bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanonutraceuticals: The New Frontier of Supplementary Food
Authors: Paolino Donatella , Mancuso Antonia , Cristiano Maria Chiara , Froiio Francesca , Lammari Narimane , Celia Christian , Fresta Massimo
Published: March 2021

In the last few decades, the combination between nanotechnology and nutraceutics has gained the attention of several research groups. Nutraceuticals are considered as active compounds, abundant in natural products, showing beneficial effects on human health. Unfortunately, the uses, and consequently the health benefits, of many nutraceutical products are limited by their unsuitable chemico-physical features. For example, many nutraceuticals are characterized by low water solubility, low stability and high susceptibility to light and oxygen, poor absorption and potential chemical modifications after their administration. Based on the potential efficacy of nutraceuticals and on their limiting features, nanotechnology could be considered a revolutionary innovation in empowering the beneficial properties of nutraceuticals on human health, thus enhancing their efficacy in several diseases. For this reason, nanotechnology could represent a new frontier in supplementary food. In this review, the most recent nanotechnological approaches are discussed, focusing on their ability to improve the bioavailability of the most common nutraceuticals, providing an overview regarding both the advantages and the possible limitations of the use of several nanodelivery systems. In fact, although the efficacy of smart nanocarriers in improving health benefits deriving from nutraceuticals has been widely demonstrated, the conflicting opinions on the mechanism of action of some nanosystems still reduce their applicability in the therapeutic field.
Effectiveness of Personalized Low Salicylate Diet in the Management of Salicylates Hypersensitive Patients: Interventional Study
Authors: Kęszycka Paulina K. , Lange Ewa , Gajewska Danuta
Published: March 2021

Salicylic acid and its derivatives (including acetylsalicylic acid/aspirin) are popular in medicine. They also occur naturally in many food products. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the personalized low salicylate diet (PLSD) on the reduction of asthma, rhinosinusitis and urticaria symptoms in patients with hypersensitivity to aspirin (ASA) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). To achieve the research goal, a prospective, nonrandomized, baseline-controlled intervention study was conducted. Thirty patients diagnosed with NSAIDs hypersensitivity, who despite pharmacotherapy had symptoms of hypersensitivity, were included in the study. The PLSD was recommended for all participants for a period of two to four weeks. The intensity of subjectively declared symptoms of asthma, rhinosinusitis and urticaria were measured before and after dietary intervention, using, respectively, the asthma control test (ACT), the sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22) and the four-item itch questionnaire (FIIQ). Diet adherence and salicylate intake were measured by a 3-day food record. The severity of symptoms improved significantly after the intervention. The median of the ACT score was 24 scores before and 25 after the dietary intervention (p < 0.002), the median of the SNOT-22 score was 25 before and 13 after a dietary intervention (p < 0.0002) and the median of the FIIQ score was 5 before and 0 after a dietary intervention (p < 0.0002). The intake of salicylates decreased from 0.79 mg/day (before intervention) to 0.15 mg/day (p < 0.001) (during intervention). Although the usefulness of a low salicylate diet in the treatment of salicylate hypersensitivity is controversial, the results of our study indicate that the PLSD may have a positive effect in reducing symptoms of salicylate hypersensitivity and could be an additional tool supporting the therapy of these patients.
Selection of Gut-Resistant Bacteria and Construction of Microbial Consortia for Improving Gluten Digestion under Simulated Gastrointestinal Conditions
Authors: De Angelis Maria , Siragusa Sonya , Vacca Mirco , Di Cagno Raffaella , Cristofori Fernanda , Schwarm Michael , Pelzer Stefan , Flügel Monika , Speckmann Bodo , Francavilla Ruggiero , Gobbetti Marco
Published: March 2021

This work aimed to define the microbial consortia that are able to digest gluten into non-toxic and non-immunogenic peptides in the human gastrointestinal tract. Methods: 131 out of 504 tested Bacillus and lactic acid bacteria, specifically Bacillus (64), lactobacilli (63), Pediococcus (1), and Weissella (3), showed strong gastrointestinal resistance and were selected for their PepN, PepI, PepX, PepO, and PepP activities toward synthetic substrates. Based on multivariate analysis, 24 strains were clearly distinct from the other tested strains based on having the highest enzymatic activities. As estimated by RP-HPLC and nano-ESI–MS/MS, 6 cytoplasmic extracts out of 24 selected strains showed the ability to hydrolyze immunogenic epitopes, specifically 57–68 of α9-gliadin, 62–75 of A-gliadin, 134–153 of γ-gliadin, and 57–89 (33-mer) of α2-gliadin. Live and lysed cells of selected strains were combined into different microbial consortia for hydrolyzing gluten under gastrointestinal conditions. Commercial proteolytic enzymes (Aspergillusoryzae E1, Aspergillusniger E2, Bacillussubtilis Veron HPP, and Veron PS proteases) were also added to each microbial consortium. Consortium activity was evaluated by ELISA tests, RP-HPLC-nano-ESI–MS/MS, and duodenal explants from celiac disease patients. Results: two microbial consortia (Consortium 4: Lactiplantibacillus (Lp.) plantarum DSM33363 and DSM33364, Lacticaseibacillus (Lc.) paracasei DSM33373, Bacillussubtilis DSM33298, and Bacilluspumilus DSM33301; and Consortium 16: Lp. plantarum DSM33363 and DSM33364, Lc. paracasei DSM33373, Limosilactobacillusreuteri DSM33374, Bacillusmegaterium DSM33300, B.pumilus DSM33297 and DSM33355), containing commercial enzymes, were able to hydrolyze gluten to non-toxic and non-immunogenic peptides under gastrointestinal conditions. Conclusions: the results of this study provide evidence that selected microbial consortia could potentially improve the digestion of gluten in gluten-sensitive patients by hydrolyzing the immunogenic peptides during gastrointestinal digestion.
High Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Obesity among Adults in Gulf Countries
Authors: Shatwan Israa M. , Alhinai Eiman A. , Alawadhi Balqees , Surendran Shelini , Aljefree Najlaa M. , Almoraie Noha M.
Published: March 2021

