bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Analytic Hierarchy Process Method to Identify Potential Rainwater Harvesting Sites: Design and Financial Strategies in Taxco de Alarcón, Southern Mexico
Authors: Rivera Vázquez Blanca Itzany , Salcedo Sánchez Edith Rosalba , Esquivel Martínez Juan Manuel , Gómez Albores Miguel Ángel , Gómez Noguez Felipe , Gutiérrez Flores Carina , Talavera Mendoza Oscar
Published: May 2023

Mexico is among the countries that are facing the greatest water stress, where factors such as climate change, contamination of surface water, groundwater sources, and inefficient management have limited the availability of water resources. Consequently, new supply sources need to be implemented. Rainwater harvesting systems (RHS) are viable and sustainable alternatives, the implementation of which primarily depends on identifying suitable sites and applying technologies that are appropriate for different users. This research used the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique in a GIS environment to select the optimal sites for designing RHS, taking into account hydrological, biophysical, and socioeconomic criteria. After determining the ideal sites, the study presents proposals and costs for the design of an urban and rural RHS based on the characteristics of the region and the needs of the community. The findings show that implementing RHS in the study area can be a practical, economical, and efficient alternative for water resource management, since these projects are aimed at sustainability.
School Energy Consumption and Children’s Obesity: Evidence from China
Authors: Han Shangrong , Han Bo , Zhu Yan , Liu Xiaojie , Fu Limin
Published: May 2023

Rising obesity rates may lead to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, undermining carbon neutrality goals. However, evidence of the determinants of obesity from the perspective of energy economics is relatively limited. We contribute to the literature on the determinants of obesity by empirically studying the relationship between the school energy consumption and children’s BMI. Based on a combined dataset of Chinese children’s physical health data, kindergarten energy consumption data, and kindergarten geographic information data, we find that school energy consumption is negatively correlated with obesity, and there is considerable heterogeneity in the relationship of school energy consumption between kindergartens in cold areas and severe cold areas and between young girls and young boys. Our results are robust to alternative modeling techniques, the inclusion of additional control variables, and unobservable potential effects. We also find that children’s exercise ability is an important transmission channel between school heating and the probability of obesity.
Photovoltaic Systems Based on Average Current Mode Control: Dynamical Analysis and Chaos Suppression by Using a Non-Adaptive Feedback Outer Loop Controller
Authors: Kengne Edwidge Raissa Mache , Kammogne Alain Soup Tewa , Tamo Thomas Tatietse , Azar Ahmad Taher , Mahlous Ahmed Redha , Ahmed Saim
Published: May 2023

This paper deals with the modeling and theoretical study of an average-current-mode-controlled photovoltaic power conversion chain. It should be noted that current mode control is a superior scheme for controlling DC–DC power electronic converters for photovoltaic applications. Bifurcation diagrams, largest Lyapunov exponents, Floquet theory, and time series are used to study the dynamics of the system. The theoretical results show the existence of subharmonic oscillations and period-1 oscillations in the system. The results of the numerical simulations showed that when the battery voltage at the output of the converter is fixed and ramp amplitude is taken as a control parameter, the photovoltaic power system exhibits the phenomenon of period doubling leading to chaotic dynamics. Furthermore, bifurcation diagrams showed that both the critical value of ramp amplitude for the occurrence of border collision bifurcation and the critical value of ramp amplitude for the occurrence of period-1 in the proposed system increased with the value of the battery terminal voltage. The numerical results are in accordance with the theoretical ones. Finally, an external control based on a non-adaptive controller having a sinusoidal function as a target is applied to the overall system for the suppression of chaotic behavior.
AatMatch: Adaptive Adversarial Training in Semi-Supervised Learning Based on Data-Driven Decision-Making Models
Authors: Li Kuan , Lian Qianzhi , Gao Can , Zhang Fuyong
Published: May 2023

Data-driven decision-making is the process of using data to inform your decision-making process and validate a course of action before committing to it. The quality of unlabeled data in real-world scenarios presents challenges for semi-supervised learning. Effectively leveraging unlabeled data for learning is challenging due to the need for labeled information, while the scarcity of labeled data requires efficient and flexible data augmentation methods. To address these challenges, this paper proposes the AatMatch algorithm, which uses a momentum model, coarse learning, and adversarial training to generate adversarial examples for different classes. The algorithm sets the threshold for generating pseudo-labels and reinforces the results with adversarial perturbations based on evaluation results. In addition, a more refined learning strategy for unlabeled data is adjusted by setting adaptive weights based on the confidence of each unlabeled data point, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of low-confidence unlabeled data on the model. Experimental evaluations on several datasets, including CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100, and SVHN, demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed AatMatch algorithm in semi-supervised learning. Specifically, the algorithm achieves the lowest error rates for multiple scenarios on these datasets.
The Levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Their Derivatives in Plasma and Their Effect on Mitochondrial DNA Methylation in the Oilfield Workers
Authors: Jia Yaning , Li Weixia , Li Yanlin , Zhao Lei , Li Chenguang , Wang Lei , Fang Junkai , Song Shanjun , Ji Yaqin , Fang Tao , Zhang Jing , Guo Liqiong , Li Penghui
Published: May 2023

