bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heart Rate Responses during Sport-Specific High-Intensity Circuit Exercise in Child Female Gymnasts
Authors: Salagas Andreas , Donti Olyvia , Katsikas Christos , Bogdanis Gregory C.
Published: May 2020

This study examined heart rate (HR) responses during a sport-specific high-intensity circuit training session to indirectly assess cardiorespiratory stress in child athletes. Seventeen, female gymnasts, aged 9–11 years performed two 5-min 15 s sets of circuit exercise, interspersed by a 3 min rest interval. Each set included five rounds of five gymnastic exercises (7 s work, 7 s rest) executed with maximal effort. During the first circuit training set, peak heart rate (HR) was 192 ± 7 bpm and average HR was 83 ± 4% of maximum HR (HRmax), which was determined in a separate session. In the second set, peak HR and average HR were increased to 196 ± 8 bpm (p < 0.001, d = 0.55) and to 89 ± 4% HRmax (p < 0.001, d = 2.19), respectively, compared with the first set. HR was above 80% HRmax for 4.1 ± 1.2 min during set 1 and this was increased to 5.1 ± 0.4 min in set 2 (p < 0.001, d = 1.15). Likewise, HR was above 90% of HRmax for 2.0 ± 1.2 min in set 1 and was increased to 3.4 ± 1.7 min in set 2 (p < 0.001, d = 0.98). In summary, two 5-min 15 s sets of high-intensity circuit training using sport-specific exercises, increased HR to levels above 80% and 90% HRmax for extended time periods, and thus may be considered as an appropriate stimulus, in terms of intensity, for improving aerobic fitness in child female gymnasts.
Corporate Social Performance: An Assessment Model on an Emerging Market
Authors: Crișan-Mitra Cătălina Silvia , Stanca Liana , Dabija Dan-Cristian
Published: May 2020

This paper investigates the priorities governing large companies in an emerging market regarding corporate social performance (CSP). The authors propose profile patterns of responsible managerial behavior and a framework for evaluating CSP relying on stakeholder theory. The study relies on a statistical analysis which is designed to examine the significance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practice as it emerges from company business strategies. Taking the form of an empirical study involving 87 managers, this work relies on the cluster analysis theory, identifying six behavioral patterns when considering CSR practices: “lethargic”, “compliant, “pragmatist”, “auditor”, “formalist”, and “performer”. The cluster typology indicates the complexity of CSR practices and highlights the role of CSR in company strategy development. The proposed assessment model is intended to empower CSP diagnosis, while supporting management towards achieving sustainable growth.
The Fit of Urban Waterfront Interventions: Matters of Size, Money and Function
Authors: Pinto Pedro Janela , Kondolf G. Mathias
Published: May 2020

Urban riverfront interventions are ubiquitous throughout the developed world, and increasingly also in the Global South. Many have failed spectacularly. We conducted a systematic review of failed riverfront interventions to draw lessons that could improve future projects. Learning from past mistakes may be more important than observing successes, because successful elements in one city may not be repeatable elsewhere, as the context and opportunity could be specific to that one city. Recognizing what did not work elsewhere may provide clues needed to improve future projects. Our results show that poorly designed riverfront interventions typically fail on several levels: a bad program, with the wrong budget and timing, no concern for local needs or context, results in an unattractive and costly intervention, with reduced to no social or environmental benefit. To create more successful interventions in the future, we should acknowledge the local context, the morphology of the river valley, the time and budget a set of solutions entail, and select uses and functions that work for a diverse crowd and provide multiple benefits, including good flood management performance and the restoration of the rivers’ natural connectivity.
Impact Assessment Model for the Implementation of Cargo Bike Transshipment Points in Urban Districts
Authors: Assmann Tom , Lang Sebastian , Müller Florian , Schenk Michael
Published: May 2020

Mitigating climate change and improving urban livability is prompting cities to improve sustainability of urban transportation and logistics. Cargo bikes, in combination with urban transshipment points, are gaining momentum as a green last mile alternative. Although a wide body of research proves their viability in dense urban areas, knowledge about planning urban transshipment points is very limited. This also entails the siting of such facilities and the assessment of effects on emissions. This study therefore presents a first quantitative scenario-based model that assesses the impacts on a district. It examines different strategies for siting urban transshipment points in a single district and its effect on traffic, the carbon footprint, and air quality to give strategic insights where to create candidate locations for such facilities. Our result contributes to knowledge of planning urban transshipment facilities and assessing the impact of different configurations. The findings demonstrated that the use of cargo bikes to make courier, express, and parcel (CEP) deliveries in urban districts could reduce greenhouse gas (GHG), particulate matter (PM10), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions significantly. However, the choice of vehicles completing inbound and outbound processes and the strategies for siting urban transshipment points display widely differing and even conflicting potential to reduce emissions.
Management Strategies for Wood Fuel Harvesting—Trade-Offs with Biodiversity and Forest Ecosystem Services
Authors: Eggers Jeannette , Melin Ylva , Lundström Johanna , Bergström Dan , Öhman Karin
Published: May 2020

