bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of High-Dose Postpartum Maternal Vitamin D Supplementation Alone Compared with Maternal Plus Infant Vitamin D Supplementation in Breastfeeding Infants in a High-Risk Population. A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Dawodu Adekunle , Salameh Khalil M. , Al-Janahi Najah S. , Bener Abdulbari , Elkum Naser
Published: July 2019

In view of continuing reports of high prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency and low rate of infant vitamin D supplementation, an alternative strategy for prevention of vitamin D deficiency in infants warrants further study. The aim of this randomized controlled trial among 95 exclusively breastfeeding mother–infant pairs with high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was to compare the effect of six-month post-partum vitamin D3 maternal supplementation of 6000 IU/day alone with maternal supplementation of 600 IU/day plus infant supplementation of 400 IU/day on the vitamin D status of breastfeeding infants in Doha, Qatar. Serum calcium, parathyroid hormone, maternal urine calcium/creatinine ratio and breast milk vitamin D content were measured. At baseline, the mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) of mothers on 6000 IU and 600 IU (35.1 vs. 35.7 nmol/L) and in their infants (31.9 vs. 29.6) respectively were low but similar. At the end of the six month supplementation, mothers on 6000 IU achieved higher serum 25(OH)D mean ± SD of 98 ± 35 nmol/L than 52 ± 20 nmol/L in mothers on 600 IU (p < 0.0001). Of mothers on 6000 IU, 96% achieved adequate serum 25(OH)D (≥50 nmol/L) compared with 52%in mothers on 600 IU (p < 0.0001). Infants of mothers on 600 IU and also supplemented with 400 IU vitamin D3 had slightly higher serum 25(OH)D than infants of mothers on 6000 IU alone (109 vs. 92 nmol/L, p = 0.03); however, similar percentage of infants in both groups achieved adequate serum 25(OH)D ≥50 nmol/L (91% vs. 89%, p = 0.75). Mothers on 6000 IU vitamin D3/day also had higher human milk vitamin D content. Safety measurements, including serum calcium and urine calcium/creatinine ratios in the mother and serum calcium levels in the infants were similar in both groups. Maternal 6000 IU/day vitamin D3 supplementation alone safely optimizes maternal vitamin D status, improves milk vitamin D to maintain adequate infant serum 25(OH)D. It thus provides an alternative option to prevent the burden of vitamin D deficiency in exclusively breastfeeding infants in high-risk populations and warrants further study of the effective dose.
Gut Microbiota, Muscle Mass and Function in Aging: A Focus on Physical Frailty and Sarcopenia
Authors: Ticinesi Andrea , Nouvenne Antonio , Cerundolo Nicoletta , Catania Pamela , Prati Beatrice , Tana Claudio , Meschi Tiziana
Published: July 2019

Human gut microbiota is able to influence the host physiology by regulating multiple processes, including nutrient absorption, inflammation, oxidative stress, immune function, and anabolic balance. Aging is associated with reduced microbiota biodiversity, increased inter-individual variability, and over-representation of pathobionts, and these phenomena may have great relevance for skeletal muscle mass and function. For this reason, the presence of a gut-muscle axis regulating the onset and progression of age-related physical frailty and sarcopenia has been recently hypothesized. In this narrative review, we summarize the studies supporting a possible association between gut microbiota-related parameters with measures of muscle mass, muscle function, and physical performance in animal models and humans. Reduced muscle mass has been associated with distinct microbiota composition and reduced fermentative capacity in mice, and the administration of probiotics or butyrate to mouse models of muscle wasting has been associated with improved muscle mass. However, no studies have targeted the human microbiome associated with sarcopenia. Limited evidence from human studies shows an association between microbiota composition, involving key taxa such as Faecalibacterium and Bifidobacterium, and grip strength. Similarly, few studies conducted on patients with parkinsonism showed a trend towards a different microbiota composition in those with reduced gait speed. No studies have assessed the association of fecal microbiota with other measures of physical performance. However, several studies, mainly with a cross-sectional design, suggest an association between microbiota composition and frailty, mostly assessed according to the deficit accumulation model. Namely, frailty was associated with reduced microbiota biodiversity, and lower representation of butyrate-producing bacteria. Therefore, we conclude that the causal link between microbiota and physical fitness is still uncertain due to the lack of targeted studies and the influence of a large number of covariates, including diet, exercise, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy, on both microbiota composition and physical function in older age. However, the relationship between gut microbiota and physical function remains a very promising area of research for the future.
Effects of a Cod Protein Hydrolysate Supplement on Symptoms, Gut Integrity Markers and Fecal Fermentation in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Dale Hanna Fjeldheim , Jensen Caroline , Hausken Trygve , Hatlebakk Jan Gunnar , Brønstad Ingeborg , Valeur Jørgen , Hoff Dag Arne Lihaug , Lied Gülen Arslan
Published: July 2019

