bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Rapid Dot-Immunoassay for Detection Orthopoxviruses Using Laboratory-Grown Viruses and Animal’s Clinical Specimens
Authors: Ushkalenko Nikita , Ersh Anna , Sergeev Alexander , Filatov Pavel , Poltavchenko Alexander
Published: November 2022

The aim of the work was an experimental evaluation of the characteristics of the kit for the rapid immunochemical detection of orthopoxviruses (OPV). The kit is based on the method of one-stage dot-immunoassay on flat protein arrays using gold conjugates and a silver developer. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies against the vaccinia virus were used as capture and detection reagents. The sensitivity of detection of OPV and the specificity of the analysis were assessed using culture crude preparations (monkeypox virus, vaccinia virus, rabbitpox virus, cowpox virus, and ectromelia virus), a suspension from a crust from a human vaccination site as well as blood and tissue suspensions of infected rabbits. It has been shown that the assay using the kit makes it possible to detect OPV within 36 min at a temperature of 18–40 °C in unpurified culture samples of the virus and clinical samples in the range of 103–104 PFU/mL. Tests of the kit did not reveal cross-reactivity with uninfected cell cultures and viral pathogens of exanthematous infections (measles, rubella and chicken pox). The kit can be used to detect or exclude the presence of a virus threat in samples and can be useful in various aspects of biosecurity. The simplicity of analysis, the possibility of visual accounting the and interpretation of the results make it possible to use the test in laboratories with a high level of biological protection and in out-of-laboratory conditions.
Assessing the Pre-Vaccination Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG Seroprevalence among Residents and Staff in Nursing Home in Niigata, Japan, November 2020
Authors: Wagatsuma Keita , Yoshioka Sayaka , Yamazaki Satoru , Sato Ryosuke , Phyu Wint Wint , Chon Irina , Takahashi Yoshiki , Watanabe Hisami , Saito Reiko
Published: November 2022

An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurred in a nursing home in Niigata, Japan, November 2020, with an attack rate of 32.0% (63/197). The present study was aimed at assessing the pre-vaccination seroprevalence almost half a year after the COVID-19 outbreak in residents and staff in the facility, along with an assessment of the performance of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), regarding test seropositivity and seronegativity in detecting immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies (anti-nucleocapsid (N) and spike (S) proteins). A total of 101 people (30 reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR)-positive and 71 RT-PCR-negative at the time of the outbreak in November 2020) were tested for anti-IgG antibody titers in April 2021, and the seroprevalence was approximately 40.0–60.0% for residents and 10.0–20.0% for staff, which was almost consistent with the RT-PCR test results that were implemented during the outbreak. The seropositivity for anti-S antibodies showed 90.0% and was almost identical to the RT-PCR positives even after approximately six months of infections, suggesting that the anti-S antibody titer test is reliable for a close assessment of the infection history. Meanwhile, seropositivity for anti-N antibodies was relatively low, at 66.7%. There was one staff member and one resident that were RT-PCR-negative but seropositive for both anti-S and anti-N antibody, indicating overlooked infections despite periodical RT-PCR testing at the time of the outbreak. Our study indicated the impact of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in a vulnerable elderly nursing home in the pre-vaccination period and the value of a serological study to supplement RT-PCR results retrospectively.
Effects of Klebsiella pneumoniae Bacteriophages on IRAK3 Knockdown/Knockout THP-1 Monocyte Cell Lines
Authors: Schubert Bryce Dylan , Ku Heng , Kabwe Mwila , Nguyen Trang Hong , Irving Helen , Tucci Joseph
Published: November 2022

Bacterial sepsis characterised by an immunosuppressive and cytokine storm state is a challenge to treat clinically. While conventional antibiotics have been associated with exacerbating the cytokine storm, the role that bacteriophages may play in immune modulation of sepsis remains unclear. Bacteriophages are bacterial viruses that have the capacity to lyse specific bacteria and hence provide a natural alternative to antibiotics. K. pneumoniae is known to cause sepsis in humans, and in this study we isolated two lytic bacteriophages against this pathogen, one of which was a novel jumbo bacteriophage. We employed THP-1 monocyte cell lines, with different functional phenotypes for the interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 3 (IRAK3- a cytoplasmic homeostatic mediator and prognostic marker of inflammation), to evaluate the role of the K. pneumoniae bacteriophages in modulating the immune response in-vitro. We showed for the first time that bacteriophages did not stimulate excessive production of tumour necrosis factor alpha, or interleukin-6, in THP-1 monocyte cell lines which displayed varying levels of IRAK3 expression.
Dual-RNAseq Analysis Unravels Virus-Host Interactions of MetSV and Methanosarcina mazei
Authors: Gehlert Finn O. , Sauerwein Till , Weidenbach Katrin , Repnik Urska , Hallack Daniela , Förstner Konrad U. , Schmitz Ruth A.
Published: November 2022