The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is considered as a good example of a healthy dietary pattern that has protective effects on obesity. The aim of the present study was to assess the adherence of adults from three Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait) to the MedDiet and its association with obesity risk. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 961 men and women (75.7%) aged 20–55 years old. Waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) were measured waist/hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. A validated 14-item Questionnaire was used to measure adherence to MedDiet. The mean of the adherence to MedDiet score was 5.9 ± 2.03 for the total sample. An inverse association was observed between the adherence to MedDiet and BMI after adjusting for potential confounders (p = 0.0003 in total participants, and p = 0.001 in women only). A protective effect was seen with a higher adherence to the MedDiet on HC, suggesting that a greater adherence to the MedDiet was associated with a decreased HC (p = 0.04 in total participants, and p = 0.01 in women only). In conclusion, low adherence to the MedDiet among participants from three gulf countries was associated with increased obesity indicators, BMI, and HC.
Nutraceutical Screening in a Zebrafish Model of Muscular Dystrophy: Gingerol as a Possible Food Aid
Authors: Licitra Rosario , Marchese Maria , Brogi Letizia , Fronte Baldassare , Pitto Letizia , Santorelli Filippo M.
Published: March 2021

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, is an inherited neuromuscular disorder that causes loss of muscle mass and motor skills. In the era of genomic medicine, there is still no known cure for DMD. In clinical practice, there is a growing awareness of the possible importance of nutrition in neuromuscular diseases. This is mostly the result of patients’ or caregivers’ empirical reports of how active substances derived from food have led to improved muscle strength and, thus, better quality of life. In this report, we investigate several nutraceutical principles in the sapje strain of zebrafish, a validated model of DMD, in order to identify possible natural products that, if supplemented in the diet, might improve the quality of life of DMD patients. Gingerol, a constituent of fresh ginger, statistically increased the locomotion of mutant larvae and upregulated the expression of heme oxygenase 1, a target gene for therapy aimed at improving dystrophic symptoms. Although three other compounds showed a partial positive effect on locomotor and muscle structure phenotypes, our nutraceutical screening study lent preliminary support to the efficacy and safety only of gingerol. Gingerol could easily be proposed as a dietary supplement in DMD.
Transcriptomic Analysis of LNCaP Tumor Xenograft to Elucidate the Components and Mechanisms Contributed by Tumor Environment as Targets for Dietary Prostate Cancer Prevention Studies
Authors: Yu Lu , Li Robert W. , Huang Haiqiu , Pham Quynhchi , Yu Liangli , Wang Thomas T. Y.
Published: March 2021

LNCaP athymic xenograft model has been widely used to allow researchers to examine the effects and mechanisms of experimental treatments such as diet and diet-derived cancer preventive and therapeutic compounds on prostate cancer. However, the biological characteristics of human LNCaP cells before/after implanting in athymic mouse and its relevance to clinical human prostate outcomes remain unclear and may dictate interpretation of biological efficacies/mechanisms of diet/diet-derived experimental treatments. In this study, transcriptome profiles and pathways of human prostate LNCaP cells before (in vitro) and after (in vivo) implanting into xenograft mouse were compared using RNA-sequencing technology (RNA-seq) followed by bioinformatic analysis. A shift from androgen-responsive to androgen nonresponsive status was observed when comparing LNCaP xenograft tumor to culture cells. Androgen receptor and aryl-hydrocarbon pathway were found to be inhibited and interleukin-1 (IL-1) mediated pathways contributed to these changes. Coupled with in vitro experiments modeling for androgen exposure, cell-matrix interaction, inflammation, and hypoxia, we identified specific mechanisms that may contribute to the observed changes in genes and pathways. Our results provide critical baseline transcriptomic information for a tumor xenograft model and the tumor environments that might be associated with regulating the progression of the xenograft tumor, which may influence interpretation of diet/diet-derived experimental treatments.
Potential Parasitic Causes of Epilepsy in an Onchocerciasis Endemic Area in the Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Vieri Melissa Krizia , Mandro Michel , Cardellino Chiara Simona , Orza Pierantonio , Ronzoni Niccolò , Siewe Fodjo Joseph Nelson , Hotterbeekx An , Colebunders Robert
Published: March 2021

