bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catching Up of Latecomer Economies in ICT for Sustainable Development: An Analysis Based on Technology Life Cycle Using Patent Data
Authors: Zhang Na , Sun Chao , Xu Min , Wang Xuemei , Deng Jia
Published: June 2023

In the digital economy era, ICT plays a vital role in supporting the sustainable and high-quality development of latecomer economies. Using technology life cycle analysis and patent data from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (1960–2014), this study analyzed the catching-up characteristics of latecomer economies (with the US as the first mover), including take-off time, growth time, growth rate, and ceiling values in nine sub-fields of information and communication technology (ICT). We applied the logistic and bi-logistic model to reveal the sequence of technological development and growth speed of different economies in different ICT sub-fields. The results show that European economies (Great Britain, France, and Germany) and the US developed first, followed by Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, with China (Mainland) coming later; Asian economies (Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China (Mainland)) displayed synchronous development strategies, while European economies displayed non-synchronous development strategies. Asian economies are catching up with the US, whereas European economies are standing still both in imitation and indigenous processes. Korea and Taiwan prioritized catching up with a few sub-fields in the indigenous process. Finally, we analyzed the technological convergence among economies in their catching-up processes and proposed policy implications for the sustainable development of ICT latecomers.
New Applications of the Sălăgean Quantum Differential Operator for New Subclasses of q-Starlike and q-Convex Functions Associated with the Cardioid Domain
Authors: Al-Shaikh Suha B.
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we define a new family of q-starlike and q-convex functions related to the cardioid domain utilizing the ideas of subordination and the Sălăgean quantum differential operator. The primary contribution of this article is the derivation of a sharp inequality for the newly established subclasses of q-starlike and q-convex functions in the open unit disc U. For this novel family, bounds of the first two Taylor–Maclaurin coefficients, the Fekete–Szegö-type functional, and coefficient inequalities are studied. Furthermore, we also investigate some new results for the inverse function belonging to the classes of q-starlike and q-convex functions. The results presented in this article are sharp. To draw connections between the early and present findings, several well-known corollaries are also highlighted. Symmetric quantum calculus operator theory can be used to investigate the symmetry properties of this new family of functions.
Investigation of the Structural Dependence of the Cyclical Thermal Aging of Low-Voltage PVC-Insulated Cables
Authors: Bal Semih , Tamus Zoltán Ádám
Published: June 2023

The increasing penetration of distributed generation sources in low-voltage distribution grids, electric vehicles, and new appliances from the consumer side can generate short repetitive overloads on the low-voltage cable network. This work investigates the change in the dielectric properties of low-voltage cable insulation caused by short-term overloads, examining how the cable structure affects the dielectric characteristics of the cable specimens in the case of cyclic short-term thermal aging. PVC-insulated low-voltage cable samples were exposed to an accelerated aging test in a temperature-controlled oven after changing their structures by removing different layers. Three aging cycles, each of six hours, were applied to the samples. After each cycle, the tan δ and capacitance were measured by an Omicron DIRANA Dielectric Response Analyzer in the laboratory at room temperature 24 ± 0.5 °C. Furthermore, the polarization and depolarization currents were also studied. The results show that changing the cable structure impacts the dielectric parameters; in particular, the effect of the belting layer is significant. From the point of view of aging, the PVC belting layer protects the diffusion of the plasticizers of the inner structure. The findings of the study show that an asymmetric aging phenomenon can be observed in different polymeric components of the cables, even though the cables were aged in an air-circulated oven ensuring a homogeneous temperature distribution in the samples.
Multi-Object Detection and Tracking Using Reptile Search Optimization Algorithm with Deep Learning
Authors: Alagarsamy Ramachandran , Muneeswaran Dhamodaran
Published: June 2023

Multiple-Object Tracking (MOT) has become more popular because of its commercial and academic potential. Though various techniques were devised for managing this issue, it becomes a challenge because of factors such as severe object occlusions and abrupt appearance changes. Tracking presents the optimal outcomes whenever the object moves uniformly without occlusion and in the same direction. However, this is generally not a real scenario, particularly in complicated scenes such as dance events or sporting where a greater number of players are tracked, moving quickly, varying their speed and direction, along with distance and position from the camera and activity they are executing. In dynamic scenes, MOT remains the main difficulty due to the symmetrical shape, structure, and size of the objects. Therefore, this study develops a new reptile search optimization algorithm with deep learning-based multiple object detection and tracking (RSOADL–MODT) techniques. The presented RSOADL–MODT model intends to recognize and track the objects that exist with position estimation, tracking, and action recognition. It follows a series of processes, namely object detection, object classification, and object tracking. At the initial stage, the presented RSOADL–MODT technique applies a path-augmented RetinaNet-based (PA–RetinaNet) object detection module, which improves the feature extraction process. To improvise the network potentiality of the PA–RetinaNet method, the RSOA is utilized as a hyperparameter optimizer. Finally, the quasi-recurrent neural network (QRNN) classifier is exploited for classification procedures. A wide-ranging experimental validation process takes place on DanceTrack and MOT17 datasets for examining the effectual object detection outcomes of the RSOADL–MODT algorithm. The simulation values confirmed the enhancements of the RSOADL–MODT method over other DL approaches.
Meet-in-the-Middle Differential Fault Analysis on ITUbee Block Cipher
Authors: Kang Yongze , Yu Qingyuan , Qin Lingyue , Zhang Guoyan
Published: June 2023

