bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Adaptive Cycle Life Extension Method of Li-Ion Battery Based on Differential Thermal Voltammetry Parameter Decoupling
Authors: Wu Zhixuan , Zhu Guorong , Wang Qian , Yang Shengjie , Wang Jing V. , Kang Jianqiang
Published: October 2021

Battery aging leads to reduction in a battery’s cycle life, which restricts the development of energy storage technology. At present, the state of health (SOH) assessment technology, which is used to indicate the battery cycle life, has been widely studied. This paper tries to find a way to adjust the battery management system adaptively in order to prolong the battery cycle life with the change of SOH. In this paper, an improved Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique (GITT) method is proposed to decouple the terminal voltage into overpotential (induced by total internal resistance) and stoichiometric drift (caused by battery aging, indicated by OCV). Based on improved GITT, the open circuit voltage-temperature change (OCV-dT/dV) characteristics of SOH are described more accurately. With such an accurate description of SOH change, the adaptive method to change the discharge and charge cut-off voltage is obtained, whose application can prolong battery cycle life. Experiments verify that, in the middle of a battery’s life-cycle, the adaptive method to change the discharge and charge cut-off voltage can effectively improve the cycle life of the battery. This method can be applied during the period of preventive maintenance in battery storage systems.
Intelligent Detection of Small Faults Using a Support Vector Machine
Authors: Zeng Aiping , Yan Lei , Huang Yaping , Ren Enming , Liu Tao , Zhang Hui
Published: October 2021

The small fault with a vertical displacement (or drop) of 2–5 m has now become an important factor affecting the production efficiency and safety of coal mines. When the 3D seismic data contain noise, it is easy to cause large errors in the prediction results of small faults. This paper proposes an intelligent small fault identification method combining variable mode decomposition (VMD) and a support vector machine (SVM). A fault forward model is established to analyze the response characteristics of different seismic attributes under the condition of random noise. The results show that VMD can effectively realize the attenuation of random noise and the seismic attributes extracted on this basis have a good correlation with the small fault. Through the analysis of the SVM algorithm and the fault forward model, it is proved that it is feasible to realize intelligent predictions of small faults by using seismic attributes as the input of a SVM. The fault prediction method using a SVM that is proposed in this paper has higher accuracy than the principal component analysis method, as the prediction results have important guiding significance and reference value for later coal mining. Therefore, the method presented in this paper can be used as a new intelligent method for small fault identification in coal fields.
Exact Symmetric Solutions of MHD Casson Fluid Using Chemically Reactive Flow with Generalized Boundary Conditions
Authors: Saeed Syed , Riaz Muhammad , Awrejcewicz Jan , Ahmad Hijaz
Published: October 2021

Dynamic analysis of magnetic fluids with the combined effect of heat sink and chemical reactions based on their physical properties demonstrates strong shock resistance capabilities, low-frequency response, low energy consumption, and high sensitivity. Therefore, the applied magnetic field always takes diamagnetic, ferromagnetic, and paramagnetic forms. The influence of radiation is considered in the temperature profile. This manuscript investigates an analytic solution of incompressible and magnetic Casson fluid in Darcy’s medium subjected to temperature and concentration dependence within a porous-surfaced plate with generalized boundary conditions. The substantial mathematical technique of the Laplace transform with inversion is invoked in the governing equations of the magnetic Casson fluid. The analytic results are transformed into a special function for the plate with a constant velocity, a plate with linear velocity, a plate with exponential velocity, and a plate with sinusoidal velocity. Graphical illustrations of the investigated analytic solutions at four different times are presented. Our results suggest that the velocity profile decreases by increasing the value of the magnetic field, which reflects the control of resistive force. The Nusselt number remains constant at a fixed Rd and is reduced by raising the Rd value.
SPICE-Aided Modeling of Daily and Seasonal Changes in Properties of the Actual Photovoltaic Installation
Authors: Górecki Krzysztof , Dąbrowski Jacek , Krac Ewa
Published: October 2021

This article proposes a model of an actual photovoltaic installation situated in the Gdynia Maritime University, Poland. This model is formulated in the form of a SPICE network. In the presented model, the influence of selected weather parameters and thermal phenomena on the properties of the components of this installation are taken into account. The structure of the analyzed installation and the form of the formulated model are both presented. By means of this model, values of the power produced by the installation considered in different seasons and different times of the day are computed. The obtained computation results are compared to the measurement results. Good agreement between the results of measurements and computations is obtained. The obtained results of the investigations confirm the considerable influence of weather conditions, as well as daily and seasonal changes in solar irradiation and the ambient temperature, on the electrical energy produced. In the summer months, a decrease in the energy efficiency of the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy in comparison to the winter months is also visible and can even be twofold.
CoME EASY—Synchronizing European Energy Award with Other Initiatives. Case Study: Romanian Local Communities
Authors: Tavella Chiara , Spoerndli Charlotte , Beu Dorin , Ceclan Andrei
Published: October 2021

