear assessment of the exterior first calving cows of Ayrshire breed (n572), which are the daughters of 21 bulls, on the basis of which the UDC and FLC, the productively exterior indices PEI2 and PEI6, the Spearmans rank correlation coefficient between the indices and the intraherd breeding value (BVin) bulls was calculated. Improvement of the exterior in the selection of assessments due to the lack of reliable correlation between the UDC and FLC with the BVin. A reliable high correlation was found between the UDC and the final assessment of the exterior, the indices PEI2 and PEI6 0.745, 0.706 and 0.710, respectively. It was found that with the selection of 25 of bulls, the assessment itself increases by 155 (P0.001) and the PEI2 increases significantly by 48 (P0.001), while selecting 10 of bulls by 247 and 81 (P 0.001) respectively. The selection of PEI2 gave high and reliable breeding differentials (P0.001) for a yield of 430 kg, for a final assessment of 0.67 points, for the PEI2 102, for BVin 108. In the selection by UDC and FLC 25 of bulls were identified: Labry and Nosto. The daughters of these bulls with a loss of milk yield by 115 kg reliably improve the udder by 0.3 (P0.05), feet and legs by 1.1 (P0.001) and the final assessment by 1.0 point (P0.001).
ПРИРОДНЫЕ КОРМОВЫЕ ДОБАВКИ В КОРМЛЕНИИ ЛАКТИРУЮЩИХ КОРОВ
Authors: IVANOV E.A. , TERESHCHENKO V.A. , IVANOVA O.V.
Published: November 2019

Изучено влияние хвойной муки и скорлупы кедрового ореха на молочную продуктивность и качество молока коров чернопестрой породы в условиях сельхозпредприятия Красноярского края. Для опыта было сформировано 3 группы коров. Контрольная получала основной рацион (ОР), I опытная дополнительно к ОР хвойную муку, II дополнительно к ОР хвойную муку в комплексе со скорлупой кедрового ореха. В результате исследований было установлено, что в хвойной муке содержалось больше полифенолов на 0,05, меди на 29,4, цинка на 35,7, магния на 64,7, хрома на 40, и меньше целлюлозы и лигнина на 9,67 и 24,15 по сравнению со скорлупой кедрового ореха. Установлено, что во II группе увеличился удой на 17,5, массовая доля жира в молоке на 13,1, белка на 3,3, количество жировых шариков на 17,5. Доля коров, продуцирующих молоко I группы термоустойчивости, во II опытной группе составила 100. По результатам биохимического анализа крови во II группе отмечено повышение концентрации глюкозы в крови на 11,5, кальция на 8,4, магния на 56,7. Анализ полученных данных позволил заключить, что наиболее эффективно комплексное скармливание коровам хвойной муки и скорлупы кедрового ореха.

The influence of coniferous flour and pine nut shell on milk productivity and milk quality of black motley breed cows was researched based on the conditions of agricultural enterprises of Krasnoyarsk region. To conduct the research three groups of cows were formed. The control group received the basic diet, the 1st testing group in addition to the basic diet received coniferous flour, the 2nd group received coniferous flour mixed with crushed pine nut shells. The result of research demonstrates the coniferous flour contains more polyphenols by 0.05, copper by 29.4, zinc by 35.7, magnesium by 64.7, chromium by 40, and less cellulose and lignin by 9.67 and 24.15 in comparison with pine nut shells. It is proved that milk yield in the 2nd group increased by 17.5, milk fat by 13.1, protein by 3.3, the number of fat globules in milk 17.5. The 2nd experimental group share of cows giving milk of group I heat resistance was 100. The results of biochemical blood analysis in group 2 showed an increase in the concentration of glucose in the blood by 11.5, calcium by 8.4, magnesium by 56.7. The analysis of the received data allowed to draw a conclusion that the most effective feeding for cows is a mix of coniferous flour and a shell of a pine nut.
Green Infrastructure in Coastal Landscapes: Ecological Design, Hydrological Function, and Sustainable Land Use Guidance
Authors: Hitchcock Daniel R. , Jayakaran Anand D. , White David L.
Published: November 2019

Coastal landscape modification, specifically the conversion of forests to residential and commercial development, coupled with potential climate change impacts, could lead to irretrievable natural resource impairment. An assessment of existing resources (green infrastructure) and their benefits via ecosystem services provides useful guidance for resource protection to enhance community resilience. These landscape elements are complex within and between varying scales; therefore stakeholders need clear, relevant, comparable, and easily accessible information for effective decision-making.