bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smoking Cessation at the Community Pharmacy: Determinants of Success from a Real-Life Practice
Authors: Condinho Mónica , Ramalhinho Isabel , Sinogas Carlos
Published: August 2021

The objectives of this study are to report the contribution of pharmacists to smoking cessation and study the determinants of smoking cessation success in eight pharmacies in Portugal (south) between 2009 and 2019. A real-life study was conducted with a sample of smokers who participated in pharmacist consultations. The sample included 135 smokers (average age of 47.9 ± 1.21 years), 79 (58.5%) of whom were male. In parallel with the motivation and behavioral approach, 116 (85.9%) smokers received pharmacological therapies: 108 (80.0%) were treated with nicotine replacement products and eight (5.9%) with non-nicotine medications. The interventions resulted in 70 (51.9%) smokers complying with the quit day, of whom 59 (43.7%) were smoking-abstinent at the end of the first month. Success rates were reduced to 32.6%, 28.1%, and 20.7% at the end of the 3rd, 6th, and 12th months, respectively. Smoking cessation was more successful for the participants receiving pharmacological therapies (Fisher’s exact test, p < 0.001) and those who participated in more pharmacist consultations (χ2 = 59.994, p < 0.001) and more telephone sessions (χ2 = 17.845, p < 0.001). Pharmacists can contribute significantly to the promotion of smoking cessation. Smokers who are more thoroughly followed up by pharmacists showed increased success rates when compared with smokers having fewer sessions with pharmacists.
Pharmacist-Prescribed Hormonal Contraception: Does Didactic Hormonal Contraception Education Affect Student Pharmacist Perceptions of This Professional Activity?
Authors: Rikard Rachel , Elliott Jennifer , Dalton Erin , Stone Rebecca H.
Published: August 2021

Since 2014, select states have allowed pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraception (HC). This study describes student pharmacists’ perceptions of a pharmacist’s scope of practice, education, and interest, and identifies differences between students who have completed didactic HC content in their professional curriculum versus those who have not. A voluntary online survey was emailed to all students in three Georgia pharmacy schools. Descriptive statistics were reported. Likert square responses were dichotomized, and Chi square testing identified differences between groups. A total of 1256 students were invited, 35% completed the survey, of those 68% had received HC didactic content in their curriculum. Regardless of HC education, most students “agree” or “strongly agree” that pharmacists are adequately educated to prescribe HC (92% vs. 86%, p = 0.05) and prescribing HC is within the pharmacist’s scope of practice (89% vs. 84%, p = 0.12). Although not currently permitted in Georgia, most are interested in prescribing (97% vs. 96%, p = 0.5). Of the students who have received HC didactic content, 87% felt “moderately”, “well”, or “extremely well-educated” regarding HC prescribing clinical skills. Regardless of didactic training, pharmacy students believe pharmacists are prepared to prescribe HC and support pharmacist-prescribed HC as a part of their future professional scope of practice.
Roadmap on Universal Photonic Biosensors for Real-Time Detection of Emerging Pathogens
Authors: Blevins Morgan G. , Fernandez-Galiana Alvaro , Hooper Milo J. , Boriskina Svetlana V.
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it abundantly clear that the state-of-the-art biosensors may not be adequate for providing a tool for rapid mass testing and population screening in response to newly emerging pathogens. The main limitations of the conventional techniques are their dependency on virus-specific receptors and reagents that need to be custom-developed for each recently-emerged pathogen, the time required for this development as well as for sample preparation and detection, the need for biological amplification, which can increase false positive outcomes, and the cost and size of the necessary equipment. Thus, new platform technologies that can be readily modified as soon as new pathogens are detected, sequenced, and characterized are needed to enable rapid deployment and mass distribution of biosensors. This need can be addressed by the development of adaptive, multiplexed, and affordable sensing technologies that can avoid the conventional biological amplification step, make use of the optical and/or electrical signal amplification, and shorten both the preliminary development and the point-of-care testing time frames. We provide a comparative review of the existing and emergent photonic biosensing techniques by matching them to the above criteria and capabilities of preventing the spread of the next global pandemic.
The Effect of Dark Septate Endophytic Fungi on Mahonia oiwakensis
Authors: Lin Lei-Chen , Tan Yin-Ling , Lin Wan-Rou , Ku Kuo-Lung , Ho Shang-Tse
Published: August 2021

This is the first study to discuss the effects of dark septate endophytes (DSE) on the growth promotion and berberine concentration in Mahonia oiwakensis, whose extract (MOE) has been suggested to have potential therapeutic effects against human lung cancer. First, as per phylogenetic analysis, the strains were divided into four groups: CkDB2, CkDB5, MoAL2 and MoAL5. All of these were DSEs, which could form microsclerotia in M. oiwakensis. The growth response experiment revealed that inoculation of the plant with MoAL5 and CkDB5 promoted an increase in the total fresh weight of the seedlings. Chemical composition analysis showed that seedlings inoculated with CkDB5 had the highest berberine concentration. These results showed that some DSEs have the ability to promote growth and induce phytochemical responses in the host plant.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Inhibitory Activity of Different Selenium Chemical Forms on the Growth of a Fusarium proliferatum Strain Isolated from Rice Seedlings
Authors: Troni Elisabetta , Beccari Giovanni , D’Amato Roberto , Tini Francesco , Baldo David , Senatore Maria Teresa , Beone Gian Maria , Fontanella Maria Chiara , Prodi Antonio , Businelli Daniela , Covarelli Lorenzo
Published: August 2021

