bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Event-Triggered Cooperative Predictive Control for Networked Multi-Agent Systems with Random Delays and Packet Dropouts
Authors: Pang Zhonghua , Du Tao , Zheng Changbing , Li Chao
Published: March 2022

This paper addresses the cooperative output tracking control problem for a class of leader-following linear heterogeneous networked multi-agent systems subject to random network delays and packet dropouts in the feedback and forward channels of each agent. A state observer is established at the plant side of each agent, and an event-triggering transmission mechanism is introduced to decide which state estimate is transmitted to the corresponding controller so as to save the network resources of the feedback channel. To further compensate for the negative effects of those random communication constraints and the event trigger, a cooperative predictive control scheme with proportional and integral actions is proposed. Then, a necessary and sufficient condition is derived for the stability of the resulting closed-loop system. Finally, simulation results are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
The Sylvester Equation and Kadomtsev–Petviashvili System
Authors: Feng Wei , Zhao Songlin
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we seek connections between the Sylvester equation and Kadomtsev–Petviashvili system. By introducing Sylvester equation LM are bold, please chekc if bold neceaasry, if not, please remove all bold of equation −MK = rsT together with an evolution equation set of r and s, master function S(i,j)=sTKjC(I + MC)−1Lir is used to construct the Kadomtsev–Petviashvili system, including the Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation, modified Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation and Schwarzian Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation. The matrix M provides τ-function by τ = |I + MC|. With the help of some recurrence relations, the reductions to the Korteweg–de Vries and Boussinesq systems are discussed.
Analysis of Hypergraph Signals via High-Order Total Variation
Authors: Qu Ruyuan , Feng Hui , Xu Chongbin , Hu Bo
Published: March 2022

Beyond pairwise relationships, interactions among groups of agents do exist in many real-world applications, but they are difficult to capture by conventional graph models. Generalized from graphs, hypergraphs have been introduced to describe such high-order group interactions. Inspired by graph signal processing (GSP) theory, an existing hypergraph signal processing (HGSP) method presented a spectral analysis framework relying on the orthogonal CP decomposition of adjacency tensors. However, such decomposition may not exist even for supersymmetric tensors. In this paper, we propose a high-order total variation (HOTV) form of a hypergraph signal (HGS) as its smoothness measure, which is a hyperedge-wise measure aggregating all signal values in each hyperedge instead of a pairwise one in most existing work. Further, we propose an HGS analysis framework based on the Tucker decomposition of the hypergraph Laplacian induced by the aforementioned HOTV. We construct an orthonormal basis from the HOTV, by which a new spectral transformation of the HGS is introduced. Then, we design hypergraph filters in both vertex and spectral domains correspondingly. Finally, we illustrate the advantages of the proposed framework by applications in label learning.
The Vibroacoustic Characteristics Analysis of Transformer Core Faults Based on Multi-Physical Field Coupling
Authors: Yao Degui , Li Longfei , Zhang Songyang , Zhang Dianhai , Chen Dezhi
Published: March 2022

Power transformers play an important role in the safe and reliable operation of the whole power grid. Once a fault occurs, it will endanger the normal operation of the transformer, and even result in power grid accidents. Accurate and practical methods of transformer fault monitoring and type identification have attracted extensive attention in the field of electrical engineering. However, it is difficult to obtain a large number of measurement data for different fault types on a large power transformer. The vibroacoustic characteristics of transformer faults have significant asymmetry. For the power transformer in service, it is complex and uneconomic to obtain the vibroacoustic signals under different fault conditions. To handle this problem, this paper proposes simulation methods of several common transformer core faults, based on multi-physical field coupling, and then analyzes the vibroacoustic signals generated by the operating transformer. Finally, it verifies the results of acoustic and vibration signals under several faults, through physical experiments. The results show that the transformer fault simulation method is reasonable and accurate. Furthermore, a change in the transformer core state will cause a change in the transformer vibroacoustic characteristics, and different types of core faults can be distinguished by the analysis of vibroacoustic characteristics.
Kantian Equilibria in Classical and Quantum Symmetric Games
Authors: Frąckiewicz Piotr
Published: March 2022

The aim of the paper is to examine the notion of simple Kantian equilibrium in 2×2 symmetric games and their quantum counterparts. We focus on finding the Kantian equilibrium strategies in the general form of the games. As a result, we derive a formula that determines the reasonable strategies for any payoffs in the bimatrix game. This allowed us to compare the payoff results for classical and quantum way of playing the game. We showed that a very large part of 2×2 symmetric games, in which the arithmetic mean of the off-diagonal payoffs is greater than the other payoffs, have more beneficial Kantian equilibria when they are played with the use of quantum strategies. In that case, both players always obtain higher payoffs than when they use the classical strategies.
Three Symmetrical Systems of Coupled Sylvester-like Quaternion Matrix Equations
Authors: Mehany Mahmoud Saad , Wang Qing-Wen
Published: March 2022

