bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Sequence Stratigraphic Division and Depositional Environment of the Jurassic Yan’an Formation in the Pengyang Area, Southwestern Margin of the Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Hai Lianfu , Mu Caixia , Xu Qinghai , Sun Yongliang , Fan Hongrui , Xie Xiangyang , Wei Xiangcheng , Mei Chao , Yu Haibin , Manger Walter , Yang Jun
Published: July 2022

Coal and organic-rich shale in the Yan’an Formation in the southwestern margin of the Ordos Basin are widely developed, which is an important fact for oil and gas exploration in China that has been widely explored for a long time. In this paper, detailed sequence division and sedimentary environment analyses of the Yan’an Formation in the Pengyang area on the southwestern margin of the Ordos Basin were conducted using field outcrops, drilling cores, logging, wavelet transform and organic geochemistry. The results showed that the succession consists of some units with distinctly different characteristics. Based on the petrographic assemblage and transform wavelet characteristics, the Yan’an Formation in this area can be divided into a long-term cycle, five medium-term cycles, and eleven short-term cycles, among which coal and carbonaceous shale were mainly developed in the short-term cycles I2, III1, III2, V1 and V2. Coal and organic-rich mud shale have been developed in the Yan’an Formation and plant debris in mudstone and coal is common, indicating the development of swamps and shallow water-covered depressions in this area. The sandstones showed parallel bedding, cross-bedding and scours, thus indicating fluvial deposits. The saturated hydrocarbon gas chromatographic parameters of mud shale showed that the pristane/phytane (Pr/Ph) ratio is 2.24–6.22, the Ph/nC18 ratio is 0.15–0.93, and the Pr/nC17 ratio is 0.97–2.78, supporting the finding that the organic matter has mainly originated from terrestrial sources.
Reliability Analysis of MV Electric Distribution Networks Including Distributed Generation and ICT Infrastructure
Authors: Parol Miroslaw , Wasilewski Jacek , Wojtowicz Tomasz , Arendarski Bartlomiej , Komarnicki Przemyslaw
Published: July 2022

In recent years, the increased distributed generation (DG) capacity in electric distribution systems has been observed. Therefore, it is necessary to research existing structures of distribution networks as well as to develop new (future) system structures. There are many works on the reliability of distribution systems with installed DG sources. This paper deals with a reliability analysis for both present and future medium voltage (MV) electric distribution system structures. The impact of DG technology used and energy source location on the power supply reliability has been analyzed. The reliability models of electrical power devices, conventional and renewable energy sources as well as information and communications technology (ICT) components have been proposed. Main contribution of this paper are the results of performed calculations, which have been analyzed for specific system structures (two typical present network structures and two future network structures), using detailed information on DG types, their locations and power capacities, as well as distribution system automation applied (automatic stand-by switching on—ASS and automatic power restoration—APR). The reliability of the smart grid consisting of the distribution network and the coupled communications network was simulated and assessed. The observations and conclusions based on calculation results have been made. More detailed modeling and consideration of system automation of distribution grids with DG units coupled with the communication systems allows the design and application of more reliable MV network structures.
Numerical Simulation on Erosion Wear Law of Pressure-Controlled Injection Tool in Solid Fluidization Exploitation of the Deep-Water Natural Gas Hydrate
Authors: Tang Yang , Zhao Peng , Fang Xiaoyu , Wang Guorong , Zhong Lin , Li Xushen
Published: July 2022

The pressure-controlled injection tool (PCIT) is the key equipment in the process of high-pressure water jet fragmentation in the solid fluidization exploitation of deep-sea natural gas hydrate (NGH). The internal flow field erosion wear numerical simulation model of PCIT is established through computational fluid dynamics software to study the influence law and main factors of the drilling fluid erosion wear of PCIT. The influence laws of different drilling fluid physical parameters and different structural parameters on PCIT erosion wear were analyzed based on the Euler–Lagrangian algorithm bidirectional coupled discrete phase model (DPM) and the solid–liquid two-phase flow model. The results show that the easily eroded areas are the cone of the sliding core, the plug transition section, the plug surface, and the axial flow passage. The sliding core inlet angle and solid particle size are the main factors affecting the PCIT erosion rate. When the inlet angle of the sliding core is 30°, the diameter of solid-phase particles in drilling fluid is less than 0.3 mm, and the erosion degree of the PCIT could be effectively reduced. The research results can provide guidance for the design and application of the PCIT and advance the early realization of the commercial exploitation of hydrate.
Effect of Blade Diameter on the Performance of Horizontal-Axis Ocean Current Turbine
Authors: Ahmed Zaib Mansoor , Waqar Arbaz , Abbas Shoukat , Badshah Saeed , Ahmad Sajjad , Amjad Muhammad , Rahimian Koloor Seyed Saeid , Eldessouki Mohamed
Published: July 2022

