bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Micronutrients, Including Zinc, Selenium and Iron, Are Positively Associated with Anemia in New Zealand Aged Care Residents
Authors: MacDonell Sue O. , Miller Jody C. , Harper Michelle J. , Reid Malcolm R. , Haszard Jillian J. , Gibson Rosalind S. , Houghton Lisa A.
Published: March 2021

Anemia is a significant comorbidity for older adults not fully attributable to iron deficiency. Low-grade inflammation and other micronutrient deficiencies also contribute. This cross-sectional study examined the relationships between nutrient and non-nutrient factors with hemoglobin and anemia in 285 residents (>65 years) of 16 New Zealand aged-care facilities. Blood samples were analyzed for hemoglobin, ferritin, sTfR, hepcidin, zinc, selenium, and interleukin-6 (IL-6), (with ferritin, sTfR, zinc and selenium adjusted for inflammation). Linear regression models examined the relationships between micronutrient biomarkers (iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin B-12 and D), age, sex, and health factors with hemoglobin. Thirty-two percent of participants exhibited anemia, although <2% had either depleted iron stores or iron deficiency. Plasma zinc and selenium deficiencies were present in 72% and 38% of participants, respectively. Plasma zinc and total body iron (TBI) were positively associated (p < 0.05) with hemoglobin, while gastric acid suppressing medications, hepcidin, and interleukin-6 were inversely associated. These relationships were maintained after the application of anemia cut-offs. These findings emphasize the importance of considering multiple micronutrient deficiencies as risk factors for anemia.
Onchocerciasis Prevalence among Persons with Epilepsy in an Onchocerciasis Hypo-Endemic Area in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hotterbeekx An , Verdonck Kristien , Mukendi Deby , Lilo-Kalo Jean-Roger , Lutumba Pascal , Boelaert Marleen , Hardy Liselotte , Barbé Barbara , Jacobs Jan , Bottieau Emmanuel , Colebunders Robert
Published: March 2021

A high epilepsy prevalence has been reported in onchocerciasis meso- and hyper-endemic regions in sub-Saharan Africa, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We investigated whether onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy can also be suspected in onchocerciasis hypo-endemic regions. Stored serum samples from 342 patients admitted with recent onset neurological symptoms admitted to Mosango general hospital, in the Kwilu province, DRC, between 2012 and 2015 were screened for onchocerciasis (OV16) antibodies by ELISA and Taenia solium antigen (using an in-house B158/B60 antigen test). Eighty-one (23.7%; 95% CI 19.5–28.5%) of these samples were positive for OV16 antibodies and 43/340 (12.6%; 95% CI 9.5–16.6%) were positive for T. solium antigen. Of the 58 persons clinically diagnosed with late onset epilepsy of unknown etiology, 19 (32.8%) were OV16 positive and nine (16%) T. solium antigen positive. In total, 16 persons with epilepsy were OV16 positive and T. solium negative, of whom 12 (75%) were between the ages seven to 31 years old, an age rage in which onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy is observed. Our study suggests that in onchocerciasis hypo-endemic areas, in T. solium antigen negative persons with epilepsy, onchocerciasis should be considered as a potential trigger of epilepsy.
Antibodies to Highly Pathogenic A/H5Nx (Clade 2.3.4.4) Influenza Viruses in the Sera of Vietnamese Residents
Authors: Ilyicheva Tatyana , Marchenko Vasily , Pyankova Olga , Moiseeva Anastasia , Nhai Tran , Lan Anh Bui , Sau Trinh , Kuznetsov Andrey , Ryzhikov Alexander , Maksyutov Rinat
Published: March 2021

To cause a pandemic, an influenza virus has to overcome two main barriers. First, the virus has to be antigenically new to humans. Second, the virus has to be directly transmitted from humans to humans. Thus, if the avian influenza virus is able to pass the second barrier, it could cause a pandemic, since there is no immunity to avian influenza in the human population. To determine whether the adaptation process is ongoing, analyses of human sera could be conducted in populations inhabiting regions where pandemic virus variant emergence is highly possible. This study aimed to analyze the sera of Vietnamese residents using hemagglutinin inhibition reaction (HI) and microneutralization (MN) with A/H5Nx (clade 2.3.4.4) influenza viruses isolated in Vietnam and the Russian Federation in 2017–2018. In this study, we used sera from 295 residents of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam collected from three groups: 52 samples were collected from households in Nam Dinh province, where poultry deaths have been reported (2017); 96 (2017) and 147 (2018) samples were collected from patients with somatic but not infectious diseases in Hanoi. In all, 65 serum samples were positive for HI, at least to one H5 virus used in the study. In MN, 47 serum samples neutralizing one or two viruses at dilutions of 1/40 or higher were identified. We postulate that the rapidly evolving A/H5Nx (clade 2.3.4.4) influenza virus is possibly gradually adapting to the human host, insofar as healthy individuals have antibodies to a wide spectrum of variants of that subtype.
Covalently Functionalized Carbon Nano-Onions Integrated Gelatin Methacryloyl Nanocomposite Hydrogel Containing γ-Cyclodextrin as Drug Carrier for High-Performance pH-Triggered Drug Release
Authors: Mamidi Narsimha , Velasco Delgadillo Ramiro Manuel , Barrera Enrique V.
Published: March 2021

