bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La réadaptation au coeur de nos préoccupations
Authors: Simard Marie-Claude , Chouinard-Thivierge Stéphanie , Tanguay Patrick
Published: May 2023

Cet article présente les résultats d’une étude administrative réalisée au CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, en réponse à l’orientation 1 du plan d’action du ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux portant sur les fugues en centre de réadaptation (Gouvernement du Québec, 2018). Le premier volet de cette étude identifie les caractéristiques des jeunes hébergés dans un centre de réadaptation et dans un foyer de groupe (n = 148). Les résultats démontrent des fréquences élevées de jeunes qui présentent un trouble déficitaire de l’attention avec ou sans hyperactivité (TDAH), un problème de santé mentale et qui prennent une médication. Des analyses comparatives selon le genre révèlent que les garçons présentent davantage de problèmes de comportement tels que la violence, la consommation, et la délinquance, alors que la victimisation est plus présente chez les filles. Le second volet repose sur une analyse des besoins, conduite auprès des jeunes hébergés (n = 80), en plus de sonder les adultes impliqués auprès d’eux (n = 141). Cette analyse révèle que les besoins identifiés varient selon le type de répondants mais se situent surtout dans les sphères de vie suivantes : santé mentale, autonomie des jeunes et transition à la vie adulte, marché du travail, perception de soi, relations familiales. Ces besoins sont d’ailleurs en concordance avec les problématiques vécues par les jeunes.
Tenir compte de la variation géographique et de la pauvreté dans l’intervention en protection de l’enfance au Québec
Authors: Esposito Tonino , Caldwell Johanna , Saint Girons Marie , Chabot Martin , Précourt Stéphanie , Trocmé Nico
Published: May 2023

Plusieurs études menées au cours de la dernière décennie démontrent une relation claire entre la pauvreté et le risque de faire face à une intervention de la Direction de la protection de la jeunesse au Québec (DPJ). Bien que cette association soit courante dans toutes les administrations nord-américaines, elle est surprenante compte tenu du niveau relativement élevé de politiques sociales progressistes visant à réduire la pauvreté familiale. Bien que les études montrent clairement que la pauvreté des familles et des quartiers est liée au risque d’intervention de la protection de l’enfance, les mécanismes expliquant cette association ne sont pas clairs. La question de recherche de la présente étude est fondée sur des questions de distribution équitable des services. La présente étude s’appuie sur des études antérieures à l’échelle de la province du Québec afin d’examiner, dans une optique géographique, la relation entre la pauvreté et l’implication des services de la protection de la jeunesse, en analysant le rôle de la densité de la population infantile dans les régions du Québec. Les résultats montrent 1) que la densité de la population d’enfants varie considérablement dans la province, et 2) que la relation linéaire entre les rapports corroborés sur la protection de la jeunesse, le placement hors du foyer familial et la pauvreté est plus forte dans les régions à faible densité de population. Ces résultats soulèvent d’autres questions de recherche concernant le rôle des services dans toutes les régions géographiques en ce qui concerne le risque d’intervention des services de protection de la jeunesse pour les familles pauvres et les familles des quartiers pauvres. Cet article incite les décideurs et les chercheurs à considérer la notion d’équité spatiale dans la distribution des services dans les futures analyses de politiques publiques et études de recherche au Québec.
Applicability of the Assessment Framework on Building Renovation of the European Union in Spain
Authors: Arbulu Markel , Oregi Xabat , Rueda-Esteban Markel , López-Mesa Belinda
Published: May 2023

The energy renovation of buildings is one of the main keys to achieve the decarbonisation objectives of the European Union as defined in the European Green Deal. To proceed with them, some of the main tools are the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786, with an assessment framework composed by Measurable Progress Indicators (MPIs) to assess the decarbonisation process of the national building stock of the Member States. The objective of the study is to analyse the applicability of the MPIs of the assessment framework in Spain. The study carries out deep research of the viability of the MPIs in terms of data availability as well as a round table of 39 experts from different national organizations focused on the energy efficiency of buildings. Thus, the methodology is developed in three stages: (1) the analysis of the viability of each MPI in the Spanish context in terms of data availability; (2) prioritization of the MPIs through a round table of experts in energy efficiency of buildings; (3) critical evaluation of the priority MPIs regarding the efficient applicability in Spain. Firstly, the analysis of viability shows that it is possible to develop most of the MPIs of certain evaluation scopes, like ‘Overview of policies and actions to target the worst-performing segments of the national building stock’ with 6 out of 7 MPIs viable; however, in some other scopes very few or none of the MPIs are viable, like in ‘Policies and actions to target all public buildings’. Secondly, the expert round table prioritized 8 as the most important MPIs to evaluate the renovation of the national building stock, addressing different evaluation fields like environment and energy, renovation progress, social measures, and integration of technologies. Thirdly, the evaluation of the selected eight priority MPIs show that half of them is not viable in Spain according to the data availability, one partially viable, and only three of them are viable, but with limitations in the data quality; in the viable MPIs, the available data sources that allow the processability, exist only for two of them; georeferenced data exist for none of them. In conclusion, the MPIs of the EU’s assessment framework provide convenient indicators to assess the renovation of the national building stock according to the expert round table, but due to the data availability, it shows a limited applicability in the context of Spain.
Beyond Well-Being: The Assessment of the Energy Renovation in Latvia by the Residents
Authors: Gončarovs Kirils
Published: May 2023

