bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Chain-Mediating Effect of Obesity, Depressive Symptoms on the Association between Dietary Quality and Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Authors: Zhang Shuai , E Limei , Lu Zhonghai , Yu Yingying , Yang Xuebin , Chen Yao , Jiang Xiubo
Published: January 2023

In order to explore the relationship between the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), and the mediating role of obesity and depressive symptoms, we used the data from the 2011–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for further study. A total of 12,644 participants were included in the study. The HEI was derived using NHANES personal food data and USDA Food Pattern Equivalence Database (FPED) dietary data. The risk of cardiovascular disease was determined using the Framingham Heart Study’s multifactorial calculation tool. The weighted multiple logistic regression model was used to explore the association between the HEI-2015 and CVD, and the generalized structural equation was used to explore the mediating effects of obesity and depression, respectively and jointly. Higher HEI-2015 scores were associated with a lower risk of CVD compared to lower quartiles. Obesity, depressive symptoms, and their chain effects all played significant mediating roles in the association between the HEI-2015 and CVD, with proportional mediations of 9.03%, 2.23% and 0.25%, respectively. Our results suggest that higher dietary quality is associated with a lower risk of CVD, mediated by obesity, depressive symptoms, and the chain effect of obesity and depressive symptoms.
An Examination of the Practice Approaches of Canadian Dietitians Who Counsel Higher-Weight Adults Using a Novel Framework: Emerging Data on Non-Weight-Focused Approaches
Authors: Lichtfuss Kori , Franco-Arellano Beatriz , Brady Jennifer , Arcand JoAnne
Published: January 2023

Non-weight-focused approaches (NWFAs) may be used by some clinicians when working with higher-weight clients. In contrast to weight-focused approaches (WFAs), NWFAs de-emphasize or negate weight loss and emphasize overall diet quality and physical activity. The extent to which WFAs, NWFAs, or a combination of both WFAs and NWFAs are used by dietitians is unknown in Canada and globally. This study surveyed Canadian Registered Dietitians (RDs) who counsel higher-weight clients to assess which practice approaches are most commonly used, how they view the importance of weight, and how they define “obesity” for the study population. Five practice approaches were initially defined and used to inform the survey: solely weight-focused; moderately weight-focused; those who fluctuate between weight-focused/weight-inclusive approaches (e.g., used both approaches); weight inclusive and; weight liberated. Participants (n = 383; 94.8% women; 82.2% white) were recruited using social media and professional listservs. Overall, 45.4% of participants used NWFAs, 40.5% fluctuated between weight-focused/moderately weight-focused, and 14.1% used weight-focused approaches (solely weight focused and moderately weight focused). Many participants (63%) agreed that weight loss was not important for higher-weight clients. However, 81% of participants received no formal preparation in NWFAs during their education or training. More research is needed to understand NWFAs and to inform dietetic education in support of efforts to eliminate weight stigma and provide inclusive access to care.
Effect of Oral Intake of Carrot Juice on Cyclooxygenases and Cytokines in Healthy Human Blood Stimulated by Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Deding Ulrik , Clausen Bettina Hjelm , Al-Najami Issam , Baatrup Gunnar , Jensen Boye Lagerbon , Kobaek-Larsen Morten
Published: January 2023

In vitro studies and animal studies have shown that chemical compounds contained in carrots, such as falcarinol and falcarindiol, can prevent inflammation. The present study was designed to test whether the oral intake of carrot juice containing falcarinol and falcarindiol affects the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in human blood. Carrot juice (500 mL) was administered orally to healthy volunteers, and blood samples were drawn before and 1 h after juice intake at the time point when peak concentrations of falcarinol and falcariondiol have been shown in the blood. The blood samples were divided, and one sample was allowed to coagulate for 1 h at room temperature before analyzing the synthesis of thromboxane B2 (TBX2) by the COX1 enzyme using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The other blood samples were stimulated ex vivo with lipopolysaccharide and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. The ELISA and cytokine multiplex analysis assessed the levels of COX-2-induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and inflammatory markers interleukin (IL) 1α, IL1β, IL6, IL16, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). Inflammatory cytokines such as IL1α and IL16 were significantly reduced in the LPS stimulated blood samples with higher concentrations of falcarinol and falcariondiol compared to the control samples taken before the intake of carrot juice. The levels of TBX2, PGE2, IL1β, IL6, and TNFα were not affected by the carrot juice intake blood samples not stimulated with LPS. In conclusion, carrot juice rich in the polyacetylens falcarinol and falcarindiol affects blood leukocytes, priming them to better cope with inflammatory conditions, evident by the reduced secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines IL1α and IL16.
Dietary Resveratrol Butyrate Monoester Supplement Improves Hypertension and Kidney Dysfunction in a Young Rat Chronic Kidney Disease Model
Authors: Tain You-Lin , Chang Chi-I , Hou Chih-Yao , Chang-Chien Guo-Ping , Lin Sufan , Hsu Chien-Ning
Published: January 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a public health problem. Certain dietary supplements can assist in the prevention of CKD progression. In this regard, resveratrol is a polyphenol and has a potential therapeutic role in alleviating CKD. We previously utilized butyrate in order to improve the bioavailability of resveratrol via esterification and generated a resveratrol butyrate monoester (RBM). In this study, the hypothesis that RBM supplementation is able to protect against kidney dysfunction and hypertension was tested by using an adenine-induced CKD model. For this purpose, three-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 40) were equally categorized into: group 1—CN (sham control); group 2—CKD (adenine-fed rats); group 3—REV (CKD rats treated with 50 mg/L resveratrol); group 4—MEL (CKD rats treated with 25 mg/L RBM); and group 5—MEH (CKD rats treated with 50 mg/L RBM). At the end of a 12-week period, the rats were then euthanized. The adenine-fed rats displayed hypertension and kidney dysfunction, which were attenuated by dietary supplementation with RBM. The CKD-induced hypertension coincided with: decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability; augmented renal protein expression of a (pro)renin receptor and angiotensin II type 1 receptor; and increased oxidative stress damage. Additionally, RBM and resveratrol supplementation shaped distinct gut microbiota profiles in the adenine-treated CKD rats. The positive effect of high-dose RBM was shown together with an increased abundance of the genera Duncaniella, Ligilactobacillus, and Monoglobus, as well as a decrease in Eubacterium and Schaedierella. Importantly, the mechanism of action of the RBM supplementation may be related to the restoration of NO, rebalancing of the RAS, a reduction in oxidative stress, and alterations to the gut microbiota. Moreover, RBM supplementation shows promise for the purposes of improving CKD outcomes and hypertension. As such, further translation to human studies is warranted.
Association between the Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Vitamin D Status in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Xiang Qunyan , Xu Hui , Zhan Junkun , Lu Shuzhen , Li Shuang , Wang Yanjiao , Wang Yi , He Jieyu , Ni Yuqing , Li Linsen , Liu Yiyang , Liu Youshuo
Published: January 2023

Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) increases the risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which might be related to insulin resistance (IR). We aimed to explore the association between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a reliable indicator of IR, and VDD in patients with T2DM. Methods: There were 1034 participants with T2DM enrolled in the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. The TyG index was calculated as ln (fasting triglyceride (TG, mg/dL) × fasting blood glucose (mg/dL)/2). VDD was defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level <50 nmol/L. Results: Correlation analysis showed a negative association between the TyG index and 25(OH)D level. After adjustments for clinical and laboratory parameters, it was revealed that when taking the Q1 quartile of TyG index as a reference, an increasing trend of VDD prevalence was presented in the other three groups divided by TyG index quartiles, where the OR (95% CI) was 1.708 (1.132–2.576) for Q2, 2.041 (1.315–3.169) for Q3, and 2.543 (1.520–4.253) for Q4 (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: Patients with higher TyG index were more likely to have an increased risk of VDD in T2DM population, which may be related to IR.
Nodding Syndrome: Clinical Characteristics, Risks Factors, Access to Treatment, and Perceptions in the Greater Mundri Area, South Sudan
Authors: Abd-Elfarag Gasim O. E. , Mathewson Jake D. , Emmanuel Lukudu , Edridge Arthur W. D. , van Beers Stella , Sebit Mohamed B. , Colebunders Robert , van Hensbroek Michaël B. , Rood Ente J. J.
Published: January 2023

We conducted a house-to-house survey in the Mundri, Western Equatoria state of South Sudan to investigate the clinical characteristics, risk factors, access to treatment and perceptions about nodding syndrome (NS). In total, 224 NS cases with median age of seizure onset of 10 years were identified. Head nodding only was reported in 50 (22.3%) cases, and head nodding plus other types of seizures in 174 (77.7%) cases. Wasting, stunted growth, delayed sexual development and speech and behavioral abnormalities were observed in 17 (23.6%), 16 (22.2%), 9 (17.3%), 14 (19.4%) and 4 (5.6%) cases, respectively. The consumption of rat meat, but not other bushmeat was associated with an increased risk of NS (OR 9.31, 95% CI 1.27–406.51). Children with NS were more likely to have taken ivermectin in the last 5 years (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.33–4.43). NS cases were less likely to share a bedroom with other children (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.02–0.16) or adults (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.13–0.56). In conclusion, rat meat consumption is an unlikely risk factor for NS, and ivermectin intake was more common among NS cases than controls. Importantly, we documented that children with NS are stigmatized because of the misconception that NS is transmitted through direct contact.
Influence of Lenvatinib on the Functional Reprogramming of Peripheral Myeloid Cells in the Context of Non-Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Peng Chunying , Rabold Katrin , Netea Mihai G. , Jaeger Martin , Netea-Maier Romana T.
Published: January 2023

