bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multi-Methodological Exploration of Persecution Experiences and Related Injuries of Sexually Minoritized Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Misedah-Robinson Lourence , Schick Vanessa , McCurdy Sheryl A. , Wilkerson Johnny Michael , Wambua Solomon , Ross Michael W.
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Sexually minoritized men in the East, Horn, and Central Africa continue to flee from their countries, because of actual or feared persecution, to neighboring Kenya to seek protection and safety. However, there is limited research on their experiences and needs. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the persecution experiences of gay and bisexual asylum seekers and refugees in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area. Methods: We adapted McAdam’s Life-Story Interview (LSI) to develop a semi-structured interview guide. We used the interview guide to conduct one-time anonymous in-depth interviews with 19 gay and bisexual men recruited by purposive sampling. The study also included a photovoice component and written reflections. We transcribed the interviews verbatim, uploaded them to NVivo 12 plus, and analyzed the data using Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis framework. Results: The mean age of the participants was 26, with the largest age group being 18–24 (n = 9, 47%). We found six major themes: (1) The Anti-Homosexuality Act, (2) death punishment, (3) physical abuse, (4) sexual violence, (5) discrimination, and (6) injuries. Conclusions: Continued multi-layered discrimination across borders may have adverse physical health outcomes for gay and bisexual asylum seekers and refugees in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area. Further collaborative strategies may help to understand and develop culturally sensitive interventions to improve their health and well-being.
Hybrid Approach for Developing Strategic ICT Framework for Smart Cities—A Case Study of Dubai’s Toll Gates (Salik)
Authors: El Hendy Mahmoud , Atalla Shadi , Miniaoui Sami , Daradkeh Mohammad , Mansoor Wathiq , Bin Hashim Kamarul Faizal
Published: November 2022

Information and communication technologies (ICT), systems, and people are driving innovative approaches and actions to address issues such as urbanization, demographic change, and carbon footprints of cities. Current research on smart city technologies is typically focused on the areas of technology and applications. As a result, a holistic strategic framework is lacking, as partner organizations often fail to adopt and comply with the necessary interoperability standards, which can undermine the effective and rapid roll-out and transformation of smart city project strategies. This study aims to develop an ICT framework on the determinants of smart city adoption that is developed to help society and policymakers achieve the goals pursued under the smart city initiative, such as maximizing synergies between different ICT infrastructure activities and avoiding large-scale investments without increasing their potential or focusing on short-term solutions without considering long-term needs. Based on data from the literature review and expert interviews, combined with a case study of the United Arab Emirates, this paper identifies the relevant determinants, which are conceptually grouped into seven basic dimensions. For each of these dimensions, relevant sub-dimensions are specified. The framework was developed and validated through three methods: interviews with experts, a desktop study of 62 smart cities, and finally a case study of the Salik system in Dubai based on the concept of the framework. By identifying key adoption determinants, the framework provides a useful analytical perspective for policymakers and researchers involved in the strategic feasibility roll-out and transformation of smart cities.
Urban Regeneration and Soft Mobility: The Case Study of the Rimini Canal Port in Italy
Authors: Corticelli Rachele , Pazzini Margherita , Mazzoli Cecilia , Lantieri Claudio , Ferrante Annarita , Vignali Valeria
Published: November 2022

The increasing need to reduce emissions and the environmental impact of urban areas to meet European decarbonisation goals motivates the selection of the Rimini Canal Port as a case study within the FRAMESPORT project, part of the European Interreg Italy–Croatia programme. A preliminary historical–documental and urban regulations analysis of the context allowed the identification of the main criticalities and potentials through a SWOT analysis. The central role of the stakeholders enabled the creation of a successful participatory co-design process developed through online surveys. Critical issues that emerged during the data collection phase were prioritised through a BOCR model, a powerful multi-criteria analysis tool. The project phase then focused on the resolution of the two main critical issues that emerged: the improvement of cycle/pedestrian paths, and the raising of the flooding docks in the Canal Port area. This article intends to demonstrate the strong influence of soft mobility in urban regeneration projects, and how an improvement of the quality of cycle/pedestrian paths can increase the quality of urban spaces. The new paths create a green infrastructure that contributes to a reduction in pollutant emissions through the promotion of sustainable mobility systems and an increase in green urban spaces.
Brake Instability Dynamic Model and Active Control Strategy for a Multiunit Articulated Rubber-Wheel Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit System
Authors: Li Tao , Zhang Shuo , Xiao Gang , Wang Minqi , Zhong Hanwen , Feng Jianghua
Published: November 2022

Due to the particularity of the structure, the dynamic properties of multiunit articulated rubber-wheel autonomous rail rapid transit system are very complex, which increases the difficulty of studying its braking stability. In this paper, a dynamic analysis model for the emergency braking of a multiunit articulated rubber-wheel autonomous rail rapid transit system is established by introducing the axle load transfer, suspension deformation compatibility equation, articulation force relationship equations, etc. Based on an in-depth analysis of the risks of the lateral swing instability and their formation mechanisms, an active control strategy for the multiunit articulated rubber-wheel autonomous rail rapid transit system under emergency braking conditions is innovatively proposed to ensure the stability of the vehicle, with the shortest braking distance as the optimization goal. Through simulation and experimentation, the established dynamic model is confirmed to approach the real vehicle well, and the feasibility of the active control strategy is proved.
Impact of Floods on Sediment Trap Efficiency of a Small Shallow Reservoir—A Case Study
Authors: Michalec Bogusław , Plesiński Karol
Published: November 2022