The current study investigates the solvability conditions and the general solution of three symmetrical systems of coupled Sylvester-like quaternion matrix equations. Accordingly, the necessary and sufficient conditions for the consistency of these systems are determined, and the general solutions of the systems are thereby deduced. An algorithm and a numerical example are constructed over the quaternions to validate the results of this paper.
Two-Colour Spectrally Multimode Integrated SU(1,1) Interferometer
Authors: Ferreri Alessandro , Sharapova Polina
Published: March 2022

Multimode integrated interferometers have great potential for both spectral engineering and metrological applications. However, the material dispersion of integrated platforms constitutes an obstacle that limits the performance and precision of such interferometers. At the same time, two-colour nonlinear interferometers present an important tool for metrological applications, when measurements in a certain frequency range are difficult. In this manuscript, we theoretically developed and investigated an integrated multimode two-colour SU(1,1) interferometer operating in a supersensitive mode. By ensuring the proper design of the integrated platform, we suppressed the dispersion, thereby significantly increasing the visibility of the interference pattern. The use of a continuous wave pump laser provided the symmetry between the spectral shapes of the signal and idler photons concerning half the pump frequency, despite different photon colours. We demonstrate that such an interferometer overcomes the classical phase sensitivity limit for wide parametric gain ranges, when up to 3×104 photons are generated.
Firm Heterogeneities, Multi-Dimensional Proximities, and Systematic Dynamics of M&A Partnering: Evidences from Transitional China
Authors: Wu Jiawei
Published: March 2022

Corporate investment strategies and decision-making processes are crucial for understanding the operation and evolution of socioeconomic systems. Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) have been the main mode of corporate investment, growth, and upgrading, deeply affecting corporate reorganization, regional industrial restructuring, and economic globalization. By building a database including 5543 M&A partnerings and 1.89 million M&A non-partnerings, this study aims to uncover the systematic dynamics of M&A partnering in regional China during different phases since the mid-1990s, with particular attention given to the effects of firm heterogeneities and multi-dimensional proximities. Although geographical, cognitive, organizational, and institutional proximity dimensions are significantly influential for M&A partnering, we find that the effects of multi-dimensional proximities differ across M&A types and involving firms. Specifically, organizational proximity matters more for large- and medium-sized acquirers, while institutional proximity plays a more vital role in the acquisition target selection of private-owned and small-sized acquirers. Cognitive proximity measured by industrial and technical relatedness is more crucial for horizontal, vertical, and conglomerate M&As that are tightly associated with the corporate product, technical, and functional upgrading. The results indicate that the benefits of cognitive proximity may offset the risks and costs resulting from long-distance M&As, demonstrating the interactive dynamics between proximity dimensions. Our findings suggest that firm heterogeneities, proximity dynamics, and contextual factors should be focused on when explaining the investment decision-making processes of individual corporations in emerging and transitional economies such as China.
A Brief Review of the Applications of Selected Thermal Analysis Methods to 3D Printing
Authors: Blanco Ignazio
Published: March 2022

The last few years have been characterized by the development of 3D printing technology; in parallel, many analytical techniques have been proposed for this new technology to favor its development and commercialization. In this short review, I verify how thermal analysis, which I have always dealt with, can help this technology. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is not a novel technology; however, considering the variety of possibility it offers to printing, as well as the fact that, in the first decade of this century, companies designed their printer machines to print with a limited selection of materials, the potential of this technology is still very large. At this stage, both industry and academy need more information to better develop 3D printing technology, and thermal analysis can absolutely help them to reach this goal.
Effect of Long-Term Biodegradable Film Mulch on Soil Physicochemical and Microbial Properties
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Xue Yinghao , Jin Tuo , Zhang Kai , Li Zhili , Sun Chitao , Mi Qinghua , Li Quanqi
Published: March 2022

Biodegradable mulches have become the focus of attention, as pollution caused by leftover plastic mulch material becomes increasingly severe. However, the impact of biodegradable mulches to the soil needs to be further investigated. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of no-mulch, biodegradable film mulch (BM) and polyethylene film mulch (PM) on the soil’s physical, chemical and biological properties after six years (2013–2019) of mulching in garlic growing season in a garlic-maize rotation. Results showed that the soil bulk density of the 10–20 cm soil layer under BM decreased by 12.09–17.17% compared with that under PM. The soil total nitrogen content increased significantly by 14.75–28.37%, and the soil available phosphorus and potassium content increased by 64.20% and 108.82%, respectively. In addition, BM increased the soil’s microbial, soil urease, and soil catalase activities compared with those for PM. To sum up, BM can reduce soil bulk density, and long-term use of BM does not cause a decrease in soil nutrient content and microbial activity. On the contrary, it can improve soil quality. This study helps accumulate data for the environmental safety evaluation of BM and provides theoretical and technical support for the large-scale promotion of biodegradable mulches.
The Serum Level of IL-31 in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus: What Can We Expect?
Authors: Świerczyńska Karolina , Krajewski Piotr K. , Nowicka-Suszko Danuta , Białynicki-Birula Rafał , Krajewska Magdalena , Szepietowski Jacek C.
Published: March 2022

