bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Reported Intake and Circulating EPA and DHA Concentrations in US Pregnant Women
Authors: Lanier Keri , Wisseman Breanna , Strom Cody , Johnston Carol A. , Isler Christy , DeVente James , Newton Edward , Pawlak Roman , Allman-Tucker Brittany R. , McDonald Samantha , May Linda E.
Published: April 2023

In the United States, pregnant women have low concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are essential for fetal development. Although maternal blood provides accurate polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations, venipuncture is expensive and not always accessible. PUFA-containing foods consumption, both omega-3 ad omega-6 is supposed to reflect in the status (plasma, RBC, adipose tissue) of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). De novo synthesis of DHA and EPA during pregnancy is supposed to be higher compared to pre and/or post-pregnancy periods. Thus, this study aimed to determine the association between maternal self-reported dietary intake of foods high in DHA and EPA, along with vegetable oils as a source of omega-6 fatty acids, with maternal blood DHA and EPA concentrations. Pregnant women (13–16 weeks gestation) were recruited and asked to complete a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and blood draw at enrollment and 36 weeks. Circulating concentrations of DHA and EPA were quantified and change scores were calculated. Correlations were done to determine associations between FFQ results and EPA/DHA maternal blood concentrations. Regression analyses were run to examine significant predictors of the main outcomes. Overall, PUFA-food consumption and RBC’s DHA levels decreased from early to late pregnancy; self-reported PUFA-rich food consumption positively correlated with DHA and EPA levels. DHA concentration was predicted by self-reported PUFA-rich oils (sunflower/soy/corn/olive) consumption, but EPA concentration was predicted by maternal BMI. These findings suggest that EPA and DHA consumption decreased across pregnancy and the FFQ can be utilized as an effective method for estimating PUFA blood concentration during pregnancy.
Impact of Christian Orthodox Church Fasting on Metabolic Syndrome Components in Adults Aged 18–49 Years
Authors: Kokkinopoulou Anna , Rodopaios Nikolaos E. , Koulouri Alexandra-Aikaterini , Vasara Eleni , Papadopoulou Sousana K. , Skepastianos Petros , Dermitzakis Emmanouil , Hassapidou Maria , Kafatos Anthony G.
Published: April 2023

Objective: Studies regarding health effects of religious fasting have been increased during the last decade. Our aim was to investigate the effects of Christian Orthodox Church (COC) fasting on metabolic syndrome in young adults. Methods: Participants were 224 men and women, of whom 111 had been following the COC fasting regime and 113 were non-fasters, all aged 18 to 49 years (mean age 29.23 ± 8.78 years). Anthropometric measurements, including the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, were performed on individuals, and they also completed food intake questionnaires, and provided blood samples for biochemical analysis. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III and all variables were checked. Results: Fasters did not statistically differ in anthropometric measurements when comparing to non-fasters. Differences were found in terms of biochemical variables, and more specific in HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and total blood cholesterol, and in systemic and diastolic blood pressure, although non statistically significant. Statistically significant differences were only noticed in heart pulses and insulin levels, with fasters having lower heart pulses (69.44 ± 9.84 versus 72.63 ± 10.74) and greater mean values of insulin levels (4.16 ± 4.66 versus 3.12 ± 2.35). When analysis was carried to identify which variables were met for metabolic syndrome, it was found that fasters had statistically significant lower values of blood pressure when compared to non-fasters. In more details mean systolic blood pressure was 121.67 ± 12.21 versus 123.41 ± 11.73 for fasters and non-fasters respectively, and mean diastolic blood pressure was 75.77 ± 8.82 versus 78.27 ± 10.07 for fasters and non-fasters. Furthermore, the mean energy intake was higher in non-fasters (1698.25 ± 515.99 kcals) when compared to fasters (1590.24 ± 404.19 kcals) but not statistically significant different. Conclusions: Young adults aged 18 to 49 years who fast according to the COC fasting regimes do not have different metabolic syndrome prevalence when comparing to non-fasters, but there was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of elevated blood pressure with fasters having lower values.
Synbiotics as Supplemental Therapy for the Alleviation of Chemotherapy-Associated Symptoms in Patients with Solid Tumours
Authors: Singh Neeraj K. , Beckett Jeffrey M. , Kalpurath Krishnakumar , Ishaq Muhammad , Ahmad Tauseef , Eri Rajaraman D.
Published: April 2023

