ABSTRACT
The contamination of Atlantic salmon with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has impeded the development of the cold-chain food industry and posed possible risks to the population. Electron beam (E-beam) irradiation under 2, 4, 7, and 10 kGy can effectively inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in cold-chain seafood. However, there are few statistics about the quality changes of salmon exposed to these irradiation dosages. This work demonstrated that E-beam irradiation at dosages capable of killing SARS-CoV-2 induced lipid oxidation, decreased vitamin A content, and increased some amino acids and ash content. In addition, irradiation altered the textural features of salmon, such as its hardness, resilience, cohesiveness, and chewiness. The irradiation considerably affected the L*, a*, and b* values of salmon, with the L* value increasing and a*, b* values decreasing. There was no significant difference in the sensory evaluation of control and irradiated salmon. It was shown that irradiation with 2−7 kGy E-beam did not significantly degrade quality. The inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in salmon is advised at a dose of 2 kGy.
ABSTRACT
Objective Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the accompanying isolation have changed resident life rhythms and behaviors. This study investigated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in employees in southwestern China. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 3,777 employees of five institutions who underwent physical examinations at the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University for three consecutive years from 2018 to 2020. We collected data on participant age and sex and measured the component indices of metabolic syndrome, including waist circumference, blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), fasting blood glucose level, and blood lipid (triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) level. We applied t-, chi-square, Mann–Whitney U, and Friedman's M tests to compare metabolic variables at different times. Results The incidence of MetS in 2020 was 18.6%, significantly higher than the prevalence of 15.7% before the epidemic. The number of abnormal MetS components following the COVID-19 lockdown was much greater than those in 2018 (P < 0.001) and 2019 (P < 0.001), with no significant variations between the two years (P = 0.142). All metabolic parameters, except for fasting blood glucose, were significantly worse than those pre-lockdown. The increase in the prevalence of MetS and all its abnormal components except for fasting glucose from 2019 to 2020 was significantly higher than that from 2018 to 2019. The change values between 2019–2020 and 2018–2019 for all indices except for diastolic blood pressure did not differ significantly between men and women. For all component indicators except for waist circumference, we observed no significant age differences in the growth differentials between the two periods (2019–2020 and 2018–2019). Conclusions COVD-19 lockdown have increased metabolic health risks among Chinese adults. Targeted measures, such as health education, are urgently needed to address poor metabolic health caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Electron beam (E-beam) irradiation can effectively inactivate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in cold-chain seafood. This study evaluated the effects of E-beam irradiation at doses killing SARS-CoV-2 on quality indicators of Atlantic cod. The cod samples were exposed to 0, 2, 4, 7, and 10 kGy E-beam irradiation, and nutrition, texture, color, and sensory attributes were investigated. The results showed that E-beam irradiation significantly increased thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value and decreased hardness, chewiness, and a* value of Atlantic cod (P < 0.05). E-beam irradiation with 10 kGy significantly lowered total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) and reducing sugar content while increasing moisture and ash content (P < 0.05). A significant color change was observed after irradiation with 2 kGy-7 kGy E-beam (P < 0.05). E-beam irradiation had no effects on sensory attributes (P > 0.05). A dose of 4 kGy was recommended considering the keeping quality in Atlantic cod.
ABSTRACT
Coal is an important basic energy source, widely distributed throughout the world, but resource abundance is uneven. Despite the need to develop and form new energy sources, coal energy maintains its dominant position. However, due to the uneven distribution and non-renewable nature of coal resources, the relationship between the supply and demand of coal resources is tight. The rational exploitation of coal and reducing resource mining wastes are particularly important at the present stage. The original mining method of the Zhangjiamao coal mine resulted in a large waste of coal resources. After replacing the “110 construction method”, the original advanced end-support was canceled, which saved a lot of process time and engineering costs and greatly improved the mine production efficiency. With an average mining depth of +300 m, the working face is in a safe and stable state, and the 110-mining process has little impact on surface subsidence. Its successful application provides a reference experience for other mines to promote resource-saving and efficient mining.