Herein, poly (n-(4-aminophenyl) methacrylamide)) carbon nano-onions (PAPMA-CNOs = f-CNOs) and γ-cyclodextrin/DOX-complex (CD) reinforced gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)/f-CNOs/CD supramolecular hydrogel interfaces were fabricated using the photo-crosslinking technique. The physicochemical properties, morphology, biodegradation, and swelling properties of hydrogels were investigated. The composite hydrogels demonstrated enriched drug release under the acidic conditions (pH 4.5 = 99%, and pH 6.0 = 82%) over 18 days. Owing to the f-CNOs inclusion, GelMA/f-CNOs/CD supramolecular hydrogels presented augmented tensile strength (σult = 356.1 ± 3.4 MPa), toughness (K = 51.5 ± 0.24 Jg−1), and Young’s modulus (E = 41.8 ± 1.4 GPa). The strengthening of GelMA/f-CNOs/CD hydrogel systems indicates its good dispersion and the degree of polymer enveloping of f-CNOs within GelMA matrixes. Furthermore, the obtained hydrogels showed improved cell viability with human fibroblast cells. Nevertheless, the primed supramolecular hydrogels would pave the way for the controlled delivery systems for future drug delivery.
Changes in Skin Barrier Function after Repeated Exposition to Phospholipid-Based Surfactants and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate In Vivo and Corneocyte Surface Analysis by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Vater Claudia , Apanovic Alexandra , Riethmüller Christoph , Litschauer Brigitte , Wolzt Michael , Valenta Claudia , Klang Victoria
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of pure lecithins in comparison to a conventional surfactant on skin in vivo. (2) Methods: Physiological skin parameters were evaluated at the beginning and the end of the study (day 1 and day 4) (n = 8, healthy forearm skin) with an Aquaflux®, skin-pH-Meter, Corneometer® and an Epsilon® sensor. Confocal Raman spectroscopy was employed to monitor natural moisturizing factor, urea and water content of the participants’ skin. Tape strips of treated skin sites were taken and the collected corneocytes were subjected to atomic force microscopy. Circular nano objects were counted, and dermal texture indices were determined. (3) Results: Transepidermal water loss was increased, and skin hydration was decreased after treatment with SDS and LPC80. Natural moisturizing factor and urea concentrations within the outermost 10 µm of the stratum corneum were lower than after treatment with S75 or water. Dermal texture indices of skin treated with SDS were higher than skin treated with water (control). (4) Conclusions: Results suggest very good (S75) or good (LPC80) skin-tolerability of lecithin-based surfactants in comparison to SDS and encourage further investigation.
Amphipathic Peptide Antibiotics with Potent Activity against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens
Authors: Shi Jingru , Chen Chen , Wang Dejuan , Tong Ziwen , Wang Zhiqiang , Liu Yuan
Published: March 2021

The emergence and prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria have posed a serious threat to public health. Of particular concern are methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and blaNDM, mcr-1 and tet(X)-positive Gram-negative pathogens. The fact that few new antibiotics have been approved in recent years exacerbates this global crisis, thus, new alternatives are urgently needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) originated from host defense peptides with a wide range of sources and multiple functions, are less prone to achieve resistance. All these characteristics laid the foundation for AMPs to become potential antibiotic candidates. In this study, we revealed that peptide WW307 displayed potent antibacterial and bactericidal activity against MDR bacteria, including MRSA and Gram-negative bacteria carrying blaNDM-5, mcr-1 or tet(X4). In addition, WW307 exhibited great biofilm inhibition and eradication activity. Safety and stability experiments showed that WW307 had a strong resistance against various physiological conditions and displayed relatively low toxicity. Mechanistic experiments showed that WW307 resulted in membrane damage by selectively targeting bacterial membrane-specific components, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and cardiolipin (CL). Moreover, WW307 dissipated membrane potential and triggered the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Collectively, these results demonstrated that WW307 represents a promising candidate for combating MDR pathogens.
Stabilization of Metastable Indomethacin α in Cellulose Nanocrystal Aerogel Scaffolds
Authors: Banerjee Manali , Brettmann Blair
Published: March 2021

