Identification Of Key Factors Research Articles

The three-stage effect of hydrothermal treatment on sludge physical-chemical properties: Evolution of polymeric substances and their interaction with physicochemical properties

Hydrothermal treatment (HT) is effective for the deep dewatering of sewage sludge (SS); however, the effective temperature generally exceeds 180 ℃, resulting in the production of refractory compounds in the sludge filtrates. To explore a new process based on HT, achieving ideal dehydration efficiency at lower temperatures, it is essential to identify the key sludge dewatering mechanism under different HT stages. In this study, the relationship between the properties of sludge polymeric substances (components and molecular structures) and the physical-chemical properties of sludge flocs during HT (120–260 ℃) was investigated. The results indicated that the SS surface hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity was mainly responsible for sludge dewaterability in the solubilization (120 ℃) and hydrolyzation stages (140–180 ℃), while the mechanically bound water and capillary force were the main limiting factors of sludge dewaterability during the carbonization stage (200–260 ℃). Moreover, in the solubilization stage (120 ℃), a plenty of high-Mw (Mw > 70 kDa) polymeric substances with numerous hydrophilic functional groups and a compact structure were released from the intracellular region to the outer layer, which improved the hydrophilicity of sludge floc surface and deteriorated the sludge dewaterability. With the hydrolysis of the polymeric substances (140–180 ℃, hydrolyzation stage), the destruction of proteins secondary structures and peptide chains exposed more hydrophobic groups, resulting in the release of bound water and improvement of sludge dewaterability. At HT temperatures of 200–260 ℃ (carbonization stage), dehydration and amine aldehyde condensation occurred, benefiting the formation of fixed carbon and smooth morphology structure of SS, reducing the capillary force–induced water-holding capacity of sludge flocs. The establishment of the three-stage influencing theory and the identification of key influencing factors are conducive to the further regulation and upgrading of HT.

Artificial Intelligence Strategy and consequences of its implementation for labour law

The rapid development of artificial intelligence in recent years has necessitated the legal regulation of new phenomena related to the introduction of artificial intelligence in practice. Scientists and politicians raised questions about the development of artificial intelligence, and about the formulation of principles and basic conditions for minimizing risks of developing artificial intelligence in the future. This discussion led to the adoption of Artificial Intelligence Strategies in countries that are leaders in economic development and countries seeking leadership, including in Russia. The Russian Artificial Intelligence Strategy for the period up to 2030 indicates development goals and the need to carry out a set of coordinated actions, including in the field of legal regulations. This Strategy involves major changes that will affect the production and services sectors, which will inevitably affect the organization of wage labor. This article presents an analysis of the provisions of this Strategy and similar foreign acts, which allows identification of key factors that can affect the transformation of the world of work and compel changes in legal regulation. This study was carried out using the following methods: formal-logical, comparative-legal methods of analysis and synthesis, methods of legal modelling and legal forecasting. The results of the study provide insights into the increasing impact of artificial intelligence technologies on the work environment, on the content of labor relations, and about the need to revise some norms of labor law to adapt it to changing reality.

Prevalence and determinants of stunting among preschool and school-going children in the flood-affected areas of Pakistan.

Stunting is a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. This study assessed the prevalence of stunting and associated risk factors of stunting among preschool and school-going children in flood-affected areas of Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted by visiting 656 households through multi-stage sampling. Respondent's anthropometric measurements, socio-demographic information and sanitation facilities were explored. A logistic regression model was used to determine determinants of stunting, controlling for all possible confounders. The overall prevalence of stunting in children was 40.5%, among children 36.1% boys and 46.3% of girls were stunted. The prevalence of stunting in under-five children was 50.7%. Female children (OR=1.35, 95% CI:0.94-2.0), children aged 13-24 months (OR=6.5, 95% CI: 3.0-13.9), mothers aged 15-24 years (OR=4.4, 95% CI: 2.6-7.2), joint family (OR=2.1, 95% CI: 1.4-3.0) did not have access to improved drinking water (OR=3.3, 95% CI: 1.9-5.9), and the toilet facility (OR=2.8, 95% CI, 1.9-4.3), while the children from district Nowshera (OR=1.7, 95% CI: 0.9-3.2) were significantly (P<0.05) associated in univariate analysis. The regression model revealed that child age, maternal age, family type, quality of water, and toilet facility, were the significant (P<0.05) factors contributing to child stunting in the flood-hit areas. Identification of key factors might be helpful for policymakers in designing comprehensive community-based programs for the reduction of stunting in flood-affected areas. In disasters such as flood, the detrimental consequences of the stunting problem could be even more on children. Evidence-based education and care must be provided to the families in the flood-affected regions to reduce the stunting problem. The determinants of stunting should be targeted by making comprehensive policies regarding proper nutrition, livelihood, clean water, and sanitation facilities in flood-hit regions.

