bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When experience does not promote expertise: security professionals fail to detect low prevalence fake IDs
Authors: Weatherford Dawn R. , Roberson Devin , Erickson William Blake
Published: April 2021

Professional screeners frequently verify photograph IDs in such industries as professional security, bar tending, and sales of age-restricted materials. Moreover, security screening is a vital tool for law enforcement in the search for missing or wanted persons. Nevertheless, previous research demonstrates that novice participants fail to spot fake IDs when they are rare (i.e., the low prevalence effect; LPE). To address whether this phenomenon also occurs with professional screeners, we conducted three experiments. Experiment 1 compared security professional and non-professionals. Experiment 2 compared bar-security professionals, access-security professionals, and non-professionals. Finally, Experiment 3 added a newly created Professional Identity Training Questionnaire to determine whether and how aspects of professionals’ employment predict ID-matching accuracy. Across all three experiments, all participants were susceptible to the LPE regardless of professional status. Neither length/type of professional experience nor length/type of training experience affected ID verification performance. We discuss task performance and survey responses with aims to acknowledge and address this potential problem in real-world screening scenarios.
What matters to children with lower limb deformities: an international qualitative study guiding the development of a new patient-reported outcome measure
Authors: Chhina Harpreet , Klassen Anne F. , Kopec Jacek A. , Oliffe John , Iobst Christopher , Dahan-Oliel Noemi , Aggarwal Aditya , Nunn Tim , Cooper Anthony P.
Published: April 2021

Background

Lower limb deformities include conditions such as leg length discrepancy, lower limb deficiency and associated angular and rotational deformities of the hips, knees, ankles and feet. Children with lower limb deformities often have physical limitations due to gait irregularities and pain. The differences in the appearance and function of their lower limbs can discourage participation in social, recreational and leisure activities, which may result in behavioural, emotional, psychological and social adjustment problems. The health-related quality of life (HRQL) of these children is often impacted due to the factors discussed above, as well as by the complex surgical procedures. Surgical treatment options for limb deformities in children vary from limb lengthening and reconstruction to amputation. The lack of evidence demonstrating superiority of either treatment options and their effect on HRQL limits the ability of healthcare providers to counsel families on the best evidence-based treatment option for them.

This manuscript describes the international qualitative study which guided the development of a new patient-reported outcome measure (PROM). Individual semi-structured face-to-face interviews with children with lower limb deformities and their parents were conducted at five sites: Canada (2 sites), Ethiopia, India and the USA.

Results

Seventy-nine interviews were conducted at five international sites. Five main themes emerged from the qualitative interviews and formed the basis of the conceptual framework. These themes were: 1) appearance, 2) physical health, 3) psychological health 4) school and 5) social health.

Conclusions

Lower limb deformities have a substantial impact on the HRQL of children. The concepts of interest identified in our study were similar across children from all countries. The conceptual framework guided the development of outcome scales specific to these patients.

The information about the impact of various treatment options on the HRQL of children with lower limb deformities, collected using this new PROM, could be used to inform parents and children about outcomes (physical, social, psychological) associated with specific treatment options. This information could supplement other objective outcome information (e.g., complication rates, how the leg will look, etc.) to help families to come to a more informed decision on a child’s course of treatment.
3D printing of graphene-based polymeric nanocomposites for biomedical applications
Authors: Silva Magda , Pinho Isabel S. , Covas José A. , Alves Natália M. , Paiva Maria C.
Published: April 2021

Additive manufacturing techniques established a new paradigm in the manufacture of composite materials providing a simple solution to build complex, custom designed shapes. In the biomedical field, 3D printing enabled the production of scaffolds with patient-specific requirements, controlling product architecture and microstructure, and have been proposed to regenerate a variety of tissues such as bone, cartilage, or the nervous system. Polymers reinforced with graphene or graphene derivatives have demonstrated potential interest for applications that require electrical and mechanical properties as well as enhanced cell response, presenting increasing interest for applications in the biomedical field. The present review focuses on graphene-based polymer nanocomposites developed for additive manufacturing fabrication, provides an overview of the manufacturing techniques available to reach the different biomedical applications, and summarizes relevant results obtained with 3D printed graphene/polymer scaffolds and biosensors.
Using urinary neutrophile gelatinase-associated lipocalin for prognosticate renal dysfunction in children with familial Mediterranean fever the study design: a pilot study
Authors: Oksay Sinem Can , Dursun Hasan , Neijmann Sebnem Tekin , Hatipoglu Sami
Published: April 2021

Background

The most important finding that affects the prognosis in Familial Mediterranean Fever is renal amyloidosis. The aim of the present study was to analyze neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels in the urine, and to investigate whether it may be used as an early marker for renal involvement.

Methods

Forty attack-free children followed by diagnosis of Familial Mediterranean Fever with age range of 5 and 18 years, and 38 healthy children with similar ages and genders were enrolled into the study. Hemogram, sedimentation, C-reactive protein, urine analysis, creatinine in the spot urine, microalbumin and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels were analyzed and evaluated statistically in the patients and controls.

Results

There was not any statistically significant difference between the patient and control groups for age, gender, height and body weight. Although there was not any clinical sign of attack in the patient group, sedimentation, C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels were significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.002, p = 0.023, and p = 0.006, respectively). Similarly, urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin level and urinary creatinine ratio were significantly higher in the patient group (p = 0.0001, p = 0.011, respectively). We found a positive correlation between uNGAL level and uNGAL/uCr ratio and number of attacks per year in FMF patients (r = 0.743, p = 0.001 and r = 0.516, p = 0.001; respectively).