Lenvatinib is a multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) approved for the treatment of several types of cancers, including metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The intended targets include VEGFR 1–3, FGFR 1–4, PDGFRα, RET, and KIT signaling pathways, but drug resistance inevitably develops and a complete cure is very rare. Recent data has revealed that most of the TKIs have additional ‘off-target’ immunological effects, which might contribute to a protective antitumor immune response; however, human cellular data are lacking regarding Lenvatinib-mediated immunomodulation in DTC. Here, we investigated in ex vivo models the impact of Lenvatinib on the function of immune cells in healthy volunteers. We found that monocytes and macrophages were particularly susceptible to Lenvatinib, while neutrophiles and lymphocytes were less affected. In tumor-immune cell co-culture experiments, Lenvatinib exerted a broad inhibitory effect on the proinflammatory response in TC-induced macrophages. Interestingly, Lenvatinib-treated cells had decreased cellular M2 membrane markers, whereas they secreted a significantly higher level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 upon LPS stimulation. In addition, prolonged exposure to Lenvatinib impaired macrophages survival and phenotypical differentiation, which was accompanied by remarkable morphological changes and suppressed cellular metabolic activity. These effects were mediated by myeloid cell-intrinsic mechanisms which are independent of Lenvatinib’s on-target activity. Finally, using specific inhibitors, we argue that dual effects on p38 MAPK and Syk pathways are likely the underlying mechanism of the off-target immunological effects we observed in this study. Collectively, our data show the immunomodulatory properties of Lenvatinib on human monocytes. These insights could be harnessed for the future design of novel treatment strategies involving a combination of Lenvatinib with other immunotherapeutic agents.
Polyphenolic Profile of Herniaria hemistemon Aerial Parts Extract and Assessment of Its Anti-Cryptosporidiosis in a Murine Model: In Silico Supported In Vivo Study
Authors: Ghareeb Mosad A. , Sobeh Mansour , Aboushousha Tarek , Esmat Marwa , Mohammed Hala Sh. , El-Wakil Eman S.
Published: January 2023

Herniaria hemistemon J.Gay is widely used in folk medicine to treat hernia. The present study aimed to annotate the phytoconstituents of H. hemistemon aerial-part extract and investigate its in vivo anticryptosporidial activity. The chemical characterization was achieved via the LC–ESI–MS/MS technique resulting in the annotation of 37 phytocompounds comprising flavonoids and phenolic acids. Regarding the anticryptosporidial activity, fifty dexamethasone-immunosuppressed mice were separated into five groups: GI, un-infected (normal control); GII, infected but not treated (model); GIII, infected and received NTZ, the reference drug; GIV, infected and received H. hemistemon extract (100 mg/kg); and GV, infected and received H. hemistemon extract (200 mg/kg). When GIII, GIV, and GV were compared to GII, parasitological analyses displayed highly significant differences in the mean numbers of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts in the stool between the different groups. GV demonstrated the highest efficacy of 79%. Histopathological analyses displayed improvement in the small intestine and liver pathology in the treated groups (GIII, IV, and V) related to the model (GII), with GV showing the highest efficacy. Moreover, the docking-based study tentatively highlighted the potential of benzoic acid derivatives as lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors. The docked compounds showed the same binding interactions as oxamic acid, where they established H-bond interactions with ARG-109, ASN-140, ASP-168, ARG-171, and HIS-195. To sum up, H. hemistemon is a promising natural therapeutic agent for cryptosporidiosis.
Holographic Writing of Forked Diffraction Gratings on the Surface of a Chalcogenide Glass Semiconductor
Authors: Ivliev Nikolay A. , Khonina Svetlana N. , Podlipnov Vladimir V. , Karpeev Sergey V.
Published: January 2023

We consider the formation of forked diffraction gratings on the surface of a multilayer structure based on chalcogenide glass semiconductors As2S3 and a-Se is. The distribution of electric field components upon interference of beams with different polarization states is analyzed theoretically. The possibility of direct holographic writing of diffraction gratings with a “forked” structure is demonstrated. The parameters of vortex laser beams generated by the microrelief formed are examined.
A Fiber-Coupled Quartz-Enhanced Photoacoustic Sensor for Dissolved Gas Detection
Authors: Zhao Huiyuan , Zhang Hui , Hu Mengpeng , Hu Mai , Zhou Yan , Liang Jingqiu , Wang Qiang
Published: January 2023

Detection of dissolved gases in oceans is critically needed for global carbon cycle investigation. However, most in situ optical detection techniques, as far as we know, have restricted measurement efficiency due to large gas consumption. Herein, we develop a sub-mL photoacoustic gas sensor with a simple configuration. A single-mode fiber directly guides the incident laser into the photoacoustic cell without any other free-space optics. Thus, a reduced inner size of 12 mm × 6 mm × 4 mm enables the effective detection of limited dissolved gas. We employ methane (CH4) as an example to demonstrate its sensing performance. The sensor achieves a good linear response with an R-square value of 0.9989 and a minimum detection limit of 1.1 ppmv, corresponding to a normalized noise equivalent absorption coefficient of 7.75 × 10−8 W·cm−1·Hz−1/2.
Hyperspectral Imaging of Adaxial and Abaxial Leaf Surfaces as a Predictor of Macadamia Crop Nutrition
Authors: De Silva Anushika L. , Trueman Stephen J. , Kämper Wiebke , Wallace Helen M. , Nichols Joel , Hosseini Bai Shahla
Published: January 2023

