bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Studies of Bio-Fortification of Yoghurt with Chromium
Authors: Zommara Mohsen A. , Bedeer Elsayed G. , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb , Hafiz Amin A. , Albrakati Ashraf , Swelam Seham
Published: December 2022

Yoghurt is a delectable fermented milk product suitable for all ages. Chromium (Cr), a trace mineral is found in two forms: trivalent and hexavalent. Recent studies have shown that the Cr (III), or chromium picolinate (Cri), is beneficial for carbohydrate metabolism. Thus, Cr supplements are used to treat diabetes and manage blood sugar. However, the effect of the incorporation of Cri on starter growth and the quality of yoghurt still needs to be determined. In this study, we aim to produce Cr (CrPi)-fortified yoghurt to fulfil the proposed recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Cr (35–50 µg/day for adults). Additionally, it might act as a nutraceutical for persons with special medical conditions, such as patients with obesity or type 2 diabetes mellitus disease. In this respect, the effect of different concentrations of CrPi, (1, 2, 5, 10, 20 ppm) chromium chloride [Cr (III)] (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ppm), and potassium chromate [Cr (VI)] (1, 2 ppm) on the activity of yoghurt starter culture were investigated in vitro on de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) media. Compared to the control (without Cr), the obtained data revealed significant inhibition of the yoghurt starter culture by Cr (VI) at 2 ppm compared to Cr (III), which did not affect the bacterial growth up to 5 ppm and was comparable with CrPi [Cr (III)]. We also produced yoghurt supplemented with two doses of Cr (0.25 and 0.5 ppm). We did not observe any significant differences in the physicochemical, rheological, microbiological, and sensory properties of the Cr-fortified yoghurt and the control up to 2 weeks in cold storage. These results clearly indicate that CrPi (0.25 and 0.5 ppm) can be used to manufacture yoghurt with the RDA for intact Cr without affecting its quality.
Using Machine Learning Methods to Predict the ß-Poly (L-Malic Acid) Production by Different Substrates Addition and Secondary Indexes in Strain Aureobasidium melanogenum
Authors: Wang Genan , Li Jiaqian , Wang Shuxian , Li Yutong , Chen Shiwei , Zhang Lina , Zhao Tingbin , Yin Haisong , Jia Shiru , Qiao Changsheng
Published: December 2022

ß-poly (L-malic acid) (PMLA) is a polyester ligated by malate subunits. It has a wide prospective application as an anti-cancer drug carrier, and its malate subunits have a great application in the food industry. The strain Aureoabsidium melanogenum could produce a high amount of PMLA during fermentation, and different substrates addition could influence the production. In this study, we directly added potassium acetate, corn steep liquor, MgSO4, MnSO4, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and nicotinamide as the fermentation substrate to the basic fermentation medium based on a generated random matrix that represented the added value. The PMLA production and four secondary indexes, pH, biomass, osmotic pressure, and viscosity were measured after 144 h fermentation. Finally, a total of 212 samples were collected as the dataset, by which the machine learning methods were deployed to predict the PMLA production by different substrates’ concentrations and the secondary indexes. The results indicated that PMLA production was negatively correlated with corn steep liquor and betaine and positively correlated with potassium acetate. The PMLA production could be predicted using all different substrates’ concentrations with a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 4.164 g/L and with an MAE of 6.556 g/L by different secondary indexes. Finally, the convolutional neural network (CNN) was applied to predict the PMLA production by fermentation medium images, in which the collected images were categorized into three groups, 0–20 g/L, 21–40 g/L, and >41 g/L, based on the PMLA production. The CNN model could predict the production with high accuracy. The methods and results presented in this study provided new insight into evaluating different substrates concentration on PMLA production and demonstrating the possibility of using the convolutional neural network model in the PMLA fermentation industry.
Chitosan and Essential Oils Combined for Beef Meat Protection against the Oviposition of Calliphora vomitoria, Water Loss, Lipid Peroxidation, and Colour Changes
Authors: Farina Priscilla , Ascrizzi Roberta , Bedini Stefano , Castagna Antonella , Flamini Guido , Macaluso Monica , Mannucci Alessia , Pieracci Ylenia , Ranieri Annamaria , Sciampagna Maria Calogera , Venturi Francesca , Conti Barbara
Published: December 2022

Meat production has a higher economic and ecological impact than other commodities. The reduction in meat loss and waste throughout the whole supply chain is a demanding challenge. In recent years, the interest in the food-grade polysaccharide chitosan (CH) and essential oils (EOs) employed as allies in meat protection has increased. In this work, we selected five EOs obtained from plants traditionally used as spices, and after their chemical characterisation, a trained panel of expert sensorial analysts determined that, among them, Laurus nobilis (Lauraceae) and Piper nigrum (Piperaceae) EOs were the most suitable to season meat. Therefore, the effect of CH, the L. nobilis and P. nigrum EOs, and EOs-enriched CH solutions on meat was tested to assess how they deter the oviposition behaviour of the blowfly Calliphora vomitoria (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and against water loss, lipid peroxidation, and colour changes. All the applied treatments, compared to the control, did not accelerate meat dehydration but increased colour lightness, an attractive feature for consumers, and discouraged the blowfly’s oviposition. In particular, the P. nigrum EO-enriched CH was the most active in repelling C. vomitoria without negatively affecting the organoleptic qualities and shelf-life of meat.
Vitamin B12 Status and Gut Microbiota among Saudi Females with Obesity
Authors: Al-Musharaf Sara , Aljuraiban Ghadeer S. , Al-Ajllan Lama , Al-Khaldi Noura , Aljazairy Esra’a A. , Hussain Syed Danish , Alnaami Abdullah M. , Sabico Shaun , Al-Daghri Nasser
Published: December 2022

