bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Impact of Different Hypercaloric Diets on Weight Gain, Insulin Resistance, Glucose Intolerance, and its Comorbidities in Rats
Authors: Melo Bernardete F. , Sacramento Joana F. , Ribeiro Maria J. , Prego Claudia S. , Correia Miguel C. , Coelho Joana C. , Cunha-Guimaraes Joao P. , Rodrigues Tiago , Martins Ines B. , Guarino Maria P. , Seiça Raquel M. , Matafome Paulo , Conde Silvia V.
Published: May 2019

Animal experimentation has a long history in the study of metabolic syndrome-related disorders. However, no consensus exists on the best models to study these syndromes. Knowing that different diets can precipitate different metabolic disease phenotypes, herein we characterized several hypercaloric rat models of obesity and type 2 diabetes, comparing each with a genetic model, with the aim of identifying the most appropriate model of metabolic disease. The effect of hypercaloric diets (high fat (HF), high sucrose (HSu), high fat plus high sucrose (HFHSu) and high fat plus streptozotocin (HF+STZ) during different exposure times (HF 3 weeks, HF 19 weeks, HSu 4 weeks, HSu 16 weeks, HFHSu 25 weeks, HF3 weeks + STZ) were compared with the Zucker fatty rat. Each model was evaluated for weight gain, fat mass, fasting plasma glucose, insulin and C-peptide, insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, lipid profile and liver lipid deposition, blood pressure, and autonomic nervous system function. All animal models presented with insulin resistance and dyslipidemia except the HF+STZ and HSu 4 weeks, which argues against the use of these models as metabolic syndrome models. Of the remaining animal models, a higher weight gain was exhibited by the Zucker fatty rat and wild type rats submitted to a HF diet for 19 weeks. We conclude that the latter model presents a phenotype most consistent with that observed in humans with metabolic disease, exhibiting the majority of the phenotypic features and comorbidities associated with type 2 diabetes in humans.
Improving the Dietary Vitamin A Content of Rural Communities in South Africa by Replacing Non-Biofortified White Maize and Sweet Potato with Biofortified Maize and Sweet Potato in Traditional Dishes
Authors: Govender Laurencia , Pillay Kirthee , Siwela Muthulisi , Modi Albert Thembinkosi , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe
Published: May 2019

Biofortification of staple crops has a potential for addressing micronutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which are prevalent in South Africa. The poor acceptability of provitamin A (PVA)-biofortified foods could be improved by combining them with other food items to produce modified traditional dishes. The nutritional composition of the dishes could also be improved by the modification. The study aimed to investigate the effect of replacing white maize and cream-fleshed sweet potato (CFSP)] with PVA-biofortified maize and orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) on the nutritional composition of South African traditional dishes. The protein, fibre, total mineral (ash), lysine, and iron concentrations of the PVA maize phutu (traditional porridge) composite dishes (control), were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from those of white maize phutu composite dishes. However, the PVA concentration of PVA maize phutu composite dishes was higher than that of the white phutu composite dishes (P > 0.05). The OFSP had a significantly lower protein concentration, but a significantly higher (P > 0.05) fibre, ash, lysine, isoleucine, leucine, and PVA concentration, relative to the CFSP. The findings indicate that composite dishes in which white maize is replaced with PVA-biofortified maize, and switching over from CFSP to OFSP, would contribute to combating VAD in South Africa, and in other developing counties.
Omega 3-DHA and Delta-Tocotrienol Modulate Lipid Droplet Biogenesis and Lipophagy in Breast Cancer Cells: the Impact in Cancer Aggressiveness
Authors: Pizato Nathalia , Kiffer Larissa Fernanda Melo Vasconcelos , Luzete Beatriz Christina , Assumpção José Antonio Fagundes , Correa Luis Henrique , Melo Heloisa Antoniella Braz de , Sant’Ana Lívia Pimentel de , Ito Marina Kiyomi , Magalhães Kelly Grace
Published: May 2019

Omega 3-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and vitamin E Delta-tocotrienol (Delta-T3) are extensively studied as protective nutrients against cancer development. Little is known about the biological mechanisms targeted by these bioactive molecules on lipid droplet (LD) biogenesis, an important breast cancer aggressiveness marker, and the occurrence of lipophagy in breast cancer cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of DHA, Delta-T3 and DHA plus Delta-T3 co-treatment in LD biogenesis and lipophagy process in triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Cells were treated with 50 μM DHA and/or 5 μM Delta-T3. Our results demonstrated that DHA can trigger an increase in LD biogenesis and co-treatment with Delta-T3 was able to reduce this LD biogenesis. In addition, we showed that a higher cytoplasmic LD content is associated with a higher breast cancer cells malignance and proliferation. Reduction of cytoplasmic LD content by silencing ADRP (adipose differentiation-related protein), a structural LD protein, also decreased cell proliferation in MDA-MB-231 cells. Treatment with DHA and Delta-T3 alone or co-treatment did not reduce cell viability. Moreover, we showed here that DHA can trigger lipophagy in MDA-MB-231 cells and DHA plus Delta-T3 co-treatment was able to enhance this lipophagy process. Our findings demonstrated that co-treatment with DHA plus Delta-T3 in MDA-MB-231 cells could reduce LD biogenesis and potentiate lipophagy in these cells, possibly having a positive impact to inhibit breast cancer malignancy. Therefore, suitable doses of DHA and Delta-T3 vitamin E isoform supplementation can be a prominent tool in therapeutic treatments against breast cancer.
The Effect of Consumer Involvement in Light Lamb Meat on Behavior, Sensory Perception, and Health-Related Concerns
Authors: Ripoll Guillermo , Panea Begoña
Published: May 2019

