bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing Parameter Uncertainty in a Health Policy Simulation Model Using Monte Carlo Sensitivity Methods
Authors: Wakeland Wayne , Homer Jack
Published: November 2022

We present a practical guide and step-by-step flowchart for establishing uncertainty intervals for key model outcomes in a simulation model in the face of uncertain parameters. The process starts with Powell optimization to find a set of uncertain parameters (the optimum parameter set or OPS) that minimizes the model fitness error relative to historical data. Optimization also helps in refinement of parameter uncertainty ranges. Next, traditional Monte Carlo (TMC) randomization or Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) is used to create a sample of parameter sets that fit the reference behavior data nearly as well as the OPS. Under the TMC method, the entire parameter space is explored broadly with a large number of runs, and the results are sorted for selection of qualifying parameter sets (QPS) to ensure good fit and parameter distributions that are centrally located within the uncertainty ranges. In addition, the QPS outputs are graphed as sensitivity graphs or box-and-whisker plots for comparison with the historical data. Finally, alternative policies and scenarios are run against the OPS and all QPS, and uncertainty intervals are found for projected model outcomes. We illustrate the full parameter uncertainty approach with a (previously published) system dynamics model of the U.S. opioid epidemic, and demonstrate how it can enrich policy modeling results.
Extracellular Vesicles from Bothrops jararaca Venom Are Diverse in Structure and Protein Composition and Interact with Mammalian Cells
Authors: Gonçalves-Machado Larissa , Verçoza Brunno Renato Farias , Nogueira Fábio César Sousa , Melani Rafael Donadélli , Domont Gilberto Barbosa , Rodrigues Silas Pessini , Rodrigues Juliany Cola Fernandes , Zingali Russolina Benedeta
Published: November 2022

Snake venoms are complex cocktails of non-toxic and toxic molecules that work synergistically for the envenoming outcome. Alongside the immediate consequences, chronic manifestations and long-term sequelae can occur. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) were found in snake venom. EVs mediate cellular communication through long distances, delivering proteins and nucleic acids that modulate the recipient cell’s function. However, the biological roles of snake venom EVs, including possible cross-organism communication, are still unknown. This knowledge may expand the understanding of envenoming mechanisms. In the present study, we isolated and characterized the EVs from Bothrops jararaca venom (Bj-EVs), giving insights into their biological roles. Fresh venom was submitted to differential centrifugation, resulting in two EV populations with typical morphology and size range. Several conserved EV markers and a subset of venom related EV markers, represented mainly by processing enzymes, were identified by proteomic analysis. The most abundant protein family observed in Bj-EVs was 5’-nucleotidase, known to be immunosuppressive and a low abundant and ubiquitous toxin in snake venoms. Additionally, we demonstrated that mammalian cells efficiently internalize Bj-EVs. The commercial antibothropic antivenom partially recognizes Bj-EVs and inhibits cellular EV uptake. Based on the proteomic results and the in vitro interaction assays using macrophages and muscle cells, we propose that Bj-EVs may be involved not only in venom production and processing but also in host immune modulation and long-term effects of envenoming.
Time- and Dose-Dependent Effects of Dietary Deoxynivalenol (DON) in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at Organism and Tissue Level
Authors: Koletsi Paraskevi , Wiegertjes Geert F. , Graat Elisabeth A. M. , Lyons Philip , Schrama Johan
Published: November 2022

This study with juvenile rainbow trout evaluated the effects of dietary exposure to deoxynivalenol (DON) at industrially relevant doses (up to 1.6 mg/kg) on growth performance, the liver, and the gastrointestinal tract. Fifteen groups of 30 fish each were given one of five dietary treatments in triplicate: (1) control diet (CON; DON < 100 µg/kg feed), (2) naturally DON-contaminated diet (ND1) with a DON content of 700 µg/kg in the feed, (3) ND2 with a DON content of 1200 µg/kg feed, (4) a pure DON-contaminated diet (PD1) with 800 µg/kg of DON in the feed, and (5) PD2 with DON at a concentration of 1600 µg/kg in the feed. The feeding trial lasted eight weeks: six weeks of restrictive feeding followed by two weeks of ad libitum feeding. Exposure to DON during restrictive feeding for six weeks did not affect the growth performance of trout but did lead to a reduction in retained protein in fish fed with higher doses of DON in the ND2 and PD2 groups. During the two following weeks of ad libitum feeding, feed intake was similar among all groups, but body weight gain was lower in the ND2 and PD2 groups and feed efficiency was higher in PD2 (week 8). Histopathological assessment revealed liver damage, including altered nuclear characteristics and haemorrhages, in groups fed higher doses of natural DON (ND2) after just one week of restrictive feeding. Liver damage (necrosis and haemorrhage presence in ND2) was alleviated over time (week 6) but was again aggravated after ad libitum exposure (week 8). In contrast, gastrointestinal tract damage was generally mild with only a few histopathological alterations, and the absence of an inflammatory cytokine response was demonstrated by PCR at week 8. In conclusion, ad libitum dietary exposure of rainbow trout to either natural or pure DON resulted in reduced growth (dose-dependent), while restrictive exposure revealed time-dependent effects of natural DON in terms of liver damage.
One Health: An Effective and Ethical Approach to Leptospirosis Control in Australia
Authors: Pham Hong Tham , Tran Minh-Hoang
Published: November 2022