Chemotherapy is still the first line of treatment for most cancer patients. Patients receiving chemotherapy are generally prone to infections, which result in complications, such as sepsis, mucositis, colitis, and diarrhoea. Several nutritional approaches have been trialled to counter the chemotherapy-associated side effects in cancer patients, but none have yet been approved for routine clinical use. One of the approaches to reduce or avoid chemotherapy-associated complications is to restore the gut microbiota. Gut microbiota is essential for the healthy functioning of the immune system, metabolism, and the regulation of other molecular responses in the body. Chemotherapy erodes the mucosal layer of the gastrointestinal tract and results in the loss of gut microbiota. One of the ways to restore the gut microbiota is through the use of probiotics. Probiotics are the ‘good’ bacteria that may provide health benefits if consumed in appropriate amounts. Some studies have highlighted that the consumption of probiotics in combination with prebiotics, known as synbiotics, may provide better health benefits when compared to probiotics alone. This review discusses the different nutritional approaches that have been studied in an attempt to combat chemotherapy-associated side effects in cancer patients with a particular focus on the use of pre-, pro- and synbiotics.
Glyoxylic Acid, an α-Keto Acid Metabolite Derived from Glycine, Promotes Myogenesis in C2C12 Cells
Authors: Norikura Toshio , Sasaki Yutaro , Kojima-Yuasa Akiko , Kon Atsushi
Published: April 2023

α-Keto acids may help prevent malnutrition in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), who consume protein-restricted diets, because they serve as amino acid sources without producing nitrogenous waste compounds. However, the physiological roles of α-keto acids, especially those derived from non-essential amino acids, remain unclear. In this study, we examined the effect of glyoxylic acid (GA), an α-keto acid metabolite derived from glycine, on myogenesis in C2C12 cells. Differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis were used as myogenesis indicators. Treatment with GA for 6 d resulted in an increase in the expression of differentiation markers (myosin heavy chain II and myogenic regulatory factors), mitochondrial biogenesis, and intracellular amounts of amino acids (glycine, serine, and alanine) and their metabolites (citric acid and succinic acid). In addition, GA treatment suppressed the 2.5-µM dexamethasone (Dex)-induced increase in mRNA levels of ubiquitin ligases (Trim63 and Fbxo32), muscle atrophy markers. These results indicate that GA promotes myogenesis, suppresses Dex-induced muscle atrophy, and is metabolized to amino acids in muscle cells. Although further in vivo experiments are needed, GA may be a beneficial nutrient for ameliorating the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function in patients with CKD on a strict dietary protein restriction.
COVID-19 Maternal Prevention Behavior and Future Intention to Vaccinate for Children
Authors: Zakeri Marjan , Essien Ekere J. , Sansgiry Sujit S.
Published: April 2023

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aimed to understand how a mother’s current COVID-19 prevention behaviors were associated with the mother’s future intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Methods: Using a cross-sectional online survey, mothers who had at least one child between 3 and 15 years old were recruited. COVID-19 prevention behaviors evaluated were wearing a mask, appropriate coughing/sneezing, social distancing, staying home, and handwashing. Participants’ age, marital status, race, educational level, incidence of COVID-19 infection in the household, healthcare worker in the household, and future intention to vaccinate children were obtained. Results: Among the 595 participants, 38.3% indicated they did not intend to use the COVID-19 vaccine for their children. Participants with no intention for vaccination had lower mean scores on wearing masks (p < 0.0001), social distancing (p < 0.0001), staying home (p < 0.0001), and handwashing (p < 0.05). The incidence of COVID-19 infection in the household was associated with a lower mean score of staying home (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that most mothers were compliant with the CDC recommended guidelines at the time of the survey. Mothers who indicated high adherence to prevention behaviors had a higher likelihood to consider vaccination for their children. Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is available for children as young as six months, healthcare providers need to be aware of the relationship between current prevention behaviors and future intention to vaccinate. They need to counsel parents appropriately with recommendations for children to keep practicing prevention behaviors.
Up-Regulation of PSMA Expression In Vitro as Potential Application in Prostate Cancer Therapy
Authors: Runge Roswitha , Naumann Anne , Miederer Matthias , Kotzerke Joerg , Brogsitter Claudia
Published: April 2023

Possibilities to improve the therapeutic efficacy of Lu-177–PSMA-617 radionuclide therapy by modulation of target expression are being investigated. Knowledge on regulatory factors that promote prostate cancer (PCa) progression may contribute to targeting prostate cancer more effectively. We aimed at the stimulation of PCa cell lines using the substances 5-aza-2′-deoxycitidine (5-aza-dC) and valproic acid (VPA) to achieve increased prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) expression. PC3, PC3-PSMA, and LNCaP cells were incubated with varying concentrations of 5-aza-dC and VPA to investigate the cell-bound activity of Lu-177–PSMA-617. Stimulation effects on both the genetically modified cell line PC3-PSMA and the endogenously PSMA-expressing LNCaP cells were demonstrated by increased cellular uptake of the radioligand. For PC3-PSMA cells, the fraction of cell-bound radioactivity was enhanced by about 20-fold compared to that of the unstimulated cells. Our study reveals an increased radioligand uptake mediated by stimulation for both PC3-PSMA and LNCaP cell lines. In perspective of an enhanced PSMA expression, the present study might contribute to advanced radionuclide therapy approaches that improve the therapeutic efficacy, as well as combined treatment options.
Fabricating a PDA-Liposome Dual-Film Coated Hollow Mesoporous Silica Nanoplatform for Chemo-Photothermal Synergistic Antitumor Therapy
Authors: Fan Chuanyong , Wang Xiyu , Wang Yuwen , Xi Ziyue , Wang Yuxin , Zhu Shuang , Wang Miao , Xu Lu
Published: April 2023

