bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient Flashes in Saturn’s UV Aurora: An Analysis of Hubble Space Telescope 2013–2017 Campaigns and Cassini Magnetic Field Measurements
Authors: Qin Tianshu , Badman Sarah V. , Kinrade Joe , Bader Alexander
Published: November 2022

We examined Hubble Space Telescope images of Saturn’s northern UV aurora in 2013–2017, identified 29 short-lived flashes, and examined simultaneous magnetometer data collected by the Cassini orbiter. When observation cadence permitted, a flash lifetime of 4–17 min (subject to exposure time-related uncertainties), and a 40–70 min recurrence period were found. An occurrence map shows a strong preference in both local time (14–19 LT) and latitude (75–85°). These transient flashes are identified in both the presence and absence of Saturn’s main auroral oval, indicating the lack of dependence on the main emission power. The concurrent magnetic field pulsations generally form a sawtooth shape, and the local field strength experiences a change of 0.2 to 2.0 nT (depending on the distance of Cassini). The quasiperiodic pulsation events were all detected when the spacecraft was in the southern hemisphere with conjugate flashes in northern aurora, suggesting these events occur on closed field lines, and typically showing a sudden transition to a less lagging, more southward magnetic field configuration. We also found the ionospheric footprint of the spacecraft must be close to the region of flashes for magnetic field pulsations to be detected, implying a localised rather than global driving process.
Active Galactic Nuclei as Potential Sources of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays
Authors: Rieger Frank M.
Published: November 2022

Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) and their relativistic jets belong to the most promising class of ultra-high-energy cosmic ray (UHECR) accelerators. This compact review summarises basic experimental findings by recent instruments, and discusses possible interpretations and astrophysical constraints on source energetics. Particular attention is given to potential sites and mechanisms of UHECR acceleration in AGNs, including gap-type particle acceleration close to the black hole, as well as first-order Fermi acceleration at trans-relativistic shocks and stochastic shear particle acceleration in large-scale jets. It is argued that the last two represent the most promising mechanisms given our current understanding, and that nearby FR I type radio galaxies provide a suitable environment for UHECR acceleration.
Host Protective Immunity against Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the COVID-19 Vaccine-Induced Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and Its Variants
Authors: Noor Rashed
Published: November 2022

The world is now apparently at the last/recovery stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, starting from 29 December 2019, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). With the progression of time, several mutations have taken place in the original SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain, which have generated variants of concern (VOC). Therefore, combatting COVID-19 has required the development of COVID-19 vaccines using several platforms. The immunity induced by those vaccines is vital to study in order to assure total protection against SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variants. Indeed, understanding and identifying COVID-19 protection mechanisms or the host immune responses are of significance in terms of designing both new and repurposed drugs as well as the development of novel vaccines with few to no side effects. Detecting the immune mechanisms for host protection against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants is crucial for the development of novel COVID-19 vaccines as well as to monitor the effectiveness of the currently used vaccines worldwide. Immune memory in terms of the production of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) during reinfection is also very crucial to formulate the vaccine administration schedule/vaccine doses. The response of antigen-specific antibodies and NAbs as well as T cell responses, along with the protective cytokine production and the innate immunity generated upon COVID-19 vaccination, are discussed in the current review in comparison to the features of naturally induced protective immunity.
Detection Analysis and Study of Genomic Region Variability of JCPyV, BKPyV, MCPyV, HPyV6, HPyV7 and QPyV in the Urine and Plasma of HIV-1-Infected Patients
Authors: Passerini Sara , Prezioso Carla , Prota Annalisa , Babini Giulia , Coppola Luigi , Lodi Alessandra , Epifani Anna Chiara , Sarmati Loredana , Andreoni Massimo , Moens Ugo , Pietropaolo Valeria , Ciotti Marco
Published: November 2022

Since it was clearly established that HIV/AIDS predisposes to the infection, persistence or reactivation of latent viruses, the prevalence of human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) among HIV-1-infected patients and a possible correlation between HPyVs and HIV sero-status were investigated. PCR was performed to detect and quantify JCPyV, BKPyV, MCPyV, HPyV6, HPyV7 and QPyV DNA in the urine and plasma samples of 103 HIV-1-infected patients. Subsequently, NCCR, VP1 and MCPyV LT sequences were examined. In addition, for MCPyV, the expression of transcripts for the LT gene was investigated. JCPyV, BKPyV and MCPyV’s presence was reported, whereas HPyV6, HPyV7 and QPyV were not detected in any sample. Co-infection patterns of JCPyV, BKPyV and MCPyV were found. Archetype-like NCCRs were observed with some point mutations in plasma samples positive for JCPyV and BKPyV. The VP1 region was found to be highly conserved among these subjects. LT did not show mutations causing stop codons, and LT transcripts were expressed in MCPyV positive samples. A significant correlation between HPyVs’ detection and a low level of CD4+ was reported. In conclusion, HPyV6, HPyV7 and QPyV seem to not have a clinical relevance in HIV-1 patients, whereas further studies are warranted to define the clinical importance of JCPyV, BKPyV and MCPyV DNA detection in these subjects.
Incidence and Mortality Trends of Upper Respiratory Infections in China and Other Asian Countries from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Liu Qiao , Qin Chenyuan , Du Min , Wang Yaping , Yan Wenxin , Liu Min , Liu Jue
Published: November 2022