The increasing concerns over emerging infectious diseases and potential pandemics led to the formation of One Health, a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to address the risks from human–animal–ecosystem interactions. This multi-sectoral approach is specifically important in Australia, a biodiverse country with unique flora, fauna, and many infectious diseases, including leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a relatively rare but potentially fatal zoonosis, with an attributed mortality of around 60,000 deaths per year worldwide. In recent years, sporadic cases and alarming outbreaks of leptospirosis have been notified in many states and territories of Australia, noteworthily in 2018 and 2019. The sudden outbreaks in these two years have raised a question about the possibility of a more severe menace or a potential threat to both humans and animals. Amid the fight against leptospirosis, One Health has been shown to be an excellent and ideal framework, especially in Australia, the country that has taken the lead in zoonosis control using this approach. In this review, the focus will be put on the effectiveness and ethics of One Health in leptospirosis control under the Australian setting to further advocate the implementation of this framework for many other infectious diseases.
Zoonotic RVA: State of the Art and Distribution in the Animal World
Authors: Díaz Alarcón Ricardo Gabriel , Liotta Domingo Javier , Miño Samuel
Published: November 2022

Rotavirus species A (RVA) is a pathogen mainly affecting children under five years old and young animals. The infection produces acute diarrhea in its hosts and, in intensively reared livestock animals, can cause severe economic losses. In this study, we analyzed all RVA genomic constellations described in animal hosts. This review included animal RVA strains in humans. We compiled detection methods, hosts, genotypes and complete genomes. RVA was described in 86 animal species, with 52% (45/86) described by serology, microscopy or the hybridization method; however, strain sequences were not described. All of these reports were carried out between 1980 and 1990. In 48% (41/86) of them, 9251 strain sequences were reported, with 28% being porcine, 27% bovine, 12% equine and 33% from several other animal species. Genomic constellations were performed in 80% (32/40) of hosts. Typical constellation patterns were observed in groups such as birds, domestic animals and artiodactyls. The analysis of the constellations showed RVA’s capacity to infect a broad range of species, because there are RVA genotypes (even entire constellations) from animal species which were described in other studies. This suggests that this virus could generate highly virulent variants through gene reassortments and that these strains could be transmitted to humans as a zoonotic disease, making future surveillance necessary for the prevention of future outbreaks.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Differentially Expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs in Koi Carp Infected with Koi Herpesvirus
Authors: Yang Zimin , Luo Wei , Huang Zhihong , Guo Min , He Xiaochuan , Fan Zihan , Wang Qing , Qin Qiwei , Yang Min , Lee Xuezhu
Published: November 2022

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) constitute an emerging group of ncRNAs that modulate gene expression at the transcriptional or translational level. Koi herpesvirus (KHV), also known as Cyprinus herpesvirus type 3 (CyHV-3) and characterized by high pathogenicity and high mortality, has caused substantial economic losses in the common carp and koi carp fisheries industry. In this work, we sequenced the lncRNA and mRNA of host koi carp infected with KHV. A total of 20,178 DEmRNAs were obtained, of which 5021 mRNAs were upregulated and 15,157 mRNAs were downregulated. Both KEGG pathways and GO terms were enriched in many important immune pathways. The KEGG analysis showed that DEGs were significantly enriched in many important immune pathways, such as apoptosis, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, Jak-STAT signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, and so on. Furthermore, a total of 32,697 novel lncRNA transcripts were obtained from koi carp immune tissues; 9459 of these genes were differentially expressed. Through antisense, cis-acting, and trans-acting analyses, the target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) were predicted. Gene ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses showed that the DElncRNA expression pattern was consistent with the differential mRNA expression pattern. The lncRNA–mRNA network analysis, which included many immune pathways, showed that after KHV infection, the expression of most lncRNAs and their target mRNAs were downregulated, suggesting that these lncRNAs engage in a positive regulatory relationship with their target mRNAs. Considering that many studies have shown that herpesviruses can escape the immune system by negatively regulating these immune pathways, we speculated that these lncRNAs play a significant role in KHV’s escape from host immunity. Furthermore, 10 immune-related genes and 20 lncRNAs were subsequently verified through RT–qPCR, to confirm the accuracy of the high-throughput sequencing results. In this study, we aimed to explore lncRNA functions in the immune response of lower vertebrates and provide a theoretical basis for the study of noncoding RNAs in teleosts. Therefore, exploring lncRNA expression in KHV-infected koi carp helped us better understand the biological role played by lncRNA-dependent pathways in aquaculture animal viral infection.
The Challenges and Opportunities of Next-Generation Rotavirus Vaccines: Summary of an Expert Meeting with Vaccine Developers
Authors: Chen Jessie , Grow Stephanie , Iturriza-Gómara Miren , Hausdorff William P. , Fix Alan , Kirkwood Carl D.
Published: November 2022

