bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Educational Practice in Education for Environmental Justice: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Guevara-Herrero Irene , Bravo-Torija Beatriz , Pérez-Martín José Manuel
Published: March 2024

The environmental crisis makes it necessary to reconsider the practices of environmental education (EE) and guide them towards a transformative perspective to promote critical reflection and the ability to make decisions in the face of complex problems, including a perspective of justice. Using the PRISMA systematic review protocol, this article analysed 49 classroom intervention published on international journals to identify the limitations when working on EE in early childhood education, primary education, and pre-service teacher training classrooms from an environmental justice (EJ) perspective. Considering the variables “contents”, “depth of the interventions”, “actions required of students”, and “resources”, the results show a predominance of interventions that promote content knowledge from an ecological perspective and demand actions far removed from reflection and participation, using self-made materials. By not encouraging students to reflect on environmental issues in a holistic way to change their behaviour, it was confirmed that they move away from systems thinking, critical literacy, and action competence. Therefore, there is a lack of integration of the EJ perspective in classroom practices. To achieve educational success in terms of social change for environmental protection, it is necessary to promote research work focused on the didactics of EE including a social justice perspective.
Electrospun 3D Curly Electret Nanofiber Air Filters for Particulate Pollutants
Authors: Zhao Wei , Tulugan Kelimu , Zhang Xin , Li Xiang , Tian Peng
Published: March 2024

Amidst rapid industrialization and urbanization, air pollution has emerged as a global environmental challenge. Traditional air filtration materials face challenges in effectively filtering PM0.3 and often result in discomfort due to high air resistance when used for personal protection, as well as excessive energy consumption in industrial air purification applications. This study initially utilized extremely high environmental humidity to induce fiber formation, resulting in the preparation of a fluffy fiber membrane with a three-dimensional curly morphology, which increased the porosity to 96.93%, significantly reducing air resistance during filtration. Subsequently, rutile TiO2 with a high dielectric constant was introduced, exploiting the low pressure drop characteristic of the fluffy 3D curly fiber membrane combined with the electret effect of TiO2 nanoparticles to notably improve the issue of excessive pressure drops while maintaining filtration efficiency. The microstructure, morphology, and element distribution of the fibers were analyzed using FESEM and EDS. FTIR and XRD were employed to examine the functional groups and crystal structure within the fibers. The electret effect and filtration performance of the fiber membrane were investigated using an electrostatic tester and a particulate filtration efficiency tester. The results demonstrated that inducing fiber formation under high-humidity conditions could produce fibers with a 3D curly structure. The fiber membrane was highly fluffy, significantly reducing the pressure drop. Introducing an appropriate amount of titanium dioxide markedly improved the electrostatic effect of the fiber membrane, enhancing the filtration performance of the 3D curly PVDF/TiO2 composite fiber membrane. With a 0.5% addition of TiO2 nanoparticles, the filtration efficiency of the fiber membrane reached approximately 99.197%, with a pressure drop of about 49.83 Pa. This study offers a new approach to developing efficient, low-resistance air filtration materials, showcasing the potential of material innovation in addressing air quality challenges within the sustainable development framework.
The Effects of Urbanization on Urban Land Green Use Efficiency of Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration: Mechanism from the Technological Innovation
Authors: Yang Changyong , Huang Jianyuan , Jiao Man , Yang Qi
Published: March 2024

It is urgent and essential to explore the facilitating mechanism of urban land green use efficiency (ULGUE) in promoting the coordinated development of humans and land. In this study, the SBM-DEA model was used to measure ULGUE from 26 cities across the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration (YRDUA) in China from 2006 to 2019. Desired (eco-friendly) outputs and undesired (non-eco-friendly) green outputs were considered in the selection of ULGUE indicators. This study explored the impact of the mechanism of green, digital, and transportation technological innovation on ULGUE in the process of urbanization by the mediation model. The results showed that urbanization has a positive effect on ULGUE and technological innovation, and for every 1% increase in urbanization, ULGUE increases by 0.048%. The results are still significant after robustness tests. The findings suggest that the improvement of social and economic benefits brought by urbanization in the YRDUA is greater than its negative impact. A mechanistic analysis showed that green, digital, and transportation technological innovation can amplify the positive impact by curbing the growth of energy consumption and alleviating pollution. Therefore, the government should promote ULGUE with technological innovation, construct an ULGUE assessment mechanism, incorporate the promotion of green land use into the planning of targets and incentives for technological innovation, and promote the efficient use of land.
Ecological Security Patterns Research Based on Ecosystem Services and Circuit Theory in Southwest China
Authors: Wu Qiang , Dai Yunchuan
Published: March 2024