Bioenergy is expected to contribute to mitigating climate change. One major source for bioenergy is woody biomass from forests, including logging residues, stumps, and whole trees from young dense stands. However, at increased extraction rates of woody biomass, the forest ecosystem, its biodiversity, and its ability to contribute to fundamental ecosystem services will be affected. We used simulation and optimization techniques to assess the impact of different management strategies on the supply of bioenergy and the trade-offs between wood fuel harvesting, biodiversity, and three other ecosystem services—reindeer husbandry, carbon storage, and recreation. The projections covered 100 years and a forest area of 3 million ha in northern Sweden. We found that the development of novel and cost-effective management systems for biomass outtake from young dense stands may provide options for a significant supply of bioenergy to the emerging bioeconomy, while at the same time securing biodiversity and important ecosystem values in future stand developments. In addition, there is potential to increase the extraction of harvest residues and stumps while simultaneously improving conditions for biodiversity and the amount of carbon stored in forest ecosystems compared to current levels. However, the projected continuing trend of increased forest density (in terms of basal area) has a negative impact on the potential for reindeer husbandry and recreation, which calls for researching new management strategies on landscape levels.
Quantitative Assessment of the Relative Impacts of Land Use and Climate Change on the Key Ecosystem Services in the Hengduan Mountain Region, China
Authors: Dai Erfu , Yin Le , Wang Yahui , Ma Liang , Tong Miao
Published: May 2020

In the Hengduan Mountain region, soil erosion is the most serious ecological environmental problem. Understanding the impact mechanism of water yield and soil erosion is essential to optimize ecosystem management and improve ecosystem services. This study used the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) and Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) models to separate the relative contributions of land use and climate change to water yield and soil erosion. The results revealed that: (1) Although soil and water conservation has been strengthened in the past 25 years, both water yield and soil erosion increased from 2010 to 2015 due to the conversion of woodland to grassland, which indicates that continuous benefits after the implementation of ecological restoration projects were not obtained; (2) Climate change played a decisive role in water yield and soil erosion changes in the Hengduan Mountain region from 1990 to 2015, and soil erosion was not only related to the amount of precipitation but also closely related to precipitation intensity; (3) The contribution of land use and climate change to water yield was 26.94% and 73.06%, while for soil erosion, the contribution of land use and climate change was 16.23% and 83.77%, respectively.
Primary Air Pollutants Emissions Variation Characteristics and Future Control Strategies for Transportation Sector in Beijing, China
Authors: Xue Yifeng , Cao Xizi , Ai Yi , Xu Kangli , Zhang Yichen
Published: May 2020

Air pollutant emissions from vehicles, railways, and aircraft for freight and passenger transportation are major sources of air pollution, and strongly impact the air quality of Beijing, China. To better understand the variation characteristics of these emissions, we used the emission factor method to quantitatively determine the air pollutant emissions from the transportation sector. The emission intensity of different modes of transportation was estimated, and measures are proposed to prevent and control air pollutants emitted from the transportation sector. The results showed that air pollutant emissions from the transportation sector have been decreasing year by year as a result of the reduction in emissions from motor vehicles, benefiting from the structural adjustment of motor vehicles. A comparison of the emission intensity of primary air pollutants from different modes of transportation showed that the emission level of railway transportation was much lower than that of road transportation. However, Beijing relies heavily on road transportation, with road freight transportation accounting for 96% of freight transportation, whereas the proportion of railway transportation was low. Primary air pollutants from the transportation sector contributed significantly to the total emissions in Beijing. The proportion of NOX emissions increased from 54% in 2013 to 58% in 2018. To reduce air pollutant emissions from the transportation sector, further adjustments and optimization of the structure of transportation in Beijing are needed. As for the control of motor vehicle pollutant emissions, vehicle composition must be adjusted and the development of clean energy must be promoted, as well as the replacement of diesel vehicles with electric vehicles for passenger and freight transportation.
Beijing’s Selected Older Neighborhoods Measurement from the Perspective of Aging
Authors: Gan Cao , Chen Mingyu , Rowe Peter
Published: May 2020

The older neighborhoods in Chinese cities are the main areas in which the elderly live. Both housing and the older adults have experienced the resonance process of co-growth and co-aging. Along with the acceleration of the aging population, the older neighborhoods with the aging physical space environment are increasingly unable to meet the needs of the elderly, which affects their health and well-being. Although the Chinese government has launched a program of retrofitting older neighborhoods to make them more hospitable for older residents through, for example, elevator installation and infrastructure improvement, these practices are merely associated with various neighborhood features. Most existing research starts from small-scale case studies and consequently lacks macro-level analysis of the characteristics of the physical spaces and aging population in older neighborhoods. Therefore, this paper selects old neighborhoods constructed from 1949–1999 in the central city of Beijing (within the Fifth Ring Road) as research subjects. The research begins with an analysis of the construction and evolution of the standards of selected older neighborhoods in Beijing and establishes measurement metrics for the spatial characteristics of both the neighborhood and aging population. This article concludes that older neighborhoods in central Beijing can be classified into seven clusters based on their spatial characteristics and three clusters based on aging population characteristics through K-means classification. Additionally, this paper conducts an overlay analysis of these two classification results to identify different spatial features of older neighborhoods within varying characteristics of the aging population and proposes suggestions for the renovation of selected old neighborhoods. The study aims to provide a reference for retrofitting older neighborhoods with the goal of creating an aging-friendly community, and to supply a scientific basis for empirical research on the middle scale and micro scale.
Operating Times and Users’ Behavior at Urban Road Intersections
Authors: Moretti Laura , Palazzi Fabio , Cantisani Giuseppe
Published: May 2020

