bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Urbanization at City Cluster Scale on Ecosystem Services Along an Urban-Rural Gradient: A Case Study of Central Yunnan City Cluster, China
Authors: Wang Ruibo , Bai Yang , Alatalo Juha M. , Guo Guimei , Yang Zhangqian , Yang Zongbao , Yang Wei
Published: February 2022

Urban agglomeration will be the main mode of future urbanization in China, greatly influencing social & economic development and ecosystem protection at the whole city cluster scale. It is important to analyze the impacts of large-scale, scattered land use and cover change (LUCC) consisting of one-pole-multi-point urbanization in city clusters on regional ecosystem services (ESs), so as to increase ecological security and maintain ESs levels. Using the urban-rural gradient analysis method (UGAM), this study examined driver-response mechanisms of large-scale, scattered agglomeration urbanization on ESs along an urban-rural gradient and at regional scale. This was done by simulating and analyzing tempo-spatial variations in ESs characteristics along concentric ring gradients in Central Yunnan City Cluster (CYCC) under its present urbanization path. The results showed that rapid urban sprawl is the main driver affecting the integral value of ESs in CYCC and that ESs trade-offs (through LUCC caused by urbanization) between adjacent zones along the urban-rural gradient will particularly exacerbate degradation of integral ESs levels. Hence, CYCC should follow a sustainable, eco-friendly urbanization path and should consider ecological principles and the impact of LUCC on regional ESs along the urban-rural gradient in top-level design and decision-making on urban planning and strategic land use management. Differentiated regional development policies should be formulated for each areas, the urban-rural development pattern and layout optimized, the scale of construction land rationally controlled, and the overall efficiency of land use improved. Ecological buffers should be set up around areas with sharp and obvious changes in land use, to alleviate the negative impact of large-scale, decentralized city cluster urbanization on regional ESs.
Impact of river flow modification on wetland hydrological and morphological characters
Authors: Saha Tamal Kanti , Pal Swades , SARDA RAJESH
Published: February 2022

A good number of researchers investigated the impact of flow modification on hydrological, ecological, geomorphological conditions in a river. A few works also focused on hydrological modification on wetland with some parameters but as far the knowledge is concerned, linking river flow modification to wetland hydrological and morphological transformation following an integrated modeling approach is almost absent. The current study aimed to explore the degree of hydrological alteration in the river and its effect on downstream riparian wetlands adopting advanced modeling approaches. After damming maximally 67 to 95% hydrological alteration was recorded in respect to maximum, minimum, and average discharges. Wavelet transformation analysis figured out a strong power spectrum after 2012 (damming year). Due to attenuation of flow, the active inundation area was reduced by 66.29%. After damming, 524.03 km2 (48.97% to total pre-dam wetland) was completely obliterated. Hydrological strength (HS) modeling also reported areas under high HS was declined by 14% after post-dam condition. WSS and HS matrix, a new approach, used to feature wetland coupling inundation connectivity and current hydrological state. HS under critical and stress wetland hydrological security zones deteriorated in the post-dam period. The morphological transformation was also well recognized showing an increase of area under the patch, edge, and decrease of the area under large core area. All these findings established a good linkage between river flow modification and wetland transformation and it provided a good clue for managing wetland.
Experimental study on the treatment of desulfurization wastewater from coal-fired power plant by spray evaporation
Authors: Sun Zongkang , Zhao Ning , Feng Yongxin , Liu Fengjun , Cai Chenjian , Che Guangmin , Zhang Yaping , Wu Hao , Yang Linjun
Published: February 2022

The desulfurization wastewater in coal-fired power plants is difficult to treat due to its high salt concentration and complex composition. In this study, a pilot-scale evaporation tower system was built to treat the desulfurization wastewater by spray evaporation. The distribution characteristics of Cl- in wastewater evaporation process, the characteristics of solid evaporation products from desulfurization wastewater and the influence on the characteristics and removal effect of particulate matters in flue gas were investigated. The results show that the increase of salt content in desulfurization wastewater increased the mass concentrations of Cl- in the gas phase, outlet solid phase and bottom solid phase, but the proportions of it in three phases remained almost unchanged. The increase of flue gas temperature can improve the content of Cl- in the gas phase, while the increase of wastewater pH inhibited the formation of gaseous HCl. The solid evaporation products from desulfurization wastewater had prismatic crystal structure, which mainly included the sulfate and chloride salts, and the main elements in them were O, Na, Mg, S, Cl, K and Ca. Besides, the particle size of bottom solid phase was larger than that of outlet solid phase. For the particulate matters in flue gas, the spray evaporation of desulfurization wastewater can reduce the particle concentration, promote the particle agglomeration, reduce the number concentration of fine particles and improve the removal effect of PM10.
A Unifying Model of Visual Art Appreciation: The Role of Expertise and Culture
Authors: Darda Kohinoor M. , Cross Emily S.
Published: February 2022

