bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Protection of the Spatial Structure and Artistic Value of the Architectural Heritage Xizi Pagoda in Hunan Province of China
Authors: He Yiwen , Zhang Xuemin , Chen Xinlei , Fu Dong , Zhang Bei , Xie Xubin
Published: May 2023

Xizi Pagoda, or the pagoda for cherishing writing paper, is part of China’s architectural heritage in culture, education, and rites. It symbolizes respect for books and ceremonies, aspirations for virtue and ideals, and hope for literati cultivation. This paper is the first comprehensive study based on the spatial structure and artistic value of the pagoda as rural stone architecture. It analyzes the shape, components, and decoration of typical Xizi Pagodas in Hunan Province, and studies the stress structure with finite element simulation software. This study delves into the science of the shape, structure and space, and the cultural and aesthetic connotations, and proposes protection and renovation methods. In conclusion, the architecture is decided by the cylindrical shape of the paper burning structure and aesthetics; it is also influenced by Hunan culture, which cherishes literature and ceremonies and values candor and optimism. The pagoda is a national art form with a unique role in enlightenment and education. Therefore, the protection and utilization of the pagoda can be approached from its spatial structure, artistic value, and cultural inheritance to facilitate the sustainable development of architectural heritage, environment, and culture, so as to build Xizi Pagoda into a new national brand.
Hazardous Elements in Sediments Detected in Former Decommissioned Coal Mining Areas in Colombia: A Need for Environmental Recovery
Authors: Oliveira Marcos L. S. , Valença Gabriela Oliveira , Pinto Diana , Moro Leila Dal , Bodah Brian William , de Vargas Mores Giana , Grub Julian , Adelodun Bashir , Neckel Alcindo
Published: May 2023

This study demonstrates an investigation into nanomineralogical and geochemical evolution for the detection of hazardous elements from old, abandoned coal mining deposits capable of causing negative environmental impacts. The general objective of this study is to evaluate the number of nanoparticulate chemical elements in sediments collected during the years 2017 and 2022 from deactivated coal mining areas in the La Guajíra and Cesar regions of Colombia. Sediments were collected and analyzed from areas that experienced spontaneous coal combustion (SCC). The analysis consisted of traditional mineralogical analysis by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, nanomineralogy by field emission scanning electron microscope-FE-SEM, and high-resolution transmission electron microscope-HR-TEM (energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis system-EDS). The analyzed sediment samples contained high proportions of amorphous materials containing the chemical elements As, Cl, Hg, Mo, Pb, Sb, and Se. This study emphasizes the need to implement environmental recovery projects at former, now abandoned coal extraction areas located in the investigated region, as they have negative effects on the environment and human health across large regions.
The Impact of Financial Development on Industrial Upgrading Based on the Analysis of Intermediation Effect and Threshold Effect
Authors: Yan Guihuan , Chen Yi
Published: May 2023

Accelerating industrial upgrading is essential for sustainable development. This paper aims to study how financial development affects industrial transformation and upgrading. First, the financial development index (fin) and the industrial upgrading index (htec, indu) are built using the entropy value approach, which is based on panel data from 30 provinces and cities in China from 2010 to 2020; second, using government intervention as the threshold variable, a fixed effects model and a threshold-effects model are utilized to empirically examine the non-linear link between financial development and industrial sophistication; and finally, the mechanism of financial development on industrial upgrading is examined using the mediating effect model, with science and technology innovation serving as the mediating variable. The study found that financial development has a positive contribution to high-tech industries (htecs). There is a U-shaped non-linear relationship between financial development and industrial advancement (indu). Finance has a stronger effect on promoting industrial upgrading via the intermediary role of science and technology innovation (tec). There is a significant double threshold effect between finance and industrial upgrading. Based on this, this paper puts forward countermeasure suggestions from the perspectives of financial development and scientific and technological innovation. It provides a basis for decision making to realize China’s industrial upgrading and helps in sustainable development in the economy and society.
Occurrence and Assessment of Organic Pollutants Residues in the Aquatic Environment of the Coastal Sediments
Authors: Alkhadher Sadeq Abdullah Abdo , Suratman Suhaimi , Zakaria Mohamad Pauzi
Published: May 2023

The current study aimed to monitor organic pollution on island and coastal environments using linear alkylbenzene (LAB). The aquatic environment is affected by the hazardous chemicals discharged through domestic and industrial waste. The distribution, composition, and sources of LABs in the sediments of Port Dickson coast and Pulau Merambong were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Chains ranging from long to short (L/S), C13/C12 homologs, and internal to external (I/E) congeners were used to define the degradation rate of LABs and the efficacy of wastewater treatment plants. The results of this study revealed that the concentration of LABs in the sites under investigation varied from 67.4 in Pulau Merambong to 255.8 ng g−1dw, in Port Dickson. The LAB homologs had a significant difference and a significant percentage of sampling stations had C13-LAB homologs. According to the determined LAB ratios (I/E), which ranged from 1.6 in Pulau Merambong to 4.1 in Port Dickson, treated effluents from primary and secondary inputs are being introduced into the aquatic ecosystem of these areas. The degradation of LABs was up to 64% in the interrogated locations. The conclusion is that the wastewater treatment system needs to be improved, and that LAB molecular markers are highly effective in tracing anthropogenic sewage contamination.
A Review of Load Frequency Control Schemes Deployed for Wind-Integrated Power Systems
Authors: Asghar Rafiq , Riganti Fulginei Francesco , Wadood Hamid , Saeed Sarmad
Published: May 2023

