bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Map Optimization Fuzzy Logic Framework in Wind Turbine Site Selection with Application to the USA Wind Farms
Authors: Abdelmassih Gorg , Al-Numay Mohammed , El Aroudi Abdelali
Published: September 2021

In this study, we analyze observational and predicted wind energy datasets of the lower 48 states of the United States, and we intend to predict an optimal map for new turbines placement. Several approaches have been implemented to investigate the correlation between current wind power stations, power capacity, wind seasonality, and site selection. The correlation between stations is carried out according to Pearson correlation coefficient approach joined with the spherical law of cosines to calculate the distances. The high correlation values between the stations spaced within a distance of 100 km show that installing more turbines close to the current farms would assist the electrical grid. The total power capacity indicates that the current wind turbines are utilizing approximately 70% of the wind resources available in the turbine’s sites. The Power spectrum of Fourier’s spectral density indicates main, secondary, and harmonic frequencies correspond to yearly, semiyearly, and daily wind-speed periodic patterns. We propose and validate a numerical approach based on a novel fuzzy logic framework for wind turbines placement. Map optimizations are fitted considering different parameters presented in wind speed, land use, price, and elevation. Map optimization results show that suitable sites for turbines placement are in general agreement with the direction of the correlation approach.
Video Image Correlation-Based Method Used for the Study of the Torsional Vibrations of an Adder Gearbox
Authors: Száva Ioan , Pál-Gálfi Botond , Ambrus Carol , Vlase Sorin
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a study of the vibrations that appear in the transmission shafts of an adder gearbox used for a heavy truck is made. The truck has two engines on only one chassis and the power offered by these engines is summated and transmitted to the truck or the working machine. This type of transmission is used for oil production installation for the army. During the transportation of the installation to the workplace, only one engine is running, after mounting installation, both engines are running. This paper studies the vibrations of the adder gearbox, a complex construction, subjected to multiple operating requirements. In this regard, the authors first performed accuracy (accuracy) tests of the VIC 3D system on an original experimental mini-stand. Measurements performed on a mini disc demonstrated the validity and accuracy of the method, even if the cameras used were not high resolution. The authors applied the same principle in the case of the adder box from the truck, obtaining useful results for those in the field. The experimental method uses the facilities of a contactless optical measurement method (VIC-3D), which provides a high-accuracy quantitative linear and angular vibration analysis. The VIC measurement method offers, based on a frontal viewing of the disk during the resonance phenomenon and by simple calculus on the monitored linear displacements, the corresponding angular amplitude.
Progress in Catalytic Decomposition and Removal of N2O in Fluidized Bed
Authors: Miao Miao , Zhang Man , Kong Hao , Zhou Tuo , Yang Xinhua , Yang Hairui
Published: September 2021

As a clean fuel combustion technology, the circulating fluidized bed (CFB) has been developed rapidly in recent years, but one of its disadvantages is high N2O emissions. With the implementation of increasingly strict pollution control standards, N2O decomposition and removal technologies have become the main focus of current research. This paper reviews the latest research on noble metals, metal oxides, the molecular sieve and other new catalysts and decomposition methods for N2O removal. The research methods and functions of catalysts are compared and the existing problems are summarized. The future directions of development in N2O decomposition and removal are considered. Noble metals and the molecular sieve show satisfactory activity at relatively low temperatures, but their catalytic efficiency is obviously hindered by O2, NO and H2O. In addition, high costs and insufficient thermal stability limit their widespread industrial application. The metal oxide catalytic technology, especially oxygen carrier-aided combustion (OCAC), is expected to be the ideal method for N2O removal in CFB boilers due to its stability and economical feasibility.
A Novel Three-Phase Power Flow Algorithm for the Evaluation of the Impact of Renewable Energy Sources and D-STATCOM Devices on Unbalanced Radial Distribution Networks
Authors: Satish Raavi , Vaisakh Kanchapogu , Abdelaziz Almoataz Y. , El-Shahat Adel
Published: September 2021

The impacts of the fast growth of renewable energy sources (RESs) and distribution static synchronous compensators (D-STATCOMs) on unbalanced radial distribution networks (URDNs) are analyzed with three-phase power flow algorithms (PFAs). As the URDNs are unbalanced, they can experience voltage unbalance (VU). This paper proposes a novel three-phase PFA for URDNs with multiple RES and D-STATCOM device integrations. The bus number matrix (BNM) and branch number matrix (BRNM) developed in this paper make the implementation of the proposed PFA simple. These matrices are developed to store the bus numbers and branch numbers of newly created sections of the URDN. Both PQ and PV modeling of RES and PV modeling of D-STATCOM devices are effectively integrated into the proposed three-phase PFA. The accuracy of the proposed PFA has been tested on the IEEE-13 bus URDN and the results are found to be accurate with the IEEE results. Several study examples have been conducted on the IEEE-13 bus and the IEEE-34 bus URDNs with multiple integrations of three-phase RESs and three-phase D-STATCOMs. Test results indicate that these integrations improve the voltage profile, reduce the power loss and reduce the severity of the VU.
Chemical Methods for Hydrolyzing Dairy Manure Fiber: A Concise Review
Authors: Saady Noori M. Cata , Rezaeitavabe Fatemeh , Ruiz Espinoza Juan Enrique
Published: September 2021

