bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fire Impact on Carbon Pools and Basic Properties of Retisols in Native Spruce Forests of the European North and Central Siberia of Russia
Authors: Startsev Viktor V. , Yakovleva Evgenia V. , Kutyavin Ivan N. , Dymov Alexey A.
Published: July 2022

Fires play an important role in the modern dynamics of boreal ecosystems. The article presents the results of studying the effect of old fires on soils and soil organic matter (SOM) of native spruce forests that were last affected by fires in the previous 100 to 200 years. The studies were carried out in the European north-east of Russia (Komi Republic) and Central Siberia (Krasnoyarsk region). The objects of the study were typical Glossic Stagnic Retisol (Siltic, Cutanic). The time after the fire was determined by dendrochronological methods. Data on the content of water-soluble organic matter and densimetric fractions of soils were obtained; carbon and nitrogen stocks were calculated. The content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was established to characterize the effect of fires. Pyrogenic carbonaceous inclusions were morphologically diagnosed 200 years after the fire. In this regard, it is proposed to distinguish a “pyrogenic” subtype for soils with pronounced signs of pyrogenesis. Carbon stocks in soils of the Komi Republic varied from 5.7 to 15.7 kg C m−2, and soils of the Krasnoyarsk region had an accumulation of 6.9–12.5 kg C m−2. The contribution of the pyrogenic horizon Epyr to the total carbon and nitrogen stocks was 9–45%. It is suggested that pyrogenic carbon (PyC) can accumulate in light densimetric fractions (fPOM<1.6 and oPOM<1.6). The analysis of PAH content showed their high concentrations in the organic and upper mineral horizons of the studied soils (24 to 605 ng g−1). The coefficient FLA (fluoranthene)/(FLA+PYR(pyrene)) was the most useful to diagnose the pyrogenic origin of PAHs in the studied Retisols.
Glycerol Utilization as a Sole Carbon Source Disrupts the Membrane Architecture and Solventogenesis in Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052
Authors: Agyeman-Duah Eric , Kumar Santosh , Gangwar Bhavana , Ujor Victor C.
Published: July 2022

Efficient bioconversion of abundant waste glycerol to value-added chemicals calls for a wider range of fermentative workhorses that can catabolize glycerol. In this study, we used quantitative gene expression and solvent profiling, qualitative metabolite analysis, and enzyme activity assays to investigate the factors that limit glycerol utilization as a sole carbon source by Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052. C. beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 did not produce acetate, acetone and butanol on glycerol. Congruently, the genes encoding the coenzyme A transferase subunits (ctfAB) and bifunctional acetaldehyde-CoA/alcohol dehydrogenase (adhE) were down-regulated up to 135- and 21-fold, respectively, at 12 h in glycerol-grown cells compared to glucose-grown cells. Conversely, NADH-dependent butanol dehydrogenase A (bdhA) was upregulated 2-fold. Glycerol dehydrogenase (gldA) and dihydroxyacetone kinase (subunit dhaK) were upregulated up to 5- and 881-fold, respectively. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gapdh) showed mostly similar expression profiles at 12 h on glucose and glycerol. At 24 h, gapdh was downregulated 1.5-fold, while NADP+-dependent gapdh was upregulated up to 1.9-fold. Glycerol-grown cells showed higher or similar activity profiles for all solventogenic enzymes studied, compared to glucose-grown cells. Butyraldehyde (3 g/L) supplementation led to the production of ~0.1 g/L butanol, whilst butyrate (3.5 g/L) supplementation produced 0.7 and 0.5 g/L acetone and butanol, respectively, with glycerol. Further, the long chain saturated fatty acids cyclopentaneundecanoic acid, methyl ester and hexadecanoic acid, butyl ester were detected in glucose- but not in glycerol-grown cells. Collectively, growth on glycerol appears to disrupt synthesis of saturated long chain fatty acids, as well as solventogenesis in C. beijerinckii NCIMB 8052.
Recycling Food Waste and Saving Water: Optimization of the Fermentation Processes from Cheese Whey Permeate to Yeast Oil
Authors: Donzella Silvia , Fumagalli Andrea , Arioli Stefania , Pellegrino Luisa , D’Incecco Paolo , Molinari Francesco , Speranza Giovanna , Ubiali Daniela , Robescu Marina S. , Compagno Concetta
Published: July 2022

With the aim of developing bioprocesses for waste valorization and a reduced water footprint, we optimized a two-step fermentation process that employs the oleaginous yeast Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosus for the production of oil from liquid cheese whey permeate. For the first step, the addition of urea as a cost-effective nitrogen source allowed an increase in yeast biomass production. In the second step, a syrup from candied fruit processing, another food waste supplied as carbon feeding, triggered lipid accumulation. Consequently, yeast lipids were produced at a final concentration and productivity of 38 g/L and 0.57 g/L/h respectively, which are among the highest reported values. Through this strategy, based on the valorization of liquid food wastes (WP and mango syrup) and by recovering not only nutritional compounds but also the water necessary for yeast growth and lipid production, we addressed one of the main goals of the circular economy. In addition, we set up an accurate and fast-flow cytometer method to quantify the lipid content, avoiding the extraction step and the use of solvents. This can represent an analytical improvement to screening lipids in different yeast strains and to monitoring the process at the single-cell level.
Enhanced Geographic Routing with One- and Two-Hop Movement Information in Opportunistic Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Mir Mohd-Yaseen , Zhu Hengbing , Hu Chih-Lin
Published: July 2022