This study focuses on the components and levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives (MPAHs and OPAHs) in plasma samples from 19 oil workers, pre- and post-workshift, and their exposure–response relationship with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) methylation. PAH, MPAH, OPAH, and platelet mtDNA methylation levels were determined using a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and a pyrosequencing protocol, respectively. The total plasma concentrations of PAHs in mean value were, respectively, 31.4 ng/mL and 48.6 ng/mL in pre- and post-workshift, and Phe was the most abundant (13.3 ng/mL in pre-workshift and 22.1 ng/mL in post-workshift, mean value). The mean values of total concentrations of MPAHs and OPAHs in the pre-workshift were 2.7 ng/mL and 7.2 ng/mL, while in the post-workshift, they were 4.5 ng/mL and 8.7 ng/mL, respectively. The differences in the mean MT-COX1, MT-COX2, and MT-COX3 methylation levels between pre- and post-workshift were 2.36%, 5.34%, and 0.56%. Significant (p < 0.05) exposure–response relationships were found between PAHs and mtDNA methylation in the plasma of workers; exposure to Anthracene (Ant) could induce the up-regulation of the methylation of MT-COX1 (β = 0.831, SD = 0.105, p < 0.05), and exposure to Fluorene (Flo) and Phenanthrene (Phe) could induce the up-regulation of methylation of MT-COX3 (β = 0.115, SD = 0.042, p < 0.05 and β = 0.036, SD = 0.015, p < 0.05, respectively). The results indicated that exposure to PAHs was an independent factor influencing mtDNA methylation.
Neutralizing Antibody Formation with OnabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX®) Treatment from Global Registration Studies across Multiple Indications: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jankovic Joseph , Carruthers Jean , Naumann Markus , Ogilvie Patricia , Boodhoo Terry , Attar Mayssa , Gupta Swati , Singh Ritu , Soliman John , Yushmanova Irina , Brin Mitchell F. , Shen Jie
Published: May 2023

Though the formation of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) during treatment with botulinum neurotoxin is rare, their presence may nonetheless affect the biological activity of botulinum toxin and negatively impact clinical response. The goal of this updated meta-analysis was to evaluate and characterize the rate of NAb formation using an expanded dataset composed of 33 prospective placebo-controlled and open-label clinical trials with nearly 30,000 longitudinal subject records prior to and following onabotulinumtoxinA treatment in 10 therapeutic and aesthetic indications. Total onabotulinumtoxinA doses per treatment ranged from 10 U to 600 U administered in ≤15 treatment cycles. The NAb formation at baseline and post-treatment was tested and examined for impact on clinical safety and efficacy. Overall, 27 of the 5876 evaluable subjects (0.5%) developed NAbs after onabotulinumtoxinA treatment. At study exit, 16 of the 5876 subjects (0.3%) remained NAb positive. Due to the low incidence of NAb formation, no clear relationship was discernable between positive NAb results and gender, indication, dose level, dosing interval, treatment cycles, or the site of injection. Only five subjects who developed NAbs post-treatment were considered secondary nonresponders. Subjects who developed NAbs revealed no other evidence of immunological reactions or clinical disorders. This comprehensive meta-analysis confirms the low NAb formation rate following onabotulinumtoxinA treatment across multiple indications, and its limited clinical impact on treatment safety and efficacy.
Effect of Monocerin, a Fungal Secondary Metabolite, on Endothelial Cells
Authors: Gomes Tainah Colombo , Conrado Rafael , Oliveira Rodrigo Cardoso de , Selari Priscila Jane Romano Gonçalves , Melo Itamar Soares de , Araújo Welington Luiz , Maria Durvanei Augusto , De Souza Ana Olívia
Published: May 2023

This study reports the isolation and identification of the endophytic fungus Exserohilum rostratum through molecular and morphological analysis using optical and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), as well as the procurement of its secondary metabolite monocerin, an isocoumarin derivative. Considering the previously observed biological activities of monocerin, this study was performed on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) that are widely used as an in vitro model for several different purposes. Important parameters, such as cell viability, senescence-associated β-galactosidase, cellular proliferation by using 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate N-succinimidyl ester (CFSE), apoptosis analysis with annexin, cellular morphology through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and laser confocal analysis were evaluated after exposing the cells to monocerin. After 24 h of exposure to monocerin at 1.25 mM, there was more than 80% of cell viability and a low percentage of cells in the early and late apoptosis and necrosis. Monocerin increased cell proliferation and did not induce cell senescence. Morphological analysis showed cellular integrity. The study demonstrates aspects of the mechanism of action of monocerin on endothelial cell proliferation, suggesting the possibility of its pharmaceutical application, such as in regenerative medicine.
Sp(2N) Lattice Gauge Theories and Extensions of the Standard Model of Particle Physics
Authors: Bennett Ed , Holligan Jack , Hong Deog Ki , Hsiao Ho , Lee Jong-Wan , Lin C.-J. David , Lucini Biagio , Mesiti Michele , Piai Maurizio , Vadacchino Davide
Published: May 2023