Respiratory infections remain a major public health problem, affecting people of all age groups, but there is still a lack of studies analyzing the burden of upper respiratory infections (URIs) in Asian countries. We used the data from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019 results to assess the current status and trends of URI burden from 1990 to 2019 in Asian countries. We found that Thailand had the highest age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of URI both in 1990 (354,857.14 per 100,000) and in 2019 (344,287.93 per 100,000); and the highest age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) was in China in 1990 (2.377 per 100,000), and in Uzbekistan in 2019 (0.418 per 100,000). From 1990 to 2019, ASIRs of URI slightly increased in several countries, with the speediest in Pakistan (estimated annual percentage change [EAPC] = 0.404%, 95% CI, 0.322% to 0.486%); and Kuwait and Singapore had uptrends of ASMRs, at a speed of an average 3.332% (95% CI, 2.605% to 4.065%) and 3.160% (95% CI, 1.971% to 4.362%) per year, respectively. The age structure of URI was similar at national, Asian and Global levels. Children under the age of five had the highest incidence rate, and the elderly had the highest mortality rate of URI. Asian countries with a Socio-demographic Index between 0.5 and 0.7 had relatively lower ASIRs but higher ASMRs of URIs. The declined rate of URI ASMR in Asian countries was more pronounced in higher baseline (ASMR in 1990) countries. Our findings suggest that there was a huge burden of URI cases in Asia that affected vulnerable and impoverished people’s livelihoods. Continuous and high-quality surveillance data across Asian countries are needed to improve the estimation of the disease burden attributable to URIs, and the best public health interventions are needed to curb this burden.
Novel Mycoviruses Discovered from a Metatranscriptomics Survey of the Phytopathogenic Alternaria Fungus
Authors: Wang Wenqing , Wang Xianhong , Tu Chunyan , Yang Mengmeng , Xiang Jun , Wang Liping , Hong Ni , Zhai Lifeng , Wang Guoping
Published: November 2022

Alternaria fungus can cause notable diseases in cereals, ornamental plants, vegetables, and fruits around the world. To date, an increasing number of mycoviruses have been accurately and successfully identified in this fungus. In this study, we discovered mycoviruses from 78 strains in 6 species of the genus Alternaria, which were collected from 10 pear production areas using high-throughput sequencing technology. Using the total RNA-seq, we detected the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of 19 potential viruses and the coat protein of two potential viruses. We successfully confirmed these viruses using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with RNA as the template. We identified 12 mycoviruses that were positive-sense single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA) viruses, 5 double-strand RNA (dsRNA) viruses, and 4 negative single-stranded RNA (−ssRNA) viruses. In these viruses, five +ssRNA and four −ssRNA viruses were novel mycoviruses classified into diverse the families Botourmiaviridae, Deltaflexivirus, Mymonaviridea, and Discoviridae. We identified a novel −ssRNA mycovirus isolated from an A. tenuissima strain HB-15 as Alternaria tenuissima negative-stranded RNA virus 2 (AtNSRV2). Additionally, we characterized a novel +ssRNA mycovirus isolated from an A. tenuissima strain SC-8 as Alternaria tenuissima deltaflexivirus 1 (AtDFV1). According to phylogenetic and sequence analyses, we determined that AtNSRV2 was related to the viruses of the genus Sclerotimonavirus in the family Mymonaviridae. We also found that AtDFV1 was related to the virus family Deltaflexivirus. This study is the first to use total RNA sequencing to characterize viruses in Alternaria spp. These results expand the number of Alternaria viruses and demonstrate the diversity of these mycoviruses.
Interactions of Microbiota and Mucosal Immunity in the Ceca of Broiler Chickens Infected with Eimeria tenella
Authors: Choi Janghan , Kim Wookyun
Published: November 2022

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of Eimeria tenella infection on the cecal microbiome, the protein concentration of cecal content, cecal mucosal immunity, and serum endotoxin levels in broilers. Three hundred sixty 14-day-old broilers were allocated to five infection doses with six replicates. The five infection doses were: ID0: 0, ID1: 6250, ID2: 12,500, ID3: 25,000, and ID4: 50,000 Eimeria tenella oocysts. Eimeria tenella infection significantly increased the relative abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria, which includes diverse pathogenic bacteria, and significantly decreased the relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes. Protein concentration of the cecal content was linearly increased (p < 0.05), and the concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in the cecal content was linearly decreased by Eimeria tenella infection (p < 0.05). Goblet cell density was linearly reduced in the ceca by Eimeria tenella infection (p < 0.05). Eimeria tenella infection tended to linearly decrease the relative mRNA expression of antimicrobial peptide genes such as avian beta-defensin 9 (AvBD9; p = 0.10) and liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2; p = 0.08) in the cecal tissue. Therefore, Eimeria tenella infection negatively modulated cecal microbiota via impairing cecal mucosal immunity and increasing protein concentration in the cecal content in broilers.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study among the General Public in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Prabhu Namdeo , Alonazi Meshal Aber , Algarni Hmoud Ali , Issrani Rakhi , Alanazi Sarah Hatab , Alruwaili Mohammed Katib , Alanazi Gharam Radhi , Iqbal Azhar , Khattak Osama
Published: November 2022

Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that has been spreading worldwide in an unprecedented manner. The knowledge, attitude and practices of the general population play a vital role in prevention of COVID-19. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes and practices of the general public of Sakaka, Saudi Arabia, to identify which populations show low levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19, making them highly likely to remain vulnerable during the pandemic. Methodology: For this study, a nineteen-item closed-ended questionnaire was hand delivered to the general public, including patients and other hospital attendees attending the Outpatient Department of the College of Dentistry, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia. The research questions focused on the demographic information, knowledge, attitude and practices related to COVID-19. Data analysis is presented through tables and descriptive methods. Results: A total of 722 participants took part in the survey questionnaire. The majority of the respondents belonged to the age group of 28–37 years (n = 320; 44.3%), with female participants (n = 419; 58.0%) outnumbering the male participants (n = 303; 42.0%). Most of the respondents had good knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19. Patients aged 28–37 years (p = 0.000) with a master’s degree (p = 0.011) and government employees (p = 0.000) had significantly better knowledge than their counterparts. Significantly optimistic attitudes were noticed in participants aged 28–37 years (p = 0.000) with a master’s degree (p = 0.000), the married (p = 0.047) and government employees (p = 0.000). Government employees (p = 0.014) had significantly better practices. Conclusions: Overall, the participants of this study had good COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes and practices. These findings would be useful in motivating the general population to follow the precautionary measures that will aid in prevention of COVID-19. Furthermore, the findings may help policymakers identify the target populations, especially the less educated and older adults, for COVID-19 prevention and health education.
The Impact of Cultural Capital on Vaccine Attitudes among the Slovenian Public
Authors: Kirbiš Andrej
Published: November 2022

Education and highbrow cultural participation—two dimensions of cultural capital—have previously been identified as determinants of vaccine attitudes, though the links have been mainly inconsistent across studies. The present quantitative study aimed to examine the effects of two dimensions of cultural capital (institutionalized and embodied cultural capital) on the pro-vaccine attitudes of the Slovenian public. A cross-sectional quantitative study was performed in November 2019, a few months prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The non-probability sample survey was collected by inviting respondents over the age of 18 to participate using the snowball technique via e-mail, digital social networks (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and University of Maribor social network profiles. The sample was obtained through an online survey tool 1ka.si (N = 661; Mage = 34.9 years). The impact of education and highbrow cultural participation on vaccine attitudes was examined, controlling for sociodemographic variables (gender, age and size of residential settlement) and economic variables (income and family economic status) in multivariate analyses. Bivariate analyses indicated that pro-vaccine attitudes were significantly more likely to be expressed by men, younger respondents, those with lower incomes, higher perceived family economic status, living in urban areas and by those who are more frequently engaged in highbrow cultural activities, while education had no impact on vaccine attitudes. The results did not substantially change when multiple regression models were employed. Our study indicated that cultural capital has an inconsistent impact on vaccine attitudes; while education has no impact, highbrow cultural participation increases pro-vaccine attitudes. The results suggest a multi-type approach is needed to address vaccine scepticism among the Slovenian public.
Determining the SARS-CoV-2 Anti-Spike Cutoff Level Denoting Neutralizing Activity Using Two Commercial Kits
Authors: El-Ghitany Engy Mohamed , Hashish Mona H. , Farghaly Azza Galal , Omran Eman A.
Published: November 2022

Background: The viral neutralization assay is the gold standard to estimate the level of immunity against SARS-CoV-2. This study analyzes the correlation between the quantitative Anti-SARS-CoV-2 QuantiVac ELISA (IgG) and the NeutraLISA neutralization assay. Methods: 650 serum samples were tested for both SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike (anti-S) immunoglobulin G (IgG) and neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) using kits by EUROIMMUN, Germany. Results: There was a significant correlation between levels of anti-S and nAbs (Spearman’s rho = 0.913). Among the positive samples for anti-S, 77.0% (n = 345) were positive for nAbs. There was a substantial agreement between anti-S and nAbs (Cohen’s kappa coefficient = 0.658; agreement of 83.38%). Considering NeutraLISA as a gold standard, anti-S had a sensitivity of 98.57%, specificity of 65.66%, NPV of 97.5%, and PPV of 77.0%. When the anti-S titer was greater than 18.1 RU/mL (57.9 BAU/mL), nAbs were positive, with a sensitivity of 90.0% and specificity of 91%. Conclusions: A titer of SARS-CoV-2 anti-S IgG can be correlated with levels of nAbs.
Clinicians Are Not Able to Infer Parental Intentions to Vaccinate Infants with a Seasonal Influenza Vaccine, and Perhaps They Should Not Try: Findings from the Pediatric Influenza Vaccination Optimization Trial (PIVOT)–IV
Authors: Fisher William A. , Gilca Vladimir , Murti Michelle , Orth Alison , Garfield Hartley , Roumeliotis Paul , Rampakakis Emmanouil , Brown Vivien , Yaremko John , Van Buynder Paul , Boikos Constantina , Mansi James A.
Published: November 2022