The rapid economic development in the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle (CCEC) has exerted significant pressure on the ecological environment of the Sichuan–Chongqing Region in China. Balancing ecological protection and economic development has become an imperative challenge that needs to be addressed. In this study, we employed land use/cover data and environmental threat factors to construct Ecological Security Patterns (ESPs) for the CCEC using the InVEST model and Circuit Theory. The research findings revealed the following key outcomes: (1) The total area of suitable habitat in the CCEC was 208,728.3 km2, accounting for 87.14% of the study area. Habitat quality exhibited regional variations, with higher quality habitats predominantly found in the western and northeastern parts, and lower quality habitats in the central region. (2) The CCEC consisted of areas with low, medium, high, and optimal habitat quality, spanning 140,912.18 km2, 15,341.89 km2, 15,578.38 km2, and 36,895.85 km2, respectively. These areas accounted for 58.83%, 6.40%, 6.50%, and 15.40% of the study area, respectively. (3) The ESPs in the CCEC encompassed 22 ecological nodes, 36 clusters of ecological corridors, and 136 ecological sources. Ecological corridors served as radial connections, linking each ecological node and ecological source along mountain ranges, forested areas, river networks, and valleys. (4) The core ecological regions forming the ESPs of the CCEC included the Qionglai–Minshan–Longquan Mountains in the west, Tiefeng–Fangdou–Qiyue–Wushan Mountains in the east and northeast, and Dalou Mountain in the southeast. These regional-scale findings provide valuable insights for policymakers to implement targeted measures for ecological protection and promote green development. They offer objective guidance and constraints for managing urban expansion and anthropogenic activities, ultimately enhancing the ecological security level of the CCEC.
Stock Price Reaction to Environmental, Social, and Governance News: Evidence from Brazil and Financial Materiality
Authors: Piccioni Carlos A. , Bastos Saulo B. , Cajueiro Daniel O.
Published: March 2024

This study explores the relationship between Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and the market value of companies, with a focus on Brazil’s largest corporations. Recognizing the limitations of existing research tools for analyzing the impact of ESG factors, we introduce an innovative, open-source Dictionary of ESG Terms. This tool is designed to classify news content into the detailed categories established by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), thereby facilitating a nuanced analysis of ESG-related news and its subsequent effects on stock prices. Our analysis reveals that stock prices exhibit significant positive reactions to favorable ESG news and negative reactions to adverse ESG developments. Crucially, our findings underscore the discernment of investors, who appear to prioritize financially material ESG information over news bearing solely reputational or non-pecuniary significance. This distinction highlights the critical role of financial materiality in shaping market responses to ESG news. By providing empirical evidence from the Brazilian market, this study contributes to the broader discourse on ESG factors in corporate valuation. It offers practical tools and insights for investors, companies, and regulators aiming to better understand the complexities of ESG investment strategies. Through the application of our comprehensive ESG Dictionary, we shed light on the diverse dimensions of ESG impact, suggesting an approach to evaluate how ESG practices influence corporate market value in emerging economies.
Retarded Gravity in Disk Galaxies
Authors: Glass Yuval , Zimmerman Tomer , Yahalom Asher
Published: March 2024

Disk galaxies have a typical dimension of a few tens of kiloparsecs. It follows from the theory of general relativity that any signal originating from the galactic center will be noticed at the outskirts of the galaxy only tens of thousands of years later. This retardation effect, however, is absent in modelling used to calculate rotation curves throughout entire galaxies and their external gas. The considerable differences between Newtonian predictions and observed velocities are currently removed either by assuming dark matter or by suggesting various modifications to the laws of gravity, MOND being a long standing alternative to Newtonian gravity. In previous papers we have shown that by applying general relativity in a rigorous fashion, without neglecting retardation, one can explain the rotational velocities of galactic matter without modifying gravity or adding dark matter. Moreover, it was shown that dark matter effects, as they appear in gravitational lensing, the Tully-Fisher relation, and mass estimations based on the virial theorem could also be explained as retarded-gravity effects. It must be noted, however, that the proposed theory relies on the existence of a mass flow (of a changing rate) into the galaxy; a requirement that was not directly observed. In the original paper on the subject only one galaxy (M33) was analysed in detail. This was later amended with a published study of eleven galaxies. Here we give a more comprehensive retardation analysis of 143 galaxies of different types from the SPARC Galaxy collection. We show that in most cases we obtain very accurate fits to the data.
Optimal Economic Research of Microgrids Based on Multi-Strategy Integrated Sparrow Search Algorithm under Carbon Emission Constraints
Authors: Zhao Yuhao , Yang Sen , Liu Songlin , Zhang Shouming , Zhong Zhenyu
Published: March 2024

