bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Metabolomics of Early Development of the Parasitic Plants Phelipanche aegyptiaca and Triphysaria versicolor
Authors: Clermont Kristen , Wang Yaxin , Liu Siming , Yang Zhenzhen , dePamphilis Claude , Yoder John , Collakova Eva , Westwood James
Published: June 2019

Parasitic weeds of the family Orobanchaceae attach to the roots of host plants via haustoria capable of drawing nutrients from host vascular tissue. The connection of the haustorium to the host marks a shift in parasite metabolism from autotrophy to at least partial heterotrophy, depending on the level of parasite dependence. Species within the family Orobanchaceae span the spectrum of host nutrient dependency, yet the diversity of parasitic plant metabolism remains poorly understood, particularly during the key metabolic shift surrounding haustorial attachment. Comparative profiling of major metabolites in the obligate holoparasite Phelipanche aegyptiaca and the facultative hemiparasite Triphysaria versicolor before and after attachment to the hosts revealed several metabolic shifts implicating remodeling of energy and amino acid metabolism. After attachment, both parasites showed metabolite profiles that were different from their respective hosts. In P. aegyptiaca, prominent changes in metabolite profiles were also associated with transitioning between different tissue types before and after attachment, with aspartate levels increasing significantly after the attachment. Based on the results from 15N labeling experiments, asparagine and/or aspartate-rich proteins were enriched in host-derived nitrogen in T. versicolor. These results point to the importance of aspartate and/or asparagine in the early stages of attachment in these plant parasites and provide a rationale for targeting aspartate-family amino acid biosynthesis for disrupting the growth of parasitic weeds.
Fabrication of Hydrophilic Surface on Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses to Enhance the Wettability Using Ultraviolet Laser System
Authors: Tsai Hsin-Yi , Hsieh Yu-Chen , Lin Yu-Hsuan , Chang Han-Chao , Tang Yu-Hsiang , Huang Kuo-Cheng
Published: June 2019

The widely used rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses provide higher oxygen permeability and tear exchange rate than do soft contact lenses. However, their wettability warrants improvement to enhance the wearing comfort. This study used UV laser (wavelength = 355 nm) to modify the surface properties of RGP contact lenses with materials of Boston XO® (Bausch & Lomb Incorporated). Briefly, the mesh pattern was fabricated on the RGP contact lens surface by using the laser and smoothed by using oxygen plasma; the enhanced hydrophilic efficiency was analyzed using contact angle measurement. The experiment results indicated that the contact angle of the lens material decreased by approximately 10°–20° when the pitch of mesh pattern was <50 μm under a 500-mm/s scanning speed. The oxygen plasma enhanced surface wettability with a decreased contact angle (40°). The hydrophilic characteristic of the UV laser and oxygen plasma–treated surface was twice that of oxygen plasma–treated and untreated surfaces. In the future, RGP contact lens edges could be treated with UV laser and oxygen plasma to enhance the tear wettability and wearing comfort.
Postprandial Circulating miRNAs in Response to a Dietary Fat Challenge
Authors: Mantilla-Escalante Diana C. , López de las Hazas María-Carmen , Gil-Zamorano Judit , del Pozo-Acebo Lorena , Crespo M. Carmen , Martín-Hernández Roberto , del Saz Andrea , Tomé-Carneiro Joao , Cardona Fernando , Cornejo-Pareja Isabel , García-Ruiz Almudena , Briand Olivier , Lasunción Miguel A. , Visioli Francesco , Dávalos Alberto
Published: June 2019

Postprandial lipemia has many physiopathological effects, some of which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can be found in almost all biological fluids, but their postprandial kinetics are poorly described. We aimed to profile circulating miRNAs in response to a fat challenge. In total, 641 circulating miRNAs were assessed by real-time PCR in plasmas from mice two hours after lipid gavage. Mice with intestine-specific loss of Dicer were screened to identify potential miRNAs released by the intestine. A total of 68 miRNAs were selected for further validation. Ten circulating miRNAs were finally validated as responsive to postprandial lipemia, including miR-206-3p, miR-543-3p, miR-466c-5p, miR-27b-5p, miR-409-3p, miR-340-3p, miR-1941-3p, miR-10a-3p, miR-125a-3p, and miR-468-3p. Analysis of their possible tissues of origin/target showed an enrichment of selected miRNAs in liver, intestine, brain, or skeletal muscle. miR-206, miR-27b-5p, and miR-409-3p were validated in healthy humans. Analysis of their predicted target genes revealed their potential involvement in insulin/insulin like growth factor (insulin/IGF), angiogenesis, cholecystokinin B receptor signaling pathway (CCKR), inflammation or Wnt pathways for mice, and in platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and CCKR signaling pathways for humans. Therefore, the current study shows that certain miRNAs are released in the circulation in response to fatty meals, proposing them as potential novel therapeutic targets of lipid metabolism.
Processed Foods and Nutrition Transition in the Pacific: Regional Trends, Patterns and Food System Drivers
Authors: Sievert Katherine , Lawrence Mark , Naika Asaeli , Baker Phillip
Published: June 2019

