bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Counterfeit and Substandard Test of the Antimalarial Tablet Riamet® by Means of Raman Hyperspectral Multicomponent Analysis
Authors: Frosch Timea , Wyrwich Elisabeth , Yan Di , Domes Christian , Domes Robert , Popp Juergen , Frosch Torsten
Published: September 2019

The fight against counterfeit pharmaceuticals is a global issue of utmost importance, as failed medication results in millions of deaths every year. Particularly affected are antimalarial tablets. A very important issue is the identification of substandard tablets that do not contain the nominal amounts of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), and the differentiation between genuine products and products without any active ingredient or with a false active ingredient. This work presents a novel approach based on fiber-array based Raman hyperspectral imaging to qualify and quantify the antimalarial APIs lumefantrine and artemether directly and non-invasively in a tablet in a time-efficient way. The investigations were carried out with the antimalarial tablet Riamet® and self-made model tablets, which were used as examples of counterfeits and substandard. Partial least-squares regression modeling and density functional theory calculations were carried out for quantification of lumefantrine and artemether and for spectral band assignment. The most prominent differentiating vibrational signatures of the APIs were presented.
In Vivo Anti-Tumor Effects of Citral on 4T1 Breast Cancer Cells via Induction of Apoptosis and Downregulation of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Activity
Authors: Nigjeh Siyamak Ebrahimi , Yeap Swee Keong , Nordin Norshariza , Rahman Heshu , Rosli Rozita
Published: September 2019

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among females globally. The tumorigenic activities of cancer cells such as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity and differentiation have contributed to relapse and eventual mortality in breast cancer. Thus, current drug discovery research is focused on targeting breast cancer cells with ALDH activity and their capacity to form secondary tumors. Citral (3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal), from lemon grass (Cymbopogon citrates), has been previously reported to have a cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cells. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the in vivo effect of citral in targeting ALDH activity of breast cancer cells. BALB/c mice were challenged with 4T1 breast cancer cells followed by daily oral feeding of 50 mg/kg citral or distilled water for two weeks. The population of ALDH+ tumor cells and their capacity to form secondary tumors in both untreated and citral treated 4T1 challenged mice were assessed by Aldefluor assay and tumor growth upon cell reimplantation in normal mice, respectively. Citral treatment reduced the size and number of cells with ALDH+ activity of the tumors in 4T1-challenged BALB/c mice. Moreover, citral-treated mice were also observed with smaller tumor size and delayed tumorigenicity after reimplantation of the primary tumor cells into normal mice. These findings support the antitumor effect of citral in targeting ALDH+ cells and tumor recurrence in breast cancer cells.
Graphene Nanoplatelets Modified with Amino-Groups by Ultrasonic Radiation of Variable Frequency for Potential Adsorption of Uremic Toxins
Authors: Cabello-Alvarado C. , Andrade-Guel M. , Pérez-Alvarez M. , Cadenas-Pliego G. , Cortés-Hernández Dora A. , Bartolo-Pérez P. , Ávila-Orta C.A. , Cruz-Delgado V.J. , Zepeda-Pedreguera A.
Published: September 2019

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. In stages III and IV of CKD, uremic toxins must be removed from the patient by absorption, through a treatment commonly called hemodialysis. Aiming to improve the absorption of uremic toxins, we have studied its absorption in chemically modified graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). This study involved the reaction between GNPs and diamines with reaction times of 30, 45 and 60 min using ultrasound waves of different amplitudes and frequencies. Functionalized GNPs were analyzed by Fourier Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersitive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The analysis of the functional groups confirmed the presence of amide and hydroxyl groups on the surface of the GNPs by reactions of diamines with carboxylic acids and epoxides. Adsorption of uremic toxins was determined using equilibrium isotherms, where the maximum percentage of removal of uremic toxins was 97%. Dispersion of modified graphene nanoplatelets was evaluated in water, ethanol and hexane, as a result of this treatment was achieved a good and effective dispersion of diamines-modified graphene nanoplatelets in ethanol and hexane. Finally, the results of hemolysis assays of the modified graphene with amine demonstrated that it was not cytotoxic when using 500 mg/mL. The samples of modified graphene demonstrated low degree of hemolysis (<2%), so this material can be used for in vivo applications such as hemodialysis.
Incorporation of Glycine max Merrill Extract into Layered Double Hydroxide through Ion-Exchange and Reconstruction
Authors: Jeung Do-Gak , Kim Hyoung-Jun , Oh Jae-Min
Published: September 2019

