bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyramiding of Four Broad Spectrum Bacterial Blight Resistance Genes in Cross Breeds of Basmati Rice
Authors: Ullah Irfan , Ali Hamid , Mahmood Tariq , Khan Mudassar Nawaz , Haris Muhammad , Shah Hussain , Mihoub Adil , Jamal Aftab , Saeed Muhammad Farhan , Mancinelli Roberto , Radicetti Emanuele
Published: December 2022

Pyramiding of major resistance (R) genes through marker-assisted selection (MAS) is a useful way to attain durable and broad-spectrum resistance against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae pathogen, the causal agent of bacterial blight (BB) disease in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The present study was designed to pyramid four broad spectrum BB-R genes (Xa4, xa5, xa13 and Xa21) in the background of Basmati-385, an indica rice cultivar with much sought-after qualitative and quantitative grain traits. The cultivar, however, is susceptible to BB and was therefore, crossed with IRBB59 which possesses R genes xa5, xa13 and Xa21, to attain broad and durable resistance. A total of 19 F1 plants were obtained, some of which were backcrossed with Basmati-385 and large number of BC1F1 plants were obtained. In BC1F2 generation, 31 phenotypically superior genotypes having morphological features of Basmati-385, were selected and advanced up to BC1F6 population. Sequence-tagged site (STS)-based MAS was carried out and phenotypic selection was made in each successive generation. In BC1F6 population, potentially homozygous recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from each line were selected and evaluated on the bases of STS evaluation and resistance to local Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) isolates. Line 23 was found pyramided with all four BB-R genes i.e., Xa4, xa5, xa13 and Xa21. Five genotypes including line 8, line 16, line 21, line 27 and line 28 were identified as pyramided with three R genes, Xa4, xa5 and xa13. Pathological study showed that rice lines pyramided with quadruplet or triplet R genes showed the highest level of resistance compared to doublet or singlet R genes. Thus, line 23 with quadruplet, and lines 8, 16, 21, 27, and 28 with triplet R genes, are recommended for replicated yield and resistance trials before release as new rice varieties. Further, traditional breeding coupled with MAS, is a solid way to attain highly effective BB-resistant rice lines with no yield cost.
Herbivory in Myrtillocactus geometrizans (Cactaceae): Do Parasitoids Provide Indirect Defense or a Direct Advantage?
Authors: Callejas-Chavero Alicia , Martínez-Hernández Diana Guadalupe , Vargas-Mendoza Carlos Fabian , Flores-Martínez Arturo
Published: December 2022

Plants respond to herbivory in diverse, complex ways, ranging from avoidance or tolerance to indirect defense mechanisms such as attracting natural enemies of herbivores, i.e., parasitoids or predators, to strengthen their defense. Defense provided by parasitoids to cultivated plants is well documented and is used in biological control programs. However, its effectiveness on wild plants under natural conditions has been little studied. Such is the case of the cactus Myrtilllocactus geometrizans (known in Mexico as garambullo), which is consumed by the soft-scale insect Toumeyella martinezae (herbivore) which, in turn, is host to the parasitoid wasp Mexidalgus toumeyellus, and mutualist with the ant Liometopum apiculatum, that tenders and protects it. This study explores the role of the parasitoid as an indirect defense, by examining its effect on both the herbivore and the plant, and how this interaction is affected by the presence of the mutualistic ant. We found that scales adversely affect the cactus’ growth, flower, and fruit production, as well as its progeny’s performance, as seedlings from scale-infested garambullo plants were shorter, and it also favors the presence of fungus (sooty mold). The parasitoid responded positively to herbivore abundance, but the presence of ants reduced the intensity of parasitism. Our results show that parasitoids can function as an indirect defense, but their effectiveness is reduced by the presence of the herbivore’s mutualistic ant.
Plastic Covers and Potassium Pre-Harvest Sprays and Their Influence on Antioxidant Properties, Phenolic Profile, and Organic Acids Composition of Sweet Cherry Fruits Cultivated in Southern Chile
Authors: Palacios-Peralta Cristóbal , Ruiz Antonieta , Ercoli Stefano , Reyes-Díaz Marjorie , Bustamante Marco , Muñoz Ariel , Osorio Pamela , Ribera-Fonseca Alejandra
Published: December 2022

In rainy areas, sweet cherries are cultivated under plastic covers, preventing the cracking of the fruit but decreasing the firmness and acidity of the cherries. We evaluated the impact of plastic cover and pre-harvest K foliar application on quality parameters, antioxidant properties, and phenolic and organic acid compositions in fruits of sweet cherry cv. Regina of Southern Chile. Our results showed that K+ increased firmness, total soluble content, size, fruit weight, and titratable acidity at harvest, independent of the cover factor. The positive impacts of foliar K fertilization on anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids could explain the higher antioxidant capacity of fruits. Our study revealed that the additional K doses applied increased malic acid, the main organic acid in cherry fruits, but only in fruits from uncovered trees. In covered trees, the effect was reversed. Citric acid was higher in fruit from covered trees. Our results indicated that tartaric acid also increased with the application of higher K doses; however, this acid was detectable only in uncovered tree fruit. Interestingly, all organic acids were lower in fruits produced in the lower canopy than those detected in fruits harvested from the upper canopy. This showed the positive impact of canopy light exposure on maintaining suitable acidity levels in sweet cherry fruits.
Ultrasonic Disintegration to Improve Anaerobic Digestion of Microalgae with Hard Cell Walls—Scenedesmus sp. and Pinnularia sp.
Authors: Dębowski Marcin , Kazimierowicz Joanna , Świca Izabela , Zieliński Marcin
Published: December 2022