The 2nd Next Generation Rotavirus Vaccine Developers Meeting, sponsored by PATH and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, was held in London, UK (7–8 June 2022), and attended by vaccine developers and researchers to discuss advancements in the development of next-generation rotavirus vaccines and to consider issues surrounding vaccine acceptability, introduction, and uptake. Presentations included updates on rotavirus disease burden, the impact of currently licensed oral vaccines, various platforms and approaches for next generation rotavirus vaccines, strategies for combination pediatric vaccines, and the value proposition for novel parenteral rotavirus vaccines. This report summarizes the information shared at the convening and poses various topics worthy of further exploration.
Features of Audio-Vestibular Deficit and 3D-FLAIR Temporal Bone MRI in Patients with Herpes Zoster Oticus
Authors: Lee Jiyeon , Choi Jin Woo , Kim Chang-Hee
Published: November 2022

Herpes zoster oticus (HZO) is characterized by otalgia and erythematous vesicles in the auricle or external auditory canal. Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) can be diagnosed when facial nerve palsy is accompanied by these symptoms of HZO, and in this case, audio-vestibular symptoms such as hearing loss or dizziness often develop. Recently, 3D-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence (3D-FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been introduced in order to evaluate the inner ear structure pathology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the audio-vestibular characteristics in correlation with temporal bone MRI findings in HZO patients. From September 2018 to June 2022, 18 patients with HZO participated in the study. Thirteen patients (77%) showed high-signal intensity in the inner ear structures in 4 h post-contrast 3D-FLAIR images. In a bithermal caloric test, the lateral semicircular canal showed high signal intensity in 4 h post-contrast 3D-FLAIR images in 75% of patients with abnormal canal paresis. While the cochlea showed high signal intensity in 4 h post-contrast 3D-FLAIR images in 75% of patients with hearing loss, the vestibulo-cochlear nerve showed enhancement in post-contrast T1-weighted images in only 33% of patients with hearing loss. The present study demonstrates that audio-vestibular deficits are well-correlated with increased signal intensity of the inner ear endorgans in 4 h post contrast 3D-FLAIR MRI.
Comparisons of Viral Etiology and Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Liver Resection between Taiwan and Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen-Dinh Song-Huy , Li Wei-Feng , Liu Yueh-Wei , Wang Chih-Chi , Chen Yen-Hao , Wang Jing-Houng , Hung Chao-Hung
Published: November 2022

Epidemiologic data have suggested that etiologic variations of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exist in different geographic areas, and might be associated with different outcomes. We compared the viral etiology, clinicopathological characteristics and surgical outcomes between 706 Taiwanese and 1704 Vietnamese patients with HCC undergoing liver resection. Vietnamese patients had a significantly higher ratio of hepatitis B virus (HBV) (p < 0.001) and a lower ratio of hepatitis C virus (HCV) (p < 0.001) and non-B non-C than Taiwanese patients. Among patients with HBV or non-B non-C, the mean age was younger in Vietnam than in Taiwan (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). The HCC patients in Vietnam had significantly higher serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels (p < 0.001), larger tumors (p < 0.001), and a higher ratio of macrovascular invasion (p < 0.001) and extrahepatic metastasis (p < 0.001), compared to those in Taiwan. Patients treated in Vietnam had a higher tumor recurrent rate (p < 0.001), but no difference in overall survival was found between both groups. In subgroup analysis, the recurrent rate of HCC was the highest in patients with dual HBV/HCV, followed by HCV or HBV, and non-B non-C (p < 0.001). In conclusion, although the viral etiology and clinicopathological characteristics of HCC differed, postoperative overall survival was comparable between patients in Taiwan and Vietnam.
Lessons from Vaccine-Related Poliovirus in Israel, UK and USA
Authors: John T. Jacob , Dharmapalan Dhanya
Published: November 2022

