bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atuação do projeto "Rede de dinamização das feiras da agricultura familiar – REDIfeira" na região do PROAMUSEP
Authors: Barros Aldeir Isael Faxina , Michellon Ednaldo , Costa Tiago Ribeiro da
Published: April 2023

Resumo: o Projeto Rede de Dinamização das Feiras da Agricultura Familiar – REDIfeira é integrante do Programa de Extensão Universitária – Universidade Sem Fronteiras, da Secretaria de Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior (SETI) do governo do Estado do Paraná, que tem por objetivo dinamizar a produção e a comercialização dos produtos da Agricultura Familiar na Região de atuação do Programa de Desenvolvimento da Associação dos municí­pios do Setentrião Paranaense – PROAMUSEP. Esse trabalho foi realizado por meio de ações de acompanhamento das atividades dos agricultores/as familiares, no que tange a Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural (ATER) para a produção e as atividades de comercialização nas Feiras dos Produtores. Com a utilização de pesquisas de campo realizadas nas feiras, tanto para os feirantes como para os consumidores, foram analisados os pontos fortes, pontos fracos, oportunidades e ameaças da atividade, e a partir dessa análise SWOT, foram traçadas ações que busquem as superações e melhorias, visando à continuidade da realização da feira, como forma de garantir-se a geração de trabalho e renda e a consequente permanência no campo dos agricultores, com qualidade de vida. Desde 2007 o projeto coleciona inúmeras ações e resultados que impulsionam o desenvolvimento regional dos municí­pios em que atua, dentre os mais contundentes pode ser elencado o atendimento direto a 335 Agricultores Familiares, o levantamento realizado em 16 municí­pios da região do PROAMUSEP, a criação de Associações de Produtores, o fomento para a criação da primeira Feira de Produtos Orgânicos do Norte do Paraná – FEPORg, dentre outras inúmeras pontuações que objetivam o bem social dos envolvidos. Com a continuidade das ações, ao longo dos anos foram criadas bases para o desenvolvimento de centenas de pessoas, inclusive os atores ligados ao projeto, que passaram a se tornar protagonistas e modificadores do meio para o desenvolvimento sustentável.
O problema das quatro linhas de Pappus e a geometria analí­tica
Authors: Sapunaru Raquel Anna , Brant Filipe Bruzinga
Published: April 2023

Este trabalho tem por objetivo expor alguns aspectos da contribuição de Descartes para o estabelecimento da geometria analí­tica. Em A Geometria, Descartes explana sobre novas formas de tratar a geometria dos antigos. Para tal, ele utiliza métodos aritméticos e algébricos. Desse modo, este trabalho busca evidenciar a efetividade dos procedimentos matemáticos realizados por Descartes na solução dos problemas geométricos tí­picos de sua época. Dentre a eficácia desses métodos, tem-se a solução do problema das quatro linhas de Pappus. Tendo isso em vista, nosso trabalho apresenta o desenvolvimento da geometria analí­tica, desde seu nascimento através da solução cartesiana para o problema das quatro linhas de Pappus, destacando sua importância histórica.
Gêneros de algas fitoplanctônicas da estação de piscicultura de União da Vitória, Paraná
Authors: Lorensini Patrícia , Krupek Rogério Antonio , Iatskiu Patricia
Published: April 2023

A origem polifilética e a alta diversidade morfológica tornam a identificação e a classificação taxonômica dos organismos fitoplanctônicos uma tarefa complexa. Deste modo, considerando a importância da comunidade fitoplanctônica para o funcionamento dos ecossistemas aquáticos e a alta diversidade encontrada nos diversos sistemas aquáticos, este trabalho tem por objetivo realizar um levantamento taxonômico de algas presentes em tanques de piscicultura, bem como descrever tais organismos e apresenta-los através de uma chave de gêneros. Os ambientes estudados são corpos de água artificiais, rasos (profundidade máxima 2,0 metros) e utilizados para a piscicultura. As coletas foram realizadas em março de 2017, em 24 tanques no municí­pio de União da Vitória -PR. Os 40 gêneros encontrados foram distribuí­dos entre as divisões Cyanobacteria (oito), Chlorophyta (dezesseis), Charophyta (oito), Euglenophyta (dois), Dinophyta (um) e Bacillariophyceae (cinco).
Levantamento de lepidópteros Rhopalocera (Insecta: Lepidoptera) no Jardim Botânico Faxinal do Céu, estado do Paraná, Brasil
Authors: Cordeiro Ana Carla , Richardo Jaiana
Published: April 2023

O presente estudo teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento preliminar das espécies de borboletas (Lepidoptera - Rhopalocera) que ocorrem no Jardim Botânico Faxinal do Céu, no distrito de Faxinal do Céu, municí­pio de Pinhão, PR (25º54'28.32''S; 51º35'50.84''W). As coletas foram realizadas no perí­odo de fevereiro de 2016 a março de 2017 principalmente pelo uso de rede entomológica (puçá). Foram identificadas 128 espécies pertencentes a 6 famí­lias e 19 subfamí­lias. Foram encontrados 17 indiví­duos identificados pertencentes à famí­lia Hesperiidae (podendo ser 17 espécies diferentes) e 4 indiví­duos pertencentes a famí­lia Lycaenidae. As famí­lias que apresentaram maior riqueza foram a Nymphalidae (72) e Hesperiidae (16), 55,55% e 12,70% respectivamente. A região estudada apresentou alta diversidade de Lepidoptera, certamente devido as interações ecológicas existentes entre a fauna e flora do local.
Colonization of benthic invertebrates in a stony river in Southern Brazil
Authors: Delonzek Edina Costa , Lehun Atsler Luana , Bueno Krawczyk Ana Carolina de Deus
Published: April 2023

