bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral Delivery of Novel Recombinant Lactobacillus Elicit High Protection against Staphylococcus aureus Pulmonary and Skin Infections
Authors: Pan Na , Liu Bohui , Bao Xuemei , Zhang Haochi , Sheng Shouxin , Liang Yanchen , Pan Haiting , Wang Xiao
Published: September 2021

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of nosocomial and community-associated infection worldwide; however, there is no licensed vaccine available. S. aureus initiates infection via the mucosa; therefore, a mucosal vaccine is likely to be a promising approach against S. aureus infection. Lactobacilli, a non-pathogenic bacterium, has gained increasing interest as a mucosal delivery vehicle. Hence, we attempted to develop an oral S. aureus vaccine based on lactobacilli to cushion the stress of drug resistance and vaccine needs. In this study, we designed, constructed, and evaluated recombinant Lactobacillus strains synthesizing S. aureus nontoxic mutated α-hemolysins (HlaH35L). The results from animal clinical trials showed that recombinant Lactobacillus can persist for at least 72 h and can stably express heterologous protein in vivo. Recombinant L. plantarum WXD234 (pNZ8148-Hla) could induce robust mucosal immunity in the GALT, as evidenced by a significant increase in IgA and IL-17 production and the strong proliferation of T-lymphocytes derived from Peyer’s patches. WXD234 (pNZ8148-Hla) conferred up to 83% protection against S. aureus pulmonary infection and significantly reduced the abscess size in a S. aureus skin infection model. Of particular interest is the sharp reduction of the protective effect offered by WXD234 (pNZ8148-Hla) vaccination in γδ T cell-deficient or IL-17-deficient mice. In conclusion, for the first time, genetically engineered Lactobacillus WXD234 (pNZ8148-Hla) as an oral vaccine induced superior mucosal immunity, which was associated with high protection against pulmonary and skin infections caused by S. aureus. Taken together, our findings suggest the great potential for a delivery system based on lactobacilli and provide experimental data for the development of mucosal vaccines for S. aureus.
Oxford COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in School Principals: Impacts of Gender, Well-Being, and Coronavirus-Related Health Literacy
Authors: Duong Tuyen Van , Lin Cheng-Yu , Chen Sheng-Chih , Huang Yung-Kai , Okan Orkan , Dadaczynski Kevin , Lai Chih-Feng
Published: September 2021

Purposes: To explore the associated factors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and examine psychometric properties of the coronavirus-related health literacy questionnaire (HLS-COVID-Q22) and Oxford COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy questionnaire. Methods: An online survey was conducted from 23 June to 16 July 2021 on 387 school principals across Taiwan. Data collection included socio-demographic characteristics, information related to work, physical and mental health, COVID-19 related perceptions, sense of coherence, coronavirus-related health literacy, and vaccine hesitancy. Principal component analysis, correlation analysis, linear regression models were used for validating HLS-COVID-Q22, Oxford COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy, and examining the associations. Results: HLS-COVID-Q22 and Oxford COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy were found with satisfactory construct validity (items loaded on one component with factor loading values range 0.57 to 0.81, and 0.51 to 0.78), satisfactory convergent validity (item-scale correlations range 0.60 to 0.79, and 0.65 to 0.74), high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.96 and 0.90), and without floor or ceiling effects (percentages of possibly lowest score and highest score <15%), respectively. Low scores of vaccine hesitancy were found in male principals (regression coefficient, B, −0.69; 95% confidence interval, 95%CI, −1.29, −0.10; p = 0.023), principals with better well-being (B, −0.25; 95%CI, −0.47, −0.03; p = 0.029), and higher HLS-COVID-Q22 (B, −1.22; 95%CI, −1.89, −0.54; p < 0.001). Conclusions: HLS-COVID-Q22 and Oxford COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy were valid and reliable tools. Male principals and those with better well-being, and higher health literacy had a lower level of vaccine hesitancy. Improving principals’ health literacy and well-being is suggested to be a strategic approach to increase vaccine acceptance for themselves, their staff, and students.
Multiepitope Proteins for the Differential Detection of IgG Antibodies against RBD of the Spike Protein and Non-RBD Regions of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Gomes Larissa R. , Durans Andressa M. , Napoleão-Pêgo Paloma , Waterman Jessica A. , Freitas Mariana S. , De Sá Nathalia B. R. , Pereira Lilian V. , Furtado Jéssica S. , Aquino Romário G. , Machado Mario C. R. , Fintelman-Rodrigues Natalia , Souza Thiago M. L. , Morel Carlos M. , Provance David W. , De-Simone Salvatore G.
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the extent of global connectivity and collective vulnerability to emerging diseases. From its suspected origins in Wuhan, China, it spread to all corners of the world in a matter of months. The absence of high-performance, rapid diagnostic methods that could identify asymptomatic carriers contributed to its worldwide transmission. Serological tests offer numerous benefits compared to other assay platforms to screen large populations. First-generation assays contain targets that represent proteins from SARS-CoV-2. While they could be quickly produced, each actually has a mixture of specific and non-specific epitopes that vary in their reactivity for antibodies. To generate the next generation of the assay, epitopes were identified in three SARS-Cov-2 proteins (S, N, and Orf3a) by SPOT synthesis analysis. After their similarity to other pathogen sequences was analyzed, 11 epitopes outside of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein that showed high reactivity and uniqueness to the virus. These were incorporated into a ß-barrel protein core to create a highly chimeric protein. Another de novo protein was designed that contained only epitopes in the RBD. In-house ELISAs suggest that both multiepitope proteins can serve as targets for high-performance diagnostic tests. Our approach to bioengineer chimeric proteins is highly amenable to other pathogens and immunological uses.
Nanovaccines against Animal Pathogens: The Latest Findings
Authors: Celis-Giraldo Carmen Teresa , López-Abán Julio , Muro Antonio , Patarroyo Manuel Alfonso , Manzano-Román Raúl
Published: September 2021

