bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palmitoylation regulates the magnitude of HCN4-mediated currents in mammalian cells
Authors: Congreve Samitha Dilini , Main Alice , Butler Andrew S. , Gao Xing , Brown Elaine , Du Chunyun , Choisy Stephanié C. , Cheng Hongwei , Hancox Jules C. , Fuller William
Published: April 2023

The sinoatrial node (SAN) and subsidiary pacemakers in the cardiac conduction system generate spontaneous electrical activity which is indispensable for electrical and therefore contractile function of the heart. The hyperpolarisation-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel HCN4 is responsible for genesis of the pacemaker “funny” current during diastolic depolarisation. S-palmitoylation, the reversible conjugation of the fatty acid palmitate to protein cysteine sulfhydryls, regulates the activity of key cardiac Na+ and Ca2+ handling proteins, influencing their membrane microdomain localisation and function. We investigated HCN4 palmitoylation and its functional consequences in engineered human embryonic kidney 293T cells as well as endogenous HCN4 in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. HCN4 was palmitoylated in all experimental systems investigated. We mapped the HCN4 palmitoylation sites to a pair of cysteines in the HCN4 intracellular amino terminus. A double cysteine-to-alanine mutation CC93A/179AA of full length HCN4 caused a ∼67% reduction in palmitoylation in comparison to wild type HCN4. We used whole-cell patch clamp to evaluate HCN4 current (IHCN4) in stably transfected 293T cells. Removal of the two N-terminal palmitoylation sites did not significantly alter half maximal activation voltage of IHCN4 or the activation slope factor. IHCN4 was significantly larger in cells expressing wild type compared to non-palmitoylated HCN4 across a range of voltages. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that although cysteine 93 is widely conserved across all classes of HCN4 vertebrate orthologs, conservation of cysteine 179 is restricted to placental mammals. Collectively, we provide evidence for functional regulation of HCN4 via palmitoylation of its amino terminus in vertebrates. We suggest that by recruiting the amino terminus to the bilayer, palmitoylation enhances the magnitude of HCN4-mediated currents, but does not significantly affect the kinetics.
Nutritional, functional, and bioactive properties of african underutilized legumes
Authors: Popoola Jacob Olagbenro , Ojuederie Omena B. , Aworunse Oluwadurotimi Samuel , Adelekan Aminat , Oyelakin Abiodun S. , Oyesola Olusola Luke , Akinduti Paul A. , Dahunsi Samuel Olatunde , Adegboyega Taofeek T. , Oranusi Solomon U. , Ayilara Modupe S. , Omonhinmin Conrad A.
Published: April 2023

Globally, legumes are vital constituents of diet and perform critical roles in maintaining well-being owing to the dense nutritional contents and functional properties of their seeds. While much emphasis has been placed on the major grain legumes over the years, the neglected and underutilized legumes (NULs) are gaining significant recognition as probable crops to alleviate malnutrition and give a boost to food security in Africa. Consumption of these underutilized legumes has been associated with several health-promoting benefits and can be utilized as functional foods due to their rich dietary fibers, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), proteins/essential amino acids, micro-nutrients, and bioactive compounds. Despite the plethora of nutritional benefits, the underutilized legumes have not received much research attention compared to common mainstream grain legumes, thus hindering their adoption and utilization. Consequently, research efforts geared toward improvement, utilization, and incorporation into mainstream agriculture in Africa are more convincing than ever. This work reviews some selected NULs of Africa (Adzuki beans (Vigna angularis), African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa), Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea), Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis), Kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus), Marama bean (Tylosema esculentum), Mung bean, (Vigna radiata), Rice bean (Vigna Umbellata), and Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus)), and their nutritional, and functional properties. Furthermore, we highlight the prospects and current challenges associated with the utilization of the NULs and discusses the strategies to facilitate their exploitation as not only sources of vital nutrients, but also their integration for the development of cheap and accessible functional foods.
Genome-wide identification, phylogeny, and expression analysis of GRF transcription factors in pineapple (Ananas comosus)
Authors: Yi Wen , Luan Aiping , Liu Chaoyang , Wu Jing , Zhang Wei , Zhong Ziqin , Wang Zhengpeng , Yang Mingzhe , Chen Chengjie , He Yehua
Published: April 2023

Background

Pineapple is the only commercially grown fruit crop in the Bromeliaceae family and has significant agricultural, industrial, economic, and ornamental value. GRF (growth-regulating factor) proteins are important transcription factors that have evolved in seed plants (embryophytes). They contain two conserved domains, QLQ (Gln, Leu, Gln) and WRC (Trp, Arg, Cys), and regulate multiple aspects of plant growth and stress response, including floral organ development, leaf growth, and hormone responses. The GRF family has been characterized in a number of plant species, but little is known about this family in pineapple and other bromeliads.

