bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coordination Chemistry of Uranyl Ions with Surface-Immobilized Peptides: An XPS Study
Authors: Mishra Esha , Schultz Cody M. , Lai Rebecca Y. , Dowben Peter A.
Published: December 2022

The coordination chemistry of uranyl ions with surface immobilized peptides was studied using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). All the peptides in the study were modified using a six-carbon alkanethiol as a linker on a gold substrate with methylene blue as the redox label. The X-ray photoemission spectra reveal that each modified peptide interacts differently with the uranyl ion. For all the modified peptides, the XPS spectra were taken in both the absence and presence of the uranium, and their comparison reveals that the interaction depends on the chemical group present in the peptides. The XPS results show that, among all the modified peptides in the current study, the (arginine)9 (R9) modified peptide showed the largest response to uranium. In the order of response to uranium, the second largest response was shown by the modified (arginine)6 (R6) peptide followed by the modified (lysine)6 (K6) peptide. Other modified peptides, (alanine)6 (A6), (glutamic acid)6 (E6) and (serine)6 (S6), did not show any response to uranium.
Comparative Analysis of Acanthopanacis Cortex and Periplocae Cortex Using an Electronic Nose and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Multivariate Statistical Analysis
Authors: Sun Li , Wu Jing , Wang Kang , Liang Tiantian , Liu Quanhui , Yan Junfeng , Yang Ying , Qiao Ke , Ma Sui , Wang Di
Published: December 2022

Chinese Herbal Medicines (CHMs) can be identified by experts according to their odors. However, the identification of these medicines is subjective and requires long-term experience. The samples of Acanthopanacis Cortex and Periplocae Cortex used were dried cortexes, which are often confused in the market due to their similar appearance, but their chemical composition and odor are different. The clinical use of the two herbs is different, but the phenomenon of being confused with each other often occurs. Therefore, we used an electronic nose (E-nose) to explore the differences in odor information between the two species for fast and robust discrimination, in order to provide a scientific basis for avoiding confusion and misuse in the process of production, circulation and clinical use. In this study, the odor and volatile components of these two medicinal materials were detected by the E-nose and by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. An E-nose combined with pattern analysis methods such as principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) was used to discriminate the cortex samples. The E-nose was used to determine the odors of the samples and enable rapid differentiation of Acanthopanacis Cortex and Periplocae Cortex. GC-MS was utilized to reveal the differences between the volatile constituents of Acanthopanacis Cortex and Periplocae Cortex. In all, 82 components including 9 co-contained components were extracted by chromatographic peak integration and matching, and 24 constituents could be used as chemical markers to distinguish these two species. The E-nose detection technology is able to discriminate between Acanthopanacis Cortex and Periplocae Cortex, with GC-MS providing support to determine the material basis of the E-nose sensors’ response. The proposed method is rapid, simple, eco-friendly and can successfully differentiate these two medicinal materials by their odors. It can be applied to quality control links such as online detection, and also provide reference for the establishment of other rapid detection methods. The further development and utilization of this technology is conducive to the further supervision of the quality of CHMs and the healthy development of the industry.
Natural Product 2-Oxokolavenol Is a Novel FXR Agonist
Authors: Guo Fusheng , Gao Yihui , Li Xiaobao , Lei Xiaoguang
Published: December 2022

Acetaminophen (APAP) toxicity is a common cause of hepatic failure, and the development of effective therapy is still urgently needed. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, has been identified as a master gene for regulating enterohepatic metabolic homeostasis and has proven to be a promising drug target for various liver diseases. Through high-throughput chemical screening, the natural product 2-oxokolavenol was identified as a novel and selective FXR agonist. Further investigations revealed that 2-oxokolavenol exerts therapeutic efficacy against APAP-induced hepatocyte damage in an FXR-dependent manner. Mechanistically, 2-oxokolavenol forms two hydrogen bonds with M265 and Y369 of human FXR to compatibly fit into the ligand binding pocket of FXR, which potently leads to the recruitment of multiple co-regulators and selectively induces the transcriptional activity of FXR. Our findings thus not only reveal the direct target of natural product 2-oxokolavenol, but also provide a promising hit compound for the design of new FXR modulators with potential clinical value.
Translucency and Color Stability of a Simplified Shade Nanohybrid Composite after Ultrasonic Scaling and Air-Powder Polishing
Authors: Babina Ksenia , Polyakova Maria , Sokhova Inna , Doroshina Vladlena , Zaytsev Alexandr , Nikonova Elena E. , Budylin Gleb S. , Shirshin Evgeny A. , Tantardini Christian , Novozhilova Nina
Published: December 2022

