bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Coverage and Acceptance Spectrum of COVID-19 Vaccines among Healthcare Professionals in Western Tanzania: What Can We Learn from This Pandemic?
Authors: Konje Eveline T. , Basinda Namanya , Kapesa Anthony , Mugassa Stella , Nyawale Helmut A. , Mirambo Mariam M. , Moremi Nyambura , Morona Domenica , Mshana Stephen E.
Published: August 2022

The vaccination rate against COVID-19 remains low in developing countries due to vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine hesitancy is a public health threat in curbing COVID-19 pandemic globally. Healthcare professionals have been found to play a critical role in vaccine advocacy and promotion campaigns in the general population. A cross sectional study was conducted in the initial months of the COVID-19 vaccination roll out program in Tanzania to determine the acceptance rate, perceived barriers, and cues for actions. A total of 811 healthcare professionals participated from 26 health facilities in western Tanzania. The World Health Organization (WHO) vaccine acceptance questionnaire was adopted with minor modifications to capture the local contexts and used in data collection. Only (18.5%) healthcare professionals had received a COVID-19 vaccine and acceptance rate was 29%. The majority (62%) of participants were in the hesitancy stage due to issues related to lack of effective communication and reliable information regarding efficacy and safety. In this era of COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need to engage and involve public health figures and opinion leaders through transparent dialogue to clarify vaccine-related safety, quality, and efficacy. These strategies will reduce misconception, mistrust, and improve uptake among healthcare professionals and eventually in the general population.
Factors Associated with the COVID-19 Vaccination Status of Higher Education Students: Results of an Online Cross-Sectional Survey at Six Universities in Southwestern Germany
Authors: Neunhöffer Anna T. , Gibilaro Jolanda , Wagner Anke , Soeder Jana , Rebholz Benjamin , Blumenstock Gunnar , Martus Peter , Rieger Monika A. , Rind Esther
Published: August 2022

This cross-sectional study explored factors associated with the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination acceptance among higher education students in southwestern Germany. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey at six state-approved higher education institutions (HEIs) between July and November 2021. In addition to descriptive analyses, univariate as well as multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. A total of 6556 higher education students aged 18 years and older participated in our survey; 91.4% of participating students had been vaccinated against COVID-19 at least once. The factors that significantly contributed to the explanation of higher education students’ vaccination status in the multivariate analysis (area under curve—AUC = 0.94) were variables on the perception of the virus SARS-CoV-2 (affective risk perception: Adjusted odds ratio—aOR = 1.2; perception of the outbreak as a media-hype: aOR = 0.8), attitudes towards personal (aOR = 0.7) and study-related (aOR = 0.8) health and safety measures to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination (preservation of own health: aOR = 1.3; confidence in vaccine safety: aOR = 1.7; supporting higher education through vaccination: aOR = 1.2; own contribution to the containment of the pandemic: aOR = 1.7). The findings target assisting HEIs in returning to face-to-face teaching after previous semesters of online teaching.
The Protective Efficacy of an Inactivated Vaccine against Avibacterium paragallinarum Field Isolates
Authors: Guo Mengjiao , Liu Donghui , Xu Hengli , Zhang Hao , Jin Yikun , Tan Huihui , Wu Yantao , Zhang Xiaorong
Published: August 2022

Infectious coryza (IC) is an acute respiratory disease caused by Avibacterium paragallinarum (Av. paragallinarum). In recent years, there have been frequent outbreaks of IC in chickens vaccinated with an inactivated vaccine, causing huge losses to the poultry industry. In this study, the protective efficacy of the trivalent inactivated IC vaccine (PT Medion Farma Jaya) against the field isolates of three serovars of Av. paragallinarum was verified. After vaccination, the hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers in double-vaccinated groups (A2, B2, and C2) were higher than those in single-vaccinated groups (A1, B1, and C1). The highest antibody titer was 213.1 at 3 weeks after the booster vaccination in group A2. Consistent with the trend in hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers, the protective efficacy of double vaccination was better than that of single vaccination. The clinical symptoms and pathological changes were alleviated, or the bacterial shedding was significantly reduced with double vaccination after challenge with field isolates of three serovars (p < 0.05). In particular, the chickens with double vaccination showed no clinical symptoms, pathological changes, or bacterial shedding after challenge by the serovar C strain. There was no significant difference in body weight and egg production between the double-vaccinated groups and the negative control group (p > 0.05). Therefore, we recommend that the commercial IC vaccine should be double-vaccinated in clinical applications.
Study on the Discrimination of Possible Error Sources That Might Affect the Quality of Volatile Organic Compounds Signature in Dairy Cattle Using an Electronic Nose
Authors: Ali Asmaa S. , Jacinto Joana G. P. , Mϋnchemyer Wolf , Walte Andreas , Kuhla Björn , Gentile Arcangelo , Abdu Mohamed S. , Kamel Mervat M. , Ghallab Abdelrauf Morsy
Published: August 2022

