bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research of polymorphism of microsatellite markers of Scots pine for the purposes of forensic DNA analysis
Authors: Parfionava Nastassia S. , Paliavoi Siarhei A. , Spivak Alena A. , Hrebianchuk Aliaksandra E. , Hoh Anna N. , Kotava Sviatlana A.
Published: June 2022

Microsatellites as highly polymorphic markers are a valuable tool in identification and population studies. In order to form approaches to forensic DNA identification in the investigation of illegal logging cases, 17 SSR markers of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) were tested using DNA from plants growing in the western and eastern parts of the Republic of Belarus. High information content was shown for six microsatellite markers. The potential possibility of using a complex of selected markers for the purpose of DNA identification of Scots pine wood samples in forensic examination has been established.
Potential of Trichoderma and AMF Mixture with Different Types of Fertiliser for Durio zibethinus Murray (Durian) and Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Jackfruit) Growth
Authors: NELSON JULIA , NOWEG GABRIEL TONGA , JUSOH ISMAIL
Published: June 2022

Over the years, the co-inoculation of Trichoderma and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) with different types of fertiliser in a field condition has been understudied. This study explores the potential of Trichoderma and AMF mixture (T-AMF) with different types of fertiliser for plant growth with the objectives to: (i) analyse the growth of Durio zibethinus and Artocarpus heterophyllus fertilised with different types of fertiliser and inoculated with T-AMF and (ii) determine the optimal combination of organic and chemical fertiliser with T-AMF. A randomized complete block design was applied using seven treatments namely, 50 g organic fertiliser (OF) + T-AMF, 100 g OF + T-AMF, 50 g chemical fertiliser (CF) + T-AMF, 100 g CF + T-AMF, 100 g OF,  100 g CF, and  control (without fertiliser and T-AMF). The growth analysis of D. zibethinus showed the highest mean height was at 100 g OF with T-AMF, stem diameter at 100 g CF with T-AMF, and the number of leaves at 50 g CF with T-AMF. For A. heterophyllus, the highest mean height and stem diameter was at 50 g OF with T-AMF and the number of leaves at 100 g OF with T-AMF. The optimal combination of fertiliser with T-AMF for D. zibethinus’ height was 100 g OF and number of leaves was 50 g CF.  The optimal combination of fertiliser with T-AMF for A. heterophyllus’ height and stem diameter was 50 g OF. The optimal combination for its number of leaves was 100 g OF with T-AMF. This concludes that the application of fertiliser with T-AMF reacted differently to plant species and their growth parameters. The co-inoculation of Trichoderma and AMF may present a cheaper and sustainable alternative, especially when the planting scale is huge.
Banana (Musa acuminata), Orange (Citrus reticulata), and Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Peels as Prebiotic
Authors: LEONG SUI SIEN , ABDUL RAHIM ERRA FAZIRA , SARBINI SHAHRUL RAZID , LATIF KAMIL , MALAHUBBAN MASNINDAH
Published: June 2022

Fruit waste is being studied as a non-conventional alternative source of nutritional and mineral content that might be employed as functional food ingredients. This study aims to identify the 1) proximate and mineral composition of banana, orange and watermelon waste powder subjected to different drying methods; 2) prebiotic potential of the fruit waste powder (FWP) in growth enhancement of the probiotic Lactobacillus casei. The fruit peels were processed by two methods: freeze-dried and oven-dried. All FWP was sterilised and milled into particle size <180μm. The proximate (total ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre), mineral (Ca, Zn, Na, K, Mg, Cu) profiling was analysed in triplicate according to standard. Prebiotic activities of FWP were determined through the growth of L. casei analysed. Significant differences (p<0.05) result was observed between the proximate and mineral parameters in all FWP. Watermelon FWP had the highest moisture, ash, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc content, while banana FWP contained the highest crude protein, crude fat, and magnesium content. Both banana and watermelon FWP were found to exhibit high crude fibre content. The orange WP was reported with the highest carbohydrate, calcium, and copper content. Although significant differences (p<0.05) in composition were noted, the oven and freeze-drying methods employed showed no pronounced effect. Calcium, copper content (all FWP), sodium and phosphorus (watermelon FWP), phosphorus (banana FWP) examined highly exceeded the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) limit. Banana FWP showed the highest L. casei net growth of log10 8.28±0.02– 8.36±0.01 CFU/mL and 91.61–98.66% of survival rate, thus showing its potential as prebiotic agents among other FWP. All types of FWP showed significant difference (p<0.05) in bacterial growth except for oven-dried orange FWP. Overall, the results revealed that all these fruit wastes could be exploited for the nutrient and value-added potential in food formulations due to their inexpensiveness, natural, safe, and environmental friendliness.
The Development of a Pectin-Based Food Ink from Locally Sourced Durian Rind Waste for Possible Use as a 3D Printable Food Material
Authors: MASHHOR NUR SYAFIQAH , MOHAMAD FUZI SITI FATIMAH ZAHARAH , ABDULLAH NORAZLIN , ASMAN SALIZA
Published: June 2022

