bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Rankine Cycle Linear Fresnel Reflector and Solar Tower Plant Technologies: Techno-Economic Analysis for Ethiopia
Authors: Kamel Salah , Agyekum Ephraim Bonah , Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday , Taha Ibrahim B. M. , Gyamfi Bright Akwasi , Yaqoob Salam J.
Published: February 2022

The need to meet the world’s growing demand for energy in an environmentally sustainable manner has led to the exploration of various renewable energy (RE) resources for power generation. The objective of this study is to examine the techno-economic potential of concentrated solar power plants (i.e., linear Fresnel reflector (LFR) and central receiver system (CRS) for electricity generation in Eastern African countries with a case study on Ethiopia. The study was conducted using the System Advisor Model (SAM). In order to estimate the economics of the two power plants, the Levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and the net present value (NPV) metrics were used. According to results obtained from the simulations, the LFR produced annual energy of 528 TWh at a capacity factor (CF) of 60.3%. The CRS also produced a total of 540 TWh at a CF of 61.9%. The LCOE (real) for the CRS is found to be 9.44 cent/kWh against 10.35 cent/kWh for the LFR. The NPV for both technologies is found to be positive for inflation rates of 2% and below. An inflation rate above 2% renders the two power plants financially impracticable. A real discount rate above 9% also renders both projects economically unviable. Based on the obtained results, the CRS system is identified as the best technology for electricity generation under the Jijiga climatic condition in Ethiopia.
Development of Methodology for Defining a Pattern of Drivers Mobile Phone Usage While Driving
Authors: Čolić Petar , Jakovljević Marijan , Vidović Krešimir , Šoštarić Marko
Published: February 2022

Mobile phone usage during driving causes driver distraction, which negatively affects road traffic safety and is becoming an increasingly common cause of traffic accidents. This paper proposes a new methodology, based on anonymized datasets from telecommunication networks and analytical possibilities of data science, which has as its goal to identify a pattern of usage of the mobile phone (in particular voice calls and applications) by drivers while driving. Based on this finding, the methodology is used to identify segments of the road infrastructure on which mobile phone usage is more intense. Applying this methodology enables stakeholders in the road traffic safety system to propose targeted measures (educational, legal, or engineering) precisely on the sections where it is most vital to do so in order to reduce mobile phone usage and enhance road safety. The proposed methodology was implemented and demonstrated on two pilot sections on state roads in the Republic of Croatia. Research results point to the fact that the percentage of drivers who use the mobile phone for voice calls or for app usage is exceptionally high (10.68% to 33.90%) and presents a serious threat to road traffic safety.
Pitahaya Fruit (Hylocereus spp.) Peels Evaluation for Removal of Pb(II), Cd(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) from the Waters
Authors: Abatal Mohamed , Lima Eder C. , Giannakoudakis Dimitrios A. , Vargas Joel , Anastopoulos Ioannis , Olguin Maria T. , Alfonso Ismeli
Published: February 2022

The present study investigated the performance of Pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.) peel (PP) as a low-cost biosorbent in the removal of Co(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), and Ni(II) from single and multi-component solutions. The characterization of the samples was carried out by pHpzc, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Biosorption was carried out by batch experimental procedure to examine the effects of contact time, solution pH, initial concentration of metal ions, and biosorbent dosage. The results indicate that the biosorption of Pb(II), Cd(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) Pitahaya peels followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, and equilibrium adsorption followed the Langmuir model. The maximum sorption capacities of PP for the metallic species were found to be as follows: Pb (82.64 mg g−1) > Cd (17.95 mg g−1) > Co (6.013 mg g−1) > Ni (5.322 mg g−1). However, the efficiency of the biosorption change when the metallic species are mixed. The re-generation of the PP after the adsorption of the metallic species was done using 0.1 M HNO3 solution, and the reusability of the biomass was carried out using two adsorption and desorption cycles.
Research Models and Methodologies on the Smart City: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Myeong Seunghwan , Park Jaehyun , Lee Minhyung
Published: February 2022

A smart city is a sustainable city that solves urban problems and improves citizens’ quality of life through the fourth industrial revolution technology and governance between stakeholders. With the advent of the fourth industrial revolution and the concept of smart cities changing, many smart city studies have been conducted. Still, studies on the overall flow of smart city research and major issues are insufficient. Therefore, this study analyzed the trends and characteristics of smart city research and proposes research directions through smart city literature analyses conducted over the past 10 years, from 2011 to 2020. This study conducted a systematic review of studies related to smart cities over the past 10 years. Smart city research was analyzed by dividing it into research methods and contents. In terms of research method, year, research methodology 1, research methodology 2, research purpose, data collection method, and use of research results were included in the analysis frame. In terms of research content, keywords related to research topics, analysis units, and the general classification criteria and security of smart cities were included. The research results mentioned in this study are expected to serve as useful guidelines for future smart city development projects.
Impact of Zero Budget Natural Farming on Crop Yields in Andhra Pradesh, SE India
Authors: Duddigan Sarah , Collins Chris D. , Hussain Zakir , Osbahr Henny , Shaw Liz J. , Sinclair Fergus , Sizmur Tom , Thallam Vijay , Ann Winowiecki Leigh
Published: February 2022

