bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro and In Vivo Antibacterial Activity of Gliotoxin Alone and in Combination with Antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Esteban Patricia , Redrado Sergio , Comas Laura , Domingo M. Pilar , Millán-Lou M. Isabel , Seral Cristina , Algarate Sonia , Lopez Concepción , Rezusta Antonio , Pardo Julian , Arias Maykel , Galvez Eva M.
Published: January 2021

Multidrug-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the major causes of hospital-acquired and community infections and pose a challenge to the human health care system. Therefore, it is important to find new drugs that show activity against these bacteria, both in monotherapy and in combination with other antimicrobial drugs. Gliotoxin (GT) is a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus fumigatus and other fungi of the Aspergillus genus. Some evidence suggests that GT shows antimicrobial activity against S. aureus in vitro, albeit its efficacy against multidrug-resistant strains such as MRSA or vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) strainsis not known. This work aimed to evaluate the antibiotic efficacy of GT as monotherapy or in combination with other therapeutics against MRSA in vitro and in vivo using a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model.
Use of Botulinum Neurotoxin in Parkinson’s Disease: A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Jost Wolfgang H.
Published: January 2021

For well over 30 years, the botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) has been used for a large number of indications, some of which however have not been licensed. Admittedly, approval varies in many countries and this permits a large spectrum for evaluation. Thus, BoNT is used for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other Parkinson’s syndromes (PS) in varying degrees of frequency. We have to distinguish between (1) indications that are either approved or (2) those not approved, (3) indications that might be a result of PS and (4) finally those which appear independent of PS. The most important indication for BoNT in PS patients is probably sialorrhea, for which approval has been granted in the majority of countries. Cervical dystonia is a frequent symptom in PS, with anterocollis as a specific entity. A further indication is blepharospasm in the different forms, especially the inhibition of eyelid opening in atypical PS. The use of BoNT in cases of camptocormia, the Pisa syndrome and neck rigidity is still a matter of debate. In dystonia of the extremities BoNT can be recommended, especially in dystonia of the feet. One well-known indication, for which however sufficient data are still lacking, involves treating tremor with BoNT. As to autonomic symptoms: Focal hyperhidrosis and detrusor hyperactivity can be mentioned, in this last case BoNT has already been approved. A number of further but rare indications such as freezing-of-gait, dyskinesia, and dysphagia will be discussed and evaluated.
The Urban Mirror of the Socioeconomic Transformations in Spain
Authors: Domínguez-Mujica Josefina
Published: January 2021

This study offers an interpretation of the most significant characteristics of Spanish cities in the post-Fordist capitalist era, as a mirror of the economic and social transformations that have led to them, differentiating: (i) the stage of economic expansion at the turn of the century; (ii) the stage of the economic crisis from 2008 onwards; and (iii) the uncertain times we face for the future. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to identify the economic, housing, and political factors conditioning this evolution according to the processes of capitalist accumulation, dispossession, and repossession, and how they shape the social and urban configuration of Spanish cities. A careful selection of urban and economic indicators, its mapping, as well as an in-depth bibliographical review lead to this commentary and make it possible to identify urban developments in Spain in the light of the economic and social transformations of post-industrial capitalism.
Serological Responses of Raccoons and Striped Skunks to Ontario Rabies Vaccine Bait in West Virginia during 2012–2016
Authors: Johnson Shylo R. , Slate Dennis , Nelson Kathleen M. , Davis Amy J. , Mills Samual A. , Forbes John T. , VerCauteren Kurt C. , Gilbert Amy T. , Chipman Richard B.
Published: January 2021

Since the 1990s, oral rabies vaccination (ORV) has been used successfully to halt the westward spread of the raccoon rabies virus (RV) variant from the eastern continental USA. Elimination of raccoon RV from the eastern USA has proven challenging across targeted raccoon (Procyon lotor) and striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) populations impacted by raccoon RV. Field trial evaluations of the Ontario Rabies Vaccine Bait (ONRAB) were initiated to expand ORV products available to meet the rabies management goal of raccoon RV elimination. This study describes the continuation of a 2011 trial in West Virginia. Our objective was to evaluate raccoon and skunk response to ORV occurring in West Virginia for an additional two years (2012–2013) at 75 baits/km2 followed by three years (2014–2016) of evaluation at 300 baits/km2. We measured the change in rabies virus-neutralizing antibody (RVNA) seroprevalence in targeted wildlife populations by comparing levels pre- and post-ORV during each year of study. The increase in bait density from 75/km2 to 300/km2 corresponded to an increase in average post-ORV seroprevalence for raccoon and skunk populations. Raccoon population RVNA levels increased from 53% (300/565, 95% CI: 50–57%) to 82.0% (596/727, 95% CI: 79–85%) during this study, and skunk population RVNA levels increased from 11% (8/72, 95% CI: 6–20%) to 39% (51/130, 95% CI: 31–48%). The RVNA seroprevalence pre-ORV demonstrated an increasing trend across study years for both bait densities and species, indicating that multiple years of ORV may be necessary to achieve and maintain RVNA seroprevalence in target wildlife populations for the control and elimination of raccoon RV in the eastern USA.
Solution NMR Determination of the CDHR3 Rhinovirus-C Binding Domain, EC1
Authors: Lee Woonghee , Frederick Ronnie O. , Tonelli Marco , Palmenberg Ann C.
Published: January 2021

