bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ensuring the Reliability and EMC by Modal Reservation: A Brief History and Recent Advances
Authors: Alhaj Hasan Adnan , Gazizov Talgat
Published: November 2022

With the growth of the radioelectronic complexity and the demand for cutting edge devices, the need to protect them and increase their reliability is also rising. There are many methods to provide this. Modal reservation is one of the most effective, reliable, and least complicated methods used nowadays. Using this method in tracing and mounting of printed circuit boards can guarantee both electromagnetic compatibility (by using modal filtering) and reliability (by using the cold redundancy) of the final electronic device. Modal reservation was proposed in 2015, and since then, massive research has been conducted on its investigations and development including 18 patents for inventions. Most of these studies have been devoted to modal reservation in terms of conducted emissions. However, up to now, a general and comprehensive review of modal reservation and investigations of its application with respect to radiated emissions has not been performed. Therefore, this paper aimed at presenting such a review on the history and recent research on modal reservation, concentrating on the studies related to radiated emissions. In addition, this paper analyzes current studies on the efficiency of using modal reservation under climatic impact.
Distances and Similarity Measures of Q-Rung Orthopair Fuzzy Sets Based on the Hausdorff Metric with the Construction of Orthopair Fuzzy TODIM
Authors: Hussain Zahid , Abbas Sahar , Yang Miin-Shen
Published: November 2022

In recent years, q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets (q-ROFSs), a novel and rigorous generalization of the fuzzy set (FS) coined by Yager in 2017, have been used to manage inexplicit and indefinite information in daily life with a high precision and greater accuracy than intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs) and Pythagorean fuzzy sets (PFSs). The characterization of a measure of similarity between q-ROFSs is important, as they have applications in different areas, including pattern recognition, clustering, image segmentation and decision making. Therefore, this article is dedicated to the construction of a measure of similarity between q-ROFSs based on the Hausdorff metric. This is a very useful tool for establishing the similarity between two objects. Furthermore, some axiomatic definitions of the distances and similarity measures of q-ROFSs are also presented. In this article, we first present a novel method to calculate the distance between q-ROFSs based on the Hausdorff metric. We then utilize our proposed distance measure to construct the degree of similarity between q-ROFSs. We provide some properties for the proposed similarity measures. We offer several numerical examples related to pattern recognition and characterization linguistic variables to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed similarity measures. We construct an algorithm for orthopair fuzzy TODIM (interactive and multi-criteria decision making, in Portuguese) based on our proposed methods. Finally, we use the constructed orthopair fuzzy TODIM method to address problems related to daily life settings involving multi-criteria decision making (MCDM). The numerical results show that the proposed similarity measures are suitable, applicable and well-suited to the contexts of pattern recognition, queries with fuzzy linguistic variables and MCDM.
Topology Optimization Design of an Active Deformable Mirror Based on Discrete Orthogonal Zernike Polynomials
Authors: Liu Yongming , Rui Yujian , Zhao Zhuanzhe , Xu Manman , Zhou Yang
Published: November 2022

In order to design an active deformation mirror for projection objective aberration imaging quality control, a topology optimization design method of active deformation mirrors based on discrete orthogonal Zernike polynomials is proposed in this paper. Firstly, in order to solve the problem that continuous Zernike polynomials do not have orthogonality on the discrete coordinates inside the unit circle, which causes the instability of topology optimization results, discrete orthogonal Zernike polynomials are used to characterize the active deformation mirror wave aberrations. Then, the optical and structural deformations are combined to establish an optical-mechanical coupling topology optimization model with the help of the variable density method to derive the sensitivity of the mathematical model. Finally, a wave aberration corrected deformation mirror in an optical machine system is used as an arithmetic example for topology optimization, and the results show that the absolute value of the Zernike coefficient Z4 after optimization is improved by nearly one order of magnitude compared with the value before optimization, and the vibration characteristics of the optimized structure meet the design requirements. The optimization effect is significant, which improves the optical performance of the deformed mirror and provides a new scheme for the design of the deformed mirror structure which has a certain practical value for engineering.
A Secure Interoperability Management Scheme for Cross-Blockchain Transactions
Authors: Yeh Kuo-Hui , Yang Guan-Yan , Butpheng Chanapha , Lee Lin-Fa , Liu Ying-Ho
Published: November 2022

Blockchain technology has recently attracted tremendous interest due to its potential to revolutionize the industry by achieving decentralization while increasing the number of data sources, transparency, reliability, auditability, and trustworthiness. However, one of the major barriers to the widespread adoption of blockchain applications is the lack of mutual consensus and management across blockchains. Cross-blockchain consensus refers to one blockchain network reaching a consensus with another blockchain network to provide the ability to interact and share data. In this paper, we propose a secure management scheme with symmetric cross-blockchain communication and certificateless signature primitives, in which two heterogeneous blockchains are linked by a relay chain to simultaneously deliver cross-blockchain transaction security, achieve compatibility among various blockchains, and ensure the consistency of data exchanged, in practice. Additionally, our evaluation and security analysis shows the practicability and security of our proposed management scheme and demonstrates that a common test platform based on Ethereum can achieve acceptable computation costs.
Qualitative Behavior of an Exponential Symmetric Difference Equation System
Authors: Ibrahim Tarek F. , Refaei Somayah , Khaliq Abdul , El-Moneam Mohamed Abd , Younis Bakri A. , Osman Waleed M. , Al-Sinan Bushra R.
Published: November 2022

