bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lychee Surface Defect Detection Based on Deep Convolutional Neural Networks with GAN-Based Data Augmentation
Authors: Wang Chenglong , Xiao Zhifeng
Published: July 2021

The performance of fruit surface defect detection is easily affected by factors such as noisy background and foliage occlusion. In this study, we choose lychee as a fruit type to investigate its surface quality. Lychees are hard to preserve and have to be stored at low temperatures to keep fresh. Additionally, the surface of lychees is subject to scratches and cracks during harvesting/processing. To explore the feasibility of the automation of defective surface detection for lychees, we build a dataset with 3743 samples divided into three categories, namely, mature, defects, and rot. The original dataset suffers an imbalanced distribution issue. To address it, we adopt a transformer-based generative adversarial network (GAN) as a means of data augmentation that can effectively enhance the original training set with more and diverse samples to rebalance the three categories. In addition, we investigate three deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) models, including SSD-MobileNet V2, Faster RCNN-ResNet50, and Faster RCNN-Inception-ResNet V2, trained under different settings for an extensive comparison study. The results show that all three models demonstrate consistent performance gains in mean average precision (mAP), with the application of GAN-based augmentation. The rebalanced dataset also reduces the inter-category discrepancy, allowing a DCNN model to be trained equally across categories. In addition, the qualitative results show that models trained under the augmented setting can better identify the critical regions and the object boundary, leading to gains in mAP. Lastly, we conclude that the most cost-effective model, SSD-MobileNet V2, presents a comparable mAP (91.81%) and a superior inference speed (102 FPS), suitable for real-time detection in industrial-level applications.
Does Complex Soil Enhance Grain Yield under Cropping System?
Authors: Yan Jiakun , Liu Puling
Published: July 2021

Global climate change and the increasing population have increased the difficulties associated with grain production. Several measures have been established to maintain a high crop yield, while preserving or increasing soil health, including biochar application to soil, and producing new complex soil with soil amendment application, e.g., biochar and soft rocks. However, previous studies have focused on the effect of complex soil on a single crop but have not considered crop rotation. In this study, field plots with foxtail millet cultivated for two years under biochar and soft rock application were selected for licorice cultivation to detect the effects of biochar and soft rock application on soil properties and licorice yield. The results showed that the biochar-treated plot had the highest licorice biomass (251.76 g/m2), followed by the combined biochar and soft rock treatment, and that the soft rock and control treatments had the lowest licorice biomass (97.65 g/m2). Plants in biochar-treated plots had the highest liquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid contents, followed by those under soft rock treatment. Soft rocks and biochar increased the soil catalase activity, organic matter, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, formic acid, and available phosphorus (AP). Correlation analysis showed that the licorice biomass was significantly positively correlated with oxalic acid and AP and negatively correlated with soil pH. AP was positively correlated with catalase activity and oxalic acid (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with soil pH (p < 0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that the addition of biochar and soft rocks for two years could increase soil organic acid contents (especially that of oxalic acid), which function to reduce soil pH, increase soil AP content, and enhance licorice biomass.
Effects of Energy-Restricted Feeding during Rearing on the Performance, Uniformity, and Development of Rugao Layer Breeders at the Initiation of the Laying Period
Authors: Lu Jian , Qu Liang , Li Yongfeng , Ma Meng , Shen Manman , Wang Xingguo , Guo Jun , Hu Yuping , Dou Taocun , Yang Zhi , Wang Kehua
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of energy-restricted feeding during rearing on the performance, uniformity, and development of layer breeders at the initiation of the laying period. A total of 2400 8-week-old Rugao layer breeders were randomly assigned to one of five groups (480 pullets per group) with eight replicates and were fed one of five diets that were nutritionally equal with the exception of apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) content (2850, 2750, 2650, 2550, and 2450 kcal AMEn/kg) from 8 to 18 weeks of age. The daily amount of feed was restricted to the absolute quantity of the diet consumed by laying hens fed 2850 kcal AMEn per kg diet ad libitum (control). From 18 to 21 weeks of age, all hens were fed a basal diet ad libitum. The body weight (BW) of the laying pullets decreased linearly with increasing energy restriction (p < 0.001) but recovered within 3 weeks of ad libitum feeding (p = 0.290). A gradual increase in the degree of energy restriction resulted in a gradual decrease in average daily weight gain (ADG) and a gradual increase in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and energy conversion ratio (ECR) from 8 to 18 weeks of age (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.008). In contrast, the ADG and ADFI (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) gradually increased, while the FCR and ECR (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) gradually improved from 18 to 21 weeks of age. From 8 to 21 weeks of age, ECR improved (p = 0.005) with an increasing degree of energy restriction. The energy-restricted feeding for 6 weeks to the end of the trial improved BW uniformity (p < 0.05). The relative length and circumference of tarsus (p < 0.001, p < 0.001), and the relative weights and lengths of the small intestine, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and caeca increased linearly (p < 0.001, p = 0.012, p < 0.007, p = 0.012, p = 0.040; p < 0.001, p = 0.003, p = 0.032, p = 0.029, p = 0.040) with increasing energy restriction at 18 weeks of age. After switching to ad libitum feeding for 3 weeks, the relative weights and lengths of the small intestine, duodenum, and jejunum of laying pullets increased linearly with increasing energy restriction (p < 0.001, p = 0.016, p = 0.011; p = 0.009, p = 0.028, p = 0.032). In conclusion, moderate energy restriction (85.97%, 2450 vs. 2850 kcal AMEn/kg) from 8 to 18 weeks of age and switching to ad libitum feeding from 18 to 21 weeks of age can be used to improve BW uniformity and stimulate the development of the duodenum and jejunum of native layer breeders at the initiation of the laying period without compromising BW.
Age-Associated Changes in Recombinant H5 Highly Pathogenic and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Hemagglutinin Tissue Binding in Domestic Poultry Species
Authors: Jerry Carmen , Stallknecht David E. , Leyson Christina , Berghaus Roy , Jordan Brian , Pantin-Jackwood Mary , França Monique S.
Published: July 2021

