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in Architecture & Planning
Periodicals

Survey on Collaborative Smart Drones and Internet of Things for Improving Smartness of Smart Cities

Smart cities contain intelligent things which can intelligently automatically and collaboratively enhance life quality, save people's lives, and act a sustainable resource ecosystem. To achieve these advanced collaborative technologies such as drones, robotics, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things (IoT) are required to increase the smartness of smart cities by improving the connectivity, energy efficiency, and quality of services (QoS). Therefore, collaborative drones and IoT play a vital role in supporting a lot of smart-city applications such as those involved in communication, transportation, agriculture,safety and security, disaster mitigation, environmental protection, service delivery, energy saving, e-waste reduction, weather monitoring, healthcare, etc. This paper presents a survey of the potential techniques and applications of collaborative drones and IoT which have recently been proposed in order to increase the smartness of smart cities. It provides a comprehensive overview highlighting the recent and ongoing research on collaborative drone and IoT in improving the real-time application of smart cities. This survey is different from previous ones in term of breadth, scope, and focus. In particular, we focus on the new concept of collaborative drones and IoT for improving smart-city applications. This survey attempts to show how collaborative drones and IoT improve the smartness of smart cities based on data collection, privacy and security, public safety, disaster management, energy consumption and quality of life in smart cities. It mainly focuses on the measurement of the smartness of smart cities, i.e., environmental aspects, life quality, public safety, and disaster management.

Architecture & Planning• 2019• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
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Soil “Ecosystem” Services and Natural Capital: Critical Appraisal of Research on Uncertain Ground

Over the last few years, considerable attention has been devoted in the scientific literature and in the media to the concept of "ecosystem" services of soils. The monetary valuation of these services, demanded by many governments and international agencies, is often depicted as a necessary condition for the preservation of the natural capital that soils represent. This focus on soil services is framed in the context of a general interest in ecosystem services that allegedly started in 1997, and took off in earnest after 2005. The careful analysis of the literature proposed in this article shows that, in fact, interest in the multifunctionality of soils emerged already in the mid-60s, at a time when hundreds of researchers worldwide were trying, and largely failing, to figure out how to put price tags meaningfully on "nature's services." Soil scientists, since, have tried to better understand various functions/services of soils, as well as their possible relation with key soil characteristics, like biodiversity. They have also tried to make progress on the challenging quantification of soil functions/services. However, researchers have shown very little interest in monetary valuation, undoubtedly in part because it is not clear what economic and financial markets might do with prices of soil functions/services, even if we could somehow come up with such numbers, and because there is no assurance at all, based on neoclassical economic theory, that markets would manage soil resources optimally. Instead of monetary valuation, focus in the literature has been put on decision-making methods, like Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and Bayesian Belief Networks (BBN), which do not require the systematic monetization of soil functions/services and easily accommodate deliberative approaches involving a variety of stakeholders. A prerequisite to progress in such public deliberations is that participants be very cognizant of the extreme relevance of soils to many aspects of their daily life. We argue that, as long as this prerequisite is satisfied, the combination of deliberative decision-making methods and of a sound scientific approach to the quantification of soil functions/services is a very promising avenue to manage effectively and ethically the priceless heritage that soils constitute.

Architecture & Planning• 2016• Frontiers Media
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Periodicals

What Kind of Local and Regional Development and for Whom?