Os amostradores artificiais e naturais são ferramentas importantes para demonstrar a diversidade biológica, bem como o processo de sucessão ecológica que ocorre em ambientes lóticos. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o processo de colonização em substratos naturais e artificiais em perí­odos seco e chuvoso no Rio Palmital (União da Vitória, Paraná, Brasil). Para verificar os efeitos da estação chuvosa na comunidade e o uso de Amostradores artificiais em estudos ecológicos com a comunidade bentônica. Os amostradores (n = 32) foram dispostos em um trecho longitudinal (16 amostradores naturais e 16 artificiais). Duas réplicas de cada amostrador foram tomadas no 2º, 4º, 7º, 14º, 21º, 28º, 35º e 42º dias de colonização. Os organismos foram identificados e analisados para análises fauní­sticas. Um total de 513 invertebrados foram coletados, sendo 254 coletados em substrato artificial e 259 em substrato natural. A diversidade da comunidade dos invertebrados bentônicos foi maior em substrato natural durante o perí­odo chuvoso e durante o perí­odo seco a comunidade foi mais diversificada em substrato artificial, no entanto, não houve diferenças estatí­sticas para a comunidade entre os amostradores e os perí­odos sazonais, demonstrando que o rio tem uma comunidade estável mesmo em perí­odos com alto fluxo. Ambos os amostradores foram eficientes para amostragens e colonização dos grupos de macroinvertebrados e a variação dentro dos padrões de precipitação durante a estação chuvosa foi determinante na composição, riqueza e abundância dos organismos de estudo.
Primeiro registro de Chrysocyon brachyurus (Carnivora) para o Norte Pioneiro paranaense, novas ocorrências, e compilação dos registros para estado do Paraná.
Authors: Pereira Alan Deivid , Vidotto-Magnoni Ana Paula , Arasaki Marcelo Okamura , Shiozawa Marcos Massaaki , Orsi Mário Luís
Published: April 2023

A perda de habitat é considera a principal ameaça à sobrevivência do lobo-guará (Chrysocyon brachyurus), o maior caní­deo da América do Sul. Embora essa espécie fosse amplamente distribuí­da no passado, atualmente é considera ameaçada de extinção em todo território brasileiro. No estado do Paraná são escassas as informações sobre os locais de ocorrência do lobo-guará, sendo este um agravante para a elaboração de medidas assertivas de conservação da espécie. No presente estudo apresentamos o primeiro registro de C. brachyurus para a mesorregião Norte Pioneiro paranaense. Para confirmação desta informação e com o intuito de gerar uma lista com ocorrências do lobo-guará no estado do Paraná, realizamos uma busca sistemática na literatura especializada. Dentre as ocorrências observadas para o estado, cinco foram realizadas em unidades de conservação, três em perí­metro urbano e duas consequências de atropelamento em rodovias. Os dados aqui apresentados poderão servir como base para novos estudos que almejam compreender a distribuição atual e como o lobo-guará tem se ajustado frente as alterações no seu habitat.
Industrial neighborhoods in desert cities: Designing urban landscapes to reduce sandstorm effects in Mussafah
Authors: El Amrousi M. , Elhakeem M. , Paleologos E. K.
Published: April 2023

Labor housing projects in many Gulf countries are located in less favorable sites in the desert hinterland. They are characterized by grid-based compositions, simple facades, and block buildings positioned on the outskirts of cities. This development type was implemented in the industrial sector of Abu Dhabi, known as Mussafah. Gradually, this industrial area redeveloped its urban fabric by transforming many of its buildings into mixed-use structures with small gardens that provide open air spaces to the community and promote social interaction. Interventions from the community via introducing small garden stock increased the sense of belonging, improved the urban fabric, and reduced sand movement in the area. This is important in the Gulf region’s desert environment, which gives rise to sandstorms. This study evaluates the amount and distribution of sand around a selected group of buildings in the Mussafah area through experimental work. The methodology involves a coupled air and sand experiment in an environmental wind tunnel. The experiments have shown that adding a fence around the small gardens of the buildings in Mussafah reduced the sand pollution effects significantly.
The impact of structured self-monitoring of blood glucose on clinical, behavioral, and psychosocial outcomes among adults with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Holmes-Truscott Elizabeth , Baptista Shaira , Ling Mathew , Collins Eileen , Ekinci EIif I. , Furler John , Hagger Virginia , Manski-Nankervis Jo-Anne , Wells Caroline , Speight Jane
Published: April 2023

Background

Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is considered of little clinical benefit for adults with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes, but no comprehensive review of a structured approach to SMBG has been published to date.

