bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Psychoactive Substance Misuse in Undergraduate University Students: The Case of Mekelle University, Ethiopia
Authors: Kahsay Znabu Hadush , Tesema Azeb Gebresilassie , Tesfa Ferehiwot Hailemariam , Gebretsadkan Bisrat Tewelde , Hagos Gebretsadik Welday , Hackett Maree L.
Published: October 2022

Background: Substance misuse is a public health concern among University students. Understanding the critical times and places for substance misuse among University students helps to inform effective preventive strategies. However, there is a dearth of studies in Ethiopian Universities on this topic. Here, we aimed to explore the patterns of psychoactive substance misuse, specifically about time and places, among undergraduate students at Mekelle University. Subject and Methods: An explorative qualitative study design was conducted in 2017. Five focus-group discussions among substance user students followed by eleven in-depth interviews with the user and non-user students, proctors, and a bar owners were conducted. In addition, four key informant researchers were involved. Participants were purposefully selected. The data were audio taped, transcribed verbatim and imported into Atlas.ti qualitative data analysis software version 7.5 for coding and analysis. Data were analyzed inductively to capture the emerging themes. Results: Our study showed that students consume alcohol in the evenings, on weekend days, holidays, after exams and at celebrations; smoke cigarettes after waking in the morning and after eating lunch. Concurrent substance use like smoking cigarettes, chewing Khat and drinking alcohol was evident. Khat chewing was reported mainly around noon, in the afternoon and on weekends. Substance use generally peaks at weekends, at the start and end of academic semesters, and when graduation approaches. However, students who become addicted may continue using substances. Students easily accessed and used substances around and inside the gates of the campuses. Conclusion: Event-specific celebrations are linked with substance misuse among University students. The ease with which students can access substances around the campuses increases the likelihood of substance misuse. Proactive interventions that include the provision of alcohol-free recreational alternatives to events on campus, high-risk substance misuse surveillance, tobacco cessation interventions, and promoting plain packaging are recommended.
Application of Nanotechnology Incorporated with Natural Ingredients in Natural Cosmetics
Authors: Mohd-Setapar Siti , John Clera , Mohd-Nasir Hasmida , Azim Muhammad , Ahmad Akil , Alshammari Mohammed
Published: October 2022

Technology and environmental innovations always have a growing emphasis and have affected various industries. Since the cosmetics industry is highly competitive and consumers always desire innovations in products, the cosmetics industry tends to launch new products to satisfy customer desires without exception. Recently, in the area of cosmeceuticals, the application of nanotechnology has been attempting to increase; however, it seems to be tackling certain disadvantages compared to traditional products. Cosmeceuticals based on nanotechnology offer the benefits of product differentiation, improved bioavailability, and prolonged effects of active ingredients. These are widely used as a regulated delivery medium for cosmeceuticals, such as shampoo, nail enamels, lotions, hair serums, and conditioners. Their wide application is attributed to their intrinsic properties, such as rapid penetration, stability, hydrating power, and texture. The ability of the nanoemulsion system to form small- and large-surface nanoparticles enable the bioactive components to be transported into the skin more effectively. Furthermore, natural cosmetics are a general term that refers to all preparations for external conditioning and beautifying of the body from ingredients produced by or found in nature. The purpose of this review is to understand the nature of natural cosmetics which incorporate nanotechnology for better encapsulation and a better drug delivery system. The importance of innovations in the cosmetic industry is also discussed.
All-Fiber High-Energy Mode-Locked Ytterbium-Doped Fiber Laser with Bismuth Telluride Nanosheet Saturable Absorber
Authors: Haris Hazlihan , Batumalay Malathy , Jin Tan Sin , Muhammad Ahmad Razif , Markom Arni Munira , Izani Muhamad Hakim , Hasnan Megat Muhammad Ikhsan Megat , Saad Ismail
Published: October 2022

Utilizing bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) nanosheet saturable absorbers (SA), a remarkable source of continuous-wave infrared radiation known for its high efficiency and wide range of accessible wavelengths, has been successfully developed. The mode-locking bright pulses have a repetition frequency of 9.5 MHz and a pulse width of 0.6 ps at a power level of 203.5 mW. The optical spectrum has its center at 1050.23 nm and delivers pulse energies of 2.13 nJ and output power of 20.3 mW. Using a straightforward 18 m long ring design and a laser cavity with a −19.9 ps2/km dispersion, a 44 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was achieved to demonstrate the pulse’s strong stability.
Comparative Performances of Natural Dyes Extracted from Mentha Leaves, Helianthus Annuus Leaves, and Fragaria Fruit for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Abdulrahman Zainab Haider , Hachim Dhafer Manea , Al-murshedi Ahmed Salim Naser , Kamil Furkan , Al-Manea Ahmed , Yusaf Talal
Published: October 2022

During the last four centuries, there have been extensive research activities looking for green and clean sources of energy instead of traditional (fossil) energy in order to reduce the accumulation of gases and environmental pollution. Natural dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are one of the most promising types of photovoltaic cells for generating clean energy at a low cost. In this study, DSSCs were collected and experimentally tested using four different dyes extracted from Mentha leaves, Helianthus annuus leaves, Fragaria, and a mixture of the above extracts in equal proportions as natural stimuli for TiO2 films. The result show that solar energy was successfully turned into electricity. Additionally, DSSCs based on mixtures of dyes showed better results than those based on single dyes. Efficiency (η) was 0.714%, and the fill factor (FF) was 83.3% for the cell area.
Complex Permittivity of Ex-Vivo Human, Bovine and Porcine Brain Tissues in the Microwave Frequency Range
Authors: Matković Anđela , Kordić Anton , Jakovčević Antonia , Šarolić Antonio
Published: October 2022