In this study, the in vitro effects of different Se concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20, and 100 mg kg−1) from different Se forms (sodium selenite, sodium selenate, selenomethionine, and selenocystine) on the development of a Fusarium proliferatum strain isolated from rice were investigated. A concentration-dependent effect was detected. Se reduced fungal growth starting from 10 mg kg−1 and increasing the concentration (15, 20, and 100 mg kg−1) enhanced the inhibitory effect. Se bioactivity was also chemical form dependent. Selenocystine was found to be the most effective at the lowest concentration (5 mg kg−1). Complete growth inhibition was observed at 20 mg kg−1 of Se from selenite, selenomethionine, and selenocystine. Se speciation analysis revealed that fungus was able to change the Se speciation when the lowest Se concentration was applied. Scanning Electron Microscopy showed an alteration of the fungal morphology induced by Se. Considering that the inorganic forms have a higher solubility in water and are cheaper than organic forms, 20 mg kg−1 of Se from selenite can be suggested as the best combination suitable to inhibit F. proliferatum strain. The addition of low concentrations of Se from selenite to conventional fungicides may be a promising alternative approach for the control of Fusarium species.
Response of Two Different Wheat Varieties to Glow and Afterglow Oxygen Plasma
Authors: Starič Pia , Grobelnik Mlakar Silva , Junkar Ita
Published: August 2021

Cold plasma technology has received significant attention in agriculture due to its effect on the seeds and plants of important cultivars, such as wheat. Due to climate change, wherein increasing temperatures and droughts are frequent, it is important to consider novel approaches to agricultural production. As increased dormancy levels in wheat are correlated with high temperatures and drought, improving the germination and root growth of wheat seeds could offer new possibilities for seed sowing. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of direct (glow) and indirect (afterglow) radio-frequency (RF) oxygen plasma treatments on the germination of two winter wheat varieties: Apache and Bezostaya 1. The influence of plasma treatment on seed surface morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy, and it was observed that direct plasma treatment resulted in a high etching and nanostructuring of the seed surface. The effect of plasma treatment on germination was evaluated by measuring the germination rate, counting the number of roots and the length of the root system, and the fresh weight of seedlings. The results of this study indicate that the response of seeds to direct and indirect plasma treatment may be variety-dependent, as differences between the two wheat varieties were observed.
Micrografting Provides Evidence for Systemic Regulation of Sulfur Metabolism between Shoot and Root
Authors: Forieri Ilaria , Aref Rasha , Wirtz Markus , Hell Rüdiger
Published: August 2021

The uptake of sulfate by roots and its reductive assimilation mainly in the leaves are not only essential for plant growth and development but also for defense responses against biotic and abiotic stresses. The latter functions result in stimulus-induced fluctuations of sulfur demand at the cellular level. However, the maintenance and acclimation of sulfur homeostasis at local and systemic levels is not fully understood. Previous research mostly focused on signaling in response to external sulfate supply to roots. Here we apply micrografting of Arabidopsis wildtype knock-down sir1-1 mutant plants that suffer from an internally lowered reductive sulfur assimilation and a concomitant slow growth phenotype. Homografts of wildtype and sir1-1 confirm the hallmarks of non-grafted sir1-1 mutants, displaying substantial induction of sulfate transporter genes in roots and sulfate accumulation in shoots. Heterografts of wildtype scions and sir1-1 rootstocks and vice versa, respectively, demonstrate a dominant role of the shoot over the root with respect to sulfur-related gene expression, sulfate accumulation and organic sulfur metabolites, including the regulatory compound O-acetylserine. The results provide evidence for demand-driven control of the shoot over the sulfate uptake system of roots under sulfur-sufficient conditions, allowing sulfur uptake and transport to the shoot for dynamic responses.
Effect of Cryopreservation on Proteins from the Ubiquitous Marine Dinoflagellate Breviolum sp. (Family Symbiodiniaceae)
Authors: Li Hsing-Hui , Lu Jia-Lin , Lo Hui-Esther , Tsai Sujune , Lin Chiahsin
Published: August 2021

