bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calibrating a Hydrological Model in an Ungauged Mountain Basin with the Budyko Framework
Authors: Yu Zexing , Chen Xiaohong , Wu Jiefeng
Published: October 2022

Calibrating spatially distributed hydrological models in ungauged mountain basins is complicated due to the paucity of information and the uncertainty in representing the physical characteristics of a drainage area. In this study, an innovative method is proposed that incorporates the Budyko framework and water balance equation derived water yield (WYLD) in the calibration of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) with a monthly temporal resolution. The impact of vegetation dynamics (i.e., vegetation coverage) on Budyko curve shape parameter ω was considered to improve the Budyko calibration. The proposed approach is applied to the upstream Lancang-Mekong River (UL-MR), which is an ungauged mountain basin and among the world’s most important transboundary rivers. We compared the differences in SWAT model results between the different calibration approaches using percent bias (PBIAS), coefficient of determination (R2), and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) coefficient. The results demonstrated that the Budyko calibration approach exhibited a significant improvement against an unfitted priori parameter run (the non-calibration case) though it did not perform as good as fitting of the calibration by the observed streamflow. The NSE value increased by 44.59% (from 0.46 to 0.83), the R2 value increased by 2.30% (from 0.87 to 0.89) and the PBIAS value decreased by 55.67% (from 39.7 to 17.6) during the validation period at the drainage outlet (Changdu) station. The outcomes of the analysis confirm the potential of the proposed Budyko calibration approach for runoff predictions in ungauged mountain basins.
Exploring the Cumulative Selectivity of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Phytoplankton, Water, and Sediment in Typical Urban Water Bodies
Authors: Xia Liling , Zhao Zhenhua , Lang Zihan , Qin Zhirui , Zhu Yuelong
Published: October 2022

To understand the interactions among eutrophication, algal bloom, and POPs (persistent organic pollutants) in freshwater ecosystems, the cumulative selectivity of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in phytoplankton, water, and sediment with different eutrophication level waters were identified in a typical plain river network region located in Nanjing City. Results showed that a total of 33 algal species belonging to 27 genera and 4 phyla were identified in 15 sites of urban water bodies, and most of them belonged to the type Cyanobacteria–Bacillariophyta. The eutrophication level of these rivers and lakes led to the sample site specificity of algal composition and abundance. The planktonic algae mainly accumulated the 2-ring and 3-ring PAHs, and the sediment mainly enriched the high-ring PAHs. However, the enrichment capacity of planktonic algae on PAHs was much higher than that of sediment. Cyanophyta and some species of Bacillariophyta and Chlorophyta in mesotrophic (βm) and meso-eutrophic water bodies (ßαm) preferentially accumulated lower-ring PAHs (naphthalene, acenaphthylene, and phenanthrene). Some other specific algae species, such as Euglenophyta, some species of Bacillariophyta, and most Chlorophyta in mesotrophic and moderate eutrophic water bodies, had strong capacities to enrich high-ring PAHs subsuming benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, and anthracene. The eutrophication level of water bodies affected the cumulative selectivity of PAHs by shaping the site specificity of phytoplankton composition, which may be related to water quality, sediment characteristics, phytoplankton composition, and the algal cell walls.
Investigating Machine Learning Applications for Effective Real-Time Water Quality Parameter Monitoring in Full-Scale Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Safder Usman , Kim Jongrack , Pak Gijung , Rhee Gahee , You Kwangtae
Published: October 2022

Environmental sensors are utilized to collect real-time data that can be viewed and interpreted using a visual format supported by a server. Machine learning (ML) methods, on the other hand, are excellent in statistically evaluating complicated nonlinear systems to assist in modeling and prediction. Moreover, it is important to implement precise online monitoring of complex nonlinear wastewater treatment plants to increase stability. Thus, in this study, a novel modeling approach based on ML methods is suggested that can predict the effluent concentration of total nitrogen (TNeff) a few hours ahead. The method consists of different ML algorithms in the training stage, and the best selected models are concatenated in the prediction stage. Recursive feature elimination is utilized to reduce overfitting and the curse of dimensionality by finding and eliminating irrelevant features and identifying the optimal subset of features. Performance indicators suggested that the multi-attention-based recurrent neural network and partial least squares had the highest accurate prediction performance, representing a 41% improvement over other ML methods. Then, the proposed method was assessed to predict the effluent concentration with multistep prediction horizons. It predicted 1-h ahead TNeff with a 98.1% accuracy rate, whereas 3-h ahead effluent TN was predicted with a 96.3% accuracy rate.
Improving Estuarine Flood Risk Knowledge through Documentary Data Using Multiple Correspondence Analysis
Authors: Rilo Ana , Tavares Alexandre Oliveira , Freire Paula , Zêzere José Luís , Haigh Ivan D.
Published: October 2022

