bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Status of and Challenges for Phytoremediation as a Sustainable Environmental Management Plan for Abandoned Mine Areas in Korea
Authors: Lee Sang-Hwan , Park Hyun , Kim Jeong-Gyu
Published: February 2023

Since conventional ecological remediation technologies are often unreliable and inefficient, the use of phytoremediation, which uses plants to restore damaged or polluted environments, has been actively developed. In particular, phytoremediation for the management of abandoned mines has gained public acceptance due to its aesthetic advantages, environmental friendliness, use of solar energy, and low remediation costs. In this article, we review the current status of the phytoremediation of abandoned mines in Korea and the challenges that are faced. The technical and policy challenges that need to be overcome for the successful application of phytoremediation in Korea are discussed, along with its potential for use in sustainable ecosystem management. To fully deploy phytoremediation technology in old mining areas, further basic and applied research are required.
Low-Fouling Plate-and-Frame Ultrafiltration for Juice Clarification: Part 2—Module Design and Application
Authors: Wibisono Yusuf , Saraswati Amelia , Alvianto Dikianur , Bilad Muhammad Roil , Zaini Juliana , Putranto Angky Wahyu , Nugroho Wahyunanto Agung , Shahrai Nurul Nuraliya , Huda Nurul
Published: February 2023

The purification and concentration of orange juice are crucial to remove undesirable materials, such as pectin, which is responsible for juice clouds; or limonene, which is responsible for bitter taste. Membrane-based juice clarification is preferred due to its capability to separate specific targeted molecules, while still maintaining the clarified juice’s nutritional content. In this study, a novel designed bench-scale plate-and-frame membrane module composed of low fouling cellulose acetate membrane sheets was manufactured to facilitate orange juice clarification. The experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the developed module to be used for juice clarification. After incorporating the functional and structural design parameters, the final module had the following specifications: dimensions of 125 × 168 mm, an effective volume of 0.9–9.4 L, a total active membrane area of 1088 cm2, and a transmembrane pressure of 0.3–0.55 MPa. The results of the juice clarification show no difference in the value of pH, viscosity, total acid, water content, color L* (brightness), and color a* (reddish) of the feed, the permeate, and the retentate streams. The clarified juice had slightly higher total dissolved solids (°Brix), ash content, vitamin C, and color (b* yellowish). Overall, our findings demonstrated that the developed plate-and-frame module could effectively be used to clarify orange juice without altering the quality, i.e., reducing the nutritional contents.
Autonomous Delivery Solutions for Last-Mile Logistics Operations: A Literature Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Engesser Valeska , Rombaut Evy , Vanhaverbeke Lieselot , Lebeau Philippe
Published: February 2023

The implementation of autonomous delivery solutions in last-mile logistics operations is considered promising. Autonomous delivery solutions can help in tackling urban challenges related to last-mile logistics operations. Urbanization creates higher mobility and transportation demand, which contributes to increased congestion levels, traffic, air pollution, and accident rates. Moreover, mega-trends, such as e-commerce, demand that logistics companies react to increased customer expectations in terms of delivery time and service. Concerning service, electrified autonomous delivery solutions have the potential to operate 24/7 and can help to overcome driver shortages. This paper conducts a systematic literature review. Based on the literature set, a snowballing procedure was applied. Complementary gray literature was included. This work discusses different autonomous delivery solutions such as Autonomous Delivery Robots (ADRs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), two- or multi-tiered systems, and the concept of passenger and freight integration. The work presents advantages and disadvantages, enabling the comparison of solutions. Furthermore, a research agenda is provided, from which practical-managerial and theoretical implications can be derived. The research agenda can help researchers, manufacturers, businesses, and governmental institutions to prepare for the arrival and subsequent implementation of autonomous delivery services. Various implications related to energy demand, legislation, implementation strategy, training, and risk and safety are presented. The outcome of this work calls for collaboration among various stakeholders, encourages mutual learning, and hints at the importance of national and international development projects.
The Antecedents of Customer Satisfaction in the Portuguese Telecommunications Sector
Authors: Torrão José , Teixeira Sandrina
Published: February 2023

This study’s primary goal is to examine the elements that affect customer loyalty and satisfaction with Portuguese telecommunications. Indeed, customer loyalty and satisfaction are crucial factors in guaranteeing the success and expansion of the services sector. Furthermore, it aims to include customers’ privacy perceptions in a thorough model. A structured questionnaire was adapted from previous studies in the field, collecting a total of 357 valid responses. The suggested hypotheses were tested using multiple statistical techniques to assess the reliability and validity of the gathered data, culminating with path analysis through Structural Equation Modelling. The research results demonstrate that consumer loyalty is highly impacted by satisfaction. On the other hand, service quality significantly influences customer satisfaction, whereas trust and perceived value have a positive yet insignificant impact on this construct. Additionally, perceptions of privacy risk were found to affect customer trust positively and significantly. Considering that the data used for this analysis were collected exclusively in the Portuguese market, inferring the same findings in different countries should be made prudently. As this study only comprised of one of the perceived value dimensions, the results associated with this construct should also have that in mind.
Exploring the Spatial Effects of Built Environment on Quality of Life Related Transportation by Integrating GIS and Deep Learning Approaches
Authors: Iamtrakul Pawinee , Chayphong Sararad , Kantavat Pittipol , Hayashi Yoshitsugu , Kijsirikul Boonserm , Iwahori Yuji
Published: February 2023