In the global transition towards sustainable energy, microgrids are emerging as a core component of distributed energy systems and a pivotal technology driving this transformation. By integrating renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, microgrids not only enhance energy efficiency and reduce reliance on traditional energy sources but also bolster grid stability and mitigate the risk of widespread power outages. Consequently, microgrids demonstrate significant potential in improving the reliability of power supply and facilitating flexibility in energy consumption. However, the operational planning and optimization of microgrids are faced with complex challenges characterized by multiple objectives and constraints, making the reduction in operational costs a focal point of research. This study fully considers an operational model for a microgrid that incorporates distributed energy resources and comprehensive costs, integrating a battery storage system to ensure three-phase balance. The microgrid model includes photovoltaic power generation, wind power generation, fuel cells, micro-gas turbines, energy storage systems, and loads. The objectives of operating and maintaining this microgrid primarily involve optimizing dispatch, energy consumption, and pollution emissions, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and minimize total costs. To achieve these goals, the study introduces a carbon emission constraint strategy and proposes an improved Multi-Strategy Integrated Sparrow Search Algorithm (MISSA). By applying the MISSA to solve the operational problems of the microgrid and comparing it with other algorithms, the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the carbon emission constraint strategy in the microgrid’s operation. Furthermore, the results prove that the MISSA can achieve the lowest comprehensive operational costs for the microgrid, confirming its effectiveness in addressing the operational challenges of the microgrid.
An Integrated Approach of Bioassays and Non-Target Screening for the Assessment of Endocrine-Disrupting Activities in Tap Water and Identification of Novel Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals
Authors: Liu Siyuan , Liu Jing
Published: March 2024

The safety of drinking water is a significant environmental issue of great concern for human health since numerous contaminants are often detected in drinking water and its sources. Boiling is a common household method used to produce relatively high-quality drinking water in some countries and regions. In this study, with the aid of an integrated approach of in vitro bioassays and non-target analysis based on high-resolution mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography, alterations in endocrine-disrupting activities in tap water samples without and with boiling were revealed, as well as the potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) contributing to these alterations were identified. The organic extracts of tap water had no significant (ant)agonistic activities against an estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) at enrichment concentrations of ≤10 times, posing no immediate or acute health risk to humans. However, the presence of agonistic activities against PR and MR and antagonistic activities against ER, PR, GR, and MR in OEs of tap water at relatively higher enrichment concentrations still raise potential health concerns. Boiling effectively reduced antagonistic activities against these steroid hormone receptors (SHRs) but increased estrogenic and glucocorticoid activities in drinking water. Four novel potential EDCs, including one UV filter (phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, PBSA) and three natural metabolites of organisms (beta-hydroxymyristic acid, 12-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid, and isorosmanol) were identified in drinking water samples, each of which showed (ant)agonistic activities against different SHRs. Given the widespread use of UV filters in sunscreens to prevent skin cancer, the health risks posed by PBSA as an identified novel EDC are of concern. Although boiling has been thought to reduce the health risk of drinking water contamination, our findings suggest that boiling may have a more complex effect on the endocrine-disrupting activities of drinking water and, therefore, a more comprehensive assessment is needed.
Boyer–Lindquist Space-Times and Beyond: Metamaterial Analogues for Arbitrary Space-Times
Authors: Schuster Sebastian , Visser Matt
Published: March 2024

Analogue space-times (and in particular metamaterial analogue space-times) have a long varied and rather complex history. Much of the previous related work to this field has focused on spherically symmetric models; however, axial symmetry is much more relevant for mimicking astrophysically interesting systems that are typically subject to rotation. Now it is well known that physically reasonable stationary axisymmetric space-times can, under very mild technical conditions, be put into Boyer–Lindquist form. Unfortunately, a metric presented in Boyer–Lindquist form is not well adapted to the “quasi-Cartesian” metamaterial analysis that we developed in our previous articles on “bespoke analogue space-times”. In the current article, we shall first focus specifically on various space-time metrics presented in Boyer–Lindquist form, and subsequently determine a suitable set of equivalent metamaterial susceptibility tensors in a laboratory setting. We shall then turn to analyzing generic space-times, not even necessarily stationary, again determining a suitable set of equivalent metamaterial susceptibility tensors. Perhaps surprisingly, we find that the well-known ADM formalism proves to be not particularly useful, and that it is instead the dual “threaded” (Kaluza–Klein–inspired) formalism that provides much more tractable results. While the background laboratory metric is (for mathematical simplicity and physical plausibility) always taken to be Riemann flat, we will allow for arbitrary curvilinear coordinate systems on the flat background space-time. Finally, for completeness, we shall reconsider spherically symmetric space-times, but now in general spherical polar coordinates rather than quasi-Cartesian coordinates. In summary, this article provides a set of general-purpose calculational tools that can readily be adapted for mimicking various interesting (curved) space-times by using nontrivial susceptibility tensors in general (background-flat) laboratory settings.
Measuring the Lense–Thirring Orbital Precession and the Neutron Star Moment of Inertia with Pulsars
Authors: Hu Huanchen , Freire Paulo C. C.
Published: March 2024

Neutron stars (NSs) are compact objects that host the densest forms of matter in the observable universe, providing unique opportunities to study the behaviour of matter at extreme densities. While precision measurements of NS masses through pulsar timing have imposed effective constraints on the equation of state (EoS) of dense matter, accurately determining the radius or moment of inertia (MoI) of an NS remains a major challenge. This article presents a detailed review on measuring the Lense–Thirring (LT) precession effect in the orbit of binary pulsars, which would give access to the MoI of NSs and offer further constraints on the EoS. We discuss the suitability of certain classes of binary pulsars for measuring the LT precession from the perspective of binary star evolution and highlight five pulsars that exhibit properties promising to realise these goals in the near future. Finally, discoveries of compact binaries with shorter orbital periods hold the potential to greatly enhance measurements of the MoI of NSs. The MoI measurements of binary pulsars are pivotal to advancing our understanding of matter at supranuclear densities, as well as improving the precision of gravity tests, such as the orbital decay due to gravitational wave emission, and of tests of alternative gravity theories.
Scoping Review of Clinical Presentations and Outcomes in Patients with Concomitant COVID-19 Infection and Acute Mesenteric Ischaemia
Authors: Cai Wenyi , Zhao Yi , Mallappa Sreelakshmi
Published: March 2024