Nowadays, safe and efficacious vaccines represent powerful and cost-effective tools for global health and economic growth. In the veterinary field, these are undoubtedly key tools for improving productivity and fighting zoonoses. However, cases of persistent infections, rapidly evolving pathogens having high variability or emerging/re-emerging pathogens for which no effective vaccines have been developed point out the continuing need for new vaccine alternatives to control outbreaks. Most licensed vaccines have been successfully used for many years now; however, they have intrinsic limitations, such as variable efficacy, adverse effects, and some shortcomings. More effective adjuvants and novel delivery systems may foster real vaccine effectiveness and timely implementation. Emerging vaccine technologies involving nanoparticles such as self-assembling proteins, virus-like particles, liposomes, virosomes, and polymeric nanoparticles offer novel, safe, and high-potential approaches to address many vaccine development-related challenges. Nanotechnology is accelerating the evolution of vaccines because nanomaterials having encapsulation ability and very advantageous properties due to their size and surface area serve as effective vehicles for antigen delivery and immunostimulatory agents. This review discusses the requirements for an effective, broad-coverage-elicited immune response, the main nanoplatforms for producing it, and the latest nanovaccine applications for fighting animal pathogens.
Safety and Efficacy of COVID-19 Vaccines: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Different Vaccines at Phase 3
Authors: Fan Yu-Jing , Chan Kwok-Hung , Hung Ivan Fan-Ngai
Published: September 2021

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines according to vaccine platform and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection severity. Articles published between 24 January 2020 and 30 May 2021 were retrieved via a PubMed and EMBASE search. A total of 12 reports on phase-3 clinical trials and observational studies of COVID-19 vaccines were included in the review. In terms of vaccine safety, mRNA vaccines showed more relevance to serious adverse events than viral vector and inactivated vaccines, but no solid evidence indicated that COVID-19 vaccines directly caused serious adverse events. Serious metabolic, musculoskeletal, immune-system, and renal disorders were more common among inactivated vaccine recipients, and serious gastrointestinal complications and infections were more common among viral vector and inactivated vaccine recipients. The occurrence of serious vessel disorders was more frequent in mRNA vaccines. In terms of efficacy, two mRNA vaccine doses conferred a lesser risk of SARS-COV-2 infection (odds ratio: 0.05; 95% confidence interval: 0.02–0.13) than did vaccination with viral vector and inactivated vaccines. All vaccines protected more against symptomatic than asymptomatic cases (risk ratio, 0.11 vs. 0.34), but reduced the risk of severe SARS-COV-2 infection. The COVID-19 vaccines assessed in this study are sufficiently safe and effective. The results indicate that two mRNA vaccine doses prevent SARS-COV-2 infection most effectively, but further research is needed due to the high degree of heterogeneity among studies in this sample. Interventions should be implemented continuously to reduce the risks of infection after one vaccine dose and asymptomatic infection.
Intradermal ChAdOx1 Vaccine Following Two CoronaVac Shots: A Case Report
Authors: Singhatiraj Ekachai , Pongpirul Krit , Jongkaewwattana Anan , Hirankarn Nattiya
Published: September 2021

Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are used in many countries with uncertain immunogenicity. Intradermal ChAdOx1 has been proposed as a resource-efficient heterologous third booster shot. A 52-year-old healthy male healthcare professional had received two intramuscular CoronaVac shots on 21 April and 23 May 2021, and volunteered to take a 0.1 mL ChAdOx1 vaccine intradermally on 29 June 2021, with minimal local reactions. The declining IgG levels against spike protein from the two CoronaVac shots increased to higher than 10,000 AU/mL two weeks after the intradermal ChAdOx1. Moreover, the neutralizing antibody increased from 66.77% to almost 100%. A ratio of 6.6:9.7 of IgA:IgG was observed. The 50% pseudovirus neutralization titer (PVNT50) against lentiviral pseudovirus bearing a codon-optimized spike gene (wild type, alpha, beta, and delta) were 1812.42, 822.99, 1025.42, 1347.13, respectively. The SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells to spike protein–peptide pools (532–788 SFU/106 PBMCs) were detected. In conclusion, the antibody and cellular responses to the intradermal ChAdOx1, as a third booster dose in a healthy volunteer who received two intramuscular CoronaVac shots, revealed a dramatic increase in the total antibodies, including IgG, IgA, as well as T cell responses against spike protein. The immune response from intradermal ChAdOx1 should be further investigated in a larger population.
Willingness and SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Coverage among Healthcare Workers in China: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Wang Chao , Wang Yu , Han Bingfeng , Zhao Tian-Shuo , Liu Bei , Liu Hanyu , Chen Linyi , Xie Mingzhu , Zheng Hui , Zhang Sihui , Zeng Jing , Huang Ning-Hua , Du Juan , Liu Yaqiong , Lu Qing-Bin , Cui Fuqiang
Published: September 2021