Silting is the main factor limiting the ability to perform the tasks that small reservoirs are intended for. Therefore, the change in sediment trap efficiency was studied for a small shallow reservoir, Krempna, which, due to high silting intensity, was desilted twice (2005, 2018). Siltation measurements were performed in two periods (1987–2005, 2006–2018) after the reservoir was desludged. It was found that the sediments were composed of fine-fraction sediment; therefore, a series of measurements of suspended sediment transport were performed. These data allowed us to calculate the daily sediment transport flowing into and out of the reservoir and water-level measurements. Then, the sediment trap efficiency was calculated. The aim of this study was: (1) to determine the impact of flood flows on the sediment trap efficiency (STE) of a small shallow reservoir, (2) to determine changes in the value of the sediment trap efficiency of a small shallow reservoir in two different periods of its operation, and (3) to demonstrate whether it is possible to determine the value of the initial sediment trap efficiency and changes in the STE values during operation using empirical formulas. Finally, during flood flows, the amount of sediment retained in the studied reservoir was several times lower than during freshets with a much smaller flow. It is these small freshets that reduce the capacity of the reservoir. A correlation relationship was developed for 18 data—flood flows (Q) and sediment trap efficiency (STE).
A Novel Time-of-Use Pricing Based Energy Management System for Smart Home Appliances: Cost-Effective Method
Authors: Alsokhiry Fahad , Siano Pierluigi , Annuk Andres , Mohamed Mohamed A.
Published: November 2022

Smart grids (SG) allow users to plan and control device usage patterns optimally, thereby minimizing power costs, peak-to-average ratios (PAR), and peak load demands. The present study develops a typical framework of a home energy management system (HEMS) for SG scenarios using newly limited and multi-limited planning approaches for domestic users. Time-of-use pricing (TOUP) is used to develop, handle, and manage the optimization problem properly. As a capable method for optimizing the proposed problem, this paper uses a robust meta-heuristic algorithm named wind-driven optimization algorithm (WDOA) and compares it to the other optimization algorithms in order to demonstrate its efficiency. In addition, it integrates a rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system with the system in order to show that all devices are cost-effective if managed properly. Eight diverse case studies are analyzed using a variety of time planning algorithms. The simulation results advocate for the quality and high performance of the proposed model by minimizing the total cost and managing energy consumption economically.
Can the Brazilian National Logistics Plan Induce Port Competitiveness by Reshaping the Port Service Areas?
Authors: Costa William , Soares-Filho Britaldo , Nobrega Rodrigo
Published: November 2022

Brazil’s transportation infrastructure did not follow the country’s agricultural development and the macro-logistics operations still rely on trucking. Even with a lack of roads, the service areas of the ports on the Atlantic coast, particularly the port of Santos, expanded to central Brazil, the country’s most productive agricultural area. Recently, the Federal Government released mid-term plans to build railways to reduce transportation costs until 2035. However, no simulation about port regionalization and competitiveness was performed. This research evaluated the effectiveness of the proposed transportation infrastructure regarding transportation cost and new routes that can reshape the ports’ influence areas. Our geographically explicit model used the Dinamica_EGO modeling platform and PostgreSQL, fed by official public data from transportation and agriculture authorities. Considering the hypothesis that new railways can increase port competitiveness, we computed scenarios considering the planned 2035 infrastructure and compared them to the current situation. The findings showed that the Ferrogrão railway can effectively reduce transport costs, therefore changing the spatial configuration of macro-logistics basins. In conclusion, a geospatial model can predict short-cheaper routes, port regionalization, and competitiveness regarding the geographic aspects of the supply chain. The long-distance and importance of Brazilian agriculture exportation justify and value the investigation.
Evaluation of Aurantiochytrium mangrovei Biomass Grown on Digestate as a Sustainable Feed Ingredient of Sea Bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, Juveniles and Larvae
Authors: Soudant Philippe , Ventura Mariana , Chauchat Luc , Guerreiro Maurean , Mathieu-Resuge Margaux , Le Grand Fabienne , Simon Victor , Collet Sophie , Zambonino-Infante José-Luis , Le Goïc Nelly , Lambert Christophe , Fernandes Fleuriane , Silkina Alla , de Souza Marcella Fernandes , de la Broise Denis
Published: November 2022

