bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Hyperglycemic Effects of Refined Fractions from Cyclocarya paliurus Leaves on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Feng Zheling , Fang Zhujun , Chen Cheng , Vong Chi Teng , Chen Jiali , Lou Ruohan , Hoi Maggie Pui Man , Gan Lishe , Lin Ligen
Published: November 2021

To identify the chemical components responsible for the anti-hyperglycemic effect of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinsk (Juglandaceae) leaves, an ethanol extract (CPE) and a water extract (CPW) of C. paliurus leaves, as well as their total flavonoids (CPF), triterpenoids (CPT) and crude polysaccharides (CPP), were prepared and assessed on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. After being orally administrated once a day for 24 days, CPF (300 mg/kg), CPP (180 mg/kg), or CPF+CPP (300 mg/kg CPF + 180 mg/kg CPP) treatment reversed STZ-induced body weight and muscle mass losses. The glucose tolerance tests and insulin tolerance tests suggested that CPF, CPP, and CPF+CPP showed anti-hyperglycemic effect in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Furthermore, CPF enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in MIN6 cells and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes. CPF and CPP suppressed inflammatory cytokine levels in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Additionally, CPF and CPP improved STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy assessed by H&E staining, blood urea nitrogen content, and urine creatinine level. The molecular networking and Emperor analysis results indicated that CPF showed potential anti-hyperglycemic effects, and HPLC–MS/MS analysis indicated that CPF contains 3 phenolic acids and 9 flavonoids. In contrast, CPT (650 mg/kg) and CPC (300 mg/kg CPF + 180 mg/kg CPP + 650 mg/kg CPT) did not show anti-hyperglycemic effect. Taken together, polysaccharides and flavonoids are responsible for the anti-hyperglycemic effect of C. paliurus leaves, and the clinical application of C. paliurus need to be refined.
High-Reflective Templated Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Filters
Authors: Gao Yao , Luo Yuxiang , Lu Jiangang
Published: November 2021

Cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) have been widely applied in optical filters due to Bragg reflection caused by their helical structure. However, the reflectivity of CLC filters is relatively low, commonly less than 50%, as the filters can only reflect light polarized circularly either left- or right-handedly. Therefore, a high-reflective CLC filter with a single-layer template was proposed which may reflect both right- and left-handed polarized light. The CLC filters of the red, green, blue color were fabricated by the templating technology, which show good wavelength consistency. Additionally, a multi-phase liquid crystal filter with high reflectance was demonstrated by the single-layer templating technology. The templated CLC or multi-phase liquid crystal filters show great potential applications in the optical community, reflective display, and lasing.
Solar Light Photoactive Floating Polyaniline/TiO2 Composites for Water Remediation
Authors: Falletta Ermelinda , Bruni Anna , Sartirana Marta , Boffito Daria C. , Cerrato Giuseppina , Giordana Alessia , Djellabi Ridha , Khatibi Erfan S. , Bianchi Claudia L.
Published: November 2021

In the present study, the development of innovative polyurethane-polyaniline/TiO2 modified floating materials applied in the sorption and photodegradation of rhodamine B from water matrix under solar light irradiation is reported. All the materials were fabricated with inexpensive and easy approaches and were properly characterized. The effect of the kind of polyaniline (PANI) dopant on the materials’ behavior was investigated, as well as the role of the conducting polymer in the pollutant abatement on the basis of its physico-chemical characteristics. Rhodamine B is removed by adsorption and/or photodegradation processes depending on the type of doping agent used for PANI protonation. The best materials were subjected to recycle tests in order to demonstrate their stability under the reaction conditions. The main transformation products formed during the photodegradation process were identified by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS). The results demonstrated that photoactive floating PANI/TiO2 composites are useful alternatives to common powder photocatalysts for the degradation of cationic dyes.
Fabrication of Environmental-Friendly Magnetite Nanoparticle Surface Coatings for the Efficient Collection of Oil Spill
Authors: Abdullah Mahmood M. S. , Al-Lohedan Hamad A.
Published: November 2021

Over the past few decades, there has been an increased trend for the use of natural compounds and their derivatives as alternatives to traditional chemicals and is due to their renewability, green character, and wide availability. This work aims to convert sodium alginate (S.ALG), a natural polysaccharide, into amides through its conversion to alginic acid (H.ALG). The formed H.ALG was esterified using methanol, followed by a reaction with octadecylamine (OA) and dodecylamine (DA) to produce corresponding amides, OA-ALG, and DA-ALG, respectively. The synthesized OA-ALG and DA-ALG were used as capping agents to further form hydrophobic magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs), OA-MNPs and DA-MNPs, respectively. The chemical structures, morphology, hydrophobicity, and magnetic properties of OA-MNPs and DA-MNPs were investigated using different instrumental techniques. Furthermore, the efficacy of as-synthesized MNPs as oil spill collectors were also evaluated using different ratios of MNPs:crude oil. From the analysis of results, the OA-MNPs and DA-MNPs exhibited high efficiency in the collection of oil spill even at low ratios of MNPs:crude oil.
Impact of an Expansion of a Clinical Nutrition Curriculum on Pre-Clerkship Medical Students’ Perception of Their Knowledge and Skills Related to Performing a Nutritional Assessment
Authors: Keel Trey , Olvet Doreen M. , Cavuoto Petrizzo Marie , John Janice T. , Dougherty Rebecca , Sheridan Eva M.
Published: November 2021