Understanding the quality of life related to transportation plays a crucial role in enhancing commuters’ quality of life, particularly in daily trips. This study explores the spatial effects of built environment on quality of life related to transportation (QoLT) through the combination of GIS application and deep learning based on a questionnaire survey by focusing on a case study in Sukhumvit district, Bangkok, Thailand. The Geographic Information System (GIS) was applied for spatial analysis and visualization among all variables through a grid cell (500 × 500 sq.m.). In regard to deep learning, the semantic segmentation process that the model used in this research was OCRNet, and the selected backbone was HRNet_W48. A quality-of-life-related transportation indicator (life satisfaction) was implemented through 500 face-to-face interviews and the data were collected by a questionnaire survey. Then, multinomial regression analysis was performed to demonstrate the significant in positive and negative aspects of independent variables (built environment) with QoLT variables at a 0.05 level of statistical significance. The results revealed the individuals’ satisfaction from a diverse group of people in distinct areas or environments who consequently perceived QoLT differently. Built environmental factors were gathered by application of GIS and deep learning, which provided a number of data sets to describe the clusters of physical scene characteristics related to QoLT. The perception of commuters could be translated to different clusters of the physical attributes through the indicated satisfaction level of QoLT. The findings are consistent with the physical characteristics of each typological site context, allowing for an understanding of differences in accessibility to transport systems, including safety and cost of transport. In conclusion, these findings highlight essential aspects of urban planning and transport systems that must consider discrepancies of physical characteristics in terms of social and economic needs from a holistic viewpoint. A better understanding of QoLT adds important value for transportation development to balance the social, economic, and environmental levels toward sustainable futures.
Program Source-Code Re-Modularization Using a Discretized and Modified Sand Cat Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Arasteh Bahman , Seyyedabbasi Amir , Rasheed Jawad , M. Abu-Mahfouz Adnan
Published: February 2023

One of expensive stages of the software lifecycle is its maintenance. Software maintenance will be much simpler if its structural models are available. Software module clustering is thought to be a practical reverse engineering method for building software structural models from source code. The most crucial goals in software module clustering are to minimize connections between created clusters, maximize internal connections within clusters, and maximize clustering quality. It is thought that finding the best software clustering model is an NP-complete task. The key shortcomings of the earlier techniques are their low success rates, low stability, and insufficient modularization quality. In this paper, for effective clustering of software source code, a discretized sand cat swarm optimization (SCSO) algorithm has been proposed. The proposed method takes the dependency graph of the source code and generates the best clusters for it. Ten standard and real-world benchmarks were used to assess the performance of the suggested approach. The outcomes show that the quality of clustering is improved when a discretized SCSO algorithm was used to address the software module clustering issue. The suggested method beats the previous heuristic approaches in terms of modularization quality, convergence speed, and success rate.
Editorial Conclusion for the Special Issue “Applications of Symmetric Functions Theory to Certain Fields”
Authors: Araci Serkan , Esi Ayhan
Published: February 2023

In this Special Issue, the recent advances in the applications of symmetric functions for mathematics and mathematical physics are reviewed, including many novel techniques in analytic functions, transformation methods, economic growth models, and Hurwitz–Lerch zeta functions that were developed to provide reliable solutions to combinatorial problems [...]
MeV, GeV and TeV Neutrinos from Binary-Driven Hypernovae
Authors: Campion S. , Uribe-Suárez J. D. , Melon Fuksman J. D. , Rueda J. A.
Published: February 2023

We analyze neutrino emission channels in energetic (≳1052 erg) long gamma-ray bursts within the binary-driven hypernova model. The binary-driven hypernova progenitor is a binary system composed of a carbon-oxygen star and a neutron star (NS) companion. The gravitational collapse leads to a type Ic supernova (SN) explosion and triggers an accretion process onto the NS. For orbital periods of a few minutes, the NS reaches the critical mass and forms a black hole (BH). Two physical situations produce MeV neutrinos. First, during the accretion, the NS surface emits neutrino–antineutrino pairs by thermal production. We calculate the properties of such a neutrino emission, including flavor evolution. Second, if the angular momentum of the SN ejecta is high enough, an accretion disk might form around the BH. The disk’s high density and temperature are ideal for MeV-neutrino production. We estimate the flavor evolution of electron and non-electron neutrinos and find that neutrino oscillation inside the disk leads to flavor equipartition. This effect reduces (compared to assuming frozen flavor content) the energy deposition rate of neutrino–antineutrino annihilation into electron–positron (e+e−) pairs in the BH vicinity. We then analyze the production of GeV-TeV neutrinos around the newborn black hole. The magnetic field surrounding the BH interacts with the BH gravitomagnetic field producing an electric field that leads to spontaneous e+e− pairs by vacuum breakdown. The e+e− plasma self-accelerates due to its internal pressure and engulfs protons during the expansion. The hadronic interaction of the protons in the expanding plasma with the ambient protons leads to neutrino emission via the decay chain of π-meson and μ-lepton, around and far from the black hole, along different directions. These neutrinos have energies in the GeV-TeV regime, and we calculate their spectrum and luminosity. We also outline the detection probability by some current and future neutrino detectors.
How to Determine the Branch Points of Correlation Functions in Euclidean Space II: Three-Point Functions
Authors: Huber Markus Q. , Kern Wolfgang J. , Alkofer Reinhard
Published: February 2023

