bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring the Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Shale Oil/Gas Development with Landsat Time Series: Case Studies in the USA
Authors: Wang Yifang , Liu Di , Zhang Fushan , Zhang Qingling
Published: March 2022

Shale oil/gas extraction has expanded rapidly in the last two decades due to the rising energy prices and the advancement of technologies. Its development can have huge impacts on and, at the same time, is also deeply affected by energy markets, especially in an era with high economic uncertainty. Understanding and monitoring shale oil/gas development over large regions are critical for both energy policies and environmental protection. However, there are currently no applicable methods to track the spatio-temporal dynamics of shale oil/gas development. To fill this gap, we propose a new NDVI Trajectroy Matching algorithm to track shale oil/gas development using the annual Landsat NDVI composite time series from 2000 to 2020. The results reveal that our algorithm can accurately extract the location and time of shale oil/gas exploitation in Eagle Ford and Three Forks, with an accuracy of 83.80% and 81.40%, respectively. In the Eagle Ford area, accuracy for all disturbance year detection was greater than 66.67%, with the best in 2011 and 2019 at 90.00%. The lowest accuracy in the Three Forks area was 63.33% in 2002, while the highest accuracy was 93.33% in 2019. In conclusion, the algorithm can effectively track shale oil/gas development with considerable accuracy and simplicity. We believe that the algorithm has enormous potential for other applications, such as built-up regions, forests, farmlands, and water body expansion and contraction involving vegetation damage.
DAN-SuperPoint: Self-Supervised Feature Point Detection Algorithm with Dual Attention Network
Authors: Li Zhaoyang , Cao Jie , Hao Qun , Zhao Xue , Ning Yaqian , Li Dongxing
Published: March 2022

In view of the poor performance of traditional feature point detection methods in low-texture situations, we design a new self-supervised feature extraction network that can be applied to the visual odometer (VO) front-end feature extraction module based on the deep learning method. First, the network uses the feature pyramid structure to perform multi-scale feature fusion to obtain a feature map containing multi-scale information. Then, the feature map is passed through the position attention module and the channel attention module to obtain the feature dependency relationship of the spatial dimension and the channel dimension, respectively, and the weighted spatial feature map and the channel feature map are added element by element to enhance the feature representation. Finally, the weighted feature maps are trained for detectors and descriptors respectively. In addition, in order to improve the prediction accuracy of feature point locations and speed up the network convergence, we add a confidence loss term and a tolerance loss term to the loss functions of the detector and descriptor, respectively. The experiments show that our network achieves satisfactory performance under the Hpatches dataset and KITTI dataset, indicating the reliability of the network.
Utilization of SDN Technology for Flexible EtherCAT Networks Applications
Authors: Smołka Ireneusz , Stój Jacek
Published: March 2022

At the beginning of the current century, Ethernet-based communication networks began to be implemented in industrial applications. Some previously used protocols were migrated to Ethernet networks, while many others were strictly developed for this communication medium. Numerous industrial Ethernet protocols do not deliver all the capabilities provided by the Ethernet. For example, limitations may arise associated with wireless communication, use of dedicated switching devices, or operation solely for certain topologies. On the other hand, new technologies are now available, such as software defined networks (SDN), that add new features to Ethernet-based communication systems. In this paper, an EtherCAT network in combination with SDN is analyzed. EtherCAT network may only consist of devices with an implemented EtherCAT protocol stack. Therefore, regular Ethernet switches cannot typically be used in this network and, hence, special network infrastructure may be required to create topologies other than standard line topology. It is shown, however, that this limitation can be overcome by the application of SDN. In addition, a definition of datagram forwarding rules (called SDN flows here) is given, and we demonstrate that EtherCAT datagrams can be sent through routes that are required for proper EtherCAT network operation.
The Automatic Design of Multimode Resonator Topology with Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Stanovov Vladimir V. , Khodenkov Sergey A. , Popov Aleksey M. , Kazakovtsev Lev A.
Published: March 2022

Microwave electromagnetic devices have been used for many applications in tropospheric communication, navigation, radar systems, and measurement. The development of the signal preprocessing units including frequency-selective devices (bandpass filters) determines the reliability and usability of such systems. In wireless sensor network nodes, filters with microstrip resonators are widely used to improve the out-of-band suppression and frequency selectivity. Filters based on multimode microstrip resonators have an order that determines their frequency-selective properties, which is a multiple of the number of resonators. That enables us to reduce the size of systems without deteriorating their selective properties. Various microstrip multimode resonator topologies can be used for both filters and microwave sensors, however, the quality criteria for them may differ. The development of every resonator topology is time consuming. We propose a technique for the automatic generation of the resonator topology with required frequency characteristics based on the use of evolutionary algorithms. The topology is encoded into a set of real valued parameters, which are varied to achieve the desired features. The differential evolution algorithm and the genetic algorithm with simulated binary crossover and polynomial mutation are applied to solve the formulated problem using the dynamic penalties method. The experimental results show that our technique enables us to find microstrip resonator topologies with desired amplitude-frequency characteristics automatically, and manufactured devices demonstrate characteristics very close to the results of the algorithm. The proposed algorithmic approach may be used for automatically exploring the new perspective topologies of resonators used in microwave filters, radar antennas or sensors, in accordance with the defined criteria and constraints.
Development of a Remote Displacement Measuring Laser System for Bridge Inspection
Authors: Kim Kyung-Hwa , Jung Hwee-Kwon
Published: March 2022

