bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silicon–Germanium: The Legacy Lives On
Authors: Cook Bruce
Published: April 2022

Alloy systems comprised of silicon with germanium, lead with tellurium, and bismuth with antimony have constituted a majority of thermoelectric applications during the last half-century. These legacy materials are primarily covalently bonded with a maximum ZT near one. Silicon–germanium alloys have provided the thermal to electrical conversion for many of NASA’s radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) configurations and for nearly all of its deep space and outer planetary flights, such as Pioneer I and II, Voyager I and 11, Ulysses, Galileo, and Cassini. The remarkable success of these materials and their respective devices is evidenced by the fact that there has never been a failure of the RTG systems even after over 1 billion cumulative mission-hours. The history of this alloy system as a thermoelectric conversion material spans over six decades and research to further improve its performance continues to this day. Si-Ge alloys have long been a mainstay of thermoelectric research because of a fortuitous combination of a sufficiently high melting temperature, reasonable energy band gap, high solubility for both n- and p-type dopants, and the fact that this alloy system exhibits complete miscibility in the solid state, which enable tuning of both electrical and thermal properties. This article reviews the history of silicon–germanium as a thermoelectric material and its use in NASA’s RTG programs. Since the device technology is also a critical operational consideration, a brief review of some of the unique challenges imposed by the use in an RTG is also discussed.
Shapelets to Classify Energy Demand Time Series
Authors: Pinheiro Marco G. , Madeira Sara C. , Francisco Alexandre P.
Published: April 2022

Data are an important asset that the electric power industry have available today to support management decisions, excel in operational efficiency, and be more competitive. The advent of smart grids has increased power grid sensorization and so, too, the data availability. However, the inability to recognize the value of data beyond the siloed application in which data are collected is seen as a barrier. Power load time series are one of the most important types of data collected by utilities, because of the inherent information in them (e.g., power load time series comprehend human behavior, economic momentum, and other trends). The area of time series analysis in the energy domain is attracting considerable interest because of growing available data as more sensorization is deployed in power grids. This study considers the shapelet technique to create interpretable classifiers for four use cases. The study systematically applied the shapelet technique to data from different hierarchical power levels (national, primary power substations, and secondary power substations). The study has experimentally shown shapelets as a technique that embraces the interpretability and accuracy of the learning models, the ability to extract interpretable patterns and knowledge, and the ability to recognize and monetize the value of the data, important subjects to reinforce the importance of data-driven services within the energy sector.
Vegetation in Arid Areas of the Loess Plateau Showed More Sensitivity of Water-Use Efficiency to Seasonal Drought
Authors: Pei Tingting , Hou Qingqing , Chen Ying , Ji Zhenxia , Wu Huawu , Xie Baopeng , Qi Peixin , Zhang Jiaxin
Published: April 2022

Studying the impact of regional or seasonal drought on vegetation water-use efficiency (WUE) can identify an effective theoretical basis by which vegetation can cope with future climate change. Based on remote sensing data and climate grid data, in this study, we calculated the ecosystem WUE and standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), analyzed the temporal and spatial divergence of seasonal drought and WUE, and explored the relationship between WUE and seasonal drought in the Loess Plateau. The results indicate that from 2001 to 2019, the humidity in spring and summer on the Loess Plateau shows an increasing trend, and the aridity in fall also shows an increasing trend. Averaged over four seasons, WUE presents distribution characteristics of “high in the southeast and low in the northwest”, with the highest WUE in summer. However, the geological distribution of the sensitivity of WUE to seasonal drought was significantly different. Spring drought increased WUE, whereas summer drought led to a decrease in WUE. When fall drought was less severe, the WUE increased; WUE response to winter SPEI was negative, but the sensitivity did not change with variation of drought degree. The sensitivity of WUE to the magnitude of seasonal drought was affected by regional dry and wet conditions. A clear seasonal divergence was found in four climate regions, along with increased drought intensity, and the sensitivity of WUE to drought magnitude in arid areas was generally higher than that in semi-arid, semi-humid areas, or humid areas. With this study, we deeply explored how ecosystems deal with the water supply strategy of seasonal drought, which is of great significance in the understanding of the coupling relationship between the carbon–water cycle and climate change.
Halophytes as Feedstock for Biogas Production: Composition Analysis and Biomethane Potential of Salicornia spp. Plant Material from Hydroponic and Seawater Irrigation Systems
Authors: Cayenne Aadila , Turcios Ariel E. , Thomsen Mette Hedegaard , Rocha Rui Miranda , Papenbrock Jutta , Uellendahl Hinrich
Published: April 2022

