bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Updates on Geographical Dispersion of Leishmania Parasites Causing Cutaneous Affections in Algeria
Authors: Izri Arezki , Bendjaballah-Laliam Amina , Sereno Denis , Akhoundi Mohammad
Published: February 2021

Leishmaniases are neglected tropical diseases of public health concern in Algeria. To update the geographical distribution of Leishmania spp. causing cutaneous affection, we examined a set of Giemsa-stained smears prepared from skin lesions of the patients suspected to have cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in various geographical areas in Algeria. The identification of Leishmania parasites was performed using microscopy, conventional PCR, and PCR–RFLP (PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) targeting ITS1-rDNA. Among 32 smears provided from 27 suspected patients with cutaneous lesions, no trace of parasites was observed in the smear of three patients using microscopy and molecular approaches. Furthermore, four patients presented at least two lesions. PCR–RFLP confirmed the presence of Leishmania in 29 smears prepared from 24 patients. Two biopsies, negative after microscopic examination, were found positive by PCR. Of these 29 PCR positive smears (24 patients), 20 were identified using RFLP–PCR as L. major, two as L. tropica, and two as L. infantum. We found L. major infected patients from Ain skhouna, Biskra, El M’hir, Ghardaïa, M’Sila, and Saida, in agreement with previously reported cases. Furthermore, we highlighted for the first time, the identification of L. major in the patients from Bourkika, Bou Kremissa, Bou Saada Clef, Hajout, Maghnia, Médéa, Menaceur, Messad, Mostaghanem, Nador, Oran, and Sidi Okba. A phylogenetic reconstruction performed with sequences collected from the PCR products confirmed these identifications. Our data provide additional information on the geographical extension of CL caused by L. tropica and L. infantum in Algeria.
The Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor, a Target for Protection and Regeneration of the Peripheral Nervous System?
Authors: Danigo Aurore , Rovini Amandine , Bessaguet Flavien , Bouchenaki Hichem , Bernard Amandine , Sturtz Franck , Bourthoumieu Sylvie , Desmoulière Alexis , Magy Laurent , Demiot Claire
Published: February 2021

Preclinical evidence, accumulated over the past decade, indicates that the angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) stimulation exerts significant neuroprotective effects in various animal models of neuronal injury, notably in the central nervous system. While the atypical G protein-coupled receptor superfamily nature of AT2R and its related signaling are still under investigation, pharmacological studies have shown that stimulation of AT2R leads to neuritogenesis in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we focus on the potential neuroprotective and neuroregenerative roles of AT2R specifically in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The first section describes the evidence for AT2R expression in the PNS and highlights current controversies concerning the cellular distribution of the receptor. The second section focuses on AT2R signaling implicated in neuronal survival and in neurite outgrowth. The following sections review the relatively few preclinical studies highlighting the putative neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects of AT2R stimulation in the context of peripheral neuropathy.
Treatment of Early Allergic and Late Inflammatory Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis with Petasites Hybridus Leaf Extract (Ze 339): Results of a Noninterventional Observational Study in Switzerland
Authors: Blosa Maren , Uricher Julia , Nebel Sabine , Zahner Catherine , Butterweck Veronika , Drewe Jürgen
Published: February 2021

The primary objective of this noninterventional, observational study was to assess the effectiveness of the Petasites hybridus leaf extract (Ze 339) on early allergic and late inflammatory symptoms of allergic rhinitis in Swiss outpatients. This study was conducted by general practitioners and allergologists. Data from 226 patients were collected during three documented visits. The intermediate visit was ideally made 2–4 weeks after the baseline visit, followed by the final visit approximately 2–4 months later. The mean study duration was 63 days, with 75% of patients being treated for at least 4 weeks. Of the patients, 58.5% started with Ze 339 monotherapy, and 41.5% received other antiallergic and/or sympathomimetic drugs. In both groups, the allergic total symptom score and the inflammatory total symptom scores were significantly (p < 0.001) reduced, and the scores for quality of life were improved. Both physicians and patients were very satisfied with the treatment and the concept of therapy, not only for short-term (seasonal) therapy but also for long-term therapy. The tolerability was good: only three mild gastrointestinal adverse events occurred. In summary, the effectiveness of P. hybridus leaf extract Ze 339 for the treatment of early allergic and late inflammatory symptoms of allergic rhinitis could be confirmed.
Inorganic Nanoparticles Applied for Active Targeted Photodynamic Therapy of Breast Cancer
Authors: Montaseri Hanieh , Kruger Cherie Ann , Abrahamse Heidi
Published: February 2021

