bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insight into the Significance of Viscous Dissipation and Heat Generation/Absorption in Magneto-Hydrodynamic Radiative Casson Fluid Flow With First-Order Chemical Reaction
Authors: Hassan Ali , Hussain Azad , Arshad Mubashar , Gouadria Soumaya , Awrejcewicz Jan , Galal Ahmed M. , Alharbi Fahad M. , Eswaramoorthi S.
Published: August 2022

This study is an attempt to explore two-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic Casson fluid flow with heat generation or absorption, chemical reaction, and viscous dissipation under the effect of thermal radiation. Prescribed surface temperature (PST) and prescribed heat flux (PHF) cases have been taken into account to investigate the problem. The constitutive relations for Casson fluid incorporated with suitable boundary layer approximation theory have been utilized to achieve the flow model equations. The obtained highly non-linear partial differential equations cannot be solved analytically, so we transform them into first-order differential equations, then tackle them with the boundary value problem (BVP-4c) technique in Matlab. Radiation increment decreases primary and secondary velocity profiles abruptly in both cases. Heat generation and absorption augmentation decrease the thermal and momentum boundaries for both studied cases. The skin coefficient for PHF cases has decreased 80% when compared with PST cases. The increment in Casson parameter has enhanced the Nusselt number by 75% for the PST case, whereas the decline in Nusselt number has doubled for the PHF case with the increase in magnetic field. It is concluded that, with the increment in Casson fluid, magnetic, radiation, and permeability parameter the Nusselt number has significantly increased for the PST case. However, for these parameters, an abrupt decline in Nusselt number has been observed for the PHF case. Results reported in this study for shear stress and Sherwood number are in complete agreement with already published previous work.
Design of optically pumped cesium beam tube with hexapole magnetic system for longer lifetime and better SNR
Authors: Chen Haijun , Yan Yufei , Chen Jingbiao , Feng Jinjun
Published: August 2022

In order to get a better tradeoff between the long lifetime and high performances of cesium beam atomic clocks, we proposed a design scheme of compact optically pumped cesium beam tube (OPCBT) based on hexapole magnetic focusing (HMF) system for the confinement of cesium. A practical optically pumped cesium beam tube without HMF system has been implemented and tested with high-stability laser by modulation transfer spectroscopy (MTS), and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 18,000 in 1 Hz bandwidth and Allan deviation of 2×10−12/τ were obtained. Based on this test, the simulation analysis results of the newly designed tube with HMF show that the predicted lifetime can reach over 20 years without degradation of the performances, and the expected frequency stability of the clock can be 6.5×10−13/τ with a lifetime of 10 years.
Fat–fat-free index in body mass assessment in young people
Authors: Chwałczyńska Agnieszka , Kosendiak Aureliusz , Sobiech Krzysztof Andrzej , Andrzejewski Waldemar
Published: August 2022

The study aimed to personalize the classification of body weight using the fat–fat-free (FFF) index with the percentage of body fat and to develop classification standards for the FFF index for men aged 18–25 years. Moreover, 1,642 adolescents (1,200 ♀) were examined. Using body composition analyzers, weight was determined, as well as overall and segmental body composition. Based on the obtained values for fat mass and fat-free tissue mass, an overall FFF index was calculated. According to the BMI classification, 9% of ♀ and 6% of ♂ are underweight, 29% of ♀ and 13% of ♂ are overweight, and 5% of the subjects are obese. Women and men classified in the same group according to BMI differed statistically significantly in terms of body weight, FM%, and FFM. In contrast to BMI and FM%, the FFF used takes into account the ratio of fat mass to fat-free tissue and muscle tissue mass. The proposed classification of FFF was made taking into account the differences that arise with sexual development and physiological changes occurring in ontogeny. Assessment of body mass using the FFF index should be used as part of preventive screening for the early diagnosis and prevention of overweight and thus many chronic diseases for which overweight or obesity is a risk factor.
European and American chestnuts: An overview of the main threats and control efforts
Authors: Fernandes Patrícia , Colavolpe Maria Belén , Serrazina Susana , Costa Rita Lourenço
Published: August 2022