COMPLEX RADIATION AND HYGIENIC MONITORING OF POPULATION ON RADIOLOGICALLY CONTAMINATED TERRITORIES OF ZHYTOMYR OBLAST IN 2021.

the key factors identification in radiation dose formation in population of radiologically contaminatedareas of Zhytomyr oblast in the current period of accident through complex radiation and hygienic monitoring in reference settlements in 2021. For complex radiationhygienic monitoring in Zhytomyr oblast, 10 settlements were chosen - Narodychi, Selets, Bazar, Rudnya Bazarska, Khrystynivka - zone 2, Motiyki, Zalissya, Davydky, Radcha, Nova Radcha - zone 3 of Narodychi district, in which the highest radiation doses were recorded after the accident at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The research was carried out in June 2021. In order to determine the doses of internal radiation, 645 measurements were performed on whole body counters (WBC) (478 adults and 167 children). The 44 samples of milk, 45 samples of potatoes and vegetables, and 38 samples of wild products were collected in local farms and measured for the 137Cs and 90Sr content. Residents of the studied settlements (n = 220, 175 adults, and 45 children) were interviewed about the levels of consumption of staple foodstuffs. External radiation doses were evaluated in all the studied settlements. Mathematical, dosimetry, and radiochemical methods were applied. Annual effective radiation doses of Zhytomyr oblast population in 2021 were formedmainly due to internal radiation ones that not exceeded 1.8 mSv * year-1 in adults and 0.5 mSv * year-1 in children against the radiologically contaminated territories (RCT) criterion of 1 mSv * year-1. Intake of 137Cs with milk and wild mushrooms, which traditionally occupy a significant part of diet in Zhytomyr oblast area and have consistently high levels of radioactive cesium contamination, remains a key factor of internal radiation dose forming in residents of the surveyed settlements of Zhytomyr oblast.

RESTAURANT BUSINESS ACTIVITY IN UKRAINE UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF MARITAL STATE

Objective. The objective of the article is to study the activity of the restaurant business market in Ukraine in wartime conditions, the possibility of the operation of the restaurant business in the conditions of martial law, the determination of the main factors influencing the situation, the analysis of the consequences of a full-scale invasion on the functioning of restaurant business establishments, as well as the identification of key influencing factors that will help restaurant business establishments to stay on the market and ensure appropriate competitiveness in order to stay on the market of restaurant services. Methods. When studying the functioning of the restaurant business market of Ukraine in recent years, such empirical and theoretical research methods were used as: Observation - on the dynamics of development of the restaurant business of Ukraine to identify changes. Deduction - to identify factors affecting the functioning of the restaurant business. Analysis - determination of the reasons for the impact of the received factors on the restaurant business market.  Comparison - to determine the results of the influence of the received factors on the functioning of the restaurant services market. Results. The dynamics of retail trade enterprises, in particular the restaurant business, were studied. The results of the research show a sharp decline in retail trade enterprises, which, in comparison with February 2022 (before the military intervention) to June 2022, the losses amounted to 11,011.2 million hryvnias, which is equal to 13.9%, and in particular, the restaurant business, as the main factors of influence were highlighted mass emigration of Ukrainians, diversification of citizens' expenses and loss of jobs by Ukrainians. It was determined the areas in which the restaurant business suffered the most and in which it suffered the least losses.