Previous studies have suggested that dietary habits and dysbiosis of gut microbiota contributed to obesity development. Vitamin B12 is produced by microbes; however, the relationships between vitamin B12, gut microbiome, and obesity are understudied. We aimed to determine the association between vitamin B12 status and gut microbiota relative to obesity in 92 Saudi Arabian females aged 19–25 years who were obese (n = 44) or normal weight (n = 48). Anthropometric, biochemical data, and dietary data were collected. The microbial communities of stool samples were characterized using the shotgun metagenomic sequencing technique. The relationship between vitamin B12 status and gut microbiota composition was identified using Pearson correlation analysis. A statistically significant difference was found in bacterial α- and β-diversity between the groups relative to median serum vitamin B12 level (404.0 pg/mL) and body weight. In the total participants, dietary vitamin B12 intake was inversely correlated with Bifidobacterium kashiwanohense and Blautia wexlerae species. In obese participants, dietary vitamin B12 intake was inversely correlated with Akkermansia muciniphila species and species from the Verrucomicrobia phylum, whereas it was positively correlated with Bacteroides species. Our findings indicate that the abundance (frequency) and diversity (richness) of gut microbiota are associated with vitamin B12 levels and obesity in young females.
Microbiological Safety of Cut Melons Sold in Portuguese Retail Markets: A Pilot Study
Authors: Tseng Yu Hsuan , Barbosa Joana , de Carvalho Teresa Bento , Teixeira Paula
Published: December 2022

Due to the increasing consciousness of a healthy diet and pursuit of convenience among consumers, the market for fresh fruit is on the rise, and the melon is among the most welcome of fruits for its sensory attributes and nutritional properties. Consumption safety of cut fruit remains an issue of concern that may affect public health. This study aimed to perform the microbiological characterisation of a melon, Cucumis melo L. var. “Piel de Sapo”, cut by retailers, wrapped in plastic cling film and kept at room temperature in local fruit shops. In addition, the possible transfer of relevant foodborne pathogens, during slicing, from the peel to the interior of the melon, and bacterial growth, were also evaluated when the melon slices were stored at abusive temperatures for 2 days. In this pilot study, a low number of samples were characterised microbiologically (26 cut melons), and some isolates were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. No Listeria spp. or Salmonella spp. were detected in any of the samples, while Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were present in four and six out of twenty-six samples, respectively. Following artificial contamination of melons with cocktails of Salmonella spp., E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes, it was observed that, despite the smaller number of L. monocytogenes recovered, all the pathogens were transferred from the contaminated peels to the interior of the melons. Furthermore, over storage time, significant differences were observed (p < 0.05) between the counts obtained from melon slices immediately after cutting (0 h), and after 24 and 48 h at 20 °C, with an increase of about 4 log CFU/g in all the pathogens. In conclusion, some cut melons classified as microbiologically unacceptable or unsatisfactory are being sold in local fruit shops in the Porto Metropolitan Area, Portugal. Although absent in the samples analysed, Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes, if present, can be transferred from the outside to the inside of the fruit by the cutting blade and, if not consumed immediately and stored at abusive temperatures, this ready-to-eat product poses a risk of infection. This pilot study, performed for the first time in Portugal under these conditions, clearly demonstrates the need for education campaigns to alert local sellers and consumers of the risk posed by cut melons.
Fast Chromatographic Determination of Free Amino Acids in Bee Pollen
Authors: Martín-Gómez Beatriz , Salahange Laura , Tapia Jesús A. , Martín María T. , Ares Ana M. , Bernal José
Published: December 2022

The consumption of bee pollen has increased in the last few years due to its nutritional and health-promoting properties, which are directly related to its bioactive constituents, such as amino acids. Currently, there is great interest in understanding the role of these in bee products as it provides relevant information, e.g., regarding nutritional value or geographical and botanical origins. In the present study, two fast chromatographic methods were adapted based on commercial EZ:faast™ kits for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry for determining free amino acids in bee pollen. Both methods involved the extraction of amino acids with water, followed by a solid phase extraction to eliminate interfering compounds, and a derivatization of the amino acids prior to their chromatographic separation. The best results in terms of run time (<7 min), matrix effect, and limits of quantification (3–75 mg/kg) were obtained when gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was employed. This latter methodology was applied to analyze several bee pollen samples obtained from local markets and experimental apiaries. The findings obtained from a statistical examination based on principal component analysis showed that bee pollen samples from commercial or experimental apiaries were different in their amino acid composition.
Simulations for the Locking and Alignment Strategy of the DRMI Configuration of the Advanced Virgo Plus Detector
Authors: Bersanetti Diego , Boldrini Mattia , Diaz Julia Casanueva , Freise Andreas , Maggiore Riccardo , Mantovani Maddalena , Valentini Michele
Published: December 2022