CoME EASY is a European Union H2020 project started in May 2018, which aims to help local public authorities secure a more sustainable energy and climate policy, in line with the New Green Deal and Fit for 55 initiatives. The main idea of CoME EASY is to offer an integrated package of on-line tools that synchronize European Energy Awards (EEA) with Covenant of Mayors (CoM), ISOs, Smart Cities, and other initiatives that allow local communities to have multiple commitments for energy efficiency and climate with less effort. EEA is a quality management and awarding system for municipalities and regions, which started in 1988 in Switzerland and now includes more than 1700 municipalities from 8 countries and 10 new pilot countries with more than 65 million people belonging to the local communities that are involved. There are six main areas of activity in EEA (Development and Spatial Planning Strategy, Municipal Buildings and Facilities, Supply and Disposal, Mobility, Internal Organization, Communication and Cooperation) through which municipalities are driven by advisors so as to receive a score in percentage for each area, which further allows them to compare with other communities. Romania has been an EEA pilot country since 2016 and, despite initial problems in implementing the system, now has three communities, Iași (Romania second largest city), Alba Iulia (the so-called other Romanian capital), and Vama Buzăului, included in CoME EASY. These cities tested frameworking tools and managed to be assessed with EAA tools, and developed a Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan synchronously. Owing to the CoME EASY tools, all of these communities were able to deliver key performance indicators that are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Regression Model-Based Flux Observer for IPMSM Sensorless Control with Wide Speed Range
Authors: Choi Jongwon
Published: October 2021

A new linear regression form is derived for a flux observer and a position observer is designed. In general, the observability of the permanent-magnet synchronous motor is lost at zero speed. In this work, the proposed regressor vector contains current derivative terms in both directions (dq-axis), and it gives the chance for the model-based flux observer to operate at zero speed. When an excitation signal is injected into d and q axes with the proposed flux observer, it helps to satisfy the persistent excitation condition in the low-speed range. Therefore, the sensorless performance of the model-based is improved greatly, even at zero speed. However, it appears with a disturbance term, which depends on the derivative of the d-axis current. Thus, the disturbance does not vanish when an excitation signal is injected. In this work, the disturbance term is also taken care of in constructing an observer. It results in an observer which allows signal injection. Thus, high frequency signal can be injected in the low speed region and turned off when it is unnecessary as the speed increases. This model-based approach utilizes the signal injection directly without recurring to a separate high frequency model. In other words, it provides a seamless transition without switching to the other algorithm. The validity is demonstrated by simulation and experimental results under various load conditions near zero speed.
A Rationalised CFD Design Methodology for Turgo Turbines to Enable Local Manufacture in the Global South
Authors: Butchers Joe , Benzon Shaun , Williamson Sam , Booker Julian , Aggidis George
Published: October 2021

In the Global South, pico- and micro-hydropower turbines are often made by local workshops. Despite several advantageous features, e.g., a high power density and capacity to handle silt, there is no commonly available Turgo turbine design appropriate for local manufacture. Technological developments including the internet, CAD, and additive manufacturing increase the opportunity to precisely transfer designs around the world. Consequently, design improvements can be shared digitally and used by manufacturers in their local context. In this paper, a rationalised CFD approach was used to guide simple design changes that improve the efficiency of a Turgo turbine blade. The typical manufacturing capacity of the micro-hydropower industry in Nepal was used to rationalise the variation of potential design changes. Using the geometry and operational parameters from an existing design as a benchmark, a two-blade, homogenous, multiphase model was developed and run using the commercial code ANSYS CFX. Initially, it was identified that the jet aim position had a significant effect on the efficiency. A design of experiments’ approach and subsequent analysis of numerical and visual results were used to make design changes that resulted in an improvement in efficiency from 69% to 81%. The design changes maintained the simple profile of the blade, ensuring that the resulting design was appropriate for manufacture in a local workshop.
A Topology Optimization Based Design of Space Radiator for Focal Plane Assemblies
Authors: Shen Xiao , Han Haitao , Li Yancheng , Yan Changxiang , Mu Deqiang
Published: October 2021

In this paper, to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of a radiator for focal plane assemblies, a topology optimization method is introduced into the design process. For the realization of the optimization, an objective of maximal thermal stiffness concerning the radiator is formulated. The topology optimization is performed under the same mass constraint of 2.05 kg as the initial design. To improve the manufacturability of topology optimization result, an inverse design is conducted to reconstruct a new model. In transient thermal simulation, the average maximal temperature on focal plane assemblies with a reconstructed radiator is 8.626 °C, while the average maximal temperature with the initial design is 9.793 °C. Compared to the initial design, a decrease of 1.167 °C on maximal temperature is achieved. As the heat dissipation efficiency of the proposed radiator design is improved compared to the initial design, it is meaningful in future applications.
Experimental Investigation on the Heat Flux Distribution and Pollutant Emissions of Slot LPG/Air Premixed Impinging Flame Array
Authors: Zhen Haisheng , Du Baodong , Liu Xiaoyu , Liu Zihao , Wei Zhilong
Published: October 2021

