bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Placeful Business: Reimagining a Small Business Concept That Embraces and Enriches Places
Authors: Taecharungroj Viriya , Prasertsakul Dissatat
Published: June 2023

Globalisation, commercialisation, commodification, and mass communication have led to a loss of uniqueness and a cultural uniformity in places, known as “placelessness”. This study proposes a novel business concept called “placeful business” that addresses this issue. A placeful business incorporates local heritage, showcases unique architecture and aesthetics, engages with the community, and promotes place sustainability and identity. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 stakeholders, and a salience-valence analysis was performed on 874 online reviews from Google Maps, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Agoda, and Hostelworld. This analysis aimed to reveal the key factors contributing to positive experiences and gain insights into the representation and manifestation of placeful characteristics. Through a mixed-method case study of Once Again Hostel in Bangkok, this research identified several salient attributes of the hostel that reinforce the characteristics of a placeful business and have a positive impact on the community. The authors also observed the interconnected and mutually reinforcing nature of placeful and successful factors. However, it was noted that guests’ perception and understanding of placeful characteristics remained limited. While the placeful business model has not yet gained widespread recognition in the business and academic domains, it offers practical implications for small businesses seeking to differentiate themselves in the global market by infusing their operations with a distinct sense of place. Furthermore, place managers can play a crucial role in promoting and fostering placeful business practices as a means to counteract the growing homogenization of places. The adoption of the placeful business model enables the continuous reinforcement of place identity, which, in turn, contributes to the long-term enhancement of place sustainability.
Symmetric Multi-Scale Residual Network Ensemble with Weighted Evidence Fusion Strategy for Facial Expression Recognition
Authors: Liu Juan , Hu Min , Wang Ying , Huang Zhong , Jiang Julang
Published: June 2023

To extract facial features with different receptive fields and improve the decision fusion performance of network ensemble, a symmetric multi-scale residual network (SMResNet) ensemble with a weighted evidence fusion (WEF) strategy for facial expression recognition (FER) was proposed. Firstly, aiming at the defect of connecting different filter groups of Res2Net only from one direction in a hierarchical residual-like style, a symmetric multi-scale residual (SMR) block, which can symmetrically extract the features from two directions, was improved. Secondly, to highlight the role of different facial regions, a network ensemble was constructed based on three networks of SMResNet to extract the decision-level semantic of the whole face, eyes, and mouth regions, respectively. Meanwhile, the decision-level semantics of three regions were regarded as different pieces of evidence for decision-level fusion based on the Dempster-Shafer (D-S) evidence theory. Finally, to fuse the different regional expression evidence of the network ensemble, which has ambiguity and uncertainty, a WEF strategy was introduced to overcome conflicts within evidence based on the support degree adjustment. The experimental results showed that the facial expression recognition rates achieved 88.73%, 88.46%, and 88.52% on FERPlus, RAF-DB, and CAER-S datasets, respectively. Compared with other state-of-the-art methods on three datasets, the proposed network ensemble, which not only focuses the decision-level semantics of key regions, but also addresses to the whole face for the absence of regional semantics under occlusion and posture variations, improved the performance of facial expression recognition in the wild.
A Case Study on Tunnel Excavation Stability of Columnar Jointed Rock Masses with Different Dip Angles in the Baihetan Diversion Tunnel
Authors: Wang Luxiang , Zhu Zhende , Zhu Shu , Wu Junyu
Published: June 2023

Columnar jointed rock mass (CJRM) formed by intact rock divided by special symmetrical columnar joints is a special type of rock with poor mechanical properties, strong anisotropy, and weak self-supporting ability, severely affecting the excavation safety and stability of underground tunnels. In this study, taking the Baihetan hydropower station as the engineering background, CJRM geological numerical models with different dip angles that combined well with the natural CJRM were generated based on the geological statistical parameters of the engineering site and were verified to have high rationality and accuracy. Tunnel excavation and overloading tests were carried out on these numerical models, and the results showed that the stress and displacement distributions after excavation exhibited strong anisotropic characteristics under different dip angles, and the positions where engineering safety problems are most likely to occur are the side walls, which are prone to stress-structure-controlled failure mode. The self-supporting ability at different dip angles after excavation from weak to strong are 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 30°, 0°, and 15°. The safety factors assessed by overloading for CJRM with dip angles of 0–90° degrees were 2.5, 2.6, 2.6, 1.8, 2.1, and 2.2, respectively, providing a valuable reference for the construction safety and support measures of CJRM excavation.
Extremal Solutions for Surface Energy Minimization: Bicubically Blended Coons Patches
Authors: Ahmad Daud , Naz Kiran , Buttar Mariyam Ehsan , Darab Pompei C. , Sallah Mohammed
Published: June 2023