Durian (Durio zibethinus) is a popular seasonal fruit in Southeast Asia. Pectin can be extracted from the rind. Pectin is an excellent source of fibre and is available in two forms: high and low methoxyl pectin. Both of these types of substances can be employed as gelling agents. As such, the purpose of this research is to partially characterise durian pectin in order to facilitate the development of a pectin-based edible ink formulation. Four formulations of pectin-based food ink were developed and evaluated using a rheometer to determine the viscoelastic properties, a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) to determine the chemical functional groups available, and thermogravimetric analysis to determine the thermal stability using durian rind waste pectin and commercial pectin. The results indicated that durian pectin contains a low amount of methoxyl (LM) at 2.48 ± 0.31%, which is appropriate for the development of food ink, whereas commercial pectin has a high methoxyl (HM) content of 28.72 ± 0.47%. With viscosities of 31759.20 Pa/s and 7482.62 Pa/s, formulations 3 and 4 of LM pectin exhibited the highest viscoelastic properties. The third and fourth formulations of HM pectin, as well as the third and fourth formulations of LM pectin, contain components that include the alcohol, carbonyl compound, and carbonyl group are found in both pectin granules. The LM pectin formulation 2 offers the highest thermal stability (32.00% residual weight) and the lowest weight loss percentage (57.15%). Due to its capacity to form gel, the LM result demonstrated potential for use in the formulation of edible ink. Additionally, it can be used as a polymeric crosslinker in conjunction with other materials.
The Effect of Job Placement, Work Quality and Work Discipline on Employee Work Performance of PT. Shin Heung Indonesia
Authors: Sari Kirani Arum , Setyaningrum Retno Purwani
Published: June 2022

The goal of this study is to examine the effect of placement, work quality and work discipline on the employee work performance of PT. Shin Heung Indonesia. This research utilized quantitative methods. Sampling was carried out using the saturated sample method by involving all the population as samples, thus the researchers obtained a sample of 50 people who were employees of PT. Shin Heung Indonesia. The analytical test tool used is SmartPLS v 3.2.6 with SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) analysis method. The results of this study indicate that the placement has a positive and significant effect on employee performance as indicated by the t-statistic value of 2.843, which is > 1.96 and the p-value of 0.005, which is < 0.05, work quality has a positive and significant effect on employee performance with a t-statistic value of 2,345, namely > 1.96 and a p-value of 0.019, which is < 0.05 and work discipline has a positive and significant effect on employee performance with a t-statistic value of 2.496, namely > 1.96 and a p-value of 0.013, which is < 0.05.
Keefektivan Metode Penyuluhan Keliling dan Metode Penyuluhan Individu Terhadap Perilaku Kepatuhan Protokol Kesehatan di Kelurahan Sekayu
Authors: Rahmawati Diah Lestari , Handayani Oktia Woro Kasmini , Indriyanti Dyah Rini
Published: June 2022

During the Covid-19 pandemic, efforts are needed to improve people's behavior, one of which is counseling. Several extension methods that can be used are the mobile method and the individual method. Counseling is intended to be able to change people's behavior for the better regarding the Covid-19 health protocol. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of individual counseling and mobile counseling methods on behavior change (practice) for compliance with health protocols. This research is experimental research with a pre-test and post-test group design.The population this research is residents of Sekayu Village, Semarang City as of August 2020. The sample used is 100 samples (50 mobile counseling methods, 50 individual counseling methods) with a purposive sampling technique. The data analysis used was univariate analysis, bivariate analysis, to determine differences in community behavior before and after treatment, the Wilcoxon test was used. To find out the difference in the effectiveness of the use of individual and mobile extension methods, the Mann Whitney test was used. The results showed that there were differences in people's behavior regarding the Covid-19 health protocol before and after being given counseling using the mobile counseling method and the individual method. The individual extension method is more effective than the mobile extension method. It’s advisable for health service providers to use individual methods in conducting health education or learning in the community.
Pengaruh Lama Penyimpanan Terhadap Nilai pH Dadih Fortifikasi Vitamin D3
Authors: Meilina Ayu , Nazarena Yunita , Hartati Yu
Published: June 2022

Research on 504 women aged 18-40 years found the average serum concentration of 25(OH)D was 48 nmol/L with the incidence of vitamin D deficiency as much as 63%. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with several metabolic diseases. This incident can be controlled with fortification of vitamin D which is usually given to dairy products and their processed products. Dadih is the result of spontaneously fermenting buffalo milk at a temperature of 28°-32°C for 24-48 hours in a bamboo tube. pH is an important factor that affects the survival of lactic acid bacteria found in fermented products. Decrease in pH along with an increase in total acid. The higher the total acid, the lower the pH of Dadih. This study aims to test the stability of the pH value of Dadih during storage at cold temperatures for 28 days. This study used an experimental study with five treatments repeated duplo. Measurement of the pH value of Dadih using the standard method used by PT. Saraswati Indo Genetech with No. Instructions SNI 01-2891-1992 point 16.  Analysis showed that the pH value of Dadih fortified vitamin D3 in cold storage remained stable for 28 days. In conclusion, there was no damage to Dadih fortified vitamin D3, so it was safe for consumption. Future research is expected to measure the effectiveness of fortified vitamin D3 in Dadih.
KARAKTERISTIK FISIK VIRGIN COCONUT OIL (VCO) HASIL FERMENTASI MENGGUNAKAN RAGI ROTI SELAMA < 24 JAM DENGAN KONSENTRASI NUTRISI YEAST 4% B/V
Authors: Negari Dynda Farisa Cahya , Lusiani Cucuk Evi
Published: June 2022

