bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Quality and Magnetotransport Properties of Epitaxial Layers of the (Ga,Mn)(Bi,As) Dilute Magnetic Semiconductor
Authors: Andrearczyk Tomasz , Levchenko Khrystyna , Sadowski Janusz , Domagala Jaroslaw Z. , Kaleta Anna , Dłużewski Piotr , Wróbel Jerzy , Figielski Tadeusz , Wosinski Tadeusz
Published: December 2020

Structural analysis of epitaxial layers of the (Ga,Mn)(Bi,As) quaternary dilute magnetic semiconductor (DMS), together with investigations of their magnetotransport properties, has been thoroughly performed. The obtained results are compared with those for the reference (Ga,Mn)As layers, grown under similar conditions, with the aim to reveal an impact of Bi incorporation on the properties of this DMS material. Incorporation of Bi into GaAs strongly enhances the spin-orbit coupling strength in this semiconductor, and the same has been expected for the (Ga,Mn)(Bi,As) alloy. In turn, importantly for specific spintronic applications, strong spin-orbit coupling in ferromagnetic systems opens a possibility of directly controlling the direction of magnetization by the electric current. Our investigations, performed with high-resolution X-ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy, demonstrate that the (Ga,Mn)(Bi,As) layers of high structural quality and smooth interfaces can be grown by means of the low-temperature molecular-beam epitaxy method, despite a large difference between the sizes of Bi and As atoms. Depending on the applied buffer layer, the DMS layers can be grown under either compressive or tensile misfit strain, which influences their magnetic properties. It is shown that even small 1% Bi content in the layers strongly affects their magnetoelectric properties, such as the coercive field and anisotropic magnetoresistance.
Hydrophilic Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane, POSS(OH)32, as a Complexing Nanocarrier for Doxorubicin and Daunorubicin
Authors: Piorecka Kinga , Janaszewska Anna , Majkowska Marta , Marcinkowska Monika , Kurjata Jan , Kazmierski Slawomir , Radzikowska-Cieciura Ewa , Kost Bartlomiej , Sowinski Przemyslaw , Klajnert-Maculewicz Barbara , Stanczyk Wlodzimierz A.
Published: December 2020

A novel strategy, recently developed by us, to use polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) as an anti-cancer drug carrier is presented. Anthracycline:POSS complexes were prepared by simple co-addition of doxorubicin (DOX) or daunorubicin (DAU) with hydrophilic POSS(OH)32. Co-delivery of POSS and anthracyclines led to higher anti-cancer activity towards HeLa (cervical cancer endothelial) and MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) cell lines. The obtained supramolecular hybrid complexes were characterised by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy (nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy [NOESY] and homonuclear correlation spectroscopy [COSY]), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The two-dimensional (2D) NOESY spectra of the complexes showed the cross-correlation peaks for hydroxyl groups of POSS (~4.3–4.8 ppm) with OH groups of DOX and DAU. FTIR showed that hydroxyl group of POSS can interact with amine and hydroxyl groups of DOX and DAU. The viability of HeLa and MCF-7 was analysed with the MTT assay to evaluate the cytotoxicity of free DOX and DAU and the relevant complexes with POSS at different molar ratios. At a low DOX concentration (2.5 µM), for molar ratios 1:1, 1:4, and 1:8 (POSS:DOX), the complexes showed two and three times higher cytotoxicity towards HeLa and MCF-7 cells, respectively, than DOX itself after both 24- and 48-h incubation. The 1 µM concentration for a 1:4 POSS:DOX molecular ratio and the 2.5 µM concentration for all complexes were more toxic towards MCF-7 cells than free DOX after 48-h incubation. In the case of POSS:DAU complexes, there was higher toxicity than that of free drug after 48-h incubation. It can be concluded that the formation of non-covalent complexes increases toxicity of anthracycline drugs towards Hela and MCF-7 cells. The novel complexes are inexpensive to prepare and more effective than free drugs at low systemic toxicity.
Heat Losses Caused by the Temporary Influence of Wind in Timber Frame Walls Insulated with Fibrous Materials
Authors: Kosiński Piotr , Brzyski Przemysław , Suchorab Zbigniew , Łagód Grzegorz
Published: December 2020

The paper presents the results of research concerning three fiber materials—mineral wool, hemp fiber and wood wool—as loose-fill thermal insulation materials. The analysis used the material parameters determined in previous works conducted by the authors, such as thermal conductivity and air permeability in relation to bulk density. These materials exhibit open porosity; thus, convection is an essential phenomenon in the heat transfer process. The paper aimed at conducting thermal simulations of various frame wall variants which were filled with the above-mentioned insulation materials. The simulations were performed with the Control Volume Method using the Delphin 5.8 software. The studies accounted for the effect of wind pressure and the time of its influence on a wall insulated by means of fiber material with a thickness of 150 as well as 250 mm. The simulation enabled us to obtain such data as maximal R-value reduction and time to return to equilibrium after filtration for the analyzed materials. The study proved that heat transfer in these insulations strongly depends on the bulk density, thickness of the insulation and wind pressure. The decrease in R is reduced as the density increases. This results from the decreased air permeability characterizing the material. Wind washing causes lower R reduction than air filtration in all models. The greater the thickness, the longer it takes for the models to return to the equilibrium state following air filtration (and wind washing). This period is comparable for air filtration and wind washing. Hemp fibers were characterized with the strongest susceptibility to air filtration; in the case of wood wool, it was also high, but lower than for hemp fibers, while mineral wool was characterized with the lowest.
Temperature-Related Properties of Solid Birch Wood under Quasi-Static and Dynamic Bending
Authors: Baumann Georg , Brandner Reinhard , Müller Ulrich , Kumpenza Cedou , Stadlmann Alexander , Feist Florian
Published: December 2020

