bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AHP-RAPS Approach for Evaluating the Productivity of Engineering Departments at a Public University
Authors: Bafail Omer A. , Abdulaal Reda M. S. , Kabli Mohammad R.
Published: August 2022

Education is an essential component for nations preparing to take advantage of the opportunities and confront the challenges of the 21st century. Universities, colleges, and research centers must work effectively and efficiently to achieve maximum results. In order to provide a comparable and verifiable evaluation of such institutions’ efforts, administrators need to adopt measurement tools such as those offered by multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM). The use of MCDM to solve complex real-world problems in the educational sector has dramatically increased in the past decade. This paper ranked the Engineering departments in a public university from 2019 to 2021 using combined MCDM methods between Analytical Hierarchy Analysis (AHP) and Ranking Alternatives by Perimeter Similarity (RAPS). The AHP technique assisted in the weighting for each evaluation criterion covered in this study. The RAPS technique assisted in ranking the Engineering departments using weights derived from the AHP technique. For the first time, the use of RAPS in the educational sector is presented in this paper. The findings revealed some of the departments under investigation’s vulnerabilities, indicating that they require assistance from the institution’s administration. Moreover, the results demonstrate that combining the AHP and RAPS techniques to evaluate and rank university departments is a successful method.
Transfer EEG Emotion Recognition by Combining Semi-Supervised Regression with Bipartite Graph Label Propagation
Authors: Li Wenzheng , Peng Yong
Published: August 2022

Individual differences often appear in electroencephalography (EEG) data collected from different subjects due to its weak, nonstationary and low signal-to-noise ratio properties. This causes many machine learning methods to have poor generalization performance because the independent identically distributed assumption is no longer valid in cross-subject EEG data. To this end, transfer learning has been introduced to alleviate the data distribution difference between subjects. However, most of the existing methods have focused only on domain adaptation and failed to achieve effective collaboration with label estimation. In this paper, an EEG feature transfer method combined with semi-supervised regression and bipartite graph label propagation (TSRBG) is proposed to realize the unified joint optimization of EEG feature distribution alignment and semi-supervised joint label estimation. Through the cross-subject emotion recognition experiments on the SEED-IV data set, the results show that (1) TSRBG has significantly better recognition performance in comparison with the state-of-the-art models; (2) the EEG feature distribution differences between subjects are significantly minimized in the learned shared subspace, indicating the effectiveness of domain adaptation; (3) the key EEG frequency bands and channels for cross-subject EEG emotion recognition are achieved by investigating the learned subspace, which provides more insights into the study of EEG emotion activation patterns.
Clinical Studies of Bee Venom Acupuncture for Lower Back Pain in the Korean Literature
Authors: Sung Soo-Hyun , Han Ji-Eun , Lee Hee-Jung , Park Minjung , Lee Ji-Yeon , Jang Soobin , Park Jang-Kyung , Lee Gihyun
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to identify all of the characteristics of bee venom acupuncture (BVA) for the treatment of lower back pain (LBP) that are described in the Korean literature, and to provide English-speaking researchers with bibliometrics. Six Korean electronic databases and sixteen Korean journals on BVA treatment for back pain were searched up to February 2022. This report included and analyzed 64 clinical studies on BVA interventions for back pain and 1297 patients with LBP. The most common disease in patients with back pain was lumbar herniated intervertebral discs (HIVD) of the lumbar spine (L-spine). All studies used bee venom (BV) diluted with distilled water. The concentration of BVA for HIVD of L-spine patients with LBP ranged from 0.01 to 5.0 mg/mL; the dosage per treatment was 0.02–2.0 mL, and for a total session was 0.3–40.0 mL. The most used outcome measure was the visual analogue scale for back pain (n = 45, 70.3%), and most of the papers reported that each outcome measure had a positive effect. Korean clinical studies were typically omitted from the review research, resulting in potential language bias. This study provides clinical cases in Korea for future development and standardization of BVA treatment for back pain.
Prognostic Indicators for the Early Prediction of Severe Dengue Infection: A Retrospective Study in a University Hospital in Thailand
Authors: Srisuphanunt Mayuna , Puttaruk Palakorn , Kooltheat Nateelak , Katzenmeier Gerd , Wilairatana Polrat
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to develop simple diagnostic guidelines which would be useful for the early detection of severe dengue infections. Retrospective data of patients with dengue infection were reviewed. Patients with diagnosed dengue infection were categorized in line with the International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD-10): A90, dengue fever; A91, dengue hemorrhagic fever; and A910, dengue hemorrhagic fever with shock. A total of 302 dengue-infected patients were enrolled, of which 136 (45%) were male and 166 (55%) were female. Multivariate analysis was conducted to determine independent diagnostic predictors of severe dengue infection and to convert simple diagnostic guidelines into a scoring system for disease severity. Coefficients for significant predictors of disease severity generated by ordinal multivariable logistic regression analysis were transformed into item scores. The derived total scores ranged from 0 to 38.6. The cut-off score for predicting dengue severity was higher than 14, with an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 0.902. The predicted positive value (PPV) was 68.7% and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 94.1%. Our study demonstrates that several diagnostic parameters can be effectively combined into a simple score sheet with predictive value for the severity evaluation of dengue infection.
Analysis of Midrapidity pT Distributions of Identified Charged Particles in Pb + Pb Collisions at snn = 5.02 TeV Using Tsallis Distribution with Embedded Transverse Flow
Authors: Olimov Khusniddin K. , Liu Fu-Hu , Fedosimova Anastasiya I. , Lebedev Igor A. , Deppman Airton , Musaev Kobil A. , Shodmonov Maratbek Z. , Tukhtaev Boburbek J.
Published: August 2022