Estuarine margins are usually heavily occupied areas that are commonly affected by compound flooding triggers originating from different sources (e.g., coastal, fluvial, and pluvial). Therefore, estuarine flood management remains a challenge due to the need to combine the distinct dimensions of flood triggers and damages. Past flood data are critical for improve our understanding of flood risks in these areas, while providing the basis for a preliminary flood risk assessment, as required by European Floods Directive. This paper presents a spin-off database of estuarine flood events built upon previously existing databases and a framework for working with qualitative past flood information using multiple correspondence analysis. The methodology is presented, with steps ranging from a spin-off database building process to information extraction techniques, and the statistical method used was further explored through the study of information acquired from the categories and their relation to the dimensions. This work enabled the extraction of the most relevant estuarine flood risk indicators and demonstrates the transversal importance of triggers, since they are of utmost importance for the characterization of estuarine flood risks. The results showed a relation between sets of triggers and damages that are related to estuarine margin land use, demonstrating their ability to inform flood risk management options. This work provides a consistent and coherent approach to use qualitative information on past floods, as a useful contribution in the context of scarce data, where measured and documentary data are not simultaneously available.
Polygonum criopolitanum Hance Expansion and Its Effects on Overwintering Goose Populations in the Poyang Lake Wetland
Authors: Wang Shiyan , Zhao Shilin , Han Zhen , Liu Xiaobo , Wang Jie , Ma Xu , Tan Yiqian , Peng Wenqi
Published: October 2022

Since 2003, Poyang Lake has been showing obvious signs of degradation due to its changed “river-lake” relationship with the Yangtze River. The water level of Poyang Lake decreases continuously in autumn. The distribution elevation of wetland beach vegetation is constantly moving down and the distribution range is constantly expanding. The Polygonum criopolitanum community expansion at 9–12 m elevation (Yellow Sea elevation, the same below) has resulted in a significant decline in areas of mudflat and shallow water, and a significant change in habitat structure for overwintering migratory birds. Combined with field investigation, controlled experiments and statistical modeling were conducted to simulate Polygonum criopolitanum growth at 9–12 m elevation to establish its growth curve, effective growth time, growth rate, and fast-slow turning point. Polygonum criopolitanum growth rate was fastest in the 12 m elevation zone, and reached a maximum in only 22 days. After that, growth rate slowed down and tended to stagnate. Maximum growth rate of Polygonum criopolitanum in 10 and 11 m elevation zones occurred on the 31st and 46th days, respectively. At the inflection point, the Polygonum criopolitanum biomass accumulation rate was fast, then it gradually slowed down until it stopped. Polygonum criopolitanum growth and development at 9–11 m elevation was highly consistent with the arrival of overwintering migratory geese. Polygonum criopolitanum expansion at 9–11 m elevation created fine habitat conditions and rich food resources for populations of Soybean Goose, White Goose, Swan Goose and Cygnet, which was the fundamental reason for the formation of the Duchang Migratory Bird Reserve after 2003. This study is of scientific significance for studies of wetland vegetation community distribution and the promotion of reserve management.
Study on the Unconventional Water Subsidy Policy in the Arid Area of Northwest China
Authors: Ma Chaomeng , Ni Hongzhen , Jiang Yunzhong , Lin Xichen
Published: October 2022

The arid regions of Northwest China are facing water shortages and ecological fragility. Making full use of unconventional water is one of the effective ways of solving water issues and achieving high-quality regional development. The high cost of unconventional water utilization is the main obstacle to its utilization and technological development, and the subsidy policy may become a breaking point. Taking Ningdong Energy and Chemical Industry Base (NECI Base) as a case study, the article proposes raising the Yellow River water price to subsidize the utilization of mine water. The development and utilization of mine water can be effectively improved. Considering the optimal allocation of multiple water sources and the substitution relationship between the Yellow river water and mine water, this paper extends the water resources module (WRM) of the Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model. The model can reflect the substitution of water sources and the linkage between water prices and the economy. Ten different subsidy policy scenarios are simulated through the extended CGE model, and the laws and mechanisms of the subsidy policy on the economy and water usage are summarized. The results show that increasing the price of Yellow River water by 8% to subsidize the mine water will achieve optimal socio-economic output. Under this scenario, the industrial value added (IVA) is basically unaffected, the water-use efficiency (WUE) is significantly improved, and the affordability of the enterprise is satisfied. The Yellow River water usage decreased from 319.03 million (M)m³ to 283.58 Mm³ (11.1% saving), and mine water usage increased from 27.88 Mm³ to 47.15 Mm³ (69.1% increase).
Numerical Research on Fractured Surrounding Rock Deformation and Failure Law Caused by Submarine Mining
Authors: Li Guang , Liu Gang , Ma Fengshan , Guo Jie
Published: October 2022