Electronic nose devices (EN) have been developed for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study aimed to assess the ability of the MENT-EGAS prototype-based EN to respond to direct sampling and to evaluate the influence of possible error sources that might affect the quality of VOC signatures. This study was performed on a dairy farm using 11 (n = 11) multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows. The cows were divided into two groups housed in two different barns: group I included six lactating cows fed with a lactating diet (LD), and group II included 5 non-lactating late pregnant cows fed with a far-off diet (FD). Each group was offered 250 g of their respective diet; 10 min later, exhalated breath was collected for VOC determination. After this sampling, 4 cows from each group were offered 250 g of pellet concentrates. Ten minutes later, the exhalated breath was collected once more. VOCs were also measured directly from the feed’s headspace, as well as from the environmental backgrounds of each. Principal component analyses (PCA) were performed and revealed clear discrimination between the two different environmental backgrounds, the two different feed headspaces, the exhalated breath of groups I and II cows, and the exhalated breath within the same group of cows before and after the feed intake. Based on these findings, we concluded that the MENT-EGAS prototype can recognize several error sources with accuracy, providing a novel EN technology that could be used in the future in precision livestock farming.
The Seroprevalence of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Wild and Domestic Animals: An Epidemiological Update for Domestic Animals and First Seroevidence in Wild Animals from Turkiye
Authors: Nurettin Canakoglu , Engin Berber , Sukru Tonbak , Munir Aktas , Zati Vatansever , Aykut Ozdarendeli
Published: August 2022

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a zoonotic, tick-borne pathogen that is endemic to some parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. The disease causes fever and hemorrhagic manifestations in humans but not in animals. Domestic and wild animals are asymptomatic hosts of CCHFV and are critical in the transmission cycle. Hyalomma marginatum spp. has been identified as the natural reservoir and vector of the virus in Turkiye. A few studies have been conducted on domesticated animals showing the seroprevalence of CCHFV in them, but seroevidence in wild animals is absent. For contributing this antrum to the understanding of virus transmission in Turkiye, we performed a seroprevalence investigation of CCHFV in both wild and domesticated animals in various geographical areas of Turkiye. In-house IgG iELISA was performed for the screening of sera IgG in a total of 582 animal samples collected from boar (n = 40), cattle (n = 259), goat (n = 132), hare (n = 21), and sheep (n = 130). Results from ELISA performed on domestic animals revealed 10.81%, 15.15%, and 19.23% anti-CCHF virus seropositivity in cattle, goats, and sheep, respectively, in collected serum samples. ELISA tests performed in wild animals showed 23.81% and 2.5% positivity in hare and wild boars, respectively, suggesting the importance of wild animals in CCHF virus epidemiology in Turkiye. This study performed the first serological investigation of CCHFV in wild animals and provided the first seroevidence of CCHFV in wild boars and hare in Turkiye.
Comparison of Two Leptospira Type Strains of Serovar Grippotyphosa in Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) Diagnostics for the Detection of Infections with Leptospires in Horses, Dogs and Pigs
Authors: Strutzberg-Minder Katrin , Ullerich Astrid , Dohmann Karen , Boehmer Jan , Goris Marga
Published: August 2022

The MAT test is of great importance in the diagnosis of leptospiral infections. Based on various differences, the serovar Grippotyphosa has been divided into two types, Moskva V and Duyster. Differences or similarities of the two type strains in the context of leptospiral diagnostics have not yet been elucidated in more detail; therefore both strains were analysed in MAT diagnostics for the detection of leptospiral infections in pigs, dogs and horses. Serum samples from 2996 pigs, 55 dogs and 35 horses, as well as vitreous and/or aqueous fluid samples from these and 13 additional horses were analysed by MAT; available supplementary samples were tested for leptospires by PCR. In pigs, 92.6% of the samples with both strains received an identical titre result in the MAT test, whereas in dogs and horses only 53.0% and 43.6% had concordant results. Since infections with the serovar Grippotyphosa occur more frequently in dogs and horses overall, more differences were observed here. In the case of discrepant serological results, supplementary samples and PCR examinations were not able to add information on the true status. Further analyses of follow-up studies or at least serum pairs from dogs and horses infected with the serovar Grippotyphosa are necessary.
Identification and Characterization of Eimeria tenella Rhoptry Protein 35 (EtROP35)
Authors: Wang Bingxiang , Zhao Ningning , Sun Jinkun , Sun Lingyu , Li Huihui , Wu Zhiyuan , Li Hongmei , Zhang Xiao , Zhao Xiaomin
Published: August 2022