Chronic-kidney-disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is one of the most common and burdensome dermatological symptoms affecting patients undergoing dialysis, and its etiopathogenesis has still not been fully discovered. This study was designed to investigate the possible contribution of interleukin-31 (IL-31) to the pathogenesis of itch in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD). We evaluated the serum level of IL-31 in HD patients with pruritus, in HD patients without pruritus and in healthy controls, as well as its correlation to the severity of itch. The study enrolled 175 adult subjects. The participants were divided into three groups. Group A included 64 patients on maintenance HD with CKD-aP, Group B included 62 patients on maintenance HD not reporting CKD-aP and Group C included 49 healthy controls. Pruritus severity was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and the serum levels of IL-31 were measured. The results showed that the IL-31 serum level was significantly higher in the itchy group (p < 0.001) in comparison to the patients free from pruritus. Moreover, a marginal trend towards significance (r = 0.242, p = 0.058) was observed between the IL-31 serum level and itch intensity. Our study supports earlier findings on the extended role of IL-31 in the development of CKD-aP.
Effects of Irrigation with Microcystin-Containing Water on Growth, Physiology, and Antioxidant Defense in Strawberry Fragaria vulgaris under Hydroponic Culture
Authors: Haida Mohammed , El Khalloufi Fatima , Mugani Richard , Redouane El Mahdi , Campos Alexandre , Vasconcelos Vitor , Oudra Brahim
Published: March 2022

Over the last years, the use of artificial lakes and ponds to irrigate agricultural crops has been intensified and cultivation methods have been diversified. Hydroponics is a type of hydroculture which usually involves growing plants in an inert substrate, by using nutrient-enriched water to support plant growth. However, irrigating plants in hydroponic-based culture must be accompanied by monitoring the quality of irrigation water. The human health risks involved are mainly related to the proliferation of microcystin-producing cyanobacteria that contaminate water used for irrigation purposes. Strawberry (Fragaria vulgaris L.) is a widely cultivated plant of an increased economically importance worldwide. Its fruits provide essential elements for human nutrition; therefore, the study of its sensitivity to microcystins (MCs) is of paramount importance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of MCs in irrigation water on the growth, physiology, and antioxidant defense system in F. vulgaris. In this study, strawberry seedlings at the three-leaf stage were grown in pots containing perlite under controlled conditions. Plants were exposed to a crude extract of Microcystis aeruginosa bloom at different concentrations of MCs (1, 5, 10, and 20 μg/L) for 60 days of exposure. The results showed that the highest concentrations of 10 and 20 μg/L induced a decrease in growth parameters. They resulted in root/shoot length decrease as well as number of leaves, roots/leaves dry and fresh weight. Furthermore, MCs reduced chlorophyll/carotenoid content, stomatal conductance, fluorescence, and total protein content of strawberry plants. At the same time, a significant increase in Malondialdehyde (MDA) (an indicator of lipid peroxidation), polyphenol, and sugar content were recorded in strawberry plants exposed to MCs at 5, 10, and 20 μg/L compared with the control. Additionally, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), Polyphenoloxydase (PPO), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities significantly increased in plants under MCs exposure. The oxidative stress was higher in plants exposed to 10 and 20 μg/L of MCs from the second harvest (after 60 days of exposure) compared to those from the first harvest (after 30 days). Overall, the results obtained in this study indicate an increasingly negative effect of MCs on strawberry plants grown in hydroponics even at concentrations (10 and 20 µg/L). This effect is more damaging on the roots after exposure (60 days).
Antibody Evaluation and Mutations of Antigenic Epitopes in the Spike Protein of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus from Pig Farms with Repeated Intentional Exposure (Feedback)
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thu Hien , Chen Chi-Chih , Chung Wen-Bin , Chaung Hso-Chi , Huang Yen-Li , Cheng Li-Ting , Ke Guan-Ming
Published: March 2022

The feedback strategy, or controlled exposure of pig herd to the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), significantly decreased losses during a severe outbreak in late 2013 in Taiwan. However, some pig farms still suffered from recurrent outbreaks. To evaluate the association between antibody titers and clinical manifestations, sera and colostra were analyzed from one pig farm that employed the feedback strategy. Furthermore, spike (S) gene full sequences from six positive samples of two farms with and without using feedback were compared to investigate the evolution of PEDV variants circulating in pig herds. The results in this study showed that high PEDV antibody titers do not correlate with the high rate of protection from PEDV infection. In addition, repeated feedback generated the emergence of PEDV variants with unique substitutions of N537S and Y561H in the COE domain and S769F in the SS6 epitopes. These mutations indicated the pathogenetic evolution of PEDV strains existing in the cycle of the feedback method. A very strict biosecurity practice to block the routes of pathogen transfer should be followed to achieve successful control of PEDV infections in pig herds.
Differential Peripheral Blood Glycoprotein Profiles in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic COVID-19
Authors: Pickering Chad , Zhou Bo , Xu Gege , Rice Rachel , Ramachandran Prasanna , Huang Hector , Pham Tho D. , Schapiro Jeffrey M. , Cong Xin , Chakraborty Saborni , Edwards Karlie , Reddy Srinivasa T. , Guirgis Faheem , Wang Taia T. , Serie Daniel , Lindpaintner Klaus
Published: March 2022