Indomethacin (IM) is a small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) that exhibits polymorphism with the γ-form being the most thermodynamically stable form of the drug. The α-form is metastable, but it exhibits higher solubility, making it a more attractive form for drug delivery. As with other metastable polymorphs, α-IM undergoes interconversion to the stable form when subjected to certain stimuli, such as solvent, heat, pH, or exposure to seed crystals of the stable form. In this study, IM was crystallized into cellulose nanocrystal aerogel scaffolds as a mixture of the two polymorphic forms, α-IM and γ-IM. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Raman spectroscopy were used to quantitatively determine the amount of each form. Our investigation found that the metastable α-IM could be stabilized within the aerogel without phase transformation, even in the presence of external stimuli, including heat and γ-IM seed crystals. Because interconversion is often a concern during production of metastable forms of APIs, this approach has important implications in being able to produce and stabilize metastable drug forms. While IM was used as a model drug in this study, this approach could be expanded to additional drugs and provide access to other metastable API forms.
Letter to Matter and Various Incomprehensibilities—The Effective Ethicality of Scientific and Humanistic Interdisciplinarity
Authors: Minati Gianfranco
Published: March 2021

The article is based on the dual concepts of theoretical incompleteness in systems science and theoretical incomprehensibility in philosophy previously introduced in the literature. Issues of incompleteness relate to the logical openness of complexity models in their nonequivalence and necessary non-zippable incompletable multiplicity. This concerns the quasi-ness of phenomena and the constructivist nature of models. Theoretically, incomprehensibility is considered in different ways, such as the inexhaustible multiplicity of the constructivist reality corresponding to the logical openness of both the world and of understanding itself and in reference to incomprehensibilities such as questions like the divide between species, cognitive systems, and after-death experience (if any). In conjunction with the need for non-classic, interdisciplinary approaches in science to deal with complexity, unanswerable questions need suitable scientifically updated philosophical reasoning in interdisciplinary humanistic backgrounds to allow for new social representations, understandings, and plausible social imaginary. Such approaches more properly allow for effective philosophical representations of the world. Knowing how to deal with these issues through philosophical reasoning updated to the current scientific levels and humanistic interdisciplinarity allows for higher levels of awareness and new comprehensive philosophical understanding, introducing new powerful social imaginary. Such new philosophical reasoning is expected to allow a conception of the world that is no longer just utilitarian, but theoretically necessarily, and not only concessively respectful of diversity with significant, even self-ethical effects.
Rootstocks with Different Vigor Influenced Scion–Water Relations and Stress Responses in AmbrosiaTM Apple Trees (Malus Domestica var. Ambrosia)
Authors: Xu Hao , Ediger Danielle
Published: March 2021

In recent years, awareness has been raised around the benefits of diversifying rootstocks, in order to enhance tree health and sustain apple fruit production under the influence of climate change. However, performances of many rootstocks under stresses remain unclear. This study aimed to set the first step towards a much-needed comprehensive evaluation on water relationships and stress responses of scion–rootstock systems for the popular apple cultivar AmbrosiaTM (Malus domestica var. Ambrosia), because its production and horticultural knowledge had been largely limited to the Malling 9 rootstock (M.9). Five rootstocks were evaluated in a greenhouse water deficit experiment and at the onset of heat stress in a field trial in Summerland, British Columbia, Canada. Multiple stress indicators of leaves and fruits were analyzed to elucidate water use strategies and drought resistance mechanisms. The rootstocks led to differences in scion vigor, and stomatal and photosynthetic characteristics. The largest semi-dwarfing Geneva 202 (G.202) demonstrated more water use and higher stress susceptibility. Large dwarfing Geneva 935 (G.935) and Malling 26 (M.26) showed more stringent stomatal control and reduced water use under stresses, typical of a drought-avoidance strategy. The smallest large dwarfing M.9NIC29® and the small dwarfing Budagovsky 9 (B.9) led to smaller and denser stomata. B.9 demonstrated the most stable water status and drought tolerance. The study suggested that scion stress responses were influenced by rootstock vigor and tree water use strategies. It implied the necessity of vigor-specific irrigation management for alleviating stresses and achieving production goals of different rootstocks.
Plant-Based Biostimulant as Sustainable Alternative to Synthetic Growth Regulators in Two Sweet Cherry Cultivars
Authors: Basile Boris , Brown Natalie , Valdes José Miguel , Cardarelli Mariateresa , Scognamiglio Pasquale , Mataffo Alessandro , Rouphael Youssef , Bonini Paolo , Colla Giuseppe
Published: March 2021

Sweet cherry is a high value crop and the economic success of its cultivation depends not only on yield but also on fruit visual and nutritional quality attributes that influence consumer acceptability, as well as on fruit post-harvest performance and resistance to cracking. During the last few decades, cherry growers have tried to achieve these goals through exogenous applications of synthetic plant hormones and/or nutrients, but there is growing concern about the sustainability of the extensive use of these compounds in agriculture. For this reason, there is increasing interest in the possible adoption of different classes of biostimulants as sustainable alternatives to plant growth regulators. This research aimed to study the impact of foliar application of a novel tropical-plant extract, performed between full bloom and fruit set, on the yield and fruit quality of two important commercial sweet cherry cultivars, Kordia and Regina. The experimental design included a commercial control involving the application of a cytokinin promoter. In both cultivars, the tropical-plant extract induced significant increases in fruit yield. In addition, in the cultivar Kordia, the tropical-plant extract enhanced fruit calcium concentration, soluble solids content, flesh firmness, and skin color by 26.2%, 11.8%, 6.7%, and 12.0% (of fruits with mahogany skin color), respectively. Our results suggest that the tropical-plant extract tested as a biostimulant may be a sustainable and effective alternative to the exogenous application of synthetic hormones for sweet cherry cultivation.
The Role of Calender Gap in Barrel and Screw Wear in Counterrotating Twin Screw Extruders
Authors: Demirci Abdullah , Teke Ismail , Polychronopoulos Nickolas D. , Vlachopoulos John
Published: March 2021