Differential fault analysis (DFA) was introduced by Biham and Shamir. It is a powerful analysis technique to retrieve the secret key by injecting fault into an internal state and utilizing the differences between the correct ciphertexts and the faulty ciphertexts. Based on the idea of meet-in-the-middle, some differential characters can help to recover the key of some symmetric ciphers. At CHES 2011, this technique was utilized to give analyses on AES. In this article, we propose several DFA schemes on ITUbee, a software-oriented block symmetric cipher for resource-constrained devices based on the meet-in-the-middle idea. Our attacks are efficient enough and more powerful than previous works. Furthermore, the attacks in this article break the protection countermeasure, meaning we have to review the protection method on devices for ITUbee.
Forecasting per Capita Energy Consumption in China Using a Spatial Discrete Grey Prediction Model
Authors: Wang Huiping , Zhang Zhun
Published: June 2023

To overcome the limitations of the present grey models in spatial data analysis, a spatial weight matrix is incorporated into the grey discrete model to create the SDGM(1,1,m) model, and the L1-SDGM(1,1,m) model is proposed, considering the time lag effect to realize the simultaneous forecasting of spatial data. The validation of the SDGM(1,1,m) and L1-SDGM(1,1,m) models is achieved, and finally, the per capita energy consumption levels (PCECs) of 30 provinces in China from 2020 to 2025 is predicted using SDGM(1,1,m) with a metabolic mechanism. We draw the following conclusions. First, the SDGM(1,1,m) and L1-SDGM(1,1,m) models established in this paper are reasonable and improve forecasting accuracy while supporting interactive regional forecasting. Second, although SDGM(1,1,m) resembles the DGM(1,n) model, their modeling conditions and targets are different. Third, the SDGM(1,1,m) and L1-SDGM(1,1,m) models can be used to effectively analyze the spatial spillover effects within the selected modeling interval while achieving accurate predictions; notably, from 2010 to 2017, the PCECs of Inner Mongolia and Qinghai were most affected by spatial factors, while the PCECs of Jilin, Jiangxi, and other provinces were influenced little by spatial factors. Fourth, predictions indicate that the PCECs of most Chinese provinces will increase under the current grey conditions, while the PCECs of provinces such as Beijing are expected to decrease.
Fluorescent Imaging Agents for Brain Diseases
Authors: Che Feida , Zhao Xiaoming , Wang Xin , Li Ping , Tang Bo
Published: June 2023

The onset of brain diseases has a terrible impact on people’s lives, including brain tumors, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, and schizophrenia. Thus, the diagnosis and treatment of various brain disorders have been receiving specific attention. The fluorescence imaging technique is useful for examining brain diseases because it is intuitive, in situ, and real-time. Therefore, fluorescent imaging has so far been successfully employed to identify molecules associated with brain disease. In this review, the last five years of research advancements in fluorescent imaging agents for the above diseases are summarized, and the creation of pertinent fluorescence probes is described and prospected.
Combining Nanopore Sequencing with Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Enables Identification of Dinoflagellates from the Alexandrium Genus, Providing a Rapid, Field Deployable Tool
Authors: Hatfield Robert G. , Ryder David , Tidy Annabel M. , Hartnell David M. , Dean Karl J. , Batista Frederico M.
Published: June 2023

The armoured dinoflagellate Alexandrium can be found throughout many of the world’s temperate and tropical marine environments. The genus has been studied extensively since approximately half of its members produce a family of potent neurotoxins, collectively called saxitoxin. These compounds represent a significant threat to animal and environmental health. Moreover, the consumption of bivalve molluscs contaminated with saxitoxin poses a threat to human health. The identification of Alexandrium cells collected from sea water samples using light microscopy can provide early warnings of a toxic event, giving harvesters and competent authorities time to implement measures that safeguard consumers. However, this method cannot reliably resolve Alexandrium to a species level and, therefore, is unable to differentiate between toxic and non-toxic variants. The assay outlined in this study uses a quick recombinase polymerase amplification and nanopore sequencing method to first target and amplify a 500 bp fragment of the ribosomal RNA large subunit and then sequence the amplicon so that individual species from the Alexandrium genus can be resolved. The analytical sensitivity and specificity of the assay was assessed using seawater samples spiked with different Alexandrium species. When using a 0.22 µm membrane to capture and resuspend cells, the assay was consistently able to identify a single cell of A. minutum in 50 mL of seawater. Phylogenetic analysis showed the assay could identify the A. catenella, A. minutum, A. tamutum, A. tamarense, A. pacificum, and A. ostenfeldii species from environmental samples, with just the alignment of the reads being sufficient to provide accurate, real-time species identification. By using sequencing data to qualify when the toxic A. catenella species was present, it was possible to improve the correlation between cell counts and shellfish toxicity from r = 0.386 to r = 0.769 (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, a McNemar’s paired test performed on qualitative data highlighted no statistical differences between samples confirmed positive or negative for toxic species of Alexandrium by both phylogenetic analysis and real time alignment with the presence or absence of toxins in shellfish. The assay was designed to be deployed in the field for the purposes of in situ testing, which required the development of custom tools and state-of-the-art automation. The assay is rapid and resilient to matrix inhibition, making it suitable as a potential alternative detection method or a complementary one, especially when applying regulatory controls.
Poisonous Plants of the Genus Pimelea: A Menace for the Australian Livestock Industry
Authors: Saleem Rashid , Bajwa Ali Ahsan , Campbell Shane , Fletcher Mary T. , Kalaipandian Sundaravelpandian , Adkins Steve W.
Published: June 2023