The project WoodC.A.R. investigates the capabilities of wood and engineered wood-products (EWPs) for their application as a load-bearing material in automotive applications. For crash-relevant components, materials have to provide a high impact bending energy over a wide range of climatic conditions. This study investigates the effect of temperature on the bending behavior of solid birch wood beams (800 × 90 × 43 mm3) under quasi-static and dynamic loading. Specimens were exposed to a three-point bending test with lateral confinement, replicating the hypothetical installation environment in a car, at five temperature levels: −30 °C, 0 °C, +30 °C, +60 °C, and +90 °C. A cylindrical impactor (D = 254 mm, m = 91 kg) was propelled against the center of the beam with an initial velocity of 8.89 m/s (dynamic) and at a constant velocity of 10 mm/min (quasi-static), respectively. Specimens were conditioned in a freezer and a climate chamber, respectively. Temperature was monitored prior and during testing. Bulk density and global fiber deviation were determined afterwards. In both, the dynamic and the quasi-static load case maximum force slightly decreased with increasing temperature, but remained almost constant at temperatures exceeding +30 °C. On average, the maximum dynamic peak force level was twice as high as in quasi-static tests. In the quasi-static tests, the energy absorption remained constant at elevated temperatures (+30 °C to +90 °C) but decreased by about 50% at lower temperatures −30 °C and 0 °C. In the dynamic tests, the energy absorption remained almost constant throughout the entire temperature range.
Effects of Loaded End Distance and Moisture Content on the Behavior of Bolted Connections in Squared and Round Timber Subjected to Tension Parallel to the Grain
Authors: Lokaj Antonin , Dobes Pavel , Sucharda Oldrich
Published: December 2020

This article presents the results of static tests on bolted connections in squared and round timber with inserted steel plates. The experiment evaluates structural timber connections with different distances between the fastener and the loaded end at different moisture contents. Specimens were loaded by tension parallel to the grain and load–deformation diagrams were recorded. Fifty-six specimens with three different distances between the fastener and the loaded end, at different moisture contents, were tested. The results were statistically evaluated using regression analysis, complemented with load–deformation curves, and compared with calculations according to the valid standard for design of timber structures. A decrease in the evaluated load-carrying capacity with increasing moisture content was confirmed experimentally. A slight increase in the evaluated load-carrying capacity with increasing fastener distance from the loaded end was found.
Analysis of Wear Resistance of Borided Steel C45
Authors: Pashechko Mykhaylo , Dziedzic Krzysztof , Jozwik Jerzy
Published: December 2020

The wear resistance of diffusion coatings in conditions of specific pressures of 3, 7 and 10 MPa was studied. The boride coatings were prepared by means of diffusion methods using C45 steel as the substrate material. Research on the microstructure and redistribution of chemical elements on wear surface of a borided layer was carried out. It was found that the boride coatings should be used under a specific pressure of 7 MPa. It was found that the wear of friction couple coating of steel C45 under specific pressure of 3 MPa proceeds according to the oxidation wear mechanism, while under specific pressures of 7 and 10 MPa the abrasive wear prevails. The wear-induced segregation of atoms in coatings was studied using secondary mass-spectroscopy method (SIMS). Increased C, O, and B concentrations were noticed at the wear surface on depth from 50 to 2000 Å. The secondary wear-induced structure formation on the wear surface resulted in high wear resistance of diffusion borided coatings.
Genome Mining and Synthetic Biology in Marine Natural Product Discovery
Authors: Costantini Maria
Published: December 2020

n/a
Application of Six Detection Methods for Analysis of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins in Shellfish from Four Regions within Latin America
Authors: Turner Andrew D. , Tarnovius Sophie , Hatfield Robert G. , Teixeira Alves Mickael , Broadwater Maggie , Van Dolah Frances , Garcia-Mendoza Ernesto , Medina Dinorah , Salhi Maria , Goya Alejandra B. , Barrera Fernanda , Carrasco Daniel , Rubilar Ignacio , Suarez-Isla Benjamin A.
Published: December 2020