This paper reviews the chemical hydrolysis processes of dairy manure fiber to make its sugar accessible to microorganisms during anaerobic digestion and identifies obstacles and opportunities. Researchers, so far, investigated acid, alkali, sulfite, and advanced oxidation processes (such as hydrogen peroxide assisted by microwave/ultrasound irradiation, conventional boiling, and wet oxidation), or their combinations. Generally, dilute acid (3–10%) is less effective than concentrated acid (12.5–75%), which decrystallizes the cellulose. Excessive alkaline may produce difficult-to-degrade oxycellulose. Therefore, multi-step acid hydrolysis (without alkaline) is preferred. Such processes yielded 84% and 80% manure-to-glucose and -xylose conversion, respectively. Acid pretreatment increases lignin concentration in the treated manure and hinders subsequent enzymatic processes but is compatible with fungal cellulolytic enzymes which favor low pH. Manure high alkalinity affects dilute acid pretreatment and lowers glucose yield. Accordingly, the ratio of manure to the chemical agent and its initial concentration, reaction temperature and duration, and manure fineness need optimization because they affect the hydrolysis rate. Optimizing these factors or combining processes should balance removing hemicellulose and/or lignin and increasing cellulose concentrations while not hindering any subsequent process. The reviewed methods are neither economical nor integratable with the on-farm anaerobic digestion. Economic analysis and energy balance should be monolithic components of the research. More research is required to assess the effects of nitrogen content on these processes, optimize it, and determine if another pretreatment is necessary.
Groundwater Quality and Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment
Authors: Voudouris Konstantinos , Kazakis Nerantzis
Published: September 2021

Groundwater is a valuable and finite resource covering only 30% of the freshwater (3% of the total volume of water) on Earth [...]
The Influence of Habitat Conditions on the Properties of Pinewood
Authors: Wieruszewski Marek , Mydlarz Katarzyna
Published: September 2021

This article starts a series of articles on dependences between the conditions of the growth of trees in forests and the technical aspects and directions of using the raw material obtained from these trees. This is a key feature for wood purchasers because it determines the efficiency of production and directly affects the final financial result of their activity. Wood represents an environmentally sustainable and renewable material, which is a widely available raw material on the market and must meet specific quality and strength requirements. These parameters indicate the utility values of wood and the possibilities of its use. One of the factors influencing the properties of wood is the type of the forest habitat it comes from. In order to determine this influence, tests were carried out to show how tree growth conditions affected changes in the density and strength of raw wood. The assumption (hypothesis) about the correlation between the static bending strength of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood and the forest habitat was verified on four forest types, i.e., fresh coniferous forest (FCF), fresh mixed coniferous forest (FMCF), fresh mixed forest (FMF) and fresh forest (FF). The properties depend largely on the wood structure, its origin on the cross section and the length of the stems. The raw material selected for the study came from Scots pine trees growing in forests in central Poland. The study confirmed the influence of the habitat on changes in the density and strength of pinewood. There was a correlation between the habitat FMCF and the quality parameters of the raw material, which reflected the wood structure r = 0.775; p < 0.05.
Improvement of the Performance of Chitosan—Aloe vera Coatings by Adding Beeswax on Postharvest Quality of Mango Fruit
Authors: Amin Usman , Khan Muhammad Kashif Iqbal , Khan Muhammad Usman , Ehtasham Akram Muhammad , Pateiro Mirian , Lorenzo José M. , Maan Abid Aslam
Published: September 2021

The effect of the application of chitosan–Aloe vera coatings emulsified with beeswax (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%) during storage of Mangifera indica L. (cv Anwar Ratol) was investigated. Particle size of emulsions was reduced significantly with an increase in beeswax concentration. Water vapor permeability of the coatings was reduced by 43.7% with an increase in concentration of beeswax to 2%. The coated mangoes (at all concentrations of beeswax) exhibited reduced weight loss, delayed firmness loss, minimized pH change, maintained the total soluble solid contents, and retained free radical scavenging activity and total phenolic contents when stored at 18 °C and 75 ± 5% R.H. The best results were produced with a formulation containing 2.0% beeswax. Antimicrobial properties of chitosan and Aloe vera coatings were also improved with an increase in beeswax concentration and remarkably reduced the disease incidence in mangoes. In conclusion, beeswax-emulsified chitosan–Aloe vera coatings can be effectively used to increase the shelf life and marketable period of mangoes.
Occurrence of Pesticide Residues in Spanish Honey Measured by QuEChERS Method Followed by Liquid and Gas Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Lasheras Roberto Jesús , Lázaro Regina , Burillo Juan Carlos , Bayarri Susana
Published: September 2021