We incorporated extract of Glycine max Merrill (GM), which is generally known as soybean, into a layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanostructure through two different methods, ion-exchange and reconstruction. Through X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and zeta-potential measurement, GM moiety seemed to be simply attached on the surface of LDH by ion-exchange process, while the extract could be incorporated in the inter-particle pore of LDHs by reconstruction reaction. The quantification exhibited that both incorporation method showed comparable extract loading capacity of 15.6 wt/wt% for GM-LDH hybrid prepared by ion-exchange (GML-I) and 18.6 wt/wt% for GM-LDH hybrid by reconstruction (GML-R). On the other hand, bioactive substance in both GM-LDH hybrids, revealed that GML-R has higher daidzein content (0.0286 wt/wt%) compared with GML-I (0.0108 wt/wt%). According to time-dependent daidzein release, we confirmed that GML-R showed pH dependent daidzein release; a higher amount of daidzein was released in pH 4.5 physiological condition than in pH 7.4, suggesting the drug delivery potential of GML-R. Furthermore, alkaline phosphatase activity and collagen fiber formation on human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells displayed that GML-R had superior possibility of osteoblast differentiation than GML-I. From these results, we concluded that reconstruction method was more effective for extract incorporation than ion-exchange reaction, due to its pH dependent release property and alkaline phosphatase activity.
Antimicrobial Synergistic Effect Between Ag and Zn in Ag-ZnO·mSiO2 Silicate Composite with High Specific Surface Area
Authors: Bednář Jiří , Svoboda Ladislav , Rybková Zuzana , Dvorský Richard , Malachová Kateřina , Stachurová Tereza , Matýsek Dalibor , Foldyna Vladimír
Published: September 2019

Antimicrobial materials are widely used for inhibition of microorganisms in the environment. It has been established that bacterial growth can be restrained by silver nanoparticles. Combining these with other antimicrobial agents, such as ZnO, may increase the antimicrobial activity and the use of carrier substrate makes the material easier to handle. In the paper, we present an antimicrobial nanocomposite based on silver nanoparticles nucleated in general silicate nanostructure ZnO·mSiO2. First, we prepared the silicate fine net nanostructure ZnO·mSiO2 with zinc content up to 30 wt% by precipitation of sodium water glass in zinc acetate solution. Silver nanoparticles were then formed within the material by photoreduction of AgNO3 on photoactive ZnO. This resulted into an Ag-ZnO·mSiO2 composite with silica gel-like morphology and the specific surface area of 250 m2/g. The composite, alongside with pure AgNO3 and clear ZnO·mSiO2, were successfully tested for antimicrobial activity on both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains and yeast Candida albicans. With respect to the silver content, the minimal inhibition concentration of Ag-ZnO·mSiO2 was worse than AgNO3 only for gram-negative strains. Moreover, we found a positive synergistic antimicrobial effect between Ag and Zn agents. These properties create an efficient and easily applicable antimicrobial material in the form of powder.
Enhanced Photocatalytic H2 Evolution over ZnIn2S4 Flower-Like Microspheres Doped with Black Phosphorus Quantum Dots
Authors: Pan Xiaoying , Shang Chaoqun , Chen Zhihong , Jin Mingliang , Zhang Yongguang , Zhang Zhang , Wang Xin , Zhou Guofu
Published: September 2019

In this work, black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) were decorated on hexagonal ZnIn2S4 flower-like microspheres to form zero-dimensional/two-dimensional (0D/2D) structures. Interface interactions between the BPQDs and ZnIn2S4 resulted in optimum effective charge transfer, thereby improving the photocatalytic performance of the material. Thus, the 0.2% BPQD–ZnIn2S4 sample showed 30% higher H2 evolution rates compared to pure ZnIn2S4. This study provides a simple route for the synthesis of photocatalysts. The results obtained herein can pave the way for designing effective catalysts for solar-to-chemical energy conversion and feasible approaches to obtain cheap, clean, and efficient photocatalysts.
Health Monitoring of Metallic Structures with Electromechanical Impedance and Piezoelectric Sensors
Authors: Zhu Jianjian , Wang Yishou , Qing Xinlin
Published: September 2019

In order to monitor the health condition of structures in a more sensitive and accurate way, a novel and universal methodology called direct coupling mechanical impedance (DCMI) for characteristic signatures extraction is presented in this paper. This methodology is used to obtain DCMI signatures from measured raw signatures (RSs) with the surface-bonded piezoelectric sensors (PZT), which is developed from a pertinent electromechanical impedance (EMI) theoretical model for surface-bonded circular PZT. The proposed DCMI methodology has the advantages of simple calculation and magnifying the signatures when compared with the existing methods. Combining the extracted DCMI signatures with the root mean square deviation (RMSD) index is able to quantify the correlation between the health condition and the signatures variation more effectively. To verify the effectiveness of proposed DCMI methodology, experiments are conducted on aluminum plates and a part of fuselage in detail. The experimental results sufficiently demonstrate that the presented universal DCMI methodology possesses better sensitivity than the raw signatures when utilized for evaluating the health condition of metallic structures, including those made of metal-matrix nanomaterials.
The Way to Pursue Truly High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Jia-Ren , Thakur Diksha , Chiang Shou-En , Chandel Anjali , Wang Jyh-Shyang , Chiu Kuan-Cheng , Chang Sheng Hsiung
Published: September 2019