Learning how to provide nutritional counseling to patients should start early in undergraduate medical education to improve the knowledge, comfort, and confidence of physicians. Two nutrition workshops were developed for first-year medical students. The first workshop, co-led by physicians and registered dieticians, focused on obtaining nutrition assessments. The second workshop focused on the appropriate dietary counseling of patients with chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular risk. We surveyed students before workshop 1, after workshop 1, and after workshop 2 to assess their perceptions of the value of physician nutrition knowledge and counseling skills as well as their own comfort in the area of nutritional knowledge, assessment, and counseling. We found a significant improvement in their self-assessed level of knowledge regarding counseling patients, in their comfort in completing a nutritional assessment, and in their confidence in advising a patient about nutrition by the end of the first workshop. By the time of the second workshop five months later, students continued to report a high level of knowledge, comfort, and confidence. The implementation of clinical nutrition workshops with a focus on assessment, management, and counseling was found to be effective in increasing student’s self-assessed level of knowledge as well as their confidence and comfort in advising patients on nutrition. Our findings further support the previous assertion that clinical nutrition education can be successfully integrated into the pre-clerkship medical school curriculum.
Adenosine Receptors Modulate the Exogenous Ketogenic Supplement-Evoked Alleviating Effect on Lipopolysaccharide-Generated Increase in Absence Epileptic Activity in WAG/Rij Rats
Authors: Brunner Brigitta , Ari Csilla , D’Agostino Dominic P. , Kovács Zsolt
Published: November 2021

It has been previously demonstrated that KEKS food containing exogenous ketogenic supplement ketone salt (KS) and ketone ester (KE) decreased the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-generated increase in SWD (spike-wave discharge) number in Wistar Albino Glaxo/Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) rats, likely through ketosis. KEKS-supplemented food-generated ketosis may increase adenosine levels, and may thus modulate both neuroinflammatory processes and epileptic activity through adenosine receptors (such as A1Rs and A2ARs). To determine whether these adenosine receptors are able to modify the KEKS food-generated alleviating effect on LPS-evoked increases in SWD number, an antagonist of A1R DPCPX (1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine; 0.2 mg/kg) with LPS (50 µg/kg) and an antagonist of A2AR SCH58261 (7-(2-phenylethyl)-5-amino-2-(2-furyl)-pyrazolo-[4,3-e]-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine; 0.5 mg/kg) with LPS were co-injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) on the ninth day of KEKS food administration, and their influence not only on the SWD number, but also on blood glucose, R-beta-hydroxybutyrate (R-βHB) levels, and body weight were measured. We showed that inhibition of A1Rs abolished the alleviating effect of KEKS food on LPS-generated increases in the SWD number, whereas blocking A2ARs did not significantly modify the KEKS food-generated beneficial effect. Our results suggest that the neuromodulatory benefits of KEKS-supplemented food on absence epileptic activity are mediated primarily through A1R, not A2AR.
Content Validation of a Chrononutrition Questionnaire for the General and Shift Work Populations: A Delphi Study
Authors: Phoi Yan Yin , Bonham Maxine P. , Rogers Michelle , Dorrian Jillian , Coates Alison M.
Published: November 2021

Unusual meal timing has been associated with a higher prevalence of chronic disease. Those at greater risk include shift workers and evening chronotypes. This study aimed to validate the content of a Chrononutrition Questionnaire for shift and non-shift workers to identify temporal patterns of eating in relation to chronotype. Content validity was determined using a Delphi study of three rounds. Experts rated the relevance of, and provided feedback on, 46 items across seven outcomes: meal regularity, times of first eating occasion, last eating occasion, largest meal, main meals/snacks, wake, and sleep, which were edited in response. Items with greater than 70% consensus of relevance were accepted. Rounds one, two, and three had 28, 26, and 24 experts, respectively. Across three rounds, no outcomes were irrelevant, but seven were merged into three for ease of usage, and two sections were added for experts to rate and comment on. In the final round, all but one of 29 items achieved greater than 70% consensus of relevance with no further changes. The Chrononutrition Questionnaire was deemed relevant to experts in circadian biology and chrononutrition, and could represent a convenient tool to assess temporal patterns of eating in relation to chronotype in future studies.
A Comparative Study of the Hepatoprotective Effect of Centella asiatica Extract (CA-HE50) on Lipopolysaccharide/d-galactosamine-Induced Acute Liver Injury in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Hong Woojae , Hwang-Bo Jeon , Jeon Hyelin , Ko Minsung , Choi Joongyeon , Jeong Yong-Joon , Park Jae-Hyun , Kim Inhye , Kim Tae-Woo , Kim Hyunggun , Kang Se-Chan
Published: November 2021

