bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Additives as a Boost to Reproductive Performance in Marine Fish: A Review
Authors: Hernandez de-Dios Marco A. , Tovar-Ramírez Dariel , Maldonado García Deneb , Galaviz-Espinoza Mario A. , Spanopoulos Zarco Milton , Maldonado-García Minerva C.
Published: September 2022

This contribution brings together current knowledge on the use of functional food additives affecting marine fish reproductive performance. This article reviews published studies by several authors who have worked with specialized diets and focused on the dietary needs of brood fish, with the objective of identifying the relevant functional additives with potential to improve reproductive performance. The use of commercial and experimental diets that may have an effect on egg viability, quantity, and quality are discussed, with reference to hatching rates, larval survival, and compositions of fatty acids and amino acids after feed supplementation with various nutritional compounds. The intention of this review is to highlight the benefits of the use of vitamins, carotenes, fatty acids, and proteins of animal origin in broodstock nutrition, all of which have been shown to improve the quality of progeny under captive conditions. Finally, consideration is given to future perspectives on the use of additives in marine fish nutrition.
Electrically Induced Hydrodynamic Effect in Nematics Caused by Volume Reduction
Authors: Sargsyan Maksim
Published: September 2022

A pressure gradient caused by the local field-induced reduction of the effective molecular volume results in a flow of the nematic liquid crystal (NLC). Here, the hydrodynamics of homeotropically aligned NLC molecules under the influence of this pressure gradient was studied theoretically. The equations describing the system were written and solved in the steady-state case using analytical methods, and the stationary velocity of the observed flow was found. We discussed the obtained results and compared them with existing experimental results.
Piperine Derived from Piper nigrum L. Inhibits LPS-Induced Inflammatory through the MAPK and NF-κB Signalling Pathways in RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Duan Zhouwei , Xie Hui , Yu Shasha , Wang Shiping , Yang Hong
Published: September 2022

Piperine, an important natural product, has a good anti-inflammatory effect. However, few researchers have studied its mechanism in these pathways. The objective of this research was to evaluate the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory responses of piperine in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The purification and characterization of piperine from Piper nigrum L. were determined by HPLC, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and 1H NMR. Then, the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by a reagent test kit, ELISA kits, RT-PCR and Western blot experiments. The results suggested that piperine (90.65 ± 0.46% purity) at a concentration of 10–20 mg/L attenuated the production of NO and ROS, downregulated the protein and mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and upregulated the protein and mRNA transcription levels of IL-10. Meanwhile, the Western blot results indicated that piperine could inhibit the phosphorylation levels of the ERK, JNK, p38 and p65 proteins. Our findings suggest that piperine is a potential anti-inflammatory substance, whose molecular mechanism may be to regulate the key factors of the NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways.
Impact of Electric Arcs and Pulsed Electric Fields on the Functional Properties of Beta-Lactoglobulin
Authors: Agoua Rock-Seth , Bazinet Laurent , Vorobiev Eugène , Grimi Nabil , Mikhaylin Sergey
Published: September 2022

Beta-lactoglobulin (β-lg) is a major whey protein with various techno-functional properties that can be improved by several treatments. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the impact of green high-voltage electrical treatments (HVETs)—namely, pulsed electric fields and electric arcs—on the functional properties of β-lg. Both emulsifying and foaming stability and capacity, as well as the hygroscopicity of non-treated and pretreated β-lg, were explored. The results demonstrated that the emulsifying capacity and stability of pretreated samples increased by 43% and 22% when compared to native β-lg, respectively. Likewise, the pretreated β-lg displayed better foaming stability compared to native β-lg. In addition, the HVETs significantly decreased the hygroscopicity of β-lg (by 48% on average), making it a good ingredient with reduced hygroscopicity for the food industry.
Enhancement Methods of Antioxidant Capacity in Rice Bran: A Review
Authors: Andriani Riza , Subroto Toto , Ishmayana Safri , Kurnia Dikdik
Published: September 2022

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a primary food that is widely consumed throughout the world, especially in Asian countries. The two main subspecies of rice are japonica and indica which are different in physical characteristics. In general, both indica and japonica rice consist of three types of grain colors, namely white, red, and black. Furthermore, rice and rice by-products contain secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tocopherols that have bioactivities such as antioxidants, antimicrobial, cancer chemopreventive, antidiabetic, and hypolipidemic agents. The existence of health benefits in rice bran, especially as antioxidants, gives rice bran the opportunity to be used as a functional food. Most of the bioactive compounds in plants are found in bound form with cell wall components such as cellulose and lignin. The process of releasing bonds between bioactive components and cell wall components in rice bran can increase the antioxidant capacity. Fermentation and treatment with enzymes were able to increase the total phenolic content, total flavonoids, tocotrienols, tocopherols, and γ-oryzanol in rice bran.
Residue Behavior of Methoxyfenozide and Pymetrozine in Chinese Cabbage and Their Health Risk Assessment
Authors: Wang Wenting , Cho Yu-Jin , Song Jong-Wook , Kim Yeong-Jin , Seo Jong-Su , Kim Jong-Hwan
Published: September 2022