Genetic variants of vaccine poliovirus type 2, imported from an unknown source, were detected in waste waters in Jerusalem, London and New York in early 2022. Wild poliovirus type 2 was globally eradicated in 1999, but vaccine virus type 2 continued for 16 more years; routine use of the vaccine was discontinued in 2016 and reintroduced occasionally on purpose. As an unintended consequence, type 2 vaccine virus variants (circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses, cVDPVs) that mimic wild viruses’ contagiousness and neurovirulence, have been emerging and spreading. To illustrate, in just the past four years (2018–2021), 2296 children developed cVDPV polio in 35 low-income countries. Many assume that virus transmission is via the faecal–oral route. Sustained virus transmission was documented in London and New York, in spite of high standards of sanitation and hygiene. Here, virus transmission cannot be attributed to faecal contamination of food or drinking water (for faecal–oral transmission). Hence, contagious transmission can only be explained by inhalation of droplets/aerosol containing virus shed in pharyngeal fluids (respiratory transmission), as was the classical teaching of polio epidemiology. If transmission efficiency of VDPV is via the respiratory route where hygiene is good, it stands to reason that it is the same case in countries with poor hygiene, since poor hygiene cannot be a barrier against respiratory transmission. By extrapolation, the extreme transmission efficiency of wild polioviruses must also have been due to their ability to exploit respiratory route transmission. These lessons have implications for global polio eradication. It was as a result of assuming faecal–oral transmission that eradication was attempted with live attenuated oral polio vaccine (OPV), ignoring its safety problems and very low efficacy in low-income countries. Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) is completely safe and highly efficacious in protecting children against polio, with just three routine doses. Protecting all children from polio must be the interim goal of eradication, until poliovirus circulation dies out under sustained immunisation pressure. OPV should be discontinued under cover of immunity induced by IPV to stop the emergence of new lineages of VDPVs, not only type 2, but also types 1 and 3, to expedite the completion of polio eradication.
A Case of Purpura Annularis Telangiectodes of Majocchi after Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine: Is There an Association?
Authors: Ambrogio Francesca , Laface Carmelo , Sbarra Giorgia , Filotico Raffaele , Ranieri Girolamo , Barlusconi Chiara , De Marco Aurora , Cazzato Gerardo , Bonamonte Domenico , Romita Paolo , Foti Caterina
Published: November 2022

The advent of vaccines has drastically reduced the incidence, morbidity, and mortality related to COVID-19, and with the increase in the number of vaccinated subjects, there have been reports of some adverse events, including skin reactions. In this paper, we report a clinical case of Purpura Annularis Telangiectodes of Majocchi following a third-dose administration of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Almost 30 days after the third dose, the patient presented erythematous annular patches on the lower limbs with purpuric peripheral areas and a central clearing with no other symptoms. A dermoscopic examination showed capillaritis, reddish-brown dot-clods on a coppery-red background caused by leaky capillaries. To date, the causes of Majocchi’s disease are not well-defined; in the literature, three vaccination-related cases have been reported: one after a flu vaccination and two after an anti-SARS-CoV-2 one. Dermatologists should be trained to promptly recognize these clinical manifestations after vaccination, which will likely become a common finding in daily clinical practice, especially given the large diffusion of SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations.
Histopathological Features of Myxoid Pleomorphic Liposarcoma in an African Pygmy Hedgehog (Atelerix Albiventris)
Authors: Lee Eun-Joo , Jeong Kyu-Shik
Published: November 2022

Myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma is characterized by pathological features of both pleomorphic liposarcoma and myxoid liposarcoma, as the name suggests. In this case, a myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma was observed in a 5-year-old male African pygmy hedgehog. It consisted of ~60% of the myxoid substance area with proliferating round cells and ~30% of pleomorphic neoplastic cells. The subject presented with extrapulmonary metastasis, but a good prognosis during 6 months of follow-up, which is similar to the characteristics of myxoid liposarcoma. The histopathological features of myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma may reflect the features of either myxoid liposarcoma or pleomorphic liposarcoma depending on the proportion of each histopathological feature. The proportion of the pleomorphic area and the myxoid area may offer information on the prognosis and metastasis of myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma, which will be helpful for setting up a treatment plan. Thus, analyzing the proportion of pleomorphic area and myxoid area could be suggested as one of the ways to predict clinical outcomes. In addition to the fact that this is the first case of a myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma in hedgehogs, this case is meaningful, considering the unique histopathological characteristics and rare incidence of myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma that could be important in humans as well.
Experimental Study on the Influence of Barrier Structures on Water Renewal Capacity in Slow-Flow Water Bodies
Authors: Pan Longyang , Yang Xingguo , Yang Yeong-bin , Zhou Hongwei , Jiang Rui , Cai Junyi , Li Niannian , Wang Jiamei
Published: November 2022

