bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cooperation and Production Strategy of Power Battery for New Energy Vehicles Under Carbon Cap-and-Trade Policy
Authors: Shao Lingzhi , Peng Yuwan , Wang Xin
Published: November 2024

Considering the supply chain composed of a power battery supplier and a new energy vehicle manufacturer, under the carbon cap-and-trade policy, this paper studies the different cooperation modes between the manufacturer and the supplier as well as their strategies for green technology and power battery production. Three game models are constructed and solved, respectively, under the collaboration mode of wholesale purchasing, patent-licensed manufacturing, and own R&D + Wholesale purchasing. The equilibrium analysis is carried out. Finally, the influence of relevant parameters is explored through numerical simulation. It is found that (1) the manufacturer’s choice of optimal battery production strategy is influenced by the input cost of green technology, the production cost of power battery, the carbon trading price, and the free carbon quota allocated by the government; (2) the cost coefficient of technological innovation affects negatively the optimal decision-making of the supply chain members, the market demand, and the optimal profit, and it has no impact when the cost coefficient reaches a certain value; (3) carbon cap-and-trade policy can, to a certain extent, incentivize suppliers and manufacturers to carry out technological innovation to reduce carbon emissions in the production process, but we cannot ignore the negative impacts of excessively high carbon trading price on the level of emission reduction and the market demand; and (4) the government should reasonably control the carbon price and carbon quota. The above conclusion will provide reference suggestions for new energy vehicle manufacturers and related suppliers.
Research on Hydraulic Characteristics of Water Leakage Phenomenon of Waterproof Hammer Air Valve in Water Supply Pressure Pipeline Based on Sustainable Utilization of Water Resources in Irrigation Areas
Authors: Cheng Yixiong , Tang Yuan , Wu Jianhua , Jin Hua , Shen Lixia , Sun Zhiyong
Published: November 2024

To investigate the causes of water leakage in the waterproof hammer air valve and its impact on sustainable water resource management, the DN100 waterproof hammer air valve was taken as the research object. By using the overset grid solution method of ANSYS Fluent 2021 R1 software, the flow field simulation of the waterproof hammer air valve was carried out. The transient action during the ascent phase of the key structural component floating ball, and the velocity and pressure distribution of the flow field inside the air valve are analyzed. The results showed that by giving different inlet flow velocities, the normal flow velocity range for the floating ball to float up was below 35 m/s and above 50 m/s. When the inlet flow velocity was between 35 m/s and 50 m/s, the growth rate of the pressure difference above and below the floating ball increased from 1.48% to 5.79% and then decreased to 0.4%. The floating ball would not be able to float up due to excessive outlet pressure above, which would cause the DN100 waterproof hammer air valve to leak water and fail to provide water hammer protection. When the inlet flow rate is 5 m/s, the velocity and pressure inside the valve body increase with time during the upward movement of the floating ball inside the waterproof hammer air valve and tend to stabilize at 400 ms. Through the generated pressure and velocity cloud maps, it can be observed that the location of maximum pressure is at the bottom of the buoy, directly below the floating ball, and at the narrow channels on both sides of the outflow domain. The location of the maximum velocity is at the small inlet of the bottom of the buoy. When the inlet speed of the valve is constant, a large amount of water flow is blocked by the floating ball, reducing the flow velocity and forming partial backflow below the floating ball, with an obvious vortex phenomenon. A small portion of the water flow passes through the air valve at a high velocity from both ends of the channel, and the water flow below the floating ball is in an extremely unstable state under the impact of high-speed water flow, resulting in a large gradient of water flow velocity passing through the valve. The research results not only help to improve the operational efficiency of water resource management systems but also reduce unnecessary water resource waste, thereby supporting the goal of sustainable water resource management.
Factors Associated with Food Waste Among University Students in Colombia
Authors: Gamboa-Delgado Edna Magaly , Herrán Oscar F. , Quintero-Lesmes Doris Cristina
Published: November 2024

(1) Background: Globally, millions of tons of food are wasted annually, with a significant portion occurring at the household level. This study aimed to quantify food waste generated by university students and identify key factors associated with this behavior. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a community trial involving 227 Colombian university students. Participants self-reported their daily food waste (grams per person per day), as categorized by food type, which was collected through an online-based questionnaire under prior training. The data were analyzed using a binomial regression model to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (PRaj) and identify associations between food waste and demographic variables. (3) Results: Of the participants, 63% were women, with a mean age of 20.4 ± 3.8 years. Overall, 65% (n = 148) reported food wastage. The average food waste per person per day was 22.6 ± 15.5 g, increasing to 94.0 ± 5.0 g among those who reported wastage. Significant associations were found between food waste and several factors: Among those with a higher prevalence of food waste were women (PRaj = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.89); students from rural areas (PRaj = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.67); and those with higher income levels, with adjusted prevalence ratios of 1.38 (95% CI: 1.14, 1.68) for those earning 1–2 Minimum Legal Monthly Wages (LMMW) and 1.49 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.93) for those earning 3+ LMMW. Household size and socioeconomic status were not significantly associated with food waste (p > 0.05). (4) Conclusions: On average, the population generates 8.25 kg of food waste per person per year, rising to 34.31 kg among those who report wasting food. Gender, geographic location, and income were key predictors of daily food waste.
Obtaining Symmetrical Gradient Structure in Copper Wire by Combined Processing
Authors: Volokitin Andrey , Volokitina Irina , Sonmez Mehmet Seref , Denissova Anastassiya , Gelmanova Zoya
Published: November 2024

