bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological Analysis and Biodiversity of the Helminth Community of the Pool Frog Pelophylax lessonae (Amphibia: Anura) from Floodplain and Forest Water Bodies
Authors: Chikhlyaev Igor V. , Ruchin Alexander B.
Published: March 2022

This work presents an ecological analysis of the community and biodiversity of helminths of Pelophylax lessonae (Camerano, 1882) from floodplain and forest reservoirs of the European part of Russia. The material for the work was personal collections of helminths made from 2018–2021 in the National Park “Smolny” (Republic of Mordovia). Two hundred and thirty-five amphibian specimens were examined from nine reservoirs and three types of hydrobiocoenoses: (1) floodplains of a medium-sized river (in terms of catchment area); (2) floodplains of a small river; (3) a number of isolated forest reservoirs. Twenty-four species of helminths have been registered: Trematoda (20) and Chromadorea (4). Similar features (common species of trematodes and nematodes) were determined as well as differences in the composition and structure of the helminth fauna, the level of infestation by individual species and groups of helminths, diversity, and community structure. Amphibians of the river floodplain have a richer helminth fauna, they are more infected with a large number of helminths, and their community is more complex. Amphibians of isolated forest ponds, on the contrary, have fewer helminths, they are generally less infected, and their community is simplified (reduced). Having intermediate indicators of composition, structure, and degree of infestation, frogs from the forest floodplain of the small river—differ in the most diverse and maximally evenness community of helminths. The results of the study demonstrate the influence of biotopic factors on the formation of an amphibian helminth community.
A Predictive Model for the Risk of Posterior Circulation Stroke in Patients with Intracranial Atherosclerosis Based on High Resolution MRI
Authors: Liu Zhenxing , Zhong Feiyang , Xie Yu , Lu Xuanzhen , Hou Botong , Ouyang Keni , Fang Jiabin , Liao Meiyan , Liu Yumin
Published: March 2022

Intracranial vertebrobasilar atherosclerosis is the main cause of posterior circulation ischemic stroke. We aimed to construct a predictive model for the risk of posterior circulation ischemic stroke in patients with posterior circulation atherosclerosis based on high-resolution MRI (HR-MRI). A total of 208 consecutive patients with posterior circulation atherosclerosis confirmed by HR-MRI, from January 2020 to July 2021, were retrospectively assessed. They were assigned to the posterior circulation stroke (59 patients) and non-posterior circulation stroke group (149 patients) based on clinical presentation and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Demographic data, risk factors of atherosclerosis, laboratory findings, and imaging characteristics were extracted from electronic health records. Plaque features were investigated by HR-MRI. Fifty-three clinical or imaging features were used to derive the model. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to construct the prediction model. The nomogram was evaluated for calibration, differentiation, and clinical usefulness. Plaque enhancement, plaque irregular surface morphology, artery location of plaque, and dorsal quadrant of plaque location were significant predictors for posterior circulation stroke in patients with intracranial atherosclerosis. Subsequently, these variables were selected to establish a nomogram. The model showed good distinction (C-index 0.830, 95% CI 0.766-0.895). The calibration curve also showed excellent consistency between the prediction of the nomogram and the observed curve. Decision curve analysis further demonstrated that the nomogram conferred significantly high clinical net benefit. The nomogram calculated from plaque characteristics in HR-MRI may accurately predict the posterior circulation stroke occurrence and be of great help for stratification of stroke decision making.
A Maximal Correlation Framework for Fair Machine Learning
Authors: Lee Joshua , Bu Yuheng , Sattigeri Prasanna , Panda Rameswar , Wornell Gregory W. , Karlinsky Leonid , Schmidt Feris Rogerio
Published: March 2022

As machine learning algorithms grow in popularity and diversify to many industries, ethical and legal concerns regarding their fairness have become increasingly relevant. We explore the problem of algorithmic fairness, taking an information–theoretic view. The maximal correlation framework is introduced for expressing fairness constraints and is shown to be capable of being used to derive regularizers that enforce independence and separation-based fairness criteria, which admit optimization algorithms for both discrete and continuous variables that are more computationally efficient than existing algorithms. We show that these algorithms provide smooth performance–fairness tradeoff curves and perform competitively with state-of-the-art methods on both discrete datasets (COMPAS, Adult) and continuous datasets (Communities and Crimes).
Entropy Generation during Head-On Interaction of Premixed Flames with Inert Walls within Turbulent Boundary Layers
Authors: Ghai Sanjeev Kr. , Ahmed Umair , Chakraborty Nilanjan , Klein Markus
Published: March 2022

