bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Updated GloboDiet Version by Protein and Potassium Intake for the German National Nutrition Monitoring
Authors: Wittig Friederike , Krems Carolin , Engelbert Ann Katrin , Strassburg Andrea
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: The German version of GloboDiet, a software for a computer-based assessment of 24 h recalls, was intensively updated. Therefore, validation is required prior to its use in the upcoming data collection within the German National Nutrition Monitoring. (2) Methods: For this purpose, the cross-sectional ErNst study with 109 participants (57 women and 52 men) was conducted. The study provided data on 24 h GloboDiet recalls and 24 h urine samples from the same day. Protein and potassium intake, known as eligible validation markers, were compared to the measured excretion in urine. To assess the agreement between intake and excretion, the following statistical methods were used: Wilcoxon rank tests, confidence intervals, Spearman correlations, and Bland–Altman plots. (3) Results: Overall, the updated German GloboDiet version showed valid estimates of protein intake. Regarding potassium, results were ambiguous and differed depending on the statistical method applied. While the Bland–Altman plot showed a good agreement between 24 h recalls and urine samples for potassium, the correlation was weak, suggesting that 24 h recalls may underestimate true intake. (4) Conclusions: Despite the partly ambiguous results, the updated GloboDiet version linked to the current German Nutrient Database provides valid estimates of nutrient intake.
Investigating Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) Formation in Silicon and Their Impact on Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)
Authors: Vaghasiya Hardik , Miclea Paul-Tiberiu
Published: October 2023

Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) have gained significant attention due to their ability to modify the surface morphology of materials at the micro-nanoscale and show great promise for surface functionalization applications. In this study, we specifically investigate the formation of LIPSS in silicon substrates and explore their impact on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) applications. This study reveals a stepwise progression of LIPSS formation in silicon, involving three distinct stages of LIPSS: (1) integrated low-spatial-frequency LIPSS (LSFL) and high-spatial-frequency LIPSS (HSFL), (2) principally LSFL and, (3) LSFL at the edge of the irradiated spot, elucidating the complex interplay between laser fluence, pulse number, and resulting surface morphology. Furthermore, from an application standpoint, these high-quality multi-scale periodic patterns lead to the next step of texturing the entire silicon surface with homogeneous LIPSS for SERS application. The potential of LIPSS-fabricated silicon substrates for enhancing SERS performance is investigated using thiophenol as a test molecule. The results indicate that the Au-coated combination of LSFL and HSFL substrates showcased the highest enhancement factor (EF) of 1.38×106. This pronounced enhancement is attributed to the synergistic effects of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), intricately linked to HSFL and LSFL characteristics. These findings contribute to our understanding of LIPSS formation in silicon and their applications in surface functionalization and SERS, paving the way for sensing platforms.
The Nephroprotective Effects of the Allogeneic Transplantation with Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Were Potentiated by ω3 Stimulating Up-Regulation of the PPAR-γ
Authors: de Oliveira Andreia Silva , Convento Márcia Bastos , Razvickas Clara Versolato , Castino Bianca , Leme Ala Moana , da Silva Luiz Rafael , da Silva Wesley Henrique , da Glória Maria Aparecida , Guirão Tatiana Pinotti , Bondan Eduardo , Schor Nestor , Borges Fernanda Teixeira
Published: October 2023

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) obtained from bone marrow are a promising tool for regenerative medicine, including kidney diseases. A step forward in MSCs studies is cellular conditioning through specific minerals and vitamins. The Omega-3 fatty acids (ω3) are essential in regulating MSCs self-renewal, cell cycle, and survival. The ω3 could act as a ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ). This study aimed to demonstrate that ω3 supplementation in rats could lead to the up-regulation of PPAR-γ in the MSCs. The next step was to compare the effects of these MSCs through allogeneic transplantation in rats subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Independent of ω3 supplementation in the diet of the rats, the MSCs in vitro conserved differentiation capability and phenotypic characteristics. Nevertheless, MSCs obtained from the rats supplemented with ω3 stimulated an increase in the expression of PPAR-γ. After allogeneic transplantation in rats subjected to UUO, the ω3 supplementation in the rats enhanced some nephroprotective effects of the MSCs through a higher expression of antioxidant enzyme (SOD-1), anti-inflammatory marker (IL-10), and lower expression of the inflammatory marker (IL-6), and proteinuria.
Comprehensive Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model to Assess Drug–Drug Interactions of Phenytoin
Authors: Rodriguez-Vera Leyanis , Yin Xuefen , Almoslem Mohammed , Romahn Karolin , Cicali Brian , Lukacova Viera , Cristofoletti Rodrigo , Schmidt Stephan
Published: October 2023