Experiments were carried out to investigate the heat transfer and pollutants emission characteristics of a slot LPG premixed flame array impinging normally onto a flat plate. The effects of jet-to-jet spacing (S/de), nozzle-to-plate distance (H/de), and jet Reynolds number (Re) on the heat flux and emission index of CO, CO2, and NOx/NO2 were examined. In addition, the thermal and emission characteristics between slot jets and circular jets were compared under identical experimental conditions. The results show that the more uniform heat flux distribution and higher total heat flux can be obtained at moderate jet-to-jet spacing, large jet-to-plate distance, and higher Reynolds number. EICO emissions can be influenced by the combined effects of jet-to-jet spacing, jet-to-plate distance, and higher Reynolds number. For the sake of the better combustion efficiency and lower EICO emission, the moderate jet-to-jet spacing (S/de = 2.5), larger jet-to-plate distance (H/de = 4), and relatively higher Reynolds number (Re = 1500) are preferred for the slot jet flame array. Furthermore, it is found that there exists a trade-off between the EICO and EINOx of the slot LPG flame array. Compared with multiple circular flame jets, multiple slot flames jets have the higher area-averaged heat flux due to the larger heating area and more uniform heat flux distribution, while the higher EICO emission and lower EINOx emission are due to the greater jet interaction suppressing the air entrainment. Thus, it is known that the slot flame array has a better heating performance but relatively higher pollutant emissions than the circular flame array.
Modeling Long-Term Electricity Generation Planning to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Nigeria
Authors: Kim Juyoul , Abdel-Hameed Ahmed , Joseph Soja Reuben , Ramadhan Hilali Hussein , Nandutu Mercy , Hyun Joung-Hyuk
Published: October 2021

The most recent assessments conducted by the International Energy Agency indicate that natural gas accounts for the majority of Nigeria’s fossil fuel-derived electricity generation, with crude oil serving mostly as a backup source. Fossil fuel-generated electricity represents 80% of the country’s total. In addition, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Nigeria in 2018 (101.3014 Mtons) demonstrated a 3.83% increase from 2017. The purpose of this study is to suggest an alternate energy supply mix to meet future electrical demand and reduce CO2 emissions in Nigeria. The Model for Energy Supply Strategy Alternatives and their General Environmental Impact (MESSAGE) was used in this study to model two case situations of the energy supply systems in Nigeria to determine the best energy supply technology to meet future demand. The Simplified Approach to Estimating Electricity Generation’s External Costs and Impacts (SIMPACTS) code is also used to estimate the environmental impacts and resulting damage costs during normal operation of various electricity generation technologies. Results of the first scenario show that gas and oil power plants are the optimal choice for Nigeria to meet future energy needs with no bound on CO2 emission. If Nigeria adopts CO2 emission restrictions to comply with the Paris Agreement’s target of decreasing worldwide mean temperature rise to 1.5 °C, the best option is nuclear power plants (NPPs). The MESSAGE results demonstrate that both fossil fuels and NPPs are the optimal electricity-generating technologies to meet Nigeria’s future energy demand. The SIMPACTS code results demonstrate that NPPs have the lowest damage costs because of their low environmental impact during normal operation. Therefore, NPP technology is the most environmentally friendly technology and the best choice for the optimization of future electrical technology to meet the demand. The result from this study will serve as a reference source in modeling long-term energy mix therefore reducing CO2 emission in Nigeria.
Positive Energy Building Definition with the Framework, Elements and Challenges of the Concept
Authors: Ala-Juusela Mia , Rehman Hassam ur , Hukkalainen Mari , Reda Francesco
Published: October 2021

Buildings account for 36% of the final energy demand and 39% of CO2 emissions worldwide. Targets for increasing the energy efficiency of buildings and reducing building related emissions is an important part of the energy policy to reach the Paris agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. While nearly zero energy buildings are the new norm in the EU, the research is advancing towards positive energy buildings, which contribute to the surrounding community by providing emission-free energy. This paper suggests a definition for positive energy building and presents the framework, elements, and challenges of the concept. In a positive energy building, the annual renewable energy production in the building site exceeds the energy demand of the building. This increases two-way interactions with energy grids, requiring a broader approach compared to zero energy buildings. The role of energy flexibility grows when the share of fluctuating renewable energy increases. The presented framework is designed with balancing two important perspectives: technical and user-centric approaches. It can be accommodated to different operational conditions, regulations, and climates. Potential challenges and opportunities are also discussed, such as the present issues in the building’s balancing boundary, electric vehicle integration, and smart readiness indicators.
Assessing the Risk to Indoor Thermal Environments on Industrial Sites Offering AHU Capacity for Demand Response
Authors: Brem Alexander , Bruton Ken , O’Sullivan Paul D.
Published: October 2021