Load frequency control (LFC) has recently gained importance due to the increasing integration of wind energy in contemporary power systems. Hence, several power system models, control techniques, and controllers have been developed to improve the efficiency, resilience, flexibility, and economic feasibility of LFC. Critical factors, such as energy systems, resources, optimization approaches, resilience, and transient stability have been studied to demonstrate the uniqueness of the proposed design. This paper examines the most recent advances in LFC techniques for wind-based power systems. Moreover, the use of classical, artificial intelligence, model predictive control, sliding mode control, cascade controllers, and other newly designed and adopted controllers in the LFC area is thoroughly examined. Statistical analysis and a comparison table are used to evaluate the advantages, disadvantages, and applications of various controllers. Finally, this paper presents a comprehensive overview of contemporary and other widely used soft computing tools for the LFC issue. This detailed literature review will assist researchers in overcoming the gap between current progress, application, limitations, and future developments of wind energy in LFC.
Understanding the Relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility, Team Identification, and Behavioral Intention with the Mediating Effect of Satisfaction in Korean Professional Baseball League
Authors: Son Jaeman , Dittmore Stephen W. , Choi Younghwan
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to propose and test a theoretical model that explored the relationship among perceived CSR, team identification, and satisfaction, along with behavioral intention in the context of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) league. The study utilized a total of 523 respondents who attended the KBO league’s playoff games. The result of this study indicated that perceived CSR is positively related to consumers’ satisfaction and team identification which in turn affects sports fans’ consumer behavior. In addition, this study highlighted the mediating effect of customer satisfaction in the relationship between perceived CSR, team identification, and behavioral intention. This study provided a theoretical framework for further developing the role of CSR activities in the sports industry. Finally, sports managers and marketers should focus on specific social issues and environmental causes in the community because CSR activities should deal with these matters for developing the community.
Assessment of Modular Construction System Made with Low Environmental Impact Construction Materials for Achieving Sustainable Housing Projects
Authors: Romero Quidel Guisel , Soto Acuña Matías Javier , Rojas Herrera Carlos Javier , Rodríguez Neira Karin , Cárdenas-Ramírez Juan Pablo
Published: May 2023

The construction industry faces a significant challenge in addressing both the housing crisis and climate change. To mitigate this challenge, there has been a push toward the incorporation of industrialization in the construction process to improve product quality, reduce execution times, and lower production costs. However, it is also crucial to implement materials with sustainable characteristics to decrease the environmental impact of housing. In light of this, the present study analyzes the environmental and economic impacts through the development(design) of a modular construction system using materials with low environmental impact. Specifically, the structural components of the system are constructed using plywood boards, thermal insulation is provided by wheat straw, and the interior finish is made of clay plaster. The Skylark 250 model served as the chassis for the structure, with the wheat straw being applied through a blowing process and the clay plaster applied manually. Thermal transmittance, energy demand, environmental impact, and economic analysis were all evaluated for this solution. The study results yielded a modular housing solution with an energy demand of 55 (kWh/m2/year), which, when paired with photovoltaic panels, meets the Net Zero challenge. In terms of construction time, the proposed system requires 44% less time than traditional construction methods and is 29% less expensive economically, making it an attractive option for the housing market.
Differential Evolution and Agglomerative-Clustering-Based Mutation Strategy for Complex Numerical Optimization Problems
Authors: Ali Tassawar , Khan Hikmat Ullah , Iqbal Tasswar , Alarfaj Fawaz Khaled , Alomair Abdullah Mohammad , Almusallam Naif
Published: May 2023

Differential evolution is an evolutionary algorithm that is used to solve complex numerical optimization problems. Differential evolution balances exploration and exploitation to find the best genes for the objective function. However, finding this balance is a challenging task. To overcome this challenge, we propose a clustering-based mutation strategy called Agglomerative Best Cluster Differential Evolution (ABCDE). The proposed model converges in an efficient manner without being trapped in local optima. It works by clustering the population to identify similar genes and avoids local optima. The adaptive crossover rate ensures that poor-quality genes are not reintroduced into the population. The proposed ABCDE is capable of generating a population efficiently where the difference between the values of the trial vector and objective vector is even less than 1% for some benchmark functions, and hence it outperforms both classical mutation strategies and the random neighborhood mutation strategy. The optimal and fast convergence of differential evolution has potential applications in the weight optimization of artificial neural networks and in stochastic and time-constrained environments such as cloud computing.
Postural Stability Romberg’s Test in 3D Using an Inertial Sensor in Healthy Adults
Authors: Skvortsov Dmitry , Painev Nikita
Published: May 2023