In this study, we synthesized hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) coated with polydopamine (PDA) and a D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS)-modified hybrid lipid membrane (denoted as HMSNs-PDA@liposome-TPGS) to load doxorubicin (DOX), which achieved the integration of chemotherapy and photothermal therapy (PTT). Dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption/desorption, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were used to show the successful fabrication of the nanocarrier. Simultaneously, in vitro drug release experiments showed the pH/NIR-laser-triggered DOX release profiles, which could enhance the synergistic therapeutic anticancer effect. Hemolysis tests, non-specific protein adsorption tests, and in vivo pharmacokinetics studies exhibited that the HMSNs-PDA@liposome-TPGS had a prolonged blood circulation time and greater hemocompatibility compared with HMSNs-PDA. Cellular uptake experiments demonstrated that HMSNs-PDA@liposome-TPGS had a high cellular uptake efficiency. In vitro and in vivo antitumor efficiency evaluations showed that the HMSNs-PDA@liposome-TPGS + NIR group had a desirable inhibitory activity on tumor growth. In conclusion, HMSNs-PDA@liposome-TPGS successfully achieved the synergistic combination of chemotherapy and photothermal therapy, and is expected to become one of the candidates for the combination of photothermal therapy and chemotherapy antitumor strategies.
Enhancing the Effectiveness of Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Using Cell-Penetrating Peptide Conjugation, Chemical Modification, and Carrier-Based Delivery Strategies
Authors: Anwar Saeed , Mir Farin , Yokota Toshifumi
Published: April 2023

Oligonucleotide-based therapies are a promising approach for treating a wide range of hard-to-treat diseases, particularly genetic and rare diseases. These therapies involve the use of short synthetic sequences of DNA or RNA that can modulate gene expression or inhibit proteins through various mechanisms. Despite the potential of these therapies, a significant barrier to their widespread use is the difficulty in ensuring their uptake by target cells/tissues. Strategies to overcome this challenge include cell-penetrating peptide conjugation, chemical modification, nanoparticle formulation, and the use of endogenous vesicles, spherical nucleic acids, and smart material-based delivery vehicles. This article provides an overview of these strategies and their potential for the efficient delivery of oligonucleotide drugs, as well as the safety and toxicity considerations, regulatory requirements, and challenges in translating these therapies from the laboratory to the clinic.
Exploring the Potential of Multiomics and Other Integrative Approaches for Improving Waterlogging Tolerance in Plants
Authors: Tyagi Anshika , Ali Sajad , Park Suvin , Bae Hanhong
Published: April 2023

Soil flooding has emerged as a serious threat to modern agriculture due to the rapid global warming and climate change, resulting in catastrophic crop damage and yield losses. The most detrimental effects of waterlogging in plants are hypoxia, decreased nutrient uptake, photosynthesis inhibition, energy crisis, and microbiome alterations, all of which result in plant death. Although significant advancement has been made in mitigating waterlogging stress, it remains largely enigmatic how plants perceive flood signals and translate them for their adaptive responses at a molecular level. With the advent of multiomics, there has been significant progress in understanding and decoding the intricacy of how plants respond to different stressors which have paved the way towards the development of climate-resistant smart crops. In this review, we have provided the overview of the effect of waterlogging in plants, signaling (calcium, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, hormones), and adaptive responses. Secondly, we discussed an insight into past, present, and future prospects of waterlogging tolerance focusing on conventional breeding, transgenic, multiomics, and gene-editing approaches. In addition, we have also highlighted the importance of panomics for developing waterlogging-tolerant cultivars. Furthermore, we have discussed the role of high-throughput phenotyping in the screening of complex waterlogging-tolerant traits. Finally, we addressed the current challenges and future perspectives of waterlogging signal perception and transduction in plants, which warrants future investigation.
Breathing Fresh Air in the City: Implementing Avenue Trees as a Sustainable Solution to Reduce Particulate Pollution in Urban Agglomerations
Authors: Mandal Mamun , Popek Robert , Przybysz Arkadiusz , Roy Anamika , Das Sujit , Sarkar Abhijit
Published: April 2023

The issue of air pollution from particulate matter (PM) is getting worse as more and more people move into urban areas around the globe. Due to the complexity and diversity of pollution sources, it has long been hard to rely on source control techniques to manage this issue. Due to the fact that urban trees may provide a variety of ecosystem services, there is an urgent need to investigate alternative strategies for dramatically improving air quality. PM has always been a significant concern due to its adverse effects on humans and the entire ecosystem. The severity of this issue has risen in the current global environmental context. Numerous studies on respiratory and other human disorders have revealed a statistical relationship between human exposure to outdoor levels of particles or dust and harmful health effects. These risks are undeniably close to industrial areas where these airborne, inhalable particles are produced. The combined and individual effects of the particle and gaseous contaminants on plants’ general physiology can be detrimental. According to research, plant leaves, the primary receptors of PM pollution, can function as biological filters to remove significant amounts of particles from the atmosphere of urban areas. This study showed that vegetation could provide a promising green infrastructure (GI) for better air quality through the canopy and leaf-level processes, going beyond its traditional role as a passive target and sink for air pollutants. Opportunities exist for urban GI as a natural remedy for urban pollution caused by PMs.
Plant Growth and Soil Water Content Changes under Different Inter-Row Soil Management Methods in a Sloping Vineyard
Authors: Horel Ágota , Zsigmond Tibor
Published: April 2023