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of single-junction solar cells was theoretically predicted to be limited by the Shockley–Queisser limit due to the intrinsic potential loss of the photo-excited electrons in the light absorbing materials. Up to now, the optimized GaAs solar cell has the highest PCE of 29.1%, which is close to the theoretical limit of ~33%. To pursue the perfect photovoltaic performance, it is necessary to extend the lifetimes of the photo-excited carriers (hot electrons and hot holes) and to collect the hot carriers without potential loss. Thanks to the long-lived hot carriers in perovskite crystal materials, it is possible to completely convert the photon energy to electrical power when the hot electrons and hot holes can freely transport in the quantized energy levels of the electron transport layer and hole transport layer, respectively. In order to achieve the ideal PCE, the interactions between photo-excited carriers and phonons in perovskite solar cells has to be completely understood.
Low Serum Vitamin D Concentrations Are Associated with Insulin Resistance in Mexican Children and Adolescents
Authors: Denova-Gutiérrez Edgar , Muñoz-Aguirre Paloma , López Desiree , Flores Mario , Medeiros Mara , Tamborrel Natalia , Clark Patricia
Published: September 2019

Previous studies in the Mexican adult population have suggested a relationship between low levels of serum concentrations of serum vitamin D with impaired glucose tolerance, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes, regardless of the presence of obesity. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and the factors linked to insulin resistance. A total of 533 children and adolescents from the “Reference Values of Body Composition in the Pediatric Population of Mexico City” study are assessed. Body composition, dietary, and lifestyle data are obtained. Serum vitamin D, insulin, and glucose are also measured. Associations are tested using multiple linear and logistic regression models. Approximately 90% of children and adolescents in this study have sub-optimal vitamin D levels (<30 ng/mL). An inverse relationship between insulin resistance and serum vitamin D is observed (OR (odds ratios) = 2.9; 95% CI (95% confidence intervals): 1.1, 7.2; p-trend 0.03). Low serum vitamin D levels are associated with insulin resistance in the pediatric population. The present study provides additional evidence for the role of vitamin D in insulin resistance. Our findings suggest the supplementation of vitamin D may be helpful in preventing insulin resistance and subsequent diabetes.
Water and Beverage Consumption among a Nationally Representative Sample of Children and Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Ali Habiba I. , Al Dhaheri Ayesha S. , Elmi Fadima , Ng Shu Wen , Zaghloul Sahar , Ohuma Eric O. , Qazaq Husain S.
Published: September 2019

There are limited studies examining water consumption among individuals in hot climates. We assessed the daily total water intake from plain water, other beverages, and food in a nationally representative sample of children and adolescents aged 6–18 years in the United Arab Emirates. Total water intake was compared against the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine and the European Food Safety Authority. Sociodemographic information, 24 h dietary recall, physical activity levels, and anthropometric data were collected from 527 participants. The mean ± SE of total water intake was 1778.4 ± 33.8 mL/day. Plain drinking water was the largest contributor to total water intake (51.6%), followed by food (27.3%). Sugar-sweetened beverages constituted 13.9% of water intake. The proportion of participants who met the Institute of Medicine recommendations ranged from 15% (males aged 14–18) to 25% (children aged 6–8). The proportion of participants who met the European Food Safety Authority recommendations ranged from 31% (females aged 14–18) to 36% (males aged 14–18). The water-to-energy ratio was 1.0–1.15 L/1000 kcal, meeting recommendations. The majority of participants failed to meet water intake recommendations, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to promote increased water consumption among children and adolescents.
Crosstalk of Nrf2 with the Trace Elements Selenium, Iron, Zinc, and Copper
Authors: Schwarz Maria , Lossow Kristina , Kopp Johannes F. , Schwerdtle Tanja , Kipp Anna P.
Published: September 2019

Trace elements, like Cu, Zn, Fe, or Se, are important for the proper functioning of antioxidant enzymes. However, in excessive amounts, they can also act as pro-oxidants. Accordingly, trace elements influence redox-modulated signaling pathways, such as the Nrf2 pathway. Vice versa, Nrf2 target genes belong to the group of transport and metal binding proteins. In order to investigate whether Nrf2 directly regulates the systemic trace element status, we used mice to study the effect of a constitutive, whole-body Nrf2 knockout on the systemic status of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Se. As the loss of selenoproteins under Se-deprived conditions has been described to further enhance Nrf2 activity, we additionally analyzed the combination of Nrf2 knockout with feeding diets that provide either suboptimal, adequate, or supplemented amounts of Se. Experiments revealed that the Nrf2 knockout partially affected the trace element concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, or Se in the intestine, liver, and/or plasma. However, aside from Fe, the other three trace elements were only marginally modulated in an Nrf2-dependent manner. Selenium deficiency mainly resulted in increased plasma Zn levels. One putative mediator could be the metal regulatory transcription factor 1, which was up-regulated with an increasing Se supply and downregulated in Se-supplemented Nrf2 knockout mice.
Effects of Macronutrients on the In Vitro Production of ClpB, a Bacterial Mimetic Protein of α-MSH and Its Possible Role in Satiety Signaling
Authors: Dominique Manon , Breton Jonathan , Guérin Charlène , Bole-Feysot Christine , Lambert Grégory , Déchelotte Pierre , Fetissov Sergueï
Published: September 2019