Indonesia merupakan negara dengan iklim tropis yang menjadi salah satu eksportir buah kelapa terbesar di dunia  setelah Filipina. Luas perkebunan kelapa Indonesia mencapai 3,86 juta hektar atau setara dengan 31,2% total dari  perkebunan kelapa di dunia. Pohon kelapa banyak tumbuh di daerah pantai dengan ketinggian pohon mencapai  hingga 30 meter. Pohon kelapa dapat dimanfaatkan mulai dari akar hingga daun. Salah satu bagian yang memiliki  banyak manfaat yaitu buah kelapa yang dapat diolah menjadi minyak kelapa murni atau biasa disebut Virgin  Coconut Oil (VCO) melalui proses fermentasi. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh waktu  fermentasi terhadap karakteristik fisik virgin coconut oil (VCO) hasil fermentasi menggunakan ragi roti selama < 24 jam dengan konsentrasi nutrisi yeast 4% (b/v). Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan variabel waktu fermentasi  selama 6, 12, dan 18 jam menggunakan starter dari ragi roti dengan komposisi 1 g ragi roti, 2 g gula, dan 50 mL air kelapa. Secara fisik, produk VCO waktu fermentasi selama 18 jam yang dihasilkan dalam penelitian ini sesuai dengan Standar Nasional Indonesia (SNI) 7381:2008 yaitu tidak berwarna dan jernih, beraroma khas kelapa segar,  dan terasa khas minyak kelapa. Nilai pH pada produk VCO hasil fermentasi selama 6, 12, dan 18 jam yaitu 4,3;  4,5; dan 4,8. Nilai %yield tertinggi pada produk VCO yang dihasilkan yaitu sebesar 13,09% (v/v) selama waktu  fermentasi 18 jam. Produk VCO yang dihasilkan pada penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa nilai %yield semakin  tinggi seiring bertambahnya waktu fermentasi.
The Relationship and Distinctions Between Editors and Reviewers
Authors: Oztora Serdar , Dagdeviren Hamdi Nezih
Published: June 2022

In today’s world, scientific publications play a more distinctive role than ever. Even people with no academic background, or even media, are following the medical journals and publications with a growing interest and as a source to keep up with the current knowledge and outcomes. Therefore, the integrity and accountability of scientific publications, especially in medical journals, have been of utmost interest for scientific publishers. This leads to a more vigorous and objective evaluation process for the journals. The main role seems to be on the Editors’ shoulders, however a peer review by independent reviewers is the key to an objective evaluation for a trustworthy scientific publication. This article is aiming to highlight some important key features of the editorial process and define an outline of the roles of the actors in this practice.
Keywords: peer review, editorial policies, publishing
The Effect of Perceived Social Support on Psychological Well-Being in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Kaynak Serap , Ergun Sibel , Karadas Ayse , Palas Karaca Pelin , Duran Songul
Published: June 2022

Aim: This study aims to determine the effect of perceived social support experienced by COVID-19 patients on their psychological well-being.

Methods: This study is a cross-sectional descriptive study. In the research, the data were collected through online platforms (such as Facebook and WhatsApp) via Google form between March-April 2021 to reduce the risk of transmission.

Results: This cross-sectional study was performed on 403 COVID-19 patients. There were statistically significant positive correlations between the mean Psychological Well-Being Scale total score and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support total score (r=0.772; p<0.001).

Conclusion: It is extremely important to increase social support resources to maintain psychological well-being during and after quarantine practice in patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19, patient, social, support, quarantine
Evaluation of Fatigue’s Effect and Severity in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Mistik Selcuk , Unalan Demet , Aslaner Humeyra , Tokgoz Bulent
Published: June 2022

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effect and severity of fatigue levels in hemodialysis patients.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 patients who applied to Hemodialysis units between 01 November-01 December 2019. Piper Fatigue Scale, Fatigue Impact Scale, and Fatigue Severity Scale were used as data collection tools. In statistical analysis, Student's t-test and variance analysis were used. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to evaluate the relationship between the variables.

Results: It is found that hemodialysis patients got the highest score on Piper Fatigue Scale from Piper Fatigue Scale - Affect (5.48±2.85) and patients felt moderately tired. Of the patients, 43.1% stated that ‘dialysis’ was the most important reason that contributes directly or causes their fatigue, and 23.1% stated that the best thing they found to reduce their fatigue was to sleep. Hemodialysis patients got the highest score on the Fatigue Impact Scale from the psychosocial (35.42±18.67) effect dimension. The mean score of the patients' Fatigue Impact Scale was 4.84±1.93. The Piper Fatigue Scale - Behavior, Piper Fatigue Scale - Affective, Piper Fatigue Scale - Sensory and Piper Fatigue Scale - Cognitive Dimension Scores, Fatigue Impact Scale - Cognitive, Fatigue Impact Scale - Physical and Fatigue Impact Scale - Psychosocial Dimension and Fatigue Impact Scale Total Scores and Fatigue Severity Scale Scores in Chronic Renal Failure patients with a chronic disease were significantly higher than in patients without chronic disease. The Fatigue Impact Scale - Cognitive, Fatigue Impact Scale - Physical, and Fatigue Impact Scale - Psychosocial dimensions, Fatigue Impact Scale total scores, and Fatigue Severity Scale scores in patients diagnosed with anemia were significantly higher than in those without anemia.