Conclusions

Detection of significantly higher levels of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin level and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin level to creatinine ratio were suggested as urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin level as a non-invasive marker for renal involvement better than microalbumin.
Levator palpabrae superioris myositis as an unusual cause of unilateral ptosis—case report
Authors: Abdrabou Ahmed M.
Published: April 2021

Background

Ptosis can be a manifestation of a more serious situation. Hence, the analysis of the complaint and the search for etiology are crucial in such cases. Ptosis has many causes; some of them lead to unilateral ptosis while others cause bilateral ptosis. For instance, myasthenia gravis is a cause of bilateral ptosis while oculomotor nerve palsy induces unilateral disease. Proper evaluation of the patient and identification of the cause are important to achieve accurate management and good prognosis.

Case presentation

A 47-year-old male patient attended the ER complaining of dropping the right eye lid of 2 days’ duration. There was no associated pain or diplopia. On examination, the extraocular muscles’ (EOM) motility was intact, normal pupil and corneal reflexes, and there was swelling of the upper eyelid. Ophthalmological examination revealed normal anterior and posterior chambers as well as the vitreous and retina. The patient had a previous history of traumatic intracranial hemorrhage that was resolved without surgical intervention. He also had diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The patient was transferred to the MRI unit to perform MRI study of the brain and orbit with MRA and IV contrast administration. MRI findings confirmed the diagnosis of LPS myositis, and the patient received medical treatment and improved.

Conclusion

Proper radiological diagnosis leads to accurate management and achieves rapid recovery and optimal patient care.
Rock physics and experimentation in decarbonizing the future
Authors: Malenda Margariete , Vanorio Tiziana , Mighani Saied , Ding Jihui , Chung Jaehong
Published: April 2021

The transition to a low-carbon future involves every component of our productive life — from the energy we use, to the buildings we construct, to the materials we use in our daily lives. Realistically, the shift onto a low-carbon path cannot happen instantly but requires adopting short- and long-term solutions while assessing whether the solutions work in the physical world in which we live. In the short term, incremental technological improvements, such as transitioning to energy sources like natural gas, have the potential to yield immediate benefit to air quality and pollution. In the mid and long term, however, more far-reaching decarbonization technologies must be pursued to achieve game-changing outcomes. In the geosciences realm, leading technologies span from cleaner energy solutions to exploring alternative earth-inspired materials and processes. These include CO2 storage in geologic disposal sites along with its reuse for material manufacturing, the development of enhanced geothermal systems expanding the use of geothermal energy, and adapting subsurface processes to engineer greener processes and materials through geomimicry. In this landscape, experimentation and rock physics are at the crux of understanding rock-fluid processes and are the premise and foundation of decarbonizing our future. All of these applications require experimentation for wider public acceptance to avoid hasty solutions that are counterproductive. The cross-disciplinary nature of each endeavor is pivotal in assessing how processes induced by fluids, their chemistry, and thermal capacity affect the physical and mechanical properties of treated environments. This paper provides an account of the role that rock physics will play in leveraging knowledge across the nanosciences to underpin our path to a decarbonized future through chemical and thermal stimulation practices, solid-CO2 reactions, and engineering processes that manipulate geology to produce materials with functional properties.
Evaluating 3D and 4D DAS VSP image quality of subsea carbon storage
Authors: Wilson Glenn A. , Willis Mark E. , Ellmauthaler Andreas
Published: April 2021

In all carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects, monitoring, verification, and accounting is required to span short to long periods to ensure plume extents and geologic integrity meet operational and regulatory objectives. Fiber-optic cables permanently deployed in the completions of injector wells enable time-lapse (4D) vertical seismic profile (VSP) imaging using distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). Most CCUS projects are onshore, and the majority of those utilize supercritical CO2flooding for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). In these cases, fiber-optic installations, acquisition, and analysis are relatively straightforward. Offshore transport and storage projects, whether for EOR or sequestration in saline aquifers, may utilize subsea wells wherein fiber-optic deployment is not as straightforward. Unlike dry-tree wells, DAS of subsea wells requires advanced optical engineering solutions to compensate for the reduced acoustic bandwidth, optical losses, and back reflections accumulated through umbilicals, multiple wet- and dry-mate optical connectors, splices, optical feedthrough systems, and downhole fibers. In this paper, we simulate VSP shot records of a carbon storage site for a variety of proposed subsea DAS concepts and evaluate the 3D and 4D seismic image quality of each using Kirchhoff migration of upgoing seismic wavefields with their expected signal-to-noise ratios. We normalize interrogator performance, so we are evaluating the sensing topology only. We show that a subsea fiber topology consisting of dual transmission fibers, a remote circulator with selective amplification of the backscattered light, and enhanced backscatter sensing fiber results in high-quality seismic images suitable for both 3D and 4D VSPs of carbon storage.
Enabling isotropic reflectivity modeling and inversion in anisotropic media
Authors: Mesdag Peter , Quevedo Leonardo , Tănase Cătălin
Published: April 2021

Exploration and development of unconventional reservoirs, where fractures and in-situ stresses play a key role, call for improved characterization workflows. Here, we expand on a previously proposed method that makes use of standard isotropic modeling and inversion techniques in anisotropic media. Based on approximations for PP-wave reflection coefficients in orthorhombic media, we build a set of transforms that map the isotropic elastic parameters used in prestack inversion into effective anisotropic elastic parameters. When used in isotropic forward modeling and inversion, these effective parameters accurately mimic the anisotropic reflectivity behavior of the seismic data, thus closing the loop between well-log data and seismic inversion results in the anisotropic case. We show that modeling and inversion of orthorhombic anisotropic media can be achieved by superimposing effective elastic parameters describing the behavior of a horizontally stratified medium and a set of parallel vertical fractures. The process of sequential forward modeling and postinversion analysis is exemplified using synthetic data.
Anisotropic 3D elastic full-wavefield inversion to directly estimate elastic properties and its role in interpretation
Authors: Wang Haiyang , Burtz Olivier , Routh Partha , Wang Don , Violet Jake , Lu Rongrong , Lazaratos Spyros
Published: April 2021