Pike A., Rodríguez-Pose A. and Tomaney J. (2007) What kind of local and regional development and for whom?, Regional Studies 41, 1253–1269. This paper asks the question, what kind of local and regional development and for whom? It examines what is meant by local and regional development, its historical context, its geographies in space, territory, place and scale and its different varieties, principles and values. The socially uneven and geographically differentiated distribution of who and where benefits and loses from particular forms of local and regional development is analysed. A holistic, progressive and sustainable version of local and regional development is outlined with reflections upon its limits and political renewal. Locally and regionally determined development models should not be developed independently of more foundational principles and values such as democracy, equity, internationalism and justice. Specific local and regional articulations are normative questions and subject to social determination and political choices in particular national and international contexts. Local Regional Development Pike A., Rodríguez-Pose A. et Tomaney J. (2007) Quelle sorte d'aménagement du territoire et pour qui?, Regional Studies 41, 1253–1269. Cet article pose la question suivante: quelle sorte d'aménagement du territoire et pour qui? Il cherche à examiner ce que l'on veut dire par aménagement du territoire, son historique, ses orientations quant à l'espace, au territoire, à l'endroit et à l'échelle, et ses différentes formes, principes et valeurs. On examine la distribution socialement irrégulière et géographiquement distincte des gens et des emplacements qui profitent ou perdent des formes particulières d'aménagement du territoire. On esquisse ici une version de l'aménagement du territoire à la fois holistique, progressive et durable, tout en réfléchissant sur ses limites et sur le regain politique. Des modèles de développement, déterminés sur les plans local ou régional, ne devraient pas être développés indépendamment des principes et des valeurs de base, tels la démocratie, l'équité, l'internationalisme et la justice. Des articulations locales et régionales spécifiques sont des questions normatives et dépendent de la détermination sociale et des choix politiques dans des contextes nationaux et internationaux particuliers. Local Régional Développement Pike A., Rodríguez-Pose A. und Tomaney J. (2007) Welche Art von lokaler und regionaler Entwicklung und für wen? Regional Studies 41, 1253–1269. In diesem Beitrag wird die Frage gestellt: welche Art von lokaler und regionaler Entwicklung und für wen? Untersucht werden der Begriff der lokalen und regionalen Entwicklung sowie ihr historischer Kontext, ihre Geografien in Raum, Gebiet, Ort und Maßstab sowie ihre verschiedenen Varietäten, Prinzipien und Werte. Analysiert wird die gesellschaftlich ungleichmäßige und geografisch differenzierte Verteilung hinsichtlich der Frage, wer von bestimmten Formen der lokalen und regionalen Entwicklung wo profitiert oder verliert. Es wird eine ganzheitliche, progressive und nachhaltige Version der lokalen und regionalen Entwicklung beschrieben, und es werden Überlegungen hinsichtlich ihrer Grenzen und politischen Erneuerung angestellt. Lokal und regional bestimmte Entwicklungsmodelle sollten nicht unabhängig von grundlegenderen Prinzipien und Werten wie Demokratie, Gleichheit, Internationalismus und Gerechtigkeit entwickelt werden. Spezifische lokale und regionale Äußerungen sind normative Fragen und unterliegen einer gesellschaftlichen Determination sowie einer politischen Auswahl in bestimmten nationalen und internationalen Kontexten. Lokal Regional Entwicklung Pike A., Rodríguez-Pose A. y Tomaney J. (2007) ¿Qué tipo de desarrollo regional y local es necesario y para quién?, Regional Studies 41, 1253–1269. En este ensayo planteamos la cuestión de qué tipo de desarrollo regional y local es necesario y para quién. Analizamos qué significa exactamente desarrollo local y regional, su contexto histórico, sus geografías en el espacio, territorio, lugar y escala y sus diferentes variaciones, principios y valores. Estudiamos también la distribución socialmente desigual y geográficamente diferenciada de quién se beneficia y quién sale perjudicado de los diferentes tipos de desarrollo local y regional y dónde ocurre. Describimos una versión holística, progresiva y sostenible del desarrollo local y regional con reflexiones sobre sus límites y renovación política. Los modelos de desarrollo determinados a nivel local y regional no deberían crearse sin tener en cuenta principios y valores fundamentales tales como democracia, derechos, internacionalismo y justicia. Las articulaciones específicas a nivel local y regional son cuestiones normativas y están sujetas a determinaciones sociales y opciones políticas en contextos nacionales e internacionales. Local Regional Desarrollo

Architecture & Planning• 2007• Routledge
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Periodicals

Automaticity of walking: functional significance, mechanisms, measurement and rehabilitation strategies