The midrapidity transverse momentum distributions of the charged pions, kaons, protons, and antiprotons, measured by ALICE Collaboration at ten centrality classes of Pb + Pb collisions at snn  = 5.02 TeV in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC, CERN, Switzerland), are successfully analyzed using combined minimum χ2 fits with a thermodynamically non-consistent, as well as thermodynamically consistent, Tsallis function with transverse flow. The extracted non-extensivity parameter q decreases systematically for all considered particle species with increasing Pb + Pb collision centrality, suggesting an increase in the degree of system thermalization with an increase in collision centrality. The results for q suggest quite a large degree of thermalization of quark–gluon plasma (QGP) created in central Pb + Pb collisions at snn = 5.02 TeV with the average number of participant nucleons ⟨Npart⟩ > 160. The obtained significantly different growth rates of transverse flow velocity, ⟨βT⟩, in regions ⟨Npart⟩ < 71 ± 7 and ⟨Npart⟩ > 71 ± 7 with the temperature parameter T0 remaining constant within uncertainties in region ⟨Npart⟩ > 71 ± 7 probably indicates that ⟨Npart⟩ ≈ 71 ± 7 (corresponding to ⟨dNch/dη⟩ ≈ 251 ± 20) is a threshold border value for a crossover transition from a dense hadronic state to the QGP phase (or mixed phase of QGP and hadrons) in Pb + Pb collisions at snn = 5.02 TeV. The threshold border value for transverse flow velocity ⟨βT⟩ ≈ 0.46 ± 0.03 (corresponding to ⟨Npart⟩ ≈ 71 ± 7), estimated by us in Pb + Pb collisions at snn = 5.02 TeV, agrees well with the corresponding border value ⟨βT⟩ ≈ 0.44 ± 0.02, recently obtained in Xe + Xe collisions at snn = 5.44 TeV, and with almost constant ⟨βT⟩ values extracted earlier in the Beam Energy Scan (BES) program of the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider (RHIC, Brookhaven, GA, USA) in central Au + Au collisions in the snn = 7.7 − 39 GeV energy range, where the threshold for QGP production is achieved. The correlations between extracted T0 and ⟨βT⟩ parameters are found to be greatly different in regions ⟨βT⟩ < 0.46 and ⟨βT⟩ > 0.46, which further supports our result obtained for the threshold border value in Pb + Pb collisions at snn = 5.02 TeV.
Detection of HIV-1 Transmission Clusters from Dried Blood Spots within a Universal Test-and-Treat Trial in East Africa
Authors: Pujol-Hodge Emma , Salazar-Gonzalez Jesus , Ssemwanga Deogratius , Charlebois Edwin , Ayieko James , Grant Heather , Liegler Teri , Atkins Katherine , Kaleebu Pontiano , Kamya Moses , Petersen Maya , Havlir Diane , Leigh Brown Andrew
Published: August 2022

The Sustainable East Africa Research in Community Health (SEARCH) trial was a universal test-and-treat (UTT) trial in rural Uganda and Kenya, aiming to lower regional HIV-1 incidence. Here, we quantify breakthrough HIV-1 transmissions occurring during the trial from population-based, dried blood spot samples. Between 2013 and 2017, we obtained 549 gag and 488 pol HIV-1 consensus sequences from 745 participants: 469 participants infected prior to trial commencement and 276 SEARCH-incident infections. Putative transmission clusters, with a 1.5% pairwise genetic distance threshold, were inferred from maximum likelihood phylogenies; clusters arising after the start of SEARCH were identified with Bayesian time-calibrated phylogenies. Our phylodynamic approach identified nine clusters arising after the SEARCH start date: eight pairs and one triplet, representing mostly opposite-gender linked (6/9), within-community transmissions (7/9). Two clusters contained individuals with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) resistance, both linked to intervention communities. The identification of SEARCH-incident, within-community transmissions reveals the role of unsuppressed individuals in sustaining the epidemic in both arms of a UTT trial setting. The presence of transmitted NNRTI resistance, implying treatment failure to the efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) used during SEARCH, highlights the need to improve delivery and adherence to up-to-date ART recommendations, to halt HIV-1 transmission.
Spillover of a Tobamovirus from the Australian Indigenous Flora to Invasive Weeds
Authors: Xu Weinan , Li Hua , Sivasithamparam Krishnapillai , Tran Dieu Thi , Jones Michael G. K. , Chen Xin , Wylie Stephen J.
Published: August 2022

