bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Fuzzy Covering Rough Set Model Based on Generalized Overlap Functions and Its Application in MCDM
Authors: Su Jialin , Wang Yane , Li Jianhui
Published: March 2023

As nonassociative fuzzy logic connectives, it is important to study fuzzy rough set models using overlap functions that replace the role of t-norms. Overlap functions and t-norms are logical operators with symmetry. Recently, intuitionistic fuzzy rough set and multi-granulation fuzzy rough set models have been proposed based on overlap functions. However, some results (that contain five propositions, two definitions, six examples and a proof) must be improved. In this work, we improved the existing results. Moreover, to extend the existing fuzzy rough sets, a new fuzzy covering rough set model was constructed by using the generalized overlap function, and it was applied to the diagnosis of medical diseases. First, we improve some existing results. Then, in order to overcome the limitations of the fuzzy covering rough set model based on overlap functions, a fuzzy β-covering rough set model based on generalized overlap functions was established. Third, some properties of the fuzzy β-covering rough set model based on generalized overlap functions are discussed. Finally, a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method of the fuzzy β-covering rough set based on generalized overlap functions was proposed. Taking medical disease diagnosis as an example, the comparison with other methods shows that the proposed method is feasible and effective.
Nonlinear Wave Propagation for a Strain Wave Equation of a Flexible Rod with Finite Deformation
Authors: Aljuaidan Aqilah , Elbrolosy Mamdouh , Elmandouh Adel
Published: March 2023

The present work is attentive to studying the qualitative analysis for a nonlinear strain wave equation describing the finite deformation elastic rod taking into account transverse inertia, and shearing strain. The strain wave equation is rewritten as a dynamic system by applying a particular transformation. The bifurcation of the solutions is examined, and the phase portrait is depicted. Based on the bifurcation constraints, the integration of the first integral of the dynamic system along specified intervals leads to real wave solutions. We prove the strain wave equation has periodic, solitary wave solutions and does not possess kink (or anti-kink) solutions. In addition, the set of discovered solutions contains Jacobi-elliptic, trigonometric, and hyperbolic functions. This model contains many kinds of solutions, which are always symmetric or anti-symmetric in space. We study how the change in the physical parameters impacts the solutions that are found. Numerically, the behavior of the strain wave for the elastic rod is examined when particular periodic forces act on it, and moreover, we clarify the existence of quasi-periodic motion. To clarify these solutions, we present a 3D representation of them and the corresponding phase orbit.
The Geometry of the Inextensible Flows of Timelike Curves according to the Quasi-Frame in Minkowski Space R2,1
Authors: Gaber Samah , Sorour Adel H.
Published: March 2023

The study of the flows of curves is one of the most fascinating research areas in differential geometry. In this paper, we investigate the geometry of the flows of timelike curves according to the quasi-frame in Minkowski space R2,1 (In this paper, we refer to these curves as “quasi-timelike curves”). We investigate the evolution of quasi-timelike curves using the velocity functions and obtain the necessary and sufficient conditions for inextensibility. Additionally, we obtain the explicit forms of the time evolution equations for the quasi-orthonormal frames (tangent, quasi-normal, and quasi-binormal vectors) of the quasi-timelike curve as well as the time evolution equations of their quasi-curvatures. We present a new application for motion with velocities equal to the quasi-curvatures of the quasi-timelike curve. In this application, the time evolution equations of the quasi-curvatures arise as a system of partial differential equations with the form of the heat equation, and by solving this system, we visualize the evolution of quasi-curvatures and the evolution of the quasi-timelike curve. In addition, the acceleration functions are used to investigate the flows of inextensible quasi-timelike curves, and an application for accelerations equal to the quasi-curvatures is given. Through this application, the position vector of the quasi-timelike curve satisfies the one-dimensional wave equation, and the time evolution equations of the quasi-curvatures arise as a system of transport equations. We obtain the solutions and graph them using Wolfram Mathematica 12.
Photo-Thermoelasticity Heat Transfer Modeling with Fractional Differential Actuators for Stimulated Nano-Semiconductor Media
Authors: Askar Sameh , Abouelregal Ahmed E. , Marin Marin , Foul Abdelaziz
Published: March 2023

The term “optical thermoelasticity” is used to describe how the optical properties of a material change when it is heated or deformed mechanically. The issues of effective elastic and heat transfer symmetry are given particular focus. This study gives a new nonlocal theoretical formulation for a thermo-optical elastic material that can be used to describe how thermomechanical waves and plasma waves relate to the symmetry of semiconductor materials such as silicon or germanium. The suggested model includes the idea of nonlocal elasticity and a modified Moore–Gibson–Thompson (MGT) heat conduction equation with nonsingular fractional derivative operators. The heat transfer equation has been converted and generalized into a nonsingular fractional form based on the concepts of Atangana and Baleanu (AB) using the Mittag–Leffler kernel. The developed model is used to examine the effect of thermal loading by ramp-type heating on a free plane of unbounded semiconductor material symmetries. Using the Laplace transform approach, we may analytically obtain linear solutions for the investigated thermo-photo-elastic fields, such as temperature. The Discussion section includes a set of graphs that were generated using Mathematica to evaluate the impact of the essential parameters.
Symmetrical Solutions for Non-Local Fractional Integro-Differential Equations via Caputo–Katugampola Derivatives
Authors: Al-Ghafri Khalil S. , Alabdala Awad T. , Redhwan Saleh S. , Bazighifan Omar , Ali Ali Hasan , Iambor Loredana Florentina
Published: March 2023

