bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodiversity Enhancement for Improving the Sustainability of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea vr. italica Plenk) Organic Seed Production
Authors: Timpanaro Giuseppe , Branca Ferdinando , Cammarata Mariarita , Di Bella Maria Concetta , Foti Vera Teresa , Scuderi Alessandro
Published: May 2022

The plant heritage of the Mediterranean basin, with its wide biodiversity, offers the best conditions to pursue the objectives of the EU Green Deal, and among it, we pointed our attention to the Brassica oleracea crops, thanks to the high number of landraces and of its wild relative species widespread both in agro and ecosystems. In the framework of the European project BRESOV H2020 “Breeding for Resilient, Efficient and Sustainable Organic Vegetable Production”, we evaluated different organic growing conditions and plant characteristics to pursue a good yield and high quality of organic seed under different nutrition protocols. We took in attention the two landraces of sprouting broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenk) Sparaceddu and Cavolo Riccio di Messina, which well express the traditional trait of broccoli Sicilian biodiversity that is often unfortunately underestimated. The results showed that the new tools for organic plant nutrition implement the plant characteristics and the related seed yield also by using a lower level of inputs, achieving economically sustainable production by the use of the nutrition protocols evaluated. There is, therefore, a strong need to affirm the concept of “minimum dose” in order to obtain a satisfactory result in terms of production and quality. The research also focused on the characteristics of brassicas crops, highlighting the main factors that render the use of biodiversity possible and profitable.
Is Public–Private Partnership (PPP) a Preferred Strategy for Procuring Smart Infrastructure in Developed Countries: An Empirical Study of the Perceived Benefits, Barriers and Recommended Strategies
Authors: Jayasena Nimesha Sahani , Chan Daniel W. M. , Kumaraswamy Mohan M.
Published: May 2022

Attention to Smart Infrastructure (SI) has risen due to its advantages, including better access, increased quality of life, and simplified maintenance management. To develop SI, Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) are identified as potentially beneficial procurement strategies, which boost capacities to manage risks by pooling diverse resources. However, the applicability of PPP in SI developments in developed countries is scarcely researched. This may be due to underestimating the other potential benefits from PPP, although developed countries may have their own funding to develop SI. Hence, this research aims to evaluate the significant factors influencing the success of PPP in SI projects in developed countries based on public-sector satisfaction (S1), private-sector satisfaction (S2), and end-user satisfaction (S3). A comprehensive literature review was followed by expert interviews and an international survey, focusing on developed countries. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was applied to map the connections amongst the influencing factors and S1, S2, and S3. The results reveal that legal and political-related factors significantly impact on S2 and S3, while social barriers significantly impact on S1. The effect of the constructs and factors on S1, S2, and S3 along with their rankings are unveiled in this research paper, providing a sound basis to increase success levels and minimize shortfalls in PPP to boost SI developments in developed countries.
Greenhouse Robots: Ultimate Solutions to Improve Automation in Protected Cropping Systems—A Review
Authors: Bagagiolo Giorgia , Matranga Giovanni , Cavallo Eugenio , Pampuro Niccolò
Published: May 2022

In recent years, agricultural robotics has received great attention in research studies, being considered a way to address some important issues of the agricultural sector, such as precision agriculture, resources saving, improvement of safety conditions, and shortage of human labor. These issues are particularly relevant in greenhouse production systems, where many highly repetitive and sometimes dangerous operations are still required to be performed by humans. The purpose of the present review is providing an overview of the research conducted in recent years related to robotic automation for greenhouse applications. The currently available literature about robots and automated solutions for greenhouse applications has been reviewed through the consultation of international databases of journals. A total of 38 publications were included after screening and the information related to each retrieved automated solution was classified. The research highlighted great variability among studies, which often describe automation solutions designed for specific crops and define the specific “supporting tasks” necessary for the completion of a “main task”. Specifically, the technologies used for guidance and navigation systems, crop detection and fruit grasping system, spraying system, and other minor supporting tasks have been described. Furthermore, a critical appraisal of the main challenges of the sector and future research directions are provided.
Evaluation of Rwanda’s Energy Resources
Authors: Bolson Natanael , Patzek Tadeusz
Published: May 2022

Energy flows in a fertile environment drive societal development and progress. To develop a country sustainably, striking balance between environmental management, natural resource use, and energy generation is a must. However, developing a country with limited access to energy and critical levels of environmental depletion is challenging. This description fits Rwanda, which faces a dual crisis of energy supply shortages and environment depletion. Overpopulation is driving urban and agricultural expansion which in turn unbalance biomass demand to supply the growing energy needs and exacerbate environmental damage. Just when urgent actions must be taken to overcome this current debacle, political aspirations seek to turn Rwanda into a middle- and subsequently high-income country. From our analysis, the available energy resources can only maintain current population in Rwanda as a low-income country. To become an average middle-income country, Rwanda needs an equivalent of 3 Mtoe /yr (≈20 Mbbl /yr) of oil imports, and must install a nominal capacity of 90 GW of solar photovoltaics (PV). For a high-income country, it is necessary to obtain an extra power input of 11.4Mtoe /yr (≈77 Mbbl /yr) of oil imports and to install a nominal capacity of 400 GW of solar PV. Comparing current power generation capacity in Rwanda against the extra power needed to achieve the middle-income and high-income status indicates a mismatch between available resources and developmental goals.
A Novel Fairness-Based Cost Model for Adopting Smart Charging at Fast Charging Stations
Authors: Alshareef Sami M.
Published: May 2022