The 2014 outbreak of clade 2.3.4.4A highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) led to the culling of millions of commercial chickens and turkeys and death of various wild bird species. In this outbreak, older chickens and turkeys were commonly infected, and succumbed to clinical disease compared to younger aged birds such chicken broilers. Some experimental studies using waterfowl species have shown age-related differences in susceptibility to clinical disease with HPAI viruses. Here, we evaluate differences in H5 Hemagglutinin (HA) tissue binding across age groups, using recombinant H5 HA (rHA) proteins generated using gene sequences from low pathogenic (A/mallard/MN/410/2000(H5N2 (LPAIV)) and a HPAIV (A/Northern pintail/Washington/40964/2014(H5N2)) influenza A virus (IAV). Respiratory and intestinal tracts from chickens, ducks (Mallard, Pekin, Muscovy) and turkeys of different age groups were used to detect rHA binding with protein histochemistry, which was quantified as the median area of binding (MAB) used for statistical analysis. There were species and tissue specific differences in the rHA binding among the age groups; however, turkeys had significant differences in the HPAIV rHA binding in the respiratory tract, with younger turkeys having higher levels of binding in the lung compared to the older group. In addition, in the intestinal tract, younger turkeys had higher levels of binding compared to the older birds. Using LPAIV, similar species and tissues, specific differences were seen among the age groups; however, only turkeys had overall significant differences in the respiratory tract MAB, with the older birds having higher levels of binding compared to the younger group. No age-related differences were seen in the overall intestinal tract rHA binding. Age-related differences in rHA binding of the LPAIV and HPAIV demonstrated in this study may partially, but not completely, explain differences in host susceptibility to infection observed during avian influenza outbreaks and in experimental infection studies.
Efficacy of Simultaneous Intradermal Vaccination of Swine against Porcine Circovirus 2, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Lawsonia intracellularis
Authors: Horsington Jacquelyn , Witvliet Maarten , Jacobs Antonius A. C. , Segers Ruud P. A. M.
Published: July 2021

The combined application of vaccines in swine offers many benefits, including reduced time and labour costs, and improved animal welfare, due to fewer injections and manipulations. This study investigated if simultaneous intradermal vaccinations against porcine circovirus 2, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, and Lawsonia intracellularis, using a specialised needle-free applicator would confer comparable protection against experimental infection compared to the single vaccines. In all cases, the administration of the vaccines together was as efficacious as the administration of the vaccines alone, significantly reducing clinical signs associated with each of the four pathogens.
In Search of Species-Specific SNPs in a Non-Model Animal (European Bison (Bison bonasus))—Comparison of De Novo and Reference-Based Integrated Pipeline of STACKS Using Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS) Data
Authors: Kunvar Sazia , Czarnomska Sylwia , Pertoldi Cino , Tokarska Małgorzata
Published: July 2021

The European bison is a non-model organism; thus, most of its genetic and genomic analyses have been performed using cattle-specific resources, such as BovineSNP50 BeadChip or Illumina Bovine 800 K HD Bead Chip. The problem with non-specific tools is the potential loss of evolutionary diversified information (ascertainment bias) and species-specific markers. Here, we have used a genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach for genotyping 256 samples from the European bison population in Bialowieza Forest (Poland) and performed an analysis using two integrated pipelines of the STACKS software: one is de novo (without reference genome) and the other is a reference pipeline (with reference genome). Moreover, we used a reference pipeline with two different genomes, i.e., Bos taurus and European bison. Genotyping by sequencing (GBS) is a useful tool for SNP genotyping in non-model organisms due to its cost effectiveness. Our results support GBS with a reference pipeline without PCR duplicates as a powerful approach for studying the population structure and genotyping data of non-model organisms. We found more polymorphic markers in the reference pipeline in comparison to the de novo pipeline. The decreased number of SNPs from the de novo pipeline could be due to the extremely low level of heterozygosity in European bison. It has been confirmed that all the de novo/Bos taurus and Bos taurus reference pipeline obtained SNPs were unique and not included in 800 K BovineHD BeadChip.
Measurement of Oxidative Stress Index in Seminal Plasma Can Predict In Vivo Fertility of Liquid-Stored Porcine Artificial Insemination Semen Doses
Authors: Barranco Isabel , Rubio Camila P. , Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Rodriguez-Martinez Heriberto , Roca Jordi
Published: July 2021