Microalgae are considered to be very promising feedstocks for biomethane production. It has been shown that the structure of microalgal cell walls can be highly detrimental to the anaerobic digestibility of biomass. Therefore, there is a real need to seek ways to eliminate this problem. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of ultrasonic disintegration of Scenedesmus sp. and Pinnularia sp. microalgal biomass on the performance and energy efficiency of anaerobic digestion. The pretreatment was successful in significantly increasing dissolved COD and TOC in the system. The highest CH4 yields were noted for Scenedesmus sp. sonicated for 150 s and 200 s, which produced 309 ± 13 cm3/gVS and 313 ± 15 cm3/gVS, respectively. The 50 s group performed the best in terms of net energy efficiency at 1.909 ± 0.20 Wh/gVS. Considerably poorer performance was noted for Pinnularia sp., with biomass yields and net energy gains peaking at CH4 250 ± 21 cm3/gVS and 0.943 ± 0.22 Wh/gVS, respectively. Notably, the latter value was inferior to even the non-pretreated biomass (which generated 1.394 ± 0.19 Wh/gVS).
Biochemical Characterization of Orange-Colored Rice Calli Induced by Target Mutagenesis of OsOr Gene
Authors: Kim Hee Kyoung , Kim Jin Young , Kim Jong Hee , Go Ji Yun , Jung Yoo-Seob , Lee Hyo Ju , Ahn Mi-Jeong , Yu Jihyeon , Bae Sangsu , Kim Ho Soo , Kwak Sang-Soo , Kim Me-Sun , Cho Yong-Gu , Jung Yu Jin , Kang Kwon Kyoo
Published: December 2022

We generated an orange-colored (OC) rice callus line by targeted mutagenesis of the orange gene (OsOr) using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. The OC line accumulated more lutein, β-carotene, and two β-carotene isomers compared to the WT callus line. We also analyzed the expression levels of carotenoid biosynthesis genes by qRT-PCR. Among the genes encoding carotenoid metabolic pathway enzymes, the number of transcripts of the PSY2, PSY3, PDS, ZDS and β-LCY genes were higher in the OC line than in the WT line. In contrast, transcription of the ε-LCY gene was downregulated in the OC line compared to the WT line. In addition, we detected increases in the transcript levels of two genes involved in carotenoid oxidation in the OC lines. The developed OC lines also showed increased tolerance to salt stress. Collectively, these findings indicate that targeted mutagenesis of the OsOr gene via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing results in β-carotene accumulation in rice calli. Accordingly, we believe that this type of genome-editing technology could represent an effective alternative approach for enhancing the β-carotene content of plants.
Bioprospecting of Helichrysum Species: Chemical Profile, Phytochemical Properties, and Antifungal Efficacy against Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Matrose Neliswa A , Belay Zinash A , Obikeze Kenechukwu , Mokwena Lucky , Caleb Oluwafemi James
Published: December 2022

Variation in plant species and extraction solvents play a crucial role in the recovery of their bioactive compounds and antifungal efficacy. Thus, in this study, a comparative investigation was carried out using extraction solvents: 70% acetone and 95% ethanol to obtain crude aqueous extracts from Helichrysum odoratissimum and H. patulum. Crude aqueous extracts were screened using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), to gain insight into their chemical composition. Phytochemical properties (total polyphenols (TP) and radical scavenging capacity via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)), and antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea of the crude extracts were evaluated. Fungicide (Rovral® WP) and extraction solvents were used as controls. Variation in Helichrysum spp. and extraction solvent had influence on the chemical composition, phytochemicals, and antifungal activities. Metabolites such as γ-terpinene (≈0.1%), α-amorphene (≈0.6%) α-gurjunene (≈1.4%), β-selinene (2.2–3.2%), γ-gurjunene (≈3.3%), and methyl cinnamate (≈20%) were detected only in extracts of H. patulum. Crude extract of H. odoratissimum using 70% acetone had the highest TP (19.3 ± 0.76 g GA 100 g−1), and DPPH capacity (13,251.5 ± 700.55 µmol Trolox g−1) compared to H. patulum (p ≤ 0.05). Ethanolic extracts of H. patulum showed highest antifungal efficacy (≈65%) against B. cinerea (p ≤ 0.05) compared to other crude extracts. This study showed that Helichrysum spp. differ in their potential as a source for bioactive compounds and antifungal treatments/formulations.
Jasmonate Positively Regulates Cold Tolerance by Promoting ABA Biosynthesis in Tomato
Authors: Ding Fei , Wang Xizhi , Li Ziye , Wang Meiling
Published: December 2022