Opportunistic ad hoc networks are characterized by intermittent and infrastructure-less connectivity among mobile nodes. Because of the lack of up-to-date network topology information and frequent link failures, geographic routing utilizes location information and adopts the store–carry–forward data delivery model to relay messages in a delay-tolerant manner. This paper proposes a message-forwarding policy based on movement patterns (MPMF). First, one- and two-hop location information in a geographic neighborhood is exploited to select relay nodes moving closer to a destination node. Message-forwarding decisions are made by referring to selected relay nodes’ weight values obtained by calculating the contact frequency of each node with the destination node. Second, when relays in the vicinity of a message-carrying node are not qualified due to the sparse node density and nodal motion status, the destination’s movement and the location information of a one-hop relay are jointly utilized to improve the message-forwarding decision. If the one-hop relay is not closer to the destination node or moving away from it, its centrality value in the network is used instead. Based on both synthetic and real mobility scenarios, the simulation results show that the proposed policy performs incomparable efforts to some typical routing policies, such as Epidemic, PRoPHETv2, temporal closeness and centrality-based (TCCB), transient community-based (TC), and geographic-based spray-and-relay (GSaR) routing policies.
Fire Propagation Characteristics and Fire Risks of Polyurethanes: Effects of Material Type (Foam & Board) and Added Flame Retardant
Authors: Choi Ji Hun , Chae Seung Un , Hwang Euy Hong , Choi Don Mook
Published: July 2022

Polyurethane material is used as an interior finish and wall cavity insulation. Flame-retardant products may be used for ignition, flame diffusion, and heat-release blocking. A large-scale test was conducted to understand the flame propagation characteristics of polyurethane with the addition of a flame retardant. The fire propagation properties and fire risks of four commonly used polyurethane materials were examined using three tests. Specifically, ignition properties, flame propagation behavior, and flashover occurrence were probed using full-scale tests, while heat release and fire characteristics were examined using cone calorimeter tests, and the toxicity of gaseous combustion products was assessed using gas toxicity tests. PIR F and PIR B, which contained flame retardants, featured slow flame propagation and a long-lasting residual flame, and PIR F released HCl and Br2 on combustion. Full-scale tests revealed that although external flame propagation was always accompanied by flashover, irrespective of whether the flame retardant was present, a delay or blockage of energy transfer to the inside was observed for flame-retardant-containing specimens. Apart from checking the safety at the material level, the importance of identifying the actual fire characteristics through a full-scale test was confirmed.
Physical and 3D Printing Properties of Arrowroot Starch Gels
Authors: Xu Meiling , Dong Qiaoru , Huang Guiying , Zhang Ya , Lu Xuanxuan , Zhang Jiaduo , Zhang Kun , Huang Qingrong
Published: July 2022

This paper aims to investigate the physical and 3D printing properties of arrowroot starch (AS), a natural biopolymer with many potential health benefits. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that AS granules had mixed spherical and elongated geometries, with average sizes of 10.5 ± 2.5 μm. The molecular weight of AS measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was 3.24 × 107 g/mol, and the amylose/amylopectin ratio of AS was approximately 4:11. AS has an A-type crystal structure, with a gelatinization temperature of 71.8 ± 0.2 °C. The overlap concentration (C*) of AS in aqueous solutions was 0.42% (w/v). Temperature-dependent dynamic rheological analyses of 10% to 30% (w/v) AS fluids showed that the storage modulus (G’) reached the maximum values around the gelatinization temperatures, while the yield stress (τy) and flow stress (τf) values all increased with the increase in AS concentration. The printing accuracy of AS gels was found to be associated with the interplay between the G’ values and the restorability after extrusion, determined by the three-interval thixotropy tests (3ITT). The optimum 3D printing condition occurred at 20% (w/v) AS, the nozzle diameter of 0.60 mm, the printing speed of 100 mm/s and the extrusion speed of 100 mm/s. Our research provides a promising biopolymer to be used in the design of novel personalized functional foods.
Evaluating the Shelf Life and Sensory Properties of Beef Steaks from Cattle Raised on Different Grass Feeding Systems in the Western United States
Authors: Duarte Toni L. , Bolkenov Bakytzhan , Klopatek Sarah C. , Oltjen James W. , King D. Andy , Shackelford Steven D. , Wheeler Tommy L. , Yang Xiang
Published: July 2022

