bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with Decisions of Arab Minority Parents in Israel to Vaccinate Their Children against COVID-19
Authors: Ali-Saleh Ola , Bord Shiran , Basis Fuad
Published: May 2022

The Arab ethnic community in Israel is characterized by low social economic status and is at risk due to the typically crowded households. Understanding parents’ level of awareness is important to avoid new outbreaks. Objectives: This study seeks to identify predicting factors associated with perceived susceptibility to COVID-19, and barriers to COVID-19 vaccination. Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted through social media, using snowball sampling via social networks. Additionally, t-tests, Chi-square tests, and Z tests were used to evaluate differences between independent proportions. Pearson correlations were calculated for the study variables. Multiple logistic regression examined the extent to which the background variables were related to the intention to vaccinate the child. Results: A total of 2843 Arab parents participated in the study. Older parents, higher socioeconomic status, higher trust in the authorities, vaccinated parents, and low psychological and physical barriers were positively correlated with willingness to vaccinate children. Pandemic fatigue was associated with less positive attitudes and reduced perceived effectiveness toward vaccination. Conclusion: Addressing minorities’ poor standards of living and physical and psychological barriers posed by the authorities to minorities’ access to vaccination may increase compliance with COVID-19 vaccination and protect the health of the entire population.
Epitope-Based Vaccines against the Chlamydia trachomatis Major Outer Membrane Protein Variable Domain 4 Elicit Protection in Mice
Authors: Collar Amanda L. , Linville Alexandria C. , Core Susan B. , Frietze Kathryn M.
Published: May 2022

Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) is the most common bacterial sexual transmitted pathogen, yet a vaccine is not currently available. Here, we used the immunogenic bacteriophage MS2 virus-like particle (VLP) technology to engineer vaccines against the Ct major outer membrane protein variable domain 4 (MOMP-VD4), which contains a conserved neutralizing epitope (TTLNPTIAG). A previously described monoclonal antibody to the MOMP-VD4 (E4 mAb) is capable of neutralizing all urogenital Ct serovars and binds this core epitope, as well as several non-contiguous amino acids. This suggests that this core epitope may require conformational context in order to elicit neutralizing antibodies to Ct. In order to identify immunogens that could elicit neutralizing antibodies to the TTLNPTIAG epitope, we used two approaches. First, we used affinity selection with a bacteriophage MS2-VLP library displaying random peptides in a constrained, surface-exposed loop to identify potential E4 mAb mimotopes. After four rounds of affinity selection, we identified a VLP-displayed peptide (HMVGSTKWTN) that could bind to the E4 mAb and elicited serum IgG that bound weakly to Ct elementary bodies by ELISA. Second, two versions of the core conserved TTLNPTIAG epitope (TTLNPTIAG and TTLNPTIAGA) were recombinantly expressed on the coat protein of the MS2 VLP in a constrained, surface-exposed loop. Mouse immune sera IgG bound to Ct elementary bodies by ELISA. Immunization with these MS2 VLPs provided protection from vaginal Chlamydia infection in a murine challenge model. These data suggest that short peptide epitopes targeting the MOMP-VD4 could be appropriate for Ct vaccine design when displayed on an immunogenic bacteriophage VLP vaccine platform.
B-Cell-Based Immunotherapy: A Promising New Alternative
Authors: Gupta Sneh Lata , Khan Naeem , Basu Srijani , Soni Vijay
Published: May 2022

The field of immunotherapy has undergone radical conceptual changes over the last decade. There are various examples of immunotherapy, including the use of monoclonal antibodies, cancer vaccines, tumor-infecting viruses, cytokines, adjuvants, and autologous T cells carrying chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that can bind cancer-specific antigens known as adoptive immunotherapy. While a lot has been achieved in the field of T-cell immunotherapy, only a fraction of patients (20%) see lasting benefits from this mode of treatment, which is why there is a critical need to turn our attention to other immune cells. B cells have been shown to play both anti- and pro-tumorigenic roles in tumor tissue. In this review, we shed light on the dual nature of B cells in the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, we discussed the different factors affecting the biology and function of B cells in tumors. In the third section, we described B-cell-based immunotherapies and their clinical applications and challenges. These current studies provide a springboard for carrying out future mechanistic studies to help us unleash the full potential of B cells in immunotherapy.
Effects of ACTH-Induced Long-Term Hypercortisolism on the Transcriptome of Canine Visceral Adipose Tissue
Authors: Tavares Pereira Miguel , Martin Isabelle , Rehrauer Hubert , Kowalewski Mariusz P. , Boretti Felicitas S. , Sieber-Ruckstuhl Nadja S.
Published: May 2022