Peptides from fish may beneficially affect several metabolic outcomes, including gut health and inflammation. The effect of fish peptides in subjects with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has not previously been investigated, hence this study aimed to evaluate the effect of a cod protein hydrolysate (CPH) supplement on symptom severity, gut integrity markers and fecal fermentation in IBS-patients. A double-blind, randomized parallel-intervention with six weeks of supplementation with 2.5 g CPH (n = 13) or placebo (n = 15) was conducted. The outcomes were evaluated at baseline and the end of the study. The primary outcomes were symptom severity evaluated by the IBS severity scoring system (IBS-SSS) and quality of life. The secondary outcomes included gut integrity markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum, fecal fermentation measured by concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and fecal calprotectin. The groups were comparable at baseline. The total IBS-SSS-scores were reduced in both the CPH-group (298 ± 69 to 236 ± 106, p = 0.081) and the placebo-group (295 ± 107 to 202 ± 103, p = 0.005), but the end of study-scores did not differ (p = 0.395). The concentrations of serum markers and SCFAs did not change for any of the groups. The baseline measures for the whole group showed that the total SCFA concentrations were inversely correlated with the total IBS-SSS-score (r = −0.527, p = 0.004). Our study showed that a low dose of CPH taken daily by IBS-patients for six weeks did not affect symptom severity, gut integrity markers or fecal fermentation when compared to the placebo group.
Empowering Women: Moving from Awareness to Action at the Immunology of Fungal Infections Gordon Research Conference
Authors: Ballou Elizabeth R. , Gaffen Sarah L. , Gow Neil A. R. , Hise Amy G.
Published: July 2019

Despite the high prevalence of women in graduate degree programs and equal or more women earning PhDs, MDs, and MD/PhDs, and despite efforts at individual and institutional levels to promote women in STEM fields, there remains a disparity in pay and academic advancement of women. Likewise, there is a paucity of women in top scientific and academic leadership positions. The causes of this gender disparity are complex and multi-factorial and to date no “magic bullet” approach has been successful in changing the landscape for women in academic and scientific fields. In this report we detail our experiences with a novel mechanism for promoting discussion and raising awareness of the challenges of gender disparity in the sciences. The Gordon Research Conferences (GRC) launched the Power Hour at its meetings in 2016: a dedicated, scheduled session held during the scientific meeting to facilitate discussion of challenges specific to women in science. Here we share our experience with hosting the second Power Hour at the 2019 GRC Immunology of Fungal Infections (IFI) meeting held in Galveston, TX. We will discuss the overall structure, key discussion points, and feedback from participants with the aim of supporting future efforts to empower women and underrepresented minority groups in science.
Safety Pharmacological Evaluation of the Coffee Component, Caffeoylquinic Acid, and Its Metabolites, Using Ex Vivo and In Vitro Profiling Assays
Authors: Amano Yuto , Honda Hiroshi , Nukada Yuko , Ikeda Naohiro , Yamane Masayuki , Nakano Koji , Kameyama Akiyo , Morita Osamu
Published: July 2019

Although coffee components have gained interest for use as pharmaceuticals, little is known about their safety pharmacological effects. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the safety pharmacological effects of a chlorogenic acid (CGA)-related compound contained in coffee, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA), and its metabolites, 5-O-feruloylquinic acid (5-FQA), caffeic acid (CA), and ferulic acid (FA). Langendorff perfused heart assay, electrophysiological assay of acute rat hippocampal slices, and in vitro Magnus assay of gastrointestinal tracts were conducted at 1–100 µM. Moreover, in vitro profiling assays against 38 major targets were conducted. In the Langendorff assay, no significant adverse effects were observed. In the electrophysiological assay, although epileptiform discharge rates were increased at 10 µM CA with 4-aminopyridine, and area under the curve (AUC) and number of population spike were increased at 10 µM FA with bicuculline, dose dependency was not confirmed, and no significant changes were observed at 1 µM and by CGAs alone. In the Magnus assay, a slight increase in contraction activity was observed at >1 µM FA in the stomach fundi and 100 µM 5-CQA in the ileum, suggesting enterokinesis promotion. No significant interactions were observed in the in vitro profiling assays. Therefore, CGAs could have a fundamental function as safe pharmaceuticals.
Influenza Virus-Like Particles Presenting both Toxoplasma gondii ROP4 and ROP13 Enhance Protection against T. gondii Infection
Authors: Kang Hae-Ji , Lee Su-Hwa , Kim Min-Ju , Chu Ki-Back , Lee Dong-Hun , Chopra Manika , Choi Hyo-Jick , Park Hyunwoo , Jin Hui , Quan Fu-Shi
Published: July 2019