It has been known in the industrial sector that in closely intermeshing counterrotating twin screw extruders, large separating forces develop in the calender gap, which push the screws towards the barrel wall. The result is significant wear in the region defined by 30°- and 60°-degree angles from the vertical. In the present investigation, pressures were measured around the barrel in extrusion of two rigid PVC resins in a laboratory extruder of 55 mm diameter and the forces on the screw core were determined. Numerical flow simulations were also carried out using the power-law viscosity parameters of the resins. From the experimental results, it was determined that the resultant forces are in the 30 degree angle direction, and from the computer simulations, the angle is between 18° and 25°. It is argued that the resultant force angle will be somewhat larger in large diameter extruders, due to the additional contribution of gravity.
Experimental and Numerical Analyses on the Buckling Characteristics of Woven Flax/Epoxy Laminated Composite Plate under Axial Compression
Authors: Gopalan Venkatachalam , Suthenthiraveerappa Vimalanand , David Jefferson Stanley , Subramanian Jeyanthi , Annamalai A. Raja , Jen Chun-Ping
Published: March 2021

The evolution of a sustainable green composite in various loadbearing structural applications tends to reduce pollution, which in turn enhances environmental sustainability. This work is an attempt to promote a sustainable green composite in buckling loadbearing structural applications. In order to use the green composite in various structural applications, the knowledge on its structural stability is a must. As the structural instability leads to the buckling of the composite structure when it is under an axial compressive load, the work on its buckling characteristics is important. In this work, the buckling characteristics of a woven flax/bio epoxy (WFBE) laminated composite plate are investigated experimentally and numerically when subjected to an axial compressive load. In order to accomplish the optimization study on the buckling characteristics of the composite plate among various structural criterions such as number of layers, the width of the plate and the ply orientation, the optimization tool “response surface methodology” (RSM) is used in this work. The validation of the developed finite element model in Analysis System (ANSYS) version 16 is carried out by comparing the critical buckling loads obtained from the experimental test and numerical simulation for three out of twenty samples. A comparison is then made between the numerical results obtained through ANSYS16 and the results generated using the regression equation. It is concluded that the buckling strength of the composite escalates with the number of layers, the change in width and the ply orientation. It is also noted that the weaving model of the fabric powers the buckling behavior of the composite. This work explores the feasibility of the use of the developed green composite in various buckling loadbearing structural applications. Due to the compromised buckling characteristics of the green composite with the synthetic composite, it has the capability of replacing many synthetic composites, which in turn enhances the sustainability of the environment.
Crystallinity and β Phase Fraction of PVDF in Biaxially Stretched PVDF/PMMA Films
Authors: Zhou Ye , Liu Wenting , Tan Bin , Zhu Cheng , Ni Yaru , Fang Liang , Lu Chunhua , Xu Zhongzi
Published: March 2021

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blend films were prepared using biaxial stretching. The effects of PMMA content and stretching ratio on the crystallinity and β phase fraction of PVDF in blend films were investigated. The distributions of crystallinity and β phase fraction on variable locations were also studied. The results of FTIR and XRD showed that β phase appeared in PVDF/PMMA blends after extrusion and casting procedures. Although β phase fraction decreased after preheating, there was still an increasing trend during following biaxial stretching. More importantly, the increase in PMMA content improved β phase fraction, and the highest β phase fraction of 93% was achieved at PMMA content of 30 wt% and stretching ratio of 2×2. Besides, the reduction in PMMA content and the increase in stretching ratio improved the crystallinity of PVDF. The mechanical properties of the stretched films were significantly improved by increasing the stretching ratio as well. The uniform stress distribution on different regions of biaxial stretching films contributed to the uniform distribution of β phase fraction and crystallinity of PVDF with the aid of simulation. This work confirmed that biaxial stretching can be a candidate method to prepare PVDF/PMMA blend films with uniform distributions of comparable β phase and crystallinity of PVDF.
Copolyamide-Imide Membrane with Low CTE and CME for Potential Space Optical Applications
Authors: Yin Jiajia , Mao Danbo , Fan Bin
Published: March 2021