Rhoptry proteins (ROPs) of Apicomplexa are crucial secreted virulence factors and sources of vaccine candidates. To date, Eimeria tenella ROPs are not well studied. This study identified and characterized a novel E. tenella ROP (EtROP35), which showed the highest levels among 28 putative ROPs in previous sporozoite and merozoite transcriptomes. Sequence analysis showed that EtROP35 contains an N-terminal secretory signal and a protein kinase domain including eight conserved ROP35-subfamily motifs. Subsequent experiments confirmed that it is a secretory protein. Subcellular localization revealed it localized at the apical end of the sporozoites and merozoites, which was consistent with the ROPs of other Apicomplexan parasites. To further understand the biological meaning of EtROP35, expression levels in different developmental stages and sporozoite invasion-blocking assay were investigated. EtROP35 showed significantly higher levels in sporozoites (6.23-fold) and merozoites (7.00-fold) than sporulated oocysts. Sporozoite invasion-blocking assay revealed that anti-EtROP35 polyclonal antibody significantly reduced the sporozoite invasion rate, suggesting it might participate in host cell invasion and be a viable choice as a vaccine candidate. The immunological protective assays showed that EtROP35 could induce a high level of serum IgY and higher mean body weight gain, and lower cecum lesion score and oocysts excretion than the challenged control group. These data indicated that EtROP35 had good immunogenicity and may be a promising vaccine candidate against E. tenella.
Hypertrophic Osteopathy Associated with a Prostatic Adenocarcinoma in a Castrated Dog
Authors: Roux Françoise A. , Deseille Emilie , Fusellier Marion , Rohel Marine , Branchereau Julien , Deschamps Jack-Yves
Published: August 2022

A 6-year-old mixed-breed male Papillon dog, castrated at the age of 7 months, presented for work-up of a difficulty walking associated with constipation and urinary incontinence. Ultrasonography and radiography were consistent with a tumor of the prostate and lymph node metastases. An irregular osteoproliferation of the ventral edges of L5–L6–L7 suggested tumor invasion. Periosteal proliferative lesions of the pelvis, the femur, the humerus, the tibia and the calcaneus were consistent with hypertrophic osteopathy. Necropsy and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma with lymph node, pulmonary, liver and bone metastases, associated with hypertrophic osteopathy.
Vertical and Side-Alternating Whole Body Vibration Platform Parameters Influence Lower Extremity Blood Flow and Muscle Oxygenation
Authors: Lyons Kaitlin D. , Parks Aaron G. , Dadematthews Oluwagbemiga D. , McHenry Paige A. , Sefton JoEllen M.
Published: August 2022

This study directly compared blood flow and oxygenation during six treatment parameters used with vertical and side alternating whole body vibration (WBV). Twenty-seven healthy adults were randomized into the vertical or side-alternating (vibration type) WBV group. Participants completed three WBV sessions a week apart, 5 sets of 1 min on/off, at 3 conditions (Vertical: 30 Hz and 4 mm, 40 Hz and 2 mm, 45 Hz and 4 mm; Side-alternating: 10 Hz and 4 mm, 18 Hz and 3 mm and 26 Hz and 2 mm). Blood flow velocity and popliteal artery diameter, muscle oxygenation, skin temperature, heart rate and blood pressure were assessed. Muscle oxygenation was significantly increased for all vibration frequencies and types following two minutes of WBV (14.78%, p = 0.02) and continued until immediately after the cessation of WBV (24.7%, p < 0.001). WBV also increased heart rate (23.9%, p < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (8.9%, p < 0.001) regardless of frequency and vibration type. Side-alternating and vertical WBV increased muscle oxygenation and heart rate in healthy participants completing an isometric squat. Muscle oxygenation was not increased until the second vibration set indicating the amount of time spent on the platform may have a significant effect on increases in blood flow.
Implementation of TETIS Hydrologic Model into the Hillslope Link Model Framework
Authors: Quintero Felipe , Velásquez Nicolás
Published: August 2022

This communication introduces HLM-Tetis, which is a model structure coupled to the Hillslope Link Model (HLM) framework developed by the Iowa Flood Center. The model was designed to improve some limitations of previous HLM model structures. The following changes have been made: (1) modules to simulate snow processes; (2) better flexibility to simulate infiltration and percolation; (3) more flexibility to derive total runoff from the partitioning of overland flow, interflow and baseflow components. We show applications of the model in flood events at five basins in Iowa where previous model structures had performance limitations.
Modelling Infiltration Systems’ Performance for Efficient, Sustainable or Circular Urban Water Drainage
Authors: Piazza Paola , Ursino Nadia
Published: August 2022

A typical infiltration system (IS) consists of an urban sub-catchment that works in synergy with an engineered pervious sub-catchment (e.g., a trench). ISs for sustainable urban drainage meet multiple design objectives: returning water resources to the environment (circularity) and reducing hydraulic risk. ISs, by necessity, are realized in the public spaces which belong to historical city centers, industrial zones, densely populated urban areas or areas of recent urbanization. Available space conditions the shape of impervious drainage sub-basins and downstream trenches that hold and release runoff volume to the subsoil. Catchment shape and rainfall intensity have received relatively less attention in the designing and decision-making processes than rainfall volume. A hydrodynamic model (HM) offers the opportunity to systematically investigate the efficiency of ISs as shape and rain intensity change, overcomes the limits of the widespread bucket modelling approach, which is narrowly focused on rain volume, trench storage capacity and exfiltration capacity, and links the shape of IS to its efficiency and to the residual risk that occurs when events of intensity greater than the design event occur. The results of a systematic sensitivity analysis, conducted by the use of HM, suggest new criteria for evaluating whether ISs are suitable for achieving the design objectives, within the constraints of the available urban public space.
Release of Endogenous Nutrients Drives the Transformation of Nitrogen and Phosphorous in the Shallow Plateau of Lake Jian in Southwestern China
Authors: Zhang Yang , Chang Fengqin , Zhang Xiaonan , Li Donglin , Liu Qi , Liu Fengwen , Zhang Hucai
Published: August 2022