Automaticity is a hallmark feature of walking in adults who are healthy and well-functioning. In the context of walking, "automaticity" refers to the ability of the nervous system to successfully control typical steady state walking with minimal use of attention-demanding executive control resources. Converging lines of evidence indicate that walking deficits and disorders are characterized in part by a shift in the locomotor control strategy from healthy automaticity to compensatory executive control. This is potentially detrimental to walking performance, as an executive control strategy is not optimized for locomotor control. Furthermore, it places excessive demands on a limited pool of executive reserves. The result is compromised ability to perform basic and complex walking tasks and heightened risk for adverse mobility outcomes including falls. Strategies for rehabilitation of automaticity are not well defined, which is due to both a lack of systematic research into the causes of impaired automaticity and to a lack of robust neurophysiological assessments by which to gauge automaticity. These gaps in knowledge are concerning given the serious functional implications of compromised automaticity. Therefore, the objective of this article is to advance the science of automaticity of walking by consolidating evidence and identifying gaps in knowledge regarding: (a) functional significance of automaticity; (b) neurophysiology of automaticity;

Architecture & Planning• 2015• Frontiers Media
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ProjectQ: an open source software framework for quantum computing

We introduce ProjectQ, an open source software effort for quantum computing. The first release features a compiler framework capable of targeting various types of hardware, a high-performance simulator with emulation capabilities, and compiler plug-ins for circuit drawing and resource estimation. We introduce our Python-embedded domain-specific language, present the features, and provide example implementations for quantum algorithms. The framework allows testing of quantum algorithms through simulation and enables running them on actual quantum hardware using a back-end connecting to the IBM Quantum Experience cloud service. Through extension mechanisms, users can provide back-ends to further quantum hardware, and scientists working on quantum compilation can provide plug-ins for additional compilation, optimization, gate synthesis, and layout strategies.

Architecture & Planning• 2018• Verein zur Förderung des Open Access Publizierens in den Quantenwissenschaften
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Periodicals

Reinforcement Learning and Its Applications in Modern Power and Energy Systems: A Review

With the growing integration of distributed energy resources (DERs), flexible loads, and other emerging technologies, there are increasing complexities and uncertainties for modern power and energy systems. This brings great challenges to the operation and control. Besides, with the deployment of advanced sensor and smart meters, a large number of data are generated, which brings opportunities for novel data-driven methods to deal with complicated operation and control issues. Among them, reinforcement learning (RL) is one of the most widely promoted methods for control and optimization problems. This paper provides a comprehensive literature review of RL in terms of basic ideas, various types of algorithms, and their applications in power and energy systems. The challenges and further works are also discussed.

Architecture & Planning• 2020• Springer Nature
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Impact of COVID-19 on loneliness, mental health, and health service utilisation: a prospective cohort study of older adults with multimorbidity in primary care

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the psychological health and health service utilisation of older adults with multimorbidity, who are particularly vulnerable. AIM: To describe changes in loneliness, mental health problems, and attendance to scheduled medical care before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN AND SETTING: Telephone survey on a pre-existing cohort of older adults with multimorbidity in primary care. METHOD: -tests, Wilcoxon's signed-rank test, and McNemar's test. Loneliness was measured by the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. The secondary outcomes (anxiety, depression, and insomnia) were measured by the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder tool, and the Insomnia Severity Index. Appointments attendance data were extracted from a computerised medical record system. Sociodemographic factors associated with outcome changes were examined by linear regression and generalised estimating equations. RESULTS: Data were collected from 583 older (≥60 years) adults. There were significant increases in loneliness, anxiety, and insomnia, after the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak. Missed medical appointments over a 3-month period increased from 16.5% 1 year ago to 22.0% after the onset of the outbreak. In adjusted analysis, being female, living alone, and having >4 chronic conditions were independently associated with increased loneliness. Females were more likely to have increased anxiety and insomnia. CONCLUSION: Psychosocial health of older patients with multimorbidity markedly deteriorated and missed medical appointments substantially increased after the COVID-19 outbreak.