Rhoptry organelle proteins (ROPs) secreted by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) play a critical role during parasite invasion into host cells. In this study, virus-like particles (VLPs) vaccines containing ROP4 and/or ROP13 together with influenza M1 were generated. ROP4+ROP13 VLPs were produced by combining ROP4 VLPs with ROP13 VLPs, and ROP(4 + 13) VLPs by co-infecting insect cells with recombinant baculovirus expressing ROP4 or ROP13. Mice intranasally immunized with ROP(4 + 13) VLPs showed significantly higher levels of IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and IgA antibody responses in sera compared to ROP4+ROP13VLPs. Upon challenge infection by oral route, mice immunized with ROP(4 + 13) VLPs elicited higher levels of IgG and IgA antibody responses in fecal, urine, intestine and vaginal samples as well as CD4+ T, CD8+ T cells, and germinal center B cell responses compared to other type of vaccines, ROP4 VLPs, ROP13 VLPs, and ROP4+ROP13 VLPs. ROP(4 + 13) VLPs vaccination showed a significant decrease in the size and number of cyst in the brain and less body weight loss compared to combination ROP4+ROP13 VLPs upon challenge infection with T. gondii ME49. These results indicated that the ROP(4 + 13) VLPs vaccination provided enhanced protection against T. gondii infection compared to ROP4+ROP13 VLPs, providing an important insight into vaccine design strategy for T. gondii VLPs vaccines.
Augmentation of EPR Effect and Efficacy of Anticancer Nanomedicine by Carbon Monoxide Generating Agents
Authors: Fang Jun , Islam Rayhanul , Islam Waliul , Yin Hongzhuan , Subr Vladimir , Etrych Tomas , Ulbrich Karel , Maeda Hiroshi
Published: July 2019

One obstacle to the successful delivery of nanodrugs into solid tumors is the heterogeneity of an enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect as a result of occluded or embolized tumor blood vessels. Therefore, the augmentation of the EPR effect is critical for satisfactory anticancer nanomedicine. In this study, we focused on one vascular mediator involved in the EPR effect, carbon monoxide (CO), and utilized two CO generating agents, one is an extrinsic CO donor (SMA/CORM2 micelle) and another is an inducer of endogenous CO generation via heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction that is carried out using pegylated hemin. Both agents generated CO selectively in solid tumors, which resulted in an enhanced EPR effect and a two- to three-folds increased tumor accumulation of nanodrugs. An increase in drug accumulation in the normal tissue did not occur with the treatment of CO generators. In vivo imaging also clearly indicated a more intensified fluorescence of macromolecular nanoprobe in solid tumors when combined with these CO generators. Consequently, the combination of CO generators with anticancer nanodrugs resulted in an increased anticancer effect in the different transplanted solid tumor models. These findings strongly warrant the potential application of these CO generators as EPR enhancers in order to enhance tumor detection and therapy using nanodrugs.
Comparison of Oral, Intranasal and Aerosol Administration of Amiodarone in Rats as a Model of Pulmonary Phospholipidosis
Authors: Patel Aateka , Hoffman Ewelina , Ball Doug , Klapwijk Jan , Steven Rory T. , Dexter Alex , Bunch Josephine , Baker Daniel , Murnane Darragh , Hutter Victoria , Page Clive , Dailey Lea Ann , Forbes Ben
Published: July 2019

‘Foamy’ alveolar macrophages (FAM) observed in nonclinical toxicology studies during inhaled drug development may indicate drug-induced phospholipidosis, but can also derive from adaptive non-adverse mechanisms. Orally administered amiodarone is currently used as a model of pulmonary phospholipidosis and it was hypothesized that aerosol administration would produce phospholipidosis-induced FAM that could be characterized and used in comparative inhalation toxicology. Han-Wistar rats were given amiodarone via (1) intranasal administration (6.25 mg/kg) on two days, (2) aerosol administration (3 mg/kg) on two days, (3) aerosol administration (10 mg/kg) followed by three days of 30 mg/kg or (4) oral administration (100 mg/kg) for 7 days. Alveolar macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage were evaluated by differential cell counting and high content fluorescence imaging. Histopathology and mass-spectrometry imaging (MSI) were performed on lung slices. The higher dose aerosolised amiodarone caused transient pulmonary inflammation (p < 0.05), but only oral amiodarone resulted in FAM (p < 0.001). MSI of the lungs of orally treated rats revealed a homogenous distribution of amiodarone and a putative phospholipidosis marker, di-22:6 bis-monoacylglycerol, throughout lung tissue whereas aerosol administration resulted in localization of both compounds around the airway lumen. Thus, unlike oral administration, aerosolised amiodarone failed to produce the expected FAM responses.
The Basics of Penicillin Allergy: What A Clinician Should Know
Authors: Lteif Louis , Eiland Lea S.
Published: July 2019

Antimicrobials in the penicillin class are first line treatments for several infectious diseases in the pediatric and adult population today. In the United States, patients commonly report having a penicillin allergy, with penicillin being the most frequent beta-lactam allergy. However, very few patients experience a clinically significant immune-mediated allergic reaction to penicillin. If a true penicillin allergy exists, cross-reactivity to other beta-lactam antimicrobials may occur. Mislabeling patients with penicillin allergy can lead to a higher utilization of second line antimicrobial agents, potentially increasing costs and resistance due to a larger spectrum of activity. Pharmacists play an essential role in inquiring about patient specific reactions to presumed medication allergies and developing a further assessment plan, if needed, to determine if the medication allergy is real.
Towards Novel Fluorinated Methacrylic Coatings for Cultural Heritage: A Combined Polymers and Surfaces Chemistry Study
Authors: Sabatini Valentina , Pargoletti Eleonora , Comite Valeria , Ortenzi Marco Aldo , Fermo Paola , Gulotta Davide , Cappelletti Giuseppe
Published: July 2019

