bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Hydrogen Production Powered by PV/CSP Hybrid Power Plants: A Modelling Approach for Cost Optimal System Design
Authors: Rosenstiel Andreas , Monnerie Nathalie , Dersch Jürgen , Roeb Martin , Pitz-Paal Robert , Sattler Christian
Published: June 2021

Global trade of green hydrogen will probably become a vital factor in reaching climate neutrality. The sunbelt of the Earth has a great potential for large-scale hydrogen production. One promising pathway to solar hydrogen is to use economically priced electricity from photovoltaics (PV) for electrochemical water splitting. However, storing electricity with batteries is still expensive and without storage only a small operating capacity of electrolyser systems can be reached. Combining PV with concentrated solar power (CSP) and thermal energy storage (TES) seems a good pathway to reach more electrolyser full load hours and thereby lower levelized costs of hydrogen (LCOH). This work introduces an energy system model for finding cost-optimal designs of such PV/CSP hybrid hydrogen production plants based on a global optimization algorithm. The model includes an operational strategy which improves the interplay between PV and CSP part, allowing also to store PV surplus electricity as heat. An exemplary study for stand-alone hydrogen production with an alkaline electrolyser (AEL) system is carried out. Three different locations with different solar resources are considered, regarding the total installed costs (TIC) to obtain realistic LCOH values. The study shows that a combination of PV and CSP is an auspicious concept for large-scale solar hydrogen production, leading to lower costs than using one of the technologies on its own. For today’s PV and CSP costs, minimum levelized costs of hydrogen of 4.04 USD/kg were determined for a plant located in Ouarzazate (Morocco). Considering the foreseen decrease in PV and CSP costs until 2030, cuts the LCOH to 3.09 USD/kg while still a combination of PV and CSP is the most economic system.
Energy Transition on Islands with the Presence of Electric Vehicles: A Case Study for Porto Santo
Authors: Torabi Roham , Gomes Álvaro , Morgado-Dias F.
Published: June 2021

Facilitating high-RES (Renewable Energy Resources) penetration via integrated resource management is considered a promising strategy on different islands worldwide. For this work, the Portuguese island of Porto Santo is established as a test bench using actual data from the island. Given its geographical condition and energy needs, integrating the management of different resources (namely, the electric power grid with the water supply system, intensive in-land transportation electrification, and the energy storage applications) is analyzed by this work to achieve a power grid relying entirely on RES. The energy storage utilization and the purposeful manipulations in demand patterns have been perceived as instruments to reduce RES availability and consumption mismatch. Electric Vehicles (EV) could be perceived as a reliable alternative to centralized storage systems, acting either as a load or power resource (generator), providing the required flexibility for power systems to uptake the increased RES and maintaining the balance of supply and demand. This means that EVs could contribute to greening both the power system and the transport sectors. Hence, the impact of the EVs’ penetration level on the island was assessed through a gradual increase in the EVs’ total number (from 0 to a fleet containing 2500 vehicles). Furthermore, a collaboration between the water supply (seawater desalination) and the energy sector is proposed. The obtained results revealed that the optimized management of resources could significantly help the overall energy system (power grid) to rely only on RES (solar and wind energies). The curtailments decreased relatively (maximizing the RES share), while the polluter conventional power plant remained off over the simulation periods.
A Current Sensor Fault Tolerant Control Strategy for PMSM Drive Systems Based on Cri Markers
Authors: Jankowska Kamila , Dybkowski Mateusz
Published: June 2021

The paper describes a vector-controlled fault tolerant control (FTC) structure for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drives. As a control algorithm, the classical field oriented control was applied. For the proper operation of this drive, minimum two current sensors are necessary, however, in the FTC drives additional redundant transducers are applied. Each measuring sensor, including current sensors, are susceptible to damage and can lead to unstable operation of the drive. The presented control structure, with a diagnostic and compensation system, is robust to the typical current sensor faults—lack of signal, intermittent signal, variable gain, signal noise and signal saturation. The fault detection algorithm is based on the signal method. The fault diagnostic system is tested in two control algorithms—the scalar control and vector control ones—to demonstrate the transient of the faulted signals, detection signals and detection time. After current sensor fault appearance, its influence on the control structure, especially speed transient, is compensated using non-sensitive components. The analysis is presented for all the abovementioned faults for different speed conditions.
Extending a Homogenized Model for Characterizing Multidirectional Jellyroll Failure in Prismatic Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhu Lingxiao , Xia Yong , Liu Yuanjie , Ge Yulong , Wang Lin , Zhang Lei
Published: June 2021

