bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impacts of Biochar-Assisted Factors on the Hydrophysical Characteristics of Amended Soils: A Review
Authors: Ramezanzadeh Habib , Zarehaghi Davoud , Baybordi Ahmad , Bouket Ali Chenari , Oszako Tomasz , Alenezi Faizah N. , Belbahri Lassaad
Published: May 2023

Biochar is known as a well-developed porous carbonaceous material with multifunctional abilities that can enhance the physical properties of soils. However, the lack of certainty about the consequences of biochar application to soils has limited its acceptability. Application of biochar can lead to a series of changes in the physical functions of soil, which are crucial in both agricultural and environmental management. The type of feedstock, pyrolysis conditions, size of particles, and rate of amendments are responsible for biochar effectiveness. Concurrently, the physical characteristics of soil, such as particle-size distribution, can intensify the impacts. Beside the physical attributes, the chemical components and interactions between biochar and the soil interface may play an important role. The chemical properties, such as the value of electrical conductivity, pH and zeta potential, are the remarkable parameters in the hydrophysical behavior. The summary proposes that biochar has a great contribution In enhancing the definite range of aggregation formation, reduction of compaction and shear strength frequency and/or intensity, improvement of microorganisms activity, and abundance. Simultaneously, biochar plays a devastating role by filling the pores, blocking the water flow pathways, and inhibiting macro fauna growth. Particle size of biochar as a major factor, and surface functional groups as a minor factor, affect the performance of biochar in improving the hydrophysical properties of amended soils. The increment in the dosage of biochar application is not promising to enhance the physical properties of soils. Therefore, it is necessary to find a balance between the consumption of biochar and promotion of the soil-water dynamic. This review provides an overview of fastidious perspectives on how to achieve an efficient and sustainable use of biochar in hydrophysical properties.
Calibration Estimation of Cumulative Distribution Function Using Robust Measures
Authors: Abbasi Hareem , Hanif Muhammad , Shahzad Usman , Emam Walid , Tashkandy Yusra , Iftikhar Soofia , Shahzadi Shabnam
Published: May 2023

Outliers are observations that are significantly different from the other observations in a dataset. These types of observations are asymmetric in nature due to a lack of symmetry. The estimation of the cumulative distribution function (CDF) is an important statistical measure commonly discussed for symmetric datasets. However, the estimation of the CDF in the case of the asymmetric nature of the dataset is not a much-explored topic. In this article, we use calibration methodology with auxiliary information for modifying the traditional stratification weight, and hence, we obtain efficient estimates of the CDF using robust measures, i.e., mid-range and tri-mean, under the different distance functions. A simulation study is carried out to see the performance of proposed and existing estimators using asymmetric real-life datasets.
Variable Step Size Methods of the Hybrid Affine Projection Adaptive Filtering Algorithm under Symmetrical Non-Gaussian Noise
Authors: Zhou Xingli , Li Guoliang , Zhang Hongbin , Cao Xin
Published: May 2023

The idea of variable step-size was introduced into the Hybrid Affine Projection Algorithm (H-APA) and we propose two variable step size algorithms based on H-APA, which are called the Variable Step-Size Hybrid Affine Projection Algorithm (VSS-H-APA) and the Modified Variable Step-Size Hybrid Affine Projection Algorithm (MVSS-H-APA). These are two variable-step algorithms aim to further improve the robust performance and convergence speed of H-APA under non-Gaussian noise. This allows for faster convergence while maintaining stability. The MVSS-H-APA goes further than VSS-H-APA to estimate the noise in order to achieve better convergence performance. The proposed algorithm performs better than the existing algorithms in system identification under symmetric non-Gaussian noise.
Classical Solutions for the Generalized Kawahara–KdV System
Authors: Georgiev Svetlin G. , Boukarou A. , Bouhali Keltoum , Zennir Khaled , Elkhair Hatim M. , Hassan Eltegani I. , Alfedeel Alnadhief H. A. , Alarfaj Almonther
Published: May 2023

In this article, we investigate the generalized Kawahara–KdV system. A new topological approach is applied to prove the existence of at least one classical solution and at least two non-negative classical solutions. The arguments are based upon recent theoretical results.
Exploring the Symmetry of Curvilinear Regression Models for Enhancing the Analysis of Fibrates Drug Activity through Molecular Descriptors
Authors: Wazzan Suha , Urlu Ozalan Nurten Urlu
Published: May 2023

Quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) modeling is crucial in cheminformatics and computational drug discovery for predicting the activity of compounds. Topological indices are a popular molecular descriptor in QSPR modeling due to their ability to concisely capture the structural and electronic properties of molecules. Here, we investigate the use of curvilinear regression models to analyze fibrates drug activity through topological indices, which modulate lipid metabolism and improve the lipid profile. Our QSPR approach predicts the physicochemical properties of fibrates based on degrees and distances from topological indices. Our results demonstrate that topological indices can enhance the accuracy of predicting physicochemical properties and biological activities of molecules, including drugs. We also conducted density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the investigated derivatives to gain insights into their optimized geometries and electronic properties, including symmetry. The use of topological indices in QSPR modeling, which considers the symmetry of molecules, shows significant potential in improving our understanding of the structural and electronic properties of compounds.
Existence Results for Wardoski-Type Convex Contractions and the Theory of Iterated Function Systems
Authors: Saleem Naeem , Iqbal Bilal , Hasan Fady , Shatanawi Wasfi
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this paper is to define the notion of extended convex ℱ contraction by imposing less conditions on the function ℱ satisfying certain contractive conditions. We prove the existence of fixed points for these types of mappings in the setting of b-metric spaces. In addition, some illustrative examples are provided to show the usability of the obtained results. Lastly, we use the obtained fixed-point results to find the fractals with respect to the iterated function systems in the framework of b-metric spaces. Furthermore, the variables involved in the b-metric space are symmetric, and symmetry plays an important role in solving the nonlinear problems defined in operator theory.
Group Contribution Revisited: The Enthalpy of Formation of Organic Compounds with “Chemical Accuracy” Part IV
Authors: Meier Robert J. , Rablen Paul R.
Published: May 2023