In this work, new co- and ter-polymers of methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethyl methacrylate (EMA), and N-butyl methacrylate (nBuMA), containing just 1% mol × mol−1 of a fluorinated co-monomer, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluoro-octyl methacrylate (POMA), were synthesized. After an UV accelerated aging test, the photo-chemical stability of the polymers prepared was determined by 1H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry and wettability measurements. The polymers were applied to Botticino tiles to achieve better performances in terms of water repellency and consequently deterioration resistance. One-year prolonged exposure to a real environment was conducted and the properties of the coated materials and their performances were studied using different surface techniques such as water contact angle (WCA) and colorimetric measurements (CIELaB), capillary absorption, permeability (RVP) tests and soluble salts determination. The effectiveness of the fluorinated methacrylic coatings was clearly demonstrated; among all the resins, the co-polymer MMA_POMA seems to be the most performing one. Furthermore, both the UV photo-chemical resistance and the easiness of removal was successfully studied.
Shear Rheology of Unentangled and Marginally Entangled Ring Polymer Melts from Large-Scale Nonequilibrium Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Tsamopoulos Alexandros J. , Katsarou Anna F. , Tsalikis Dimitrios G. , Mavrantzas Vlasis G.
Published: July 2019

We present results for the steady state shear rheology of non-concatenated, unentangled and marginally entangled ring poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) melts from detailed, atomistic nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations, and compare them to the behavior of the corresponding linear melts. The applied flow field spans a wide range of shear rates, from the linear (Newtonian) to the highly non-linear (described by a power law) regime. For all melts studied, rings are found to exhibit shear thinning but to a lesser degree compared to linear counterparts, mostly due to their reduced deformability and stronger resistance to alignment in the direction of flow. These features are attributed to the more compact structure of ring molecules compared to linear chains; the latter are capable of adopting wider and more open conformations even under shear due to the freedom provided by the free ends. Similar to linear melts, rings also exhibit a first and a second normal stress coefficient; the latter is negative. The ratio of the magnitude of the two coefficients remains practically constant with shear rate and is systematically higher than the corresponding one for linear melts. Emphasis was also given to the statistics of terminal (re-orientational) relaxation times which we computed by analyzing all chains in the simulated systems one by one; it was demonstrated that long time dynamics are strongly heterogeneous both for rings and (especially) linears. Repeating the analysis under flow conditions, and as expected, we found that the applied flow field significantly suppresses dynamic heterogeneity, especially for high shear rates well beyond the Newtonian plateau. Finally, a detailed geometrical analysis revealed that the average population of ring–ring threading events in the longest melt studied here (the PEO-5k ring) remains practically unaffected by the imposed flow rate even at strong shear rates, except for multi-threadings which disappear. To further analyze this peculiar and rather unexpected effect, we computed the corresponding survival times and penetration lengths, and found that the overwhelming majority of threadings under shear are extremely weak constraints, as they are characterized by very small penetration lengths, thus also by short survival times. They are expected therefore to play only a minor (if any) role on chain dynamics.
Stretchable Conductive Hybrid Films Consisting of Cubic Silsesquioxane-capped Polyurethane and Poly(3-hexylthiophene)
Authors: Kato Keigo , Gon Masayuki , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: July 2019

We fabricated stretchable and electric conductive hybrids consisting of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-capped polyurethane (PUPOSS) and doped poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). In order to realize robust films coexisting polar conductive components in hydrophobic elastic matrices, we employed POSS introduced into the terminals of the polyurethane chains as a compatibilizer. Through the simple mixing and drop-casting with the chloroform solutions containing doped P3HT and polyurethane polymers, homogeneous hybrid films were obtained. From the conductivity and mechanical measurements, it was indicated that hybrid materials consisting of PUPOSS and doped P3HT showed high conductivity and stretchability even with a small content of doped P3HT. From the mechanical studies, it was proposed that POSS promoted aggregation of doped P3HT in the films, and ordered structures should be involved in the aggregates. Efficient carrier transfer could occur through the POSS-inducible ordered structures in the aggregates.
Hydroxypropylsulfonation/Caproylation of Cornstarch to Enhance Its Adhesion to PLA Fibers for PLA Sizing
Authors: Li Wei , Wu Jie , Cheng Xingui , Wu Lanjuan , Liu Zhi , Ni Qingqing , Lu Yuhao
Published: July 2019