Increasing participation in demand response within the industrial sector may be crucial to growing the levels of available flexible capacity required to reliably control national electricity grids as renewable generation increases to satisfy emission targets. This research aims to assist the uptake of demand response in the industrial sector by investigating risk to indoor thermal environments on industrial sites offering air handling unit capacity for demand response. This evaluation uses a systematic model-based approach, calibrated and validated with empirical data from a relevant case study industrial building to assess risk through a number of scenarios. The conditions investigated cover several relevant grid response times and durations, and national and international extreme external ambient temperatures in the past, present and future under a variety of temperature limits. The study demonstrated that there is very low risk to the case study site participating in demand response, with only 15 of 264 initial and 284 of 936 total scenarios triggering any risk. The major factors affecting risk levels identified were more stringent temperature limits and the influence of more extreme climates. The development and implementation of this concept has considerable potential to benefit industrial participants and the wider national electricity grids.
Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Merging Recycling Methods for Spent Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Zhiwen , Lai Yiming , Peng Qin , Li Jun
Published: October 2021

An urgent demand for recycling spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is expected in the forthcoming years due to the rapid growth of electrical vehicles (EV). To address these issues, various technologies such as the pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical method, as well as the newly developed in-situ roasting reduction (in-situ RR) method were proposed in recent studies. This article firstly provides a brief review on these emerging approaches. Based on the overview, a life cycle impact of these methods for recovering major component from one functional unit (FU) of 1 t spent EV LIBs was estimated. Our results showed that in-situ RR exhibited the lowest energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 4833 MJ FU−1 and 1525 kg CO2-eq FU−1, respectively, which only accounts for ~23% and ~64% of those for the hydrometallurgical method with citric acid leaching. The H2O2 production in the regeneration phase mainly contributed the overall impact for in-situ RR. The transportation distance for spent EV LIBs created a great hurdle to the reduction of the life cycle impact if the feedstock was transported by a 3.5–7.5 t lorry. We therefore suggest further optimization of the spatial distribution of the recycling facilities and reduction in the utilization of chemicals.
Feasibility Analysis of a DC Distribution System for a 6 kW Photovoltaic Installation in Ireland
Authors: Alshammari Meshari , Duffy Maeve
Published: October 2021

Recent developments in micro-grids have led to increased interest in DC distribution due to its high efficiency in distributing energy from renewable energy sources to DC loads. This paper seeks to analyse the performance of AC and DC systems in a relatively large-sized 6 kW PV installation to determine the level of improvement in efficiency provided by DC distribution and to identify methods for further improvement. Baseline annual data for the AC system were collected from a live installation on a national school in Inis Oirr, an island off the west coast of Ireland. The results indicate that usage of a DC distribution system has the potential to reduce system losses by up to 50% as well as the ability for an annual saving in grid energy of 5% compared to the existing AC system. Moreover, the analysis reveals that DC outperforms AC distribution more in spring and autumn, when power consumption is comparable to the system production, but there is less impact in summer, when PV production is significantly higher than demand. These findings provide insights into the benefits of future DC distribution systems in individual buildings and in larger-scale micro-grids.
Distributed Finite-Time Secondary Frequency and Voltage Restoration Control Scheme of an Islanded AC Microgrid
Authors: Ma Junjie , Wang Xudong , Zhang Siyan , Gao Hanying
Published: October 2021

To solve the problems of frequency and voltage deviation caused by the droop control while meeting the requirements of rapid response, a distributed finite-time secondary control scheme is presented. Unlike the traditional cooperative controllers, this scheme is fully distributed; each unit only needs to communicate with its immediate neighbors. A control protocol for frequency restoration and active power sharing is proposed to synchronize the frequency of each unit to the reference value, and achieve accurate active power distribution in a finite-time manner as well. The mismatch of the line impedance is considered, and a consensus-based adaptive virtual impedance control is proposed. The associated voltage drop is considered to be the compensator for the voltage regulation. Then, a distributed finite-time protocol for voltage restoration is designed. The finite-time convergence property and the upper bound of convergence times are guaranteed with rigorous Lyapunov proofs. Case studies in MATLAB are carried out, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness, the robustness to load changes, plug-and play capacity, and better convergence performance of the proposed control scheme.
Thermotherapy and Storage Temperature Manipulations Limit the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species in Stored Pedunculate Oak Acorns
Authors: Kalemba Ewa Marzena , Wawrzyniak Mikołaj Krzysztof , Suszka Jan , Chmielarz Paweł
Published: September 2021

