bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LIKA: Lightweight Identity Based Key Agreement Protocol for Secure Data Transmission in Advanced Metering Infrastructure of Smart Grid
Authors: Hasan Md Mehedi , Mohd Ariffin Noor Afiza , Mohd Sani Nor Fazlida
Published: November 2022

Integration of information communication technology via the Internet of Things devices and sensors can enable an efficient power service for utility providers to consumers in advanced metering infrastructure. Authentication and cryptographic mechanisms protect identity, data security and privacy from unauthorised interception for smart meters to servers. In the last couple of years, many key agreement protocols have been prescribed and deployed to fix those issues. Unfortunately, the deployed protocols did not work inside the same protocols, specifically parameter detection and recognition for session key generation, as they entail high computation time and communication bits overheads. Furthermore, the absence of forward secrecy and user anonymity affects the authentication. Therefore, we have proposed a lightweight identity-based key agreement (LIKA) utilising the Diffie–Hellman cryptography with a trusted authority. It seeks to cover both the security and performance criteria with equal weight. The protocol is evaluated by the Canetti and Krawczyk adversarial model, Avispa and cryptographic analysis released the session keys that were not considered as an adversary during mutual authentication. Moreover, as compared to related work, the proposed protocol took the least amount of time (5.319 ms and 1056 bits) for the entire process of session key generation. Furthermore, comparative analysis has shown that the LIKA adequately encompasses computation, communication, and security assessments. Consequently, it is more convenient for practical implementation for a smart grid.
Multi-Mode Control of a Bidirectional Converter for Battery Energy Storage System
Authors: Lo Kuo-Yuan , Liu Kuo-Hsiang , Chen Li-Xin , Chen Ching-Yu , Shih Chang-Heng , Lin Jyun-Ting
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a bidirectional converter with multi-mode control strategies is proposed for a battery energy storage system (BESS). This proposed converter, which is composed of a half-bridge-type dual-active-bridge (HBDAB) converter and an H-bridge inverter, is able to operate the BESS with different power conditions and achieve the DC–AC function for lower input DC voltage applications. For the HBDAB converter, the variable-frequency control (VFC) and phase-shift control (PSC) are both adopted to achieve zero-voltage switching over a wider power range and the battery module balance control capability for BESS, respectively. In addition, the interleaved configuration is used to reduce the current ripple and increase the overall current rating. For the H-bridge inverter, the unipolar control mode (UCM) and totem-pole control mode (TPCM) are adopted to manage the real and reactive current control under different AC grid conditions. The UCM offers a reduction in current ripple for real and reactive power control. The TPCM is able to eliminate switching losses and achieve higher conversion efficiency for pure real power control. Considering applications for battery energy storage systems, the principle of operation and voltage gain analysis are described. Finally, computer simulations and hardware experimental results from a prototype system are presented to verify the performance of the proposed converter with the different control strategies.
Determination of the Salt-Dust Emission and the Efficiency of the Dedusting Installation in the Wieliczka Salt Mine
Authors: Kapusta Mariusz , Skrzypkowski Krzysztof
Published: November 2022

This article presents measurements of the emission of salt dust discharged into the atmosphere in the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Industrial tests have been carried out cyclically since 2004. The research methodology included six measurements of the salt dust’s mass increments on the filters, including three before the inlet to the desalination installation and three measurements at the emitter outlet. In order to limit errors resulting from the diversity of concentrations in the mixture of dosed brine, three series of measurements are carried out each time. The proposed research methodology uses the Aspirator Stationary (AS-50) gravimetric aspirator for measurements with a designed probe adjusted to the characteristics of the dedusting installation used. The conducted tests allowed calculation of the efficiency of the scrubber and confirm the usefulness of the measuring probe used. Moreover, long-term and cyclical measurements make it possible to observe the effectiveness of the installation and salt production using the wet system from brine obtained in the mine. The proposed method is an innovative solution for monitoring salt-dust emissions in mining applications.
Deep Learning-Based Methods for Forecasting Brent Crude Oil Return Considering COVID-19 Pandemic Effect
Authors: Sajadi Seyed Mehrzad Asaad , Khodaee Pouya , Hajizadeh Ehsan , Farhadi Sabri , Dastgoshade Sohaib , Du Bo
Published: November 2022