This prospective cohort survey evaluated the concordance of clinicians’ perceptions of parental intentions and parents’ actual intentions to vaccinate their infants against influenza. During a routine healthy baby visit, clinicians provided parents with information about influenza, children’s vulnerability to influenza, and nonadjuvanted and adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccines (TIV and aTIV, respectively). Before and after the clinician–parent interaction, parents were surveyed about their attitudes, their perceptions of support from significant others, and the intention to vaccinate their infant with aTIV. Clinicians were asked about their perception of parents’ intentions to choose aTIV for their children. These assessments included 24 clinicians at 15 community practices and nine public health clinics, and 207 parents. The correlation coefficients of the clinicians’ assessment of parents’ intention to vaccinate were 0.483 (p < 0.001) if the vaccine was presented as free of cost, 0.266 (p < 0.001) if the cost was $25, and 0.146 (p = 0.036) if the cost was $50, accounting for 23%, 7%, and 2% of the variance in parental intentions, respectively. The clinicians were poor at predicting parental intentions to immunize, particularly when cost was involved. Information on vaccine options and influenza infection should be provided for every eligible patient to allow parents to determine if the vaccine is appropriate for their child.
Parental Attitudes and Perceptions of Support after Brief Clinician Intervention Predict Intentions to Accept the Adjuvanted Seasonal Influenza Vaccination: Findings from the Pediatric Influenza Vaccination Optimization Trial (PIVOT)–I
Authors: Fisher William A. , Gilca Vladimir , Murti Michelle , Orth Alison , Garfield Hartley , Roumeliotis Paul , Rampakakis Emmanouil , Brown Vivien , Yaremko John , Van Buynder Paul , Boikos Constantina , Mansi James A.
Published: November 2022

Adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine (aTIV) provides enhanced protection against seasonal influenza in children compared with nonadjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV). This prospective cohort study assessed parental attitudes, beliefs, and intentions to vaccinate their infants aged 6–23 months with aTIV. Parents were surveyed before and after routine healthy baby visits, and post clinician interaction results were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Physicians at 15 community practice clinics and nurses at 3 public health clinics participated; 207 parents were surveyed. After clinician consultation, most parents considered immunization with aTIV to be safe (72.9%), effective (69.6%), and important (69.0%); most perceived support for vaccination from significant others (62.8%) and clinicians (81.6%); and 66.6% intended to vaccinate their infant with aTIV. Parental attitudes toward vaccinating their infant with aTIV were strongly correlated with perceptions of vaccine safety, efficacy, and importance, and these represented the strongest influence on intentions to vaccinate (odds ratio (OR) 79.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.05–1037.50). Parental intentions were further influenced by perceived strength of clinician recommendation (OR 4.55, 95% CI 1.38–15.06) and social support for vaccination (OR 3.46, 95% CI 0.50–24.13). These findings may inform clinician approaches to parental education to ensure optimal seasonal pediatric influenza vaccination.
Parents’ Attitudes toward Childhood Vaccines and COVID-19 Vaccines in a Turkish Pediatric Outpatient Population
Authors: Durmaz Nihal , Suman Murat , Ersoy Murat , Örün Emel
Published: November 2022

Vaccination hesitancy (VH) is an important public health issue. The determinants of parental decisions on whether to vaccinate their children are multidimensional and need to be carefully considered in the COVID-19 era. Our study aims to investigate the prevalence of VH among parents, parents’ use of social media, and their attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine upon vaccine refusal. Materials and methods: Our participants were the parents of children admitted to hospitals in three different cities in Turkey between September 2021 and December 2021. The parents were asked to complete sociodemographic data and their attitudes toward COVID-19 diseases, the Parental Attitudes Toward Childhood Vaccines (PACV) scale, and the Attitudes Toward COVID-19 Vaccine (ATV-COVID-19) scale. Participants were categorized as “non-hesitant”, with a score of <50, and “hesitant”, with a score of ≥50. Results: A total of 1087 parents with a mean age of 33.66 (SD 9.1) years old participated in the study. VH was noted in 102 (9.38%) parents. Age, gender, education, and income levels did not significantly differ from one another, according to the PACV; however, parents who delayed vaccinating their children and indicated that social media had an impact on vaccination decisions were more hesitant. Parents who were male and had a family member diagnosed with COVID-19 showed more positive attitudes in the ATV-COVID-19. Parents who were hesitant about childhood vaccinations had lower positive attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine (2.84 ± 0.97) than parents who were not hesitant (3.77 ± 0.9). A total of 761 (70.14%) parents need more information about childhood immunizations. Conclusion: Parents who are hesitant about childhood immunization programs in Turkey have a less positive attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines and are affected by social media. Parents need information about vaccines, and because the controversy surrounding COVID-19 vaccines can diminish parents’ confidence in routine childhood immunizations, understanding the complex causes behind vaccination hesitancy can help public health policy break through barriers and increase immunization rates.
Signatures of Urbanization in Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone (THPSS) of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area
Authors: Carroll Rani , Reynolds Jason K. , Wright Ian A.
Published: November 2022

