bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Method for the Definition of Local Vulnerability Domains to Climate Change and Relate Mapping. Two Case Studies in Southern Italy
Authors: Francini Mauro , Chieffallo Lucia , Palermo Annunziata , Viapiana Maria Francesca
Published: November 2020

Climate change is contributing to raising disaster risk, with variable impacts depending on the local level of vulnerability. This paper describes a method for the definition of local vulnerability domains to climate change. The application of the methodology is aimed at building local vulnerability maps. The set of indicators of climate exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity, theoretically identified and practically tested on two case studies in southern Italy, contributes to support the territories in identifying the main local vulnerabilities, as well as define, subsequently, a systematic framework for identifying the most suitable mitigation and adaptation measures to climate change according to the specificities of the contexts of interest. In this regard, we consider the framework of risks and related impacts due to climate change on urban infrastructure proposed by the European Commission in order to face common challenges in the EU territories. Specifically, reference is made to three thematic focuses, which are “transport infrastructures”, “energy infrastructures” and “buildings and construction sector”. Although still at an early stage, the results of the research contribute to identifying useful elements of interrelation with the urban context for guiding resilient planning choices and reducing risks.
Is There Empirical Evidence on How the Implementation of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) Affects Labour Supply? A Systematic Review
Authors: de Paz-Báñez Manuela A. , Asensio-Coto María José , Sánchez-López Celia , Aceytuno María-Teresa
Published: November 2020

The objective of this article is to determine, as conclusively as possible, if the implementation of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) would lead to a significant reduction in the working age population labour supply. If this were true, implementation of a UBI may not be sustainable. To do this, we will compile empirical evidence from studies over the last few decades on the effects of implementation of a UBI on employment. We apply the PRISMA methodology to better judge their validity, which ensures maximum reliability of the results by avoiding biases and making the work reproducible. Given that the methodologies used in these studies are diverse, they are reviewed to contextualize the results taking into account the possible limitations detected in these methodologies. While many authors have been writing about this issue citing experiences or experiments, the added value of this article is that it performs a systematic review following a widely tested scientific methodology. Over 1200 documents that discuss the UBI/employment relationship have been reviewed. We found a total of 50 empirical cases, of which 18 were selected, and 38 studies with contrasted empirical evidence on this relationship. The results speak for themselves: Despite a detailed search, we have not found any evidence of a significant reduction in labour supply. Instead, we found evidence that labour supply increases globally among adults, men and women, young and old, and the existence of some insignificant and functional reductions to the system such as a decrease in workers from the following categories: Children, the elderly, the sick, those with disabilities, women with young children to look after, or young people who continued studying. These reductions do not reduce the overall supply since it is largely offset by increased supply from other members of the community.
Green Production as a Factor of Survival for Innovative Startups: Evidence from Italy
Authors: Serio Riccardo Gianluigi , Dickson Maria Michela , Giuliani Diego , Espa Giuseppe
Published: November 2020

Many studies have analyzed empirically the determinants of survival for innovative startup companies using data about the characteristics of entrepreneurs and management or focusing on firm- and industry-specific variables. However, no attempts have been made so far to assess the role of the environmental sustainability of the production process. Based on data describing the characteristics of the Italian innovative startups in the period 2009–2018, this article studies the differences in survival between green and non-green companies. We show that, while controlling for other confounding factors, startups characterized by a green production process tend to survive longer than their counterparts. In particular, we estimate that a green innovative startup is more than twice as likely to survive than a non-green one. This evidence may support the idea that environmental sustainability can help economic development.
Application of a GIS-Based Slope Unit Method for Landslide Susceptibility Mapping in Helong City: Comparative Assessment of ICM, AHP, and RF Model
Authors: Yu Chenglong , Chen Jianping
Published: November 2020

Landslides are one of the most extensive geological disasters in the world. The objective of this study was to assess the performances of different landslide susceptibility models information content method (ICM), analytical hierarchy process (AHP), and random forest (RF) model) and mapping unit (slope unit and grid unit) for landslide susceptibility mapping in the Helong city, Jilin province, northeastern China. First, a total of 159 landslides were mapped in the study area based on a geological hazard survey (1:50,000) of Helong city. Then, the slope units of the study area were divided by using the curvature watershed method. Next, eight influencing factors, namely, lithology, slope angle, slope aspect, rainfall, land use, seismic intensity, distance to river, and distance to fault, were selected to map the landslide susceptibility based on geological data, field survey, and landslide information. Afterward, landslide susceptibility modeling of landslide inventory data is performed for extracting and learning the symmetry latent in data patterns and relationships by three landslide susceptibility models and utilizing it to predict landslide susceptibility. Finally, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to compare the landslide susceptibility models. In addition, results based on grid units were calculated for comparison. The AUC (the area under the curve) result for ICM, AHP, and RF model was 87.1%, 80.5%, and 94.6% for slope units, and 83.4%, 70.9%, and 91.3% for grid units, respectively. Based on the overall assessments, the SU-RF model was the most suitable model for landslide susceptibility mapping. Consequently, these methods can be very useful for landslide hazard mitigation strategies.
Influence of 3D Centro-Symmetry on a 2D Retinal Image
Authors: Sawada Tadamasa
Published: November 2020