The impact of hydroxypropylsulfonation/caproylation on the adhesion of cornstarch to polylactic acid (PLA) fibers was investigated for ameliorating the applications such as PLA sizing. The hydroxypropylsulfonated and caproylated cornstarch (HCS) samples with different degrees of substitution (DS) were synthesized by a hydroxypropylsulfonation of acid-converted cornstarch (ACS) with 3-chloro-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonic acid sodium salt (CHPS-Na) and subsequently a caproylation with caproic anhydride (CA). The HCS granules were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic and scanning electron microscopy. The adhesion was evaluated by measuring the bonding forces of the PLA roving impregnated. The mechanical behaviors of the adhesive layers were estimated by determining the properties of the films. The results of adhesion measurement were also analyzed especially through the wetting and spreading of the paste on the fiber surfaces, as well as the failure type, internal stress and mechanical behaviors of the adhesive layers among fibers. Additionally, apparent viscosity and its stability of the pastes were also determined. It was found that hydroxypropylsulfonation/caproylation was not only able to obviously improve the adhesion of ACS to PLA fibers, but also capable of further improving the adhesion of hydroxypropylsulfonated starch (HS) to the fibers. With the rise in the total DS, the adhesion gradually increased. The two substituents improved the wetting and spreading, reduced the internal stress, lowered the probabilities of interfacial failure and cohesive failure, decreased the film brittleness, and increased the van der Waals force at the interfaces. Moreover, the HCS samples with a stability of above 85% could meet the demand on the stability for sizing. Considering the experimental results of the adhesion and the analysis of the results, HCS showed potential in the application of PLA sizing.
Crystallization Behavior and Properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Wang Yuming , Cheng Lihong , Cui Xiaoqian , Guo Weihong
Published: July 2019

Glass fiber with different content and different kinds of compatibilizers were used to prepare glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene (GFRP) composites. β-nucleating agent with different content was used to prepare β-polypropylene (PP), after which the toughness, crystallization ability and heat resistance were all enhanced. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) showed that the crystallite degree and crystallization ability were all greatly improved and β-PP was in dominant position. At last, both β-nucleating agent and glass fiber were used to modify the PP composites (β-GFRP). The formation of β-form PP made the matrix softer, which was beneficial for energy absorption and enhancement of toughness. The tensile strength, flexural strength and flexural modulus were improved dramatically, which were attributed to the coeffect of framework structure of GF and β-form PP.
Improvement of Theory of Mind in Schizophrenia: A 15-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Kelemen Oguz , Máttyássy Adrienne , Kéri Szabolcs
Published: July 2019

Neurocognitive and social cognitive deficits are a hallmark of schizophrenia. The purpose of the present study was to investigate long-term changes in theory of mind (ToM), executive functions, lexical retrieval, and speed of information processing/attention in schizophrenia. We followed-up 31 outpatients with schizophrenia and 31 healthy control subjects for 15 years. ToM was assessed with the Reading the Mind from the Eyes Test (RMET), whereas neurocognitive functions were measured with the verbal fluency (VF) task (executive functions and lexical retrieval) and with the Digit-Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) (speed of information processing/attention). Clinical symptoms and general functioning were rated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and with the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale, respectively. At baseline assessment, patients with schizophrenia exhibited significant and generalized impairments on all measures. At follow-up, relative to the baseline, we observed marked improvements in ToM (RMET), stability in executive functions and lexical retrieval (VF), and a significant decline in psychomotor speed/attention (DSST) in schizophrenia. Clinical symptoms and psychosocial functions did not differ at baseline and at follow-up examinations (mild-to-moderate symptoms on the PANSS and moderate difficulty in social and occupational functions on the GAF). These results indicate that patients with schizophrenia with mild-to-moderate symptoms and functional deficits are characterized by improved ToM during over a decade.
Using the Stars to Indigenize the Public Sphere: Matariki over New Zealand
Authors: Hardy Ann , Whaanga Hēmi
Published: July 2019

As the rate of affiliation to Christian identity continues to decline in Aotearoa New Zealand (only 49 percent of the population said they were Christian in the last census), public space has become more receptive to other forms of religiosity. In particular, community rituals around the winter movements of the Matariki (Pleiades) constellation have gained support since the year 2000. For instance, the capital city, Wellington, has replaced a centuries’ old British fireworks festival, Guy Fawkes, with an enlarged version of its Matariki celebrations: an action seen as a tipping point in the incorporation of Māori spiritual values into public life. Interactions between European colonisers and Māori have been characterised for more than 250 years by tensions between the relational thinking of Māori who see human beings as both participating in and constrained by an environment resonant with divine energies, and the quantitative, hierarchical, ‘Great Chain of Being’ model that had long been dominant among Europeans. Now, when the natural environment worldwide is under strain from population and economic pressures, it seems to some both appropriate and vital to look to epistemological and spiritual models that are intimately responsive to the specificities of location.
Integrating Christian Spirituality at Work: Combining Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches
Authors: McGhee Peter
Published: July 2019

This paper combines organizational and theological frameworks to address the integration of Christian spirituality at work (SAW). It begins with a brief explanation of SAW, followed by a more narrow description of Christian SAW. The paper then provides a snapshot of several integrative models from the SAW literature, after which it offers a new theological model of Christian SAW, noting that Christians want to contribute to God’s new creation while worshipping Him through their work. Both this and the models from the SAW literature are considered to be ‘top-down’ approaches in that they provide guidance for managers on how to integrate employee spirituality. The next section then provides new ‘bottom-up’ qualitative research exploring the underlying conditions that working Christians believe are required for enhancing their spirituality at work. The paper concludes by bringing these two approaches together to produce a new theoretical contribution on how best to integrate Christian SAW, and to achieve the benefits of doing so for an organization.
Living Compound Marginality: Experiences of a Japanese Muslim Woman
Authors: Obuse Kieko
Published: July 2019

