bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a Strain Degrading Ammonia Nitrogen, Optimization of Ammonia Nitrogen Degradation Conditions, and Gene Expression of Key Degrading Enzyme Nitrite Reductase
Authors: Wang Zhenhao , Liu Huijing , Cui Tangbing
Published: April 2023

In recent years, nitrogen pollutants have become one of the main causes of water pollution and eutrophication; thus, it is very important to increase the research on nitrogen removal in wastewater. In this study, a bacterium with outstanding ammonia nitrogen degradation capability was isolated from piggery wastewater and identified as Bacillus tequilensis (designated as A2). The ammonia nitrogen degradation rate of A2 reached the highest level (95%) when the incubation temperature was 42 °C, the initial pH was 7, the seed volume was 5%, the rotation speed was 160 r·min−1, the C/N was 10:1, and the carbon source was sodium citrate. A new nitrite reductase gene was successfully expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3), and the result showed that the enzyme gene contained 2418 bp and 805 encoding amino acids, the recombinant enzyme was purified through an Ni2+ affinity chromatography column, it had a molecular weight of about 94 kDa, it displayed the maximum enzyme activity at 40 °C and pH 6.0, it exhibited good stability in the range of 25 °C to 35 °C, and it showed a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A 1 mM concentration of Fe3+ promoted the enzyme activity, followed by a 1 mM concentration of Fe2+ and Mg2+. The kinetic parameters of Km, Kcat, and the Vmax of NiR-A2 were calculated to be 1.37 μmol·mL−1, 4.9 × 102 s−1, and 23.75 μmol·mg−1·min−1, respectively. This strain shows good prospects for wastewater treatment, especially in the treatment of high concentration ammonia nitrogen and nitrite degradation, because of its tolerance to and high degradation rate of high concentrations of ammonia nitrogen and high nitrite.
Effect of Pretreatments on the Production of Biogas from Castor Waste by Anaerobic Digestion
Authors: Quezada-Morales Diana Laura , Campos-Guillén Juan , De Moure-Flores Francisco Javier , Amaro-Reyes Aldo , Martínez-Martínez Juan Humberto , Chaparro-Sánchez Ricardo , Zavala-Gómez Carlos Eduardo , Flores-Macías Antonio , Figueroa-Brito Rodolfo , Rodríguez-Morales José Alberto , Ramos-López Miguel Angel
Published: April 2023

Lignocellulosic biomass is a source of carbohydrates that can be used in the production of biogas. The aim of this study was to obtain biogas from biomass waste (leaves, stems and seed bagasse) of Ricinus communis, applying pretreatments such as temperature and humidity. We examined the effect of these pretreatments on the biomass, two enzymatic pretreatments (cellulase and cellobiohydrolase), two chemicals (NaOH and HCl) and two controls (dried castor straw and seed bagasse) on the methane content. The experiment was performed in two anaerobic digestion (AD) assays at a controlled temperature (37 °C) and at room temperature, with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 55 days. The results showed that the residues of the seed bagasse produced the highest biogas yields both at room temperature and at the controlled temperature since this material at 37 °C produced 460.63 mL gVS−1 under cellulase pretreatment; at room temperature, the highest level of production was found for the control (263.41 mL gVS−1). The lowest yields at the controlled temperature and room temperature were obtained from residues of Ricinus communis treated with cellobiohydrolase and the seed bagasse treated with alkaline (15.15 mL gVS−1 and 78.51 mL gVS−1, respectively). Meanwhile, the greatest amount of methane was produced by seed bagasse treated with cellobiohydrolase at a controlled temperature (92.2% CH4) and the lowest content of CH4 (15.5%) was obtained at a controlled temperature from castor straw under the control treatment.
Bioaugmentation Strategies for Enhancing Methane Production from Shrimp Processing Waste through Anaerobic Digestion
Authors: Mazzurco Miritana Valentina , Gaetani Alessia , Signorini Antonella , Marone Antonella , Massini Giulia
Published: April 2023

Bioaugmentation strategies were tested to improve energetic valorization of shrimp processing waste (SPW) by anaerobic digestion (AD). A fermenting bacteria pool (F210) obtained from coastal lake sediments and two strains of anaerobic fungi (AF), Orpynomyces sp. and Neocallimastix sp., commonly found as components of microbial community of AD plants, were used with the aim of improving the fermentative and hydrolytic phases of AD, respectively. The experiment was carried out by testing single bioaugmentation at an SPW concentration of 6.5 gVS L−1 and combined bioaugmentation at three SPW concentrations (6.5, 9.7 and 13.0 gVS L−1, respectively), in batch mode and mesophilic conditions. Cumulative CH4 productions were higher in the combined bioaugmentation tests and increased in line with SPW concentration. The F210 played a key role in enhancing CH4 production while no effect was attributable to the addition of AFs. The CH4 content (%) in the biogas increased with substrate concentrations, with average values of 67, 70, and 73%, respectively. Microbial community abundance increased in line with the SPW concentration and the acetoclastic Methanosarcina predominated within the methanogen Archaea guild in the combined bioaugmentation test (in all cases > 65%).
Impedimetric Polyaniline-Based Aptasensor for Aflatoxin B1 Determination in Agricultural Products
Authors: Ong Jing Yi , Phang Sook-Wai , Goh Choo Ta , Pike Andrew , Tan Ling Ling
Published: April 2023