Cushing’s syndrome, or hypercortisolism (HC), a common endocrinopathy in adult dogs, is caused by chronic hypercortisolemia. Among different metabolic disorders, this syndrome is associated with enhanced subcutaneous lipolysis and visceral adiposity. However, effects of HC in adipose tissue, especially regarding visceral adipose tissue (VAT), are still poorly understood. Herein, the transcriptomic effects of chronic HC on VAT of dogs were evaluated. For this, subcutaneously implanted ACTH-releasing pumps were used, followed by deep RNA sequencing of the canine VAT. Prolonged HC seems to affect a plethora of regulatory mechanisms in VAT of treated dogs, with 1190 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, p and FDR < 0.01) being found. The 691 downregulated DEGs were mostly associated with functional terms like cell adhesion and migration, intracellular signaling, immune response, extracellular matrix and angiogenesis. Treatment also appeared to modulate local glucocorticoid and insulin signaling and hormonal sensitivity, and several factors, e.g., TIMP4, FGF1, CCR2, CXCR4 and HSD11B1/2, were identified as possible important players in the glucocorticoid-related expansion of VAT. Modulation of their function during chronic HC might present interesting targets for further clinical studies. Similarities in the effects of chronic HC on VAT of dogs and humans are highlighted.
Mammary Fibroadenoma in Cats: A Matter of Classification
Authors: Torrigiani Filippo , Moccia Valentina , Brunetti Barbara , Millanta Francesca , Valdivia Guillermo , Peña Laura , Cavicchioli Laura , Zappulli Valentina
Published: May 2022

Benign mammary lesions are infrequent in cats. Among these, the most common is feline fibroadenomatous change, a hyperplastic/dysplastic change associated with hormonal imbalances. Although never thoroughly described in scientific literature, feline fibroadenomas, which share some morphological features with fibroadenomatous change, have been variably included in classification systems. The aim of this study was to characterise feline mammary fibroadenomas from a histological and immunophenotypical point of view in order to allow the standardisation of classification. Nine cases were retrospectively collected from eight female and one male cat with no history of hormonal stimulation. Diagnostic inclusion criteria were defined and immunohistochemistry was performed. Histologically, nodules were composed of neoplastic epithelial cells arranged in arborizing lobular-like structures surrounded by abundant proliferating stroma. In all analysed cases, epithelial elements showed immunolabelling for pancytokeratin, cytokeratin19, and β-catenin. Interestingly, five cases showed multifocal epithelial vimentin positivity. Epithelial nuclear oestrogen receptor positivity was observed in three of the nine samples. In all cases, myoepithelial cells did not extend into the interstitium. Stromal cells expressed vimentin, calponin, and mild β-catenin. The median Ki67 scores were 18% and 8.3% in the epithelial and stromal components, respectively. This study describes, for the first time, the morphological and immunophenotypical features of feline mammary fibroadenoma, highlighting its existence as a separate entity from fibroadenomatous change.
Phylogenetic and Mutation Analysis of the Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Sequence Isolated in Costa Rica from a Mare with Encephalitis
Authors: León Bernal , González Gabriel , Nicoli Alessandro , Rojas Alicia , Pizio Antonella Di , Ramirez-Carvajal Lisbeth , Jimenez Carlos
Published: May 2022

Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an arboviral pathogen in tropical America that causes lethal encephalitis in horses and humans. VEEV is classified into six subtypes (I to VI). Subtype I viruses are divided into epizootic (IAB and IC) and endemic strains (ID and IE) that can produce outbreaks or sporadic diseases, respectively. The objective of this study was to reconstruct the phylogeny and the molecular clock of sequences of VEEV subtype I complex and identify mutations within sequences belonging to epizootic or enzootic subtypes focusing on a sequence isolated from a mare in Costa Rica. Bayesian phylogeny of the VEEV subtype I complex tree with 110 VEEV complete genomes was analyzed. Evidence of positive selection was evaluated with Datamonkey server algorithms. The putative effects of mutations on the 3D protein structure in the Costa Rica sequence were evaluated. The phylogenetic analysis showed that Subtype IE-VEEV diverged earlier than other subtypes, Costa Rican VEEV-IE ancestors came from Nicaragua in 1963 and Guatemala in 1907. Among the observed non-synonymous mutations, only 17 amino acids changed lateral chain groups. Fourteen mutations located in the NSP3, E1, and E2 genes are unique in this sequence, highlighting the importance of E1-E2 genes in VEEV evolution.
Degradation of Reactive Yellow 18 Using Ionizing Radiation Based Advanced Oxidation Processes: Cytotoxicity, Mutagenicity and By-Product Distribution
Authors: Shahzadi Maryam , Bokhari Tanveer Hussain , Nazish Nadia , Usman Muhammad , Ezzine Safa , Alwadai Norah , Iqbal Munawar , Alfryyan Nada , Iqbal Mazhar , Khosa Muhammad Kaleem , Abbas Mazhar
Published: May 2022