Lithium-ion batteries have been widely used in electric vehicles but may cause severe internal short circuit during extreme intrusion-type accidents. A well-defined homogenized model of battery or jellyroll is necessary for safety assessment and design on large-scale structure level. In our previous study, the jellyroll of prismatic lithium-ion battery cell shows anisotropic mechanical behavior and failure tolerance. For homogenized characterization of jellyroll, in the present paper, the user subroutine of a constitutive model taking anisotropy into account is implanted into Abaqus finite element analysis software, which is capable of capturing the force versus displacement responses along different loading directions before jellyroll failure. To extend the capability of the homogenized model, five single-parameter failure criteria and two combined failure criteria are examined in predicting the failure onsets in jellyroll along different directions. The result proves the combined failure criteria is competent to correctly predict the multidirectional failure onsets compared with the single-parameter ones.
Analysis and Application of Two-Layer Unconventional Windings for PM-Assisted Synchronous Reluctance Motors
Authors: Liu Guohai , Li Wenxuan , Chen Qian , Mao Yanxin
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a new winding configuration theory of conventional and unconventional slot-pole combinations that can be used to configure windings with any slot-pole combination. First, various two-layer windings can be divided into conventional balanced winding (CBW), unbalanced winding (UBW), unconventional even slot winding (UESW) and unconventional odd slot winding (UOSW). In addition, the winding configuration can be divided into two steps—slot sorting and slot distributions to phases—and the rule of winding distribution and connection of the four kinds of windings is given. Moreover, there are four models established corresponding to the four kinds of windings. The air-gap flux density and harmonic of models with double layer flux-barrier PM-assisted rotor and without flux-barrier rotor are analyzed and compared using two-dimensional transient finite element analysis (FEA). The effect of stator magneto motive force (MMF) on torque performance affected by winding configuration is analyzed by comparing air gap magnetic density under two kinds of rotors. The simulation of torque shows that UBW, UESW, and UOSW have a certain reducing effect on torque ripple in PMASynRM. Meanwhile, a brief comparison is made in terms of radial forces and power losses; the effects produced by UBW, UESW, and UOSW compared to CBW in these two aspects are acceptable.
A Novel Optimization Method for a Multi-Year Planning Scheme of an Active Distribution Network in a Large Planning Zone
Authors: Zheng Xuejun , Wang Shaorong , Ullah Zia , Xiao Mengmeng , Ye Chang , Lei Zhangping
Published: June 2021

Electric power distribution networks plays a significant role in providing continuous electrical energy to different categories of customers. In the context of the present advancements, future load expansion in the active distribution networks (ADNs) poses the key challenge of planning to be derived as a multi-stage optimization task, including the optimal expansion planning scheme optimization (EPSO). The planning scheme optimization is a multi-attribute decision-making issue with high complexity and solving difficulty, especially when it involves a large-scale planning zone. This paper proposes a novel approach of a multi-year planning scheme for the effective solution of the EPSO problem in large planning zones. The proposed approach comprises three key parts, where the first part covers two essential aspects, i.e., (i) suggesting a project condition set that considers the elements directly related to a group of specific conditions and requirements (collectively referred to as conditions) to ADN planning projects; and (ii) Developing a condition scoring system to evaluate planning projects. The second part of our proposed scheme is a quantization method of correlativity among projects based on two new concepts: contribution index (CI) and dependence index (DI). Finally, considering the multi-year rolling optimization, a detailed mathematical model of condition evaluation and spatiotemporal optimization sequencing of ADN planning projects is developed, where the evaluation and optimization are updated annually. The proposed model has been successfully validated on a practical distribution network located in Xiantao, China. The investigated case study and comparisons verify the various advantages, suitability, and effectiveness of the proposed planning scheme, consequently saving more than 10% of the investment compared with the existing implemented scheme.
Human Cell Culture, a Pertinent In Vitro Model to Evaluate the Toxicity of Landfill Leachate/Sewage Sludge. A Review
Authors: Jabłońska-Trypuć Agata
Published: June 2021

Both landfill leachate and sewage sludge are complex mixtures of many potentially toxic substances in unknown and unpredictable amounts and concentrations. Both types of matrices can pose a risk to human health and the functioning of ecosystems if released into the environment. Therefore, constant monitoring of the toxicity of these mixtures is necessary. However, traditional methods of analysis of sewage sludge/landfill leachate are mainly based on physicochemical studies that do not fully reflect the effects of these mixtures on living organisms. For this purpose, research based on biological models, including mammalian, mainly human, cells is recommended and increasingly implemented. A variety of cytotoxicity tests, based on various metabolic transformations in living cells, are a very useful tool in landfill leachate/sewage sludge toxicology studies. This paper reviews the methods used in the study of the cytotoxicity of environmental matrices and the cell lines used in these studies as biological models.
Delayed Inhibition of Photosynthetic Performance—Three Linden Species in an Urban Environment
Authors: Czaja Monika , Kołton Anna , Muras Piotr
Published: June 2021