Main discoveries

We identified eight GRF transcription factor genes in pineapple, and phylogenetic analysis placed them into five subfamilies (I, III, IV, V, VI). Segmental duplication appeared to be the major contributor to expansion of the AcGRF family, and the family has undergone strong purifying selection during evolution. Relative to that of other gene families, the gene structure of the GRF family showed less conservation. Analysis of promoter cis-elements suggested that AcGRF genes are widely involved in plant growth and development. Transcriptome data and qRT-PCR results showed that, with the exception of AcGRF5, the AcGRFs were preferentially expressed in the early stage of floral organ development and AcGRF2 was strongly expressed in ovules. Gibberellin treatment significantly induced AcGRF7/8 expression, suggesting that these two genes may be involved in the molecular regulatory pathway by which gibberellin promotes pineapple fruit expansion.

Conclusion

AcGRF proteins appear to play a role in the regulation of floral organ development and the response to gibberellin. The information reported here provides a foundation for further study of the functions of AcGRF genes and the traits they regulate.
Variation in flavonoid and antioxidant activities of Pyrrosia petiolosa (Christ) Ching from different geographic origins
Authors: Chen Jianhua , Ning Shan , Lu Xuan , Xiang Wei , Zhou Xiao , Bu Yuanyuan , Li Liangbo , Huang Rongshao
Published: April 2023

Pyrrosia petiolosa (Christ) Ching has both medicinal and health benefits in China. The potential antioxidant activities of P. petiolosa, which are mainly attributed to its flavonoids, have attracted much attention in recent years. The present study aimed to determine the concentration of flavonoid components and evaluate the relative antioxidant activities of P. petiolosa from different geographic origins using a UPLC-MRM-MS-based metabolomics approach. In total, 97 flavonoid components were identified, and their concentrations in the samples from different geographic locations showed significant variation. Thirteen flavonoid components were identified as potential biomarkers for distinguishing between the two major regions, Guizhou (GZ) and Guangxi (GX). The GZ group showed higher total flavonoid content, free radical scavenging activities, and ferric reducing antioxidant power. The well positive correlations were found between the antioxidant capacities and some flavonoid markers. The ecogeographic factors, namely altitude and longitude, play a crucial role in the difference of antioxidant activities and flavonoids concentration. These results indicate that P. petiolosa is rich in flavonoid compounds and is a promising source of natural antioxidants, providing a basis for the quality control of P. petiolosa.
PlantNLRatlas: a comprehensive dataset of full- and partial-length NLR resistance genes across 100 chromosome-level plant genomes
Authors: Li Xiang , Ma Linna , Wang Yingmin , Ye Chen , Guo Cunwu , Li Yingbin , Mei Xinyue , Du Fei , Huang Huichuan
Published: April 2023

Plants have evolved two layers of protection against biotic stress: PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI). The primary mechanism of ETI involves nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat immune receptors (NLRs). Although NLR genes have been studied in several plant species, a comprehensive database of NLRs across a diverse array of species is still lacking. Here, we present a thorough analysis of NLR genes across 100 high-quality plant genomes (PlantNLRatlas). The PlantNLRatlas includes a total of 68,452 NLRs, of which 3,689 are full-length and 64,763 are partial-length NLRs. The majority of NLR groups were phyletically clustered. In addition, the domain sequences were found to be highly conserved within each NLR group. Our PlantNLRatlas dataset is complementary to RefPlantNLR, a collection of NLR genes which have been experimentally confirmed. The PlantNLRatlas should prove helpful for comparative investigations of NLRs across a range of plant groups, including understudied taxa. Finally, the PlantNLRatlas resource is intended to help the field move past a monolithic understanding of NLR structure and function.
Examination of game addiction studies conducted in Turkey: A systematic review study
Authors: Boz Canahmet , Dinç Mehmet
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study is to examine the methodological orientations in game addiction studies in Turkey between 2019 and 2022 in a holistic way and to present suggestions for new literature studies. For this purpose, only articles written in Turkish language were reviewed on Google Scholar. Open-access quantitative studies between 2019 and 2022 were included in our study. As a result, 69 out of 257 studies were found to comply with the predetermined criteria. The number of participants in these 69 studies, with a total sample size of 26,415, varies between 60 and 987. Almost half of the studies sample group is children (n = 36). The majority of the studies examine the relationship between academic achievement, familial and social relationship problems, gaming behavior and game addiction in children and adolescents. It was found that gaming addiction was higher in male students compared to female students, especially between the ages of 14–15. Among children, male students play digital games more than girls, and they mostly prefer action-adventure, war, and racing games. Previous studies have concluded that the use of consoles and smartphones in adolescents and young adults has a high impact on digital game addiction. In the light of the findings, it is suggested that empirical studies on game addiction should be addressed with different aspects using new literature studies.
Correlation of hemoglobin with osteoporosis in elderly Chinese population: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Yichen , Zeng Yue , Lu Jun , Zhang Xiaoya , Zhang Zikai , Li Huijuan , Liu Peipei , Ma Bin , Gu Yiqun , Song Lige
Published: April 2023

Introduction

In the elder population, both low hemoglobin (Hb)/anemia and osteoporosis (OP) are highly prevalent. However, the relationship between Hb and OP is still poorly understood. This study was to evaluate the correlation between Hb and OP in Chinese elderly population.