The statistical behaviours of different entropy generation mechanisms in the head-on interaction of turbulent premixed flames with a chemically inert wall within turbulent boundary layers have been analysed using Direct Numerical Simulation data. The entropy generation characteristics in the case of head-on premixed flame interaction with an isothermal wall is compared to that for an adiabatic wall. It has been found that entropy generation due to chemical reaction, thermal diffusion and molecular mixing remain comparable when the flame is away from the wall for both wall boundary conditions. However, the wall boundary condition affects the entropy generation during flame-wall interaction. In the case of isothermal wall, the entropy generation due to chemical reaction vanishes because of flame quenching and the entropy generation due to thermal diffusion becomes the leading entropy generator at the wall. By contrast, the entropy generation due to thermal diffusion and molecular mixing decrease at the adiabatic wall because of the vanishing wall-normal components of the gradients of temperature and species mass/mole fractions. These differences have significant effects on the overall entropy generation rate during flame-wall interaction, which suggest that combustor wall cooling needs to be optimized from the point of view of structural integrity and thermodynamic irreversibility.
Dynamic Analysis and Optimal Control of Rumor Spreading Model with Recurrence and Individual Behaviors in Heterogeneous Networks
Authors: Tong Xinru , Jiang Haijun , Chen Xiangyong , Yu Shuzhen , Li Jiarong
Published: March 2022

This paper is devoted to investigating the impact of the recurrence of rumors and individual behaviors and control strategies related to rumor spreading in online social networks. To do this, a novel susceptible-hesitating-infected-latent-recovered (SHILR) rumor propagation model in heterogeneous networks is presented. Firstly, based on the relevant mean-field equations of the model, the threshold value is examined to demonstrate the existence and stability of rumor-free/spreading equilibrium with the help of the algebraic method. Secondly, the global stabilities of the equilibria are analyzed through applying Lyapunov stability theory and LaSalle’s invariance principle. Next, the optimal control is proposed by taking advantage of Pontryagin’s maximum principle for reducing the number of infected individuals with minimum cost. Moreover, some numerical examples are carried out to test the theoretical results. Finally, combined with practice, a model application is presented.
Mechanomodulation: Physical Treatment Modalities Employ Mechanotransduction to Improve Scarring
Authors: Van Daele Ulrike , Meirte Jill , Anthonissen Mieke , Vanhullebusch Tine , Maertens Koen , Demuynck Lot , Moortgat Peter
Published: March 2022

Every year, surgical interventions, traumatic wounds, and burn injuries lead to over 80 million scars. These scars often lead to compromised skin function and can result in devastating disfigurement, permanent functional loss, psychosocial problems, and growth retardation. Today, a wide variety of nonsurgical scar management options exist, with only few of them being substantiated by evidence. The working mechanisms of physical anti-scarring modalities remained unclear for many years. Recent evidence underpinned the important role of mechanical forces in scar remodeling, especially the balance between matrix stiffness and cytoskeleton pre-stress. This perspective article aims to translate research findings at the cellular and molecular levels into working mechanisms of physical anti-scarring interventions. Mechanomodulation of scars applied with the right amplitude, frequency, and duration induces ECM remodeling and restores the ‘tensile’ homeostasis. Depending on the scar characteristics, specific (combinations of) non-invasive physical scar treatments are possible. Future studies should be aimed at investigating the dose-dependent effects of physical scar management to define proper guidelines for these interventions.
An Analytic Hierarchy Process for Selecting Battery Equalization Methods
Authors: de Alcântara Dias Bruno Martin , da Silva Cynthia Thamires , Araújo Rui Esteves , de Castro Ricardo , Pellini Eduardo Lorenzetti , Pinto Cláudio , Laganá Armando Antônio Maria
Published: March 2022

Batteries have been the predominant energy storage system used in electric vehicles. Battery packs have a large number of cells that develop charge, thermal, and capacity imbalances over time, limiting the power, range, and lifetime. Electronic battery management and state of charge (SoC) equalization methods are necessary to mitigate such imbalances. Today, it is possible to find a wide range of battery equalization methods in the literature, but how to decide which of these methods should be applied in practice? This paper compares 24 SoC equalization circuits that are typically found in automotive applications. We employ an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach to rank these equalization circuits according to multiple decision criteria (energy efficiency, equalization speed, implementation and control simplicity, hardware size, and total price). We also prepared a survey to collect design preferences from multiple battery balancing experts from around the world in order to better understand the relative importance of different criteria. The obtained results confirm that automotive engineers continue to favor passive balancing methods because of their low price, small PCB size, and implementation simplicity—despite the energy efficiency benefits of active balancing.
Design Optimization of a Cross-Flow Air Turbine for an Oscillating Water Column Wave Energy Converter
Authors: Kang Hong-Goo , Lee Young-Ho , Kim Chan-Joo , Kang Hyo-Dong
Published: March 2022