Cadherin Related Family Member 3 (CDHR3) is the identified and required cellular receptor for all virus isolates in the rhinovirus-C species (RV-C). Cryo-EM determinations recently resolved the atomic structure of RV-C15a, and subsequently, a complex of this virus bound to CDHR3 extracellular domain 1 (EC1), the N-terminal portion of this receptor responsible for virus interactions. The EC1 binds to a hypervariable sequence footprint on the virus surface, near the 3-fold axis of icosahedral symmetry. The key contacts involve discontinuous residues from 3 viral proteins, VP1, VP2 and VP3. That single cryo-EM EC1 structure, however, could not resolve whether the virus-receptor interface was structurally adaptable to accommodate multiple virus sequences. We now report the solution NMR determination of CDHR3 EC1, showing that this protein, in fact, is mostly inflexible, particularly in the virus-binding face. The new, higher resolution dataset identifies 3 cis-Pro residues in important loop regions, where they can influence both rigidity and overall protein conformation. The data also provide clarification about the residues involved in essential calcium ion binding, and a potential CDHR3 surface groove feature that may be involved in native protein interactions with cellular partners.
ABO Blood Types and COVID-19: Spurious, Anecdotal, or Truly Important Relationships? A Reasoned Review of Available Data
Authors: Pendu Jacques Le , Breiman Adrien , Rocher Jézabel , Dion Michel , Ruvoën-Clouet Nathalie
Published: January 2021

Since the emergence of COVID-19, many publications have reported associations with ABO blood types. Despite between-study discrepancies, an overall consensus has emerged whereby blood group O appears associated with a lower risk of COVID-19, while non-O blood types appear detrimental. Two major hypotheses may explain these findings: First, natural anti-A and anti-B antibodies could be partially protective against SARS-CoV-2 virions carrying blood group antigens originating from non-O individuals. Second, O individuals are less prone to thrombosis and vascular dysfunction than non-O individuals and therefore could be at a lesser risk in case of severe lung dysfunction. Here, we review the literature on the topic in light of these hypotheses. We find that between-study variation may be explained by differences in study settings and that both mechanisms are likely at play. Moreover, as frequencies of ABO phenotypes are highly variable between populations or geographical areas, the ABO coefficient of variation, rather than the frequency of each individual phenotype is expected to determine impact of the ABO system on virus transmission. Accordingly, the ABO coefficient of variation correlates with COVID-19 prevalence. Overall, despite modest apparent risk differences between ABO subtypes, the ABO blood group system might play a major role in the COVID-19 pandemic when considered at the population level.
Safety and Efficacy of Felid Herpesvirus-1 Deletion Mutants in Cats
Authors: Lee Yao , Maes Roger K. , Kruger John M. , Kiupel Matti , Giessler Kim S. , Soboll Hussey Gisela
Published: January 2021

Felid herpesvirus-1 (FeHV-1) is an important respiratory and ocular pathogen of cats and current vaccines are limited in duration and efficacy because they do not prevent infection, viral nasal shedding and latency. To address these shortcomings, we have constructed FeHV-1 gE-TK- and FeHV-1 PK- deletion mutants (gE-TK- and PK-) using bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) mutagenesis and shown safety and immunogenicity in vitro. Here, we compare the safety and efficacy of a prime boost FeHV-1 gE-TK- and FeHV-1 PK- vaccination regimen with commercial vaccination in cats. Cats in the vaccination groups were vaccinated at 3-week intervals and all cats were challenge infected 3 weeks after the last vaccination. Evaluations included clinical signs, nasal shedding, virus neutralizing antibodies (VN), cytokine mRNA gene expression, post-mortem histology and detection of latency establishment. Vaccination with gE-TK- and PK- mutants was safe and resulted in significantly reduced clinical disease scores, pathological changes, viral nasal shedding, and viral DNA in the trigeminal ganglia (the site of latency) following infection. Both mutants induced VN antibodies and interferons after immunization. In addition, after challenge infection, we observed a reduction of IL-1β expression, and modulation of TNFα, TGFβ and IL10 expression. In conclusion, this study shows the merits of using FeHV-1 deletion mutants for prevention of FeHV-1 infection in cats.
HIV-1 Gag-Pol Sequences from Ugandan Early Infections Reveal Sequence Variants Associated with Elevated Replication Capacity
Authors: Kapaata Anne , Balinda Sheila N. , Xu Rui , Salazar Maria G. , Herard Kimberly , Brooks Kelsie , Laban Kato , Hare Jonathan , Dilernia Dario , Kamali Anatoli , Ruzagira Eugene , Mukasa Freddie , Gilmour Jill , Salazar-Gonzalez Jesus F. , Yue Ling , Cotten Matthew , Hunter Eric , Kaleebu Pontiano
Published: January 2021