We aimed to assess the influence of professional dental prophylaxis on the translucency and color stability of a novel simplified shade nanohybrid composite material. Sixty composite disks (5 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick) of light (n = 30) and dark (n = 30) shades were prepared. The specimens were randomly divided into the following three groups (n = 10) according to the prophylaxis procedure used: ultrasonic scaling, air-powder polishing with sodium bicarbonate, and controls. The specimens were submitted to translucency and color analysis based on the CIELab system. Two measurements were performed before and after 48-h storage in coffee. Translucency values of untreated light and dark specimens were 9.15 ± 0.38 and 5.28 ± 1.10, respectively. Air-powder polishing decreased the translucency of the light composite specimens. Storage in coffee resulted in color changes (∆E) ranging between 2.69 and 12.05 and a mean translucency decrease ranging between −0.88 and −6.91. The samples in the light group tended to exhibit greater staining; the treatment method had no effect on ∆E. It can be concluded that light-shade composite restorations are more prone to translucency and color changes resulting from air-powder polishing and contact with staining media. However, further research using other composites and powders is required.
Antigenic Determinant of Helicobacter pylori FlaA for Developing Serological Diagnostic Methods in Children
Authors: Park Hyun-Eui , Park Seorin , Nizamutdinov Damir , Seo Ji-Hyeun , Park Ji-Shook , Jun Jin-Su , Shin Jeong-Ih , Boonyanugomol Wongwarut , Park Jin-Sik , Shin Min-Kyoung , Baik Seung-Chul , Youn Hee-Shang , Cho Myung-Je , Kang Hyung-Lyun , Lee Woo-Kon , Jung Myunghwan
Published: December 2022

The early diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection is important for gastric cancer prevention and treatment. Although endoscopic biopsy is widely used for H. pylori diagnosis, an accurate biopsy cannot be performed until a lesion becomes clear, especially in pediatric patients. Therefore, it is necessary to develop convenient and accurate methods for early diagnosis. FlaA, an essential factor for H. pylori survival, shows high antigenicity and can be used as a diagnostic marker. We attempted to identify effective antigens containing epitopes of high diagnostic value in FlaA. Full-sized FlaA was divided into several fragments and cloned, and its antigenicity was investigated using Western blotting. The FlaA fragment of 1345–1395 bp had strong immunogenicity. ELISA was performed with serum samples from children by using the 1345–1395 bp recombinant antigen fragment. IgG reactivity showed 90.0% sensitivity and 90.5% specificity, and IgM reactivity showed 100% sensitivity and specificity. The FlaA fragment of 1345–1395 bp discovered in the present study has antigenicity and is of high value as a candidate antigen for serological diagnosis. The FlaA 1345–1395 bp epitope can be used as a diagnostic marker for H. pylori infection, thereby controlling various gastric diseases such as gastric cancer and peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori.
Dysbiosis in Head and Neck Cancer: Determining Optimal Sampling Site for Oral Microbiome Collection
Authors: Pandey Dheeraj , Szczesniak Michal , Maclean Julia , Yim Howard , Zhang Fan , Graham Peter , El-Omar Emad , Wu Peter
Published: December 2022

Recent research suggests that dysbiosis of the oral microbial community is associated with head and neck cancer (HNC). It remains unclear whether this dysbiosis causes chemo-radiotherapy (CRT)-related complications. However, to address this question, it is essential to determine the most representative oral site for microbiome sampling. In this study, our purpose was to determine the optimal site for oral sample collection and whether the presence of HNC is associated with altered oral microbiome from this site. In 21 newly diagnosed HNC patients and 27 healthy controls, microbiome samples were collected from saliva, swabs from buccal mucosa, tongue, hard palate, faucial pillars and all mucosal sites combined. Microbial DNA was extracted and underwent 16S rRNA amplicon gene sequencing. In healthy controls, analysis of observed taxonomic units detected differences in alpha- and beta-diversity between sampling sites. Saliva was found to have the highest intra-community microbial diversity and lowest within-subject (temporal) and between-subject variance. Feature intersection showed that most species were shared between all sites, with saliva demonstrating the most unique species as well as highest overlap with other sites. In HNC patients, saliva was found to have the highest diversity but differences between sites were not statistically significant. Across all sites, HNC patients had lower alpha diversity than healthy controls. Beta-diversity analysis showed HNC patients’ microbiome to be compositionally distinct from healthy controls. This pattern was confirmed when the salivary microbiome was considered alone. HNC patients exhibited reduced diversity of the oral microbiome. Salivary samples demonstrate temporal stability, have the richest diversity and are sufficient to detect perturbation due to presence of HNC. Hence, they can be used as representative oral samples for microbiome studies in HNC patients.
Design and Optimization of Asymmetric Grating Assisted Slot Microring
Authors: Liu Chunjuan , Wang Jiawei , Wu Xiaosuo , Sun Xiaoli , Qiao Ze , Xin Yuqiang , Zhang Jiangfeng
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a slot microring with an asymmetric grating structure is proposed. Through the coupling between the grating and the slot microring, a high free spectral range or EIT-like effects with a high quality factor can be achieved in the same device. The grating is designed as an asymmetric structure to realize the modulation of the optical signal and the control of the resonance peak by changing the grid number, and the effect of different grating periods on the output spectrum is explored. The results show that changing the grating on slot sidewalls can increase or decrease the number of resonant peaks. By selecting a specific period of the gratings on both sides of the slot, the distance between adjacent resonance peaks can be increased to achieve modulation of the free spectral range. In this paper, depending on the grating period, we obtain a quality factor of 5016 and an FSR of 137 nm, or a quality factor of 10,730 and an FSR of 92 nm. The refractive index sensing simulation is carried out for one of the periods, which can achieve a sensitivity of 370 nm/RIU. Therefore, the proposed new structure has certain advantages in different sensing applications.
Structural Diversities and Phylogenetic Signals in Plastomes of the Early-Divergent Angiosperms: A Case Study in Saxifragales
Authors: Han Shiyun , Ding Hengwu , Bi De , Zhang Sijia , Yi Ran , Gao Jinming , Yang Jianke , Ye Yuanxin , Wu Longhua , Kan Xianzhao
Published: December 2022