The tobamovirus yellow tailflower mild mottle virus (YTMMV) was previously reported in wild plants of Anthocercis species (family Solanaceae) and other solanaceous indigenous species growing in natural habitats in Western Australia. Here, we undertook a survey of two introduced solanaceous weeds, namely Solanum nigrum (black nightshade) and Physalis peruviana (cape gooseberry) in the Perth metropolitan area and surrounds to determine if YTMMV has spread naturally to these species. At a remnant natural bushland site where both solanaceous weeds and indigenous Anthocercis hosts grew adjacent to one another, a proportion of S. nigrum and P. peruviana plants were asymptomatically-infected with YTMMV, confirming spillover had occurred. Populations of S. nigrum also grow as weeds in parts of the city isolated from remnant bushland and indigenous sources of YTMMV, and some of these populations were also infected with YTMMV. Fruit was harvested from virus-infected wild S. nigrum plants and the seed germinated under controlled conditions. Up to 80% of resultant seedlings derived from infected parent plants were infected with YTMMV, confirming that the virus is vertically-transmitted in S. nigrum, and therefore infection appears to be self-sustaining in this species. This is the first report of spillover of YTMMV to exotic weeds, and of vertical transmission of this tobamovirus. We discuss the roles of vertical and horizontal transmission in this spillover event, and its implications for biosecurity.
CIGB-300 Peptide Targets the CK2 Phospho-Acceptor Domain on Human Papillomavirus E7 and Disrupts the Retinoblastoma (RB) Complex in Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Ramón Ailyn C. , Basukala Om , Massimi Paola , Thomas Miranda , Perera Yasser , Banks Lawrence. , Perea Silvio E.
Published: August 2022

CIGB-300 is a clinical-grade anti-Protein Kinase CK2 peptide, binding both its substrate’s phospho-acceptor site and the CK2α catalytic subunit. The cyclic p15 inhibitory domain of CIGB-300 was initially selected in a phage display library screen for its ability to bind the CK2 phospho-acceptor domain ofHPV-16 E7. However, the actual role of this targeting in CIGB-300 antitumoral mechanism remains unexplored. Here, we investigated the physical interaction of CIGB-300 with HPV-E7 and its impact on CK2-mediated phosphorylation. Hence, we studied the relevance of targeting E7 phosphorylation for the cytotoxic effect induced by CIGB-300. Finally, co-immunoprecipitation experiments followed by western blotting were performed to study the impact of the peptide on the E7–pRB interaction. Interestingly, we found a clear binding of CIGB-300 to the N terminal region of E7 proteins of the HPV-16 type. Accordingly, the in vivo physical interaction of the peptide with HPV-16 E7 reduced CK2-mediated phosphorylation of E7, as well as its binding to the tumor suppressor pRB. However, the targeting of E7 phosphorylation by CIGB-300 seemed to be dispensable for the induction of cell death in HPV-18 cervical cancer-derived C4-1 cells. These findings unveil novel molecular clues to the means by which CIGB-300 triggers cell death in cervical cancer cells.
Prognostic Value of Mid-Region Proadrenomedullin and In Vitro Interferon Gamma Production for In-Hospital Mortality in Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia and Respiratory Failure: An Observational Prospective Study
Authors: Mangioni Davide , Oggioni Massimo , Chatenoud Liliane , Liparoti Arianna , Uceda Renteria Sara , Alagna Laura , Biscarini Simona , Bolis Matteo , Di Modugno Adriana , Mussa Marco , Renisi Giulia , Ungaro Riccardo , Muscatello Antonio , Gori Andrea , Ceriotti Ferruccio , Bandera Alessandra
Published: August 2022

Coagulopathy and immune dysregulation have been identified as important causes of adverse outcomes in coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Mid-region proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) is associated with endothelial damage and has recently been proposed as a prognostic factor in COVID-19. In non-COVID-19 immunocompromised patients, low in vitro interferon gamma (IFNγ) production correlates with infection risk and mortality. This prospective, monocentric, observational study included adult patients consecutively admitted with radiologic evidence of COVID-19 pneumonia and respiratory failure. MR-proADM and in vitro IFNγ production were measured at T0 (day 1 from admission) and T1 (day 7 from enrollment). One hundred patients were enrolled. Thirty-six percent were females, median age 65 (Q1–Q3 54.5–75) years, and 58% had ≥1 comorbidity. Only 16 patients had received COVID-19 vaccination before hospitalization. At admission, the median PaO2:FiO2 ratio was 241 (157–309) mmHg. In-hospital mortality was 13%. MR-proADM levels differed significantly between deceased and survivors both at T0 (1.41 (1.12–1.77) nmol/L vs. 0.79 (0.63–1.03) nmol/L, p < 0.001) and T1 (1.67 (1.08–1.96) nmol/L vs. 0.66 (0.53–0.95) nmol/L, p < 0.001). In vitro IFNγ production at T0 and T1 did not vary between groups. When only the subset of non-vaccinated patients was considered, both biomarkers at T1 resulted significantly associated with in-hospital mortality. AUROC for MR-proADM at T0 to predict in-hospital mortality was 0.87 (95%CI 0.79–0.94), with the best cut-off point at 1.04 nmol/L (92% sensitivity, 75% specificity and 98% negative predictive value). In patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and different degrees of respiratory failure, MR-proADM at admission and during hospitalization resulted strongly associated with in-hospital mortality. Low in vitro IFNγ production after the first week of hospitalization was associated with mortality in non-vaccinated patients possibly identifying the subgroup characterized by a higher degree of immune suppression.
HBeAg-Negative/Anti-HBe-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B: A 40-Year-Old History
Authors: Bonino Ferruccio , Colombatto Piero , Brunetto Maurizia R.
Published: August 2022