Urban freshwater ecosystems exhibit distinct patterns of elevated major ions (calcium, potassium and bicarbonate) and metals, referred to as the ‘urban geochemical signature’. However, the implications of this urban fingerprint at the water-sediment interface within sensitive freshwater systems are not well-known. Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone are unique freshwater wetlands found within and surrounding the high-conservation value Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and are a listed ‘endangered ecological community’ in Australia. Water and sediment chemistry were assessed within four urban and four naturally vegetated swamp catchments, through field monitoring and novel laboratory techniques (including X-ray diffraction). Urban swamps had distinct elemental signatures compared to naturally vegetated swamps. Urban swamp water displayed increased pH, elevated ionic strength, major ions (calcium and bicarbonate) and metals (strontium, barium, manganese and iron). Urban swamp sediment had higher calcium, with calcium hydroxide detected at two urban sites. Urban development and concrete drainage infrastructure in swamp catchments modify natural hydrology and water chemistry. Findings suggest swamp sediments may act as sinks of metals and alkalinity, with urbanization remaining a potential source. However, the consequences for high-conservation value systems are not well understood. As urbanization continues to expand, this has implications for fragile freshwater environments worldwide.
Fresh Water Use in Florida: Trends and Drivers
Authors: Morain Almando , Anandhi Aavudai
Published: November 2022

Water quality and quantity are critical issues as the Florida’s population grows. This paper analyzed water use regionally (central, north, and south Florida) as well as in rural and urban areas in Florida from 2005 to 2015 using three indicators (total water use, agriculture water use, and per capita water use). Eight (8) water-consuming categories, such as aquaculture, livestock, irrigation, public supply, thermoelectric power, mining, industrial self-supply, and domestic self-supply, were considered for total water use. Per capita water use used public supply category and agricultural water use used aquaculture, livestock, and irrigation categories. Linear regression analysis was used to observe the relationship between population and water use. The highest water use was recorded in south Florida, while the lowest was in north Florida. Water use per capita was higher in urban areas. Irrigation water use was higher among the eight water use categories. Many drivers influencing Florida water use were identified through literature review and causal loop diagram was developed. Some (e.g., household size, land use/land cover change, urbanization, agriculture, population, income, climate change, tourism, and industry) may cause an increase in water use, while others (e.g., pricing systems, conservation methods, education, and technology) may cause a decrease in water use. Overall, this research addresses the need of understanding water use trends and the drivers affecting those trends, which are important to determine whether a water conservation plan is needed.
Accurate Monitoring of Algal Blooms in Key Nearshore Zones of Lakes and Reservoirs Using Binocular Video Surveillance System
Authors: Liu Jia , Xia Chunlin , Xie Hui , Wang Xiaodong , Qiu Yinguo
Published: November 2022

In recent years, algal blooms break out frequently and often accumulate in nearshore zones of eutrophic lakes and reservoirs, which seriously threaten regional water supply security. It is of great significance to grasp the status of algal blooms in key nearshore zones timely for the emergency prevention and control of algal blooms. A video surveillance system provides a new method for achieving this goal. The results of algal-bloom monitoring in current research, however, are usually interfered by onshore vegetation for their similar textural features. Accordingly, there are great limitations in current works in terms of decision support for emergency prevention and control of algal blooms. To solve this problem, a binocular video surveillance system based an accurate monitoring method of algal blooms is proposed in this paper. Binocular images of monitoring areas are obtained periodically by exploiting the binocular video surveillance system, which is performed by a stereoscopic 3D reconstruction method to obtain the 3D point cloud data of monitoring areas. Afterward, water regions and non-water regions are intelligently discriminated according to the elevation characteristics of point clouds, and only the image data of the water regions are finally adopted for algal-bloom extraction. Thus, the influence of onshore vegetation on the extraction of algal blooms can be eliminated. The system was implemented and applied, and the experimental results show that the proposed method can eliminate effectively the interference of onshore vegetation on the extraction of algal blooms and improve significantly the accuracy of existing methods for algal-bloom monitoring based on video surveillance system.
Geospatial Technologies Used in the Management of Water Resources in West of Romania
Authors: Șmuleac Adrian , Șmuleac Laura , Popescu Cosmin Alin , Herban Sorin , Man Teodor Eugen , Imbrea Florin , Horablaga Adina , Mihai Simon , Paşcalău Raul , Safar Tamas
Published: November 2022