Accurate knowledge about the dielectric properties of biological tissues in the microwave frequency range may lead to advancement of biomedical applications based on microwave technology. However, the published data are very scarce, especially for human brain tissues. The aim of this work was to measure and report the complex permittivity of brain white matter, grey matter and cerebellum. Complex permittivity was measured on human, bovine and porcine brain tissues in the microwave frequency range from 0.5 to 18 GHz using an open-ended coaxial probe. The results present a valuable addition to the available data on the brain tissue complex permittivity. Some noticeable variations between the results lead to several conclusions. Complex permittivity variation within the same tissue type of the individual species was comparable to interspecies variation. The difference was prominent between human brains obtained from autopsies, while bovine brains obtained from healthy animals showed very similar complex permittivity. We hypothesize that the difference might have been caused by the basic pathologies of the patients, where the associated therapies could have affected the brain water content. We also examined the effect of excised tissue degradation on its complex permittivity over the course of three days, and the results suggest the gradual dehydration of the samples.
Comparative Study of DNA Extraction Methods for the PCR Detection of Intestinal Parasites in Human Stool Samples
Authors: Srirungruang Siriporn , Mahajindawong Buraya , Nimitpanya Panachai , Bunkasem Uthaitip , Ayuyoe Pattama , Nuchprayoon Surang , Sanprasert Vivornpun
Published: October 2022

Stool samples typically contain PCR inhibitors; however, helminths are difficult to lyse and can cause false-negative PCR results. We assessed the effective methods for extracting DNA from different kinds of intestinal parasites. We compared the most common DNA extraction methods from stool samples, including the phenol-chloroform technique with or without a bead-beating step (P and PB), a QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini Kit (Q), and a QIAamp PowerFecal Pro DNA Kit (QB). Genomic DNA was extracted from 85 stool samples collected from patients infected with Blastocystis sp., Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworm, and Strongyloides stercoralis. DNA quantity and DNA quality were evaluated via spectrophotometry, and DNA integrity was assessed by PCR. We found that P and PB provided higher DNA yields (~4 times) than when using Q and QB. However, P showed the lowest detection rate of PCR (8.2%), wherein only S. stercoralis (7 out of 20 samples) was detected. QB showed the highest detection rate of PCR (61.2%). After plasmid spikes, only 5 samples by QB were negative while 60 samples by P were still negative. Remarkably, QB could extract DNA from all the groups of parasites that we tested. These results indicate that QB is the most effective DNA extraction method for the diagnosis and monitoring of intestinal parasites via PCR.
The Structure and Organizations of ICHD-3 Differential Diagnoses through DiffNet: A Pilot Study
Authors: Zhang Pengfei
Published: October 2022

Differential diagnosis is fundamental to medicine. Using DiffNet, a differential diagnosis generator, as a model, we studied the structure and organization of how collections of diagnoses (i.e., sets of diagnoses) are related in the ICHD3. Furthermore, we explored the clinical and theoretical implication of these answers. Methods: DiffNet is a freely distributed differential diagnosis generator for headaches using graph theoretical properties of ICHD3: (1) DiffNet considers each ICHD3 diagnosis as a node. (2) An edge exists between two ICHD3 diagnoses if they are connected by either classification hierarchy or are cross-referenced in ICHD3 comment section. In the current project, we generated a set of differential diagnoses using DiffNet for each ICHD3 diagnosis. We then determined algorithmically the set/subset relationship between these sets. We also determined the smallest list of ICHD3 diagnosis whose differential diagnoses would encompass the totality of ICHD3 diagnoses. Results: All ICHD3 diagnoses can be represented by a minimum of 92 differential diagnosis sets. Differential diagnosis sets for 10 of the 14 first digit subcategories of ICHD3 are represented by more than one differential diagnosis sets. Fifty-one of the 93 differential diagnosis sets contain multiple subset relationships; the remaining 42 do not enter into any set/subset relationship with other differential diagnosis sets. Finally, we included a hierarchical presentation of differential diagnosis sets in ICHD3 according to DiffNet. Conclusion: We propose a way of interpreting headache differential diagnoses as partial ordered sets (i.e., poset). For clinicians, fluency in the 93 diagnoses and their differential, as put forth here, implies a complete description of ICHD3. On a theoretical level, interpreting ICHD3 differential diagnosis as poset allows for researchers to translate differential diagnoses sets topologically, algebraically, and categorically.
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia in a Woman with Thalassemia Intermedia: Case Report and Review of Literature on Hematological Malignancies in β-Thalassemia Patients
Authors: Pellegrino Claudio , Dragonetti Giulia , Chiusolo Patrizia , Rossi Monica , Orlando Nicoletta , Teofili Luciana
Published: October 2022