Group contribution (GC) methods to predict thermochemical properties are eminently important to process design. Following earlier work which presented a GC model in which, for the first time, chemical accuracy (1 kcal/mol or 4 kJ/mol) was accomplished, we here discuss classes of molecules for which the traditional GC approach does not hold, i.e., many results are beyond chemical accuracy. We report new ring-strain-related parameters which enable us to evaluate the heat of formation of alkyl-substituted cycloalkanes. In addition, the definition of the appropriate group size is important to obtain reliable and accurate data for systems in which the electron density varies continuously but slowly between related species. For this and in the case of ring strain, G4 quantum calculations are shown to be able to provide reliable heats of formation which provide the quantitative data which we can use, in the case of absence of experimental data, to establish group and nearest-neighbour interaction parameters to extend the range of applicability of the GC method whilst retaining chemical accuracy. We also found that the strong van der Waals that overlap in highly congested branched alkanes can be qualitatively investigated by applying DFT quantum calculations, which can provide an indication of the GC approach being inappropriate.
Toxicological Analysis in Tissues Following Exhumation More Than Two Years after Death (948 Days): A Forensic Perspective in a Fatal Case
Authors: Albano Giuseppe Davide , Zerbo Stefania , La Spina Corinne , Midiri Mauro , Guadagnino Daniela , D’Anna Tommaso , Buscemi Roberto , Argo Antonina
Published: May 2023

Exhumations are performed in accordance with a court order and are crucial instruments in the investigation of death allegations. When a death is thought to be the result of drug misuse, pharmaceutical overdose, or pesticide poisoning, this process may be used on human remains. However, after a protracted postmortem interval (PMI), it might be difficult to detect the cause of death by looking at an exhumed corpse. The following case report reveals problems associated with postmortem drug concentration changes following exhumation more than two years after death. A 31-year-old man was found dead in a prison cell. Onan inspection of the place, two blister packs, one with a tablet and the other empty, were taken and kept by the police officers. The evening before, the deceased would have taken cetirizine and food supplements consisting of carnitine–creatine tablets. No relevant autopsy findings have been observed. The toxicological analysis was performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and was negative for substances of abuse. Proteomic analysis was positive for creatine detection and negative for other drugs (clarithromycin, fenofibrate, and cetirizine). The presented case shows the methods, the findings, and the limitations of toxicological analysis in an exhumation case with a long postmortem interval (PMI).
Complex Mixtures and Multiple Stressors: Evaluating Combined Chemical Exposures and Cumulative Toxicity
Authors: Kassotis Christopher D. , Phillips Allison L.
Published: May 2023

The problem of chemical mixtures in the environment encompasses biological, analytical, logistical, and regulatory challenges, among others [...]
Handheld Fluorescence Spectrometer Enabling Sensitive Aflatoxin Detection in Maize
Authors: Smeesters Lien , Kuntzel Thomas , Thienpont Hugo , Guilbert Ludovic
Published: May 2023

Aflatoxins are among the main carcinogens threatening food and feed safety while imposing major detection challenges to the agrifood industry. Today, aflatoxins are typically detected using destructive and sample-based chemical analysis that are not optimally suited to sense their local presence in the food chain. Therefore, we pursued the development of a non-destructive optical sensing technique based on fluorescence spectroscopy. We present a novel compact fluorescence sensing unit, comprising both ultraviolet excitation and fluorescence detection in a single handheld device. First, the sensing unit was benchmarked against a validated research-grade fluorescence setup and demonstrated high sensitivity by spectrally separating contaminated maize powder samples with aflatoxin concentrations of 6.6 µg/kg and 11.6 µg/kg. Next, we successfully classified a batch of naturally contaminated maize kernels within three subsamples showing a total aflatoxin concentration of 0 µg/kg, 0.6 µg/kg and 1647.8 µg/kg. Consequently, our novel sensing methodology presents good sensitivity and high potential for integration along the food chain, paving the way toward improved food safety.
Association of Hypertension, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Disease with COVID-19 in Africa: Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Nooh Faisal , Utzinger Jürg , Paris Daniel H. , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Chernet Afona
Published: May 2023