The halophyte plant species Salicornia europaea and Salicornia ramosissima were investigated for their potential to serve as a substrate for biogas production. Salicornia europaea was cultivated in hydroponic systems under varying salt concentrations (0, 10, 20, and 30 g/L NaCl), while S. ramosissima was grown in greenhouse farming with aquaculture effluent irrigation. The biomethane potential of the two halophyte feedstocks was determined through batch experiments, and correlations to the plant biochemical composition were investigated. Ash and mineral content of S. europaea was correlated to the increasing salt concentration used for plant cultivation in hydroponic systems. No indication of inhibition of the anaerobic digestion process was detected for sodium concentrations of up to 2400 mg/L in the anaerobic batch-test assays. The highest biomethane yield of S. europaea of 250 mL CH4/gVS was obtained when grown under 20 g/L NaCl and up to 300 mL CH4/gVS for S. ramosissima. By concentrating the dry matter content, the biomethane yield per ton of feedstock could be increased from 24 m3 CH4/t of the fresh halophyte plant to 74 m3 CH4/t by fractionation into a pulp fraction and to 149 m3 CH4/t by drying of the plant at room temperature for 1 week.
Application of iTRAQ Technology to Identify Differentially Expressed Proteins of Sauce Lamb Tripe with Different Secondary Pasteurization Treatments
Authors: An Ning , Hou Ran , Liu Yangming , Han Ping , Zhao Wei , Wu Wenxia , Lu Shiling , Ji Hua , Dong Juan
Published: April 2022

Vacuum-packed sauce lamb tripe was subjected to secondary pasteurization by high-pressure processing (HPP) and heat treatment (HT), and iTRAQ technology was applied to investigate the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). The analysis revealed 484 and 398 DEPs in the HPP and HT samples, respectively, compared with no treatment. These DEPs were sorted by texture results, and it was revealed that these DEPs acted in different biological processes with many structural proteins and protein subunits related to lamb tripe texture. The results verified by Western blot were consistent with the protein expression changes observed by proteomics. The bioinformatics analysis showed that the hardness and gumminess of the sauce lamb tripe after HT might be related to changes in the expression of CNN1 and FN1. The changes in the expression of TMP, FN1, YWHAG, TTN, collagen isoforms, and ARPC3 might be related to the improved springiness and chewiness of lamb tripe after HPP.
The Impact of Alternative Foods on Consumers’ Continuance Intention from an Innovation Perspective
Authors: Yang Chun , Chen Xuqi , Sun Jie , Gu Chao
Published: April 2022

This paper aims to model consumers’ perceptions and preferences toward alternative foods. We conducted a survey of 519 people and analyzed their responses using a structural equation model. The article discusses the role of food innovation quality (FIQ), a concept developed from innovative design, which shows how consumers perceive the quality of products in an innovative context. Further, the paper discusses the relationship between this concept and promoting consumer acceptance of alternative foods. Studies suggest that higher FIQ may lead to increased consumer satisfaction with alternative foods, which may in turn lead to higher levels of trust and continuation. Moreover, expectations play a significant role in FIQ and in the perceived value of alternative foods in the model. This illustrates that the promotion of alternative foods in an innovative manner should include establishing a practical mechanism for meeting consumer expectations. Given the continued growth in global food demand, it is both effective and beneficial to promote alternative foods through innovative design as part of a broader food industry approach. On the one hand, alternative foods produced in an innovative manner serve to energize the consumer market by expanding dietary choices. On the other hand, alternative foods, which include new forms of meat products, contribute to the alleviation of the problem of meat production capacity in agriculture. In addition, the alternative foods process eliminates the emission of large amounts of carbon dioxide by traditional agriculture, increasing the sustainability of food production.
Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Temporal Dominance of Sensations (TDS) in the Evaluation of DOC Douro Red Wine’s Sensory Profile
Authors: Correia Elisete , Amorim Eduardo , Vilela Alice
Published: April 2022

In the Portuguese Douro region, several DOC (Denomination of Controlled Origin) Douro red wines are produced and, due to the peculiar characteristics of the three Douro sub-regions, present particular imprinted terroirs, that can be perceived when tasted. Considering the DOC Douro wine’s sensory profile and terroir, this study aimed to analyze the sensory characteristics of red wines produced in the three Douro sub-regions (Baixo Corgo, Cima Corgo, and Douro Superior) by a single point sensory technique, a Quantitative Descriptive Analysis—QDA® and also applying a temporal method-TDS (Temporal Dominance of Sensations). The use of QDA and TDS methods proved to be efficient in the wine’s sensory profile characterizing. The QDA® method allowed a detailed classification of attributes; however, the TDS method proved to be much more efficient. Moreover, the wines of the three sub-regions presented profiles with characteristics very similar in olfactory and taste/flavor aspects, pointing out a huge relation between the characteristics of the three sub-regions and the grape varieties present in the wines. Globally, the olfactory profile of wines is characterized by Fruity, Floral, and Balsamic aromatic notes, while the taste/flavor profile stands out, highlighting Astringency and Acidity and, again, Fruity as the main in-mouth aroma. It was also possible to conclude that TDS is a fast method that is easy to apply and has excellent results in the evaluation of the olfactory and taste/flavor profile of wines and, with a larger set of samples, it would be possible to obtain characteristic TDS curves for each Douro sub-region, providing a wine’s fingerprint that could be used for authentication and traceability purposes.
Variation in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Rubus Fruits at Different Developmental Stages
Authors: Huang Xin , Wu Yaqiong , Zhang Shanshan , Yang Hao , Wu Wenlong , Lyu Lianfei , Li Weilin
Published: April 2022