Methods

One thousand and sisty-eight individuals aged 55–85 years were enrolled into this cross-sectional study during June 2019–November 2019. Data on the demographics and clinical characteristics were recorded. Detections of complete blood count, liver/kidney function, glucose metabolism and lipid profile, and thoracolumbar X-ray were performed, and bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine 1–4, femur neck, and total hip was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were employed to evaluate the correlation between Hb with BMD T-score. Logistic regression analysis was performed to access the correlation between different Hb levels and the odds ratio (OR) for OP.

Results

Compared with non-OP group, OP patients had lower level of Hb. Univariate linear regression analysis indicated Hb level was positively related to the BMD of lumbar spine 1–4, femur neck and total hip, and this relationship remained after adjusting confounding variables [gender, age, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus (DM) and morphological vertebral fracture]. Logistic regression analysis showed the ORs for OP decreased with the increase of Hb. Compared with the subjects with the lowest quartile of Hb, the OR for OP in the highest quartile group was 0.60 (0.41–0.89) after adjusting for gender, age and BMI, and the OR for OP was 0.62 (0.41–0.92) after further adjustment for gender, age, BMI, DM, and lipid indexes.

Discussion

In conclusion, Lower Hb level is related to lower BMD in the elderly population. However, whether Hb level could be used to predict the risk of OP needs to be further determined in more longitudinal clinical studies.
Planning, implementation, and sustaining high coverage of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs: What works in the context of low-resource countries?
Authors: Waheed Dur-E-Nayab , Bolio Ana , Guillaume Dominique , Sidibe Anissa , Morgan Christopher , Karafillakis Emilie , Holloway Megan , Van Damme Pierre , Limaye Rupali , Vorsters Alex
Published: April 2023

Cervical cancer due to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a leading cause of mortality among women in low-resource settings. Many Sub-Saharan African countries have introduced HPV vaccination programs at the national level in the last few years. However, countries are struggling to maintain sustainable coverage. This study focuses on the introduction and sustainability challenges, context-specific key lessons learned, and mechanisms of action to achieve high sustainable coverage from low and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs) that have introduced HPV vaccination programs by collating evidence from a literature review and key informant interviews. Local data availability was a challenge across countries, with the lack or absence of registries, data collection and reporting mechanisms. Multi-sectoral coordination and early involvement of key stakeholders were cited as an integral part of HPV programs and facilitators for sustainable coverage. Key informants identified periodic sensitization and training as critical due to high staff turnover. Health workforce mobilization was fundamental to ensure that the health workforce is aware of the disease etiology, eligibility requirements, and can dispel misinformation. Schools were reported to be an ideal sustainable platform for vaccination. However, this required teachers to be trained, which was often not considered in the programs. District-level staff were often poorly informed and lacked the technical and logistic capacity to support vaccination rounds and data collection. To improve the sustainability of HPV vaccination programs, there is a need for timely microplanning, efficient preparedness assessment, assessing training approaches, periodic training, finding innovative ways to achieve equity and adoption of a bottom-up approach to ensure that processes between districts and central level are well-connected and resources are distributed efficiently.
The mediating and moderating effects of resilience between childhood trauma and geriatric depressive symptoms among Chinese community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Li Shaojie , Yin Yongtian , Cui Guanghui , Zhang Chi , Zhu He , Yao Yao
Published: April 2023

Objective

This study aims to examine the association between childhood traumatic events (CTEs), childhood trauma severity, and depressive symptoms, as well as to examine the mediating and moderating roles of resilience in these associations.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1,091 community-dwelling older adults in Jinan, China. The trauma history questionnaire (THQ) was used to measure CTEs and childhood trauma severity. CTEs were defined as the number of traumatic events before the age of 18. We calculated childhood trauma severity by multiplying the number of CTEs by the participants’ self-perceived impact level of the events from the THQ. We then applied the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale and 10-item Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale to assess participants’ depressive symptoms and resilience, respectively. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations, and structural equation modeling was used to examine the mediating and moderating roles of resilience.

Results

Childhood traumatic events, childhood trauma severity, and resilience were all associated with depressive symptoms in older adults. Resilience mediated the relationship between childhood trauma severity and depressive symptoms (β = 0.082, 95% CI = 0.045–0.123), accounting for 26.6% of the overall effect (β = 0.308, 95% CI = 0.190–0.422). However, there was no evidence that resilience mediated the association between CTEs and depressive symptoms. In addition, we did not find that resilience played a moderating role in the associations of CTEs, childhood trauma severity with depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Resilience plays a mediating role in the relationship between childhood trauma severity and depressive symptoms. Intervention measures on improving resilience may reduce childhood trauma severity associated with depression risk in older Chinese adults.
District-level analysis of socio-demographic factors and COVID-19 infections in Greater Accra and Ashanti regions, Ghana
Authors: Owusu Alex Barimah , Yiran Gerald Albert Baeribameng , Afagbedzi Seth K. , Takyi Edwin
Published: April 2023