Consumer interest in grass-fed beef has been steadily rising due to consumer perception of its potential benefits. This interest has led to a growing demand for niche market beef, particularly in the western United States. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the impact of feeding systems on the change in microbial counts, color, and lipid oxidation of steaks during retail display, and on their sensory attributes. The systems included: conventional grain-fed (CON), 20 months-grass-fed (20GF), 25-months-grass-fed (25GF) and 20-months-grass-fed + 45-day-grain-fed (45GR). The results indicate that steaks in the 20GF group displayed a darker lean and fat color, and a lower oxidation state than those in the 25GF group. However, the feeding system did not have an impact on pH or objective tenderness of beef steaks. In addition, consumers and trained panelist did not detect a difference in taste or flavor between the 20GF or 25GF steaks but expressed a preference for the CON and 45GR steaks, indicating that an increased grazing period may improve the color and oxidative stability of beef, while a short supplementation with grain may improve eating quality.
Multivariate Nature of Fish Freshness Evaluation by Consumers
Authors: Viana Fernanda M. , Monteiro Maria Lucia G. , Ferrari Rafaela G. , Mutz Yhan S. , Martins Inayara B. A. , Salim Ana Paula A. A. , De Alcantara Marcela , Deliza Rosires , Mano Sérgio B. , Conte-Junior Carlos A.
Published: July 2022

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sensory acceptability limit of refrigerated fish through a multivariate approach, involving classic physicochemical and bacteriological indicators and considering different consumer profiles. The results of the survival analysis demonstrated that, in general, consumers still considered the fish to be suitable for purchase (4.128 days of storage), despite being microbiologically unsuitable for consumption. However, the subsequent division of consumers into clusters indicated that women and individuals with high income and education levels tend to reject fish with few days of storage (3.650 days), mainly due to discoloration, despite still being microbiologically suitable for consumption. Thus, these segments present a safer behavior regarding the purchase of fresh fish. The influence of different frequencies of fish consumption and age of consumers on the assessment of fish freshness was not clarified. The responsibility for ensuring safe and healthy products at the point of sale must lie with the producers and distributors. However, improving consumers’ ability to make good choices when buying fresh fish would bring social and economic benefits related to public health and to the seafood industry, because it would enable them to make relevant claims and demand their rights.
Identification of the DPP-IV Inhibitory Peptides from Donkey Blood and Regulatory Effect on the Gut Microbiota of Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Ma Chaoyue , Liu Dan , Hao Huifang , Wu Xiaotong
Published: July 2022

After being treated with protease K, peptides extracted from donkey blood were separated, identified, and characterized. The results showed that Sephadex G-25 medium purified with MW < 3 kDa had the highest dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibition capacity. Three-hundred-and-thirty-four peptides were identified with UPLC–MS/MS. Peptide Ranker and molecular docking analysis were used to screen active peptides, and 16 peptides were finalized out of the 334. The results showed that the lowest binding energy between P7(YPWTQ) and DPP-IV was −9.1, and the second-lowest binding energy between P1(VDPENFRLL) and DPP-IV was −8.7. The active peptides(MW < 3 kDa) could cause a reduction in the fasting blood glucose levels of type 2 diabetic mice, improve glucose tolerance, and facilitate healing of the damaged structure of diabetic murine liver and pancreas. Meanwhile, the peptides were found to ameliorate the diabetic murine intestinal micro-ecological environment to a certain extent.
A Preliminary Study on the Effect of the Instant Controlled Pressure Drop Technology (DIC) on Drying and Rehydration Kinetics of Maize Kernels (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Cardador-Martínez Anaberta , Pech-Almeida Juan Leopoldo , Allaf Karim , Palacios-Rojas Natalia , Alonzo-Macías Maritza , Téllez-Pérez Carmen
Published: July 2022

Maize is one of the three worldwide cereal crops with the most outstanding production; however, its postharvest losses range from 2 to 40% due to inadequate harvesting, drying, and storage technologies. This study focuses on the Instant Controlled Pressure Drop technology (DIC) effect on maize kernels’ drying and rehydration kinetics. In total, 19 different DIC treatments were carried out on maize kernels (~25% d.b.). The DIC parameters studied were steam pressure (0.1 to 0.4 MPa) and treatment time (10 to 90 s). After DIC treatment, drying kinetics were carried out by Convective Air Drying (CAD) at 50 °C and 0.4 ms−1 airflow. Rehydration kinetics and Water Holding Capacity (WHC) were evaluated at 20 °C. In comparison to CAD samples, DIC (0.4 MPa and 90 s) reduced the drying time from 180 min to ~108 min. Additionally, regarding the rehydration and WHC results, DIC achieved the same moisture content in only 3.5 min that controls achieved after 1 h of rehydration (0.40 g H2O/g dry matter). Moreover, DIC (0.4 MPa and nine cycles of 10 s) increased the WHC 2.3 times compared to the control. In this way, DIC could be a postharvest technology to improve maize kernels’ drying operations and functional properties.
Carob: A Sustainable Opportunity for Metabolic Health
Authors: Gioxari Aristea , Amerikanou Charalampia , Nestoridi Irini , Gourgari Eleni , Pratsinis Harris , Kalogeropoulos Nick , Andrikopoulos Nikolaos K. , Kaliora Andriana C.
Published: July 2022