Methanosarcina spherical virus (MetSV), infecting Methanosarcina species, encodes 22 genes, but their role in the infection process in combination with host genes has remained unknown. To study the infection process in detail, infected and uninfected M. mazei cultures were compared using dual-RNAseq, qRT-PCRs, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The transcriptome analysis strongly indicates a combined role of virus and host genes in replication, virus assembly, and lysis. Thereby, 285 host and virus genes were significantly regulated. Within these 285 regulated genes, a network of the viral polymerase, MetSVORF6, MetSVORF5, MetSVORF2, and the host genes encoding NrdD, NrdG, a CDC48 family protein, and a SSB protein with a role in viral replication was postulated. Ultrastructural analysis at 180 min p.i. revealed many infected cells with virus particles randomly scattered throughout the cytoplasm or attached at the cell surface, and membrane fragments indicating cell lysis. Dual-RNAseq and qRT-PCR analyses suggested a multifactorial lysis reaction in potential connection to the regulation of a cysteine proteinase, a pirin-like protein and a HicB-solo protein. Our study’s results led to the first preliminary infection model of MetSV infecting M. mazei, summarizing the key infection steps as follows: replication, assembly, and host cell lysis.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection: A Case Report
Authors: Tevaearai Fanny , Moser Laureline , Pomar Léo
Published: November 2022

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is an emerging neuroteratogen which can infect humans via contact with urine, feces, saliva, or blood of infected rodents. When the infection occurs during pregnancy, there is a risk of transplacental infection with subsequent neurological or visual impairment in the fetus. In this article, we describe a case report of congenital LCMV infection, including fetal imaging, confirmed by positive LCMV IgM in fetal blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
RSAD2 Is an Effective Target for High-Yield Vaccine Production in MDCK Cells
Authors: Qiao Zilin , Liao Yuejiao , Pei Mengyuan , Qiu Zhenyu , Liu Zhenbin , Jin Dongwu , Zhang Jiayou , Ma Zhongren , Yang Xiaoming
Published: November 2022

Increasingly, attention has focused on improving vaccine production in cells using gene editing technology to specifically modify key virus regulation-related genes to promote virus replication. In this study, we used DIA proteomics analysis technology to compare protein expression differences between two groups of MDCK cells: uninfected and influenza A virus (IAV) H1N1-infected cells 16 h post infection (MOI = 0.01). Initially, 266 differentially expressed proteins were detected after infection, 157 of which were upregulated and 109 were downregulated. We screened these proteins to 23 genes related to antiviral innate immunity regulation based on functional annotation database analysis and verified the mRNA expression of these genes using qPCR. Combining our results with published literature, we focused on the proteins RSAD2, KCNN4, IDO1, and ISG20; we verified their expression using western blot, which was consistent with our proteomics results. Finally, we knocked down RSAD2 using lentiviral shRNA expression vectors and found that RSAD2 inhibition significantly increased IAV NP gene expression, effectively promoting influenza virus replication with no significant effect on cell proliferation. These results indicate that RSAD2 is potentially an effective target for establishing high-yield vaccine MDCK cell lines and will help to fully understand the interaction mechanism between host cells and influenza viruses.
SARS-CoV-2 Variants Identification; A Fast and Affordable Strategy Based on Partial S-Gene Targeted PCR Sequencing
Authors: Martínez-Murcia Antonio , Garcia-Sirera Adrian , Navarro Aaron , Pérez Laura
Published: November 2022

A considerable number of new SARS-CoV-2 lineages have emerged since the first COVID-19 cases were reported in Wuhan. As a few variants showed higher COVID-19 disease transmissibility and the ability to escape from immune responses, surveillance became relevant at that time. Single-nucleotide mutation PCR-based protocols were not always specific, and consequently, determination of a high number of informative sites was needed for accurate lineage identification. A detailed in silico analysis of SARS-CoV-2 sequences retrieved from GISAID database revealed the S gene 921 bp-fragment, positions 22784–23705 of SARS-CoV-2 reference genome, as the most informative fragment (30 variable sites) to determine relevant SARS-CoV-2 variants. Consequently, a method consisting of the PCR-amplification of this fragment, followed by Sanger’s sequencing and a “single-click” informatic program based on a reference database, was developed and validated. PCR-fragments obtained from clinical SARS-CoV-2 samples were compared with homologous variant-sequences and the resulting phylogenetic tree allowed the identification of Alpha, Delta, Omicron, Beta, Gamma, and other variants. The data analysis procedure was automatized and simplified to the point that it did not require specific technical skills. The method is faster and cheaper than current whole-genome sequencing methods; it is available worldwide, and it may help to enhance efficient surveillance in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Surrogate Selection for Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus in Disinfectant Efficacy Tests by Simultaneous Comparison of Bacteriophage MS2 and Bovine Enterovirus Type 1
Authors: Rhee Chae Hong , Park Seung-Chun , Her Moon , Jeong Wooseog
Published: November 2022

In South Korea, testing disinfectants against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) that are contagious in livestock or that require special attention with respect to public hygiene can be manipulated only in high-level containment laboratories, which are not easily available. This causes difficulties in the approval procedure for disinfectants, such as a prolonged testing period. Additionally, the required biosafety level (BSL) in the case of FMDV has hindered its extensive studies. However, this drawback can be circumvented by using a surrogate virus to improve the performance of the efficacy testing procedure for disinfectants. Therefore, we studied bacteriophage MS2 (MS2) and bovine enterovirus type 1 (ECBO) with respect to disinfectant susceptibility for selecting a surrogate for FMDV according to the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) guidelines for efficacy testing of veterinary disinfectants. Effective concentrations of the active substances in disinfectants (potassium peroxymonosulfate, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, malic acid, citric acid, glutaraldehyde, and benzalkonium chloride) against FMDV, MS2, and ECBO were compared and, efficacies of eight APQA-listed commercial disinfectants used against FMDV were examined. The infectivity of FMDV and ECBO were confirmed by examination of cytopathic effects, and MS2 by plaque assay. The results reveal that the disinfectants are effective against MS2 and ECBO at higher concentrations than in FMDV, confirming their applicability as potential surrogates for FMDV in efficacy testing of veterinary disinfectants.
Allelic Variants of HLA-C Upstream Region, PSORS1C3, MICA, TNFA and Genes Involved in Epidermal Homeostasis and Barrier Function Influence the Clinical Response to Anti-IL-12/IL-23 Treatment of Patients with Psoriasis
Authors: Morelli Martina , Galluzzo Marco , Scarponi Claudia , Madonna Stefania , Scaglione Giovanni Luca , Girolomoni Giampiero , Talamonti Marina , Bianchi Luca , Albanesi Cristina
Published: November 2022