Methoxyfenozide and pymetrozine are used for pest control in the cultivation of Chinese cabbage. This has raised concerns in recent years due to health risks. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the residual concentrations of pesticides in the target crop and associated health risks. The dynamics and influence of environmental factors on the dissipation of methoxyfenozide and pymetrozine residues in Chinese cabbage were investigated. Analyses were performed using a modified QuEchERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) and an optimized high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The observed half-lives of methoxyfenozide and pymetrozine in cabbage samples ranged between two sampling seasons: in May–June, half-lives of methoxyfenozide and pymetrozine were 1.20 days and 1.89 days, respectively; during October–November, half-lives of methoxyfenozide and pymetrozine were 11.8 and 2.80 days, respectively. Meanwhile, a negative Spearman correlation was found between the residual concentrations and temperature (p < 0.01). This indicates that higher temperatures resulted in higher dissipation rates for methoxyfenozide and pymetrozine, suggesting that these pesticides degraded faster at higher temperatures. Additionally, higher pesticide residues in Chinese cabbage during low-temperature seasons resulted in higher risk quotients (RQ) (RQ > 1) for both analyzed compounds, which suggests that the effect of temperature on pesticide degradation needs to be considered as an essential factor while setting up the maximum residue limits (MRL).
Application of the Hurdle Technology Concept to the Fresh Za’atar (Origanum syriacum) Preservation
Authors: Mudalal Samer , Kanan Doaa , Anabtawi Ola , Irshaid Alma , Sabbah Mohammed , Shtaya Munqez , Shraim Faisal , Mauriello Gianluigi
Published: September 2022

Oregano (Origanum syriacum) is popularly called za’atar in the Middle East region. It is widely used in the Mediterranean diet as an aromatic herb. This study aimed to evaluate the preservation effect of natural additives, vacuum packaging, and refrigeration on the quality traits of fresh oregano. In total, 132 fresh oregano samples were formulated and split into 4 groups (n = 33) labeled group A (100% fresh oregano leaves, Control), group B (fresh oregano 63.2%, 15% fresh onion, 20% oil, 1.8% salt), group C (fresh oregano 61.91%, 15% fresh Allium cepa, 20% oil, 1.8% salt, 1.29% sumac), and group D (fresh oregano 59.2%, 15% fresh Allium cepa, 20% corn oil, 1.8% salt, 4% lactic acid, ultimate pH 4.4). Different quality traits such as color index (L*a*b*), microbiological analysis (total aerobic, anaerobic, and psychrotrophic bacteria and yeasts and molds), and sensory features (taste, flavor, appearance, saltiness, and overall acceptance) were assessed during the storage period (42 days) for all groups. Our study showed that the addition of lactic acid (group D) exhibited a strong preservation effect against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. In this context, group D had significantly lower aerobic and anaerobic bacterial counts (5.12 vs. 6.7, 6, and 6.7 log (cfu/g); p < 0.05) and (4.75 vs. 6.6, 6.1, 6.77 (cfu/g); p < 0.05) than group A, B, and C; respectively. Group D exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) lower psychrotrophic bacterial count (3.6 log (cfu/g)) during the whole period of storage compared with control. Group B had a lower redness index (a*) (−3.3 vs. −1.8, −1.65, −1.23; p < 0.05) than groups A, C, and D; respectively. In conclusion, our study showed that there is a possibility of improving the preservation of oregano (Origanum syriacum) by using lactic acid and sumac combined with vacuum packaging under refrigeration conditions.
Influence of the Washing Process and the Time of Fruit Harvesting throughout the Day on Quality and Chemosensory Profile of Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oils
Authors: Segura-Borrego M. Pilar , Ríos-Reina Rocío , Puentes-Campos Antonio J. , Jiménez-Herrera Brígida , Callejón Raquel M.
Published: September 2022

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for organic extra virgin olive oils (OEVOOs) as quality products with greater added value. The aim of the present work was to determine whether the washing process and time of harvesting (morning or afternoon) plays an important role in the quality of Picual OEVOOs by studying quality parameters (degree of acidity, peroxide value, K232, K270, oxidative stability), and volatile and sensory profiles. Olive fruits were harvested at three maturity stages and within each phase at two times of the day (morning and afternoon). Then, samples were divided into two blocks (washed and unwashed). Volatile profile was obtained by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Regarding the physicochemical quality parameters, sensory and volatile profiles, there were no differences between the oils produced under the two treatments applied (washed/non-washed). However, the time of harvesting (morning or afternoon) did influence the volatile and sensory profile, with higher values in the oils obtained from fruits harvested in the morning, being statistically significant for the families of aldehydes, hydrocarbures and lactones. Besides, the olives harvested during the mornings gave rise to oils with higher values in the green and apple fruit attributes.
Microbiological Quality of Red Meat Offal Produced at Australian Export Establishments
Authors: Vanderlinde Paul , Horchner Peter , Huynh Long , Jenson Ian
Published: September 2022

