bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Newborn Screening for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency in the UK
Authors: Bessey Alice , Chilcott James , Leaviss Joanna , de la Cruz Carmen , Wong Ruth
Published: August 2019

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) can be detected through newborn bloodspot screening. In the UK, the National Screening Committee (NSC) requires screening programmes to be cost-effective at standard UK thresholds. To assess the cost-effectiveness of SCID screening for the NSC, a decision-tree model with lifetable estimates of outcomes was built. Model structure and parameterisation were informed by systematic review and expert clinical judgment. A public service perspective was used and lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were discounted at 3.5%. Probabilistic, one-way sensitivity analyses and an exploratory disbenefit analysis for the identification of non-SCID patients were conducted. Screening for SCID was estimated to result in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £18,222 with a reduction in SCID mortality from 8.1 (5–12) to 1.7 (0.6–4.0) cases per year of screening. Results were sensitive to a number of parameters, including the cost of the screening test, the incidence of SCID and the disbenefit to the healthy at birth and false-positive cases. Screening for SCID is likely to be cost-effective at £20,000 per QALY, key uncertainties relate to the impact on false positives and the impact on the identification of children with non-SCID T Cell lymphopenia.
Moderate Cardiovascular Exercise Speeds Up Neural Markers of Stimulus Evaluation During Attentional Control Processes
Authors: Winneke Axel H. , Hübner Lena , Godde Ben , Voelcker-Rehage Claudia
Published: August 2019

Moderate intensity cardiovascular exercise appears to provide a low-cost “intervention” on neurocognitive processes such as attentional control, yet the effects vary depending, for example, on cognitive task, time of testing, or exercise intensity. However, while a number of studies show that brief bouts of acute exercise can modulate behavioral indices of cognitive control, relatively few studies have attempted to identify the brain activity associated with these changes immediately following exercise. Here, we tested 11 young adults in a crossover design with a Flanker task at rest and immediately (within 2–3 min) following 20 min of acute exercise at 60% of the individual VO2max. In order to prevent delayed exercise effects that might confound or dilute immediate effects, a short version of the Flanker task (8 min) was chosen and an EEG was recorded simultaneously. The N2 and P3 ERP components were analyzed in addition to accuracy and response time. The N2 reflects conflict resolution, and the P3 has been linked to stimulus evaluation processes. No effect of exercise was found for behavioral data but P3 peak latencies were shorter following exercise as compared to rest. The N2 amplitude data suggest that exercise seems to prevent a decline in resources of attentional control over time. These data indicate that acute exercise, at a moderate intensity level, speeds up neural processing of attentional control by modulating stimulus evaluation processes immediately following exercise and that exercise helps maintain a steady level of neurocognitive resources.
Enhancing Signal Quality of Capacitive Displacement Measurements in Machine Tool Environments
Authors: Böhl Sebastian , Weikert Sascha , Wegener Konrad
Published: August 2019

Capacitive displacement sensors are a valuable choice for high accuracy geometric spindle measurements. Although these sensors show the specified performance in electromagnetic friendly environments, the performance may degrade drastically in machine tool environments due to electromagnetic disturbances. An in-situ testing procedure based on a cap test setup is proposed, which enables a simplified error diagnosis and verification of sensor performance. The functionality of the device and the application to different practical cases are presented. The results of these tests suggest that a decisive part of disturbances may couple into the measurement system via electrical conduction at interfaces between the machine tool and measurement device parts. Disturbances originate in the power electronics of the machine tool and are passed on to the safety ground of the machine tool, which is connected to all structural components of the machine tool. The proposed counter measure targets a complete galvanic separation of the measurement system from machine tool parts. The effectiveness of this counter measure was verified in different tests on two different machine tools. It is shown that the application of the galvanic separation leads to a comparable sensor performance in machine tool environments as achieved by the manufacturer under calibration conditions.
Dynamic Analysis of an Array of Connected Floating Breakwaters
Authors: Ćatipović Ivan , Ćorak Maro , Alujević Neven , Parunov Joško
Published: August 2019

In this paper, a model for dynamic analysis of array of floating breakwaters is developed and tested. Special attention is given to modeling connections between neighboring elements of the array. A linear three-dimensional floating multi-body formulation is used as a foundation for the presented model. An additional stiffness matrix is derived which introduces the influence of the connections onto motion of the array. The stiffness matrix is used to couple motions in vertical and horizontal planes i.e., the connections are modeled in three-dimensions. The equation of motion is solved in the frequency domain. The newly developed model is tested on an array of three connected breakwaters. The motion and the performance of the breakwater array are investigated under different significant heights and directions of the incoming waves.
Efficacy of Enamel Derivatives to Improve Keratinized Tissue as Adjunct to Coverage of Gingival Recessions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Discepoli Nicola , Mirra Raffaele , Ferrari Marco
Published: August 2019