Involvement can explain behavioral consequences, such as consumer decision-making and consumption. The first aim of this study is to identify the profiles of consumers based on their involvement in light lamb meat. The second aim is to study the influence of involvement on consumers’ attitudes, behaviors, beliefs, preferences, quality cues, and sensory perception regarding light lamb meat. Two consumer profiles are identified. The first cluster includes consumers who enjoyed eating light lamb meat, were conscious of their self-image, and perceived the consequences of poor choices; these consumers also perceived the probability of making an incorrect choice as high. The second cluster includes consumers who truly loved eating lamb meat, were also conscious of their self-image, and perceived the consequences of poor choices; however, these consumers were confident in not making incorrect choices. Although both involvement-based profiles showed high involvement in light lamb meat, it can be concluded that the second cluster had a higher involvement. In general, the involvement-based profiles did not influence health-related attitudes, preferences, or sensory perceptions of light lamb meat, while beliefs, behavior and quality cues were influenced by involvement.
Determining the Associations between Dietetic-Related Activities and Undergraduate Dietetic Students’ General Cultural Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs
Authors: Andrade Jeanette Mary
Published: May 2019

Background: As required by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, undergraduate dietetic programs need to include classroom learning activities to support cultural competence among dietetic students. Though these activities vary in terms of type, length, and engagement, it is not known the impact these activities have on students’ general knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (KAB) towards cultural aspects. Therefore, the study’s purpose was two-fold: (1) validate a general cultural KAB instrument for dietetic students, and (2) determine associations among dietetic-related cultural activities and students’ KAB. Methods: A general KAB instrument was developed based on a literature review and dietetic curriculum. The original instrument (34 items) consisted of two dimensions (i.e., knowledge and attitudes/beliefs) that was reviewed by content matter experts (n = 4) and a focus group with dietetic graduate students (n = 6), resulting in a 41-item tool. This instrument was further piloted in a diverse population of undergraduate dietetic students across the United States. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Cronbach alpha (α) for internal consistency were conducted. Multiple linear regressions and Spearman correlation analyses determined associations between demographics, activities, and KAB scores. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05. Results: Students (n = 187) completed the questionnaire. From the EFA, the Knowledge dimension included 12 items and the Attitudes/Beliefs dimension included 10 items. Internal consistency for the overall instrument (α = 0.86), Knowledge (α = 0.93), and Attitudes/Beliefs (α = 0.74) was high. Students’ cultural knowledge was associated (r = 0.30; p < 0.05) with cultural-related activities. Similarly, students who had lived or studied abroad had better attitudes and beliefs towards cultural aspects. Conclusions: The KAB had good validity. Cultural learning activities enhanced cultural knowledge, however to a lesser extent influenced the attitudes and beliefs of dietetic students.
Association between Postpartum Nutritional Status and Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Authors: Lin Yu-Hung , Chen Chiao-Ming , Su Hui-Min , Mu Shu-Ci , Chang Mei-Ling , Chu Pei-Yin , Li Sing-Chung
Published: May 2019

Taiwanese women may practice traditional confinement after childbirth, and no study has investigated the nutritional status and the effects of postpartum depression on such women. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between nutritional status and postpartum depression at 6–8 weeks postpartum. A cross-sectional study was conducted on postpartum women who returned to the obstetrics and gynecology clinic for routine examination from January 2016 to September 2017. A total of 344 women received assessments based on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). An EPDS score of ≥10 indicated the presence of postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS). A total of 97 women without such symptoms and 23 with PPDS completed nutritional parameter analyses and questionnaires. The results showed that the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) was 8.4%. The proportion was 70% for those who practiced confinement at home, significantly higher than for those in the non-PPDS group (45%). The overall psychological stress score was significantly higher and the postpartum care satisfaction score was significantly lower in those with PPDS compared to those without. In terms of nutritional biomarkers, the plasma riboflavin levels in the PPDS group were significantly lower than those in their symptomless counterparts (13.9%). The vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency rates in the non-PPD and PPDS groups were 35%, 41%, 48%, 26%, respectively. However, compared with those in the non-PPDS group, those with PPDS had significantly higher ratios of Σn-6/Σn-3, C20:3n-6/C18:3n-6, and C20:4n-6/(C20:5n-3 + C22:6n-3) (by 8.2%, 79.7%, and 8.8%, respectively), whereas they had lower ratios of C22:6n-3/C22:5n-6 (by 15.5%). Higher plasma riboflavin and erythrocyte C16:1n-9, C24:1n-9, C18:3n-6, and C20:5n-3 levels and lower Σn-6 fatty acid and C22:5n-6 levels decreased the risk of PPD after type of confinement, overall mental stress scores, and postpartum care satisfaction scores were adjusted for the logistic regression analysis. In conclusion, the plasma riboflavin level and erythrocyte fatty acid composition are potentially major contributors to PPD development.
Changes in Anxiety and Depression Traits Induced by Energy Restriction: Predictive Value of the Baseline Status
Authors: Rodriguez-Lozada Claudia , Cuervo Marta , Cuevas-Sierra Amanda , Goni Leticia , Riezu-Boj Jose Ignacio , Navas-Carretero Santiago , Milagro Fermin Ignacio , Martinez Jose Alfredo
Published: May 2019