Blackberry and raspberry have high nutritional, health value, and are popular with consumers for their unique flavors. To explore the relationships between nutrient accumulation, antioxidant substance contents in blackberry and raspberry fruits, and fruit growth and development, seven Rubus cultivars were selected, and contents of the main active substance were determined. “Clode Summit” had the highest soluble sugar and fructose contents, “Chester”—the highest total phenol content, and “Bristol’—the highest anthocyanin content. Generally, the contents of flavonoids and total phenols showed a downward trend with the development of fruit in seven Rubus cultivars, and the content of anthocyanins increased rapidly in the later stage of development. Pearson correlation analysis showed extremely significant correlation between antioxidant activity and the contents of vitamin E, total phenols, and flavonoids. Flavonoids were extremely significantly positively correlated with the content of total phenols, and the contents of flavonoids and anthocyanins in various cultivars were highly negatively correlated. Considering the different nutritional ingredients and active antioxidant substance contents, “Clode Summit”, “Bristol”, and “Chester” are recommended for raw consumption, processing, and medicinal purposes, respectively. These results provide a reference for comparing the main active substance contents in different Rubus cultivars and their changes across fruit development stages.
Novel Application of NIR Spectroscopy for Non-Destructive Determination of ‘Maraština’ Wine Parameters
Authors: Kljusurić Jasenka Gajdoš , Boban Ana , Mucalo Ana , Budić-Leto Irena
Published: April 2022

This study investigates the colour and standard chemical composition of must and wines produced from the grapes from Vitis vinifera L., ‘Maraština’, harvested from 10 vineyards located in two different viticultural subregions of the Adriatic region of Croatia: Northern Dalmatia and Central and Southern Dalmatia. The aim was to explore the use of NIR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics to determine the characteristics of Maraština wines and to develop calibration models relating NIR spectra and physicochemical/colour data. Differences in the colour parameters (L*, a*, hue) of wines related to the subregions were confirmed. Colour difference (ΔE) of must vs. wine significantly differed for the samples from the Maraština grapes grown in both subregions. Principal component regression was used to construct the calibration models based on NIR spectra and standard physicochemical and colour data showing high prediction ability of the 13 studied parameters of must and/or wine (average R2 of 0.98 and RPD value of 6.8). Principal component analysis revealed qualitative differences of must and wines produced from the same grape variety but grown in different subregions.
Hot Air-Assisted Radio Frequency (HARF) Drying on Wild Bitter Gourd Extract
Authors: Huang Chang-Yi , Cheng Yu-Huang , Chen Su-Der
Published: April 2022

Wild bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L. var. abbreviata S.) is a kind of Chinese herbal medicine and is also a vegetable and fruit that people eat daily. Wild bitter gourd has many bioactive components, such as saponin, polysaccharide, and protein, and the extract is used to adjust blood sugar in patients with diabetes. The objective of this study was to investigate simultaneous hot air-assisted radio frequency (HARF) drying and pasteurization for bitter gourd extract, and then to evaluate its effects on blood sugar of type II diabetic mice. The results showed that the solid–liquid ratio of the wild bitter gourd powder to water was 1:10 and it was extracted using focused ultrasonic extraction (FUE) for only 10 min with 70 °C water. Then, 1 kg of concentrated bitter gourd extract was mixed with soybean fiber powder at a ratio of 2:1.1. It was dried by HARF, and the temperature of the sample could reach above 80 °C in only 12 min to simultaneously reduce moisture content (wet basis) from 58% to 15% and achieve a pasteurization effect to significantly reduce the total bacterial and mold counts. Type II diabetic mice induced by nicotinamide and streptozocin (STZ) for two weeks and then were fed four-week feeds containing 5% RF-dried wild gourd extract did not raise fasting blood glucose. Therefore, the dried powder of wild bitter gourd extracts by HARF drying had a hypoglycemic effect.
Textural Properties of Chinese Water Chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis) during Steam Heating Treatment
Authors: Lu Yu , Zhao Siming , Jia Caihua , Xu Yan , Zhang Binjia , Niu Meng
Published: April 2022

Chinese water chestnut (CWC) has become one of the most popular foods in China. The textural properties of food contribute considerably to consumer preferences. Fresh fruits and vegetables are normally softened after thermal treatment. However, CWC retains most of its crispness and hardness after steaming. To explore the relationship between thermal processes and sensory changes, a method for measuring the texture of CWC is warranted. This study aimed to examine the textural properties of CWC subjected to varying degrees of thermal treatments using instrumental and sensory methods. Instrumental tests included the shear force test and puncture test, while trained panelists assessed the sensory attributes. Two sensory attributes were selected for evaluation: crispness and hardness. The results indicated that with the extension of thermal treatment time, the crispness and hardness of CWC decreased slightly, while cells and starch grains were damaged. Sensory results showed a significant correlation with shear force index (slope of rising curve) (p < 0.05) and puncture index (slope of rising curve, slope of descending curve and compression work) (p < 0.05). Thereafter, the instrumental tests parameters could be used to establish regression models for predicting crispness and hardness and controlling the quality of CWC products.
Properties of Cellulose Pulp and Polyurethane Composite Films Fabricated with Curcumin by Using NMMO Ionic Liquid
Authors: Jo Chaehyun , Kim Sam Soo , Rukmanikrishnan Balasubramanian , Ramalingam Srinivasan , D. S. Prabakaran , Lee Jaewoong
Published: April 2022