Regulatory agencies worldwide expect that clinical pharmacokinetic drug–drug interactions (DDIs) between an investigational new drug and other drugs should be conducted during drug development as part of an adequate assessment of the drug’s safety and efficacy. However, it is neither time nor cost efficient to test all possible DDI scenarios clinically. Phenytoin is classified by the Food and Drug Administration as a strong clinical index inducer of CYP3A4, and a moderate sensitive substrate of CYP2C9. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) platform model was developed using GastroPlus® to assess DDIs with phenytoin acting as the victim (CYP2C9, CYP2C19) or perpetrator (CYP3A4). Pharmacokinetic data were obtained from 15 different studies in healthy subjects. The PBPK model of phenytoin explains the contribution of CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 to the formation of 5-(4′-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenylhydantoin. Furthermore, it accurately recapitulated phenytoin exposure after single and multiple intravenous and oral doses/formulations ranging from 248 to 900 mg, the dose-dependent nonlinearity and the magnitude of the effect of food on phenytoin pharmacokinetics. Once developed and verified, the model was used to characterize and predict phenytoin DDIs with fluconazole, omeprazole and itraconazole, i.e., simulated/observed DDI AUC ratio ranging from 0.89 to 1.25. This study supports the utility of the PBPK approach in informing drug development.
Enhancing Dental Applications: A Novel Approach for Incorporating Bioactive Substances into Textile Threads
Authors: Pokorný Marek , Kubíčková Jolana , Klemeš Jan , Medek Tomáš , Brýdl Adam , Pachovská Martina , Hanová Tereza , Chmelař Josef , Velebný Vladimír
Published: October 2023

In the realm of surgical and dental applications, hyaluronic acid (HA) braided threads show significant therapeutic potential due to their incorporation of pharmaceutical active ingredients. This study primarily focuses on resolving the crucial challenge of devising a deposition method that can ensure both precision and uniformity in the content of the active ingredient Octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT) within each segment of the threads. Our objective in this study was to develop a continuous deposition method for OCT onto a braided thread composed of 24 hyaluronic acid-based fibers, aiming for a specific OCT content of 0.125 µg/mm, while maintaining a maximum allowable deviation of ±15% in OCT content. The motivation behind designing this novel method stemmed from the necessity of employing a volatile solvent for the active agent. Conventional wetting methods proved unsuitable due to fluctuations in the solution’s concentration during deposition, and alternative methods known to us demanded intricate technical implementations. The newly introduced method offers distinct advantages, including its online processing speed, scalability potential, and cost-efficiency of the active agent solution. Additionally, it minimizes the impact on the natural polymer thread, preserving energy by obviating the need for complete thread saturation. Our research and precise apparatus development resulted in achieving the desired thread properties, with an OCT content of (1.51 ± 0.09) µg per 12 mm thread piece. These findings not only validate the suitability of this innovative method for depositing active agents but also extend its potential applicability beyond dental care.
Clinical Relevance of Drug Interactions in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Antiretroviral Therapy—Update 2022: Systematic Review
Authors: Amariles Pedro , Rivera-Cadavid Mónica , Ceballos Mauricio
Published: October 2023

Background: The clinical outcomes of antiretroviral drugs may be modified through drug interactions; thus, it is important to update the drug interactions in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Aim: To update clinically relevant drug interactions in PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy with novel drug interactions published from 2017 to 2022. Methods: A systematic review in Medline/PubMed database from July 2017 to December 2022 using the Mesh terms antiretroviral agents and drug interactions or herb–drug interactions or food–drug interactions. Publications with drug interactions in humans, in English or Spanish, and with full-text access were retrieved. The clinical relevance of drug interactions was grouped into five levels according to the gravity and probability of occurrence. Results: A total of 366 articles were identified, with 219 (including 87 citation lists) were included, which allowed for the identification of 471 drug interaction pairs; among them, 291 were systematically reported for the first time. In total 42 (14.4%) and 137 (47.1%) were level one and two, respectively, and 233 (80.1%) pairs were explained with the pharmacokinetic mechanism. Among these 291 pairs, protease inhibitors (PIs) and ritonavir/cobicistat-boosted PIs, as well as integrase strand transfer inhibitors (InSTIs), with 70 (24.1%) and 65 (22.3%) drug interaction pairs of levels one and two, respectively, were more frequent. Conclusions: In PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy, we identify 291 drug interaction pairs systematically reported for the first time, with 179 (61.5%) being assessed as clinically relevant (levels one and two). The pharmacokinetic mechanism was the most frequently identified. PIs, ritonavir/cobicistat-boosted PIs, and InSTIs were the antiretroviral groups with the highest number of clinically relevant drug interaction pairs (levels one and two).
Acousto-Optic Transfer Function Control by a Phased-Array Piezoelectric Transducer
Authors: Yushkov Konstantin B. , Chizhikov Alexander I. , Molchanov Vladimir Ya.
Published: October 2023