As representative of the early-divergent groups of angiosperms, Saxifragales is extremely divergent in morphology, comprising 15 families. Within this order, our previous case studies observed significant structural diversities among the plastomes of several lineages, suggesting a possible role in elucidating their deep phylogenetic relationships. Here, we collected 208 available plastomes from 11 constituent families to explore the evolutionary patterns among Saxifragales. With thorough comparisons, the losses of two genes and three introns were found in several groups. Notably, 432 indel events have been observed from the introns of all 17 plastomic intron-containing genes, which could well play an important role in family barcoding. Moreover, numerous heterogeneities and strong intrafamilial phylogenetic implications were revealed in pttRNA (plastomic tRNA) structures, and the unique structural patterns were also determined for five families. Most importantly, based on the well-supported phylogenetic trees, evident phylogenetic signals were detected in combinations with the identified pttRNAs features and intron indels, demonstrating abundant lineage-specific characteristics for Saxifragales. Collectively, the results reported here could not only provide a deeper understanding into the evolutionary patterns of Saxifragales, but also provide a case study for exploring the plastome evolution at a high taxonomic level of angiosperms.
Evolution of Physicochemical Properties and Phenolic Maturity of Vilana, Vidiano, Kotsifali and Mandilari Wine Grape Cultivars (Vitis vinifera L.) during Ripening
Authors: Kontaxakis Emmanouil , Atzemopoulos Achilleas , Alissandrakis Eleftherios , Ververidis Filippos , Trantas Emmanouil
Published: December 2022

Determining the optimum harvest time is a significant factor affecting the quality of the grapes and the wine. Monitoring the evolution of grapes’ physicochemical properties and phenolic maturity during ripening could be a valuable tool for determining the optimum harvest time. In this study, the total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, flavonols, flavanols, anthocyanins and resveratrol content were determined during the last weeks of ripening for the white cultivars Vilana and Vidiano, as well as for the red cultivars Kotsifali and Mandilari (Vitis vinifera L.). According to the results, an early harvest for the white cultivars and a late harvest for the red cultivars may increase the total phenolics and trans-resveratrol content in grapes and wine. An early harvest would be desirable to maintain high flavanols content and high levels of antioxidant activity in the grapes’ skin and seeds. Conversely, a late harvest for the red cultivars may be desirable to increase the total flavonols and anthocyanin content in grapes and wines.
Suppressive Effects of Flavonoids on Macrophage-Associated Adipocyte Inflammation in a Differentiated Murine Preadipocyte 3T3-L1 Cells Co-Cultured with a Murine Macrophage RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Lee Dahae , Hong Sukyong , Jung Kiwon , Choi Sungyoul , Kang Ki Sung
Published: December 2022

The suppressive effects of flavonoids on macrophage-associated adipocyte inflammation in a differentiated murine preadipocyte cell line (3T3-L1) co-cultured with a murine macrophage cell line (RAW264.7) were evaluated. Extracellular lipid accumulation was investigated via Oil Red O staining. The expression levels of adipogenesis- and inflammation-associated proteins, including CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), C/EBPβ, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), were determined via Western blotting. Proinflammatory cytokines, including monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. We found that silybin, formononetin, and diosmetin inhibited lipid accumulation and production of proinflammatory cytokines in the co-cultures of 3T3-L1 and RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, they inhibited the protein expression of PPARγ, C/EBPα, COX-2, C/EBPβ, and iNOS in the co-cultures of 3T3-L1 and RAW264.7 cells. These data support that silybin, formononetin, and diosmetin inhibit macrophage-associated adipocyte inflammation and lipid accumulation.
Deep Learning Based Target Tracking Algorithm Model for Athlete Training Trajectory
Authors: Wang Yue
Published: December 2022

