bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Tb-Doped BiVO4 on Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Chen Wei-Sheng , Wu Ming-Hong , Wu Jun-Yi
Published: April 2023

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) is a narrow-bandgap semiconductor (~2.41 Ev) that responds to visible light. The efficiency of degradation of organic dyes is indexed by methylene blue (MB). After 150 min, the efficiency of MB degradation by pure BiVO4 was about 20%. Its adsorption performance and electron–hole pair migration ability are weak, and the photocatalytic activity of pure BiVO4 needs to be improved. BiVO4 doped with rare earth ions can facilitate the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, thereby enhancing photocatalytic activity in the visible light range. This study investigates changes in the structure and morphology of BiVO4 doped with different atomic percentages of terbium (Tb). BiVO4 powders were prepared by the hydrothermal method with different atomic percentages of Tb (at% = 0, 1, 3, and 5). Doping Tb benefits the coexistence of monoclinic/tetragonal heterostructures, which changes the band gap and improves degradation efficiency. After 150 min of visible light irradiation, the photocatalyst doped with 3 atomic percent of Tb exhibited 98.2% degradation of methylene blue. The degradation percentage of MB remained stable in the presence of 3at%Tb-doped BiVO4 composite. The optimal parameters for the amount of photocatalyst added were studied. Real-field simulations of metal ions and inorganic salts both retain high levels of degradation efficiency.
Unlocking Opportunities for Migrant Workers in China: Analyzing the Impact of Health Insurance on Hukou Switching Intentions
Authors: Chen Hong , Yu Jia , Qin Mingshuai , Wang Yangyang , Qin Lijian
Published: April 2023

The Chinese urban–rural binary health insurance structure has contributed to a significant urban–rural segmentation and regional fragmentation, which will affect labor mobilization and urbanization. The purpose of this research is to study whether and how urban–rural binary health insurance impacts the intentions of migrant workers to switch between rural and urban hukou. Pooled data were drawn from China Migrants Dynamic Survey, collected by the National Health Commission of China. The study applied the instrument variable model due to the existence of the endogeneity; and the IVprobit model to conduct the empirical analysis. Our findings are as follows: (1) the urban–rural binary health insurance affects migrant workers’ intentions to switch to urban hukou significantly. (2) The negative impact of originally rural health insurance on migrant workers’ intention of switching to urban hukou is relatively large for low-education-level migrant workers. (3) Compared with new generation of migrant workers, old migrant workers have higher health insurance dependency levels. Finally, our research suggested several policy implications, such as accelerating the establishment of a unified urban–rural health insurance system, increasing the urban health insurance participation rate of migrant workers in their working cities, and including migrant workers in the scope of equal access to urban public services, etc. All the policy suggestions are essential in order to accelerate the citizenization of migrant workers, improve the quality of urbanization, and promote the construction of a unified national labor market.
China’s Pathway to a Low Carbon Economy: Exploring the Influence of Urbanization on Environmental Sustainability in the Digital Era
Authors: Lv Yan , Li Weisong , Xu Yawen , Sohail Muhammad Tayyab
Published: April 2023

To protect the environment from any further damage, the implementation of the “smart cities” strategy supported by information and communication technologies (ICTs) is the need of the hour. Hence, this study estimates the impact of ICT and urbanization on environmental sustainability in China using the novel quantile autoregressive distributed lag (QARDL) method. The results of the QARDL model state the negative and significant impact of ICT on CO2 emissions in China for all quantiles, implying that an increase in ICT proved to be an important factor in improving environmental quality. In contrast, the estimated coefficients of urbanization are positively significant for all quantiles. This finding sustains the idea that large-scale urbanization is detrimental to the environment because the process of urbanization is among the leading sources of carbon emissions. In the short run, the negative impact of ICT on CO2 emissions can only be seen in higher quantiles, while the positive impact of urbanization on CO2 emissions is confirmed for all quantiles. Lastly, the asymmetric impact of ICT and urbanization is confirmed in the short and long run with the help of Wald tests. The ICT diffusion and smart urbanization approach can help in attaining environmental sustainability targets.
Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process for Strategic Decision Making in Electric Vehicle Adoption
Authors: Aungkulanon Pasura , Atthirawong Walailak , Luangpaiboon Pongchanun
Published: April 2023