We review the current status of the long-term programme of numerical investigation of Sp(2N) gauge theories with and without fermionic matter content. We start by introducing the phenomenological as well as theoretical motivations for this research programme, which are related to composite Higgs models, models of partial top compositeness, dark matter models, and in general to the physics of strongly coupled theories and their approach to the large-N limit. We summarise the results of lattice studies conducted so far in the Sp(2N) Yang–Mills theories, measuring the string tension, the mass spectrum of glueballs and the topological susceptibility, and discuss their large-N extrapolation. We then focus our discussion on Sp(4), and summarise the numerical measurements of mass and decay constant of mesons in the theories with fermion matter in either the fundamental or the antisymmetric representation, first in the quenched approximation, and then with dynamical fermions. We finally discuss the case of dynamical fermions in mixed representations, and exotic composite fermion states such as the chimera baryons. We conclude by sketching the future stages of the programme. We also describe our approach to open access.
Molecular Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 during Five COVID-19 Waves and the Significance of Low-Frequency Lineages
Authors: Subramoney Kathleen , Mtileni Nkhensani , Giandhari Jennifer , Naidoo Yeshnee , Ramphal Yajna , Pillay Sureshnee , Ramphal Upasana , Maharaj Akhil , Tshiabuila Derek , Tegally Houriiyah , Wilkinson Eduan , de Oliveira Tulio , Fielding Burtram C. , Treurnicht Florette K.
Published: May 2023

SARS-CoV-2 lineages and variants of concern (VOC) have gained more efficient transmission and immune evasion properties with time. We describe the circulation of VOCs in South Africa and the potential role of low-frequency lineages on the emergence of future lineages. Whole genome sequencing was performed on SARS-CoV-2 samples from South Africa. Sequences were analysed with Nextstrain pangolin tools and Stanford University Coronavirus Antiviral & Resistance Database. In 2020, 24 lineages were detected, with B.1 (3%; 8/278), B.1.1 (16%; 45/278), B.1.1.348 (3%; 8/278), B.1.1.52 (5%; 13/278), C.1 (13%; 37/278) and C.2 (2%; 6/278) circulating during the first wave. Beta emerged late in 2020, dominating the second wave of infection. B.1 and B.1.1 continued to circulate at low frequencies in 2021 and B.1.1 re-emerged in 2022. Beta was outcompeted by Delta in 2021, which was thereafter outcompeted by Omicron sub-lineages during the 4th and 5th waves in 2022. Several significant mutations identified in VOCs were also detected in low-frequency lineages, including S68F (E protein); I82T (M protein); P13L, R203K and G204R/K (N protein); R126S (ORF3a); P323L (RdRp); and N501Y, E484K, D614G, H655Y and N679K (S protein). Low-frequency variants, together with VOCs circulating, may lead to convergence and the emergence of future lineages that may increase transmissibility, infectivity and escape vaccine-induced or natural host immunity.
A First-in-Human Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Immunogenicity of a G Protein-Based Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine in Healthy Adults 18–45 Years of Age
Authors: Cheng Xin , Zhao Gan , Dong Aihua , He Zhonghuai , Wang Jiarong , Jiang Brian , Wang Bo , Wang Miaomiao , Huai Xuefen , Zhang Shijie , Feng Shuangshuang , Qin Hong , Wang Bin
Published: May 2023

Background: With the enormous morbidity and mortality caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections among infants and the elderly, vaccines against RSV infections are in large market demand. Methods: We conducted a first-in-human (FIH), randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose escalation study to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity response of the rRSV vaccine (BARS13) in healthy adults aged 18–45. A total of 60 eligible participants were randomly assigned to receive one of four dose levels or vaccination regimens of BARS13 or placebo at a 4:1 ratio. Results: The mean age was 27.40, and 23.3% (14/60) were men. No treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) led to study withdrawal within 30 days after each vaccination. No serious adverse event (SAE) was reported. Most of the treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) recorded were classified as mild. The high-dose repeat group had a serum-specific antibody GMC of 885.74 IU/mL (95% CI: 406.25–1931.17) 30 days after the first dose and 1482.12 IU/mL (706.56–3108.99) 30 days after the second dose, both higher than the GMC in the low-dose repeat group (885.74 IU/mL [406.25–1931.17] and 1187.10 IU/ mL [610.01–2310.13]). Conclusions: BARS13 had a generally good safety and tolerability profile, and no significant difference in terms of adverse reaction severity or frequency was observed between different dose groups. The immune response in repeat-dose recipients shows more potential in further study and has guiding significance for the dose selection of subsequent studies.
Alteration of the Gut Microbiota in Pigs Infected with African Swine Fever Virus
Authors: Ko Young-Seung , Tark Dongseob , Moon Sung-Hyun , Kim Dae-Min , Lee Taek Geun , Bae Da-Yun , Sunwoo Sun-Young , Oh Yeonsu , Cho Ho-Seong
Published: May 2023