Forecasting return and profit is a primary challenge for financial practitioners and an even more critical issue when it comes to forecasting energy market returns. This research attempts to propose an effective method to predict the Brent Crude Oil return, which results in remarkable performance compared with the well-known models in the return prediction. The proposed hybrid model is based on long short-term memory (LSTM) and convolutional neural network (CNN) networks where the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) outputs are used as features, along with return lags, price, and macroeconomic variables to train the models, resulting in significant improvement in the model’s performance. According to the obtained results, our proposed model performs better than other models, including artificial neural network (ANN), principal component analysis (PCA)-ANN, LSTM, and CNN. We show the efficiency of our proposed model by testing it with a simple trading strategy, indicating that the cumulative profit obtained from trading with the prediction results of the proposed 2D CNN-LSTM model is higher than those of the other models presented in this research. In the second part of this study, we consider the spread of COVID-19 and its impact on the financial markets to present a precise LSTM model that can reflect the impact of this disease on the Brent Crude Oil return. This paper uses the significance test and correlation measures to show the similarity between the series of Brent Crude Oil during the SARS and the COVID-19 pandemics, after which the data during the SARS period are used along with the data during COVID-19 to train the LSTM. The results demonstrate that the proposed LSTM model, tuned by the SARS data, can better predict the Brent Crude Oil return during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thermal Analysis and Heat Management Strategies for an Induction Motor, a Review
Authors: Madhavan Sameer , P B Raunak Devdatta , Gundabattini Edison , Mystkowski Arkadiusz
Published: November 2022

Induction motors have gained a renewed interest due to this new shift from conventional power sources to electric power. These motors are known for their high commencing torque, adequate speed control and reasonable overload capacity. However, induction motors have an innate thermal issue wherein their lifespan and performance are strongly temperature dependent. Hence, it is highly essential to focus on the thermal management aspect of these motors to ensure reliability and enhance performance. Thus, the major purpose of the paper is to comprehensively review various approaches and methods for thermal analysis, including finite element analysis, lumped parameter thermal network and computational fluid dynamics tools. Moreover, it also presents various cooling strategies commonly adopted in induction motors. Furthermore, this study also suggests an integrated approach with two or more cooling strategies to be the need of the hour. These will combine the benefits of the individual system while helping to counter their drawbacks. This study will help to serve members of the scientific community, manufacturers or motors users who are interested in the thermal management of induction motors.
Waste Incineration and Heavy Metal Emission—Laboratory Tests
Authors: Król Danuta , Motyl Przemysław , Poskrobko Sławomir
Published: November 2022

The main sources of environmental pollution with heavy (ecotoxic) metals include industry, including utility and municipal power engineering, but also waste incineration plants. Fuel shortages and their constantly growing prices raise concerns that energy will be commonly obtained from waste outside of installations intended for this purpose (i.e., outside waste incineration plants). The greatest concern stems from the risk of burning waste in low-power boilers—domestic boilers. Waste incineration plants and utility power plants are equipped with flue gas cleaning installations (FGD), but low-power boilers are not. The exhaust gases are directly introduced into the atmosphere, which results in the introduction into the air of, inter alia, toxic heavy metals. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct activities aimed at retaining ecotoxic metals in the solid–slag residue. The paper presents the results of laboratory tests of the emission capacity of Cd, Cu, Zn bound in various chemical forms—nitrates (V), chlorides and sulphates (VI). The tests were carried out at 1073 K, 1173 K and 1273 K. It was found that the emissivity of metals increased with increasing temperature. This is innovative as there are no reports of experiments with pure forms of metal salts. The advantage of this type of research is the lack of influence from other factors, apart from temperature, on metal emissions. To check the possibility of reducing metal emissions, additives (bauxite, dolomite, V2O5) immobilized in a solid residue were tested. The mechanism of action of each of the additives to limit the mobility of metals was different. The use of V2O5 for this purpose is new. The additives kept the metals solid in the residue, but their effect was different for each of the metals. The effectiveness of the tested additives was checked in the same temperature conditions, burning waste such as: rubber, sewage sludge and SRF fuel from waste. The effect of the additives depended on the type of waste, type of metal and the furnace temperature. If the additive effectively retained metals, then their amounts in the ashes were higher by several to several dozen percent in relation to the amount in the ashes remaining after waste incineration without additives. The results of the experiment with waste are open to research on the influence of other factors (except temperature) on the emissivity of Cd, Cu, Zn and the possibility of its reduction. The next step will be to verify the effects of laboratory tests in real conditions.
Biovalorization of Lignocellulosic Waste
Authors: Esposito Giovanni , Matassa Silvio , Papirio Stefano
Published: November 2022

The swift and successful transition towards a fossil fuel-free economy is amongst the most complex challenges ever faced by humanity, implicating intricate connections and trade-offs with the so-called water–energy–food nexus [...]
Performance and Economic Analysis of the Multi-Energy Complementary Heating System under Different Control Strategies in Cold Regions
Authors: Ma Xuebin , Li Junfeng , Ren Yucheng , E Reaihan , Wang Qiugang , Li Jie , Huang Sihui , Ma Mingguo
Published: November 2022