The main objective of this study was to investigate soil–plant–water interactions based on field measurements of plant reflectance and soil water content (SWC) in different inter-row managed sloping vineyards. The following three different soil management applications were studied: tilled (T), cover crops (CC), and permanent grass (NT) inter-rows. We measured SWCs within the row and between rows of vines. Each investigated row utilized 7 to 10 measurement points along the slope. Topsoil SWC and temperature, leaf NDVI and chlorophyll concentrations and leaf area index (LAI) were measured every two weeks over the vegetation period (May to November) using handheld instruments. We found that management method and slope position can significantly affect the soil’s physical and chemical properties, such as clay or soil organic carbon contents. Cover crops in the inter-row significantly reduced average SWC. The in-row average topsoil SWCs and temperatures were lower in all study sites compared to the values measured in between rows. Significantly higher SWCs were observed for the upper points compared to the lower ones for CC and T treatments (58.0 and 60.9%, respectively), while the opposite was noted for NT. Grassed inter-row grapevines had significantly lower leaf chlorophyll content than the other inter-row managed sites (p < 0.001). The highest average leaf chlorophyll contents were observed in the T vineyard (16.89 CCI). Based on slope positions, the most distinguishable difference was observed for the CC: 27.7% higher chlorophyll values were observed at the top of the slope compared to the grapevine leaves at the bottom of the slope (p < 0.01). The leaf NDVI values were not as profoundly influenced by slope position in the vineyard as the chlorophyll values were. For overall LAI values, the T treatment had significantly lower values compared to NT and CC (p < 0.001). Moderate correlations were observed between NDVI and LAI and soil nitrogen and carbon content. In general, we found that both inter-row management and slope position can significantly influence soil parameters and affect plant growth, and consequently can accelerate plant stress under sub-optimal environmental conditions such as prolonged drought.
Morphological Characterization of Nicotiana tabacum Inflorescences and Chemical-Functional Analysis of Extracts Obtained from Its Powder by Using Green Solvents (NaDESs)
Authors: Leal Mariana , Moreno María Alejandra , Albornoz Patricia Liliana , Mercado María Inés , Zampini Iris Catiana , Isla María Inés
Published: April 2023

The production of smokeable tobacco for use in cigarettes is characterized by the production of pre-harvest and post-harvest waste, with ensuing undesirable effects on the environment. The inflorescences of tobacco after blunting, deflowering, or topping are considered pre-harvest waste and left in the field. Using green and ecofriendly solvents such as Natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs), these wastes could be used to obtain antioxidant molecules of interest in cosmetics. Taking into account its potential as plant matrix to obtain metabolites of commercial interest, tobacco inflorescences and inflorescence powders of different particle sizes were characterized by optic and electronic microscopy. Thus, the powdered inflorescences were extracted with four conventional solvents, i.e., distilled water (DW), acetone: distilled water (AW), ethanol 70° (EW), methanol (Me), and five NaDESs, i.e., lactic acid: sucrose (LAS), lactic acid: sucrose: distilled water (SALA), fructose: glucose: sucrose: distilled water (FGS), choline chloride: urea: distilled water (CU), and citric acid: propylene glycol (CAP). Among the tested NADESs, SALA was the most promising solvent; higher extraction yields of total phenolic compound (3420.0 ± 9.4 µg GAE/mL) than conventional solvents were attained and it was the only selective solvent to phenolics. CU was the best solvent for flavonoids and alkaloids extraction (215.3 ± 3.2 µg QE/mL and 392.3 ± 8.0 µg ACE/mL, respectively). All extracts showed antioxidant activity. A heatmap with dendrogram and main component analysis showed that acid-based NaDESs are grouped together, this group being the one with the best performance in H2O2 scavenging. The extracts obtained with green solvents could be used directly in cosmetic formulations as antioxidant ingredients because both tobacco flower oil and flower extracts are listed in the cosmetic ingredients database as non-toxic products. Additionally, the demand for sustainable ecological cosmetics is growing. In this sense, NaDESs represent an opportunity to develop innovative extracts with unique phytochemical fingerprints and biological activities.
Degradation of PET Bottles by an Engineered Ideonella sakaiensis PETase
Authors: Sevilla Maria Eduarda , Garcia Mario D. , Perez-Castillo Yunierkis , Armijos-Jaramillo Vinicio , Casado Santiago , Vizuete Karla , Debut Alexis , Cerda-Mejía Liliana
Published: April 2023