Purpose

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of sSMBG on HbA1c, treatment modifications, behavioral and psychosocial outcomes, and; examine the moderating effects of sSMBG protocol characteristics on HbA1c.

Data sources

Four databases searched (November 2020; updated: February 2022).

Study selection

Inclusion criteria: non-randomized and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective observational studies; reporting effect of sSMBG on stated outcomes; among adults (≥18 years) with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes. Studies excluded if involving children or people with insulin-treated or other forms of diabetes.

Data extraction and analysis

Outcome data extracted, and risk of bias/quality assessed independently by two researchers. Meta-analysis was conducted for RCTs, and moderators explored (HbA1c only).

Data synthesis

From 2,078 abstracts, k=23 studies were included (N=5,372). Risk of bias was evident and study quality was low. Outcomes assessed included: HbA1c (k=23), treatment modification (k=16), psychosocial/behavioral outcomes (k=12). Meta-analysis revealed a significant mean difference favoring sSMBG in HbA1c (-0·29%, 95% CI: -0·46 to -0·11, k=13) and diabetes self-efficacy (0.17%, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.33, k=2). Meta-analysis revealed no significant moderating effects by protocol characteristics.

Limitations

Findings limited by heterogeneity in study designs, intervention characteristics, and psychosocial assessments.

Conclusion

A small positive effect of sSMBG on HbA1c and diabetes self-efficacy was observed. Narrative synthesis of sSMBG intervention characteristics may guide future implementation.

PROSPERO registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020208857, identifier CRD42020208857.
KRAS mutation: The booster of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma transformation and progression
Authors: Zhang Zining , Zhang Heng , Liao Xiang , Tsai Hsiang-i
Published: April 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer. It has a poor response to conventional therapy and has an extremely poor 5-year survival rate. PDAC is driven by multiple oncogene mutations, with the highest mutation frequency being observed in KRAS. The KRAS protein, which binds to GTP, has phosphokinase activity, which further activates downstream effectors. KRAS mutation contributes to cancer cell proliferation, metabolic reprogramming, immune escape, and therapy resistance in PDAC, acting as a critical driver of the disease. Thus, KRAS mutation is positively associated with poorer prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients. This review focus on the KRAS mutation patterns in PDAC, and further emphases its role in signal transduction, metabolic reprogramming, therapy resistance and prognosis, hoping to provide KRAS target therapy strategies for PDAC.
Regulation of eukaryotic mRNA deadenylation and degradation by the Ccr4-Not complex
Authors: Pavanello Lorenzo , Hall Michael , Winkler Gerlof Sebastiaan
Published: April 2023

Accurate and precise regulation of gene expression programmes in eukaryotes involves the coordinated control of transcription, mRNA stability and translation. In recent years, significant progress has been made about the role of sequence elements in the 3′ untranslated region for the regulation of mRNA degradation, and a model has emerged in which recruitment of the Ccr4-Not complex is the critical step in the regulation of mRNA decay. Recruitment of the Ccr4-Not complex to a target mRNA results in deadenylation mediated by the Caf1 and Ccr4 catalytic subunits of the complex. Following deadenylation, the 5′ cap structure is removed, and the mRNA subjected to 5′-3′ degradation. Here, the role of the human Ccr4-Not complex in cytoplasmic deadenylation of mRNA is reviewed, with a particular focus on mechanisms of its recruitment to mRNA by sequence motifs in the 3′ untranslated region, codon usage, as well as general mechanisms involving the poly(A) tail.
Positive selection on ADAM10 builds species recognition in the synchronous spawning coral Acropora
Authors: Morita Masaya , Kitanobo Seiya , Ohki Shun , Shiba Kogiku , Inaba Kazuo
Published: April 2023

The reef-building coral Acropora is a broadcast spawning hermaphrodite including more than 110 species in the Indo-Pacific. In addition, many sympatric species show synchronous spawning. The released gametes need to mate with conspecifics in the mixture of the gametes of many species for their species boundaries. However, the mechanism underlying the species recognition of conspecifics at fertilization remains unknown. We hypothesized that rapid molecular evolution (positive selection) in genes encoding gamete-composing proteins generates polymorphic regions that recognize conspecifics in the mixture of gametes from many species. We identified gamete proteins of Acropora digitifera using mass spectrometry and screened the genes that support branch site models that set the “foreground” branches showing strict fertilization specificity. ADAM10, ADAM17, Integrin α9, and Tetraspanin4 supported branch-site model and had positively selected site(s) that produced polymorphic regions. Therefore, we prepared antibodies against the proteins of A. digitifera that contained positively selected site(s) to analyze their functions in fertilization. The ADAM10 antibody reacted only with egg proteins of A. digitifera, and immunohistochemistry showed ADAM10 localized around the egg surface. Moreover, the ADAM10 antibody inhibited only A. digitifera fertilization but not the relative synchronous spawning species A. papillare. This study indicates that ADAM10 has evolved to gain fertilization specificity during speciation and contributes to species boundaries in this multi-species, synchronous-spawning, and species-rich genus.
High brightness red emitting polymer beads for immunoassays: Comparison between trifluoroacetylacetonates of Europium
Authors: Dinga Daniel K. , Kasprzycka Ewa , Assunção Israel P. , Winterstein Franziska , Alizade Amina , Caliskanyürek Volkan , Blödorn Dirk , Winkle Johannes , Kynast Ulrich , Lezhnina Marina
Published: April 2023