Multi-energy complementary heating (MECH) is the most promising and potential heating technology of the future. However, owing to the increase in energy types, the system is complex, and the operation procedure cumbersome. In addition, due to the uncertainty of climate conditions, it is difficult to develop a general control strategy suitable for all heating systems. In order to study the optimal control strategy of MECH systems with solar, biomass, and electric energy as three heat sources in cold regions, the system heating was tested over different periods during the entire heating season for rural residential buildings in cold regions, and the operating performance of the system was evaluated. The MECH experiment, based on the optimal control strategy, was compared with other different heating systems, and the economic and environmental benefits of the system were further evaluated. The results showed that, compared with room temperature control strategy (RS-CON), the control strategy of the heat storage tank (HST-CON) with sufficient solar energy (SE) can afford a higher solar fraction by 10%, more HST heating hours, and lower operating costs and CO2 emissions. During heating operation, Mode 3 [biomass boiler (BB) + heat storage tank (HST) heating] was the best heating mode. At the end of the heating period, Mode 5 (HST heating) met the indoor heat demand and had a significant energy-saving effect. From the perspective of the whole heating season, HST-CON heating operation can generate lower energy consumption costs and achieve almost zero CO2 emissions. This study is of great significance because it provides an engineering reference for the rational the utilization of MECH systems in cold regions.
Effects of Different Aging Methods on the Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Red Wine
Authors: Wang Chao , Wang Chenhui , Tang Ke , Rao Zhiming , Chen Jian
Published: November 2022

In this study, oak barrels, glazed pottery altars, unglazed pottery altars, and stainless-steel tanks were selected as aging containers for red wine, and phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were analyzed and compared. The color of red wine in unglazed pottery altars and glazed pottery altars changed to brick red and brownish yellow, respectively; the color of red wine in oak barrels did not change significantly; and color retention was best in stainless-steel tanks. The total content of anthocyanins and nonanthocyanin phenolic compounds was higher in the unglazed pottery altar group (227.68 mg/L and 288.88 mg/L, respectively) than in the oak barrel group (209.46 mg/L and 273.42 mg/L), the stainless-steel tank group (221.92 mg/L and 213.23 mg/L), or the glazed pottery altar group (74.71 mg/L and 204.43 mg/L). After aging, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine free radical scavenging ability), I confirm. (ABTS+ free radical scavenging ability), and FRAP (a ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power reduction of Ion Ability) were decreased by 8.8%, 0.5%, and 17.1%, respectively, in the unglazed pottery altar group; by 15.2%, 1.7%, and 19.5%, respectively, in the oak barrel group; by 18.0%, 1.8%, and 20.0%, respectively, in the stainless-steel tank group; and by 18.7%, 4.2%, and 34.9%, respectively, in the glazed pottery altar group. In conclusion, antioxidative ability decreased less in the unglazed pottery altar group than in the other three groups, indicating that unglazed pottery altars retain antioxidant components in red wine well.
Pravuil: Global Consensus for a United World
Authors: Cerezo Sánchez David
Published: November 2022

The latest developments in blockchain technology have conceptualised very efficient consensus protocols that have not yet been able to overcome older technologies. This paper presents Pravuil, a robust, secure, and scalable consensus protocol for a permissionless blockchain suitable for deployment in an adversarial environment such as the Internet. Using zero-knowledge authentication techniques, Pravuil circumvents previous shortcomings of other blockchains: Bitcoin’s limited adoption problem (as transaction demand grows, payment confirmation times grow much less than that of other PoW blockchains); higher transaction security at a lower cost; more decentralisation than other permissionless blockchains; impossibility of full decentralisation; the blockchain scalability trilemma (decentralisation, scalability, and security can be achieved simultaneously); and Sybil resistance for free implementation of the social optimum. Pravuil goes beyond the economic limits of Bitcoin and other PoW/PoS blockchains, leading to a more valuable and stable cryptocurrency.
Kombucha: Production and Microbiological Research
Authors: Wang Boying , Rutherfurd-Markwick Kay , Zhang Xue-Xian , Mutukumira Anthony N.
Published: November 2022

Kombucha is a sparkling sugared tea commonly prepared using a sugared tea infusion and fermented at ambient temperature for several days using a cellulose pellicle also called tea fungus that is comprised of acetic acid bacteria and yeast. Consumption of Kombucha has been reported as early as 220 B.C. with various reported potential health benefits and appealing sensory properties. During Kombucha fermentation, sucrose is hydrolysed by yeast cells into fructose and glucose, which are then metabolised to ethanol. The ethanol is then oxidised by acetic acid bacteria (AAB) to produce acetic acid which is responsible for the reduction of the pH and also contributes to the sour taste of Kombucha. Characterisation of the AAB and yeast in the Kombucha starter culture can provide a better understanding of the fermentation process. This knowledge can potentially aid in the production of higher quality products as these microorganisms affect the production of metabolites such as organic acids which are associated with potential health benefits, as well as sensory properties. This review presents recent advances in the isolation, enumeration, biochemical characteristics, conventional phenotypic identification system, and modern genetic identification techniques of AAB and yeast present in Kombucha to gain a better understanding of the microbial diversity of the beverage.
Fusion of 2DGC-MS, HPLC-MS and Sensory Data to Assist Decision-Making in the Marketing of International Monovarietal Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc Wines
Authors: Poggesi Simone , Darnal Aakriti , Ceci Adriana Teresa , Longo Edoardo , Vanzo Leonardo , Mimmo Tanja , Boselli Emanuele
Published: November 2022