The renovation of the multifamily buildings represents a key policy area and at the same time largely affects the daily life of residents. In the time of energy crisis, when energy price rises and saving energy becomes especially important, the building sector is among the most affected and a key sector to mitigate the consequences. The paper tackles the energy renovations of multi-family buildings in Latvia that use energy performance contracts. Specifically, it investigates how the process of renovation affects the resident’s health and well-being, their perception, and understanding of the renovation process. To evaluate the perception of the residents, a survey was conducted in thirteen buildings renovated by using energy performance contracting in three cities in Latvia. The survey addressed the preparation and execution of the energy renovation project, the state of the building before and after the renovation, and the impact of the renovated building on the residents. The survey revealed the lack of communication between the parties involved and co-design as the roadblocks to upscale the renovation process in Latvia. In particular, the financial communication to the residents on the project costs was insufficient. Additionally, even though the resident’s perception of safety, health, and comfort improved, the survey showed a decrease in communication between the residents of the same building after the renovation. Assessment of the survey results revealed the need to improve the communication by the ESCOs on the costs of the energy renovation projects and address the lack of community engagement after it is completed.
Energy Audit and Energy Management Systems: Review of International Energy Auditing Practice
Authors: Liberova Veronika , Dolge Kristiāna , Lauka Dace , Bezrucko Tereza , Brēmane Ingūna , Blumberga Dagnija
Published: May 2023

This research combines the analysis of international knowledge in energy audit practices with information on the nature of energy audit and its involved parties on the path to fulfil the goals set by the European Union policy and Latvian national policy. The article also analyses the publicly available information about the energy sector in Latvia, industry statistics, and legislative acts that have a direct impact on the implementation of energy audits. Although the European Union aims to reduce EU emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and to reduce gas demand by 15% by May 2023, sustainable energy use requires not only increased renewable energy production but also an efficient and competent use of this energy.The article first assesses the institutional basis, by EU regulations, to promote energy audits in the country. International energy audit and energy efficiency practices are also reviewed, focusing on government policy, energy audit standards, tools and methods.As each member state of the European Union has independently interpreted and adapted the EU requirements related to energy efficiency, especially the Directive of the European Parliament and of Council no. 2018/844, which amends Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy efficiency of buildings and Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency, points 6 and 9, then the exchange of information between member states on their knowledge and experience should be considered an essential aspect of the policy, so that in the future countries together could achieve European energy security, independence, competitiveness and sustainability by adopting the best examples there are.The result achieved in the research is a summary of the energy audit experience of the EU and other countries, a description of energy consumption and their prices in Europe, as well as an extract of the most important regulatory acts.
Heat Accumulation within Building Envelopes to Support Transition to Low-Temperature District Heating (LTDH)
Authors: Chicherin Stanislav
Published: May 2023

The novel feature is to consider the transition process when the low- temperature mode is switched to the ordinary high-temperature operation. It takes place when time of relatively high heat demand starts – in the beginning of winter. The contribution to the pool of knowledge is that we consider building envelopes that have previously been charged before the system starts operating at a full load; this results in relatively low indoor temperature drop compared to the reference scenario. The control logic formulated considers low temperature concept and other technologies available (e.g. heat accumulators) running at the same time. This pattern is compounded by the recommendation to set 50 °C during fall and spring, when the average outdoor 5-day temperature is 0 °C and above. The main result is O&M cost reduction by 19 %, achieved by incorporating low-temperature with 50–60 °C operating temperatures and using centralized storage. The maximum storage capacity ensures a 16-h long delay in transition to the normal operating mode, if all the studied buildings are involved to limit drastic flow rate increase and minimum indoor temperature is 0 °C to prevent damage to SH system. However, such low values are never encountered in practice and represent the upper threshold only, since usually supply temperature increase takes up to 5 hours. Besides, the weather forecast is typically accurate, and all the actions are typically taken in advance – several hours prior to the outdoor temperature drop. The considerations are general enough to be applied to other areas of the DH system. To sum up, the operational pattern of the supply temperature for 6 typical buildings located in Omsk was studied using the reference-group based approach. As DH systems are in a transition phase to 4GDH, there is a tremendous potential and possibility for emerging novel DH designs, which address all the issues and expectations of future distribution networks including competitive performance and cost-effectiveness. The similarities among buildings were measured on the basis of pointwise and the same distributional distance based on their indoor temperature data. The methodology suggested in this paper, which uses reference-groups, has been proven as a pertinent solution and highly efficient; however, it can still be further improved to be not sole, but rather incorporated in the idea of combined low- and temperature-flexible operation. So far, the analysis based on the stability proportion criterion was performed to recommend the best substation’s valves adjustments and identify the best combination of material/ height/substation type for constructing office or residential buildings.
Impact of Climate Change on the Heating Demand of Buildings. A District Level Approach
Authors: Apostolopoulou Athanasia , Jimenez-Bescos Carlos
Published: May 2023

