bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Three-Year Analysis of Toxic Benzene Levels and Associated Impact in Ploieşti City, Romania
Authors: Sanda Mia , Dunea Daniel , Iordache Stefania , Pohoata Alin , Glod-Lendvai Ana-Maria , Onutu Ion
Published: September 2023

This study examines the levels of benzene and the potential health impact during three years of continuous monitoring (2019–2021), including the COVID-lockdown period from 2020 in a city that is an important Romanian center for petroleum refining and associated product manufacturing. The dataset contains benzene, toluene, NOx, PM10 concentrations, and meteorological factors monitored by six automatic stations from the national network of which four are in the city and two outside. Special attention was given to the benzene dynamics to establish patterns related to the health impact and leukemia. An assessment of the exposure was performed using EPA’s ExpoFIRST v. 2.0 for computing the inhalation Average Daily Dose (ADD) and Lifetime Average Daily Dose (LADD). The health impact was estimated based on several indicators such as lifetime cancer risk (LCR), Hazard Quotient (HQ), Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY), and Environmental burden of disease (EBD). Overall, the annual average of all stations was almost similar between years i.e., 3.46 in 2019, 3.41 in 2020, and 3.63 µg/m3 in 2021, respectively. The average of all stations during the lockdown period was 2.67 µg/m3, which was lower than the multiannual average of the 2019–2021 period, i.e., 3.5 µg/m3. Significant correlations were present between benzene and other pollutants such as NOx (r = 0.57), PM10 fraction (r = 0.70), and toluene (r = 0.69), and benzene and temperature (r = −0.46), humidity (r = 0.28), and wind speed (r = −0.34). Regarding the ADD, in all scenarios, the most affected age categories are small children, despite a lower outdoor exposure time. From birth to <70 years, the ADD varied depending on the exposure scenario resulting in 3.27 × 10−4, 5.6 × 10−4, and 4.04 × 104 mg/kg-day, and 3.95 × 10−4, 10.6 × 10−4, and 6.76 × 10−4 mg/kg-day for the LADD, respectively. The Integrated Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILTCR) values were 14.1 × 10−5 in winter, 9.04 × 10−5 in spring, 8.74 × 10−5 in summer, and 10.6 × 10−4 in autumn. The ILTCR annual averages were 1.08 × 10−4 (2019), 1.07 × 10−4 (2020), 1.04 × 10−4 (2021), and 1.06 × 10−4 for the entire period. The resulting ILTCR values point out very risky conditions, with the annual averages reaching the definite cancer risk category. The corresponding burden based on the DALY’s loss due to leukemia in Ploieşti was estimated at 0.291 (2 μg/m3 benzene), 0.509 (3.5 μg/m3 benzene), 0.582 (4 μg/m3 benzene), and 0.873 DALYs per 100,000 inhabitants (6 μg/m3 benzene), respectively. The current study provides useful insights for a better understanding of the exposure levels to benzene and associated health impact in Ploieşti despite the limitations determined by the data hiatus and incomplete or missing information regarding the health impact.
Increased DNMT1 Involvement in the Activation of LO2 Cell Death Induced by Silver Nanoparticles via Promoting TFEB-Dependent Autophagy
Authors: Chen Jialong , Zheng Dongyan , Cai Ziwei , Zhong Bohuan , Zhang Haiqiao , Pan Zhijie , Ling Xiaoxuan , Han Yali , Meng Jinxue , Li Huifang , Chen Xiaobing , Zhang He , Liu Linhua
Published: September 2023

The accumulation of exogenous silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) will terminally bring about liver injury, including cell death, where DNA methylation tends to be a crucial epigenetic modulator. The change in the cell autophagy level verified to be closely associated with hepatocyte death has been followed with wide interest. But the molecular toxicological mechanisms of AgNPs in relation to DNA methylation, autophagy, and cell death remain inconclusive. To address the issue above, in LO2 cells treated with increasing concentrations of AgNPs (0, 5, 10, and 20 μg/mL), a cell cytotoxicity assay was performed to analyze the level of cell death, which also helped to choose an optimal concentration for next experiments. An immunofluorescence assay was used to determine the autophagic flux as well as TFEB translocation, with qRT-PCR and western blot being used to analyze the expression level of autophagy-related genes and proteins. According to our findings, in the determination of cell viability, 20 μg/mL (AgNPs) was adopted as the best working concentration. LO2 cell death, autophagy, and TFEB nuclear translocation were induced by AgNPs, which could be inhibited by lysosome inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) or siRNA specific for TFEB. Moreover, AgNP exposure led to DNA hypermethylation, with DNMT1 taking part mainly, which could be obviously prevented by 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-AzaC) or trichostatin A (TSA) treatment or DNMT1 knockout in LO2 cells. Our studies suggest that through TFEB-dependent cell autophagy, increased DNMT1 may facilitate cell death induced by AgNPs.
Bacteroides fragilis Enterotoxin Induces Autophagy through an AMPK and FoxO3-Pathway, Leading to the Inhibition of Apoptosis in Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Ko Su Hyuk , Choi Jun Ho , Kim Jung Mogg
Published: September 2023