As a cold-sensitive species, tomato is frequently challenged by cold stress during vegetative and reproductive growth. Understanding how tomato responds to cold stress is of critical importance for sustainable tomato production. In this work, we demonstrate that jasmonate (JA) plays a crucial role in tomato response to cold stress by promoting abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis. It was observed that both JA and ABA levels were substantially increased under cold conditions, whereas the suppression of JA biosynthesis abated ABA accumulation. The ABA biosynthesis gene 9-CIS-EPOXYCAROTENOID DIOXYGENASE2 (NCED2) was subsequently found to be associated with JA-mediated ABA biosynthesis in tomato plants in response to cold stress. NCED2 was rapidly induced by exogenous MeJA and cold treatment. Silencing NCED2 led to a decrease in ABA accumulation that was concurrent with increased cold sensitivity. Moreover, blocking ABA biosynthesis using a chemical inhibitor impaired JA-induced cold tolerance in tomato. Furthermore, MYC2, a core component of the JA signaling pathway, promoted the transcription of NCED2, ABA accumulation and cold tolerance in tomato. Collectively, our results support that JA signaling promotes ABA biosynthesis to confer cold tolerance in tomato.
Can Peat Amendment of Mars Regolith Simulant Allow Soybean Cultivation in Mars Bioregenerative Life Support Systems?
Authors: Caporale Antonio Giandonato , Paradiso Roberta , Liuzzi Greta , Arouna Nafiou , De Pascale Stefania , Adamo Paola
Published: December 2022

Higher plants will play a key role in human survival in Space, being able to regenerate resources and produce fresh food. However, the creation of a fertile substrate based on extra-terrestrial soils is still a challenge for space cultivation. We evaluated the adaptability of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cultivar ‘Pr91M10′ to three substrates, the Mojave Mars regolith Simulant MMS-1, alone (R100), and in a mixture with blond sphagnum peat at two different volumes, 85:15 (R85P15) and 70:30 (R70P30), in plants directly sown on the substrates or transplanted after sowing on peat. The low pH of peat (4.34) allowed the mitigation of the alkalinity of the Mars regolith simulant (pH 8.86), lowering the initial pH to neutral (6.98, R85P15), or subacid to neutral (6.33, R70P30) values. Seed germination reached the highest percentage in the shortest time in the mixture of regolith simulant with 15% of peat. The cultivation substrate did not affect the plant growth and nutritional status. However, a significant interaction between the substrate and planting method was found in several growth parameters, with the highest positive effects observed in plants resulting from direct sowing on the regolith mixture with peat.
Antioxidant and Anti-Skin Aging Potential of Selected Thai Plants: In Vitro Evaluation and In Silico Target Prediction
Authors: Chaikhong Kamonwan , Chumpolphant Sawarin , Rangsinth Panthakarn , Sillapachaiyaporn Chanin , Chuchawankul Siriporn , Tencomnao Tewin , Prasansuklab Anchalee
Published: December 2022

The skin is the largest organ that performs a variety of the body’s essential functions. Impairment of skin structure and functions during the aging process might severely impact our health and well-being. Extensive evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species play a fundamental role in skin aging through the activation of the related degradative enzymes. Here, the 16 Thai medicinal plant species were screened for their potential anti-skin aging properties. All extracts were investigated for total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant, anti-elastase, and anti-tyrosinase activities, as well as the binding ability of compounds with target enzymes by molecular docking. Among all the plants screened, the leaves of A. occidentale and G. zeylanicum exhibited strong antioxidants and inhibition against elastase and tyrosinase. Other potential plants include S. alata leaf and A. catechu fruit, with relatively high anti-elastase and anti-tyrosinase activities, respectively. These results are also consistent with docking studies of compounds derived from these plants. The inhibitory actions were found to be more highly positively correlated with phenolics than flavonoids. Taken together, our findings reveal some Thai plants, along with candidate compounds as natural sources of antioxidants and potent inhibitors of elastase and tyrosinase, could be developed as promising and effective agents for skin aging therapy.
Stomatal Ratio Showing No Response to Light Intensity in Oryza
Authors: Wang Tiange , Zheng Linna , Xiong Dongliang , Wang Fei , Man Jianguo , Deng Nanyan , Cui Kehui , Huang Jianliang , Peng Shaobing , Ling Xiaoxia
Published: December 2022

Stomata control carbon and water exchange between the leaves and the ambient. However, the plasticity responses of stomatal traits to growth conditions are still unclear, especially for monocot leaves. The current study investigated the leaf anatomical traits, stomatal morphological traits on both adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces, and photosynthetic traits of Oryza leaves developed in two different growth conditions. Substantial variation exists across the Oryza species in leaf anatomy, stomatal traits, photosynthetic rate, and stomatal conductance. The abaxial stomatal density was higher than the adaxial stomatal density in all the species, and the stomatal ratios ranged from 0.35 to 0.46 across species in two growth environments. However, no difference in the stomatal ratio was observed between plants in the growth chamber and outdoors for a given species. Photosynthetic capacity, stomatal conductance, leaf width, major vein thickness, minor vein thickness, inter-vein distance, and stomatal pore width values for leaves grown outdoors were higher than those for plants grown in the growth chamber. Our results indicate that a broad set of leaf anatomical, stomatal, and photosynthetic traits of Oryza tend to shift together during plasticity to diverse growing conditions, but the previously projected sensitive trait, stomatal ratio, does not shape growth conditions.
Effect of Salt Stress on the Activity, Expression, and Promoter Methylation of Succinate Dehydrogenase and Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase in Maize (Zea mays L.) Leaves
Authors: Fedorin Dmitry N. , Eprintsev Alexander T. , Florez Caro Orlando J. , Igamberdiev Abir U.
Published: December 2022