Stability in time of major and important objectives is vital and can be achieved by 3D scanners which follow changes in time with construction, respective of the natural or artificial hydrotechnical dams and the obtaining of 3D data in real time with the possibility of evaluating and making quick decisions. This scientific paper approaches a research topic of great importance and actuality in the field of Civil Engineering, Hydrotechnics, and Geomatics using the 3D scanning technologies for the hydrotechnical arrangements (Topolovăţu Mic, Coșteiu and Sânmartinu Maghiar) and hydroameliorative (Cruceni Pumping Station). In Romania, data collection was carried out for the first time using the mobile scanning technology (MMS), “Backpack” type, namely, Leica Pegasus Backpack. Data collection using terrestrial laser scanning technology (Terrestrial Laser Scanning) was carried out with the Leica C10 equipment. The processing of point clouds was carried out using the Inertial Explorer program, and the processing of point clouds was carried out with the Cyclone program. The collection of ground checkpoints used for checking, correcting, and analyzing point clouds was carried out using the GPS Leica GS08 equipment. Compared with traditional methods using classical measuring instruments, precise data was obtained (with an error of 2–4 cm) through 3D laser scanning technology in a short time and with multiple possibilities of processing and visualizing point clouds.
GIS-Based Approach Applied to Study of Seasonal Rainfall Influence over Flood Vulnerability
Authors: Carvalho Rita de Cássia Freire , Moreira Taís Rizzo , Souza Kaíse Barbosa de , Costa Gizely Azevedo , Zanetti Sidney Sara , Barbosa Kargean Vianna , Filho Cláudio Barberini Camargo , Miranda Maiara Rodrigues , Guerra Filho Plinio Antonio , Santos Aline Ramalho dos , Ramalho Antonio Henrique Cordeiro , Ferreira Elias Secretário Armando , Araújo Emanuel França , Neves Felipe Patricio das , Lima Jeneska Florencio Vicente de , Moreau Julia Siqueira , Belan Leonardo Leoni , Aguiar Marcelo Otone , Gorsani Rodrigo Gomes , Gandine Simony Marques da Silva , Santos Alexandre Rosa dos
Published: November 2022

Flooding occurrence is one of the most common phenomena that impact urban areas, and this intensifies during heavy rainfall periods. Knowing the areas with the greatest vulnerability is of paramount importance as it allows mitigating actions to be implemented in order to minimize the generated impacts. In this context, this study aimed to use Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to identify the areas with greater flooding vulnerability in Espírito Santo state, Brazil. The study was based on the following methodological steps: (1) a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) acquisition and watersheds delimitation; (2) maximum and accumulated rainfall intensity calculations for the three studied periods using meteorological data; (3) a land use and occupation map reclassification regarding flood vulnerability and fuzzy logic application; (4) an application of Euclidean distance and fuzzy logic in hydrography and water mass vector variables; (5) a flood vulnerability model generation. Based on the found results, it was observed that the metropolitan and coastal regions presented as greater flood vulnerability areas during the dry season, as in these regions, almost all of the 9.18% of the state’s area was classified as highly vulnerable, while during rainy season, the most vulnerable areas were concentrated in Caparaó and in the coastal and immigration and metropolitan regions, as in these regions, almost all of the 12.72% of the state’s area was classified as highly vulnerable. In general, by annually distributing the rainfall rates, a greater flood vulnerability was observed in the metropolitan and coastal and immigration regions, as in these areas, almost all of the 7.72% of the state’s area was classified as highly vulnerable. According to the study, Espírito Santo state was mostly classified as a low (29.15%) and medium (28.06%) flood vulnerability area considering the annual period, while its metropolitan region has a very high flood vulnerability risk. Finally, GIS modeling is important to assist in decision making regarding public management and the employed methodology presents worldwide application potential.
Working Mode Identification Method for High Arch Dam Discharge Structure Based on Improved Wavelet Threshold–EMD and RDT Algorithm
Authors: Guo Yingjia , You Zongzhe , Wei Bowen
Published: November 2022

Prototype vibration response data of high arch dam discharge structures inevitably mix various noises under the discharge excitation, which adversely affects the accuracy of the working modal identification of the structure. To effectively filter noise and reduce modal aliasing for better identification accuracy, this study proposes an improved modal threshold identification method based on an improved wavelet threshold–empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and random decrement technique (RDT) algorithm for high arch dam discharge structures. On the basis of the measured vibration response data of the dam, the wavelet threshold is adopted to filter out most of the high-frequency white noise and to reduce the boundary accumulation effect of EMD decomposition. Detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) is utilized to filter white noise and low-frequency flow noise after EMD decomposition. The natural frequency and damping ratio of the structure system are obtained by the improved RDT algorithm. The engineering examples show that the proposed method can accurately filter the measured vibration response signal noise of the discharge structure, retain the signal characteristic information, improve the accuracy of working modal recognition of the structural vibration response, avoid the complex ordering process of the system, and ease the working modal parameter identification of high arch dam discharge structures. This method can be applied to the mode identification of other large structures, as well.
Dynamic Self-Adaptive Modeling for Real-Time Flood Control Operation of Multi-Reservoir Systems
Authors: Li Jieyu , Zhong Ping-an , Wang Yuanjian , Liu Yanhui , Zheng Jiayun , Yang Minzhi , Liu Weifeng
Published: November 2022