Artificial islands and viewing pavilions can act as barriers in slow-flow water bodies such as lakes and can be used together with water diversion projects to improve the water quality. In this study, based on the particle image velocimetry system, we carried out flume experiments to study the influence of the location and shape of barriers on the purification capacity of a slow-flow water body. We analyzed the velocity composition based on the information entropy H and the vector distributions, average velocity and water exchange rate η. The results reveal that the hydrodynamic characteristics are significantly optimized by barrier structures. η doubles if the barrier structure is reasonably designed, and it is positively correlated with the average velocity. In all cases, the highest η is recorded for a barrier shaped as a rectangular column and increases with the interaction area between the flow and structure. The water purification capacity and flow velocity gradually increase with increasing flow rate. The influence of the relative distance l between the inlet and the structure on η is non-monotonic. To achieve a higher η, the l for the rectangular column, triangular prism, and semi-cylinder should be 0.2–0.3, 0.2–0.3, and 0.3–0.55, respectively. The deflection angles and the ratio of lateral velocity to streamwise velocity of the deflection mainstream decrease with increasing l. H for the rectangular column is higher than that for other shapes. The results are of guiding significance for the layout of barrier structures and for the optimization of water landscapes in practical applications.
Assessing Transmission Losses through Ephemeral Streams: A Methodological Approach Based on the Infiltration of Treated Effluents Released into Streams
Authors: Portoghese Ivan , Brigida Silvia , Masciale Rita , Passarella Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

Climate change and anthropogenic pressures are the main drivers of the quantitative and qualitative depletion of water bodies, worldwide. Nowadays, in many urban areas, discharging effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) into surface water bodies is a management solution to face the problem of water scarcity and sustain environmental flows. Although this practice can cause some concerns in public opinion about possible ecological side-effects and impairment of quality on receiving streams, it is an important contribution to the environmental baseflow of ephemeral streams, but also to groundwater recharge, especially during dry seasons, and in semi-arid and arid regions. This latter occurs through losing reaches along the streambed, though many factors may affect the infiltration rate, such as spatial distribution of streambed sediments and bedrock or the presence of channel lining. Moving from such premises, this study focuses on the Canale Reale River, an effluent-fed stream located nearby the city of Brindisi on the south-eastern side of the Apulia Region, in Italy. The Canale Reale flows through the Torre Guaceto protected wetland, located along the Adriatic coast. It collects effluents from four WWTPs with wastewater contributing for about 16.5% of the annual volume of channel drainage (i.e., 3.82 Mm3 out of 23.02 Mm3 along its 50 km long course). Within the framework of a complex geological setting, the Canale Reale River crosses different lithologies, which implies different streambed infiltration conditions. Using the Reach Length Water Balance method (RLWB), the transmission losses between the watercourse and the underlying aquifers were investigated. Particularly, the method allowed for the estimation of a spatially-average value of the riverbed’s infiltration rate applicable to the whole river course as well as the minimum, average, and maximum potential transmission losses (TLP) from the river to the underlying groundwater systems. Combining the estimated TLP values and the Flow Duration Curve (FDC) allowed for the inferring of the Transmission Loss Duration Curves (TLDC). Finally, the water volume infiltrating during an average hydrological year was estimated to be 6.25 Mm3, 61% of which was due to treated wastewater discharge. The results obtained confirm that the practice of increasing the river flow rates with WWTP effluents reduces the dry riverbed periods, with potential improvements to the river’s ecological sustainability and relevant enhancement of groundwater recharge.
Evaporative Cooling Effect of Water-Sensitive Urban Design: Comparing a Living Wall with a Porous Concrete Pavement System
Authors: Bustami Rosmina A. , Beecham Simon , Hopeward James
Published: November 2022