Background: The systematic review was designed to answer the following focused question: Are enamel matrix derivatives able to improve the quantity of keratinized tissue (KT) around natural dentition in patients with recessions defects after their treatment with periodontal plastic procedures? Methods: Only Randomized Clinical Trials (RCT) in English language evaluating root coverage procedures in combination with enamel matrix derivatives (commercially known as Emdogain®—EMD), with at least 10 subjects and a minimum duration of six months, were included. The search was applied to PUBMED and SCOPUS and it consists of a combination of MeSH terms and free text words (from January 2000 to June 2019). Risk of bias in individual studies and across studies was also evaluated. Results: After the full text analysis and the exclusion of further 18 articles, 12 articles were finally included. In total 639 recessions were treated (334 tests and 305 control). The recessions defects were classified according to the classification of Miller (Class I, II, III, IV). Only one trial included Miller Class III recessions (7 in total). Enamel matrix derivatives were applied in conjunction with Coronally Advanced Flap (CAF), Coronally Advanced Flap + Sub Epithelial Connective Tissue Graft (CAF + CTG), Semilunar Flap (SF). For the group CAF vs CAF + EMD the mean difference between the keratinized tissue gain in the two procedures was 0.40 mm (95% Confindence Interval Lower/Upper: 0.014–0.81) (p < 0.058); for the comparison CAF + CTG + EMD vs. CAF + CTG the mean difference between the two groups resulted in −0.06 mm (95% Confindence Interval Lower Upper −0.45 to 0.33) (p = 0.7603). Discussion: Randomized clinical trials included medium-low quality evidence. The application of Enamel Matrix Derivatives to surgical procedures aimed to cover gingival recessions does not add robust clinical benefit to conventional plastic procedure alone.
A Novel Preparation Method of Electrically Conductive Adhesives by Powder Spraying Process
Authors: Dong Hongyu , Li Xin , Dong Yi , Guo Shaoqing , Zhao Liangfu
Published: August 2019

In a conventional electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) preparation process, typical ECAs are made by adding an appropriate amount of electrically conductive fillers, such as silver, into a polymer matrix, such as epoxy resin, to form a uniformly dispersed mixture by mixing and stirring operations. However, during the preparation process, secondary pollution and mass loss are caused by the vigorous mixture process. At the same time, the stirring operation introduces many small and stable bubbles, which affect the electrical conductivity of the ECAs. In light of these problems with the conventional preparation of ECAs, we developed a novel ECA preparation method that employs a powder spraying process: silver flakes are sprayed into the epoxy resin with a certain mass fraction to form formulated pastes. The as-prepared ECAs exhibited excellent properties compared with those prepared by the conventional process. This proves that the powder spraying process is feasible and superior to the conventional process.
Kolmogorov-Arnold-Moser Theory and Symmetries for a Polynomial Quadratic Second Order Difference Equation
Authors: Ibrahim Tarek F. , Nurkanović Zehra
Published: August 2019

By using the Kolmogorov-Arnold-Moser (KAM) theory, we investigate the stability of two elliptic equilibrium points (zero equilibrium and negative equilibrium) of the difference equation t n + 1 = α t n + β t n 2 − t n − 1 , n = 0 , 1 , 2 , … , where are t − 1 , t 0 , α ∈ R , α ≠ 0 , β > 0 . By using the symmetries we find the periodic solutions with some periods. Finally, some numerical examples are given to verify our theoretical results.
The Impact of Hormonal Replacement Treatment in Postmenopausal Women with Uterine Fibroids: A State-of-the-Art Review of the Literature
Authors: Moro Elisa , Degli Esposti Eugenia , Borghese Giulia , Manzara Federica , Zanello Margherita , Raimondo Diego , Gava Giulia , Arena Alessandro , Casadio Paolo , Meriggiola Maria Cristina , Seracchioli Renato
Published: August 2019

Background and Objectives: Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is effective in treating many debilitating symptoms of menopause. However, its use in women with uterine fibroids is widely debated, based on the susceptibility of these tumors to sexual steroids. This review aims to ascertain the effects of HRT on leiomyomas development and growth in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Electronic databases (i.e., MEDLINE, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, EMBASE, Sciencedirect, the Cochrane Library at the CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials, Scielo) were searched from January 1990 until May 2019. All English-written studies evaluating the impact of various HRT regimens on uterine leiomyomas were selected. Results: Seventeen papers, considering a total of 1122 participants, were included. Fifteen of these were prospective trials, of which nine were randomized controlled trials. The remaining two works were a retrospective observational trial and a retrospective case series respectively. Five studies evaluated the effects of tibolone, also comparing it with various estrogen/progestin combinations, while two were about raloxifene. Thirteen studies compared different combinations of estrogens/progestins, the most common being transdermal estrogens (used in nine studies) and medroxyprogesterone acetate at different doses (used in 10 studies). Conclusions: For women with uterine fibroids, the choice of the most appropriate HRT regimen is crucial to avoid leiomyomas growth and the symptoms possibly related to it. Available data are conflicting, but suggest that uterine fibroids might be influenced by HRT, without representing an absolute contraindication to hormonal replacement therapy. Women with uterine fibroids subjected to HRT should be periodically examined and hormonal treatment should be discontinued if leiomyomas appear to increase in size. Moreover, the minimal effective dose of progestin should be employed.
Impact of Endometriomas and Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis on Pregnancy Outcomes and on First and Second Trimester Markers of Impaired Placentation
Authors: Scala Carolina , Leone Roberti Maggiore Umberto , Barra Fabio , Tantari Matteo , Ferrero Simone
Published: August 2019