Measuring displacement is essential for assessing the safety of bridges. Non-contact sensors such as vision sensors can precisely measure displacement but may be expensive or incapable of micro-scale measurement at a low cost, unlike contact displacement sensors, which are economical but challenging to install. This study proposes an economical, remote non-contact sensor system. The system comprises a laser beam transmitter and a light receiver, deriving the displacement based on the position where the laser beam is irradiated to the light-receiving surface. To measure this, the light receiver was installed at the measurement point and included a wireless communicator to transmit the displacement data. A displacement experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance. The results confirmed that precise displacement measurements were possible at a resolution of 100 µm. For bridge load tests, a light receiver under a bridge was installed, laser beams irradiated to the light-receiving surface from a distance, and the displacement was measured for each test and compared with the values measured by a conventional contact sensor. The results were highly consistent with those of the existing sensor, indicating that the proposed sensor system applies to bridge loading tests and the safety diagnosis for various structures.
Garmin GPSMAP 66sr: Assessment of Its GNSS Observations and Centimeter-Accurate Positioning
Authors: Wanninger Lambert , Heßelbarth Anja , Frevert Volker
Published: March 2022

In 2020, Garmin released one of the first consumer devices with a dual-frequency GNSS chip and a quadrifilar helix antenna: GPSMAP 66sr. The device is intended to serve as a positioning and navigation device for outdoor recreation purposes with positioning accuracies on the few meter level. However, due to its highly accurate GNSS dual-frequency carrier-phase observations, the equipment can also be used for centimeter-accurate positioning. We performed extensive test measurements and analyzed the quality of its code and carrier-phase observations. We calibrated the Garmin GPSMAP 66sr antenna with respect to its phase-center offset and phase-center variations. We also performed dual-frequency GPS/Galileo precise point positioning (PPP) and precise relative positioning in baselines to virtual reference stations (VRS). We demonstrate and explain how centimeter-accurate positioning can be achieved with this novel kind of equipment.
Smart Clothing Framework for Health Monitoring Applications
Authors: Ahsan Mominul , Teay Siew Hon , Sayem Abu Sadat Muhammad , Albarbar Alhussein
Published: March 2022

Wearable technologies are making a significant impact on people’s way of living thanks to the advancements in mobile communication, internet of things (IoT), big data and artificial intelligence. Conventional wearable technologies present many challenges for the continuous monitoring of human health conditions due to their lack of flexibility and bulkiness in size. Recent development in e-textiles and the smart integration of miniature electronic devices into textiles have led to the emergence of smart clothing systems for remote health monitoring. A novel comprehensive framework of smart clothing systems for health monitoring is proposed in this paper. This framework provides design specifications, suitable sensors and textile materials for smart clothing (e.g., leggings) development. In addition, the proposed framework identifies techniques for empowering the seamless integration of sensors into textiles and suggests a development strategy for health diagnosis and prognosis through data collection, data processing and decision making. The conceptual technical specification of smart clothing is also formulated and presented. The detailed development of this framework is presented in this paper with selected examples. The key challenges in popularizing smart clothing and opportunities of future development in diverse application areas such as healthcare, sports and athletics and fashion are discussed.
Overuse of Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonists (SABAs) in Elite Athletes: Hypotheses to Explain It
Authors: Vertadier Nicolas , Trzepizur Wojciech , Faure Sébastien
Published: March 2022

The use of short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABAs) is more common in elite athletes than in the general population, especially in endurance sports. The World Anti-Doping Code places some restrictions on prescribing inhaled β2-agonists. These drugs are used in respiratory diseases (such as asthma) that might reduce athletes’ performances. Recently, studies based on the results of the Olympic Games revealed that athletes with confirmed asthma/airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) outperformed their non-asthmatic rivals. This overuse of SABA by high-level athletes, therefore, raises some questions, and many explanatory hypotheses are proposed. Asthma and EIB have a high prevalence in elite athletes, especially within endurance sports. It appears that many years of intensive endurance training can provoke airway injury, EIB, and asthma in athletes without any past history of respiratory diseases. Some sports lead to a higher risk of asthma than others due to the hyperventilation required over long periods of time and/or the high environmental exposure while performing the sport (for example swimming and the associated chlorine exposure). Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) have a low efficacy in the treatment of asthma and EIB in elite athletes, leading to a much greater use of SABAs. A significant proportion of these high-level athletes suffer from non-allergic asthma, involving the th1-th17 pathway.
The Codevelopment of Mangroves and Infaunal Community Diversity in Response to the Natural Dynamics of Mud Deposition in French Guiana
Authors: Michaud Emma , Aschenbroich Adélaïde , Gauthier Olivier , Fromard François , Aller Josephine Y. , Aller Robert C. , Brunier Guillaume , Anthony Edward J. , Gardel Antoine , Le Garrec Vincent , Leynaert Aude , Thouzeau Gérard
Published: March 2022