Acute liver failure (ALF) refers to the sudden loss of liver function and is accompanied by several complications. In a previous study, we revealed the protective effect of Centella asiatica 50% ethanol extract (CA-HE50) on acetaminophen-induced liver injury. In the present study, we investigate the hepatoprotective effect of CA-HE50 in a lipopolysaccharide/galactosamine (LPS-D-Gal)-induced ALF animal model and compare it to existing therapeutic silymarin, Lentinus edodes mycelia (LEM) extracts, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and dimethyl diphenyl bicarboxylate (DDB). Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were decreased in the CA-HE50, silymarin, LEM, UDCA and DDB groups compared to the vehicle control group. In particular, AST and ALT levels of the 200 mg/kg CA-HE50 group were significantly decreased compared to positive control groups. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were significantly decreased in the CA-HE50, silymarin, LEM, UDCA and DDB groups compared to the vehicle control group and LDH levels of the 200 mg/kg CA-HE50 group were similar to those of the positive control groups. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly increased in the 100 mg/kg CA-HE50, LEM and UDCA groups compared to the vehicle control group and, in particular, the 100 mg/kg CA-HE50 group increased significantly compared to positive control groups. In addition, the histopathological lesion score was significantly decreased in the CA-HE50 and positive control groups compared with the vehicle control group and the histopathological lesion score of the 200 mg/kg CA-HE50 group was similar to that of the positive control groups. These results show that CA-HE50 has antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects at a level similar to that of silymarin, LEM, UDCA and DDB, which are known to have hepatoprotective effects; further, CA-HE50 has potential as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent in ALF.
Biocompatible Nanocarriers for Enhanced Cancer Photodynamic Therapy Applications
Authors: Dhilip Kumar Sathish Sundar , Abrahamse Heidi
Published: November 2021

In recent years, the role of nanotechnology in drug delivery has become increasingly important, and this field of research holds many potential benefits for cancer treatment, particularly, in achieving cancer cell targeting and reducing the side effects of anticancer drugs. Biocompatible and biodegradable properties have been essential for using a novel material as a carrier molecule in drug delivery applications. Biocompatible nanocarriers are easy to synthesize, and their surface chemistry often enables them to load different types of photosensitizers (PS) to use targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer treatment. This review article explores recent studies on the use of different biocompatible nanocarriers, their potential applications in PDT, including PS-loaded biocompatible nanocarriers, and the effective targeting therapy of PS-loaded biocompatible nanocarriers in PDT for cancer treatment. Furthermore, the review briefly recaps the global clinical trials of PDT and its applications in cancer treatment.
The RNA Directed DNA Methylation (RdDM) Pathway Regulates Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Crabapple (Malus cv. spp.) Leaves by Methylating the McCOP1 Promoter
Authors: Xing Yifan , Xie Ziyi , Sun Weilei , Sun Yuying , Han Zhenyun , Zhang Shiya , Tian Ji , Zhang Jie , Yao Yuncong
Published: November 2021

The synthesis of anthocyanin pigments in plants is known to be regulated by multiple mechanisms, including epigenetic regulation; however, the contribution of the RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway is not well understood. Here, we used bisulfite sequencing and Real Time (RT)-quantitative (q) PCR to analyze the methylation level of the promoter of constitutively photomorphogenic 1 (McCOP1) from Malus cv. spp, a gene involved in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis. The CHH methylation level of the McCOP1 promoter was negatively correlated with McCOP1 RNA expression, and inhibiting DNA methylation caused decreased methylation of the McCOP1 promoter and asymmetric cytosine CHH methylation. We observed that the McCOP1 promoter was a direct target of the RdDM pathway argonaute RISC component 4 (McAGO4) protein, which bound to a McCOP1 promoter GGTTCGG site. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BIFC) analysis showed that RNA-directed DNA methylation (McRDM1) interacted with McAGO4 and another RdDM protein, domains rearranged methyltransferase 2 (McDRM2), to regulate the CHH methylation of the McCOP1 promoter. Detection of CHH methylation and COP1 gene expression in the Arabidopsis thalianaatago4, atdrm2 and atrdm1 mutants showed that RDM1 is the effector of the RdDM pathway. This was confirmed by silencing McRDM1 in crabapple leaves or apple fruit, which resulted in a decrease in McCOP1 CHH methylation and an increase in McCOP1 transcript levels, as well as in anthocyanin accumulation. In conclusion, these results show that the RdDM pathway is involved in regulating anthocyanin accumulation through CHH methylation of the McCOP1 promoter.
Preparation and Characterization of Polybutylene Succinate Reinforced with Pure Cellulose Nanofibril and Lignocellulose Nanofibril Using Two-Step Process
Authors: Cindradewi Azelia Wulan , Bandi Rajkumar , Park Chan-Woo , Park Ji-Soo , Lee Eun-Ah , Kim Jeong-Ki , Kwon Gu-Joong , Han Song-Yi , Lee Seung-Hwan
Published: November 2021