An object is 3D centro-symmetrical if the object can be segmented into two halves and the relationship between them can be represented by a combination of reflection about a plane and a rotation through 180° about an axis that is normal to the plane. A 2D orthographic image of the 3D centro-symmetrical object is always 2D rotation-symmetrical. Note that the human visual system is known to be sensitive to 2D rotational symmetry. This human sensitivity to 2D rotational symmetry might also be used to detect 3D centro-symmetry. If it is, can this detection of 3D centro-symmetry be helpful for the perception of 3D? In this study, the geometrical properties of 3D centro-symmetry and its 2D orthographic and perspective projections were examined to find out whether 3D centro-symmetry plays any role in the perception of 3D. I found that, from a theoretical point-of-view, it is unlikely that 3D centro-symmetry can be used by the human visual system to organize a 2D image of an object in a way that makes it possible to recover the 3D shape of an object from its 2D image.
Two Generalizations of Dual-Hyperbolic Balancing Numbers
Authors: Bród Dorota , Szynal-Liana Anetta , Włoch Iwona
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we study two generalizations of dual-hyperbolic balancing numbers: dual-hyperbolic Horadam numbers and dual-hyperbolic k-balancing numbers. We give Catalan’s identity, Cassini’s identity, and d’Ocagne’s identity for them.
Non-Commutative Integration of the Dirac Equation in Homogeneous Spaces
Authors: Breev Alexander , Shapovalov Alexander
Published: November 2020

We develop a non-commutative integration method for the Dirac equation in homogeneous spaces. The Dirac equation with an invariant metric is shown to be equivalent to a system of equations on a Lie group of transformations of a homogeneous space. This allows us to effectively apply the non-commutative integration method of linear partial differential equations on Lie groups. This method differs from the well-known method of separation of variables and to some extent can often supplement it. The general structure of the method developed is illustrated with an example of a homogeneous space which does not admit separation of variables in the Dirac equation. However, the basis of exact solutions to the Dirac equation is constructed explicitly by the non-commutative integration method. In addition, we construct a complete set of new exact solutions to the Dirac equation in the three-dimensional de Sitter space-time AdS3 using the method developed. The solutions obtained are found in terms of elementary functions, which is characteristic of the non-commutative integration method.
A Flux-Limited Model for Glioma Patterning with Hypoxia-Induced Angiogenesis
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Surulescu Christina
Published: November 2020

We propose a model for glioma patterns in a microlocal tumor environment under the influence of acidity, angiogenesis, and tissue anisotropy. The bottom-up model deduction eventually leads to a system of reaction–diffusion–taxis equations for glioma and endothelial cell population densities, of which the former infers flux limitation both in the self-diffusion and taxis terms. The model extends a recently introduced (Kumar, Li and Surulescu, 2020) description of glioma pseudopalisade formation with the aim of studying the effect of hypoxia-induced tumor vascularization on the establishment and maintenance of these histological patterns which are typical for high-grade brain cancer. Numerical simulations of the population level dynamics are performed to investigate several model scenarios containing this and further effects.
Visual Awareness Is Essential for Grouping Based on Mirror Symmetry
Authors: Devyatko Dina , Kimchi Ruth
Published: November 2020

We examined whether symmetry-based grouping can take place in the absence of visual awareness. To this end, we used a priming paradigm, sandwich masking as an invisibility-inducing method, and primes and targets composed of two vertical symmetric or asymmetric lines. The target could be congruent or incongruent with the prime in symmetry. In Experiment 1, participants were presented with masked primes and clearly visible targets. In each trial, the participants performed a two-alternative discrimination task on the target, and then rated the visibility of the prime on a subjective visibility four-point scale (used to assess prime awareness). Subjectively invisible primes failed to produce response priming, suggesting that symmetry processing might depend on visual awareness. However, participants barely saw the prime, and the results for the visible primes were inconclusive, even when we used a conservative criterion for awareness. To rule out the possibility that our prime stimuli could not produce priming per se, we conducted a control visibility experiment (Experiment 2), in which participants were presented with unmasked, clearly visible primes and performed a target task. The results showed that our primes could elicit significant response priming when visible. Taken together, our findings indicate that symmetry-based grouping requires visual awareness.
A New Deep-Sea Enhydrosoma (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Cletodidae) from the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Park Eun-Ok , Rohal Melissa , Lee Wonchoel
Published: November 2020

Enhydrosoma texana sp. nov. is described from the northern Gulf of Mexico. The new species is closely related to E. parapropinquum Gómez, 2003 from northwestern Mexico. Both species share several characters including an elongated cylindrical caudal ramus, an abexopodal seta of antennae, the structure of mouthpart appendages, seta formula of thoracic legs P1–P4, the shape of the P5 exopod in the female and the apophysis structure of P3 in males. However, the new species is distinguishable from E. parapropinquum by the shape of the rostrum, number of the antennular segments, the shape of the mandibular palp, the relative lengths of the thoracic legs, the shape of the apophysis of P3 in the male, setal number and length of the P5 exopod of the female, the length of the seta on P5 in the male and the relative lengths of the caudal ramus in both sexes. This is the deepest record of a species in the genus Enhydrosoma.
Removal of Heavy Metals from Wastewaters: A Challenge from Current Treatment Methods to Nanotechnology Applications
Authors: Vidu Ruxandra , Matei Ecaterina , Predescu Andra Mihaela , Alhalaili Badriyah , Pantilimon Cristian , Tarcea Claudia , Predescu Cristian
Published: November 2020