The sustainability of mangrove ecosystems requires a knowledge of their spatiotemporal variability as a function of regional properties. The unique coastal ecosystems of the mangrove belt along the coast of the Guianas in South America are influenced by cycles of a massive accretion of mud supplied by the Amazon River and wave induced erosion. This study characterized, for the first time, how benthic infaunal assemblages, as proxies of mechanisms of mangrove resilience, were structured by the natural growth track of Avicennia germinans dominated mangroves in French Guiana. We sampled 4 mobile mud stations and 27 consolidated mud stations distributed over 9 tidal transects from bare to vegetated mudflats colonized by young mangroves during the dry season. We collected a complete dataset of sediment and vegetation variables together with the benthic meso- (>0.25 mm) and macrofauna (>1 mm). We used a combination of eigenvector based multivariate analyses and variance partitioning on this multiple set of variables to identify which environmental variables likely drive the benthic diversity patterns. Mangrove early development increased the alpha and beta diversities of the infaunal communities for the two size classes. A total of 20–30% and 7–12% of the beta diversity are explained by linear and nonlinear spatial variables, respectively. However, 7% to 9% of the variance partioning could be determined by other biotic/abiotic variables, biological interactions or neutral processes, not described here. This study has highlighted the necessity of taking into account mangrove dynamics at suitable spatial scales for benthic biodiversity evaluation and mangrove management or restoration plans.
How Religious Destinations Innovate Tourism Models in Religious Personalization: An Evidence from Contemporary Art-Temple Collaboration
Authors: Lin Hui-Li , Lin Fang-Suey , Liu Shih-Wei , Liu Yen-Cheng
Published: March 2022

In response to the development of religious personalization, the old marketing strategies of most religious destinations have been unable to effectively promote their popularity in modern times. This article deeply explored how to use contemporary art to design religious destinations comprehensively and proposed an effective solution to enhance the popularity of religious destinations in religious tourism. We established an actor network in religious tourism with qualitative and quantitative analyses and took the Buddhism Yuan-Dao Guanyin Temple in Taiwan as a case analysis. We found temples to be the main actors in religious tourism networks and temple organizations to serve as their spokespersons. The successful obligatory point of passage (OPP) in the network was that “the religious performance of Yuan-Dao Guanyin Temple is a contemporary art style, and every subject who enters the temple field can obtain interests”. This is primarily formulated by the interaction between religion and contemporary art. The results show that adopting a contemporary art style in this case can successfully expand the popularity of the religious destination. Through the actor network model proposed in this paper, it can be used as a strategy for other religious destinations to improve religious tourism.
Optimal Planning of Remote Microgrids with Multi-Size Split-Diesel Generators
Authors: Cardenas Gabriel Andres Rojas , Khezri Rahmat , Mahmoudi Amin , Kahourzadeh Solmaz
Published: March 2022

This paper proposes a multi-size Split-diesel generator (Split-DG) model with three different sizes of DGs and more switching configurations compared to the existing split-DG models. The proposed multi-size Split-DG system is examined for optimal sizing of remote microgrids with and without renewable-battery system. As a novel concept, multi-size Split-DG is used to reduce contamination, cost, and dumped power by using multiple small DGs to replace the single-size large DG. As another contribution of this study, a practical model is developed by considering the capacity degradation of components, spinning reserve, as well as DG’s and fuel tank’s constraints. The optimization problem is solved using a variable weighting particle swarm optimization (VW-PSO) algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed Split-DG systems, optimized by the developed VW-PSO, is verified by comparing the results with conventional single-size DG system and the system optimized by conventional PSO. While the formulated optimization problem is general and can be used for any remote microgrids, an aboriginal community in South Australia is examined in this study. For this purpose, realistic data of load and weather, as well as technical and economic data of components, are used. It is found that the Split-DG-PV-WT-BES system has the lowest electricity cost compared to the systems without BES, or without PV and WT.
Facilitating Sustainable Self-Directed Learning Experience with the Use of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning
Authors: Jeong Kyeong-Ouk
Published: March 2022