With the move away from use of mouse bioassay (MBA) to test bivalve mollusc shellfish for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins, countries around the world are having to adopt non-animal-based alternatives that fulfil ethical and legal requirements. Various assays have been developed which have been subjected to single-laboratory and multi-laboratory validation studies, gaining acceptance as official methods of analysis and approval for use in some countries as official control testing methods. The majority of validation studies conducted to date do not, however, incorporate shellfish species sourced from Latin America. Consequently, this study sought to investigate the performance of five alternative PSP testing methods together with the MBA, comparing the PSP toxin data generated both qualitatively and quantitatively. The methods included a receptor binding assay (RBA), two liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (LC-FLD) methods including both pre-column and post-column oxidation, liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and a commercial lateral flow assay (LFA) from Scotia. A total of three hundred and forty-nine shellfish samples from Argentina, Mexico, Chile and Uruguay were assessed. For the majority of samples, qualitative results compared well between methods. Good statistical correlations were demonstrated between the majority of quantitative results, with a notably excellent correlation between the current EU reference method using pre-column oxidation LC-FLD and LC-MS/MS. The LFA showed great potential for qualitative determination of PSP toxins, although the findings of high numbers of false-positive results and two false negatives highlighted that some caution is still needed when interpreting results. This study demonstrated that effective replacement methods are available for countries that no longer wish to use the MBA, but highlighted the importance of comparing toxin data from the replacement method using local shellfish species of concern before implementing new methods in official control testing programs.
Genesis of Carbonate Breccia Containing Invisible Gold in Taebaeksan Basin, South Korea
Authors: No Sang-Gun , Park Maeng-Eon , Yoo Bong-Chul , Lee Seung-Han
Published: December 2020

The Yemi breccia developed and is distributed within the Paleozoic carbonate rock (Maggol Formation) in the central part of the Taebaeksan Basin, South Korea. Explanation for the genesis of the Yemi breccia has been controversial. We investigated the petrological and mineralogical properties of the breccia and the matrix materials at 60 outcrops. The Yemi breccia is divided into crackle, mosaic, and chaotic breccias based on morphology. In addition, these are divided into blackish, reddish, grayish, and white to pinkish matrix breccias according to the materials of the matrix. Quartz, calcite, pyrite, hematite (after pyrite), and minor epidote, chlorite, and opaque materials mainly comprise the matrix materials. The pyrite grains from the Yemi breccia can be divided into two types based on the mineral texture: diagenetic and hydrothermal. We analyzed the chemistry of pyrite and hematite (after pyrite) from the Yemi breccia with an electron probe X-ray microanalyzer (EPMA). Invisible gold was detected within the pyrite grains by EPMA and disseminated micron-sized isolated gold particles were discovered by backscattered electron (BSE) images. The texture of Au-bearing pyrite and gold particles in the Yemi breccia is especially well matched with pyrite and gold from the Shuiyindong Carlin-type hydrothermal gold deposits, China. Therefore, we suggest an important role of hydrothermal fluid in karstification within the Paleozoic carbonate rock.
Camphene Attenuates Skeletal Muscle Atrophy by Regulating Oxidative Stress and Lipid Metabolism in Rats
Authors: Baek Suji , Kim Jisu , Moon Byung Seok , Park Sun Mi , Jung Da Eun , Kang Seo Young , Lee Sang Ju , Oh Seung Jun , Kwon Seung Hae , Nam Myung Hee , Kim Hye Ok , Yoon Hai Jeon , Kim Bom Sahn , Lee Kang Pa
Published: December 2020

Sarcopenia- or cachexia-related muscle atrophy is due to imbalanced energy metabolism and oxidative stress-induced muscle dysfunction. Monoterpenes play biological and pharmacological reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging roles. Hence, we explored the effects of camphene, a bicyclic monoterpene, on skeletal muscle atrophy in vitro and in vivo. We treated L6 myoblast cells with camphene and then examined the ROS-related oxidative stress using Mito TrackerTM Red FM and anti-8-oxoguanine antibody staining. To investigate lipid metabolism, we performed real-time polymerase chain reactions, holotomographic microscopy, and respiratory gas analysis. Rat muscle atrophy in in vivo models was observed using 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography and immunocytochemistry. Camphene reversed the aberrant cell size and muscle morphology of L6 myoblasts under starvation and in in vivo models. Camphene also attenuated E3 ubiquitin ligase muscle RING-finger protein-1, mitochondrial fission, and 8-oxoguanine nuclear expression in starved myotubes and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-treated cells. Moreover, camphene significantly regulated lipid metabolism in H2O2-treated cells and in vivo models. These findings suggest that camphene may potentially affect skeletal muscle atrophy by regulating oxidative stress and lipid metabolism.
Clinically Relevant Interactions between Atypical Antipsychotics and Anti-Infective Agents
Authors: Spina Edoardo , Barbieri Maria Antonietta , Cicala Giuseppe , de Leon Jose
Published: December 2020

This is a comprehensive review of the literature on drug interactions (DIs) between atypical antipsychotics and anti-infective agents that focuses on those DIs with the potential to be clinically relevant and classifies them as pharmacokinetic (PK) or pharmacodynamic (PD) DIs. PubMed searches were conducted for each of the atypical antipsychotics and most commonly used anti-infective agents (13 atypical antipsychotics by 61 anti-infective agents/classes leading to 793 individual searches). Additional relevant articles were obtained from citations and from prior review articles written by the authors. Based on prior DI articles and our current understanding of PK and PD mechanism, we developed tables with practical recommendations for clinicians for: antibiotic DIs, antitubercular DIs, antifungal DIs, antiviral DIs, and other anti-infective DIs. Another table reflects that in clinical practice, DIs between atypical antipsychotics and anti-infective agents occur in patients also suffering an infection that may also influence the PK and PD mechanisms of both drugs (the atypical antipsychotic and the anti-infective agent(s)). These tables reflect the currently available literature and our current knowledge of the field and will need to be updated as new DI information becomes available.
14-3-3σ and Its Modulators in Cancer
Authors: Aljabal Ghazi , Yap Beow Keat
Published: December 2020

