bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of the Perturbation of the Initial Data on the Analytic Approximate Solution of the Van der Pol Equation in the Complex Domain
Authors: Orlov Victor , Chichurin Alexander
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we substantiate the analytical approximate method for Cauchy problem of the Van der Pol equation in the complex domain. These approximate solutions allow analytical continuation for both real and complex cases. We follow the influence of variation in the initial data of the problem in order to control the computational process and improve the accuracy of the final results. Several simple applications of the method are given. A numerical study confirms the consistency of the developed method.
Tailoring a Behavioral Symmetry on KERMA, Mass Stopping Power and Projected Range Parameters against Heavy-Charged Particles in Zinc-Tellurite Glasses for Nuclear Applications
Authors: Susam Lidya Amon , Yilmaz Ayberk , ALMisned Ghada , Yilmaz Alan Hatice , Ozturk Gizem , Kilic Gokhan , Tuysuz Bahar , Topuzlar Selin Ece , Akkus Baki , Ene Antoaneta , Tekin Huseyin Ozan
Published: June 2023

We present the behavioral changes and symmetrical enhancement on KERMA, mass stopping power and projected range parameters against heavy-charged particles through Indium (In) and Tantalum (Ta) incorporations for various zinc-tellurite glass groups such as TZI and ZTT for nuclear applications. SRIM and PAGEX codes are utilized for the determination of investigated attenuation parameters for alpha and proton particles. In KERMA calculations, the ZTT7 sample is reported to have the greatest release of charged particles because of an increase in kinetic energy. The mass stopping power values of all absorbent glass materials are steadily increased from 0 MeV to 0.1 MeV. TZI and ZTT attained their maximum mass stopping power at a kinetic energy value of 0.1 MeV. While comparable behavior patterns are seen for various energy values on the examined energy scale, the ZTT7 sample is observed with lower mass stopping power and projected range values against proton particles than the other samples. It can be concluded that zinc-telluride glasses through maximum Ta-reinforcement may be considered as promising materials for stopping the proton and alpha particles. Moreover, Ta-reinforcement may be considered as a monotonic tool in terms of providing a symmetry for attenuation enhancement against heavy-charged particles.
A Family of Developed Hybrid Four-Term Conjugate Gradient Algorithms for Unconstrained Optimization with Applications in Image Restoration
Authors: Ali Eltiyeb , Mahdi Salem
Published: June 2023

The most important advantage of conjugate gradient methods (CGs) is that these methods have low memory requirements and convergence speed. This paper contains two main parts that deal with two application problems, as follows. In the first part, three new parameters of the CG methods are designed and then combined by employing a convex combination. The search direction is a four-term hybrid form for modified classical CG methods with some newly proposed parameters. The result of this hybridization is the acquisition of a newly developed hybrid CGCG method containing four terms. The proposed CGCG has sufficient descent properties. The convergence analysis of the proposed method is considered under some reasonable conditions. A numerical investigation is carried out for an unconstrained optimization problem. The comparison between the newly suggested algorithm (CGCG) and five other classical CG algorithms shows that the new method is competitive with and in all statuses superior to the five methods in terms of efficiency reliability and effectiveness in solving large-scale, unconstrained optimization problems. The second main part of this paper discusses the image restoration problem. By using the adaptive median filter method, the noise in an image is detected, and then the corrupted pixels of the image are restored by using a new family of modified hybrid CG methods. This new family has four terms: the first is the negative gradient; the second one consists of either the HS-CG method or the HZ-CG method; and the third and fourth terms are taken from our proposed CGCG method. Additionally, a change in the size of the filter window plays a key role in improving the performance of this family of CG methods, according to the noise level. Four famous images (test problems) are used to examine the performance of the new family of modified hybrid CG methods. The outstanding clearness of the restored images indicates that the new family of modified hybrid CG methods has reliable efficiency and effectiveness in dealing with image restoration problems.
Data-Driven Futuristic Scenarios: Smart Home Service Experience Foresight Based on Social Media Data
Authors: Cheng Yu , Sul Sanghun
Published: June 2023

Exploring future scenarios can consider future generations and society from a long-term perspective. A Futures Triangle is an approach used for mapping future scenarios. In general, the Futures Triangle collects weak signals using qualitative research methods. However, collecting weak signals qualitatively is limited by its small data size and manual data analysis errors. To overcome those limitations, this study proposes the data-driven futuristic scenario approach. This approach analyzes a large number of social perceptions existing in social networks as weak signals via semantic network analysis. Using our proposed data-driven approach, researchers can quantitatively collect weak signals for a Futures Triangle. To verify the applicability of the proposed method, we conducted a case study on the Chinese smart home service experience. The dataset consists of 2421 posts containing the keyword “smart home experience” on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. Three future scenarios were constructed using the proposed method. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed methodology. The data-driven futuristic scenario approach has the advantage of quantitatively analyzing a large amount of stakeholder data to provide weak signals for the Futures Triangle. We suggest that the data-driven futuristic scenario approach serves as a supplementary method, combined with the traditional Futures Triangle approach, to comprehensively explore future scenarios.
Jordan Canonical Form for Solving the Fault Diagnosis and Estimation Problems
Authors: Sergiyenko Oleg , Zhirabok Alexey , Mercorelli Paolo , Zuev Alexander , Filaretov Vladimir , Tyrsa Vera
Published: June 2023