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an alternative modality to conventional cancer treatment, whereby a specific wavelength of light is applied to a targeted tumor, which has either a photosensitizer or photochemotherapeutic agent localized within it. This light activates the photosensitizer in the presence of molecular oxygen to produce phototoxic species, which in turn obliterate cancer cells. The incidence rate of breast cancer (BC) is regularly growing among women, which are currently being treated with methods, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. These conventional treatment methods are invasive and often produce unwanted side effects, whereas PDT is more specific and localized method of cancer treatment. The utilization of nanoparticles in PDT has shown great advantages compared to free photosensitizers in terms of solubility, early degradation, and biodistribution, as well as far more effective intercellular penetration and uptake in targeted cancer cells. This review gives an overview of the use of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs), including: gold, magnetic, carbon-based, ceramic, and up-conversion NPs, as well as quantum dots in PDT over the last 10 years (2009 to 2019), with a particular focus on the active targeting strategies for the PDT treatment of BC.
Characterization of 150 Wheat Cultivars by LC-MS-Based Label-Free Quantitative Proteomics Unravels Possibilities to Design Wheat Better for Baking Quality and Human Health
Authors: Afzal Muhammad , Sielaff Malte , Curella Valentina , Neerukonda Manjusha , El Hassouni Khaoula , Schuppan Detlef , Tenzer Stefan , Longin C. Friedrich H.
Published: February 2021

Wheat (Triticum aestivum ssp. aestivum) contributes to 20% of the human protein supply, delivers essential amino acids and is of fundamental importance for bread and pasta quality. Wheat proteins are also involved in adverse human reactions like celiac disease (CD), wheat allergy (WA) and non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS). Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based label-free quantitative (LFQ) proteomics of aqueous flour extracts, we determined 756 proteins across 150 wheat cultivars grown in three environments. However, only 303 proteins were stably expressed across all environments in at least one cultivar and only 89 proteins thereof across all 150 cultivars. This underlines the large influence of environmental conditions on the expression of many proteins. Wheat cultivars varied largely in their protein profile, shown by high coefficients of variation across different cultivars. Heritability (h2) ranged from 0–1, with 114 proteins having h² > 0.6, including important proteins for baking quality and human health. The expression of these 114 proteins should be amenable to targeted manipulation across the wheat supply chain by varietal choice and breeding for designing healthier wheat with better quality. Further technical development is urgently required to assign functions to identifiable proteins labeled yet uncharacterized in databases and speeding up detection methods to routinely use proteomics in wheat supply chains.
Mapping of a Major QTL, qBK1Z, for Bakanae Disease Resistance in Rice
Authors: Lee Sais-Beul , Kim Namgyu , Jo Sumin , Hur Yeon-Jae , Lee Ji-Youn , Cho Jun-Hyeon , Lee Jong-Hee , Kang Ju-Won , Song You-Chun , Bombay Maurene , Kim Sung-Ryul , Lee Jungkwan , Seo Young-Su , Ko Jong-Min , Park Dong-Soo
Published: February 2021

Bakanae disease is a fungal disease of rice (Oryza sativa L.) caused by the pathogen Gibberella fujikuroi (also known as Fusarium fujikuroi). This study was carried out to identify novel quantitative trait loci (QTLs) from an indica variety Zenith. We performed a QTL mapping using 180 F2:9 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between the resistant variety, Zenith, and the susceptible variety, Ilpum. A primary QTL study using the genotypes and phenotypes of the RILs indicated that the locus qBK1z conferring bakanae disease resistance from the Zenith was located in a 2.8 Mb region bordered by the two RM (Rice Microsatellite) markers, RM1331 and RM3530 on chromosome 1. The log of odds (LOD) score of qBK1z was 13.43, accounting for 30.9% of the total phenotypic variation. A finer localization of qBK1z was delimited at an approximate 730 kb interval in the physical map between Chr01_1435908 (1.43 Mbp) and RM10116 (2.16 Mbp). Introducing qBK1z or pyramiding with other previously identified QTLs could provide effective genetic control of bakanae disease in rice.
The Interactive Effect of Elevated CO2 and Herbivores on the Nitrogen-Fixing Plant Alnus incana ssp. rugosa
Authors: Chen Haoran , Markham John
Published: February 2021

Many studies have found that future predicted CO2 levels can increase plant mass but dilute N content in leaves, impacting antiherbivore compounds. Nitrogen-fixing plants may balance their leaf C:N ratio under elevated CO2, counteracting this dilution effect. However, we know little of how plants respond to herbivores at the higher CO2 levels that occurred when nitrogen-fixing plants first evolved. We grew Alnus incana ssp. rugosa was grown at 400, 800, or 1600 ppm CO2 in soil collected from the field, inoculated with Frankia and exposed to herbivores (Orgyia leucostigma). Elevated CO2 increased nodulated plant biomass and stimulated the nitrogen fixation rate in the early growth stage. However, nitrogen-fixing plants were not able to balance their C:N ratio under elevated CO2 after growing for 19 weeks. When plants were grown at 400 and 1600 ppm CO2, herbivores preferred to feed on leaves of nodulated plants. At 800 ppm CO2, nodulated plants accumulated more total phenolic compounds in response to herbivore damage than plants in the non-Frankia and non-herbivore treatments. Our results suggest that plant leaf defence, not leaf nutritional content, is the dominant driver of herbivory and nitrogen-fixing plants have limited ability to balance C:N ratios at elevated CO2 in natural soil.
Juncus Bulbosus Tissue Nutrient Concentrations and Stoichiometry in Oligotrophic Ecosystems: Variability with Seasons, Growth Forms, Organs and Habitats
Authors: Moe Therese F. , Hessen Dag O. , Demars Benoît O. L.
Published: February 2021