The factors that influence the pathogenicity of African swine fever (ASF) are still poorly understood, and the host’s immune response has been indicated as crucial. Although an increasing number of studies have shown that gut microbiota can control the progression of diseases caused by viral infections, it has not been characterized how the ASF virus (ASFV) changes a pig’s gut microbiome. This study analyzed the dynamic changes in the intestinal microbiome of pigs experimentally infected with the high-virulence ASFV genotype II strain (N = 4) or mock strain (N = 3). Daily fecal samples were collected from the pigs and distributed into the four phases (before infection, primary phase, clinical phase, and terminal phase) of ASF based on the individual clinical features of the pigs. The total DNA was extracted and the V4 region of the 16 s rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced on the Illumina platform. Richness indices (ACE and Chao1) were significantly decreased in the terminal phase of ASF infection. The relative abundances of short-chain-fatty-acids-producing bacteria, such as Ruminococcaceae, Roseburia, and Blautia, were decreased during ASFV infection. On the other hand, the abundance of Proteobacteria and Spirochaetes increased. Furthermore, predicted functional analysis using PICRUSt resulted in a significantly reduced abundance of 15 immune-related pathways in the ASFV-infected pigs. This study provides evidence for further understanding the ASFV–pig interaction and suggests that changes in gut microbiome composition during ASFV infection may be associated with the status of immunosuppression.
Using Stormwater in a Sponge City as a New Wing of Urban Water Supply—A Case Study
Authors: Köster Stephan , Hadler Greta , Opitz Lea , Thoms Anna
Published: May 2023

Rapid and even disruptive innovations are needed to make cities fit for the future. The particular challenge will be to transform existing urban spaces in order to increase climate resilience. Along these lines, rainwater harvesting has taken place insufficiently to date, even when Sponge City concepts are implemented. Thus, the concept presented here addresses existing urban neighborhoods and proposes to collect rainwater from nearby rooftops and treat it in decentral treatment units called “City Water Hubs” (CWH) equipped with modular coupled low-energy technologies to produce various customized “City Water” qualities, and store it until it can be used or distributed. A feasibility study with a focus on the campus area at the main building of the Leibniz University of Hannover, the determined rainwater qualities, and the results from investigations with two laboratory test plants provided the basis for the technical design of the pursued concept. The feasibility study showed how sufficient rainwater for irrigation purposes can be made available for the listed large university park even under extreme dry and heat wave conditions. If large portions of the roof area (11,737 m2) of the university’s main building were activated, even in a dry year with only 49.8% of the average precipitation, only 19.8% of the harvested stormwater would be needed for irrigation. The rainwater samples showed TSS concentrations of up to 7.54 mg/L, COD of up to 58.5 mg/L, and NH4 of up to 2.21 mg/L, which was in line with data reported in the literature. The treatment technologies used for the two pilot plants are proven approaches for stormwater treatment and were composed as follows: (1) gravity-driven membrane filtration (GDM) and (2) slow sand filter with integrated activated carbon (AC) layer. The treatment with both (1) and (2) clearly improved the rainwater quality. The GDM reduced turbidity by 90.4% and the Sand/AC filter by 20.4%. With regard to COD, the studies for GDM did not show a clear elimination trend; the Sand/AC filter reduced the COD by 77%. Taken together, decentralized low-energy rainwater treatment can reliably provide quality-assured City Water for any specific use. Regarding the treatment design, GDM is preferable and can be better operated with downstream UV disinfection, which might be needed to reduce the pathogenic load, e.g., for local heat control measures. The research steps presented here will pioneer the development of a city-wide rainwater harvesting infrastructure on the way of establishing stormwater as a resource for a new wing of urban water supply. The presented findings will now result in the implementation of a full-scale CHW on the campus to ensure long-term irrigation of the listed park, relieving the public drinking water supply.
Land–Sea Distribution of Ground Precipitation in Mediterranean Storms
Authors: Rosso Renzo , Ceppi Alessandro
Published: May 2023

The Mediterranean basin is traditionally a hotspot where copious amounts of water vapor at low- and mid-tropospheric levels often favor atmospheric instability and the deepening of storms, leading to intense rainfall events with consequent flash floods. Moreover, this region includes sharp land–sea transitions, narrow maritime areas, and mountain chains which enhance convective precipitation. In this study, radar precipitation data were used to investigate the spatial distribution of rainfall swaths for seven severe cyclones originating over the Mediterranean Sea which produced intense flash inundation events along the western coast of Italy in the last decade (2011–2020). Based on 5 min precipitation amounts gridded at a 1 km spatial resolution, the temporal evolution of these storms displays a curvilinear path moving from sea to inland. Results show that more than half of the total precipitation for the analyzed events occurred on sea, and the total amount of storm rainfall over the marine surface exceeded that over land in four events out of the seven. Since the coastline strongly affects the rainfall pattern, we analyzed the land–sea discontinuity, which is a key factor controlling the spatial distribution of storm rates through their trajectory, where a small shift in precipitation target might smooth ground effects and mitigate flood impacts.
Dry Weight Prediction of Wedelia trilobata and Wedelia chinensis by Using Artificial Neural Network and MultipleLinear Regression Models
Authors: Azeem Ahmad , Mai Wenxuan , Tian Changyan , Javed Qaiser
Published: May 2023