Cellulose pulp (CP), polyurethane (PU), and curcumin-based biocompatible composite films were prepared using a simple cost-effective method. Significant structural and microstructural changes were studied using FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD, and SEM. The 5% and 10% gravimetric losses of the CP/PU/curcumin composite were found to be in the range 87.2–182.3 °C and 166.7–249.8 °C, respectively. All the composites exhibited single Tg values in the range 147.4–154.2 °C. The tensile strength of CP was measured to be 93.2 MPa, which dropped to 14.1 MPa for the 1:0.5 CP/PU composite and then steadily increased to 30.5 MPa with further addition of PU. The elongation at the break of the composites decreased from 8.1 to 3.7% with the addition of PU. The addition of PU also improved the water vapor permeability (3.96 × 10−9 to 1.75 × 10−9 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1) and swelling ratio (285 to 202%) of the CP composite films. The CP/PU/curcumin composite exhibited good antioxidant activity and no cytotoxicity when tested on the HaCat cell line. The visual appearance and UV transmittance (86.2–32.9% at 600 nm) of the CP composite films were significantly altered by the incorporation of PU and curcumin. This study demonstrates that CP/PU/curcumin composites can be used for various packaging and biomedical applications.
Pcsk6 Deficiency Promotes Cardiomyocyte Senescence by Modulating Ddit3-Mediated ER Stress
Authors: Zhan Wenxing , Chen Liping , Liu Hongfei , Long Changkun , Liu Jiankun , Ding Shuangjin , Wu Qingyu , Chen Shenghan
Published: April 2022

Cardiac aging is a critical determinant of cardiac dysfunction, which contributes to cardiovascular disease in the elderly. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 6 (PCSK6) is a proteolytic enzyme important for the maintenance of cardiac function and vascular homeostasis. To date, the involvement of PCSK6 in cardiac aging remains unknown. Here we report that PCSK6 expression decreased in the hearts of aged mice, where high levels cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (P16) and cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (P21) (senescence markers) were observed. Moreover, PCSK6 protein expression was significantly reduced in senescent rat embryonic cardiomyocytes (H9c2) induced by D-galactose. Pcsk6 knockdown in H9c2 cells increased P16 and P21 expression levels and senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity. Pcsk6 knockdown also impaired cardiomyocyte function, as indicated by increased advanced glycation end products, reactive oxygen species level, and apoptosis. Overexpression of PCSK6 blunted the senescence phenotype and cellular dysfunction. Furthermore, RNA sequencing analysis in Pcsk6-knockdown H9c2 cells identified the up-regulated DNA-damage inducible transcript 3 (Ddit3) gene involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein processing. Additionally, DDIT3 protein levels were remarkably increased in aged mouse hearts. In the presence of tunicamycin, an ER stress inducer, DDIT3 expression increased in Pcsk6-deficient H9c2 cells but reduced in PCSK6-overexpressing cells. In conclusion, our findings indicate that PCSK6 modulates cardiomyocyte senescence possibly via DDIT3-mediated ER stress.
Effect of Pharmacist-Led Interventions on Physicians’ Prescribing for Pediatric Outpatients
Authors: Nguyen Kien Trung , Le Vy Tran Thanh , Nguyen Thao Huong , Pham Suol Thanh , Nguyen Phuong Minh , Taxis Katja , Vi Mai Tuyet , Nguyen Thang , Tran Hung Do
Published: April 2022

Background: Children are at high risk of drug-related problems, increased risk of treatment failures, and high treatment costs. We aimed to evaluate the effect of pharmacist-led interventions on physicians’ prescribing for pediatric outpatients. Methods: A prospective study with pre- and post-intervention measurement assessment was conducted to collect pediatric outpatients’ prescriptions during the pre-intervention period (January 2020) and post-intervention (August 2020) at a children’s hospital in Vietnam. Drug-related problems were identified and categorized according to Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE), version 9.1. The intervention program was developed based on the results of pre-intervention observations. After the intervention, prescriptions were evaluated. Statistical tests were used to compare the proportions of drug-related problems before and after the intervention and to identify factors related to drug-related problems. Results: There were 2788 out of 4218 (66.1%) prescriptions with at least one drug-related problem before the intervention. Of these drug-related problems, the most common was inappropriate timing of administration and incorrect dosage (36.1% and 35.6%, respectively). After the intervention, the percentage of prescriptions with at least one drug-related problem was 45.5% (p < 0.001). Most of the drug-related problem types decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The binary logistic regression analysis results showed that in addition to pharmacists’ intervention, patients’ gender, primary disease, comorbidity status, and the total number of drugs prescribed were also factors related to drug-related problems. Conclusions: Drug-related problems in pediatric outpatients were quite common. Pharmacists’ intervention helped to improve the prevalence and types of drug-related problems.
Irrigation Levels and Fertilization Rates as Pre-Harvest Factors Affecting the Growth and Quality of Hippeastrum
Authors: Inkham Chaiartid , Panjama Kanokwan , Ruamrungsri Soraya
Published: April 2022

