bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified One-Sided EWMA Charts without- and with Variable Sampling Intervals for Monitoring a Normal Process
Authors: Hu Xuelong , Zhang Suying , Sun Guan , Zhong Jianlan , Wu Shu
Published: January 2022

Much research has been conducted on two-sided Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) control charts, while less work has been devoted to the one-sided EWMA charts. Traditional one-sided EWMA charts involve resetting the EWMA statistic to the target whenever it falls below or above the target, or truncating the observations above or below the target and further applying the EWMA statistic to the truncated samples. In order to further improve the performance of traditional one-sided EWMA mean (X¯) charts, this paper studies the performance of the Modified One-sided EWMA (MOEWMA) X¯ charts to monitor a normally distributed process. The Monte-Carlo simulation method is used to obtain the zero- and steady-state Run Length (RL) properties of the proposed control charts. Through extensive simulations and comparisons with other charts, it is shown that the proposed MOEWMA X¯ charts compare favorably with some existing competing charts. Moreover, by attaching the variable sampling intervals (VSI) feature to the MOEWMA X¯ charts, it is shown that the VSI MOEWMA charts outperform the corresponding charts without the VSI feature. Finally, a real data example from manufacturing process shows the implementation of the proposed one-sided charts.
MDCT Imaging of Non-Traumatic Thoracic Aortic Emergencies and Its Impact on Diagnosis and Management—A Reappraisal
Authors: Valente Tullio , Sica Giacomo , Bocchini Giorgio , Romano Federica , Lassandro Francesco , Rea Gaetano , Muto Emanuele , Pinto Antonio , Iacobellis Francesca , Crivelli Paola , Abu-Omar Ahmad , Scaglione Mariano
Published: January 2022

Non-traumatic thoracic aorta emergencies are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Diseases of the intimomedial layers (aortic dissection and variants) have been grouped under the common term of acute aortic syndrome because they are life-threatening conditions clinically indistinguishable on presentation. Patients with aortic dissection may present with a wide variety of symptoms secondary to the pattern of dissection and end organ malperfusion. Other conditions may be seen in patients with acute symptoms, including ruptured and unstable thoracic aortic aneurysm, iatrogenic or infective pseudoaneurysms, aortic fistula, acute aortic thrombus/occlusive disease, and vasculitis. Imaging plays a pivotal role in the patient’s management and care. In the emergency room, chest X-ray is the initial imaging test offering a screening evaluation for alternative common differential diagnoses and a preliminary assessment of the mediastinal dimensions. State-of-the-art multidetector computed tomography angiography (CTA) provides a widely available, rapid, replicable, noninvasive diagnostic imaging with sensitivity approaching 100%. It is an impressive tool in decision-making process with a deep impact on treatment including endovascular or open surgical or conservative treatment. Radiologists must be familiar with the spectrum of these entities to help triage patients appropriately and efficiently. Understanding the imaging findings and proper measurement techniques allow the radiologist to suggest the most appropriate next management step.
Personal Exposure to Black Carbon, Particulate Matter and Nitrogen Dioxide in the Paris Region Measured by Portable Sensors Worn by Volunteers
Authors: Languille Baptiste , Gros Valérie , Nicolas Bonnaire , Honoré Cécile , Kaufmann Anne , Zeitouni Karine
Published: January 2022

Portable sensors have emerged as a promising solution for personal exposure (PE) measurement. For the first time in Île-de-France, PE to black carbon (BC), particulate matter (PM), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was quantified based on three field campaigns involving 37 volunteers from the general public wearing the sensors all day long for a week. This successful deployment demonstrated its ability to quantify PE on a large scale, in various environments (from dense urban to suburban, indoor and outdoor) and in all seasons. The impact of the visited environments was investigated. The proximity to road traffic (for BC and NO2), as well as cooking activities and tobacco smoke (for PM), made significant contributions to total exposure (up to 34%, 26%, and 44%, respectively), even though the time spent in these environments was short. Finally, even if ambient outdoor levels played a role in PE, the prominent impact of the different environments suggests that traditional ambient monitoring stations is not a proper surrogate for PE quantification.
Host-Adapted Gene Families Involved in Murine Cytomegalovirus Immune Evasion
Authors: Becker Sara , Fink Annette , Podlech Jürgen , Reddehase Matthias J. , Lemmermann Niels A.
Published: January 2022

Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) are host species-specific and have adapted to their respective mammalian hosts during co-evolution. Host-adaptation is reflected by “private genes” that have specialized in mediating virus-host interplay and have no sequence homologs in other CMV species, although biological convergence has led to analogous protein functions. They are mostly organized in gene families evolved by gene duplications and subsequent mutations. The host immune response to infection, both the innate and the adaptive immune response, is a driver of viral evolution, resulting in the acquisition of viral immune evasion proteins encoded by private gene families. As the analysis of the medically relevant human cytomegalovirus by clinical investigation in the infected human host cannot make use of designed virus and host mutagenesis, the mouse model based on murine cytomegalovirus (mCMV) has become a versatile animal model to study basic principles of in vivo virus-host interplay. Focusing on the immune evasion of the adaptive immune response by CD8+ T cells, we review here what is known about proteins of two private gene families of mCMV, the m02 and the m145 families, specifically the role of m04, m06, and m152 in viral antigen presentation during acute and latent infection.
Antigenicity of the Mu (B.1.621) and A.2.5 SARS-CoV-2 Spikes
Authors: Chatterjee Debashree , Tauzin Alexandra , Laumaea Annemarie , Gong Shang Yu , Bo Yuxia , Guilbault Aurélie , Goyette Guillaume , Bourassa Catherine , Gendron-Lepage Gabrielle , Medjahed Halima , Richard Jonathan , Moreira Sandrine , Côté Marceline , Finzi Andrés
Published: January 2022