Hepatitis B “e” antigen (HBeAg) negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 40 years since discovery in the Mediterranean area, has become the most prevalent form of HBV-induced liver disease worldwide and a major health care burden caused by HBV infection. A great deal of knowledge accumulated over the last decades provides consistent evidence on the bimodal dynamics of the expression of structural and non-structural forms of the viral core proteins which associate with different virologic and clinic–pathologic outcomes of HBV infection. In absence of serum HBeAg, the presence and persistence of HBV replication causes and maintains virus-related liver injury. Thus, in clinical practice it is mandatory to screen HBV carriers with HBeAg-negative infection for the early diagnosis of HBeAg-negative CHB since antiviral therapy can cure HBV-induced liver disease when started at early stages.
Cross-Sectional Survey on BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Serious Adverse Events in Children 5 to 11 Years of Age: A Monocentric Experience
Authors: Bloise Silvia , Marcellino Alessia , Frasacco Beatrice , Gizzone Pietro , Proietti Ciolli Claudia , Martucci Vanessa , Sanseviero Mariateresa , Del Giudice Emanuela , Ventriglia Flavia , Lubrano Riccardo
Published: August 2022

Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the safety of COVID-19 vaccine in children resident in the Latina Local Health Authority. Methods: We conducted a telephone survey among children aged 5–11 years receiving BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine between December 15 and 21. The main outcomes included the presence of allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, adverse events after 24–48 h, 7 and 20 days of taking the first and second doses of medications, and documented SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination. The information obtained was automatically linked to a spreadsheet and analyzed. Results: 569 children were enrolled. The mean age was 114 ± 4.24 months; there were 251 males in the study. The vaccine showed a favorable safety profile; no anaphylaxis or serious adverse events were reported. The most common symptoms both after the first and second dose were injection site reactions, asthenia, and headache. Injection site reactions were more frequent after the first dose (p = 0.01), while systemic symptoms were more frequent after the second dose (p = 0.022). These symptoms were more frequent in patients with comorbidities (p = 0.0159). Conclusion: Our findings confirm the safety of COVID-19 vaccine in children younger 11 years and could be useful to promote its diffusion in pediatric ages in order to achieve “herd immunity” and prevent the virus’s circulation.
Clinical Manifestation, Management, and Outcomes in Patients with COVID-19 Vaccine-Induced Acute Encephalitis: Two Case Reports and a Literature Review
Authors: Shyu Shiuan , Fan Hua-Tung , Shang Shih-Ta , Chan Jenq-Shyong , Chiang Wen-Fang , Chiu Chih-Chien , Chen Ming-Hua , Shyu Hann-Yen , Hsiao Po-Jen
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Vaccination is one of the best strategies to control coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and multiple vaccines have been introduced. A variety of neurological adverse effects have been noted after the implementation of large-scale vaccination programs. Methods: We reported two rare cases of possible mRNA-1273 vaccine-induced acute encephalitis, including clinical manifestations, laboratory characteristics, and management. Results: The clinical manifestations might be related to hyperproduction of systemic and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokines. mRNA vaccines are comprised of nucleoside-modified severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA, which is translated into SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by the host’s ribosomes, activating the adaptive immune response. Exposed mRNA or vaccine components may also be detected as antigens, further resulting in aberrant proinflammatory cytokine cascades and activation of immune signaling pathways. Both patients exhibited significant clinical improvement after a course of steroid therapy. Conclusions: The use of COVID-19 vaccines to prevent and control SARS-CoV-2 infections and complications is the most practicable policy worldwide. However, inaccurate diagnosis or other diagnostic delays in cases of vaccine-induced acute encephalitis may have devastating and potentially life-threatening consequences for patients. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can result in a favorable prognosis.
Simultaneous Analysis of the p16 Gene and Protein in Canine Lymphoma Cells and Their Correlation with pRb Phosphorylation
Authors: Maylina Leni , Kambayashi Satoshi , Baba Kenji , Okuda Masaru
Published: August 2022

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p16 (CDKN2A) primarily functions as a negative regulator of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) pathway to prevent pRb phosphorylation, thus playing a critical role in cell cycle arrest. In canine lymphoma cells, methylation due to inactivation of the p16 gene has been reported. However, its protein expression has not been examined in previous studies. In our in vitro study, the gene and protein expression of p16 and phosphorylated pRb were examined simultaneously in eight canine lymphoma and leukemia cell lines (17-71, CLBL-1, GL-1, CLC, CLGL-90, Ema, Nody-1, and UL-1). Methylation of the p16 gene was also explored using the demethylation drug 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza). After 5-Aza treatment, p16 gene and protein expression increased and pRb phosphorylation decreased, suggesting that both hypermethylation of the p16 gene and pRb hyperphosphorylation occurred in four out of eight cell lines (CLBL-1, CLC, Nody-1, and UL-1). Moreover, the estimation of p16’s protein expression was better than that of p16’s mRNA expression because the expression of the protein was more stable than those of the gene, and highly related to the phosphorylation of pRb. These results revealed that p16’s protein expression could be a promising biomarker for canine lymphoma cells.
Green Tea Extract in the Extender Improved the Post-Thawed Semen Quality and Decreased Amino Acid Mutation of Kacang Buck Sperm
Authors: Susilowati Suherni , Mustofa Imam , Wurlina Wurlina , Hernawati Tatik , Oktanella Yudit , Soeharsono Soeharsono , Purwanto Djoko Agus
Published: August 2022