In China, Wedelia trilobata (WT) is among the top most invasive plant species. The prediction of its growth, using different efficient methods under different environmental conditions, is the optimal objective of ecological research. For this purpose, Wedelia trilobata and its native plant species Wedelia chinensis (WC) were grown in mixed cultures under different levels of submergence and eutrophication. The multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) models were constructed, with different morphological traits as the input in order to predict dry weight as the output for both plant species. Correlation and stepwise regression analysis (SWR) were used to find the best input variables for the ANN and MLR models. Plant height, number of nodes, chlorophyll content, leaf nitrogen, number of leaves, photosynthesis, and stomatal conductance were the input variables for WC. The same variables were used for WT, with the addition of root length. A network with the Levenberg–Marquart learning algorithm, back propagation training algorithm, Sigmoid Axon transfer function, and one hidden layer, with four and six neurons for WC and WT, respectively, was created. The best ANN model for WC (7-4-1) has a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.98, root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.003, and mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.001. On the other hand, the ANN model for WT (8-6-1) has R2 0.98, RMSE 0.018, and MAE 0.004. According to errors and coefficient of determination values, the ANN model was more accurate than the MLR one. According to the sensitivity analysis, plant height and number of nodes are the most important variables that support WT and WC growth under submergence and eutrophication conditions. This study provides us with a new method to control invasive plant species’ spread in different habitats.
Optimization of Efficient Development Modes of Offshore Heavy Oil and Development Planning of Potential Reserves in China
Authors: Wang Taichao , Liu Fengming , Li Xin
Published: May 2023

Thermal recovery is still the most important means to increase heavy oil EOR. With the increase in the recovery factor and the difficulty of exploiting new exploration reserves, the efficient utilization of offshore heavy oil reserves has attracted much attention. However, due to the challenges of high development investments, high operating costs, platform safety factors, and high economic cumulative yield, the offshore heavy oil reserves of nearly 700 million tons have not been effectively utilized. In this paper, Chinese offshore heavy oil reserves were taken as the research object. The indoor one-dimensional experiments were carried out to optimize an applicable development method, and the superheated steam huff and puff was selected as the injection medium for high-speed and high-efficiency development of offshore heavy oil, which verified the great potential of the application of superheated steam in offshore heavy oil thermal recovery. A numerical simulation model for offshore heavy oil superheated steam injection development was established, and a dynamic model considering the thermal cracking of heavy oil was established through historical matching. Through the field numerical simulation models, the whole process development mode of a single sand body, thin interbedded reservoir superheated steam huff and puff turning to superheated steam flooding, and thick layer super heavy oil reservoir with bottom water sidetracking after superheated steam huff and puff for eight cycles was established. Through the numerical simulation method and grey correlation method, the main control factors of superheated steam development of different types of heavy oil reservoirs were determined, and the cumulative oil production charts of different types of reservoirs under the influence of the main control factors were built. The economic evaluation model of superheated steam development of offshore heavy oil was established. Combining multi-specialty of geological, reservoir engineering, drilling and completion, oceanographic engineering, economics, the economic limits of steam injection development under different reserve scales, and engineering conditions of offshore heavy oilfields were clarified. At last, we planned the economic production mode of undeveloped reserves and predicted the construction profile of superheated steam capacity of offshore heavy oil using the production charts and the economic charts. The research results clarify the great potential of thermal recovery development of offshore heavy oil, provide an important basis for the economic development of offshore heavy oil undeveloped reserves, and also provide an important decision for the sustainable and stable production of global heavy oil reservoirs.
Rapid Recovery of Buoyancy in Eutrophic Environments Indicates That Cyanobacterial Blooms Cannot Be Effectively Controlled by Simply Collapsing Gas Vesicles Alone
Authors: Wu Tianhao , Dai Ran , Chu Zhaosheng , Cao Jing
Published: May 2023

Many aquatic ecosystems are seriously threatened by cyanobacteria blooms; gas vesicles enable cyanobacteria to form harmful cyanobacterial blooms rapidly. Many lake managers try to control cyanobacterial blooms by collapsing gas vesicle, but it is still unclear whether gas vesicle recovery will cause this method to fail. Through the culture experiments of three cyanobacteria, it was found that all cyanobacteria with collapsed gas vesicles can rapidly regain buoyancy in a few days under nutrient-sufficient environments, and average gas vesicle content was even 9% higher than initially. In contrast, buoyancy recovery of all cyanobacteria under nutrient-limited environments was significantly worse. After culture experiments, the average gas vesicle content of all cyanobacteria in phosphorus-limited environments only reach 49% of the initial value. The gas vesicle content of two non-nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria in nitrogen-limited environments only reached 38% of initial value. The buoyancy of cyanobacteria in different tropic levels was similar to the gas vesicle content. These results indicate that collapsing gas vesicles can only control cyanobacterial blooms in the short-term. To control cyanobacterial blooms in the long-term, in deep lakes, lake managers should discharge gas vesicles’ collapsed cyanobacteria into deep water. In shallow lakes, the disruption of gas vesicles must be combined with nutrient control measures to effectively control cyanobacteria blooms.
Synergistic Removal of Ciprofloxacin and Sulfamethoxazole by Lemna minor and Salvinia molesta in Mixed Culture: Implications for Phytoremediation of Antibiotic-Contaminated Water
Authors: Kochi Leticia Yoshie , Kitamura Rafael Shinji Akiyama , Rocha Camila Silva , Brito Julio Cesar Moreira , Juneau Philippe , Gomes Marcelo Pedrosa
Published: May 2023