The analytic structure of elementary correlation functions of a quantum field is relevant for the calculation of masses of bound states and their time-like properties in general. In quantum chromodynamics, the calculation of correlation functions for purely space-like momenta has reached a high level of sophistication, but the calculation at time-like momenta requires refined methods. One of them is the contour deformation method. Here we describe how to employ it for three-point functions. The basic mechanisms are discussed for a scalar theory, but they are the same for more complicated theories and are thus relevant, e.g., for the three-gluon or quark-gluon vertices of quantum chromodynamics. Their inclusion in existing truncation schemes is a crucial step for investigating the analytic structure of elementary correlation functions of quantum chromodynamics and the calculation of its spectrum from them.
High-Dose Primaquine Induces Proximal Tubular Degeneration and Ventricular Cardiomyopathy Linked to Host Cells Mitochondrial Dysregulation
Authors: Rabiablok Atthasit , Hanboonkunupakarn Borimas , Tuentam Khwanchanok , Fongsodsri Kamonpan , Kanjanapruthipong Tapanee , Ampawong Sumate
Published: February 2023

Primaquine (PQ) is the only antimalarial medication used to eradicate many species of Plasmodium gametocytes and prevent relapse in vivax and ovale malarias. PQ metabolites induce oxidative stress and impair parasitic mitochondria, leading to protozoal growth retardation and death. Collateral damage is also presented in mammalian host cells, particularly erythrocytes, resulting in hemolysis and tissue destruction. However, the underlying mechanisms of these complications, particularly the mitochondria-mediated cell death of the host, are poorly understood. In the present study, toxicopathological studies were conducted on a rat model to determine the effect of PQ on affected tissues and mitochondrial toxicity. The results indicated that the LD50 for PQ is 200 mg/kg. A high dose of PQ induced hemolytic anemia, elevated a hepatic enzyme (SGPT), and induced proximal tubular degeneration, ventricular cardiomyopathy, and mitochondrial dysregulation. In addition, PQ induced the upregulation of apoptosis-related proteins Drp-1 and caspase-3, with a positive correlation, as well as the pro-apoptotic mitochondrial gene expression of Bax, reflecting the toxic effect of high doses of PQ on cellular damage and mitochondrial apoptosis in terms of hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity. Regarding the risk/benefit ratio of drug administration, our research provides caution for the use of PQ in the treatment of malaria based on its toxicopathological effects.
Distribution, Multi-Index Assessment, and Sources of Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments of Zhelin Bay, a Typical Mariculture Area in Southern China
Authors: Han Yan-Jie , Liang Rui-Ze , Li Hai-Song , Gu Yang-Guang , Jiang Shi-Jun , Man Xiang-Tian
Published: February 2023

The occurrence, multi-index assessment, and sources of heavy metals in surface sediments of Zhelin Bay were investigated. Average heavy metal concentrations (mg/kg) were 81.89 (Cr), 770.76 (Mn), 16.81 (Co), 62.25 (Ni), 96.30 (Cu), 162.04 (Zn), and 73.40 (Pb), with the concentrations of studied seven heavy metals being significantly higher than their corresponding background values. Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and pollution load index (PLI) were implemented to assess degree of heavy metal contamination. The Igeo and PLI indicated that Cr, Mn, Co, Zn, and Pb were slightly polluted, and Cu and Ni were moderately polluted in the region. Potential ecological risk index (RI) and mean possible effect level (PEL) quotient were conducted to assess ecological risk. The RI and mean PEL quotient demonstrated that surface sediments of Zhelin Bay were slight ecological risks and exhibited a 21% probability of toxicity. Principal component analysis (PCA) combined with the correlation analysis (CA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HAC) revealed that the heavy metal contamination in Zhelin Bay might originate from three type sources.
Characterization of Serotype CD Mosaic Botulinum Neurotoxin in Comparison with Serotype C and A
Authors: Miyashita Shin-Ichiro , Karatsu Shura , Fujiishi Mako , Huang I Hsun , Nagashima Yuki , Morobishi Tamaki , Hosoya Keita , Hata Tsuyoshi , Dong Min , Sagane Yoshimasa
Published: February 2023