The effect of salt stress on the expression of genes, the methylation of their promoters, and the enzymatic activity of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) was investigated in maize (Zea mays L.). The incubation of maize seedlings in a 150 mM NaCl solution for 24 h led to a several-fold increase in the activity of SSADH that peaked at 6 h of NaCl treatment, which was preceded by an increase in the Ssadh1 gene expression and a decrease in its promoter methylation observed at 3 h of salt stress. The increase in SDH activity and succinate oxidation by mitochondria was slower, developing by 24 h of NaCl treatment, which corresponded to the increase in expression of the genes Sdh1-2 and Sdh2-3 encoding SDH catalytic subunits and of the gene Sdh3-1 encoding the anchoring SDH subunit. The increase in the Sdh2-3 expression was accompanied by the decrease in promoter methylation. It is concluded that salt stress results in the rapid increase in succinate production via SSADH operating in the GABA shunt, which leads to the activation of SDH, the process partially regulated via epigenetic mechanisms. The role of succinate metabolism under the conditions of salt stress is discussed.
Functional Characterization of Three Diterpene Synthases Responsible for Tetracyclic Diterpene Biosynthesis in Scoparia dulcis
Authors: Lee Jung-Bum , Ohmura Tomoya , Yamamura Yoshimi
Published: December 2022

Scoparia dulcis produces unique biologically active diterpenoids such as scopadulcic acid B (SDB). They are biosynthesized from geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) via syn-copalyl diphosphate (syn-CPP) and scopadulanol as an important key intermediate. In this paper, we functionally characterized three diterpene synthases, SdCPS2, SdKSL1 and SdKSL2, from S. dulcis. The SdCPS2 catalyzed a cyclization reaction from GGPP to syn-CPP, and SdKSL1 did from syn-CPP to scopadulan-13α-ol. On the other hand, SdKSL2 was found to incorporate a non-sense mutation at 682. Therefore, we mutated the nucleotide residue from A to G in SdKSL2 to produce SdKSL2mut, and it was able to recover the catalytic function from syn-CPP to syn-aphidicol-16-ene, the precursor to scopadulin. From our results, SdCPS2 and SdKSL1 might be important key players for SDB biosynthesis in S. dulcis.
Response-Surface-Methodology-Based Increasing of the Isotropic Thermal Conductivity of Polyethylene Composites Containing Multiple Fillers
Authors: Ohnmacht Hannelore , Fiorio Rudinei , Wieme Tom , D’hooge Dagmar R. , Cardon Ludwig , Edeleva Mariya
Published: December 2022

To optimize the thermal conductivity of high-density polyethylene, 15 hybrid filler composites containing either aluminum oxide, graphite, expanded graphite, carbon nanotubes or a combination of the former, have been studied using an extrusion-compression processing tandem. The experimental density of the cube-shaped specimens is substantially lower than the theoretical density calculated by the linear mixing rule, mainly for the composites with high filler contents. The morphology of the composites, as studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), highlighted a good dispersion quality and random orientation of the fillers in the test specimens but also revealed air inclusions in the composites, explaining the density results. It is shown that the addition of filler(s) increases both the melt viscosity (up to ca. 270%) and the thermal conductivity (up to ca. 1000%). Hence, a very strong increase of TC can be practically hampered by a too high viscosity to enable processing. Supported by ANOVA analysis, the application of response surface methodology (RSM), assuming a perfect compression, indicates that all fillers have a significant effect on the thermal conductivity and synergistic effects can be achieved. The regression model obtained can adequately predict the thermal conductivity of composites of various compositions, as already confirmed based on three validation experiments in the present work.
Acoustic Emission Signal Characterisation of Failure Mechanisms in CFRP Composites Using Dual-Sensor Approach and Spectral Clustering Technique
Authors: Šofer Michal , Šofer Pavel , Pagáč Marek , Volodarskaja Anastasia , Babiuch Marek , Gruň Filip
Published: December 2022

The characterisation of failure mechanisms in carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials using the acoustic emission (AE) technique has been the topic of a number of publications. However, it is often challenging to obtain comprehensive and reliable information about individual failure mechanisms. This situation was the impetus for elaborating a comprehensive overview that covers all failure mechanisms within the framework of CFRP materials. Thus, we performed tensile and compact tension tests on specimens with various stacking sequences to induce specific failure modes and mechanisms. The AE activity was monitored using two different wideband AE sensors and further analysed using a hybrid AE hit detection process. The datasets received from both sensors were separately subjected to clustering analysis using the spectral clustering technique, which incorporated an unsupervised k-means clustering algorithm. The failure mechanism analysis also included a proposed filtering process based on the power distribution across the considered frequency range, with which it was possible to distinguish between the fibre pull-out and fibre breakage mechanisms. This functionality was particularly useful in cases where it was evident that the above-mentioned damage mechanisms exhibited very similar parametric characteristics. The results of the clustering analysis were compared to those of the scanning electron microscopy analysis, which confirmed the conclusions of the AE data analysis.
Evaluation of Active LDPE Films for Packaging of Fresh Orange Juice
Authors: Rodrigues Pedro V. , Vieira Dalila M. , Martins Paola Chaves , Martins Vilásia Guimarães , Castro M. Cidália R. , Machado Ana V.
Published: December 2022