Elastic properties from seismic data are important to determine subsurface hydrocarbon presence and have become increasingly important for detailed reservoir characterization that aids to derisk specific hydrocarbon prospects. Traditional techniques to extract elastic properties from seismic data typically use linear inversion of imaged products (migrated angle stacks). In this research, we attempt to get closer to Tarantola's visionary goal for full-wavefield inversion (FWI) by directly obtaining 3D elastic properties from seismic shot-gather data with limited well information. First, we present a realistic 2D synthetic example to show the need for elastic physics in a strongly elastic medium. Then, a 3D field example from deepwater West Africa is used to validate our workflow, which can be practically used in today's computing architecture. To enable reservoir characterization, we produce elastic products in a cascaded manner and run 3D elastic FWI up to 50 Hz. We demonstrate that reliable and high-resolution P-wave velocity can be retrieved in a strongly elastic setting (i.e., with a class 2 or 2P amplitude variation with offset response) in addition to higher-quality estimation of P-impedance and VP/VS ratio. These parameters can be directly used in interpretation, lithology, and fluid prediction.
Management of Long-Term Toxicity From Pelvic Radiation Therapy
Authors: Dalsania Raj M. , Shah Kevin P. , Stotsky-Himelfarb Eden , Hoffe Sarah , Willingham Field F.
Published: April 2021

Pelvic radiation therapy is an integral component in the treatment of various gastrointestinal, gynecologic, and genitourinary cancers. As survival rates from these malignancies improve, the prevalence of toxicity secondary to pelvic radiation has increased. Gastrointestinal toxicities are the most common complications and greatly impact quality of life. Toxicities can present in acute or late stages; although symptoms may be similar during both, the management may differ. Acute toxicities represent an inflammatory reaction in response to the radiation exposure, whereas late toxicities may arise as a result of small vessel disease, ischemia, and fibrosis. Currently, there are no large clinical trials and only limited guidelines on the management of late gastrointestinal radiation toxicities. Therapy is generally approached in a stepwise manner from medical to endoscopic to surgical methods. Several endoscopic therapies, such as the treatment of radiation proctitis with argon plasma coagulation and dilation of radiation bowel strictures, may prevent the need for surgical intervention, which may be associated with high morbidity and mortality. Given that late toxicities can occur years after radiation therapy, they are often difficult to recognize and diagnose. Successful management of late toxicities requires recognition, an understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, and a multidisciplinary approach. More dedicated research could clarify the prevalence of gastrointestinal pelvic radiation toxicities, permit a better understanding of the efficacy and safety profile of current therapies, and allow for the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
Episodic Spontaneous Dizziness
Authors: Eggers Scott D. Z.
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Conditions causing recurrent spontaneous episodes of dizziness or vertigo span several medical specialties, making it challenging for clinicians to gain confidence in evaluating and managing the spectrum of episodic vestibular disorders. Patients are often asymptomatic and have normal examinations at the time of evaluation. Thus, diagnosis depends heavily on eliciting key features from the history. Overreliance on symptom quality descriptions commonly leads to misdiagnosis. The goal of this article is to provide the reader with a straightforward approach to the diagnosis and management of conditions that cause episodic spontaneous dizziness.

RECENT FINDINGS

Consensus diagnostic criteria have been established for vestibular migraine, Ménière disease, vestibular paroxysmia, and hemodynamic orthostatic dizziness/vertigo. Vertigo has been recognized as a common symptom in vertebrobasilar ischemia, cardiogenic dizziness, and orthostatic hypotension. Treatment recommendations for vestibular migraine still lack high-quality evidence, but controlled trials are occurring.

The evaluation should start with a detailed description of the episodes from the patient and any observers. Rather than focusing first on whether the symptom quality is most consistent with vertigo, dizziness, lightheadedness, or unsteadiness, the clinician should clarify the timing (episode frequency and duration), possible triggers or circumstances (eg, position changes, upright posture), and accompanying symptoms. History should identify any auditory symptoms, migraine features, posterior circulation ischemic symptoms, vascular risk factors, clues for anxiety, and potentially relevant medications. Carefully selected testing can help secure the diagnosis, but excessive and indiscriminate testing can lead to more confusion. Treatments for these conditions are vastly different, so an accurate diagnosis is critical.
Vestibular Testing
Authors: Hain Timothy C. , Cherchi Marcello
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Vestibular testing, both at the bedside and in the laboratory, is often critical in diagnosing patients with symptoms of vertigo, dizziness, unsteadiness, and oscillopsia. This article introduces readers to core concepts, as well as recent advances, in bedside and instrumented vestibular assessments.

RECENT FINDINGS

Vestibular testing has improved immensely in the past 2 decades. While history and bedside testing is still the primary method of differential diagnosis in patients with dizziness, advances in technology such as the ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potential test for superior canal dehiscence and the video head impulse test for vestibular neuritis have capabilities that go far beyond the bedside examination. Current vestibular testing now allows clinicians to test all five vestibular sensors in the inner ear.

