bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ceratozamia aurantiaca (Zamiaceae): A New Cycad Species from the Northern Rainforests of Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Pérez-Farrera Miguel Angel , Gutiérrez-Ortega José Said , Haynes Jody L. , Chemnick Jeff , Salas-Morales Silvia H. , Calonje Michael , Vovides Andrew P.
Published: August 2021

Ceratozamia aurantiaca, a new cycad species from Oaxaca, Mexico, is described. The new species is endemic to lowland karst tropical rainforests of the northern mountains (Sierra Norte region). This species is related to C. subroseophylla and C. robusta, together considered part of the C. robusta species complex due to their shared characteristics: robust, upright trunk; large and long leaves with densely armed petioles and linear to subfalcate leaflets; and large megastrobili. Ceratozamia aurantiaca, as the epithet suggests, is easily distinguished from other species by the orange color of its emerging leaves, a trait unique in the genus. Additionally, C. aurantiaca is distinguished from C. subroseophylla and C. robusta by having significantly shorter petioles, wider spacing between leaflets, and wider median leaflets. The taxonomic recognition of this species represents a step toward clarifying species delimitation in the C. robusta complex.
Secretion of Pertussis Toxin from Bordetella pertussis
Authors: Burns Drusilla L.
Published: August 2021

Production and secretion of pertussis toxin (PT) is essential for the virulence of Bordetella pertussis. Due to the large oligomeric structure of PT, transport of the toxin across bacterial membrane barriers represents a significant hurdle that the bacteria must overcome in order to maintain pathogenicity. During the secretion process, PT undergoes a two-step transport process. The first step involves transport of the individual polypeptide chains of PT across the inner membrane utilizing a generalized secretion pathway, most likely the bacterial Sec system. The second step involves the use of a specialized apparatus to transport the toxin across the outer membrane of the bacterial cell. This apparatus, which has been termed the Ptl transporter and which is unique to the PT secretion pathway, is a member of the type IV family of bacterial transporters. Here, the current understanding of the PT secretion process is reviewed including a description of the Ptl proteins that assemble to form the transporter, the general structure of type IV transporters, the known similarities and differences between canonical type IV substrate transport and Ptl-mediated transport of PT, as well as the known sequence of events in the assembly and secretion of PT.
A Spider Toxin Exemplifies the Promises and Pitfalls of Cell-Free Protein Production for Venom Biodiscovery
Authors: Lüddecke Tim , Paas Anne , Talmann Lea , Kirchhoff Kim N. , von Reumont Björn M. , Billion André , Timm Thomas , Lochnit Günter , Vilcinskas Andreas
Published: August 2021

Arthropod venoms offer a promising resource for the discovery of novel bioactive peptides and proteins, but the limited size of most species translates into minuscule venom yields. Bioactivity studies based on traditional fractionation are therefore challenging, so alternative strategies are needed. Cell-free synthesis based on synthetic gene fragments is one of the most promising emerging technologies, theoretically allowing the rapid, laboratory-scale production of specific venom components, but this approach has yet to be applied in venom biodiscovery. Here, we tested the ability of three commercially available cell-free protein expression systems to produce venom components from small arthropods, using U2-sicaritoxin-Sdo1a from the six-eyed sand spider Hexophtalma dolichocephala as a case study. We found that only one of the systems was able to produce an active product in low amounts, as demonstrated by SDS-PAGE, mass spectrometry, and bioactivity screening on murine neuroblasts. We discuss our findings in relation to the promises and limitations of cell-free synthesis for venom biodiscovery programs in smaller invertebrates.
Effect of Remdesivir on COVID-19 PCR Positivity and Cycle Threshold in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Winstead Ryan J. , Christensen Johanna , Sterling Sara , Morales Megan , Kumar Dhiren , Bryson Alexandra , Gupta Gaurav
Published: August 2021

Information regarding Coronavirus disease 2019 in the transplant population is lacking. Recently it has been suggested that cycle threshold values obtained on polymerase chain reaction tests may serve as a marker of disease severity with lower values (i.e., higher viral load) being associated with higher mortality. This study was done to assess the impact of remdesivir use on the time to a negative COVID-19 PCR as well as the degree of change between two Ct’s based on treatment. A total of 30 kidney transplant patients with a new diagnosis of COVID-19 were assessed. Serial PCR results were followed from the time of diagnosis then every 2–4 weeks until negative. In patients who received remdesivir immediately after COVID-19 confirmation compared to no remdesivir, time to negative PCR was not statistically different with a median duration of 57 days in both groups (p = 0.369). The change in the Ct between the first and the second PCR test was also not statistically different between groups with a median change of 18.4 cycles in the remdesivir group and 15.7 cycles without remdesivir (p = 0.516). The results of this small single-center analysis suggest that remdesivir may not be beneficial in shortening time to a negative COVID-19 PCR.
Moving Forward to New Trends in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Parente Alessandro , Ronca Vincenzo
Published: August 2021

Liver transplantation (LT) is the only recognized effective treatment for end-stage liver disease (ESLD) and acute fulminant liver failure [...]
Growth after Trauma: The Role of Self-Compassion following Hurricane Harvey
Authors: Yuhan Joshua , Wang David C. , Canada Andrea , Schwartz Jonathan
Published: August 2021

