bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socio-Economic Vulnerability Assessment for Supporting a Sustainable Pandemic Management in Austria
Authors: Streifeneder Vanessa , Kienberger Stefan , Reichel Steffen , Hölbling Daniel
Published: December 2023

The outbreaks of a new pandemic in 2019 let humankind face a new type of challenge. People and groups in vulnerable situations were especially affected. Increasing urbanization, climate change, and global travel raise the likelihood of pandemics. COVID-19 has shown that sustainable and well-planned pandemic management is necessary, which also includes and identifies people in vulnerable situations. In this study, a socio-economic vulnerability assessment (VA) for supporting improved pandemic/epidemic risk management at the municipality level in Austria was conducted. The VA provides a holistic overview of the vulnerability under pre-event conditions in Austria, which can be used to support pandemic management. Therefore, we calculated a composite indicator with expert-based weighting. The necessary indicators were defined through a literature review and an expert consortium consisting of practical and scientific members. As a result, an interactive map containing the vulnerability index (VI) for each municipality was created, making it possible to also assess underlying vulnerable factors to support decision-making. The applicability of the VA was shown in the relationship between a high VI in a municipality and a high number of deaths. A limiting factor to the VA was the missing data for health indicators for the whole of Austria. Hence, we provide a list with recommendations on which data should be collected to improve the VA in the future.
Distribution and Pollution Evaluation of Nutrients, Organic Matter and Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments of Wanghu Lake in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, China
Authors: Gao Zhenni , Lin Xiaowen , Wu Xiaodong , Ge Xuguang , Li Xinmeng , Huang Zhi , Zhu Jiali , Hou Jianjun
Published: December 2023

Nutrients, organic matter (OM), and heavy metals (HMs) in lake sediments are critical elements contributing to water pollution. In April 2019, surface sediments from Wanghu Lake were collected, and the nutrient, organic matter, and heavy metal content of the sediments were determined. We mainly evaluated the sediment pollutants through four evaluation methods to assess pollution and provide a reference for pollution control in Wanghu Lake. The results indicated that the averages of total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) were (1045.74 ± 190.17) mg/kg, (945.27 ± 203.56) mg/kg; most of them showed serious pollution and moderate pollution, respectively. OM was (32.31 ± 5.11) g/kg. Among them, TP and OM in the northwestern Wanghu Lake were significantly higher than those in the eastern lake (p < 0.05). It shows that nutrients are greatly affected by historical aquaculture and urban human activities. TP was the most serious in the center of the lake, and the source of pollution was mainly the historical deposition. The average of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Hg, and As in the sediments were 2.15, 1.09, 1.93, 1.37, 1.28, 1.49, 2.60, 1.77 times that of the soil background values of Hubei Province, respectively. Hg and Cd were the main factors contributing to the surface sediments, with levels at considerable and moderate risks, respectively.
Leakage Diffusion Modeling of Key Nodes of Gas Pipeline Network Based on Leakage Concentration
Authors: Li Hao-Peng , Chen Liang-Chao , Dou Zhan , Min Yi-Meng , Wang Qian-Lin , Yang Jian-Feng , Zhang Jian-Wen
Published: December 2023

In order to achieve the prediction and early warning of city gas pipe network leakage accidents, as well as to provide rapid and precise support for emergency response to such accidents, this study focuses on a Gaussian diffusion model applied to a large urban gas pipeline network. Specifically, it investigates the gas gate wells, which are key nodes in the pipeline network, to develop a leakage model. The objective is to analyze the variation in internal gas concentration in the gate wells and determine the range of danger posed by external gas diffusion from the gate wells. In addition, Fluent simulation is utilized to compare the accuracy of the model’s calculations. The findings of this study indicate that the gas concentration inside the gate well, as predicted by the model fitting results and Fluent simulation, exhibit a high level of agreement, with coefficient of determination (R2) values exceeding 0.99. Moreover, when predicting the hazardous distance of gas leakage outside the gate well, the model’s results show an average relative error of 0.15 compared to the Fluent simulation results. This demonstrates that the model is highly accurate and meets the practical application requirements.
A Point-Interval Forecasting Method for Wind Speed Using Improved Wild Horse Optimization Algorithm and Ensemble Learning
Authors: Guo Xiuting , Zhu Changsheng , Hao Jie , Kong Lingjie , Zhang Shengcai
Published: December 2023

With the implementation of the green development strategy and the “double carbon goal”, as an important energy for sustainable development, wind power has been widely researched and vigorously developed across the world. Wind speed prediction has a major impact on the grid dispatching of wind power connection. Most current studies only focus on the deterministic prediction of wind speed. However, the traditional deterministic forecast only provides the single wind speed prediction results and cannot meet the diverse demands of dispatchers. To bridge the gap, a wind speed point-interval forecasting method is proposed that utilizes empirical wavelet transform, an improved wild horse optimization algorithm, a multi-predictor, and improved kernel density estimation. This method decomposes the wind speed sequence into stationary subsequences through empirical wavelet transform, and then optimizes three basic learners with completely different learning mechanisms to form an ensemble model using the modified wild horse optimization algorithm. Finally, the uncertainty is analysed using an improved kernel density estimation. The datasets of three sites from America’s national renewable energy laboratory are used for comparison experiments with other models, and the predictions are discussed from different angles. The simulation results demonstrate that the model can produce high-precision deterministic results and high-quality probabilistic results. The reference information the model provides can be extremely valuable for scheduling operators.
Enhancing Empathy for Justice: A Methodology for Expansive Teacher Professional Development through Creative Body-Based Learning
Authors: Leonard Simon N. , Devis Deborah , MacGill Belinda , Unsworth Paul , Colton Jill , Fowler Sam
Published: December 2023

