bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Heavy Metals, Their Distribution in Tilapia spp., and Health Risks Assessment
Authors: Mendoza Leonel C. , Nolos Ronnel C. , Villaflores Oliver B. , Apostol Enya Marie D. , Senoro Delia B.
Published: March 2023

Concentrations of heavy metals (HMs) were assessed in Tilapia spp. from selected communities in Calapan City, Philippines. Eleven (11) inland farmed tilapia samples were collected and analyzed for HMs concentration using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The 11 fish samples were cut into seven pieces, according to the fish body parts, constituting a total of 77 samples. These fish samples were then labeled as bone, fins, head, meat, skin, and viscera. Results showed that the mean concentration of Cd in all parts of tilapia exceeded the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) limits. The highest concentration was recorded in the fins, which was sevenfold higher than the limit. The trend of the mean concentration of Cd in different parts of tilapia was fins > viscera > skin > tail > head > meat > bone. The target hazard quotient (THQ) recorded a value less than 1. This means that the population exposed to tilapia, within the area where fish samples originated, were not at risk to non-carcinogens. The concentrations of Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, and Zn in different parts, particularly in skin, fins, and viscera, also exceeded the FAO/WHO limits. The calculated cancer risk (CR) in consuming the fish skin, meat, fins, bone, viscera, and head was higher than the USEPA limit. This indicated a possible carcinogenic risk when consumed regularly. Most of the correlations observed between HMs in various parts of the tilapia had positive (direct) relationships, which were attributed to the HM toxicity target organ characteristics. Results of the principal component analysis (PCA) showed that most of the dominating HMs recorded in tilapia were attributable to anthropogenic activities and natural weathering within the watershed of agricultural areas. The agriculture area comprises about 86.83% of the overall land area of Calapan City. The identified carcinogenic risks were associated with Cd. Therefore, regular monitoring of HMs in inland fishes, their habitat, and surface water quality shall be carried out. This information is useful in creating strategies in metals concentration monitoring, health risks reduction program, and relevant guidelines that would reduce the accumulation of HM in fish.
The Mycotoxin De-Epoxy-Deoxynivalenol (DOM-1) Increases Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Ovarian Theca Cells
Authors: Reyes-Perea Angelica D. , Guerrero-Netro Hilda M. , Meza-Serrano Europa , Estienne Anthony , Price Christopher A.
Published: March 2023

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a major mycotoxin present in animal feed and negatively affects growth and reproduction in farm species, including pigs and cattle. The mechanism of DON action involves the ribotoxic stress response (RSR), and it acts directly on ovarian granulosa cells to increase cell death. In ruminants, DON is metabolized to de-epoxy-DON (DOM-1), which cannot activate the RSR but has been shown to increase cell death in ovarian theca cells. In the present study, we determined if DOM-1 acts on bovine theca cells through endoplasmic stress using an established serum-free cell culture model and to assess whether also DON activates endoplasmic stress in granulosa cells. The results show that DOM-1 increased the cleavage of ATF6 protein, increased the phosphorylation of EIF2AK3, and increased the abundance of cleaved XBP1 mRNA. Activation of these pathways led to an increased abundance of mRNA of the ER stress target genes GRP78, GRP94, and CHOP. Although CHOP is widely associated with autophagy, inhibition of autophagy did not alter the response of theca cells to DOM-1. The addition of DON to granulosa cells partially increased ER stress pathways but failed to increase the abundance of mRNA of ER stress target genes. We conclude that the mechanism of action of DOM-1, at least in bovine theca cells, is through the activation of ER stress.
AgTx2-GFP, Fluorescent Blocker Targeting Pharmacologically Important Kv1.x (x = 1, 3, 6) Channels
Authors: Primak Alexandra , Orlov Nikita , Peigneur Steve , Tytgat Jan , Ignatova Anastasia , Denisova Kristina , Yakimov Sergey , Kirpichnikov Mikhail , Nekrasova Oksana , Feofanov Alexey
Published: March 2023

The growing interest in potassium channels as pharmacological targets has stimulated the development of their fluorescent ligands (including genetically encoded peptide toxins fused with fluorescent proteins) for analytical and imaging applications. We report on the properties of agitoxin 2 C-terminally fused with enhanced GFP (AgTx2-GFP) as one of the most active genetically encoded fluorescent ligands of potassium voltage-gated Kv1.x (x = 1, 3, 6) channels. AgTx2-GFP possesses subnanomolar affinities for hybrid KcsA-Kv1.x (x = 3, 6) channels and a low nanomolar affinity to KcsA-Kv1.1 with moderate dependence on pH in the 7.0–8.0 range. Electrophysiological studies on oocytes showed a pore-blocking activity of AgTx2-GFP at low nanomolar concentrations for Kv1.x (x = 1, 3, 6) channels and at micromolar concentrations for Kv1.2. AgTx2-GFP bound to Kv1.3 at the membranes of mammalian cells with a dissociation constant of 3.4 ± 0.8 nM, providing fluorescent imaging of the channel membranous distribution, and this binding depended weakly on the channel state (open or closed). AgTx2-GFP can be used in combination with hybrid KcsA-Kv1.x (x = 1, 3, 6) channels on the membranes of E. coli spheroplasts or with Kv1.3 channels on the membranes of mammalian cells for the search and study of nonlabeled peptide pore blockers, including measurement of their affinity.
Hawking Radiation from the Boundary Scalar Field and the Information Loss Paradox
Authors: Wang Jingbo
Published: March 2023