Background: COVID-19 caused devastating effects on global healthcare systems. The elderly and people with chronic comorbidities were at a particularly high risk of mortality and morbidity. However, the evidence on the association of COVID-19 severity with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the African population is scarce. Objective: The aim is to estimate COVID-19 severity among African patients with hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and its implications for case management. Methods: We will adhere to the extension for Scoping Reviews of PRISMA (PRISMA-ScR). The following electronic databases will be searched: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and Joanna Briggs Institute. The search will be conducted after the publication of this protocol. Two reviewers will extract data from articles published after March 2020 without language restrictions. A descriptive analysis of the important findings and a narrative synthesis of the results will serve as the basis for interpretation. Expected results and conclusions: This scoping review is expected to determine the odds of patients with chronic comorbidities to progress to severe stages of COVID-19. The review will generate an evidence-based and set foundation for recommendations toward the establishment of surveillance systems and referral guidelines for the management of NCDs in the face of COVID-19 and future pandemics.
Quantum Time and Quantum Evolution
Authors: Góźdź Andrzej , Góźdź Marek , Pȩdrak Aleksandra
Published: May 2023

The problem of quantum time and evolution of quantum systems, where time is not a parameter, is considered. In our model, following some earlier works, time is represented by a quantum operator. In this paper, similarly to the position operators in the Schrödinger representation of quantum mechanics, this operator is a multiplication-type operator. It can be also represented by an appropriate positive operator-valued measure (POVM) which together with the 3D position operators/measures provide a quantum observable giving a position in the quantum spacetime. The quantum evolution itself is a stochastic process based on Lüder’s projection postulate. In fact, it is a generalization of the unitary evolution. This allows to treat time and generally the spacetime position as a quantum observable, in a consistent and observer-independent way.
From the Triangulation Technique to the Use of the Donor Aorta and Vena Cava for Kidney Transplantation: Lessons from the Past and Path to the Future of Xenotransplantation
Authors: Nghiem Dai D.
Published: May 2023

Revascularization of the kidney transplant is classically performed by anastomosing the renal vessels to the recipient iliac vessels. This technique is not applicable when the renal vessels are very small, numerous or anomalous and aberrant. In these instances, the donor aorta and the vena cava have to be used for vascular anastomosis. It would be useful to briefly review the development and the use of the donor aorta and cava in renal transplantation during the last century and discuss the potential clinical application of this technique in xenotransplantation of the porcine kidneys in humans at the dawn of the 21st century.
Dynamic Changes in Non-Invasive Markers of Liver Fibrosis Are Predictors of Liver Events after SVR in HCV Patients
Authors: Fernández-Alvarez Paula , Guerra-Veloz María Fernanda , Vilches-Arenas Angel , Cordero-Ruíz Patricia , Bellido-Muñoz Francisco , Caunedo-Alvarez Angel , Carmona-Soria Isabel
Published: May 2023

Objectives: The course of progressive liver damage after achieving sustained virological response (SVR) with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) remains undetermined. We aimed to determine risk factors associated with the development of liver-related events (LREs) after SVR, focusing on the utility of non-invasive markers. Methods: An observational, retrospective study that included patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV), who achieved SVR with DAAs between 2014 and 2017. Patients were followed-up until December 2020. LREs were defined as the development of portal hypertension decompensation and the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Serological markers of fibrosis were calculated before treatment and one and two years after SVR. Results: The study included 321 patients, with a median follow-up of 48 months. LREs occurred in 13.7% of patients (10% portal hypertension decompensation and 3.7% HCC). Child–Pugh [HR 4.13 (CI 95% 1.74; 9.81)], baseline FIB-4 [HR 1.12 (CI 95% 1.03; 1.21)], FIB-4 one year post-SVR [HR 1.31 (CI 95% 1.15; 1.48)] and FIB-4 two years post-SVR [HR 1.42 (CI 95% 1.23; 1.64)] were associated with portal hypertension decompensation. Older age, genotype 3, diabetes mellitus and FIB-4 before and after SVR were associated with the development of HCC. FIB-4 cut-off values one and two years post-SVR to predict portal hypertension decompensation were 2.03 and 2.21, respectively, and to predict HCC were 2.42 and 2.70, respectively. Conclusions: HCV patients with ACLD remain at risk of developing liver complications after having achieved SVR. FIB-4 evaluation before and after SVR may help to predict this risk, selecting patients who will benefit from surveillance.
Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA Using Reverse Transcription Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RT-RPA) with Lateral Flow for N-Protein Gene and Variant-Specific Deletion–Insertion Mutation in S-Protein Gene
Authors: Malaga Jose L. , Pajuelo Monica J. , Okamoto Michiko , Tsinda Emmanuel Kagning , Otani Kanako , Tsukayama Pablo , Mascaro Lucero , Cuicapuza Diego , Katsumi Masamichi , Kawamura Kazuhisa , Nishimura Hidekazu , Sakagami Akie , Ueki Yo , Omiya Suguru , Okamoto Satoshi , Nakayama Asami , Fujimaki Shin-ichi , Yu Chuyao , Azam Sikandar , Kodama Eiichi , Dapat Clyde , Oshitani Hitoshi , Saito Mayuko
Published: May 2023