Is art appreciation universal? Previous evidence suggests a general preference for representational art over abstract art, and a tendency to like art originating from one’s own culture more than another culture (an ingroup bias), modulated by art expertise. However, claims about universality are difficult given that most research has focused on Western populations. Across two pre-registered and statistically powered experiments, we explore the role of culture and art expertise in the aesthetic evaluation of Indian and Western paintings and dance depicting both abstract and representational content, by inviting expert and art-naïve Indian and Western participants to rate stimuli on beauty and liking. Results suggest an ingroup bias (for dance) and a preference for representational art (for paintings) exists, both modulated by art expertise. As predicted, the ingroup bias was present only in art-naïve participants, and the preference for representational art was lower in art experts, but this modulation was present only in Western participants. The current findings have two main implications: 1) they inform and constrain understanding of universality of aesthetic appreciation, cautioning against generalising models of empirical aesthetics to non-western populations and across art forms, 2) they highlight the importance of art experience as a medium to counter prejudices.
Comparative Effectiveness Of Low-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy Alone Or Combined With External-Beam Radiotherapy In Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer: A Propensity-Matched Multi-Institutional Study
Authors: Tsumura Hideyasu , Tanaka Nobumichi , Oguchi Tomohiko , Owari Takuya , Nakai Yasushi , Asakawa Isao , Iijima Kazuyoshi , Kato Haruaki , Hashida Iwao , Tabata Ken-ichi , Satoh Takefumi , Ishiyama Hiromichi
Published: February 2022

We compared clinical outcomes and toxicities associated with seed brachytherapy (SEED-BT) alone and SEED-BT plus external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for the treatment of intermediate-risk prostate cancer. From 2006 to 2011, 993 patients diagnosed with intermediate-risk prostate cancer were treated with either SEED-BT alone (n = 775) or SEED-BT plus EBRT (n = 158) at 3 tertiary hospitals. One-to-one propensity score matching was performed to compare clinical outcomes between the groups. In the propensity score-matched analysis (102 pairs), median follow-up was 95 months (range: 18–153 months). The 8-year biochemical recurrence-free rate (bRFR) was significantly better with SEED-BT alone than with combined radiotherapy (93.3% vs. 88.4%; HR: 0.396; 95% CI: 0.158 to 0.991). The cumulative incidence of grade 2 or greater late genitourinary toxicity at 8 years was 21.0% for SEED-BT alone and 33.2% for combined radiotherapy. Grade 2 or greater late genitourinary toxicities were significantly fewer with SEED-BT alone than with combined radiotherapy (HR: 0.521; 95% CI: 0.308 to 0.881). Similarly, grade 2 or greater late gastrointestinal toxicities were significantly fewer with SEED-BT alone (0% vs. 12.2%; HR: 0.125; 95% CI: 0.040 to 0.390). Our study implies that SEED-BT alone might be a better disease-management plan than SEED-BT plus EBRT for intermediate-risk prostate cancer.
Characteristics of ball-milled PET plastic char for adsorption of different types of aromatic organic pollutants
Authors: Mun Hyokchol , Ri Cholnam , Liu Qinglong , Tang Jingchun
Published: February 2022

Ball-milled plastic char (BMPC) was manufactured by ball-milling of native plastic char (PC) that was synthesized via slow pyrolysis of PET water bottle waste, by which the adsorption characteristics of aqueous phenanthrene, phenol and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, and its possible mechanisms were investigated. The special surface area of BMPCs increased obviously as the pyrolysis temperature increased, forming large functional groups compared to PCs. Boehm titration showed that total acidic groups of BMPCs decreased significantly with the increase of pyrolysis temperature. The sorption kinetics of three adsorbates was adequately simulated by Pseudo second-order model (R2＞0.99). Langmuir model fitted well the adsorption isotherms of phenanthrene and phenol, while Freundlich model simulated the adsorption isotherm of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol. The adsorption amount of phenanthrene, phenol and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol increased significantly as the pyrolysis temperature increased. The maximum BMPCs adsorption amount reached 21.9mg/g (for phenanthrene), 106mg/g (for phenol) and 303mg/g (for 2,4,6-trichlorophenol) at 25℃ in aqueous solution. FTIR analysis suggested that surface sorption based π-π interaction was dominant mechanism of phenanthrene adsorption, meanwhile, H-bonding between O-containing groups on BMPCs and hydroxyl groups of absorbates was responsible for phenol and 2,4,6-TCP removal. This paper shows that BMPCs can be used as adsorbent for treating aromatic compounds in aqueous environment, and has an economic worth of application.
Denoising in Early Warning of Rainfall-Induced Landslides Based on Elastic Wave Signal
Authors: Xie Ming , Liu Jiahao , Lu Song
Published: February 2022