A high burden of epilepsy is observed in Africa where parasitological infections are endemic. In 2016, in an Onchocerciasis endemic area in the Logo health zone, in Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a door-to-door study showed an epilepsy prevalence of 4.6%, and 50.6% of persons with epilepsy were infected with Onchocerca volvulus. In the current study, the serum of 195 people infected with O. volvulus persons with epilepsy were tested to determine the proportion of co-infections with Taenia solium, Toxocara canis and Strongyloides. These proportions were, respectively, 8.2, 18.5 and 12.8%. Persons with a T. solium co-infection were older than those without co-infection (p = 0.021). In six (37.5%) of the T. solium co-infected persons, the first seizures appeared after the age of 30 years compared to three (2.1%) persons without a co-infection (p < 0.0001). Our study suggests that an O. volvulus infection is the main parasitic cause of epilepsy in the Ituri province, but in some persons, mainly in those with late onset epilepsy and with focal seizures, the epilepsy may be caused by neurocysticercosis. As the population in the area rears pigs, activities to limit T. solium transmission should be implemented.
Differentiation of Gastric Helicobacter Species Using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Berlamont Helena , De Witte Chloë , De Bruyckere Sofie , Fox James G. , Backert Steffen , Smet Annemieke , Boyen Filip , Haesebrouck Freddy
Published: March 2021

Gastric helicobacters (Helicobacter (H.) pylori and non-H. pylori Helicobacter species (NHPHs)) colonize the stomach of humans and/or animals. Helicobacter species identification is essential since many of them are recognized as human and/or animal pathogens. Currently, Helicobacter species can only be differentiated using molecular methods. Differentiation between NHPHs using MALDI-TOF MS has not been described before, probably because these species are poorly represented in current MALDI-TOF MS databases. Therefore, we identified 93 gastric Helicobacter isolates of 10 different Helicobacter species using MALDI-TOF MS in order to establish a more elaborate Helicobacter reference database. While the MALDI Biotyper database was not able to correctly identify any of the isolates, the in-house database correctly identified all individual mass spectra and resulted in 82% correct species identification based on the two highest log score matches (with log scores ≥2). In addition, a dendrogram was constructed using all newly created main spectrum profiles. Nine main clusters were formed, with some phylogenetically closely related Helicobacter species clustering closely together and well-defined subclusters being observed in specific species. Current results suggest that MALDI-TOF MS allows rapid differentiation between gastric Helicobacter species, provided that an extensive database is at hand and variation due to growth conditions and agar-medium-related peaks are taken into account.
Detection of Lotmaria passim, Crithidia mellificae and Replicative Forms of Deformed Wing Virus and Kashmir Bee Virus in the Small Hive Beetle (Aethina tumida)
Authors: Nanetti Antonio , Ellis James D. , Cardaio Ilaria , Cilia Giovanni
Published: March 2021

Knowledge regarding the honey bee pathogens borne by invasive bee pests remains scarce. This investigation aimed to assess the presence in Aethina tumida (small hive beetle, SHB) adults of honey bee pathogens belonging to the following groups: (i) bacteria (Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius), (ii) trypanosomatids (Lotmaria passim and Crithidia mellificae), and (iii) viruses (black queen cell virus, Kashmir bee virus, deformed wing virus, slow paralysis virus, sacbrood virus, Israeli acute paralysis virus, acute bee paralysis virus, chronic bee paralysis virus). Specimens were collected from free-flying colonies in Gainesville (Florida, USA) in summer 2017. The results of the molecular analysis show the presence of L. passim, C. mellificae, and replicative forms of deformed wing virus (DWV) and Kashmir bee virus (KBV). Replicative forms of KBV have not previously been reported. These results support the hypothesis of pathogen spillover between managed honey bees and the SHB, and these dynamics require further investigation.
Clinical Evidence for the Choice of the Direct Oral Anticoagulant in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation According to Creatinine Clearance
Authors: Vio Riccardo , Proietti Riccardo , Rigato Matteo , Calò Lorenzo Arcangelo
Published: March 2021