Patients affected by transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia are prone to developing several clinical complications, mostly related to the iron overload. We report the case of a patient affected by transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) developing acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). In our case, the therapeutic management was significantly complicated not only by myocardial dysfunction, but also by the occurrence of the differentiation syndrome following all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) administration. We carried out a careful revision of the current literature on the occurrence of hematological malignancies in β-thalassemia patients to investigate the major complications so far described. APL occurrence in β-thalassemia patients has been very rarely reported, and our experience suggests that TDT patients suffering pre-existing comorbidities may develop a potentially fatal complication during ATRA therapy.
Natural Hollow Fiber-Derived Carbon Microtube with Broadband Microwave Attenuation Capacity
Authors: Zhao Yanfang , Long Aichun , Zhao Pengfei , Liao Lusheng , Wang Rui , Li Gaorong , Wang Bingbing , Liao Xiaoxue , Yu Rentong , Liao Jianhe
Published: October 2022

Constructing hierarchical structures is indispensable to tuning the electromagnetic properties of carbon-based materials. Here, carbon microtubes with nanometer wall thickness and micrometer diameter were fabricated by a feasible approach with economical and sustainable kapok fiber. The carbonized kapok fiber (CKF) exhibits microscale pores from the inherent porous templates as well as pyrolysis-induced nanopores inside the wall, affording the hierarchical carbon microtube with excellent microwave absorbing performance over broad frequency. Particularly, CKF-650 exhibits an optimized reflection loss (RL) of −62.46 dB (10.32 GHz, 2.2 mm), while CKF-600 demonstrates an effective absorption bandwidth (RL < −10 dB) of 6.80 GHz (11.20–18.00 GHz, 2.8 mm). Moreover, more than 90% of the incident electromagnetic wave ranging from 2.88 GHz to 18.00 GHz can be dissipated by simply controlling the carbonization temperature of KF and/or the thickness of the carbon-microtube-based absorber. These encouraging findings provide a facile alternative route to fabricate microwave absorbers with broadband attenuation capacity by utilizing sustainable biomass.
Genotoxic Aspects of Psychoactive Substances
Authors: Oliveira Nuno G. , Dinis-Oliveira Ricardo Jorge
Published: October 2022

Exposure to psychoactive substances is undoubtedly a serious public health issue that should be carefully analyzed from different perspectives. Regarding the types of toxic effects inflicted by these xenobiotics, it is already known that many of the common abused psychoactives have shown positive genotoxicity findings in complementary genetic toxicology assays. Nevertheless, while there are several experimental articles and reviews on this topic, it is also clear that additional information, particularly mechanistic studies, is still needed. This article addresses these issues, pointing out some aspects of the potential genotoxicity of psychoactive substances that should be further explored, and suggests some possible approaches that could be valuable in future toxicological studies.
Decolorization and Biodegradability Enhancement of Synthetic Batik Wastewater Containing Reactive Black 5 and Reactive Orange 16 by Ozonation
Authors: Pramugani Ahsin , Shimizu Toshiyuki , Goto Shinpei , Argo Teti Armiati , Soda Satoshi
Published: October 2022

The batik industry generates large amounts of highly colored wastewater. Azo dyes in batik wastewater can cause environmental pollution. In this study, synthetic batik wastewater containing 32 mg/L Reactive Black 5 (RB5) and 32 mg/L Reactive Orange 16 (RO16) was treated by ozonation in a 2 L batch reactor. The wastewater color unit was reduced from 4240 to 70 after 10 min ozonation and to below 50 after 15 min ozonation (7.3 g O3/m3, 4 L/min). The first-order decay constant for 5 min ozonation was determined to be 1.11 min−1 for RB5 and 0.82 min−1 for RO16. Biodegradation tests using activated-sludge microorganisms showed the toxicity of RB5 and RO16 for microbial respiration and revealed the detoxification of the dyes by ozonation. Three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy analysis indicated the temporal accumulation of ozonolysis products of RO16 and RB5. The chemical oxygen demand concentration of the wastewater was reduced from 86 mg/L to 73 mg/L by biodegradation alone, 63 mg/L by ozonation alone, and 54 mg/L by ozonation followed by biodegradation. Existing wastewater treatment plants using conventional bioprocesses can be upgraded to achieve robust dye treatment by installing the ozonation process as a pretreatment.
Synthesis and Investigation of TiO2/g-C3N4 Performance for Photocatalytic Degradation of Bromophenol Blue and Eriochrome Black T: Experimental Design Optimization and Reactive Oxygen Species Contribution
Authors: Hassan Fadimatou , Bonnet Pierre , Dangwang Dikdim Jean Marie , Gatcha Bandjoun Nadege , Caperaa Christophe , Dalhatou Sadou , Kane Abdoulaye , Zeghioud Hicham
Published: October 2022

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) based photocatalyst was synthesized and the photocatalytic performance was investigated for the removal of Eriochrome Black T (EBT) and Bromophenol Blue (BPB) under UV irradiation. The prepared materials were characterized by SEM-EDX, XRD, Raman, FTIR and DRS. Higher degradation efficiency for the same initial concentrations of EBT and BPB in presence of TiO2/g-C3N4 have been achieved within 160 min of irradiation. The kinetic study showed that the photodegradation of BPB by TiO2/g-C3N4 follows pseudo-first-order kinetics with an R2 value of 0.98. The addition of persulfate (PS) in BPB solution improved the degradation yield from 8.81% to 80.14% within 20 min of UV light irradiation. A Box-Behnken model was developed from three factors and Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to identify the optimum conditions for the treatment of BPB solution by TiO2/g-C3N4. The experimental values of degradation of BPB agreed with predicted values obtained from central composite design (CCD) analysis with an R2 value of 0.9999. The scavenger study revealed that superoxide radical anion (O2•−) plays a key role (68.89% of contribution) followed by OH• and h+ with 22.40% and 15.55% of contribution, respectively. This study has obviously exhibited the potential of TiO2/g-C3N4 composite as a promising catalyst for photocatalytic purposes.
Impacts of Spatial Interpolation Methods on Daily Streamflow Predictions with SWAT
Authors: Felix Micah Lourdes , Jung Kwansue
Published: October 2022