The accuracy of the elastic wave signal is a key factor of elastic wave-induced landslide warning. There is too much noise in the early warning of rainfall-induced landslides, in which bending element-type piezoelectric sensors were used. At present, the mainstream method is the superposition method, which superposes multiple tested waveform data to obtain a clear waveform. However, the superposition method is limited by the number of elastic wave signals in the actual warning process, and the denoised waveform still contains high-frequency noise. A combination method combining with superposition and wavelet threshold is proposed in this paper, to improve the accuracy of the elastic waveform signal. Denoising simulation tests based on the elastic waveform signals, which collected by the bending element type piezoelectric sensor were designed to verify the combination method. The results of tests show that the combination method can effectively remove high-frequency noise and display clear waveforms, which have significant advantages in the process of rainfall-induced landslide warning using elastic waves.
Haematology and serum biochemistry of West African dwarf goats fed Pleurotus tuber-regium treated cassava root sievate based diets
Authors: Jiwuba Peter-Damian Chukwunomso , Ikwunze K. , Jiwuba L.C. , Okoye L.E , Amaduruonye W. , Ilo S.U. , Okah U. , Ahamefule F.O.
Published: February 2022

The study aimed at determining the effect of Pleurotus tuber-regium treated cassava root sievate based diets on haematology and serum biochemistry of West African dwarf (WAD) goats. Thirty-two WAD goats between six and eight months old were randomly divided into four groups of eight goats each. The groups were randomly assigned to the four experiment diets (T1, T2, T3, and T4) for 90 days in a completely randomized design. At the start of the experiment, packed cell volume (PCV) ranged from 24.90-29.49% and red blood cell (RBC) 9.42 – 10.44 x10 12/L while mean cell haemoglobin significantly (P0<0.5) ranged from 5.44 – 6.41pg. At the end of the experiment, PCV and RBC showed significant differences and were better (p<0.05) in T2. At the start of the experiment, cholesterol ranged from 2.15 – 2.29 mmol/l, creatinine 75.72- 80.32 µmol/l, urea 16.39 – 16.72 mg/dl, total bilirubin, 0.25 – 0.28 µmol/l, total protein 61.73 – 63.16 g/I, globulin 29.08 -29.59 g/I and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 68.62 – 71.06 U/L. At the end of the trial, cholesterol values was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T1. Urea was significantly reduced (p<0.05) in T1. Total protein, globulin and total bilirubin increased (p<0.05) linearly from T1 to T4. AST was improved (p<0.05) at the end of the study. The study revealed that the inclusion of Pleurotus tuber-regium degraded cassava root sievate in the diets of West African Dwarf goats had no deleterious effects on the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of goats and could be included in goat diets up to 60%.
Using the Person-Based Approach to develop a tailored intervention to prevent bacterial skin and soft tissue infections among people who inject drugs: A participatory study
Authors: Fisher Harriet , Kesten Jo , Hussey Deborah , Lord Catherine , Roberts Leonie , Bayliss James , Erswell Helen , Preston Andrew , Telfer Maggie , Scott Jenny , Harris Magdalena , Mellon Dominic , Hickman Matthew , MacArthur Georgie
Published: February 2022

Background: People who inject drugs (PWID) are at greater risk of developing bacterial skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) than the general population. UK prevention interventions have achieved limited impact on the rising prevalence of SSTI among PWID. Innovative harm reduction interventions are needed. We present our approach to the co-development of a personalised, behavioural intervention, REACT (REducing bACTerial infections), which aims to prevent bacterial SSTI among PWID.Methods: We followed the interrelated steps of the Person-Based Approach for intervention planning and development: (i) collating evidence, including published literature and consultations with PWID (n=15), service providers (n=6), and stakeholders (n=11); (ii) developing guiding principles; (iii) undertaking a behavioural analysis; (iv) developing a logic model, and; (v) designing and refining intervention materials. Results: Published literature highlighted structural barriers to safer injecting practices, such as access to hygienic injecting environments, homelessness and social exclusion. Practices associated with bacterial SSTI included: (i) handwashing / injection-site swabbing; (ii) overuse of acidifier; (iii) use of non-sterile water for injection preparation; (iv) reuse of injecting equipment; and; (v) lack of injecting site rotation. Consultations indicated vein care and minimisation of pain as priorities, while emphasising the importance of service provider-client relationships during intervention delivery. The need to deliver REACT in a non-judgemental and non-stigmatising manner, and to address stigma among PWID when communicating intervention messages, were additional priorities. Providing practical, tailored resources was identified as important to address environmental constraints to safer injecting practices. Findings were used to iteratively refine the REACT intervention. Conclusion: Our evidence-based, collaborative and iterative approach, enabled alignment of the aim of the behavioural intervention to priorities of PWID, ensuring an appealing and acceptable intervention design while maximising likely feasibility of delivery and behaviour change. Piloting will establish the feasibility and acceptability of REACT to service providers and PWID.
Molecular Characterization of Mitochondrial Genome from Trichostrongylus Species (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae) in Northern Iran
Authors: Sharifdini Meysam , Hajialilo Elham , Hosseinnezhad Hedayat
Published: February 2022