Eutrophication remediation is an ongoing priority for protecting aquatic ecosystems, especially in plateau lakes with fragile ecologies and special tectonic environments. However, current strategies to control the phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) levels in eutrophication sites have been mainly guided by laboratory experiments or literature reviews without in-field analyses of the geochemical processes associated with the hydrological and eutrophic characteristics of lakes. This study analyzed the water quality parameters of 50 sites at Lake Jian in May 2019, a moderate eutrophication shallow plateau lake, based on dissolved/sedimentary nitrogen, phosphorous and organic matter, grain size, C/N ratios and stable isotope ratios of δ13C or δ15N in sediments. The results showed that the average total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in the lake water were 0.57 mg/L and 0.071 mg/L, respectively. The TN and TP contents of surface sediment ranged from 2.15 to 9.55 g/kg and 0.76 to 1.74 g/kg, respectively. Stable isotope and grain source analysis indicated that N in sediments mainly existed in organic matter form and P mainly occurred as inorganic mineral adsorption. Endogenous pollution contributed to >20% of TN. Furthermore, our findings showed that phosphorus was the nutrient that limited eutrophication at Lake Jian, unlike other eutrophic shallow lakes. In contrast, the nutrient levels in the sediment and input streams belonged entirely to the N-limitation state. The distinctness in release intensity of N and P could modify the N/P limitation in the lake, which affects algae growth and nutrient control. These results demonstrated that reducing exogenous nutrients might not effectively mitigate lake eutrophication due to their endogenous recycling; thus, detailed nutrient monitoring is needed to preserve aquatic ecosystems.
A New Method to Map Spring Irrigated Areas Using MODIS LST Products and Ancillary Data in an Agricultural District of Northwest China
Authors: Lu Yizhu , Song Wenlong , Tian Linjing , Chen Xiuhua , Gui Rongjie , Chen Long
Published: August 2022

Irrigation alleviates drought in croplands and maintains or increases crop yields. The accurate monitoring of irrigated areas is important to regional water resource management, food security, climate change, drought monitoring, and emergency disaster relief. Based on field experiments that demonstrate the feasibility of irrigated area mapping using land-surface temperature, we propose a method to map spring irrigation areas using historical meteorological data, main crop phenological characteristics, irrigation regimes, and MODIS land-surface temperature (LST) products. The distribution of irrigation intensity, spring irrigated areas (SIA, considering the irrigation intensity), and total area of spring irrigation (STIA, regardless of irrigation intensity) were monitored by the proposed method for the Donglei Irrigated District (Phase II) in northwestern China from 2011 to 2018. The spring irrigation of the study area was divided into three periods (16 January–23 February, 24 February–24 March, and 25 March–31 May). Then, the temperature threshold of the irrigated area in each period was determined by the diurnal temperature range (DTR) of the rain-fed plots and precipitation data; for the three periods, this was 12 °C, 15 °C, and 11 °C, respectively. The results showed that most of the croplands in the study area were irrigated once or twice. The SIA in most years varied between 55,900 and 73,100 ha, but in 2016, the irrigation area reached 100,200 ha. The STIA accounted for 60–70% of the irrigated area except 2016. The average accuracy of SIA monitoring was satisfactory and above 94% for years when sufficient and reliable data was available.
Does Biological Activated Carbon Filtration Make Chlor(am)inated Drinking Water Safer
Authors: Pan Jiazheng , Wang Feifei , Zhang Lu , Hu Yulin , He Chiquan
Published: August 2022

Biological activated carbon (BAC) filtration is an effective technology for the removal of natural organic matter. However, one potential drawback of BAC, especially old BAC, is that effluents can contain soluble microbial products released from the biofilm, which are recognized as more toxic nitrogenous DBPs (N-DBPs) precursors. So far, limited studies reported the risk of DBP formation potentials (FPs) increase caused by the microbial leakage of BAC. This study compared removal differences of DBP FPs between two BAC filters operated for 1 year and 8 years in a drinking water plant. The results showed that the total summed haloacetic acid FPs and trihalomethane FPs decreased by 34.31% from chlorination, and 55.01% of the total summed halogen acetonitrile FPs from chloramination were removed by the new BAC. However, Chlorinated haloacetonitriles FPs increased by 2.33% after old BAC filtration. To sum up, BAC filtration decreased most DBP FPs, but a potential risk regarding more toxic N-DBP FPs from old BAC should receive more attention.
Numerical Analysis of the Influence of Foundation Replacement Materials on the Hydrothermal Variation and Deformation Process of Highway Subgrades in Permafrost Regions
Authors: Shan Wei , Ma Min , Guo Ying , Zhang Chengcheng
Published: August 2022