We examine the unboundedness, persistence, boundedness, uniqueness, and existence of non-negative equilibrium of an exponential symmetric difference equations system: Ωn+1=α1+β1Ωn+γ1Ωn−1e−(Ωn+ϖn), ϖn+1=α2+β2ϖn+γ2ϖn−1e−(Ωn+ϖn),n=0,1,⋯, whereby initial values Ω−1,ϖ−1,Ω0,ϖ0 and parameters α1,α2 are non-negative real numbers and β1,β2∈(0,1) and γ1,γ2≤0. We will discuss asymptotic global and local stability and the convergence rate of this system. Ultimately, to check our results, we set out some numerical explanations.
Proteins in Synthetic Biology with Agricultural and Environmental Applications
Authors: Mann Madison M. , Vigil Toriana N. , Felton Samantha M. , Fahy William E. , Kinkeade Mason A. , Kartseva Victoria K. , Rowson Mary-Jean C. , Frost Abigail J. , Berger Bryan W.
Published: November 2022

Synthetic biology tools have become increasingly prevalent as we look to nature for biological approaches to complex problems. With an ever-growing global population, issues of food safety and security, as well as addressing pollution and striving for sustainability are of the utmost importance. In this review, we first highlight synthetic biology techniques such as directed evolution as a toolset for protein engineering and show direct applications for food safety and security. Moreover, we offer an introduction to creative approaches for biosensor design and development and spotlight a few innovative examples. Finally, we address biomanufacturing with direct applications, as well as biomanufacturing to improve natural processes.
The Influence of Micronutrient Trace Metals on Microcystis aeruginosa Growth and Toxin Production
Authors: Facey Jordan A. , Violi Jake P. , King Josh J. , Sarowar Chowdhury , Apte Simon C. , Mitrovic Simon M.
Published: November 2022

Microcystis aeruginosa is a widespread cyanobacteria capable of producing hepatotoxic microcystins. Understanding the environmental factors that influence its growth and toxin production is essential to managing the negative effects on freshwater systems. Some micronutrients are important cofactors in cyanobacterial proteins and can influence cyanobacterial growth when availability is limited. However, micronutrient requirements are often species specific, and can be influenced by substitution between metals or by luxury uptake. In this study, M. aeruginosa was grown in modified growth media that individually excluded some micronutrients (cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum) to assess the effect on growth, toxin production, cell morphology and iron accumulation. M. aeruginosa growth was limited when iron, cobalt and manganese were excluded from the growth media, whereas the exclusion of copper and molybdenum had no effect on growth. Intracellular microcystin-LR concentrations were variable and were at times elevated in treatments undergoing growth limitation by cobalt. Intracellular iron was notably higher in treatments grown in cobalt-deplete media compared to other treatments possibly due to inhibition or competition for transporters, or due to irons role in detoxifying reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Distinct Metabolic States Are Observed in Hypoglycemia Induced in Mice by Ricin Toxin or by Fasting
Authors: Kempa Jacob , O’Shea-Stone Galen , Moss Corinne E. , Peters Tami , Marcotte Tamera K. , Tripet Brian , Eilers Brian , Bothner Brian , Copié Valérie , Pincus Seth H.
Published: November 2022

Hypoglycemia may be induced by a variety of physiologic and pathologic stimuli and can result in life-threatening consequences if untreated. However, hypoglycemia may also play a role in the purported health benefits of intermittent fasting and caloric restriction. Previously, we demonstrated that systemic administration of ricin toxin induced fatal hypoglycemia in mice. Here, we examine the metabolic landscape of the hypoglycemic state induced in the liver of mice by two different stimuli: systemic ricin administration and fasting. Each stimulus produced the same decrease in blood glucose and weight loss. The polar metabolome was studied using 1H NMR, quantifying 59 specific metabolites, and untargeted LC-MS on approximately 5000 features. Results were analyzed by multivariate analyses, using both principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), to identify global metabolic patterns, and by univariate analyses (ANOVA) to assess individual metabolites. The results demonstrated that while there were some similarities in the responses to the two stimuli including decreased glucose, ADP, and glutathione, they elicited distinct metabolic states. The metabolite showing the greatest difference was O-phosphocholine, elevated in ricin-treated animals and known to be affected by the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. Another difference was the alternative fuel source utilized, with fasting-induced hypoglycemia primarily ketotic, while the response to ricin-induced hypoglycemia involves protein and amino acid catabolism.
Epidemiological Aspects of Equid Herpesvirus-Associated Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) Outbreaks
Authors: Klouth Eva , Zablotski Yury , Petersen Jessica L. , de Bruijn Marco , Gröndahl Gittan , Müller Susanne , Goehring Lutz S.
Published: November 2022