Macroautophagy/autophagy is essential for preserving cellular homeostasis by recycling nutrients and removing spoiled or aged proteins and organelles. It also has an essential role in defense mechanisms against microbial infections. However, the role of autophagy in enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis infection remains largely unknown. In this study, we explored the role of B. fragilis enterotoxin (BFT) in the autophagic process of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). The LC3-I of human HCT-116 IECs was converted to LC3-II by BFT stimulation. In addition, BFT-exposed cells showed the decreased expression of p62 in a time-dependent manner and increased levels of ATG5 and ATG12 gradually. Evidence of an enhanced autophagic process was supported by autophagosomes co-localized with LC3-lysosome-associated protein 2 in BFT-stimulated cells. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Forkhead box O3 (FoxO3a) axis were required for BFT-induced autophagy activation. In contrast with the activation of autophagy at 3–6 h after BFT exposure, IECs induced apoptosis-related signals at 12–48 h. HCT-116 IECs suppressing the formation of autophagosomes significantly activated apoptosis signals instead of autophagy early after BFT exposure. These data suggest that BFT can activate autophagy through the AMPK-FoxO3a pathway and the autophagy may suppress apoptosis during early exposure of IECs to BFT.
Evolved Pulsar Wind Nebulae
Authors: Olmi Barbara
Published: September 2023

Based on the expected population of core collapse supernova remnants and the huge number of detected pulsars in the Galaxy, still representing only a fraction of the real population, pulsar wind nebulae are likely to constitute one of the largest classes of extended Galactic sources in many energy bands. For simple evolutionary reasons, the majority of the population is made of evolved systems, whose detection and identification are complicated by their reduced luminosity, the possible lack of X-ray emission (that fades progressively away with the age of the pulsar), and by their modified morphology with respect to young systems. Nevertheless they have gained renewed attention in recent years, following the detection of misaligned X-ray tails protruding from an increasing number of nebulae created by fast moving pulsars, and of extended TeV halos surrounding aged systems. Both these features are clear signs of an efficient escape of particles, with energy close to the maximum acceleration limit of the pulsar. Here we discuss the properties of those evolved systems and what we have understood about the process of particle escape, and the formation of observed features.
Influence of the Surface Temperature Evolution over Organic and Inorganic Compounds on Iapetus
Authors: Villavicencio-Valero Katherine , Ramírez-Juidias Emilio , Madueño-Luna Antonio , Madueño-Luna José Miguel , López-Gordillo Miguel Calixto
Published: September 2023

In this manuscript, there were performed simulations of the evolution of the surface temperature for each of the two hemispheres of Iapetus. This icy moon of Saturn shows the most differentiated albedo dichotomy of the Solar System. The dark leading side has a lower albedo than the bright trailing side. Spectral data on the visible light reveal the existence of two types of materials on the surface. The darkening in the leading side is thought to be due to the presence of organic material and carbonaceous compounds on the surface, while the trailing side is covered by water ice due to migration processes from the dark side. On airless bodies like Iapetus, the surface escape speed is greater than the speed of water molecules, resulting in the retention of a H2O atmosphere that allows some species to diffuse through it. Results showed a slow yet steady increment of temperatures for both sides, with a steeper slope for the dark hemisphere. It was also simulated how much energy can be accumulated on both sides and the consequences of that. Finally, we calculated the diffusion coefficients for ammonia, methane, and water ice. The results allowed us to infer how these compounds could evolve over time.
Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activity of Influenza A Defective Interfering Particles against Respiratory Syncytial, Yellow Fever, and Zika Virus Replication In Vitro
Authors: Pelz Lars , Piagnani Elena , Marsall Patrick , Wynserski Nancy , Hein Marc Dominique , Marichal-Gallardo Pavel , Kupke Sascha Young , Reichl Udo
Published: September 2023

New broadly acting and readily available antiviral agents are needed to combat existing and emerging viruses. Defective interfering particles (DIPs) of influenza A virus (IAV) are regarded as promising options for the prevention and treatment of IAV infections. Interestingly, IAV DIPs also inhibit unrelated viral infections by stimulating antiviral innate immunity. Here, we tested the ability of IAV DIPs to suppress respiratory syncytial, yellow fever and Zika virus infections in vitro. In human lung (A549) cells, IAV DIP co-infection inhibited the replication and spread of all three viruses. In contrast, we observed no antiviral activity in Vero cells, which are deficient in the production of interferon (IFN), demonstrating its importance for the antiviral effect. Further, in A549 cells, we observed an enhanced type-I and type-III IFN response upon co-infection that appears to explain the antiviral potential of IAV DIPs. Finally, a lack of antiviral activity in the presence of the Janus kinase 1/2 (JAK1/2) inhibitor ruxolitinib was detected. This revealed a dependency of the antiviral activity on the JAK/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway. Overall, this study supports the notion that IAV DIPs may be used as broad-spectrum antivirals to treat infections with a variety of IFN-sensitive viruses, particularly respiratory viruses.
HDAC-Specific Inhibitors Induce the Release of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus via the COPII-Coated Vesicles
Authors: Yang Ying , Chen Huan , Zhang Caisheng , Shin Hyun-Jin , Qian Yingjuan , Jung Yong-Sam
Published: September 2023

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is an alpha-coronavirus causing acute diarrhea and high mortality in neonatal suckling piglets, resulting in huge economic losses for the global swine industry. The replication, assembly and cell egression of PEDV, an enveloped RNA virus, are mediated via altered intracellular trafficking. The underlying mechanisms of PEDV secretion are poorly understood. In this study, we found that the histone deacetylase (HDAC)-specific inhibitors, trichostatin A (TSA) and sodium butyrate (NaB), facilitate the secretion of infectious PEDV particles without interfering with its assembly. We found that PEDV N protein and its replicative intermediate dsRNA colocalize with coat protein complex II (COPII)-coated vesicles. We also showed that the colocalization of PEDV and COPII is enhanced by the HDAC-specific inhibitors. In addition, ultrastructural analysis revealed that the HDAC-specific inhibitors promote COPII-coated vesicles carrying PEDV virions and the secretion of COPII-coated vesicles. Consistently, HDAC-specific inhibitors-induced PEDV particle secretion was abolished by Sec24B knockdown, implying that the HDAC-specific inhibitors-mediated COPII-coated vesicles are required for PEDV secretion. Taken together, our findings provide initial evidence suggesting that PEDV virions can assemble in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and bud off from the ER in the COPII-coated vesicles. HDAC-specific inhibitors promote PEDV release by hijacking the COPII-coated vesicles.
Advances in Human Pathogen Control—A 21st Century Challenge
Authors: Leitão Jorge H. , Feliciano Joana R. , Amdare Nitin
Published: September 2023