The horizontal-axis ocean current turbine under investigation is a three-blade rotor that uses the flow of water to rotate its blade. The mechanical energy of a turbine is converted into electrical energy using a generator. The horizontal-axis ocean current turbine provides a nongrid robust and sustainable power source. In this study, the blade design is optimized to achieve higher efficiency, as the blade design of the hydrokinetic turbine has a considerable effect on its output efficiency. All the simulations of this turbine are performed on ANSYS software, based on the Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations. Three-dimensional (CFD) simulations are then performed to evaluate the performance of the rotor at a steady state. To examine the turbine’s efficiency, the inner diameter of the rotor is varied in all three cases. The attained result concludes that the highest Cm value is about 0.24 J at a tip-speed ratio (TSR) of 0.8 at a constant speed of 0.7 m/s. From 1 TSR onward, a further decrease occurs in the power coefficient. That point indicates the optimum velocity at which maximum power exists. The pressure contour shows that maximum dynamic pressure exists at the convex side of the advancing blade. The value obtained at that place is −348 Pa for case 1. When the dynamic pressure increases, the power also increases. The same trend is observed for case 2 and case 3, with the same value of optimum TSR = 0.8.
The Determinants of the Environmental Performance of EU Financial Institutions: An Empirical Study with a GLM Model
Authors: Ragazou Konstantina , Passas Ioannis , Garefalakis Alexandros , Zafeiriou Eleni , Kyriakopoulos Grigorios
Published: July 2022

Within the last few decades, the issue of the environmental performance of European financial institutions has become a significant feature of their strategic plans. Financial institutions can contribute through their own activities and investments, and also through their relationship with economic sectors and consumers, in decreasing environmental footprint. The purpose of this research is to investigate the determinants that affect the environmental performance of European financial institutions. Financial markets have been selected as the main research field for this study, as it presents an opportunity for environmental policy and is useful in view of the need for a wider range of policy instruments. Moreover, on a more practical level, financial institutions can interact with the environment in several ways, such as investors, innovators, valuers, powerful stakeholders, and polluters. The study is based on a mixed methodology approach, which integrates: (i) bibliometric analysis based on R package and (ii) panel data analysis with the assistance of a generalized linear model (GLM). Findings show that socioeconomic, governance, and technology factors positively affect the environmental performance of European financial institutions. Moreover, the incorporation of alternative energy sources, such as renewable energy in the corporate function, is a requirement for greening the financial institutions. The above can guide financial institutions to develop the appropriate strategies for decreasing their environmental footprint, improving their operational efficiency, and becoming more attractive and competitive in the market.
Deep-XFCT: Deep Learning 3D-Mineral Liberation Analysis with Micro-X-ray Fluorescence and Computed Tomography
Authors: Tung Patrick Kin Man , Halim Amalia Yunita , Wang Huixin , Rich Anne , Marjo Christopher , Regenauer-Lieb Klaus
Published: July 2022

Quantitative characterisation through mineral liberation analysis is required for effective minerals processing in areas such as mineral deposits, tailings and reservoirs in industries for resources, environment and materials science. Current practices in mineral liberation analysis are based on 2D representations, leading to systematic errors in the extrapolation to 3D volumetric properties. The rapid development of X-ray microcomputed tomography (μCT) opens new opportunities for 3D analysis of features such as particle- and grain-size characterisation, determination of particle densities and shape factors, estimation of mineral associations, and liberation and locking. To date, no simple non-destructive method exists for 3D mineral liberation analysis. We present a new development based on combining μCT with micro-X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) using deep learning. We demonstrate successful semi-automated multimodal analysis of a crystalline magmatic rock by obtaining 2D μXRF mineral maps from the top and bottom of the cylindrical core and propagating that information through the 3D μCT volume with deep learning segmentation. The deep learning model was able to segment the core to obtain reasonable mineral attributes. Additionally, the model overcame the challenge of differentiating minerals with similar densities in μCT, which would not be possible with conventional segmentation methods. The approach is universal and can be extended to any multimodal and multi-instrument analysis for further refinement. We conclude that the combination of μCT and μXRF can provide a new opportunity for robust 3D mineral liberation analysis in both field and laboratory applications.
A Gas Concentration Prediction Method Driven by a Spark Streaming Framework
Authors: Huang Yuxin , Fan Jingdao , Yan Zhenguo , Li Shugang , Wang Yanping
Published: July 2022