Aquatic macrophytes have been used for the removal of antibiotics from contaminated water. Here, we have studied the capacity of Lemna minor and Salvinia molesta to reclaim ciprofloxacin (1.5 µg Cipro L−1) and/or sulfamethoxazole (0.3 µg Sulfa L−1) from artificially contaminated waters when plants were exposed in monoculture (L. minor or S. molesta) or in mixed culture (L. minor + S. molesta). Neither Cipro nor Sulfa alone induced negative effects on plants. As shown by the Abbot modelling, Cipro and Sulfa displayed antagonistic effects on plants. In both species, increased H2O2 concentrations and antioxidant enzyme activities were observed in plants when grown together. Although the antibiotics showed natural degradation, their concentration in water from treatments with plants was significantly lower, indicating the ability of the plants to uptake the compounds. When in co-culture, greater growth rates were observed for both plant species, which resulted in greater Cipro and Sulfa removal in the mixed system when compared with those with plants in monoculture. Both plants showed tolerance to the studied concentrations of antibiotics, with greater antibiotic uptake being reported for S. molesta. Although at the tested concentrations the antibiotics did not induce negative effects on plants, exposure to Cipro changed the relative yield of S. molesta, which may result in effects on community structure. The use of both L. minor and S. molesta in artificial wetlands may increase the phytoremediation capacity of systems.
Sludge Management in the Textile Industries of Bangladesh: An Industrial Survey of the Impact of the 2015 Standards and Guidelines
Authors: Miah Md. Badal , Haque Md. Sazzadul , Khaleque Md. Abdul , Santos Rafael M.
Published: May 2023

The textile sector of Bangladesh has positively contributed to a significant impact on its national economy and employment opportunities due to its rapid growth. The increasing number of wet processing units has led to a growing amount of wastewater volume as well as textile sludge (a byproduct of wastewater or effluent treatment plants). In 2015, the government of Bangladesh instituted the “Bangladesh Standards and Guidelines for Sludge Management”. Therefore, this case study aimed to assess these standards’ impact on the textile industry’s sludge management practices, informing academic scholars of the research opportunities available, and serving as a policymaking tool for various other South Asia and Southeast Asia economies. The sludge management situation of thirty-six industries (namely, twelve dyeing, twelve printing, and twelve washing) was herein assessed through a self-administered questionnaire survey of respondents from the respective ‘Top Management’ and ‘Environmental Chemical Responsible’ (ECR) departments. Among the findings, the assessment revealed that neither treatment procedures nor reuse and recycling activities are present for sludge management in any of the studied industries. The responsible personnel from the textile industries have not undergone any level of technical training, and 41.7% of the printing industries still dump sludge in the open environment. The majority (83%) of stakeholders are unaware of the dangers and potential effects of improper sludge treatment. The key factors—responsibility, knowledge, behavior, and consideration—analyzed in this study, together with the study’s recommendations, will be a vital step forward in formulating policy advocacy for hazardous sludge management within the textile sector of Bangladesh.
Radar Technology for River Flow Monitoring: Assessment of the Current Status and Future Challenges
Authors: Huang Yu , Chen Hua , Liu Bingyi , Huang Kailin , Wu Zeheng , Yan Kang
Published: May 2023

As an emerging non-contact method of flow monitoring, radar technology compensates for the shortcomings of traditional methods in terms of the efficiency, timeliness, and difficulty in monitoring high floods, and can provide accurate measurement results, making it one of the most promising flow monitoring methods in the future. This paper describes in detail the workflow from radar data acquisition to flow calculation; compares and analyzes the current state-of-the-art signal sampling and its limitations, Doppler spectrum estimation, signal processing and flow inversion; points out the challenges that these technologies may face in the future; and provides corresponding solutions in order to improve the real-time and accuracy of hydrometric as well as promote the development of non-contact flow monitoring technology.
Drought and Groundwater Development
Authors: Chung Sang Yong , Kim Gyoo-Bum , Senapathi Venkatramanan
Published: May 2023

Groundwater is an important freshwater source that satisfies the needs of a significant portion of the world’s population, industries, and ecosystems [...]
Effect of Biochar on Soil-Water Characteristics of Soils: A Pore-Scale Study
Authors: Chen Xin , Li Linfei , Li Xiaofeng , Kang Jianyu , Xiang Xiang , Shi Honglian , Ren Xingwei
Published: May 2023