The main function of the athlete tracking system is to collect the real-time competition data of the athletes. Deep learning is a research hotspot in the field of image and video. With the rapid development of science and technology, it has not only made a breakthrough in theory, but also achieved excellent results in practical application. SiamRPN (Siamese Region Proposal Network) is a single target tracking network model based on deep learning, which has high accuracy and fast operation speed. However, in long-term tracking, if the target is completely obscured and out of the sight of SiamRPN, the tracking of the network will be invalid. Considering the difficulty of long-term tracking, the algorithm is improved and tested by introducing channel attention mechanism and local global search strategy into SiamRPN. Experimental results show that this algorithm has higher accuracy and prediction average overlap rate than the original SiamRPN algorithm when performing tracking tasks on long-term tracking sequences. At the same time, the improved algorithm can still achieve good results in the case of target disappearance and other challenging factors. This study provides an important reference for the coaches of deep learning to realize long-term tracking of athletes.
Landscape Response to Dynamic Human Pressure in the Paliouras Lagoon, Halkidiki Peninsula, Macedonia, Greece
Authors: Masci Lucrezia , Vignola Cristiano , Liakopoulos Georgios C. , Kouli Katerina , Koukousioura Olga , Aidona Elina , Moros Matthias , Vouvalidis Konstantinos , Izdebski Adam , Masi Alessia
Published: December 2022

High-resolution pollen analysis of a sediment core recovered from Paliouras lagoon (Greece) allowed us to reconstruct the environmental dynamics of the Halkidiki peninsula during the last 4000 years. Palynological results have been interpreted and compared with detailed historical data, showing distinct phases of human-landscape interactions from the Bronze Age until recent times. Pollen spectra revealed an environment characterized by Mediterranean vegetation, mixed deciduous forest, and pine stands from the Late Bronze Age until the 11th century CE. The first signs of human impact were attested during the Archaic period with the cultivation of Olea, Castanea, and Vitis in the inland of the study area. An intensive land management was highlighted by arboriculture and cereal cultivation (Secale and Hordeum group) in Roman times. Late Antique-Early Medieval times coincided with less human pressure due to warfare-related crises, leading to the expansion of the forest and the abandonment of fields colonized by Amaranthaceae. A massive increase in pastoral activities, suggested by the high percentages of Cichorieae during the Ottoman period, is possibly linked to the significant demographic growth of the nearby city of Thessaloniki in the 16th century CE.
A Machine for Ionizing Radiation Treatment of Bio-Deteriogens Infesting Artistic Objects
Authors: Vadrucci Monia
Published: December 2022

Precious cultural heritage has been inherited through past activities and maintained by the generations, and it includes artifacts and objects preserved in institutes or museum areas. As part of the study, the conservation of art objects and other cultural assets was carried out at the ENEA Frascati Research Center and attention was paid to the biodegradation aspect caused by microorganisms that cause the loss of information and artistic characteristics contained in the artifacts, for example, through covering them, the loss of color and the smearing of decorative or writing strokes. A non-chemical and non-toxic, completely ecological approach is used as an alternative bio-removal treatment to control the pathogens: these are the disinfection procedures that were applied using the REX machine. The beams of photons and electrons produced by this facility carried out anti-biodegradation activities for the control of deteriogens isolated from multi-material works. This communication concerns the REX machine, which is framed in the context of ENEA and in the panorama of activities carried out for the conservation of cultural heritage, presenting its application to case studies in which the developed technique was demonstrated as a non-invasive treatment for bio-degradation removal.
Nonverbal Communication in Rituals on Irish Pilgrimage Routes
Authors: Gierek Bożena
Published: December 2022

There are endless lists of academic publications on pilgrimage and on nonverbal communication, but very rarely if at all, do these two phenomena meet together in the same one, hence the author’s attempt to bring them together here. In this article the author discusses nonverbal communication in the context of pilgrimage rituals. Since rituals are carried out both physically and mentally, their performance requires the involvement of all the senses. A ritual may be verbal or nonverbal and very often is both. All elements of the ritual send a message. Thus, ritual communicates—it is a source of information about the individual retrieved by others—but it is not only that, as it also effects the mind, thoughts and spirituality of the individual. It has enormous influence on the well-being of a person; it is therapeutic. The author describes and analyzes single rituals related to the well, the tree, various kinds of stones, and other objects located on pilgrimage routes. While doing this, the author takes a phenomenological approach. She bases her analysis of nonverbal communication mainly on ethnographic materials. She also utilizes sources from the areas of archeology, anthropology, sociology and psychology. They are supplemented by her own participant observation at many pilgrimage places in Ireland over the period 1995–2012.
Priestly Garments as Atoning Agents in Amoraic Literature
Authors: Zuckier Shlomo
Published: December 2022

The garments worn by the priests in the Temple not only present a stark image of “glory and splendor” (Exod 28:2) but present an accompanying theology, as well. This paper will focus on one theological strand—the idea that the priestly garments atone—in classical Judaism. It will demonstrate that, while the biblical account of priestly garments sees them largely as functional or as serving primarily in non-expiatory roles, late classical rabbinic (i.e., Amoraic) literature features an extensive tradition that these garments serve to atone for a variety of sins. This paper traces several versions of that tradition in exploring the expansive account of atonement found in these rabbinic texts and contextualizing that within other developments in classical Judaism and rabbinic literature.
Feasibility and Application of the B.E.A.T. Testbed for Assessing the Effects of Lower Limb Exoskeletons on Human Balance
Authors: Mileti Ilaria , Taborri Juri , Rodriguez-Cianca David , Torricelli Diego , Rossi Stefano , Patanè Fabrizio
Published: December 2022

