bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Nature-Inspired Green–Blue Solution: Incorporating a Fog Harvesting Technique into Urban Green Wall Design
Authors: Hadba Lujain , Bitonto Maria , Oliveira Marta , Mendonça Paulo , Zanelli Alessandra , Silva Ligia
Published: January 2024

This research aims to explore the use of vegetation and nets to collect water from fog on facades to meet the needs of buildings’ functional requirements, particularly outdoor thermal comfort, water demands, and encouraging sustainability by suggesting a new architectural green–blue wall system. The system is posited to be applicable within an urban context, given its minimal spatial requirements and adaptability to existing structures. However, similar challenges to those encountered by green walls are anticipated, wherein the provision of sustainable benefits is offset by the demands of maintenance and associated additional costs. For this reason, this paper is mainly divided into two parts: in the first part, green facades are explained, referring to their effect on urban environment, including thermal comfort, pollution absorption, noise pollution, and well-being, as well as types of plants to apply on green walls; the second part focuses on the fog collector as an irrigation system for green walls, analyzing its components, structure, and fabric, to identify its development margins in the construction industry. Fog harvesting initiatives predominantly focus on rural regions to cater to agricultural demands; however, limiting fog harvesting to agricultural settings is considered insufficient, as it represents a crucial solution for addressing water challenges in specific urban environments. Nevertheless, it is worth investigating the fog collector’s potential for integrating water supply in urban environments as well. The study focuses on exploring the environmental benefits of fog harvesting and green walls, particularly through their combined implementation. The proposed review is significant for guiding the integration of a device into green facades, ensuring water self-sufficiency while concurrently addressing air purification, noise reduction, and thermal comfort for pedestrians and urban inhabitants. Nevertheless, it is worth investigating the fog collector’s potential for integrating water supply in urban environments as well. The proposed review is, therefore, useful for integrating a device represented by the fog harvesting system, also identified in the text as the blue system, into the design of green facades, identified in the text as the green system, integrating the blue element in the design of the green wall to make them water self-sufficient and at the same time purifying the air, reducing noise pollution, or giving thermal comfort to pedestrians and inhabitants of the urban context.
Development Trends in Soil Erosion Fields Based on the Quantitative Evaluation of Innovation Subjects and Innovation Content from 1991 to 2020
Authors: Zhai Lihua , Sun Liying , Zhang Yihui
Published: January 2024

This paper mainly quantitatively analyzes papers in the field of soil erosion from an objective evaluation perspective. The purpose is to provide researchers in the field of soil and water conservation with a comprehensive understanding of the field. The bibliometric method was used to evaluate the technological innovation and evolution characteristics of soil erosion research. In terms of research scale, China and the United States have an absolute lead in this field. China started late, but the growth rate is faster. The evolution process of soil erosion research is classified into three stages (1991–2000, 2001–2010, and 2011–2020). In terms of innovation subjects (countries and institutions) in soil erosion fields, dominant countries exhibit more concentrated results, with an increase from 57% to 80% with respect to the ratio of the number of output papers in these countries to the total number of output papers in the research field of soil erosion. In contrast, research institutions are increasingly divergent, with a decrease from 36% to 26% with respect to the ratio of the number of output papers in the dominant institutions to the total number of output papers in the research field. The comparison results of the comprehensive innovation strength of major countries indicate that soil erosion research has experienced processes such as domination by the United States, and other countries have caught up via concerted efforts, with China and the USA finally leading comprehensively. The overall leading ability of China and the United States in soil erosion research continues to converge and improve. Belgium and other European countries have small research scale characteristics but greater influence capacities. The study of erosion mechanisms and erosion modelling has always been the main research direction in this field, while the quantitative study of soil erosion on large scales and its effects on element cycling comprises the current main research stream and development trend. The results of the present study could provide scientific support for a better understanding of the evolution of innovation characteristics in the field of soil erosion.
Knowledge Management in Serbian SMEs: Key Factors of Influence on Internal and External Business Performances
Authors: Rošulj Dragana , Petrović Dejan Č. , Arsić Siniša M.
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the pivotal role of knowledge management (KM) in Serbian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), highlighting its impact on both the internal dynamics and external business performance of a company. Addressing the unique socio-economic and cultural context of the Serbian business environment, this research study explores how effectively KM practices can streamline business processes, enhance decision making, and foster more significant outputs. This study includes a sample of 370 companies, conducted during the period of the initial 6 months of 2023, by measuring the influence of knowledge management factors within the process of generating revenue and on decreasing operating costs. Drawing on previous theoretical research provided by different experts, followed by a quantitative analysis performed through principal component analysis (PCA), this study identifies critical factors of influence for KM adoption and exploitation in Serbian SMEs. This study offers insights into the interplay between knowledge acquisition, formation, application, warehousing, and knowledge transfer. Findings suggest that from an external perspective, the process capabilities of a company for acquiring and formatting knowledge have a positive influence on business performance, while the technological capabilities of a company for knowledge warehousing, sharing, and formatting produce the same effect but from an internal business perspective.
Human Management Decreased Suspended Particle Size in the Loess Plateau Rivers during the 1980s to the 2010s
Authors: Li Keyu , Liu Dong , Qiu Zhiqiang , Duan Mengwei , Wei Xiaodao , Duan Hongtao
Published: January 2024