Contemporary vestibular testing technology can now assess the entire vestibular periphery. Relatively subtle conditions, such as superior canal dehiscence or a subtle vestibular neuritis, can now be diagnosed with far greater certainty.
Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine Curriculum Guidelines for Pediatric Residents
Authors: Coleman Nailah , Beasley Michael , Briskin Susannah , Chapman Michael , Cuff Steven , Demorest Rebecca A. , Halstead Mark , Hornbeck Kimberly , Kinsella Sarah B. , Logan Kelsey , Liu Ruikang , Mooney Caitlyn , Myers Rebecca A. , Ruparell Sonia , Santana Jonathan , Walter Kevin D. , Waterbrook Anna L. , Wolf Sigrid F.
Published: April 2021

Musculoskeletal (MSK) and sports-related conditions are relatively common in the pediatric population. Pediatric residencies should provide residents with the knowledge and skills to assess and manage both acute and chronic MSK and sports injuries and complaints. Residents should develop the competencies and attitudes to safeguard and promote a healthy and active lifestyle for youth. Programs can use a variety of educational tools, both in the clinic and on the field, to provide a well-rounded MSK curriculum throughout the residency years. This article provides a review of general pediatric sports medicine curriculum guidelines and suggested implementation strategies.
Καθορισμός βέλτιστης δοσολογίας του αγωνιστή της εκλυτικής ορμόνης των γοναδοτροπινών για την επαγωγή της τελικής ωρίμανσης των ωαρίων κατά την διέγερση των ωοθηκών στην εξωσωματική γονιμοποίηση
Authors: Λαϊνάς Γεώργιος
Published: April 2021

Αν και ο συνηθέστερα χρησιμοποιούμενος GnRH αγωνιστής, για την επαγωγή της τελικής ωρίμανσης των ωαρίων, σε ασθενείς που υποβάλλονται σε διέγερση των ωοθηκών για εξωσωματική γονιμοποίηση είναι η τριπτορελίνη, τα δεδομένα σχετικά με τη βέλτιστη δόση είναι επί του παρόντος περιορισμένα. Η πρώτη μελέτη που συμπεριλαμβάνεται σε αυτην την Διατριβή έδειξε ότι, η δόση 0,1 mg τριπτορελίνης, συγκρινόμενη με δύο υψηλότερες δόσεις 0,2 ή 0,4 mg, είχε ως αποτέλεσμα παρόμοια ποσοστά ώριμων ωαρίων, σε ασθενείς υψηλού κινδύνου για ΣΥΩ που υποβάλλονται σε ICSI. Παρόμοια αποτελέσματα με την παρούσα μελέτη, βρέθηκαν σε τυχαιοποιημένη μελέτη στην οποία μελετήθηκαν τρεις δόσεις τριπτορελίνης 0,2 mg, 0,3 mg και 0,4 mg (Vuong, et al., 2016), για την επαγωγή της τελικής ωρίμανσης των ωαρίων και βρέθηκε τόσο παρόμοιος αριθμός ώριμων ωαρίων, όσο και διάρκεια ωχρινικής φάσης, όχι όμως σε ασθενείς με υψηλή ανταπόκριση των ωοθηκών. Περαιτέρω αξιολόγηση χαμηλότερων δόσεων τριπτορελίνης δε φαίνεται να είναι δικαιολογημένη, καθώς δεν αναμένεται ότι θα οδηγήσει σε σημαντική μείωση κόστους. Επίσης έως σήμερα, υπάρχει παντελής έλλειψη δεδομένων, σχετικά με τη συσχέτιση του ΔΜΣ με την ωριμότητα των ωαρίων, μετά την επαγωγή της τελικής ωρίμανσης των ωαρίων με GnRHa, σε ασθενείς υψηλού κινδύνου για ΣΥΩ. Στη δεύτερη μελετη αυτής της διατριβής σε γυναικες που διατρέχουν υψηλό κίνδυνο ανάπτυξης σοβαρού ΣΥΩ και στις οποίες χορηγήθηκε σταθερή δόση 0,2 mg του GnRHa τριπτορελίνης, οι γυναίκες με ΔΜΣ ≥ 25 kg / m2 είχαν σημαντικά λιγότερα ώριμα ωάρια, απαιτούσαν υψηλότερη συνολική δόση ανασυνδυασμένης FSH (recFSH) και εμφάνισαν διαφορετικό ορμονικό προφίλ ωχρινικής φάσης, σε σύγκριση με γυναίκες με ΔΜΣ < 25 kg / m2. Το, εάν πρέπει να ληφθεί υπόψη ο ΔΜΣ στη βελτιστοποίηση της δόσης του GnRH αγωνιστή, παραμένει να αποδειχθεί από μελλοντικές μελέτες. Η τρέχουσα μελέτη, πάντως, δείχνει ότι, αυτό αξίζει να διερευνηθεί. Λόγω του χαμηλότερου αριθμού των ώριμων ωαρίων που ανακτήθηκαν σε γυναίκες με ΔΜΣ ≥ 25kg / m2 χρησιμοποιώντας 0,2 mg τριπτορελίνης, ίσως αξίζει να εξεταστεί, εάν μια υψηλότερη δόση τριπτορελίνης θα οδηγήσει σε αύξηση του αριθμού των ώριμων ωαρίων, τα οποία θα ληφθούν σε αυτή την ομάδα ασθενών, και πιθανόν σε συνακόλουθη αύξηση του αθροιστικού ποσοστού γεννήσεων σε επακόλουθους κύκλους απόψυξης.
The effects of corporate bonds on employment
Authors: Καραγιάννης Σωτήριος
Published: April 2021