The suggested methods for solving fault diagnosis and estimation problems are based on the use of the Jordan canonical form. The diagnostic observer, virtual sensor, interval, and sliding mode observer design problems are considered. Algorithms have been developed to solve these problems for both linear and nonlinear systems, considering the presence of external disturbances and measurement noise. It has been shown that the Jordan canonical form allows reducing the dimensions of interval observers and virtual sensors, thus simplifying the design process in comparison to the identification canonical form. The theoretical results are illustrated through examples.
Punica granatum (Pomegranate) Peel Extract Pre-Treatment Alleviates Fenpropathrin-Induced Testicular Injury via Suppression of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Adult Male Rats
Authors: Jebur Ali B. , El-Sayed Raghda A. , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M. , El-Demerdash Fatma M.
Published: June 2023

Fenpropathrin (FNP) is one of the commonly used insecticides in agriculture and domestically, leading to environmental and health problems. The goal of the current investigation was to determine how well pomegranate peel extract (PGPE) could prevent the testicular toxicity and oxidative stress induced by FNP. Four groups of male Wistar rats were randomly assigned: negative control (corn oil), PGPE (500 mg/kg BW), positive control (FNP; 15 mg/kg BW, 1/15 LD50), and PGPE + FNP. For four weeks, the rats received their doses daily and orally via gavage. The major phytochemical components (total phenolic, flavonoids, and tannins contents) detected in PGPE by GC-MS included ellagic acid, hydroxymethylfurfurole, guanosine, and pyrogallol with high total phenolic, flavonoids, and tannin contents. FNP-treated rats showed a marked elevation in testicular levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, hydrogen peroxide, and protein carbonyl content, as well as the activity of aminotransferases and phosphatases. Meanwhile. a significant decline in body weight, gonadosomatic index, glutathione, protein contents, enzymatic antioxidants, and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β HSD, and 17β HSD) activity was observed. In addition, significant alterations in testicular P53, Cas-3, Bcl-2, IL-β, IL-10, testosterone, follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones, and sperm quality were detected. Furthermore, biochemical and molecular changes were corroborated testicular histological abnormalities. Moreover, PGPE-pretreated FNP-intoxicated rats demonstrated considerable improvement in the majority of the studied parameters, when compared to FNP-treated groups. Conclusively, PGPE provided a potent protective effect against the testicular toxicity caused by FNP, due to its antioxidant-active components.
Urinary Cypermethrin Metabolites among Conventional and Organic Farmers in Thailand
Authors: Tremongkoltip Atima , Pengpumkiat Sumate , Kongtip Pornpimol , Nankongnab Noppanun , Siri Sukhontha , Woskie Susan
Published: June 2023

Cypermethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide, is frequently spread on agricultural farmlands and is also used in households in Thailand. Conventional pesticide-using farmers (n = 209) were recruited from the Phitsanulok and Nakornsawan provinces. Certified organic farmers (n = 224) were also recruited in the Yasothorn province. The farmers were interviewed via a questionnaire and the urine from their first morning void was collected. The urine samples were analyzed for 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), cis-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (cis-DCCA), and trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (trans-DCCA). The results showed no significant difference in the urinary cypermethrin metabolites between the conventional farmers and the organic farmers, for whom the usage of cypermethrin was not accounted for. However, when conventional farmers who used cypermethrin on the farm and in the home were compared with conventional farmers who did not use any cypermethrin or with organic farmers, a significant difference was noted for all metabolites except for trans-DCCA. These findings show that the most significant exposures to cypermethrin are among conventional farmers who use the insecticide on their farms or in their homes. However, measurable levels of all metabolites were found among both conventional and organic farmers who only used cypermethrin in the home or not at all, suggesting that the at-home use of pyrethroids and other possible exposures from pyrethroid residues on market-bought food may contribute to urinary levels of pyrethroids that exceed those of the general population in the US and Canada.
Multi-Omic Identification of Venom Proteins Collected from Artificial Hosts of a Parasitoid Wasp
Authors: Yu Kaili , Chen Jin , Bai Xue , Xiong Shijiao , Ye Xinhai , Yang Yi , Yao Hongwei , Wang Fang , Fang Qi , Song Qisheng , Ye Gongyin
Published: June 2023