This paper reports from a design-based research project seeking to reduce bullying, and so, contribute to the sustainability goal of improving (understanding of) justice. Goals such as this call for holistic and interdisciplinary ways of thinking that are quite at odds with the linear and reductionist epistemologies available with globally dominant ‘neoliberal’ discourses on education and educational decision making. To achieve goals such as improving justice, sustainable education and educators must explore and champion expansive ways of knowing that acknowledge and celebrate the complexity of everyday learning contexts. Responding to this need, this paper presents a case study of how we, as a group of educational designers and teacher educators, have explored how the arts-based pedagogy known as Creative Body-Based-Learning, when coupled with Engeström’s expansive theory of learning, can provide an alternative structure and methodology for teacher professional knowledge production. The paper will also outline the use of the research methodology of computer-aided phenomenography as a means of evaluating this kind of complex learning where simple testing and self-reporting are typically inadequate.
Co-Digestion-Based Circular Bio-Economy to Improve Biomethane Generation and Production of Nutrient-Enriched Digestate in Bangladesh
Authors: Saha Chayan Kumer , Khatun Mst. Lucky , Nime Jannatoon , Kirtania Kawnish , Alam Md. Monjurul
Published: December 2023

Anaerobic co-digestion (ACoD) of cow dung (CD) and maize cob (MC) may be envisaged as the best way to enhance biomethane formation and production of nutrient-enriched fertilizer for the implementation of a circular bio-economic system. The study aimed to find out the optimum ratio for the highest biogas production to produce heat and energy and also the generation of nutrient-enriched organic fertilizer to use in crop land. A batch study was carried out for 99 days in an incubator maintaining 35 ± 1 °C temperature for seven different test groups of CD and MC (100:0, 90:10, 70:30, 50:50, 30:70, 10:90, and 0:100). The highest biogas production (356.6 ± 21.2 mL/gVS) was at 50:50 ratio with 138.05% and 32.02% increments compared to the digestion of CD and MC alone, respectively. Kinetic modeling showed the best fit using a Logistic model to evaluate ACoD of CD and MC mathematically. ACoD of available CD and MC in Bangladesh could produce 716.63 GWh/yr electricity for consumption and a large volume of nitrogen-enriched fertilizer to use in nitrogen-deficit soil. There was no significant difference in nutrient enrichment among different test groups. Awareness about ACoD technology and proper use of digestate might bring this technology to field-level utilization and thus help to implement the circular bio-economic concept through zero waste generation.
Let’s Be Vegan? Antecedents and Consequences of Involvement with Vegan Products: Vegan vs. Non-Vegan
Authors: Miguel Isabel , Coelho Arnaldo , Bairrada Cristela
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this investigation is to understand what influences the involvement with vegan products when comparing vegan and non-vegan individuals. This study presents eco-motivated antecedents (ecological motivations, environmental concerns, animal welfare) and personal antecedents (social influence, idealism). Also, the influence of involvement with vegan products on eudemonic and hedonic happiness, purchase intention, and price sensitivity. The impact price sensitivity has on purchase intention is presented. The research uses a structured questionnaire to collect information from two cross-sectional samples, 580 vegans and 517 non-vegans, collected from four vegan groups on Facebook, for a total of 284,900 members. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to test the proposed hypotheses. Results show that among vegans, ecological motivations and social influence do not impact involvement with vegan products. Vegans choose this lifestyle mainly due to animal protection, environmental concerns, and ideological views. Regarding non-vegans, idealism does not impact involvement with vegan products, probably due to their moral views, since they do not stop ingesting meat. At the same time, social influence becomes a relevant predictor. A cross-sectional study does not allow inferring causality. The model could be tested by introducing variables like gender, age, personality traits, sensitivity, and religion, which could be pertinent drivers of involvement with vegan products in vegan and non-vegan groups. This investigation compares the impact of personal and eco-motivated determinants, comparing vegans and non-vegans regarding their involvement with vegan products. It also compares how involvement with vegan products predicts consumer behavior patterns among vegans and non-vegans.
Urban Traffic Accident Features Investigation to Improve Urban Transportation Infrastructure Sustainability by Integrating GIS and Data Mining Techniques
Authors: Le Khanh Giang , Tran Quang Hoc , Do Van Manh
Published: December 2023