Chestnuts are multipurpose trees significant for the economy and wildlife. These trees are currently found around the globe, demonstrating their genetic adaptation to different environmental conditions. Several biotic and abiotic stresses have challenged these species, contributing to the decline of European chestnut production and the functional extinction of the American chestnut. Several efforts started over the last century to understand the cellular, molecular, and genetic interactions behind all chestnut biotic and abiotic interactions. Most efforts have been toward breeding for the primary diseases, chestnut blight and ink disease caused by the pathogens, Cryphonectria parasitica and Phytophthora cinnamomi, respectively. In Europe and North America, researchers have been using the Asian chestnut species, which co-evolved with the pathogens, to introgress resistance genes into the susceptible species. Breeding woody trees has several limitations which can be mostly related to the long life cycles of these species and the big genome landscapes. Consequently, it takes decades to improve traits of interest, such as resistance to pathogens. Currently, the availability of genome sequences and next-generation sequencing techniques may provide new tools to help overcome most of the problems tree breeding is still facing. This review summarizes European and American chestnut’s main biotic stresses and discusses breeding and biotechnological efforts developed over the last decades, having ink disease and chestnut blight as the main focus. Climate change is a rising concern, and in this context, the adaptation of chestnuts to adverse environmental conditions is of extreme importance for chestnut production. Therefore, we also discuss the abiotic challenges on European chestnuts, where the response to abiotic stress at the genetic and molecular level has been explored.
Parallel adaptation prompted core-periphery divergence of Ammopiptanthus mongolicus
Authors: Yang Yong-Zhi , Luo Min-Xin , Pang Li-Dong , Gao Run-Hong , Chang Jui-Tse , Liao Pei-Chun
Published: August 2022

Range expansion requires peripheral populations to shift adaptive optima to breach range boundaries. Opportunities for range expansion can be assessed by investigating the associations of core-periphery environmental and genetic differences. This study investigates differences in the core-periphery adaptation of Ammopiptanthus mongolicus, a broad-leaved evergreen shrub species in a relatively homogeneous temperate Asian desert environment, to explore the environmental factors that limit the expansion of desert plants. Temperate deserts are characterized by severe drought, a large diurnal temperature range, and seasonality. Long-standing adaptation to the harsh desert environment may confine the genetic diversity of A. mongolicus, despite its distribution over a wide range of longitude, latitude, and altitude. Since range edges defined by climate niches may have different genetic responses to environmental extremes, we compared genome-wide polymorphisms between nine environmental core populations and ten fragmented peripheral populations to determine the “adaptive peripheral” populations. At least four adaptive peripheral populations had similar genetic-environmental association patterns. High elevations, summer drought, and winter cold were the three main determinants of converging these four adaptive peripheral populations. Elevation mainly caused similar local climates among different geographic regions. Altitudinal adaptation resulting from integrated environmental-genetic responses was a breakthrough in breaching niche boundaries. These peripheral populations are also located in relatively humid and warmer environments. Relaxation of the drought and cold constraints facilitated the genetic divergence of these peripheral populations from the core population’s adaptive legacy. We conclude that pleiotropic selection synchronized adaptative divergence to cold and drought vs. warm and humid environments between the core and peripheral populations. Such parallel adaptation of peripheral populations relies on selection under a background of abundant new variants derived from the core population’s standing genetic variation, i.e., integration of genetic surfing and local adaptation.
Female career interruption and social integration: An interaction between human capital and new media use
Authors: Li Chunyan , Liu Yongjin , Li Weiming
Published: August 2022

Promoting the social integration of various groups provides a significant guarantee for China to achieve high-quality development. However, female workers, as the main force of the service industry, had suffered a greater occupational impact due to COVID-19 and loosened China’s fertility policy in 2021. After female career interruption, the change in women’s social roles and networks has aroused concern about their social integration. However, limited attention had been paid to female career interruption in existing studies about social integration. Therefore, this study developed a theoretical model to explore the relationship between female career interruption and social integration. An empirical test using data from the fourth Chinese Women’s Social Status Survey of Hainan Province was applied to evaluate the hypotheses. The results indicate that there is a significantly negative correlation between female career interruption and social integration. And there is a difference among female career interrupters with different quantiles of social integration. Furthermore, the impact of human capital on the link between female career interruption and social integration depended on the type of new media use. When female career interrupters who use strong learning-oriented new media (such as learning about news, working/business, studying online, and investing/financial management) encounter human capital, the relationship between female career interruption and social integration is minimal. In contrast, this relationship is enhanced when female career interrupters who use strong amusing-oriented new media (such as online consumption, chatting, entertainment, and games) are confronted with human capital. Meanwhile, the results of quantile regression show that the secondary moderating effect of learning-oriented new media use gradually weakens with the rise of the quantile of female social integration. And so does amusing-oriented new media use. However, a moderating effect of human capital alone is not found.
Why do people resist algorithms? From the perspective of short video usage motivations
Authors: Xie Xinzhou , Du Yan , Bai Qiyu
Published: August 2022