A national baseline study of offal hygiene was undertaken at 17 Australian export establishments. A total of 1756 samples of different offal types were analysed for aerobic plate count (APC), generic Escherichia coli, and coliform bacteria. Average APC values varied from 1.51 to 5.26 Log10 CFU/g, depending on species and offal type. The average APC on beef, sheep, lamb, and goat offal was 3.25, 3.38, 3.70, and 2.97 Log10 CFU/g, respectively. There is a small but significant difference in APC on offal sampled frozen (3.26 Log10 CFU/g) and offal sampled fresh (3.73 Log10 CFU/g). Escherichia coli prevalence on beef, sheep, lamb, and goat offal was 15.4%, 28.1%, 17.5%, and 39.3%, respectively. The number of E. coli on positive offal samples ranged from 1.42 to 1.82 Log10 CFU/g. While the quality of some offal approach that of muscle meat, the hygienic quality of red meat offal can be understood by considering the anatomical site from which it is harvested, the usual bacterial levels found at that site, the difficulty in hygienically removing the offal from the carcase, the process prior to packing, and the chilling method used.
First Report on the Presence of Toxic Metals and Metalloids in East Asian Bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus rugulosus) Legs
Authors: Bacchi Emanuela , Cammilleri Gaetano , Tortorici Marina , Galluzzo Francesco Giuseppe , Pantano Licia , Calabrese Vittorio , Vella Antonio , Macaluso Andrea , Dico Gianluigi Maria Lo , Ferrantelli Vincenzo , Brunone Mariagrazia
Published: September 2022

We examined the presence of As, Cr, Cd, and Pb in 42 samples of farmed East Asian bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus rugulosus) from Vietnam and Thailand by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). An estimation of the dietary intake and exposure to the toxic elements analysed was also carried out. The results showed very high As levels, with mean values of 0.094 ± 0.085 mg/Kg w.w. and a maximum of 0.22 mg/Kg. No significant differences were found for As contents between areas of production (p > 0.05). No detectable Cd contents were found in all the samples examined. The Pb concentrations of the East Asian bullfrog legs samples were below the European Commission’s permitted levels. The Cr and Pb contents of the East Asian bullfrog produced in Vietnam were significantly higher than that produced in Thailand (p < 0.05). The target hazard quotient (THQ) ratio for Cr was not exceeded for all the samples analysed. In contrast, the benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL) and THQ ratios for As were exceeded, indicating carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for those who consume this type of food. The results of this work confirm the role of As-contaminated water absorption as an important source of arsenic for these adult organisms.
Vacuum Packaging Maintains Fresh Characteristics of Previously Frozen Beef Steaks during Simulated Retail Display
Authors: Wagoner Madison , Reyes Tristan , Zorn Virgina , Coursen Madison , Corbitt Katie , Wilborn Barney , Starkey Charles , Brandebourg Terry , Belk Aeriel , Bonner Tom , Sawyer Jason
Published: September 2022

The impact of frozen storage on beef steaks prior to the retail setting may result in changes to the quality and safety of the packaged meat. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to evaluate fresh characteristics on previously frozen steaks during a simulated retail display. Steaks were allocated to one of three packaging treatments (MB, MDF, MFS) and stored frozen (−13 °C) for 25 days in the absence of light. After thawing, steaks were stored in a lighted retail case at 3 °C and evaluated for instrumental surface color, pH, purge loss, lipid oxidation, and microbial spoilage organisms throughout the 25-day fresh display period. There was an increase (p < 0.05) for aerobic plate counts and lipid oxidation from day 20 through 25 on steaks packaged in MFS and MDF, respectively. Steaks packaged in MB were redder (p < 0.05) and more vivid (C*) as storage time increased. Whereas lipid oxidation was greater (p < 0.05) throughout the entire display for steaks packaged in MFS and MDF. It is evident that barrier properties of MB limiting oxygen exposure of the steak preserved fresh meat characteristics after frozen storage. Results from the current study suggest that vacuum packaging films can aid in retarding detrimental effects caused by frozen storage after placing the steaks in fresh retail conditions.
Existence of Solutions to a System of Riemann-Liouville Fractional Differential Equations with Coupled Riemann-Stieltjes Integrals Boundary Conditions
Authors: Ma Yuan , Ji Dehong
Published: September 2022

A general system of fractional differential equations with coupled fractional Stieltjes integrals and a Riemann–Liouville fractional integral in boundary conditions is studied in the context of pattern formation. We need to transform the fractional differential system into the corresponding integral operator to obtain the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the system. The contraction mapping principle in Banach space and the alternative theorem of Leray–Schauder are applied. Finally, we give two applications to illustrate our theoretical results.
Fractional Order Fuzzy Dispersion Entropy and Its Application in Bearing Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Li Yuxing , Tang Bingzhao , Geng Bo , Jiao Shangbin
Published: September 2022