In the current study, the QuEChERS extraction method with slight modifications, followed by liquid and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, was applied for the determination of 399 pesticide residues in 91 raw honey samples from northeastern Spain. The quality control procedure established in Document No. SANTE/12682/2019 was successfully followed: the responses in reagent blank and blank honey samples were below 30% of the reporting limit (0.01 mg kg−1) for all analysed compounds, the correlation coefficients (R2) were higher than 0.99 in most calibration curves, the deviation of back-calculated concentration from the true concentration was below ±20% (using the standard of 50 μg L−1 concentration), and the recoveries of spiked samples on matrix were within the range of 70–120% for almost all analytes. Only chlorfenvinphos (2–7.8 ng/g) and coumaphos (8.8–37 ng/g) were detected in 13 samples, and neither were observed to exceed their maximum residue limits (MRLs). Dietary risk assessment for pesticide residues in honey above their lowest calibrated level (LCL) was performed, and two different age groups, adults and infants, were considered as populations at risk. The contribution of honey lay far below the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for both pesticide residues. Therefore, according to our results, honey is unlikely to pose concerns for consumer health in terms of its contribution to dietary long-term exposure. However, to maintain the level of compliance, pesticide residues in honey should be continuously monitored.
Energy Intake Evaluation by a Learning Approach Using the Number of Food Portions and Body Weight
Authors: Rousset Sylvie , Médard Sébastien , Fleury Gérard , Fardet Anthony , Goutet Olivier , Lacomme Philippe
Published: September 2021

An accurate quantification of energy intake is critical; however, under-reporting is frequent. The aim of this study was to develop an indirect statistical method of the total energy intake estimation based on gender, weight, and the number of portions. The energy intake prediction was developed and evaluated for validity using energy expenditure. Subjects with various BMIs were recruited and assigned either in the training or the test group. The mean energy provided by a portion was evaluated by linear regression models from the training group. The absolute values of the error between the energy intake estimation and the energy expenditure measurement were calculated for each subject, by subgroup and for the whole group. The performance of the models was determined using the test dataset. As the number of portions is the only variable used in the model, the error was 26.5%. After adding body weight in the model, the error decreased to 8.8% and 10.8% for the normal-weight women and men, respectively, and 11.7% and 12.8% for the overweight women and men, respectively. The results prove that a statistical approach and knowledge of the usual number of portions and body weight is effective and sufficient to obtain a precise evaluation of energy intake after a simple and brief enquiry.
Colonized Niche, Evolution and Function Signatures of Bifidobacterium pseudolongum within Bifidobacterial Genus
Authors: Xiao Yue , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Zhai Qixiao , Chen Wei
Published: September 2021

Background: Although genomic features of various bifidobacterial species have received much attention in the past decade, information on Bifidobacterium pseudolongum was limited. In this study, we retrieved 887 publicly available genomes of bifidobacterial species, and tried to elucidate phylogenetic and potential functional roles of B. pseudolongum within the Bifidobacterium genus. Results: The results indicated that B. pseudolongum formed a population structure with multiple monophyletic clades, and had established associations with different types of mammals. The abundance of B. pseudolongum was inversely correlated with that of the harmful gut bacterial taxa. We also found that B. pseudolongum showed a strictly host-adapted lifestyle with a relatively smaller genome size, and higher intra-species genetic diversity in comparison with the other tested bifidobacterial species. For functional aspects, B. pseudolongum showed paucity of specific metabolic functions, and enrichment of specific enzymes degrading complex plant carbohydrates and host glycans. In addition, B. pseudolongum possessed a unique signature of probiotic effector molecules compared with the other tested bifidobacterial species. The investigation on intra-species evolution of B. pseudolongum indicated a clear evolution trajectory in which considerable clade-specific genes, and variation on genomic diversity by clade were observed. Conclusions: These findings provide valuable information for explaining the host adaptability of B. pseudolongum, its evolutionary role, as well as its potential probiotic effects.
Sprouting Time Affects Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) Functionality and Bread-Baking Performance
Authors: Cardone Gaetano , Rumler Rubina , Speranza Sofia , Marti Alessandra , Schönlechner Regine
Published: September 2021

Despite being considered a climate-resilient crop, sorghum is still underutilized in food processing because of the limited starch and protein functionality. For this reason, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of sprouting time on sorghum functional properties and the possibility to exploit sprouted sorghum in bread making. In this context, red sorghum was sprouted for 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h at 27 °C. Sprouting time did not strongly affect the sorghum composition in terms of total starch, fiber, and protein contents. On the other hand, the developed proteolytic activity had a positive effect on oil-absorption capacity, pasting, and gelation properties. Conversely, the increased α-amylase activity in sprouted samples (≥36 h) altered starch functionality. As regards sorghum-enriched bread, the blends containing 48 h-sprouted sorghum showed high specific volume and low crumb firmness. In addition, enrichment in sprouted sorghum increased both the in vitro protein digestibility and the slowly digestible starch fraction of bread. Overall, this study showed that 48 h-sprouted sorghum enhanced the bread-making performance of wheat-based products.
Vacuum-Assisted Osmotic Dehydration of Autumn Olive Berries: Modeling of Mass Transfer Kinetics and Quality Assessment
Authors: Ghellam Mohamed , Zannou Oscar , Galanakis Charis M. , Aldawoud Turki M. S. , Ibrahim Salam A. , Koca Ilkay
Published: September 2021