Efficiently luminescing spherical polymer particles (beads) in the nanoscale regime of up to approximately 250 nm have become very valuable tools in bioanalytical assays. Eu3+- complexes imbedded in polymethacrylate and polystyrene in particular proved to be extraordinarily useful in sensitive immunochemical and multi-analyte assays, and histo- and cytochemistry. Their obvious advantages derive from both, the possibility to realize very high ratios of emitter complexes to target molecules, and the intrinsically long decay times of the Eu3+-complexes, which allows an almost complete discrimination against bothersome autofluorescence via time-gated measuring techniques; the narrow line emission in conjunction with large apparent Stokes shifts are additional benefits with regard to spectral separation of excitation and emission with optical filters. Last but not least, a reasonable strategy to couple the beads to the analytes is mandatory. We have thus screened a variety of complexes and ancillary ligands; the four most promising candidates evaluated and compared to each other were β-diketonates (trifluoroacetylacetonates, R-CO-CH-CO-CF3, R = - thienyl, -phenyl, -naphthyl and -phenanthryl); highest solubilities in polystyrene were obtained with trioctylphosphine co-ligands. All beads had overall quantum yields in excess of 80% as dried powders and lifetimes well beyond 600 µs. Core-shell particles were devised for the conjugation to model proteins (Avidine, Neutravidine). Their applicability was tested in biotinylated titer plates using time gated measurements and a Lateral Flow Assay as practical examples.
Quantifying BrO and SO2 distributions in volcanic plumes—Recent advances in imaging Fabry-Pérot interferometer correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Nies Alexander , Heimann Jaro , Fuchs Christopher , Kuhn Jonas , Bobrowski Nicole , Platt Ulrich
Published: April 2023

Bromine monoxide (BrO) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) are two gases frequently observed in volcanic plumes by spectroscopic techniques capable of continuous gas monitoring like, e.g., Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS). The spatio-temporal resolution of DOAS measurements, however, only allows to determine average gas fluxes (minutes to hours resolution). In particular, it is insufficient to record two-dimensional images of SO2 and BrO in real-time (seconds time resolution). Thus, it is impossible to resolve details of chemical conversions of reactive plume constituents. However, these details are vital for further understanding reactive halogen chemistry in volcanic plumes. Therefore, instruments that combine high spatio-temporal resolution and high gas sensitivity and selectivity are required. In addition, these instruments must be robust and compact to be suitable for measurements in harsh and remote volcanic environments. Imaging Fabry-Pérot interferometer (FPI) correlation spectroscopy (IFPICS) is a novel technique for atmospheric trace gas imaging. It allows measuring atmospheric gas column density (CD) distributions with a high spatial and temporal resolution, while at the same time providing selectivity and sensitivity comparable to DOAS measurements. IFPICS uses the periodic transmission spectrum of an FPI, that is matched to the periodic narrowband (vibrational) absorption features of the target trace gas. Recently, IFPICS has been successfully applied to volcanic SO2. Here we demonstrate the applicability of IFPICS to much weaker (about two orders of magnitude) trace gas optical densities, such as that of BrO in volcanic plumes. Due to its high reactivity, BrO is extremely difficult to handle in the laboratory. Thus, based on the similarity of the UV absorption cross sections, we used formaldehyde (HCHO) as a spectral proxy for BrO in instrument characterization measurements. Furthermore, we present recent advances in SO2 IFPICS measurements and simultaneous measurements of SO2 and BrO from a field campaign at Mt Etna in July 2021. We find photon shot-noise limited detection limits of 4.7 × 1017 molec s0.5 cm−2 for SO2 and of 8.9 × 1014 molec s0.5 cm−2 for BrO at a spatial resolution of 512 × 512 pixels and 200 × 200 pixels, respectively. Furthermore, an estimate for the BrO to SO2 ratio (around 10–4) in the volcanic plume is given. The prototype instrument presented here provides spatially resolved measurements of the reactive volcanic plume component BrO. The temporal resolution of our approach allows studies of chemical conversions inside volcanic plumes on their intrinsic timescale.
Evolution of the magmatic-hydrothermal system at Lastarria volcano (Northern Chile) between 2006 and 2019: Insights from fluid geochemistry
Authors: Layana Susana , Aguilera Felipe , Inostroza Manuel , Tassi Franco , Wilkes Thomas Charles , Bredemeyer Stefan , González Cristóbal , Pering Tom David , McGonigle Andrew John Samuel
Published: April 2023