Affected by global warming, permafrost thawing in Northeast China promotes issues including highway subgrade instability and settlement. The traditional design concept based on protecting permafrost is unsuitable for regional highway construction. Based on the design concept of allowing permafrost thawing and the thermodynamic characteristics of a block–stone layer structure, a new subgrade structure using a large block–stone layer to replace the permafrost layer in a foundation is proposed and has successfully been practiced in the Walagan–Xilinji section of the Beijing–Mohe Highway to reduce subgrade settlement. To compare and study the improvement in the new structure on the subgrade stability, a coupling model of liquid water, vapor, heat and deformation is proposed to simulate the hydrothermal variation and deformation mechanism of different structures within 20 years of highway completion. The results show that the proposed block–stone structure can effectively reduce the permafrost degradation rate and liquid water content in the active layer to improve subgrade deformation. During the freezing period, when the water in the active layer under the subgrade slope and natural ground surface refreezes, two types of freezing forms, scattered ice crystals and continuous ice lenses, will form, which have different retardation coefficients for hydrothermal migration. These forms are discussed separately, and the subgrade deformation is corrected. From 2019 to 2039, the maximum cumulative settlement and the maximum transverse deformation of the replacement block–stone, breccia and gravel subgrades are –0.211 cm and +0.111 cm, –23.467 cm and –1.209 cm, and –33.793 cm and –2.207 cm, respectively. The replacement block–stone subgrade structure can not only reduce the cumulative settlement and frost heave but also reduce the transverse deformation and longitudinal cracks to effectively improve subgrade stability. However, both the vertical deformation and transverse deformation of the other two subgrades are too large, and the embankment fill layer will undergo transverse deformation in the opposite direction, which will cause sliding failure to the subgrades. Therefore, these two subgrade structures cannot be used in permafrost regions. The research results provide a reference for solving the settlement and deformation problems of subgrades in degraded permafrost regions and contribute to the development and application of complex numerical models related to water, heat and deformation in cold regions.
Evidence and Implications of Hydrological and Climatic Change in the Reno and Lamone River Basins and Related Coastal Areas (Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy) over the Last Century
Authors: Meli Matteo , Romagnoli Claudia
Published: August 2022

Climate change and human activities have consequences on coastal areas as they affect hydrological processes in the related river basins. The riverine sediment supply to the beaches of the Emilia-Romagna coast, a highly urbanized area with high economic and naturalistic value, has been heavily impacted by human activities throughout the catchment, reducing solid transport to the coast and increasing the threat of coastal erosion and flooding. Despite the introduction of safeguard policies in the early 1980s and the consequent stoppage of such activities, the expected return in solid transport has not yet been reflected at the coast. To better understand the various processes acting at the river basin scale, we utilized empirical mode decomposition to analyze the variability in different parameters (river discharge, rainfall, air temperature, and sea level) from the headwaters to the coast of the Reno and Lamone rivers over the last century. The anthropogenic footprint, linked to the large-scale dimming/brightening phenomenon, is visible in the long-term trends. Moreover, natural signals with variable periodicity are evident and partially correlated with two major climate modes (North Atlantic Oscillation and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation). The coupled interactions among these processes, combined with the changes in land use and evapotranspiration during the last century, have resulted in the prolonged scarcity of river sediment supply and a long-term trend of erosion of the coastal area.
Fabrication of Polyethyleneimine-Modified Nanocellulose/Magnetic Bentonite Composite as a Functional Biosorbent for Efficient Removal of Cu(Ⅱ)
Authors: Sun Xiaoyin , Lv Xintian , Han Caohui , Bai Lu , Wang Tingting , Sun Yongchang
Published: August 2022

A novel inorganic–organic biosorbent, polyethyleneimine (PEI)-modified nanocellulose cross-linked with magnetic bentonite, was prepared for the removal of Cu(Ⅱ) from water. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the amino and carboxyl groups were successfully grafted onto the nanocellulose structure. The adsorption performance of Cu(Ⅱ) with various factors, using the biosorbent, was investigated. The results show that the adsorption equilibrium could be reached within a short time (10 min), and the adsorption capacity of Cu(Ⅱ) reached up to 757.45 mg/g. The adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherms were well-fitted with the pseudo-second-order and the Freundlich isotherm models, respectively. The adsorption process of the composite is mainly controlled by chemisorption, and functional group chelation and electrostatic force were the adsorption mechanisms; pore filling also has a great influence on the adsorption of Cu(Ⅱ). It was found that the prepared modified nanocellulose composite has great potential for the removal of heavy metals from water.
Colonization Dynamics of Potential Stowaways Inhabiting Marinas: Lessons from Caprellid Crustaceans
Authors: Revanales Triana , Guerra-García José M. , Ros Macarena
Published: August 2022