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has been widely rolled out globally in the general populations. However, specific data on vaccination confidence, willingness or coverage among health care workers (HCWs) has been less reported. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to specify the basic data and patterns of vaccination confidence, willingness and coverage among HCWs nationwide. Results: In total, 2386 out of 2583 (92.4%) participants were enrolled for analysis, and the rates of confidence in vaccine, professional institutes and government were 75.1%, 85.2% and 85.4%, respectively. The overall vaccination coverage rate was 63.6% which was adjusted as 82.8% for participants under current medical conditions or having contraindications. Confidence in vaccine safety was shown to be the most related factor to willingness among doctors, nurses, medical technicians and hospital administrators, while confidence in vaccine effectiveness as well as trust in government played the key role in formulating public health employees’ willingness. 130 (7.1% of 1833) participants reporting willingness still not been vaccinated regardless of contraindications. Multivariate analysis among willingness participants showed that males, aged over 30 years, public health employees and higher vaccination confidence had significantly higher vaccination rates with ORs (95% confidence intervals) as 1.64 (1.08–2.49), 3.14 (2.14–4.62), 2.43 (1.46–4.04) or 2.31 (1.24–4.33). Conclusions: HCWs’ confidence, willingness and coverage rates to the vaccine were generally at high levels. Heterogeneity among HCWs should be considered for future vaccination promotion strategies. The population’s confidence in vaccination is not only the determinant to their willingness, but also guarantees their actual vaccine uptake.
Impact of Global Warming on Dissolved Oxygen and BOD Assimilative Capacity of the World’s Rivers: Modeling Analysis
Authors: Chapra Steven C. , Camacho Luis A. , McBride Graham B.
Published: September 2021

For rivers and streams, the impact of rising water temperature on biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) assimilative capacity depends on the interplay of two independent factors: the waterbody’s dissolved oxygen (DO) saturation and its self-purification rate (i.e., the balance between BOD oxidation and reaeration). Although both processes increase with rising water temperatures, oxygen depletion due to BOD oxidation increases faster than reaeration. The net result is that rising temperatures will decrease the ability of the world’s natural waters to assimilate oxygen-demanding wastes beyond the damage due to reduced saturation alone. This effect should be worse for nitrogenous BOD than for carbonaceous BOD because of the former’s higher sensitivity to rising water temperatures. Focusing on streams and rivers, the classic Streeter–Phelps model was used to determine the magnitude of the maximum or “critical” DO deficit that can be calculated analytically as a function of the mixing-point BOD concentration, DO saturation, and the self-purification rate. The results indicate that high-velocity streams will be the most sensitive to rising temperatures. This is significant because such systems typically occur in mountainous regions where they are also subject to lower oxygen saturation due to decreased oxygen partial pressure. Further, they are dominated by salmonids and other cold-water fish that require higher oxygen levels than warm-water species. Due to their high reaeration rates, such systems typically exhibit high self-purification constants and consequently have higher assimilation capacities than slower moving lowland rivers. For slow-moving rivers, the total sustainable mixing-point concentration for CBOD is primarily dictated by saturation reductions. For faster flowing streams, the sensitivity of the total sustainable load is more equally dependent on temperature-induced reductions in both saturation and self-purification.
Proposal of a Laboratory-Scale Anaerobic Biodigester for Introducing the Monitoring and Sensing Techniques, as a Potential Learning Tool in the Fields of Carbon Foot-Print Reduction and Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Brito-Espino Saulo , Leon Federico , Vaswani-Reboso Jenifer , Ramos-Martin Alejandro , Mendieta-Pino Carlos
Published: September 2021

This article presents a proposal of an anaerobic biodigester on a laboratory scale for introducing the monitoring and sensing techniques of the growth of microorganisms according to different parameters, where the redox potential, pH, pressure, and temperature have been measured in quasi-continuous mode. For this task, a microcontroller system was used (Atmega328—Arduino). Importantly, the design is based on flexible and open-source software, hardware, and firmware (Scilab, Arduino, Processing), facilitating its modification for other related studies. This design was developed to help engineering students to learn and to understand the operation of an anaerobic biodigester, which allows us to know various properties of the system at any time, as well as its evolution over time. In this way, property curves can be drawn and related to each other to obtain a better understanding of the biodigester operation. In this context, the relationship between the oxide-reduction reaction and microbial activity was studied so that the redox potential can be a way of measuring the growth of microorganisms in an anaerobic environment. With all this, through these parameters, it is possible to introduce to engineering students the operation of this technology used normally like a very powerful tool for the control of the carbon footprint, for example in wastewater sector, and consequently for the mitigation of the climate change.
Tourism Adaptation to Coastal Risks: A Socio-Spatial Analysis of the Magdalen Islands in Québec, Canada
Authors: Lapointe Dominic , Renaud Luc , Blanchard Mathias Emmett
Published: September 2021