Abstract PO-195: Methodology for characterizing clinical differences &amp; disparities for global populations to support disease area prioritization in industry oncology clinical development programs: Insights to inform scientifically driven evidence generation

Abstract Introduction Population-specific disparities in clinical research are well characterized-with individuals of European ancestry comprising the majority of genetic and clinical data globally. Disease course and treatment response can vary across individuals of different race/ethnicity and ancestral backgrounds. As the population continues to diversify and healthcare evolves toward personalized medicine, it's essential that the biological differences among populations, and how these affect disease pathology, experience and outcomes, are investigated early and throughout the development process. Currently, there is no defined standard for characterizing population differences across diseases. Establishing a methodology to systematically assess and consider medically relevant population specific attributes for understudied populations is a critical enabler for the clinical research enterprise and supports greater inclusive clinical research. We established a methodology to assess and prioritize population specific attributes across disease areas (DA) and a framework to support hypothesis generation and population-driven clinical development considerations. Methods Data sources: NCI SEER, WHO Global Cancer Observatory, Global Health Data Exchange Burden of Disease, and published literature were used to assess population specific differences Attributes included: 1) Incidence and prevalence 2) Clinical outcomes, 3) molecular drivers, and 4) access factors. Population elements of race/ethnicity, genomic ancestry, and geographic origin were used to stratify outputs. A grid ranking framework was established based on relative prevalence and incidence and level of concordance or distinction of the above attributes across populations. Summary Methodology was established that included identification and analysis of key population-specific factors to rank DA's within a grid system. The following diseases were characterized as having disproportionate prevalence as well as biologically plausible population specific differences. Breast Cancer Cervical Cancer Colorectal Cancer Gastric Cancer Hepatocellular Carcinoma Head &amp; Neck SCC Multiple Myeloma NSCLC Prostate Cancer Population specific reports were developed and used to inform business integration process into evidence generation considerations including guidelines for assessments of population level pertinence to study hypothesis, response modification potential, and relevance of biomarker differences. Conclusion The established methodology and framework provides a process and standards to characterize biologically relevant population specific attributes for understudied global populations at the disease level. This approach will support the clinical development environment to systematically approach conduct of scientifically driven inclusion of representative patients in research, ultimately supporting greater inclusion of understudied patient populations. Citation Format: Keith Dawson, Dane Callow, Jimmy Ngueyn, Altovise T. Ewing, Ruma Bhagat, William Boyd, Caroline McCammond, Nicole Richie. Methodology for characterizing clinical differences &amp; disparities for global populations to support disease area prioritization in industry oncology clinical development programs: Insights to inform scientifically driven evidence generation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-195.

Cybersecurity culture in the public and private sector area in the Central European region

Cyber security is a growing problem associated with everything a citizen or organisation does in cyberspace. The problem thus outlined fits into a multifaceted programme that can be addressed through cyber security management. The analysis in the article compares the level of cyber security awareness among the staff of public institutions and the private sector in four Central European countries, namely Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Public institutions are by nature open, decentralised and rich in a wide range of data about the state, society, economy, economics and research and innovation. For this reason, they are often exposed to serious cyber threats. This study examines the relationship between cyber security culture and the urgent need for preventive action against possible cyber threats. The main thesis of the study is that an adequate understanding of cyber security culture and improved awareness among employees about digital threats is key to achieving cyber security growth. The research illustrates breaches in so-called digital hygiene, which are caused by a lack of knowledge, skills and errors in employee behaviour. Following a survey of staff employed in both public and private organisations, an identification of key cyber security risk factors is made. Increasing staff competencies can help improve cyber resilience.

Research of the influence of manufacturing errors on the parameters of transistors for monolithic microwave integrated circuits and identification of key factors determining their stability as part of a miniature radiothermograph

Research of the influence of manufacturing errors on the parameters of transistors for monolithic microwave integrated circuits and identification of key factors determining their stability as part of a miniature radiothermograph

The forecasting potential of adaptive models in tourism

The article discusses forecasting as one of the special scientific research areas which contribute to the assessment of tourist activity development prospects, the identification of key tourism development factors and effective management decision criteria. The study provides an overview of modern research methods used in Russia and other countries for making forecasts in the field of tourism. It aims at assessing the predictive capabilities of adaptive modeling, not frequently used currently in tourism research, for the quantitative analysis of tourist flows using the example of Barcelona, a major urban tourist destination in the pre-pandemic period. An example of a forecast for tourist numbers based on adaptive models is proposed, one of the key indicators showing tourist region success which have proven successful in the study of processes with a dynamic but unstable character.