The objective of the present study was to identify Trichostrongylus species by molecular analysis and also phylogenetic relationships of Trichostrongylus species by mitochondrial Cox1 gene in Guilan province, northern Iran. Abomasum and duodenum contents of 144 livestock were collected from sheep, goats, and cattle in Guilan province. Morphological survey was performed for initial screening. Total DNA was extracted, and the partial region of Cox1 gene was amplified and sequenced. Genetic diversity was calculated and phylogenetic analysis of the data on nucleotide sequence was conducted by MEGA7 software. Three species of Trichostrongylus including T. colubriformis, T. vitrinus, and T. axei were identified by morphological characteristics. The genetic divergence within the species in the present study was observed for T. axei (0-2.5%), T. colubriformis (0.77%), and T. vitrinus (0%). The mean inter-species difference between the three species of Trichostrongylus obtained in this study was 14.4–15.4%. The Cox1 sequences of the members of Trichostrongylus spp. were highly variable and this could be used as a valuable measure to achieve a proper assessment on biodiversity. Sequence data generation from other species of Trichostrongylus will be needed to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of this genus of nematodes.
Numerical Treatment For MHD Axisymmetric Rotating Bodewadt Rheology Under Ohmic Heating And Viscous Dissipation Effects
Authors: Awais M. , Bibi Marium , Ali Aamir
Published: February 2022

The present research manuscript is intended to scrutinize the impacts of heat transfer in a Bodewadt flow above a penetrable disk numerically. The repercussions of internal heat generation and absorption, viscous dissipation, magnetic field, joule heating accompanying with variable properties of the fluid are also inspected as well. Within the recent past, multifarious scientists have prophesied that physically compatible solution of heat energy equation in a Bodewadt flow exist only when the disk is permeable. The final problem contains the variable which estimates the rate of dependence of fluid viscosity on the temperature. We transmuted the governing equations of heat transfer (accompanied by variable properties) and motion of fluid in to self-similar non-dimensional differential equations by utilizing the Von-Karman variables. The major result of this research study is that the velocity & temperature of the fluid surrounding the disk are substantially altered by taking numerous values of parameter of variable viscosity . Command of NDSolve in Mathematica software on the basis of Adams Bashforth method is employed to obtain numerical statistics from suggested mathematical model. Numerical results for velocity constituents (F, G, H) and temperature curves ( ) for distinct emerging parameters are illustrated graphically. Additionally, the values of co-efficient of skin friction and nusselt number are calculated for different emerging parameters and their behavior are exposed physically with the assistance of tables and bar charts.
Drug Properties, Chemical Reactivity and Docking Binding Energy of Cinnamon with Estrogen, Testosterone, Progesterone as Potential Drug: Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Razavi R.
Published: February 2022

Cinnamon is applying for diabetes and insulin resistance as plant medicine. In this study DFT calculation to consider pregnancy function role of cinnamon compounds were done by B3LYP/6-311G. Thermodynamics properties, molecular electronics, docking of cinnamon compounds with estrogen, testosterone and progesterone and drug parameters calculated the results obtained among of sexual hormones ,progesterone has act with chemical component of cinnamon.
Comparison Between the Effects of Ultrasound Guided Intra-Articular Injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid, and Their Combination in Hip Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Nouri Farshad , Babaee Marzieh , Peydayesh Parya , Esmaily Hadi , Raeissadat Seyed Ahmad
Published: February 2022

Background
Intra articular (IA) injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are of the new methods in the management of hip osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of IA injections of PRP, HA and their combination in patients with hip OA. HA and PRP are two IA interventions that can be used in OA in the preoperative stages. Due to the different mechanisms of action, these two are proposed to have a synergistic effect by combining.
Methods
This is a randomized clinical trial with three parallel groups. In this study, patients with grade 2 and 3 hip OA were included, and were randomly divided into three injection groups: PRP, HA and PRP + HA. In either group, two injections with two weeks’ interval were performed into the hip joint under ultrasound guidance. Patients were assessed before the intervention, two months and six months after the second injection, using the visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Lequesne questionnaires.
Results
105 patients were enrolled randomly in HA, PRP and PRP + HA groups. All three groups showed significant improvement in WOMAC, VAS, and Lequesne at two months and six months compared with baseline. Comparison of the 3 groups demonstrated significant differences regarding WOMAC and Lequesne total scores and the activities of daily living (ADL) subscale of Lequesne (P = 0.041, 0.001 and 0.002, respectively), in which the observed improvement at 6th month was significantly higher in the PRP + HA and PRP groups compared to the HA group.
Conclusion
Although all 3 interventions were associated with improvement of pain and function in patients with hip OA, the therapeutic effects of PRP and PRP + HA injections lasted longer (6 months), and the effects of these two interventions on patients' performance, disability, and ADL were superior to HA in the long run. Moreover, the addition of HA to PRP was not associated with a significant increase in the therapeutic results.
Trial registration:
The study was retrospectively registered at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) website http://www.irct.ir/, a WHO Primary Register setup, with the registration number of IRCT20130523013442N30.
Characterization and antiviral susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron/BA.2
Authors: Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Uraki Ryuta , Kiso Maki , Iida Shun , Imai Masaki , Takashita Emi , Kuroda Makoto , Halfmann Peter , Loeber Samantha , Maemura Tadashi , Yamayoshi Seiya , Fujisaki Seiichiro , Wang Zhongde , Ito Mutsumi , Ujie Michiko , Iwatsuki-Horimoto Kiyoko , Furusawa Yuri , Wright Ryan , Chong Zhenlu , Ozono Seiya , Yasuhara Atsuhiro , Ueki Hiroshi , Sakai Yuko , Li Rong , Liu Yanan , Larson Deanna , Koga Michiko , Tsutsumi Takeya , Adachi Eisuke , Saito Makoto , Yamamoto Shinya , Matsubara Shohei , Hagihara Masao , Mitamura Keiko , Sato Tetsuro , Hojo Masayuki , Hattori Shin-ichiro , Maeda Kenji , Okuda Moe , Murakami Jurika , Duong Calvin , Godbole Sucheta , Douek Daniel , Watanabe Shinji , Ohmagari Norio , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Diamond Michael , Hasegawa Hideki , Mitsuya Hiroaki , Suzuki Tadaki
Published: February 2022