Hawking radiation is an essential property of the quantum black hole. It results in the information loss paradox and provides an important clue with regard to the unification of quantum mechanics and general relativity. In previous work, the boundary scalar fields on the horizon of black holes were used to determine the microstates of BTZ black holes and Kerr black holes. They account for Bekenstein–Hawking entropy. In this paper, we show that the Hawking radiation can also be derived from those scalar fields. Hawking radiation is a mixture of the thermal radiation of right- and left-moving sectors at different temperatures. Based on this result, for static BTZ black holes and Schwarzschild black holes, we propose a simple solution for the information loss paradox; i.e., the Hawking radiation is pure due to its entanglement between the left-moving sector and the right-moving sector. This entanglement may be detected in an analogue black hole in the near future.
Correction: Martínez-Murcia et al. SARS-CoV-2 Variants Identification; A Fast and Affordable Strategy Based on Partial S-Gene Targeted PCR Sequencing. Viruses 2022, 14, 2588
Authors: Martínez-Murcia Antonio , Garcia-Sirera Adrian , Navarro Aaron , Pérez Laura
Published: March 2023

In the original publication [...]
Immune Molecules’ mRNA Expression in Porcine Alveolar Macrophages Co-Infected with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus and Porcine Circovirus Type 2
Authors: Cui Zhiying , Zhou Likun , Hu Xingxing , Zhao Shijie , Xu Pengli , Li Wen , Chen Jing , Zhang Yina , Xia Pingan
Published: March 2023

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) are economically important pathogens in swine, and pigs with dual infections of PCV2 and PRRSV consistently have more severe clinical symptoms and interstitial pneumonia. However, the synergistic pathogenesis mechanism induced by PRRSV and PCV2 co-infection has not yet been illuminated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the kinetic changes of immune regulatory molecules, inflammatory factors and immune checkpoint molecules in porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) in individuals infected or co-infected with PRRSV and/or PCV2. The experiment was divided into six groups: a negative control group (mock, no infected virus), a group infected with PCV2 alone (PCV2), a group infected with PRRSV alone (PRRSV), a PCV2–PRRSV co-infected group (PCV2–PRRSV inoculated with PCV2, followed by PRRSV 12 h later), a PRRSV–PCV2 co-infected group (PRRSV–PCV2 inoculated with PRRSV, followed by PCV2 12 h later) and a PCV2 + PRRSV co-infected group (PCV2 + PRRSV, inoculated with PCV2 and PRRSV at the same time). Then, PAM samples from the different infection groups and the mock group were collected at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h post-infection (hpi) to detect the viral loads of PCV2 and PRRSV and the relative quantification of immune regulatory molecules, inflammatory factors and immune checkpoint molecules. The results indicated that PCV2 and PRRSV co-infection, regardless of the order of infection, had no effect on promoting PCV2 replication, while PRRSV and PCV2 co-infection was able to promote PRRSV replication. The immune regulatory molecules (IFN-α and IFN-γ) were significantly down-regulated, while inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10 and TGF-β) and immune checkpoint molecules (PD-1, LAG-3, CTLA-4 and TIM-3) were significantly up-regulated in the PRRSV and PCV2 co-infection groups, especially in PAMs with PCV2 inoculation first followed by PRRSV. The dynamic changes in the aforementioned immune molecules were associated with a high viral load, immunosuppression and cell exhaustion, which may explain, at least partially, the underlying mechanism of the enhanced pulmonary lesions by dual infection with PCV2 and PRRSV in PAMs.
Role of the Microbiome in Aedes spp. Vector Competence: What Do We Know?
Authors: Ferreira Qesya Rodrigues , Lemos Fabian Fellipe Bueno , Moura Matheus Nascimento , Nascimento Jéssica Oliveira de Souza , Novaes Ana Flávia , Barcelos Isadora Souza , Fernandes Larissa Alves , Amaral Liliany Souza de Brito , Barreto Fernanda Khouri , Melo Fabrício Freire de
Published: March 2023

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the vectors of important arboviruses: dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. Female mosquitoes acquire arboviruses by feeding on the infected host blood, thus being able to transmit it to their offspring. The intrinsic ability of a vector to infect itself and transmit a pathogen is known as vector competence. Several factors influence the susceptibility of these females to be infected by these arboviruses, such as the activation of the innate immune system through the Toll, immunodeficiency (Imd), JAK-STAT pathways, and the interference of specific antiviral response pathways of RNAi. It is also believed that the presence of non-pathogenic microorganisms in the microbiota of these arthropods could influence this immune response, as it provides a baseline activation of the innate immune system, which may generate resistance against arboviruses. In addition, this microbiome has direct action against arboviruses, mainly due to the ability of Wolbachia spp. to block viral genome replication, added to the competition for resources within the mosquito organism. Despite major advances in the area, studies are still needed to evaluate the microbiota profiles of Aedes spp. and their vector competence, as well as further exploration of the individual roles of microbiome components in activating the innate immune system.
HIV-1 Non-Group M Strains and ART
Authors: Alessandri-Gradt Elodie , Moisan Alice , Plantier Jean-Christophe
Published: March 2023