Gut microbiota can influence the feeding behavior of the host, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Recently, caseinolytic protease B (ClpB), a disaggregation chaperon protein of Escherichia coli, was identified as a conformational mimetic of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), an anorexigenic neuropeptide. Importantly, ClpB was necessary for E. coli to have an anorexigenic effect in mice, suggesting that it may participate in satiety signaling. To explore this further, we determined the short-term (2 h) effects of three macronutrients: protein (bovine serum albumin), carbohydrate (D-fructose) and fat (oleic acid), on the production of ClpB by E. coli and analyzed whether ClpB can stimulate the secretion of the intestinal satiety hormone, peptide YY (PYY). Isocaloric amounts of all three macronutrients added to a continuous culture of E. coli increased ClpB immunoreactivity. However, to increase the levels of ClpB mRNA and ClpB protein in bacteria and supernatants, supplementation with protein was required. A nanomolar concentration of recombinant E. coli ClpB dose-dependently stimulated PYY secretion from the primary cell cultures of rat intestinal mucosa. Total proteins extracted from E. coli but not from ClpB-deficient E. coli strains also tended to increase PYY secretion. These data support a possible link between E. coli ClpB and protein-induced satiety signaling in the gut.
Soluble CD14 in Breast Milk and Its Relation to Atopic Manifestations in Early Infancy
Authors: Fikri Bahrul , Tani Yumi , Nagai Kazue , Sahara Masumi , Mitsuishi Chisako , Togawa Yaei , Nakano Taiji , Yamaide Fumiya , Ohno Hiroshi , Shimojo Naoki
Published: September 2019

Soluble CD14 (sCD14) is one of the immunomodulatory factors in breast milk (BM). Although it may be involved in the prevention of atopic symptoms and sensitization to both food and inhalant allergens, conflicting evidence exists concerning its protective effects. In this study, we investigated the relationship between sCD14 in colostrum and 1-month BM, and the development of atopic dermatitis (AD) and sensitization to food and aeroallergens at 9 months of age in infants who were exclusively or almost exclusively breastfed up to 4 months of age. BM samples were collected from lactating mothers who participated in a 2 × 2 factorial, randomized, nontreatment controlled trial study set in Tokyo, which looked at the efficacy of emollients and synbiotics in preventing AD and food allergy in children during the first year of life. A total of 258 colostrum samples and 269 1-month BM samples were analyzed. We found that one-month BM sCD14 levels in the AD group were significantly lower than in the non-AD group. Levels of sCD14 in 1-month BM were not related to allergen sensitization in the overall analysis, but egg white sensitization correlated inversely with 1-month BM sCD14 in infants without AD. The results suggest that sCD14 in BM may be involved in atopic manifestations in early infancy.
Nutrition and Eye Health
Authors: Lawrenson John G. , Downie Laura E.
Published: September 2019

Diet is a key lifestyle factor that can have long-term effects on ocular health [...]
Identification of Markers Associated with Yield Traits and Morphological Features in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Tomkowiak Agnieszka , Bocianowski Jan , Wolko Łukasz , Adamczyk Józef , Mikołajczyk Sylwia , Kowalczewski Przemysław Łukasz
Published: September 2019

Association mapping is a powerful approach to detect associations between traits of interest and genetic markers based on linkage disequilibrium in molecular plant breeding. The aim of this study was the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and SilicoDArT markers associated with yield traits and morphological features in maize. Plant material constituted inbred lines. The field experiment with inbred lines was established on 10 m2 plots in a set of complete random blocks in three replicates. We observed 22 quantitative traits. Association mapping was performed in this study using a method based on the mixed linear model with the population structure estimated by eigenanalysis (principal component analysis applied to all markers) and modeled by random effects. As a result of mapping, 969 markers (346 SNPs and 623 SilocoDArT) were selected from 49,911 identified polymorphic molecular markers, which were significantly associated with the analyzed morphological features and yield structure traits. Markers associated with five or six traits were selected during further analyses, including SilicoDArT 4591115 (anthocyanin coloration of anthers, length of main axis above the highest lateral branch, cob length, number of grains per cob, weight of fresh grains per cob and weight of fresh grains per cob at 15% moisture), SilicoDArT 7059939 (anthocyanin coloration of glumes of cob, time of anthesis—50% of flowering plants, time of silk emergence—50% of flowering plants, anthocyanin coloration of anthers and cob diameter), SilicoDArT 5587991 (anthocyanin coloration of glumes of cob, time of anthesis—50% of flowering plants, anthocyanin coloration of anthers, curvature of lateral branches and number of rows of grain). The two genetic similarity dendrograms between the inbred lines were constructed based on all significant SNPs and SilicoDArT markers. On both dendrograms lines clustered according to the kernel structure (flint, dent) and origin. The selected markers may be useful in predicting hybrid formulas in a heterosis culture. The present study demonstrated that molecular SNP and Silico DArT markers could be used in this species to group lines in terms of origin and lines with incomplete origin data. They can also be useful in maize in predicting the hybrid formula and can find applications in the selection of parental components for heterosis crossings.
Reactive Oxygen Species Alleviate Cell Death Induced by Thaxtomin A in Arabidopsis thaliana Cell Cultures
Authors: Awwad Fatima , Bertrand Guillaume , Grandbois Michel , Beaudoin Nathalie
Published: September 2019