This study reports the preparation of a polybutylene succinate (PBS) film reinforced with pure cellulose nanofibril (PCNF) and lignocellulose nanofibril (LCNF) by a two-step process that consists of solvent dispersion and twin-screw extrusion. Compared to the conventional one-step process, this method offered improved mechanical properties. The addition of 5% CNF increased the tensile properties up to 18.8%. Further, the effect of the lignin content was also studied by using LCNF as a reinforcement. The LCNF was prepared with and without a deep eutectic solvent (DES) pretreatment to gain LCNF with a lignin content that varied between 5, 19, and 30%. The mechanical properties results show that a 5% addition of LCNF to the PBS matrix increased its tensile strength and elastic modulus. Further, the morphological and thermal properties of the composites were also studied in detail.
Forskolin-Loaded Halloysite Nanotubes as Osteoconductive Additive for the Biopolymer Tissue Engineering Scaffolds
Authors: Naumenko Ekaterina , Guryanov Ivan , Zakirova Elena , Fakhrullin Rawil
Published: November 2021

Here we report the use of forskolin-modified halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) as a dopant for biopolymer porous hydrogel scaffolds to impart osteoinductive properties. Forskolin is a labdane diterpenoid isolated from the Indian Coleus plant. This small molecule is widely used as a supplement in molecular biology for cell differentiation. It has been reported in some earlier publications that forskolin can activate osteodifferentiation process by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (c-AMP) signalling activation in stem cells. In presented study it was demonstrated that forskolin release from halloysite-doped scaffolds induced the osteodifferentiation of equine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro without addition of any specific growth factors. The reinforcement of mechanical properties of cells and intercellular space during the osteodifferentiation was demonstrated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). These clay-doped scaffolds may find applications to accelerate the regeneration of horse bone defects by inducing the processes of osteodifferentiation of endogenous MSCs.
The Background of Stone Pagoda Construction in Ancient Japan
Authors: Satō Asei
Published: November 2021

In this study stone pagodas from ancient Japan (7th to 9th centuries) were analyzed. The findings show that there are some apparently influenced by the Korean Peninsula and two other types. While there are examples of the former type that are large and serve as temple buildings, the latter are located in mountain forest temples. I am of the opinion that stone pagodas were important mechanisms that made possible the existence of mountain forest temples as Mahayana precepts-based transgression repentance (keka 悔過) training sites that complemented flatland temples. This use of stone pagodas is different than China and Korea, which treated both wooden and stone pagodas in the same way. Moreover, ideas regarding Mahayana precepts-based transgression repentance were introduced from China, and I hold that the increase in stone pagodas at mountain forest temples corresponds to the Sinicization of Japanese Buddhism.
The Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Counter-Radicalization in Nigeria: The Case of Boko Haram
Authors: Ishaku Bapak , Aksit Sait , Maza Kangdim Dingji
Published: November 2021

This article examines the role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in counter-radicalization in Nigeria, with emphasis on the Boko Haram terrorist group operating in northeast Nigeria and the greater Lake Chad region. A qualitative methodological approach is employed that makes use of primary and secondary documents, key informant and stakeholder interviews, and focus group discussions with critical religious actors and organizations. The findings of the article suggest that FBOs play a critical role in the disengagement and deradicalization process of countering the ideological and radical messages of Boko Haram. However, challenges such as the lack of effective stakeholder involvement in the various initiatives by the state in counterterrorism, fear of reprisal and attacks, lack of unison by various FBOs and clerics in countering these negative messages, and the inability of relevant stakeholders in addressing structural factors such as poverty, social and economic exclusion, and unemployment that give rise to radicalization amongst other challenges, have impeded the effectiveness of the FBO sector in its counter-radicalization efforts in Nigeria. To address these challenges, the article proposes a bottom-up approach to counterterrorism that provides room for the multi-sectoral involvement of major stakeholders, especially FBOs, to complement pre-existing initiatives and other measures to counter the negative weaponization of religion by radical and rogue clerics, and also to prevent Boko Haram from expanding its frontiers.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Severe Fetal Hydronephrosis Due to Pyeloureteral Junction Syndrome with False Neonatal Resolution
Authors: Gaeta Gerarda , Pozzoni Mirko , Serafini Audrey , Lesma Arianna , Paesano Pier Luigi , Candiani Massimo , Cavoretto Paolo Ivo
Published: November 2021

A case of severe fetal hydronephrosis due to isolated bilateral stenosis of the pyelo-ureteral junction was diagnosed at our centre. Surprisingly, a negative renal ultrasound scan was performed on the 3rd postnatal day. An ultrasound follow-up showed severe bilateral pyelectasis a few weeks later. The infant underwent bilateral pyeloplasty at six months of age with an excellent outcome. Such a neonatal picture may be due to the reduction of urinary output secondary to excessive postnatal weight loss and dehydration. In this case, prenatal ultrasound result was more reliable than postnatal ultrasound, emphasizing the importance of postnatal urologic follow-up after prenatal indication.
Development of an Impairment Point in Time Probability of Default Model for Revolving Retail Credit Products: South African Case Study
Authors: Breed Douw Gerbrand , van Jaarsveld Niel , Gerken Carsten , Verster Tanja , Raubenheimer Helgard
Published: November 2021