Habrobracon hebetor is a parasitoid wasp capable of infesting many lepidopteran larvae. It uses venom proteins to immobilize host larvae and prevent host larval development, thus playing an important role in the biocontrol of lepidopteran pests. To identify and characterize its venom proteins, we developed a novel venom collection method using an artificial host (ACV), i.e., encapsulated amino acid solution in paraffin membrane, allowing parasitoid wasps to inject venom. We performed protein full mass spectrometry analysis of putative venom proteins collected from ACV and venom reservoirs (VRs) (control). To verify the accuracy of proteomic data, we also collected venom glands (VGs), Dufour’s glands (DGs) and ovaries (OVs), and performed transcriptome analysis. In this paper, we identified 204 proteins in ACV via proteomic analysis; compared ACV putative venom proteins with those identified in VG, VR, and DG via proteome and transcriptome approaches; and verified a set of them using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Finally, 201 ACV proteins were identified as potential venom proteins. In addition, we screened 152 and 148 putative venom proteins identified in the VG transcriptome and the VR proteome against those in ACV, and found only 26 and 25 putative venom proteins, respectively, were overlapped with those in ACV. Altogether, our data suggest proteome analysis of ACV in combination with proteome–transcriptome analysis of other organs/tissues will provide the most comprehensive identification of true venom proteins in parasitoid wasps.
Comparison of Climate Change Scenarios of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Latreille 1806) from México and the Boarders with Central America and the United States
Authors: Moo-Llanes David A. , Sánchez-Montes Sokani , López-Ordoñez Teresa , Dzul-Rosado Karla , Segura-Trejo Daniela , Salceda-Sánchez Beatriz , Danis-Lozano Rogelio
Published: June 2023

In America, the presence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto and Rhipicephalus linnaei has been confirmed. Both species are found in sympatry in the southern United States, northern Mexico, southern Brazil, and Argentina. The objective of this work is to evaluate the projection of the potential distribution of the ecological niche of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato in two climate change scenarios in Mexico and the border with Central America and the United States. Initially, a database of personal collections of the authors, GBIF, Institute of Epidemiological Diagnosis and Reference, and scientific articles was built. The ENMs were projected for the current period and two future scenarios: RCP and SSP used for the kuenm R package, the ecological niche of R. sanguineus s.l. It is distributed throughout the Mexico and Texas (United States), along with the border areas between Central America, Mexico, and the United States. Finally, it is observed that the ecological niche of R. sanguineus s.l. in the current period coincides in three degrees with the routes of human migration. Based on this information, and mainly on the flow of migrants from Central America to the United States, the risk of a greater gene flow in this area increases, so the risk relating to this border is a latent point that must be analyzed.
Finding My Drumbeat: Applying Lessons Learned from Remo Ruffini to Understanding Astrophysical Transients
Authors: Fryer Chris
Published: June 2023

As with many fields from fashion to politics, science is susceptible to “bandwagon”-driven research where an idea becomes increasingly popular, garnering a growing amount of “scientific” support. Bandwagons allow scientists to converge on a solution, but when the prevailing bandwagon is incorrect or too simple, this rigid mentality makes it very difficult for scientists to find the right track. True scientific innovation often occurs through scientists willing to march to the beat of their own drum. Using examples in the field of astrophysical transients, this paper demonstrates the importance of supporting scientists in their quest to develop their own personal drumbeat.
Maternal Th17 Profile after Zika Virus Infection Is Involved in Congenital Zika Syndrome Development in Children
Authors: Fialho Eder M. S. , Veras Emanoel M. , Jesus Caroline M. de , Gomes Líllian N. , Khouri Ricardo , Sousa Patrícia S. , Ribeiro Marizélia R. C. , Batista Rosângela F. L. , Costa Luciana C. , Nascimento Flávia R. F. , Silva Antônio A. M. , Soeiro-Pereira Paulo V.
Published: June 2023

Brazil is one of the countries that experienced an epidemic of microcephaly and other congenital manifestations related to maternal Zika virus infection which can result in Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). Since the Zika virus can modulate the immune system, studying mothers’ and children’s immune profiles become essential to better understanding CZS development. Therefore, we investigated the lymphocyte population profile of children who developed CZS and their mothers’ immune response in this study. The study groups were formed from the Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT) (CZS+ group) result. To evaluate the lymphocyte population profile, we performed phenotyping of peripheral lymphocytes and quantification of serum cytokine levels. The immunophenotyping and cytokine profile was correlated between CSZ+ children and their mothers. Both groups exhibited increased interleukin-17 levels and a reduction in the subpopulation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. In contrast, the maternal group showed a reduction in the population of B lymphocytes. Thus, the development of CZS is related to the presence of an inflammatory immune profile in children and their mothers characterized by Th17 activation.
Virophages—Known and Unknown Facts
Authors: Tokarz-Deptuła Beata , Chrzanowska Sara , Gurgacz Natalia , Stosik Michał , Deptuła Wiesław
Published: June 2023