The safety of at grade road intersections is a relevant issue with social, economic, and environmental implications. It is related to the behavior of a driver approaching an intersection that, in its turn, is affected by kinematic and physiological variables. This study proposes a model to calculate the intersection operation time (IOT) for typical non-signalized 4-leg and 3-leg (or T-leg) urban intersections. Data available in the literature have been considered in order to identify the points of interest and assess the number and the time of a driver’s eye fixation on them. When approaching an intersection, the probability of glancing in a particular area changes with the distance to the yield or stop line; for this reason, a probabilistic approach was used to model the phenomenon. All possible maneuvers have been considered: left turning, right turning, and through-movement. The proposed model allowed an objective comparison between time spent by drivers for various maneuvers and layout conditions, and identification of the critical conditions. Indeed, significant differences in terms of IOT were found: they could lead to modification of the traffic management considering different needs of road users, traffic demand, and geometrical and functional constraints.
A Parametric Study of Trailing Edge Flap Implementation on Three Different Airfoils Through an Artificial Neuronal Network
Authors: Rodriguez-Eguia Igor , Errasti Iñigo , Fernandez-Gamiz Unai , Blanco Jesús María , Zulueta Ekaitz , Saenz-Aguirre Aitor
Published: May 2020

Trailing edge flaps (TEFs) are high-lift devices that generate changes in the lift and drag coefficients of an airfoil. A large number of 2D simulations are performed in this study, in order to measure these changes in aerodynamic coefficients and to analyze them for a given Reynolds number. Three different airfoils, namely NACA 0012, NACA 64(3)-618, and S810, are studied in relation to three combinations of the following parameters: angle of attack, flap angle (deflection), and flaplength. Results are in concordance with the aerodynamic results expected when studying a TEF on an airfoil, showing the effect exerted by the three parameters on both aerodynamic coefficients lift and drag. Depending on whether the airfoil flap is deployed on either the pressure zone or the suction zone, the lift-to-drag ratio, CL/CD, will increase or decrease, respectively. Besides, the use of a larger flap length will increase the higher values and decrease the lower values of the CL/CD ratio. In addition, an artificial neural network (ANN) based prediction model for aerodynamic forces was built through the results obtained from the research.
A Two-Parameter Modified Logistic Map and Its Application to Random Bit Generation
Authors: Moysis Lazaros , Tutueva Aleksandra , Volos Christos , Butusov Denis , Munoz-Pacheco Jesus M. , Nistazakis Hector
Published: May 2020

This work proposes a modified logistic map based on the system previously proposed by Han in 2019. The constructed map exhibits interesting chaos related phenomena like antimonotonicity, crisis, and coexisting attractors. In addition, the Lyapunov exponent of the map can achieve higher values, so the behavior of the proposed map is overall more complex compared to the original. The map is then successfully applied to the problem of random bit generation using techniques like the comparison between maps, X O R , and bit reversal. The proposed algorithm passes all the NIST tests, shows good correlation characteristics, and has a high key space.
Screening Snake Venoms for Toxicity to Tetrahymena Pyriformis Revealed Anti-Protozoan Activity of Cobra Cytotoxins
Authors: Kuleshina Olga , Kruykova Elena , Cheremnykh Elena , Kozlov Leonid , Andreeva Tatyana , Starkov Vladislav , Osipov Alexey , Ziganshin Rustam , Tsetlin Victor , Utkin Yuri
Published: May 2020

Snake venoms possess lethal activities against different organisms, ranging from bacteria to higher vertebrates. Several venoms were shown to be active against protozoa, however, data about the anti-protozoan activity of cobra and viper venoms are very scarce. We tested the effects of venoms from several snake species on the ciliate Tetrahymena pyriformis. The venoms tested induced T. pyriformis immobilization, followed by death, the most pronounced effect being observed for cobra Naja sumatrana venom. The active polypeptides were isolated from this venom by a combination of gel-filtration, ion exchange and reversed-phase HPLC and analyzed by mass spectrometry. It was found that these were cytotoxins of the three-finger toxin family. The cytotoxins from several cobra species were tested and manifested toxicity for infusorians. Light microscopy revealed that, because of the cytotoxin action, the infusorians’ morphology was changed greatly, from teardrop-like to an almost spherical shape, this alteration being accompanied by a leakage of cell contents. Fluorescence microscopy showed that the fluorescently labelled cytotoxin 2 from cobra N. oxiana was localized mainly at the membrane of killed infusorians, indicating that cytotoxins may kill T. pyriformis by causing membrane rupture. This work is the first evidence of the antiprotozoal activity of cobra venom cytotoxins, as demonstrated by the example of the ciliate T. pyriformis.
Scorpion Toxins and Ion Channels: Potential Applications in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Dueñas-Cuellar Rosa Amalia , Santana Carlos José Correia , Magalhães Ana Carolina Martins , Pires Osmindo Rodrigues , Fontes Wagner , Castro Mariana S.
Published: May 2020