The use of microalgae as a sustainable source of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) as an alternative to fish oils from small pelagic fish (e.g., anchovy, sardine) has received growing interest in the past few years. The present study aimed to: (i) produce Aurantiochytrium mangrovei biomass by heterotrophic fermentation using a medium containing anaerobic digestion liquid effluent, and (ii) evaluate a biomass rich in n-3 LC-PUFA and good quality proteins as a feed ingredient for sea bass juveniles and larvae. Two 800 L bioreactors were used to produce Aurantiochytrium biomass in non-axenic conditions. Biomass was then filtered through a crossflow filtration system (300 Kda ceramic membrane) and freeze-dried. Sea bass juveniles (32.7 ± 4.2 g) were fed both a control diet and a diet containing 15% of freeze-dried A. mangrovei biomass for 38 days. Juvenile survival percentage was 90% on average in both dietary conditions. Similar growth was observed between fish fed with both diets, demonstrating the feasibility to replace 15% of a standard fish feed by Aurantiochytrium biomass. The liver of sea bass juveniles fed with the A. mangrovei diet contained significantly higher proportions of 22:6n-3, 22:5n-6, and 20:4n-6 than those fed with the control diet, while the proportions of 16:0, 16:1n-7, and 18:1n-9 were significantly lower. The secondary oxidation, as measured by malonylaldehyde (MDA) content, in the liver and muscle of juveniles fed with the microalgae diet tended to be higher than in fish fed the control diet, but the differences were not statistically significant. Although the larvae survival percentage was low for all the tanks after 41 days of rearing, the inclusion of 15% of hydrolyzed A. mangrovei biomass in the larvae micro-diet did not impair the development of sea bass larvae and only marginally affected their lipid composition. In the future, we have to further optimize a sustainable workflow between Aurantiochytrium cultivation and fish feed production and confirm the zootechnical and biochemical results.
An ITS System for Reducing Congestion and Noise Pollution due to Vehicles to/from Port Terminals
Authors: Lupi Marino , Boero Marco , Conte Daniele , Naso Rappis Luca , Vannucci Mauro , Farina Alessandro
Published: November 2022

This paper deals with a new ITS system aimed at reducing road congestion and noise emissions on the urban roads leading to port terminals. This system is composed of: traffic video cameras, VMS panels and an app. These three components are connected and managed by an integrated ITS system management platform, called “LIST Port ITS System Central” in this paper. Video cameras measure traffic characteristics, such as flow rates, speed and composition of the vehicle stream and provide these data to the LIST Port ITS System Central. The central elaborates the data and provide the traffic flow characteristics to the app. The app calculates, in real time, the best route to/from port terminals, according to traffic congestion and noise emissions, and provides this information to the Central. Then, the app shows to the user the best route and the traffic and noise status in real time. The calculation of the best routes takes place according to the “physical capacity” and “acoustic capacity” of road infrastructures. Noise emissions are directly calculated from traffic characteristics by means of the CNOSSOS-EU model, and are after compared to the noise emission limit levels established by law. The services provided by the LIST Port ITS system are new, because, currently, routing strategies are usually based only on congestion, while noise pollution is almost always neglected. Noise pollution could be a more restrictive constraint because the “acoustic capacity” is often lower than the physical one.
Tasmanian Dairy Farmers’ Attitudes towards Using E-Extension Methods; Strengthening the Dairy Extension System for a Sustainable Dairy Industry in Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Afzal Adeel , Kilpatrick Sue , Turner Lydia R.
Published: November 2022

The Tasmanian dairy industry is one of the major contributors to the Tasmanian economy and Australia’s export portfolio. The Tasmanian Government funding plan (2018–2023) for RD&E focuses on sustainable dairy farm production with an impact pathway incorporating provisions for extension services. Considering the need for an effective extension system, the continued adaptation of extension services is required to ensure that there is a collaborative and learning mechanism between extension experts and farmers that supports relationship building and innovation. E-extension methods can increase dairy farmers’ access to timely information while addressing time and cost challenges by reducing personal visits and establishing frequent communications between farmers and extension workers. This study uses the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to understand the attitudes of dairy farmers toward using E-extension methods. It was revealed that dairy farmers who are young, educated, and managing dairy farms with large herd sizes hold positive attitudes toward E-extension. These farmers regularly seek online dairy-related guidance as well as regularly participate in different extension activities. This study concludes that establishing a hybrid framework incorporating E-extension methods with complementary face-to-face extension activities will help maintain a profitable and sustainable dairy industry in Tasmania.
Scientific Research of Innovation Ability of Universities in the United States of America and China
Authors: Chen Chunlian , Abbasi Babar Nawaz , Sohail Ali
Published: November 2022

A better understanding of the universities’ ability to innovate can assist policymakers in identifying the key strengths and weaknesses and policy changes required to improve a nation’s innovation performance. However, no nation’s innovation system is the same as another due to various factors; thus, each system is unique and must be understood in this context. Hence, this study investigated the innovation ability of universities in the United States of America (US) and China from 1996 to 2021 using the system GMM technique. The findings of the study can be grouped into three themes: (i) research and development funding, the number of researchers engaged in research and development, and the number of colleges and universities influencing the impact of the innovation ability of universities across the countries; (ii) the innovation ability of Chinese universities is converging with that of US universities; thus, the gap between the innovation ability of Chinese and US universities is being narrowed—hence, declining; (iii) the innovation ability of Chinese and US universities improves the level of labor productivity, employment opportunities, and income classification group of the countries.
Research on Sustainability of Financing Mode and Demand of PPP Project—Based on Chinese PPP and Local Financing Platform Alternative Perspective
Authors: Xie Fusheng
Published: November 2022