Despite the fact that stowaway transport is an increasingly common invasion pathway, its key ecological aspects, such as colonization dynamics of potential invaders on human transport vectors, are poorly understood. Considering that marinas may function as stepping-stone habitats for the spread of marine invaders, they provide a unique opportunity for understanding the first steps in the stowaway pathway. One of the dominant groups inhabiting marinas are caprellid crustaceans. These small invertebrates have demonstrated a high potential for introduction and establishment far beyond their distribution range. Here, we analyzed the colonization dynamics of caprellid species inhabiting marinas of Cádiz Bay (Spain) on plastic collectors and discussed their implications on invasion success. We found that collectors largely mirrored the resident caprellid community assemblages after just one month of deployment, showing that caprellid species inhabiting marina structures have a high capacity to colonize new artificial substrates. Moreover, the two non-indigenous species found, Caprella scaura and Paracaprella pusilla, successfully established dense and well-structured populations in the collectors (including all sex/age groups considered). We suggest a potential interplay between colonization ability and stowaway organisms’ invasion success. Furthermore, collectors used are supported as a useful tool in the early detection of non-indigenous species and their monitoring in relation to resident species.
Models and Mandates in Transboundary Waters: Institutional Mechanisms in Water Diplomacy
Authors: Smith Dané , Winterman Kirsten
Published: August 2022

The majority of existing institutional mechanisms center on geographical, basin-related and national political interests and needs. Few institutional mechanisms have emerged as model organizations that effectively advance resilient and equitable diplomatic commitment alongside more technically driven modalities of cooperation. Using the Four Frames of Cooperation Framework, this paper assesses three institutional mechanisms in transboundary water cooperation for their effectiveness in supporting transboundary water cooperation and transboundary water diplomacy toward positive peace processes. The results support the need for institutional mechanisms that govern transboundary water cooperation to promote resilient political as well as technical engagement to support water conflict prevention by advancing constructive transboundary water cooperation. Without advancing water diplomacy through institutional mechanisms that govern transboundary water cooperation, the resilience of the institutional mechanism risks becoming limited by a lack of political will.
Interactions between Cultivated Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis and Floating Sargassum horneri under Controlled Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Song Hanmo , Liu Yan , Li Jingyu , Gong Qingli , Gao Xu
Published: August 2022

The golden tide dominated by Sargassum has become a frequently-occurring marine ecological event that may constitute major biotic threats to seaweed aquaculture. In this study, the interaction between cultivated Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis (GL) and floating Sargassum horneri (SH) was investigated by physiological and biochemical measurements under mono-culture and co-culture with different biomass density ratios of 2:1 (2GL:1SH), 1:1 (1GL:1SH), and 1:2 (1GL:2SH). The relative growth rate, net photosynthetic rate, and NO3-N uptake rate of G. lemaneiformis were significantly greater at the biomass density ratio of 2:1 than at mono-culture. However, these physiological parameters and biochemical composition contents (chlorophyll a and soluble protein) of G. lemaneiformis decreased significantly with increasing biomass of S. horneri. Meanwhile, these physiological and biochemical parameters of S. horneri were greater in all co-culture models than at mono-culture. They decreased significantly with decreasing biomass of G. lemaneiformis. These results indicate that the occurrence of floating S. horneri with low biomass can stimulate the growth of G. lemaneiformis, whereas its outbreak may significantly reduce the production and quality of G. lemaneiformis. G. lemaneiformis cultivation may be beneficial to the increased biomass of floating S. horneri.
Copula-Based Multivariate Simulation Approach for Flood Risk Transfer of Multi-Reservoirs in the Weihe River, China
Authors: Wang Shen , Wu Jing , Wang Siyi , Xie Xuesong , Fan Yurui , Lv Lianhong , Huang Guohe
Published: August 2022

The interplay of multi-reservoirs is critical in reservoir joint disposal and water conservancy projects. As the flood risk of upstream hydrological stations could be transferred and unevenly distributed to downstream tributary stations, flood risk transfer through multi-reservoirs warrants further investigation. This study proposed a copula simulation approach to develop a joint flood risk distribution of multi-reservoirs (spanning Xianyang, Huaxian County, and Zhangjiashan) in a drainage tributary of the Weihe River. Pair-copulas of each reservoir pair were constructed to analyse the correlations between the reservoir sites. The approach was then used to create a joint flood risk distribution for the reservoirs. The flood risk and corresponding flood volume of Zhangjiashan were calculated based on the flood risk levels of Xianyang and Huaxian County. The results indicate that the flood risks of Huaxian County would be transferred to Xianyang and Zhangjiashan to some extent, and Xianyang could mitigate more flood risks from Huaxian County than from Zhangjiashan. The findings have significance for informed decision-making regarding the Zhangjiashan reservoir construction project.
Investigation on Energetic Efficiency of Reactor Systems for Oxidation of Micro-Pollutants by Immobilized Active Titanium Dioxide Photocatalysis
Authors: Mehling Simon , Schnabel Tobias , Londong Jörg
Published: August 2022