Removing heavy metals from wastewaters is a challenging process that requires constant attention and monitoring, as heavy metals are major wastewater pollutants that are not biodegradable and thus accumulate in the ecosystem. In addition, the persistent nature, toxicity and accumulation of heavy metal ions in the human body have become the driving force for searching new and more efficient water treatment technologies to reduce the concentration of heavy metal in waters. Because the conventional techniques will not be able to keep up with the growing demand for lower heavy metals levels in drinking water and wastewaters, it is becoming increasingly challenging to implement technologically advanced alternative water treatments. Nanotechnology offers a number of advantages compared to other methods. Nanomaterials are more efficient in terms of cost and volume, and many process mechanisms are better and faster at nanoscale. Although nanomaterials have already proved themselves in water technology, there are specific challenges related to their stability, toxicity and recovery, which led to innovations to counteract them. Taking into account the multidisciplinary research of water treatment for the removal of heavy metals, the present review provides an updated report on the main technologies and materials used for the removal of heavy metals with an emphasis on nanoscale materials and processes involved in the heavy metals removal and detection.
Effects of Cassava Juice (Manihot esculenta Crantz) on Renal and Hepatic Function and Motor Impairments in Male Rats
Authors: Rivadeneyra-Domínguez Eduardo , Pérez-Pérez José Eduardo , Vázquez-Luna Alma , Díaz-Sobac Rafael , Rodríguez-Landa Juan Francisco
Published: November 2020

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a plant that contains neurotoxins such as linamarin and lotaustraline. Its long-term consumption is associated with neuronal damage and contributes to the development of motor impairment in humans and rats. We investigated the effects of the consumption of cassava juice on renal and hepatic function and motor impairments in male rats. The rats received the vehicle, non-toxic and toxic doses of cassava juice, or linamarin as a pharmacological control, over 35 consecutive days. The effects were evaluated in an open field test, rotarod, and swim test. The toxic cassava dose and linamarin resulted in motor impairments in the rotarod and swim test from day 7 of treatment. The toxic cassava dose and linamarin increased the parameters that indicate renal and hepatic damage, with the exception of total protein and albumin levels. Behavioral variables that show motor incoordination (i.e., latency to fall in the rotarod) were negatively correlated with biochemical parameters of renal and kidney damage, whereas spin behavior was positively correlated. Our data indicate that chronic oral consumption of cassava juice caused renal and hepatic damage that was correlated with motor coordination impairment in rats, similarly to their principal neurotoxic compound, linamarin.
Structural Insight into Integrin Recognition and Anticancer Activity of Echistatin
Authors: Chen Yi-Chun , Chang Yao-Tsung , Chen Chiu-Yueh , Shiu Jia-Hau , Cheng Chun-Ho , Huang Chun-Hao , Chen Ju-Fei , Chuang Woei-Jer
Published: November 2020

Echistatin (Ech) is a short disintegrin with a long 42NPHKGPAT C-terminal tail. We determined the 3-D structure of Ech by X-ray crystallography. Superimposition of the structures of chains A and B showed conformational differences in their RGD loops and C-termini. The chain A structure is consistent with our NMR analysis that the GPAT residues of the C-terminus cannot be observed due to high flexibility. The hydrogen bond patterns of the RGD loop and between the RGD loop and C-terminus in Ech were the same as those of the corresponding residues in medium disintegrins. The mutant with C-terminal HKGPAT truncation caused 6.4-, 7.0-, 11.7-, and 18.6-fold decreases in inhibiting integrins αvβ3, αIIbβ3, αvβ5, and α5β1. Mutagenesis of the C-terminus showed that the H44A mutant caused 2.5- and 4.4-fold increases in inhibiting αIIbβ3 and α5β1, and the K45A mutant caused a 2.6-fold decrease in inhibiting αIIbβ3. We found that Ech inhibited VEGF-induced HUVEC proliferation with an IC50 value of 103.2 nM and inhibited the migration of A375, U373MG, and Panc-1 tumor cells with IC50 values of 1.5, 5.7, and 154.5 nM. These findings suggest that Ech is a potential anticancer agent, and its C-terminal region can be optimized to improve its anticancer activity.
Chitosan as a Coagulant to Remove Cyanobacteria Can Cause Microcystin Release
Authors: Mucci Maíra , Guedes Iame A. , Faassen Elisabeth J. , Lürling Miquel
Published: November 2020