Fuzzy dispersion entropy (FuzzDE) is a very recently proposed non-linear dynamical indicator, which combines the advantages of both dispersion entropy (DE) and fuzzy entropy (FuzzEn) to detect dynamic changes in a time series. However, FuzzDE only reflects the information of the original signal and is not very sensitive to dynamic changes. To address these drawbacks, we introduce fractional order calculation on the basis of FuzzDE, propose FuzzDEα, and use it as a feature for the signal analysis and fault diagnosis of bearings. In addition, we also introduce other fractional order entropies, including fractional order DE (DEα), fractional order permutation entropy (PEα) and fractional order fluctuation-based DE (FDEα), and propose a mixed features extraction diagnosis method. Both simulated as well as real-world experimental results demonstrate that the FuzzDEα at different fractional orders is more sensitive to changes in the dynamics of the time series, and the proposed mixed features bearing fault diagnosis method achieves 100% recognition rate at just triple features, among which, the mixed feature combinations with the highest recognition rates all have FuzzDEα, and FuzzDEα also appears most frequently.
The Grüss-Type and Some Other Related Inequalities via Fractional Integral with Respect to Multivariate Mittag-Leffler Function
Authors: Shao Yabin , Rahman Gauhar , Elmasry Yasser , Samraiz Muhammad , Kashuri Artion , Nonlaopon Kamsing
Published: September 2022

In the recent era of research, the field of integral inequalities has earned more recognition due to its wide applications in diverse domains. The researchers have widely studied the integral inequalities by utilizing different approaches. In this present article, we aim to develop a variety of certain new inequalities using the generalized fractional integral in the sense of multivariate Mittag-Leffler (M-L) functions, including Grüss-type and some other related inequalities. Also, we use the relationship between the Riemann-Liouville integral, the Prabhakar integral, and the generalized fractional integral to deduce specific findings. Moreover, we support our findings by presenting examples and corollaries.
Photo-Crosslinked Coumarin-Containing Bis-Urea Amphiphile Hydrogels
Authors: Liu Jie , Lou Xianwen , Schotman Maaike J. G. , Marín San Román Patricia P. , Sijbesma Rint P.
Published: September 2022

The design of photo-responsive supramolecular hydrogels based on coumarin dimerization and de-dimerization is described. The photo-responsive coumarin unit is chemically incorporated into an oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) bis-urea amphiphile that is capable of co-assembling with non-functionalized OEG amphiphile, to form supramolecular fibers. UV light with two different wavelengths (365 nm and 254 nm) is employed to induce a photo-reversible dimerization and de-dimerization process of coumarin units, respectively. The co-assembled solutions could be photo-crosslinked to induce a sol-to-gel transition through dimerization of coumarin with 365 nm UV light, and de-dimerization occurs with 254 nm UV light, to provide a weaker gel. In this system, the mechanical strength of supramolecular hydrogels can be tuned using the irradiation time, providing precise control of gelation in a supramolecular hydrogelator.
Wet Grinder-Treated Okara Improved Both Mechanical Properties and Intermolecular Forces of Soybean Protein Isolate Gels
Authors: Arai Yuya , Nishinari Katsuyoshi , Nagano Takao
Published: September 2022

The application of okara treated by a wet-type grinder (WG) is discussed in this paper. We examined the effect of WG-treated okara on the mechanical properties and intermolecular forces in soybean protein isolate (SPI) gels. SPI gels were prepared with varying amounts of WG-treated okara, and compression tests were performed. Protein solubility was also examined by homogenizing the gel in four different solutions (S1, 0.6 M sodium chloride (NaCl); S2, 0.6 M NaCl and 1.5 M urea; S3, 0.6 M NaCl and 8.0 M urea; and S4, 1.0 M sodium hydroxide). The gel with WG-treated okara had higher breaking stress but not breaking strain. In contrast, the protein solubility in S3 was lower than those of the gel without okara or with WG-untreated okara. A negative correlation (R2 = 0.86) was observed between breaking stress and protein solubility in S3. These results suggest that WG-treated okara enhanced the hydrophobic interactions of SPI gels because protein solubilization by S3 is caused by the differences in hydrophobic interactions.
Involuntary Separations: Catholic Wives, Imprisoned Husbands, and State Authority
Authors: Cogan Susan M.
Published: September 2022

In the 1580s and 1590s, the English state required that all subjects of the crown attend the Protestant state church. Those who refused (called recusants) faced imprisonment as part of the government’s attempt to bring them into religious conformity. Those imprisonments forced involuntary marital separation onto Catholic couples, the result of which was to disrupt traditional gender roles within Catholic households. Separated wives increasingly fulfilled the work their husbands performed in addition to their own responsibilities as the matriarch of a landed estate. Gentlewomen were practiced at estate business since they worked in partnership with their husbands, but a spouse’s imprisonment often meant that wives wrote more petitions and settled more legal and financial matters than they did when their husbands were at liberty. The state also imprisoned Catholic wives who undermined the religious conformity of their families and communities. Spousal imprisonment deprived couples of conjugal rights and spousal support and emphasized the state’s power to interfere in marital relationships in early modern England.
A Novel Strategy for Constructing an Integrated Linkage Map in an F1 Hybrid Population of Populus deltoides and Populus simonii
Authors: Li Zhiting , Zhang Jinpeng , Pan Zhiliang , Bai Shengjun , Tong Chunfa
Published: September 2022