The existence of cracks has a considerable influence on the deformation failure characteristics and mechanical behavior of the surrounding rock mass. For submarine mining in particular, if a fractured zone in which water is flowing is formed between the goaf and the overlying strata, it will result in a devastating disaster in the mine. Therefore, it is of great significance to understand the deformation and failure law of fractured surrounding rock. Based on field investigation and the self-developed Y-Mat finite-discrete element numerical calculation program, submarine mining in the Xinli mine under three different working conditions was simulated. The research results showed that when mining in fractured rock mass, the influence range was large, the surrounding rock deformation was significant, and a discontinuous stress field was generated. Backfill mining can effectively restrain the deformation failure of surrounding rock and reduce the occurrence of penetrating fractures. Moreover, the effect of backfill mining was more obvious in the fractured surrounding rock. The fault had a barrier effect on the penetration of surrounding rock cracks, but its effect was weakened in the fractured surrounding rock. Under the working conditions of the study area, i.e., backfill mining in the fractured rock mass, the primary fractures in the surrounding rock were destroyed first, followed by the intact rock mass between the cracks. It was possible for the fractures to run through the overlying strata. Double subsidence centers developed on the surface and the reflection of deformation on the surface showed obvious hysteresis. These research results can provide a reference for mining stability evaluation and disaster prevention in the study area.
The Role of Ports in Tourism: Porto Santo Harbour
Authors: Lousada Sérgio , Castanho Rui Alexandre
Published: October 2022

The island of Porto Santo belongs to the Madeira Archipelago and is often described as an idyllic paradise for its warm waters and its iconic sandy beach, though it faces vulnerabilities such as insularity; a small economy; geographic remoteness; and scarce population, area, and available resources. Nevertheless, these disadvantages have a silver lining because small territories can act as laboratories to test and develop models that can subsequently be implemented at a larger scale. This work provides a case study of the role of ports in tourism development It presents an analysis of air and maritime transport used by tourists to visit the Island of Porto Santo, Madeira Islands, Portugal. The climate changes and strong winds during the year can reduce tourist demand for the inter-island sea travel in the Madeira Archipelago. Porto Santo is a strategic transfer point for tourism, and improving the shipping infrastructures will enable a faster and more diversified maritime transportation system. To capitalise on these developments, Porto Santo needs to improve its reputation as an exclusive beach destination. This will reduce tourism seasonality and improve sustainability.
Temperature May Play a More Important Role in Environmental DNA Decay than Ultraviolet Radiation
Authors: Yu Xue , Zhou Jiaying , Wei Jun , Zhang Bo , Lu Xueqiang
Published: October 2022

Environmental DNA (eDNA) preservation is crucial for biological monitoring using eDNA technology. The decay of eDNA over time in natural water bodies and the effects of temperature and ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the decay rate are largely unknown. In this study, the linear and exponential decay models were used to explore the relationship between residual eDNA content and decay time, respectively. It was found that the residual eDNA content treated with a higher temperature decreased by an average of 89.65% at the end of experiment, while those in the 4 °C treatment group remained stable. The higher decision coefficient (R2) of the exponential decay models indicated that they could better reflect the decay of eDNA over time than linear. The difference in the decay rates of the exponential modes was slight between the 20 °C (25.47%) and 20 °C + UV treatment groups (31.64%), but both were much higher than that of the 4 °C group (2.94%). The results suggest that water temperature significantly affected the decay rate of eDNA, while UV radiation had little effect.
Characterization of Dissolved Organic Matter of Sediments in Urban Streams Using EEMs–PARAFAC and Absorption Spectroscopy: A Case Study in Wuhan, China
Authors: Zhang Hui , Liu Zufan , Xu Jing , Yang Jun , Zhang Xiang , Tao Shiyong
Published: October 2022

Urbanization has notably changed the characteristics and functions of watershed ecosystems worldwide, influencing the characteristics of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and dissolved organic matter (DOM) of sediments in urban streams. In this study, the biogeochemical characteristics of 42 water samples and the optical absorption and excitation–emission matrix spectra (EEMs) of 14 sediment samples collected from 14 urban streams in Wuhan were systematically examined. In addition, five water samples and one sediment sample were collected in Mulan Lake as a reference for non-urban areas. The a254 values of sediments in urban streams ranged widely (25.7–197.6 m−1), and the mean (116.32 ± 60.5 m−1) was significantly higher than the reference (51.52 m−1), indicating clear individual differences and a higher concentration of CDOM. Two humus-like components and one tryptophan-like component were effectively identified by parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). The fluorescence index (FI)/biological index (BIX) of DOM of sediments in urban streams was mostly within 1.4–1.7/0.8–1.0, indicating a compound of both allochthonous and autochthonous sources. Compared with the reference, lower FI and BIX and higher humification index (HIX) revealed a higher allochthonous input and humification degree of DOM of sediments in urban streams. Spearman’s correlation analysis and redundancy analysis demonstrated that heavy metals and other water quality parameters had a considerable impact on CDOM concentrations and DOM components. This study could support the use of DOM as an effective tool to monitor the water environment and provide insights into future water pollution management strategies.
Developing a Data-Fused Water Quality Index Based on Artificial Intelligence Models to Mitigate Conflicts between GQI and GWQI
Authors: Nadiri Ata Allah , Barzegar Rahim , Sadeghfam Sina , Rostami Ali Asghar
Published: October 2022