To eliminate HIV infection, there are several elements to take into account to limit transmission and break viral replication, such as epidemiological, preventive or therapeutic management. The UNAIDS goals of screening, treatment and efficacy should allow for this elimination if properly followed. For some infections, the difficulty is linked to the strong genetic divergence of the viruses, which can impact the virological and therapeutic management of patients. To completely eliminate HIV by 2030, we must therefore also be able to act on these atypical variants (HIV-1 non-group M) which are distinct from the group M pandemic viruses. While this diversity has had an impact on the efficacy of antiretroviral treatment in the past, recent data show that there is real hope of eliminating these forms, while maintaining vigilance and constant surveillance, so as not to allow more divergent and resistant forms to emerge. The aim of this work is therefore to share an update on the current knowledge on epidemiology, diagnosis and antiretroviral agent efficacy of HIV-1 non-M variants.
Crystal Structures of Inhibitor-Bound Main Protease from Delta- and Gamma-Coronaviruses
Authors: Zvornicanin Sarah N. , Shaqra Ala M. , Huang Qiuyu J. , Ornelas Elizabeth , Moghe Mallika , Knapp Mark , Moquin Stephanie , Dovala Dustin , Schiffer Celia A. , Kurt Yilmaz Nese
Published: March 2023

With the spread of SARS-CoV-2 throughout the globe causing the COVID-19 pandemic, the threat of zoonotic transmissions of coronaviruses (CoV) has become even more evident. As human infections have been caused by alpha- and beta-CoVs, structural characterization and inhibitor design mostly focused on these two genera. However, viruses from the delta and gamma genera also infect mammals and pose a potential zoonotic transmission threat. Here, we determined the inhibitor-bound crystal structures of the main protease (Mpro) from the delta-CoV porcine HKU15 and gamma-CoV SW1 from the beluga whale. A comparison with the apo structure of SW1 Mpro, which is also presented here, enabled the identification of structural arrangements upon inhibitor binding at the active site. The cocrystal structures reveal binding modes and interactions of two covalent inhibitors, PF-00835231 (active form of lufotrelvir) bound to HKU15, and GC376 bound to SW1 Mpro. These structures may be leveraged to target diverse coronaviruses and toward the structure-based design of pan-CoV inhibitors.
Open Reading Frame 4 Is Not Essential in the Replication and Infection of Genotype 1 Hepatitis E Virus
Authors: Bai Huimin , Ami Yasushi , Suzaki Yuriko , Doan Yen Hai , Muramatsu Masamichi , Li Tian-Cheng
Published: March 2023

Genotype 1 hepatitis E virus (HEV-1), unlike other genotypes of HEV, has a unique small open reading frame known as ORF4 whose function is not yet known. ORF4 is located in an out-framed manner in the middle of ORF1, which encodes putative 90 to 158 amino acids depending on the strains. To explore the role of ORF4 in HEV-1 replication and infection, we cloned the complete genome of wild-type HEV-1 downstream of a T7 RNA polymerase promoter, and the following ORF4 mutant constructs were prepared: the first construct had TTG instead of the initiation codon ATG (A2836T), introducing an M→L mutation in ORF4 and a D→V mutation in ORF1. The second construct had ACG instead of the ATG codon (T2837C), introducing an M→T mutation in ORF4. The third construct had ACG instead of the second in-frame ATG codon (T2885C), introducing an M→T mutation in ORF4. The fourth construct contained two mutations (T2837C and T2885C) accompanying two M→T mutations in ORF4. For the latter three constructs, the accompanied mutations introduced in ORF1 were all synonymous changes. The capped entire genomic RNAs were generated by in vitro transcription and used to transfect PLC/PRF/5 cells. Three mRNAs containing synonymous mutations in ORF1, i.e., T2837CRNA, T2885CRNA, and T2837C/T2885CRNA, replicated normally in PLC/PRF/5 cells and generated infectious viruses that successfully infected Mongolian gerbils as the wild-type HEV-1 did. In contrast, the mutant RNA, i.e., A2836TRNA, accompanying an amino acid change (D937V) in ORF1 generated infectious viruses upon transfection, but they replicated slower than the wild-type HEV-1 and failed to infect Mongolian gerbils. No putative viral protein(s) derived from ORF4 were detected in the wild-type HEV-1- as well as the mutant virus-infected PLC/PRF/5 cells by Western blot analysis using a high-titer anti-HEV-1 IgG antibody. These results demonstrated that the ORF4-defective HEV-1s had the ability to replicate in the cultured cells, and that these defective viruses had the ability to infect Mongolian gerbils unless the overlapping ORF1 was accompanied by non-synonymous mutation(s), confirming that ORF4 is not essential in the replication and infection of HEV-1.
EV-A71 Mechanism of Entry: Receptors/Co-Receptors, Related Pathways and Inhibitors
Authors: Hu Kanghong , Onintsoa Diarimalala Rominah , Yao Chenguang , Li Hanluo , Wei Yanhong
Published: March 2023