This study was the first to combine the addition of antioxidants to a skim milk–egg yolk (SM–EY) extender and different equilibration periods to obtain higher quality post-thawed Kacang buck semen. This study aimed to determine the effects of green tea extract (GTE) on the quality of frozen Kacang goat sperm equilibrated for one and two hours. The pool of Kacang buck ejaculate was equally divided into four portions and was diluted in an SM–EY extender that contained four doses of 0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 mg of GTE/100 mL for T0, T1, T2, and T3 groups, respectively. The aliquots were treated for an equilibration period of 1–2 h before further processing as frozen semen. Post-thawed semen quality was evaluated for sperm quality. The Sanger method was used for DNA sequencing, and the amino acid sequence was read using MEGA v.7.0. The post-thawed semen of the T2 group that was equilibrated for one hour had the highest semen quality. Pre-freezing motility had the highest determination coefficient compared to post-thawed sperm motility. This study is the first to report amino acid mutation due to freeze–thawing. The frequency of amino acid mutations revealed that T2 was the least mutated amino acid. Glycine, valine, leucine, serine, and asparagine strongly correlated to post-thawed sperm motility. It can be concluded that a combination of 0.1 mg GTE/100 mL extender as an antioxidant and one-hour equilibration period resulted in the best post-thawed Kacang buck semen quality.
Optimal Decomposition for the Monthly Contracted Electricity of Cascade Hydropower Plants Considering the Bidding Space in the Day-Ahead Spot Market
Authors: Wu Yang , Su Chengguo , Liu Shuangquan , Guo Hangtian , Sun Yingyi , Jiang Yan , Shao Qizhuan
Published: August 2022

With the gradual opening of China’s electricity market, it is effective for cascade hydropower plants to simultaneously participate in both the monthly contract market and the day-ahead spot market to obtain higher power generation benefits. Hence, this paper studies the optimal decomposition model for the monthly contracted electricity of cascade hydropower plants considering the bidding space in the day-ahead spot market. The close hydraulic and electric connection between cascade hydropower plants, the implementation requirements of contracted electricity, and the uncertainty of the day-ahead market clearing price are all well considered. Several linearization techniques are proposed to address the nonlinear factors, including the objective function and the power generation function. A successive approximation (SA) approach, along with a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) approach, is then developed to solve the proposed model. The presented model is verified by taking the decomposition of the monthly contracted electricity of cascade hydropower plants in China as an example. The results indicate that the developed model has high computational efficiency and can increase the power generation benefits compared with the conventional deterministic model. The effect of the penalty coefficient for imbalanced monthly contracted electricity is also evaluated, which provides a practical reference for market managers.
Discovery of a New Species of Daphnia (Crustacea: Cladocera) from the Arabian Peninsula Revealed a Southern Origin of a Common Northern Eurasian Species Group
Authors: Hamza Waleed , Neretina Anna N. , Al Neyadi Shamma Eisa Salem , Amiri Khaled M.A. , Karabanov Dmitry P. , Kotov Alexey A.
Published: August 2022

The biodiversity distribution patterns and their formation history in continental waters are studied based on some model groups such as Daphnia O.F. Müller (Crustacea: Cladocera). Most publications on this genus concern the subgenus Daphnia (Daphnia) while representatives of the subgenus Daphnia (Ctenodaphnia), inhabiting mainly temporary waters, are poorly studied. We found a new species of the D. (C.) sinensis complex in the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, and our discovery allows us to resolve some problems concerning the history of these daphniids in the northern hemisphere. A formal description, illustrations (including numerous SEM photos) and a differential diagnosis of D. (C.) arabica Neretina, Al Neyadi & Hamza sp. nov. are provided. Phylogeny of D. (C.) similis complex is reconstructed based on three mitochondrial genes (12S, 16S and COI); a haplotype network based on short 12S fragments is also constructed. A monophyletic D. (C.) sinensis within the D. (C.) similis complex includes three earlier-derived locally distributed members: D. (C.) similoides, D. (C.) inopinata and D. (C.) arabica sp. nov. Our data suggest an old (Late Mesozoic) Gondwanan origin of the D. (C.) sinensis group and its Caenozoic differentiation in North Africa and the Middle East. This region then became a center of subsequent dispersion of D. (C.) sinensis through the whole of Eurasia and Africa during the Miocene and subsequent epochs. Interestingly, our scheme of the D. sinensis group dispersion has a well-known analogue: it is comparable to that suggested for earlier human migration from Africa through the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East to the rest of Eurasia.
Groundwater Salinization and Freshening Processes in the Luy River Coastal Aquifer, Vietnam
Authors: Dieu Linh Pham , Cong-Thi Diep , Segers Tom , Ho Huu Hieu , Nguyen Frédéric , Hermans Thomas
Published: August 2022