A cross-flow air turbine, which is a self-rectifying, air-driven turbine, was designed and proposed for the power take-off (PTO) system of an oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy converter (WEC). To predict the complicated non-linear behavior of the air turbine in the OWC, numerical and experimental investigations were accomplished. The geometries of the nozzle and the rotor of the turbine were optimized under steady-flow conditions, and the performance analysis of the model in bi-directional flows was conducted by commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code ANSYS CFX. Experimentation on the full-scale turbine was then undertaken in a cylindrical-type wave simulator that generated reciprocating air flows, to validate the numerical model. The optimized model had a peak cycle-averaged efficiency of 0.611, which is 1.7% larger than that of the reference model, and a significantly improved band width with an increase in flow coefficients. Under reciprocating-flow conditions, the optimized model had a more improved operating range with high efficiency compared to the performance derived from the steady-flow analysis, but the peak cycle-averaged efficiency was decreased by 4.3%. The numerical model was well matched to the experimental results with an averaged difference of 3.5%. The proposed optimal design having structural simplicity with high performance can be a good option to efficiently generate electricity.
Zonal-Based Optimal Microgrids Identification
Authors: Albaker Abdullah , Alturki Mansoor , Abbassi Rabeh , Alqunun Khalid
Published: March 2022

Even though many studies have been deployed to determine the optimal planning and operation of microgrids, limited research was discussed to determine the optimal microgrids’ geographical boundaries. This paper proposes a zonal-based optimal microgrid identification model aiming at identifying the optimal microgrids topology in the current distribution systems through zoning the network into several clusters. In addition, the proposed model was developed as a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) problem that identifies the optimal capacity and location of installing distributed energy resources (DERs), including but not limited to renewable energy resources and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), within the determined microgrid’s boundaries. Moreover, it investigates the impact of incorporating the BESS in boosting the DERs’ penetration on the optimal centralized microgrid. Numerical simulations on the IEEE-33 bus test system demonstrate the features and effectiveness of the proposed model on identifying the optimal microgrid geographical boundaries on current distribution grids as well as its capability on defining the optimal sizes and locations of installing DERs within the microgrid’s zonal area.
The Role of Electric Vehicle Charging Technologies in the Decarbonisation of the Energy Grid
Authors: Waldron Julie , Rodrigues Lucelia , Gillott Mark , Naylor Sophie , Shipman Rob
Published: March 2022

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) has been identified as a key technology to help reduce carbon emissions from the transport and energy sectors. However, the benefits of this technology are best achieved when multiple variables are considered in the process of charging and discharging an electric vehicle. These variables include vehicle behaviour, building energy demand, renewable energy generation, and grid carbon intensity. It is expected that the transition to electric mobility will add pressure to the energy grid. Using the batteries of electric vehicles as energy storage to send energy back to the grid during high-demand, carbon-intensive periods will help to reduce the impact of introducing electric vehicles and minimise carbon emissions of the system. In this paper, the authors present a method and propose a V2G control scheme integrating one year of historical vehicle and energy datasets, aiming towards carbon emissions reduction through increased local consumption of renewable energy, offset of vehicle charging demand to low carbon intensity periods, and offset of local building demand from peak and carbon-intensive periods through storage in the vehicle battery. The study included assessment of strategic location and the number of chargers to support a fleet of five vehicles to make the transition to electric mobility and integrate vehicle-to-grid without impacting current service provision. The authors found that the proposed V2G scheme helped to reduce the average carbon intensity per kilowatt (gCO2/kWh) in simulation scenarios, despite the increased energy demand from electric vehicles charging. For instance, in one of the tested scenarios V2G reduced the average carbon intensity per kilowatt from 223.8 gCO2/kWh with unmanaged charging to 218.9 gCO2/kWh using V2G.
Optimal Placement of Capacitors in Radial Distribution Grids via Enhanced Modified Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Tahir Muhammad Junaid , Rasheed Muhammad Babar , Rahmat Mohd Khairil
Published: March 2022

This paper presents the integration of shunt capacitors in the radial distribution grids (RDG) with constant and time-varying load consideration for the reduction of power losses and total annual cost, which turns to enhance the voltage profile and annual net savings. To gather the stated goals, three objective functions are formulated with system constraints. To solve this identified problem, a novel optimization technique based on the modification of particle swarm optimization is proposed. The solution methodology is divided into two phases. In phase one, potential candidate buses are nominated using the loss sensitivity factor method and in phase two the proposed technique first selects the optimal buses for the capacitor placement among the potential buses then it decides the optimal sizing of the capacitors as well. To demonstrate the performance in terms of efficiency and strength, the proposed technique is tested on IEEE 15, 33, and 69 bus system for the optimal placement and sizing of capacitors (OPSC) problem. The results are achieved in terms of annual net savings for 15 bus (47.66%case−1, 32.76%case−2, 26.46%case−3), 33 bus (33.09% case−1, 27.06%case−2, 24.15%case−3), and 69 bus (34.51% case−1, 29.43%case−2, 25.83%case−3) which are comparable to other state of the art methods, and it also indicates the success of the proposed technique.
Mitigating Capacity Decay by Adding Carbohydrate in the Negative Electrolyte of Vanadium Redox Flow Battery
Authors: Chen Liming , Liu Tao , Zhang Yimin , Liu Hong , Ding Muqing , Pan Dong
Published: March 2022