Fractional calculus, which deals with the concept of fractional derivatives and integrals, has become an important area of research, due to its ability to capture memory effects and non-local behavior in the modeling of real-world phenomena. In this work, we study a new class of fractional Volterra–Fredholm integro-differential equations, involving the Caputo–Katugampola fractional derivative. By applying the Krasnoselskii and Banach fixed-point theorems, we prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions to this problem. The modified Adomian decomposition method is used, to solve the resulting fractional differential equations. This technique rapidly provides convergent successive approximations of the exact solution to the given problem; therefore, we investigate the convergence of approximate solutions, using the modified Adomian decomposition method. Finally, we provide an example, to demonstrate our results. Our findings contribute to the current understanding of fractional integro-differential equations and their solutions, and have the potential to inform future research in this area.
Relation among Mercury, Selenium, and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Northern Pike (Esox lucius)
Authors: Magnuson Jason T. , Sandheinrich Mark B.
Published: March 2023

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic environmental contaminant associated with oxidative stress in freshwater fish. A known antagonist to Hg, selenium (Se), may reduce the toxic effects of Hg. In this study, the relation among Se, methylmercury (MeHg), inorganic mercury (IHg), total mercury (THg), and the expression of biomarkers of oxidative stress and metal regulation in livers of northern pike were examined. Livers from northern pike were collected from 12 lakes in Isle Royale National Park, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and Voyageurs National Park. The concentrations of MeHg, THg, and Se were measured in liver tissue, and the expression of superoxide dismutase (sod), catalase (cat), glutathione s-transferase (gst), and metallothionein (mt) was assessed. There was a positive relationship between the concentrations of THg and Se, with a Hg:Se molar ratio less than one in all livers examined. There was no significant relation between sod, cat, gst, or mt expression and Hg:Se molar ratios. cat and sod expression were significantly related to increases in percent MeHg, relative to THg; however, gst and mt expression were not significantly altered. This suggests that incorporating biomarkers containing Se may be a better indicator than non-selenium-containing proteins of assessing the long-term effect of Hg and the interactions between Hg and Se in the livers of fish, such as northern pike, especially when molar concentrations of Se are greater than Hg.
Incidence and Levels of Aflatoxin M1 in Artisanal and Manufactured Cheese in Pernambuco State, Brazil
Authors: Silva Isabela Maria de Moura , da Cruz Adriano Gomes , Ali Sher , Freire Lucas Gabriel Dionisio , Fonseca Luzianna Macedo , Rosim Roice Eliana , Corassin Carlos Humberto , Oliveira Rodrigo Barbosa Acioli de , Oliveira Carlos Augusto Fernandes de
Published: March 2023

Cheese is one of the most susceptible dairy foods to accumulating aflatoxins due to their high affinity to caseins. The consumption of cheese contaminated with high levels of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) can be highly harmful to humans. The present work, based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), highlights the frequency and levels of AFM1 in coalho and mozzarella cheese samples (n = 28) from the main cheese-processing plants in Araripe Sertão and Agreste in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Of the evaluated cheeses, 14 samples were artisanal cheeses and the remaining 14 were industrial (manufactured) cheeses. All samples (100%) had detectable levels of AFM1, with concentrations ranging from 0.026 to 0.132 µg/kg. Higher levels (p < 0.05) of AFM1 were observed in artisanal mozzarella cheeses, but none of the cheese samples exceed the maximum permissible limits (MPLs) of 2.5 µg/kg established for AFM1 in cheese in Brazil and 0.25 µg/kg in the European countries by the European Union (EU). The high incidence of low levels of AFM1 found in the evaluated cheeses underscores the need for stringent control measures to prevent this mycotoxin in milk used for cheese production in the study area, with the aim of protecting public health and reducing significant economic losses for producers.
Tetrodotoxin Profiles in Xanthid Crab Atergatis floridus and Blue-Lined Octopus Hapalochlaena cf. fasciata from the Same Site in Nagasaki, Japan
Authors: Zhang Yuchengmin , Yamate Yuta , Takegaki Takeshi , Arakawa Osamu , Takatani Tomohiro
Published: March 2023