Glycosylation is the most common form of post-translational modification of proteins, critically affecting their structure and function. Using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry for high-resolution site-specific quantification of glycopeptides coupled with high-throughput artificial intelligence-powered data processing, we analyzed differential protein glycoisoform distributions of 597 abundant serum glycopeptides and nonglycosylated peptides in 50 individuals who had been seriously ill with COVID-19 and in 22 individuals who had recovered after an asymptomatic course of COVID-19. As additional comparison reference phenotypes, we included 12 individuals with a history of infection with a common cold coronavirus, 16 patients with bacterial sepsis, and 15 healthy subjects without history of coronavirus exposure. We found statistically significant differences, at FDR < 0.05, for normalized abundances of 374 of the 597 peptides and glycopeptides interrogated between symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. Similar statistically significant differences were seen when comparing symptomatic COVID-19 patients to healthy controls (350 differentially abundant peptides and glycopeptides) and common cold coronavirus seropositive subjects (353 differentially abundant peptides and glycopeptides). Among healthy controls and sepsis patients, 326 peptides and glycopeptides were found to be differentially abundant, of which 277 overlapped with biomarkers that showed differential expression between symptomatic COVID-19 cases and healthy controls. Among symptomatic COVID-19 cases and sepsis patients, 101 glycopeptide and peptide biomarkers were found to be statistically significantly abundant. Using both supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques, we found specific glycoprotein profiles to be strongly predictive of symptomatic COVID-19 infection. LASSO-regularized multivariable logistic regression and K-means clustering yielded accuracies of 100% in an independent test set and of 96% overall, respectively. Our findings are consistent with the interpretation that a majority of glycoprotein modifications observed which are shared among symptomatic COVID-19 and sepsis patients likely represent a generic consequence of a severe systemic immune and inflammatory state. However, there are glycoisoform changes that are specific and particular to severe COVID-19 infection. These may be representative of either COVID-19-specific consequences or susceptibility to or predisposition for a severe course of the disease. Our findings support the potential value of glycoproteomic biomarkers in the biomedical understanding and, potentially, the clinical management of serious acute infectious conditions.
Alphacoronavirus in a Daubenton’s Myotis Bat (Myotis daubentonii) in Sweden
Authors: Lwande Olivia Wesula , Thalin Therese , de Jong Johnny , Sjödin Andreas , Näslund Jonas , Evander Magnus , Ecke Frauke
Published: March 2022

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has stimulated a search for reservoirs and species potentially involved in back and forth transmission. Studies have postulated bats as one of the key reservoirs of coronaviruses (CoVs), and different CoVs have been detected in bats. So far, CoVs have not been found in bats in Sweden and we therefore tested whether they carry CoVs. In summer 2020, we sampled a total of 77 adult bats comprising 74 Myotis daubentonii, 2 Pipistrellus pygmaeus, and 1 M. mystacinus bats in southern Sweden. Blood, saliva and feces were sampled, processed and subjected to a virus next-generation sequencing target enrichment protocol. An Alphacoronavirus was detected and sequenced from feces of a M. daubentonii adult female bat. Phylogenetic analysis of the almost complete virus genome revealed a close relationship with Finnish and Danish strains. This was the first finding of a CoV in bats in Sweden, and bats may play a role in the transmission cycle of CoVs in Sweden. Focused and targeted surveillance of CoVs in bats is warranted, with consideration of potential conflicts between public health and nature conservation required as many bat species in Europe are threatened and protected.
Nasal Nanovaccines for SARS-CoV-2 to Address COVID-19
Authors: Huang Jialu , Ding Yubo , Yao Jingwei , Zhang Minghui , Zhang Yu , Xie Zhuoyi , Zuo Jianhong
Published: March 2022

COVID-19 is still prevalent around the globe. Although some SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been distributed to the population, the shortcomings of vaccines and the continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 mutant virus strains are a cause for concern. Thus, it is vital to continue to improve vaccines and vaccine delivery methods. One option is nasal vaccination, which is more convenient than injections and does not require a syringe. Additionally, stronger mucosal immunity is produced under nasal vaccination. The easy accessibility of the intranasal route is more advantageous than injection in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nanoparticles have been proven to be suitable delivery vehicles and adjuvants, and different NPs have different advantages. The shortcomings of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine may be compensated by selecting or modifying different nanoparticles. It travels along the digestive tract to the intestine, where it is presented by GALT, tissue-resident immune cells, and gastrointestinal lymph nodes. Nasal nanovaccines are easy to use, safe, multifunctional, and can be distributed quickly, demonstrating strong prospects as a vaccination method for SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-2 variants, or SARS-CoV-n.
A Cutoff Determination of Real-Time Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) for End-Point Detection of Campylobacter jejuni in Chicken Meat
Authors: Jainonthee Chalita , Chaisowwong Warangkhana , Ngamsanga Phakamas , Wiratsudakul Anuwat , Meeyam Tongkorn , Pichpol Duangporn
Published: March 2022