Microbial development, enzymatic action, and chemical reactions influence the quality of untreated natural orange juice, compromising its organoleptic characteristics and causing nutritional value loss. Active low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films containing green tea extract (GTE) were previously prepared by a blown film extrusion process. Small bags were prepared from the produced films, which were then filled with fresh orange juice and stored at 4 °C. Ascorbic acid (AA) content, sugar content, browning index, color parameters, pH, total acidity (TA) and microbial stability were evaluated after 3, 7, and 14 days of storage. The packaging containing GTE maintained the microbial load of fresh juice beneath the limit of microbial shelf-life (6 log CFU/mL) for the bacterial growth, with a more prominent effect for LDPE with 3%GTE. Regarding yeasts and molds, only the CO_LDPE_3GTE package maintained the microbial load of fresh juice below the limit for up to 14 days. At 14 days, the lowest levels of AA degradation (32.60 mg/100 mL of juice) and development of brown pigments (browning index = 0.139) were observed for the packages containing 3% of GTE, which had a pH of 3.87 and sugar content of 11.4 g/100 mL of juice at this time. Therefore, active LDPE films containing 3% of GTE increase the shelf-life of fresh juice and can be a promising option for storage of this food product while increasing sustainability.
Renewable Power and Heat for the Decarbonisation of Energy-Intensive Industries
Authors: Carmona-Martínez Alessandro A. , Fresneda-Cruz Alejandro , Rueda Asier , Birgi Olgu , Khawaja Cosette , Janssen Rainer , Davidis Bas , Reumerman Patrick , Vis Martijn , Karampinis Emmanouil , Grammelis Panagiotis , Jarauta-Córdoba Clara
Published: December 2022

The present review provides a catalogue of relevant renewable energy (RE) technologies currently available (regarding the 2030 scope) and to be available in the transition towards 2050 for the decarbonisation of Energy Intensive Industries (EIIs). RE solutions have been classified into technologies based on the use of renewable electricity and those used to produce heat for multiple industrial processes. Electrification will be key thanks to the gradual decrease in renewable power prices and the conversion of natural-gas-dependent processes. Industrial processes that are not eligible for electrification will still need a form of renewable heat. Among them, the following have been identified: concentrating solar power, heat pumps, and geothermal energy. These can supply a broad range of needed temperatures. Biomass will be a key element not only in the decarbonisation of conventional combustion systems but also as a biofuel feedstock. Biomethane and green hydrogen are considered essential. Biomethane can allow a straightforward transition from fossil-based natural gas to renewable gas. Green hydrogen production technologies will be required to increase their maturity and availability in Europe (EU). EIIs’ decarbonisation will occur through the progressive use of an energy mix that allows EU industrial sectors to remain competitive on a global scale. Each industrial sector will require specific renewable energy solutions, especially the top greenhouse gas-emitting industries. This analysis has also been conceived as a starting point for discussions with potential decision makers to facilitate a more rapid transition of EIIs to full decarbonisation.
Predefined-Time Fuzzy Neural Network Control for Omnidirectional Mobile Robot
Authors: Qin Peng , Zhao Tao , Liu Nian , Mei Zhen , Yan Wen
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a fuzzy neural network based predefined-time trajectory tracking control method is proposed for the tracking problem of omnidirectional mobile robots (FM-OMR) with uncertainties. Considering the requirement of tracking error convergence time, a position tracking controller based on predefined-time stability is proposed. Compared with the traditional position tracking control method, the minimum upper bound of the convergence time can be explicitly set. In order to obtain more accurate angular velocity tracking, the inner loop controller combines Type 1 fuzzy neural network (T1FNN) to estimate the uncertainty. In addition, considering the problem of feedback channel noise, a Kalman filter combining velocity and position information is proposed. Finally, the simulation results verify the effectiveness of this method.
Encapsulation of Formosa Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Seed Extract: Physicochemical Characteristics of Particles, and Study of Stability and Release of Encapsulated Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Mesquita Mércia da Silva , Santos Priscila Dayane de Freitas , Holkem Augusto Tasch , Thomazini Marcelo , Favaro-Trindade Carmen Silvia
Published: December 2022