A Coons patch is characterized by a finite set of boundary curves, which are dependent on the choice of blending functions. For a bicubically blended Coons patch (BBCP), the Hermite cubic polynomials (interpolants) are used as blending functions. A BBCP comprises information about its four corner points, including the curvature represented by eight tangent vectors, as well as the twisting behavior determined by the four twist vectors at these corner points. The interior shape of the BBCP depends not only on the tangent vectors at the corner points but on the twist vectors as well. The alteration in the twist vectors at the corner points can change the interior shape of the BBCP even for the same arrangement of tangent vectors at these corner points. In this study, we aim to determine the optimal twist vectors that would make the surface an extremal of the minimal energy functional. To achieve this, we obtain the constraints on the optimal twist vectors (MPDs) of the BBCP for the specified corner points by computing the extremal of the Dirichlet and quasi-harmonic functionals over the entire surface with respect to the twist vectors. These twist vectors can then be used to construct various quasi-minimal and quasi-harmonic BBCPs by varying corner points and tangent vectors. The optimization techniques involve minimizing a functional subject to certain constraints. The methods used to optimize twist vectors of BBCPs can have potential applications in various fields. They can be applied to fuzzy optimal control problems, allowing us to find the solution of complex and uncertain systems with fuzzy constraints. They provide us an opportunity to incorporate symmetry considerations for the partial differential equations associated with minimal surface equations, an outcome of zero-mean curvature for such surfaces. By exploring and utilizing the underlying symmetries, the optimization strategies can be further enhanced in terms of robustness and adaptability.
Hyperbolic Scenario of Accelerating Universe in Modified Gravity
Authors: Khan Raja Azhar Ashraaf , Tiwari Rishi Kumar , Bharali Jumi , Bouali Amine , Yildiz G. Dilara Açan , Güdekli Ertan
Published: June 2023

Throughout this study, locally rotationally symmetric (LRS) Bianchi type-V space-time is pondered with Tsallis holographic dark energy (THDE) with the Granda–Oliveros (GO) cut-off in the Sáez–Ballester (SB) theory of gravity. A parameterization of the deceleration parameter (q) has been suggested: q=α−βH2. The proposed deceleration parameterization demonstrates the Universe’s phase transition from early deceleration to current acceleration. Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) was utilized to have the best-fit value for our model parameter and confirm that the model satisfies the recent observational data. Additional parameters such as deceleration parameter q with cosmographic parameters jerk, snap, and lerk have also been observed physically and graphically. The constructed model is differentiated from other dark energy models using statefinder pair analysis. Some important features of the model are discussed physically and geometrically.
Induced Expression of the Acinetobacter sp. Oxa Gene in Lactobacillus acidophilus and Its Increased ZEN Degradation Stability by Immobilization
Authors: Zhou Yuqun , Wang An , Yu Qingzi , Tang Yuqian , Yu Yuanshan
Published: June 2023

Zearalenone (ZEN, ZEA) contamination in various foods and feeds is a significant global problem. Similar to deoxynivalenol (DON) and other mycotoxins, ZEN in feed mainly enters the body of animals through absorption in the small intestine, resulting in estrogen-like toxicity. In this study, the gene encoding Oxa, a ZEN-degrading enzyme isolated from Acinetobacter SM04, was cloned into Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC4356, a parthenogenic anaerobic gut probiotic, and the 38 kDa sized Oxa protein was expressed to detoxify ZEN intestinally. The transformed strain L. acidophilus pMG-Oxa acquired the capacity to degrade ZEN, with a degradation rate of 42.95% at 12 h (initial amount: 20 μg/mL). The probiotic properties of L. acidophilus pMG-Oxa (e.g., acid tolerance, bile salt tolerance, and adhesion properties) were not affected by the insertion and intracellular expression of Oxa. Considering the low amount of Oxa expressed by L. acidophilus pMG-Oxa and the damage to enzyme activity by digestive juices, Oxa was immobilized with 3.5% sodium alginate, 3.0% chitosan, and 0.2 M CaCl2 to improve the ZEN degradation efficiency (from 42.95% to 48.65%) and protect it from digestive juices. The activity of immobilized Oxa was 32–41% higher than that of the free crude enzyme at different temperatures (20–80 °C), pH values (2.0–12.0), storage conditions (4 °C and 25 °C), and gastrointestinal simulated digestion conditions. Accordingly, immobilized Oxa could be resistant to adverse environmental conditions. Owing to the colonization, efficient degradation performance, and probiotic functionality of L. acidophilus, it is an ideal host for detoxifying residual ZEN in vivo, demonstrating great potential for application in the feed industry.
Improving the Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin for Cervical Dystonia: A Scoping Review
Authors: Erro Roberto , Picillo Marina , Pellecchia Maria Teresa , Barone Paolo
Published: June 2023

Cervical dstonia (CD) is a chronic disorder with a significant detrimental impact on quality of life, requiring long-term treatment. Intramuscular injections of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) every 12 to 16 weeks have become the first-line option for CD. Despite the remarkable efficacy of BoNT as a treatment for CD, a significantly high proportion of patients report poor outcomes and discontinue the treatment. The reasons that drive sub-optimal response or treatment failure in a proportion of patients include but are not limited to inappropriate muscle targets and/or BoNT dosing, improper method of injections, subjective feeling of inefficacy, and the formation of neutralizing antibodies against the neurotoxin. The current review aims to complement published research focusing on the identification of the factors that might explain the failure of BoNT treatment in CD, highlighting possible solutions to improve its outcomes. Thus, the use of the new phenomenological classification of cervical dystonia known as COL-CAP might improve the identification of the muscle targets, but more sensitive information might come from the use of kinematic or scintigraphic techniques and the use of electromyographic or ultrasound guidance might ensure the accuracy of the injections. Suggestions are made for the development of a patient-centered model for the management of cervical dystonia and to emphasize that unmet needs in the field are to increase awareness about the non-motor spectrum of CD, which might influence the perception of the efficacy from BoNT injections, and the development of dedicated rehabilitation programs for CD that might enhance its effectiveness.
Modeling the Topside Ionosphere Effective Scale Height through In Situ Electron Density Observations by Low-Earth-Orbit Satellites
Authors: Pignalberi Alessio , Pezzopane Michael , Alberti Tommaso , Coco Igino , Consolini Giuseppe , D’Angelo Giulia , De Michelis Paola , Giannattasio Fabio , Nava Bruno , Piersanti Mirko , Tozzi Roberta
Published: June 2023