In response to the requirement to address the global climate crisis in urban areas caused by the logistics sector, an increasing number of governments around the world have begun aggressive strategic actions to encourage manufacturers and consumers to adopt electric vehicle (EV) technology. One of the most beneficial aspects of driving an EV is that it reduces pollution while also reducing the use of fossil fuels, as well as improving public health by improving local air quality. Nevertheless, the level of EV adoption differs significantly across markets and geographies. EV adoption barriers slow the overall rate of electric mobility. This study ranks a list of obstacles and sub-hindrances to the adoption of electric vehicles in Thailand using the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP), a Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) technique. The results showed that infrastructure policy barrier (A), which had the highest weight of 0.6058, was the biggest barrier to EV adoption, followed by technological barrier (B) with a weight of 0.2657, and then by market barrier with a weight of 0.1285. Insufficient charging infrastructure network (A3), lack of proper government support/incentives and collaboration (A1), insufficient electric power supply (A2), high capital cost (C3), and EV charging time (B3) were key sub-barriers to EV adoption in Thailand. Decision Making Systems (DMS) have additionally been created to assist executives in making decisions about the aforementioned barriers. The DMS is based on the concept of computer-aided decision making in that it allows for direct user interaction, analysis, and the ability to change circumstances and the decision-making process based on the executives’ own experience and abilities. Thus, the findings of this study aid in the formulation of market strategies for relevant stakeholders and shed light on potential policy responses.
“Harmonization” or “Fragmentation”: The Impact of Low-Carbon Policy Synergy on Inclusive Low-Carbon Development
Authors: Yan Xinjie , Sun Hui , Xin Long
Published: April 2023

To better address the inequities and inequalities brought by the monotonous approach to low-carbon development, it is necessary to actively explore inclusive low-carbon development (ILCD) pathways, and low-carbon policy (LCP) synergy plays a crucial role in ILCD. This paper manually collected LCP data from 30 provinces in China from 2010 to 2019 and conducted a study using text analysis to measure LCP subject synergy, LCP tool synergy, and LCP overall synergy. At the same time, an indicator analysis framework of ILCD was constructed to measure the efficiency of ILCD at the provincial level through the super-efficient SBM model. On this basis, the impact of LCP synergy on regional ILCD is explored to reveal its mechanism of action, and heterogeneity is explored. The results show the following: (1) In general, LCP subject synergy, LCP tool synergy and LCP overall synergy all effectively promote regional ILCD. (2) Both LCP subject synergy and LCP tool synergy are indispensable. Policy synergy can positively affect ILCD only when both policy subjects and policy instruments are highly synergistic, while ILCD is significantly weakened when both policy subjects and policy instruments are lowly synergistic. (3) The stronger the innovation capacity of provinces, the stronger the contribution of LCP synergy to ILCD. (4) In non-resource-based regions, the effect of LCP subject synergy on regional ILCD is more significant, and the effect of LCP tool synergy is not significant, while the opposite is true for resource-based regions. The study plays a certain reference significance for the government to improve LCP synergy and promote regional ILCD.
Optimization of State of the Art Fuzzy-Based Machine Learning Techniques for Total Dissolved Solids Prediction
Authors: Hijji Mohammad , Chen Tzu-Chia , Ayaz Muhammad , Abosinnee Ali S. , Muda Iskandar , Razoumny Yury , Hatamiafkoueieh Javad
Published: April 2023

Total dissolved solid prediction is an important factor which can support the early warning of water pollution, especially in the areas exposed to a mixture of pollutants. In this study, a new fuzzy-based intelligent system was developed, due to the uncertainty of the TDS time series data, by integrating optimization algorithms. Monthly-timescale water quality parameters data from nearly four decades (1974–2016), recorded over two gaging stations in coastal Iran, were used for the analysis. For model implementation, the current research aims to model the TDS parameter in a river system by using relevant biochemical parameters such as Ca, Mg, Na, and HCO3. To produce more compact networks along with the model’s generalization, a hybrid model which integrates a fuzzy-based intelligent system with the grasshopper optimization algorithm, NF-GMDH-GOA, is proposed for the prediction of the monthly TDS, and the prediction results are compared with five standalone and hybrid machine learning techniques. Results show that the proposed integrated NF-GMDH-GOA was able to provide an algorithmically informed simulation (NSE = 0.970 for Rig-Cheshmeh and NSE = 0.94 Soleyman Tangeh) of the dynamics of TDS records comparable to the artificial neural network, extreme learning machine, adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system, GMDH, and NF-GMDH-PSO models. According to the results of sensitivity analysis, Sodium in natural bodies of water with maximum value of error (RMSE = 56.4) had the highest influence on the TDS prediction for both stations, and Mg with RMSE = 43.251 stood second. The results of the Wilcoxon signed rank tests also indicated that the model’s prediction means were different, as the p value calculated for the models was less than the standard significance level (α=0.05).
Symmetry in Regression Analysis: Perpendicular Offsets—The Case of a Photovoltaic Cell
Authors: Jäntschi Lorentz
Published: April 2023

It is known that, for paired measurements subjected to experimental error, better suited linear regression is obtained by using perpendicular offsets. Even so, the great majority of statistical software still uses classical vertical offsets for reasons of convenience. The same convenience leads to the preference of the least squares method in the favor of maximum-likelihood estimation. The treatise for perpendicular offsets for simple linear regression is slightly trickier than the corresponding one for vertical offsets. However, there is no general treatise for perpendicular offsets for nonlinear cases to date. In this work, a typical case of nonlinear dependence—potential versus intensity of current produced by a photovoltaic cell—is subjected to study. A series of paired potential/current data was collected from a commercial photovoltaic device and served for introducing the perpendicular offsets approach in the case of a nonlinear regression. Photovoltaic cell parameters—internal resistance, short-circuit current intensity, potential of open-circuit, and the maximum power point—have been determined by using the perpendicular offsets approach. Several issues were addressed in this work, such as exploring the intrinsic symmetry in the treatment of current versus potential diagrams, the suitability of perpendicular offsets in obtaining of the regression coefficients, and the implementation of nonlinear regression models with perpendicular offsets. Even if both the treatises of perpendicular offsets and nonlinear regression are known for some time now, there is no report in the literature of using both. Furthermore, since both potential and current measurements are affected by errors, it is more natural to use the proposed approach of perpendicular offsets.
On Correlation Functions as Higher-Spin Invariants
Authors: Scalea Adrien
Published: April 2023