Algorithms embedded in media applications increasingly influence individuals’ media practice and behavioral decisions. However, it is also important to consider how the influence of such algorithms can be resisted. Few studies have explored the resistant outcomes of the interactions with algorithms. Based on an affordance perspective, this study constructed a formation framework of algorithmic resistance in the context of short videos in China. Survey responses from 2,000 short video users to test the model. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling were used for data analysis. The findings reveal two types of “moderate” resistance: avoidance and obfuscation. Specific needs, such as the motivations of peeking and escapism, are significantly related to perceived algorithmic affordance, which, in turn, encourages the tactics of avoidant and obfuscated resistance. The results provide new insights into the potential formation mechanisms of algorithmic resistance. The forms of resistance highlighted in the paper evolve alongside algorithms and have significant practical implications for users and platforms.
Unpacking language teacher beliefs, agency, and resilience in the complex, unprecedented time: A mixed-method study
Authors: Gao Yang , Qin Lili , Gu Qiyi
Published: August 2022

We conducted this mixed-method study by focusing on the influx relationship among teacher beliefs, agency, and resilience during the pandemic and exploring the relationships and tensions among these constructs or capacities. Specifically, we surveyed 93 language teachers across seven different regions in China and collected their perceptions and beliefs about challenges and solutions during the first wave of the pandemic. In a further step, we interviewed six participants, analyzed the transcripts of the interviews, and then explored how their agency and resilience emerged and developed during the pandemic. From the quantitative statistics, we reported teacher beliefs about emotional, physical, mentoring, and support challenges in emergency remote teaching and their adopted strategies to handle these challenges during the pandemic. We also reported significant correlations among different perceived challenges and solutions. From the qualitative analysis, we found that language teacher beliefs, agency, and resilience co-evolved from intrapersonal and interpersonal reflections through temporal and contextual affordances. Drawing from the sociocultural theory, we contributed a theoretical framework for studying language teacher beliefs, agency, and resilience. We discussed our findings around the global traits that language teachers are required to develop in the increasingly complex world and also offered implications for language teacher education programs.
Study on the influence of family capital on Chinese adolescents’ subjective well-being
Authors: Wu Xiling , Liu Zhiyan , Lin Youchang
Published: August 2022

Subjective well-being (SWB) is an important part of positive psychology research. Compared with other countries and regions, Chinese adolescents’ well-being level is relatively lower. Under the guidance of ecological systems theory, this study is based on the survey data of PISA 2018, with 10,805 middle school students from four provinces and cities in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang) as the research samples, and examines the theoretical model of the influence of family capital on adolescents’ subjective well-being by means of structural equation modeling, in which the effects of family capital, school climate and academic achievement on adolescents’ subjective well-being are discussed. The empirical results show that family capital directly and indirectly negatively influences adolescents’ subjective well-being through academic achievements, and indirectly positively influences adolescents’ subjective well-being through school climate. School climate directly positively affects adolescents’ subjective well-being and indirectly negatively influences adolescents’ subjective well-being through their academic achievement. Academic achievement negatively affects adolescents’ subjective well-being. The research results strongly support the correctness of the theoretical framework, indicating the complexity of the formation of adolescents’ subjective well-being.
Surface charge changes in spike RBD mutations of SARS-CoV-2 and its variant strains alter the virus evasiveness via HSPGs: A review and mechanistic hypothesis
Authors: Zhang Zhongyun , Zhang Juan , Wang Jiqiu
Published: August 2022

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, more contagious SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron, have been emerging. The mutations, especially those that occurred on the spike (S) protein receptor-binding domain (RBD), are of significant concern due to their potential capacity to increase viral infectivity, virulence, and breakthrough antibodies' protection. However, the molecular mechanism involved in the pathophysiological change of SARS-CoV-2 mutations remains poorly understood. Here, we summarized 21 RBD mutations and their human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) and/or neutralizing antibodies' binding characteristics. We found that most RBD mutations, which could increase surface positive charge or polarity, enhanced their hACE2 binding affinity and immune evasion. Based on the dependence of electrostatic interaction of the epitope residue of virus and docking protein (like virus receptors or antibodies) for its invasion, we postulated that the charge and/or polarity changes of novel mutations on the RBD domain of S protein could affect its affinity for the hACE2 and antibodies. Thus, we modeled mutant S trimers and RBD-hACE2 complexes and calculated their electrotactic distribution to study surface charge changes. Meanwhile, we emphasized that heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) might play an important role in the hACE2-mediated entry of SARS-CoV-2 into cells. Those hypotheses provide some hints on how SARS-CoV-2 mutations enhance viral fitness and immune evasion, which may indicate potential ways for drug design, next-generation vaccine development, and antibody therapies.
Advancing rapid adaptation for urgent public health crises: Using implementation science to facilitate effective and efficient responses
Authors: Eisman Andria B. , Kim Bo , Salloum Ramzi G. , Shuman Clayton J. , Glasgow Russell E.
Published: August 2022