The xanhid crab Atergatis floridus and the blue-lined octopus Hapalochlaena cf. fasciata have long been known as TTX-bearing organisms. It has been speculated that the TTX possessed by both organisms is exogenously toxic through the food chain, since they are reported to have geographic and individual differences. The source and supply chain of TTX for both of these organisms, however, remain unclear. On the other hand, since crabs are one of the preferred prey of octopuses, we focused our attention on the relationship between the two species living in the same site. The aim of this study was to determine TTX concentrations and TTX profiles of A. floridus and H. cf. fasciata, collected simultaneously in the same site, and examine the relationship between them. Although there were individual differences in the TTX concentration in both A. floridus and H. cf. fasciata, the toxin components commonly contained 11-norTTX-6(S)-ol in addition to TTX as the major components, with 4-epiTTX, 11-deoxyTTX, and 4,9-anhydroTTX as the minor components. The results suggest that octopuses and crabs in this site acquire TTX from common prey, including TTX-producing bacteria and/or may have a predator–prey relationship.
Exploring the Profile of Cell Populations and Soluble Immunological Mediators in Bothrops atrox Envenomations
Authors: Coelho Kerolaine Fonseca , Neves Juliana Costa Ferreira , Ibiapina Hiochelson Najibe Santos , Magalhães-Gama Fábio , Barbosa Fabiane Bianca Albuquerque , Silva Flavio Souza , Wellmann Irmgardt Alicia María , Sachett Jacqueline Almeida Gonçalves , Tarragô Andréa Monteiro , Ferreira Luiz Carlos Lima , Malheiro Adriana , Monteiro Wuelton Marcelo , Costa Allyson Guimarães
Published: March 2023

Bothrops atrox envenomations are common in the Brazilian Amazon. The venom of B. atrox is highly inflammatory, which results in severe local complications, including the formation of blisters. Moreover, there is little information on the immune mechanisms associated with this condition. Thus, a longitudinal study was carried out to characterize the profile of the cell populations and soluble immunological mediators in the peripheral blood and blisters in B. atrox patients s according to their clinical manifestations (mild and severe). A similar response in both B. atrox patient groups (MILD and SEV) was observed, with an increase in inflammatory monocytes, NKT, and T and B cells, as well as CCL2, CCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10, IL-1β and IL-10, when compared with the group of healthy blood donors. After the administration of antivenom, the participation of patrolling monocytes and IL-10 in the MILD group was observed. In the SEV group, the participation of B cells was observed, with high levels of CCL2 and IL-6. In the blister exudate, a hyperinflammatory profile was observed. In conclusion, we revealed the involvement of cell populations and soluble mediators in the immune response to B. atrox envenomation at the local and peripheral level, which is related to the onset and extent of the inflammation/clinical manifestation.
An Epidemiological Survey of Intestinal Parasitic Infection and the Socioeconomic Status of the Ethnic Minority People of Moken and Orang Laut
Authors: Wattano Suphaluck , Kerdpunya Kamonwan , Keawphanuk Phongton , Hunnangkul Saowalak , Loimak Sumas , Tungtrongchitra Aunchalee , Wongkamchai Metta , Wongkamchai Sirichit
Published: March 2023

Ethnic minority groups are often subjected to exclusion, social and healthcare marginalization, and poverty. There appears to be important linkages between ethnic minority groups, poor socioeconomic status, and a high prevalence of parasitic infection. Data regarding the prevalence and health effects of IPIs are necessary in the development and implementation of targeted prevention and control strategies to eradicate intestinal parasitic infection in the high-risk population. Thus, we investigated for the first time the intestinal parasitic infection status (IPIs), the socioeconomic status, and sanitary condition in the communities of Moken and Orang Laut, the ethnic minority peoples living on the coast of southwest Thailand. A total of 691 participants participated in the present study. The information concerning socioeconomic status and sanitary condition of the study population was obtained by personal interviews using a picture questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and examined for intestinal parasitic infection using direct wet smear and formalin-ethyl acetate concentration techniques. The results revealed that 62% of the study population were infected with one or more types of intestinal parasites. The highest prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was found in the 11–20-year-old age range group. A statistically significant difference of IPIs among the three communities were observed (p < 0.0001). There was a statistical difference concerning 44 multiple infections of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) (p < 0.001), whereas no statistically significant difference in multiple infections of protozoa was observed (p > 0.55). The results also displayed the significant difference in socioeconomic status and sanitary condition among the Moken living in Ranong and Phang Nga and the Orang Laut living in the Satun province (p < 0.001). Our study found no direct association between parasitic infection status and ethnic/geographic features; however, socioeconomic status is the key factor associated with prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection, with the observation that the higher prevalence of IPIs is due to a low socioeconomic status, consequently leading to poor hygiene and sanitation practices. The picture questionnaire played a major role in information gathering, especially from those of low or no education. Lastly, data pertaining to the species of the parasites and the mode of transmission assisted in the identification of group-specific vulnerabilities and shortcomings that can be utilized in education and corrected to reduce the prevalence of infection in the study areas.
Contemporary Philosophical Perspectives on the Cosmological Constant
Authors: Koberinski Adam , Falck Bridget , Smeenk Chris
Published: March 2023