Background: The role of processed foods in nutrition transition in the Pacific is receiving some attention in the context of a significant obesity and diet-related noncommunicable disease health burden. However, trends, patterns and underlying drivers of processed food markets in the Pacific are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate recent trends and patterns of processed food markets in the region and interpret the findings by engaging key literature on relevant food systems drivers. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods approach involving two steps; (1) We analysed Euromonitor market sales data for processed food and beverage products sold from 2004–2018 for 16 countries differentiated by income level, and (2) guided by a food systems conceptual framework, we drew upon key literature to understand the likely drivers of our observations. Results: We observed plateaus and declines in processed food sales in some high-income countries but increases in upper-middle and lower-middle income countries, and most rapidly in the latter. Beverage markets appear to be stagnating across all income groups. Carbonated soft drinks, baked goods, vegetable oils, processed meats, noodles and sweet biscuits made up the majority of sales in transitioning countries. These observations are likely a result of income growth, urbanising populations, trade and globalisation, and various policies implemented by Pacific governments. Conclusions: A processed foods nutrition transition is well underway in the Pacific region and accelerating most prominently in lower-middle income countries.
Influences of Psychological Traits and PROP Taster Status on Familiarity with and Choice of Phenol-Rich Foods and Beverages
Authors: De Toffoli Alessandra , Spinelli Sara , Monteleone Erminio , Arena Elena , Di Monaco Rossella , Endrizzi Isabella , Gallina Toschi Tullia , Laureati Monica , Napolitano Fabio , Torri Luisa , Dinnella Caterina
Published: June 2019

Plant phenolics are powerful antioxidants and free radical scavengers that can contribute to the healthy functional properties of plant-based food and beverages. Thus, dietary behaviours rich in plant-based food and beverages are encouraged. However, it is well-known that the bitter taste and other low-appealing sensory properties that characterize vegetables and some other plant-based foods act as an innate barrier for their acceptance. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of psychological traits and PROP status (the responsiveness to bitter taste of 6-n- propylthiouracil) on the choice of and familiarity with phenol-rich vegetables and beverages varying in recalled level of bitterness and astringency. Study 1 aimed at assessing the variations of the sensory properties of vegetable and coffee/tea items with two check-all-that-apply (CATA) questionnaires (n = 201 and n = 188 individuals, respectively). Study 2 aimed at investigating how sensitivity to punishment, to reward, and to disgust, food neophobia, private body consciousness, alexithymia, and PROP responsiveness affect choice and familiarity with phenol-rich foods (n = 1200 individuals). A Choice Index was calculated for vegetables (CV) and coffee/tea (CC) as a mean of the choices of the more bitter/astringent option of the pairs and four Familiarity Indices were computed for vegetables (FV) and coffee/tea (FC), higher (+) or lower (-) in bitterness and astringency. Subjects higher in food neophobia, sensitivity to punishment or sensitivity to disgust reported significantly lower choice indices than individuals lower in these traits, meaning that they systematically opted for the least bitter/astringent option within the pairs. Familiarity with vegetables was lower in individuals high in sensitivity to punishment, in food neophobia and in alexithymia, irrespective of their sensory properties. The Familiarity Index with coffee/tea characterized by higher bitterness and astringency was lower in individuals high in food neophobia, sensitivity to disgust, and alexithymia. No significant effect of PROP was found on any indices. The proposed approach based on product grouping according to differences in bitterness and astringency allowed the investigation of the role of individual differences in chemosensory perception and of psychological traits as modulators of phenol-rich foods preference and consumption.
Socio-Ecological Factors That Influence Infant and Young Child Nutrition in Kiribati: A Biocultural Perspective
Authors: Kodish Stephen R. , Grey Kelsey , Matean Maryam , Palaniappan Uma , Gwavuya Stanley , Gomez Caitlin , Iuta Tinai , Timeon Eretii , Northrup-Lyons Martina , McLean Judy , Erasmus Wendy
Published: June 2019

This study sought to elucidate the multi-level factors that influence behaviors underlying high childhood stunting and widespread micronutrient deficiencies in Kiribati. This two-phase formative research study had an emergent and iterative design using the socio-ecological model as the guiding theoretical framework. Phase 1 was exploratory while phase 2 was confirmatory. In phase 1, in-depth interviews, free lists, seasonal food availability calendar workshops, and household observations were conducted. In phase 2, focus group discussions, pile sorts, participatory workshops, and repeat observations of the same households were completed. Textual data were analyzed using NVivo software; ethnographic data were analyzed with Anthropac software for cultural domain analysis. We found a combination of interrelated structural, community, interpersonal, and individual-level factors contributing to the early child nutrition situation in Kiribati. Despite widespread knowledge of nutritious young child foods among community members, households make dietary decisions based not only on food availability and access, but also longstanding traditions and social norms. Diarrheal disease is the most salient young child illness, attributable to unsanitary environments and sub-optimal water, sanitation, and hygiene behaviors. This research underscores the importance of a multi-pronged approach to most effectively address the interrelated policy, community, interpersonal, and individual-level determinants of infant and young child nutrition in Kiribati.
The Mosquito Immune System and the Life of Dengue Virus: What We Know and Do Not Know
Authors: Mukherjee Debica , Das Sandeepan , Begum Feroza , Mal Sweety , Ray Upasana
Published: June 2019