The study of river sediment is a broad and complex field. One of the very important parameters is suspended particle size (SPS), which is indispensable for understanding water–sediment dynamics. As one of the most serious soil erosion areas in the world, the Loess Plateau delivers a large amount of sediment to the Yellow River and its numerous tributaries. Studies on riverine SPS in the Loess Plateau have received extensive attention. In this study, we investigate the spatiotemporal variations of SPS in the Loess Plateau rivers and analyze the driving factors along with their relative importance. Through the analysis of SPS data from 62 hydrological stations, the results indicated the spatial distribution of SPS was similar in the 1980s and 2010s, with both coarser particles mainly distributed in the northern rivers and finer particles mainly distributed in the southern rivers. During the 1980s to the 2010s, the mean SPS on the Loess Plateau decreased from 33 μm to 20 μm, with mean reductions of 42.0%, 29.4%, 46.3%, and 36.8% in the northern, western, southwestern, and southeastern basins, respectively. The most significant changes in SPS were observed in the Kuye, Wuding and Jalu River basins in the northern region, with decreases ranging from 27 to 73 μm. In the 1980s, topography (slope) and human management, followed by precipitation, were the key factors affecting SPS variability, contributing 25.7%, 25.9% and 24.0%, respectively. In the 2010s, the explanatory power of topographic slope on SPS variability declined by 16.6%, and other natural factors no longer significantly influenced SPS variability. The results of this study can serve as a reference for integrated basin management and sustainable ecosystem development in river catchments around the world.
Driving Force–Pressure–State–Impact–Response-Based Evaluation of Rural Human Settlements’ Resilience and Their Influencing Factors: Evidence from Guangdong, China
Authors: Chen Xiao , Rong Fangyi , Li Shenghui
Published: January 2024

During urbanization, rural human settlements experience dual pressures from both ecology and culture. Strengthening resilience can enhance the system’s ability to withstand external pressures and restore equilibrium, providing a new research perspective and practical approach for the sustainable development of rural areas. Yet, there are limited reports in the literature on evaluating and improving rural human settlements resilience. To fill this gap, the paper establishes an evaluation system utilizing the DPSIR framework and entropy method. It employs 115 counties and districts in Guangdong Province as samples to evaluate rural human settlements’ resilience in 2020. The Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model is used to analyze spatial differences and the influencing mechanisms of various factors on resilience. The results suggest that the overall rural human settlements’ resilience in Guangdong Province is relatively low, showing a concentrated spatial distribution and also variations in the levels and spatial distributions of resilience across different dimensions. Moreover, various dimensions of resilience significantly impact rural human settlements. The driving force resilience coefficients are all significantly positive, with higher values in Western Guangdong and Eastern Guangdong. The pressure resilience coefficients are all significantly negative, decreasing from east to west. The state resilience coefficients show an overall positive correlation, with lower values in the central and northern parts and higher values in the eastern and western parts. The impact resilience and response resilience coefficients are generally positive, with higher values in the Pearl River Delta. This paper extends the theoretical framework for evaluating and analyzing rural human settlements’ resilience, offering empirical evidence to optimize their resilience in a geographical context.
Recycled Sand and Aggregates for Structural Concrete: Toward the Industrial Production of High-Quality Recycled Materials with Low Water Absorption
Authors: Skocek Jan , Ouzia Alexandre , Vargas Serrano Encarnacion , Pato Nicolas
Published: January 2024

Concrete recycling to produce aggregates is crucial in reducing the demand for virgin materials in the construction industry, particularly for the most widely used building material—concrete. A potential solution to enhance the quality of recycled aggregates involves the removal of the adhered cement paste from their surfaces. In this study, samples of industrial demolished concrete were selectively separated into recycled sands and aggregates while removing the hydrated cement paste. The recycled materials were characterized to assess their suitability for structural concrete production. The behavior and underlying mechanisms of recycled sands and aggregates proved to be identical, irrespective of their size. Water absorption emerged as a key parameter for evaluating the purity and quality of these materials. The statistical analysis revealed that when the water absorption of recycled aggregates and sand falls below 5%, the compressive strength may, at most, decrease by 15% (97.5% confidence) at any replacement level. Consequently, they can entirely replace virgin materials without a significant negative impact on fresh or hardened concrete properties at a constant cement content. Concrete samples with recycled materials had comparable workability, strength, and durability characteristics to references with virgin materials. The production of high-quality recycled aggregates and sand can facilitate complete concrete recycling and hence significantly contribute to virgin materials preservation, thus making concrete more sustainable.
Hydrophobic Coatings’ Efficiency and Limestones’ Resistance to Salt Crystallisation
Authors: Lisci Carla , Galhano Carlos , Simão Joaquim , Pires Vera , Sitzia Fabio , Mirão José
Published: January 2024