The study of groundwater quality is typically conducted using water quality indices such as the Groundwater Quality Index (GQI) or the GroundWater Quality Index (GWQI). The indices are calculated using field data and a scoring system that uses ratios of the constituents to the prescribed standards and weights based on each constituent’s relative importance. The results obtained by this procedure suffer from inherent subjectivity, and consequently may have some conflicts between different water quality indices. An innovative feature drives this research to mitigate the conflicts in the results of GQI and GWQI by using the predictive power of artificial intelligence (AI) models and the integration of multiple water quality indicators into one representative index using the concept of data fusion through the catastrophe theory. This study employed a two-level AI modeling strategy. In Level 1, three indices were calculated: GQI, GWQI, and a data-fusion index based on four pollutants including manganese (Mn), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and iron (Fe). Further data fusion was applied at Level 2 using supervised learning methods, including Mamdani fuzzy logic (MFL), support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural network (ANN), and random forest (RF), with calculated GQI and GWQI indices at Level 1 as inputs, and data-fused indices target values derived from Level 1 fusion as targets. We applied these methods to the Gulfepe-Zarinabad subbasin in northwest Iran. The results show that all AI models performed reasonably well, and the difference between models was negligible based on the root mean square errors (RMSE), and the coefficient of determination (r2) metrics. RF (r2 = 0.995 and RMSE = 0.006 in the test phase) and MFL (r = 0.921 and RMSE = 0.022 in the test phase) had the best and worst performances, respectively. The results indicate that AI models mitigate the conflicts between GQI and GWQI results. The method presented in this study can also be applied to modeling other aquifers.
Determination of Pipeline Leaks Based on the Analysis the Hurst Exponent of Acoustic Signals
Authors: Zagretdinov Ayrat , Ziganshin Shamil , Vankov Yuri , Izmailova Eugenia , Kondratiev Alexander
Published: October 2022

Currently, acoustic methods are widely used as a way to detect pipeline leaks. This is due to the fact that the acoustic signal has sufficiently capacious information about the state of the pipeline. The effectiveness of acoustic monitoring depends on the correct extraction of this information from the diagnostic signal. Currently, there is a search for new, more effective methods for analyzing acoustic signals. The article proposes to apply the theory of fractals to determine pipeline leaks. One of the most accurate methods for determining the fractal dimension of time series is R/S analysis using the Hurst exponent. An experimental stand has been developed and created, which includes a steel pipeline with water circulating in it. Water leakage from the pipeline was simulated by installing discs with holes of different diameters. The discs were placed in a special fitting on the surface of the pipeline. Acoustic signals recorded from the pipeline surface at different leakages and water pressure were analyzed. A relationship has been established between the size of the leak and the Hurst exponent of acoustic signals. The proposed method is compared with spectral analysis. Empirical experience has proven that R/S analysis can be used to determine pipeline leaks, as well as their classification by size.
Ecological Health Status of the Yitong River, China, Assessed with the Planktonic Index of Biotic Integrity
Authors: Zhao Ke , Dong Ang , Wang Shuwei , Yu Xiangfei
Published: October 2022

The Yitong River Basin is the main northern urban river basin in China, and its ecological health has become an important issue of public interest. In 2021, the plankton community and main water quality parameters of the Yitong River were monitored quarterly. An evaluation system was established based on the Planktonic Index of Biotic Integrity (P–IBI) to assess the spatial and temporal variability in river health. To verify the feasibility of the P–IBI, its assessment results were compared with those of the water quality index (WQI), and the main factors affecting the P–IBI in different seasons were analyzed using correlation analysis between P–IBI metrics and environmental factors. Seasonal comparisons showed that most sampling sites exceeded the “moderate” level in spring and autumn, followed by winter. The worst assessment results occurred in summer. Urban river reaches were more polluted than reaches in rural areas. Regarding driving factors, hydraulic effects on the P–IBI in spring and autumn were significantly stronger than other environmental factors. In summer and winter, special attention should be paid to the input of nitrogen compounds and organic pollutants. Trends based on the P–IBI and the WQI differed in winter, but site patterns were consistent between both indices. The results provide a theoretical basis and data support for the health maintenance of the Yitong River.
Water Exchange between Deep Basins of the Bransfield Strait
Authors: Frey Dmitry I. , Krechik Viktor A. , Morozov Eugene G. , Drozd Ilya D. , Gordey Alexandra S. , Latushkin Alexander A. , Mekhova Olga S. , Mukhametianov Rinat Z. , Murzina Svetlana A. , Ostroumova Sofia A. , Ponomarev Vladimir I. , Salyuk Pavel A. , Smirnova Daria A. , Shutov Sergey A. , Zuev Oleg A.
Published: October 2022

