bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harmonizing the Electricity Markets in Africa: An Overview of the Continental Policy and Institutional Framework towards the African Single Electricity Market
Authors: Kyriakarakos George
Published: September 2022

Africa is a huge continent with an area equal to 30,244,049 km2 and a population of over 1.3 bn. According to the World Energy Outlook 2021, the electrification rate for Sub-Saharan Africa is at 79% for urban areas and only 28% for the rural areas. Given the low electricity infrastructure in Africa in production, transmission and distribution as well as the very low access in rural areas, it is understood that coordinated activities must take place for both on-grid and off-grid electrification activities, if the targets set for 2030 are to be met. This paper aims to present the challenges faced in the harmonization of the electricity markets in Africa due to the complexities of political continental integration, as well as continental economic integration, by performing a review of the progress made so far. It is one of the few efforts that have aimed to present in a single document the institutional framework of the electricity sector in Africa, and how these institutions collaborate in order to form and deploy policies at the continental and regional levels, affecting ultimately the deployment of policies at the national level. It also presents the current status of the continental electricity market policy framework activities towards the achievement of the 2030 goals in line with Agenda 2063, and the crucial role the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM) is set to play. Finally, it provides lessons learnt and recommendations on facilitating the way forward in terms of the institutional actors’ collaboration, both for Africa and globally, in terms of developing regional energy markets.
Are There Differences in Thermal Comfort Perception of Children in Comparison to Their Caregivers’ Judgments? A Study on the Playgrounds of Parks in China’s Hot Summer and Cold Winter Region
Authors: Qi Jiaojiao , Wang Jiangping , Zhai Wenya , Wang Jingyong , Jin Ziliang
Published: September 2022

Playgrounds in urban parks are important for children’s physical and mental health, but global warming has led to a worsening outdoor environment and children’s outdoor activities have been affected. Improving the outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) of playgrounds can encourage children to engage in more and safer outdoor activities. However, there are a limited number of studies focusing on preschoolers’ outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) and most of them have substituted children’s thermal comfort with caregivers’ evaluations. To investigate the differences between children’s and caregivers’ evaluations of thermal sensation, thermal benchmarks and thermal adaptive behavior for children, we conducted meteorological measurements on representative playgrounds in three parks in Wuhan, China, and administered thermal perception questionnaires to preschool children and their caregivers. In addition, the Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) was used to establish evaluation criteria for children’s OTC and to make recommendations for the improvement of the playground environment. We draw five conclusions by analyzing 719 valid questionnaires: (1) Children were less sensitive to changes in meteorological factors than caregivers and had better tolerance of cold environments. (2) The NPET for preschoolers was evaluated by children and by caregivers, respectively, as 22.9 °C and 22.3 °C in summer and 10.6 °C and 11.2 °C in winter. (3) Playgrounds in Wuhan’s parks are uncomfortable for a long time in summer and a short time in winter. (4) Both children and caregivers want to improve summer comfort by lowering the temperature and winter comfort by increasing solar radiation. At the same time, children and caregivers show different preferences in adaptive behavior choices. (5) Adding deciduous trees and water play facilities can improve the site thermal environment. Furthermore, the OTC of humans can be improved by adding more service facilities on playgrounds.
Comparing Gender Diversity in the Process of Higher-Education Expansion in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the UK for SDG 5
Authors: Chang Dian-Fu , Chou Wen-Ching , Chen Tien-Li
Published: September 2022

Ensuring equal access to affordable higher education for women and men has become a crucial target of the UN’s SDG 5, while gender disparity persists in various systems. This study employed per capita GDP, the gross enrollment ratio (GER), and the gender parity index (GPI) to demonstrate how higher-education systems have expanded, resulting in the transformation of gender parity. We selected Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the UK as research targets, using both cross correlation functions and trend analyses to compare the progress of higher-education systems. Considering the economic factor impacting higher-education expansion, this study found that the series of per capita GDP impacted the GERs in emerging economies, for example, Korea and Taiwan. Both the growth of per capita GDP and the extension of the GERs changed the patterns of the GPIs. The gap in gender diversity was found to be diminishing in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, while the UK could be a unique case, in that females have become a critical mass in higher education. The results of the comparison suggested that gender disparity is likely to continue in Japan, Korea, and the UK in the future. The framework for monitoring gender parity progress is not limited to high-participation higher-education systems, and it can be extended to tackle similar issues in middle- or lower-income regions.
The Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility on Corporate Reputation: The Case of Incheon International Airport
Authors: Lee SangRyeong , Park Jin-Woo , Chung Sukhoon
Published: September 2022