This research introduces a cost model for application at fast charging stations (FCSs) with the aim to adopt smart charging, which can mitigate voltage fluctuation caused by the on/off status of FCS. When the operation of FCSs causes a voltage fluctuation and light flicker, the FCSs may be disconnected, as per the utility general standard practice, which results in financial loss represented by FCS downtime. However, FCS downtime can be avoided by applying the smart charging method referred to in this paper, or by installing mitigation devices that are available on the market. The proposed smart charging method provides three charging powers (or options), namely premium, regular, and economic, which consumers can select according to their needs and/or priority, whether this may be time or cost. Thus, the output power of each type is different as well as the per unit cost. The offered cost of smart charging is reliant on a ‘fairness’ policy that is, from the viewpoint of an FCS operator or investor, characterized by the value of cost for any customer at the FCS being equivalent to the customer’s value of time. For instance, customers A and B require X kwh from the FCS. When arriving at the FCS, if customer A values time the most, the premium power can be selected with the highest $/kwh cost. If the cost is more valuable to customer B, regular or economic power can be selected, but customer B will spend more time than customer A to get the same X kwh. The proposed fairness policy indicates that, to get the required X kwh, the percent of total costs saved by B (by using regular or economic power) in comparison to A is equivalent to the percent of total time saved by A (by using premium power) in comparison to B, for the same X kwh. The annual cost of applying smart charging at the FCS is estimated and compared with the annual cost of the best flicker mitigation device. The comparison reveals that distribution static compensators are considered the cheapest mitigation device, according to the cost per kVAr basis and the total annual equivalent cost. The proposed smart charging method achieves a tremendous reduction in the cost of mitigating the voltage fluctuation and light flicker. The annual cost of the proposed smart charging method is less than the annual cost of distribution static compensators by a minimum of 90% to a maximum of 99%.
Research on Aspect-Level Sentiment Analysis Based on Text Comments
Authors: Tian Jing , Slamu Wushour , Xu Miaomiao , Xu Chunbo , Wang Xue
Published: May 2022

Sentiment analysis is the processing of textual data and giving positive or negative opinions to sentences. In the ABSA dataset, most sentences contain one aspect of sentiment polarity, or sentences of one aspect have multiple identical sentiment polarities, which weakens the sentiment polarity of the ABSA dataset. Therefore, this paper uses the SemEval 14 Restaurant Review dataset, in which each document is symmetrically divided into individual sentences, and two versions of the datasets ATSA and ACSA are created. ATSA: Aspect Term Sentiment Analysis Dataset. ACSA: Aspect Category Sentiment Analysis Dataset. In order to symmetrically simulate the complex relationship between aspect contexts and accurately extract the polarity of emotional features, this paper combines the latest development trend of NLP, combines capsule network and BRET, and proposes the baseline model CapsNet-BERT. The experimental results verify the effectiveness of the model.
Certain Generalizations of Quadratic Transformations of Hypergeometric and Generalized Hypergeometric Functions
Authors: Qureshi Mohd Idris , Choi Junesang , Shah Tafaz Rahman
Published: May 2022

There have been numerous investigations on the hypergeometric series 2F1 and the generalized hypergeometric series pFq such as differential equations, integral representations, analytic continuations, asymptotic expansions, reduction cases, extensions of one and several variables, continued fractions, Riemann’s equation, group of the hypergeometric equation, summation, and transformation formulae. Among the various approaches to these functions, the transformation formulae for the hypergeometric series 2F1 and the generalized hypergeometric series pFq are significant, both in terms of applications and theory. The purpose of this paper is to establish a number of transformation formulae for pFq, whose particular cases would include Gauss’s and Kummer’s quadratic transformation formulae for 2F1, as well as their two extensions for 3F2, by making advantageous use of a recently introduced sequence and some techniques commonly used in dealing with pFq theory. The pFq function, which is the most significant function investigated in this study, exhibits natural symmetry.
An Embedding Skeleton for Fish Detection and Marine Organisms Recognition
Authors: Zhu Jinde , He Wenwu , Weng Weidong , Zhang Tao , Mao Yuze , Yuan Xiutang , Ma Peizhen , Mao Guojun
Published: May 2022