A new methodology to derive IFRS 9 PiT PDs is proposed. The methodology first derives a PiT term structure with accompanying segmented term structures. Secondly, the calibration of credit scores using the Lorenz curve approach is used to create account-specific PD term structures. The PiT term structures are derived by using empirical information based on the most recent default information and account risk characteristics prior to default. Different PiT PD term structures are developed to capture the structurally different default risk patterns for different pools of accounts using segmentation. To quantify what a materially different term structure constitutes, three tests are proposed. Account specific PiT PDs are derived through the Lorenz curve calibration using the latest default experience and credit scores. The proposed methodology is illustrated on an actual dataset, using a revolving retail credit portfolio from a South African bank. The main advantages of the proposed methodology include the use of well-understood methods (e.g., Lorenz curve calibration, scorecards, term structure modelling) in the banking industry. Further, the inclusion of re-default events in the proposed IFRS 9 PD methodology will simplify the development of the accompanying IFRS 9 LGD model due to the reduced complexity for the modelling of cure cases. Moreover, attrition effects are naturally included in the PD term structures and no longer require a separate model. Lastly, the PD term structure is based on months since observation, and therefore the arrears cycle could be investigated as a possible segmentation.
Correction: Parks et al. Mean Composite Fire Severity Metrics Computed with Google Earth Engine Offer Improved Accuracy and Expanded Mapping Potential. Remote Sens. 2018, 10, 879
Authors: Parks Sean A. , Holsinger Lisa M. , Voss Morgan A. , Loehman Rachel A. , Robinson Nathaniel P.
Published: November 2021

In our paper titled, ‘Mean Composite Fire Severity Metrics Computed with Google Earth Engine Offer Improved Accuracy and Expanded Mapping Potential’ [...]
Three Decades after: Landscape Dynamics in Different Colonisation Models Implemented in the Brazilian Legal Amazon
Authors: Moura Valdir , Souza Ranieli dos Anjos de , Mercante Erivelto , Richetti Jonathan , Johann Jerry Adriani
Published: November 2021

Several colonisation projects were implemented in the Brazilian Legal Amazon in the 1970s and 1980s. Among these colonisation projects, the most prominent were those with the “fishbone” and “topographic” models. Within this scope, the settlements known as Anari and Machadinho stand out because they are contiguous areas with different models and structures of occupation and colonisation. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the dynamics of Land-Use and Land-Cover (LULC) in two different colonisation models, implanted in the State of Rondônia in the 1980s. The fishbone and topographic or Disorganised Multidirectional models were implemented in the Anari and Machadinho settlements, respectively. A 36-year time series of Landsat images (1984–2020) was used to evaluate the rates and trends in the LULC process in the different colonisation models. In the analysed models, a rapid loss of primary and secondary forests (anthropized areas) was observed, mainly due to the dynamics of its use, established by the Agriculture/Pasture relation with a heavy dependence on road construction. Understanding these two forms of occupation can help the future programs and guidelines of the Brazilian Legal Amazon and any tropical rainforest across the globe.
Exploring the Applicability and Scaling Effects of Satellite-Observed Spring and Autumn Phenology in Complex Terrain Regions Using Four Different Spatial Resolution Products
Authors: Chen Fangxin , Liu Zhengjia , Zhong Huimin , Wang Sisi
Published: November 2021

The information on land surface phenology (LSP) was extracted from remote sensing data in many studies. However, few studies have evaluated the impacts of satellite products with different spatial resolutions on LSP extraction over regions with a heterogeneous topography. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study took the Loess Plateau as an example region and employed four types of satellite data with different spatial resolutions (250, 500, and 1000 m MODIS NDVI during the period 2001–2020 and ~10 km GIMMS3g during the period 1982–2015) to investigate the LSP changes that took place. We used the correlation coefficient (r) and root mean square error (RMSE) to evaluate the performances of various satellite products and further analyzed the applicability of the four satellite products. Our results showed that the MODIS-based start of the growing season (SOS) and end of the growing season (EOS) were highly correlated with the ground-observed data with r values of 0.82 and 0.79, respectively (p < 0.01), while the GIMMS3g-based phenology signal performed badly (r < 0.50 and p > 0.05). Spatially, the LSP that was derived from the MODIS products produced more reasonable spatial distributions. The inter-annual averaged MODIS SOS and EOS presented overall advanced and delayed trends during the period 2001–2020, respectively. More than two-thirds of the SOS advances and EOS delays occurred in grasslands, which determined the overall phenological changes across the entire Loess Plateau. However, both inter-annual trends of SOS and EOS derived from the GIMMS3g data were opposite to those seen in the MODIS results. There were no significant differences among the three MODIS datasets (250, 500, and 1000 m) with regard to a bias lower than 2 days, RMSE lower than 1 day, and correlation coefficient greater than 0.95 (p < 0.01). Furthermore, it was found that the phenology that was derived from the data with a 1000 m spatial resolution in the heterogeneous topography regions was feasible. Yet, in forest ecosystems and areas with an accumulated temperature ≥10 °C, the differences in phenological phase between the MODIS products could be amplified.
Detection and Classification of Rice Infestation with Rice Leaf Folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) Using Hyperspectral Imaging Techniques
Authors: Liang Gui-Chou , Ouyang Yen-Chieh , Dai Shu-Mei
Published: November 2021