The psychological impact of a traumatic event includes potentially both negative (e.g., PTSD, depression, and anxiety) as well as positive (e.g., post-traumatic growth) outcomes. The construct of self-compassion—the capacity to be compassionate towards oneself—has been associated with various psychological benefits following disasters; however, the association between self-compassion and PTG have not yet been examined in natural disaster settings. This study aimed to examine the relationship between these constructs, with self-compassion as a potential mediator in this relationship. Three hundred and nine undergraduate students affected by the impact of Hurricane Harvey were recruited. Statistical analyses revealed a significant mediation effect, with PTSD symptoms being both directly and indirectly (via self-compassion) associated with PTG. The capacity to grow from traumatic experiences is mediated by one’s disposition to be compassionate towards oneself, serving as a resilience factor to provide individuals with the cognitive and emotional resources to grow after trauma. These findings have significant implications in both clinical and research contexts, including the use of self-compassion interventions to protect against PTSD and other comorbid psychopathology and also act as a catalyst for growth following natural disaster events.
Genetic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N8) Virus in Pakistani Live Bird Markets Reveals Rapid Diversification of Clade 2.3.4.4b Viruses
Authors: Ali Muzaffar , Yaqub Tahir , Shahid Muhammad Furqan , Wong Foong Ying , Mukhtar Nadia , Naeem Muhammad , Lam Pauline , Jayakumar Jayanthi , Smith Gavin J. D. , Su Yvonne C. F.
Published: August 2021

The highly pathogenic (HPAI) avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses have undergone reassortment with multiple non-N1-subtype neuraminidase genes since 2008, leading to the emergence of H5Nx viruses. H5Nx viruses established themselves quickly in birds and disseminated from China to Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America. Multiple genetic clades have successively evolved through frequent mutations and reassortment, posing a continuous threat to domestic poultry and causing substantial economic losses. Live bird markets are recognized as major sources of avian-to-human infection and for the emergence of zoonotic influenza. In Pakistan, the A(H5N1) virus was first reported in domestic birds in 2007; however, avian influenza surveillance is limited and there is a lack of knowledge on the evolution and transmission of the A(H5) virus in the country. We collected oropharyngeal swabs from domestic poultry and environmental samples from six different live bird markets during 2018–2019. We detected and sequenced HPAI A(H5N8) viruses from two chickens, one quail and one environmental sample in two markets. Temporal phylogenetics indicated that all novel HPAI A(H5N8) viruses belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b, with all eight genes of Pakistan A(H5N8) viruses most closely related to 2017 Saudi Arabia A(H5N8) viruses, which were likely introduced via cross-border transmission from neighboring regions approximately three months prior to virus detection into domestic poultry. Our data further revealed that clade 2.3.4.4b viruses underwent rapid lineage expansion in 2017 and acquired significant amino acid mutations, including mutations associated with increased haemagglutinin affinity to human α-2,6 receptors, prior to the first human A(H5N8) infection in Russian poultry workers in 2020. These results highlight the need for systematic avian influenza surveillance in live bird markets in Pakistan to monitor for potential A(H5Nx) variants that may arise from poultry populations.
Modeling Within-Host Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Study in Ferrets
Authors: Vaidya Naveen K. , Bloomquist Angelica , Perelson Alan S.
Published: August 2021

The pre-clinical development of antiviral agents involves experimental trials in animals and ferrets as an animal model for the study of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we used mathematical models and experimental data to characterize the within-host infection dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in ferrets. We also performed a global sensitivity analysis of model parameters impacting the characteristics of the viral infection. We provide estimates of the viral dynamic parameters in ferrets, such as the infection rate, the virus production rate, the infectious virus proportion, the infected cell death rate, the virus clearance rate, as well as other related characteristics, including the basic reproduction number, pre-peak infectious viral growth rate, post-peak infectious viral decay rate, pre-peak infectious viral doubling time, post-peak infectious virus half-life, and the target cell loss in the respiratory tract. These parameters and indices are not significantly different between animals infected with viral strains isolated from the environment and isolated from human hosts, indicating a potential for transmission from fomites. While the infection period in ferrets is relatively short, the similarity observed between our results and previous results in humans supports that ferrets can be an appropriate animal model for SARS-CoV-2 dynamics-related studies, and our estimates provide helpful information for such studies.
New Insights into Human Cytomegalovirus pUL52 Structure
Authors: Muller Clotilde , Alain Sophie , Gourin Claire , Baumert Thomas F. , Ligat Gaëtan , Hantz Sébastien
Published: August 2021