Stone deterioration is significantly influenced by the process of salt crystallisation. The expansion of salt crystals on a porous framework exerts pressure on the solid fraction, causing the stone to deteriorate when the internal pressure of salt surpasses the stone’s strength. Protective coatings are employed to effectively hinder or substantially reduce the penetration of water and saline solutions. This study attempts to evaluate the effectiveness and long-term durability of limestones protected with hydrophobic coatings, focusing on their resistance to salt damage. The investigation followed the specifications set by the standard EN 12370:2019 and EN 14147:2003, which assesses the resistance of natural stone to salt crystallisation. The findings of this study indicate the conservation of physical–mechanical properties after ageing tests. In parallel, measurements of the static contact angle and the measurement of quality indexes revealed that the coatings maintained a certain level of hydrophobicity even after undergoing salt weathering tests, maintaining the good quality of the stones.
Research on the Impact of Heterogeneous Environmental Regulation on the Coordinated Development of China’s Water–Energy–Food System from a Spatial Perspective
Authors: Zou Shaohui , Liao Zhe , Liu Yichen , Fan Xiangbo
Published: January 2024

Water resources, energy, and food are fundamental resources for ensuring human social development. The coordinated development of these resources contributes to improving the quality of the social environment, promoting harmony between humans and nature, and achieving economic, social, and ecological sustainability. This study utilizes panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2003 to 2020. Using a coupled coordination degree model, the coupling coordination degree of the Water–Energy–Food (WEF) system is calculated, and the spatiotemporal evolution and social network connections of WEF coupling coordination are analyzed. The spatial Durbin model is employed to investigate the spatial spillover effects of heterogeneous environmental regulation on the coordinated development of the WEF system. The mechanism model is used to explore the pathways through which heterogeneous environmental regulation influences the coordinated development of the WEF system. The results of this study demonstrate that the coupling coordination index of China’s provincial-level WEF system has shown a steady upward trend, except for a slight decline in a few years. Over the research period, there has been a significant improvement in regional coupling coordination levels. There are large differences in the level of WEF coupling coordination among different regions, with a distribution pattern of south > north and east > west. Both formal and informal environmental regulations have significant positive effects on the coupling coordination development of the WEF system, as well as significant positive spatial spillover effects. Formal environmental regulation has a stronger impact compared to informal environmental regulation. Foreign direct investment and industrial structural upgrading are important pathways for environmental regulation to promote the coordinated development of the WEF system. Both formal and informal environmental regulations can promote the coordinated development of the WEF system by facilitating foreign direct investment and industrial structural upgrading. This study not only provides important scientific evidence and decision-making references for policymakers in formulating environmental regulation policies but also offers new evidence support for the theory of regional development disparities.
Accelerated Hypofractionated Magnetic Resonance Guided Adaptive Radiation Therapy for Ultracentral Lung Tumors
Authors: La Rosa Alonso , Mittauer Kathryn E. , Bassiri Nema , Rzepczynski Amy E. , Chuong Michael D. , Yarlagadda Sreenija , Kutuk Tugce , McAllister Nicole C. , Hall Matthew D. , Gutierrez Alonso N. , Tolakanahalli Ranjini , Mehta Minesh P. , Kotecha Rupesh
Published: January 2024

Radiotherapy for ultracentral lung tumors represents a treatment challenge, considering the high rates of high-grade treatment-related toxicities with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) or hypofractionated schedules. Accelerated hypofractionated magnetic resonance-guided adaptive radiation therapy (MRgART) emerged as a potential game-changer for tumors in these challenging locations, in close proximity to central organs at risk, such as the trachea, proximal bronchial tree, and esophagus. In this series, 13 consecutive patients, predominantly male (n = 9), with a median age of 71 (range (R): 46–85), underwent 195 MRgART fractions (all 60 Gy in 15 fractions) to metastatic (n = 12) or primary ultra-central lung tumors (n = 1). The median gross tumor volumes (GTVs) and planning target volumes (PTVs) were 20.72 cc (R: 0.54–121.65 cc) and 61.53 cc (R: 3.87–211.81 cc), respectively. The median beam-on time per fraction was 14 min. Adapted treatment plans were generated for all fractions, and indications included GTV/PTV undercoverage, OARs exceeding tolerance doses, or both indications in 46%, 18%, and 36% of fractions, respectively. Eight patients received concurrent systemic therapies, including immunotherapy (four), chemotherapy (two), and targeted therapy (two). The crude in-field loco-regional control rate was 92.3%. No CTCAE grade 3+ toxicities were observed. Our results offer promising insights, suggesting that MRgART has the potential to mitigate toxicities, enhance treatment precision, and improve overall patient care in the context of ultracentral lung tumors.
Hydro, Wind, and Geothermal: Navigating the Compatibility of Renewable Energy Infrastructure with Tourism
Authors: Tverijonaite Edita , Sæþórsdóttir Anna Dóra
Published: January 2024