Responding rapidly to emerging public health crises is vital to reducing their escalation, spread, and impact on population health. These responses, however, are challenging and disparate processes for researchers and practitioners. Researchers often develop new interventions that take significant time and resources, with little exportability. In contrast, community-serving systems are often poorly equipped to properly adopt new interventions or adapt existing ones in a data-driven way during crises' onset and escalation. This results in significant delays in deploying evidence-based interventions (EBIs) with notable public health consequences. This prolonged timeline for EBI development and implementation results in significant morbidity and mortality that is costly and preventable. As public health emergencies have demonstrated (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic), the negative consequences often exacerbate existing health disparities. Implementation science has the potential to bridge the extant gap between research and practice, and enhance equity in rapid public health responses, but is underutilized. For the field to have a greater “real-world” impact, it needs to be more rapid, iterative, participatory, and work within the timeframes of community-serving systems. This paper focuses on rapid adaptation as a developing implementation science area to facilitate system responses during public health crises. We highlight frameworks to guide rapid adaptation for optimizing existing EBIs when responding to urgent public health issues. We also explore the economic implications of rapid adaptation. Resource limitations are frequently a central reason for implementation failure; thus, we consider the economic impacts of rapid adaptation. Finally, we provide examples and propose directions for future research and application.
Intrapersonal and interpersonal level factors influencing self-care practices among Hong Kong individuals with COVID-19—A qualitative study
Authors: Ma Haixia , Ma Yajing , Ge Song , Wang Shanshan , Zhao Ivy Yan , Christensen Martin
Published: August 2022

Background

The unprecedented crisis during the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong placed a significant burden on the health care system. Therefore, the Hong Kong government advocated that individuals with no or mild COVID-19 symptoms should self-care at home. This study aimed to understand intrapersonal and interpersonal level factors that shaped self-care practices among home-quarantined individuals with COVID-19 during the peak of the pandemic.

Methods

This study used convenience and snowball sampling whereby a total of 30 semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted between March and April 2022. Inductive content analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results

Factors reported at the intrapersonal level included socioeconomic status and housing conditions, information and knowledge about COVID-19, long COVID, and psychological adjustments brought about by home quarantine. Factors identified at the interpersonal level included caregiving responsibilities, family relationships, and social support.

Conclusions

Findings from this study identified a combination of intra and interpersonal level factors influenced an individual's self-care practices as a result of pandemic-induced quarantine. It was particularly concerning for those individuals in socially and economically deprived groups, where access to services was challenging. This study also raised awareness of the ineffectual and insufficient knowledge individuals held of self-medication and overall COVID-19 management. A key recommendation is developing family-based resilience programmes to support and empower vulnerable families to better cope with the realities of self-quarantine.
The impact of Thai multidisciplinary smoking cessation program on clinical outcomes: A multicentre prospective observational study
Authors: Chaisai Chayutthaphong , Thavorn Kednapa , Wattanasirichaigoon Somkiat , Rungruanghiranya Suthat , Thongphiew Araya , Dilokthornsakul Piyameth , Lee Shaun Wen Huey , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Since 2010, Thailand has implemented a multidisciplinary smoking cessation clinic, which provides smoking cessation services, but the effectiveness of the clinics was not formally evaluated. This study was conducted to assess the real-world effectiveness of this multidisciplinary smoking cessation program.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, multicentre, observational study on Thai participants aged 13 years and older in 24 smoking cessation clinics across Thailand's 13 health regions. Each clinic offered smoking cessation interventions according to the well-established 5As model for smoking cessation (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange). Outcomes of interest were continuous abstinence rates (CAR) at 3 and 6 months. Biochemical confirmation and self-reporting were used to assess the outcomes. Descriptive statistics (mean, SD, median, IQR, and percentage) were used to analyze the smoking cessation outcomes in both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis approaches.

Results

Smokers receiving services from the Thai multidisciplinary smoking cessation clinics had CAR of 17.49 and 8.33% at 3 and 6 months, respectively. For those with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or cerebrovascular disease, CAR was found to be 26.36% at 3 months and 13.81% at 6 months. While participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) had CAR ranging from 32.69% at 3 months to 17.31% at 6 months.

Conclusion

The multidisciplinary team smoking cessation clinic was effective in assisting smokers in quitting smoking. The effectiveness of the clinic was more pronounced for smokers with CVD, cerebrovascular disease, or COPD. Findings from this study support a decision to include multidisciplinary smoking cessation clinics in the universal health care benefits package.
Home delivery of medications: Community pharmacists' perspectives on the pros and cons of the service
Authors: Abu-Farha Rana , Alzoubi Karem H. , Alkhawaldeh Rama , Itani Rania , Karout Samar , Mukattash Tareq , Alefishat Eman
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The main goal of the current study was to investigate pharmacists' perception of home delivery of medications service in Jordan and their willingness to use the service.

Method

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted between March and April 2022. The study targeted community pharmacists working at different community pharmacies across Jordan. The study questionnaire was distributed through Facebook to target Jordanian community pharmacists' groups.