The degradation of Reactive Yellow 18 (RY-18), induced by gamma radiation in aqueous medium, was carried out as a function of gamma radiation dose (5–20 kGy) and concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the initial dye concentration and pH of the solution were optimized for the maximum degradation efficiency. Gamma radiations alone and in combination with H2O2 were used to degrade the RY-18. A degradation rate of 99% was achieved using an absorbed dose of 20 kGy, 0.6 mL H2O2 in acidic pH. Variations in the functional groups of untreated and treated RY-18 were determined by FTIR analysis. The LCMS technique was used to determine the intermediates formed during the degradation process. The cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of RY-18 were studied by hemolytic and Ames tests, respectively. There were significant reductions in cytotoxicity and mutagenicity in response to gamma radiation treatment. Cytotoxicity was reduced from 15.1% to 7.6% after treatment with a 20 kGy absorbed dose of gamma radiations with 0.6 mL H2O2. Mutagenicity was reduced by 81.3% and 82.3% against the bacterial strains TA98 and TA100 after treatment with a 20 kGy absorbed dose with 0.6 mL H2O2. The advanced oxidation process efficiency was evaluated using the byproduct formations, which were low-molecular-weight organic acid units, which through further oxidation were converted into carbon dioxide and water end products. Based on RY-18 degradation, cytotoxicity and mutagenicity reduction, the gamma radiation in combination with H2O2 has potential for the removal of dye from the effluents.
Investigation and Quantification of Erosions in the Margins of Water Bodies: A Systematic Review
Authors: de Souza Dias Viviane , de Faria Karla Maria Silva , da Luz Marta Pereira , Formiga Klebber Teodomiro Martins
Published: May 2022

Erosive processes along the margins of water bodies are driven by various phenomena. Understanding and quantifying these processes require multidisciplinary approaches spanning across geology, ecology, and engineering. Accordingly, a variety of quantification approaches and techniques have been previously applied. To this end, the objective of the present research was to conduct a systematic review of the subject literature, with an aim to identify the techniques adopted in the quantification of erosion in the margins of water bodies. This study used a systematic review strategy based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses—PRISMA. The results showed that the primary focuses of the investigations were channel dynamics and the use and coverage of riparian soils. Two of the identified research focuses remain scarcely discussed due to the logistical difficulties surrounding continuous monitoring: (1) the direct impacts of rain on the removal of soil from the margin, and (2) the influence of water content on soil surfaces. Seven field techniques for measuring erosion in the margin were identified and summarily compared in this review. There is a consensus in the literature that the application of each technique is dependent on the characteristics of the study site, as well as the available resources for analysis; however, to overcome certain limitations, different techniques have been used simultaneously for a combination of data. The use of models has stood out in relation to the use of field techniques.
Metrics Assessment and Streamflow Modeling under Changing Climate in a Data-Scarce Heterogeneous Region: A Case Study of the Kabul River Basin
Authors: Akhtar Fazlullah , Borgemeister Christian , Tischbein Bernhard , Awan Usman Khalid
Published: May 2022

Due to many uncertainties in hydrological data and modeling, the findings are frequently regarded as unreliable, especially in heterogeneous catchments such as the Kabul River Basin (KRB). Besides, statistical methods to assess the performance of the models have also been called into doubt in several studies. We evaluated the performance of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model by statistical indicators including the Kling-Gupta efficiency (KGE), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), and the coefficient of determination (R2) at single and multi-outlets in the KRB and assessed the streamflow under changing climate scenarios i.e., Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 (2020–2045). Because of the heterogeneous nature of the KRB, NSE and R2 performed poorly at multi-outlets. However, the KGE, as the basic objective function, fared much better at single-outlet. We conclude that KGE is the most crucial metric for streamflow evaluation in heterogeneous basins. Similarly, the mean and maximum annual streamflow is projected to decrease by 15.2–15.6% and 17.2–41.8% under the RCP 4.5 and 8.5, respectively.
Effects of Nitrogen in Sewage Treatment Plant Effluent on Organic Matter Target Indicator of TMDLs in Korea
Authors: Lee Eun Jeong
Published: May 2022

This study examined the relationship between water quality indicators (five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N)) by modeling them at sewage treatment plants (STPs) and receiving waters. Discharge loads from 2016 to 2018 were input into the QUAL-MEV water quality model, which is used for the total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) in Korea, and the results showed that the simulated BOD5 values decreased according to the reduction in the BOD discharged pollution load, while the observed water quality increased. This was caused by an increase in the total nitrogen discharged pollution load and the NH3-N effluence ratio from the STPs. Hence, the model was modified to reflect real-world conditions. After inputting a calibration factor calculated based on real data and the measured ratio of each type of nitrogen, the simulation was repeated, achieving results within ±20% of observed values. This model confirmed that BOD5 in the lower part of the river varies according to the change in the NH3-N ratio of the STP effluent. To better manage BOD5 and to establish achievable water quality targets, a plan that reflects the linkage among water quality indicators, such as the TMDLs used in the United States, should be introduced in Korea.
Effect of Eutrophication Control Methods on the Generation of Greenhouse Carbon Gases in Sediment
Authors: Sandoval-Chacón DAngelo A. , Hansen Anne M.
Published: May 2022