Flaviviruses are largely transmitted to humans by their arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes or ticks. The dengue virus (DENV) is one of the members of the family Flaviviridae and is the causative agent of dengue fever. In the mosquito vector, DENV enters through viremic blood meal and replicates in the mid-gut. Newly formed virion particles circulate to various mosquito organs and get transmitted to the next host in subsequent bites. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus have intricate immune control to allow DENV production at a sub-pathogenic level. In the mosquito, antimicrobial peptides (AMP) and RNA inference (RNAi) are the two main antiviral strategies used against DENV. Apart from innate immunity, mosquito resident microbes play a significant role in modulating DENV replication. In this review, we discuss different immune mechanisms and preventive strategies that act against DENV in two of its vectors: Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
Biocontrol of Cereal Crop Diseases Using Streptomycetes
Authors: Newitt Jake , Prudence Samuel , Hutchings Matthew , Worsley Sarah
Published: June 2019

A growing world population and an increasing demand for greater food production requires that crop losses caused by pests and diseases are dramatically reduced. Concurrently, sustainability targets mean that alternatives to chemical pesticides are becoming increasingly desirable. Bacteria in the plant root microbiome can protect their plant host against pests and pathogenic infection. In particular, Streptomyces species are well-known to produce a range of secondary metabolites that can inhibit the growth of phytopathogens. Streptomyces are abundant in soils and are also enriched in the root microbiomes of many different plant species, including those grown as economically and nutritionally valuable cereal crops. In this review we discuss the potential of Streptomyces to protect against some of the most damaging cereal crop diseases, particularly those caused by fungal pathogens. We also explore factors that may improve the efficacy of these strains as biocontrol agents in situ, as well as the possibility of exploiting plant mechanisms, such as root exudation, that enable the recruitment of microbial species from the soil to the root microbiome. We argue that a greater understanding of these mechanisms may enable the development of protective plant root microbiomes with a greater abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Streptomyces species.
Electrostatic Precipitation of Submicron Particles in a Molten Carrier
Authors: Dobrowolski Adrian , Pieloth Damian , Wiggers Helmut , Thommes Markus
Published: June 2019

Recently, submicron particles have been discussed as a means to increase the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. Separation of these small particles is done with both fibre and membrane filters, as well as electrostatic precipitators. A major disadvantage of an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) is the agglomerate formation on the precipitation electrode. These agglomerates frequently show low bioavailability, due to the decreased specific surface area and poor wettability. In this work, a new melt electrostatic precipitator was developed and tested to convert submicron particles into a solid dispersion in order to increase the bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients. The submicron particles were generated by spray drying and transferred to the ESP, where the collection electrode is covered with a melt, which served as matrix after solidification. The newly developed melt electrostatic precipitator was able to collect isolated naproxen particles in a molten carrier. A solid naproxen xylitol dispersion was prepared, which showed a reduction of the dissolution time by 82%, and a release of 80% of the total drug, compared to the physical mixture.
Pharmacist Services in the Opioid Crisis: Current Practices and Scope in the United States
Authors: Thakur Tanvee , Frey Meredith , Chewning Betty
Published: June 2019

Introduction: Pharmacist roles promoting safe opioid use are recognized in literature and practice. Pharmacists can offer services such as counseling on opioid risks, naloxone dispensing, education on opioid storage and disposal, prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) utilization, opioid deprescribing, and providing resources for addiction treatment to help mitigate the opioid crisis. Objective: This commentary seeks to describe current and potential roles for pharmacists to combat the United States opioid crisis and identify key factors affecting service provision. Methods: The paper summarizes evidence-based studies describing current pharmacist roles and services, factors affecting service implementation, and strategies to further improve pharmacist roles and services related to promoting safe opioid use for patients. Results: Pharmacists recognize their roles and responsibilities to counsel patients on opioid risks, dispense naloxone, educate on opioid storage and disposal, utilize prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), offer opioid deprescribing, and provide resources for addiction treatment. However, pharmacists express low confidence, time, and training as barriers to service provision. This suggests a need for structured training, resources, and organizational support for pharmacists to improve confidence and participation in such services. Conclusions: Although pharmacists are aware of roles and responsibilities to help reduce the opioid crisis, more training, education, organizational support and resources are needed to increase their ability to embody these roles.
Holocene Sedimentary Record and Coastal Evolution in the Makran Subduction Zone (Iran)
Authors: Normand Raphaël , Simpson Guy , Herman Frédéric , Biswas Rabiul Haque , Bahroudi Abbas
Published: June 2019

The western Makran coast displays evidence of surface uplift since at least the Late Pleistocene, but it remains uncertain whether this displacement is accommodated by creep on the subduction interface, or in a series of large earthquakes. Here, we address this problem by looking at the short-term (Holocene) history of continental vertical displacements recorded in the geomorphology and sedimentary succession of the Makran beaches. In the region of Chabahar (Southern Iran), we study two bay-beaches through the description, measurement and dating of 13 sedimentary sections with a combination of radiocarbon and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating. Our results show that lagoonal settings dominate the early Holocene of both studied beach sections. A flooding surface associated with the Holocene maximum transgression is followed by a prograding sequence of tidal and beach deposits. Coastal progradation is evidenced in Pozm Bay, where we observe a rapid buildup of the beach ridge succession (3.5 m/years lateral propagation over the last 1950 years). Dating of Beris Beach revealed high rates of uplift, comparable to the rates obtained from the nearby Late Pleistocene marine terraces. A 3150-year-old flooding surface within the sedimentary succession of Chabahar Bay was possibly caused by rapid subsidence during an earthquake. If true, this might indicate that the Western Makran does produce large earthquakes, similar to those that have occurred further east in the Pakistani Makran.
Mobilizing Shakti: Hindu Goddesses and Campaigns Against Gender-Based Violence
Authors: Smears Ali
Published: June 2019

Hindu goddesses have been mobilized as powerful symbols by various groups of activists in both visual and verbal campaigns in India. Although these mobilizations have different motivations and goals, they have frequently emphasized the theological association between goddesses and women, connected through their common possession of Shakti (power). These campaigns commonly highlight the idea that both goddesses and Hindu women share in this power in order to inspire women to action in particular ways. While this association has largely been used as a campaign strategy by Hindu right-wing women’s organizations in India, it has also become a strategy employed in particular feminist campaigns as well. This article offers a discourse analysis of two online activist campaigns (Priya's Shakti and Abused Goddesses) which mobilize Hindu goddesses (and their power) in order to raise awareness about gender-based violence in India. I examine whether marginalized identities of women in India, in relation to caste, class and religious identity, are represented in the texts and images. To do so, I analyze how politically-charged, normative imaginings of Indian women are constructed (or maintained). This analysis raises questions about the usefulness of employing Hindu goddesses as feminist symbols, particularly in contemporary Indian society, in which communal and caste-based tensions are elevated.
A Zhuangzian Tangle: Corroborating (Orientalism in?) Posthumanist Approaches to Subjectivities and Flourishings
Authors: Dickman Nathan Eric
Published: June 2019

Posthumanist critics such as Braidotti—informed by the antihumanisms of Foucault, Irigaray, and Deleuze—seek to respond to advanced capitalism by promoting what they take to be a radical transformation of what it means to be “human,” a way of conceiving being human that is thoroughly and consistently post-anthropocentric. Braidotti calls out advanced capitalism’s global economy as being inconsistently post-anthropocentric. In response, I first lay out ways through which posthumanists can find corroboration in Asian religious thought, such as in Zhuangzi and classical Chan (Zen) Buddhism. I simply put forth, basically side by side, posthumanist positions on subjectivity and flourishing and parallels in Zhuangzi and Chan. This may strike some as sophomoric, which is in part what I hope to illustrate: just how easy it is to find corroboration in these Asian religious resources. This leads to my second issue. Given such conveniently available resources, what might this tell us about limitations in posthumanist Humanities and posthumanist critical theory as developed so far? I seek to bring out both a possible covert form of Orientalism in posthumanism and a myopic methodology in excluding Religious Studies in general as paradigmatic of posthumanist Humanities.
Quantitative Analysis of Spectral Response to Soda Saline-AlkaliSoil after Cracking Process: A Laboratory Procedure to Improve Soil Property Estimation
Authors: Ren Jianhua , Li Xiaojie , Li Sijia , Zhu Honglei , Zhao Kai
Published: June 2019

Cracking on the surface of soda saline-alkali soil is very common. In most previous studies, spectral prediction models of soil salinity were less accurate since spectral measurements were usually performed on 2 mm soil samples which cannot represent true soil surface condition very well. The objective of our research is to provide a procedure to improve soil property estimation of soda saline-alkali soil based on spectral measurement considering the texture feature of the soil surface with cracks. To achieve this objective, a cracking test was performed with 57 soil samples from Songnen Plain of China, the contrast (CON) texture feature of crack images of soil samples was then extracted from grey level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM). The original reflectance was then measured and the mixed reflectance considering the CON texture feature was also calculated from both the block soil samples (soil blocks separated by crack regions) and the comparison soil samples (soil powders with 2 mm particle size). The results of analysis between spectra and the main soil properties indicate that surface cracks can reduce the overall reflectivity of the soda saline-alkali soil and thus increasing the spectral difference among the block soil samples with different salinity levels. The results also show that both univariate and multivariate linear regression models considering the CON texture feature can greatly improve the prediction accuracy of main soil properties of soda saline-alkali soils, such as Na+, EC and salinity, which also can reduce the intensity of field spectral measurements under natural condition.
An Integrated View of Greenland Ice Sheet Mass Changes Based on Models and Satellite Observations
Authors: Mottram Ruth , B. Simonsen Sebastian , Høyer Svendsen Synne , Barletta Valentina R. , Sandberg Sørensen Louise , Nagler Thomas , Wuite Jan , Groh Andreas , Horwath Martin , Rosier Job , Solgaard Anne , Hvidberg Christine S. , Forsberg Rene
Published: June 2019

The Greenland ice sheet is a major contributor to sea level rise, adding on average 0.47 ± 0.23 mm year − 1 to global mean sea level between 1991 and 2015. The cryosphere as a whole has contributed around 45% of observed global sea level rise since 1993. Understanding the present-day state of the Greenland ice sheet is therefore vital for understanding the processes controlling the modern-day rates of sea level change and for making projections of sea level rise into the future. Here, we provide an overview of the current state of the mass budget of Greenland based on a diverse range of remote sensing observations to produce the essential climate variables (ECVs) of ice velocity, surface elevation change, grounding line location, calving front location, and gravimetric mass balance as well as numerical modelling that together build a consistent picture of a shrinking ice sheet. We also combine these observations with output from a regional climate model and from an ice sheet model to gain insight into existing biases in ice sheet dynamics and surface mass balance processes. Observations show surface lowering across virtually all regions of the ice sheet and at some locations up to −2.65 m year − 1 between 1995 and 2017 based on radar altimetry analysis. In addition, calving fronts at 28 study sites, representing a sample of typical glaciers, have retreated all around Greenland since the 1990s and in only two out of 28 study locations have they remained stable. During the same period, two of five floating ice shelves have collapsed while the locations of grounding lines at the remaining three floating ice shelves have remained stable over the observation period. In a detailed case study with a fracture model at Petermann glacier, we demonstrate the potential sensitivity of these floating ice shelves to future warming. GRACE gravimetrically-derived mass balance (GMB) data shows that overall Greenland has lost 255 ± 15 Gt year − 1 of ice over the period 2003 to 2016, consistent with that shown by IMBIE and a marked increase compared to a rate of loss of 83 ± 63 Gt year − 1 in the 1993–2003 period. Regional climate model and ice sheet model simulations show that surface mass processes dominate the Greenland ice sheet mass budget over most of the interior. However, in areas of high ice velocity there is a significant contribution to mass loss by ice dynamical processes. Marked differences between models and observations indicate that not all processes are captured accurately within models, indicating areas for future research.
Systematic Analysis of a Military Wearable Device Based on a Multi-Level Fusion Framework: Research Directions
Authors: Shi Han , Zhao Hai , Liu Yang , Gao Wei , Dou Sheng-Chang
Published: June 2019

With the development of the Internet of Battlefield Things (IoBT), soldiers have become key nodes of information collection and resource control on the battlefield. It has become a trend to develop wearable devices with diverse functions for the military. However, although densely deployed wearable sensors provide a platform for comprehensively monitoring the status of soldiers, wearable technology based on multi-source fusion lacks a generalized research system to highlight the advantages of heterogeneous sensor networks and information fusion. Therefore, this paper proposes a multi-level fusion framework (MLFF) based on Body Sensor Networks (BSNs) of soldiers, and describes a model of the deployment of heterogeneous sensor networks. The proposed framework covers multiple types of information at a single node, including behaviors, physiology, emotions, fatigue, environments, and locations, so as to enable Soldier-BSNs to obtain sufficient evidence, decision-making ability, and information resilience under resource constraints. In addition, we systematically discuss the problems and solutions of each unit according to the frame structure to identify research directions for the development of wearable devices for the military.
PPAP: Perspective Projection Augment Platform with Pan–Tilt Actuation for Improved Spatial Perception
Authors: Byun JungHyun , Han Tack-Don
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we propose PPAP, an augmented reality platform with an actuated projector for dynamic user-perspective projection. In PPAP, a stationary camera is used jointly with a pan–tilt motorized projector-camera unit. With the servo control of the steerable pan–tilt system, the system is able to continuously orient itself to match the user’s view center of the projection-mapped surface. This provides users with greatly widened viewing angles in the augmented scene, when compared to the stationary projection. Through user studies, in which users judged the size and distance of a projected virtual object, we verified that the perspective projection with the actuated projector helps users better understand the spatial relationship of the virtual object in the augmented scene in terms of depth perception.
A Sensor Array for the Measurement of Relative Motion in Lower Limb Prosthetic Sockets
Authors: Noll Veronika , Whitmore Sigrid , Beckerle Philipp , Rinderknecht Stephan
Published: June 2019

The relative motion between residual limb and prosthetic socket could be a relevant factor in quantifying socket fit. The measurement of these movements, particularly in dynamic gait situations, poses a challenging task. This paper presents the realization of a measurement concept based on multiple optical 2D-motion sensors. The performance of the system was evaluated on a test rig considering accuracy and precision as well as accomplished measurement frequency and reliability of the system. Additionally, results of a pilot study measuring the relative motion between residual limb and prosthetic socket at seven specific locations of one individual with transtibial amputation during straight level walking are presented. The sensor functionality of the array was confirmed and the test rig experiments were comparable to the previously tested functional model ( e r r rel = 0.52 ± 1.87 %). With a sampling frequency of 1.3 kHz to be distributed among the number of sensor units, the developed system is suitable for investigating the relative movement between residual limb and prosthetic socket in dynamic gait situations. Results of the pilot study show the majority of relative motion occurring during the second half of the gait cycle. The measured relative motions show the residual limb sinking deeper into the socket, extending in the Sagittal plane and rotating internally in the Transverse plane during stance phase. Data captured during swing phase indicate a lower limb extension in the Sagittal plane as well as an external rotation in the Transverse plane.
Strategies and Techniques for Powering Wireless Sensor Nodes through Energy Harvesting and Wireless Power Transfer
Authors: La Rosa Roberto , Livreri Patrizia , Trigona Carlo , Di Donato Loreto , Sorbello Gino
Published: June 2019

The continuous development of internet of things (IoT) infrastructure and applications is paving the way for advanced and innovative ideas and solutions, some of which are pushing the limits of state-of-the-art technology. The increasing demand for Wireless Sensor Nodes (WSNs) able to collect and transmit data through wireless communication channels, while often positioned in locations that are difficult to access, is driving research into innovative solutions involving energy harvesting (EH) and wireless power transfer (WPT) to eventually allow battery-free sensor nodes. Due to the pervasiveness of radio frequency (RF) energy, RF EH and WPT are key technologies with the potential to power IoT devices and smart sensing architectures involving nodes that need to be wireless, maintenance free, and sufficiently low in cost to promote their use almost anywhere. This paper presents a state-of-the-art, ultra-low power 2.5 μ W highly integrated mixed signal system on chip (SoC), for multi-source energy harvesting and wireless power transfer. It introduces a novel architecture that integrates an ultra-low power intelligent power management, an RF to DC converter with very low power sensitivity and high power conversion efficiency (PCE), an Amplitude-Shift-Keying/Frequency-Shift-Keying (ASK/FSK) receiver and digital circuitry to achieve the advantage to cope, in a versatile way and with minimal use of external components, with the wide variety of energy sources and use cases. Diverse methods for powering Wireless Sensor Nodes through energy harvesting and wireless power transfer are implemented providing related system architectures and experimental results.
A Novel Monitoring Approach for Train Tracking and Incursion Detection in Underground Structures Based on Ultra-Weak FBG Sensing Array
Authors: Nan Qiuming , Li Sheng , Yao Yiqiang , Li Zhengying , Wang Honghai , Wang Lixing , Sun Lizhi
Published: June 2019

Tracking operating trains and identifying illegal intruders are two important and critical issues in subway safety management. One challenge is to find a reliable methodology that would enable these two needs to be addressed with high sensitivity and spatial resolution over a long-distance range. This paper proposes a novel monitoring approach based on distributed vibration, which is suitable for both train tracking and incursion detection. For an actual subway system, ultra-weak fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensing technology was applied to collect the distributed vibration responses from moving trains and intruders. The monitoring data from the subway operation stage were directly utilized to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed method for tracking trains. Moreover, a field simulation experiment was performed to validate the possibility of detecting human intrusion. The results showed that the diagonal signal pattern in the distributed vibration response can be used to reveal the location and speed of the moving loads (e.g., train and intruders). Other train parameters, such as length and the number of compartments, can also be obtained from the vibration responses through cross-correlation and envelope processing. Experimental results in the time and frequency domains within the selected intrusion range indicated that the proposed method can distinguish designed intrusion cases in terms of strength and mode.
A Method to Determine BeiDou GEO/IGSO Orbital Maneuver Time Periods
Authors: Qin Zhiwei , Huang Guanwen , Zhang Qin , Wang Le , Yan Xingyuan , Kang Yanchao , Wang Xiaolei , Xie Shichao
Published: June 2019

Because there are different types of BeiDou constellations with participating geostationary orbit (GEO) and inclined geosynchronous orbit (IGSO) satellites, the maneuvering frequency of BeiDou satellites is higher than that of other navigation systems. The satellite orbital maneuvers lead to orbital parameter failure for several hours from broadcast ephemeris. Due to the missing initial orbit, the maneuvering thrust, and the period of orbital maneuvering, the orbit products of maneuvering satellites cannot be provided by the International Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Service (IGS) and International GNSS Monitoring and Assessment System (iGMAS). In addition, the period of unhealthy status and the orbital parameters of maneuvering satellites in broadcast ephemeris are unreliable, making the detection of orbital maneuver periods more difficult. Here, we develop a method to detect orbital maneuver periods involving two key steps. The first step is orbit prediction of maneuvering satellites based on precise orbit products. The second step is time period detection of orbit maneuvering. The start time detection factor is calculated by backward prediction orbit and pseudo-range observations, and the end time detection factor is calculated by forward prediction orbit and pseudo-range observations. Data of stations from the Multi-GNSS Experiment (MGEX) and iGMAS were analyzed. The results show that the period of orbit maneuvering could be detected accurately for BeiDou GEO and IGSO satellites. In addition, the orbital maneuver period of other GNSS medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites could also be determined by this method. The results of period detection for orbit maneuvering provide important reference information for precision orbit and clock offset determination during satellite maneuvers.
Waste Management Analysis in Developing Countries through Unsupervised Classification of Mixed Data
Authors: Caruso Giulia , Gattone Stefano Antonio
Published: June 2019

The increase in global population and the improvement of living standards in developing countries has resulted in higher solid waste generation. Solid waste management increasingly represents a challenge, but it might also be an opportunity for the municipal authorities of these countries. To this end, the awareness of a variety of factors related to waste management and an efficacious in-depth analysis of them might prove to be particularly significant. For this purpose, and since data are both qualitative and quantitative, a cluster analysis specific for mixed data has been implemented on the dataset. The analysis allows us to distinguish two well-defined groups. The first one is poorer, less developed, and urbanized, with a consequent lower life expectancy of inhabitants. Consequently, it registers lower waste generation and lower C O 2 emissions. Surprisingly, it is more engaged in recycling and in awareness campaigns related to it. Since the cluster discrimination between the two groups is well defined, the second cluster registers the opposite tendency for all the analyzed variables. In conclusion, this kind of analysis offers a potential pathway for academics to work with policy-makers in moving toward the realization of waste management policies tailored to the local context.
Crime Prevention Effect of the Second Generation Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Project in South Korea: An Analysis
Authors: Kim Dahee , Hong Seung-Wan , Jeong Yongwook
Published: June 2019

In Yeomni-dong Sogeum-gil, Korea, the first generation CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) project was implemented in 2012, focusing on improving the physical environment. Later, spreading nationwide, it was developed into the second generation CPTED, emphasizing the role of resident participation and improving upon the weak points of the first project. This study makes a comparative analysis of crime reduction and diffusion before and after the second generation CPTED conducted in S-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Korea, using crime location data to verify the crime prevention effect. Most previous studies on Korean CPTED projects sought verification through surveys that involved subjective opinions of the researchers or participants, creating the need for verification through quantitative and objective analysis based on crime data. This follow-up research examines the effects of the first generation CPTED Project by making an objective analysis of the differences in crime prevention effects between the first and the second project. Findings revealed that the second CPTED had a positive effect in reducing the rate of burglary and violent crime. The second generation CPTED project also led to the crime control benefits of crime diffusion, in contrast to the earlier project, where crime displacement occurred.
Social Sustainability Practices on Small Businesses in Developing Economies: A Case of South Africa
Authors: Masocha Reginald
Published: June 2019

This study makes a significant contribution towards theory and knowledge of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the social sustainability discourse. The study focused on investigating if SMEs in developing economies directly benefit from practising social sustainability through examining the relationship between social sustainability and financial performance, customer satisfaction as well as employee satisfaction. A total of 238 SMEs from the Limpopo province of South Africa were surveyed through a self-administered questionnaire at the hand of convenience sampling technique. The hypotheses in the study were assessed through structural equation modelling (SEM) through AMOS software version 25. The study results revealed that all three postulated hypotheses were supported. Thus, social sustainability was found to be positively and significantly associated with financial performance, customer satisfaction performance as well as employee satisfaction performance. The findings in this study indicate that by practising social sustainability, SMEs potentially benefit on a broader performance spectrum.
The Healthcare Sustainable Supply Chain 4.0: The Circular Economy Transition Conceptual Framework with the Corporate Social Responsibility Mirror
Authors: Daú Gláucya , Scavarda Annibal , Scavarda Luiz Felipe , Portugal Vivianne Julianelli Taveira
Published: June 2019

Concern regarding the circular economy and Industry 4.0 is starting to increase in the emerging countries. This research study aims to analyze the healthcare sustainable supply chain 4.0 by proposing the circular economy transition conceptual framework with the corporate social responsibility mirror. The authors developed an observation guideline to collect empirical data from a private healthcare institution located in Rio de Janeiro, which has been promoting investment in new technologies within its operations. The research observation is between January and April 2017. The results show the glass structure can be a channel that provides the lightning resources, the solar energy with the photovoltaic panels, and the water management. The corporate social responsibility links the social role in healthcare institutions with sustainable practices and it improves smart technologies. The applicability of the internet of things and the internet of services adds value to sustainable practices. The circular economy transition conceptual framework integrates the result analyses. The research concludes that the union among the triple bottom line, Industry 4.0, and the corporate social responsibility allows the transition from the linear model to the circular model and can improve the sustainable healthcare supply chain 4.0.
Measurement of the Human Capital Applied to the Business Eco-Innovation
Authors: Ortega-Lapiedra Raquel , Marco-Fondevila Miguel , Scarpellini Sabina , Llena-Macarulla Fernando
Published: June 2019

Despite the growing number of studies on eco-innovation, the specific human capital applied to the eco-innovative processes by firms has not been thoroughly analyzed to date. Due to this gap, this study carries out an empirical research about the definition and measurement of the human capital applied to business eco-innovation in terms of knowledge. For this purpose, we define a human capital specific index (HCSI) to analyze the influence of firms’ human capital in their eco-innovative activities. The results have been obtained through the analysis of a sample of eco-innovative Spanish firms and they show some relevant implications for practitioners regarding the decision-making process in promoting eco-innovation and for the management control of eco-innovative processes. One of the study contributions for academics is to increase the knowledge about the measurement and the impact of the specific human capital applied to eco-innovation by firms in the theoretical framework of the resource-based view theory (RBV).
The Effect of Remittances on Poverty in the Emerging Countries of the European Union
Authors: Mehedintu Anca , Soava Georgeta , Sterpu Mihaela
Published: June 2019

In this paper we study the evolution of remittances and risk of poverty threshold for nine emerging countries in the European Union and analyzed the evolution and trend of the share of remittances in the risk of poverty threshold. The analysis was performed on data taken from the Eurostat database for the period 2005–2017. The statistical analysis of the data showed that the evolution of both remittances and risk of poverty threshold was heavily influenced by the global economic crisis. Although after the crisis, the risk of poverty threshold has seen a growing trend in all emerging countries, the remittances have experienced sinuous variations, dramatic declines for some of the countries (drastically for Romania and Latvia) and significant increases for others (Hungary). The results of the analysis using time-dependent regression models lead to the conclusion that, although the share of remittances in risk of poverty threshold diminished abruptly after the 2009 economic crisis, in the short term it is expected to maintain a growth trend for most of the analyzed countries (Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia), followed downward tendency after 2018 for Bulgaria and Romania, and after 2020 for Hungary and Lithuania. For Latvia and Estonia, both quadratic and cubic models estimate a decreasing evolution.
Compound Droughts and Heat Waves in China
Authors: Ye Lei , Shi Ke , Xin Zhuohang , Wang Chao , Zhang Chi
Published: June 2019

Droughts and heat waves both are natural extreme climate events occurring in most parts of the world. To understand the spatio-temporal characteristics of droughts and heat waves in China, we examine changes in droughts, heat waves, and the compound of both during 1961–2017 based on high resolution gridded monthly sc_PDSI and daily temperature data. Results show that North China and Northwest China are the two regions that experience the most frequent droughts, while Central China is the least drought-affected region. Significant drought decreasing trends were mostly observed Qinghai, Xinjiang, and Tibet provinces, while the belt region between Yunnan and Heilongjiang provinces experienced significant drought increasing trends. Heat waves occur more frequently than droughts, and the increase of heat wave occurrence is also more obvious. The increasing of heat wave occurrence since the 2000s has been unprecedented. The compound droughts and heat waves were mild from the 1960s to 1980s, and began to increase in 1990s. Furthermore, the significant increasing trends of the percentage of compound droughts and heat waves to droughts are observed in entire China, and more than 90% drought occurrences are accompanied by one or more heat waves in the 2010s. The results highlight the increased percentage of compound droughts and heat waves and call for improved efforts on assessing the impact of compound extremes, especially in an era of changing climate.
Analysing Stakeholder Consensus for a Sustainable Transport Development Decision by the Fuzzy AHP and Interval AHP
Authors: Moslem Sarbast , Ghorbanzadeh Omid , Blaschke Thomas , Duleba Szabolcs
Published: June 2019

In any public service development decision, it is essential to reach the stakeholders’ agreement to gain a sustainable result, which is accepted by all involved groups. In case this criterion is violated, the impact of the development will be less than expected due to the resistance of one group or another. Concerning public urban transport decisions, the lack of consensus might cause lower utilisation of public vehicles, thus more severe environmental damage, traffic problems and negative economic impacts. This paper aims to introduce a decision support procedure (applying the current MCDM techniques; Fuzzy and Interval AHP) which is capable of analysing and creating consensus among different stakeholder participants in a transport development problem. The combined application of FAHP and IAHP ensures that the consensus creation is not only based on an automated computation process (just as in IAHP) but also on the consideration of specific group interests. Thus, the decision makers have the liberty to express their preferences in urban planning, along with the consideration of numerical results. The procedure has been tested in a real public transport improvement decision as a follow-up project, in an emerging city, Mersin, Turkey. Results show that by the application of the proposed techniques, decision-makers can be more aware of the conflicts of interests among the involved groups, and they can pay more attention to possible violations.