The presented study concerns the delayed response of photosynthetic performance to summer drought. Increasing drought events are thought to be one of the most detrimental and expensive natural disasters. For that reason, we studied the condition of urban trees, which are especially susceptible to water deficit. Three species of linden trees (T. tomentosa, T. × europaea and T. cordata) growing in the city area of Krakow, Poland, were investigated for two consecutive years to compare their response to a precipitation deficit. For the first time, the physiological traits of linden urban trees were compared in years with and without a natural summer drought. For evaluation of the photosynthetic performance, we used measurements of the chlorophyll a fluorescence concerning the OJIP transients and derived parameters. The contents of photosynthetic pigments, such as chlorophylls and carotenoids, were analysed, and stress-sensible parameter ratios, such as chl a/b and chl/carot, were calculated. The most common method of research conduction assumes examination close to the presence of a stressor. We chose an innovative method of prolonged investigation after relief from the stress conditions. While there was no evident reaction of PSII to meteorological drought during the stress occurrence, all of the investigated species of linden revealed delayed reaction of PSII to precipitation deficit in summer. Changes in PSII were connected with the decrease of active reaction centres (RCs), which was evident in the increase of the ABS/RC, DI0/RC and TR0/RC, and the decrease of ET0/RC. T. × europaea demonstrated a more intense decrease of certain parameters during late senescence compared with other species. Despite the close relation of T. cordata and T. × europaea, species showed different physiological traits during senescence after a summer drought. Our results underline the need for monitoring tree conditions not only during stress but also in the wider perspective.
Composition of Phenolic Compounds, Cyanogenic Glycosides, Organic Acids and Sugars in Fruits of Black Cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.)
Authors: Brozdowski Jakub , Waliszewska Boguslawa , Loffler Jakub , Hudina Metka , Veberic Robert , Mikulic-Petkovsek Maja
Published: June 2021

The forest understory is rich in fruit-bearing trees and shrubs. They include both native species and invasive alien plant species (IAPS). One of the most spreading IAPS is black cherry (Prunus serotina E.). Problems with the invasiveness of P. serotina is well known in many European countries. However, there are very few studies related to this IAPS. This article aims to fill the gap in research on the bioactive compounds of black cherry fruits and thus to start a discussion on the potential use of this species on an industrial or semi-industrial scale, which may lead to the reduction of this species presence in forests. Fruits were collected in a forest of Northern Poland. Contents of sugars, phenolic compounds as well as cyanogenic glycosides were determined. Pphenolic compounds and cyanogenic glycoside were assayed using HPLC-DAD coupled with MSn. Sugars and organic acids were determined with the use of HPLC-DAD. Fruits of P. serotina can be considered as rich in anthocyanins, even at a lower level of total phenolics than in their plantation-grown couterparts, fruits of black cherry are still a good source of dietary phenolics of natural, forest-grown origin. When stones are not crushed during processing the level of GCC is within a safe, admissible range.
The Effect of Repeated Prescribed Burning on Soil Properties: A Review
Authors: Fontúrbel Teresa , Carrera Noela , Vega José Antonio , Fernández Cristina
Published: June 2021

Prescribed burning is a tool that is frequently used for various land management objectives, mainly related to reduction of hazardous forest fuels, habitat management and ecological restoration. Given the crucial role of soil in forest ecosystem processes and functions, assessing the effects of prescribed burning on soil is particularly relevant. This study reviews research on the impacts of repeated prescribed burning on the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. The available information shows that the effects are highly variable, rather inconsistent and generally minor for most of the soil characteristics studied, while a number of soil properties show contrasting responses. On the other hand, ecosystem characteristics, differences in fire severity, frequency of application and the cumulative effect of treatment repetition over time, have possibly made it more difficult to find a more common response in soil attributes. Our study has also revealed some limitations of previous research that may have contributed to this result, including a limited number of long-term studies, conducted at a few experimental sites, and in a limited number of forest ecosystems. Research issues concerning the effects of prescribed fire on soil are presented. The need to integrate such research into a broader interdisciplinary framework, encompassing the role of the fire regime on ecosystem functions and processes, is also highlighted.
Introducing the Green Infrastructure for Roadside Air Quality (GI4RAQ) Platform: Estimating Site-Specific Changes in the Dispersion of Vehicular Pollution Close to Source
Authors: Pearce Helen , Levine James G. , Cai Xiaoming , MacKenzie A. Rob
Published: June 2021

The benefits of ‘green infrastructure’ are multi-faceted and well-documented, but estimating those of individual street-scale planting schemes at planning can be challenging. This is crucial to avoid undervaluing proposed schemes in cost–benefit analyses, and ensure they are resilient to ‘value engineering’ between planning and implementation. Here, we introduce prototype software enabling urban practitioners to estimate the site-specific air quality impacts of roadside vegetation barriers: highly localised changes in pollutant concentrations due to changes in the dispersion of vehicular emissions close to source. We summarise the recent shift in understanding regarding the impacts of vegetation on urban air pollution towards changes in pollutant dispersion (cf. deposition) and describe our prototype software, offering rapid estimates thereof. First tests of the underlying model’s performance are promising, reproducing: annual mean NO2 and PM2.5 concentrations in a street canyon (Marylebone Road, London, UK) to within 10% and 25%, respectively; and changes in pollutant concentrations of the right order of magnitude behind roadside barriers in a wind tunnel simulation of a street canyon and a real open-road environment. However, the model underestimates the benefits of a barrier in a simulated street canyon under perpendicular wind conditions. The prototype software is a first step towards informing practitioners of the site-specific impacts of vegetation barriers, which should always be additional to (i.e., no substitute for) essential emission reductions. The code is open-source to engage further researchers in its continued development.
Microbial Composition of Fermented Korean Soy Paste (Doenjang) Prepared by Adding Different Herbs during Fermentation
Authors: Mannaa Mohamed , Cho Seong-Soon , Seo Young-Su , Park Inmyoung
Published: June 2021