An impedimetric aptasensor based on a polyaniline (PAni) support matrix is developed through the surface modification of a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPE) for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) detection in foodstuffs and feedstuffs for food safety. The PAni is synthesized with the chemical oxidation method and characterized with potentiostat/galvanostat, FTIR, and UV–vis spectroscopy techniques. The stepwise fabrication procedure of the PAni-based aptasensor is characterized by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. The impedimetric aptasensor is optimized using the EIS technique, and its feasibility of detecting AFB1 in real sample matrices is evaluated via a recovery study in spiked foodstuffs and feedstuffs, such as pistachio nuts, cinnamons, cloves, corn, and soybeans, with a good recovery percentage, ranging from 87.9% to 94.7%. The charge transfer resistance (RCT) at the aptasensor interface increases linearly with the AFB1 concentration in the range of 3 × 10−2 nM to 8 × 10−2 nM, with a regression coefficient (R2) value of 0.9991 and detection limit of 0.01 nM. The proposed aptasensor is highly selective towards AFB1 and partially selective to AFB2 and ochratoxin A (OTA) due to their similar structures that differ only at the carbon–carbon double bond located at C8 and C9 and the large molecule size of OTA.
Dynamic Changes in Volatiles, Soluble Sugars, and Fatty Acids in Glutinous Rice during Cooking
Authors: Hu Xianqiao , Fang Changyun , Lu Lin , Hu Zhanqiang , Zhang Weixing , Chen Mingxue
Published: April 2023

Cooking is an important process before rice is consumed and constitutes the key process for rice flavor formation. In this paper, dynamic changes in aroma- and sweetness-related compounds were tracked during the entire cooking process (including washing with water, presoaking, and hydrothermal cooking). The volatiles, fatty acids, and soluble sugars in raw rice, washed rice, presoaked rice, and cooked rice were compared. After being washed with water, the total volatiles decreased while aldehydes and unsaturated fatty acids increased. Meanwhile, oligosaccharides decreased and monosaccharides increased. The changes in fatty acids and soluble sugars caused by the presoaking process were similar to those in the water-washing process. However, different changes were observed for volatiles, especially aldehydes and ketone. After hydrothermal cooking, furans, aldehydes, alcohols, and esters increased while hydrocarbons and aromatics decreased. Moreover, all fatty acids increased; among these, oleic acids and linoleic acid increased most. Unlike with washing and presoaking, all soluble sugars except fructose increased after hydrothermal cooking. Principal component analysis showed that cooked rice possessed a volatile profile that was quite different from that of uncooked rice, while washed rice and presoaked rice possessed similar volatile profiles. These results indicated that hydrothermal cooking is the pivotal process for rice flavor formation.
Effective Microorganisms as Halal-Based Sources for Biofertilizer Production and Some Socio-Economic Insights: A Review
Authors: Yap Chee Kong , Al-Mutairi Khalid Awadh
Published: April 2023

This paper aims to review the literature on ‘Effective Microorganism (EM)’ and ‘Fertilizer’ from the Scopus database and to discuss EMs using Halal-based sources for biofertilizer production from socio economic insights. Based on EM and fertilizer publications on the Scopus database, all the 17 papers reviewed provided no detailed information on the Halal-status of the biofertilizers inoculated with EM. The impacts of Halal-certified biofertilizers will trigger the Halal certification in food products by (a) catering for the increasing Halal food demand due to expectedly Muslim population expansion, (b) contributing to the sustainable buying behaviour of Halal products’ consumers in the future, (c) catering for the increasing number of Muslim travellers around the world, (d) becoming a positive driver for higher production of more Halal foods that can enhance food safety, human health and well-being, and (e) creating a cost-effective and increasing food marketability. The later three points (c, d and e) play a very important role in a country’s societal well-being and economic growth and development. Although Halal-status is not a must for the world’s food marketing, Halal-certified biofertilizer for the Halal-status of food carries the greatest potential to enter the ever-expanding Muslim markets. Finally, it is postulated that the successful usage of EM using Halal-based sources for biofertilizer production will result in two major outcomes from the points of United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals # 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and # 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Hence, the presented review provides a starting point for future research considering sustainability and innovation as priorities.
Impact of Lavender Flower Powder as a Flavoring Ingredient on Volatile Composition and Quality Characteristics of Gouda-Type Cheese during Ripening
Authors: Semeniuc Cristina Anamaria , Mandrioli Mara , Tura Matilde , Socaci Beatrice Sabrina , Socaciu Maria-Ioana , Fogarasi Melinda , Michiu Delia , Jimborean Anamaria Mirela , Mureşan Vlad , Ionescu Simona Raluca , Rotar Mihaela Ancuţa , Gallina Toschi Tullia
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to formulate a Gouda-type cheese from cow’s milk, flavored with lavender flower powder (0.5 g/L matured milk), ripened for 30 days at 14 °C and 85% relative humidity. Physicochemical, microbiological, and textural characteristics, as well as the volatile composition of the control (CC—cheese without lavender) and lavender cheese (LC), were assessed at 10-day intervals of ripening. Consumers’ perception, acceptance, and purchase intention were only evaluated for ripened cheeses. Moisture and carbohydrate contents, the pH, cohesiveness, indexes of springiness and chewiness decreased during ripening in both CC and LC; however, protein, ash, and sodium chloride contents, titratable acidity, hardness, lactobacilli, streptococci, and volatiles increased. Fat and fat in dry matter contents, respectively, the energy value did not vary with ripening time in LC and increased in CC; gumminess decreased in CC and did not change in LC. Lavender flower powder significantly affected the cheese’s microbiological and sensory characteristics and volatile composition but did not considerably impact physicochemical and textural ones. Populations of lactobacilli and streptococci were substantially higher in LC compared to CC. The volatile profile of LC was dominated by terpene and terpenoids, and that of CC by haloalkanes. Sensory scores were slightly lower for LC than CC, even if it did not considerably affect consumers’ acceptance and purchase intention.
Traditional Uses of Wild Edible Mushrooms among the Local Communities of Swat, Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Shahid , Sher Hassan , Ullah Zahid , Elshikh Mohamed Soliman , Al Farraj Dunia A , Ali Ahmad , Abbasi Arshad Mehmood
Published: April 2023