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), produced by Clostridium botulinum, cleaves proteins involved in neurotransmitter release, thereby triggering flaccid paralyses, which are responsible for botulism. BoNT is classified into seven serotypes (BoNT/A-G); BoNT/A and BoNT/B are used as medical therapeutics and anti-wrinkle reagents. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of BoNT/CD, a mosaic toxin of BoNT/C and BoNT/D, to assess its potential as a therapeutic alternative for BoNT/A. In a cultured neuron assay, BoNT/CD cleaved syntaxin and SNAP-25 with higher efficacy than BoNT/C and BoNT/A. Intramuscularly administrated BoNT/CD induced dose-dependent muscle paralysis, and the paralysis lasted ~21 days in a mouse digit abduction score assay (BoNT/A-induced paralysis lasted ~30 days). BoNT/C failed to induce local paralysis without systemic toxicity. Multiple alignment analyses of the amino acid sequences of the receptor binding domain (HC) of eight BoNT/CDs and two BoNT/Ds showed sequence clustering in five groups. Comparing BoNT/CD strain 003-9 (BoNT/CD003-9) and strain 6813 (BoNT/CD6813) showed that both BoNT/CDs displayed similar efficacies in cultured neurons, but BoNT/CD003-9 displayed higher efficacy in a mouse model than BoNT/CD6813. These findings suggest that BoNT/CD may be a potential alternative for patients who do not respond to existing BoNT-based therapeutics.
miRNAs in Herpesvirus Infection: Powerful Regulators in Small Packages
Authors: Dass Debashree , Dhotre Kishore , Chakraborty Muskan , Nath Anushka , Banerjee Anwesha , Bagchi Parikshit , Mukherjee Anupam
Published: February 2023

microRNAs are a class of small, single-stranded, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression. They can be significantly dysregulated upon exposure to any infection, serving as important biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Numerous human DNA viruses, along with several herpesviruses, have been found to encode and express functional viral microRNAs known as vmiRNAs, which can play a vital role in host–pathogen interactions by controlling the viral life cycle and altering host biological pathways. Viruses have also adopted a variety of strategies to prevent being targeted by cellular miRNAs. Cellular miRNAs can act as anti- or proviral components, and their dysregulation occurs during a wide range of infections, including herpesvirus infection. This demonstrates the significance of miRNAs in host herpesvirus infection. The current state of knowledge regarding microRNAs and their role in the different stages of herpes virus infection are discussed in this review. It also delineates the therapeutic and biomarker potential of these microRNAs in future research directions.
Mapping of Pro-Equity Interventions Proposed by Immunisation Programs in Gavi Health Systems Strengthening Grants
Authors: Ducharme Joelle , Correa Gustavo Caetano , Reynolds Heidi W. , Sharkey Alyssa B. , Fonner Virginia A. , Johri Mira
Published: February 2023

Reaching zero-dose (ZD) children, operationally defined as children who have not received a first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP1) vaccine, is crucial to increase equitable immunisation coverage and access to primary health care. However, little is known about the approaches already taken by countries to improve immunisation equity. We reviewed all Health System Strengthening (HSS) proposals submitted by Gavi-supported countries from 2014 to 2021 inclusively and extracted information on interventions favouring equity. Pro-equity interventions were mapped to an analytical framework representing Gavi 5.0 programmatic guidance on reaching ZD children and missed communities. Data from keyword searches and manual screening were extracted into an Excel database. Open format responses were analysed using inductive and deductive thematic coding. Data analysis was conducted using Excel and R. Of the 56 proposals included, 51 (91%) included at least one pro-equity intervention. The most common interventions were conducting outreach sessions, tailoring the location of service delivery, and partnerships. Many proposals had “bundles” of interventions, most often involving outreach, microplanning and community-level education activities. Nearly half prioritised remote-rural areas and only 30% addressed gender-related barriers to immunisation. The findings can help identify specific interventions on which to focus future evidence syntheses, case studies and implementation research and inform discussions on what may or may not need to change to better reach ZD children and missed communities moving forward.
Rapidly Establishing an Ultra-Cold Supply Chain of Vaccines in Israel: Evidence for the Efficacy of Inoculation to Mitigate the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Naor Michael , Pinto Gavriel David , Davidov Pini , Abdrbo Lina
Published: February 2023

The agenda of this research was to investigate how to mitigate the spread of coronaviruses by rapidly establishing an ultra-cold supply chain of vaccines. Data analysis was conducted by linear regression utilizing a dataset publicly available from the Israel Ministry of Health regarding the daily rates of people vaccinated, tested, hospitalized, etc., since the start of the pandemic. The data provide statistical evidence for the efficacy of the Pfizer vaccines in diminishing a wide variety of disease factors, such as the number of patients who were lightly, moderately, or severely sick, and daily deaths, as well as the rate of spread (R-ratio) and number/percentage of people infected. Insightfully, the data corroborate how the first and second doses of the vaccines were able to decrease the wave of COVID-19, which hit Israel in January 2021, while the booster third dose was able to diminish a subsequent COVID-19 wave occurring in Israel in July 2021.
Image Classification and Automated Machine Learning to Classify Lung Pathologies in Deceased Feedlot Cattle
Authors: Bortoluzzi Eduarda , Schmidt Paige , Brown Rachel , Jensen Makenna , Mancke Madeline , Larson Robert , Lancaster Phillip , White Brad
Published: February 2023