The rapid emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants is fueling the recent waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we assessed ACE2 binding and antigenicity of Mu (B.1.621) and A.2.5 Spikes. Both these variants carry some mutations shared by other emerging variants. Some of the pivotal mutations such as N501Y and E484K in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) detected in B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta) and P.1 (Gamma) are now present within the Mu variant. Similarly, the L452R mutation of B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant is present in A.2.5. In this study, we observed that these Spike variants bound better to the ACE2 receptor in a temperature-dependent manner. Pseudoviral particles bearing the Spike of Mu were similarly neutralized by plasma from vaccinated individuals than those carrying the Beta (B.1.351) and Delta (B.1.617.2) Spikes. Altogether, our results indicate the importance of measuring critical parameters such as ACE2 interaction, plasma recognition and neutralization ability of each emerging variant.
Development and Properties of Francisella tularensis Subsp. holarctica 15 NIIEG Vaccine Strain without the recD Gene
Authors: Pavlov Vitaly , Vakhrameeva Galina , Mokrievich Alexander , Platonov Mikhail E. , Titareva Galina , Mironova Raisa , Kombarova Tatiana , Gapelchenkova Tatiana , Dyatlov Ivan
Published: January 2022

The genomic analysis of all subspecies F. tularensis, as found in Gen Bank NCBI, reveals the presence of genes encoding proteins like to the multifunctional RecBCD enzyme complex in E. coli and other bacteria. To date, the role of the recD gene in F. tularensis, which encodes the alpha chain of exonuclease V, in DNA metabolism processes, has not been studied either in vitro or in vivo. F. tularensis subsp. holarctica 15 NIIEG, a vaccine strain, served as the basis to create the F. tularensis 15D strain with recD deletion. The lack of the recD gene suppresses the integration of suicide plasmids with F. tularensis genome fragments into the chromosome. The modified strain showed reduced growth in vitro and in vivo. This study shows that such deletion significantly reduces the virulence of the strain in BALB/c mice.
Global COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance: A Systematic Review of Associated Social and Behavioral Factors
Authors: Shakeel Choudhary Sobhan , Mujeeb Amenah Abdul , Mirza Muhammad Shaheer , Chaudhry Beenish , Khan Saad Jawaid
Published: January 2022

COVID-19 vaccines have met varying levels of acceptance and hesitancy in different parts of the world, which has implications for eliminating the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this systematic review is to examine how and why the rates of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy differ across countries and continents. PubMed, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore and Science Direct were searched between 1 January 2020 and 31 July 2021 using keywords such as “COVID-19 vaccine acceptance”. 81 peer-reviewed publications were found to be eligible for review. The analysis shows that there are global variations in vaccine acceptance among different populations. The vaccine-acceptance rates were the highest amongst adults in Ecuador (97%), Malaysia (94.3%) and Indonesia (93.3%) and the lowest amongst adults in Lebanon (21.0%). The general healthcare workers (HCWs) in China (86.20%) and nurses in Italy (91.50%) had the highest acceptance rates, whereas HCWs in the Democratic Republic of Congo had the lowest acceptance (27.70%). A nonparametric one-way ANOVA showed that the differences in vaccine-acceptance rates were statistically significant (H (49) = 75.302, p = 0.009*) between the analyzed countries. However, the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy and acceptance were similar across the board. Low vaccine acceptance was associated with low levels of education and awareness, and inefficient government efforts and initiatives. Furthermore, poor influenza-vaccination history, as well as conspiracy theories relating to infertility and misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine on social media also resulted in vaccine hesitancy. Strategies to address these concerns may increase global COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and accelerate our efforts to eliminate this pandemic.
Comparison of Dental Anxiety While Visiting Dental Clinics before and after Getting Vaccinated in Midst of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lal Abhishek , Saeed Sara , Ahmed Naseer , Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Maqsood Afsheen , Zaman Mahmud Uz , Abutayyem Huda
Published: January 2022