In this work, we aim to characterize the effective scale height at the ionosphere F2-layer peak (H0) by using in situ electron density (Ne) observations by Langmuir Probes (LPs) onboard the China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES—01). CSES—01 is a sun-synchronous satellite orbiting at an altitude of ~500 km, with descending and ascending nodes at ~14:00 local time (LT) and ~02:00 LT, respectively. Calibrated CSES—01 LPs Ne observations for the years 2019–2021 provide information in the topside ionosphere, whereas the International Reference Ionosphere model (IRI) provides Ne values at the F2-layer peak altitude for the same time and geographical coordinates as CSES—01. CSES—01 and IRI Ne datasets are used as anchor points to infer H0 by assuming a linear scale height in the topside representation given by the NeQuick model. COSMIC/FORMOSAT—3 (COSMIC—1) radio occultation (RO) data are used to constrain the vertical gradient of the effective scale height in the topside ionosphere in the linear approximation. With the CSES—01 dataset, we studied the global behavior of H0 for daytime (~14:00 LT) and nighttime (~02:00 LT) conditions, different seasons, and low solar activity. Results from CSES—01 observations are compared with those obtained through Swarm B satellite Ne-calibrated measurements and validated against those from COSMIC—1 RO for similar diurnal, seasonal, and solar activity conditions. H0 values modeled by using CSES—01 and Swarm B-calibrated observations during daytime both agree with corresponding values obtained directly from COSMIC—1 RO profiles. Differently, H0 modeling for nighttime conditions deserves further investigation because values obtained from both CSES—01 and Swarm B-calibrated observations show remarkable and spatially localized differences compared to those obtained through COSMIC—1. Most of the H0 mismodeling for nighttime conditions can probably to be attributed to a sub-optimal spatial representation of the F2-layer peak density made by the underlying IRI model. For comparison, H0 values obtained with non-calibrated CSES—01 and Swarm B Ne observations are also calculated and discussed. The methodology developed in this study for the topside effective scale height modeling turns out to be applicable not only to CSES—01 satellite data but to any in situ Ne observation by low-Earth-orbit satellites orbiting in the topside ionosphere.
Viral DNA Accumulation Regulates Replication Efficiency of Chlorovirus OSy-NE5 in Two Closely Related Chlorella variabilis Strains
Authors: Esmael Ahmed , Agarkova Irina V. , Dunigan David D. , Zhou You , Van Etten James L.
Published: June 2023

Many chloroviruses replicate in Chlorella variabilis algal strains that are ex-endosymbionts isolated from the protozoan Paramecium bursaria, including the NC64A and Syngen 2-3 strains. We noticed that indigenous water samples produced a higher number of plaque-forming viruses on C. variabilis Syngen 2-3 lawns than on C. variabilis NC64A lawns. These observed differences led to the discovery of viruses that replicate exclusively in Syngen 2-3 cells, named Only Syngen (OSy) viruses. Here, we demonstrate that OSy viruses initiate infection in the restricted host NC64A by synthesizing some early virus gene products and that approximately 20% of the cells produce a small number of empty virus capsids. However, the infected cells did not produce infectious viruses because the cells were unable to replicate the viral genome. This is interesting because all previous attempts to isolate host cells resistant to chlorovirus infection were due to changes in the host receptor for the virus.
Anticoronavirus Evaluation of Antimicrobial Diterpenoids: Application of New Ferruginol Analogues
Authors: Varbanov Mihayl , Philippot Stéphanie , González-Cardenete Miguel A.
Published: June 2023

The abietane diterpene (+)-ferruginol (1), like other natural and semisynthetic abietanes, is distinguished for its interesting pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial activity, including antiviral. In this study, selected C18-functionalized semisynthetic abietanes prepared from the commercially available (+)-dehydroabietylamine or methyl dehydroabietate were tested in vitro against human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E). As a result, a new ferruginol analogue caused a relevant reduction in virus titer as well as the inhibition of a cytopathic effect. A toxicity prediction based on in silico analysis was also performed as well as an estimation of bioavailability. This work demonstrates the antimicrobial and specifically antiviral activity of two tested compounds, making these molecules interesting for the development of new antivirals.
Structural Model for Factor X Inhibition of IgM and Complement-Mediated Neutralization of Adenovirus
Authors: Wagner Nicole , Shayakhmetov Dmitry M. , Stewart Phoebe L.
Published: June 2023