In the traditional coal-mine gas-concentration prediction process, problems such as low timeliness of data and low efficiency of the prediction model in learning data features result in low accuracy of the final prediction. To solve these problems, a gas-concentration prediction method driven by the Spark Streaming framework is proposed. In this research study, the Spark Streaming framework, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model and support vector machine (SVM) model are used to construct a new prediction model called the SPARS model. The Spark Streaming framework is used to process large batches of real-time streaming data in a short period of time, and the model can be used to intermittently update and optimize the prediction model so that the model can fully learn the characteristics of the data. At the same time, the advantages of the ARIMA model and SVM model for processing linear data and nonlinear data are combined to improve the model’s prediction efficiency and fully reflect the timeliness of gas prediction. Finally, the proposed prediction model is verified using gas data collected on site. The optimal learning time for the SPARS model in predicting this set of data is determined, and a comparative analysis of the prediction results obtained from the ARIMA, SVM and other models fully confirms that high-precision prediction results can be obtained using the SPARS model. The proposed model can be used to realize scientific and accurate real-time prediction and analyses of coal-mine gas concentrations and provides a new idea for realizing real-time and accurate gas prediction in coal mines.
The Influence of Environmental Awareness on Responsible Energy Consumption—The Case of Households in Poland
Authors: Jaciow Magdalena , Rudawska Edyta , Sagan Adam , Tkaczyk Jolanta , Wolny Robert
Published: July 2022

The growing impact of consumption on the environment has been attracting much attention from academics for the last couple of decades and has caused inquiries into the antecedents of responsible consumption. Previous studies focused on analyzing different antecedents of responsible consumption in various areas and contexts. However, very few studies investigated the antecedents of responsible consumption in the energy sector, and only a few referred to emerging European countries. The aim of the paper is to examine the effect of environmental awareness on responsible energy consumption. Data for this study have been collected using the survey methodology. A total of 1407 households were selected as a sample for the CAWI methods of gathering data. The territory of the study population is Poland. The methodology of research involves several measurement scales of theoretical constructs. The constructs′ reliability coefficients, as well as discriminant and convergent validity indices, showed an adequate level of measurement quality. Based on reliable and valid latent variables, the comparative analysis of mediated path models with moderated mediation is estimated. Structural causal modeling with d-separation check and sensitivity analysis of indirect causal paths is applied to test the causal research hypothesis under study. The research results confirm the significant mediational role of mobilizing attitude and environmental awareness in explaining relationships between perceived consumer effectiveness and energy efficiency and curtailment behaviors.
Multi-Variate and Multi-Response Analysis of Hydrothermal Carbonization of Food Waste: Hydrochar Composition and Solid Fuel Characteristics
Authors: Borbolla-Gaxiola Jaime E. , Ross Andrew B. , Dupont Valerie
Published: July 2022

To maximize food waste utilization, it is necessary to understand the effect of process variables on product distribution. To this day, there is a lack of studies evaluating the effects of the multiple variables of HTC on food waste. A Design of Experiment (DoE) approach has been used to investigate the influence of three process variables on the product distribution and composition of process streams from the HTC of food waste. This work evaluates the effect of hydrothermal carbonization process conditions on the composition and utilization capabilities of hydrochar from food waste. Parametric analysis was carried out with a design of experiments of central composite rotatable design (CCRD) and response surface methodology (RSM). Derringer’s desirability function was employed to perform a multi-response evaluation. The optimized process conditions were 260.4 °C, 29.5 min reaction time, and 19.6% solid load. The predicted optimized responses were EMC = 2.7%, SY = 57.1%, EY = 84.7%, ED = 1.5, and HHV of 31.8 MJ/Kg, with a composite desirability of 0.68. Temperature and solid load had a significant effect on all evaluated responses, while reaction time was non-significant.
Product Quality Measurement, Dynamic Changes, and the Belt and Road Initiative Distribution Characteristics: Evidence from Chinese Wooden Furniture Exports
Authors: Wan Lu , Ban Nannan , Fu Yizhong , Yuan Luyao
Published: July 2022

As the most important forest product in the export of China, wooden furniture is facing increasingly fierce international competition and has a strong need for quality improvement. Based on the endogenous determination model of quality, this paper measures the quality of Chinese wooden furniture in exports from 1998 to 2017, by using product-level trade data of BACI CEPII. From the perspectives of the overall and sub-category quality, it examines the characteristics of dynamic changes in the product quality and its regional distribution of “the Belt and Road Initiative” countries. The results show that the quality of Chinese wooden furniture in exports is lower than that of wood-based panels and paper products. It remains stable after a slight increase from 2001 to 2005, but the quality level is always low. Among the sub-categories, wooden furniture not for kitchens, offices, or bedrooms has the lowest quality, while wooden office furniture has the highest one. The three dominant sub-categories that account for a high export share are all low in quality, while the small proportion sub-categories are all of higher quality, implying a strong imbalance. In particular, the quality of the main export products, upholstered wooden seats and wooden furniture not for kitchen, office, or bedroom use, has continued to decline, highlighting the plight of the quality growth of Chinese wooden furniture. For the BRI markets, the quality of Chinese wooden furniture exported to the region has declined slightly since 2012. However, different markets have shown different characteristics in the quality level and the direction of change. In terms of quality level, the qualities of wooden furniture exported to Malaysia, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and the Philippines are relatively high. In terms of changing trends, the qualities of wooden furniture to Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Israel are showing a rising trend. In this case, accurately identifying the quality of different export categories of furniture products and their changing characteristics can help furniture enterprises make better production and operation decisions, promote the formation of a good business environment, and foster new comparative advantages and international competitiveness.
Internet of Things and Blockchain Integration: Security, Privacy, Technical, and Design Challenges
Authors: Alzoubi Yehia Ibrahim , Al-Ahmad Ahmad , Kahtan Hasan , Jaradat Ashraf
Published: July 2022

