bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incomplete HPV Vaccination among Individuals Aged 27–45 Years in the United States: A Mixed-Effect Analysis of Individual and Contextual Factors
Authors: Adekanmbi Victor , Guo Fangjian , Hsu Christine D. , Shan Yong , Kuo Yong-Fang , Berenson Abbey B.
Published: April 2023

Background: In the United States, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is approved for use in individuals up to age 45. Individuals 15 years and older require three doses of the vaccine to complete the recommended dosing series. Incomplete HPV vaccination rates (i.e., one or two doses) among those over age 26, however, remain high. This study examined the independent effects of individual- and neighborhood-level factors on incomplete HPV vaccination rates in the United States (U.S.) among those aged 27–45 years. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used administrative data from Optum’s de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database to identify individuals aged 27–45 years who received one or more doses of HPV vaccine between July 2019 and June 2022. Multilevel multivariable logistic regression models were applied to the data on 7662 individuals identified as being fully or partially vaccinated against HPV, nested within 3839 neighborhoods across the U.S. Results: Approximately half of the patients in this study (52.93%) were not completely vaccinated against HPV. After adjusting for all other covariates in the final model, being older than 30 years old decreased the odds of not completing the HPV vaccine series. Participants living in South-region neighborhoods of the U.S. had enhanced odds of not completing the vaccine series compared with those residing in Northeast-region neighborhoods (aOR 1.21; 95% CrI 1.03–1.42). There was significant clustering of incomplete HPV vaccination rates at the neighborhood level. Conclusions: This study revealed that individual- and neighborhood-level factors were associated with the risk of not completing the HPV vaccine series among individuals aged 27–45 years in the U.S. Interventions to improve HPV vaccination series completion rates for this age group should take into consideration both individual and contextual factors.
Roles of Agricultural Cooperatives (ACs) in Drought Risk Management among Smallholder Farmers in Pursat and Kampong Speu Provinces, Cambodia
Authors: Chhinh Nyda , Sok Serey , Sou Veasna , Nguonphan Pheakdey
Published: April 2023

This research aims to investigate the roles of agricultural cooperatives (ACs) in the provinces Pursat and Kampong Speu, Cambodia, with respect to managing the drought risks among smallholder farmers, with particular focus on the following factors: (a) the impacts of drought on socio-economic development and livelihood; (b) the services delivered by AC operations in terms of increasing the five livelihood assets; and (c) the interactions between AC operations, adaptive capacity, and the impacts of drought. Household surveys were conducted among 421 smallholder farmers; in addition, case studies were also conducted with stakeholders in the Bakan district in Pursat Province and the Barsedth district in Kampong Speu Province. The study demonstrates that (i) both climatic and human-made factors contributed toward the impact of drought in the Bakan and Barsedth districts. Furthermore, this hazard affected smallholder farmers. (ii) AC operations increased the smallholder farmers’ access to natural and physical assets. Currently, AC operations are constrained by a lack of willingness and commitment in AC committees, trust building in the communities, and human and financial resources after development projects, which are implemented by non-governmental organizations (NGOs). (iii) Adaptive capacity contributed to the drought impacts and participation in AC activities, but the involvement in AC activities did not contribute to AC operations nor to aiding with the impacts of drought. This empirical research, which was performed via structural education modeling (SEM), fills a gap in the literature by increasing the understanding of the roles of AC operations in the context of drought risk management and their role in increasing access to the five livelihood assets.
Determination of Runoff Curve Numbers for the Growing Season Based on the Rainfall–Runoff Relationship from Small Watersheds in the Middle Mountainous Area of Romania
Authors: Strapazan Carina , Irimuș Ioan-Aurel , Șerban Gheorghe , Man Titus Cristian , Sassebes Laura
Published: April 2023

The NRCS-CN (Natural Resources Conservation Service curve number) method, developed by the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) is among the most widely used for the estimation of surface runoff from watersheds. Ever since its introduction in the 1950s, although it has been used to a great extent by engineers and hydrologists, the applicability of the original procedure used to determine its main parameter, the curve number (CN), to various regions with diverse environmental conditions, is still subject to many uncertainties and debates. This study presents a comparative analysis of different methods applied to determine curve numbers from local data in four watersheds located in the central part of Romania, within the mountain region surrounding the Brașov Depression. The CN values were not only computed using rainfall–runoff records from 1991 to 2020, but also determined from the standard NRCS tables documented in the National Engineering Handbook part 630 (NEH-630), for comparison purposes. Thus, a total of 187 rainfall–runoff data records from the study watersheds and five different methods were used to assess the accuracy of various procedures for determining the CN values, namely: tabulated CN (CN values selected from NRCS tables, TAB), asymptotic fitting (AF) of both natural and ordered data, median CN (MD), geometric mean CN (GM) and the arithmetic mean CN (AM) methods. The applicability of the aforementioned methods was investigated both for the original fixed initial abstraction ratio λ = 0.2 and its adjustment to λ = 0.05. Relatively similar results were found for the curve number-based runoff estimates related to the field data analysis methods, yet slightly better when the λ was reduced to 0.05. A high overall performance in estimating surface runoff was achieved by most CN-based methods, with the exception of the asymptotic fitting of natural data and the tabulated CN method, with the latter yielding the lowest results in the study area.
Chlorine-Resistant Loose Nanofiltration Membranes Fabricated via Interfacial Polymerization Using Sulfone Group-Containing Amine Monomer for Dye/Salt Separation
Authors: Huang Longwei , Zheng Ke , Jin Yuting , Zhou Shaoqi
Published: April 2023