Background and objective: Previous studies did not draw a definitive conclusion about the influence of the role of deep endometriosis (DE) and ovarian endometrioma (OE) as risk factor for developing adverse perinatal outcomes in patients affected by endometriosis. This study aimed to investigate if adverse fetal and maternal outcomes, and in particular the incidence of small for gestational age (SGA) infants, are different in pregnant women with OE versus pregnant women with DE without OE. Material and methods: This study was based on a retrospective analysis of a database collected prospectively. The population included in the study was divided into three groups: patients with OE, patients with DE without concomitant OE, and patients without endometriosis (controls). The controls were matched on the basis of age and parity. Demographic data at baseline and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in first trimester levels of PAPP-A, first and mid-pregnancy trimester mean Uterine Artery Doppler pulsatile index, estimated fetal weight centile, and SGA fetuses’ prevalence for patients with OE, and those with DE without OE in comparison to health women; moreover, there was no statistically significant difference with regard to SGA birth prevalence, prevalence of preeclampsia, and five-minute Apgar score between these three groups. Conclusions: The specific presence of OE or DE in pregnant women does not seem to be associated with an increased risk of delivering an SGA infant. These data seem to suggest that patients with endometriosis should be treated in pregnancy as the general population, thus not needing a closer monitoring.
Incidence and Prevalence of Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): The Importance of the Epidemiological Context. The Italian Case
Authors: Manzo Ciro
Published: August 2019

Objectives: to evaluate incidence and prevalence rates of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in Italy, depending on the epidemiological methodology used from time to time. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search in MEDLINE and EMBASE was carried out. The following search terms were used: polymyalgia rheumatica, incidence, prevalence, epidemiology, general practitioner, family medicine, Italy. A search was also carried out in Google scholar using the search phrase: epidemiology of polymyalgia rheumatica in Italy. The period considered was between 1970 and March 2019. All articles containing data on incidence and prevalence of PMR in Italy were read in full. Reviews and non-original manuscripts were excluded as well as all the studies containing incidence and prevalence rates of giant cell arteritis (GCA), unless clearly distinct from data related to patients with PMR alone (isolated and pure PMR). Results: Five articles corresponded to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two articles were excluded as they were review articles, and three articles were excluded because there were not clear data on incidence and prevalence rates of isolated PMR. Three articles reported data on the annual incidence of PMR (two of them published by the same group of investigators); two articles reported prevalence data. In one article, both incidence and prevalence were calculated. The annual rate of incidence of PMR was between 0.12 and 2.3 cases/1000 inhabitants aged over 50 years. In the two studies publishing prevalence data, they varied from 0.37% to 0.62%. The differences in incidence and prevalence rates were related to several factors such as the different set of diagnostic criteria used for identifying patients or the diagnostic difficulty for patients with atypical presentations, specifically those without raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). In the study with higher annual rate of incidence and higher prevalence of PMR, the collaboration between general practitioner (GP) and the out-of-hospital public rheumatologist resulted in significantly different data than in the other studies. All the five articles presented data from monocentric cohorts. Conclusion: Very few Italian studies addressed the epidemiology of PMR. The contribution of a specific professional figure represented by the out-of-hospital public rheumatologist, present in the Italian National Health System and absent in other countries, can make the Italian experience unique in its kind.
Quantitative Evaluation of Corrosion Degrees of Steel Bars Based on Self-Magnetic Flux Leakage
Authors: Yang Ding , Qiu Junli , Di Haibo , Zhao Siyu , Zhou Jianting , Yang Feixiong
Published: August 2019

Corrosion is among the most critical factors leading to the failure of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Less work has been devoted to nondestructive tests (NDT) to detect the corrosion degree of steel bars. The corrosion degree was investigated in this paper using an NDT method based on self-magnetic flux leakage (SMFL). First, a mathematic model based on magnetic dipole model was settled to simulate the SMFL of a V-shaped defect caused by corrosion. A custom 3-axis scanning device equipped with a magnetometer was used to scan the SMFL field of the 40 corroded steel bars. Experimental data obtained by scanning the 40 steel bars showed that the BZ curve of SMFL was consistent with the theoretical model analysis. Inspired by the qualitative analysis of the results, an index “K” based on a large number of experimental data was established to characterize the corrosion degree of steel bars. The experimental index “K” was linearly related to the corrosion degree α of steel bars. This paper provides a feasible approach for the corrosion degree NDT, which is not affected by the magnetization history and the initial magnetization state of steel bars.
Microstructures, Tensile Properties and Creep Characteristics of as-Extruded AZ91 Magnesium Alloy Containing Si, Ca and Rare Earth Elements
Authors: Wu Fangfang , Qin Cheng , Zheng Yuan , Pan Weijian , Ma Heng , Li Tingting , Ye Cheng , Ma Xiujuan , Chu Zhibing , Cheng Liren , Che Chaojie
Published: August 2019