Polyimide diffractive membrane lens can be used in space optical telescope to reduce the size and mass of an imaging system. However, traditional commercial aromatic polyimide membrane is hard to meet the challenging requirements of dimensional stability and optical homogeneity for optical use. Based on molecular structure design and the optimization of fabrication process, the prepared copolyamide-imide membrane achieved the desired performance of membrane as an optical material. It showed a very low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), which is 0.95 ppm/°C over a temperature range of −150–100 °C and relatively low coefficient of moisture expansion (CME), which is only 13.30 ppm/% RH (0~90% RH). For the optical use, the prepared copolyamide-imide membrane (φ200 mm) achieved good thickness uniformity with wave-front error smaller than λ/30 (λ = 632 nm) in RMS (root mean square). Besides, it simultaneously meets the optical, thermal, and mechanical requirements for space telescope use. Copolyamide-imide membranes in this research with good comprehensive performance can be used as large aperture membrane optical system architectures.
A Terpyridine-Fe2+-Based Coordination Polymer Film for On-Chip Micro-Supercapacitor with AC Line-Filtering Performance
Authors: Wang Hongxing , Qiu Feng , Lu Chenbao , Zhu Jinhui , Ke Changchun , Han Sheng , Zhuang Xiaodong
Published: March 2021

The preparation of redox-active, ultrathin polymer films as the electrode materials represents a major challenge for miniaturized flexible electronics. Herein, we demonstrated a liquid–liquid interfacial polymerization approach to a coordination polymer films with ultrathin thickness from tri(terpyridine)-based building block and iron atoms. The as-synthesized polymer films exhibit flexible properties, good redox-active and narrow bandgap. After directly transferred to silicon wafers, the on-chip micro-supercapacitors of TpPB-Fe-MSC achieved the high specific capacitances of 1.25 mF cm−2 at 50 mV s−1 and volumetric energy density of 5.8 mWh cm−3, which are superior to most of semiconductive polymer-based micro-supercapacitor (MSC) devices. In addition, as-fabricated on-chip MSCs exhibit typical alternating current (AC) line-filtering performance (−71.3° at 120 Hz) and a short resistance–capacitance (RC) time (0.06 ms) with the electrolytes of PVA/LiCl. This study provides a simple interfacial approach to redox-active polymer films for microsized energy storage devices.
Overview of Silica-Polymer Nanostructures for Waterborne High-Performance Coatings
Authors: Martins Tiago D. , Ribeiro Tânia , Farinha José Paulo S.
Published: March 2021

Combining organic and inorganic components at a nanoscale is an effective way to obtain high performance coating materials with excellent chemical and physical properties. This review focuses on recent approaches to prepare hybrid nanostructured waterborne coating materials combining the mechanical properties and versatility of silica as the inorganic filler, with the flexural properties and ease of processing of the polymer matrix. We cover silica-polymer coupling agents used to link the organic and inorganic components, the formation of hybrid films from these silica-polymer nanostructures, and their different applications. These hybrid nanostructures can be used to prepare high performance functional coatings with different properties from optical transparency, to resistance to temperature, hydrophobicity, anti-corrosion, resistance to scratch, and antimicrobial activity.
Effect of Chitosan on the Activity of Water-Soluble and Hydrophobic Porphyrin Photosensitizers Solubilized by Amphiphilic Polymers
Authors: Kardumyan Valeriya V. , Aksenova Nadejda A. , Timofeeva Victoria A. , Krivandin Alexey V. , Shatalova Olga V. , Dubovik Alexander S. , Plashchina Irina G. , Timashev Peter S. , Solovieva Anna B.
Published: March 2021

In this work, we studied the photocatalytic activity of photosensitizers (PSs) of various natures solubilized with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and ternary block copolymer ethylene and propylene oxide Pluronic F127 (F127) in a model reaction of tryptophan photo-oxidation in water in the presence of chitosan (CT). Water-soluble compounds (dimegin and trisodium salt of chlorin e6 (Ce6)) and hydrophobic porphyrins (tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) and its fluorine derivative (TPPF20)) were used as PSs. It was shown that the use of chitosan (Mw ~100 kDa) makes it possible to obtain a system whose activity is comparable to that of the photosensitizer-amphiphilic polymer systems. Thus, the previously observed drop in the photosensitizing activity of PS in the presence of a polysaccharide and amphiphilic polymers (AP) was absent in this case. At the same time, chitosan had practically no inhibitory effect on hydrophobic porphyrins solubilized by Pluronic F127.
Contested Authenticity Anthropological Perspectives of Pilgrimage Tourism on Mount Athos
Authors: Paganopoulos Michelangelo
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates the evolution of customer service in the pilgrimage tourist industry, focusing on Mount Athos. In doing so, it empirically deconstructs the dialectics of the synthesis of “authentic experience” between “pilgrims” and “tourists” via a set of internal and external reciprocal exchanges that take place between monks and visitors in two rival neighboring monasteries. The paper shows how the traditional value of hospitality is being reinvented and reappropriated according to the personalized needs of the market of faith. In this context, the paper shows how traditional monastic roles, such as those of the guest-master and the sacristan, have been reinvented, along with traditional practices such as that of confession, within the wider turn to relational subjectivity and interest in spirituality. Following this, the material illustrates how counter claims to “authenticity” emerge as an arena of reinvention and contestation out of the competition between rival groups of monks and their followers, arguing that pilgrimage on Athos requires from visitors their full commitment and active involvement in their role as “pilgrims”. The claim to “authenticity” is a matter of identity and the means through which a visitor is transformed from a passive “tourist” to an active “pilgrim”.
Vegetation Change and Its Response to Climate Extremes in the Arid Region of Northwest China
Authors: Wang Simeng , Liu Qihang , Huang Chang
Published: March 2021