Tree crop yield is highly dependent on fertiliser inputs, which are often guided by the assessment of foliar nutrient levels. Traditional methods for nutrient analysis are time-consuming but hyperspectral imaging has potential for rapid nutrient assessment. Hyperspectral imaging has generally been performed using the adaxial surface of leaves although the predictive performance of spectral data has rarely been compared between adaxial and abaxial surfaces of tree leaves. We aimed to evaluate the capacity of laboratory-based hyperspectral imaging (400–1000 nm wavelengths) to predict the nutrient concentrations in macadamia leaves. We also aimed to compare the prediction accuracy from adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces. We sampled leaves from 30 macadamia trees at 0, 6, 10 and 26 weeks after flowering and captured hyperspectral images of their adaxial and abaxial surfaces. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were developed to predict foliar nutrient concentrations. Coefficients of determination (R2P) and ratios of prediction to deviation (RPDs) were used to evaluate prediction accuracy. The models reliably predicted foliar nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), sulphur (S) and zinc (Zn) concentrations. The best-fit models generally predicted nutrient concentrations from spectral data of the adaxial surface (e.g., N: R2P = 0.55, RPD = 1.52; P: R2P = 0.77, RPD = 2.11; K: R2P = 0.77, RPD = 2.12; Ca: R2P = 0.75, RPD = 2.04). Hyperspectral imaging showed great potential for predicting nutrient status. Rapid nutrient assessment through hyperspectral imaging could aid growers to increase orchard productivity by managing fertiliser inputs in a more-timely fashion.
Phytochemical Characterization and In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Evaluation in RAW 264.7 Cells of Jatropha cordata Bark Extracts
Authors: Jiménez-Nevárez Yazmín B. , Angulo-Escalante Miguel Angel , Montes-Avila Julio , Guerrero-Alonso Araceli , Christen Judith González , Hurtado-Díaz Israel , Heredia J. Basilio , Quintana-Obregón Eber Addí , Alvarez Laura
Published: January 2023

The inflammatory process, although beneficial, can produce tissue damage and systemic damage when uncontrolled. Effective therapeutic alternatives with little or no side effects are of great therapeutic interest. This study aimed to determine the phytochemical composition of bark extracts from J. cordata, an endemic plant from México, and evaluate their in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. Hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts were characterized by qualitative phytochemical tests, and their bioactive groups were identified by 1H NMR and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The extract’s anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated as nitric oxide (NO) production and their cytotoxicity by an MTS cell proliferation assay in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells at concentrations of 1–100 μg/mL. The hexane extract contained fatty acids, fatty esters, phytosterols, alkanes, vitamin E, and terpenoids; the ethyl acetate extract showed fatty acids, fatty esters, aromatic aldehyde, phytosterols, vitamin E, and terpenoids, while the methanolic extract showed fatty esters, fatty acid, aromatics aldehydes, and alcohol. The ethyl acetate extract showed the highest inhibition of NO production, followed by the methanolic extract and the hexane extract, without affecting the viability of RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The results suggest that J. cordata extracts are a potential source of bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory potential.
A Proximal Sensor-Based Approach for Clean, Fast, and Accurate Assessment of the Eucalyptus spp. Nutritional Status and Differentiation of Clones
Authors: Andrade Renata , Silva Sérgio Henrique Godinho , Benedet Lucas , de Araújo Elias Frank , Carneiro Marco Aurélio Carbone , Curi Nilton
Published: January 2023

Several materials have been characterized using proximal sensors, but still incipient efforts have been driven to plant tissues. Eucalyptus spp. cultivation in Brazil covers approximately 7.47 million hectares, requiring faster methods to assess plant nutritional status. This study applies portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry to (i) distinguish Eucalyptus clones using pre-processed pXRF data; and (ii) predict the contents of eleven nutrients in the leaves of Eucalyptus (B, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, N, P, S, and Zn) aiming to accelerate the diagnosis of nutrient deficiency. Nine hundred and twenty samples of Eucalyptus leaves were collected, oven-dried, ground, and analyzed using acid-digestion (conventional method) and using pXRF. Six machine learning algorithms were trained with 70% of pXRF data to model conventional results and the remaining 30% were used to validate the models using root mean square error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R2). The principal component analysis clearly distinguished developmental stages based on pXRF data. Nine nutrients were accurately predicted, including N (not detected using pXRF spectrometry). Results for B and Mg were less satisfactory. This method can substantially accelerate decision-making and reduce costs for Eucalyptus foliar analysis, constituting an ecofriendly approach which should be tested for other crops.
Transcriptome Sequencing of Broussonetia papyrifera Leaves Reveals Key Genes Involved in Flavonoids Biosynthesis
Authors: Guo Peng , Huang Ziqi , Li Xinke , Zhao Wei , Wang Yihan
Published: January 2023