Since December 2019 when COVID-19 was detected, it took the world by surprise in terms of spread and morbidity/mortality. The high rate of spread and casualties recorded from COVID-19 called for research in all directions to find ways to contain and reverse the incidences. It is against this background that this paper sought to measure the association of the socio-demographic factors in the hard-hit districts in Greater Accra and Ashanti to analyze its relationship with the novel COVID-19 virus. Data on COVID-19 cases from 35 Districts in both Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions were collected from the Ghana Health Service and population data from Ghana Statistical Service. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were generated using R. We found that some socio-demographic variables have an association with COVID-19 infections. For example, age and religion especially Christianity and Islam pose risk to COVID-19. The population aged 15–64 was particularly at high risk of infections due to the high level of movement of this age group. We, therefore, recommend that places of congregation such as Churches and Mosques be targeted for vigorous sensitization on COVID-19 protocols and prevention. Also, districts with a high population between the ages of 15–64 should step sensitization efforts to educate their inhabitants on the need to reduce travel and related activities to curb the spread of the virus.
Exploring public health education’s integration of critical race theories: A scoping review
Authors: Collins Sarah L. , Smith Travis C. , Hack George , Moorhouse Michael D.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Public health has declared a commitment toward diversity as a whole, with a commitment toward addressing and dismantling racism being at the forefront. Although public health has admirably taken on this mission, and the foundational principles of public health align with social justice and health equity, public health as a discipline is vastly behind other fields in integrating and utilizing critical race theorizations. Of particular concern is the lack of critical race theorization within public health education materials. Public health education serves as a precursor to public health practice and situates topics and competencies that are essential to one’s foundational public health knowledge and skillset, thus the use of strong theoretical groundings is critical in public health education.

Objectives

Therefore, to explore the current landscape of public health educational research that employs critical race theories, this study sought to conduct a scoping review investigating the current literature of public health pedagogical, instructional, and curricular efforts that utilize race and antiracist theorization principles as a means to administer public health education. More specifically, we sought to investigate how have faculty and instructors published their integration of race theorization in public health curriculum/instruction within the United States since 2011.

Results

We found 18 examples from peer-reviewed literature of curricular, pedagogical, or instructional practices and strategies that integrate critical theories of race, including contemplative pedagogy (n = 1), antiracism (n = 3), Public Health Critical Race praxis (n = 4), Critical Race (n = 5), critical service-learning/community engagement (n = 2), ethnic studies (n = 1), and intersectionality (n = 2).

Conclusion

These articles present a wide breadth of innovative approaches to infusing critical race studies within public health higher education, ranging from individual assignments to course design and implementation to institutional culture change, thus demonstrating the multifaceted nature of critical race studies within micro-learning communities and macro-discipline practices. Identifying theoretically grounded, exemplary models and scholarly recommendations of pedagogical, instructional, and curricular practices provides readers the opportunity to borrow from successful practices and implement concepts of race, racism, antiracism, intersectionality, and more into their classrooms.
Association between alcohol consumption and kidney stones in American adults: 2007–2016 NHANES
Authors: Zhou Zhen , Huang Zhicong , Ai Guoyao , Guo Xin , Zeng Guohua , Zhu Wei
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To investigate the association between alcohol consumption and kidney stones in American adults.

Materials and methods

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) datasets from 2007 to 2016 were utilized. Participants with a history of kidney stones and alcohol consumption aged 20 or older were included. Weighted proportions and regression analysis were used to assess the association between alcohol consumption and kidney stones by adjusting age, gender, race, marital status, education, recreational activities, smoking, and several comorbidities.

Results

Eleven population samples (Q1-Q11) were included from the NHANES dataset based on 11 questions compiled from the Alcohol Use Questionnaire (ALQ). In the fully adjusted regression model, none of these 11 samples demonstrated a significant association with urolithiasis, that is, alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with the incidence of kidney stones, even among heavy drinkers.

Conclusion

Alcohol consumption is not significantly associated with the prevalence of kidney stones. This finding requires a more adequate sample size and a more detailed review of the history of kidney stones to be further verified.
Kelvin-Helmholtz instability-driven magnetopause dynamics as turbulent pathway for the solar wind-magnetosphere coupling and the flank-central plasma sheet communication
Authors: Hwang Kyoung-Joo , Wang Chih-Ping , Nykyri Katariina , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Tapley Mark B. , Burch James L. , Fuselier Stephen A. , Goldstein Jerry , Dokgo Kyunghwan , Nakamura Takuma , Sitnov Mikhail , Ma Xuanye , Lin Yu , Wang Xue
Published: April 2023