14-3-3σ is an acidic homodimer protein with more than one hundred different protein partners associated with oncogenic signaling and cell cycle regulation. This review aims to highlight the crucial role of 14-3-3σ in controlling tumor growth and apoptosis and provide a detailed discussion on the structure–activity relationship and binding interactions of the most recent 14-3-3σ protein-protein interaction (PPI) modulators reported to date, which has not been reviewed previously. This includes the new fusicoccanes stabilizers (FC-NAc, DP-005), fragment stabilizers (TCF521-123, TCF521-129, AZ-003, AZ-008), phosphate-based inhibitors (IMP, PLP), peptide inhibitors (2a–d), as well as inhibitors from natural sources (85531185, 95911592). Additionally, this review will also include the discussions of the recent efforts by a different group of researchers for understanding the binding mechanisms of existing 14-3-3σ PPI modulators. The strategies and state-of-the-art techniques applied by various group of researchers in the discovery of a different chemical class of 14-3-3σ modulators for cancer are also briefly discussed in this review, which can be used as a guide in the development of new 14-3-3σ modulators in the near future.
Reconstruction of High-Temporal- and High-Spatial-Resolution Reflectance Datasets Using Difference Construction and Bayesian Unmixing
Authors: Yang Lei , Song Jinling , Han Lijuan , Wang Xin , Wang Jing
Published: December 2020

High-temporal- and high-spatial-resolution reflectance datasets play a vital role in monitoring dynamic changes at the Earth’s land surface. So far, many sensors have been designed with a trade-off between swath width and pixel size; thus, it is difficult to obtain reflectance data with both high spatial resolution and frequent coverage from a single sensor. In this study, we propose a new Reflectance Bayesian Spatiotemporal Fusion Model (Ref-BSFM) using Landsat and MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) surface reflectance, which is then used to construct reflectance datasets with high spatiotemporal resolution and a long time series. By comparing this model with other popular reconstruction methods (the Flexible Spatiotemporal Data Fusion Model, the Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model, and the Enhanced Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model), we demonstrate that our approach has the following advantages: (1) higher prediction accuracy, (2) effective treatment of cloud coverage, (3) insensitivity to the time span of data acquisition, (4) capture of temporal change information, and (5) higher retention of spatial details and inconspicuous MODIS patches. Reflectance time-series datasets generated by Ref-BSFM can be used to calculate a variety of remote-sensing-based vegetation indices, providing an important data source for land surface dynamic monitoring.
Beach State Recognition Using Argus Imagery and Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Ellenson Ashley N. , Simmons Joshua A. , Wilson Greg W. , Hesser Tyler J. , Splinter Kristen D.
Published: December 2020

Nearshore morphology is a key driver in wave breaking and the resulting nearshore circulation, recreational safety, and nutrient dispersion. Morphology persists within the nearshore in specific shapes that can be classified into equilibrium states. Equilibrium states convey qualitative information about bathymetry and relevant physical processes. While nearshore bathymetry is a challenge to collect, much information about the underlying bathymetry can be gained from remote sensing of the surfzone. This study presents a new method to automatically classify beach state from Argus daytimexposure imagery using a machine learning technique called convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The CNN processed imagery from two locations: Narrabeen, New South Wales, Australia and Duck, North Carolina, USA. Three different CNN models are examined, one trained at Narrabeen, one at Duck, and one trained at both locations. Each model was tested at the location where it was trained in a self-test, and the single-beach models were tested at the location where it was not trained in a transfer-test. For the self-tests, skill (as measured by the F-score) was comparable to expert agreement (CNN F-values at Duck = 0.80 and Narrabeen = 0.59). For the transfer-tests, the CNN model skill was reduced by 24–48%, suggesting the algorithm requires additional local data to improve transferability performance. Transferability tests showed that comparable F-scores (within 10%) to the self-trained cases can be achieved at both locations when at least 25% of the training data is from each site. This suggests that if applied to additional locations, a CNN model trained at one location may be skillful at new sites with limited new imagery data needed. Finally, a CNN visualization technique (Guided-Grad-CAM) confirmed that the CNN determined classifications using image regions (e.g., incised rip channels, terraces) that were consistent with beach state labelling rules.
Modeling Gross Primary Production of Midwestern US Maize and Soybean Croplands with Satellite and Gridded Weather Data
Authors: Malek-Madani Gunnar , Walter-Shea Elizabeth A. , Nguy-Robertson Anthony L. , Suyker Andrew , Arkebauer Timothy J.
Published: December 2020