This paper studies the sustainability of the financing model in China’s urbanization and the demand of local governments for PPP projects. Based on the integrated panel data of PPP, local investment and financing platforms, urban investment bonds, and local economic statistics, the fixed effect model and dynamic panel regression model are used to study whether local financing platforms promote economic growth. The results show that in general, the development model of financing platform is not conducive to sustainable economic development. Before the 2008 economic crisis, local governments were pushing up house prices through financing platforms which boosted economic growth, but after the 2008 economic crisis, this mechanism did not work. Therefore, the sample selection model is used to predict the demand of local PPP projects and verify the substitution relationship between local financing platforms and PPP. The study found that financing platforms hinder local government demand for PPP projects and the attraction to private investment. After adjusting the relevant variables to zero, the demand for PPP projects in a representative city is 3.46.
Examining the Location Characteristics of Knowledge Industrial Space for Smart Planning and Industry 4.0: A Case Study of Hangzhou, China
Authors: Chen Qianhu , Chen Jing , Ye Yufan
Published: November 2022

In the era of Industry 4.0, the knowledge economy is reshaping the global economic structure, which makes the research on the layout of knowledge industries particularly important. This study, using Hangzhou in China as a case, constructs an index system from two dimensions (i.e., business and living amenities), and compares three typical representative knowledge industries. The nearest neighbor index, kernel density, and stepwise regression model were adopted. Results revealed that: (1) The spatial agglomeration intensity of knowledge industries is varied in different classes, with the financial industry being the most agglomerated, scientific research technology service industry the second, and smart manufacturing industry the least agglomerated. (2) The spatial distribution of knowledge industries is agglomerated in the shape of “#”, which is in line with the urban skeleton. (3) For the distribution of the financial industry, parking lots and cafés are strong influencing factors. The scientific research technology service industry locates closer to sports and fitness amenities, colleges and universities, and parks, while the smart manufacturing industry has a strong connection with snacking spots, fast food, and scientific research institutions. The results can provide a decision-making basis for the micro-location selection of urban knowledge industries and the adjustment of future industrial planning in the intelligent era.
Association between Knowledge about Anemia, Food Consumption Behaviors, and Hematocrit Level among School-Age Children in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand
Authors: Kaewpawong Pastraporn , Kusol Kiatkamjorn , Bunkarn Onuma , Sutthisompohn Sirikran
Published: November 2022

Anemia is a significant public health problem among children, especially school-age children, because their body quickly produces red blood cells to provide sufficient blood volume with plasma expansion to maintain blood concentration. This research aimed to study the anemia situation, knowledge about anemia, food consumption behaviors, and the association between knowledge, food consumption behaviors, and hematocrit level among school-age children in primary school, in Thasala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. This is a descriptive study among 408 students in grades 4 to 6, aged 9–12 years. Research instruments included the children’s demographic data of the children, their knowledge about anemia, and food consumption behaviors, and hematocrit assessment. Data were analyzed using descriptive, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, and logistic regression statistics. The results revealed that 23.2% of the samples had anemia, 0.98% had moderate anemia, and 22.22% had mild anemia. The children knew about anemia, with the mean score at a moderate level (mean = 6.63; SD = 2.51) out of 10. The mean score on food consumption behaviors was at a moderate level (mean = 17.49; SD = 3.68) out of 24. There were significantly positive correlations between the knowledge about anemia and hematocrit level at a moderate level (r = 0.45, p < 0.001). Food consumption behaviors were moderately correlated with hematocrit level (r = 0.40, p < 0.001). Confirmation with logistic regression found that knowledge about anemia (OR = 9.15, 95% CI: 4.57–18.34) and food consumption behaviors (OR = 19.09, 95% CI: 9.71–37.53) were significantly associated with hematocrit level. Conclusions: This study showed that knowledge about anemia and appropriate food consumption behaviors are associated with hematocrit levels. Enhancing knowledge about anemia and food consumption behaviors may reduce the prevalence of anemia in school-age children. Health care providers in primary care should provide health education and encourage children to eat sufficient food.
New Class Up and Down Pre-Invex Fuzzy Number Valued Mappings and Related Inequalities via Fuzzy Riemann Integrals
Authors: Khan Muhammad , Santos-García Gustavo , Treanțǎ Savin , Soliman Mohamed
Published: November 2022

Numerous applications of the theory of convex and nonconvex mapping exist in the fields of applied mathematics and engineering. In this paper, we have defined a new class of nonconvex functions which is known as up and down pre-invex (pre-incave) fuzzy number valued mappings (F-N-V∙Ms). The well-known fuzzy Hermite–Hadamard (
Aspects of the Equivalence between the fμ and cνμ Terms in Lorentz-Violating Quantum Field Theory
Authors: Karki Sapan , Altschul Brett
Published: November 2022

It is known that in Lorentz-violating effective field theory, there is a classical equivalence between certain coefficients (c and f), in spite of the fact that the operators of the two types of coefficients described appear to have opposite behaviors under CPT. This paper is a continuation of previous work extending this equivalence to the quantum level: generalizing the explicit spinorial point transformations that interconvert the c and f terms; demonstrating that the transformations do not give rise to any additional anomaly terms as the quantum level; and giving explicit prescriptions for modifying the C, P, and T operators in the f theory, so that they correspond to the correct interchanges of physical particle states.
Impact of Acute Exacerbation and Its Phenotypes on the Clinical Outcomes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Hospitalized Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kaleem Ullah Mohammed , Parthasarathi Ashwaghosha , Biligere Siddaiah Jayaraj , Vishwanath Prashant , Upadhyay Swapna , Ganguly Koustav , Anand Mahesh Padukudru
Published: November 2022

Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are clinically significant events having therapeutic and prognostic consequences. However, there is a lot of variation in its clinical manifestations described by phenotypes. The phenotypes of AECOPD were categorized in this study based on pathology and exposure. In our cross-sectional study, conducted between 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020, the patients were categorized into six groups based on pathology: non-bacterial and non-eosinophilic; bacterial; eosinophilic; bacterial infection with eosinophilia; pneumonia; and bronchiectasis. Further, four groups were classified based on exposure to tobacco smoke (TS), biomass smoke (BMS), both, or no exposure. Cox proportional-hazards regression analyses were performed to assess hazard ratios, and Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to assess survival, which was then compared using the log-rank test. The odds ratio (OR) and independent predictors of ward admission type and length of hospital stay were assessed using binomial logistic regression analyses. Of the 2236 subjects, 2194 were selected. The median age of the cohort was 67.0 (60.0 to 74.0) and 75.2% were males. Mortality rates were higher in females than in males (6.2% vs. 2.3%). AECOPD-B (bacterial infection) subjects [HR 95% CI 6.42 (3.06–13.46)], followed by AECOPD-P (pneumonia) subjects [HR (95% CI: 4.33 (2.01–9.30)], were at higher mortality risk and had a more extended hospital stay (6.0 (4.0 to 9.5) days; 6.0 (4.0 to 10.0). Subjects with TS and BMS-AECOPD [HR 95% CI 7.24 (1.53–34.29)], followed by BMS-AECOPD [HR 95% CI 5.28 (2.46–11.35)], had higher mortality risk. Different phenotypes have different impacts on AECOPD clinical outcomes. A better understanding of AECOPD phenotypes could contribute to developing an algorithm for the precise management of different phenotypes.
Pathogenicity and Transmissibility of Goose-Origin H5N6 Avian Influenza Virus Clade 2.3.4.4h in Mammals
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Cui Huan , Chen Ligong , Yuan Wanzhe , Dong Shishan , Kong Yunyi , Guo Zhendong , Liu Juxiang
Published: November 2022

Throughout the last decade, H5N6 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) circulating in poultry and infecting humans have caused increasing global concerns that they might become a pandemic threat to global health. Since AIVs could occasionally cause asymptomatic infections in geese, virus monitoring in such a host should be critical to the control of cross-species infection. In addition, previous studies showed that clade 2.3.4.4h H5N6 AIVs could infect mammals without adaptation. However, the pathogenicity and transmissibility of goose-origin clade 2.3.4.4h H5N6 AIVs in mammals remain unknown. In this study, two H5N6 AIVs were isolated from a domestic chicken (A/chicken/Hebei CK05/2019 (H5N6)) and a goose (A/goose/Hebei/GD07/2019(H5N6)). This study is the first to evaluate the pathogenicity and transmissibility of goose-origin clade 2.3.4.4h H5N6 AIVs in mammals by comparison with chicken-origin 2.3.4.4h H5N6 AIVs. The CK05 virus had an affinity for α-2,3-receptors, while the GD07 virus had an affinity for both α-2,3-and α-2,6-receptors. The GD07 virus had a higher replication capacity in vitro and more severe pathogenicity in mice than the CK05 virus. The CK05 virus could not be transmitted effectively among guinea pigs, whereas the GD07 virus could be transmitted through direct contact among guinea pigs. The results of this study indicated the potential health threat of clade 2.3.4.4h H5N6 AIVs to mammals and emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring of H5N6 AIVs, especially in waterfowl.
Identification and Characterization of Erwinia Phage IT22: A New Bacteriophage-Based Biocontrol against Erwinia amylovora
Authors: Sabri Miloud , El Handi Kaoutar , Valentini Franco , De Stradis Angelo , Achbani El Hassan , Benkirane Rachid , Resch Grégory , Elbeaino Toufic
Published: November 2022