Thaxtomin A (TA) is a cellulose biosynthesis inhibitor synthesized by the soil actinobacterium Streptomyces scabies, which is the main causal agent of potato common scab. TA is essential for the induction of scab lesions on potato tubers. When added to Arabidopsis thaliana cell cultures, TA induces an atypical programmed cell death (PCD). Although production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) often correlates with the induction of PCD, we observed a decrease in ROS levels following TA treatment. We show that this decrease in ROS accumulation in TA-treated cells is not due to the activation of antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, Arabidopsis cell cultures treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) prior to TA treatment had significantly fewer dead cells than cultures treated with TA alone. This suggests that H2O2 induces biochemical or molecular changes in cell cultures that alleviate the activation of PCD by TA. Investigation of the cell wall mechanics using atomic force microscopy showed that H2O2 treatment can prevent the decrease in cell wall rigidity observed after TA exposure. While we cannot exclude the possibility that H2O2 may promote cell survival by altering the cellular redox environment or signaling pathways, our results suggest that H2O2 may inhibit cell death, at least partially, by reinforcing the cell wall to prevent or compensate for damages induced by TA.
Transparent Cellulose/Technical Lignin Composite Films for Advanced Packaging
Authors: Guo Yujie , Tian Dong , Shen Fei , Yang Gang , Long Lulu , He Jinsong , Song Chun , Zhang Jing , Zhu Ying , Huang Churui , Deng Shihuai
Published: September 2019

Although recent work has shown natural lignin products are promising to fabricate various polymer based functional composites, high-value applications were challenged by their structural complexity and inhomogeneity. This work specially assessed the potential of four technical lignins for cellulose based functional films production. These four technical lignins were obtained by emerging pretreatment systems, i.e., lactic acid-betaine deep eutectic solvent (DES), ethanol organosolv, soda/anthraquinone (Soda/AQ) and the sodium salicylate hydrotrope, and their phenolic substructures were comparatively identified by prevalent 31P NMR technique. The influence of lignin chemical structure on the antioxidant potential and UV-shielding performance of the prepared cellulose/technical lignin composite films were assessed. Results showed severe organosolv and soda/AQ pretreatment produced technical lignins with higher total phenolic hydroxyl groups (3.37 and 3.23 mmol g-1 respectively), which also exhibited higher antioxidant activities. The composite films could effectively block the ultraviolet lights especially for UVB region (ultraviolet B, 280–315 nm) at only 5 wt.% lignin content. The contribution of lignin phenolic substructures to both antioxidant activity and UV-shielding property from high to low was syringyl > guaiacyl > p-hydroxyphenyl phenolic hydroxyl groups. This work provided some useful information that could facilitate upstream lignin extraction or downstream value-added applications.
Influence of Guayule Resin as a Bio-Based Additive on Asphalt–Rubber Binder at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Hemida Ahmed , Abdelrahman Magdy
Published: September 2019

This study seeks to find the influence of replacing a portion of the asphalt–rubber binder with the bio-based material “guayule resin.” This replacement could be beneficial in terms of sustainability, economics, and environmental concerns related to the asphalt industry. Nine asphalt–rubber–guayule binders were investigated to find their rheological properties. Consecutively, the study proceeded with five selected binders being compared to the original asphalt (PG64-22). Investigations underwent whole matrices (crumb rubber modifier (CRM) residue included) and liquid phases (CRM residue extracted). Additionally, these properties were partially sought for their corresponding asphalt–rubber binders to compare and judge the contribution of the guayule resin. Likewise, a thermo-gravimetric analysis was done for the guayule resin to recognize its moisture and composition complexity. Such an analysis was also done for the as-received CRM and some extracted CRMs to determine the release and residue of rubber components. Outcomes showed that the guayule resin has the potential to compensate the performance required against the original asphalt at elevated temperatures while greatly decreasing the asphalt cement proportion. For instance, a blend of 62.5% asphalt, 12.5% CRM, and 25% guayule resin provided better performance than that of the original asphalt.
Helping One’s Neighbor: Teaching and Learning Prosocial Behavior in a Religious Community
Authors: Cuadra-Martínez David , Sandoval-Díaz José , Perez-Zapata Daniel , Castro-Carrasco Pablo , Véliz-Vergara Douglas , Guzman-Ávalos Javiera , Ramos-Thompson Gabriel
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study was to describe and interpret the subjective theories that support the development, teaching, and learning of prosocial behavior in a Pentecostal Methodist church located in the Atacama Region (Chile). The study was descriptive-interpretative, with qualitative methodology and a case study design. We worked with 140 church members, employing qualitative observation, episodic interviews, and discussion groups. The data were analyzed using 2 techniques: thematic coding and grounded theory. Results make it possible to describe (a) the context where prosociality is developed, taught, and learned, (b) the subjective meaning of helping behaviors, and (c) community members’ subjective theories about the development of teaching-learning. In the discussion, results are analyzed considering the available scientific evidence and the limitations of the present study. Also, new questions are presented which future research may explore to generate a formal theory about the development, teaching, and learning of prosocial behavior in community contexts.
“Whoever Harms a Dhimmī I Shall Be His Foe on the Day of Judgment”: An Investigation into an Authentic Prophetic Tradition and Its Origins from the Covenants
Authors: El-Wakil Ahmed
Published: September 2019