Fabrication of high-dye/salt-separation-performances and chlorine-resistant nanofiltration (NF) membranes are crucial for dye desalination. In this study, a thin-film composite NF membrane (PES–DPS) was prepared through the interfacial polymerization of 3,3′-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DPS) and trimesoyl chloride. Because of the low reactivity and the presence of the sulfone group (O=S=O) of DPS, the prepared PES–DPS membrane provided a relatively loose polyamide layer and exhibited excellent chlorine resistance, enhancing the membrane water flux and dye/salt separation performances. Furthermore, the influence of DPS concentration was systematically investigated. The optimal membrane PES–DPS–1 exhibited high direct Blue 71 rejection (99.1%) and low NaCl rejection (8.7%). Meanwhile, the PES–DPS–1 membrane displayed highly pure water flux (49.4 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1) even at a low-operating pressure (2 bar). Moreover, no significant difference in dye rejection was observed when the membrane was immersed in NaClO solution (pH = 4.0, 2000 ppm) for 12 h, thereby demonstrating its outstanding chlorine stability. In summary, this work provided a new monomer for the preparation of novel polyamide membranes to achieve excellent separation performances and chlorine resistances.
Trait-Based Research on Rotifera: The Holy Grail or Just Messy?
Authors: Obertegger Ulrike , Wallace Robert Lee
Published: April 2023

In recent years, trait-based research on plankton has gained interest because of its potential to uncover general roles in ecology. While trait categories for phytoplankton and crustaceans have been posited, rotifer trait assessment has lagged behind. Here, we reviewed the literature to assess traits key to their life histories and provided a data matrix for the 138 valid genera of phylum Rotifera. We considered seven traits: habitat type, trophi type, presence of lorica and foot, predation defense attributes, corona type, and feeding traits. While most traits were morphological attributes and supposedly easy to assess, we were faced with several challenges regarding trait assignment. Feeding traits were especially difficult to assess for many genera because relevant information was missing. Our assembled trait matrix provides a foundation that will initiate additional research on rotifer functional diversity, diminish the misclassification of rotifer genera into trait categories, and facilitate studies across trophic levels.
Integrating Non-Targeted Ecosystem Services into Assessment of Natural Stormwater Treatment Systems
Authors: Le Jennifer T. , Gonzalez Jennifer P. , Carson Richard T. , Ambrose Richard F. , Levin Lisa A.
Published: April 2023

Natural stormwater treatment systems (NTS) are built ecosystems designed to capture and treat stormwater runoff via natural processes. Although NTS design typically targets water services, the biological communities associated with NTS (i.e., plants, animals, and microbes) can provide non-targeted functions that can result in ecosystem services, such as biodiversity, pollination, and climate regulation, or in some cases disservices. Additional co-benefits of NTS include recreation, education and outreach opportunities, and aesthetic value. A review of NTS ecosystem services and co-benefits is provided with specific examples from Los Angeles County, highlighting the need for ecosystem services indicators, standard measurements, and monitoring. As NTS become globally widespread, best practices must include the ability to holistically assess NTS performance in ways that extend beyond water treatment services. Three models are presented that can be used to evaluate NTS performance. Such information can be important in advancing NTS design, choosing spatial placement, and making choices between NTS and more traditional stormwater treatment options.
Performance of Frequency-Corrected Precipitation in Ungauged High Mountain Hydrological Simulation
Authors: Li Hongyi , Ma Jiapei , Yang Yaru , Niu Liting , Lu Xinyu
Published: April 2023

Accurate precipitation data are essential for understanding hydrological processes in high mountainous regions with limited observations and highly variable precipitation events. While frequency-corrected precipitation data are expected to aid in understanding hydrological processes, its performance in ungauged high mountain hydrological simulation remains unclear. To clarify this issue, we conducted a numerical experiment that used reanalysis precipitation, frequency-corrected precipitation, and gridded precipitation to drive a distributed cold region hydrological model. We selected an ungauged basin in high mountain Asia (Manas River Basin in China) as the study area and employed a statistical parameter optimization method to avoid subjectivity in parameter selection. Our findings indicate that the frequency information from the few existing stations can aid in correcting the reanalysis precipitation data. The frequency correction approach can reduce the total volume of errors in the reanalysis precipitation data, especially when severe biases occur. Our findings show that frequency-corrected precipitation performs better in modeling discharge, runoff depth, and evaporation. Furthermore, the improvement in precipitation using frequency correction bears clear altitude differences, which implies that having more stations at different altitudes is necessary to measure precipitation accurately in similar areas. Our study provides a feasible flow for future precipitation preparation for similar ungauged high mountain areas. Frequency correction, instead of direct interpolation, may be a viable option for precipitation preparation. Our work has reference implications for future hydrological simulations in similar ungauged high mountains.
Degradation of Dimethylacetamide from Membrane Production through Constructed Wetlands—Pathways, Ecotoxicological Effects and Consequences for Chemical Analysis
Authors: Schalk Thomas , Schubert Sara , Rollberg Anja , Freitag-Stechl Dirk , Schubert Annika , Elena Alan Xavier , Koch Christian , Krebs Peter
Published: April 2023