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can cause serious diseases in immunocompromised patients. Current antiviral inhibitors all target the viral DNA polymerase. They have adverse effects, and prolonged treatment can select for drug resistance mutations. Thus, new drugs targeting other stages of replication are an urgent need. The terminase complex (pUL56–pUL89–pUL51) is highly specific, has no counterpart in the human organism, and thus represents a target of choice for new antivirals development. This complex is required for DNA processing and packaging. pUL52 was shown to be essential for the cleavage of concatemeric HCMV DNA and crucial for viral replication, but its functional domains are not yet identified. Polymorphism analysis was performed by sequencing UL52 from 61 HCMV naive strains and from 14 HCMV strains from patients treated with letermovir. Using sequence alignment and homology modeling, we identified conserved regions and potential functional motifs within the pUL52 sequence. Recombinant viruses were generated with specific serine or alanine substitutions in these putative patterns. Within conserved regions, we identified residues essential for viral replication probably involved in CXXC-like or zinc finger motifs. These results suggest that they are essential for pUL52 structure/function. Thus, these patterns represent potential targets for the development of new antivirals.
The Role of Phylogenetics in Unravelling Patterns of HIV Transmission towards Epidemic Control: The Quebec Experience (2002–2020)
Authors: Brenner Bluma G. , Ibanescu Ruxandra-Ilinca , Osman Nathan , Cuadra-Foy Ernesto , Oliveira Maureen , Chaillon Antoine , Stephens David , Hardy Isabelle , Routy Jean-Pierre , Thomas Réjean , Baril Jean-Guy , Leblanc Roger , Tremblay Cecile , Roger Michel ,   The Montreal Primary HIV Infection (PHI) Cohort Study Group
Published: August 2021

Phylogenetics has been advanced as a structural framework to infer evolving trends in the regional spread of HIV-1 and guide public health interventions. In Quebec, molecular network analyses tracked HIV transmission dynamics from 2002–2020 using MEGA10-Neighbour-joining, HIV-TRACE, and MicrobeTrace methodologies. Phylogenetics revealed three patterns of viral spread among Men having Sex with Men (MSM, n = 5024) and heterosexuals (HET, n = 1345) harbouring subtype B epidemics as well as B and non-B subtype epidemics (n = 1848) introduced through migration. Notably, half of new subtype B infections amongst MSM and HET segregating as solitary transmissions or small cluster networks (2–5 members) declined by 70% from 2006–2020, concomitant to advances in treatment-as-prevention. Nonetheless, subtype B epidemic control amongst MSM was thwarted by the ongoing genesis and expansion of super-spreader large cluster variants leading to micro-epidemics, averaging 49 members/cluster at the end of 2020. The growth of large clusters was related to forward transmission cascades of untreated early-stage infections, younger at-risk populations, more transmissible/replicative-competent strains, and changing demographics. Subtype B and non-B subtype infections introduced through recent migration now surpass the domestic epidemic amongst MSM. Phylodynamics can assist in predicting and responding to active, recurrent, and newly emergent large cluster networks, as well as the cryptic spread of HIV introduced through migration.
Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 Populations in Wastewater by Amplicon Sequencing and Using the Novel Program SAM Refiner
Authors: Gregory Devon A. , Wieberg Chris G. , Wenzel Jeff , Lin Chung-Ho , Johnson Marc C.
Published: August 2021

Sequencing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from wastewater has become a useful tool in monitoring the spread of viral variants. Approaches to this task have been varied, relying on differing sequencing methods and computational analyses. We used a novel computation workflow based on amplicon sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 spike domains in order to track viral populations in wastewater. As part of this workflow, we developed a program, SAM Refiner, that has a variety of outputs, including novel variant reporting as well as functions designed to remove polymerase chain reaction (PCR) generated chimeric sequences. With these methods, we were able to track viral population dynamics over time. We report here on the emergence of two variants of concern, B.1.1.7 (Alpha) and P.1 (Gamma), and their displacement of the D614G B.1 variant in a Missouri sewershed.
Serological Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Naturally-Infected Mink and Other Experimentally-Infected Animals
Authors: Berguido Francisco J. , Burbelo Peter D. , Bortolami Alessio , Bonfante Francesco , Wernike Kerstin , Hoffmann Donata , Balkema-Buschmann Anne , Beer Martin , Dundon William G. , Lamien Charles E. , Cattoli Giovanni
Published: August 2021

The recent emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in humans from a yet unidentified animal reservoir and the capacity of the virus to naturally infect pets, farmed animals and potentially wild animals has highlighted the need for serological surveillance tools. In this study, the luciferase immunoprecipitation systems (LIPS), employing the spike (S) and nucleocapsid proteins (N) of SARS-CoV-2, was used to examine the suitability of the assay for antibody detection in different animal species. Sera from SARS-CoV-2 naturally-infected mink (n = 77), SARS-CoV-2 experimentally-infected ferrets, fruit bats and hamsters and a rabbit vaccinated with a purified spike protein were examined for antibodies using the SARS-CoV-2 N and/or S proteins. From comparison with the known neutralization status of the serum samples, statistical analyses including calculation of the Spearman rank-order-correlation coefficient and Cohen’s kappa agreement were used to interpret the antibody results and diagnostic performance. The LIPS immunoassay robustly detected the presence of viral antibodies in naturally infected SARS-CoV-2 mink, experimentally infected ferrets, fruit bats and hamsters as well as in an immunized rabbit. For the SARS-CoV-2-LIPS-S assay, there was a good level of discrimination between the positive and negative samples for each of the five species tested with 100% agreement with the virus neutralization results. In contrast, the SARS-CoV-2-LIPS-N assay did not consistently differentiate between SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative sera. This study demonstrates the suitability of the SARS-CoV-2-LIPS-S assay for the sero-surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a range of animal species.
A Contemporary Review of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Advanced Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yu Eun-mi , Linville Laura , Rosenthal Matthew , Aragon-Ching Jeanny B.
Published: August 2021