Urban traffic accidents pose significant challenges to the sustainability of transportation infrastructure not only in Vietnam but also all over the world. To decrease the frequency of accidents, it is crucial to analyze accident data to determine the relationship between accidents and causes, especially for serious accidents. This study suggests an integrated approach using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Data Mining methods to investigate the features of urban traffic accidents in Hanoi, Vietnam aiming to solve these challenges and enhance the safety and efficiency of urban transportation. Firstly, the dataset was segmented into homogenous clusters using the two-step cluster method. Secondly, the correlation between causes and traffic accidents was examined on the overall dataset as well as on each cluster using the association rule mining (ARM) technique. Finally, the location of accident groups and high-frequency sites of accidents (hotspots) were determined by using GIS techniques. As a result, a five-cluster model was created, which corresponded to five common accident groupings in Hanoi. Moreover, the results of the study also identified the types of accidents, the main causes, the time, and the surrounding areas corresponding to each accident group. In detail, cluster 5 depicted accidents on streets, provincial, and national roads caused by motorbikes making up the highest percentage within the groups, accounting for 29.2%. Speeding and driving in the wrong lane in the afternoon and at night were the main causes in this cluster (Cf ≥ 0.9 and Lt ≥ 1.22). Next, cluster 2 had the second-highest proportion. Cluster 2 presented accidents between a truck/car and a motorbike on national and provincial roads, accounting for 27.8%. Cluster 1 presented accidents between a truck/car and a motorbike on local streets, accounting for 22%. Cluster 3 illustrated accidents between two motorbikes on the country lanes, accounting for 12.3%. Finally, cluster 4 depicted single-vehicle motorbike crashes, with the lowest rate of 8.8%. More importantly, this study also recommended using repeatability criteria for the same type of accidents or causes to determine the location of hotspots. Also, suggestions for improving traffic infrastructure sustainability were proposed. To our knowledge, this is the first time in which these three methods are applied simultaneously for analyzing traffic accidents.
Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Resilience
Authors: El Chami Daniel , El Moujabber Maroun
Published: December 2023

For decades, human-induced climate change has been scientifically predicted and observed to cause devastating global phenomena globally [...]
Bifurcations Associated with Three-Phase Polynomial Dynamical Systems and Complete Description of Symmetry Relations Using Discriminant Criterion
Authors: Shestopalov Yury , Shakhverdiev Azizaga , Arefiev Sergey V.
Published: December 2023

The behavior and bifurcations of solutions to three-dimensional (three-phase) quadratic polynomial dynamical systems (DSs) are considered. The integrability in elementary functions is proved for a class of autonomous polynomial DSs. The occurrence of bifurcations of the type-twisted fold is discovered on the basis and within the frames of the elements of the developed DS qualitative theory. The discriminant criterion applied originally to two-phase quadratic polynomial DSs is extended to three-phase DSs investigated in terms of their coefficient matrices. Specific classes of D- and S-vectors are introduced and a complete description of the symmetry relations inherent to the DS coefficient matrices is performed using the discriminant criterion.
Antiviral Mechanisms of Saucerneol from Saururus chinensis against Enterovirus A71, Coxsackievirus A16, and Coxsackievirus B3: Role of Mitochondrial ROS and the STING/TKB-1/IRF3 Pathway
Authors: Song Jae-Hyoung , Mun Seo-Hyeon , Yang Heejung , Kwon Yong Soo , Kim Seong-Ryeol , Song Min-young , Ham Youngwook , Choi Hwa-Jung , Baek Won-Jin , Cho Sungchan , Ko Hyun-Jeong
Published: December 2023

Enterovirus A71 (EV71), coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16), and coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) are pathogenic members of the Picornaviridae family that cause a range of diseases, including severe central nervous system complications, myocarditis, and pancreatitis. Despite the considerable public health impact of these viruses, no approved antiviral treatments are currently available. In the present study, we confirmed the potential of saucerneol, a compound derived from Saururus chinensis, as an antiviral agent against EV71, CVA16, and CVB3. In the in vivo model, saucerneol effectively suppressed CVB3 replication in the pancreas and alleviated virus-induced pancreatitis. The antiviral activity of saucerneol is associated with increased mitochondrial ROS (mROS) production. In vitro inhibition of mROS generation diminishes the antiviral efficacy of saucerneol. Moreover, saucerneol treatment enhanced the phosphorylation of STING, TBK-1, and IRF3 in EV71- and CVA16-infected cells, indicating that its antiviral effects were mediated through the STING/TBK-1/IRF3 antiviral pathway, which was activated by increased mROS production. Saucerneol is a promising natural antiviral agent against EV71, CVA16, and CVB3 and has potential against virus-induced pancreatitis and myocarditis. Further studies are required to assess its safety and efficacy, which is essential for the development of effective antiviral strategies against these viruses.
StenM_174: A Novel Podophage That Infects a Wide Range of Stenotrophomonas spp. and Suggests a New Subfamily in the Family Autographiviridae
Authors: Morozova Vera V. , Yakubovskij Vyacheslav I. , Baykov Ivan K. , Kozlova Yuliya N. , Tikunov Artem Yu. , Babkin Igor V. , Bardasheva Alevtina V. , Zhirakovskaya Elena V. , Tikunova Nina V.
Published: December 2023