Campylobacter jejuni is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness worldwide. C. jejuni is commonly found in poultry. It is the most frequent cause of contamination and thus resulting in not only public health concerns but also economic impacts. To test for this bacterial contamination in food processing plants, this study attempted to employ a simple and rapid detection assay called loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The best cutoff value for the positive determination of C. jejuni calculated using real-time LAMP quantification cycle (Cq) was derived from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve modeling. The model showed an area under curve (AUC) of 0.936 (95% Wald CI: 0.903–0.970). Based on Youden’s J statistic, the optimal cutoff value which had the highest sensitivity and specificity from the model was calculated as 18.07. The LAMP assay had 96.9% sensitivity, 95.8% specificity, and 93.9 and 97.9% positive and negative predictive values, respectively, compared to a standard culture approach for C. jejuni identification. Among all non-C. jejuni strains, the LAMP assay gave each of 12.5% false-positive results to C. coli and E. coli (1 out of 8 samples). The assay can detect C. jejuni at the lowest concentration of 103 CFU/mL. Our results suggest a preliminary indicator for the application of end-point LAMP assays, such as turbidity and UV fluorescence tests, to detect C. jejuni in field operations. The LAMP assay is an alternative screening test for C. jejuni contamination in food samples. The method provides a rapid detection, which requires only 9 min with a cutoff value of Cq. We performed the extraction of DNA from pure cultures and the detection of C. jejuni using the LAMP assay within 3 h. However, we were not able to reduce the time for the process of enrichment involved in our study. Therefore, we suggest that alternative enrichment media and rapid DNA extraction methods should be considered for further study. Compared to other traditional methods, our proposed assay requires less equipment and time, which is applicable at any processing steps in the food production chain.
Spontaneous Polycystic Kidneys with Chronic Renal Failure in an Aged House Musk Shrew (Suncus murinus)
Authors: Kimura Tohru
Published: March 2022

Polycystic kidney disease is one of the most common inheritable renal diseases, characterized by the formation of multiple fluid-filled renal cysts. This disease is a progressive and unfortunately incurable condition. A case of polycystic kidney with chronic renal failure in house musk shrew (Suncus murinus) is described. At clinical presentation, a 16-month-old Suncus murinus showed weight loss and coarse fur. Regarding the biochemical profile, total protein concentrations increased, resulting in a declined albumin: globulin ratio. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations were markedly elevated, indicating the end stage of chronic renal failure. Serum amyloid A levels increased and revealed inflammatory reaction during the cyst formation. Histopathologically, multiple cysts were lined by a single layer of epithelial cells or low cuboidal epithelium. The contents were homogenous eosinophilic materials (mucopolysaccharides or mucoproteins) and these cysts contained abundant macrophages. There were also regeneration and dilatation of renal tubes and interstitial fibrosis. The atrophic glomeruli and glomerular capsules were thickened and hyalinized by dense amorphous mucopolysaccharides. These histopathological findings suggested that the pathogenesis of polycystic kidney disease shared a common mechanistic feature across species.
Comparison of the Seismic Responses of an Arch Dam under Excitation from the Design Response Spectrum in the New and Old Chinese National Standards
Authors: Xue Binghan , Wang Jing , Li Na , Zhang Chao , Chen Jianguo
Published: March 2022

The new Chinese national standard, Standard for the seismic design of hydraulic structures (GB51247-2018), has been published. Compared with the Specifications for the seismic design of hydraulic structures (SL203-1997), the standard design response spectrum curve was revised in the new national standard. In order to compare the seismic responses of an arch dam under excitation from the design response spectrum in the new and old standards, the dynamic calculation of a 240 m high arch dam is carried out by a three-dimensional finite element method. In the dynamic calculation, the B-differentiable equation is used to simulate the tension motion of arch dam contraction joints, and the multi-transmitting boundary method and the Westergaard added mass method are used to simulate the dam–infinite foundation and dam–reservoir interactions, respectively. The results show that the dynamic stress responses of the arch dam under excitation from the design response spectrum in the new standard are increased compared with those of the old standard. The seismic safety of an arch dam may decrease under excitation from the design response spectrum in the new standard. Thus, the seismic validation on built arch dams should be carried out by using the new standard when it is possible.
Differential Response of Nutrients to Seasonal Hydrological Changes and a Rain Event in a Subtropical Watershed, Southeast China
Authors: Guo Xiaolan , Yan Xiuli , Bao Hongyan , Wu Junwen , Kao Shuhji
Published: March 2022

A large amount of terrestrial nutrients are discharged into the ocean through rivers. However, the impact of seasonal hydrological variations on riverine nutrient concentrations and fluxes remains unclear, especially in the medium-sized subtropical rivers that are highly influenced by human activities. In this study, we investigated the monthly changes in nutrient concentrations (soluble reactive phosphorus, SRP; dissolved silicate, DSi; and dissolved inorganic nitrogen, DIN) in the North Stream (NS) and West Stream (WS) of the Jiulong River (JLR). The results show that the concentrations of SRP and DSi in the NS and the WS displayed a similar seasonal variability, which was different from the pattern of DIN. Hydrological conditions, chemical fertilizer loss and biogeochemical processes are responsible for the seasonal changes in the nutrients in the two streams, especially during extreme rain events. Nutrient concentrations in the NS exhibited a clockwise trajectory along with river discharge during rain events, while a reverse pattern in the WS was observed since it experienced a moderately long rain event. Different rainfall features between the two main tributaries resulted in the majority of nutrients being exported at the start of the rain event in the NS and the end of rain event in the WS. Indeed, the annual high flow (Q/Qm > 3) accounts for ~17.3% of the annual nutrient flux in the JLR even though this period spans only ~4.0% of a year, which suggests the importance of rain events on nutrient export in these subtropical rivers. Although the annual fluxes of DIN and SRP in the JLR were smaller than many rivers worldwide, higher areal yields of DIN and SRP were observed, indicating that the JLR is highly influenced by human activities. Our study systematically evaluated the response of nutrient concentrations to hydrological changes in two tributaries of the JLR, which is useful in better understanding the nutrient dynamics in medium-sized subtropical rivers.
SOL40: Forty Years of Simulations under Climate and Land Use Change
Authors: Ceppi Alessandro , Gambini Enrico , Lombardi Gabriele , Ravazzani Giovanni , Mancini Marco
Published: March 2022