Aquatic plant nutrient concentrations provide important information to characterise their role in nutrient retention and turnover in aquatic ecosystems. While large standing biomass of aquatic plants is typically found in nutrient-rich localities, it may also occur in oligotrophic ecosystems. Juncus bulbosus is able to form massive stands even in very nutrient-dilute waters. Here we show that this may be achieved by tissues with very high carbon-to-nutrient ratios combined with perennial (slow) growth and a poor food source for grazers inferred from plant stoichiometry and tissue nutrient thresholds. We also show that the C, N, P and C:N:P stoichiometric ratios of Juncus bulbosus vary with the time of year, habitats (lakes versus rivers) and organs (roots versus shoots). We found no differences between growth forms (notably in P, inferred as the most limiting nutrient) corresponding to small and large plant stands. The mass development of J. bulbosus requires C, N and P, whatever the ecosystem (lake or river), and not just CO2 and NH4, as suggested in previous studies. Since macrophytes inhabiting oligotrophic aquatic ecosystems are dominated by isoetids (perennial plants with a high root/shoot ratio), attention should be paid to quantifying the role of roots in aquatic plant stoichiometry, nutrient turnover and nutrient retention.
Both Allene Oxide Synthases Genes Are Involved in the Biosynthesis of Herbivore-Induced Jasmonic Acid and Herbivore Resistance in Rice
Authors: Zeng Jiamei , Zhang Tongfang , Huangfu Jiayi , Li Ran , Lou Yonggen
Published: February 2021

Allene oxide synthase (AOS) is the second enzyme in the biosynthesis of the plant defensive hormone jasmonic acid (JA). In rice, there are two AOSs, OsAOS1 and OsAOS2. However, the role of these two AOS genes in herbivore-induced defenses in rice remains unidentified. We cloned the two rice AOS genes and observed that the transcript level of both OsAOS1 and OsAOS2 was enhanced by mechanical wounding, the infestation of the striped stem borer (SSB) (Chilo suppressalis) or brown planthopper (BPH) (Niaparvata lugens), and treatment with JA; however, OsAOS1 responded more rapidly to SSB infestation and JA treatment than did OsAOS2. The antisense expression of OsAOS1 (as-aos1) or OsAOS2 (as-aos2) decreased levels of SSB- or BPH-induced JA, which, in turn, reduced the production of SSB-induced trypsin protease inhibitor (TrypPI) and volatiles as well as the resistance of rice to SSB. In contrast, BPH preferred to feed and oviposit on wild-type (WT) plants over as-aos1 and as-aos2 plants. Moreover, the survival of BPH nymphs on as-aos1 or as-aos2 lines was significantly lower than on WT plants. The increased resistance of as-aos1 or as-aos2 plants to BPH correlated with higher levels of BPH-induced H2O2 and SA. These results indicate that OsAOS1 and OsAOS2 are both involved in herbivore-induced JA biosynthesis and play a vital role in determining the resistance of rice to chewing and phloem-feeding herbivores.
Novel Membranes Based on Hydroxyethyl Cellulose/Sodium Alginate for Pervaporation Dehydration of Isopropanol
Authors: Dmitrenko Mariia , Zolotarev Andrey , Liamin Vladislav , Kuzminova Anna , Mazur Anton , Semenov Konstantin , Ermakov Sergey , Penkova Anastasia
Published: February 2021

Membrane methods, especially pervaporation, are quickly growing up. In line with that, effective membrane materials based on biopolymers are required for the industrially significant mixtures separation. To essentially improve membrane transport characteristics, the application of the surface or/and bulk modifications can be carried out. In the present study, novel dense and supported membranes based on hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC)/sodium alginate (SA) were developed for pervaporation dehydration of isopropanol using several approaches: (1) the selection of the optimal ratio of polymers, (2) the introduction of fullerenol in blend polymer matrix, (3) the selection of the optimal cross-linking agent for the membranes, (4) the application of layer-by-layer deposition of polyelectrolytes on supported membrane surface (poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS)/poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and PSS/SA). Structural and physicochemical characteristics of the membranes were analyzed by different methods. A cross-linked supported membrane based on HEC/SA/fullerenol (5%) composite possessed the following transport characteristics in pervaporation dehydration of isopropanol (12–50 wt.% water): 0.42–1.72 kg/(m2h) permeation flux, and 77.8–99.99 wt.% water content in the permeate. The surface modification of this membrane with 5 bilayers of PSS/PAH and PSS/SA resulted in the increase of permeation flux up to 0.47–3.0 and 0.46–1.9 kg/(m2h), respectively, with lower selectivity.
Chitosan Nanocarrier Entrapping Hydrophilic Drugs as Advanced Polymeric System for Dual Pharmaceutical and Cosmeceutical Application: A Comprehensive Analysis Using Box-Behnken Design
Authors: Abosabaa Sara A. , ElMeshad Aliaa N. , Arafa Mona G.
Published: February 2021