Assessing the performance of exoskeletons in assisting human balance is important for their design process. This study proposes a novel testbed, the B.E.A.T (Balance Evaluation Automated Testbed) to address this aim. We applied the B.E.A.T to evaluate how the presence of a lower limb exoskeleton influenced human balance. The B.E.A.T. consists of a robotic platform, standardized protocols, and performance indicators. Fifteen healthy subjects were enrolled and subjected to repeatable step-type ground perturbations in different directions using the multi-axis robotic platform. Each participant performed three trials, both with and without the exoskeleton (EXO and No-EXO conditions). Nine performance indicators, divided into kinematic and body stability indicators, were computed. The reliability of performance indicators was assessed by computing the Inter Class Correlation (ICC). The indicators showed good (0.60 ≤ ICC < 0.75) to excellent (ICC ≥ 0.75) reliability. The comparison between the EXO and No-EXO conditions revealed a significant increase in the joint range of motion and the center of pressure displacement while wearing the exoskeleton. The main differences between the EXO and No-EXO conditions were found in the range of motion of the knee joints, with an increment up to 17° in the sagittal plane.
A Benchmark Comparison of Four Off-the-Shelf Proprietary Visual–Inertial Odometry Systems
Authors: Kim Pyojin , Kim Jungha , Song Minkyeong , Lee Yeoeun , Jung Moonkyeong , Kim Hyeong-Geun
Published: December 2022

Commercial visual–inertial odometry (VIO) systems have been gaining attention as cost-effective, off-the-shelf, six-degree-of-freedom (6-DoF) ego-motion-tracking sensors for estimating accurate and consistent camera pose data, in addition to their ability to operate without external localization from motion capture or global positioning systems. It is unclear from existing results, however, which commercial VIO platforms are the most stable, consistent, and accurate in terms of state estimation for indoor and outdoor robotic applications. We assessed four popular proprietary VIO systems (Apple ARKit, Google ARCore, Intel RealSense T265, and Stereolabs ZED 2) through a series of both indoor and outdoor experiments in which we showed their positioning stability, consistency, and accuracy. After evaluating four popular VIO sensors in challenging real-world indoor and outdoor scenarios, Apple ARKit showed the most stable and high accuracy/consistency, and the relative pose error was a drift error of about 0.02 m per second. We present our complete results as a benchmark comparison for the research community.
Inherent Limitations of Smartphone GNSS Positioning and Effective Methods to Increase the Accuracy Utilizing Dual-Frequency Measurements
Authors: Yun Jeonghyeon , Lim Cheolsoon , Park Byungwoon
Published: December 2022

Xiaomi Mi8 with a Broadcom BCM47755 chip, an Android smartphone that supports multi-constellation (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS) and dual-frequency (L1/E1 and L5/E5), was launched in May 2018. Unlike previously released smartphones, it was technically expected to provide robust precise positioning with a fast ambiguity resolution, which led many researchers to be overly optimistic about the applicability of high-accuracy techniques such as real-time kinematic (RTK) systems and precise point positioning (PPP) of smartphones. The global navigation satellite system (GNSS) raw measurement quality of Android smartphones is, however, inherently far lower than that of general GNSS receivers due to their structure, which accordingly makes it difficult for them to be realized. Considering inherent limitations of smartphones such as low-quality antenna, frequent cycle slips, and the duty cycle, a practical strategy including L5 measurements, pseudo-range corrections for L5, and a weighting method is proposed in this paper. The results show that the proposed methods of L5 differential GNSS (DGNSS) and Doppler-based filtering can guarantee a positioning accuracy of 1.75 m horizontally and 4.56 m vertically in an Android device, which is comparable to the performance of commercial low-cost receivers.
Development of a Moving Baseline RTK/Motion Sensor-Integrated Positioning-Based Autonomous Driving Algorithm for a Speed Sprayer
Authors: Han Joong-hee , Park Chi-ho , Jang Young Yoon
Published: December 2022