Living walls are becoming a widely used water-sensitive urban design technology that can deliver various economic, social and environmental benefits. One such benefit is to cool the surrounding environment through the process of evapotranspiration. This study measured the evapotranspiration from an instrumented prototype-scale living wall and calculated the resulting evaporative cooling effect. The range of the measured evapotranspiration rates from the living wall was from 41 to 90 mL/mm per plant pot. This equated to latent heat of vaporisation values from 171 to 383 MJ/month/m2. This was then compared with the performance of a non-vegetated water-sensitive urban design technology, namely, a porous concrete pavement. For a typical summer month in a warm temperate climate, it was found that a porous concrete pavement system only had between 4 and 15% of the cooling effect of an equivalent living wall.
Path Analysis of the Main Control Factors of Transpiration in Greenhouse, Drip-Irrigated Grapes in Cold Areas of Northeast China
Authors: Pei Dongjie , Wei Xinguang , Bai Yikui , Wang Cong , Liu Ying , Jiang Senyan
Published: November 2022

To investigate the characteristics of grape transpiration water consumption and its environmental coupling mechanism in a greenhouse growing environment in cold areas of Northeast China, the dynamic monitoring of greenhouse grape sap flow and microenvironmental factors in a greenhouse was carried out for two years. Correlation analysis and path analysis were used to study the characteristics of grape transpiration environmental factors at different temporal scales (instantaneous, daily, and growth period) and the influence mechanisms on greenhouse grape transpiration. The results of correlation analysis by growth period showed that, on the instantaneous scale, the correlation between each meteorological factor and grape transpiration reached a significant level (coefficient of determination R2 ranged from 0.25 to 0.84). On the daily scale, the correlation of solar radiation (Rs) was the best except for the new growth period (R2 ranged from 0.49 to 0.89). The results of the split-fertility path analysis showed that the total effects of Rs on instantaneous transpiration were the largest at all stages of fertility, with decision coefficients (R) ranging from 0.69 to 0.90. On the daily scale, the total and direct effects of Rs on daily transpiration were the largest (R ranged from 0.70 to 0.94), except for the new growth period. The results of the whole growth period path analysis showed that Rs had the greatest effect on instantaneous transpiration, with R of 0.86. On the daily scale, Rs was also the most influential factor in grape transpiration, with R of 0.81. On the growth period scale, only air temperature (Ta) and leaf area index (LAI) were significantly correlated with transpiration (p < 0.05), and Rs had the largest total effect on transpiration with R of 0.68. To sum up, on each time scale, Rs was always the most important factor influencing grape transpiration. However, as the time scale increased, the effects of LAI and soil water content (SW) on transpiration increased while the effects of Rs, Ta, RH, and VPD on transpiration gradually decreased.
Deep Learning Methods for Predicting Tap-Water Quality Time Series in South Korea
Authors: Im Yunjeong , Song Gyuwon , Lee Junghyun , Cho Minsang
Published: November 2022

South Korea currently lacks a real-time monitoring and anomaly detection system for detecting continuous tap water quality changes from the water source to faucet and pre-diagnosing hazards that threaten tap water safety. In this study, we constructed an accurate water quality prediction model that could comprehensively cover all water treatment facilities supplying tap water nationwide and verified the model using an integrated approach. To address the uncertainty of continuously changing water quality, we collected five years (2017–2021) of hourly water quality data from 33 large water purification plants and applied various deep learning techniques to construct an optimal prediction model. We repeated water quality prediction and evaluation over the following 24 h through a time series cross-validation of an untrained dataset of the previous five months. The optimized deep learning model achieved average and maximum prediction accuracy of 98.78 and 99.98%, respectively, and showed excellent performance in terms of the root mean squared error (0.0006), mean absolute error (0.0003), and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (0.9894). Thus, deep learning technology greatly improved the accuracy and efficiency of water quality prediction. The proposed model could provide prompt and accurate water quality information for large-scale water supply facilities nationwide and improve public health through the early diagnosis of water quality anomalies.
Tidal Sediment Supply Maintains Marsh Accretion on the Yangtze Delta despite Rising Sea Levels and Falling Fluvial Sediment Input
Authors: Li Peng , Shi Benwei , Wu Guoxiang , Zhang Wenxiang , Wang Sijian , Li Long , Kong Linghao , Hu Jin
Published: November 2022