The objective of the present research is to propose chitosan as a nanocarrier for caffeine—a commonly used drug in combating cellulite. Being a hydrophilic drug, caffeine suffers from insufficient topical penetration upon application on the skin. Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with caffeine were prepared via the ionic gelation technique and optimized according to a Box–Behnken design. The effect of (A) chitosan concentration, (B) chitosan solution pH, and (C) chitosan to sodium tripolyphosphate mass ratio on (Y1) entrapment efficiency percent, (Y2) particle size, (Y3) polydispersity index, and (Y4) zeta potential were studied. Subsequently, the desired constraints on responses were applied, and validation of the optimization procedure was confirmed by the parameters exhibited by the optimal formulation. A caffeine entrapment efficiency percent of 17.25 ± 1.48%, a particle size of 173.03 ± 4.32 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.278 ± 0.01, and a surface charge of 41.7 ± 3.0 mV were attained. Microscopical evaluation using transmission electron microscope revealed a typical spherical nature of the nanoparticles arranged in a network with a further confirmation of the formation of particles in the nano range. The results proved the successful implementation of the Box–Behnken design for optimization of chitosan-based nanoparticles in the field of advanced polymeric systems for pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical applications.
Sustainability Assessment and Techno-Economic Analysis of Thermally Enhanced Polymer Tube for Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) Technology
Authors: Tahir Furqan , Mabrouk Abdelnasser , Al-Ghamdi Sami G. , Krupa Igor , Sedlacek Tomas , Abdala Ahmed , Koc Muammer
Published: February 2021

Metal-alloys tubes are used in the falling-film evaporator of the multi-effect distillation (MED) that is the dominant and efficient thermal seawater desalination process. However, the harsh seawater environment (high salinity and high temperature) causes scale precipitation and corrosion of MED evaporators’ metal tubes, presenting a serious technical challenge to the process. Therefore, the metal/metal alloys used as the material of the MED evaporators’ tubes are expensive and require high energy and costly tube fabrication process. On the other hand, polymers are low-cost, easy to fabricate into tubes, and highly corrosion-resistant, but have low thermal conductivity. Nevertheless, thermally conductive fillers can enhance the thermal conductivity of polymers. In this article, we carried out a feasibility-study-based techno-economic and socioeconomic analysis, as well as a life-cycle assessment (LCA), of a conventional MED desalination plant that uses titanium tubes and a plant that used thermally enhanced polymer composites (i.e., polyethylene (PE)-expanded graphite (EG) composite) as the tubes’ material. Two different polymer composites containing 30% and 40% filler (expanded graphite/graphene) are considered. Our results indicate that the MED plant based on polymer composite tubes has favored economic and carbon emission metrics with the potential to reduce the cost of the MED evaporator (shell and tubes) by 40% below the cost of the titanium evaporator. Moreover, the equivalent carbon emissions associated with the composite polymer tubes’ evaporator is 35% lower than titanium tubes. On the other hand, the ozone depletion, acidification, and fossil fuel depletion for the polymer composite tubes are comparable with that of the titanium tubes. The recycling of thermally enhanced polymers is not considered in this LCA analysis; however, after the end of life, reusing the polymer material into other products would lower the overall environmental impacts. Moreover, the polymer composite tubes can be produced locally, which will not only reduce the environmental impacts due to transportation but also create jobs for local manufacturing.
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Multi-Phase Epoxy Syntactic Foam (CFR-Epoxy-Hardener/HGMS/Aerogel-R-Hollow Epoxy Macrosphere(AR-HEMS))
Authors: Wu Xinfeng , Gao Yuan , Jiang Tao , Wang Ying , Yang Ke , Liu Tengshi , Sun Kai , Zhao Yuantao , Li Wenge , Yu Jinhong
Published: February 2021

Because the aerogel has ultra-low density and good impact resistance, the aerogel material, epoxy-hardener system, and expandable polystyrene beads (EPS) were used to prepare the lightweight aerogel reinforced hollow epoxy macro-spheres (AR-HEMS). The multi-phase epoxy syntactic foam (ESF) was manufactured with the epoxy-hardener system, HGMS (EP-hardener-HGMS), and AR-HEMS by “the compression modeling method.” In this experiment, in order to enhance the strength of the ESF, some different kinds of the carbon fiber (CF) were added into the EP-hardener-HGMS system (CFR-EP). The influence of the volume stacking fraction, inner diameter, and layer of the AR-HEMS and the content and type of the CF in the EP-HGMS (CFR-EP) system on the compressive strength of the ESF were studied. Weighing the two factors of the density and compressive strength, the ESF reinforced by 1.5 wt% CF with 90% AR-HEMS has the better performance. This kind of the ESF has 0.428 g/cm3 nd 20.76 Mpa, which could be applied in 2076 m deep sea.
Effects of the Feeding Solution Composition on a Reductive/Oxidative Sequential Bioelectrochemical Process for Perchloroethylene Removal
Authors: Dell’Armi Edoardo , Zeppilli Marco , Matturro Bruna , Rossetti Simona , Petrangeli Papini Marco , Majone Mauro
Published: February 2021

Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) are common groundwater contaminants due to their improper use in several industrial activities. Specialized microorganisms are able to perform the reductive dechlorination (RD) of high-chlorinated CAHs such as perchloroethylene (PCE), while the low-chlorinated ethenes such as vinyl chloride (VC) are more susceptible to oxidative mechanisms performed by aerobic dechlorinating microorganisms. Bioelectrochemical systems can be used as an effective strategy for the stimulation of both anaerobic and aerobic microbial dechlorination, i.e., a biocathode can be used as an electron donor to perform the RD, while a bioanode can provide the oxygen necessary for the aerobic dechlorination reaction. In this study, a sequential bioelectrochemical process constituted by two membrane-less microbial electrolysis cells connected in series has been, for the first time, operated with synthetic groundwater, also containing sulphate and nitrate, to simulate more realistic process conditions due to the possible establishment of competitive processes for the reducing power, with respect to previous research made with a PCE-contaminated mineral medium (with neither sulphate nor nitrate). The shift from mineral medium to synthetic groundwater showed the establishment of sulphate and nitrate reduction and caused the temporary decrease of the PCE removal efficiency from 100% to 85%. The analysis of the RD biomarkers (i.e., Dehalococcoides mccartyi 16S rRNA and tceA, bvcA, vcrA genes) confirmed the decrement of reductive dechlorination performances after the introduction of the synthetic groundwater, also characterized by a lower ionic strength and nutrients content. On the other hand, the system self-adapted the flowing current to the increased demand for the sulphate and nitrate reduction, so that reducing power was not in defect for the RD, although RD coulombic efficiency was less.
Assessment of Heavy Metals in the Sediments of Chalan Beel Wetland Area in Bangladesh
Authors: Salam Mohammad Abdus , Alam Mohammad Ashraful , Paul Sulav Indra , Islam Fatama , Shaha Dinesh Chandra , Rahman Mohammad Mizanur , Khan Mohammad Arifur Rahman , Rahman Mohammad Mahbubur , Islam Abul Kalam Mohammad Aminul , Ahamed Tofayel , Rahman Golum Kibria Muhammad Mustafizur , Miah Mohammad Giashuddin , Akanda Abdul Mannan , Islam Tofazzal
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to determine the levels and possible sources of heavy metals (HMs) in the sediments of Chalan beel (a large lake-like aquatic ecosystem) area located in the northwestern part of Bangladesh. The mean concentrations (mg kg−1) of two HMs, Cd (6.22) and Pb (51.39) exceeded the world normal averages (WNA), whereas the mean concentrations (mg kg−1) of Ni (60.46), Zn (10.75), Mn (8.64) and Cu (4.71) were below the WNA. The sediments showed significant enrichment with Cd, Pb and Ni in the studied area. The geo-accumulation index values of Cd (3.72) and Pb (0.76) were significantly higher in the sediments. The contamination factor and potential ecological risk index values of Cd and Pb revealed that Chalan beel was extremely and moderately contaminated by these heavy metals, respectively. Analysis of dye complexes used in handlooms around the Chalan beel areas revealed that mean concentrations of Cd and Pb exceeded the WNA. Furthermore, analyses of principal component, cluster and correlation matrix indicated that the presence of the higher levels of Cd and Pb in the sediments might be linked to various anthropogenic activities like discharged dyes into the beel water from the nearby handloom dyeing factories.
A Taoist Study of Magic in The Earthsea Cycle
Authors: Huang Yini , Dai Hongbin
Published: February 2021

The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula. K. Le Guin is a fantasy work in Western literature that shines with ostentatiously idiosyncratic sparks of Taoist philosophies. Resorting to Taoism (also translated as Daoism) and its representative work Tao Te Ching, this article aims at exploring the Earthsea magic, a ubiquitous motif in fantasy, with Taoist thoughts and theories including the law of relativity, harmonious dialectics, and equilibrium. This article reconstructs the magical Earthsea world within a Taoist framework and reveals the Taoist connotations of magic. Finally, this article concludes that, radically distinct from its traditional image, magic in Earthsea serves to heal the physical, mental, and spiritual wound of separation; set up harmony of the opposites in binaries; and preserve the delicate equilibrium insusceptible to the ravages of time. Magic in The Earthsea Cycle works miracles in a Taoist manner.
Evaluating the Resonance of Official Islam in Oman, Jordan, and Morocco
Authors: Sheline Annelle
Published: February 2021

Acts of political violence carried out by Muslim individuals have generated international support for governments that espouse so-called “moderate Islam” as a means of preventing terrorism. Governments also face domestic skepticism about moderate Islam, especially if the alteration of official Islam is seen as resulting from external pressure. By evaluating the views of individuals that disseminate the state’s preferred interpretation of Islam—members of the religious and educational bureaucracy—this research assesses the variation in the resonance of official Islam in three different Arab monarchies: Oman, Jordan, and Morocco. The evidence suggests that if official Islam is consistent with earlier content and directed internally as well as externally, it is likely to resonate. Resonance was highest in Oman, as religious messaging about toleration was both consistent over time and directed internally, and lowest in Jordan, where the content shifted and foreign content differed from domestic. In Morocco, messages about toleration were relatively consistent, although the state’s emphasis on building a reputation for toleration somewhat undermined its domestic credibility. The findings have implications for understanding states’ ability to shift their populations’ views on religion, as well as providing greater nuance for interpreting the capacity of state-sponsored rhetoric to prevent violence.
National Crop Mapping Using Sentinel-1 Time Series: A Knowledge-Based Descriptive Algorithm
Authors: Planque Carole , Lucas Richard , Punalekar Suvarna , Chognard Sebastien , Hurford Clive , Owers Christopher , Horton Claire , Guest Paul , King Stephen , Williams Sion , Bunting Peter
Published: February 2021