Enterovirus A71, a non-enveloped single-stranded (+) RNA virus, enters host cells through three stages: attachment, endocytosis and uncoating. In recent years, receptors/co-receptors anchored on the host cell membrane and involved in this process have been continuously identified. Among these, hSCARB-2 was the first receptor revealed to specifically bind to a definite site of the EV-A71 viral capsid and plays an indispensable role during viral entry. It actually acts as the main receptor due to its ability to recognize all EV-A71 strains. In addition, PSGL-1 is the second EV-A71 receptor discovered. Unlike hSCARB-2, PSGL-1 binding is strain-specific; only 20% of EV-A71 strains isolated to date are able to recognize and bind it. Some other receptors, such as sialylated glycan, Anx 2, HS, HSP90, vimentin, nucleolin and fibronectin, were discovered successively and considered as “co-receptors” because, without hSCARB-2 or PSGL-1, they are not able to mediate entry. For cypA, prohibitin and hWARS, whether they belong to the category of receptors or of co-receptors still needs further investigation. In fact, they have shown to exhibit an hSCARB-2-independent entry. All this information has gradually enriched our knowledge of EV-A71’s early stages of infection. In addition to the availability of receptors/co-receptors for EV-A71 on host cells, the complex interaction between the virus and host proteins and various intracellular signaling pathways that are intricately connected to each other is critical for a successful EV-A71 invasion and for escaping the attack of the immune system. However, a lot remains unknown about the EV-A71 entry process. Nevertheless, researchers have been continuously interested in developing EV-A71 entry inhibitors, as this study area offers a large number of targets. To date, important progress has been made toward the development of several inhibitors targeting: receptors/co-receptors, including their soluble forms and chemically designed compounds; virus capsids, such as capsid inhibitors designed on the VP1 capsid; compounds potentially interfering with related signaling pathways, such as MAPK-, IFN- and ATR-inhibitors; and other strategies, such as siRNA and monoclonal antibodies targeting entry. The present review summarizes these latest studies, which are undoubtedly of great significance in developing a novel therapeutic approach against EV-A71.
COVID-19 Pharmacotherapy in Pregnancy: A Literature Review of Current Therapeutic Choices
Authors: Akinosoglou Karolina , Schinas Georgios , Rigopoulos Emmanouil-Angelos , Polyzou Eleni , Tzouvelekis Argyrios , Adonakis George , Gogos Charalambos
Published: March 2023

The clinical management of COVID-19 in pregnant women, who are considered a vulnerable population, remains uncertain even as the pandemic subsides. SARS-CoV-2 affects pregnant individuals in multiple ways and has been associated with severe maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as neonatal complications. The unique anatomy and physiology of gestation make managing COVID-19 in this population a complex and challenging task, emphasizing the importance of spreading knowledge and expertise in this area. Therapeutic interventions require distinct clinical consideration, taking into account differences in pharmacokinetics, vertical transmission, drug toxicities, and postnatal care. Currently, there is limited data on antiviral and immunomodulating COVID-19 pharmacotherapy in pregnancy. Some medication has been shown to be safe and well tolerated among pregnant women with COVID-19; however, the lack of randomized clinical trials and studies in this patient population is evident. Available vaccines are considered safe and effective, with no evidence of harm to the fetus, embryo development, or short-term postnatal development. Pregnant women should be counseled about the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection and informed of available ways to protect themselves and their families. Effective treatments for COVID-19 should not be withheld from pregnant individuals, and more research is needed to ensure the best outcomes.
Opportunities for CAR-T Cell Immunotherapy in HIV Cure
Authors: Campos-Gonzalez Gerard , Martinez-Picado Javier , Velasco-Hernandez Talia , Salgado Maria
Published: March 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology is having a huge impact in the blood malignancy field and is becoming a well-established therapy for many types of leukaemia. In recent decades, efforts have been made to demonstrate that CAR-T cells have potential as a therapy to achieve a sterilizing cure for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, translation of this technology to the HIV scenario has not been easy, as many challenges have appeared along the way that hinder the consolidation of CAR-T cells as a putative therapy. Here, we review the origin and development of CAR-T cells, describe the advantages of CAR-T cell therapy in comparison with other therapies, and describe the major obstacles currently faced regarding application of this technology in the HIV field, specifically, viral escape, CAR-T cell infectivity, and accessibility to hidden reservoirs. Nonetheless, promising results in successfully tackling some of these issues that have been obtained in clinical trials suggest a bright future for CAR-T cells as a consolidated therapy.
The Prognostic Utility of Venous Blood Gas Analyses at Presentation in Cats with Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema
Authors: Tani Akiyoshi , Suzuki Ryohei , Matsukata Satoshi , Nakamura Atsushi , Nuruki Takaomi
Published: March 2023