(Chern–Simons) vector models exhibit an infinite-dimensional symmetry, the slightly-broken higher-spin symmetry with the unbroken higher-spin symmetry being the first approximation. In this note, we compute the n-point correlation functions of the higher-spin currents as higher-spin invariants directly on the CFT side, which complements earlier results that have a holographic perspective.
A Note on Generalized Solitons
Authors: Ishan Amira , Deshmukh Sharief
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we initiate the study of a generalized soliton on a Riemannian manifold, we find a characterization for the Euclidean space, and in the compact case, we find a sufficient condition under which it reduces to a quasi-Einstein manifold. We also find sufficient conditions under which a compact generalized soliton reduces to an Einstein manifold. Note that Ricci solitons being self-similar solutions of the heat flow, this topic is related to the symmetry in the geometry of Riemannian manifolds. Moreover, generalized solitons being generalizations of Ricci solitons are naturally related to symmetry.
Concept Development and Field Testing of Wireless Outdoor Indicator System for Use in Monitoring Exposures at Work among Malaysian Traffic Police
Authors: Mohamad Jamil Putri Anis Syahira , Mohammad Yusof Nur Athirah Diyana , Karuppiah Karmegam , Rasdi Irniza , How Vivien , Mohd Tamrin Shamsul Bahri , Samsudin Muhammad Hasnolhadi , Sambasivam Sivasankar , Almutairi Nayef Shabbab
Published: April 2023

Real-time exposure air monitoring is essential to protect the respiratory health of the Malaysian traffic police. However, the data from monitoring stations have been inadequate to provide accurate information about their exposure. This report describes the conceptual design of a wireless exposure indicator system, and then evaluates the field performance of the system by collocation. The study tested the accuracy of particulate matter size 2.5 (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) by comparing the measurements from the prototype with the measurements from reference instruments. The field testing found that the data tested were significantly correlated with each other (PM2.5-rs = 0.207, p = 0.019; NO2-rs = 0.576, p = 0.02 and CO-rs = 0.545, p = 0.04). The prototype proved to be successful as it can compute and transmit real-time monitoring data on the level of exposure to harmful air.
Potential of Coupling Metaheuristics-Optimized-XGBoost and SHAP in Revealing PAHs Environmental Fate
Authors: Jovanovic Gordana , Perisic Mirjana , Bacanin Nebojsa , Zivkovic Miodrag , Stanisic Svetlana , Strumberger Ivana , Alimpic Filip , Stojic Andreja
Published: April 2023

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) refer to a group of several hundred compounds, among which 16 are identified as priority pollutants, due to their adverse health effects, frequency of occurrence, and potential for human exposure. This study is focused on benzo(a)pyrene, being considered an indicator of exposure to a PAH carcinogenic mixture. For this purpose, we have applied the XGBoost model to a two-year database of pollutant concentrations and meteorological parameters, with the aim to identify the factors which were mostly associated with the observed benzo(a)pyrene concentrations and to describe types of environments that supported the interactions between benzo(a)pyrene and other polluting species. The pollutant data were collected at the energy industry center in Serbia, in the vicinity of coal mining areas and power stations, where the observed benzo(a)pyrene maximum concentration for a study period reached 43.7 ngm−3. The metaheuristics algorithm has been used to optimize the XGBoost hyperparameters, and the results have been compared to the results of XGBoost models tuned by eight other cutting-edge metaheuristics algorithms. The best-produced model was later on interpreted by applying Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). As indicated by mean absolute SHAP values, the temperature at the surface, arsenic, PM10, and total nitrogen oxide (NOx) concentrations appear to be the major factors affecting benzo(a)pyrene concentrations and its environmental fate.
An Assassin’s Secret: Multifunctional Cytotoxic Compounds in the Predation Venom of the Assassin Bug Psytalla horrida (Reduviidae, Hemiptera)
Authors: Fischer Maike Laura , Fabian Benjamin , Pauchet Yannick , Wielsch Natalie , Sachse Silke , Vilcinskas Andreas , Vogel Heiko
Published: April 2023