The marine economy has become a new growth point of the national economy, and many countries have started to implement the marine ranch project and made the project a new strategic industry to support vigorously. In fact, with the continuous improvement of people’s living standards, the market demand for precious seafood such as fish, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins increases. Shallow sea aquaculture has extensively promoted the vigorous development of marine fisheries. However, traditional diving monitoring and fishing are not only time consuming but also labor intensive; moreover, the personal injury is significant and the risk factor is high. In recent years, underwater robots’ development has matured and has been applied in other technologies. Marine aquaculture energy and chemical construction is a new opportunity for growth. The detection of marine organisms is an essential part of the intelligent strategy in marine ranch, which requires an underwater robot to detect the marine organism quickly and accurately in the complex ocean environment. This paper proposes a method called YOLOv4-embedding, based on one-stage deep learning arithmetic to detect marine organisms, construct a real-time target detection system for marine organisms, extract the in-depth features, and improve the backbone’s architecture and the neck connection. Compared with other object detection arithmetics, the YOLOv4-embedding object detection arithmetic was better at detection accuracy—with higher detection confidence and higher detection ratio than other one-stage object detection arithmetics, such as EfficientDet-D3. The results show that the suggested method could quickly detect different varieties in marine organisms. Furthermore, compared to the original YOLOv4, the mAP75 of the proposed YOLOv4-embedding improves 2.92% for the marine organism dataset at a real-time speed of 51 FPS on an RTX 3090.
Specific Electronic Platform to Test the Influence of Hypervisors on the Performance of Embedded Systems
Authors: Jiménez Jaime , Muguira Leire , Bidarte Unai , Largacha Alejandro , Lázaro Jesús
Published: May 2022

Some complex digital circuits must host various operating systems in a single electronic platform to make real-time and not-real-time tasks compatible or assign different priorities to current applications. For this purpose, some hardware–software techniques—called virtualization—must be integrated to run the operating systems independently, as isolated in different processors: virtual machines. These are monitored and managed by a software tool named hypervisor, which is in charge of allowing each operating system to take control of the hardware resources. Therefore, the hypervisor determines the effectiveness of the system when reacting to events. To measure, estimate or compare the performance of different ways to configure the virtualization, our research team has designed and implemented a specific testbench: an electronic system, based on a complex System on Chip with a processing system and programmable logic, to configure the hardware–software partition and show merit figures, to evaluate the performance of the different options, a field that has received insufficient attention so far. In this way, the fabric of the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) can be exploited for measurements and instrumentation. The platform has been validated with two hypervisors, Xen and Jailhouse, in a multiprocessor System-on-Chip, by executing real-time operating systems and application programs in different contexts.
Glycine Betaine Relieves Lead-Induced Hepatic and Renal Toxicity in Albino Rats
Authors: Abdelrazek Farid , Salama Dawlat A. , Alharthi Afaf , Asiri Saeed A. , Khodeer Dina M. , Qarmush Moath M. , Mobasher Maysa A. , Ibrahim Mervat
Published: May 2022

Lead (Pb) is a widespread and nondegradable environmental pollutant and affects several organs through oxidative mechanisms. This study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant protective effect of glycine betaine (GB) against Pb-induced renal and hepatic injury. Male albino rats (n = 45) were divided into three groups: G1 untreated control, G2 Pb-acetate (50 mg/kg/day), and G3 Pb-acetate (50 mg/kg/day) plus GB (250 mg/kg/day) administered for 6 weeks. For G3, Pb-acetate was administered first and followed by GB at least 4 h after. Pb-acetate treatment (G2) resulted in a significant decrease in renal function, including elevated creatinine and urea levels by 17.4% and 23.7%, respectively, and nonsignificant changes in serum uric acid levels. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphates (ALP) activities were significantly increased with Pb treatment by 37.6%, 59.3%, and 55.1%, respectively. Lipid peroxidation level was significantly increased by 7.8 times after 6 weeks of Pb-acetate treatment. The level of reduced glutathione (GSH-R) significantly declined after Pb-acetate treatment. Pb-acetate treatment also reduced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) by 74.1%, 85.0%, and 40.8%, respectively. Treatment of Pb-intoxicated rats with GB resulted in a significant reduction in creatinine, urea, ALT, AST, and lipid peroxidation, as well as a significant increase in the level of GSH-R and in the activities of ALP, SOD, GST, and GSH-PX. The molecular interaction between GB and GSH-PX indicated that the activation of GSH-PX in Pb-intoxicated rats was not the result of GB binding to the catalytic site of GSH-PX. The affinity of GB to bind to the catalytic site of GSH-PX is lower than that of H2O2. Thus, GB significantly mitigates Pb-induced renal and liver injury through the activation of antioxidant enzymes and the prevention of Pb-induced oxidative damage in the kidney and liver.
The Anti-Rheumatic Drug, Leflunomide, Induces Nephrotoxicity in Mice via Upregulation of TGFβ-Mediated p53/Smad2/3 Signaling
Authors: Aljohani Alhanouf A. , Alqarni Yasmeen S. , Alrashidi Maram N. , Aljuhani Maha H. , Shehata Shaimaa A. , El-Kherbetawy Mohamed K. , Prabahar Kousalya , Alshaman Reem , Alattar Abdullah , Helaly Ahmed M. N. , Ateyya Hayam , Ismail Ezzat A. , Zaitone Sawsan A.
Published: May 2022