It has been claimed that Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), a burgeoning practice of farming in India based on low-inputs and influenced by agro-ecological principles, has the potential to improve farm viability and food security. However, there is concern that the success of the social movement fueling the adoption of ZBNF has become out of step with the science underpinning its performance relative to other farming systems. Based on twenty field plot experiments established across six districts in Andhra Pradesh (SE India), managed by locally based farmer researchers, we present the first ‘on the ground’ assessment of ZBNF performance. We show that there is no short-term yield penalty when adopting ZBNF in small scale farming systems compared to conventional and organic alternatives. In terms of treatment response, we observed differences between agro-climatic zones, but in this initial evaluation we cannot recommend specific options tuned to these different contexts.
Why Integrated Reporting? Insights from Early Adoption in an Emerging Economy
Authors: Navarrete-Oyarce José , Moraga-Flores Hugo , Gallegos Mardones Juan Alejandro , Gallizo José Luis
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this research is to contribute new and relevant information about the early adoption of integrated reporting in an emerging economy, in this case the Chilean economy, with emphasis on the reasons for its use, the perceived benefits, and the difficulties experienced during the process of adoption. Methodologically, this work uses a qualitative approach, utilising semi-structured interviews as a data collection instrument that are applied to the managers in charge of preparing this reporting for a sample of companies that trade on the Chilean stock exchange. These interviews were interpreted using an analysis of their content. The results obtained are in accordance with the literature and the empirical evidence, with the characteristics belonging to an emerging economy and highlighting the importance of communicating with the stakeholders. The relationship with the stakeholders and the inclusion in international contexts were the most valued. It is also highlighted that all of the companies analysed declare sustainability as a strategic focus, which is an infrequent situation in developing economies. One limitation of this work is the low valuation and use that market agents still assign to integrated reporting in Chile, which affects the degree of preparation and utilisation, and could be explained by other types of incentives and motivations.
A Theoretical Model for the Implementation of Social Sustainability in the Synthesis of Tourism, Disability Studies, and Special-Needs Education
Authors: Happ Éva , Bolla Veronika
Published: February 2022

This paper deals with the study of disability science, special-needs education, and psychology of special needs in the context of tourism. It is rare to find a link between these research areas in the literature. Accessible tourism has attracted widespread research interest in recent decades, but the number of studies focusing on tourism in the fields of disability studies, special-needs education, and psychology of special needs is very limited. Although there is growing literature on accessible tourism and related topics, the development of the research field is uneven, as most research focuses on specific subareas without considering the context of the whole spectrum of the topic. The interdisciplinary research aims to explore the situations of people with disabilities in terms of their participation in tourism. The data collected will be used to analyse the supply and demand side of tourism from a specific perspective. Among the external environmental impacts, the issue of sustainability will be highlighted, which will be addressed from a societal perspective by analysing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to the topic. The study includes a theoretical analysis through the processing of secondary sources, linking the fields of tourism, disability studies, special-needs education, and psychology of special needs, with the potential of social sustainability and the achievement of the SDGs. The paper presents a new model that illustrates the potential for achieving social sustainability from the supply and demand side of tourism. The model can be valuable, not only for those who want to extend their research into this new field, but also for tourism policy makers. The study also identifies key research questions on this topic that merit theoretical and empirical exploration in the future.
Geotourism Hazards and Carrying Capacity in Geosites of Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat Karst, Indonesia
Authors: Sunkar Arzyana , Lakspriyanti Anindika Putri , Haryono Eko , Brahmi Mohsen , Setiawan Pindi , Jaya Aziz Fardhani
Published: February 2022

The protection of resources and the safety of visitors are two essential elements in the sustainability of any tourism destination. The Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat karst has the potential to be developed as a UNESCO Global Geopark based on the diversity and unique nature of its geological heritage. Proper management efforts should be carefully planned to ensure sustainability of the geosite. Intact natural conditions can be a potential hazard to visitors and, conversely, the presence of visitors can interfere with the natural preservation of the sensitive karst area. Physical, biological, and human activities that may endanger visitors should be identified and limiting the number of visitors received by each geosite should also be considered. This paper aims to identify the potential tourism hazards of physical, biological, and human activities and to calculate the tourist’s carrying capacity of three geosites (Tewet cave, Nyadeng lake, and Bloyot cave) in the Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat karst. The identification of potential hazards was conducted in each geosite and analyzed and assessed using management options referencing UNEP, NPSA, and APEC, whereas the carrying capacity was assessed with reference to the Cifuentes formulation. Meanwhile, the carrying capacity was assessed at three levels, namely physical carrying capacity (PCC), real carrying capacity (RCC), and effective carrying capacity (ECC). The highest physical and biological hazards were the ravines in the Tewet cave, as well as a moderate level of risk, such as slippery, steep terrain and the presence of crocodiles. Meanwhile, the potential hazards faced by Nyadeng lake and Bloyot cave were classified as low risk. The carrying capacity assessments indicated that Bloyot cave is able to accommodate the largest number of visitors on a daily basis. Therefore, the carrying capacity results of each geosite can serve as a reference for managers to limit the number of visitors to the site in order to ensure the sustainability of Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat geosites.
A Hydrometeorological Study of Groundwater Level Changes during the COVID-19 Lockdown Year (Salento Peninsula, Italy)
Authors: Alfio Maria Rosaria , Balacco Gabriella , Delle Rose Marco , Fidelibus Corrado , Martano Paolo
Published: February 2022