The ḥadīth, “whoever harms a dhimmī I shall be his foe on the Day of Judgment’, can be found as an end clause to covenants which the Prophet Muḥammad issued to Christian, Jewish, and Magian communities. As it is highly unlikely for different non-Muslim communities to have forged this Prophetic statement at the end of their respective documents, this paper argues that this utterance is authentic and can be confidently traced back to the Prophet. This paper examines the occurrence of this statement as a ḥadīth in the Islamic literature and notes how it was dismissed by scholars of tradition who only accepted one of its variants. The paper then compares the rights granted to non-Muslims in the covenants to those conveyed in a number of ḥadīths and notes the discrepancies between early Islam’s official documents and the legal injunctions found in Muslim tradition. It argues that the ḥadīths on the rights of non-Muslims oftentimes reflect legal maxims of scholars living in the ‘Abbasīd era and that these were back-projected to the Prophet and his Companions using fictitious isnāds. Finally, this paper concludes by recommending the incorporation of the Prophet’s official decrees, which includes the covenants, within the fabric of Islamic law.
Trajectory Analysis for the MASAR: A New Modular and Single-Actuator Robot
Authors: Peidró Adrián , Gallego Julio , Payá Luis , Marín José María , Reinoso Óscar
Published: September 2019

Single-actuator mobile robots offer the benefits of low energy consumption, low weight and size, and low cost, but their motion is typically only one-dimensional. By using auxiliary binary mechanisms that redirect and channel the driving force of their only actuator in different ways, it is possible for these robots to perform higher-dimensional motions, such as walking straight, steering, or jumping, with only one motor. This paper presents the MASAR, a new Modular And Single-Actuator Robot that carries a single motor and several adhesion pads. By alternately releasing or attaching these adhesion pads to the environment, the proposed robot is able to pivot about different axes using only one motor, with the possibility of performing concave plane transitions or combining with other identical modules to build more complex reconfigurable robots. In this paper, we solve the planar trajectory tracking problem of this robot for polygonal paths made up of sequences of segments, which may include narrow corridors that are difficult to traverse. We propose a locomotion based on performing rotations of 180 ∘ , which we demonstrate to be the minimum-time solution for long trajectories, and a near-optimal solution for shorter ones.
Global Detection of Long-Term (1982–2017) Burned Area with AVHRR-LTDR Data
Authors: Otón Gonzalo , Ramo Rubén , Lizundia-Loiola Joshua , Chuvieco Emilio
Published: September 2019

This paper presents the first global burned area (BA) product derived from the land long term data record (LTDR), a long-term 0.05-degree resolution dataset generated from advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR) images. Daily images were combined in monthly composites using the maximum temperature criterion to enhance the burned signal and eliminate clouds and artifacts. A synthetic BA index was created to improve the detection of the BA signal. This index included red and near infrared reflectance, surface temperature, two spectral indices, and their temporal differences. Monthly models were generated using the random forest classifier, using the twelve monthly composites of each year as the predictors. Training data were obtained from the NASA MCD64A1 collection 6 product (500 m spatial resolution) for eight years of the overlapping period (2001–2017). This included some years with low and high fire occurrence. Results were tested with the remaining eight years. Pixels classified as burned were converted to burned proportions using the MCD64A1 product. The final product (named FireCCILT10) estimated BA in 0.05-degree cells for the 1982 to 2017 period (excluding 1994, due to input data gaps). This product is the longest global BA currently available, extending almost 20 years back from the existing NASA and ESA BA products. BA estimations from the FireCCILT10 product were compared with those from the MCD64A1 product for continental regions, obtaining high correlation values (r2 > 0.9), with better agreement in tropical regions rather than boreal regions. The annual average of BA of the time series was 3.12 Mkm2. Tropical Africa had the highest proportion of burnings, accounting for 74.37% of global BA. Spatial trends were found to be similar to existing global BA products, but temporal trends showed unstable annual variations, most likely linked to the changes in the AVHRR sensor and orbital decays of the NOAA satellites.
Crowd-Driven and Automated Mapping of Field Boundaries in Highly Fragmented Agricultural Landscapes of Ethiopia with Very High Spatial Resolution Imagery
Authors: Marshall Michael , Crommelinck Sophie , Kohli Divyani , Perger Christoph , Yang Michael Ying , Ghosh Aniruddha , Fritz Steffen , Bie Kees de , Nelson Andy
Published: September 2019

Mapping the extent and location of field boundaries is critical to food security analysis but remains problematic in the Global South where such information is needed the most. The difficulty is due primarily to fragmentation in the landscape, small farm sizes, and irregular farm boundaries. Very high-resolution satellite imagery affords an opportunity to delineate such fields, but the challenge remains of determining such boundaries in a systematic and accurate way. In this paper, we compare a new crowd-driven manual digitization tool (Crop Land Extent) with two semi-automated methods (contour detection and multi-resolution segmentation) to determine farm boundaries from WorldView imagery in highly fragmented agricultural landscapes of Ethiopia. More than 7000 one square-kilometer image tiles were used for the analysis. The three methods were assessed using quantitative completeness and spatial correctness. Contour detection tended to under-segment when compared to manual digitization, resulting in better performance for larger (approaching 1 ha) sized fields. Multi-resolution segmentation on the other hand, tended to over-segment, resulting in better performance for small fields. Neither semi-automated method in their current realizations however are suitable for field boundary mapping in highly fragmented landscapes. Crowd-driven manual digitization is promising, but requires more oversight, quality control, and training than the current workflow could allow.
A Split Window Algorithm for Retrieving Land Surface Temperature from FY-3D MERSI-2 Data
Authors: Wang Han , Mao Kebiao , Mu Fengyun , Shi Jiancheng , Yang Jun , Li Zhaoliang , Qin Zhihao
Published: September 2019