Current evidence proposes diet quality as a modifiable risk factor for mental or emotional impairments. However, additional studies are required to investigate the effect of dietary patterns and weight loss on improving psychological symptoms. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of energy-restriction, prescribed to overweight and obese participants, on anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as the potential predictive value of some baseline psychological features on weight loss. Overweight and obese participants (n = 305) were randomly assigned for 16 weeks to two hypocaloric diets with different macronutrient distribution: a moderately high-protein (MHP) diet and a low-fat (LF) diet. Anthropometrical, clinical, psychological, and lifestyle characteristics were assessed at baseline and at the end of the intervention. The nutritional intervention evidenced that weight loss has a beneficial effect on trait anxiety score in women (β = 0.24, p = 0.03), depression score in all population (β = 0.15, p = 0.02), particularly in women (β = 0.22, p = 0.03) and in subjects who followed the LF diet (β = 0.22, p = 0.04). Moreover, weight loss could be predicted by anxiety status at baseline, mainly in women and in those who were prescribed a LF diet. This trial suggests that weight loss triggers an improvement in psychological traits, and that anxiety symptoms could predict those volunteers that benefit most from a balanced calorie-restricted intervention, which will contribute to individualized precision nutrition.
Fluid Restriction Decreases Solid Food Consumption Post-Exercise
Authors: Pérez-Luco Cristian , Díaz-Castro Francisco , Jorquera Carlos , Troncoso Rodrigo , Zbinden-Foncea Hermann , Johannsen Neil M , Castro-Sepulveda Mauricio
Published: May 2019

Dehydration in rodents induces anorexia. In humans however, the role of dehydration in energy intake is controversial. This study investigated the effect of extreme fluid restriction on acute energy intake during and after exercise-induced dehydration. Eight physically active participants performed two exercise sessions to induce dehydration. After the exercise, the men were allowed to either rehydrate for 2 h or were maintained in a hypohydrated state, in a randomized manner. After 2 h, they were given cereal bars ad libitum for 1 h. Blood and saliva samples of the participants were collected before the exercise session, after the exercise session, after rehydration, and after the meal. Post-exercise energy intake differed between hypohydrated (1430 ± 210 kcal) and rehydrated (2190 ± 780 kcal) trials (p = 0.01). For the concentrations of ghrelin and leptin, there were no significant effects of time (p = 0.94, p = 0.21), between trials (p = 0.09, p = 0.99), or due to a trial–time interaction (p = 0.64, p = 0.68), respectively. The concentrations of peptide YY (PYY) were not different between trials (p = 0.94) but there was a significant effect of time (p = 0.0001) and a trial–time interaction (p = 0.01), with higher levels in the rehydration trial after eating in response to a higher energy intake. For saliva production, there was a significant effect of time (p = 0.02) and a trial–time interaction (p = 0.04), but no between-trial effect (p = 0.08). In conclusion, extreme fluid restriction decreased acute food intake after exercise, which may be explained by a lower flow of saliva.
Effectiveness of Following Mediterranean Diet Recommendations in the Real World in the Incidence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and Adverse Maternal-Foetal Outcomes: A Prospective, Universal, Interventional Study with a Single Group. The St Carlos Study
Authors: García de la Torre Nuria , Assaf-Balut Carla , Jiménez Varas Inés , del Valle Laura , Durán Alejandra , Fuentes Manuel , del Prado Náyade , Bordiú Elena , Valerio Johanna Josefina , Herraiz Miguel A. , Izquierdo Nuria , Torrejón Maria José , Cuadrado Maria Angeles , de Miguel Paz , Familiar Cristina , Runkle Isabelle , Barabash Ana , Rubio Miguel A. , Calle-Pascual Alfonso L.
Published: May 2019