Architecture & Planning• 2020• Royal College of General Practitioners
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Digitization, Digital Twins, Blockchain, and Industry 4.0 as Elements of Management Process in Enterprises in the Energy Sector

In the 21st century, it is becoming increasingly clear that human activities and the activities of enterprises affect the environment. Therefore, it is important to learn about the methods in which companies minimize the negative effects of their activities. The article presents the steps taken and innovative actions carried out by enterprises in the energy sector. The article analyzes innovative activities undertaken and implemented by enterprises from the energy sector. The relationships between innovative strategies, including, inter alia, digitization, and Industry 4.0 solutions, in the development of companies and the achieved results concerning sustainable development and environmental impact. Digitization has far exceeded traditional productivity improvement ranges of 3–5% per year, with a clear cost improvement potential of well above 25%. Enterprises on a large scale make attempts to increase energy efficiency by implementing the state-of-the-art innovative technical and technological solutions, which increase reliability and durability (material and mechanical engineering). Digitization of energy companies allows them to reduce operating costs and increases efficiency. With digital advances, the useful life of an energy plant can be increased up to 30%. Advanced technologies, blockchain, and the use of intelligent networks enables the activation of prosumers in the electricity market. Reducing energy consumption in industry and at the same time increasing energy efficiency for which the European Union is fighting in the clean air package for all Europeans have a positive impact on environmental protection, sustainable development, and the implementation of the decarbonization program.

Architecture & Planning• 2021• Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
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Neurocognitive impairment in euthymic patients with bipolar affective disorder

BACKGROUND: Persistent impairments in neurocognitive function have been described in patients with bipolar disorder whose disease is in remission. However, methodological issues such as the effect of residual mood symptoms and hypercortisolaemia may confound such studies. AIMS: To assess neurocognitive functioning in prospectively verified euthymic patients with bipolar disorder. METHOD: Sixty-three patients with bipolar disorder and a matched control group completed a comprehensive neurocognitive test battery. Euthymia was confirmed in the patient group by prospective clinical ratings over 1 month prior to testing. Saliva samples were collected to profile basal cortisol secretion. RESULTS: Patients were significantly impaired across a broad range of cognitive domains. Across the domains tested, clinically significant impairment was observed in 3% to 42% of patients. Deficits were not causally associated with residual mood symptoms or hypercortisolaemia. CONCLUSIONS: Neurocognitive impairment persists in patients whose bipolar disorder is in remission. This may represent a trait abnormality and be a marker of underlying neurobiological dysfunction.

Architecture & Planning• 2005• Cambridge University Press
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Joint Computation and Communication Design for UAV-Assisted Mobile Edge Computing in IoT

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-assisted mobile edge computing (MEC) system is a prominent concept, where a UAV equipped with an MEC server is deployed to serve a number of terminal devices (TDs) of Internet of Things in a finite period. In this article, each TD has a certain latency-critical computation task in each time slot to complete. Three computation strategies can be available to each TD. First, each TD can operate local computing by itself. Second, each TD can partially offload task bits to the UAV for computing. Third, each TD can choose to offload task bits to access point via UAV relaying. We propose a new optimization problem formulation that aims to minimize the total energy consumption including communication-related energy, computation-related energy and UAV's flight energy by optimizing the bits allocation, time slot scheduling, and power allocation as well as UAV trajectory design. As the formulated problem is nonconvex and difficult to find the optimal solution, we propose to solve the problem by two parts, and obtain the near optimal solution by the Lagrangian duality method and successive convex approximation technique, respectively. By analysis, the proposed algorithm can be guaranteed to converge within a dozen of iterations. Finally, numerical results are given to validate the proposed algorithm, which is verified to be efficient and superior to the other benchmark cases.

Architecture & Planning• 2019• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
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In search of a circular supply chain archetype – a content-analysis-based literature review

This paper addresses questions of how extant research discourses concerning the sustainability of supply chains contribute to understanding about circularity in supply chain configurations that support restorative and regenerative processes, as espoused by the Circular Economy ideal. In response to these questions, we develop a content-based literature analysis to progress theoretical body of knowledge and conceptualise the notion of a circular supply chain. We derive an archetypal form from four antecedent sustainable supply chain narratives – ‘reverse logistics’, ‘green supply chains’, ‘sustainable supply chain management’ and ‘closed-loop supply chains’. This paper offers five propositions about what the circular supply chain archetype represents in terms of its scope, focus and impact. Novel insights lead to a definition of circular supply chain and a more coherent foundation for future inquiry and practice.