Broussonetia papyrifera is rich in flavonoids, which have significant antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities and certain pharmacological activities. Nevertheless, scarce transcriptome resources of B. papyrifera have impeded further study regarding the process of its production and accumulation. In this study, RNA-seq was utilized to evaluate the gene expression of B. papyrifera leaves at three distinct developmental phases (T1: young leaves, T3: immature leaves, T4: matured leaves). We obtained 2447 upregulated and 2960 downregulated DEGs, 4657 upregulated and 4804 downregulated DEGs, and 805 upregulated and 484 downregulated DEGs from T1 vs. T3, T1 vs. T4, and T3 vs. T4, respectively. Further research found that the following variables contributed to the formation of flavonoids in the leaves of B. papyrifera: Several important enzyme genes involved in flavonoid production pathways have been discovered. The results demonstrated that the dynamic changing trend of flavonoid contents is related to the expression pattern of the vast majority of essential genes in the biosynthetic pathway. Genes associated in energy and glucose metabolism, polysaccharide, cell wall and cytoskeleton metabolism, signal transduction, and protein and amino acid metabolism may affect the growth and development of B. papyrifera leaves, and eventually their flavonoid content. This study’s results offer a strong platform for future research into the metabolic pathways of B. papyrifera.
Legacy Effects in Buds and Leaves of European Beech Saplings (Fagus sylvatica) after Severe Drought
Authors: Thomas Frank M. , Schunck Lena , Zisakos Alexis
Published: January 2023

Against the background of climate change, we studied the effects of a severe summer drought on buds of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) saplings and on leaves formed during the subsequent spring in trees attributed to different drought-damage classes. For the first time, we combined assessments of the vitality (assessed through histochemical staining), mass and stable carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) of buds from drought-stressed woody plants with morphological and physiological variables of leaves that have emerged from the same plants and crown parts. The number, individual mass and vitality of the buds decreased and δ13C increased with increasing drought-induced damage. Bud mass, vitality and δ13C were significantly intercorrelated. The δ13C of the buds was imprinted on the leaves formed in the subsequent spring, but individual leaf mass, leaf size and specific leaf area were not significantly different among damage classes. Vitality and δ13C of the buds are suitable indicators of the extent of preceding drought impact. Bud vitality may be used as a simple means of screening saplings for the flushing capability in the subsequent spring. European beech saplings are susceptible, but—due to interindividual differences—are resilient, to a certain extent, to a singular severe drought stress.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Sensors for Protein Detection
Authors: Akgönüllü Semra , Kılıç Seçkin , Esen Cem , Denizli Adil
Published: January 2023

The accurate detection of biological substances such as proteins has always been a hot topic in scientific research. Biomimetic sensors seek to imitate sensitive and selective mechanisms of biological systems and integrate these traits into applicable sensing platforms. Molecular imprinting technology has been extensively practiced in many domains, where it can produce various molecular recognition materials with specific recognition capabilities. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), dubbed plastic antibodies, are artificial receptors with high-affinity binding sites for a particular molecule or compound. MIPs for protein recognition are expected to have high affinity via numerous interactions between polymer matrices and multiple functional groups of the target protein. This critical review briefly describes recent advances in the synthesis, characterization, and application of MIP-based sensor platforms used to detect proteins.
pH-Responsive Carbon Foams with Switchable Wettability Made from Larch Sawdust for Oil Recovery
Authors: Tan Jia , Sun Jiaming , Ma Chunhui , Luo Sha , Li Wei , Liu Shouxin
Published: January 2023

The global challenge of oil pollution calls for the efficient selective recovery of oil or organics from oil–water mixtures. A pH-responsive carbon foam (CF) made from liquefied larch sawdust (LLS) with switchable wettability was fabricated in this work. After grafted with poly 4-vinyl pyridine (P4vp), the CF obtained a switchable wettability surface, which allowed the CF to exhibit superhydrophilicity and superhydrophobicity at different pH levels, respectively. The results revealed that the pH-responsive CF possessed a three-dimensional (3D) spongy-like skeleton and porous structure with a diameter between 50 and 200 µm. Thus, the pH-responsive CF could absorb 15–35 g/g of oil/organics in a neutral aqueous solution at pH = 7 and desorb all the absorbate within 40 s after immersion in an aqueous solution at pH = 1. Moreover, only about 2.8% loss was observed for organic (chloroform) absorption and recovery after reusing up to 15 cycles, which indicated promising prospects in oil and organic recovery.
Three-Dimensional-Printed Fabrication of POFs Using Different Filaments and Their Characterization for Sensing Applications
Authors: Pires-Junior Robertson , Macedo Leandro , Frizera Anselmo , Pontes Maria José , Leal-Junior Arnaldo
Published: January 2023

This paper presents the development and sensor applications of 3D-printed polymer optical fibers (POFs) using commercially available filaments. The well-known intensity variation sensor was developed using this fiber for temperature and curvature sensing, where the results indicate a linear response in the curvature analysis, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.97 and sensitivity of 4.407 × 10−4 mW/∘, whereas the temperature response was fitted to an R2 of 0.956 with a sensitivity of 5.718 × 10−3 mW/∘C. Then, the POF was used in the development of a modal interferometer by splicing the POF in-between two single-mode fibers (SMFs), which result in a single-mode-multimode-single-mode (SMS) configuration. The such interferometer was tested for temperature and axial strain responses, where the temperature response presented a linear trend R2 of around 0.98 with a sensitivity of −78.8 pm/∘C. The negative value of the sensitivity is related to the negative thermo-optic coefficient commonly obtained in POFs. Furthermore, the strain response of the SMS interferometer showed a high sensitivity (9.5 pm/μϵ) with a quadratic behavior in which the R2 of around 0.99 was obtained. Therefore, the proposed approach is a low-cost, environmentally friendly and straightforward method for the production of highly sensitive optical fiber sensors.
Analysis of Post-Mining Vegetation Development Using Remote Sensing and Spatial Regression Approach: A Case Study of Former Babina Mine (Western Poland)
Authors: Buczyńska Anna , Blachowski Jan , Bugajska-Jędraszek Natalia
Published: January 2023