Chitosan has been tested as a coagulant to remove cyanobacterial nuisance. While its coagulation efficiency is well studied, little is known about its effect on the viability of the cyanobacterial cells. This study aimed to test eight strains of the most frequent bloom-forming cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa, exposed to a realistic concentration range of chitosan used in lake restoration management (0 to 8 mg chitosan L−1). We found that after 1 h of contact with chitosan, in seven of the eight strains tested, photosystem II efficiency was decreased, and after 24 h, all the strains tested were affected. EC50 values varied from 0.47 to > 8 mg chitosan L-1 between the strains, which might be related to the amount of extracellular polymeric substances. Nucleic acid staining (Sytox-Green®) illustrated the loss of membrane integrity in all the strains tested, and subsequent leakage of pigments was observed, as well as the release of intracellular microcystin. Our results indicate that strain variability hampers generalization about species response to chitosan exposure. Hence, when used as a coagulant to manage cyanobacterial nuisance, chitosan should be first tested on the natural site-specific biota on cyanobacteria removal efficiency, as well as on cell integrity aspects.
Ssu72 Regulates Fungal Development, Aflatoxin Biosynthesis and Pathogenicity in Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Yang Guang , Cao Xiaohong , Qin Ling , Yan Lijuan , Hong Rongsheng , Yuan Jun , Wang Shihua
Published: November 2020

The RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription process is coordinated by the reversible phosphorylation of its largest subunit-carboxy terminal domain (CTD). Ssu72 is identified as a CTD phosphatase with specificity for phosphorylation of Ser5 and Ser7 and plays critical roles in regulation of transcription cycle in eukaryotes. However, the biofunction of Ssu72 is still unknown in Aspergillus flavus, which is a plant pathogenic fungus and produces one of the most toxic mycotoxins-aflatoxin. Here, we identified a putative phosphatase Ssu72 and investigated the function of Ssu72 in A. flavus. Deletion of ssu72 resulted in severe defects in vegetative growth, conidiation and sclerotia formation. Additionally, we found that phosphatase Ssu72 positively regulates aflatoxin production through regulating expression of aflatoxin biosynthesis cluster genes. Notably, seeds infection assays indicated that phosphatase Ssu72 is crucial for pathogenicity of A. flavus. Furthermore, the Δssu72 mutant exhibited more sensitivity to osmotic and oxidative stresses. Taken together, our study suggests that the putative phosphatase Ssu72 is involved in fungal development, aflatoxin production and pathogenicity in A. flavus, and may provide a novel strategy to prevent the contamination of this pathogenic fungus.
Implementation of the Kalman Filter for a Geostatistical Bivariate Spatiotemporal Estimation of Hydraulic Conductivity in Aquifers
Authors: Júnez-Ferreira Hugo Enrique , González-Trinidad Julián , Júnez-Ferreira Carlos Alberto , Robles Rovelo Cruz Octavio , Herrera G.S. , Olmos-Trujillo Edith , Bautista-Capetillo Carlos , Contreras Rodríguez Ada Rebeca , Pacheco-Guerrero Anuard Isaac
Published: November 2020

The estimation of the hydraulic parameters of an aquifer such as the hydraulic conductivity is somehow complicated due to its heterogeneity, on the other hand field and laboratory tests are both time consuming and costly. The use of geostatistical-based techniques for data assimilation could represent an alternative tool that allows the use of space-time aquifer behaviour to characterize hydraulic conductivity heterogeneity. In this paper, a spatiotemporal bivariate methodology was implemented combining historical hydraulic head data with hydraulic conductivity sparse data in order to obtain an estimate of the spatial distribution of the latter variable. This approach takes advantage of the correlation between the hydraulic conductivity (K) and the hydraulic head (H) behaviour through time. In order to evaluate this approach, a synthetic experiment was constructed through a transitory numerical flow-model that simulates hydraulic head values in a horizontally-heterogeneous aquifer. Geostatistical tools were used to describe the correlation between simulated spatiotemporal data of hydraulic head and the spatial distribution of the hydraulic conductivity in a group of model nodes. Subsequently, the Kalman filter was used to estimate the hydraulic conductivity values at nonsampled sites. The results showed acceptable differences between estimated and synthetic hydraulic conductivity data, with low estimate error variances (predominating the 1 m2/day2 value for K for all the cases, however, the smallest number of cells with values above 2 m2/day2 correspond to the bivariate spatiotemporal case) and the best agreement between the estimated errors and the selected model variance (SMSE values of 0.574 and 0.469) were found for the bivariate cases, which suggests that the implemented methodology could be used for reducing calibration efforts, particularly when the hydraulic parameters data are scarce.
Empirical Analysis and Countermeasures of the Irrigation Efficiency Paradox in the Shenwu Irrigation Area, China
Authors: Zhang Linna , Wang Huimin , Chen Zhisong , Fang Zhou , Sun Dongying , Liu Gang
Published: November 2020

Water-saving in agriculture is critical for building a water-conserving society. However, the application of high-efficiency water-saving technology in agriculture may create a paradox of irrigation efficiency. Efficiency improvement in agricultural water utilization may not lead to the expected agricultural water-saving. In this paper, a rebound intensity model of the irrigation efficiency paradox is established and combined with remote sensing measurement to verify the irrigation efficiency paradox caused by expanding the irrigation area in the Shenwu Irrigation Area, China. Based on ideas in the principal–agent theory and stakeholder theory, it is concluded that the essence of the irrigation efficiency paradox is the conflict of interests among stakeholders with asymmetric information due to inadequate regulatory capacity. A dual principal–agent model is formulated to optimize the conflict among heterogeneous stakeholders in the paradox. The results show that the paradox should be restrained by a suitable distribution mechanism of water-saving gains, improved irrigation water metering, and enhanced water-use monitoring.
Multivariate Analyses of Water Quality Dynamics Over Four Decades in the Barataria Basin, Mississippi Delta
Authors: Day John W. , Li Bin , Marx Brian D. , Zhao Dongran , Lane Robert R.
Published: November 2020