One of the major problems in the volcanic surveillance is how data from several techniques can be correlated and used to discriminate between possible precursors of volcanic eruptions and changes related to non-eruptive processes. Gas chemical surveys and measurements of SO2 emission rates performed in the past (2006–2019) at Lastarria volcano in Northern Chile have revealed a persistent increment of magmatic sourced gas emissions since late November 2012, following a 13 years period of intense ground uplift. In this work, we provide new insights into the gas-chemical evolution of Lastarria’s fumarolic discharges obtained from direct sampling (2006–2019) and SO2 emission rates using UV camera and DOAS instruments (2018–2019) and link these to pre-existing information on ground deformation (1998–2016) in order to determine the origin of observed degassing and ground deformation processes. We revise the four mechanisms originally proposed as alternatives by Lopez et al. (Geosphere, 2018, 14 (3), 983–1007) to explain the changes observed in the fluid geochemistry and ground deformation between 2009 and 2012, in order to explain major changes in gas-geochemistry over an extended period between 1998 and 2019. We hypothesize that a continuous sequence of processes explains the evolution in the fluid geochemistry of fumarolic discharges. Two mechanisms are responsible of the changes in the gas composition during the studied period, corresponding to a 1) deep magma chamber (7–15 km depth) pressurized by volatile exsolution (1998–2020), which is responsible of the large-scale deformation; followed by 2) a crystallization-induced degassing (2001–2020) and pressurization of the hydrothermal system (2003-early November 2012), where the former process induced the changes in the gas composition from hydrothermal-dominated to magmatic-dominated, whereas the last produced the small-scale deformation at Lastarria volcano. The changes in the gas composition since late November 2012, which were strongly dominated by magmatic volatiles, produced two consecutive processes: 1) acidification (late November 2012–2020) and 2) depletion (2019–2020) of the hydrothermal system. In this work we have shown that a long-term surveillance of the chemistry of fluid discharges provides valuable insights into underlying magmatic/volcanic processes, and consequently, for forecasting future eruptions.
Seismic Rigoletto: Hazards, risks and seismic roulette applications
Authors: Bela James , Kossobokov Vladimir , Panza Giuliano
Published: April 2023

Neo-Deterministic Seismic Hazard Assessment (NDSHA), dating back to the turn of the Millennium, is the new multi-disciplinary scenario- and physics-based approach for the evaluation of seismic hazard and safety–guaranteeing “prevention rather than cure.” When earthquakes occur, shaking certainly does not depend on sporadic occurrences within the study area, nor on anti-seismic (earthquake-resistant) design parameters scaled otherwise to probabilistic models of earthquake return-period and likelihood — as adopted in the widespread application of the model-driven Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA). Therefore, from a policy perspective of prevention, coherent and compatible with the most advanced theories in Earth Science, it is essential that at least the infrastructure installations and public structures are designed so as to resist future strong earthquakes. Evidences and case histories detailed in the newly published book Earthquakes and Sustainable Infrastructure present a new paradigm for Reliable Seismic Hazard Assessment (RSHA) and seismic safety — comprehensively detailing in one volume the ‘state-of-the-art’ scientific knowledge on earthquakes and their related seismic risks, and actions that can be taken to ensure greater safety and sustainability. The book is appropriately dedicated to the centenary of Russian geophysicist Vladimir Keilis-Borok (1921–2013), whose mathematical-geophysical insights have been seminal for the innovative paradigm of Neo-deterministic seismic hazard assessment. This review focuses on Hazards, Risks and Prediction initially discussed in the introductory Chapter 1 — an understanding of which is essential in the applications of the state-of-the-art knowledge presented in the book’s 29 following chapters.
Impacts of microphysical parameterizations on banded convective system in convection-permitting simulation: a case study
Authors: Wu Di , Ma Li , Hu Tiantian , Zhang Ruixi
Published: April 2023

The representation of cloud microphysical processes in models has always been a challenge leading to uncertainty in convective simulations. This paper evaluates the effect of cloud microphysical parameterizations on the simulation of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) through a realistic banded convection process. A series of numerical simulation experiments are performed using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model at a convection-permitting scale with a 3 km horizontal grid spacing. Specifically, four experiments considering different hydrometeor species within the WRF single-moment-microphysics schemes (WSMMPs) are conducted, and three additional sensitivity tests change the graupel particle properties. The results indicate that the significant differences in the times of convection initiation across the experiments reach 120 min, and more hydrometeor species may lead to later convection initiation. Moreover, the frozen graupel hydrometeor characteristics can appreciably alter the simulated convective morphology, even more than other hydrometeor species. When the graupel becomes smaller (such as Graupel-like), the fall speed of the graupel particles decreases. Therefore, more numerous graupel particles reside in clouds for a longer time, and experience more atmospheric diabatic heating and cooling effects. As a result, the simulated convective systems exhibit strong banded convective echo characteristics, the surface 10-m wind gust increases, and the cold pools associated with additional melting and evaporation become stronger, accelerating the propagation of the system. In contrast, larger and less abundant graupels (e.g., Hail-like) have a faster fall speed, and the atmospheric diabatic heating and cooling decrease by shortening the duration of their residence time within the clouds, resulting in a weak quasi-linear convective system, weak surface 10-m wind gust, unobvious cold pool, and slower propagation. Comparisons of the experiments further demonstrate that the fall speeds of frozen graupel particles largely impact the vertical distribution of the hydrometeors and the related microphysical processes.
Impact of government evaluation and accreditation processes on the research output of universities in developing countries: an X-ray of the young Ecuadorian academia
Authors: Gutiérrez Gabriela , Yaguarema Marcia , Ayala Margarita , Zambrano R. Jimmy , Gutiérrez Leo
Published: April 2023