Extensive plastic production has become a serious environmental and health problem due to the lack of efficient treatment of plastic waste. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most used polymers and is accumulating in landfills or elsewhere in nature at alarming rates. In recent years, enzymatic degradation of PET by Ideonella sakaiensis PETase (IsPETase), a cutinase-like enzyme, has emerged as a promising strategy to completely depolymerize this polymer into its building blocks. Here, inspired by the architecture of cutinases and lipases homologous to IsPETase and using 3D structure information of the enzyme, we rationally designed three mutations in IsPETase active site for enhancing its PET-degrading activity. In particular, the S238Y mutant, located nearby the catalytic triad, showed a degradation activity increased by 3.3-fold in comparison to the wild-type enzyme. Importantly, this structural modification favoured the function of the enzyme in breaking down highly crystallized (~31%) PET, which is found in commercial soft drink bottles. In addition, microscopical analysis of enzyme-treated PET samples showed that IsPETase acts better when the smooth surface of highly crystalline PET is altered by mechanical stress. These results represent important progress in the accomplishment of a sustainable and complete degradation of PET pollution.
Formation of pH-Responsive Cotton by the Adsorption of Methyl Orange Dye
Authors: Kert Mateja , Skoko Jasna
Published: April 2023

The interest in pH-sensitive textile sensors is growing in the global market. Due to their low-cost production, mechanical stability, flexibility, air-permeability, washability, and reusability, they are more suitable than electronic sensor systems. The research tailored the pH-sensitive textile by applying the pH indicator methyl orange to the cotton fabric during conventional dyeing. Adsorption of methyl orange dye to cotton fabric is hindered due to electrostatic repulsive forces between dye anions and negatively charged cotton fibre. To overcome this problem, chemical modification of cotton fabric using a commercial product was performed. The pH sensitivity of the dyed fabric was spectrophotometrically evaluated. In addition, the colour fastness of dyed cotton fabric to washing, light, hot pressing and rubbing was investigated according to valid SIST EN ISO standards. The research results show that the pH-responsive cotton fabric was successfully developed. The chemical modification of cotton fabric is crucial for the increased adsorption of methyl orange dye. The halochromic effect was not only perceived spectrophotometrically but also with the naked eye. The developed halochromic cotton fabric showed poor colour fastness to light and good colour fastness to hot pressing and rubbing, while no significant improvement in colour fastness to washing was observed, even though the fabric was after-treated with a cationic fixing agent. Higher adsorption of the methyl orange dye to the cotton fabric during the dyeing process leads to less wastewater pollution after dyeing with unfixed dye and, thus, a reduction in wastewater treatment costs.
The Effect of Housing Environment on Egg Production, USDA Egg Size, and USDA Grade Distribution of Commercial White Egg Layers
Authors: Alig Benjamin N. , Ferket Peter R. , Malheiros Ramon D. , Anderson Kenneth E.
Published: April 2023

The housing environment has become a critical issue for consumers of eggs and egg products. Therefore, it is imperative to understand how various housing environments can affect the modern laying hen. In this study, alongside the 40th NC layer performance test, four different housing environments were chosen based on industry prevalence, which include conventional cages, barren, enrichable colony cages, enriched colony cages, and cage-free environments. Hens in these environments were raised following standard feeding and lighting practices. This study found that conventional cage and enriched colony cage hens had the highest egg production level, while hens from the barren colony cages had the lowest production level. Feed efficiency followed a similar trend, where conventional cage and cage-free hens had the best feed efficiency, followed by enriched colony cage and barren colony cage hens. This study also found that conventional cage hens had the largest eggs, while cage-free hens had the smallest eggs. Cage-free and conventional cage hens had the lowest mortality rate, while hens in the barren colony cage had the highest mortality rate. From the data shown, it appears that standard, conventional cages provide white egg layers with the most optimal environment for production performance. However, a further evaluation of health and stress is needed to determine which environment provides the hen with optimal welfare.
Public Theology as Cultural Witness: Christological Contours for “Times That Are A’Changin’”
Authors: Schliesser Christine
Published: April 2023

Churches in Europe are being faced with a transformation that can be described as a seismic shift. In order to face the challenge of cultural witness in this context, this contribution proposes a Christologically contoured public theology. This will be spelt out in four consecutive steps. After a brief introduction on the paradigm of public theology, the second part tackles the question of addressees. Is the witness of public theology directed at the church or at the world? Making use of the insights of German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this contribution argues for going beyond the binary and understanding the one Christ-reality as the frame of reference for public theology and cultural witness. The third part seeks to uncover the transformative power of Christology for public witness by making use of the traditional dogmatic figure of the munus triplex for the task of witnessing to the “public Christ” (Michael Welker). In the final part, three theses sketch out the implications of public witness in “times that are a-changin’.” (1) Public witness needs religious literacy and bilinguality. (2) For public witness, diaspora existence and missional existence are sisters. (3) Public witness is ecumenical, practical, and spiritual.
Citizenship in the Writings of a Post-Islamist Ex-Muslim Brother: The Case of Ruhayyil Gharayiba
Authors: Wagemakers Joas
Published: April 2023