Here we examine a combined dataset of water quality dynamics in the Barataria Basin, Louisiana based on transect studies from 1977 to 1978 (Seaton) and from 1994 to 2016. The Davis Pond river diversion into Lake Cataouatche began discharging Mississippi River water into the mid-basin in 2005, and so the later dataset was divided in Pre- and Post-diversion periods. The stations from these three datasets (Seaton, Pre- and Post-diversion) were combined into eleven station groupings for statistical analysis that included ANOVA and principal component analysis. In addition, Trophic State Index (TSI) scores were calculated for each grouping during the three time periods. Lake Cataouatche changed the most with the opening of the Davis Pond river diversion, becoming clearer and less eutrophic with addition of river water, which passed through a large wetland area where sediments were retained before entering the lake. The TSI results for the Seaton re-analysis were very similar to the original analysis and to that of the Pre- and Post-diversion datasets, indicating that the trophic status of the basin waters has remained relatively unchanged. The upper-basin has remained eutrophic with degraded water quality while the lower-basin has remained more mesotrophic without significant water quality deterioration. A main cause of water quality deterioration is agricultural runoff and pervasive hydrologic alteration that bypasses wetlands and causes most runoff to flow directly into water bodies.
Linking Soil Water Changes to Soil Physical Quality in Sugarcane Expansion Areas in Brazil
Authors: Bonini da Luz Felipe , Carvalho Martha Lustosa , Aquino de Borba Daniel , Schiebelbein Bruna Emanuele , Paiva de Lima Renato , Cherubin Maurício Roberto
Published: November 2020

Brazil is the world’s largest sugarcane producer with projections for expanding the current area by 30% in the coming years, mainly in areas previously occupied by pastures. We assess soil water changes induced by land-use change (LUC) for sugarcane expansion in the central-south region of Brazil. For that purpose, soil samples were collected in a typical LUC sequence (native vegetation–pasture–sugarcane) in two contrasting soil textures (i.e., sandy and clayey). Soil hydro-physical properties such as pores size distribution, bulk density, soil water content, water tension, and drainage time at field capacity, plant-available water, and S-index were analyzed. Our data showed that long-term LUC from native vegetation to extensive pasture induced severe degradation in soil physical quality and soil water dynamics. However, conventional tillage used during conversion from pasture to sugarcane did not cause additional degradation on soil structure and soil water dynamics. Over time, sugarcane cultivation slightly impaired soil water and physical conditions, but only in the 10–20 cm layer in both soils. Therefore, we highlight that sustainable management practices to enhance soil physical quality and water dynamics in sugarcane fields are needed to prevent limiting conditions to plant growth and contribute to delivering other ecosystem services.
Food Chain Length Associated with Environmental Factors Affected by Large Dam along the Yangtze River
Authors: He Chun , Deng Huatang , Ba Jiawen , Li Sheng , Chen Zheyu , Tao Yixi , Duan Xinbin , Liu Shaoping , Li Yun , Chen Daqing
Published: November 2020

Food chain length (FCL) is a critical measure of food web complexity that influences the community structure and ecosystem function. The FCL of large subtropical rivers affected by dams and the decisive factors are far beyond clear. In this study, we used stable isotope technology to estimate the FCL of fish in different reaches of the main stream in the Yangtze River and explored the key factors that determined the FCL. The results showed that FCL varied widely among the studied areas with a mean of 4.09 (ranging from 3.69 to 4.31). The variation of FCL among river sections in the upstream of the dam was greater than that in the downstream. Regression analysis and model selection results revealed that the FCL had a significant positive correlation with ecosystem size as well as resource availability, and FCL variation was largely explained by ecosystem size, which represented 72% of the model weight. In summary, our results suggested that ecosystem size plays a key role in determining the FCL in large subtropical rivers and large ecosystems tend to have a longer food chain. Additionally, the construction of the Three Gorges Dam has been speculated to increase the FCL in the impoundment river sections.
Ecological Status Assessment of Transitional Waters
Authors: Facca Chiara
Published: November 2020

Transitional Waters are worldwide high valuable ecosystems that have undergone significant anthropogenic impacts. The ecological assessment is therefore of fundamental importance to protect, manage and restore these ecosystems. Numerous approaches can be used to understand the effects of human pressures, and, in case, the effectiveness of recovery plans. Eutrophication, climate change and morphological loss impacts can be assessed by means of aquatic vegetation, benthic fauna, and nekton. Moreover, before planning new infrastructures or interventions, predictive approaches and statistical analyses can provide indispensable tools for management policies.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS): Interventions, Impacts and Challenges
Authors: Cotterill Sarah , Bracken Louise J.
Published: November 2020

Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) can be a key tool in the management of extremes of rainfall, due to their capacity to attenuate and treat surface water. Yet, implementation is a complex process, requiring buy-in from multiple stakeholders. Buy-in is often undermined by a lack of practical evidence and monitoring of implemented SuDS. In this paper, we present a collaborative case study between a local authority, university and the UK Environment Agency. This partnership approach enabled the installation of SuDS and monitoring equipment to address surface runoff in the north east of England. Ultrasonic sensors were installed in the drainage network to evaluate the attenuation of surface water. SuDS were installed during an atypically wet spring, followed by a hot and dry summer, providing a range of conditions to assess their performance. Results demonstrate that there was a statistically significant difference in the detected flow level in manholes downstream of the SuDS interventions. Several challenges occurred, from signal obstacles in wireless telecommunication services, to logistical constraints of installing sensors in the drainage network, and issues with the adoption of property level SuDS. These issues require further research. Qualitative support for partnership working was crucial to increase the capacity for delivering SuDS. To ensure the success of future schemes and likelihood of SuDS uptake, partnership working and engaging with communities is vital.
Mass Production of Plasma Activated Water: Case Studies of Its Biocidal Effect on Algae and Cyanobacteria
Authors: Čech Jan , Sťahel Pavel , Ráheľ Jozef , Prokeš Lubomír , Rudolf Pavel , Maršálková Eliška , Maršálek Blahoslav
Published: November 2020

Efficient treatment of contaminated water in industrially viable volumes is still a challenging task. The hydrodynamic cavitation plasma jet (HCPJ) is a promising plasma source for industrial-scale generation of biologically active environments at high flow rates of several m3/h. The combined effect of a hydro-mechanical phenomenon consisting of hydrodynamic cavitation and electrical discharge in cavitation voids was found to be highly efficient for large-volume generation of reactive oxygen species, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and electro-mechanical stress in a liquid environment. Here, the persistence of biocidal properties of HCPJ-activated water (i.e., plasma-activated water (PAW)) was tested by the study of algae and cyanobacteria inactivation. Algae and cyanobacteria cultivated in media containing PAW (1:1) were completely inactivated after 72 h from first exposure. The test was performed at a total power input of up to 0.5 kWh/m3 at the treated liquid flow rate of 1 m3/h. A beneficial modification of our previous HCPJ design is described and thoroughly characterized with respect to the changes of hydrodynamic flow conditions as well as discharge performance and its optical characteristics. The modification proved to provide high biocidal activity of the resulting PAW, which confirms a strong potential for further design optimization of this promising water (liquid) plasma source.
Comparative Transport of Legionella and E. coli through Saturated Porous Media in a Two-Dimensional Tank
Authors: Mondal Indrayudh , Acosta Jazlyn , Alum Absar , Mayer Brooke K. , Dahlen Paul , Abbaszadegan Morteza
Published: November 2020

This study investigated bacterial transport in a two-dimensional (2-D) tank to evaluate the bacterial behavior of Legionella pneumophila as compared to Escherichia coli under saturated flow to simulate aquifer conditions. The experiments were performed in a 2-D tank packed with 3700 in3 (60,632 cm3) of commercially available bagged play sand under saturated conditions. The tank was disinfected by backwashing with 10% chlorine solution and subsequently neutralized by backwashing with tap water containing sodium thiosulphate (Na2S2O3) to ensure no chlorine residual. Bacterial transport was measured using samples collected from ports located at vertical transport distances of 5, 15 and 25 inches (12.7, 38.1 and 63.5 cm, respectively) below the sand surface along two vertical sections in the tank. An influent concentration of 105 CFU/mL was used for bacterial cells and the vertical fluid transport rate was 10.3 in/day (26.2 cm/day), controlled using a peristaltic pump at the bottom outlet. Legionella breakthroughs were recorded at 8, 22 and 35 h for the ports on the right side and 9, 24 and 36 h for the ports on the left side, at 5, 15 and 25 inch depths, respectively. At the same depths, E. coli breakthroughs were recorded at 5, 17 and 30 h for the ports on the right side and 7, 19 and 31 h for the ports on the left sides. The delay in Legionella transport compared to E. coli is homologous to Legionella’s pleomorphic nature. This study provides evidence of the mobility of both E. coli and Legionella in saturated aquifer conditions at a scale more representative of actual aquifer conditions. This study also provides a substantive basis for the premise that cell characteristics affect transport characteristics under those conditions.
Experimental and Numerical Evaluation of Hydraulic Fracturing under High Temperature and Embedded Fractures in Large Concrete Samples
Authors: Guo Liangliang , Wang Zihong , Zhang Yanjun , Wang Zhichao , Jiang Haiyang
Published: November 2020