Traditionally, structural wire is characterized by a homogeneous microstructure, where the average grain size in different parts of the wire is uniform. According to the classical Hall–Petch relationship, a homogeneous polycrystalline metal can be strengthened by decreasing the average grain size since an increase in the volume fraction of grain boundaries will further impede the motion of dislocations. However, a decrease in the grain size inevitably leads to a decrease in the ductility and deformability of the material due to limited dislocation mobility. Putting a gradient microstructure into the wire has promising potential for overcoming the compromise between strength and ductility. This is proposed a new combined technology in this paper in order to obtain a gradient microstructure. This technology consists of deforming the wire in a rotating equal-channel step die and subsequent traditional drawing. Deformation of copper wire with a diameter of 6.5 mm to a diameter of 5.0 mm was carried out in three passes at room temperature. As a result of such processing, a gradient microstructure with a surface nanostructured layer (grain size ~400 nm) with a gradual increase in grain size towards the center of the wire was obtained. As a result, the microhardness in the surface zone was 1150 MPa, 770 Mpa in the neutral zone, and 685 MPa in the central zone of the wire. Such a symmetrical spread of microhardness, observed over the entire cross-section of the rod, is a direct confirmation of the presence of a gradient microstructure in deformed materials. The strength characteristics of the wire were doubled: the tensile strength increased from 335 MPa to 675 MPa, and the yield strength from 230 MPa to 445 MPa. At the same time, the relative elongation decreased from 20% to 16%, and the relative contraction from 28% to 23%. Despite the fact that the ductility of copper is decreased after cyclic deformation, its values remain at a fairly high level. The validity of all results is confirmed by numerous experiments using a complex of traditional and modern research methods, which include optical, scanning, and transmission microscopy; determination of mechanical properties under tension; and measurement of hardness and electrical resistance. These methods allow reliable interpretation of the fine microstructure of the wire and provide information on its strength, plastic, and electrical properties.
On Solutions of Some Functional Equations of Radical Type
Authors: Brzdęk Janusz
Published: November 2024

Many authors have studied various functional equations of forms patterned on the equation expressed as ga2+b2=g(a)+g(b), which can be considered, e.g., for real functions. Such equations are usually referred to as radical functional equations or of the radical type. Authors mainly study the so-called Ulam stability of such equations, i.e., they investigate how much the mappings satisfying the equations approximately (in a sense) differ from the exact solutions of these equations. Quite often, information about the solutions of these equations is also provided, but unfortunately, sometimes, such information is given in a misleading or incomplete way. It seems, therefore, that there is a need for a publication containing simple descriptions of such solutions (with appropriate examples), which would help in easy correction of such information and avoidance of similar problems for future authors. This is the main motivation for this expository paper. We present a general approach to the topic and consider two general forms of such equations. Moreover, the results presented in this paper show significant symmetry between the solutions of numerous functional equations and the solutions of equations of the radical type that correspond to them. To make this publication accessible to a wider audience, we omit various related information, avoid advanced generalizations, and present several simple examples.
An Evolutionary Game Analysis of China’s Power Battery Export Strategies Under Carbon Barriers
Authors: Li Chunsheng , Ji Xuanyu , Tan Kangye , Wu Yumeng , Xu Fang
Published: November 2024

With the continuous evolution of international trade, the global market has been steadily expanding while also facing increasing challenges, particularly in relation to the introduction of environmental policies such as carbon barriers. Our research explores how China’s power battery manufacturers can adapt their export strategies to the EU’s carbon barrier policies. Additionally, we examine the roles of government regulations, research institutions, and manufacturers in either facilitating or hindering compliance with carbon reduction objectives. Using evolutionary game theory, we construct models involving government entities, manufacturers, and research institutions to systematically analyze market evolution, strategic interactions, and outcomes among these stakeholders. Our analysis focuses on understanding the competitive dynamics faced by exporting countries under stringent environmental policies and provides strategic insights to guide export strategies. Taking the EU’s carbon barrier policy as a case study, we explore Chinese battery manufacturers’ adaptive strategies and decision-making processes as they respond to shifting market demands and regulatory environments. The findings not only offer valuable insights into exporting countries but also provide policymakers with information on international trade and industrial policy design. Furthermore, we validate our model through numerical simulations and conduct sensitivity analyses on key parameters. The results underscore the importance of governmental adoption of punitive and incentive policies, revealing their substantial impact on stakeholder behavior. Additionally, the study highlights how participants’ pre-cooperation losses and post-cooperation gains influence participation rates and the speed at which stakeholder consensus is reached. By offering a novel approach with which to address carbon barrier challenges, this research contributes valuable perspectives on environmental regulations’ strategic and policy implications in global trade.
Development of a Novel Microphysiological System for Peripheral Neurotoxicity Prediction Using Human iPSC-Derived Neurons with Morphological Deep Learning
Authors: Han Xiaobo , Matsuda Naoki , Yamanaka Makoto , Suzuki Ikuro
Published: November 2024