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was discovered as a soil bacterium associated with the rhizosphere. Later, S. maltophilia was found to be a multidrug-resistant hospital-associated pathogen. Lytic bacteriophages are prospective antimicrobials; therefore, there is a need for the isolation and characterization of new Stenotrophomonas phages. The phage StenM_174 was isolated from litter at a poultry farm using a clinical strain of S. maltophilia as the host. StenM_174 reproduced in a wide range of clinical and environmental strains of Stenotrophomonas, mainly S. maltophilia, and it had a podovirus morphotype. The length of the genomic sequence of StenM_174 was 42,956 bp, and it contained 52 putative genes. All genes were unidirectional, and 31 of them encoded proteins with predicted functions, while the remaining 21 were identified as hypothetical ones. Two tail spike proteins of StenM_174 were predicted using AlphaFold2 structural modeling. A comparative analysis of the genome shows that the Stenotrophomonas phage StenM_174, along with the phages Ponderosa, Pepon, Ptah, and TS-10, can be members of the new putative genus Ponderosavirus in the Autographiviridae family. In addition, the analyzed data suggest a new subfamily within this family.
An Alternative Serological Measure for Assessing Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccine Efficacy against Homologous and Heterologous Viral Challenges in Pigs
Authors: Kim Jaejo , Lee Seung Heon , Kim Ha-Hyun , Shin Sung-Ho , Park Sang-Hyun , Park Jong-Hyeon , Park Choi-Kyu
Published: December 2023

To analyze the relationship between homologous and heterologous serological titers of immunized pigs and their protection statuses against FMD virus challenges, in the present study, the correlation between the virus neutralization titers at 21 and 28 dpv and the protection statuses at 28 dpv against challenge with FMD virus was analyzed using data sets comprising five different combinations of homologous or heterologous challenge experiments in pigs vaccinated with type O (n = 96), A (n = 69), and Asia 1 (n = 74). As a result, the experiments were divided into three groups (21D-1, 21D-2, and 21D-3) in the 21-dpv model and two groups (28D-1 and 28D-2) in the 28-dpv model. Each response curve of groups 21D-1 and 21D-2 in the 21-dpv model was very similar to each curve of groups 28D-1 and 28D-2 in the 28-dpv model, respectively, even though there was an exceptional extra group (21D-3) in the 21-dpv model. The average titers estimating 0.75 probability of protection ranged from 1.06 to 1.62 log10 in the 21-dpv model and from 1.26 to 1.64 log10 in the 28-dpv model. In summary, we demonstrated that the serological method is useful for predicting the homologous and heterologous protection statuses of vaccinated pigs.
Improvement in Arsenic Adsorption and Calcite Dissolution Kinetics through Size Reduction of a Ferric Hydroxide-Calcite Adsorbent
Authors: Fernandez-Rojo Lidia , Martí Vicenç , Jubany Irene , Bahí Neus , Janer Marcel , Martínez-Lladó Xavier , Rovira Miquel
Published: December 2023

The employment of granular ferric iron-(oxy)hydroxides, a well-known economic and effective method, lowers arsenic concentrations in different water types. However, for direct application in polluted groundwaters, there is a need to develop new injectable adsorbents for aquifers that could also neutralize acidic media. In this context, a granular ferric hydroxide-calcite (GFH-C) adsorbent was size-reduced to 0.4–50 µm by sonication with the aim of improving (i) the adsorption of As(III) and As(V) at different pHs and (ii) the pH control through the dissolution of calcite. Batch experiments were conducted to determine As(III) and As(V) adsorption isotherms and kinetics, as well as calcite dissolution kinetics, using GFH-C of two sizes (granular and sonicated). Results showed that the arsenic binding capacity of sonicated adsorbents did not improve significantly. On the contrary, the As(III) and As(V) adsorption kinetics improved with the sonication, as in the case of calcite dissolution kinetics. The dissolution of calcite from the adsorbent made the water pH increase to around 9.2–9.4. The sonicated adsorbent offers an advantage in depolluting As-containing groundwater due to its smaller size, which is linked with faster arsenic adsorption and effective acidic water neutralization.
Nature-Based Solutions for the Restoration of Groundwater Level and Groundwater-Dependent Ecosystems in a Typical Inland Region in China
Authors: Liu Min , Nie Zhenlong , Cao Le , Wang Lifang , Lu Huixiong
Published: December 2023

The rapid drop in groundwater level and the degradation of groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) has led to serious imbalances in the development of the socio-ecological system (SES) in Minqin Oasis, northwest China. In this study, the interactions between the elements of the SES were analyzed, and the effects of the implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS) and the resilience of the SES were assessed using the methods of linear trend analysis, correlation, and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. The results showed that: (i) the most important contributing factor to the increase in groundwater depth (GLD) and the degradation of GDEs was the continuous groundwater extraction for the irrigation of farmland; and (ii) the natural vegetation began to be degraded when the GLD surpassed 5 m; (iii) the initial goal of NbS was achieved, the increase in GLD has been curbed, and the vegetation and the wetland area of Qingtu lake have begun to be restored. The SES resilience index increased by a factor of 1.82 from 2009 to 2017; however, it was still below 0.6, and thus the NbS should be continued in the future. This study provides a reference for the sustainable development of the SES in other similar areas under various environmental challenges.
The Influence of Anthropogenic Pollution on the Physicochemical Conditions of the Waters of the Lower Section of the Sąpólna River
Authors: Bonisławska Małgorzata , Nędzarek Arkadiusz , Rybczyk Agnieszka , Tański Adam
Published: December 2023