Papaya seeds are a promising source of phenolic compounds, but these are unstable, and the papaya extract has a bitter taste. This study aimed to encapsulate papaya seed extracts at different maturation levels, and to characterize the obtained microparticles for their physicochemical properties, chemical stability and release of bioactives. Extracts of papaya (unripe and ripe) seeds were spray-dried using concentrations of 0, 15 and 30% of maltodextrin and inlet air temperatures of 130 and 150 °C. The powders were analyzed for yield, moisture, Aw, hygroscopicity, dispersibility, color parameters, morphology, mean diameter, total phenolics, antioxidant activity, stability during storage and release of phenolics in simulated gastrointestinal fluids. Powders produced with maltodextrin showed better results regarding particle diameter, hygroscopicity, dispersibility, and phenolic stability during storage. All powders showed antioxidant action and significant values of total phenolic compounds. Samples without maltodextrin underwent caking. Drying temperatures had little influence on the characteristics of the powders. Encapsulated phenolic compounds were released in large amounts in the intestinal phase (86.6–100%). Powders produced with unripe seeds, 15% of maltodextrin and an inlet air temperature of 130 °C showed the best results. Thus, encapsulation was efficient, and encapsulated papaya seed extract has potential for food application as a natural additive.
Modernity, Its Crisis and Islamic Revivalism
Authors: Ali Jan A.
Published: December 2022

Modernity is a global condition of an ongoing socio-cultural, economic, and political transformation of human experience, with tradition or religion having no significant role to play. It is the gradual decline of the role of religion in modernity through the implementation of the principles of secularism which has, according to Islamic revivalists, plunged the world into crisis or jahiliyya (unGodliness). Revivalists and sociologists such as Anthony Giddens (1991) call it the “crisis of modernity”. In response, many Islamic revivalist movements have emerged to address this condition. The Iranian Revolution of 1978–1979 gave a boost to many existing Islamic revivalist movements and inspired many to appear anew. The phenomenon of contemporary Islamic revivalism is a religious transformative response to the crisis of modernity—i.e., the inability of secularism and the process of secularization to fulfill the promise of delivering a model of perfect global order. Contemporary Islamic revivalism is not anti-modernity but against secularism and is thus an attempt to steer modernity out of its crisis through a comprehensive and robust process of Islamization—the widespread introduction of Islamic rituals, practices, socio-cultural and economic processes, and institutional developments to the pattern of modern everyday living—and transforming modernity from dar al-harb (abode of war) to dar al-Islam (abode of peace). The paper argues that contemporary Islamic revivalism is a complex heterogeneous global phenomenon seeking to steer modernity out of its prevailing crisis through finding in Islam the universal blueprint of life. It further argues that Islamic revivalism is not anti-modernity but is a religious based reaction against the negative consequences of modernity, particularly against secularism, and carving out a space for itself in modernity.
Birth, Sehnsucht and Creation: Reading Buber between Plato and Kierkegaard
Authors: Varman Evyatar
Published: December 2022

Martin Buber conceives human potential through the trope of pregnancy and birth. His portrayal of this phenomenon in I and Thou comprises a natural connection between mother and child during pregnancy and the potential for future, spiritual connections, articulated as I–Thou relations, which the child may accordingly achieve with their surroundings. Analyzing this model reveals Buber’s literary-philosophical engagement with the works of Plato and Søren Kierkegaard, and illuminates his perspective on human abilities and limits. Moreover, the context of Plato and Kierkegaard elucidates the way Buber connects an inborn human yearning (Sehnsucht) for I–Thou relations to participation in the divine creation of the world. This connection between Sehnsucht and creation, between I–It and I–Thou relations, diminishes the gap between human and God, emphasizing the significant role divine creation plays in the I–It reality.
Principles of Religious Pluralism
Authors: Bano Neelam , Ahmad Humaira , Hassan Javaria , Razaq Rafia
Published: December 2022

Religious pluralism is growing in significance because of increasing religious diversity and increasing religious conflicts, which cause unrest in contemporary society. Muslim perennialists represent one of many groups advocating for the common goals of religious pluralism and the reaffirmation of perennial wisdom, which lies at the heart of all primordial religious traditions. The purpose of the study is to explore the principles of religious pluralism advocated by Muslim perennialist philosophers. Using the discourse analysis methodology, this study analyzed the theological validity of the Muslim perennialist perspective for articulating interfaith dialogue and co-existence in multicultural societies. By conducting this critical analysis, the study concludes that the principles of religious pluralism advocated by Muslim perennialists are the means of bringing interfaith peaceful co-existence to society.
The Relationship between Integrated Thinking and Financial Risk: Panel Estimation in a Global Sample
Authors: Radu Oana-Marina , Dragomir Voicu D.
Published: December 2022

There is a growing interest in identifying the benefits that companies may have once they disclose financial and sustainability information in integrated reports. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between integrated thinking and reporting (ITR) and financial risk in nonfinancial companies worldwide. Data were collected mainly from the Refinitiv Eikon database for 7111 companies from 85 countries over the period 2017–2021. The focal industries are basic materials, consumer discretionary, consumer staples, energy, healthcare, industrials, real estate, technology, telecommunications, and utilities. Panel regression was used as a statistical procedure and random effects models are preferred. Hypotheses related to signaling theory are confirmed, as companies are interested in high-quality disclosures in integrated reports, reflecting a positive outlook and reduced financial risk. Our results show a negative relationship between ITR and the weighted average cost of capital, and a positive association between the main predictor and liquidity measured by the cash ratio. In addition, designing a compensation system linked to sustainability performance leads to a reduced cost of financing through debt and equity. Robustness tests were applied to the relationship between ITR and the weighted average cost of capital; the results show that stricter board oversight and holistic stakeholder management can decrease the average cost of capital and the financial risk for the company. This research is important for stakeholders looking to improve their knowledge about integrated reports and for practitioners seeking to enhance the quality of integrated reports and reduce the financial risk of companies.
Geolocation and Tracking by TDOA Measurements Based on Space–Air–Ground Integrated Network
Authors: Li Jinzhou , Lv Shouye , Jin Ying , Wang Chenglin , Liu Yang , Liao Shuai
Published: December 2022