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is an evergreen tree that belongs to the Leguminosae family and grows in the arid and semi-arid regions of the Mediterranean basin. The carob tree is resistant to droughts and salinity, while its deep root systems allow CO2 to sink, mitigating global warming effects. Traditionally, carob has been used to produce animal feed, but for many years, it was excluded from the human diet. Nowadays, agricultural and industrial sectors exploit carob fruit, also referred to as carob pod, and its primary products (i.e., flour, powder and syrup) to develop a variety of foods and beverages. The nutritional composition varies depending on the carob part but also on genetic, cultivar, seasonal and environmental factors. Despite the high sugar content, the carob pod is rich in insoluble fiber and microconstituents including phenolic compounds, inositols (mainly d-pinitol) and vitamins. In the present review article, we aimed to (a) highlight the role of carob cultivation in addressing climate change challenges and the need for sustainability, and (b) summarize the effects of carob consumption on obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Profiling of Croatian Consumers Based on Their Intention to Consume Farmed Fish
Authors: Krešić Greta , Dujmić Elena , Lončarić Dina , Zrnčić Snježana , Liović Nikolina , Pleadin Jelka
Published: July 2022

Today’s increased demand and consumption of fish would be impossible to ensure without aquaculture. Farmed fish, however, is often considered inferior among consumers in comparison to its wild counterparts. The aim of this study was to profile Croatian fishery consumers based on their intention to consume farmed fish. The participants in this study were a nationally representative sample of people responsible for food purchasing within the household (n = 977), whose responses were collected by the CAWI (computer-aided web interviewing) method. Four clusters were identified and described: farmed fish enthusiasts (21.1%), farmed fish supporters (17.4%), indifferents (44.7%), and farmed fish sceptics (16.8%). Results showed that consumer segments differed significantly with respect to age, income, employment status, living region, and physical activity. Furthermore, intention to consume farmed fish is related to fish consumption in general (those with higher intention are more frequent fish consumers). Interestingly, prejudices against farmed fish are present in all clusters; however, these prejudices are more pronounced among those with the weakest intention to consume farmed fish. Differences between clusters were observed also in respect to product information and preferences, knowledge about fish, places of usual purchase, and source of information about fishery products. The obtained results could be used in designing marketing strategies to promote farmed fish consumption.
Is The Probability of Tossing a Coin Really 50–50%? Part 2: Dynamic Model with Rebounds
Authors: Pletser Vladimir
Published: July 2022

In the first part of this paper, we considered several theoretical models, a static and four dynamic models without rebounds, of the throw of a fair coin landing on its edge, to demonstrate that the probability of heads or tails is less than 50%, depending on the initial toss conditions, the coin geometry and conditions of the coin and landing surfaces. For the dynamic model with rebounds that is the subject of this second part of the paper, it is found that the probability that a 50 Euro cent coin thrown from a normal height with common initial velocity conditions and appropriate surface conditions will end up on its edge is in the order of one against several thousand.
Physicochemical, Textural, and Sensorial Properties of Soy Yogurt as Affected by Addition of Low Acyl Gellan Gum
Authors: Kong Xiao , Xiao Ziqun , Du Mengdi , Wang Kuaitian , Yu Wei , Chen Yuhang , Liu Zhili , Cheng Yongqiang , Gan Jing
Published: July 2022

Soy yogurt is plant-based dairy of great nutritional interest that is widely accepted in developing countries as a milk alternative. Poor stability has been an urgent problem to solve of soy yogurt products over past several years. The present study aimed to construct multiple network composite gel by adding low acyl gellan gum (LAG) to improve the stability. The effect of addition of LAG on property of soy yogurt was investigated by determining water holding capacity, texture, rheology, particle size, and zeta potential. The results showed that water holding capacity was significantly higher than control. The soy yogurt with 0.1% LAG had a stable gel network with much gel strength and viscosity, and strengthened interaction between complex gel. The addition of LAG increased the particle size and decreased zeta potential. Furthermore, sensory properties were acceptable. Therefore, during industrial production, LAG could act as an appropriate stabilizer to inhibit poor body and bring more desirable sensory characteristics of soy yogurt.
Human Fetal Liver Parenchyma CD71+ Cells Have AIRE and Tissue-Specific Antigen Gene Expression
Authors: Perik-Zavodskii Roman , Perik-Zavodskaya Olga , Shevchenko Yulia , Alrhmoun Saleh , Volynets Marina , Zaitsev Konstantin , Sennikov Sergey
Published: July 2022

Autoimmune regulator (AIRE) is a multifunctional protein that is capable of inducing tissue-specific antigens’ (TSAs) gene expression, a key event in the induction of self-tolerance, that is usually expressed and functions in the thymus. However, its expression has been detected outside the thymus and cells expressing the gene have been named extra-thymic AIRE expressing cells (eTACs). Here, we discuss the finding of AIRE and TSAs gene expression in CD71+ cells from human fetal liver parenchyma, which are mostly represented by CD71+ erythroid cells.
Plastid Phylogenomics and Plastomic Diversity of the Extant Lycophytes
Authors: Chen Sisi , Wang Ting , Shu Jiangping , Xiang Qiaoping , Yang Tuo , Zhang Xianchun , Yan Yuehong
Published: July 2022