Αυτή η μελέτη διερευνά την επίδραση των εταιρικών ομολόγων που εκδίδονται από ελληνικές εισηγμένες εταιρείες στην απασχόληση. Παρόλο που η εξωτερική χρηματοδότηση και οι επιπτώσεις στην απασχόληση έχουν μελετηθεί εκτενώς στη βιβλιογραφία, επεκτείνουμε την υπάρχουσα έρευνα εστιάζοντας για πρώτη φορά στον ειδικό ρόλο των εταιρικών ομολόγων στην απασχόληση. Συλλέξαμε όλα τα σχετικά επιστημονικά άρθρα και μοντέλα που αφορούν την εξωτερική χρηματοδότηση, τα αναφέρουμε συνοπτικά σε μορφή πίνακα και στη συνέχεια τα χρησιμοποιούμε για την ανάλυση των αποτελεσμάτων μας. Η εμπειρική μας ανάλυση βασίζεται σε ένα σύνολο δεδομένων πάνελ από το 2001 έως το 2014 και εξετάζουμε την επίδραση των εταιρικών ομολόγων πριν και μετά την περίοδο της ελληνικής οικονομικής κρίσης, στην οποία το τραπεζικό σύστημα είναι ευάλωτο και δεν μπορεί να προσφέρει χρηματοδότηση στις επιχειρήσεις. Τα αποτελέσματα δείχνουν ότι τα εταιρικά ομόλογα έχουν θετική επίδραση στην απασχόληση στο δείγμα πριν από την κρίση, υποδηλώνοντας ότι οι εταιρείες προσλαμβάνουν υπαλλήλους και προχωρούν σε επενδυτικές επιλογές. Αντίθετα, κατά τη διάρκεια της ύφεσης, τα εταιρικά ομόλογα έχουν αρνητική επίδραση στην απασχόληση. Οι επιχειρήσεις μειώνουν το κόστος τους και προσπαθούν να ελέγξουν τις δανειακές τους υποχρεώσεις με την έκδοση εταιρικών ομολόγων. Οι επενδύσεις από την άλλη είχαν θετικό πρόσημο και στα δύο δείγματα, που σημαίνει ότι η υλοποίηση επενδυτικού πλάνου, αύξανε την απασχόληση.
Τα μεταλλεία στη Βόρεια Ελλάδα
Authors: Ιορδανίδου Δόμνα
Published: April 2021

Στόχος της διατριβής είναι να φωτίσει την κατάσταση που επικρατούσε στα μεταλλεία στην Βόρεια Ελλάδα κατά την περίοδο 1912-1940. Πρόκειται ουσιαστικά για την περίοδο της μετάβασης από την Οθωμανική αυτοκρατορία στο ελληνικό κράτος. Χρησιμοποιώντας κείμενα περιηγητών και γαιοεπιστημόνων, νομικά κείμενα, τον γαλλόφωνο Τύπο της Κωνσταντινούπολης και σχετική δευτερεύουσα βιβλιογραφία καλύπτω την περίοδο της Οθωμανικής αυτοκρατορίας και ιδίως τα τελευταία της χρόνια. Όταν ένα μέρος της Μακεδονίας και μετά και η Δυτική Θράκη γίνονται μέρος του ελληνικού κράτους, η κυβέρνηση έχει να αντιμετωπίσει την τακτοποίηση του ζητήματος των μεταλλείων που ιδιοκτησιακά ανήκαν με σουλτανικό φιρμάνι σε ιδιώτες ή εταιρίες. Μάλιστα στη Μακεδονία είχαν εμφανιστεί πριν το 1912, τέσσερις εταιρίες. Για την περίοδο υπό διαπραγμάτευση και χρησιμοποιώντας κυρίως το Αρχείο Επιθεωρήσεων Μεταλλείων Βορείου Ελλάδος, το αρχείο του Ελευθερίου Βενιζέλου, τα πρακτικά των Συνεδριάσεων της Βουλής, ΦΕΚ, το αρχείο της Εθνικής Τράπεζας της Ελλάδος, επίσημα στατιστικά δεδομένα, αλλά και τον Τύπο χαρτογραφώ την κατάσταση που δημιουργήθηκε. Παρακολουθώ την μοίρα των 4 εταιριών που προανέφερα, την ίδρυση νέων εταιρειών, συχνά με αγγλικό κεφάλαιο και την εθνικοποίηση μεταλλείων – που εμφανίζεται για πρώτη φορά τότε εξαιτίας ακριβώς της ενσωμάτωσης των μεταλλείων της Μακεδονίας. Κεντρικό τμήμα της διατριβής καταλαμβάνει η πραγματεία για τα λιγνιτωρυχεία της Μακεδονίας και της Θράκης, η οποία ξεκινά ως διαπραγμάτευση του λεγόμενου «λιγνιτικού ζητήματος», το οποίο στο Μεσοπόλεμο θεωρήθηκε ως «εθνικό ζήτημα». Αναφορά γίνεται σε ιδιαίτερα κεφάλαια και στον χρυσό και στον λευκόλιθο, μέταλλα που το πρώτο ήταν γνωστό από την αρχαιότητα και θεωρούνταν ότι υπήρχε σε αφθονία στη Μακεδονία ενώ το δεύτερο είχε μία πολύ αξιόλογη τύχη στις διεθνείς αγορές. Το τελευταίο κεφάλαιο αναφέρεται στην εργατική δύναμη. Προσπαθώ να βρω πόσοι ήταν οι εργάτες των μεταλλείων, από πού ήρθαν, ποιες οι συνθήκες ζωής και εργασίας τους, ποια η νομοθεσία που τους αφορούσε και τελικά ποιες οι διεκδικήσεις τους και οι απεργίες τους. Ανακεφαλαιώνοντας κατά την περίοδο 1912-1940, οι μεταλλευτικές επιχειρήσεις στη Μακεδονία και Θράκη κατά κανόνα ήταν μικρές με προβλήματα σε εργατικό προσωπικό, στις μεταφορές, στο επενδυμένο κεφάλαιο. Υπάρχουν βέβαια και οι επιχειρήσεις μεγάλου μεγέθους που ξεχωρίζουν και αυτές βρίσκονται σε δύο περιοχές: στην Χαλκιδική και δευτερευόντως στη Θάσο.
Nautical tourism affects common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus M.) foraging success in a NATURA 2000 site, North-Eastern Adriatic Sea
Authors: RIBARIC DARJA , CLARKSON JACK
Published: April 2021