Cats urgently visit emergency hospitals due to respiratory distress, and the chief cause is cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE). Although cats with CPE were frequently encountered in clinics, the prognostic factors were poorly reported. The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the association of physical examination and venous blood gas parameters with the survival of cats with CPE in an emergency hospital. Thirty-six cats with CPE were ultimately included in the present study, and eight of them died within 12 h after their presentation to our hospital. Statistical analyses of clinical parameters between cats that died within 12 h and those that survived for 12 h were conducted using Mann–Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction. Cats that died within 12 h had significantly lower rectal temperatures and higher PvCO2 than those that did not die within 12 h. Moreover, hypotension and vasoconstrictor use were related to death within 12 h of presentation and higher PvCO2. These findings indicated the prognostic utility of body temperature and PvCO2, and the association between hypercapnia and the severity of CPE or hypotension. A large number of prospective studies should be performed to validate these results.
A Calcium- and GTP-Dependent Transglutaminase in Leishmania infantum
Authors: Almugadam Shawgi Hago , Trentini Alessandro , Maritati Martina , Contini Carlo , Manfrinato Maria Cristina , Cervellati Carlo , Bellini Tiziana , Hanau Stefania
Published: March 2023

While human and animal leishmaniasis affect several millions of people worldwide, L. infantum is the species responsible for visceral leishmaniasis in Europe, Middle East, and America. Antileishmanial drugs present issues associated with drug toxicity and increasing parasite resistance. Therefore, the study of this parasite with a focus on new potential drug targets is extremely useful. Accordingly, we purified and characterized a transglutaminase (TGase) from L. infantum promastigotes. While Tgases are known to be involved in cell death and autophagy, it appears that these functions are very important for parasites’ virulence. For the first time, we showed a Ca2+- and GTP-dependent TGase in Leishmania corresponding to a 54 kDa protein, which was purified by two chromatographic steps: DEAE-Sepharose and Heparin-Sepharose. Using polyclonal antibodies against a 50-amino-acid conserved region of the catalytic core of human TGase 2, we revealed two other bands of 66 and 75 kDa. The 54 kDa band appears to be different from the previously reported TGase, which was shown to be Ca2+- independent. Future research should address the identification of the purified enzyme sequence and, subsequently, its cloning to more comprehensively investigate its pathophysiological function and possible differences from mammal enzymes.
Path Configuration Complexity Affects Spatial Memory Span on the eCorsi Task but Does Not Influence Performance of a Concurrent Auditory Discrimination Task
Authors: Tapper Anthony , Niechwiej-Szwedo Ewa
Published: March 2023

Visuospatial working memory is often assessed using the Corsi block-tapping task where set size is used to estimate capacity. It is well established that characteristics of the Corsi task path configuration such as length, crossings, and angles influence recall accuracy suggesting that more complex path configurations increase the load on working memory. However, the interaction between set size and path configuration is not well understood. Here we used a secondary auditory task to probe if set size and path configuration impose a similar type of load on the system. Nineteen participants (age = 25.3 ± 3.9 years) performed a computerized version of the Corsi test either alone (single) or simultaneously with an auditory tone discrimination task (dual). The eCorsi task involved a set of simple (no crosses, shorter lengths, larger angles) or complex (>2 crosses, longer lengths, smaller angles) paths at set sizes of five to eight blocks. Results showed significantly lower recall accuracy for the complex compared to the simple paths (63.32% vs. 86.38%, p < 0.001) at all set sizes, regardless of task condition (single, dual). Auditory performance (accuracy and response time) was significantly lower in the dual compared to single task (85.34% vs. 99.67%, p < 0.001), but performance was not affected by the complexity of the eCorsi path configuration. These findings suggest that set size and path complexity impose a different type of load on the working memory system and may rely on different resources.
The Impact of Geostrophic Transport on the Temporal and Spatial Structure of Wind-Driven Coastal Upwelling/Downwelling over the Persian Gulf
Authors: Eshghi Nasrin , Mohammad Mahdizadeh Mahdi , Mohammadian Abdolmajid
Published: March 2023

Geostrophic transport can affect the structure of the wind-driven coastal upwelling/downwelling. Focusing on quantifying this impact is vital to understanding circulation dynamics in the Persian Gulf. To this end, in this study, after the investigation of wind patterns, the temporal and spatial structure of coastal upwelling/downwelling using the Ekman transport upwelling index, and the intra-annual vertical variability of temperature are investigated based on the daily wind, and monthly temperature data time series of 28 years (1993–2020). Then, the geostrophic transport using an improved methodology and the total cross-shore transport as a sum of Ekman and geostrophic transport are estimated based on the monthly SLA data time series. The results indicated that the region, located around 51.5 and 28 (48 and 29 and 50.5 and 25.5) experienced the most intense coastal upwelling (downwelling) at a peak in June with larger mixed and thermocline layers than other regions. The intensity of Ekman transport is higher than the geostrophic transport in the Persian Gulf due to the presence of the prevailing wind and the shallowness of the mixed layers’ depth. We found that the intensity of the coastal upwelling (downwelling) decreases (increases) under favorable spatial and temporal conditions by considering the geostrophic transport in the upwelling index.
The “Minor Water Bodies” and Their Malacofauna: Are Freshwater Gastropod Communities Usable for Habitat Classification?
Authors: Babushkin Evgeny S. , Andreeva Svetlana I. , Nekhaev Ivan O. , Vinarski Maxim V.
Published: March 2023