Although extant lycophytes represent the most ancient surviving lineage of early vascular plants, their plastomic diversity has long been neglected. The ancient evolutionary history and distinct genetic diversity patterns of the three lycophyte families, each with its own characteristics, provide an ideal opportunity to investigate the interfamilial relationships of lycophytes and their associated patterns of evolution. To compensate for the lack of data on Lycopodiaceae, we sequenced and assembled 14 new plastid genomes (plastomes). Combined with other lycophyte plastomes available online, we reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships of the extant lycophytes based on 93 plastomes. We analyzed, traced, and compared the plastomic diversity and divergence of the three lycophyte families (Isoëtaceae, Lycopodiaceae, and Selaginellaceae) in terms of plastomic diversity by comparing their plastome sizes, GC contents, substitution rates, structural rearrangements, divergence times, ancestral states, RNA editings, and gene losses. Comparative analysis of plastid phylogenomics and plastomic diversity of three lycophyte families will set a foundation for further studies in biology and evolution in lycophytes and therefore in vascular plants.
Genetic Biomarkers as Predictors of Response to Tocilizumab in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Janahiraman Sivakami , Too Chun Lai , Lee Kai Wei , Shahril Nor Shuhaila , Leong Chee Onn
Published: July 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a lifelong, debilitating disease which incredibly impacts a patient’s quality of life if not treated to the optimal target. The clinical response of tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitor, is associated with several gene polymorphisms, particularly targeting the IL-6 pathway. This systematic review and meta-analysis seeks to investigate genetic biomarkers that predict the treatment outcome of tocilizumab therapy in RA patients. After evaluating the quality of retrieved records, five studies were chosen to carry out a quantitative synthesis involving 591 participants. We analysed genetic markers of IL-6R single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)s rs12083537, rs2228145 and rs4329505, FCGR3A, CD69, GALNT18 and FCGR2A. A plausible finding based on meta-analysis revealed that RA patients with homozygous AA genotype for rs12083537 polymorphism of the IL-6R gene demonstrate a better response to TCZ treatment as opposed to homozygous and heterozygous patients with the G allele. Nonetheless, limitations in evaluating the available studies by meta-analysis include a lack of studies with dissimilarities in study design and outcome definitions, small sample sizes with low statistical power and heterogeneity of cohorts, a restricted the number of tested SNPs and small effects for the selected variants. Inconsistent finding remains as a great challenge to forge ahead towards personalised medicine for RA management.
Cheese Intake Exhibits an Alteration of Glycolipid Profile and Impacts on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver in Bahraini Older Adults
Authors: Perna Simone , Hammad Layla H. , Mohamed Mohamed Wael , Alromaihi Dalal , Alhammadi Mariam , Al-Khater Noora , Alchuban Anas Rashed , Aledrisy Mawadh Ali , Ilyas Zahra , Alalwan Tariq A. , Rondanelli Mariangela
Published: July 2022

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial condition characterized by a complex interrelation between genetic and environmental factors that heighten the risk of cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality. It is hypothesized that diet may play an important role in the regulation of metabolic syndrome factors and influence the process. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to investigate the specific dietary patterns associated with metabolic syndrome markers and quantify the possible effects of dietary patterns among Bahrain older adults. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included 151 Bahraini patients diagnosed with MetS, 89 (58.7%) were females and 62 (41.3%) males. Results: The prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver was 89%. Statistically significant correlations were found between dairy products with low fat and SBP (r = 0.182, p < 0.001) body mass index (BMI) (r = −0.195; p < −0.01). Higher chicken consumption was associated with reduction of BMI (r = −0.273; p < −0.01). A higher consumption of ricotta and cheddar cheese (high in fat) was associated with higher levels of triglycerides (p < 0.01). Higher frequent consumption of rice (basmati) was associated with lower glucose levels (r = −0.200; p < −0.01). Fatty liver has been associated with high consumption of cream cheese (p < 0.01). Conclusion: In older Bahraini adults with metabolic syndrome, higher frequency of food consumption of full-fat cheese was linked with a derangement of lipid profile and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver. Positive effects on BMI have been recorded with higher-frequency consumption of basmati rice and chicken.
Effects of Funneliformis mosseae and Potassium Silicate on Morphological and Biochemical Traits of Onion Cultivated under Water Stress
Authors: Sharma Meenakshi , Delta Anil , Kaushik Prashant
Published: July 2022

Water stress negatively impacts the physiology of plants, affecting their growth and development. It is considered among the most important environmental factors responsible for reduced crop production. In this regard, biofertilizers may be considered significant for their reparative properties to increase stress tolerance in crop plants. We studied the effects of water stress on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of onion plants with AMF (Funneliformis mosseae) and potassium silicate application. The water stress significantly affected all the studied traits, each with minimum recorded levels. Plants that received combined treatments of AMF and potassium silicate showed maximum percent increments in all the studied characteristics, e.g., plant height (156.7%), weight of bulb (416.8%), antioxidant activity (224.0%), membrane stability index (74.5%), relative water content (87.3%), and total soluble solids (63.71%). Therefore, the study demonstrated that all the investigated variables were affected negatively by water stress. However, bio-fortification of onion plants with silicates and AMF inoculation may be considered useful for functional food production, with numerous health promoting properties.
Influence of Topographic Factors on the Characteristics of Gully Systems in Mountainous Areas of Ningnan Dry-Hot Valley, SW China
Authors: Cen Yuxin , Zhang Bin , Luo Jun , Deng Qingchun , Liu Hui , Wang Lei
Published: July 2022