The emergence of new pathogens, coupled with the reemergence of old pathogens and the steep worldwide increase in multiple resistances to available antimicrobials, poses major challenges to human health at the global scale [...]
Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness against Hospitalization, Season 2021/22: A Test-Negative Design Study in Barcelona
Authors: Fornaguera Mar , Parés-Badell Oleguer , Carbonés-Fargas Íngrid , Andrés Cristina , Rodrigo-Pendás José Ángel , Borras-Bermejo Blanca , Armadans-Gil Lluís , Tejada Gabriela , Guananga David , Vivet-Escalé Martí , Peñalver-Piñol Arnau , Torrecilla-Martínez Irene , del Oso Arnau , Martínez-Gómez Xavier , Antón Andres , Otero-Romero Susana
Published: September 2023

Background: Vaccination is considered the most effective measure for preventing influenza and its complications. The influenza vaccine effectiveness (IVE) varies annually due to the evolution of influenza viruses and the update of vaccine composition. Assessing the IVE is crucial to facilitate decision making in public health policies. Aim: to estimate the IVE against hospitalization and its determinants in the 2021/22 season in a Spanish tertiary hospital. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational test-negative design study within the Development of Robust and Innovative Vaccine Effectiveness (DRIVE) project. Hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) and an available influenza reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were selected and classified as cases (positive influenza RT-PCR) or controls (negative influenza RT-PCR). Vaccine information was obtained from electronic clinical records shared by public healthcare providers. Information about potential confounders was obtained from hospital clinical registries. The IVE was calculated by subtracting the ratio of the odds of vaccination in cases and controls from one, as a percentage (IVE = (1 − odds ratio (OR)) × 100). Multivariate IVE estimates were calculated using logistic regression. Results: In total, 260 severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) were identified, of which 34 were positive for influenza, and all were subtype A(H3N2). Fifty-three percent were vaccinated. Adjusted IVE against hospitalization was 26.4% (95% CI −69% to 112%). IVE determinants could not be explored due to sample size limitations. Conclusion: Our data revealed non-significant moderate vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization for the 2021/2022 season.
A Candidate DNA Vaccine Encoding the Native SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Induces Anti-Subdomain 1 Antibodies
Authors: Frische Anders , Gunalan Vithiagaran , Krogfelt Karen Angeliki , Fomsgaard Anders , Lassaunière Ria
Published: September 2023

The ideal vaccine against viral infections should elicit antibody responses that protect against divergent strains. Designing broadly protective vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and other divergent viruses requires insight into the specific targets of cross-protective antibodies on the viral surface protein(s). However, unlike therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, the B-cell epitopes of vaccine-induced polyclonal antibody responses remain poorly defined. Here we show that, through the combination of neutralizing antibody functional responses with B-cell epitope mapping, it is possible to identify unique antibody targets associated with neutralization breadth. The polyclonal antibody profiles of SARS-CoV-2 index-strain-vaccinated rabbits that demonstrated a low, intermediate, or high neutralization efficiency of different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) were distinctly different. Animals with an intermediate and high cross-neutralization of VOCs targeted fewer antigenic sites on the spike protein and targeted one particular epitope, subdomain 1 (SD1), situated outside the receptor binding domain (RBD). Our results indicate that a targeted functional antibody response and an additional focus on non-RBD epitopes could be effective for broad protection against different SARS-CoV-2 variants. We anticipate that the approach taken in this study can be applied to other viral vaccines for identifying future epitopes that confer cross-neutralizing antibody responses, and that our findings will inform a rational vaccine design for SARS-CoV-2.
A Fuzzy-Based Approach for the Assessment of the Edge Layer Processing Capability in SDN-VANETs: A Comparation Study of Testbed and Simulation System Results
Authors: Qafzezi Ermioni , Bylykbashi Kevin , Higashi Shunya , Ampririt Phudit , Matsuo Keita , Barolli Leonard
Published: September 2023

Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) have gained significant attention due to their potential to enhance road safety, traffic efficiency, and passenger comfort through vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication. However, VANETs face resource management challenges due to the dynamic and resource constrained nature of vehicular environments. Integrating cloud-fog-edge computing and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) with VANETs can harness the computational capabilities and resources available at different tiers to efficiently process and manage vehicular data. In this work, we used this paradigm and proposed an intelligent approach based on Fuzzy Logic (FL) to evaluate the processing and storage capability of vehicles for helping other vehicles in need of additional resources. The effectiveness of the proposed system is evaluated through extensive simulations and a testbed. Performance analysis between the simulation results and the testbed offers a comprehensive understanding of the proposed system and its performance and feasibility.
A Preliminary Study on the Relationship between Gastric Lesions and Anti-Inflammatory Drug Usage in Heavy Pigs
Authors: Ghidini Sergio , Scali Federico , Romeo Claudia , Guadagno Federica , Maisano Antonio Marco , De Luca Silvio , Varrà Maria Olga , Conter Mauro , Ianieri Adriana , Zanardi Emanuela , Alborali Giovanni Loris
Published: September 2023