For many species, seed storage protocols are still being improved to provide viable seeds of the highest quality. Seed storage is extremely problematic for short-lived seeds categorized as recalcitrant, including pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), for which the optimal seed storage protocol involves a temperature of –3 °C and 40% acorn moisture content recommendations. The sensitivity of pedunculated oak seeds to temperature manipulations under preparation for long-term storage has been poorly investigated, particularly in terms of the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are assumed to be determinants of seed longevity. Thermotherapy, the pathogen elimination procedure, did not increase the level of three types of ROS: hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion radical and hydroxyl radical (•OH). The temporal heat stress of thermotherapy resulted in slightly reduced levels of H2O2, indicating activation of the antioxidant systems in acorn preparation for storage. The effect of constant storage temperatures (−3, −5, −7 °C) and their combinations (−3 → −5 °C or −3 → −5 →−7 °C) on ROS levels and seed viability was investigated in three provenances. The highest ROS levels were detected in acorns stored at −7 °C, whereas three-step cold acclimation was beneficial for reducing ROS levels. Interestingly, the levels of H2O2 were not affected by temperature in thermotherapized acorns. In contrast, decreasing storage temperature caused a linear increase in •OH levels in all provenances. The effect of heat stress and cold stress on ROS levels in relation to long-term seed storage of pedunculate oak is discussed here in relation to the seed viability evidenced via germination rates, seedling emergence and electrolyte leakage. Thermotherapy and cold acclimation of acorns can improve their viability after storage by decreasing ROS levels.
Merging Architectural Structures with Forest Walkways: A Comprehensive Review of Treetop Walkways and the Fu Forest Trail of China
Authors: Ke Yan , Lin Yuebin , Liu Jian , Chen Qingxi , Shen Baoying , Guan Xiayu , Lin Biying
Published: October 2021

Treetop walkways are unique trail constructions. Their support structure suspends a walkway platform several meters from the ground, shuttling among the canopies of trees in the forest. Many countries have built canopy trails for forest recreation, tourism, and other uses. In certain cities, the treetop walkway is no longer a single building unit or forest trail in the narrow sense, and is planned as a multi-functional urban public landscape. This study reviews the development of treetop and elevated forest trails, introduces several representative cases, and provides a comprehensive reference point that fills previous research gaps. We also analyze the Fu Forest Trail, the most representative treetop walkway in China through, inter alia, its modular system, elevated structural, and design appearance. We explore the background and application of treetop trails that connect residents and the environment as a multifunctional urban public landscape in China, and related future research directions. We conclude that treetop walkways have many distinct advantages, and are becoming trendy in forest trail development; there is excellent potential to transform them creatively and innovatively into high-quality forest infrastructure or urban public landscape for public benefit.
The Impact of the Fermentation Strategy on the Flavour Formation of Ilzer Rose (Malus domestica Borkh.) Apple Wine
Authors: Ruppert Valerie , Innerhofer Georg , Voit Jörg , Hiden Peter , Siegmund Barbara
Published: October 2021

The flavour and the volatilome of apple wines made from the Austrian heritage variety Ilzer Rose was in the scope of this study. The apple wines were produced by adopting oenological practises that are not commonly used in fruit wine production. Different fermentation strategies including the addition of enzymes with β-glucosidase activity, addition of a fining agent, maceration of the mash along with mash fermentation were applied. The volatile compounds of the juices as intermediates and the resulting apple wines were analysed using headspace-SPME GC-MS. CATA technique with a well-trained panel was applied for sensory evaluation. The results show that the flavour of single-variety apple wine can be significantly altered by taking oenological measures. High correlations were found between the results of the analytical investigation and the sensory evaluation. Maceration of the mash leads to an increase in the fruity character of the products, also reflected by significantly higher fruit ester quantities in the wine. During mash fermentation, spontaneous malolactic fermentation was induced leading to a product with new, but thoroughly interesting sensory properties of the apple wine. The results of this study demonstrate that the integration of oenological measures may open a wide field to the development of a high diversity in apple wine flavour.
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Signaling in Mammalian Hearing
Authors: García-Mato Ángela , Cervantes Blanca , Murillo-Cuesta Silvia , Rodríguez-de la Rosa Lourdes , Varela-Nieto Isabel
Published: September 2021

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a peptide hormone belonging to the insulin family of proteins. Almost all of the biological effects of IGF-1 are mediated through binding to its high-affinity tyrosine kinase receptor (IGF1R), a transmembrane receptor belonging to the insulin receptor family. Factors, receptors and IGF-binding proteins form the IGF system, which has multiple roles in mammalian development, adult tissue homeostasis, and aging. Consequently, mutations in genes of the IGF system, including downstream intracellular targets, underlie multiple common pathologies and are associated with multiple rare human diseases. Here we review the contribution of the IGF system to our understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of human hearing loss by describing, (i) the expression patterns of the IGF system in the mammalian inner ear; (ii) downstream signaling of IGF-1 in the hearing organ; (iii) mouse mutations in the IGF system, including upstream regulators and downstream targets of IGF-1 that inform cochlear pathophysiology; and (iv) human mutations in these genes causing hearing loss.
Consistent Assignment of Risk and Benign Allele at rs2303153 in the CF Modifier Gene SCNN1B in Three Independent F508del-CFTR Homozygous Patient Populations
Authors: Stanke Frauke , Becker Tim , Ismer Haide Susanne , Dunsche Inga , Hedtfeld Silke , Kontsendorn Julia , Dittrich Anna-Maria , Tümmler Burkhard
Published: September 2021