The Vietnamese Binh Thuan province located along the Southern Central part of the coast is one of the driest in the country. The population is relying largely on groundwater for irrigation, and the groundwater resources are threatened by climate change and saltwater intrusion in river estuaries. Recent studies, however, reveal that the extension of saltwater intrusions was larger than expected, raising some doubts on the actual origin of the intrusions. In this study, we use the geochemical characterization of groundwater samples collected in both the dry and rainy seasons in the Luy river coastal area to identify hydrochemical processes responsible for the salinization and variations taking place in the shallow aquifers. The distribution of chemical components of groundwater and the indicators presenting the freshening and salinization processes, such as cation exchange code and chloride conservative element, the ionic delta, the HFE-diagram, and geochemical modelling, were studied. The results show that 65% of the samples exceed the WHO limit for drinking water and 100% of them have a degree of restriction on use from slight–moderate to severe in potential irrigation problems according to FAO. In contrast to previous expectations, freshening is the dominant process in the aquifers, and it is more advanced in the rainy season. Due to a lack of recharge and aquifer exploitation, salinization is more severe in the deeper aquifer and during the dry season. Saltwater intrusion is not limited to the zone close to the river but extends further inland and at depth, and salinity can vary quickly over short distances. Based on these new insights, we develop a new conceptual model for the evolution of salinization in the Luy river catchment involving a natural freshening process of connate water combined with anthropic influence. The conceptual model will form the basis for the development of a groundwater model of the study area and eventually lead to sustainable management scenarios for this coastal region, preventing further deterioration of the groundwater resources.
Evaluation and Spatial Equilibrium Analysis of High-Quality Development Level in Mainland China Considering Water Constraints
Authors: Wang Jiaoyang , Zuo Qiting , Wu Qingsong , Jiang Long , Han Chunhui , Zhang Weiqiang
Published: August 2022

Water resources are indispensable to human society. High-quality development (HQD) is a multi-faceted, demanding, and sustainable pattern. High-quality development level (HQDL) is an indicator of regional development. Its quantitative calculation is helpful to intuitively understand the current regional development situation, and helps departments make timely adjustments. Spatial equilibrium degree (SED) reflects the development balance among regions. Understanding spatial equilibrium can clarify regional development differences, promote the sharing of successful experiences, and then achieve common progress. Considering the current development and utilization situation of China’s water resources, this study established an improved evaluation index system for HQDL, under water resources constraints. Then, we applied the proposed “single index quantification and multiple index synthesis and poly-criteria integration (SMI-P)” method to quantitatively evaluate the HQDL of China’s 31 provincial-level administrative regions (PLARs), from 2010 to 2019. Finally, the calculation method of SED was employed to assess the SED of indicators and HQD in Mainland China. Results show that: (1) the HQDL of 31 PLARs showed a steady upward trend from 2010 to 2019. There were decrease tendencies from the coast to inland, and southeast to northwest in terms of spatial distribution, which shows that China’s HQD has achieved remarkable results in the past 10 years, and the development of coastal areas is better; (2) The SED of HQD displayed a slow upward trend, and it has remained relatively stable after 2015, indicating that the spatial difference of HQD continued to shrink before 2015 and was relatively stable after that; (3) Water resource constraints played a significant role in well-developed areas, while the economic and social level was still the main constraint in medium and poor level areas. In addition, the spatiotemporal variation of HQDL, SED of HQD and indicators, and constraint effects of water resources on regional HQD, were fully discussed. Our findings not only provide new ideas for future research on HQD, but also possess great significance to China’s HQD in the new era.
Effects of Temperature on the Growth Performance, Biochemical Indexes and Growth and Development-Related Genes Expression of Juvenile Hybrid Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii♀ × Acipenser schrenckii♂)
Authors: Chen Huiqin , Hu Qing , Kong Lingfu , Rong Hua , Bi Baoliang
Published: August 2022

In order to investigate the effects of temperature on the growth performance, biochemical indexes and genes expression in juvenile hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser baerii♀ × Acipenser schrenckii♂), five temperature treatment groups (18 °C, 21 °C, 24 °C, 27 °C, 30 °C) were set in this study. After 25 days of domestication, the specific growth rate (SGR) and relative weight gain rate of juvenile sturgeon increased at first and then decreased with the increase in temperature in the range of 18–30 °C and reached the highest value at 21 °C. A quadratic equation was used to fit the regression equation of SGR and temperature (T). The result showed that the temperature of the maximum SGR is 23.45 °C. Moreover, the expression level of the growth hormone (gh) and the content of blood glucose (GLU) increased significantly at 21 °C, while the expression level of the growth hormone receptor (ghr) in the liver decreased significantly. When the temperature exceeded 27 °C, the thyroid hormone levels were significantly affected, and the levels of total antioxidants (T-AOC) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were significantly higher than those in the control group. In addition, with the increase in temperature, the expression levels of hsp70 and hsp90 in the liver increased significantly, while the expression level of the luteinizing hormone (lh) in the brain decreased significantly. To summarize, the effect of temperature on the growth and development of juvenile sturgeon mainly occurs through the effects of glucose metabolism, thyroid hormone level, total antioxidant capacity and growth-related genes. Therefore, in a temperature range between 21 and 24 °C, juvenile sturgeon can obtain the maximum growth rate and survival rate.
Evaluation of Surface Water Quality Using Various Indices for Heavy Metals in Sasolburg, South Africa
Authors: Mollo Vuyo Moses , Nomngongo Philiswa N. , Ramontja James
Published: August 2022