Monovarietal wines produced in different wine-growing areas may have completely different sensory profiles. As a result, they may be suitable for sale in different regions, depending on local preferences. Better insight into the sensory and chemical profiles of these wines can be helpful in further optimizing commercial strategies and matching supply and demand, which is the main challenge for global wine traders. The training of dedicated sensory panels, together with the correlation of the evaluated attributes with chemical parameters, followed by validation of the obtained models, may yield an improved picture of the overall features associated with products from a specific region. Eighteen samples of international Chardonnay and eighteen samples of international Sauvignon Blanc wines were collected from nine world origins (Northern Italy, Southern Italy, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa). The overall quality judgement (OQJ) and the sensory attributes were evaluated by a panel trained with a MRATA (Modified Rate-All-That-Apply) method. Moreover, volatile compounds were analysed by HS-SPME-GC × GC-ToF/MS and the phenolic composition, including proanthocyanidins, was determined using HPLC-QqQ/MS. The processing of the data using different multivariate analysis methods, such as multiple factor analysis (MFA), was essential to gain insight into the quality of the samples. The profile of cyclic and non-cyclic oligomeric proanthocyanidins was found to be substantially dependent on the grape variety used in the wines (varietal markers), despite the country of origin of the wine influencing it to a limited extent. The results from the same samples analysed by a sensory panel from Germany and ours were qualitatively compared, highlighting the presence of potential factors inherent to the panels themselves that could influence the different judgments and quality classification of the wines. Consequently, the combination of sensory and chemical analysis, by means of the application of multivariate statistical methods presented in this study proves to be a powerful tool for a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the quality of the wines under investigation. Overall quality was described as a combination of the sensory attributes, according to the perception process. The attributes were in turn described based on the chemical profiles, which were determined independently by analytical techniques. Eventually, this approach can be very useful not only for basic research on wine quality but also as a tool to aid business-related decision-making activities of wineries and wine traders and to create models that can aid the refinement of marketing strategies.
An Equality-Based Approach to Analysing the Global Food System’s Fair Share, Overshoot, and Responsibility for Exceeding the Climate Change Planetary Boundary
Authors: Li Yan , Roy Ajishnu , Dong Xuhui
Published: November 2022

The climate catastrophe is being caused by human effects on earth system processes that are surpassing several planetary boundaries. This crisis is driven significantly by the global food system. It has been increasing over recent years, yet food systems are essential in upholding food and nutrition security. This study proposed a novel method for enumerating national contributions to the cessation of the climate crisis by approximating nations’ aggregate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from food systems, within the equitable and sustainable planetary boundaries of climate change. This study included 221 nations, which were grouped as per their human development index (HDI) categories, income groups, and continental locations. During 1990–2018, the annual fair share, overshoot of emissions, and collective historical responsibility in the world of each country were assessed. There was a 22.52% increase in overshooting of GHG emissions from the global food system, starting in 1990. A group of 15 countries, including Brazil, China, Indonesia, and the U.S.A., were responsible for >67% of global overshoot. The primary liability is borne by countries with upper-, middle-, and high-income economies, and high to very-high HDI groups, as well as Asia and South America. Countries such as India, China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and others have steadily increased their share of responsibility over the last 28 years. More than 76% of countries in the world, mostly from Africa, Europe, and Asia, proved to be absolute overshooters. After contextualising the study’s findings, the global food system’s decarbonization and its limits were discussed; some recommendations for prospective research were also offered. It appears that academics, governments, and policymakers should start concentrating more on reshaping and redesigning the global food system to be climate-friendly (i.e., a carbon-neutral food system), whilst being able to fairly allocate food and nutrition security to achieve long-term Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2).
The Effects of Nutrition and Health Claim Information on Consumers’ Sensory Preferences and Willingness to Pay
Authors: Hong Xinyi , Li Chenguang , Wang Liming , Gao Zhifeng , Wang Mansi , Zhang Haikuan , Monahan Frank J.
Published: November 2022

As marketing tools, nutrition claims (NCs) and health claims (HCs) can be used to convey the nutritional properties and health benefits of food to consumers, but their respective effects on consumers’ perceptions of healthier meat products are inconsistent in the literature. Using a physical prototype of omega-3-enriched sausages as a research interest, this paper explores how HCs and NCs differently influence consumers’ sensory preferences and willingness to pay (WTP). Sensory tests were carried out among 330 participants, followed by a choice-based conjoint (CBC) experiment to measure consumers’ WTP. Results indicate that, in comparison with the uninformed condition, labeling an omega-3 nutrition claim increased consumers’ sensory liking for omega-3-enriched sausages in the attributes of appearance and texture. Moreover, consumers were willing to pay more for healthier sausages, but labeling HCs did not significantly improve participants’ WTP for omega-3-enriched sausages more than NCs. Hence, HCs did not significantly outperform NCs, when it comes to positively influencing consumers’ sensory liking and paying intentions for omega-3-enriched sausages. The findings of this study have implications for the meat industry in developing healthier sausage formulations with greater likelihood of success in the market.
Quantum Chemical Calculation for Intermolecular Interactions of Alginate Dimer-Water Molecules
Authors: Anugrah Daru Seto Bagus , Darmalim Laura Virdy , Polanen Muhammad Rifky Irwanto , Putro Permono Adi , Sasongko Nurwarrohman Andre , Siahaan Parsaoran , Ramadhan Zeno Rizqi
Published: November 2022