This study aims to intensively analyze the effects of Incheon International Airport’s implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on its reputation. CSR activities constitute a significant role as management strategies and sustain their business reputation in the airport industry based on the Incheon International airport in Korea. The purpose of this study is to provide CSR activities to promote the sustainable development of airports by verifying the impact of CSR on airport reputation through mediate variables within the airport industry in consideration of the value and importance of CSR. A survey was conducted for a total of 297 Incheon International Airport users, and the collected data was analyzed using the structural equation model. As a result, it was found that CSR has a positive effect on reputation. Therefore, CSR activities can positively enhance customer perception, strengthen the importance of sustainability, and play a very important role in Korea’s airport industry. It is expected that the results of this study will be used as basic data to emphasize the relative importance of airports’ CSR activities to enhance the reputation of airports in Korea and have a positive impact on sustainable development.
Arsenic Adsorption and Desorption in Various Aqueous Media in the Nearshore Zone and Influencing Factors
Authors: Lu Shuai , Yang Yimeng , Su Xiaosi , Yu Kaining , Wang Xinzhou
Published: September 2022

A profound understanding of the adsorption and desorption characteristics of arsenic on various media in aqueous solutions is helpful for evaluating the behavior of arsenic in groundwater. In this study, the characteristics of arsenic adsorption and desorption on aqueous media including silty clay, fine sand, medium sand, and coarse sand with gravel from Shenyang Huangjia water source, China were investigated by batch experiments. The results showed that the aqueous media in the study area had a strong fixation ability for arsenic, and both physical and chemical adsorption of arsenic occurred. Among them, silty clay had the strongest adsorption capacity and the largest buffer capacity for arsenic. As the specific surface area (SSA) of the medium decreased, the adsorption capacity decreased, and the desorption capacity increased. There was an obvious positive correlation between the desorption capacity and adsorption capacity of arsenic, and the force of the adsorption process was larger than that of the desorption process. The pH, temperature, carbonate, and ionic strength all affected the arsenic adsorption and desorption, and adsorption of arsenic occurred mainly by obligate adsorption in the study area.
Can Business Groups Survive Institutional Advancements? Examining the Role of Internal Market for Non-Tradable, Intangible Assets
Authors: Jin Kyuho
Published: September 2022

Business groups are observed everywhere except in the U.S. and U.K.; their global presence is widely acknowledged. The most successful explanation for this preponderance has been based on the relative efficiency of business groups’ internal market vis-à-vis the external market conventionally observed in underdeveloped or emerging economies. Unsurprisingly, this view cannot explain why business groups also prosper in advanced economies where their internal market is thought to no longer match efficient external markets. This study addresses this contradiction by drawing attention to non-tradable, intangible assets and putting forward an institution-free, micro-level explanation. Specifically, we reason that the external market for organizational capabilities is bound to be missing regardless of institutional advancements and economic development due to human beings’ innate cognitive limits and information and behavioral uncertainties, while business groups’ internal markets may overcome these limits via their distinctive organizing mechanism underpinned by group identity, solidarity, mutual trust, shared organizational architecture, and enhanced communicability. In other words, business groups can outperform the external market in coordinating and facilitating exchanges of non-tradable assets and organizational capabilities in particular that are becoming increasingly crucial for successful competition. Using panel data of large business groups in Korea during the periods between 2003 and 2016, we confirm that affiliation with business groups and accessing their internal market enhances technological capability. Thus, this study extends our understanding of business groups beyond the institution-based explanation.
An Insight from Rock Bolts and Potential Factors Influencing Their Durability and the Long-Term Stability of Deep Rock Tunnels
Authors: Frenelus Wadslin , Peng Hui , Zhang Jingyu
Published: September 2022

Selecting and designing the most suitable support systems are crucial for securing underground openings, limiting their deformation and ensuring their long-term stability. Indeed, the rock excavations imposed by the erection of deep tunnels generate various harmful effects such as stress perturbation, damage, fractures, rockbursts, convergence deformation, and so on. To combat such effects by helping the surrounding rocks of these structures to hold up, rock bolts are typically utilized as pioneer support systems. However, the latter must be efficient and sustainable to properly fulfil their vital roles. A thorough understanding of the existing rock bolt types or models and the relevant factors influencing their failure is highly required for appropriate selection, design and applications. It is observed that, despite numerous studies carried out, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews concerning the advances in such rock support systems. This paper provides an insight into the most pertinent rock bolt types or models and describes the potential factors influencing their failure. Additionally, it discusses the durability of rock bolts, which has a huge impact on the long-term stability of deep rock tunnels. Furthermore, the paper highlights some proposals for future trends.
Correlation Analysis of Real-Time Warning Factors for Construction Heavy Trucks Based on Electrified Supervision System
Authors: Qi Weiwei , Zhu Shufang , Hu Jinsong
Published: September 2022

Due to inertia, heavy trucks are often involved in serious losses in accidents. To prevent such accidents, since 2020, the transportation department has promoted the free installation of intelligent video surveillance systems on key vehicles of “two passengers, one danger, and one cargo”. The system can provide real-time warnings to drivers for various risky driving behaviors. The data collected by the system are often managed by third-party platforms, and such platforms do not have authority beyond the information that the authority system can collect. Therefore, it is necessary to use the trajectory data and warning behavior records that the system can collect for behavior analysis and accident prevention. To analyze the correlation between different warning factors, 88,841 warning records and 1033 trip records of heavy trucks for construction in the second half of 2021 were collected from a third-party supervision platform. The research associated the warning records with the vehicle operation records according to the warning time and the license plate and established a multiple linear regression equation associated with operational attributes and warning factors. The factor selection results showed that only two warning factors, “too close distance” and “lane change across solid line”, can be used as dependent variables to construct a regression model. The results showed that many distracted behaviors had a significant impact on aggressive driving behavior. Companies need to focus on behaviors that are prone to other warning behaviors. This paper provides a theoretical basis for the optimization of the warning function of the electrified supervision system and the continuing education of drivers by exploring the internal correlation between different warning factors.
In Situ Carbonized Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Sponge by a Dehydration Reaction for Solar-Driven Interfacial Evaporation
Authors: Cao Hongxia , Wang Dong , Sun Zeyu , Zhu Yanyan
Published: September 2022