Nowadays, a major issue is land-use change by urban development that alters the catchment response to meteorological events. Urban basins have less storage capacity and more rapid runoff, so urban rivers rise more quickly during storms and have higher peak discharge rates than rural catchments. An exemplary case of this situation is the city of Milan (northern Italy) and its whole territory that extends towards the north collecting meteoric precipitation through the Seveso, Olona and Lambro (SOL) rivers. To assess the impact of anthropogenic development on urban catchment scale hydrology, a reanalysis of 40 years of simulations was carried out with the Curve Number (CN) map based on current land use and compared to simulations using the CN maps based on past land use. A coupled hydro-meteorological system was built that combined a physically based rainfall-runoff hydrological model FEST-WB, developed by the Politecnico di Milano, with the ERA5-Land hourly dataset for the period 1981 to 2020, that was provided by the ECMWF under the framework of the Copernicus Climate Change Service Programme. The study (named SOL40) analyses 40 year trends in the main meteorological (air temperature, precipitation) and hydrological variables (runoff) over the SOL area and tried to quantify and separate the impact of land use change from that of climate change.
Removal of Copper (II) from Aqueous Solution by a Hierarchical Porous Hydroxylapatite-Biochar Composite Prepared with Sugarcane Top Internode Biotemplate
Authors: Cen Yun , Li Yanhong , Deng Huan , Ding Hui , Tang Shen , Yu Xiaoling , Xu Fan , Zhu Zongqiang , Zhu Yinian
Published: March 2022

Porous hydroxyapatite-biochar composites with layered microstructures (SC–HA/C) were prepared by carbonizing sugarcane stem nodes and then soaking them in lime water and (NH4)2HPO4 solutions in rotation. The surface area of SC–HA/C ranges from 8.52 to 28.44 m2/g, and its microstructure inherits various macro-, meso-, and micro-pores in the cell walls of sugarcane and in the pits of the vessel walls. The maximum removal capacities were 11.50, 14.65, and 19.81 mg/g for the Cu (II) immobilization at 25 °C, 35 °C, and 45 °C with the solution Cu (II) concentration of 10~320 mg/L, respectively, which were in accordance with the copper sorption capacities of synthesized nano-hydroxylapatites. The Cu (II)-removal kinetics and isotherm followed the pseudo-second-order equation and the Langmuir equation very well. The formation of the Cu-containing hydroxylapatite solid solutions ((CuxCa1−x)5(PO4)3(OH)) through adsorption, ion exchange (x = 0.01~0.04), and dissolution-coprecipitation (x = 0.13~0.35) was the dominant process for the Cu (II) removal by the SC–HA/C composite.
On the Indirect Estimation of Wind Wave Heights over the Southern Coasts of Caspian Sea: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Lama Giuseppe Francesco Cesare , Sadeghifar Tayeb , Azad Masoud Torabi , Sihag Parveen , Kisi Ozgur
Published: March 2022

The prediction of ocean waves is a highly challenging task in coastal and water engineering in general due to their very high randomness. In the present case study, an analysis of wind, sea flow features, and wave height in the southern coasts of the Caspian Sea, especially in the off-coast sea waters of Mazandaran Province in Northern Iran, was performed. Satellite altimetry-based significant wave heights associated with the period of observation in 2016 were validated based on those measured at a buoy station in the same year. The comparative analysis between them showed that satellite-based wave heights are highly correlated to buoy data, as testified by a high coefficient of correlation r (0.87), low Bias (0.063 m), and root-mean-squared error (0.071 m). It was possible to assess that the dominant wave direction in the study area was northwest. Considering the main factors affecting wind-induced waves, the atmospheric framework in the examined sea region with high pressure was identified as the main factor to be taken into account in the formation of waves. The outcomes of the present research provide an interesting methodological tool for obtaining and processing accurate wave height estimations in such an intricate flow playground as the southern coasts of the Caspian Sea.
Applying Generic Water Quality Criteria to Cu and Zn in a Dynamic Aquatic Environment—The Case of the Brackish Water Formation Strömmen-Saltsjön
Authors: Ragnvaldsson Daniel , Herting Gunilla , Jönsson Anders , Odnevall Inger
Published: March 2022