Wrought AZ (Mg–Al–Zn) series alloys have attracted lots of researches, due to low cost, high strength and good formability. Few researches focus on creep characteristics of wrought AZ series alloys, which might be of significance to extensive use of low-cost wrought Mg–Al based alloy at elevated temperature. The microstructures, tensile properties and creep characteristics of as-extruded Mg-9Al-Zn-0.5RE-0.5Ca-0.5Si (wt.%, named AZXSE91000) alloy were investigated by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), TEM (transmission electron microscopy), tensile tests and tensile creep tests (40–100 MPa, 125–150 °C). The as-extruded AZXSE91000 alloy exhibited good tensile strength both at room temperature and elevated temperature. The co-addition of Si, Ca and rare earth elements can improve the heat resistance of as-extruded AZ91 alloy resulting from fragmented heat-resistant particles hindering grain boundaries sliding. The steady creep rates of as-extruded AZXSE91000 alloy can be comparable with that of as-cast AZ91 alloy under similar experimental conditions. Dislocation climbing and grain boundary slip should dominantly contribute to the creep of as-extruded AZXSE91000 alloy. The asymmetric discontinuous precipitation in crept samples revealed that diffusion played an unneglected role during the creep process.
Research on Chip Shear Angle and Built-Up Edge of Slow-Rate Machining EN C45 and EN 16MnCr5 Steels
Authors: Monkova Katarina , Monka Peter Pavol , Sekerakova Adriana , Tkac Jozef , Bednarik Martin , Kovac Juraj , Jahnatek Andrej
Published: August 2019

One of the phenomena that accompanies metal cutting is extensive plastic deformation and fracture. The excess material is plastically deformed, fractured, and removed from the workpiece in the form of chips, the formation of which depends on the type of crack and their propagation. Even in case of the so-called ‘continuous’ chip formation there still has to be a fracture, as the cutting process involves the separation of a chip from the workpiece. Controlling the chip separation and its patterning in a suitable form is the most important problem of the current industrial processes, which should be highly automated to achieve maximal production efficiency. The article deals with the chip root evaluation of two EN C45 and EN 16MnCr5 steels, focusing on the shear angle measuring and built-up edge observation as important factors influencing the machining process, because a repeated formation and dislodgement of built-up edge unfavorably affects changes in the rake angle, causing fluctuation in cutting forces, and thus inducing vibration, which is harmful to the cutting tool. Consequently, this leads to surface finish deterioration. The planing was selected as a slow-rate machining operation, within which orthogonal and oblique cutting has been used for the comparative chips’ root study. The planned experiment was implemented at three levels (lower, basic, and upper) for the test preparation and the statistical method, and regression function was used for the data evaluation. The mutual connections among the four considered factors (cutting speed, cutting depth, tool cutting edge inclination, and rake angle) and investigated by the shear angle were plotted in the form of graphical dependencies. Finally, chips obtained from both steels types and within both cutting methods were systematically processed from the microscopic (chip root) and macroscopic (chip pattern) points of view.
Determination of Acceptable Quality Limit for Casting of A356 Aluminium Alloy: Supplier’s Quality Index (SQI)
Authors: Erzi Eray , Gürsoy Özen , Yüksel Çağlar , Colak Murat , Dispinar Derya
Published: August 2019

Aluminium and its alloys have been widely used in the automotive industry for some time and A356 is one of the most popular aluminium alloys today in the sector. It contains approximately 7 wt.% Si and 0.3 wt.% Mg. Due to the defects that may be present in the cast parts, expected mechanical properties may not be reached and this alloy may perform in service under its potential. In a low pressure die casting, several precautions have to be taken in order to produce high quality and defect-free castings. Temperature of casting and the schemical composition of the melt is recorded continuously. Die temperature, pressure levels and their durations are optimized; degassing and fluxing operations are performed. Yet, regardless of the precautions, there could still be rejected parts. It is becoming clear that a good quality raw material is one of the most underrated points of the industry and that the starting material has a great effect on the final product and it should be taken in to account more seriously. Therefore, regarding the first rule of Campbell’s 10 Rules of Casting, in this study, the quality of the starting material of supply chains for a wheel manufacturer was investigated. Chemical compositions were compared, fluidity tests, mechanical tests and bifilm indexes of these various sources and ingots were measured and a final quality index was proposed to create a reference for the quantification of quality of supplier’s ingots. This new index was compared with the rejection rates.
Identification and Toxigenic Potential of Fungi Isolated from Capsicum Peppers
Authors: Frimpong Gabriel Kojo , Adekunle Adedotun Adeyinka , Ogundipe Oluwatoyin Temitayo , Solanki Manoj Kumar , Sadhasivam Sudharsan , Sionov Edward
Published: August 2019