The abundance of applications of alginates in aqueous surroundings created by their interactions with water is a fascinating area of research. In this paper, computational analysis was used to evaluate the conformation, hydrogen bond network, and stabilities for putative intermolecular interactions between alginate dimers and water molecules. Two structural forms of alginate (alginic acid, alg, and sodium alginate, SA) were evaluated for their interactions with water molecules. The density functional theory (DFT-D3) method at the B3LYP functional and the basis set 6-31++G** was chosen for calculating the data. Hydrogen bonds were formed in the Alg-(H2O)n complexes, while the SA-(H2O)n complexes showed an increase in Van der Walls interactions and hydrogen bonds. Moreover, in the SA-(H2O)n complexes, metal-nonmetal bonds existed between the sodium atom in SA and the oxygen atom in water (Na…O). All computational data in this study demonstrated that alginate dimers and water molecules had moderate to high levels of interaction, giving more stability to their complex structure.
Deregulated Expression of Circular RNAs Is Associated with Immune Evasion and Leukemia Relapse after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Zhao Fei , Zhang Xiaoyu , Pei Xiaolei , Yang Donglin , Han Mingzhe
Published: November 2022

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of epigenetic regulators that participate in leukemogenesis. However, their roles in leukemia relapse after transplantation remain unclear. Methods: We defined the circRNAs profile of the bone-marrow-enriched CD34+ cells from ten acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients after transplantation (five relapse [RE] and five continuous complete remission [CR]) and four healthy controls (HCs) by RNA-seq. Differentially expressed circRNAs were validated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in an independent cohort of six AML patients with pairwise samples at diagnosis and at relapse and six controls. Results: The bioinformatics analysis revealed a distinct circRNAs profile in relapse patients compared with controls (CR or HCs), while there was no significant difference between CR and HCs. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that mRNAs co-expressed with identified circRNAs were primarily involved in immune-related pathways, including the T cell receptor signaling pathway and lymphocyte differentiation. Moreover, we performed a protein–protein interaction network based on the immune-related genes and annotated 20 hub genes. The abnormal expression of hub genes was responsible for impairing T cell co-stimulation and activation, thus contributing to the immune escape of relapse blasts. We further constructed competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) regulatory networks based on immune-related genes and identified 10 key circRNAs that are associated with immune evasion. Six candidate circRNAs and their associated miRNA/mRNAs in the ceRNA network were randomly selected to be validated in another set by RT-qPCR. Conclusions: CircRNAs dysregulation may be involved in the immune evasion of relapse blasts and is associated with AML relapse. Our results identify several promising biomarkers and might provide novel insights into the biology of AML relapse post-transplantation.
Protein Kinase RhCIPK6 Promotes Petal Senescence in Response to Ethylene in Rose (Rosa Hybrida)
Authors: Wu Yanqing , Zuo Lanxin , Ma Yanxing , Jiang Yunhe , Gao Junping , Tao Jun , Chen Changxi
Published: November 2022

Cultivated roses have the largest global market share among ornamental crops. Postharvest release of ethylene is the main cause of accelerated senescence and decline in rose flower quality. To understand the molecular mechanism of ethylene-induced rose petal senescence, we analyzed the transcriptome of rose petals during natural senescence as well as with ethylene treatment. A large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were observed between developmental senescence and the ethylene-induced process. We identified 1207 upregulated genes in the ethylene-induced senescence process, including 82 transcription factors and 48 protein kinases. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that ethylene-induced senescence was closely related to stress, dehydration, and redox reactions. We identified a calcineurin B-like protein (CBL) interacting protein kinase (CIPK) family gene in Rosa hybrida, RhCIPK6, that was regulated by age and ethylene induction. Reducing RhCIPK6 expression through virus-induced gene silencing significantly delayed petal senescence, indicating that RhCIPK6 mediates petal senescence. In the RhCIPK6-silenced petals, several senescence associated genes (SAGs) and transcription factor genes were downregulated compared with controls. We also determined that RhCIPK6 directly binds calcineurin B-like protein 3 (RhCBL3). Our work thus offers new insights into the function of CIPKs in petal senescence and provides a genetic resource for extending rose vase life.
Development of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and Association Analysis with Growth Traits for Black Porgy (Acanthopagrus schlegelii)
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Lin Zhijie , Wei Mingliang , Chen Ziqiang , Shen Mingjun , Cao Guangyong , Wang Yue , Zhang Zhiyong , Zhang Dianchang
Published: November 2022