Objectives: COVID-19 infection confers an increased risk of coagulation dysfunction (1) predisposing to thromboembolism in many anatomical sites including the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) (2). This study investigates the clinical presentation and outcome in patients presenting with concurrent COVID-19 infection and gastrointestinal tract ischaemia. Furthermore, differentiation and comparisons are drawn between those with arterial and venous aetiology for mesenteric ischaemia. Methods: A systematic search was undertaken on EMBASE, PubMed, and MEDLINE. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles according to the inclusion criteria and extracted relevant data. Data analyses were conducted using Excel®. Results: Forty-one studies were included in the data analyses, yielding 44 patients. Twenty-six patients had mesenteric arterial occlusion, sixteen patients had mesenteric venous occlusion, and two patients had both arterial and venous mesenteric occlusion. All patients had concurrent COVID-19 infection. The survival rate in patients with arterial aetiology was 38.5% in contrast to 68.8% in patients with venous aetiology. Twelve patients (29.3%) experienced respiratory symptoms in the community before the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms, and five (12.2%) developed gastrointestinal symptoms during their inpatient stay for COVID-19 pneumonitis. Conclusions: Acute mesenteric ischaemia presents a clinical challenge to diagnose due to its non-specific symptoms. Concurrent COVID-19 infection with its predominant respiratory symptoms adds a further challenge in recognising the non-specific symptoms of mesenteric ischaemia. Our study draws attention to the increased thromboembolic risk posed by COVID-19 infection and the need for a high index of suspicion to aid prompt diagnosis and management of acute mesenteric ischaemia, even in the post-pandemic era.
Disease Burden and Inpatient Management of Children with Acute Respiratory Viral Infections during the Pre-COVID Era in Germany: A Cost-of-Illness Study
Authors: Alchikh Maren , Conrad Tim O. F. , Obermeier Patrick E. , Ma Xiaolin , Schweiger Brunhilde , Opota Onya , Rath Barbara A.
Published: March 2024

Respiratory viral infections (RVIs) are common reasons for healthcare consultations. The inpatient management of RVIs consumes significant resources. From 2009 to 2014, we assessed the costs of RVI management in 4776 hospitalized children aged 0–18 years participating in a quality improvement program, where all ILI patients underwent virologic testing at the National Reference Centre followed by detailed recording of their clinical course. The direct (medical or non-medical) and indirect costs of inpatient management outside the ICU (‘non-ICU’) versus management requiring ICU care (‘ICU’) added up to EUR 2767.14 (non-ICU) vs. EUR 29,941.71 (ICU) for influenza, EUR 2713.14 (non-ICU) vs. EUR 16,951.06 (ICU) for RSV infections, and EUR 2767.33 (non-ICU) vs. EUR 14,394.02 (ICU) for human rhinovirus (hRV) infections, respectively. Non-ICU inpatient costs were similar for all eight RVIs studied: influenza, RSV, hRV, adenovirus (hAdV), metapneumovirus (hMPV), parainfluenza virus (hPIV), bocavirus (hBoV), and seasonal coronavirus (hCoV) infections. ICU costs for influenza, however, exceeded all other RVIs. At the time of the study, influenza was the only RVI with antiviral treatment options available for children, but only 9.8% of influenza patients (non-ICU) and 1.5% of ICU patients with influenza received antivirals; only 2.9% were vaccinated. Future studies should investigate the economic impact of treatment and prevention of influenza, COVID-19, and RSV post vaccine introduction.
Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Hepatitis C Infection—Reversibility after HCV Eradication: A Single Center Study
Authors: Androutsakos Theodoros , Tsantzali Ioanna , Karagiannakis Dimitrios S. , Flevari Pagona , Iakovou Despoina , Pouliakis Abraham , Kykalos Stylianos , Doris Stylianos , Xyla Vasileia
Published: March 2024