Equid Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) is a multifactorial disease following an EHV-1 infection in Equidae. We investigated a total of 589 horses on 13 premises in Europe in search of risk factors for the development of EHM. We found that fever (p < 0.001), increasing age (p = 0.032), and female sex (p = 0.042) were risk factors for EHM in a logistic mixed model. Some breeds had a decreased risk to develop EHM compared to others (Shetland and Welsh ponies; p = 0.017; p = 0.031), and fewer EHV-1-vaccinated horses were affected by EHM compared to unvaccinated horses (p = 0.02). Data evaluation was complex due to high variability between outbreaks with regards to construction and environment; viral characteristics and the virus’s transmissibility were affected by operational management. This study confirms earlier suspected host-specific risk factors, and our data support the benefit of high vaccine coverage at high-traffic boarding facilities.
Impact of Hepatitis B Virus Infection, Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, and Hepatitis C Virus Co-infection on Liver-Related Death among People Tested for Hepatitis B Virus in British Columbia: Results from a Large Longitudinal Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Makuza Jean Damascene , Jeong Dahn , Binka Mawuena , Adu Prince Asumadu , Cua Georgine , Yu Amanda , Velásquez García Héctor Alexander , Alvarez Maria , Wong Stanley , Bartlett Sofia , Karim Mohammad Ehsanul , Yoshida Eric M. , Ramji Alnoor , Krajden Mel , Janjua Naveed Zafar
Published: November 2022

Data on the contribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and related comorbidities to liver-related mortality in Canada are limited. We assessed the concurrent impact of HBV infection, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection on liver-related deaths in British Columbia (BC), Canada. We used data from the BC Hepatitis Testers Cohort (BC-HTC). We used Fine–Gray multivariable sub-distributional hazards models to assess the effect of HBV, NAFLD, and HCV coinfection on liver-related mortality, while adjusting for confounders and competing mortality risks. The liver-related mortality rate was higher among people with HBV infection than those without (2.57 per 1000 PYs (95%CI: 2.46, 2.69) vs. 0.62 per 1000 PYs (95%CI: 0.61, 0.64), respectively). Compared with the HBV negative groups, HBV infection was associated with increased liver-related mortality risk in almost all of the subgroups: HBV mono-infection (adjusted subdistribution hazards ratio (asHR) of 3.35, 95% CI 3.16, 3.55), NAFLD with HBV infection, (asHR 12.5, 95% CI 7.08, 22.07), and HBV/HCV coinfection (asHR 8.4, 95% CI 7.62, 9.26). HBV infection is associated with a higher risk of liver-related mortality, and has a greater relative impact on people with NAFLD and those with HCV coinfection. The diagnosis and treatment of viral and fatty liver disease are required to mitigate liver-related morbidity and mortality.
Characterization of Three Variants of SARS-CoV-2 In Vivo Shows Host-Dependent Pathogenicity in Hamsters, While Not in K18-hACE2 Mice
Authors: Toomer Gabriela , Burns Whitney , Garcia Liliana , Henry Gerelyn , Biancofiori Anthony , George Albert , Duffy Ciera , Chu Justin , Sides Morgan , Muñoz Melissa , Garcia Kelly , Nikolai-Yogerst Anya , Peng Xinjian , Westfall Landon , Baker Robert
Published: November 2022

Animal models are used in preclinical trials to test vaccines, antivirals, monoclonal antibodies, and immunomodulatory drug therapies against SARS-CoV-2. However, these drugs often do not produce equivalent results in human clinical trials. Here, we show how different animal models infected with some of the most clinically relevant SARS-CoV-2 variants, WA1/2020, B.1.617.2/Delta, B.1.1.529/Omicron, and BA5.2/Omicron, have independent outcomes. We show that in K18-hACE2 mice, B.1.617.2 is more pathogenic, followed by WA1, while B.1.1.529 showed an absence of clinical signs. Only B.1.1.529 was able to infect C57BL/6J mice, which lack the human ACE2 receptor. B.1.1.529-infected C57BL/6J mice had different T cell profiles compared to infected K18-hACE2 mice, while viral shedding profiles and viral titers in lungs were similar between the K18-hACE2 and the C57BL/6J mice. These data suggest B.1.1.529 virus adaptation to a new host and shows that asymptomatic carriers can accumulate and shed virus. Next, we show how B.1.617.2, WA1 and BA5.2/Omicron have similar viral replication kinetics, pathogenicity, and viral shedding profiles in hamsters, demonstrating that the increased pathogenicity of B.1.617.2 observed in mice is host-dependent. Overall, these findings suggest that small animal models are useful to parallel human clinical data, but the experimental design places an important role in interpreting the data. Importance: There is a need to investigate SARS-CoV-2 variant phenotypes in different animal models due to the lack of reproducible outcomes when translating experiments to the human population. Our findings highlight the correlation of clinically relevant SARS-CoV-2 variants in animal models with human infections. Experimental design and understanding of correct animal models are essential to interpreting data to develop antivirals, vaccines, and other therapeutic compounds against COVID-19.
Different Pathways Conferring Integrase Strand-Transfer Inhibitors Resistance
Authors: Richetta Clémence , Tu Nhat , Delelis Olivier
Published: November 2022

Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs) are currently used as the most effective therapy in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Raltegravir (RAL) and Elvitegravir (EVG), the first generation of INSTIs used successfully in clinical treatment, are susceptible to the emergence of viral resistance and have a high rate of cross-resistance. To counteract these resistant mutants, second-generation INSTI drugs have been developed: Dolutegravir (DTG), Cabotegravir (CAB), and Bictegravir (BIC). However, HIV is also able to develop resistance mechanisms against the second-generation of INSTIs. This review describes the mode of action of INSTIs and then summarizes and evaluates some typical resistance mutations, such as substitution and insertion mutations. The role of unintegrated viral DNA is also discussed as a new pathway involved in conferring resistance to INSTIs. This allows us to have a more detailed understanding of HIV resistance to these inhibitors, which may contribute to the development of new INSTIs in the future.
The Pivotal Role of Stem Cells in Veterinary Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering
Authors: El-Husseiny Hussein M. , Mady Eman A. , Helal Mahmoud A. Y. , Tanaka Ryou
Published: November 2022

The introduction of new regenerative therapeutic modalities in the veterinary practice has recently picked up a lot of interest. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with a high capacity to self-renew and develop into tissue cells with specific roles. Hence, they are an effective therapeutic option to ameliorate the ability of the body to repair and engineer damaged tissues. Currently, based on their facile isolation and culture procedures and the absence of ethical concerns with their use, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the most promising stem cell type for therapeutic applications. They are becoming more and more well-known in veterinary medicine because of their exceptional immunomodulatory capabilities. However, their implementation on the clinical scale is still challenging. These limitations to their use in diverse affections in different animals drive the advancement of these therapies. In the present article, we discuss the ability of MSCs as a potent therapeutic modality for the engineering of different animals’ tissues including the heart, skin, digestive system (mouth, teeth, gastrointestinal tract, and liver), musculoskeletal system (tendons, ligaments, joints, muscles, and nerves), kidneys, respiratory system, and eyes based on the existing knowledge. Moreover, we highlighted the promises of the implementation of MSCs in clinical use in veterinary practice.
Colistin Use in European Livestock: Veterinary Field Data on Trends and Perspectives for Further Reduction
Authors: Jansen Wiebke , van Hout Jobke , Wiegel Jeanine , Iatridou Despoina , Chantziaras Ilias , De Briyne Nancy
Published: November 2022

Polymyxin E (colistin) is a medically important active substance both in human and veterinary medicine. Colistin has been used in veterinary medicine since the 1950s. Due to the discovery of the plasmid-borne mcr gene in 2015 and the simultaneously increased importance in human medicine as a last-resort antibiotic, the use of colistin for animals was scrutinised. Though veterinary colistin sales dropped by 76.5% between 2011 to 2020, few studies evaluated real-world data on the use patterns of colistin in different European countries and sectors. A survey among veterinarians revealed that 51.9% did not use or ceased colistin, 33.4% decreased their use, 10.4% stabilised their use, and 2.7% increased use. The most important indications for colistin use were gastrointestinal diseases in pigs followed by septicaemia in poultry. A total of 106 (16.0%) responding veterinarians reported governmental/industry restrictions regarding colistin use, most commonly mentioning “use only after susceptibility testing” (57%). In brief, colistin was perceived as an essential last-resort antibiotic in veterinary medicine for E. coli infections in pigs and poultry, where there is no alternative legal, safe, and efficacious antimicrobial available. To further reduce the need for colistin, synergistic preventive measures, including improved biosecurity, husbandry, and vaccinations, must be employed.
The Current State of Veterinary Toxicology Education at AAVMC Member Veterinary Schools
Authors: Dorman David C. , Poppenga Robert H. , Schoenfeld-Tacher Regina M.
Published: November 2022

This study assessed the depth, breadth, and perception of toxicology education in curricula at Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) member veterinary schools. An online questionnaire was sent twice to all 54 AAVMC members and sent once to a veterinary toxicology list serve. The survey covered areas related to instructor demographics, the depth and extent of toxicology taught, and the respondent’s perceptions of their student’s ability to perform entrustable professional activities (EPA). Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Our survey resulted in a 44% response rate. All responding schools included toxicology in their curriculum, and it was a required course in 23 programs. Contact hours in stand-alone veterinary toxicology courses ranged from 14 to 45 h. Most respondents indicated that the current time allotted for toxicology was inadequate, despite indicating that most of their students could perform most EPAs autonomously. One exception related to the ability of students to analyze toxicology data. We found small variations in teaching methods and curriculum content. The results of our study can assist veterinary schools in evaluating their curricula to better prepare new graduates for the management of toxicology issues they may face in their veterinary careers.
Clinical Outcomes of the Implementation of IOP Monitoring, in and out of Office Time, to 1500 Patients—A Cohort Study
Authors: Tsironi Sevasti , Almaliotis Diamantis , Ntonti Panagiota , Sidiropoulos Georgios , Theodoridou Evangelia , Theofrastou Efstratios , Karachrysafi Sofia , Psimenidou Eleni , Sarafi Anastasia , Kapourani Victoria , Loizou Frangeskos , Fadel Elie
Published: November 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to present the clinical outcomes of IOP monitoring in and out of office time and determine its value in our clinical practice. Material and methods: We reviewed the records of 1500 patients (glaucoma suspects or glaucoma patients), who were admitted for IOP monitoring during almost 12 years. All patients were hospitalized because their within-office-hours exams were considered inadequate and inconclusive for decision making. Results: A total of 744 patients (49.6% out of 1500) needed change of treatment. A total of 121 patients (8% out of 1500) were programmed for interventional therapy (laser or surgery). A total of 68 patients (4.5% out of 1500) were declassified as overdiagnosed and overtreated. In 250 patients (16.7% out of 1500), hidden adherence problem appeared. In 720 patients (48% out of 1500), peak IOP occurred during out-of-office hours. Conclusions: IOP phasing is a useful tool in clinical practice. In many cases with inconclusive diagnosis, as well as in patients with advanced or labile glaucomas, IOP monitoring data add complementary information, useful for decision making, and may contribute not only to diagnosis and successful IOP modulation, but also in personalized therapeutic strategy and individual patients’ motivation.
The Rain-Induced Urban Waterlogging Risk and Its Evaluation: A Case Study in the Central City of Shanghai
Authors: Zou Lanjun , Wang Zhi , Lu Qinjing , Wu Shenglan , Chen Lei , Qin Zhengkun
Published: November 2022