Sodium alginate microencapsulation of human mesenchymal stromal cells modulates paracrine signaling response and enhances efficacy for treatment of established osteoarthritis

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have shown promise as osteoarthritis (OA) treatments; however, effective translation has been limited by high variability and heterogeneity of MSCs, suboptimal delivery strategies, and poor understanding of critical quality and potency attributes. Furthermore, most pre-clinical studies of MSC therapeutics for OA have focused on delaying OA development and not on treating established OA, which brings added clinical relevance. Thus, the objective of the current study was to assess the effects of sodium alginate microencapsulation on human MSC (hMSC) secretion of immunomodulatory cytokines in an OA microenvironment and therapeutic efficacy in treating established OA. A Medial Meniscal Transection (MMT) pre-clinical model of OA was implemented. Three weeks post-surgery, after OA was established, intra-articular injections of encapsulated hMSCs or nonencapsulated hMSCs were administered. Six weeks post-surgery, microstructural changes in the knee joint were quantified using microCT. Encapsulated hMSCs reduced articular cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone remodeling. A multiplexed immunoassay panel was used to profile the in vitro secretome of hMSCs in response to IL-1β. Nonencapsulated hMSCs showed an indiscriminate increase in all cytokines in response to IL-1β while encapsulated hMSCs showed a targeted secretory response with increased expression of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8), anti-inflammatory (IL-1RA), and chemotactic (G-CSF, MDC, IP10) cytokines. These data show that sodium alginate microencapsulation can modulate hMSC paracrine signaling and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the hMSCs in treating established OA. This cytokine profile provides a foundation for the identification of key factors affecting the overall potency of hMSC therapeutics for OA. Statement of significanceWhile there has been considerable interest in material based MSC encapsulation for treatment of OA, there are critical gaps in our translational understanding of these biomaterial-based technologies for OA. More specifically, previous studies have several important limitations: (1) they have been largely focused on preventing OA development, which limits their translational utility and (2) little prior work has been done to delineate potential routes/mechanisms by which material encapsulation alters MSC therapeutic action. In our manuscript, we aimed to fill these gaps in knowledge by testing the hypotheses that: (1) hMSC encapsulation can attenuate established disease progression, which is a more clinically relevant scenario and (2) hMSC encapsulation significantly changes the secreted paracrine factors from hMSCs.

Post-military transit of the identity of ATO/OOS participants: factor conditioning

n transit of the identity of Ukrainian participants in hostilities in the area of anti-terrorist operation/ united forces operation. Emphasis is placed on the peculiarities of transit and the factors influencing its karakter, given the analytical categories of phenomenological constructivism of P. Berger and T. Lukman, as well as the theory of A. Schutz. Particular attention is paid to the sociological conceptualization of the phenomenon of military identity of ATO / UFO participants. The content of the concepts “post-military identity transit” and “military identity” and the ratio of the respective phenomena are analyzed. Based on the analysis and rethinking of the ideas of A. Schutz, P. Berger and T. Lukman, as well as the identification of key factors and actors influencing the post-military identity transit of ATO / OOS participants, the phenomena of military identity and military-to-civilian transit of identity are conceptualized. It is emphasized that the military identity is constructed in the process of communication between the participants of the interaction. It is noted that specific practices acquired as a result of participation in hostilities appear in the life of the ATO / OOS participant as hidden knowledge that is reproduced outside the military environment and becomes an effective way of constructing reality. Such groups of ATO / OOS participants as citizens who have chosen military service as a profession have been singled out; mobilized to the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) or the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) (6 waves of mobilization during 2014-2015); as well as volunteers who participated in battalions and other armed formations that are not part of the active army of Ukraine. The thesis is that military-to-civilian transit of the identity of the representatives of these groups will differ due to different experience of recruitment to the Armed Forces or other armed formations of Ukraine, differences in the conditions of stay in the combat area and so on. The key factors influencing the post-military transit of the identity of combatants, constructing and reconstructing the military identity, namely: contrast of everyday life in the war zone and everyday life of peace, return to comfort, superior attitude of ATO / OOS participants to civilians, orientations, differences in perceptions of conflict, family and military fraternity. It is emphasized that the theoretical provisions, generalizations and conclusions presented in the paper, as well as the author’s hypotheses can be used in further scientific and practical studies of this and related topics, as well as for developing state programs of social integration of combatants into peaceful life