About sixty years ago it was proposed that the solar wind entry and changes in magnetospheric magnetic topology via dayside magnetic reconnection initiate the magnetospheric convection over the poles. On the other hand, the quasi-viscous interaction via Kelvin-Helmholtz waves/vortices was proposed to lead to the solar wind entry and magnetospheric convection. Since then, the two processes have been thought to regulate the solar wind and earth’s magnetosphere coupling. However, their relative efficiency and importance leave a lot of room for enhanced and quantitative understanding. Kelvin-Helmholtz instability operating on the entire surface of the magnetopause also provide a place for not only solar wind transport but also energetic particle transport or escape, thus, being an efficient channel for two-way transport. Recent observations and simulations indicate that the flanks of the earth’s magnetosphere can act as a pathway to/from the central magnetotail current sheet. Possible causality between the flank-side dynamics and magnetotail current sheet stability has never been explored. In this paper we discuss our perspective on these unsolved areas of Heliophysics research with brief suggestions of observational and numerical approaches.
Pregnancy Loss and Risk of All-Cause Mortality in Chinese Women: Findings From the China Kadoorie Biobank
Authors: Jiang Li , Huang Sha , Hee Jia Yi , Xin Yiqian , Zou Siyu , Tang Kun
Published: April 2023

Objectives: Pregnancy loss is a common obstetric complication that may be associated with maternal mortality. However, evidence is sparse and inconsistent. This study aims to investigate the association between pregnancy loss with the risk of all-cause mortality among Chinese women.

Methods: Data on 299,582 women aged 30–79 years old from the China Kadoorie Biobank were used. Cox proportional hazard regression was conducted to investigate the association between the occurrence of pregnancy loss and all-cause mortality.

Results: Two or more pregnancy losses was associated with long-term all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.10, 95% CI: 1.03–1.18). Specifically, more than one spontaneous abortion or stillbirth was associated with long-term all-cause mortality (aHR 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01–1.21 and 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04–1.25, respectively). When stratified by the presence of cardiovascular disease or diabetes, as well as age at baseline, two or more pregnancy losses in women aged ≥50 diagnosed with cardiovascular disease (aHR 1.32, 95% CI: 1.18–1.48) or diabetes (aHR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.06–1.60) was associated with all-cause mortality.

Conclusion: Recurrent pregnancy loss, in particular two or more spontaneous abortions and stillbirths were associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality. The associations between recurrent pregnancy losses and all-cause mortality were more pronounced in women aged ≥50 with cardiovascular disease or diabetes at baseline.
Representation of Women in Contemporary Kidney Transplant Trials
Authors: Vinson A. J. , Ahmed S. B.
Published: April 2023

Women are often underrepresented in clinical trials. It is unclear if this applies to trials in kidney transplant (KT) and whether the intervention or trial focus influences this. In this study, the weighted participation-to-prevalence ratio (PPR) for women enrollees in KT trials was determined for leading medical transplant or kidney journals between 2018 and 2023 using meta-regression overall and in three sensitivity analyses by: 1) Whether the intervention involved immunosuppression; 2) Area of trial focus; rejection, cardiometabolic, infection, lifestyle, surgical; 3) Whether the intervention was medical/surgical or social/behavioral. Overall, 33.7% of participants in 24 trials were women. The overall pooled PPR for the included trials was 0.80, 95% CI 0.76–0.85, with significant heterogeneity between trials (I2 56.6%, p-value < 0.001). Women had a lower PPR when the trial involved immunosuppression (PPR 0.77, 95% CI 0.72–0.82) than when it did not (PPR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80–0.94) and were less likely to participate in trials with a medical/surgical versus behavioral intervention; the lowest PPR for women was in studies examining rejection risk (PPR 0.75, 95% CI 0.70–0.81). There is better representation of women in KT trials compared to other medical disciplines, however women remain underrepresented in transplant trials examining immunosuppression and rejection.
Psychological Contracts and Organizational Commitment: The Positive Impact of Relational Contracts on Call Center Operators
Authors: Fantinelli Stefania , Galanti Teresa , Guidetti Gloria , Conserva Federica , Giffi Veronica , Cortini Michela , Di Fiore Teresa
Published: April 2023

With the increasing complexity and dynamism of the modern work experience, the importance of the psychological contract has become increasingly clear. Organizations and researchers alike have recognized the implications of this contract for employee performance, satisfaction and well-being. However, certain work contexts can increase psychosocial risks, making it crucial to investigate the individual and contextual characteristics that can promote well-being and mitigate risks. In this study, we examined the impact of psychological contract types and task repetitiveness on organizational commitment among call center employees. By conducting a cross-sectional study involving 201 call center employees working in-person and administering an ad hoc questionnaire, we aimed to enrich the scientific literature on the psychological contract and its implications for the call center work environment. Our findings revealed that a transactional psychological contract has a negative impact on affective and normative commitment, potentially undermining employees’ sense of obligation and responsibility towards these organizations. To promote healthy work relationships and well-being among call center employees, we suggest the importance of a relational psychological contract. By highlighting the role of psychological contract types in organizational commitment, our study offers valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners.
Auxin Application at the Flowering Stage of Rice Alleviates the Negative Impact of Heat Stress on Spikelet Fertility and Yield Attributes
Authors: Aryan Shafiqullah , Gulab Gulbuddin , Kakar Kifayatullah , Habibi Nasratullah , Amin Mohammad Wasif , Sadat Mohammad Ismail , Zahid Tayebullah , Durani Asmatullah , Baber Bakht Munir , Safi Zabihullah , Zerak Anwarulhaq
Published: April 2023