Waterlogging induced by rain in urban areas has a potential risk impact on property and safety. This paper focuses on the impact of rain on waterlogging and evaluates the waterlogging risk in the central city of Shanghai. A simplified waterlogging depth model is developed in different areas with different drainage capacity and rainfall in consumption of simplifying the effect of complex terrain characteristics and hydrological situation. Based on urban waterlogging depth and its classification collection, a Rain-induced Urban Waterlogging Risk Model (RUWRM) is further established to evaluate waterlogging risk in the central city. The results show that waterlogging depth is closely linked with rainfall and drainage, with a linear relationship between them. More rainfall leads to higher waterlogging risk, especially in the central city with imperfect drainage facilities. Rain-induced urban waterlogging risk model can rapidly gives the waterlogging rank caused by rainfall with a clear classification collection. The results of waterlogging risk prediction indicate that it is confident to get the urban waterlogging risk rank well and truly in advance with more accurate rainfall prediction. This general study is a contribution that allows the public, policy makers and relevant departments of urban operation to assess the appropriate management to reduce traffic intensity and personal safety or strategy to lead to less waterlogging risk.
Effects of Aeration on Pollution Load and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agricultural Drainage Ditches
Authors: Wu Jingwei , Zhang Qisen , Guo Chenyao , Li Qiangkun , Hu Yawei , Jiang Xinman , Zhao Yanchao , Wang Jing , Zhao Qiang
Published: November 2022

Human activities input a large amount of carbon and nitrogen nutrients into water, resulting in inland freshwater becoming an important source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Agricultural drainage ditches are the main transport route of non-point source pollution. Understanding the rules for how greenhouse gas emissions from drainage ditches impact the environment can help to accurately estimate the greenhouse effect of agricultural systems. However, current research mainly focuses on the effect of different measures on the migration and transformation process of pollutants in drainage ditches. The process of greenhouse gas emissions when the non-point source of pollution is transported by drainage ditches is still unclear. In this study, the influence of aeration on the pollution load and GHG emission process of a drainage ditch in a paddy field was explored. The following conclusions were drawn: Aeration reduced the content of nitrate nitrogen in the water but had no significant effect on the content of ammonium nitrogen and it reduced the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of water by 24.9%. Aeration increased the potential of hydrogen (PH), dissolved oxygen (DO) and oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) of water and reduced the total organic carbon content, microbial carbon content and soluble carbon content of the soil in the sediment. Aeration reduced the N2O and CH4 emission fluxes and increased the CO2 emission fluxes in the drainage ditch, but it reduced the greenhouse effect generated by the drainage ditch by 33.7%. This study shows that aeration can reduce both the pollution load and the greenhouse gas emission flux in drainage ditches.
Spatial Distribution and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in the Sediment of a Tropical Mangrove Wetland on Hainan Island, China
Authors: Mao Changping , Du Suming , Zhang Gucheng , Wang Yao , Rao Wenbo
Published: November 2022

Mangroves have a high ecological service value and play an important role in achieving carbon neutrality. However, mangrove wetland soil quality is constantly being affected, and the ecological services provided are gradually declining due to the threat of various pollutants, especially heavy metal pollution. Exploring the sources and ecological risks of heavy metals in mangrove sediments will be helpful in improving mangrove protection. In 2020, sediments were collected from terrestrial and aquatic areas of Dongzhai Harbor mangrove wetland in Hainan, China, and were analyzed for the concentrations of nine heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Ni, Zn, Co). The results showed that there were obvious spatial distributions of heavy metals in sediments. The high concentrations of heavy metals occurred largely in terrestrial areas and in 0–20 cm of the sediment surface layer. Correlation analysis and cluster analysis indicated that As mainly originated from ships and aquaculture in the harbor waters, Cd and Hg from agriculture, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn and Co from the weathering of parent rocks, and Pb from soot emitted from metal smelters and automobile exhaust. The individual potential ecological risk index (Eir) indicated that contaminating elements were mainly Cd and Hg. The potential ecological risk index (RI) and multiple probable effect concentrations quality (mPECQs) indicated that the areas with high heavy metal concentration and the 0–20 cm range of sediment surface layer were more susceptible to heavy metal contamination. Although there were no obvious ecological risks in the area, these results could facilitate the understanding of the distribution of heavy metal pollution in mangroves and provide information to achieve sustainable development of mangroves.
Correlation between Ground Measurements and UAV Sensed Vegetation Indices for Yield Prediction of Common Bean Grown under Different Irrigation Treatments and Sowing Periods
Authors: Lipovac Aleksa , Bezdan Atila , Moravčević Djordje , Djurović Nevenka , Ćosić Marija , Benka Pavel , Stričević Ružica
Published: November 2022