In this work, an in situ carbonization technique was employed using a dehydration reaction to construct an evaporator with a bilayer structure using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge as the raw material for solar-driven interfacial evaporation. Its top layer was uniformly covered with carbon species prepared from dehydration of the PVA sponge, which promoted light capture to warm water for steam generation. Meanwhile, its interconnected porous structure remained intact after carbonization of the PVA sponge and was accompanied by the presence of some oxygen-containing functional groups, which preserved its hydrophilicity. Furthermore, its bottom layer shared the micro-scale porous characteristic and favorable hydrophilicity of the pristine PVA sponge. The results illustrated that the prepared CS-3 evaporator was provided with remarkable evaporation performance, mirroring an evaporation rate of 1.38 kg m−2 h−1. Additionally, a stable evaporation rate at around 1.36 kg m−2 h−1 was observed during the 10-cycle test. More importantly, the water desalinated from seawater was drinkable, which met the World Health Organization (WHO) standard. Consequently, it can be concluded that the evaporator developed using in situ carbonization of PVA sponge possessed many development prospects in the field of seawater desalination.
Opportunities and Challenges for Renewable Energy Utilization in Pakistan
Authors: Asim Muhammad , Qamar Adnan , Kanwal Ammara , Uddin Ghulam Moeen , Abbas Muhammad Mujtaba , Farooq Muhammad , Kalam M. A. , Mousa Mohamed , Shahapurkar Kiran
Published: September 2022

Pakistan is a developing country that faces severe energy crises due to the increased use of energy. The purpose of this study is energy transition by designing a strategy for the adoption of renewable energy policies in the entire energy system by using all renewable energy resources to forecast future energy needs and carbon emission mitigation potential. This research study aims to evaluate the renewable energy policies of Pakistan and to analyze the ways to secure energy sources in the future using LEAP. The study established a path for the transformation of the Pakistan energy system by considering the potential of renewable resources, the cost of the energy system, and the primary energy supply. The highest value of energy demand is noted for the 1st scenario, while the lowest emissions are noted for the 16th scenario for each renewable source (WIN16, SOL16, and BIO16). The lowest values of energy demand and emissions (192.1 TWh and 37.7 MMT, respectively) are shown using the green solution compared to other scenarios (hydro, nuclear, BAU), concluding that the green solution is the most suitable scenario. The analysis shows, that from a technological and economic perspective, it is possible to carry out transformation with the necessary steps to effectively achieve a renewable energy system. The findings of this study show that the green scenario in Pakistan which has the lowest operational and externality costs is the best choice for the future.
Global Stability of a Second-Order Exponential-Type Difference Equation
Authors: Ibrahim Tarek Fawzi , Khan Abdul Qadeer , Alshehri Fatima Mushyih , El-Moneam Mohamed Abd
Published: September 2022

In this work, we explore the boundedness and local and global asymptotic behavior of the solutions to a second-order difference formula of the exponential type ξn+1=a+bξn−1+cξn−1e−ρξn, where a,c,ρ∈(0,∞), b∈(0,1) and the initials ξ0,ξ−1 are non-negative real numbers. Some other special cases are given. We provide two concrete numerical examples to confirm the theoretical results.
Δ–Gronwall–Bellman–Pachpatte Dynamic Inequalities and Their Applications on Time Scales
Authors: El-Deeb Ahmed A. , Baleanu Dumitru , Awrejcewicz Jan
Published: September 2022

In this article, with the help of Leibniz integral rule on time scales, we prove some new dynamic inequalities of Gronwall–Bellman–Pachpatte-type on time scales. These inequalities can be used as handy tools to study the qualitative and quantitative properties of solutions of the initial boundary value problem for partial delay dynamic equation.
Some Generalizations of Novel (Δ∇)Δ–Gronwall–Pachpatte Dynamic Inequalities on Time Scales with Applications
Authors: El-Deeb Ahmed A. , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: September 2022

We established several novel inequalities of Gronwall–Pachpatte type on time scales. Our results can be used as handy tools to study the qualitative and quantitative properties of the solutions of the initial boundary value problem for a partial delay dynamic equation. The Leibniz integral rule on time scales has been used in the technique of our proof. Symmetry plays an essential role in determining the correct methods to solve dynamic inequalities.
Special Issue “Symmetry in Human Evolution, from Biology to Behaviours”
Authors: Balzeau Antoine
Published: September 2022