Several biologic therapies have been developed to treat moderate-to-severe psoriasis, with patients exhibiting different clinical benefits, possibly due to the heterogeneity of pathogenic processes underlying their conditions. Ustekinumab targets the IL-12/IL-23-p40 subunit and inhibits type-1 and type-17 T-cell responses. Although ustekinumab is effective as both short- and long-term treatment, therapeutic response varies considerably among patients. Ustekinumab biosimilars will be commercialized in the very next future, likely broadening the use of this drug in the treatment of psoriasis patients. Our pharmacogenomic study evaluated the influence of 417 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in psoriasis-risk alleles on the clinical response to ustekinumab in a cohort of 152 patients affected by moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis. Differences in SNP pattern characterizing HLA-Cw6+ or HLA-Cw6− patients, showing high or low responses to ustekinumab, were also analysed. We identified twelve SNPs in HLA-C upstream region (rs12189871, rs4406273, rs9348862 and rs9368670), PSORS1C3 (rs1265181), MICA (rs2523497), LCE3A-B intergenic region (rs12030223, rs6701730), CDSN (rs1042127, rs4713436), CCHCR1 (rs2073719) and in TNFA (rs1800610) genes associated with excellent response to ustekinumab. We also found that HLA-Cw6+ and HLA-Cw6− patients carried out distinct patterns of SNPs associated with different clinical responses. The assessment of HLA-C alleles, together with other genetic variants, could be helpful for defining patients who better benefit from anti-IL-12/IL-23 therapy.
A Mathematical Model of Vaccinations Using New Fractional Order Derivative
Authors: Asma  , Yousaf Mehreen , Afzaal Muhammad , DarAssi Mahmoud H. , Khan Muhammad Altaf , Alshahrani Mohammad Y. , Suliman Muath
Published: November 2022

Purpose: This paper studies a simple SVIR (susceptible, vaccinated, infected, recovered) type of model to investigate the coronavirus’s dynamics in Saudi Arabia with the recent cases of the coronavirus. Our purpose is to investigate coronavirus cases in Saudi Arabia and to predict the early eliminations as well as future case predictions. The impact of vaccinations on COVID-19 is also analyzed. Methods: We consider the recently introduced fractional derivative known as the generalized Hattaf fractional derivative to extend our COVID-19 model. To obtain the fitted and estimated values of the parameters, we consider the nonlinear least square fitting method. We present the numerical scheme using the newly introduced fractional operator for the graphical solution of the generalized fractional differential equation in the sense of the Hattaf fractional derivative. Mathematical as well as numerical aspects of the model are investigated. Results: The local stability of the model at disease-free equilibrium is shown. Further, we consider real cases from Saudi Arabia since 1 May–4 August 2022, to parameterize the model and obtain the basic reproduction number R0v≈2.92. Further, we find the equilibrium point of the endemic state and observe the possibility of the backward bifurcation for the model and present their results. We present the global stability of the model at the endemic case, which we found to be globally asymptotically stable when R0v>1. Conclusion: The simulation results using the recently introduced scheme are obtained and discussed in detail. We present graphical results with different fractional orders and found that when the order is decreased, the number of cases decreases. The sensitive parameters indicate that future infected cases decrease faster if face masks, social distancing, vaccination, etc., are effective.
Drivers of and Barriers to COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose Acceptance in Indonesia
Authors: Harapan Harapan , Fathima Raisha , Kusuma Hendrix Indra , Anwar Samsul , Nalapraya Widhy Yudistira , Wibowo Adityo , Wati Ketut Dewi Kumara , Medina Ayunda , Defrita Anna Hanifa , Astri Yesi , Prasetyowati Arie , Nurfarahin Nurfarahin , Khusna Afriyani , Oktariana Setya , Anwar Sarifuddin , Yussar Milza Oka , Khotimah Siti , Nainggolan Bahagia Willibrordus Maria , Badri Putri Rizki Amalia , Argarini Raden , Winardi Wira , Indah Rosaria , Sallam Malik , Rajamoorthy Yogambigai , Wagner Abram L. , Mudatsir Mudatsir
Published: November 2022