Adenovirus has strong therapeutic potential as an oncolytic virus and gene therapy vector. However, injecting human species C serotype 5 adenovirus, HAdv-C5, into the bloodstream leads to numerous interactions with plasma proteins that affect viral tropism and biodistribution, and can lead to potent immune responses and viral neutralization. The HAdv/factor X (FX) interaction facilitates highly efficient liver transduction and protects virus particles from complement-mediated neutralization after intravenous delivery. Ablating the FX interaction site on the HAdv-C5 capsid leaves the virus susceptible to neutralization by natural IgM followed by activation of the complement cascade and covalent binding of complement components C4b and C3b to the viral capsid. Here we present structural models for IgM and complement components C1, C4b, and C3b in complex with HAdv-C5. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that when C3b binds near the vertex, multiple stabilizing interactions can be formed between C3b, penton base, and fiber. These interactions may stabilize the vertex region of the capsid and prevent release of the virally encoded membrane lytic factor, protein VI, which is packaged inside of the viral capsid, thus effectively neutralizing the virus. In a situation where FX and IgM are competing for binding to the capsid, IgM may not be able to form a bent conformation in which most of its Fab arms interact with the capsid. Our structural modeling of the competitive interaction of FX and IgM with HAdv-C5 allows us to propose a mechanistic model for FX inhibition of IgM-mediated virus neutralization. According to this model, although IgM may bind to the capsid, in the presence of FX it will likely retain a planar conformation and thus be unable to promote activation of the complement cascade at the virus surface.
Efficient and Informative Laboratory Testing for Rapid Confirmation of H5N1 (Clade 2.3.4.4) High-Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Outbreaks in the United Kingdom
Authors: Slomka Marek J. , Reid Scott M. , Byrne Alexander M. P. , Coward Vivien J. , Seekings James , Cooper Jayne L. , Peers-Dent Jacob , Agyeman-Dua Eric , de Silva Dilhani , Hansen Rowena D. E. , Banyard Ashley C. , Brown Ian H.
Published: June 2023

During the early stages of the UK 2021-2022 H5N1 high-pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) epizootic in commercial poultry, 12 infected premises (IPs) were confirmed by four real-time reverse-transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RRT)-PCRs, which identified the viral subtype and pathotype. An assessment was undertaken to evaluate whether a large sample throughput would challenge laboratory capacity during an exceptionally large epizootic; hence, assay performance across our test portfolio was investigated. Statistical analysis of RRT-PCR swab testing supported it to be focused on a three-test approach, featuring the matrix (M)-gene, H5 HPAIV-specific (H5-HP) and N1 RRT-PCRs, which was successfully assessed at 29 subsequent commercial IPs. The absence of nucleotide mismatches in the primer/probe binding regions for the M-gene and limited mismatches for the H5-HP RRT-PCR underlined their high sensitivity. Although less sensitive, the N1 RRT-PCR remained effective at flock level. The analyses also guided successful surveillance testing of apparently healthy commercial ducks from at-risk premises, with pools of five oropharyngeal swabs tested by the H5-HP RRT-PCR to exclude evidence of infection. Serological testing at anseriform H5N1 HPAIV outbreaks, together with quantitative comparisons of oropharyngeal and cloacal shedding, provided epidemiological information concerning the chronology of initial H5N1 HPAIV incursion and onward spread within an IP.
Normal Range for the Schirmer Tear Test and Intraocular Pressure in Healthy Latvian Darkhead Lambs and Ewes
Authors: Kovalcuka Liga , König Nelli Alexandra Margarethe , Petersen Pia Valentina Helen , Sneidere Aija , Malniece Aija
Published: June 2023

A complete ophthalmological examination, including basic diagnostic tests such as the Schirmer tear test (STT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement performed by tonometry in particular species and breeds, is essential for obtaining a clear diagnostic result and avoiding diagnostic misinterpretations. STT and IOP values have been poorly described for sheep. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the normal range for STT and tonometry values in clinically normal Latvian Darkhead lambs and ewes. Both eyes of 100 sheep (200 eyes)—50 lambs (1–3 months old) and 50 ewes (1–8 years old)—underwent complete ophthalmic examinations, including STT and IOP evaluation. The mean ± standard deviation of STT values for both eyes in lambs and ewes were 13.12 ± 3.91 mm/min and 13.68 ± 4.09 mm/min, respectively. The IOP in lambs and ewes was 14.04 ± 3.68 mmHg and 19.16 ± 3.24 mmHg, respectively. Furthermore, the suggested reference range for the STT was 12.00–14.23 mm/min in lambs and 12.52–14.84 mm/min in ewes, while the reference IOP range was determined to be 13.00–15.08 mmHg in lambs and 18.24–20.08 mmHg in ewes. No statistically significant differences in STT and IOP values were observed for both eyes. However, the IOP value for both eyes was statistically significantly higher in ewes compared to lambs (p < 0.01). This study provides reference values for the STT and IOP in healthy Latvian Darkhead lambs and ewes.
Measuring Groundwater Flow Velocities near Drinking Water Extraction Wells in Unconsolidated Sediments
Authors: Bakx Wiecher , Bense Victor F. , Karaoulis Marios , Oude Essink Gualbert H. P. , Bierkens Marc F. P.
Published: June 2023