The microbiota involved in Korean soy paste (doenjang) fermentation are the key factors determining its quality aspects. In this study, doenjang was prepared by adding three different herbs (Peppermint, Korean mint, and Coriander), and their effect on the microbiota composition was evaluated by 16S rRNA metagenomic analyses. The β-diversity statistics indicated clear distinctions in the doenjang microbiota after the addition of herbs. A microbial composition analysis revealed that Tetragenococcus was among the dominant genera in the four doenjang groups, with a relatively higher abundance in the Korean mint group. In the Peppermint and Korean mint doenjang groups, the levels of undesirable microbes, such as opportunistic pathogens belonging to the genera Sphingobacterium and Pantoea, were significantly reduced. Additionally, other desirable microbes that are known to exhibit beneficial properties and produce bioactive compounds, such as Saccharopolyspora and Buttiauxella, were present at significantly higher levels. Significant negative correlations between members of the Bacillaceae and Halomonadaceae, Lactobacillaceae and Tissierellaceae, and the Lacobacillaceae and Erwiniaceae families were observed, indicating possible antagonistic relationships. Taken together, our results demonstrated that the incorporation of herbs, particularly Peppermint and Korean mint, during doenjang fermentation resulted in significant shifts in the microbial composition and could be utilized for beneficial effect on its fermentation.
Memetics of Deception: Spreading Local Meme Hoaxes during COVID-19 1st Year
Authors: Rodríguez-Ferrándiz Raúl , Sánchez-Olmos Cande , Hidalgo-Marí Tatiana , Saquete-Boro Estela
Published: June 2021

The central thesis of this paper is that memetic practices can be crucial to understanding deception at present when hoaxes have increased globally due to COVID-19. Therefore, we employ existing memetic theory to describe the qualities and characteristics of meme hoaxes in terms of the way they are replicated by altering some aspects of the original, and then shared on social media platforms in order to connect global and local issues. Criteria for selecting the sample were hoaxes retrieved from and related to the local territory in the province of Alicante (Spain) during the first year of the pandemic (n = 35). Once typology, hoax topics and their memetic qualities were identified, we analysed their characteristics according to form in terms of Shifman (2014) and, secondly, their content and stance concordances both within and outside our sample (Spain and abroad). The results show, firstly, that hoaxes are mainly disinformation and they are related to the pandemic. Secondly, despite the notion that local hoaxes are linked to local circumstances that are difficult to extrapolate, our conclusions demonstrate their extraordinary memetic and “glocal” capacity: they rapidly adapt other hoaxes from other places to local areas, very often supplanting reliable sources, and thereby demonstrating consistency and opportunism.
Direct Numerical Simulation of Sediment Transport in Turbulent Open Channel Flow Using the Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Hu Liangquan , Dong Zhiqiang , Peng Cheng , Wang Lian-Ping
Published: June 2021

The lattice Boltzmann method is employed to conduct direct numerical simulations of turbulent open channel flows with the presence of finite-size spherical sediment particles. The uniform particles have a diameter of approximately 18 wall units and a density of ρp=2.65ρf, where ρp and ρf are the particle and fluid densities, respectively. Three low particle volume fractions ϕ=0.11%, 0.22%, and 0.44% are used to investigate the particle-turbulence interactions. Simulation results indicate that particles are found to result in a more isotropic distribution of fluid turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) among different velocity components, and a more homogeneous distribution of the fluid TKE in the wall-normal direction. Particles tend to accumulate in the near-wall region due to the settling effect and they preferentially reside in low-speed streaks. The vertical particle volume fraction profiles are self-similar when normalized by the total particle volume fractions. Moreover, several typical transport modes of the sediment particles, such as resuspension, saltation, and rolling, are captured by tracking the trajectories of particles. Finally, the vertical profiles of particle concentration are shown to be consistent with a kinetic model.
Exploring Tools for Designing Dysphagia-Friendly Foods: A Review
Authors: Giura Larisa , Urtasun Leyre , Belarra Amanda , Ansorena Diana , Astiasarán Icíar
Published: June 2021

Dysphagia is a medical condition that affects normal swallowing. To prevent the risk of aspiration or choking, thickened fluids and texture-modified foods have been used for dysphagia management with the goal of slowing down the flow of liquids and protecting the airway. This article summarizes the available information about the rheological and textural parameters, the characterization of the most-used thickeners and the application of alternative texture modification technologies that are crucial to developing safe dishes for people who suffer from swallowing difficulties. Regarding rheological and textural measurements, fundamental and empirical methods are described.
Variation in the Physical and Functional Properties of Yam (Dioscorea spp.) Flour Produced by Different Processing Techniques
Authors: Setyawan Nurdi , Maninang John Solomon , Suzuki Sakae , Fujii Yoshiharu
Published: June 2021