Obtaining a booster dose of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine is required to maintain the protective level of neutralizing antibodies and therefore herd immunity in the community, and the success of booster dose programs depends on public acceptance. The aim of this study was to determine the acceptance of a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine and its drivers and barriers in Indonesia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the provinces of Indonesia between 1 and 15 August 2022. Individuals who completed the primary series of the COVID-19 vaccine were asked about their acceptance of a booster dose. Those who refused the booster dose were questioned about their reasons. A logistic regression was used to determine the determinants associated with rejection of a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 2935 respondents were included in the final analysis. With no information on the efficacy and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, 95% of respondents agreed to receive a booster dose if it were provided for free by the government. This acceptance was reduced to only 50.3% if the vaccine had a 75% efficacy with a 20% chance of side effects. The adjusted logistic regression analysis indicated that there were eight factors associated with the rejection of the booster dose: age, marital status, religion, occupation, type of the first two vaccines received, knowledge regarding the importance of the booster dose, belief that natural immunity is sufficient to prevent COVID-19 and disbelief in the effectiveness of the booster dose. In conclusion, the hesitancy toward booster doses in Indonesia is influenced by some intrinsic factors such as lack of knowledge on the benefits of the booster dose, worries regarding the unexpected side effects and concerns about the halal status of the provided vaccines and extrinsic determinants such as the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine. These findings suggest the need for more campaigns and promotions regarding the booster dose benefits to increase its acceptance.
Algal Consortiums: A Novel and Integrated Approach for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Gururani Prateek , Bhatnagar Pooja , Kumar Vinod , Vlaskin Mikhail S. , Grigorenko Anatoly V.
Published: November 2022

Urbanization, industrialization and other human-related activities discharge various inorganic and organic toxic compounds into the environment. Many physical, chemical and biological methods have been practiced, to treat contaminated wastewater: among these, the biological method of wastewater treatment by utilizing algae has been reviewed widely. However, the removal efficacy of algae monoculture is low, as compared to the algae consortium systems. The presence of microorganisms such as fungi or bacteria in wastewater can establish various relationships, such as mutualism or symbiosis with algae, which help in the removal of various organic and inorganic compounds from wastewater, thus acting as a wastewater treatment system. Heterotrophic microorganisms can segregate natural organic matter, which is released by algae in the form of dissolved organic carbon, and releases carbon dioxide, which is utilized by algae for photosynthesis. In accordance with existing studies, microalgal consortiums with bacteria or fungi occurring naturally or crafted artificially can be utilized for wastewater treatment; therefore, the present review provides an outline of the symbiotic relationships between algae and other microorganisms, and their applications in wastewater treatment. Various mechanisms—such as mutualism, commensalism and parasitism—for the removal of different pollutants from wastewater by consortium systems have been elucidated in this review; moreover, this review addresses the challenges that are restricting large-scale implementation of these consortiums, thus demanding more research to enable enhanced commercialization.
Heavy Metals, Pesticide, Plasticizers Contamination and Risk Analysis of Drinking Water Quality in the Newly Developed Housing Societies of Gujranwala, Pakistan
Authors: Rehman Habib ur , Munir Masooma , Ashraf Kamran , Fatima Komal , Shahab Sana , Ali Baber , Al-Saeed Fatimah A. , Abbas Ahmed M. , Zaman Qamar uz
Published: November 2022

The supply of clean drinking water is essential for a healthy life, but access to safe and healthy drinking water has become a key issue worldwide, especially in developing nations such as Pakistan. This research work focused on investigating the suitability of groundwater by measuring quality parameters, identification of pesticide pollutants, and health risk analysis in adults and children due to the consumption of groundwater in recently developed housing societies of the Gujranwala district, Punjab, Pakistan. Drinking water samples (n = 200) were collected from electric water pumps and analyzed by in situ testings following the Standard American Public Health Association (APHA) methods. Pesticides and plasticizers detection was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Results showed that the concentrations of dissolved Cr and Pb at more than 20% of sampling sites exceeded the allowable limit of the World Health Organization (WHO). However, the measured physico-chemical attributes and concentrations of Fe and Zn did not exceed their respective permissible limits. The most abundant pollutants detected were plasticizers (30); followed by herbicides (21); fungicides, acaricides, and insecticides (16); and various types of plant growth regulators (7). Differential patterns for the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard indices (HI) were observed, of which were above the WHO limits. The decreasing order of the hazard quotient was Cl > Zn > Mg > Cr > Pb for both adults and children. In crux, the quality of water is poor for drinking purposes and the safety and well-being of residents in the recently developed housing societies of the study area may be at risk. Hence, it is important to implement a plan for water quality management, and the regular monitoring (periodic testing of qualitative and quantitative attributes) of the water quality to overcome health-related issues.
Feasibility of a Novel (SHEFROL) Technology in Pre-Treating Eatery Wastewater at Pilot Scale
Authors: Abbasi Tabassum , Patnaik Pratiksha , Abbasi S. A. , Abbasi Tasneem
Published: November 2022