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is characterized by a variety of extra-hepatic manifestations; peripheral neuropathy (PN) is one of the most common, especially when mixed cryoglobulinemia (MCG) is present. The prevalence and risk factors of HCV-related PN in the absence of MCG are largely unknown. We conducted a prospective, single-center study, examining the prevalence and reversibility of HCV-associated neuropathy in the absence of MCG. Nerve fiber density in the epidermis was evaluated through skin biopsy and electroneurography (ENG) before HCV-treatment initiation and 1 year post sustained virological remission (SVR). Forty HCV-infected individuals (nine HIV co-infected) with no other neuron-harming factors were included; four other HCV mono- and three HIV co-infected individuals were excluded due to presence of diabetes, B12 insufficiency, or neurotoxic drugs. Twelve consecutive controls with no neuron-harming conditions were also recruited; eight more were excluded due to meeting exclusion criteria. Four patients had ENG signs of polyneuropathy (two with HCV mono- and two with HIV co-infection), while seven more (five with HCV mono- and two with HIV co-infection) had signs of mono-neuropathy, leading to PN prevalences of 22.5% and 44% for mono- and co-infection, respectively (p value 0.179). The two patients with HCV mono-infection and polyneuropathy and the one with ulnar nerve damage showed ENG improvement 1 year post SVR. Regarding intraepidermal nerve density, HCV infection, irrespective of HIV co-infection, was correlated with a lower intraepidermal neuron density that improved 1 year post SVR (p value 0.0002 for HCV and 0.0326 for HCV/HIV co-infected patients). PN is common in HCV infection; successful eradication of HCV leads to PN improvement.
Mosquito E-20-Monooxygenase Gene Knockout Increases Dengue Virus Replication in Aedes aegypti Cells
Authors: Li Bo , Wang Di , Xie Xiaoxue , Chen Xiaoli , Liang Guorui , Xing Dan , Zhao Teng , Wu Jiahong , Zhou Xinyu , Li Chunxiao
Published: March 2024

E-20-monooxygenase (E20MO) is an enzymatic product of the shade (shd) locus (cytochrome p450, E20MO). Initially discovered in Drosophila, E20MO facilitates the conversion of ecdysone (E) into 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and is crucial for oogenesis. Prior research has implicated 20E in growth, development, and insecticide resistance. However, little attention has been given to the association between the E20MO gene and DENV2 infection. The transcriptome of Ae. aegypti cells (Aag2 cells) infected with DENV2 revealed the presence of the E20MO gene. The subsequent quantification of E20MO gene expression levels in Aag2 cells post-DENV infection was carried out. A CRISPR/Cas9 system was utilized to create an E20MO gene knockout cell line (KO), which was then subjected to DENV infection. Analyses of DENV2 copies in KO and wild-type (WT) cells were conducted at different days post-infection (dpi). Plasmids containing E20MO were constructed and transfected into KO cells, with pre- and post-transfection viral copy comparisons. Gene expression levels of E20MO increased after DENV infection. Subsequently, a successful generation of an E20MO gene knockout cell line and the verification of code-shifting mutations at both DNA and RNA levels were achieved. Furthermore, significantly elevated DENV2 RNA copies were observed in the mid-infection phase for the KO cell line. Viral RNA copies were lower in cells transfected with plasmids containing E20MO, compared to KO cells. Through knockout and plasmid complementation experiments in Aag2 cells, the role of E20MO in controlling DENV2 replication was demonstrated. These findings contribute to our understanding of the intricate biological interactions between mosquitoes and arboviruses.
Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Voluntary Blood Donors in the Russian Federation
Authors: Potemkin Ilya A. , Kyuregyan Karen K. , Karlsen Anastasia A. , Isaeva Olga V. , Kichatova Vera S. , Lopatukhina Maria A. , Asadi Mobarkhan Fedor A. , Zlobina Anna G. , Zheltobriukh Andrey V. , Bocharova Ksenia A. , Belyakova Vera V. , Rassolova Svetlana V. , Ivanova Nadezhda V. , Solonin Sergey A. , Bazhenov Alexey I. , Godkov Mikhail A. , Mikhailov Mikhail I.
Published: March 2024

Transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is an increasing concern in many countries. We investigated the detection rate of HEV viremia in blood donors in Russia. A total of 20,405 regular repetitive voluntary non-renumerated blood donors from two regions (Moscow and Belgorod) were screened for HEV RNA using the cobas® HEV test in mini-pools of six plasma samples. Samples from each reactive pool were tested individually. The average HEV RNA prevalence was 0.024% (95% CI: 0.01–0.05%), or 1 case per 4081 donations. No statistically significant differences in HEV RNA prevalence were observed between the two study regions. The PCR threshold cycle (Ct) values ranged from 25.0 to 40.5 in reactive pools, and from 20.9 to 41.4 in reactive plasma samples when tested individually. The HEV viremic donors had different antibody patterns. Two donor samples were reactive for both anti-HEV IgM and IgG antibodies, one sample was reactive for anti-HEV IgM and negative for anti-HEV IgG, and two samples were seronegative. At follow-up testing 6 months later, on average, four donors available for follow-up had become negative for HEV RNA and positive for anti-HEV IgG. The HEV ORF2 sequence belonging to HEV-3 sub-genotype 3a was obtained from one donor sample. The sequencing failed in the other four samples from viremic donors, presumably due to the low viral load. In conclusion, the HEV RNA detection rate in blood donors in Russia corresponds with data from other European countries, including those that implemented universal donor HEV screening. These data support the implementation of HEV RNA donor screening to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted HEV infection in Russia.
Body Condition Scores in Cats and Associations with Systolic Blood Pressure, Glucose Homeostasis, and Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Vitor Rebeca Costa , Oliveira Joana Thaisa Santos , Navarro Adan William de Melo , Lima Ana Carolina Ribeiro , de Oliveira Gabriela Mota Sena , Munhoz Alexandre Dias , Sevá Anaiá da Paixão , Guedes Paula Elisa Brandão , Carlos Renata Santiago Alberto
Published: March 2024