Capsicum peppers are among the most popular horticultural crops produced and consumed worldwide. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of spoilage fungi responsible for post-harvest losses in the most common varieties of Capsicum peppers collected from retail markets in Nigeria and Ghana. Forty fungal isolates belonging to 7 families, 8 genera, and 17 species were identified on the basis of morphology, culture characteristics, and DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Aspergillus spp. (42.5%), Fusarium spp. (22.5%), and Colletotrichum spp. (15%) were found to be the predominant fungal pathogens. Furthermore, potential ability of the isolated mycotoxigenic fungi to produce some major mycotoxins was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Among the 22 isolates analyzed, 11 strains belonging to the genera of Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium were found to be able to produce mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin B1, gliotoxin, deoxynivalenol, and citrinin. A better understanding of the role of fungal contaminants in pepper fruits, especially the prevalence of mycotoxigenic fungi and their associated mycotoxigenic potential, will assist in the development of management strategies to control mycotoxin contamination and to reduce toxicological risks related to pepper consumption by humans and animals.
Effects of NaHCO3 Acclimation on Rye (Secale Cereale) Growth Under Sodic-Alkaline Stress
Authors: Liu Liyun , Saneoka Hirofumi
Published: August 2019

Sodic-alkalinity is a serious limiting factor in agricultural productivity. This study was conducted to examine the contribution of acclimation to the adaptation of rye (Secale cereale) to sodic-alkalinity. Effects of acclimation were determined in two sets of experiments: One experiment for mineral accumulation, antioxidative capacity, and other physiological parameters; and a vivo experiment for root Evan’s Blue and Na+ influx from medium to root. Being exposed to sodic-alkalinity, acclimation did not affect plant dry weight. However, acclimation significantly reduced Na+ concentration and maintained a lower Na+/K+ ratio in all the tissues, increased the Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations in the root tissues, and increased the water uptake ability in comparison to the non-acclimated plants. Acclimation increased the antioxidant capacity represented by the increased activities of the enzymes SOD, GR, CAT, and GPOX in the leaf tissues of acclimated plants in comparison to the non-acclimated plants. Moreover, acclimation increased the root cell viability inhibited the Na+ influx to the root tissues in comparison to the non-acclimated plants. Together, these results suggest that rye can acclimate to sodic-alkalinity by increasing root cell viability, and therefore limited Na+ influx to root tissues and increased water uptake and antioxidant capacities without any change in the plant growth.
The Interplay among Polyamines and Nitrogen in Plant Stress Responses
Authors: Paschalidis Konstantinos , Tsaniklidis Georgios , Wang Bao-Quan , Delis Costas , Trantas Emmanouil , Loulakakis Konstantinos , Makky Muhammad , Sarris Panagiotis F. , Ververidis Filippos , Liu Ji-Hong
Published: August 2019

The interplay between polyamines (PAs) and nitrogen (N) is emerging as a key factor in plant response to abiotic and biotic stresses. The PA/N interplay in plants connects N metabolism, carbon (C) fixation, and secondary metabolism pathways. Glutamate, a pivotal N-containing molecule, is responsible for the biosynthesis of proline (Pro), arginine (Arg) and ornithine (Orn) and constitutes a main common pathway for PAs and C/N assimilation/incorporation implicated in various stresses. PAs and their derivatives are important signaling molecules, as they act largely by protecting and preserving the function/structure of cells in response to stresses. Use of different research approaches, such as generation of transgenic plants with modified intracellular N and PA homeostasis, has helped to elucidate a plethora of PA roles, underpinning their function as a major player in plant stress responses. In this context, a range of transgenic plants over-or under-expressing N/PA metabolic genes has been developed in an effort to decipher their implication in stress signaling. The current review describes how N and PAs regulate plant growth and facilitate crop acclimatization to adverse environments in an attempt to further elucidate the N-PAs interplay against abiotic and biotic stresses, as well as the mechanisms controlling N-PA genes/enzymes and metabolites.
Influence of the Culture Substrate on the Agaricus blazei Murrill Mushrooms Vitamins Content
Authors: Rózsa Sándor , Măniuțiu Dănuț-Nicolae , Poșta Gheorghe , Gocan Tincuța-Marta , Andreica Ileana , Bogdan Ileana , Rózsa Melinda , Lazăr Vasile
Published: August 2019