The paper presents virophages, which, like their host, giant viruses, are “new” infectious agents whose role in nature, including mammalian health, is important. Virophages, along with their protozoan and algal hosts, are found in fresh inland waters and oceanic and marine waters, including thermal waters and deep-sea vents, as well as in soil, plants, and in humans and animals (ruminants). Representing “superparasitism”, almost all of the 39 described virophages (except Zamilon) interact negatively with giant viruses by affecting their replication and morphogenesis and their “adaptive immunity”. This causes them to become regulators and, at the same time, defenders of the host of giant viruses protozoa and algae, which are organisms that determine the homeostasis of the aquatic environment. They are classified in the family Lavidaviridae with two genus (Sputnikovirus, Mavirus). However, in 2023, a proposal was presented that they should form the class Maveriviricetes, with four orders and seven families. Their specific structure, including their microsatellite (SSR-Simple Sequence Repeats) and the CVV (cell—virus—virophage, or transpovirion) system described with them, as well as their function, makes them, together with the biological features of giant viruses, form the basis for discussing the existence of a fourth domain in addition to Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryota. The paper also presents the hypothetical possibility of using them as a vector for vaccine antigens.
Low Replication Efficiency of a Japanese Rabbit Hepatitis E Virus Strain in the Human Hepatocarcinoma Cell Line PLC/PRF/5
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Mendoza Milagros Virhuez , Ami Yasushi , Suzaki Yuriko , Doan Yen Hai , Maeda Ken , Li Tiancheng
Published: June 2023

A Japanese rabbit hepatitis E virus (HEV) strain, JP-59, has been identified in a feral rabbit. When this virus was transmitted to a Japanese white rabbit, it caused persistent HEV infection. The JP-59 strain shares an <87.5% nucleotide sequence identity with other rabbit HEV strains. Herein, to isolate JP-59 by cell culture, we used a 10% stool suspension recovered from a JP-59-infected Japanese white rabbit and contained 1.1 × 107 copies/mL of the viral RNA and using it to infect a human hepatocarcinoma cell line, PLC/PRF/5. No sign of virus replication was observed. Although long-term virus replication was observed in PLC/PRF/5 cells inoculated with the concentrated and purified JP-59 containing a high titer of viral RNA (5.1 × 108 copies/mL), the viral RNA of JP-59c that was recovered from the cell culture supernatants was <7.1 × 104 copies/mL during the experiment. The JP-59c strain did not infect PLC/PRF/5 cells, but its intravenous inoculation caused persistent infection in rabbits. The nucleotide sequence analyses of the virus genomes demonstrated that a total of 18 nucleotide changes accompanying three amino acid mutations occurred in the strain JP-59c compared to the original strain JP-59. These results indicate that a high viral RNA titer was required for JP-59 to infect PLC/PRF/5 cells, but its replication capability was extremely low. In addition, the ability of rabbit HEVs to multiply in PLC/PRF/5 cells varied depending on the rabbit HEV strains. The investigations of cell lines that are broadly susceptible to rabbit HEV and that allow the efficient propagation of the virus are thus needed.
Human Papillomavirus Epidemiology and Prevention: Is There Still a Gender Gap?
Authors: Milano Giovanna , Guarducci Giovanni , Nante Nicola , Montomoli Emanuele , Manini Ilaria
Published: June 2023

Background and aim: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is sexually transmitted, one of the three most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in both males and females, and the most common viral STI. A crucial public health strategy to protect people against HPV is vaccination, which has shown its effectiveness in preventing HPV-related diseases. Presently, three types of vaccines are available (bivalent, quadrivalent, and nonvalent), and they all target the two most oncogenic virus genotypes (HPV 16 and 18). In recent years, the need to implement vaccination programmes that include all genders has been discussed in order to achieve herd immunity against HPV. To date, only a few countries have included young males in their vaccination programmes. Thus, our objective with this review is to provide an overview of the epidemiology of HPV and HPV prevention strategies and report the latest findings from the scientific literature.
COVID-19 Booster Doses: A Multi-Center Study Reflecting Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions
Authors: Salah Hager , Sinan Israa , Alsamani Omar , Abdelghani Lamyaa Samir , ElLithy May Hassan , Bukamal Nazar , Jawad Huda , Hussein Raghda R. S. , Elgendy Marwa O. , Rabie Al shaimaa Ibrahim , Khalil Doaa Mahmoud , Said Amira S. A. , AlAhmad Mohammad M. , Khodary Azza
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: During 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic was threatening healthcare services and workers, and acquiring immunity was an option to stop or limit the burden of this pandemic. Herd immunity was a top priority worldwide as the virus was spreading rapidly. It was estimated that 67% of the total global population should be immunized against COVID-19 to achieve herd immunity. The aim of the current study is to investigate different perceptions of healthcare workers in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Egypt using an online survey in an attempt to evaluate their awareness and concerns regarding new variants and booster doses. (2) Methods: This study conducted a survey on healthcare workers in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Egypt about their perception and concerns on the COVID-19 vaccines. (3) Results: The study found that out of 389 healthcare workers 46.1% of the physicians were not willing to take the booster doses (p = 0.004). Physicians also did not support taking the COVID-19 vaccine as an annual vaccine (p = 0.04). Furthermore, to assess the association between the type of vaccine taken with the willingness of taking a booster vaccine, healthcare workers beliefs on vaccine effectiveness (p = 0.001), suspension or contact with patients (p = 0.000), and infection after COVID-19 vaccination (p = 0.016) were significant. (4) Conclusion: Knowledge about vaccine accreditation and regulation should be dispersed more widely to ensure that the population has a positive perception on vaccine safety and effectiveness.
Cholangiocarcinoma in the Era of Immunotherapy
Authors: Manthopoulou Eleni , Ramai Daryl , Dhar Jahnvi , Samanta Jayanta , Ioannou Alexandros , Lusina Ekaterina , Sacco Rodolfo , Facciorusso Antonio
Published: June 2023