Ecuador is a unique case study, where strict evaluation and accreditation processes have been recently established (i.e., early-2010s) mainly based on the experience of their peers and that of developed countries. Interestingly, the development of quality assurance indicators for research output received special attention. The current study systematically explored the research output of the Ecuadorian higher education institutions (HEIs) after only one decade of being subjected to multiple rigorous evaluation and accreditation processes. Peer-reviewed documents in the Scopus Database from 2006 to 2021 were statistically analyzed in terms of the number of documents produced (i.e., books, book chapters, journals, and conference proceedings), citations, H-index, quartiles, and impact factors (i.e., SRJ, SNIP, and Cite Score), at both country and single-university levels. The influence of the multiple evaluation processes and external factors (e.g., relaxation of regulations, COVID) on the research output trends were comprehensively and chronologically discussed. Accordingly, a statistical answer to the following research questions was attempted: where is the Ecuadorian research output currently standing after these evaluation and accreditation measures? Furthermore, where is it heading? This investigation would assist in creating and adjusting policies targeting sustainable research in HEIs in Ecuador and other countries in similar early research development.
POD-based reduced-order modeling study for thermal analysis of gas-cooled microreactor core
Authors: Chen Erhui , Zhang Huimin , Yuan Yidan
Published: April 2023

Small modular reactors require multi-physics coupling calculations to balance economy and stability, due to their compact structures. Traditional tools used for light water reactors are not effective in addressing the several modeling challenges posed by these calculations. The lumped parameter method is commonly used in the thermal analysis for its high computational speed, but it lacks accuracy due to the thermal model is one-dimensional. While computational fluid dynamics software (CFD) can provide high-precision and high-resolution thermal analysis, its low calculation efficiency making it challenging to be coupled with other programs. Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) is one of the Reduced Order Model (ROM) methods employed in this study to reduce the dimensionality of sample data and to improve the thermal modelling of gas-cooled microreactors. In this work, a non-inclusive POD with neural network method is proposed and verified using a transient heat conduction model for a two-dimensional plate. The method is then applied to build a reduced order model of the gas-cooled micro-reactor core for rapid thermal analysis. The results show that the root mean square error of the reactor core temperature is less than 1.02% and the absolute error is less than 8.2°C while the computational cost is reduced by several orders of magnitude, shortening the calculation time from 1.5-hour to real-time display. These findings proved the feasibility of using POD and neural network in the development of ROMs for gas-cooled microreactor, providing a novel approach for achieving precise thermal calculation with minimized computational costs.
Role of coagulation/flocculation as a pretreatment option to reduce colloidal/bio-colloidal fouling in tertiary filtration of textile wastewater: A review and future outlooks
Authors: Aragaw Tadele Assefa , Bogale Fekadu Mazengiaw
Published: April 2023

Textile industry wastewater has become a growing concern in recent years due to it has been characterized by a high load of organic dyes, suspended and dissolved solids, alkaline pH, and low biodegradability. As a result, environmental authorities necessitate textile industries to treat effluents before discharge into the environment. Tertiary filters, particularly membrane filtrations, are the most preferable process to recover good-quality water at the tertiary treatment phase, which feeds from secondary effluents, in wastewater treatment processes. However, fouling is still a challenge due to a higher load of suspended solids, colloids, organic matter, and a high level of bio-colloids (mostly from secondary effluents) in the textile wastewater treatment process. Bio-colloids are any colloidal entities of organic matter including microorganisms and their exudates. Hence, a coagulation/flocculation unit process, as a pretreatment option, is critical both at the primary treatment stage and after secondary (biological) effluents to prevent fouling problems at the tertiary filters. We reviewed identifying major foulants causing tertiary filter damage and the available pretreatment option for the removal of these foulants. We focus on and suggest the coagulation/flocculation process as a good pretreatment alternative to prevent filter fouling as it provides a reliable process to treat high water turbidity that arises from a high load of solids and colloids. Amongst different types of foulants, we focus on and present the colloidal solids and bio-colloidal foulants that could be major causes of fouling. These foulants are less understood and expected to be dominant in the textile industry wastewater, and established pretreatment alternatives are not well developed for the bio-foulants fed from the secondary effluent. Thus, these foulants need to be critically identified in the textile wastewater treatment plants to integrate suitable pretreatment options to prevent fouling potentiality. We proposed a coagulation/flocculation unit process as a pretreatment option to reduce colloidal and bio-colloidal fouling before the tertiary treatment stage, next to the secondary effluent, is critical.
Periphyton in urban freshwater facilitates transformation of trace organic compounds: A case study on iodinated contrast media
Authors: Mauch Jonas , Kronsbein Anna Lena , Putschew Anke , Lewandowski Jörg , Hilt Sabine
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Due to urbanization and demographic change trace organic compounds (TrOCs), synthetic chemicals such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products or biocides are an increasing problem in waterbodies affected by treated sewage. This contamination is particularly relevant when surface water is used for drinking water production, either directly or by bank filtration. Removal and transformation of TrOCs are affected by a variety of processes, and we hypothesize that periphyton, the mixture of photo- and heterotrophic biota attached to submerged surfaces of aquatic ecosystems, can facilitate TrOC transformation. Here we experimentally tested the influence of periphyton on different substrates on the transformation of iodinated contrast media (ICM). These hydrophilic compounds are problematic due to their poor removal by conventional wastewater treatment and high persistence of the triiodinated benzoic acid within aquatic environments.