The Advanced Virgo Plus project aims to increase the sensitivity of the Virgo gravitational-wave detector, given the forthcoming O4 Observing Run. One of the major upgrades is the addition of the Signal Recycling Mirror in the optical layout. This additional mirror will provide a broadband improvement to the sensitivity curve of the instrument, but poses significant challenges in the acquisition and operation of the detector’s working point. The process which brings the main optical components from the uncontrolled state to the final working point, which ensures the best detector sensitivity, is called lock acquisition: the lock acquisition is made by moving through increasingly more complex configurations toward the full control of all the interferometer’s longitudinal degrees of freedom. This paper will focus on the control of the Dual-Recycled Michelson Interferometer (DRMI, the central part of the Virgo interferometer), presenting a comprehensive study of the optical simulations used in the design and the commissioning of this configuration. Treated topics include: the characterization of optical fields, powers, and error signals for the controls; the development of a trigger logic to be used for the lock acquisition; the study of the alignment sensing and control system. The interdependence between the three items has also been studied. Moreover, the validity of the studied techniques will be assessed by a comparison with experimental data.
Hierarchical Porous SiO2 Cryogel via Sol-Gel Process
Authors: Horváth Marius , Sinkó Katalin
Published: December 2022

The aim of this research work was to develop a new, low-cost and low-energy-consuming preparation route for highly porous silica systems. The precursor gel systems were synthesized by sol-gel chemistry. The starting materials were TEOS and water glass in the sol-gel syntheses. The effect of the chemical composition, the catalysis, the pH, and the additives were investigated on the structure and porosity of the cryogels. The gel systems were treated by freeze-drying process to obtain porous cryogel silica products. The cryogel systems possess hierarchical structures. The conditions of the freeze-drying process were also studied to increase the porosity. Small angle X-ray measurements, scanning electron microscope technique, and infrared spectroscopy were applied for the investigation of gel and cryogel systems.
Comparative Study of Pd-Mayenite Catalysts Prepared via Aerogel Approaches
Authors: Ilyina Ekaterina V. , Bedilo Alexander F. , Veselov Grigory B. , Gerus Yuri Y. , Shuvarakova Ekaterina I. , Stoyanovskii Vladimir O. , Vedyagin Aleksey A.
Published: December 2022

Pd-containing catalysts based on highly dispersed aerogel-derived mayenite were prepared via two approaches. The Pd@C12A7 sample was obtained through the addition of Pd nitrate solution to a fresh Ca(OH)2-Al(OH)3 gel. Pd/C12A7 was synthesized through conventional wet impregnation of the aerogel-derived mayenite. The evolution of the textural characteristics of the support (C12A7) depending on the calcination temperature was investigated. Pd-containing samples were explored using transmission electron microscopy and spin probe EPR spectroscopy. Using the latter method, the presence of active oxygen species capable of producing nitroxyl radicals from diphenylamine was observed. The activity of these species and the reproducibility of their redox behavior were studied in three cycles of temperature-programmed reduction in both hydrogen and CO atmospheres. A prompt thermal aging technique was used to access and compare the activity of the samples towards CO oxidation. The state of Pd species before and after the aging procedure was studied via UV–Vis spectroscopy. It was found that the dispersion of PdO was higher in the case of the Pd/C12A7 catalysts compared to the Pd@C12A7 sample. This is why the Pd/C12A7 catalyst demonstrated higher activity in CO oxidation and better reducibility in TPR cycles.
Phenol-Grafted Alginate Sulfate Hydrogel as an Injectable FGF-2 Carrier
Authors: Goto Ryota , Nakahata Masaki , Sakai Shinji
Published: December 2022

In the field of tissue engineering, fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) effectively regenerates damaged tissue and restores its biological function. However, FGF-2 readily diffuses and degrades under physiological conditions. Therefore, methods for the sustained and localized delivery of FGF-2 are needed. Drug delivery systems using hydrogels as carriers have attracted significant interest. Injectable hydrogels with an affinity for FGF-2 are candidates for FGF-2 delivery systems. In this study, we fabricated a hydrogel from phenol-grafted alginate sulfate (AlgS-Ph) and investigated its application to the delivery of FGF-2. The hydrogel was prepared under mild conditions via horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-mediated cross-linking. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements show that the AlgS-Ph hydrogel has an affinity for FGF-2 in accordance with its degree of sulfation. Conditions for the preparation of the AlgS-Ph hydrogel, including HRP and H2O2 concentrations, are optimized so that the hydrogel can be used as an injectable drug carrier. The hydrogel shows no cytotoxicity when using 10T1/2 cells as a model cell line. The angiogenesis assay shows that FGF-2 released from the AlgS-Ph hydrogel promotes the formation of blood vessels. These results indicate that the AlgS-Ph hydrogel is a suitable candidate for the FGF-2 carrier.
The Effects of Different Kinds of Smooth Pursuit Exercises on Center of Pressure and Muscle Activities during One Leg Standing
Authors: Cui Zhe , Tang Ying-Ying , Kim Myoung-Kwon
Published: December 2022