Rapid molecular testing for severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants may contribute to the development of public health measures, particularly in resource-limited areas. Reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification using a lateral flow assay (RT-RPA-LF) allows rapid RNA detection without thermal cyclers. In this study, we developed two assays to detect SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) gene and Omicron BA.1 spike (S) gene-specific deletion–insertion mutations (del211/ins214). Both tests had a detection limit of 10 copies/µL in vitro and the detection time was approximately 35 min from incubation to detection. The sensitivities of SARS-CoV-2 (N) RT-RPA-LF by viral load categories were 100% for clinical samples with high (>9015.7 copies/µL, cycle quantification (Cq): < 25) and moderate (385.5–9015.7 copies/µL, Cq: 25–29.9) viral load, 83.3% for low (16.5–385.5 copies/µL, Cq: 30–34.9), and 14.3% for very low (<16.5 copies/µL, Cq: 35–40). The sensitivities of the Omicron BA.1 (S) RT-RPA-LF were 94.9%, 78%, 23.8%, and 0%, respectively, and the specificity against non-BA.1 SARS-CoV-2-positive samples was 96%. The assays seemed more sensitive than rapid antigen detection in moderate viral load samples. Although implementation in resource-limited settings requires additional improvements, deletion–insertion mutations were successfully detected by the RT-RPA-LF technique.
Detection of African Swine Fever Virus and Blood Meals of Porcine Origin in Hematophagous Insects Collected Adjacent to a High-Biosecurity Pig Farm in Lithuania; A Smoking Gun?
Authors: Olesen Ann Sofie , Stelder Jonno Jorn , Tjørnehøj Kirsten , Johnston Camille Melissa , Lohse Louise , Kjær Lene Jung , Boklund Anette Ella , Bøtner Anette , Belsham Graham J. , Bødker René , Rasmussen Thomas Bruun
Published: May 2023

A seasonal trend of African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks in domestic pig farms has been observed in affected regions of Eastern Europe. Most outbreaks have been observed during the warmer summer months, coinciding with the seasonal activity pattern of blood-feeding insects. These insects may offer a route for introduction of the ASF virus (ASFV) into domestic pig herds. In this study, insects (hematophagous flies) collected outside the buildings of a domestic pig farm, without ASFV-infected pigs, were analyzed for the presence of the virus. Using qPCR, ASFV DNA was detected in six insect pools; in four of these pools, DNA from suid blood was also identified. This detection coincided with ASFV being reported in the wild boar population within a 10 km radius of the pig farm. These findings show that blood from ASFV-infected suids was present within hematophagous flies on the premises of a pig farm without infected animals and support the hypothesis that blood-feeding insects can potentially transport the virus from wild boars into domestic pig farms.
Circulation of Bluetongue Virus Serotypes 1, 4, 8, 10 and 16 and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus in the Sultanate of Oman in 2020–2021
Authors: Bréard Emmanuel , Postic Lydie , Gondard Mathilde , Bernelin-Cottet Cindy , Le Roux Aurélie , Turpaud Mathilde , Lucas Pierrick , Blanchard Yannick , Vitour Damien , Bakkali-Kassimi Labib , Zientara Stéphan , Al Rawahi Wafaa , Sailleau Corinne
Published: May 2023

The circulation of Bluetongue (BT) and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) in the Middle East has already been reported following serological analyses carried out since the 1980s, mostly on wild ruminants. Thus, an EHD virus (EHDV) strain was isolated in Bahrain in 1983 (serotype 6), and more recently, BT virus (BTV) serotypes 1, 4, 8 and 16 have been isolated in Oman. To our knowledge, no genomic sequence of these different BTV strains have been published. These same BTV or EHDV serotypes have circulated and, for some of them, are still circulating in the Mediterranean basin and/or in Europe. In this study, we used samples from domestic ruminant herds collected in Oman in 2020 and 2021 for suspected foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) to investigate the presence of BTV and EHDV in these herds. Sera and whole blood from goats, sheep and cattle were tested for the presence of viral genomes (by PCR) and antibodies (by ELISA). We were able to confirm the presence of 5 BTV serotypes (1, 4, 8, 10 and 16) and the circulation of EHDV in this territory in 2020 and 2021. The isolation of a BTV-8 strain allowed us to sequence its entire genome and to compare it with another BTV-8 strain isolated in Mayotte and with homologous BTV sequences available on GenBank.
Ketogenic Diet and Ketone Bodies as Clinical Support for the Treatment of SARS-CoV-2—Review of the Evidence
Authors: Bolesławska Izabela , Kowalówka Magdalena , Bolesławska-Król Natasza , Przysławski Juliusz
Published: May 2023

One of the proposed nutritional therapies to support drug therapy in COVID-19 is the use of a ketogenic diet (KD) or ketone bodies. In this review, we summarized the evidence from tissue, animal, and human models and looked at the mechanisms of action of KD/ketone bodies against COVID-19. KD/ketone bodies were shown to be effective at the stage of virus entry into the host cell. The use of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), by preventing the metabolic reprogramming associated with COVID-19 infection and improving mitochondrial function, reduced glycolysis in CD4+ lymphocytes and improved respiratory chain function, and could provide an alternative carbon source for oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Through multiple mechanisms, the use of KD/ketone bodies supported the host immune response. In animal models, KD resulted in protection against weight loss and hypoxemia, faster recovery, reduced lung injury, and resulted in better survival of young mice. In humans, KD increased survival, reduced the need for hospitalization for COVID-19, and showed a protective role against metabolic abnormalities after COVID-19. It appears that the use of KD and ketone bodies may be considered as a clinical nutritional intervention to assist in the treatment of COVID-19, despite the fact that numerous studies indicate that SARS-CoV-2 infection alone may induce ketoacidosis. However, the use of such an intervention requires strong scientific validation.
Nanoalum Formulations Containing Aluminum Hydroxide and CpG 1018TM Adjuvants: The Effect on Stability and Immunogenicity of a Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 RBD Antigen
Authors: Bajoria Sakshi , Kumru Ozan S. , Doering Jennifer , Berman Katherine , Slyke Greta Van , Prigodich Anneka , Rodriguez-Aponte Sergio A. , Kleanthous Harry , Love J. Christopher , Mantis Nicholas J. , Joshi Sangeeta B. , Volkin David B.
Published: May 2023