Vaccination is critical to control the rate of coronavirus transmission and infectivity. Dental practices are a high-risk area for contracting coronavirus; this fact generates psychological disturbances amongst patients. In this study, we aimed to assess the levels of anxiety of patients while visiting dental practices before and after getting vaccinated. This cross-sectional study was carried out between March and December 2021. An electronic survey was distributed among the vaccinated individuals who visited dental clinics before and after getting vaccinated. The survey consisted of the following four parts: demographic characteristics, questions related to coronavirus, and anxiety scores before and after getting vaccinated. SPSS-25 was used to perform the statistical analysis, where paired t-test was used to compare the anxiety scores, and Mann–Whitney U test to assess the association of gender with anxiety scores. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. A total of 400 vaccinated individuals participated in this study, with a response rate of 88.23%. The majority of the respondents (71.0%) did not test positive for coronavirus. More than half of the participants (54.0%) reported to not be suffering from any coronavirus-related symptoms. About 100 (25.0%) of the individuals stated that dental clinics are an environment in which there is a high risk of contracting coronavirus. In regards to the comparison of the mean MDAS scores of the participants before and after getting vaccinated, a significant difference (p = 0.001) was found. Vaccination has been recommended for all eligible individuals to control the transmission and infectivity of coronavirus. Vaccinations have decreased the dental anxiety of patients while visiting dental clinics. However, the protective measures are still valid and should be followed, regardless of the vaccination status.
Using Google Trends to Predict COVID-19 Vaccinations and Monitor Search Behaviours about Vaccines: A Retrospective Analysis of Italian Data
Authors: Maugeri Andrea , Barchitta Martina , Agodi Antonella
Published: January 2022

Google Trends data are an efficient source for analysing internet search behaviour and providing valuable insights into community dynamics and health-related problems. In this article, we aimed to evaluate if Google Trends data could help monitor the COVID-19 vaccination trend over time and if the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines modified the interest of pregnant women in vaccination. Data related to Google internet searches and the number of vaccine doses administered in Italy were used. We found moderate to strong correlations between search volumes of vaccine-related terms and the number of vaccines administered. In particular, a model based on Google Trends with a 3-week lag showed the best performance in fitting the number of COVID-19 vaccinations over time. We also observed that the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines affected the search interest for the argument “vaccination in pregnancy” both quantitatively and qualitatively. There was a significant increase in the search interest after the launch of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Italy. Qualitative analysis suggested that this increase was probably due to concerns about COVID-19 vaccines. Thus, our study suggests the benefits of using Google Trends data to predict the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered, and to monitor feelings about vaccination.
Ivermectin (IVM) Possible Side Activities and Implications in Antimicrobial Resistance and Animal Welfare: The Authors’ Perspective
Authors: Piras Cristian , Gugliandolo Enrico , Castagna Fabio , Palma Ernesto , Britti Domenico
Published: January 2022

Ivermectin has a wide number of many diverse functions. Certainly, it is irreplaceable for the treatment of parasitic pathologies in both human and veterinary medicine, and the latter represents the major field of its application. It has been called the “drug for the world’s poor” because of its role as a saviour for those living on the margins of society, in underdeveloped areas afflicted by devastating and debilitating diseases, such as Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic filariasis. It showed huge, unexpected potential as an antibacterial (Chlamydia trachomatis and mycobacteria), and it has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. The research line described here is placed right in the middle of the investigation on the impact of this drug as an antimicrobial and an immunomodulator. Being a drug widely employed for mass administration, it is mandatory to broaden the knowledge of its possible interaction with bacterial growth and its generation of antimicrobial resistance. Equally, it is important to understand the impact of these drugs on the immune systems of animal species, e.g., horses and dogs, in which this drug is often used. More importantly, could immunomodulation and antibacterial activity promote both bacterial growth and the occurrence of resistance mechanisms?
Feline and Canine Cutaneous Lymphocytosis: Reactive Process or Indolent Neoplastic Disease?
Authors: Albanese Francesco , Abramo Francesca , Marino Michele , Massaro Maria , Marconato Laura , Minoli Lucia , Martini Valeria , Aresu Luca
Published: January 2022

Cutaneous lymphocytosis (CL) is an uncommon and controversial lymphoproliferative disorder described in dogs and cats. CL is generally characterized by a heterogeneous clinical presentation and histological features that may overlap with epitheliotropic lymphoma. Therefore, its neoplastic or reactive nature is still debated. Here, we describe clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and clonality features of a retrospective case series of 19 cats and 10 dogs with lesions histologically compatible with CL. In both species, alopecia, erythema, and scales were the most frequent clinical signs. Histologically, a dermal infiltrate of small to medium-sized lymphocytes, occasionally extending to the subcutis, was always identified. Conversely, when present, epitheliotropism was generally mild. In cats, the infiltrate was consistently CD3+; in dogs, a mixture of CD3+ and CD20+ lymphocytes was observed only in 4 cases. The infiltrate was polyclonal in all cats, while BCR and TCR clonal rearrangements were identified in dogs. Overall, cats had a long-term survival (median overall survival = 1080 days) regardless of the treatment received, while dogs showed a shorter and variable clinical course, with no evident associations with clinicopathological features. In conclusion, our results support a reactive nature of the disease in cats, associated with prolonged survival; despite a similar histological picture, canine CL is associated with a more heterogeneous lymphocytic infiltrate, clonality results, and response to treatment, implying a more challenging discrimination between CL and CEL in this species. A complete diagnostic workup and detailed follow-up information on a higher number of cases is warrant for dogs.
Effects of Filtration Mode on the Performance of Gravity-Driven Membrane (GDM) Filtration: Cross-Flow Filtration and Dead-End Filtration
Authors: Wang Qian , Tang Xiaobin , Liang Heng , Cheng Wenjun , Li Guibai , Zhang Qingjun , Chen Jie , Chen Kang , Wang Jinlong
Published: January 2022