Glucose, sucrose, D(+)-xylose and α-lactose monohydrate are selected as additives relative to the negative electrolyte of Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB), with the aim of reducing vanadium permeation and improving electrochemical performance to mitigate capacity decay. The results of a charge–discharge test show that the cell with α-Lactose monohydrate in the negative electrolyte exhibits the best capacity retention. The capacity retention of a single cell employing 1 wt% α-Lactose monohydrate in the negative electrolyte was 71% after 30 cycles, which is 41.5% higher than 29.5% of the control group. Correspondingly, adding α-Lactose monohydrate into the negative electrolyte also significantly inhibits vanadium crossover and water transfer. Furthermore, the effects of additives on the performance of the negative electrolyte are studied by thermal stability experiments, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The stability experiments indicate that the introduction of 1 wt% α-Lactose monohydrate can elevate the stability of the negative electrolyte at low temperatures. The electrochemical measurements indicate that V(III) electrolyte with 1 wt% α-Lactose monohydrate obtains superior electrochemical activity and reversibility, which can be ascribed to the fact that the hydroxyl group carried by the additive provides more active sites for the redox reaction. Herein, the study provides a meaningful reference for mitigating the capacity decay of VRFB.
Thermal Properties of Hemp Shives Used as Insulation Material in Construction Industry
Authors: Kosiński Piotr , Brzyski Przemysław , Tunkiewicz Maria , Suchorab Zbigniew , Wiśniewski Damian , Palczyński Paweł
Published: March 2022

The article presents the results of studies concerning raw hemp shives obtained from the Polish crop of industrial hemp as a loose-fill thermal insulation material. The study focuses mainly on the measurements of the pore size distribution, thermal conductivity and air permeability of material. An increase in the value of the thermal conductivity coefficient (0.049–0.052 W/(m·K)) was demonstrated with an increase in the bulk density. The porosity of the individual pieces of shives is 78.7% and the predominant number of pores is in the diameter range of 0.9–3 μm. The paper also presents an example of the use of the tested material as thermal insulation of the wooden frame wall. The heat flow analysis was performed in various wall variants (insulation thickness: 100, 200 and 300 mm and pressure difference 0, 5, 10 and 15 Pa). A clear influence of the variables on the temperature distribution was observed.
Effect of Temporary Internal Water Pressure on Structural Performance of Spiral Case Structure in Pumped-Storage Power Plants
Authors: Gao Xiaofeng , Wu Hegao , Fu Dan
Published: March 2022

Temporary internal water pressure (IWP) during a construction period fundamentally affects the structural performance of spiral case structures (SCSs) in pumped-storage power plants (PSPPs). However, its actual role is rarely studied. This study focuses on this issue considering the complex construction-to-operation process of SCSs. An ABAQUS-based complete simulation procedure (CSP) is used with contact non-linearity considered. The contact-closing ratio is introduced to quantitively describe the contact status, and different design philosophies for temporary IWP are compared. The results show that the temporary IWP should be no greater than 80% of the minimum static headwater to ensure an overall contact-closing status under normal operating conditions in this study. The findings reveal that the cracking risk of concrete is negatively correlated with temporary IWP, while high temporary IWP is not suggested. Moreover, the stay ring actually shares a certain part of the unbalanced hydraulic thrust, which cannot be ignored. The limitation of this study might mainly lie in the idealized linear-elastic description of concrete. The temporary IWP should be designed with overall consideration of the IWP under normal operating conditions, the IWP-jointly-resisting status and design demands.
Image Detection of Insulator Defects Based on Morphological Processing and Deep Learning
Authors: Zhang Zhaoyun , Huang Shihong , Li Yanxin , Li Hui , Hao Houtang
Published: March 2022

Insulators are an important part of transmission lines; failure may threaten the operation of these transmission lines. For insulator defect detection, an optical image detection method based on deep learning and morphological detection is proposed. First of all, the Faster RCNN is used to locate the insulator and extract its target image from the detection image. In the second place, a segmentation method of insulator image is proposed to remove the background of the target image. In order to simplify insulator defect detection, an insulator shape transformation method is proposed to unify all types of insulator detection. Finally, a mathematical model is established in the binary image to describe the defect of the insulator. Experiments show that our proposed Faster RCNN can accurately detect the insulators in the image. Its AP is as high as 0.9175, and its Recall rate is as high as 0.98, which is higher than the common insulator recognition algorithm. The accuracy of the proposed defect detection method is 0.98, which can accurately locate the defect position of the insulator. In order to prove the efficiency of the proposed method, we compared several common detection methods.
Research on Stress Design and Manufacture of the Fiber-Reinforced Composite Sleeve for the Rotor of High-Speed Permanent Magnet Motor
Authors: Wang Wuqiang , Li Yong , Huan Dajun , Chen Xiaodong , Liu Hongquan , Li Yanrui , Li Lisha
Published: March 2022