Predatory assassin bugs produce venomous saliva that enables them to overwhelm, kill, and pre-digest large prey animals. Venom from the posterior main gland (PMG) of the African assassin bug Psytalla horrida has strong cytotoxic effects, but the responsible compounds are yet unknown. Using cation-exchange chromatography, we fractionated PMG extracts from P. horrida and screened the fractions for toxicity. Two venom fractions strongly affected insect cell viability, bacterial growth, erythrocyte integrity, and intracellular calcium levels in Drosophila melanogaster olfactory sensory neurons. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that both fractions contained gelsolin, redulysins, S1 family peptidases, and proteins from the uncharacterized venom protein family 2. Synthetic peptides representing the putative lytic domain of redulysins had strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and/or Bacillus subtilis but only weak toxicity towards insect or mammalian cells, indicating a primary role in preventing the intake of microbial pathogens. In contrast, a recombinant venom protein family 2 protein significantly reduced insect cell viability but exhibited no antibacterial or hemolytic activity, suggesting that it plays a role in prey overwhelming and killing. The results of our study show that P. horrida secretes multiple cytotoxic compounds targeting different organisms to facilitate predation and antimicrobial defense.
High-Energy Lepton Scattering and Nuclear Structure Issues
Authors: Donnelly Thomas W.
Published: April 2023

High-energy lepton scattering constitutes the focus of this study. Developments are provided to motivate the basic choices of kinematic variables for the particular case of semi-inclusive electron scattering where these variables are devised to match well with the underlying dynamics to be expected for the general “nuclear landscape”. Various nuclear structure issues and other issues related to the nature of the electroweak currents at high energies are then discussed, as are some of the issues related to the different conditions occurring for electron scattering versus what is typically the case for charge-changing neutrino reactions.
Measurement-Induced Nonlocality for Observers Near a Black Hole
Authors: Kaczmarek Adam Z. , Szczȩśniak Dominik , Kais Sabre
Published: April 2023

We present a systematic and complementary study of quantum correlations near a black hole by considering measurement-induced nonlocality (MIN). The quantum measure of interest is discussed for the fermionic, bosonic and mixed fermion–boson modes on equal footing with respect to the Hawking radiation. The obtained results show that in the infinite Hawking temperature limit, the physically accessible correlations do not vanish only in the fermionic case. However, the higher frequency modes can sustain correlations for the finite Hawking temperature, with mixed systems being more sensitive towards the increase in the fermionic frequencies than the bosonic ones. Since the MIN for the latter modes quickly diminishes, the increased frequency may be a way to maintain nonlocal correlations for the scenarios at the finite Hawking temperature.
Asfarviruses and Closely Related Giant Viruses
Authors: Hannat Sihem , La Scola Bernard , Andreani Julien , Aherfi Sarah
Published: April 2023

Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus, so called because of its “mimicking microbe”, was discovered in 2003 and was the founding member of the first family of giant viruses isolated from amoeba. These giant viruses, present in various environments, have opened up a previously unexplored field of virology. Since 2003, many other giant viruses have been isolated, founding new families and taxonomical groups. These include a new giant virus which was isolated in 2015, the result of the first co-culture on Vermamoeba vermiformis. This new giant virus was named “Faustovirus”. Its closest known relative at that time was African Swine Fever Virus. Pacmanvirus and Kaumoebavirus were subsequently discovered, exhibiting phylogenetic clustering with the two previous viruses and forming a new group with a putative common ancestor. In this study, we aimed to summarise the main features of the members of this group of giant viruses, including Abalone Asfarvirus, African Swine Fever Virus, Faustovirus, Pacmanvirus, and Kaumoebavirus.
Epidemiological Surveillance Reveals the Rise and Establishment of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Variant in Brazil
Authors: Silva Joice do Prado , Lima Aline Brito de , Alvim Luige Biciati , Malta Frederico Scott Varella , Mendonça Cristiane Pinheiro Toscano Brito , Carvalho André Henrique Barbosa de , Rios Jéssica Silqueira Hickson , Fonseca Paula Luize Camargos , Queiroz Daniel Costa , Santos Luíza Campos Guerra de Araújo e , Ferreira Alessandro Clayton de Souza , Souza Renan Pedra de , Aguiar Renato Santana de , Zauli Danielle Alves Gomes
Published: April 2023

The introduction of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) in Brazil has been associated with major impacts on the epidemiological and public health scenario. In this study, 291,571 samples were investigated for SARS-CoV-2 variants from August 2021 to March 2022 (the highest peak of positive cases) in four geographical regions of Brazil. To identify the frequency, introduction, and dispersion of SARS-CoV-2 variants in 12 Brazilian capitals, VOCs defining spike mutations were identified in 35,735 samples through genotyping and viral genome sequencing. Omicron VOC was detected in late November 2021 and replaced the Delta VOC in approximately 3.5 weeks. We estimated viral load differences between SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron through the evaluation of the RT-qPCR cycle threshold (Ct) score in 77,262 samples. The analysis demonstrated that the Omicron VOC has a lower viral load in infected patients than the Delta VOC. Analyses of clinical outcomes in 17,586 patients across the country indicated that individuals infected with Omicron were less likely to need ventilatory support. The results of our study reinforce the importance of surveillance programs at the national level and showed the introduction and faster dispersion of Omicron over Delta VOC in Brazil without increasing the numbers of severe cases of COVID-19.
Current Clinical Landscape and Global Potential of Bacteriophage Therapy
Authors: Hitchcock Nicole Marie , Devequi Gomes Nunes Danielle , Shiach Job , Valeria Saraiva Hodel Katharine , Dantas Viana Barbosa Josiane , Alencar Pereira Rodrigues Leticia , Coler Brahm Seymour , Botelho Pereira Soares Milena , Badaró Roberto
Published: April 2023