Conclusion: In our study, patients over 65 years of age and those with chronic diseases other than Chronic Renal Failure had higher levels and greater impact and severity of fatigue.

Keywords: dialysis, fatigue, severity, hemodialysis
Combined Medial Plate and Intramedullary Nailing for the Fixation of Extra-Articular Proximal Tibial Fractures: a Biomechanics Study
Authors: Lu Yao , Zhao Jiasong , Huang Qiang , Ren Cheng , Sun Liang , Wang Qian , Li Ming , Zhang Congming , Xue Hanzhong , Li Zhong , Zhang Kun , Xu Yibo , Ma Teng
Published: June 2022

Purpose: The extra-articular proximal tibial fractures continue to have high malunion rates despite development in intramedullary nailing (IMN) technology. Combined plate and IMN fixation can increase mechanical stability. The purpose of this study was to investigate combined plate and IMN for the treatment of extra-articular proximal tibial fracture using a biomechanical model.

Methods: A 10-mm defective osteotomy was created in the fourth-generation composite tibia to simulate extra-articular proximal tibial fractures (AO/OTA 41A2). The fractures were stabilized with IMN alone (IMN group), IMN with supplementary medial plate (M-IMN group), and IMN with supplementary lateral plate (L-IMN group). The biomechanical properties of each specimen were tested under axial compression loading, bending stress, and cyclic loading. The maximum displacement of the fragments and implant-bone construct failure was recorded.

Results: The maximum displacement of the M-IMN group was significantly less than either the L-IMN or IMN group in both axial compression loading and bending stress (p < 0.05 for both comparisons). All specimens in the three groups survived in 10,000 cyclic loading without hardware deformation. The maximum stiffness of failure was similar between the M-IMN and L-IMN groups, but the IMN group was statistically lower than either the L-IMN or the IMN group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The results indicated that combined medial plate and IMN fixation could effectively increase the mechanical stability of proximal tibial fractures.
Preparation and Application of Decellularized ECM-Based Biological Scaffolds for Articular Cartilage Repair: A Review
Authors: Zhang Qian , Hu Yixin , Long Xuan , Hu Lingling , Wu Yu , Wu Ji , Shi Xiaobing , Xie Runqi , Bi Yu , Yu Fangyuan , Li Pinxue , Yang Yu
Published: June 2022

Cartilage regeneration is dependent on cellular-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. Natural ECM plays a role in mechanical and chemical cell signaling and promotes stem cell recruitment, differentiation and tissue regeneration in the absence of biological additives, including growth factors and peptides. To date, traditional tissue engineering methods by using natural and synthetic materials have not been able to replicate the physiological structure (biochemical composition and biomechanical properties) of natural cartilage. Techniques facilitating the repair and/or regeneration of articular cartilage pose a significant challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Whereas, little progress has been made in this field. In recent years, with advances in medicine, biochemistry and materials science, to meet the regenerative requirements of the heterogeneous and layered structure of native articular cartilage (AC) tissue, a series of tissue engineering scaffolds based on ECM materials have been developed. These scaffolds mimic the versatility of the native ECM in function, composition and dynamic properties and some of which are designed to improve cartilage regeneration. This review systematically investigates the following: the characteristics of cartilage ECM, repair mechanisms, decellularization method, source of ECM, and various ECM-based cartilage repair methods. In addition, the future development of ECM-based biomaterials is hypothesized.
CRISPR/Cas12a Coupled With Recombinase Polymerase Amplification for Sensitive and Specific Detection of Aphelenchoides besseyi
Authors: Zhang Anpeng , Sun Bin , Zhang Jianming , Cheng Can , Zhou Jihua , Niu Fuan , Luo Zhongyong , Yu Luzhen , Yu Cui , Dai Yuting , Xie Kaizhen , Hu Qiyan , Qiu Yue , Cao Liming , Chu Huangwei
Published: June 2022

Aphelenchoides besseyi (A. besseyi), a seed-borne parasitic nematode, is the causal agent of rice white tip disease (RWTD), which may result in a drastic loss of rice yield. Seed treatments are currently considered to be the most effective means of preventing the spread of RWTD. Therefore, the rapid, highly specific, and accurate detection of A. besseyi from rice seeds is crucial for the surveillance, prevention, and control of RWTD. Here, we describe a novel detection assay that combines recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and CRISPR/Cas12a to detect A. besseyi (termed RPA-Cas12a-Ab), with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 1 copy/μl of plasmid or 1:107 diluted DNA extracted from individual nematodes. To improve the user-friendliness, lateral flow strip assay (LFA) was adopted to visualize the detection result. The LOD of the RPA-Cas12a-Ab LFA assay was 1,000 copies/μl plasmid or 1:10 diluted DNA extracted from individual nematodes. The assay developed in this study was able to identify A. besseyi in 45 min with high accuracy and sensitivity without cross reaction with three closely related non-A. besseyi species. Thus, RPA-Cas12a-Ab is a rapid, sensitive, and specific detection system that requires no sophisticated equipment and shows promise for on-site surveillance of A. besseyi.
Ferroptosis and its Role in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Gu Renjun , Xia Yawen , Li Pengfei , Zou Defang , Lu Keqin , Ren Lang , Zhang Hongru , Sun Zhiguang
Published: June 2022