Erwinia amylovora is a quarantine phytopathogenic bacterium that is the causal agent of fire blight, a destructive disease responsible for killing millions of fruit-bearing plants worldwide, including apple, pear, quince, and raspberry. Efficient and sustainable control strategies for this serious bacterial disease are still lacking, and traditional methods are limited to the use of antibiotics and some basic agricultural practices. This study aimed to contribute to the development of a sustainable control strategy through the identification, characterization, and application of bacteriophages (phages) able to control fire blight on pears. Phages isolated from wastewater collected in the Apulia region (southern Italy) were characterized and evaluated as antibacterial agents to treat experimental fire blight caused by E. amylovora. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) conducted on purified phages (named EP-IT22 for Erwinia phage IT22) showed particles with icosahedral heads of ca. 90 ± 5 nm in length and long contractile tails of 100 ± 10 nm, typical of the Myoviridae family. Whole genome sequencing (WGS), assembly, and analysis of the phage DNA generated a single contig of 174.346 bp representing a complete circular genome composed of 310 open reading frames (ORFs). EP-IT22 was found to be 98.48% identical to the Straboviridae Erwinia phage Cronus (EPC) (GenBank Acc. n° NC_055743) at the nucleotide level. EP-IT22 was found to be resistant to high temperatures (up to 60 °C) and pH values between 4 and 11, and was able to accomplish a complete lytic cycle within one hour. Furthermore, the viability-qPCR and turbidity assays showed that EP-IT22 (MOI = 1) lysed 94% of E. amylovora cells in 20 h. The antibacterial activity of EP-IT22 in planta was evaluated in E. amylovora-inoculated pear plants that remained asymptomatic 40 days post inoculation, similarly to those treated with streptomycin sulphate. This is the first description of the morphological, biological, and molecular features of EP-IT22, highlighting its promising potential for biocontrol of E. amylovora against fire blight disease.
Efficiency of Feed Utilization, Ruminal Traits, and Blood Parameters of Goats Given a Total Mixed Diet Ration Containing Extracted Oil Palm Meal
Authors: Chanjula Pin , So Sarong , Suntara Chanon , Prachumchai Rittikeard , Cherdthong Anusorn
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion levels of extracted oil palm meal (EOPM) from biodiesel byproducts in the total mixed ration (TMR) for goats on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, blood parameters, and rumen fermentation characteristics. The EOPM was included at 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% dry matter (DM) to formulate into four dietary treatments and assigned to goats with an average age of 12 months and an initial body weight of 23 ± 0.5 kg in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The PROC MIXED procedure was used to analyze all data, and the orthogonal polynomial was tested for EOPM levels using the SAS program. The DM intake, nitrogen, and metabolizable energy linearly (p < 0.05) increased when there was increased EOPM inclusion. Increasing EOPM inclusions resulted in (p < 0.05) a linear increase in fiber digestibility but did not affect DM, crude protein, or ether extract. Total volatile fatty acids increased (p < 0.05) linearly with increasing EOPM inclusions. The EOPM inclusions did not alter the bacteria, fungi, and protozoal populations. Blood parameters were not affected by the inclusions of EOPM except globulin, triglyceride, and MCV concentration. This study revealed that EOPM could be included in up to 20% DM in TMR for goats with no negative impact.
Efficient Arsenate Decontamination from Water Using MgO-Itsit Biochar Composite: An Equilibrium, Kinetics and Thermodynamic Study
Authors: Din Salah Ud , Hussain Babar , Haq Sirajul , Imran Muhammad , Ahmad Pervaiz , Khandaker Mayeen Uddin , Rehman Fazal Ur , Eldin Sayed M. , Mousa Abd Allah A. , Khan Ilyas , Emran Talha Bin
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: In this investigation, a composite of MgO nanoparticles with Itsit biochar (MgO-IBC) has been used to remove arsenate from contaminated water. The reduced adsorption capacity of biochar (IBC), due to loss of functionalities under pyrolysis, is compensated for with the composite MgO-IBC. (2) Methods: Batch scale adsorption experiments were conducted by using MgO-IBC as an adsorbent for the decontamination of arsenate from water. Functional groups, elemental composition, surface morphology, and crystallinity of the adsorbent were investigated by using FTIR, EDX, SEM and XRD techniques. The effect of pH on arsenate adsorption by MgO-IBC was evaluated in the pH range of 2 to 8, whereas the temperature effect was investigated in the range of 303 K to 323 K. (3) Results: Both pH and temperature were found to significantly influence the overall adsorption efficiency of MgO-IBC for arsenate adsorption with lower pH and higher temperature being suitable for higher arsenate adsorption. A kinetics study of arsenate adsorption confirmed an equilibrium time of 240 min and a pseudo-second-order model well-explained the kinetic adsorption data, whereas the Langmuir model best fitted with the equilibrium arsenate adsorption data. The spontaneity and the chemisorptive nature of arsenate adsorption was confirmed by enthalpy, entropy, and activation energy. Comparison of adsorbents in the literature with the current study indicates that MgO-IBC composite has better adsorption capacity for arsenate adsorption than several previously explored adsorbents. (4) Conclusions: The higher adsorption capacity of MgO-IBC confirms its suitability and efficient utilization for the removal of arsenate from water.
Effects of Rice Husk Biochar on Nitrogen Leaching from Vegetable Soils by 15N Tracing Approach
Authors: Ding Ying , Zhu Siyu , Pan Run , Bu Jiangping , Liu Yong , Ding Aifang
Published: November 2022