The Bransfield Strait is a relatively deep and narrow channel between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula contributing to the water transport between the Pacific and Atlantic sectors of the Southern Ocean. The strait can be divided into three deep separate basins, namely, the western, central, and eastern basins. The sources of deep waters in the three basins are different, leading to differences in thermohaline properties and water density between the basins. The difference in water density should in turn cause intense deep currents from one basin to another through narrow passages over the sills separating the basins. However, there are still no works dedicated to such possible overflows in the Bransfield Strait. In this study, we report our new CTD and LADCP measurements performed in 2022 over the watersheds between the basins. Quasisimultaneous observations of the main circulation patterns carried out at several sections allowed us to analyze the evolution of thermohaline and kinematic structures along the Bransfield Strait. Volume transports of waters in the strait were estimated on the basis of direct velocity observations. These new data also indicate the existence of intense and variable deep current between the central and eastern basins of the strait. The analysis of historical data shows that the mean flow is directed from the central to the eastern basin. In addition, LADCP data suggest the intensification of the flow in the narrow part of the sill between the basins, and the possible mixing of deep waters at this location.
N2O Emission from Partial Nitrification and Full Nitrification in Domestic Wastewater Treatment Process
Authors: Li Pengzhang , Peng Yongzhen , Wang Shuying , Liu Yue
Published: October 2022

Using actual domestic wastewater as the research object, nitrogen compounds and their combinations were added to different nitrification (partial nitrification, full nitrification) processes to investigate nitrous oxide (N2O) emission and its nitrification mechanisms. The presence of influent NH4+ was the driving force of N2O emission during nitrification. Compared with full nitrification, NO2− in partial nitrification more readily generated N2O by denitrification. Under the proportional gradient of NH4+-N:NO2−-N/NO3−-N, 30:0, 20:10, 10:20, and 0:30, total N2O emissions during partial nitrification were 2.81, 11.30, 65.20, and 11.67 times greater than the total N2O emissions during full nitrification. Full nitrification was more beneficial to N2O emission reduction. This provides a control strategy for N2O emission reduction in wastewater treatment processes under the background of reducing the production of greenhouse gases.
Automatic Transmission Bearing Fault Diagnosis Based on Comprehensive Index Method and Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Li Guangxin , Chen Yong , Wang Wenqing , Wu Yimin , Liu Rui
Published: October 2022

Rolling-element bearing fault diagnosis has some problems in the applied environment, such as low signal-to-noise ratio, weak feature extraction, low efficiency of feature learning and the complex structure of diagnosis models. A fault diagnosis method based on the comprehensive index method, complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise independent component analysis (CEEMDANICA) and two-dimensional convolutional neural network (TDCNN) is proposed. Firstly, the original vibration signal of the bearing is preprocessed by CEEMDANICA, and the ICA components with different frequencies are obtained. Secondly, the ICA components are selected as the sample set by using multiscale permutation entropy, correlation coefficient, kurtosis and box dimension. Finally, the sample set are trained and tested by a DCNN model to realize the fault diagnosis of different bearing fault types. In order to verify the reliability of the method, a bearing fault vibration monitoring platform for an electric vehicle two-speed automatic transmission was built to collect the bearing vibration signals of multiple fault types under different working conditions. The diagnostic accuracy of several deep learning models is compared. The results show that the proposed method can realize the single and compound fault diagnosis of rolling-element bearings in an automatic transmission, with a high degree of accuracy.
Method of Location and Capacity Determination of Intelligent Charging Pile Based on Recurrent Neural Network
Authors: Su Shangbin
Published: October 2022

With the popularity of new energy vehicles, a large number of cities began to focus on the installation of electric vehicle charging piles. However, the existing intelligent charging piles have faced problems such as short supply, unreasonable distribution areas, and insufficient power supply. In response to these problems, this research proposes a recurrent neural network algorithm with an integrated firefly algorithm. Based on these two algorithms, a charging pile location and capacity model was established, and users’ travel habits were analyzed according to the model. In the simulation experiment, the PR curve analysis of the algorithm was carried out first. The analysis results showed that the AP value of the recurrent neural network algorithm combined with the firefly algorithm was increased from 0.9324 to 0.9972. In addition, it had higher accuracy and stability than before, which also verified the feasibility of the algorithm. Finally, through the model, the user’s travel habits were analyzed in detail. From the perspective of total demand, the charging demand of commercial centers was the highest, with a peak of about 537 kw, followed by 501 kw in office areas and then about 379 kw in parks. The kw charging demand in other areas was below 200 kw. The above results show that the recursive neural network can effectively determine the location and capacity of the charging pile, which is of great value to the development of transportation and new energy.
Addressing Women’s Needs with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Enhancing the Visibility of Pharmacists in the Public Health Arena
Authors: Cernasev Alina , McMurray Dakota , Wilson Bryan
Published: October 2022