Pimelea is a genus of about 140 plant species, some of which are well-known for causing animal poisoning resulting in significant economic losses to the Australian livestock industry. The main poisonous species/subspecies include Pimelea simplex (subsp. simplex and subsp. continua), P. trichostachya and P. elongata (generally referred to as Pimelea). These plants contain a diterpenoid orthoester toxin, called simplexin. Pimelea poisoning is known to cause the death of cattle (Bos taurus and B. indicus) or weaken surviving animals. Pimelea species are well-adapted native plants, and their diaspores (single seeded fruits) possess variable degrees of dormancy. Hence, the diaspores do not generally germinate in the same recruitment event, which makes management difficult, necessitating the development of integrated management strategies based on infestation circumstances (e.g., size and density). For example, the integration of herbicides with physical control techniques, competitive pasture establishment and tactical grazing could be effective in some situations. However, such options have not been widely adopted at the field level to mitigate ongoing management challenges. This systematic review provides a valuable synthesis of the current knowledge on the biology, ecology, and management of poisonous Pimelea species with a focus on the Australian livestock industry while identifying potential avenues for future research.
State-of-the-Art Plant Virus Research in Australasia
Authors: Wylie Steve , Habili Nuredin
Published: June 2023

The Special Issue ‘State-of-the-Art Plant Virus Research in Australasia’ in Viruses provided a fascinating snapshot of plant and fungus virus research being undertaken in Australasia during the final year of the official COVID-19 pandemic [...]
Advances in Structural Virology via Cryo-EM in 2022
Authors: Schoehn Guy , Chenavier Florian , Crépin Thibaut
Published: June 2023

In recent years, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has emerged as an important standalone technique within structural biology [...]
Unusual Case of Biliary Peritonitis in a Dog Secondary to a Gastric Perforation
Authors: Pavone Giovanni , Castellucci Barbara , Pavone Silvia , Stefanetti Valentina , Vitolo Chiara , Mangiaterra Sara
Published: June 2023

Biliary peritonitis is a pathological condition representing a medical emergency with a high risk of mortality. This condition is reported in both human and veterinary medicine following biliary tract rupture, extrahepatic biliary obstructions, gallbladder rupture, trauma, or duodenal perforation. In this report, the first-ever case of biliary peritonitis due to gastric perforation in a Bobtail purebred dog is described, which was probably induced by the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). After an elective splenectomy and castration, the dog was referred to our hospital for medical management for inappetence, mental depression, and multiple episodes of gastric vomits with traces of blood. Clinical diagnostic tests showed the presence of biliary peritonitis. Due to worsening clinical conditions, the patient was subjected to euthanasia. Macroscopic examination showed a free brownish abdominal effusion and the presence of perforating ulcer of the stomach pylorus region.
Design Optimization of Hydraulic Machinery Based on ISIGHT Software: A Review of Methods and Applications
Authors: Tian Fei , Yang Chen , Zhang Erfeng , Sun Dehua , Shi Weidong , Chen Yonghua
Published: June 2023

Optimizing hydraulic machinery is a critical research area within the field of fluid mechanics, aiming to enhance product design efficiency and improve performance while reducing development time. The application of intelligent algorithms and combinatorial optimization strategies has become increasingly prevalent in this domain, providing a comprehensive understanding of optimization-related theoretical developments. Recently, the emergence of ISIGHT software as a new technology for software integration platforms has opened new avenues for optimization in hydraulic machinery. By leveraging intelligent algorithms and combinatorial optimization strategies, ISIGHT software provides a comprehensive framework for optimizing hydraulic machinery. This paper serves as an introduction to ISIGHT software, highlighting its advantages in addressing optimization problems. It presents a detailed examination of the process and technology involved in hydraulic machinery optimization based on ISIGHT software, along with its practical application. Furthermore, the paper summarizes the future development trends of ISIGHT software, offering engineers a theoretical foundation and reference for optimizing hydraulic machinery performance. Overall, this paper provides a valuable contribution to the field of hydraulic machinery optimization, showcasing the potential of ISIGHT software.
Nitrogen Contribution Rate of Anammox in Different Systems and Its Relationship with Environmental Factors
Authors: Wei Chunzhong , Zhang Wenjie
Published: June 2023