Architecture & Planning• 2018• Taylor & Francis
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Persistent improvement in synaptic and cognitive functions in an Alzheimer mouse model after rolipram treatment

Evidence suggests that Alzheimer disease (AD) begins as a disorder of synaptic function, caused in part by increased levels of amyloid beta-peptide 1-42 (Abeta42). Both synaptic and cognitive deficits are reproduced in mice double transgenic for amyloid precursor protein (AA substitution K670N,M671L) and presenilin-1 (AA substitution M146V). Here we demonstrate that brief treatment with the phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor rolipram ameliorates deficits in both long-term potentiation (LTP) and contextual learning in the double-transgenic mice. Most importantly, this beneficial effect can be extended beyond the duration of the administration. One course of long-term systemic treatment with rolipram improves LTP and basal synaptic transmission as well as working, reference, and associative memory deficits for at least 2 months after the end of the treatment. This protective effect is possibly due to stabilization of synaptic circuitry via alterations in gene expression by activation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA)/cAMP regulatory element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway that make the synapses more resistant to the insult inflicted by Abeta. Thus, agents that enhance the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway have potential for the treatment of AD and other diseases associated with elevated Abeta42 levels.

Architecture & Planning• 2004• American Society for Clinical Investigation
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The internet of things for smart manufacturing: A review

The modern manufacturing industry is investing in new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, cloud computing and cybersecurity to cope with system complexity, increase information visibility, improve production performance, and gain competitive advantages in the global market. These advances are rapidly enabling a new generation of smart manufacturing, i.e., a cyber-physical system tightly integrating manufacturing enterprises in the physical world with virtual enterprises in cyberspace. To a great extent, realizing the full potential of cyber-physical systems depends on the development of new methodologies on the Internet of Manufacturing Things (IoMT) for data-enabled engineering innovations. This article presents a review of the IoT technologies and systems that are the drivers and foundations of data-driven innovations in smart manufacturing. We discuss the evolution of internet from computer networks to human networks to the latest era of smart and connected networks of manufacturing things (e.g., materials, sensors, equipment, people, products, and supply chain). In addition, we present a new framework that leverages IoMT and cloud computing to develop a virtual machine network. We further extend our review to IoMT cybersecurity issues that are of paramount importance to businesses and operations, as well as IoT and smart manufacturing policies that are laid out by governments around the world for the future of smart factory. Finally, we present the challenges and opportunities arising from IoMT. We hope this work will help catalyze more in-depth investigations and multi-disciplinary research efforts to advance IoMT technologies.

Architecture & Planning• 2019• Taylor & Francis
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Crowdsourcing, Citizen Science or Volunteered Geographic Information? The Current State of Crowdsourced Geographic Information

Citizens are increasingly becoming an important source of geographic information, sometimes entering domains that had until recently been the exclusive realm of authoritative agencies. This activity has a very diverse character as it can, amongst other things, be active or passive, involve spatial or aspatial data and the data provided can be variable in terms of key attributes such as format, description and quality. Unsurprisingly, therefore, there are a variety of terms used to describe data arising from citizens. In this article, the expressions used to describe citizen sensing of geographic information are reviewed and their use over time explored, prior to categorizing them and highlighting key issues in the current state of the subject. The latter involved a review of ~100 Internet sites with particular focus on their thematic topic, the nature of the data and issues such as incentives for contributors. This review suggests that most sites involve active rather than passive contribution, with citizens typically motivated by the desire to aid a worthy cause, often receiving little training. As such, this article provides a snapshot of the role of citizens in crowdsourcing geographic information and a guide to the current status of this rapidly emerging and evolving subject.