The application of biochar can affect soil properties and retention of fertilizer nitrogen, but its effects and mechanism on the retention capacity of different forms of nitrogen in soils are still uncertain. In this study, an indoor soil column leaching experiment was conducted using vegetable soil samples with 3% rice husk biochar by mass prepared at 450 °C by pyrolysis and 150 mg N/kg 15N-labeled urea. Adding biochar increased the soil pH, thus alleviating soil acidification caused by fertilizer nitrogen application. It also increased the content of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorus while decreasing that of NH4+-N and NOX−-N(NO3−-Nand NO2−-N) in soils. NOX−-N was the predominant form in the leachate of all treatments, accounting for 63.15–87.90% of the total N loss. Compared to the urea-alone application (the N treatment), incorporating biochar and urea (the RBN treatment) significantly reduced total N and NOX−-N loss by 19.99% and 25.95%, respectively, while showing slight effects on NH4+-N loss. The 15N results show that fertilizer N retention in soil increased by 13.67%, while inorganic 15N leaching decreased by 25.97% after the biochar addition, compared to that in the N treatment. The RBN treatment increased fertilizer N losses in other ways (e.g., organic N leaching, ammonia and NOx volatilization) by 21.72%. Effects of biochar application on other N losses need to be further investigated. Biochar application can reduce the leaching of inorganic 15N and improve fertilizer N retention in the soil. Thus, the potential risk of fertilizer N on the quality of water bodies can be reduced.
A Dual Media Filter using Zeolite and Mortar for the Efficient Removal of Heavy Metals in Stormwater Runoff
Authors: Kim Do-Gun , Ko Seok-Oh
Published: November 2022

Stormwater runoff from expressways contains high concentrations of various heavy metals. However, heavy metal removal in most current runoff treatment facilities, using infiltration and filtration, is limited and poses substantial risks. Therefore, this study proposes and evaluates a dual media system of mortar and Na-zeolite, which are inexpensive and readily available, using long-term continuous column experiments for the removal of heavy metals. The results showed significant Cu2+ removal with Na-zeolites that was improved by the addition of a thin mortar layer, while a sand layer provided negligible improvements. The removal of Cu was further enhanced by increasing mortar layer thickness. The removal of Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe3+, and Ni2+ in a mixture was enhanced as the mortar layer’s thickness increased, while the contribution of Na-zeolite was significant in 232 h experiments with a fixed empty bed contact time (EBCT) of 1.8 min. Moreover, the media were not saturated with Fe throughout the operation period. These results suggest that the dual media system is cost-effective and efficient in the removal of heavy metals from stormwater runoff via precipitation, filtration, and adsorption with a short EBCT.
Why, after 20 years, the law on land management needs to be adopted in the new edition and what are the prospects for the variants?
Authors:   State University of Land Management, Lipski S.A.
Published: November 2022

The article describes the conditions in which the Federal law «Land use planning» was adopted, and the changes it has undergone since its adoption. The author compares the developed versions of new edition and assess the prospects for their adoption.
Covert Communications in Satellite Internet: A Survey
Authors: Guo Zewei , He Ji , Zhang Yuanyu , Zhao Shuangrui , Shen Yulong , Jiang Xiaohong
Published: November 2022

The broadcast nature of wireless channels and broad coverage brings significant challenges to the security of Satellite Internet. Recently, a new security paradigm named covert communication aims to enhance security by hiding the transmission process and has received great research attention. Various covert transmission schemes were proposed to achieve covertness for different network scenarios. Motivated by the importance of promising security techniques, this survey provides a comprehensive overview of the recent works on covert communication in Satellite Internet for the first time. We first introduce the basic architecture and characteristics of Satellite Internet, as well as its access security challenges. Then, an in-depth overview of covert communication technologies is provided with an emphasis, which is divided into two categories, i.e., traditional ones and information theory-based ones. Finally, several key challenges and future research directions on covert communication are presented.
Distribution and Status of Introduced Cichlid Fishes of the Genera Oreochromis and Tilapia in the Islands of the South Pacific and Micronesia
Authors: NELSON STEPHEN G. , ELDREDGE LUCIUS G.
Published: November 2022

Fishes of the genera Tilapia and Oreochromis have become established in a variety of habitats on numerous islands of the South Pacific and Micronesia. Reproductive populations of tilapias can be found in lakes, reservoir, streams, rivers, mangroves and shallow lagoons. The reasons for the introductions include mosquito control, aquatic weed control, culture, stock enhancement and accidental release. Consequences of the introduction of tilapias have ranged from dramatic improvements of inland fisheries and the significant development of subsistence and commercial aquaculture to detrimental effects both on indigenous species and on traditional fish culture systems.
Evaluation of Sugarcane Bagasse as a Feed Ingredient for the Tilapias Oreochromis niloticus and Tilapia zillii
Authors: EL-SAYED ABDEL-FATIAH M.
Published: November 2022

Raw and cooked sugarcane bagasse (SB) were evaluated as feed ingredients in diets fed to young Oreochromis niloticus and Tilapia zillii. SB was incorporated into semipurified, isonitrogenous, isocaloric diets at 0, 20 and 40% levels. Experimental diets were fed to triplicate groups of both species for 6 weeks. The performance of O. niloticus and T. zillii was significantly reduced at 20 and 40% SB, respectively. Protein and energy digestibilities of T. zillii were significantly reduced at 40% SB level. 0. niloticus showed significantly reduced protein and energy digestibilities at 40 and 20% SB levels, respectively. Cooking of SB seemed to have negligible effects on fish growth or feed digestibility and assimilation. Body composition analyses of both species revealed a decrease in protein contents and an increase in ash contents with increasing dietary SB levels, while both body water and lipids were not significantly affected.
Sigmoid Selection and the Beverton and Holt Yield Equation
Authors: SILVESTRE GERONIMO T.
Published: November 2022