We present analysis and numerical simulations of the acousto-optic spatial filter (AOSF) transfer function under the condition of dual-transducer operation and phase control. Based on these simulations, the AOSF crystal configuration is optimized for operation in the near-infrared wavelength region from 0.7 to 1.0 μm. We demonstrate that ultrasonic phase control can provide efficient tuning of the transfer function, which is independent of conventional frequency control. Thus, the application of phase control coupled with frequency control can reduce the transfer function asymmetry that is inherent to anisotropic Bragg diffraction in uniaxial crystals.
Comparative Study of Single Crystal and Polymeric Pyroelectric Detectors in the 0.9–2.0 THz Range Using Monochromatic Laser Radiation of the NovoFEL
Authors: Melnikov Anatoly R. , Kalneus Evgeny V. , Getmanov Yaroslav V. , Shevchenko Darya A. , Gerasimov Vasily V. , Anisimov Oleg A. , Fedin Matvey V. , Veber Sergey L.
Published: October 2023

The development of efficient and reliable sensors operating at room temperature is essential to advance the application of terahertz (THz) science and technology. Pyroelectric THz detectors are among the best candidates, taking into account their variety, outstanding performance, ease of fabrication, and robustness. In this work, we compare the performance of six different detectors, based on either LaTiO3 crystal or different polymeric films, using monochromatic radiation of the Novosibirsk Free Electron Laser facility (NovoFEL) in the frequency range of 0.9–2.0 THz. The main characteristics, including noise equivalent power and frequency response, were determined for all of them. Possible reasons for the differences in the obtained characteristics are discussed on the basis of the main physicochemical characteristics and optical properties of the sensitive area. At least three detectors showed sufficient sensitivity to monitor the shape and duration of the THz macropulses utilizing only a small fraction of the THz radiation from the primary beam. This capability is crucial for accurate characterization of THz radiation during the main experiment at various specialized endstations at synchrotrons and free electron lasers. As an example of such characterization, the typical stability of the average NovoFEL radiation power at the beamline of the electron paramagnetic resonance endstation was investigated.
Investigation of the Properties of Polyethylene and Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer Blends for 3D Printing Applications
Authors: Slonov Azamat , Musov Ismel , Zhansitov Azamat , Khashirov Azamat , Tlupov Aslanbek , Musov Khasan , Rzhevskaya Elena , Fomicheva Irina , Potapov Andrey , Khashirova Svetlana
Published: October 2023

3D printing of polyolefins, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), is of great practical interest due to the combination of high properties of these materials. However, the use of these materials in 3D printing is associated with many problems due to their high rate of crystallization, which causes shrinkage and warpage of the printed object. In this regard, blends of PE and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) of various compositions were investigated for 3D printing. It was found that with an increase in the concentration of EVA, an increase in the pseudoplastic effect and amorphization of PE occurs. It has been shown that with an increase in the EVA content, the degree of crystallinity of PE decreases slightly (by 11% at a content of 80% EVA); however, a significant decrease in the rate of crystallization of PE is observed (by 87.5% at the same EVA concentration). It was found that PE and EVA are completely compatible in the amorphous phase and partially compatible in the crystalline phase, which leads to a slight decrease in the melting point of PE. The introduction of EVA also leads to a significant increase in impact strength: the maximum value is achieved at a 50/50 ratio, which is five times the value of the initial PE and two times the value of the initial EVA. At the same time, it was revealed that EVA leads to a gradual decrease in the elastic modulus and strength of PE, the change of which generally obeys the additivity rule. The resulting printing filaments are characterized by a certain ovality due to their shrinkage, which decreases with increasing EVA content and reaches a minimum value at a PE/EVA ratio of 30/70. This composition also demonstrates the lowest shrinkage of the printed sample and higher processability during printing.
Mixed Matrix Membranes Using Porous Organic Polymers (POPs)—Influence of Textural Properties on CO2/CH4 Separation
Authors: Matesanz-Niño Laura , Moranchel-Pérez Jorge , Álvarez Cristina , Lozano Ángel E. , Casado-Coterillo Clara
Published: October 2023

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) provide the opportunity to test new porous materials in challenging applications. A series of low-cost porous organic polymer (POPs) networks, possessing tunable porosity and high CO2 uptake, has been obtained by aromatic electrophilic substitution reactions of biphenyl, 9,10-dihydro-9,10-dimethyl-9,10-ethanoanthracene (DMDHA), triptycene and 1,3,5-triphenylbenzene (135TPB) with dimethoxymethane (DMM). These materials have been characterized by FTIR, 13C NMR, WAXD, TGA, SEM, and CO2 uptake. Finally, different loadings of these POPs have been introduced into Matrimid, Pebax, and chitosan:polyvinyl alcohol blends as polymeric matrices to prepare MMMs. The CO2/CH4 separation performance of these MMMs has been evaluated by single and mixed gas permeation experiments at 4 bar and room temperature. The effect of the porosity of the porous fillers on the membrane separation behavior and the compatibility between them and the different polymer matrices on membrane design and fabrication has been studied by Maxwell model equations as a function of the gas permeability of the pure polymers, porosity, and loading of the fillers in the MMMs. Although the gas transport properties showed an increasing deviation from ideal Maxwell equation prediction with increasing porosity of the POP fillers and increasing hydrophilicity of the polymer matrices, the behavior of biopolymer-based CS:PVA MMMs approached that of Pebax-based MMMs, giving scope to not only new filler materials but also sustainable polymer choices to find a place in membrane technology.
Optimization and Application of Water Injection Process in Gas-Bearing Coal Seam
Authors: Lin Xiaolu , Liu Zhen , Geng Ning , Hu Peng , Gu Qingbo
Published: October 2023