The reproductive stage of rice is vulnerable to heat stress, which reduces spikelet fertility and yield. Auxin significantly influences reproductive development, hence the research aimed to enhance spikelet fertility and grain attributes in rice plants by exploring the application efficiency of Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) under heat stress. This study investigated the effects of IAA (10 μmol L−1) and NAA (100 μmol L−1) on spikelet fertility rate in six rice genotypes during the flowering stage. Compared to the heat stress (HS) treatment, the spikelet production rate and grain yield per plant were higher by 61.16%, 37.25%, and 33.07%, and 72.84%, 44.48%, and 32.71% in control, HS + NAA, and HS + IAA treatments, respectively. In addition, panicle weight, primary branches number panicle−1, and 1000-grains weight were significantly (p < 0.05) improved with HS + IAA and HS + NAA application under heat stress conditions. Auxin application enhanced photosynthetic and transpiration rate, while contrarily, leaf temperature diminished. The higher photosynthetic rate showed positive relationships with spikelet fertility (r = 0.64) and yield plant−1 (r = 0.63). Additionally, leaf temperature had a strongly negative correlation (r = −0.81) with the spikelet fertility rate. The application of auxin increased the number of filled grains panicle−1, which showed a positive relationship (r = 0.75) with grain yield plant−1. The variation of spikelet fertility rate among genotypes was dependent on the variety tolerance rate. Overall, these findings indicate that exogenous auxin application can mitigate the negative impact of heat stress on rice and improve spikelet fertility and grain yield.
Drought Risk Assessment and Monitoring of Ilocos Norte Province in the Philippines Using Satellite Remote Sensing and Meteorological Data
Authors: Alonzo Christian Albert , Galabay Joanna Mae , Macatangay Margadrew Nicole , Magpayo Mark Brianne , Ramirez Ryan
Published: April 2023

Drought has been known to be a natural hazard reflecting geographic and climatic characteristics. Satellite technology advancements have benefited drought assessment and monitoring to formulate plans for dealing with this slow-onset disaster. However, combining satellite remote sensing (RS) and meteorological data for drought monitoring is lacking in the literature. This study uses satellite RS and meteorological-based drought indicators to assess drought risk in the Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Data analysis included the retrieval of vegetation conditions using Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data. The standardized precipitation index (SPI) and Keetch–Byram drought index (KBDI) were calculated to account for climatic variabilities. Results revealed that the Sentinel-1 backscatter coefficient decreased by −2 dB in the cropland area, indicating crop growth irregularities compared to grassland areas. These irregularities were supported by Sentinel-2 normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) strong fluctuations during the two-year observation period. A significant coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.60) between the Sentinel-1 backscatter coefficient and Sentinel-2 NDVI was observed for the study area. On the one hand, only KBDI significantly correlated (R2 > 0.60) with the cropland area’s RS data-derived drought indicators. These results revealed RS data variability for drought risk management but are still valuable for developing an early warning system.
Data Stream Analytics
Authors: Aguilar-Ruiz Jesus S. , Bifet Albert , Gama Joao
Published: April 2023

The human brain works in such a complex way that we have not yet managed to decipher its functional mysteries [...]
Novel Mutation in the Feline GAA Gene in a Cat with Glycogen Storage Disease Type II (Pompe Disease)
Authors: Rakib Tofazzal Md , Islam Md Shafiqul , Tanaka Shigeki , Yabuki Akira , Pervin Shahnaj , Maki Shinichiro , Faruq Abdullah Al , Tacharina Martia Rani , Yamato Osamu
Published: April 2023

Glycogen storage disease type II (Pompe disease: PD) is an autosomal recessively inherited fatal genetic disorder that results from the deficiency of a glycogen hydrolyzing enzyme, acid α-glucosidase encoded by the GAA gene. Here, we describe the molecular basis of genetic defects in an 8-month-old domestic short-haired cat with PD. The cat was previously diagnosed with PD based on the clinical and pathological findings of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and excessive accumulation of glycogen in the cardiac muscles. Sanger sequencing was performed on 20 exons of the feline GAA gene using genomic DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded liver tissues. The affected cat was found to be homozygous for the GAA:c.1799G>A mutation resulting in an amino acid substitution (p.R600H) of acid α-glucosidase, a codon position of which is identical with three missense mutations (p.R600C, p.R600L, and p.R600H) causing human infantile-onset PD (IOPD). Several stability and pathogenicity predictors have also shown that the feline mutation is deleterious and severely decreases the stability of the GAA protein. The clinical, pathological, and molecular findings in the cat were similar to those of IOPD in humans. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a pathogenic mutation in a cat. Feline PD is an excellent model for human PD, especially IOPD.
On the Species Identification of Two Non-Native Tilapia Species, Including the First Record of a Feral Population of Oreochromis aureus (Steindachner, 1864) in South Korea
Authors: Wang Ju Hyoun , Choi Hee-kyu , Lee Hyuk Je , Lee Hwang Goo
Published: April 2023