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to have a staggering effect on women’s lives in the United States (U.S.). Women Living With HIV (WLWH) face many challenges, such as mental health disorders, compared to their male counterparts. These diagnoses make women more disproportionally affected, and meaningful healthcare interventions must address these conditions. This review has three foci: WLWH in the U.S., their access to care and staying in care once antiretroviral treatment has been initiated, coping with mental health, and the role of the U.S. pharmacists in access to the treatment. Pharmacists are the most easily accessible healthcare profession in the U.S. For example, 93% of American customers live within 5 miles of a community pharmacy. Pharmacists are the last healthcare provider with whom the patient interacts before a medication is dispensed; thus, they are in an ideal position to intervene. Engaging pharmacists to provide care for patients with chronic disease states such as HIV has resulted in positive outcomes. Although there are global and U.S. studies that emphasize the role of pharmacists in directing care for persons living with HIV, there is a lack of studies conducted about the role of pharmacists in managing mental health. Future research must address WLWH and mental health conditions to develop targeted interventions from an interdisciplinary team perspective.
Local Commitment and Global Reach: Advancing Sustainable Capacity Building in Higher Education
Authors: O’Hara Sabine , Naicker Sigamoney
Published: October 2022

Universities play a crucial role in building the economic development capacity for their communities and regions. Their capacity building role is typically defined by contributions to the economic bottom line of the community and region where a university is located. This kind of capacity building may find itself in conflict with the long-term sustainable development needs of the region and with the responsibility of the university itself. Sustainable capacity building may require strategies that focus on the specific social, cultural, environmental, and physical context of a university’s location beyond purely economic capacity goals. To achieve sustainable development outcomes, universities must advance an understanding of the context conditions within which they are located. At least three context systems are relevant to this view of development: the economy, society and culture, and the environment with its physical, biological, and ecological context conditions. Each of these context systems is characterized by distinct time frames, spatial configurations, rules, and success measures. A focus on economic development outcomes reflects only one subsystem’s rules, behaviors, and success measures. By analyzing two case study examples from the United States and South Africa, we offer a framework for universities to advance sustainability objectives that correspond to their broader responsibilities. We argue that in order to meet these broader responsibilities, universities must first commit to giving expression to their own local context through the voices and lived realities of students and residents. Since universities build the brain trust of communities and regions around the world, they play an essential role in strengthening global sustainability goals by building the local capacity of their communities and regions.
Characterizing Management Practices in High- and Average-Performing Smallholder Dairy Farms under Contrasting Environmental Stresses in Tanzania
Authors: Shija Dismas Said , Mwai Okeyo A. , Migwi Perminus K. , Mrode Raphael , Bebe Bockline Omedo
Published: October 2022

This study characterized breeding, housing, feeding and health management practices in positive deviants and typical average performing smallholder dairy farms in Tanzania. The objective was to distinguish management practices that positive deviant farms deploy differently from typical farms to ameliorate local prevalent environmental stresses. In a sample of 794 farms, positive deviants were classified on criteria of consistently outperforming typical farms (p < 0.05) in five production performance indicators: energy balance ≥ 0.35 Mcal NEL/d; disease-incidence density ≤ 12.75 per 100 animal-years at risk; daily milk yield ≥ 6.32 L/cow/day; age at first calving ≤ 1153.28 days; and calving interval ≤ 633.68 days. The study was a two-factor nested research design, with farms nested within the production environment, classified into low- and high-stress. Compared to typical farms, positive deviant farms had larger landholdings, as well as larger herds comprising more high-grade cattle housed in better quality zero-grazing stall units with larger floor spacing per animal. Positive deviants spent more on purchased fodder and water, and sourced professional veterinary services (p < 0.001) more frequently. These results show that management practices distinguishing positive deviants from typical farms were cattle upgrading, provision of larger animal floor spacing and investing more in cattle housing, fodder, watering, and professional veterinary services. These distinguishing practices can be associated with amelioration of feed scarcity, heat load stresses, and disease infections, as well as better animal welfare in positive deviant farms. Nutritional quality of the diet was not analyzed, for which research is recommended to ascertain whether the investments made by positive deviants are in quality of feeds.
Socioeconomic Position in Modern Contraceptive Uptake and Fertility Rate among Women of Childbearing Age in 37 Sub-Saharan Countries
Authors: Ekholuenetale Michael , Owobi Olah Uloko , Shishi Benedict Terfa
Published: October 2022