We reported that a Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet), supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) and pistachios, reduces GDM incidence and several other adverse outcomes. In order to assess its translational effects in the real world we evaluated the effect of MedDiet from 1st gestational visit in GDM rate compared with control (CG) and intervention (IG) groups from the previously referred trial. As secondary objective we also compared adverse perinatal outcomes between normoglycemic and diabetic women. This trial is a prospective, clinic-based, interventional study with a single group. 1066 eligible normoglycaemic women before 12 gestational weeks were assessed. 932 women (32.4 ± 5.2 years old, pre-gestational BMI 22.5 ± 3.5 kg/m2) received a motivational lifestyle interview with emphasis on daily consumption of EVOO and nuts, were followed-up and analysed. Binary regression analyses were used to examine the risk for each pregnancy outcome, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational weight gain (GWG), caesarean-section, perineal trauma, preterm delivery, small (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA), and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admissions. GDM was diagnosed in 13.9%. This rate was significantly lower than the CG: RR 0.81 (0.73–0.93), p < 0.001 and no different from the IG: RR 0.96 (0.85–1.07), p = 0.468. GWG was lower in diabetic women (10.88 ± 6.46 vs. 12.30 ± 5.42 Kg; p = 0.013). Excessive weight gain (EWG) was also lower in GDM [RR 0.91 (0.86–0.96); p < 0.001] without a significant increase of insufficient weight gain. LGA were also lower (1 (0.8%) vs. 31 (3.9%); p < 0.05)), and SGA were similar (5 (3.8%) vs. 30 (3.7%)). LGA were associated to EWG (RR 1.61 (1.35–1.91), p < 0.001). Differences in other maternal-foetal outcomes were not found. In conclusions an early MedDiet nutritional intervention reduces GDM incidence and maternal-foetal adverse outcomes and should be universally applied as 1st line therapy. GDM might not be consider as a high risk pregnancy any longer.
Dietary Inflammatory Index and Odds of Colorectal Cancer and Colorectal Adenomatous Polyps in a Case-Control Study from Iran
Authors: Rafiee Pegah , Shivappa Nitin , Hébert James R. , Jaafari Nasab Saeede , Bahrami Alireza , Hekmatdoost Azita , Rashidkhani Bahram , Sadeghi Amir , Houshyari Mohammad , Hejazi Ehsan
Published: May 2019

Background: Chronic inflammation is implicated in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) and its precursor; colorectal adenomatous polyps (CAP). Some dietary factors are important triggers for systemic inflammation. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII®) and the risk of CRC and CAP in an Iranian case-control study. Methods: 134 newly diagnosed CRC patients, 130 newly diagnosed CAP patients, and 240 hospitalized controls were recruited using convenience sampling. Energy-adjusted DII (E-DII) scores were computed based on dietary intake assessed using a reproducible and valid 148-item food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) after adjusting for confounders. Results: The E-DII score ranged between −4.23 (the most anti-inflammatory score) to +3.89 (the most pro-inflammatory score). The multivariable-adjusted ORs for participants in the 3rd tertile compared to the 1st tertile was 5.08 (95%CI: 2.70–9.56; P-trend < 0.0001) for CRC and 2.33 (95% CI: 1.30–4.02; P-trend = 0.005) for CAP. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that more pro-inflammatory diets, indicated by higher E-DII scores, might increase the risk of both CRC and CAP. Future steps should include testing these associations in a prospective setting in Iran.
Nutritional Composition of Brazilian Food Products Marketed to Children
Authors: Luisa Machado Martha , Mello Rodrigues Vanessa , Bagolin do Nascimento Amanda , Dean Moira , Medeiros Rataichesck Fiates Giovanna
Published: May 2019

Most food industry marketing in products targeted at children is found in packages of foods containing either excessive fat, sugar, or salt. This study audited all 5620 packaged foods available in a store of a large Brazilian supermarket chain and retrieved information from the nutrition facts tables on package labels. Products were photographed for further visual analysis to determine the presence of marketing strategies directed at children. Comparison of nutrient content per 100 g between children’s and non-children’s food products employed the Student t-test or the Mann–Whitney U-test (p-value < 0.05), due to the non-normal distribution of the nutritional composition data as verified through the Shapiro–Wilk test. Brazilian children’s food products from groups 4, 5, and 7 presented higher carbohydrate content than similar non-children’s products, while children’s food products from groups 1 and 7 presented lower fiber content. Results indicate that regulation on food labeling needs revising as it has not been effective in stopping the marketing of energy-dense nutrient-poor foods towards children.
Cardiolipin-Based Lipopolyplex Platform for the Delivery of Diverse Nucleic Acids into Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Perche Federico , Le Gall Tony , Montier Tristan , Pichon Chantal , Malinge Jean-Marc
Published: May 2019

Antibiotic resistance is a growing public health concern. Because only a few novel classes of antibiotics have been developed in the last 40 years, such as the class of oxazolidinones, new antibacterial strategies are urgently needed (Coates, A.R. et al., 2011). Nucleic acid-based antibiotics are a new type of antimicrobials. However, free nucleic acids cannot spontaneously cross the bacterial cell wall and membrane; consequently, their intracellular delivery into bacteria needs to be assisted. Here, we introduce an original lipopolyplex system named liposome polymer nucleic acid (LPN), capable of versatile nucleic acid delivery into bacteria. We characterized LPN formed with significant therapeutic nucleic acids: 11 nt antisense single-stranded (ss) DNA and double-stranded (ds) DNA of 15 and 95 base pairs (bp), 9 kbp plasmid DNA (pDNA), and 1000 nt ssRNA. All these complexes were efficiently internalized by two different bacterial species, i.e., Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as shown by flow cytometry. Consistent with intracellular delivery, LPN prepared with an antisense oligonucleotide and directed against an essential gene, induced specific and important bacterial growth inhibition likely leading to a bactericidal effect. Our findings indicate that LPN is a versatile platform for efficient delivery of diverse nucleic acids into Gram-negative bacteria.
Development, Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation of Resveratrol-Loaded Poly-(ε-caprolactone) Microcapsules Prepared by Ultrasonic Atomization for Intra-Articular Administration
Authors: Luzardo-Álvarez Asteria , Lamela-Gómez Iván , Otero-Espinar Francisco , Blanco-Méndez José
Published: May 2019