In response to the global spread of antimicrobial resistance, there is an increased demand for novel and innovative antimicrobials. Bacteriophages have been known for their potential clinical utility in lysing bacteria for almost a century. Social pressures and the concomitant introduction of antibiotics in the mid-1900s hindered the widespread adoption of these naturally occurring bactericides. Recently, however, phage therapy has re-emerged as a promising strategy for combatting antimicrobial resistance. A unique mechanism of action and cost-effective production promotes phages as an ideal solution for addressing antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries. As the number of phage-related research labs worldwide continues to grow, it will be increasingly important to encourage the expansion of well-developed clinical trials, the standardization of the production and storage of phage cocktails, and the advancement of international collaboration. In this review, we discuss the history, benefits, and limitations of bacteriophage research and its current role in the setting of addressing antimicrobial resistance with a specific focus on active clinical trials and case reports of phage therapy administration.
Metagenomic Detection of Divergent Insect- and Bat-Associated Viruses in Plasma from Two African Individuals Enrolled in Blood-Borne Surveillance
Authors: Orf Gregory S. , Olivo Ana , Harris Barbara , Weiss Sonja L. , Achari Asmeeta , Yu Guixia , Federman Scot , Mbanya Dora , James Linda , Mampunza Samuel , Chiu Charles Y. , Rodgers Mary A. , Cloherty Gavin A. , Berg Michael G.
Published: April 2023

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has enabled the high-throughput multiplexed identification of sequences from microbes of potential medical relevance. This approach has become indispensable for viral pathogen discovery and broad-based surveillance of emerging or re-emerging pathogens. From 2015 to 2019, plasma was collected from 9586 individuals in Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo enrolled in a combined hepatitis virus and retrovirus surveillance program. A subset (n = 726) of the patient specimens was analyzed by mNGS to identify viral co-infections. While co-infections from known blood-borne viruses were detected, divergent sequences from nine poorly characterized or previously uncharacterized viruses were also identified in two individuals. These were assigned to the following groups by genomic and phylogenetic analyses: densovirus, nodavirus, jingmenvirus, bastrovirus, dicistrovirus, picornavirus, and cyclovirus. Although of unclear pathogenicity, these viruses were found circulating at high enough concentrations in plasma for genomes to be assembled and were most closely related to those previously associated with bird or bat excrement. Phylogenetic analyses and in silico host predictions suggested that these are invertebrate viruses likely transmitted through feces containing consumed insects or through contaminated shellfish. This study highlights the power of metagenomics and in silico host prediction in characterizing novel viral infections in susceptible individuals, including those who are immunocompromised from hepatitis viruses and retroviruses, or potentially exposed to zoonotic viruses from animal reservoir species.
Lipid Accumulation in Host Cells Promotes SARS-CoV-2 Replication
Authors: Seitz Tatjana , Setz Christian , Rauch Pia , Schubert Ulrich , Hellerbrand Claus
Published: April 2023

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is still affecting the lives of people around the globe and remains a major public health threat. Lipid levels in the host cells have been shown to promote SARS-CoV-2 replication, and since the start of COVID-19 pandemic, several studies have linked obesity and other components of the metabolic syndrome with severity of illness, as well as mortality in patients with COVID-19. The aim of this study was to obtain insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of these associations. First, we established an in vitro model simulating high fatty acid levels and showed that this situation induced the uptake of fatty acids and triglyceride accumulation in human Calu-3 lung cells. Importantly, we found that lipid accumulation significantly enhanced the replication of SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan type or the variant of concern, Delta, in Calu-3 cells. In summary, these findings indicate that hyperlipidemia as found in patients with obesity promotes viral replication and herewith the disease course of COVID-19.
Innate Immune Response Assessment in Cyprinus carpio L. upon Experimental Administration with Artemia salina Bio-Encapsulated Aeromonas hydrophila Bacterin
Authors: Radhakrishnan Akshaya , Prabakaran D. S. , Ramesh Thiyagarajan , Sakthivel Ramalingam , Ramasamy Kavikumar , Han Hyo-Shim , Jeyachandran Sivakamavalli
Published: April 2023