Wastewater from factories producing polysulfone-based membranes mainly contains the used organic solvent, i.e., dimethylacetamide (DMAc). Due to the environmental impact of DMAc, wastewater treatment is mandatory. Several biological treatment options based on the activated sludge process are described in the literature. Due to artificial aeration, these techniques have high energy requirements. Near-nature processes such as vertical flow constructed wetlands (VF wetlands) have a low energy demand, high tolerance to load fluctuations, and low maintenance requirements. Therefore, high-loaded, two-stage VF wetlands are an efficient option for treating wastewater. However, constructed wetlands have so far only been used to a limited extent for the treatment of industrial wastewater. In the present study, the ability of laboratory-scale, high-load, two-stage VF wetlands to treat DMAc was investigated. This included their DMAc degradation efficiency and corresponding pathways, removal of the total organic carbon (TOC), nitrification and denitrification of the nitrogen, as well as the ecotoxicological effects (mutagenicity, genotoxicity, reactive oxygen species) of untreated and treated wastewater. The focus was to determine the effect of different grain size distributions on removal rates, the maximum inflow loading, and the effect of high inflow concentrations on effluent concentrations. In general, DMAc was completely degraded using VF wetlands, with dimethylamine (DMA) identified as the main intermediate. TOC removal rates reached more than 99%. The nitrogen bound to DMAc was completely nitrified. However, the start-up of the VF wetlands without seeded filter material temporarily leads to high nitrite accumulation. This may affect the mutagenicity of the treated wastewater. The results show that high-loaded, two-stage VF wetlands are an effective option for treating wastewater containing DMAc with higher efficiency than comparable biological processes.
Water Balance of the Regulated Arid Lake as an Indicator of Climate Change and Anthropogenic Impact: The North (Small) Aral Sea Case Study
Authors: Izhitskiy Alexander , Ayzel Georgy
Published: April 2023

Inland waters in the endorheic basins of the arid zone are especially vulnerable to both climate-induced changes and anthropogenic influence. The North Aral Sea, which previously suffered a drastic shrinkage and partially recovered with the launch of the human-made Kokaral dam, is currently subject to significant inter-annual variability of its water volume. This study aimed to obtain insight into the modern water balance condition of the lake and to project the possible changes in it. A series of model simulation experiments were implemented based on three representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios with varying maximum lake surface levels, determined by the dam. Present-day dam conditions showed the possibility to retain the lake volume above 26 km3 under the RCP 2.6 and 6.0 scenarios. Simulations under the RCP 8.5 scenario revealed significant instability of the lake volume and a well-shown decrease in the outflow amount. A possible human-made increase in terms of the lake surface level up to 48.5 m.a.s.l. may allow for the retention of the volume in the range of 48–50 km3 in the RCP 2.6 case. The RCP 6.0 and 8.5 scenarios revealed a lake volume decrease and almost full cessation of the Kokaral outflow toward the end of the 21st century.
An Integrated Principal Component and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis Approach for Groundwater Quality Assessment in Jazan, Saudi Arabia
Authors: El-Rawy Mustafa , Fathi Heba , Abdalla Fathy , Alshehri Fahad , Eldeeb Hazem
Published: April 2023

Jazan province on Saudi Arabia’s southwesterly Red Sea coast is facing significant challenges in water management related to its arid climate, restricted water resources, and increasing population. A total of 180 groundwater samples were collected and tested for important hydro-chemical parameters used to determine its adaptability for irrigation. The principal components analysis (PCA) was applied to evaluate the consistency/cluster overlapping, agglomeration in the datasets, and to identify the sources of variation between the 11 major ion concentrations (pH, K+, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, SO42−, Cl−, HCO3−, NO3−, TDS, and TH). The EC values ranged from excellent to unsuitable, with 10% being excellent to good, 43% permissible, and 47% improper for irrigation. The SAR classification determined that 91.67% of groundwater samples were good to excellent for irrigation, indicating that they are suitable for irrigation with no sodium-related adverse effects. Magnesium hazard values showed that 1.67% of the samples are unsuitable for irrigation, while the remaining 98.33% are suitable. Chloro-alkaline indices signify that most groundwater samples show positive ratios indicating that ion exchange is dominant in the aquifer. The Gibb’s diagram reflects that evaporation, seawater interaction, and water–rock interaction are the foremost processes impacting groundwater quality, besides other regional environmental variables. A strong positive correlation was declared between TDS and Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, SO42− in addition to TH with Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, SO42−, TDS, and also Cl− with Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ were major connections, with correlation coefficients over 0.8 and p < 0.0001. The extracted factor analysis observed that TH, Ca2+, TDS, Cl−, and Mg2+ have high positive factor loading in Factor 1, with around 52% of the total variance. This confirms the roles of evaporation and ion exchange as the major processes that mostly affect groundwater quality, along with very little human impact. The spatial distribution maps of the various water quality indices showed that the majority of unsuitable groundwater samples were falling along the coast where there is overcrowding and a variety of anthropogenic activities and the possible impact of seawater intrusion. The results of the hierarchical cluster analysis agreed with the correlations mentioned in the factor analysis and correlation matrix. As a result, incorporating physicochemical variables into the PCA to assess groundwater quality is a practical and adaptable approach with exceptional abilities and new perspectives. According to the study’s findings, incorporating different techniques to assess groundwater quality is beneficial in understanding the factors that control groundwater quality and can assist officials in effectively controlling groundwater quality and also enhancing the water resources in the study area.
Integrated Water Management in Mountain Communities: The Case of Feutap in the Municipality of Bangangté, Cameroon
Authors: Nya Esther Laurentine , Mwamila Tulinave Burton , Komguem-Poneabo Lydie , Njomou-Ngounou Emma Laureane , Fangang-Fanseu Junior , Tchoumbe Raoul Rodrigue , Tepong-Tsindé Raoul , Gwenzi Willis , Noubactep Chicgoua
Published: April 2023