Growing Hippeastrum in an open field or a greenhouse requires precision irrigation and fertilizer to promote plant growth and development. Therefore, this research aimed to study the effect of irrigation level combined with fertilization rate on the growth and development of Hippeastrum. Two experiments were carried out to determine the influence of irrigation and fertilizer on the growth, flowering, and bulb quality of Hippeastrum. In the first experiment, bulbs of Hippeastrum ‘Red Lion’ with circumferences of 25 cm were grown in plastic plots using mixed soil as growing media under a 50% shading net. Plants were irrigated daily until drainage and water contained in macropores by gravity action (Field capacity: FC) for 90 days after planting (DAP) and supplied with three different 15N-15P2O5-15K2O fertilization rates, i.e., 0, 2.5, and 5 g per pot. Plant growth and water use efficiency were measured at 45, 60, and 90 DAP. The results showed that plants supplied with 0 g of fertilizer had the lowest plant height and number of leaves per plant at 90 DAP, whereas there was no significant effect of fertilizer rate treatments on flower quality. The water use efficiency, evapotranspiration rate (ET), crop evapotranspiration under standard condition (ETc), crop coefficient (Kc), photosynthetic rate, and stomatal conductance were decreased when plants were supplied with fertilizer at a rate of 0 g per pot at 90 DAP. In the second experiment, plants were irrigated with four levels, i.e., 100, 75, 50, and 25% ETc combined with three fertilization rates, i.e., 0, 2.5, and 5 g per pot. At 180 DAP, the results showed that water deficit treatment (50 and 25% ETc) decreased plant growth and bulb quality. Irrigation with 100% ETc combined with 2.5 or 5 g per pot and irrigation with 75% ETc combined with 5 g per pot were the optimum levels to promote plant growth and bulb quality in Hippeastrum.
The True Identity of the “Second Pollen Morphology” of Camellia oleifera—Stomium Cells
Authors: Hu Yang , Gao Chao
Published: April 2022

Previous studies on Camellia oleifera pollen morphology have indicated dual morphologies, defined as “dimorphism”. However, they were limited to morphological studies at the end of final development and did not elucidate the origin, structure, and function of the second pollen morphology (striate pollen). In this study, the differences between the two “pollen” types were compared by paraffin sections, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fluorescence microscopy, and in vitro germination. The results clearly showed that the second pollen type was formed by stomium cells of the anther, which is responsible for anther dehiscence. The nucleus and vesicles of the stomium cell were specifically distributed during anther development, which may be related to the formation of the septum, pollen dispersal activity, and the increase in stomium cell count; at the microscopic level, the stomium cell mainly consisted of the cell wall, large vesicles, and nucleus. The large vesicles facilitate the rapid dehydration of stomium cells under suitable conditions for anther dehiscence. Furthermore, studies on other species of the genus Camellia have suggested that the second type of pollen morphology is pseudopollen, which is capable of partaking in deceptive pollination. The present study refuted this theory and suggested that the pseudopollen are stomium cells, whose structure relates to their function. These results provide the basis for further research on C. oleifera pollen physiology toward the improvement of pollination rates with agricultural practices or breeding interventions.
Monitoring the Changing Patterns in Perceived Learning Effort, Stress, and Sleep Quality during the Sports Training Period in Elite Collegiate Triathletes: A Preliminary Research
Authors: Liao Yi-Hung , Hsu Chih-Kai , Wei Chen-Chan , Yang Tsung-Chieh , Kuo Yu-Chi , Lee Li-Chen , Lin Li-Ju , Chen Chung-Yu
Published: April 2022

Background: Few studies have examined the mental profiles and academic status of collegiate triathletes during training/competitive periods. We evaluated the changes in sleep quality, physical fatigue, emotional state, and academic stress among collegiate triathletes across training periods. Methods: Thirteen collegiate triathletes (19–26 years old) were recruited in this study. Mood state, sleep quality, degree of daytime sleepiness, subjective fatigue, and academic learning states were measured during the following five training periods: before national competitions for 3 months (3M-Pre Comp), 2 months (2M-Pre Comp), 1 month (1M-Pre Comp), 2 weeks (2wk-Pre Comp), and national competition (Comp) according to their academic/training schedule. Results: The academic stress index in 1M-Pre Comp (Final exam) was significantly higher than that in 3M-Pre Comp in these triathletes. No markedly significant differences were observed in overall mood state, sleep quality, individual degree of sleepiness, and fatigue among these five periods. However, the profiles mood state scale (POMS)-fatigue and -anger were lower in 2wk-Pre Comp than that in 1M-Pre com. The POMS-tension score in Comp was significantly higher than that in 3M-Pre Comp and 2M-Pre Comp. POMS-depression in Comp was lower than that in 1M-Pre Comp. Conclusion: We found that training volume was highest one month before a competition, and the academic stress is greatest during their final term exam period (1M-Pre Comp). After comprehensive assessment through analyzing POMS, PSQI, ESS, and personal fatigue (CIS), we found that the collegiate triathletes exhibited healthy emotional and sleep states (PSQI score < 5) across each training period, and our results suggest that these elite collegiate triathletes had proficient self-discipline, time management, and mental adjustment skills.
Active Pregnancy: A Physical Exercise Program Promoting Fitness and Health during Pregnancy—Development and Validation of a Complex Intervention
Authors: Santos-Rocha Rita , Fernandes de Carvalho Marta , Prior de Freitas Joana , Wegrzyk Jennifer , Szumilewicz Anna
Published: April 2022