Knowledge of the compatibility of various types of renewable energy infrastructure (REI) with tourism can help avoid conflicts between the energy and tourism sectors and facilitate the energy transition. This study aims to investigate the attitudes of tourism service providers operating in Iceland towards three types of REI—wind, hydro, and geothermal power plants—and identify the factors that shape their perceptions regarding the compatibility between REI and tourism. Mixed research methods were employed to achieve that, which included an online questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews. The study revealed that tourism service providers were the most positive towards geothermal power plants, followed by hydropower plants, and the most negative towards wind farms. The identified factors that shape their perceptions regarding REI’s compatibility with tourism included landscape and environmental impacts of REI, impacts on tourist attractions, potential of REI as a tourist attraction, perceived reversibility, and the image of REI. These factors help to identify locations where each type of REI is likely to be the most compatible with tourism. Thus, considering them in spatial energy planning is likely to reduce foreseeable conflicts between REI and tourism.
Assessing the Risk of Exposure to Aflatoxin B1 through the Consumption of Peanuts among Children Aged 6–59 Months in the Lusaka District, Zambia
Authors: Musawa Grace , Bumbangi Flavien Nsoni , Mumba Chisoni , Mbunga Branly Kilola , Phiri Gladys , Benhard Vistorina , Kainga Henson , Banda Mkuzi , Ndaki Enock , Mkandawire Ethel , Muma John Bwalya
Published: January 2024

Aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) are fungi-produced toxins found in crops like peanuts, maize, and tree nuts. They constitute a public health concern due to their genotoxic and carcinogenic effects. A deterministic exposure risk assessment to AFB1 through the consumption of peanuts was conducted on children using the Margin of Exposure (MOE) and the liver cancer risk approaches. Data on AFB1 concentrations in peanuts, quantities of peanut consumption, and the weights of the children were obtained from the literature. Generally, MOE values were below the safe margin of 10,000, ranging between 3.68 and 0.14, 754.34 and 27.33, and 11,428.57 and 419.05 for the high (0.0466 ng/kg), median (0.00023 ng/kg), and low (0.000015 ng/kg) AFB1 concentration levels, respectively. The liver cancer risk upon lifetime exposure to highly AFB1-contaminated peanuts (0.0466 ng/kg) ranged between 1 and 23 (95% lower bound) and 2 and 50 (95% upper bound) cases in a million individuals: a public health concern. A low liver cancer risk (≤1 case in a billion individuals upon lifetime exposure) was shown at median and low AFB1 concentrations. However, the risk of AFB1 should be a priority for risk management since its harmful effects could be potentiated by poor diet, high malnutrition levels, and other disease burdens in Zambia’s children.
Toxicokinetics of Zearalenone following Oral Administration in Female Dezhou Donkeys
Authors: Qu Honglei , Zheng Yunduo , Kang Ruifen , Feng Yulong , Li Pengshuai , Wang Yantao , Cheng Jie , Ji Cheng , Chai Wenqiong , Ma Qiugang
Published: January 2024

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin produced by various Fusarium strains, that is present in food and feed raw materials worldwide, causing toxicity effects in animals and humans. This research aimed to explore the toxicokinetics of ZEN on female Dezhou donkeys following a single oral exposure dosage of 2 mg/kg BW (body weight). The sample collection of donkeys plasma was carried out at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90 min, 2 h, 2.5 h, 3 h, 3.5 h, 4 h, 4.5 h, 6 h, 9 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h and 120 h via intravenous catheter, and fecal and urinary samples were severally collected at 0 h and every 6 h until 120 h. The concentrations of ZEN, α-zearalenol (α-ZOL), β-zearalenol (β-ZOL), α-zearalanol (α-ZAL), β-zearalanol (β-ZAL), zearalanone (ZAN) in plasma, urine, and feces were detected by UPLC-MS/MS. Only ZEN was detected in plasma, and the maximum was 15.34 ± 5.12 µg/L occurred at 0.48 h after gavage. The total plasma clearance (Cl) of ZEN was 95.20 ± 8.01 L·kg·BW−1·h−1. In addition, the volume of distribution (Vd) was up to 216.17 ± 58.71 L/kg. The percentage of total ZEN (ZEN plus the main metabolites) excretion in feces and urine was 2.49% and 2.10%, respectively. In summary, ZEN was fast absorbed and relatively slowly excreted in female donkeys during 120 h after a single gavage, indicating a trend of wider tissue distribution and longer tissue persistence.
Exploring the Biocontrol Capability of Non-Mycotoxigenic Strains of Penicillium expansum
Authors: Llobregat Belén , González-Candelas Luis , Ballester Ana-Rosa
Published: January 2024