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) are the main reported respiratory syndromes (RSs) causing significant morbidity and mortality in feedlot cattle. Recently, bronchopneumonia with an interstitial pattern (BIP) was described as a concerning emerging feedlot lung disease. Necropsies are imperative to assist lung disease diagnosis and pinpoint feedlot management sectors that require improvement. However, necropsies can be logistically challenging due to location and veterinarians’ time constraints. Technology advances allow image collection for veterinarians’ asynchronous evaluation, thereby reducing challenges. This study’s goal was to develop image classification models using machine learning to determine RS diagnostic accuracy in right lateral necropsied feedlot cattle lungs. Unaltered and cropped lung images were labeled using gross and histopathology diagnoses generating four datasets: unaltered lung images labeled with gross diagnoses, unaltered lung images labeled with histopathological diagnoses, cropped images labeled with gross diagnoses, and cropped images labeled with histopathological diagnoses. Datasets were exported to create image classification models, and a best trial was selected for each model based on accuracy. Gross diagnoses accuracies ranged from 39 to 41% for unaltered and cropped images. Labeling images with histopathology diagnoses did not improve average accuracies; 34–38% for unaltered and cropped images. Moderately high sensitivities were attained for BIP (60–100%) and BRD (20–69%) compared to AIP (0–23%). The models developed still require fine-tuning; however, they are the first step towards assisting veterinarians’ lung diseases diagnostics in field necropsies.
Rainfall Forecast and Drought Analysis for Recent and Forthcoming Years in India
Authors: Poornima S. , Pushpalatha M. , Jana Raghavendra B. , Patti Laxmi Anusri
Published: February 2023

Agriculture is the primary profession in India which relies on several climatic factors such as rainfall, temperature, humidity, etc., for the successful growth of crops. Weather and drought forecasting may help to take preventive measures in an unusual situation due to crop failure. Most of the existing work attempts to forecast the weather or analyse the reason for the occurrence of drought and its effects in the past. This paper adopts the machine learning model called the long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network to forecast the long-term rainfall and standardised precipitation index for drought estimation. The predicted annual rainfall from LSTM is taken as an input to forecast the drought conditions of India for the upcoming years, which is a unique approach and objective, and based on this work appropriate decisions can be made for future actions. The past 117 years of rainfall and drought conditions are compared with the recent 50 years by analysing the data in several ways in order to predict the future scenario. The forecasted results are compared with actual observations to demonstrate the effectiveness of the LSTM model to produce adequate results. The error and network loss of the model is 0.059 and 0.0036, which is minimal, and the forecasted rainfall level is almost equal to actual level specifically accuracy is 99.46% for the previous year, 2021. It was found that there is a rainfall decline of 0.04% every year. Apart from the prediction for the country, a clear picture of the region regarding drought forecasts is presented in this work. The real-time drought level is mild and moderate for most of the regions in the country which matches with the drought level determined using forecasted rainfall.
Effects of Graphene on the Transport of Quinolones in Porous Media
Authors: Cheng Zhou , Mo Cehui , Wu Ming , Cao Huihui , Hao Yanru , Lu Guoping , Li Qusheng , Wu Jianfeng , Wu Jichun , Hu Bill X.
Published: February 2023

The effect of graphene (GN) on the transport of CIP and NOR in porous media is investigated by a combination of batch experiments, column experiments and mathematical models. The results obtained by batch experiments show that GN has great adsorption capacity to two antibiotic contaminants, and the maximum adsorption amounts based on the Langmuir model calculation are 270.67 mg/g and 178.36 mg/g, respectively. The column experiments suggest the mobility of CIP and NOR decreases with the mass fraction of GN packed in porous media, and the mass recovery rates of CIP and NOR increase with flow velocity. As the concentration of Na+ increases, the mobility of CIP and NOR is enhanced. However, Ca2+ has a significant enhancement effect on the mobility of CIP and NOR. Moreover, the transport processes of CIP and NOR in the column are predicted by a BDST mathematical model, and the calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The relationships between kinetic parameters related to QNs’ mobility and GN content, flow velocity and ionic strength are obtained by a regression analysis, which can be used to predict the mobility of CIP and NOR in porous media.
Threshold Recognition of Water Turbidity for Clogging Prevention during Groundwater Recharge Using Secondary Effluent from Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Li Shiwei , Wang Siyue , Zou Shubin , Wang Yang , Fan Wei , Xiao Dan
Published: February 2023