Aluminum-salt vaccine adjuvants (alum) are commercially available as micron-sized particles with varying chemical composition and crystallinity. There are reports of enhanced adjuvanticity when the alum’s particle size is reduced to the nanometer range. Previously, we demonstrated that a recombinant receptor-binding domain (RBD)-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate (RBD-J; RBD-L452K-F490W) formulated with aluminum hydroxide (Alhydrogel®; AH) and CpG 1018™ (CpG) adjuvants induced potent neutralizing antibody responses in mice yet displayed instability during storage. In this work, we evaluated whether sonication of AH to the nanometer size range (nanoAH) could further enhance immunogenicity or improve storage stability of the above formulation. The addition of CpG to nanoAH (at mouse doses), however, caused re-agglomeration of nanoAH. AH-CpG interactions were evaluated by Langmuir binding isotherms and zeta potential measurements, and stabilized nanoAH + CpG formulations of RBD-J were then designed by (1) optimizing CpG:Aluminum dose ratios or (2) adding a small-molecule polyanion (phytic acid, PA). Compared with the micron-sized AH + CpG formulation, the two stabilized nanoAH + CpG formulations of RBD-J demonstrated no enhancement in SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus neutralizing titers in mice, but the PA-containing nanoAH + CpG formulation showed improved RBD-J storage stability trends (at 4, 25, and 37 °C). The formulation protocols presented herein can be employed to evaluate the potential benefits of the nanoAH + CpG adjuvant combination with other vaccine antigens in different animal models.
Electrochemotherapy Plus IL-2+IL-12 Gene Electrotransfer in Spontaneous Inoperable Stage III–IV Canine Oral Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Tellado Matías , De Robertis Mariangela , Montagna Daniela , Giovannini Daniela , Salgado Sergio , Michinski Sebastián , Signori Emanuela , Maglietti Felipe
Published: May 2023

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a standard of care in veterinary and human oncology. The treatment induces a well-characterized local immune response which is not able to induce a systemic response. In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the addition of gene electrotransfer (GET) of canine IL-2 peritumorally and IL-12 intramuscularly to enhance the immune response. Thirty canine patients with inoperable oral malignant melanoma were included. Ten patients received ECT+GET as the treatment group, while twenty patients received ECT as the control group. Intravenous bleomycin for the ECT was used in both groups. All patients had compromised lymph nodes which were surgically removed. Plasma levels of interleukins, local response rate, overall survival, and progression-free survival were evaluated. The results show that IL-2 and IL-12 expression peaked around days 7–14 after transfection. Both groups showed similar local response rates and overall survival times. However, progression-free survival resulted significantly better in the ECT+GET group, which is a better indicator than overall survival, as it is not influenced by the criterion used for performing euthanasia. We can conclude that the combination of ECT+GET using IL-2 and IL-12 improves treatment outcomes by slowing down tumoral progression in stage III–IV inoperable canine oral malignant melanoma.
Biomolecular Analysis of Canine Distemper Virus Strains in Two Domestic Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)
Authors: Guercio Annalisa , Mira Francesco , Di Bella Santina , Gucciardi Francesca , Lastra Antonio , Purpari Giuseppa , Castronovo Calogero , Pennisi Melissa , Di Marco Lo Presti Vincenzo , Rizzo Maria , Giudice Elisabetta
Published: May 2023

Canine distemper is a contagious and severe systemic viral disease that affects domestic and wild carnivores worldwide. In this study, two adult female ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) were evaluated for cutaneous lesions. Scab, fur, and swab samples from the external auditory canal, cutaneous lesions, and scrapings were analyzed. Canine distemper virus (CDV)-positive samples underwent RT-PCR/RFLP with the restriction enzyme PsiI, and the hemagglutinin gene sequence was obtained. According to the restriction enzyme and sequence analyses, the viral strains were typed as CDV field strains that are included within the Europe lineage and distinct from those including vaccinal CDV strains. The sequence analysis showed the highest nucleotide identity rates in older Europe lineage CDV strains collected from dogs and a fox in Europe. This study is the first to report on CDV infection in ferrets in southern Italy and contributes to the current knowledge about natural CDV infection in this species. In conclusion, vaccination remains crucial for preventing the disease and counteracting cross-species infection. Molecular biology techniques can enable the monitoring of susceptible wild animals by ensuring the active surveillance of CDV spread.
Combined Toxicity of Glyphosate (Faena®) and Copper to the American Cladoceran Daphnia exilis—A Two-Generation Analysis
Authors: Hernández-Zamora Miriam , Rodríguez-Miguel Alma , Martínez-Jerónimo Laura , Martínez-Jerónimo Fernando
Published: May 2023