Our knowledge of human evolution has made particular progress over the last twenty years, thanks to the discovery of new fossils and the use of new methods and multidisciplinary approaches [...]
A Study of the Jacobi Stability of the Rosenzweig–MacArthur Predator–Prey System through the KCC Geometric Theory
Authors: Munteanu Florian
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we consider an autonomous two-dimensional ODE Kolmogorov-type system with three parameters, which is a particular system of the general predator–prey systems with a Holling type II. By reformulating this system as a set of two second-order differential equations, we investigate the nonlinear dynamics of the system from the Jacobi stability point of view using the Kosambi–Cartan–Chern (KCC) geometric theory. We then determine the nonlinear connection, the Berwald connection, and the five KCC invariants which express the intrinsic geometric properties of the system, including the deviation curvature tensor. Furthermore, we obtain the necessary and sufficient conditions for the parameters of the system in order to have the Jacobi stability near the equilibrium points, and we point these out on a few illustrative examples.
Applications on Double ARA–Sumudu Transform in Solving Fractional Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Qazza Ahmad , Burqan Aliaa , Saadeh Rania , Khalil Raed
Published: September 2022

In this article, we apply the double ARA–Sumudu transformation (DARA-ST) to the nonlocal fractional Caputo derivative operator. We achieve interesting results and implement them to solve certain classes of fractional partial differential equations (FPDEs). Several physical applications are discussed and analyzed, such as telegraph, Klein–Gordon and Fokker–Planck equations. The new technique with DARA-ST is efficient and accurate in examining exact solutions of FPDEs. In order to show the applicability of the presented method, some numerical examples and figures are illustrated. A symmetry analysis is used to verify the results.
Hidden Morphotypes and Homologous Series in Phenotype Variations in the Colonial Hydroids Dynamena pumila, Diphasia fallax, and Abietinaria abietina (Hydrozoa, Leptothecata)
Authors: Marfenin Nikolay N.
Published: September 2022

The intraorganismal variability of the shoot modules of three species of hydroids was studied to determine the degree of similarity between them. The strict form of the internodes (modules) of the shoots is repeated many times, which is useful for the study of intraorganismal variability. Against the general background of the high stability of the shape of the internodes, we found significant deviations from the norm. Some resemble the structure of the internodes in other genera of the same family. Their morphogenesis is different from that characteristic of the studied species. Most of the anomalies were characterized by stable forms and low frequencies of occurrence (<0.2%). After the appearance of abnormal internodes, normal ones were found to usually re-form. Thus, it is doubtful that the anomalies were caused by mutations. There is also no reason to believe that the anomalies were caused by environmental factors, since they always formed singly along with normal shoot modules of the same modular organism. In Dynamena pumila, Diphasia fallax, and Abietinaria abietina, the composition of their morphovariations was found to be similar, and their frequencies were comparable, which confirms the assumption that several latent phenotypes can be formed indeterminately based on one genotype. The study was conducted on samples of >20,000 internodes of each of the three species.
Parametrization of the NRTL Model with a Multiobjective Approach: Implications in the Process Simulation
Authors: Fernández Luis , Ortega Juan , Sosa Adriel
Published: September 2022

Thermodynamics, as a scientific tool, advises on the control of variables involved in processes of different nature and is particularly useful in the design of equipment, or to obtain previous simulations. However, to generate more accurate models, an exact science is required. Thus, the thermodynamic–mathematical binomial is able to relate the fundamental variables of a system using the potential functions directing the process, although these relationships are not always completely satisfactory, as it is necessary to complete the modelling with a set of parameters, which depend on the experimentation. To ensure a better description of the behavior of a system, in this work a multi-objective optimization procedure (MOP) is applied to the NRTL model, comparing the results with other conventional procedures used to characterize the real properties of the binary methyl methanoate + pentane. The results obtained with the MOP confirmed a better representation of the experimental information with NRTL, analyzing its impact on the simulation/design processes. The set of optimal parametrizations obtained allow several options to be process engineered to select the most appropriate one depending on the specific problem to be designed.
Health Risk Assessment Attributed to Consumption of Fish Contaminated with Mercury in the Rio Branco Basin, Roraima, Amazon, Brazil
Authors: de Vasconcellos Ana Claudia Santiago , Ferreira Sylvio Romério Briglia , de Sousa Ciro Campos , de Oliveira Marcos Wesley , de Oliveira Lima Marcelo , Basta Paulo Cesar
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study was to assess the health risk attributable to the consumption of mercury-contaminated fish for the urban and non-urban populations living in the Roraima state, Amazon, Brazil. Seventy-five fish specimens distributed across twenty different species, comprising four trophic levels (i.e., herbivore, omnivore, detritivore, and carnivore), were collected at four locations in the Branco River Basin. The fish samples were sent to the Toxicology Laboratory at Evandro Chagas Institute to determine the total-Hg levels by using the cold vapor atomic system (CVAAS). The total-Hg levels ranged from 0 to 3.159 µg/g. The average concentration in non-carnivorous species (n = 32) was 0.116 µg/g, and among carnivorous fish (n = 43), it was 0.869 µg/g. The weighted average of contamination levels for all samples was 0.545 µg/g. The health risk assessment was conducted according to the methodology proposed by the World Health Organization and different scenarios of human exposure were considered, based on three levels of fish consumption (low: 50 g/day; moderate: 100 g/day and high: 200 g/day). Women of childbearing age ingest 5 to 21 times more mercury than the dose considered safe by the U.S. EPA and intake a dose from 2 to 9 times higher than the safe dose proposed by FAO/WHO. Children under 5 years of age ingest from 18 to 75 times the dose proposed by the U.S. EPA and from 8 to 32 more mercury than the limit proposed by FAO/WHO. In summary, regardless of the level of fish consumption, type of residency (urban or non-urban), and the subset of the population analyzed, anyone who consumes fish from the locations sampled is at high risk attributable to mercury ingestion, with the only exception of adult men, who consume an average of 50 g of fish per day.
Bibliometric Analysis: The Effects of Triclosan on Human Health
Authors: Papavasilopoulos Rachel K. , Kang Sanghoon
Published: September 2022