To address problems such as pesticide poisoning and accidents during pest control work and to enable efficient work in this area, the development of a competitively prices speed sprayer with autonomous driving is required. Accordingly, in order to contribute to developing the commercialization of a low-cost autonomous driving speed sprayer, we developed a positioning algorithm and an autonomous driving-based spraying algorithm by using two low-cost global navigation satellite system (GNSS) modules and a low-cost motion sensor. In order to provide stable navigation solutions from the autonomous driving hardware despite disturbances from the electromagnetic field generated by the spraying device, the proposed positioning algorithm, a moving baseline (MB) real-time kinematic (RTK)/motion sensor-integrated positioning algorithm, was developed using a loosely coupled extended Kalman filter. To compare the yaw estimation performance provided by the MB RTK positioning technique, yaw was calculated by post-processing with two types of positioning algorithms: the MB RTK/motion sensor-integrated positioning algorithm and the GNSS RTK/motion sensor-integrated positioning algorithm. In the static test, the precision of the yaw provided by the MB RTK/motion sensor-integrated positioning algorithm was 0.14°, but with the GNSS RTK/motion sensor-integrated positioning algorithm, the precision of the yaw was 4.53°. The static test results confirmed that the proposed positioning algorithm using the yaw provided by the MB RTK positioning technique based on two GNSS modules for measurement, precisely estimated the yaw even when the spray engine was operating. To perform autonomous driving and spraying, an autonomous driving-based spraying algorithm was developed using the MB RTK/motion sensor-integrated positioning algorithm. As a result of two performance tests based on the proposed algorithm in an orchard, autonomous driving and spraying were stably performed according to the set autonomous driving route and spraying method, and the root mean square (RMS) of the path-following error was 0.06 m.
Wearable Fabric Loop Sensor Based on Magnetic-Field-Induced Conductivity for Simultaneous Detection of Cardiac Activity and Respiration Signals
Authors: Cho Hyun-Seung , Yang Jin-Hee , Lee Sang-Yeob , Lee Jeong-Whan , Lee Joo-Hyeon
Published: December 2022

In this study, a noncontact fabric loop sensor based on magnetic-field-induced conductivity, which can simultaneously detect cardiac activity and respiration signals, was developed and the effects of the sensor’s shape and measurement position on the sensing performance were analyzed. Fifteen male subjects in their twenties wore sleeveless shirts equipped with various types of fabric loop sensors (spiky, extrusion, and spiral), and the cardiac activity and respiratory signals were measured twice at positions P2, P4, and P6. The measurements were verified by comparing them against the reference electrocardiogram (ECG) and respiratory signals measured using BIOPAC® (MP150, ECG100B, RSP100C). The waveforms of the raw signal measured by the fabric loop sensor were filtered with a bandpass filter (1–20 Hz) and qualitatively compared with the ECG signal obtained from the Ag/AgCI electrode. Notwithstanding a slight difference in performance, the three fabric sensors could simultaneously detect cardiac activity and respiration signals at all measurement positions. In addition, it was verified through statistical analysis that the highest-quality signal was obtained at the measurement position of P4 or P6 using the spiral loop sensor.
Protection Schemes in HPON Networks Based on the PWFBA Algorithm
Authors: Róka Rastislav , Fujdiak Radek , Holasova Eva , Kuchar Karel , Orgon Milos , Misurec Jiri
Published: December 2022

In this paper, possibilities for network traffic protection in future hybrid passive optical networks are presented, and reasons for realizing and utilizing advanced network traffic protection schemes for various network traffic classes in these networks are analyzed. Next, principles of the Prediction-based Fair Wavelength and Bandwidth Allocation (PFWBA) algorithm are introduced in detail, focusing on the Prediction-based Fair Excessive Bandwidth Reallocation (PFEBR) algorithm with the Early Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation (E-DBA) mechanism and subsequent Dynamic Wavelength Allocation (DWA) scheme. For analyzing various wavelength allocation possibilities in Hybrid Passive Optical Networks (HPON) networks, a simulation program with the enhancement of the PFWBA algorithm is realized. Finally, a comparison of different methods of the wavelength allocation in conjunction with specific network traffic classes is executed for future HPON networks with considered protection schemes. Subsequently, three methods are presented from the viewpoint of HPON network traffic protection possibilities, including a new approach for the wavelength allocation based on network traffic protection assumptions.
Test and Analysis of Timekeeping Performance of Atomic Clock
Authors: Li Shuaichen , Li Chong , Wu Jianfeng , Cui Haibo
Published: December 2022

At present, there are few articles about the timekeeping performance of domestic atomic clocks in their moving state. In this paper, the frequency stability changes of hydrogen atomic and cesium atomic clocks in stationary and moving states are compared and analyzed; the frequency stability of the atomic clock at the beginning of its transition from moving state to stationary state is tested and analyzed; the influence of three main noises of atomic clocks on frequency stability is analyzed; and finally, the difference in the predictability of atomic clocks in moving and stationary states is analyzed. The results show that: (1) in the moving state, the frequency stability of a hydrogen clock decreases by 1–2 orders of magnitude, and the frequency stability of a cesium clock decreases by 0.5 orders of magnitude; (2) in the recovery stage, the frequency stability of hydrogen and cesium clocks is between that in static and moving stages, but the frequency stability fluctuates greatly in this stage; (3) in the moving state, the three main noises of the atomic clock all increase, of which the increase in the white noise of phase modulation is the largest, indicating that it is the most sensitive to vibration and has the greatest impact on the frequency stability of the atomic clock during the moving period; (4) in the mobile state, the RMS of the prediction data of the hydrogen clock and cesium clock greatly increases compared with that in the static state.
Phases of Match-Play in Professional Australian Football: Positional Demands and Match-Related Fatigue
Authors: Rennie Michael J. , Kelly Stephen J. , Bush Stephen , Spurrs Robert W. , Sheehan William B. , Watsford Mark L.
Published: December 2022