The vitamin content of cultivated mushrooms differs from one species to another, depending on their stage of development, the nutrient substrate used to produce them, and the microclimate in the culture space. Agaricus blazei Murrill is one of the most popular cultivated medicinal mushrooms, with scientifically proven therapeutic properties. Considering that the Agaricus spp. mushrooms culture substrate can be produced using various raw materials, in this paper we have studied the influence of the culture substrate using four types of substrate with different protein additions on the vitamin content of mushrooms. The food qualities of the Agaricus blazei Murrill mushrooms, evaluated by the chemical composition, generally revealed the product obtained on the classic compost, improved with the addition of proteinaceous of corn flour. Mushrooms harvested on this substrate have the highest levels of B1 (1151 μg 100 g−1 dm), B9 (671 μg 100 g−1 dm), B12 (906 μg 100 g−1 dm), PP (55.33 μg 100 g−1 dm), and C vitamins (21.67 μg 100 g−1 dm). The content of ergosterol, as a precursor of D2 vitamin, has higher values in the product obtained on the classic compost, with the addition of wheat bran (90.17 mg 100 g−1 dm) and the addition of corn flour (94 mg 100 g−1 dm).
Riverine Plastic Litter Monitoring Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Authors: Geraeds Marlein , van Emmerik Tim , de Vries Robin , bin Ab Razak Mohd Shahrizal
Published: August 2019

Plastic debris has become an abundant pollutant in marine, coastal and riverine environments, posing a large threat to aquatic life. Effective measures to mitigate and prevent marine plastic pollution require a thorough understanding of its origin and eventual fate. Several models have estimated that land-based sources are the main source of marine plastic pollution, although field data to substantiate these estimates remain limited. Current methodologies to measure riverine plastic transport require the availability of infrastructure and accessible riverbanks, but, to obtain measurements on a higher spatial and temporal scale, new monitoring methods are required. This paper presents a new methodology for quantifying riverine plastic debris using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), including a first application on Klang River, Malaysia. Additional plastic measurements were done in parallel with the UAV-based approach to make comparisons between the two methods. The spatiotemporal distribution of the plastics obtained with both methods show similar patterns and variations. With this, we show that UAV-based monitoring methods are a promising alternative for currently available approaches for monitoring riverine plastic transport, especially in remote and inaccessible areas.
Design, Optimization and Improvement of FBG Flexible Sensor for Slope Displacement Profiles Measurement
Authors: Tian Changbin , Wang Zhengfang , Sui Qingmei , Wang Jing , Dong Yanan
Published: August 2019

The accurate measurement of slope displacement profiles using a fiber Bragg grating flexible sensor is limited due to the influence of accumulative measurement errors. The measurement errors vary with the deformation forms of the sensor, which dramatically affects the measurement accuracy of the slope displacement profiles. To tackle the limitations and improve the measurement precision of displacement profiles, a segmental correction method based on strain increments clustering was proposed. A K-means clustering algorithm was used to automatically identify the deformation segments of a flexible sensor with different bending shapes. Then, the particle swarm optimization method was adopted to determine the correction coefficients corresponding to different deformation segments. Both finite element simulations and experiments were performed to validate the superiority of the proposed method. The experimental results indicated that the mean absolute errors (MAEs) percentages of the reconstructed displacements using the proposed method for six different bending shapes were 1.87%, 5.28%, 6.98%, 7.62%, 4.16% and 8.31%, respectively, which had improved the accuracy by 26.83%, 18.94%, 29.49%, 26.35%, 7.39%, and 19.65%, respectively. Therefore, it was confirmed that the proposed correction method was competent for effectively mitigating the measurement errors and improving the measurement accuracy of slope displacement profiles, and it presented a vital significance and application promotion value.
Night-Light Image Restoration Method Based on Night Scattering Model for Luojia 1-01 Satellite
Authors: Bu Lijing , Xu Zhenghui , Zhang Guo , Zhang Zhengpeng
Published: August 2019

Aiming at solving the degradation problem of Luojia 1-01 night-light remote sensing images, the main reason for the “glow” phenomenon was analyzed. The APSF (Atmospheric Point Spread Function) template of night-light image was obtained from atmospheric source scattering. The template was used as the initial value in the regularization restoration model in this paper. Experiments were carried out using single point and regional images. The results demonstrate that the estimated APSF and restoration results of the method are better than those from other methods, and the image quality is improved after restoration.
Laser Safety Calculations for Imaging Sensors
Authors: Ritt Gunnar
Published: August 2019