Coal seam pre-drainage technology is widely used to prevent and control gas in China’s high-gas coal seams, and upward drilling is a safe and reliable technology. Using the Luling Coal Mine as the study location, according to the actual situation of the site, a layer-through drilling process was proposed. Relying on a cross-layer extraction borehole, coal seam water injection efficiency extraction and high-efficiency water injection dust prevention can be performed in the later stage of borehole extraction, enabling one-hole multi-purpose and “gas-powder” integrated prevention and control. In order to study the “stress-seepage” coupling characteristics of the coal around the borehole, a numerical simulation of the coal seam water injection process was conducted. Based on the simulation results, a field test of water injection in coal seam upward drilling was performed. The field monitoring data show that the water injection and water content of the coal seam were increased by about 3.07 m3 and 0.69%, respectively, compared with the traditional water injection process. The water injection effect is remarkable, which is of great significance to ensure the safe and efficient production of the mine.
Permeability Enhancement Mechanism of Acidizing in Steam-Assisted Gravity Flooding Wells
Authors: Yu Ming , Xu Chao , Bai Yujie , Zou Che , Liu Weibo , Cao Guangsheng , Yi Xi , Zhang Jing
Published: October 2023

Steam-assisted gravity oil drainage (SAGD flooding) is a cutting-edge technology for the development of oils which is gradually replacing steam huff and puff and is being used more and more widely. Low-permeability interlayers are generally developed in oil reservoirs in China, which may shield the migration of steam, oil and gas. Targeted acidizing fracturing was proposed to break through the low-permeability interlayers, and hence, the problem that the hindrance to the expansion of the steam chamber led to heat loss and seriously affected the development effect could be solved. A typical kind of well with SAGD flooding actually applied in China, Shuyi District of Liaohe Oilfield, was taken as the example for studying the optimization of crack parameters. Based on the study of reservoir sensitivity characteristics in this well, the formulations of working fluids for targeted acidizing fracturing were developed by optimizing the weight percentages of main acid solution and additives. The formula of ‘4% hydrochloric acid + 2% polyphosphoric acid + 5% fluoroboric acid + 4% acetic acid’ could be used as the acidizing fracturing working fluid for typical blocks of the Shuyi District of Liaohe Oilfield, which can increase the permeability of the natural core by 40.19–57.06%. Studies on targeted acidizing fracturing are beneficial for enhancing the oil recovery of oil reservoirs.
Life Cycle Environmental and Economic Assessment of Different Biogas and Biogas Residue Operation Models
Authors: Guan Jinghua , Li Ningzhou , Li Haiying , Yao Xin , Long Yue , Wang Shaolong , Ji Aimin , Xue Yuekai
Published: October 2023

The utilization of biogas and biogas residues is an important objective of animal manure resource management. Regarding the environmental friendliness and economic suitability of utilization modes, previous studies have evaluated and compared biogas or biogas residue individually, which may lead to incomplete environmental and economic assessments. In this study, the environmental and economic aspects of six integrated biogas and digestate operation modes, i.e., biogas utilization (direct combustion, cogeneration, and purification) and biogas residue utilization (field return and composting), were analyzed via life cycle assessment (LCA) and the net present value (NPV) method, with an animal manure biogas plant in Tangshan City as the study object. The results of LCA showed that biogas cogeneration + biogas residue composting disposal was superior to other models in most environmental indicators. NPV analysis showed that direct biogas combustion + biogas residue composting was the best, breaking even in the 3rd year with a cumulative profit of 250 million CNY. With increased environmental costs and benefits, the biogas cogeneration + biogas residue composting model had the best performance in terms of efficiency ratio at 2.58; the NPV of both operating models of biogas cogeneration increased, while the NPV of the other operating models decreased about 20%.
Numerical Simulation of Fracture Flow Interaction Based on Discrete Fracture Model
Authors: Meng Fanle , Wang Youjing , Song Xinmin , Hao Mingqiang , Qin Guosheng , Qi You , Ma Zunjing , Wang Dong
Published: October 2023