The Internet of things model enables a world in which all of our everyday devices can be integrated and communicate with each other and their surroundings to gather and share data and simplify task implementation. Such an Internet of things environment would require seamless authentication, data protection, stability, attack resistance, ease of deployment, and self-maintenance, among other things. Blockchain, a technology that was born with the cryptocurrency Bitcoin, may fulfill Internet of things requirements. However, due to the characteristics of both Internet of things devices and Blockchain technology, integrating Blockchain and the Internet of things can cause several challenges. Despite a large number of papers that have been published in the field of Blockchain and the Internet of things, the problems of this combination remain unclear and scattered. Accordingly, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive survey of the challenges related to Blockchain–Internet of things integration by evaluating the related peer-reviewed literature. The paper also discusses some of the recommendations for reducing the effects of these challenges. Moreover, the paper discusses some of the unsolved concerns that must be addressed before the next generation of integrated Blockchain–Internet of things applications can be deployed. Lastly, future trends in the context of Blockchain–Internet of things integration are discussed.
Detection of Obfuscated Malicious JavaScript Code
Authors: Alazab Ammar , Khraisat Ansam , Alazab Moutaz , Singh Sarabjot
Published: July 2022

Websites on the Internet are becoming increasingly vulnerable to malicious JavaScript code because of its strong impact and dramatic effect. Numerous recent cyberattacks use JavaScript vulnerabilities, and in some cases employ obfuscation to conceal their malice and elude detection. To secure Internet users, an adequate intrusion-detection system (IDS) for malicious JavaScript must be developed. This paper proposes an automatic IDS of obfuscated JavaScript that employs several features and machine-learning techniques that effectively distinguish malicious and benign JavaScript codes. We also present a new set of features, which can detect obfuscation in JavaScript. The features are selected based on identifying obfuscation, a popular method to bypass conventional malware detection systems. The performance of the suggested approach has been tested on JavaScript obfuscation attacks. The studies have shown that IDS based on selected features has a detection rate of 94% for malicious samples and 81% for benign samples within the dimension of the feature vector of 60.
Effective Adsorption of Colorants from Sugarcane Juice by Bagasse-Based Biochar-Hydroxyapatite Composite
Authors: Wang Cheng , Luo Mengying , Xie Caifeng , Li Kai , Hang Fangxue , Shi Changrong , Doherty William O. S.
Published: July 2022

The clarification of sugarcane juice is a crucial stage in the sugar manufacturing process, as it affects evaporator performance, sugar quality and yield. The emergence of environmentally friendly and efficient adsorption technology has resulted in widespread interest in carbon-based materials. However, their low adsorption capacity and reusability make them unsuitable for processing sugarcane juice. Here, we provide a cost-effective and sustainable method to dope hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles on porous carbon (BBC) derived from sugarcane bagasse (BBC-HAP). The composite shows excellent adsorption capacity for color extract from sugarcane juice of 313.33 mg/g, far more effective than the commercially available carbon-based adsorbents. Isotherm studies show that the adsorption of BBC-HAP composite to the colorants is a monolayer process. The pseudo-first-order (PFO) and pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetic models demonstrate that the adsorption process is dominated by chemisorption and supplemented by physical adsorption.
Special Issue “Innovations in the Food System: Exploring the Future of Food”
Authors: Clodoveo Maria Lisa
Published: July 2022

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 2018 provided a definition of “food systems” highlighting that they “encompass the entire range of actors and their interlinked value-adding activities involved in the production, aggregation, processing, distribution, consumption, and disposal of food products that originate from agriculture, forestry or fisheries, and food industries, and the broader economic, societal and natural environments in which they are embedded” [...]
Apricot Kernel: Bioactivity, Characterization, Applications, and Health Attributes
Authors: Akhone Mansoor Ali , Bains Aarti , Tosif Mansuri M. , Chawla Prince , Fogarasi Melinda , Fogarasi Szabolcs
Published: July 2022