Autumn olive fruits were osmo-dehydrated in sucrose solution at 70 °C under vacuum and atmospheric pressure. The mass transfer kinetics data were applied to the models of Azuara, Crank, Page, and Peleg. The Peleg model was the best-fitted model to predict the water loss and solid gain of both treatments. The vacuum application decreased the effective diffusivities from 2.19 × 10−10 to 1.55 × 10−10 m2·s−1 for water loss and from 0.72 × 10−10 to 0.62 × 10−10 m2·s−1 for sugar gain. During the osmotic dehydration processes, the water activity decreased and stabilized after 5 h, while the bulk densities increased from 1.04 × 103 to 1.26 × 103 kg/m3. Titratable acidity gradually reduced from 1.14 to 0.31% in the atmospheric pressure system and from 1.14 to 0.51% in the vacuum system. pH increased significantly in both systems. Good retention of lycopene was observed even after 10 h of treatments. For the color parameters, the lightness decreased and stabilized after 30 min. In comparison, the redness and yellowness increased in the first 30 min and gradually decreased towards the initial levels in the fresh fruit.
Revalorization of the Cooking Water (Aquafaba) from Soybean Varieties Generated as a By-Product of Food Manufacturing in Korea
Authors: Echeverria-Jaramillo Esteban , Kim Yoon-ha , Nam Ye-rim , Zheng Yi-fan , Cho Jae Youl , Hong Wan Soo , Kang Sang Jin , Kim Ji Hye , Shim Youn Young , Shin Weon-Sun
Published: September 2021

Concerns regarding sustainability have prompted the search of value in the by-products of food manufacturing. Such is the case of the cooking water (CW) of chickpeas, which has shown its potential as a vegan egg white replacement. This study aimed to characterize and compare the CW from three novel legumes (black soybeans, BSB; yellow soybeans, YSB; and small black beans, SBB) obtained from the processing of Korean soybean foods, and the widely used CW from chickpeas (CH), with regard to total polyphenol, total carbohydrate, and protein contents, and further compare their foaming and emulsifying abilities and stabilities. Compositional analysis revealed that all the studied legumes possessed higher values than CH for all parameters. Furthermore, the CW from these legumes exhibited enhanced functional properties, particularly foaming capacity and stability. Taken together, our results suggest that the CW from BSB, YSB, and SBB, sourced from the manufacturing of legume food products, has the potential of being revalorized as a plant-based functional ingredient for vegan product development.
MIA3 Splice Defect in Cane Corso Dogs with Dental-Skeletal-Retinal Anomaly (DSRA)
Authors: Christen Matthias , Booij-Vrieling Henriëtte , Oksa-Minalto Jelena , de Vries Cynthia , Kehl Alexandra , Jagannathan Vidhya , Leeb Tosso
Published: September 2021

We investigated a hereditary syndrome in Cane Corso dogs. Affected dogs developed dental-skeletal-retinal anomaly (DSRA), clinically characterized by brittle, discolored, translucent teeth, disproportionate growth and progressive retinal degeneration resulting in vision loss. Combined linkage and homozygosity mapping delineated a 5.8 Mb critical interval. The comparison of whole genome sequence data of an affected dog to 789 control genomes revealed a private homozygous splice region variant in the critical interval. It affected the MIA3 gene encoding the MIA SH3 domain ER export factor 3, which has an essential role in the export of collagen and other secreted proteins. The identified variant, XM_005640835.3:c.3822+3_3822+4del, leads to skipping of two exons from the wild type transcript, XM_005640835.3:r.3712_3822del. Genotypes at the variant were consistent with monogenic autosomal recessive mode of inheritance in a complete family and showed perfect genotype-phenotype association in 18 affected and 22 unaffected Cane Corso dogs. MIA3 variants had previously been shown to cause related phenotypes in humans and mice. Our data in dogs together with the existing functional knowledge of MIA3 variants in other mammalian species suggest the MIA3 splice defect and a near complete loss of gene function as causative molecular pathomechanism for the DSRA phenotype in the investigated dogs.
A Novel QTL and a Candidate Gene Are Associated with the Progressive Motility of Franches-Montagnes Stallion Spermatozoa after Thaw
Authors: Gmel Annik Imogen , Burger Dominik , Neuditschko Markus
Published: September 2021

The use of frozen-thawed semen is an important reproduction tool to preserve the biodiversity of small, native horse breeds such as the Franches-Montagnes (FM). However, not all stallions produce cryotolerant semen with a progressive motility after thaw ≥ 35%. To improve our understanding of the genetic background of male fertility traits in both fresh and frozen-thawed semen, we performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on gel-free volume, sperm cell concentration, total sperm count, and progressive motility in fresh and frozen-thawed semen from 109 FM stallions using 335,494 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We identified one significant (p < 1.69 × 10−7) quantitative trait locus (QTL) on ECA6 within the SCN8A gene for progressive motility after thaw, which was previously associated with progressive motility in boars. Homozygous stallions showed a substantial drop in progressive motility after thaw. This QTL could be used to identify cryointolerant stallions, avoiding the costly cryopreservation process. Further studies are needed to confirm whether this QTL is also present in other horse breeds.
A Familial Form of Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex Associated with a Pathogenic Variant in KRT5
Authors: Paduano Francesco , Colao Emma , Grillone Teresa , Vismara Marco Flavio Michele , Amato Rosario , Nisticò Steven , Mignogna Chiara , Dastoli Stefano , Fabiani Fernanda , Zucco Rossella , Trapasso Francesco , Perrotti Nicola , Iuliano Rodolfo
Published: September 2021