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract, with aggressive behavior, and portends a poor prognosis. Traditionally, it is classified according to its site of involvement as intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal cholangiocarcinoma. A host of genetic and epigenetic factors have been involved in its pathogenesis. Chemotherapy has remained the standard first-line treatment over the last decade, with a disappointing median overall survival of 11 months for locally advanced and metastatic CCA. The advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of many pancreaticobiliary malignancies, offering durable responses with a safe therapeutic profile. To date, there have been no significant advances in the management of CCA. Novel immunotherapeutic methods, such as cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, and combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitors with other agents, are currently under investigation and may improve prognosis with overall survival. Efforts to find robust biomarkers for response to treatment along with multiple clinical trials are also ongoing in this regard. In this review, we present an overview of the current advances and the future perspectives of immunotherapy in the management of CCA.
Fish Diversity Monitoring Using Environmental DNA Techniques in the Clarion–Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean
Authors: He Weiyi , Wang Lei , Ou Danyun , Li Weiwen , Huang Hao , Ou Rimei , Qiu Jinli , Cai Lei , Lin Lianghua , Zhang Yanxu
Published: June 2023

Marine fish populations have suffered the consequences of overfishing for a long time, leading to a loss in biodiversity. Traditional methods have been historically used to survey fish diversity but are limited to commercial species, particularly on the high seas. Environmental DNA (eDNA) has been successfully used to monitor biodiversity in aquatic environments. In this study, we monitored fish diversity in the Clarion–Clipperton Zone (CCZ) of the Eastern Pacific Ocean using eDNA metabarcoding. Our results identified 2 classes, 35 orders, 64 families, and 87 genera. The genera Mugil, Scomberomorus, and Scomber had high relative abundance in the mesopelagic and demersal zone. Fish diversity varied with sampling sites, and the greatest number of species was found at a depth of 2500 m. Environmental changes drove fish aggregation, and our results indicated that Chla was negatively correlated with fish communities, while DO was positively correlated with fish communities. This study released the fish diversity pattern and the effects of the environment in the CCZ, which would provide useful information for biodiversity management and an environmental baseline for the International Seabed Authority.
Laboratory Study of the Hydraulic Performance of the A-Type Triangular Piano Key Weir
Authors: Alizadeh Sanami Forough , Ghaderi Amir , Alizadeh Sanami Fardin , Mirkhorli Parisa , Di Francesco Silvia
Published: June 2023

A piano key weir (PKW), a new type of weir aiming to increase the discharge capacity of an existing dam, was recently designed. Despite a large body of research in this field, only a few studies were conducted on A-type triangular piano key weirs (TPKW) in straight channels. In this context, this present research sought to study the flow regime, stage–discharge relationship, and discharge coefficient. Experiments were carried out using nine TPKW models and three linear weirs (LW) as the control weirs. The results indicated that the triangular piano key weirs are capable of passing a higher discharge in similar laboratory conditions compared to linear key weirs due to their longer length. For a given h/P ratio (h is the water head over the weir crest, and P is the weir height) and constant length (Le), an increase in the weir height from 0.07 m to 0.15 m decreases the discharge coefficient by approximately 20%. From sensitivity analysis, the most influential parameters for the tested TPKW models are the h/Le dimensionless ratio, followed by the P/Le and Fr. Moreover, the discharge coefficient has a reverse trend when the dimensionless parameters h/P, h/Le, and Froude number are increased. However, with decreasing h/Le, the discharge coefficient of TPKW tends to that of a broad-crested weir because of local submergence. It is expected that the results obtained will be a reference for researchers who work in this field.
Hydrogeochemical Characteristics and Environment Quality Assessment of Karst Groundwater in Mengzi Basin of Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Duan Xuchuan , Sun Zhiguo , Li Shehong , Jiang Zhongcheng , Liao Hongwei
Published: June 2023

One quarter of the world’s population uses karst groundwater. Due to the complex hydrological conditions in karst areas, they are vulnerable to pollution. The study of the hydrochemical characteristics and environmental quality evaluations of karst groundwater is of great significance for the rational development and utilization of karst groundwater. The study area is located in the Mengzi area of Yunnan Province, which is a typical karst area. The groundwater in the study area was analyzed and evaluated by a statistical analysis, hydrogeochemical analysis, ion ratio and Nemerow’s index method (PN). The results show that the hydrochemical types are mainly the Ca–HCO3 and Ca–Mg–HCO3 types. The main hydrochemical compositions of groundwater were controlled by carbonate dissolution. The results of the water quality evaluation show that the main pollutants in the study area are Mn, COD and NO3−. Compared with groundwater, the concentration and exceeding rate of pollutants in surface water are much higher than those in groundwater. There is the possibility of groundwater pollution by surface water infiltration. The results reveal the characteristics of groundwater pollution in typical karst areas and provide a theoretical basis for the rational development and utilization of groundwater.
Competitive Adsorption of Drugs from a Multi-Component Mixture on Sugarcane Bagasse
Authors: Peñafiel Maria E. , Flores Damián
Published: June 2023