Results

Three hundred and twenty-four community pharmacists participated in the study, 75% (n = 244) of pharmacists reported being willing to use the home delivery and 274 (84.6%) thought it increases the efficiency of their community pharmacies' services. Only 129 (39.8%) pharmacists agreed or strongly agreed that unlike in-store service, home delivery of medications is suitable only for OTC but not for prescriptions medications Nearly half the number of participating pharmacists (n = 153, 47.2%) believe that the service is suitable for refill prescriptions but not for new prescriptions. Pharmacists believe that the foremost pros of the service were to continue life-saving medical treatment (n = 249, 76.9%), serve sick, elderly, and disabled patients (n = 241, 74.4%), and decrease congestion at health facilities (n = 228, 70.4%). On the other hand, the cons of this service, as perceived by pharmacists included failing to build a professional relationship with patients (n = 203, 62.7%), and the contribution to communication errors (n = 147, 45.4%). Logistic regression showed that pharmacists who serve 50 patients or more per day were more willing to use the service than those serving less than 50 patients per day (OR = 2.058, P = 0.032).

Conclusion

The majority of participating pharmacists in this study were willing to use the service at their community pharmacies, especially those serving a large number of patients per day which may indicate the potential of this service in relieving the pressure on community pharmacies and allowing them to serve more patients efficiently.
Law and psychiatry—current and future perspectives
Authors: Steinert Tilman , Henking Tanja
Published: August 2022

We describe relevant interfaces between law and psychiatry and current ethical and legal views and changes within the past decades. Ideas of patient autonomy and patients' rights have been major drivers of changes in legal frameworks. We describe developments in the areas of patient information and informed consent, involuntary placement and involuntary treatment, use of coercive measures, forensic psychiatry, digital mental health, data privacy, physician liability, suicide, assisted suicide, euthanasia, end of life decision-making, advance directives, legal and illegal drugs, and delegation and substitution of professional activities. There is no unidirectional pathway between law and ethics. Views, conflicts, and requirements differ between countries and within countries and will need to be balanced according to the societies' changing values also in the future.
Augmented reality advertising and college students' interest in the extreme sports: Moderating role of innovation resistance and health consciousness
Authors: Zhang Shaoqiong , He Ningning
Published: August 2022

Advertising and promotions are the most utilized types of augmented reality (AR) activations for marketers across all industries. The same is true for the sports industry. This form of augmented reality is meant to bring attention to the organization through a novel technology such as AR. Recently, a lack of interest among students in extreme sports has been attributed to a lack of professional advertising and marketing innovation. This situation requires the attention of researchers, and this study investigates the impact of augmented reality advertising on college students' interest in extreme sports, specifically in China. The article also investigates the moderating role of innovation resistance and health consciousness in the relationship between augmented reality advertising and college students' interest in extreme sports in China. Students actively participating in sports were selected using the purposive sampling technique, and AMOS was used for data analysis. According to the findings, augmented reality advertising positively correlates with interest in extreme sports. The findings also revealed that innovation resistance and health consciousness significantly moderated college students' interest in extreme sports and augmented reality advertising. This research assists regulators in developing regulations to increase interest in extreme sports through augmented reality advertising and innovation adoption.
The Kumiai traditional food system: Reconnecting nature, food and health through ancestral knowledge
Authors: Gutierrez Carolina , Glascoe Christine Alysse von , Bertran Miriam , Calderon Nelly , Villada-Canela Mariana , Leyva Juana Claudia
Published: August 2022

Traditional foods, once central to the diets of different cultures, are losing relevance as knowledge about food and its natural ecosystem deteriorates. This qualitative study describes the traditional food system of a Kumiai community in Baja California, and the ways in which the Kumiai have continually adapted their use and management of wild food resources to different food culture influences, demographic changes and contemporary food preferences. Present-day Kumiai recognize that their traditional diet was more nutritious and more connected with nature than their current diet, and express concern over transmitting existing knowledge about it to younger generations. We conclude that the characteristics of the Kumiai traditional food system not only strengthen their cultural identity and community economies, but also present potential solutions to the problem of food system sustainability by way of wild food resource management, as well as containing elements of a strategy for improving the health of community members.
Improving Yield and Water Productivity of Rainfed Summer Maize in Smallholder Farming: A Case Study in Hebei Province, China
Authors: Yang Wenfang , Liu Jingbao , Yang Junfang , Xing Suli , Yue Zengliang , Liu Ketong , Huang Shaohui , Yang Yunma , Jia Liangliang
Published: August 2022