Gastric lesions in pigs cause welfare and economic losses. Their prevalence in heavy pigs reared for premium products (e.g., Parma ham) requires further investigation. Stress, nutrition, and farm management are known risk factors, but the effects of steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of gastric lesions in Italian heavy pigs and their possible association with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. A total of 9371 pig stomachs from 76 farms were evaluated. Among these, 20.3% showed no lesions, while 30.7%, 42.1%, and 6.8% were scored 1, 2 and 3, respectively. A tendency for an inverse relationship with farm size emerged. The use of steroids and NSAIDs was estimated by calculating a treatment incidence per 1000 (TI1000) in a subset of 36 farms. At least one prescription for NSAIDs and/or steroids was found in 80.6% of the farms (55.6% used NSAIDs and 63.9% used steroids). Median TI1000 was 0.07 (range: 0–30.1) and 0.18 (range: 0–6.2) for NSAIDs and steroids, respectively. Gastric scores were positively associated with NSAID use, but not with steroid use. Although the role of these drugs in gastric lesions needs to be further clarified, these findings suggest a cautious use of non-selective NSAIDs.
Postpartum Body Condition Score (BCS) and Lactation Stage (30 and 60 Days) Affecting Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) and Milk Quality of Najdi Sheep
Authors: Matar Abdulkareem M. , Aljummah Riyadh S.
Published: September 2023

Body condition scoring (BCS) can be used to assess the energy reserves of sheep during feeding, production, and weaning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of BCS after parturition in stages of lactation (30 and 60 days) on the milk quality of Najdi ewes. The ewes were milked in the morning after their lambs had been isolated. Milk composition and fatty acid profiles (FA) were analyzed at 30 and 60 days of lactation after assessment of the sheep’s body condition. The sheep were classified into the following body conditions: 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0. Sheep milk contained significant (p < 0.05) levels of protein at a BCS of 3.5 and on day 60 of lactation. The ewes with a BCS of 2.5 had a high milk content (p < 0.05) of unsaturated fatty acids (USFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), oleic acid (OA), vaccenic acid (VA), and LA at day 60 of lactation. This result shows that the ewes with a BCS of 2.5 were able to produce high-quality milk, and 60 days of lactation was the preferred time for producing good milk and tasty and healthy dairy products.
Comparison of the Effect of Corn-fermented Protein and Traditional Ingredients on the Fecal Microbiota of Dogs
Authors: Kilburn-Kappeler Logan R. , Doerksen Tyler , Lu Andrea , Palinski Rachel M. , Lu Nanyan , Aldrich Charles G.
Published: September 2023

Corn-fermented protein (CFP), a co-product from the ethanol industry, is produced using post-fermentation technology to split the protein and yeast from fiber prior to drying. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of CFP compared to traditional ingredients on the fecal microbiota of dogs. The four experimental diets included a control with no yeast and diets containing either 3.5% brewer’s dried yeast, 2.5% brewer’s dried yeast plus 17.5% distiller’s dried grains with solubles, or 17.5% CFP. The experimental diets were fed to adult dogs (n = 12) in a 4 × 4 replicated Latin square design. Fresh fecal samples (n = 48) were analyzed by 16S metagenomic sequencing. Raw sequences were processed through mothur. Community diversity was evaluated in R. Relative abundance data were analyzed within the 50 most abundant operational taxonomic units using a mixed model of SAS. Alpha and beta diversity were similar for all treatments. Predominant phyla among all samples were Firmicutes (73%), Bacteroidetes (15%), Fusobacteria (8%), and Actinobacteria (4%). There were no quantifiable (p > 0.05) shifts in the predominant phyla among the treatments. However, nine genera resulted in differences in relative abundance among the treatments. These data indicate that compared to traditional ingredients, CFP did not alter the overall diversity of the fecal microbiota of healthy adult dogs over 14 days.
The Single Intra-Articular Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma vs. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs as Treatment Options for Canine Cruciate Ligament Rupture and Patellar Luxation
Authors: Raulinaitė Kristina , Želvytė Rasa , Škėmienė Kristina , Burbaitė Evelina , Karvelienė Birutė , Monkevičienė Ingrida
Published: September 2023

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) and patellar luxation (PL) are common pathologies affecting canines. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used as a non-surgical treatment plan in these cases. Clinical usage of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an emerging area of interest in veterinary medicine. There is a lack of studies comparing those two different treatment methods in veterinary medicine. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the use of oral NSAIDs and single intra-articular injection of PRP on treatment outcomes in cases of canine CCLR and PL. Dogs diagnosed with CCRL (n = 12) and PL (n = 10) were subgrouped by the severity of pathologies and administered treatment: half of the CCRL and PL groups were orally administered NSAIDs and supplements for 14 days, and the other half received a single intra-articular PRP injection into affected stifle joint. We measured serum TNF-α levels and clinical outcomes (lameness scores, painfulness to manipulations, goniometry of stifle joint in flexion and extension, and muscle strength) before treatment, at day 14 and day 28 of treatment. The results of TNF-α concentration indicates a significant difference between groups of differently treated partial CCLR groups on d14 (p = 0.006). Results of group CCLR-P1 on d14 were decreased, while results of group CCLR-P2 on d14 were increased. When comparing TNF-α concentration between all CCLR cases treated with NSAIDs and treated with PRP, there was a significant difference between those groups on d14 (p = 0.001). The results of TNF-α concentration indicates a significant difference between groups of differently treated PL-III on d28 (p = 0.036). Results of group PL-III1 indicate growth of TNF-α concentration, while at the same d28, results of group PL-III2 indicate decreased levels of cytokine, comparing results between the subgroups at the same time point and within subgroups from baseline. Results indicate a significant difference in muscle strength between group CCLR-P1 and group CCLR-P2 on d28 (p = 0.007), indicating an increment in muscle strength in group CCLR-P1 up to d14 and its reduction up to d28, and muscle strength of group CCLR-P2 increasing up to d28. When comparing the muscle strength between all CCLR cases treated with NSAIDs and treated with PRP, there was a significant difference between those groups on d28 (p = 0.007). In conclusion, a single intra-articular injection of PRP has a superior effect on management of inflammatory processes, has better clinical outcomes, and longer duration of action than oral NSAIDs, in the treatment of canine CCRL or PL.
A Probabilistic Analysis of Drought Areal Extent Using SPEI-Based Severity-Area-Frequency Curves and Reanalysis Data
Authors: Palazzolo Nunziarita , Peres David J. , Bonaccorso Brunella , Cancelliere Antonino
Published: September 2023