The present study aimed to analyze the enhancement of innate immune responses in juvenile-stage common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.), upon the administration of heat-killed Aeromonas hydrophila at a dosage of 1 × 107 CFU ml−1 through bio-encapsulation in the aquatic crustacean, Artemia salina. This work emphasizes the modulation of innate immune response when administered with the bio-encapsulated heat-killed antigen that acts as an inactivated vaccine against Motile Aeromonas Septicemia disease. Bio-encapsulated oral administration of antigens promotes innate immunity in juvenile-stage fishes. The optimization of effective bio-encapsulation of bacterin in Artemia salina nauplii was carried out and the best optimal conditions were chosen for immunization. The functional immune parameters such as myeloperoxidase, lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase, antiprotease and respiratory burst activity in serum, blood and intestinal tissue samples were analyzed along with blood differential leukocyte count and tissue histopathology studies. Both humoral and cellular immune responses analyzed were substantially induced or enhanced in the treatment groups in comparison with the control group. The results showed a significant variation in the bio-encapsulation group than the control group and also were comparable to the protection conferred with immersion route immunization under similar conditions. Thus, most of the innate non-specific immune responses are inducible, despite being constitutive of the fish immune system, to exhibit a basal level of protection and a road to better vaccination strategy in Cyprinus carpio L. aquaculture worldwide.
Knowledge of Community Pharmacists in Saudi Arabia Regarding Human Monkeypox, Its Management, Prevention, and Vaccination: Findings and Implications
Authors: Alrasheedy Alian A. , Aldawsari Abdulrahman H. , Alqasir Munyib I. , Alsawyan Omar A. , Alalwan Osama A. , Alwaker Saleh A. , Almutairi Masaad S. , Godman Brian
Published: April 2023

Many cases of monkeypox have recently been reported in countries where this disease is not endemic, raising a global health concern. Consequently, healthcare professionals (HCPs), including pharmacists, need to be aware of the disease, its prevention, including the role of vaccines, and its management to reduce transmission. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among conveniently sampled community pharmacists in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. A total of 189 community pharmacists participated in the study, giving a response rate of 72.97%. From these, 86.77% were male, 51.32% were ≤30 years old, 36.51% were aged between 31–40 years, and 43.39% had 1–5 years of experience as community pharmacists. Their overall knowledge was 17.72 ± 5.56 out of a maximum of 28. The overall rate of correct answers for the knowledge statements was 63.29%, with 52.4% answering ≥50–<75% of the knowledge questions correctly and 31.2% answering ≥75% of the questions correctly. The knowledge subdomain related to diagnosis and clinical characteristics recorded the highest score, with the subdomain relating to causative pathogens and epidemiology recording a lower score. Overall, community pharmacists had moderate knowledge of monkeypox and its clinical management, prevention, and the role of vaccines, which is a concern for the future. Consequently, tailored, flexible, and timely educational interventions are needed to ensure that HCPs, including community pharmacists, are fully equipped with the latest evidence-based knowledge regarding this viral disease to reduce transmission and improve care.
Influence of Radial Installation Deviation on Hydraulic Thrust Characteristics of a 1000 MW Francis Turbine
Authors: Wang Yifan , Jin Kun , Huang Xingxing , Lin Peng , Wang Zhengwei , Wang Wenliang , Zhou Lingjiu
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a 1000 MW Francis turbine was used to study the influences of uneven clearance distribution caused by various radial installation deviations on the hydraulic thrust of a runner under the rated operating condition with steady-state CFD analysis. Then, the influences of radial installation deviation on the pressure pulsations of the runner and the fluid domains most affected by the deviation were investigated via unsteady CFD calculation. The results show that the radial hydraulic force on the chambers increased linearly with the increase in the radial installation deviation. Additionally, the high-pressure zone was not located in the same position as the radial deviation. With increasing values of the radial installation deviation, the high-pressure zone rotated along the opposite direction of the rotating direction of the runner. This study also found that the flow in the upper crown chamber was most affected by radial installation deviation and that the percentage of high frequencies of the pressure pulsations increased with the flow in the clearances.
Research on Intelligent Grading Evaluation of Water Conservancy Project Safety Risks Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Tao Feifei , Pi Yanling , Deng Menghua , Tang Yongjun , Yuan Chi
Published: April 2023

With the rise of artificial intelligence and big data technologies, it is increasingly significant to apply these emerging technologies to scientific decision-making in water conservancy project construction management in the face of many problems in the process of water conservancy project construction. Different from using traditional assessment methods for risk classification of water conservancy construction hazards, this paper integrates a priori attention and constructs a transformer risk prediction model based on a sliding window, which deeply explores the data value of water conservancy construction hazards information, further predicts the risk level of water conservancy construction hazards and realizes efficient and intelligent management of water conservancy project construction hazard identification management.
Experiments and Simulations to Describe Alkalinity Release from Particle-Containing Oil-in-Water Emulsions and Particle Suspensions
Authors: Muller Katherine A. , Ramsburg C. Andrew
Published: April 2023