Coral reefs around the world are exposed to thermal stress from climate change, disrupting the delicate symbiosis between the coral host and its symbionts. Cryopreservation is an indispensable tool for the preservation of species, as well as the establishment of a gene bank. However, the development of cryopreservation techniques for application to symbiotic algae is limited, in addition to the scarceness of related studies on the molecular level impacts post-thawing. Hence, it is essential to set up a suitable freezing protocol for coral symbionts, as well as to analyze its cryo-injury at the molecular level. The objective of this study was to develop a suitable protocol for the coral symbiont Breviolum subjected to two-step freezing. The thawed Breviolum were then cultured for 3, 7, 14, and 28 days before they were analyzed by Western blot for protein expression, light-harvesting protein (LHP), and red fluorescent protein (RFP) and tested by adenosine triphosphate bioassay for cell viability. The results showed the highest cell viability for thawed Breviolum that was treated with 2 M propylene glycol (PG) and 2 M methanol (MeOH) and equilibrated with both cryoprotectants for 30 min and 20 min. Both treatment groups demonstrated a significant increase in cell population after 28 days of culture post-thawing, especially for the MeOH treatment group, whose growth rate was twice of the PG treatment group. Regarding protein expression, the total amounts of each type of protein were significantly affected by cryopreservation. After 28 days of culture, the protein expression for the MeOH treatment group showed no significant difference to that of the control group, whereas the protein expression for the PG treatment group showed a significant difference. Breviolum that were frozen with MeOH recovered faster upon thawing than those frozen with PG. LHP was positively and RFP was negatively correlated with Symbiodiniaceae viability and so could serve as health-informing biomarkers. This work represents the first time to document it in Symbiodiniaceae, and this study established a suitable protocol for the cryopreservation of Breviolum and further refined the current understanding of the impact of low temperature on its protein expression. By gaining further understanding of the use of cryopreservation as a way to conserve Symbiodiniaceae, we hope to make an effort in the remediation and conservation of the coral reef ecosystem and provide additional methods to rescue coral reefs.
Study on the Regulatory Effects of GA3 on Soybean Internode Elongation
Authors: Shan Fuxin , Zhang Rui , Zhang Jin , Wang Chang , Lyu Xiaochen , Xin Tianyu , Yan Chao , Dong Shoukun , Ma Chunmei , Gong Zhenping
Published: August 2021

Excessive plant height is an important factor that can lead to lodging, which is closely related to soybean yield. Gibberellins are widely used as plant growth regulators in agricultural production. Gibberellic acid (GA3), one of the most effective active gibberellins, has been used to regulate plant height and increase yields. The mechanism through which GA3 regulates internode elongation has been extensively investigated. In 2019 and 2020, we applied GA3 to the stems, leaves, and roots of two soybean cultivars, Heinong 48 (a high-stalk cultivar) and Henong 60 (a dwarf cultivar), and GA3 was also applied to plants whose apical meristem was removed or to girded plants to compare the internode length and stem GA3 content of soybean plants under different treatments. These results suggested that the application of GA3 to the stems, leaves, and roots of soybean increased the internode length and GA3 content in the stems. Application of GA3 decreased the proportion of the pith in the soybean stems and primary xylem while increasing the proportion of secondary xylem. The apical meristem is an important site of GA3 synthesis in soybean stems and is involved in the regulation of stem elongation. GA3 was shown to be transported acropetally through the xylem and laterally between the xylem and phloem in soybean stems. We conclude that the GA3 level in stems is an important factor affecting internode elongation.
Context-Dependent Effects of Trichoderma Seed Inoculation on Anthracnose Disease and Seed Yield of Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris): Ambient Conditions Override Cultivar-Specific Differences
Authors: Gutiérrez-Moreno Karina , Ruocco Michelina , Monti Maurilia Maria , Vega Octavio Martínez de la , Heil Martin
Published: August 2021

Root colonizing Trichoderma fungi can stimulate plant immunity, but net effects are strain × cultivar-specific and changing ambient conditions further contribute to variable outcomes. Here, we used four Trichoderma spp. to inoculate seeds of four common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivars and explored in three different experimental setups the effects on fungal anthracnose after leaf inoculation with Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. Plants growing in pots with field soil under greenhouse conditions exhibited the highest and those in the open field the lowest overall levels of disease. Among 48 Trichoderma strain × bean cultivar × setup combinations, Trichoderma-inoculation enhanced disease in six and decreased disease in ten cases, but with the exception of T. asperellum B6-inoculated Negro San Luis beans, the strain × cultivar-specific effects on anthracnose severity differed among the setups, and anthracnose severity did not predict seed yield in the open field. In the case of Flor de Mayo beans, Trichoderma even reduced yield in anthracnose-free field plots, although this effect was counterbalanced in anthracnose-infected plots. We consider our work as a case study that calls for stronger emphasis on field experiments in the early phases of screenings of Trichoderma inoculants as plant biostimulants.
Induction of Conjugation and Zygospore Cell Wall Characteristics in the Alpine Spirogyra mirabilis (Zygnematophyceae, Charophyta): Advantage under Climate Change Scenarios?
Authors: Permann Charlotte , Herburger Klaus , Felhofer Martin , Gierlinger Notburga , Lewis Louise A. , Holzinger Andreas
Published: August 2021