The EU Water Framework Directive stipulates that all EU waterways shall have good chemical and ecological status by 2027. Methodologies are described for how to assess and classify waterbodies and make 7-year management plans. Aquatic risk assessment methodologies and environmental quality standards are defined and a biotic ligand model methodology is available to assess the influence of water chemistry on the ability of aquatic organisms to take up metals. Aquatic status classification practices of naturally occurring river basin-specific metals are discussed, specifically how Cu and Zn water quality criteria guideline values have been adopted and defined for Swedish coastal and estuarine waters and how well they represent possible ecological risks. Calculations of bioavailability and ecotoxicity are conducted using recognised models for the Strömmen-Saltsjön water body in Stockholm, in which naturally occurring metals, especially Cu, have among the highest background concentrations of Sweden. Proposals are made to improve risk assessment methodologies to better reflect the vitality of living organisms, and to what extent current levels of these metals in Swedish waterways may influence their welfare. The study concludes that a more local assessment including, e.g., studies of the benthic fauna would be relevant for ecological status classification.
Clinico-Morphological and Biomechanical Aspects Damage of Soft Tissue and Bone Facial Region
Authors: Артюшкевич А.С. , Артюшкевич В.С.
Published: March 2022

Клиника, диагностика, судебно-медицинские аспекты травм лица и челюстей, включающие особенности биомеханики, характер повреждений, степень тяжести повреждений, занимают значительное место в работе клинициста и судебного медицинского эксперта.Среди различных видов повреждений челюстно-лицевой области основное место занимают механические травмы (85%). К повреждениям мягких тканей относятся ушибы, ссадины, раны, которые нередко сочетаются с переломами костей лицевого скелета, чаще всего с переломами зубов, нижней челюсти. Патоморфология ран лица характеризуется сосудистыми, клеточными реакциями различной степени выраженности.Клинические проявления переломов зубов, нижней и верхней челюсти зависят во многом от силы, направления удара, места приложения силы. Все многообразие механизмов переломов сводится к сгибанию и разгибанию костей, сдвигу, сжатию, отрыву. Компетентность судебно-медицинского эксперта, врача – челюстно-лицевого хирурга в области биомеханики, морфологии травм позволит дать аргументированные ответы на вопросы, связанные с тяжестью травмы, видами ранящего орудия, давностью травмы, ее прижизненностью и выбором адекватного лечения.

Clinic, diagnostics, forensic aspects of injuries to the face and jaws, including biomechanics, the nature of injuries, the severity of injuries, occupy a significant place in the work of a clinician and forensic physician.Among the various types of damage to the maxillofacial region, mechanical injuries occupy the main place, 85%. Injuries to soft tissues include bruises, abrasions, wounds, which are often combined with fractures of the bones of the facial skeleton, most often with fractures of the teeth and lower jaw. Pathomorphology of wounds is characterized by vascular, cellular reactions.Clinical manifestations of fractures of the teeth, lower and upper jaw depends largely on the strength and direction of the impact. The whole variety of fracture mechanisms is reduced toflexion and extension of bones, shift, compression, separation. The competence of a forensic expert, a maxillofacial surgeon in the field of biomechanics, morphology of injuries will make it possible to give reasoned answers to questions related to the severity of injury, types of injuring instruments, duration of injury, its lifetime, etc.
Relationship of Surfactant Protein A Level in Blood Serumwith Clinical Manifestation of Pneumonia in Newborn Children
Authors: Журавлева Л.Н.
Published: March 2022

На современном этапе проблема инфекционных заболеваний дыхательной системы у новорожденных является актуальной, что связано с высоким уровнем заболеваемости и частоты осложнений у детей грудного возраста и новорожденных.Цель исследования: оценка содержания SP-А в сыворотке крови у новорожденных с врожденной пневмонией.Мы наблюдали 27 недоношенных новорожденных с врожденной пневмонией, группу сравнения составили 20 «условно здоровых» новорожденных без трахеобронхиальной патологии. Содержание SP-А в группе «условно здоровых» недоношенных составило 48,4 нг/мл (25–75 IQR 35,7–64,3 нг/мл). Концентрация SP-А в плазме пациентов с врожденной пневмонией была 35,78 нг/мл (25–75 IQR 25,57–41,63 нг/мл) в течение как 1–2 суток, так и в последующем на 10– 14-е сутки исследования достоверно выше (р<0,001), чем у недоношенных без респираторных заболеваний. Мы выявили положительную корреляционную связь между тяжестью течения пневмонии и повышением уровня SP-А в сыворотке на 1–2-е сутки жизни у пациентов с неблагоприятным исходом пневмонии (r=0,378, p<0,0001). Также мы определили, что уровень SP-А в сыворотке крови недоношенных новорожденных 56,5 нг/мл может служить диагностическим критерием прогностически неблагоприятного течения врожденной пневмонии. Таким образом, повышенный уровень в крови сурфактантного белка А при врожденной пневмонии может быть новым значимым биомаркером этого заболевания и отражать активный воспалительный процесс и степень повреждения легких.