National-level mapping of crop types is important to monitor food security, understand environmental conditions, inform optimal use of the landscape, and contribute to agricultural policy. Countries or economic regions currently and increasingly use satellite sensor data for classifying crops over large areas. However, most methods have been based on machine learning algorithms, with these often requiring large training datasets that are not always available and may be costly to produce or collect. Focusing on Wales (United Kingdom), the research demonstrates how the knowledge that the agricultural community has gathered together over past decades can be used to develop algorithms for mapping different crop types. Specifically, we aimed to develop an alternative method for consistent and accurate crop type mapping where cloud cover is quite persistent and without the need for extensive in situ/ground datasets. The classification approach is parcel-based and informed by concomitant analysis of knowledge-based crop growth stages and Sentinel-1 C-band SAR time series. For 2018, crop type classifications were generated nationally for Wales, with regional overall accuracies ranging between 85.8% and 90.6%. The method was particularly successful in distinguishing barley from wheat, which is a major source of error in other crop products available for Wales. This study demonstrates that crops can be accurately identified and mapped across a large area (i.e., Wales) using Sentinel-1 C-band data and by capitalizing on knowledge of crop growth stages. The developed algorithm is flexible and, compared to the other methods that allow crop mapping in Wales, the approach provided more consistent discrimination and lower variability in accuracies between classes and regions.
CF2PN: A Cross-Scale Feature Fusion Pyramid Network Based Remote Sensing Target Detection
Authors: Huang Wei , Li Guanyi , Chen Qiqiang , Ju Ming , Qu Jiantao
Published: February 2021

In the wake of developments in remote sensing, the application of target detection of remote sensing is of increasing interest. Unfortunately, unlike natural image processing, remote sensing image processing involves dealing with large variations in object size, which poses a great challenge to researchers. Although traditional multi-scale detection networks have been successful in solving problems with such large variations, they still have certain limitations: (1) The traditional multi-scale detection methods note the scale of features but ignore the correlation between feature levels. Each feature map is represented by a single layer of the backbone network, and the extracted features are not comprehensive enough. For example, the SSD network uses the features extracted from the backbone network at different scales directly for detection, resulting in the loss of a large amount of contextual information. (2) These methods combine with inherent backbone classification networks to perform detection tasks. RetinaNet is just a combination of the ResNet-101 classification network and FPN network to perform the detection tasks; however, there are differences in object classification and detection tasks. To address these issues, a cross-scale feature fusion pyramid network (CF2PN) is proposed. First and foremost, a cross-scale fusion module (CSFM) is introduced to extract sufficiently comprehensive semantic information from features for performing multi-scale fusion. Moreover, a feature pyramid for target detection utilizing thinning U-shaped modules (TUMs) performs the multi-level fusion of the features. Eventually, a focal loss in the prediction section is used to control the large number of negative samples generated during the feature fusion process. The new architecture of the network proposed in this paper is verified by DIOR and RSOD dataset. The experimental results show that the performance of this method is improved by 2–12% in the DIOR dataset and RSOD dataset compared with the current SOTA target detection methods.
When Measurements Meet Blockchain: On Behalf of an Inter-NMI Network
Authors: Moni Mahbuba , Melo Wilson , Peters Daniel , Machado Raphael
Published: February 2021

The growing demand for solutions related to measurement (e.g., digital sensors, smart meters, distributed measuring systems) imposes several concerns about information and process reliability. In this context, blockchain can play a crucial role as a platform to implement applications and activities in the context of legal metrology. In most countries, the National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) are responsible for promoting these initiatives. Thus, in this paper, we present a functional architecture to integrate NMIs in a collaborative blockchain network. We discuss the main aspects and features that an inter-NMI blockchain network must deliver. Furthermore, we implement our proposal using the Hyperledger Fabric platform. We connect peers from Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) (German NMI) and the National Institute of Metrology, Quality, and Technology (Inmetro) (Brazilian NMI) in a useful application that consists of a blockchain-based public-key infrastructure to identify and authenticate smart meters. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the proposed architecture meets the main requirements imposed by applications involving measurements. Furthermore, it opens the opportunity to integrate NMIs from other countries into the project, constituting an important global initiative in the metrology field.
RS-SSKD: Self-Supervision Equipped with Knowledge Distillation for Few-Shot Remote Sensing Scene Classification
Authors: Zhang Pei , Li Ying , Wang Dong , Wang Jiyue
Published: February 2021