Mushrooms play a crucial role in human life as well as in nature, providing food, medicine, and carrying out vital processes of decomposition, nutrient recycling, and developing mycorrhizal association with plants. The traditional system of knowledge about identification, collection, and usage of mushrooms has been accumulated through the shared experiences of many generations. Unfortunately, there have been continuous threats to the folk knowledge of mushrooms mainly due to habitat degradation, urbanization, and contemporary medication. The current research was, therefore, aimed to document an ethnomycological knowledge possessed by the ethnic communities of Swat, Pakistan. The purposive randomized sampling was carried out using chain referral method. Ethno-mycological information was collected from 62 informants using free listing, preference ranking, and use totaled methods. In total, 34 species of mushrooms belonging to 31 genera and 21 families were reported. About 85% of the reported species belong to Basidiomycetes, and 12.5% to Ascomycetes are used as food and for medicinal purposes. Morchella angusticeps, M. esculenta, Pleurotus sp., Auricularia sp., Flammulina velutipes, Agaricus bisporus, Ganoderma lucidum, and Sanghuangporus sanghuang were among the most cited edible and medicinal mushrooms. The current study revealed that district Swat is rich in wild edible and medicinal mushrooms (WEMs), and the local communities possess rich traditional knowledge about their collection, storage, and utilization. The diversity of WEMs of this region could contribute substantially to the socio-economic uplifting of the local communities through appropriate domestication and commercialization. Anthropogenic factors, coupled with depletion of traditional knowledge, threaten the diversity of WEMs in the region; therefore, in situ and ex situ conservation strategies are highly recommended.
The Study of Yak Colostrum Nutritional Content Based on Foodomics
Authors: Xiong Lin , Pei Jie , Bao Pengjia , Wang Xingdong , Guo Shaoke , Cao Mengli , Kang Yandong , Yan Ping , Guo Xian
Published: April 2023

The utilization of yak milk is still in a primary stage, and the nutrition composition of yak colostrum is not systematically characterized at present. In this study, the lipids, fatty acids, amino acids and their derivatives, metabolites in yak colostrum, and mature milk were detected by the non−targeted lipidomics based on (ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer) UHPLC−MS, the targeted metabolome based on gas chromatography−mass spectrometer (GC−MS), the targeted metabolome analysis based on UHPLC−MS, and the non-targeted metabolome based on ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC−TOF−MS), respectively. Meanwhile, the nutrition composition of yak colostrum was compared with the data of cow mature milk in the literatures. The results showed that the nutritive value of yak colostrum was higher by contrast with yak and cow mature milk from the perspective of the fatty acid composition and the content of Σpolyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), Σn−3PUFAs; the content of essential amino acid (EAA) and the ratio of EAA/total amino acid (TAA) in yak colostrum were higher than the value in yak mature milk; and the content of functional active lipids including phosphatidylcholines (PC), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylserine (PS), lyso-phosphatidylcholine (LPC), lyso-phosphatidylglycerol (LPG), lyso-phosphatidylinositol (LPI), sphingomyelin (SM), ganglioside M3 (GM3), ganglioside T3 (GT3), and hexaglycosylceramide (Hex1Cer) in yak colostrum, was higher than the value of yak mature milk. Moreover, the differences of nutritive value between yak colostrum and mature milk were generated by the fat, amino acids and carbohydrate metabolism that were regulated by the ovarian hormone and referencesrenin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in yaks. These research results can provide a theoretical basis for the commercial product development of yak colostrum.
A Prospective Review of the Sensory Properties of Plant-Based Dairy and Meat Alternatives with a Focus on Texture
Authors: Moss Rachael , LeBlanc Jeanne , Gorman Mackenzie , Ritchie Christopher , Duizer Lisa , McSweeney Matthew B.
Published: April 2023