Apricot kernel, a by-product of apricot fruit, is a rich source of proteins, vitamins, and carbohydrates. Moreover, it can be used for medicinal purposes and the formation of food ingredients. Several techniques have been adopted for the extraction of bioactive compounds from the apricot kernel such as solvent extraction, ultra-sonication, enzyme-assisted, microwave-assisted, and aqueous extraction. Apricot kernels may help to fight against various diseases such as cancer and cancer immunotherapy, as well as reduce blood pressure. Additionally, the kernel is famous due to its diverse industrial applications in various industries and fields of research such as thermal energy storage, the cosmetic industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and the food industry. Especially in the food industry, the apricot kernel can be used in the preparation of low-fat biscuits, cookies, cakes, and the fabrication of antimicrobial films. Therefore, in this review article, the bioactivity of the apricot kernel is discussed along with its chemical or nutritional composition, characterizations, and applications.
Antibiotics Resistance and Virulence of Staphylococcus aureus Isolates Isolated from Raw Milk from Handmade Dairy Retail Stores in Hefei City, China
Authors: Wang Hui , Shen Jiawei , Zhu Chengfeng , Ma Kai , Fang Mengcheng , Li Bingbing , Wang Wenhui , Xue Ting
Published: July 2022

Handmade dairy products, which retain the nutrients in milk to the greatest extent, have become popular in China recently. However, no investigation regarding the characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in raw milk of handmade dairy retail stores has been reported. Here, we investigated the antimicrobial susceptibility, virulence, biofilm formation, and genetic diversity of S. aureus in raw milk from handmade dairy retail stores in Hefei, China. After 10 months of long-term monitoring, 50 S. aureus strains were isolated from 69 different raw milk samples, of which 6 were positive for methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The resistance rates of these isolates to ampicillin, erythromycin, kanamycin, tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, gentamicin, ofloxacin, oxacillin, chloramphenicol, and doxycycline were 56, 54, 40, 24, 22, 22, 18, 14, 8 and 6%, respectively. All 50 isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and 29 strains (58%) showed multidrug resistance phenotype. For enterotoxins genes, selp (14%) was detected the most frequently, followed by sea (6%), sec (4%), sei (4%), ser (4%), selj (4%), and seh (2%). By microplate assay, 32 and 68% of the strains showed moderate and strong biofilm formation ability, respectively. Fifty isolates were discriminated into nine spa types, and the most common spa typing was t034 (42%). The results of this study indicate that S. aureus from raw milk may constitute a risk concerning food poisoning, and more attention must be given to awareness and hygienic measures in the food industry.
Promising Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Mitochondria in Kidney Diseases: From Small Molecules to Whole Mitochondria
Authors: Jiménez-Uribe Alexis Paulina , Pedraza-Chaverri José
Published: July 2022

Kidney function highly depends on mitochondria, organelles that regulate different metabolic pathways. Mitochondria-altered function and structure are present during acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Targeting mitochondria using several strategies has been shown to improve kidney function. Here, we review some experimental mitochondria targeting strategies with clinical potential in kidney diseases encompassing cationic/lipophilic small molecules, peptides, nanocarriers, and even the entire organelle.
Evaluating Signal Systems Using Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures
Authors: Wang Bangyu , Schultz Grant G. , Macfarlane Gregory S. , McCuen Sabrina
Published: July 2022

Automated traffic signal performance measures (ATSPMs) are used to collect data concerning the current and historical performance of signalized intersections. However, transportation agencies are not using ATSPM data to the full extent of this “big data” resource, because the volume of information can overwhelm traditional identification and prioritization techniques. This paper presents a method that summarizes multiple dimensions of intersection- and corridor-level performance using ATSPM data and returns information that can be used for prioritization of intersections and corridors for further analysis. The method was developed and applied to analyze three signalized corridors in Utah, consisting of 20 total intersections. Four performance measures were used to develop threshold values for evaluation: platoon ratio, split failures, arrivals on green, and red-light violations. The performance measures were scaled and classified using k-means cluster analysis and expert input. The results of this analysis produced a score for each intersection and corridor determined from the average of the four measures, weighted by expert input. The methodology is presented as a prototype that can be developed with more performance measures and more extensive corridors for future studies.
Further Insights on RNA Expression and Sperm Motility
Authors: Silva Carolina , Viana Paulo , Barros Alberto , Sá Rosália , Sousa Mário , Pereira Rute
Published: July 2022

Asthenozoospermia is one of the main causes of male infertility and it is characterized by reduced sperm motility. Several mutations in genes that code for structural or functional constituents of the sperm have already been identified as known causes of asthenozoospermia. In contrast, the role of sperm RNA in regulating sperm motility is still not fully understood. Consequently, here we aim to contribute to the knowledge regarding the expression of sperm RNA, and ultimately, to provide further insights into its relationship with sperm motility. We investigated the expression of a group of mRNAs by using real-time PCR (CATSPER3, CFAP44, CRHR1, HIP1, IQCG KRT34, LRRC6, QRICH2, RSPH6A, SPATA33 and TEKT2) and the highest score corresponding to the target miRNA for each mRNA in asthenozoospermic and normozoospermic individuals. We observed a reduced expression of all mRNAs and miRNAs in asthenozoospermic patients compared to controls, with a more accentuated reduction in patients with progressive sperm motility lower than 15%. Our work provides further insights regarding the role of RNA in regulating sperm motility. Further studies are required to determine how these genes and their corresponding miRNA act regarding sperm motility, particularly KRT34 and CRHR1, which have not previously been seen to play a significant role in regulating sperm motility.
Susceptibility Loci for Type 2 Diabetes in the Ethnically Endogamous Indian Sindhi Population: A Pooled Blood Genome-Wide Association Study
Authors: Pipal Kanchan V. , Mamtani Manju , Patel Ashwini A. , Jaiswal Sujeet G. , Jaisinghani Manisha T. , Kulkarni Hemant
Published: July 2022