Research on the processing of yam (Dioscorea spp.) into flour is aimed at optimizing techniques to obtain a material with high physicochemical and functional properties. The present study investigates the effect of the processing techniques on the levels of inulin, organic acids, total phenolics (TP), antioxidant capacity, and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities, as well as on the physicochemical properties of flour derived from two yam species—Dioscorea esculenta and Dioscorea bulbifera. All tubers were peeled and sliced, then subjected to different processing techniques through blanching, soaking, and drying. The results revealed that freeze-drying appears to be the best technique in achieving the highest whiteness index of yam flour. This coincided well with the low phenolics content and POD activity, which suggests a reduced enzymatic browning reaction in the freeze-dried yam flour. On the other hand, chemical analyses showed that D. esculenta and D. bulbifera flours have the highest levels of inulin (23.0 and 27.8 g/100 g DW, respectively) and succinic acid (7.96 and 7.65 g/100 g DW, respectively) in the samples subjected to direct oven-drying. Oven drying without pretreatment neither blanching nor water steeping maintained antioxidant activity in the flour derived from both D. esculenta and D. bulbifera.
Neutralization and Salt Effect on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Polyacrylic Acid Gels under Equivolume Conditions
Authors: Tsuji Yui , Shibayama Mitsuhiro , Li Xiang
Published: June 2021

The effects of neutralization and salt on the structure and mechanical properties of polyacrylic acid (PAA) gels under equivolume conditions were investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements and tensile tests. We attained the equivolume condition by immersing a piece of PAA gel sample in an ion reservoir containing linear PAA, NaOH, and NaCl at prescribed concentrations (post-ion-tuning). The volume fraction of the linear polymer was set to be the same as that of the gel so as to satisfy the iso-osmotic pressure at the reference state. Various types of reservoirs were prepared by adding NaOH and/or NaCl with different concentrations to the reference reservoir, followed by immersing a PAA gel piece. In the SAXS measurements, a scattering peak appeared, and the scattering intensity at q = 0 decreased by neutralization, while the addition of salt increased the scattering intensity. On the other hand, Young’s modulus measured with the tensile test decreased with neutralization; however, it scarcely changed with the addition of salt. The newly developed equivolume post-ion-tuning technique may serve as a new standard scheme to study polyelectrolyte gels.
Differential Transcript Profiles in Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes Originating from Pre-Ovulatory Follicles of Varied Physiological Maturity in Beef Cows
Authors: Moorey Sarah E. , Monnig Jenna M. , Smith Michael F. , Ortega M. Sofia , Green Jonathan A. , Pohler Ky G. , Bridges G. Alan , Behura Susanta K. , Geary Thomas W.
Published: June 2021

Small dominant follicle diameter at induced ovulation, but not at spontaneous ovulation, decreased pregnancy rate, fertilization rate, and day seven embryo quality in beef cows. We hypothesized that the physiological status of the follicle at GnRH-induced ovulation has a direct effect on the transcriptome of the Cumulus-Oocyte complex, thereby affecting oocyte competence and subsequent embryo development. The objective of this study was to determine if the transcriptome of oocytes and associated cumulus cells (CC) differed among small (≤11.7 mm) and large follicles (≥12.7 mm) exposed to a GnRH-induced gonadotropin surge and follicles (11.7–14.0 mm) exposed to an endogenous gonadotropin surge (spontaneous follicles). RNA sequencing data, from pools of four oocytes or their corresponding CC, revealed 69, 94, and 83 differentially expressed gene transcripts (DEG) among oocyte pools from small versus large, small versus spontaneous, and large versus spontaneous follicle classifications, respectively. An additional 128, 98, and 80 DEG were identified among small versus large, small versus spontaneous, and large versus spontaneous follicle CC pools, respectively. The biological pathway “oxidative phosphorylation” was significantly enriched with DEG from small versus spontaneous follicle oocyte pools (FDR < 0.01); whereas the glycolytic pathway was significantly enriched with DEG from CC pools obtained from large versus small follicles (FDR < 0.01). These findings collectively suggest that altered carbohydrate metabolism within the Cumulus-Oocyte complex likely contributes to the decreased competency of oocytes from small pre-ovulatory follicles exposed to an exogenous GnRH-induced gonadotropin surge.
Challenges for Cryptosporidium Population Studies
Authors: Baptista Rodrigo P. , Cooper Garrett W. , Kissinger Jessica C.
Published: June 2021

Cryptosporidiosis is ranked sixth in the list of the most important food-borne parasites globally, and it is an important contributor to mortality in infants and the immunosuppressed. Recently, the number of genome sequences available for this parasite has increased drastically. The majority of the sequences are derived from population studies of Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis, the most important species causing disease in humans. Work with this parasite is challenging since it lacks an optimal, prolonged, in vitro culture system, which accurately reproduces the in vivo life cycle. This obstacle makes the cloning of isolates nearly impossible. Thus, patient isolates that are sequenced represent a population or, at times, mixed infections. Oocysts, the lifecycle stage currently used for sequencing, must be considered a population even if the sequence is derived from single-cell sequencing of a single oocyst because each oocyst contains four haploid meiotic progeny (sporozoites). Additionally, the community does not yet have a set of universal markers for strain typing that are distributed across all chromosomes. These variables pose challenges for population studies and require careful analyses to avoid biased interpretation. This review presents an overview of existing population studies, challenges, and potential solutions to facilitate future population analyses.
Clinical Manifestations in a Girl with NAA10-Related Syndrome and Genotype–Phenotype Correlation in Females
Authors: Maini Ilenia , Caraffi Stefano G. , Peluso Francesca , Valeri Lara , Nicoli Davide , Laurie Steven , Baldo Chiara , Zuffardi Orsetta , Garavelli Livia
Published: June 2021