Epidermolysis bullosa simplex is a disease that belongs to a group of genodermatoses characterised by the formation of superficial bullous lesions caused by minor mechanical trauma to the skin. The skin fragility observed in the EBS is mainly caused by pathogenic variants in the KRT5 and KRT14 genes that compromise the mechanical stability of epithelial cells. By performing DNA sequencing in a female patient with EBS, we found the pathogenic variant c.967G>A (p.Val323Met) in the KRT5 gene. This variant co-segregated with EBS in the family pedigree and was transmitted in an autosomal dominant inheritance manner. This is the first report showing a familial form of EBS due to this pathogenic variant.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Bifidobacterium bifidum Strains Isolated from Different Niches
Authors: Lu Wenwei , Pei Zhangming , Zang Mengning , Lee Yuan-kun , Zhao Jianxin , Chen Wei , Wang Hongchao , Zhang Hao
Published: September 2021

The potential probiotic benefits of Bifidobacterium bifidum have received increasing attention recently. We used comparative genomic analysis to explore the differences in the genome and the physiological characteristics of B. bifidum isolated from the fecal samples of Chinese adults and infants. The relationships between genotypes and phenotypes were analyzed to assess the effects of isolation sources on the genetic variation of B. bifidum. The phylogenetic tree results indicated that the phylogeny of B. bifidum may be related to the geographical features of its isolation source. B. bifidum was found to have an open pan-genome and a conserved core genome. The genetic diversity of B. bifidum is mainly reflected in carbohydrate metabolism- and immune/competition-related factors, such as the glycoside hydrolase gene family, bacteriocin operons, antibiotic resistance genes, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas. Additionally, the type III A CRISPR-Cas system was discovered in B. bifidum for the first time. B. bifidum strains exhibited niche-specific characteristics, and the results of this study provide an improved understanding of the genetics of this species.
Neuroplastin in Neuropsychiatric Diseases
Authors: Lin Xiao , Liang Yi , Herrera-Molina Rodrigo , Montag Dirk
Published: September 2021

Molecular mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases are insufficiently elucidated. A detailed understanding of these mechanisms may help to further improve medical intervention. Recently, intellectual abilities, creativity, and amnesia have been associated with neuroplastin, a cell recognition glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin superfamily that participates in synapse formation and function and calcium signaling. Data from animal models suggest a role for neuroplastin in pathways affected in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroplastin loss or disruption of molecular pathways related to neuronal processes has been linked to various neurological diseases, including dementia, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we review the molecular features of the cell recognition molecule neuroplastin, and its binding partners, which are related to neurological processes and involved in learning and memory. The emerging functions of neuroplastin may have implications for the treatment of diseases, particularly those of the nervous system.
EWAS of Monozygotic Twins Implicate a Role of mTOR Pathway in Pathogenesis of Tic Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Hildonen Mathis , Levy Amanda M. , Hansen Christine Søholm , Bybjerg-Grauholm Jonas , Skytthe Axel , Debes Nanette M. , Tan Qihua , Tümer Zeynep
Published: September 2021

Tic spectrum disorder (TSD) is an umbrella term which includes Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) and chronic tic disorder (CTD). They are considered highly heritable, yet the genetic components remain largely unknown. In this study we aimed to investigate disease-associated DNA methylation differences to identify genes and pathways which may be implicated in TSD aetiology. For this purpose, we performed an exploratory analysis of the genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in whole blood samples of 16 monozygotic twin pairs, of which eight were discordant and six concordant for TSD, while two pairs were asymptomatic. Although no sites reached genome-wide significance, we identified several sites and regions with a suggestive significance, which were located within or in the vicinity of genes with biological functions associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. The two top genes identified (TSC1 and CRYZ/TYW3) and the enriched pathways and components (phosphoinosides and PTEN pathways, and insulin receptor substrate binding) are related to, or have been associated with, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Genes in this pathway have previously been associated with GTS, and mTOR signalling has been implicated in a range of neuropsychiatric disorders. It is thus possible that altered mTOR signalling plays a role in the complex pathogenesis of TSD.
Expanding the Neurological Phenotype of Ring Chromosome 10 Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Pruccoli Jacopo , Graziano Claudio , Locatelli Chiara , Maltoni Lucia , Sheikh Maye Hodman Ahmed , Cordelli Duccio Maria
Published: September 2021

Ring chromosome 10 [r(10)] syndrome is a rare genetic condition, currently described in the medical literature in a small number of case report studies. Typical clinical features include microcephaly, short stature, facial dysmorphisms, ophthalmologic abnormalities and genitourinary malformations. We report a novel case of r(10) syndrome and review the neurological and neuroradiological phenotypes of the previously described cases. Our patient, a 3 year old Italian girl, represents the 20th case of r(10) syndrome described to date. Intellectual disability/developmental delay (ID/DD), microcephaly, strabismus, hypotonia, stereotyped/aggressive behaviors and electroencephalographic abnormalities were identified in our patient, and in a series of previous cases. A brain MRI disclosed a complex malformation involving both the vermis and cerebellar hemispheres; in the literature, posterior cranial fossa abnormalities were documented by CT scan in another case. Two genes deleted in our case (ZMYND11 in 10p and EBF3 in 10q) are involved in autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by different expressions of brain and posterior cranial fossa abnormalities, ID/DD, hypotonia and behavioral problems. Our case expands the neurological and neuroradiological phenotype of r(10) syndrome. Although r(10) syndrome represents an extremely rare condition, with a clinical characterization limited to case reports, the recurrence of specific neurological and neuroradiological features suggests the need for specific genotype-phenotype studies.
Catalogue for Transmission Genetics in Arabs (CTGA) Database: Analysing Lebanese Data on Genetic Disorders
Authors: Bizzari Sami , Nair Pratibha , Deepthi Asha , Hana Sayeeda , Al-Ali Mahmoud Taleb , Megarbané André , El-Hayek Stephany
Published: September 2021