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex metabolic derangement that has a strong genetic basis. There is substantial population-specificity in the association of genetic variants with T2D. The Indian urban Sindhi population is at a high risk of T2D. The genetic basis of T2D in this population is unknown. We interrogated 28 pooled whole blood genomes of 1402 participants from the Diabetes In Sindhi Families In Nagpur (DISFIN) study using Illumina’s Global Screening Array. From a total of 608,550 biallelic variants, 140 were significantly associated with T2D after adjusting for comorbidities, batch effects, pooling error, kinship status and pooling variation in a random effects multivariable logistic regression framework. Of the 102 well-characterized genes that these variants mapped onto, 70 genes have been previously reported to be associated with T2D to varying degrees with known functional relevance. Excluding open reading frames, intergenic non-coding elements and pseudogenes, our study identified 22 novel candidate genes in the Sindhi population studied. Our study thus points to the potential, interesting candidate genes associated with T2D in an ethnically endogamous population. These candidate genes need to be fully investigated in future studies.
A Systematic Review of Genetic Polymorphisms Associated with Bipolar Disorder Comorbid to Substance Abuse
Authors: de Marco Adriano , Scozia Gabriele , Manfredi Lucia , Conversi David
Published: July 2022

It is currently unknown which genetic polymorphisms are involved in substance use disorder (SUD) comorbid with bipolar disorder (BD). The research on polymorphisms in BD comorbid with SUD (BD + SUD) is summarized in this systematic review. We looked for case-control studies that genetically compared adults and adolescents with BD and SUD, healthy controls, and BD without SUD. PRISMA was used to create our protocol, which is PROSPERO-registered (identification: CRD4221270818). The following bibliographic databases were searched indefinitely until December 2021 to identify potentially relevant articles: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science. This systematic review, after the qualitative analysis of the study selection, included 17 eligible articles. In the selected studies, 66 polymorphisms in 29 genes were investigated. The present work delivers a group of potentially valuable genetic polymorphisms associated with BD + SUD: rs11600996 (ARNTL), rs228642/rs228682/rs2640909 (PER3), PONQ192R (PON1), rs945032 (BDKRB2), rs1131339 (NR4A3), and rs6971 (TSPO). It is important to note that none of those findings have been confirmed by two or more studies; thus, we believe that all the polymorphisms identified in this review require additional evidence to be confirmed.
Alternative Splicing Isoforms of Porcine CREB Are Differentially Involved in Transcriptional Transactivation
Authors: Zhang Dongjie , Zhang Qian , Wang Liang , Li Jiaxin , Hao Wanjun , Sun Yuanlu , Liu Di , Yang Xiuqin
Published: July 2022

The cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), a basic leucine zipper transcription factor, is involved in the activation of numerous genes in a variety of cell types. The CREB gene is rich in alternative splicing (AS) events. However, studies on the AS of CREB genes in pigs are limited, and few reports have compared the roles of isoforms in activating gene expression. Here, five AS transcripts, V1–5, were characterized by RT-PCR and two, V3 and V5, were new identifications. Both V1 and V2 have all the functional domains of the CREB protein, with similar tissue expression profiles and mRNA stability, suggesting that they have similar roles. The transcriptional transactivation activities of four isoforms encoding complete polypeptides were analyzed on the expression of the B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2-like protein 2 and the poly (A)-binding protein, nuclear 1 genes with a dual-luciferase reporter system, and differential activities were observed. Both V1 and V2 have promoting effects, but their roles are gene-specific. V3 has no effect on the promoter of the two genes, while V4 functions as a repressor. The mechanisms underlying the differential roles of V1 and V2 were analyzed with RNA-seq, and the genes specifically regulated by V1 and V2 were identified. These results will contribute to further revealing the role of CREB and to analyzing the significance of AS in genes.
Frequency of Parkinson’s Disease Genes and Role of PARK2 in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An NGS Study
Authors: Vacchiano Veria , Bartoletti-Stella Anna , Rizzo Giovanni , Avoni Patrizia , Parchi Piero , Salvi Fabrizio , Liguori Rocco , Capellari Sabina
Published: July 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients show a higher prevalence of Lewy body disease than the general population. Additionally, parkinsonian features were found in about 30% of ALS patients. We aimed to explore the frequency of Parkinson’s disease (PD)-causative genes in ALS patients, compared to AD and healthy controls (HCs). We used next-generation sequencing multigene panels by analyzing SNCA, LRRK2, PINK1, PARK2, PARK7, SYNJ1, CHCHD2, PLA2G6, GCH1, ATP13A2, DNAJC6 and FBXO genes. GBA gene, a risk factor for PD, was also analyzed. In total, 130 ALS and 100 AD patients were investigated. PD-related genes were found to be altered in 26.2% of ALS, 20% of AD patients and 19.2% of HCs. Autosomal recessive genes were significantly more involved in ALS as compared to AD and HCs (p = 0.021). PARK2 variants were more frequent in ALS than in AD and HCs, although not significantly. However, the p.Arg402Cys variant was increased in ALS than in HCs (p = 0.025). This finding is consistent with current literature, as parkin levels were found to be decreased in ALS animal models and patients. Our results confirm the possible role of PD-related genes as risk modifier in ALS pathogenesis.
Two Decades Mangroves Loss Monitoring Using Random Forest and Landsat Data in East Luwu, Indonesia (2000–2020)
Authors: Jamaluddin Ilham , Chen Ying-Nong , Ridha Syafiq Muhammad , Mahyatar Panji , Ayudyanti Amalia Gita
Published: July 2022