Methods: We added 100 μg L-1 of three ICM, iopromide (IOP), iopamidol (IOM) and diatrizoate (DIA) to batch experiments containing periphyton on artificial substrates or on invasive quagga mussels and to a column experiment with periphyton, quagga mussels and sediment from a bank filtration site in a lake.

Results: IOP concentrations were reduced by up to 93% after 30 days in batch experiments with periphyton on artificial substrates and completely in treatments with mussels and periphyton. In contrast, no concentration decrease was observed for IOM and DIA. IOP reduction was positively correlated with periphyton biomass ranging from 0.7 to 9.2 g dry weight m-2 and negatively correlated with oxygen saturation. 9 of 12 known aerobic IOP transformation products frequently occurring in treated wastewater were found.

Discussion: We suggest that periphyton facilitated IOP transformation by providing substrate for bacterial growth and enhanced bacterial growth rates due to algal photosynthesis, a co-oxidation catalyzed by ammonia oxidizing bacteria and by a stimulatory influence of labile carbon produced by periphytic algae on the microbially mediated decomposition of IOP. Periphyton is facilitated by increased nutrient supply of dense mussel stands or by an increased surface area provided in dense macrophyte stands. Consequently, changes in the abundance of these littoral communities by invasion or management can affect TrOC transformation and thus water quality for drinking water production from urban freshwaters.
The impact of water and technology on the stock market in China and Japan based on a new heuristic model
Authors: Lu Haoyang , Tang Yajiao , Yu Zhexi , Tan Dan
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Water, as an essential strategic resource, is diminishing; this has been framed as a financial risk. We aim to quantitively investigate the impact of water use and technology on the stock market and compare the differences in China and Japan, which represent emerging and mature markets, respectively.

Method: We constructed three models using the difference generalized method of moments. The first and second models focused on how water use could influence stock market volatility and returns; the third model added technology as an interaction to explore its impact on the above mechanism. We used an ARIMA-EGARCH model to predict the trend of marginal stock market return with an increase in industrial water use in the next 5 years.

Results and Discussion: The results show that 1) water use increases the stock market volatility in both countries, but Japan shows a greater increase than China; 2) water use has a negative impact on stock market returns in China and a positive impact in Japan; 3) technology plays a positive role in the second model, while the ARIMA-EGARCH results correspond to the first two conclusions, which verifies the reasonability of the models. We conclude that heterogeneity exists in the two different market types because of technology level.
Assessment of UV-VIS spectra analysis methods for quantifying the absorption properties of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM)
Authors: Zeng Ruosha , Mannaerts Chris M. , Lievens Caroline
Published: April 2023

Several ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectral analysis methods have been used to quantify the absorption properties of chromophoric or colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM). Different spectroscopic parameters can be used as surrogates of optical properties; furthermore, advanced mathematical tools have also been applied to investigate the absorption spectrum. This study evaluated the most commonly used spectroscopic parameters in remote sensing research and advanced mathematical methods using absorption data on primary biomass constituents (BCs) in aqueous states. We found that, out of the eight spectrometric parameters, the spectral slope in the 275–295 nm range (S275–295) had the strongest correlation with the hydrogen to carbon ratio (H/C), and the spectral slope ratio (275–295 to 350–400 nm) SR and the absorbance ratio between 465 and 665 nm (E4/E6) had a strong correlation with the oxygen to carbon ratio (O/C). Additionally, the spectroscopic parameter values for the solutions of the BCs exhibited distinguishable differences. Gaussian fitting was suitable for single CDOM components but not for complex mixtures. Derivative analysis can be used for single-component discrimination with an extensive investigation of the absorption properties of this component. Additionally, we propose a possible bottom-up perspective to track the origins of CDOM through the absorption spectrum.
Large-scale experimental warming reduces soil faunal biodiversity through peatland drying
Authors: Barreto Carlos , Conceição Pedro Henrique Silva , de Lima Estevam Cipriano Araujo , Stievano Luís Carlos , Zeppelini Douglas , Kolka Randall K. , Hanson Paul J. , Lindo Zoë
Published: April 2023