The use of checkpoint inhibitors in advanced and metastatic renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) has rapidly evolved over the past several years. While immune-oncology (IO) drug therapy has been successful at resulting in improved responses and survival, combination therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors have further improved outcomes. This article reviews the landmark trials that have led to the approval of IO therapies, including the Checkmate 214 trial and combination IO/VEGF TKI therapies with Checkmate 9ER, CLEAR, and Keynote-426, and it includes a discussion on promising therapies moving in the future.
Virus-Induced CD8+ T-Cell Immunity and Its Exploitation to Contain the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Authors: Federico Maurizio
Published: August 2021

The current battle against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-Coronavirus-2 benefits from the worldwide distribution of different vaccine formulations. All anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in use are conceived to induce anti-Spike neutralizing antibodies. However, this strategy still has unresolved issues, the most relevant of which are: (i) the resistance to neutralizing antibodies of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and (ii) the waning of neutralizing antibodies. On the other hand, both pre-clinical evidence and clinical evidence support the idea that the immunity sustained by antigen-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes can complement and also surrogate the antiviral humoral immunity. As a distinctive feature, anti-SARS-CoV-2 CD8+ T-driven immunity maintains its efficacy even in the presence of viral protein mutations. In addition, on the basis of data obtained in survivors of the SARS-CoV epidemic, this immunity is expected to last for several years. In this review, both the mechanisms and role of CD8+ T-cell immunity in viral infections, particularly those induced by SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, are analyzed. Moreover, a CD8+ T-cell-based vaccine platform relying on in vivo engineered extracellular vesicles is described. When applied to SARS-CoV-2, this strategy was proven to induce a strong immunogenicity, holding great promise for its translation into the clinic.
Do High Levels of Maternally Derived Antibodies Interfere with the Vaccination of Piglets against Porcine Circovirus Type 2? A Literature Review and Data Analysis
Authors: Poulsen Nautrup Barbara , Van Vlaenderen Ilse , Mah Choewkong , Angulo Jose
Published: August 2021

Vaccination against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is commonly performed in piglets worldwide, and increasingly also in sows. We conducted a literature search and review to assess the potential interference of maternally derived antibodies (MDA) in piglets with vaccination against PCV2. The effectiveness of vaccination was compared to no vaccination in the presence of high levels of MDA (≥8 log2 IPMA titer), as reported in field studies. In total, 13 papers fulfilled the predefined inclusion criteria, allowing up to 24 comparisons per parameter. In the presence of high levels of MDA, vaccinated pigs had, on average, a 20 g/d higher mean daily weight gain and a 34% lower mortality compared to non-vaccinates. The maximum percentage of viremic pigs was reduced by 63% and the maximum viral load in serum was 0.72 log10 PCV2 DNA copies lower. Vaccination at 3 weeks of age was associated with the highest improvements in production parameters and reductions in viremia. Our findings suggest that the vaccination of piglets is effective with respect to production parameters and viremia even in the presence of high MDA, with an age of 3 weeks at vaccination being most beneficial.
Identification of a Neutralizing Epitope on TOSV Gn Glycoprotein
Authors: Gandolfo Claudia , Prathyumn Shibily , Terrosi Chiara , Anichini Gabriele , Gori Savellini Gianni , Corti Davide , Bracci Luisa , Lanzavecchia Antonio , Roman-Sosa Gleyder , Cusi Maria Grazia
Published: August 2021

Emerging and re-emerging viral infections have been an important public health problem in recent years. We focused our attention on Toscana virus (TOSV), an emergent neurotropic negative-strand RNA virus of the Phenuiviridae family. The mechanisms of protection against phlebovirus natural infection are not known; however, it is supposed that a virus-neutralizing antibody response against viral glycoproteins would be useful to block the first stages of infection. By using an improved memory B cell immortalization method, we obtained a panel of human mAbs which reacted with TOSV antigens. We identified three epitopes of TOSV Gn glycoproteins by neutralizing mAbs using synthetic peptide arrays on membrane support (SPOT synthesis). These epitopes, separated in primary structure, might be exposed near one another as a conformational epitope in their native structure. In vivo studies were conducted to evaluate the humoral response elicited in mice immunized with the identified peptides. The results underlined the hypothesis that the first two peptides located in the NH2 terminus could form a conformational epitope, while the third, located near the transmembrane sequence in the carboxyl terminus, was necessary to strengthen neutralizing activity. Our results emphasize the importance of identifying neutralizing epitopes shared among the various phleboviruses, which could be exploited for the development of a potential epitope-based diagnostic assay or a polyvalent protective vaccine against different phleboviruses.
Adverse Effects on Work and Daily Life Interference among Healthcare Workers after the First and Second ChAdOx1 and BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccine Doses
Authors: Park Chulyong , Sakong Joon , Jo Seongmin , Kim Minkeun , Baek Kiook
Published: August 2021