Hydraulic fracturing of horizontal wells is a common method for enhancing production in low-permeability and unconventional oil reservoirs. However, due to the interference between fractures, issues such as decreased production and water channeling often occur in hydraulic fracturing of horizontal wells. Therefore, studying how to mitigate the effects of fracture interference is of great significance for optimizing hydraulic fracturing design and improving oil and gas recovery rates. In this paper, an oil–water two-phase discrete fracture model was established, and the grid dissection was carried out by using the optimization method to obtain a triangular grid that can finely characterize the fracture in geometry. Then, typical discrete fracture models were designed, and the influences of the fracture permeability ratio, absolute fracture scale, oil–water viscosity ratio, and fracture length on the fracture flow interference were investigated separately. The degree of fracture interference was evaluated using the fracture fractional flow rate ratio, remaining oil saturation, and sweep efficiency. This study verified fracture interaction and identified that the threshold value of the fracture permeability ratio is 9 to classify the degree of interference. Sensitivity analysis shows that the absolute size of the fracture has a significant impact on fracture interference, while the impact of the oil–water viscosity ratio and fracture length on fracture interference is relatively small.
Radiographic Analysis of Grammont-Style and Lateralized Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty in Gleno-Humeral Osteoarthritis
Authors: Merolla Giovanni , Sircana Giuseppe , Padolino Antonio , Fauci Francesco , Augusti Carlo Alberto , Saporito Marco , Paladini Paolo
Published: October 2023

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has transformed the management of shoulder pathologies, including cuff tear arthropathy and osteoarthritis. The innovative design principles of RSA, such as the medialization and inferiorization of the joint center of rotation, distalization of the humerus, and a semi-constrained construct, enable effective deltoid compensation for rotator cuff deficiency. The Grammont-style RSA demonstrated excellent clinical outcomes. However, complications like instability and scapular notching prompted the exploration of lateralized designs. The radiographic evaluation of RSA is paramount for understanding the biomechanics of the implant and to foresee possible complications. Radiographic assessments encompass glenoid and humeral component positions, identifying features like scapular notching, radiolucent lines, heterotopic ossifications, bone adaptations, and humeral lengthening. Lateralized designs alter muscle moment arms and improve deltoid efficiency, influencing abduction and adduction mechanics. Despite the reduction in scapular notching, lateralized RSA introduces new challenges, such as increased risk of scapular spine and acromial fractures. Understanding the radiographic features and biomechanics of lateralized RSA is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes and mitigating potential complications.
Algal Biological Features Viewed in Satellite Observations: A Case Study of the Bohai Sea
Authors: Quan Wenting , Chen Jun
Published: October 2023

Algal cell abundance weakly depends on inherent optical properties and chlorophyll-a concentration in the Bohai Sea, so it is very hard to derive algal cell abundance (ACA) from ocean color data using a simple bio-optical model. To obtain ACA for biological communication at large scale, a neural network model has been developed and then applied for investigating the changing monthly trend of ACA, intracellular chlorophyll-a concentration, and cell size in the Bohai Sea using MODIS data from 2002 to 2015. The results showed that the neural network model could provide an accurate log-transformed value of algal cell abundance (LACA) from ocean color images whose retrieval uncertainty did not exceed 9%. Furthermore, when the model was applied to map the monthly mean LACA and then further convert it to cell size in the Bohai Sea, the results showed that the satellite-derived monthly mean cell size varied from 4.81 to 15.29 μm. The decreasing monthly mean algal cell abundance and increasing monthly mean chlorophyll-a concentration imply that the monthly mean intracellular chlorophyll-a concentration from 2002 to 2015 increased, which indicates that the waters in the Bohai Sea became more eutrophic over those 14 years. Moreover, due to seasonal variations in vertical mixing or other physical forcing factors, the ACA and cell size exhibited significant seasonal variations. Although further tests are required to validate the model’s robustness, these preliminary results indicate that the neural network model is an encouraging approach to exploiting more novel biological parameters such as the LACA from ocean color satellites for oceanic communication.
Mapping Coastal Wetlands and Their Dynamics in the Yellow River Delta over Last Three Decades: Based on a Spectral Endmember Space
Authors: Tan Kun , Sun Danfeng , Dou Wenjun , Wang Bin , Sun Qiangqiang , Liu Xiaojie , Zhang Haiyan , Lan Yang , Lun Fei
Published: October 2023

The accurate mapping and analysis of coastal wetlands and their dynamics are crucial for local coastal wetland protection, sustainable social development, and biodiversity preservation. However, detailed mapping and comprehensive analysis of coastal wetlands remain scarce. In this study, we utilized Landsat-TM/OLI remote sensing data and employed the linear spectral mixture analysis (LSMA) method to map changes in coastal wetlands and analyze their dynamics in the Yellow River Delta (YRD) from 1991 to 2020. Our mapping results demonstrate high accuracy and are consistent with previous studies, boasting an overall accuracy exceeding 96%. During the period of 1991–2020, the YRD estuary expanded by approximately 8744.58 ha towards the east and north. The vegetation of P. australis and S. salsa underwent transformation due to agricultural practices or degradation to bare flats. Moreover, these areas saw extensive colonization by the invasive species S. alterniflora. Over the three decades, S. alterniflora expanded approximately 5 km along the coast, significantly impacting the local coastal wetland biodiversity. Furthermore, a considerable number of natural wetlands transitioned into human-made wetlands from 1991 to 2014. In particular, bare flats underwent substantial changes, transforming into aquaculture sites and salt exploitation areas. These dynamics in coastal wetlands had significant repercussions on local ecosystems, including wetland fragmentation, biodiversity depletion, and water pollution. However, post-2014, numerous wetland protection strategies were implemented, resulting in the restoration of natural wetlands. Detailed wetland mapping and dynamic analysis furnish valuable insights for the management, protection, and sustainable utilization of diverse coastal wetlands.
Successful Integration of UAV Aeromagnetic Mapping with Terrestrial Methane Emissions Surveys in Orphaned Well Remediation
Authors: de Smet Timothy S. , Nikulin Alex , Balrup Nicholas , Graber Nathan
Published: October 2023