The study evaluated the relation between the oxidative stress index (OSI) in porcine seminal plasma (n = 76) with sperm resilience and in vivo fertility (farrowing rate and litter size of 3137 inseminated sows) of liquid-stored artificial insemination (AI) semen doses. The OSI was assessed as the ratio of advanced oxidation protein products to Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity, both measured using an automated analyzer. Sperm motility (computer-assisted sperm analyzer) and viability (flow cytometry) were evaluated in semen AI-doses at 0 and 72 h of storage at 17 °C. Sperm resilience was defined as the difference between storage intervals. Semen AI-doses were hierarchically clustered as having high, medium and low seminal OSI (p < 0.001) with those of low displaying higher resilience (p < 0.01). Boars were hierarchically clustered into two groups (p < 0.001) as having either positive or negative farrowing rate and litter size deviation; the negative one showing higher seminal OSI (p < 0.05). In sum, seminal OSI was negatively related to sperm motility and the in vivo fertility of liquid-stored boar semen AI-doses, with the receiver operating characteristic curve presenting seminal OSI as a good predictive biomarker of in vivo fertility of AI-boars (area under the curve: 0.815, p < 0.05).
Metabolite Contents and Antioxidant Activities of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) Seeds of Different Seed Coat Colors
Authors: Choi Yu-Mi , Yoon Hyemyeong , Shin Myoung-Jae , Lee Yoonjung , Hur On Sook , Lee Bong Choon , Ha Bo-Keun , Wang Xiaohan , Desta Kebede Taye
Published: July 2021

Seed coat color is one of the main agronomical traits that determine the chemical quality of soybean seeds and has been used as a parameter during cultivar development. In this study, seeds of yellow (n = 10), greenish-yellow (n = 5), and light-yellow (n = 4) soybean accessions were evaluated for their contents of total protein, total oil, total phenolic (TPC), and five prominent fatty acids including palmitic acid (PA), stearic acid (SA), oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LA), and linolenic acid (LLA), relative to a control cultivar, and the effect of seed coat color on each was investigated. Antioxidant activity was also evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The results showed significant variations of metabolite contents and antioxidant activities between the soybeans. The average TPC, DPPH-radical scavenging activity, and FRAP were each in the order of greenish-yellow > yellow > light-yellow soybeans. In contrast, light-yellow soybeans contained a high level of OA and low levels of SA, LA, and LLA, each except LA differing significantly from yellow and greenish-yellow soybeans (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that greenish-yellow and light-yellow soybeans could be good sources of antioxidants and high-quality soybean oil, respectively.
The Fine-Tuned Release of Antioxidant from Superparamagnetic Nanocarriers under the Combination of Stationary and Alternating Magnetic Fields
Authors: Mandić Lucija , Sadžak Anja , Erceg Ina , Baranović Goran , Šegota Suzana
Published: July 2021

Superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) with excellent biocompatibility and negligible toxicity were prepared by solvothermal method and stabilized by widely used and biocompatible polymer poly(ethylene glycol) PEG-4000 Da. The unique properties of the synthesized MNPs enable them to host the unstable and water-insoluble quercetin as well as deliver and localize quercetin directly to the desired site. The chemical and physical properties were validated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE–SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer, FTIR spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The kinetics of in vitro quercetin release from MNPs followed by UV/VIS spectroscopy was controlled by employing combined stationary and alternating magnetic fields. The obtained results have shown an increased response of quercetin from superparamagnetic MNPs under a lower stationary magnetic field and s higher frequency of alternating magnetic field. The achieved findings suggested that we designed promising targeted quercetin delivery with fine-tuning drug release from magnetic MNPs.
Unraveling the Bioactive Profile, Antioxidant and DNA Damage Protection Potential of Rye (Secale cereale) Flour
Authors: Kaur Pinderpal , Sandhu Kawaljit Singh , Bangar Sneh Punia , Purewal Sukhvinder Singh , Kaur Maninder , Ilyas Rushdan Ahmad , Asyraf Muhammad Rizal Muhammad , Razman Muhammad Rizal
Published: July 2021