In the 21st century, the importance of energy generation and carbon emissions in developing countries is indisputable. In the whole wide world, the building stock is responsible for the two fifths of the total world annual energy consumption. Considering the predictions regarding future climate due to climate change, a good understanding on the energy use due to future climate is required. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of future weather in the heating demand and carbon emissions for a group of buildings at district level, focusing on an area of London in the United Kingdom. The methodological approach involved the use of geospatial data for the case study area, processed with Python and Anaconda through Jupyter notebook, generation of an archetype dataset with energy performance data and TABULA typology and the use of python embedded in QGIS to calculate the heating demand in the reference weather data, 2050 and 2100 in accordance to RCP4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. A validated model was used for the district level heating demand calculation. On the one hand, the results suggest that a mitigation of carbon emissions under the RCP4.5 scenario will generate a small decrease on the heating demand at district level, so slightly similar levels of heating generation must continue to be provided using sustainable alternatives. On the other hand, following the RCP 8.5 scenario of carbon emission carrying on business as usual will create a significant reduction of heating demand due to the rise on temperature but with the consequent overheating in summer, which will shift the energy generation problem. The results suggest that adaptation of the energy generation must start shifting to cope with higher temperatures and a different requirement of delivered energy from heating to cooling due to the effect of climate change.
Mobile Thermal Energy Storages as Complementary Technology to District Heating Networks
Authors: Dehner Harald , Resch Alois
Published: May 2023

District heating networks (DHN) are an important backbone of today´s heat supply with high potential to contribute to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, if their heat sources are increasingly transformed into renewable ones. However, an economically viable application of such networks requires adequate occupancy rates and power density along the lines, because the infrastructure causes significant effort in terms of investment, operation and maintenance. This is one of the reasons, why DHN are mostly implemented in urban regions. On the other hand, industrial plants are not always located within the meaningful range of DHN, although they require huge amounts of heat as well as release significant amounts of waste heat, depending on the specific industrial sector. The utilisation of mobile thermal energy storages (M-TES) can be a possibility to close the gap of energy transfer between a DHN and the industry or even directly between two or more industrial plants. The intention of this approach is to transfer heat by charging a mobile heat storage at the producer and transfer it to the consumer by means of common transport and available infrastructure, e.g. by a truck on the road. In this way, the M-TES concept could serve as a complementary heat supply technology for regions without DHN or it could even be a competitor to DHN for the case that it might by economically advantageous. M-TES was already investigated in the past, even by experimental implementation, but with the energy prices of 2015 is was financially not feasible [1]. As energy markets had to face unknown fluctuations in 2022, the research work presented by this paper had the aim to analyse the M-TES concept for the current situation. Therefore, a comprehensive economic evaluation was performed, based on VDI2067, for calculating the levelised costs of heat (LCOH) for M-TES. This investigation was done for the three main types of heat storing mechanisms, namely sensible, latent and thermochemical storages. In each category, several material types were considered to meet possible requirements of the specific application, e.g. in terms of temperature demand. This updated analysis of M-TES yielded positive results for thermochemical and latent heat storages, as the LCOH are significantly lower compared to the heat costs of DHN in Austria in 2022. However, the transportation distance is the most sensitive parameter in this study, which restricts the viability of M-TES to near surroundings.
Profile of Hard-to-Reach Energy Consumers: Definitions, Needs and Barriers
Authors: Bremane Inguna , Liberova Veronika , Bezrucko Tereza , Blumberga Andra
Published: May 2023

According to the European Union, household energy consumption accounts for up to 30% of total energy consumption. Therefore, the household sector has great potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The introduction of energy efficiency measures and the renovation of multi-apartment buildings are important solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving climate neutrality in Latvia. However, this potential is not being fully exploited because the renovation process in the multi-apartment building sector is extremely slow. One of the reasons for this is the lack of interest and willingness of residents to engage and agree on the implementation of energy efficiency measures in buildings. The study examines the main groups of energy consumers, their definitions, needs, as well as the most common obstacles and barriers that prevent energy consumers from fully engaging in the implementation of energy efficiency measures. To get an idea of the groups, publicly available information on the characteristics of hard-to-reach consumers was analysed, media content was analysed and interviews with energy experts were conducted. The results showed that the literature mentions different definitions, audience characteristics, barriers, and needs of hard-to-reach energy consumers. These definitions, barriers, and needs vary across countries and research contexts. There is a strong focus on overcoming barriers, but little research on the needs of the groups. Defining the audience accurately and studying the needs of the groups in depth are essential steps in developing and implementing appropriate policies for engaging hard-to-reach energy consumers. These findings highlight an important knowledge gap in this research field.
Ranking of Electricity Accumulation Possibilities: Multicriteria Analysis
Authors: Atvare Erlanda , Kudurs Edgars , Dolge Kristiana , Blumberga Dagnija
Published: May 2023