Tidal marshes are among the world’s most valuable ecosystems; however, they are increasingly threatened by rising sea levels and a decline in fluvial sediment supply. The survival of a tidal marsh under these twin threats depends upon the net input of tidal sediments, because this will determine the deposition rate. The rate of relative sea level rise currently affecting the Yangtze Delta is rapid (~4 mm/a), and the sediment discharge from the Yangtze River has decreased by >70% over recent decades. In order to improve our understanding of the response of the marshes in the turbid zone of the Yangtze Estuary to these changing environmental conditions, we measured sediment transport in and out of a tidal basin and calculated the deposition rate over eight tidal cycles covering different tidal ranges during the summer and winter seasons. The suspended sediment concentration (SSC) during the flood phase of the tidal cycle (average = 0.395 kg/m3) was markedly higher than that during the ebb (average = 0.164 kg/m3), although water transport during the flood tide was almost equivalent to that during the ebb. As a result, ~40% of the sediment inflow during the flood phase was retained within the marsh. This reason is mainly attributable to the dense marsh vegetation, which attenuates waves and currents and to which the sediments adhere. The annual deposition rate in the marsh was approximately 6.7 mm/a. These findings indicate that under the combined influence of sea level rise and river sediment supply reduction, the sediment transport through the turbidity maximum zone of the Yangtze River estuary could maintain the relative stability of the marsh area to a certain extent.
The Baltic Sea under Anthropopressure—The Sea of Paradoxes
Authors: Dobrzycka-Krahel Aldona , Bogalecka Magdalena
Published: November 2022

The Baltic Sea is a unique ecosystem that is especially sensitive to anthropogenic pressure. We analysed human pressure in this sea, which may be considered as paradoxes. One of these, is paradox of “marine” pollution. The Baltic Sea is almost totally surrounded by land and therefore sources of marine pollution are located mainly on the land. Another paradox is connected with shipping traffic intensity and maritime accidents. The Baltic Sea is characterised by the large shipping traffic, but the last decades’ data show only more than 100, usually insignificant and minor, accidents and incidents at the Baltic Sea every year. Although the Baltic Sea is characterised by a relatively low native species number compared to most marine systems, it is home to alien species. Moreover, despite the common opinion that a sea is a source of living marine resources, available riches in the Baltic Sea under anthropopressure are limited and the sea does not give expected benefits—it is the next paradox. The fact that the Baltic Sea is warming rapidly due to climate change and more suitable for bathing when the weather is favourable, massive algae growth often prevents it. Therefore, strong human impact on the Baltic Sea should be limited and sustainable use of this sea should be prioritised.
Biogas Production from Palm Oil Mill Effluent Using Dielectric Barrier Discharge Integrated with the Aerated Condition
Authors: Desmiarti Reni , Rosadi Maulana Yusup , Hazmi Ariadi , Rahman Muhammad Miftahur , Naldi Nofri , Fajri Joni Aldilla
Published: November 2022

In this study, the performance of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) with the aerated condition at discharge voltages of 15, 20, and 25 kV on the production of biogas; CH4, H2, CO, and CO2 and the removal of COD and BOD from POME were investigated. The experimental results showed that the aerated condition with a rate of 2.5 L/min at a high voltage (25 kV) produced CH4, CO, and CO2 that was 9.4, 21.5, and 19.6 times higher than the non-aerated one, respectively. The maximum cumulative volume of CH4, H2, CO, and CO2 was 95.4 ± 8.92, 0.94 ± 0.71, 3.06 ± 0.73, and 2.45 ± 0.35 mL/mg COD, respectively, under the aerated condition at 25 kV and the experimental data fit well with the polynomial regression (R2 > 95) for the initial biogas production. The decrease in COD and BOD was greatly affected by the high discharge voltage under the aerated condition, resulting in a high removal rate. These findings suggest that good performance was observed when the DBD was integrated with the aerated condition under the optimum discharge voltage. The study can give information on the optimum condition in a laboratory scale to produce CH4, H2, CO, and CO2, as well as the reduction of organic pollutants from POME.
Effect of Medium Pressure Ultraviolet/Chlorine Advanced Oxidation on the Production of Disinfection by-Products from Seven Model Benzene Precursors
Authors: Li Wanting , Shu Shihu , Zhu Yanping , Wu Linjing , Wang Qiongfang , Gao Naiyun
Published: November 2022