As a key component to ensure the safety and stability of the surface-mounted permanent magnet motor rotor, stress research on the sleeve has long been a subject that has attracted researchers. Fiber-reinforced composite materials have the characteristics of high specific strength, high specific modulus, and low eddy current loss. The use of a fiber-reinforced composite material sleeve that can effectively reduce the thickness of the sleeve and structural weight, and can improve the power density of the motor is an inevitable trend of the development of high-performance permanent magnet motors. This paper summarizes the matching of fibers and resins of composite materials to the sleeve: the stress design criteria, stress calculation method, and stress influencing factors of the composite sleeve; two typical stress-forming methods of the composite sleeve; and the preloading effect of the sleeve, strength, and rotor prototype performance testing. This paper focuses on the application of tension winding technology in sleeve forming. Based on the characteristics of composite material layer synthesis, this method has the advantages of high forming efficiency, small forming damage, easy realization of stress design, and a high preloading effect. This method can meet the sleeve-forming requirements of high-performance, large-scale, high-speed permanent magnet motors. However, the application of the new high-performance material system in the existing research is insufficient, the research on the technological factors in the tension winding process is scarce, and the performance testing method after the sleeve preparation is single, which needs further research.
Methodology for Analysis of Peptide Consumption by Yeast during Fermentation of Enzymatic Protein Hydrolysate Supplemented Synthetic Medium Using UPLC-IMS-HRMS
Authors: Arju Georg , Berg Hidde Yaël , Lints Taivo , Nisamedtinov Ildar
Published: March 2022

Several studies have shown the ability of yeast to consume peptides as a nitrogen source in single-peptide containing media. However, a suitable and cost-effective methodology to study the utilization of peptides by yeast and other microorganisms in a complex peptide mixture has yet to be put forward. This article addresses this issue by presenting a screening methodology for tracking the consumption of peptides by yeast during alcoholic fermentation. As a peptide source, the methodology makes use of an in-house prepared peptide-mapped bovine serum albumin (BSA) proteolytic digest, which was applied to a synthetic grape must. The peptide uptake was analyzed using high-throughput ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to data-independent acquisition-based ion mobility separation-enabled high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-DIA-IMS-HRMS) analysis. The relative changes of abundance of 123 di- to hexapeptides were monitored and reported during fermentations with three commercial wine strains, demonstrating different uptake kinetics for individual peptides. Using the same peptide-mapped BSA hydrolysate, the applicability of an untargeted workflow was additionally assessed for peptide profiling in unelucidated matrixes. The comparison of the results from peptide mapping and untargeted analysis experiments highlighted the ability of untargeted analysis to consistently identify small molecular weight peptides on the length and amino acid composition. The proposed method, in combination with other analytical techniques, such as gene or protein expression analysis, can be a useful tool for different metabolic studies related to the consumption of complex nitrogen sources by yeast or other microorganisms.
Second Hankel Determinant for the Subclass of Bi-Univalent Functions Using q-Chebyshev Polynomial and Hohlov Operator
Authors: Al-Shbeil Isra , Shaba Timilehin Gideon , Cătaş Adriana
Published: March 2022

The q-derivative and Hohlov operators have seen much use in recent years. First, numerous well-known principles of the q-derivative operator are highlighted and explained in this research. We then build a novel subclass of analytic and bi-univalent functions using the Hohlov operator and certain q-Chebyshev polynomials. A number of coefficient bounds, as well as the Fekete–Szegö inequalities and the second Hankel determinant are provided for these newly specified function classes.
Vignette-Based Reflections to Inform Genetic Testing Policies in Living Kidney Donors
Authors: Singh Gurmukteshwar , Gohh Reginald , Clark Dinah , Kalra Kartik , Das Manoj , Bradauskaite Gitana , Bleyer Anthony J. , Tanriover Bekir , Chang Alex R. , Anand Prince M.
Published: March 2022

Family history of kidney disease increases risk of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in donors. Pre-donation genetic testing is recommended in evaluation guidelines and regulatory policy. Collaborating across several institutions, we describe cases to illustrate the utility as well as practical issues in incorporating genetic testing in transplant protocols. Case 1 is from 2009, before pervasive genetic testing. A healthy 27-year-old Caucasian male had an uneventful donor evaluation for his mother, who had early onset ESKD of unclear cause. He participated in paired-exchange kidney donation, but developed progressive kidney disease and gout over the next 10 years. A uromodulin gene mutation (NM_003361.3(UMOD):c.377 G>A p.C126Y) was detected and kidney biopsy showed tubulointerstitial kidney disease. The patient subsequently required kidney transplantation himself. Case 2 was a 36-year-old African American female who had an uneventful kidney donor evaluation. She underwent gene panel-based testing to rule out ApolipoproteinL1 risk variants, for which was negative. Incidentally, a sickle-cell trait (NM_000518.5(HBB):c.20A>T p.Glu7Val) was noted, and she was declined for kidney donation. This led to significant patient anguish. Case 3 was a 26-year-old Caucasian female who underwent panel-based testing because the potential recipient, her cousin, carried a variant of uncertain significance in the hepatocyte nuclear factor-1-β (HNF1B) gene. While the potential donor did not harbor this variant, she was found to have a likely pathogenic variant in complement factor I (NM_000204.4(CFI):c.1311dup:p.Asp438Argfs*8), precluding kidney donation. Our cases emphasize that while genetic testing can be invaluable in donor evaluation, transplant centers should utilize detailed informed consent, develop care pathways for secondary genetic findings, and share experience to develop best practices around genetic testing in donors.
Complex Changes in the Efficiency of the Expression of Many Genes in Monogenic Diseases, Mucopolysaccharidoses, May Arise from Significant Disturbances in the Levels of Factors Involved in the Gene Expression Regulation Processes
Authors: Cyske Zuzanna , Gaffke Lidia , Pierzynowska Karolina , Węgrzyn Grzegorz
Published: March 2022