Consumers are interested in plant-based alternatives (PBAs) to dairy and meat products, and as such, the food industry is responding by developing a variety of different plant-based food items. For these products to be successful, their textural properties must be acceptable to consumers. These textural properties need to be thoroughly investigated using different sensory methodologies to ensure consumer satisfaction. This review paper aims to summarize the various textural properties of PBAs, as well as to discuss the sensory methodologies that can be used in future studies of PBAs. PBAs to meat have been formulated using a variety of production technologies, but these products still have textural properties that differ from animal-based products. Most dairy and meat alternatives attempt to mimic their conventional counterparts, yet sensory trials rarely compare the PBAs to their meat or dairy counterparts. While most studies rely on consumers to investigate the acceptability of their products’ textural properties, future studies should include dynamic sensory methodologies, and attribute diagnostics questions to help product developers characterize the key sensory properties of their products. Studies should also indicate whether the product is meant to mimic a conventional product and should define the target consumer segment (ex. flexitarian, vegan) for the product. The importance of textural properties to PBAs is repeatedly mentioned in the literature and thus should be thoroughly investigated using robust sensory methodologies.
Rapid Test for Adulteration of Fritillaria Thunbergii in Fritillaria Cirrhosa by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Wei Kai , Teng Geer , Wang Qianqian , Xu Xiangjun , Zhao Zhifang , Liu Haida , Bao Mengyu , Zheng Yongyue , Luo Tianzhong , Lu Bingheng
Published: April 2023

Fritillaria has a long history in China, and it can be consumed as medicine and food. Owing to the high cost of Fritillaria cirrhosa, traders sometimes mix it with the cheaper Fritillaria thunbergii powder to make profit. Herein, we proposed a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique to test the adulteration present in the sample of Fritillaria cirrhosa powder. Experimental samples with different adulteration levels were prepared, and their LIBS spectra were obtained. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was adopted as the quantitative analysis model to compare the effects of four data standardization methods, namely, mean centring, normalization by total area, standard normal variable, and normalization by the maximum, on the performance of the PLSR model. Principal component analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were utilized for feature extraction and feature selection, and the performance of the PLSR model was determined based on its quantitative analysis. Subsequently, the optimal number of features was determined. The residuals were corrected using support vector regression (SVR). The mean absolute error and root mean square error of prediction obtained from the quantitative analysis results of the combined LASSO-PLSR-SVR model for the test set data were 5.0396% and 7.2491%, respectively, and the coefficient of determination R2 was 0.9983. The results showed that the LIBS technique can be adopted to test adulteration in the sample of Fritillaria cirrhosa powder and has potential applications in drug quality control.
Automation in Regional Economic Synthetic Index Construction with Uncertainty Measurement
Authors: Espinosa Priscila , Pavía Jose M.
Published: April 2023

Subnational jurisdictions, compared to the apparatuses of countries and large institutions, have less resources and human capital available to carry out an updated conjunctural follow-up of the economy (nowcasting) and for generating economic predictions (forecasting). This paper presents the results of our research aimed at facilitating the economic decision making of regional public agents. On the one hand, we present an interactive app that, based on dynamic factor analysis, simplifies and automates the construction of economic synthetic indicators and, on the other hand, we evaluate how to measure the uncertainty associated with the synthetic indicator. Theoretical and empirical developments show the suitability of the methodology and the approach for measuring and predicting the underlying aggregate evolution of the economy and, given the complexity associated with the dynamic factor analysis methodology, for using bootstrap techniques to measure the error. We also show that, when we combine different economic series by dynamic factor analysis, approximately 1000 resamples is sufficient to properly calculate the confidence intervals of the synthetic index in the different time instants.
Radial Oscillations in Neutron Stars from Unified Hadronic and Quarkyonic Equation of States
Authors: Sen Souhardya , Kumar Shubham , Kunjipurayil Athul , Routaray Pinku , Ghosh Sayantan , Kalita Probit J. , Zhao Tianqi , Kumar Bharat
Published: April 2023

We study radial oscillations in non-rotating neutron stars by considering the unified equation of states (EoSs), which support the 2 M⊙ star criterion. We solve the Sturm–Liouville problem to compute the 20 lowest radial oscillation modes and their eigenfunctions for a neutron star modeled with eight selected unified EoSs from distinct Skyrme–Hartree–Fock, relativistic mean field and quarkyonic models. We compare the behavior of the computed eigenfrequency for an NS modeled with hadronic to one with quarkyonic EoSs while varying the central densities. The lowest-order f-mode frequency varies substantially between the two classes of the EoS at 1.4 M⊙ but vanishes at their respective maximum masses, consistent with the stability criterion ∂M/∂ρc>0. Moreover, we also compute large frequency separation and discover that higher-order mode frequencies are significantly reduced by incorporating a crust in the EoS.
Gene Losses and Homology of the Chloroplast Genomes of Taxillus and Phacellaria Species
Authors: Wu Liwei , Fan Panhui , Zhou Jianguo , Li Yonghua , Xu Zhichao , Lin Yulin , Wang Yu , Song Jingyuan , Yao Hui
Published: April 2023