Changes in climate extremes have a profound impact on vegetation growth. In this study, we employed the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and a recently published climate extremes dataset (HadEX3) to study the temporal and spatial evolution of vegetation cover, and its responses to climate extremes in the arid region of northwest China (ARNC). Mann-Kendall test, Anomaly analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, Time lag cross-correlation method, and Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression (Lasso) were conducted to quantitatively analyze the response characteristics between Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and climate extremes from 2000 to 2018. The results showed that: (1) The vegetation in the ARNC had a fluctuating upward trend, with vegetation significantly increasing in Xinjiang Tianshan, Altai Mountain, and Tarim Basin, and decreasing in the central inland desert. (2) Temperature extremes showed an increasing trend, with extremely high-temperature events increasing and extremely low-temperature events decreasing. Precipitation extremes events also exhibited a slightly increasing trend. (3) NDVI was overall positively correlated with the climate extremes indices (CEIs), although both positive and negative correlations spatially coexisted. (4) The responses of NDVI and climate extremes showed time lag effects and spatial differences in the growing period. (5) Precipitation extremes were closely related to NDVI than temperature extremes according to Lasso modeling results. This study provides a reference for understanding vegetation variations and their response to climate extremes in arid regions.
Determination of Structural Characteristics of Old-Growth Forest in Ukraine Using Spaceborne LiDAR
Authors: Spracklen Ben , Spracklen Dominick V.
Published: March 2021

A forest’s structure changes as it progresses through developmental stages from establishment to old-growth forest. Therefore, the vertical structure of old-growth forests will differ from that of younger, managed forests. Free, publicly available spaceborne Laser Range and Detection (LiDAR) data designed for the determination of forest structure has recently become available through NASA’s General Ecosystem and Development Investigation (GEDI). We use this data to investigate the structure of some of the largest remaining old-growth forests in Europe in the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains. We downloaded 18489 cloud-free shots in the old-growth forest (OGF) and 20398 shots in adjacent non-OGF areas during leaf-on, snow-free conditions. We found significant differences between OGF and non-OGF over a wide range of structural metrics. OGF was significantly more open, with a more complex vertical structure and thicker ground-layer vegetation. We used Random Forest classification on a range of GEDI-derived metrics to classify OGF shapefiles with an accuracy of 73%. Our work demonstrates the use of spaceborne LiDAR for the identification of old-growth forests.
Assessment on IMERG V06 Precipitation Products Using Rain Gauge Data in Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
Authors: Li Peng , Xu Zongxue , Ye Chenlei , Ren Meifang , Chen Hao , Wang Jingjing , Song Sulin
Published: March 2021

In this study, a comprehensive assessment on precipitation estimation from the latest Version 06 release of the Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG) algorithm is conducted by using 24 rain gauge observations at daily scale from 2001 to 2016. The IMERG V06 dataset fuses Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite data (2000–2015) and Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite data (2014–present), enabling the use of IMERG data for long-term study. Correlation coefficient (CC), root mean square error (RMSE), relative bias (RB), probability of detection (POD), false alarm ratio (FAR), and critical success index (CSI) were used to assess the accuracy of satellite-derived precipitation estimation and measure the correspondence between satellite-derived and observed occurrence of precipitation events. The probability density distributions of precipitation intensity and influence of elevation on precipitation estimation were also examined. Results showed that, with high CC and low RMSE and RB, the IMERG Final Run product (IMERG-F) performs better than two other IMERG products at daily, monthly, and yearly scales. At daily scale, the ability of satellite products to detect general precipitation is clearly superior to the ability to detect heavy and extreme precipitation. In addition, CC and RMSE of IMERG products are high in Southeastern Jinan City, while RMSE is relatively low in Southwestern Jinan City. Considering the fact that the IMERG estimation of extreme precipitation indices showed an acceptable level of accuracy, IMERG products can be used to derive extreme precipitation indices in areas without gauged data. At all elevations, IMERG-F exhibits a better performance than the other two IMERG products. However, POD and FAR decrease and CSI increase with the increase of elevation, indicating the need for improvement. This study will provide valuable information for the application of IMERG products at the scale of a large city.
Bluetooth Low Energy Interference Awareness Scheme and Improved Channel Selection Algorithm for Connection Robustness
Authors: Pang Bozheng , T’Jonck Kristof , Claeys Tim , Pissoort Davy , Hallez Hans , Boydens Jeroen
Published: March 2021