Monogenic diseases are primarily caused by mutations in a single gene; thus, they are commonly recognized as genetic disorders with the simplest mechanisms. However, recent studies have indicated that the molecular mechanisms of monogenic diseases can be unexpectedly complicated, and their understanding requires complex studies at the molecular level. Previously, we have demonstrated that in mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), a group of monogenic lysosomal storage diseases, several hundreds of genes reveal significant changes in the expression of various genes. Although the secondary effects of the primary biochemical defect and the inefficient degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) might be considered, the scale of the changes in the expression of a large fraction of genes cannot be explained by a block in one biochemical pathway. Here, we demonstrate that in cellular models of 11 types of MPS, the expression of genes coding for proteins involved in the regulation of the expression of many other genes at various stages (such as signal transduction, transcription, splicing, RNA degradation, translation, and others) is significantly disturbed relative to the control cells. This conclusion was based on transcriptomic studies, supported by biochemical analyses of levels of selected proteins encoded by genes revealing an especially high level of dysregulation in MPS (EXOSC9, SRSF10, RPL23, and NOTCH3 proteins were investigated). Interestingly, the reduction in GAGs levels, through the inhibition of their synthesis normalized the amounts of EXOSC9, RPL23, and NOTCH3 in some (but not all) MPS types, while the levels of SRSF10 could not be corrected in this way. These results indicate that different mechanisms are involved in the dysregulation of the expression of various genes in MPS, pointing to a potential explanation for the inability of some therapies (such as enzyme replacement therapy or substrate reduction therapy) to fully correct the physiology of MPS patients. We suggest that the disturbed expression of some genes, which appears as secondary or tertiary effects of GAG storage, might not be reversible, even after a reduction in the amounts of the storage material.
The Behavioral Intention and Influencing Factors of Medical Staff toward COVID-19 Vaccinations
Authors: Tseng Kuan-Chieh , Chen Chao-Chien , Huang Jen-Min , Chow Tong-Hsien , Hsu Chin-Hsien
Published: March 2022

This study mainly explored the behavioral intention and influencing factors of medical staff toward COVID-19 vaccinations. Medical staff were taken as the research subjects. This study selected 300 research subjects by the intentional sampling method and conducted a questionnaire survey. A total of 260 questionnaires were recovered (a recovery rate of 86%), and the number of valid questionnaires was 212, for an effective questionnaire rate of 81%. SPSS and AMOS were used for statistical analysis. As known from the research results: (1) medical staffs’ perception of COVID-19 vaccinations had a positive and significant impact on their behavioral intention for receiving COVID-19 vaccinations; (2) medical staffs’ perception of COVID-19 vaccinations had a negative and significant impact on the barriers to receiving COVID-19 vaccinations; (3) medical staffs’ motivation of receiving COVID-19 vaccinations had a positive and significant positive effect on their behavioral intention of receiving COVID-19 vaccinations; and (4) medical staffs’ motivation of receiving COVID-19 vaccinations had a positive and significant impact on the barrier to receiving COVID-19 vaccinations.
Investigating Late Bronze Age Glass Beads from Stotfold, Bedfordshire, UK
Authors: Paynter Sarah , Jackson Caroline M.
Published: March 2022

A total of seventeen annular transparent blue glass beads and one cylindrical glass bead with opaque grey-white decoration were found at a site near Stotfold, in Bedfordshire, England. The beads were part of a cremation burial (without an urn), associated with small fragments of gold sheet and bone, and the latter were carbon dated to 1303-1052 calBC with 95% probability. Analysis (quantitative using SEM-EDS and qualitative using XRF) found that the beads are made from low magnesium, high potassium (LMHK) glass, of the type prevalent in Europe between around 1200 and 900 BC. The grey-white trail on the cylindrical bead is opacified in a novel way, as neither tin nor antimony colourants were used. These are only the second confirmed example of LMHK glass beads from England, and the earliest in date. They provide evidence of networks extending between this community and continental Europe in the Later Bronze Age, and the burial of a high-status individual at Stotfold. Experimental recreation is used to investigate the possible methods of making the glass, using plant ashes, copper oxide, and quartz sand. A multi-stage process is proposed, using a low temperature firing before the final high temperature melting and homogenising.
Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inoculation by Indigenous Fungal Complexes on the Morpho-Physiological Behavior of Argania spinosa Subjected to Water Deficit Stress
Authors: Ouallal Imane , Abbas Younes , ElYacoubi Houda , Imtara Hamada , Al Zain Mashail N. , Ouajdi Mohemed , El Goumi Younes , Alzamel Nurah M. , Mohammed Noman Omar , Rochdi Atmane
Published: March 2022