Lebanon has a high annual incidence of birth defects at 63 per 1000 live births, most of which are due to genetic factors. The Catalogue for Transmission Genetics in Arabs (CTGA) database, currently holds data on 642 genetic diseases and 676 related genes, described in Lebanese subjects. A subset of disorders (14/642) has exclusively been described in the Lebanese population, while 24 have only been reported in CTGA and not on OMIM. An analysis of all disorders highlights a preponderance of congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities and demonstrates that 65% of reported disorders follow an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. In addition, our analysis reveals that at least 58 known genetic disorders were first mapped in Lebanese families. CTGA also hosts 1316 variant records described in Lebanese subjects, 150 of which were not reported on ClinVar or dbSNP. Most variants involved substitutions, followed by deletions, duplications, as well as in-del and insertion variants. This review of genetic data from the CTGA database highlights the need for screening programs, and is, to the best of our knowledge, the most comprehensive report on the status of genetic disorders in Lebanon to date.
Recent Activity and Kinematics of the Bounding Faults of the Catanzaro Trough (Central Calabria, Italy): New Morphotectonic, Geodetic and Seismological Data
Authors: Pirrotta Claudia , Barberi Graziella , Barreca Giovanni , Brighenti Fabio , Carnemolla Francesco , De Guidi Giorgio , Monaco Carmelo , Pepe Fabrizio , Scarfì Luciano
Published: September 2021

A multidisciplinary work integrating structural, geodetic and seismological data was performed in the Catanzaro Trough (central Calabria, Italy) to define the seismotectonic setting of this area. The Catanzaro Trough is a structural depression transversal to the Calabrian Arc, lying in-between two longitudinal grabens: the Crati Basin to the north and the Mesima Basin to the south. The investigated area experienced some of the strongest historical earthquakes of Italy, whose seismogenic sources are still not well defined. We investigated and mapped the major WSW–ENE to WNW–ESE trending normal-oblique Lamezia-Catanzaro Fault System, bounding to the north the Catanzaro Trough. Morphotectonic data reveal that some fault segments have recently been reactivated since they have displaced upper Pleistocene deposits showing typical geomorphic features associated with active normal fault scarps such as triangular and trapezoidal facets, and displaced alluvial fans. The analysis of instrumental seismicity indicates that some clusters of earthquakes have nucleated on the Lamezia-Catanzaro Fault System. In addition, focal mechanisms indicate the prevalence of left-lateral kinematics on E–W roughly oriented fault plains. GPS data confirm that slow left-lateral motion occurs along this fault system. Minor north-dipping normal faults were also mapped in the southern side of the Catanzaro Trough. They show eroded fault scarps along which weak seismic activity and negligible geodetic motion occur. Our study highlights that the Catanzaro Trough is a poliphased Plio-Quaternary extensional basin developed early as a half-graben in the frame of the tear-faulting occurring at the northern edge of the subducting Ionian slab. In this context, the strike-slip motion contributes to the longitudinal segmentation of the Calabrian Arc. In addition, the high number of seismic events evidenced by the instrumental seismicity, the macroseismic intensity distribution of the historical earthquakes and the scaling laws relating to earthquakes and seismogenic faults support the hypothesis that the Lamezia-Catanzaro Fault System may have been responsible for the historical earthquakes since it is capable of triggering earthquakes with magnitude up to 6.9.
Correction: Trua, T.; Marani, M.P. Clinopyroxene Crystals in Basic Lavas of the Marsili Volcano Chronicle Early Magmatic Stages in a Back-Arc Transcrustal Mush System. Geosciences 2021, 11, 159
Authors: Trua Teresa , Marani Michael P.
Published: September 2021

The authors would like to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
In Service of the Society? Medical Associations as Agents of Social Change—Implications for Health Policy and Education in Israel
Authors: Levi Baruch , Davidovitch Nadav , Dopelt Keren
Published: September 2021

This study aims to explore what medical associations in Israel do to promote public health, what values underpin their activities, and how their actions can be interpreted. For this purpose, an analysis of both individual and organizational levels was applied in an effort to yield a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between society and the medical profession. In-depth interviews with senior physicians were conducted, combined with a review of policy and public initiatives of medical associations between 2008 and 2018. The findings of this study reveal that medical associations engage in a range of social and policy initiatives designed to promote public health, but, at the same time, they tend to construct socially related health issues as medical problems in a manner that fits their sectorial agendas. This may reflect organized medicine’s efforts to extend its dominance over society through the application of the biomedical model to social issues. It is necessary to integrate biosocial training with medical education to ensure that future physicians are equipped with the skills needed to implement social medicine.
Racism, Chronic Disease, and Mental Health: Time to Change Our Racialized System of Second-Class Care
Authors: Albert Judith L. , Cohen Claire M. , Brockmeyer Thomas F. , Malinow Ana M.
Published: September 2021