The mechanical and hydraulic properties of soils are largely governed by their soil-water characteristics, which are influenced by factors such as pore size distribution (PSD). While biochar is commonly used as an additive to alter soil properties, its effect on PSD and the soil water retention curve (SWRC) at the pore scale remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the impact of biochar on PSD and SWRC in soils of different types. The study utilized nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and the filter paper method to obtain the particle size distribution (PSD) curve and soil water retention curve (SWRC) of various types of soils, ranging from fine-grained to coarse-grained, with different amounts of biochar. The results and discussion revealed that the impact of biochar on soil PSD and SWRC varied depending on the soil type and biochar content. In fine-grained soils, the addition of 8% biochar resulted in the greatest decrease in mesopore size and percentage, while in medium-grained soils, 6% biochar had the most significant effect, and in coarse-grained soils, the optimum biochar content was 2%. At low suction states, the addition of 8% and 2% biochar improved the water retention of fine-grained and medium-grained soils, respectively, but had little effect on coarse-grained soils. Overall, the effect of biochar on soil-water characteristics was non-monotonic and depended on the relative sizes of biochar and soil particles. Therefore, selecting the optimum biochar-to-soil ratio requires careful consideration of these factors.
Size Effects of Rough Fracture Seepage in Rocks of Different Scales
Authors: Shi Zhuolin , Yao Qiangling , Wang Weinan , Su Fengsheng , Li Xuehua , Zhu Liu , Wu Chengle
Published: May 2023

Percolation experiments were conducted on coal samples with various fracture lengths and inclination angles under different stress conditions using a gravity-loaded rock percolation test device. The goals of these experiments are (1) to improve the technology for protecting water resources while mining coal and (2) to enhance the research on how the size effects of fracture affect seepage. A three-dimensional seepage model was constructed using COMSOL numerical simulation software for larger fracture lengths ranging from 1 to 30 m to investigate the seepage pattern under the coupling of fracture roughness, fracture width, and other factors. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the effects of different factors on seepage from large and small fractures independently. The results show that, under laboratory conditions, for fracture lengths 10–70 mm (small length), permeability increases non-linearly with an increase in fracture length, and the overall increase is approximately 1.8 times. Whereas, for fracture lengths of 1–30 m (large length) in the simulation, permeability decreases and then increases with an increase in fracture length, and the overall change is approximately 0.03 times. The permeability varies in three stages (1–8 m obvious change, 8–23 m stabilization, 23–30 m stability) under different fracture lengths, widths, and roughness conditions. Acritical size was found to exist. The effect of fracture length on large length fracture seepage and small length fracture seepage was further verified by parameter sensitivity. The results of this study further reveal the mechanism of fracture seepage under coupling of fracture geometry size stress.
A Review of Rotating Biological Contactors for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Waqas Sharjeel , Harun Noorfidza Yub , Sambudi Nonni Soraya , Bilad Muhammad Roil , Abioye Kunmi Joshua , Ali Abulhassan , Abdulrahman Aymn
Published: May 2023

A rotating biological contactor (RBC) is a type of attached-growth biological wastewater treatment system and a widely used biological wastewater treatment technology. It employs a series of rotating discs to support microbial growth and promote the removal of pollutants from wastewater. RBC is widely recognized for its simplicity of design, high reliability, and low energy consumption. It has been used in various applications, from small-scale decentralized systems to large municipal wastewater treatment plants. The current review provides an overview of RBC bioreactors, design parameters, and the factors that influence biological performance, such as hydraulic retention time, sludge retention time, organic loading rate, disc rotational speed, and temperature. The review also highlights the advantages and disadvantages of RBCs compared with other wastewater treatment technologies and discusses their role in sustainable environmental performance. The future prospects of RBC are also discussed, including integration with other technologies, such as membrane filtration and potential use in resource recovery. The review explores the application of RBC in decentralized wastewater treatment and the potential to provide sustainable solutions for wastewater management in rural and remote areas. Overall, RBC remains a promising option for effective and efficient wastewater treatment, particularly in situations where simplicity, reliability, and low energy consumption are desired.
Trace Metals and Metalloids Present in Springwater of a Mining Area: Assessment Based on Chemical and Isotopic Data (δ2H, δ18O, 3H and 87Sr/86Sr)
Authors: Flores Ronces José Alfredo , Sánchez Edith R. Salcedo , Martínez Morales Manuel , Esquivel Martínez Juan Manuel , Talavera Mendoza Oscar , Esteller Alberich María Vicenta
Published: May 2023

The Taxco mining district is a well-known international producer of silver, jewelry, and precious metal handicrafts. Inappropriate disposal wastes from anthropogenic activities have been deteriorating the hydric resources and threatening the inhabitants’ health, since they use the springwater for human consumption and domestic activities. A multi-tracer approach combining measurements of hydrochemical data, trace elements, and isotopes δ2H, δ18O, 3H, and 87Sr/86Sr ratios was undertaken for 18 springwater samples. δ18O and δ2H indicate that the springwater comes from the rain and had experienced some degree of isotopic fractionation by atmospheric evaporation in some samples at lower altitudes. 3H values on the springwater showed the existence of old and new water. Three groups of springwater were identified according to age: local flow in rhyolites, intermediate flow through red beds to the outcrop point in sandstone and shales, and deep flow in greenschist. The results of this study show the utility of 87Sr/86Sr ratios in identifying the water–rock interactions and springwater flow paths, suggesting that more widespread use of the strontium isotopic fingerprint is warranted.
Evaluation of Soil Infiltration Variability in Compacted and Uncompacted Soil Using Two Devices
Authors: Jobbágy Ján , Krištof Koloman , Angelovič Michal , Zsembeli József
Published: May 2023