The accumulation of nutrients (eutrophication) in water bodies generally produces increased concentrations of organic matter that eventually are deposited in sediment, and partially mineralized, generating greenhouse carbon gases (GHCG). The application of eutrophication control methods includes the application of phosphate adsorbing materials such as Phoslock (PHOS), and hypolimnetic oxygenation systems (HOS). We evaluated the generation of GHCG in sediment subject to these eutrophication control methods. Combined water and sediment samples from the Valle de Bravo reservoir in Mexico, were incubated in reactors, where the following eutrophication control methods were applied: HOS, PHOS, HOS + PHOS, and compared to a reactor without treatment (CONTROL). Redox potential (Eh), pH, redox-sensitive ions, and GHCG emissions were monitored, observing the following rates: CONTROL (15.6 mmol m−2 d−1) > HOS (12.8) > HOS + PHOS (11.0) > PHOS (9.7 mmol m−2 d−1), with the CONTROL rate within values determined from published sediment core data. The GHCG emissions increased with time as Eh decreased, and sulfate reduction increased. Application of eutrophication control methods in the Valle de Bravo reservoir, would most probably result in lower GHCG generation and emission rates. This is due to the repression of sulfate-reduction in water-sediment systems where HOS and PHOS were applied both individually and combined.
Ecohydraulic Characteristics of a Differential Weir-Orifice Structure and Its Application to the Transition Reach of a Fishway
Authors: Liu Mingxiao , Xu Mengxin , Liu Zhen , Sun Dongpo , Guala Michele
Published: May 2022

A transition reach is usually necessary to connect two channels with different cross-sections to facilitate a gradual variation of the water depth and a mean flow velocity profile. A modified weir–orifice structure named differential weir-orifice (abbreviated DWO) is proposed here and applied to the transition reach of a fishway. Considering the preferred flow velocity and body shape of specific migrating fish, the design guidelines of a DWO plate are firstly discussed in terms of basic hydraulics. Then, by means of hydrodynamic numerical simulation and scale model tests, the design of a non-prismatic transition reach in a proposed large fishway is studied and optimized with a DWO. The simulation results indicate that the velocity profile in conventional weirs varies in the range of 2.5 to 3.2 m/s, and the head drop of each stage is up to 0.4 m, which is not suitable for fish migration. However, the flow could be improved by adopting the DWO: the split ratio of each weir gradually increases from 13% to 40%, with weir height decreasing along the reach, which allows the water drop of each stage to decrease by 35% to 50%. This causes the velocity over the weir to reduce in the range of 1.2 to 2.1 m/s, while the velocity in the orifice flow remains limited to 0.8 to 1.3 m/s. The flow velocity profile in the DWO also presents a bimodal distribution, with different flow layers increasing the suitability for fish migration. Moreover, the DWO also performs well in decreasing the vertical turbulent intensity together with the turbulent kinetic energy, reduced by about 33% at the weir crest. The energy at the bottom orifice is only about 28% of that at the weir crest. This indicates that the turbulent kinetic energy profile could be adjusted by the DWO, part of which is transferred from the weir crest to the bottom orifice. The model test results also show that the water surface experienced only gradual variation along the DWO. The adjusting functionality of the DWO can enable the fishway to be more effective, promoting an ecohydraulic design solution for fishway structures.
Microplastics in Freshwater Environment in Asia: A Systematic Scientific Review
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Inamura Yukako , Bao Pham Ngoc , Abeynayaka Amila , Dasgupta Rajarshi , Abeynayaka Helayaye D. L.
Published: May 2022

Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging pollutant in the aquatic environment, and this has gradually been recognized in the Asian region. This systematic review study, using the Scopus database, provides an insightful understanding of the spatial distribution of scientific studies on MPs in freshwater conducted across the Asian region, utilized sampling methods, and a detailed assessment of the effects of MPs on different biotic components in freshwater ecosystems, with special focus on its potential risks on human health. The results of this review indicate that research on microplastics in Asia has gained attention since 2014, with a significant increase in the number of studies in 2018, and the number of scientific studies quadrupled in 2021 compared to 2018. Results indicated that despite a significant amount of research has been conducted in many Asian countries, they were not distributed evenly, as multiple studies selected specific rivers and lakes. Additionally, around two-thirds of all the papers focused their studies in China, followed by India and South Korea. It was also found that most of the studies focused primarily on reporting the occurrence levels of MPs in freshwater systems, such as water and sediments, and aquatic organisms, with a lack of studies investigating the human intake of MPs and their potential risks to human health. Notably, comparing the results is a challenge because diverse sampling, separation, and identification methods were applied to estimate MPs. This review study suggests that further research on the dynamics and transport of microplastics in biota and humans is needed, as Asia is a major consumer of seafood products and contributes significantly to the generation of plastic litter in the marine environment. Moreover, this review study revealed that only a few studies extended their discussions to policies and governance aspects of MPs. This implies the need for further research on policy and governance frameworks to address this emerging water pollutant more holistically.
The Effects of Algaecides and Herbicides on a Nuisance Microcystis wesenbergii-Dominated Bloom
Authors: Lefler Forrest W. , Berthold David E. , Barbosa Maximiliano , Laughinghouse H. Dail
Published: May 2022