The wastewater ensuing from public eateries is higher in its chemical and biological oxygen demand (COD and BOD) as also its oil, grease, and protein content than sewage. For this reason such wastewater is much harder to treat; its content of fats, proteinaceous material, and xenobiotics mounting major challenges. But in most of the developing world about 80% of such wastewater is discharged untreated and the remaining is mixed with sewage going to the treatment plants. This happens due to the prohibitively high cost of treatment that is entailed if these wastewaters are to be treated by conventional activated sludge processes (ASPs) or a combination of anaerobic digestion and ASPs. The practice of allowing eatery wastewater to join sewage en route sewage treatment plants increases the load on the latter, especially due to the high fat and protein content of the former. The present work describes attempts to use the recently developed and patented SHEFROL® technology in affecting treatment of wastewater coming from a typical eatery. After establishing feasibility at bench scale, the process was tested in a case study at pilot plant scale for treating 12,000 litres/day (LPD) of wastewater being generated by the eateries situated in the campus of Pondicherry University, India. The capacity of the pilot plant was then expanded to 30,000 LPD. Despite operating the units at a very low hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 2 ± 0.5 h, due to the limitations of land availability, which translates to a rate about three times faster than a typical ASP, over 50% removal of COD and BOD, and similarly substantial removal of other pollutants was consistently achieved. Given that the SHEFROL units can be set up at a negligible cost, the findings indicate that SHEFROL technology can be used to significantly yet inexpensively pre-treat eatery wastewaters before either sending them for further treatment to conventional sewage treatment plants, higher-end SHEFROL units, or discharging them directly if neither of the other two options is available.
Baseflow Persistence and Magnitude in Oil Palm, Logged and Primary Tropical Rainforest Catchments in Malaysian Borneo: Implications for Water Management under Climate Change
Authors: Nainar Anand , Walsh Rory P. D. , Bidin Kawi , Tanaka Nobuaki , Annammala Kogila Vani , Letchumanan Umeswaran , Ewers Robert M. , Reynolds Glen
Published: November 2022

While timber harvesting has plateaued, repeat-logging and conversion into plantations (especially oil palm) are still active in the tropics. The associated hydrological impacts especially pertaining to enhanced runoff, flood, and erosion have been well-studied, but little attention has been given to water resource availability in the humid tropics. In the light of the increasing climate extremes, this paper compared baseflow values and baseflow recession constants (K) between headwater catchments of five differing land-uses in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, namely primary forest (PF), old growth/virgin jungle reserve (VJR), twice-logged forest with 22 years regeneration (LF2), multiple-logged forest with 8 years regeneration (LF3), and oil palm plantation (OP). Hydrological and meteorological sensors and dataloggers were established in each catchment. Daily discharge was used for computing K via four estimation methods. Catchment ranks in terms of decreasing K were VJR (0.97841), LF3 (0.96692), LF2 (0.90347), PF (0.83886), and OP (0.86756). Catchment ranks in terms of decreasing annual baseflow were PF (1877 mm), LF3 (1265 mm), LF2 (812 mm), VJR (753 mm), and OP (367 mm), corresponding to 68%, 55%, 51%, 42%, and 38% of annual streamflow, respectively. Despite the low K, PF had the highest baseflow magnitude. OP had the fastest baseflow recession and lowest baseflow magnitude. Baseflow persistence decreased with increasing degree of disturbance. K showed strong association to catchment stem density instead of basal area. For dynamic catchments in this study, the Kb3 estimator is recommended based on its lowest combination of coefficient of variation (CoV) and root mean squared error (RMSE) of prediction. For wetter catchments with even shorter recession events, the Kb4 estimator may be considered. Regarding climate change, logging and oil palm agriculture should only be conducted after considering water resource availability. Forests (even degraded ones) should be conserved as much as possible in the headwaters for sustainable water resource.
On Bed Form Resistance and Bed Load Transport in Vegetated Channels
Authors: Duan Jennifer G. , Al-Asadi Khalid
Published: November 2022

A set of laboratory experiments were conducted to study the impact of vegetation on bed form resistance and bed load transport in a mobile bed channel. Vegetation stems were simulated by using arrays of emergent polyvinyl chloride (PVC) rods in several staggered configurations. The total flow resistance was divided into bed, sidewall, and vegetation resistances. Bed resistance was further separated into grain and bed form (i.e., ripples and dunes) resistances. By analyzing experimental data using the downhill simplex method (DSM), we derived new empirical relations for predicting bed form resistance and the bed load transport rate in a vegetated channel. Bed form resistance increases with vegetation concentration, and the bed load transport rate reduces with vegetation concentration. However, these conclusions are obtained by using experimental data from this study as well as others available in the literature for a vegetated channel at low concentration.
A Graph-Theory-Based PRV Placement Algorithm for Reducing Water Age in Water Distribution Systems
Authors: Shmaya Tomer , Ostfeld Avi
Published: November 2022

Water age is the time taken for water to travel through a distribution system and reach the consumer. Generally, there is a trade-off between water pressure and water age in a water distribution system—higher pressure results in higher flow velocity, which often means shorter traveling time for the water, while lower pressure leads to slower flow and thus higher water age. Low pressure is a desired objective in a distribution system, as it reduces the physical stress on its components and minimizes water losses in the event of a leak. Low water age is a desired objective as well, as increased age is regarded as having a low water quality. Therefore, the two objectives compete with one another. The problem of trying to minimize both water pressure and age is a common problem in water distribution systems’ design and management. This paper introduces an algorithm for pressure reducing valves’ (PRVs) placement for reducing water age in water distribution systems. The algorithm is based on graph-theory elements and uses EPANET 2.2 for simulation and analysis. The method is demonstrated on two small scale examples, and the results present relatively significant improvements in respect to water age.
Unraveling Physical and Chemical Effects of Textile Microfibers
Authors: Athey Samantha N. , Carney Almroth Bethanie , Granek Elise F. , Hurst Paul , Tissot Alexandra G. , Weis Judith S.
Published: November 2022