The recharge efficiency during artificial groundwater recharge (AGR) is reduced primarily by clogging that is triggered by suspended particles. However, there are loopholes in the current standards of recharge-water quality for clogging control during AGR, and the threshold values of turbidity to prevent clogging have not been reasonably determined. In this study, secondary effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were injected into saturated sand columns to simulate the process of AGR. Batch experiments under different turbidity conditions were conducted, and the numerical modeling of particle transport and deposition was performed to assess the clogging processes. Theories of single-collector contact and interfacial interaction energy were applied to elucidate possible microcosmic mechanisms. The results showed that the diluted secondary effluent (SE) with turbidities of 0.540 ± 0.050, 1.09 ± 0.050, and 1.84 ± 0.060 NTU caused considerable clogging in the porous media, which decreased the relative hydraulic conductivities (K/K0) by 13.2%, 17.6%, and 83.6%, respectively. The filtered SE with a turbidity of 0.160 NTU did not cause clogging, and K/K0 was reduced by only 1.70%. The clogging was attributed to the deposition of suspended particles in the sand matrix because they have a high collision efficiency (0.007–1.98) and attachment efficiency (0.029–0.589 kBT). Finally, this paper recommends that the turbidity of the recharge water should not exceed 0.500 NTU during AGR practices.
Influence of the Combined Magnetic Field and High Dilution Technology on the Intrinsic Emission of Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Penkov Nikita V.
Published: February 2023

Liquids prepared by sequential multiple dilutions with mechanical action (highly diluted or HD solutions) are able to influence certain properties of adjacent solutions without direct contact, which is mediated by their emission in the infrared (IR) frequency range. These properties do not manifest when HD solutions are prepared in a geomagnetic field-free chamber. Here we studied the influence of a magnetic field and the intensity of mechanical treatment on the intrinsic emission of HD solutions of antibodies (Ab) to IFNγ and their effect on the adjacent water. IR-emission spectra were recorded using a Fourier-transform IR spectrometer. Magnetic field treatment reduced the intrinsic emission intensity of all HD samples; non-contact incubation with HD Ab prepared with intense (iHD Ab) shaking or gentle (gHD Ab) mixing reduced the emission intensity of HD water as well. The emission intensity of intact water was affected only by iHD Ab. Pre-treatment of HD Ab with a magnetic field did not modify their non-contact effect on intact water. We confirmed the presence of a non-contact effect and determined what factors it depends on (treatment with a magnetic field and the intensity of shaking when preparing HD solutions). The intensity of water emission both in the presence of HD Ab and in the presence of a magnetic field changes in a similar way.
Temperature, Precipitation, and Agro-Hydro-Meteorological Indicator Based Scenarios for Decision Making in Ogallala Aquifer Region
Authors: Anandhi Aavudai , Deepa Raveendranpillai , Bhardwaj Amit , Misra Vasubandhu
Published: February 2023

The Ogallala Aquifer is one of the most productive agricultural regions and is referred to as the “breadbasket of the world”. It covers approximately 225,000 square miles beneath the Great Plains region spanning the states of Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado. The aquifer is a major water source for the region, with its use exceeding recharge. Previous studies have documented climate changes and their impacts in the region. However, this is the first study to document temperature and precipitation changes over the entire Ogallala region from 35 General Circulation Models participating in Phase 5 of the Climate Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). The main study objectives were (1) to provide estimates of present and future climate change scenarios for the High Plains Aquifer, (2) to translate the temperature and precipitation changes to agro-ecosystem indicator changes for Kansas using scenario funnels, and (3) to make recommendations for water resource and ecosystem managers to enable effective planning for the future availability of ecosystem services. The temperature change ranged from −4 °C to 8 °C, while the precipitation changes were between −50% to +50% over the region. This study improves the understanding of climate change on water resources and agro-ecosystems. This knowledge can be used to evaluate similar resources where the replenishment rate is slow.
An Integrated Model of Pluvial Flood Risk and Adaptation Measure Evaluation in Shanghai City
Authors: Hu Hengzhi , Yang Hanwei , Wen Jiahong , Zhang Min , Wu Yanjuan
Published: February 2023

Under climate warming, the frequency and intensity of extreme rainstorms-induced urban pluvial floods are significantly increasing, leading to severe flooding risks in megacities. An integrated model that incorporates rainfall processing, waterlogging simulation, GIS spatial analysis, risk assessment, and measure evaluation was developed, optimizing both the assessment procedure and the computing efficiency for assessing pluvial flood risk and adaptation measures. The historic “9.13” extreme rainstorm event is simulated, showing excellent consistency of inundation depth and area compared to Shanghai’s “110” alarm validation records. Three extreme rainstorm scenarios, using return periods of 200a, 500a, and 1000a, were generated to evaluate the flooding risk and measures’ performance. The results show that the low-lying areas in the solution district are the most inundated region based on the existing defense measures. The maximum inundation depth of high-extreme rainstorm scenarios is up to 1.5 m, and the low-lying areas would still be above 1 m even in low-extreme scenarios. Increasing the drainage capacity can effectively reduce the total loss by 80% in the low-extreme scenario, yet still suffering a significant loss in both moderate-extreme and high-extreme scenarios. The integrated model can provide technical support for the rapid evaluation of flood control prevention capabilities.
Back to Basics: Revision of Coccolithophore Species List in the Adriatic Sea
Authors: Godrijan Jelena , Arapov Jasna , Skejić Sanda , Bužančić Mia
Published: February 2023