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Currently, surgery is the treatment of choice for GC. However, the associated expenses and post-surgical pain impose a huge burden on these patients. Furthermore, disease recurrence is also very common in GC patients, thus necessitating the discovery and development of other potential treatment options. A growing body of knowledge about ferroptosis in different cancer types provides a new perspective in cancer therapeutics. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of cell death. It is characterized by intracellular lipid peroxide accumulation and redox imbalance. In this review, we summarized the current findings of ferroptosis regulation in GC. We also tackled on the action of different potential drugs and genes in inducing ferroptosis for treating GC and solving drug resistance. Furthermore, we also explored the relationship between ferroptosis and the tumor microenvironment in GC. Finally, we discussed areas for future studies on the role of ferroptosis in GC to accelerate the clinical utility of ferroptosis induction as a treatment strategy for GC.
The Art of Reprogramming for Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Kuang Junqi , Huang Tao , Pei Duanqing
Published: June 2022

Traditional pharmaceuticals in the forms of small chemical compounds or macromolecules such as proteins or RNAs have provided lifesaving solutions to many acute and chronic conditions to date. However, there are still many unmet medical needs, especially those of degenerative nature. The advent of cell-based therapy holds the promise to meet these challenges. In this review, we highlight a relatively new paradigm for generating or regenerating functional cells for replacement therapy against conditions such as type I diabetes, myocardial infarction, neurodegenerative diseases and liver fibrosis. We focus on the latest progresses in cellular reprogramming for generating diverse functional cell types. We will also discuss the mechanisms involved and conclude with likely general principles underlying reprogramming.
Optimal Conversion of Organic Wastes to Value-Added Products: Toward a Sustainable Integrated Biorefinery in Denmark
Authors: Gargalo Carina L. , Rapazzo Julien , Carvalho Ana , Gernaey Krist V.
Published: June 2022

It is crucial to leave behind the traditional linear economy approach. Shifting the paradigm and adopting a circular (bio)economy seems to be the strategy to decouple economic growth from continuous resource extraction. To this end, producing bio-based products that aim to replace a part, if not all, of the fossil-based chemicals and fuels is a promising step. This can be achieved by using multi-product integrated biorefineries that convert organic wastes into chemicals, fuels, and bioenergy to optimize the use and close the materials and energy loops. To further address the development and implementation of organic waste integrated biorefineries, we proposed the open-source organic waste to value-added products (O2V) model and multi-objective optimization tool. O2V aims to provide a quick and straightforward holistic assessment, leading to identifying optimal or near-optimal design, planning, and operational decisions. This model not only prioritizes economic benefits but also takes on board the other pillars of sustainability. The proposed tool is built on a comprehensive superstructure of processing alternatives that include all stages concerning the conversion of organic waste to value-added products. Furthermore, it has been framed and formulated in a “plug-and-play” format, where, when required, the user only needs to add new process data to the structured information database. This database integrates data on (i) new processes (e.g., different conversion technologies), (ii) feedstocks (e.g., composition), and (iii) products (e.g., prices), among others. Due to Denmark’s high availability of organic waste, implementing a second-generation integrated biorefinery in Denmark has been chosen as a realistic showcase. The application of O2V efficiently led to the identification of trade-offs between the different sustainability angles. Thus, it made it possible to determine early-stage decisions regarding product portfolio, optimal production process, and related planning and operational decisions. Henceforth, it has been demonstrated that applying O2V aids in shifting the fossil to bio-based production, thereby contributing to the switch toward a circular bioeconomy.
Photocatalytic Microbial Fuel Cells and Performance Applications: A Review
Authors: Tong Yao , Wei Julong , Mo Rick , Ma Hailing , Ai Fujin
Published: June 2022

In recent years, photocatalytic microbial fuel cells have gradually become a hot research topic in pollutant treatment, using either in situ or indirectly the oxidation of organic pollutants by catalytic materials under light and the biodegradation and mineralization of various components in wastewater by microorganisms, or through the generation of electricity by the microbial fuel cell (MFC) system to promote the photogeneration and separation of electrons and holes by the catalytic materials of the photocatalytic cell (PC) system. This study aims to provide new ideas for the development of environmentally friendly wastewater treatment technologies by investigating the use of photocatalytic cells for the efficient degradation and resource utilization of target pollutants. This study aims to raise awareness of the use of photocatalytic microbial fuel cells for pollutant degradation by providing an overview of the practical status of photocatalytic microbial fuel cells. This is achieved by reviewing the key cathode development, production capacity, and progress in the degradation of pollutants in photocatalytic microbial fuel cells. The issues facing future developments are also discussed in terms of how photocatalytic microbial fuel cells work and how they degrade pollutants. This study shows that photocatalytic microbial fuel cells are beneficial for achieving renewable energy (bioenergy, photovoltaic, etc.) capacity and dealing with environmental pollution and that this is a novel technology that deserves to be promoted to achieve the current dual carbon targets.
Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Potency of XF Drugs, Impact of Photodynamic Activation and Synergy With Antibiotics
Authors: Board-Davies Emma Louise , Rhys-Williams William , Hynes Daniel , Williams David , Farnell Damian Joseph John , Love William
Published: June 2022