A gully system is an important indicator that reflects the development of regional topography and landforms, and topography is one of the most important factors affecting the development of gullies. However, at present, research on the impact of topography on the development of gully systems in the mountainous area of Ningnan dry-hot valley still needs to be strengthened. In order to study the characteristics of gullies and the influence of topography on the development of gully systems, based on both the visual interpretation of remote sensing images and field investigations, five topographic factors (elevation, slope gradient, aspect, relief, and dissection) were employed and three gully erosion indexes (gully length, density, and frequency) were calculated. The geographical information system was used in this study to carry out the spatial analysis, Ward’s hierarchical clustering and correlation analysis. Results showed that the development of gully systems is greatly affected by the degree of relief and dissection, and there is a significant positive correlation (p < 0.01; p < 0.05), while elevation, slope gradient and aspect have little influence on it. Analysis of the gully systems showed that the gully erosion is the most intense in the area with an elevation of 2800–3200 m and slope gradients ≥ 38°. Furthermore, the degree of erosion on shady slopes was greater than that on sunny slopes. These results will help us to understand the spatial distribution and formation of gully systems in mountainous areas.
Facing the COVID-19 Pandemic and Developing a Sustainable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: The Theory and Practice of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Policies in China
Authors: Meng Shu , Gao Xin , Duan Lianfeng
Published: July 2022

Under the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the vitality of start-ups has been continuously suppressed, their income has been decreasing, and overall economic development has gradually declined. At this time, the government, as an effective subject, should present its due responsibility to make entrepreneurship more sustainable and form a sustainable entrepreneurship ecology that can cope with risks. This paper takes the innovation policy theory and practice from research regarding China’s COVID-19 cases. One example is exploring the formation of the government’s innovation entrepreneurship policy and its mechanism within industrial cluster theory. Furthermore, we explore the analysis of the practice situation and try to solve the obstacles in the process of sustainable development through the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem and platform system building. We hope to find an acceptable way for the sustainable development of entrepreneurial ecological theory research and provide effective research and practical support.
The Usability of IT Systems in Document Management, Using the Example of the ADPIECare Dorothea Documentation and Nurse Support System
Authors: Kilańska Dorota , Ogonowska Agnieszka , Librowska Barbara , Kusiak Maja , Marczak Michał , Kozlowski Remigiusz
Published: July 2022

Background: In 2016, an IT system was developed at MUL for the documentation of nursing practice. Preparing nursing students for the implementation of eHealth solutions under simulated conditions is crucially important for achieving the digital competencies necessary for health care systems in the future. Scientific evidence demonstrates that the use of an IT system in clinical practice shortens the time required for the preparation of documentation, increases the safety of clinical decisions and provides data for analysis and for the creation of predictive models for the purposes of HB HTA. Methods: The system was created through the cooperation of an interprofessional team at the Medical University of Łódź. The ADPIECare system was implemented in 2016 at three universities in Poland, and in 2017 a study of its usability was conducted using a questionnaire made available by Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, “Defining and Testing EMR Usability MASTER V2 Final” on 78 nurses—students of MA in Nursing at Medical University of Łódź. Findings: Over 50% of the surveyed nurses indicated the usability of the system for the “effectiveness of documentation” variable. The same group of respondents had a positive attitude towards patient care planning with the use of the assessed system. In the opinions of the examined parties, positive opinions predominated, such as, e.g., “the system is intuitive”, “the system facilitates work”, “all patient assessments are in one place”, and “the time needed for data entry would be shortened”.
Air Pollution and Migration Intention: Evidence from the Unified National Graduate Entrance Examination
Authors: Xu Chao , Wang Xiulei
Published: July 2022

Using a unique dataset of applicants for the Unified National Graduate Entrance Examination (UNGEE) of 76 double first-class universities in China, this paper evaluates the causal impact of air pollution on the migration intentions of highly educated talents by exploiting an instrumental variable approach based on annually average wind speed. We find that a 1 ug/m3 increase in the annually average PM2.5 concentration in destination cities decreases the number of applicants for the UNGEE of elite universities by about 250, but better university quality and more abundant educational resources can weaken the effect partially. A heterogeneity analysis indicates that the university-city choices of applicants are shifting from north to south. Our findings suggest that air pollution may lead to the loss of high human capital.
Machine Learning Approaches for the Frailty Screening: A Narrative Review
Authors: Oliosi Eduarda , Guede-Fernández Federico , Londral Ana
Published: July 2022