The (re)introduction of Λ into cosmology has spurred debates that touch on central questions in philosophy of science, as well as the foundations of general relativity and particle physics. We provide a systematic assessment of the often implicit philosophical assumptions guiding the methodology of precision cosmology in relation to dark energy. We start by briefly introducing a recent account of scientific progress in terms of risky and constrained lines of inquiry. This allows us to contrast aspects of Λ that make it relevantly different from other theoretical entities in science, such as its remoteness from direct observation or manipulability. We lay out a classification for possible ways to explain apparent accelerated expansion but conclude that these conceptually clear distinctions may blur heavily in practice. Finally, we consider the important role played in cosmology by critical tests of background assumptions, approximation techniques, and core principles, arguing that the weak anthropic principle fits into this category. We argue that some core typicality assumptions—such as the Copernican principle and the cosmological principle—are necessary though not provable, while others—such as the strong anthropic principle and appeals to naturalness or probability in the multiverse—are not similarly justifiable.
Hop Latent Viroid: A Hidden Threat to the Cannabis Industry
Authors: Adkar-Purushothama Charith Raj , Sano Teruo , Perreault Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2023

Hop latent viroid (HLVd) is the biggest concern for cannabis and hop growers worldwide. Although most HLVd-infected plants remain asymptomatic, research on hops has demonstrated a decrease in both the α-bitter acid and terpene content of hop cones, which affects their economic value. The HLVd-associated “dudding” or “duds” disease of cannabis was first reported in 2019 in California. Since then, the disease has become widespread in cannabis-growing facilities across North America. Although severe yield loss associated with duds disease has been recorded, little scientific information is available to growers in order to contain HLVd. Consequently, this review aims to summarise all of the scientific information available on HLVd so as to be able to understand the effect of HLVd on yield loss, cannabinoid content, terpene profile, disease management and inform crop protection strategies.
Ability of Non-Hosts and Cucurbitaceous Weeds to Transmit Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus
Authors: Lovelock David A. , Mintoff Sharl J. L. , Kurz Nadine , Neilsen Merran , Patel Shreya , Constable Fiona E. , Tran-Nguyen Lucy T. T.
Published: March 2023

Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) is a Tobamovirus of economic importance affecting cucurbit crops and Asian cucurbit vegetables. Non-host crops of CGMMV, including capsicum (Capsicum annum), sweetcorn (Zea mays), and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), were tested for their susceptibility to the virus, with field and glasshouse trials undertaken. After 12 weeks post-sowing, the crops were tested for the presence of CGMMV, and in all cases, no CGMMV was detected. Commonly found within the growing regions of cucurbits and melons worldwide are weeds, such as black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), wild gooseberry (Physalis minima), pigweed (Portulaca oleracea), and Amaranth species. Several weeds/grasses were tested for their ability to become infected with CGMMV by inoculating weeds directly with CGMMV and routinely testing over a period of eight weeks. Amaranthus viridis was found to be susceptible, with 50% of the weeds becoming infected with CGMMV. To further analyse this, six Amaranth samples were used as inoculum on four watermelon seedlings per sample and tested after eight weeks. CGMMV was detected in three of six watermelon bulk samples, indicating that A. viridis is a potential host/reservoir for CGMMV. Further research into the relationship between CGMMV and weed hosts is required. This research also highlights the importance of proper weed management to effectively manage CGMMV.
Intranasal Boosting with Spike Fc-RBD of Wild-Type SARS-CoV-2 Induces Neutralizing Antibodies against Omicron Subvariants and Reduces Viral Load in the Nasal Turbinate of Mice
Authors: Cai Jian-Piao , Luo Cuiting , Wang Kun , Cao Hehe , Chen Lin-Lei , Zhang Xiaojuan , Han Yuting , Yin Feifei , Zhang Anna Jinxia , Chu Hin , Yuan Shuofeng , Kok Kin-Hang , To Kelvin Kai-Wang , Chen Honglin , Chen Zhiwei , Jin Dong-Yan , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Chan Jasper Fuk-Woo
Published: March 2023

The emergence of new immune-evasive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants and subvariants outpaces the development of vaccines specific against the dominant circulating strains. In terms of the only accepted immune correlate of protection, the inactivated whole-virion vaccine using wild-type SARS-CoV-2 spike induces a much lower serum neutralizing antibody titre against the Omicron subvariants. Since the inactivated vaccine given intramuscularly is one of the most commonly used coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in developing regions, we tested the hypothesis that intranasal boosting after intramuscular priming would provide a broader level of protection. Here, we showed that one or two intranasal boosts with the Fc-linked trimeric spike receptor-binding domain from wild-type SARS-CoV-2 can induce significantly higher serum neutralizing antibodies against wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and the Omicron subvariants, including BA.5.2 and XBB.1, with a lower titre in the bronchoalveolar lavage of vaccinated Balb/c mice than vaccination with four intramuscular doses of inactivated whole virion vaccine. The intranasally vaccinated K18-hACE2-transgenic mice also had a significantly lower nasal turbinate viral load, suggesting a better protection of the upper airway, which is the predilected site of infection by Omicron subvariants. This intramuscular priming and intranasal boosting approach that achieves broader cross-protection against Omicron variants and subvariants may lengthen the interval required for changing the vaccine immunogen from months to years.
The Development of Gut Microbiota and Its Changes Following C. jejuni Infection in Broilers
Authors: Al Hakeem Walid Ghazi , Acevedo Villanueva Keila Y. , Selvaraj Ramesh K.
Published: March 2023