The whole population of Feutap still collects drinking water from two protected springs, some 1 km away from this small rural agglomeration. For many generations, the only improvement has been the protection of the springs during the 1980s. The resulting high incidence of gastrointestinal infections continues to hinder the socioeconomic development of this mountain community. This dynamic wherein “poverty begets disease, and disease begets poverty” seems endless given the number of water improvement programs and other health-focused campaigns in rural areas of Cameroon since the 1960s. Fortunately, the hydrographic regime of Feutap and its geographical situation enable the implementation of the Kilimanjaro Concept (KC), wherein rainwater is quantitatively harvested, partly infiltrated, and largely stored to (i) meet the whole-year water needs of the population, (ii) create new ecosystems, and (iii) enable irrigated agriculture. This communication prepares the implementation of the KC in Feutap, including the creation of irrigation ponds for agriculture and small farm animals (e.g., goats and sheep). The view is promoted that Feutap is a potential viable space in which life and work are possible, using the existing rainfall and the few natural springs in a sustainable manner. The presented concept can be extended to other hilly small communities with similar hydraulic regimes.
Research on the Capacity of Underground Reservoirs in Coal Mines to Protect the Groundwater Resources: A Case of Zhangshuanglou Coal Mine in Xuzhou, China
Authors: Zhang Chenghang , Luo Bin , Xu Zhimin , Sun Yajun , Feng Lin
Published: April 2023

This study analyzes the ability of coal mine underground reservoirs to protect groundwater resources. As the demand for coal mining continues to increase, the potential impact on groundwater resources around mines has become a growing problem. Underground water reservoirs, also known as coal mine underground reservoirs, have been constructed as a solution to protect water wastage in mining operations. However, there is a lack of awareness related to the ability of underground water reservoirs in mines to protect groundwater resources. In this study, we used FLAC3D software to analyze the formation process, water storage volume, and central storage location of the underground water reservoir in Zhangshuanglou Coal Mine. The results show that the damaged volume is 3.39 × 106 m3, and the groundwater resources that can be protected by coal mine underground reservoirs in the study area amount to 1.98 × 105 m3. We found that the storage capacity of underground reservoirs is more significantly affected by the extent of mining, which can be expressed as y = 49,056.44 + 255.75x + 1.46x2 (R2 = 0.995) (x ≠ 0). Additionally, the water storage location obtained through simulation can provide a reference for the construction of underground reservoir regulation and water storage projects. The results of the water quality analysis indicate that the concentrations of SO42− decreased by 42% with the closure of the mining area, and the pH also gradually converged to neutral. This highlights the significant role of underground water reservoirs in coal mines in promoting green production and protecting water resources and the environment.
Numerical Evaluation of the Hydrothermal Process in a Water-Surrounded Heater of Natural Gas Pressure Reduction Plants
Authors: Kazemi Moghadam Hamid , Mousavi Ajarostaghi Seyed Soheil , Saffari Pour Mohsen , Akbary Mohsen
Published: April 2023