Apoptosis, a genetically directed process of cell death, has been studied for many years, and the biochemical mechanisms that surround it are well known and described. There are at least three pathways by which apoptosis occurs, and each pathway depends on extra or intracellular processes for activation. Apoptosis is a vital process, but disturbances in proliferation and cell death rates can lead to the development of diseases like cancer. Several compounds, isolated from scorpion venoms, exhibit inhibitory effects on different cancer cells. Indeed, some of these compounds can differentiate between healthy and cancer cells within the same tissue. During the carcinogenic process, morphological, biochemical, and biological changes occur that enable these compounds to modulate cancer but not healthy cells. This review highlights cancer cell features that enable modulation by scorpion neurotoxins. The properties of the isolated scorpion neurotoxins in cancer cells and the potential uses of these compounds as alternative treatments for cancer are discussed.
Diversity and Toxicity of the Genus Coolia Meunier in Brazil, and Detection of 44-methyl Gambierone in Coolia tropicalis
Authors: Tibiriçá Carlos Eduardo Junqueira de Azevedo , Sibat Manoella , Fernandes Luciano Felício , Bilien Gwenaël , Chomérat Nicolas , Hess Philipp , Mafra Jr Luiz L.
Published: May 2020

Coolia is a genus of marine benthic dinoflagellates which is widely distributed in tropical and temperate zones. Toxicity has been reported in selected Coolia species, although the identity of causative compounds is still controversial. In this study, we investigated the taxonomical and toxicological aspects of Coolia species from Brazil. Since light- and electron microscopy-based morphology was not enough to distinguish small-celled species, ITS and LSU D1-D3 phylogenetic analyses were used for species definition. Cultures of Coolia palmyrensis and Coolia santacroce were established from samples collected along the northeastern Brazilian coast, the first record of both species in South Atlantic waters. Cultures of Coolia malayensis and Coolia tropicalis were also established and exhibited acute in vivo toxicity to adults of Artemia salina, while C. palmyrensis and C. santacroce were non-toxic. The presence of 30 yessotoxin analogues, 7 metabolites of Coolia and 44 Gambierdiscus metabolites was screened in 14 strains of Coolia. 44-methyl gambierone (formerly referred to as MTX3) and a new isomer of this compound were detected only in C. tropicalis, using both low- and high-resolution LC-MS/MS. To our knowledge, this is the first report of gambierone analogues in dinoflagellates other than Gambierdiscus; the role of C. tropicalis in ciguatera poisoning thus deserves to be considered in further investigations.
The Interplay between HIV-1 Gag Binding to the Plasma Membrane and Env Incorporation
Authors: Murphy R. Elliot , Saad Jamil S.
Published: May 2020

Advancement in drug therapies and patient care have drastically improved the mortality rates of HIV-1 infected individuals. Many of these therapies were developed or improved upon by using structure-based techniques, which underscore the importance of understanding essential mechanisms in the replication cycle of HIV-1 at the structural level. One such process which remains poorly understood is the incorporation of the envelope glycoprotein (Env) into budding virus particles. Assembly of HIV particles is initiated by targeting of the Gag polyproteins to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane (PM), a process mediated by the N-terminally myristoylated matrix (MA) domain and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2). There is strong evidence that formation of the Gag lattice on the PM is a prerequisite for the incorporation of Env into budding particles. It is also suggested that Env incorporation is mediated by an interaction between its cytoplasmic tail (gp41CT) and the MA domain of Gag. In this review, we highlight the latest developments and current efforts to understand the interplay between gp41CT, MA, and the membrane during assembly. Elucidation of the molecular determinants of Gag–Env–membrane interactions may help in the development of new antiviral therapeutic agents that inhibit particle assembly, Env incorporation and ultimately virus production.
Antiviral and Cytotoxic Activity of Different Plant Parts of Banana (Musa spp.)
Authors: Panda Sujogya Kumar , Castro Ana Hortência Fonsêca , Jouneghani Ramin Saleh , Leyssen Pieter , Neyts Johan , Swennen Rony , Luyten Walter
Published: May 2020