Glyphosate and copper are common pollutants in water and soil. Glyphosate is the most used herbicide worldwide; despite being claimed to be a low-toxicity pesticide and easily degraded, several studies have demonstrated glyphosate’s occurrence and toxicity in freshwater ecosystems. Copper is an essential micronutrient; however, at high concentrations, it becomes toxic, and it is a persistent contaminant discharged from agricultural and industrial activities. Both glyphosate and Cu are agrochemicals that can occur in aquatic environments and produce stress in aquatic biota. Cladocerans are important zooplankters, and their sensitivity to chemical stressors has been widely documented. In this study, the North American cladoceran Daphnia exilis was exposed to glyphosate (Faena®) and Cu mixtures. The effects were assessed in two generations to determine toxicity impairment in the parental (P1) and filial (F1) generations. The 48 h median lethal concentration (LC50) of both chemicals was determined. After this, the generations P1 and F1 were exposed for 21 days to three concentrations of glyphosate and Cu mixtures (1.04 mg L−1 + 2.45 μg L−1, 1.24 mg L−1 + 3.09 μg L−1, and 1.57 mg L−1 + 4.31 μg L−1), starting from neonates. Survival and reproduction were recorded, and macromolecule content and the size of neonates were measured in the progeny. The LC50 was 4.22 mg L−1 for Faena® and 13.45 μg L−1 for copper. Exposure to glyphosate and copper reduced fecundity and the number of clutches per female, delayed age at first reproduction, and increased the number of aborted eggs; these effects were more evident in the F1 than in the P1. In both generations, the concentration of carbohydrates and lipids was significantly reduced. The treatment and the brood number influenced the total length of neonates, but the total length did not differ significantly, whereas body length and body width decreased in F1. Glyphosate and copper mixtures significantly increased toxicity in D. exilis in the F1 generation, probably because the parents produced impaired progenies. Results warn about transgenerational effects in planktonic species chronically exposed to pollutants.
Preparation of Cationic Cellulose as a Natural Flocculant/Sorbent and Its Application in Three Water Treatment Scenarios
Authors: Haleem Noor , Zhang Cheng , Jamal Yousuf , Albert Karlee , Fan Dongdong , Yao Bin , Hussain Fida , Yang Xufei
Published: May 2023

In this study, cationic cellulose (CC) was prepared by etherifying commercial cellulose with (3-chloro-2 hydroxypropyl) trimethylammonium chloride (CHPTAC) in an alkaline medium. The prepared CC was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The characterization results affirmed the successful cationization of cellulose. Upon optimization of reaction conditions, a CC sample with a degree of substitution (DS) of 0.857 was achieved. The CC sample was then tested as a flocculant or sorbent in three environmental applications: algal harvesting, solid removal from dairy wastewater, and capture of methyl orange (MO) in dye wastewater. The effects of dose level and pH on flocculation/sorption performance were studied. Under the optimal dose level and pH conditions, up to 90.4% of dry algal biomass and 53.3% of suspended solids in the dairy wastewater were removed, as measured by standard jar testing. Around 64.2% of MO in the synthetic wastewater was sorbed on the prepared CC and removed, as determined by absorbance at 463 nm. The new CC preparation method exempts the pre-dissolution of cellulose in a solvent and is expected to promote the application of CC in water treatment and the alike scenarios.
Land Use, Climate, and Socioeconomic Factors Determine the Variation in Hydrologic-Related Ecosystem Services in the Ecological Conservation Zone, Beijing, China
Authors: Li Lijuan , Yang Yanzheng , Cui Tengyu , Li Ruonan , Zheng Hua
Published: May 2023

The hydrologic-related ecosystem services of upstream ecological conservation zones have an important role in regulating the water scarcity and intense water conflicts of downstream regions. The joint effect of socioeconomic, land use, and climate factors on hydrologic-related ecosystem services is rarely analyzed; hence, its spatial heterogeneity and drivers remain unclear. We used the InVEST model and multivariate analysis to assess the interactions of land use, climate, and socioeconomic factors on hydrologic-related ecosystem services in the Beijing Ecological Conservation Development Zone (BECD) from 2000 to 2018. Our results show that land use shifts were mainly manifested by the conversion of cropland to forestland, grass land, and urban land, with conversion areas of 432 km2, 84.86 km2, and 162.57 km2, respectively. Water yield and water purification services exhibited significant temporal and spatial heterogeneity within the BECD. We also found that land use had the greatest impact on hydrologic-related ecosystem services, followed by climate and socioeconomic factors, with contributions of 44.29%, 7.09%, and 4.16%, respectively. Additionally, the contribution of the joint effect of land use and climate accounted for 13%. This study not only describes the variation in hydrologic-related ecosystem services within the BECD, but also offers a theoretical basis for policymakers and stakeholders to formulate land use policies.
Changing Winters and Adaptive Water Governance: A Case Study on the Kemi River Basin, Finland
Authors: Albrecht Eerika
Published: May 2023