Infiltration is defined by the expression of the hydraulic conductivity of the soil, which we decided to monitor on an experimental field applying a modern system of land management (control traffic farming). The present study compared two different methods of monitoring the hydraulic conductivity of soil on a selected 16 ha plot of land in the suburbs of the village Kolíňany (Slovak Republic). During the growing seasons, crops such as oilseed rape, winter wheat, spring barley, winter barley, spring peas, and maize alternated in individual years. In addition to the study of hydraulic conductivity, a long-term experiment is underway to investigate the influence of technogenic factors on soil degradation using a system of controlled movement of machines in the field. A mini disk infiltrometer (method one) was used to evaluate the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of the soil, and a double ring infiltrometer (method two) was used to measure the saturated hydraulic conductivity. Monitoring changes in soil infiltration capacity within the compacted and uncompacted lines required 26 monitoring points (20 for method one and 6 for method two). The first longitudinal line was compacted by an agricultural machinery chassis, and the second line remained uncompressed. The research also created transverse compacted lines at eight monitoring points (six for method one and two for method two). The results did not show a statistically significant difference when examining the effect of soil infiltration monitoring (compacted p = 0.123; uncompacted p = 0.99). When evaluating the statistical dependence on the compression caused by machinery in the track line, the hypothesis of significance was not confirmed (p = 0.12, at the level of 0.05). However, the results showed variability in the value of the difference factor between the two methods, ranging from 0 to 0.24. On average, it can be concluded that the results achieved using the double ring infiltrometer were 4.16 times higher than those measured with the mini disk infiltrometer. The variability of hydraulic conductivity was demonstrated not only in the compacted but also in the non-compacted part of the plot. In some places, the phenomenon of water repellency appeared, which could be caused by the drier location of the targeted plot.
Applying Authentic Materials in Teaching English Grammar to Improve EFL Student’s Skills (Teachers’ Attitude)
Authors: Ali Saleh Maher Ahmed
Published: May 2023

The objective of this paper is basically to analyze the use of authentic materials in improving the understanding of students by teachers in teaching grammar in English as a foreign language (EFL) to the first-year students of Abyan University in South of Yemen. The teachers of EFL from faculties of education in Zingibar and Lowder participated in the current study. The paper is divided in two parts that is; the theoretical aspects and the practical aspects. Under the theoretical part the researcher describes the term grammar and authentic materials and gives reasons as to why teaching grammar using authentic materials can be beneficial in the learning process. The practical part on the other hand focuses on conducting interviews to the teachers. The results of the study revealed that most EFL teachers hold a positive attitude towards using authentic materials in teaching grammar. Therefore, positive reflections are observed from teachers who approve on Teaching and learning grammar proficiency with the use of authentic materials.
Strategy of The Teacher in Applying The 2013 Curriculum to Students' Social Attitude
Authors: Ode Muhamad Nur Intan
Published: May 2023

The aims of this study are to determine the strategies used by teachers at State Elementary School 2 Wameo in developing students' social attitudes and  to determine the factors that shape students' positive social attitudes. This research is a field study with a qualitative method, with data collection through observation, interviews, and documentation. The research findings show that the teacher's strategy begins with an explanation of the value of skills and approaches with students, followed by the implementation of the 2013 curriculum as a whole, and finally the teacher fosters social attitudes by providing interesting learning in the classroom. The factors for the formation of students' social attitudes. Internally, the supporting factor is that students can understand social attitudes and teachers in presenting interesting learning in the classroom. The inhibiting factor is the family, such as the lack of parental attention and supervision of students at home.
An Analysis of Cultural Terms Translation in ‘Chef’ Movie Script
Authors: Firdaus Intan , Putranda Nauly Gayus Immanuelle
Published: May 2023

The focus of this study was on the translation of cultural terminology found in the "Chef" movie script.  The goals were to determine the cultural category, the translation techniques used, and the translation quality. The data for this analysis were words, phrases, and sentences, hence the descriptive qualitative method was utilized. Purposive sampling was used by the researchers, and got 28 sets of data to analyze. The movie script contained four out of five cultural categories: material (75%), concept and social organization (14.28%), ecological (7.14%), and gesture and habit (7.14%). (3.57%). Only four of the 18 translation strategies were used to translate the cultural terms: pure borrowing (75 %), literal translation (39.28 %), established equivalence (7.14 %), and adaptation (7.14 %) (3.57%) The quality of the translation study revealed that 27 data (96.42 %) were accurately translated into Indonesian, and that 28 data (100%) were acceptable and highly readable.