The gut is home to more than millions of bacterial species. The gut bacteria coexist with the host in a symbiotic relationship that can influence the host’s metabolism, nutrition, and physiology and even module various immune functions. The commensal gut microbiota plays a crucial role in shaping the immune response and provides a continuous stimulus to maintain an activated immune system. The recent advancements in high throughput omics technologies have improved our understanding of the role of commensal bacteria in developing the immune system in chickens. Chicken meat continues to be one of the most consumed sources of protein worldwide, with the demand expected to increase significantly by the year 2050. Yet, chickens are a significant reservoir for human foodborne pathogens such as Campylobacter jejuni. Understanding the interaction between the commensal bacteria and C. jejuni is essential in developing novel technologies to decrease C. jejuni load in broilers. This review aims to provide current knowledge of gut microbiota development and its interaction with the immune system in broilers. Additionally, the effect of C. jejuni infection on the gut microbiota is addressed.
Development of an Inactivated Avian Influenza Virus Vaccine against Circulating H9N2 in Chickens and Ducks
Authors: Liu Yuzhuo , Zhao Dongmin , Zhang Jingfeng , Huang Xinmei , Han Kaikai , Liu Qingtao , Yang Jing , Zhang Lijiao , Li Yin
Published: March 2023

Avian influenza virus (AIV) subtype H9N2 is the most widespread AIV in poultry worldwide, causing great economic losses in the global poultry industry. Chickens and ducks are the major hosts and play essential roles in the transmission and evolution of H9N2 AIV. Vaccines are considered an effective strategy for fighting H9N2 infection. However, due to the differences in immune responses to infection, vaccines against H9N2 AIV suitable for use in both chickens and ducks have not been well studied. This study developed an inactivated H9N2 vaccine based on a duck-origin H9N2 AIV and assessed its effectiveness in the laboratory. The results showed that the inactivated H9N2 vaccine elicited significant haemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibodies in both chickens and ducks. Virus challenge experiments revealed that immunization with this vaccine significantly blocked virus shedding after infection by both homogenous and heterologous H9N2 viruses. The vaccine was efficacious in chicken and duck flocks under normal field conditions. We also found that egg-yolk antibodies were produced by laying birds immunized with the inactivated vaccine, and high levels of maternal antibodies were detected in the serum of the offspring. Taken together, our study showed that this inactivated H9N2 vaccine could be extremely favourable for the prevention of H9N2 in both chickens and ducks.
Flash Electroretinography as a Measure of Retinal Function in Myopia and Hyperopia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zahra Sania , Murphy Melanie J. , Crewther Sheila G. , Riddell Nina
Published: March 2023

Refractive errors (myopia and hyperopia) are the most common visual disorders and are severe risk factors for secondary ocular pathologies. The development of refractive errors has been shown to be associated with changes in ocular axial length, suggested to be induced by outer retinal elements. Thus, the present study systematically reviewed the literature examining retinal function as assessed using global flash electroretinograms (gfERGs) in human clinical refractive error populations. Electronic database searching via Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Psych INFO, and CINAHL retrieved 981 unique records (last searched on the 29 May 2022). Single case studies, samples with ocular comorbidities, drug trials, and reviews were excluded. Demographic characteristics, refractive state, gfERG protocol details, and waveform characteristics were extracted for the eight studies that met the inclusion criteria for the review and were judged to have acceptable risk of bias using the OHAT tool (total N = 552 participants; age 7 to 50). Study synthesis suggests that myopia in humans involves attenuation of gfERG photoreceptor (a-wave) and bipolar cell (b-wave) function, consistent with the animal literature. Meaningful interpretation of the overall findings for hyperopia was limited by inconsistent reporting, highlighting the need for future studies to report key aspects of gfERG research design and outcomes more consistently for myopic and hyperopic refractive errors.
Response Surface Modelling of Methylene Blue Adsorption onto Seaweed, Coconut Shell and Oak Wood Hydrochars
Authors: Danso-Boateng Eric , Fitzsimmons Melissa , Ross Andrew B. , Mariner Ted
Published: March 2023

Adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye from an aqueous solution onto hydrochars produced from brown seaweed (Fucus Serratus) (FS-HC), coconut shell (CS-HC), and oak wood (Oak-HC) at different temperatures (200–250 °C) was investigated in a batch system. Response surface modelling (RSM) was used to investigate the effect of initial MB concentration (50–300 mg/L), contact time (0–240 min), and solution pH (2–12) on the adsorption process. RSM was also used to model and optimise these parameters for efficient adsorption. Kinetic and isotherms studies were carried out to study the adsorption mechanism onto the hydrochars. It was found that the best adsorbent from the RSM model was FS-HC200, and the optimal conditions for greater MB dye uptake were lower initial MB concentration (50 mg/L), pH 6 and contact time of 84 min; removing >99% of MB. Langmuir and Redlich–Peterson isotherm models fitted the adsorption of MB onto hydrochars prepared at 200 and 250 °C. Freundlich and Redlich–Peterson isotherms were suitable for hydrochars produced at 220 °C. FS-HCs have the highest maximum adsorption capacity of MB of about (8.60–28.57) mg/g calculated from the Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption process for all the hydrochars followed a pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.96–1.00), and film diffusion and intraparticle diffusion were the rate-determining steps. Therefore, this work identifies cheap adsorbents from biowaste that are effective for the removal of cationic pollutants from wastewater.
The Copula Application for Analysis of the Flood Threat at the River Confluences in the Danube River Basin in Slovakia
Authors: Bačová Mitková Veronika , Halmová Dana , Pekárová Pavla , Miklánek Pavol
Published: March 2023