Currently, inertial sensors are often used to study balance in an upright stance. There are various options for recording balance data with different locations and numbers of sensors used. Methods of data processing and presentation also differ significantly in published studies. We propose a certain technical implementation of the method and a previously tested method for processing primary data. In addition, the data were processed along three mutually perpendicular planes. The study was conducted on 109 healthy adults. A specially developed inertial sensor, commercially available for medical purposes, was used. Thus, this work can outline the limits of normative values for the calculated stabilometric measures. Normative data were obtained for three oscillation planes with the sensor located on the sacrum. The obtained parameters for the vertical component of the oscillations are of the same order as for the frontal and sagittal components. Normative parameters are required in any clinical study, as the basis from which we start in the evaluation of clinical data. In this study, such normative parameters are given for one of the most commonly used Romberg’s tests. The obtained normative data can be used for scientific and clinical research.
The Potent Antitumor Activity of Smp43 against Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer A549 Cells via Inducing Membranolysis and Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Deng Ze , Gao Yahua , Nguyen Tienthanh , Chai Jinwei , Wu Jiena , Li Jiali , Abdel-Rahman Mohamed A. , Xu Xueqing , Chen Xin
Published: May 2023

Research has been conducted to investigate the potential application of scorpion venom-derived peptides in cancer therapy. Smp43, a cationic antimicrobial peptide from Scorpio maurus palmatus venom, has been found to exhibit suppressive activity against the proliferation of multiple cancer cell lines. However, its impact on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines has not been previously investigated. This study aimed to determine the cytotoxicity of Smp43 towards various NSCLC cell lines, particularly A549 cells with an IC50 value of 2.58 μM. The results indicated that Smp43 was internalized into A549 cells through membranolysis and endocytosis, which caused cytoskeleton disorganization, a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and abnormal apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and autophagy due to mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, the study explored the in vivo protective effect of Smp43 in xenograft mice. The findings suggest that Smp43 has potential anticarcinoma properties exerted via the inducement of cellular processes related to cell membrane disruption and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Biological Activity of Naphthoquinones Derivatives in the Search of Anticancer Lead Compounds
Authors: Durán Alexandra G. , Chinchilla Nuria , Simonet Ana M. , Gutiérrez M. Teresa , Bolívar Jorge , Valdivia Manuel M. , Molinillo José M. G. , Macías Francisco A.
Published: May 2023

Naphthoquinones are a valuable source of secondary metabolites that are well known for their dye properties since ancient times. A wide range of biological activities have been described highlighting their cytotoxic activity, gaining the attention of researchers in recent years. In addition, it is also worth mentioning that many anticancer drugs possess a naphthoquinone backbone in their structure. Considering this background, the work described herein reports the evaluation of the cytotoxicity of different acyl and alkyl derivatives from juglone and lawsone that showed the best activity results from a etiolated wheat coleoptile bioassay. This bioassay is rapid, highly sensitive to a wide spectrum of activities, and is a powerful tool for detecting biologically active natural products. A preliminary cell viability bioassay was performed on cervix carcinoma (HeLa) cells for 24 h. The most promising compounds were further tested for apoptosis on different tumoral (IGROV-1 and SK-MEL-28) and non-tumoral (HEK-293) cell lines by flow cytometry. Results reveal that derivatives from lawsone (particularly derivative 4) were more cytotoxic on tumoral than in non-tumoral cells, showing similar results to those obtained with of etoposide, which is used as a positive control for apoptotic cell death. These findings encourage further studies on the development of new anticancer drugs for more directed therapies and reduced side effects with naphthoquinone skeleton.
Bioactives Overproduction through Operational Strategies in the Ichthyotoxic Microalga Heterosigma akashiwo Culture
Authors: Macías-de la Rosa Adrián , González-Cardoso Miguel Ángel , Cerón-García María del Carmen , López-Rosales Lorenzo , Gallardo-Rodríguez Juan José , Seoane Sergio , Sánchez-Mirón Asterio , García-Camacho Francisco
Published: May 2023

The red tide-forming microalga Heterosigma akashiwo has been associated with massive events of fish deaths, both wild and cultured. Culture conditions are responsible for the synthesis or accumulation of some metabolites with different interesting bioactivities. H. akashiwo LC269919 strain was grown in a 10 L bubble column photobioreactor artificially illuminated with multi-coloured LED lights. Growth and production of exopolysaccharides, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and carotenoids were evaluated under different culture modes (batch, fed-batch, semicontinuous, and continuous) at two irradiance levels (300 and 700 µE·s−1·m−2). Continuous mode at the dilution rate of 0.2·day−1 and 700 µE·s−1·m−2 provided the highest production of biomass, PUFAs (132.6 and 2.3 mg·L−1·day−1), and maximum fucoxanthin productivity (0.16 mg·L−1·day−1). The fed-batch mode accumulated exopolysaccharides in a concentration (1.02 g·L−1) 10-fold over the batch mode. An extraction process based on a sequential gradient partition with water and four water-immiscible organic solvents allowed the isolation of bioactive fucoxanthin from methanolic extracts of H. akashiwo. Metabolites present in H. akashiwo, fucoxanthin and polar lipids (i.e., eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)), or probably such as phytosterol (β-Sitosterol) from other microalgae, were responsible for the antitumor activity obtained.
Phylogeny-Related Variations in Venomics: A Test in a Subset of Habu Snakes (Protobothrops)
Authors: Zhao Hong-Yan , He Na , Sun Yan , Wang Yong-Chen , Zhang Hao-Bing , Chen Hui-Hui , Zhang Ya-Qi , Gao Jian-Fang
Published: May 2023