Microfibers are the most prevalent microplastics in most terrestrial, freshwater, and marine biota as well as in human tissues and have been collected from environmental compartments across most ecosystems and species sampled worldwide. These materials, made of diverse compound types, range from semi-synthetic and treated natural fibers to synthetic microfibers. Microfibers expose organisms across diverse taxa to an array of chemicals, both from the manufacturing process and from environmental adsorption, with effects on organisms at subcellular to population levels. Untangling the physical versus chemical effects of these compounds on organisms is challenging and requires further investigations that tease apart these mechanisms. Understanding how physical and chemical exposures affect organisms is essential to improving strategies to minimize harm.
Extreme Rainfall Indices in Southern Levant and Related Large-Scale Atmospheric Circulation Patterns: A Spatial and Temporal Analysis
Authors: Salameh Ala A. M. , Ojeda Matilde García-Valdecasas , Esteban-Parra María Jesús , Castro-Díez Yolanda , Gámiz-Fortis Sonia R.
Published: November 2022

This study aims to provide a comprehensive spatio-temporal analysis of the annual and seasonal extreme rainfall indices over the southern Levant from 1970 to 2020. For this, temporal and spatial trends of 15 climate extreme indices based on daily precipitation at 66 stations distributed across Israel and Palestine territories were annually and seasonally analyzed through the nonparametric Mann–Kendall test and the Sen’s slope estimator. The annual averages for frequency-based extreme indices exhibited decreasing trends, significantly for the Consecutive Dry Days. In contrast, the percentiles- and intensity-based extreme indices showed increasing trends, significant for extremely wet days, Max 1- and 3-day precipitation amount indices. The study area had expanding periods of extreme dry spells for spring and correspondingly shortening extreme wet spells for spring, winter and the combined winter–spring. Moreover, most of spring indices showed negative trends. Conversely, most winter indices displayed positive trends. Regarding the influence of large-scale circulation patterns, the North Sea Caspian pattern, the Western Mediterranean Oscillation, and ENSO were the primary regulators of the winter, spring, and autumn extreme indices, respectively. These findings contribute to a better understanding of extreme rainfall variability in the Levant region and could be utilized in the management of water resources, drought monitoring, and flood control.
Eff ective management of public enterprises in Africa for the successful implementation of development goals
Authors:   Institute for African Studies of the RAS, Moscow, Saenko A. N.
Published: November 2022

While some literary sources express the opinion that it is practically impossible to cultivate a good corporate governance culture at state-owned enterprises (SOEs), others believe that new strategies for implementing corporate governance systems in combination with political will can bring SOEs to a more effective level of management. The article presents an analysis of controversial views on the possibility of creating effective management mechanisms in state-owned enterprises, examines the eff ective costs of management failures in state-owned enterprises in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Ethiopia. The author draws conclusions and recommendations that the determining factor for the success of state-owned enterprises in African countries is the reaction of the central government to the problems of state-owned enterprises. Structural reforms, good governance, clear goals and effi ciency require a strong stance from Governments. As a long-term remedial measure, knowing which enterprises and when to unload through privatization is one of the options for solving management problems in African state-owned enterprises. As for strategic state-owned enterprises, the document recommends that governments consider the possibility of placing them on public stock exchanges.
Medication work among nonagenarians: a qualitative study of the Newcastle 85+ cohort participants at 97 years old
Authors: Adamson Joy , Hanson Helen , Todd Adam , Duncan Rachel , Hanratty Barbara , Robinson Louise
Published: November 2022

Background

People aged ≥85 years are the fastest growing section of our population across most high-income countries. A majority live with multiple long-term conditions and frailty, but there is limited understanding of how the associated polypharmacy is experienced by this group.

Aim

To explore the experiences of medication management among nonagenarians and the implications for primary care practice.

Design and setting

Qualitative analysis of medication work in nonagenarians from a purposive sample of survivors of the Newcastle 85+ study (a longitudinal cohort study).

Method

Semi-structured interviews (n= 20) were conducted, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using a thematic approach.

Results

In most cases, although considerable work is associated with self-management of medication use, it is generally not experienced as problematic by the older people themselves. Taking medications is habitualised into everyday routines and practices, and is experienced in much the same way as other activities of daily living. For some, the work associated with medications has been relinquished (either partially or wholly) to others, minimising the burden experienced by the individual. Exceptions to this were found when disruptions to these steady states occurred, for example, following a new medical diagnosis with associated medication changes or a major life event.

Conclusion

This study has shown a high level of acceptance of the work associated with medications among this group and trust in the prescribers to provide the most appropriate care. Medicines optimisation should build on this trust and be presented as personalised, evidence-based care.
El presupuesto empresarial como herramienta gerencial en las Pymes de América del Sur
Authors: Moreno Nasimba Elsa de los Ángeles
Published: November 2022

Muchas Pymes en Latinoamérica presentan una baja estructura administrativa, los gerentes tienen poco conocimiento en administración, carecen de planeación para su permanencia en el mercado, poca productividad e innovación en sus procesos. El objetivo fue conocer la importancia del uso del presupuesto como herramienta gerencial para las Pymes de América del Sur de estructura familiar, para esto se realizó una revisión sistemática de 21 artículos científicos con un alcance descriptivo en seis países de Latinoamérica. En síntesis, se puede mencionar que cada país tiene diferente forma de reconocer una Pyme y generar políticas particulares para este tipo de empresas; las Pymes ayudan a dinamizar la economía y generar empleo. Por estas razones es indispensable el uso del presupuesto como una estrategia financiera que permita la administración adecuada de los recursos, el control de costos y gastos.
Avaliação da aprendizagem no estágio curricular na formação inicial de professores
Authors: Vizzotto Liane , Zotti Solange Aparecida , Pegoraro Aristo Sorlei
Published: November 2022