Six different solvents were used as extraction medium (water, methanol, ethanol, acidified methanol, benzene and acetone) to check their phenolics extraction efficacy from flour of two rye cultivars. Rye extracts with different solvents were further analyzed for the estimation of phytochemicals and antioxidant properties. Different tests (TPC, TAC, DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, RPA and CTC) were performed to check the antioxidant properties and tannin contents in extracts. A bioactive profile of a rye cultivar indicated the presence of total phenolic compounds (0.08–2.62 mg GAE/g), total antioxidant capacity (0.9–6.8 mg AAE/g) and condensed tannin content (4.24–9.28 mg CE/100 g). HPLC was done to check phenolics in rye extract with the best solvent (water), which indicated the presence of Catechol (91.1–120.4 mg/100 g), resorcinol (52–70.3 mg/100 g), vanillin (1.3–5.5 mg/100 g), ferulic acid (1.4–1.5 mg/100 g), quercetin (4.6–4.67 mg/100 g) and benzoic acid (5.3 mg/100 g) in rye extracts. The presence of DNA damage protection potential in rye extracts indicates its medicinal importance. Rye flour could be utilized in the preparation of antioxidant-rich health-benefiting food products.
Fisetin Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome by Suppressing TLR4/MD2-Mediated Mitochondrial ROS Production
Authors: Molagoda Ilandarage Menu Neelaka , Athapaththu Athapaththu Mudiyanselage Gihan Kavinda , Choi Yung Hyun , Park Cheol , Jin Cheng-Yung , Kang Chang-Hee , Lee Mi-Hwa , Kim Gi-Young
Published: July 2021

Fisetin has numerous therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anticancer effects. However, the mechanism by which fisetin inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome remains unclear. In this study, we observed that fisetin bound to TLR4 and occluded the hydrophobic pocket of MD2, which in turn inhibited the binding of LPS to the TLR4/MD2 complex. This prevented the initiation of scaffold formation by the inhibition of MyD88/IRAK4 and subsequently downregulated the NF-κB signaling pathway. The result also demonstrated that fisetin downregulated the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome induced by LPS and ATP (LPS/ATP) and the subsequent maturation of IL-1β. Fisetin also activated mitophagy and prevented the accumulation of damaged mitochondria and the excessive production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. The transient knockdown of p62 reversed the inhibitory activity of fisetin on the LPS/ATP-induced formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. This indicated that fisetin induces p62-mediated mitophagy for eliminating damaged mitochondria. Recently, the existence of inflammasomes in non-mammalian species including zebrafish have been identified. Treatment of an LPS/ATP-stimulated zebrafish model with fisetin aided the recovery of the impaired heart rate, decreased the recruitment of macrophage to the brain, and gradually downregulated the expression of inflammasome-related genes. These results indicated that fisetin inhibited the TLR4/MD2-mediated activation of NLRP3 inflammasome by eliminating damaged mitochondria in a p62-dependent manner.
Determination of VOCs in Surgical Resected Tissues from Colorectal Cancer Patients by Solid Phase Microextraction Coupled to Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: De Vietro Nicoletta , Aresta Antonella Maria , Picciariello Arcangelo , Rotelli Maria Teresa , Zambonin Carlo
Published: July 2021

Early diagnosis of colorectal cancer is crucial to increase the survival rates of the patients and breath analysis represents a promising non-invasive tool to obtain information on cancer-related variations on the human volatilome. A solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method for the determination of seven selected compounds, representative of the volatilome secreted by the colonic mucosa of patients affected by colorectal cancer, including benzaldehyde, benzoic acid, dodecane, ethylbenzene, octanal, tetradecane and toluene, was developed. All the extraction parameters were studied for both headspace and direct immersion sampling and the procedures fully validated. The potential of the approach was demonstrated by the time monitoring of the emission of the selected volatile organic compounds from the surgical resected colon mucosa tissues of colorectal cancer patients. Furthermore, the extraction and identification of thirty-one volatile organic compounds secreted by the same tissues was accomplished.
Special Issue on Recent Trends in Advanced High-Strength Steels
Authors: Branco Ricardo , Berto Filippo , Kotousov Andrei
Published: July 2021

Advanced high-strength steels play an essential role in many industries and engineering applications because of their excellent combination of mechanical properties important for design, e [...]
Optimization and Re-Design of Integrated Thermal Protection Systems Considering Thermo-Mechanical Performance
Authors: Xu Qiuyi , Li Shu , Meng Yang
Published: July 2021

Integrated thermal protection system (ITPS) is regarded as one of the most promising thermal protection concepts with both thermal insulation and load-bearing capacities. However, the traditional layout of webs could inevitably lead to thermal short effects and high risk of buckling failure of the ITPS. A topological optimization method for the unit cell of the ITPS was established to minimize the equivalent thermal conductivity and elastic strain energy with the constraint of maintaining structural efficiency. The ITPS was re-designed consulting the optimized cell configuration. In order to control the buckling-mode shape and the associated buckling load of the ITPS, the new design was further optimized, subjected to the total weight of the initial design. Detailed finite element models were established to validate the structural responses. By contrast, the optimized design presents lower bottom surface temperature and better thermal buckling characteristics, performing a better balance between thermal insulation and load-bearing constraints.
Haze Removal Based on Refined Transmission Map for Aerial Image Matching
Authors: Musunuri Yogendra Rao , Kwon Oh-Seol
Published: July 2021