The recent emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants possessing large numbers of mutations has raised concerns of decreased effectiveness of current vaccines, therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, and antiviral drugs for COVID-19 against these variants1,2. While the original Omicron lineage, BA.1, has become dominant in many countries, BA.2 has been detected in at least 67 countries and has become dominant in the Philippines, India, and Denmark. Here, we evaluated the replicative ability and pathogenicity of an authentic infectious BA.2 isolate in immunocompetent and human ACE2 (hACE2)-expressing mice and hamsters. In contrast to recent data with chimeric, recombinant SARS-CoV-2 strains expressing the spike proteins of BA.1 and BA.2 on an ancestral WK-521 backbone3, we observed similar infectivity and pathogenicity in mice and hamsters between BA.2 and BA.1, and less pathogenicity compared to early SARS-CoV-2 strains. We also observed a marked and significant reduction in the neutralizing activity of plasma from COVID-19 convalescent individuals and vaccine recipients against BA.2 compared to ancestral and Delta variant strains. In addition, we found that some therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (REGN10987/REGN10933, COV2-2196/COV2-2130, and S309) and antiviral drugs (molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir, and S-217622) can restrict viral infection in the respiratory organs of hamsters infected with BA.2. These findings suggest that the replication and pathogenicity of BA.2 is comparable to that of BA.1 in rodents and that several therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and antiviral compounds are effective against Omicron/BA.2 variants.
Dynamics of Nuclear Matrix Attachment Regions During 5th Instar Posterior Silk Gland Development in Bombyx Mori
Authors: Chunduri Alekhya Rani , Rajan Resma , Lima Anugata , Ramamoorthy Senthilkumar , Mamillapalli Anitha
Published: February 2022

Chromatin architecture is critical for gene expression during development. Matrix attachment regions (MARs) control and regulate chromatin dynamics. The position of MARs in the genome determines the expression of genes in the organism. In this study, we set out to elucidate how MARs temporally regulate the expression of the fibroin heavy chain (FIBH) gene during development. We addressed this by identifying MARs and studying their distribution and differentiation, in the posterior silk glands of Bombyx mori during 5th instar development. Of the MARs identified on three different days, 7.15% MARs were common to all three, whereas, 1.41%, 19.27% and 52.47% MARs were unique to day 1, day 5, and day 7, respectively highlighting the dynamic nature of the matrix associated DNA. Further, significant changes in the MARs in the vicinity of the FIBH gene were found during different days of 5th instar development which implied their role in the regulation and expression of the FIBH gene.
Evaluating the physicochemical conditions for gold occurrences in pyrite
Authors: He Hongping , Xian Haiyang , Zhu Jianxi , Tan Wei , Wu Xiao , Yang Yiping , Li Shan , Qiu Kunfeng , Zhu Runliang , Teng H. Henry
Published: February 2022

While noble metals often occur as minor components in host minerals in various ore deposits, little theoretical assessment exists to predict the occurrence of these metals. Here, we probe the fundamental controls responsible for the occurrence of trace elements in host minerals through first-principles calculations. We apply the theoretical model to understanding the debated issues concerning the occurrence of gold (Au) in pyrite, in which the valence of Au is ascribed to either positive or negative values. Our results indicate that (1) both positive and negative valent Au may occur in pyrite and (2) higher sulfur fugacity and lower temperature lead to more Au+ occupying Fe sites in pyrite. These findings suggest that chemical states and speciation of the Au in host pyrite are ultimately controlled by temperature and sulfur fugacity, providing insight into the formation conditions of ore deposits and facilitating strategy design for beneficiation.
Zn-clays in the Kihabe and Nxuu prospects (Aha Hills, Botswana): A XRD and TEM study
Authors: Putzolu Francesco , Abad Isabel , Balassone Giuseppina , Boni Maria , Lupo Francesco , Mondillo Nicola
Published: February 2022