Atrial fibrillation (AF) often coexists with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which confer to the patient a higher risk of both thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events. Oral anticoagulation therapy, nowadays preferably with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), represents the cornerstone for ischemic stroke prevention in high-risk patients. However, all four available DOACs (dabigatran, apixaban, rivaroxaban and edoxaban) are eliminated by the kidneys to some extent. Reduced kidney function facilitates DOACs accumulation and, therefore, different dose reductions are required, with slight differences between American and European recommendations especially in case of severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min). Overall, the use of DOACs in patients with non-end stage CKD and AF is effective similarly to warfarin, showing a better safety profile. The management of thromboembolic risk among patients with AF on dialysis remains challenging, as warfarin effectiveness for stroke prevention in this population is questionable and retrospective data on apixaban need to be confirmed on a larger scale. In kidney transplant recipients, DOACs may provide a potentially safer option compared to warfarin, but co-administration with immunosuppressants is a matter of concern.
Development of Ultradeformable Liposomes with Fatty Acids for Enhanced Dermal Rosmarinic Acid Delivery
Authors: Subongkot Thirapit , Ngawhirunpat Tanasait , Opanasopit Praneet
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to develop ultradeformable liposomes (ULs) with fatty acids, namely, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acid, to improve the skin penetration of rosmarinic acid. This study also investigated the vesicle-skin interaction and skin penetration pathway of ULs with fatty acids using the co-localization technique of multifluorescently labeled particles. The prepared ULs were characterized in terms of size, surface charge, size distribution, shape, % entrapment efficiency (% EE), and % loading efficiency (% LE). The prepared ULs with fatty acids had an average particle size between 50.37 ± 0.3 and 59.82 ± 17.3 nm with a size distribution within an acceptable range and exhibited a negative surface charge. The average % EE and % LE were 9 and 24.02, respectively. The in vitro skin penetration study found that ULs with oleic acid could significantly increase the skin penetration of rosmarinic acid compared to ULs. According to confocal laser scanning microscopy observations, this study suggested that UL vesicles attach to the skin before releasing the entrapped drug to penetrate the skin. These findings suggested that ULs with oleic acid penetrated the skin via the transfollicular pathway as a major penetration pathway.
Preparation and Evaluation of Azelaic Acid Topical Microemulsion Formulation: In Vitro and In Vivo Study
Authors: Hung Wan-Hsuan , Chen Ping-Kang , Fang Chih-Wun , Lin Ying-Chi , Wu Pao-Chu
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to design oil in water (O/W) microemulsion formulations for the topical administration of azelaic acid. The permeability of azelaic acid through rat skin and the anti-inflammatory activities of the formulations were conducted to examine the efficacy of the designed formulations. Skin irritation and stability tests were also performed. The permeability of azelaic acid was significantly increased by using O/W microemulsions as carriers. The edema index of ear swelling percentage was significantly recovered by the 5% drug-loaded formulation and a 20% commercial product, demonstrating that the experimental formulation possessed comparable effect with the commercial product on the improvement of inflammation. The experimental formulation did not cause significant skin irritation compared to the negative control group. Moreover, the drug-loaded formulation also showed thermodynamic stability and chemical stability after storage for 30 days. In conclusion, the O/W microemulsion was a potential drug delivery carrier for azelaic acid topical application.
Ecological and Plant Community Implication on Essential Oils Composition in Useful Wild Officinal Species: A Pilot Case Study in Apulia (Italy)
Authors: Perrino Enrico V. , Valerio Francesca , Gannouchi Ahmed , Trani Antonio , Mezzapesa Giuseppe
Published: March 2021

The study focused on the effects of ecology (plant communities and topographical data) on composition of essential oils (EOs) of some officinal wild plant species (Lamiales): Clinopodium suaveolens, Salvia fruticosa subsp. thomasii, Satureja montana subsp. montana, and Thymbra capitata, in different environments of Apulia (Italy). C. suaveolens and S. fruticosa subsp. thomasii are rare species of conservation interest, while S. montana subsp. montana and T. capitata, have a wide distribution and are used in traditional medicine or as spices. Results showed that the ecological context (phytosociological and ecological features) may influence the composition of EOs of the studied species. High differences in the compound composition have been found in S. montana subsp. montana, whereas minor effects were observed in C. suaveolens, S. fruticosa subsp. thomasii, and T. capitata accessions. The understanding of such aspects is necessary for providing optimal conditions to produce EOs rich in compounds known for their biological activities. The results are of great interest also for EOs producers and at the same time to improve our knowledge and valorize wild officinal plants.
Ethnobotanical Research and Compilation of the Medicinal Uses in Spain and the Active Principles of Chiliadenus glutinosus (L.) Fourr. for the Scientific Validation of Its Therapeutic Properties
Authors: Las Heras Etayo Nadia , Llamas Félix , Acedo Carmen
Published: March 2021