The pace of implementation of renewable electricity storage in Europe is disappointingly slow due to several factors. There is a need to speed up the rate and increase the volumes in order to promote a 100 % transition to renewable energy resources, expand the practice of using renewable energy, and contribute to the improvement of the user’s quality of life. In addition, a significant reduction of the global impact on the environment and climate change is an important factor. Electricity from renewable energy sources, such as the sun and wind, has a seasonal nature that cannot provide the necessary electricity for consumption and cannot cover peak loads. Also, the so-called 'energy resource crisis' is a topical issue, which reinforces the global need to increase the share of renewable energy resources in the overall balance of primary energy resources. It is precisely the wider integration of renewable electricity storage in practice that can help stimulate this. The availability of renewable electricity is constantly increasing, and the level of technological innovation is rapidly developing. Therefore, it is crucial to analyse both phenomena and actively search for overlaps in developing technologies, not forgetting the main differences in the types of accumulation, to promote accessibility, starting from a private house to the national and European scale. This article analyses and compares the options for renewable electricity storage – from small batteries to large storage systems. The authors consider the best solutions to satisfy individual and collective needs of the consumer. In this article, a multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) and TOPSIS are used as analysis tools. After comparing nine criteria, such as the investment required, existing power density, efficiency, duration of operation, and others, in both groups, it is concluded that lithium-ion batteries are currently the best solution among batteries; while in the group of large accumulation systems pumped hydro storage secures a superior position.
Differences Between Children`S Antropometric and Physical Fitness Characteristics Urban and Rural Areas
Authors: Kryeziu Artan R. , Iseni Astrit
Published: May 2023

Purpose: The paper aims differences between children in urban and rural area of anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness in children aged 13 years old. Material and Methods: The sample of entities is 80 children aged 13 years old male, who are divided into two sub-groups such as 40 children from the center of Pristina and 40 children from the village Bardhosh of Prishtina. The sample of variables consists of 10 anthropometric variables and physical fitness, from those in anthropometric characteristics are variables and struck 3 of them 7 physical fitness. Results: Children from urban areas have shown better values for anthropometric characteristics, while children from rural areas have shown better performance physical fitness indicators. The T-test confirmed statistically significant differences only in the variables with body mass (p= 0.030), body mass index (p= 0.004). Courses in physical fitness have statistically significant differences in almost all variables vertical jump (p= 0.072), sit-up me worth (p= 0.000) upper-back (p= 0.009), sit and reach (p= 0.065) overhead medicine ball throw (p= 0.009). While in the body mass index (BMI) classification these body mass variables have shown significant differences (p= 0.000), body mass index (p= 0.000), standing long jump test (Mean Diff. 5.8, p= .078), sit-up (p= 0.000), upper-back (p= 0.003) and sit and reach (p= 0.050). Conclusions: We can find that children from urban areas have shown better value in anthropometric characteristics, while children from rural areas have shown better value in physical fitness.
Dynamics of Bose-Einstein condensation in an asymmetric double-well potential
Authors: Ying Yao-Jun , Li Hai-Bin ,   College of Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
Published: May 2023