Physical activity during pregnancy is a public health issue. In the view of reproducibility and the successful implementation of exercise interventions, reporting the quality of such study design must be ensured. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a physical exercise program promoting fitness and health during pregnancy. A qualitative methodological study was carried out. For the description of the exercise program, the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) was used. For the validation of the program, the revised guideline of the Criteria for Reporting the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions in Health Care (CReDECI2) was followed and went through three stages of development, piloting, and evaluation. The customizable exercise program was designed and validated by exercise and health specialists based on evidence-based, international recommendations and supported by different educational tools to be implemented by qualified exercise professionals in health and fitness settings. A 12-week testing intervention addressing a group of 29 pregnant women was carried out. The program’s feasibility was subsequently evaluated by all the pregnant women. The CReDECI2 process guides practitioners and researchers in developing and evaluating complex educational interventions. The presented intervention may assist exercise specialists, health professionals, and researchers in planning, promoting, and implementing a prenatal exercise program.
Factors Influencing Consumers’ Purchase Intention on Cold Chain Aquatic Products under COVID-19: An Investigation in China
Authors: Shen Xin , Cao Xun , Esfahani Sonia Sadeghian , Saleem Tayyaba
Published: April 2022

Following the detection of COVID-19 in cold chain aquatic products (CCAP) at Xinfadi Produce Wholesale Market in Beijing, China, in June 2020, novel coronavirus positive tests of CCAP have been reported in such markets of Dalian, Xi’an, Qingdao, Taiyuan, and other places, which has aroused the concern of Chinese consumers. The CCAP outbreak puts tremendous pressure on public health management and threatens customer well-being. This article uses the theoretical model of planned behavior (TPB) to investigate Chinese consumers’ purchasing intentions of CCAP under this circumstance. A total of 783 questionnaires were administered in China with empirical analysis through a structural equation model. The results show that attitudes (ATT) towards the safety of CCAP and subjective norms (SN) have significant positive effects on customers’ purchasing behavior intention (BI); the emotional response to the health concern (EM) of CCAP has a significant positive impact on SN, ATT, and BI; and BI of CCAP is significantly affected by individual characteristics. The BI of CCAP for those married consumers living in cities and towns with a low monthly consumption frequency is more likely to be affected by the new coronavirus epidemic events. This paper is one of the first studies that contribute to the literature by exploring the influencing factors of the consumption behavior intention over the COVID-19 pandemic in China from a public health perspective. The findings provide significant implications for cold chain operators, market managers, and policymakers to develop guidelines and offer a framework to initiate and support the produce market and boost consumer health confidence in CCAP at the practitioner level.
Effects of Corrective Exercises on Lumbar Lordotic Angle Correction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dimitrijević Vanja , Šćepanović Tijana , Milankov Vukadin , Milankov Miroslav , Drid Patrik
Published: April 2022

Lumbar lordosis is one of the most important parts of the spine, which is of special importance due to its unique position and direct contact with the pelvis. The aim of this study was to combine the results of several studies and to evaluate the magnitude of the effect of different Lumbar lordotic angle correction programs through meta-analysis. This study has been developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement. Four databases were searched for articles collection: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The key search terms were: “Lumbar Lordotic angle”, “Lordosis”, “Hyperlordosis”, “Corrective exercise”, and “Low back pain. “The articles included in our study were limited to original articles written only in English that met the following inclusion criteria: (1) participants with lumbar lordosis or hyperlordosis or low back pain; (2) different programs of corrective exercises were applied; (3) Lumbar lordotic angle used as outcome measures. Ten studies are included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. The effect size for the Lumbar lordotic angle outcome was (SMD = 0.550, p ˂ 0.001, moderate effect size). Subgroup analysis for Lumbar lordotic angle: Subgroup Younger group (SMD = 0.640, p ˂ 0.001), Subgroup Older group, (SMD = 0.520, p ˂ 0.001). Subgroup Treatment (SMD = 0.527, p ˂ 0.001), Subgroup No treatment (SMD = 0.577, p = 0.002). This was the only outcome assessed in our analysis. The current meta-analysis indicates that different correction methods have a positive effect on subjects with lumbar lordosis or hyperlordosis. In the following research, we should try to determine which corrective methods have the best effects.
Opioid Prescription Method for Breathlessness Due to Non-Cancer Chronic Respiratory Diseases: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yamaguchi Yasuhiro , Saif-Ur-Rahman K.M. , Nomura Motoko , Ohta Hiromitsu , Hirakawa Yoshihisa , Yamanaka Takashi , Hirahara Satoshi , Miura Hisayuki
Published: April 2022