Chikungunya and yellow fever virus cause vector-borne viral diseases in humans. There is currently no specific antiviral drug for either of these diseases. Banana plants are used in traditional medicine for treating viral diseases such as measles and chickenpox. Therefore, we tested selected banana cultivars for their antiviral but also cytotoxic properties. Different parts such as leaf, pseudostem and corm, collected separately and extracted with four different solvents (hexane, acetone, ethanol, and water), were tested for in vitro antiviral activity against Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), enterovirus 71 (EV71), and yellow fever virus (YFV). Extracts prepared with acetone and ethanol from leaf parts of several cultivars exhibited strong (EC50 around 10 μg/mL) anti-CHIKV activity. Interestingly, none of the banana plant extracts (concentration 1–100 µg/mL) were active against EV71. Activity against YFV was restricted to two cultivars: Namwa Khom–Pseudostem–Ethanol (5.9 ± 5.4), Namwa Khom–Corm–Ethanol (0.79 ± 0.1) and Fougamou–Corm–Acetone (2.5 ± 1.5). In most cases, the cytotoxic activity of the extracts was generally 5- to 10-fold lower than the antiviral activity, suggesting a reasonable therapeutic window.
Administration of Defective Virus Inhibits Dengue Transmission into Mosquitoes
Authors: Mapder Tarunendu , Aaskov John , Burrage Kevin
Published: May 2020

The host-vector shuttle and the bottleneck in dengue transmission is a significant aspect with regard to the study of dengue outbreaks. As mosquitoes require 100–1000 times more virus to become infected than human, the transmission of dengue virus from human to mosquito is a vulnerability that can be targeted to improve disease control. In order to capture the heterogeneity in the infectiousness of an infected patient population towards the mosquito population, we calibrate a population of host-to-vector virus transmission models based on an experimentally quantified infected fraction of a mosquito population. Once the population of models is well-calibrated, we deploy a population of controls that helps to inhibit the human-to-mosquito transmission of the dengue virus indirectly by reducing the viral load in the patient body fluid. We use an optimal bang-bang control on the administration of the defective virus (transmissible interfering particles (TIPs)) to symptomatic patients in the course of their febrile period and observe the dynamics in successful reduction of dengue spread into mosquitoes.
Identifying Suspect Bat Reservoirs of Emerging Infections
Authors: Crowley Daniel , Becker Daniel , Washburne Alex , Plowright Raina
Published: May 2020

Bats host a number of pathogens that cause severe disease and onward transmission in humans and domestic animals. Some of these pathogens, including henipaviruses and filoviruses, are considered a concern for future pandemics. There has been substantial effort to identify these viruses in bats. However, the reservoir hosts for Ebola virus are still unknown and henipaviruses are largely uncharacterized across their distribution. Identifying reservoir species is critical in understanding the viral ecology within these hosts and the conditions that lead to spillover. We collated surveillance data to identify taxonomic patterns in prevalence and seroprevalence and to assess sampling efforts across species. We systematically collected data on filovirus and henipavirus detections and used a machine-learning algorithm, phylofactorization, in order to search the bat phylogeny for cladistic patterns in filovirus and henipavirus infection, accounting for sampling efforts. Across sampled bat species, evidence for filovirus infection was widely dispersed across the sampled phylogeny. We found major gaps in filovirus sampling in bats, especially in Western Hemisphere species. Evidence for henipavirus infection was clustered within the Pteropodidae; however, no other clades have been as intensely sampled. The major predictor of filovirus and henipavirus exposure or infection was sampling effort. Based on these results, we recommend expanding surveillance for these pathogens across the bat phylogenetic tree.
Herpes Simplex Viruses Whose Replication Can Be Deliberately Controlled as Candidate Vaccines
Authors: Voellmy Richard , Bloom David C , Vilaboa Nuria
Published: May 2020

Over the last few years, we have been evaluating a novel paradigm for immunization using viruses or virus-based vectors. Safety is provided not by attenuation or inactivation of vaccine viruses, but by the introduction into the viral genomes of genetic mechanisms that allow for stringent, deliberate spatial and temporal control of virus replication. The resulting replication-competent controlled viruses (RCCVs) can be activated to undergo one or, if desired, several rounds of efficient replication at the inoculation site, but are nonreplicating in the absence of activation. Extrapolating from observations that attenuated replicating viruses are better immunogens than replication-defective or inactivated viruses, it was hypothesized that RCCVs that replicate with wild-type-like efficiency when activated will be even better immunogens. The vigorous replication of the RCCVs should also render heterologous antigens expressed from them highly immunogenic. RCCVs for administration to skin sites or mucosal membranes were constructed using a virulent wild-type HSV-1 strain as the backbone. The recombinants are activated by a localized heat treatment to the inoculation site in the presence of a small-molecule regulator (SMR). Derivatives expressing influenza virus antigens were also prepared. Immunization/challenge experiments in mouse models revealed that the activated RCCVs induced far better protective immune responses against themselves as well as against the heterologous antigens they express than unactivated RCCVs or a replication-defective HSV-1 strain. Neutralizing antibody and proliferation responses mirrored these findings. We believe that the data obtained so far warrant further research to explore the possibility of developing effective RCCV-based vaccines directed to herpetic diseases and/or diseases caused by other pathogens.
Vaccine-Induced Adverse Effects in Cultured Neuroblastoma 2A (N2A) Cells Duplicate Toxicity of Serum from Patients with Gulf War Illness (GWI) and Are Prevented in the Presence of Specific Anti-Vaccine Antibodies
Authors: Tsilibary Effie-Photini , Souto Eric , Kratzke Marian , James Lisa , Engdahl Brian , Georgopoulos Apostolos
Published: May 2020