A microphysiological system (MPS) is an in vitro culture technology that reproduces the physiological microenvironment and functionality of humans and is expected to be applied for drug screening. In this study, we developed an MPS for the structured culture of human iPSC-derived sensory neurons and then predicted drug-induced neurotoxicity by morphological deep learning. Using human iPSC-derived sensory neurons, after the administration of representative anti-cancer drugs, the toxic effects on soma and axons were evaluated by an AI model with neurite images. Significant toxicity was detected in positive drugs and could be classified by different effects on soma or axons, suggesting that the current method provides an effective evaluation of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The results of neurofilament light chain expression changes in the MPS device also agreed with clinical reports. Therefore, the present MPS combined with morphological deep learning is a useful platform for in vitro peripheral neurotoxicity assessment.
Interactions Between Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Cattle: Aspects of Pathogenesis and Immunity
Authors: da Silva Barcelos Lariane , Ford Alexandra K. , Frühauf Matheus Iuri , Botton Nadalin Yandra , Fischer Geferson , Maggioli Mayara Fernanda
Published: November 2024

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is a major respiratory pathogen in cattle and is relevant to the livestock industry worldwide. BRSV is most severe in young calves and is often associated with stressful management events. The disease is responsible for economic losses due to lower productivity, morbidity, mortality, and prevention and treatment costs. As members of the same genus, bovine and human RSV share a high degree of homology and are similar in terms of their genomes, transmission, clinical signs, and epidemiology. This overlap presents an opportunity for One Health approaches and translational studies, with dual benefits; however, there is still a relative lack of studies focused on BRSV, and the continued search for improved prophylaxis highlights the need for a deeper understanding of its immunological features. BRSV employs different host-immunity-escaping mechanisms that interfere with effective long-term memory responses to current vaccines and natural infections. This review presents an updated description of BRSV’s immunity processes, such as the PRRs and signaling pathways involved in BRSV infection, aspects of its pathogeny, and the evading mechanisms developed by the virus to thwart the immune response.
A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial Involving Financial Incentives to Facilitate Hepatitis C Treatment Uptake Among People Who Inject Drugs: ETHOS Engage Study
Authors: Marshall Alison D. , Conway Anna , Cunningham Evan B. , Valerio Heather , Silk David , Alavi Maryam , Tillakeratne Shane , Wade Alexandra , Lam Thao , Zohrab Krista , Dunlop Adrian , Connelly Craig , Cock Victoria , Burns Carina , Henderson Charles , Christmass Michael , Dore Gregory J. , Grebely Jason
Published: November 2024

The primary aim of this study was to establish the feasibility of implementing a larger RCT designed to evaluate the effect of financial incentives on HCV treatment initiation among persons receiving opioid agonist therapy and/or who have injected drugs in the prior six months. ETHOS Engage is an observational cohort of participants recruited from drug treatment and needle and syringe programs in Australia. Among 11 drug and alcohol clinics, participants who were HCV RNA-positive were randomized (1:1) to receive standard of care or a AUD $60 gift card at treatment initiation. Regarding feasibility, 100% (57/57) of eligible participants enrolled to take part. Twenty-eight participants were randomised to the financial incentive arm (AUD $60 gift card) plus standard of care and 29 participants to the standard of care arm. In this pilot RCT (n = 57), median age was 42 years (IQR 37–49), 63% were male (n = 36), 35% Indigenous (n = 20) and 36% (n = 21) reported injecting drugs daily in the past month. Twelve weeks post-study enrolment, 11 (39%) participants in the financial incentive arm and 17 (59%) participants in the standard of care arm initiated HCV treatment. Findings indicate high feasibility among people who inject drugs to be randomised to receive financial incentives to initiate HCV treatment.
Differential Replication and Oncolytic Effects of Zika Virus in Aggressive CNS Tumor Cells: Insights from Organoid and Tumoroid Models
Authors: Ferreira Rodolfo Sanches , Jandrey Elisa Helena Farias , Granha Isabela , Endo Alice Kei , Ferreira Raiane Oliveira , Araujo Bruno Henrique Silva , Zatz Mayana , Okamoto Oswaldo Keith
Published: November 2024