Recent studies indicated renal toxicity and interstitial nephritis in patients receiving leflunomide (LEFN), but the exact mechanism is still unknown. The transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)/p53/Smad2/3 pathway crucially mediates renal fibrosis. We aimed to assess the nephrotoxic effect of LEFN in mice and the possible role of TGFβ-stimulated p53/SMAD2/3 signaling. The study design involved distributing sixty male albino mice into four groups: (i) vehicle-treated mice, (ii) LEFN (2.5 mg/kg), (iii) LEFN (5 mg/kg), and (iv) LEFN (10 mg/kg). The drug was given orally every 48 h and continued for 8 weeks. Blood samples were then taken from mice for the determination of kidney function parameters. Right kidneys were used for histopathologic staining and immunohistochemistry, whereas left kidneys were frozen and used for Western blot analysis of the target proteins, p-p53 and Smad2/3. Results indicated that chronic administration of LEFN in mice resulted in a four- and nine-fold increase in serum urea and creatinine levels, respectively. Kidney specimens stained with hematoxylin and eosin or periodic acid–Schiff showed significant histopathological manifestations, such as cellular irregularity, interstitial congestion, and moderate lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate in mice treated with LEFN. Western blotting indicated upregulation of the p-p53/Smad2/3 proteins. LEFN, especially in the highest dose (10 mg/kg), produced prominent nephrotoxicity in mice. This toxicity is mediated through stimulating fibrotic changes through TGFβ-stimulated p53/Smad2/3 signaling and induction of glomerular and tubular apoptosis. An improved understanding of LEFN-induced nephrotoxicity would have great implications in the prediction, prevention, and management of leflunomide-treated rheumatic patients, and may warrant further clinical studies for following up these toxidromes.
Retroviral RNA Processing
Authors: Beemon Karen L.
Published: May 2022

This review is an accompaniment to a Special Issue on “Retroviral RNA Processing”. It discusses post-transcriptional regulation of retroviruses, ranging from the ancient foamy viruses to more modern viruses, such as HIV-1, HTLV-1, Rous sarcoma virus, murine leukemia virus, mouse mammary tumor virus, and Mason-Pfizer monkey virus. This review is not comprehensive. However, it tries to address some of the major questions in the field with examples of how different retroviruses express their genes. It is amazing that a single primary RNA transcript can have so many possible fates: genomic RNA, unspliced mRNA, and up to 50 different alternatively spliced mRNAs. This review will discuss the sorting of RNAs for packaging or translation, RNA nuclear export mechanisms, splicing, translation, RNA modifications, and avoidance of nonsense-mediated RNA decay.
Diverse Novel Viruses Coinfecting the Tropical Ornamental Plant Polyscias balfouriana in China
Authors: Ma Yuxin , Che Haiyan , Gao Shengfeng , Lin Yating , Li Shifang
Published: May 2022

The viromic profile of Polyscias balfouriana cv. Marginata, a perennial woody and ornamental plant, was determined using ribosomal RNA-depleted total RNA (rRNA-depleted totRNA) sequencing. Five viruses (i.e., polyscias mosaic virus, PoMV; one potential novel rhabdovirus; and three novel viruses of Betaflexiviridae and Closteroviridae) were detected and prevalence-surveyed in Hainan province, China. The genomes of polyscias capillovirus 1 (PCaV-1) and polyscias citrivirus 1 (PCiV-1) of family Betaflexiviridae were completed, and the genomes of polyscias crinivirus 1 (PCrV-1) of Closteroviridae were nearly completed lacking the 5′ and 3′ termini. PCaV-1 shares 68% genome nucleotide (nt) identity and 66% replicase (Rep) amino acid (aa) identity with homologues in apple stem grooving virus (ASGV). PCiV-1 shares 65% genome nt identity and 64% Rep aa identity with homologs in citrus leaf blotch virus (CLBV). Meeting the species demarcation criteria, PCaV-1 and PCiV-1 were considered to be new species in genera Capillovirus and Citrivirus, respectively. PCrV-1 shares high genome nt identity (62%), heat shock protein 70-like protein (HSP70h) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) aa identity (78–80%) with homologues in tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV). We tentatively consider PCrV-1 to be an unclassified member of the Crinivirus genus. PoMV, PCaV-1, PCiV-1, and PCrV-1 are the prevalent viruses with >73% occurrence in the Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden, Hainan, China.
A Novel Sphingosine Kinase Inhibitor Suppresses Chikungunya Virus Infection
Authors: Oyewole Opeoluwa O. , Dunnavant Kyle , Bhattarai Shaurav , Kharel Yugesh , Lynch Kevin R. , Santos Webster L. , Reid St. Patrick
Published: May 2022

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging arbovirus in the alphavirus genus. Upon infection, it can cause severe joint pain that can last years in some patients, significantly affecting their quality of life. Currently, there are no vaccines or anti-viral therapies available against CHIKV. Its spread to the Americas from the eastern continents has substantially increased the count of the infected by millions. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify therapeutic targets for CHIKV treatment. A potential point of intervention is the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) pathway. Conversion of sphingosine to S1P is catalyzed by Sphingosine kinases (SKs), which we previously showed to be crucial pro-viral host factor during CHIKV infection. In this study, we screened inhibitors of SKs and identified a novel potent inhibitor of CHIKV infection—SLL3071511. We showed that the pre-treatment of cells with SLL3071511 in vitro effectively inhibited CHIKV infection with an EC50 value of 2.91 µM under both prophylactic and therapeutic modes, significantly decreasing the viral gene expression and release of viral particles. Our studies suggest that targeting SKs is a viable approach for controlling CHIKV replication.
A Single Dose of the Deactivated Rabies-Virus Vectored COVID-19 Vaccine, CORAVAX, Is Highly Efficacious and Alleviates Lung Inflammation in the Hamster Model
Authors: Kurup Drishya , Wirblich Christoph , Zabihi Diba Leila , Lambert Rachael , Watson Megan , Shaikh Noor , Ramage Holly , Solomides Charalambos , Schnell Matthias J.
Published: May 2022