Several studies indicate that unregulated nautical tourism can have negative implications on cetacean behaviour. In recent years, dolphin watching activities (DWA) have increased off the West coast of Istria, Croatia, a region in which the NATURA 2000 site: ‘Akvatorij zapadne Istre’ has been proposed to be designated for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus M.). For data collected between 2016 and 2019, we compared dolphin group behaviours from this region during impact (presence of nautical tourism boats (NTBs)) and control (absence of NTBs) scenarios, as well as providing descriptive analysis on the displacement of individuals in the presence of NTBs. Throughout the study years, 48.5 % of NTBs were observed within 15m of the dolphin focal groups and 97 % were observed within 50 m distance. The greatest rates of displacement in dolphin focal groups occurred when NTB numbers were greatest per individual dolphin. Markov chain analysis were used to quantify the short-term effects of NTB presence on dolphin behaviour. In the presence of NTBs, dolphins were more likely to spend time milling and less time foraging. Cumulative behavioural budgets, derived by accounting for the time bottlenose dolphins spent in the presence or absence of NTBs, indicated that vessel exposure levels of 14 % and 25 % were enough to statistically affect milling and foraging behaviours respectively. To lessen the lack of sustainable DWA, the implementation of relevant guidelines, e.g. Global Best Practice Guidance for Responsible Whale and Dolphin Watching (50 m no approach and 300 m caution zone) is therefore crucial to mitigate any long-term consequences the actions of NTBs may have on this key species. To date, 162 bottlenose dolphins have been photo-identified off West coast of Istria and cumulative interference to this population could affect direct ecosystem functioning.
Spread of the non-indigenous ascidian Aplidium accarense (Millar, 1953) in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea: morphological and molecular tools for an accurate identification
Authors: MONTESANTO FEDERICA , CHIMIENTI GIOVANNI , GISSI CARMELA , MASTROTOTARO FRANCESCO
Published: April 2021

The aplousobranch ascidian Aplidium accarense (Millar, 1953) was first described on the western coast of Africa, where it is considered native. Afterwards, this species was introduced along south-American Atlantic coasts, where it affected local shellfish farms through a massive colonization of both natural and artificial substrata. Aplidium accarense has been recently reported along Catalan coasts and in the Tyrrhenian Seas (Western Mediterranean) where it represents a non-indigenous species, only recorded in harbours and aquaculture farms thus far. These Mediterranean records support the hypothesis that A. accarense is currently expanding within the basin, representing a potential invasive species. In this study, several colonies of A. accarense were found for the first time on artificial substrata within the semi-enclosed basin of the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Italy, Ionian Sea), in the Eastern Mediterranean. Here we provide an updated description of A. accarense combining both morphological and molecular approaches, in order to allow an accurate and reliable identification of this expanding species. Comparing the morphology of the specimens collected from Taranto with the previous descriptions, a slight intra-specific variability has been noticed. Therefore, we provide detailed comparisons of the specimens found in Taranto with all the other A. accarense sampled in other areas of the world, in order to highlight the intra-species variability. The correct identification of a potentially-dangerous species such as A. accarense, represents a needed step for environmental monitoring purposes and for implementing management strategies to mitigate the effects of non-indigenous species on natural ecosystems and human activities.
Comparison of beam trawl catch, by-catch and discard in fishing and non-fishing areas – a case study from the northern Adriatic Sea
Authors: EZGETA -BALIĆ DARIA , VRGOČ NEDO , ISAJLOVIĆ IGOR , MEDVEŠEK DAMIR , VUJEVIĆ ANTE , DESPALATOVIĆ MARIJA , CVITKOVIĆ IVAN
Published: April 2021

Beam trawl fishery is highly important in the Croatian part of the northern Adriatic wherein 116 vessels have a licence for this type of fishing gear. A sharp decrease in the beam trawl catch observed since 2015 has raised concern about not only socio-economic issues but also ecological issues and the effect that beam trawl fisheries have had on exploited stocks. Besides the effect that beam trawl fisheries can have on targeted economically important species, intensive dredging can cause long-term changes in the benthic community. Therefore, this study aimed to detect the effect that this type of fishing gear has on target and by-catch species. Furthermore, survey data were compared with the official beam trawl fishery data gathered through Vessel Monitoring System data together with fishermen’s logbooks. Our research targeted two adjacent areas: an area where beam trawl fishing is allowed and an area where it is forbidden. The results demonstrate that the commercially important catch represented a minor share of the total beam trawl catch in both survey areas, while discard made up more than 93% of the total catch. The main beam trawl commercially important species in the Croatian part of the northern Adriatic Sea was Pecten jacobaeus, followed by Solea solea and Ostrea edulis. Our results suggest that beam trawl fisheries mostly affect target bivalve species and some non-commercial benthic species (e.g. sponges). The differences recorded between areas could suggest that beam trawl fisheries cause changes mostly in the P. jacobaeus population.
Population structure and conservation status of the white gorgonian Eunicella singularis (Esper, 1791) in Tunisian waters (Central Mediterranean)
Authors: GHANEM RAOUIA , BEN SOUISSI JAMILA , LEDOUX JEAN-BAPTISTE , LINARES CRISTINA , GARRABOU JOAQUIM
Published: April 2021