Gravity-driven membrane (GDM) filtration technology has been extensively in the employed drinking water treatment, however, the effect filtration mode (i.e., dead-end mode vs. cross-flow mode) on its long-term performance has not been systematically investigated. In this study, pilot-scale GDM systems were operated using two submerged filtration mode (SGDM) and cross-flow mode (CGDM) at the gravity-driven pressures 120 mbar and 200 mbar, respectively. The results showed that flux stabilization was observed both in the SGDM and CGDM during long-term filtration, and importantly the stabilized flux level of CGDM was elevated by 3.5–67.5%, which indicated that the filtration mode would not influence the occurrence of flux stability, but significantly improve the stable flux level. Interestingly, the stable flux level was not significantly improved with the increase of driven pressure, and the optimized driven pressure was 120 mbar. In addition, the GDM process conferred effective removals of turbidity, UV254, CODMn, and DOC, with average removals of 99%, 43%, 41%, and 20%, respectively. With the assistance of cross flow to avert the overaccumulation of contaminants on the membrane surface, CGDM process exhibited even higher removal efficiency than SGDM process. Furthermore, it can be found that the CGDM system can effectively remove the fluorescent protein-like substances, and the intensities of tryptophans substance and soluble microbial products were reduced by 64.61% and 55.08%, respectively, higher than that of the SGDM. Therefore, it can be determined that the filtration mode played an important role in the flux stabilization of GDM system during long-term filtration, and the cross-flow filtration mode can simultaneously improve the stabilized flux level and removal performance.
Exploration and Investigation of High-Level Radon Medicinal Springs in the Crystalline Units: Lugicum
Authors: Goliáš Viktor , Hájková Lenka , Lipanský Tomáš , Černík Tomáš , Kohn Pavel , Ježek Josef , Procházka Radek , Przylibski Tadeusz A. , Dohnal Jiří , Strnad Ladislav , Kowalska Agata , Fijałkowska-Lichwa Lidia , Miśta Wojciech , Nowakowski Robert
Published: January 2022

Radioactive (radon) groundwaters are highly valued among mineral waters for their healing effects. Between 2005 and 2015, a large exploratory event for prospecting and documenting radon water springs took place in the crystalline area of Lugicum (Bohemian Massif) under Czech–Polish cooperation. For these purposes, an exploration method was developed as a combination of GIS (ArcMap 9.1–10.2) area preparation followed by field radiohydrogeochemical mapping at a scale of 1:10,000. The gamma indication method was optimized and used for the selection of water samples. A total of 2354 water sources were examined. Radon activity concentrations were measured at 660 sources found throughout the territory. Of those, 111 sources exhibited 222Rn activity above 1500 Bq/L and, thus, were categorized as sources of mineral radioactive waters according to Czech legislation. The highest 222Rn activity was found in the Michael spring near Nové Město pod Smrkem (up to 6237 Bq/L 222Rn). Many discovered sources with high balneological potential are significant and, therefore, are quickly becoming popular among the public.
Investigating the Electrocoagulation Treatment of Landfill Leachate by Iron/Graphite Electrodes: Process Parameters and Efficacy Assessment
Authors: Rookesh Tahereh , Samaei Mohammad Reza , Yousefinejad Saeed , Hashemi Hassan , Derakhshan Zahra , Abbasi Fariba , Jalili Mahrokh , Giannakis Stefanos , Bilal Muhammad
Published: January 2022

Electrocoagulation is a widely used method for treating leachate since it is cost effective and eco-friendly. In the present study, the electrocoagulation process was employed to remove chemical oxygen demand (COD), NH4+, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, and color from landfill leachate. At first, lime was used as a pretreatment, then the Fe/Gr and Ti/PbO2/steel electrodes were used, and the optimum electrode was selected. Afterwards, the effects of some variables, including pH, current density, temperature, the inter-electrode distance, and the type of electrolyte were investigated. Results showed that COD, NH4+, TSS, TDS, electrical conductivity (EC), turbidity, color, and pH of effluent pretreatment chemical reached 22,371, 385, 884, 21,820 (mg/L), 13.8 (ms/cm3), 1355 (NTU), 8500 (TCU) and 10, respectively (the removal efficiency was 0, 20.37, 32.4, 61.99, 59.18, and 56.6 percent). With the Fe/Gr electrode, the optimal condition was observed as follows: pH of 7.5, current density of 64 mA/cm2, inter-electrode distance was equal to 1.5 cm, temperature at 20 °C, and retention time 2–4 h. Overall, the electrocoagulation with the Fe/Gr electrode was a suitable technology for landfill leachate treatment due to its effectiveness for the removal of both COD and NH4+, with advantageous performance indicators.
Ammonium Nitrogen Streamflow Transport Modelling and Spatial Analysis in Two Chinese Basins
Authors: Yin Jingchen , Chen Haitao , Wang Yuqiu , Guo Lifeng , Li Guoguang , Wang Puzhou
Published: January 2022

Ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), which naturally arises from the decomposition of organic substances through ammonification, has a tremendous influence on local water quality. Therefore, it is vital for water quality protection to assess the amount, sources, and streamflow transport of NH4+-N. SPAtially Referenced Regressions on Watershed attributes (SPARROW), which is a hybrid empirical and mechanistic modeling technique based on a regression approach, can be used to conduct studies of different spatial scales on nutrient streamflow transport. In this paper, the load and delivery of NH4+-N in Poyang Lake Basin (PLB) and Haihe River Basin (HRB) were estimated using SPARROW. In PLB, NH4+-N load streamflow transport originating from point sources and farmland accounted for 41.83% and 32.84%, respectively. In HRB, NH4+-N load streamflow transport originating from residential land and farmland accounted for 40.16% and 36.75%, respectively. Hence, the following measures should be taken: In PLB, it is important to enhance the management of the point sources, such as municipal and industrial wastewater. In HRB, feasible measures include controlling the domestic pollution and reducing the usage of chemical fertilizers. In addition, increasing the vegetation coverage of both basins may be beneficial to their nutrient management. The SPARROW models built for PLB and HRB can serve as references for future uses for different basins with various conditions, extending this model’s scope and adaptability.
Investigating the Attitude of Domestic Water Use in Urban and Rural Households in South Africa
Authors: Njoku Prince Obinna , Durowoju Olatunde Samod , Uhunamure Solomon Eghosa , Makungo Rachel
Published: January 2022

South Africa is a semi-arid, water-stressed country. Adequate measures should be put in place to prevent water wastage. This paper aims to assess domestic water wastage and determine the proper attitude towards household water management in rural and urban communities in South Africa. This study was conceptualised in two stages. Firstly, critical observations were used to examine the attitude of households towards water usage in both urban and rural communities (Durban and Thohoyandou, respectively). Secondly, structured questionnaires and interviews were used to identify the factors that influenced the participants’ attitudes towards domestic water usage. This study concludes that, irrespective of the literacy level, accessibility to limited water supply, information available through advertisements about water scarcity, and better water management in an urban community, the rural community has a better attitude towards domestic water usage and water management. The result (83.3%) also indicated that the rural community strongly agreed to be water savers in their homes. However, in the urban community, the results from the participants were somewhat evenly distributed; the participants strongly agreed and disagreed at 36.2% and 32.2%, respectively. Other results of the study also showed that variables such as family upbringing, inaccessibility of domestic water, and advertisement play a major role in influencing the attitude of the rural community to water usage. These variables were statistically significant at p < 0.001. However, the immediate environment was shown to be not statistically significant at p < 0.911. Based on the study results, it is recommended that households should be encouraged to generate greywater collection systems to reduce water use and improve water reuse. The government could introduce a rationed allocation (shedding) of domestic water in urban communities to draw attention to the prevalence of water scarcity in the nation.
Research on the Non-Point Source Pollution Characteristics of Important Drinking Water Sources
Authors: Hou Lei , Zhou Zhongyuan , Wang Ruyan , Li Jianxin , Dong Fei , Liu Jingqiang
Published: January 2022

In recent years, freshwater resource contamination by non-point source pollution has become particularly prominent in China. To control non-point source (NPS) pollution, it is important to estimate NPS pollution exports, identify sources of pollution, and analyze the pollution characteristics. As such, in this study, we established the modified export coefficient model based on rainfall and terrain to investigate the pollution sources and characteristics of non-point source total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) throughout the Huangqian Reservoir watershed—which serves as an important potable water source for the main tributary of the lower Yellow River. The results showed that: (1) In 2018, the non-point source total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) loads in the Huangqian Reservoir basin were 707.09 t and 114.42 t, respectively. The contribution ratios to TN export were, from high to low, rural life (33.58%), farmland (32.68%), other land use types (20.08%), and livestock and poultry breeding (13.67%). The contribution ratios to TP export were, from high to low, rural life (61.19%), livestock and poultry breeding (21.65%), farmland (12.79%), and other land use types (4.38%). The non-point source pollution primarily originated from the rural life of the water source protection zone. (2) Non-point source TN and TP pollution loads and load intensities showed significantly different spatial distribution patterns throughout the water source protection area. Specifically, their load intensities and loads were the largest in the second-class protected zone, which is the key source area of non-point source pollution. (3) When considering whether to invest in agricultural land fertilizer control or rural domestic sewage, waste, and livestock manure pollution control, the latter is demonstrably more effective. Thus, in addition to putting low-grade control on agricultural fertilizer loss, to rapidly and effectively improve potable water quality, non-point source pollution should, to a larger extent, also be controlled through measures such as establishing household biogas digesters, introducing village sewage treatment plants, and improving the recovery rate of rural domestic garbage. The research results discussed herein provide a theoretical basis for formulating a reasonable and effective protection plan for the Huangqian Reservoir water source and can potentially be used to do the same for other similar freshwater resources.
Investigation of Hyperparameter Setting of a Long Short-Term Memory Model Applied for Imputation of Missing Discharge Data of the Daihachiga River
Authors: Weilisi  , Kojima Toshiharu
Published: January 2022