In this study, we assessed the adverse effects and the work and daily life interference associated with each dose of the ChAdOx1 and BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccines. Questionnaires were distributed to workers after they received both doses; only those who worked the day after receiving the vaccine were included in the analysis. Overall, 368 ChAdOx1-vaccinated and 27 BNT162b2-vaccinated participants were included. Among the ChAdOx1-vaccinated participants, the incidence of adverse effects was significantly lower after the second dose than after the first dose. Among the BNT162b2-vaccinated participants, however, no differences in adverse effects or work and daily life interference were found between the doses. After the first and second dose, the numeric scale score (0–10) for interference with work was 3.9 ± 2.9 and 1.6 ± 1.9 for the ChAdOx1 and 3.2 ± 2.5 and 3.6 ± 3.0 for the BNT162b2 vaccine, respectively. A similar trend was observed for interference with daily life. Factors associated with work and daily life interference in the multivariate model were age, vaccine dose (first or second), and the interaction term of vaccine type and dose. These results could be used to inform the general population of the adverse effects associated with these vaccinations.
The Impact of Chronic Inflammatory Enteropathy on Dogs’ Quality of Life and Dog-Owner Relationship
Authors: Marchetti Veronica , Gori Eleonora , Mariotti Valeria , Gazzano Angelo , Mariti Chiara
Published: August 2021

This research was aimed at evaluating the impact of canine chronic enteropathies on dogs’ quality of life (QoL), their behavior, and owner–dog relationship. Forty-four dogs suffering from primary chronic enteropathies were assessed on the first visit with a veterinary gastroenterologist and on the first follow-up visit using a 1–10 visual scale to evaluate five features of QoL, the Canine Chronic Enteropathy Clinical Activity Index, the Lexington Attachment to Pet Scale, and the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire. They were compared to a control group of 49 healthy dogs and to a group of 50 dogs suffering from cancer. QoL and severity of enteropathy were negatively associated; enteropathic dogs on the first visit had a lower QoL than healthy dogs for all features and a lower general QoL than cancer patients; enteropathic dogs on the follow-up visit improved significantly for general QoL, health QoL, and interaction QoL. Higher levels of attachment between the owner and the dog were obtained for dogs affected by chronic enteropathies. Finally, dogs showed higher scores for separation-related behaviors and contact/attention behaviors on the first visit than on the subsequent follow-up. As in human medicine, chronic enteropathies have a strong negative impact on dogs.
Spiral Bevel Gears Nonlinear Vibration Having Radial and Axial Misalignments Effects
Authors: Molaie Moslem , Samani Farhad S. , Pellicano Francesco
Published: August 2021

In gear transmissions, vibration causes noise and malfunction. In actual applications, misalignments contribute to intensifying the destructive effect of vibrations. In this paper, the nonlinear dynamics of a spiral bevel gear pair, with small helix angle, considering different misalignments, are deeply investigated. Axial misalignment, radial misalignment, and the combination of these two types are considered in this study. The governing equation is numerically solved through an implicit Runge–Kutta scheme. Since the main goal of this study is the analysis of the dynamic scenario, the mesh stiffness of the gear pair is obtained from the literature. The dynamical system is nonlinear and time-varying; it is analyzed through time responses, phase portraits, Poincaré maps, and bifurcation diagrams. Results show that, among the considered three cases with different types of misalignments, the spiral bevel gear with axial misalignment is the worst destructive case; aperiodic, subharmonic, and multiperiod responses are observable for this case. It is interesting that the chaotic responses for the case, having both types of misalignments, are less likely for the case with axial misalignment, only.
Variation Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Soil Moisture Content in the Lime Concretion Black Soil Region in Northern Anhui
Authors: Du Mingcheng , Zhang Jianyun , Elmahdi Amgad , Wang Zhenlong , Yang Qinli , Liu Haowen , Liu Cuishan , Hu Yongsheng , Gu Nan , Bao Zhenxin , Liu Yanli , Jin Junliang , Wang Guoqing
Published: August 2021

Soil moisture content (SMC) is an important factor affecting crop growth. Based on the field SMC data measured at the Wudaogou experimental station from 1989 to 2019, two typical crop types, wheat and maize, were selected. By combining the groundwater depth, crop growth period, and meteorological factors in the same period, and using classical statistics and redundant analysis (RDA) methods, the characteristics and influencing factors of SMC changes in vertical profiles of different crops were compared and analyzed. The results showed that the SMC and average daily water storage of wheat were greater than that of maize. The crop growth mainly consumed 0–60 cm SMC. The SMC in this area was moderately variable; the SMC of 0–30 cm belongs to the active layer, and the SMC of 30–100 cm belongs to the sub-active layer. The RDA method identified ground temperature, groundwater depth, relative humidity, and the wheat growing period as the main factors affecting soil moisture variation in wheat fields; groundwater depth, relative humidity, and water vapor pressure differences were the main factors affecting soil moisture variation in maize fields. The results can provide a basis for accurate prediction of soil water dynamics and thus provide a reference for irrigation decision-makers.
floodGAN: Using Deep Adversarial Learning to Predict Pluvial Flooding in Real Time
Authors: Hofmann Julian , Schüttrumpf Holger
Published: August 2021