A novel strategy is proposed to address block artifacts in a conventional dark channel prior (DCP). The DCP was used to estimate the transmission map based on patch-based processing, which also results in image blurring. To enhance a degraded image, the proposed single-image dehazing technique restores a blurred image with a refined DCP based on a hidden Markov random field. Therefore, the proposed algorithm estimates a refined transmission map that can reduce the block artifacts and improve the image clarity without explicit guided filters. Experiments were performed on the remote-sensing images. The results confirm that the proposed algorithm is superior to the conventional approaches to image haze removal. Moreover, the proposed algorithm is suitable for image matching based on local feature extraction.
Towards Robust Representations of Spatial Networks Using Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Iddianozie Chidubem , McArdle Gavin
Published: July 2021

The effectiveness of a machine learning model is impacted by the data representation used. Consequently, it is crucial to investigate robust representations for efficient machine learning methods. In this paper, we explore the link between data representations and model performance for inference tasks on spatial networks. We argue that representations which explicitly encode the relations between spatial entities would improve model performance. Specifically, we consider homogeneous and heterogeneous representations of spatial networks. We recognise that the expressive nature of the heterogeneous representation may benefit spatial networks and could improve model performance on certain tasks. Thus, we carry out an empirical study using Graph Neural Network models for two inference tasks on spatial networks. Our results demonstrate that heterogeneous representations improves model performance for down-stream inference tasks on spatial networks.
Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Modeling Analysis of Algal Blooms in an Estuary with Episodic and Anthropogenic Freshwater Inputs
Authors: Park Sangjun , Sin Yongsik
Published: July 2021

The Youngsan River estuary, located on the southwest coast of South Korea, has transitioned from a natural to an artificial estuary since dike construction in 1981 separated freshwater and seawater zones. This artificial transition has induced changes in the physical properties and circulation within the estuary, which has led to hypoxia and algal blooms. In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) model was employed to simulate phytoplankton variations, including algal blooms and size fractions based on chlorophyll a, using data obtained by long-term monitoring (2008–2018) of the seawater zone of the Youngsan River estuary. The model was validated through statistical analyses, and the validated model was used to determine the contribution of the environmental factors on size-fractionated phytoplankton variations. The statistical validation of the model showed extremely low sum square error (SSE ≤ 0.0003) and root mean square error (RMSE ≤ 0.0173) values, with R2 ≥ 0.9952. The accuracy of the model predictions was high, despite the considerable irregularity and wide range of phytoplankton variations in the estuary. With respect to phytoplankton size structure, the contribution of seasonal environmental factors such as water temperature and solar radiation was high for net-sized chlorophyll a, whereas the contribution of factors such as freshwater discharge and salinity was high for nano-sized chlorophyll a, which includes typical harmful algae. Notably, because the Youngsan River estuary is influenced by a monsoon climate—characterized by high precipitation in summer—the contribution of freshwater discharge to harmful algal blooms is predicted to increase during this period. Our results suggest that the ANN model can be an important tool for understanding the influence of freshwater discharge, which is essential for managing algal blooms and maintaining the ecosystem health of altered estuaries.
Noisy Optimization of Dispatching Policy for the Cranes at the Storage Yard in an Automated Container Terminal
Authors: Kim Jeongmin , Hong Ellen J. , Yang Youngjee , Ryu Kwang Ryel
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we claim that the operation schedule of automated stacking cranes (ASC) in the storage yard of automated container terminals can be built effectively and efficiently by using a crane dispatching policy, and propose a noisy optimization algorithm named N-RTS that can derive such a policy efficiently. To select a job for an ASC, our dispatching policy uses a multi-criteria scoring function to calculate the score of each candidate job using a weighted summation of the evaluations in those criteria. As the calculated score depends on the respective weights of these criteria, and thus a different weight vector gives rise to a different best candidate, a weight vector can be deemed as a policy. A good weight vector, or policy, can be found by a simulation-based search where a candidate policy is evaluated through a computationally expensive simulation of applying the policy to some operation scenarios. We may simplify the simulation to save time but at the cost of sacrificing the evaluation accuracy. N-RTS copes with this dilemma by maintaining a good balance between exploration and exploitation. Experimental results show that the policy derived by N-RTS outperforms other ASC scheduling methods. We also conducted additional experiments using some benchmark functions to validate the performance of N-RTS.
Vertebral Pain in Acute COVID-19—Cases Report
Authors: Chochol Juraj , Džubera Andrej , Illéš Róbert , Chocholová Alica , Zemková Erika
Published: July 2021

Pain is one of the most common complaints among patients infected by SARS-CoV-2. While headache and chest pain are reported widely among COVID-19 presentations, there are only scarce reports about vertebral pain. This study aims to describe cases of four healthy and physically active adults, in whom the new onset of back pain was the early or only sign of COVID-19 and the reason for seeking medical outpatient care. The vertebral pain showed great variability and changed dramatically during the course of disease. Pseudoradicular symptoms were present inconstantly and variably; in some patients they varied through the day from left to right side and irradiated from various sensory root segments. Clinical symptoms did not correspond with minor morphological changes presented on MRI scans. Our experience indicates that new onset of vertebral algic syndrome should be considered as an initial indicator of novel coronavirus infection in healthy and physically active adults. There is a pressing need for attention to be paid in the examination of patients with new vertebral pain onset in the coronavirus pandemic.
Wearable Haptic Device for Stiffness Rendering of Virtual Objects in Augmented Reality
Authors: Lee Yongseok , Lee Somang , Lee Dongjun
Published: July 2021