This study explored the impact of utilizing mobile-assisted language learning to help EFL university students promote their learning performance and support a sustainable self-directed learning experience while developing digital literacy and technology competence. The global pandemic and spread of COVID-19 have accelerated the convergence of technology in the classroom in response to an emergency where the sustainability of education is at stake. With the progress of digital technology, a variety of smart mobile applications have been applied in English language learning and teaching. The use of those technologies can encourage language learners to practice self-directed learning beyond the classroom settings, which is essential for motivated and autonomous learning. Mobile phone applications have great potential as effective pedagogical tools with features such as accessibility, manageable interface, and multifunctional components. However, the use of mobile-assisted language learning for sustainable, self-directed learning outside the classroom has been relatively under-researched. In this study, EFL university students engaged in mobile-assisted language learning that could make their learning more sustainable and independent outside of the classroom. The data of this study show that students’ attitudes toward participating in mobile-assisted English language learning were affirmative. The results show that incorporation of mobile applications into language learning could foster learner motivation and make their learning more sustainable and entertaining than simply using the conventional instructional methods. Participants of this study stated that major benefits of experiencing mobile-assisted learning for their English study were ease of access to learning contents, portability of the learning tools, flexible and self-directed learning environment, better interaction, and improved self-efficacy in English learning performance. The pedagogical implications of the study are discussed, and instructional strategies are suggested to share ideas about a more pertinent learning environment in the era of digital transformation.
Current Information Provision Rarely Helps Coastal Households Adapt to Climate Change
Authors: Elrick-Barr Carmen E. , Smith Timothy F.
Published: March 2022

Households play an important role in reducing coastal vulnerability through individual and collective action. Information provision is a key strategy adopted by governments to support household adaptation. However, there is limited evidence of the effectiveness of the different types of information and their influence on coastal household response. Drawing on case study research in two Australian coastal communities, we explore the types of information shaping household responses to three hazard scenarios: a heatwave, a severe storm, and sea-level rise. We find that passive information informs action in fewer than half of all households. Furthermore, even current attempts at more action-oriented information only informs coping strategies. If coastal adaptation is to achieve the transformational changes vital to manage the impacts of climate change, information provision must transition from passive and generic delivery via traditional modes, to actively communicating adaptation as the ‘glue’ between hazard management and household resilience through context-relevant and household-driven communication modes. Further research into the types of information that promote more-than-coping responses, such as information to facilitate collective action, is also recommended.
Analysis of the Relationship between Corporate CSR Investment and Business Performance Using ESG Index—The Use-Case of Korean Companies
Authors: Yun Jihye , Lee Jonghwa
Published: March 2022

ESG management has become the most prominent topic this year as the worldwide business environment of companies changes. ESG management is not an option to raise a company’s reputation but a factor that significantly affects corporate sustainability and corporate value in the long run as well as can be seen as an essential requirement for a company’s survival. As this trend is essential in evaluating corporate sustainability, ESG management is an inevitable global issue. This study aims to develop an index for ESG, a key indicator of corporate sustainability, targeting 49 companies that issue ‘sustainability reports’ among the top 150 asset-ranked companies. In addition, companies were divided into high and low groups based on the ESG index, and each group attempted to study the effect of economic responsibility among corporate social responsibility on financial performance. As a result, out of 49 companies, the high group was divided into 17 companies, and the low group was split into 14 companies. It was found that only the low group had a significantly positive (+) effect on the relationship between corporate economic responsibility and financial performance. This study can be used as a reference data for ESG research by developing an ESG index related to corporate sustainability. It is meaningful to confirm the management paradigm for corporate social responsibility and the importance of financial performance through comparison.
Analysis on the Mechanism and Influencing Factors of the Coordinated Development of Economy and Environment in China’s Resource-Based Cities
Authors: Li Quan , Guo Quan , Zhou Min , Xia Qing , Quan Mengqi
Published: March 2022

In order to explore how to achieve the coordinated development of the economy and environment, this paper uses the logistic model to verify that the city economy and the environment can achieve coordinated symbiosis. Next, an evaluation index system was used as empirical testing in order to measure the performance of the economy and environment. Further, the degree of coupling and coordination between them was obtained, and an econometric model was used to find the factors that affect the coordination and symbiosis between them. Finally, the following conclusions were obtained: (1) Resource-based cities of different development types do not show obvious differences in environmental carrying capacity and are basically at a medium carrying capacity level. (2) The level of the economic strength of resource-based cities is constantly improving, although with short-term fluctuations but with a general pace of improvement. (3) The synergy between economy and environment in resource-based cities is not high that the environment lags behind obviously. (4) The factors affecting the coordinated development of the environment and economy of resource-based cities are the annual average population and industrial wastewater discharge, which are contributing to the coordinated development of the economy and environment in resource-based cities. At the same time, the proportion of secondary industry in GDP, investment in fixed assets, and comprehensive utilization rate of general industrial solid waste inhibit the coordinated development of the economy and environment in resource-based cities. Based on the above conclusions, the paper puts forward relevant countermeasures and suggestions.
How to Improve Green Innovation Performance: A Conditional Process Analysis
Authors: Wang Na , Zhang Jinshan , Zhang Xiue , Wang Wei
Published: March 2022