The genetic linkage maps of the traditional F2 population in inbred lines were estimated from the frequency of recombination events in both parents, providing full genetic information for genetic and genomic studies. However, in outbred forest trees, it is almost impossible to generate the F2 population because of their high heterozygosity and long generation times. We proposed a novel strategy to construct an integrated genetic linkage map that contained both parental recombination information, with restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (RADSeq) data in an F1 hybrid population of Populus deltoides and Populus simonii. We selected a large number of specific RAD tags to construct the linkage map, each of which contained two SNPs, one heterozygous only in the female parent and the other heterozygous only in the male. Consequently, the integrated map contained a total of 1154 RAD tags and 19 linkage groups, with a total length of 5255.49 cM and an average genetic distance of 4.63 cM. Meanwhile, the two parent-specific linkage maps were also constructed with SNPs that were heterozygous in one parent and homozygous in the other. We found that the integrated linkage map was more consensus with the genomic sequences of P. simonii and P. deltoides. Additionally, the likelihood of the marker order in each linkage group of the integrated map was greater than that in both parental maps. The integrated linkage map was more accurate than the parent-specific linkage maps constructed in the same F1 hybrid population, providing a powerful genetic resource for identifying the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with dominant effects, assembling genomic sequences, and performing comparative genomics in related Populus species. More importantly, this novel strategy can be used in other outbred species to build an integrated linkage map.
Epigenetic and Epitranscriptomic Gene Regulation in Plasmodium falciparum and How We Can Use It against Malaria
Authors: Serrano-Durán Rafael , López-Farfán Diana , Gómez-Díaz Elena
Published: September 2022

Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites, is still one of the biggest global health challenges. P. falciparum is the deadliest species to humans. In this review, we discuss how this parasite develops and adapts to the complex and heterogenous environments of its two hosts thanks to varied chromatin-associated and epigenetic mechanisms. First, one small family of transcription factors, the ApiAP2 proteins, functions as master regulators of spatio-temporal patterns of gene expression through the parasite life cycle. In addition, chromatin plasticity determines variable parasite cell phenotypes that link to parasite growth, virulence and transmission, enabling parasite adaptation within host conditions. In recent years, epitranscriptomics is emerging as a new regulatory layer of gene expression. We present evidence of the variety of tRNA and mRNA modifications that are being characterized in Plasmodium spp., and the dynamic changes in their abundance during parasite development and cell fate. We end up outlining that new biological systems, like the mosquito model, to decipher the unknowns about epigenetic mechanisms in vivo; and novel methodologies, to study the function of RNA modifications; are needed to discover the Achilles heel of the parasite. With this new knowledge, future strategies manipulating the epigenetics and epitranscriptomic machinery of the parasite have the potential of providing new weapons against malaria.
Quantification of Coastal Change and Preliminary Sediment Budget Calculation Using SfM Photogrammetry and Archival Aerial Imagery
Authors: Carvalho Rafael C. , Reef Ruth
Published: September 2022

A preliminary sediment budget for the sandy shores flanking the entrance to Western Port, a large bay in Australia, was formulated using a comparison between two Digital Surface Models (DSMs) with a 30-year interval and auxiliary shoreline data. The 1977 DSM was generated from ten aerial photographs using Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry. Assessment of its accuracy obtained an RMSE of 0.48 m with most of the independent points overpredicting or underpredicting elevations by less than 0.5 m following manual point cloud cleaning. This technique created a 7.5 km2 surface with a Ground Sampling Distance of 34.3 cm between two coastal towns separated by a narrow channel. Comparison of the 1977 DSM to a second, light detection and ranging (LiDAR)-derived DSM from 2007 showed that a volume of ~200,000 m3 of sediment (above Mean Sea Level) was deposited at Newhaven Beach on Phillip Island, while, during the same period, ~40,000 m3 of sediment was lost from the mainland beaches of San Remo, on the eastern side of the channel. Shoreline positions extracted from aerial photographs taken in 1960 and a nautical chart published one century earlier indicate that the progradation experienced at Newhaven Beach has been possible due to provision of sediment via destabilisation of the vegetation covering the updrift Woolamai isthmus on the southeast coast of Phillip Island, whereas the retreat observed at San Remo Beach since 1960 can be attributed to the natural dynamics of the entrance, which appears to favour flood-dominance on the western side and ebb-dominance on the eastern side. While a more comprehensive balance of volumes entering and exiting the area would specifically benefit from volumetric assessments of the subaqueous part of the entrance, the general usefulness of quantifying coastal change using SfM and historical photographs is demonstrated.
Parental Control and College Students’ Adversarial Growth: A Discussion on Chinese One-Child Families
Authors: Nie Ting , Hu Gaoxi , Qiu Tengfeng
Published: September 2022