Missing observational data pose an unavoidable problem in the hydrological field. Deep learning technology has recently been developing rapidly, and has started to be applied in the hydrological field. Being one of the network architectures used in deep learning, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) has been applied largely in related research, such as flood forecasting and discharge prediction, and the performance of an LSTM model has been compared with other deep learning models. Although the tuning of hyperparameters, which influences the performance of an LSTM model, is necessary, no sufficient knowledge has been obtained. In this study, we tuned the hyperparameters of an LSTM model to investigate the influence on the model performance, and tried to obtain a more suitable hyperparameter combination for the imputation of missing discharge data of the Daihachiga River. A traditional method, linear regression with an accuracy of 0.903 in Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE), was chosen as the comparison target of the accuracy. The results of most of the trainings that used the discharge data of both neighboring and estimation points had better accuracy than the regression. Imputation of 7 days of the missing period had a minimum value of 0.904 in NSE, and 1 day of the missing period had a lower quartile of 0.922 in NSE. Dropout value indicated a negative correlation with the accuracy. Setting dropout as 0 had the best accuracy, 0.917 in the lower quartile of NSE. When the missing period was 1 day and the number of hidden layers were more than 100, all the compared results had an accuracy of 0.907–0.959 in NSE. Consequently, the case, which used discharge data with backtracked time considering the missing period of 1 day and 7 days and discharge data of adjacent points as input data, indicated better accuracy than other input data combinations. Moreover, the following information is obtained for this LSTM model: 100 hidden layers are better, and dropout and recurrent dropout levels equaling 0 are also better. The obtained optimal combination of hyperparameters exceeded the accuracy of the traditional method of regression analysis.
The Method for Evaluating Cross-Shore Migration of Sand Bar under the Influence of Nonlinear Waves Transformation
Authors: Shtremel Margarita , Saprykina Yana , Ayat Berna
Published: January 2022

Sand bar migration on the gently sloping sandy bottom in the coastal zone as a result of nonlinear wave transformation and corresponding sediment transport is discussed. Wave transformation on the intermediate depth causes periodic exchange of energy in space between the first and the second wave harmonics, accompanied by changes in the wave profile asymmetry. This leads to the occurrence of periodical fluctuations in the wave-induced sediment transport. It is shown that the position of the second nonlinear wave harmonic maximum determines location of the divergence point of sediment transport on the inclined bottom profile, where it changes direction from the onshore to the offshore. Such sediment transport pattern leads to formation of an underwater sand bar. A method is proposed to predict the position of the bar on an underwater slope after a storm based on calculation of the position of the maximum amplitude of the second nonlinear harmonic. The method is validated on the base of field measurements and ERA 5 reanalysis wave data.
The Effect of Fe(II), Fe(III), Al(III), Ca(II) and Mg(II) on Electrocoagulation of As(V)
Authors: Moed Niels Michiel , Ku Young
Published: January 2022

The interaction between metal chlorides and electrocoagulation was tested. Precipitation of As(V) was found to be optimal at pH 4.9 using FeCl2, 2.6 for FeCl3, 3.8 using AlCl3, 11.6 using CaCl2 and 8.6 using MgCl2. As(V) removal through electrocoagulation went down as initial pH (pHi) of the solution increased. Addition of FeCl2 increased removal of As(V) at all pHi but was not able to achieve full removal at pHi 7. FeCl3 had a similar effect but a lower Fe(III) concentration of 30 mg/L was not sufficient for full removal at pHi 5 either. AlCl3 addition reduced removal efficiency at pHi 3 but removed all or most As(V) through precipitation at pHi 5 and 7, with complete removal followed through electrocoagulation. The addition of CaCl2 and MgCl2 resulted in nearly identical behavior. Addition of either at pHi 3 had no influence, but at pHi 5 and 7 caused complete removal to take place.
Effect of Particle Concentration and Pipe Materials on the Formation of Biofilms in Drinking Water Distribution Systems
Authors: Zhao Zhiling , Zhang Yongji , Wang Lu , Shi Wenhang
Published: January 2022

Microorganism rebreeding and biofilm shedding enter the water body in the process of a drinking water distribution system (DWDS), which poses a threat to public health. Particles in water can gather pollutants as well as providing favorable growth conditions for bacteria. To date, there are a few studies which focus on the relationship between particles and biofilm formation. Therefore, the microbial diversity of biofilms in the different pipe materials and the effect on particle concentration on biofilm formation were investigated in this study. Experiments were carried out under a simulative DWDS (including iron (DI) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe). The results showed that the microbial diversity in biofilms followed this order: DI pipe > PVC pipe > DI pipe (upper). Moreover, the microbial biomass of biofilm and the fluorescence intensity of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS, produced by microorganisms) were the largest in the absence of particles. The amount of biofilm bacterial and the fluorescence intensity of EPS both showed first an increasing and then decreasing trend with particle concentration increasing. When particle concentration was relatively low, the absorption of particles and bacteria played a major role, however, with the increasing particle concentration, more stable particle–particle were formed and thus, EPS was easily extracted, resulting in the increase of fluorescence intensity of EPS.
Environmental Impact of Construction Products on Aquatic Systems—Principles of an Integrated Source–Path–Target Concept
Authors: Schoknecht Ute , Tietje Olaf , Borho Nicole , Burkhardt Michael , Rohr Mirko , Vollpracht Anya , Weiler Lia
Published: January 2022