Josephson effect of Bose-Einstein condensate in double-well potential is an obvious manifestation of macroscopic quantum coherence. Most of researches focus on the symmetric double-well potential. In this work, we investigate the dynamic of Bose-Einstein condensates in an asymmetric double-well potential by using two-mode theory and computer simulation. In the absence of the interaction between atoms, the dynamic equation of condensate can be solved analytically. The amplitude as a function of energy difference of two wells is obtained. We can find that the change of energy difference will lead to the different dynamic behaviors of condensate. If the energy difference is relatively large, the condensate will primarily occupy the well that is occupied more than the other well at the beginning time. It is interesting that such a trap phenomenon is not dependent on the position of the high energy potential well nor the position of low energy potential well. If the energy difference becomes small, the tunneling and oscillation of condensate will be enhanced. When the interaction between atoms is present, our numerical calculations show that as the nonlinear interaction increases, the dynamic behavior of condensate exhibits different characteristics, such as trapping in a well, enhancing the tunneling and oscillation between two wells, and enhancing the trapping in a well at large nonlinear interaction, which is similar to the dynamic change caused by the energy difference in the case of ideal condensate. That is to say, on the one hand, the nonlinear interaction can lead to the trap of condensate as well as the dynamic trap to happen in symmetric double-well potential. On the other hand, the nonlinearity can promote the tunneling of condensate, counteracting the effect of the asymmetry of potential. And, this counteracting effect is related to the difference in energy between asymmetric potential wells. To understand the underlying mechanism, the full dynamic behavior of two-mode model is illustrated and the dynamic transition can be seen clearly. Combining the results obtained with and without interaction, regarding nonlinear interaction as effective potential provides a clear way to explain dynamic transition of condensate in an asymmetric double-well potential. In addition, we also perform the numerical simulations of the Gross-Pitaevskii equation, and the results are consistent with the conclusions obtained by using the two-mode theory.
Dual-mode orbital angular momentum generated based on dual-polarization coding metasurface
Authors: Han Jun-Jie , Qian Si-Xian , Zhu Chuan-Ming , Huang Zhi-Xiang , Ren Xin-Gang , Cheng Guang-Shang ,   School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China,   Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a dual-polarization 4-bit coding metasurface is proposed to achieve the flexible manipulation of different polarization electromagnetic wave reflection angles and the generation of dual-mode vortex beams by independent manipulation of orthogonal linearly polarized waves. The proposed metasurface is composed of an H-type metal patch, dielectric substrate, and metal grounding layer from top to bottom. To prove the proposed concept, we design and fabricate four coding metasurfaces based on the superposition theorem and holographic theory. One of the coding metasurfaces is designed to verify the ability to manipulate the beam angle, and each of the other three coding metasurfaces is designed to carry a vortex beam with different topological charges under orthogonal linearly polarized waves with a central frequency of 24 GHz. The experimental results show that the theoretical design is highly consistent with the simulation results. Therefore, it is verified that our proposed 4-bit dual-polarization coding metasurface has a strong and flexible ability to manipulate the beam reflection angle and generate a high-performance dual-mode vortex beam antenna. Because of the wide application prospect of vortex beams in the communication field, we have reason to believe that the proposed ultra-thin dual-mode vortex generator will have potential applications in wireless communication systems in the fields of images and microwaves.
The differentiation and integration of the hippocampal dorsoventral axis are controlled by two nuclear receptor genes
Authors: Yang Xiong , Wan Rong , Liu Zhiwen , Feng Su , Yang Jiaxin , Jing Naihe , Tang Ke
Published: May 2023

The hippocampus executes crucial functions from declarative memory to adaptive behaviors associated with cognition and emotion. However, the mechanisms of how morphogenesis and functions along the hippocampal dorsoventral axis are differentiated and integrated are still largely unclear. Here, we show that Nr2f1 and Nr2f2 genes are distinctively expressed in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus, respectively. The loss of Nr2f2 results in ectopic CA1/CA3 domains in the ventral hippocampus. The deficiency of Nr2f1 leads to the failed specification of dorsal CA1, among which there are place cells. The deletion of both Nr2f genes causes almost agenesis of the hippocampus with abnormalities of trisynaptic circuit and adult neurogenesis. Moreover, Nr2f1/2 may cooperate to guarantee appropriate morphogenesis and function of the hippocampus by regulating the Lhx5-Lhx2 axis. Our findings revealed a novel mechanism that Nr2f1 and Nr2f2 converge to govern the differentiation and integration of distinct characteristics of the hippocampus in mice.
Zinc solubilizing bacteria and their potential as bioinoculant for growth promotion of green soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.)
Authors: Srithaworn Moltira , Jaroenthanyakorn Jieb , Tangjitjaroenkun Janpen , Suriyachadkun Chanwit , Chunhachart Orawan
Published: May 2023

Zinc-solubilizing rhizobacteria can convert insoluble zinc to an accessible form and increase Zn bioavailability in soil, which help mitigate Zn deficiency in crops. In this work, 121 bacterial isolates were isolated from the rhizosphere soils of peanuts, sweet potatoes, and cassava, and their capability to solubilize Zn was evaluated using Bunt and Rovira’s agar containing 0.1% ZnO and ZnCO3. Among these isolates, six showed high Zn solubilization efficiencies ranging from 1.32 to 2.84 and 1.93 to 2.27 on the medium supplemented with 0.1% ZnO and ZnCO3, respectively. In a quantitative analysis of soluble Zn in liquid medium supplemented with 0.1% ZnO, the isolate KAH109 showed the maximum soluble zinc concentration of 62.89 mg L−1. Among the six isolates, the isolate KAH109 also produced the most indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at 33.44 mg L−1, whereas the isolate KEX505 also produced IAA at 17.24 mg L−1 along with showing zinc and potassium solubilization activity. These strains were identified as Priestia megaterium KAH109 and Priestia aryabhattai KEX505 based on 16S rDNA sequence analysis. In a greenhouse experiment conducted in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand the ability of P. megaterium KAH109 and P. aryabhattai KEX505 to stimulate the growth and production of green soybeans was examined. The results revealed that inoculation with P. megaterium KAH109 and P. aryabhattai KEX505 considerably increased plant dry weight by 26.96% and 8.79%, respectively, and the number of grains per plant by 48.97% and 35.29% when compared to those of the uninoculated control. According to these results, both strains can be considered as a potential zinc solubilizing bioinoculant to promote the growth and production yield of green soybeans.
Comparative analysis of buffalo and cow milk for quality characteristics and β-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase activity in non-infected animals
Authors: Kausar Razia , Hameed Amjad , Jamil Huma , Iqbal Zafar
Published: May 2023

