A MULTI-SCALE CURVE MATCHING TECHNIQUE FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF ROAD ALIGNMENTS USING GPS/INS DATA

ABSTRACT: In this paper a methodology and an algorithm is presented for the automated extraction of road alignments using GPS/INS navigational data. Centerline geometry assessment is derived in the form of traditional design elements. The core of the proposed algorithm relies on the use of multi-scale correlation analysis (similarity and affinity transformations) and fundamental curve matching techniques that were suitably adapted to adhere the nature of road alignment data. A mobile mapping vehicle comprising a high accuracy multi-sensor navigational system was used to verify the correctness and level of automation of the algorithm as well as the feasibility of the associated software

Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella on stainless steel by a piezoelectric cold atmospheric plasma generator

Cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) is a novel non‐thermal technology that is gain-ing increasing importance as a decontamination method. Stainless steel is a widespread food contact surface used in food‐processing environments. In this study, for the first time, a low‐voltage piezoelectric CAP device that uses ambient air was assessed for its antimicrobial efficiency against Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. These inoculated on stainless steel at different exposure times (0– 300 s), two different distances (10 and 20 mm), and two different cleanliness levels (clean and pro-tein‐soiled). Two inactivation models were compared to study the inactivation kinetics of the path-ogens. The results showed that CAP treatment effectively reduced L. monocytogenes and Salmonella levels. The Weibull + tail model showed better goodness of fit than the Weibull model. Protein-soiled coupons showed a protective effect to cold plasma inactivation achieving lower reductions compared to clean stainless‐steel coupons for both L. monocytogenes and Salmonella. Longer distances from the plasma source decreased the decontamination efficiency of CAP; however, the difference in pathogen reduction was less pronounced at longer exposure times. This study demonstrates the capacity of a low‐voltage piezoelectric CAP device to effectively reduce the levels of both foodborne pathogens on stainless‐steel surfaces and the potential to adopt this technology by the food industry as a disinfection process of surfaces to reduce cross‐contamination and thus increase safety

Drug Eluding Stents for Malignant Airway Obstruction: A Critical Review of the Literature

Lung cancer being the most prevalent malignancy in men and the 3rd most frequent in women is still associated with dismal prognosis due to advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Novel targeted therapies are already on the market and several others are under investigation. However non-specific cytotoxic agents still remain the cornerstone of treatment for many patients. Central airways stenosis or obstruction may often complicate and decrease quality of life and survival of these patients. Interventional pulmonology modalities (mainly debulking and stent placement) can alleviate symptoms related to airways stenosis and improve the quality of life of patients. Mitomycin C and sirolimus have been observed to assist a successful stent placement by reducing granuloma tissue formation. Additionally, these drugs enhance the normal tissue ability against cancer cell infiltration. In this mini review we will concentrate on mitomycin C and sirolimus and their use in stent placement

Attenuated-total-reflection Fourier-transformed spectroscopy as a rapid tool to reveal the molecular structure of insect powders as ingredients for animal feeds

Unsustainable agriculture contributes to disastrous global effects—insect-based feed shows potential due to their sustainable, nutritional, and waste upcycling properties. Current EU legislation restricts insect-based meals to fish, pork, and poultry feed; but the near-future shows a great potential for wider acceptance in livestock feed. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), mealworm (MW), field cricket (FC), and banded cricket (BC) were sourced within three consecutive weeks—each batch was prepared, freeze-dried, then milled, and stored at -20 °C. Chemical composition of whole-insect meals was analysed for ether extract (EE), crude ash, and nitrogenic contents using standard wet chemistry protocols. Monogastric In vitro di-gestibility was determined through replicating gastric and full intestinal digestion; during this, R-amino acid content was determined through protein hydrolysis kinetics. Additionally, ATR-FTIR was used for molecular analysis, including identification of nutrient-associated functional spectral bands— structural differences were compared through principal component analysis. Insect-based ATR-FTIR analysis demonstrates notable differences in Amide regions, suggesting distinct protein secondary structures, but overall, FC and BC contain the highest crude protein (CP) levels. The lowest CP content was in BSFL; however, BSFL contained the highest ash content—likely consequence of high calcium. Dry matter (DM) yielded lowest in the crickets (FC—28.6; BC—26.9 g/100 g), and highest in MW—38.5 g/100 g; the sum of CP+EE in MW represented >80 % DM, but with higher EE contents—CP:EE = 1.43. Data shows greater chitin content in crickets than BSFL+MW. Crickets showed greater neutral detergent fibre (NDF) than BSFL+MW; however, acid-detergent fibre (ADF) was similar among all species, suggesting NDF may include amalgams of interlinked nutrients released by acid digestion. Data shows evidence that rearing conditions and substrates influences molecular structure. Exponential solubilisation was observed during pepsin+pancreatin digestion for all, but BSFL exhibited the highest degree-of-hydrolysis during the pancreatin phase, surpassing others. Analysis indicates protein hydrolysis differences are linked to trypsin activity susceptibility