The literature on post-Islamism has paid little attention to citizenship and has largely ignored how conceptual reform on this topic is supported by reinterpretations of the sharia. This article addresses this issue by focussing on the Jordanian ex-Muslim Brother Ruhayyil Gharayiba, who has been at the forefront of post-Islamist reform in his country, including with regard to citizenship. Based on an extensive reading of Gharayiba’s own work in Arabic as well as multiple interviews with him, it seeks to answer the following question: to what extent and how has Gharayiba built a conceptual as well as a legal basis for his post-Islamist ideas on citizenship and what does this tell us about the development of post-Islamism in relation to Asef Bayat’s writings on the subject? It shows that Gharayiba is, indeed, a post-Islamist and uses concepts on citizenship similar to those used by Egyptian post-Islamists, but goes further by also providing legal support for his views and pushing beyond the idea of a “civil state with an Islamic authority”. As such, the example of Gharayiba concurs with Bayat’s writings on post-Islamism, showing that continued religiosity can be combined with reform that goes beyond even that of the wasatiyya.
Conversion among Chinese Overseas Students in the US: A Choice Model on Individual Characteristics and Organizational Traits
Authors: Yang Xiaozhao Y. , Yang Fangying
Published: April 2023

After people migrate to a different religious landscape, they will have multiple candidate religions to choose from, and some people may convert to a new religion. This study argues that both individual-level characteristics and a religion’s organizational traits are involved in religious conversion. Using cross-sectional samples of Chinese overseas students and scholars in the US in 2018 (n = 1911), we deployed mixed multinomial models to demonstrate how conversion, measured as intergenerational and personal religious changes, is associated with individual-level factors and organizational traits of religions. We found that the choice between Christianity, Buddhism, and Chinese folk religion, compared with no religion, is associated with unique individual-level characteristics. For religious organizational traits, missionary intensity and organized activity intensity are generally associated with a higher likelihood of conversion. This study distinguishes the different levels of the operating mechanism in conversion and points out an interactive and heterogenous model for individuals’ choice of various competing religions.
Monastics and the Medieval Chinese Buddhist Mythos: A Study of Narrative Elements in Daoxuan’s Ji shenzhou sanbao gantong lu (Collected Record of Miracles Relating to the Three Jewels in China)
Authors: Landry Nelson Elliott
Published: April 2023

Miracle tales are didactic stories related to Buddhist figures, objects, and places that describe supernormal occurrences brought about by acts of great piety and fervent devotion. They present the audience with concrete examples of the workings of karma, while simultaneously setting verifiable historical precedents in a bid to prove the religious efficacy of Buddhism in China. These were also historiographical works, providing a wealth of detail regarding not only religious life and belief in China, but also local lore, politics, architectural trends, and much more. This paper will focus on a text called the Ji shenzhou sanbao gantong lu 集神州三寶感通錄 (T2106), a collection of miracle tales compiled by the seventh-century scholar-monk, Daoxuan 道宣 (596–667 CE). This text is a collection of narratives drawn from literary and epigraphy sources, as well as orally transmitted stories. As a Buddhist figurehead and as the author of many seminal historiographical works, Daoxuan played a central role in the overall localization of this tradition in China. Bearing this in mind, this paper seeks to interpret the “collective images” presented in Daoxuan’s collection of miracle tales, those representations of the miraculous and the supernormal.
The Potential of Deep Learning for Satellite Rainfall Detection over Data-Scarce Regions, the West African Savanna
Authors: Estébanez-Camarena Mónica , Taormina Riccardo , van de Giesen Nick , ten Veldhuis Marie-Claire
Published: April 2023

Food and economic security in West Africa rely heavily on rainfed agriculture and are threatened by climate change and demographic growth. Accurate rainfall information is therefore crucial to tackling these challenges. Particularly, information about the occurrence and length of droughts as well as the onset date of the rainy season is essential for agricultural planning. However, existing rainfall models fail to accurately represent the highly variable and sparsely monitored West African rainfall patterns. In this paper, we show the potential of deep learning (DL) to model rainfall in the region and propose a methodology to develop DL models in data-scarce areas. We built two DL models for satellite rainfall (rain/no-rain) detection over northern Ghana from Meteosat TIR data based on standard DL architectures: Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and convolutional long short-term memory neural networks (ConvLSTM). The Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission (IMERG) and Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Imagery Using an Artificial Neural Network Cloud Classification System (PERSIANN-CCS) products are used as benchmarks. We use rain gauge data from the Trans-African Hydro-Meteorological Observatory (TAHMO) for model development and performance evaluation. We show that our models compare well against existing products despite being considerably simpler, developed with a small training dataset—i.e., 8 stations covering 2.5 years with 20.4% of the data missing—and using TIR data alone. Concretely, our models consistently outperform PERSIANN-CCS for rain/no-rain detection at a sub-daily timescale. While IMERG is the overall best performer, the DL models perform better in the second half of the rainy season despite their simplicity (i.e., up to 120 k parameters). Our results suggest that DL-based regional models are a promising alternative to state-of-the-art global products for providing regional rainfall information, especially in meteorologically complex regions such as the (sub)tropics, which are poorly covered by ground-based rainfall observations.
Temporal and Spatial Change in Vegetation and Its Interaction with Climate Change in Argentina from 1982 to 2015
Authors: Long Qi , Wang Fei , Ge Wenyan , Jiao Feng , Han Jianqiao , Chen Hao , Roig Fidel Alejandro , Abraham Elena María , Xie Mengxia , Cai Lu
Published: April 2023