In order to study the mechanism of hydraulic fracturing in enhanced geothermal systems, we analyzed the influence of high temperatures and embedded fractures on the initiation and propagation of hydraulic fractures using a laboratory test and numerical simulation. The analysis was conducted via large-scale true triaxial hydraulic fracturing tests with acoustic emission monitoring. Moreover, we discussed and established the elastic-plastic criterion of hydraulic fracturing initiation. The corresponding fracturing procedure was designed and embedded into the FLAC3D software. Then, a numerical simulation was conducted and compared with the laboratory test to verify the accuracy of the fracturing procedure. The influence of high temperatures on hydraulic fracturing presented the following features. First, multi-fractures were created, especially in the near-well region. Second, fracturing pressure, extension pressure, and fracture flow resistance became larger than those at room temperature. 3D acoustic fracturing emission results indicated that the influence of the spatial distribution pattern of embedded fractures on hydraulic fracturing direction was larger than that of triaxial stress. Furthermore, the fracturing and extension pressures decreased with the increase of embedded fracture density. For hydraulic fracturing in a high temperature reservoir, a plastic zone was generated near the borehole, and this zone increased as the injection pressure increased until the well wall failed.
Variation in Reference Evapotranspiration over the Tibetan Plateau during 1961–2017: Spatiotemporal Variations, Future Trends and Links to Other Climatic Factors
Authors: Liu Yuan , Wang Qianyang , Yao Xiaolei , Jiang Qi , Yu Jingshan , Jiang Weiwei
Published: November 2020

Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is a key factor in the hydrological cycle and energy cycle. In the context of rapid climate change, studying the dynamic changes in ET0 in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) is of great significance for water resource management in Asian countries. This study uses the Penman–Monteith formula to calculate the daily ET0 of the TP and subsequently uses the Mann–Kendall (MK) test, cumulative anomaly curve, and sliding t-test to identify abrupt change points. Morlet wavelet analysis and the Hurst index based on rescaled range analysis (R/S) are utilized to predict the future trends of ET0. The Spearman correlation coefficient is used to explore the relationship between ET0 changes and other climate factors. The results show that the ET0 on the TP exhibited an increasing trend from 1961 to 2017, with the most significant increase occurring in winter; an abrupt change to a tendency to decrease occurred in 1988, and another abrupt change to a tendency to increase occurred in 2005. Spatially, the ET0 of the TP shows an increasing trend from east to west. The change trend of the ET0 on the TP will not be sustainable into the future. In addition, the mean temperature has the greatest impact on the ET0 changes in the TP.
Fast Charging Systems for Passenger Electric Vehicles
Authors: Wolbertus Rick , van den Hoed Robert
Published: November 2020

This paper explores current and potential future use of fast charging stations for electric passenger vehicles. The aim of the paper is to analyse current charging patterns at fast charging stations and the role of fast charging among different charging options. These patterns are explored along the lines of the technical capabilities of the vehicles and it is found that with increasing battery capacity the need for fast charging decreases. However, for those vehicles with large charging capacities there are indications that fast charging is perceived as more convenient as these are used more often. Such results indicate a larger share for fast charging if charging capacities increase in the future. Results from a spatial analysis show that most fast charging is done at a considerable distance from home, suggesting mostly ‘on the road’ charging sessions. Some fast charging sessions are relatively close to home, especially for those without private home charging access. This shows some future potential for fast charging in cities with many on-street parking facilities.
AS RELAÇÕES ENTRE DISCURSO MIDIÁTICO E GEOGRAFIA ESCOLAR: UM DIÁLOGO POSSÍVEL
Authors: Ladeira Francisco Fernandes
Published: November 2020

Compreender as diferentes linguagens utilizadas pelos meios de comunicação de massa é uma questão importante para a Geografia Escolar. Categorias-chave do pensamento geográfico  entre elas, território, paisagem e espaço  estão constantemente presentes em noticiários, filmes, documentários, seriados e programas de entretenimento de maneira geral. Nesse sentido, o presente artigo apresenta uma reflexão sobre as relações entre discurso midiático e processo de ensino-aprendizagem em Geografia na educação básica. Propomos a incorporação do material midiático em sala de aula não como mero recurso didático complementar, de caráter ilustrativo, mas como objeto de estudo a ser sistematizado em seu conteúdo discursivo.
Pd Prazeres dissidentes:
Authors: Jimenez Jimenez Maria Luisa
Published: November 2020

Este artigo parte do debate acerca dos corpos gordos femininos, marcado pelo discurso normatizado socialmente, no qual a magreza é o cânone vigente. Quando um corpo não está dentro desse padrão, ou seja, corpo magro, tido como belo e saudável, é estigmatizado, sendo considerado feio, assexuado, anormal, doente, nojento, portanto, excluído socialmente. Esta discriminação é conhecida como gordofobia, preconceito que leva à exclusão social. Contudo, os prazeres dissidentes construídos por mulheres gordas no mundo virtual da pornografia nos chamam a atenção para novas práticas e desejos que transborda a sexualidade heteronormativa e propõe novas práticas sexuais.  Com o objetivo de compreender a sexualidade mediada digitalmente com corpos dissidentes, no caso, mulheres gordas maiores em que se propõe uma nova prática sexual, acompanhei plataformas específicas, recolhi depoimentos sobre a sexualidade de algumas mulheres gordas e entrevistei atrizes super sizes nas redes digitais. Na análise realizada, foi possível perceber o corpo gordo feminino considerado “abjeto” transformando-se em um corpo de/para deleite, prescindindo da relação falocêntrica e encontrando, na contrassexualidade: existência, resistência, desejo e prazer.
MUSICAL TALENT IN THE WORKS OF FOREIGN RESEARCHERS
Authors: Poluboyaryna Irina
Published: November 2020