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a popular wireless communication protocol heavily used in Internet of Things applications. Nowadays, robustness is considered a key requirement in wireless communication. However, radio interference from various sources may affect the performance of BLE devices, leading to channel congestion. Therefore, there is a broadly recognized need of methodologies capable of sensing and avoiding interference. In this paper, two improvements at the data link layer for interference detection and channel selection are proposed to enhance the BLE connection robustness. This paper also presents a wide range of experimental evaluations aiming at validating the improvements and providing insights on both these improvements. Particularly, the communication performance of the BLE link layer is assessed in terms of channel usage distribution, supervision timeout ratio (STR) and packet loss rate (PLR) under different interference environments. Results from these experiments (reliability over 97% and 99% under two different harsh environments) highlight the effects of both improvements on the BLE robustness. Meanwhile, the authority of scheduling the whole mechanism is given to the link layer and even the higher application layer. This paper provides a set of solutions for BLE confronting interference in link layer.
Association between Self-Reported and Accelerometer-Based Estimates of Physical Activity in Portuguese Older Adults
Authors: Domingos Célia , Correia Santos Nadine , Pêgo José Miguel
Published: March 2021

Accurate assessment of physical activity (PA) is crucial in interventions promoting it and in studies exploring its association with health status. Currently, there is a wide range of assessment tools available, including subjective and objective measures. This study compared accelerometer-based estimates of PA with self-report PA data in older adults. Additionally, the associations between PA and health outcomes and PA profiles were analyzed. Participants (n = 110) wore a Xiaomi Mi Band 2® for fifteen consecutive days. Self-reported PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS). The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to compare self-reported and accelerometer-measured PA and associations between PA and health. Bland–Altman plots were performed to assess the agreement between methods. Results highlight a large variation between self-reported and Xiaomi Mi Band 2® estimates, with poor general agreement. The highest difference was found for sedentary time. Low positive correlations were observed for IPAQ estimates (sedentary, vigorous, and total PA) and moderate for YPAS vigorous estimates. Finally, self-reported and objectively measured PA associated differently with health outcomes. Summarily, although accelerometry has the advantage of being an accurate method, self-report questionnaires could provide valuable information about the context of the activity.
Convergence of Intelligent Data Acquisition and Advanced Computing Systems
Authors: Stamatescu Grigore , Sachenko Anatoliy , Popescu Dan
Published: March 2021

This editorial article briefly outlines the objectives and achieved goals of the Special Issue on “Convergence of Intelligent Data Acquisition and Advanced Computing Systems” running between September 2019 and September 2020 in the Sensors journal [...]
Towards Continuous Camera-Based Respiration Monitoring in Infants
Authors: Lorato Ilde , Stuijk Sander , Meftah Mohammed , Kommers Deedee , Andriessen Peter , van Pul Carola , de Haan Gerard
Published: March 2021

Aiming at continuous unobtrusive respiration monitoring, motion robustness is paramount. However, some types of motion can completely hide the respiration information and the detection of these events is required to avoid incorrect rate estimations. Therefore, this work proposes a motion detector optimized to specifically detect severe motion of infants combined with a respiration rate detection strategy based on automatic pixels selection, which proved to be robust to motion of the infants involving head and limbs. A dataset including both thermal and RGB (Red Green Blue) videos was used amounting to a total of 43 h acquired on 17 infants. The method was successfully applied to both RGB and thermal videos and compared to the chest impedance signal. The Mean Absolute Error (MAE) in segments where some motion is present was 1.16 and 1.97 breaths/min higher than the MAE in the ideal moments where the infants were still for testing and validation set, respectively. Overall, the average MAE on the testing and validation set are 3.31 breaths/min and 5.36 breaths/min, using 64.00% and 69.65% of the included video segments (segments containing events such as interventions were excluded based on a manual annotation), respectively. Moreover, we highlight challenges that need to be overcome for continuous camera-based respiration monitoring. The method can be applied to different camera modalities, does not require skin visibility, and is robust to some motion of the infants.
Algorithm for Dynamic Fingerprinting Radio Map Creation Using IMU Measurements
Authors: Brida Peter , Machaj Juraj , Racko Jan , Krejcar Ondrej
Published: March 2021

While a vast number of location-based services appeared lately, indoor positioning solutions are developed to provide reliable position information in environments where traditionally used satellite-based positioning systems cannot provide access to accurate position estimates. Indoor positioning systems can be based on many technologies; however, radio networks and more precisely Wi-Fi networks seem to attract the attention of a majority of the research teams. The most widely used localization approach used in Wi-Fi-based systems is based on fingerprinting framework. Fingerprinting algorithms, however, require a radio map for position estimation. This paper will describe a solution for dynamic radio map creation, which is aimed to reduce the time required to build a radio map. The proposed solution is using measurements from IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units), which are processed with a particle filter dead reckoning algorithm. Reference points (RPs) generated by the implemented dead reckoning algorithm are then processed by the proposed reference point merging algorithm, in order to optimize the radio map size and merge similar RPs. The proposed solution was tested in a real-world environment and evaluated by the implementation of deterministic fingerprinting positioning algorithms, and the achieved results were compared with results achieved with a static radio map. The achieved results presented in the paper show that positioning algorithms achieved similar accuracy even with a dynamic map with a low density of reference points.
Towards the Autonomy: Control Systems for the Ship in Confined and Open Waters
Authors: Miller Anna , Rybczak Monika , Rak Andrzej
Published: March 2021