The typology of inland water bodies remains a topical issue in limnology. Numerous classifications of freshwater habitats have been proposed, but none of them has gained the universal acceptance. Current global changes and the increasing human impact on freshwater ecosystems make it important to understand the ecological relationships between freshwater animals and their environment. In this study, we tested a typology of the so-called “minor water bodies” proposed in the 1960s by the Polish ecologist Klimowicz. The term “minor water bodies” refers to a group of semi- or impermanent habitats that are prone to periodical or occasional desiccation. The division of habitat categories within this typology was based on qualitative features, and the validity of this classification has never been tested statistically. Here, we used the data on occurrences of 18 species of freshwater and semiaquatic gastropods observed in 86 minor water bodies of the Bolshoy Yugan River basin (Western Siberia, Russia) to test the hypothesis that each type of minor water body, in accordance with the aforementioned classification, maintains its own unique set of species. The statistical analysis confirmed the significant differences between the three habitat types on the basis of their gastropod communities, whereas one type (groundwater springs) appeared to be indistinguishable from the others. Our results show that freshwater gastropod communities are a suitable tool for habitat classification, and, at the same time, they highlight the need to apply statistical methods to a priori classifications based on the qualitative approach to the division of habitat types.
Estimating the Specific Yield and Groundwater Level of an Unconfined Aquifer Using Time-Lapse Electrical Resistivity Imaging in the Pingtung Plain, Taiwan
Authors: Lin Ding-Jiun , Chang Ping-Yu , Puntu Jordi Mahardika , Doyoro Yonatan Garkebo , Amania Haiyina Hasbia , Chang Liang-Cheng
Published: March 2023

This study aims to apply geophysical methods to determine the Specific Yield (Sy) and Groundwater Level (GWL) in an unconfined aquifer of the Pingtung Plain in South Taiwan. Sy is an important hydraulic parameter for assessing groundwater potential. Obtaining specific yield for a large area is impractical due to the limited coverage and the high cost of the pumping test, which limits the potential evaluation of regional groundwater. Therefore, we used time-lapse Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) to determine the Sy and GWL. Seasonal variations were considered when measuring time-lapse resistivity for five different months in 2019. We calculated the Sy and GWL from inverted resistivity data using empirical formulas and the soil–water characteristic curve (SWCC). We first used Archie’s law to calculate the relative saturation change with depth for each ERI profile, and then we used the Van Genuchten (VG) and Brooks–Corey (BC) empirical equations to estimate Sy and GWL. Finally, we compared the obtained GWL to the existing observation well to verify the findings of our study. The results showed that the VG and BC are able to predict Sy and GWL; however, the BC result is less consistent with the observation well result. In the study area, the dry season GWL ranged from 24.5 m to 35.2 m for the VG results and from 25.7 m to 35.5 m for the BC results. The wet season GWL ranged from 26.5 m to 38.9 m for the VG and from 26.4 m to 38.2 m for the BC results. The spatial distribution of the GWL shows a high gradient of GWL in the northeastern region, induced by significant proximal fan recharge. The determined spatial distribution of Sy varies from 0.15 to 0.21 for the VG and 0.14 to 0.20 for the BC results, indicating the study area has significant potential for groundwater resources. Therefore, nondestructive resistivity imaging can be used to aid in the determination of hydraulic parameters.
Simulation of the Compaction Behavior and the Water Permeability Evolution of Broken Rock Masses of Different Shapes in a Goaf
Authors: Guo Yuxi , Qin Yan , Chen Ping , Xu Nengxiong
Published: March 2023

The rock mass in the caving zone of a goaf is relatively broken and considered a porous medium. Additionally, it has the characteristics of irregular size and shape and sharp edges, and it is easy to break. In the process of caving zone compaction, the shape characteristic of a broken rock mass is one of the most important factors affecting the evolution of the compaction characteristics and the water permeability of the caving zone. Through discrete element numerical simulation and theoretical research, the influence of the shape characteristic on compaction characteristics and the water permeability of a broken rock mass is analyzed. The research results are as follows: (1) The number of edges on a caved broken rock mass is negatively correlated with the strain limit of compaction, the initial void ratio and the final breaking ratio. It is positively correlated with the deformation modulus and the residual dilatancy coefficient. (2) The smaller the amount of edges on the broken rock mass, the more obviously the rotation movement occurs during compaction. (3) The smaller the number of edges on the broken rock mass, the faster the decline in the rate of the water permeability, and the lower the water permeability at the final stable stage. (4) With an increasing number of broken rock mass edges, the total strain energy and the dissipative strain energy of caved broken rock masses show a decreasing trend, while the elastic strain energy shows a growing trend.
Discharge Coefficients of a Specific Vertical Slot Fishway Geometry—New Fitting Parameters
Authors: Kasischke Kimberley , Oertel Mario
Published: March 2023