With increasing incidence of antimicrobial resistance, there is an urgent need for novel and effective antibacterials. Destiny Pharma plc have developed a series of porphyrin-based XF drugs, some with dual mechanisms of antibacterial action. An innate mechanism acts through binding to the outer bacterial membrane and a separate, light-activated, photodynamic (PD) mechanism, acts via the generation of reactive oxygen species. This study aimed to assess the innate and PD associated antibacterial activity of XF drugs against planktonic bacteria, their biofilms and combinational effects with conventional antibiotics. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for 3 XF drugs against 114 bacterial isolates. MICs for XF-73 and XF-70 were determined (± PD). DPD-207 was designed to not exhibit PD action due to its structure. XF-drugs (± PD) were further assessed for synergy with conventional antibiotics (using a checkerboard assay) and antibiofilm activity against susceptible strains. XF drugs were innately active against all tested Gram-positive isolates. PD action significantly increased bacterial susceptibility to XF-73 and XF-70 for all Gram-positive isolates. Generally, the XF drugs exhibited higher MICs against Gram-negative isolates, however PD significantly enhanced potency, particularly for XF-70. XF-73 and XF-70 exhibited synergy with ertapenem against a methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain (± PD) and XF-73 with polymyxin B (± PD) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. No antagonism was seen between the XF drugs and any of the 5 antibiotics tested. The antibiofilm effect of XF drugs was also observed for all Staphylococcus isolates tested. Generally, PD did not enhance activity for other bacterial isolates tested with the exception of XF-73 against Acinetobacter baumannii biofilms. XF drugs exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, with PD enhancement of bacterial susceptibility. Additionally, XF drugs displayed synergy with conventional antibiotics and demonstrated antibiofilm effects.
Climate Change and Gender in Africa: A Review of Impact and Gender-Responsive Solutions
Authors: Awiti Alex O.
Published: June 2022

Climate change affects livelihoods and wellbeing. Women and men may experience the impacts of climate change differently. But climate change and its associated impacts affect women negatively. A review was done on peer-reviewed literature related to the impact of climate change on gender in Africa. While there is an abundance of credible scientific evidence on the impacts of climate change, there is a dearth of reliable disaggregated data and evidence on the impact of climate change on women. The review shows that climate change affects women more negatively compared to men in five impact areas: (i) agricultural production; (ii) food and nutrition security; (iii) health; (iv) water and energy; (v) climate-related disaster, migration, and conflict. The lack of gender-disaggregated data undermines efforts to design gender-responsive interventions to enable women to cope with and adapt to climate change impacts. While there is no consensus on what constitutes gender-responsive solutions to climate vulnerability and risk, the paper provides some priority action areas to stimulate debate and hopefully consensus for a starting point for deeper engagement of women's participation and motivating investments in creating frameworks for accountability for measurable gender-differentiated outcomes. Efforts to design and deploy gender-responsive solutions to climate change impact must take a holistic, asset-based approach, which meaningfully seeks to identify dominant causal mechanisms and develops context policy and institutional options to address interlocking asset or capital dis-endowments.
An Investigation Into the Sensitivity of Personal Information and Implications for Disclosure: A UK Perspective
Authors: Belen-Saglam Rahime , Nurse Jason R. C. , Hodges Duncan
Published: June 2022

The perceived sensitivity of information is a crucial factor in both security and privacy concerns and the behaviors of individuals. Furthermore, such perceptions motivate how people disclose and share information with others. We study this topic by using an online questionnaire where a representative sample of 491 British citizens rated the sensitivity of different data items in a variety of scenarios. The sensitivity evaluations revealed in this study are compared to prior results from the US, Brazil and Germany, allowing us to examine the impact of culture. In addition to discovering similarities across cultures, we also identify new factors overlooked in the current research, including concerns about reactions from others, personal safety or mental health and finally, consequences of disclosure on others. We also highlight a difference between the regulatory perspective and the citizen perspective on information sensitivity. We then operationalized this understanding within several example use-cases exploring disclosures in the healthcare and finance industry, two areas where security is paramount. We explored the disclosures being made through two different interaction means: directly to a human or chatbot mediated (given that an increasing amount of personal data is shared with these agents in industry). We also explored the effect of anonymity in these contexts. Participants showed a significant reluctance to disclose information they considered “irrelevant” or “out of context” information disregarding other factors such as interaction means or anonymity. We also observed that chatbots proved detrimental to eliciting sensitive disclosures in the healthcare domain; however, within the finance domain, there was less effect. This article's findings provide new insights for those developing online systems intended to elicit sensitive personal information from users.
Placental Abnormalities and Placenta-Related Complications Following In-Vitro Fertilization: Based on National Hospitalized Data in China
Authors: Kong Fei , Fu Yu , Shi Huifeng , Li Rong , Zhao Yangyu , Wang Yuanyuan , Qiao Jie
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Emerging evidence has shown that in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is associated with higher risks of certain placental abnormalities or complications, such as placental abruption, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. However, there is a lack of large population-based analysis focusing on placental abnormalities or complications following IVF treatment. This study aimed to estimate the absolute risk of placental abnormalities or complications during IVF-conceived pregnancy.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 16 535 852 singleton pregnancies with delivery outcomes in China between 2013 and 2018, based on the Hospital Quality Monitoring System databases. Main outcomes included placental abnormalities (placenta previa, placental abruption, placenta accrete, and abnormal morphology of placenta) and placenta-related complications (gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, preterm birth, fetal distress, and fetal growth restriction (FGR)). Poisson regression modeling with restricted cubic splines of exact maternal age was used to estimate the absolute risk in both the IVF and non-IVF groups.