Extreme environments, such as alpine habitats at high elevation, are increasingly exposed to man-made climate change. Zygnematophyceae thriving in these regions possess a special means of sexual reproduction, termed conjugation, leading to the formation of resistant zygospores. A field sample of Spirogyra with numerous conjugating stages was isolated and characterized by molecular phylogeny. We successfully induced sexual reproduction under laboratory conditions by a transfer to artificial pond water and increasing the light intensity to 184 µmol photons m−2 s−1. This, however was only possible in early spring, suggesting that the isolated cultures had an internal rhythm. The reproductive morphology was characterized by light- and transmission electron microscopy, and the latter allowed the detection of distinctly oriented microfibrils in the exo- and endospore, and an electron-dense mesospore. Glycan microarray profiling showed that Spirogyra cell walls are rich in major pectic and hemicellulosic polysaccharides, and immuno-fluorescence allowed the detection of arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) and xyloglucan in the zygospore cell walls. Confocal RAMAN spectroscopy detected complex aromatic compounds, similar in their spectral signature to that of Lycopodium spores. These data support the idea that sexual reproduction in Zygnematophyceae, the sister lineage to land plants, might have played an important role in the process of terrestrialization.
Novel Delay-Dependent Stabilization for Fuzzy Stochastic Systems with Multiplicative Noise Subject to Passivity Constraint
Authors: Ku Cheung-Chieh , Chang Wen-Jer , Huang Kuan-Wei
Published: August 2021

A novel delay-dependent stability criterion for Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy systems with multiplicative noise is addressed in this paper subject to passivity performance. The general case of interval time-varying delay is considered for the practical control issue. For the criterion, an integral Lyapunov-Krasovskii function is proposed to derive some sufficient relaxed conditions and to avoid the derivative of the membership function. Moreover, a free-matrix inequality is adopted to deal with the delay terms such that the available derivative of time-varying delay is bigger than one. In order to employ a convex optimization algorithm to find the control gain, a projection lemma is applied to acquire the Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) form of the sufficient conditions. With the obtained gains, a fuzzy controller is designed by the concept of Parallel Distributed Compensation (PDC) such that the delayed T-S fuzzy systems with multiplicative noise are asymptotically stable and passive in the mean square. Finally, a stabilization problem of the ship’s autopilot dynamic system and some comparisons are discussed during the simulation results.
Special Issue on “Multifunctional Hybrid Materials Based on Polymers: Design and Performance”
Authors: Hamzehlou Shaghayegh , Aboudzadeh M. Ali
Published: August 2021

Hybrids and composite materials offer a synergic combination of polymer and inorganic features [...]
In Vivo Neuropharmacological Potential of Gomphandra tetrandra (Wall.) Sleumer and In-Silico Study against β-Amyloid Precursor Protein
Authors: Rahman Md. Saidur , Zilani Md. Nazmul Hasan , Islam Md. Aminul , Hasan Md. Munaib , Islam Md. Muzahidul , Yasmin Farzana , Biswas Partha , Hirashima Akinori , Rahman Md. Ataur , Hasan Md. Nazmul , Kim Bonglee
Published: August 2021

Medicinal plants possess a surplus of novel and biologically active secondary metabolites that are responsible for counteracting diseases. Traditionally, Gomphandra tetrandra (Wall.) Sleumer is used to treat mental disorders. The present research was designed to explore phytochemicals from the ethanol leaf extract of Gomphandra tetrandra (Wall.) Sleumer to identify the potential pharmacophore(s) in the treatment of neurological disorders. The chemical compounds of the experimental plant were identified through GC-MS analysis. In-vitro antioxidant activity was assessed using different methods. Furthermore, in-vivo neurological activity was assessed in Swiss-albino mice. Computer-aided analysis was appraised to determine the best-fit phytoconstituent of a total of fifteen identified compounds in the experimental plant extract against beta-amyloid precursor protein. The experimental extract revealed fifteen compounds in GC-MS analysis and the highest content was 9, 12, 15-octadecatrienoic acid (z,z,z). The extract showed potent antioxidant activity in in-vitro assays. Furthermore, in in-vivo neurological assays, the extract disclosed significant (p < 0.05) neurological activity. The most favorable phytochemicals as neurological agents were selected via ADMET profiling, and molecular docking was studied with beta-amyloid precursor protein. In the computer-aided study, 1, 5-diphenyl-2h-1, 2, 4-triazoline-3-thione (Pub Chem CID: 2802516) was more active than other identified compounds with strong binding affinity to beta-amyloid precursor protein. The present in vivo and in silico studies revealed neuropharmacological features of G. tetrandra leaf extract as a natural agent against neurological disorders, especially Alzheimer’s disease.
Computational Investigation of the Combined Impact of Nonlinear Radiation and Magnetic Field on Three-Dimensional Rotational Nanofluid Flow across a Stretchy Surface
Authors: Hussain Azad , Elkotb Mohamed Abdelghany , Arshad Mubashar , Rehman Aysha , Sooppy Nisar Kottakkaran , Hassan Ali , Saleel C. Ahamed
Published: August 2021