CFTR encodes for a chloride and bicarbonate channel expressed at the apical membrane of polarized epithelial cells. Transepithelial sodium transport mediated by the amiloride-sensitive sodium channel ENaC is thought to contribute to the manifestation of CF disease. Thus, ENaC is a therapeutic target in CF and a valid cystic fibrosis modifier gene. We have characterized SCNN1B as a genetic modifier in the three independent patient cohorts of F508del-CFTR homozygotes. We could identify a regulatory element at SCNN1B to the genomic segment rs168748-rs2303153-rs4968000 by fine-mapping (Pbest = 0.0177), consistently observing the risk allele rs2303153-C and the contrasting benign allele rs2303153-G in all three patient cohorts. Furthermore, our results show that expression levels of SCNN1B are associated with rs2303153 genotype in intestinal epithelia (p = 0.003). Our data confirm that the well-established biological role of SCNN1B can be recognized by an association study on informative endophenotypes in the rare disease cystic fibrosis and calls attention to reproducible results in association studies obtained from small, albeit carefully characterized patient populations.
A Review of Probabilistic Genotyping Systems: EuroForMix, DNAStatistX and STRmix™
Authors: Gill Peter , Benschop Corina , Buckleton John , Bleka Øyvind , Taylor Duncan
Published: September 2021

Probabilistic genotyping has become widespread. EuroForMix and DNAStatistX are both based upon maximum likelihood estimation using a γ model, whereas STRmix™ is a Bayesian approach that specifies prior distributions on the unknown model parameters. A general overview is provided of the historical development of probabilistic genotyping. Some general principles of interpretation are described, including: the application to investigative vs. evaluative reporting; detection of contamination events; inter and intra laboratory studies; numbers of contributors; proposition setting and validation of software and its performance. This is followed by details of the evolution, utility, practice and adoption of the software discussed.
Identification of Chicken Transglutaminase 1 and In Situ Localization of Transglutaminase Activity in Avian Skin and Esophagus
Authors: Sachslehner Attila Placido , Surbek Marta , Lachner Julia , Paudel Surya , Eckhart Leopold
Published: October 2021

Transglutaminase 1 (TGM1) is a membrane-anchored enzyme that cross-links proteins during terminal differentiation of epidermal and esophageal keratinocytes in mammals. The current genome assembly of the chicken, which is a major model for avian skin biology, does not include an annotated region corresponding to TGM1. To close this gap of knowledge about the genetic control of avian cornification, we analyzed RNA-sequencing reads from organotypic chicken skin and identified TGM1 mRNA. By RT-PCR, we demonstrated that TGM1 is expressed in the skin and esophagus of chickens. The cysteine-rich sequence motif required for palmitoylation and membrane anchorage is conserved in the chicken TGM1 protein, and differentiated chicken keratinocytes display membrane-associated transglutaminase activity. Expression of TGM1 and prominent transglutaminase activity in the esophageal epithelium was also demonstrated in the zebra finch. Altogether, the results of this study indicate that TGM1 is conserved among birds and suggest that chicken keratinocytes may be a useful model for the study of TGM1 in non-mammalian cornification.
Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia in Three Generations of a Family with Glucokinase Activating Mutation, c.295T>C (p.Trp99Arg)
Authors: Gilis-Januszewska Aleksandra , Bogusławska Anna , Kowalik Artur , Rzepka Ewelina , Soczówka Karolina , Przybylik-Mazurek Elwira , Głowa Bogusław , Hubalewska-Dydejczyk Alicja
Published: October 2021

Familial Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia (FHH) is a very rare disease with heterogeneous clinical manifestations. There are only a few reports of heterozygous activating mutations of glucokinase (GCK) attributable to FHH, with no reports describing effects in the course in pregnancy with affected mother/affected child. A large kindred with FHH and GCK:c.295T>C (p.Trp99Arg) pathogenic variant was identified in which four family members from three generations were affected. The clinical follow up in one clinical center lasted up to 30 years, with different times of diagnosis ranging from neonate period to adulthood. The severity of hypoglycemia was mild/severe and fasting was the trigger for hypoglycemia. Response to diazoxide varied from good, in the neonate, to moderate/poor, in childhood/adulthood; however, this was biased by poor compliance. Treatment with somatostatin analogues was discontinued due to side effects. Over time, patients developed clinical adaptation to very low glucose levels. During pregnancy, episodes of severe hypoglycemia in the first trimester were observed, which responded very well to steroids. The clinical course of the GCK:c.295T>C (p.Trp99Arg) mutation varied in the same family, with the development of clinical adaptation to very low glucose levels over time. Treatment with steroids might prevent hypoglycemia during pregnancy in an affected mother.
Pendred Syndrome, or Not Pendred Syndrome? That Is the Question
Authors: Tesolin Paola , Fiorino Sofia , Lenarduzzi Stefania , Rubinato Elisa , Cattaruzzi Elisabetta , Ammar Lydie , Castro Veronica , Orzan Eva , Granata Claudio , Dell’Orco Daniele , Morgan Anna , Girotto Giorgia
Published: October 2021