Black porgy is an important marine aquaculture fish species whose production is at the fifth position in all kinds of marine-cultured fishes in China. In this study, Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology was used to sequence the total RNA of black porgy. Sixty-one candidate SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) were screened out and genotyped through GATK4 (Genome Analysis ToolKit) software and MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/ Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry). The experimental results showed that a total of sixty SNPs were successfully genotyped, with a success rate of 98.36%. The results of principal component analysis and correlation analysis of growth traits showed that body weight was the first principal component, with a cumulative contribution rate of 74%. There were significant correlations (p < 0.05) or extremely significant correlations (p < 0.01) between different growth traits. The results of genetic parameter analysis and association analysis showed that scaffold12-12716321, scaffold13-4787950, scaffold2-13687576 and scaffold290-11890 were four SNPs that met the requirement of polymorphic information content and conformed to the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. There were significant differences between their genotype and the phenotype of growth traits. The four SNP molecular markers developed in this research will lay a foundation for further exploration of molecular markers related to the growth traits of black porgy and will provide a scientific reference for the further study of its growth mechanisms. At the same time, these molecular markers can be applied to the production practices of black porgy, so as to realize selective breeding at the molecular level and speed up the breeding process.
RNA-Seq and Iso-Seq Reveal the Important Role of COMT and CCoAOMT Genes in Accumulation of Scopoletin in Noni (Morinda citrifolia)
Authors: Jia Dandan , Jin Can , Gong Shusen , Wang Xuan , Wu Tian
Published: November 2022

Scopoletin, the main component of clinical drugs and the functional component of health products, is highly abundant in noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia). Multiple enzyme genes regulate scopoletin accumulation. In the present study, differentially expressed genes of noni were analyzed by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and the full-length genes by isoform-sequencing (Iso-Seq) to find the critical genes in the scopoletin accumulation mechanism pathway. A total of 32,682 full-length nonchimeric reads (FLNC) were obtained, out of which 16,620 non-redundant transcripts were validated. Based on KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) annotation and differential expression analysis, two differentially expressed genes, caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase (CCoAOMT), were found in the scopoletin accumulation pathway of noni. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR), phylogenetic tree analysis, gene expression analysis, and the change in scopoletin content confirmed that these two proteins are important in this pathway. Based on these results, the current study supposed that COMT and CCoAOMT play a significant role in the accumulation of scopoletin in noni fruit, and COMT (gene number: gene 7446, gene 8422, and gene 6794) and CCoAOMT (gene number: gene 12,084) were more significant. These results provide the importance of COMT and CCoAOMT and a basis for further understanding the accumulation mechanism of scopoletin in noni.
Altered brassinolide sensitivity1 Regulates Fruit Size in Association with Phytohormones Modulation in Tomato
Authors: Mumtaz Muhammad Ali , Li Fangman , Zhang Xingyu , Tao Jinbao , Ge Pingfei , Wang Ying , Wang Yaru , Gai Wenxian , Dong Haiqiang , Zhang Yuyang
Published: November 2022

BRs (Brassinosteroids) regulate many essential pathways related to growth, cell elongation, cell expansion, plant architecture, and fruit development. The potential exogenous application of BR-derivatives has been proven to stimulate plant growth and development, including quality attributes of fruits, whereas its biosynthesis inhibition has shown the opposite effect. In this study, BR-insensitive tomato mutants were used to reveal the potential function of BR signaling in the regulation of fruit development to elaborate the regulatory mechanism of BR signaling in tomato fruits. The BR-signaling mutant exhibited a typical dwarf phenotype and reduced vegetative growth, fruit size, and weight. Microscopic and transcriptional evaluation of the abs1 mutant fruits implies that reduced cell size and number are responsible for the phenotypic variations. Additionally, we also found that the altered content of phytohormones, such as auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, and ethylene levels, contributed to altered fruit development. Moreover, fruit growth and cell development-specific gene expression levels were downregulated in BR-insensitive plants; culminating in reduced cell size, cell number, and cell layers. These findings provide insight into physio-chemical changes during fruit development in response to BR-insensitivity.
Urban Green Space and Subjective Well-Being of Older People: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Xu Tianrong , Nordin Nikmatul Adha , Aini Ainoriza Mohd
Published: November 2022