The present article discusses the ways in which ethnic Japanese Muslim women are perceived and treated in contemporary Japanese society, through a case study of one Japanese female convert. It examines the complexity found in her experiences of marginality by highlighting three inter-related modes of marginalization: marginality deriving from being a Muslim, from being a Japanese Muslim and from being a woman. It discusses her responses to these discourses of marginalization and how she establishes her identity as a Muslim, through responding to them. The article first shows that ethnic Japanese Muslims suffer ‘inverted marginality’—marginalization due to belonging to the ethno-cultural majority. It then demonstrates their experience of ‘double marginality’, marginalization by the wider Japanese society and foreign-born Muslims alike. It argues that their experience of double marginality has partly resulted from the absence of a self-sufficient ethnic community of Japanese Muslims. Ethnic Japanese Muslim women experience further marginalization when they become targets for criticism of Islam, such as that Islam is a religion of female subjugation—a notion of gender orientalism that deprives these women of their agency. However, the process of responding to these challenges of marginality helps ethnic Japanese Muslim women consolidate their identity as Muslims.
Answering for Islam: Journalistic and Islamic Conceptions of Authority
Authors: Munnik Michael B.
Published: July 2019

Media representations of Muslims in Britain have often disappointed both faith practitioners and scholars. Imputed failings include distorting beliefs or practices, essentialising the faith, and amplifying voices that are not representative of Islam. This last factor hinges on questions of authority: what journalists and Muslims recognise as authority can differ in important ways. Drawing on studies of journalism practice, prior professional experience, and ethnographic fieldwork and qualitative interviews in Scotland, I discuss the conventional preference among journalists for “official sources” and the problems this can present in terms of hierarchy in Islam. I contrast this with a less-studied imperative, also present in newsrooms, for “real people”. This category matches well with Islam’s decentralised tradition and presents an opportunity to understand how different kinds of sources are presented in media coverage. It is possible for journalists to ensure that these differing claims to authority are represented properly, though this requires knowledge and responsibility.
Wind Speed Retrieval from Simulated RADARSAT Constellation Mission Compact Polarimetry SAR Data for Marine Application
Authors: Geldsetzer Torsten , Khurshid Shahid K. , Warner Kerri , Botelho Filipe , Flett Dean
Published: July 2019

RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) compact polarimetry (CP) data were simulated using 504 RADARSAT-2 quad-pol SAR images. These images were used to samples CP data in three RCM modes to build a data set with co-located ocean wind vector observations from in situ buoys on the West and East coasts of Canada. Wind speeds up to 18 m/s were included. CP and linear polarization parameters were related to the C-band model (CMOD) geophysical model functions CMOD-IFR2 and CMOD5n. These were evaluated for their wind retrieval potential in each RCM mode. The CP parameter Conformity was investigated to establish a data-quality threshold (>0.2), to ensure high-quality data for model validation. An accuracy analysis shows that the first Stokes vector (SV0) and the right-transmit vertical-receive backscatter (RV) parameters were as good as the VV backscatter with CMOD inversion. SV0 produced wind speed retrieval accuracies between 2.13 m/s and 2.22 m/s, depending on the RCM mode. The RCM Medium Resolution 50 m mode produced the best results. The Low Resolution 100 m and Low Noise modes provided similar results. The efficacy of SV0 and RV imparts confidence in the continuity of robust wind speed retrieval with RCM CP data. Three image-based case studies illustrate the potential for the application of CP parameters and RCM modes in operational wind retrieval systems. The results of this study provide guidance to direct research objectives once RCM is launched. The results also provide guidance for operational RCM data implementation in Canada’s National SAR winds system, which provides near-real-time wind speed estimates to operational marine forecasters and meteorologists within Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Prediction of Soil Organic Carbon based on Landsat 8 Monthly NDVI Data for the Jianghan Plain in Hubei Province, China
Authors: Zhang Yangchengsi , Guo Long , Chen Yiyun , Shi Tiezhu , Luo Mei , Ju QingLan , Zhang Haitao , Wang Shanqin
Published: July 2019