This comparative study inspects the MHD three-dimensional revolving flow and temperature transmission of a radiative stretching surface. The flow of nanofluid is modeled using the Tiwari and Das model. Water is the base fluid, and the nanoparticles are composed of two different types of nanoparticle, i.e., gold and silver (Au and Ag). The non-radiative heat flow notion is examined in a temperature field that results in a nonlinear energy equation. Conformist transformations are used to generate a self-similar arrangement of the leading differential system. The resulting system has an intriguing temperature ratio constraint, which shows whether the flow has a little or significant temperature differential. By using a powerful mathematical technique, numerical results are obtained. The solutions are influenced by both stretching and rotation. The difference in velocity constituents with the elements’ volume fraction is non-monotonic. Results for the rotating nanofluid flow and heat transfer properties for both types of nanoparticles are highlighted with graphs. The impact of physical concentrations, such as heat flux rates and skin friction constants, are examined at the linear extending surface and clarified graphically. Ag-water nanofluid has a high-temperature transfer constant compared to Au-water nanofluid. The velocity profile was also discovered to have a parabolic distribution shape.
Ultrasound-Assisted Cold Pasteurization in Liquid or SC-CO2
Authors: Abramova Anna , Abramov Vladimir , Bayazitov Vadim , Nikonov Roman , Fedulov Igor , Stevanato Livio , Cravotto Giancarlo
Published: August 2021

Various types of chemical and physical protocols are used, thermal treatment in particular, to increase the quality of bulk food products (for example, dates or some sort of nuts) and extend shelf life, and combinations of methods are frequently used to achieve the best results. However, the use of these processing methods is not always the best option to preserve the initial taste and appearance of food products. For instance, a product may lose its initial natural appearance and acquire different flavors due to chemical transformations that occur at certain temperatures or when the products are treated with chemicals. Non-thermal treatment methods are called “cold” pasteurization. This is a set of advanced techniques that are based on physical and chemical effects that do not result in the structural food-product transformations caused by heating. We have developed and tested a new technique for efficient food-product processing and cold pasteurization in an ultrasonic field under pressure in an atmosphere of supercritical or subcritical carbon dioxide. A laboratory-scale unit that was designed and built for this purpose has experimentally proven the feasibility of this process and demonstrated high efficiency in suppressing pathogenic flora.
Influence of Hydrothermal Pretreatment Temperature on the Hydration Properties and Direct Carbonation Efficiency of Al-Rich Ladle Furnace Refining Slag
Authors: Huang Yi , Xiong Guo
Published: August 2021

The influence of hydrothermal pretreatment temperature on the hydration products and carbonation efficiency of Al-rich LF slag was investigated. The results showed that the carbonation efficiency was strongly dependent on the morphology of hydration products and the hydration extent of the raw slag. Hydrothermal pretreatment at 20 °C or 80 °C favored the formation of flake-shaped products with a higher specific surface area and therefore resulted in a higher CO2 uptake of 20 °C and 80 °C-pretreated slags (13.66 wt% and 10.82 wt%, respectively). However, hydrothermal pretreatment at 40 °C, 60 °C or 100 °C led to the rhombohedral-shaped calcite layer surrounding the unreacted core of the raw slag and the formation of fewer flake-shaped products, resulting in a lower CO2 uptake of 40 °C, 60 °C and 100 °C-pretreated slags (9.21 wt%, 9.83 wt%, and 6.84 wt%, respectively).
Preparation of Slow-Release Insecticides from Biogas Slurry: Effectiveness of Ion Exchange Resin in the Adsorption and Release of Ammonia Nitrogen
Authors: Zhang Quanguo , Liu Zexian , Petracchini Francesco , Lu Chaoyang , Li Yameng , Zhang Zhiping , Paolini Valerio , Zhang Huan
Published: August 2021

The insecticidal ingredient in a biogas solution being fully utilized by cation exchange resin to produce slow-release insecticide is of great social value. In this work, the feasibility of ammonia nitrogen in a biogas slurry loaded on resin as a slow-release insecticide was evaluated by studying the effect of adsorption and the slow release of ammonia nitrogen by resin. The effects of the ammonia nitrogen concentration, resin dosage, adsorption time and pH value on the ammonia nitrogen adsorption by the resin were studied. The results showed that the ion exchange resin had a good adsorption effect on the ammonia nitrogen. With the increase of the resin dosage, time and ammonia nitrogen concentration, the adsorption capacity increased at first and then stabilized. The ammonia nitrogen adsorption capacity reached its maximum value (1.13 mg) when the pH value was 7. The adsorption process can be fitted well by the Langmuir isothermal adsorption equation and quasi-second-order kinetic model. Additionally, the release rate of the ammonia nitrogen increased with the increasing sodium chloride concentration. The adsorption capacity of ammonia nitrogen by the D113 (resin type) resin decreased by 15.8% compared with the ammonium chloride solution. The report shows that the ion exchange resin has a good adsorption effect on ammonia nitrogen, which is of guiding significance for expanding the raw materials for slow-release insecticides, improving the utilization rate of biogas slurry and cleaner production of slow-release insecticides from biogas slurry. Additionally, all variables showed statistical differences (p < 0.05).
A Techno-Economic Model for Wind Energy Costs Analysis for Low Wind Speed Areas
Authors: Adeyeye Kehinde A. , Ijumba Nelson , Colton Jonathan S.
Published: August 2021