Architecture & Planning• 2016• Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
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Black Box and White Box Testing Techniques - A Literature Review

There are several methods for automatic test case generation has been proposed in the past. But most of these techniques are structural testing techniques that require the understanding of the internal working of the program. There is less practical coverage of all testing techniques together. In this paper we conducted a literature study on all testing techniques together that are related to both Black and White box testing techniques, moreover we assume a case situation of Insurance premium calculation for driver and we derive the test cases and test data for white box testing methods such as Branch testing, Statement testing, Condition Coverage testing, multiple condition coverage testing, in the similar way we derive the test cases and test data for the black box testing methods such as: Equivalence partitioning and Boundary value analysis.

Architecture & Planning• 2012
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Tailoring Formulations for Intranasal Nose-to-Brain Delivery: A Review on Architecture, Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Mucociliary Clearance of the Nasal Olfactory Mucosa

The blood-brain barrier and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier are major obstacles in central nervous system (CNS) drug delivery, since they block most molecules from entering the brain. Alternative drug delivery routes like intraparenchymal or intrathecal are invasive methods with a remaining risk of infections. In contrast, nose-to-brain delivery is a minimally invasive drug administration pathway, which bypasses the blood-brain barrier as the drug is directed from the nasal cavity to the brain. In particular, the skull base located at the roof of the nasal cavity is in close vicinity to the CNS. This area is covered with olfactory mucosa. To design and tailor suitable formulations for nose-to-brain drug delivery, the architecture, structure and physico-chemical characteristics of the mucosa are important criteria. Hence, here we review the state-of-the-art knowledge about the characteristics of the nasal and, in particular, the olfactory mucosa needed for a rational design of intranasal formulations and dosage forms. Also, the information is suitable for the development of systemic or local intranasal drug delivery as well as for intranasal vaccinations.

Architecture & Planning• 2018• Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
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Inter-Individual Variation during Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Normalization of Dose Using MRI-Derived Computational Models

BACKGROUND: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive, versatile, and safe neuromodulation technology under investigation for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, adjunct to rehabilitation, and cognitive enhancement in healthy adults. Despite promising results, there is variability in responsiveness. One potential source of variability is the intensity of current delivered to the brain which is a function of both the operator controlled tDCS dose (electrode montage and total applied current) and subject specific anatomy. We are interested in both the scale of this variability across anatomical typical adults and methods to normalize inter-individual variation by customizing tDCS dose. Computational FEM simulations are a standard technique to predict brain current flow during tDCS and can be based on subject specific anatomical MRI. OBJECTIVE: To investigate this variability, we modeled multiple tDCS montages across three adults (ages 34-41, one female). RESULTS: Conventional pad stimulation led to diffuse modulation with maximum current flow between the pads across all subjects. There was high current flow directly under the pad for one subject while the location of peak induced cortical current flow was variable. The High-Definition tDCS montage led to current flow restricted to within the ring perimeter across all subjects. The current flow profile across all subjects and montages was influenced by details in cortical gyri/sulci. CONCLUSION: This data suggests that subject specific modeling can facilitate consistent and more efficacious tDCS.

Architecture & Planning• 2012• Frontiers Media
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Designing and implementing future aerial communication networks

Providing "connectivity from the sky" is the new innovative trend in wireless communications. High and low altitude platforms, drones, aircrafts, and airships are being considered as candidates for deploying wireless communications complementing the terrestrial communication infrastructure. In this article we report the detailed account of the design and implementation challenges of an aerial network consisting of LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) base stations. In particular, we review achievements and innovations harnessed by an aerial network composed of Helikite platforms. Helikites can be raised in the sky to bring Internet access during special events and in the aftermath of an emergency. The trial phase of the system mounting LTE-A technology onboard Helikites to serve users on the ground yielded very encouraging results, and showed that such a system could offer a longer lasting solution, provided that inefficiency in powering the radio frequency equipment in the Helikite can be overcome.