The objective of this study is to assess the possibility of using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multispectral imagery for rapid monitoring, water stress detection and yield prediction under different sowing periods and irrigation treatments of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris, L). The study used a two-factorial split-plot design, divided into subplots. There were three sowing periods (plots; I—mid April, II—end of May/beginning of June, III—third decade of June/beginning of July) and three levels of irrigation (subplots; full irrigation (F)—providing 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), deficit irrigation (R)—providing 80% of ETc, and deficit irrigation (S) providing—60% of ETc). Canopy cover (CC), leaf area index (LAI), transpiration (T) and soil moisture (Sm) were monitored in all treatments during the growth period. A multispectral camera was mounted on a drone on seven occasions during two years of research which provided raw multispectral images. The NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), MCARI1 (Modified Chlorophyll Absorption in Reflectance Index), NDRE (Normalized Difference Red Edge), GNDVI (Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and Optimized Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (OSAVI) were computed from the images. The results indicated that NDVI, MCARI1 and GNDVI derived from the UAV are sensitive to water stress in S treatments, while mild water stress among the R treatments could not be detected. The NDVI and MCARI1 of the II-S treatment predicted yields better (r2 = 0.65, y = 4.01 tha−1; r2 = 0.70, y = 4.28 tha−1) than of III-S (r2 = 0.012, y = 3.54 tha−1; r2 = 0.020, y = 3.7 tha−1). The use of NDVI and MCARI will be able to predict common bean yields under deficit irrigation conditions. However, remote sensing methods did not reveal pest invasion, so good yield predictions require observations in the field. Generally, a low-flying UAV proved to be useful for monitoring crop status and predicting yield and water stress in different irrigation regimes and sowing period.
Occurrence and Risk Assessment of Atrazine and Diuron in Well and Surface Water of a Cornfield Rural Region
Authors: Lagunas-Basave Brenda , Brito-Hernández Alhelí , Saldarriaga-Noreña Hugo Albeiro , Romero-Aguilar Mariana , Vergara-Sánchez Josefina , Moeller-Chávez Gabriela Eleonora , Díaz-Torres José de Jesús , Rosales-Rivera Mauricio , Murillo-Tovar Mario Alfonso
Published: November 2022

Herbicides have contributed to increased agricultural production. However, their residual amount can cause negative effects on environmental and public health. Therefore, this work aimed to determine the occurrence of both atrazine and diuron in surface and well water and investigate their link with drinking use. The samples were collected during dry and rainy seasons in three wells and surface water from a river and a pond located in the low plains of the Ixcatepec catchment, at the Amacuáhuitl community of the municipality of Arcelia, Guerrero State, in the center south of México, which is a rural community where farming is the main activity. The compounds were obtained by solid phase extraction and determined by HPLC-MS quadrupole with positive electrospray ionization mode. A geomorphic analysis was conducted inside the Ixcatepec catchment using the digital elevation model of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, SRTM-v4. The human risk for drinking water was calculated according to the Hazard Quotient. The concentrations of atrazine and diuron were between 5.77 and 402 ng L−1. Atrazine was the most abundant and frequent pesticide found with an average concentration of 105.18 ng L−1, while that of diuron was 86.56 ng L−1. The highest levels were found in pond Ushe, likely being the result of the lowest flow and stagnation of water, and during the cold-dry season a consequence of mobilization by irrigation runoff. The morphological analysis indicated that the compounds mainly reached body water located in the lower surfaces from cultivated areas. Therefore, the occurrence is mainly linked to agriculture activity within the rural community. However, chemical properties of compounds, crop irrigation, and environmental conditions could be contributing to the dispersion of residual amounts of herbicides within the hydrological system. The estimation of risk showed that atrazine can mainly generate health problems for children using the Azul well as a source of drinking water.
Three-Dimensional Biofilm Electrode Reactors with Polyurethane Sponge Carrier for Highly Efficient Treatment of Pharmaceuticals Wastewater Containing Tetrahydrofuran
Authors: Wang Baoshan , Chen Xiaojie , Xu Yabing , Zhang Zexi , Zhang Yang
Published: November 2022

Three-dimensional biofilm electrode reactors (3D-BERs) exhibit efficacy in the removal of refractory wastewater of pharmaceuticals due to the resistance of pharmaceutical wastewater to biodegradation. In this paper, a new 3D-BER with a polyurethane sponge carrier was applied to the treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater containing tetrahydrofuran (THF) with an objective of exploring the removal efficiency, degradation pathway and main functions of microorganisms of 3D-BERs for wastewater containing THF. The results indicate that when the voltage is 10 V, the highest CODCr removal efficiency is (95.9 ± 1.6)%. Compared to the control group, the removal rate was increased by 21.97 ± 4.69%. The main intermediates of THF, γ-butyrolactone and 4-hydroxybutyric acid, were detected, respectively, by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS), indicating that 3D-BERs contribute to the degradation of THF with electro-oxidation as well as microbial synergism. Microorganisms, such as Proteobacteria with extracellular electron transfer capacity, Bacteroidetes capable of degrading complex carbon sources and parthenogenic anaerobic bacteria Firmicutes, were found to be enriched by high-throughput sequencing analysis in 3D-BERs, which were conducive to the degradation of refractory pollutants. At the genus level, Chryseobacterium, Brevundimonas, Erysipelothrix, and Desulfovibrio were the main functional genera, whose degradation of THF intermediates was found by functional prediction, mainly through chemoheterotrophy, aerobic chemoheterotrophy, etc. It is to be hoped that this study will provide a solution to the practical treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater containing THF via this new 3D-BER system with a polyurethane sponge carrier.
Effect of Different Land Use Types on the Taxonomic and Functional Diversity of Macroinvertebrates in an Urban Area of Northern China
Authors: Lu Aoran , Li Jiaxin , Zheng Biao , Yin Xuwang
Published: November 2022