The monitoring data of a micrometeorological station in Lecce (Southern Italy, Puglia region, Salento Peninsula) were used with the aim of interpreting the variations in the groundwater level in a shallow aquifer as a function of hydrometeorological forcing. For this scope, the aridity index (AI) was calculated to evaluate the surface-water stress. Although the results indicated a moderate drought during the 2019–2020 hydrological year, a critical situation for the surface hydrological balance in the first quarter of 2020 did not occur. Therefore, the reduction in the groundwater level measured in April can be ascribed to the excessive domestic water consumption that occurred during the lockdown for COVID-19.
Mean Equality Tests for High-Dimensional and Higher-Order Data with k-Self Similar Compound Symmetry Covariance Structure
Authors: Leiva Ricardo , Roy Anuradha
Published: February 2022

An extension of the D2 test statistic to test the equality of mean for high-dimensional and k-th order array-variate data using k-self similar compound symmetry (k-SSCS) covariance structure is derived. The k-th order data appear in many scientific fields including agriculture, medical, environmental and engineering applications. We discuss the property of this k-SSCS covariance structure, namely, the property of Jordan algebra. We formally show that our D2 test statistic for k-th order data is an extension or the generalization of the D2 test statistic for second-order data and for third-order data, respectively. We also derive the D2 test statistic for third-order data and illustrate its application using a medical dataset from a clinical trial study of the eye disease glaucoma. The new test statistic is very efficient for high-dimensional data where the estimation of unstructured variance-covariance matrix is not feasible due to small sample size.
An Efficient Deep Unsupervised Domain Adaptation for Unknown Malware Detection
Authors: Wang Fangwei , Chai Guofang , Li Qingru , Wang Changguang
Published: February 2022

As an innovative way of communicating information, the Internet has become an indispensable part of our lives. However, it also facilitates a more widespread attack of malware. With the assistance of modern cryptanalysis, emerging malware having symmetric properties, such as encryption and decryption, pack and unpack, presents new challenges to effective malware detection. Currently, numerous malware detection approaches are based on supervised learning. The biggest challenge is that the existing systems rely on a large amount of labeled data, which is usually difficult to gain. Moreover, since the newly emerging malware has a different data distribution from the original training samples, the detection performance of these systems will degrade along with the emergence of new malware. To solve these problems, we propose an Unsupervised Domain Adaptation (UDA)-based malware detection method by jointly aligning the distribution of known and unknown malware. Firstly, the distribution divergence between the source and target domain is minimized with the help of symmetric adversarial learning to learn shared feature representations. Secondly, to further obtain semantic information of unlabeled target domain data, this paper reduces the class-level distribution divergence by aligning the class center of labeled source and pseudo-labeled target domain data. Finally, we mainly use a residual network with a self-attention mechanism to extract more accurate feature information. A series of experiments are performed on two public datasets. Experimental results illustrate that the proposed approach outperforms the existing detection methods with an accuracy of 95.63% and 95.04% in detecting unknown malware on two datasets, respectively.
Improving Effectiveness of a Coaching System through Preference Learning
Authors: Žnidaršič Martin , Osojnik Aljaž , Rupnik Peter , Ženko Bernard
Published: February 2022

The paper describes an approach for indirect data-based assessment and use of user preferences in an unobtrusive sensor-based coaching system with the aim of improving coaching effectiveness. The preference assessments are used to adapt the reasoning components of the coaching system in a way to better align with the preferences of its users. User preferences are learned based on data that describe user feedback as reported for different coaching messages that were received by the users. The preferences are not learned directly, but are assessed through a proxy—classifications or probabilities of positive feedback as assigned by a predictive machine learned model of user feedback. The motivation and aim of such an indirect approach is to allow for preference estimation without burdening the users with interactive preference elicitation processes. A brief description of the coaching setting is provided in the paper, before the approach for preference assessment is described and illustrated on a real-world example obtained during the testing of the coaching system with elderly users.
User-Centric Design Methodology for mHealth Apps: The PainApp Paradigm for Chronic Pain
Authors: Koumpouros Yiannis
Published: February 2022