Presently the problem of infectious diseases of the respiratory system in newborns is urgent, because it is associated with a high incidence and frequent complications in infants and newborns. The purpose of the work was to assess the level of SP-A in the blood serum of newborns with congenital pneumonia.We observed 27 premature infants with congenital pneumonia, the comparison group consisted of 20 “almost healthy” newborns without tracheobronchial pathology.The content of SP-A in the group of “almost healthy” premature infants was 48.4 ng / ml (25–75 IQR 35.7–64.3 ng/ml). The concentration of SP-A in the plasma of patients with congenital pneumonia was 35.78 ng/ml (25–75 IQR 25.57–41.63 ng/ml) for 1–2 days of life and then on days 10–14days is significantly higher (p<0.001) than in premature infants without respiratory diseases. We found a positive correlation between the severity of pneumonia and an increased SP-A serum levels on 1–2 days of life in patients with unfavorable outcomes of pneumonia (r=0.378, p<0.0001). We also determined that the SP-A level in the blood serum of premature infants of 56.5 ng/ml can serve as diagnostic criteria for the prognostically unfavorable duration of congenital pneumonia. Thus, the increased level of surfactant protein A in the blood in congenital pneumonia may be a new significant biomarker of this disease and reflect an active inflammatory process and the degree of lung damage.
Lactation Dominant: Factors Affecting for it’s Establishingand Formation. Difficulties in the Organization of Breastfeeding in the XXI Century
Authors: Томчик Н.В. , Парамонова Н.С. , Янковская Н.И.
Published: March 2022

Проведен анализ литературных данных, накопленных в XXI веке о грудном вскармливании. Известно, что материнское молоко является не только естественной пищей, обеспечивающей физиологические потребности ребенка, но и первой ступенью к будущему здоровью ребенка, так как характер питания после рождения может снизить риск заложенных внутриутробно проблем или увеличить их. Грудное молоко особенно важно в течение первых шести месяцев жизни, поскольку способствует профилактике диареи, острой респираторной патологии и атопии у ребенка, влияет на когнитивное развитие как детей, так и матерей. Однако в XXI веке наблюдается низкая подготовка и информированность медицинскими работниками в вопросах грудного вскармливания будущих матерей. Изучение факторов, формирующих лактационную доминанту в современных условиях, и влияния теоретической и психологической подготовки будущих матерей, описанных в статье, позволит систематизировать междисциплинарное взаимодействие акушеров, педиатров, перинатальных психологов, направленное на пролонгирование грудного вскармливания.

The analysis carried out of the literature data accumulated in the XXI century on breastfeeding. It is known that breast milk is not only a natural food, but also the first step towards the future health of a child, since the nature of nutrition after birth can reduce or increase the risk of intrauterine problems. Breast milk is especially important during the first six months of life, as it helps prevent diarrhea, acute respiratory disease and atopy in the child, and affects the cognitive development of both children and mothers. However, in the 21st century, there is a low level of training and awareness of health workers in matters of breastfeeding for expectant mothers. The study of the factors that form the lactation dominant in modern conditions, and the influence of the theoreticaland psychological training of expectant mothers, described in the article, will make it possible to systematize the interdisciplinary interaction of obstetricians, pediatricians, perinatal psychologists aimed at prolonging breastfeeding.
Pregravid Preparation – What’s New?
Authors: Новикова Е.В.
Published: March 2022

В статье приведены обзорные данные о применении фолатов и мио-инозитола в качестве микронутриентов на этапе планирования беременности. В настоящее время неуклонно растет количество бесплодных пар, отмечается ухудшение показателей репродуктивного здоровья молодежи, увеличивается возраст рождения первого ребенка. Высок процент женщин, страдающих от ожирения, а также инсулинрезистентности и синдрома поликистозных яичников. Также представляет интерес подготовка женщин к программам экстракорпорального оплодотворения. Особую проблему составляет категория пациенток, имеющих дефект фермента метилентетрагидрафолатредуктазы, участвующего в метаболизме фолиевой кислоты. Показана разница между фолиевой кислотой и «активными» формами фолатов. Кроме того, что применение фолатов в прегравидарной подготовке является общеизвестной мировой практикой, в статье показана целесообразность назначения мио-инозитола, учитывая его потенциирующий эффект при совместном применении с витаминами группы В, а также его позитивное влияние на показатели углеводного обмена, качество ооцитов, имплантацию и исходы циклов вспомогательной репродукции.

The article provides an overview of the use of folates and myo-inositol as micronutrients during pregnancy planning. Currently, the number of infertile couples is steadily growing, the reproductive health indicators of young people are deteriorating, and the age of birth of the first child is increasing. There is a high percentage of women suffering from obesity, insulin resistance and polycystic ovary syndrome. Also, of interest is the preparation of women for in vitro fertilization programs. A special problem is the category of patients with a defect in the enzyme methylenetetrahydrapholate reductase, which is involved in the metabolism of folic acid. The difference between folic acid and the “active” forms of folate has been shown. In addition to the fact that the use of folates in preparation to pregnancy is a well-known in world practice, the article shows the feasibility of prescribing myo-inositol, given its potentiating effect when used together with B vitamins, as well as its positive effect on carbohydrate metabolism, oocyte quality, implantation, etc. outcomes of assisted reproduction cycles.