Groundwater is an important source of drinking water in coastal regions with predominantly unconsolidated sediments. To protect and manage drinking water extraction wells in these regions, reliable estimates of groundwater flow velocities around well fields are of paramount importance. Such measurements help to identify the dynamics of the groundwater flow and its response to stresses, to optimize water resources management, and to calibrate groundwater flow models. In this article, we review approaches for measuring the relatively high groundwater flow velocity measurements near these wells. We discuss and review their potential and limitations for use in this environment. Environmental tracer measurements are found to be useful for regional scale estimates of groundwater flow velocities and directions, but their use is limited near drinking water extraction wells. Surface-based hydrogeophysical measurements can potentially provide insight into groundwater flow velocity patterns, although the depth is limited in large-scale measurement setups. Active-heating distributed temperature sensing (AH-DTS) provides direct measurements of in situ groundwater flow velocities and can monitor fluctuations in the high groundwater flow velocities near drinking water extraction wells. Combining geoelectrical measurements with AH-DTS shows the potential to estimate a 3D groundwater flow velocity distribution to fully identify groundwater flow towards drinking water extraction wells.
Spatial Optimization of the Groundwater Quality Monitoring Network in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Authors: Al-Zubari Waleed , Al-Shaabani Ali , Abdulhameid Nadir
Published: June 2023

Groundwater resource development, management, and planning essentially rely on their quantitative and qualitative monitoring. The information obtained from the monitoring networks of a given groundwater resource is used as a significant indicator for the status of that resource, and management schemes are subsequently made in order to develop and utilize this resource on a sustainable basis. In this study, the performance of the existing monitoring network of the quality of groundwater in Bahrain was evaluated and was spatially optimized using the geostatistical method of kriging. The estimation variance was used as a criterium in the design process, and variance reduction was used to measure the network performance. The process resulted in an increase in the number of observation points from 15 currently monitored wells to 91 wells, with 74% of these being augmented industrial and commercial wells that were to be self-reported to internalize the cost of groundwater management in their users. It is recommended that temporal optimization procedures for the groundwater level are conducted and that monitored groundwater quality data are stored in a dedicated groundwater management information system (MIS) along with the monitored data of groundwater levels and abstraction to effectively support the process of decision making for groundwater planning and management.
Acceleration of Aerobic Granulation in Sidestream Treatment with Exogenous Autoinducer
Authors: Jang Eunae , Min Kyung Jin , Lee Eunyoung , Choi Hanna , Park Ki Young
Published: June 2023

Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) is a special type of biofilm formed by the self-aggregation of microorganisms and extracellular polymers and is considered a promising technology for wastewater treatment. However, new strategies are still being proposed as to how to improve the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production that influences the formation of AGS. Recently, the acceleration of aerobic granulation using autoinducers such as N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL)-mediated quorum sensing has been reported. However, it is not yet fully understood due to knowledge gaps on the correlations depending on the type of AHL used. In this study, to evaluate the effects of various AHL on the AGS formation of activated sludge, the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances, biofilm formation, and sludge characteristics were comprehensively investigated. Among the AHL types, tightly bound EPS (TB-EPS) and loosely bound EPS (LB-EPS) in the reactor with C8-HSL added were 18.49 and 74.07 mg/g VSS, respectively, which represented increases of 3.15% and 53.76% compared to the control group. Additionally, C8-HSL increased the relative hydrophobicity and biomass volume by 153% and 218%, respectively. As a result, AHL had a positive effect on biomass content, an increase in sludge size, and an improvement in sludge sedimentation in the early stage of granulation, and C8-HSL was found to be the most suitable for initial granulation among AHL types.
Spatiotemporal Runoff Analysis and Associated Influencing Factors in Chitral Basin, Pakistan
Authors: Nawaz Fatima , Wang Tao , Hussain Azfar
Published: June 2023

Global warming has accelerated climate and weather changes, impacting the regional water cycle. This study assesses the temporal trends of seasonal and annual runoff in the Chitral River Basin (CRB) and its responses to regional climatic factors (i.e., temperature, precipitation, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)) and oceanic indices at large scales (i.e., El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)). The non-parametric Mann–Kendall (MK) test, the Sequential Mann–Kendall test (SQMK) and Sen Slope (SS) is used to evaluate trends and magnitude. In contrast, wavelet analysis is used to assess the coherence. In general, precipitation increases in winter, summer and autumn, whereas it decreases in spring. The temperature increased significantly in winter and spring, while a significant increase in seasonal and annual runoff was evident. Annual NDVI increased, whereas the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and the Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI) decreased. Generally, runoff has significant inter-annual coherences with regional environmental factors, and a significant coherence with NDVI. Monthly runoff has a positive coherence with temperature and NDVI, whereas it has a negative correlation with precipitation, NDWI, and NDSI. In general, ENSO, IOD and PDO show a positive correlation with runoff. The MWC findings indicate that annual runoff prevailed interannual signals with local environmental factors and with the Pacific Ocean, whereas interannual and interdecadal coherences are obvious with the Atlantic Ocean. The results have significant implications for decision-makers seeking to enhance water resource planning, disaster prevention, and mitigation, especially in global warming and the intensification of human activities that influence hydroclimatic changes at high altitudes.
Modelling and Numerical Simulation Approaches to the Stage–Discharge Relationships of the Lansheng Bridge
Authors: Chen Yen-Chang , Yang Han-Chung , Liao Yi-Jiun , Chen Yen-Tzu
Published: June 2023