In this article, we describe how the “weathering hypothesis” and Adverse Childhood Experiences set the stage for higher rates of chronic disease, mental health disorders and maternal mortality seen in African American adults. We illustrate the toll that untreated and overtreated mental health disorders have on Black individuals, who have similar rates of mental health disorders as their white counterparts but have fewer outpatient mental health services and higher rates of hospitalizations. We discuss the history of Medicaid, which, while passed alongside Medicare during the Civil Rights era, was Congress’s concession to Southern states unwilling to concede federal oversight and funds to the provision of equal healthcare for poor and Black people. Medicaid, which covers 33% of all Blacks in the US and suffers from chronic underfunding and state efforts to weaken it through demonstration waivers, is a second-class system of healthcare with eligibility criteria that vary by state and year. We propose the adoption of a national, single payer Medicare for All system to cover everyone equally, from conception to death. While this will not erase all structural racism, it will go a long way towards leveling the playing field and achieving greater equity in the US.
Therapeutic Uses of Wild Plants by Rural Inhabitants of Maraog Region in District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Prakash Pramod , Radha  , Kumar Manoj , Kumari Neeraj , Prakash Suraj , Rathour Sonia , Thakur Mamta , Jamwal Radhika , Janjua Salena , Ali Mansoor , Pundir Ashok , Puri Sunil , Dhumal Sangram , Singh Surinder , Senapathy Marisennayya , Bangar Sneh Punia , Maurya Vineet Kumar , Changan Sushil , Gora Jagan Singh , Samota Mahesh Kumar , Damale Rahul D. , Sasi Minnu , Natta Suman , Chandran Deepak , Rajalingam Sureshkumar , Rais Nadeem , Mekhemar Mohamed
Published: September 2021

The main aim of this study is to document important ethnomedicinal plants from the Maraog region, located in the district of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, India. A total of 110 medicinal plant species belonging to 102 genera and 57 families were reported from the study site. All of the species were collected from wild habitats. The rural people of the Maraog region were surveyed through interview methods, group discussions, and participatory observations. In the current study, data were collected from 88 informants through the snowball method. A total of 110 plant species were collected from the study area, including 64 herbs, 24 shrubs, 9 trees, 5 climbers, 3 grasses, and 5 ferns. Most of the plant species, reported from the study area, belong to the Rosaceae and Asteraceae families, each contributing 12 plant species, followed by the Lamiaceae family with 6 plant species. The most used part of the plant in the preparation of herbal medications is the leaves, which have been reported in 62 plants, followed by roots in 14 plants, and flowers and other aerial parts in 9 plants. The ethnomedicinal data were analyzed using “Use Value,” a statistical quantitative method, with Artemisia vestita having the highest use value (1.00), followed by Cannabis sativa (0.79), Rhododendron arboreum (0.79), and Datura stramonium (0.71). Older people were found to have a vast knowledge of wild medicinal plants, while the younger generation’s knowledge was lacking. As a result, traditional knowledge about the use of plants as a source of medicine has decreased day-by-day. Therefore, there is a need to document traditional ethnobotanical knowledge. The data could serve as a basis for research by pharmacological and nutraceutical industries for the development of novel drugs.
Bio-Chemical Fertilizer Improves the Oil Yield, Fatty Acid Compositions, and Macro-Nutrient Contents in Nigella sativa L.
Authors: Moradzadeh Samira , Siavash Moghaddam Sina , Rahimi Amir , Pourakbar Latifeh , El Enshasy Hesham A. , Sayyed R. Z.
Published: September 2021

The present study evaluated the effects of biofertilizers on qualitative and quantitative traits of Nigella sativa L. The experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with 10 treatments and three replications. The treatments included control (no fertilization), U (100% chemical fertilizer as urea at 53.3 kg ha−1, Nb (Biofertilizer, Azotobacter vinelandii), Pb (Biofertilizer, Pantoea agglomerans and Pseudomonas putida), Kb (Biofertilizer, Bacillus spp.), NPKb (NPK combined biofertilizers), Nb + 50% U, Pb + 50% U, Kb + 50% U, and NPKb + 50% U. The highest oil percentage was 46.33 percent related to NPK(b) + U50%, and the highest oil yield was 466.43 kg/ha related to NPK(b) + U50%. The highest seed yield (1006.64 kg/ha) was observed in the plants treated with NPK(b) + U50%. The treatment of K(b) + U50% increased myristic acid by 0.35%. The NPK(b) + U50% treatment reduced palmitic, stearic, and linolenic acid by 11.3, 2.01, and 0.31%, respectively. The highest oleic acid (27.85%) and linoleic acid (56.6%) were obtained from the treatment of NPK(b) + U50%, respectively. The plants treated with NPK(b) + U50% showed the highest seed N percentage (%), P content (mg g−1) and K content (mg g−1). In general, NPK(b) + U50% is the best treatment in line with sustainable agriculture.
Retention Rates and the Associated Risk Factors of Turnover among Newly Hired Nurses at South Korean Hospitals: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Yunmi , Kim Hyun-Young
Published: September 2021