Coastal tourism is one of the most important segments of the tourism industry but is facing major impacts of climate change. In light of these impacts, the infrastructure enabling coastal tourism activities needs to be adapted. It is through the production of a space framework inspired by the work of Henri Lefebvre that we will reveal how a tourism space is socially constructing its own adaptation process. Using a case study methodology, we will examine the case of the Magdalen Island Archipelago in Québec, Canada, and pinpoint the subcase of La Grave. The case study will show how tourism is adding value to land dynamics to justify major adaptation work on the shore in order to protect the capital accumulation capacities of the tourism space. These justifications are buttressed by discourses of heritage and economic impacts to validate proceeding with a form of spatial reordering that privileges certain spaces while potentially leaving out others.
Assessment of Groundwater Quality and Pollution in the Songnen Plain of Jilin Province, Northeast China
Authors: Chen Yanan , Zhang Yichen , He Jiasheng , Zhang Jiquan , Lang Qiuling , Liu Huanan , Wu Chenyang
Published: September 2021

Clean groundwater resources are vital to human health. To evaluate groundwater quality in the Songnen Plain (Jilin), a field investigation sampling test, multivariate statistical analysis, and spatial analysis were conducted based on a geographic information system. The main substances exceeding the standard were screened out, and the main controlling factors affecting groundwater quality were discussed. The research result showed that nine components exceeded groundwater standards by approximately 10%: Al, total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), Mn, As, NO3−, Fe, F−, and BaP. The over-standard of TDS and TH in groundwater are mainly distributed in the geological environment conditions and unreasonable exploitation and utilization of groundwater in this area. The results of the multi-index evaluation showed that the most important factors affecting groundwater quality were general chemical indices, followed by inorganic toxicology and heavy metals. Controlling the overexploitation of water resources, controlling agricultural activities and sewage discharge, and implementing water conservation systems are the main pathways to improve water quality in the study area. The research results can provide a reference for groundwater pollution control and water resource protection in the Songnen Plain (Jilin).
Institutional Issues around Agricultural Land-Use Control for Groundwater Conservation—A Long-Term Perspective
Authors: Foster Stephen , Chilton John
Published: September 2021

Key aspects of policy development and implementation for the control of agricultural land use to conserve groundwater are overviewed. This is one of today’s greatest environmental challenges and one on which only limited progress has been made internationally. For this purpose, the objectives of agricultural land-use control in defined areas are either to reduce diffuse pollution of groundwater and/or to regulate excessive abstraction for crop irrigation to sustain groundwater resources. Progress on both of these fronts has been assessed from the published work, and the lessons learnt are summarised for global application.
New Aspects of Occurrence and Removal of Emerging Pollutants
Authors: Karpińska Joanna , Kotowska Urszula
Published: September 2021

Emerging pollutants (or contaminants) (EPs) are a wide group of organic and inorganic chemicals present in the environment as a result of human activity [...]
An Improved Techno-Economic Approach to Determination of More Precise Installed Parameter for Small Hydropower Plants
Authors: Vilotijević Vidosava , Karadžić Uroš , Vujadinović Radoje , Kovijanić Vuko , Božić Ivan
Published: September 2021

Designing a small hydropower plant (SHPP) necessitates fulfillment of energy and ecological constraints, so a well-defined design flow is of the utmost significance. The main parameters of each SHPP are determined by appropriate techno-economic studies, whereas an improved approach to defining more precise SHPP installed parameter is presented in this paper. The SHPP installed parameter is the ratio of the design flow and averaged perennial flow obtained from the flow duration curve at the planned water intake location. Previous experiences in the design of SHPPs have shown that the SHPP installed parameter has a value in a wide range without the existence of an unambiguous equation for its determination. Therefore, with this aim, the thirty-eight (38) small watercources in the territory of Montenegro, denominated for the construction of SHPPs, have been investigated. SHPPs are divided into two groups depending on the installed capacity and the method of calculating the purchase price of electricity. For both groups, the range of SHPP installed parameter is determined according to the technical and economic criteria: the highest electricity production, the highest income, net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period (PB).
Underwater Biological Detection Algorithm Based on Improved Faster-RCNN
Authors: Shi Pengfei , Xu Xiwang , Ni Jianjun , Xin Yuanxue , Huang Weisheng , Han Song
Published: September 2021