The vegetation of the post-mining areas is subject to constant and significant changes. Reclamation works, carried out after the cessation of mineral extraction, contribute to the intensive development of new plant species. However, secondary deformations, occurring even many years after the end of exploitation, may cause the degradation of the vegetation cover. It is, therefore, an important issue to identify changes in flora conditions and to determine whether and to what extent past mining has a negative impact on the plant cover state. The objectives of this research have been as follows: (1) analysis of the flora condition in the post-mining area in the 1989–2019 period, (2) identification of sites with significant changes in vegetation state, and (3) modeling of the relationship between the identified changes in vegetation and former mining activities. The research was carried out in the area of the former opencast and underground lignite mine “Friendship of Nations—Babina Shaft,” which is located in the present-day Geopark (Western Poland), using Landsat TM/ETM+/OLI derived vegetation indices (NDVI, NDII, MTVI2) and GIS-based spatial regression. The results indicate a general improvement in flora condition, especially in the vicinity of post-mining waste heaps and former opencast excavations, with the exception of the northwestern part of the former mining field where the values of all of the analyzed vegetation indices have decreased. Also, four zones of statistically significant changes in the flora condition were identified. Finally, the developed GWR models demonstrate that former mining activities had a significant influence on changes in the plant cover state of the analyzed region.
Assessing the Efficacy of Phenological Spectral Differences to Detect Invasive Alien Acacia dealbata Using Sentinel-2 Data in Southern Europe
Authors: Domingo Dario , Pérez-Rodríguez Fernando , Gómez-García Esteban , Rodríguez-Puerta Francisco
Published: January 2023

Invasive alien plants are transforming the landscapes, threatening the most vulnerable elements of local biodiversity across the globe. The monitoring of invasive species is paramount for minimizing the impact on biodiversity. In this study, we aim to discriminate and identify the spatial extent of Acacia dealbata Link from other species using RGB-NIR Sentinel-2 data based on phenological spectral peak differences. Time series were processed using the Earth Engine platform and random forest importance was used to select the most suitable Sentinel-2 derived metrics. Thereafter, a random forest machine learning algorithm was trained to discriminate between A. dealbata and native species. A flowering period was detected in March and metrics based on the spectral difference between blooming and the pre flowering (January) or post flowering (May) months were highly suitable for A. dealbata discrimination. The best-fitted classification model shows an overall accuracy of 94%, including six Sentinel-2 derived metrics. We find that 55% of A. dealbata presences were widely widespread in patches replacing Pinus pinaster Ait. stands. This invasive alien species also creates continuous monospecific stands representing 33% of the presences. This approach demonstrates its value for detecting and mapping A. dealbata based on RGB-NIR bands and phenological peak differences between blooming and pre or post flowering months providing suitable information for an early detection of invasive species to improve sustainable forest management.
Identifying the Driving Impact Factors on Water Yield Service in Mountainous Areas of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region in China
Authors: Yang Hui , Hou Xianglong , Cao Jiansheng
Published: January 2023

Clarifying the interrelationship between climate and land use/land cover (LULC) changes on water yield in mountainous areas is very urgent due to the dramatic decrease in the water availability of mountainous areas. In this study, the InVEST model was used to calculate the water yield of the mountainous area in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region (BTH) from 1980 to 2020, and six scenarios were designed to identify the contribution rates of climate and LULC change on the water yield. The results showed that, in 1980–2020, the water yield in the mountainous area of BTH was the largest in 1990, at 377.95 mm and the smallest in 1980, at 150.49 mm. After 2000, the interannual water yield showed a slightly increasing trend, which was significantly lower than the water yield in 1990, the values ranging from 217.01 mm to 324.65 mm. During the study period, the spatial distribution of the water yield was similar over the years, with high values in the south-central Taihang Mountain (THM) and the northeastern Yanshan Mountain (YSM). The THM was the main water yield area of the mountainous area in BTH. The annual water yield of farmland was the highest, followed by forest land and grassland, while the proportion of volumetric water yield was the largest in forest land with an increasing trend from 1980 to 2020 and the grassland showed a decreasing trend, while that of farmland increased first from 1980 to 2000 and decreased from 2000 to 2020. Climate is the key factor controlling the water yield of the mountainous area in BTH from 1980–2000, 2000 to 2020, and 1980 to 2020. In the period of 2000–2020, the effect of LULC on the water yield is negative, while the effect is positive in 1980–2000 and 1980–2020. The contribution rate of climate to the water yield increases in the THM, Bashang region (BSR) and YSM from the period 1980–2000 to 2000–2020, while that of LULC in those three regions changes from a positive impact in 1980–2000 to a negative impact in 2000–2020, and the contribution rate is also greatly reduced. In the long term, land revegetation will gradually benefit the water yield in the mountainous areas of BTH, including the THM, BSR, and YSM. These results can provide an important scientific and technological reference for the ecological management and protection of water source sites, as well as the planning and utilization of water resources in mountainous areas of BTH.
A Novel Graph-Based Framework for Classifying Urban Functional Zones with Multisource Data and Human Mobility Patterns
Authors: Wang Jifei , Feng Chen-Chieh , Guo Zhou
Published: January 2023