Buildings exposed to water can release undesirable substances which, once transported to environmental compartments, may cause unwanted effects. These exposure pathways need to be investigated and included in risk assessments to safeguard water quality and promote the sustainability of construction materials. The applied materials, exposure conditions, distribution routes and resilience of receiving compartments vary considerably. This demonstrates the need for a consistent concept that integrates knowledge of emission sources, leaching processes, transport pathways, and effects on targets. Such a consistent concept can serve as the basis for environmental risk assessment for several scenarios using experimentally determined emissions. Typically, a source–path–target concept integrates data from standardized leaching tests and models to describe leaching processes, the distribution of substances in the environment and the occurrence of substances at different points of compliance. This article presents an integrated concept for assessing the environmental impact of construction products on aquatic systems and unravels currently existing gaps and necessary actions. This manuscript outlines a source–path–target concept applicable to a large variety of construction products. It is intended to highlight key elements of a holistic evaluation concept that could assist authorities in developing procedures for environmental risk assessments and mitigation measures and identifying knowledge gaps.
Spatial and Temporal Variation of Droughts in the Mongolian Plateau during 1959–2018 Based on the Gridded Self-Calibrating Palmer Drought Severity Index
Authors: Huang Yingchun , Liu Bowen , Zhao Haigen , Yang Xudong
Published: January 2022

Drought monitoring is challenging, but it is required for improving agricultural production, protecting the ecological environment, and reducing economic losses in drought-prone regions such as the Mongolian Plateau (MP). This study is a systematic analysis of the spatiotemporal changes in the characteristics of drought events (drought duration, severity, intensity, frequency, peak, and starting season) at the sub-regional scale between 1959 and 2018 based on the run theory and using the gridded self-calibrating Palmer Drought Severity Index (scPDSI) dataset. Principal component analysis and Varimax rotation and the Mann–Kendall trend and Sen’s slope were used for the sub-regional division and drought trend analysis, respectively. In addition, wavelet analysis was employed to analyze drought periodicity and determine the influence of large-scale climate indices on regional drought variation. The study results indicate clear differences in the spatial patterns of drought characteristics in the MP. The northern part suffered from droughts with longer duration and higher severity, whereas more drought events with shorter duration and less severity occurred in the southern part. Most of the MP experienced a relatively wet trend in 1996–2018 compared to the period of 1959–1995. The frequency of spring drought events showed an increasing trend in 1996–2018, unlike in 1959–1995. Some drought events simultaneously affected two or several sub-regions. The wavelet analysis results indicated that the drought periodicity in the MP was 10–64 months. The Arctic Oscillation (Pacific Decadal Oscillation) was significantly correlated with drought in the southern (northern) part.
Contribution of Small Phytoplankton to Primary Production in the Northern Bering and Chukchi Seas
Authors: Park Jung-Woo , Kim Yejin , Kim Kwan-Woo , Fujiwara Amane , Waga Hisatomo , Kang Jae Joong , Lee Sang-Heon , Yang Eun-Jin , Hirawake Toru
Published: January 2022

The northern Bering and Chukchi seas are biologically productive regions but, recently, unprecedented environmental changes have been reported. For investigating the dominant phytoplankton communities and relative contribution of small phytoplankton (<2 µm) to the total primary production in the regions, field measurements mainly for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and size-specific primary productivity were conducted in the northern Bering and Chukchi seas during summer 2016 (ARA07B) and 2017 (OS040). Diatoms and phaeocystis were dominant phytoplankton communities in 2016 whereas diatoms and Prasinophytes (Type 2) were dominant in 2017 and diatoms were found as major contributors for the small phytoplankton groups. For size-specific primary production, small phytoplankton contributed 38.0% (SD = ±19.9%) in 2016 whereas 25.0% (SD = ±12.8%) in 2017 to the total primary productivity. The small phytoplankton contribution observed in 2016 is comparable to those reported previously in the Chukchi Sea whereas the contribution in 2017 mainly in the northern Bering Sea is considerably lower than those in other arctic regions. Different biochemical compositions were distinct between small and large phytoplankton in this study, which is consistent with previous results. Significantly higher carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) contents per unit of chlorophyll-a, whereas lower C:N ratios were characteristics in small phytoplankton in comparison to large phytoplankton. Given these results, we could conclude that small phytoplankton synthesize nitrogen-rich particulate organic carbon which could be easily regenerated.
An Energy Management Strategy and Parameter Optimization of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles
Authors: Li Wenguang , Feng Guosheng , Jia Sumei
Published: January 2022