The thermal infrared (TIR) data from the Medium Resolution Spectral Imager II (MERSI-2) on the Chinese meteorological satellite FY-3D have high spatiotemporal resolution. Although the MERSI-2 land surface temperature (LST) products have good application prospects, there are some deviations in the TIR band radiance from MERSI-2. To accurately retrieve LSTs from MERSI-2, a method based on a cross-calibration model and split window (SW) algorithm is proposed. The method is divided into two parts: cross-calibration and LST retrieval. First, the MODTRAN program is used to simulate the radiation transfer process to obtain MERSI-2 and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) simulation data, establish a cross-calibration model, and then calculate the actual brightness temperature (BT) of the MERSI-2 image. Second, according to the characteristics of the near-infrared (NIR) bands, the atmospheric water vapor content (WVC) is retrieved, and the atmospheric transmittance is calculated. The land surface emissivity is estimated by the NDVI-based threshold method, which ensures that both parameters (transmittance and emissivity) can be acquired simultaneously. The validation shows the following: 1) The average accuracy of our algorithm is 0.42 K when using simulation data; 2) the relative error of our algorithm is 1.37 K when compared with the MODIS LST product (MYD11A1); 3) when compared with ground-measured data, the accuracy of our algorithm is 1.23 K. Sensitivity analysis shows that the SW algorithm is not sensitive to the two main parameters (WVC and emissivity), which also proves that the estimation of LST from MERSI-2 data is feasible. In general, our algorithm exhibits good accuracy and applicability, but it still requires further improvement.
Drone-Borne Hyperspectral and Magnetic Data Integration: Otanmäki Fe-Ti-V Deposit in Finland
Authors: Jackisch Robert , Madriz Yuleika , Zimmermann Robert , Pirttijärvi Markku , Saartenoja Ari , Heincke Björn H. , Salmirinne Heikki , Kujasalo Jukka-Pekka , Andreani Louis , Gloaguen Richard
Published: September 2019

The technical evolution of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for mineral exploration advances rapidly. Recent sensor developments and improved UAS performance open new fields for research and applications in geological and geophysical exploration among others. In this study, we introduce an integrated acquisition and processing strategy for drone-borne multi-sensor surveys combining optical remote sensing and magnetic data. We deploy both fixed-wing and multicopter UAS to characterize an outcrop of the Otanmäki Fe-Ti-V deposit in central Finland. The lithology consists mainly of gabbro intrusions hosting ore bodies of magnetite-ilmenite. Large areas of the outcrop are covered by lichen and low vegetation. We use two drone-borne multi- and hyperspectral cameras operating in the visible to near-infrared parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to identify dominant geological features and the extents of ore bodies via iron-indicating proxy minerals. We apply band ratios and unsupervised and supervised image classifications on the spectral data, from which we can map surficial iron-bearing zones. We use two setups with three-axis fluxgate magnetometers deployed both by a fixed-wing and a multi-copter UAS to measure the magnetic field at various flight altitudes (15 m, 40 m, 65 m). The total magnetic intensity (TMI) computed from the individual components is used for further interpretation of ore distribution. We compare to traditional magnetic ground-based survey data to evaluate the UAS-based results. The measured anomalies and spectral data are validated and assigned to the outcropping geology and ore mineralization by performing surface spectroscopy, portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), magnetic susceptibility, and traditional geologic mapping. Locations of mineral zones and magnetic anomalies correlate with the established geologic map. The integrated survey strategy allowed a straightforward mapping of ore occurrences. We highlight the efficiency, spatial resolution, and reliability of UAS surveys. Acquisition time of magnetic UAS surveying surpassed ground surveying by a factor of 20 with a comparable resolution. The proposed workflow possibly facilitates surveying, particularly in areas with complicated terrain and of limited accessibility, but highlights the remaining challenges in UAS mapping.
Plume Noise Suppression Algorithm for Missile-Borne Star Sensor Based on Star Point Shape and Angular Distance between Stars
Authors: Fan Qiaoyun , Cai Zhixu , Wang Gangyi
Published: September 2019

When a missile is launched, the plume generated by the propulsion system will produce a lot of fake stars in the star image, which will affect the normal work of the missile-borne star sensor. A plume noise suppression algorithm based on star point shape and angular distance between stars is proposed in this paper, which is a preprocessing algorithm for star identification. Firstly, principal component analysis is used to extract the shape features of star points. Secondly, the authenticity of star points is evaluated based on length-width ratios. Thirdly, in two consecutive frames of star images, according to the shape features of star points, the optimal matching window is determined to achieve accurate matching of the corresponding star points. Finally, the rapid elimination of fake stars is completed by the principle of invariant angular distance between true stars. Simulation experiment results show that the proposed algorithm is quite robust and fast, and the elimination ratio is high even if the number of fake stars reaches four times more than true stars. Compared with the existing star identification algorithms, when the number of fake stars is large, the advantage of the proposed algorithm is obvious. Experimentation on actual star images verifies that the proposed algorithm can meet the requirements of spacecraft even if there are a large number of fake stars in the star image.
Teaching Urban Sustainability: A Study Abroad Perspective
Authors: Buckley Geoffrey , Paul Tawny , Kallin Hamish , Cornell Harriet
Published: September 2019