This study examined the influence of player position and match quarter on activity profiles during the phases of play in Australian Football. Global positioning satellite data was collected for one season from an Australian Football League team for nomadic, key position and ruck players (age: 24.8 ± 4.2 years, body mass: 88.3 ± 8.7 kg, height: 1.88 ± 0.8 m). Separate linear mixed models and effect sizes were used to analyse differences between positions and game quarter within each phase of play for values of distance, speed and metabolic power indices. There were clear differences between positions for low-speed running, high-speed running, total distance and average speed. Nomadic players generally recorded the highest match running outputs, followed by key position players and ruckmen. Within each position, offence and defence involved the highest intensities, followed by contested play and then stoppage periods. Across the four quarters, there were small to large reductions in average speed, high-speed running, high power and energy expenditure during offence, defence and contested play, but not during stoppages. Accordingly, conditioning staff should consider the intermittent intensities of the phases of match-play for each position to optimally prepare players for competition. Reductions in match intensities were evident during active periods of play providing implications for real-time monitoring to optimise the timing of rotations.
Improved Quasi-Z-Source High Step-Up DC–DC Converter Based on Voltage-Doubler Topology
Authors: Sai Toru , Moon Younghyun , Sugimoto Yasuhiro
Published: December 2022

The step-up DC–DC converter is widely used for applications such as IoT sensor nodes, energy harvesting, and photovoltaic (PV) systems. In this article, a new topological quasi-Z-source (QZ) high step-up DC–DC converter for the PV system is proposed. The topology of this converter is based on the voltage-doubler circuits. Compared with a conventional quasi-Z-source DC–DC converter, the proposed converter features low voltage ripple at the output, the use of a common ground switch, and low stress on circuit components. The new topology, named a low-side-drive quasi-Z-source boost converter (LQZC), consists of a flying capacitor (CF), the QZ network, two diodes, and a N-channel MOS switch. A 60 W laboratory prototype DC–DC converter achieved 94.9% power efficiency.
Landscape Classification System Based on RKM Clustering for Soil Survey UAV Images–Case Study of the Small Hilly Areas in Jurong City
Authors: Fang Zihan , Lu Wenhao , Zhu Fubin , Zhu Changda , Li Zhaofu , Pan Jianjun
Published: December 2022

With the advantages of high accuracy, low cost, and flexibility, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) images are now widely used in the fields of land survey, crop monitoring, and soil property prediction. Since the distribution of soil and landscape are closely related, this study makes use of the advantages of UAV images to classify the landscape to build a landscape classification system for soil investigation. Firstly, land use, object, and topographic factor were selected as landscape factors based on soil-forming factors. Then, based on multispectral images and Digital Elevation Models (DEM) acquired by UAV, object-oriented classification of different landscape factors was carried out. Additionally, we selected 432 sample data and validation data from the field survey. Finally, the landscape factor classification results were superimposed to obtain the landscape unit applicable to the system classification. The landscape classification system oriented to the soil survey was constructed by clustering 11,897 landscape units through the rough K-mean clustering algorithm. Compared to K-mean clustering, the rough K-mean clustering was better, with a Silhouette Coefficient of 0.26247 significantly higher than that of K-mean clustering. From the classification results, it can be found that the overall classification results are somewhat fragmented, but the landscape boundaries at the small area scale are consistent with the actual situation and the fragmented small spots are less. Comparing the small number of landscape boundaries obtained from the actual survey, we can find that the landscape boundaries in the landscape classification map are generally consistent with the actual landscape boundaries. In addition, through the analysis of two soil profile data within a landscape category, we found that the identified soil type of soil formation conditions and the landscape factor type of the landscape category is approximately the same. Therefore, this landscape classification system can be effectively used for soil surveys, and this landscape classification system is important for soil surveys to carry out the selection of survey routes, the setting of profile points, and the determination of soil boundaries.
Emissions Production by Exhaust Gases of a Road Vehicle’s Starting Depending on a Road Gradient
Authors: Šarkan Branislav , Loman Michal , Synák František , Skrúcaný Tomáš , Hanzl Jiří
Published: December 2022