Green innovation strategy (GIS) is an appropriate choice for most enterprises to deal with environmental problems. Organizational green learning (OGL) enables enterprises to obtain more updated environmental knowledge and promote green innovation performance (GIP). It is unclear whether adopting green innovation strategy is inevitably beneficial to green product innovation and green process innovation, and the studies in this area are still incomplete. According to the Natural Resource-Based View and Knowledge-Based View, this study advances a conditional processmodel to understand how green innovation strategy impacts green innovation performance through organizational green learning in a context of green technological turbulence (GTT). We conducted an empirical study with a probabilistic sample of 316 innovative enterprises using the partial least squares and regression analysis in order to verify the research framework. The results show a positive relationship between green innovation strategy and green innovation performance, organizational green learning played a partial mediating effect, and green technology turbulence significantly moderated the relationship between organizational green learning and green innovation performance. The impact of organizational green learning on green innovation performance is greater when green technology turbulence is higher than when it is low. These findings extend the green innovation performance research and practice.
Machine Learning in Conventional Tunnel Deformation in High In Situ Stress Regions
Authors: Ma Ke , Chen Li-Ping , Fang Qian , Hong Xue-Fei
Published: March 2022

Deformation prediction of extremely high in situ stress in soft-rock tunnels is a complex problem involving many parameters, and traditional analytical solutions and numerical simulations have difficulty achieving satisfactory results. This paper proposes the MIC-LSTM algorithm based on machine learning methods to predict the deformation of soft-rock tunnels under extremely high in situ stress conditions caused by construction. The study first analyzed the difficulties of engineering construction and the construction plan; then, numerical simulation was used to verify the modified construction plan. To prove that the construction plan was reasonable, machine learning was used to analyze the correlation of the various parameters that cause tunnel deformation; then, the future deformation of the tunnel was predicted. The study found that: (1) the new construction scheme contains symmetrical arrangement of bolts and two support structures along the tunnel vault can effectively control the deformation of the tunnel, and meet the requirements of the specification; (2) the rock uniaxial compressive strength had the greatest impact on tunnel deformation, and the rock humidity had the least influence on tunnel deformation; and (3) the prediction curve based on the deep learning model had a higher similarity to the monitoring curve compared with the traditional numerical analysis software. The MIC-LSTM machine algorithm provides a new approach to predicting the deformation of extremely high in situ stress soft-rock tunnels.
A Systematic Multichimera Transform for Color Image Representation
Authors: Abdulsattar Fatimah Shamsulddin , Zaghar Dhafer , Khalaf Walaa
Published: March 2022

Mathematically representing an image with only a small number of coefficients has been attempted a few times. These attempts represent initial steps to achieve this goal and showed promising results by either working on a small image block size or utilizing a codebook built using a complex operation. The use of the codebook complicated the entire transformation process. In this work, we overcome these difficulties by developing a new scheme called systematic multichimera transform (SMCT). This transform employs simple mathematical functions called fractal half functions to independently build a codebook of image contents and size. These functions satisfy the symmetry under fractal form while breaking the orthogonality condition. The transform can deal with different image block sizes such as 8×8, 16×16, and 32×32. The encoding process is conducted by repetitively finding the similarity between image blocks and codebook blocks to achieve data reduction and preserve important information. The coefficients of the matching process are then employed in the decoding process to reconstruct the image. SMCT produced the highest structural similarity index (SSIM) and a competitive Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) over the standard discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and discrete cosine transform (DCT) without degrading important image content.
DSRP Theory: A Primer
Authors: Cabrera Derek , Cabrera Laura
Published: March 2022

DSRP Theory is now over 25 years old with more empirical evidence supporting it than any other systems thinking framework. Yet, it is often misunderstood and described in ways that are inaccurate. DSRP Theory describes four patterns and their underlying elements—identity (i) and other (o) for Distinctions (D), part (p) and whole (w) for Systems (S), action (a) and reaction (r) for Relationships (R), and point (ρ) and view (v) for Perspectives (P)—that are universal in both cognitive complexity (mind) and material complexity (nature). DSRP Theory provides a basis for systems thinking or cognitive complexity as well as material complexity (systems science). This paper, as a relatively short primer on the theory, provides clarity to those wanting to understand DSRP and its implications.
Source Apportionment of Atmospheric PM10 in Makkah Saudi Arabia by Modelling Its Ion and Trace Element Contents with Positive Matrix Factorization and Generalised Additive Model
Authors: Habeebullah Turki M. , Munir Said , Zeb Jahan , Morsy Essam A.
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the emission sources of PM10 are characterised by analysing its trace elements (TE) and ions contents. PM10 samples were collected for a year (2019–2020) at five sites and analysed. PM10 speciated data were analysed using graphical visualization, correlation analysis, generalised additive model (GAM), and positive matrix factorization (PMF). Annual average PM10 concentrations (µg/m3) were 304.68 ± 155.56 at Aziziyah, 219.59 ± 87.29 at Misfalah, 173.90 ± 103.08 at Abdeyah, 168.81 ± 82.50 at Askan, and 157.60 ± 80.10 at Sanaiyah in Makkah, which exceeded WHO (15 µg/m3), USEPA (50 µg/m3), and the Saudi Arabia national (80 µg/m3) annual air quality standards. A GAM model was developed using PM10 as a response and ions and TEs as predictors. Among the predictors Mg, Ca, Cr, Al, and Pb were highly significant (p < 0.01), Se, Cl, and NO2 were significant (p < 0.05), and PO4 and SO4 were significant (p < 0.1). The model showed R-squared (adj) 0.85 and deviance explained 88.1%. PMF identified four main emission sources of PM10 in Makkah: (1) Road traffic emissions (explained 51% variance); (2) Industrial emissions and mineral dust (explained 27.5% variance); (3) Restaurant and dwelling emissions (explained 13.6% variance); and (4) Fossil fuel combustion (explained 7.9% variance).
Evaluation of Utility of the Cement Solidification Process of Waste Ion Exchange Resin
Authors: Shon Jong-Sik , Lee Hyun-Kyu , Kim Tack-Jin , Choi Jong-Won , Yoon Woo-Yeol , Ahn Sang-Bok
Published: March 2022