Since 2011 more than 100 students from Ohio University have travelled to Edinburgh, Scotland, to study history, urban planning, and sustainability. In this paper we recount the genesis of this highly successful program, situate it in the broader literature on urban sustainability and study abroad, and then unpack its contents. We then consider how the adoption of green living practices combined with hands-on and experiential learning activities developed specifically for this program—including sustainability diaries, green spaces surveys, group research projects, and walking tours—complement content that is delivered in the classroom, and furthermore, how an emphasis on planning history and social equity contributes to student understanding of the forces that shape urban landscapes over time. In the end, we conclude that an urban sustainability theme conjoined with a location abroad presents educators with an opportunity to communicate critical sustainability principles that would be difficult to replicate if students did not leave their home university.
Smart City Governance and Children’s Agency: An Assessment of the Green Infrastructure Impact on Children’s Activities in Cagliari (Italy) with the Tool “Opportunities for Children in Urban Spaces (OCUS)”
Authors: Garau Chiara , Annunziata Alfonso
Published: September 2019

The increases in urbanization, pollution, resource depletion, and climate change underline the need for urban planning policies that incorporate blue–green infrastructure (BGI) and ecosystem services. This paper proposes a framework for assessing BGI’s effect on children’s outdoor activities. This effect, called meaningful usefulness, is a central issue due to the influence of experiences with nature on children’s development and the global trend of concentration of children in urban areas. Based on the concept of affordance, the methodology formalizes meaningful usefulness in terms of an index of usefulness of individual settings (IUIS) and a synthetic index of usefulness of BGI in a specific area (ISGI). These are determined via an audit protocol, Opportunities for Children in Urban Spaces (OCUS), which incorporates a set of indicators measuring micro-scale properties of individual places and contextual macro-scale factors. The methodology is applied to BGI components in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, which was selected for its superior density of urban green spaces. The application of the OCUS tool confirms its usefulness for investigating functional affordances incorporated into the trans-scalar structures of BGIs. The analytic protocol further contributes to the implementation of urban planning strategies within the smart city paradigm.
Community Participation and Preferences Regarding Conservation and Development Policies in China’s Giant Panda Nature Reserves
Authors: Ma Ben , Wen Yali
Published: September 2019

Community participation in conservation activities is an important mechanism to coordinate the conflicts between conservation and local development. Hence, it is necessary to understand farmers’ preferences for different conservation and development policies. By surveying households residing inside and outside the four giant panda nature reserves in the Qinling Mountains, China, in 2018, this study uses a choice experiment model to evaluate participation willingness and stated preferences regarding the establishment of national parks (NPs), ecotourism development, ecological public welfare forest compensation, and provision of ecological jobs. Our results suggest that these conservation and development policies all have a positive impact on community participation in conservation. Among the different conservation and development policies, farmers seem to prefer the government developing ecotourism most, followed by providing ecological jobs, establishing NPs, and finally the compensation amount and period of ecological public welfare forests. Moreover, farmers with different characteristics have different preferences regarding conservation and development policies. Age, education level, whether the respondent is a village cadre, family forestland area, family income, and whether the respondent lives in a nature reserve are relevant socio-economic characteristics of the affected farmers.
Path Dependence and Social Network Analysis on Evolutionary Dynamics of Tourism in Coastal Rural Communities
Authors: Aguilar-Becerra César Daniel , Frausto-Martínez Oscar , Avilés-Pineda Hernando , Pineda-Pineda Jair J. , Caroline Soares Jennifer , Reyes Umaña Maximino
Published: September 2019

The studies on the evolution of tourist destinations are not a new issue, however, most of them have been focused on consolidated destinations, whereas only a minimum has been done on tourism transformation in rural areas. The objective of this work is to diagnose the evolutionary process of tourism in Coastal Rural Communities (CRCs). To do this, we propose a model which combines two research approaches, Path Dependence and Social Network Analysis. The methodological approach is divided into three parts: design, application and validation, and it is based on collecting in situ and identifying key informants. In the first part, the stages of a Path Dependence for a CRC are conceptualized and bipartite graphs are constructed to show the relationships between: (1) the identified establishments built in a period of time and (2) positive and negative lock-ins with a greater degree of influence on the evolutionary process. On this basis, the resulting graphs are associated with the stages of the Path Dependence. In the second part, the model theoretically raised is applied as an empirical case at the CRC of Playa Ventura, Guerrero, in the Southern Pacific of Mexico. Finally, we validated the model based on the results obtained, which indicate that the model is suitable for the generation of knowledge about the evolutionary process of tourism in CRC’s, and therefore, it opens the possibility of being replicated in other communities with the same characteristics.