Parental control can affect a children’s attitudes and their ability to cope with adversity after they become adults. This study explored the influence mechanism of parental control on adversity growth and the moderating effect of a growth mindset through a questionnaire survey completed by 354 Chinese college students born in one-child families. Hierarchical regression and structural equation analysis results show that parental control negatively affects adversarial growth, and self-identity plays a mediating role between parental control and adversarial growth. A higher degree of parental control will reduce the individual’s self-identity, which is not conducive to the occurrence of adversarial growth. A growth mindset negatively moderates the indirect effect of parental control on adversarial growth through self-identity. Individuals with a strong growth mindset have reduced negative effects of parental control on self-identity and adversarial growth. Even in countries with collectivist cultures, parental controls also need to be implemented carefully, and controlling parenting styles may be detrimental to individual growth after adversity. At the same time, it is necessary to consciously cultivate children’s growth mindsets, so as to inhibit the negative impact of parental control on adversarial growth.
Safety and Quality in Maternal and Neonatal Care: Any Progress since Ignaz Semmelweis?
Authors: Vendittelli Françoise
Published: September 2022

James Lind (1716–1794) is considered the pioneer of medical technology assessments [...]
Privacy Protection in Using Artificial Intelligence for Healthcare: Chinese Regulation in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhang Jieyu , Lassi Nicholas , Zhang Xiaohan
Published: September 2022

Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are now widely employed in China’s medical and healthcare fields. Enormous amounts of personal data are collected from various sources and inserted into AI algorithms for medical purposes, producing challenges to patient’s privacy. This is a comparative study of Chinese, United States, and European Union operational rules for healthcare data that is collected and then used in AI functions, particularly focusing on legal differences and deficiencies. The conceptual boundaries of privacy and personal information, the influence of technological development on the informed consent model, and conflicts between freedom and security in rules of cross-border data flow were found to be key issues requiring consideration when regulating healthcare data used for AI purposes. Furthermore, the results indicate that the appropriate balance between privacy protections and technological development, between individual and group interests, and between corporate profits and the public interest should be identified and observed. In terms of specific rule-making, it was found that China should establish special regulations protecting healthcare information, provide clear definitions and classification schemas for different types of healthcare information, and enact stricter accountability mechanisms. Examining and contrasting operational rules for AI in health care promotes informed privacy governance and improved privacy legislation.
Healthcare Management and Health Economics
Authors: Flessa Steffen , De Allegri Manuela
Published: September 2022

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights stipulates that, “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world” (Preamble) [...]
Changes in Daily Life, Physical Activity, GAD, Depression, and Personal Hygiene of Adolescents in South Korea Due to the COVID-19
Authors: Kim Eun-Yeob , Oh Chilhwan , Sung Hwa-Jung , Kim Jaeyoung
Published: September 2022

This study used raw data obtained from the Adolescents’ Health Behavior Survey by government-affiliated agency open data. A total of 109,796 students were sampled. A comparative analysis was performed based on the year 2020 and when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, in which we analyzed changes in adolescents’ depression and panic anxiety perception and dietary habits, physical factors, physical activity, and handwashing habits. There was no weight control in the second year compared to the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and obesity also increased. The continuation of the non-contact situation caused by COVID-19 led to a worsening of subjective health awareness, and the experience of generalized anxiety disorder, depression, sadness and hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts and attempts increased. The frequency of washing hands with soap before meals and after using the toilet at school or at home was reduced. As a result of this analysis, we believe that there needs to be a system of support in place to address the academic gaps and deficiencies in learning caused by COVID-19, and that psychological and emotional support needs to be strengthened at this time, as well as the issues to be supported after the end of the non-contact situation.
Coping Strategies and Mental Disorders among the LGBT+ Community in Malaysia
Authors: Juhari Johan Ariff , Gill Jesjeet Singh , Francis Benedict
Published: September 2022

The LGBT+ community in Malaysia is vulnerable to mental disorders due to the pressures of being in a conservative heteronormative culture. This study aimed to study the association between coping strategies as well as the sociodemographic factors of LGBT+ individuals with mental disorders and quantify the occurrence of mental disorders among them. This study used a cross-sectional design. The self-rated Brief Coping Orientation to Problem Experienced Inventory (Brief COPE) and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) were used to this end. A total of 152 participants were recruited. Among the participants, 67.8% used mainly problem-focused coping strategies, 29.6% employed emotion-based coping, and 6.6% used avoidance coping. The prevalence of mental disorders in general and major depressive disorder was much higher than in the general Malaysian population (80.3% and 40.1%, respectively). The only sociodemographic factor that was significantly associated with mental disorders was bisexuality. Problem-focused coping is associated with fewer mental disorders, and emotion-based coping is associated with a higher prevalence of mental disorders. More studies need to be conducted to better understand and better manage the mental disorders of the Malaysian LGBT+ community.
Profile of Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases during the Pandemic in a Cardiology Clinic of a COVID-19 Support Hospital
Authors: Cârstea Andrei , Mită Adrian , Forțofoiu Mircea-Cătălin , Doica Irina Paula , Cârstea Doina , Diaconu Ileana-Diana , Abu Alhija Barău Anca , Martin Liviu , Filip Maria Monalisa , Golli Andreea Loredana , Forțofoiu Maria
Published: September 2022