Anammox bacteria can remove ammonium directly, which is different from what was previously believed. This is an important process for the global nitrogen cycle. Anammox bacteria were first identified in sewage treatment systems and were later proven to exist widely in natural ecosystems. To better understand the relationship between the anammox reaction and different systems, and to maintain the stability of the nitrogen cycle, anammox functional microorganisms found in different natural environments were summarized. In addition, anammox nitrogen production rate and the contribution of anammox to nitrogen were discussed under different ecological environments. A literature analysis showed that the contribution rate of nitrogen removal of anammox was the highest in the Terrestrial ecosystem, up to 87.5%. The Terrestrial ecosystem is more likely to form an anoxic or even anaerobic environment conducive to anaerobic ammoxidation. Therefore, the control of DO is an important factor in the activity of anaerobic ammoxidation. Other environmental factors affecting the contribution of anammox to nitrogen removal include temperature, pH, organic matter content, inorganic nitrogen concentration, and salinity. However, the dominant influencing factors of anammox reactions in different ecosystems are evidently different. Therefore, the mechanism of the impact of different environmental factors on the anaerobic ammonia oxidation process is necessary to discuss. This provides a scientific basis for the global nitrogen cycle and is of great significance to improve nitrogen’s biogeochemical cycle in the ecosystem.
Effects of Silicon Application and Groundwater Level in a Subirrigation System on Yield of a Three-Cut Meadow
Authors: Kocięcka Joanna , Liberacki Daniel , Kupiec Jerzy Mirosław , Stróżecki Marcin , Dłużewski Paweł
Published: June 2023

The increasing demand for food and animal products makes it important to ensure that animals have sufficient fodder obtained from grassland. Unfortunately, there has been a recent decline in grassland areas, which makes it essential to find solutions to increase the grassland’s productivity and the quality of the fodder it yields. One of these solutions may be the use of appropriate irrigation and fertilization. The present study investigated the effect of the foliar application of silicon fertilizer and the groundwater level in a subirrigation system on the yield of a three-cut meadow. Four different experimental plots were used: high groundwater level (HWL), high groundwater level with silicon application (HWL_Si), lower groundwater level (LWL), and lower groundwater level with silicon application (LWL_Si). The analyses showed that silicon significantly reduced the amount of dry matter obtained in each of the three meadow cuts during the year. Furthermore, the plot with a higher groundwater level had an annual yield of 12.69 Mg·ha−1, whereas when silicon was applied to this area, it was 10.43 Mg·ha−1 (17.8% reduction in dry matter). A similar trend was noted at lower water levels, in which silicon also caused a dry matter reduction. However, the experiment did not indicate a statistically significant effect of silicon application on plant height and NDVI values. These results show that further research is still needed to better understand silicon’s effect on meadow sward.
Effects of Climate Change on Surface Runoff and Soil Moisture in the Source Region of the Yellow River
Authors: Si Jianhua , Li Jianming , Lu Sujin , Qi Xuejiao , Zhang Xiuzhi , Bao Wenjin , Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhou Shipeng , Jin Cheng , Qi Lijuan , Qi Yue , Zheng Xiaojing , Gong Yanhong , Wang Zhanqing
Published: June 2023

The impact of climate change on surface runoff and soil moisture in the source region of the Yellow River is analyzed, which will provide a scientific basis for the rational use and protection of water resources in the source area. In this paper, the SWAT hydrological model was coupled with the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) to predict future changes in surface runoff and soil moisture in the source region of the Yellow River. The prediction of surface runoff and soil moisture in the Yellow River Basin was analyzed by a linear regression model. The SWAT model rate had a calibration period R2 of 0.876 and a validation period R2 of 0.972. The trend of surface runoff and annual mean temperature in the source region of the Yellow River from 2011 to 2022 showed an overall increasing trend, and soil moisture showed a general decreasing trend. 2011–2022 trends between surface runoff and annual mean temperature in the source region of the Yellow River showed a highly significant difference, indicating that surface runoff flow was significantly influenced by temperature. The difference between the trends in soil moisture and the annual mean temperature was highly significant. The surface runoff fluctuated greatly in different years, and the surface runoff changed greatly in different scenarios of CMIP5 (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5). For all three climate change scenarios, the surface runoff displayed a downward trend. The surface runoff showed a similar uneven distribution for all scenarios on a yearly cycle. Under the three climate scenarios, the runoff was highest between May and August, with a slowly increasing trend from January to April and a slightly decreasing trend from September to December. The interannual and interannual distribution of soil water was basically consistent with the distribution of surface runoff, and there was an overall trend in the length of all soil water reduction scenarios. Surface runoff and soil moisture are and will be greatly affected by climate change (mainly temperature and precipitation). Under the three climate scenarios, the precipitation increases to some extent, but the surface runoff and soil moisture will both decrease, which may be attributed to the greater evaporation than the precipitation.
A Digital Twin Dam and Watershed Management Platform
Authors: Park DongSoon , You Hojun
Published: June 2023

This paper presents an innovative digital twin dam and watershed management platform, K-Twin SJ, that utilizes real-time data and simulation models to support decision-making for flood response and water resource management. The platform includes a GIS-based geospatial digital twin of the entire Sumjin dam and river water system in Korea, with high-precision geospatial topography and facility information for dams and rivers (watershed area 4913 km2, river length 173 km, and 91 water infrastructures). The platform synchronizes real-time data such as rainfall, dam and river water levels, flow rate, and closed-circuit television (CCTV), and incorporates three hydraulic and hydrological simulation models for efficient dam operation considering the river conditions. AI technology is also used to predict the river water level and suggest optimal dam discharge scenarios. Additionally, the platform includes a geotechnical safety evaluation module for river levees, advanced drone monitoring for dams and rivers, and an AI CCTV video surveillance function. The digital-twin-based platform supports efficient decision-making for smart flood responses and contributes to reducing flooding damage and optimal operation through better smart water management.
Change and Driving Factor Analysis of Eco-Environment of Typical Lakes in Arid Areas
Authors: Guo Wenjie , Jiao Ayong , Wang Wenqi , Chen Chaoqun , Ling Hongbo , Yan Junjie , Chen Fulong
Published: June 2023

In arid regions with scarce water resources, lakes play an extremely vital role in maintaining the ecological environment. Therefore, the Chinese government has launched an ecological water conveyance project in the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang with the aim of restoring the ecological environment of the area. In previous studies, there was no complete evaluation system used to quantify changes in the ecological environment of arid regions after ecological water conveyance. In this paper, Lake Taitema was selected as the study area, which is both a terminal lake in the Tarim River basin and an object of the ecological water conveyance project. This study utilized Landsat TM/OLI satellite remote sensing images and MODIS datasets to build a remote sensing ecological index model and systematically evaluated the changes in the ecological environment and land use types in the Taitema Lake area. A structural equation model was constructed to analyze the correlation between the area of Taitema Lake and its driving factors. The results show that over the selected 20 years, the proportion of pixels with an upward trend (Zc > 0) of the RSEI was 56.5%, while the proportion of pixels with a downward trend (Zc < 0) of the RSEI was 43.5%. The area proportion of regions with poor ecological environment quality decreased by about 40%, and the area proportions of regions with moderate, good, and excellent ecological environment quality increased by 29.7%, 10%, and 0.6%, respectively. By comparing the land use data from 2000 and 2020, the proportion of grassland increased by 6%, the proportion of water area increased by 4.4%, and the proportion of unused land decreased by 9.6%. In summary, after the implementation of the ecological water conveyance project, the ecological environment quality of the Lake Taitema area gradually improved, and ecological water conveyance was the main driving factor of the area change in Lake Taitema.
Runoff Simulation under the Effects of the Modified Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) Model in the Jiyun River Basin
Authors: Li Zhaoguang , Jian Shan , Gu Rui , Sun Jun
Published: June 2023

Few studies have been conducted to simulate watersheds with insufficient meteorological and hydrological information. The Jiyun River watershed was selected as the study area. A suitable catchment area threshold was determined by combining the river network density method with the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) models, which was driven using the CMADS dataset (China Meteorological Assimilation Driving Datasets for the SWAT model). Monthly runoff simulations were conducted for the basin from 2010 to 2014, and the calibration and validation of model parameters were completed with observed data. The results showed that the final expression for the density of the river network in the Jiyun River basin as a function of density (y) and the catchment area threshold (x) was obtained as y = 926.782x−0.47717. The “inflection point” of the exponential function was the optimal catchment area threshold. The catchment area threshold had an upper and lower limit of the applicable range and was related to the percentage of the total basin area. The simulation results would be affected if the threshold values were outside the suitable scope. When the catchment area was 1.42% of the entire watershed area, increasing the threshold value had less effect on the runoff simulation results; decreasing the threshold value would cause the simulation results to be unstable. When the catchment area reached 1.42% to 2.33% of the total watershed area, the simulation results were in good agreement with the observed values; the coefficient of determination (R2) and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) were more significant than 0.79 and 0.78 for the calibration periods evaluation index. Both were greater than 0.77 and 0.76 for the validation period, which met the evaluation requirements of the model. The results showed that the CMADS-driven SWAT model applied to the runoff simulation and the river network density method adoption to determine the catchment area threshold provided a theoretical basis for a reasonable sub-basin division in the Jiyun River basin.
Evaluating Surface Water Nitrogen Pollution via Visual Clustering in Megacity Chengdu
Authors: Ding Yao , Wang Yin , Yang Shuming , Zhao Xiaolong , Ouyang Lili , Lai Chengyue
Published: June 2023

The current standards used for nitrogen pollution evaluation are lacking, and scientific classification methods are needed for nitrogen pollution to improve water quality management capabilities. This study addresses the important issue of assessing surface water nitrogen pollution by utilizing two advanced multivariate statistical techniques: self-organizing maps (SOMs) obtained using the K-means algorithm and the Hasse diagram technique (HDT). The research targets of this study are the rivers of the megacity Chengdu, China. Samples were collected on a monthly basis in 2017–2020 from different sites along the rivers, and their nitrogen pollution parameters were determined. The grouping of nitrogen pollution parameters and the clustering of sampling events using SOMs facilitate the preprocessing required for the HDT, wherein clusters are ordered according to the pre-clustered water sampling events. The results indicate that nitrogen pollution in the Chengdu River Basin, which is prominent and mainly driven by nitrate nitrogen, can be categorized into five levels. The nitrogen pollution in Tuo River is serious. Although the degree of ammonia nitrogen pollution in Jin River is higher, the pollution range is smaller. Furthermore, these results were evaluated by the SOMs and HDT to be clear and reliable. Overall, these findings can provide a basis for local environmental legislation.
New Insight into Magnetic Enhanced Methane Production from Oily Sludge via Mesophilic Anaerobic Degradation Processes
Authors: Liu Jieying , Bi Zhigao
Published: June 2023

Anaerobic digestion is a promising technology for treating and disposing of oily sludge, but the presence of oil in the sludge reduces methane production and sludge volume reduction. To overcome this limitation, this study creatively reports the use of magnetite to enhance methane production in oily sludge mesophilic anaerobic digestion and elucidates the underlying mechanism. Results show that the addition of magnetite increases methane production, with a 5% magnetite content leading to a 1.42-fold increase in cumulative methane output compared to the blank. Mechanistically, magnetite accelerates the release of organic matter, promotes oil degradation, increases volatile fatty acids (VFA) accumulation, and reduces the proportion of propionate. Additionally, magnetite alleviates pH decreases and increases the release of ammonia nitrogen and phosphate, resulting in effective sludge reduction, with volatile suspended solids (VSS) reduction ranging from 26.9% to 32.6%, higher than that of the blank. Moreover, magnetite accelerates electron transfer and increased the relative abundance of microorganisms associated with methane production, with the relative abundance of Methanosarcina increasing to 37.6~38.5% due to the presence of magnetite. This study provides a theoretical framework for effectively utilizing oily sludge through the application of magnetite.
Monitoring of Microbial Contamination of Groundwater in the Upper Choluteca River Basin, Honduras
Authors: Mendoza Keylin , Ortiz Bryan , Rivera Luis , Peña Tania , Chirinos-Escobar Marcio , Enríquez Lourdes , Maldonado Victoria , Fontecha Gustavo
Published: June 2023

Water can act as a vector for several microbes with significant pathogenic potential for both humans and animals. Waterborne infections are a critical public health concern as they cause more than 3.4 million deaths annually. Total and thermotolerant coliforms and intestinal enterococci have traditionally been used to assess the quality and suitability of drinking water. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of groundwater from six sub-basins located in the upper Choluteca River basin in Honduras and to determine the E. coli phylogroups isolated in these samples. Our findings show high rates of fecal contamination, which suggests that the groundwater in the basin is unsafe for human consumption. Phylogroups B1 and D were the most frequent among 99 E. coli isolates, while C and F were the least frequent phylogroups. Measures must be taken to raise awareness about sanitation and good practices for the management of household waste as well as the waste generated by agro-industrial activity and livestock.
Evaluation of Water Saving and Economy Impact for Tax Reform Policy Using CGE Model with Integrated Multiple Types of Water
Authors: Shan Shihao , Ni Hongzhen , Lin Xichen , Chen Genfa
Published: June 2023

As one of the important policy measures to promote water conservation and efficient utilization, the evaluation of water resources tax reform policy regarding its water saving and economic impact (WSEI) is a fundamental prerequisite for policy implementation. In this study, multiple types of water production modules, including surface water, groundwater, and unconventional water, were integrated into a CGE model. Hebei Province, the first pilot area in China, was used as a case study. Through a “with–without” comparative analysis scenario, three water resources tax policy simulations were designed to address the three key issues, and the results showed that the implementation of water resources tax policy would have a certain negative impact on industry economic output in the short term, but it could effectively suppress the use of conventional water and promote the utilization of unconventional water, which is beneficial for long-term water resource conservation and sustainability. The imposition of higher differential tax rates on high water-consuming industries is more effective in further promoting the use of unconventional water and reducing the use of conventional water to achieve water conservation targets. Moreover, providing tax refunds as subsidies to water-using industries could alleviate the economic impact of water resources tax and promote water conservation. From the perspectives of water quantity, water use efficiency, and economic impact, the optimal policy scenario (S3) was selected, involving implementing differential water resources tax rates of 23% for high water-consuming industries and 18% for general water-consuming industries, coupled with tax refunds and subsidies for sectors. Based on this, corresponding recommendations in terms of differential tax rate setting, tax utilization, government regulation, and agricultural water resources tax collection were provided. These findings can offer a scientific reference for the formulation and implementation of water resources tax policies in other regions.
Climate Change and Hydrological Response in the Ranwu Lake Basin of Southeastern Tibet Plateau
Authors: Cui Yingying , Zhu Liping , Ju Jianting , Luo Lun , Wang Yongjie
Published: June 2023

It is of great practical significance to accurately distinguish the different water supply sources of rivers and lakes under climate change for regional water resources utilization. This study examines the impact of climate change on the hydrological processes of the Ranwu Lake basin in the southeastern Tibet Plateau. The authors used China Meteorological Forcing Dataset (CMFD) historical data, CanESM5′s future climate predictor, and the SPHY model to analyze trends in temperature, precipitation, and water supply sources in the basin. The study found that warming in the basin was higher than that in the Tibet Plateau, with high-altitude areas and winter showing more significant warming. From 1998 to 2018, precipitation in the basin showed a trend of fluctuation and decline. The study also found that glacial meltwater accounted for the majority of total runoff in the basin (54.13%), while snow meltwater, rainfall, and baseflow accounted for about 22.98%, 11.84%, and 11.06%, respectively, on average in recent years. The total runoff in the Ranwu Lake Basin will continue to decrease due to the accelerating retreat of glaciers, with the hydrological process transforming from being dominated by glacier processes to rain–snow processes. The study also predicts that three-quarters of glaciers in the basin will vanish within the next forty years, and by 2100, only around 20% of glaciers will remain.
Agricultural Practices for Hillslope Erosion Mitigation: A Case Study in Morocco
Authors: Vianney Nsabiyumva Jean Marie , Apollonio Ciro , Castelli Giulio , Petroselli Andrea , Sabir Mohamed , Preti Federico
Published: June 2023

In the last decades, the Rif area in Morocco has been frequently affected by soil erosion due to intense rainfall events. In order to help farmers improve their lives and avoid damages caused by this phenomenon, a management project (the MCA Project) aiming to grow fruit trees has been realized. The objective of this study was to evaluate, in three provinces of Morocco, the effect on the hydrological response of selected erosion control management techniques combined with olive tree plantations. The investigated variables were the final infiltration (If), the imbibition of rainwater (Pi), the runoff coefficient (Kr), and the soil detachment (D). In particular, for each investigated soil utilization, three replications of a rain simulation test (80 mm/h) and soil sampling were conducted. Results for surface conditions demonstrate that under vegetation in matorral and fallow, the surface is covered at more than 75% with a high content of organic matter (OM) at 4.5% and 2.6%, respectively. Despite the compaction observed in those land uses, the surface area opened exceeded 90% in the study area. Regarding the soils physical properties, they were rich in silt at more than 40%; the rate of porosity is high where bulk density is low. At the Taounate site, low porosity was at 62% in fallow and at 55% in plowing, with high densities of 1.01 g/cm2 and 1.2 g/cm2, respectively. Tests also demonstrate that vegetation has an important role in moisture conservation in the depths of 0 to 10 cm at all sites with macroagregate stability (MA%) compared to plowing sites. In terms of soil hydrology, vegetation reduces the runoff because, under matorral (it was at 0%), it avoids soil erosion.
Portable Amperometric Glucose Detection based on NiS/CuS Nanorods Integrated with a Smartphone Device
Authors: Zhao Heyu , Qu Kaige , Yin Haoyong , Wang Ling , Zheng Yifan , Zhao Shumin , Wu Shengji
Published: June 2023

Glucose detection is particularly important for clinical diagnosis and personal prevention and control. Herein, the smartphone-based amperometric glucose sensors were constructed using the NiS/CuS nanorods (NRs) as sensing electrodes. The NiS/CuS NRs were prepared through a facile hydrothermal process accompanied by the subsequent vulcanization treatment. The morphological and structural properties of NiS/CuS NRs were characterized with SEM, EDS, XRD, and XPS. Electrochemical measurements including cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy display that NiS/CuS NRs can act as highly efficient electrocatalyst for glucose detection. The NiS/CuS NRs electrodes present a wide detection range of 1–8000 μM for glucose sensing with the sensitivity of 956.38 μA·mM−1·cm−2. The detection limit was 0.35 μM (S/N=3). When employed in smartphone-based glucose sensing device, they also display a high sensitivity of 738.09 μA·mM−1·cm−2 and low detection limit of 1.67 μM. Moreover, the smartphone-based glucose sensing device also presents favorable feasibility in determination of glucose in serum samples with the recoveries ranging between 99.5 and 105.8%. The results may provide a promising viewpoint to design other new portable glucose sensors.
Insights into the Regulation of GFR by the Keap1-Nrf2 Pathway
Authors: Kidokoro Kengo , Kadoya Hiroyuki , Cherney David Z. I. , Kondo Megumi , Wada Yoshihisa , Umeno Reina , Kishi Seiji , Nagasu Hajime , Nagai Kojiro , Suzuki Takafumi , Sasaki Tamaki , Yamamoto Masayuki , Kanwar Yashpal S. , Kashihara Naoki
Published: June 2023

Key Points

Kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein with CNC homology (ECH)-associated protein 1-NF (erythroid-derived 2)–like 2 pathway increases GFR without an appreciable increase in intraglomerular pressure.

Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-NF (erythroid-derived 2)–like 2 pathway regulates GFR through changes in filtration area by modulating calcium dynamics and contractility in glomerular cells.

Background

Literature data suggest that the activation of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-NF (erythroid-derived 2)–like 2 (Nrf2) pathway increases GFR in patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD. However, the mechanisms whereby the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway regulates GFR are unknown.

Methods

Various renal physiological parameters were assessed in C57BL/6 mice (wild-type), Nrf2-deficient mice, and Nrf2-activated Keap1-knockdown mice. In addition, these parameters were assessed after the administration of receptor targeting agent (RTA) dh404 (CDDO‐dhTFEA), an Nrf2 activator.

Results

Pharmacologic and genetic Keap1-Nrf2 activation increased renal blood flow (P < 0.05), glomerular volume (P < 0.05), and GFR (P < 0.05) but did not alter the afferent-to-efferent arteriolar diameter ratio or glomerular permeability. Calcium influx into the podocytes through transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels in response to H2O2 was suppressed by Keap1-Nrf2 activation and TRPCs inhibition. Treatment with a TRPC6 and TRPC5 inhibitors increased single-nephron GFR in wild-type mice.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway regulates GFR through changes in ultrafiltration by modulating redox-sensitive intracellular calcium signaling and cellular contractility, mediated through TRPC activity, in glomerular cells, particularly the podocytes.
Clustering of Precipitation in the Black Sea Region with by Fuzzy C-Means and Silhouette Index Analysis
Authors: KIR Gürkan , ÜLKE KESKİN Aslı , ZEYBEKOĞLU Utku
Published: June 2023

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of disasters caused by the effects of global climate change. In this context, various studies are carried out in our country and in the world in order to reduce the effects of climate change. The classification of regions affected by climate change into similar classes in terms of climate parameters is important in terms of applying similar methods in studies to be carried out in these regions. Thus, a correct strategy will be determined in the studies to be carried out in order to reduce the effects of climate change. The observation records evaluated within the scope of the study were used from 31 stations in the Black Sea Region of the Turkish State Meteorological Service, covering the period between 1982 and 2020. Cluster analysis was carried out using the Fuzzy C-Means. As a result of the study, the optimum cluster among the clusters formed by Fuzzy C-Means was determined by Silhouette index analysis. The optimal number of clusters is suggested as 4.
Perilaku asertif dengan harga diri mahasiswa dalam melaksanakan pembelajaran daring
Authors: Hidayatullah Rizki Maulana , Alifah Nur
Published: June 2023

Self esteem is one factor that can inflate behavior assertive someone, with evaluation self describing how his precious and also understood he able to encourages individual competence for easy expressing himself into the area. This study was conducted in form to track the relationship between the price of behaviors assertive students during a pandemic. Used for the study sample was taken using all the people in every class with a total some 200 people. Analysis techniques the data used was pearson correlation. The result of the research is that there a positive relationship between the behaviors assertive students with the significance and value of 0.000 coefficient  0.673 obtained.
PENGUATAN IDEOLOGI PANCASILA DALAM KONTEKS PERTAHANAN DAN KEAMANAN NASIONAL
Authors: Hasbullah Hasbullah , Agustang Andi , Idrus Idham Irwansyah
Published: June 2023

Pancasila as the ideology of the Indonesian State has such an important role in building national resilience, including in the context of defense and security. Many foreign ideologies have entered and many propaganda have sprung up in society, so there is a possibility that disturbances will occur in various sectors such as social, cultural, economic, political and even in the national defense and security sector. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen Pancasila Ideology in the Context of National Defense and Security. This study uses a qualitative approach by conducting literature studies on various sources that are relevant to the research theme. The researcher conducted a text analysis and concluded the findings resulting from the analyzed literature. The results of this study indicate that the strengthening of Pancasila ideology in the context of national defense and security has a very important role in maintaining national defense and security. The values contained in Pancasila become a strong ideological foundation and can strengthen a sense of nationalism and love for the motherland.
PENINGKATAN MOTIVASI DAN HASIL BELAJAR MATERI RUANG DIMENSI TIGA DENGAN PENDEKATAN KONTEKSTUAL PESERTA DIDIK KELAS XII SEMESTER GANJIL SMAN 1 POLEWALI
Authors: Mulhayu Andi
Published: June 2023

The success of this study was indicated by an increase in students' learning motivation above 75%, an increase in learning outcomes above the KKM, and a minimum percentage of classical learning mastery of 75%.This research is classroom action research. The learning used in this research is contextual. The subjects of this study were class XII students at SMA Negeri 1 Polewali for the 2021/2022 academic year, namely 36 students. Data was collected through documentation, interviews, tests, observations, and questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and calculating the average value and percentage.Based on the research results, the percentage of learning motivation from cycle I to cycle II increased from 63.04% to 76.33% or 13.29%. There was an average increase in student learning outcomes from 72.01 to 75.32 or 3.31 points. The students' classical learning completeness increased from 68.75% to 79.41% or 10.66%.