Since 2011, eight males with an X-linked recessive disorder (Ogden syndrome, MIM #300855) associated with the same missense variant p.(Ser37Pro) in the NAA10 gene have been described. After the advent of whole exome sequencing, many NAA10 variants have been reported as causative of syndromic or non-syndromic intellectual disability in both males and females. The NAA10 gene lies in the Xq28 region and encodes the catalytic subunit of the major N-terminal acetyltransferase complex NatA, which acetylates almost half the human proteome. Here, we present a young female carrying a de novo NAA10 [NM_003491:c.247C > T, p.(Arg83Cys)] variant. The 18-year-old girl has severely delayed motor and language development, autistic traits, postnatal growth failure, facial dysmorphisms, interventricular septal defect, neuroimaging anomalies and epilepsy. Our attempt is to expand and compare genotype–phenotype correlation in females with NAA10-related syndrome. A detailed clinical description could have relevant consequences for the clinical management of known and newly identified individuals.
Unique Path Method of the Pinch-Out Profile Based on Unified Stratigraphic Sequence
Authors: Liu Zhen , Luo Jin , Wang Xiangdong , Ming Weihua , Zhou Cuiying
Published: June 2021

Pinch-outs refers to the gradual thinning of the thickness of the sedimentary layer laterally until there is no deposition and are a major topic of modern research on the automated drawing of geological profiles. The rapid development of smart geological systems imposed an urgent need for high-speed, accurate methods to plot pinch-outs. However, because of their complexity, excessive number of branch paths, low rendering speed, and poor reliability in the case of large-scale data, the existing pinch-out drawing methods are inadequate and cannot satisfy the modeling needs of large-scale geological projects. To resolve these problems, based on unified stratigraphic sequences, this paper proposes a unique path method for drawing pinch-out profiles by converting the principle of plotting of pinch-outs into controlling the appearance of stratigraphic boundaries, and a high-speed and reliable method for drawing pinch-out in digital profiles is also proposed. The proposed method is successfully applied to drawing geological profiles for an urban geological project in East China, and greatly reduces the complexity of the method without reducing the drawing accuracy. Compared with those of other methods, the speed and reliability are significantly improved. Therefore, the unique path method for drawing pinch-out profiles based on a unified stratigraphic sequence proposed in the writers’ previous paper effectively avoids the excessive branch paths, slow speed, and insufficient reliability of the existing methods and provides effective and reliable support for the rapid drawing of profiles in smart geological systems.
Profile of Prescription Medication in an Internal Medicine Ward
Authors: Perpétuo Carla , Plácido Ana I. , Aperta Jorge , Herdeiro Maria Teresa , Roque Fátima
Published: June 2021

Aging-related loss of resilience associated with the lack of evidence regarding the therapeutic efficacy of medicines can prompt a lack of efficacy of treatments and multiple prescriptions. This work aims to characterize the medication profile of Portuguese older adult inpatients and explore the relationship between hospitalization days and the consumption of medicines. A retrospective data analysis study in older patients who were admitted to a medical internal medicine ward during 2019. The median age of the 616 patients included was 85 years. During the hospitalized period, patients took on average 18.08 medicines. The most prescribed drugs belong to the subgroup of (a) anti-thrombotic agents (6.7%), with enoxaparin being the most prescribed, (b) other analgesics and antipyretics (6.6%), paracetamol being the most frequent, and (c) the Angiotensin Conversion Enzyme Inhibitor (ACE) (6.5%), captopril being the most frequent. The high number of prescriptions in older adults during their hospitalization suggests the need of changing therapeutics to achieve a better efficacy of treatment, which corroborates the hypothesis that the lack of scientific evidence concerning the risk/benefits of many medical therapies in older adults can make it difficult to achieve good clinical outcomes and promote the wastage of health resources.
Factors Related to Maternal Oral Health Status: Focus on Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
Authors: Kim Eun Gyeong , Park Sook Kyoung , Nho Ju-Hee
Published: June 2021

Oral health management is vital for pregnant women and their fetuses. This study analyzed the factors affecting maternal oral health status. It used secondary data obtained from the 2019 Korean Community Health Survey. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 for complex descriptive statistics, independent t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. Multiple regression analysis revealed that age (β = −0.01, p < 0.001), maternal characteristics (β = −0.10, p < 0.001), education (β = −0.06, p = 014), subjective health status (β = 0.27, p < 0.001, sleep duration (β = 0.07, p = 0.003), breakfast frequency (β = −0.16, p < 0.001), unmet dental care needs (β = 0.35, p < 0.001), and depression (β = −0.02, p < 0.001) are key factors of maternal oral health status. Furthermore, oral health status is associated with mental health factors, such as depression. Therefore, the importance of maternal oral health among pregnant and breastfeeding women must be highlighted to promote the health of mothers and their babies.
Assessment of Cytogenetic Damage and Cholinesterases’ Activity in Workers Occupationally Exposed to Pesticides in Zamora-Jacona, Michoacan, Mexico
Authors: Valencia-Quintana Rafael , López-Durán Rosa María , Milić Mirta , Bonassi Stefano , Ochoa-Ocaña Ma. Antonieta , Uriostegui-Acosta Mayrut Osdely , Pérez-Flores Guillermo Alejandro , Gómez-Olivares José Luis , Sánchez-Alarcón Juana
Published: June 2021