The paper presents a user-centric methodology in order to design successful mobile health (mHealth) applications. In addition to the theoretical background, such an example is presented with an application targeting chronic pain. The pain domain was decided due to its significance in many aspects: its complexity, dispersion in the population, the financial burden it causes, etc. The paper presents a step-by-step plan in order to build mobile health applications. Participatory design and interdisciplinarity are only some of the critical issues towards the desired result. In the given example (development of the PainApp), a participatory design was followed with a team of seventeen stakeholders that drove the design and development phases. Three physicians, one behavioral scientist, three IT and UX experts, and ten patients collaborated together to develop the final solution. The several features implemented in the PainApp solution are presented in details. The application is threefold: it supports the management, reporting, and treatment effectiveness monitoring. The paper is giving details on the methodological approach while presenting insights on the actual plan and the steps followed for having a patient-centric solution. Key success factors and barriers to mobile health applications that support the need for such an approach are also presented.
Medical Psychotropics in Forensic Autopsies in European Countries: Results from a Three-Year Retrospective Study in Spain
Authors: Almeida-González Maira , Boada Luis , Henríquez-Hernández Luis , Luzardo Octavio , Zaragoza Enrique , Burillo-Putze Guillermo , Quintana-Montesdeoca María , Zumbado Manuel
Published: February 2022

Medical psychotropics are widely used and prescribed in developed countries. These medications may have an impairing effect on mood or perception and may induce harmful behaviors. Nevertheless, in Europe, studies on their importance from a medico-legal perspective are scarce. To fill this gap, we evaluate the determinants of these drugs in a retrospective study based on data obtained from forensic autopsies. Toxicological analyses were performed on 394 blood samples from compulsory autopsies at the Institute of Legal Medicine of Las Palmas. Of the samples, 41% (159) were positive for at least one psychotropic, with benzodiazepines being the most frequently detected (24.1%), followed by opiates and antidepressants. Benzodiazepines, opiates, and antidepressants were detected more frequently in men who suffered a violent death. More than 30% of the positive samples showed two or more drugs, suggesting a prevalence of polypharmacy among forensic autopsy subjects, with the most frequently combination found being benzodiazepines plus opiates (28.3% of positive samples). A combination of opiates plus antidepressants was also found in subjects involved in violent deaths. Our results suggest that more than 40% of the adult European population involved in medico-legal issues may be under the influence of legal psychotropics. The link between violent deaths and the use of medical psychotropics is particularly worrisome and indicates that these drugs should be carefully monitored in developed countries, in all forensic autopsies, in a similar way to illegal psychotropics.
On the Significance of the Stress–Energy Tensor in Finsler Spacetimes
Authors: Javaloyes Miguel Ángel , Sánchez Miguel , Villaseñor Fidel F.
Published: February 2022

We revisit the physical arguments that led to the definition of the stress–energy tensor T in the Lorentz–Finsler setting (M,L) starting with classical relativity. Both the standard heuristic approach using fluids and the Lagrangian one are taken into account. In particular, we argue that the Finslerian breaking of Lorentz symmetry makes T an anisotropic 2-tensor (i.e., a tensor for each L-timelike direction), in contrast with the energy-momentum vectors defined on M. Such a tensor is compared with different ones obtained by using a Lagrangian approach. The notion of divergence is revised from a geometric viewpoint, and, then, the conservation laws of T for each observer field are revisited. We introduce a natural anisotropic Lie bracket derivation, which leads to a divergence obtained from the volume element and the non-linear connection associated with L alone. The computation of this divergence selects the Chern anisotropic connection, thus giving a geometric interpretation to previous choices in the literature.
CoronaVac and ChAdOx1 Vaccination and Gamma Infection Elicited Neutralizing Antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant
Authors: Fumagalli Marcilio Jorge , Castro-Jorge Luiza Antunes , de Souza William Marciel , de Azevedo Patrick Orestes , Hansen Alana Witt , Gazzinelli Ricardo Tostes , da Fonseca Benedito Antônio Lopes , Spilki Fernando Rosado , Figueiredo Luiz Tadeu Moraes
Published: February 2022

The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants represents a constant threat to world public health. The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant was identified in late 2020 in India; since then, it has spread to many other countries, replacing other predominant lineages and raising concerns about vaccination efficiency. We evaluated the sensitivity of the Delta variant to antibodies elicited by COVID-19 vaccinated (CoronaVac and ChAdOx1) and convalescent individuals previously infected by earlier lineages and by the Gamma variant. No reduction in the neutralizing efficacy of the Delta variant was observed when compared to B lineage and a reduced neutralization was observed for the Gamma variant. Our results indicate that neutralization of the Delta variant is not compromised in individuals vaccinated by CoronaVac or ChAdOx1; however, a reduction in neutralization efficacy is expected for individuals infected by the Gamma variant, highlighting the importance of continuous vaccination even for previously infected individuals.
Efficacy of Multivalent, Cochleate-Based Vaccine against Salmonella Infantis, S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium in Laying Hens
Authors: Sáenz Leonardo , Guzmán Miguel , Vidal Sonia , Caruffo Mario , Siel Daniela , Zayas Caridad , Paredes Rodolfo , Valenzuela Carolina , Hidalgo Héctor , Pérez Oliver , Lapierre Lisette
Published: February 2022