This work examines the adsorption in single- and multi-solute adsorption experiments of antibiotic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, i.e., ciprofloxacin (CPX), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), ibuprofen (IBU), and diclofenac (DCF), onto sugarcane bagasse. The maximum experimental adsorption capacities of single components CPX, DCF, IBU, and SMX, were 0.98, 0.77, 0.61, and 0.51 mg/g, respectively, with decreases between 5 and 28% in multi-solute mixtures, assuming competitive adsorption. The experimental data of a single drug fitted a pseudo-second-order model, while the experimental isotherms fit the Freundlich model. The presence of CPX did not interfere with the adsorption of other solutes. The adsorption of SMX was lower in the presence of adsorption competitors than SMX single solution. The adsorption of binary systems adequately fitted the Sheindorf–Rebhun–Sheintuch model. The results showed that the competition process depends on each adsorbate and that sugarcane bagasse can adsorb drugs in multi-component systems.
Ranking Sub-Watersheds for Flood Hazard Mapping: A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach
Authors: Nguyen Nguyet-Minh , Bahramloo Reza , Sadeghian Jalal , Sepehri Mehdi , Nazaripouya Hadi , Nguyen Dinh Vuong , Ghahramani Afshin , Talebi Ali , Elkhrachy Ismail , Pande Chaitanya B. , Meshram Sarita Gajbhiye
Published: June 2023

The aim of this paper is to assess the extent to which the Sad-Kalan watershed in Iran participates in floods and rank the Sad-Kalan sub-watersheds in terms of flooding potential by utilizing multi-criteria decision-making approaches. We employed the entropy of a drainage network, stream power index (SPI), slope, topographic control index (TCI), and compactness coefficient (Cc) in this investigation. After forming a decision matrix with 25 possibilities (sub-watersheds) and 5 evaluation indices, we used four MCDM approaches, including the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), best–worst method (BWM), interval rough numbers AHP (IRNAHP), picture fuzzy with AHP (PF-AHP), and picture fuzzy with linear assignment model (PF-LAM, hereafter PICALAM) algorithms, to rank the sub-watersheds. The study results demonstrated that PICALAM exhibited superior performance compared to the other methods due to its consideration of both local and global weights for each criterion. Additionally, among the methods used (AHP, BWM, and IRNAHP) that showed similar performances in ranking the sub-watersheds, the BWM method proved to be more time-efficient in the ranking process.
The French Cultural Tourism: Exploring the Harmonious Coexistence of Tradition and Modernization
Authors: Winarya Prabawa I Wayan Sukma , Pertiwi Putu Ratih , Yanthy Putu Sucita
Published: June 2023

Cultural tourism has become the doctrine of tourism development in many countries. Various local commodities have been transformed into tourist attractions to satisfy the curiosity of tourists. Unfortunately, cultural tourism in many destinations tends to be exclusive, where its activities focus on presenting artificial cultural attractions that are packaged for tourists. This article describes the best practice of how France has succeeded in developing a culture-based tourism sector amidst the demands of modernization and industrialization. Through a qualitative descriptive approach, data and information were collected from observation, literacy studies, and interviews. The authors conducted a thematic analysis to portray a culture-based French tourism model. The analysis results conclude that French tourism is firmly supported by a wealth of culture and traditions that have long been rooted in people's lives.
Cultural Value of Cassava Food as a Tourism Attraction in Cireundeu Traditional Village
Authors: Priyanto Rahmat , Desmafianti Gita
Published: June 2023

This study aims to describe the cultural value of cassava food as an attraction for tourists visiting the Cireundeu Traditional Village. The method used in this study is a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Research data sources consist of primary data sources, namely from research data obtained through observation activities, interviews, and documentation directly to the field, while secondary data are obtained through literature studies related to the study. The results showed that the cultural value of cassava food in Cireundeu Traditional Village was divided into 3 parts, including cultural values regarding symbols related to cassava food, behavior related to cassava food, and embedded beliefs related to cassava food. The results of the next study explained the attractiveness of cassava food in the Cireundeu Traditional Village through the point of view of its cultural uniqueness, then originality, authenticity and diversity. From the results of this study, it is hoped that it can provide input for managers or all elements in the Ciruendeu Traditional Village in order to develop cassava food culture into a leading tourist attraction in Cimahi City.
Hospitality Strategic Management Planning Post COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Maemunah Ita , Wijaya Naufal , Sukmadi
Published: June 2023