Results

The IVF group (n = 183 059) was more likely than the non-IVF group (n = 16 352 793) to present placenta previa (aRR: 1.87 [1.83–1.91]), placental abruption (aRR: 1.16 [1.11–1.21]), placenta accrete (aRR: 2.00 [1.96–2.04]), abnormal morphology of placenta (aRR: 2.12 [2.07 to 2.16]), gestational hypertension (aRR: 1.55 [1.51–1.59]), preeclampsia (aRR: 1.54 [1.51–1.57]), preterm birth (aRR: 1.48 [1.46–1.51]), fetal distress (aRR: 1.39 [1.37–1.42]), and FGR (aRR: 1.36 [1.30–1.42]), but no significant difference in eclampsia (aRR: 0.91 [0.80–1.04]) was found. The absolute risk of each outcome with increasing maternal age in both the IVF and non-IVF group presented two patterns: an upward curve showing in placenta previa, placenta accreta, abnormal morphology of placenta, and gestational hypertension; and a J-shape curve showing in placental abruption, preeclampsia, eclampsia, preterm birth, fetal distress, and FGR.

Conclusion

IVF is an independent risk factor for placental abnormalities and placental-related complications, and the risk is associated with maternal age. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term placenta-related chronic diseases of IVF patients and their offspring.
The Contribution of Endmembers to Mixtures of Leaf Leachates and Riverine DOM can be Determined by Measuring Their Size and Fluorescence Properties
Authors: Cuss C. W. , Guéguen C.
Published: June 2022

The molecular mass distribution (MMD) and fluorescence properties of dissolved organic matter (DOM) are important characteristics for tracing and predicting its pathways, processes, and fate in aquatic systems. For the first time, asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) with coupled absorbance and fluorescence detectors was used to determine the contribution of endmembers to three mixtures of leaf leachate and riverine DOM in various proportions. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and fractogram deconvolution were used to decompose and distinguish the size distributions and fluorescence excitation-emission matrices (EEMs) of mixture constituents. It was determined that: 1) Both size and optical properties were conservative tracers in mixtures; 2) Fractogram deconvolution was extremely helpful for discriminating endmember size properties; 3) The contributions of endmembers to overall DOC concentration were accurately estimated using both the proportion of a humic-like PARAFAC component (0.93 < R2 < 1.00), and the ratios of deconvoluted peaks (0.88 < R2 < 0.98). The fluorescence at the peak maximum of the MMD was lacking in protein-/polyphenol-like and microbial humic-like fluorescence compared to the whole sample (−11 ± 9 and −10 ± 7%, respectively); however, the contribution of endmembers to the MMD (A254) were also effectively predicted using both the proportion of a microbial humic-like PARAFAC component (0.91 < R2 < 0.98) and the ratio of deconvoluted peaks (0.94 < R2 < 0.98).
Exploring the Role of Information Communication Technology and Renewable Energy in Environmental Quality of South-East Asian Emerging Economies
Authors: Zeeshan Muhammad , Han Jiabin , Rehman Alam , Ullah Irfan , Mubashir Muhammad
Published: June 2022

We have extended the literature on how information communication technology (ICT) and renewable energy relates to environmental quality in South-East Asia. Earlier literature has mostly focused on individual country cases, and regional investigations, especially in South-East Asian, are largely absent from the existing body of knowledge. The use of ICT and renewable energy are among the top priorities of each economy in this region. We pursued this study with the intention of identifying trends in the way these countries use ICT and renewable energy, and how these emerging factors contribute to their environmental performance. We analyzed the annual data of six countries from between 2000 and 2018, using Panel Quantile Regression, and Dynamic Fixed Effect estimation techniques to test both the hypothesized short-run and long-run relationship between ICT and renewable energy use and environmental quality. Our empirical results reveal the non-mitigating effect of ICT on CO2 emission, confirming that ICT use in this region does not improve environmental performance, but rather causes more environmental degradation. Renewable energy, on the other hand, results in a significant contribution to environmental quality in this region. Our results are consistent with multiple studies in the existing body of knowledge. The findings are very meaningful and useful for policymakers in these countries to help them to frame strategies for renewable energy and ICT use practices that favor the environment.
Research on Spatial-Temporal Variations of Cultivated Land in China Based on GlobeLand30
Authors: Cheng Hui , Wang Xiaowei , Chen Danling
Published: June 2022