Underwater organisms are an important part of the underwater ecological environment. More and more attention has been paid to the perception of underwater ecological environment by intelligent means, such as machine vision. However, many objective reasons affect the accuracy of underwater biological detection, such as the low-quality image, different sizes or shapes, and overlapping or occlusion of underwater organisms. Therefore, this paper proposes an underwater biological detection algorithm based on improved Faster-RCNN. Firstly, the ResNet is used as the backbone feature extraction network of Faster-RCNN. Then, BiFPN (Bidirectional Feature Pyramid Network) is used to build a ResNet–BiFPN structure which can improve the capability of feature extraction and multi-scale feature fusion. Additionally, EIoU (Effective IoU) is used to replace IoU to reduce the proportion of redundant bounding boxes in the training data. Moreover, K-means++ clustering is used to generate more suitable anchor boxes to improve detection accuracy. Finally, the experimental results show that the detection accuracy of underwater biological detection algorithm based on improved Faster-RCNN on URPC2018 dataset is improved to 88.94%, which is 8.26% higher than Faster-RCNN. The results fully prove the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Nutrient Analysis of Food Waste from Ships’ Greywater in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Kalnina Renate , Demjanenko Ieva , Gorbacenko Dzesika , Priednieks Valdis , Baronins Janis
Published: September 2021

This case study presents the results of assessments of the potential risk of pollution by food waste in different applied shipping scenarios. A four-step model was used to analyse the applied procedures. The first step of the study involved the identification of possible strategies for on-board food waste management. In the second step, physicochemical tests of visually selected greywater detected high contents of nutrients (NTotal ≤ 238 mg·L−1 and PTotal ≤ 71 mg·L−1). Daily nutrient content (DNC) calculations of different food waste management scenarios allowed us to estimate the highest emission value from the discharge of greywater mixed with shredded food waste in the third step. In the final stage of the study, the results obtained made it possible to qualitatively assess the impact of DNC load on food waste management methods in the Baltic Sea environment. This study highlights the potential risk of polluting the Baltic Sea with nutrients and other contaminants in various scenarios, which will impact the marine recovery process. The presented research helps to outline waste management approaches for the reduction of these risks.
Constructed Wetlands to Face Water Scarcity and Water Pollution Risks: Learning from Farmers’ Perception in Alicante, Spain
Authors: Ricart Sandra , Rico-Amorós Antonio M.
Published: September 2021

Treated wastewater is constantly produced and relatively unaffected by climatic conditions, while Constructed Wetlands (CWs) are recognized as green technology and a cost-effective alternative to improve treated wastewater quality standards. This paper analyses how farmers consider (1) treated wastewater to face water scarcity risk and (2) CW as mechanisms to face agricultural water pollution in a climate change adaptation context. A survey about climate change perception and adaptation measures was answered by 177 farmers from two irrigation communities near El Hondo coastal wetland and the Santa Pola saltmarshes, both perceived as natural-constructed systems in Alicante, southern Spain. Results highlighted how, even with poor-quality standards, treated wastewater is considered a non-riskier measure and more reliable option when addressing climate change impacts. Overall, physical water harvesting (such as CWs) is the favorite choice when investing in water technologies, being perceived as the best option for users of treated wastewater and those concerned about water quality standards. Consequently, CWs were recognized as mechanisms to increase water supply and reduce water pollution. Policy-makers and water managers can use these learnings from farmers’ experience to identify the main barriers and benefits of using treated wastewater and CWs to address water scarcity and water pollution risks.
Laying the Groundwork for Raising Awareness on Water Related Issues with a Socio-Hydrogeological Approach: The Inle Lake Case Study (Southern Shan State, Myanmar)
Authors: Re Viviana , Thin Myat Mon , Tringali Chiara , Mya Mya , Destefanis Enrico , Sacchi Elisa
Published: September 2021

Translating scientific findings into concrete action for (ground)water protection should be fundamental component of any hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical assessment, thus ensuring that scientific outcomes have a positive impact in the real world. To this purpose, understanding the water-related issues and the perceived criticalities by the water users is an asset, especially for earth scientists who are often the first contact with local communities during in situ measurements. By presenting the results of a socio-hydrogeological assessment in the Inle Lake area, this paper aims at demonstrating the feasibility and added value of this approach. In conjunction with groundwater sampling, public engagement activities were conducted by administering semi-structured interviews at a household level in each monitoring site. Hydrogeochemical data show that groundwater is characterized by an elevated hardness and by the presence of trace metals in solution due to the low redox potential. The work provides suggestions on how to translate the hydrogeochemical information associated to (i) the impact of climate change on water supply and availability, and (ii) the presence of geogenic groundwater contamination (Fe, Mn, As) into accessible information for local communities and water users’ associations. Sharing knowledge and promoting capacity building would also help to assess the reasons for the discrepancy between self-reported perception of groundwater quality (e.g., hardness) and analytical results.
Dissolved Oxygen in a Shallow Ice-Covered Lake in Winter: Effect of Changes in Light, Thermal and Ice Regimes
Authors: Zdorovennova Galina , Palshin Nikolay , Golosov Sergey , Efremova Tatiana , Belashev Boris , Bogdanov Sergey , Fedorova Irina , Zverev Ilia , Zdorovennov Roman , Terzhevik Arkady
Published: September 2021