Research on the chloroplast genome of parasitic plants is limited. In particular, the homology between the chloroplast genomes of parasitic and hyperparasitic plants has not been reported yet. In this study, three chloroplast genomes of Taxillus (Taxillus chinensis, Taxillus delavayi, and Taxillus thibetensis) and one chloroplast genome of Phacellaria (Phacellaria rigidula) were sequenced and analyzed, among which T. chinensis is the host of P. rigidula. The chloroplast genomes of the four species were 119,941–138,492 bp in length. Compared with the chloroplast genome of the autotrophic plant Nicotiana tabacum, all of the ndh genes, three ribosomal protein genes, three tRNA genes and the infA gene were lost in the three Taxillus species. Meanwhile, in P. rigidula, the trnV-UAC gene and the ycf15 gene were lost, and only one ndh gene (ndhB) existed. The results of homology analysis showed that the homology between P. rigidula and its host T. chinensis was low, indicating that P. rigidula grows on its host T. chinensis but they do not share the chloroplast genome. In addition, horizontal gene transfer was not found between P. rigidula and its host T. chinensis. Several candidate highly variable regions in the chloroplast genomes of Taxillus and Phacellaria species were selected for species identification study. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the species of Taxillus and Scurrula were closely related and supported that Scurrula and Taxillus should be treated as congeneric, while species in Phacellaria had a close relationship with that in Viscum.
Empathy and Occupational Health and Well-Being in Ecuadorian Physicians Working with COVID-19 Patients: A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Matiz-Moya Estefan , Delgado Bolton Roberto C. , García-Gómez Esperanza , Vivanco Luis
Published: April 2023

Approximately one out of ten COVID-19 cases in Ecuador was a physician. It has been reported that this situation has led to a serious detriment of physicians’ health and well-being. This study aimed to (i) identify predictors of emotional exhaustion, somatization, and work alienation in Ecuadorian physicians working with COVID-19 patients and (ii) explore the pandemic impact on doctor–patient relationships and on empathy. In 79 Ecuadorian physicians (45 women) who worked with COVID-19 patients, two separate multiple regression models explained the following: 73% of the variability of emotional exhaustion was based on somatization, work alienation, working sector, and passing through a symptomatic infection (p < 0.001), and 56% of the variability of somatization was based on gender and emotional exhaustion (p < 0.001), respectively. Furthermore, intention to leave the profession was more frequent among physicians with greater work alienation (p = 0.003). On the contrary, more empathic physicians never considered leaving their profession during the COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.03). In physicians’ verbatim, cognitive empathy appeared associated to a positive change in doctor–patient relationships. On the contrary, having an overwhelming emotional empathy appeared associated to a negative change in doctor–patient relationships. These findings characterize differences in how physicians cope while working in the frontline of the pandemic.
Effective Co-Creation Tool Development for Shared Understanding and Active Communication for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Koo Yoo-Ri , Kim Eun-Jeong , Nam Inn-Chul
Published: April 2023

To improve the quality of life of cancer patients, patient experience (PE) must be improved along with the overall treatment process. This study aimed to develop an effective and practical co-design tool to improve the healthcare service experience of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) in various factors. The research consisted of four phases: (1) HNC PE categories for healthcare improvement were identified through systematic review, user interviews, and observation; (2) a focus group meeting was held to materialize the card design; (3) a structured and visual card set was developed for stakeholders to share the content and discuss improvements in PE effectively; (4) to evaluate the feasibility of the developed cards, a co-creation workshop with HNC medical staffs was conducted. From the workshop using insight cards, we identified the differences in the medical staff’s and patients’ perspectives on the factors for improving HNC PE in each stage of the treatment journey. Pat Exp Insight Cards as experience-based co-design (EBCD) tools can be useful for stakeholders to empathize with the specific pain points and needs of patients with HNC and to discuss improvement plans efficiently.
Predicting Depression in Older Adults after the COVID-19 Pandemic Using ICF Model
Authors: Been Seonjae , Byeon Haewon
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to test a predictive model for depression in older adults in the community after the COVID-19 pandemic and identify influencing factors using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). The subjects of this study were 9920 older adults in South Korean local communities. The analysis results of path analysis and bootstrapping analysis revealed that subjective health status, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), number of chronic diseases, social support satisfaction, household economic level, informal support, and participation in social groups were factors directly influencing depression, while formal support, age, gender, education level, employment status, and participation in social groups were factors indirectly affecting it. It will be needed to prepare measures to prevent depression in older adults during an infectious disease pandemic, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, based on the results of this study.
Unemployment and Substance Use: An Updated Review of Studies from North America and Europe
Authors: Nolte-Troha Carina , Roser Patrik , Henkel Dieter , Scherbaum Norbert , Koller Gabriele , Franke Andreas G.
Published: April 2023