A previous pooled analysis demonstrated significant relief of breathlessness following opioid administration in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, in clinical practice, it is important to know the characteristics of patients responding to opioids, the best prescription methods, and the evaluation measures that can sufficiently reflect these effects. Thus, we performed a systematic review of systemic opioids for non-cancer chronic respiratory diseases. Fifteen randomized controlled studies (RCTs), four non-randomized studies, two observational studies, and five retrospective studies were included. Recent RCTs suggested that regular oral opioid use would decrease the worst breathlessness in patients with a modified Medical Research Council score ≥ 3 by a degree of 1.0 or less on a scale of 1–10. Ergometer or treadmill tests indicated mostly consistent significant acute effects of morphine or codeine. In two non-randomized studies, about 60% of patients responded to opioids and showed definite improvement in symptoms and quality of life. Furthermore, titration of opioids in these studies suggested that a major proportion of these responders had benefits after administration of approximately 10 mg/day of morphine. However, more studies are needed to clarify the prescription method to reduce withdrawal due to adverse effects, which would lead to significant improvements in overall well-being.
Land Subsidence in Qingdao, China, from 2017 to 2020 Based on PS-InSAR
Authors: Li Mengwei , Zhang Xuedong , Bai Zechao , Xie Haoyun , Chen Bo
Published: April 2022

Land subsidence is a global geological disaster that seriously affects the safety of surface and underground buildings/structures and even leads to loss of life and property. The large-scale and continuous long-time coverage of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) time series analysis techniques provide data and a basis for the development of methods for the investigation and evolution mechanism study of regional land subsidence. Based on the 108 SAR data of Sentinel-1 from April 2017 to December 2020, this study used Persistent Scatterer InSAR (PS-InSAR) technology to monitor the land subsidence in Qingdao. In addition, detailed analysis and discussion of land subsidence combined with the local land types and subway construction were carried out. From the entire area to the local scale, the deformation analysis was carried out in the two dimensions of time and space. The results reveal that the rate of surface deformation in Qingdao from 2017 to 2020 was mainly −34.48 to 5.77 mm/a and that the cumulative deformation was mainly −126.10 to 30.18 mm. The subsidence areas were mainly distributed in coastal areas (along the coasts of Jiaozhou Bay and the Yellow Sea) and inland areas (northeast Laixi City and central Pingdu City). In addition, it was found that obvious land subsidence occurred near the Health Center Station of Metro Line 8, a logistics company in Qingdao, and near several high-rise residential areas and business office buildings. It is necessary for the relevant departments to take timely action to prevent and mitigate subsidence-related disasters in these areas.
Community Co-Design of Regional Actions for Children’s Nutritional Health Combining Indigenous Knowledge and Systems Thinking
Authors: McKelvie-Sebileau Pippa , Rees David , Tipene-Leach David , D’Souza Erica , Swinburn Boyd , Gerritsen Sarah
Published: April 2022

Children’s nutrition is highly influenced by community-level deprivation and socioeconomic inequalities and the health outcomes associated, such as childhood obesity, continue to widen. Systems Thinking using community-based system dynamics (CBSD) approaches can build community capacity, develop new knowledge and increase commitments to health improvement at the community level. We applied the formal structure and resources of a Group Model Building (GMB) approach, embedded within an Indigenous worldview to engage a high deprivation, high Indigenous population regional community in New Zealand to improve children’s nutrition. Three GMB workshops were held and the youth and adult participants created two systems map of the drivers and feedback loops of poor nutrition in the community. Māori Indigenous knowledge (mātauranga) and approaches (tikanga) were prioritized to ensure cultural safety of participants and to encourage identification of interventions that take into account social and cultural environmental factors. While the adult-constructed map focused more on the influence of societal factors such as cost of housing, financial literacy in communities, and social security, the youth-constructed map placed more emphasis on individual-environment factors such as the influence of marketing by the fast-food industry and mental wellbeing. Ten prioritized community-proposed interventions such as increasing cultural connections in schools, are presented with the feasibility and likely impact for change of each intervention rated by community leaders. The combination of community-based system dynamics methods of group model building and a mātauranga Māori worldview is a novel Indigenous systems approach that engages participants and highlights cultural and family issues in the systems maps, acknowledging the ongoing impact of historical colonization in our communities.
Circulating Tumor DNA in Precision Oncology and Its Applications in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Arisi Maria F. , Dotan Efrat , Fernandez Sandra V.
Published: April 2022