Pendred syndrome (PDS) is the most common form of syndromic Hearing Loss (HL), characterized by sensorineural HL, inner ear malformations, and goiter, with or without hypothyroidism. SLC26A4 is the major gene involved, even though ~50% of the patients carry only one pathogenic mutation. This study aims to define the molecular diagnosis for a cohort of 24 suspected-PDS patients characterized by a deep radiological and audiological evaluation. Whole-Exome Sequencing (WES), the analysis of twelve variants upstream of SLC26A4, constituting the “CEVA haplotype” and Multiplex Ligation Probe Amplification (MLPA) searching for deletions/duplications in SLC26A4 gene have been carried out. In five patients (20.8%) homozygous/compound heterozygous SLC26A4 mutations, or pathogenic mutation in trans with the CEVA haplotype have been identified, while five subjects (20.8%) resulted heterozygous for a single variant. In silico protein modeling supported the pathogenicity of the detected variants, suggesting an effect on the protein stabilization/function. Interestingly, we identified a genotype-phenotype correlation among those patients carrying SLC26A4 mutations, whose audiograms presented a characteristic slope at the medium and high frequencies, providing new insights into PDS. Finally, an interesting homozygous variant in MYO5C has been identified in one patient negative to SLC26A4 gene, suggesting the identification of a new HL candidate gene.
Moral Distress in Community and Hospital Settings for the Care of Elderly People. A Grounded Theory Qualitative Study
Authors: Villa Giulia , Pennestrì Federico , Rosa Debora , Giannetta Noemi , Sala Roberta , Mordacci Roberto , Manara Duilio Fiorenzo
Published: October 2021

Background: Moral distress has frequently been investigated in single healthcare settings and concerning a single type of professional. This study aimed to describe the experience of moral distress in all the types of professionals providing daily care to elderly patients and residents. Methods: The Grounded Theory approach, developed by Corbin and Strauss, was used. This study included participants from hospital and nursing homes of northern Italy. Purposive and theoretical sampling was used. Between December 2020 and April 2021, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Results: Thirteen participants were included in the study. Four categories were derived from the data: talking and listening, care provider wellbeing, decision making, protective factors, and potential solutions. The core category identified was “sharing daily”. Interviewees confirm how hard it may be to communicate to the elderly, but at the same time, how adequate communication with the leader is a protective factor of moral distress. They also confirm how communication is key to managing or downsizing misunderstandings at all levels. Findings highlight the scarcity of operators as a fundamental trigger of moral distress. Conclusions: Many determinants of this phenomenon lie behind the direct control of professionals, but education can help them learn how to prevent, manage, or downsize the consequences.
Survival of In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in COVID-19 Infected Patients
Authors: Aldabagh Mohammad , Wagle Sneha , Cesa Marie , Yu Arlene , Farooq Muhammad , Goldberg Ythan
Published: October 2021

Background: There are limited data regarding the outcome of in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in COVID-19 patients. In this study, we compared the outcomes of in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCA) before and at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, United States. We also identified the most common comorbidities associated with poor outcomes in our community. Methods: This was a multi-site, single-center, retrospective, observational study. Inclusion criteria for COVID patients were all confirmed positive cases who had in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020. The non-COVID cohort included all cardiac arrest cases who had IHCA in 2019. We excluded all out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We compared actual survival to that predicted by the GO-FAR score, a validated prediction model for determining survival following IHCA. Results: There were 334 cases in 2019 compared to 450 cases during the specified period in 2020. Patients who initially survived cardiac arrest but then had their code statuses changed to do not resuscitate (DNR) were excluded. Groups were similar in terms of sex distribution, and both had an average age of about 66 years. Seventy percent of COVID patients were of Black or Hispanic ethnicity. A shockable rhythm was present in 7% of COVID patients and 17% of non-COVID patients (p < 0.05). COVID patients had higher BMI (30.7 vs. 28.4, p < 0.05), higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (58% vs. 38%, p < 0.05), and lower incidence of coronary artery disease (22% vs. 35%, p < 0.05). Both groups had almost similar predicted average survival rates based on the GO-FAR score, but only 1.5% of COVID patients survived to discharge compared to 7% of non-COVID patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The rate of survival to hospital discharge in COVID-19 patients who suffer IHCA is worse than in non-COVID patients, and lower than that predicted by the GO-FAR score. This finding may help inform our patient population about risk factors associated with high mortality in COVID-19 infection, as well as educate hospitalized patients and healthcare proxies in the setting of code status designation.
Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.): A Crop to Mitigate Food and Nutritional Challenges
Authors: Hosen Monir , Rafii Mohd Y. , Mazlan Norida , Jusoh Mashitah , Oladosu Yusuff , Chowdhury Mst. Farhana Nazneen , Muhammad Ismaila , Khan Md Mahmudul Hasan
Published: October 2021