Este artigo objetiva analisar aspectos da avaliação da aprendizagem em relatórios de estágio IV do Curso de Licenciatura em Matemática do Instituto Federal Catarinense, campus Concórdia/SC (2013 a 2018). Refletir como os alunos em formação vêm concebendo e materializando o processo avaliativo se faz primordial, visto que o estágio se constitui como primeira experiência docente, especialmente para aqueles que ainda não são professores. A pesquisa de fonte documental demonstra que os achados podem subsidiar o planejamento tanto dos professores que orientam os estágios quanto dos próprios estagiários. De modo geral, a avaliação da aprendizagem não é concebida como um momento do planejamento, permanecendo à parte do conjunto de necessidades que implicam a prática docente
Análise dos fatores impactantes nos índices de reprovação do curso técnico integrado de automação industrial:
Authors: Almeida Júnior Helvécio de , Araújo Eduardo José de , Martins Viviane Lima
Published: November 2022

A reprovação escolar é problema complexo na Educação brasileira, tendo em vista seus impactos no desenvolvimento educacional e em questões sociais e psicológicas dos alunos. No IFMG Campus Itabirito, o índice de reprovações no 1º ano do curso integrado em Automação Industrial (2019) foi de 23,5%, bem superior à média nacional de 13,4%. Este artigo investiga o impacto de alguns fatores no desempenho dos alunos, tais como: escolaridade dos pais, conhecimento prévio sobre a área, dentre outros. O estudo foi desenvolvido com base em uma pesquisa realizada com 31 alunos matriculados no 1º ano em 2019. Os resultados mostraram que o déficit em Matemática proveniente do ensino fundamental é um fator que impacta no índice de reprovações em disciplinas que requerem uma boa base de conhecimento em cálculos e lógica, tais como as disciplinas de Análise de Circuitos e Introdução à Programação. A partir disso, um plano de ação é proposto para melhoria da base em Matemática dos alunos e, consequentemente, redução dos índices de reprovação.
Proposta de leitura do gênero discursivo meme com enfoque nos multiletramentos
Authors: Sousa Francisco Diego , Pereira Crígina Cibelle
Published: November 2022

Buscamos analisar uma proposta de leitura do gênero discursivo meme, produzida no âmbito do Programa Residência Pedagógica, e aplicada em uma turma – composta por 40 alunos – do Ensino Médio, de uma escola estadual situada no interior do Rio Grande do Norte. Para tanto, assumimos os postulados de Santaella (2013) sobre os tipos de leitores e as propostas de Rojo (2019, 2013, 2009) sobre a– pedagogia dos multiletramentos, que considera a diversidade de semioses e culturas do contexto hodierno. A análise mostrou que os alunos são capazes de mobilizar conhecimentos para a leitura de diferentes semioses (imagem estática, imagem em movimento, texto verbal, entre outras), e que eles transitam entre diferentes informações do universo digital sem deixar de dar atenção à realidade que os cerca, o que caracteriza o leitor ubíquo. A proposta apresentada contribuiu para reflexão sobre os valores e as crenças conflitantes que o gênero discursivo meme, mesmo sendo menos complexo, veicula.
Órfãos de espaço
Authors: Lopes Jader Janer Moreira , Rodrigues Vieira de Paula Sara
Published: November 2022

Esse artigo fala sobre órfãos, sobre pessoas órfãs. Há muitas formas dos seres humanos, em suas variadas idades, receberem esse vocábulo e, nesse movimento, ser substantivo e adjetivo em vida, gestados pelas perdas. Aqui, vamos abordar um tipo específico que se faz em orfandade: a do espaço. A perda do espaço é, também, uma forma de desamparo do humano. Fundamentando nossos trabalhos e reflexões no campo de estudos da Geografia da Infância e nos postulados da Teoria Histórico-Cultural, sobretudo, no conceito de vivência (perejivanie) e a partir de narrativas orais, escritas ou em forma de imagens, descrevemos essa condição, que tem origem em muitas situações presentes no mundo, desde conflitos até crises ambientais e sanitárias. É sobre esses espaços perdidos e as vivências daqueles que os perderam o tema a que este texto se debruça.
Considerações sobre territorialidades infantis em um Centro para Crianças e Adolescentes (CCA) na zona leste da cidade de São Paulo
Authors: Marcilio Daniela Signorini , Nascimento Maria Letícia Barros Pedroso
Published: November 2022

Este texto é um recorte de pesquisa de doutorado realizada em um Centro para Crianças e Adolescentes (CCA), localizado no Distrito Água Rasa, zona leste da cidade de São Paulo, instituição que oferece atividades fora do horário escolar, período denominado contraturno. Por meio da apresentação e análise de uma roda de conversa temática “Aqui não pode usar peruca!”, desenvolvida com um grupo de cinco (5) crianças que frequentam o espaço, busca-se apresentar o CCA, desenvolver os conceitos de territorialidades infantis e território lugar, e compreender aquele espaço, da forma como se apresenta. A Geografia da Infância é utilizada como referência teórico-metodológica para a análise.
Viver nas cidades
Authors: Souza Érika Milena de , Araújo Vania Carvalho de
Published: November 2022