Mangroves grow in the tidal zone and have many benefits for the ecosystem and human life. Mangrove loss monitoring is important information to know the condition and status of mangrove forests. Along with the development of computer technology, machine learning and satellite imagery has widely used for mangrove mapping. The goal of this study is to monitor two decades (2000–2020) of mangrove loss using a random forest (RF) algorithm with Landsat-7 and Landsat-8 data in East Luwu, Indonesia. East Luwu has a high mangrove deforestation rate based on the previous study. More detailed mangrove loss monitoring in this area is needed to know the annual mangrove deforestation rate in this area. This study used an RF model to produce mangrove maps in the whole study area from 2000 to 2020. According to the large computing and storage capabilities of time-series satellite data, this study used Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform as the cloud computing process. A total of 2500 independent testing points were collected to calculate the evaluation assessment of produced mangrove maps. Based on the evaluation assessment, the average overall score of produced mangrove map is 0.966, while the average UA score of mangrove class is 0.936. In general, this study revealed the total area of mangroves in East Luwu from 2000 to 2020 has a decreased trend. The highest annual rate of mangrove loss happened from 2000 to 2005 with a loss rate of −14.11% (2477.39 Ha). The main factor of mangrove loss in this area is caused by the aquaculture ponds. In addition, we found an increase in mangrove areas from 2016 to 2020 by +1.04% (87.96 ha).
A Study on Perceptions towards Organic and Local Production, and Individuals’ Socio-Demographic and Geographical Affiliation Influencing Fruit and Vegetable Purchasing Preferences of EU Households
Authors: Varaldo Alice , Borra Danielle , Vassallo Emanuela , Massimelli Fabrizio , Massaglia Stefano , Merlino Valentina Maria
Published: July 2022

This study investigates the preferences and the consumption models in the three most relevant F&V EU markets (France, Germany and Italy) in the function of individual attitudes towards local and organic production models. A structured questionnaire was submitted to a sample of 3000 consumers interviewed from December 2021 to January 2022 in the three selected geographical areas. Data were analyzed with the Principal Component Analysis and using the k-means cluster approach. Four main components (European is Better, Organic is Local, Quality is Origin-Related, and Clothes Do Not Make the Product) were defined and used to identify four different consumer clusters (organic and local-sensitive, origin and quality assessment, credence and intrinsic attributes, Global quality evaluation) across the entire sample of consumers. The main findings explain the importance of the origin of the F&V, which, however, is evaluated differently depending on the organic certification, the guarantees made by a brand/logo, and the evaluation of product quality cues. Furthermore, awareness of the logos significantly affects cluster composition and consumption orientation. Finally, the MLR model was applied, highlighting how certain socio-demographic variables, as well as the specific country, explain group membership very well.
Examining the Influence of Housing Conditions and Daily Greenspace Exposure on People’s Perceived COVID-19 Risk and Distress
Authors: Huang Jianwei , Kwan Mei-Po
Published: July 2022