The period from 2010 to 2020 is a period of rapid economic development in China, with the increasing population and the urbanization level reaching 63.89%. Cultivated land plays an extremely important role in China’s food security. In order to grasp the spatial and temporal distribution and change of cultivated land use in China in time, based on GlobeLand30 data in 2010 and 2020, this study studied the spatial and temporal change characteristics of total cultivated land resources, cultivated land development and utilization degree, dynamic change degree of cultivated land utilization rate, and cultivated land use center and direction by using GIS technology, reclamation index, cultivated land utilization rate dynamic change degree model, cultivated land center shift model and standard deviation ellipse model. The results show that: ①The cultivated land area in China has changed greatly during 2010–2020, with the largest increase in cultivated land area in Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang, while the largest decrease in cultivated land area in Shandong, Jiangsu, Hebei, Guangdong, Henan and Zhejiang; ②The areas with the highest degree of cultivated land development and utilization are mainly concentrated in Shandong, Jiangsu, Henan, Anhui and other provinces in the east, while Qinghai, Tibet and Xinjiang have the lowest degree of cultivated land development and utilization; ③The regions with the highest dynamic change degree index of cultivated land utilization rate are mainly concentrated in Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Tibet and Qinghai, while the dynamic change degree index of cultivated land utilization rate in Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang and Guangdong shows obvious negative changes; ④The spatial and temporal migration of the center of gravity of cultivated land use in China shows the trend of “moving westward to northward”, and the spatial distribution direction of cultivated land use roughly presents the overall characteristics of northeast-southwest direction. This study can effectively reveal the temporal and spatial variation characteristics of cultivated land use at provincial level in China based on GlobeLand30, and provide a scientific reference for further rational development, utilization and protection of cultivated land resources in China.
The Impact of Global Value Chain Embedding on Carbon Emissions Embodied in China’s Exports
Authors: Chen Hanxue , Zhang Caixia , Yin Kedong
Published: June 2022

The impact of global value chain (GVC) division of labor on carbon emissions embodied in exports has attracted extensive attention from scholars, but existing studies have not distinguished the heterogeneous impact of different GVC embedding patterns on the carbon emissions embodied in exports. This study examines the effects of two GVC embedding patterns (forward embedding and backward embedding) on carbon emissions embodied in exports using data from 46 sectors in China from 2000 to 2014. The results show that both the backward and forward embedding patterns are characterized by increasing forward participation which increases carbon emissions embodied in Chinese exports. By contrast, the forward embedding pattern is characterized by increasing the length of the forward production chain and increasing the global value chain location index to help reduce the carbon emissions embodied in exports. There is significant heterogeneity in the effect of forward and backward embedding patterns on the carbon emissions embodied in exports. Increasing the length of forward production chains can effectively reduce the carbon emissions embodied in exports in labor-intensive and technology-intensive sectors but has no significant effect on capital-intensive sectors. Therefore, the Chinese government should start to reduce the carbon emissions embodied in China’s exports by changing the GVC embedding pattern, improving the position of GVC embedding, and vigorously developing energy-saving and emission reduction technologies and clean industries, to help China achieve its CO2 reduction target in 2030.
Toward a Beech-Dominated Alternative Stable State in Dinaric Mixed Montane Forests: A Long-Term Study of the Pecka Old-Growth Forest
Authors: Diaci Jurij , Adamic Tomaz , Fidej Gal , Rozenbergar Dusan
Published: June 2022

In the last century, a synchronous beech expansion has been observed for many mixed mountain forests in southeastern Europe. This change is associated with the interaction of various disturbances. We analyzed structural changes in the Pecka old-growth forest in Slovenia during the last century, using several inventories of the tree layer, regeneration, and site factors. Throughout the observation period, the density of silver fir in the regeneration layer and in the overstory steadily decreased. In 1893, silver fir accounted for about 60% of the growing stock, whereas in 2013 it accounted for less than 13%. This is likely because of silver fir’s decline in the canopy layer due to air pollution, successive windthrows, and overbrowsing. However, climate change may also have played an important role, as silver fir also declined in southeastern European old-growth forests where air pollution was less pronounced and ungulate densities were low. A gradual decline of silver fir in the overstory resulted in a decrease of overall tree density to 231 trees ha–1, while growing stock remained relatively high at 712 m3 ha–1. Median diffuse light at 1.3 m was 3.7% and regeneration density was 19,954 ha–1. Beech was dominant (94%), followed by silver fir (4%), and sycamore maple (2%). No silver fir seedlings larger than 0.2 m were recorded. Silver fir, sycamore maple, and beech regeneration showed 87, 76, and 45% browsing damage, respectively. Regression models indicated some evidence of niche partitioning between silver fir and beech. However, many processes may be masked by the silver fir’s avoidance strategy. Given current red deer densities, climate change, and existing forest structure, the Pecka old-growth forest will likely reach an alternative stable state dominated by beech in a few decades. This calls for immediate reduction of ungulate populations. Despite the interaction of multiple disturbances, the Pecka old-growth forest has maintained a relatively high overall growing stock, a favorable microclimate, and succession pathway with shade-tolerant beech. This indicates the intrinsic resilience of natural forests. The mechanisms discussed here can be applied to the future governance of old-growth and managed montane mixed forests.