The gas pressure in the main network of transmission lines is about 700 to 1000 psi (4826.33 to 6894.76 kPa), which is reduced to 250 psi (1723.69 kPa) at the entrance station of a city. This reduction process, which occurs in the regulator, causes a severe drop in gas temperature. The drop in the gas temperature produces hydrates and even causes the water vapor in the gas to freeze. As a result, there is a possibility that the passage of gas in the regulator is blocked and the gas flow is cut off. By employing heaters (indirect water heaters), the temperature of the gas entering the regulator can be preheated to eliminate the possibility of freezing in the regulator. This heater is fueled with natural gas and it operates for 24 hr a day, especially in the cold seasons. Therefore, one of the main challenges in using this type of heater is its high fuel consumption. Consequently, researchers are looking for a solution to reduce the fuel consumption (natural gas) of gas heaters. In this paper, the heat transfer and fluid flow in a heater of a natural gas pressure reduction plant, the Aliabad Power Plant (Iran), are numerically investigated using a commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code, ANSYS FLUENT 18.2. The considered heater consists of three parts, including (i) gas coils, (ii) a water bath (shell), and (iii) a fire tube. The indirect heat transfer process takes place between the hot liquid flow in the fire tube (combustion exhaust) and the cold liquid flow (natural gas) using the natural convection flows generated in the water bath. Numeric modeling is performed for four different gas mass flows, including 6 × 104, 8 × 104, 1 × 105, and 12 × 105 standard cubic meters per hour (or 16.67, 22.22, 27.78, and 33.33 m3/s). The results indicate that the natural gas outlet temperature achieved to a temperature higher than required. By installing a regulator on the burner, the gas consumption can be reduced, resulting in station cost savings, and also reducing the environmental impacts. The outcomes depict that the maximum possible reductions in monthly gas consumption and economic savings in the proposed system are 67,500 m3 and IRR 25 million at a gas mass flow rate of 60,000 SCMH.
Are Water Level Fluctuations and Pelagic Water Quality in Lake Kinneret Directly Related? Perspectives of Nutrient Dynamics
Authors: Gophen Moshe
Published: April 2023

Long-term records of Water Level Fluctuations (WLF) and nutrient dynamics in Lake Kinneret have indicated an independence between them. The winter’s high WLF with nutrient-rich conditions and the summer’s low WLF with nutrient-poor conditions are recurrent states. Are Water Level Fluctuations and Lake Kinneret’s pelagic water quality related directly or indirectly? Overall, the results found that WLF and nutrient dynamics in the pelagic zone of Lake Kinneret are not co-partners, but independent escorts. The common periodical (monthly) distribution of nutrient concentrations in the epilimnion of Lake Kinneret indicates that a 20 m deep epilimnion formed following a decline in water input, temperature, and evaporation elevation, resulting in the decline of WL. There was a seasonal correlation between summer’s natural conditions and pelagic nutrients’ deficiency. Low WL in summer is the result of natural subtropical climate conditions, whilst dry or high rainfall seasons induce water input modification and consequently, the WL decline of nutrient inputs and independent followers.
Hydrochemical Anomalies in the Vicinity of the Abandoned Molybdenum Ores Processing Tailings in a Permafrost Region (Shahtama, Transbaikal Region)
Authors: Yurkevich Nataliya , Olenchenko Vladimir , Kartoziia Andrei , Korneeva Tatyana , Bortnikova Svetlana , Saeva Olga , Tulisova Kristina , Abrosimova Natalya
Published: April 2023

The mobility of chemical elements during the transition from molybdenum ore processing waste to aqueous solutions and the hydrochemical anomalies of a number of elements in surface and underground waters in the vicinity of an abandoned tailings dump were investigated. It is shown that alkaline and alkaline earth metals have high mobility—the main rock-forming components (sodium, lithium, magnesium, strontium), which are released into solution due to leaching from the minerals of the host rocks, as well as metals with zinc, cadmium, manganese, and nickel, which are released into solution due to the dissolution of ore sulfides. Elements with high mobility include Sb, Co, Cu, Be, Se, and Tl. Medium mobility has As, an element of the first hazard class, as well as Mo, Fe, and Pb. Hydrochemical anomalies of cadmium, arsenic, molybdenum, and lead have been determined. The nature of the arsenic and molybdenum anomalies is most likely related to the regional background, while the source of cadmium and lead is most likely the waste studied. The main chemical forms of the presence of elements in the solution of ponds on the surface of tailings ponds are free-ion and sulfate complexes. For example, in the samples of the Shakhtama River and groundwater, we found carbonate, bicarbonate, and hydroxide complexes. The information obtained should be taken into account when planning measures for the purification of surface and groundwater from metals. Additional studies should consider using groundwater in the vicinity of the tailings for drinking water supply.
Correction: Yadav et al. An Enhanced Feed-Forward Back Propagation Levenberg–Marquardt Algorithm for Suspended Sediment Yield Modeling. Water 2022, 14, 3714
Authors: Yadav Arvind , Chithaluru Premkumar , Singh Aman , Joshi Devendra , Elkamchouchi Dalia H. , Pérez-Oleaga Cristina Mazas , Anand Divya
Published: April 2023

The authors would like to make the following corrections about the published paper [...]
RNase P Ribozyme Effectively Inhibits Human CC-Chemokine Receptor 5 Expression and Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 Infection
Authors: Yan Bin , Liu Yujun , Chen Yuan-Chuan , Zhang Isadora , Liu Fenyong
Published: April 2023

Developing novel antiviral agents and approaches is essential for the treatment against human and zoonotic viruses. We had previously produced RNase P-based ribozyme variants capable of efficiently cleaving mRNA in vitro. Here, engineered ribozymes were constructed from an RNase P ribozyme variant to target the mRNA encoding human CC-chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), an HIV co-receptor. The constructed ribozyme efficiently cleaved the CCR5 mRNA in vitro. In cells expressing the engineered ribozyme, CCR5 expression diminished by more than 90% and the infection of HIV (R5 strain Ba-L) decreased by 200-fold. The ribozyme-expressing cells resistant to R5 strain Ba-L still supported the infection of HIV X4 strain IIIB due to its use of CXCR4 instead of CCR5 as the co-receptor. Thus, the ribozyme is specific against CCR5 but not CXCR4. This indicates that RNase P ribozyme is effective and specific against CCR5 to diminish HIV infection, and also displays the viability of developing engineered RNase P ribozymes against human and zoonotic viruses.
Programa de salud para la prevención de cáncer de cuello de útero en mujeres de 25 a 59 años de edad
Authors: Jiménez Reyes Blanca María , Mayea González Suset , Proenza González Laura Mayara
Published: April 2023