Fishways are essential hydraulic structures to ensure the migration of fish and other aquatic organisms in the area of cross structures in river systems. In this context, the present study focuses on vertical slot fishways with specific geometries and their discharge coefficients. A comprehensive data analysis was performed, aiming on the development of new fitting parameters in conjunction with their respective approaches for practical design procedures. In addition, validity ranges and parameter dependencies were defined. Using the new fitting equations, it is possible to determine accurate discharge coefficients to design functional strutures for a defined validity range. Results show that discharge coefficients are highly dependent on the basin geometry. Comparing newly developed fitting parameters have shown that investigated fitting equations can be used to determine discharge coefficients. However, it should be noted that newly developed fittings can only be applied in practice for the defined range of validity for investigated exemplary geometries.
Physical Separation: Reuse Pollutants and Thermal Energy from Water
Authors: Tian Jinyi , Chen Xiurong
Published: March 2023

Conventional sewage treatment based on biological and chemical methods have made historical contributions to humans. However, it breaks the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus and cannot remove hazardous materials including viruses and nano/microplastics. Therefore, we rethought the conceptual revolution of principles of sewage treatment in the 1890s, that is, “the replacement of a philosophy that saw sewage purification as the prevention of decomposition with one that tried to facilitate the biological processes that destroy sewage naturally”. We proposed a promising sewage treatment system based on physical separation, which mainly consists of the source separators and the insoluble-pollutants separators, soluble-pollutants separators, and the wastewater heat recovery devices in wastewater treatment plants. By using the promising system, the carbon in wastewater will be recovered by sending biosolids directly into the soil after removing the hazardous materials and organic toxicity. The nitrogen and phosphorus in wastewater will be sent back into the soil or be used for hydroponics rather than be mineralized. The thermal energy in wastewater will be recovered and reused, and the hazardous materials will be removed. As a result, the promising system will turn the wastewater treatment system with high resource and thermal energy waste and high energy consumption into a no-chemicals, green factory. At present, nonetheless, it is still urgent to develop more advanced insoluble-pollutants separators and soluble-pollutants separators with high separation efficiency and low energy consumption, especially volume separators. Because the volume separators (e.g., functionalized sand filters) have the potential for replacing the surface separators (e.g., membranes).
Systematic Evaluation and Influencing Factors Analysis of Water Environmental Carrying Capacity in Taihu Basin, China
Authors: Hu Zhibing , Pang Yong , Xu Ruichen , Yu Hui , Niu Yuan , Wu Changgan , Liu Yuan
Published: March 2023

Systematic evaluation of water environment carrying capacity (WECC) is a prerequisite for achieving sustainable development, which reflects the water environment comprehensive condition of lake basin under the current economic development scenario. Therefore, taking the Taihu Basin as a case study, a scientific comprehensive evaluation index system of WECC was established based on the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) assessment framework, which included water resources (WR), pollution emission (PE), water quality (WQ), water ecology (WE), and land use (LU) sub-systems. An expert group was invited to determine the weights of each indicator using the group analytic hierarchy process (G-AHP) method, and the indicators in the WR, PE, WQ, WE, and LU sub-systems were 6.5%, 21.8%, 27.9%, 11.1%, and 32.9%, respectively. According to the evaluation results, the WECC index of Taihu Basin increased by 51.4% from 2007 to 2019, but it still slightly exceeded the carrying capacity of the water environment; the water quality and pollution discharge indices had the most significant improvement. Algal blooms are a major factor challenging WECC in the Taihu Basin. Therefore, the overall restoration of the water eco-system must receive more attention in the future.
The role of the Constitutional court for the protection of the human rights
Authors: Georgieva Rayna
Published: March 2023

Today in Europe there is a complex system of protection of individual rights based on different sources of law and respectively with a different procedure for their defence, but with common constitutional legal root. The “catalogue” of basic rights in constitutions served as inspiration for the drafters of the International act in the field of human rights, whilst in the constitutional legislative process usually the legislator turns to the established International Human Rights Standards. Constitutional courts participate in the promotion and development of human rights standards through their case-law. The references in the past 30 years, the amendments of chapter eight of the Constitution and the case-law of the Constitutional court of the Republic of Bulgaria show that it has a roles as human rights court. However, the system of constitutional review could be improved with the facilitation of the ordinary courts in the direct application of the Basic law on cases. One of the possible measures is the legal education in the field of human rights protection and the availability of scientific legal publications in service of the practicing lawyers.
Una tarde con Borges
Authors: Martincic Sol
Published: March 2023

Diálogo con Daniel Balderston, director del Borges Center de la University of Pittsburgh y de la revista Variaciones Borges, que ofreció una conferencia titulada “Una tarde con Borges” en la Villa Victoria Ocampo de la ciudad de Mar del Plata el 6 de julio de 2022
Éditer Augustin dans la «Bibliothèque Augustinienne» : l’exemple des Commentaires des Psaumes
Authors: Bouton- Touboulic I.
Published: March 2023

This paper aims to account a new edition of Augustine’s Enarrationes in Psalmos, with a french translation, in the Bibliothèque Augustinienne series, since 2009. During thirty years Augustine has commented the 150 Psalms by preaching or writing. One exposes scientific principles and choices of this ambitious publication which throws a new light on historical, theological, philosophical, rhetorical and exegetical issues of this huge and very influential Augustine’s work.
L’ecdotique dans la Collection des Universités de France : une nouvelle édition de la Loi d’Hippocrate
Authors: Jouanna Jacques
Published: March 2023