Orphaned oil and gas wells represent an important environmental and economic development concern in areas where historical energy exploration and production activity pre-dated regulations on well abandonment documentation practices. From an economic development perspective, these wells pose a subsurface risk to infrastructure development, while the environmental impact of orphaned wells is largely associated with uncontrolled emissions of both fluids and gasses, most notably atmospheric methane. Often neglected in regulatory oversight, methane emissions from orphaned wells contribute to global greenhouse gas concentrations and without proper mitigation, these emissions contribute to and further exacerbate global climate change processes. An inherent challenge of remediation efforts targeting orphaned wells is the consistent observation that only a fraction of located and identified wells produce the majority of methane emissions, yet no methodology exists to effectively separate out heavy emitters without visiting and assessing each and every well. We demonstrate that emitting wells have certain defined characteristics largely pertaining to the presence and integrity of metal casing to the surface, which can be distinguished as an organized high intensity magnetic anomaly in low-altitude UAV-based aeromagnetic surveys. In this paper, we present a database of identified and ground-truthed wellsites correlated to their magnetic signatures and provide a roadmap to initial prioritization of wellsites for subsequent remediation activities that can be implemented in complex environments where other survey options are not feasible. In a regulatory environment where resources dedicated to wellsite remediation are limited, we propose implementing this methodology as a key element of a targeted approach to wellsite prioritization for subsequent remediation activity.
Soil Moisture Monitoring and Evaluation in Agricultural Fields Based on NDVI Long Time Series and CEEMDAN
Authors: Li Xuqing , Wang Xiaodan , Wu Jianjun , Luo Wei , Tian Lingwen , Wang Yancang , Liu Yuyan , Zhang Liang , Zhao Chenyu , Zhang Wenlong
Published: October 2023

The North China Plain is an important area for agricultural economic development in China. But water shortages, severe groundwater over-exploitation and drought problems make it difficult to exercise the topographic resource advantages of the plain. Therefore, the precise monitoring of soil moisture is of great significance for the rational use of water resources. Soil characteristics vary in natural farmland ecosystems, crops are constrained by multiple compound stresses and the precise extraction of soil moisture stress is a difficult and critical problem. The long time series was decomposed via complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) to obtain different intrinsic mode function (IMF) components, and the statistical descriptors of each component were calculated to realize the precise discrimination of soil moisture stress. A quantitative evaluation model of soil moisture was established, and the different noise addition ratios and modeling types were set respectively to investigate the optimal inversion model. The results showed that: (1) The reconstruction error of the CEEMDAN was small and almost 0; it had a high reconstruction accuracy and was more suitable for the decomposition of the long time series. The first two components, IMF1 and IMF2, were soil moisture stress subsequences, and it could effectively reflect the moisture stress situation. (2) The inversion model performed well when ε was 0.05 and the model type was quadratic, with a coefficient of determination R2 of 0.98, which gave a better fit and less error. (3) The overall soil moisture content in the study area was low, basically in the range of 6.9% to 15.7%, with the central part, especially the south-central part, being the most affected by soil moisture stress, and the overall impact of soil moisture stress showed a decreasing trend from February to May. The utilization of CEEMDAN further enhances the accuracy of soil moisture inversion in agricultural fields, realizing the effective application of remote sensing observation technology and time-frequency analysis technology in the field of soil moisture research.
Contrastive-Learning-Based Time-Series Feature Representation for Parcel-Based Crop Mapping Using Incomplete Sentinel-2 Image Sequences
Authors: Zhou Ya’nan , Wang Yan , Yan Na’na , Feng Li , Chen Yuehong , Wu Tianjun , Gao Jianwei , Zhang Xiwang , Zhu Weiwei
Published: October 2023