High-precision maps of soil organic carbon (SOC) are beneficial for managing soil fertility and understanding the global carbon cycle. Digital soil mapping plays an important role in efficiently obtaining the spatial distribution of SOC, which contributes to precision agriculture. However, traditional soil-forming factors (i.e., terrain or climatic factors) have weak variability in low-relief areas, such as plains, and cannot reflect the spatial variation of soil attributes. Meanwhile, vegetation cover hinders the acquisition of the direct information of farmland soil. Thus, useful environmental variables should be utilized for SOC prediction and the digital mapping of such areas. SOC has an important effect on crop growth status, and remote sensing data can record the apparent spectral characteristics of crops. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) is an important index reflecting crop growth and biomass. This study used NDVI time series data rather than traditional soil-forming factors to map SOC. Honghu City, located in the middle of the Jianghan Plain, was selected as the study region, and the NDVI time series data extracted from Landsat 8 were used as the auxiliary variables. SOC maps were estimated through stepwise linear regression (SLR), partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector machine (SVM), and artificial neural network (ANN). Ordinary kriging (OK) was used as the reference model, while root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) and coefficient of determination of prediction (R2P) were used to evaluate the model performance. Results showed that SOC had a significant positive correlation in July and August (0.17, 0.29) and a significant negative correlation in January, April, and December (−0.23, −0.27, and −0.23) with NDVI time series data. The best model for SOC prediction was generated by ANN, with the lowest RMSEP of 3.718 and highest R2P of 0.391, followed by SVM (RMSEP = 3.753, R2P = 0.361) and PLSR (RMSEP = 4.087, R2P = 0.283). The SLR model was the worst model, with the lowest R2P of 0.281 and highest RMSEP of 3.930. ANN and SVM were better than OK (RMSEP = 3.727, R2P = 0.372), whereas PLSR and SLR were worse than OK. Moreover, the prediction results using single-data NDVI or short time series NDVI showed low accuracy. The effect of the terrain factor on SOC prediction represented unsatisfactory results. All these results indicated that the NDVI time series data can be used for SOC mapping in plain areas and that the ANN model can maximally extract additional associated information between NDVI time series data and SOC. This study presented an effective method to overcome the selection of auxiliary variables for digital soil mapping in plain areas when the soil was covered with vegetation. This finding indicated that the time series characteristics of NDVI were conducive for predicting SOC in plains.
Hyplant-Derived Sun-Induced Fluorescence—A New Opportunity to Disentangle Complex Vegetation Signals from Diverse Vegetation Types
Authors: Bandopadhyay Subhajit , Rastogi Anshu , Rascher Uwe , Rademske Patrick , Schickling Anke , Cogliati Sergio , Julitta Tommaso , Mac Arthur Alasdair , Hueni Andreas , Tomelleri Enrico , Celesti Marco , Burkart Andreas , Stróżecki Marcin , Sakowska Karolina , Gąbka Maciej , Rosadziński Stanisław , Sojka Mariusz , Iordache Marian-Daniel , Reusen Ils , Van Der Tol Christiaan , Damm Alexander , Schuettemeyer Dirk , Juszczak Radosław
Published: July 2019

Hyperspectral remote sensing (RS) provides unique possibilities to monitor peatland vegetation traits and their temporal dynamics at a fine spatial scale. Peatlands provide a vital contribution to ecosystem services by their massive carbon storage and wide heterogeneity. However, monitoring, understanding, and disentangling the diverse vegetation traits from a heterogeneous landscape using complex RS signal is challenging, due to its wide biodiversity and distinctive plant species composition. In this work, we aim to demonstrate, for the first time, the large heterogeneity of peatland vegetation traits using well-established vegetation indices (VIs) and Sun-Induced Fluorescence (SIF) for describing the spatial heterogeneity of the signals which may correspond to spatial diversity of biochemical and structural traits. SIF originates from the initial reactions in photosystems and is emitted at wavelengths between 650–780 nm, with the first peak at around 687 nm and the second peak around 760 nm. We used the first HyPlant airborne data set recorded over a heterogeneous peatland area and its surrounding ecosystems (i.e., forest, grassland) in Poland. We deployed a comparative analysis of SIF and VIs obtained from differently managed and natural vegetation ecosystems, as well as from diverse small-scale peatland plant communities. Furthermore, spatial relationships between SIF and VIs from large-scale vegetation ecosystems to small-scale peatland plant communities were examined. Apart from signal variations, we observed a positive correlation between SIF and greenness-sensitive VIs, whereas a negative correlation between SIF and a VI sensitive to photosynthesis was observed for large-scale vegetation ecosystems. In general, higher values of SIF were associated with higher biomass of vascular plants (associated with higher Leaf Area Index (LAI)). SIF signals, especially SIF760, were strongly associated with the functional diversity of the peatland vegetation. At the peatland area, higher values of SIF760 were associated with plant communities of high perennials, whereas, lower values of SIF760 indicated peatland patches dominated by Sphagnum. In general, SIF760 reflected the productivity gradient on the fen peatland, from Sphagnum-dominated patches with the lowest SIF and fAPAR values indicating lowest productivity to the Carex-dominated patches with the highest SIF and fAPAR values indicating highest productivity.
Multi-Resolution Weed Classification via Convolutional Neural Network and Superpixel Based Local Binary Pattern Using Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Farooq Adnan , Jia Xiuping , Hu Jiankun , Zhou Jun
Published: July 2019

Automatic weed detection and classification faces the challenges of large intraclass variation and high spectral similarity to other vegetation. With the availability of new high-resolution remote sensing data from various platforms and sensors, it is possible to capture both spectral and spatial characteristics of weed species at multiple scales. Effective multi-resolution feature learning is then desirable to extract distinctive intensity, texture and shape features of each category of weed to enhance the weed separability. We propose a feature extraction method using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and superpixel based Local Binary Pattern (LBP). Both middle and high level spatial features are learned using the CNN. Local texture features from superpixel-based LBP are extracted, and are also used as input to Support Vector Machines (SVM) for weed classification. Experimental results on the hyperspectral and remote sensing datasets verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, and show that it outperforms several feature extraction approaches.
Integration of National Forest Inventory and Nationwide Airborne Laser Scanning Data to Improve Forest Yield Predictions in North-Western Spain
Authors: Novo-Fernández Alís , Barrio-Anta Marcos , Recondo Carmen , Cámara-Obregón Asunción , López-Sánchez Carlos A.
Published: July 2019