The present study aimed to evaluate the utility of the cement solidification process for stably disposing of waste ion exchange resin generated during the treatment of radioactive wastewater. The cement solidification process using the in-drum mixing system was selected to be used for the solidification process of waste ion exchange resins. The disposal safety of waste forms was evaluated according to the waste acceptance criteria (WAC) applicable to domestic waste disposal sites, and the tests were conducted for six test items provided in the WAC. A total of 15 representative samples were collected from the waste-form drums produced using the optimum operating conditions, and their structural stability for disposal considerations was evaluated. In addition, the leaching index of the samples was 11.05, 10.12, 8.39 for Co, Sr, and Cs, respectively, and it was found to exceed 6, the leaching index standard of WAC. The results confirmed that cement waste forms including waste ion exchange resins produced through this process were considered to be conforming to the requirements for disposal safety.
The Role of Dietary Fiber and Gut Microbiome Modulation in Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ranganathan Natarajan , Anteyi Emmanuel
Published: March 2022

Nutrition is one of the fundamental approaches to promoting and preventing all kinds of diseases, especially kidney diseases. Dietary fiber forms a significant aspect of renal nutrition in treating chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dietary fiber intake influences the composition and metabolism of the gut microbiome with proven roles in reducing uremic toxin production, preserving kidney function, and retarding the progression of CKD through mechanisms of regulating metabolic, immunological, and inflammatory processes. Understanding dietary fiber’s pathogenesis and mechanistic action in modulating host and microbiome interactions provides a potential adjunct therapeutic target for preventing, controlling, and treating CKD patients. In this regard, a recommendation of adequate and appropriate dietary fiber intake to restore beneficial gut microbiota composition would reduce the risks and complications associated with CKD. This mini review summarizes current evidence of the role of dietary fiber intake in modulating the gut microbiome to improve kidney health.
An Opportunity to Understand Concerns about COVID-19 Vaccination: Perspectives from EMS Professionals
Authors: MacEwan Sarah R. , Gaughan Alice A. , Gregory Megan E. , Rush Laura J. , Powell Jonathan R. , Kurth Jordan D. , Panchal Ashish R. , McAlearney Ann Scheck
Published: March 2022

Some healthcare professionals, including emergency medical service (EMS) professionals, remain hesitant about receiving COVID-19 vaccines. This study sought to understand EMS professionals’ perspectives regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Using open-ended comments from a national survey deployed electronically to over 19,000 EMS professionals in April of 2021, we examined perspectives about acceptance of and hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccines. Survey comments revealed differences in perspectives between vaccinated and unvaccinated EMS professionals regarding their personal role in improving public health through COVID-19 vaccination as well as vaccine benefits and the protection conferred by vaccination. Unvaccinated individuals also expressed concerns over the research and development of the COVID-19 vaccines that led to their decision not to get vaccinated. Individuals who were vaccinated suggested ways to increase uptake of the vaccine including having healthcare professionals serve as leaders for vaccination and educating individuals about COVID-19 vaccination through credible resources. Vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge to achieving herd immunity to COVID-19 through vaccination, even among healthcare professionals. Understanding the perspectives of those who have chosen not to be vaccinated can help direct strategies to reduce confusion and concerns. The perspectives of vaccinated individuals may also be valuable in identifying opportunities to promote vaccination in the professional setting.
Humoral and Cellular Response after mRNA Vaccination in Nursing Homes: Influence of Age and of History of COVID-19
Authors: San Román Jesús , Candel Francisco Javier , Sanz Juan Carlos , López Paloma , Menéndez-Colino Rocío , Barreiro Pablo , Carretero María del Mar , Pérez-Abeledo Marta , Viñuela-Prieto José Manuel , Ramos Belén , Canora Jesús , Barba Raquel , Zapatero-Gaviria Antonio , Martínez-Peromingo Franciso Javier ,   on behalf of the Investigators of the SeroVAC Study
Published: March 2022