Purpose of the study: This study aims to analyze management planning and strategies implemented by local chain hotels post-COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology: This study uses a descriptive qualitative case study method, with two research instruments in data collection: documentation and interviews. Data reduction, data presentation, and data verification, as well as SWOT analysis, were used to analyze data. Regarding testing validity data, the technique used by researchers is a triangulation technique source.
Findings: The Local chain hotel has implemented a competitive strategy well, proven with properties that can last for more than 28 years in the hospitality industry, and is still relevant in the competition between hotels today. Management can also maintain hotel operations during the COVID-19 pandemic without closing all their properties.
Research limitations/Implications: This study only focuses on using a SWOT analysis tool to analyze the Hotel's internal and external environment, where many tools could be used in data analysis to produce more reliable output.
Novelty/Originality of the study: This study discussed formulation local chain hotels strategy formulation post-COVID-19 pandemic. The formulation covering four pillars of the hospitality industry, including operational, marketing, finance, and human resources. This research can be a reference for local hotels in implementing competitive strategies.
The Effect of Service Quality on Customer Satisfaction in the Front Office Department During COVID-19
Authors: Subakti Agung Gita , Maribelle Maria Gracia , Sanjaya Wellyansyah
Published: June 2023

Purpose of the study: The COVID-19 pandemic has made the hotel continue improving its service quality to survive until the pandemic is over. This study aims to understand how the variable service quality of front office employees during COVID-19 on customer satisfaction.
Design/methodology: The design of this study used an online survey. Purposive sampling of hotel guests staying at JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta was conducted from January 2022 to May. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS 25 software.
Findings: This study's findings show an influence between service quality variables and consumer satisfaction variables during COVID-19 in the front office department of JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta.
Research limitations/Implications: In this study, there is only one independent variable, so it is not complete to explain what factors affect consumer satisfaction (dependent). In the following study, free variables (independent) will be added to provide even better advice to the company and as a learning for researchers and readers.
Novelty/Originality of the study: This research focuses on the quality of services carried out in the hotel’s front office department during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Genome-wide Association Study for AKI
Authors: Bhatraju Pavan K. , Stanaway Ian B. , Palmer Melody R. , Menon Rajasree , Schaub Jennifer A. , Menez Steven , Srivastava Anand , Wilson F. Perry , Kiryluk Krzysztof , Palevsky Paul M. , Naik Abhijit S. , Sakr Sana S. , Jarvik Gail P. , Parikh Chirag R. , Ware Lorraine B. , Ikizler T. Alp , Siew Edward D. , Chinchilli Vernon M. , Coca Steve G. , Garg Amit X. , Go Alan S. , Kaufman James S. , Kimmel Paul L. , Himmelfarb Jonathan , Wurfel Mark M.
Published: June 2023

Key Points

Two genetic variants in the DISP1-TLR5 gene locus were associated with risk of AKI.

DISP1 and TLR5 were differentially regulated in kidney biopsy tissue from patients with AKI compared with no AKI.

Background

Although common genetic risks for CKD are well established, genetic factors influencing risk for AKI in hospitalized patients are poorly understood.

Methods

We conducted a genome-wide association study in 1369 participants in the Assessment, Serial Evaluation, and Subsequent Sequelae of AKI Study; a multiethnic population of hospitalized participants with and without AKI matched on demographics, comorbidities, and kidney function before hospitalization. We then completed functional annotation of top-performing variants for AKI using single-cell RNA sequencing data from kidney biopsies in 12 patients with AKI and 18 healthy living donors from the Kidney Precision Medicine Project.

Results

No genome-wide significant associations with AKI risk were found in Assessment, Serial Evaluation, and Subsequent Sequelae of AKI (P < 5×10

−8
). The top two variants with the strongest association with AKI mapped to the dispatched resistance-nodulation-division (RND) transporter family member 1 (DISP1) gene and toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) gene locus, rs17538288 (odds ratio, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.32 to 182; P = 9.47×10

−8
) and rs7546189 (odds ratio, 1.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.30 to 1.81; P = 4.60×10

−7
). In comparison with kidney tissue from healthy living donors, kidney biopsies in patients with AKI showed differential DISP1 expression in proximal tubular epithelial cells (adjusted P = 3.9×10−2) and thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle (adjusted P = 8.7×10−3) and differential TLR5 gene expression in thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle (adjusted P = 4.9×10−30).