We conducted a comparative analysis to unveil the divergence among venoms from a subset of Old World habu snakes (Protobothrops) in terms of venomic profiles and toxicological and enzymatic activities. A total of 14 protein families were identified in the venoms from these habu snakes, and 11 of them were shared among these venoms. The venoms of five adult habu snakes were overwhelmingly dominated by SVMP (32.56 ± 13.94%), PLA2 (22.93 ± 9.26%), and SVSP (16.27 ± 4.79%), with a total abundance of over 65%, while the subadult P. mangshanensis had an extremely low abundance of PLA2 (1.23%) but a high abundance of CTL (51.47%), followed by SVMP (22.06%) and SVSP (10.90%). Apparent interspecific variations in lethality and enzymatic activities were also explored in habu snake venoms, but no variations in myotoxicity were found. Except for SVSP, the resemblance of the relatives within Protobothrops in other venom traits was estimated to deviate from Brownian motion evolution based on phylogenetic signals. A comparative analysis further validated that the degree of covariation between phylogeny and venom variation is evolutionarily labile and varies among clades of closely related snakes. Our findings indicate a high level of interspecific variation in the venom proteomes of habu snakes, both in the presence or absence and the relative abundance of venom protein families, and that these venoms might have evolved under a combination of adaptive and neutral mechanisms.
Under-Reporting Cases and Deaths from Melioidosis: A Retrospective Finding in Songkhla and Phatthalung Province of Southern Thailand, 2014–2020
Authors: Kaewrakmuk Jedsada , Chusri Sarunyou , Hortiwakul Thanaporn , Kawila Soontara , Patungkaro Wichien , Jariyapradub Benjamas , Limvorapan Pattamas , Chiewchanyont Bongkoch , Thananchai Hathairat , Duangsonk Kwanjit , Tuanyok Apichai
Published: May 2023

Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is a notifiable disease associated with a high mortality rate in Thailand. The disease is highly endemic in northeast Thailand, while its prevalence in other parts of the country is poorly documented. This study aimed at improving the surveillance system for melioidosis in southern Thailand, where the disease was believed to be underreported. Two adjacent southern provinces, Songkhla and Phatthalung, were selected as the model provinces to study melioidosis. There were 473 individuals diagnosed with culture-confirmed melioidosis by clinical microbiology laboratories at four tertiary care hospitals in both provinces from January 2014 to December 2020. The median age was 54 years (IQR 41.5–64), 284 (60%) of the patients were adults ≥50 years of age, and 337 (71.2%) were male. We retrospectively analyzed 455 patients treated at either Songklanarind Hospital, Hatyai Hospital, Songkhla Provincial Hospital, or Phatthalung Provincial Hospital, of whom 181 (39.8%) patients died. The median duration from admission to death was five days (IQR 2–17). Of the 455 patients, 272 (57.5%) had at least one clinical risk factor, and 188 (39.8%) had diabetes. Two major clinical manifestations, bacteremia and pneumonia, occurred in 274 (58.1%) and 166 (35.2%) patients, respectively. In most cases, 298 (75%) out of 395 local patients were associated with rainfall. Over the seven years of the study, the average annual incidence was 2.87 cases per 100,000 population (95% CI, 2.10 to 3.64). This study has confirmed that these two provinces of southern Thailand are endemic to melioidosis; even though the incidence rate is much lower than that of the Northeast, the mortality rate is comparably high.
In Vitro Effects of Aminopyridyl Ligands Complexed to Copper(II) on the Physiology and Interaction Process of Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Silva-Oliveira Rafaela , Sangenito Leandro S. , Reddy Andrew , Velasco-Torrijos Trinidad , Santos André L. S. , Branquinha Marta H.
Published: May 2023

Chagas disease is derived from the infection by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. In many countries, benznidazole is the only drug approved for clinical use despite several side effects and the emergence of resistant parasite strains. In this context, our group has previously pointed out that two novel aminopyridine derivatives complexed with Cu2+, namely, cis-aquadichloro(N-[4-(hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-2-pyridinemethamino)copper (3a) and its glycosylated ligand cis-dichloro (N-{[4-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)pheny]lmethyl}-2-pyridinemethamino)copper (3b), are effective against T. cruzi trypomastigote forms. With this result in mind, the present work aimed to investigate the effects of both compounds on trypomastigotes physiology and on the interaction process with host cells. Apart from loss of plasma membrane integrity, an increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased mitochondrial metabolism were observed. Pretreatment of trypomastigotes with these metallodrugs inhibited the association index with LLC-MK2 cells in a typical dose-dependent manner. Both compounds showed low toxicity on mammalian cells (CC50 > 100 µM), and the IC50 values calculated for intracellular amastigotes were determined as 14.4 µM for 3a and 27.1 µM for 3b. This set of results demonstrates the potential of these aminopyridines complexed with Cu2+ as promising candidates for further antitrypanosomal drug development.
Weak Neutrino (Antineutrino) Charged-Current Responses and Scaling for Nuclear Matter in the Relativistic Mean Field
Authors: Cruz-Barrios Sara , Megias Guillermo D. , Caballero Juan A.
Published: May 2023