Intra-articular administration of drugs to the joint in the treatment of joint disease has the potential to minimize the systemic bioavailability and the usual side-effects associated with oral drug administration. In this work, a drug delivery system is proposed to achieve an anti-inflammatory local effect using resveratrol (RSV). This study aims to develop microcapsules made of poly-(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) by ultrasonic atomization to preserve the antioxidant activity of RSV, to prevent its degradation and to suppress the inflammatory response in activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. An experimental design was performed to build a mathematical model that could estimate the effect of nozzle power and polymer concentration on particle size and encapsulation efficiency. RSV-loaded microcapsules showed adequate morphology, particle size, and loading efficiency properties. RSV formulations exhibited negligible cytotoxicity and an efficient amelioration of inflammatory responses, in terms of Nitric Oxide (NO), ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species), and lipid peroxidation in macrophages. Thus, RSV-loaded microcapsules merit consideration as a drug delivery system suitable for intra-articular administration in inflammatory disorders affecting the joint.
A Preliminary Investigation of Additive Manufacture to Fabricate Human Nail Plate Surrogates for Pharmaceutical Testing
Authors: Sil Bruno C. , Patel Avnish , Crowther Jonathan M. , Moore David J. , Hadgraft Jonathan , Hilton Stephen T. , Lane Majella E.
Published: May 2019

In vitro permeation studies using nail clippings or nail plates are commonly used in the development of transungual formulations. However, there are ethical, safety and cost issues associated with sourcing such tissues. Herein, we describe a preliminary approach is described for the design and manufacture of a human nail model surrogate based on 3D printing. To evaluate these 3D printed constructs, nails were mounted in conventional glass Franz cells and a commercial antifungal lacquer formulation containing ciclopirox olamine was applied daily to the surrogate printed surfaces for a period of 14 days. On days 8 and 14, the surfaces of the 3D printed nails were washed with ethanol to remove excess formulation. Confocal Raman spectroscopy (CRS) was used to profile the drug in the 3D printed nail. At the end of the Franz cell studies, no drug was observed in the receptor phase. CRS studies confirmed penetration of the active into the model nails with reproducible depth profiles. Our ongoing work is focused on synthesising commercial and non-commercial printable resins that can replicate the physical and chemical characteristics of the human nail. This will allow further evaluation of actives for ungual therapy and advance the development of the surrogate nail tissue model.
Model-Based Design and Process Optimization of Continuous Single Pass Tangential Flow Filtration Focusing on Continuous Bioprocessing
Authors: Huter Maximilian J. , Strube Jochen
Published: May 2019

In this study the Single-Pass-Tangential-Flow-Filtration (SPTFF) concept for continuous ultrafiltration in bioprocessing is investigated. Based on a previously validated physico-chemical model for a single ultrafiltration cassette, the transfer to a multistage SPTFF is predicted and validated experimentally by concentration steps for bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the monoclonal antibody immunoglobulin G (IgG) are compared. The model applied for the ultrafiltration membrane contains the Stagnant Film Model (SFM) for concentration polarization, as well as the Osmotic Pressure Model (OPM) and the Boundary Layer Model (BLM) for the mass transfer through the membrane. In addition, pressure drop correlations as a function of the Reynolds number are included to describe the development of the transmembrane pressure over the length of the module. The outcome of this study shows the potential to improve this multi-parameter dependent unit operation by a model-based optimization allowing significant reduction of experimental efforts and applying the Quality by Design (QbD) approach consistently. Consequently, a versatile tool for conceptual process design is presented and further application is discussed.
Animals in Medieval Chinese Biographies of Buddhist Monks
Authors: Shinohara Koichi
Published: May 2019

In this paper, I examine the presentation of animals in medieval Chinese Buddhist biographies. These biographies tell stories about strange animals, whose behavior signals that they are far from ordinary—some local deities, underlings of such deities, or even former friends from a past life. By focusing on two biography collections separated in time by over 100 years, in this paper, I argue that the differing presentation of animals reflects the changing fortunes of Buddhism in China, from its early establishment to its successful reception by the imperial court.
Multi-Scale Remote Sensing-Assisted Forest Inventory: A Glimpse of the State-of-the-Art and Future Prospects
Authors: Latifi Hooman , Heurich Marco
Published: May 2019