The white gorgonian, Eunicella singularis, is thriving in Mediterranean hard-bottom communities; however, data regarding its distribution and ecology remain absent and insufficient, particularly in the southern Mediterranean Sea.In this study, the population structure and disturbance levels of the most common gorgonian in Tunisia were assessed for the first time. During two years (2015-2016), a total of 818 colonies of E. singularis was surveyed in five coastal sites, by scuba diving, between 7 to 40 m depth. Collected data included density, colony height, and extent of injury. Mean population density was 11.91 ± 7.42 colonies per m2 (mean ± SD). Mean and maximum colony heights were 16.49 ± 5.59 cm and 51 cm, respectively. Among populations, mean extent of tissue injury differed considerably, ranging from 12.47% to 58.88% and most affected colonies showed old necrosis. These data regarding the demographic structure and level of injuries are needed to provide insights into the conservation status of the Tunisian population of E. singularis. Indeed, data on the amount of necrosis could highlight the strength of the colonies’ exposure to mechanical impacts and are consequently crucial to study changes in their demographic structure over time. In fact, the size, structures, and the high level of tissue necrosis of the colonies suggest a low conservation status of the studied Tunisian populations.
First report of chimerism in the Mediterranean red coral (Corallium rubrum)
Authors: GIORDANO BRUNA , BRAMANTI LORENZO
Published: April 2021

The phenomenon of chimerism in the Mediterranean red coral (Corallium rubrum) is reported and quantified in semi-natural conditions. 1688 larvae were maintained in closed circuit in presence of a suitable settlement surface (marble tiles). Post settlement survival and chimera formation were monitored for 1 year. According to our observation, when polyps settle at close contact, a high frequency of chimerism is observed (32%). After 1 year, only 33% of chimeric individuals survived but they are 40% bigger than not chimeric ones, suggesting that chimerism could confer a competitive advantage linked to increased growth rate.
New discoveries in Eastern Mediterranean mesophotic sponge grounds: updated checklist and description of three novel sponge species
Authors: IDAN TAL , SHEFER SIGAL , FELDSTEIN TAMAR , ILAN MICHA
Published: April 2021

Rich and diverse mesophotic sponge grounds were recently discovered along the easternmost part of the Mediterranean Sea (Israeli coast). Six sites have been surveyed over the last decade (2009-2019) and the sponge specimens discovered and collected in these expeditions have increased the known sponge richness of the Israeli fauna by ~34%. Here we provide an updated checklist along with the distribution of the various species in seven mesophotic sponge grounds along the coast. Nine mesophotic species have been added, seven of which are new to the Israeli coast. Moreover, we describe three novel species: Hemiasterella verai sp. nov., Axinella venusta sp. nov., and Plakortis mesophotica sp. nov. H. verai sp. nov. differs from other congeneric species in both shape and color; in addition, it has thinner megascleres with more abundant oxeas and microscleres containing both oxyasters and strongylasters. A. venusta sp. nov. is a rather stiff and smooth axinellid with only a few short protruding spicules, and differs from other congeneric species mainly in shape and color. P. mesophotica sp. nov. is characterized by many folds and grooves, and molecular analysis revealed only a 96% similarity with Plakorits simplex.The discovery of these novel species highlights the importance of studying ecosystems that are not readily accessible. Further research of these mesophotic sponge grounds is needed in order to establish the community baseline data and support conservation attempts for these unique habitats.
RETRACTED: Potential effects of elevated temperature on seasonal movements in slipper lobsters, Scyllarides latus (Latreille, 1803), in the eastern Mediterranean
Authors: GOLDSTEIN JASON , SPANIER EHUD
Published: April 2021

Retraction of: Mediterranean Marine Science http://dx.doi.org/10.12681/mms.22074, published online 13 July 2020Editor note: The authors are retracting this article.In the article, Potential effects of elevated temperature on seasonal movements in slipper lobsters, Scyllarides latus (Latreille, 1803), in the eastern Mediterranean (Vol. 21, 2020,  https://doi.org/10.12681/mms.22074), authors J. Goldstein and E. Spanier have made an honest error in the inaccurate interpretation of their special scientific permit that afforded them the opportunity to collect wild-caught animals in the field and release them in their study area, in the marine reserve where this work was conducted. More specifically, the study component that refers to the ‘field tagging study’, was carried out without the full scope of permitting guidance unbeknownst to the authors. Dr. R. Yahel and E. Miller, Marine Ecologists of the Israeli National Park Authority (INPA), have pointed this out and have since requested that the article be removed given that the application of the special use permit was misinterpreted and not exercised in an appropriate manner. The authors were also not able to forward the INPA with the field’s raw data that have been lost since this field study was carried out over eight years ago. The authors were not aware of this discrepancy at the time the field study was carried out, but they have agreed to remove the article out of respect and admiration of the INPA and the continued protection and conservation of the Mediterranean slipper lobster in coastal Israeli waters. However, this action of retraction does not change the overall outcome of the paper’s finding including the study design, analyses, scientific integrity, or overall conclusions. The authors will plan on publishing the laboratory-based portion of this study as a stand-alone manuscript at a future date.
A survey on the occurrence of Brachyspira pilosicoli and Brachyspira hyodysenteriae in growing-finishing pigs
Authors: Dors Arkadiusz , Czyżewska-Dors Ewelina , Woźniakowski Grzegorz
Published: April 2021

Background: The major pathogenic intestinal spirochetes affecting pigs during the growing- finishing stage of production includeBrachyspira hyodysenteriaeandBrachyspira pilosicoli. The aim of this study was to assess the current occurrence ofB. hyodysenteriaeandB. pilosicoliin Polish pig herds. Moreover, associations between the presence of diarrhea or other intestinal pathogens and occurrence ofB. hyodysenteriaeandB. pilosicoliin pigs were investigated.