Without sufficient herd immunity through either vaccination or natural infection, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is unlikely to be controlled. Waning immunity with the currently approved vaccines suggests the need to evaluate vaccines causing the induction of long-term responses. Here, we report the immunogenicity and efficacy of our adjuvanted single-dose Rabies-vectored SARS-CoV-2 S1 vaccine, CORAVAX, in hamsters. CORAVAX induces high SARS-CoV-2 S1-specific and virus-neutralizing antibodies (VNAs) that prevent weight loss, viral loads, disease, lung inflammation, and the cytokine storm in hamsters. We also observed high Rabies VNA titers. In summary, CORAVAX is a promising dual-antigen vaccine candidate for clinical evaluation against SARS-CoV-2 and Rabies virus.
Characterization of Immune Response Diversity in Rodents Vaccinated with a Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Vectored COVID-19 Vaccine
Authors: Wang Shen , Zhang Cheng , Liang Bo , Wang Weiqi , Feng Na , Zhao Yongkun , Wang Tiecheng , Guo Zhendong , Yan Feihu , Yang Songtao , Xia Xianzhu
Published: May 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as the prime challenge facing public health safety since 2019. Correspondingly, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have been developed and administered worldwide, varying in design strategies, delivery routes, immunogenicity and protective efficacy. Here, a replication-competent vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vectored recombinant COVID-19 vaccine was constructed and evaluated in BALB/c mice and Syrian golden hamsters. In BALB/c mice, intramuscular (i.m.) inoculation of recombinant vaccine induced significantly higher humoral immune response than that of the intranasal (i.n.) inoculation group. Analyses of cellular immunity revealed that a Th1-biased cellular immune response was induced in i.n. inoculation group while both Th1 and Th2 T cells were activated in i.m. inoculation group. In golden hamsters, i.n. inoculation of the recombinant vaccine triggered robust humoral immune response and conferred prominent protective efficacy post-SARS-CoV-2 challenge, indicating a better protective immunity in the i.n. inoculation group than that of the i.m. inoculation group. This study provides an effective i.n.-delivered recombinant COVID-19 vaccine candidate and elucidates a route-dependent manner of this vaccine candidate in two most frequently applied small animal models. Moreover, the golden hamster is presented as an economical and convenient small animal model that precisely reflects the immune response and protective efficacy induced by replication-competent COVID-19 vaccine candidates in other SARS-CoV-2 susceptible animals and human beings, especially in the exploration of i.n. immunization.
Strategies to Mitigate Establishment under the Wolbachia Incompatible Insect Technique
Authors: Soh Stacy , Ho Soon Hoe , Ong Janet , Seah Annabel , Dickens Borame Sue , Tan Ken Wei , Koo Joel Ruihan , Cook Alex R. , Sim Shuzhen , Tan Cheong Huat , Ng Lee Ching , Lim Jue Tao
Published: May 2022

The Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) strategy involves the release of male mosquitoes infected with the bacterium Wolbachia. Regular releases of male Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes can lead to the suppression of mosquito populations, thereby reducing the risk of transmission of vector-borne diseases such as dengue. However, due to imperfect sex-sorting under IIT, fertile Wolbachia-infected female mosquitoes may potentially be unintentionally released into the environment, which may result in replacement and failure to suppress the mosquito populations. As such, mitigating Wolbachia establishment requires a combination of IIT with other strategies. We introduced a simple compartmental model to simulate ex-ante mosquito population dynamics subjected to a Wolbachia-IIT programme. In silico, we explored the risk of replacement, and strategies that could mitigate the establishment of the released Wolbachia strain in the mosquito population. Our results suggest that mitigation may be achieved through the application of a sterile insect technique. Our simulations indicate that these interventions do not override the intended wild type suppression of the IIT approach. These findings will inform policy makers of possible ways to mitigate the potential establishment of Wolbachia using the IIT population control strategy.
Changes in Neuropeptide Prohormone Genes among Cetartiodactyla Livestock and Wild Species Associated with Evolution and Domestication
Authors: Southey Bruce R. , Rodriguez-Zas Sandra L.
Published: May 2022