This publication presents an approach to adapt the well-known classical eye-related concept of laser safety calculations on camera sensors as general as possible. The difficulty in this approach is that sensors, in contrast to the human eye, consist of a variety of combinations of optics and detectors. Laser safety calculations related to the human eye target terms like Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) and Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD). The MPE describes the maximum allowed level of irradiation at the cornea of the eye to keep the eye safe from damage. The hazard distance corresponding to the MPE is called NOHD. Recently, a laser safety framework regarding the case of human eye dazzling was suggested. For laser eye dazzle, the quantities Maximum Dazzle Exposure (MDE) and the corresponding hazard distance Nominal Ocular Dazzle Distance (NODD) were introduced. Here, an approach is presented to extend laser safety calculations to camera sensors in an analogous way. The main objective thereby was to establish closed-form equations that are as simple as possible to allow also non-expert users to perform such calculations. This is the first time that such investigations have been carried out for this purpose.
Robust Self-Adaptation Fall-Detection System Based on Camera Height
Authors: Kong Xiangbo , Chen Lehan , Wang Zhichen , Chen Yuxi , Meng Lin , Tomiyama Hiroyuki
Published: August 2019

Vision-based fall-detection methods have been previously studied but many have limitations in terms of practicality. Due to differences in rooms, users do not set the camera or sensors at the same height. However, few studies have taken this into consideration. Moreover, some fall-detection methods are lacking in terms of practicality because only standing, sitting and falling are taken into account. Hence, this study constructs a data set consisting of various daily activities and fall events and studies the effect of camera/sensor height on fall-detection accuracy. Each activity in the data set is carried out by eight participants in eight directions and taken with the depth camera at five different heights. Many related studies heavily depended on human segmentation by using Kinect SDK but this is not reliable enough. To address this issue, this study proposes Enhanced Tracking and Denoising Alex-Net (ETDA-Net) to improve tracking and denoising performance and classify fall and non-fall events. Experimental results indicate that fall-detection accuracy is affected by camera height, against which ETDA-Net is robust, outperforming traditional deep learning based fall-detection methods.
Selective Feature Generation Method Based on Time Domain Parameters and Correlation Coefficients for Filter-Bank-CSP BCI Systems
Authors: Park Yongkoo , Chung Wonzoo
Published: August 2019

This paper presents a novel motor imagery (MI) classification algorithm using filter-bank common spatial pattern (FBCSP) features based on MI-relevant channel selection. In contrast to existing channel selection methods based on global CSP features, the proposed algorithm utilizes the Fisher ratio of time domain parameters (TDPs) and correlation coefficients: the channel with the highest Fisher ratio of TDPs, named principle channel, is selected and a supporting channel set for the principle channel that consists of highly correlated channels to the principle channel is generated. The proposed algorithm using the FBCSP features generated from the supporting channel set for the principle channel significantly improved the classification performance. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated using BCI Competition III Dataset IVa (18 channels) and BCI Competition IV Dataset I (59 channels).
On the Lateral Instability Analysis of MEMS Comb-Drive Electrostatic Transducers
Authors: Truong Binh Duc , Le Cuong Phu , Halvorsen Einar
Published: August 2019

This paper investigates the lateral pull-in effect of an in-plane overlap-varying transducer. The instability is induced by the translational and rotational displacements. Based on the principle of virtual work, the equilibrium conditions of force and moment in lateral directions are derived. The analytical solutions of the critical voltage, at which the pull-in phenomenon occurs, are developed when considering only the translational stiffness or only the rotational stiffness of the mechanical spring. The critical voltage in a general case is numerically determined by using nonlinear optimization techniques, taking into account the combined effect of translation and rotation. The influences of possible translational offsets and angular deviations to the critical voltage are modeled and numerically analyzed. The investigation is then expanded for the first time to anti-phase operation mode and Bennet’s doubler configuration of the two transducers.
A New Error Model and Compensation Strategy of Angle Encoder in Torsional Characteristic Measurement System
Authors: Chen Bingkui , Peng Changyan , Huang Jian
Published: August 2019

For systems of measurement, geometric errors such as manufacturing and assembly errors could have a significant impact on the accuracy of the angle encoders of the system. In this study, an error model of angular measurement with geometric errors of a torsional characteristic measurement system was developed based on multibody system theory, the aim of which was to reveal the impact of geometric errors on angular measurement and to compensate the measurement error. According to the principle of spatial error transfer, the decomposition of geometric errors is illustrated and the error matrix of geometric errors is constructed by the Denavit–Hartenberg (DH) method. Subsequently, an error compensation function can be obtained and the impact of geometric error on angular measurement is discussed. Finally, we demonstrate by the experimental results of an ultra-autocollimator that the proposed error compensation method reduced the angular measurement error from 3.7% to 0.7%, which shows that the proposed error model can effectively predict the angular measurement error. In addition, it can be seen from the measurement results of the RV reducer that the error of the torsional characteristic measurement system decreased significantly.
Investigating the Link between Transport Sustainability and the Representation of Women in Swedish Local Committees
Authors: Winslott Hiselius Lena , Kronsell Annica , Dymén Christian , Smidfelt Rosqvist Lena
Published: August 2019