Women’s socioeconomic position has a significant effect on health services use. With the nature of the socioeconomic empowerment process in relation to improvements in sexual and reproductive health, population-based contraceptive use is key to determining the growth in the human development index of every country. We looked into the effects of women’s socioeconomic position on modern approaches to birth control in sub-Saharan African (SSA) women of childbearing age. A sample of 496,082 respondents was analyzed from 2006–2021 Demographic and Health Surveys data. From the analysis, Southern SSA (46.0%), Eastern SSA (27.0%), Central SSA (16.0%), and Western SSA (15.0%) have decreasing prevalence of any modern methods of contraceptive uptake among all women. Similarly, Southern SSA (57.0%), Eastern SSA (37.0%), Western SSA (16.0%), and Central SSA (14.0%) have decreasing prevalence of married women currently using any modern methods of contraception. Furthermore, Southern SSA (76.0%), Eastern SSA (56.0%), Western SSA (36.0%), and Central SSA (26.0%) have decreasing prevalence of demand for family planning satisfied by modern contraceptives. While Southern SSA reported a total fertility rate of 3.0%, other sub-regions have a pooled rate of 5.0%. Our results indicated that increasing women’s socioeconomic position can increase contraceptive use and, thus, maternal healthcare service utilization.
Beyond ‘Voice’ to ‘Learning with’: A Multiple Streams Policy Analysis and Qualitative Exploration Problematizing Representations of Young LGBT+ Identities
Authors: Ceatha Nerilee , Kelly Ayrton , Killeen Tara , McCabe Katie , Murray James , Pope Jayson , Scully Niamh , Buggy Conor
Published: October 2022

Hearing young voices is of paramount importance, particularly as some voices are seldom-heard, including those of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) youth. Recent research highlighting mental health disparities for these populations led to the formation of the Irish LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy, which prioritized youth participation through a Youth Advisory Group (YAG). A policy analysis of the initiation of the Strategy outlines the convergence of problems, policies and politics using a Multiple Streams Approach (MSA), with quantitative literature suggesting substantial vulnerabilities. This is enhanced through qualitative exploration of the views of six youth co-authors, with experiential expertise, and as YAG members. A university ethics committee granted approval for online recorded consultations via group, pair and individual interviews. The theme of ‘seen and heard’ highlighted unprompted discussions on discursive assumptions representing young LGBT+ identities almost solely in relation to mental health risk. These rich narratives problematize the (in)visibility and silence in representations of the diversity of LGBT+ youth identities, which may inadvertently reinforce stigma. This underscores the need for comprehensive and inclusive school curricula. While MSA may explain prioritization for policy initiation, participation potentially disrupts unintended negative consequences. This article concludes by emphasizing how ‘learning with’ LGBT+ young people can ensure research, policy and practice speaks directly to youth interests and concerns.
Fundamentos epistemológicos en las capacidades cognitivas para el aprendizaje de las matemáticas
Authors: Armijo-Mena Silverio Gerardo , Reyna-Cruz Winter Edgar
Published: October 2022

En Latinoamérica la mayoría de los alumnos de distintos niveles educativos presentan dificultades para aprender matemáticas. Una de las estrategias propuestas ante esta situación es la adecuación del programa Tuning, en el que se delimitan las capacidades para que el estudiante latinoamericano aprenda matemáticas. Derivado del análisis y reflexión de estas competencias, los autores del presente trabajo presentan una expresión matemática, representada como una función, para responder a la pregunta ¿cuánta capacidad de razonamiento es lo mínimo necesario para que el alumno pueda aprender matemáticas? Para ello se presentan los fundamentos teóricos y epistemológicos que dan sustento a dicha expresión. En las conclusiones se señalan los beneficios de la propuesta de este trabajo en el contexto de las dificultades que presentan diversos alumnos para aprender matemáticas.
Modelando la relación entre el capital intelectual y el desempeño organizacional en una institución de educación superior pública. Caso Universidad San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca
Authors: Gómez-Llano Eliana Lucy
Published: October 2022

Diversos estudios afirman que existe una relación positiva entre el capital intelectual y el desempeño organizacional de las empresas. Sin embargo, existen pocos esfuerzos que explican esta relación en las instituciones de educación superior en Sudamérica y ninguno en Bolivia. Para examinar este gran potencial se ha desarrollado y probado un modelo teórico que explica cómo el capital intelectual impacta en el rendimiento de la Universidad San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca. En este estudio, el alcance del capital intelectual incluye el capital humano, el capital relacional y el capital estructural y para medir el desempeño organizacional se ha considerado los indicadores propuestos en el enfoque de la Fundación Europea para la Gestión de la Calidad (EFQM). Esta investigación examina los resultados de la información obtenida de informantes claves pertenecientes a todas las carreras que ofrece la USFXCH. Se ha utilizado el Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales PLS-SEM. Los resultados proporcionan un apoyo convincente a la importancia de la gestión del capital intelectual, precisando que el capital humano tiene relación directa con el capital estructural y relacional y éste último influye de forma clara en el rendimiento en una institución pública de educación superior como es la USFXCH.
BREXIT’S EFFECTS ON GERMAN-UK COOPERATION IN CHEMICAL INDUSTRY
Authors: Denisenko Kristina S.
Published: October 2022