Salmonella enterica is an important foodborne pathogen. Commercial poultry are the main reservoirs of Salmonella enterica, leading to the contamination of food and outbreaks in humans. The vaccination of chickens is one of the most important strategies to reduce the number of Salmonella in poultry farms. Unfortunately, commercial vaccines have not been fully effective in controlling the spread and do not contain all the Salmonella serovars that circulate on farms. In this study, we evaluate a new, cochleate-based, trivalent injectable vaccine against S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium and S. Infantis, describing the vaccine security, capacity to induce specific anti-Salmonella serovar IgY and the gene expression of immune markers related to CD4 and CD8 T-cell-mediated immunity. Efficacy was evaluated through oral challenges performed separately for each Salmonella serotype. The efficacy and safety of the trivalent vaccine was proven under controlled conditions. The vaccine has no local or systemic reactions or adverse effects on poultry performance related to the vaccine. The vaccine provided significantly increased serum IgY titer levels, significantly reduced Salmonella CFU/g present in the cecum and an increased CD4+/CD8+ ratio in vaccinated animals when challenged with S. Infantis, S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium. These results indicate that this new trivalent vaccine does not generate adverse effects in poultry and produces an increase in neutralizing antibodies against the three Salmonella serovars.
Clinical and Electrocardiographic Findings for Predicting the Severity of Pulmonary Valve Stenosis in Dogs
Authors: Bini Martina , Vezzosi Tommaso , Fernández Del Palacio Maria Josefa , Talavera Jesús , Patata Valentina , Marchesotti Federica , Domenech Oriol
Published: February 2022

Pulmonary valve stenosis (PS) in dogs is usually suspected due to the presence of a heart murmur and clinical signs. Echocardiography is needed to confirm the diagnosis and define the severity of PS. This retrospective study evaluated the utility of clinical and electrocardiographic (ECG) findings in the prediction of PS severity. Data regarding heart murmur and ECG analysis were gathered. Ninety-seven dogs with PS were included. A murmur grade ≥IV/VI was predictive of severe PS (area under curve (AUC) = 0.71; sensitivity (Se) = 95%; specificity (Sp) = 33%; p = 0.003). In lead II, P wave amplitude >0.35 mV (AUC = 0.67; Se = 31%; Sp = 100%; p = 0.038), Q wave < 0.15 mV (AUC = 0.70; Se = 70%; Sp = 59%; p = 0.0015), R wave < 0.87 mV (AUC = 0.66; Se = 67%; Sp = 69%; p = 0.006), and S wave > 0.37 mV (AUC = 0.80; Se = 72%; Sp = 85%; p < 0.0001) were predictive of severe PS. The extent of right deviation of the mean electrical axis of the QRS complex was correlated with the pulmonary pressure gradient (r = 0.648; p < 0.0001). In conclusion, a systolic murmur with intensity ≥IV/VI, a P wave amplitude >0.35 mV, low amplitude of Q and R waves, deep S waves in lead II, and right axis deviation of the QRS complex in a young dog are predictive of severe PS.
Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Spirometra Tapeworms from Snakes in Hunan Province
Authors: Chen Shu-Yu , Gong Teng-Fang , He Jun-Lin , Li Fen , Li Wen-Chao , Xie Li-Xing , Xie Xin-Rui , Liu Yi-Song , Zhou Ying-Fang , Liu Wei
Published: February 2022

Sparganosis is a neglected zoonotic parasitic disease that poses huge threats to humans worldwide. Snakes play an important role in sparganosis transmission because they are the most common second intermediate hosts for Spirometra parasites. However, the population genetics of Spirometra isolates from snakes is currently not well studied in China. The present study was performed to explore the molecular characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of Spirometra tapeworms from different species of snakes in Hunan Province. This study obtained 49 Spirometra isolates from 15 geographical areas in Hunan Province, Central China. Subsequently, the 18S and 28S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) fragments were amplified from the isolated parasites, and their sequences were analyzed to assess their genetic diversity. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using the maximum likelihood algorithm. The results showed that sequence variations among these isolates were 0–2.3% and 0–0.1% for 18S and 28S rDNA, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis showed that all Spirometra isolates from Hunan Province were clustered into the same branch with Spirometra erinaceieuropaei isolated from other areas (China, Vietnam, Australia). Moreover, the phylogenetic trees revealed that Spirometra is closely related to Adenocephalus, Pyramicocephalus, Ligula, Dibothriocephalus, Schistocephalus, and Diphyllobothrium. The Spirometra isolates of different hosts/regions in Hunan Province are not host segregated or geographically isolated, and support for the taxonomic status of Spirometra tapeworms in China has been added. These results provide reference values for future accurate identification and taxonomic status of Spirometra tapeworms in China.
Evaluation of Temporary Urethral Stents in the Management of Malignant and Nonmalignant Urethral Diseases in Dogs
Authors: Lulich Jody P.
Published: February 2022

Urethral stent placement is a minimally invasive interventional procedure commonly performed by specialists to alleviate urethral obstruction. However, the availability of urethral stents is limited by their high cost and the need for special equipment. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the construction and placement of an inexpensive temporary urethral stent and to report on its outcome in managing dogs with naturally occurring urethral disease. Temporary stents were placed in the urethra of 17 dogs with malignant and nonmalignant urethral pathologies. The most common indication for temporary stent placement was urethral obstruction. In this population, urethral patency was restored in all dogs. The most frequently reported complication was urinary incontinence. To manage this complication, dogs were diapered. Temporary urethral stents served as a durable and inexpensive alternative to expanding metallic stents. Because temporary stents were constructed from readily available materials and inserted without special equipment, practitioners capable of catheterizing the urethra can insert them on demand.
Study of the Trends of Chemical–Physical Parameters in Different Karst Aquifers: Some Examples from Italian Alps
Authors: Balestra Valentina , Fiorucci Adriano , Vigna Bartolomeo
Published: February 2022