While growing instruments generate more and more airborne or satellite images, the bottleneck in remote sensing (RS) scene classification has shifted from data limits toward a lack of ground truth samples. There are still many challenges when we are facing unknown environments, especially those with insufficient training data. Few-shot classification offers a different picture under the umbrella of meta-learning: digging rich knowledge from a few data are possible. In this work, we propose a method named RS-SSKD for few-shot RS scene classification from a perspective of generating powerful representation for the downstream meta-learner. Firstly, we propose a novel two-branch network that takes three pairs of original-transformed images as inputs and incorporates Class Activation Maps (CAMs) to drive the network mining, the most relevant category-specific region. This strategy ensures that the network generates discriminative embeddings. Secondly, we set a round of self-knowledge distillation to prevent overfitting and boost the performance. Our experiments show that the proposed method surpasses current state-of-the-art approaches on two challenging RS scene datasets: NWPU-RESISC45 and RSD46-WHU. Finally, we conduct various ablation experiments to investigate the effect of each component of the proposed method and analyze the training time of state-of-the-art methods and ours.
Experiments of Image Classification Using Dissimilarity Spaces Built with Siamese Networks
Authors: Nanni Loris , Minchio Giovanni , Brahnam Sheryl , Maguolo Gianluca , Lumini Alessandra
Published: February 2021

Traditionally, classifiers are trained to predict patterns within a feature space. The image classification system presented here trains classifiers to predict patterns within a vector space by combining the dissimilarity spaces generated by a large set of Siamese Neural Networks (SNNs). A set of centroids from the patterns in the training data sets is calculated with supervised k-means clustering. The centroids are used to generate the dissimilarity space via the Siamese networks. The vector space descriptors are extracted by projecting patterns onto the similarity spaces, and SVMs classify an image by its dissimilarity vector. The versatility of the proposed approach in image classification is demonstrated by evaluating the system on different types of images across two domains: two medical data sets and two animal audio data sets with vocalizations represented as images (spectrograms). Results show that the proposed system’s performance competes competitively against the best-performing methods in the literature, obtaining state-of-the-art performance on one of the medical data sets, and does so without ad-hoc optimization of the clustering methods on the tested data sets.
Textile Electrodes: Influence of Knitting Construction and Pressure on the Contact Impedance
Authors: Euler Luisa , Guo Li , Persson Nils-Krister
Published: February 2021

Textile electrodes, also called textrodes, for biosignal monitoring as well as electrostimulation are central for the emerging research field of smart textiles. However, so far, only the general suitability of textrodes for those areas was investigated, while the influencing parameters on the contact impedance related to the electrode construction and external factors remain rather unknown. Therefore, in this work, six different knitted electrodes, applied both wet and dry, were compared regarding the influence of specific knitting construction parameters on the three-electrode contact impedance measured on a human forearm. Additionally, the influence of applying pressure was investigated in a two-electrode setup using a water-based agar dummy. Further, simulation of an equivalent circuit was used for quantitative evaluation. Indications were found that the preferred electrode construction to achieve the lowest contact impedance includes a square shaped electrode, knitted with a high yarn density and, in the case of dry electrodes, an uneven surface topography consisting of loops, while in wet condition a smooth surface is favorable. Wet electrodes are showing a greatly reduced contact impedance and are therefore to be preferred over dry ones; however, opportunities are seen for improving the electrode performance of dry electrodes by applying pressure to the system, thereby avoiding disadvantages of wet electrodes with fluid administration, drying-out of the electrolyte, and discomfort arising from a “wet feeling”.
Thermal Ablation and High-Resolution Imaging Using a Back-to-Back (BTB) Dual-Mode Ultrasonic Transducer: In Vivo Results
Authors: Lim Hae Gyun , Kim Hyunhee , Kim Kyungmin , Park Jeongwoo , Kim Yeonggeun , Yoo Jinhee , Heo Dasom , Baik Jinhwan , Park Sung-Min , Kim Hyung Ham
Published: February 2021

We present a back-to-back (BTB) structured, dual-mode ultrasonic device that incorporates a single-element 5.3 MHz transducer for high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment and a single-element 20.0 MHz transducer for high-resolution ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound image-guided surgical systems have been developed for lesion monitoring to ensure that ultrasonic treatment is correctly administered at the right locations. In this study, we developed a dual-element transducer composed of two elements that share the same housing but work independently with a BTB structure, enabling a mode change between therapy and imaging via 180-degree mechanical rotation. The optic fibers were embedded in the HIFU focal region of ex vivo chicken breasts and the temperature change was measured. Images were obtained in vivo mice before and after treatment and compared to identify the treated region. We successfully acquired B-mode and C-scan images that display the hyperechoic region indicating coagulation necrosis in the HIFU-treated volume up to a depth of 10 mm. The compact BTB dual-mode ultrasonic transducer may be used for subcutaneous thermal ablation and monitoring, minimally invasive surgery, and other clinical applications, all with ultrasound only.
Investigating the Performance of Gesture-Based Input for Mid-Air Text Entry in a Virtual Environment: A Comparison of Hand-Up versus Hand-Down Postures
Authors: Wang Yahui , Wang Yueyang , Chen Jingzhou , Wang Yincheng , Yang Jie , Jiang Ting , He Jibo
Published: February 2021