Oxygen conditions in ice-covered lakes depend on many factors, which, in turn, are influenced by a changing climate, so detection of the oxygen trend becomes difficult. Our research was based on data of long-term measurements of dissolved oxygen (2007–2020), water temperature, under-ice solar radiation, and snow-ice thickness (1995–2020) in Lake Vendyurskoe (Northwestern Russia). Changes of air temperature and precipitation in the study region during 1994–2020 and ice phenology of Lake Vendyurskoe for the same period based on field data and FLake model calculations were analyzed. The interannual variability of ice-on and ice-off dates covered wide time intervals (5 and 3 weeks, respectively), but no significant trends were revealed. In years with early ice-on, oxygen content decreased by more than 50% by the end of winter. In years with late ice-on and intermediate ice-off, the oxygen decrease was less than 40%. A significant negative trend was revealed for snow-ice cover thickness in spring. A climatic decrease of snow-ice cover thickness contributes to the rise of under-ice irradiance and earlier onset of under-ice convection. In years with early and long convection, an increase in oxygen content by 10–15% was observed at the end of the ice-covered period, presumably due to photosynthesis of phytoplankton.
Governing Water Resource Allocation: Water User Association Characteristics and the Role of the State
Authors: Engler Alejandra , Melo Oscar , Rodríguez Francisca , Peñafiel Bárbara , Jara-Rojas Roberto
Published: September 2021

Water, as a common pool resource, is threatened by the possibility of overextraction generating a negative economic impact, conflicts among users, and greater income inequality. Scholars have discussed different governance approaches to deal with this threat, including centralized governance and self-governance, and lately, special attention has been paid to the interactions between formal institutions (the state) and local water user associations and how this promotes self-governance. The aim of this paper was to examine the adoption of Ostrom’s design principles present in the legal norms dictated in the Chilean Water Code by water user associations and to analyze the roles of their size, community homogeneity, and perceived water stress on adopting legal norms. The results showed that water communities generally follow the rules established in the Water Code, but the voting system, distribution of water, and fee payment are adjusted in small and homogenous water user associations. We can also conclude that a cornerstone in the system is implementing graduated sanctions, as water users see the tools provided by the Water Code as ineffective.
Aquifer Parameters Estimation from Natural Groundwater Level Fluctuations at the Mexican Wine-Producing Region Guadalupe Valley, BC
Authors: Fuentes-Arreazola Mario A. , Ramírez-Hernández Jorge , Vázquez-González Rogelio , Núñez Diana , Díaz-Fernández Alejandro , González-Ramírez Javier
Published: September 2021

Determining hydrogeological properties of the rock materials that constitute an aquifer through stress tests or laboratory tests presents inherent complications. An alternative tool that has significant advantages is the study of the groundwater-level response as a result of the pore-pressure variation caused by the internal structure deformation of the aquifer induced by barometric pressure and solid Earth tide. The purpose of this study was to estimate the values of the physical/hydraulic properties of the geological materials that constitute the Guadalupe Valley Aquifer based on the analysis of the groundwater-level response to barometric pressure and solid Earth tide. Representative values of specific storage (1.27 × 10−6 to 2.78 × 10−6 m−1), porosity (14–34%), storage coefficient (3.10 × 10−5 to 10.45 × 10−5), transmissivity (6.67 × 10−7 to 1.29 × 10−4 m2∙s−1), and hydraulic conductivity (2.30 × 10−3 to 2.97 × 10−1 m∙d−1) were estimated. The values obtained are consistent with the type of geological materials identified in the vicinity of the analyzed wells and values reported in previous studies. This analysis represents helpful information that can be considered a framework to design and assess management strategies for groundwater resources in the overexploited Guadalupe Valley Aquifer.
Impact of Non-Metallic Organic Tanning Agents with a Double-Triazine Structure on the Microbial Community Structure in Wastewater
Authors: Xu Zhifen , Ma Hongrui , Hassan Areeb , Li Chengtao , Qiang Xihuai
Published: September 2021

This study examined the correlation between non-metallic organic tanning agents (NOTAs) and wastewater containing double-triazine (bistriazine). Specifically, high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze how the physical and chemical properties of the bistriazine-containing wastewater affected the microbial community. In total, 9995 operating taxonomy units (OTUs) were detected at a similarity level of 97%. According to the taxonomy results and relative bacterial richness, the non-metallic organic tanning agent (NOTA) wastewater communities showed significant differences. Clostridium sensu stricto and Turicibacter bacteria were dominant in NOTA T2, T3, and the blank control (KB) wastewater; Trichococcus and Aeromonas were dominant in NOTA T4; and Pseudomonas was dominant in T2, T4, and the blank control (KB). Thus, the addition of bistriazine ring derivatives altered the composition of the bacterial community. Furthermore, Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a substantial correlation in the composition of the communities and the physicochemical properties of the wastewater. Acidocella and norank c Cyanobacteria correlated positively with Total Phosphorus (TP) (p ≤ 0.001) and Mycobacterium showed a positively held correlation with pH (p ≤ 0.05). Conversely, norank_f__Elev-16S-1332 indicated a negative correlation with TP, Total Nitrogen (TN), and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) (p ≤ 0.05), whereas Zoogloea correlated negatively with NH3–N, TOC, and TN (p ≤ 0.05). Regarding water quality, a significant correlation between microbial communities and the physicochemical properties of bistriazine wastewater was also observed (p ≤ 0.05). We concluded that Trichococcus, Clostridium sensu stricto, Turicibacter, Pseudomonas, Intestinibacter, Acidocella, Bacillus, and Tolumonas showed a high tolerance for bistriazine wastewater, which could offer insight into its bioremediation.
The Role of Modification of the Structure of Water and Water-Containing Systems in Changing Their Biological, Therapeutic, and Other Properties Overview
Authors: Sidorenko Galina , Brilly Mitja , Laptev Boris , Gorlenko Nikolay , Antoshkin Leonid , Vidmar Andrej , Kryžanowski Andrej
Published: September 2021