The purpose of the study was to determine the concentrations of heavy metals in surface waters used for domestic and farming activities. This study investigated various water quality parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and major and trace elements such as Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, Tl, and V, which were investigated during the dry and wet seasons from samples collected at Meulsteenpan Lake, Coalplex Stream, and Natref Stream in Sasolburg, Free State, South Africa (2019–2020). The results revealed that the pH of water collected from Meulsteenpan Lake (7.86–7.89) and Coalplex stream (7.13–7.37) were within the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF), World Health Organization (WHO), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permissible guideline values for domestic and agricultural use. On the other hand, the pH from Natref stream (6.16–7.68) was within the permissible guideline values set by the DWAF for domestic use but below the permissible guideline values set by the WHO and EPA for domestic use, and the DWAF for agricultural use. The mean TDS and EC values in Meulsteenpan Lake (796–980 mg/L) and (1.20–2.00 mS/m) exceeded permissible guideline values set by the DWAF and WHO domestic use for TDS, Coalplex stream (309–326 mg/L) and (0.65 mS/m), and Natref Stream (269–413 mg/L) and (0.89–0.96 mS/m) were within the permissible guideline values for the DWAF and WHO domestic use for TDS. The results obtained for metal concentration revealed higher mean concentrations for Al, Fe, and Mo, Mn in the study area, which could pose adverse health risks to aquatic life and humans. Various pollution and health assessments (Cf, m-Cd, m-HPI, HEI, NEI, and WQI) were used to evaluate the quality status of the surface water on all sampling sites. WQI revealed that in the wet and dry seasons, surface waters from Coalplex Stream and Natref Stream had “excellent” water quality, while Meulsteenpan Lake had “excellent” water quality in the dry season, but in the wet season, the water quality was “unsuitable for drinking”.
A CNN-LSTM Model Based on a Meta-Learning Algorithm to Predict Groundwater Level in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Heihe River, China
Authors: Yang Xingyu , Zhang Zhongrong
Published: August 2022

In this study, a deep learning model is proposed to predict groundwater levels. The model is able to accurately complete the prediction task even when the data utilized are insufficient. The hybrid model that we have developed, CNN-LSTM-ML, uses a combined network structure of convolutional neural networks (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) network to extract the time dependence of groundwater level on meteorological factors, and uses a meta-learning algorithm framework to ensure the network’s performance under sample conditions. The study predicts groundwater levels from 66 observation wells in the middle and lower reaches of the Heihe River in arid regions and compares them with other data-driven models. Experiments show that the CNN-LSTM-ML model outperforms other models in terms of prediction accuracy in both the short term (1 month) and long term (12 months). Under the condition that the training data are reduced by 50%, the MAE of the proposed model is 33.6% lower than that of LSTM. The results of ablation experiments show that CNN-LSTM-ML is 26.5% better than the RMSE of the original CNN-LSTM structure. The model provides an effective method for groundwater level prediction and contributes to the sustainable management of water resources in arid regions.
Social–Ecological Impact Assessment and Success Factors of a Water Reuse System for Irrigation Purposes in Central Northern Namibia
Authors: Zimmermann Martin , Neu Felix
Published: August 2022

With regard to water supply constraints, water reuse has already become an indispensable water resource. In many regions of southern Africa, so-called waste stabilisation ponds (WSP) represent a widespread method of sewage disposal. Since capacity bottlenecks lead to overflowing ponds and contamination, a concept was designed and piloted in order to upgrade a plant and reuse water in agriculture. Using a social–ecological impact assessment (SEIA), the aim of this study was to identify and evaluate intended and unintended impacts of the upgrading of an existing WSP to reuse water for livestock fodder production. For this purpose, semistructured expert interviews were conducted. In addition, a scenario analysis was carried out regarding a sustainable operation of the water reuse system. The evaluation of the impacts has shown that intended positive impacts clearly outweigh the unintended ones. The scenario analysis revealed the consequences of an inadequate management of the system and low fodder demand. Furthermore, the analysis showed that good management of such a system is of fundamental importance in order to operate the facility, protect nature and assist people. This allows subsequent studies to minimize negative impacts and replicate the concept in regions with similar conditions.
Characteristics of Hazardous Substances Extracted from Laundry Water for Fire Protection Suit Exposed to Fire
Authors: Kim Soo Jin , Lee Jun-Yeon , Hong Ju-Hee , Ham Seunghon
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: It is well known that various toxic substances, including carcinogens, are generated at the fire scenes, so it is very important for firefighters to wear comprehensive personal protective equipment. The extent of the type and amount of harmful substances contained in the washing water of fire protection suits (FPS) exposed to fire scenes have not yet been confirmed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of harmful substances contained in wash water extracted from FPSs exposed to fire. (2) Methods: The study design was a simulation-based experimental study. To evaluate the degree of contamination exposure of FPSs, 10 sets of fire suits were classified into four groups as follows: newly supplied, field use, one fire exposure, and two consecutive fire exposures. In the experimental environment, after exposing three to four groups of FPSs to residential fire conditions. they were sealed in a plastic bag in the experimental space. The washing water for FPSs was extracted through manual washing in the order of Groups 1 to 4, and 24 items were analyzed according to the water pollution process test standards. (3) Results: According to the results of the FPS laundry analysis, the concentration of acrylonitrile in laundry was higher when exposed to fire twice than when exposed to fire once. Moreover, there was a dose–response relationship, and the risk of cumulative toxicity was shown. Naphthalene and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) were detected to be high in the washing water of Group 3 FPSs exposed to incomplete combustion fire. Of the 24 items that were analyzed for in the water, four item exceeded the standard for sewage discharge facilities in accordance with the Water Environment Conservation Act. Copper and its compounds exceeded the standards by 3.4 times, antimony 4.8 times, acrylonitrile 26.0 times, and DEHP 4.1 times, respectively. (4) Conclusions: Therefore, when removing FPSs after firefighting activities, care should be taken to avoid contaminating the skin. In addition, facilities that wash FPS that have been exposed to a fire scene must have a sewage treatment and purification facility. However, if emergency decontamination of FPSs is conducted at the fire scene, the concentration of toxic substances contained in laundry can be reduced. In the case of large-scale fire, there is a risk of water pollution near the fire scene, so it is necessary to prepare a national countermeasure. The results of this study can be applied to the revision of regulations related to the building of the fire departments, reduction of water pollution, and water environment policy.
Study on Dynamic Changes of Soil Erosion in the North and South Mountains of Lanzhou
Authors: Zhang Hua , Lei Jinping , Wang Hao , Xu Cungang , Yin Yuxin
Published: August 2022