This study involved a detailed analysis of an energy distribution strategy and the parameters of key components of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). In order to better utilize the advantages of multiple energy sources, the wavelet-fuzzy energy management method was used to adjust the demand power allocation among multiple energy sources, and particle swarm optimization (PSO) was used to solve highly nonlinear optimization problems under multi-dimensional and multi-condition constraints. The multi-objective optimization problem of predefined driving cycle powertrain parameters about fuel economy and system durability was studied. The parameters of the key components of the system were optimized, including the size parameters of the air com-pressor and the number of batteries and ultra-capacitors. Furthermore, the driving state under specific working conditions was analyzed, and a nonlinear model with system durability and fuel economy as the optimization objectives were established, which greatly reduced the costs, reduced the fuel consumption rate and extended the battery life. The simulation results showed that for a UDDS cycle, the FCS’s maximal net output power of 83 kW was optimal for the fuel economy and system durability of a fuel cell city bus.
Calculation and theoretical substantiation of the indicators of diesel D-243 (4H 11/12,5) when working on mixed mustard-mineral fuel
Authors: Golubev V. A.
Published: January 2022

The use of mustard oil as a biological component to mineral fuel and the preparation of mixed mustard-mineral fuel in the diesel power supply system directly during the operation of the tractor unit, with a slight decrease in diesel power, improves the environmental performance of the tractor, provides fuel economy of petroleum (mineral) origin.
Patients’ and clinicians’ perspectives on the primary care consultations for acute respiratory infections during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: an eight-country qualitative study in Europe
Authors: Wanat Marta , Hoste Melanie Eugenie , Gobat Nina Helene , Anastasaki Marilena , Böhmer Femke , Chlabicz Slawomir , Colliers Annelies , Farrell Karen , Hollerbach Sophie , Karkana Maria-Nefeli , Kinsman John , Lionis Christos , Marcinowicz Ludmila , Reinhardt Katrin , Skoglund Ingmarie , Sundvall Pär-Daniel , Vellinga Akke , Goossens Herman , Butler Christopher C , van der Velden Alike , Anthierens Sibyl , Tonkin-Crine Sarah
Published: January 2022

Background

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients’ and clinicians’ perceptions of healthcare-seeking behaviour and delivery of care is unclear. The pandemic accelerated the use of remote care, and understanding its benefits and drawbacks may inform its implementation during current and future healthcare emergencies.

Aim

To explore patients’ and primary care professionals’ (PCPs) experiences of primary care delivery in the first wave of the pandemic.

Design & setting

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews in primary care in eight European countries (England, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Greece, Poland, Sweden, and Germany).

Method

A total of 146 interviews were conducted with 80 PCPs and 66 patients consulting for respiratory tract infection (RTI) symptoms, in eight European countries. Data were collected between April and July 2020, and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

It was found that patients accepted telemedicine when PCPs spent time to understand and address their concerns, but a minority preferred in-person consultations. PCPs felt that remote consultations created emotional distance between themselves and patients, and they reported having to manage diverse COVID-19-related medical and social concerns.

Conclusion

Remote consultations for RTI symptoms may be acceptable long term if both groups are happy to use this format, but it is important that PCPs take time to address patients’ concerns and provide safety-netting advice.
COMPRAR Y VENDER: TENDENCIAS DE BÚSQUEDA UTILIZANDO GOOGLE TRENDS EN MÉXICO DURANTE EL COVID-19
Authors: Montiel Flores Julio César
Published: January 2022

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo analizar las tendencias de búsqueda de información que realizan los usuarios del motor de búsqueda de Google desde el periodo definido a partir del 1 de enero de 2020 hasta el 26 de agosto de 2021 utilizando una de las funcionalidades de Google denominada Google Trends, una herramienta de acceso libre en que es posible analizar la popularidad de las búsquedas que realizan personas alrededor del mundo. Esta herramienta permite observar el comportamiento de búsquedas por país y por categoría definida por Google. A través de este análisis fue posible observar el interés sobre la compra y venta de distintos productos y servicios en México desde el inicio de la pandemia.
Manajemen Sumber Daya Perawat Gawat Darurat pada Masa Pandemi COVID-19 di Ruang Instalasi Gawat Darurat Rumah Sakit Tipe C Medan
Authors: Ariga Reni Asmara , Dalimunthe Ritha F.
Published: January 2022

The increase of COVID-19 patients led to an increase in the referral hospitals needed. The referral hospital must have eligibility. The quality of a hospital was determined by the services provided and human resources, there are nurse resources. Effective management was needed in dealing with COVID-19 patients. The purpose of this research to identify the implementation of emergency nurse resource management during a pandemic. The design of this research was quantitative descriptive with a cross-sectional approach which was implemented at Type C Hospital Medan City in March 2021. This research using a total sampling technique, there are 24 respondents. This research used a nurse resource management questionnaire which consists of seven aspects in google form which contains closed and open questions. Data was carried out by descriptive statistical analysis using computer applications. The majority of emergency nurses' resource management aspects in the Emergency Room of Type C Hospital in Medan are not good. Of the seven aspects of assessment, 35% of nurses said it was good, the remaining 65% of nurses said it was not good. Based on the range of satisfaction, the results showed that the management of emergency nurse resources at the Type C Hospital in Medan was not satisfactory. The conclusion is the management of emergency nurse resources was needed because it's effective in handling patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and improving the quality of nurses as a human resource owned by the hospital. Good and quality human resources can increase the competitive value of the hospital.