A systematic analysis of the weak responses for charged-current quasielastic neutrino-nucleus reactions is presented within the scheme of a fully relativistic microscopic model considering momentum-dependent scalar and vector mean field potentials in both the initial and final nucleon states. The responses obtained are compared with the ones corresponding to simpler approaches: energy-independent potentials and the relativistic plane wave limit in the final state, i.e., no potentials applied to the outgoing particle. The analysis is also extended to the scaling phenomenon, which provides additional information regarding nuclear dynamics. Results for the scaling function are shown for various nuclei and different values of the transferred momentum in order to analyze the behavior of the relativistic scalar and vector mean field potentials.
Spinor Field in FLRW Cosmology
Authors: Saha Bijan
Published: May 2023

Within the scope of a Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) cosmological model we study the role of a nonlinear spinor field in the evolution of the universe. In doing so, we exploit the FLRW models given in both Cartesian and spherical coordinates. It is found that if the FLRW model is given in the spherical coordinates the energy-momentum tensor (EMT) of the spinor field possesses nontrivial non-diagonal components, which is not the case for Cartesian coordinates. These non-diagonal components do not depend on either the spinor field nonlinearity or the parameter k that defines the type of curvature of the FLRW model. The presence of such components imposes some restrictions on the spinor field. The problem is studied for open, flat and close geometries and the spinor field is used to simulate different types of sources including dark energies. Some qualitative numerical solutions are given.
Virulent Phage vB_EfaS_WH1 Removes Enterococcus faecalis Biofilm and Inhibits Its Growth on the Surface of Chicken Meat
Authors: Jin Xinxin , Sun Xiuxiu , Wang Zui , Dou Junfeng , Lin Zhengdan , Lu Qin , Zhang Tengfei , Wen Guoyuan , Shao Huabin , Cheng Guofu , Luo Qingping
Published: May 2023

Enterococcus faecalis is a potential animal and human pathogen. Improper use of antibiotics encourages resistance. Bacteriophages and their derivatives are promising for treating drug-resistant bacterial infections. In this study, phylogenetic and electron microscopy analyses of phage vB_EfaS_WH1 (WH1) isolated from chicken feces revealed it to be a novel phage in the family Siphoviridae. WH1 showed good pH stability (4–11), temperature tolerance (4–60 °C), and broad E. faecalis host range (60% of isolates). Genome sequencing revealed a 56,357 bp double-stranded DNA genome with a G+C content of 39.21%. WH1 effectively destroyed E. faecalis EF01 biofilms, even at low concentrations. When WH1 was applied at 1 × 105 to 1 × 109 PFU/g to chicken breast samples stored at 4 °C, surface growing E. faecalis were appreciably eradicated after 24 h. The phage WH1 showed good antibacterial activity, which could be used as a potential biocontrol agent to reduce the formation of E. faecalis biofilm, and could also be used as an alternative for the control of E. faecalis in chicken products.
Secondary Highly Pathogenic Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (HP-PRRSV2) Infection Augments Inflammatory Responses, Clinical Outcomes, and Pathogen Load in Glaesserella-parasuis-Infected Piglets
Authors: Guan Zhixin , Pang Linlin , Ouyang Yan , Jiang Yifeng , Zhang Junjie , Qiu Yafeng , Li Zongjie , Li Beibei , Liu Ke , Shao Donghua , Ma Zhiyong , Wei Jianchao
Published: May 2023

Glaesserella parasuis (Gps), Gram-negative bacteria, are a universal respiratory-disease-causing pathogen in swine that colonize the upper respiratory tract. Highly Pathogenic Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (HP-PRRSV2HP-PRRSV2) and Gps coinfections are epidemics in China, but little is known about the influence of concurrent coinfection on disease severity and inflammatory responses. Herein, we studied the effects of secondary HP-PRRS infection on clinical symptoms, pathological changes, pathogen load, and inflammatory response of Gps coinfection in the upper respiratory tract of piglets. All coinfected piglets (HP-PRRSV2 + Gps) displayed fever and severe lesions in the lungs, while fever was present in only a few animals with a single infection (HP-PRRSV2 or Gps). Additionally, HP-PRRSV2 and Gps loading in nasal swabs and blood and lung tissue samples was significantly increased in the coinfected group. Necropsy data showed that coinfected piglets suffered from severe lung damage and had significantly higher antibody titers of HP-PRRSV2 or Gps than single-infected piglets. Moreover, the serum and lung concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8) were also significantly higher in coinfected piglets than in those infected with HP-PRRSV2 or Gps alone. In conclusion, our results show that HP-PRRSV2 promotes the shedding and replication of Gps, and their coinfection in the upper respiratory tract aggravates the clinical symptoms and inflammatory responses, causing lung damage. Therefore, in the unavoidable situation of Gps infection in piglets, necessary measures must be made to prevent and control secondary infection with HP-PRRSV2, which can save huge economic losses to the pork industry.
Efficiency of Orange Yellow II Degradation by Synergistic Hydroxylamine with Fe2+ to Activate Peroxymonosulfate Oxidation: Machine Learning Prediction and Performance Optimization
Authors: Zhou Runjuan , Zhang Kuo , Zhang Ming
Published: May 2023