The paper deals with the edition of Hippocrates Law in a volume of the Collection des Universités de France entitled The Oath, The Christian Oaths, The Law (September 2018). The author first presents the content of the treatise and its vivid style, and then he approaches the philological point of view. He shows the new contributions of this edition compared with the two previous reference editions (Jones, Loeb, 1923 and Heiberg, CMG 1927). Going back up in the history, looking for the original text, a new Greek manuscript contributes with a new branch to the stemma ; and in particular it saves a new sentence, which is confirmed by the Arabic translation, used here for the first time. The author focuses on this new sentence, highly important for the history of ideas (it shows links between Hippocrates, the school of Gorgias, and Democritus) and for the date of the treatise (before Plato). Going back down in the history of the reading and the interpretation of the text, the recent Latin translation, although it is made on the text of a well-known Greek manuscript, reveals – by the large number of Latin manuscripts preserved – the unexpected celebrity of Hippocrates Law in the Middle Ages, larger than The Oath.
Đuro Kokša (vice)rektor zavoda sv. Jeronima u Rimu (1957. - 1980.)
Authors: Dukić Josip
Published: March 2023

Đuro Kokša (Molve, 17. svibnja 1922. – Zagreb, 26. studenog 1998.) bio je vicerektor Papinskoga hrvatskog zavoda sv. Jeronima u Rimu od 11. rujna 1957. do 15. rujna 1959., kada je preuzeo službu rektora. Papa Pavao VI. imenovao ga je 20. travnja 1978. naslovnim biskupom Grumenta i pomoćnim zagrebačkim biskupom. Zavodom je upravljao sve do 8. veljače 1980., kada je na njegovo mjesto došao mostarsko-duvanjski svećenik Ratko Perić. Vrijeme Kokšina upravljanja Zavodom obilježili su vrlo složeni crkveno-politički odnosi u Jugoslaviji, odnosno u Hrvatskoj, dok je stanje u cijeloj Crkvi bilo vrlo izazovno. Kokša je kao upravitelj Zavoda ponekad mimo svoje volje morao izvršavati odluke koje su dolazile s viših crkvenih razina, a s kojima se nije uvijek slagao, zbog čega je bio meta napada od strane hrvatskih emigrantskih skupina. S druge strane, bio je pod stalnom pratnjom komunističke vlasti. Usprkos svemu ostavio je trag u povijesti Zavoda. Uz pomoć crkvenog vodstva otvorio je Zavod za svećenike studente iz domovine, a papa Pavao VI. je na molbu kardinala Franje Šepera u srpnju 1971. dotadašnji naziv „Ilirski zavod sv. Jeronima” promijenio u „Papinski hrvatski zavod sv. Jeronima”. Dok je Kokša bio rektor Zavoda, Jozo Kljaković je dovršio dva pokrajnja mozaika na sjevernom pročelju zavodske zgrade, a Ivan Meštrović mu je 1960. dao dopuštenje za odljev u gipsu njegove Pietà. Ovaj rad je nastao na temelju prethodnih istraživanja i Kokšine arhivske građe, koja se čuva u Nadbiskupskom arhivu u Zagrebu i u Zavodu sv. Jeronima u Rimu. Rimsku je ostavštinu godine 2017. složio . i inventar sastavio splitski arhivist Ivan Balta.
Creative Problem Solving Process Instructional Design in the Context of Blended Learning in Higher Education
Authors: Nurrijal  , Punaji Setyosari  , Dedi Kuswandi  , Saida Ulfa
Published: March 2023

The Creative Problem Solving (CPS) process is a conceptual model that focuses on using higher-order thinking skills in order to overcome authentic problems during learning. The CPS process offers a structured methodology to enhance every learner's solid critical, creative, and innovative thinking skill. The application of the CPS method has been growing, including its implementation in the blended learning environment in universities. However, its application still requires a strategic framework that is by the blended learning conceptual model to facilitate the CPS process. Properly organized instructional design is an important element in maintaining the success of the CPS process in blended learning to encourage and promote learner creativity to solve problems. The application of the CPS method in the context of blended learning is integrated through synchronous and asynchronous patterns facilitated by the Moodle LMS-based e-Learning facility. This research aims to produce a CPS process instructional design in a blended learning context that is valid, practical, and effective and can systematically guide instructors or lecturers in facilitating students to be skilled in critical thinking and creative thinking in problem-solving processes. This development process is based on the incorporation of ideas related to the conceptual model of blended learning with the principles of the CPS process design strategy that has been developed. Instructional design was developed by applying the Research and Development (R&D) method, which implements several stages between Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The validity of the resulting model product was measured using a validation sheet of learning design experts, learning technology, media, materials, and linguists with the title of professor. Questionnaire responses from lecturers and students measured the product's practicality, and the product's effectiveness was measured by conducting testing of critical and creative thinking skills. The research data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to provide a quality score on the resulting instructional design. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that this learning design is valid, practical, and effective in improving the thinking skills of prospective teacher students. This proves that the instructional design developed has the feasibility to be used in learning, which can effectively improve the creative problem-solving process in the context of blended learning.