In the real-time flood control operation of multi-reservoir systems, it is of great significance to establish a dynamic operating system with high efficiency based on the spatiotemporal variation of flood control situations. This paper proposes a self-adaptive modeling framework for real-time flood control operation of multi-reservoirs based on the cyber–physical system (CPS) theory. Firstly, the random flood samples considering the randomness of both space and magnitude are generated, and then the multi-reservoir real-time flood control hybrid operation (MRFCHO) model is established based on the dynamic identification of effective reservoirs. Then, the CPS theory is introduced to put forward the multi-reservoir real-time flood control hybrid operation cyber–physical system (MRFCHOCPS), which integrates real-time monitoring, control center, database, computation module, and communication network. Finally, the proposed framework is demonstrated in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and adaptability in real-time flood control operations. A case study of the multi-reservoir system upstream of the Lutaizi point in the Huaihe River basin in China reveals that (1) the equivalent qualified rate of the MRFCHO model is 84.9% for random flood samples; (2) the efficiency of solving the MRFCHO model is much higher than the efficiency of solving the MRFCJO model under the premise of ensuring the flood control effect, so it provides a reliable method for the real-time operation of basin-wide floods; (3) the MRFCHOCPS has good adaptability in real-time dynamic modeling and operation of large-scale multi-reservoir systems.
Analysis of the Invasion of Acetes into the Water Intake of the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Base
Authors: Li Xinghao , Yang Lin , Ren Huatang , Liu Zhaowei , Jia Zeyu
Published: November 2022

The invasions of marine organisms into the intake of nuclear power plants threaten the normal operation of such plants. Most published numerical models assumed that marine organisms passively follow the current, but such models neglected their biological swimming ability. In this work, adopting a hydrodynamic mathematical model to replicate the flow around the Daya Bay nuclear power base, the invasion characteristics of Acetes were explored by considering the behavior of biological movement. A concept of biological residual current was introduced to describe biological movements that were dominated by both tidal current and biological swimming ability. The biological residual currents near the nuclear power plant were obtained for cases with different nocturnal migration periods (12 h, 13 h, 14 h, 15 h, and 16 h). Using the Lagrangian particle-tracking method, the primary invasion paths of Acetes were obtained, as well as the travel time of Acetes to the intake, based on the biological residual current along monitoring points. The results showed that the invading time for Acetes reaching the water intake of the nuclear power base was significantly decreased when biological migration behavior was considered. When the nocturnal active period was over 13 h, it took only 10 days for Acetes to enter the western waters of Daya Bay from the southwest of Da Lajia Island and then continue migrating to the water intake in the nuclear power base. When the nocturnal active period was less than 13 h, it took more than 20 days for Acetes to travel the same distance. The present work provides a new methodology for the simulation and prediction of the migration of marine organisms.
Application of Machine Learning Techniques for the Estimation of the Safety Factor in Slope Stability Analysis
Authors: Ahangari Nanehkaran Yaser , Pusatli Tolga , Chengyong Jin , Chen Junde , Cemiloglu Ahmed , Azarafza Mohammad , Derakhshani Reza
Published: November 2022

Slope stability is the most important stage in the stabilization process for different scale slopes, and it is dictated by the factor of safety (FS). The FS is a relationship between the geotechnical characteristics and the slope behavior under various loading conditions. Thus, the application of an accurate procedure to estimate the FS can lead to a fast and precise decision during the stabilization process. In this regard, using computational models that can be operated accurately is strongly needed. The performance of five different machine learning models to predict the slope safety factors was investigated in this study, which included multilayer perceptron (MLP), support vector machines (SVM), k-nearest neighbors (k-NN), decision tree (DT), and random forest (RF). The main objective of this article is to evaluate and optimize the various machine learning-based predictive models regarding FS calculations, which play a key role in conducting appropriate stabilization methods and stabilizing the slopes. As input to the predictive models, geo-engineering index parameters, such as slope height (H), total slope angle (β), dry density (γd), cohesion (c), and internal friction angle (φ), which were estimated for 70 slopes in the South Pars region (southwest of Iran), were considered to predict the FS properly. To prepare the training and testing data sets from the main database, the primary set was randomly divided and applied to all predictive models. The predicted FS results were obtained for testing (30% of the primary data set) and training (70% of the primary data set) for all MLP, SVM, k-NN, DT, and RF models. The models were verified by using a confusion matrix and errors table to conclude the accuracy evaluation indexes (i.e., accuracy, precision, recall, and f1-score), mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean square error (RMSE). According to the results of this study, the MLP model had the highest evaluation with a precision of 0.938 and an accuracy of 0.90. In addition, the estimated error rate for the MLP model was MAE = 0.103367, MSE = 0.102566, and RMSE = 0.098470.
Simulation of the Nitrogen and Phosphorus Leaching Characteristics under Different Filter Materials of an Improved Subsurface Drainage
Authors: Tao Yuan , Chang Xiaomin , Wang Shaoli , Guan Xiaoyan , Liu Jing
Published: November 2022