The detection of rice leaf folder (RLF) infestation usually depends on manual monitoring, and early infestations cannot be detected visually. To improve detection accuracy and reduce human error, we use push-broom hyperspectral sensors to scan rice images and use machine learning and deep neural learning methods to detect RLF-infested rice leaves. Different from traditional image processing methods, hyperspectral imaging data analysis is based on pixel-based classification and target recognition. Since the spectral information itself is a feature and can be considered a vector, deep learning neural networks do not need to use convolutional neural networks to extract features. To correctly detect the spectral image of rice leaves infested by RLF, we use the constrained energy minimization (CEM) method to suppress the background noise of the spectral image. A band selection method was utilized to reduce the computational energy consumption of using the full-band process, and six bands were selected as candidate bands. The following method is the band expansion process (BEP) method, which is utilized to expand the vector length to improve the problem of compressed spectral information for band selection. We use CEM and deep neural networks to detect defects in the spectral images of infected rice leaves and compare the performance of each in the full frequency band, frequency band selection, and frequency BEP. A total of 339 hyperspectral images were collected in this study; the results showed that six bands were sufficient for detecting early infestations of RLF, with a detection accuracy of 98% and a Dice similarity coefficient of 0.8, which provides advantages of commercialization of this field.
Integrating Pixels, People, and Political Economy to Understand the Role of Armed Conflict and Geopolitics in Driving Deforestation: The Case of Myanmar
Authors: Woods Kevin M. , Wang Panshi , Sexton Joseph O. , Leimgruber Peter , Wong Jesse , Huang Qiongyu
Published: November 2021

Armed conflict and geopolitics are a driving force of Land Use and Land Cover Change (LULCC), but with considerable variation in deforestation trends between broader and finer scales of analysis. Remotely-sensed annual deforestation rates from 1989 to 2018 are presented at the national and (sub-) regional scales for Kachin State in the north of Myanmar and in Kayin State and Tanintharyi Region in the southeast. We pair our multiscaled remote sensing analysis with our multisited political ecology approach where we conducted field-based interviews in study sites between 2018 and 2020. Our integrated analysis identified three common periods of deforestation spikes at the national and state/region level, but with some notable disparities between regions as well as across and within townships and village tracts. We found the rate and geography of deforestation were most influenced by the territorial jurisdictions of armed authorities, national political economic reforms and timber regulations, and proximity to national borders and their respective geopolitical relations. The absence or presence of ceasefires in the north and southeast did not solely explain deforestation patterns. Rather than consider ceasefire or war as a singular explanatory variable effecting forest cover change, we demonstrate the need to analyze armed conflict as a dynamic multisited and diffuse phenomenon, which is simultaneously integrated into broader political economy and geopolitical forces.
Generation of High-Precision Ground Penetrating Radar Images Using Improved Least Square Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Yue Yunpeng , Liu Hai , Meng Xu , Li Yinguang , Du Yanliang
Published: November 2021

Deep learning models have achieved success in image recognition and have shown great potential for interpretation of ground penetrating radar (GPR) data. However, training reliable deep learning models requires massive labeled data, which are usually not easy to obtain due to the high costs of data acquisition and field validation. This paper proposes an improved least square generative adversarial networks (LSGAN) model which employs the loss functions of LSGAN and convolutional neural networks (CNN) to generate GPR images. This model can generate high-precision GPR data to address the scarcity of labelled GPR data. We evaluate the proposed model using Frechet Inception Distance (FID) evaluation index and compare it with other existing GAN models and find it outperforms the other two models on a lower FID score. In addition, the adaptability of the LSGAN-generated images for GPR data augmentation is investigated by YOLOv4 model, which is employed to detect rebars in field GPR images. It is verified that inclusion of LSGAN-generated images in the training GPR dataset can increase the target diversity and improve the detection precision by 10%, compared with the model trained on the dataset containing 500 field GPR images.
Improving the Accuracy of Land Cover Mapping by Distributing Training Samples
Authors: Li Chenxi , Ma Zaiying , Wang Liuyue , Yu Weijian , Tan Donglin , Gao Bingbo , Feng Quanlong , Guo Hao , Zhao Yuanyuan
Published: November 2021

High-quality training samples are essential for accurate land cover classification. Due to the difficulties in collecting a large number of training samples, it is of great significance to collect a high-quality sample dataset with a limited sample size but effective sample distribution. In this paper, we proposed an object-oriented sampling approach by segmenting image blocks expanded from systematically distributed seeds (object-oriented sampling approach) and carried out a rigorous comparison of seven sampling strategies, including random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified sampling (stratified sampling with the strata of land cover classes based on classification product, Latin hypercube sampling, and spatial Latin hypercube sampling), object-oriented sampling, and manual sampling, to explore the impact of training sample distribution on the accuracy of land cover classification when the samples are limited. Five study areas from different climate zones were selected along the China–Mongolia border. Our research identified the proposed object-oriented sampling approach as the first-choice sampling strategy in collecting training samples. This approach improved the diversity and completeness of the training sample set. Stratified sampling with strata defined by the combination of different attributes and stratified sampling with the strata of land cover classes had their limitations, and they performed well in specific situations when we have enough prior knowledge or high-accuracy product. Manual sampling was greatly influenced by the experience of interpreters. All these sampling strategies mentioned above outperformed random sampling and systematic sampling in this study. The results indicate that the sampling strategies of training datasets do have great impacts on the land cover classification accuracies when the sample size is limited. This paper will provide guidance for efficient training sample collection to increase classification accuracies.
An Investigation on Seasonal and Diurnal Cycles of TOA Shortwave Radiations from DSCOVR/EPIC, CERES, MERRA-2, and ERA5
Authors: Lim Young-Kwon , Wu Dong L. , Kim Kyu-Myong , Lee Jae N.
Published: November 2021