Los padecimientos asociados al cáncer de cuello de útero, no solamente repercuten a un nivel de deterioro físico, sino que al ser una enfermedad que incluso puede ocasionar la muerte del paciente, trae consigo una carga emocional negativa y un estrés psicológico que atenta contra la calidad de vida del enfermo. La intervención se realizó con el objetivo de estimular la percepción de riesgo sobre el cáncer de cuello de útero en las trabajadoras del comedor obrero-estudiantil de la Sede Pedagógica Félix Varela, teniendo un enfoque de promoción de salud y prevención de enfermedades. El estudio estuvo guiado por una metodología cualitativa, la muestra se constituyó por 15 mujeres cuyas edades oscilan entre 29 y 59 años de edad. La investigación constó de sus etapas correspondientes comenzando por el diagnóstico inicial, el diseño de las acciones interventivas, su implementación y la evaluación tanto sistemática como final. Las acciones se conformaron esencialmente por sesiones grupales, guiadas por dos interventoras. Se mostró inicialmente una baja percepción de riesgo en las trabajadoras, escaso conocimiento sobre la enfermedad y prácticas no saludables de estilos de vida, elementos que cambiaron positivamente en los resultados obtenidos luego de la intervención, corroborados tanto en la evaluación sistemática como en la sumativa.
Validación de observaciones y de simulaciones astrofísicas
Authors: Bozzoli Maximiliano , Paz Dante
Published: April 2023

El concepto clásico de observación en la astrofísica contemporánea ha sufrido cambios considerables debido, en gran parte, a ciertas observaciones llevadas a cabo a través de simulaciones computacionales. Al considerarse la evolución que ha tenido esta noción en las últimas décadas, se analizarán diferentes reflexiones filosóficas acerca de la observabilidad. Se mencionará la dicotomía teórico-observacional, el debate realismo-antirrealismo y aquellos tratamientos actuales más afines a las prácticas científicas, aludiendo a la distinción entre entidades observables e inobservables. En este trabajo se abordará, mediante un estudio de caso, la problemática en torno al rol de la validación externa en este ámbito disciplinar. Teniendo en cuenta los datos adquiridos tanto por la vía tradicional u observacional, como por aquélla lograda mediante modelos de simulación, se analizarán los diferentes mecanismos de producción de datos y su eventual reducción en astroinformática. A propósito, se desarrollará la propuesta ofrecida por Reiss (2019), examinando los argumentos a favor y en contra de la validación externa. Así, se identificarán aquellas estrategias vigentes de validación en modelos de datos diferentes, estableciendo los vínculos necesarios para una valoración cuantitativa y cualitativa de observaciones y de simulaciones. A partir del inter-juego entre estas últimas se mostrará el estatus y la conformación de la evidencia disponible y su dependencia con el diseño de las observaciones actuales. Se concluirá que la interacción entre modelos de observación y de simulación no sólo contribuyen al desarrollo de guías heurísticas, sino que permiten una retroalimentación favorable en los procesos de validación externa de ambos modelos.
Decay accelerating factor (DAF) restrains complement activation and delays progression of murine cBSA-induced membranous nephropathy
Authors: Budge Kelly L , Verlato Alberto , Bin Sofia , Salem Fadi E. , Perin Laura , La Manna Gaetano , Zaza Gianluigi , Fiaccadori Enrico , Cantarelli Chiara , Cravedi Paolo
Published: April 2023

Background:

Complement activation is thought to play a major pathogenic role in membranous nephropathy (MN), but its effector mechanisms are still unclear. Even less investigated is the role of podocyte-expressed complement regulators, including decay accelerating factor (DAF) in disease pathophysiology.

Methods:

We induced MN by serial injections of cationic bovine serum albumin (cBSA) in WT, DAF-/-, and C3aR-/- BALB/c mice and measured disease severity (by albuminuria, BUN, serum albumin, and glomerular histological changes) and signs of complement activation in the glomeruli (IF for C1q, C3b, and membrane attack complex, MAC). We also treated DAF-/- mice with cBSA-induced MN with a selective C3aR antagonist and measured the same readouts.

Results: cBSA-induced MN was associated with increased glomerular expression of DAF. Genetic deletion of DAF resulted in increased complement activation and higher disease severity than in WT animals. Treating cBSA-injected DAF-/- mice with a C3aR antagonist reduced disease severity. Similarly, C3aR-/- were protected from cBSA-induced MN, despite IgG deposition in the glomeruli and complement activation. Evidence of C1q and C3b deposition in the glomeruli of these mice suggest that IgG-cBSA immune complex formation in the glomeruli activates complement through the classical pathway.