The ability to efficiently establish a new infection is a critical property for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Although the envelope protein of the virus plays an essential role in receptor binding and internalization of the infecting virus, the structural proteins, the polymerase and the assembly of new virions may also play a role in establishing and spreading viral infection in a new host. We examined Ugandan viruses from newly infected patients and focused on the contribution of the Gag-Pol genes to replication capacity. A panel of Gag-Pol sequences generated using single genome amplification from incident HIV-1 infections were cloned into a common HIV-1 NL4.3 pol/env backbone and the influence of Gag-Pol changes on replication capacity was monitored. Using a novel protein domain approach, we then documented diversity in the functional protein domains across the Gag-Pol region and identified differences in the Gag-p6 domain that were frequently associated with higher in vitro replication.
Genomic Evidence for Sequestration of Influenza A Virus Lineages in Sea Duck Host Species
Authors: McBride Dillon S. , Lauterbach Sarah E. , Li Yao-Tsun , Smith Gavin J. D. , Killian Mary Lea , Nolting Jacqueline M. , Su Yvonne C. F. , Bowman Andrew S.
Published: January 2021

Wild birds are considered the natural reservoir of influenza A viruses (IAVs) making them critical for IAV surveillance efforts. While sea ducks have played a role in novel IAV emergence events that threatened food security and public health, very few surveillance samples have been collected from sea duck hosts. From 2014–2018, we conducted surveillance focused in the Mississippi flyway, USA at locations where sea duck harvest has been relatively successful compared to our other sampling locations. Our surveillance yielded 1662 samples from sea ducks, from which we recovered 77 IAV isolates. Our analyses identified persistence of sea duck specific IAV lineages across multiple years. We also recovered sea duck origin IAVs containing an H4 gene highly divergent from the majority of North American H4-HA with clade node age of over 65 years. Identification of IAVs with long branch lengths is indicative of substantial genomic change consistent with persistence without detection by surveillance efforts. Sea ducks play a role in the movement and long-term persistence of IAVs and are likely harboring more undetected IAV diversity. Sea ducks should be a point of emphasis for future North American wild bird IAV surveillance efforts.
Development of a Cell-Based Luciferase Complementation Assay for Identification of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro Inhibitors
Authors: Rawson Jonathan M. O. , Duchon Alice , Nikolaitchik Olga A. , Pathak Vinay K. , Hu Wei-Shau
Published: January 2021

The 3C-like protease (3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is considered an excellent target for COVID-19 antiviral drug development because it is essential for viral replication and has a cleavage specificity distinct from human proteases. However, drug development for 3CLpro has been hindered by a lack of cell-based reporter assays that can be performed in a BSL-2 setting. Current efforts to identify 3CLpro inhibitors largely rely upon in vitro screening, which fails to account for cell permeability and cytotoxicity of compounds, or assays involving replication-competent virus, which must be performed in a BSL-3 facility. To address these limitations, we have developed a novel cell-based luciferase complementation reporter assay to identify inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro in a BSL-2 setting. The assay is based on a lentiviral vector that co-expresses 3CLpro and two luciferase fragments linked together by a 3CLpro cleavage site. 3CLpro-mediated cleavage results in a loss of complementation and low luciferase activity, whereas inhibition of 3CLpro results in 10-fold higher levels of luciferase activity. The luciferase reporter assay can easily distinguish true 3CLpro inhibition from cytotoxicity, a powerful feature that should reduce false positives during screening. Using the assay, we screened 32 small molecules for activity against SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro, including HIV protease inhibitors, HCV protease inhibitors, and various other compounds that have been reported to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. Of these, only five exhibited significant inhibition of 3CLpro in cells: GC376, boceprevir, Z-FA-FMK, calpain inhibitor XII, and GRL-0496. This assay should greatly facilitate efforts to identify more potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro.
Crystal Structure of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease in Complex with the Non-Covalent Inhibitor ML188
Authors: Lockbaum Gordon J. , Reyes Archie C. , Lee Jeong Min , Tilvawala Ronak , Nalivaika Ellen A. , Ali Akbar , Kurt Yilmaz Nese , Thompson Paul R. , Schiffer Celia A.
Published: January 2021

Viral proteases are critical enzymes for the maturation of many human pathogenic viruses and thus are key targets for direct acting antivirals (DAAs). The current viral pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is in dire need of DAAs. The Main protease (Mpro) is the focus of extensive structure-based drug design efforts which are mostly covalent inhibitors targeting the catalytic cysteine. ML188 is a non-covalent inhibitor designed to target SARS-CoV-1 Mpro, and provides an initial scaffold for the creation of effective pan-coronavirus inhibitors. In the current study, we found that ML188 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Mpro at 2.5 µM, which is more potent than against SAR-CoV-1 Mpro. We determined the crystal structure of ML188 in complex with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro to 2.39 Å resolution. Sharing 96% sequence identity, structural comparison of the two complexes only shows subtle differences. Non-covalent protease inhibitors complement the design of covalent inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 main protease and are critical initial steps in the design of DAAs to treat CoVID 19.
Two Different Strains of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus (SFTSV) in North and South Osaka by Phylogenetic Analysis of Evolutionary Lineage: Evidence for Independent SFTSV Transmission
Authors: Ikemori Ryo , Aoyama Ikuko , Sasaki Tadahiro , Takabayashi Hirono , Morisada Kazutoshi , Kinoshita Masaru , Ikuta Kazuyoshi , Yumisashi Takahiro , Motomura Kazushi
Published: January 2021