Central nervous system (CNS) cancers are responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Malignant CNS tumors such as adult Glioblastoma (GBM) and pediatric embryonal CNS tumors such as medulloblastoma (MED) and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRT) present relevant therapeutic challenges due to the lack of response to classic treatment regimens with radio and chemotherapy. Recent findings on the Zika virus’ (ZIKV) ability to infect and kill CNS neoplastic cells draw attention to the virus’ oncolytic potential. Studies demonstrating the safety of using ZIKV for treating malignant CNS tumors, enabling the translation of this approach to clinical trials, are scarce in the literature. Here we developed a co-culture model of mature human cerebral organoids assembled with GBM, MED or ATRT tumor cells and used these assembloids to test ZIKV oncolytic effect, replication potential and preferential targeting between normal and cancer cells. Our hybrid co-culture models allowed the tracking of tumor cell growth and invasion in cerebral organoids. ZIKV replication and ensuing accumulation in the culture medium was higher in organoids co-cultured with tumor cells than in isolated control organoids without tumor cells. ZIKV infection led to a significant reduction in tumor cell proportion in organoids with GBM and MED cells, but not with ATRT. Tumoroids (3D cultures of tumor cells alone) were efficiently infected by ZIKV. Interestingly, ZIKV rapidly replicated in GBM, MED, and ATRT tumoroids reaching significantly higher viral RNA accumulation levels than co-cultures. Moreover, ZIKV infection reduced viable cells number in MED and ATRT tumoroids but not in GBM tumoroids. Altogether, our findings indicate that ZIKV has greater replication rates in aggressive CNS tumor cells than in normal human cells comprising cerebral organoids. However, such higher ZIKV replication in tumor cells does not necessarily parallels oncolytic effects, suggesting cellular intrinsic and extrinsic factors mediating tumor cell death by ZIKV.
Measuring the Vaccine Success Index: A Framework for Long-Term Economic Evaluation and Monitoring in the Case of Rotavirus Vaccination
Authors: Standaert Baudouin , Raes Marc , Ethgen Olivier , Benninghoff Bernd , Toumi Mondher
Published: November 2024

New vaccination programs measure economic success through cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) based on an outcome evaluated over a certain time frame. The reimbursement price of the newly approved vaccine is then often reliant on a simulated ideal effect projection because of limited long-term data availability. This optimal cost-effectiveness result is later rarely adjusted to the observed effect measurements, barring instances of market competition-induced price erosion through the tender process. However, comprehensive and systematic monitoring of the vaccine effect (VE) for the evaluation of the real long-term economic success of vaccination is critical. It informs expectations about vaccine performance with success timelines for the investment. Here, an example is provided by a 15-year assessment of the rotavirus vaccination program in Belgium (RotaBIS study spanning 2005 to 2019 across 11 hospitals). The vaccination program started in late 2006 and yielded sub-optimal outcomes. Long-term VE surveillance data provided insights into the infection dynamics, disease progression, and vaccine performance. The presented analysis introduces novel conceptual frameworks and methodologies about the long-term economic success of vaccination programs. The CEA evaluates the initial target vaccination population, considering vaccine effectiveness compared with a historical unvaccinated group. Cost-impact analysis (CIA) covers a longer period and considers the whole vaccinated and unvaccinated population in which the vaccine has direct and indirect effects. The economic success index ratio of CIA over CEA outcomes evaluates long-term vaccination performance. Good performance is close to the optimal result, with an index value ≤1, combined with a low CEA. This measurement is a valuable aid for new vaccine introductions. It supports the establishment of robust monitoring protocols over time.
Understanding Parental Decision-Making and Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccination for Children in Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey
Authors: Nguyen Hien T. , Nguyen Khanh C. , Pham Thai Q. , Nguyen Hieu T. , Hoang Anh , Vu Trang T. , Nguyen Huyen T. , Ngu Nghia D. , Vogt Florian
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: In Vietnam, COVID-19 vaccination campaigns for children have encountered numerous challenges due to acceptance issues among parents. This study aimed to assess parental decision-making and identify factors influencing their decision to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Methods: This was a cross-sectional online survey conducted between April and May 2023 among parents of children aged 6–17 years enrolled in urban and rural schools in Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam. Data on parental and child demographics, vaccination decision-making, COVID-19 experiences, and health beliefs based on the Health Belief Model were collected and analyzed, using univariate and multivariable multinomial regression analyses. Results: Among 4235 respondents (median age 41 years, 80.4% female), 81.3% had accepted all vaccine doses for their children, 9.7% had accepted some doses, 4.6% had rejected all doses, and 4.5% had not vaccinated their children for reasons unrelated to vaccine acceptance. Factors influencing parental decision-making included parental age, educational status, area of residence, health beliefs, prior experience with COVID-19 vaccination, and their child’s age and health status. Conclusions: We found overall high levels of parental acceptance for COVID-19 vaccination for children in Thai Nguyen province. To enhance COVID-19 vaccination acceptance, targeted communication strategies should focus on younger parents, those living in urban areas, parents with higher educational levels, and those with children who are younger or have underlying medical conditions. Trusted sources such as healthcare workers, teachers, and official health websites are essential for disseminating accurate information and fostering trust in vaccination programs.
The First Case of a Cat Infected with Burkholderia pseudomultivorans, a Member of the Burkholderia cepacia Complex
Authors: Fujii Yuji , Suwa Akihisa , Tsuyuki Yuzo , Koyama Kumiko , Nio-Kobayashi Junko , Yoshii Kentaro
Published: November 2024