In Pakistan, milk quality control standards are yet to be established. The prime objective of this study was to develop the standard referencevalues for the milk pH, its somatic cell count (SCC), electric conductivity (EC) and NAGase i.e., milk enzyme in the noninfected milk of localbuffalo breed i.e., Nilli-Ravi also known as Black-gold of Pakistan and cows i.e., Sahiwal and other crossbred cows kept locally mostly formilch purpose. A total of 30 animals with lactation number 1-5 (in early lactation of two months) from each breed group were selectedfor milk samples. Samples were then tested for mastitis through Surf Field Mastitis test and microbiological culturing. Reference valueswere determined using negative samples. Fore-mentioned parameters were analyzed for collected Milk samples. The values for NAGaseand SCC were the most eminent in the crossbred cow’s milk i.e., (56.07±2.33 U/mL) & (178645.83±2324.0/mL) respectively. EC value(5.7±0.04) was strikingly high in Sahiwal cow’s milk. Milk of Nilli-Ravi was found superior in quality, based on its lower values of SSC,EC and NAGase. Mean values of each parameter were also compared among different quarters and found to be statistically similar. Inconclusion, milk of Nilli-Ravi was found superior in quality and current findings can be used to provide base line information for NAGaseand other components of milk quality and udder health for above mentioned dairy types.
Lactobacillus fermentation improved the nutrient value and hypoglycemic activity of chickpea milk
Authors: Xi Zhu Meng- , Xu Chao , Peng Hao Yun
Published: May 2023

In this work, the effects of Lactobacillus fermentation on the nutrient content and hypoglycemic ability of chickpea milk were studied. Specifically, the fermentation of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 (LA) and Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum CICC 20279 (LP) reduced the contents of soluble sugar and protein in chickpea milk. But both single bacteria fermentation (SBF, LA or LP) and mixed bacteria fermentation (MBF, LA and LP) significantly increased the contents of some bioactive substances, such as dietary fiber, free amino acids, total polyphenols and total flavonoids. Moreover, LA fermented chickpea milk showed the best inhibition of α- glucosidase (highest inhibition rate up to 92.91%) and the MBF samples showed the best inhibition of α-amylase (highest inhibition rate up to 33.33%). In addition, free phenolics, conjugated phenolics, and total phenolics were all remarkably increased in chickpea milk after LA fermentation. The three types of phenolic compounds (free, conjugated, and bound) showed greater inhibition of α-glucosidase than α-amylase, and the conjugated phenolics exhibited the best inhibitory effects on both enzymes. From the results, Lactobacillus fermentation process may effectively improve the nutritional values and potential hypoglycemic activity of chickpea milk.

Keywords: Lactobacillus; chickpea milk; nutrient composition; hypoglycemic activity
Effect of N- carbamylglutamate and feeding level on amino acids and biochemical parameters in goats
Authors: Tawfeeq Al-Ani Jamal Abdul Rahman , Mohamed Shaker Rasha , Hussein Anwar Kadhim
Published: May 2023

The effect of feed additive N- carbamylglutamate (NCG) with different feeding levels on some biochemical parameters and amino acids in the serum of goats was investigated. Thirty male goats aged 10-11 months were distributed into three levels of concentrate 70%, 50%, and 30% with or without N- carbamylglutamate (NCG) in a 2×3 factorial experiment/ Completely Randomized Design (CRD). After 77 days of individual feeding, jugular blood was sampled before morning feeding. The results showed that additive NCG with high concentrate (70%) led to a decrease (P<0.01) in total blood protein, triglycerides, and globulins, and a decrease (P<0.05) for creatinine, uric acid, and VLDL. Blood magnesium increased (P<0.01) with NCG of low concentrate (30%) treatment, while phosphor increased with NCG of 50% concentrate treatment. Calcium increased with all NCG treatments. The results of adding N- carbamylglutamate with high roughage led to a negative effect on blood amino acids. In conclusion, increasing roughage feeding without NCG is the best for blood homeostasis, and don't use N- carbamylglutamate without non-protein nitrogen additives.

Keywords: Amino acids, blood traits, N-carbamylglutamate, feeding level.
Antimicrobial and antiquorum-sensing activity of Conocarpus lancifolius Engl. (Combretaceae)
Authors: Moglad Ehssan , Shae Soha El- , Allam Menntallah , Algahtan Hala A.
Published: May 2023