Advances in remote inventory and analysis of forest resources during the last decade have reached a level to be now considered as a crucial complement, if not a surrogate, to the long-existing field-based methods. This is mostly reflected in not only the use of multiple-band new active and passive remote sensing data for forest inventory, but also in the methodic and algorithmic developments and/or adoptions that aim at maximizing the predictive or calibration performances, thereby minimizing both random and systematic errors, in particular for multi-scale spatial domains. With this in mind, this editorial note wraps up the recently-published Remote Sensing special issue “Remote Sensing-Based Forest Inventories from Landscape to Global Scale”, which hosted a set of state-of-the-art experiments on remotely sensed inventory of forest resources conducted by a number of prominent researchers worldwide.
Estimating Above-Ground Biomass of Maize Using Features Derived from UAV-Based RGB Imagery
Authors: Niu Yaxiao , Zhang Liyuan , Zhang Huihui , Han Wenting , Peng Xingshuo
Published: May 2019

The rapid, accurate, and economical estimation of crop above-ground biomass at the farm scale is crucial for precision agricultural management. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote-sensing system has a great application potential with the ability to obtain remote-sensing imagery with high temporal-spatial resolution. To verify the application potential of consumer-grade UAV RGB imagery in estimating maize above-ground biomass, vegetation indices and plant height derived from UAV RGB imagery were adopted. To obtain a more accurate observation, plant height was directly derived from UAV RGB point clouds. To search the optimal estimation method, the estimation performances of the models based on vegetation indices alone, based on plant height alone, and based on both vegetation indices and plant height were compared. The results showed that plant height directly derived from UAV RGB point clouds had a high correlation with ground-truth data with an R2 value of 0.90 and an RMSE value of 0.12 m. The above-ground biomass exponential regression models based on plant height alone had higher correlations for both fresh and dry above-ground biomass with R2 values of 0.77 and 0.76, respectively, compared to the linear regression model (both R2 values were 0.59). The vegetation indices derived from UAV RGB imagery had great potential to estimate maize above-ground biomass with R2 values ranging from 0.63 to 0.73. When estimating the above-ground biomass of maize by using multivariable linear regression based on vegetation indices, a higher correlation was obtained with an R2 value of 0.82. There was no significant improvement of the estimation performance when plant height derived from UAV RGB imagery was added into the multivariable linear regression model based on vegetation indices. When estimating crop above-ground biomass based on UAV RGB remote-sensing system alone, looking for optimized vegetation indices and establishing estimation models with high performance based on advanced algorithms (e.g., machine learning technology) may be a better way.
Multi-Task cGAN for Simultaneous Spaceborne DSM Refinement and Roof-Type Classification
Authors: Bittner Ksenia , Körner Marco , Fraundorfer Friedrich , Reinartz Peter
Published: May 2019

Various deep learning applications benefit from multi-task learning with multiple regression and classification objectives by taking advantage of the similarities between individual tasks. This can result in improved learning efficiency and prediction accuracy for the task-specific models compared to separately trained models. In this paper, we make an observation of such influences for important remote sensing applications like elevation model generation and semantic segmentation tasks from the stereo half-meter resolution satellite digital surface models (DSMs). Mainly, we aim to generate good-quality DSMs with complete, as well as accurate level of detail (LoD)2-like building forms and to assign an object class label to each pixel in the DSMs. For the label assignment task, we select the roof type classification problem to distinguish between flat, non-flat, and background pixels. To realize those tasks, we train a conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN) with an objective function based on least squares residuals and an auxiliary term based on normal vectors for further roof surface refinement. Besides, we investigate recently published deep learning architectures for both tasks and develop the final end-to-end network, which combines different models, as using them first separately, they provide the best results for their individual tasks.
Range-Doppler Based CFAR Ship Detection with Automatic Training Data Selection
Authors: Joshi Sushil Kumar , Baumgartner Stefan V. , da Silva Andre B. C. , Krieger Gerhard
Published: May 2019

Ship detection is an essential maritime security requirement. Current state-of-the-art synthetic aperture radar (SAR) based ship detection methods employ fully focused images. The time-consuming processing efforts required to generate these images make them generally unsuitable for real time applications. This paper proposes a novel real time oriented ship detection strategy applicable to range-compressed (RC) radar data acquired by an airborne radar sensor during linear, circular and arbitrary flight tracks. A constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detection threshold is computed in the range-Doppler domain using suitable distribution functions. Detection in range-Doppler has the advantage that principally even small ships with a low radar cross section (RCS) can be detected if they are moving fast enough so that the ship signals are shifted to the exo-clutter region. In order to determine a robust threshold, the ocean statistics have to be described accurately. Bright target peaks in the background ocean data bias the statistics and lead to an erroneous threshold. Therefore, an automatic ocean training data extraction procedure is proposed in the paper. It includes (1) a novel target pre-detection module that removes the bright peaks from the data already in time domain, (2) clutter normalization in the Doppler domain using the remaining samples, (3) ocean statistics estimation and (4) threshold computation. Various sea clutter models are investigated and analyzed in the paper for finding the most suitable models for the RC data. The robustness and applicability of the proposed method is validated using real linearly and circularly acquired radar data from DLR’s (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt) airborne F-SAR system.
Wearable Embedded Intelligence for Detection of Falls Independently of on-Body Location
Authors: Alves José , Silva Joana , Grifo Eduardo , Resende Carlos , Sousa Inês
Published: May 2019