There are large discrepancies in the transport sector along gender lines in travel patterns and means of transportation used, but also in attitudes and norms among citizens, planners and decision-makers, with women generally more positive towards measures involving the lowering CO2 emissions. At the same time, the number of women involved in transport-related decisions is low. This is a problem for gender equality but possibly also for sustainability. A careful review of previous studies indicated a lack of analyses on the subject based on quantitative data at the local level. We investigated a possible link between women’s presence in local policymaking and more sustainable transport policies, and whether it is possible to capture such an effect. The main contribution of this paper is a methodological approach in which, besides generating unique data on representation in municipalities (confirming men’s dominance, specifically in transport policymaking), possibilities for quantitatively measuring gender and the level of sustainability in transport planning are discussed and tested. Challenges in collecting relevant data and analyzing possible covariances in the data set are discussed and presented as well as suggestions for further investigations into the possible link between gender and sustainable transport performance.
Investigating the Potential of Using POI and Nighttime Light Data to Map Urban Road Safety at the Micro-Level: A Case in Shanghai, China
Authors: Wang Ningcheng , Liu Yufan , Wang Jinzi , Qian Xingjian , Zhao Xizhi , Wu Jianping , Wu Bin , Yao Shenjun , Fang Lei
Published: August 2019

The way in which the occurrence of urban traffic collisions can be conveniently and precisely predicted plays an important role in traffic safety management, which can help ensure urban sustainability. Point of interest (POI) and nighttime light (NTL) data have always been used for characterizing human activities and built environments. By using a district of Shanghai as the study area, this research employed the two types of urban sensing data to map vehicle–pedestrian and vehicle–vehicle collision risks at the micro-level by road type with random forest regression (RFR) models. First, the Network Kernel Density Estimation (NKDE) algorithm was used to generate the traffic collision density surface. Next, by establishing a set of RFR models, the observed density surface was modeled with POI and NTL variables, based on different road types and periods of the day. Finally, the accuracy of the models and the predicted outcomes were analyzed. The results show that the two datasets have great potential for mapping vehicle–pedestrian and vehicle–vehicle collision risks, but they should be carefully utilized for different types of roads and collision types. First, POI and NTL data are not applicable to the modeling of traffic collisions that happen on expressways. Second, the two types of sensing data are quite suitable for estimating the occurrence of traffic collisions on arterial and secondary trunk roads. Third, while the two datasets are capable of predicting vehicle–pedestrian collision risks on branch roads, their ability to predict vehicle safety on branch roads is limited.
What Are South Korean Consumers’ Concerns When Buying Eco-Friendly Agricultural Products?
Authors: Kim Ki-Hueng , Lee Kwan-Ryul
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to analyze how perceptions of eco-friendly agricultural products affect food choice criteria, based on a sample of 225 study participants (consumers) in Sejong City, South Korea. We focused on the following criteria: Health, food safety, environmental protection, trust, reputation, nutrition, and taste. We used factor analysis to classify responses into three types of consumer attitude: Organic-minded, pesticide-free focused, and local food-minded. Then, we applied a logit analysis to determine values of agricultural products (dependent variables) and consumer attitudes toward eco-friendly agricultural products (independent variables). We found that South Korean consumers were not motivated by health or environmental protection, nor were they substantially concerned about food safety; their utmost concern was the reputation of organic products. Pesticide-free focused and local food-minded consumers placed a higher value on nutrition and taste, respectively, likely because, in South Korea, organic agriculture is a component of eco-friendly agriculture, leading to the entanglement in consumer perceptions of organic and pesticide-free products. This paper discusses how phased development strategies of organic agriculture, including the eco-friendly agricultural policy, have failed. It is therefore needed to develop and implement new policies for South Korean eco-friendly agriculture.
Exploring the Diverse Expectations of Stakeholders in Industrial Land Redevelopment Projects in China: The Case of Shanghai
Authors: He Fang , Wu Wendong , Zhuang Taozhi , Yi Yuan
Published: August 2019

In China, while large-scale industrial land redevelopment has played a significant role in promoting economic growth, it has also triggered a series of unsustainable problems. To date, few studies have explored the expectations of stakeholders in industrial redevelopment projects in China. Gaining an in-depth understanding of the diverse expectations among core stakeholders is an essential step towards realizing social sustainability. This study aims to analyze these diverse expectations in industrial land redevelopment projects. For this purpose, 19 factors were identified and compared across the following core stakeholders: local governments, consulting experts, the general public, and original land users of state-led redevelopment and land user-led redevelopment projects, using questionnaires and interviews conducted in Shanghai, China. The findings show there to be tremendous differences between the expectations of different stakeholder groups in terms of economic, social and environmental aspects. Major differences were also found between the expectations of original land users across different project types. Moreover, the negative externalities, the balance between industrial and residential space, the diverse needs of original land users in different project types, and the barriers to stakeholders’ participation, in industrial land redevelopment in China were discussed. The findings of the current paper are conducive to optimizing stakeholder participation in industrial land redevelopment so as to enhance social sustainability.