Since the industrial revolution, the relationship between unemployment and psychiatric disorders has been a subject of high interest. Currently, regarding the correlation between unemployment and substance-use disorders (SUDs), only older, often isolated and fragmented research results are available in the literature. This review was based on an extensive literature search of the European and North American literature in most relevant databases for “unemployment” and “substance use” related to “drugs”, “alcohol”, “nicotine”, and “tobacco” between November 2022 and January 2023, according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. A total of 59,117 papers were identified, of which only 33 articles were identified as relevant to the research objective. The literature showed significantly higher prevalence rates of SUDs involving divergent psychotropic substances among unemployed people. Unemployment was found to be a risk factor for SUD, and vice versa. However, the correlation between unemployment and relapses or smoking cessation was inconsistent. In addition, there appeared to be a mild effect of business cycles on SUD. The results showed significant multifaceted correlations between unemployment and SUD, indicating that prevention and early intervention are required to prevent harmful psychosocial consequences, such as social disintegration and severe psychiatric disorders.
COVID-19: Factors Associated with the Psychological Distress, Fear and Resilient Coping Strategies among Community Members in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alharbi Talal Ali F. , Alqurashi Alaa Ashraf Bagader , Mahmud Ilias , Alharbi Rayan Jafnan , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful , Almustanyir Sami , Maklad Ahmed Essam , AlSarraj Ahmad , Mughaiss Lujain Nedhal , Al-Tawfiq Jaffar A. , Ahmed Ahmed Ali , Barry Mazin , Ghozy Sherief , Alabdan Lulwah Ibrahim , Alif Sheikh M. , Sultana Farhana , Salehin Masudus , Banik Biswajit , Cross Wendy , Rahman Muhammad Aziz
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: COVID-19 caused the worst international public health crisis, accompanied by major global economic downturns and mass-scale job losses, which impacted the psychosocial wellbeing of the worldwide population, including Saudi Arabia. Evidence of the high-risk groups impacted by the pandemic has been non-existent in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study examined factors associated with psychosocial distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping strategies among the general population in Saudi Arabia. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in healthcare and community settings in the Saudi Arabia using an anonymous online questionnaire. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS) were used to assess psychological distress, fear and coping strategies, respectively. Multivariate logistic regressions were used, and an Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) was reported. (3) Results: Among 803 participants, 70% (n = 556) were females, and the median age was 27 years; 35% (n = 278) were frontline or essential service workers; and 24% (n = 195) reported comorbid conditions including mental health illness. Of the respondents, 175 (21.8%) and 207 (25.8%) reported high and very high psychological distress, respectively. Factors associated with moderate to high levels of psychological distress were: youth, females, non-Saudi nationals, those experiencing a change in employment or a negative financial impact, having comorbidities, and current smoking. A high level of fear was reported by 89 participants (11.1%), and this was associated with being ex-smokers (3.72, 1.14–12.14, 0.029) and changes in employment (3.42, 1.91–6.11, 0.000). A high resilience was reported by 115 participants (14.3%), and 333 participants (41.5%) had medium resilience. Financial impact and contact with known/suspected cases (1.63, 1.12–2.38, 0.011) were associated with low, medium, to high resilient coping. (4) Conclusions: People in Saudi Arabia were at a higher risk of psychosocial distress along with medium-high resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, warranting urgent attention from healthcare providers and policymakers to provide specific mental health support strategies for their current wellbeing and to avoid a post-pandemic mental health crisis.
13 Cycles of Consecutive Tomato Monoculture Cropping Alter Soil Chemical Properties and Soil Fungal Community in Solar Greenhouse
Authors: Fu Hongdan , Guo Meiqi , Shan Xuan , Zhang Xiaolan , Sun Zhouping , Liu Yufeng , Li Tianlai
Published: April 2023

Consecutive tomato monoculture cropping (CTM) obstacles severely restrict the development of facility tomato industry in China. However, the effect of CTM on the soil fungal community in greenhouses is still unclear. Here, we aim to identify the variation of soil chemical properties and soil fungal community associated with CTM for 1, 3, 5, 9 and 13 cycles. The results indicated that CTM led to a significant increase in soil total phosphorus (TP) and soil electrical conductivity (EC) value. CTM, though, significantly increased soil fungal community diversity, yet also led to the imbalance of soil fungal community compositions. Specifically, a beneficial soil fungus, Chaetomiaceae, decreased significantly at CTM13, while several soil pathogenic fungi, including Fusarium and Cladosporium, increased significantly at CTM13. A redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that soil EC value, pH and TP had a greater impact on soil fungal community structure. Structural-equation-model (SEM) analysis indicated that, when compared with CTM3–CTM9, the decline of tomato fruit fresh weight per plant (TFFW) at CTM13 might be related to the significant increase in soil EC value, soil Fusarium and Cladosporium. Thus, appropriately decreasing soil EC and soil pathogenic fungi and enhancing soil beneficial fungi under a CTM system is crucially important for sustainable tomato production in greenhouses.
Effect of Seaweed-Based Biostimulants on Growth and Development of Hydrangea paniculata under Continuous or Periodic Drought Stress
Authors: De Clercq Paulien , Pauwels Els , Top Seppe , Steppe Kathy , Van Labeke Marie-Christine
Published: April 2023