Zinc clays are commonly found in oxidized Zn deposits and, even though they rarely represent the main target of the ore exploitation, they can be used as a proxy to restore the genetic conditions during ore-forming processes. This work sheds light on the micro- to nano-mineralogy and on the genesis of Zn-clays in the Kihabe and Nxuu prospects (located in the Aha Hills district, Northern Botswana), through an integrated XRD and TEM study of the mineralized facies occurring in the ore system. The Kihabe and Nxuu ores are hosted in a Neoproterozoic metamorphozed quartzwacke unconformably covered by the recent sedimentary rocks, also containing calcretes, of the Kalahari Group. In the analyzed samples, four distinct mineralogical facies have been recognized: (1) vanadate-calcrete facies, poor of Zn-clays; (2) low Zn-clay facies, characterized mostly by clays showing low Zn concentrations; (3) Zn-clay facies, containing proper Zn clay minerals; and (4) sulfide facies, devoid of Zn-clays. In all the facies detrital dioctahedral mica (muscovite and illite) is interstratified with smectite in the form of random (R0) to short-range ordered (R1) I/S, which locally shows significant Zn concentrations. In the sulfide facies kaolinite overgrowing onto mica packets has been detected. The low Zn-clay facies is dominated by Zn-bearing beidellite, with minor kaolinite and fraipontite. The Zn-clay facies consists mostly of a random (R0) interstratified clay between a 7 Å phase corresponding to fraipontite, and a 2:1 swelling clay component identifiable with the dioctahedral smectite, with minor sauconite.

The micro- to nano-scale paragenetic study performed by TEM indicates that the above-mentioned clays formed through a multistage process, eventually ending with the genesis of Zn-bearing phyllosilicates assemblages. The main steps were: (1) alteration of detrital mica and dissolution of feldspar clasts, which led to the formation of epitaxial kaolinite and replacive beidellite; (2) fertilization of barren clays and formation of replacive to epitaxial fraipontite/smectite and of Zn-bearing mica, through input of Zn2+ deriving from sphalerite or willemite dissolution by mixed meteoric-hydrothermal fluids; (3) formation of low tetrahedral charge sauconite, either in pores or as replacement of K-feldspars under surficial hypersaline conditions, possibly also linked to the establishment of the arid climate in region. These processes provide insights into genesis of Zn-Pb-V ore deposits in northwest Botswana. Furthermore, the identification of a Zn-smectite species having a stevensite-like stoichiometry is valuable for future studies dealing with the systematics of clay minerals.
Training of a new generation of environmental professionals as an important part of the national mineral and mining industry competitive advantages creation in the face of the present and future global challenges
Authors:   Ural State Mining University, Khokhriakov Aleksandr , Tseitlin Evgenii ,   Ural State Mining University, Studenok Gennadii ,   Ural State Mining University
Published: February 2022

Introduction. The article presents the main national and global challenges that the Russian natural resources sector faces. The challenges are conditioned by environmental reasons and factors and have far-reaching environmental consequences. The data from open Russian and foreign sources was used to demonstrate the dynamics of various factors that have a direct or indirect impact on the Russian or global environment. These include the manufacturing work of the fuel and energy complex, mineral resources sector, and metallurgical complexes, as well as the volume of waste generation, including solid municipal waste and the volume of their processing, and the emission of greenhouse gases. The economic relationship is shown between industries and their impact on the environment, as well as the relationship between the government and business actions aimed at minimizing adverse environmental effects and their consequences. The main global economic and technological challenges the industry faces in this regard are as follows: increasingly restrictive environmental requirements, need for best available technologies to minimize the associated adverse environmental effects, reduce fossil fuels consumption, namely coal, oil and natural gas. Even more important, is the need to invest in a whole new human capital, in this case, in the training of a new generation of environmental professionals who might make a scientific and technical breakthrough in introducing green technologies. Results and analysis. The paper compiles and analyses major environmental challenges that countries, industries, and particular companies have been facing in the last 10–15–20 years. The indicated issues require new approaches, new technological and scientific breakthroughs, multi-billion investments, and bear multilateral risks. It is shown, a new generation of engineering ecology and ecological management professionals should be trained to address the associated challenges. The new generation of environmental professionals should focus on green and digital technologies, possess fresh views and professional skills, be broad-minded and able to confront the challenges of the time and rapidly changing circumstances. Conclusions. Analysis of the main national and global environmental challenges that the Russian mineral and mining industry faces, shows that new generation professionals’ training is a key pillar in the development of the industry’s competitive advantages. It can be generally stated, that for today there is an approved scientific and educational background that allows to move forward in the new circumstances in terms of training the environmental professionals able to address largescale environmental challenges of the future.
Design of fully grouted rock bolts – a reinforcement concept: analytical and numerical calculation
Authors:   Van Lang University, Nguyen Quang Phich , Nguyen Van Manh ,   Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, Nguyen Van Cong ,   Tula State University
Published: February 2022