The concept of the Marine Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) requires new solutions in many areas: from law, through economics, social sciences, environmental issues to the technology and even ethics. It also plays a central role in the work of numerous research teams dealing with the ship motion control systems. This article presents the results of the experiments with application of the selected control methods in automatic steering of the movement of an autonomous ship in the two regimes: during the maneuvers at low speed (in a harbor confined waters) and during the lake trials in open water conditions. In the first case, multidimensional state controller synthesized with Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMI) algorithms was used, while, in the second case, Model Predictive Control (MPC) control was adopted. The object for which the experiments were carried out was 1:24 scale model of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carrier. The paper presents also the design of the measurement and control system and the user interface. The experiments were conducted in the natural conditions on the lake. The results of the experiments indicate the fundamental role of the measurement system in the process of controlling an autonomous ship.
Differentiated Uses of Social Networking Platforms among Young People in the Autonomous Region of Madrid
Authors: López-de-Ayala María Cruz , García-Jiménez Antonio , Pastor-Ruiz Yolanda
Published: March 2021

Young people make intensive and varied use of social networks, which depends on individual differences and use motives. This study analyses the different ways in which young people use the main social media platforms and the role that gender, age and social class play in users’ behaviour with a representative sample of young people aged 17–24 in the Community of Madrid (Spain) (N = 533). Women and the youngest people (17–19 years of age) used social networks more consistently. Instagram and Facebook were the most widely used social networks with greater diversity of use in the areas of sociability and entertainment. While women and the younger age group spent more time using Instagram, young people from the upper class and upper-middle class used Facebook more often in a variety of ways. YouTube was used less frequently, and it was used mainly for entertainment purposes. Snapchat played a small role in this segment of the population. We conclude that age and social class play an important role in defining the different ways in which young people in the Region of Madrid use social media, and such influences vary depending on the platform under study and the types of activities being carried out.
Does a National Innovation System Encourage Sustainability? Lessons from the Construction Industry in Serbia
Authors: Mosurović Ružičić Marija , Miletić Mirjana , Dobrota Marina
Published: March 2021

Influences from the modern business environment indicate the need for the incorporation of sustainability concepts from an innovation system perspective. In the presented research, we emphasize the energy efficiency concept within the frame of sustainability and innovation. The aim of this research was to underline and explore the relationships between innovation, energy efficiency, and sustainability in the construction industry. To answer the research questions, a questionnaire was created to explore the impact of the energy efficiency certification process on the innovation behavior of construction industry enterprises in Serbia. The results show that energy efficiency has supported innovation, and that there exists a relationship between sustainability and innovativeness in the construction industry. Applying energy efficiency passports has influenced the co-operation of enterprises in the construction sector and other actors in the national innovation system in Serbia. The innovation concept demonstrates that enterprises in the construction industry should be observed as a part of the wider picture—the national innovation system. In turn, the specific context of a particular national innovation system should be seen within the wider picture of national innovation systems of Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs).
Transitioning to Sustainable Administrative Gatekeeping in Access to Social Grants for South African Adult Persons with Disabilities
Authors: du Toit Mangalane , Lues Liezel
Published: March 2021

This article explores the efficiency in the administration of social grants for adult persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. The focus, in particular, is on explaining why, despite a gatekeeping element, adult PWDs presenting with the same medical condition, with mild or no verifiable impairment, keep returning and are allowed through the system, only to be rejected again, citing the same reasons as before. Administrative gatekeeping, as illustrated in the 2011 Social Grants Disability Management Model, does not extend beyond (i) verifying the correctness of supporting documents and (ii) checking documented proof of medical history to ascertain that applicants of social grants for adult PWDs are not booked for medical assessments within three months of their last assessment. This points to a weakness in the system, as the screening officials cannot turn away applicants of social grants for adult PWDs for any other reason once the documents are verified as correct. Here, we report the findings from responses to structured telephone interviews and structured face-to-face interviews with applicants of social grants for adult PWDs who are residents of the Northern Cape province of South Africa. We conclude that socio-economic circumstances, rather than impairment, are the main drivers for adult PWDs to keep on applying for social grants for adult PWDs and we offer some strategies for addressing this predicament to contribute to a sustainable and an efficient, effective, and economical administration process.
Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Computing: Methods, Technologies, Systems, Applications and Policy Making
Authors: Lytras Miltiadis D. , Visvizi Anna
Published: March 2021

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