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a novel tick-borne infectious disease, therefore, the information on the whole genome of the SFTS virus (SFTSV) is still limited. This study demonstrates a nearly whole genome of the SFTSV identified in Osaka in 2017 and 2018 by next-generation sequencing (NGS). The evolutionary lineage of two genotypes, C5 and J1, was identified in Osaka. The first case in Osaka belongs to suspect reassortment (L:C5, M:C5, S:C4), the other is genotype J1 (L: J1, M: J1, S: J1) according to the classification by a Japanese group. C5 was identified in China, indicating that C5 identified in this study may be transmitted by birds between China and Japan. This study revealed that different SFTSV genotypes were distributed in two local areas, suggesting the separate or focal transmission patterns in Osaka.
Optimising Vaccine Dose in Inoculation against SARS-CoV-2, a Multi-Factor Optimisation Modelling Study to Maximise Vaccine Safety and Efficacy
Authors: Benest John , Rhodes Sophie , Quaife Matthew , Evans Thomas G. , White Richard G.
Published: January 2021

Developing a vaccine against the global pandemic SARS-CoV-2 is a critical area of active research. Modelling can be used to identify optimal vaccine dosing; maximising vaccine efficacy and safety and minimising cost. We calibrated statistical models to published dose-dependent seroconversion and adverse event data of a recombinant adenovirus type-5 (Ad5) SARS-CoV-2 vaccine given at doses 5.0 × 1010, 1.0 × 1011 and 1.5 × 1011 viral particles. We estimated the optimal dose for three objectives, finding: (A) the minimum dose that may induce herd immunity, (B) the dose that maximises immunogenicity and safety and (C) the dose that maximises immunogenicity and safety whilst minimising cost. Results suggest optimal dose [95% confidence interval] in viral particles per person was (A) 1.3 × 1011 [0.8–7.9 × 1011], (B) 1.5 × 1011 [0.3–5.0 × 1011] and (C) 1.1 × 1011 [0.2–1.5 × 1011]. Optimal dose exceeded 5.0 × 1010 viral particles only if the cost of delivery exceeded £0.65 or cost per 1011 viral particles was less than £6.23. Optimal dose may differ depending on the objectives of developers and policy-makers, but further research is required to improve the accuracy of optimal-dose estimates.
A Scoping Review of Viral Diseases in African Ungulates
Authors: Swanepoel Hendrik , Crafford Jan , Quan Melvyn
Published: January 2021

(1) Background: Viral diseases are important as they can cause significant clinical disease in both wild and domestic animals, as well as in humans. They also make up a large proportion of emerging infectious diseases. (2) Methods: A scoping review of peer-reviewed publications was performed and based on the guidelines set out in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews. (3) Results: The final set of publications consisted of 145 publications. Thirty-two viruses were identified in the publications and 50 African ungulates were reported/diagnosed with viral infections. Eighteen countries had viruses diagnosed in wild ungulates reported in the literature. (4) Conclusions: A comprehensive review identified several areas where little information was available and recommendations were made. It is recommended that governments and research institutions offer more funding to investigate and report viral diseases of greater clinical and zoonotic significance. A further recommendation is for appropriate One Health approaches to be adopted for investigating, controlling, managing and preventing diseases. Diseases which may threaten the conservation of certain wildlife species also require focused attention. In order to keep track of these diseases, it may be necessary to consider adding a “Wildlife disease and infection” category to the World Organisation for Animal Health-listed diseases.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Vibration in 2020
Authors:   Vibration Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Vibration maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
The Inclusion of Acidic and Stormwater Flows in Concrete Sewer Corrosion Mitigation Studies
Authors: Fytianos Georgios , Tsikrikis Anastasios , Anagnostopoulos Costas A. , Papastergiadis Efthimios , Samaras Petros
Published: January 2021

Concrete sewer pipes can be deteriorated by sulfuric acid (H2SO4), which is created by the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide in the presence of certain bacteria inside the sewers. This process is called biocorrosion. In this paper, H2SO4 (i.e., chemical, non-biogenic) was used to study acid attack on concrete samples. The authors conducted experiments under different acid flows and concentrations, to account for the conditions prevailing in sewage networks exposed to flowing acidic waters. The effect of intermittent stormwater on the removal of protective layers was studied in addition to constant flow runs. Specimens’ erosion depth was measured with a Vernier micrometer. In addition, unconfined compression at an axial strain rate of 0.0016 mm/mm/min was used for the estimation of unconfined compressive strength and elastic modulus. Moreover, the formation of gypsum as a protective layer and its role in biocorrosion was discussed. From this study, it was concluded that although the utilization of constant flowrates of acidic waters represents an important indication of corrosion mechanism, intermittent sewage and water flows should be taken into account, corresponding to real conditions in sewage networks, and resulting into accelerated concrete corrosion. Stormwater in combined sewers could remove the protective gypsum layer, thus accelerating chemical corrosion; however, in the presence of biogenic H2SO4, the removal of gypsum by excess flows due to stormwater could have a positive effect on corrosion mitigation. Finally, for combined sewers, selected coatings should withstand the effect of stormwater and high-velocity water flow tests should be included in future studies.
Presence of Microplastics in the Food Web of the Largest High-Elevation Lake in North America
Authors: Driscoll Stephanie C. , Glassic Hayley C. , Guy Christopher S. , Koel Todd M.
Published: January 2021