The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is a group of bacteria with similar biological properties which are an important cause of opportunistic infections. Identification of the Bcc species is important to understand clinical outcomes in human patients. However, there are few studies of Bcc species infecting companion animals such as cats. This report shows for the first time an infection with B. pseudomultivorans, a member of Bcc, in veterinary medicine. A 9-year-old, FIV-positive, mixed-breed cat was subjected to immunosuppressive therapy, developed septic shock, and died. In the bone marrow specimen collected postmortem, numerous short bacilli—some of which were phagocytosed by leukocytes—were observed. By bacteriological examination, the Bcc-like bacteria were isolated from the bone marrow sample. Genetic analysis showed that the recA gene sequence detected from the present case exhibited the highest homology (98–100%) to that of B. pseudomultivorans. Based on these examinations, the present case was diagnosed as B. pseudomultivorans infection. The findings of this study highlight the need for investigation of the Bcc species in veterinary practice to help in treatment decisions and the prognostic evaluation of Bcc infections.
Collaborating for the Successful Retirement and End-of-Life Care of Non-Human Primates in Biomedical Research
Authors: Maxwell Amanda R. , Hutchinson Eric K. , Allen Jaclyn V. , Painter Melissa C. , Hopper Lydia M.
Published: November 2024

Research facilities have established animal adoption programs for laboratory animals. However, adoption to private owners is not an option for non-human primates (NHPs), so their post-research life presents a unique challenge. Here, we describe a collaborative effort between laboratory animal veterinarians and behavioral management staff in retiring NHPs in place to ensure their quality of life after the completion of research projects. The success of our retirement program hinges on our collaborative efforts to manage clinical diseases such as arthritis, amyloidosis, and diarrhea; to surgically ex-plant previous research hardware; and to evaluate the animals’ behavior and temperament to ensure each individual is placed in a new group or living situation in which they are likely to be successful and to have good welfare. Implementation of a quality-of-life assessment tool for all retired animals allows all staff involved in the animals’ care to proactively and periodically assess the quality of life of these animals. The successful retirement of NHPs living in social groups is rewarding for all personnel and promotes a culture of caring. Research animal retirement is an important way for us to give back and honor the contributions these animals have made to advancing medicine.
A New Type of Pre-Aeration Stepped Spillway
Authors: Zhou Yu , Xin Fangyong , Xu Ke , Mei Jiakai , Jia Siwei , Qiu Haodong , Wang Yuanyuan
Published: November 2024

Aiming to increase energy dissipation and prevent the cavitation potential of a traditional stepped spillway (TSS) at large unit discharges, a kind of pre-aeration stepped spillway, called a hydraulic-jump-stepped spillway (HJSS), is introduced in this paper. Unlike a TSS, a basin added upstream of the stepped chute in the HJSS plays a vital role in the hydraulic performance owing to the formation of a hydraulic jump in the basin. This paper presents experimental research on the hydraulic performance of the HJSS in comparison to a TSS with the same chute slope (θ = 39.3°) for a wide range of unit discharges, including the flow pattern, energy dissipation, pre-aeration effect, and maximum splash height. The results showed that the HJSS corresponded to a large energy dissipation rate, the air was effectively entrained at the inlet of the stepped chute, and there was an observation of splash formation in the foregoing and downstream steps. Under large unit discharges, the HJSS maintained an energy dissipation rate exceeding 80%. Additionally, at the inlet, the air concentrations reached 4.5% on the bottom and 11.2% on the sidewall. The findings of this research could be used as a general guideline for stepped spillway design with large unit discharges.
Hydrogeochemical Characteristics and Formation Mechanisms of High-Arsenic Groundwater in the North China Plain: Insights from Hydrogeochemical Analysis and Unsupervised Machine Learning
Authors: Wu Xiaofang , Liu Weijiang , Liu Yi , Zhu Ganghui , Han Qiaochu
Published: November 2024