Among the most common amendments added to groundwater during site remediation are compounds used to adjust or maintain the pH. This research describes an approach to encapsulate mineral particles (MgO and CaCO3) within oil droplets suspended within an aqueous phase for the purpose of delivery to the subsurface environment. A series of batch experiments was combined with mathematical modeling to illustrate the encapsulation and understand the influence of particle encapsulation on rates and extents of alkalinity release. The encapsulation of the alkalinity-releasing particles results in slower rates of amendment release as compared to rates obtained using suspensions of bare mineral particles, allowing for the possibility of control as a function of the pH. The results indicate that the alkalinity release from particle suspensions followed a mineral dissolution mechanism that could not explain the rate of the alkalinity release of the encapsulated particles. The reduction in mineral dissolution rates observed with the encapsulated particles was found to result from a mass transfer limitation. This limitation was well described using a linear driving force expression to account for the resistance to mass transfer at the oil–water interface.
Acid Mine Drainage Discrimination Using Very High Resolution Imagery Obtained by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in a Stone Coal Mining Area
Authors: Kou Xiaomei , Han Dianchao , Cao Yongxiang , Shang Haixing , Li Houfeng , Zhang Xin , Yang Min
Published: April 2023

Mining of mineral resources exposes various minerals to oxidizing environments, especially sulfide minerals, which are decomposed by water after oxidation and make the water in the mine area acidic. Acid mine drainage (AMD) from mining can pollute surrounding rivers and lakes, causing serious ecological problems. Compared with traditional field surveys, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology has advantages in terms of real-time imagery, security, and image accuracy. UAV technology can compensate for the shortcomings of traditional technology in mine environmental surveys and effectively improve the implementat ion efficiency of the work. UAV technology has gradually become one of the important ways of mine environmental monitoring. In this study, a UAV aerial photography system equipped with a Red, Green, Blue (RGB) camera collected very-high-resolution images of the stone coal mining area in Ziyang County, northwest China, and classified the very-high-resolution images by support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and U-Net methods, and detected the distribution of five types of land cover, including AMD, roof, water, vegetation, and bare land. Finally, the accuracy of the recognition results was evaluated based on the land-cover map using the confusion matrix. The recognition accuracy of AMD using the U-Net method is significantly better than that of SVM and RF traditional machine-learning methods. The results showed that a UAV aerial photography system equipped with an RGB camera and the depth neural network algorithm could be combined for the competent detection of mine environmental problems.
Phage-Based Biocontrol of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterium Isolated from Livestock Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Pallavali Rojarani , Shin Donghyeok , Choi Jeongdong
Published: April 2023

The presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in receiving water can severely threaten the aquatic environment and human health. The treated effluent containing ARB in some livestock wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is returned to the municipal WWTP to reduce the residual ammonia and phosphorus concentrations. ARBs are widespread through wastewater treatment processes and are discharged into river and lake. This study highlights that the isolated lytic phage could reduce ARB isolated from livestock WWTPs and apply phage-based biocontrol in mixed cultures. ARB and lytic phages were isolated from livestock wastewater and used in a batch reactor with diverse cultures. The isolated bacterium was from the Aeromonas species and was resistant to various antibiotics (penicillin, tetracycline, colistin, and kanamycin), indicating multi-drug resistance and biofilm formation. The isolated lytic phage successfully infected Aeromonas species in pure culture and was relatively stable in terms of pH, temperature, and toxic chemicals. The multiplicity of infection (MOI) was examined to determine the proper phage number to kill the host bacterium. The optimal number to control the isolated ARB was a 1:100 phage-to-host ratio. Scanning electron microscopy showed that lytic phages reduced bacterial growth and biofilm formation. Phage-mediated biocontrol was applied in a batch reactor with mixed cultures. Pyrosequencing data from the batch reactor indicated that lytic phages reduced the proportion of the isolated ARB from 65.7 to 20% in 24 h. This study provides evidence for the possible application of lytic phages to control ARB in treated wastewater and an alternative method to prevent the widespread exposure of ARB without producing chemical byproducts.
Effects of the Eating Habits of Romanian Residents on the Water Footprint
Authors: Rusu Teodora Maria , Mihăiescu Tania , Odagiu Antonia , Paulette Laura
Published: April 2023

Water footprint assessment is an analytical tool that helps us understand how activities, actions, and products from human activity influence the scarcity and pollution of water resources. The objectives of the paper are to study the water footprint that is necessary for the production of food for human consumption as an effective way to determine how food habits put pressure on water resources and to identify ways to reduce the stress found on them. To calculate the water footprint of food products consumed by Romanian residents, two types of data were used: information on the average annual net food consumption of each type of food considered during the research and the water footprint per unit of food consumed. In addition, an analysis was carried out based on the structure of the water footprint and the structure of food consumption. In terms of the structure of the water footprint, the contribution rate of the green water footprint is the highest, reaching 83.5%. This is followed by the blue water footprint and the gray water footprint, accounting for 9.04% and 7.46%, respectively. From the perspective of the structure of food consumption, the consumption of cereals, meat, milk, and dairy products contributed the most to the water footprint of residents’ food consumption, reaching 21.8% and 26.6%, respectively, and contributing 24.2% to the total water footprint of food consumption. Our research is useful for water management, improving the efficiency of use in agricultural technologies, and optimizing the structure of food consumption, such as reducing grain and meat consumption.
DESIGNING OF TECTONIC FORM OF CLOTHES IN THE PROCESS OF TEACHING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION SPECIALISTS
Authors: Orlova N.
Published: April 2023