Background: During the pandemic, our hospital became a COVID support hospital and consequently the cardiology clinic had restricted activity; thus, it received only suspect and/or patients confirmed positive with the various COVID-19 strains that were associated with a chronic/flaring cardiovascular pathology. Methods: Two batches of patients admitted during a one-year period were compared in the cardiology clinic over two different periods of time: BATCH I (1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020), in a non-COVID context (BATCH I N-COV) and BATCH II (1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021) comprising patients that presented with respiratory infection of SARS-CoV-2 (BATCH II COV-2), associated with chronic and/or acute cardiovascular condition. To determine the profile of the patients admitted in our clinic, we observed the following parameters: age, type of cardiac condition, and admission mode (for the N-COV group). Results: The data obtained as absolute numbers and as percentages in relation to the total number of admissions were presented in separate tables and graphs for both of the studied groups. Conclusions: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, in its almost two years of evolution, has divided the medical world in two main categories: COVID and non-COVID. Admission of the patients with chronic, but non-COVID cardiac conditions, in our case, dropped to almost one-quarter when we compared the two absolute admission numbers: 1382 in the year prior to pandemic compared with only 356 in the pandemic year. We believe that the number of deaths due to SARS-CoV-2 infection was infinitely higher than the reported ones and uncountable, in as much as COVID-19 did not kill only the infected patients, but it has also yielded a very large number of collateral victims among chronic patients who had no contact with the disease, but were unable to be admitted and treated for chronic heart disease.
Screening of Coronary Artery Origin by Echocardiography: Definition of Normal (and Abnormal) Take-Off by Standard Echocardiographic Views in a Healthy Pediatric Population
Authors: Cantinotti Massimiliano , Marchese Pietro , Franchi Eliana , Pizzuto Alessandra , Corana Giulia , Viacava Cecilia , Barnes Benjamin T. , Kutty Shelby , Assanta Nadia , McMahon Colin J. , Koestenberger Martin , Giordano Raffaele
Published: September 2022

Background: Echocardiographic screening of anomalous coronary artery origin is of increasing interest for children participating in sport activities. However, criteria to define normal coronary artery origins in children are poorly defined. Thus, the aim of the present investigation is to define the normal origin and angle of emergence of coronary arteries by echocardiography in healthy children. Materials and methods: The distances of the left main and right coronary artery (LMCA, RCA) origins from the aortic annulus were measured in the parasternal long-axis view (LAX). The angle of coronary artery emergence was measured in the parasternal short-axis view (SAX). Results: A total of 700 healthy subjects (mean age: 9.53 ± 5.95 years; range: 1 day–17.98 years) were prospectively enrolled. The distance of the RCA and LMCA from the aortic annulus correlated with body surface area, and nomograms (Z-scores) were generated. The RCA origin was below the sinotubular junction (STJ) in 605 patients (86.43%), at the STJ in 66 patients (9.43%), and above the STJ in 29 patients (4.14%). The LMCA origin was below the STJ in 671 patients (95.86%), at the STJ in 12 patients (1.71%), and above the STJ in 17 patients (2.43%). With respect to the RCA, an emergence angle < 18.5° in the SAX predicted a high take-off. with a sensitivity of 98.3% and a specificity of 93.1% (AUC 0.998). With respect to the LMCA, an emergence angle > 119.5° in the SAX predicted a high take-off, with a sensitivity of 70.6% and a specificity of 82.4% (AUC 0.799). Conclusion: This study establishes nomograms for LMCA and RCA origin in standard echocardiographic projections in healthy children.
Awareness and Use of Virtual Clinics following the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Rayes Saja , Alumran Arwa , Aljanoubi Haifa , Alkaltham Aram , Alghamdi Manar , Aljabri Duaa
Published: September 2022