Microcystis-dominated cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) are a reoccurring problem globally, resulting in widespread economic and health impacts. As public awareness of the risks of blooms increases, there is an urgent need for studies on both short-term and long-term management of cyanoHABs. In order to provide science-based best management practices and treatment options, we tested various concentrations and combinations of USEPA-registered algaecides and herbicides on a Microcystis wesenbergii-dominated bloom. The bloom material was exposed to fifteen different algaecides, herbicides, or combinations, using four different concentrations. Cell abundance and morphology as well as microscopic analyses were undertaken at the time of collection and 72 h post-treatment. Overall, the effectiveness of the chemicals varied with the most efficacious treatments being SeClear®, and a combination of Hydrothol® 191 and GreenClean® Liquid 5.0, both of which resulted in a significant decrease at all tested concentrations after 72 h. Interestingly, Microcystis wesenbergii is more resistant to algaecides than M. aeruginosa. Results from this study provide valuable data for treating cyanoHABs and show the varied efficacy of different algaecidal formulations.
Efficient Use of Water in Tailings Management: New Technologies and Environmental Strategies for the Future of Mining
Authors: Cacciuttolo Carlos , Valenzuela Fernando
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, many major copper mining projects in desert areas with extremely dry climates, as in northern Chile and the southern coast of Peru, process sulfide ores at high production rates; in some cases over 100,000 metric tonnes per day (mtpd), generating large amounts of tailings, that are commonly managed and transported to tailings storage facilities (TSF) hydraulically using fresh water. Considering the extremely dry climate, water scarcity, community demands, and environmental constraints in these desert areas, the efficient use of water in mining is being strongly enforced. For this reason, water supply is recognized as one of the limiting factors for the development of new mining projects and for the expansion of the existing ones in these areas. New water supply alternatives, such as sea water desalinization, direct use of sea water, or water recovery from tailings, represent the strategy developed by the mining industry to deal with this growing scarcity. The focus of this paper is the possibility of applying different water supply technologies or a combination of these, implementing improved water management strategies that consider: environmental issues, technical issues, stringent regulatory frameworks, community requests and cost-effective strategies, that result in a reduction of freshwater make-up water requirements for mining (m3 per metric tonnes of treated ore).
Recent and Emerging Trends in Remediation of Methylene Blue Dye from Wastewater by Using Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Modi Shreya , Yadav Virendra Kumar , Gacem Amel , Ali Ismat H. , Dave Dhruv , Khan Samreen Heena , Yadav Krishna Kumar , Rather Sami-ullah , Ahn Yongtae , Son Cao Truong , Jeon Byong-Hun
Published: May 2022

Due to the increased demand for clothes by the growing population, the dye-based sectors have seen fast growth in the recent decade. Among all the dyes, methylene blue dye is the most commonly used in textiles, resulting in dye effluent contamination. It is carcinogenic, which raises the stakes for the environment. The numerous sources of methylene blue dye and their effective treatment procedures are addressed in the current review. Even among nanoparticles, photocatalytic materials, such as TiO2, ZnO, and Fe3O4, have shown greater potential for photocatalytic methylene blue degradation. Such nano-sized metal oxides are the most ideal materials for the removal of water pollutants, as these materials are related to the qualities of flexibility, simplicity, efficiency, versatility, and high surface reactivity. The use of nanoparticles generated from waste materials to remediate methylene blue is highlighted in the present review.
Drivers of Turbidity and Its Seasonal Variability at Herschel Island Qikiqtaruk (Western Canadian Arctic)
Authors: Klein Konstantin P. , Lantuit Hugues , Rolph Rebecca J.
Published: May 2022

The Arctic is greatly affected by climate change. Increasing air temperatures drive permafrost thaw and an increase in coastal erosion and river discharge. This results in a greater input of sediment and organic matter into nearshore waters, impacting ecosystems by reducing light transmission through the water column and altering biogeochemistry. This potentially results in impacts on the subsistence economy of local people as well as the climate due to the transformation of suspended organic matter into greenhouse gases. Even though the impacts of increased suspended sediment concentrations and turbidity in the Arctic nearshore zone are well-studied, the mechanisms underpinning this increase are largely unknown. Wave energy and tides drive the level of turbidity in the temperate and tropical parts of the world, and this is generally assumed to also be the case in the Arctic. However, the tidal range is considerably lower in the Arctic, and processes related to the occurrence of permafrost have the potential to greatly contribute to nearshore turbidity. In this study, we use high-resolution satellite imagery alongside in situ and ERA5 reanalysis data of ocean and climate variables in order to identify the drivers of nearshore turbidity, along with its seasonality in the nearshore waters of Herschel Island Qikiqtaruk, in the western Canadian Arctic. Nearshore turbidity correlates well to wind direction, wind speed, significant wave height, and wave period. Nearshore turbidity is superiorly correlated to wind speed at the Beaufort Shelf compared to in situ measurements at Herschel Island Qikiqtaruk, showing that nearshore turbidity, albeit being of limited spatial extent, is influenced by large-scale weather and ocean phenomenons. We show that, in contrast to the temperate and tropical ocean, freshly eroded material is the predominant driver of nearshore turbidity in the Arctic, rather than resuspension, which is caused by the vulnerability of permafrost coasts to thermo-erosion.
Evaluating the Influence of Deficit Irrigation on Fruit Yield and Quality Indices of Tomatoes Grown in Sandy Loam and Silty Loam Soils
Authors: Alordzinu Kelvin Edom , Appiah Sadick Amoakohene , AL Aasmi Alaa , Darko Ransford Opoku , Li Jiuhao , Lan Yubin , Adjibolosoo Daniel , Lian Chenguo , Wang Hao , Qiao Songyang , Liao Juan
Published: May 2022