Object. The article analyzes the theoretical approaches of foreign researchers to the definition of musical talent. Empirical material devoted to the study of the determinants of the manifestation of musical talent in foreign music psychology and pedagogy is substantiated and concretized. Research methods (analytical, historical and comparative, retrospective, comparative analysis of scientific and pedagogical literature, educational materials) allowed to distinguish different approaches to understanding the significance of the development of musical abilities (M. Shawen, R. Mueller-Freinfels, M. Hassler, U. Mursell, B. Probst and others). Results. It is determined that at the beginning of the twentieth century in Western musical psychological and pedagogical works outlined two approaches to the essence of musicality: musicality as a holistic property of the individual; musicality as a category of personality ability. It is established that in the foreign scientific literature there are several approaches to the problem of identifying musical abilities. The first approach is that musical talent consists of a number of components that are assessed by tests separately. The second approach is to test the ability to perceive classical musical forms. It is established that the perfection of a musician is largely determined by the presence of innate inclinations to musical activity. It is proved that the development of musical talent has a direct relationship between the level of development of musical abilities and external socio-pedagogical factors. At the same time, natural data and specially organized classes complement each other, and professional music training helps a person to reach his full potential. Conclusions. In foreign music psychology and pedagogy, a large amount of empirical material has been accumulated, devoted to the study of the determinants of the manifestation of musical talent. However, the question of the structure of musical talent and its components remains open. At the theoretical level, the issues of the relationship between the concepts of «musical abilities», «musical talent», «musicality» remain unsolved.
COVID-19 and Digestive System in Children: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Esmaeili Dooki Mohammadreza , Mehrabani Sanaz , Sorkhi Hadi , Nikpour Maryam , Tabatabaie Mohamadreza , Mohammadi Mohsen , Kiani Masood
Published: November 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to identify gastrointestinal (GI) and liver injury presentations in children admitted with COVID-19 infection. Methods: In this retrospective study, we studied all children with suspected symptoms of COVID-19, referred to Amirkola Children’s Hospital. Clinical manifestations of the digestive and respiratory systems and liver function tests were evaluated for all cases. Results: Eighteen children were studied. The most common clinical symptoms were fever, anorexia, weakness, nausea and vomiting, cough, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, respectively. Also, 5/18 (27.8%) and 7/18 (38.9%) of cases had abnormally high alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), respectively. Additionally, in icteric cases, direct bilirubin was raised. There was no significant relationship between pulmonary lesions and abnormal excess in ALT (P = 0.59) and AST (P = 0.62). Conclusion: The findings showed that there were no severe clinical GI symptoms in children with COVID-19 infection. Besides, children with increased liver enzymes did not have more respiratory involvement than those without a rise in liver enzymes.
A Multicenter Survey on the Trend of Chest CT Scan Utilization: Tracing the First Footsteps of COVID-19 in Iran
Authors: Radmard Amir Reza , Gholamrezanezhad Ali , Montazeri Seyed Ali , Kasaeian Amir , Nematollahy Nemat , Molaee Langrudi Roghieh , Javad Rashid Reza , Dehghan Alireza , Hekmatnia Ali , Shakourirad Ali , Pezeshki Rad Masoud , Nafisi Moghadam Reza , Sharifian Hashem , Enhesari Ahmad , Aalinezhad Marzieh , Jamalipour Soufi Ghazaleh , Shakibafard Alireza , Mohammadzadeh Maryam , Jalli Reza , Bakhshayeshkaram Mehrdad , Faghihi Langroudi Taraneh , Raoufi Masoomeh , Abrishami Alireza , Dehghan Pooneh , Bahrami-Motlagh Hooman , Hashemi Hassan , Sanei Taheri Morteza
Published: November 2020

Background: Chest computed tomography (CT) scan has been used widely to diagnose COVID-19 in Iran. Objectives: To trace the footsteps of COVID-19 in Iran by exploring the trend in using chest CT scans and its economic impact on radiology departments. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the number of imaging examinations from 33 tertiary radiology departments in 9 large cities of Iran was collected from September 23, 2019 to March 20, 2020 (Months 1 to 6) and the corresponding months in 2018–2019. Results: A 50.2% increase was noted in the chest CT scan utilization in 2019–2020 compared to 2018–2019. This increase was +15%, +15%, +27%, +2%, +1% in Months 1–5 of 2019–2020, respectively. In Month 6 of 2019–2020, a 251% increase in the acquisition of chest CT scans was observed compared to the Month 6 of 2018–2019. Following negative balance of revenue from Month 1 to 5 with respect to the inflation rate, the total income in Month 6 was further 1.5% less than the same Month in 2018–19. Conclusion: The observed peak in chest CT utilization in Month 3 prior to the surge in Month 6 could be explained by the seasonal influenza. However, unawareness about an emerging viral disease, i.e. COVID-19, might have underutilized chest CT in Months 4 and 5 before the official announcement in Month 6. The unbalanced increase in the workload of radiology departments in the shortage of cardiothoracic radiologists with the simultaneous decrease in income initiated a vicious cycle that worsened the economic repercussions of the pandemic.