Penicillium expansum is one the major postharvest pathogens of pome fruit during postharvest handling and storage. This fungus also produces patulin, which is a highly toxic mycotoxin that can contaminate infected fruits and their derived products and whose levels are regulated in many countries. In this study, we investigated the biocontrol potential of non-mycotoxigenic strains of Penicillium expansum against a mycotoxigenic strain. We analyzed the competitive behavior of two knockout mutants that were unable to produce patulin. The first mutant (∆patK) involved the deletion of the patK gene, which is the initial gene in patulin biosynthesis. The second mutant (∆veA) involved the deletion of veA, which is a global regulator of primary and secondary metabolism. At the phenotypic level, the ∆patK mutant exhibited similar phenotypic characteristics to the wild-type strain. In contrast, the ∆veA mutant displayed altered growth characteristics compared with the wild type, including reduced conidiation and abnormal conidiophores. Neither mutant produced patulin under the tested conditions. Under various stress conditions, the ∆veA mutants exhibited reduced growth and conidiation when exposed to stressors, including cell membrane stress, oxidative stress, osmotic stress, and different pH values. However, no significant changes were observed in the ∆patK mutant. In competitive growth experiments, the presence of non-mycotoxigenic strains reduced the population of the wild-type strain during in vitro growth. Furthermore, the addition of either of the non-mycotoxigenic strains resulted in a significant decrease in patulin levels. Overall, our results suggest the potential use of non-mycotoxigenic mutants, particularly ∆patK mutants, as biocontrol agents to reduce patulin contamination in food and feed.
An Occurrence Study of Mycotoxins in Plant-Based Beverages Using Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Pavlenko Romans , Berzina Zane , Reinholds Ingars , Bartkiene Elena , Bartkevics Vadims
Published: January 2024

Mycotoxins are toxic mold metabolites that can adversely affect human and animal health. More than 400 mycotoxins have been identified so far. Cereals and nuts are the predominant mycotoxin-contaminated foodstuffs. Plant-based drinks produced from cereals, nuts, and legumes have grown in popularity. The mycotoxins accumulated in these crops may transfer to these beverages. A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and optimized for the assessment of 22 mycotoxins in commercially available plant-based drinks in Latvia and Lithuania. A total of 64% of the seventy-two analyzed beverages were positive for one to sixteen mycotoxins, with deoxynivalenol, beauvericin, and enniatins A, B, B1, T-2, and HT-2 toxins detected most frequently. The European Commission has not yet set guidelines for the maximum mycotoxin concentrations in plant-based beverages, nor has the European Food Safety Authority conducted a risk assessment. Therefore, acute exposure studies were provided for the Latvian population based on the assumed replacement of dairy milk with plant-based beverages to ascertain the safety of plant-based milk substitutes. Based on the observed levels of mycotoxin prevalence and contamination levels and assumed exposure, it can be concluded that tested plant-based beverages may be relatively safe. However, exposure to emerging mycotoxins should be considered.
Personality Changes Associated with Organ Transplants
Authors: Carter Brian , Khoshnaw Laveen , Simmons Megan , Hines Lisa , Wolfe Brandon , Liester Mitchell
Published: January 2024

Personality changes have been reported following organ transplantation. Most commonly, such changes have been described among heart transplant recipients. We set out to examine whether personality changes occur following organ transplantation, and specifically, what types of changes occur among heart transplant recipients compared to other organ recipients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 47 participants (23 heart recipients and 24 other organ recipients) completed an online survey. In this study, 89% of all transplant recipients reported personality changes after undergoing transplant surgery, which was similar for heart and other organ recipients. The only personality change that differed between heart and other organ recipients and that achieved statistical significance was a change in physical attributes. Differences in other types of personality changes were observed between these groups but the number of participants in each group was too small to achieve statistical significance. Overall, the similarities between the two groups suggest heart transplant recipients may not be unique in their experience of personality changes following transplantation, but instead such changes may occur following the transplantation of any organ. With the exception of physical attributes, the types of personality changes reported were similar between the two groups. These finding indicate that heart transplant recipients are not unique in their reported experience of personality changes following organ transplantation. Further studies are needed to deepen our understanding of what causes these personality changes.
Endemic Human Coronavirus-Specific Nasal Immunoglobulin A and Serum Immunoglobulin G Dynamics in Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Sechan Ferdyansyah , Loens Katherine , Goossens Herman , Ieven Margareta , van der Hoek Lia
Published: January 2024

Endemic human coronaviruses (HCoV) NL63, 229E, OC43, and HKU1 cause respiratory infection. Following infection, a virus-specific serum antibody rise is usually observed, coinciding with recovery. In some cases, an infection is not accompanied by an immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody rise in serum in the first month after HCoV infection, even though the infection has cleared in that month and the patient has recovered. We investigated the possible role of nasal immunoglobulin A (IgA). We measured spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N)-specific nasal IgA during and after an HCoV lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) and compared the IgA responses between subjects with and without a significant IgG rise in serum (IgG responders (n = 31) and IgG non-responders (n = 14)). We found that most IgG responders also exhibited significant nasal IgA rise in the first month after the infection, whereas such an IgA rise was lacking in most IgG non-responders. Interestingly, the serum IgG non-responders presented with a significantly higher nasal IgA when they entered this study than during the acute phase of the LRTI. Our data suggest that nasal IgA could be part of a fast acute response to endemic HCoV infection and may play a role in clearing the infection.
Differences in Responses of Immunosuppressed Kidney Transplant Patients to Moderna mRNA-1273 versus Pfizer-BioNTech
Authors: Bekbolsynov Dulat , Waack Andrew , Buskey Camryn , Bhadkamkar Shalmali , Rengel Keegan , Petersen Winnifer , Brown Mary Lee , Sparkle Tanaya , Kaw Dinkar , Syed Fayeq Jeelani , Chattopadhyay Saurabh , Chakravarti Ritu , Khuder Sadik , Mierzejewska Beata , Rees Michael , Stepkowski Stanislaw
Published: January 2024