Europe is the second largest chemicals producer in the world, yield only to the Asian region, where China is the undisputed leading country. The chemical industry is of great importance for both countries and it determines the structure of their economies. In turn, Brexit significantly affected the current dynamics and state of bilateral relations. Fairly long, stable trade and economic relations with Great Britain were of great importance for German business that did not hide its interest in adopting the agreement, which exclude rigorous trade tariffs and barriers. Being the largest EU economy with a clear export orientation, Germany was not ready to lose a huge export market. That is why Germany has made a significant contribution to negotiation process regulating the UK’s exit from the EU and put an effort to reach the consensus among parties concerned. Managing the UK’s departure from the European Union was not an exception from such ambitious program of six-month Germany’s Presidency of the Council of the EU (July–December 2020). Despite the fact that the Agreement on the UK’s withdrawal from the Eropean Union, which formally ended the state’s membership in the EU, had been adopted, a qualitatively new document was required. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) was adopted, which determines a new framework for relations between the EU and the UK. The TCA significantly determines the entire spectrum of cooperation areas and includes the new interplay in the chemical industry, including the implementation of REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) regulation. This article focuses on current state of German-UK economic ties and illustrates the role of chemical industry in the economies of both countries as well as points out the countries’ performance in the global industry.
Open surgical correction combined with an u-shaped external splint for pectus excavatum in a Scottish fold cat
Authors: KARSLI Birkan , BAKICI Merve
Published: October 2022

A 4 month-old, 1.9 kg, female, Scottish fold cat was brought to Kırıkkale University Veterinary Faculty Research and Practice Hospital with complaints of progressive dyspnea and exercise intolerance. Dorsal deformation in the caudal part of the sternum and displacement of the heart into the left hemithorax were determined in the clinical and radiographic examinations. In the measurements made on the radiographic images taken before the operation, the frontosagittal index (FSI) and vertebral index (VI) values were measured as 3.5 and 5.1, respectively. An external splint made of PVC material is fixed to the thorax with suture material passed around the sternebrae, in order to correct the sternal malposition in intraoperative treatment. The patient was followed for 8 weeks after the operation. The external splint was removed five weeks after the operation, and the FSI and VI values were measured as 1.4 and 11.3 on the radiographs, respectively. In the postoperative period, it was observed that the patient’s problems such as dyspnea and exercise intolerance disappeared. In animals with bone development yet to be completed, it has been determined that external splint application gives successful results.
The Nutritional Value of Five Species of Microalgae for Spat of the Silver-Lip Pearl Oyster, Pinctada maxima (Jameson) (Mollusca: Pteriidae)
Authors: TAYLOR J.J.
Published: October 2022

A feeding trial was conducted to assess the nutritional value of five monospecific microalgal diets for spat of the silver-lip (or gold-lip} pearl oyster, Pinctada maxima. The five species tested were Isochrysis aff. galbana (T-ISO), Pavlova lutheri, Chaetoceros muelleri, Chaetoceros calcitrans and Tetraselmis suecica. Spat were 75-d old at the start of the growth trial which ran for 21 d. Pearl oyster spat fed C. muelleri showed the largest increase in ash-free dry weight (organic content}, which was significantly greater (P<0.05) than for any other species. The mean ash-free dry weight (AFDW) of spat fed T. suecica and T-1SO did not differ significantly from each other, but were significantly greater than for spat fed C. calcitrans and P. lutheri (P<0.05). The final AFDW of spat fed P. lutheri was not significantly different from that of unfed spat (P>0.05). Differences in the food value of the five species of algae could not be explained by their reported nutrient composition alone. The results illustrate the importance of experimental testing of algal diets for bivalve spat rather than sole reliance on published nutritional values.
Oxytetracycline Residues in Muscle of Red Tilapia Medicated Orally and Cultured in Brackishwater
Authors: CHOO P.S.
Published: October 2022

Oxytetracycline (OTC) was fed at a rate of 80 mg·kg·1 for 10 d to healthy red tilapia (182.1±51.3 g) cultured in brackishwater of 20 ppt salinity, at an average water temperature of 28.4±1.0°C and pH 7.5±0.2. After treatment, the muscle of the fish (25 g of muscle taken along the lateral line) was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography for OTC residues. The initial OTC concentration in the muscle was 0.48±0.12 µg·g·1. Due to this low absorption, the use of OTC for treatment of brackishwater/marine fish should be discouraged, and be replaced by more effective drugs.
Relationship Between Water Temperature and Immune Response of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus C. et V.)
Authors: YANG X. , ZUO W.
Published: October 2022

The relationship between immune response of grass carp (Ctenopharygodon idellus) and water temperature was investigated according to changes in antiserum neutralization titer (ANT) and percent relative protection (PRP) of fish immunized with killed cell-cultured vaccine against Fish Reovirus (Vaccine CFRV). Experimental results showed that: 1) the water temperature of 10°C is the critical point in the immunization of grass carp with Vaccine CFRV; 2) the immune response was inhibited below 10°C and enhanced with in­crease in water temperature up to 32°C, after which it decreased; and 3) water tempera­ture at the inductive phase was one of the key factors that determined the occurrence and strength of the immune response.