Using machine learning for pluvial flood prediction tasks has gained growing attention in the past years. In particular, data-driven models using artificial neuronal networks show promising results, shortening the computation times of physically based simulations. However, recent approaches have used mainly conventional fully connected neural networks which were (a) restricted to spatially uniform precipitation events and (b) limited to a small amount of input data. In this work, a deep convolutional generative adversarial network has been developed to predict pluvial flooding caused by nonlinear spatial heterogeny rainfall events. The model developed, floodGAN, is based on an image-to-image translation approach whereby the model learns to generate 2D inundation predictions conditioned by heterogenous rainfall distributions—through the minimax game of two adversarial networks. The training data for the floodGAN model was generated using a physically based hydrodynamic model. To evaluate the performance and accuracy of the floodGAN, model multiple tests were conducted using both synthetic events and a historic rainfall event. The results demonstrate that the proposed floodGAN model is up to 106 times faster than the hydrodynamic model and promising in terms of accuracy and generalizability. Therefore, it bridges the gap between detailed flood modelling and real-time applications such as end-to-end early warning systems.
Numerical Simulation Study on Environment-Friendly Floating Reef in Offshore Ecological Belt under Wave Action
Authors: Pan Yun , Tong Huanhuan , Zhou Yang , Liu Can , Xue Dawen
Published: August 2021

An artificial floating reef is an important part of the coastal ecological corridor. The large-scale construction of floating reefs by optimizing mooring methods can effectively improve the ecological effects of coastal projects. The artificial floating reef belongs to coastal engineering, and wave resistance is fundamental to its structural design. In this paper, the method for processing coupling forces and motion, the method for judging the floating reef out of water surface, and the method for correcting velocity and acceleration of water mass points are elaborated in detail by using the finite element method and lumped-mass mooring model. By comparing and analyzing the results of physical experiment and numerical simulation, the correctness of the numerical model is verified. Finally, the diachronic variation of pitching angle of floating reef, the tension of the mooring rope, and the total tension of the fixed points of the fishing net were analyzed by the dynamic response numerical mode with a new type of mooring. The purpose of the current study was to provide a basis for the optimization of structure shape, the matching of floating body, and the counterweight of artificial floating reef.
Integration of Water Quality Indices and Multivariate Modeling for Assessing Surface Water Quality in Qaroun Lake, Egypt
Authors: Gad Mohamed , Abou El-Safa Magda M. , Farouk Mohamed , Hussein Hend , Alnemari Ashwaq M. , Elsayed Salah , Khalifa Moataz M. , Moghanm Farahat S. , Eid Ebrahem M. , Saleh Ali H.
Published: August 2021

Water quality has deteriorated in recent years as a result of rising population and unplanned development, impacting ecosystem health. The water quality parameters of Qaroun Lake are contaminated to varying degrees, particularly for aquatic life consumption. For that, the objective of this work is to improve the assessments of surface water quality and to determine the different geo-environmental parameters affecting the lake environmental system in Qaroun Lake utilizing the weighted arithmetic water quality index (WAWQI) and four pollution indices (heavy metal pollution index (HPI), metal index (MI), contamination index (Cd), and pollution index (PI), that are enhanced by multivariate analyses as cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), and support vector machine regression (SVMR). Surface water samples were collected at 16 different locations from the lake during years 2018 and 2019. Thirteen physiochemical parameters were measured and used to calculate water quality indices (WQIs). The WQIs of Qaroun Lake such WAWQI, HPI, MI, Cd, PI revealed a different degree of contamination, with respect to aquatic life utilization. The WQIs result revealed that surface water in the lake is unsuitable, high polluted, and seriously affected by pollution for an aquatic environment. The PI findings revealed that surface water samples of Qaroun Lake were significantly impacted by Al, moderately affected by Cd and Cu, and while slightly affected by Zn due to uncontrolled releases of domestic and industrial wastewater. Furthermore, increasing salinity accelerates the deterioration of the lake aquatic environment. Therefore, sewage and drainage wastewater should be treated before discharging into the lake. The SVMR models based on physiochemical parameters presented the highest performance as an alternative method to predict the WQIs. For example, the calibration (Val.) and the validation (Val.) models performed best in assessing the WQIs with R2 (0.99) and with R2 (0.97–0.99), respectively. Finally, a combination of WQIs, CA, PCA, and SVMR approaches could be employed to assess surface water quality in Qaroun Lake.
Valuing Enhanced Hydrologic Data and Forecasting for Informing Hydropower Operations
Authors: Guo Han , Conklin Martha , Maurer Tessa , Avanzi Francesco , Richards Kevin , Bales Roger
Published: August 2021