Conclusions:

Upon cBSA-induced injury, podocytes upregulate DAF expression, which restrains complement activation. However, after prolonged injury, complement activation overcomes DAF regulatory effects leading to the formation of soluble anaphylatoxin C3a that, by signaling through C3aR, promotes glomerular injury and cBSA-induced MN disease progression. Considering the growing number of complement targeting therapies, our findings may have major translational impact on the treatment of MN patients.
Internet journalism in modern society: an overview of mechanisms for resisting media manipulation
Authors: Plekhanova Tatyana , Tarasiuk Volodymyr , Iuksel Gaiana , Putsiata Iryna , Kulykova Olena
Published: April 2023

At the current stage of the development of the information society, the influence of Internet journalism on the formation of public opinion (in particular, if we are talking about outright manipulation) is extremely noticeable. The purpose of the article is to analyze these influences in modern society in terms of the presence and use of media manipulation mechanisms and ways to counter them. The main research methods were general scientific (analysis, synthesis) and special scientific (abstraction and concretization). Manifestations of the manipulative influence of Internet journalism on human consciousness are traced in the results. The main attention is paid to the analysis of the mechanisms of resistance to manipulation in the media. In particular, an analysis of fact-checking, legal methods of combating fakes was carried out, the peculiarities of protection against manipulation based on the verification of photo and video materials were investigated. The results also highlight the video verification algorithm. The conclusions summarize that critical thinking and acquisition of media competence and media literacy skills are a relevant way to resist manipulative influences on the Internet. Despite this, fact-checking and verification of photos and video materials that are distributed on the Internet are effective mechanisms for resisting manipulation.
The peculiarities of «welcoming the guests – 好客 » in Kazakh and Chinese linguoculture
Authors: Ibraimova Anar , Dossymbekova Rauan
Published: April 2023

Deep ties between China and Kazakhstan date back to ancient times. Starting from the ancient period of the Huns, Yuxin and the era of the independent Kazakh Khanate, under Abylai Khan, relations between the Kazakhs and the Chinese took place within the framework of political and diplomatic relations. The researchers’ works are limited to considering the differences and peculiarities between the Kazakh and Chinese languages, omitting the cultural spectrum of bilateral exchanges. This article describes the linguistic and cultural features of the concept of «welcoming the guests - 好客 / hàokè» in the Kazakh and Chinese languages. The norms of language etiquette based on respect and honor are used in the expression of customs and traditions. In addition to mastering a foreign language, knowledge of intercultural communication has a special place in the communication with representatives of various countries. Any nation has its own history of development, mentality, way of life and customs. Proper application of the rules and laws of language etiquette leads to a favorable and optimal outcome of communication between the interlocutors. The etiquette of «welcoming the guests – 好客 / hàokè» in the Kazakh and Chinese languages refers to a set of etiquette based on ancient customs and traditions.
Decision-making attractors in the conditions of war (the modern Russian-Ukrainian war example)
Authors: Lepskyi Maksym , Masiuk Oleh , Skvorets Volodymyr , Kudinov Igor
Published: April 2023

Features of the phenomenon of human decision-making in the conditions of war are analyzed. The paper is revealing the phenomenon of decision-making during war based on the events form the modern Russian-Ukrainian war. The research findings state that decision-making in the conditions of war has differences between people who defend their lives, family, country, and aggressors who seek to seize territories, turn free people into acolytes or colonies of their state, and impose autocracy on a democratic society. The authors defined the attractors of people's decision-making in war, such as: “home”, “heart and mind”, “strength and will”, “heroism and dignity”, “social order and victory”. The conducted research has a conceptual nature and serves as a methodological basis for conducting practical scientific research on the development of effective decision-making skills in conditions of destructive human influence and existential disasters.
The education role in the development of the information society: Progressive ideas of the world's leading countries
Authors: Imber Viktoriia , Kovtun Natalia , Zaitsev Ihor , Solodchuk Alona , Borzyk Olena
Published: April 2023

The article describes the retrospective of the countries' practice, which gives rise to the conviction of the signs of national character. This experience combines the support of traditions with a desire to listen to the demands of today's developed world. In the article, great attention is paid to the study of education systems in the countries of the European Union, as well as the USA, Canada and other countries, their features in the information society. The article shows similar approaches in the organization of the educational process. We revealed the signs of the national education system based on structural recommendations, the consequences of training and other resources relative to other countries, which will allow diplomats and managers to evaluate the consequences of educational practice, characterize the improvement of state policy in the field of education and make informed decisions about its improvement. The training of specialists in the modern information society requires taking into account the ideas of continuity, openness and anticipatory development. The article analyzes the prospects of creative application of the advanced beliefs of different countries of the world for the training of specialists in Ukraine in the conditions of the modern information society.
Giritli Bir Şair: Râmiz Celâl ve "Dîvân"ı
Authors: TURAN Selami , AK İsmail
Published: April 2023