In recent years, extreme rainfall events with short delays and heavy rainfall have often occurred due to severe climate change. In 2015, Typhoon Soudelor caused a short-delayed heavy rainfall event in Nanshih River, which caused damage to a section of the Lansheng Bridge discharge station. The section was relocated upstream to rebuild the discharge station in 2019. However, the new discharge station cannot measure high flow due to the bridge structure. The flow observation range of Lansheng Bridge is therefore limited to normal flow, making it impossible to accurately estimate the flow during high-water stages. The purpose of this study is to use the past flow data of Nanshih River to estimate the flow rate under different return periods using frequency analysis. We used a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) to map the river’s topography, and used the 3D hydraulic calculations of the FLOW-3D model to estimate the water stage and discharge of the Lansheng Bridge. We then verified the accuracy of the model with the measured flow and water stage, and finally used the water stage and discharge data obtained from numerical simulation to construct the stage–discharge rating curve of the Lansheng Bridge. In addition to preventing flood disasters, this study approach can provide reliable data for use in water conservation. It may also be utilized to overcome the problem of measuring and estimating high flow during typhoon floods.
Hydrological Dynamics of the Pantanal, a Large Tropical Floodplain in Brazil, Revealed by Analysis of Sentinel-2 Satellite Imagery
Authors: Jean Milien Edelin , Nunes Gustavo Manzon , Pierre Girard , Hamilton Stephen K. , Da Cunha Catia Núnes
Published: June 2023

Extensive tropical floodplain wetlands, such as the Brazilian Pantanal, are complex ecosystems composed of mosaics of permanently and seasonally flooded habitats and are increasingly threatened by land use and climate change. Spatial and interannual variability in the seasonal flood pulse is a fundamental ecological driver in these ecosystems. This study analyzes optical imagery from the Sentinel-2 satellite to determine the extent and seasonal patterns of inundation over five years in the northern Pantanal, a Ramsar site renowned for its wildlife. The study site is bordered by the Cuiabá and São Lourenço rivers, each with distinct flow regimes. Inundation patterns were revealed with a combination of water indices, supervised classification of land cover, and a digital elevation model. Total extent of flooding was underestimated by the optical imagery, but open water bodies were readily delineated with the land cover classification.
Proposal of the “Wastewater Use Basin” Concept as an Integrated Sewage and Rainwater Management Unit in Semiarid Regions—A Case Study in the Southeast of the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Bernabé-Crespo Miguel B. , Olcina Jorge , Oliva Antonio
Published: June 2023

Semi-arid and arid regions are characterized by their water scarcity, which leads territories to seek ways of increasing the water resources available to meet their demands (urban, agricultural, industrial, leisure and tourism, etc.). For this reason, this article proposes the term “wastewater use basin”; the concept of the “wastewater use basin” is presented as a working unit of a smaller scale than traditional river basins, which allows for a better management of the water collected in the sewerage network and rainwater of urban agglomerations. It is a geographically-focused proposal for the integrated management of wastewater and stormwater that ends up in a wastewater treatment plant for treatment and reuse. The study area is located in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, Spain; specifically, the Campo of Cartagena-Mar Menor district (Murcia) and Vega Baja district (Alicante). The results show the trend behaviour of rainfall in the Segura river basin in recent episodes of torrential rainfall. There is a clear tendency for these episodes to occur in the coastal and pre-coastal areas, so that the water does not reach the headwaters where the reservoirs are located. For this reason, the proposed concept includes the area of the basin that would be formed by the wastewater and rainwater collectors which, in short, are intended to be treated in a treatment plant for subsequent reuse. The calculations made on the basis of the capacity of the environmental tanks executed and projected amount to four cubic hectometers which could be added to the hydrological planning of the Segura basin. In conclusion, the collection of rainwater allows the incorporation of an additional volume of water that complements and increases the resources offered by the treatment plants in the hydrological planning. It also serves as a measure of adaptation to climatic extremes (droughts and floods) and to the effects of climate change, supporting a circular management of the use of resources.
Arsenic in Drinking Water and Urinary Tract Cancers: A Systematic Review Update
Authors: Issanov Alpamys , Adewusi Betty , Dummer Trevor J. B. , Saint-Jacques Nathalie
Published: June 2023