Background: Most residents and staff in nursing homes have received full vaccination. Factors related to the immune response to vaccination might be related to the risk of future severe COVID-19 and may guide the need for vaccine boosters. Design: Nursing homes that were tested in a point survey in July-October 2020 were again analyzed after a vaccination campaign in June-July 2021. Immune responses according to IgG against nucleocapsid and spike antigens, and CD4 and CD8 interferon-gamma release assay against spike antigens, were evaluated. Results: A total of 1973 subjects were tested (61.7% residents, 48.3% staff), with a mean (SD) follow-up of 46.4 (3.6) weeks between assessments. More than half of residents and more than a third of staff had evidence of COVID-19 before vaccination; 26.9% and 22.7% had seroreversion of IgG-N, and 8.9% and 4.6% had IgG-N seroconversion at second assessment, respectively. Up to 96.8% of residents and 98.1% of workers had positive IgG-S after a mean of 19.9 (2.1) weeks after vaccination. In residents with vs without a history of COVID-19, IgG-S titers were 4.11 (0.54) vs. 2.73 (0.74) logAU/mL (p < 0.001); in workers these titers were 3.89 (0.61) vs. 3.15 (0.64) logAU/mL (p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that younger age (OR: −0.03 per 10 years-older [95% CI, −0.04 to −0.02], p < 0.001) and evidence of COVID-19 (OR: 1.14 [95% CI, 1.08 to 1.20], p < 0.001) are associated with greater IgG-S titers after vaccination. A direct association was found between IgG-S titers and the intensity of IFN-gamma response against spike antigens. Conclusions: Waning of humoral response and reinfection seems to be more frequent in older as compared to younger adults, although cellular responses shortly after vaccination are comparable between these groups. Younger age and prior COVID-19 are related to greater humoral response after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.
Post-Immune Antibodies in HIV-1 Infection in the Context of Vaccine Development: A Variety of Biological Functions and Catalytic Activities
Authors: Timofeeva Anna , Sedykh Sergey , Nevinsky Georgy
Published: March 2022

Unlike many other viruses, HIV-1 is highly variable. The structure of the viral envelope changes as the infection progresses and is one of the biggest obstacles in developing an HIV-1 vaccine. HIV-1 infection can cause the production of various natural autoantibodies, including catalytic antibodies hydrolyzing DNA, myelin basic protein, histones, HIV-integrase, HIV-reverse transcriptase, β-casein, serum albumin, and some other natural substrates. Currently, there are various directions for the development of HIV-1 vaccines: stimulation of the immune response on the mucous membranes; induction of cytotoxic T cells, which lyse infected cells and hold back HIV-infection; immunization with recombinant Env proteins or vectors encoding Env; mRNA-based vaccines and some others. However, despite many attempts to develop an HIV-1 vaccine, none have been successful. Here we review the entire spectrum of antibodies found in HIV-infected patients, including neutralizing antibodies specific to various viral epitopes, as well as antibodies formed against various autoantigens, catalytic antibodies against autoantigens, and some viral proteins. We consider various promising targets for developing a vaccine that will not produce unwanted antibodies in vaccinated patients. In addition, we review common problems in the development of a vaccine against HIV-1.
Revisiting Porcine Circovirus Disease Diagnostic Criteria in the Current Porcine Circovirus 2 Epidemiological Context
Authors: Segalés Joaquim , Sibila Marina
Published: March 2022

Current knowledge on porcine circovirus diseases (PCVD) caused by Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) includes the subclinical infection (PCV-2-SI), systemic (PCV-2-SD) and reproductive (PCV-2-RD) diseases, and porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS). Criteria to establish the diagnosis of these conditions have not changed over the years; thus, the triad composed by clinical signs, lesions and viral detection in lesions are still the hallmark for PCV-2-SD and PCV-2-RD. In contrast, PCV-2-SI diagnosis is not usually performed since this condition is perceived to be controlled by default through vaccination. PDNS is diagnosed by gross and histopathological findings, and PCV-2 detection is not recognized as a diagnostic criterion. Molecular biology methods as a proxy for PCVD diagnoses have been extensively used in the last decade, although these techniques should be mainly considered as monitoring tools rather than diagnostic ones. What has changed over the years is the epidemiological picture of PCV-2 through the massive use of vaccination, which allowed the decrease in infectious pressure paralleled with a decrease in overall herd immunity. Consequently, the need for establishing the diagnosis of PCVD has increased lately, especially in cases with a PCV-2-SD-like condition despite vaccination. Therefore, the objective of the present review is to update the current knowledge on diagnostic criteria for PCVDs and to contextualize the interest of using molecular biology methods in the overall picture of these diseases within variable epidemiological scenarios of PCV-2 infection.
PRM1 Gene Expression and Its Protein Abundance in Frozen-Thawed Spermatozoa as Potential Fertility Markers in Breeding Bulls
Authors: Pardede Berlin Pandapotan , Agil Muhammad , Karja Ni Wayan Kurniani , Sumantri Cece , Supriatna Iman , Purwantara Bambang
Published: March 2022