Assessing and monitoring the spatial extent of drought is of key importance to forecasting the future evolution of drought conditions and taking timely preventive and mitigation measures. A commonly used approach in regional drought analysis involves spatially interpolating meteorological variables (e.g., rainfall depth during specific time intervals, deviation from long-term average rainfall) or drought indices (e.g., Standardized Precipitation Index, Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index) computed at specific locations. While plotting a drought descriptor against the corresponding percentage of affected areas helps visualize the historical extent of a drought, this approach falls short of providing a probabilistic characterization of the severity of spatial drought conditions. That can be overcome by identifying drought Severity-Area-Frequency (SAF) curves over a region, which establishes a link between drought features with a chosen probability of recurrence (or return period) and the corresponding proportion of the area experiencing those drought conditions. While inferential analyses can be used to estimate these curves, analytical approaches offer a better understanding of the main statistical features that drive the spatial evolution of droughts. In this research, a technique is introduced to mathematically describe the Severity-Area-Frequency (SAF) curves, aiming to probabilistically understand the correlation between drought severity, measured through the SPEI index, and the proportion of the affected region. This approach enables the determination of the area’s extent where SPEI values fall below a specific threshold, thus calculating the likelihood of observing SAF curves that exceed the observed one. The methodology is tested using data from the ERA5-Land reanalysis project, specifically studying the drought occurrences on Sicily Island, Italy, from 1950 to the present. Overall, findings highlight the improvements of incorporating the spatial interdependence of the assessed drought severity variable, offering a significant enhancement compared to the traditional approach for SAF curve derivation. Moreover, they validate the suitability of reanalysis data for regional drought analysis.
Interpreting Seasonal Patterns and Long-Term Changes of Zooplankton in a Deep Subalpine Lake Using Stable Isotope Analysis
Authors: Caroni Rossana , Piscia Roberta , Free Gary , Manca Marina
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the patterns and mechanisms driving seasonal and interannual variations of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in the zooplankton crustacean community of Lake Maggiore (Italy), during the period 2009–2020. Different zooplankton taxa and groups showed different ranges of δ13C signatures, giving an insight into food sources and niche partition. In particular, cyclopoids had a restricted range with more negative δ13C‰ values and an increase in δ13C fractionation with the establishment of water thermal vertical stratification, highlighting the importance of vertical distribution as a key factor for taxa coexistence in a vertically heterogenous environment. The δ13C values of the zooplankton community and of Daphnia were positively related to water temperature (R2 = 0.58 p < 0.0001 and R2 = 0.68 p < 0.0001, respectively), and the δ13C Daphnia signature was positively related to chlorophyll a (R2 = 0.32, p < 0.0001). Decomposition of the time-series data for zooplankton carbon and nitrogen signatures and environmental parameters identified increasing trends in water temperature, chlorophyll a and water conductivity and a decrease in nitrate that matched changes in carbon isotopic signature trends in some zooplankton taxa (Bosmina, Daphnia and Diaptomids). Overall, the observed patterns in zooplankton isotopic signatures were interpreted as integrations of the effects of climate warming in Lake Maggiore, affecting both the availability of food sources and environmental conditions.
Groundwater Function Zoning for Groundwater Management Based on RSF, EEF, and GEF in the Plain of the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration, China
Authors: Hu Xiaojing , Ma Chuanming , Guo Xu , Li Yonggang , Xiong Hanxiang , Qiu Yang , Cui Hao
Published: September 2023

Groundwater function zoning is an important means to ensure that groundwater plays its various functions, which can provide a scientific basis for the protection and development of groundwater resources. Water resources are scarce in the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration (CPUA), so it is of great significance to evaluate groundwater vulnerability and to zone groundwater function in this area. In this study, the resource supply function (RSF), eco-environment function (EEF), and geo-environment function (GEF) of groundwater were analyzed using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), maximum method, and dominant mark method, so as to divide the shallow groundwater function in the plain of the CPUA. The results show that the reservation areas (32.0%) are distributed in the areas from Luoning County to Yanjin County, Changyuan County to Xinzheng County, and the areas near mountainous in the south of the CPUA. The geological-disaster-prone areas (29.5%) are distributed in the areas from Ruyang County to Luohe City, Weihui County to Jiyuan City, Xingyang County to Changge County, Changyuan County to Yuanyang County, and Kaifeng City. The development and utilization areas (6.4%) are distributed near mountainous areas in the CPUA. The ecologically vulnerable areas (7.5%) are distributed in the east of Kaifeng City and the northeast of Xinxiang City. The conservation areas (24.6%) are distributed in the areas from Ruyang County to Wuyang County, Xinzheng County to Xingyang County, the north of Xuchang City, the east of Luohe City, Kaifeng City, and Xinxiang City. In order to better manage the groundwater, this study evaluates the vulnerability of the groundwater using the DRASTIC model and makes a single indicator sensitivity analysis. The results show that the accuracies of indicators D, A, and I are particularly important for this vulnerability evaluation. According to the groundwater vulnerability and the land use types, some suggestions were put forward. The research results can provide a reference for groundwater management and development in the CPUA and other areas.
Climate Change Impact on Inflow and Nutrient Loads to a Warm Monomictic Lake
Authors: Parmas Behnam , Noori Roohollah , Hosseini Seyed Abbas , Shourian Mojtaba
Published: September 2023