The analytic or yield-per-recruit model of R.H. Beverton and S.J. Holt has gained wide utility in both temperate and tropical situations since its introduction in the 1950s. The model is currently applied to fish stocks with widely different growth and mortality coefficients and longevities, with the usual assumption of knife-edge selection. We examine the effect of replacing the conventional knife-edge assumption with sigmoid selection. An expression incorporating sigmoid selection is presented with relative yield per recruit expressed as a function of E {= F/Z), C {= Lsof4.,), MIK and se lection range, defined by AC = {L75 - L50)/L_, The relative differences between the yield isopleths using knife-edge selection and those obtained using sigmoid selection are evaluated using various plausible values of M/K, C and selection range. The results indicate considerable bias generated by the knife-edge assumption in yield-per-recruit analysis applied to short-lived, tropical species {i.e., low 4.,) where the selection range usually covers a large fraction of the population size distribution.
Традиційна церковність в координатах сучасного західного християнства
Authors: Pavlenko Pavlo
Published: November 2022

Головна проблема християнства початку ХХІ ст. – знецінення сутності християнства і, як наслідок, розмивання поняття церковності. Зважаючи на те, що сучасний віруючий потребує такого християнства, яке було б адаптованим до суспільного життя, чутливим до соціальних змін і, як наслідок, близьким йому і зрозумілим, пропонувало б Євангелію не в античних чи середньовічних імперативах, а поставало вивільненим від “сухої букви” застарілих релігійних традицій і архаїчних церковних практик, все більше західних християнських модерністів приходять до висновку, що сьогодні слід відмовитись від ідеї традиційної церковності, оскільки традиційне (історичне) християнство не відповідає духові часу. Не Церква, і навіть не вчорашнє “позацерковне християнство” постіндустріального суспільства, а тепер “нецерковне” християнство з його відмінними від ортодоксальних поглядами на Святе Письмо стає реальним об’єднанням віруючих “довкола Христа”, у такий спосіб актуалізуючи Євангелію в дискурс сучасного людства. Щоправда, подібна актуальність здобувається за рахунок “осучаснення” християнського віровчення – ревізії традиційних християнських засад і змісту новозавітних текстів, так що останні подаються у видозміненому, а часом і суттєво спотвореному вигляді. У статті висвітлюються процеси трансформації християнського віровчення на сучасному етапі, зокрема, аналізуються зміни положень про Церкву і церковність.
Prevenção do suicídio em serviços de apoio emocional
Authors: Ribeiro Martins Isis
Published: November 2022

Este artigo pretende estabelecer uma análise sobre os modos de atuação de serviços de apoio emocional para a prevenção do suicídio com enfoque na noção de relação de ajuda como aspecto central de suas metodologias de atendimento. O estudo aqui apresentado resulta de uma etnografia realizada junto ao Centro de Valorização da Vida – CVV no Rio de Janeiro, tendo em conta tanto as atividades de treinamento de voluntários quanto de atendimento dos usuários pelo serviço telefônico. Foram analisados também os materiais metodológicos do CVV e do SOS Voz Amiga, serviço português, localizado em Lisboa, análogo ao CVV. A descrição das metodologias de atendimento telefônico de apoio emocional e a reflexão sobre o conceito de relação de ajuda empregado por estes programas possibilitou identificar o modo pelo qual eles lançam mão de arranjos morais específicos empregados nas técnicas de interação como os elementos fundamentais das estratégias de prevenção do suicídio.
Ativistas, festeiros e apaixonados pela rua
Authors: Belart Victor , Magalhães Barroso Flávia
Published: November 2022

Investigamos a construção e enraizamento das experiências carnavalescas ativistas nas ruas do Rio de Janeiro entre os anos de 2010 e 2020 que consolidaram o movimento chamado Carnaval “não oficial”. Argumentamos no artigo que a rede complexa de produção de cortejos carnavalescos vem contribuindo significativamente para a projeção de outras atividades culturais e para as transformações das cenas independentes na cidade. Buscamos consolidar o acompanhamento dos atores e microeventos realizados nos últimos anos, reunindo no artigo as controvérsias (LATOUR, 2012) e potencialidades que agitaram o movimento de Carnaval “não oficial”. Acreditamos que a revisão das dissensualidades encontradas em campo são potencialmente capazes de arquitetar arcabouços teóricos mais sintonizados com o alto nível de assimilação e interação dos grupos culturais com os novos ativismos, estéticas, sonoridades e visualidades da urbe.
Documentando Vulnerabilidades
Authors: Da Silva Córdoba Luiz Gustavo
Published: November 2022

A Profilaxia Pré-Exposição ao hiv/aids (PrEP) é a mais recente tecnologia biomédica adotada pelo Ministério da Saúde brasileiro com vistas a reduzir a incidência de novos casos da infecção pelo hiv em segmentos populacionais específicos: gays e outros homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH), Pessoas Trans, Trabalhadoras do Sexo e/ou Parcerias Sorodiferentes para o hiv. A partir de uma incursão etnográfica em um Serviço Especializado que oferta a PrEP em Campinas/SP, analiso as práticas de preenchimento das Fichas de Atendimento da PrEP por profissionais da saúde e os efeitos destas no seu manejo clínico. Proponho examinar a relação entre práticas em saúde e sua correlação com práticas e processos estatais sob o aporte da literatura recente acerca da etnografia de documentos.