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a component of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) that is shed by malignant tumors into the bloodstream and other bodily fluids. ctDNA can comprise up to 10% of a patient’s cfDNA depending on their tumor type and burden. The short half-life of ctDNA ensures that its detection captures tumor burden in real-time and offers a non-invasive method of repeatedly evaluating the genomic profile of a patient’s tumor. A challenge in ctDNA detection includes clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), which can be distinguished from tumor variants using a paired whole-blood control. Most assays for ctDNA quantification rely on measurements of somatic variant allele frequency (VAF), which is a mutation-dependent method. Patients with certain types of solid tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC), can have levels of cfDNA 50 times higher than healthy patients. ctDNA undergoes a precipitous drop shortly after tumor resection and therapy, and rising levels can foreshadow radiologic recurrence on the order of months. The amount of tumor bulk required for ctDNA detection is lower than that for computed tomography (CT) scan detection, with ctDNA detection preceding radiologic recurrence in many cases. cfDNA/ctDNA can be used for tumor molecular profiling to identify resistance mutations when tumor biopsy is not available, to detect minimal residual disease (MRD), to monitor therapy response, and for the detection of tumor relapse. Although ctDNA is not yet implemented in clinical practice, studies are ongoing to define the appropriate way to use it as a tool in the clinic. In this review article, we examine the general aspects of ctDNA, its status as a biomarker, and its role in the management of early (II–III) and late (IV; mCRC) stage colorectal cancer (CRC).
Leaf Mutant 7 Encoding Heat Shock Protein OsHSP40 Regulates Leaf Size in Rice
Authors: Wang Fuhua , Tang Zhengbin , Wang Ya , Fu Jing , Yang Wenbo , Wang Shengxuan , Wang Yuetao , Bai Tao , Huang Zhibo , Yin Haiqing , Wang Zhoufei
Published: April 2022

Leaf size is an important agronomic trait directly affecting yield in rice, and thus understanding the genes determining leaf size is important in breeding. In this study, one Leaf Mutant 7 (lm7) with small leaf size was isolated using ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) mutagenesis from the japonica Zhenggeng 1925. MutMap by whole genome resequencing of phenotypic bulks revealed that LM7 is likely located in the 133 kb region on chromosome 7 using F2 population from a cross between lm7 and wild-type (WT) Zhenggeng 1925. The candidate gene encoding heat shock protein OsHSP40 for LM7 was functionally validated. Disruption of this gene in Oshsp40 mutants significantly reduced the leaf size compared with that of WT in rice. Microscopic examination showed that OsHSP40 modulated leaf size via regulating the veins formation and cell size/cell number. Nucleotide diversity analysis indicated that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variation of C to T in the coding region of OsHSP40 may cause small leaves among rice accessions. Therefore, the natural variation of OsHSP40 contributing to leaf size might be useful for rice breeding.
Arabidopsis KCS5 and KCS6 Play Redundant Roles in Wax Synthesis
Authors: Huang Haodong , Ayaz Asma , Zheng Minglü , Yang Xianpeng , Zaman Wajid , Zhao Huayan , Lü Shiyou
Published: April 2022

3-ketoacyl-CoA synthases (KCSs), as components of a fatty acid elongase (FAE) complex, play key roles in determining the chain length of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). KCS6, taking a predominate role during the elongation from C26 to C28, is well known to play an important role in wax synthesis. KCS5 is one paralog of KCS6 and its role in wax synthesis remains unknown. Wax phenotype analysis showed that in kcs5 mutants, the total amounts of wax components derived from carbon 32 (C32) and C34 were apparently decreased in leaves, and those of C26 to C32 derivatives were obviously decreased in flowers. Heterologous yeast expression analysis showed that KCS5 alone displayed specificity towards C24 to C28 acids, and its coordination with CER2 and CER26 catalyzed the elongation of acids exceeding C28, especially displaying higher activity towards C28 acids than KCS6. BiLC experiments identified that KCS5 physically interacts with CER2 and CER26. Wax phenotype analysis of different organs in kcs5 and kcs6 single or double mutants showed that KCS6 mutation causes greater effects on the wax synthesis than KCS5 mutation in the tested organs, and simultaneous repression of both protein activities caused additive effects, suggesting that during the wax biosynthesis process, KCS5 and KCS6 play redundant roles, among which KCS6 plays a major role. In addition, simultaneous mutations of two genes nearly block drought-induced wax production, indicating that the reactions catalyzed by KCS5 and KCS6 play a critical role in the wax biosynthesis in response to drought.
The Discovery of Potent SHP2 Inhibitors with Anti-Proliferative Activity in Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Ghemrawi Rose , Khair Mostafa , Hasan Shaima , Aldulaymi Raghad , AlNeyadi Shaikha S. , Atatreh Noor , Ghattas Mohammad A.
Published: April 2022

Despite available treatments, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Knowing that the tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is a regulator in tumorigenesis, developing inhibitors of SHP2 in breast cells is crucial. Our study investigated the effects of new compounds, purchased from NSC, on the phosphatase activity of SHP2 and the modulation of breast cancer cell lines’ proliferation and viability. A combined ligand-based and structure-based virtual screening protocol was validated, then performed, against SHP2 active site. Top ranked compounds were tested via SHP2 enzymatic assay, followed by measuring IC50 values. Subsequently, hits were tested for their anti-breast cancer viability and proliferative activity. Our experiments identified three compounds 13030, 24198, and 57774 as SHP2 inhibitors, with IC50 values in micromolar levels and considerable selectivity over the analogous enzyme SHP1. Long MD simulations of 500 ns showed a very promising binding mode in the SHP2 catalytic pocket. Furthermore, these compounds significantly reduced MCF-7 breast cancer cells’ proliferation and viability. Interestingly, two of our hits can have acridine or phenoxazine cyclic system known to intercalate in ds DNA. Therefore, our novel approach led to the discovery of SHP2 inhibitors, which could act as a starting point in the future for clinically useful anticancer agents.