Parcel-based crop classification using multi-temporal satellite optical images plays a vital role in precision agriculture. However, optical image sequences may be incomplete due to the occlusion of clouds and shadows. Thus, exploring inherent time-series features to identify crop types from incomplete optical image sequences is a significant challenge. This study developed a contrastive-learning-based framework for time-series feature representation to improve crop classification using incomplete Sentinel-2 image sequences. Central to this method was the combined use of inherent time-series feature representation and machine-learning-based classifications. First, preprocessed multi-temporal Sentinel-2 satellite images were overlaid onto precise farmland parcel maps to generate raw time-series spectral features (with missing values) for each parcel. Second, an enhanced contrastive learning model was established to map the raw time-series spectral features to their inherent feature representation (without missing values). Thirdly, eXtreme Gradient-Boosting-based and Long Short-Term Memory-based classifiers were applied to feature representation to produce crop classification maps. The proposed method is further discussed and validated through parcel-based time-series crop classifications in two study areas (one in Dijon of France and the other in Zhaosu of China) with multi-temporal Sentinel-2 images in comparison to the existing methods. The classification results, demonstrating significant improvements greater than 3% in overall accuracy and 0.04 in F1 scores over comparison methods, indicate the effectiveness of the proposed contrastive-learning-based time-series feature representation for parcel-based crop classification utilizing incomplete Sentinel-2 image sequences.
An Intelligent Water Monitoring IoT System for Ecological Environment and Smart Cities
Authors: Chen Shih-Lun , Chou He-Sheng , Huang Chun-Hsiang , Chen Chih-Yun , Li Liang-Yu , Huang Ching-Hui , Chen Yu-Yu , Tang Jyh-Haw , Chang Wen-Hui , Huang Je-Sheng
Published: October 2023

Global precipitation is becoming increasingly intense due to the extreme climate. Therefore, creating new technology to manage water resources is crucial. To create a sustainable urban and ecological environment, a water level and water quality control system implementing artificial intelligence is presented in this research. The proposed smart monitoring system consists of four sensors (two different liquid level sensors, a turbidity and pH sensor, and a water oxygen sensor), a control module (an MCU, a motor, a pump, and a drain), and a power and communication system (a solar panel, a battery, and a wireless communication module). The system focuses on low-cost Internet of Things (IoT) devices along with low power consumption and high precision. This proposal collects rainfall from the preceding 10 years in the application region as well as the region’s meteorological bureau’s weekly weather report and uses artificial intelligence to compute the appropriate water level. More importantly, the adoption of dynamic adjustment systems can reserve and modify water resources in the application region more efficiently. Compared to existing technologies, the measurement approach utilized in this study not only achieves cost savings exceeding 60% but also enhances water level measurement accuracy by over 15% through the successful implementation of water level calibration decisions utilizing multiple distinct sensors. Of greater significance, the dynamic adjustment systems proposed in this research offer the potential for conserving water resources by more than 15% in an effective manner. As a result, the adoption of this technology may efficiently reserve and distribute water resources for smart cities as well as reduce substantial losses caused by anomalous water resources, such as floods, droughts, and ecological concerns.
Ensemble Approach to Combining Episode Prediction Models Using Sequential Circadian Rhythm Sensor Data from Mental Health Patients
Authors: Lee Taek , Lee Heon-Jeong , Lee Jung-Been , Kim Jeong-Dong
Published: October 2023

Managing mood disorders poses challenges in counseling and drug treatment, owing to limitations. Counseling is the most effective during hospital visits, and the side effects of drugs can be burdensome. Patient empowerment is crucial for understanding and managing these triggers. The daily monitoring of mental health and the utilization of episode prediction tools can enable self-management and provide doctors with insights into worsening lifestyle patterns. In this study, we test and validate whether the prediction of future depressive episodes in individuals with depression can be achieved by using lifelog sequence data collected from digital device sensors. Diverse models such as random forest, hidden Markov model, and recurrent neural network were used to analyze the time-series data and make predictions about the occurrence of depressive episodes in the near future. The models were then combined into a hybrid model. The prediction accuracy of the hybrid model was 0.78; especially in the prediction of rare episode events, the F1-score performance was approximately 1.88 times higher than that of the dummy model. We explored factors such as data sequence size, train-to-test data ratio, and class-labeling time slots that can affect the model performance to determine the combinations of parameters that optimize the model performance. Our findings are especially valuable because they are experimental results derived from large-scale participant data analyzed over a long period of time.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Compressed Data Acquisition for Environmental Monitoring in WSNs
Authors: Lv Cuicui , Yang Linchuang , Zhang Xinxin , Li Xiangming , Wang Peijin , Du Zhenbin
Published: October 2023

With the increasing concerns for the environment, the amount of the data monitored by wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is becoming larger and the energy required for data transmission is greater. However, sensor nodes have limited storage capacity and battery power. The WSNs are faced with the challenge of handling larger data volumes while minimizing energy consumption for transmission. To address this issue, this paper employs data compression technology to eliminate redundant information in the environmental data, thereby reducing energy consumption of sensor nodes. Additionally, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-assisted compressed data acquisition algorithm is put forward. In this algorithm, compressive sensing (CS) is introduced to decrease the amount of data in the network and the UAV serves as a mobile aerial base station for efficient data gathering. Based on CS theory, the UAV selectively collects measurements from a subset of sensor nodes along a route planned using the optimized greedy algorithm with variation and insertion strategies. Once the UAV returns, the sink node reconstructs sensory data from these measurements using the reconstruction algorithms. Extensive experiments are conducted to verify the performance of this algorithm. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has lower energy consumption compared to other approaches. Furthermore, we employ different data reconstruction algorithms to recover data and discover that the data can be better reconstructed in a shorter time.
EM-YOLO: An X-ray Prohibited-Item-Detection Method Based on Edge and Material Information Fusion
Authors: Jing Bing , Duan Pianzhang , Chen Lu , Du Yanhui
Published: October 2023