Recent research has shown the advantages of incorporating multisource geospatial data into the classification of urban functional zones (UFZs), particularly remote sensing and social sensing data. However, the effects of combining datasets of varying quality have not been thoroughly analyzed. In addition, human mobility patterns from social sensing data, which capture signals of human activities, are often represented by origin-destination pairs, thus ignoring spatial relationships between UFZs embedded in mobility trajectories. To address the aforementioned issues, this study proposed a graph-based UFZ classification framework that fuses semantic features from high spatial resolution (HSR) remote sensing images, points of interest, and GPS trajectory data. The framework involves three main steps: (1) High-level scene information in HSR remote sensing imageries was extracted through deep neural networks, and multisource semantic embeddings were constructed based on physical features and social sensing features from multiple geospatial data sources; (2) UFZ mobility graph was constructed by spatially joining trajectory information with UFZs to construct topological connections between functional parcel segments; and (3) UFZ segments and multisource semantic features were transformed into nodes and embeddings in the mobility graphs, and subsequently graph-based models were adopted to identify UFZs. The proposed framework was tested on Zhuhai and Singapore datasets. Results indicated that it outperformed traditional classification methods with an overall accuracy of 76.7% and 84.5% for Zhuhai and Singapore datasets, respectively. The proposed framework contributes to literature in heterogeneous data fusion and is generalizable to other UFZ classification scenarios where human mobility patterns play a role.
A Retrospective Analysis of National-Scale Agricultural Development in Saudi Arabia from 1990 to 2021
Authors: Li Ting , López Valencia Oliver Miguel , Johansen Kasper , McCabe Matthew F.
Published: January 2023

Agricultural intensification has resulted in the depletion of groundwater resources in many regions of the world. A prime example is Saudi Arabia, which witnessed dramatic agricultural expansion since the 1970s. To explore the influence of policy interventions aimed to better manage water resources, accurate information on the changes in the number and acreage of center-pivot fields is required. To quantify these metrics, we apply a hybrid machine learning framework, consisting of Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise, Convolutional Neural Networks, and Spectral Clustering, to the annual maximum Normalized Differential Vegetation Index maps obtained from Landsat imagery collected between 1990 to 2021. When evaluated against more than 28,000 manually delineated fields, the approach demonstrated producer’s accuracies ranging from 83.7% to 94.8% and user’s accuracies ranging from 90.2% to 97.9%. The coefficient of determination (R2) between framework-delineated and manually delineated fields was higher than 0.97. Nationally, we found that most fields pre-dated 1990 (covering 8841 km2 in that year) and were primarily located within the central regions covering Hail, Qassim, Riyadh, and Wadi ad-Dawasir. A small decreasing trend in field acreage was observed for the period 1990–2010. However, by 2015, the acreage had increased to approximately 33,000 fields covering 9310 km2. While a maximum extent was achieved in 2016, recent decreases have seen levels return to pre-1990 levels. The gradual decrease between 1990 to 2010 was related to policy initiatives designed to phase-out wheat, while increases between 2010 to 2015 were linked to fodder crop expansion. There is evidence of an agricultural uptick starting in 2021, which is likely in response to global influences such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the conflict in Ukraine. Overall, this work offers the first detailed assessment of long-term agricultural development in Saudi Arabia, and provides important insights related to production metrics such as crop types, crop water consumption, and crop phenology and the overarching impacts of agricultural policy interventions.
An Indoor Location-Based Augmented Reality Framework
Authors: Jiang Jehn-Ruey , Subakti Hanas
Published: January 2023

This paper proposes an indoor location-based augmented reality framework (ILARF) for the development of indoor augmented-reality (AR) systems. ILARF integrates an indoor localization unit (ILU), a secure context-aware message exchange unit (SCAMEU), and an AR visualization and interaction unit (ARVIU). The ILU runs on a mobile device such as a smartphone and utilizes visible markers (e.g., images and text), invisible markers (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy, and NFC signals), and device sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers) to determine the device location and direction. The SCAMEU utilizes a message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT) server to exchange ambient sensor data (e.g., temperature, light, and humidity readings) and user data (e.g., user location and user speed) for context-awareness. The unit also employs a web server to manage user profiles and settings. The ARVIU uses AR creation tools to handle user interaction and display context-aware information in appropriate areas of the device’s screen. One prototype AR app for use in gyms, Gym Augmented Reality (GAR), was developed based on ILARF. Users can register their profiles and configure settings when using GAR to visit a gym. Then, GAR can help users locate appropriate gym equipment based on their workout programs or favorite exercise specified in their profiles. GAR provides instructions on how to properly use the gym equipment and also makes it possible for gym users to socialize with each other, which may motivate them to go to the gym regularly. GAR is compared with other related AR systems. The comparison shows that GAR is superior to others by virtue of its use of ILARF; specifically, it provides more information, such as user location and direction, and has more desirable properties, such as secure communication and a 3D graphical user interface.
Elliptic Curve-Based Query Authentication Protocol for IoT Devices Aided by Blockchain
Authors: Nita Stefania Loredana , Mihailescu Marius Iulian
Published: January 2023