We propose a novel wearable haptic device that can provide kinesthetic haptic feedback for stiffness rendering of virtual objects in augmented reality (AR). Rendering stiffness of objects using haptic feedback is crucial for realistic finger-based object manipulation, yet challenging particularly in AR due to the co-presence of a real hand, haptic device, and rendered AR objects in the scenes. By adopting passive actuation with a tendon-based transmission mechanism, the proposed haptic device can generate kinesthetic feedback strong enough for immersive manipulation and prevention of inter-penetration in a small-form-factor, while maximizing the wearability and minimizing the occlusion in AR usage. A selective locking module is adopted in the device to allow for the rendering of the elasticity of objects. We perform an experimental study of two-finger grasping to verify the efficacy of the proposed haptic device for finger-based manipulation in AR. We also quantitatively compare/articulate the effects of different types of feedbacks across haptic and visual sense (i.e., kinesthetic haptic feedback, vibrotactile haptic feedback, and visuo-haptic feedback) for stiffness rendering of virtual objects in AR for the first time.
Zernike Coefficient Prediction Technique for Interference Based on Generation Adversarial Network
Authors: Whang Allen Jong-Woei , Chen Yi-Yung , Yang Tsai-Hsien , Lin Cheng-Tse , Jian Zhi-Jia , Chou Chun-Han
Published: July 2021

In the paper, we propose a novel prediction technique to predict Zernike coefficients from interference fringes based on Generative Adversarial Network (GAN). In general, the task of GAN is image-to-image translation, but we design GAN for image-to-number translation. In the GAN model, the Generator’s input is the interference fringe image, and its output is a mosaic image. Moreover, each piece of the mosaic image links to the number of Zernike coefficients. Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) is our criterion for quantifying the ground truth and prediction coefficients. After training the GAN model, we use two different methods: the formula (ideal images) and optics simulation (simulated images) to estimate the GAN model. As a result, the RMSE is about 0.0182 ± 0.0035λ with the ideal image case and the RMSE is about 0.101 ± 0.0263λ with the simulated image case. Since the outcome in the simulated image case is poor, we use the transfer learning method to improve the RMSE to about 0.0586 ± 0.0035λ. The prediction technique applies not only to the ideal case but also to the actual interferometer. In addition, the novel prediction technique makes predicting Zernike coefficients more accurate than our previous research.
Human Exposure to Toxic Metals (Cd, Pb, Hg) and Nitrates (NO3−) from Seaweed Consumption
Authors: Martín-León Verónica , Paz Soraya , D’Eufemia Prospero A. , Plasencia Juan J. , Sagratini Gianni , Marcantoni Gianmarco , Navarro-Romero Mercedes , Gutiérrez Ángel J. , Hardisson Arturo , Rubio-Armendáriz Carmen
Published: July 2021

Seaweed is now considered a functional food with a high nutritional value in Western countries, and the consumption of different species of edible algae has grown exponentially in recent decades. However, anthropogenic pressure on the seas has increased the presence of pollutants such as toxic metals and nitrates that can accumulate in algae. It is necessary to know the levels of these contaminants and the dietary exposure from the consumption of edible algae. The content of toxic metals (Cd, Pb, Hg) and nitrates (NO3−) was determined in 72 samples of edible algae marketed in the Canary Islands (Spain). Cd stands out in the Asian algae hijiki (1.196 mg/kg) and nori (1.005 mg/kg). Pb stands out in the Asian wakame seaweed (0.119 mg/kg). The highest mean concentration of Hg was in European arame algae (0.055 mg/kg). Some samples of the nori seaweed had NO3− concentrations of >8000 mg/kg. Considering the consumption recommended by the manufacturer of 4 g/day, the maximum admissible intake values are not exceeded, and, consequently, this does not pose a risk to health. However, in the case of Cd, Pb, Hg, and NO3−, legislation is necessary to regulate their content in edible algae.
Installation of Bored Piles with a Protective Silicate Shell of a New Design in Saline Silty-Clayey Soils
Authors: Unaibayev Bulat B. , Unaibayev Bulat Zh. , Alibekova Nurgul , Sarsembayeva Assel
Published: July 2021

Designing advanced methods of corrosion protection and increasing the bearing capacity of pile foundations on saline clayey soils is a priority geotechnical task in Kazakhstan. The formation of a suffusion-resistant waterproof shell was achieved by silicatization of a borehole before concreting, by the installation of a mold into the borehole and the impregnation of a sodium silicate solution into the space between the mold and the soil under pressure. After coagulation of the silicate solution, the mold was removed and the formed shell was filled with corrosion-resistant concrete. Full-scale static pile load tests were conducted in the construction site “Retaining wall on Mount Koktobe” in Almaty. The bearing capacity of the piles with the protective silicate shell exceeded the bearing capacity of an ordinary pile by 2.5 times on average without wetting the site, and 3.2 times after prolonged wetting. The numerical model had a close relationship with the average experimental curve obtained when conducting six static pile load tests with the protective shell. A large economic effect of the developed piling technology with a protective shell was achieved, with a significant reduction in the cost of piling, equal to 27.85%.
Measurement of Circadian Effectiveness in Lighting for Office Applications
Authors: Babilon Sebastian , Beck Sebastian , Kunkel Julian , Klabes Julian , Myland Paul , Benkner Simon , Khanh Tran Quoc
Published: July 2021