Multidrug resistance to antimicrobial agents is a rapidly increasing problem. New strategies are required to reduce microbial resistance and pathogenicity. These include inhibiting microbial virulence factors, such as quorum-sensing (QS). In this study, the leaf and fruit extracts of Conocarpus lancifolius Engl. were investigated for their antimicrobial and QS inhibitory activities. The ethyl acetate extract of the leaf (EAL) recorded a remarkable inhibition of the Gram-negative bacteria; Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia (23 and 20 mm, respectively), using the agar well diffusion assay. Also, it showed the highest antifungal effect against Candida albicans (20 mm). Meanwhile, the ethyl acetate extract of the fruit (EAF) showed significant inhibition of the Gram-positive bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus (20 and 21 mm, respectively). Measurement of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by the broth microdilution method indicated that Gram-positive bacteria were more susceptible to the antimicrobial effect of the investigated extracts. Particularly, EAL and EAF showed comparable activity to ampicillin against B. cereus (MIC, 312.5 µg/mL). The highest antifungal activity was recorded for the petroleum ether extract of the leaf (MIC, 625 µg/mL). Measurement of the inhibition diameter of pigment (PID) produced by the reporter strain, Chromobacterium violaceum indicated that EAL demonstrated higher QS inhibition (6 mm) compared to the standard, catechin (4.8 mm). In addition, the leaf and fruit extracts showed comparable activity to catechin (5 mm). The current study reported that C. lancifolius could be a promising antimicrobial and anti-quorum sensing drug candidate.
Pregnancy Outcomes in a US Cohort of Transgender People
Authors: Stroumsa Daphna , Moniz Michelle H. , Crissman Halley , Dalton Vanessa K. , Tilea Anca , Pfeiffer Paul N. , Marsh Erica E.
Published: May 2023

This study assesses severe parental morbidity, cesarean deliveries, and preterm births among commercially and publicly insured trans people compared with cisgender people.
Comparison of Depression and Anxiety Following Self-reported COVID-19–Like Symptoms vs SARS-CoV-2 Seropositivity in France
Authors: Rouquette Alexandra , Descarpentry Arthur , Dione Fallou , Falissard Bruno , Legleye Stéphane , Vuillermoz Cécile , Pastorello Anne , Meyer Laurence , Warszawski Josiane , Davisse-Paturet Camille , Melchior Maria ,   EpiCoV Study Group, Nathalie Bajos , Guillaume Bagein , François Beck , Emilie Counil , Florence Jusot , Nathalie Lydie , Claude Martin , Philippe Raynaud , Ariane Pailhe , Delphine Rahib , Patrick Sillard , Rémy Slama , Alexis Spire
Published: May 2023

Importance

The long-term consequences of COVID-19 on mental health are a critical issue given the number of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 worldwide since the beginning of the pandemic.

Objective

To investigate the associations between self-reported COVID-19–like symptoms or SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity and subsequent depression or anxiety.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This propensity score–matched cohort study began in May 2020, with follow-ups in November 2020 and July 2021. The study used data from a large, randomly selected, national population–based cohort from France, the EpiCoV (Epidémiologie et Conditions de Vie) study. Of 85 074 individuals 15 years or older who completed the questionnaires at the 3 collection times, 28 568 were excluded because they did not return a blood sample for serologic testing, 1994 because of missing data on outcomes or exposures, and 9252 to respect the temporal sequence (exposure must precede the outcome).

Exposures

Propensity scores based on various socioeconomic, lifestyle, and health variables were computed to match participants who experienced COVID-19–like symptoms between February and November 2020 or showed SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in November 2020.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between these occurrences and depression or anxiety assessed in July 2021 using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scales, respectively.

Results

Among the 45 260 included participants (mean [SD] age, 51.1 [18.9] years; 52.4% women; 8.0% with depression and 5.3% with anxiety in July 2021), COVID-19–like symptoms were associated with subsequent depression (adjusted odds ratio, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.45-1.99) and anxiety (adjusted OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.29-1.92), whereas SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was not. Furthermore, COVID-19–like symptoms, but not anosmia or dysgeusia alone, were associated with subsequent depression and anxiety in both the seropositive and seronegative subgroups.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of more than 45 000 individuals drawn from the French general population, SARS-CoV-2 infection was not found as a risk factor of subsequent depression or anxiety. Moreover, self-reported COVID-19–like symptoms were associated with depression and anxiety assessed at least 8 months later in both seropositive and seronegative subgroups, suggesting that factors other than SARS-CoV-2 infection are implied in this association.
Analysis of Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Myopia Among Children Aged 6 to 8 Years in Hong Kong
Authors: Zhang Youjuan , Zhang Xiu Juan , Yuan Nan , Zhang Yuzhou , Wang Yu Meng , Tang Fangyao , Ng Mandy P. , Wong Ian C. K. , Ip Patrick , Kam Ka Wai , Young Alvin L. , Chen Li Jia , Tham Clement C. , Pang Chi Pui , Yam Jason C.
Published: May 2023

Importance

Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure potentially threatens ocular health; however, its association with myopia is unknown.

Objective

To examine the association between SHS exposure and childhood myopia.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Cross-sectional data from the population-based Hong Kong Children Eye Study were used. Data were collected from March 5, 2015, to September 12, 2021, at The Chinese University of Hong Kong Eye Center. Participants included children aged 6 to 8 years. Secondhand smoke exposure was evaluated using a validated questionnaire. All participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmic and physical examinations.