Studying vegetation change and its interaction with climate change is essential for regional ecological protection. Previous studies have demonstrated the impact of climate change on regional vegetation in South America; however, studies addressing the fragile ecological environment in Argentina are limited. Therefore, we assessed the vegetation dynamics and their climatic feedback in five administrative regions of Argentina, using correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis methods. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index 3rd generation (NDVI3g) from Global Inventory Monitoring and Modeling Studies (GIMMS) and climatic data from the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) Land Data Assimilation System (FLDAS) were processed. The NDVI of the 1982–2015 period in Argentina showed a downward trend, varying from −1.75 to 0.69/decade. The NDVI in Northeast Argentina (NEA), Northwest Argentina (NWA), Pampas, and Patagonia significantly decreased. Precipitation was negatively correlated with the NDVI in western Patagonia, whereas temperature and solar radiation were positively correlated with the NDVI. Extreme precipitation and drought were essential causes of vegetation loss in Patagonia. The temperature (73.09%), precipitation (64.02%), and solar radiation (73.27%) in Pampas, Cuyo, NEA, and NWA were positively correlated with the NDVI. However, deforestation and farming and pastoral activities have caused vegetation destruction in Pampas, NEA, and NWA. Environmental protection policies and deforestation regulations should be introduced to protect the ecological environment. The results of this study clarify the reasons for the vegetation change in Argentina and provide a theoretical reference for dealing with climate change.
Improving Semantic Segmentation of Roof Segments Using Large-Scale Datasets Derived from 3D City Models and High-Resolution Aerial Imagery
Authors: Faltermeier Florian L. , Krapf Sebastian , Willenborg Bruno , Kolbe Thomas H.
Published: April 2023

Advances in deep learning techniques for remote sensing as well as the increased availability of high-resolution data enable the extraction of more detailed information from aerial images. One promising task is the semantic segmentation of roof segments and their orientation. However, the lack of annotated data is a major barrier for deploying respective models on a large scale. Previous research demonstrated the viability of the deep learning approach for the task, but currently, published datasets are small-scale, manually labeled, and rare. Therefore, this paper extends the state of the art by presenting a novel method for the automated generation of large-scale datasets based on semantic 3D city models. Furthermore, we train a model on a dataset 50 times larger than existing datasets and achieve superior performance while applying it to a wider variety of buildings. We evaluate the approach by comparing networks trained on four dataset configurations, including an existing dataset and our novel large-scale dataset. The results show that the network performance measured as intersection over union can be increased from 0.60 for the existing dataset to 0.70 when the large-scale model is applied on the same region. The large-scale model performs superiorly even when applied to more diverse test samples, achieving 0.635. The novel approach contributes to solving the dataset bottleneck and consequently to improving semantic segmentation of roof segments. The resulting remotely sensed information is crucial for applications such as solar potential analysis or urban planning.
Effect of the Coil Excitation Method on the Performance of a Dual-Coil Inductive Displacement Transducer
Authors: Xu Jikang , Li Yanchao , Li Ruichuan , Yang Junru , Yu Xiaodong
Published: April 2023

A dual-coil inductive displacement transducer is a non-contact type measuring element for measuring displacement and is widely used in large power equipment systems such as construction machinery and agricultural equipment. However, the effect of the coil excitation method on the performance of dual-coil inductive displacement sensors has not been studied. This paper investigates the impact of different coil excitation methods on the operating performance of displacement transducers. The working principle, electromagnetic characteristics, and electrical characteristics were analyzed by building a mathematical model. A transducer measurement device was used to determine the relationship between core displacement and coil inductance. Three coil excitation methods were proposed, and the effects of the three coil excitation methods on the amplitude variation, phase shift, linearity, and sensitivity of the output signal were studied by simulation based on the AD630 chip as the core of the conditioning circuit. Finally, the study’s feasibility was demonstrated by comparing the experiment to the simulation. The results show that, under the uniform magnetic field strength distribution in the coil, the coil voltage variation is proportional to the inductive core displacement. The amplitude variation is the largest for the dual-coil series three-wire (DCSTW) and is the same for the dual-coil series four-wire (DCSFW) and dual-coil parallel differential (DCPD). DCSFW has an enormous phase shift. DCSTW has the best linearity. The research in this paper provides a theoretical basis for selecting a suitable coil excitation, which is conducive to further improving the operating performance of dual-coil inductive displacement transducers.
Design and Characterization of a Low-Cost and Efficient Torsional Spring for ES-RSEA
Authors: Al-Dahiree Omar Sabah , Ghazilla Raja Ariffin Raja , Tokhi Mohammad Osman , Yap Hwa Jen , Gul Mustabshirha
Published: April 2023