Pesticides have been considered as potential chemical mutagens; however, little is known about toxic and genotoxic effects during pesticide application in Zamora-Jacona, Michoacan State in Mexico. This study sought to determine DNA damage and cholinesterase activities inhibitions in 54 agricultural workers exposed to complex mixtures of pesticides vs. control group (26 individuals) using Comet assay in peripheral whole blood, micronucleus (MN) test in oral mucosa cells, Cytokinesis-blocked MN assay in lymphocytes (L-CBMNcyt) and measuring AChE and BChE activities in whole blood and plasma samples, respectively. Exposed subjects demonstrated significantly elevated levels of primary (Comet assay: tail intensity, tail length, tail moment, Olive tail moment) and permanent DNA damage (MN assay: in blood/buccal cells; frequencies of nuclear buds, binucleated cells, cells with condensed chromatin, karyorrhexis, pyknosis, and karyolysis). However, inhibition of cholinesterase activities (AChE and BChE) was not observed in the workers. Confounding factors including sex, age, BMI, working exposure period, protection level, smoking habit (cigarettes per day units), alcohol consumption (weekly), medication, were considered in the analysis. These combined techniques demonstrated usefulness in the health hazards risks pesticide exposure assessment and suggested the need for periodic monitoring together with the education and the training of occupational workers for the safe application of potentially harmful pesticides.
Vision and Hearing Impairments Affecting Activities of Daily Living among Malaysian Older Adults by Gender
Authors: Chan Yee Mang , Sahril Norhafizah , Chan Ying Ying , Ab Wahab Nor’ Ain , Shamsuddin Norliza , Ismail Muhd Zulfadli Hafiz
Published: June 2021

Vision and hearing impairments are common among older adults and can cause undesirable health effects. There are limited studies from low- and middle-income countries exploring gender differences between vision and hearing impairment with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) disability. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate gender differences between vision and hearing impairments with ADL disability among older adults in Malaysia. Cross-sectional data from 3977 respondents aged 60 and above from the Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey 2018 were used. We used logistic regression analysis to measure associations between vision and hearing impairments with ADL disability, adjusted for covariates. The prevalence of ADL disability was higher among females than males (p < 0.001). The adjusted associations between vision impairment and ADL disability were significant among males (aOR 3.79; 95%CI 2.26, 6.38) and females (aOR 2.66; 95%CI 1.36, 5.21). Similarly, significant adjusted associations were found between hearing impairment and ADL disability among males (aOR 5.76; 95%CI 3.52, 9.40) and females (aOR 3.30; 95%CI 1.17, 9.33). Vision and hearing impairments were significantly associated with ADL disability, with no gender differences identified. Early detection and effective management of vision and hearing impairments are important to prevent ADL disability and improve older adults’ level of independence.
Women with Fibromyalgia Prefer Resistance Exercise with Heavy Loads—A Randomized Crossover Pilot Study
Authors: Andersson Ulf Mathias , Åberg Anna Cristina , von Koch Lena , Palstam Annie
Published: June 2021

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition associated with impaired muscle strength and exercise-induced pain. Physical exercise has been highlighted, by international clinical guidelines and stakeholders, as an essential component of rehabilitation in FM. Exposure to pain during exercise is generally correlated with elevated lactate levels and, additionally, is one known reason for persons with FM to avoid physical exercise and activity. A crossover design was used to test and evaluate an approach consisting of resistance exercise with heavy loads and a low number of repetitions among ten women with FM. The participants were consecutively recruited to test and perform exercise with two different resistance levels (A = light/moderate load, and B = heavy load) in a randomized crossover trial using an AB/BA setting. Results showed that the heavy load exercise session was experienced as more positive than the light/moderate load exercise session and that lower lactate levels followed exercise with heavier weight loads. This is promising and indicates that the approach of heavy weight loads and accustomed repetitions is accepted in FM and has the potential to attenuate hesitation to exercise due to exercise-induced pain. However, these effects need to be further investigated in more extensive studies.
The Effect of Bilateral Nephrectomy on Renalase and Catecholamines in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Wiśniewska Magda , Serwin Natalia , Dziedziejko Violetta , Marchelek-Myśliwiec Małgorzata , Dołęgowska Barbara , Domański Leszek , Ciechanowski Kazimierz , Safranow Krzysztof , Gołębiowski Tomasz , Pawlik Andrzej
Published: June 2021