This study examined the effects of gaze fixation and different kinds of smooth-pursuit eye movements on the trunk and lower extremity muscle activities and center of pressure. Methods: Twenty-four subjects were selected for the study. The activity of trunk and lower limb muscles (tibialis anterior, lateral gastrocnemius, medial gastrocnemius, vastus midialis obliques, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, rectus abdominis, and erector spinae) and the COP (center of pressure) (surface area ellipse, length, and average speed) were measured to observe the effects of gaze fixation and different kinds of smooth-pursuit eye movements on the center of pressure and muscle activities during one leg standing. Before the experiment, a Gaze point GP3 HD Eye Tracker (Gazept, Vancouver, BC, Canada) was used to train eye movement so that the subjects would be familiar with smooth eye movement. Repeated each exercise 3 times at random. In order to avoid the sequence deviation caused by fatigue, the movement sequence is randomly selected. Result: The center of pressure and muscle activities were increased significantly when the smooth-pursuit eye movement with one leg standing compared with gaze fixation with one leg standing. In smooth-pursuit eye movements, the changes in the center of pressure and muscle activities were increased significantly with eye and head movement. When the head and eyes moved in opposite directions, the center of pressure and muscle activities were increased more than with any other exercises. Conclusion: Smooth-pursuit eye movement with one leg movement affects balance. In particular, in the smooth-pursuit eye movement with one leg standing, there were higher requirements for balance when the eyes and head move in the opposite direction. Therefore, this movement can be recommended to people who need to enhance their balance ability.
Comparison between Olympic Weightlifting Lifts and Derivatives for External Load and Fatigue Monitoring
Authors: Antunes Joaquim Paulo , Oliveira Rafael , Reis Victor Machado , Romero Félix , Moutão João , Brito João Paulo
Published: December 2022

Load management is an extremely important subject in fatigue control and adaptation processes in almost all sports. In Olympic Weightlifting (OW), two of the load variables are intensity and volume. However, it is not known if all exercises produce fatigue of the same magnitude. Thus, this study aimed to compare the fatigue prompted by the Clean and Jerk and the Snatch and their derivative exercises among male and female participants, respectively. We resorted to an experimental quantitative design in which fatigue was induced in adult individuals with weightlifting experience of at least two years through the execution of a set of 10 of the most used lifts and derivatives in OW (Snatch, Snatch Pull, Muscle Snatch, Power Snatch, and Back Squat; Clean and Jerk, Power Clean, Clean, High Hang Clean, and Hang Power Clean). Intensity and volume between exercises were equalized (four sets of three repetitions), after which one Snatch Pull test was performed where changes in velocity, range of motion, and mean power were assessed as fatigue measures. Nine women and twelve men participated in the study (age, 29.67 ± 5.74 years and 28.17 ± 5.06 years, respectively). The main results showed higher peak velocity values for the Snatch Pull test when compared with Power Snatch (p = 0.008; ES = 0.638), Snatch (p < 0.001; ES = 0.998), Snatch Pull (p < 0.001, ES = 0.906), and Back Squat (p < 0.001; ES = 0.906) while the differences between the Snatch Pull test and the derivatives of Clean and Jerk were almost nonexistent. It is concluded that there were differences in the induction of fatigue between most of the exercises analyzed and, therefore, coaches and athletes could improve the planning of training sessions by accounting for the fatigue induced by each lift.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health in Rural Areas of Riyadh Province in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alhowaymel Fahad M. , Alenezi Atallah
Published: December 2022

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their consequences are a worldwide problem. ACEs are primary stressors that have a long-term impact on the body and mind during development. They are linked to a variety of chronic illnesses in adults. Information about ACEs and health and risk behaviors is scarce among rural populations. The study aimed to examine ACEs, chronic diseases, and risk behaviors, as well as to explore the relationship between them and number of sociodemographic factors among adults living in rural areas in Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional design and a convenience sampling method were utilized to collect information. A self-reported questionnaire, including an ACEs questionnaire as well as direct health and risk behaviors questions, was used. In total, 68.2% of the respondents reported at least one ACE, and 34.2% reported four or more ACEs. Emotional and physical abuse were the most reported forms. Hypertension and chronic respiratory disease were the most reported chronic diseases. Depression and anxiety were associated with ACEs, indicating that those who reported four or more ACEs were more likely to develop depression and anxiety. ACEs contribute to many negative health outcomes; thus, identifying the prevalence of ACEs among the rural population is essential for future health-related actions. It is also important that chronic diseases and risk behaviors be specifically identified among the rural population in order to prioritize these actions. Future research should further investigate ACEs and other determinants of health among the rural population, taking into consideration the inclusion of more diverse people, such as older adults and those from other rural areas.
Subsiding of Periodontitis in the Permanent Dentition in Individuals with Papillon-Lefèvre Syndrome through Specific Periodontal Treatment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Schnabl Dagmar , Thumm Felix Maximilian , Kapferer-Seebacher Ines , Eickholz Peter
Published: December 2022

Papillon–Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) is a rare hereditary disease characterized by palmoplantar hyperkeratosis (PPK) and periodontitis in the primary and permanent dentition, usually resulting in edentulism in youth. Subsiding of PLS-associated periodontitis through specific therapy has occasionally been reported. We aimed to systematically assess periodontal treatment strategies that may decelerate disease progression. A systematic literature search was conducted at PubMed/LIVIVO/Ovid (Prospero registration number CRD42021223253). Clinical studies describing periodontal treatment success—defined as loss of ≤four permanent teeth because of periodontitis and the arrest of periodontitis or probing depths ≤ 5 mm—in individuals with PLS followed up for ≥24 months. Out of the 444 primarily identified studies, 12 studies reporting nine individuals were included. The timely extraction of affected or, alternatively, all primary teeth, compliance with oral hygiene instructions, supra- and subgingival debridement within frequent supportive periodontal care intervals, and—in eight patients—adjunctive systemic antibiotic therapy (mostly amoxicillin/metronidazole) effected a halt in disease progression. The suppression of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans below the detection limit was correlated with the subsiding of periodontitis. Successful controlling of PLS-associated periodontitis may be achieved if high effort and patient compliance are provided.
Narratives about Negative Healthcare Service Experiences: Reported Events, Positioning, and Normative Discourse of an Active Client
Authors: Weiste Elina , Ranta Nanette , Stevanovic Melisa , Nevalainen Henri , Valtonen Annika , Leinonen Minna
Published: December 2022

Narratives about clients’ service experiences in healthcare organizations constitute a crucial way for clients to make sense of their illness, its treatment, and their role in the service process. This is important because the client’s role has recently changed from that of a passive object of care into an active responsible agent. Utilizing Bamberg’s narrative positioning analysis as a method, and 14 thematic interviews of healthcare clients with multiple health-related problems as data, we investigated the expectations of the client’s role in their narratives about negative service experiences. All the narratives addressed the question of the clients’ “activeness” in some way. We identified three narrative types. In the first, the clients actively sought help, but did not receive it; in the second, the clients positioned themselves as helpless and inactive, left without the care they needed; and in the third, the clients argued against having to fight for their care. In all these narrative types, the clients either demonstrated their own activeness or justified their lack of it, which—despite attempts to resist the ideal of an “active client”—ultimately just reinforced it. Attempts to improve service experiences of clients with considerable service needs require a heightened awareness of clients’ moral struggles.
Personality Traits and Mental Health among Lebanese Medical Students: The Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Sfeir Elsa , El Othman Radwan , Barakat Muna , Hallit Souheil , Obeid Sahar
Published: December 2022

Medical students face daily challenges such as large workload, time commitment and clinical environment pressure leading to a higher risk of psychological distress. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between personality traits and depression, anxiety, and stress among Lebanese medical students and to evaluate the mediating role of emotional intelligence (EI) in this association. This cross-sectional study was conducted between June and December of 2019. Participants were from seven medical schools in Lebanon. Higher extraversion (B = −0.11), higher neuroticism (B = −0.28) and higher emotional intelligence (B = −0.03) were significantly associated with lower depression. Higher neuroticism (B = −0.29) and higher emotional intelligence (B = −0.03) were significantly associated with lower anxiety. Higher openness to experience (B = 0.07) and higher agreeableness (B = 0.08) were significantly associated with higher stress, whereas higher neuroticism (B = −0.05) was associated with lower stress. EI mediated the association between extraversion and depression and openness to experience and depression. EI mediated the association between extraversion and anxiety and openness to experience and anxiety. The results of this study were different from those previously cited in the literature. This could be secondary to the mediating role of emotional intelligence. This study consequently opens up the possibility of new studies highlighting the role of emotional intelligence in the possible preservation of medical students’ mental health.
Resistance of Tunisian Melon Landraces to Podosphaera xanthii
Authors: Chikh-Rouhou Hela , Garcés-Claver Ana , Kienbaum Lydia , Ben Belgacem Abdelmonem , Gómez-Guillamón Maria Luisa
Published: December 2022

Powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera xanthii is among the most threatening fungal diseases affecting melons on the Mediterranean coast. Although the use of genetic resistance is a highly recommended alternative to control this pathogen, many races of this fungus have been described and, therefore, resistance is usually overcome; thus, breeding for resistance to this pathogen is a challenge. Several melon genotypes carrying resistance to powdery mildew have been described but their agronomical and fruit characters are usually far away from the required melon types in many commercial markets. Taking this into consideration, looking for novel sources of resistance in Tunisian landraces is a very convenient step to obtain new resistant melon varieties/hybrids suitable for Mediterranean markets. Several Tunisian melon landraces have been tested against three common races in Mediterranean regions (Race 2, Race 3.5, and Race 5), using phenotypic approaches in two independent experiments (artificial inoculations in a growth chamber and natural conditions of infection in a greenhouse). The results of the artificial inoculations showed that all the tested landraces were susceptible to Race 3.5 and Race 5 and several landraces were resistant to Race 2. Under natural conditions of infection, Race 2 of P. xanthii was the race prevalent in the plot and the resistance of TUN-16, TUN-19, and TUN-25 was confirmed. The found resistances were race-specific and underlie a high genetic influence reflected in the high value of the estimated heritability of 0.86. These resistant landraces should be considered as a potential source of resistance in breeding programs of melons belonging to inodorus and reticulatus groups, but further research is necessary to elucidate the genetic control of the found resistances and to provide useful molecular markers linked to P. xanthii Race 2 resistance.
Morphogenesis of Stamens and Petaloid Stamens in Lilium hybrid ‘Red Twin’ under Different Temperatures and the Expression Characteristics of Two AGAMOUS-like Genes Linked to These Processes
Authors: Li Xin , Wang Zhen , Chen Minmin , Yang Liuyan , Zhang Yongchun
Published: December 2022

The double-flowered lily ‘Red Twin’, in which stamens are transformed into petaloid organs, sometimes exhibits normal stamens owing to an unknown mechanism and thus greatly affecting its commercial quality. In this study, the morphogenesis of stamens and petaloid stamens in this cultivar grown under different temperature treatments were investigated. Two AGAMOUS-like genes were isolated and their expression levels were analyzed. The results showed that relatively high temperatures induced the morphogenesis of stamens, while relatively low temperatures promoted petaloidy in ‘Red Twin’. The stage with 1–6 mm flower buds was identified as the critical development period for stamen morphogenesis; furthermore, keeping the flower buds under relatively low temperatures in the 1–3 or 3–6 mm stages would be sufficient for the formation of petaloid stamens to a high degree. In addition, LrtAG1 and LrtAG2 showed the highest expression level in whorls 3 and 4 of 3–6 mm flower buds, respectively. LrtAG1 showed a higher reduction ratio than LrtAG2 when the flower buds were transferred to low temperature, implying that the decreased LrtAG1 expression level is associated with low temperature and might be correlated with the petaloidy of the stamens.
Proximate, Minerals, and Vitamin C Contents of Selected Wild Edible Plants in Lasta District, Northeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Adamu Endale , Asfaw Zemede , Demissew Sebsebe , Baye Kaleab
Published: December 2022

Wild edible plants (WEPs) are the natural food source that can help to mitigate food insecurity and improve starvation in low income countries including Ethiopia. Despite the widespread use of WEPs in Ethiopia, studies on the nutritional contents of Ethiopian WEPs are limited. The objective of the current study is to evaluate the nutritional value (proximate, mineral, and vitamin C contents) of the most consumed seven wild edible plants collected from Lasta District, Northeastern Ethiopia. The nutritional parameters including proximate, macro and micronutrients, and also vitamin C contents of the selected seven wild edible plants were evaluated using standard food analysis methods (moisture by dry-oven method, ash by high-temperature incineration in an electric muffle furnace, fat by Soxhlet extraction procedure, protein by Kjeldahl process, minerals by Atomic absorption spectrometer and atomic emission spectrometry and vitamin C by using a spectrophotometer). One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the nutritional content variations of selected WEPs. The proximate composition of the 7 WEPs came in the respective ranges of moisture (6.50–9.77 g/100 g); ash (6.99–26.35 g/100 g); crude protein (13.1–33.63 g/100 g); crude fat (1.08–9.83 g/100 g); crude fiber (6.21–43.77 g/100 g); utilizable carbohydrate (30.11–66.25 g/100 g) and gross energy (213.05–414.80 Kcal/100 g). The mineral composition of WEPs (mg/100 g dry weight) for macronutrients ranged from 25.53–37.99 Na, 56.65–72.79 Mg, 14.40–43.57 K, 44.35–60.14 Ca, and for micronutrients it ranged from 10.51–27.96 Fe, 8.35–23.87 Zn, 14.08–23.20 Cu, and 7.99–19.08 Mn. The vitamin C contents of WEPs (mg/100 g dry weight) ranged from 2.16–70.42 except in Haplocarpha rueppelii leaves in which its vitamin C content is below the detection limit. The outcome of the investigation indicates that the proximate, mineral and vitamin C contents of the WEPs included in the analysis were higher than those of some common crops (sorghum, rice, wheat, barley and maize), indicating their nutritional contribution to the human diet in the studied area. These wild food sources make up a good part of the traditional subsistence system of the people of Lasta District alongside their common food crops and other food sources.
Wake Interactions of Two Tandem Semisubmersible Floating Offshore Wind Turbines Based on FAST.Farm
Authors: Xue Lei , Wang Jundong , Zhao Liye , Wei Zhiwen , Yu Mingqi , Xue Yu
Published: December 2022

Wake effects commonly exist in offshore wind farms, which will cause a 10–20% reduction of whole power production as well as a 5–15% increase of fatigue loading on the wind turbine main structures. Obviously wake interaction between floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) is more complicated, and needs careful assessment which is a prerequisite for active wake control (AWC). The primary objective of the present research is to investigate in detail how the wake inflow condition, streamwise spacing, turbulence intensity, and wind shear influence the power performance, platform motion dynamic and structural loading of FOWT. FAST.Farm, developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), was used for simulating two tandem FOWTs in different conditions. Comparisons were made between FOWTs in different conditions on power performance and platform motion dynamic, which were presented through both time and frequency domain analysis. Damage equivalent loads change in FOWTs interference under typical working conditions were discussed and summarized. Half wake inflow would pose many challenges to the downstream FOWT. These research studies can be incorporated into further offshore wind farm wake models, providing applicable AWC strategies to reduce wake interference effects for higher energy production and for the longer life of FOWT.
Examining the Ability of CMIP6 Models to Reproduce the Upwelling SST Imprint in the Eastern Boundary Upwelling Systems
Authors: Varela Rubén , DeCastro Maite , Rodriguez-Diaz Laura , Dias João Miguel , Gómez-Gesteira Moncho
Published: December 2022

Knowing future changes in the sea surface temperature (SST) is of vital importance since they can affect marine ecosystems, especially in areas of high productivity such as the Eastern Boundary Upwelling Systems (EBUS). In this sense, it is key to have fine resolution models to study the SST patterns as close as possible to the coast where the upwelling influence is greater. Thus, the main objective of the present work is to assess the ability of 23 General Circulation Models (GCMs) from phase six of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) in reproducing the upwelling SST imprint in the EBUS through a comparison with the Optimum Interpolation of Sea Surface Temperature (OISST ¼) database of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the common period of 1982–2014. The results have shown that most of the CMIP6 GCMs overestimate nearshore SST for all the EBUS with the exception of Canary. Overall, the models with better resolution showed lower Normalized Root Mean Squared Error (NRMSE) and Normalized Bias (NBias), although the ability of the models is dependent on the study area. Thus, the most suitable models for each EBUS are the CNRM-HR, GFDL-CM4, HadGEM-MM, CMCC-VHR4, and EC-Earth3P for Canary; CESM1-HR, CMCC-VHR4, ECMWF-HR, and HadGEM-HM for Humboldt; and HadGEM-HH and HadGEM-HM for California. In the case of Benguela, no model adequately reproduces the SST imprint under the conditions established in the present study.
Responses of Marine Diatom–Dinoflagellate Interspecific Competition to Different Phosphorus Sources
Authors: Shen Anglu , Liu Hongyue , Xin Quandong , Hu Qingjing , Wang Xinliang , Chen Jufa
Published: December 2022

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient element of phytoplankton, as well as a limiting factor for phytoplankton growth. It controls the succession of blooms from diatoms to dinoflagellates, especially in the East China Sea (ECS), where the eutrophication is serious. Most studies have only considered a single aspect of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) or dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP). In contrast, we investigated the growth interactions among the major bloom-forming marine diatom Skeletonema costatum and dinoflagellates Prorocentrum donghaiense and Karenia mikimotoi by using bi-algal cultures combined with DIP and DOP. Our results revealed that (1) P. donghaiense and K. mikimotoi have survival strategies that are superior to those of S. costatum in a bi-algal culture, whether under P-sufficient or P-deficient conditions, and (2) P. donghaiense has a slight competitive advantage over K. mikimotoi when P is sufficient, but the reverse is true when P is deficient. The difference in interspecific competition results at different P concentrations with DIP and DOP mainly arises from the variation in the utilization abilities of different species as regards different P sources, a finding which can also provide strong evidence for revealing the succession of diatoms and dinoflagellates blooms in the ECS.
Characteristics of Mesoscale Eddies in the Vicinity of the Kuroshio: Statistics from Satellite Altimeter Observations and OFES Model Data
Authors: Shi Yiyun , Liu Xiaohui , Liu Tongya , Chen Dake
Published: December 2022

Mesoscale eddies propagate westward in the northwestern Pacific Ocean and interact with the Kuroshio in the vicinity of the western boundary of the ocean. However, the processes affecting the eddy properties and the detailed structure of the eddies when they encounter the Kuroshio remain unclear. In this study, we analyze the statistics of the eddy properties around the Kuroshio using 25 years of satellite altimeter data and the eddy-resolving OFES model product. The spatial compositions of the eddies in the northwestern Pacific show that, as the eddies propagate westward, their radius and amplitude decrease sharply when they approach the Kuroshio region. The radius, amplitude, and kinetic energy of the eddies reaching the Kuroshio region decay much faster during their lifespan compared with the eddies in the interior of the Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, the three-dimensional structure of the eddies obtained from the OFES model data shows that the maximum temperature anomalies in the cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies occur at ~300 m, and the maximum depth reduces as a result of the interaction between the eddies and the main Kuroshio current.
Essential Mineral Content (Fe, Mg, P, Mn, K, Ca, and Na) in Five Wild Edible Species of Lactarius Mushrooms from Southern Spain and Northern Morocco: Reference to Daily Intake
Authors: López Alejandro R. , Barea-Sepúlveda Marta , Barbero Gerardo F. , Ferreiro-González Marta , López-Castillo José Gerardo , Palma Miguel , Espada-Bellido Estrella
Published: December 2022

Mushroom consumption has increased in recent years due to their beneficial properties to the proper functioning of the body. Within this framework, the high potential of mushrooms as a source of essential elements has been reported. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the mineral content of seven essential metals, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, K, Ca, and Na, in twenty samples of mushrooms of the genus Lactarius collected from various locations in southern Spain and northern Morocco, by FAAS, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and ICP-OES after acid digestion. Statistics showed that K was the macronutrient found at the highest levels in all mushrooms studied. ANOVA showed that there were statistically significant differences among the species for K, P, and Na. The multivariate study suggested that there were differences between the accumulation of the elements according to the geographic location and species. Furthermore, the intake of 300 g of fresh mushrooms of each sample covers a high percentage of the RDI, but does not meet the recommended daily intake (RDI) for any of the metals studied, except for Fe. Even considering these benefits, the consumption of mushrooms should be moderated due to the presence of toxic metals, which may pose health risks.
Investigating the Quality of Gender Equality Non-Financial Information Disclosed in the Cooperative Credit Sector: A Case Study
Authors: Ferraro Olga , Cristiano Elena
Published: December 2022

Credit institutions, according to the 2014/95/EU Directive (implemented in Italy with Legislative Decree No. 254/2016) are obliged to report non-financial and diversity information. Our article focuses on the diversity information to investigate whether the obligation to disclose diversity information within the mandatory non-financial statement (NFS) led to an improvement of the quality of the gender equality information. To address this aim we analyzed five consolidated mandatory NFSs (CNFSs) for the Iccrea Cooperative Banking Group (ICBG) covering the 2017–2021 period. We selected ICBG because of the dearth of studies on the cooperative banking sector, which represent a relevant component of the national banking system in Italy. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first study to explore the quality of information on gender equality in mandatory NFSs for a cooperative banking group using a longitudinal approach. The analysis of the case study’s findings provides evidence that ICBG worked to align its gender information with the Decree requirements and the GRI standards. The longitudinal analysis highlights that, during the five years under study, the ICBG’s information on gender came to fully reflect the EU and Italian requirements.
Land Use/Cover Change and Its Driving Mechanism in Thailand from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Wang Yiming , Hu Yunfeng , Niu Xiaoyu , Yan Huimin , Zhen Lin
Published: December 2022

Land use/cover change (LUCC) research is important for regional ecological conservation and sustainable development. There is a lack of exploration of long-time-series dynamics and driving mechanisms at the national scale in the study of land use/cover change in Thailand. Based on the Global Land Cover product with Fine Classification System in 30m (GLC_FCS30) dataset and socioeconomic statistics, we studied the temporal and spatial evolution characteristics and driving mechanisms of LUCC in Thailand from 2000 to 2020 through indicators and methods such as land use dynamic attitude, mapping of a Sankey diagram, principal component analysis, and multiple linear stepwise regression analysis. The results showed that: (1) Thailand has developed in terms of agriculture and forestry. In 2020, the cropland and forest areas accounted for 53.77% and 32.15% of the land area, respectively. (2) From 2000 to 2020, the area of rainfed cropland, irrigated cropland, and forest continued to shrink; the area of impervious surfaces expanded rapidly, and the area of shrubland, other cropland, and wetlands increased. (3) The LUCC process mainly occurred in the two-way conversion between forest and shrubland, rainfed cropland and irrigated farmland, forest and rainfed cropland, and forest and other farmland. The LUC with the largest area transformed into other land types was forest (2.25 × 104 km2), and the LUC with the largest area transformed from other land types transferring into the area was shrubland (1.40 × 104 km2). (4) From 2000 to 2020, the LUCC process in Thailand was mainly influenced by socio-economics and tourism. Gross population, main grain output, industrial value added, passenger income, and urban population were the key factors driving the LUCC in Thailand. Our research can provide the basis and decision support for the future planning and management of land in Thailand.
The Integrated Impact of Drought on Crop Yield and Farmers’ Livelihood in Semi-Arid Rural Areas in China
Authors: Shi Yuzhong , Zhao Linlin , Zhao Xueyan , Lan Haixia , Teng Hezhi
Published: December 2022

Drought has a profound impact on crop yield and the subsistence farming economy in arid and semi-arid lands of developing countries. It creates insecurity in the food supply and livelihood of rural farmers, leading to different livelihood trajectories and transformations. However, a primary challenge is to examine the complexity and location-specificity of drought impact. This study proposes a conceptual framework to understand the integrated drought impact on Yuzhong County in Gansu Province, China. Specifically, the study applies the standardized precipitation index at different time scales to observe drought changes from 1960 to 2017 and estimates the correlation with crop yield. Then, farmers in the northern, central, and southern regions of Yuzhong County were categorized using two-step cluster analysis, based on survey data collected from 1013 interviews conducted in the three regions. The study explores the impact of drought on the livelihood and food security of different clusters of farmers and analyzes their livelihood trajectories and transformations. The results showed that the drastic years with moderate and severe droughts were 1981–1983, 1997, and 2011–2012. Drought was significantly correlated with crop yield, and the effect of SPI12 was more severe. Five clusters of farmers in the southern regions of Yuzhong county were affected by drought with large drought disaster areas and serious economic losses, leading to high rates of affordability deficit and food insecurity, especially in the southern region. As a result, farmers have been adapting their livelihoods to drought, transforming toward mixed livelihoods in the northern region and part-time agricultural livelihoods in the central and southern regions. This study recommends an increase in public investment in water conservancy and irrigation facilities and suggests that locations and policies be utilized to promote the transformation of farmers’ livelihoods to make them more resilient.