A back-propagation neural network (BPNN) was used to model and optimize the process of hydroxylamine (HA)-enhanced Fe2+ activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Using HA-enhanced Fe2+ to activate PMS is a cost-effective method to degrade orange II (AO7). We investigated the individual and interactive effects of the concentrations of Fe2+, HA, and PMS on the degradation of AO7. The R2 of the BPNN model was 0.99852, and the data were distributed around y = x. Sensitivity analysis showed that the relative importance of each factor was as follows: HA > Fe2+ > PMS. The optimized results obtained by the genetic algorithm were as follows: the concentration of Fe2+ was 35.33 μmol·L−1, HA was 0.46 mmol·L−1, and PMS was 0.93 mmol·L−1. Experiments verified that the AO7 degradation effect within 5 min was 95.7%, whereas the predicted value by the BPNN was 96.2%. The difference between predicted and experimental values is 0.5%. This study provides a new tool (machine learning) to accurately predict the concentrations of HA, Fe2+, and PMS to degrade AO7 under various conditions.
Adsorption of Ammonium Ions and Phosphates on Natural and Modified Clinoptilolite: Isotherm and Breakthrough Curve Measurements
Authors: Stepova Kateryna , Fediv Iryna , Mažeikienė Aušra , Šarko Julita , Mažeika Jonas
Published: May 2023

The research focuses on ammonia and phosphate removal from wastewater by using a novel metal and microwave-treated clinoptilolite. For increasing adsorption capacity, the samples were calcinated or microwave irradiated in the solutions of Fe(III), Cu (II), or Ca(II) chlorides. BET-specific surface area measurement revealed that the calcination led to a decrease from 18.254 to 11.658 m2/g. The adsorption results were fitted to theoretical models. The PO43− adsorption in all samples as well as NH4+ adsorption in natural and Fe- and Ca-modified samples is best described using the Langmuir–Freundlich model, but in calcinated and Cu-modified clinoptilolite the NH4+ sorption is better characterized by the Freundlich model. The PO43− adsorption in natural and all modified samples is best described using the Langmuir–Freundlich model. Fe-modified and calcinated clinoptilolite showed the highest NH4+ adsorption capacity of 4.375 and 2.879 mg/g. Ca-modified samples demonstrated the lowest adsorption capacity of 0.875 mg NH4+/g. The metal-modified samples exhibit a significantly higher phosphate sorption capacity (from 800.62 for Cu-sample to 813.14 mg/g for the Fe-modified sample) than natural (280.86 mg/g) or calcinated samples (713.568 mg/g). Experimental studies in dynamic conditions revealed high NH4+ and sufficient PO43− ions captured on modified clinoptilolite. This study provides a feasible approach for the synchronous removal of the main eutrophication agents for implementation in additional (tertiary) wastewater treatment facilities.
World Heritage, Hydropower, and Earth’s Largest Freshwater Fish
Authors: Lee Dana , Eschenroeder Jackman C. , Baumgartner Lee J. , Chan Bunyeth , Chandra Sudeep , Chea Seila , Chea Sothearoth , Chhut Chheana , Everest Elizabeth , Hom Radong , Heng Kong , Lovgren Stefan , Ounboundisane Sinsamout , Robinson Wayne , Seat Lykheang , Soth Sobot , Hogan Zeb S.
Published: May 2023

The Mekong River is one of the most biodiverse, productive rivers in the world, supporting more than 1000 fish species and the livelihoods of tens of millions of people. The spatial dynamics and population status of many Mekong fish species, especially megafishes, are poorly understood. Therefore, this information is rarely incorporated into environmental risk assessments for large infrastructure projects, such as mainstream hydropower developments, which have been accelerating rapidly in the Mekong Basin. In this study, we present initial findings from the ongoing, collaborative, transnational acoustic telemetry monitoring of nearly 300 tagged fishes representing 27 species, which yield important insights into the potential impacts that proposed hydropower dams would have on populations of ecologically and economically important fish species. Included in these data are more than ten months of hydrophone records tracking the location of a 300 kg giant freshwater stingray, Urogymnus polylepis (Bleeker, 1852), currently the world’s largest known freshwater fish, used to detect its migration behavior and distribution patterns. The telemetry data, combined with fisher surveys used to gather local ecological knowledge, provide evidence that the proposed dams would fragment the existing populations of this iconic species as well as those of other fish species that support river food web balance and local food systems. Furthermore, the existence of giant freshwater stringray populations and other unique megafauna reinforces the universal natural heritage value of the stretch of the Mekong River between the Lao People’s Democratic Republic/Cambodia border and the city of Kratie. This stretch of river is located between two proposed megadams, the 900 MW Stung Treng Dam and the 2300 MW Sambor Dam. However, the Cambodian Ministry of Environment has also proposed this area for designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Biosphere Reserve). The documentation of the movement of migratory fishes through this reach of the river using acoustic telemetry, the surprising discovery of the world’s largest freshwater fish, the potential threat posed by dam construction, and the management ramifications of UNESCO World Heritage Site designation underscore the importance of scientific research and community involvement in landscape-scale development decisions. The decisions made today will affect the fate of this global biodiversity hotspot, the world’s most productive inland fisheries, and the livelihoods of millions of people throughout the Lower Mekong Basin.
Assessing Vulnerability of Regional-Scale Aquifer-Aquitard Systems in East Gulf Coastal Plain of Alabama by Developing Groundwater Flow and Transport Models
Authors: Ponprasit Chaloemporn , Zhang Yong , Gu Xiufen , Goodliffe Andrew M. , Sun Hongguang
Published: May 2023