Because of the strong competition for a limited resource of water and demand for food production, understanding yield and water productivity (WP) potentials and exploitable gaps in the current production of intensively rainfed maize (Zea mays L.) is essential on the regional scale in China. In this study, we conducted 411 site–year on-farm trials to assess the actual yield and WP of rainfed summer maize and its yield and WP potentials in Hebei Province, China. Each on-farm trial contained detailed information of three different treatments: no fertilizer application (CK), current farmers’ practices (FP, depending on local farmer field fertilization management), and optimum fertilizer application (OPT, depending on soil testing and balanced fertilization). Results revealed that the yield and WP of rainfed summer maize in Hebei Province were 7635 kg ha−1 and 20.7 kg ha−1 mm−1, respectively, and the yield and WP potentials were 12,148 kg ha−1 and 32.0 kg ha−1 mm−1, respectively. Thus, the farmers attained 62.8% of the yield potential and 64.7% of the WP potential. A wide variation was observed in terms of the yield and WP across various types of farming. Compared with high-yield and high-WP (HYHW) farming, in low-yield and low-WP (LYLW) farming, the yield decreased by 24.9% and WP decreased by 44.4%. Nitrogen fertilizer application rate and rain were the most significant factors for yield and WP gaps among farmers, respectively. Other factors, such as solar radiation (tSola), soil available phosphorus content (AP), potassium fertilizer application rate, and grass-referenced evapotranspiration from planting to maturity (ET0), contributed the most to the variations in the yield and WP. Scenario analysis indicated that the optimization of fertilization levels from current to optimal for each farming could increase the yield and WP by 9.7% and 14.8%, respectively; closing gaps between the farming groups and achievement of the standard of HYHW farming by all farmers could increase the yield and WP by 14.8% and 35.5%, respectively; and achieving the yield and WP potentials could increase the yield and WP by 59.1% and 54.8%, respectively. These findings provided farming-based evidence that optimal nutrient management, advanced and climate-adapted agronomy practices, and higher soil fertility are essential for future maize production.
Do People Care about the Origin of Wildlife? The Role of Social Stereotypes on Public Preference for Exotic Animals
Authors: Díaz Rocío Alejandra , Sevillano Verónica , Cassini Marcelo Hernán
Published: August 2022

People’s attitudes to animals are becoming increasingly important for the success of invasive species management. We asked college students from Argentina to fill a questionnaire that included a question about their favorite free-living animal. A total of 159 responses were obtained. Native species were significantly less preferred than non-native species. We tested if these preferences were associated with animal stereotypes. The stereotype hypothesis predicts that animals from the contemptible stereotype (invertebrate, rodents, and reptiles) should be the least preferred taxa, and animals from the protective stereotype (pets, horses, and primates) should be the most preferred taxa; animals from the subordination (lagomorphs and birds) and threatening–awe stereotype (large carnivores) should show intermediate preferences. The first prediction was supported. However, students showed significant preference for non-native taxa included in the threatening–awe stereotype. We proposed that people prefer large carnivores (stereotypically strong, intelligent, and beautiful animals) when they are exotic, because they did not represent a risk.
Hesperidin Suppresses the Proliferation of Prostate Cancer Cells by Inducing Oxidative Stress and Disrupting Ca2+ Homeostasis
Authors: Jeong Seon Ae , Yang Changwon , Song Jisoo , Song Gwonhwa , Jeong Wooyoung , Lim Whasun
Published: August 2022

Although androgen deprivation therapy is mainly used for its treatment, the mortality rate of prostate cancer remains high due to drug resistance. Hence, there is a need to discover new compounds that exhibit therapeutic effects against prostate cancer with minimum side effects. Hesperidin is a flavonoid carbohydrate isolated from citrus fruits. It has antiproliferative effects in various cancer types; however, whether it can modulate cell proliferation by modulating the key targets of cancer therapy, including intracellular signaling pathways and oxidative stress, remains unknown. Therefore, we confirmed that hesperidin suppressed the proliferation of prostate cancer cells, PC3 and DU145. Hesperidin induced cell death by regulating the cell cycle and inhibited the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, a cell proliferation marker. Hesperidin also promoted the generation of reactive oxygen species and induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization and endoplasmic reticulum stress in prostate cancer cells. Moreover, as hesperidin increased Ca2+ levels in prostate cancer cells, we co-treated the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor inhibitor, 2-aminoethyl diphenyl borate (2-APB), with hesperidin. Notably, 2-APB restored cell proliferation, which was reduced to control levels by hesperidin. In addition, hesperidin inhibited the activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Hesperidin also enhanced the anticancer effects of the chemotherapeutic agent, cisplatin, in both PC3 and DU145 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that hesperidin can be used as a potential therapeutic adjuvant in prostate cancer as it can inhibit cell proliferation by mediating oxidative stress and increasing Ca2+ levels.
Structural Elucidation of Novel Stable and Reactive Metabolites of Green Tea Catechins and Alkyl Gallates by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Ousji Ons , Sleno Lekha
Published: August 2022