Digital transformation has increased its proportion in the last few years and the Internet-on-Things (IoT) domain is not an exception, with more and more devices or sensors being connected to the Internet and transmitting different types of data. Usually, being part of more complex IT systems, it must be ensured that the IoT devices transmitting the data are authenticated components of the system before sending the data to a storage server. However, usually, IoT devices have limited computing power, therefore all of the work that they are doing should not be too expensive in terms of computations. This is the case for the authentication mechanism, too. Having this context, in this paper, we propose an authentication mechanism for IoT devices based on elliptic curves, which are known as having a low computational cost compared to other techniques used in cryptography that provide the same level of security. The proposed system includes a blockchain network that will verify the identity of the device which tries to connect within the system to send the data to the storage server, a process that will be made together with the storage server. Once the identity is valid, the blockchain records the transaction and the storage server initiates the data transmission process. Besides including a lightweight authentication mechanism, the proposed method has several other important properties due to it using the blockchain network. Compared to the related work that we analyzed, we show that the proposed authentication mechanism is secure against common attacks designed for IoT devices. The performance analysis shows that the authentication query made by the IoT device takes place in less than a second on both a MSP430F1611 microcontroller and a MICAz sensor.
Enhancing the Bandwidth and Energy Production of Piezoelectric Energy Harvester Using Novel Multimode Bent Branched Beam Design for Human Motion Application
Authors: Piyarathna Iresha Erangani , Lim Yee Yan , Edla Mahesh , Thabet Ahmed Mostafa , Ucgul Mustafa , Lemckert Charles
Published: January 2023

In recent years, harvesting energy from ubiquitous ultralow-frequency vibration sources, such as biomechanical motions using piezoelectric materials to power wearable devices and wireless sensors (e.g., personalized assistive tools for monitoring human locomotion and physiological signals), has drawn considerable interest from the renewable energy research community. Conventional linear piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) generally consist of a cantilever beam with a piezoelectric patch and a proof mass, and they are often inefficient in such practical applications due to their narrow operating bandwidth and low voltage generation. Multimodal harvesters with multiple resonances appear to be a viable solution, but most of the previously proposed designs are unsuitable for ultralow-frequency vibration. This study investigated a novel multimode design, which included a bent branched beam harvester (BBBH) to enhance PEHs’ bandwidth output voltage and output power for ultralow-frequency applications. The study was conducted using finite element method (FEM) analysis to optimize the geometrical design of the BBBH on the basis of the targeted frequency spectrum of human motion. The selected design was then experimentally studied using a mechanical shaker and human motion as excitation sources. The performance was also compared to the previously proposed V-shaped bent beam harvester (VBH) and conventional cantilever beam harvester (CBH) designs. The results prove that the proposed BBBH could harness considerably higher output voltages and power with lower idle time. Its operating bandwidth was also remarkably widened as it achieved three close resonances in the ultralow-frequency range. It was concluded that the proposed BBBH outperformed the conventional counterparts when used to harvest energy from ultralow-frequency sources, such as human motion.
Silk Fibroin-Based Piezoelectric Sensor with Carbon Nanofibers for Wearable Health Monitoring Applications
Authors: Rathinasamy Senthil Kumar , Maheswar Rajagopal , Lorincz Josip
Published: January 2023

The continuous real-time monitoring of human health using biomedical sensing devices has recently become a promising approach to the realization of distant health monitoring. In this paper, the piezoelectric characteristics of the silk fibroin (SF) natural polymer were analyzed as the material used for obtaining sensing information in the application of distance health monitoring. To enhance the SF piezoelectricity, this paper presents the development of a novel SF-based sensor realized by combining SF with different carbon nanofiber (CNF) densities, and for such newly developed SF-based sensors comprehensive performance analyses have been performed. Versatile methods including the scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman and X-ray diffraction measurements and impedance analysis were used to study the morphologic, mechanical and electrical properties of the developed SF-based sensor. The SF with CNF samples was analyzed for three different pressure loads (40 N, 60 N and 80 N) in 500 compression test cycles. The analyses thoroughly describe how combining natural polymer SF with different CNF densities impacts the piezoelectricity and mechanical strength of the proposed SF-based sensor. The developed piezoelectric SF-based sensors were further tested on humans in real medical applications to detect generated piezoelectric voltage in versatile body movements. The maximum piezoelectricity equal to 2.95 ± 0.03 V was achieved for the jumping movement, and the SF sample with a CNF density equal to 0.4% was tested. Obtained results also show that the proposed SF-based sensor has an appropriate piezoelectric sensitivity for each of the analyzed body movement types, and that the proposed SF-based sensor can be applied in real medical applications as a biomedical sensing device. The proposed SF-based sensor’s practical implementation is further confirmed by the results of cytotoxicity analyses, which show that the developed sensor has a non-toxic and biocompatible nature and can be efficiently used in skin contact for biomedical wearable health monitoring applications.