River pollution resulting from unregulated and improper water sewage management is a global issue of concern. The discharge of inadequately treated sewage into rivers and the sudden release of excessive quantities during heavy rainfall can result in significant fish mortality. This phenomenon has been observed repeatedly in the case of the Sąpólna River, NW Poland. Consequently, a decision was made to monitor the water quality at two key locations: the drainage channel that feeds into the river and downstream of the channel. Seventeen water quality indicators were measured, including temperature, pH, conductivity, total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (CODCr), total organic carbon (TOC), alkalinity, total hardness, total reactive phosphorus (TRP), total phosphorus (TP), nitrite-nitrogen (NO2−-N), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3−-N), total ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N), total organic nitrogen (TON), and total nitrogen (TN). It was determined that, at the location farthest from the drainage channel, water quality still falls short of meeting the specified standards. The primary factors leading to the degradation of water quality at this point were TSS, TRP, NO2−-N, and TN. It was concluded that the primary localized source of water pollution in the studied section of the Sąpólna River is the discharge from sewage treatment plants in Nowogard. Consequently, actions should be taken to address sewage quality and reduce discharge quantities.
Geophysical Investigation, Quality, and Sustainability Analysis of Groundwater in Mewat (Nuh) District, Haryana, India
Authors: Kaur Amandeep , Krishan Gopal
Published: December 2023

This study utilizes geophysical investigations, combining both surface and subsurface methods, assessing quality and mapping aquifers in Haryana’s Mewat district, India. The primary objectives are to delineate the interface between freshwater and saline water, both horizontally and vertically and to perform a quality and sustainability analysis. It has been observed that topsoil, approximately 12 m thick, has resistivity values ranging from 11 to 35 ohm-m, where higher values indicate lower soil saturation. Resistivity exceeding 15 ohm-m correlates with granular zones housing fresh groundwater, while values below 15 ohm-m signal saline to brackish groundwater. Approximately 55% of the region features saline groundwater, mainly in central, western, and southern areas. Freshwater resources within a depth of 30 m cover 26–30% of the area, mainly in the northwest and southwest parts. Beyond 40 m, freshwater availability drops significantly, with depths exceeding 100 m likely encountering hard rock or saline horizons. This study also highlights low freshwater yield challenges due to thin granular zones and variable bedrock depths, some as shallow as 90 m. Additionally, the research examines infiltration rates, ranging from 90 mm/h to 660 mm/h initially and 5 mm/h to 164 mm/h ultimately, with an average rate of 151 mm/h, highlighting sandy soils with some clay limitations. Utilizing available data, a three-dimensional hydrogeological model was constructed, shedding light on groundwater-related issues, such as depletion, waterlogging, water quality, and excess salinity. Groundwater development reached ~80%, categorized as semi-critical. Depletion affects areas with fresh groundwater, and waterlogging is a concern in central and north-eastern regions. In addition to salinity, other water quality issues are higher nitrate, sodium, and chloride concentrations, leading to salt-affected soils in specific blocks like Nuh and Nagina. In summary, this study offers a comprehensive assessment of groundwater resources in Mewat, Haryana, emphasizing sustainable utilization and tailored management of localized challenges. This underscores the importance of integrated water resource management to ensure prudent use while preserving the environment for future generations.
Research on Flood Risk Control Methods and Reservoir Flood Control Operation Oriented towards Floodwater Utilization
Authors: Zhou Liwei , Kang Ling , Hou Shuai , Guo Jinlei
Published: December 2023

Since improving floodwater utilization may increase flood risk, flood risk control methods for trade-offs between these factors have research value. This study presented a flood risk control method oriented towards floodwater utilization which considers multiple main flood risk factors. The proposed method not only achieves the boundaries of the flood limited water level (FLWL) under various acceptable risks but also dynamically controls the water level to enhance floodwater utilization. A case study conducted on the Danjiangkou reservoir yielded the following results: (1) The proposed method provides FLWL dynamic control boundaries under various acceptable risks. (2) The proposed method reveals the potential to raise the FLWL, with a possibility to raise it by 1.00 m above the present FLWL under the absence of flood risk. (3) The available flood resources in both the wet and dry seasons increase, on average, by 0.83 and 0.81 billion m3, and the flood risk remains within the acceptable range after raising the FLWL by 1.00 m, which contributes to enhancing floodwater utilization.
Prediction of Consumers’ Adoption Behavior of Products with Water Efficiency Labeling Based on Hidden Markov Model
Authors: Wang Yanrong , Wang Cong , Wang Han , Chen Zhuo
Published: December 2023