The most important biotic stress factor impacting tomato crop biophysical, biochemical, physiological, and morphological features is water stress. A pot experiment was undertaken in a greenhouse to study the drought responsiveness of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) yield and quality indices in sandy loam and silty loam soils. For both sandy loam and silty loam soils, the water supply levels were 70–100% FC, 60–70% FC, 50–60% FC, and 40–50% FC of ETo (crop evapotranspiration) from the vegetative stage to the fruit ripening stage, calculated using the Hargreaves–Samani (HS) model compared to the time-domain reflectometer (TDR) values calibrated using volumetric water content (VWC). The experiment was conducted as a 2 × 4 factorial experiment, arranged in a completely randomized block design, with four treatments replicated four times. In this study, we examined how sandy loam and silty loam soils at different % FC affect the total marketable yield and quality components of tomatoes, concentrating on total soluble solids (Brix), fruit firmness, dry fruit mass, pH, titratable acid (TA), ascorbic acid (Vit. C), and carotenoid composition. Lycopene and β-Carotene were estimated using the UV spectroscopy method, with absorption spectra bands centered at 451 nm, 472 nm, 485 nm, and 502 nm. The results revealed that even though there were some limitations, TDR-based soil moisture content values had a strong positive correlation with HS-based evapotranspiration, with R2 = 0.8, indicating an improvement whereby TDR can solely be used to estimate soil water content. Tomato plants subjected to 40–50% FC (ETo) water stress in both sandy loam and silty loam soils recorded the highest total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content, and β-carotene content at an absorption peak of 482 nm, and lycopene content at an absorption peak of 472 nm, with lower fruit firmness, fruit juice content, and fruit juice pH, and a reduced marketable yield. Similarly, tomato plants subjected to 60–70% FC throughout the growing season achieved good fruit firmness, percent juice content, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content, and chlorophyll content (SPAD), with minimum fruit juice pH and high marketable yield in both soil textural types. It is concluded that subjecting tomato plants to 60–70% FC (ETo) has a constructive impact on the marketable yield quality indices of tomatoes.
Nitrate Removal from Groundwater by Heterotrophic and Electro-Autotrophic Denitrification
Authors: Yao Shuangshuang , Liu Lei , Zhang Shiyang , Tang Xinhua
Published: May 2022

A heterotrophic and autotrophic denitrification (HAD) system shows satisfactory performance for groundwater with nitrate contamination. In this study, an HAD system combining solid-phase heterotrophic denitrification and electrochemical hydrogen autotrophic denitrification (SHD-EHD) was developed for the treatment of nitrate-contaminated groundwater, in which polycaprolactone (PCL) was used as the carbon source to enhance the nitrate removal performance and prevent secondary pollution of the electrochemical hydrogen autotrophic denitrification (EHD) system. The denitrification performance, microbial community structure and nitrogen metabolism were investigated. The results showed that a high nitrate removal rate of 99.04% was achieved with an influent nitrate concentration of 40 mg/L, a current of 40 mA and a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 4 h. By comparing the performance with the EHD system, it was found that the HAD system with PCL promoted the complete denitrification and reduced the accumulation of NO2−-N. Analysis of the microbial community structure identified the key denitrifying bacteria: Dechloromonas, Thauera and Hydrogenophaga. A comparison of microbial communities from SHD-EHD and solid-phase heterotrophic denitrification (SHD) demonstrated that electrical stimulation promoted the abundance of the dominant denitrifying bacteria and the electroactive bacteria. Analysis of the nitrogen metabolic pathway revealed that the conversion of NO to N2O was the rate-limiting step in the overall denitrification pathway. The SHD-EHD developed in this study showed great potential for groundwater nitrate removal.
Temporal and Spatial Water Quality Assessment of the Geumho River, Korea, Using Multivariate Statistics and Water Quality Indices
Authors: Jo Changdae , Kwon Heongak , Kim Seongmin
Published: May 2022