Triclosan (TCS) is a widely used chemical whose effects on human health remains elusive. TCS may play a role in a variety of health issues, including endocrine dysfunction, irregular embryonic development, and immune suppression. It is possible that TCS’s penetrative abilities across all body barriers, including the blood–brain barrier, may make bioaccumulation the primary driver of these issues. In addition, chronic overuse of this chemical in everyday life may further contribute to the already increasing problem of antibiotic resistance. TCS research has steadily increased since its transition from medical to commercial use over the last 50 years. However, there are some clear gaps in the depth of this research as the safety of this agent is not fully agreed upon. The Food and Drug Administration recently issued regulatory rules regarding TCS in some commercial products; however, it is still found in a variety of goods marketed as “antimicrobial” or “antibacterial”. The purpose of this bibliometric study is to analyze research trends in this field and determine the amount of global attention TCS has received as to its relevancy in human health. Documenting and determining research concentration trends related to this field may outline where additional research is most necessary, as well as demonstrate the most valuable research produced and its relation to the advancement of our understanding of TCS. We found there to be a shift in research from TCS and its role in medical environments, to research based on the indirect effects of TCS through environmental contaminations, such as the propagation of antibiotic resistance. This shift was coupled with an increase in global research related to this field and identified China as a significant contributor. Although TCS has received notice, the simple fact of its continued use in so many common products, as well as the unclear understanding of its direct health impacts, reinforces the need for additional and more conclusive research before it has possible irreversible effects on our environment and health.
The Presence of Molds and Their Secondary Metabolites in Purple Coneflower-Based Dietary Supplements (Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench)
Authors: Pilarska Gabriela , Twarużek Magdalena , Ałtyn Iwona
Published: September 2022

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench) is a plant in the family Asteraceae, mainly grown in North America. Echinacea purpurea has been used in conventional medicine. The plant has immuno-stimulating and antibacterial properties, but neither mold contamination nor a mycotoxin presence have been evaluated. Our goal is to determine the degree to which molds and mycotoxins contaminate dietary supplements based on purple coneflower distributed on the Polish market. We analyzed 21 samples divided into four groups: sachets (n = 5), dry raw material (n = 3), capsules (n = 9), and tablets (n = 4). The mycological analysis of dietary supplements shows that the average number of molds is 1012 cfu/g, and the most common molds are Aspergillus spp., Phoma spp. and Eurotium spp. The mycotoxins most common in the samples are ZEN (18/21), DON (5/21) and T-2 toxin (3/21).
Recent Advancements in Understanding Primary Cytomegalovirus Infection in a Mouse Model
Authors: Bruce Kimberley , Ma Jiawei , Lawler Clara , Xie Wanxiaojie , Stevenson Philip , Farrell Helen
Published: September 2022