Water efficiency labeling, an environmental protection label, can provide consumers with products’ water-saving information, guide consumers to choose high-efficiency water-saving products, and encourage residents to save water. Data were obtained from a questionnaire survey among 526 respondents in Zhengzhou, China. The study constructed a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) to predict consumers’ adoption behavior of products with water efficiency labeling. The adoption probability of consumers at different perceptions and water-saving awareness for products with water efficiency labeling and the state transition probability of consumers’ adoption behavior of products with water efficiency labeling were calculated. Consumers’ adoption behavior of products with water efficiency labeling in different situations is predicted. The research found: (1) When the degree of perception remains unchanged, the improvement of consumers’ water-saving awareness will promote their adoption of products with water efficiency labeling and increase the probability of continuous adoption behavior. (2) The state of consumers’ adoption behavior depends on the last adoption behavior. Furthermore, as the state level increases, the dependency on adoption behavior becomes more vigorous. (3) HMM is suitable for predicting consumers’ adoption behavior of products with water efficiency labeling and has high accuracy. The research findings can provide a theoretical basis and decision-making reference for the government and enterprises to formulate relevant guiding policies and promotion strategies.
Identification of Hydrochemical Characteristics, Spatial Evolution, and Driving Forces of River Water in Jinjiang Watershed, China
Authors: Zhu Yuchen , Yang Hongjie , Xiao Yong , Hao Qichen , Li Yasong , Liu Jiahuan , Wang Liwei , Zhang Yuqing , Hu Wenxu , Wang Jie
Published: December 2023

Rivers are an important source of water in humid regions, but their availability is greatly limited by water chemistry. In order to accurately identify the changes in river water chemical composition, the compositional analysis method (CoDA) is proposed from the perspective of compositional data analysis theory, which considers the geochemical riverine system as a whole and detects the compositional changes of the entire watershed. The basic data analysis is carried out by traditional analysis methods, and the results show that the hydrochemical characteristics of different sections of the basin have significant features. The water chemistry of Dongxi River is of the HCO3− Ca type. The water of the Xixi River shows a gradual evolution from the HCO3-Ca type and high SO42− content in the upper reaches to the Cl-Ca type in the lower reaches. The hydrochemistry of river water in the watershed is mainly affected by rock weathering leaching (PC1) and agricultural and domestic pollutant discharge (PC2), with a contribution rate of 48.4% and 19.7%, respectively. Rock weathering, mining, and agricultural pollution are the main factors affecting the chemical composition of river water in different regions. The spatial composition of a single sample at different scales is monitored by the Mahalanobis distance approach in an iterative manner to minimize the influence of a single anomaly on the composition center. The results show that the main reasons for the change in river water chemical composition along the Xixi River are attributed to mine pollution, domestic pollution, and tea plantation and that along the Dongxi River is caused by domestic pollution. The hydrochemical composition changes after the confluence of the Xixi River and Dongxi River are mainly affected by human activities and seawater in urban areas. This research could provide new perspectives and methods for detecting the influences of human and natural factors on the hydrochemistry of river water in humid regions worldwide.
The results of pulpectomy in primary molars in children with negative behaviour
Authors: Arjenovskaya E. N. , Maslak E. E. , Kamennova T. N.
Published: December 2023

Relevance. A pulpectomy is a procedure predominantly performed for pulpitis treatment in single-rooted primary teeth. Data on the pulpectomy in primary molars are limited. Pulpectomy in children with negative behaviour is particularly difficult. The study aimed to determine the survival rate of primary molars after treatment of chronic pulpitis by pulpectomy in children with negative behaviour depending on the behaviour management method.

Material and methods. A prospective clinical study in parallel groups involved 120 children aged 3-6 years who demonstrated negative behaviour (according to the Frankl scale) during a dental examination. Chronic fibrous pulpitis was treated by vital pulpectomy in 180 primary molars. In group 1 (60 children, 90 teeth), children underwent non-pharmacological behaviour management; in group 2, children were treated under conscious sedation (pharmacological correction of behaviour). Follow-ups after 6, 12, 18 and 24 months determined the tooth survival rate after pulpectomy.

Results. The 24-month tooth survival rate after pulpectomy was 76.7% in group 1 (95% CI 67.9-85.4%), 81.1% – in group 2 (95% CI 73.0-89.2%), p > 0.05.

Conclusion. More than 75% of primary molars survived for 24 months after vital pulpectomy in children with negative behaviour. The results of pulpectomy with pharmacological behaviour correction were better than after non-pharmacological behaviour management; however, the detected differences were not statistically significant.
Impact of consolidation chemotherapy in poor responders to neoadjuvant radiation therapy: magnetic resonance imaging–based clinical-radiological correlation in high-risk rectal cancers
Authors: Patel Swapnil , Ankathi Suman , Haria Purvi , Kazi Mufaddal , Desouza Ashwin L. , Saklani Avanish
Published: December 2023