Coccolithophores are unicellular marine algae belonging to the haptophyte group, characterized by the production of intricate calcium carbonate plates that adorn their cells and exhibit species-specific morphology. The Adriatic Sea has historically been the type locality of numerous phytoplankton species, including coccolithophores. However, since the initial description, many species have not been recorded during the frequent phytoplankton surveys in the Adriatic Sea. This was mainly because these surveys did not use electron microscopy, which is necessary for accurate species identification. In this study, we re-evaluate the coccolithophore species lists using historical records and compare them with recent surveys in the coastal and open waters of the Adriatic Sea. In light of changes in nomenclature resulting from clarification of the species’ life cycles, we update the taxonomic list of coccolithophore species occurring in the Adriatic.
Investigation of Data-Driven Rating Curve (DDRC) Approach
Authors: Bhandari Biplov , Markert Kel , Mishra Vikalp , Markert Amanda , Griffin Robert
Published: February 2023

Flooding is a recurring natural disaster worldwide; developing countries are particularly affected due to poor mitigation and management strategies. Often discharge is used to inform the flood forecast. The discharge is usually inferred from the water level via the rating curve because the latter is relatively easy to measure compared to the former. This research focuses on Cambodia, where data scarcity is prevalent, as in many developing countries. Thus, the rating curve has not been updated, making it difficult to effectively evaluate the performance of the global streamflow services, such as the Global Flood Awareness System (GloFAS) and Streamflow Prediction Tool (SPT), whose longer lead time can benefit the country in taking early action. In this study, we used time series of water level and discharge data to understand the changes in the flood plain to generate a data-derived rating curve for fifteen stations in Cambodia. We deployed several statistical and data-driven techniques to derive a generalized, scalable, and region-agnostic method. We further validated the process by applying it to ten stations in the US and found similar performance. In Cambodia, we obtained an average Kling Gupta Efficiency (KGE) of ∼99% & an average Relative Root Mean Squared Error (RRMSE) of 12% with an average Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 200 m3/s. In the US, overall KGE was 97%, with an average RRMSE of 17% and an average MAE of 32 m3/s. The results indicated that the distribution of the dataset was key in deriving a good rating curve and that the stations with a low flow stations generally had higher errors than the high flow stations. The time series approach was shown to have more probability in capturing the high-end and low-end events compared to traditional method, where usually fewer data points are used. The study demonstrates that time series of data has valuable information to update the rating curve, especially in a data-scarce country.
Assessment of some incipient caries risk factors in adolescents
Authors: Alekseeva I. A. , Kiselnikova L. P. , Ostrovskaya Yu. A. , Danilova I. G.
Published: February 2023

Relevance. Risk assessment of carious lesion onset remains relevant due to the high incidence rate. The article presents the data on the impact of permanent dental enamel functional condition and microbial factor on incipient caries onset in adolescents.Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the etiology and pathogenesis risk characteristics of incipient caries onset in adolescents.Material and methods. The study included 90 adolescents aged 11-17 y.o. from Penza city. At the clinical stage, we studied adolescents’ permanent teeth vulnerability to caries; then, we formed the study groups according to WHO criteria (Group 1 – moderate, Group 2 – high, Group 3 – the very high intensity of caries) and Group 4 included children of the same age without caries. Vital staining and electric pulp testing with the “DentEst” device (Geosoft, Russia) detected white spot lesions. The OHI-S and enamel acid resistance test (TER-test) evaluated the level of oral hygiene. The laboratory stage determined the number of mixed saliva cells contaminated with bacterial microflora (microflora contamination coefficient) to define the bacterial load in the mixed saliva of the examined adolescents.Results. Besides high clinical rate of white spot lesions (intensity rate 3.10 ± 0.05 and demineralization degree 5.90 ± 0.08 μA) linked to poor oral hygiene level according to OHI-S (2.80 ± 0.13), the examined children of Group 3 (very high caries intensity) revealed a decrease in enamel acid resistance (TER-test 6.50 ± 0.22) and increased bacterial load of mixed saliva – microflora contamination coefficient (48.12 ± 0.80%). Differences with the same parameters in Group 4 (without caries) were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The study of the statistical relationship between enamel demineralization degree and the level of mixed saliva bacterial load (microflora contamination coefficient) detected a positive correlation between the studied parameters of moderate and high power and received the following correlation coefficient values in Group 1 (R = 0.46), 2 and 3 (R = 0.73 and R = 0.78) respectively.Conclusion. Assessment of some risk factors for white spot lesion onset and monitoring of changes may include the analysis of clinical and laboratory data on the hard-dental-tissue condition and mixed saliva bacterial load determination (microflora contamination coefficient).
“Dental Health” preventive program as a stage of rehabilitating children with cognitive developmental disabilities
Authors: Tarasova N. V. , Galonsky V. G. , Aliamovskii V. V.
Published: February 2023