The urbanization of riverine landscapes is an increasing threat to river ecosystems. However, it is unclear which metrics can best assess the response of macroinvertebrates to the conversion of forested lands to urban and agricultural lands. The main goal of this study is to examine whether trait-based approaches are more sensitive than taxonomic approaches in distinguishing macroinvertebrate responses to different land use types in a highly urbanized area of northern China. Results based on 14 environmental variables showed a significant difference across a human-induced environmental gradient. The results showed that no significant differences were observed in terms of taxonomic diversity indices between the different land use types. Functional evenness (FEve) and Rao’s quadratic entropy decreased with the increase in urban area caused by the intensification of human activity, demonstrating that functional diversity is more sensitive than taxonomic diversity in discriminating between different land use types. In addition, the results based on RLQ (physical–chemical variables (R), macroinvertebrate taxa (L), and species traits (Q)) and fourth-corner analyses indicated that the trait states of bi- or multivoltine, high dispersal capacity, and not-streamlined body shape were much higher in the agricultural area and positively related to farmland percentage. Taxa with large body size were dominant in urban areas and were positively correlated with EC. Overall, the observed responses of traits to environmental variables suggest that trait-based approaches should be incorporated into land use management for river restoration.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 and Variants in Hospital Wastewater in a Developing Country
Authors: Tiacharoen Vichapon , Denpetkul Thammanitchpol , Kosoltanapiwat Nathamon , Maneekan Pannamas , Thippornchai Narin , Saeoueng Anon , Jittmittraphap Akanitt , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Leaungwutiwong Pornsawan
Published: November 2022

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a beneficial tool for comprehensive health information on communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In developing countries, including Thailand, the application of WBE is limited. Few SARS-CoV-2 detections and variants have been monitored in wastewater in these countries. This is because of the time-consuming, low recovery of viruses in the concentration techniques and difficulties in finding the proper primers and amplification kits. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration using a commercial clinical kit. We identified the SARS-CoV-2 variants and estimated the detection costs in the wastewater samples. One hundred and fifty hospital wastewater samples were filtered with commercial ultrafiltration (UF) and then detected for the SARS-CoV-2 concentration using a Sansure Biotech SARS-CoV-2 kit. The recovery of the virus concentration technique in UF was studied using a surrogate (porcine epidemic diarrhea virus). The virus detection in wastewater was quantified by RT-qPCR. In addition, the mutation sites in the partial spike glycoprotein (S) gene of SARS-CoV-2 were verified using short nested RT-PCR. The results showed a high recovery of the commercial UF (80.53%), and 24.6% of hospital wastewater contained SARS-CoV-2. The detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater cost USD 35.43 per sample. The virus variants revealed V70del, H69del, and V144del mutations in the partial S gene of SARS-CoV-2 in B.1.1.7 (SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant), and T95I and G142D mutations in B.1.617.2 (Delta variant).
Prevalencia y comorbilidades de retinopatía en una institución especializada en Armenia - Colombia
Authors: Nieto-Cárdenas Olga Alicia , Ariza-Pardo Oscar , Duque-Cardona María José , Millán-Taborda Jorge Luis , Bernal-Urrego Javier Andrés
Published: November 2022

Introducción: La retinopatía hipertensiva y retinopatía diabética constituyen un problema de salud pública porque generan discapacidad visual evitable, sin embargo, se desconoce la prevalencia actual, sus factores asociados en la región y su situación en el marco de las Rutas de Atención Integral en Salud (RIAS) para la hipertensión y la diabetes que tienen establecida la remisión a oftalmología como seguimiento de daño a órgano blanco.

Objetivo: Describir las características y comorbilidades de la retinopatía Hipertensiva y Diabética, en pacientes que consultaron a oftalmología en el Quindío durante el año 2018.

Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, con base en las historias de pacientes que consultaron a una institución especializada del Quindío durante el año 2018. Se describieron variables en promedio, desviación estándar e intervalos de confianza, se hizo un análisis comparativo por sexo, se realizaron análisis de varianza y Chi cuadrado.

Resultados: La prevalencia de retinopatía diabética fue de 1,65% y de retinopatía hipertensiva del 0,22%. El 62,06% presentó retinopatía diabética no proliferativa (RDNP) y el 37,93% retinopatía diabética proliferativa (RDP).