Animal models that mimic human infections provide insights in virus–host interplay; knowledge that in vitro approaches cannot readily predict, nor easily reproduce. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections are acquired asymptomatically, and primary infections are difficult to capture. The gap in our knowledge of the early events of HCMV colonization and spread limits rational design of HCMV antivirals and vaccines. Studies of natural infection with mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) have demonstrated the olfactory epithelium as the site of natural colonization. Systemic spread from the olfactory epithelium is facilitated by infected dendritic cells (DC); tracking dissemination uncovered previously unappreciated DC trafficking pathways. The olfactory epithelium also provides a unique niche that supports efficient MCMV superinfection and virus recombination. In this review, we summarize recent advances to our understanding of MCMV infection and spread and the tissue-specific mechanisms utilized by MCMV to modulate DC trafficking. As these mechanisms are likely conserved with HCMV, they may inform new approaches for preventing HCMV infections in humans.
Comparison of Physical and Biochemical Characterizations of SARS-CoV-2 Inactivated by Different Treatments
Authors: Yu Shouzhi , Wei Yangyang , Liang Hongyang , Ji Wenheng , Chang Zhen , Xie Siman , Wang Yichuan , Li Wanli , Liu Yingwei , Wu Hao , Li Jie , Wang Hui , Yang Xiaoming
Published: September 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused huge social and economic distress. Given its rapid spread and the lack of specific treatment options, SARS-CoV-2 needs to be inactivated according to strict biosafety measures during laboratory diagnostics and vaccine development. The inactivation method for SARS-CoV-2 affects research related to the natural virus and its immune activity as an antigen in vaccines. In this study, we used size exclusion chromatography, western blotting, ELISA, an electron microscope, dynamic light scattering, circular dichroism, and surface plasmon resonance to evaluate the effects of four different chemical inactivation methods on the physical and biochemical characterization of SARS-CoV-2. Formaldehyde and β-propiolactone (BPL) treatment can completely inactivate the virus and have no significant effects on the morphology of the virus. None of the four tested inactivation methods affected the secondary structure of the virus, including the α-helix, antiparallel β-sheet, parallel β-sheet, β-turn, and random coil. However, formaldehyde and long-term BPL treatment (48 h) resulted in decreased viral S protein content and increased viral particle aggregation, respectively. The BPL treatment for 24 h can completely inactivate SARS-CoV-2 with the maximum retention of the morphology, physical properties, and the biochemical properties of the potential antigens of the virus. In summary, we have established a characterization system for the comprehensive evaluation of virus inactivation technology, which has important guiding significance for the development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 variants and research on natural SARS-CoV-2.
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSv): A Cross-Sectional Study on ELISA Seronegative, Multivaccinated Sows
Authors: Fiers Jorian , Tignon Marylène , Cay Ann Brigitte , Simons Xavier , Maes Dominiek
Published: September 2022

Vaccination against Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSv) is widely used to control clinical disease, but the effectiveness appears in some cases to be suboptimal. Field reports have stated the presence of routinely PRRSv-vaccinated but ELISA seronegative sows: the ELISA non-responders. The real extent of this phenomenon (prevalence–origin–consequences) was not yet investigated. In this study, the prevalence of ELISA non-responders was assessed by measuring PRRSv-specific antibodies in 1400 sows, originating from 70 PRRSv-vaccinating sow herds, using IDEXX ELISA (ELISA 1) and CIVTEST E/S ELISA (ELISA 2). Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) were quantified in a virus neutralization assay. Univariable logistic regression was used to identify herd risk factors for the presence of ELISA non-responders. The global prevalence of non-responders varied from 3.5% (ELISA 1) to 4.1% (ELISA 2), the herd-level prevalence was 40% and the within-herd prevalence ranged from 5% to 20% (ELISA 1) and from 5% to 30% (ELISA 2). The ELISA non-responders had significantly lower NAbs than the ELISA responders. Herds using the combination of one modified live vaccine and one killed vaccine had a significantly reduced risk of having ELISA non-responders. A first assessment of the prevalence and possible consequences of ELISA non-responders has been provided by this study. The clinical importance, origin and underlying immunological mechanisms warrant further research.
Experimental Release of Orphaned Wild Felids into a Tropical Rainforest in Southwestern Costa Rica
Authors: Montalvo Víctor H. , Hagnauer Isabel , Cruz-Díaz Juan C. , Morera Brayan , Lloyd Kevin , Sáenz-Bolaños Carolina , Fuller Todd K. , Carrillo Eduardo
Published: September 2022

A 3- to 4-mo-old male ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and a 6- to 8-mo-old female margay (Leopardus weidii) were brought in from the wild, held in captivity, and rehabilitated for 906 and 709 days, respectively, at the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center in Costa Rica. During captivity, both cats were kept as isolated as possible from humans and fed appropriate live wild prey. After maturing and demonstrating the ability to capture and feed on live prey, the cats were radio-collared, released at a national wildlife refuge previously assessed for predator and prey occurrence, and monitored. After 54 days, the ocelot was trapped while preying on chickens in a nearby community, and after 20 days, the margay was found dead, likely due to ocelot predation. Avoiding habituation to humans, assuring hunting abilities, and assessing release sites likely is not sufficient to assure successful release of these species, and more experimental releases with innovative and detailed protocols and monitoring are needed.
Serial Measurement of Serum Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity, Feline Trypsin-like Immunoreactivity, and Cobalamin Concentrations in Kittens
Authors: Stavroulaki Evangelia M. , Kokkinaki Kassiopi Christina G. , Saridomichelakis Manolis N. , Steiner Jörg M. , Lidbury Jonathan A. , Xenoulis Panagiotis G.
Published: September 2022