Attenuated-total-reflection Fourier-transformed spectroscopy as a rapid tool to reveal the molecular structure of insect powders as ingredients for animal feeds

Unsustainable agriculture contributes to disastrous global effects—insect-based feed shows potential due to their sustainable, nutritional, and waste upcycling properties. Current EU legislation restricts insect-based meals to fish, pork, and poultry feed; but the near-future shows a great potential for wider acceptance in livestock feed. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), mealworm (MW), field cricket (FC), and banded cricket (BC) were sourced within three consecutive weeks—each batch was prepared, freeze-dried, then milled, and stored at -20 °C. Chemical composition of whole-insect meals was analysed for ether extract (EE), crude ash, and nitrogenic contents using standard wet chemistry protocols. Monogastric In vitro digest-ibility was determined through replicating gastric and full intestinal digestion; during this, R-amino acid content was determined through protein hydrolysis kinetics. Additionally, ATR-FTIR was used for mo-lecular analysis, including identification of nutrient-associated functional spectral bands— structural differences were compared through principal component analysis. Insect-based ATR-FTIR analysis demonstrates notable differences in Amide regions, suggesting distinct protein secondary structures, but overall, FC and BC contain the highest crude protein (CP) levels. The lowest CP content was in BSFL; however, BSFL contained the highest ash content—likely consequence of high calcium. Dry matter (DM) yielded lowest in the crickets (FC—28.6; BC—26.9 g/100 g), and highest in MW—38.5 g/100 g; the sum of CP+EE in MW represented >80 % DM, but with higher EE contents—CP:EE = 2.45. Data shows greater chitin content in crickets than BSFL+MW. Crickets showed greater neutral detergent fibre (NDF) than BSFL+MW; however, acid-detergent fibre (ADF) was similar among all species, suggesting NDF may include amalgams of interlinked nutrients released by acid digestion. Data shows evidence that rearing conditions and substrates influences molecular structure. Exponential solubilisation was observed during pepsin+pancreatin digestion for all, but BSFL exhibited the highest degree-of-hydrolysis during the pancreatin phase, surpassing others. Analysis indicates protein hydrolysis differences are linked to trypsin activity susceptibility

Development of novel antimicrobial coatings incorporating linalool and eugenol to improve the microbiological quality and safety of raw chicken

Incorporating natural antimicrobial agents in antimicrobial coatings has recently been gaining more attention. This study aimed to develop novel coatings with incorporated natural antimicrobial compounds (linalool, eugenol) to improve the quality and safety of raw chicken during storage at 4 °C. Coatings consisting of chitosan and gelatine (C/G) mixes (40:60 ratio) revealed lower viscosities above 30 °C, while the shear thinning behaviour of chitosan and gelatine was maintained. Furthermore, the antimicrobial coatings, when applied to raw chicken samples resulted in lower pH and TBARS levels compared to the control during storage. Also, raw chicken coated with the antimicrobial coatings containing 0.5 and 0.7 mg/mL of linalool and eugenol suppressed Lactic-acid-bacteria and Total-Plate-Counts under the spoilage level (7-logs CFU/g) and showed that they can increase the microbiological shelf-life of the product up to two days during storage at 4 °C. Results also showed that the coated samples exhibited a significantly lower Listeria monocytogenes population than the control samples during storage. Conclusively, this study revealed that adding linalool and eugenol in C/G coatings can enhance the shelf-life and safety of raw chicken