Precipitation is a significant input variable required in hydrological models such as the Soil & Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). The utilization of inaccurate precipitation data can result in the poor representation of the true hydrologic conditions of a catchment. SWAT utilizes the conventional nearest neighbor method in assigning weather parameters for each subbasin; a method inaccurate in representing spatial variations in precipitation over a large area, with sparse network of gauging stations. Therefore, this study aims to improve the spatial variation in precipitation data to improve daily streamflow simulation with SWAT, even pre-model calibration. The daily streamflow based on four interpolation methods, nearest neighbor (default), inverse-distance-weight, radial-basis function, and ordinary kriging, were evaluated to determine which interpolation method is best represents the precipitation at Yongdam watershed. Based on the results of this study, the application of spatial interpolation methods generally improved the performance of SWAT to simulate daily streamflow even pre-model calibration. In addition, no universal method can accurately represent the long-term spatial variation of precipitation at the Yongdam watershed. Instead, it was observed that the optimal selection of interpolation method at the Yongdam watershed is dependent on the long-term climatological conditions of the watershed. It was also observed that each interpolation method was optimal based on certain meteorological conditions at Yongdam watershed: nearest neighbor for cases when the occurrence probability of extreme precipitation is high during wet to moderately wet conditions; radial-basis function for cases when the number of dry days were high, during wet, severely dry, and extremely dry conditions; and ordinary kriging or inverse-weight-distance method for dry to moderately dry conditions. The methodology applied in this study improved the daily streamflow simulations at Yongdam watershed, even pre-model calibration of SWAT.
A Localized Assessment of Groundwater Quality Status Using GIS-Based Water Quality Index in Industrial Zone of Faisalabad, Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Ahsan Saif , Rashid Haroon , Khan Shahbaz Nasir , Akbar Muhammad Umar , Arshad Arfan , Rahman Md. Masudur , Mustafa Shumaila
Published: October 2022

Groundwater risks driven by population growth and industrialization in metropolitan cities have become a worldwide problem. Faisalabad is Pakistan’s third largest city with a population of more than 2 million and is renowned for its diverse industries. Many factories in the area dump their untreated effluent into nearby drainage systems, having a direct negative effect on the marine ecosystem. This research focuses on the Madhuana drain and Khurrianwala industrial region of Faisalabad to investigate groundwater quality status. Sixty water samples from groundwater bore wells and open wells were obtained, and all these samples were subjected to lab experiments for physical and chemical analysis. Sixteen physiochemical parameters, namely, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, carbonate, Ca2+, Fe, HCO3−, Cl−, Mg2+, SO24−, As, Cr, Cu, and Mn, were examined. To provide a comprehensive picture of water quality from a human perspective, we calculated the water quality index (WQI) by integrating 16 physiochemical criteria. The results revealed that a larger proportion had poor drinking quality due to direct releases of toxins by industries. It was observed that 87% of the water samples showed an unsuitable status of groundwater for drinking purposes in terms of pH, EC, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Cr. The results of this study could be used to build and construct wastewater treatment plant facilities for the Madhuana drain, reducing pollution loads on the drain and river, as well as contaminant seepage rates into groundwater. The research’s resulting maps will help policymakers to manage groundwater supplies more efficiently for sustainable development.
Advances in Urban Groundwater and Sustainable Water Resources Management and Planning: Insights for Improved Designs with Nature, Hazards, and Society
Authors: Chaminé Helder I. , Afonso Maria José , Barbieri Maurizio
Published: October 2022

“It appears therefore that, in early times, Man’s interference with the natural flow of water consisted mainly in taking water from rivers and springs, and that this water would find its way back, in a polluted condition, into the rivers, having suffered some reduction in quantity by evaporation [...]
Removal of Synthetic Dye from Aqueous Solution Using MnFe2O4-GO Catalyzed Heterogeneous Electro-Fenton Process
Authors: Anil Gayathri , Scaria Jaimy , Nidheesh Puthiya Veetil
Published: October 2022

In the present study, heterogeneous electro-Fenton (HEF) process using MnFe2O4-GO catalyst is employed for the successful removal of dye from aqueous solution. Pt coated over titanium and graphite felt were used as the electrodes. The study focuses on the efficiency of the electrodes and catalyst used for the successful removal of Rhodamine B (RhB) from aqueous solution and the application of the same in real textile wastewater. The effect of various operational parameters like pH, applied voltage, catalyst concentration, initial pollutant concentration and effect of ions were investigated. The optimized condition of the electrolytic system was found as pH 3, applied voltage of 3 V, and catalyst concentration of 20 mg L−1 for the removal of 10 ppm RhB. At the optimized condition, 97.51% ± 0.0002 RhB removal was obtained after an electrolysis time of 60 min. The role of individual systems of Fe, Mn, GO and MnFe2O4 without support were compared with that of catalyst composite. On examining the practical viability in real textile effluent, a significant colour reduction was observed (reduced by 61.24% ± 0.0261 in 60 min). Along with this, the biodegradability enhancement (BOD/COD ratio from 0.07 to 0.21) after treatment was also observed.
Occurrence, Distribution and Ecological Risk Assessment of Contaminants in Baiyangdian Lake, China
Authors: He Sinan , Lin Mengjing , Shi Longyu , Chen Dingkai
Published: October 2022