Architecture & Planning• 2016• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
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The Role of Obesity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus—An Overview

Obesity or excessive weight gain is identified as the most important and significant risk factor in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in all age groups. It has reached pandemic dimensions, making the treatment of obesity crucial in the prevention and management of type 2 DM worldwide. Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that moderate and sustained weight loss can improve blood glucose levels, insulin action and reduce the need for diabetic medications. A combined approach of diet, exercise and lifestyle modifications can successfully reduce obesity and subsequently ameliorate the ill effects and deadly complications of DM. This approach also helps largely in the prevention, control and remission of DM. Obesity and DM are chronic diseases that are increasing globally, requiring new approaches to manage and prevent diabetes in obese individuals. Therefore, it is essential to understand the mechanistic link between the two and design a comprehensive approach to increase life expectancy and improve the quality of life in patients with type 2 DM and obesity. This literature review provides explicit information on the clinical definitions of obesity and type 2 DM, the incidence and prevalence of type 2 DM in obese individuals, the indispensable role of obesity in the pathophysiology of type 2 DM and their mechanistic link. It also discusses clinical studies and outlines the recent management approaches for the treatment of these associated conditions. Additionally, in vivo studies on obesity and type 2 DM are discussed here as they pave the way for more rigorous development of therapeutic approaches.

Architecture & Planning• 2024• Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
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Security and Privacy for Green IoT-Based Agriculture: Review, Blockchain Solutions, and Challenges

This paper presents research challenges on security and privacy issues in the field of green IoT-based agriculture. We start by describing a four-tier green IoT-based agriculture architecture and summarizing the existing surveys that deal with smart agriculture. Then, we provide a classification of threat models against green IoT-based agriculture into five categories, including, attacks against privacy, authentication, confidentiality, availability, and integrity properties. Moreover, we provide a taxonomy and a side-by-side comparison of the state-of-the-art methods toward secure and privacy-preserving technologies for IoT applications and how they will be adapted for green IoT-based agriculture. In addition, we analyze the privacy-oriented blockchain-based solutions as well as consensus algorithms for IoT applications and how they will be adapted for green IoT-based agriculture. Based on the current survey, we highlight open research challenges and discuss possible future research directions in the security and privacy of green IoT-based agriculture.

Architecture & Planning• 2020• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
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Fabrication of Efficient Low-Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells by Combining Formamidinium Tin Iodide with Methylammonium Lead Iodide

Mixed tin (Sn)-lead (Pb) perovskites with high Sn content exhibit low bandgaps suitable for fabricating the bottom cell of perovskite-based tandem solar cells. In this work, we report on the fabrication of efficient mixed Sn-Pb perovskite solar cells using precursors combining formamidinium tin iodide (FASnI3) and methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3). The best-performing cell fabricated using a (FASnI3)0.6(MAPbI3)0.4 absorber with an absorption edge of ∼1.2 eV achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.08 (15.00)% with an open-circuit voltage of 0.795 (0.799) V, a short-circuit current density of 26.86(26.82) mA/cm(2), and a fill factor of 70.6(70.0)% when measured under forward (reverse) voltage scan. The average PCE of 50 cells we have fabricated is 14.39 ± 0.33%, indicating good reproducibility.

Architecture & Planning• 2016• American Chemical Society
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Tocopherols and Tocotrienols in Common and Emerging Dietary Sources: Occurrence, Applications, and Health Benefits

Edible oils are the major natural dietary sources of tocopherols and tocotrienols, collectively known as tocols. Plant foods with low lipid content usually have negligible quantities of tocols. However, seeds and other plant food processing by-products may serve as alternative sources of edible oils with considerable contents of tocopherols and tocotrienols. Tocopherols are among the most important lipid-soluble antioxidants in food as well as in human and animal tissues. Tocopherols are found in lipid-rich regions of cells (e.g., mitochondrial membranes), fat depots, and lipoproteins such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Their health benefits may also be explained by regulation of gene expression, signal transduction, and modulation of cell functions. Potential health benefits of tocols include prevention of certain types of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic ailments. Although deficiencies of tocopherol are uncommon, a continuous intake from common and novel dietary sources of tocopherols and tocotrienols is advantageous. Thus, this contribution will focus on the relevant literature on common and emerging edible oils as a source of tocols. Potential application and health effects as well as the impact of new cultivars as sources of edible oils and their processing discards are presented. Future trends and drawbacks are also briefly covered.

Architecture & Planning• 2016• Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
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