Problem: There remains uncertainty around cancer risk at lower levels of arsenic in drinking water. This study updates evidence from our previous review on the relationship between arsenic in drinking water and urinary bladder and kidney cancers (updated search January 2013 to February 2023). Method: Thirty-four studies were retained for review; six met criteria for inclusion in meta-analysis. Risk estimates for bladder and kidney cancer incidence and mortality were analyzed separately using Bayesian multilevel linear models. Results: For bladder cancer incidence, the estimated posterior mean relative risks (RRs) were 1.25 (0.92–1.73), 2.11 (1.18–4.22) and 3.01 (1.31–8.17) at arsenic concentrations of 10, 50 and 150 μg/L, respectively, with posterior probabilities of 92%, 99% and 100%, respectively, for the RRs to be >1. The corresponding RRs for kidney cancer were 1.37 (1.07–1.77), 1.95 (1.44–2.65) and 2.47 (1.74–3.52), with posterior probabilities of 100%. For bladder cancer, the posterior mean mortality ratios were 1.36 (0.35–6.39), 2.92 (1.24–7.82) and 4.88 (2.83–9.03) with posterior probabilities of 72%, 99% and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: The findings show increased bladder and kidney cancer risks at lower levels of arsenic in drinking water. Given that many people worldwide are exposed to lower levels of arsenic in drinking water, the public health impacts are substantial.
Taguchi L9 (34) Orthogonal Array Design for Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye by Green ZnO Particles Biosynthesized by Chrysanthemum spp. Flower Extract
Authors: Tran Thuan Van , Alsaiari Mabkhoot , Harraz Farid A. , Nabgan Walid , Nguyen Dinh Tien Dung , Nguyen Chi Van
Published: June 2023

The pollution of synthetic dyes in wastewater exerts many negative impacts on the environment and human health. There is an increasing demand for the degradation of dyes, with an emphasis on photocatalysis. Here, we investigated the bio-mediated synthesis of ZnO using Chrysanthemum spp. flower extract and its utilization for the removal of methylene blue dye under sunlight irradiation. The bandgap energy of green ZnO nanoparticles was determined to be 3.0. The Taguchi L9 (34) orthogonal array design was applied to optimize the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye by green ZnO particles. Four parameters, including the initial concentration (10–50 mg/L), ZnO dosage (0.33–1.0 mg), contact time (30–120 min), and pH (4–10) of the solution, were surveyed based on the Taguchi design. We found that the test result (99.0%) at 10 mg/L was almost equivalent to the predicted value (99.5%) of degradation efficiency. The reaction mechanisms shed light on the major role of reactive oxygen species (•O2−, •OH). More importantly, the green ZnO particles could be reused for at least five cycles and demonstrated high stability.
Choice of Non-Disclosure as Agency: A Systematic Review of Non-Disclosure of Sexual Violence in Girlhood in Africa
Authors: Kakuru Doris
Published: June 2023

Africa is home to 308 million girls below the age of 18 of whom at least 50% have experienced sexual violence, despite the existence of international treaties as well as pan-African and national policies aimed at eliminating violence. Past studies on sexual violence against girls have focused on the consequences of violence and the experiences of survivors, including the fact that most violence is not disclosed. Some studies that attempted to outline barriers to the non-disclosure of sexual violence do not acknowledge the agency of survivors, thereby indirectly portraying them as passive victims of these barriers who need protection by adults. The available studies have not analyzed ways in which the survivors’ choice not to disclose can be understood as a form of agency. This systematic review was conducted, therefore, to examine the causes of non-disclosure of violence from the survivors’ point of view. Findings show that often when girls choose not to disclose sexual violence, they are strategically protecting themselves from further abuse and harm, such as physical punishment for talking about sex, forced marriage, threats of death, etc. The findings of this review have implications for research, policy, and programming. For example, more child-focused methods should be used to further study the non-disclosure of sexual violence.
Contractual way of securing guarantees upon termination of an employment contract with an employer-an individual entrepreneur: the threat of exercising the right to protection from unemployment in the context of modern political and economic challenges
Authors:   Department of Labor Law, Federal State Educational Institution of Higher Education named after V.F. Yakovlev, Russia, Yekaterinburg, Kuchina Y.A.
Published: June 2023

The article examines the problems associated with the possibility of establishing contractually the terms of notice of dismissal, as well as the cases and amounts of severance payments paid upon termination of the employment contract in the case when the employer is an individual entrepreneur. The author comes to the conclusion that in order to realize the right of citizens to protection from unemployment, which is especially important in the context of modern political and economic challenges, it is necessary to adjust labor legislation and consolidate minimum standards for guarantees of termination of employment contracts in the Labor Code of the Russian Federation.
La lex Calpurnia, le Sénat et les alliés de Rome
Authors: Giovannini Adalberto
Published: June 2023

The lex Calpurnia de pecuniis repetundis of 149 BC establisehd a permanent court that allowed victims of exactions and other mischief committed by officials (magistrates or promagistrates) of the Roman people to request compensation for damage. The first aim of this article is to establish, through an exhaustive review of known cases, the nature of those exactions and other mischief committed by officials before the lex Calpurnia was issued, and to identify the victims of such deeds. This review shows that, in almost every case, those responsible for such mischief were military commanders who had abused their position mainly – but not exclusively – at the expense of Rome’s allies and friends. Represssing such abuse was a matter of foreign policy, a task that lay in the hands of the Senate. Since foreign policy remained in the hands of the Senate till the end of the Republic, one can conclude from this review that the lex Calpurnia did not deprive the Senate of its responsibility for protecting Rome’s allies and friends, and that it was solely by appealing to the Senate that those could request compensation through the quaestio de repetundis. It is known through the senatusconsultum Caluisianum of 4 BC that this was the procedure followed under the reign of Augustus ; and most probably this was already the case as soon as the lex Calpurnia was issued.
Publicité ou conséquences des risques du transport maritime ? Sur la fonction des tituli picti des amphores romaines dans le contexte des prêts maritimes
Authors: Ehmig Ulrike
Published: June 2023