The prediction of growing stock volume is one of the commonest applications of remote sensing to support the sustainable management of forest ecosystems. In this study, we used data from the 4th Spanish National Forest Inventory (SNFI-4) and from the 1st nationwide Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) survey to develop predictive yield models for the three major commercial tree forest species (Eucalyptus globulus, Pinus pinaster and Pinus radiata) grown in north-western Spain. Integration of both types of data required prior harmonization because of differences in timing of data acquisition and difficulties in accurately geolocating the SNFI plots. The harmonised data from 477 E. globulus, 760 P. pinaster and 191 P. radiata plots were used to develop predictive models for total over bark volume, mean volume increment and total aboveground biomass by relating SNFI stand variables to metrics derived from the ALS data. The multiple linear regression methods and several machine learning techniques (k-nearest neighbour, random trees, random forest and the ensemble method) were compared. The study findings confirmed that multiple linear regression is outperformed by machine learning techniques. More specifically, the findings suggest that the random forest and the ensemble method slightly outperform the other techniques. The resulting stand level relative RMSEs for predicting total over bark volume, annual increase in total volume and total aboveground biomass ranged from 30.8–38.3%, 34.2–41.9% and 31.7–38.3% respectively. Although the predictions can be considered accurate, more precise geolocation of the SNFI plots and coincide temporarily with the ALS data would have enabled use of a much larger and robust field database to improve the overall accuracy of estimation.
Benchmarking the Retrieval of Biomass in Boreal Forests Using P-Band SAR Backscatter with Multi-Temporal C- and L-Band Observations
Authors: Cartus Oliver , Santoro Maurizio , Wegmüller Urs , Rommen Björn
Published: July 2019

The planned launch of a spaceborne P-band radar mission and the availability of C- and L-band data from several spaceborne missions suggest investigating the complementarity of C-, L-, and P-band backscatter with respect to the retrieval of forest above-ground biomass. Existing studies on the retrieval of biomass with multi-frequency backscatter relied on single observations of the backscatter and were thus not able to demonstrate the potential of multi-temporal C- and L-band data that are now available from spaceborne missions. Based on spaceborne C- and L-band and airborne P-band images acquired over a forest site in southern Sweden, we investigated whether C- and L-band backscatter may complement retrievals of above-ground biomass from P-band. To this end, a retrieval framework was adopted that utilizes a semi-empirical model for C- and L-bands and an empirical parametric model for P-band. Estimates of above-ground biomass were validated with the aid of 20 m-diameter plots and a LiDAR-derived biomass map with 100 m × 100 m pixel size. The highest retrieval accuracy when not combining frequencies was obtained for P-band with a relative root mean square error (RMSE) of 30% at the hectare scale. The retrieval with multi-temporal L- and C-bands produced errors of the order of 40% and 50%, respectively. The P-band retrieval could be improved for 4% when using P-, L-, and C-bands jointly. The combination of C- and L-bands allowed for retrieval accuracies close to those achieved with P-band. A crucial requirement for achieving an error of 30% with C- and L-bands was the use of multi-temporal observations, which was highlighted by the fact that the retrieval with the best individual L-band image was associated with an error of 61%. The results of this study reconfirmed that P-band is the most suited frequency for the retrieval of above-ground biomass of boreal forests based on backscatter, but also highlight the potential of multi-temporal C- and L-band imagery for mapping above-ground biomass, for instance in areas where the planned ESA BIOMASS P-band mission will not be allowed to acquire data.
Using Step Size and Lower Limb Segment Orientation from Multiple Low-Cost Wearable Inertial/Magnetic Sensors for Pedestrian Navigation
Authors: Tjhai Chandra , O’Keefe Kyle
Published: July 2019

This paper demonstrates the use of multiple low-cost inertial/magnetic sensors as a pedestrian navigation system for indoor positioning. This research looks at the problem of pedestrian navigation in a practical manner by investigating dead-reckoning methods using low-cost sensors. This work uses the estimated sensor orientation angles to compute the step size from the kinematics of a skeletal model. The orientations of limbs are represented by the tilt angles estimated from the inertial measurements, especially the pitch angle. In addition, different step size estimation methods are compared. A sensor data logging system is developed in order to record all motion data from every limb segment using a single platform and similar types of sensors. A skeletal model of five segments is chosen to model the forward kinematics of the lower limbs. A treadmill walk experiment with an optical motion capture system is conducted for algorithm evaluation. The mean error of the estimated orientation angles of the limbs is less than 6 degrees. The results show that the step length mean error is 3.2 cm, the left stride length mean error is 12.5 cm, and the right stride length mean error is 9 cm. The expected positioning error is less than 5% of the total distance travelled.