Understanding the ecosystem risk of contaminants in the surface water of lakes in scenic areas is important for environmental management. Here, a comprehensive ecological risk assessment evaluation method was established to assess the ecological risk of 14 water quality indicators of Baiyangdian Lake in the spring, summer, and autumn. The results show that the indices of ammonia nitrogen and permanganate exceed the Class III standard limit for water quality. Baiyangdian Lake is generally in a state of mesotrophication, and some areas are slightly eutrophic; the degree of eutrophication is higher in the summer and autumn than in the spring. The lake water at the inlet is eutrophic and polluted, with an inferior water quality. Heavy metals are almost not detected in Baiyangdian Lake. The heavy metal pollution indices of Nanliuzhuang and Caiputai are slightly higher than those of other areas. The ecological risk quotient of petroleum is high. The comprehensive ecological risk of the Baiyangdian Lake is at Level 4, owing to the continuous development of aquaculture and tourism in recent years. We should start the monitoring, management, and strengthening of water quality supervision to achieve the ecological and environmental planning goals of Baiyangdian Lake.
Novel Vertical Flow Wetland Filtration Combined with Co-Zeotype Material Based Catalytic Ozonation Process for the Treatment of Municipal Wastewater
Authors: Qazi Umair Yaqub , Ikhlaq Amir , Akram Asia , Rizvi Osama Shaheen , Javed Farhan , Ul-Hasan Iftikhar , Alazmi Amira , Ibn Shamsah Sami M. , Javaid Rahat
Published: October 2022

Municipal wastewater treatment to recycling level is an important means to conserve water resources. Untreated wastewater leads to a reduction in per capita availability of water and an increase in environmental pollution. Therefore, in the current study, a filtration process based on Typha Angustifolia planted vertical flow wetland and Rice husk (VFCW) in combination with catalytic ozonation based on Cobalt loaded zeotype catalyst was used for the first time to treat municipal wastewater. The results at optimized conditions show that about 89%, 93%, and 97% of BOD5, COD, and TKN respectively were removed based on combined VFCW/Co-zeotype/O3 processes. More than 90% elimination of heavy metals including Cr, Cu, Cd, Fe, Ni, and Zn was also observed. Hence, it is concluded that the VFCW/Co-zeotype/O3 process has potential as an alternative to conventional treatment for municipal wastewater treatment.
Assessment of Urbanization-Induced Land-Use Change and Its Impact on Temperature, Evaporation, and Humidity in Central Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Binh Quang , Tran Thanh-Nhan-Duc , Grodzka-Łukaszewska Maria , Sinicyn Grzegorz , Lakshmi Venkataraman
Published: October 2022

In the present day, the acceleration of urban surface heat impacts resulting from urbanization and industrialization is critical for citizens and municipal governments in developing-country cities. The previous key findings have indicated the association between urban surface heat and the following areas: forests, mixed agricultural land, built-up area, and water bodies. This study was motivated by a lack of knowledge regarding the variation of temperature, evaporation, and humidity in Central Vietnam’s major region. The non-parametric Mann–Kendall test, Sen’s slope estimator, and Landsat image analysis were employed to determine the trend and statistical significance of the variables across the 42-year study period for Da Nang city and Quang Nam province. Our results show that Da Nang city has a consistent trend with a high correlation between temperature, evaporation, and relative humidity, whereas Quang Nam province showed an inverse relationship between temperature and relative humidity since the beginning of the regional urbanization. The maximum, minimum, and mean temperatures have increased by at least 0.29 °C in Quang Nam province and 0.71 °C in Da Nang city since 2000. Between 1979 and 2021, the frequency of days with temperatures exceeding 35 °C has increased by two and seven days during the past decade at the meteorological stations in Da Nang and Tam Ky, respectively. The temperature in Da Nang city varied from 31.80 °C to 32.82 °C with high temperatures concentrated in urbanized regions with less coverage of small trees, plants, and water bodies. Thus, the results of this study will serve as a scientific basis for decision-makers and regional officials for land-use management and to increase community awareness of sustainable planning, particularly in Da Nang city and Quang Nam province in Central Vietnam.
Water Productivity and Harvest Index Response of Paddy Rice with Alternate Wetting and Drying Practice for Adaptation to Climate Change
Authors: Bwire Denis , Saito Hirotaka , Mugisha Moses , Nabunya Victo
Published: October 2022

The current water scarcity and world population increase cause the need for more food, pushing the demand on water resources due to crop production such as rice. Increasing agricultural water productivity by reducing the amount of irrigation water without affecting the yields, especially in paddy rice, is necessary. This is possible with alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation. This study was conducted under greenhouse conditions at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan to evaluate the response of yield, water productivity and harvest index with different water regimes. The experiment was performed in pots with four water regimes as treatments and three replications, making 12 pots. The water regimes were continuous flooding irrigation as control and three AWD conditions—AWD5, AWD10 and AWD15—in which pots were irrigated when water reached 5, 10 and 15 cm soil depth, respectively, after the disappearance of surface ponding water. Yield components, harvest indexes and water productivity showed no significant difference (p < 0.05) between irrigation treatments. In this research, as there is more than a 25% reduction in water use and only 6.4% in grain yield, AWD15 was considered the best irrigation practice among the other treatments. This study provides data reference for theoretical scientific knowledge and understanding of safe AWD practice for countries facing water shortages.
Model-Based Optimization of Design Parameters of Subsurface Drain in Cotton Field under Mulch Drip Irrigation
Authors: Xu Yibin , Liu Hongguang , Gong Ping , Li Pengfei , Li Ling , Xu Qiang , Xue Bao , Guo Yaru , Zhang Yao , Tian Rumeng
Published: October 2022