The global population is moving away from fossil fuel technologies due to their many disadvantages, such as air pollution, greenhouse gases emission, global warming, acid rain, health problems, and high costs. These disadvantages make fossil fuels unsustainable. As a result, renewable energy is becoming more attractive due to its steadily decreasing costs. Harnessing renewable energy promises to meet the present energy demands of the African continent. The enormous renewable energy potential available across the African continent remains largely untapped, especially for wind energy. However, marginal and fair wind speeds and power densities characterize African wind energy resulting in low and unsustainable power in many areas. This research develops a techno-economic model for wind energy cost analysis for a novel, Ferris wheel-based wind turbine. The model is used to techno-economically analyze the siting of wind turbine sites in low wind speed areas on the African continent. The wind turbine’s technical performance is characterized by calculating the annual energy production and the capacity factor using the wind Weibull probability distribution of the cities and theoretical power curve of the wind turbine. Its economic performance is evaluated using annualized financial return on investment, simple payback period, and levelized cost of electricity. The techno-economic model is validated for 21 African cities and shows that the Ferris wheel-based design is very competitive with four current, commercial wind turbines, as well as with other sources of energy. Hence, the new wind turbine may help provide the economical, clean, renewable energy that Africa needs.
A Review on Recent Progress in Machine Learning and Deep Learning Methods for Cancer Classification on Gene Expression Data
Authors: Mazlan Aina Umairah , Sahabudin Noor Azida , Remli Muhammad Akmal , Ismail Nor Syahidatul Nadiah , Mohamad Mohd Saberi , Nies Hui Wen , Abd Warif Nor Bakiah
Published: August 2021

Data-driven model with predictive ability are important to be used in medical and healthcare. However, the most challenging task in predictive modeling is to construct a prediction model, which can be addressed using machine learning (ML) methods. The methods are used to learn and trained the model using a gene expression dataset without being programmed explicitly. Due to the vast amount of gene expression data, this task becomes complex and time consuming. This paper provides a recent review on recent progress in ML and deep learning (DL) for cancer classification, which has received increasing attention in bioinformatics and computational biology. The development of cancer classification methods based on ML and DL is mostly focused on this review. Although many methods have been applied to the cancer classification problem, recent progress shows that most of the successful techniques are those based on supervised and DL methods. In addition, the sources of the healthcare dataset are also described. The development of many machine learning methods for insight analysis in cancer classification has brought a lot of improvement in healthcare. Currently, it seems that there is highly demanded further development of efficient classification methods to address the expansion of healthcare applications.
Numerical Study of Non-Linear Dynamic Behavior of an Asymmetric Rotor for Wave Energy Converter in Regular Waves
Authors: Ha Yoon-Jin , Park Ji-Yong , Shin Seung-Ho
Published: August 2021

This study conducted a numerical investigation on the non-linear motion problems between a Salter duck-type rotor and large waves using CFD simulations. Regular waves of five different wave heights were generated. First, the linear motion of the rotor from the CFD simulation was verified by comparing it with the existing experimental and frequency domain analysis results. Then, a series of CFD simulations were performed to investigate the non-linear motions of the rotor. In the case of a lower wave height, the CFD simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental and frequency domain analysis results. However, as the wave height increased, the resonance periods were different in each other. In addition, the magnitudes of normalized pitch motions by the wave heights decreased as the wave heights increased. To investigate the aforementioned phenomena, the pitch motion equation was examined using separate CFD simulations. The results showed that changing the restoring moments induced changes in the maximum pitch motions and magnitudes of the normalized pitch motions. In the case of a higher wave height, non-linear phenomena and the changing restoring moments induced non-linear motion.
Numerical Simulation of Passive Cooling Beam and Its Optimization to Increase the Cooling Power
Authors: Kaduchová Katarína , Lenhard Richard
Published: August 2021

This article is focused on the research of passive cooling beams and increasing their cooling capacity. A passive cooling beam with four tubes was chosen as a model. A mathematical model was built using the corresponding criterion equations to capture the behavior of a passive cooling beam. This mathematical model can be used to optimize geometrical parameters (the distance between the ribs, rib height and thickness, and diameter and number of tubes), by changing these geometric parameters we can increase the cooling performance. The work includes a mathematical model for calculating the boundary layer, which has a significant influence on the cooling performance. The results obtained from the created mathematical model show that the model works correctly and can be used to optimize the cooling performance of passive cooling beams. To better understand the behavior of a passive cooling beam in a confined space, the entire device was numerically simulated, as was the flow in the intercostal space.
Non-Layered Gold-Silicon and All-Silicon Frequency-Selective Metasurfaces for Potential Mid-Infrared Sensing Applications
Authors: Dănilă Octavian , Mănăilă-Maximean Doina , Bărar Ana , Loiko Valery A.
Published: August 2021