The article considers the process of teaching the artistic designing of clothes which necessarily involves the study of technological properties of materials, especially the ability to form and deform. Clothes are made with different materials: fabrics, knitwear, non-woven fabrics, etc., and it is the source material that determines the method of forming, and the methods of forming clothes – the stability of clothing and its individual parts. The tectonically perfect shape of a suit is a harmonious ratio of shape, construction, and material, as well as the implementation of the function of the direct purpose of clothes. The tectonic approach to designing clothes increases the aesthetic level of light industry products, and their quality, which is achieved by taking into account the properties of fabrics. In classes on designing a new product, the main task of students is to create a form that will fully reveal the content of the product.

The first stage of designing a tectonic form of clothes is to determine its functional purpose, which determines the basic principles of organizing the spatial form of the product. It is followed by determining the properties of fabrics and searching for a design solution for the projected tectonic three-dimensional shape. The most informative is the classification of fabrics according to their functional purpose since it combines both the physical and mechanical properties of fabrics (mandatory for the selected type of clothing), as well as the characteristics of the raw material composition, weave, and other properties. The usage of the principles of the tectonic formation while designing sewing products makes it possible to efficiently carry out design activities and create harmonious solutions in clothes.
THE USAGE OF PROJECT-BASED LEARNING TECHNOLOGY IN THE PROCESS OF TRAINING MASTERS OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
Authors: Yaprynets T. , Antonets A.
Published: April 2023

The article substantiates the theoretical and methodological aspects of the usage of project learning technology in the course of training masters of vocational education. The advantages of using project-based learning are noted, which stimulates the interest of higher education students in solving various production tasks and situations based on their previous experience, creates conditions for increasing students’ motivation and creative self-realization, and develops their intellectual abilities.

The pedagogical conditions for the implementation of project activities by future teachers of vocational education are highlighted, taking into account their level of training and individual capabilities. Classifications of projects are highlighted according to the following essential characteristics: dominant activity, subject-matter areas; the nature of relationships and coordination of the project; the number of project participants, and its duration. Methodological aspects and stages of project implementation in the course of mastering the basics of pedagogical management are revealed. Conclusions have been made regarding the fact that the project learning technology is a modern tool for the personality’s comprehensive development in the course of training future masters of professional education. The usage of technology creates opportunities to combine traditional teaching methods with active and interactive ones. It makes it possible to actualize, integrate and practice acquired knowledge, abilities, and skills. While using project learning technology, the teacher can use a set of search, research, and creative didactic tools. The usage of project technology in the course of master of vocational education training creates comprehensive opportunities for the formation of professional knowledge and skills, abilities and skills of self-organization in one’s pedagogical activities, development of critical thinking, the ability to search for information and innovative activities.
PREPARATION OF FUTURE TEACHERS OF NATURAL SCIENCES FOR WORK IN THE NEW UKRAINIAN SCHOOL
Authors: Hrytsai N.
Published: April 2023

The article shows the main trends in the development of natural education worldwide. Methodical features of teaching natural subjects in the conditions of the New Ukrainian School are revealed. Emphasis is placed on the availability of various model curricula of integrated courses, i.e., «Natural Sciences,» «Knowing Nature,» and «Environment.» The necessity of teacher training for work in the New Ukrainian School is substantiated. The relevance of the specialty 014.15 Secondary education (Natural Sciences) in higher education institutions is confirmed. Educational training programs for future teachers of natural sciences, physics, chemistry, and biology are analyzed. The main methodological guidelines in the teaching of natural sciences are outlined: implementation of an integrative approach to the content of courses through the introduction of special integrated courses in the field of natural sciences, using integrated tasks (physics + chemistry + biology + geography), conducting integrated lessons and extracurricular activities; the use of competence-oriented tasks that model standard or non-standard life and professional situations and require students to independently engage in cognitive activities, as well as personal qualities that determine readiness for such activities; implementation of educational projects; implementation of a research approach using methods similar to the scientific activity of a scientist (observation, experiment, formulation of a hypothesis, substantiation of a theory, processing of data, formulation of conclusions, design of subsequent studies); use of elements of STEM education, in particular, making; application of various digital computer technologies, equipment of specialized offices with multimedia projectors, interactive whiteboards, tablets, etc.; formative assessment of students’ knowledge.

Each of these guidelines is described in detail. Thus the essence of integrative and research approaches is revealed, the peculiarities of competence-oriented tasks and formative assessment are clarified, digital resources of natural sciences are indicated, and STEM education in general and one of its directions is characterized. Nowadays, significant changes are taking place in school science education due to the implementation of the conceptual provisions of the New Ukrainian School. All in all, it is crucial to prepare future science teachers for the introduction of new integrated courses in the field of science education. The mentioned issues can be systematically considered during the study of the educational discipline «Methodology of Teaching Integrated Courses in Natural Sciences.»