In this study, the influence of the relevant parameters of a subsurface pipe layout on soil water and salt transport in a cotton field under mulched drip irrigation is explored. Based on the measured data of the changes in the groundwater level and salt in the field, the DRAINMOD numerical model has been used for simulating the water and salt dynamics of a salinized cotton field under subsurface pipe drainage. The results of the investigation show that the DRAINMOD model can accurately simulate the changes in the hydrological conditions and the salt-leaching process in the study area. The average deviation between the simulated and measured values of the groundwater depth in 2013 and 2014 was −1.72 cm and 2.43 cm, the average absolute deviation was 3.84 cm and 2.43 cm, the root mean square error was 5.14 cm and 3.63 cm, and the correlation coefficient was 0.87 and 0.94, respectively. The average deviation between the simulated and measured values of soil salinity in 2013 and 2014 was −0.68 g/kg and −1.86 g/kg, the average absolute deviation was 1.60 g/kg and 1.99 g/kg, the root mean square error was 1.95 g/kg and 2.99 g/kg, and the correlation coefficient was 0.82 and 0.86, respectively, which are all within the acceptable error range. After validation, the model was used to simulate and analyze the desalination process of a cotton field in the study area for 27 different subsurface pipe layout modes. The projection pursuit classification model has been combined with the accelerated genetic algorithm based on real-number coding. The comprehensive benefits of the subsurface pipe layout were evaluated using the construction cost, average desalination rate, and relative yield of cotton as the evaluation indices. The results show that C11 (buried depth 2.1 m, spacing 30 m) is the optimal layout of the subsurface pipe. The results of this study can provide theoretical support and scientific guidance for the popularization and application of subsurface pipe salt discharge technology and drip irrigation under film in the arid inland areas of northwest China.
The Temporal–Spatial Dynamic Distributions of Soil Water and Salt under Deep Vertical Rotary Tillage on Coastal Saline Soil
Authors: Li Wenxiu , Yang Jingsong , Tang Chong , Liu Xiaoyuan , Xie Wenping , Yao Rongjiang , Wang Xiangping
Published: October 2022

Different from the traditional deep tillage, deep vertical rotary tillage can smash deep soil without disturbing the soil layer, which improves soil water infiltration and promotes salt leaching. This has gradually been applied in the research into saline alkali improvements. However, there is limited knowledge about the effect of deep vertical rotary tillage on the temporal–spatial distributions of soil water and salt under the shallow underground water level. Therefore, a preliminary soil column experiment was carried out to explore the results of water and salt movement under three different tillage methods: traditional rotary tillage depth of 20 cm (XG−20), deep vertical rotary tillage depth of 20 cm (FL−20) and deep vertical rotary tillage depth of 40 cm (FL−40). The temporal–spatial variation in soil water and salt was analyzed. The results showed that the average infiltration rate of FL−40 increased by 1.25 and 0.46 cm h−1 in 0−40 cm soil layer compared with that of XG−20 and FL−20. At the same time, soil water content was also increased, and the order of soil water content was FL−40 > FL−20 > XG−20. With the increase in tillage depth, the desalinization rate and the soil electric conductivity (EC) of FL−40 were increased and decreased, respectively. The FL−40 treatment’s average desalinization rates increased by 16.32% and 13.99% compared with XG−20 and FL−20 treatments’ in 0−60 cm soil layer. In conclusion, FL−40 had a better effect on regulating water and salt. The deep vertical rotary tillage provided an effective method for the control and optimization of water and salt in coastal saline soil.
Assessment of Seasonal Changes on the Carbon Cycle in the Critical Zone of a Surface Water (SW)–Groundwater (GW) System
Authors: Karlović Igor , Marković Tamara , Kanduč Tjaša , Vreča Polona
Published: October 2022

Groundwater is a valuable source of water for human consumption, and its quality is a current issue worldwide. Understanding carbon and water cycling presents the basis of biogeochemical reactions occurring in the aquifer; therefore, understanding their interaction is imperative for sustainable water management. In the paper, this interaction was investigated within the complex surface water (SW)–groundwater (GW) system in the Varaždin region (Croatia) by using a multi-parameter approach: δ13CDIC values, carbon species (DIC, DOC), δ18O and δ2H values, geochemical indicators (T, pH, DO, EC), and δ13C measurements in solids. Both δ18O/δ2H and δ13CDIC were recognized as good indicators to differentiate shallow and deep GW. Transit time of water (TT) was evaluated as an important parameter in controlling carbon cycling within the SW–GW system. Shallow GW is characterized by shorter TT, seasonal changes in carbon species and δ13CDIC, and lower possibility of carbon capture in the system. Deep GW has longer TT without pronounced seasonal changes in carbon species and δ13CDIC. The conceptual model of the carbon cycle revealed major sources and sinks of CO2 in the study area. Our results suggest that GW acts as both source and sink for CO2, depending on the prevailing geochemical process. Surface waters are primarily a source of CO2, excluding the gravel pit, which acts primarily as a sink for CO2. Our study shows that the current SW–GW dynamics regulate carbon balance without having negative impacts on groundwater quality but also demonstrates that implementing carbon cycle in water management studies is of vital importance for sustainable use of groundwater.
Debris Flow Prediction Based on the Fast Multiple Principal Component Extraction and Optimized Broad Learning
Authors: Xu Genqi , Yan Xin-E , Cao Ning , Ma Jing , Xie Guokun , Li Lu
Published: October 2022