Tilapia is an invasive species that has become widely distributed around the world. In Korea, introduced tilapia into its aquatic ecosystem for the first time with a species from Thailand in 1955, and later additionally introduced two more species from Japan and Taiwan, thus securing a total of three species of tilapia (O. niloticus, O. mossambicus and O. aureus) as food resources. Since then, O. niloticus has been reported to inhabit certain streams with thermal effluent outlets. Morphological species identification is very difficult for tilapia and a combined analysis of morphological and molecular-based species identification is therefore necessary. This study investigated a tilapia population that inhabits a thermal effluent stream (Dalseo Stream) in Daegu Metropolitan City, Korea, in order to conduct a morphological and genetic species identification of this population. In total, 37 tilapia individuals were sampled. The results of the morphological and genetic species identification analyses found that two species, O. aureus and O. niloticus, inhabit the Dalseo Stream. In Korea, the habitat of the O. niloticus natural population has been reported, but the O. aureus natural population has not been reported. Thus, we observed for the first time that a new invasive species, O. aureus, inhabits a stream in Korea. They are known to cause disturbances to aquatic organisms (e.g., fish, aquatic insects, plankton, aquatic plants) and the habitat environment (e.g., water quality, bottom structure). Accordingly, it is important to study the ecological effects of O. aureus and O. niloticus on the corresponding freshwater ecosystem closely and to prepare a management plan to prevent the spread of these species, as they are notoriously invasive.
Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity of Ultrafine (BiO)2CO3 NPs Functionalized with PVP That Can Overcome the Resistance to Ciprofloxacin, AgNPs and Meropenem in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Pant Bishnu D. , Abeydeera Nalin , Dubadi Rabindra , Kim Min-Ho , Huang Songping D.
Published: April 2023

Although it has no known biochemical role in living organisms, bismuth has been used to treat syphilis, diarrhea, gastritis and colitis for almost a century due to its nontoxic nature to mammalian cells. When prepared via a top-down sonication route from a bulk sample, bismuth subcarbonate (BiO)2CO3 nanoparticles (NPs) with an average size of 5.35 ± 0.82 nm exhibit broad-spectrum potent antibacterial activity against both the gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria including methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (DSSA), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), drug-susceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa (DSPA) and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (DRPA). Specifically, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) are 2.0 µg/mL against DSSA and MRSA and 0.75 µg/mL against DSPA and DRPA. In sharp contrast to ciprofloxacin, AgNPs and meropenem, (BiO)2CO3 NPs show no sign of developing Bi-resistant phenotypes after 30 consecutive passages. On the other hand, such NPs can readily overcome the resistance to ciprofloxacin, AgNPs and meropenem in DSPA. Finally, the combination of (BiO)2CO3 NPs and meropenem shows a synergistic effect with the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index of 0.45.
Antibacterial Properties of Ethacridine Lactate and Sulfmethoxazole Loaded Functionalized Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites
Authors: Jabri Tooba , Khan Naveed Ahmed , Makhlouf Zinb , Akbar Noor , Gul Jasra , Shah Muhammad Raza , Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah
Published: April 2023

The emergence of drug-resistant bacterial strains that reduce the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents has become a major ongoing health concern in recent years. It is therefore necessary to find new antibacterials with broad-spectrum activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and/or to use nanotechnology to boost the potency of already available medications. In this research, we examined the antibacterial efficacy of sulfamethoxazole and ethacridine lactate loaded two-dimensional glucosamine functionalized graphene-based nanocarriers against a range of bacterial isolates. Graphene oxide was first functionalized with glucosamine, which as a carbohydrate moiety can render hydrophilic and biocompatible characters to the GO surface, and subsequently loaded with ethacridine lactate and sulfamethoxazole. The resulting nanoformulations had distinct, controllable physiochemical properties. By analyzing the formulation using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (PXRD), a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), zetasizer, and a morphological analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy, researchers were able to confirm the synthesis of nanocarriers. Both nanoformulations were tested against Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli K1, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, as well as Gram-positive bacteria, including Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Importantly, ethacridine lactate and its nanoformulations exhibited significant antibacterial properties against all bacteria tested in this study. When tested for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the results were remarkable and revealed that ethacridine lactate presented MIC90 at 9.7 µg/mL against S. enteric, and MIC90 at 6.2 µg/mL against B. cereus. Notably, ethacridine lactate and its nanoformulations showed limited toxicity effects against human cells using lactate dehydrogenase assays. Overall, the results revealed that ethacridine lactate and its nanoformulations possess antibacterial activities against various Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and that nanotechnology can be employed for the targeted delivery of effective drugs without harming the host tissue.
A Numerical Study of Blast Resistance of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Aluminum Alloy Laminates
Authors: Zhang Bo , Feng Shunshan
Published: April 2023