Reflected shortwave (SW) solar radiations at the top of atmosphere from Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES), Modern Era-Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications version 2 (MERRA-2), and ECMWF Reanalysis 5th Generation (ERA5) are examined to better understand their differences in spatial and temporal variations (seasonal and diurnal cycle timescale) with respect to the observations from the Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) on the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite. Comparisons between two reanalyses (MERRA-2 and ERA5) and EPIC reveal that MERRA-2 has a generally larger deviation from EPIC than ERA5 in terms of the SW radiance and diurnal variability in all seasons, which can be attributed to larger cloud biases in MERRA-2. MERRA-2 produces more ice/liquid water content than ERA5 over the tropical warm pool, leading to positive SW biases in cloud and radiance, while both reanalyses underestimate the observed SW radiance from EPIC in the stratus-topped region off the western coast of US/Mexico in the boreal summer. Himalaya/Tibet region in the boreal spring/summer and the midlatitude Southern Hemisphere in the boreal winter are the regions where MERRA-2 and ERA5 deviate largely from EPIC, but their deviations have the opposite sign. Vertical structures of cloud ice/liquid water content explain reasonably well these contrasting differences between the two reanalyses. As two independent observations, CERES and EPIC agree well with each other in terms of the SW radiance maps, showing 2–3% mean absolute errors over the tropical midlatitudes. The CERES-EPIC consistency further confirms that the reanalyses still have challenges in representing the SW flux and its global distribution. In the CERES-EPIC observation differences, CERES slightly overestimates the diurnal cycle (as a function of local solar time) of the observed EPIC irradiance in the morning and underestimates it in the afternoon, while the opposite is the case in the reanalyses.
Miniature Coil for Wireless Power and Data Transfer through Aluminum
Authors: Romero-Arguello Juan M. , Pham Anh-Vu , Gardner Christopher S. , Funsten Brad T.
Published: November 2021

This paper presents the design and development of miniature coils for wireless power and data transfer through metal. Our coil has a total size of 15 mm × 13 mm × 6 mm. Experimental results demonstrate that we can harvest 440 mW through a 1 mm-thick aluminum plate. Aluminum and stainless-steel barriers of different thicknesses were used to characterize coil performance. Using a pair of the designed coils, we have developed a through-metal communication system to successfully transfer data through a 1 mm-thick aluminum plate. A maximum data rate of 100 bps was achieved using only harvested power. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that demonstrates power and data transfer through aluminum using miniature coils.
Multi-Source Knowledge Reasoning for Data-Driven IoT Security
Authors: Zhang Shuqin , Bai Guangyao , Li Hong , Liu Peipei , Zhang Minzhi , Li Shujun
Published: November 2021

Nowadays, there are different kinds of public knowledge bases for cyber security vulnerability and threat intelligence which can be used for IoT security threat analysis. However, the heterogeneity of these knowledge bases and the complexity of the IoT environments make network security situation awareness and threat assessment difficult. In this paper, we integrate vulnerabilities, weaknesses, affected platforms, tactics, attack techniques, and attack patterns into a coherent set of links. In addition, we propose an IoT security ontology model, namely, the IoT Security Threat Ontology (IoTSTO), to describe the elements of IoT security threats and design inference rules for threat analysis. This IoTSTO expands the current knowledge domain of cyber security ontology modeling. In the IoTSTO model, the proposed multi-source knowledge reasoning method can perform the following tasks: assess the threats of the IoT environment, automatically infer mitigations, and separate IoT nodes that are subject to specific threats. The method above provides support to security managers in their deployment of security solutions. This paper completes the association of current public knowledge bases for IoT security and solves the semantic heterogeneity of multi-source knowledge. In this paper, we reveal the scope of public knowledge bases and their interrelationships through the multi-source knowledge reasoning method for IoT security. In conclusion, the paper provides a unified, extensible, and reusable method for IoT security analysis and decision making.
Aerobic Responses to FES-Assisted and Volitional Cycling in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Sansare Ashwini , Harrington Ann Tokay , Wright Henry , Alesi James , Behboodi Ahad , Verma Khushboo , Lee Samuel C. K.
Published: November 2021