Girit, günümüzde Yunanistan’a bağlı olup, Doğu Akdeniz’in Kıbrıs’tan sonra ikinci büyük adasıdır. Tarih boyunca stratejik bir öneme sahip olan ada, Akdeniz’i Ege’den ayıran önemli bir mevkidedir. Girit, 1645’ten 1913’e kadar yaklaşık üç asra yakın Osmanlı himayesinde kalmıştır. Bu himaye neticesinde adada siyasi hayatın yanı sıra sosyal, beşerî, kültürel, tasavvufi ve edebî bir hayat oluşmuştur. Girit’te yetişmiş manzum ve mensur eser veren sanatçıların sayısı ellinin üzerindedir. Adanın yetiştirdiği şairlerden biri de Râmiz Celȃl’dir. Hayatı hakkında kaynaklarda bilgi olmayan şairin Divan’ında yer alan şiirlerden hareketle XIX. yüzyılda yaşadığı ve Mevlevi tarikatına müntesip olduğu anlaşılmaktadır. Şairin tespit edilebilen tek eseri Divan’ıdır. Divan’ında farklı nazım şekillerinde şiirleri yer almaktadır. Çalışmada öncelikle Girit’teki edebî faaliyetler ele alınmış, akabinde bu edebî muhitte yetişmiş olan Giritli Rȃmiz Celȃl’in hayatı, tasavvufi yönü, edebî şahsiyeti ve eserleri hakkında bilgi verilmiştir. Ayrıca Divan’da yer alan şiirler şekil özellikleri açısından incelenmiştir.
The Effect of Health Professionals' Attitudes towards COVID-19 Vaccines on Hesitance Situations: The Mediator Role of Vaccine Confidence
Authors: KARAGÖZ Yalçın , YALMAN Fuat
Published: April 2023

Purpose of the research is to evaluate the attitudes, hesitancy and confidence of healthcare professionals towards COVID-19 vaccines during the second peak period of the COVID-19 epidemic in Turkey, and to determine the mediating role of vaccine confidence in the effect of their attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines on hesitancy. A hospital-based cross-sectional research design was used in the study. The population of the research consisted of the health workers of three different training and research hospitals operating in Istanbul. Convenience sampling method was preferred in the study. The data were collected by the researchers themselves using the online survey technique. A total of 440 questionnaires were evaluated. The data were analyzed with SPSS and AMOS package programs. The findings of the study revealed that nearly two-thirds of the participants had a positive attitude towards potential COVID-19 vaccines, partially having higher confidence and less hesitation. In addition, the empirical result of the study revealed that positive attitudes towards potential COVID-19 vaccines reduce vaccine hesitancy. In addition, it has been found that vaccine trust has a significant indirect effect and partially mediates the relationship between attitude towards potential COVID-19 vaccines and hesitancy. This research revealed that positive attitudes towards potential COVID-19 vaccines reduce vaccine hesitations through high vaccine confidence. Thus, increased positive attitudes towards potential COVID-19 vaccines and increased vaccine confidence were significantly associated with decreased vaccine hesitancy.
The Criminal Liability of the Licensed Notary in Jordanian Law
Authors:   Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Al qatawneh Ibrahim
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study is to explain the lack and deficiencies in the legal texts governing the provisions of criminal liability of the licensed notary public, in accordance with the system of licensing the notary public, and the statement of acts that occur during the performance of his work and is considered criminal or not criminal. The study found that there is a lack and deficiency in the legal texts governing the work of the licensed notary, in the sense that there are acts occurred from the licensed notary that are difficult to limit, which are not considered a criminal despite their seriousness and its gravity, which necessitates the need to criminalize them and impose deterrent penalties and counterfeiting and the rest of the criminal acts occured from it. The study was divided into two sections dealing with the first topic, what is the criminal liability, the licensed notary, and the second topic dealt with the provisions of the criminal liability of the licensed notary. The conclusion of the study concluded with the most important consequences and recommendations.
Effective Nurse Communication on The Level of Client Satisfaction in The Inpatient Room
Authors: Amaliah Noor , Anggraini Dessy Ana , Iswantoro Iswantoro
Published: April 2023

One of the factors that influence patient satisfaction with health services is communication by health workers. The implementation of nursing care is never separated from the interaction process that occurs between nurses and clients because nursing is based on a caring and helping relationship, in this relationship good communication is needed. Effective communication and quality of nursing services are factors that contribute to patient satisfaction. Clients as users of nursing services demand nursing services in accordance with their rights, namely quality and complete nursing services. Clients will complain if the perceived caring behavior does not provide satisfaction for him. Objective: To determine the relationship between effective nurse communication and the level of client satisfaction in the Inpatient Room. Methods: The design of this study was correlational with a cross sectional approach. The population in this study were clients who were treated in an inpatient room, totaling 20. Random sampling technique, the sample in this study was 17. Spearman's Rho correlation test with = 0.05. Results: In this study 14 respondents (82.4%) implemented effective communication and 3 respondents (17.6%) had not/less implemented effective communication and 14 respondents (82.4%) were satisfied and 3 respondents (17.6%) ) not satisfied. The results of the Spearman's Rho Correlation Test obtained p value = 0.000. The conclusion of the correlation between effective communication with client satisfaction is significant. With the Spearman Correlation value of 0.835, it shows that there is a relationship between effective nurse communication and the level of client satisfaction in the inpatient room.