Leaching characteristics of filter materials of the improved subsurface drainage are very important for nitrogen and phosphorus loss. In this paper, the leaching characteristic of soil, sand, straw, and zeolite under different layouts were studied by HYDRUS-2D simulation based on calibration and validation according to laboratory data. Two scenarios were considered, including different soil and filter layouts, and mixed filter materials of straw and sand or zeolite. The results indicate that zeolite showed good adsorption characteristics of both ammonia nitrogen and phosphorus, while the straw’s adsorption characteristics were very different between ammonia nitrogen and phosphorus. Nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations of the outflow were mostly determined by the materials around the outlet. Compared with the cases of no lower soil, when the lower soil depth was 5 cm, the ammonia nitrogen concentrations under sand and straw decreased 54.5% and 96.3%, and the corresponding decreased phosphorus concentrations were 84.1% and 96.2%. In views of mixed filter with straw and the different layouts, that the ratio of straw and sand was 1:1, or the ratio of straw and zeolite was 2:1; at the same time, sand and zeolite should be set around the outlet, and may be better for ammonia nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations reduction.
Response of Aquatic Plants to Extreme Alterations in River Morphology
Authors: Gebler Daniel , Szoszkiewicz Krzysztof
Published: November 2022

In this study, we aimed to identify the macrophyte pattern and diversity under exposure to substantial hydromorphological degradation in rivers, taking into account the water quality factor. The study was based on 190 small and medium lowland rivers in Poland that had experienced channel alterations. The number of taxa identified (153 species) was consistent with natural/seminatural rivers, and the average species richness for the survey site was 16. Nevertheless, nearly 25% of the survey sites were poor in species for which ten or fewer taxa were noted. The most common species were emergent Phalaris arundinacea; free-floating Lemna minor; heterophyllous Sparganium emersum; filamentous algae Cladophora sp.; and some amphibious species, including Agrostis stolonifera. The surveyed sites represented a wide diversity gradient, from sites poor in species and with low diversity based on relative abundance to highly diverse river sites in less transformed rivers. Our results revealed that macrophyte species were mostly determined by hydromorphological degradation, as well as other distinguished environmental factors, such as water trophy (e.g., Lemna gibba, Bidens tripartita, and Ceratophylum demersum) and channel dimensions (e.g., Nuphar lutea, Sagittaria sagittifolia, and Typha latiflolia).
The Role of Positive Social Institutions in Promoting Hope and Flourishing among Sexual and Gender Minorities: A Multi-Group Analysis
Authors: Bragg Jedediah E. , Brady Shane R. , Howell Daniel
Published: November 2022

Social work practice is grounded in the symbiotic relationship between macrosystemic community work and direct practice with individuals; however, following a resurgence in emphasis on evidence-based clinical social work in higher education, research on community-building efforts within social work has waned. Among sexual and gender minority populations (SGM), research has indicated a vast array of negative outcomes associated with added stressors, such as stigma, discrimination, and marginalization impacting the population. As such, this study attempts to re-focus the attention of social work practice on the importance of building community, especially for SGM populations. Via a multi-group analysis, the relationship between community (positive social institutions), hope, and flourishing was explored in both the cisgender-heterosexual population and that of the sexual and gender minority population (n = 586) within the United States. Results indicate that there are differences with positive social institutions directly impacting flourishing and indirectly through hope, whereas among the cisgender-heterosexual population, positive social institutions impact flourishing indirectly through hope, and not directly. As such, it is imperative that social workers focus on building strong supportive communities for SGM populations in order to directly and indirectly impact their overall flourishing and wellbeing.
INDEPENDENCIA JUDICIAL: DISEÑO INSTITUCIONAL Y PERCEPCIÓN COTIDIANA EN LA PROVINCIA DE MANABÍ – ECUADOR”
Authors: Toala Rivas Johnny Marcelo , Suárez Ponce Diocles Boanergés , Intriago Solorzano Diego Gregorio
Published: November 2022

El presente trabajo tiene como finalidad analizar la independencia judicial, desde el diseño institucional y la percepción de los jueces en la provincia de Manabí – Ecuador. Para ello se utilizó una metodología que contiene dos enfoques, uno de carácter cualitativo y otro cuantitativo. En el primer enfoque se ha realizado un análisis documental de la doctrina, jurisprudencia contemporánea y una revisión de las 20 constituciones que ha tenido el Ecuador, que permitió describir el diseño institucional respecto a la independencia judicial. En el segundo enfoque se utilizó la técnica de encuestas a 80 jueces de la judicatura en la provincia de Manabí - Ecuador, lo que posibilitó una mirada desde la cotidianidad de la independencia judicial en la administración de justicia, y para constatar lo antes mencionando, se aplicó la técnica de la entrevista a profundidad al ex presidente del Consejo Nacional de la Judicatura del Ecuador Dr. Gustavo Jalkh Roben; instrumentos que se utilizaron para examinar el objeto de estudio. Como resultados se obtuvo que en las primeras 18 constituciones del Ecuador no ha existido el reconocimiento formal de la independencia judicial externa; a excepción de las constituciones del 1998 y la del 2008; así como también que un 62% de los jueces reconocen que no se garantiza la independencia judicial interna; y un 61% consideran que no se garantiza la independencia judicial externa. Se concluye que nunca ha existe una independencia judicial externa en el Ecuador, esto a su vez se expresa en una independencia judicial interna relativa, es decir que algunos jueces actúan en estricto derecho otros adecuan sus resoluciones a la fuerza de las circunstancias.