Although the interaction technology for virtual reality (VR) systems has evolved significantly over the past years, the text input efficiency in the virtual environment is still an ongoing problem. We deployed a word-gesture text entry technology based on gesture recognition in the virtual environment. This study aimed to investigate the performance of the word-gesture text entry technology with different input postures and VR experiences in the virtual environment. The study revealed that the VR experience (how long or how often using VR) had little effect on input performance. The hand-up posture has a better input performance when using word-gesture text entry technology in a virtual environment. In addition, the study found that the perceived exertion to complete the text input with word-gesture text entry technology was relatively high. Furthermore, the typing accuracy and perceived usability for using the hand-up posture were obviously higher than that for the hand-down posture. The hand-up posture also had less task workload than the hand-down posture. This paper supports that the word-gesture text entry technology with hand-up posture has greater application potential than hand-down posture.
Circuit Implementation of a Modified Chaotic System with Hyperbolic Sine Nonlinearities Using Bi-Color LED
Authors: Volos Christos K. , Moysis Lazaros , Roumelas George D. , Giakoumis Aggelos , Nistazakis Hector E. , Tombras George S.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a chaotic three dimansional dynamical system is proposed, that is a modification of the system in Volos et al. (2017). The new system has two hyperbolic sine nonlinear terms, as opposed to the original system that only included one, in order to optimize system’s chaotic behavior, which is confirmed by the calculation of the maximal Lyapunov exponents and Kaplan-Yorke dimension. The system is experimentally realized, using Bi-color LEDs to emulate the hyperbolic sine functions. An extended dynamical analysis is then performed, by computing numerically the system’s bifurcation and continuation diagrams, Lyapunov exponents and phase portraits, and comparing the numerical simulations with the circuit simulations. A series of interesting phenomena are unmasked, like period doubling route to chaos, coexisting attractors and antimonotonicity, which are all verified from the circuit realization of the system. Hence, the circuit setup accurately emulates the chaotic dynamics of the proposed system.
Immunization with SP_1992 (DiiA) Protein of Streptococcus pneumoniae Reduces Nasopharyngeal Colonization and Protects against Invasive Disease in Mice
Authors: Martín-Galiano Antonio J. , Escolano-Martínez María S. , Corsini Bruno , Campa Adela G. de la , Yuste José
Published: February 2021

Knowledge-based vaccinology can reveal uncharacterized antigen candidates for a new generation of protein-based anti-pneumococcal vaccines. DiiA, encoded by the sp_1992 locus, is a surface protein containing either one or two repeats of a 37mer N-terminal motif that exhibits low interstrain variability. DiiA belongs to the core proteome, contains several conserved B-cell epitopes, and is associated with colonization and pathogenesis. Immunization with DiiA protein via the intraperitoneal route induced a strong IgG response, including different IgG subtypes. Vaccination with DiiA increased bacterial clearance and induced protection against sepsis, conferring 70% increased survival at 48 h post-infection when compared to the adjuvant control. The immunogenic response and survival rates in mice immunized with a truncated DiiA version lacking 119 N-terminal residues were remarkably lower, confirming the relevance of the repeat zone in the immunoprotection by DiiA. Intranasal immunization of mice with the entire recombinant protein elicited mucosal IgG and IgA responses that reduced bacterial colonization of the nasopharynx, confirming that this protein might be a vaccine candidate for reducing the carrier rate. DiiA constitutes an example of how functionally unannotated proteins may still represent promising candidates that can be used in prophylactic strategies against the pneumococcal carrier state and invasive disease.
Public Health and Economic Benefits of Influenza Vaccination of the Population Aged 50 to 59 Years without Risk Factors for Influenza Complications in Mexico: A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Study
Authors: Betancourt-Cravioto Miguel , Falcón-Lezama Jorge Abelardo , Saucedo-Martínez Rodrigo , Alfaro-Cortés Myrna María , Tapia-Conyer Roberto
Published: February 2021

The Mexican influenza vaccination program does not include a recommendation for people aged 50–59 years without risk factors for influenza complications, and there are limited data regarding the cost-effectiveness of vaccinating this population. To explore the clinical and economic effects of including this population in the vaccination schedule, we performed a cross-sectional epidemiological study using records (2009–2018) from Mexico’s Influenza Surveillance System (SISVEFLU), death records (2010–2015) from the National Mortality Epidemiological and Statistical System, and discharge and hospitalization records (2010–2015) from the Automated Hospital Discharge System databases. A 1-year decision-analytic model was used to assess cost-effectiveness through a decision-tree based on data from SISVEFLU. The primary outcome was influenza cases avoided; with associated influenza-related events as secondary outcomes. Including the population aged 50–59 years without risk factors in Mexico’s influenza immunization program would have resulted in 199,500 fewer cases; 67,008 fewer outpatient consultations; 33,024 fewer emergency room consultations; 33,091 fewer hospitalizations; 12 fewer deaths. These reductions equate to a substantial public health benefit as well as an economic benefit; yielding net savings of 49.8 million US dollars over a typical influenza season. Expansion of the current Mexican vaccination schedule to include these people would be a cost-saving and dominant strategy.