Immunosuppressed kidney transplant (KT) recipients produce a weaker response to COVID-19 vaccination than immunocompetent individuals. We tested antiviral IgG response in 99 KT recipients and 66 healthy volunteers who were vaccinated with mRNA-1273 Moderna or BNT162b2 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines. A subgroup of participants had their peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) evaluated for the frequency of T helper 1 (Th1) cells producing IL-2, IFN-γ and/or TNF-α, and IL-10-producing T-regulatory 1 (Tr) cells. Among KT recipients, 45.8% had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG compared to 74.1% of healthy volunteers (p = 0.009); also, anti-viral IgG levels were lower in recipients than in volunteers (p = 0.001). In terms of non-responders (≤2000 U/mL IgG), Moderna’s group had 10.8% and Pfizer-BioNTech’s group had 34.3% of non-responders at 6 months (p = 0.023); similarly, 15.7% and 31.3% were non-responders in Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech groups at 12 months, respectively (p = 0.067). There were no non-responders among controls. Healthy volunteers had higher Th1 levels than KT recipients, while Moderna produced a higher Th1 response than Pfizer-BioNTech. In contrast, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine induced a higher Tr1 response than the Moderna vaccine (p < 0.05); overall, IgG levels correlated with Th1(fTTNF-α)/Tr1(fTIL-10) ratios. We propose that the higher number of non-responders in the Pfizer-BioNTech group than the Moderna group was caused by a more potent activity of regulatory Tr1 cells in KT recipients vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
The Latent Threat in Wild Birds: Clostridium botulinum
Authors: Gutiérrez-Arnal Josep , Marín Clara
Published: January 2024

Avian botulism caused by Clostridium botulinum emerged in 1910, affecting birds across North America, leading to severe outbreaks exacerbated by climate change, decreasing water levels, and inadequate wastewater management. While deadly for birds, its epidemiological impact on humans and other animals remains limited. Despite its significance, understanding and controlling the disease remain challenging. This review delves into the pathogen’s epidemiology in wild bird populations, exploring the transmission, pathogenicity, clinical symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. The disease’s growing concern in wild birds relates to the bacterium’s adaptability and expansive spread, evident through genetic similarities among strains across countries. Outbreaks are influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and soil characteristics. Wild birds inadvertently transmit the bacterium, perpetuating the cycle through carcasses and flies. Some species suffer severely, while others, like scavengers, show resistance. Understanding disease mechanisms, involving potential toxin ingestion or internal production, remains ongoing. Clinical signs vary, affecting diverse bird orders. Diagnostic methods evolve, with treatment success varying among affected populations. Prevention and surveillance take precedence due to treatment challenges, emphasising population-based strategies and preventive measures to manage the widespread presence of C. botulinum.
Distribution and Origins of Hardness in Shallow and Deep Groundwaters of the Hebei Plain, China
Authors: Qian Yong , Zhen Shijun , Yue Chen , Cui Xiangxiang
Published: January 2024

Elevated hardness concentrations in groundwater have become a noteworthy concern in recent decades because long-term drinking of groundwater with high levels of hardness is an important factor resulting in chronic kidney diseases. In this study, the distribution and origins of groundwater total hardness (TH) in various sub-plains and different land-use areas of the Hebei Plain (HBP) were investigated. A total of 445 groundwater samples in the HBP were collected once in 2021, and twelve chemical parameters, including TH in groundwater, were analyzed. Results showed that TH-rich (>450 mg/L) shallow groundwater in both the central and littoral plains was more than twice that in the Piedmont plain. Similarly, TH-rich deep groundwater accounted for about 18% in the central plain but was negligible in the Piedmont plain. In the Piedmont plain, TH-rich shallow groundwater in urban areas was twice or more than in other land use types. By contrast, both TH-rich shallow and deep groundwaters in agricultural areas in the central plain were higher than those in rural areas. This was opposite to TH-rich shallow groundwater in the littoral plain. In the Piedmont plain, TH-rich shallow groundwater was mainly attributed to water-rock interaction, groundwater over-extraction, and the infiltration of domestic sewage and animal waste. In the central plain, both TH-rich shallow and deep groundwaters likely ascribed to the evaporite dissolution and seawater intrusion. By contrast, the leaching of agricultural fertilizers resulting in the dissolution of Ca-rich and Mg-rich minerals in the vadose zone was mainly responsible for the occurrence of TH-rich shallow groundwater in the littoral plain. Therefore, in order to limit elevated hardness concentrations in groundwater in the HBP, limiting shallow groundwater extraction and strengthening the supervision of the domestic sewage and animal waste in the Piedmont plain are recommended. Besides, restricting the use of nitrogenous fertilizers in the littoral plain is also recommended.
Dissolved Major and Trace Elements in the Largest Eurasian Arctic Rivers: Ob, Yenisey, Lena, and Kolyma
Authors: Gordeev Vyacheslav V. , Pokrovsky Oleg S. , Zhulidov Alexander V. , Filippov Alexander S. , Gurtovaya Tatiana Y. , Holmes Robert M. , Kosmenko Lyudmila S. , McClelland James W. , Peterson Bruce J. , Tank Suzanne E.
Published: January 2024