This paper studies adaptive water governance in the context of hydropower and flood-risk management. The Kemi River basin acts as an empirical setting to study the environmental change and the capacity of the management system to respond to it. Hydropower and reservoir development has been a source of a decade-long environmental conflict in the river basin. This study aims to find out how governance structures are adapting to the environmental change brought on by climate change. The study is based on case study research, and it combines long-term monitoring data, semi-structured interviews conducted in December 2020 and January 2021, and Finnish administrative court rulings. The results reveal that the water governance in the Kemi River basin is based on a technology driven aquatic regime, which has been a source of persistent environmental conflict between technology and nature. The flood-risk management is based on adaptive planning cycles and is implemented in a participatory manner, although it is strengthening the conflict in the area, as some stakeholders suggests reservoirs as a solution, which neglects the potential of integrative river basin management.
Multi-Scale Analysis of Agricultural Drought Propagation on the Iberian Peninsula Using Non-Parametric Indices
Authors: Possega Marco , García-Valdecasas Ojeda Matilde , Gámiz-Fortis Sonia Raquel
Published: May 2023

Understanding how drought propagates from meteorological to agricultural drought requires further research into the combined effects of soil moisture, evapotranspiration, and precipitation, especially through the analysis of long-term data. To this end, the present study examined a multi-year reanalysis dataset (ERA5-Land) that included numerous drought events across the Iberian Peninsula, with a specific emphasis on the 2005 episode. Through this analysis, the mechanisms underlying the transition from meteorological to agricultural drought and its features for the selected region were investigated. To identify drought episodes, various non-parametric standardized drought indices were utilized. For meteorological droughts, the Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) was employed, while the Standardized Soil Moisture Index (SSI), Multivariate Standardized Drought Index (MSDI), and Standard Precipitation, Evapotranspiration and Soil Moisture Index (SPESMI) were utilized for agricultural droughts, while their ability to identify relative vegetation stress in areas affected by severe droughts was investigated using the Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FAPAR) Anomaly provided by the Copernicus European Drought Observatory (EDO). A statistical approach based on run theory was employed to analyze several characteristics of drought propagation, such as response time scale, propagation probability, and lag time at monthly, seasonal, and six-month time scales. The retrieved response time scale was fast, about 1–2 months, and the probability of occurrence increased with the severity of the originating meteorological drought. The duration of agricultural drought was shorter than that of meteorological drought, with a delayed onset but the same term. The results obtained by multi-variate indices showed a more rapid propagation process and a tendency to identify more severe events than uni-variate indices. In general terms, agricultural indices were found to be effective in assessing vegetation stress in the Iberian Peninsula. A newly developed combined agricultural drought index was found to balance the characteristics of the other adopted indices and may be useful for future studies.
Study of the Soil Water Movement in Irrigated Agriculture Ⅱ
Authors: Kargas George , Kerkides Petros , Londra Paraskevi A.
Published: May 2023

This Special Issue of Water is the second part of the series “Study of Soil Water Movement in Irrigated Agriculture” [...]
Wind Waves Web Atlas of the Russian Seas
Authors: Myslenkov Stanislav , Samsonov Timofey , Shurygina Anastasia , Kiseleva Sofia , Arkhipkin Victor
Published: May 2023

The main parameters of wind waves in the World Ocean are connected with global climate change. Renewable energy technologies, intensive shipping, fishery, marine infrastructure, and many different human marine activities in the coastal zone and open sea need knowledge about the wind-wave climate. The main motivation of this research is to share various wind wave parameters with high spatial resolution in the coastal zone via a modern cartographic web atlas. The developed atlas contains information on 13 Russian Seas, including the Azov, Black, Baltic, Caspian, White, Barents, Kara, Laptev, East Siberian, Chukchi, Bering Seas, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Sea of Japan/East Sea. The analysis of wave climate was based on the results of wave modeling by WAVEWATCH III with input NCEP/CFSR wind and ice data. The web atlas was organized using the classic three-tier architecture, which includes a data storage subsystem (database server), a data analysis and publishing subsystem (GIS server), and a web application subsystem that provides a user interface for interacting with data and map services (webserver). The web atlas provides access to the following parameters: mean and maximum significant wave height, wave length and period, wave energy flux, wind speed, and wind power. The developed atlas allows changing the map scale (zoom) for detailed analysis of wave parameters in the coastal zones where the wave model spatial resolution is 300–1000 m.
Environmental Monitoring of Tritium (3H) and Radiocarbon (14C) Levels in Mafikeng Groundwater Using Alpha/Beta Spectrometry
Authors: Mathuthu Joseph , Dzimba Omphile Edna , Mathuthu Manny
Published: May 2023

With the current state of water scarcity in Mafikeng, South Africa, due to low water levels and an increasing population, it is therefore crucial to ensure the sustainability and availability of the existing water resources. In this study, the levels of tritium and radiocarbon in groundwater (boreholes) at selected villages in Mafikeng were determined using the Perkin Elmer Ultra Low Liquid Scintillation Counter 2000. The mean activity concentrations of tritium are 3.61304 ± 0.00612 Bq/L and 3.86014 ± 0.00739 Bq/L for samples from Dibate and Lokaleng villages, respectively, whereas 1.83392 ± 0.02265 Bq/L is for Moletsamongwe, Lekung, Airport View and Seweding. Moreover, the mean activity concentrations of radiocarbon from Dibate and Lokaleng are 0.59296 ± 0.00886 Bq/L and 0.8333 ± 0.0126 Bq/L, respectively, whereas for, Moletsamongwe, Lekung, Airport View and Seweding, they are 1.3752713 ± 0.01968 Bq/L. Two (2) out of the forty (40) samples analysed for radiocarbon are below the minimum detectable activity of 0.33627 Bq/L. The average annual effective dose (AED) of tritium for analysed samples from Dibate and Lokaleng villages are 0.04754 μSv/y and 0.05079 μSv/y, respectively, whereas it is 0.02413 μSv/y for Moletsamongwe, Lekung, Airport View and Seweding. The average AED for radiocarbon is 0.251404 μSv/y and 0.36604 μSv/y for samples from Dibate and Lokaleng, respectively, whereas it is 0.58309 μSv/y for Moletsamongwe, Lekung, Airport View and Seweding village. The evaluated lifetime cancer risk for mortality and morbidity in adults is lower than the radiological cancer risk limit of 1.63 × 10−3 set by regulatory agencies; hence, the consumption of the studied groundwater from the selected villages will not pose any health risks in terms of tritium and radiocarbon levels.
Modeling the Effect of Hyporheic Flow on Solute Residence Time Distributions in Surface Water
Authors: Jung Sung Hyun , Kim Jun Song
Published: May 2023