In the current research of debris flow geological disaster prediction, determining reasonable disaster-inducing factors and ensuring the accuracy and rapidity of the prediction model are considered vital issues, and also, essential foundations for disaster early warning and disaster prevention and mitigation. Aiming at the problems of low prediction accuracy and long prediction time in the current debris flow research, firstly, six debris flow impact factors were selected relying on the fast multiple principal component extraction (FMPCE) algorithm, including rainfall, slope gradient, gully bed gradient, relative height difference, soil moisture content and pore water pressure. Next, based on the broad learning (BL) algorithm, the debris flow prediction model based on FMPCE and the optimized BL is established with the input of debris flow-inducing factors and the output of debris flow probability. Then the model is optimized using matrix stochastic approximate singular value decomposition (SVD), and the debris flow disaster prediction model, based on SVDBL, is constructed. The prediction results of the optimized model are compared with those of the gradient descent optimized the BP neural network model(GD-BP), Support Vector Machines model(SVM) based on grid search and BL model. The results show that the accuracy of SVDBL is 7.5% higher than that of GD-BP, 3% higher than that of SVM and 0.5% higher than that of BL. The RMSE sum of SVDBL was 0.05870, 0.0478 and 0.0227 less than that of GD-BPSVM and BL, respectively; the MAPE sum of SVDBL was 1.95%, 1.66% and 0.49% less than that of GD-BPSVM and BL; the AUC values of SVDBL were 12.75%, 7.64% and 2.79% higher than those of the above three models, respectively. In addition, the input dataset is expanded to compare the training time of each model. The simulation results show that the prediction accuracy of this model is the highest and the training time is the shortest after the dataset is expanded. This study shows that the BL can be used for debris flow prediction, and can also provide references for disaster early warning and prevention.
Covid payments to medical workers: current changes
Authors:   Federal State Educational Budgetary Institution of Higher Education “Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation”, Moscow, Russia, Dombrovskaya E.N.
Published: October 2022

The article considers the changes that have been introduced in terms of the implementation of coronavirus compensation payments to employees of medical and other organizations. The changes in the current procedure are related to the adoption of Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1268 of July 15, 2022 “On the procedure for providing compensation payments to certain categories of persons at risk of contracting a new coronavirus infection”. On the basis of Government Decree No. 1268, methodological recommendations of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labor of Russia were adopted, which contain organizational and methodological tools for making payments. The article presents a consistent overview of new documents, details of the introduced procedure for making compensation payments are disclosed, examples of calculation are given.
“Observatório em Saúde Mental” como dispositivo de educação permanente na Atenção Primária à Saúde
Authors: Figueiredo Eugênia Bridget Gadêlha , Macedo João Paulo , Carvalho Davi Magalhães , Magalhães Mayara Alves
Published: October 2022

O “Observatório em Saúde Mental” foi uma experiência de extensão universitária, que articulou ações com o ensino e a pesquisa, no objetivo de diminuir a distância entre a formação profissional, a realidade dos serviços e o trabalho em saúde, a partir das reformas sanitária e psiquiátrica. Para tanto, com base na pesquisa-ação, levantamos as demandas de saúde mental na atenção primária do município de Parnaíba-PI, a fim de realizar ações de educação permanente junto às equipes profissionais, gestores, usuários e estudantes extensionistas, por meio de rodas de cogestão. Como resultados, a partir do levantamento de indicadores em saúde mental e a discussão da realidade sanitária, ambiental e social dos territórios investigados, ampliou-se a capacidade de análise e intervenção dos atores envolvidos, especialmente dos estudantes, que tiveram a oportunidade de vivenciar uma formação voltada para o encontro com a vida e com os acontecimentos do cotidiano dos serviços.
Fatores associados ao tempo e à frequência do aleitamento materno
Authors: Silva Ana Carolline Pereira , Andrade Bárbara Danelon , Martins Thais Campos , Santos Marcela Thiago Mendes dos , Oliveira Renata Maria Souza , Cândido Ana Paula Carlos , Netto Michele Pereira
Published: October 2022

Objetivos: Avaliar os fatores que determinam o tipo e o tempo de aleitamento materno, bem como delinear sobre a situação social e nutricional de mulheres atendidas na rede de atenção primária à saúde no município de Juiz de Fora (MG). Métodos: Realizaram-se quatro avaliações: a primeira no terceiro trimestre da gestação, e as outras, nos 1º, 3º e 6º meses pós-parto. Inicialmente, aplicou-se um questionário sobre amamentação e um Recordatório 24 horas, também aplicado no 6º mês pós-parto. Posteriormente, questionou-se sobre a frequência, tipo de aleitamento e dificuldades no manejo. Resultados: As variáveis que influenciaram significativamente no aleitamento materno exclusivo nos 1°, 3° e 6° meses foram: maior consumo mediano de Vitamina C e B9, maior desempenho no teste sobre amamentação, idade da mãe entre 20 e 35 anos, consumo adequado de carboidratos e suplementação de complexo vitamínico. Os fatores protetores do aleitamento materno exclusivo ou predominante foram: apresentar alguma dificuldade para amamentar e dieta inadequada em relação aos lipídios. Já os fatores de risco foram: fumo na gestação, não saber responder sobre o correto manejo da lactação e renda familiar menor que um salário mínimo. Conclusões: Variáveis maternas, dietéticas, socioeconômicas e conhecimentos sobre o manejo da lactação influenciaram no tempo e tipo do aleitamento materno.
Teleatendimento em tempos da Covid-19: uma estratégia de cuidado longitudinal a grupos prioritários atendidos na Atenção Primária à Saúde, no município de Salvador, BA
Authors: Rios David Ramos da Silva , Lopez Fidalgo Caroline
Published: October 2022