This study analyses the impact of climate change on the inflows, sediment loads, and nutrient inputs to the Sabalan dam reservoir, a warm monomictic lake located northwest of Iran. For this purpose, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was calibrated (2005–2018) and validated (2001–2004). Future climate-based data under the AR5 emission scenarios were obtained from the HadGEM2–ES general circulation model and then downscaled using the LARSWG 6.0. The tuned SWAT model was used to investigate the climate change impact on the hydrological processes and pollution loads to the Sabalan dam reservoir. Our findings based on the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient and the coefficient of determination indicated an acceptable performance of the SWAT model in the simulation of inflows, sediment loads, and nutrient inputs to the reservoir. Inflow and sediment load to the reservoir will increase during the period of 2030–2070 compared to the base period (1998–2018). The annual total nitrogen (phosphorus) load to the reservoir will increase by 8.5% (9.4%), 7.3% (8.2%), and 5% (3.4%) under the emission scenarios of RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5, respectively. An increase in sediment loads and nutrient inputs to the Sabalan dam reservoir will significantly exacerbate the reservoir eutrophic condition, leading to water quality deterioration with acute consequences for the positive functions of the dam.
High-Accuracy, High-Efficiency, and Comfortable Car-Following Strategy Based on TD3 for Wide-to-Narrow Road Sections
Authors: Qin Pinpin , Wu Fumao , Bin Shenglin , Li Xing , Ya Fuming
Published: September 2023

To address traffic congestion in urban expressways during the transition from wide to narrow sections, this study proposed a car-following strategy based on deep reinforcement learning. Firstly, a car-following strategy was developed based on a twin-delayed deep deterministic policy gradient (TD3) algorithm, and a multi-objective constrained reward function was designed by comprehensively considering safety, traffic efficiency, and ride comfort. Secondly, 214 car-following periods and 13 platoon-following periods were selected from the natural driving database for the strategies training and testing. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed strategy was verified through simulation experiments of car-following and platoon-following. The results showed that compared to human-driven vehicles (HDV), the TD3 and deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG)-based strategies enhanced traffic efficiency by over 29% and ride comfort by more than 60%. Furthermore, compared to DDPG, the relative errors between the following distance and desired safety distance using TD3 could be reduced by 1.28% and 1.37% in simulation experiments of car-following and platoon-following, respectively. This study provides a new approach to alleviate traffic congestion for wide-to-narrow road sections in urban expressways.
The optimum way of treatment of hatching eggs of quails with Riboflavin solution
Authors:   Siberian Scientific and Research Institute of Poultry – a branch of the Federal State Budget Scientifi c Institution “Omsk Agrarian Scientifi c Center”, Russia, Omsk region, Omsk district, Morozovka, Pontankova E. P. , Kolokolnikova T. N. ,   Siberian Scientific and Research Institute of Poultry – a branch of the Federal State Budget Scientifi c Institution “Omsk Agrarian Scientifi c Center”, Russia, Omsk region, Omsk district, Morozovka
Published: September 2023

The treatment of hatching eggs with biologically active substances has a positive influence on the results of incubation and the quality of the daily chicks. It was found that the treatment of quail eggs with a solution of vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) in different concentrations, both aerosol and immersion improves hatchability, affects the increase in the internal organs of embryos, as well as the live weight of daily quail. Optimal for increasing the viability of quail embryos is 0,03 % concentration of Riboflavin solution. The purpose of these studies was to determine whether the method of treatment with Riboflavin solution of the same concentration affects different indicators of quails in the embryonic and postembryonic period. The research was carried out on the eggs of quails of Pharaoh breed obtained from quails of one parent herd the Siberian Poultry Scientific and Research Institute – a branch of the Federal State Budgetary Scientifi c Institution “Omsk Agrarian Scientific Center”. It was formed 3 groups:a control group and 2 experimental ones with 100 eggs in each. The eggs of the control group were not treated. The eggs of the experimental groups were treated with 0,03 % Ribofl avin solution having a temperature of 10–16 °C from 13,5 days immediately after removal from the brooder. The eggs of the 1st experimental group were immersed in Ribofl avin solution for 3 minutes, the eggs of the 2nd experimental group were treated with an aerosol method until the eggs were completely wetted. The conducted studies have shown that the treatment of quail eggs by immersion for 3 minutes in comparison with aerosol treatment had the most positive eff ect and contributed to an increase in the hatchability of eggs and the hatch of young chicks by 4,39 and 3,39 %, the live weight of quails at 42 days of age on average for males and females by 1,92 %.
Salmista sertanejo
Authors: Caldas Filho Carlos Ribeiro
Published: September 2023