To adapt to climate change and water scarcity during dry, hot summers, more sustainable, or even deficit, irrigation is required in the ornamental sector, as it uses large amounts of water to sustain high-value crop production. Biostimulants, especially seaweed extracts, could offer a sustainable solution against drought stress as they are known to increase plant tolerance to abiotic stress. The effect of four seaweed extracts based on Ascophyllum nodosum, Soliera chordalis, Ecklonia maxima, and Saccharina latissima and one microbial biostimulant were tested on container-grown Hydrangea paniculata under drought stress conditions for two years. During the first trial year, in 2019, overall irrigation was reduced by 20%. In 2021, plants were subjected to repeated drying and wetting cycles. In general, less irrigation, and thus a lower substrate moisture content, reduced stomatal conductance, biomass production, and root development, but increased plant compactness. The biostimulants showed minor effects, but these were not observed in both experiments. Treatment with the A. nodosum extract resulted in longer branches and more biomass under deficit irrigation but tended to accelerate flowering when repeated drying and wetting cycles were applied. The E. maxima extract negatively affected the branching of Hydrangea under repeated drying and wetting cycles.
Bacterial Contamination of Antiseptics, Disinfectants and Hand Hygiene Products in Healthcare Facilities in High-Income Countries: A Scoping Review
Authors: Lompo Palpouguini , Heroes Anne-Sophie , Agbobli Esenam , Kühne Vera , Tinto Halidou , Affolabi Dissou , Jacobs Jan
Published: April 2023

This scoping review addresses bacterial contamination of antiseptics, low-level disinfectants, and hand hygiene products in healthcare settings in high-income countries. Over 70 years, 114 articles were found: 68 outbreaks, 13 pseudo-outbreaks and 33 cross-sectional surveys. Outbreaks affected median 29 (1–151) patients, extended for 26 (1–156) weeks and had a case fatality of 0.0% (0.0–60.0%). Most (72.8%) (pseudo-)outbreaks were caused by water-based chlorhexidine (CHG), quaternary ammonium compounds (QUAT) and the combination CHG–QUAT. Contaminating bacteria were nonfermentative Gram-negative rods (87.6% (pseudo-)outbreaks), mainly Burkholderia cepacia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Achromobacter spp.) and Enterobacterales (29.6%, 24/81), mostly Serratia spp.). Risk factors were at the level of the bacteria (natural resistance to CHG and QUAT), containers (design and functioning, presence of cork and cotton, biofilm formation), preparation (nonsterile water, overdilution) and practices (too long expiry dates, inappropriate container reprocessing, topping up of containers and deviation from procedures). Transmission occurred through direct contact (antiseptics), contact with semicritical items (disinfectants) and were handborne (soaps). During recent decades, reports of soap contaminated with Enterobacterales emerged and nationwide outbreaks of intrinsically contaminated CHG occurred. Outstanding issues comprise intrinsic contamination, implementation of antiseptic stewardship, the role of unit doses and sterile products, transmission studies, biofilm control and understanding healthcare providers’ perceptions.
Enacting Mana Māori Motuhake during COVID-19 in Aotearoa (New Zealand): “We Weren’t Waiting to Be Told What to Do”
Authors: Russell Lynne , Levy Michelle , Barnao Elizabeth , Parore Nora , Smiler Kirsten , Boulton Amohia
Published: April 2023

Māori, the Indigenous people of Aotearoa (New Zealand), were at the centre of their country’s internationally praised COVID-19 response. This paper, which presents the results of qualitative research conducted with 27 Māori health leaders exploring issues impacting the effective delivery of primary health care services to Māori, reports this response. Against a backdrop of dominant system services closing their doors or reducing capacity, iwi, hapū and rōpū Māori (‘tribal’ collectives and Māori groups) immediately collectivised, to deliver culturally embedded, comprehensive COVID-19 responses that served the entire community. The results show how the exceptional and unprecedented circumstances of COVID-19 provided a unique opportunity for iwi, hapū and rōpū Māori to authentically activate mana motuhake; self-determination and control over one’s destiny. Underpinned by foundational principles of transformative Kaupapa Māori theory, Māori-led COVID-19 responses tangibly demonstrated the outcomes able to be achieved for everyone in Aotearoa when the wider, dominant system was forced to step aside, to be replaced instead with self-determining, collective, Indigenous leadership.
“You Feel a Sense of Accomplishment”: Outdoor Adventure Experiences of Youths with Visual Impairments during a One-Week Sports Camp
Authors: Lieberman Lauren J. , Ericson Katie , Perreault Melanie , Beach Pamela , Williams Kelsey
Published: April 2023