Based on published research on modifying the structure of water and water-containing systems, we assess external influence methods: temperature, magnetic field, light radiation, and their combination. We evaluate changes in the electrophysical, photo- and pH-metric biological, therapeutic, and other properties of water systems using non-destructive electrophysical research methods, i.e., thermometry, pH, laser interference, dynamic light scattering, microelectrophoresis, conductivity, surface tension, dielectric constant, polarimetric measurements, atomic force microscopy, and UV and EPR spectroscopy. The effects of temperature or magnetic field lead to a change in the content and size of water clusters, and physicochemical, biological, therapeutic, and other changes in the properties of water and water-containing systems. The combined effect of a magnetic field and curative mud and the impact of magnetised mineral water have a more pronounced therapeutic effect than only mineral water or curative mud. The data presented indirectly indicate structural changes in water and water-containing systems. We conclude that the primary mechanism of action of a magnetic field, light, or a combination of these factors on water and water-containing systems, including mineral water and therapeutic mud, is a change in the structure of water.
Advanced Oxidation Processes Based on Sulfate Radicals for Wastewater Treatment: Research Trends
Authors: Urán-Duque Lizeth , Saldarriaga-Molina Julio César , Rubio-Clemente Ainhoa
Published: September 2021

In this work, the recent trends in the application of the sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs) for the treatment of wastewater polluted with emerging contaminants (ECs) and pathogenic load were systematically studied due to the high oxidizing power ascribed to these technologies. Additionally, because of the economic benefits and the synergies presented in terms of efficiency in ECs degradation and pathogen inactivation, the combination of the referred to AOPs and conventional treatments, including biological processes, was covered. Finally, the barriers and limitations related to the implementation of SR-AOPs were described, highlighting the still scarce full-scale implementation and the high operating-costs associated, especially when solar energy cannot be used in the oxidation systems.
Dolomitization of Paleozoic Successions, Huron Domain of Southern Ontario, Canada: Fluid Flow and Dolomite Evolution
Authors: Al-Aasm Ihsan S. , Crowe Richard , Tortola Marco
Published: September 2021

Integrated petrographic, isotopic, fluid inclusion microthermometry, and geochemical analyses of Paleozoic carbonate successions from multiple boreholes within the Huron Domain, southern Ontario were conducted to characterize the diagenetic history and fluid composition, on a regional scale, and evaluate the nature and origin of dolomitized beds. Multiple generations of non-stochiometric dolomite have been observed. These dolomites occur as both replacement (D1 and D2) and cement (saddle dolomite; SD) and formed either at near-surface to shallow burial zone (D1) or intermediate burial (D2 and SD). Petrographic and geochemical data of dolomite types and calcite cement suggest that these carbonates have experienced multiple fluid events that affected dolomite formation and other diagenetic processes. Cambrian and Ordovician strata have two possibly isolated diagenetic fluid systems; an earlier fluid system that is characterized by a pronounced negative shift in oxygen and carbon isotopic composition, more radiogenic Sr ratios, warm and saline signatures, higher average ∑REE compared to warm water marine brachiopods, negative La anomaly, and positive Ce anomaly; and a later Ordovician system, characterized by less negative shifts in oxygen and carbon isotopes, comparable Th, hypersaline, a less radiogenic, less negative La anomaly, and primarily positive Ce anomaly but also higher average ∑REE compared to warm water marine brachiopods. Ordovician, Silurian, and Devonian Sr isotopic ratios, however, show seawater composition of their respective age as the primary source of diagenetic fluids with minor rock/water interactions. In contrast, the isotopic data of the overlying Silurian and Devonian carbonates show overlaps between δ13C and δ18O values. However, δ18O values show evidence of dolomite recrystallization. D2 shows wide Th values and medium to high salinity values. Higher Th and salinity are observed in SD in the Silurian carbonates, which suggest the involvement of localized fluxes of hydrothermal fluids during its formation during Paleozoic orogenesis. Geochemical proxies suggest that in both age groups the diagenetic fluids were originally of coeval seawater composition, subsequently modified via water-rock interaction possibly related to brines, which were modified by the dissolution of Silurian evaporites from the Salina series. The integration of the obtained data in the present study demonstrates the linkage between fluid flux history, fluid compartmentalization, and related diagenesis during the regional tectonic evolution of the Michigan Basin.
Simulation of Rainfall-Runoff Process in a Catchment with a Check-Dam System Equipped with a Perforated Riser Principal Spillway on the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Zhang Zeyu , Chai Junrui , Yuan Shuilong , Li Zhanbin , Xu Zengguang
Published: September 2021