Microplastics have been documented in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems throughout the world. However, few studies have investigated microplastics in freshwater fish diets. In this study, water samples and three trophic levels of a freshwater food web were investigated for microplastic presence: amphipods (Gammarus lacustris), Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri), and lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush). Microplastics and other anthropogenic materials were documented in water samples, amphipods, and fish, then confirmed using FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared) and Raman spectroscopy. Our findings confirmed the presence of microplastics and other anthropogenic materials in three trophic levels of a freshwater food web in a high-elevation lake in a national park, which corroborates recent studies implicating the global distribution of microplastics. This study further illustrates the need for global action regarding the appropriate manufacturing, use, and disposal of plastics to minimize the effects of plastics on the environment.
The Impacts of Hydropower Dams in the Mekong River Basin: A Review
Authors: Soukhaphon Akarath , Baird Ian G. , Hogan Zeb S.
Published: January 2021

The Mekong River, well known for its aquatic biodiversity, is important to the social, physical, and economic health of millions living in China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. This paper explores the social and environmental impacts of several Mekong basin hydropower dams and groupings of dams and the geographies of their impacts. Specifically, we examined the 3S (Sesan, Sekong Srepok) river system in northeastern Cambodia, the Central Highlands of Vietnam, and southern Laos; the Khone Falls area in southern Laos; the lower Mun River Basin in northeastern Thailand; and the upper Mekong River in Yunnan Province, China, northeastern Myanmar, northern Laos, and northern Thailand. Evidence shows that these dams and groupings of dams are affecting fish migrations, river hydrology, and sediment transfers. Such changes are negatively impacting riparian communities up to 1000 km away. Because many communities depend on the river and its resources for their food and livelihood, changes to the river have impacted, and will continue to negatively impact, food and economic security. While social and environmental impact assessments have been carried out for these projects, greater consideration of the scale and cumulative impacts of dams is necessary.
Experimental Study on Landslides in Terraced Fields in the Chinese Loessial Region under Extreme Rainfall
Authors: Wen Yongfu , Gao Peng , Mu Xingmin , Li Mengzhen , Su Yongjun , Wang Haixing
Published: January 2021

Due to the development of the scale of tractor-ploughed terraces, terraces have been increasing in number, while global climate change is causing frequent extreme rainfall events in the Loess Plateau, resulting in many terrace landslides. To study the mechanism and process of shallow landslides and deep slip surface of terraces induced by extreme rainfall in loess hill and gully area, we conducted a laboratory model test of a terrace under artificial rainfall and used the Swedish arc strip method. The research results are as follows. The mechanism of shallow landslides in terraces is rill erosion accelerating rainfall infiltration, suspending the slope, and increasing its bulk density. The destruction process of shallow landslides can be roughly divided into six processes, and the earth volume of the landslide is 0.24 m3. The mechanism of the deep sliding surface in terraces occurs under the combined action of water erosion and gravity erosion. The soil moisture content increases, which decreases the anti-sliding moment and increases the sliding moment, and the safety factor becomes less than the allowable limit for terraces. The deep sliding deformation area of the terrace was 0~1.0 m below the slope surface, slip surface radius was 1.43 m, the slip surface angle was 92°, and the deep sliding surface began to form earlier than terraced shallow landslides. The displacement of the characteristic points increased from the slope top, to the slope center, and to the slope foot, with maximum displacements of 40.3, 15.5, and 6.0 mm, respectively.
Trace Element Contamination in One of the Yangtze Tributaries (Hunan, China)—Source Review and Potential Release from Sediments
Authors: Grosbois Cécile , Desmet Marc , Zhang Mengxue , Gassama Nathalie , Peng Qinghui , Zhang Jiachao , Luo Lin , Zhang Fengfeng , Battaglia Fabienne
Published: January 2021

Spatio-temporal distribution and leachability of some trace elements (TE) were investigated in sediments of the Xiangjiang River, tributary of the Yangtze River. Based on data collected during 2015–2017, a literature review and geoaccumulation indexes, the pollution level was the highest for Cd, Sb and Hg (Igeo > 3). Over the period reviewed, the TE contamination level displayed almost no temporal variation but an obvious spatial distribution. The most upstream contamination hotspot (Cd > Cr > As, Cu, Pb, Zn > Hg, Sb) was the Songbai section. This hotspot did not spread further downstream. The second hotspot identified was the Zhuzhou–Xiangtan section, impacted by Cd > Hg, Pb, Zn > Cu, with the Zhuzhou area being particularly highly impacted by Pb and Zn. A 30-day leaching experimental protocol under aerobic and anaerobic conditions was carried out to access TE mobility. Low percentages of TE released were calculated, showing that the TE fate mostly depends on the stability of bearing phases under specific physicochemical and microbial conditions. In this case, the studied sediments can be an important sink for these TE. However, some environmental issues have to be considered as some leachate concentrations of contaminants (As, Cr, Cu and U) released into water exceed freshwater aquatic life criteria.
Baipenzhu Reservoir Inflow Flood Forecasting Based on a Distributed Hydrological Model
Authors: Xu Shichao , Chen Yangbo , Xing Lixue , Li Chuan
Published: January 2021