Falls are one of the most common problems in the elderly population. Therefore, each year more solutions for automatic fall detection are emerging. This paper proposes a single accelerometer algorithm for wearable devices that works for three different body locations: chest, waist and pocket, without a calibration step being required. This algorithm is able to be fully executed on a wearable device and no external devices are necessary for data processing. Additionally, a study of the accelerometer sampling rate, that allows the algorithm to achieve a better performance, was performed. The algorithm was validated with a continuous dataset with daily living activities and 272 simulated falls. Considering the trade-off between sensitivity and the number of false alarms the most suitable sampling rate found was 50 Hz. The proposed algorithm was able to achieve a trade-off of no false alarms and 89.5% of fall detection rate when wearing the sensor on the user’s waist with a medium sensitivity level of the algorithm. In conclusion, this paper presents a reliable solution for automatic fall detection that can be adapted to different usages and conditions, since it can be used in different body locations and its sensitivity can be adapted to different subjects according to their physical activity level.
Intrinsic Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) Sensors in Commodity Devices
Authors: Chen Shuai , Li Bing , Cao Yuan
Published: May 2019

The environment-dependent feature of physical unclonable functions (PUFs) is capable of sensing environment changes. This paper presents an analysis and categorization of a variety of PUF sensors. Prior works have demonstrated that PUFs can be used as sensors while providing a security authentication assurance. However, most of the PUF sensors need a dedicated circuit. It can be difficult to implemented in commercial off-the-shelf devices. This paper focuses on the intrinsic Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) PUF-based sensors, which requires no modifications for hardware. The preliminary experimental results on Raspberry Pi have demonstrated the feasibility of our design. Furthermore, we configured the DRAM PUF-based sensor in a DRAM PUF-based key generation scheme which improves the practicability of the design.
Characterization and Efficient Management of Big Data in IoT-Driven Smart City Development
Authors: Alsaig Alaa , Alagar Vangalur , Chammaa Zaki , Shiri Nematollaah
Published: May 2019

Smart city is an emerging initiative for integrating Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in effective ways to support development of smart cities with enhanced quality of life for its citizens through safe and secure context-aware services. Major technical challenges to realize smart cities include resource use optimization, service delivery without interruption at all times in all aspects, minimization of costs, and reduction of resource consumption. To address these challenges, new techniques and technologies are required for modeling and processing the big data generated and used through the underlying Internet of Things (IoT). To this end, we propose a data-centric approach to IoT in conceptualizing the “things” from a service-oriented perspective and investigate efficient ways to identify, integrate, and manage big data. The data-centric approach is expected to better support efficient management of data with complexities inherent in IoT-generated big data. Furthermore, it supports efficient and scalable query processing and reasoning techniques required in development of smart city applications. This article redresses the literature and contributes to the foundations of smart cities applications.
An Investigation on the Sampling Frequency of the Upper-Limb Force Myographic Signals
Authors: Xiao Zhen Gang , Menon Carlo
Published: May 2019

Force myography (FMG) is an emerging method to register muscle activity of a limb using force sensors for human–machine interface and movement monitoring applications. Despite its newly gained popularity among researchers, many of its fundamental characteristics remain to be investigated. The aim of this study is to identify the minimum sampling frequency needed for recording upper-limb FMG signals without sacrificing signal integrity. Twelve healthy volunteers participated in an experiment in which they were instructed to perform rapid hand actions with FMG signals being recorded from the wrist and the bulk region of the forearm. The FMG signals were sampled at 1 kHz with a 16-bit resolution data acquisition device. We downsampled the signals with frequencies ranging from 1 Hz to 500 Hz to examine the discrepancies between the original signals and the downsampled ones. Based on the results, we suggest that FMG signals from the forearm and wrist should be collected with minimum sampling frequencies of 54 Hz and 58 Hz for deciphering isometric actions, and 70 Hz and 84 Hz for deciphering dynamic actions. This fundamental work provides insight into minimum requirements for sampling FMG signals such that the data content of such signals is not compromised.
A Storage-Dependent Platinum Functionalization with a Commercial Pre-Polymer Useful for Hydrogen Peroxide and Ascorbic Acid Detection
Authors: Monti Patrizia , Migheli Quirico , Bartiromo Andrea R. , Pauciulo Antonio , Gliubizzi Rocco , Marceddu Salvatore , Serra Pier A. , Delogu Giovanna
Published: May 2019