Check dams are applied worldwide as an effective approach for soil and water conservation. To improve the simulation accuracy of the hydrological processes in a catchment with a check-dam system, this study analyzed the applicability and accuracy of a formula for the drainage process of a perforated riser principal spillway based on observational experiments. The rainfall-runoff processes in a catchment with a check-dam system were also simulated with the recommended formulas for the drainage process of a perforated riser principal spillway. The deviations in the calculated discharge from the observed values of the experiment with the recommended formulas under normal and abnormal working conditions were within ±15% and ±5%, respectively. The hydrologic model used in this study needed only a few parameters to achieve a satisfactory simulation accuracy. The recommended formulas for the drainage process of a perforated riser principal spillway can improve the simulation accuracy of a flood peak by 7.42% and 19.58% compared with the accuracies of the technical code formula scenario and no drainage scenario, respectively. The results of this study are expected to provide a reference for flood warnings and safe operations of check-dam systems.
Mapping Interflow Potential and the Validation of Index-Overlay Weightings by Using Coupled Surface Water and Groundwater Flow Model
Authors: Ni Chuen-Fa , Tran Quoc-Dung , Lee I-Hsien , Truong Minh-Hoang , Hsu Shaohua Marko
Published: September 2021

Interflow is an important water source contributing to river flow. It directly influences the near-surface water cycles for water resource management. This study focuses on assessing the interflow potential and quantifying the interflow in the downstream area along the Kaoping River in southern Taiwan. The interflow potential is first determined based on the modified index-overlay model, which employs the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to calculate the ratings and weightings of the selected factors. The groundwater and surface water flow (GSFLOW) numerical model is then used to link the index-overlay model to quantify the interflow potential for practical applications. This study uses the Monte Carlo simulations to assess the influence of rainfall-induced variations on the interflow uncertainty in the study area. Results show that the high potential interflow zones are located in the high to middle elevation regions along the Kaoping River. Numerical simulations of the GSFLOW model show an interflow variation pattern that is similar to the interflow potential results obtained from the index-overlay model. The average interflow rates are approximately 3.5 × 104 (m3/d) in the high elevation zones and 2.0 × 104 (m3/d) near the coastal zones. The rainfall uncertainty strongly influences interflow rates in the wet seasons, especially the peaks of the storms or heavy rainfall events. Interflow rates are relatively stable in the dry seasons, indicating that interflow is a reliable water resource in the study area.
Study on Operating Cost Economy of Battery-Swapping Heavy-Duty Truck in China
Authors: Wu Xiaoyuan , Liu Pengyu , Lu Xinbao
Published: September 2021

In recent years, battery-swapping heavy-duty trucks have seen rapid growth in China. Summarizing from the practical experiences gained in this development, and starting from market research and analysis of the most typical city of application case, Beijing, we aim to achieve the following: (ⅰ) Establish an operating cost model for battery-swapping heavy-duty trucks throughout a full operation cycle from the perspective of a heavy-duty truck freight transport capacity operator, based on four key cost dimensions, including transportation equipment, operation and maintenance, environmental protection compensation, and battery recycling compensation. (ⅱ) Calculate and compare the operating cost economy of battery-swapping heavy-duty trucks and other types of heavy-duty truck under different energy supplement modes, including charging, hydrogenation, and diesel. (ⅲ) Propose suggestions for faster and more successful heavy-duty truck electrification. The results indicate that battery-swapping heavy-duty trucks have good cost economy in a full operation cycle under specific scenario, and their economy will be improved with the popularization of battery-swapping stations.
Research on Multi-Period Hydrogen Refueling Station Location Model in Jiading District
Authors: Zheng Qianhui , Lv Hong , Zhou Wei , Zhang Cunman
Published: September 2021

The construction of hydrogen refueling stations is an important part of the promotion of fuel cell vehicles. In this paper, a multi-period hydrogen refueling station location model is presented that can be applied to the planning and construction of hydrogen infrastructures. Based on the hydrogen demand of fuel cell passenger cars and commercial vehicles, the model calculates the hydrogen demand of each zone by a weighting method according to population, economic level and education level. Then, the hydrogen demand of each period is calculated using the generalized Bass diffusion model. Finally, the set covering model is improved to determine the locations of the stations. The new model is applied to the scientific planning of hydrogen refueling stations in Jiading District, Shanghai; the construction location and sequence of hydrogen refueling stations in each period are given, and the growth trend of hydrogen demand and the promoting effect of hydrogen refueling stations are analyzed. The model adopted in this model is then compared with the other two kinds of node-based hydrogen refueling station location models that have previously been proposed.