A growing number of articles have identified and reported the benefits and importance of urban green spaces for improving human well-being, but there is a significant knowledge gap regarding the impact of urban green spaces on the subjective well-being of older adults. The literature search (August 2015–August 2022) was derived from two major scientific databases, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. As a result, 2558 articles were found, 1527 of which were retrieved from WOS and the rest from Google Scholar. Bibliometric methods and VOSviewer software were used to screen and organize the articles in the relevant fields. Finally, 65 articles met the review criteria. The included studies aim to capture the benefits of various features of urban green spaces in meeting or enhancing the subjective well-being needs of older adults. The results of our review further support the existence of a strong link between older adults’ subjective well-being and various features of urban green spaces, providing new insights for future in-depth reexamination and policy development. Furthermore, the relationship between urban green spaces and older adults’ subjective well-being depends not only on the urban green spaces themselves but also on the characteristics of the older adult population that uses them.
Evaluation of Landslide Susceptibility Based on CF-SVM in Nujiang Prefecture
Authors: Li Yimin , Deng Xuanlun , Ji Peikun , Yang Yiming , Jiang Wenxue , Zhao Zhifang
Published: November 2022

At present, landslide susceptibility assessment (LSA) based on landslide characteristics in different areas is an effective measure for landslide management. Nujiang Prefecture in China has steep mountain slopes, a large amount of water and loose soil, and frequent landslide disasters, which have caused a large number of casualties and economic losses. This paper aims to understand the characteristics and formation mechanism of regional landslides through the evaluation of landslide susceptibility so as to provide relevant references and suggestions for spatial planning and disaster prevention and mitigation in Nujiang Prefecture. Based on the grid cell, this study selected 10 parameters, namely elevation, slope, aspect, lithology, proximity to faults, proximity to road, proximity to rivers, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), land-use type, and precipitation. Support vector machine (SVM), certainty factor method (CF), and deterministic coefficient method–support vector machine (CF-SVM) were used to evaluate the landslide susceptibility in Nujiang Prefecture. According to these three models, the study area was divided into five landslide susceptibility grades, including extremely high susceptibility, high susceptibility, moderate susceptibility, low susceptibility, and very low susceptibility. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was applied to verify the accuracy of the model. The results showed that CF model (ROC = 0.865), SVM model (ROC = 0.892), CF-SVM model (ROC = 0.925), and CF-SVM model showed better performance. Therefore, CF-SVM model results were selected for analysis. The study found that the characteristics of high and extremely high landslide-prone areas in Nujiang Prefecture have the following characteristics: intense human activities, large density of buildings and arable land, rich water resources, good economic development, perfect transportation facilities, and complex topography and landform. In addition, there is a finding inconsistent with our common sense that the distribution of landslide disasters in the study area does not decrease with the increase of NDVI value. This is because the Nujiang River basin is a high mountain canyon area with low rock strength, barren soil, and underdeveloped vegetation and root system. In an area with large slope, the probability of landslide disaster will increase with the increase of NDVI. The CF-SVM coupling model adopted in this study is a good first attempt in the study of landslide hazard susceptibility in Nujiang Prefecture.
From an Apple to a Pear: Moving Fat around for Reversing Insulin Resistance
Authors: Alser Maha , Elrayess Mohamed A.
Published: November 2022

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic condition where the body is resistant to insulin, leading to an elevated blood glucose state. Obesity is a main factor leading to T2D. Many clinical studies, however, have described a proportion of obese individuals who express a metabolically healthy profile, whereas some lean individuals could develop metabolic disorders. To study obesity as a risk factor, body fat distribution needs to be considered rather than crude body weight. Different individuals’ bodies favor storing fat in different depots; some tend to accumulate more fat in the visceral depot, while others tend to store it in the femoral depot. This tendency relies on different factors, including genetic background and lifestyle. Consuming some types of medications can cause a shift in this tendency, leading to fat redistribution. Fat distribution plays an important role in the progression of risk of insulin resistance (IR). Apple-shaped individuals with enhanced abdominal obesity have a higher risk of IR compared to BMI-matched pear-shaped individuals, who store their fat in the gluteal-femoral depots. This is related to the different adipose tissue physiology between these two depots. In this review, we will summarize the recent evidence highlighting the underlying protective mechanisms in gluteal-femoral subcutaneous adipose tissues compared to those associated with abdominal adipose tissue, and we will revise the recent evidence showing antidiabetic drugs that impact fat distribution as they manage the T2D condition.
Effects of a Traction Device for Head Weight Reduction and Neutral Alignment during Sedentary Visual Display Terminal (VDT) Work on Postural Alignment, Muscle Properties, Hemodynamics, Preference, and Working Memory Performance
Authors: Jung Ju-Yeon , Cho Hwi-Young , Kang Chang-Ki
Published: November 2022