Synthetic gallic acid derivatives are employed as additives in food, personal care products, and pharmaceutical formulations. Despite their widespread use, little is known about their human exposure, health effects, and metabolism. Green tea catechins are natural antioxidants, known for their health-promoting properties, and are also employed as food additives or in personal care products. The objective of this study was to establish metabolic pathways involved in the biotransformation of green tea catechins and synthetic gallate esters. Liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS) was used to elucidate oxidative and methylated metabolites, in addition to glutathione conjugates, formed in vitro using human liver microsomal incubations. The developed method was applied to 14 different parent compounds with a wide range of polarities, for the structural elucidation of many known and novel metabolites. These results serve to inform about the wide variety of possible metabolites formed upon exposure to these compounds.
Contribution of Adenosine in the Physiological Changes and Injuries Secondary to Exposure to Extreme Oxygen Pressure in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Boussuges Alain , Bourenne Jeremy , Eloufir Farid , Fromonot Julien , Mottola Giovanna , Risso Jean Jacques , Vallee Nicolas , Bregeon Fabienne , Guieu Régis
Published: August 2022

Climbers and aviators are exposed to severe hypoxia at high altitudes, whereas divers are exposed to hyperoxia at depth. The aim of this study was to report changes in the adenosinergic system induced by exposure to extreme oxygen partial pressures. At high altitudes, the increased adenosine concentration contributes to brain protection against hypoxia through various mechanisms such as stimulation of glycogenolysis for ATP production, reduction in neuronal energy requirements, enhancement in 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate production, and increase in cerebral blood flow secondary to vasodilation of cerebral arteries. In the context of mountain illness, the increased level of A2AR expression leads to glial dysfunction through neuroinflammation and is involved in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Nonetheless, a high level of adenosine concentration can protect against high-altitude pulmonary edema via a decrease in pulmonary arterial pressure. The adenosinergic system is also involved in the acclimatization phenomenon induced by prolonged exposure to altitude hypoxia. During hyperoxic exposure, decreased extracellular adenosine and low A2A receptor expression contribute to vasoconstriction. The resulting decrease in cerebral blood flow is considered a preventive phenomenon against cerebral oxygen toxicity through the decrease in oxygen delivery to the brain. With regard to lung oxygen toxicity, hyperoxia leads to an increase in extracellular adenosine, which acts to preserve pulmonary barrier function. Changes in the adenosinergic system induced by exposure to extreme oxygen partial pressures frequently have a benefit in decreasing the risk of adverse effects.
Terahertz Plasmonic Sensor Based on Metal–Insulator Composite Woven-Wire Mesh
Authors: Lu Ja-Yu , Chen Po-Lun , You Borwen
Published: August 2022

Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy has been proven as an effective detection means for the label-free and nondestructive sensing of biochemical molecules based on their unique roto-vibrational transitions. However, the conventional THz spectroscopic system is unsuitable for minute material sensing due to its far-field detection scheme, low sample amount, and lack of spectral characteristics, leading to low absorption cross-sections and sensitivity. In this study, a 3D plasmonic structure based on a metal-coated woven-wire mesh (MCWM) was experimentally and numerically demonstrated for sensing trace amounts of analytes combined with THz spectroscopy. Dual sharp spectral features were exhibited in the transmission spectrum, originating from the resonant excitation of THz surface electromagnetic modes via the aperture and periodicity of the MCWM unit cell. According to the finite element simulation, an enhanced and localized surface field was formed at THz resonant frequencies and was concentrated at the metal gaps near the periodic corrugations of the MCWM, resulting in enormous resonant dip shifts caused by the tiny variations in membrane thicknesses and refractive indices. Different types and quantities of analytes, including hydrophilic biopolymer (PAA) membrane, nonuniformly distributed microparticles to mimic macro-biomolecules or cells, and electrolyte salts of PBS, were successfully identified by the MCWM sensor with the best thickness and refractive index sensitivities approaching 8.26 GHz/μm and 547 GHz/RIU, respectively. The demonstrated detection limit of thickness and molecular concentration could respectively achieve nanometer and femtomolar scales in PAA macromolecular detection, surpassing the available metallic mesh devices. The MCWM-based sensing platform presents a rapid, inexpensive, and simple analysis method, potentially paving the way for a new generation of label-free microanalysis sensors.
Overexpression of Terpenoid Biosynthesis Genes Modifies Root Growth and Nodulation in Soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Ali Mohammed , Miao Long , Soudy Fathia A. , Darwish Doaa Bahaa Eldin , Alrdahe Salma Saleh , Alshehri Dikhnah , Benedito Vagner A. , Tadege Million , Wang Xiaobo , Zhao Jian
Published: August 2022