O artigo apresenta aspectos da obra poética de Elomar Figueira Mello (1937), escritor, violonista, compositor e cantor brasileiro, na qual o elemento religioso de matriz cristã tem grande relevância. No artigo é feito destaque da linguagem de Elomar, que não encontra paralelo na história da música brasileira. O objetivo propriamente do artigo é apresentar Elomar como um salmista sertanejo, tomando como estudo de caso a canção Joana Flor das Alagoas como um salmo do sertão baiano.
UNA REVISIÓN BIBLIOGRÁFICA DE LOS COMPUESTOS NO VOLÁTILES, Y SUS PROPIEDADES FUNCIONALES, DE OCINUM BASILICUM L., ALBAHACA
Authors:   Laboratorio de Tecnología de Alimentos, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas Unidad Multidisciplinaria Reynosa - Aztlán, calle 16 y lago de Chapala col. Aztlán CP. 88740, Reynosa, México., Cárdenas Montemayor Alexandra , Lizarazo Ortega Cristian ,   Laboratorio de Biotecnología Experimental, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica del Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Boulevard del Maestro s/n esq. Elías Piña, Col. Narciso Mendoza, Cd. Reynosa Tamaulipas México, C.P. 88710., Rodríguez Castillejos Guadalupe ,   Laboratorio de Tecnología de Alimentos, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas Unidad Multidisciplinaria Reynosa - Aztlán, calle 16 y lago de Chapala col. Aztlán CP. 88740, Reynosa, México., Castillo Ruiz Octelina ,   Laboratorio de Tecnología de Alimentos, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas Unidad Multidisciplinaria Reynosa - Aztlán, calle 16 y lago de Chapala col. Aztlán CP. 88740, Reynosa, México., Quiroz Velásquez Jesús Di Carlo ,   Laboratorio de Biotecnología Experimental, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica del Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Boulevard del Maestro s/n esq. Elías Piña, Col. Narciso Mendoza, Cd. Reynosa Tamaulipas México, C.P. 88710.
Published: September 2023

Las plantas aromáticas son bien reputadas como especias y condimentos además de sus propiedades terapéuticas, siendo importantes medicinas reportadas desde tiempos remotos en la farmacopea tradicional de orígenes diversos. El uso de las plantas aromáticas en la medicina tradicional ha avanzado, gracias a la aplicación de diferentes funciones y actividades de éstas como remedios para combatir una amplia variedad de enfermedades. Las plantas aromáticas ofrecen agradables aromas, alivio de dolores y cura de enfermedades, constituyendo así una fuente terapéutica en el ámbito medicinal y herbolario, industrias de farmacia y fitoterapia. El objetivo de la presente revisión es dar a conocer las propiedades funcionales de la albahaca, sus usos y aplicaciones y beneficios para la salud humana y la industria.
Akut Akciğer Hasarı Modelinde Hispidulinin Hepatoprotektif Rolünün Karaciğer Biyomoleküler Kompozisyonu Değişimleri Açısından Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: ŞİMŞEK ÖZEK Nihal
Published: September 2023

Akut solunum sıkıntısı sendromu (ARDS), ciddi hipoksemi, pulmoner ödem, pulmoner hücresel infiltrasyon ve yaygın alveoler hasar ile karakterize edilen ani solunum yetmezliğinin bir çeşit semptom kompleksidir. ARDS olan kritik hastalar, karaciğer fonksiyonunun bozulması açısından yüksek risk altındadır çünkü karaciğer, mediatörleri düzenleyen ve enflamatuar bozukluklar sırasında organ etkileşimlerini modüle eden önemli bir organdır. Bu nedenle ARDSli hastalarda karaciğeri koruyacak hepatoprotektif özellikte yeni ajanların belirlenmesine ihtiyaç vardır. Bu çalışmada, oleik asit kaynaklı akut akciğer hasarı sıçan modelinde Hispidulin'in potansiyel hepaprotektif aktivitesi, Fourier Dönüşümlü Kızılötesi Spektroskopisi ve denetimsiz örüntü tanıma yöntemleri kullanılarak biyokimyasal kompozisyon değişiklikleri açısından belirlenmiştir. Çalışmada erkek Sprague Dawley cinsi sıçanlardan I. Kontrol, II. ARDS, III. ARDS + Hispidulin olmak üzere 3 grup oluşturulmuştur. Kontrol grubu hariç diğer iki gruba 50μL Oleik asit intravenöz olarak verilmiştir. Grup III'teki hayvanlara Oleik asit enjeksiyonlarından bir saat önce 80 mg/kg intraperitoneal Hispidulin uygulanmıştır. Gruplar arasındaki bağıntıları ve biyomoleküler değişimleri belirlemek için elde edilen spektrumlara temel bileşen analizi (TBA) ve hiyerarşik kümele analizi (HCA) uygulandı. PCA skor ve HCA dendrogram grafiklerine göre, ARDS grubu %100 doğruluk, özgüllük ve duyarlılık değeri ile diğer iki gruptan ayrı bir yerde konumlanmıştır. PCA analizinde elde edilen yükleme grafikleri özellikle ARDS kaynaklı karaciğer protein, lipit, kollajen ve nükleit asit içeriğinde değişimlerin olduğunu, hispidulin önuygulamasının bu değişimlerin oluşmasını engellediğini, akut akciğer hasarında hepatoprotektif potansiyeli olduğunu göstermektedir.
EMERGENCE OF URBAN ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN RURAL AREAS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF TORI-BOSSITO
Authors: Codjo GNIMADI Clément , SOKEGBE SEWADE Grégoire
Published: September 2023