Hydrochemical data were utilized in this study to elucidate the hydrogeochemical characteristics and genesis of high-arsenic groundwater in the North China Plain, employing both traditional hydrogeochemical analysis and unsupervised machine learning techniques. The findings indicate that the predominant hydrochemical types of groundwater in the study area are HCO3-Ca·Na and SO4·Cl-Na·Ca. The primary mechanism influencing groundwater chemistry has been identified as rock weathering. The unsupervised machine learning framework incorporates various methods, such as principal component analysis (PCA), non-negative matrix factorization (NMF), machine learning models (gradient boosting trees and random forests), and cluster analysis to explore the characteristics and genesis of groundwater hydrochemical types within the study area. This study demonstrated that the formation mechanism of high-arsenic groundwater results from multiple interacting factors.
Analysis of Variability of Water Quality Indicators in the Municipality Water Supply System—A Case Study
Authors: Domoń Andżelika , Wilczewska Weronika , Papciak Dorota , Kowalska Beata
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the variability of water quality indicators in four municipal water distribution systems near a medium-sized city. Despite the proximity of water intakes, water quality in different distribution systems can vary significantly due to local factors such as infrastructure conditions, treatment technology, and specific environmental conditions affecting water in each water supply network. Water samples were collected from multiple points in each system and analyzed for physicochemical properties. The results showed significant differences in total carbon, dissolved organic carbon, and ammonium nitrogen, indicating variability in water quality between systems. These results emphasize the need for integrated management strategies, innovative technologies, and real-time monitoring to maintain water quality. The study also highlights challenges such as aging infrastructure, pollution, and financial constraints in managing water supplies.
Coupling Different Machine Learning and Meta-Heuristic Optimization Techniques to Generate the Snow Avalanche Susceptibility Map in the French Alps
Authors: Kayhan Enes Can , Ekmekcioğlu Ömer
Published: November 2024

The focus of this study is to introduce a hybrid predictive framework encompassing different meta-heuristic optimization and machine learning techniques to identify the regions susceptible to snow avalanches. To accomplish this aim, the present research sought to acquire the best-performed model among nine different hybrid scenarios encompassing three different meta-heuristics, namely particle swarm optimization (PSO), gravitational search algorithm (GSA), and Cuckoo Search (CS), and three different ML approaches, i.e., support vector classification (SVC), stochastic gradient boosting (SGB), and k-nearest neighbors (KNN), pertaining to different predictive families. According to diligent analysis performed with regard to the blinded testing set, the PSO-SGB illustrated the most satisfactory predictive performance with an accuracy of 0.815, while the precision and recall were found to be 0.824 and 0.821, respectively. The F1-score of the predictions was found to be 0.821, and the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) was obtained to be 0.9. Despite attaining similar predictive success via the CS-SGB model, the time-efficiency analysis underscored the PSO-SGB, as the corresponding process consumed considerably less computational time compared to its counterpart. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) implementation further informed that slope, elevation, and wind speed are the most contributing attributes to detecting snow avalanche susceptibility in the French Alps.
Numerical Simulation Study on Ice–Water–Ship Interaction Based on FEM-SPH Adaptive Coupling Algorithm
Authors: Xu Pei , Chen Baolin , Guo Yingchun , Wang Hui
Published: November 2024

To address the impact of layered ice and seawater on polar vessels navigating in icy waters, this study employs a coupled finite element method (FEM) and smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) algorithm to simulate the collision dynamics between the bow and stern of a designated icebreaker and the ice layers. The foundational principles and deployment strategies of the coupling algorithm have been meticulously delineated, with a subsequent simulation conducted to model the trajectory of icebreakers navigating through stratified ice conditions. The ice load on the hull, the movement of broken ice bodies, and the temporal variation of ice resistance during collision were analyzed. The method’s applicability and precision were substantiated through a comparative analysis between the simulated ice resistance outcomes and the ice load estimations derived from the Lindqvist formula. Finally, the differences between the bow and stern icebreaking methods were compared. The research findings indicate that the coupling algorithm demonstrates high precision in simulating the navigation of icebreakers under layered ice conditions, aligning with actual scenarios. This provides a solid foundation for further exploration of the ice load on polar vessels. Furthermore, at equivalent speeds and ice thicknesses, stern icebreaking was observed to induce greater oscillations in ice load and yield a higher mean resistance compared to bow icebreaking.
Evaluation of Microplastic Toxicity in Drinking Water Using Different Test Systems
Authors: Salikova Natalya S. , Lovinskaya Anna V. , Kolumbayeva Saule Zh. , Bektemissova Ainash U. , Urazbayeva Saltanat E. , Rodrigo-Clavero María-Elena , Rodrigo-Ilarri Javier
Published: November 2024

Microplastic pollution poses a significant threat to environmental and human health. This study investigated the toxicological and genotoxic effects of various microplastic types (polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE)) on plant and animal models. Aqueous extracts of microplastics in different size fractions (0.175 mm, 0.3 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm) were evaluated for their impact on barley seed germination and cell division. Results indicated that smaller microplastic fractions exhibited higher toxicity, particularly for PP and PE. Significant reductions in germination rates and root growth were observed, along with increased chromosomal aberrations in barley cells. Furthermore, the migration of formaldehyde, a known toxicant, from microplastics exceeded permissible limits. These findings highlight the potential risks associated with microplastic pollution, particularly in drinking water sources. Future research should focus on the long-term health impacts of microplastic exposure, including carcinogenic potential, and explore the synergistic effects with other pollutants. Stricter regulations on microplastic pollution and advancements in water treatment technologies are urgently needed to mitigate these risks.
Analysis of Key Environmental Variables Affecting Fish Communities and Species Distribution in Asian Lotic Ecosystems
Authors: Kim Jae-Goo , Min Jeong-Ki , Choi Ji-Woong
Published: November 2024