La fonction des inscriptions peintes sur les amphores romaines est examinée de manière systématique, pour la première fois. Jusqu’ici, les tituli picti ont été utilisés comme une source d’information majeure sur le transport de marchandises. Néanmoins, il faut aussi tenter de déterminer pourquoi les conteneurs ont été peints, ce que la recherche n’a pas fait de manière satisfaisante jusqu’à maintenant. Au cours des vingt-cinq dernières années, quelques hypothèses d’interprétation des inscriptions comme des étiquettes publicitaires ont été formulées. Cependant, ces considérations ne résistent pas à un examen critique et il semble préférable de lier la réalisation de tituli aux risques du transport maritime. Cette interprétation permet d’expliquer l’ensemble des formulaires. Ils paraissent intimement liés à l’existence de contrats, visant à minimiser les risques maritimes.
L’expression des relations hiérarchiques dans les inscriptions du Proche-Orient à l’époque romaine
Authors: Yon Jean-Baptiste
Published: June 2023

A certain scarcity of honorary inscriptions is a startling feature of the Hellenistic and Roman Near East. However, the surviving examples— mostly the epigraphy of Palmyra much richer compared to neighboring regions— show that this region conformed to the habits of the Hellenistic world of the same period and followed the same standards (e. g. word order) despite the occasional use of Aramaic. However, among other things, the study of the concept of friendship, commonplace in classical epigraphy, shows that at Palmyra as at Hatra, other ways could be chosen to mark the hierarchies.
Interpreting Forestry Economic Contribution Reports: A User's Guide
Authors: Parajuli Rajan , McConnell Eric , Tanger Shaun , Henderson James
Published: June 2023

State agencies and Extension professionals often employ IMPLAN software and associated data to conduct economic contribution analyses of the forest sector. Economic contribution reports often vary with regard to modeling, results presentation, and interpretation of estimates. We present practical guidelines for report users on how to better understand input–output modeling and interpret forestry economic contribution reports. We discuss strategies for understanding basic terminology, aspects of IMPLAN software, and the difference between economic contribution and economic impacts, among other concepts.
Engaging Residents in Participatory Photomapping and Readiness Conversations to Address the Rural Obesogenic Context
Authors: Jensen Kirstin , Tifft Kathee , Winfield Tammy , Gunter Kathy , Karp Grace , John Deborah
Published: June 2023

Extension engaged rural Idaho community stakeholders to assess local resources and readiness to address obesogenic contexts through use of the Extension tool HEAL MAPPS. Through participatory photomapping, focus group involvement, and a community readiness conversation, residents identified environmental resources and local efforts as supports for and barriers to healthful eating and active living. Findings indicated that the community was "vaguely aware" that rural obesity risk is a socioenvironmentally determined issue. Extension professionals using HEAL MAPPS effectively promoted new and shared knowledge of weight health resources among community members, enabled rural residents to have a voice in addressing the community context, and empowered community actions.
Development of a Healthful Weight Management Nutrition Education Curriculum for Low-Income Adults
Authors: Stotz Sarah , Sanville Laurel , Cotwright Caree , Reed Rachelle , Habibi Mona , Lee Jung
Published: June 2023

Food Talk: Better U (FTBU) is a healthful weight management curriculum developed by the University of Georgia's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) team. FTBU addresses the high burden of obesity among low-income Georgians by focusing on healthful weight management practices. Topics include practicing portion control, tracking dietary intake, setting goals, limiting added sugar, making small healthful behavior shifts, and implementing problem-solving strategies. Lesson structure includes sharing sessions, didactic lessons, cooking demonstrations, and physical activity. FTBU is based on needs assessment results and rigorous evaluation and thereby aligns with requirements outlined in current SNAP-Ed guidance materials. Other Extension SNAP-Ed providers may benefit from understanding the FTBU development and evaluation processes.
Los códices pictográficos indígenas de la Biblioteca Nacional de México
Authors: Rosas Xelhuantzi Tesiu
Published: June 2023

En este artículo se abordan cinco manuscritos del periodo colonial que se conservan en la Biblioteca Nacional de México. Para comenzar, el texto explora el concepto de códice y su aplicación en el ámbito mesoamericano, con el interés de ubicar el criterio de agrupación documental propuesto basado en la remanencia de sistemas de registro indígena. A continuación se realiza la presentación de cada uno de los ejemplares que conforman el corpus, en la que se incluye un breve contexto histórico así como un ejemplo selecto de alguna de sus características gráficas. Finalmente, se muestra la ubicación espacio-temporal de los ejemplares en la historia de la cultura escrita mexicana, y se concluye con algunas reflexiones en torno al corpus abordado y las manifestaciones escriturarias e iconográficas indígenas en el periodo colonial. De esta manera, el propósito del artículo se concentra en presentar y describir los cinco manuscritos como integrantes del corpus de códices nahuas resguardados por la Biblioteca Nacional de México.