The world’s food and agricultural programs have gradually declined into an unsustainable situation due to challenges such as increase in world population, varied agro-climatic regions, increase temperature, extreme sole-culture growing techniques, and water shortage. A considerable emphasis has been put on few staple food crops coupled with repeated dieting, food scarcity, and essential mineral deficits, frequently inducing dietary disorders. Because relying on staple crops may lead to serious food shortages in the future, we must adjust our dietary habits to include a diverse range of non-staple foods and maximize their use in order to achieve food security and reduce the nutritional gap. To assure healthy meals around the world, an authentic and reasonable strategy is presented to draw additional awareness towards variations in agricultural production techniques and dietary preferences. The EAT-Lancet declaration highlighted the importance of increasing agri-based foods to achieve sustainable health. Expanding overlooked crops with abundant genetic stocks and possibly beneficial characteristics is an approach that might meet food and nutritional security challenges. Although undervalued, pumpkin is a valuable vegetable herbaceous plant that contributes to global food and nutritional security. This crop has already been identified as a revolutionary age crop, balanced food, and more adapted to low soil and atmospheric circumstances than other major crops. This review paper focuses on the potential uses of pumpkin as an underutilized crop; diversification and development of hybrids, particularly hybridization breeding through diallel mating design; and how implementation of this “modern” technology would contribute to the breeding of the neglected pumpkin vegetable and stimulate productivity and nourish the world’s largest malnourished, deprived, and starved populations.
Functioning Problems in Persons with Schizophrenia in the Russian Context
Authors: Rojas Manuel , Barrios Maite , Gómez-Benito Juana , Mikheenkova Nadezhda , Mosolov Sergey
Published: September 2021

Assessing functionality in schizophrenia from a biopsychosocial perspective is essential to generate treatments that respond to the needs of the individual in his/her context. This research aims to assess the prevalence of functioning problems and their association with socio-demographic and clinical variables in a sample of Russian individuals with schizophrenia, using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health as a framework. An empirical cross-sectional study assessed the functioning of 40 individuals with schizophrenia using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health Core Set for schizophrenia. For the Body functions component, the highest prevalence of problems was found in b144 Memory functions (75%) and b140 Attention functions (70%). In the Activities and participation component, the greatest limitations were in d770 Intimate relationships (79.3%) and d240 Handling stress and other psychological demands (82.5%). In the Environmental factors, the most frequent problems were in e110 Products or substances for personal consumption (25%) and e460 Societal attitudes (22.5%); when scored as facilitators, the highest rated categories were e125 Products and technology for communication (100%) and e165 Assets (100%). These results may guide the design of specific treatments for these individuals and serve as a starting point for further studies in similar contexts and in other regions in Russia.
Rasch Analysis of Self-Reported Adherence to Patient-Centered Physical Therapy Scale among Japanese Physical Therapists: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Takasaki Hiroshi
Published: September 2021

This study primarily aimed to develop a shorter version of the self-reported adherence to patient-centered physical therapy (s-SAPCPTS) by using Rasch analysis and secondarily aimed to preliminarily investigate the relationship between the s-SAPCPTS scores and demographics (i.e., age, sex, final academic degree (non-postgraduate degrees or postgraduate degrees), and practice environment). In an online anonymous survey, 110 Japanese physical therapists completed the self-reported adherence to patient-centered physical therapy and provided data on their demographics. Through the Rasch analysis, items were excluded in a stepwise manner, until certain pre-established criteria of the unidimensionality were satisfied. Subsequently, a conversion table for the Rasch score was developed. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis was conducted by using the independent variables age, sex, and final academic degree. Using the Kruskal–Wallis test, we compared the Rasch s-SAPCPTS scores among four practice environments. Consequently, the seven-item s-SAPCPTS was developed by excluding seven items through the Rasch analysis. Postgraduate degree was a statistically significant contributing factor for Rasch s-SAPCPTS scores (p = 0.038, β = 0.20). The Kruskal–Wallis test demonstrated statistically significant differences in the Rasch s-SAPCPTS scores among the four practice environments (p = 0.006). In conclusion, the seven-item s-SAPCPTS was developed with the preliminary evidence of construct validity. It was also found that the final academic degree and practice environment could be the contributing factors of s-SAPCPTS scores.
Measuring of the COVID-19 Based on Time-Geography
Authors: Yin Zhangcai , Huang Wei , Ying Shen , Tang Panli , Kang Ziqiang , Huang Kuan
Published: September 2021

At the end of 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic began to emerge on a global scale, including China, and left deep traces on all societies. The spread of this virus shows remarkable temporal and spatial characteristics. Therefore, analyzing and visualizing the characteristics of the COVID-19 pandemic are relevant to the current pressing need and have realistic significance. In this article, we constructed a new model based on time-geography to analyze the movement pattern of COVID-19 in Hebei Province. The results show that as time changed COVID-19 presented an obvious dynamic distribution in space. It gradually migrated from the southwest region of Hebei Province to the northeast region. The factors affecting the moving patterns may be the migration and flow of population between and within the province, the economic development level and the development of road traffic of each city. It can be divided into three stages in terms of time. The first stage is the gradual spread of the epidemic, the second is the full spread of the epidemic, and the third is the time and again of the epidemic. Finally, we can verify the accuracy of the model through the standard deviation ellipse and location entropy.