In 2011, Korea installed artificial structures on four rivers to secure water resources and reduce flood damage; however, these structures have altered ecosystems and aquatic communities. This study analyzed fish communities and environmental variables at 72 sites in the Geumgang River. Fish communities and environmental variables before weir installation were examined using site data from 2008 to 2009. The results showed that Cyprinidae dominated the 70 observed species. A self-organizing map categorized the 72 sites into four groups based on fish communities. Sensitive and insectivorous species decreased, whereas tolerant and omnivorous species increased from Groups I to IV. Twenty-one indicator species were identified, with fewer and less distinct distribution patterns in Groups II and III than in Groups I and IV. The fish assessment index (FAI) showed a decline in grades A and B and an increase in grades C and D from Groups I to IV. Correlation analysis between the FAI and environmental variables indicated that fish communities in the Geumgang River were mainly influenced by water quality, reflecting altitude gradients and pollution levels. This study’s findings are anticipated to significantly inform water management strategies for the Geumgang, Yeongsangang, Nakdonggang, and Hangang Rivers.
The Distributed Xin’anjiang Model Incorporating the Analytic Solution of the Storage Capacity Under Unsteady-State Conditions
Authors: Song Qifeng , Chen Xi , Zhang Zhicai
Published: November 2024

Developing a functional linkage between hydrological variables and easily accessible terrain and soil information is a novel concept for distributed hydrological models. This approach aims to address limitations imposed by data scarcity and high computational demands. The model hypothesizes that the relationship between the evaporation flux and the absolute value of the matric potential follows a power exponential pattern. Analytic solutions for the groundwater depth, the evaporation capacity, and the storage capacity are derived with respect to the topographic index, considering the relationship between the groundwater depth and the topographic index and the influence of setting off. Subsequently, a distributed Xin’anjiang Model using the analytic solution of the storage capacity under unsteady-state conditions is constructed. This new model is employed to simulate soil moisture and discharge in the Tarrawarra Watershed. The simulation results for soil moisture and discharge are compared with those from the Storage Capacity Model and the DHSVM. Additionally, the computational speeds of all three models are compared. The findings indicate that the simulation accuracy of the new model for soil moisture and discharge surpasses that of the Storage Capacity Model and the DHSVM. Meanwhile, the computational speed of the new model is significantly faster than the DHSVM and slightly slower than the Storage Capacity Model. It offers a balance between computational efficiency, predictive accuracy, and physical mechanism representation. The data requirements of the new model are minimal and easy to procure, and it requires less computational effort. Moreover, it accurately captures the spatial and temporal dynamics of soil moisture and the discharge process of the watershed.
Application of Hydrological and Hydrogeological Models for Evaluating Groundwater Budget in a Shallow Aquifer in a Semi-Arid Region Under Three Pumping Rate Scenarios (Tavoliere di Puglia, Italy)
Authors: Petio Paolo , Liso Isabella Serena , Pastore Nicola , Pagliarulo Pietro , Refice Alberto , Parise Mario , Mastronuzzi Giuseppe , Caldara Massimo Angelo , Capolongo Domenico
Published: November 2024

We analyze the variation in groundwater budget by modeling an aquifer in a semi-arid region in southern Italy, using different good pumping scenarios. This aquifer is overexploited due to the agricultural vocation of the area. We propose an integrated method to assess the distribution of hydrogeological parameters and the recharge rates. The hydrogeological parametrization is performed through a hydrostratigraphic approach using the geostatistical tool. Recharge rates are computed through a soil water balance application, using different monitoring stations over the area for the whole period of interest. Integrating the results of this analysis with pumping scenarios based on the water irrigation requirement of the main crops in the area, different water budgets are estimated. The results show how different pumping scenarios affect the availability of water resources and thus underline the importance of management. This integrated hydrogeological model can be applied to other areas with similar hydrogeological characteristics, and it can be considered a valuable tool for evaluating sustainable groundwater management strategies, considering land use practices and socio-economic factors.
Design of Integrated Energy–Water Systems Using Automated Targeting Modeling Considering the Energy–Water–Carbon Nexus
Authors: Mohammad Rozali Nor Erniza , Mohd Halmy Muhammad Aidan , Liew Peng Yen
Published: November 2024