The species Chiliadenus glutinosus (L.) Fourr. has a large number of therapeutic uses reported in the traditional Spanish medicine. The growing interest in preserving the ethnopharmacological knowledge related to the botanical diversity existing in Spain and the interest in achieving scientific validation of the therapeutic properties of medicinal species has led to the development of this study. To do it, all the known medicinal uses of Ch. glutinosus in Spain were compiled, then an exhaustive bibliographic research on its chemical composition was carried out, and finally, an in silico validation of the bioactive phytochemicals present in a higher proportion in the essential oil of Ch. glutinosus: camphor, borneol, lucinone, glutinone, quercetin, kutdtriol, and kaempferol; in an attempt to justify the reported traditional uses of the species. It was found that much of the traditional medicinal uses of Ch. glutinosus, along with the biological activity of its phytochemicals, are supported by scientific evidence. The results place this species in a prominent position to initiate possible lines of research to develop new, more effective drugs and improve therapies to treat conditions and diseases that affect the different organic systems of the human being.
Transcriptome Analyses Throughout Chili Pepper Fruit Development Reveal Novel Insights into the Domestication Process
Authors: Martínez Octavio , Arce-Rodríguez Magda L. , Hernández-Godínez Fernando , Escoto-Sandoval Christian , Cervantes-Hernández Felipe , Hayano-Kanashiro Corina , Ordaz-Ortiz José J. , Reyes-Valdés M. Humberto , Razo-Mendivil Fernando G. , Garcés-Claver Ana , Ochoa-Alejo Neftalí
Published: March 2021

Chili pepper (Capsicum spp.) is an important crop, as well as a model for fruit development studies and domestication. Here, we performed a time-course experiment to estimate standardized gene expression profiles with respect to fruit development for six domesticated and four wild chili pepper ancestors. We sampled the transcriptomes every 10 days from flowering to fruit maturity, and found that the mean standardized expression profiles for domesticated and wild accessions significantly differed. The mean standardized expression was higher and peaked earlier for domesticated vs. wild genotypes, particularly for genes involved in the cell cycle that ultimately control fruit size. We postulate that these gene expression changes are driven by selection pressures during domestication and show a robust network of cell cycle genes with a time shift in expression, which explains some of the differences between domesticated and wild phenotypes.
Preliminary Research on the Social Attitudes toward AI’s Involvement in Christian Education in Vietnam: Promoting AI Technology for Religious Education
Authors: Tran Khoa , Nguyen Tuyet
Published: March 2021

Artificial intelligence innovations, such as chatbots and specialized education suggestion tools, provide potential interactive and on-demand pedagogical engagement between non-Christians and Christians with Christianity. However, there is little empirical research on the readiness, acceptance, and adoption of religious education involvement of AI in a secular state such as Vietnam. This research addresses the literature gap by providing an entrepreneurial analysis and customer perspectives on the ideas of AI involvement in religious education. Specifically, the study explores whether the Vietnamese across different ages accept and have enough skills to adopt AI in Christian education innovation. The interview sample is 32 participants, selected based on their religious orientation (Christians and non-Christians) and age (Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z). Most respondents are open to AI application in religious education except for Church personnel. However, only Generation Z are fully prepared to adopt this innovation. Theoretically, the research customizes the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model into religious innovation context. Practically, this research acts as market research on the demand for AI’s religious innovation in Vietnam, an insight for future religious tech entrepreneurs.
Life Expectancy Heterogeneity and Pension Fairness: An Italian North-South Divide
Authors: Culotta Fabrizio
Published: March 2021

This work documents a persistent life expectancy heterogeneity by gender and geography in Italy during the period 1995–2019. Based on deviations of life expectancy at age 65, it quantifies the implicit tax/subsidy mechanism triggered when pensions annuities are computed by adopting the same value of longevity for the whole population. The intensity of this transfer mechanism is then measured and projected over the decade 2020–2030. Results show that females are subsidized while males are taxed by around 10%. Differences by geography persist along the Italian territory. Since 1995 the macroarea of Mezzogiorno has been taxed by 2%, Center and North-West macroareas are being subsidized by around 1%, whereas North-East by 2%. The intensity of the mechanism, despite decreases over time, is higher among females since the year 2000. From a geographical perspective, the macroarea of Mezzogiorno shows the lowest intensity, but also the lowest reduction as compared to other macroareas. Projections indicate that the North-South divide in this implicit transfer mechanism will persist over the next decade.
Determining the Intangible: Detecting Land Abandonment at Local Scale
Authors: Czesak Barbara , Różycka-Czas Renata , Salata Tomasz , Dixon-Gough Robert , Hernik Józef
Published: March 2021

Precisely determining agricultural land abandonment (ALA) in an area is still difficult, even with recent progress in data collection and analysis. It is especially difficult in fragmented areas that need more tailor-made methods. The aim of this research was to determine ALA using airborne laser scanning (ALS) data, which are available in Poland with 4 to 6 points per square metre resolution. ALS data were processed into heat maps and modified with chosen kernel functions: triweight and Epanechnikov. The results of ALS data processing were compared to the control method, i.e., visual interpretation of an orthophotomap. This study shows that ALS data modelled with kernel functions allow for a good identification of ALA. The accuracy of results shows 82% concordance as compared to the control method. When comparing triweight and Epanechnikov functions, higher accuracy was achieved when using the triweight function. The research shows that ALS data processing is a promising method of detection of ALA and could provide an alternative to well-known methods such as the analysis of satellite images.
FPGA-Based Acceleration on Additive Manufacturing Defects Inspection
Authors: Luo Yawen , Chen Yuhua
Published: March 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM) has gained increasing attention over the past years due to its fast prototype, easier modification, and possibility for complex internal texture devices when compared to traditional manufacture processing. However, potential internal defects are occurring during AM processes, and it requires real-time inspections to minimize the costs by either aborting the processing or repairing the defect. In order to perform the defects inspection, first the defects database NEU-DET is used for training. Then, a convolution neural network (CNN) is applied to perform defects classification. For real-time purposes, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are utilized for acceleration. A binarized neural network (BNN) is proposed to best fit the FPGA bit operations. Finally, for the image labeled with defects, the selective search and non-maximum algorithms are implemented to help locate the coordinates of defects. Experiments show that the BNN model on NEU-DET can achieve 97.9% accuracy in identifying whether the image is defective or defect-free. As for the image classification speed, the FPGA-based BNN module can process one image within 0.5 s. The BNN design is modularized and can be duplicated in parallel to fully utilize logic gates and memory resources in FPGAs. It is clear that the proposed FPGA-based BNN can perform real-time defects inspection with high accuracy and it can easily scale up to larger FPGA implementations.
The Wildland Fire Heat Budget—Using Bi-Directional Probes to Measure Sensible Heat Flux and Energy in Surface Fires
Authors: Dickinson Matthew B. , Wold Cyle E. , Butler Bret W. , Kremens Robert L. , Jimenez Daniel , Sopko Paul , O’Brien Joseph J.
Published: March 2021

Sensible energy is the primary mode of heat dissipation from combustion in wildland surface fires. However, despite its importance to fire dynamics, smoke transport, and in determining ecological effects, it is not routinely measured. McCaffrey and Heskestad (A robust bidirectional low-velocity probe for flame and fire application. Combustion and Flame 26:125–127, 1976) describe measurements of flame velocity from a bi-directional probe which, when combined with gas temperature measurements, can be used to estimate sensible heat fluxes. In this first field application of bi-directional probes, we describe vertical and horizontal sensible heat fluxes during the RxCADRE experimental surface fires in longleaf pine savanna and open ranges at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Flame-front sensible energy is the time-integral of heat flux over a residence time, here defined by the rise in gas temperatures above ambient. Horizontal flow velocities and energies were larger than vertical velocities and energies. Sensible heat flux and energy measurements were coordinated with overhead radiometer measurements from which we estimated fire energy (total energy generated by combustion) under the assumption that 17% of fire energy is radiated. In approximation, horizontal, vertical, and resultant sensible energies averaged 75%, 54%, and 64%, respectively, of fire energy. While promising, measurement challenges remain, including obtaining accurate gas and velocity measurements and capturing three-dimensional flow in the field.
Understanding Social Behaviour in a Health-Care Facility from Localization Data: A Case Study
Authors: Bellini Gloria , Cipriano Marco , Comai Sara , De Angeli Nicola , Gargano Jacopo , Gianella Matteo , Goi Gianluca , Ingrao Giovanni , Masciadri Andrea , Rossi Gabriele , Salice Fabio
Published: March 2021

The most frequent form of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), a severe progressive neurological pathology in which the main cognitive functions of an individual are compromised. Recent studies have found that loneliness and living in isolation are likely to cause an acceleration in the cognitive decline associated with AD. Therefore, understanding social behaviours of AD patients is crucial to promote sociability, thus delaying cognitive decline, preserving independence, and providing a good quality of life. In this work, we analyze the localization data of AD patients living in assisted care homes to gather insights about the social dynamics among them. We use localization data collected by a system based on iBeacon technology comprising two components: a network of antennas scattered throughout the facility and a Bluetooth bracelet worn by the patients. We redefine the Relational Index to capture wandering and casual encounters, these being common phenomena among AD patients, and use the notions of Relational and Popularity Indexes to model, visualize and understand the social behaviour of AD patients. We leverage the data analyses to build predictive tools and applications to enhance social activities scheduling and sociability monitoring and promotion, with the ultimate aim of providing patients with a better quality of life. Predictions and visualizations act as a support for caregivers in activity planning to maximize treatment effects and, hence, slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. We present the Community Behaviour Prediction Table (CBPT), a tool to visualize the estimated values of sociability among patients and popularity of places within a facility. Finally, we show the potential of the system by analyzing the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown time-frame between February and June 2020 in a specific facility. Through the use of the indexes, we evaluate the effects of the pandemic on the behaviour of the residents, observing no particular impact on sociability even though social distancing was put in place.
The Political Market and Sustainability Policy
Authors: Feiock Richard C. , Kim Soyoung
Published: March 2021

This essay introduces the political market framework (PMF) and discusses its implications for understanding local sustainability policy. The PMF conceptualizes public policy related to sustainability as the product of exchange between governmental policy suppliers and voter and interest group policy demanders. After presenting a political market model, the role of political institutions is introduced. Institutions structure exchange relationships by determining transaction costs of searching for mutually beneficial agreements, bargaining over outcomes, and monitoring and enforcing decisions. The central implication for research is the need to account for the moderating role that political institutions play in sustainability policy decisions. A research agenda based on the PMF is advanced. The conclusion addresses the limitations of the framework as well as its implications for policy adoptions, program designs, and individual behavior.
Rewilding Lite: Using Traditional Domestic Livestock to Achieve Rewilding Outcomes
Authors: Gordon Iain J. , Pérez-Barbería F. Javier , Manning Adrian D.
Published: March 2021

The vision of rewilding is to return ecosystems to a “natural” or “self-willed” state with trophic complexity, dispersal (and connectivity) and stochastic disturbance in place. The concept is gaining traction, particularly in Europe where significant land abandonment has taken place in recent years. However, in reality, the purest form of rewilding (Rewilding Max) is constrained by a number of context-specific factors whereby it may not be possible to restore the native species that form part of the trophic structure of the ecosystem if they are extinct (for example, mammoths, Mammuthus spp., aurochs, Bos taurus primigenius). In addition, populations/communities of native herbivores/predators may not be able to survive or be acceptable to the public in small scale rewilding projects close to areas of high human density or agricultural land. Therefore, the restoration of natural trophic complexity and disturbance regimes within rewilding projects requires careful consideration if the broader conservation needs of society are to be met. Here we highlight the importance of herbivory as a key factor in rewilding. We argue that the use of the suite of livestock species, and in particular traditional breeds, offers the opportunity, under both land sharing/sparing strategies, to reinstate a more “natural” form of herbivory but still retain the option for management interventions (Rewilding Lite). It will even be possible to gain economic returns (ecotourism, sale of livestock products) from these systems, which will make them more acceptable to state and private landowners. We develop our case based on the advantages of using landraces versus de-domestication strategies, and on the implementation of eco-shepherding herbivory as a restoration tool in fine mosaics of agriculture/natural patches. If this approach is adopted, then larger areas can be given over to conservation, because of the potential broader benefits to society from these spaces and the engagement of farmers in practices that are closer to their traditions.
Examining Perceived and Projected Destination Image: A Social Media Content Analysis
Authors: Sun Wei , Tang Shoulian , Liu Fang
Published: March 2021

Destination image has been extensively studied in tourism and marketing, but the questions surrounding the discrepancy between the projected (perceptions from the National Tourism Organizations) and perceived destination image (perceptions from tourists) as well as how the discrepancy may influence sustainable experience remain unclear. Poor understanding of the discrepancy may cause tourist confusion and misuse of resources. The aim of this study is to empirically investigate if the perceived (by tourists) and projected (by NTOs) destination image are significantly different in both cognitive and affective aspects. Through a comprehensive social media content analysis of the NTO-generated and tourist-generated-contents (TGC), the current study identifies numerous gaps between the projected and perceived destination image, which offers some important theoretical and practical implications on destination management and marketing.
Communication Networks as a Catalyst for Holistic Sustainability on Karst Landscapes
Authors: Willenbrink Elizabeth , North Leslie A. , Nguyet Vu Thi Minh , Polk Jason , Graham James
Published: March 2021

Equitable access to communication and education is a key aspect in ensuring sustainability in any natural area. Karst landscapes are especially susceptible to environmental degradation from natural and anthropogenic forces and can benefit from sustainable economic, social, and environmental practices. This study took place in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park (PN-KB), a highly developed karst landscape in central Vietnam. Through in-depth interviews, this study explored the ways in which formal and informal communication networks between the diverse stakeholders living within the park can be used to better protect the landscape from further degradation. The research findings suggest that a lack of consistent communication between PN-KB’s residents, rangers, and governing officials has left the landscape vulnerable to extensive degradation and susceptible to catastrophic climatic events. Increasing communication between the stakeholder groups within the park will bolster economic opportunity and ensure equitable access to information and resources, both of which will promote sustainable practices and karst landscape protection.
Emotional Performance of a Low-Cost Eco-Friendly Project Based Learning Methodology for Science Education: An Approach in Prospective Teachers
Authors: Hernández-Barco Míriam , Sánchez-Martín Jesús , Corbacho-Cuello Isaac , Cañada-Cañada Florentina
Published: March 2021

Enhancing the emotional dimension of prospective teachers in science subjects—which has become increasingly important in recent decades—is a responsibility of higher education institutions. The implementation of active methodologies has the potential to modify the traditional student-teacher roles that are encouraged by the educational policies implemented in the Bologna Process. Simultaneously, it is possible to promote knowledge of sustainability, as well as the attitudes and behaviors required by UNESCO. The main aim of this work is to describe a project-based learning methodology with a transversal sustainability approach (low-cost and eco-friendly) and to introduce this as a potential resource for the emotional and cognitive improvement of 19 prospective primary teachers enrolled in scientific subjects. This is a qualitative study in the context of a research line focused on higher education for sustainable development. A questionnaire was designed and filled in by students at two different stages, before and after implementation of the activity. The initial feedback from students was surprisingly enthusiastic due to the fact that they were working with rockets, despite this not being considered a common emotion expressed by students in science lessons. The results show the emotional improvement of prospective teachers after implementation of the activity. It is concluded that a good science education, with implementation of sustainable approaches is necessary during the training of teachers, taking into account their emotional dimensions and social repercussions as a consequence of future transmission.
Design of Evaluation Scheme for Social Responsibility of China’s Transportation Enterprises from the Perspective of Green Supply Chain Management
Authors: Luo Jiaqi , Bi Mingxiao , Kuang Haibo
Published: March 2021

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the supply chain has become an increasingly popular research topic, but there are little researches on developing countries or emerging market economies as the research object, let alone providing a framework for assessing CSR in sustainable supply chains in the context of these countries. This paper will make up for these literature gaps. From the perspective of the green supply chain management, this paper integrates various authoritative standards and adopts two methods, “R clustering” and “variation coefficient analysis”, to establish a CSR performance evaluation system of China’s transportation industry. Applying the mean square error index weighting method analyzes the performance of 74 companies in China’s transportation industry in 2018 to verify the rationality of the evaluation system. The results find that this industry generally scores low and the performance of responsibilities of different sub-sectors in this industry is different, but the overall performance trend is improving. This research has implications for China’s transportation industry to improve CSR levels from the perspective of green supply chain management, for managers and stakeholders who are committed to improving China’s CSR green and sustainable development, and for the development of CSR in developing countries and emerging markets.
Effect of a Submerged Vane-Field on the Flow Pattern of a Movable Bed Channel with a 90° Lateral Diversion
Authors: Baltazar Joana , Alves Elsa , Bombar Gökçen , Cardoso António Heleno
Published: March 2021

This laboratory study focused on the effect of a submerged vane-field on the flow pattern and bed morphology near and inside the entrance reach of a movable bed 90° lateral diversion. The system was modelled under live bed conditions for a water discharge ratio of ≈0.2. Two experiments were run until bed equilibrium was reached: with and without a vane-field installed close to the diversion entrance to control the transfer of sediments into the diversion channel. The equilibrium bed morphology and the associated 3D flow field were measured in great detail. The bed load diverted into the diversion was reduced by approximately one quarter due to the action of the vane-field. The vanes prevented the formation of the diversion vortex in the main channel, upstream of the diversion’s entrance, thus contributing to that decrease. They also created a main channel vortex that started at the most upstream vanes and further decreased the amount of bed load entering the diversion. The flow separation zone inside the diversion was larger with vanes, but conveyance was balanced through a slightly deeper scour trench therein. The flow structures described were confirmed through the measurements of the turbulent kinetic energy.
The Genetic Component of Seagrass Restoration: What We Know and the Way Forwards
Authors: Pazzaglia Jessica , Nguyen Hung Manh , Santillán-Sarmiento Alex , Ruocco Miriam , Dattolo Emanuela , Marín-Guirao Lázaro , Procaccini Gabriele
Published: March 2021

Seagrasses are marine flowering plants providing key ecological services and functions in coasts and estuaries across the globe. Increased environmental changes fueled by human activities are affecting their existence, compromising natural habitats and ecosystems’ biodiversity and functioning. In this context, restoration of disturbed seagrass environments has become a worldwide priority to reverse ecosystem degradation and to recover ecosystem functionality and associated services. Despite the proven importance of genetic research to perform successful restoration projects, this aspect has often been overlooked in seagrass restoration. Here, we aimed to provide a comprehensive perspective of genetic aspects related to seagrass restoration. To this end, we first reviewed the importance of studying the genetic diversity and population structure of target seagrass populations; then, we discussed the pros and cons of different approaches used to restore and/or reinforce degraded populations. In general, the collection of genetic information and the development of connectivity maps are critical steps for any seagrass restoration activity. Traditionally, the selection of donor population preferred the use of local gene pools, thought to be the best adapted to current conditions. However, in the face of rapid ocean changes, alternative approaches such as the use of climate-adjusted or admixture genotypes might provide more sustainable options to secure the survival of restored meadows. Also, we discussed different transplantation strategies applied in seagrasses and emphasized the importance of long-term seagrass monitoring in restoration. The newly developed information on epigenetics as well as the application of assisted evolution strategies were also explored. Finally, a view of legal and ethical issues related to national and international restoration management is included, highlighting improvements and potential new directions to integrate with the genetic assessment. We concluded that a good restoration effort should incorporate: (1) a good understanding of the genetic structure of both donors and populations being restored; (2) the analysis of local environmental conditions and disturbances that affect the site to be restored; (3) the analysis of local adaptation constraints influencing the performances of donor populations and native plants; (4) the integration of distribution/connectivity maps with genetic information and environmental factors relative to the target seagrass populations; (5) the planning of long-term monitoring programs to assess the performance of the restored populations. The inclusion of epigenetic knowledge and the development of assisted evolution programs are strongly hoped for the future.
Wave-Structure Interaction Processes in Coastal Engineering
Authors: Aristodemo Francesco , Di Risio Marcello
Published: March 2021

Among one of the most challenging engineering problems, fluid-structure interaction processes are complex phenomena that have received much attention over the years [...]