In hydrological practice, individual elements of the hydrological cycle are most often estimated and evaluated separately. Uncertainty in the size estimation of extrema discharges and their return period can affect the statistical assessment of the significance of floods. One example is the simultaneous occurrence and joining of extremes at the confluence of rivers. The paper dealt with the statistical evaluation of the occurrence of two independent variables and their joint probabilities of occurrence. Bivariate joint analysis is a statistical approach for the assessment of flood threats at the confluence of rivers. In our study, the annual maximum discharges monitored on four selected Slovak rivers and their tributaries represent the analyzed variables. The Archimedean class of copula functions was used as a set of mathematical tools for the determination and evaluation of the joint probability of annual maximal discharges at river confluences. The results of such analysis can contribute to a more reliable assessment of flood threats, especially in cases where extreme discharges occur simultaneously, increasing the risk of devastating effects. Finally, the designed discharges of the different return periods calculated by using the univariate approach and the bivariate approach for the gauging station below the confluence of the rivers was evaluated and compared.
Advances in Assessing the Reliability of Water Distribution Networks: A Bibliometric Analysis and Scoping Review
Authors: Sirsant Swati , Hamouda Mohamed A. , Shaaban Mostafa F.
Published: March 2023

The reliability of Water Distribution Networks (WDNs) is a critical topic that has been explored by many researchers over the last few decades. Nevertheless, this research domain has gained momentum in the last decade. WDN reliability was addressed in the literature using different approaches and techniques. This study presents a bibliometric analysis and scoping review of the progress and gaps in research on WDN reliability. The analysis was performed on a total of 347 articles from 2000 to 2022, which were retrieved from the SCOPUS database. The bibliometric analysis identified trends and gaps by focusing on articles output, citation network of articles, co-authorship and collaboration analysis, co-citation, and clustering analysis. In addition, coupling keywords analysis with thematic maps analysis helped identify basic, niche, emerging, and declining research themes in the field of WDN reliability. Three major research themes were found: WDN optimization, reliability assessment, and consideration of GHG emissions and energy-cost for WDN expansion. Reliability surrogate measures (RSMs) were found to be one of the most widely researched topics in this field. Performance assessment of various RSMs, as well as the consideration of energy and cost for WDN design and expansion stood out as the emerging trends for future research in the field of WDN reliability.
Numerical Simulation of Drilling Fluid Flow in Centrifugal Pumps
Authors: Hu Jianxin , Li Ke , Su Wenfeng , Zhao Xinyi
Published: March 2023

Centrifugal pumps are widely used in the oil and mining industries. In contrast to water pumps, the centrifugal pumps in the oil and mining industries are used for the transportation of drilling fluid, which is typically non-Newtonian fluid. Drilling fluids are usually modeled as power-law fluids with varying shear viscosity and imposed shear rates. In this paper, a numerical simulation of power-law fluid flow in a centrifugal pump was simulated, varying only in the flow-rate magnitude, using water flow as a comparison. The simulation results show that the pump used for drilling fluid presents a lower head and efficiency but a higher shaft power than that used for water. The flow patterns of both the water pump and the drilling fluid pump were investigated in terms of pressure fluctuation, turbulent kinetic energy, and radial force on the impeller. In contrast to the literature, this paper also analyzes the pressure pulsations in the individual blades of the impeller, as well as those in the volute path. In the case of drilling fluid, it was found that the viscous effect made the flow at the end of the blades highly irregular, and this could be attributed to the pressure generated by them. At the same time, the fluid flow at the small cross-section of the volute was more sensitive to the rotation of the impeller. In addition, the effects of the shear collision exerted on the outlet fluid of the impeller and the fluid in the volute, as well as the dynamic and static interferences, made the non-Newtonian power-law fluid consume more mechanical energy than the water. The results of this paper can be used as a reference for improving the design of centrifugal pumps using non-Newtonian fluids as media.
Two-Dimensional Modelling for Dam Break Analysis and Flood Hazard Mapping: A Case Study of Papadia Dam, Northern Greece
Authors: Mattas Christos , Karpouzos Dimitris , Georgiou Pantazis , Tsapanos Theodoros
Published: March 2023

Dams are expensive technical constructions that ensure food production, sustain farmers’ income, and cover a large percentage of urban water supply demands. However, the threat of a dam break flood, which can be extremely dangerous for the local society, should be taken into account, and proactive mitigation measures should be planned. Towards this direction, dam break modelling and flood hazard assessment are essential for developing flood crisis management and evacuation plans. In this study, a hypothetical case of failure of the Papadia dam in the Florina Regional Unit in northern Greece is examined. Two scenarios of failure were considered: overtopping and piping. A two-dimensional numerical model for the two failure scenarios was used to simulate the dam break process and flood wave routing using HEC-RAS software. A sensitivity analysis of the mesh size and breach parameters was performed to better understand their impact on the critical outputs of the simulation model. Flood hazard maps were produced in GIS environment based on water depth and velocity criteria. Furthermore, two classification approaches were adopted to assess the flood hazard using the product of water depth and velocity. The results showed that the extent of the inundated area could affect most of the study area and could cause severe damage to agricultural activities.
"Sanction catechism": historical parallels of modern restrictions in international economic relations (part 2)
Authors:   World Economy and International Economic relations Department, State University of Management, Moscow, Smirnov E. N.
Published: March 2023