The swift expansion of the global population and economy has spurred growing requirements for energy and water in recent decades. Inefficient energy and water consumption, however, has led to an increase in CO2 emissions. Hence, the socio-economic development of a country must consider the interconnections between energy, water and carbon, as there are mutual dependencies among these three elements. This work considers the nexus between energy, water and carbon in the design of integrated energy–water systems using a new automated targeting modeling (ATM) framework. ATM incorporates the advantages of the insight-based Pinch method and a mathematical programming approach to provide visual understanding for a thorough analysis of the problem while guaranteeing accurate solutions. Minimum targets of power and water based on the integrated network operation were established by the ATM, with corresponding carbon emissions. A specific goal of annual carbon emissions reduction was set as the constraint and the ATM optimized the capacities of the components in the system accordingly to achieve minimum overall cost. The application of ATM on an industrial plant case study shows that a target of 45% reduction in the carbon discharge amount was achieved by shifting to greener fuel in the energy system at a minimum overall cost increase of 0.45% only. The framework can assist users in meeting power and water loads in their plant while planning for the appropriate decarbonization efforts at the minimum possible cost.
Macrophage-Specific Lactate Dehydrogenase Expression Modulates Inflammatory Function In Vitro
Authors: Lu Yan , Osis Gunars , Zmijewska Anna A. , Traylor Amie , Thukral Saakshi , Wilson Landon , Barnes Stephen , George James F. , Agarwal Anupam
Published: November 2024

Key Points

Lactate dehydrogenase A deletion alters macrophage function.

Lactate dehydrogenase A could serve as a potential therapeutic target in AKI.

Background

In AKI, macrophages play a major role in regulating inflammation. Classically activated macrophages (M1) undergo drastic metabolic reprogramming during their differentiation and upregulate the aerobic glycolysis pathway to fulfill their proinflammatory functions. NAD+ regeneration is crucial for the maintenance of glycolysis, and the most direct pathway by which this occurs is through the fermentation of pyruvate to lactate, catalyzed by lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA). Our previous study determined that LDHA is predominantly expressed in the proximal segments of the nephron in the mouse kidney and increases with hypoxia. This study investigates the potential of LDHA as a therapeutic target for inflammation by exploring its role in macrophage function in vitro.

Methods

Bone marrow–derived macrophages (BMDMs) were isolated from myeloid-specific LDHA knockout mice derived from crossbreeding LysM-Cre transgenic mice and LDHA floxed mice. RNA sequencing and LC-MS/MS metabolomics analyses were used in this study to determine the effect of LDHA deletion on BMDMs after stimulation with IFN-γ.

Results

LDHA deletion in IFN-γ BMDMs resulted in a significant alteration of the macrophage activation and functional pathways and change in glycolytic, cytokine, and chemokine gene expression. Metabolite concentrations associated with proinflammatory macrophage profiles were diminished, whereas anti-inflammatory–associated ones were increased in LDHA knockout BMDMs. Glutamate and amino sugar metabolic pathways were significantly affected by the LDHA deletion. A combined multiomics analysis highlighted changes in Rap1 signaling, cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling metabolism pathways.

Conclusions

Deletion of LDHA in macrophages results in a notable reduction in the proinflammatory profile and concurrent upregulation of anti-inflammatory pathways. These findings suggest that LDHA could serve as a promising therapeutic target for inflammation, a key contributor to the pathogenesis of AKI.
Home Dialysis for Latinx Individuals Living with Kidney Failure
Authors: Rizzolo Katherine , Jauregui Rebeca Gonzalez , Teakell Jade , Chonchol Michel , Waikar Sushrut S. , Cervantes Lilia
Published: November 2024

Key Points

Individual-level advocacy to overcome structural barriers to home dialysis is key in improving home dialysis access for Latinx individuals.

Acknowledging patient influences on dialysis modality choice is critical for Latinx individuals with kidney failure.

Early, repeated education from a trusted source is important for Latinx individuals with kidney failure.

Background

Latinx individuals experience two times the incidence of kidney failure compared with non-Latinx individuals and are less likely to use home dialysis therapies. In this qualitative study, interdisciplinary home dialysis clinicians were interviewed to understand the key factors and strategies used by clinicians to improve home dialysis uptake among the Latinx community.

Methods

One-to-one, semistructured interviews were conducted between November 2021 and March 2023 with 25 home dialysis interdisciplinary clinicians in Denver, Colorado, and Houston, Texas. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

We identified three themes that focus on different levels of clinician advocacy in home dialysis uptake for the Latinx community: (1) individual patient-level advocacy (helping patients overcome social challenges to home dialysis, cultivating personalized relationships, educating patients with in-person versus phone language interpretation, understanding cultural differences in communication), (2) understanding patient influences on modality decision-making (acknowledging the importance of cultural concordance with clinician educator and patient peers, incorporating the patient lived experience, connecting with a patient's social support network, highlighting greater flexibility for employment, underscoring flexibility with culturally concordant foods), and (3) changes to education at the dialysis facility level (standardizing routine and repeated modality education, promoting early and patient-centered education).

Conclusions

Clinicians outlined efforts to improve access to home dialysis for Latinx groups on the patient and system level; in particular, individual-level and system-level advocacy was grounded in trusting relationships and personalized education. A future intervention that improves the quality and personalization of dialysis modality education incorporating Latinx cultural values may improve access to home dialysis for Latinx people with kidney disease.