Boreal peatlands are important ecosystems for carbon cycling because they store 1/3 of the world’s terrestrial carbon in only ∼3% of the global landmass. This high carbon storage capacity makes them a key potential mitigation strategy for increased carbon emissions induced by global climate warming. In high-carbon storage systems like peatlands, soil faunal communities are responsible for secondary decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling, which suggests they play an important role in the carbon cycle. Experiments have shown that warming can affect plant and microbial communities in ways that potentially shift peatlands from carbon sinks to sources. Although previous studies have found variable effects of climate change manipulations on soil communities, warming is expected to affect soil community composition mainly through reductions in moisture content, whereas elevated CO2 atmospheric concentrations are expected to only indirectly and weakly do so. In this study we used a large-scale peatland field-based experiment to test how soil microarthropod (oribatid and mesostigmatid mite, and collembolan species abundance, richness and community composition) respond to a range of experimental warming temperatures (between 0°C and +9°C) crossed with elevated CO2 conditions over 4 years in the Spruce and Peatland Responses Under Changing Environments (SPRUCE) experiment. Here we found that warming significantly decreased surface peat moisture, which in turn decreased species microarthropod richness and abundance. Specifically, oribatid and mesostigmatid mite, collembolan, and overall microarthropod richness significantly decreased under lower moisture levels. Also, the abundance of microarthropods increased under higher moisture levels. Neither warming nor elevated [CO2] affected microarthropods when analysed together or separate, except for the richness of mesostigmatids that significantly increased under warming. At the community level, communities varied significantly over time (except collembolans), and moisture was an important driver explaining community species composition. While we expect that the cumulative and interactive effects of the SPRUCE experimental treatments on soil faunal biodiversity will continue to emerge, our results already suggest effects are becoming more observable over time. Taken together, the changes belowground indicate potential changes on carbon and nitrogen cycles, as microarthropods are important players of soil food webs.
Numerical study on wind profiles change trend of upright reticulation barriers under different configuration models
Authors: Dang Xiaohong , Chi Xu , Tang Guodong , Meng Zhongju , Huang Haiguang , Zhai Bo , Yuan Limin
Published: April 2023

To explore how to lay the same specifications to maximize the protection benefits of mechanical sand barriers is an essential issue in the actual production process. We used the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) method and the shear stress transport (SST) K-ε turbulence model to study the windbreak efficiency of sand barriers with different structures. Among them, the structure of the sand barriers includes rhombus 60° (cTnI = 60°, R60°), rhombus 90° (cTnI = 90°, R90°), rhombus 120° (cTnI = 120°, R120°) and parallel straight line (belt). The sand barrier was set to a porous jump model, where the surface permeability a was 2.6 × 108, and the inertial resistance coefficient c2 was 9,400. The wind velocity field results showed that the sand barrier’s blocking effect on wind velocity decreases with the increase in height. The leading edge of the 120° obstacle has the strongest weakening effect on the inlet wind speed. The minimum wind speed (0.97 m/s to 1.41 m/s) occurs near the sand barrier, and the vortex appears on both sides of the node, and the wind speed increases. The order of the blocking effect of different angles on airflow is as follows: 120° > 90°> brand >60°. Under R120° conditions, the wind speed is reduced by more than 60% at 0.05 m and 0.1 m height behind the barrier compared to the initial wind speed. This will be conducive to the design and control engineering planning of the laying angle of the gauze sand barrier in the main wind direction.
Determinants of urban environmental quality in Morocco: The roles of energy consumption, urbanization, manufacturing, and financial development in achieving SDG 13
Authors: Bajja Salwa , Radoine Hassan , Abbas Shujaat , Dakyaga Francis , Chenal Jerome
Published: April 2023

Studies on urban environmental quality are evolving emphasizing the need for policy response concerning the enactment of environmental regulations to attain sustainable development goals (SDGs), mainly target 13. Over the years, the concerns to improve urban environmental quality especially managing noise, air quality, water, sanitation, and waste have increased. Consequently, limited studies exist on the determinant of urban environmental quality. This paper attempts to build on existing studies of environmental quality, by analyzing the determinants of environmental quality in urban Morocco in the context of important factors, such as energy consumption, urbanization, manufacturing, and financial development. The study draws on time series data covering the period from 1971 to 2019 and uses Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach to analyze the impacts of per capita income, energy consumption, urbanization, manufacturing value-added, capital investment, and financial development on CO2. The findings of this research reveal both short-run and long-run associations between these variables in Morocco. Manufacturing activities and financial development significantly deteriorate Moroccan environmental quality in the long-run. The findings suggest that efforts towards improving environmental quality in urban Morocco require the development and implementation of urban policies that advocate for the adoption and advancement of sustainable energy sources.
The role of innovation in environmental-related technologies and institutional quality to drive environmental sustainability
Authors: Shabir Mohsin , Hussain Iftikhar , Işık Özcan , Razzaq Kamran , Mehroush Iqra
Published: April 2023

In this study, we examine the long-run effect of environmental-related technological innovation, institutional quality, trade openness, energy consumption, and economic growth on CO2 emissions in APEC countries from 2004 to 2018. Firstly, panel unit root tests were used to explore the stationarity of each data series. The panel unit root test findings showed that all data series are stationary at the first difference. Second, the Westerlund panel cointegration test was used to deal with heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence. Thirdly, the empirical findings from the augmented mean group (AMG) and common correlated effects mean group (CCEMG) estimators indicate that environmental-related technological innovation and institutional quality destructively affect CO2 emissions. In contrast, trade openness, energy consumption, and economic growth positively impact CO2 emissions. While causality analysis refers to the unidirectional causality runs from trade openness, energy consumption to CO2 emission and bidirectional causality relationships are between technological innovation, institutional quality, GDP, CO2 emission. Based on the findings, we proposed that APEC countries should raise investment in environmental-related technological innovation and improve the quality of the institutional environment to achieve sustainable development targets.