Climate change is rapidly modifying historic river flows and snowpack conditions in the Sierra Nevada in California and other seasonally snow-covered mountains. Statistical forecasting methods based on regressing summer flow against spring snow water equivalent, precipitation, and antecedent runoff are thus becoming increasingly inadequate for water-resources decision making, which can lead to missed opportunities in maximizing beneficial uses, including the value of hydropower resources. An enhanced forecasting method using a process-based model and spatially distributed wireless sensor data offers more accurate runoff forecasts. In this paper, we assessed the forecasting accuracy of these two forecasting methods by applying them to two tributaries within the North Fork Feather River basin in California. The result shows the enhanced forecasting method having better accuracy than the statistical model. In addition, a hydropower simulation showed a considerable increase in energy value with the enhanced forecasting informing reservoir operations. The investment analysis on applying this method shows an average internal rate of return of 31% across all scenarios, making this forecasting method an attractive way to better inform water-related decisions for hydropower generation in the context of climate change.
Estimating Evapotranspiration from Commonly Occurring Urban Plant Species Using Porometry and Canopy Stomatal Conductance
Authors: Askari Syed Hamza , De-Ville Simon , Hathway Elizabeth Abigail , Stovin Virginia
Published: August 2021

Evapotranspiration (ET) is a key moisture flux in both the urban stormwater management and the urban energy budgets. While there are established methods for estimating ET for agricultural crops, relatively little is known about ET rates associated with plants in urban Green Infrastructure settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using porometry to estimate ET rates. Porometry provides an instantaneous measurement of leaf stomatal conductance. There are two challenges when estimating ET from porometry: converting from leaf stomatal conductance to leaf ET and scaling from leaf ET to canopy ET. Novel approaches to both challenges are proposed here. ET was measured from three commonly occurring urban plant species (Sedum spectabile, Bergenia cordifolia and Primula vulgaris) using a direct mass loss method. This data was used to evaluate the estimates made from porometry in a preliminary study (Sheffield, UK). The Porometry data captured expected trends in ET, with clear differences between the plant species and the reproducible decreasing rates of ET in response to reductions in soil moisture content.
ZnO/Ag3PO4 and ZnO–Malachite as Effective Photocatalysts for the Removal of Enteropathogenic Bacteria, Dyestuffs, and Heavy Metals from Municipal and Industrial Wastewater
Authors: Murcia Julie Joseane , Hernández Niño Jhon Sebastián , Rojas Hugo , Brijaldo María Helena , Martín-Gómez Andrés Noel , Sánchez-Cid Pablo , Navío José Antonio , Hidalgo María Carmen , Jaramillo-Paez César
Published: August 2021

Different composites based on ZnO/Ag3PO4 and ZnO–malachite (Cu2(OH)2CO3) were synthesized in order to determine their effectiveness in the treatment of municipal and industrial wastewaters (mainly polluted by enteropathogenic bacteria, dyes, and heavy metals). The addition of Ag3PO4 and malachite did not significantly modify the physicochemical properties of ZnO; however, the optical properties of this oxide were modified as a result of its coupling with the modifiers. The modification of ZnO led to an improvement in its effectiveness in the treatment of municipal and industrial wastewater. In general, the amount of malachite or silver phosphate and the effluent to be treated were the determining factors in the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment. The highest degree of elimination of bacteria from municipal wastewater and discoloration of textile staining wastewater were achieved by using ZnO/Ag3PO4 (5%), but an increase in the phosphate content had a detrimental effect on the treatment. Likewise, the highest Fe and Cu photoreduction from coal mining wastewater was observed by using ZnO–malachite (2.5%) and ZnO/Ag3PO4 (10%), respectively. Some of the results of this work were presented at the fourth Congreso Colombiano de Procesos Avanzados de Oxidación (4CCPAOx).
Trend Analysis of Rainfall Using Gridded Data over a Region of Southern Italy
Authors: Caloiero Tommaso , Coscarelli Roberto , Pellicone Gaetano
Published: August 2021

Climate change is affecting all regions worldwide. Globally, polar ice shields are melting and the sea is rising. Moreover, some regions are facing more common extreme weather events and rainfall, while others are experiencing more extreme heat waves and droughts, causing changes in mean renewable water supplies e.g., precipitation and runoff. In this work, in order to detect possible rainfall trends in the Calabria region (southern Italy), a gridded database has been obtained from a rainfall data set of 129 monthly series collected for the period 1951–2016. In particular, the Inverse Distance Weighed was applied to build 603 rainfall grid series with a spatial resolution of 5 km × 5 km and, for each grid point, the monthly, seasonal and annual rainfall series were analyzed with the Mann–Kendall non-parametric test and the Theil–Sen estimator. Results showed a decreasing trend for the annual and winter–autumn rainfall and an increasing trend for the summer one.
Nanostructured selenium-containing amino acids: properties and applications in the production of functional foods
Authors: Krolevets A.A. , Myachikova N.I. , Binkovskaya O.V. , Glotova S.G. , Mamaeva E.M.
Published: August 2021