Using X-ray imaging in security inspections is common for the detection of objects. X-ray security images have strong texture and RGB features as well as the characteristics of background clutter and object overlap, which makes X-ray imaging very different from other real-world imaging methods. To better detect prohibited items in security X-ray images with these characteristics, we propose EM-YOLOv7, which is composed of both an edge feature extractor (EFE) and a material feature extractor (MFE). We used the Soft-WIoU NMS method to solve the problem of object overlap. To better extract features, the attention mechanism CBAM was added to the backbone. According to the results of several experiments on the SIXray dataset, our EM-YOLOv7 method can better complete prohibited-item-detection tasks during security inspection with detection accuracy that is 4% and 0.9% higher than that of YOLOv5 and YOLOv7, respectively, and other SOTA models.
Multi-Sensor HR Mass Data Models toward Multi-Temporal-Layered Digital Twins: Maintenance, Design and XR Informed Tour of the Multi-Stratified Appian Way (PAAA)
Authors: Brumana Raffaella , Quilici Simone , Oliva Luigi , Previtali Mattia , Gabriele Marzia , Stanga Chiara
Published: October 2023

The article provides an overview of the digitisation project conducted by the Parco Archeologico dell’Appia Antica (PAAA) in Rome, focusing on an 11.7 km section of the Appian Way. This effort is part of the “Appia Regina Viarum” project, supporting the UNESCO heritage site candidacy of the Appian Way. Advanced sensor technologies, including the Mobile Mapping System (MMS), 360° Cameras, Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS), digital cameras, and drones, are employed to collect extensive data sets. The primary goal is to create highly accurate three-dimensional (3D) models for knowledge enhancement, conservation, and communication purposes. Innovative tools are introduced to manage High Resolution 3D textured models, improving maintenance, management, and design processes over traditional CAD methods. The project aims to develop multi-temporal Digital Twins integrated with historical documentation, such as Piranesi’s imaginary views and architect Canina’s monument reconstructions. These informative models function as nodes within the DT, serving the PAAA’s geographic hub by means of an eXtended Reality (XR) platform: the paper proposes bridging the physical object and virtual models, contributing to supporting the operators in the maintenance planning as well as information dissemination and public awareness, offering an immersive experience beyond conventional reality.
Multi-Functional Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces for Enhanced Sensing and Communication
Authors: Singh Khushboo , Saikia Mondeep , Thiyagarajan Karthick , Thalakotuna Dushmantha , Esselle Karu , Kodagoda Sarath
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we propose a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) that can dynamically switch the transmission and reflection phase of incident electromagnetic waves in real time to realize the dual-beam or quad-beam and convert the polarization of the transmitted beam. Such surfaces can redirect a wireless signal at will to establish robust connectivity when the designated line-of-sight channel is disturbed, thereby enhancing the performance of wireless communication systems by creating an intelligent radio environment. When integrated with a sensing element, they are integral to performing joint detection and communication functions in future wireless sensor networks. In this work, we first analyze the scattering performance of a reconfigurable unit element and then design a RIS. The dynamic field scattering manipulation capability of the RIS is validated by full-wave electromagnetic simulations to realize six different functions. The scattering characteristics of the proposed unit element, which incorporates two p-i-n diodes have been substantiated through practical implementation. This involved the construction of a simple prototype and the subsequent examination of its scattering properties via the free-space measurement method. The obtained transmission and reflection coefficients from the measurements are in agreement with the anticipated outcomes from simulations.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Digital Transformation of Workplace: The Social Representation of Home-Office
Authors: Joia Luiz Antonio , Leonardo Lineu Fachin
Published: October 2023

In March 2020, with the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a pandemic and prescribing social isolation to combat this coronavirus, companies began to implement home-office, with employees working from their homes through Information and Communication Technology. Thus, this study aims to identify how Human Resources professionals in Brazil made sense of the home-office policy adopted by their companies during the COVID-19 pandemic, given that this country was severely impacted by this disease, which led to the implementation of social isolation for several months. In consideration of this, this research applied the Social Representation Theory, operationalized via the evocation of words technique and implicative analysis. In doing so, a positive and less comprehensive view of Human Resources professionals was identified vis-à-vis the academic literature in relation to the enactment of home-office via companies during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may be due to the time interval in which this research was carried out, the consequent impacts resulting from the implementation of the home-office at the time of data collection, and the very fact that most of the literature researched came from developed countries and not from the Global South where this research was carried out. Flexibility and Quality of Life were the dimensions most associated with the social representation of home-office according to Human Resources professionals. However, the productivity dimension related to working in a home-office showed dubious and inconclusive results. Finally, some challenging aspects related to this model of work raised by the scientific literature were not mentioned by the respondents, indicating a mismatch between the academic literature and the understanding of Human Resources professionals about the role of home-office during the COVID-19 pandemic.