As crianças estão nas cidades e as cidades estão nas crianças. Embora por vezes invisíveis, as crianças estabelecem profundas interlocuções com os diferentes espaços do contexto urbano. Em virtude disso, investigar os modos como as crianças apreendem o espaço vivido se apresenta como uma importante questão para desvelar as suas tessituras e composições no texto citadino. Para tanto, realizou-se um estudo etnográfico nas ruas e praças de uma periferia urbana do município de Vitória/ES, onde foi possível conversar com as crianças e observar os modos como se apropriam da arquitetura e dos equipamentos urbanos. Com a análise dos diálogos, olhares e perspectivas sobre a cidade, compreendemos que as ações e narrativas das crianças se interconectam e formam modos próprios de produzir sentidos à dinâmica socioespacial do ambiente vivido.
Brincadeiras, ambientes e as estações das frutas na Baixada Maranhense - Brasil
Authors: FRANCO JOSÉ RAIMUNDO CAMPELO
Published: November 2022

Refere-se a estudos sobre crianças em ambientes de descontração chamados comumente nas geografias regionalizadas de beira-do-campo, que se transmutam em regimes de sazonalidades. Empenhou-se em mostrar como as mesmas constroem suas paisagens e territorialidades no habitar dos campos naturais, em paralela atividade que verificava o potencial das frutas da época para o fomento de pleitos a novas frentes de uso. Empregou-se técnicas de observação participante, com diálogos, escutas e registros de imagens. Finalmente elucidou-se quatro estações bem definidas em seus decoros paisagísticos, assim como indicadores otimizados de receitas e aproveitamentos das frutas. O trabalho reafirma os autores sociais como construtores de uma rica cultura que continuadamente produz espacialidades e regionalidades.
Padronização dos espaços educativos e padronização das infâncias
Authors: Loback Victor , Valentim Silvia Helena
Published: November 2022

Este artigo trata sobre as relações entre a padronização dos espaços educacionais e a padronização do modelo de infância esperado. Colocamos em debate a Geografia da Educação e a Análise Institucional, pois os espaços propostos estão inscritos em sistemas de normas que participam e influenciam na maneira como as crianças interagem com esses espaços. Nos debruçamos sobre os Centros Educacionais de Educação Pública (CIEPs), um modelo estadual padronizado de 500 unidades construídas ao longo da década de 1980, assim como creches do município de São José dos Campos para elucidar o debate proposto. Buscamos refletir, como a padronização da dimensão física dos espaços impacta (ou enseja) a padronização das infâncias que eles ajudarão a produzir. A partir de exemplos, concluímos que a autoria infantil extrapola as normas padronizadoras, produzindo as marcas espaciais da diversidade humana que são constitutivas, inclusive, da produção do espaço geográfico.
Escravidão e Diplomacia
Authors: Zigoni Cândida , Siqueira Tavares da Cruz Geison
Published: November 2022

O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar os desdobramentos sobre a relação entre patrimônio cultural, diplomacia e cidade. Utiliza-se como recorte investigativo a região do Cais do Valongo no Rio de Janeiro/RJ. Através de uma revisão historiográfica o trabalho pretende demonstrar a importância que a escravidão sempre possuiu nas relações diplomáticas brasileiras, bem como na construção identitária nacional. Apresenta também como uma visão apaziguadora da violência do período escravista influenciou na percepção de uma democracia racial no país, tanto interna como externamente. Por fim, aponta como membros da sociedade civil e científica, muitas vezes fora da esfera pública, lutam pelo não apagamento da memória e resistência dos negros no Brasil.
História e Relações Internacionais
Authors: Varela Singulane Dalila , Saporetti Carolina
Published: November 2022

Pensar a dinâmica entre a História e as Relações Internacionais ainda é algo recente dentro da historiografia brasileira e, se hoje vemos um maior aprofundamento das pesquisas, podemos atribuir ao trabalho do Prof. Dr. Rodrigo Christofoletti. Pesquisando o tema há mais de uma década, suas publicações constituem o principal referencial teórico do campo no Brasil ao abordar como o patrimônio cultural se comporta dentro da interface das Relações Internacionais, sendo um pioneiro na reflexão sobre o conceito de soft power. Em sua longa trajetória de atuação, destacam-se as publicações “Bens Culturais e Relações Internacionais: o patrimônio como espelho do soft power”, “Patrimônio como esteio das relações internacionais: Em questão o Soft Power” e a organização do I Congresso Internacional Gestão dos Patrimônios da Humanidade Urbanos, do qual se originou a obra “World Heritage Patinas: action, alerts and risks”, que reúne pesquisas que tangem toda uma gama de problemáticas e dinâmicas dos patrimônios da humanidade. Atualmente, o pesquisador coordena o Grupo de Pesquisa CNPq “Patrimônio e Relações Internacionais” e orienta diversas pesquisas que abordam o patrimônio cultural enquanto soft power brasileiro, tráfico ilícito de bens culturais e colecionáveis criminogênicos, e os patrimônios da humanidade.

Nesta entrevista, Christofoletti falou sobre o desenvolvimento da temática no Brasil, o panorama atual da atuação da UNESCO e como ele vê a dinâmica entre o Patrimônio Cultural e as Relações Internacionais em meio as mudanças políticas mundiais e a pandemia que atualmente ainda estamos tentando conter.