Root nodule formation in many leguminous plants is known to be affected by endogen ous and exogenous factors that affect formation, development, and longevity of nodules in roots. Therefore, it is important to understand the role of the genes which are involved in the regulation of the nodulation signaling pathway. This study aimed to investigate the effect of terpenoids and terpene biosynthesis genes on root nodule formation in Glycine max. The study aimed to clarify not only the impact of over-expressing five terpene synthesis genes isolated from G. max and Salvia guaranitica on soybean nodulation signaling pathway, but also on the strigolactones pathway. The obtained results revealed that the over expression of GmFDPS, GmGGPPS, SgGPS, SgFPPS, and SgLINS genes enhanced the root nodule numbers, fresh weight of nodules, root, and root length. Moreover, the terpene content in the transgenic G. max hairy roots was estimated. The results explored that the monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and diterpenes were significantly increased in transgenic soybean hairy roots in comparison with the control. Our results indicate the potential effects of terpenoids and terpene synthesis genes on soybean root growth and nodulation. The study provides novel insights for understanding the epistatic relationship between terpenoids, root development, and nodulation in soybean.
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss after Third Dose Booster of COVID-19 Vaccine Administration
Authors: Zoccali Federica , Cambria Francesca , Colizza Andrea , Ralli Massimo , Greco Antonio , de Vincentiis Marco , Petrella Carla , Fiore Marco , Minni Antonio , Barbato Christian
Published: August 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic due to its rapid spread worldwide, and its vaccination campaign is considered one of the most historic public hygiene measures in modern medicine. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is a common emergency that affects patient’s quality of life and requires rapid treatment with steroids. The etiology could be viral or vascular even though in most cases it remains unknown (idiopathic SSHL). During the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaign, several rare but serious adverse events have been reported including thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, myocarditis, and Guillain-Barré Syndrome. ENT adverse events after vaccination were reported too, including cases of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), vestibular neuronitis and audio vestibular disorders (such as tinnitus, dizziness, and vertigo). For the first time here, we reported two cases of SSHL after third administration of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Even if there is not clear evidence of an association between SSHL and vaccination, adverse effects should be kept in mind since viral infection could be the etiology of SSHL.
Fiscal Policy and Economic Growth in South Africa
Authors: Tendengu Simbarashe , Kapingura Forget Mingiri , Tsegaye Asrat
Published: August 2022

Several fiscal policy strategies have been implemented in South Africa since 1994, starting from the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP), Growth Employment and Redistribution (GEAR), Broad-Black Economic Empowerment strategy (BEE), AsgiSA (Accelerated and shared growth initiative for South Africa), and the New Growth Path framework (NGP) with the aim of boosting economic growth. However, the rate of economic growth in the country over the years is not convincing. It is also important to note that poverty still remains prevalent and persistent, predominantly in the poverty-stricken areas of provinces such as Eastern Cape, Limpopo, North West, and Mpumalanga. In light of this, the main aim of the study was to examine the effect of fiscal policy instruments on economic growth in South Africa for the period from 1988 to 2018, utilising the autoregressive distributed lag model, mainly due to the order of integration of the variables. Empirical results revealed that there is a positive relationship between fiscal policy instruments (public sector expenditure, public consumption spending, and taxation) and economic growth. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the government should distinguish between productive and unproductive spending and increase spending on productive sectors. The implication of these findings is that South Africa’s economy is likely to perform better if more resources are diverted from government consumption to investment spending.
Combined Effects of Eco-Substrate and Carbon Addition on Water Quality, Fish Performance and Nutrient Budgets in the Pond Polyculture System
Authors: Guo Kun , Zhao Zhigang , Xie Jun , Luo Liang , Wang Shihui , Zhang Rui , Xu Wei , Huang Xiaoli
Published: August 2022

Traditional aquaculture can cause serious environmental pollution. Biofilm and biofloc technology have the potential to limit aquaculture pollution. An outdoor experiment was conducted to evaluate the combined effects of eco-substrates and carbon addition on water quality, fish performance and nutrient budgets in the pond polyculture system. In the treatment group, the total ammonia nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, and total nitrogen of the water were significantly lower compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The growth performance of H. molitrix and A. nobilis, including the final individual weight, specific growth rate, weight gain rate, total production and net production, was significantly higher in the treatment groups compared to the control (p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in those of C. carpio between the two groups. Feed was the main N (>92%) and P (>95%) input during the experiment. Comprehensive accumulation was the main N (>58%) and P (>69%) output. The N and P feed input and comprehensive accumulation output declined in the treatment group. The N utilization efficiency in the experimental group increased slightly (p > 0.05), while the P utilization efficiency in the experimental group was significantly higher compared to the control (p < 0.05). Therefore, the application of eco-substrates and carbon addition can increase water quality, improve fish growth, and promote nutrient utilization efficiency in pond polyculture systems.