We report simulations on the spectral behavior of non-layered gold-silicon and all-silicon frequency-selective metasurfaces in an asymmetric element configuration in the mid-infrared spectral window of 5–5.8 μm. The non-layered layout is experimentally feasible due to recent technological advances such as nano-imprint and nano-stencil lithography, and the spectral window was chosen due to the multitude of applications in sensing and imaging. The architecture exhibits significant resonance in the window of interest as well as extended tunability by means of variation of cell element sizes and relative coordinates. The results indicate that the proposed metasurface architecture is a viable candidate for mid-infrared absorbers, sensors and imaging systems.
Non-Contact Video-Based Assessment of the Respiratory Function Using a RGB-D Camera
Authors: Valenzuela Andrea , Sibuet Nicolás , Hornero Gemma , Casas Oscar
Published: August 2021

A fully automatic, non-contact method for the assessment of the respiratory function is proposed using an RGB-D camera-based technology. The proposed algorithm relies on the depth channel of the camera to estimate the movements of the body’s trunk during breathing. It solves in fixed-time complexity, O(1), as the acquisition relies on the mean depth value of the target regions only using the color channels to automatically locate them. This simplicity allows the extraction of real-time values of the respiration, as well as the synchronous assessment on multiple body parts. Two different experiments have been performed: a first one conducted on 10 users in a single region and with a fixed breathing frequency, and a second one conducted on 20 users considering a simultaneous acquisition in two regions. The breath rate has then been computed and compared with a reference measurement. The results show a non-statistically significant bias of 0.11 breaths/min and 96% limits of agreement of −2.21/2.34 breaths/min regarding the breath-by-breath assessment. The overall real-time assessment shows a RMSE of 0.21 breaths/min. We have shown that this method is suitable for applications where respiration needs to be monitored in non-ambulatory and static environments.
An Electromagnetic Vibration Energy Harvester with a Tunable Mass Moment of Inertia
Authors: Ibrahim Peter , Arafa Mustafa , Anis Yasser
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a vibration-based electromagnetic energy harvester whose resonance frequency can be adjusted to match that of the excitation. Frequency adjustment is attained by controlling a rotatable arm, with tuning masses, at the tip of a cantilever-type energy harvester, thereby changing the effective mass moment of inertia of the system. The rotatable arm is mounted on a servomotor that is autonomously controlled through a microcontroller and a photo sensor to keep the device at resonance for maximum power generation. A mathematical model is developed to predict the system response for different design parameters and to estimate the generated power. The system is investigated analytically by a distributed-parameter model to study the natural frequency variation and dynamic response. The analytical model is verified experimentally where the frequency is tuned from 8 to 10.25 Hz. A parametric study is performed to study the effect of each parameter on the system behavior.
A Lightweight Deep Network for Defect Detection of Insert Molding Based on X-ray Imaging
Authors: Wang Benwu , Huang Feng
Published: August 2021

Aiming at the abnormality detection of industrial insert molding processes, a lightweight but effective deep network is developed based on X-ray images in this study. The captured digital radiography (DR) images are firstly fast guide filtered, and then a multi-task detection dataset is constructed using an overlap slice in order to improve the detection of tiny targets. The proposed network is extended from the one-stage target detection method of yolov5 to be applicable to DR defect detection. We adopt the embedded Ghost module to replace the standard convolution to further lighten the model for industrial implementation, and use the transformer module for spatial multi-headed attentional feature extraction to perform improvement on the network for the DR image defect detection. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated by consistent experiments with peer networks, including the classical two-stage method and the newest yolo series. Our method achieves a mAP of 93.6%, which exceeds the second best by 3%, with robustness sufficient to cope with luminance variations and blurred noise, and is more lightweight. We further conducted ablation experiments based on the proposed method to validate the 32% model size reduction owing to the Ghost module and the detection performance enhancing effect of other key modules. Finally, the usability of the proposed method is discussed, including an analysis of the common causes of the missed shots and suggestions for modification. Our proposed method contributes a good reference solution for the inspection of the insert molding process.
Mobile vs. Non-Mobile Live-Streaming: A Comparative Analysis of Users Engagement and Interruption Using Big Data from a Large CDN Perspective
Authors: da Silva Daniel V. C. , Rocha Antonio A. de A. , Velloso Pedro B.
Published: August 2021

Video streaming on the Internet is constantly changing and growing. New devices and new video delivery mechanisms generate huge gaps in the understanding of how video application works. From exploratory research of one among the largest streaming services in Brazil, this work presents a comparison between mobile and non-mobile users, in large-scale lives. This work focuses on metrics such as engagement, interruption, churn, and payload. This work also presents a report-overview of mobile-users, considering the operating system, geolocation, network access, interruption, and engagement. These results might offer potential information for streaming improvement, in addition to serving as a historical mark.
QoE Optimization in a Live Cellular Network through RLC Parameter Tuning
Authors: Mendoza Jessica , de-la-Bandera Isabel , Palacios David , Barco Raquel
Published: August 2021