A preliminary assessment of properties of the commercial product Chemiplus 2DS HB (BI-QEM Specialties SpA) is proposed. Cyclic voltammetry of this oligomer containing sulfate/sulfone groups shows a single oxidative peak at +0.866 V vs. Ag/AgCl, and its passivating process on Pt electrode suggests the formation of a non-conductive layer. Electrode modification was achieved by exploiting the constant potential amperometry setting potential at +0.900 V vs. Ag/AgCl. A substantial change in the oxidative currents from electroactive species H2O2 and ascorbic acid (AA) were observed on Pt/Chemiplus 2DS HB sensors compared to unmodified Pt. Furthermore, the influence of different storage conditions on modified sensors was examined. A storage solution containing AA concentration from 0.1 until 10 mM maintained effective AA rejection of Pt/Chemiplus 2DS HB after 7 days from construction; H2O2 oxidation capability was also retained. Sulfone and sulfonate groups of Chemiplus 2DS HB are likely responsible for the dimensionality of the film and the electrostatic interaction leading to a self-blocking/self-rejection of AA. The way Pt/Chemiplus can reveal the AA presence depends on the maintaining of AA rejection, and this peculiarity can distinguish it from other sensors or biosensors.
Barriers Affecting Sustainable Agricultural Productivity of Smallholder Farmers in the Eastern Free State of South Africa
Authors: Myeni Lindumusa , Moeletsi Mokhele , Thavhana Mulalo , Randela Mulalo , Mokoena Lebohang
Published: May 2019

Sustainable Agricultural Practices (SAPs) are the most promising pathways to enhance the productivity and resilience of agricultural production of smallholder farming systems while conserving the natural resources. This study was undertaken to identify the barriers affecting sustainable agricultural productivity of smallholder farmers in the eastern Free State, South Africa. Data were collected from 359 smallholder farmers using questionnaires and the validity of the collected data was confirmed through focus group discussions with key informants. Descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model were used to analyze data. Results indicated that traditional SAPs such as intercropping, mulching and crop rotation were more likely to be adopted by farmers with access to land yet without access to credit (and had low levels of education, although this finding was not significant). In contrast, new SAPs such as cover cropping, minimum-tillage, tied ridging and planting pits were more knowledge (education), capital and labor intensive. Therefore, extension strategies should take these differences into consideration when promoting both the adoption of traditional SAPs and new SAPs. Targeting resource-constrained farmers (in terms of access to credit and education) through raising awareness and building capacity is essential to ensure the adoption of traditional SAPs. In turn, promoting the adoption of new SAPs not only needs awareness raising and capacity building but also must fundamentally address resource constraints of South African smallholder farmers such as knowledge, capital and labor. It is recommended that government should provide resources and infrastructure to improve the quality and outreach of extension services through field demonstration trials and training.
The Impact of Entrepreneurial Business Networks on Firms’ Performance Through a Mediating Role of Dynamic Capabilities
Authors: Abbas Jaffar , Raza Saqlain , Nurunnabi Mohammad , Minai Mohd Sobri , Bano Shaher
Published: May 2019

This precise study is the first to perform a focalized investigation on the relationship between entrepreneurial business networks and sustainable performance of small firms. The entrepreneurial business network is a multifaceted business network of business firms, working together to achieve business objectives. Business relationships and firm aggregations are the main categories of entrepreneurial business networks, which help small and medium-sized enterprises to become more dynamic, innovative and competitive. The entrepreneurial business network is a networking, which provides a platform to build business relationships, identify, develop or act upon economic opportunities, share information and seek potential business partners for ventures. However, few studies have sought to understand the association of entrepreneurial business network (EBN) and firms’ sustainable performance in the context of Pakistan. This investigation aims to examine the relationship between EBN and small firms’ sustainable performance by applying the Smart PLS-SEM software V-3.2.8. This study explores how dynamic capabilities mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial business network and sustainable performance of small firms. The data received reports on small firms, manufacturing surgical instruments. The findings indicated that the entrepreneurial business network had a significant positive relationship with dynamic capabilities, which in turn presented a positive relation to a sustainable performance of small firms. By developing sustainable EBN, small firms can achieve sustainable performance by implementing dynamic capabilities in a competitive environment. The results affirmed that highly entrepreneurial firms showed a tendency to create a business network for achieving sustainable performance. The results also revealed that firms using business networks and dynamic capabilities efficiently; achieved their sustainable performance. The findings indicated that the study proposed a holistic and systematic model to achieve sustainable performance through firms’ dynamic capabilities. The generalizability of these findings provides useful insight and direction for future studies in Pakistan.
Influence of Urbanization Processes on the Dynamics and Scale of Spatial Transformations in the Mazowiecki Landscape Park
Authors: Janeczko Emilia , Dąbrowski Radosław , Budnicka-Kosior Joanna , Woźnicka Małgorzata
Published: May 2019

This paper explores how urbanization processes, since the 1950s, affected forested areas in the Mazowiecki Landscape Park and determines if these processes resulted in a significant reduction of forest. Spatial analyses, which were used to generate very detailed data on the area of forests, agricultural land, and development areas, were carried out, and the spatial directions of the changes were determined. The results indicate that, in comparison to the 1950s, in the 1990s, the forest area did not decrease, but, in fact, increased, despite a significant increase in the development area, both in the present area of the park and in its buffer zone. This was due to the fact that new buildings were constructed in mainly agricultural areas. At the same time, intensive afforestation of weak soils, mainly inland dunes, was carried out in this area. Comparing the current period to the 1990s, further dynamic growth of the development area can be observed, especially in the park’s protective zone, with a simultaneous decrease in the forest area and agricultural land.