Frailty characterizes a state of impairments that increases the risk of adverse health outcomes such as physical limitation, lower quality of life, and premature death. Frailty prevention, early screening, and management of potential existing conditions are essential and impact the elderly population positively and on society. Advanced machine learning (ML) processing methods are one of healthcare’s fastest developing scientific and technical areas. Although research studies are being conducted in a controlled environment, their translation into the real world (clinical setting, which is often dynamic) is challenging. This paper presents a narrative review of the procedures for the frailty screening applied to the innovative tools, focusing on indicators and ML approaches. It results in six selected studies. Support vector machine was the most often used ML method. These methods apparently can identify several risk factors to predict pre-frail or frailty. Even so, there are some limitations (e.g., quality data), but they have enormous potential to detect frailty early.
The Impact of Mode of Birth on Childbirth-Related Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms beyond 6 Months Postpartum: An Integrative Review
Authors: Ginter Nicole , Takács Lea , Boon Martine J. M. , Verhoeven Corine J. M. , Dahlen Hannah G. , Peters Lilian L.
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: A traumatic birth can lead to the development of childbirth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms or disorder (CB-PTS/D). Literature has identified the risk factors for developing CB-PTS/D within the first six months postpartum thoroughly. However, the impact of mode of birth on CB-PTS/D beyond 6 months postpartum is scarcely studied. (2) Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted in the databases PubMed, Embase and CINAHL and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Studies were included if they reported the impact of mode of birth on CB-PTS/D beyond 6 months postpartum. (3) Results: In total, 26 quantitative and 2 qualitative studies were included. In the quantitative studies the percentage of women with CB-PTS/D ranged from 0.7% to 42% (between six months and five years postpartum). Compared with vaginal birth, operative vaginal birth, and emergency caesarean section were associated with CB-PTS/D beyond 6 months postpartum. Qualitative studies revealed that some women were suffering from CB-PTS/D as long as 18 years after birth. (4) Conclusions: Long- term screening of women for PTSD in the postnatal period could be beneficial. More research is needed on models of care that help prevent CB-PTS/D, identifying women at risk and factors that maintain CB-PTS/D beyond 6 months postpartum.
Decoding the Psychiatric Space: Cross Country Comparison of Facilities for Mental Health Service Users
Authors: Chrysikou Evangelia , Savvopoulou Eleftheria , Biddulph Jane , Jenkin Gabrielle
Published: July 2022

Normalisation theory made perfect sense at the onset of de-institutionalisation. To map its influence on mental health facilities, research was conducted and began with ten facilities within England (UK) and France, followed by a further two in England and four in New Zealand. A checklist tailored to mental health facilities was used to measure the extent to which the facility looked domestic or institutional. Hence, the mental health checklist architecturally measured domesticity versus institutionalisation in psychiatric architecture. It consisted of 212 features, grouped into three main categories—context and site; building; and space and room—and was based on a pre-existing checklist designed for hostels for those with learning disabilities. The mental health checklist was developed and piloted in Europe and reflected European de-institutionalisation principles. Cross-country comparison revealed that patient acuity was potentially not a determinant of institutional buildings for mental health. Institutional facilities in France were detected, and some of the most domestic facilities were within England, with the most recent sample having a greater tendency towards the more institutional end. Those in New Zealand tended towards the most institutional. Across all 16 facilities, there were very few universal institutional and domestic features, raising the ambiguity of a clearly defined stereotype of facilities for mental health service users. Consequently, the current fluidity of design across and within countries provides a significant opportunity for designers and mental health providers to consider non-institutional design, particularly at the planning stage. The use of the mental health checklist facilitates this debate. Future research in other geographical areas and through further consideration of cultural differences provides further opportunities to extend research in this area, with the potential to enhance and improve the lived experience of users of mental health services.
Adaptive Spatio-Temporal Query Strategies in Blockchain
Authors: Chen Haibo , Liang Daolei
Published: July 2022

In various applications of blockchain, how to index spatio-temporal data more efficiently has become a subject of continuous attention. The existing spatio-temporal data query in the blockchain is realized by adding additional external storage or fixed spatio-temporal index in the block, without considering the distribution of the spatio-temporal query itself and the proof performance accompanying the query. We propose an adaptive spatio-temporal blockchain index method, called Verkle AR*-tree, which adds the verification of time and location in the blockchain without additional storage and realizes the spatio-temporal index with an encrypted signature. Verkle AR*-tree further provides an adaptive algorithm, which adjusts the tree structure according to the historical query to produce the optimized index structure. The experimental results based on the pokeman dataset show that compared with the existing static spatio-temporal index, our method can effectively increase the performance of the spatio-temporal query and the spatio-temporal commitment in the blockchain.
Tracing the Scientific Trajectory of Volunteered Cartography: The Case of OpenStreetMap
Authors: Pizzolotto Roberto
Published: July 2022