Methods: Between January 2017 and August 2019, a total of 401 samples of pig feces from 95 different herds were submitted to the National Veterinary Research Institute of Poland. These samples were obtained from pigs older than 7 weeks. All the received fecal samples were examined for the presence ofB. hyodysenteriae,B. pilosicoliandLawsonia intracellularisby real-time PCR.

Results:B. pilosicoliwas detected in 4.5% (95% CI, 2.5–7.0%) (18/401) of pig fecal samples. At the herd level 13.7% (95% CI, 7.5–22.3%) (13/95) of herds were positive forB. pilosicoli.B. hyodysenteriaewas detected in 7.0% (95% CI, 4.7–9.9%) (28/401) of pig fecal samples and 18.9% (95% CI, 11.6–28.3%) (18/95) of pig herds were positive. Out of 18B. pilosicolipositive samples, this pathogen was detected alone in 5 samples; simultaneously withL. intracellularisin 9 samples; simultaneously withB. hyodysenteriaein 1 sample and in 3 samples was detected simultaneously with both of these bacteria. The presence ofB. hyodysenteriaein fecal samples was associated with the presence of diarrhea in pigs.

Conclusions: This study confirmed thatB. pilosicoliinfections occur in Polish pig herds, but the prevalence is at a low level and the presence ofB. pilosicoliis not associated with the development of diarrhea in pigs.B. hyodysenteriaeis still a common cause of diarrhea among pigs from Polish herds.
β-lactamases (bla TEM, bla SHV, bla CTXM-1, bla VEB, bla OXA-1) and class C β-lactamases gene frequency in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from various clinical specimens in Khartoum State, Sudan: a cross sectional study
Authors: Abdelrahman Dina N. , Taha Aya A. , Dafaallah Mazar M. , Mohammed Alaa Abdelgafoor , El Hussein Abdel Rahim M. , Hashim Ahmed I. , Hamedelnil Yousif F. , Altayb Hisham N.
Published: April 2021

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogenic bacterium, causing nosocomial infections with  intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms to a large group of antibiotics, including β-lactams. This study aimed to determine the susceptibility pattern to selected antibiotics and to index the first reported β-lactamases genes frequency in Ps. aeruginosa in Khartoum State, Sudan.

Methods: 121 Ps. aeruginosa clinical isolates from various clinical specimens were used in this cross sectional study conducted in Khartoum State. Eighty isolates were confirmed as Ps. aeruginosa through conventional identification methods and species specific primers. The susceptibility pattern of the confirmed isolates to selected antibiotics was done following the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Multiplex PCR was used for detection of seven β-lactamase genes (blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTXM-1, blaVEB, blaOXA-1, blaAmpC and blaDHA).

Results: Of the 80 confirmed Ps. aeruginosa isolates, 8 (10%) were resistant to Imipenem while all isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin and Amoxyclav (100%). A total of 43 (54%) Ps. aeruginosa isolates were positive for blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTXM-1, blaVEB and blaOXA-1 genes, while 27 (34%) were positive for class C β- Lactamases, and 20 (25%) were positive for both classes. Frequency of beta-lactamases genes was as follows: blaTEM, 19 (44.2%); blaSHV, 16 (37.2%); bla CTX-M1, 10 (23.3%); blaVEB, 14 (32.6%); blaOXA-1, 7 (16.3%). blaAmpC 22 (81.5%) and bla DHA 8 (29.6%).  In total, 3 (11.1%) isolates were positive for both bla AmpC and blaDHA genes.

Conclusion: Ps. aeruginosa isolates showed a high rate of β- lactamases production, with co-resistance to other antibiotic classes. The lowest resistance rate of Ps. aeruginosa was to Imipenem followed by Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin. No statistically significant relationship between production of β-lactamases in Ps. aeruginosa and resistance to third generation cephalosporins was found.
Efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan in the treatment of heart failure: protocol for a systematic review incorporating unpublished clinical study reports
Authors: Byrne David , Fahey Tom , Moriarty Frank
Published: April 2021

Background: Sacubitril/valsartan is a first-in-class angiotensin-receptor neprilysin inhibitor used to treat heart failure. The evidence for this novel medication is largely based on one pivotal phase III trial which was stopped early due to significant clinical benefits being shown. However potential limitations in trial design have been highlighted in recent literature, necessitating a thorough review of all evidence for sacubitril/valsartan.

Methods: This review will be conducted using the PRISMA reporting guidelines. Relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for sacubitril/valsartan will be systematically searched for in Medline (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Toxline and Scopus. Clinical trials registries will be searched, as will eight grey literature databases. In addition, unpublished clinical study reports (CSRs) of relevant trials will be requested from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Clinical Study Data Request database. Studies will be included if they involve randomising adult patients with heart failure to either sacubitril/valsartan or usual care, with either an active comparator or placebo as a control. Heart failure of any subtype or NYHA class will be included. All relevant clinical and safety outcomes will be reviewed, particularly hospitalisation due to heart failure and cardiovascular mortality. Two reviewers will assess eligibility of selected studies for inclusion. Data extraction will be performed separately for trial publications, clinical trial registries and for CSRs using a piloted form. Methodological quality of included trials from published sources will be assessed separately using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2). Narrative synthesis of included studies will be conducted and, if appropriate, meta-analysis for clinical efficacy and safety outcomes.

Discussion: This review will collate all available RCT data on sacubitril/valsartan including published and unpublished sources in order to obtain a more complete picture of the evidence base for sacubitril/valsartan.

Registration: This protocol is registered on PROSPERO (reference CRD42020162031).