As one factor among others, circadian effectiveness depends on the spatial light distribution of the prevalent lighting conditions. In a typical office context focusing on computer work, the light that is experienced by the office workers is usually composed of a direct component emitted by the room luminaires and the computer monitors as well as by an indirect component reflected from the walls, surfaces, and ceiling. Due to this multi-directional light pattern, spatially resolved light measurements are required for an adequate prediction of non-visual light-induced effects. In this work, we therefore propose a novel methodological framework for spatially resolved light measurements that allows for an estimate of the circadian effectiveness of a lighting situation for variable field of view (FOV) definitions. Results of exemplary in-field office light measurements are reported and compared to those obtained from standard spectral radiometry to validate the accuracy of the proposed approach. The corresponding relative error is found to be of the order of 3–6%, which denotes an acceptable range for most practical applications. In addition, the impact of different FOVs as well as non-zero measurement angles will be investigated.
High-Resolution Measurement of Molecular Internal Polarization Structure by Photoinduced Force Microscopy
Authors: Yamane Hidemasa , Yokoshi Nobuhiko , Ishihara Hajime
Published: July 2021

Near-field interactions between metallic surfaces and single molecules play an essential role in the application of metamaterials. To reveal the near-field around a photo-irradiated single molecule on the metallic surface, high-resolution photo-assisted scanning microscopy is required. In this study, we theoretically propose photoinduced force microscopy (PiFM) measurements of single molecules at the atomic resolution. For experimental demonstration, we performed a numerical calculation of PiFM images of various transition states, including optical forbidden transitions, and interpreted them in terms of the interaction between the molecular internal polarization structures and localized plasmon. We also clarified the critical role of atomic-scale structures on the tip surface for high-resolution PiFM measurements.
A Composite Metric Routing Approach for Energy-Efficient Shortest Path Planning on Natural Terrains
Authors: Saad Mohamed , Salameh Ahmed I. , Abdallah Saeed , El-Moursy Ali , Cheng Chi-Tsun
Published: July 2021

This paper explores the problem of energy-efficient shortest path planning on off-road, natural, real-life terrain for unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). We present a greedy path planning algorithm based on a composite metric routing approach that combines the energy consumption and distance of the path. In our work, we consider the Terramechanics between the UGV and the terrain soil to account for the wheel sinkage effect, in addition to the terrain slope and soil deformation limitations in the development of the path planning algorithm. As benchmarks for comparison, we use a recent energy-cost minimization approach, in addition to an ant colony optimization (ACO) implementation. Our results indicate that the proposed composite metric routing approach outperforms the state-of-the-art energy-cost minimization method in terms of the resulting path distance, with a negligible increase in energy consumption. Moreover, our results indicate also that the proposed greedy algorithm strongly outperforms the ACO implementation in terms of the quality of the paths obtained and the algorithm running time. In fact, the running time of our proposed algorithm indicates its suitability for large natural terrain graphs with thousands of nodes and tens of thousands of links.
Diagnosis of Broken Bars in Wind Turbine Squirrel Cage Induction Generator: Approach Based on Current Signal and Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Zamora Yuri Merizalde , Hernández-Callejo Luis , Duque-Pérez Oscar , Alonso-Gómez Víctor
Published: July 2021

To ensure the profitability of the wind industry, one of the most important objectives is to minimize maintenance costs. For this reason, the components of wind turbines are continuously monitored to detect any type of failure by analyzing the signals measured by the sensors included in the condition monitoring system. Most of the proposals for the detection and diagnosis of faults based on signal processing and artificial intelligence models use a fault-free signal and a signal acquired on a system in which a fault has been provoked; however, when the failures are incipient, the frequency components associated with the failures are very close to the fundamental component and there are incomplete data, the detection and diagnosis of failures is difficult. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to detect and diagnose failures of the electric generator of wind turbines in operation, using the current signal and applying generative adversarial networks to obtain synthetic data that allow for counteracting the problem of an unbalanced dataset. The proposal is useful for the detection of broken bars in squirrel cage induction generators, which, according to the control system, were in a healthy state.
Modification of Cement Matrix with Complex Additive Based on Chrysotyl Nanofibers and Carbon Black
Authors: Saidova Zarina , Yakovlev Grigory , Smirnova Olga , Gordina Anastasiya , Kuzmina Natalia
Published: July 2021