Our objective is to test selected mycorrhizal complexes to verify the contribution of mycorrhizal symbiosis as a biological tool promoting the development of the argan tree under hostile conditions. In addition, this study aims to assess the impact of soil drought caused by stopping watering of young argan plants inoculated with strains of fungal complexes indigenous to the species in comparison to non-inoculated plants. Under conditions of water deficit stress, the most marked reductions in fresh and dry biomass were recorded in non-mycorrhizal plants. The most negative values of leaf water potential Ψf and Ψb were also noted in non-mycorrhizal plants. On the other hand, plants inoculated with mycorrhizal Bouyzakarne inoculum were relatively less affected by watering discontinuation compared to those inoculated with mycorrhizal Argana inoculum. Water stress caused a reduction in potassium and phosphorus content in the leaves and roots of all plants. However, mycorrhizal plants exhibited the highest P and K values compared to non-mycorrhizal ones. Therefore, mycorrhization compensates for the deficit in absorption of inorganic nutrients during drought. Sodium gradually decreased in the leaves but increased in the roots, and this delocalization of Na+ ions under water deficit stress resulted in higher concentrations in the roots than in the leaves of all plants. However, the mycorrhizal plants exhibited relatively lower values of root Na+ compared to the non-mycorrhizal controls. The water deficit reduced the content of chlorophyll a and b in the leaves and the chlorophyll a/b ratio in stressed plants. The lowest chlorophyll values were recorded in non-mycorrhizal plants. The levels of proline and soluble sugars in the leaves and roots of argan plants increased in all plants, especially with the extension of the duration of stress. However, proline accumulation was higher in mycorrhizal plants, with superiority in plants inoculated with the Bouyzakarne complex in comparison with that of Argana. In contrast, the accumulation of soluble sugars was higher in non-mycorrhizal plants than in mycorrhizal plants. We concluded that with a correct choice of the symbiotic fungi complexes, AMF inoculation biotechnology can benefit argan cultivation, especially under stressful conditions in arid regions with structural drought, where native Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi levels are low.
Do Social Pensions Affect the Physical and Mental Health of Rural Children in China? An Intergenerational Care Perspective
Authors: Xu Sipei , Zhang Jia
Published: March 2022

Research Purpose: This study aimed to explore the effect of China’s New Rural Pension (NRP) on the physical and mental health of rural children from the perspective of intergenerational care, and to examine whether family childcare types and the child’s gender affect the relationships between social pensions and the physical and mental health of rural children. Methods: We used data from the 2016 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) of the China Social Science Survey Center, a nationally representative sample at the individual, family, and county levels from 25 provinces (cities and districts) in China. A total of 2142 sets of valid samples of children, the elderly, family economic and social conditions, and basic family information were retained after data screening. The regression discontinuity (RD) method was employed for the statistical analyses. Results: The NRP had a significant effect on both the mental health (β = −2.818, p < 0.1) and physical health (β = −2.214, p < 0.1) of rural children. This effect varied with the family childcare type and child’s gender. Conclusions: We reveal a positive effect of the NRP on the physical and mental health of rural children. Therefore, the establishment of a social pension system may be used as an effective approach to enhance the health of rural children. The impact of the NRP on the physical and mental health of children differs with the family childcare type and their gender, which should be taken into consideration when using social pensions to enhance child health.
Cardio-Pulmonary Dysfunction Evaluation in Patients with Persistent Post-COVID-19 Headache
Authors: Aparisi Álvaro , Ybarra-Falcón Cristina , Iglesias-Echeverría Carolina , García-Gómez Mario , Marcos-Mangas Marta , Valle-Peñacoba Gonzalo , Carrasco-Moraleja Manuel , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Guerrero Ángel L. , García-Azorín David
Published: March 2022