Groundwater vulnerability assessment helps subsurface water resources management by providing scientific information for decision-makers. Rigorous, quantitative assessment of groundwater vulnerability usually requires process-based approaches such as groundwater flow and transport modeling, which have seldom been used for large aquifer-aquitard systems due to limited data and high model uncertainty. To quantify the vulnerability of regional-scale aquifer-aquitard systems in the East Gulf Coastal Plain of Alabama, a three-dimensional (3D) steady-state groundwater flow model was developed using MODFLOW, after applying detailed hydrogeologic information to characterize seven main aquifers bounded by aquitards. The velocity field calibrated by observed groundwater heads was then applied to calculate groundwater age and residence time for this 3D aquifer-aquitard system via backward/forward particle tracking. Radioactive isotope data (14C and 36Cl) were used to calibrate the backward particle tracking model. Results showed that shallow groundwater (<300 ft below the groundwater table) in southern Alabama is mainly the Anthropocene age (25–75 years) and hence susceptible to surface contamination, while the deep aquifer-aquitard systems (700 ft or deeper below the groundwater table) contain “fossil” waters and may be safe from modern contamination if there is no artificial recharge/discharge. Variable horizontal and vertical vulnerability maps for southern Alabama aquifer-aquitard systems reflect hydrologic conditions and intermediate-scale aquifer-aquitard architectures in the regional-scale models. These large-scale flow/transport models with coarse resolutions reasonably characterize the broad distribution and vertical fluctuation of groundwater ages, probably due to aquifer-aquitard structures being captured reliably in the geology model. Parameter sensitivity analysis, vadose zone percolation time, wavelet analysis, and a preliminary extension to transient flow were also discussed to support the aquifer vulnerability assessment indexed by groundwater ages for southern Alabama.
Evaluation of the Effects of Different Phosphorus Sources on Microcystis aeruginosa Growth and Microcystin Production via Transcriptomic Surveys
Authors: Li Zihao , An Lili , Yan Feng , Shen Wendi , Du Wenjun , Dai Ruihua
Published: May 2023

Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) is a dominant species among frequent cyanobacterial blooms and is well known for its toxin-producing ability. Phosphorus (P) is a typical growth-limiting element for M. aeruginosa. Although alterations in physiological reactions have been documented in response to various P sources, the underlying molecular processes and transcriptional patterns remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the physiological and molecular responses of M. aeruginosa to different P sources. The growth of M. aeruginosa was promoted by both dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) and dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) at a concentration of 0.4 mg/L with an initial cell density of 1.50 (±0.05) × 106 cells/mL. The cell density reached 1.38 (±0.05) × 107 cells/mL in the DIP group on day 14, a value which was higher than that in the DOP group. Most photosynthesis genes had higher levels of upregulated expression in the DIP group. For instance, gene psbA was upregulated by 0.45 Log2Fold Change (Log2FC). In the DOP group, it is interesting that the Pi (PO4-P) concentration increased to 0.09 mg/L on day 14. Meanwhile, the expression of the gene encoding alkaline phosphatase-like protein was significantly upregulated, with a value of 1.56 Log2FC, and the alkaline phosphatase concentration increased in the DOP group. The intracellular microcystin (IMC) concentration decreased with time in both groups. However, the concentration of extracellular microcystins (EMCs) increased with incubation time in both groups. Phosphorus participates in the regulation of microcystin synthesis, mainly by regulating ATP synthesis. Based on the physiological and molecular investigations in this study, the results provide crucial insights into the physiological adaptations and the role of P in modulating harmful algal bloom formation, microcystin synthesis, and potential molecular responses of M. aeruginosa.
Geospatial-Based Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Weighted Product Model (WPM) Techniques for Mapping and Assessing Flood Susceptibility in the Wadi Hanifah Drainage Basin, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlAli Abdulrahman Mubarark , Salih Abdelrahim , Hassaballa Abdalhaleem
Published: May 2023