The development of international economic relations in the post-war decades took place in the context of consistent globalization, the opening of national markets, and the liberalization of cross-border mobility of production factors. The system of international economic institutions that was being formed at the same time contributed to the increasing benefi ts of countries from participating in the international division of labor. At the same time, the increase in economic openness gave rise to more and more contradictions and problems: intercountry inequality grew, the debt burden of many countries, distortions in international exchange formed. The outbreak of the trade confl ict between the US and China has become, perhaps, one of the most dramatic events, blurring the existing contours of liberal international exchange. In fact, at the present time we are talking about the "sanctions catechism" as a new doctrine, a new system of views integrating disparate and highly contradictory approaches to the study of sanctions and sanctions regimes. The purpose of our study was to review the theoretical concepts, approaches and tools for imposing sanctions in modern international economic relations. With the growth of contradictions in the global economy in international practice, the use of various kinds of economic sanctions has increased on a large scale, which have become a kind of context for the development of modern international economic relations. As shown in article, the evolution of the practice of applying economic sanctions gives rise to more and more research problems related to the deglobalization of the world economy,new technological trends in its development, as well as to the increasing global crises, in particular, the crisis, caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
¿Rastros de un despojo? Fuentes y archivos sobre la disolución del pueblo de indios de San Blas de Los Sauces, La Rioja, durante la transición republicana
Authors: Boixadós Roxana
Published: March 2023

Este artículo explora la historia del pueblo de indios de San Blas de los Sauces en La Rioja, desde su creación como reducción en años posteriores al alzamiento diaguita (1630-1643) hasta su progresiva desarticulación como corporación a partir de la autonomía política de la provincia, en 1820. Durante la transición al orden republicano los resguardos coloniales que protegían la tenencia comunal de la tierra y el derecho al agua de riego perdieron vigencia, dando lugar a la venta de derechos hereditarios de quienes fueran indios tributarios o naturales. Las fuentes coloniales del Archivo Histórico de la provincia de Córdoba y las republicanas conservadas en el Archivo Judicial de La Rioja permiten reconocer la apropiación de las tierras comunales por parte de la familia que controlaba espacios de poder local en tiempos coloniales y de latemprana república, entre otras transformaciones.
Una indagación escénica en torno a las fronteras artísticas y mediáticas en un mundo hipercultural: El hipervínculo (Prueba 7) (2018) de Matías Feldman
Authors: Aisemberg Alicia
Published: March 2023

Este artículo se propone pensar la cuestión del cruce de las fronteras de las disciplinas artísticas y de los medios, a partir del análisis de las estrategias intermediales de El hipervínculo (Prueba 7) (2018) de Matías Feldman. La obra acude a múltiples entrelazamientos con otras artes y medios, con el fin de entender el fenómeno de las transformaciones culturales de hoy, generadas por las nuevas tecnologías. Por esa razón, consideramos que es un trabajo de particular importancia para el estudio de los vínculos intermediales, tanto por intensificar y multiplicar esos mecanismos, como por abordar una investigación singular sobre las relaciones entre el teatro y los nuevos medios digitales, postulando una reflexión crítica sobre los mismos. En simultaneidad, las interacciones entre la escena y las artes visuales ocupan un lugar determinante, mediante las cuales la obra se pregunta por los cambios en la imagen, la identidad y la percepción contemporáneas.

PALABRAS CLAVE: INTERMEDIALIDAD-HIPERCULTURALIDAD-TEATRO- MEDIOS DIGITALES-ARTES VISUALES
Troca de saberes sobre chás em Diamantina (MG) e região
Authors: Oliveira Anne Caroline Mendes , De Alvarenga e Silva Michelle Antunes , Amorim Ingrid Cristina Santos , Da Silveira João Vinícios Wirbitzki , Amaral Tatiana Nunes
Published: March 2023