Serum concentrations of feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI), feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity (fTLI), and cobalamin are commonly used for the diagnostic investigation of cats with gastrointestinal signs. No information on these parameters in healthy cats less than 1 year of age exists. We aimed to evaluate serum concentrations of fPLI, fTLI, and cobalamin in healthy cats at different time-points during their first 12 months of life. Fourteen healthy 2-month-old kittens were included. Blood was collected at 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12 months of age, and serum concentrations of fPLI, fTLI, and cobalamin were measured. While there was a statistically significant difference in serum fPLI concentrations over time, there was no statistically significant difference between individual time-points. There was no significant difference in serum fTLI concentrations over time. Serum cobalamin concentrations were below the reference interval in 3/13 cats at 2 months of age and were significantly lower by 3 months, when 13/14 had hypocobalaminemia. By 12 months, serum cobalamin had significantly increased, yet 4/12 cats still had hypocobalaminemia. Serum fPLI and fTLI concentrations did not show any statistically or clinically significant differences in young kittens. In contrast, serum cobalamin concentrations were commonly below the reference interval in kittens. Serum fPLI and fTLI concentrations are not practically affected by age in kittens as young as 2 months of age and could be used for the investigation of pancreatic diseases.
A Novel EPANET Integration for the Diffusive–Dispersive Transport of Contaminants
Authors: Piazza Stefania , Sambito Mariacrocetta , Freni Gabriele
Published: September 2022

The EPANET model is commonly used to model hydraulic behaviour and water quality within water distribution networks. The standard version of the model solves the advective transport equation by solving a mass balance of the fundamental plug flow substance that considers the advective transport and kinetic reaction processes. Over the years, several versions of the model have been developed, which have made it possible to improve the modelling of water quality through the introduction of additional terms within the transport equation to solve the problem of dispersive transport (EPANET-AZRED) and to consider multiple interacting species in the mass flow and on the pipe walls (EPANET multi-species extension). The present study proposes a novel integration of the EPANET-DD (dynamic-dispersion) model, which enables the advective–diffusive–dispersive transport equation in dynamic flow conditions to be solved in the two-dimensional case, through the classical random walk method, implementing the diffusion and dispersion equations proposed by Romero-Gomez and Choi (2011). The model was applied to the University of Enna “KORE” laboratory network to verify its effectiveness in modelling diffusive–dispersive transport mechanisms in the presence of variable flow regimes. The results showed that the EPANET-DD model could better represent the actual data than previously developed versions of the EPANET model.
Adsorption of Arsenic from Water Using Aluminum-Modified Food Waste Biochar: Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Hashimi Sayed Q. , Hong Seung-Hee , Lee Chang-Gu , Park Seong-Jik
Published: September 2022

Aluminum-impregnated food waste was selected as a filter medium for removing As(III) from aqueous solutions. The modification of food waste and its carbonization conditions were optimized using the Box–Behnken model in the response surface methodology. Pyrolysis temperature and Al content significantly influenced the As(III) adsorption capacity of aluminum-modified food waste biochar (Al-FWB), but the pyrolysis time was insignificant. Several factors affecting the adsorption capacity of the Al-FWB, including the pH, contact time, dosage, competitive anions, and reaction temperature, were studied. The low solution pH and the presence of HCO3−, SO42−, and PO43− reduced the As(III) adsorption onto Al-FWB. The pseudo-second order model showed a better fit for the experimental data, indicating the dominance of the chemisorption process for As(III) adsorption. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models fit the adsorption data, but the Langmuir model with a higher (R2) value showed a better fit. Hence, As(Ⅲ) was adsorbed onto Al-FWB as a monolayer, and the maximum As(Ⅲ) adsorption capacity of Al-FWB was 52.2 mg/g, which is a good value compared with the other porous adsorbents. Thus, Al-FWB is a promising low-cost adsorbent for removing As(III) from aqueous solutions and managing food waste.
(Un)Affordability of Informal Water Systems: Disparities in a Comparative Case Study in Beirut, Lebanon
Authors: Choueiri Yasmina , Lund Jay , London Jonathan K. , Spang Edward S.
Published: September 2022

Achieving affordable and equitable access to water for all remains a challenge worldwide. In areas suffering from chronic water shortages, communities pay high costs for alternative informal water sources (such as tanker trucks, bottled water, and wells) to meet their daily water needs. This study examines water costs of informal sources and overall affordability disparities for two communities of different socioeconomic status in Beirut, Lebanon. Water is often unaffordable for both of these communities. Overall, 6% of household income is spent on purchasing water (compared to an average global percentages of 3% to 5%). There are also significant disparities between the communities: lower income residents pay 2.2 times more of their income to secure water, and more than half of these residents (55% of households) spend more than 5% of their income on water. To overcome water shortages, these residents turn to informal water sources, but at significant additional cost. These costs and impacts on lower income residents are high and inequitable. We propose strategies to address cost, quality and quantity issues for informal sources.
Modeling Stygofauna Resilience to the Impact of the Climate Change in the Karstic Groundwaters of South Italy
Authors: Tabilio Di Camillo Agostina , Masciopinto Costantino
Published: September 2022