In this study, the dynamic responses under blast loading of carbon fiber reinforced aluminum alloy laminates with different curvature radii, different numbers of layers, and different layer directions of carbon fiber under blast loading were compared numerically. The finite element models were built with ABAQUS/Explicit. To calibrate the numerical models, experiments on curved carbon fiber and curved aluminum alloy were modeled, and the numerical results showed good agreement with the experimental data. The calibrated numerical models were used to simulate the dynamic response of cylindrical panels subject to external explosion loading. The stiffness degradation coefficient was introduced to more accurately simulate the failure mode of the composite structures. The deformation and energy absorption of carbon fiber reinforced aluminum alloy laminates under different structural parameters were obtained. These simulation findings can guide the theoretical study and optimal design of carbon fiber reinforced structures subject to external blast loading.
Yeast Fermentation for Production of Neutral Distilled Spirits
Authors: Black Kirsty , Walker Graeme
Published: April 2023

The production of neutral distilled spirits is increasing worldwide due to the popularity of beverages such as vodka and gin. Yeast fermentation lies at the heart of such production, but there are salient differences between the yeast strains employed for neutral spirits, as compared to those used in whisky, rum, and brandy fermentation. For example, the former white spirit processes aim to minimise the synthesis of flavour-active volatile compounds (or congeners), whilst the opposite is true for more flavoursome brown spirits such as whisky. This paper describes the raw materials, yeasts, and fermentation conditions involved in neutral spirit production processes and discusses challenges and opportunities in such technology, including exciting new developments regarding strategies to improve yeast strains.
Variation of Elastic Stiffness Parameters of Granitic Rock during Loading in Uniaxial Compressive Test
Authors: Narimani Samad , Davarpanah Seyed Morteza , Kovács László , Vásárhelyi Balázs
Published: April 2023

Any rock mechanics’ design inherently involves determining the deformation characteristics of the rock material. The purpose of this study is to offer equations for calculating the values of bulk modulus (K), elasticity modulus (E), and rigidity modulus (G) throughout the loading of the sample until failure. Also, the Poisson’s ratio, which is characterized from the stress–strain curve, has a significant effect on the rigidity and bulk moduli. The results of a uniaxial compressive (UCS) test on granitic rocks from the Morágy (Hungary) radioactive waste reservoir site were gathered and examined for this purpose. The fluctuation of E, G, and K has been the subject of new linear and nonlinear connections. The proposed equations are parabolic in all of the scenarios for the Young’s modulus and shear modulus, the study indicates. Furthermore, the suggested equations for the bulk modulus in the secant, average, and tangent instances are also nonlinear. Moreover, we achieved correlations with a high determination factor for E, G, and K in three different scenarios: secant, tangent, and average. It is particularly intriguing to observe that the elastic stiffness parameters exhibit strong correlation in the results.
The Prevalence of Viruses Related to the Production of Mussels and Oysters in Saldanha Bay: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shuping Likentso Sylvia , Human Izanne Susan , Lues Jan Frederik Rykers , Paulse Arnelia Natalie
Published: April 2023

The disposal of treated and untreated sewage near shellfish harvesting areas is a global concern. Discharged sewage may be contaminated with enteric viruses present in human faeces. Bivalve molluscs, in turn, act as vectors for enteric viruses through bioaccumulation and retention of these viruses during the filter-feeding process, resulting in outbreaks of infections due to the consumption of contaminated shellfish. This review was conducted using peer-reviewed articles published from 2012 until September 2022, obtained from online databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct, highlighting the challenges that the shellfish industry is faced with concerning pollutants ending up in the shellfish production areas. Developed countries have made some advancements by upgrading sewage infrastructures, which reduced viral loads in sewage. However, it is difficult to measure the significance of these improvements, as there are no regulations in place which stipulate the permissible limits for viruses. In most developing countries, including South Africa, there is a lack of effective management plans for virus monitoring in shellfish harvesting areas. The findings of this study indicated a need for extensive research on the origin of viruses, their interactions with other organisms within the marine ecosystem, the quantification of viruses within the Saldanha Bay harbour, and the development of virus management plans which currently are non-existent.
Rydberg Interaction-Induced Distortion of the Autler–Townes Spectra in Cold Lithium Atoms
Authors: Saakyan Sergey , Morozov Nikita , Sautenkov Vladimir , Zelener Boris B.
Published: April 2023

In this article, effects of the strong long-range interaction of Rydberg atoms on the Autler–Townes splitting spectrum are investigated. Preliminary results are obtained for various excitation times and Rydberg atom densities. The 2S1/2 and 2P1/2 levels of lithium-7 are coupled with strong laser field and probed by another laser via excitation into a 70S Rydberg level. Interactions between Rydberg atoms excited by the probe beam lead to the broadening of the Autler–Townes spectra. At high concentrations of Rydberg atoms, a suppression of the excitation of the Autler–Townes peak at red detuning is observed.