The municipality of Tori-Bossito having affected socio-economic activities in rural areas over the past ten years. From an economic point of view, rurality is structured by so-called agricultural activities. Agriculture in the broad sense has shown a good capacity for adaptation and resistance to the opening up of new economic activities and an ever-growing population. The objective of the study was to analyze the motives for the creation of economic enterprises in rural areas and the typology of activities leading to revitalization and economic development in the study area. The methodological approach used is based on the collection of data, their processing and the analysis of the results. Documentary research and field surveys are the methods used to collect data from the 240 households. The questionnaire, interview guides and a digital camera are the tools and materials used to do this. The analysis of the results reveals that the population of the municipality of Tori-Bossito increased from 37,167 inhabitants in 1992 to 44,569 inhabitants in 2002 and 57,632 inhabitants in 2013. The demographic and spatial dynamics of the municipality is due to the movements migration and political-administrative and social-economic factors. The branch of activity "agriculture, livestock, fishing and hunting" dominates at 51.9%. The criterion of belonging to the land motivated 40% of the creators of economic activities in the Commune of Tori-Bossito. Preferences for the nature of urban activities relate to 54.3% for catering, 55.9% for the education sector, against 33.7% for the promotion of private health centers, 52.9% for super markets. These activities mobilized 5.25% of the active population.
EFFECTS OF FARMERS-PASTORALISTS CONFLICTS ON MAIZE PRODUCTION IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Titilayo Dorcas Akeredolu , Simon Ameh Ejembi
Published: September 2023

The study assessed the effects of farmer-pastoralist conflicts on maize production in Taraba State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted; primary data were collected from 204 sample-size maize farmers using a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using both descriptive (percentages, frequency, and mean) and inferential statistics (Student Ttest and Factor analysis). Results revealed that the majority (83.8%) of the respondents accepted that pastoralists destroyed their farms, but most (96.6%) did not accept that they caused no troubles, did not consult with maize farmers (96.6%), did not resolve issues amicably with farmers (96.1%), were not peaceloving (90.6%), and had no mutual relationship with farmers (90.2%). Farmers indicated the causes of farmer-pastoralist conflicts as destruction of lives and property (98.5%), destruction of crops (94.1%), and failure of nomads to abide by the rules and regulations of host communities (93.7%). Findings also showed maize production during conflict periods (mean = 400.4 kg/ha) and non-conflict periods (mean = 908.6 kg/ha). The mean difference between the two periods was 508kg/ha. The study revealed that there were three major strategies for mitigating farmer-pastoralist conflicts. These included national security strategies (Factor 1), land use and administration strategies (Factor 2), and land policy implementation strategies (Factor 3). The results of maize production per hectare showed that there was a significant difference in production (t = 46.482, p<0.00). An independent t-test indicated that conflict between farmers and pastoralists has significant effects on maize production. It was recommended that governments facilitate appropriate conflict management strategies to mitigate the effects of conflicts between farmers and pastoralists in order to increase maize production, which could enhance farmers income and improve their standard of living
EVALUATION OF WHEAT GENOTYPES WITH DIFFERENT SEEDING DENSITIES IN SOUTHERN SONORA, MEXICO
Authors: Alberto BORBÓN-GRACIA , Huizar Leonardo DÍAZ-CENICEROS , Guillermo FUENTES-DÁVILA , Gabriela HÁVEZ-VILLALBA , Jorge Iván ALVARADO-PADILLA
Published: September 2023

An evaluation of seeding density (60, 120, and 180 kg ha-1) with six durum wheat and two bread wheat genotypes, was carried out at the Norman E. Borlaug Experimental Station during the fallwinter 2021-2022 crop season. An experimental alpha lattice design was used with three replications; the plot size consisted of two beds five meters long, separated by 80 cm and with three rows. Highly significant statistical differences were found between seed densities and between the genotypes evaluated; the best seed densities (p ≤ 0.05) were 120 and 180 kg ha-1, with grain yields of 7,319 and 7,425 kg ha-1, respectively. Genotypes with the highest grain yield were: STOT (STOT//ALTAR 84/ALD/3/PATKA_7/YAZI_1/4/SOMAT_3/PHAX_1// TILO_1/LOTUS_4/5/SOOTY_9/RASCON_37//WODUCK/CHAM_3/6/BAROYECAORO C2013/7/WID22202/4/SORA/2*PLATA_12//SOMAT_3/3/AJAIA_12/F3LOCAL(SEL.ETHIO. 135.85)//PLATA_13/5/CF4-JS 21//TECA96/TILO_1, CDSS13B00720T-099Y-099M-1Y-4M0Y) with 7,669 kg ha-1, followed by Noroeste C2021 (7,561), Don Lupe C2020 (7,463), Borlaug 100 (7,392), CIANO M2018 (7,296), TARRO (TARRO_1/2*YUAN_1//AJAIA_13/ YAZI/3/SOMAT_3/PHAX_1//TILO_1/LOTUS_4/4/CANELO_8//SORA/2*PLATA_12/5/CBC 501CHILE/GUANAY/4/CNDO/PRIMADUR//HAI-OU_17/3/SNITAN/7/ALTAR84/ BINTEPE85/3/STOT//ALTAR 84/ALD/4/POD_11/YAZI_1/5/VANRRIKSE_12/SNITAN/6/ SOOTY_9/RASCON_, CDSS14B00835T-099Y-099M-5Y-1M-0Y) (7,282), CENEB Oro C2017 (7,271), while CIRNO C2008 the regional check, showed the lowest grain yield (6,019 kg ha-1).