Purpose: The current study was conducted to examine the role of consolidation chemotherapy after neoadjuvant radiation therapy (NART) in decreasing the involvement of the mesorectal fascia (MRF) in high-risk locally advanced rectal cancers (LARCs).Methods: In total, 46 patients who received consolidation chemotherapy after NART due to persistent MRF involvement were identified from a database. A team of 2 radiologists, blinded to the clinical data, studied sequential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to assess the tumor response and then predict a surgical plan. This prediction was then correlated with the actual procedure conducted as well as histopathological details to assess the impact of consolidation chemotherapy.Results: The comparison of MRI-based parameters of sequential images showed significant downstaging of T2 signal intensity, tumor height, MRF involvement, diffusion restriction, and N category between sequential MRIs (P < 0.05). However, clinically relevant downstaging (standardized mean difference, > 0.3) was observed for only T2 signal intensity and diffusion restriction on diffusion-weighted imaging. No clinically relevant changes occurred in the remaining parameters; thus, no change was noted in the extent of surgery predicted by MRI. Weak agreement (Cohen κ coefficient, 0.375) and correlation (Spearman rank coefficient, 0.231) were found between MRI-predicted surgery and the actual procedure performed. The comparison of MRI-based and pathological tumor response grading also showed a poor correlation.Conclusion: Evidence is lacking regarding the use of consolidation chemotherapy in reducing MRF involvement in LARCs. The benefit of additional chemotherapy after NART in decreasing the extent of planned surgery by reducing margin involvement requires prospective research.
AGENDA 2030: O DESAFIO PARA A INDÚSTRIA DA CONSTRUÇÃO CIVIL REFERENTE AO SEU RESÍDUO
Authors: Freitas Gabriel Sousa de
Published: December 2023

O presente artigo apresenta uma revisão por meio da literatura, o desafio da indústria da construção civil referente ao seu resíduo de acordo com a Agenda 2030. Tal avaliação é necessária devido a indústria da construção civil ser um dos principais causadores de impactos ambientais, sociais e econômicos e seu resíduo ser um dos principais agentes causadores e sua geração está relacionada com o crescimento da urbanização. A Agenda 2030 traz a indústria da construção um papel importante no desenvolvimento sustentável contento objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável a serem alcançados, para alcançar tais objetivos é necessário realizar uma construção sustentável, a construção sustentável está na agenda de governos, profissionais da área da construção e nas pesquisas acadêmicas, a geração do resíduo da construção civil está atrelado principalmente a erros, tais como, aquisição e planejamento inadequados, a fim de a buscar a soluções para reciclagem e reutilizado do resíduo proveniente de tal indústria.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Autoimmune Pancreatitis
Authors:   A.S. Loginov Moscow Clinical Scientific Center, Savina I.V. , Dubtsova E.A. , Kiryukova M.A. , Bordin D.S. , Zhurenkova T.V. , Parfenchikova E.V. , Vinokurova L.V. ,   A.I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry,   Tver State Medical University
Published: December 2023

Diagnostics of pancreatic diseases represents a difficult task for doctors in multiple fields. Autoimmune pancreatitis is one of the hardest to diagnose among other pancreatic diseases, as it is a rare disease and can mimic groove pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. Similar manifestation, laboratory changes pattern, and data of imaging methods become peculiarities of differential diagnosis. The article presents a clinical case of difficulties in diagnosing autoimmune pancreatitis at its early stages.
How to address the inverse care law and increase GP recruitment in areas of socioeconomic deprivation: a qualitative study of GP trainees’ views and experiences in the UK
Authors: Armstrong Matthew J , Wildman Josephine M , Sowden Sarah
Published: December 2023

Background

The Deep End network in the North East and North Cumbria (NENC) was set up to tackle health inequalities in general practice. One aim is to address the inverse care law and improve recruitment of GPs, which is known to be especially challenging in areas of socioeconomic deprivation.

Aim

To explore GP trainees’ experiences and perceptions of working in Deep End or Deprived Area Practices (DE/DAPs) to identify how GP recruitment can be improved.

Design & setting

Qualitative study recruiting 13 doctors training to be GPs from the Northumbria training programme.

Method

Audio-recorded, online, semi-structured interviews and discussion groups were undertaken, transcribed verbatim, and analysed with a grounded theory approach, using a process of thematic analysis.

Results

Overall, seven interviews and two discussion groups (13 participants in total) were conducted. Three themes were identified. The first theme was working in areas of socioeconomic deprivation is challenging but has many advantages. The challenges of working in DE/DAPs were not deterring factors for GP trainees wanting to work in areas of socioeconomic deprivation. The second theme was trainees are willing to work in areas of socioeconomic deprivation but clinical experience is important. Training in DE/DAPs gives trainees the confidence to work in areas of deprivation. Familiarity with a practice also makes them more likely to stay post-training. The third theme was financial incentives are not an important attracting factor but support and development opportunities are. Non-pecuniary measures, such as clinical support and protected time for continuing professional development (CPD), were found to be important.

Conclusion

To improve recruitment to DE/DAPs, investments should be made to increase the opportunities to train in these environments. This can be achieved by supporting more DE/DAPs to become training practices, and providing clinical support and protected time for CPD.
EXTRAHEPATIC MANIFESTATIONS OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS C
Authors: Saranskaya Yana Evgen'evna , Kiseleva Lyubov' Mikhaylovna
Published: December 2023