The North and South Mountains of Lanzhou City are the ecological protection barriers and an important part of the ecological system of Lanzhou City. This study takes the North and South Mountains as the study area, calculates the soil erosion modulus of the North and South Mountains of Lanzhou City based on the five major soil erosion factors in the RUSLE model, and analyses the spatial and temporal dynamics of soil erosion in the North and South Mountains of Lanzhou City and the soil erosion characteristics under different environmental factors. The results of the study show that: The intensity of soil erosion is dominated by slight erosion, which was distributed in the northwestern and southeastern parts of the North and South Mountains in 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2018. Under different environmental factors, the soil erosion modulus increased with elevation and then decreased; the soil erosion modulus increased with a slope; the average soil erosion modulus of grassland was the largest, followed by forest land, cultivated land, unused land, construction land, and it was the smallest for water; except for bare land, the average soil erosion modulus decreases with the increase of vegetation cover; Soil erosion modulus was the greatest in the pedocal of the North and South Mountains, and the least in the alpine soil.
Publisher’s Note: Waste—A New Open Access Journal
Authors: Kang Jisuk
Published: August 2022

Human activity generates waste, which is discarded after its use and has an unavoidable impact on the environment and on humans [...]
Clinicо-psychopathological characteristics of pre-suicidal period on the example of the study of suicidal behavior in a psychiatric hospital
Authors:   Smolensk State Medical University, Vaulin S. V. , Morenets T. V. ,   Bryansk Regional Psychiatric Hospital No.1,
Published: August 2022

Prevention of suicidal behavior is an essential direction at the stage of inpatient treatment. The study of the features of suicidal genesis within certain nosological categories makes it possible to determine the clinical factors of suicidal risk. A retrospective study of hospital suicidal acts and a comprehensive clinical and psychopathological study of patients with suicidal attempts during hospitalization and in the early stages after discharge were carried out. The Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS) were used. In addition, Fisher's exact test and Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's Multiple Comparison post hoc test were used. The paper analyzed the ratio of indicators on the Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI) and the severity of depression with the main variants of the leading syndrome at the time of committing suicidal acts. The periods of increased suicidal risk during hospitalization were considered in relation to the type of leading syndrome in mental status. The data obtained can be used to assess suicidal risk during treatment in a psychiatric hospital and in the early stages after discharge.
Revascularization techniques in surgical treatment of large and giant anterior cerebral artery aneurysms: literature review
Authors:   Federal State Autonomic Institution «National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery named after N. N. Burdenko» of the Russian Federation Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia, Gadzhiagaev V. S. , Konovalov An. N. ,   Federal State Autonomic Institution «National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery named after N. N. Burdenko» of the Russian Federation Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia, Shekhtman O. D. ,   Federal State Autonomic Institution «National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery named after N. N. Burdenko» of the Russian Federation Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia, Eliava Sh. Sh. ,   Federal State Autonomic Institution «National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery named after N. N. Burdenko» of the Russian Federation Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia
Published: August 2022

Despite common use of revascularization for aneurysms of other locations, the role of bypass has been ignored for long time. In this study we describe actual status of revascularization in surgical treatment of ACA aneurysms based on an analysis of current literature. Search of literature was performed in data bases PubMed and Web of Science. Treatment of 80 patients in 24 articles was evaluated. In situ A3‑A3 bypass and extra — intracranial bypass with the superficial temporal artery are the most used techniques. The contralateral superficial temporal artery is the most convenient interposition graft for bypasses performed in patients with ACA aneurysms. There are no significant differences between extra-intracranial and intra-intracranial bypasses in terms of bypass patency and ischemic complications. The choice between different bypass techniques is based on an individual patient anatomy and surgeon preference.