Exposure

Secondhand smoke exposure.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Generalized estimating equations were constructed to examine the association of SHS exposure with spherical equivalent and axial length; logistic regression models, with myopia rate; and linear regression models, with myopia onset.

Results

A total of 12 630 children (mean [SD] age, 7.37 [0.88] years; 53.2% boys) were included in the analysis. Among the participants, 4092 (32.4%) had SHS exposure. After adjusting for age, sex, parental myopia, body mass index, near-work time, outdoor time, and family income, SHS exposure was associated with greater myopic refraction (β = −0.09 [95% CI, −0.14 to −0.03]) and longer axial length (β = 0.05 [95% CI, 0.02-0.08]). Children with SHS exposure were more likely to develop moderate (odds ratio [OR], 1.30 [95% CI, 1.06-1.59]) and high myopia (OR, 2.64 [95% CI, 1.48-4.69]). The association of SHS exposure with spherical equivalence and axial length was magnified in younger children. For each younger year of a child’s exposure to SHS, SHS exposure was associated with a 0.07-D decrease in spherical equivalence (β = 0.07 [95% CI, 0.01-0.13]) and a 0.05-mm increase in axial length (β = −0.05 [95% CI, −0.08 to −0.01]). Exposure to SHS was associated with an earlier mean (SD) age at onset of myopia (72.8 [0.9] vs 74.6 [0.6] months; P = .01). Every increase in SHS exposure in units of 10 cigarettes per day was associated with greater myopic refraction (β = −0.07 [95% CI, −0.11 to −0.02]), axial length (β = 0.04 [95% CI, 0.01-0.06]), and likelihood of developing moderate (OR, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.05-1.44]) and high myopia (OR, 1.75 [95% CI, 1.20-2.56]), and earlier myopia onset (β = −1.30 [95% CI, −2.32 to −0.27]).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that SHS exposure was associated with greater myopic refraction, longer axial length, greater likelihood of developing moderate and high myopia, and earlier myopia onset. The larger the quantity of SHS exposure and the younger the child, the more advanced myopia development and progression with which SHS exposure is associated.
Disparities Associated with Discharge Patterns in Firearm-Associated Ocular Trauma
Authors: Mike Elise V. , Brandsdorfer Ari , Parsikia Afshin , Mbekeani Joyce N.
Published: May 2023

Importance

Firearm injuries are associated with devastating visual outcomes. Several studies have demonstrated disparities in trauma care and discharge to rehabilitation and other advanced care facilities (ACFs) due to race and ethnicity and insurance status. The identification of possible disparities in disposition of patients admitted with firearms-associated ocular injuries (FAOIs) is a crucial step in moving toward health equity.

Objective

To describe disposition patterns following admission for FAOI trauma.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective analysis of National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) from 2008 through 2014 used hospitalized trauma cases from over 900 US facilities detailed in the NTDB. Participants included patients admitted with ocular injuries. Statistical analysis was conducted between April 16, 2017, and December 15, 2021.

Exposure

Firearm injuries.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Patients admitted with FAOIs were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnostic codes and E-codes. Demographic data, location, injury type and severity, and insurance status were documented. The primary outcome was the odds of discharge to ACFs.

Results

A total of 8715 of 235 254 firearms injuries involved the eye (3.7%). Of the 8715 included patients, 7469 were male (85.7%), 3050 were African American (35.0%), and 4065 White (46.6%), with a mean (SD) age of 33.8 (16.9) years. Common payments were government insurance (31.5%), self-paid insurance (29.4%), and commercial insurance plans (22.8%). Frequent dispositions were home (48.8%) and ACF (20.5%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the following factors were associated with the highest odds of discharge to an ACF: hospital stays 6 days or longer (odds ratio [OR], 3.05; 95% CI, 2.56-3.63; P < .001), age 65 years or older (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.94-4.48; P < .001), associated traumatic brain injury (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.94-2.78; P < .001), severe traumatic brain injury (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.79-2.46; P < .001), and very severe Injury Severity Score (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.88-2.62; P < .001). White race (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.71-2.33; P < .001) was associated with higher odds than Medicare insurance (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.16-2.31; P = .01).

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that older, more severely injured, Medicare-insured, or White patients have higher odds of ACF placement than younger, less severely injured, otherwise insured, and Black and Hispanic patients. This study is limited by its retrospective nature and the study team was unable to explore the basis for these disposition differences. Nevertheless, this work highlights that disparities may exist in disposition after FAOIs that may limit the rehabilitation potential of specific populations.
Compound Heterozygous LTBP2 Mutations Associated With Juvenile-Onset Open-Angle Glaucoma and Marfan-Like Phenotype
Authors: Bergman Zachary , Anderson Katherine , Kuchtey Rachel W.
Published: May 2023

This case report describes a patient diagnosed at age 13 years with glaucoma who later presented with elevated intraocular pressure, severe cupping, open iridocorneal angle, and lens dislocation.