Replication of hepatitis C virus is possible not only in the target organ - liver cells, but also in the vascular endothelium, mononuclear cells, B lymphocytes, macrophages, bone marrow, myocardium, skin and endocrine glands, which explains the disease clinical diversity and extrahepatic manifestations in HCV patients. Extrahepatic manifestations range from 50 % to 74 %. Kidneys are the most common target organs for extrahepatic manifestations of chronic hepatitis C. Renal irritation can lead to chronic HCV infection. Kidney disease can occur due to HCV influence on the renal epithelium and cryoglobulinemia development.
The purpose of our paper is to increase the doctors’ alertness to HCV, its atypical course, and the onset of extrahepatic manifestations. Correct and timely diagnosis and etiotropic therapy will lead to an improvement in the patient’s clinical status. Treatment of chronic HCV infection is a multisystem problem that any physician can face. Etiotropic therapy for chronic hepatitis C leads not only to virus elimination, but also to the relief of extrahepatic manifestations. Combination therapy with direct antiviral drugs (glecaprevir + pibrentasvir) has proven its effectiveness in patients with extrahepatic manifestations. Sustainable virological response allows not only to stop degenerative changes in the liver, but also to reduce the clinical symptoms of extrahepatic manifestations of chronic HCV infection, reduce the disability rate in the working population, and improve the quality of life.
MORPHOGENESIS OF SKIN REGENERATE AND LOCAL FACTORS OF ITS REGULATION
Authors: Shidin Vladimir Aleksandrovich , Aptekar' Igor' Aleksandrovich , Akhmatov Aleksandr Vladimirovich , Ledneva Dar'ya Sergeevna , Markov Aleksandr Anatol'evich , Matvienko Viktor Vasil'evich , Matusevich Sergey L'vovich , Nurgalieva Aliya Ramazanovna , Solov'ev Georgiy Sergeevich , Solov'eva Ol'ga Georgievna , Spirina Yuliya Sergeevna , Steblyuk Aleksey Nikolaevich
Published: December 2023

Regeneration of the skin and its derivatives after injuries occurs in one of two ways: cutaneous (restitution) or dermal (substitution). However, there are three healing mechanisms: primary intention, secondary intention and healing by a scab. Regeneration activity correlates with environmental factors, stimulants, compliance with the chronovector of involvement in the cell regenerate of all differon derivatives, involved in histo- and organogenesis in the affected area.
The aim of the study is to identify the importance of promoter cells, temperature and Eikovit gel at different stages of thermal burn wound healing, contact dermatitis and wound skin defects and to determine the stage of provisional regenerate transformation into the definitive state.
Materials and Methods. The formation of reparative skin regenerate was studied on outbred male mice weighing 25±5 g (n=126). Different injuries to the skin of the back were modelled. All mice were divided into 4 groups: Full-thickness wound, Thermal burn, Contact dermatitis, and Control. Thermal damage was carried out with Tertsik RS232C device (Russia), module area – 1 cm2, exposure time – 3 minutes, and temperature – 80 °C. Contact dermatitis was modeled by rubbing a 0.5 % alcohol-acetone solution of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (2,4-DNCB) into the skin. The skin wound was cut out using an oval stencil (3×4 mm). We used three temperature modes to influence the developing regenerate: +8 °C (cold), +42 °C (heat), and +33 °C (control). Sampling was conducted on days 3, 7, 10, 14, 20, 30 of the experiment, fixed in 10 % neutral formalin, and embedded in paraffin. Sections were stained with Mayer's hematoxylin and eosin. Immunohistochemistry detected CD1-alpha, CD3, and CD31. Proliferative activity was monitored by Ki-67-positive cells.
Results. The convergence chronovector of immunocompetent cells during skin wound healing ensures the restitution of skin components and its derivatives. One of the signs of the correct chronovector direction is the formation of a provisional level substrate and its further transformation into a definitive state. Convergence desynchronosis can lead to dermal healing and substitution.
CHARACTERISTICS OF COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTIONS IN PATIENTS WITH RIGHT-SIDE AND LEFT-SIDE ISCHEMIC STROKE
Authors: Molchanova Zhanna Ivanovna
Published: December 2023

The goal of the study is to assess the characteristics of cognitive dysfunctions in patients with right-side and left-side ischemic stroke (IS).
Materials and Methods. We examined 55 patients (aged 38–65) with right-side and left-side ischemic stroke during the early rehabilitation period. The patients were treated at the regional vascular center, District Clinical Hospital, Khanty-Mansiysk in 2019–2022. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to check patients for cognitive impairments: Frontal assessment battery, Verbal fluency test, Clock-drawing test, Backward digit span test, Visual assessment battery, Auditory assessment battery, and Verbal assessment battery.
Results. Cognitive impairments are common post-stroke complications, which can significantly complicate rehabilitation therapy. In the early rehabilitation period, 41.8 % of patients with a hemispheric stroke demonstrate predementia. In patients with right-side stroke, predementia was observed in 22.2 %, whereas 60.7 % of patients with left-side stroke exhibited impaired abilities (p<0.05). There was a significant decrease in short-term memory, time knowledge and orientation abilities in patients with left-side stroke. Assessment of visual, auditory and verbal memory also revealed poorer performance in patients with left-side stroke compared to those with right-side stroke – 20 (17–22) points versus 22 (22–24) points (p<0.05). Moderate frontal dysfunction was detected in all patients (100 %).
Conclusion. All patients with hemispheric stroke should undergo early cognitive rehabilitation, even if there are no active complaints. Particular attention should be paid to patients with left-side brain damage.