Gulf War illness (GWI) is a chronic disease of unknown etiology affecting over 200,000 veterans with symptoms including neurocognitive problems. We previously demonstrated GWI serum toxicity on neural cell cultures manifested by compromised neural network function, decreased cell spreading, and enhanced cell apoptosis. These patients lacked six human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles, resulting in an inability to form antibodies. Therefore, we hypothesized that GWI patients have vaccine-derived, persistent pathogens, which contribute to the development of the disease. Here, we examined whether individual vaccines were toxic in cultured N2A cells. Moreover, we used antibodies against each of the 20 vaccines administered to Gulf War (GW) veterans, to examine the effects of these antibodies on cell spreading and apoptosis in N2A cells. Antibodies against cholera toxin, hepatitis B, hemagglutinin H1N1, H3N2, and B from influenza A and B strains, measles, and Salmonella Typhi polysaccharide Vi had a remarkable protective effect on both cell spreading and apoptosis, whereas none of the other antibodies administered to GW veterans had an effect. The in vitro observed adverse effects of GWI serum may be due in part to vaccine-derived pathogens, antibodies against which had a protective effect in N2A cell cultures.
Experimental PCEP-Adjuvanted Swine Influenza H1N1 Vaccine Induced Strong Immune Responses but Did Not Protect Piglets against Heterologous H3N2 Virus Challenge
Authors: Magiri Royford Bundi , Lai Ken John , Mutwiri George Kiremu , Wilson Heather Lynne
Published: May 2020

Vaccination is the most efficient method of protection against influenza infections. However, the rapidly mutating viruses and development of new strains make it necessary to develop new influenza vaccines annually. Hence, vaccines that stimulate cross-protection against multiple influenza subtypes are highly sought. Recent evidence suggests that adjuvants such as PCEP that promote Th1-type T cell and Th2-type T cell immune responses and broad-spectrum immune responses may confer cross-protection against heterologous influenza strains. In this study, we evaluated whether the immunogenic and protective potential of PCEP-adjuvanted inactivated swine influenza virus H1N1 vaccine can protect pigs immunized against live H3N2 virus. Piglets were vaccinated via the intradermal route with PCEP-adjuvanted inactivated swine influenza virus (SIV) H1N1 vaccine, boosted at day 21 with the same vaccines then challenged with infectious SIV H3N2 virus at day 35 via the tracheobronchial route. The pigs showed significant anti-H1N1 SIV specific antibody titres and H1N1 SIV neutralizing antibody titres, and these serum titres remained after the challenge with the H3N2 virus. In contrast, vaccination with anti-H1N1 SIV did not trigger anti-H3N2 SIV antibody titres or neutralizing antibody titres and these titres remained low until pigs were challenged with H3N2 SIV. At necropsy (six days after challenge), we collected prescapular lymph nodes and tracheobronchial draining the vaccination sites and challenge site, respectively. ELISPOTs from lymph node cells restimulated ex vivo with inactivated SIV H1N1 showed significant production of IFN-γ in the tracheobronchial cells, but not the prescapular lymph nodes. In contrast, lymph node cells restimulated ex vivo with inactivated SIV H1N1 showed significantly higher IL-13 and IL-17A in the prescapular lymph nodes draining the vaccination sites relative to unchallenged animals. Lung lesion scores show that intradermal vaccination with H1N1 SIV plus PCEP did not prevent lesions when the animals were challenged with H3N2. These results confirm previous findings that PCEP is effective as a vaccine adjuvant in that it induces strong immune responses and protects against homologous swine influenza H1N1 virus, but the experimental H1N1 vaccine failed to cross-protect against heterologous H3N2 virus.
Modelling the Temporal Dynamics of Groundwater Pollution Risks at the African Scale
Authors: Ouedraogo Issoufou , Girard Arthur , Vanclooster Marnik , Jonard François
Published: May 2020

Groundwater pollution risk modelling is an important asset to improve groundwater management and protection. In this study, we assess the temporal dynamics of groundwater pollution risk at the continental scale, using the DRASTIC model. The approach was developed using continental-scale data on soil properties, topography, land use, geology, hydrogeology, and climate with a resolution of 15 × 15 km2. We compared continental-scale groundwater pollution risk for the years 1990, 2000, and 2010. The results showed significant inter-annual variations of the spatial distribution of pollution risk. Changes were mainly concentrated in the area of the Nile Delta, around the Lake Victoria, in North Africa, and in coastal West Africa (predominately in Nigeria). We found that the increase in pollution risk was mainly related to the increase in the population density in these regions. The proposed methodology for modelling the temporal dynamics of groundwater pollution risk could support the monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focus in particular on the preservation of the freshwater resources against future threats.
The Urgent Need for River Health Biomonitoring Tools for Large Tropical Rivers in Developing Countries: Preliminary Development of a River Health Monitoring Tool for Myanmar Rivers
Authors: Ko Nyein Thandar , Suter Phil , Conallin John , Rutten Martine , Bogaard Thom
Published: May 2020