Background: Feline obesity is the most common nutritional disease in cats. This study aimed to investigate the differences between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and circulating concentrations of glucose, fructosamine, and serum amyloid-A (SAA) in ideal-weight, overweight, and obese cats. Methods: The animals were divided into three groups: ideal-weight (BCS 5, N = 20), overweight (BCS 6, N = 20), and obese cats (BCS ≥ 7, N = 20). SBP, circulating concentrations of glucose, fructosamine, and SAA were evaluated. Results: The SBP values of the ideal-weight, overweight, and obese cats were 140.0 mmHg, 160.0 mmHg, and 160.0 mmHg, respectively. The blood glucose and fructosamine levels for the ideal, overweight, and obese cats were 104.0 mg/dL and 245.0 µmol/L, 123.0 mg/dL and 289.0 µmol/L, and 133.0 mg/dL and 275.0 µmol/L, respectively, for each group. The SAA values were <5 ug/mL in all the groups. The SBP values of the cats with ideal BCS were significantly lower compared to overweight (p = 0.019) and obese (p = 0.001) cats. The blood glucose values of obese cats were higher than those of ideal-weight cats (p = 0.029). There was no statistical difference between the groups for fructosamine and SAA. Conclusions: Obese cats had significantly higher SBP and blood glucose concentrations than ideal-weight cats, showing the effect of BSC on these parameters.
Assessment and Sustainable Management Strategies for Plastic Waste in Can Tho City, Vietnam: A Circular Economy Approach
Authors: Thanh Nguyen Truong , Toan Pham Van , Ty Tran Van , Lavane Kim , Minh Huynh Vuong Thu , Duy Dinh Van , Kumar Pankaj , Tantray Fayaz Ahmad , Meraj Gowhar
Published: March 2024

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of plastic waste accumulation in both terrestrial and aquatic environments in Can Tho city, Vietnam, a nation with high per capita plastic consumption and significant plastic waste discharge. Focusing on urban residential areas, riverside communities, suburbs, and rural regions, the research investigates the extent and impact of plastic waste in these diverse settings. Additionally, the study examines the accumulation of plastics at barriers, under bridges, and in the Hau River, identifying the predominance of single-use plastics and their environmental implications. The key findings indicate that the plastic waste leakage at land-based-source emission sites is substantial, with waste persisting for extended periods without effective clean-up. The study reveals a significant accumulation of plastics at barriers and bridge bases in aquatic environments, including along the river. The pollution level was observed to be more influenced by the quantity of waste rather than its mass per unit area, emphasizing the need for targeted waste reduction strategies. The study also identifies seven types of plastic, each associated with different sources of accumulation or settlement. This variety presents both challenges and opportunities for waste management and recycling. Significantly, the research underscores the potential of repurposing plastic waste into recycled products, aligning with the circular economy model. This approach not only extends the lifecycle of plastic products but also contributes to reducing plastic waste generation and minimizing the environmental impact. Overall, the findings highlight the urgent need for improved waste management practices in Vietnam, particularly in urban and riverside areas, and advocate for innovative recycling solutions to mitigate the environmental challenges posed by plastic pollution.
Global Events and Surge in Residential Water Demand: Exploring Possible Hydraulic Scenarios
Authors: Benavides-Muñoz Holger Manuel , Lapo-Pauta Mireya , Martínez-Solano Francisco Javier , Quiñones-Cuenca Manuel , Quiñones-Cuenca Santiago
Published: March 2024

For humankind to survive, access to sufficient and safe drinking water is fundamental. This study explores the connection between rising domestic water consumption and planetary phenomena, such as rapid population growth, climate change, and pandemics. To achieve the study’s objectives, it provides a thorough forecast of water use, considering probable global scenarios for the years 2030 and 2050. The modeling approach is adapted from a consistent case study taken from the body of scientific literature on water supply hydraulics. The study’s results highlight the necessity for proactive and flexible management strategies for water resources. Notably, it observes significant alterations in water supply management to adjust water allocation due to the unanticipated and ongoing increase in consumer demand. The forecasted scenarios indicate potential difficulties that may arise in meeting rising domestic water demand amid planetary phenomena. The presented results offer valuable insights to policymakers and water supply authorities, enabling them to effectively address the rising domestic water demand while considering potential adverse conditions, ensuring a sustainable water supply for future generations.
Socio-Economic Indicators for Water Management in the South-West Europe Territory: Sectorial Water Productivity and Intensity in Employment
Authors: Larraz Beatriz , García-Rubio Noelia , Gámez Matías , Sauvage Sabine , Cakir Roxelane , Raimonet Mélanie , Pérez José Miguel Sánchez
Published: March 2024