The impact of evolution and domestication processes on the sequences of neuropeptide prohormone genes that participate in cell–cell signaling influences multiple biological process that involve neuropeptide signaling. This information is important to understand the physiological differences between Cetartiodactyla domesticated species such as cow, pig, and llama and wild species such as hippopotamus, giraffes, and whales. Systematic analysis of changes associated with evolutionary and domestication forces in neuropeptide prohormone protein sequences that are processed into neuropeptides was undertaken. The genomes from 118 Cetartiodactyla genomes representing 22 families were mined for 98 neuropeptide prohormone genes. Compared to other Cetartiodactyla suborders, Ruminantia preserved PYY2 and lost RLN1. Changes in GNRH2, IAPP, INSL6, POMC, PRLH, and TAC4 protein sequences could result in the loss of some bioactive neuropeptides in some families. An evolutionary model suggested that most neuropeptide prohormone genes disfavor sequence changes that incorporate large and hydrophobic amino acids. A compelling finding was that differences between domestic and wild species are associated with the molecular system underlying ‘fight or flight’ responses. Overall, the results demonstrate the importance of simultaneously comparing the neuropeptide prohormone gene complement from close and distant-related species. These findings broaden the foundation for empirical studies about the function of the neuropeptidome associated with health, behavior, and food production.
Interaction between Strong Sound Waves and Aerosol Droplets: Numerical Simulation
Authors: Li Fangfang , Cao Han , Jia Yinghui , Guo Yu , Qiu Jun
Published: May 2022

In this study, we attempted to eliminate atmospheric fog and aerosol particles by strong sound waves. The action of sound waves created an air disturbance, and the oscillation of the local air caused the micron-sized aerosol droplet particles to move. To provide guidance of the characteristics of the effective sound waves, this study numerically simulated aerosol droplet agglomeration under the action of sound waves, which was solved by coupling computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete element methods (DEMs) as a typical two-phase flow problem in this study. The movements of aerosol droplet particles were simulated, as well as their agglomeration. The evolution process of the average particle size and the number of multimers were obtained, and the influence of different sound frequencies, sound pressure level (SPL), and particle spacing on agglomeration were studied. It was found that the promotion effect of low-frequency sound waves on aerosol droplet agglomeration was significantly higher than that of high-frequency sound waves, and the sound wave promotion effect of high SPLs was better than that of low SPL. In addition, the concept of the average agglomeration time required to quantify the acoustic agglomeration speed was proposed, and it was found to be positively correlated with sound frequency and particle spacing, while being negatively correlated with SPL.
Spatiotemporal Distribution of Drought Based on the Standardized Precipitation Index and Cloud Models in the Haihe Plain, China
Authors: Fu Yujuan , Zhang Xudong , Anderson Ray G. , Shi Ruiqiang , Wu Di , Ge Qiucheng
Published: May 2022

The Haihe Plain is the largest component of the agriculturally vital North China Plain, and it is characterized by serious water shortage and frequent droughts, which lead to crop reduction and have adverse effects on agriculture and ecology. We used daily precipitation data from 1955–2017; the region’s spatiotemporal characteristics of drought were analyzed by using the standardized precipitation index (SPI), drought probability, and Mann–Kendall test for seasonal scale including two main crops growth seasons for the region’s main crops. Furthermore, a cloud algorithm model was established to analyze the dispersion and instability of the SPI. The annual drought frequency is 28.57%; the SPI for spring has an increasing tendency, while summer shows a significant decreasing trend (p < 0.05); the Haihe Plain has had a tendency towards drought over the last 63 years. The SPI in northwest is the smallest and increases gradually toward the south; the severity of drought in dry years increased from southeast to northwest. The cloud model shows that the SPI randomness of each site decreased significantly and tended to be stable and uniform. The deterministic and stable SPI of each station is stronger in dry years, and the randomness and instability are stronger in wet years. The inter-annual differences of the characteristic values of the SPI cloud model are bigger than the differences among sites, and the inter-annual randomness and inhomogeneity of the SPI are higher.
Transcriptomic Analysis of the Molecular Response Mechanism of Microcystis aeruginosa to Iron Limitation Stress
Authors: Chen Xiaxia , Wang Jie , Du Zunqing , Shu Qihang , Zheng Zheng , Luo Xingzhang
Published: May 2022

Iron is an essential micronutrient for cyanobacteria. It is involved in physiological activities such as photosynthesis, respiration, and the synthesis of pigments. The impact of iron limitation on planktonic algae growth occurs in surface oceans globally, as well as in freshwater ecosystems. However, the molecular and physiological effects and response mechanism of cyanobacteria under iron-limited conditions have not been reported in detail. In this study, the effects of iron limitation on the cell density, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic activity of Microcystis aeruginosa were determined, and transcriptome sequencing was undertaken. In a severely iron-deficient environment, the cell density and chlorophyll-a content of M. aeruginosa were significantly lower than in the iron-rich group (a 55.42% and 83.51% reduction, respectively). Similarly, the photosynthetic efficiency of M. aeruginosa was also inhibited by iron deficiency, and the maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) of the severe iron deficiency group was only 66.72% of the control group. The transcriptome results showed that to cope with the iron-deficient environment, most genes involved in iron absorption and transport in M. aeruginosa were up-regulated. In particular, the fur and perR genes that regulate the iron uptake regulatory protein (Fur) were both up-regulated. Due to the high demand for iron in the photosynthetic electron transport chain of M. aeruginosa, most photosynthesis-related genes were down-regulated, for example, petJ, which regulates iron-containing cytochrome c6. In contrast, most of the genes related to glycolysis and respiration were up-regulated. These changes in gene expression may be a survival strategy for M. aeruginosa to cope with a long-term iron-deficient environment. This study provides insights into the molecular response mechanism of M. aeruginosa under iron limitation stress.
Sediment as a Refuge Spot for Planktonic Crustaceans
Authors: Špoljar Maria , Kuczyńska-Kippen Natalia , Dražina Tvrtko , Fressl Jelena , Ternjej Ivančica , Tomljanović Tea , Zhang Chen , Purgar Marija , Čorkalo Marko , Kekelj Lana
Published: May 2022