This retrospective cohort study analyzed the turnover rate and the risk factors of turnover among newly hired nurses at tertiary and secondary hospitals in South Korea. Using National Health Insurance Service data, this study created a cohort of 21,050 newly hired nurses across 304 hospitals in 2018, with a follow-up period of 18 months. Retention and turnover risk factors were analyzed at 6-month intervals. Differences in retention period according to hospitals’ organizational characteristics and nurses’ individual characteristics were analyzed using the chi-squared test. The likelihood of staying at work was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier survival curves with the log-rank test, and the hazard ratios of turnover at each retention period were analyzed using multilevel Cox proportional hazards analysis. The turnover rate of newly hired nurses within 1 year of employment was 26.4%, with 20.1% resigning within 6 months, and 6.3% resigning between 7 and 12 months. For all retention periods, turnover risk was associated with a higher bed-to-nurse ratio and older age. Higher standardized monthly income was associated with lower turnover between 13 and 18 months. Hospitals should develop nurse-retention strategies that consider risk factors for turnover. To reduce turnover, adequate nursing personnel should be maintained and fair compensation should be offered.
Tele-Rehabilitation Program in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis—A Single-Center Randomized Trial
Authors: Cerdán-de-las-Heras Jose , Balbino Fernanda , Løkke Anders , Catalán-Matamoros Daniel , Hilberg Ole , Bendstrup Elisabeth
Published: September 2021

We investigated the usefulness and effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation on exercise capacity in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). A randomized study was carried out, including stable patients with IPF for 3 months of tele-rehabilitation: video and chat consultations with a physiotherapist and workout sessions with a virtual physiotherapist agent (VAPA). Moreover, 6-min walk test distance (6MWTD), forced vital capacity (FVC), diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), 7 days pedometry, Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire for interstitial lung disease, The King’s Brief Interstitial Lung Disease Questionnaire, and General Anxiety Disorder 7 Questionnaire were tested before and after 3 months of tele-rehabilitation, as well as after 3 and 6 months follow-up. Patient satisfaction and adherence were also measured for tele-rehabilitation with VAPA. Twenty-nine patients aged 70.9 ± 8.6 years, male 72.4%, FVC% 83.5 ± 17.7, DLCO% 50.6 ± 13.0, 6MWTD 468.4 ± 14.8 were included. Fifteen patients were randomized to tele-rehabilitation with VAPA and 14 to the control group. Differences in 6MWTD between groups were at baseline (+10 m (p = 0.11)) and after 3 (+39.5 m (p = 0.03)), 6 (+34.3 m (p = 0.02)), and 9 months (+40.5 m (p = 0.15)) follow-up. No difference was observed in pedometry and quality of life. Adherence was above 63%. Patient satisfaction was high. Tele-rehabilitation with VAPA appears to be useful in patients with IPF. Exercise capacity was better at follow up at 3 and 6 months compared with the control group. There was no change in quality of life or pedometry. Adherence and patient satisfaction were all high.
Assessing Relative Stressors and Mental Disorders among Canadian Provincial Correctional Workers
Authors: Konyk Katy , Ricciardelli Rosemary , Taillieu Tamara , Afifi Tracie O. , Groll Dianne , Carleton R. Nicholas
Published: September 2021

In the current study, we quantified the mean stress levels of 43 occupational stressors for 868 Correctional Workers (CWs) and analyzed the relationships between occupational stressors, exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs), and mental health disorders. Our findings emphasize the importance of the occupational environment in relation to CW mental health and indicate that occupational stressors (e.g., staff shortages, inconsistent leadership style, bureaucratic red tape) are more salient contributors to CW mental health than exposure to PPTEs. Finding strategies to ameliorate staff shortages, improve leadership style and communication, and support CWs to maintain physical, mental, and social well-being would be interventions tied to significant organizational and operational stressors within the current study.
General Practitioner’s Knowledge about Bariatric Surgery Is Associated with Referral Practice to Bariatric Surgery Centers
Authors: Egerer Mara , Kuth Nicole , Koch Alexander , Schmitz Sophia Marie-Therese , Kroh Andreas , Neumann Ulf P. , Ulmer Tom F. , Alizai Patrick H.
Published: September 2021

(1) Background: Patients seeking treatment for obesity and related diseases often contact general practitioners (GPs) first. The aim of this study was to evaluate GPs’ knowledge about weight loss surgery (WLS) and potential stereotypes towards obese patients. (2) Methods: For this prospective cohort study, 204 GPs in the region of the bariatric surgery center at the University Hospital Aachen were included. The participants filled out a questionnaire comprising general treatment of obese patients, stigmatization towards obese patients (1–5 points) as well as knowledge regarding WLS (1–5 points). (3) Results: The mean age of the GPs was 54 years; 41% were female. Mean score for self-reported knowledge was 3.6 points out of 5. For stigma-related items, the mean score was 3.3 points out of 5. A total of 60% of the participants recognized bariatric surgery as being useful. Knowledge about bariatric surgery significantly correlated with the number of referrals to bariatric surgery centers (p < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between stigma and referral to surgery (p = 0.057). (4) Conclusions: The more GPs subjectively know about bariatric surgery, the more often they refer patients to bariatric surgery specialists—regardless of potentially present stereotypes. Therefore, GPs should be well informed about indications and opportunities of WLS.