The design of torsional springs for series elastic actuators (SEAs) is challenging, especially when balancing good stiffness characteristics and efficient torque robustness. This study focuses on the design of a lightweight, low-cost, and compact torsional spring for use in the energy storage-rotary series elastic actuator (ES-RSEA) of a lumbar support exoskeleton. The exoskeleton is used as an assistive device to prevent lower back injuries. The torsion spring was designed following design for manufacturability (DFM) principles, focusing on minimal space and weight. The design process involved determining the potential topology and optimizing the selected topology parameters through the finite element method (FEM) to reduce equivalent stress. The prototype was made using a waterjet cutting process with a low-cost material (AISI-4140-alloy) and tested using a custom-made test rig. The results showed that the torsion spring had a linear torque-displacement relationship with 99% linearity, and the deviation between FEM simulation and experimental measurements was less than 2%. The torsion spring has a maximum torque capacity of 45.7 Nm and a 440 Nm/rad stiffness. The proposed torsion spring is a promising option for lumbar support exoskeletons and similar applications requiring low stiffness, low weight-to-torque ratio, and cost-effectiveness.
Development of an Embedded Software and Control Kit to Be Used in Soilless Agriculture Production Systems
Authors: Yegül Uğur
Published: April 2023

Traditional agricultural methods, which are still adopted today, depend on many factors. Food production processes face serious risks, such as limited clean water resources and supplements such as phosphorus, in addition to weather conditions due to climate change, the distribution of pests and soil-borne diseases, and increasing demand due to population growth, which can lead to famine. In particular, there may be cases where the soil nutrient content is insufficient and the soil structure is not suitable for cultivation. Therefore, soilless farming techniques have become popular, where the producer is entirely in control of the process. Additionally, many factors affect conventional farming techniques, including restrictions on land suitable for agriculture, climate-increased transportation costs from production areas to central regions, and environmental sanctions. Therefore, soilless farming techniques and the use of technology have rapidly gained importance. The use of technology has two crucial parameters: hardware and software. Today, no device can simultaneously control the electrical conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature of the solution in systems cultivated with soilless farming techniques. The present study was conducted to find a solution to the needs in this area. An automatic control system was developed and tested, employing a microcontroller, various sensors, appropriate open-source codes, and original software. Electrical conductivity (EC), power of hydrogen (pH), dissolved oxygen (DO), and temperature (T) values were determined successfully by the developed control system. The area where the experiment was conducted is a fully controlled and closed area established within Ankara University. The ambient temperature was 22 °C and the humidity was 39%. The coordinates of the experimental area are 39.962013 and 32.867491. Three different artificial lighting intensities (165.6 µmol m−2 s−1, 248.4 µmol m−2 s−1, and 331.2 µmol m−2 s−1) and a desired photoperiod duration can be applied to the site.
Atmospheric Boundary Layer Wind Profile Estimation Using Neural Networks, Mesoscale Models, and LiDAR Measurements
Authors: García-Gutiérrez Adrián , López Deibi , Domínguez Diego , Gonzalo Jesús
Published: April 2023

This paper introduces a novel methodology that estimates the wind profile within the ABL by using a neural network along with predictions from a mesoscale model in conjunction with a single near-surface measurement. A major advantage of this solution compared to other solutions available in the literature is that it requires only near-surface measurements for prediction once the neural network has been trained. An additional advantage is the fact that it can be potentially used to explore the time evolution of the wind profile. Data collected by a LiDAR sensor located at the University of León (Spain) is used in the present research. The information obtained from the wind profile is valuable for multiple applications, such as preliminary calculations of the wind asset or CFD modeling.
Dual-Sensing Piezoresponsive Foam for Dynamic and Static Loading
Authors: Hanson Ryan A. , Newton Cory N. , Merrell Aaron Jake , Bowden Anton E. , Seeley Matthew K. , Mitchell Ulrike H. , Mazzeo Brian A. , Fullwood David T.
Published: April 2023

Polymeric foams, embedded with nano-scale conductive particles, have previously been shown to display quasi-piezoelectric (QPE) properties; i.e., they produce a voltage in response to rapid deformation. This behavior has been utilized to sense impact and vibration in foam components, such as in sports padding and vibration-isolating pads. However, a detailed characterization of the sensing behavior has not been undertaken. Furthermore, the potential for sensing quasi-static deformation in the same material has not been explored. This paper provides new insights into these self-sensing foams by characterizing voltage response vs frequency of deformation. The correlation between temperature and voltage response is also quantified. Furthermore, a new sensing functionality is observed, in the form of a piezoresistive response to quasi-static deformation. The piezoresistive characteristics are quantified for both in-plane and through-thickness resistance configurations. The new functionality greatly enhances the potential applications for the foam, for example, as insoles that can characterize ground reaction force and pressure during dynamic and/or quasi-static circumstances, or as seat cushioning that can sense pressure and impact.