For reservoir basins, complex underlying surface conditions, short flood confluence times, and concentrated water volumes make inflow flood forecasting difficult and cause forecast accuracies to be low. Conventional flood forecasting models can no longer meet the required forecast accuracy values for flood control operations. To give full play to the role of reservoirs in flood control and to maximize the use of reservoir flood resources, high-precision inflow flood forecasting is urgently needed as a support mechanism. In this study, the Baipenzhu Reservoir in Guangdong Province was selected as the study case, and an inflow flood forecast scheme was designed for the reservoir by a physically based distributed hydrological model, the Liuxihe model. The results show that the Liuxihe model has strong applicability for flood forecasting in the studied reservoir basin and that the simulation results are very accurate. This study also found that the use of different Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data sources has a certain impact on the structure of the Liuxihe model, but the constructed models can both simulate the inflow flood process of the Baipenzhu Reservoir well. At the same time, the Liuxihe model can reflect the spatial variation in rainfall well, and using the Particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to optimize the initial model parameters can greatly reduce the uncertainty of the model forecasts. According to China’s hydrological information forecast standards, the Liuxihe model forecast schemes constructed by the two data sources are rated as Grade A and can be used for real-time flood forecasting in the Baipenzhu Reservoir basin.
Performance Improvement of a Drag Hydrokinetic Turbine
Authors: Mosbahi Mabrouk , Lajnef Mariem , Derbel Mouna , Mosbahi Bouzid , Aricò Costanza , Sinagra Marco , Driss Zied
Published: January 2021

Hydropower is at present in many locations, among all the other possible renewable energy sources, the best one for net cost per unit power. In contrast to traditional installation, based on water storage in artificial basins, free flow river turbines also provide a very low environmental impact due to their negligible effect on solid transport. Among them, kinetic turbines with vertical axis are very inexpensive and have almost zero impact on fish and local fauna. In application to tidal waves and sea waves, where vertically averaged velocities have alternate direction, a Savonius rotor also has the advantage of being productive during the whole time cycle. In this work, the effect of an upstream deflector system mounted upstream of a twisted Savonius rotor inside a channel has been investigated through numerical simulations and experimental tests. Numerical simulations were carried on using the ANSYS FLUENT 17.0 software. Based on this numerical study, it is shown that the proposed deflector system has improved the power coefficient of the Savonius rotor by 14%. The utilization of this new design system is predicted to contribute towards a more efficient use of flows in rivers and channels for electricity production in rural areas.
A Review of Recently Discovered Remains of the Pleistocene Branchiopods (Anostraca, Notostraca) from NE Siberia and Arctic Canada
Authors: Rogers D. Christopher , Zharov Anton A. , Neretina Anna N. , Kuzmina Svetlana A. , Kotov Alexey A.
Published: January 2021

In this study, we examine, identify, and discuss fossil remains of large branchiopod crustaceans collected from six sites across the Beringian region (north-eastern Asia and north-western North America). Eggs and mandibles from Anostraca and Notostraca, as well as a notostracan telson fragment and a possible notostracan second maxilla, were collected from both paleosediment samples and also from large mammal hair. The remains of large branchiopods and other species that are limited to seasonally astatic aquatic habitats (temporary wetlands) could be useful indicator organisms of paleoecological conditions. Different recent large branchiopod species have very different ecological preferences, with each species limited to specific geochemical component tolerance ranges regarding various salinity, cation, and gypsum concentrations. Our purpose is to bring the potential usefulness of these common fossil organisms to the attention of paleoecologists.
An Assessment of Vertical Land Movement to Support Coastal Hazards Planning in Washington State
Authors: Newton Tyler , Weldon Ray , Miller Ian , Schmidt David , Mauger Guillaume , Morgan Harriet , Grossman Eric
Published: January 2021

The sea and land change elevation spatially and temporally from a multitude of processes, so it is necessary to constrain the movement of both to evaluate how coastlines will evolve and how those evolving coastlines will impact the natural and built environment over time. We combine land movement observations from global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs), leveling of geodetic monuments, and tide gauge records with a tectonic model of the Cascadia subduction zone to constrain absolute rates of vertical land movement in coastal Washington. We infer rates of vertical land movement in areas lacking direct observations by interpolating high-quality land movement observations and a discretely sampled interseismic locking model. Here we present a model of absolute vertical land movement that is combined with sea level rise estimates to inform local relative sea level projections on a community-scale. The most rapid vertical uplift (~3.5 mm/year) of the land is found across the northwest Olympic Peninsula, which currently outpaces sea level rise. Conversely, some areas, including a stretch of the northern Pacific Ocean coast from La Push to Kalaloch and the southern Puget Sound, are found to be subsiding at 0.5–1.0 mm/year, exacerbating the rate of relative sea level rise and thereby increasing the vulnerability of coastal communities.
Laws and Mechanism of the Fe (III) Clogging of Porous Media in Managed Aquifer Recharge
Authors: Zhang Hexuan , Ye Xueyan , Du Xinqiang
Published: January 2021