Functional genes and proteins in sperm play an essential role in bulls’ reproductive processes. They are more accurate in determining bull fertility than conventional semen quality tests. Protamine-1 (PRM1) is a gene or protein crucial for packaging and protecting sperm DNA until fertilization affects normal sperm function. This study analyzes the genes and proteins potential from PRM1 as fertility markers for different breeds of bulls utilized in the artificial insemination programs, expected to be an accurate tool in interpreting bull fertility in Indonesia. This study used Limousin, Holstein, and Ongole Grade bulls divided into two groups based on fertility, high-fertility (HF) and low fertility (LF). The semen quality assessment included progressive motility (computer-assisted semen analysis), viability (eosin-nigrosine), and plasma membrane integrity (HOS test). Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) was assessed using the acridine orange staining and the Halomax test. Sperm PRM deficiency was evaluated with the chromomycin A3 method. Moreover, PRM1 gene expression was measured using qRT-PCR, and the PRM1 protein abundance was measured with the enzyme immunoassay method. Semen quality values, relative expression of PRM1 gene, and quantity of PRM1 protein were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in HF bulls than in LF bulls. The SDF and PRM deficiency values in LF bulls were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than HF bulls. Additionally, PRM1 at the gene and protein levels correlated significantly (p < 0.01) with fertility. Therefore, PRM1 is a potential candidate for fertility markers in bulls in Indonesia.
Characteristics of lactation of cows of Red steppe and Simmental breeds under the economic conditions of Yakutia
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Arctic State Agrotechnological University”, Russia, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Yakutsk, Zakharova L. N.
Published: March 2022

In order to increase the gross milk production and increase the number of breeding cattle in the farms in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), dairy cattle of Red steppe breed have been imported. Getting into the new climatic and economic conditions of housing and feeding, the body of imported cattle undergoes deep physiological and biochemical changes, goes through the process of adaptation. The purpose of the work was to study the nature of lactation of cows of Red steppe and local Simmental breeds under the economic conditions in Central Yakutia. The intensity and uniformity of lactation during the year has an important role in determining the value of dairy productivity of cows. The ability of cows to give evenly or sharply decreasing milk yields during lactation tends to be inherited, so it should be taken into account in breeding work. The lactation curve provides additional information about the potential of dairy productivity of cows and the impact of feeding, housing and operation conditions on the lactation process. It has been found that the winter ration of lactating cows contained 9,4 EFU and 1139 g of digestible protein, which amounted to 89,9 and 107,0 % of the feeding norm. In the structure of the ration, the proportion of bulky feed occupied 36 %, succulent feed 24 % and concentrated feed 40 %. The sugar-protein ratio was 0,43, which indicated a deficiency in the carbohydrate ration. It was found that under the same conditions of feeding and housing, the cows under study showed a two-vertex level of the lactation curve. In cows of both breeds the peak of the lactation curve occurred during the summer lactation period with the release of animals for summer pasture maintenance. Then, in cows of both breeds the lactation curve began to gradually decrease. Valuable are those animals whose leveled type of lactation and milk yield are housed at a fairly constant level. The indicator of lactation usefulness in cows of Red steppe breed was equal to 68,24 %, in Simmental breed 64,24 %.
Productive traits of goats of Nubian breed
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Agricultural Academy named after K. A. Timiryazev”, Russia, Moscow, Kalmykova O. A. , Komov E. V. ,   OOO «Nubian-Elite – Healthy Generation», Russia, Leningrad region, Luzhsky area, Poddubye
Published: March 2022

Milk productivity, composition and properties of goat milk depend on the breed of goats. One of the dairy breeds that have been gained wide popularity among goat breeders is Nubian breed. The study of the economic and biological characteristics of Nubian goats imported and bred in the ecological and climatic conditions of different regions of our country is an urgent task. The purpose of the work was to assess the level of milk productivity and the qualitative composition of milk of Nubian goats of different ages in OOO Nubian-Elite – Healthy Generation in the Leningrad region. The positive age dynamics of milk productivity indicators have been revealed. Goats of the third lactation and older were ahead of animals in the first and second lactation in milk yield by 205,3 kg (P ≤ 0,001) and 94,8 kg (P ≤ 0,001), in fat mass fraction by 0,60 abs.% (P ≤ 0,05) and 0,54 abs.% (P ≤ 0,05), in protein mass fraction by 0,16 abs.% and 0,47 abs.% (P ≤ 0,01), in milk fat yield by 13,78 kg (P ≤ 0,001) and by 7,81 kg (P ≤ 0,001), by milk protein yield by 9,56 kg (P ≤ 0,001) and by 6,53 kg (P ≤ 0,01), by total milk fat and protein yield by 23,34 kg (P ≤ 0,001) and by 14,34 kg (P ≤ 0,05). Animals of all ages produced milk with a fat and protein content significantly exceeding the requirements of State standard 32940-2014 “Raw goat milk. Technical conditions”, that confirms the high nutritional and biological values of the milk of goats of Nubian breed. Thus, the increase in the longevity of economic use of animals will contribute to the increase in the productivity of goats of Nubian breed while maintaining high quality characteristics of milk.