Many people have worried about COVID-19 infection, job loss, income reduction, and family conflict during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some social groups may be particularly vulnerable due to their residential neighborhoods and daily activities. On the other hand, people’s daily exposure to greenspace offers promising pathways for reducing these worries associated with COVID-19. Using data collected with a questionnaire and a two-day activity diary from two typical neighborhoods in Hong Kong, this study examines how people’s housing conditions and daily greenspace exposure affect their perceived COVID-19 risk and distress (i.e., worries about job loss, income reduction, and family conflict) during the pandemic. First, the study compares people’s perceived COVID-19 risk and distress based on their residential neighborhoods. Further, it examines the associations between people’s perceived COVID-19 risk and distress with their housing conditions and daily greenspace exposure using ordinal logistic regression models. The results indicate that living in a high-risk neighborhood, being married, renting a residential unit, and living in a large household are significantly associated with a higher neighborhood-based perceived COVID-19 risk and distress during the pandemic. In addition, people also reported lower mobility-based perceived COVID-19 risk when compared to their neighborhood-based perceived COVID-19 risk, while they still have a high perceived COVID-19 risk in their occupational venues if they have to work in a high-risk district (e.g., Kowloon). Lastly, daily greenspace exposure (i.e., woodland) could reduce people’s perceived COVID-19 risk and distress. These results have important implications for the public health authority when formulating the measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Initial Surgical Strategy for the Treatment of Type A Acute Aortic Dissection: Does Proximal or Distal Extension of the Aortic Resection Influence the Outcomes?
Authors: Bassano Carlo , Pugliese Marta , Mve Mvondo Charles , Pisano Calogera , Nardi Paolo , Buioni Dario , Bertoldo Fabio , Scognamiglio Mattia , Salvati Alessandro C. , Altieri Claudia , Ruvolo Giovanni
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: We sought to analyze and compare the outcomes in terms of early and late mortality and freedom from a redo operation in patients undergoing surgical treatment for a type A acute aortic dissection in relation to the initial surgical treatment strategy, i.e., proximal or distal extension of the aortic segment resection, compared with isolated resection of the supracoronary ascending aorta. (2) Methods: This is a retrospective study in which we included 269 patients who underwent operations for a type A acute aortic dissection in the Department of Cardiac Surgery of Tor Vergata University from May 2006 to May 2016. The patients were grouped according to the extent of the performed surgical treatment: isolated replacement of the supracoronary ascending aorta (NE, no extension), replacement of the aortic root (PE, proximal extension), replacement of the aortic arch (DE, distal extension), and both (BE, bilateral extension). The analyzed variables were in-hospital mortality, postoperative complications (incidence of neurological damage, renal failure and need for prolonged intubation), late mortality and need for a redo operation. (3) Results: Unilateral cerebral perfusion was performed in 49.3% of the patients, and bilateral perfusion—in 50.6%. The overall in-hospital mortality was 31.97%. In the multivariate analysis, advanced age, cardiopulmonary bypass time and preoperative orotracheal intubation were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. In the population of patients who survived the surgery, the probability of survival at 92 months was 70 ± 5%, the probability of freedom from a redo operation was 71.5 ± 5%, the probability of freedom from the combined end-point death and a redo operation was 50 ± 5%. The re-intervention rate in the general population was 16.9%. The overall probability of freedom from re-intervention was higher in patients undergoing aortic root replacement, although not reaching a level of statistical significance. Patients who underwent aortic arch treatment showed reduced survival. (4) Conclusions: In the treatment of type A acute aortic dissection, all the surgical strategies adopted were associated with satisfactory long-term survival. In the group of patients in which the aortic root had not been replaced, we observed reduced event-free survival.
Well-Trained Elders Have Antioxidant Responses and an Equal Magnitude of EIMD as Young Adults
Authors: Tékus Eva , Szénási Nikolett Lilla , Szabó Edina , Heckel Zoltan , Mintál Tibor , Kőszegi Tamas , Atlasz Tamas , Gazdag Zoltan , Váczi Mark , Wilhelm Marta
Published: July 2022

Aim The aim of the study was to investigate acute and chronic effects of a two-week eccentric concentric, dynamometric training concerning the time-course changes of blood antioxidant parameters (total antioxidant capacity, catalase enzyme activity, thiol concentration), and to compare the adaptability of young and older muscle to this type of training. Methods Seventeen moderately trained young and older men participated in this research. Subjects performed six eccentric concentric exercise bouts during the training period and maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque, plasma CK and intensity of muscle soreness were determined before and 24 h after the first exercise. During five testing sessions (baseline, 24 h, 48 h, week 1, week 2) the level of blood antioxidants were measured. Results No significant changes were registered in total antioxidant capacity and catalase enzyme activity for any time points; furthermore, no difference was found between groups during the training period. However, total thiol concentrations measured two weeks after the first exercise bout significantly differed between the young and elderly groups. Plasma CK and the subjective intensity of soreness elevated significantly 24 h following the first training, while maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque decreased at the same time. Conclusions Our results do not support previous findings that chronic, short-term eccentric concentric training programs enhance the antioxidant defense of well-trained older and young men. This type and setting of exercise did not cause a different time course of changes in the markers of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in the studied population. Subjects may already have adapted to maintain constant levels of antioxidants and isometric torque due to their active lifestyle.