We predicted the global warming effects on the stygofauna of Murgia–Salento karstic groundwaters in Italy for 2050, which contribute to a biodiversity loss assessment in the climate change context. For quantitative impact estimations, we defined a local resilience score (LRS) for sampled species between 2018 and 2021. A resilience model equation of the stygobiont species conservation was obtained from a surface best-fit of the assigned LRS and the corresponding values of independent variables describing the environmental quality of monitored habitats and LRS. The principal components of the correlation between the monitored variables and LRS were obtained via factor analysis. Three-dimensional surface maps of stygofauna species resilience (SSR) were constructed to visualize and quantitatively compare the biodiversity loss of species assemblages owing to environmental and habitat quality modifications. The proposed SSR model was applied to the sampled stygofauna, and the decrease in local species resilience for 2050 was predicted. Independent variable factors were updated for 2050 to consider increases of up to 2 °C and 0.04 mS/cm in groundwater temperature and electric conductance observed for 2021. The SSR model results predicted a high impact on the resilience of Parastenocaris cf. orcina (80%), newly retrieved Crustacea Copepod Cyclopidae gen 1 sp 1, and three other stygobites (~50%). The resilience of Metacyclops stammeri had minor impacts.
Influence of the existence of a line of PVAc glue on a square section composed of a beam of maçaranduba (Manilkara spp.)
Authors: Rodrigues Sabrina de Oliveira , De Morais Viviane Carvalho , Júnior João Batista Lima e Silva , Franco Marcos Eduardo Maciel , Carvalho Victor Bezerra , Barbosa João Lucas Reis , Dias João Miguel Santos
Published: September 2022

O objetivo deste trabalho é verificar a influência da existência de uma linha de cola de Poliacetato de Vinila (PVAc) em uma seção quadrada composta de uma viga de maçaranduba (Manilkara spp.). A escolha da espécie foi devido a disponibilidade no mercado madeireiro da região de Açailândia – MA. Para proceder à determinação do teor de umidade da madeira e da resistência à flexão dos corpos de prova (CPs), foram realizados ensaios com vigas de seção simples e de seções compostas. Os resultados demonstraram que existe influência da linha de cola PVAc, resultando em decréscimos de rigidez e de resistência mecânica, MOE e MOR, respectivamente. Decorrendo em uma queda de 43,93%. Isso comprova que o tipo de cola utilizado teve eficiência parcial quando utilizados em madeiras de alta densidade para fins estruturais.
Diabetes Mellitus gestacional: aspectos gerais, manejo terapêutico e peculiaridades na pandemia da COVID-19
Authors: Torres Paula Cely da Silva , Azevedo Felipe Fonseca Sena de , Silva Michelle Lima de Carvalho , Artifon Rafaella Mores , Diniz Isabela Nicolai Nassif , Carvalho Izabela Girelli Ribeiro , Marinho Erica Alvares , Wiezbicki Laura Leite , Ferreira Rafaela , Nunes Joseane Elizabete
Published: September 2022

O diabetes mellitus gestacional (DMG) é um distúrbio metabólico caracterizado pelo desenvolvimento de hiperglicemia crônica durante a gestação, em mulheres sem diagnóstico prévio de diabetes. A sua prevalência oscila a depender das populações estudadas e dos critérios diagnósticos. Em grande parte dos casos, a hiperglicemia é ocasionada por uma de resistência crônica à insulina, assim como uma redução da tolerância à glicose devido à disfunção das células β do pâncreas, havendo também diversos outros fatores relacionados. Nesse sentido, essa patologia pode ser potencializada por diversos fatores de risco como obesidade, deficiências de micronutrientes, idade materna avançada e história familiar de resistência à insulina e/ou diabetes, que são cada vez mais recorrentes. No que tange às implicações clínicas, estas são múltiplas e vinculam-se tanto ao acometimento das gestantes, quanto de sua prole, como risco de desenvolvimento de quadros hipertensivos e a macrossomia, respectivamente. Dentro desse contexto, para além dos múltiplos fatores de risco já conhecidos, observou-se, no âmbito da pandemia do Coronavírus, um paralelo entre a presença do DMG e uma maior probabilidade de gravidade na infecção pelo vírus da Covid-19, direcionando a uma maior atenção para essas pacientes. Diante dessas observações, a identificação da DMG relacionada, ou não, ao contexto da pandemia da Covid-19, abordagem clínica apropriados desse acometimento, bem como um manejo terapêutico direcionado influenciarão positivamente em seu prognóstico.
Desafios na prática docente em tempos de pandemia: um estudo de caso na EEEP amélia figueiredo de lavor, Iguatu - CE
Authors: Araújo João Victor Rocha , Marques Leonardo Torres , Marques Bruno Torres , Oliveira Luis Ilderlandio da Silva , Cesar Rogerio Lopes Vieira , Da Silva Francisco Marcelo Santos , Da Silva Jose Olinda , Pereira João Paulo Ricarte , Sobreira Thyago Alves
Published: September 2022

Esse artigo tem por objetivo verificar as problemáticas tecnológicas ao meio docente e os desafios elencados na sua prática em tempos de pandemia da covid-19. Destarte, foi analisado o uso da tecnologia da informação como uma ferramenta educacional, e os saberes necessários para o professor fazer um bom uso dessa demanda. Em primeiro momento foi feito uma reflexão do uso das tecnologias no meio docente tendo um referencial teórico baseado nos fins educativos. Posteriormente serão analisados os dados obtidos através de um estudo de caso com objetivo geral de analisar os professores da EEEP AMÉLIA FIGUEIREDO DE LAVOR – IGUATU - CE, onde será adquirido um posicionamento aos desafios do uso das tecnologias no meio prático docente.