The use of stormwater for managed aquifer recharge (MAR) has become one of the most important ways to deal with water shortages and the corresponding environmental geological problems, especially in the north of China. The Fe (III) clogging of porous media is a common and significant problem that influences the effect of the infiltration rate. This paper focuses on the migration characteristics and clogging mechanisms of iron hydroxides in sand columns. The results indicate that the permeability of porous media significantly decreased at the inlet of the fine sand column and inside the coarse sand column. We demonstrated that, when the Fe (III) concentration was higher, a smaller infiltration medium size was produced more rapidly, and there was more significant clogging. More than 80% of the injected Fe (III) remained in the sand column, and more than 50% was retained within 1 cm of the column inlet. The mass retention increased with the decrease in the size of the infiltration medium particles and with the increase in the injected Fe (III) concentration. The main material that caused Fe (III) clogging was iron hydroxide colloids, which were in the form of a granular or flocculent membrane coating the quartz sand. The mechanisms of clogging and retention were blocking filtration and deep bed filtration, adsorption, and deposition, which were strongly affected by the coagulation of Fe (III) colloidal particles.
Climate Change Mitigation Strategy through Membranes Replacement and Determination Methodology of Carbon Footprint in Reverse Osmosis RO Desalination Plants for Islands and Isolated Territories
Authors: Leon Federico , Ramos Alejandro , Vaswani Jenifer , Mendieta Carlos , Brito Saulo
Published: January 2021

This article shows a climate change mitigation strategy by means of membranes replacement and determination methodology of carbon footprint in reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plants, valid for all the islands, and even isolated territories in the continent. This study takes the case of study of Canary Islands, where there are more than 320 desalination plants with different sizes, private, and public. The objective is to propose a new method which integrates this analysis with the replacement of membranes, from 0% to 20% per year in sea water reverse osmosis desalination plants, to reduce the carbon footprint and ecological footprint. If it is considered a replacement of 20% of the elements per year, the carbon footprint could be reduced to between 5% and 6% and even more if it is introduced low energy consumption membranes instead of high rejection elements. The factor mix in Canary Islands, according to the technological structure of the generation park that uses oil products, is around 0.678 kgCO2/kWh, much higher than in the Spanish mainland where it is 0.263 kgCO2/kWh. Therefore, it is estimated in Canary Islands 5,326,963 t CO2/year can be emitted, which represents 2.4 tCO2/person/year, 12 times more the admissible admissions per inhabitant in the Canary Islands, only considering the seawater desalination sector. This document shows the different results of the analysis of energy efficiency and the environmental footprints. This study may serve as a tool for the decision-making processes related to how to improve energy efficiency in desalination plants.
GPs’ awareness of car driving among oldest patients: exploratory results from a primary care cohort
Authors: Leve Verena , Pentzek Michael , Fuchs Angela , Bickel Horst , Weeg Dagmar , Weyerer Siegfried , Werle Jochen , König Hans-Helmut , Hajek André , Lühmann Dagmar , van den Bussche Hendrik , Wiese Birgitt , Oey Anke , Heser Kathrin , Wagner Michael , Luppa Melanie , Röhr Susanne , Maier Wolfgang , Scherer Martin , Kaduszkiewicz Hanna , Riedel-Heller Steffi G ,   for the AgeCoDe/AgeQualiDe Study Group
Published: January 2021

Background

Increasingly more very old people are active drivers. Sensory, motor and cognitive limitations, and medication can increase safety risks. Timely attention to driving safety in the patient–doctor relationship can promote patient-centred solutions.

Aim

To explore the following questions: do GPs know which patients drive a car? Is fitness to drive addressed with patients?

Design & setting

Cross-sectional data from patient interviews and GP survey in the ninth follow-up phase of a prospective primary care cohort (the German Study on Ageing, Cognition and Dementia in Primary Care Patients (AgeCoDe) and the Study on Needs, Health Service Use, Costs and Health-Related Quality of Life in a large sample of ‘oldest-old’ primary care patients (≥85 years; AgeQualiDe)) .

Method

The sample consisted of patients in the age group ≥85 years and their GPs. Independent reports were gathered on driving activity from the GP and the patient, and information was gained from GPs on whether driving ability was discussed with the patient. Statistical analyses included validity parameters and bivariate characterisation of subgroups (non-parametric significance tests, effect size).

Results

Self-reports of 553 patients were available (69.5% female; mean age 90.5 years; 15.9% drive a car). For 427 patients, GP data were also available: GPs recognised 67.1% correctly as drivers and 94.9% as non-drivers. GPs said that they had discussed fitness to drive with 32.1% of potentially driving patients. Among drivers who were not recognised and with whom driving had not been discussed, there were more patients with a low educational level.

Conclusion

The GP’s assessment of driving activity among very old patients showed moderate sensitivity and good specificity. Driving ability was seldom discussed. Asking an appropriate question during assessment could increase GPs’ awareness of older patients’ automobility.
STUDI LITERATUR PROFITABILITAS PERUSAHAAN PADA MANAJEMEN MODAL KERJA DAN STRUKTUR MODAL
Authors: Aransyah Muhammad Fikry
Published: January 2021