Conclusions

AKI is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome with various underlying risk factors, etiologies, and pathophysiology that may limit the identification of genetic variants. Although no variants reached genome-wide significance, we report two variants in the intergenic region between DISP1 and TLR5, suggesting this region as a novel risk for AKI susceptibility.
Publishing Extension Evaluations in Academic Research Journals:
Some Recommendations
Authors: Braverman Marc
Published: June 2023

Extension evaluation studies often can provide the basis for valuable disciplinary contributions. This article presents recommendations for developing academic journal manuscripts from Extension evaluations. A journal article will be focused on research questions that may be distinctly different from the evaluation questions that drove the original study. Research questions should be identified that reflect current issues and debates within the discipline, rather than relate only to a perfunctory report of the evaluation's outcomes. Other recommendations involve selecting a target journal, optimizing methodological rigor in the analysis, and generating multiple manuscripts from the same evaluation study. The article includes illustrations from my evaluation work.
Extension Military Parent–Teen Camp Experiences: Family Resilience Building in Action
Authors: Ashurst Kerri , Weisenhorn David , Atkinson Tyrone
Published: June 2023

The purpose of the study addressed in this article was to gather information from military service members and their teenage children attending Extension camping programs together. We used a pretest and a posttest to examine resilience of both groups and compared other postprogram youth outcome measures to a normative sample. We found statistically significant increases in resilience scores for both service member participants and teenage participants as well as elevated youth outcomes in the areas of problem solving and connecting with others. Our results constitute useful information on the value of Extension outdoor and recreational programming for family systems.
Bridging the Gender Gap in Forest Stewardship: Facilitating Programs for Women Landowners
Authors: Koshollek Alanna , Thostenson Katy , Shaw Bret
Published: June 2023

Nationwide, women woodland owners are increasingly taking on the primary decision-making role for their land. In Wisconsin and beyond, most existing landowner outreach efforts target mixed-gender audiences. We explored how facilitation techniques can be incorporated into a women-centric workshop to increase women landowners' confidence, knowledge, and readiness to take action in forest stewardship. We highlight three core techniques Extension workshop developers can use to promote landowner learning and engagement: creating space for participant-driven open dialogue, generating opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, and enabling participants to receive personalized advice from professionals about their land.
Effects of diets with different fibre content on the performance of rabbit does and on parasitological infection
Authors: Demeter Csongor , Demeter-Jeremiás Anett , Német Zoltán , Sándor Máté , Mayer András , Gerencsér Zsolt , Matics Zsolt
Published: June 2023

The effect of two diets with different fibre contents was examined on rabbit does’ performance and parasitological infection. Diet P2 had 1% higher crude fibre, ADF and starch contents than that of diet P1. The performance of 12–12 does and litters per group were examined during two consecutive inseminations. In both dietary groups, according to a 49-day reproduction rhythm, the does were artificially inseminated 18 days after kindling. Most production traits were not affected by the diets (kindling rate, weight of does and their kits, feed intake, mortality; P>0.05). Significant differences were only found in litter sizes as the number of kits was lower in P1 diet fed group at all examined days of lactation. The significant “Diet x Reproduction cycle” interaction showed that the litter sizes of dietary groups did not differ at the first examined insemination, however at the subsequent reproduction cycle 6–8% lower litter sizes were counted in P1 fed does compared to group P2 (litter size at 4 day: 9.00 vs 9.58–9.92, P = 0.004; litter size at 11 day: 8.83 vs 9.58–9.92, P = 0.037 for diet P1 at the 2nd reproductive cycle compared to all the other cases, respectively). The two diets with different compositions did not affect most of the production results of the rabbit does and their kits, but the lower litter size of does consuming P1 diet at the second examined lactation suggests the adverse effect of P1 diet’s long-term use. From the collected manure samples not any parasites were detected which presents a very favourable picture of farm from the point of view of hygiene and animal health.
Preliminary results of the combined production of duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in an aquaponic system
Authors: Molnár Péter , Lelesz Judit Éva , Kertész Attila , Bereczki Gábor , Fehér Milán
Published: June 2023

As a result of population growth, increasin amount of food is needed, and agriculture is under an increasing burden to meet these needs. Traditional agriculture is often attacked due to its environmental impact. We must find alternative, environmentally friendly ways to produce more food. Aquaponics is a closed system in which we can produce both fish and plants at the same time. Duckweed species are small, aquatic, floating plants belonging to angiosperms. It can potentially be an alternative protein source, due to its high protein content, good amino acid supply, and rapid growth. Under suitable conditions, it doubles its weight in 2–4 days, and can reach a yield of 30 t ha-1 year-1in dry matter. It forms a carpet on top of the water and can be found in slow-moving or still waters. Since they are resistant to a wide range of nutrient concentrations, they are also suitable for cleaning wastewater (such as eutrophicated lakes, sewage reservoirs, liquid manure storage). Fish feed is the primary nutrient source for aquaponic systems, which usually contains fishmeal. If duckweed can be used as an alternative for fishmeal in the feed, it could improve the sustainability of the aquaponic and aquaculture systems. In this study, the aim was to develop an optimal harvesting protocol for duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza under aquaponic conditions. In a four weeks experiments, four harvesting protocols were set up, a control where only biomass measurements were made, a 25% group where 25% of the biomass at the time of measurement was harvested, and a 50% and a 75% group where at the time of measurement 50% and 75% of the biomass was harvested. Three replicates were used per treatment. We weighed the biomass every week and removed the amount corresponding to the group. Based on the preliminary results, it can be said that more biomass was obtained in the groups with the 25% harvesting protocol and the control group.