Given the need for water use to be a crucial consideration in sustainable development, an adequate water allocation system across economic sectors is essential, especially in the face of increasing seasonal and perennial water scarcity. In an attempt to facilitate a socially and economically efficient adaptation to the climate emergency, we propose a set of eleven socio-economic indicators to analyze the current water management. This set of indicators could help to quantify the interrelationship between water use and its economic perspective, as well as its social perspective through its impact on employment. Any demand for water not only includes the direct use of water but also its indirect use, referred to as virtual water. This is the water indirectly used through the other inputs in the production process (input–output methodology). These indicators are evaluated in the South-West Europe territory where, in light of increasing water scarcity, there is a need to orientate water allocation toward employment with less intensive water use, to more water productivity and to less environmental impacts. The results at river basin scales show that water use is more productive in the tertiary than in the secondary and primary sectors.
Assessment of Sediments’ Transport Triggering Processes through the Identification of Deposition Shapes in Large Reservoirs
Authors: Molina José-Luis , Espejo Fernando , Zazo Santiago , Diez-Castro Teresa , Mongil-Manso Jorge , Nespereira José , Patino-Alonso Carmen , Silla Fernando
Published: March 2024

Sediment deposition at the bottom of artificial reservoirs has become a worldwide problem. This comprises a dual issue that is, in the first place, associated with the reduction in storage capacity and lifetime of large reservoirs. The second aspect comprises the threat that the sediment represents for the dam structure. This research is mainly aimed at identifying and inferring the main sediments’ triggering processes through a rigorous analysis of deposition shapes in a large reservoir. For identifying the main deposition shapes, a sequential methodology was designed and developed comprising the following stages. First, an analysis of XYZ cartography from bathymetric development was conducted. Then, a shapes categorization was developed that comprises the identification of six types of shapes based on four parameters: slope continuity, slope break, absolute and relative slope, and arc configuration. The third stage comprised a visualization and spatial calculation of shapes through GIS-based cartography. The fourth stage comprised an interpretation of deposition shapes processes: for that, a dual analysis was developed. First, an analysis based on fluvial sediments transport processes was realized. The second stage implied an analysis of the dam influence on fluvial hydrodynamics and sediments transport. Results comprised a quantitative assessment of each shape as well as physical processes identification and interpretation, generating a robust equivalence between shapes and triggering processes. This research proved successful for the identification and characterization of the main deposition and transport processes that may help to prevent, palliate, and/or correct phenomenon of silting in large reservoirs. This detailed knowledge of deposition forms opens new strategies to release sediments from storage water more effectively.
Integrating Uncertainty in Performance Assessment of Water Distribution Networks by Scenario Building
Authors: Carneiro Joana , Loureiro Dália , Cabral Marta , Covas Dídia
Published: March 2024

This paper presents and demonstrates a novel scenario-building methodology that integrates contextual and future time uncertainty into the performance assessment of water distribution networks (WDNs). A three-step approach is proposed: (i) System context analysis, identifying the main key factors that impact the WDN performance; (ii) Scenario definition, identifying the implicated WDN variables, describing its possible evolution, and conjugating them to further establish the reference scenario and the two most relevant and opposite ones; and (iii) Scenario modelling, simulating the WDN behaviour for those scenarios. The obtained spatial and temporal hydraulic results are further used to calculate performance metrics. The methodology is applied to a real WDN to assess resilience performance considering infrastructure asset robustness (real water loss performance indicator), service reliability (minimum pressure index), and service flexibility (network resilience index). A new formulation to assess the metric evolution over time is proposed, deducting the further-away performance results by using an uncertainty weight. The results demonstrate that the increase in metric amplitude for the opposite scenarios over time highlights future uncertainty, reflecting context uncertainty, and the comparison of metric spatial distribution (i.e., at the pipe/node levels) highlights critical areas with higher associated uncertainty.
Statistical Analysis and Scenario Modeling of Non-Stationary Runoff Change in the Loess Plateau: A Novel Application of the Generalized Additive Model in Location, Scale and Shape
Authors: Zhang Shuqi , Zhi Tong , Zhang Hongbo , Dang Chiheng , Yao Congcong , Mu Dengrui , Lyu Fengguang , Zhang Yu , Liu Shangdong
Published: March 2024