Background (1): Headache is a prevalent symptom experienced during ongoing SARS-CoV-2 infection, but also weeks after recovery. Whether cardio-pulmonary dysfunction contributes causally to headache persistence is unknown. Methods (2): We conducted a case-control analysis nested in a prospective cohort study. Individuals were recruited from August 2020 to December 2020. Patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of long-COVID headache for three months after COVID-19 resolution. We compared demographic data, clinical variables, cardio-pulmonary laboratory biomarkers, quality of life, and cardio-pulmonary function between groups. Results (3): A cohort of 70 COVID-19 patients was evaluated. Patients with headaches (n = 10; 14.3%) were more frequently female (100% vs. 58.4%; p = 0.011) and younger (46.9 ± 8.45 vs. 56.13 ± 12 years; p = 0.023). No between-group differences in laboratory analysis, resting echocardiography, cardio-pulmonary exercise test, or pulmonary function tests were observed. Conclusion (4): In this exploratory study, no significant differences in cardio-pulmonary dysfunction were observed between patients with and without long-COVID headache during mid-term follow-up.
Organizational e-Health Readiness: How to Prepare the Primary Healthcare Providers’ Services for Digital Transformation
Authors: Kruszyńska-Fischbach Agnieszka , Sysko-Romańczuk Sylwia , Napiórkowski Tomasz M. , Napiórkowska Anna , Kozakiewicz Dariusz
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has had two main consequences for the organization of treatment in primary healthcare: restricted patients’ access to medical facilities and limited social mobility. In turn, these consequences pose a great challenge for patients and healthcare providers, i.e., the limited personal contact with medical professionals. This can be eased by new digital technology. While providing solutions to many problems, this technology poses several organizational challenges for healthcare system participants. As the current global situation and the outbreak of the humanitarian crisis in Europe show, these and other likely emergencies amplify the need to learn the lessons and prepare organizations for exceptional rapid changes. Therefore, a question arises of whether organizations are ready to use modern e-health solutions in the context of a rapidly and radically changing situation, and how this readiness can be verified. The aim of this article is to clarify the organizational e-heath readiness concept of Polish primary healthcare units. This study employs the triangulation of analytical methods, as it uses: (i) a literature review of e-health readiness assessment, (ii) primary data obtained with a survey (random sampling of 371 managers of PHC facilities across Poland) and (iii) the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method, employed to estimate the structural model. The evaluation of the model revealed that its concept was adequate for more mature entities that focus on the patient- and employee-oriented purpose of digitization, and on assuring excellent experience derived from a consistent care process. In the context of patients’ restricted access to medical facilities and limited social mobility, a simpler version of the research model assesses the readiness more adequately. Finally, the study increases the knowledge base of assets (resources and capabilities), which will help healthcare systems better understand the challenges surrounding the adoption and scaling of e-health technologies.
Regional Prediction of Ozone and Fine Particulate Matter Using Diffusion Convolutional Recurrent Neural Network
Authors: Wang Dongsheng , Wang Hong-Wei , Lu Kai-Fa , Peng Zhong-Ren , Zhao Juanhao
Published: March 2022

Accurate air quality forecasts can provide data-driven supports for governmental departments to control air pollution and further protect the health of residents. However, existing air quality forecasting models mainly focus on site-specific time series forecasts at a local level, and rarely consider the spatiotemporal relationships among regional monitoring stations. As a novelty, we construct a diffusion convolutional recurrent neural network (DCRNN) model that fully considers the influence of geographic distance and dominant wind direction on the regional variations in air quality through different combinations of directed and undirected graphs. The hourly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone data from 123 air quality monitoring stations in the Yangtze River Delta, China are used to evaluate the performance of the DCRNN model in the regional prediction of PM2.5 and ozone concentrations. Results show that the proposed DCRNN model outperforms the baseline models in prediction accuracy. Compared with the undirected graph model, the directed graph model considering the effects of wind direction performs better in 24 h predictions of pollutant concentrations. In addition, more accurate forecasts of both PM2.5 and ozone are found at a regional level where monitoring stations are distributed densely rather than sparsely. Therefore, the proposed model can assist environmental researchers to further improve the technologies of air quality forecasts and could also serve as tools for environmental policymakers to implement pollution control measures.
The Fagerström and AUDIT Tests as Probable Screening Tools in Oral Cancer and Their Correlation with CYP1A1, GSTM1, GSTP1, and GSTT1 Gene Expression
Authors: Bandeira Celso Muller , Almeida Adriana Ávila , Alves Mônica Ghislaine Oliveira , Pascoal Maria Beatriz Nogueira , Chagas José Francisco Sales , Neto Morun Bernardino , de Barros Patrícia Pimentel , Nunes Fábio Daumas , Carta Celina Faig Lima , Almeida Janete Dias
Published: March 2022

Background: Cancer is currently a major public health problem worldwide, with a marked increase of about 70% in the number of expected diagnosed cases over the next two decades. The amount of tobacco and alcohol consumed is calculated based on the subjective information provided by the user. Tobacco exposure can be assessed using the Fagerström Test for Cigarette Dependence (FTCD) and alcohol consumption by the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). Materials and Methods: Forty-eight subjects answered the Fagerström, and AUDIT tests and we studied them as likely screening tools for oral cancer and their correlation with the expression of CYP1A1, GSTM1, GSTP1, and GSTT1 genes by the RT-qPCR method. Results: There were significant differences in the AUDIT score and CYP1A1 expression between cancer and control groups. Participants in advanced stages, whether due to tumor size or regional metastasis, showed significant differences in the duration of tobacco use, FTCD, AUDIT score, and CYP1A1 expression when compared to patients in early stages. Among subjects without cancer, we found a significant correlation between participant age and GSTP1 expression. Furthermore, the expression of GSTP1 was significantly correlated with the number of cigarettes smoked per day, duration of tobacco use, and FTCD. Conclusions: Questionnaires designed to evaluate the degree of tobacco and alcohol exposure and dependence combined with gene expression tests can be useful to assess the risk of developing oral cancer. Furthermore, raising the awareness of individuals regarding their degree of dependence and encouraging them to participate in cessation programs are important educational measures for the prevention of tobacco-related malignancies.