Gross primary production (GPP) is a useful metric for determining trends in the terrestrial carbon cycle. To estimate daily GPP, the cloud-adjusted light use efficiency model (LUEc) was developed by adapting a light use efficiency (LUE, ε) model to include in situ meteorological data and biophysical parameters. The LUEc uses four scalars to quantify the impacts of temperature, water stress, and phenology on ε. This study continues the original investigation in using the LUEc, originally limited to three AmeriFlux sites (US-Ne1, US-Ne2, and US-Ne3) by applying gridded meteorological data sets and remotely sensed green leaf area index (gLAI) to estimate daily GPP over a larger spatial extent. This was achieved by including data from four additional AmeriFlux locations in the U.S. Corn Belt for a total of seven locations. Results show an increase in error (RMSE = 3.5 g C m−2 d−1) over the original study in which in situ data were used (RMSE = 2.6 g C m−2 d−1). This is attributed to poor representation of gridded weather inputs (vapor pressure and incoming solar radiation) and application of gLAI algorithms to sites in Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois, calibrated using data from Nebraska sites only, as well as uncertainty due to climatic variation. Despite these constraints, the study showed good correlation between measured and LUEc-modeled GPP (R2 = 0.80 and RMSE of 3.5 g C m−2 d−1). The decrease in model accuracy is somewhat offset by the ability to function with gridded weather datasets and remotely sensed biophysical data. The level of acceptable error is dependent upon the scope and objectives of the research at hand; nevertheless, the approach holds promise in developing regional daily estimates of GPP.
Applying the Tropical Peatland Combustion Algorithm to Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Sentinel-2 Multi Spectral Instrument (MSI) Imagery
Authors: Sofan Parwati , Bruce David , Jones Eriita , Khomarudin M. Rokhis , Roswintiarti Orbita
Published: December 2020

This study establishes a new technique for peatland fire detection in tropical environments using Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2. The Tropical Peatland Combustion Algorithm (ToPeCAl) without longwave thermal infrared (TIR) (henceforth known as ToPeCAl-2) was tested on Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) data and then applied to Sentinel-2 Multi Spectral Instrument (MSI) data. The research is aimed at establishing peatland fire information at higher spatial resolution and more frequent observation than from Landsat-8 data over Indonesia’s peatlands. ToPeCAl-2 applied to Sentinel-2 was assessed by comparing fires detected from the original ToPeCAl applied to Landsat-8 OLI/Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) verified through comparison with ground truth data. An adjustment of ToPeCAl-2 was applied to minimise false positive errors by implementing pre-process masking for water and permanent bright objects and filtering ToPeCAl-2’s resultant detected fires by implementing contextual testing and cloud masking. Both ToPeCAl-2 with contextual test and ToPeCAl with cloud mask applied to Sentinel-2 provided high detection of unambiguous fire pixels (>95%) at 20 m spatial resolution. Smouldering pixels were less likely to be detected by ToPeCAl-2. The detected smouldering pixels from ToPeCAl-2 applied to Sentinel-2 with contextual testing and with cloud masking were only 35% and 56% correct, respectively; this needs further investigation and validation. These results demonstrate that even in the absence of TIR data, an adjusted ToPeCAl algorithm (ToPeCAl-2) can be applied to detect peatland fires at 20 m resolution with high accuracy especially for flaming. Overall, the implementation of ToPeCAl applied to cost-free and available Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 data enables regular peatland fire monitoring in tropical environments at higher spatial resolution than other satellite-derived fire products.
Remote Sensing and GIS for Environmental Analysis and Cultural Heritage
Authors: Noszczyk Tomasz , Gawronek Pelagia
Published: December 2020

Dynamically growing remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) technologies are gaining popularity all over the world as tools for environmental analysis [...]
Intravaginal Devices and GNSS Collars with Satellite Communication to Detect Calving Events in Extensive Beef Production in Northern Australia
Authors: Pearson Christie , Lush Lucy , González Luciano A.
Published: December 2020

Observing calves at birth may help to identify risk factors for, and reduce, calf loss in extensive beef systems. The objectives of this study were to: (1) evaluate two commercial satellite birth alert systems to enable the observation of newborn calves and (2) assess behavioral changes of cows around calving. Vaginal Implant Transmitters (VIT) paired with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) collars were worn by 20 cows in Trial 1 and 10 cows in Trial 2 to identify birthing events. The VIT and GNSS collars contained a temperature sensor, accelerometer, and very high frequency (VHF) to communicate with a handheld tracker, and ultra-high frequency (UHF) for communication between the VIT and GNSS collar, which had two-way communication using Iridium satellites. A change (Brand 1) or drop (Brand 2) in temperature of more than 3 °C and inactivity triggered the VIT to communicate an expelled alert to the collar, which transmitted the birth alert information via Iridium (device ID, date, time and geolocation of the GNSS collar at expulsion). Cows and calves were tracked in the paddock following a birth alert to assess their health and status. Overall, true birth alerts occurred in only 27.6% of devices. Cows remained active on the day of calving travelling 5.54 ± 4.11 and 5.00 ± 2.80 km/day compared to 6.45 ± 2.79 and 6.12 ± 2.30 km/d on days when calving did not occur for Trial 1 and 2, respectively (mean ± SD). Average activity of the accelerometer X- and Y-axis on calving day was reduced by 15%–20% compared to other days in Trial 1 (p < 0.05) but not in Trial 2 (p > 0.05). Results suggest that these two birth alert systems are not suitable for use in extensive systems and the further development of the technology is required. Cows in the current trials remained active on the day of, and after, calving, indicating that a faster, real-time alert system and communication protocol would be required to achieve the aim of finding newborn calves.
Classification of Fatigue Phases in Healthy and Diabetic Adults Using Wearable Sensor
Authors: Aljihmani Lilia , Kerdjidj Oussama , Zhu Yibo , Mehta Ranjana K. , Erraguntla Madhav , Sasangohar Farzan , Qaraqe Khalid
Published: December 2020

Fatigue is defined as “a loss of force-generating capacity” in a muscle that can intensify tremor. Tremor quantification can facilitate early detection of fatigue onset so that preventative or corrective controls can be taken to minimize work-related injuries and improve the performance of tasks that require high-levels of accuracy. We focused on developing a system that recognizes and classifies voluntary effort and detects phases of fatigue. The experiment was designed to extract and evaluate hand-tremor data during the performance of both rest and effort tasks. The data were collected from the wrist and finger of the participant’s dominant hand. To investigate tremor, time, frequency domain features were extracted from the accelerometer signal for segments of 45 and 90 samples/window. Analysis using advanced signal processing and machine-learning techniques such as decision tree, k-nearest neighbor, support vector machine, and ensemble classifiers were applied to discover models to classify rest and effort tasks and the phases of fatigue. Evaluation of the classifier’s performance was assessed based on various metrics using 5-fold cross-validation. The recognition of rest and effort tasks using an ensemble classifier based on the random subspace and window length of 45 samples was deemed to be the most accurate (96.1%). The highest accuracy (~98%) that distinguished between early and late fatigue phases was achieved using the same classifier and window length.
Non-Contact Respiratory Measurement Using a Depth Camera for Elderly People
Authors: Imano Wakana , Kameyama Kenichi , Hollingdal Malene , Refsgaard Jens , Larsen Knud , Topp Cecilie , Kronborg Sissel Højsted , Gade Josefine Dam , Dinesen Birthe
Published: December 2020

Measuring respiration at home for cardiac patients, a simple method that can detect the patient’s natural respiration, is needed. The purpose of this study was to develop an algorithm for estimating the tidal volume (TV) and respiratory rate (RR) from the depth value of the chest and/or abdomen, which were captured using a depth camera. The data of two different breathing patterns (normal and deep) were acquired from both the depth camera and the spirometer. The experiment was performed under two different clothing conditions (undressed and wearing a T-shirt). Thirty-nine elderly volunteers (male = 14) were enrolled in the experiment. The TV estimation algorithm for each condition was determined by regression analysis using the volume data from the spirometer as the objective variable and the depth motion data from the depth camera as the explanatory variable. The RR estimation was calculated from the peak interval. The mean absolute relative errors of the estimated TV for males were 14.0% under undressed conditions and 10.7% under T-shirt-wearing conditions; meanwhile, the relative errors for females were 14.7% and 15.5%, respectively. The estimation error for the RR was zero out of a total of 206 breaths under undressed conditions and two out of a total of 218 breaths under T-shirt-wearing conditions for males. Concerning females, the error was three out of a total of 329 breaths under undressed conditions and five out of a total of 344 breaths under T-shirt-wearing conditions. The developed algorithm for RR estimation was accurate enough, but the estimated occasionally TV had large errors, especially in deep breathing. The cause of such errors in TV estimation is presumed to be a result of the whole-body motion and inadequate setting of the measurement area.
Semantic Extraction of Permanent Structures for the Reconstruction of Building Interiors from Point Clouds
Authors: Coudron Inge , Puttemans Steven , Goedemé Toon , Vandewalle Patrick
Published: December 2020

The extraction of permanent structures (such as walls, floors, and ceilings) is an important step in the reconstruction of building interiors from point clouds. These permanent structures are, in general, assumed to be planar. However, point clouds from building interiors often also contain clutter with planar surfaces such as furniture, cabinets, etc. Hence, not all planar surfaces that are extracted belong to permanent structures. This is undesirable as it can result in geometric errors in the reconstruction. Therefore, it is important that reconstruction methods can correctly detect and extract all permanent structures even in the presence of such clutter. We propose to perform semantic scene completion using deep learning, prior to the extraction of permanent structures to improve the reconstruction results. For this, we started from the ScanComplete network proposed by Dai et al. We adapted the network to use a different input representation to eliminate the need for scanning trajectory information as this is not always available. Furthermore, we optimized the architecture to make inference and training significantly faster. To further improve the results of the network, we created a more realistic dataset based on real-life scans from building interiors. The experimental results show that our approach significantly improves the extraction of the permanent structures from both synthetically generated as well as real-life point clouds, thereby improving the overall reconstruction results.
Curvefusion—A Method for Combining Estimated Trajectories with Applications to SLAM and Time-Calibration
Authors: Du Shitong , Lauterbach Helge A. , Li Xuyou , Demisse Girum G. , Borrmann Dorit , Nüchter Andreas
Published: December 2020

Mapping and localization of mobile robots in an unknown environment are essential for most high-level operations like autonomous navigation or exploration. This paper presents a novel approach for combining estimated trajectories, namely curvefusion. The robot used in the experiments is equipped with a horizontally mounted 2D profiler, a constantly spinning 3D laser scanner and a GPS module. The proposed algorithm first combines trajectories from different sensors to optimize poses of the planar three degrees of freedom (DoF) trajectory, which is then fed into continuous-time simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) to further improve the trajectory. While state-of-the-art multi-sensor fusion methods mainly focus on probabilistic methods, our approach instead adopts a deformation-based method to optimize poses. To this end, a similarity metric for curved shapes is introduced into the robotics community to fuse the estimated trajectories. Additionally, a shape-based point correspondence estimation method is applied to the multi-sensor time calibration. Experiments show that the proposed fusion method can achieve relatively better accuracy, even if the error of the trajectory before fusion is large, which demonstrates that our method can still maintain a certain degree of accuracy in an environment where typical pose estimation methods have poor performance. In addition, the proposed time-calibration method also achieves high accuracy in estimating point correspondences.
Temperature Resolution Improvement in Raman-Based Fiber-Optic Distributed Sensor Using Dynamic Difference Attenuation Recognition
Authors: Li Jian , Zhou Xinxin , Zhang Mingjiang , Zhang Jianzhong , Qiao Lijun , Zhao Le , Yin Zitong
Published: December 2020

There is an optical interference noise in the conventional Raman-based fiber-optics distributed sensing, which results in a poor temperature resolution performance. In addition, the traditional whole-fiber demodulation principle complicates the operation steps of the system. In this paper, a novel dynamic difference attenuation recognition (DDAR) principle is operated in the DDP scheme (dual demodulation principle) and the SDP scheme (self-demodulation principle) respectively. It not only helps to eliminate the optical interference noise, but also omits the whole-fiber calibration process. In this experiment, a temperature resolution of 0.30 °C (17.0 km) is achieved through using the DDP scheme based on the DDAR principle, and the measurement time can be shortened to 1.5 s. Meanwhile, a temperature resolution of 0.18 °C (17.0 km) is obtained for the SDP scheme under the DDAR principle. The SNR of DDP and DSP schemes can be optimized to 12.82 dB and 13.32 dB by the proposed DDAR technology. Furthermore, the temperature resolution performance under a large temperature measurement range (0–1000 °C) is theoretically analyzed. The results indicate that the temperature responsivity for DDP and SDP schemes are parabolic and linear type respectively, which causes the temperature resolution of the two schemes to show a different trend with the change of temperature. The proposed DDAR method also can improve the temperature resolution in such a large temperature measurement range.
A Tacholess Order Tracking Method Based on Inverse Short Time Fourier Transform and Singular Value Decomposition for Bearing Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Xu Lang , Chatterton Steven , Pennacchi Paolo , Liu Chang
Published: December 2020

Order tracking has been widely used to diagnose failures of variable speed rotating machines. The performance of the TOT (Time-Frequency Domain Tacholess Order Tracking) methods is based on the correct separation of the target component strictly related to the shaft rotation frequency. Currently, most of the methods have focused on obtaining the instantaneous frequency with accuracy. In this paper, a new TOT method has been proposed that combines the inverse short-time Fourier transform (ISTFT) with singular value decomposition (SVD). The target component closely related to the shaft rotation frequency is selected and filtered approximately in the time-frequency domain. Hence, the ISTFT is adopted to reverse the target component into the time domain. Next, SVD is used to refine the roughly filtered target component. Finally, the phase of the refined signal is extracted to resample the original signal. The performance of the method was tested using real vibration signals collected from a large-scale test rig of a high-speed train traction system.
Migration as a Challenge to the Sustainability of Nordic Gender Equality Policies as Highlighted through the Lived Experiences of Eritrean Mothers Living in Denmark
Authors: Joubert Natalie , Anand Janet , Mäki-Opas Tomi
Published: December 2020

This study focused on the complex process of adjustment and adaptation experienced by refugee parents from Eritrea who have settled in Aalborg, Denmark. Migration is a challenge to the sustainability of Nordic gender equality policies, in the face of cultural differences between refugees and host countries. This narrative study undertaken in the Eritrean community in Aalborg, Denmark took place against the background of cultural differences between the refugees and their host country, and Nordic gender equality policies. The study was done through the lens of parenting, to provide Eritrean refugee parents in Aalborg with the opportunity to share their lived experiences of settling in Denmark. The overarching aim of this study was to explore with Eritrean parents how they raise their children in a new country, as well as identifying both the challenges they face and the strengths which they bring to that role through their narratives. It aims to improve the understanding of what is significant to these parents during the process of their adaptation to a new environment. The role of refugees is well-established in their country of origin, but exposure to the Nordic Welfare Model which embraces women as being equal to men, is often problematic for Eritrean female refugees. Increasing cross-cultural knowledge in Denmark, through becoming aware of the lived experiences of the refugees as parents is important, particularly for those involved in social services that engage with this community. The study focused on the nature of challenges faced by Eritrean mothers experienced whilst integrating into Danish society. A semi-structured approach was used to obtain and analyze the data that was collected through interpersonal, qualitative methods in a narrative paradigm. The methodology was informed by initial focus groups meetings. Face-to-face engagement with the parents, utilizing an Eritrean interpreter as an integral part of the research team, was used. This study has highlighted the importance of engaging directly with refugee communities within their existing structures with a willingness to understand their culture. This approach may sit outside traditional research settings and service provision norms, but it informs more targeted, culturally appropriate, and acceptable interventions, which will assist the refugee community to effectively integrate into Danish society. The questions raised indicate an urgent need to recognize the cultural differences between refugees and host countries, and for this purpose to obtain more in-depth studies addressing this poorly examined area.
Sustainable Evolution of China’s Regional Energy Efficiency Based on a Weighted SBM Model with Energy Substitutability
Authors: Yang Wei , Lu Zudi , Wang Di , Shao Yanmin , Shi Jinfeng
Published: December 2020

The rapid economy expansion in China has substantially increased energy consumption. Under the stringent environmental policy and the requirement of green economy development, the accurate assessment and analysis of energy efficiency is an increasingly significant issue for energy development policy making in China. This study uses the weighted slacks-based model (weighted SBM) considering the energy substitutability to evaluate the regional energy efficiency (EE) in 29 Chinese provinces, from 1991 to 2015, and explores the sustainable evolution characteristics of EE by comparative and convergence analyses from different perspectives. The empirical results show that EE has significant geographic differences. On the one hand, EE increases from the west to the east of China, and its volatility has a rising trend over the period 1991–2015. Only the EE in the eastern area had a stable rising trend, and the EE differences are difficult to reduce in the short term. On the other hand, the economic zones in the south of China, such as Central Bohai, Pearl River Delta, and Yangtze River Delta, have higher EE. We also find a significant EE improvement occurred during the Eleventh and the Twelfth Five-Year plans. By means of the convergence analysis of energy efficiency across different areas and economic zones over different time intervals, it is shown that EE in the southeast coast provinces have a better catching-up effect and adjustment rate toward the efficient frontier, while the western inland provinces are less effective over the period 1991–2005. Further, we empirically find that the industry policies including industry transfer policy promote EE globally, but the regional differences and fluctuations in EE remain serious. Certain policy implications are discussed with regard to sustainable regional development and an effective industry transfer policy.
Green Purchase Behavior of University Students in Hungary: An Empirical Study
Authors: Naz Farheen , Oláh Judit , Vasile Dinu , Magda Róbert
Published: December 2020

In this modern age of digitalization, consumers have access to an ample amount of information regarding a product’s quality and benefits, which makes consumers more conscious of their consumption patterns and their impact on social and environmental development. Likewise, marketing strategies have also taken a dramatic leap forward and started focusing on social responsibility, ethics, and environmental protection. The notion of environmental sustainability has created a market niche over several decades and has captured the market of pro-environmental consumers. However, there are still many latent factors that are obstacles to shifting the behavior of consumers towards buying green products. The present study was conducted to recognize factors that affect the consumers’ behavior when purchasing eco-friendly products. They were collected from 1185 university students in Hungary. To analyze the data, multiple regression and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used. The results showed that willingness to pay (WTP) and green purchase intention (GPI) are the chief factors that affect the green purchase behavior (GPB) of these students. Environmental knowledge (EK) also has an important and positive impact on the green purchase behavior (GPB) of consumers, although regarding demographic variables, no such influence was noted. To conclude, the study showed that there was no bias in terms of age, gender, or qualification in the behavior of young students, as they have sufficient knowledge of environmental problems and are very willing to pay for environmentally friendly products. This study will create self-awareness among young consumers about their environmentally friendly purchasing behavior. This research will further benefit policymakers and marketers of the EU and Hungary to enhance their marketing strategies to promote their green products and their benefits. Future research can be developed on this theoretical framework and will help academicians to further reduce the research gap by using different constructs and methodologies.
Changes in Soil Health with Remediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soils Using Two Different Remediation Technologies
Authors: Lee Sang Hwan , Lee Jung Hyun , Jung Woo Chul , Park Misun , Kim Min Suk , Lee Seung Jae , Park Hyun
Published: December 2020

For sustainable soil management, there is an increasing demand for soil quality, resilience, and health assessment. After remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC)-contaminated soils, changes in the physicochemical and ecological characteristics of the soil were investigated. Two kinds of remediation technologies were applied to contaminated soils: land farming (LF) and high temperature thermal desorption (HTTD). As a result of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), PHC-contaminated soils were efficiently remediated by LF and HTTD. The soil health could not be completely recovered after the removal of pollutants due to adverse changes in the soil properties, especially in soil enzyme activities. Therefore, monitoring is necessary for accurate estimation of soil ecotoxicity and effective remediation, and additional soil management, such as fertilizer application or organic amendments, is needed to restore soil heath. In the case of HTTD, soil ecological properties are severely changed during the remediation process. The decision to reuse or recycle remediated soils should reflect changes in soil quality. HTTD is a harsh remediation method that results in deterioration of soil fertility and ecological functions. Alternatives, such as low-temperature thermal desorption or additional soil management using fertilizer or organic amendments, for example, are needed.