Aproximadamente 10% da flora brasileira possui partes comestíveis que poderiam ser utilizadas para incrementar a diversidade alimentar. Destacam-se como plantas que possuem uma ou mais partes comestíveis, sendo espontâneas ou cultivadas, nativas ou exóticas que não fazem parte da nossa alimentação diária. Essas espécies recebem o título de Plantas Alimentícias Não Convencionais (PANCs). Tendo em vista a importância da avaliação e da disseminação do conhecimento sobre a disponibilidade de recursos alimentícios nativos, suas formas de uso, partes utilizadas e dos potenciais destes recursos alimentares, o presente estudo propõe um levantamento das principais espécies de PANCs que estão sendo pesquisadas. Foi elaborado um questionário para levantar quais as plantas mais recorrentes na região de Diamantina (MG). Na sequência, foi realizada uma revisão da literatura utilizando artigos científicos nas bases de dados eletrônicas. Os descritores utilizados nas buscas foram: “compostos bioativos”, “chás”, “planta medicinal”, “PANCs” e “saber popular”. Foram considerados os trabalhos publicados entre 2000 até a atualidade. As principais plantas alimentícias abordadas nessa revisão são: a hortelã, vinagreira, jurubeba e o dente de leão. Observou-se que o termo PANC vem ganhando espaço nas mídias, em discussões científicas e também na mesa das pessoas. São utilizadas principalmente como tempero, corante e infusão. Isso reflete o pouco aproveitamento das espécies nativas e a supervalorização das plantas exóticas. Portanto, deve-se incentivar o uso das plantas alimentícias não convencionais na forma de chás ou infusões, associando-se aos benefícios que estas trazem para a saúde.
La pluralidad de sueños: del American dream de las migraciones del Sur mundial al de los gobiernos del Norte con migraciones seguras, ordenadas y regulares
Authors:   Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (Flacso), México, Casillas R. Rodolfo
Published: March 2023

Los gobiernos de los países de tránsito y destino tienen pretensiones de que las migraciones internacionales ocurran de manera segura, ordenada y regular, mientras los migrantes indocumentados, en su gran mayoría integrados al mundo informal, distan mucho de encontrar facilidades, como el acceso a visas, que les permitan ingresar al mundo formal. Gobiernos y migrantes persisten en sus objetivos con grandes desencuentros y costos de distinto tipo para cada uno de ellos, más para quienes migran. En este texto, con base en estadísticas nacionales y de organismos especializados, se hace un análisis de qué ha hecho cada parte en los primeros 20 años del presente siglo en el proceso migratorio que involucra a Estados Unidos, México, Guatemala, Honduras y El Salvador, en particular. Las conclusiones apuntan a logros parciales y a costos altos para los desplazados por distintos motivos, por nacionalidad y en distinto momento.
Reduction of interface and oxide traps in SiO2/GaN MOS structures by oxygen and forming gas annealing
Authors: Mikake Bunichiro , Kobayashi Takuma , Mizobata Hidetoshi , Nozaki Mikito , Shimura Takayoshi , Watanabe Heiji
Published: March 2023

The effect of post-deposition annealing on the electrical characteristics of SiO2/GaN MOS devices was investigated. While the key to the improvement was using oxygen annealing to form an interfacial GaO
x
layer and forming gas annealing to passivate the remaining defects, caution must be taken not to produce a fixed charge through reduction of the GaO
x
layer. By growing the GaO
x
layer with oxygen annealing at 800 °C and performing forming gas annealing at a low temperature of 200 °C, it became possible to suppress the reduction of GaO
x
and to reduce the interface traps, oxide traps, and fixed charge simultaneously.
Development of the conductivity type inversion caused by thermal double donors’ formation in p-type high-resistivity silicon
Authors: Li Minghao , Liu Yun , Wei Tao , Dai Rongwang , Wang Hao , Xue Zhongying , Wei Xing
Published: March 2023

The formation of thermal double donors (TDDs) during the iso-thermal annealing at 450 °C in low-oxygen and high-resistivity silicon was quantitatively investigated, and the oxygen related power parameter

x

for low-oxygen and high-resistivity silicon was obtained. Excessive TDDs formed in the p-type high-resistivity silicon during the device manufacturing process will invert the conductivity to n-type. A quantitative relationship between the critical wafer start resistivity and oxygen concentration in p-type high-resistivity silicon was obtained. The p-type conductivity can be maintained after the device fabrication by controlling the resistivity below the critical resistivity corresponding to the oxygen concentration in p-type high-resistivity silicon.
Movimientos coreiformes y calcificaciones ganglio basales como presentación de la enfermedad de Fahr
Authors: Montenegro Pérez Jair Alexander , Franco Torres Vileth Johana , Vargas Tobios Roberto Carlos , Beltrán Carrascal Elkin José , Sánchez-Martínez Sandra Milena
Published: March 2023

Las calcificaciones ganglio basales pueden ser un hallazgo radiológico en la población general alrededor de 20%. Cuando se asocia a síntomas neuropsiquiátricos y motores y se presenta de forma idiopática, se le conoce como enfermedad de Fahr. Se le denomina síndrome de Fahr en el caso que sea secundario a una causa identificable y potencialmente tratable. Presentamos en este reporte un caso clínico de una mujer de 69 años con la aparición de una corea subaguda, sin otra sintomatología asociada, en la que se encontró en la neuroimagen calcificaciones ganglio basales extensas, y por esta razón posteriormente se descartaron alteraciones metabólicas. El objetivo es aportar a la caracterización de las manifestaciones motoras que pueden aparecer e incitar a la sospecha clínica. Debido a la baja incidencia y a los pocos datos sobre esta entidad clínica en la región, queremos motivar a la documentación de otros casos y el proceso para descartar otros diagnósticos diferenciales, con el fin de obtener mayores datos sobre su epidemiología real y semiología en Colombia.