The results of a series of continuous characterizations of physical parameters (flow, temperature, water conductivity) and chemical analyses in water springs fed by karst aquifers located in the Piedmont region (northwestern Italy) are presented in this work. Rock masses in carbonate rocks, characterized by very different hydrogeological situations, linked to a different degree of karstification, fracturing, and development of the saturated zone, were examined. A series of data-loggers were installed, operating for several years, and different water sampling missions and subsequent chemical analyses (main ions, metals, and rare earth elements) under different hydrodynamic conditions were carried out. The results show very different trends of chemical–physical water parameters, particularly following significant infiltrative events. Aquifers characterized by a high karstification and reduced saturated zone highlight water mineralization decreases, even within a few hours, as a result of significant flow rate increases (prevalent substitution). Aquifers with a well-developed saturated zone, during an entire flood event, highlight an increase in mineralization linked to the remobilization of water present in the less permeable sectors of the aquifer (piston flow phenomenon). Lastly, aquifers fed by very fractured rocky masses and reduced karstification have a water flow rate with mild annual variations and constant chemical–physical parameters over time (homogenization phenomenon).
Impacts of Climate Alteration on the Hydrology of the Yarra River Catchment, Australia Using GCMs and SWAT Model
Authors: Das Sushil K. , Ahsan Amimul , Khan Md. Habibur Rahman Bejoy , Tariq Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman , Muttil Nitin , Ng Anne W. M.
Published: February 2022

A rigorous evaluation of future hydro-climatic changes is necessary for developing climate adaptation strategies for a catchment. The integration of future climate projections from general circulation models (GCMs) in the simulations of a hydrologic model, such as the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), is widely considered as one of the most dependable approaches to assess the impacts of climate alteration on hydrology. The main objective of this study was to assess the potential impacts of climate alteration on the hydrology of the Yarra River catchment in Victoria, Australia, using the SWAT model. The climate projections from five GCMs under two Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios—RCP 4.5 and 8.5 for 2030 and 2050, respectively—were incorporated into the calibrated SWAT model for the analysis of future hydrologic behaviour against a baseline period of 1990–2008. The SWAT model performed well in its simulation of total streamflow, baseflow, and runoff, with Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency values of more than 0.75 for monthly calibration and validation. Based on the projections from the GCMs, the future rainfall and temperature are expected to decrease and increase, respectively, with the highest changes projected by the GFDL-ESM2M model under the RCP 8.5 scenario in 2050. These changes correspond to significant increases in annual evapotranspiration (8% to 46%) and decreases in other annual water cycle components, especially surface runoff (79% to 93%). Overall, the future climate projections indicate that the study area will become hotter, with less winter–spring (June to November) rainfall and with more water shortages within the catchment.
Dvarininkės savarankiškumo intencija: Apolinaros Žabaitės-Pliaterienės atvejis
Authors: Bairašauskaitė Tamara
Published: February 2022

THE QUEST FOR INDEPENDENCE BY A FEMALE LANDOWNER: THE CASE OF APOLINARA ŽABAITĖ-PLIATERIENĖ

Summary

Making extensive use for the first time of the surviving archives from Dusetos manor, the article analyses the attempts by the landowner Apolinara z Żabów Platerowa (~1780–1847) in the first half of the 19th century to become the sole owner of large estates. The laws of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania did 81 not prevent women from inheriting their parents’ manors and managing them under the supervision of their husbands, and widows were granted lifelong support from their late husbands’ manors. However,
Apolinara Plater sought to take over the property of her husband Count Kazimierz Plater (1779–1819) while he was still alive, and this was against Lithuanian law. Her main intention was to protect the estates at Aluotos, Dusetos and Padustėlis, which formed the inheritance of Kazimierz Plater, and his sons Władysław (1808–1889) and Cezary (1810–1869), from confiscation. The article analyses how men’s and women’s property was formed in the 19th century, how women’s capital mortgages operated,
and what debt relief measures were in place.
Countess Plater was forced to seek to independently manage her husband’s estates, because of the political activities of the Lithuanian nobility, which might have led to the confiscation of the property. She succeeded by legal means in proving that she was the sole owner of the estates when Plater joined Napoleon’s army and was exiled. She used the same legal tools when her husband returned and demanded his property back. She dared to oppose the late Plater’ will, according to which the administration of the
manors had to be handed over to the legal guardians of his underage sons. After the November Uprising (1830–1831), she did everything she could to save the property of her sons, who participated in the insurrection. She managed to retain the manors of Aluotos, Dusetos and Padustėlis, which were only confiscated by the state treasury after her death.
As the manager of the manors, with the help of administrators, Countess Plater dealt with complex economic issues. However, her talents were most evident in the field of finance and credit, when she had to repay millions to creditors to cover her husband’s and his brother’s debts. The repayment of the large debts depended not only on the ability to make the manors profitable, but also on taking out new loans to cover the debts. She was probably the only female landowner in Lithuania who managed to carry out a large-scale debt settlement operation in the 19th century.
The intensity of the gain of live weight of heifers of Black-and-White breed and hybrids with zebu
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Agricultural Academy named after K. A. Timiryazev”, Russia, Moscow, Federal State Budgetary Institution of Science «Main Botanical Garden named after N. V. Tsitsin of the Russian Academy of Sciences», Russia, Moscow, Solovyova O. I. , Makhnova E. N. ,   Federal State Budgetary Institution “Experimental station “Snegiri””, Russia, Moscow region, Rozhdestveno, Safronov S. L. ,   Institute of Animal Husbandry and Pastures of the Tajik Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Republic of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, Rakhmatulloev Sh. U. ,   Institute of Animal Husbandry and Pastures of the Tajik Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Republic of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, Zhirova E. V. ,   OOO Agrofirma Dekar-Korsakovo, Russia, Orel region, Korsakovo
Published: February 2022