Anthropogenic pressures such as river infrastructure, agriculture and power generation are rapidly increasing in Southeast Asia, aimed at providing food security within the region. However, this will lead to unintended river health consequences, and, currently, most Southeast Asian countries have no country-specific tools for monitoring river health. In Myanmar, one of Southeast Asia’s poorest and most rapidly developing countries, no country-specific tools exist, and there is an urgent need to provide tools that can inform better management and trade-off decision making. This research evaluated three rapid macroinvertebrate bioassessment methods under Myanmar conditions. The objective of the research was to assess the applicability of existing internationally accepted indexing methods for use in Myanmar. Through taxa identification in the laboratory and statistical analysis, it was concluded that the method with the best fit for Myanmar taxa is The Asia Foundation index method, although differences were small. This Asia Foundation method is comparable to the Australian Waterwatch method but includes a family present in our samples that is not included in the Waterwatch method. We then modified this method to include Myanmar taxa not recorded in The Asia Foundation method. The modified index method could be further developed into a Myanmar specific tool for widespread use potentially in combination with the also tested miniSASS, a much easier order-based method better suitable for non-professionals. We recommend additional testing using sites on other rivers across the country to establish a professional indexing method for Myanmar.
Seasonally Variant Stable Isotope Baseline Characterisation of Malawi’s Shire River Basin to Support Integrated Water Resources Management
Authors: C. Banda Limbikani , Rivett Michael , Kalin Robert , Zavison Anold , Phiri Peaches , Chavula Geoffrey , Kapachika Charles , Kamtukule Sydney , Fraser Christina , Nhlema Muthi
Published: May 2020

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is vital to the future of Malawi and motivates this study’s provision of the first stable isotope baseline characterization of the Shire River Basin (SRB). The SRB drains much of Southern Malawi and receives the sole outflow of Lake Malawi whose catchment extends over much of Central and Northern Malawi (and Tanzania and Mozambique). Stable isotope (283) and hydrochemical (150) samples were collected in 2017–2018 and analysed at Malawi’s recently commissioned National Isotopes Laboratory. Distinct surface water dry-season isotope enrichment and wet-season depletion are shown with minor retention of enriched signatures ascribed to Lake Malawi influences. Isotopic signatures corroborate that wet-season river flows mostly arise from local precipitation, with dry-season flows supported by increased groundwater contributions. Groundwater signatures follow a local meteoric water line of limited spread suggesting recharge by local precipitation predominantly during the peak months of the wet-season. Relatively few dry-season groundwater samples displayed evaporative enrichment, although isotopic seasonality was more pronounced in the lowlands compared to uplands ascribed to amplified climatic effects. These signatures serve as isotopic diagnostic tools that valuably informed a basin conceptual model build and, going forward, may inform key identified Malawian IWRM concerns. The isotopic baseline establishes a benchmark against which future influences from land use, climate change and water mixing often inherent to IWRM schemes may be forensically assessed. It thereby enables both source-water protection and achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6.
Detection and Attribution of Runoff Reduction of Weihe River over Different Periods during 1961–2016
Authors: Yang Shuai , Kang Tingting , Bu Jingyi , Chen Jiahao , Wang Zhipeng , Gao Yanchun
Published: May 2020

An obvious decline in runoff of the Weihe River has been detected during the last half-century. Climate change and human activity acted as two major factors inducing the reduction. However, little knowledge is acquired on how and to what extent the decadal climate change and human activity induced runoff variations, which is essential for regional water resources planning and management. In this study, the observed data of 3 hydrological stations and 31 meteorological stations were used to analyze the runoff variability, and Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model (Xu Liang, Seattle, WA, United States of America) coupled with scenario simulation was employed to attribute runoff variation of each period. The results showed that runoff decreased significantly at a rate of −1.01 × 108 m3·year−1 with obvious stage characteristic during 1961–2016. The water yield was highest in the 1960s and varying degrees of decline were detected in the following periods, resulting in a decrease of available freshwater by 20.54%–58.24%. Human activity had a dominant contribution to induce an increasing runoff decline from 2.068 to 5.776 km3, while the effect of climate was relatively small and lead to runoff reduction, except in the 1970s. This study gave a comprehensive understanding of time-varying runoff variability and highlighted the importance of appropriate human intervention with respect to climate change to ensure water resources security.
Remote-Sensing-Based Water Balance for Monitoring of Evapotranspiration and Water Stress of a Mediterranean Oak–Grass Savanna
Authors: Carpintero Elisabet , Andreu Ana , Gómez-Giráldez Pedro J. , Blázquez Ángel , González-Dugo María P.
Published: May 2020