The littoral zone of shallow water bodies (SWB) is often considered in relation to predator–prey interactions. In this study we assumed that the littoral sediment serves as a refuge for planktonic microcrustaceans, mediated by size-dependent fish predation. In order to recognise the impact of fish on their prey, we determined: (i) the assemblage and size structure of crustaceans and fish; and (ii) the biotic interactions along the gradient of the heterogeneity of the littoral zone. The results showed that in the sediment of macrophyte-dominated SWB, large-sized cladocerans predominated and were preyed upon by smaller-sized fish. In the sediment of macrophyte-absent SWB, large-sized copepods dominated, due to the predation risk of larger-sized fish. Cladoceran females with egg broods mostly selected sediment as shelter. Cladocera/Copepoda ratios were lower in the littoral of vegetated SWB, and higher in unvegetated SWB. The ratios in the adjacent sediment revealed an opposite pattern. It is important to point out the findings of planktonic crustacean species in the sediment of SWB are not recorded in the littoral water. The result of this study will contribute to the knowledge of defence strategy mechanisms developed by zooplankters against predators.
Metal Removal Kinetics, Bio-Accumulation and Plant Response to Nutrient Availability in Floating Treatment Wetland for Stormwater Treatment
Authors: Nuruzzaman Md , Anwar A. H. M. Faisal , Sarukkalige Ranjan
Published: May 2022

Floating treatment wetland (FTW) is a recent innovation to remove nutrients from stormwater, but little is known about its effectiveness for metal removal. This study aims to test the hypothesis that the metal removal performance of FTWs will be affected by nutrient (NH3-N, NO3-N, and PO4-P) availability in stormwater. Two experiments were carried out in nutrient-deficient tap water, and two experiments were carried out in nutrient-rich lake water using four native Australian plants, namely Carex fascicularis, Juncus kraussii, Eleocharis acuta, and Baumea preissii. Up to 81% Cu and 44.9% Zn removal were achieved by the plants in 16 days in tap water. A reduction in Cu and Zn removal of 28.4–57.3% and 1.0–19.7%, respectively, was observed in lake water compared with tap water for the same duration. The kinetic analysis also confirmed that plant metal uptake rates slowed down in lake water (0.018–0.088 L/mg/day for Cu and 0.005–0.018 L/mg/day for Zn) compared to tap water (0.586–0.825 L/mg/day for Cu and 0.025–0.052 L/mg/day for Zn). A plant tissue analysis revealed that E. acuta and B. preissii bioaccumulated more than 1000 mg/kg of both metals in their tissue, indicating high metal accumulation capacities. To overcome the slower metal uptake rate problem due to nutrient availability, future studies can investigate multi-species plantations with nutrient stripping plants and metal hyper-accumulator plants.
Removal of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances by Electron Beam and Plasma Irradiation: A Mini-Review
Authors: Jiang Linke , Wang Siqin , Chen Wenzheng , Lin Jiang , Yu Xin , Feng Mingbao , Wan Kun
Published: May 2022

The global prevalence and environmental risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have caused increasing concern regarding their strategic elimination from aqueous environments. It has recently been recognized that advanced oxidation–reduction technologies (AO/RTs) exhibit superior removal performance for these ubiquitous pollutants. However, the detailed mechanisms and product risks have not been well summarized and systematically deciphered. In this mini-review article, the basic operating principles of two typical AO/RTs (electron beam and plasma irradiation) and their reported applications in the abatement of PFASs are described in detail. It is noteworthy that these reductive treatments induced remarkable defluorination efficiency of PFOA and PFOS with the generation of short-chain congeners in water. The reaction mechanisms mainly included desulfonization, decarboxylation, H/F exchange, radical cyclization, and stepwise losses of CF2 groups. Unexpectedly, partial degradation products manifested high potential in triggering acute and chronic aquatic toxicity, genotoxicity, and developmental toxicity. Additionally, high or even increased resistance to biodegradability was observed for multiple products relative to the parent chemicals. Taken together, both electron beam and plasma irradiation hold great promise in remediating PFAS-contaminated water and wastewater, while the secondary ecological risks should be taken into account during practical applications.
Problematic aspects of the classification of sugar confectionery products for customs purposes
Authors:   Russian Customs Academy, Krishtafovich D.V. , Shamina Yu.A. ,   Russian Customs Academy
Published: May 2022

The article examines the problematic aspects of the classification of sugar confectionery products that arise among customs officials during customs control of the reliability of the declared code for the EAEU Commodity Nomenclature of Foreign Economic Activity, based on the analysis of materials from judicial practice. Possible ways of solving the identified problematic aspects are considered.
The benefits of coffee and its consumption in the world and in Russia
Authors:   Moscow State University of Food Production, Kuznetsova A. , Lyubetskaya T.R. ,   Moscow State University of Food Production
Published: May 2022