The first factor in breeding highly productive herds, both in order and importance is the intensive rearing of replacement heifers. The widespread use of Holstein breed as the breeding resources in dairy cattle in Russia in order to improve the economically useful characteristics of cattle of different breeds leads to the leveling of genotypes and a decrease in the valuable qualities of domestic breeds, resistance to diseases, obtaining high-quality replacement young animals. Hybridization especially remote according to many scientists is the greatest factor of evolution and selection and so far the only reliable method of breeding hybrid organisms based on a combination of their useful traits A comparative characteristic of the intensity of the live weight gain of heifers of Black-and-White breed and in comparison with zebu-like hybrid herdmates has been presented in the article. It has been found that the intensity of the live weight gain of heifers obtained by crossbreeding with zebu-like hybrid sires was higher than that of heifers of the same age of Black-and-White breed from birth to 15 months of age. The average daily gain in live weight in zebu-like hybrid heifers from birth to 6 months of age averaged was 733 g, from birth to the age of 12 months it was 739 g and from birth to the age of first insemination it was 704 g. The live weight of hybrid heifers at the age of 15 months was 345,1 kg, which on average was more than that of heifers of the same age of Black-and-White breed. So, from birth to 6 months they were inferior to hybrid herdmates by 6,5 %, at the age of 12 months by 4,2 % and at the age of 15 months by 3,8 %. Thus, the use of zebu-like hybrid sires when crossbreeding with Black-andWhite cows has the positive effect on the intensity of the live weight gain of heifers, which must be taken into account in the breeding of animals in commercial farms.
Evaluación del color y sólidos en suspensión de panela artesanal con la aplicación de agentes clarificantes naturales.
Authors: Bravo Zamora Beatriz María , Parrales Mendoza Vicky Yuliana , Lectong Cusme Nieve Esther , López Pinargote Isaac Leonel , Reyna Arias Kathya Sayonara , Delgado Ríos José Carlos
Published: February 2022

El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el color y sólidos en suspensión de panela artesanal con la aplicación de agentes clarificantes. Empleando un arreglo bifactorial AXB en DCA con tres réplicas para cada tratamiento, utilizando 25 L de jugo de caña de azúcar por cada réplica. Los tipos de agentes clarificantes naturales usados fueron: cadillo blanco y cáscara de cacao variedad nacional, en diferentes dosis de agentes clarificantes naturales (100, 130 y 160 mL/25 L), obteniendo seis tratamientos. El tratamiento con menos sólidos en suspensión el T6 (solución macerada de cáscara de cacao madura variedad nacional en 160 mL /25 L de jugo de caña de azúcar) y 0,1 g/100 g (P.A); la variable color con mejor tratamiento fue T3 (solución macerada de la corteza de tallos en estado de madurez intermedia del cadillo blanco en 160 mL/ 25 L de jugo de caña de azúcar) con 57 absorbancia y longitud de onda de 560 nm, mejorando el color de la (P.A) reduciendo los sólidos en suspensión.
El uso del diagrama de Ishikawa para identificar las causas de contaminación en la línea de producción de matanza de ganado
Authors: Santos Gabriel Arthur Basílio dos , Campos Gevair
Published: February 2022

El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar las causas y efectos de la contaminación en una línea de producción de faena de ganado. Y consecuentemente desarrollar prácticas para que no ocurran los mismos errores en la línea de producción. El presente trabajo es una investigación cuantitativa que utiliza procedimientos estructurados e instrumentos formales para la recolección de datos, enfatizando la objetividad, en la recolección y análisis de datos, analizando datos numéricos mediante procedimientos estadísticos. Se utilizó el diagrama de Ishikawa para ilustrar las causas y los efectos. Los principales resultados incluyen mejoras en el proceso, descubrimiento de cuellos de botella en la línea de producción, mejora de la comunicación entre empleados, entre otros. Otro aporte destacado del estudio son las propuestas para corregir las fallas encontradas, buscando mantener el estándar de calidad del producto. A través del diagrama de Ishikawa, fue posible identificar las principales causas de contaminación en el despacho, posibilitando una propuesta de procesos no productivos, con el fin de agregar calidad al producto final.
 