The paper presents the properties of nanostructured Sel-Plex; self-organization and particle sizes are determined using the NTA method. It is shown that the average size of nanocapsules does not significantly depend on the nature of the shell and is 217–245 nm. It is proposed to use nanostructured Sel-Plex as a selenium-containing preparation in the production of marmalade and bakery products.
Trademarks: their purpose, classification and legal protection
Authors: Nikolaeva M.A. , Aliakbyarov R.R.
Published: August 2021

The article deals with the purpose, classification and legal protection of trademarks. It has been established that trademarks are intended to distinguish the goods of a particular manufacturer from similar goods of competing manufacturers. Trademarks have a significant impact on the formation and maintenance of consumer preferences. The creation and promotion of goods with trademarks requires a lot of marketing efforts and costs from the organization, therefore, the owners of such marks must ensure their legal protection by registering in the prescribed manner.
Properties of nanostructured diacamph and its use in the production of functional foods for medicinal purposes
Authors: Krolevets A.A. , Myachikova N.I. , Binkovskaya O.V. , Glotova S.G. , Semichev K.M. , Mamaeva E.M.
Published: August 2021

The article considers the properties of nanostructured diacamph. The sizes of diacamph nanoparticles in various shells were determined using the NTA method, and the self-organization of the nanoparticles was studied. An assessment of the use of nanostructured diacamph in the production of functional food products for medicinal purposes was carried out on the example of ice cream and marmalade.
The study of the quality of flour obtained from wheat at the stages of long-term storage
Authors: Guryeva K.B. , Beletskiy S.L. , Khaba N.A.
Published: August 2021

This article presents an analysis of the results of the study of flour obtained from batches of wheat grain at the stages of storage. It is shown that during the observed period of grain storage, the quality of the obtained wheat flour was stable and corresponded to the highest grade in terms of physicochemical parameters. Wheat of the 3rd class after 6 years of storage can be used for milling purposes for the production of bakery flour.
Environmental problems of animal husbandry development
Authors: Ibragimov A. G. , Borulko V. G.
Published: August 2021

The article is devoted to the ecological problem of animal husbandry development. The special role of animal husbandry in environmental pollution has been noted in the article. Large livestock complexes and poultry farms under modern conditions are represented by manure, droppings and other emissions as the most harmful pollutants of the environment. More than 45 types of pollutants are released into the environment from livestock farms, complexes and poultry farms. Atmospheric air is polluted by microorganisms, dust, ammonia and other animal waste products, which often have unpleasant odors in the area of livestock farms, complexes and poultry farms. Especially from pig farms unpleasant odors can spread at a distance of up to 10 km. With the increase in water consumption for animal husbandry, the discharge of manure-containing wastewater into water bodies also increases, which leads to their contamination and loss of useful properties. In Russia the amount of wastewater from livestock farms ranges from 250 to 3000 tons per day or from 90 thousand tons up to 1 million tons per year. Every day about 200 tons of manure is accumulated on the cattle feed site, where 10 thousand heads of cattle are kept. An equal amount of environmental pollution can be produced only by the pig-breeding complex per 100 thousand heads or the complex of cattle for 35 thousand heads, in comparison with the volume produced by a large industrial center with a population of 400–500 thousand people. In order to improve the situation the authors have recommend the use of a number of methods of biological disposal of agricultural waste.
Evaluation of sires according to offspring beef quality
Authors: O. V. Larina O. V. Larina , Fedorova M. I. , Kholodov Yu. N. , Bakhtina A. V.
Published: August 2021

Beef production in the Russian Federation is mainly based on the use of over-replacement young animals and culled adult cattle of dairy and dual purpose breeds, and only 10 % of it is obtained from cattle of specialized beef breeds and their crossbreds. The selection and widespread use of the best breeding sires will help to increase the dairy and meat productivity of cows and overcome the negative correlation between the most important selected traits in large numbers of livestock. The results of the evaluation of the off spring of sires of Simmental breed of domestic and foreign selection (Canadian), as well as the sire of Red-and-White dairy breed have been presented in the article. The complex index of the sire Sokol 1335/6330 TS-2811 of Simmental breed of the Canadian selection (purebred), born in 1999 in the collective farm of name after Ilich in the Kalacheyevsky district in the Voronezh region (color pale-mottled), according to the beef characteristics of the off spring was 116, which corresponds to the international category EX – “excellent” (KI[sub]1[/sub]). From this it follows that the sire Sokol 1335/6330 TS-2811 is an improver for beef productivity with the assignment of category C[sub]1[/sub]. The sire Redky 6631 TS-2710 belongs to the line Signal 4863, born in 1989 in the state farm “Moskovsky” in the Kharkiv region (color pale-mottled) of domestic selection received the complex index 102 for the beef productivity of off spring, corresponding to KI[sub]3[/sub] (G) – “good” with the assignment of category C[sub]3[/sub]. The sire Pamir 9060,2566 CGF-123 of Red-and-White breed belongs to the line Siling Traijun Rocket 252803, which has the A[sub]3[/sub]B[sub]3[/sub] breeding category, is the loser in terms of the meat productivity of the off spring. It follows from this that the sons of sires of Simmental breed of the domestic and Canadian selection have the advantage in beef productivity over the sons of the sire of Red-and-White breed.