The article describes the characteristics of coffee and indicates its useful properties for the human body. The analysis of the data was carried out according to the survey on coffee consumption. The statistics of coffee consumption in Russia and the possibility of using coffee for the production of functional drinks are presented.
The challenge of the times: the Comintern people in the face of growing military threats from the West (1920-1930s)
Authors:   Moscow University for the Humanities, Moscow, Vasiliev Yuriy Albertovich
Published: May 2022

The materials of the article are based on the declassified papers of the Russian State Archive of Socio-Political History (RSASPH), constituting the documentary basis of the publication. The subjects related to the mechanism of functioning of the Comintern in the field of anti-war activities aimed at preventing a new world war are highlighted. The focus is on unknown pages of illegal activities of the specialist in military work Tuure Lehén (Alfred Langer), a military intelligence officer and an employee of the Executive Committee of the Comintern (ECCI), associated with ensuring the work of secret commissions created in the Organizational Department of the ECCI, in the 1920s-1930s.
The family as a source of the youth education system: expectations, reality, prospects
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Gorelov Anatoliy Alekseevich , Gorelova Tatyana Anatolievna ,   Moscow University for the Humanities
Published: May 2022

The paper examines the history of parenting styles in the "parent-child" system, the evolution of the Russian family and its impact on intergenerational relations, and the importance of intra-family and subsequent out-of-family education for the younger generation. It is shown that the family is a cell of society in which new generations grow up and the inherent positive qualities of a person are strengthened, while flaws and vices are smoothed out. Love and respect of spouses for each other, honoring parents, caring for children, friendship of brothers and sisters represent a school of normal relations with all people around.
Digital modernization of education: pros and cons
Authors:   Moscow University for the Humanities, Khorina Galina Petrovna , Gavryushina Ekaterina Dmitrievna ,   Moscow University for the Humanities
Published: May 2022

The article analyzes the pros and cons of the digital modernization of education and describes the experience of solving this issue in the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China. Covid-19 has accelerated the transition of all important areas of society to digital field. Such areas as healthcare and education, the tax service, the law enforcement system, and trade have moved online, providing the necessary life needs for citizens of developed countries. In this regard, there have been changes at the legislative level; important bills were proposed for discussion in an accelerated mode. In the article, digitalization is considered as a process that has both positive and negative consequences.
Organizational and methodological aspects of choosing the method of accruation and accounting for deposit of fixed assets in agriculture
Authors:   Izhevsk State Agricultural Academy, Alborov R.A. , Khoruzhy L.I. ,   RGAU-MSHA named after Timiryazeva, Moscow, Kontsevaya S.M. ,   Izhevsk State Agricultural Academy, Alborov G.R. ,   Izhevsk State Agricultural Academy, Dzhikiya K. A. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “RGAU-MSHA named after K. A. Timiryazev”, Moscow
Published: May 2022

The cost of fixed assets of an agricultural organization is repaid through depreciation. Therefore, this article sets out new provisions for accounting for depreciation of fixed assets. The requirements, points of time for the start of accrual and termination of depreciation of fixed assets, as well as aspects of the choice in the accounting policy of the organization of methods for accruing depreciation of fixed assets are given. The basic organizational and methodological recommendations for the practical application of methods for calculating depreciation of fixed assets in agriculture are substantiated. Recommendations on the accounting of depreciation of fixed assets in agricultural organizations are proposed.
Pollutions accidentelles des eaux de surface : une application des modèles de comptage
Authors: Ropars Carole , Le Goffe Philippe , Rieusset Frank
Published: May 2022

Applying Count Models to Accidental Surface-Water Pollutions.

Besides chronic nonpoint source pollutions, internal waters are subject to accidental pollutions of various origins. Spills of chemicals, sewage or livestock effluent cause spectacular damage to drinking water supply and aquatic fauna. We have constructed a statistical base that provides a foundation for an exploratory analysis of accidental pollutions of internal waters in Brittany and a comparison between agricultural risks and risks arising from other activities. The descriptive analysis of these accidents is followed by an explanation of the number of accidents at the municipal level, using count models.
L’influence des conditions de travail passées sur la santé et la consommation de médicaments auto-déclarées des retraités
Authors: Barnay Thomas , Defebvre Éric
Published: May 2022

The Impact of PastWorking Conditions on Retirees’ Self-Assessed Health and Medication Use.

This article aims to measure the net effect of physical and psychosocialworking conditions, throughout their entire professional career, on retirees’ self-assessed physical and mental health, and drug consumption. Based on the French Health and Career Path (Santé et Itinéraire Professionnel) survey, we control our regressions for socioeconomic characteristics, employment, career path, past individual characteristics on entering the labour market, and past health status. Our results highlight the negative role of exposure to detrimentalworking conditions on retirees’ physical and mental health, evidencing a clear relationship between physical constraints and physical health on the one hand, and between psychosocial risk factors and mental health (including drug consumption) on the other hand. These findings underline the long-term effect of difficult working conditions on health status, even after retirement.