In this work, the degradation performance for the photocatalytic oxidation of eight micro-pollutants (amisulpride, benzotriazole, candesartan, carbamazepine, diclofenac, gabapentin, methlybenzotriazole, and metoprolol) within real secondary effluent was investigated using three different reactor designs. For all reactor types, the influence of irradiation power on its reaction rate and energetic efficiency was investigated. Flat cell and batch reactor showed almost similar substance specific degradation behavior. Within the immersion rotary body reactor, benzotriazole and methyl-benzotriazole showed a significantly lower degradation affinity. The flat cell reactor achieved the highest mean degradation rate, with half time values ranging from 5 to 64 min with a mean of 18 min, due to its high catalysts surface to hydraulic volume ratio. The EE/O values were calculated for all micro-pollutants as well as the mean degradation rate constant of each experimental step. The lowest substance specific energy per order (EE/O) values of 5 kWh/m3 were measured for benzotriazole within the batch reactor. The batch reactor also reached the lowest mean values (11.8–15.9 kWh/m3) followed by the flat cell reactor (21.0–37.0 kWh/m3) and immersion rotary body reactor (23.9–41.0 kWh/m3). Catalyst arrangement and irradiation power were identified as major influences on the energetic performance of the reactors. Low radiation intensities as well as the use of submerged catalyst arrangement allowed a reduction in energy demand by a factor of 3–4. A treatment according to existing treatment goals of wastewater treatment plants (80% total degradation) was achieved using the batch reactor with a calculated energy demand of 7000 Wh/m3.
Effects of Microtopography on Runoff Generation in Plain Farmland: New Insights from an Event-Based Rainfall–Runoff Model
Authors: Yang Hai , Jiang Yuehua , Zhou Quanping , Yang Hui , Ma Qingshan , Zhang Chengcheng , Wang Chuanhai
Published: August 2022

Plain farmland areas without significant topographic slope exhibit microtopographic features of different scales. Quantitative assessment of the effects of microtopography at different scales on runoff generation in typical farmland areas is of great significance for regional water resources management and flood disaster forecasting. The main objective of the study was to develop an event-based rainfall–runoff model based on the layered Green–Ampt model (LGAM) with the consideration of plot-scale microtopographic features in plain farmland areas. Our experimental field, located in Taihu Lake Basin, was classified into three types of topographic subunits (i.e., main field, rill, and ditch) according to the average elevation. To simplify the concentration process for three topographic subunits, the average concentration time method was employed. Here, various experimental scenarios were simulated, including two classical unsteady rainfall events in homogeneous soil, one ponding infiltration experiment, and two typical rainfall–runoff events in the experimental field. We found that the multilayered setting showed higher accuracy than the homogeneous setting for simulating infiltration in the ponding infiltration experiment in the field. The RMSE of simulated ponding water depth reduced from 0.166 cm to 0.035 cm and NSE rose from 0.988 to 0.999. The simulated hydrograph considering microtopography effects proved higher accuracy than that under unified topography assumption. After classifying topography, the RMSE and NSE of simulated hydrographs decreased and increased, respectively. The lower the topographic subunit, the earlier the outflow occurred. At the early stage, the runoff mostly originated from the relatively low topographic subunits. Infiltration-excess regime under saturated condition may initially dominate in the low-lying ditch under intense rainfall, with extremely high runoff coefficient. Concentration process in the plain farmland area was affected by both rainfall intensity and microtopography. The greater the rainfall intensity, the shorter the average concentration time. The concentration velocity under heavy rainfall was four times faster than that under light rainfall. The lower topographic subunit was characterized by shorter concentration pathway and average concentration time. Ditches reduced the peak flow and advanced the time to peak. This quantitative study provides new insights into effects of microtopography on runoff generation in plain farmland area as well as an effective alternative for plot-scale rainfall–runoff modeling.
A Review of the Treatment Process of Perfluorooctane Compounds in the Waters: Adsorption, Flocculation, and Advanced Oxidative Process
Authors: Zhang Kai , Sumita  , Li Cong , Sun Chunmeng , Marmier Nicolas
Published: August 2022

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are recognized as a new type of refractory organic pollutants. Due to the persistent environmental pollution, bioaccumulation, and biotoxicity of PFCs, they have received extensive attention in recent years. To deal with the environmental risks caused by PFCs, the pollution and distribution of PFCs in the aquatic environment are discussed in detail, mainly for the most widely used PFCs—perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). The latest progress in the current processing technology of PFOA and PFOS is comprehensively introduced. It includes a variety of physical techniques to remove PFCs such as adsorption and flocculation. It has been confirmed that various adsorbents can play a key role in the enrichment and removal of PFCs through high specific surface area and hydrophobic interaction. In addition, traditional degradation processes are often unsatisfactory for PFCs, prompting the search for more efficient and cost-effective methods, with great progress having been made in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) based on radical decomposition of pollutants. This review also integrates multiple advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) such as photocatalysis, electrochemical processes, ozone, the Fenton process, and ultrasound. This paper provides an overview of the various PFCs removal techniques and discusses their efficacy. It also explores future possible developments for PFCs elimination technologies for water treatment.
Ecological Risk Evaluation of Baihetan Dam Based on Fuzzy Hazard Quotient Model
Authors: Yan Feng , Li Na , Yang Zhigang , Qian Bao
Published: August 2022