In contrast to fairly good knowledge of dissolved carbon and major elements in great Arctic rivers, seasonally resolved concentrations of many trace elements remain poorly characterized, hindering assessment of the current status and possible future changes in the hydrochemistry of the Eurasian Arctic. To fill this gap, here we present results for a broad suite of trace elements in the largest rivers of the Russian Arctic (Ob, Yenisey, Lena, and Kolyma). For context, we also present results for major elements that are more routinely measured in these rivers. Water samples for this study were collected during an international campaign called PARTNERS from 2004 through 2006. A comparison of element concentrations obtained for Arctic rivers in this study with average concentrations in the world’s rivers shows that most elements in the Arctic rivers are similar to or significantly lower than the world average. The mineral content of the three greatest rivers (Ob, Yenisey, and Lena) varies within a narrow range (from 107 mg/L for Yenisey to 123 mg/L for Ob). The Kolyma’s mineral content is significantly lower (52.4 mg/L). Fluxes of all major and trace elements were calculated using average concentrations and average water discharge for the 2004–2006 period. Based on these flux estimates, specific export (i.e., t/km2/y) for most of the elements was greatest for the Lena, followed by the Yenisey, Ob, and Kolyma in decreasing order. Element pairwise correlation analysis identified several distinct groups of elements depending on their sources and relative mobility in the river water. There was a negative correlation between Fe and DOC concentration in the Ob River, which could be linked to different sources of these components in this river. The annual yields of major and trace elements calculated for each river were generally consistent with values assessed for other mid-size and small rivers of the Eurasian subarctic.
Impacts of Climate Change on Ecological Water Use in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region in China
Authors: Wu Hao , Long Buju , Huang Na , Lu Nan , Qian Chuanhai , Pan Zhihua , Men Jingyu , Zhang Zhenzhen
Published: January 2024

The Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region in China is experiencing a serious ecological water scarcity problem in the context of climate warming and drying. There is an urgent need for practical adaptation measures to cope with the adverse impacts of climate change and provide a scientific basis for urban water supply planning, water resource management, and policy formulation. Urban ecological water can maintain the structure and function of urban ecosystems, both as an environmental element and as a resource. Current research lacks quantitative analysis of the impact of regional meteorological factors on ecological water use at the small and medium scales. Based on the meteorological data and statistical data of water resources in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region, this paper analyzed the trend of climate change and established an ecological climatic water model using gray correlation analysis, polynomial simulation, and singular spectrum analysis to predict the ecological water consumption. And, we assessed the climatic sensitivity of ecological water use and estimated the future ecological climatic water use in the BTH region based on four climate scenarios’ data. The results showed that the average multi-year temperature was 13.2 °C with a clear upward trend from 1991 to 2020 in the BTH region. The multi-year average precipitation was 517.1 mm, with a clear shift in the period of abundance and desiccation. Ecological climatic water modeling showed that a 1 °C increase in temperature will increase ecological water use by 0.73 × 108 m3~1.09 × 108 m3 in the BTH region; for a 100 mm increase in precipitation, ecological water use will decrease by 0.49 × 108 m3~0.88 × 108 m3; under the four climate scenarios of SSP1–2.6, SSP2–4.5, SSP3–7.0, and SSP5–8.5, the regional ecological climatic water use will be 5.14 × 108 m3, 6.64 × 108 m3, 7.82 × 108 m3, and 9.06 × 108 m3 in 2035, respectively; and in 2050, the ecological climatic water use will be 8.16 × 108 m3, 9.75 × 108 m3, 10.71 × 108 m3, and 12.41 × 108 m3, respectively. The methodology and results of this study will support the quantification of climate change impacts on ecological water use in the BTH region and serve as a theoretical basis for future research on ecological water use adaptation to climate change. This study can provide a basis for the development of the overall planning of urban ecological water supply, and at the same time, it can lay a foundation for the study of measures to adapt to climate change by ecological water use.
Sejarah Perdagangan Babi dari Pulau Bulan Batam ke Singapura, 1987-2023
Authors: Arman Dedi
Published: January 2024