Understanding the dynamics of hyporheic flow is important for managing water resources, since this interfacial flow exchange affects the fate and transport of contaminants in rivers. This study numerically quantifies the effect of hyporheic exchange on solute residence times in surface water systems by simulating solute transport in unified turbulent open-channel and hyporheic zone systems. Interfacial hyporheic fluxes (qint) increase with increased Reynolds number (Re) that produces an enhanced bottom pressure gradient over the ripple bed. Heavy-tailed breakthrough curves emerge when hyporheic flow is considered in transport simulation. This reveals that hyporheic flow is a dominant driver of non-Fickian transport in surface water as this interfacial flow exchange delays solute transport with slow porewater flows. Furthermore, the increase in Re extends the longitudinal spreading of solute tracers because a higher surface flow velocity intensifies the magnitude of hyporheic flow and associated storage effects. This can be confirmed by the ratio of the maximum residence time to the peak arrival time that increases with the increase in Re, following a power-law relationship with both Re and qint.
Spatio-Temporal Model of a Product–Sum Simulation on Stream Network Based on Hydrologic Distance
Authors: Bachrudin Achmad , Ruchjana Budi Nurani , Abdullah Atje Setiawan , Budiarto Rahmat
Published: May 2023

The modeling of spatio-temporal processes is crucial in many fields such as environmental science, hydrology, and water storage engineering. A basic concept of the spatio-temporal model is an auto-covariance function. The stream network model based on the Euclidean distance as the auto-covariance function for investigating river pollution will potentially face a serious accuracy problem, due to the material or water pollutant movement on the water only occurring within the river network and the distance travelled not following the path of the river network. The use of the hydrologic distance may overcome the problem because, statistically, the Euclidean distance-based auto-covariance function is not valid if it is a negative-definite. Therefore, this study develops a spatio-temporal model of the generalized product–sum based on the hydrologic distance with a positive-definite property. The proposed model is built and, subsequently, it is then verified mathematically to be positive-definite. Furthermore, the relationships between the hydrologic distance, the Euclidean distance, and spatial configurations are also investigated. The simulation study result shows the proposed spatio-temporal model is positive-definite for some semivariogram models. The relationships between spatial configurations in the stream network follow an exponential model.
Estimation of Changes in the Nutrient Release Rate from Sediments after a Tsunami by an Incubation Experiment
Authors: Hayashi Mitsuru , Inoue Tetsunori , Hirokawa Soichi
Published: May 2023

A tsunami induced by the Nankai Trough earthquake may disturb marine sediments in the inner part of Osaka Bay. Since nutrient release from marine sediments has a significant impact on nu-trient concentrations in seawater, an incubation experiment was conducted to estimate the release rates of NH4-N and PO4-P in order to understand the present rates and to quantify the changes in the rates caused by tsunamis in Osaka Bay. The current release rate of NH4-N is an extension of the decreasing trend since 2000. The PO4-P release rate has remained at a low level since 2008. The release rate of redeposited sediments after exposure to the aerobic environment caused by a tsunami may decrease to approximately 70% of the current level for NH4-N and 60% for PO4-P. Nutrient concentrations and fishing have begun to decline in Osaka Bay. A reduction in the nutrient release rate by tsunamis may further limit primary production under the current situation where the contribution of release to nutrients in seawater is significant.
Research on Drainage Rights Allocation Based on Game Combination Weight-Improved Matter-Element Extension Model
Authors: Sun Fuhua , Luo Yuyu , Shen Juqin
Published: May 2023

The frequent occurrence of floods poses a serious threat to various aspects such as socio-economic development, ecological stability, and safety of people’s lives and properties. In order to reduce flood losses and improve the overall regional flood control efficiency, the DPSIR model is used to construct an index system affecting the allocation of drainage rights considering the characteristics and allocation principles of drainage rights. The objective and subjective weights determined by the hierarchical analysis and entropy method are optimally combined according to the game theory idea, and finally, the drainage rights allocation model of the game combination weight-improved matter-element extension model is constructed. In addition, this paper conducts a case study with data from 2017–2021 in the south Jiangsu canal region, and the results show that the drainage rights allocation is influenced by social, economic, and ecological aspects, among which the most influential are ecological and economic aspects; the drainage rights quota size from 2017–2021 is in the order of Wuxi, Suzhou, Changzhou, and Zhenjiang.