Mediterranean oak savannas (known as dehesas in Spain) are exposed to numerous threats from natural and economic causes. A close monitoring of the use of water resources and the status of the vegetation in these ecosystems can be useful tools for maintaining the production of ecological services. This study explores the estimation of evapotranspiration (ET) and water stress over a dehesa by integrating remotely sensed data into a water balance using the FAO-56 approach (VI-ETo model). Special attention is paid to the different phenology and contribution to the system’s hydrology of the two main canopy layers of the system (tree + grass). The results showed that the model accurately reproduced the dynamics of the water consumed by the vegetation, with RMSE of 0.47 mm day−1 and low biases for both, the whole system and the grass layer, when compared with flux tower measurements. The ET/ETo ratio helped to identify periods of water stress, confirmed for the grassland by measured soil water content. The modeling scheme and Sentinel-2 temporal resolution allowed the reproduction of fast and isolated ET pulses, important for understanding the hydrologic behavior of the system, confirming the adequacy of this sensor for monitoring grasslands water dynamics.
Nutrient Removal Efficiency and Growth of Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) under Different Harvesting Regimes in Integrated Recirculating Aquaponic Systems for Rearing Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)
Authors: Irhayyim Tareq , Fehér Milán , Lelesz Judit , Bercsényi Miklós , Bársony Péter
Published: May 2020

The harvesting of plant biomass is usually implemented as an effective tool for plant management and removing the nutrients absorbed in plant tissues. Here, the influence of harvesting different biomasses (50%, 33%, 25%, and 0% (no harvest)) of watercress (Nasturtium officinale) was investigated in integrated recirculating aquaponic systems (IRASs) for rearing common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Twelve independent IRASs were designed (4 × 3); each system consisted of a fish rearing tank, a waste collection tank, and a hydroponic bed. Water quality parameters and the growth of both fish and plants were measured in all the systems, and then the nutrient removal capacities of the hydroponic beds were calculated. The results revealed that increasing the biweekly harvested biomass of the plants decreased the growth of the watercress, while it did not affect the growth of the common carp. Increasing the harvested biomass of the plants also decreased the nitrate nitrogen and orthophosphate removal efficiencies of the aquaponic systems, while it did not affect the ammonia and nitrite nitrogen removal efficiencies. Therefore, a biweekly harvesting of less than 25% of the biomass of the growing watercress is recommended for efficient nutrient removal and the sustainable growth of both watercress and the common carp in aquaponic systems.
Calibration Procedure for Water Distribution Systems: Comparison among Hydraulic Models
Authors: Zanfei Ariele , Menapace Andrea , Santopietro Simone , Righetti Maurizio
Published: May 2020

Proper hydraulic simulation models, which are fundamental to analyse a water distribution system, require a calibration procedure. This paper proposes a multi-objective procedure to calibrate water demands and pipe roughness distribution in the context of an ill-posed problem, where the number of measurements is smaller than the number of variables. The proposed methodology consists of a two-steps procedure based on a genetic algorithm. Firstly, several runs of the calibrator are performed and the corresponding pressure and flow-rates values are averaged to overcome the non-uniqueness of the solutions problem. Secondly, the final calibrated model is achieved using the calibrator with the average values of the previous step as the reference condition. Therefore, the procedure enables to obtain physically based hydraulic parameters. Moreover, several hydraulic models are investigated to assess their performance on this optimisation procedure. The considered models are based either on concentrated at nodes or distributed along pipes demands approach, but also either on demand driven or pressure driven approach. Results show the reliability of the final calibrated model in the context of the ill-posed problem. Moreover, it is observed the overall better performance of the pressure driven approach with distributed demand in scarce pressure condition.
Developing THMs’ Predictive Models in Two Water Supply Systems in Greece
Authors: Tsitsifli Stavroula , Kanakoudis Vasilis
Published: May 2020

Disinfection is a very significant water treatment process for drinking water safety, as it inactivates pathogens from drinking water. However, disinfection-by-products (DBPs) are formed which are accused of contributing to cancer and reproductive/developmental effects. Research has provided many predictive models for the formation of DBPs based on various water quality parameters and following different methodologies. The present study aims at developing predictive models for the formation of DBPs in two drinking water supply systems in Greece. Data from the water supply systems are used. A statistical analysis took place to identify the predictive models for the formation of Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs). The results showed that some of the developed models are more reliable than others. However, further study is necessary in order to obtain more data on variables that are affecting trihalomethanes (THMs) formation. Such models can be used mainly locally.
The Effect of Habitat Structure Boulder Spacing on Near-Bed Shear Stress and Turbulent Events in a Gravel Bed Channel
Authors: Golpira Amir , Huang Fengbin , Baki Abul B.M.
Published: May 2020

This study experimentally investigated the effect of boulder spacing and boulder submergence ratio on the near-bed shear stress in a single array of boulders in a gravel bed open channel flume. An acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) was used to measure the instantaneous three-dimensional velocity components. Four methods of estimating near-bed shear stress were compared. The results suggested a significant effect of boulder spacing and boulder submergence ratio on the near-bed shear stress estimations and their spatial distributions. It was found that at unsubmerged condition, the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and modified TKE methods can be used interchangeably to estimate the near-bed shear stress. At both submerged and unsubmerged conditions, the Reynolds method performed differently from the other point-methods. Moreover, a quadrant analysis was performed to examine the turbulent events and their contribution to the near-bed Reynolds shear stress with the effect of boulder spacing. Generally, the burst events (ejections and sweeps) were reduced in the presence of boulders. This study may improve the understanding of the effect of the boulder spacing and boulder submergence ratio on the near-bed shear stress estimations of stream restoration practices.