The Geumho River in South Korea passes through a metropolitan area with a high population density and multiple industrial complexes; therefore, the water quality of this river is of significance for human health and economic activities. This study assesses the water quality of the Geumho River to inform river water quality management and improve pollution control using multivariate statistics and the Korean Water Quality Index (KWQI). Principal component and factor analyses identified factors related to organic pollutants and metabolism (principal factor 1) and phosphorus and fecal coliform content (principal factor 2). Based on the results of the cluster analysis, it was classified into four groups in time and three groups in space. Six temporal variables and seven spatial variables were extracted from discriminant analysis results; the most important water quality variables were high during the spring and summer seasons and in the midstream and downstream regions. Temporally, the KWQI was the highest in winter and the lowest in spring; spatially, the KWQI was the highest in the upstream and the lowest in the midstream sections. These results indicate that to improve effectiveness, water management interventions in the Geumho River should focus on the urban midstream section and spring season.
Estimating the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index Using Data-Driven Techniques: A Regional Study of Bangladesh
Authors: Elbeltagi Ahmed , AlThobiani Faisal , Kamruzzaman Mohammad , Shaid Shamsuddin , Roy Dilip Kumar , Deb Limon , Islam Md Mazadul , Kundu Palash Kumar , Rahman Md. Mizanur
Published: May 2022

Drought prediction is the most effective way to mitigate drought impacts. The current study examined the ability of three renowned machine learning models, namely additive regression (AR), random subspace (RSS), and M5P tree, and their hybridized versions (AR-RSS, AR-M5P, RSS-M5P, and AR-RSS-M5P) in predicting the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) in multiple time scales. The SPEIs were calculated using monthly rainfall and temperature data over 39 years (1980–2018). The best subset regression model and sensitivity analysis were used to determine the most appropriate input variables from a series of input combinations involving up to eight SPEI lags. The models were built at Rajshahi station and validated at four other sites (Mymensingh, Rangpur, Bogra, and Khulna) in drought-prone northern Bangladesh. The findings indicated that the proposed models can accurately forecast droughts at the Rajshahi station. The M5P model predicted the SPEIs better than the other models, with the lowest mean absolute error (27.89–62.92%), relative absolute error (0.39–0.67), mean absolute error (0.208–0.49), root mean square error (0.39–0.67) and highest correlation coefficient (0.75–0.98). Moreover, the M5P model could accurately forecast droughts with different time scales at validation locations. The prediction accuracy was better for droughts with longer periods.
Monitoring Bacterial Community Dynamics in Abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) and the Correlations Associated with Aquatic Diseases
Authors: Zhang Ting , Zhu Hui , Wang Juan , Lin Xiaozhi , Wang Jiangyong , Huang Yisheng , Li Bing , Mou Hongli , Ma Xilan , Wang Ruixuan
Published: May 2022

Bacteria are an integral component of their host. However, information about the microbiota living in and around many aquatic animals is lacking. In this study, multiplex bar-coded pyrosequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was used to monitor the dynamics of abalone, Haliotis discus hannai, bacterial communities in the intestine, water from cement culture ponds, and surrounding sea areas. Correlations between the bacterial communities and common aquaculture diseases were also evaluated. A total of 329,798 valid sequences and 15,277 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) from 32 samples were obtained by 454 tag amplicon pyrosequencing. The Shannon indices of the seawater samples ranged from 2.84 to 5.6 and the Shannon indices of the abalone intestine samples ranged from 1.2 to 5.12, which were much lower than those of seawater. The dominant phyla in seawater samples were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, Cyanobacteria, etc. The dominant phyla in the abalone intestine varied greatly in different months. The dominant genera in the seawater of the cement culture ponds changed in different months, mainly Psychrilyobacter and Pseudoalteromonas. The dominant genera in seawater from the open sea vary considerably between months. The dominant genus of bacteria in the abalone intestine during the months when abalones are susceptible to disease is mainly Mycoplasma spp. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that bacterial communities in seawater and the intestine responded differently to environmental variables, with similar microbiota in the same area. pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, and temperature were closely related to the samples from the sea area. Oxidation-reduction potential, salinity, phosphate, nitrate, and ammonia nitrogen concentrations were closely related to the water samples from the artificial pools. These findings may add significantly to our understanding of the complex interactions between microbiota and environmental variables in the abalone intestine as well as in the surrounding seawater.
Research on Active Obstacle Avoidance of Intelligent Vehicles Based on Improved Artificial Potential Field Method
Authors: Tian Jing , Bei Shaoyi , Li Bo , Hu Hongzhen , Quan Zhenqiang , Zhou Dan , Zhou Xinye , Tang Haoran
Published: May 2022

In the study of autonomous obstacle avoidance of intelligent vehicles, the traditional artificial potential field method has the problem that the vehicle may fall into the local minima and lead to obstacle avoidance failure. Therefore, this paper improves the traditional potential field function. Based on the vehicle dynamics model, a strategy of jumping out of local minima based on smaller steering angles is proposed. By finding a smaller steering angle and setting a suitable jump out step length, the intelligent vehicle is enabled to jump out of the local minima. Simulation experiments by MATLAB show that the improved method can jump out of the local minima. By comparing the planned trajectories of the traditional method and the improved method in static and dynamic obstacles situations, the trajectory planned by the improved method is smooth and the curvature is smaller. The planned trajectory is tracked by the Carsim platform, and the test results show that the improved method reduces the front steering wheel angle while the intelligent vehicle satisfies the vehicle dynamics constraints during active obstacle avoidance, which verifies the stability and rationality of the improved method.
Issues Concerning the Interpretation and Assessment of Career Adaptability: Perspective from Hong Kong, China
Authors: Wong Lawrence P. W.
Published: May 2022