Recumbent stationary cycling is a potential exercise modality for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) that lack the postural control needed for upright exercises. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) of lower extremity muscles can help such individuals reach the cycling intensities that are required for aerobic benefits. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of cycling with and without FES assistance to that of a no-intervention control group on the cardiorespiratory fitness of children with CP. Thirty-nine participants were randomized to a FES group that underwent an 8-week FES-assisted cycling program, the volitional group (VOL), who cycled without FES, or a no-intervention control group (CON) (15 FES, 11 VOL, 13 CON). Cadence, peak VO2, and net rise in heart rate were assessed at baseline, end of training, and washout (8-weeks after cessation of training). Latent growth curve modeling was used for analysis. The FES group showed significantly higher cycling cadences than the VOL and CON groups at POST and WO. There were no differences in improvements in the peak VO2 and peak net HR between groups. FES-assisted cycling may help children with CP attain higher cycling cadences and to retain these gains after training cessation. Higher training intensities may be necessary to obtain improvements in peak VO2 and heart rate.
Protective Effects of Dietary Supplement Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) against Toxically Impacts of Monosodium Glutamate in Blood and Behavior of Swiss mouse
Authors: Lia Longodor Adina , Coroian Aurelia , Balta Igori , Taulescu Marian , Toma Corina , Sevastre Bogdan , Marchiș Zamfir , Andronie Luisa , Pop Ioana , Matei Florica , Tamas-Krumpe Octavia Maria , Maris Stefania
Published: November 2021

(1) Background: Well-known monosodium glutamate (E-621, MSG), originally used as a food flavor enhancer, was approved approximately in all countries, but the toxicity versus the safety of (MSG) are still unclear due to variable scientific toxicological reports. Moreover, it was reported to trigger elevated frequencies of nausea and headaches in humans and provide deleterious effects on laboratory animals. The objectives of the present study were to (i) estimate the possible toxic effects of the food additive MSG (ii) and the ameliorating protective effects of the dietary supplement spirulina (Spirulina platensis) on the biochemical parameters of blood and the damage produced in organs of Swiss mice after applying a supplementary daily dose of MSG for 4 weeks. (2) Methods: The present study was conducted on 20 mature Swiss mice, which were randomly organized into four groups of five Swiss mice. The treatments were (I) the control group, in which Swiss mice were fed only animal feed and drinking water; group II MSG1, which received 1 mL of MSG; group III MSG0.5, which was treated with 0.5 mL of MSG; and (IV) the group MSGS, which was treated with 1 mL of monosodium glutamate and 1 mL of spirulina (aiming to reduce the MSG toxicity). (3) Results: At the end of the experiment, Swiss mice treated with MSG demonstrated a passiveness regarding behavioral aspects. As we hypothesized, the parameters of the spirulina group reached similar values to the control group, and no histopathological observations have been found. Altogether, our findings evidenced that monosodium glutamate leads to histopathological changes in Swiss mice kidneys and caused important modifications for all biochemical parameters of the blood serum. Noticeably, the potential protective effect of Spirulina platensis was proved and was described by using the FTIR spectroscopy technique. (4) Conclusions: A diet rich in antioxidants and other plant-derived bioactive compounds may provide healthy nutrition, alleviating the potential side effects of some food additives.
Lean 6S in Food Production: HACCP as a Benchmark for the Sixth S “Safety”
Authors: Domínguez Rut Azucena , Espinosa María del Mar , Domínguez Manuel , Romero Luis
Published: November 2021

This article presents the integration of lean 6S methodologies and hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) in the food production sector. Through the study, it is seen that non-food industrial production is not very different from that of food, and in many cases, it assimilates protocols and ideas that are already working in the food industry. Such is the case of risk analysis, critical control points or hygiene, which are part of the food production protocol and of the industry in general. After the integrative analysis, the article proposes a common lean 6S–HACCP model, which can be used both in food production and in non-food industrial production. Food quality management systems, a fundamental element of HACCP which the project must necessarily include, is analyzed in-depth. The peculiarities prior to the integration of the mandatory HACCP and the voluntary lean are analyzed, as well. Throughout the manuscript, an important series of considerations regarding lean is collected, giving practical examples of its use in the food environment. The study makes special reference to concurrent engineering, which, as is known, constitutes the link between 5S and lean. This analysis aims to present a lean 6S HACCP implementation project.
A Model for Measuring and Managing the Impact of Design on the Organization: Insights from Four Companies
Authors: Legarda Iker , Iriarte Ion , Hoveskog Maya , Justel-Lozano Daniel
Published: November 2021

Increasing numbers of companies are looking to embed design as a strategic capability to meet today’s business and social challenges. However, integrating design in an organization is a challenge, due to the scarcity of knowledge on managing this process and measuring its impact. This study presents a model for measuring and managing the impact of design on the organization (DIMM). The model builds on four levels of design impact identified in the literature: results, perception, processes, and design culture. The model was tested with four service companies that have recently developed design capabilities. To this end, those responsible for the integration of design were interviewed, using the model itself as an interview guide to confirm its usefulness and identify possible improvements. The results showed that the model was useful to assess the impact of design on companies with emerging design capabilities, but also as a reflection and management tool to align design with strategic objectives and promote its integration into the organization. Finally, future research should test the model longitudinally, as well as in a broader scope of organizations, to validate its usefulness for organizations with greater design maturity.