An increasing number of motor vehicles are connected with negative environmental impacts in relation to their operation. Among the main negative effects are exhaust gas emissions production. The annual increase in passenger cars and emissions from them deteriorates air quality daily. Traffic junctions also have a negative impact on increasing emissions production by exhaust gases. This situation may be caused by vehicle speed fluctuation, mainly when they get closer or leave. This study focuses on the emissions produced by exhaust gases after a road vehicle starts. The research was performed with a combustion engine vehicle on a route 30 m long. The vehicle was simulated in three different ways of starting (uphill, on ground level/plain and downhill). The values of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) were observed, as well as the vehicle’s operation performance during start-ups. The research results showed that the lowest emissions production is when the vehicle is starting downhill. There, the emissions increased up to a distance of 9.7 m from the start. After reaching this distance, the emissions decreased and the vehicle speed continued to increase. While the vehicle started uphill, the emissions increased up to the distance of 16.8 m. After reaching this distance, the emissions began decreasing. Due to this fact, this type of testing is assessed as “the worst” from the emissions production point of view. The research demonstrates the relations between a road gradient representing starting on a plain surface and a vehicle’s emissions produced by the exhaust gases. It is known that exhaust emissions are higher predominantly at junctions. They depend considerably on vehicle speed and driving continuity on a route. This research helps to quantify all the data and, thus, to provide a possibility of further solutions in the future as a tool for emissions reduction in cities and close to traffic intersections.
MR-YOLO: An Improved YOLOv5 Network for Detecting Magnetic Ring Surface Defects
Authors: Lang Xianli , Ren Zhijie , Wan Dahang , Zhang Yuzhong , Shu Shuangbao
Published: December 2022

Magnetic rings are widely used in automotive, home appliances, and consumer electronics. Due to the materials used, processing techniques, and other factors, there will be top cracks, internal cracks, adhesion, and other defects on individual magnetic rings during the manufacturing process. To find such defects, the most sophisticated YOLOv5 target identification algorithm is frequently utilized. However, it has problems such as high computation, sluggish detection, and a large model size. This work suggests an enhanced lightweight YOLOv5 (MR-YOLO) approach for the identification of magnetic ring surface defects to address these issues. To decrease the floating-point operation (FLOP) in the feature channel fusion process and enhance the performance of feature expression, the YOLOv5 neck network was added to the Mobilenetv3 module. To improve the robustness of the algorithm, a Mosaic data enhancement technique was applied. Moreover, in order to increase the network’s interest in minor defects, the SE attention module is inserted into the backbone network to replace the SPPF module with substantially more calculations. Finally, to further increase the new network’s accuracy and training speed, we substituted the original CIoU-Ioss for SIoU-Loss. According to the test, the FLOP and Params of the modified network model decreased by 59.4% and 47.9%, respectively; the reasoning speed increased by 16.6%, the model’s size decreased by 48.1%, and the mAP only lost by 0.3%. The effectiveness and superiority of this method are proved by an analysis and comparison of examples.
Analysis and Implementation of Human Mobility Behavior Using Similarity Analysis Based on Co-Occurrence Matrix
Authors: Memon Ambreen , Kilby Jeff , Breñosa Jose , Espinosa Julio César Martínez , Ashraf Imran
Published: December 2022

The fast expansion of ICT (information and communications technology) has provided rich sources of data for the analysis, modeling, and interpretation of human mobility patterns. Many researchers have already introduced behavior-aware protocols for a better understanding of architecture and realistic modeling of behavioral characteristics, similarities, and aggregation of mobile users. We are introducing the similarity analytical framework for the mobile encountering analysis to allow for more direct integration between the physical world and cyber-based systems. In this research, we propose a method for finding the similarity behavior of users’ mobility patterns based on location and time. This research was conducted to develop a technique for producing co-occurrence matrices of users based on their similar behaviors to determine their encounters. Our approach, named SAA (similarity analysis approach), makes use of the device info i.e., IP (internet protocol) and MAC (media access control) address, providing an in-depth analysis of similarity behaviors on a daily basis. We analyzed the similarity distributions of users on different days of the week for different locations based on their real movements. The results show similar characteristics of users with common mobility behaviors based on location and time to showcase the efficacy. The results show that the proposed SAA approach is 33% more accurate in terms of recognizing the user’s similarity as compared to the existing similarity approach.
Modified FMCW Scheme for Improved Ultrasonic Positioning and Ranging of Unmanned Ground Vehicles at Distances < 50 mm
Authors: Laureti Stefano , Mercuri Marco , Hutchins David A. , Crupi Felice , Ricci Marco
Published: December 2022

Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) find extensive use in various applications, including that within industrial environments. Efforts have been made to develop cheap, portable, and light-ranging/positioning systems to accurately locate their absolute/relative position and to automatically avoid potential obstacles and/or collisions with other drones. To this aim, a promising solution is the use of ultrasonic systems, which can be set up on UGVs and can potentially output a precise reconstruction of the drone’s surroundings. In this framework, a so-called frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) scheme is widely employed as a distance estimator. However, this technique suffers from low repeatability and accuracy at ranges of less than 50 mm when used in combination with low-resource hardware and commercial narrowband transducers, which is a distance range of the utmost importance to avoid potential collisions and/or imaging UGV surroundings. We hereby propose a modified FMCW-based scheme using an ad hoc time-shift of the reference signal. This was shown to improve performance at ranges below 50 mm while leaving the signal unaltered at greater distances. The capabilities of the modified FMCW were evaluated numerically and experimentally. A dramatic enhancement in performance was found for the proposed FMCW with respect to its standard counterpart, which is very close to that of the correlation approach. This work paves the way for the future use of FMCWs in applications requiring high precision.