Relevance. One of the paramount directions of preventive dentistry is the development of the author's methods of organization and implementation of dental diseases prevention programs in children with cognitive developmental disabilities, allowing for prevention customization, taking into account the features of child development with disabilities, as well as the combination of many objective factors. The study aimed to increase the efficiency of mentally-retarded children's rehabilitation by improving the dental disease prevention program.Materials and methods. The study involved 140 children diagnosed with moderate mental retardation and comparatively analyzed two methods over three years. Group 1 included 71 subjects aged 8-11 years trained according to "Dental Health", the author's dental and hygiene education program, developed and adjusted to the psychophysical needs of the child development. Group 2 consisted of 69 subjects, trained according to the dental and hygiene education program provided only by the teachers during classes on household chores. We evaluated the effectiveness of the "Dental Health" prevention program introduced into the specialized educational process by the following indices DMFT, simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S); PMA index modified by Parma assessed the condition of the gums. Statistical data were processed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 18.0 application sof tware package.Results. The effectiveness analysis of the author's program for children with moderate mental retardation revealed that the level of oral hygiene in the children increased from "poor" to "good" (2.1 ± 0.3 points to good 0.2 ± 0.1 points); gingival inflammation decreased from 24.6 ± 0.5% to 14.4 ± 0.2%. Classes on dental education and hygiene training helped children with cognitive developmental disabilities to orient better in self, time and place; helped to improve memory, increase vocabulary, form new knowledge and skills, and gradually form effective communication based on the child's intellectual deficiency severity.Conclusions. The developed educational program "Dental Health" for dental diseases primary prevention in children with cognitive developmental disabilities allowed the formation of stable oral care skills, proved by a good score of oral hygiene indices.
Implementasi Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi dengan Model Problem Based Learning pada Siswa Sekolah Dasar Kelas VI
Authors: Sarie Fitria Novita
Published: February 2023

No students in the class are the same. They come from different backgrounds, have different learning preferences, different interests, or learn at different speeds so their readiness to learn is different. Differentiated learning is learning made by teachers to meet the learning needs of students in the classroom. This learning practice is important to share because it is expected to provide benefits regarding the application of differentiated learning in elementary schools. Differentiated learning in this study uses the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model. PBL is a student-centered learning strategy that requires students to be skilled and sensitive to solving problems in their environment. The strategy used in this differentiated learning is to map learning needs based on three aspects, namely learning readiness, interest in learning, and student learning profiles by using surveys filled out via smart phones. Then the author plans differentiated learning based on the results of the mapping, namely providing various choices of strategies, materials, and ways of learning. The results of the learning that has been carried out are that students are very happy and enthusiastic in participating in learning from beginning to end. Differentiated learning that is carried out is able to accommodate the learning needs of students in one class.
Penerapan Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Matematika tentang Kesetaraan Nilai Uang
Authors: Djuariah Djuariah
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe Mathematic learning outcomes on low level has caused bye several factors, such as the non-contextual books appearances, the teachers have lack of competencies and students’ understanding as scary subject.The purpose of this research is to enhance the Mathematic learning outcomes about the equality of the money value through the application of Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL). This Class Action Research (CAR) is going on the Third Class of Waru 3 General Elementary School. The subjects of this research are 31 students (17 boys and 14 girls). The applications of CTL are using the game money as the display tools and work sheet in group.The result of this research is learning outcomes enhanced. On the Pre Cycle, the learning outcomes are 56 for the average and 23% for the class completeness. On the First Cycle, the learning outcomes are 66 for the average and 52% for the class completeness. On the Second Cycle, the learning outcomes are 83 for the average and 94% for the class completeness. Abstract ______________________________________________________________The Mathematic learning outcomes on low level has caused bye several factors, such as the non-contextual books appearances, the teachers have lack of competencies and students’ understanding as scary subject.The purpose of this research is to enhance the Mathematic learning outcomes about the equality of the money value through the application of Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL). This Class Action Research (CAR) is going on the Third Class of Waru 3 General Elementary School. The subjects of this research are 31 students (17 boys and 14 girls). The applications of CTL are using the game money as the display tools and work sheet in group.The result of this research is learning outcomes enhanced. On the Pre Cycle, the learning outcomes are 56 for the average and 23% for the class completeness. On the First Cycle, the learning outcomes are 66 for the average and 52% for the class completeness. On the Second Cycle, the learning outcomes are 83 for the average and 94% for the class completeness.Contextual Teaching and Learning, Learning Outcomes, Mathematic, Money  Kata Kunci: Contextual Teaching and Learning, Learning Outcomes, Mathematic, Money
Adjustments of the educational policy during the health emergency in Mexico
Authors: García Chediak Rosa
Published: February 2023

The announcement of a global pandemic of COVID-19 surprised Mexico on a context of numerous changes in public policy, including a recent educational reform with several new laws (a new General Law of Education, The General Law of the System for the Career of Teachers and the Teachers and the Law for the Continuous Improvement of Education) which were approved towards the last quarter of 2019). In this text, we analyze the contingency measures adopted in the educational sphere. First of all, we discuss if these interventions considered certain international recommendations, but also to the specific conditions of the national context. Second, the main existing evidence on the effects of the pandemic on various educational processes is summarized. On this basis, it is evaluated how much the pandemic circumstance has affected the development of some of the main changes defined by the educational reform.
Available from: https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl/0000-0000-0000-1340