This research delves into the pig trade history from Pulau Bulan, Batam, to Singapore spanning 1987 to 2023. In response to the 1984 policy eliminating domestic livestock farming, Singapore became reliant on imported meat. Employing a historical research method and drawing on literature reviews, the study identifies PT Indo Tirta Suaka's Pulau Bulan pig farm as Southeast Asia's largest and Singapore's primary live pig importer, initiating exports in 1987. Disruptions occurred, such as Singapore's cessation of pig supplies from Malaysia during Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks in Sarawak (1999-2017) and the Covid-19 pandemic. However, a significant setback unfolded with the detection of African Swine Fever (ASF) on April 19, 2023. Subsequent tests confirmed ASF in Pulau Bulan pig samples, prompting Singapore to officially halt pig supplies. This resulted in a substantial monthly and yearly loss of approximately IDR 3.5 billion and IDR 1.1 trillion, respectively, in pig exports from Pulau Bulan to Singapore.
Pendudukan Jepang di Pontianak, 1941-1943
Authors: Yafi Reyhan Ainun , Darmadi Yusri
Published: January 2024

This study aims to analyze whether the socio-economic conditions of Pontianak people at the time of the arrival of Japanese troops were a factor in their unpreparedness to face attacks. The method used in this study is the historical method. The sources used were newspapers, among others, West Borneo Shimbun, Akcaya Daily, and Evening Post. The results showed that Pontianak society at the beginning of the arrival of the Japanese was very diverse in terms of war preparedness. Some of the residents of Pontianak City at that time were traders. They were busy trading and were unaware of the changing political situation of Asia in general and the Dutch East Indies in particular. The Japanese landing in Pontianak caused the destruction of the social and economic infrastructure of trade due to the mistakes of the Japanese army in dropping bombs on target targets. However, the destruction was also triggered by the lack of preparation of the Dutch colonial government for the arrival of Japanese troops in Pontianak.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE EDUCATIONS TO POSTPARTUM ON IMMUNIZATION BEHAVIOR
Authors: Rahayuni Lestari Runi , Legiati Titi , Setiawan Ridwan , Sariaty Saur
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Immunization coverage in Cipelah village, Rancabali sub-district  Bandung Regency in the last 3 months has decreased. So that the immunization coverage rate is below the set target of 80% (UCI). This happens, among others, because the education and knowledge of mothers is lacking so that mothers consider that immunizing babies is not necessary, while immunization itself has a very important function, namely to increase immunity in infants..
Method: This research uses analytic quantitative method with quasy experimental design. The population in this study were first-day postpartum mothers in Cipelah Village, Rancabali District, while 36 sample to be used in this study was taken from the population using purposive sampling technique where each member of the population must meet the inclusion criteria to become a sample in this study. Data analysis used in this study is the Chi square test..
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of providing education on maternal behavior in providing immunization to infants in Cipelah Village, Rancabali District, Bandung Regency.
Result: The results showed that the characteristics of the two groups were homogeneous, namely most of them were 20-35 years old, had 1-3 children, the last education was high school, and the respondents' work status was housewives. The statistical test results show a value of p=0.01 <0.05 which means that there is a relationship between the provision of education to postpartum mothers with the behavior of immunization in infants..
Conclusion: There is an influence between the provision of education on maternal behavior in providing immunization to infants.
O uso dos referenciais culturais no ensino da língua espanhola: relato da experiência em um centro interescolar de línguas do DF
Authors: Rodrigues Ricardo Allan de Carvalho
Published: January 2024

Este estudo visou refletir sobre a importância do uso da cultura, como estratégia complementar no ensino de língua espanhola. O estudo foi orientado pelo relato de experiência, a partir da aplicação de práticas pedagógicas, que contemplaram o uso de referenciais culturais de países hispanofalantes, durante um projeto avaliativo de conclusão de curso de nível intermediário, junto a estudantes jovens e adultos em um centro interescolar de língua pública do Distrito Federal – DF. O relato é dividido em três partes. Na primeira, são realizadas discussões com autores, como Bugnone (2019), que considera indissociável a relação entre a cultura e o ensino de línguas. Na segunda parte é descrita a experiência pedagógica vivenciada, destacando sua motivação, desenvolvimento e considerações. Nessa secção debato com o pensamento de outros pesquisadores, entre eles, de Castro e Villa (2003), sobre a importância do contraste cultural no ensino de idiomas. A terceira e última parte é feita a recapitulação da pesquisa e reflexões sobre o projeto. Entre suas conclusões, a pesquisa identificou que a aplicação da cultura no ensino de idiomas estimula, entre outras habilidades, a autonomia investigativa, o desenvolvimento da expressão linguística (em sua prática auditiva, oral, leitora e escrita, etc.), além de promover o enriquecimento da formação humana a estudantes e ao docente, envolvidos no projeto. Dessa forma, espera-se incentivar e aprofundar o aprendizado da língua espanhola também a partir da perspectiva cultural dos diversos países que compartilham o idioma de Cervantes.