This paper aimed to map areas prone to flooding in the Wadi Hanifah drainage basin located in the Riyadh region, and identify the most important factors that contribute to flooding through examining the influence of ten topographical, hydrological, and environmental variables affecting flood occurrence. Remote sensing data from Landsat-8, Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), and other ancillary datasets were used to map relevant variables. Two weighted overlay techniques were used, including: analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and weighted product model (WPM). A correlation matrix and optimum index factor (OIF) were employed to identify the relative importance of each factor. The two derived flood susceptibility maps were assessed through validation by comparing the locations of historical flood events to susceptibility zones. The results confirmed the validity of the WPM map. The results also showed that nearly 50% of the study area was dominated by the “moderate” flood susceptibility zone, while about 33% of the total land area was classified as a “high” flood susceptibility zone. The “slope” factor was found to be the most effective variable for flood occurrence, followed by the “geology” variable, while the “distance to the drainage network” was the least important variable. The results of the OIF indicated that the best combination of factors dictating the variability of all flood susceptibility areas were “geology”, “land use/cover (LULC)”, and “soil type”. The study findings are expected to be useful in understanding the effects of each factor on the spatial variation in flood occurrence and in improving flood control, and can be reapplied to other regions with similar climatic and environmental conditions worldwide.
Real-Time Pyrolysis Dynamics of Thermally Aged Tire Microplastics by TGA-FTIR-GC/MS
Authors: Bai Guangteng , Fu Juyang , Zhou Qian , Pan Xiangliang
Published: May 2023

Tire wear particles (TWPs), as a type of thermosetting microplastic (MP), accumulate in aquatic environments due to their wide application in road traffic globally. The increase in temperature because of friction heat may cause aging of tire materials, inducing water evaporation, additive volatilization, polymer decomposition, and may pose serious potential risks to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. However, research on real-time pyrolysis dynamics of thermally aged tire MPs is very limited. In this study, a thermogravimetric analyzer coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TG-FTIR-GC/MS) was used to investigate pyrolysis behaviors and products of thermally aged tire MPs. FTIR analysis indicated that the main pyrolysis gases included carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, aliphatic compounds, aromatic compounds and carbonyl compounds. The GC/MS analysis further determined the main pyrolytic products, including methylbenzene, styrene, m-xylene and D-limonene. These data combined with TG analysis revealed that the main pyrolytic products of TWPs were released at 400–600 °C. Moreover, the results showed that the number of aliphatic/aromatic compounds released increased in short-term thermo-oxidative aging but decreased in long-term thermo-oxidative aging. Moreover, the aged TWPs presented higher released amounts of styrene and methylbenzene but lower amounts of D-limonene compared to the original TWPs. These results can provide new insights into the evaluation method of TWP aging and a better understanding on TWP fate in aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Recent Changes in Composition and Distribution Patterns of Summer Mesozooplankton off the Western Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Kasyan Valentina V.
Published: May 2023

The Southern Ocean has undergone significant climate-related changes in recent decades. As a result, pelagic communities inhabiting these waters, particularly mesozooplankton, have adapted to new conditions. The present study considers the patterns of horizontal and vertical (up to 1000 m) distribution, the composition, abundance, and biomass of mesozooplankton, and the relationships of these parameters to the extreme environmental conditions off the western Antarctic Peninsula throughout the record-warm austral summer season of 2022. Sampling was conducted using the opening/closing Multinet system (0.25 m2 aperture) equipped with five 150-μm mesh nets and a WP-2 net. The mesozooplankton was represented by the three most abundant groups: eggs and larvae of euphausiids such as Euphausia superba, small copepods such as Oithona similis, and large calanoid copepods such as Calanoides acutus, Calanus propinquus, Metridia gerlachei, and Rhincalanus gigas. The composition and quantitative distribution of the mesozooplankton significantly varied: the copepods were abundant in the west, off the Antarctic Peninsula, while eggs and larvae of euphausiids were abundant in the east, off the South Orkney Islands. Most mesozooplankton occurred in the upper 200 m layer, and each taxon showed characteristic depth preference: small copepods, euphausiids larvae, and cirripeds cypris larvae were abundant in the epipelagic layer, while large calanoid copepods, euphausiids eggs, amphipods, pelagic polychaetes, and ostracods were found mostly in the mesopelagic layer. The composition and quantitative distribution of mesozooplankton had clear relationships with environmental factors, particularly with a combination of variables such as water salinity, temperature, and chlorophyll a concentration.
In Situ Polyaniline Immobilized ZnO Nanorods for Efficient Adsorptive Detoxification of Cr (VI) from Aquatic System
Authors: Alharthi Fahad A. , Alshammari Riyadh H. , Hasan Imran
Published: May 2023

The elimination of toxic heavy metal ions from wastewater has been found to be of great importance in human as well marine animal wellbeing. Among various heavy metals, Cr (VI) has been found to be one of the highly toxic and carcinogenic heavy metals which are found to be dissolved in the water stream, the urgent treatment of which needs to be a priority. The present study demonstrates the fabrication of zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) and an immobilized polyaniline nanorod (ZnO@PAni NR) composite through an in situ free radical polymerization reactions. The material synthesis and purity were verified by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscope (EDS), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Further, ZnO@PAni NRs were applied as an adsorbent for Cr (VI) in the aquatic system and exhibited a tremendous removal efficiency of 98.76%. The impact of operating parameters such as dose effect and pH on adsorption properties were studied. The uptake mechanism of Cr (VI) by ZnO@PAni was best explained by pseudo-second-order reaction, which suggested that the adsorption of Cr (VI) by the synthesized adsorbent material was processed by chemisorption, i.e., through formation of chemical bonds. The adsorption process proved viable and endothermic thermodynamically, and best supported by a Langmuir model, suggesting a monolayer formation of Cr (VI) on the surface of ZnO@PAni NRs.