Studies have shown that virtual clinics enjoyed high use and high patient satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, virtual clinics are expected to be the new normal mode of receiving care after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess public awareness and use of virtual clinics following the pandemic and identify factors associated with virtual clinic use. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed in which data were collected via a structured online questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) domains: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and social influence. Participants were selected based on the non-probability sampling of convenience. Univariate, bivariate, and binary logistic regression models were used for analysis. Results: A total of 405 responses were received; of those, 286 (70.6%) were aware of the existence of virtual clinics and 99 (34.6%) were post-pandemic users. Among users, 50% used virtual clinics more than two times, 72% used virtual clinics to seek care for themselves, with the vast majority using it via voice calls (83.8%), and for visits to the family medicine clinic (55%). Young adults, females, single adults, those with a higher level of education, the employed, and those with lower income were more likely to use virtual clinics (p < 0.05). The logistic regression model showed that 20% of the variation in virtual clinic use was explained by perceived usefulness and perceived use (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed high awareness of virtual clinics among the population following the COVID-19 pandemic, with one-third being active users. Age, gender, marital status, education, income, employment status, perceived usefulness, and ease of use are associated with virtual clinics’ awareness and use. Considering those factors is important when planning for sustained use of e-health and virtual care.
Selection and Identification of a Reference Gene for Normalizing Real-Time PCR in Mangos under Various Stimuli in Different Tissues
Authors: Yao Rundong , Huang Xiaolou , Cong Hanqing , Qiao Fei , Cheng Yunjiang , Chen Yeyuan
Published: September 2022

Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-Time PCR) is a rapid, highly sensitive, and highly specific technique, which is widely used to determine the relative expression of target genes in plants. It plays an indispensable role in searching for stable reference genes in different species. However, no suitable reference genes for real-time PCR normalization have been reported in mangos. In this study, 10 candidate reference genes were obtained from the ‘Carabao’ genome, and their expression stability under seven abiotic stresses (MeJA, Mannitol, NaCl, SA, ABA, heat, and cold) and in four different tissues (root, stem, leaf, and fruit) was rated using four professional reference gene scoring software packages (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder). The results indicated that the stability of the 10 selected genes varied significantly under different experimental conditions; moreover, TUBB is more stable than the other candidate reference genes and can be used as a suitable reference gene, since it was always ranked as one of the top three in different tissues and under multiple conditions, according to the comprehensive ranking. To ensure the applicability of the identified reference genes, the relative expression levels of Chalcone synthase 1 (CHS-1) and Chalcone synthase 2 (CHS-2) were used to confirm the accuracy of the results. The evaluation of the stability of multiple reference genes will facilitate the future accurate quantification of target genes by real-time PCR in mangos.
Study of Dengue Virus Transovarial Transmission in Aedes spp. in Ternate City Using Streptavidin-Biotin-Peroxidase Complex Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Kurnia Nia , Kaitana Yance , Salaki Christina Leta , Mandey Lucia Cecilia , Tuda Josef Sem Berth , Tallei Trina Ekawati
Published: September 2022

Aedes aegypti is the most dominant vector in the transmission of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). In addition to Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus is a secondary vector of the dengue virus, and both species are widespread in Indonesia. The dengue virus is transmitted from person to person through the bite of an Aedes spp. The vertical (transovarial) transmission of the dengue virus from infective female mosquitoes to their offspring is one of the means by which the dengue virus maintains its existence in nature. Transovarial dengue virus transmission in Aedes spp. mosquitoes contributes to the spread and maintenance of the dengue epidemic. This study employed a qualitative survey to detect dengue virus transovarial transmission in Ternate using the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ISBPC) immunohistochemical test. The ISBPC examination of samples collected from the four subdistricts in Ternate revealed a positive result for transovarial transmission of dengue virus. Four Aedes spp., including two Ae. aegypti females, one Ae. albopictus female, and one Ae. albopictus male, tested positive for transovarial transmission of dengue virus in the district of North Ternate. Four Aedes spp., including three Ae. aegypti females and one Ae. aegypti male, were found to be positive for the transovarial transmission of dengue virus in the Central Ternate district. Seven Aedes spp., including five Ae. aegypti females, one Ae. aegypti male, and one Ae. albopictus female, tested positive for transovarial transmission of the dengue virus in the district of South Ternate city. One Ae. aegypti male showed positive results for transovarial transmission of dengue virus in the Ternate Island District. In this study, the transovarial transmission of the dengue virus occurred in both Aedes spp. female and male mosquitoes. It was demonstrated that Aedes spp. carry the dengue virus in their ovaries and can pass it on to their offspring. As a result, the cycle of passing the dengue virus on to local mosquito populations in the city of Ternate is not going to end just yet.
The Association between Perpetuation of Intimate Partner Violence and Family Support on Couples with an Incarcerated Partner
Authors: Tadros Eman , Tate Selena D.
Published: September 2022

The ripple effect of incarceration is multifaceted. Studies show that imprisonment impacts the well-being of intimate and extended familial relationships, parental involvement, and financial support. Using data from the Multi-site Family Study on Incarceration, Parenting, and Partnering [MFS-IP], this study examined the effects of incarceration on families. The focus of this study is to examine the effect of family support on perpetrating physical violence. The findings revealed that the actor effect for men (p < 0.05) is statistically significant, meaning that men with less family support perpetuate higher levels of intimate partner violence (IPV). The partner effects for men to women (p < 0.05) is also statistically significant, meaning women with less family support coincide with men’s higher levels of IPV perpetration. Further, the effect of romantic attachment on perpetrating physical violence for men (p = 0.034) is statistically significant, meaning higher levels of romantic attachment towards the female partner coincides with their lower levels of perpetration of IPV. Clinical implications and future directions are provided.