Palabras clave: Calidad; Contaminación; Carne.
Alternativas para el aprovechamiento del lactosuero: Antecedentes investigativos y usos tradicionales.
Authors: Williams Zambrano Maria Belen , Dueñas Rivadeneira Alex Alberto
Published: February 2022

El lactosuero es el mayor subproducto obtenido durante el procesamiento de la leche en la producción de quesos, el cual presenta un alto contenido de nutrientes y se desaprovecha desechándolo generalmente en vertederos, causando un problema de contaminación ambiental. El objetivo del presente trabajo consiste en identificar diversas alternativas para el aprovechamiento del lactosuero en diferentes industrias, a partir de diferentes estudios de aplicación y usos tradicionales. Se realizó una investigación bibliográfica y descriptiva de trabajos investigativos de los últimos cinco años, en las bases de datos Scielo, Redalyc, Scopus, tomando como referencia las palabras clave lactosuero, subproducto lácteo, industria láctea, y usos del lactosuero en español e inglés. Entre las conclusiones se determina que el lactosuero conserva nutrientes importantes de la leche que pueden ser aprovechados ampliamente por la industria alimentaria, química, cosmética y biomédica según los estudios realizados.
 
Palabras clave: Coagulación, industria láctea; leche, procesamiento.
Medición de Huella de Carbono en la sostenibilidad de productos del mar.
Authors: Pincay Cantos María Fernanda
Published: February 2022

El cambio climático supone uno de los mayores retos medioambientales a los que la sociedad actual debe hacer frente. Diversas actividades humanas, como por ejemplo el transporte, el sector agrícola, los procesos industriales, etc. están liberando grandes cantidades de GEI a la atmósfera, siendo la más importante de todas ellas el CO2. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue medir la HC de uno de los productos del sector agroalimentario de exportación de Ecuador. La huella de carbono es un parámetro que representa las emisiones totales de GEI, expresados en masa de CO2e, generadas directa o indirectamente por un producto, servicio, organización o evento a lo largo de su ciclo de vida. La HC se calculó mediante la metodología: PAS 2050, considerando los límites del sistema “de la cuna a la puerta”. Obteniendo un resultado global de 6,32 kg CO2e/kg atún, contemplando cuatro etapas, la pesca del atún, procesamiento del atún, envasado del producto, distribución del atún envasado hasta el puerto de destino, pretendiendo que las evaluaciones realizadas se conviertan en una referencia de cálculo en el país para el sector analizado.
Detección de la tuberculosis con algoritmos de Deep Learning en imágenes de radiografías del tórax
Authors: Valero Gómez Juan Carlos , Zúñiga Incalla Alex Peter , Clares Perca Juan Carlos
Published: February 2022

Se estima que en 2019 murieron alrededor de 1,4 millones de personas infectadas por tuberculosis, gran parte de ellos en países en desarrollo. Si la tuberculosis se hubiera diagnosticado oportunamente se habría evitado la muerte de las personas infectadas. Uno de los métodos de detección de tuberculosis más relevante es el análisis de radiografías del tórax; sin embargo, contar con profesionales altamente capacitados para el diagnóstico de la tuberculosis en todos los centros de salud es imposible en los países emergentes, este es uno de los principales motivos de que este método no sea ampliamente usado. En las últimas décadas las redes neuronales han tenido un papel muy relevante en la solución de problemas de la sociedad y en especial en el sector salud. Se ha empleado tres algoritmos de aprendizaje profundo reconocidos en el desarrollo de visión computacional que son VGG19, MobileNet e InceptionV3, se ha logrado obtener resultados muy auspiciosos para la detección de la tuberculosis. Caso especial ha sido MobileNet que ha destacado entre las demás, dando resultados importantes en las diferentes métricas de evaluación empleadas. Además, MobileNet cuenta con una arquitectura menos compleja y los pesos obtenidos después del entrenamiento son muy menores en comparación de los otros dos algoritmos. Se concluye que MobileNet es el algoritmo de Deep Learning más eficiente a comparación de VGG19 e InceptionV3, cuenta con mejor precisión para la detección de la tuberculosis y; el costo computación y tiempo de procesamiento es significativamente menor.
Numerical Simulation of Decompression Process of a Mars Rover in the Launch Phase
Authors: Wang Weizhang , Rao Wei , Li Qi , Yan Hao , Zhao Rui
Published: February 2022

This paper performs numerical simulation on the decompression process of a Mars rover using FLUENT. The pressure differential between the inside and outside of the Mars rover resulting from changes in ambient pressure of the rocket fairing is investigated. In terms of numerical simulation, PROFILE outlet boundary conditions are developed and the impacts of ambient pressure settings, time steps, and mesh density are investigated to improve the accuracy of simulation results. The decompression process of the separate large module, large and small modules under two types of ambient pressures are simulated. The results show that the largest pressure differential between the inside and outside of the module body is less than 2200 Pa. Because of the small size of the small module, the results for the separate large module and the large/small modules are consistent. The pressure differential between the inside and outside of the rover is mainly influenced by the variation in ambient pressure.