Economic and mathematical models for forecasting the development of the space industry

The article examines a problem relevant to the national security of the state, the possibility of applying economic and mathematical models to predict the prospects for the development of the space industry. In modern conditions the, space industry is seen as the basis for innovative development and economic security of the state, which is the driving force of economic development.&#x0D; After all, in order to sustainably develop the economy and achieve the indicators planned by the government, it is necessary to have a clear idea of the mechanisms and function of the system as a whole and its individual parts.&#x0D; That is why competent forecasting of the main indicators of the development of the space industry with the identification of key factors influencing it is especially relevant at the present stage. Forecasting of indicators, based on the construction of economic and mathematical models of industry development.&#x0D; It is determined that the construction of this model begins with the development of a specification of the model, which includes a verbal description of the study, followed by a presentation of the process of its operation in the form of mathematical formulas. It is important to clearly formulate and define the problem, as well as to identify all the factors and patterns that characterize the functioning of the system. Economic and mathematical models can increase the efficiency of the planning system of the industry and increase the accuracy of the process of forecasting its development.&#x0D; The successful development of the space industry today becomes a necessary condition for preserving national sovereignty both in the military-political aspect and in the field of information security.

Mental well-being during COVID-19 pandemic: the role of fear, social isolation and psychological resilience

Emergence of any pandemic raises serious concerns toward the psychological well-being of an individual and overall society. Although, the magnitude and intensity of the novelwellb coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic are not precisely known yet, however, this pandemic has predominantly reshaped the global scenario. Scholars have begun to unfold the reality of this traumatic situation, but empirical research that focuses on the identification of key factors that could have a notable impact on mental wellbeing of the general population is limited. To fill this gap, this research endeavors to analyze the impact of fear of getting infected and social isolation on mental well-being during the pandemic. In addition, psychological resilience is used as a moderator between social isolation and mental well-being. A total of 714 responses were received through an online survey from university students across all provinces of Pakistan. The findings demonstrate that people who fear of being infected tend to engage in social isolation, and social isolation brings negative repercussions toward mental well-being. Interestingly, the study findings reveal that psychological resilience could mitigate the negative impact of social isolation on mental well-being. This study calls for creating and promoting awareness concerning psychological resilience in order to cope with the psychological challenges during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Identification of Key Transcription Factors and Immune Infiltration Patterns Associated With Breast Cancer Prognosis Using WGCNA and Cox Regression Analysis.

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Therefore, the need for effective breast cancer treatment is urgent. Transcription factors (TFs) directly participate in gene transcription, and their dysregulation plays a key role in breast cancer. Our study identified 459 differentially expressed TFs between tumor and normal samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Based on gene expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis, the co-expression yellow module was found to be integral for breast cancer progression. A total of 121 genes in the yellow module were used for function enrichment. To further confirm prognosis-related TFs, COX regression and LASSO analyses were performed; consequently, a prognostic risk model was constructed, and its validity was verified. Ten prognosis-related TFs were identified according to their expression profile, survival probability, and target genes. COPS5, HDAC2, and NONO were recognized as hub TFs in breast cancer. These TFs were highly expressed in human breast cancer cell lines and clinical breast cancer samples; this result was consistent with the information from multiple databases. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that the proportions of resting dendritic and mast cells were greater in the low-risk group than those in the high-risk group. Thus, in this study, we identified three hub biomarkers related to breast cancer prognosis. The results provide a framework for the co-expression of TF modules and immune infiltration in breast cancer.