Introduction. Among the common support systems in tunnelling and mining, rock bolts have been widely used to reinforce rock mass and also to reduce geological hazards. Furthermore rock bolts can be applied under varying different geological conditions with cost-effectiveness. Although different methods are developed for grouted rock bolts design until now, the interaction mechanism of the rock bolts and rock mass is still very complicated issue. Methods of research. The paper addresses a simple analytical model and numerical simulation for the analysis and design of fully grouted rock bolts based on the reinforcement principle. According to this concept the jointed rock mass reinforced by grouted rock bolts is considered as composite material which includes rock mass, the grout material and the bolt shank. The mechanical properties of this composite material depend on the ratio of the components. The closed-form solution was developed based on the assumption that the rock mass around a circular tunnel remained elastic after installing fully grouted rock bolts. Results. The main parameters of the rock-bolt system (the diameter and length of bolt shank, the space between the bolts) are then easily estimated from the obtained solution. For noncircular tunnel, the numerical simulation is performed to show how the design of rock bolts could be done by using numerical methods.
Local diffusion airfoil control as an effective way of increasing the adaptability of gas air cooler fan unit
Authors:   Ural State Mining University, Makarov Nikolai , Makarov Vladimir ,   Ural State Mining University
Published: February 2022

Problem statement. Industrial safety and compressed gas cooling efficiency at compressor stations of the main gas pipeline is an essential task that gives urgency to the issue of mathematical modeling of energy conversion control in the impellers of gas air cooler (GAC) fan units. GAC fan units are high-speed and adaptable. So, they can make the Russian oil and gas complex highly competitive globally. Research objective is to develop a method of controlling the diffusion airfoil of the impeller blade profiles, which is the main reason for GAC fan units’ low adaptability. Methods of research. To calculate the majorant of fan unit adaptability control, we accepted a hydrodynamic analog of local diffusion airfoil, namely, flow velocity change on the blade profile. Having applied conformal transformations, hydrodynamic analogy, and S. A. Chaplygin singular points, we have developed a method of local diffusion airfoil control which consists in changing the flow velocity using sources of influence on the blade profiles flow. Results. It has been proved that the intensity of the sources distributed along the impeller blade profile is the majorant of local diffusion airfoil control. The sources determine the diffusion airfoil of the flow and, therefore, the velocity change around the profile. The experiment confirmed that the profiles constructed according to the proposed method reduce the profile drag coefficient of GAC fan unit impeller blades by more than three times, increasing the cost-effective performance by at least 43%. Scope of results. The result obtained can be used at the enterprises of the Russian oil and gas complex when cooling the compressed gas with the main gas pipeline compressor station GACs.
Monitoring the technical condition of the main mine hoist
Authors:   Institute of Engineering Science UB RAS, Zalazinskii Aleksandr
Published: February 2022

Introduction. Ensuring the safe operation of skip and cage hoisting installations is one of the most important tasks of theoretical and experimental research in the field of mining mechanics. To achieve this goal, predictive (proactive) maintenance is required. It consists in performing the necessary repair actions to reduce the rate of development or prevent malfunctions identified on the basis of information about the actual technical condition of the equipment. Proactive maintenance is based on monitoring the technical condition of an object, it is the most effective in terms of preventing failures and the least expensive. Methods of research. The most important physical and mechanical properties of the components of hoisting equipment from the point of view of the reliability of their functioning are the endurance of critical parts and metal structures. To implement the monitoring system, sensors are needed to obtain the most reliable information for predicting changes in the physical and mechanical properties of loaded elements. The task of assessing the technical state from the stresses acting in the material is complicated by the cyclical nature of the load. The disadvantage of the widely used method for determining stresses by measuring the deformation with a tensometer with subsequent calculation is that the stresses are obtained indirectly with inevitable errors. An error arising from the impossibility of taking into account the actual nature of the loading is added to the error associated with calculating values from analytical dependencies. Results. In the monitoring system, it is advisable to use integral-type film strain gauges, which make it possible to predict the destruction of a part by detecting microcracks on its surface. Conclusion. The load on the monitoring objects is the result of the addition of vibrations of different frequencies and amplitudes, and integral-type film strain gauges will make it possible to obtain the most reliable information about the state of critical parts of mechanisms and metal structures.
Making the invisible, visible: 3D aquifer models as an effective tool for building water stewardship in Maharashtra, India
Authors: Kale Eshwer , D'Souza Marcella , Chemburkar Sarita
Published: February 2022

Frequent droughts, growing water demand, and the ease of accessing groundwater, particularly through boreholes, have led to an over-dependence on groundwater to meet notably agricultural demands in India. This has led the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) to motivate and capacitate rural communities for ‘water stewardship’ in which the village as a whole comes together to learn about its resources to manage them better. However, improving the management of the water resource is challenging as the general perception is that the water found below one's farm belongs to the landowner. Moreover, what is below the surface is not visible, therefore not well understood. Thus, WOTR designed a water stewardship initiative (WSI) with the Community-Driven Visual Integrator (CoDriVE-VI or CDVI) as one of the important tools; it produces an operational 3D map of the local aquifer. WOTR implemented the WSI in villages in Maharashtra, India. This paper evaluates the impacts and potential of the WSI and CDVI. We observed that the visual effect of these 3D models of aquifers helps local communities and farmers better understand and appreciate groundwater as a shared resource. This tool is effective in promoting water stewardship, achieving behavioural change in water users, and helping implement groundwater laws and policies.
Potential application of natural coagulant extraction from walnut seeds for water turbidity removal
Authors: Zedan Tariq , Mossad Mohamed , Fouad Moharram , Mahanna Hani
Published: February 2022