The forward head posture of visual display terminal (VDT) users induces various physical and cognitive clinical symptoms. However, few studies have been conducted to identify and solve problems associated with VDT posture. This study aimed to examine the adverse effects of VDT posture and the positive effects of traction-combined workstations by measuring postural alignment, muscle properties, blood velocity, preference, and working memory. Thirty-four healthy VDT users (18 males and 16 females aged 20–30 years) participated in the experiment at three workstations, including conventional (VDT_C), head support (VDT_S), and upright (VDT_U) workstations. They conducted 2-back working memory task. The craniovertebral angle (CVA), muscle tone and stiffness, blood velocity and visual analogue discomfort scale (VADS) were measured to examine the influence of workstations. VDT_C showed increased muscle tone or stiffness in the levator scapulae (LS), suboccipital muscle (SM), and sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) and an increased reaction time (RT) in working memory. However, VDT_S showed decreased stiffness and tone of SM and improved comfort. In addition, VDT_U showed decreased stiffness or tone of the LS and SCM and improved blood velocity and RT. In conclusion, maintaining neutral alignment significantly improved working memory performance, muscle properties, and blood velocity.
Impact of Fitness Influencers on the Level of Physical Activity Performed by Instagram Users in the United States of America: Analytical Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tricás-Vidal Héctor José , Vidal-Peracho María Concepción , Lucha-López María Orosia , Hidalgo-García César , Monti-Ballano Sofía , Márquez-Gonzalvo Sergio , Tricás-Moreno José Miguel
Published: November 2022

Background: Physical activity positively influences the general population’s health. Social media networks may promote changes in physical activity habits. This study aimed to analyze the relation between being encouraged to perform physical activity by fitness influencers on Instagram and the level of physical activity performed. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was performed in 890 United States residents with an Instagram account. The sample was made up of 79.2% females and of 75.4% millennials (born between 1981–1996). Physical activity was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics were registered. Results: The percentage of females (p = 0.001), millennials (p < 0.001), students (p < 0.001), participants with normal BMI (p = 0.001), and participants performing more than 150 min per week of moderate physical activity (p = 0.014) was significantly higher in the group that felt encouraged to perform physical activity by the information posted by fitness influencers. This group spent a median of 2 h per week on Instagram checking for nutrition or exercise (p < 0.001). Conclusions: United States residents who felt encouraged to perform physical activity by fitness influencers on Instagram achieved more the World Health Organization recommendations for substantial health benefit for moderate physical activity. They were predominantly females and millennials with normal weight and spent more time on Instagram checking for nutrition or exercise.
Disulfiram/Copper Suppresses Cancer Stem Cell Activity in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Cells by Inhibiting BMI1 Expression
Authors: Ni Yung-Lun , Chien Peng-Ju , Hsieh Hung-Chia , Shen Huan-Ting , Lee Hsueh-Te , Chen Shih-Ming , Chang Wen-Wei
Published: November 2022

Differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTCs), which have papillary and follicular types, are common endocrine malignancies worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a particular type of cancer cells within bulk tumors involved in cancer initiation, drug resistance, and metastasis. Cells with high intracellular aldehyde hydrogenase (ALDH) activity are a population of CSCs in DTCs. Disulfiram (DSF), an ALDH inhibitor used for the treatment of alcoholism, reportedly targets CSCs in various cancers when combined with copper. This study reported for the first time that DSF/copper can inhibit the proliferation of papillary and follicular DTC lines. DSF/copper suppressed thyrosphere formation, indicating the inhibition of CSC activity. Molecular mechanisms of DSF/copper involved downregulating the expression of B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 homolog (BMI1) and cell cycle-related proteins, including cyclin B2, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 2, and CDK4, in a dose-dependent manner. BMI1 overexpression diminished the inhibitory effect of DSF/copper in the thyrosphere formation of DTC cells. BMI1 knockdown by RNA interference in DTC cells also suppressed the self-renewal capability. DSF/copper could inhibit the nuclear localization and transcriptional activity of c-Myc and the binding of E2F1 to the BMI1 promoter. Overexpression of c-Myc or E2F1 further abolished the inhibitory effect of DSF/copper on BMI1 expression, suggesting that the suppression of c-Myc and E2F1 by DSF/copper was involved in the downregulation of BMI1 expression. In conclusion, DSF/copper targets CSCs in DTCs by inhibiting c-Myc- or E2F1-mediated BMI1 expression. Therefore, DSF is a potential therapeutic agent for future therapy in DTCs.
Siponimod Modulates the Reaction of Microglial Cells to Pro-Inflammatory Stimulation
Authors: Gruchot Joel , Lein Ferdinand , Lewen Isabel , Reiche Laura , Weyers Vivien , Petzsch Patrick , Göttle Peter , Köhrer Karl , Hartung Hans-Peter , Küry Patrick , Kremer David
Published: November 2022

Siponimod (Mayzent®), a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) modulator which prevents lymphocyte egress from lymphoid tissues, is approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting and active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. It can cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and selectively binds to S1PR1 and S1PR5 expressed by several cell populations of the central nervous system (CNS) including microglia. In multiple sclerosis, microglia are a key CNS cell population moving back and forth in a continuum of beneficial and deleterious states. On the one hand, they can contribute to neurorepair by clearing myelin debris, which is a prerequisite for remyelination and neuroprotection. On the other hand, they also participate in autoimmune inflammation and axonal degeneration by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines and molecules. In this study, we demonstrate that siponimod can modulate the microglial reaction to lipopolysaccharide-induced pro-inflammatory activation.