DPPA2 and DPPA4 are dispensable for mouse zygotic genome activation and pre-implantation development.

How maternal factors in oocytes initiate zygotic genome activation (ZGA) remains elusive in mammals, partly due to the challenge of de novo identification of key factors using scarce materials. Two-cell (2C)-like cells have been widely used as an in vitro model in order to understand mouse ZGA and totipotency because of their expression of a group of two-cell embryo-specific genes and their simplicity for genetic manipulation. Recent studies indicate that DPPA2 and DPPA4 are required for establishing the 2C-like state in mouse embryonic stem cells in a DUX-dependent manner. These results suggest that DPPA2 and DPPA4 are essential maternal factors that regulate Dux and ZGA in embryos. By analyzing maternal knockout and maternal-zygotic knockout embryos, we unexpectedly found that DPPA2 and DPPA4 are dispensable for Dux activation, ZGA and pre-implantation development. Our study suggests that 2C-like cells do not fully recapitulate two-cell embryos in terms of regulation of two-cell embryo-specific genes, and, therefore, caution should be taken when studying ZGA and totipotency using 2C-like cells as the model system.

Genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screening uncovers ZNF319 as a novel tumor suppressor critical for breast cancer metastasis

Breast cancer is prone to relapse and metastasize to many vital organs, contributing to most of the breast cancer-related death and accentuating the importance of systematic identification of key factors regulating the metastasis of breast cancer. In this study, we performed a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knock out screen in an orthotopic murine model of breast cancer for essential genes monitoring the progression and metastasis of breast cancer. We found one member of the zinc finger protein (ZNF) family, i.e., ZNF319, was among the top candidate genes. We further confirmed the lower expression of ZNF319 in the tumor tissue of breast cancer patients by analyzing tissue sections with IHC staining and TCGA database. Consistently, higher expression of ZNF319 correlates with better clinical outcome in almost all subtypes of breast cancer. Moreover, knocking down or overexpressing ZNF319 in breast cancer cells dramatically affects the breast cancer growth and metastasis capacity both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting ZNF319 functions as a strong suppressor of breast cancer progression. Lastly, the transcriptome analysis on ZNF319-silenced breast cancer cells shows that ZNF319 is involved in multiple crucial signaling pathways and biological processes, especially in cell cycle and proliferation. GO and KEGG analyses of our RNA-seq results reveal the up-regulation of E2F and G2/M related genes in ZNF319-silenced cells, suggesting that ZNF319 monitors the cell cycle during the breast cancer progression through the regulation of the E2F target genes and G2/M checkpoint. In summary, our study identifies ZNF319 as a novel metastasis suppressor gene arresting tumor cell cycle in breast cancer and thus presents a novel potential therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.

Prevalence of Actinobacteria in the production of 2-methylisoborneol and geosmin, over Cyanobacteria in a temperate eutrophic reservoir

Commonly detected in surface waters worldwide, odorous compounds such as geosmin (GSM) and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) pose important issues in drinking water and aquaculture industries. Impaired waters are frequently plagued by severe Cyanobacterial blooms and seasonal occurrences of Actinobacteria due to increased anthropogenic stressors as well as climate change that negatively impact the quality of water resources globally. Historically, studies have focused on the identification of key environmental factors and organisms involved in the production of GSM and MIB. This past decade, fast-evolving molecular techniques have greatly contributed to document the structure of bacterioplankton communities. Eagle Creek Reservoir, a eutrophic temperate reservoir, is frequently impacted by seasonal odorous episodes. During the spring 2013 outbreak of MIB and GSM (120.9 and 51.4 ng L−1, respectively), a shotgun metagenomics approach illustrated the dominance of Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Cyanobacteria in the reservoir waters. A network analysis highlighted interrelationships between bacterial taxa and environmental factors, and revealed two major clusters of bacteria: Cluster I driven by temperature and nitrate nitrogen and, Cluster II reflective of elevated concentrations of MIB and GSM. Analysis of 16S-based sequences recovered prevalently MIB- and GSM-encoding gene sequences belonging to several Actinobacteria (genus Streptomyces) rather than Cyanobacteria, formerly assumed to be the main producers. The use of genetics shifted our perception and stressed the role of Actinobacteria in the biosynthesis of odorous metabolites through the non-mevalonate pathway; as well as the detection of non-producing Arthrobacter potentially involved in the degradation of these compounds.