Background/Aims: Renalase is an enzyme with monoamine oxidase activity that metabolizes catecholamines; therefore, it has a significant influence on arterial blood pressure regulation and the development of cardiovascular diseases. Renalase is mainly produced in the kidneys. Nephrectomy and hemodialysis (HD) may alter the production and metabolism of renalase. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of bilateral nephrectomy on renalase levels in the serum and erythrocytes of hemodialysis patients. Methods: This study included 27 hemodialysis patients post-bilateral nephrectomy, 46 hemodialysis patients without nephrectomy but with chronic kidney disease and anuria and 30 healthy subjects with normal kidney function. Renalase levels in the serum and erythrocytes were measured using an ELISA kit. Results: Serum concentrations of renalase were significantly higher in post-bilateral nephrectomy patients when compared with those of control subjects (101.1 ± 65.5 vs. 19.6 ± 5.0; p < 0.01). Additionally, renalase concentrations, calculated per gram of hemoglobin, were significantly higher in patients after bilateral nephrectomy in comparison with those of healthy subjects (994.9 ± 345.5 vs. 697.6 ± 273.4, p = 0.015). There were no statistically significant differences in plasma concentrations of noradrenaline or adrenaline. In contrast, the concentration of dopamine was significantly lower in post-nephrectomy patients when compared with those of healthy subjects (116.8 ± 147.7 vs. 440.9 ± 343.2, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Increased serum levels of renalase in post-bilateral nephrectomy hemodialysis patients are likely related to production in extra-renal organs as a result of changes in the cardiovascular system and hypertension.
Correction: Santa-Marina et al. Maternal Ferritin Levels during Pregnancy and ADHD Symptoms in 4-Year-Old Children: Results from the INMA-INfancia y Medio Ambiente (Environment and Childhood) Prospective Birth Cohort Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 7704
Authors: Santa-Marina Loreto , Lertxundi Nerea , Andiarena Ainara , Irizar Amaia , Sunyer Jordi , Molinuevo Amaia , Llop Sabrina , Julvez Jordi , Beneito Andrea , Ibarluzea Jesús , Imaz Liher , Ferrin Maite
Published: June 2021

In the original article [...]
Stereopsis and Response Times between Collegiate Table Tennis Athletes and Non-Athletes
Authors: Lee Jiahn-Shing , Chang Shih-Tsung , Shieh Li-Chuan , Lim Ai-Yin , Peng Wei-Sheng , Chen Wei-Min , Liu Yen-Hsiu , See Lai-Chu
Published: June 2021

Table tennis athletes and non-athletes potentially differ in stereopsis and eye–hand response times (RT), but whether stereopsis correlates with response time has scarcely been discussed. We aimed to compare stereopsis and RT between collegiate table tennis athletes and non-athletes and to examine the correlation between stereopsis and RT. From December 2016 to October 2019, table tennis athletes (n = 80) and non-athletes (n = 56) were recruited. Stereopsis was measured in four modes (A25, A50, R25, R50: approaching and receding directions at 25 mm/s or 50 mm/s). RT was measured with simple and choice tasks at zero, shoulder, and random distance. For stereopsis, the judged deviations were smaller during the approaching phases. Men had smaller A25 than women (p =0.012), whereas table tennis athletes showed smaller R25 and A50 than non-athletes (p = 0.03, 0.01, respectively). RT increased from simple to choice conditions and from zero to random, followed by shoulder distance. Men were significantly faster than women in choice tasks (p < 0.01). Table tennis athletes performed better in RT than the non-athletes (p < 0.05). No correlation was observed between stereopsis and RT (r = −0.01 to 0.12). In conclusion, athletes from table tennis sports showed better stereopsis and RT than non-athletes. Men had better stereopsis and RT than women. There was no correlation between stereopsis and RT.
Effect of Smartphone Usage on Neck Muscle Endurance, Hand Grip and Pinch Strength among Healthy College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alshahrani Adel , Samy Abdrabo Mohamed , Aly Sobhy M. , Alshahrani Mastour Saeed , Alqhtani Raee S. , Asiri Faisal , Ahmad Irshad
Published: June 2021

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in global smartphone usage driven by different purposes. This study aimed to explore the effect of smartphone usage on neck muscle (flexors and extensors) endurance, hand grip, and pinch strength among young, healthy college students. In total, 40 male students were recruited for this study; 20 of them belonged to the smartphone-addicted group, while the other 20 were in the non-addicted group based on their smartphone addiction scale—short version (SAS-SV) scores (the threshold for determining smartphone addiction: 31/60). Neck flexor endurance time, the ability to perform a neck extensor muscle endurance test, and hand and pinch grip strength were assessed. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to assess between-group differences in the mean values of neck flexor endurance time, hand grip, and pinch grip. A significant group effect (Wilks’ lambda = 0.51, F (5,34) = 6.34, p = 0.001, partial eta squared = 0.48) was found. A decrease in neck flexor endurance time was observed in the smartphone-addicted group compared with that of the non-addicted group (p < 0.001). However, there was no notable difference in the neck extensor muscle endurance test or in hand grip and pinch grip strength of both hands between groups (p > 0.05). Using a smartphone for a prolonged time might affect neck flexor muscle endurance; however, more research is needed to explore the long-term effects of using smartphones on neck muscle endurance and hand/pinch grip strength and the risk of developing upper limb neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction.