bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Systemic Innovation Programmes for Sustainability Transitions: A Comparative Study of Two Design-Led Cases
Authors: Kjøde Svein Gunnar
Published: June 2023

Sustainability Transitions challenge current practices deeply entrenched through vested interests in dominant regimes. In this sense, actors are locked into paradigms that are systemic and resilient to change. In response, opportunities within designerly approaches encompassing systemic innovation’s dynamic, multi-stakeholder and interconnected nature are investigated. The adoption of such approaches is evident among progressive actors facilitating systemic collaborations. Consequently, this paper proposes Systemic Innovation Programmes as a concept to define such initiatives, particularly for addressing sustainability transitions. Two contemporary programmes in Norway are presented, and a comparative analysis is made by linking key frameworks from the systemic design and transition to the management literature to clarify their tangency to intentional, sustainable systems change. The study identifies a spectrum of programmatic and faciliatory considerations in practice that broadly aligns with important frameworks from the systems research; however, they are rarely formalised in the programmes’ methodology or framing conditions. Thus, the theoretical contribution aims to inform systemic practitioners and policymakers in further integrating sustainable transition perspectives into future systemic change initiatives.
Changes and Factors Determining the Efficiency of Cattle Farming in the State of Pará, Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Hamid Sheryle S. , Santos Marcos Antônio S. dos , Aguiar Albert F. , Andreatta Tanice , Costa Nilson L. , Lopes Maria Lúcia B. , Lourenço-Júnior José de B.
Published: June 2023

Livestock production in the Brazilian state of Pará, located in the Amazon biome, faces challenges related to sustainable production chains and competitive production systems. Historically, expansion of pastures has led to environmental pressures and low productivity. The objective is to evaluate changes in cattle raising efficiency in the microregions of Pará state and identify the factors contributing to efficient cattle production at the state level. The data analysis techniques used include Data Envelopment Analysis, Malmquist Index, and Tobit Regression. The study found that, on average, there was a marginal improvement in livestock efficiency in Pará over the analyzed years, increasing from 0.75 (75%) in 2006 to 0.76 (76%) in 2017. However, nine out of 17 microregions showed improvement in individual efficiency, while five showed a decline. Non-family agriculture, livestock credit, and land prices were identified as factors that negatively contributed to the activity’s inefficiency, while specialization in soybeans and deforestation were factors that positively contributed to inefficiency. The study suggests that financial support for technological and infrastructure improvements, more rigorous environmental policies, and a more competitive environment can further contribute to improving the efficiency of cattle farming in Pará.
Financial Inclusion through Digitalization: Improving Emerging Drivers of Industrial Pollution—Evidence from China
Authors: Xiong Mingzhao , Li Wenqi , Jenny Chenjie , Wang Peixu
Published: June 2023

As an emerging product of the coupling of digital technique and traditional finance, digital inclusive finance (DIF) may play a vital role in alleviating the contradiction between economic growth and environmental contamination. This paper utilises the panel data from various provinces in China as a sample to empirically test the effect of DIF on industrial pollution. The study found that (1) DIF and its sub-dimension coverage (DIF_B) and depth of use (DIF_D) have significant governance effects on industrial pollution, and the conclusion remains valid even when endogeneity is considered; (2) the mediation effect test found that the upgrading of the industrial structure and the degree of technological innovation are important transmission paths for DIF to reduce industrial pollution; (3) the heterogeneity test found that the effect of DIF on industrial pollution control successively showed a pattern of weakening in the centre, eastern, and western regions, while the treatment effect of DIF on industrial wastewater is better than that of industrial waste gas, and the effect on industrial solid pollutant emissions has a U-shaped non-linear relation that is first suppressed and then promoted; (4) the threshold effect test found that DIF, DIF_B, and DIF_D all have a double threshold effect on industrial pollution. Based on the empirical outcomes, this paper proposes measures to improve the development mechanism of DIF, formulate differentiated monetary support and oversight policies under local conditions, and build and enhance the supervision mechanism of the digital financial industry and prevent systemic risks.
Effect of Irrigation Schedule and Organic Fertilizer on Wheat Yield, Nutrient Uptake, and Soil Moisture in Northwest India
Authors: Verma Hanuman Prasad , Sharma Om Prakash , Shivran Amar Chand , Yadav Lala Ram , Yadav Rajendra Kumar , Yadav Malu Ram , Meena Satya Narayan , Jatav Hanuman Singh , Lal Milan Kumar , Rajput Vishnu D. , Minkina Tatiana
Published: June 2023

Indiscriminate and injudicious application of inorganic fertilizers and irrigation, respectively, cause declines in crop productivity as well as environmental pollution. Therefore, judicious use of organic manures and proper scheduling of irrigation are required for sustainable production of wheat crops. A two-year (2014–2015 and 2015–2016) study was conducted to determine the wheat nutrient uptake, soil moisture, and grain yield as a result of organic manures and irrigation schedule. The experiment was set up with four treatments of organic manure in four subplots with repellents and five irrigation planning treatments in the main plot. The results showed that an irrigation/water ratio of 0.9 irrigation water depth/cumulative pan evaporation (I2) increased grain yield, soil moisture content, and nutrient uptake of wheat (I3) compared to 0.6 IW/CPE during the vegetative period and 0.8 IW/CPE during the reproductive period. According to statistics, it was found that the vegetative period is maintained at 0.8 IW/CPE, and the reproductive period is maintained at 1.0 IW/CPE (I5). Applying 7.5 Mg ha−1 of farmyard manure (FYM) plus 3 Mg ha−1 of vermicompost while employing organic manure increases grain output, soil moisture content, and nutrient content and absorption compared to the control treatment. Therefore, it is concluded that irrigation either at I2 or I5 + FYM at 7.5 Mg ha−1 + vermicompost at 3 Mg ha−1 could be recommended for enhancing grain of wheat cultivation, particularly in the semiarid regions of northwestern India.
The Role of Internal Control Systems in Ensuring Financial Performance Sustainability
Authors: Hamed Ruba
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the influence of internal control systems (ICS) compliance on banks’ financial performance sustainability (FPS) in the Amman Stock Market. Using a questionnaire survey of sixteen listed banks, the extent of ICS compliance and its impact on various indicators of financial performance is examined, such as profitability, earnings, and returns on sustainability initiatives. It is found that the banks comply with ICS requirements and that ICS compliance positively and significantly affects their financial sustainability. In particular, this study shows that the control activities, information and communication, and monitoring components of ICSs are key drivers of bank performance. These findings have important implications for policymakers and regulators who aim to enhance the effectiveness of ICSs in banks and foster economic growth in the region. As sustainability becomes a vital issue in the banking sector, understanding how ICS compliance relates to financial sustainability is essential for ensuring long-term viability.
Electronic Waste Collection Incentivization Scheme Based on the Blockchain
Authors: Alarood Ala Abdulsalam , Abubakar Adamu , Alzahrani Abdulrahman , Alsubaei Faisal S.
Published: June 2023

The approaches of motivating people for the collection of electronic waste (e-waste) are often insufficient due to inadequate methods of given incentives. Prior research studies have been carried out to tackle the issue of e-waste management in a broad sense. The findings of those studies indicated diverse strategies, each of which is relevant solely to a restricted range of electronic e-waste reprocessing circumstances. The current study has presented a proposed technique for incentivizing tasks and activities associated with the collection of e-waste through the adoption of the vector space technique. The method this research undertakes lies with utilizing blockchain smart contract technology. The reason for selecting this approach lies with the mapping of tasks, the nature of activities, and their magnitude, in order to derived an incentive. While the vector space model defines the set of tasks with their corresponding incentives, blockchain smart contract maps them together and establishes them in a record. Experimental scenarios for the calculation of incentives are presented; the findings reveal that among many scenarios of allocating incentives for e-waste collection, the best case is by utilizing a weighting scale scheme where each task and activity is mapped to its associated incentive rather than providing fixed incentive values. Ethereum was used as a digital token for each unit of incentive. This concept has contributed in encouraging personal accountability in the management of e-waste collection in order to cultivate sustainable behaviors for a long-term solution.
Sustainable Food Waste Management Practices: Perspectives from Five-Star Hotels in Thailand
Authors: Kattiyapornpong Uraiporn , Ditta-Apichai Morakot , Chuntamara Chatchasorn
Published: June 2023

Although food waste management has been significant for all stakeholders from all industries globally, research in hospitality food waste management and practices still needs to be further studied, especially in five-star hotels in developing countries. Using the Food Waste Hierarchy, this study proposes to contribute to the knowledge of sustainable food waste management and practices in five medium and large five-star hotels to promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Findings of in-depth structured questions from purposive and snowballing samplings show different aspects of sustainable food waste management and practices at these hotels supported by policies and implemented by practices at all levels, from top management to operations levels. The thematical analysis shows four emerging themes: food waste management policies; food service planning, procurement, and storage; food waste handling and operations in the kitchens, staff canteen and restaurants; and food waste management through reusing, recycling, donations, and disposal. The findings highlight these hotels’ challenges and suggestions for sustainable food waste management and practices. By providing the current situation of sustainable food waste management and practices, this study embellishes the guidance and recommendations for the hotels’ restaurants. It augments the industry practitioners with actual practices and solutions in implementing sustainable food waste management and practices in hotels’ restaurants.
Chemical Treatment of Banana Blossom Peels Adsorbent as New Approach for Manganese Removal: Isotherm and Kinetic Studies
Authors: Rudi Nurul Nadia , Mohd Apandi Najeeha , Muhamad Mimi Suliza , Mohamed Sunar Norshuhaila , Mohd Apandi Affah , Te Chuan Lee , Nagarajah Ramathasan , Omar Suhair
Published: June 2023

This research aimed to investigate the potential of chemically modified banana blossom peels (BBP) as an adsorbent for removing manganese (Mn) from water. Zeta potential, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) were used to characterise the BBP adsorbent. Batch adsorption studies were used to assess the effects of the solution pH, adsorbent dosage, initial manganese concentration, and contact time of the adsorption process. Zeta potential of BBP with a value of −9.87 to −21.1 mV and FESEM analysis revealed deeper dents and rough internal surfaces conducive to Mn deposition, whereas EDX analysis revealed the presence of C, O, and Na elements (before adsorption); C, O, and Mn (after adsorption). The presence of hydroxyl, carboxylic, and amino groups, which are responsible for the adsorption process, was discovered using FTIR analysis. Furthermore, XRD analysis revealed that the BBP adsorbent structure is amorphous. The BBP adsorbent has a BET surface area of 2.12 m2/g, a total pore volume of 0.0139 cm3/g, and an average pore diameter of 64.35 nm. The BBP adsorbent demonstrated remarkable results of 98% Mn removal under the optimum pH 7, 0.5 g (adsorbent dosage), and 10 mg/L of Mn initial concentration in 150 min of contact time. The linear Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models best fit the adsorption isotherm data with the R2 > 0.98. In contrast, the adsorption process occurs as a function of the chemisorption as determined by linear pseudo-second-order kinetics. Using 0.1 M HCI, the maximal desorption rate of Mn was 92% in the first cycle, with a recovery rate of 94.18% Mn removal in 30 min. These findings support the use of BBP as a natural adsorbent for Mn removal as a treatment option for improving wastewater quality.
Smarter and Prosperous: Digital Transformation and Enterprise Performance
Authors: Gao Da , Yan Zhiliang , Zhou Xiaotian , Mo Xinlin
Published: June 2023

Using manually constructed enterprise digital data from 2012 to 2020, this paper innovatively constructs an enterprise digitalization index to explore its impact on enterprise performance and discusses the potential channels of digitalization on enterprise performance. The findings show that (1) digitalization has a significant positive effect on firm performance, and this finding holds after a series of robustness tests. (2) Digitalization improves firm performance by reducing external management costs and strengthening internal controls. The mediating effects model tests the potential impact mechanism of digitalization on firm performance. (3) The effect of digitalization on the performance of state-owned enterprises is greater than for non-state-owned enterprises. The results of the heterogeneity analysis provide policy recommendations for the development of digital transformation of enterprises. Overall, this study provides new insights into the relationship between digitalization and firm performance.
Event-Shape-Dependent Analysis of Charm–Anticharm Azimuthal Correlations in Simulations
Authors: Horváth Anikó , Frajna Eszter , Vértesi Róbert
Published: June 2023

In high-energy collisions of small systems, by high-enough final-state multiplicities, a collective behaviour is present that is similar to the flow patterns observed in heavy-ion collisions. Recent studies connect this collectivity to semi-soft vacuum-QCD processes. Here we explore QCD production mechanisms using angular correlations of heavy flavour using simulated proton-proton collisions at s=13 TeV with the PYTHIA8 Monte Carlo event generator. We demonstrate that the event shape is strongly connected to the production mechanisms. Flattenicity, a novel event descriptor, can be used to separate events containing the final-state radiation from the rest of the events.
Optimizing Antiretroviral Therapy in Heavily ART-Experienced Patients with Multi-Class Resistant HIV-1 Using Proviral DNA Genotypic Resistance Testing
Authors: Rauschning Dominic , Ehren Ira , Heger Eva , Knops Elena , Fätkenheuer Gerd , Suárez Isabelle , Lehmann Clara
Published: June 2023

Resistance to multiple antiretroviral drugs among people living with HIV (PLWH) can result in a high pill burden, causing toxicity and drug interactions. Thus, the goal is to simplify treatment regimens while maintaining effectiveness. However, former resistance analysis data may not be current or complete. The use of proviral DNA genotyping may assist in selecting appropriate treatment options. A retrospective study was carried out on individuals belonging to the Cologne HIV cohort with a resistance history to two or more antiretroviral (ARV) classes and on non-standard antiretroviral therapy (ART). Patients required former viral RNA and a recent proviral DNA resistance test to be available prior to the switch to ART. Potential discrepancies between resistance test results obtained through RNA and proviral DNA methods and the consequent virological and clinical outcomes following ART adjustments were analyzed. Out of 1250 patients, 35 were eligible for inclusion in this study. The median length of known HIV infection was 27 years, and the median duration of ART was 22 years. Of the 35 participants, 16 had received all five ARV classes. Based on proviral DNA genotyping results, ART was simplified in 17 patients. At the last follow-up examination after changing therapy, 15 patients had HIV RNA <50 copies/mL (median 202 days, range 21–636). The mean number of pills per day decreased from eight to three, and the median intake frequency decreased from two to one time/day (ranges 1–2). Our study supports the use of proviral DNA genotyping as a safe strategy for switching to simplified ART regimens. However, the lack of extensive research on the advantages of proviral DNA genotyping makes it challenging to fully assess its benefits in terms of treatment selection.
Clinical and Biomarker Profile Responses to Rehabilitation Treatment in Patients with Long COVID Characterized by Chronic Fatigue
Authors: Binetti Jessica , Real Monica , Renzulli Marcela , Bertran Laia , Riesco David , Perpiñan Carles , Mohedano Alba , Segundo Rosa San , Ortiz Marta , Porras José Antonio , Pineda Daniela Rosanna , Auguet Teresa
Published: June 2023

Long COVID (LC) syndrome is a complex multiorgan symptom that persists beyond >12 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The most frequently associated symptom is fatigue. Physical activity and exercise are recommended, although specific studies are lacking. The objectives of the present work are to analyze the impact of a supervised exercise program on the clinical evolution of LC with fatigue patients and to identify whether certain circulating biomarkers could predict the response to rehabilitation. The rehabilitation treatment response was analyzed in 14 women diagnosed with LC and fatigue, based on the changes in the 6 min walk test and Borg/Fatigue Impact scales. Patients who showed improvement in the meters walked were considered “responders” to the therapy. A total of 65% of patients responded to the exercise program, with an improvement in the meters walked and in oxygen saturation, with stability in the percentage of meters walked. Participants with obesity and those double-vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 presented a lower degree of fatigue. LC patients presented a favorable response to a supervised exercise program. Differences in creatinine and protein levels were observed between rehabilitation therapy “responders” and “nonresponders”. A good state of protein nutrition was related to a better rehabilitation response. The results are promising regarding possible predictive biomarkers of rehabilitation response, such as creatinine.
Development of a One-Step Real-Time TaqMan Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) Assay for the Detection of the Novel Variant Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (nVarIBDV) Circulating in China
Authors: Wang Chenyan , Hou Bo , Shao Guoqing , Wan Chunhe
Published: June 2023

The novel variant IBDV (nVarIBDV, especially genotype A2dB1) mainly affects broilers in China. It causes an infection characterized by the atrophy of the bursa, a decrease in the level of lymphocytes, proliferation of fibrous tissue around the follicle, and severe atrophy of the follicle in the bursa. Poultry vaccinated with live IBDV vaccines do not have the challenge present with bursa atrophy, which is misdiagnosed for nVarIBDV because of the lack of other gross clinical symptoms. The present study sought to explore the potential and reliability of the real-time TaqMan analysis method for the detection and discrimination of the nVarIBDV genotype from that of the non-nVarIBDV, especially in live vaccine strains. This method will help monitor vaccinated poultry to control and manage infection with the nVarIBDV IBDVs. The nucleotide polymorphism in the 5′-UTR region and the vp5/vp2 overlapping region of the segment A sequences of IBDV were used to establish a one-step real-time TaqMan reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method in this study. The results showed that the method accurately distinguished the nVarIBDV and non-nVarIBDV strains (especially live vaccine strains), and there were no cross-reactions with the infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), avian influenza virus (AIV), infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV), fowlpox virus (FPV), Mycoplasma gallisepticum (M. gallisepticum), Mycoplasma synoviae (M. synoviae), and IBDV-negative field samples. The method showed a linear dynamic range between 102 and 107 DNA copies/reaction, with an average R2 of 0.99 and an efficiency of 93% for nVarIBDV and an average R2 of 1.00 and an efficiency of 94% for non-nVarIBDV. The method was also used for the detection of 84 clinical bursae of chickens vaccinated with the live vaccine. The results showed that this method accurately distinguished the nVarIBDV and non-nVarIBDV strains (vaccine strains), compared with a strategy based on the sequence analysis of HVRs at the vp2 gene or the reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) for the vp5 gene. These findings showed that this one-step real-time TaqMan RT-PCR method provides a rapid, sensitive, specific, and simple approach for detection of infections caused by nVarIBDV and is a useful clinical diagnostic tool for identifying and distinguishing nVarIBDV from non-nVarIBDV, especially live vaccine strains.
All-trans Retinoic Acid Inhibits Hepatitis B Virus Replication by Downregulating HBx Levels via Siah-1-Mediated Proteasomal Degradation
Authors: Han Jiwoo , Jang Kyung Lib
Published: June 2023

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), the most biologically active metabolite of vitamin A, is known to abolish the potential of HBx to downregulate the levels of p14, p16, and p21 and to stimulate cell growth during hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, contributing to its chemopreventive and therapeutic effects against HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Here, we demonstrated that ATRA antagonizes HBx to inhibit HBV replication. For this effect, ATRA individually or in combination with HBx upregulated p53 levels, resulting in upregulation of seven in absentia homolog 1 (Siah-1) levels. Siah-1, an E3 ligase, induces ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of HBx in the presence of ATRA. The ability of ATRA to induce Siah-1-mediated HBx degradation and the subsequent inhibition of HBV replication was proven in an in vitro HBV replication model. The effects of ATRA became invalid when either p53 or Siah-1 was knocked down by a specific shRNA, providing direct evidence for the role of p53 and Siah-1 in the negative regulation of HBV replication by ATRA.
ICP4-Associated Activation of Rap1b Facilitates Herpes Simplex Virus Type I (HSV-1) Infection in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Zhang Beibei , Ding Juntao , Ma Zhenghai
Published: June 2023

The strong contribution of RAS-related protein 1b (Rap1b) to cytoskeleton remodeling determines intracellular and extracellular physiological activities, including the successful infection of viruses in permissive cells, but its role in the HSV-1 life cycle is still unclear. Here, we demonstrated that the HSV-1 immediate early (IE) gene ICP4 inhibits protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation to induce Rap1b-activation-mediated viral infection. Rap1b activation and membrane enrichment begin at the early stage of HSV-1 infection and remain active during the proliferation period of the virus. Treating the cells with Rap1b small interfering RNA (siRNA) showed a dose-dependent decrease in viral infection levels, but no dose-dependent increase was observed after Rap1b overexpression. Further investigation indicated that the suppression of Rap1b activation derives from phosphorylated PKA and Rap1b mutants with partial or complete prenylation instead of phosphorylation, which promoted viral infection in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the PKA agonist Forskolin disturbed Rap1b activation in a dose-dependent manner, accompanied by a decreasing trend in viral infection. Moreover, the HSV-1 IE gene ICP4 induced PKA dephosphorylation, leading to continuous Rap1b activation, followed by cytoskeleton rearrangement induced by cell division control protein 42 (CDC42) and Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1). These further stimulated membrane-triggered physiological processes favoring virus infection. Altogether, we show the significance of Rap1b during HSV-1 infection and uncover the viral infection mechanism determined by the posttranslational regulation of the viral ICP4 gene and Rap1b host protein.
Mycophenolate Interruption Restores Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Immunogenicity in Unresponsive Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Toniutto Pierluigi , Cussigh Annarosa , Cmet Sara , Fabris Martina , Curcio Francesco , Bitetto Davide , Fornasiere Ezio , Fumolo Elisa , Falleti Edmondo
Published: June 2023

Background & aims: The fourth dose of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine slightly improved the humoral response among previously seronegative liver transplant (LT) recipients. Mycophenolate (MMF) treatment worsens the vaccination response. This study aimed to evaluate whether temporary MMF interruption might improve the immunogenicity of the fourth anti-SARS-CoV-2 BNT16b2 vaccine dose in nonresponsive LT recipients. Methods: LT recipients negative for anti-spike glycoprotein-specific immunoglobulin G receptor-binding domain (s-RBD) antibodies after the third vaccine dose were enrolled. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific T-cell responses were measured before and 2 months following the fourth vaccine dose, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 s-RBD antibodies also 6 months thereafter. MMF was suspended two weeks before and after vaccination. Results: Five LT recipients were enrolled. After a mean of 78 days after vaccination, all patients tested positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 s-RBD antibodies. The mean antibody titer was 8944 UI/mL. The positive antibody response was maintained during a mean of 193 days of follow-up. Three patients developed a positive T-cell response. Two patients (one positive for T-cell response) developed a self-limited SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions: Suspending MMF prior to the fourth dose of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine seems feasible and safe. This procedure could restore vaccine-induced immunogenicity in a large portion of previously nonresponsive LT recipients.
Changes of Enterocyte Morphology and Enterocyte: Goblet Cell Ratios in Dogs with Protein-Losing and Non-Protein-Losing Chronic Enteropathies
Authors: Díaz-Regañón David , Gabriel Vojtech , Livania Vanessa , Liu Dongjie , Ahmed Basant H. , Lincoln Addison , Wickham Hannah , Ralston Abigail , Merodio Maria M. , Sahoo Dipak K. , Zdyrski Christopher , Meyerholz David K. , Mochel Jonathan P. , Allenspach Karin
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to assess the morphometry of enterocytes as well as the goblet cell-to-enterocyte ratio in different intestinal segments of dogs with chronic enteropathies (CE). Histopathological intestinal samples from 97 dogs were included in the study (19 healthy juveniles, 21 healthy adults, 24 dogs with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), and 33 CE dogs without PLE). Healthy adult small intestinal enterocytes showed progressively reduced epithelial cell height in the aboral direction, while juvenile dogs showed progressively increased epithelial cell height in the aboral direction. CE dogs had increased epithelial cell height in the duodenum, while PLE dogs had decreased epithelial cell heights compared to healthy adult dogs. Both the CE and PLE dogs showed decreased enterocyte width in the duodenal segment, and the ileal and colonic enterocytes of CE dogs were narrower than those of healthy adult dogs. CE dogs had a lower goblet cell-to-enterocyte ratio in the colon segment compared to healthy dogs. This study provides valuable morphometric information on enterocytes during canine chronic enteropathies, highlighting significant morphological enterocyte alterations, particularly in the small intestine, as well as a reduced goblet cell-to-enterocyte ratio in the colon of CE cases compared to healthy adult dogs.
Gloeotrichia cf. natans (Cyanobacteria) in the Continuous Permafrost Zone of Buotama River, Lena Pillars Nature Park, in Yakutia (Russia)
Authors: Gabyshev Viktor , Davydov Denis , Vilnet Anna , Sidelev Sergey , Chernova Ekaterina , Barinova Sophia , Gabysheva Olga , Zhakovskaya Zoya
Published: June 2023

As global climate change continues and the vegetation period lengthens, the importance of research into cyanobacterial recruitment biomass and associated toxin risks is growing. While most studies focus on planktonic cyanobacteria causing blooms, benthic cyanobacteria have been less explored. This study reports for the first time on the mass proliferation of benthic epilithic macrocolonies of cyanobacteria, Gloeotrichia cf. natans, in water bodies located in a region with continuous permafrost in Yakutia, North-East Russia. The study characterizes the environmental conditions of its habitat, including the chemical composition of the water, which expands our understanding of this species’ ecology. Cyanotoxins (microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, saxitoxins, and anatoxin-a) were not detected in the biomass of Gloeotrichia cf. natans using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and PCR methods.
A Modified SCS Curve Number Method for Temporally Varying Rainfall Excess Simulation
Authors: Wang Ning , Chu Xuefeng
Published: June 2023

The SCS curve number (SCS-CN) method has gained widespread popularity for simulating rainfall excess in various rainfall events due to its simplicity and practicality. However, it possesses inherent structural issues that limit its performance in accurately simulating rainfall excess and infiltration over time. The objective of this study was to develop a modified CN method with temporally varying rainfall intensity (MCN-TVR) by combining a soil moisture accounting (SMA) based SCS-CN method with the SMA method in the Hydrologic Engineering Center’s Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS). In the MCN-TVR, the SMA-based SCS-CN method is utilized to simulate the cumulative rainfall excess and infiltration, while the SMA method in the HEC-HMS serves as an infiltration control function. A key advantage of the MCN-TVR is that it eliminates the need for additional input parameters by inherently linking the parameters in the two SMA-based methods. Sixteen hypothetical 24 h SCS Type II rainfall events with different soil types and five real rainfall events for the Rush River Watershed in North Dakota were used to assess the performances of the MCN-TVR method and the SMA-based SCS-CN method. In the hypothetical simulations, the rainfall excess simulated by the SMA-based SCS-CN and MCN-TVR models was compared to that simulated by a Green–Ampt model. Discrepancies were observed between the rainfall excess simulated by the SMA-based SCS-CN and Green–Ampt models, especially for coarse soils under relatively light rainfall. However, the MCN-TVR model, incorporating an infiltration control function, demonstrated its improved performance closer to the Green–Ampt model. For all the hypothetical events, the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) coefficient of the rainfall excess simulated by the MCN-TVR method compared to the Green–Ampt model was greater than 0.99, while the root mean standard deviation ratio (RSR) was less than 0.03. In the real applications, the SMA-based SCS-CN model failed to provide acceptable simulation of the direct runoff for rainfall events with durations of less than the time of concentration. In contrast, the MCN-TVR model successfully simulated the direct runoff for all the events with NSE values ranging from 0.65 to 0.91 and RSR values from 0.31 to 0.56.
The Assessment of Sedimentation Problems in Kenyir Hydropower Reservoir, Malaysia
Authors: Wahab Noorjima Abd , Kamarudin Mohd Khairul Amri , Toriman Mohd Ekhwan , Juahir Hafizan , Samah Mohd Armi Abu , Azinuddin Muaz , Saudi Ahmad Shakir Mohd , Hoe Loh Ing , Saad Muhammad Hafiz Md , Sunardi Sunardi
Published: June 2023

Lakes may take a while to respond to management interventions because of the management implications of incremental development and degradation issues. This includes the requirement for the ongoing participation of key lake basin management institutions and their operations. This study’s objective is to assess the impacts of land use activities along the Kenyir Lake Basin based on the sedimentation problem level. There are a few hydrological methods that are necessary indicators to measure the level of sediment production, such as Total Suspended Solid (TSS), area of sub-catchment, river discharge measurement, and annual sediment load production. The results showed that the sub-catchment of Besar River released the lowest annual average estimation at 3833.70 kg/km2/year, and the sub-catchment of Kenyir River produced the highest annual average estimation at 128,070.86 kg/km2/year for annual sediment load flow produced from tributary rivers into Kenyir Lake. Kenyir Lake Basin’s downstream and midstream regions had higher sediment load values than its upstream regions. This study highlighted the significance of the effects of anthropogenic factors, hydrological, geomorphological, growth, and developmental factors, and climate changes as the key variables attributing to the sedimentation phenomenon along the Kenyir Lake Basin. The construction of a long-term lake or reservoir catchment development and management plan, combined with the formation of a vision and comprehensive strategic plan, are vital components of sound management practice. The efficient implementation of the suggested watershed management programmes depends on the active involvement of all significant catchment stakeholders.
The influence of non-native invertebrate species in the food web structure of two Neotropical reservoirs
Authors: Rosa Daniel Melo , Monteiro Angelo Barbosa , Faria Lucas Del Bianco , Pompeu Paulo Santos
Published: June 2023

To investigate the influence of non-native aquatic invertebrate species on food web structure, we selected two reservoirs located in the Grande River (upper Paraná River basin, Brazil) with similar fish communities, different age and different taxa introductions history. We quarterly collected fish and benthonic macroinvertebrates samples in the Volta Grande and Funil reservoirs between October 2015 and August 2016. We used conventional methods of diet evaluation to assess the sampled fish and measured the availability of invertebrates (i.e. composition and density) present in the sediment samples from each reservoir. In addition, we performed a structural analysis of trophic interaction networks. Based on the data obtained, it was possible to identify that in Volta Grande most of the energy flow, between benthonic invertebrates (prey) and the fish community (predators), occurred through non-native prey species, especially Limnoperna fortunei and Macrobrachium amazonicum, while in Funil it was shared between non-native and native prey. Species loss simulations indicated that the networks did not differ substantially between random losses and losses between groups. In general, there was a decrease in the probability of occurrence of highly connected species in both reservoirs and between non-native and native species. Results showed that the new interactions among species influenced the importance of the available energy sources for the fish in the Volta Grande reservoir. The presence of non-native prey, especially M. amazonicum, may influence the interaction network structure, promoting community dependence on non-native species to ensure robustness to environmental disturbances. In the absence of pre-invasion data, the comparative study between systems with similar fish communities may provide a better understanding of the impacts caused by the introduction of non-native invertebrate prey.
Expansion of the alien East Asian river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense (De Haan, 1849) in southwestern Ukraine and assessment of its commercial usage prospects
Authors: Bushuiev Sergii , Snigirov Sergii , Son Mikhail O. , Sokolov Ievhen , Kharlov Genadiy , Kvach Yuriy
Published: June 2023

At this time East Asian river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense is present almost everywhere in the lower reaches of the Danube and Dniester basins, in the Danube-Dniester interfluves and water bodies to the east of the Dniester. Successful adaptation and favorable climatic conditions in recent years have provided a significant increase in the East Asian river prawn populations in the Danube and Dniester. High growth rates of M. nipponense have been observed in the Danube and Dniester. In these river basins, higher values of maximum body length of the prawn (males 115 mm, females 87 mm) than those recorded in the native range water bodies and the cooler water bodies of thermal power plants during introduction were recorded. In small shallow brackish-water reservoirs of the region (PSU 1.5–6.0) the growth rate of M. nipponense is significantly lower than in the freshwater Danube and Dniester deltaic zones. Female East Asian river prawn in such water bodies mature at a much smaller size. The egg-laying period of female M. nipponense in the Danube lasts from June to October. The peak of egg laying is observed in July and August. There have been reported cases of M. nipponense being affected by crustacean burn-spot disease. The prospect of organizing the fishing of M. nipponense in the Danube River has been determined. It is necessary to continue research to increase selectivity of fishing gears, determination of optimal terms of fishing, and places of installation of fishing gears.
Demographic and genetic structure of the quagga mussel, Dreissena rostriformis bugensis, in the Moselle River ten years after first observation
Authors: Trunfio Nicolas , Bournonville Thibaut , Debortoli Nicolas , Marescaux Jonathan , Nogaro Géraldine , Beisel Jean-Nicolas
Published: June 2023

The quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) was first recorded in France in the Moselle River in 2011. The objective of this study was to obtain a better understanding of the species’ demographic and genetic structure ten years after its first observation. To do this, we examined quagga mussel (i) relative abundance/biomass (compared with the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), (ii) population structure, and (iii) genetic structure along the navigable stretch of the Moselle during four sampling events conducted between May 2021 and May 2022. The results indicate that, while zebra mussels are still the dominant species (ca. 2/3 of all dreissenid species), quagga mussels represent, on average, 60% of dreissenid biomass. A typical quagga population was composed of five different cohorts with wide, overlapping size ranges, suggesting that the mussels breed for much of the year. Growth in quagga mussel shell length was at least 1.4× greater than that for zebra mussels, regardless of season, with no interruption in growth observed during winter. Unlike zebra mussels, we failed to record any small quagga individuals (4–14 mm shell length) in our samples, possibly indicating high mortality induced by selective predation by invasive round gobies Neogobius melanostomus. Genetically, the three Moselle quagga mussel populations examined were highly homogeneous among themselves (based on microsatellite analysis), and very similar to those found elsewhere in Europe (diversity of CO1 haplotypes). A comparison with previous data suggests that the Moselle quagga population comprises haplotypes introduced over several successive introduction waves, a process that may continue in the future.
The temporal abundance-distribution relationship in a global invader sheds light on species distribution mechanisms
Authors: Ewers Christine , Normant-Saremba Monika , Keirsebelik Heleen , Schoelynck Jonas
Published: June 2023

The geographic expansion and abundance fluctuations of invasive species offer unprecedented insights to investigate potential mechanisms underlying the distribution-abundance relationship, one of the most universal patterns in community ecology. However, the abundance of invasive species is rarely documented in the needed detail. Data from historical records, scientific and popular literature, citizen science and expert interviews were synthesized to obtain insights into the long-term expansion and abundance cycles of the Chinese mitten crab, one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species. Thus for the first time, global long-term data on population size fluctuations have been correlated with the global spatiotemporal invasion history of a non-native species. Geographic expansions and increases in abundance co-occurred in the 1930s and again since the 1990s in agreement with the distribution-abundance relationship. Furthermore, a regional case study for the German river Elbe indicates that increases in abundance may be driven by improved riverine water quality and rising sea surface temperatures. Environmental restoration and climate change therefore benefit this invasive species, and could lead to further geographic expansion and increases in abundance.
INFLUÊNCIA DO SELÊNIO, CAFEÍNA, VITAMINA D E FIBRAS NO CONTROLE DOS SINTOMAS DO LÚPUS ERITEMATOSO SISTÊMICO
Authors: De Sousa Hyan Ribeiro Prudêncio , Dos Santos Milena Maia Dantas , Neco Heytor Victor Pereira da Costa
Published: June 2023

Introdução: O Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico é uma doença crônica inflamatória, autoimune, com causa não elucidada. O tratamento baseia-se no controle dos sintomas e atividade da doença. Objetivo: Investigar a influência do selênio, cafeína, vitamina D e fibras no controle dos sintomas do Lúpus. Método: Revisão bibliográfica narrativa, com coleta de dados entre fevereiro e novembro de 2021, nas bases de dados: PubMed e Scielo. Incluídos artigos originais, datados entre 2011 e 2021 que abordam a nutrição como alternativa de auxílio no controle do LES a partir de casos analisados com seres humanos, ambos os sexos. Excluídos estudos que abordavam modelos experimentais e que não apresentavam correlação entre a Nutrição e Lúpus. Resultados: A suplementação de ômega-3, flavonoides, vitaminas será alternativa para o tratamento do Lúpus, auxiliando controle dos efeitos colaterais, reforçando imunologicamente esses indivíduos. Conclusão: Com essa alternativa de tratamento, o paciente lúpico viverá bem, melhorando o prognóstico da doença.
Exploring why European primary care physicians sometimes do not think of, or act on, a possible cancer diagnosis. A qualitative study
Authors: Hajdarevic Senada , Högberg Cecilia , Marzo-Castillejo Mercè , Siliņa Vija , Sawicka-Powierza Jolanta , Esteva Magadalena , Koskela Tuomas , Petek Davorina , Contreras-Martos Sara , Mangione Marcello , Ožvačić Adžić Zlata , Asenova Radost , Gašparović Babić Svjetlana , Brekke Mette , Buczkowski Krzysztof , Buono Nicola , Çifçili Saliha Serap , Dinant Geert-Jan , Doorn Babette , Hoffman Robert D , Kuodza George , Murchie Peter , Pilv Liina , Puia Aida , Rapalavicius Aurimas , Smyrnakis Emmanouil , Weltermann Birgitta , Harris Michael
Published: June 2023

Background

While primary care physicians (PCPs) play a key role in cancer detection, they can find cancer diagnosis challenging, and some patients have considerable delays between presentation and onward referral.

Aim

To explore European PCPs’ experiences and views on cases where they considered that they had been slow to think of, or act on, a possible cancer diagnosis.

Design & setting

A multicentre European qualitative study, based on an online survey with open-ended questions, asking PCPs for their narratives about cases when they had missed a diagnosis of cancer.

Method

Using maximum variation sampling, PCPs in 23 European countries were asked to describe what happened in a case where they were slow to think of a cancer diagnosis, and for their views on why it happened. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

A total of 158 PCPs completed the questionnaire. The main themes were as follows: patients’ descriptions did not suggest cancer; distracting factors reduced PCPs’ cancer suspicions; patients’ hesitancy delayed the diagnosis; system factors not facilitating timely diagnosis; PCPs felt that they had acted wrongly; and problems with communicating adequately.

Conclusion

The study identified six overarching themes that need to be addressed. Doing so should reduce morbidity and mortality in the small proportion of patients who have a significant, avoidable delay in their cancer diagnosis. The ‘Swiss cheese’ model of accident causation showed how the themes related to each other.
Ciência da Religião como educação superior:
Authors: Santos Oliveira Claudia Aparecida
Published: June 2023

Partindo do pressuposto de que conhecer a história da Ciência da Religião pode ajudar a entender os problemas e os desafios enfrentados pela área, este artigo, através da revisão de literatura especializada, apresenta a história da constituição e implementação dos cursos de graduação e pós-graduação no Brasil. Sem querer reconstruir pontualmente toda história, enfatizou-se o caráter educacional da área através de legislações, diretrizes e documentos específicos a fim de elucidar as exigências e as regulamentações, bem como a sua finalidade e objetivos como educação superior. O que se constatou foi que tal como não há educação sem ciência e ciência sem educação tampouco ensino sem pesquisa e vice-versa, conhecer a história dos estudos de religião e a história da Ciência da Religião é fundamental para o fazer ciência da religião.
La période et les périodoniques à l’époque impériale
Authors: Strasser Jean-Yves
Published: June 2023

Les notions de période et de périodonique restent controversées. La théorie la plus courante est celle de L. Robert. Il considérait que la période ancienne (Olympia, Pythia, Isthmia, Nemea) s’était élargie à l’époque impériale, notamment avec les créations romaines (Aktia de Nicopolis, Sebasta de Naples, Kapetôlia de Rome). La documentation actuelle ne permet pas d’étayer cette idée. Au contraire, les palmarès comme l’étude des titres et de la phraséologie de certaines inscriptions en l’honneur de vainqueurs montrent que la période n’a sans doute pas subi de modifications avant le milieu du IIe siècle, sauf pour les artistes. Pour ceux-ci, une période spécifique a été créée, où les Hèraia d’Argos remplacent les Olympia de Pise, dépourvus d’épreuves artistiques. Après la création des Eusebeia de Pouzzoles, les Kapetôlia, les Sebasta, le nouveau concours campanien et les Aktia forment une nouvelle période, qui ne remplaça jamais l’ancienne.
Aelius Rufus Ianuarius, curateur et avocat du fisc en Afrique au IIIe siècle
Authors: Dupuis Xavier
Published: June 2023

L’inscription de Lambèse, CIL, VIII, 2757, a été érigée en l’honneur d’un notable local nommé Aelius Rufus Ianuarius, uir egregius et avocat du fisc, dont la carrière équestre était difficilement compréhensible. Un nouvel examen du texte montre que le personnage ne fut certainement jamais en poste à Timgad, où aucune procuratèle n’est attestée, comme on l’admettait depuis L. Renier et Th. Mommsen, mais plutôt auprès d’un responsable ad annonam en Afrique. En revanche, il fut bien curateur de la cité de Lambèse à une date comprise entre le règne de Gallien et celui de Dioclétien. Avec d’autres, cette inscription témoigne du maintien des cadres administratifs du Haut-Empire jusqu’aux années 280-290 environ, mais aussi de l’évolution de la curatelle de cité, mission impériale finalement devenue au IVe siècle le sommet de la carrière municipale.