The hydrological series in the Loess Plateau region has exhibited shifts in trend, mean, and/or variance as the environmental conditions have changed, indicating a departure from the assumption of stationarity. As the variations accumulate, the compound effects caused by the driving variables on runoff variations grow complex and interactive, posing a substantial risk to water security and the promotion of high-quality development in regions or river basins. This study focuses on the Tuwei River Basin in the Loess Plateau, which experiences significant changes in vegetation coverage and minimal human disturbance, and examines the cross-driving relationship between the runoff change and its driving variables (including hydrometeorological and environmental variables). A quantitative statistical analysis method based on the GAMLSS is then developed to estimate the interacting effects of changes in the driving variables and their contribution to runoff changes. Finally, various anticipated scenarios are used to simulate the changes in driving variables and runoff disturbances. The findings indicate the following: (1) The developed GU, LO, and NO distribution-based GAMLSSs provide a notable advantage in effectively capturing the variations in groundwater storage variables, actual evapotranspiration, and underlying surface parameters, as well as accurately estimating the impacts of other relevant variables. (2) The precipitation and groundwater storage variables showed predominantly positive contributions to the runoff change, but actual evapotranspiration had an adverse effect. The changes in underlying surface parameters, particularly since 2000, increase actual evapotranspiration, while decreasing groundwater storage, resulting in a progressive decrease in runoff as their contribution grows. (3) The scenario simulation results reveal that alterations to the underlying surface have a substantial influence on the evolution of runoff in the Tuwei River Basin. Additionally, there are cross-effects between the impact of various driving variables on runoff, potentially compounding the complexity of inconsistent changes in runoff sequences.
Using of Agricultural Land in Astrakhan Region. Problems and Solutions
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Institution Federal Scientific Center All-Russian Research Institute of Agricultural Economy, Moscow, Alakoz V.V.
Published: March 2024

The article examines the regulation of land relations in the agricultural sector of economy, as well as state and municipal administration of agricultural land use in Astrakhan region. The paper also considers private land ownership, the state land use and the rental system of agricultural land use with the vicious practice of one-time consumption of soil fertility and post-rental degradation of agricultural lands, land rent as a regulation of the rational use of agricultural land and the formation of local budgets using land payments, and other land problems and the ways to solve them. “Words follow facts” (Ivan Petrovich Pavlov).
TANGGAPAN RESPONDEN MENGENAI MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN "VIRTUAL MOJI LEARNING"
Authors: Rabbani Ilham , Arianingsih Anisa
Published: March 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana tanggapan responden terhadap media pembelajaran Virtual Moji Learning. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC). Proses tahapan yang dilakukan adalah pengonsepan, perancangan, pengumpulan bahan, pembuatan, pengujian dan pendistribusian. Penelitian ini dilakukan secara online dan melibatkan 30 mahasiswa Program Studi Sastra Jepang Universitas Komputer Indonesia tingkat I tahun akademik 2021-2022. Metode yang digunakan dalam pengumpulan data adalah kuesioner yang dibagikan secara online dan hasil akan dihitung menggunakan skala likert. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan Virtual Moji Learning  memperoleh nilai presentase 84,6% pada hitungan persentase nilai ideal, sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa video Virtual Moji Learning layak digunakan dalam media pembelajaran kanji N5.
Kata Kunci: Pembelajaran Daring, Media Pembelajaran, Kanji
ANALYSIS OF DENOTATION AND CONNOTATION MEANINGS IN THE SONG LYRIC “LA LA LOST YOU” BY NICOLE ZEFANYA (NIKI)
Authors: Hidayah Annisa Ghaisani Dzatil , Bustam Muhammad Rayhan
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine the meaning of denotation and connotations in the lyrics of the song La La Lost You by NIKI solo singer from Indonesia who Go International. The formulation of the problem in this study is first. How is the denotation meaning of the lyrics of the song La La Lost You by NIKI? second What is the connotation of the lyrics of the song La La Lost You by NIKI? third What is the short meaning of the lyrics of the song La La Lost You by NIKI? and the method used in this research is to use a qualitative descriptive approach to reveal the meaning of denotation and connotation. The technique of data collection was done by using sentence expression analysis. While the data analysis technique is Roland Barthes Semiotics analysis. This study concludes that first, the connotative meaning contained in the lyrics of the song La La Lost You by NIKI is to tell about the bitter taste of being in a relationship with a lover who eventually has to break up, but he is often curious about how his ex is doing. Second, the denotative meaning contained in the song is telling about enjoying the beautiful sunset and thinking if he is on the subway and if I am driving will he take the L-train.
Keywords: Connotation, Denotation, La La Lost You lyric, Meaning, Roland Barthes
SEMANTIC ANALYSIS OF OLIVIA RODRIGO'S SONG DRIVERS LICENSE USING CONTEXTUAL MEANING THEORY
Authors: Luthfiani Qori , Heriyati Nungki
Published: March 2024

This study analyzes literary works in the form of song lyrics where the data is taken from one of Olivia Rodrigo's songs entitled 'Drive License' which was released on January 8 2021. The song is intended for a lover who betrayed her. This study aims to analyze the meaning of the song. In this song, the man is claimed to only give women false hope and a feeling of disappointment over the betrayal of their lover. This study uses an analysis that examines semantic meaning using the Contextual Meaning theory approach by Pateda (2010) to analyze the meaning of feelings in the song lyrics, namely the context of the speaker's mood, for example sad, disappointed, afraid, irritated. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method which is by making observations using phenomena or facts obtained by conventional data. The results of the analysis illustrate that the lyrics of the song 'Drive License' adopt a sketch aesthetic and describe Olivia Rodrigo's healing in her broken heart which shows her feelings of sadness and disappointment towards the man who hurt her.
Keywords: Semantic, Contextual meaning, Olivia Rodrigo, Drivers License