Where the streets have no name is probably the preferred place for a volunteer OpenStreetMapper. Launched in 2004, the Open Street Map project aimed to share geographical data based on volunteer mapping and led to the collection of geographical data from almost every country in the world within fifteen years. The increased dissemination of cartographic data via the Internet has been helpful in real life, socially, and has resulted in the number of published documents increasing rapidly. To evaluate the impact of volunteered cartography on scientific research, a science mapping approach was applied to the published literature on the Open Street Map project on the basis of co-occurrence and co-citation analyses, which showed that the main themes (conceptual network) were of technical relevance, collaboration among scholars and among institutes (social network) was not strong, and knowledge and ideas circulated within a limited network. In this study, documents published by OpenStreetMappers were analysed for the first time; thus, it was possible to highlight gaps in volunteered cartography and to discuss further improvements to the Open Street Map project.
Human SMILE-Derived Stromal Lenticule Scaffold for Regenerative Therapy: Review and Perspectives
Authors: Santra Mithun , Liu Yu-Chi , Jhanji Vishal , Yam Gary Hin-Fai
Published: July 2022

A transparent cornea is paramount for vision. Corneal opacity is one of the leading causes of blindness. Although conventional corneal transplantation has been successful in recovering patients’ vision, the outcomes are challenged by a global lack of donor tissue availability. Bioengineered corneal tissues are gaining momentum as a new source for corneal wound healing and scar management. Extracellular matrix (ECM)-scaffold-based engineering offers a new perspective on corneal regenerative medicine. Ultrathin stromal laminar tissues obtained from lenticule-based refractive correction procedures, such as SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE), are an accessible and novel source of collagen-rich ECM scaffolds with high mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and transparency. After customization (including decellularization), these lenticules can serve as an acellular scaffold niche to repopulate cells, including stromal keratocytes and stem cells, with functional phenotypes. The intrastromal transplantation of these cell/tissue composites can regenerate native-like corneal stromal tissue and restore corneal transparency. This review highlights the current status of ECM-scaffold-based engineering with cells, along with the development of drug and growth factor delivery systems, and elucidates the potential uses of stromal lenticule scaffolds in regenerative therapeutics.
Mutations in Rht-B1 Locus May Negatively Affect Frost Tolerance in Bread Wheat
Authors: Szalai Gabriella , Dernovics Mihály , Gondor Orsolya Kinga , Tajti Judit , Molnár Anna Borbála , Lejmel Magdalena Anna , Misheva Svetlana , Kovács Viktória , Pál Magda , Janda Tibor
Published: July 2022

The wheat semi-dwarfing genes Rht (Reduced height) are widely distributed among the contemporary wheat varieties. These genes also exert pleiotropic effects on plant tolerance towards various abiotic stressors. In this work, frost tolerance was studied in three near-isogenic lines of the facultative variety ‘April Bearded’ (AB), carrying the wild type allele Rht-B1a (tall phenotype), and the mutant alleles Rht-B1b (semi-dwarf) and Rht-B1c (dwarf), and was further compared with the tolerance of a typical winter type variety, ‘Mv Beres’. The level of freezing tolerance was decreasing in the order ‘Mv Beres’ > AB Rht-B1a > AB Rht-B1b > AB Rht-B1c. To explain the observed differences, cold acclimation-related processes were studied: the expression of six cold-related genes, the phenylpropanoid pathway, carbohydrates, amino acids, polyamines and compounds in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. To achieve this, a comprehensive approach was applied, involving targeted analyses and untargeted metabolomics screening with the help of gas chromatography/liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry setups. Several cold-related processes exhibited similar changes in these genotypes; indeed, the accumulation of eight putrescine and agmatine derivatives, 17 flavones and numerous oligosaccharides (max. degree of polymerization 18) was associated with the level of freezing tolerance in the ‘April Bearded’ lines. In summary, the mutant Rht alleles may further decrease the generally low frost tolerance of the Rht-B1a, and, based on the metabolomics study, the mechanisms of frost tolerance may differ for a typical winter variety and a facultative variety. Present results point to the complex nature of frost resistance.
2-Selenouridine, a Modified Nucleoside of Bacterial tRNAs, Its Reactivity in the Presence of Oxidizing and Reducing Reagents
Authors: Kulik Katarzyna , Sadowska Klaudia , Wielgus Ewelina , Pacholczyk-Sienicka Barbara , Sochacka Elzbieta , Nawrot Barbara
Published: July 2022

The 5-substituted 2-selenouridines are natural components of the bacterial tRNA epitranscriptome. Because selenium-containing biomolecules are redox-active entities, the oxidation susceptibility of 2-selenouridine (Se2U) was studied in the presence of hydrogen peroxide under various conditions and compared with previously reported data for 2-thiouridine (S2U). It was found that Se2U is more susceptible to oxidation and converted in the first step to the corresponding diselenide (Se2U)2, an unstable intermediate that decomposes to uridine and selenium. The reversibility of the oxidized state of Se2U was demonstrated by the efficient reduction of (Se2U)2 to Se2U in the presence of common reducing agents. Thus, the 2-selenouridine component of tRNA may have antioxidant potential in cells because of its ability to react with both cellular ROS components and reducing agents. Interestingly, in the course of the reactions studied, we found that (Se2U)2 reacts with Se2U to form new ‘oligomeric nucleosides′ as linear and cyclic byproducts.