A pandemia da Covid-19 desencadeou uma gama de alterações no funcionamento das unidades de saúde. No caso específico da atenção primária observa-se um remodelamento dos processos de trabalho, das interações entre profissionais de saúde e usuários no acesso aos serviços. O presente artigo objetiva apresentar uma proposta de teleatendimento para pessoas portadores de hipertensão arterial e diabetes na Unidade de Saúde da Família Prof. Sabino Silva, em Salvador-Bahia, que poderá ser replicada em outros contextos. Elaborada de forma dialógica por residentes de Medicina de Família e Comunidade, a referida proposta poderá propiciar inúmeros benefícios: maior integração entre os membros da equipe de saúde; garantia de monitoramento das pessoas adscritas na unidade; manutenção da longitudinalidade do cuidado; redução da exposição das pessoas à Covid-19; reordenamento do acesso ao serviço de saúde; maior participação dos profissionais em trabalho remoto.
Caracterização da funcionalidade familiar de idosos na Saúde da Família: um estudo transversal
Authors: Sardinha Ana Hélia de Lima , Sousa Larissa Garreto , Sousa Sara Maria Ferreira de , Almeida Joelson dos Santos
Published: October 2022

Introdução: A funcionalidade familiar visa verificar a existência ou ausência da harmônica nas interações familiares em que os idosos estão envolvidos, pois as famílias são responsabilizadas em prestar cuidados junto à Saúde da Família promovendo o envelhecimento saudável. Objetivo: Caracterizar a funcionalidade familiar dos idosos atendidos na Estratégia Saúde da Família. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com abordagem quantitativa, realizado no Centro de Saúde (CS) no período de setembro de 2018 a novembro de 2019, situado na cidade de São Luís/MA. A população do estudo foi composta por idosos cadastrados no CS. Sendo avaliadas as seguintes variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas e o instrumento para avaliar a funcionalidade familiar - APGAR Familiar com as dimensões: adaptação, companheirismo, desenvolvimento, afetividade e capacidade resolutiva. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 148 idosos, o sexo feminino predominou (64,9%), cor parda (64,2%), casados (46%), com arranjo familiar monoparental (37,2%), boa funcionalidade familiar (91,2%) e a categoria desenvolvimento destacou-se (83,1%). Conclusão: A funcionalidade familiar é um fenômeno complexo, apesar disso foi possível constatar boa funcionalidade, com ponto forte o incentivo das famílias na autonomia dos idosos.
Trabalho e população em situação de rua
Authors: De Souza Carvalho Pollyanna , Silva Leda Regina de Barros
Published: October 2022

Através de pesquisas sobre população em situação de rua, organizadas a nível nacional em 2007-2008 e na esfera local, entre 2018 e 2019, em Campos dos Goytacazes/RJ, bem como a partir de estudos sobre documentos produzidos e depoimentos colhidos em eventos locais, o artigo apresenta reflexões com aproximações analíticas acerca da relação entre os moradores em situação de rua e o mundo do trabalho. Apresenta uma conjuntura de mundialização do capital e de efeitos deletérios no campo dos direitos, sinalizando como tais processos atingiram a produção e reprodução social da população em situação de rua, assim como destaca os mínimos parâmetros legais assegurados pelo poder público, diante de sua retração na promoção de políticas e programas sociais. Ressalta que a participação social e a organização dos moradores em situação de rua, na esfera pública, com apoios e parcerias, é um mecanismo para visibilidade, interlocução com o poder público e reivindicação de direitos.
Representações Sociais, Perceções e Identidades da Comunidade LGBTQ+ na Prisão
Authors: Marques Jacqueline , Velze Inês Van
Published: October 2022

A natureza autoritária da prisão potencia a vulnerabilidade dos reclusos, sendo que para os pertencentes à comunidade LGBTQ+ os níveis de vulnerabilidade são maiores do que os seus pares hetero/cisgénero.  Este estudo procurou analisar perceções e representações sociais da comunidade de reclusos de uma prisão acerca de pessoas LGBTQ+. A 1ª parte de carácter descritivo-correlacional foi realizada através da escala de Auto-estima, Representações e Visões da Sexualidade (MILLER, 2017) e da escala Apectos Cognitivos, Comportamentais e Afectivos da Homofobia (WRIGHT, ADAMS & BERNAT, 1999). Na 2ª parte aprofundamos o caso de três reclusos. Os resultados demonstraram a dificuldade de em um ambiente heterocêntrico como as prisões preservar uma identidade heterossexual, o que leva a uma cisão entre orientação sexual e o comportamento correspondente. As narrativas de reclusos que se assumem como LGBTQ+ na prisão indicam experiências marcadas pela discriminação e homofobia.