Conclusiones: Se identifica más retinopatía diabética y la retinopatía hipertensiva casi no se diagnostica. Y el número de pacientes que consultan por enfermedades del ojo ha venido en aumento durante los últimos 3 años en un centro especializado de la ciudad de Armenia.
Intervención didáctica fundamentada en el aprendizaje basado en tareas para el mejoramiento de la fluidez oral en población vulnerable y con necesidades educativas especiales
Authors: Vela-Saavedra Jonathan , Jaramillo-Rodríguez Verónica , Lugo-Cañon Phaula Andrea , Perdomo-Ardilla Michelle , Mejía-Sierra Sandra Estefanía
Published: November 2022

La presente investigación con modelo cuantitativo-cualitativo, diseño investigación acción y alcance correlacional, pretende abordar dos problemáticas de la educación bilingüe. La primera, la necesidad de aplicar un enfoque comunicativo en poblaciones vulnerables y con necesidades educativas especiales. La segunda, la falencia en el componente de producción oral expresada en los niveles bajos de fluidez oral. La investigación tiene como objetivo realizar una intervención didáctica fundamentada en Aprendizaje Basado en Tareas (ABT) e impactar la fluidez oral de estudiantes pertenecientes a población vulnerable y con necesidades educativas especiales en el Centro de Prácticas Educativas y Sociales de la Universidad del Quindío. La investigación se sustenta en el ABT desde la perspectiva de Willis y la fluidez oral desde autores como Lennon. La investigación se dividió en los ciclos de diagnóstico por medio de un test de entrada, intervención, y evaluación por medio de test de salida. Finalmente, los datos se recolectaron mediante un diario de campo y entrevistas donde como resultado se evidenció que el 50% de los estudiantes involucrados pasaron de tener niveles limitados a pasar a niveles “adecuados” o “fuertes” en la L2.
Educação a distância
Authors: Vieira Lopes Gonzales Neidimar , Raitz Tânia Regina
Published: November 2022

Os avanços tecnológicos têm causado transformações na sociedade e na escola quanto à possibilidade de acesso ao ensino e às formas de ensinar e aprender. Este texto é um recorte de uma tese e traça uma análise/discussão acerca das matrículas na modalidade a distância - EaD com o objetivo de verificar como esta modalidade tem ocupado um percentual importante das matrículas no país; como as matrículas se distribuem regionalmente e o que revela o censo 2018 sobre o tema (INEP, 2019). É uma pesquisa documental de abordagem quali-quantitativa que interpreta as informações do censo 2018 INEP, por meio do enfoque qualitativo. Embasada nos estudos de Bahia e Duran (2009), Vianney, Torres e Silva (2003), Peters (2012), Bahia (2014) e Gatti (2013) conclui-se que a educação a distância é uma realidade crescente no Brasil, conforme dados revelados pelo Censo 2018. Para além, demonstra que 87% dos cursos de graduação a distância são ofertados por instituições privadas e 93% dos estudantes de Pedagogia EaD concluem em instituições privadas. Estes resultados mostram que é necessário empreender um novo olhar para a EaD, considerando a formação docente ofertada (pública e privada) e o profissional fruto de ambas.
comparação entre o estágio obrigatório e o estágio desenvolvido no Programa de Residência Pedagógica e sua relevância para o ingresso na carreira docente
Authors: Maia Fernanda , Próspero da Cunha Virgínia Mara
Published: November 2022

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a significação de licenciandos e professores no início da carreira pública sobre o papel do estágio supervisionado para a prática docente. A pesquisa exploratória utilizou como instrumentos de coleta de informações, questionários e entrevistas semiestruturadas com Professores Iniciantes em uma rede municipal de ensino e com Residentes participantes do Programa de Residência Pedagógica desenvolvido em uma universidade municipal, ambos localizados no interior Paulista. Essa pesquisa proporcionou meios, baseados na psicologia sócio-histórica e no princípio materialista histórico-dialético, para a comparação entre os dois tipos de estágio e a consequente influência para o ingresso na carreira. Os resultados se mostram alarmantes e necessários tanto para instigar a continuidade e aprofundamento de pesquisas do ponto de vista teórico e científico a respeito da formação docente, como propor uma reflexão quanto a formação da prática docente.
Entre a cruz e a esquadra
Authors: Oliveira Filho Sergio Willian de Castro
Published: November 2022

Durante a Guerra da Tríplice Aliança contra o Governo do Paraguai milhares de homens tomaram parte das batalhas e campanhas deste sangrento e longo conflito. Porém, além dos combatentes, uma série de outros sujeitos exerceram funções no teatro de operações, como: médicos, enfermeiros, comerciantes, esposas, mães e companheiras dos beligerantes, prostitutas, práticos, etc. Além destes, um grupo de homens contratados pela Marinha Imperial Brasileira como capelães desempenhou funções eclesiásticas a bordo dos navios e estabelecimentos de terra. O objetivo desse artigo é discorrer a respeito da atuação desse pequeno grupo de capelães a serviço da Marinha Imperial na Guerra da Tríplice Aliança, discutindo de que modo tal serviço religioso era percebido pelas autoridades navais brasileiras. Tal trabalho busca não perder de vista o contexto cultural onde a religião era de fundamental relevância na percepção dos acontecimentos fazendo parte da visão de mundo e construção de realidades, ou seja, a presença de padres no campo de batalha poderia garantir ao mesmo tempo a salvação dos corpos e das almas, a vitória e a graça divina.