The concept of career adaptability has been widely applied across cultural and educational settings in the hope of finding working solutions to facilitate school-to-work transition. In Hong Kong, China, there are signs showing that career adaptability scores are increasingly being used as the dominant benchmark to measure the effectiveness of career interventions designed for student populations. However, this concept is developed primarily based on western values. For it to fulfill its theoretical promises, the concept needs to be reinterpreted in the local context. This means that issues concerning the measurement and interpretation of career adaptability need to be clarified due to cultural differences. This paper attempts to address this issue by reviewing published studies on adaptability across other disciplines of psychology. Results showed that most published studies in Hong Kong on career adaptability did not use data and methodological triangulation research methodologies. Overall, this review shows that a reductionist approach has been applied to the study of career adaptability in Hong Kong. The current understanding of career adaptability remains largely at the psychological level only. Cognitive and behavioral changes are seldom studied or reported despite their importance. Implications on how future research could be enhanced are discussed.
Personal psychological characteristics of medical staff and the client
Authors:   FSBEI HE Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Shitova Anastasiya Aleksandrovna , Muntyan Irina Aleksandrovna ,   FSBEI HE Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia
Published: May 2022

According to the definition by A.V. Petrovsky and M.G. Yaroshevsky, "personality is a systemic (social) quality acquired by an individual in objective activity and communication and characterizing the degree of representation of social relations in an individual". In the article, the authors rely on the definition by A.V. Petrovsky, which considers personality as a social quality acquired in the process of communication and activity.
Analysis of biogas composition influence on the flame characteristic
Authors: Leonov Evgeny , Trubaev Pavel
Published: May 2022

The goal of this paper was the study flame lengths dependence on biogas composition to decide if the boiler`s furnaces using natural gas need reconstruction for biogas usage or it is possible to use the already existing equipment. The analytical one-dimensional model of a diffusion straight-flow flame in unrestricted and restricted space and the numerical three-dimensional model of a turbulent flame in a swirled airflow have been applied in this research. The research has analyzed the flame length for methane content of 20 to 100% in biogas. It has been concluded that by changing the methane content in biogas the heating plant1s operating mode can be stable on the condition that the biogas flow rate is controlled to ensure constant heat production during its combustion and turbulent flame with a swirled airflow. Combustion, in this case, can be done by using the same burner and without changing the size of the furnace.
Application of Engineering Methods for Calculation of Parameters of Methodological Furnaces for Modes with Reduced Productivity
Authors: Turulina Julia , Biryukov Aleksey
Published: May 2022

A method has been developed for determining the rational operating parameters of continuous furnaces for rolling production, under which, under conditions of reduced productivity, a given temperature and uniformity of metal heating are ensured and excessive fuel consumption is excluded. The development is based on the improvement of well-known engineering methods for calculating methodical furnaces. The establishment of rational heating modes is a reserve for reducing fuel consumption, reducing economic costs and increasing the level of energy efficiency of the process as a whole. The use of engineering calculation methods to achieve this goal is due to the need to alleviate the problems associated with solving the inverse problem of thermal conductivity and the direct use of the developed algorithms within the ACS to control processes in real time.

To check the correctness of the results obtained using the improved engineering technique, their verification is implemented using a mathematical model that solves the direct problem of thermal conductivity according to an explicit finite-difference scheme. The results obtained showed that in the investigated range of decrease in furnace productivity, the establishment of the proposed temperature profile allows reaching the required characteristics of the temperature field of the blanks.The threshold value of productivity has been determined, below which the required temperature of the workpieces is guaranteed to be reached. It is concluded that it is necessary to continue research to adapt the calculation method to the conditions of real production, as well as to optimize modes with productivity below the threshold value. The results obtained can be used to design new automated process control systems (APCS) or to improve existing ones.
Research of the problems of heat recovery of sewerage flows in residential buildings
Authors: Vybornov Dmitriy Vladimirovich , Udovichenko Zlata , Dolgov Nikolay
Published: May 2022

Household activities of people and industrial technological processes generate a colossal amount of energy, which is often dumped into water bodies, sometimes without a proper cleaning and cooling process. Subsequently, pollution of various kinds of substances and suspended particles occurs, in parallel with uncontrolled thermal emissions, which leads to a serious disruption of the ecosystem of natural objects. Using the thermal potential of wastewater is, to some extent, a rational solution, both for improving the ecological situation and for some economic benefit. Since industrial effluents should be considered in relation to each, separately taken, particular case, due to the variability of the chemical composition, thermal potential and the possible degree of utilization, the issue of utilizing the heat of domestic wastewater deserves special attention. The plant variants offered on the market provide specialized equipment with already completed components, and the wide variety of assortments makes it somewhat difficult to find the most efficient scheme. In order to find a balanced solution between cost and performance, it becomes necessary to research each individual work component. Thanks to this, it is possible to find out which designs are most acceptable for specific initial parameters of the primary coolant, in particular, domestic wastewater