There are many cognitive, physical, and social–emotional benefits for youths from participating in outdoor adventure activities. However, youths with visual impairments are not given the same opportunities to participate in outdoor adventure activities as their peers without disabilities. The purpose of this study was to examine the outdoor adventure experiences of youths with visual impairments participating in a week-long sports camp. Thirty-seven youths with visual impairment (ages 9–19 years) attending a one-week sports camp participated in this study. Participants engaged in a variety of outdoor adventure activities throughout the week of camp (e.g., sailing, hiking, rock climbing, biking, kayaking). Participants provided written accounts about their outdoor adventure experiences and were observed throughout the week during each activity to examine instructional strategies and task modifications. Additionally, 10 randomly chosen athletes, their one-on-one coaches, and five outdoor recreation specialists participated in focus group interviews. The data analysis revealed three major themes: (1) Benefits, (2) Support, and (3) Barriers. The subthemes of benefits were enjoyment, independence, and relationships; the subthemes of support were instructional strategies and task modifications; and subthemes for barriers were fear and anxiety, exclusion and low expectations, and lack of equipment. These findings support the inclusion of youths with visual impairments in all outdoor adventure programming with appropriate instruction and modification.
Development of the Movement Pattern Observation Tool (MPOT)—An Observational Tool to Measure Limb Movements during Elementary School Recess
Authors: Webb Gemma Kate , Rhea Deborah J.
Published: April 2023

Background: The US Center for Disease Control estimates that only 24% of American elementary-aged children participate in the recommended 60 min of daily physical activity. As activity levels decline, elementary schools should consider increasing movement opportunities. Activity-driven school days, where children can move their limbs freely, may increase memory retention performance, behavioral impulse control, as well as bone density, and muscle strength. Unstructured, outdoor play (recess) may provide an opportunity for the brain, bone, and muscle-stimulating limb movements to be utilized. To date, no research has focused on whether the modern child actively uses limb movements during recess, nor to what degree. The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable assessment tool (Movement Pattern Observation Tool, MPOT) to observe and record limb movements (unilateral, bilateral, and contralateral movements) of elementary children during recess, defined in this study as unstructured, outdoor play. Methods: Three observers used the MPOT to complete thirty-five observations at one elementary school during kindergarten through fifth-grade recess breaks. Results: Interrater reliability approached excellent, being that excellent is above 0.90. The ICC of the master observer and observer 3 value was 0.898 (95% CI 0.757–0.957), and the ICC of the master observer and observer 2 was 0.885 (95% CI 0.599–0.967), p < 0.03. Conclusion: Inter-rater reliability was achieved through a three-phase process. This reliable recess observation tool will contribute to the body of research linking recess to physical and cognitive health.
Alcohol Use, Anxiety and Depression among French Grandes Écoles Engineering Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pitel Marion , Phan Olivier , Bonnaire Céline , Hamonniere Tristan
Published: April 2023

In French Grandes Écoles, heavy alcohol consumption seems to be generalized and largely tolerated, leading to particular concerns about Alcohol Use Disorder and harmful alcohol practices among students. The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased psychological difficulties, and two coexisting scenarios seemed to emerge regarding alcohol consumption: A decrease in alcohol consumption linked to the absence of festive events, and an increase in solitary alcohol consumption to cope with lockdowns. The aim of this exploratory study is to investigate the evolution of alcohol consumption, consumption motives and the relationship of these factors to the anxiety and the depression of French Grandes Écoles students during the COVID-19 pandemic, depending on their residential status. After the last lockdown, 353 students completed a questionnaire measuring alcohol consumption, motivation to drink, anxiety and depression during and after the COVID-19 period. Although students confined to campus were more likely to increase their alcohol use, they also presented higher well-being scores than those who lived off campus. A significant proportion of students were aware of their increased alcohol use due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the motives attributed to their increased consumption highlight the need for vigilance and specialized support facilities.
Mentalizing, Resilience, and Mental Health Status among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Safiye Teodora , Gutić Medo , Dubljanin Jakša , Stojanović Tamara M. , Dubljanin Draško , Kovačević Andreja , Zlatanović Milena , Demirović Denis H. , Nenezić Nemanja , Milidrag Ardea
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented stress on healthcare professionals worldwide. Since resilience and mentalizing capacity play very important preventive roles when it comes to mental health, the main goal of this study was to determine whether the capacity for mentalizing and resilience could explain the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted in Serbia on a sample of 406 healthcare workers (141 doctors and 265 nurses) aged 19 to 65 (M = 40.11, SD = 9.41). The participants’ mental health status was evaluated using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale—DASS-42. The Reflective Functioning Questionnaire was used to evaluate the capacity for mentalizing. Resilience was assessed using the Brief Resilience Scale. The results of the correlation analysis showed that there were negative correlations between resilience and all three dimensions of mental health status: depression, anxiety, and stress. Hypermentalizing was negatively correlated with depression, anxiety, and stress, while hypomentalizing was positively correlated. Hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that both resilience and hypermentalizing were significant negative predictors of depression, anxiety, and stress, and that hypomentalizing was a significant positive predictor of depression, anxiety, and stress. Furthermore, socioeconomic status was a significant negative predictor of depression, anxiety, and stress. Marital status, number of children, and work environment were not statistically significant predictors of any of the three dimensions of mental health status among the healthcare workers in this study. There is an urgent need to establish and implement strategies to foster resilience and enhance the capacity for mentalizing among healthcare workers in order to minimize the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health.