This paper presents the results of studying the properties of cement-based composites modified with a complex additive based on chrysotile nanofibers and carbon black. The optimal composition of complex additive was stated due to the particle size analysis of suspensions with different chrysotile to carbon black ratios and the mechanical properties study of the fine-grained concrete modified with the complex additive. It was found that the addition of chrysotile in the amount of 0.05% of cement mass together with carbon black in the amount of 0.01% of cement mass leads to a 31.9% compression strength increase of cement composite and a 26.7% flexural strength increase. In order to explain the change in the mechanical properties of the material, physical and chemical testing methods were used including IR-spectral analysis, differential thermal analysis, energy dispersive X-ray analysis as well as the study of the microstructure of the samples modified with the complex additive. They revealed the formation of durable hydration products including thaumasite and calcium silicate hydrates of lower basicity that form a dense structure of cement matrix, increasing the physical and mechanical characteristics of cement-based composites.
Biohydrogel Based on Dynamic Covalent Bonds for Wound Healing Applications
Authors: Agubata Chukwuma O. , Mbaoji Cynthia C. , Nzekwe Ifeanyi T. , Saldías César , Díaz Díaz David
Published: July 2021

In this work, a biohydrogel based on alginate and dynamic covalent B-O bonds, and derived composites, has been evaluated for wound healing applications. In particular, a phenylboronic acid–alginate (PBA-Alg) complex was synthesized by coupling 3-aminophenylboronic acid onto alginate, and used to prepare varied concentrations of hydrogels and silicate-based nanocomposites in PBS. The resulting hydrogels were characterized in terms of interfacial tension, moisture uptake and loss, interaction with fresh acid-soluble collagen, self-healing ability, effects on blood clotting and wound healing. The interfacial tension between the hydrogels and biorelevant fluids was low and moisture loss of 55–60% was evident without uptake from the environment. The components of the hydrogels and their mixtures with collagen were found to be compatible. These hydrogels showed efficient self-healing and thixotropic behavior, and the animals in the treatment groups displayed blood clotting times between 9.1 min and 10.7 min. In contrast, the composites showed much longer or shorter clotting times depending on the silicate content. A significant improvement in wound healing was observed in 3% w/v PBA-Alg formulations. Overall, the PBA-Alg hydrogels exhibit self-healing dynamic covalent interactions and may be useful in dressings for incision wounds.
From the Concept of Being “the Boss” to the Idea of Being “a Team”: The Adaptive Co-Pilot as the Enabler for a New Cooperative Framework
Authors: Marcano Mauricio , Tango Fabio , Sarabia Joseba , Castellano Andrea , Pérez Joshué , Irigoyen Eloy , Díaz Sergio
Published: July 2021

The “classical” SAE LoA for automated driving can present several drawbacks, and the SAE-L2 and SAE-L3, in particular, can lead to the so-called “irony of automation”, where the driver is substituted by the artificial system, but is still regarded as a “supervisor” or as a “fallback mechanism”. To overcome this problem, while taking advantage of the latest technology, we regard both human and machine as members of a unique team that share the driving task. Depending on the available resources (in terms of driver’s status, system state, and environment conditions) and considering that they are very dynamic, an adaptive assignment of authority for each member of the team is needed. This is achieved by designing a technology enabler, constituted by the intelligent and adaptive co-pilot. It comprises (1) a lateral shared controller based on NMPC, which applies the authority, (2) an arbitration module based on FIS, which calculates the authority, and (3) a visual HMI, as an enabler of trust in automation decisions and actions. The benefits of such a system are shown in this paper through a comparison of the shared control driving mode, with manual driving (as a baseline) and lane-keeping and lane-centering (as two commercial ADAS). Tests are performed in a use case where support for a distracted driver is given. Quantitative and qualitative results confirm the hypothesis that shared control offers the best balance between performance, safety, and comfort during the driving task.
The Visual Measurement of Velocity Profile Distribution in Silt Carrying Flow by Using Ultrasound PIV and Iterative Multi-Grid Deformation Technique
Authors: Zou Xianjian , Hu Wenbin , Song Huan , Chen Bingrui
Published: July 2021

Flow velocity in silt carrying flow is one key parameter to many river engineering problems. A visual measurement technique of velocity profile distribution in silt carrying flow is provided using a portable ultrasound imaging system and an improved iterative multi-grid deformation algorithm. A convex array probe in the system is used to obtain a series of ultrasonic images at different times. Window offset and an iterative computing scheme for reducing interrogation window size in the algorithm improve the accuracy and efficiency of flow velocity measurement in regions with velocity gradients. Results show that the measured profile velocities can be more acceptable after being compared with time-averaged stream-wise velocities of profiles at ten positions in the same silt carrying flow and subsequently verified by comparing the point-by-point standard value. The measured velocity is more in agreement with the theoretical value, with the minimum root mean square error in the ultrasound beam sweep effect calculated by using optimal interrogation size parameters. The system is a feasible alternative to the single-point measurement technique in silt carrying flow. The iterative multi-grid deformation algorithm can analyze velocity profile distribution with gradients simultaneously, which can help the real-time measurement of multiple spatial velocity distribution and turbulence.