To evaluate the variation in ecological risk induced by pollutants from the construction of Baihetan Dam, the largest hydropower station under construction in the world, this study proposes a fuzzy hazard quotient (HQ) model designed on the basis of triangular fuzzy number (TFN) theory. The fuzzy HQ model uses hazardous TFN to evaluate the ecological risk including uncertain observation data, and the transition TFN to analyze the variation in ecological risk before and after the dam construction. The results show the following: (i) The ecological risk of ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) showed a marked increasing trend after the construction of the dam because this activity weakened the degradation ability of the water body. The chronic hazard of NH3-N was classified as “medium” grade and its acute hazard was “low” grade. (ii) The crucial acute hazard factor for the local aquatic ecosystem was copper (Cu) and the key chronic hazard factor was lead (Pb). (iii) After the construction of Baihetan Dam, both the long-term and short-term hazardous TFNs of Cu were classified as “medium” grade. The acute hazard of Pb belonged to “low” grade with high certainty, whereas its chronic hazard classification had uncertainties. Its long-term hazardous vectors upstream were {0.000, 0.928, 0.072}, whereas its long-term hazardous vectors downstream were {0.000, 0.108, 0.892}. (iv) Both of the ecological risks of Cu and Pb showed substantial decreasing trends after the construction of Baihetan Dam because the impounding effect of Baihetan Dam promoted the settlement of heavy metals with sediment. (v) The hazardous TFN method can be applied to perform an ecological risk evaluation that accounts for uncertainties in the observation data set, and the transition TFN method can analyze the variation in ecological risk with a small sample size. Therefore, the fuzzy HQ model is effective for the evaluation of ecological risk induced by dam construction.
Implementation of Quantitative Resilience Measurement Criteria in Irrigation Systems
Authors: Lapo Pauta Carmen Mireya , Briceño Ojeda Viviana A. , Martínez-Solano Francisco Javier , Benavides Muñoz Holger
Published: August 2022

This paper shows the research developed in order to evaluate two resilience indicators, PHRI and Rsys, in the San Francisco de Cunuguachay pressurized irrigation network, specifically in the Yulchirón 2 branch. In this context, the irrigation branch was designed to operate on an on-demand basis and in shifts in order to evaluate the indicators in both operation modes, subjecting the network to unfavourable events. The resilience at the level of pressures and demands of the branch is estimated to remain operational in the different disruptive events, meeting the minimum conditions of the initial design. In this regard, with the implementation of resilience indicators in irrigation networks, it is possible to diagnose the response of the network to changes in its operation. Therefore, the use of indicators allows for obtaining a more reliable and adaptable network to changes in its operation. Consequently, the use of indicators allows for obtaining more reliable and adaptable networks to changes, since the engineer can make the right decisions in the project, improving the planning and management of irrigation networks.
A Review on Domestic Hot Water Consumption in Social Housing
Authors: Sborz Julia , Kalbusch Andreza , Henning Elisa
Published: August 2022

Studying the resource consumption of a social housing community is very important due to the large-scale aspect of such programs and interventions. Despite the importance of domestic hot water consumption in social housing communities, it has never been specifically reviewed. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review on that topic to serve as a reference for future studies and projects. The topic was found to be approached differently across the world due to climate, cultural, and construction particularities. A great effort to associate solar-based hot water solutions with social housing was also found, particularly in places of high solar irradiance. Quantitative case studies were analyzed and compared, showing that domestic hot water consumption varies within every study, but not as much when comparing averages from different studies. Regarding factors that influence domestic hot water consumption, user behavior clearly plays a significant role, especially concerning the lack of information to the users on the available hot water system and its operation. Finally, the DHWC profiles and patterns available in the literature present similarities such as peaks in the mornings and evenings, and seasonal variations with less use in warmer periods.
Thermal Sensitivity of High Mountain Lakes: The Role of Morphometry and Topography (The Tatra Mts., Poland)
Authors: Szumny Mirosław , Gądek Bogdan , Laska Michał , Ciepły Michał
Published: August 2022

This study presents the results of a 5-year monitoring program of ice cover, water temperature, and local meteorological conditions carried out in three reference lakes in the periglacial zone of the Polish Tatra Mountains. On the basis of this information, the relationships between the weighted mean water temperature of each of these lakes and the air temperature, wind speed, precipitation, and ice–snow cover in the summer, spring, and autumn seasons, as well as year-round, were described, and the roles of the morphometry of lakes and the topography of their catchments were determined. It was found that the sensitivity of the lakes to climate warming increased with a decrease in their area/depth and shade, and with an increase in altitude and the share of wind-blown snow in the formation of the ice–snow cover. An increase in the mean annual air temperature does not necessarily translate into the warming of lakes, but, paradoxically, may result in their cooling. The current climate may not be best reflected by the most sensitive lakes, but rather by the largest ones located in the subalpine zone.
Autonomous Navigation Technology for Low-Speed Small Unmanned Vehicle: An Overview
Authors: Li Xiaowei , Li Qing , Yin Chengqiang , Zhang Junhui
Published: August 2022

In special locations (scenes) such as campuses and closed parks, small unmanned vehicles have gained more attention and application. Autonomous navigation is one of the key technologies of low-speed small unmanned vehicles. It has become a research hotspot, but there are still many problems, such as perception sensitivity, navigation, and positioning accuracy, motion planning accuracy, and tracking control accuracy. In order to sort out the research status of the key technologies of autonomous navigation for small unmanned vehicles more clearly, this paper firstly reviews the key technologies of autonomous navigation and presents an analysis and summary. Finally, future research trends of small unmanned vehicles with low speed are given.