Comparative Proteomics Reveals the Spoilage-Related Factors of Shewanella putrefaciens Under Refrigerated Condition.

Shewanella putrefaciens is a microorganism with strong spoilage potential for aquatic products. This study aimed to investigate the potential spoilage factors of S. putrefaciens by comparative proteomic analysis. The spoilage potential of two strains of S. putrefaciens (00A and 00B) isolated from chilled spoiled bigeye tuna was investigated. The results of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), trimethylamine (TMA) in fish inoculated with S. putrefaciens, extracellular protease activity of S. putrefaciens, and degradation of fish proteins indicated that the spoilage potential of S. putrefaciens 00A was much higher than that of 00B. Fish proteins are usually degraded by spoilage microorganism proteases into small molecular peptides and amino acids, which are subsequently degraded into spoilage metabolites in bacterial cells, leading to deterioration of fish quality. Thus, proteomic analysis of the extracellular and intracellular proteins of 00A vs. 00B was performed. The results indicated that the intracellular differentially expressed protein (IDEP) contained 243 upregulated proteins and 308 downregulated proteins, while 78 upregulated proteins and 4 downregulated proteins were found in the extracellular differentially expressed protein (EDEP). GO annotation revealed that IDEP and EDEP were mainly involved in cellular and metabolic processes. KEGG annotation results showed that the upregulated proteins in IDEP were mainly involved in sulfur metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, while downregulated proteins were related to propanoate metabolism. In contrast, EDEP of KEGG annotation was mainly involved in ribosomes, quorum sensing, and carbohydrate metabolism. Proteins associated with spoilage containing sulfur metabolism (sulfite reductase, sulfate adenylyltransferase, adenylyl-sulfate kinase), amino acid metabolism (biosynthetic arginine decarboxylase, histidine ammonia-lyase), trimethylamine metabolism (trimethylamine-N-oxide reductase), and extracellular proteins (ATP-dependent Clp protease proteolytic subunit) were identified as upregulated. These proteins may play a key role in the spoilage potential of S. putrefaciens. These findings would contribute to the identification of key spoilage factors and understanding of the spoilage mechanism of microorganisms.

Visitor attitudes and expectations of grizzly bear management in the Canadian Rocky Mountain National Parks

Park managers in Canada's Rocky Mountain National Parks are continually challenged to balance visitor needs with those of grizzly bears. While research pertaining to grizzly bear habitat requirements is abundant, human dimensions' research examining the perspectives and expectations of the trail user is not. Guided by principles of behavior intention and its influence on management support, we assessed trail user support for management options regarding grizzly bears in Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, and Yoho National Parks in Canada using an intercept survey. The main findings were in line with predictions, trail users were more supportive of restrictive management options e.g., closing the trail when a female grizzly bear with cubs was in the area rather than a solitary bear; and management options pertaining to modifying bear behavior were largely opposed. Local users who live within these protected areas or who use them daily were less supportive of restrictive management options compared with other trail users. The research supports the proposal that specificity may be an important factor in determining stakeholder beliefs for intervention design. Identification of key influencing factors in the selection of management options for diverse groups of trail users is important if the needs of trail users and grizzly bears are to be managed in a sustainable and risk-sensitive manner. In the study area, trail users were more supportive of prioritizing grizzly bear habitat use if they saw a bear. Maintaining the possibility of a safe human-bear encounter in areas where additional impacts to habitat will be minimal (e.g., road-side) may be important to increase public support of management options, particularly those that restrict human use in more environmentally sensitive areas. Our research findings may have implications for multi-stakeholder management-related discussions where views on grizzly bear management are assessed against the impact of various restrictive management actions on visitor experience.

Identification of Key Psychosocial Safety Factors when Working Remotely: A Three-Step Research Methodology Proposal

Identification of Key Psychosocial Safety Factors when Working Remotely: A Three-Step Research Methodology Proposal