Due to the development of manufacturing and launch technologies for satellites, there are now more and more satellite networks. Hence, cooperative reconnaissance is possible to implement among satellite networks, aerial vehicles and ground stations. In this paper, we study the method of geolocation and tracking by time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements based on space–air–ground integrated (SAGI) network. We first analyze the Cramer Rao lower bound (CRLB) for the source localization accuracy in different coordinate systems. Then, we compare the effects of different system errors, such as clock synchronization error, position bias of the observers, elevation bias of the target and non-horizontal velocity of the target. Further, we also develop a maximum likelihood (ML) estimator for target position and velocity. Finally, the theoretical performance of the proposed estimator is validated via computer simulations.
A Deeply Supervised Attentive High-Resolution Network for Change Detection in Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Wu Jinming , Xie Chunhui , Zhang Zuxi , Zhu Yongxin
Published: December 2022

Change detection (CD) is a crucial task in remote sensing (RS) to distinguish surface changes from bitemporal images. Recently, deep learning (DL) based methods have achieved remarkable success for CD. However, the existing methods lack robustness to various kinds of changes in RS images, which suffered from problems of feature misalignment and inefficient supervision. In this paper, a deeply supervised attentive high-resolution network (DSAHRNet) is proposed for remote sensing image change detection. First, we design a spatial-channel attention module to decode change information from bitemporal features. The attention module is able to model spatial-wise and channel-wise contexts. Second, to reduce feature misalignment, the extracted features are refined by stacked convolutional blocks in parallel. Finally, a novel deeply supervised module is introduced to generate more discriminative features. Extensive experimental results on three challenging benchmark datasets demonstrate that the proposed DSAHRNet outperforms other state-of-the-art methods, and achieves a great trade-off between performance and complexity.
Correction: Shi et al. Interactive Contribution of Indian Summer Monsoon and Western North Pacific Monsoon to Water Level and Terrestrial Water Storage in the Mekong Basin. Remote Sens. 2021, 13, 3399
Authors: Shi Taoran , Fok Hok Sum , Ma Zhongtian
Published: December 2022

In the original article [...]
Spatio-Temporal Assessment of Olive Orchard Intensification in the Saïss Plain (Morocco) Using k-Means and High-Resolution Satellite Data
Authors: Navarro Rebecca , Wirkus Lars , Dubovyk Olena
Published: December 2022

Olive orchard intensification has transformed an originally drought-resilient tree crop into a competing water user in semi-arid regions. In our study, we used remote sensing to evaluate whether intensive olive plantations have increased between 2010 and 2020, contributing to the current risk of aquifer depletion in the Saïss plain in Morocco. We developed an unsupervised approach based on the principles of hierarchical clustering and used for each year of analysis two images (5 m pixel size) from the PlanetLabs archive. We first calculated area-based accuracy metrics for 2020 with reference data, reaching a user’s accuracy of 0.95 and a producer’s accuracy of 0.89. For 2010, we verified results among different plot size ranges using available 2010 Google Earth Imagery, reaching high accuracy among the 50 largest plots (correct classification rate, CCR, of 0.94 in 2010 and 0.92 in 2020) and lower accuracies among smaller plot sizes. This study allowed us to map super-intensive olive plantations, thereby addressing an important factor in the groundwater economy of many semi-arid regions. Besides the expected increase in plantation size and the emergence of new plantations, our study revealed that some plantations were also given up, despite the political framework encouraging the opposite.
First Estimate Biosiliceous Sedimentation Flux in the Pearl River Estuary from 2000–2020 by Satellite Remote Sensing
Authors: Zhong Rong , Yang Dingtian , Zhao Linhong , Yin Xiaoqing
Published: December 2022