Penelitian mengenai profitabiltas perusahaan telah terbukti memiliki hubungan dengan manajemen modal kerja dan struktur modal yang terorganisasi dengan baik, sehingga menunjukkan kemampuan untuk membangun nilai bagi pemegang saham dan memastikan keberlanjutan perusahaan. Walaupun telah banyak penelitian antara modal kerja dan kinerja perusahaan terhadap profitabilitas di seluruh dunia yang telah dilakukan, namun mayoritas temuan penelitian tersebut masih memiliki fenomena yakni pengakuan modal kerja sebagai salah satu variabel penting untuk mengelola profitabilitas perusahaan. Riset ini bertujuan untuk meninjau, menganalisis, meringkas, dan mengekspresikan pada penelitian empiris masa lalu dari berbagai negara untuk membantu para peneliti di masa depan untuk membuat keputusan tentang manajemen modal kerja dan struktur modal pada profitabilitas perusahaan. Penelitian literatur ini mengkaji penelitian yang bertemakan kinerja perusahaan dalam hal profitabilitas, manajemen modal kerja dan struktur modal. Hasil menunjukkan hubungan yang berbeda antara modal kerja dan struktur modal pada profitabilitas sehingga tidak ada kesepakatan tercapai. Kajian ini juga memberikan gambaran yang lebih dalam untuk menjelaskan fenomena ini dan membantu pada penelitian dengan menggunakan modal kerja dan struktur modal dalam menentukan dampaknya terhadap profitabilitas perusahaan.
PENGARUH SISTEM INFORMASI MANAJEMEN LINGKUNGAN TERHADAP GOOD GOVERMENT GOVERNANCE
Authors: Hertati Lesi , Safkaur Otniel
Published: January 2021

An Environmental Management Information System is an information system that produces outputs using inputs that can process all the information needed to meet the organization's objectives for management activities. A good Environmental Management Information System is able to balance the costs and benefits to be gained, meaning an environmental management information system that will save costs, increase revenue that arises from very useful information. The organization must realize that meticulous technology can design and implement an environmental management information system to suit its desires in determining cost limits from the point of benefit to be obtained, then the resulting Environmental Management Information System will provide benefits and money. Integrated and flexible information technology is an environmental management information system tool, in information processing in order to design an environmental management information system that is able to serve the main task. The purpose of the environmental management information system is to meet the general information needs of all managers in the company or within the organizational subunits of the company. The environmental management information system provides users with information in the form of reports and outputs from various mathematical simulation models. The results of this study indicate that the environmental management information system can provide good or bad changes in Good Government Governance that are managed by the company. This research was conducted at PT Bukit Asam Indonesia located in South Sumatra.

Keywords: Environmental Management Information System, Good Government Governance
ANALISIS KINERJA REKSADANA PASAR UANG DAN FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHINYA
Authors: Suryanto Suryanto , Asri Arif Rahman Faiza
Published: January 2021

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh kebijakan Bank Indonesia yang menerbitkan acuan suku bunga dengan nama BI 7 Day Repo Rate. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kinerja reksadana pasar uang aerta faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi kinerja dari reksadana pasar uang. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah eksplanasi dengan menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif. Analisis data menggunakan regresi berganda dengan menggunakan data panel. Jenis data yang dipergunakan dalam penelitian ini terdiri dari data primer dan data sekunder. Sumber data primer dipergunakan untuk mengkonfirmasi dari hasil analisis data sekunder. Hasil penelitian ini menyatakan bahwa kinerja rata-rata reksadana pasar uang Indonesia adalah 3.14%. Ada pengaruh negative dari faktor BI 7 Day Repo Rate dan tingkat inflasi terhadap kinerja reksadana pasar uang di Indonesia baik secara parsial maupun simultan. Hal ini berarti setiap terjadi kenaikan BI 7 Day Repo Rate dan tingkat inflasi akan menyebabkan penurunan kinerja reksadana pasar uang di Indonesia.
STUDI PERBANDINGAN MODEL ARIMA DAN GARCH UNTUK MEMPREDIKSI HARGA SAHAM PADA PERUSAHAAN TAMBANG DI INDONESIA
Authors: Junaid Muhammad Tharmizi , Juliana Ahmad , Sabrina Hardianti
Published: January 2021

Dalam berinvestasi para investor menggunakan alat statistik salah satunya adalah peramalan. Peramalan dilakukan oleh investor untuk memperlancar transaksi, meningkatkan keuntungan ataupun meminimalisir terjadinya kerugian. Dengan melakukan peramalan, investor diharapkan dapat membuat keputusan investasi yang tepat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui model peramalan yang akurat untuk meramalkan harga saham PT. Adaro Energy (ADRO) dan saham PT. Bukit Asam  (PTBA) periode data selama 10 tahun sejak Oktober 2008 sampai dengan Oktober 2018. Keterbaharuan dalam penelitian ini adalah membandingkan dua model Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) dan Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH) sehingga dapat diketahui model yang memiliki tingkat keakuratan terbaik untuk meramalkan harga saham pada periode mendatang. Hasil dari penelitian ini menggambarkan bahwa terdapat unsur heterokedastisitas pada saham ADRO sehingga pemodelan tidak berhenti pada model ARIMA namun dilanjutkan sampai model GARCH. Sedangkan data saham PTBA tidak mengandung unsur heterokedastisitas sehingga pemodelan hanya sampai model ARIMA. Pada saham ADRO model ARIMA mempunyai tingkat kesalahan yang lebih kecil dibandingkan model GARCH. Pada saham PTBA model ARIMA juga terpilih sebagai model yang paling akurat.

Kata Kunci: ARIMA, GARCH, dan Pertambangan