The mobile communication networks sector has experienced a great evolution during the last few years. The emergence of new services as well as the growth in the number of subscribers have motivated the search for new ways to optimize mobile networks. In this way, the objective pursued by optimization techniques has been evolving, shifting from the traditional optimization of radio parameters to the improvement of the quality perceived by users, known as quality of experience (QoE). In mobile networks, the radio link control (RLC) layer provides a reliable link between both ends of the communication and has a great impact on the QoE. In this paper, the optimization of the QoE for users based on the adjustment of the RLC layer is proposed. For this purpose, two typical services demanded by the users of mobile networks have been selected: the real-time video streaming service and file transfer service. For a broader view of the behavior of the QoE in relation to RLC, optimization tests have been carried out in scenarios with different system bandwidths. In this way, the relationship between the QoE and the optimal configuration of RLC in different network load situations has been analyzed. A proof of concept has been carried out to show the capability of this optimization. To that end, both a cellular network simulator and a live cellular network devised for research purposes have been used.
The Effect of Sleeve Pattern and Fit on E-Textile Electromyography (EMG) Electrode Performance in Smart Clothing Design
Authors: Goncu-Berk Gozde , Tuna Bilge Guvenc
Published: August 2021

When e-textile EMG electrodes are integrated into clothing, the fit of the clothing on the body, and therefore its pattern and cut become important factors affecting the EMG signal quality in relation to the seamless contact between the skin and the e-textile electrode. The research so far on these effects was conducted on commercially available clothing or in tubular sleeve forms for arms. There is no study that investigated different clothing pattern and fit conditions and their effect on e-textile EMG electrode performance. This study investigates the effect of clothing pattern and fit in EMG applications using e-textile electrodes integrated onto the sleeves of custom drafted t-shirts in set-in and raglan sleeve pattern variations. E-textile electrode resistance, signal-to-noise ratio (SNRdB), power spectral density and electrode–skin impedance are measured and evaluated in set-in sleeve and raglan sleeve conditions with participants during a standardized arm movement protocol in comparison to the conventional hydrogel Ag/AgCl electrodes. The raglan sleeve pattern, widely used in athletic wear to provide extra ease for the movement of the shoulder joint, showed superior performance and therefore indicated the pattern and cut of a garment could have significant effect on EMG signal quality in designing smart clothing.
Digital Incoherent Compressive Holography Using a Geometric Phase Metalens
Authors: Lee Jonghyun , Kim Youngrok , Choi Kihong , Hahn Joonku , Min Sung-Wook , Kim Hwi
Published: August 2021

We propose a compressive self-interference incoherent digital holography (SIDH) with a geometric phase metalens for section-wise holographic object reconstruction. We specify the details of the SIDH with a geometric phase metalens design that covers the visible wavelength band, analyze a spatial distortion problem in the SIDH and address a process of a compressive holographic section-wise reconstruction with analytic spatial calibration. The metalens allows us to realize a compressive SIDH system in the visible wavelength band using an image sensor with relatively low bandwidth. The operation of the proposed compressive SIDH is verified through numerical simulations.
Impacts of Residual Self-Interference, Hardware Impairment and Cascade Rayleigh Fading on the Performance of Full-Duplex Vehicle-to-Vehicle Relay Systems
Authors: Nguyen Ba Cao , The Dung Le The , Nguyen Huu Minh , Kim Taejoon , Kim Young-Il
Published: August 2021

In practice, self-interference (SI) in full-duplex (FD) wireless communication systems cannot be completely eliminated due to imperfections in different factors, such as the SI channel estimation and hardware circuits. Therefore, residual SI (RSI) always exists in FD systems. In addition, hardware impairments (HIs) cannot be avoided in FD systems due to the non-ideal characteristics of electronic components. These issues motivate us to consider an FD-HI system with a decode-and-forward (DF) relay that is applied for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication. Unlike previous works, the performance of the proposed FD-HI-V2V system is evaluated over cascaded Rayleigh fading channels (CRFCs). We mathematically obtain the exact closed-form expressions of the outage probability (OP), system throughput (ST), and ergodic capacity (EC) of the proposed FD-HI-V2V system under the joint and crossed effects of the RSI, HIs, and CRFCs. We validate all derived expressions via Monte-Carlo simulations. Based on these expressions, the OP, ST, and EC of the proposed FD-HI-V2V system are investigated and compared with other related systems, such as ideal hardware (ID) and half-duplex (HD) systems, as well as a system over traditional Rayleigh fading channels (RFCs), to clearly show the impacts of negative factors.
A Review of Antiresonant Hollow-Core Fiber-Assisted Spectroscopy of Gases
Authors: Jaworski Piotr
Published: August 2021

Antiresonant Hollow-Core Fibers (ARHCFs), thanks to the excellent capability of guiding light in an air core with low loss over a very broad spectral range, have attracted significant attention of researchers worldwide who especially focus their work on laser-based spectroscopy of gaseous substances. It was shown that the ARHCFs can be used as low-volume, non-complex, and versatile gas absorption cells forming the sensing path length in the sensor, thus serving as a promising alternative to commonly used bulk optics-based configurations. The ARHCF-aided sensors proved to deliver high sensitivity and long-term stability, which justifies their suitability for this particular application. In this review, the recent progress in laser-based gas sensors aided with ARHCFs combined with various laser-based spectroscopy techniques is discussed and summarized.