Biosiliceous sedimentation, closely related to carbon sedimentation in water, has a significant impact on the marine biogeochemical cycle. However, large-scale monitoring data are scarce due to the constraints of biosiliceous sedimentation flux (BSF) gathering methods. There are few reports on the spatiotemporal variation of BSF in estuaries and offshore waters. Additionally, few studies have used satellite remote sensing methods to retrieve BSF. In the paper, satellite images from 2000 to 2020 were used for the first time to estimate the BSF distribution of the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) over the past 20 years, based on a remote sensing model combined with particulate organic carbon (POC) deposition data and water depth data. The results showed that the BSF ranged from 100 to 2000 mg/(m2 × d). The accuracy tests indicated that the correlation coefficient (R2) and significance (P) of Pearson correlation analysis were 0.8787 and 0.0018, respectively. The BSF value varied seasonally and increased every year. The BSF did not follow a simple trend of decreasing along the coast to open water. Shenzhen Bay (SZB) generally had a higher BSF value than the Dragon’s Den Waterway (DDW). The BSF in autumn and winter was investigated using empirical orthogonal function analysis (EOF). In autumn, the BSF of the PRE’s eastern bank showed little change, while the BSF of the western bank showed obvious differences. In winter, the BSF in Hong Kong waters and inlet shoals fluctuated less, whereas the BSF in DDW and Lingding Waterway (LW) fluctuated more. The grey correlation analysis (GRA) identified two factors affecting BSF: chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and total suspended solids (TSS). Most BSF were primarily affected by TSS during winter. In spring, the two effects were balanced. TSS affected the east coast in summer, and CDOM was the dominant effect in autumn. Four main parameters influencing the distribution of BSF in the PRE were analyzed: ecosystem, reef, flow field and flocculation. This study showed that using satellite remote sensing to estimate BSF has excellent potential, which is worthy of further discussion in terms of spatiotemporal resolution and model optimization.
Research on Glacier Elevation Variability in the Qilian Mountains of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Based on Topographic Correction by Pyramid Registration
Authors: Zeng Junze , Xie Junfeng , Liu Ren , Mo Fan , Yang Xiaomeng
Published: December 2022

As the ‘Third Pole’ of the world, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is also known as the Asian Water Tower. The glaciers covering its surface can reflect changes in the global climate and ecological environment. Therefore, the critical need for accurate information regarding the elevation changes of the glaciers on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is self-evident. Here we present a method for monitoring the elevation change of the glaciers on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau that is based on pyramid registration and terrain correction techniques. The registration results show that the average elevation difference in the stable area has been improved to a considerable extent, at least 70%. The elevation difference after registration obeys a Gaussian distribution with a mean of 0. In this study, glaciers in the Qilian Mountains of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were used as the experimental objects, and the changes in glacier elevation in the region were monitored over the past three years. The results show that from 2019 to 2021, the glaciers in the western Qilian Mountains thinned significantly, and the glacier elevation change rate was −0.99 ± 0.34 m/year. The changes in glaciers in the southwest and north were relatively minor, with change rates of 0.09 ± 0.94 m/year and −0.08 ± 0.79 m/year, respectively. The change rates of the two glaciers in the middle were 0.74 ± 0.84 m/year and −0.16 ± 0.85 m/year, and the glacier change rate in the northeast was −0.27 ± 0.77 m/year. Finally, combined with meteorological data analysis, it is concluded that the change in glacier elevation is primarily affected by temperature and precipitation. Among these, precipitation accounts for the dominant factor impacting glacier elevation change.
Editorial for the Special Issue “Application of Satellite Remote Sensing in Solving Urban Geo-Environmental Issues”
Authors: Kouli Maria
Published: December 2022

This Special Issue focuses on the potential of remote sensing (RS) and Earth observation (EO) to visualize and solve urban and peri-urban geo-environmental issues with the aim to protect the urban population which is becoming more and more vulnerable to disasters [...]
Application of 3D Laser Scanning Technology Using Laser Radar System to Error Analysis in the Curtain Wall Construction
Authors: Wang Jiehui , Yi Tianqi , Liang Xiao , Ueda Tamon
Published: December 2022

With the fast growth and rapid development of the construction industry, building design is not satisfied with only safety, accessibility, and habitability. People are requiring more multifunctional layouts and beautifully designed buildings. Thus, special and unique-shaped buildings with various curved curtain walls have emerged more than ever in recent years. As for these curtain walls, it is difficult to perform the size measurement for panel design and calibration, as well as the on-site material cutting and assembly accurately and efficiently. The occurrence and continuous progress of 3D laser scanning technology combined with building information modeling (BIM) technology have been paid attention to and applied for curtain wall engineering to overcome this problem, particularly the construction-related progress, such as developed design and on-site installation. The 3D laser scanning technology can achieve fast and high-precision measurement by creating a “point cloud” dataset of the target building and its components, based on which an accurate as-built 3D BIM model of the scanned items can be established. By comparing and calibrating with the as-planned curtain wall design, engineers can update the real-time information (locations, shape, dimensions, etc.) for the following developed design and assembly production of the curtain wall. Compared to the conventional approach using manual locating and measurement, the progress of the curtain wall design and installation can be achieved in a more accurate and efficient manner by employing 3D laser scanning technology. Based on these considerations, in this present study, the basic concept, workflow, a case study with practical strategies of the application of 3D laser scanning technology in the curtain wall design and installation field, including the scanning operation, point cloud data acquisition and processing, 3D BIM model reconstruction, and relevant BIM model practice have been elaborated and discussed. Also, the 3D model that represents the actual construction condition established based on the point cloud data was used to compare with the originally designed BIM model. It was found discrepancies existed in the dimensions and positions between the as-built and as-designed BIM models, which can thus be used to revise the manufacture design and improve the installation plan of curtain walls. Furthermore, the difference, benefits, great significance of replacing conventional methods with 3D laser scanning technology, and instructions, limitations, recommendations for practical application, along with challenges and future directions open to research in the curtain wall construction field, were also presented in this work. Therefore, this work provides technical support to the application of 3D laser scanning technology and its combination with the BIM platform in the curtain wall construction.