In this study, natural coagulant obtained from walnut seeds was used in water treatment for the removal of turbidity as a coagulant and as a coagulant aid with alum. The study was conducted by using a jar test under various operational parameters. The tests were carried out with initial turbidity of 10–200 NTU, pH of 3–11, and natural coagulant dose of 1–5 ml/L. The characterization of walnut natural coagulant was carried out using SEM, FTIR, EDX, and zeta potential analyzer. The coagulation activity and turbidity removal efficiency were evaluated for each run. The optimum dose of the walnut seed extract may be found to be 3 ml/L. The highest turbidity removal efficiency was achieved at pH above 7. Walnut seed extract used as coagulant and with alum was able to enhance coagulation process performance and decrease the alum dose required for the coagulation process performance and decrease the alum dose required for the coagulation process. Walnut seed extract has a negligible impact on organic matter content in the coagulated water. Furthermore, ANNs model of turbidity removal using walnut seed extract was conducted and yielded a high coefficient of determination (R2 of 0.96).
Interspecies transfer of biosynthetic cobalamin for complete dechlorination of trichloroethene by Dehalococcoides mccartyi
Authors: Li Haijun , Wei Shanming , Liu Na , Du Yalu , Ding Guantao
Published: February 2022

Complete dechlorination of trichloroethene (TCE) by Dehalococcoides mccartyi is catalyzed by reductive dehalogenases (RDases), which possess cobalamin as the crucial cofactor. However, virtually all D. mccartyi isolated thus far are corrinoid auxotrophs. The exogenous addition of commercially available cobalamin for TCE-contaminated site decontamination is costly. In this study, TCE reduction by a D. mccartyi-containing microbial consortium utilizing biosynthetic cobalamin generated by interior corrinoid-producing organisms within this microbial consortium was studied. The results confirmed that subcultures without exogenous cobalamin in the medium were apparently unaffected and were able to successively metabolize TCE to nonchlorinated ethene. The 2-bromoethanesulfonate and ampicillin resistance tests results suggested that ampicillin-sensitive bacteria rather than methanogenic archaea within this microbial consortium were responsible for biosynthesizing cobalamin. Moreover, relatively stable carbon isotopic enrichment factor (ɛ-carbon) values of TCE were obtained regardless of whether exogenous cobalamin or selective inhibitors existed in the medium, indicating that the cobalamin biosynthesized by these organisms was absorbed and utilized by D. mccartyi for RDase synthesis and eventually participated in TCE reduction. Finally, the Illumina MiSeq sequencing analysis indicated that Desulfitobacterium and Acetobacterium in this microbial consortium were responsible for the de novo cobalamin biosynthesis to fulfill the requirements of D. mccartyi for TCE metabolism.
Aptamers and New Bioreceptors for the Electrochemical Detection of
Biomarkers Expressed in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Pusta Alexandra , Tertis Mihaela , Graur Florin , Cristea Cecilia , Al Hajjar Nadim
Published: February 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignancy associated with high mortality and
increasing incidence. Early detection of this disease could help increase survival and
overall patient benefit. Non-invasive strategies for the diagnosis of this medical condition
are of utmost importance. In this scope, the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma biomarkers
can provide a useful diagnostic tool. Aptamers are short, single-stranded DNAs
or RNAs that can specifically bind selected analytes and act as pseudo-biorecognition elements
that can be employed for electrode functionalization. Also, other types of DNA sequences
can be used to construct DNA-based biosensors applied for the quantification of
hepatocellular carcinoma biomarkers. Herein, we analyze recent examples of aptasensors
and DNA biosensors for the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma biomarkers, like micro-
RNAs, long non-coding RNAs, exosomes, circulating tumor cells, and proteins. The
literature data are discussed comparatively in a critical manner, highlighting the advantages
of using electrochemical biosensors in diagnosis, as well as the use of nanomaterials
and biocomponents in the functionalization of electrodes for improved sensitivity
and selectivity.
The Applications of Sulfinic Acids, Sodium Sulfinates, or Sulfonyl Hydrazides in the
Radical Cyclization
Authors: Li Yangyang , Huang Dayun , Deng Danfeng , Guo Sheng-Rong
Published: February 2022

Sulfinic acids, sodium sulfinates, and sulfonyl hydrazides are stable, inexpensive,
and readily available building blocks, which have been recently utilized as synthons to access
various heterocyclic motifs via radical sulfonylation and cyclization. This review systematically
summarizes the radical cyclization cascades and discusses their mechanisms. Moreover, it
also discusses multi-component reactions, rearrangements, cycloadditions, coupling, green
chemistry, etc. We hope that this review will promote future research in this area.