UV/chlorine advanced oxidation process (AOP), as a potential alternative to UV/H2O2 in water treatment, may pose a potential risk of increased disinfection by-product (DBP) formation and is of great concern. In this paper, seven benzene derivatives, containing two chlorine-inert and five chlorine-active compounds, were selected as typical model DBP precursors, and the effects of medium pressure UV/chlorine (MPUV/chlorine) on their chlorine demand and DBP formation potential (DBPFP) were evaluated. The results showed that MPUV/chlorine could significantly increase the chlorine demand and DBPFP of the two inert precursors. For the four slow but active DBP precursors, MPUV/chlorine may accelerate their short-term DBP formation, whereas it showed an insignificant effect or even reduced their chlorine demand and DBPFP. For the only fast and active DBP precursor, MPUV/chlorine showed an insignificant effect on its short-term DBP formation or DBPFP. The overall effect of MPUV/chlorine was more significant at pH 6 than at pH 8. In the presence of Br−, MPUV/chlorine significantly increased the bromine substitution factors of THMs. In addition, linear fitting results indicated that the UV/chlorine-induced change in overall chlorine demand may be considered as a potential indicator for the prediction of DBPFP alteration.
Workload effects of online consultation implementation from a Job-Characteristics Model perspective: a qualitative study
Authors: Smart Cordet , Newman Craig , Hartill Lisa , Bunce Sian , McCormick John
Published: November 2022

Background

Online consultation (OC) was previously promoted by the NHS to solve primary care workload challenges. Its implementation was sped up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Workload effects are widely debated. Using a job design perspective may enhance understandings of workload effect.

Aim

To qualitatively interrogate the workload experiences of primary care staff involved in OC implementation, using the Job Characteristics Model (JCM) to enable the following: a clearer understanding of the primary care staff psychological experiences; and recommendations informing the design of digital implementations and continued use.

Design & setting

A qualitative interview study of GP practices using OC within South West England.

Method

Thirteen participants representing seven practices completed JCM-based semi-structured telephone interviews. An abductive theoretically driven thematic analysis was completed.

Results

Participants experienced different tasks pre- and post-implementation of OC, and adapted differently to them. Differences included the following: contact modality change, some administrative staff felt removed from patient contact; and in perceived autonomy, some GPs valued increased workload control. Variation in workload experience was affected by job role and practice context, and the form of and rationale for implementation. Use of a psychological model (the JCM) allowed clearer consideration of the effects of change, as well as OC on workload.

Conclusion

Psychological theory may be helpful in interpreting workload effects of technology implementation such as OC. Designing change to include consideration of technology effects, psychological experiences, differences across roles, and individual and practice contexts may be important for technology implementation and evaluation of its workload effects.
Impact of Finance Technology on Profit at Sharia Banks in Bandung
Authors:   Department of Accounting, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Indonesia, Astuti Wati Aris
Published: November 2022

Industry 4.0 is currently giving rise to an innovation in all fields. One of them is the financial services sector by combining application-based funding technology. Innovations in financial services that are currently trending related to access to financial products are known as Financial Technology (FinTech). The purpose of this study is to analyse whether there are differences in earnings before and after the existence of Financial Technology in Islamic Banks. The research method used is descriptive quantitative in the form of a comparison that aims to measure the influence before and after the existence of FinTech on Profits at Islamic Banks for the 2017-2020 period as measured by Net Interest Margin, the population of this study from financial statements which was then narrowed down using purposive sampling so that the sample in this study are the quarterly financial statements of Islamic banks for the period 2017-2020. The results of the study show that in Islamic banks there is no significant effect on the net interest margin before and after using fintech, this is due to several factors including the level of security, long-term maintenance and the bank's ability to maintain internet banking are also experiencing problems. The not yet maximal use of internet banking in Indonesia for banking transactions is also still an obstacle to the development of internet banking services.
The Systematic Literature Review of the spiral development model: Topics, trends, and application areas
Authors:   Universitas Amikom Yogyakarta, Sari Risna , Rifa’i Anggi Muhammad ,   Universitas Amikom Yogyakarta, Ahsan Muhammad Salimy ,   Universitas Amikom Yogyakarta, Pahlevi Mohammad Rezza ,   Universitas Amikom Yogyakarta, Arief M. Ilham ,   Universitas Amikom Yogyakarta
Published: November 2022

The spiral model is one of the methods used to perform software engineering development and can also be used for development in other fields. This spiral model is the result of a modification from the combination of the waterfall model and prototyping model so that it has many advantages including in each result an evaluation will be carried out, carried out sequentially or systematically, and is more focused in carrying out risk analysis from each stage. Has a function in development to make changes, additions and developments by determining accuracy and speed based on needs. In its implementation the spiral model has been carried out in various fields, but the results of the implementation are not yet known in what scope and how many implementations each year. This study aims to identify the results of the implementation of the spiral model development with data obtained from related papers in the 2012-2022 range. The method used in this study is the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) with the aim of identifying, reviewing, evaluating, and concluding all research on each relevant paper. The results showed that the spiral model development was mostly implemented in software development with a total of 19 papers and in the education sector as many as 17 papers, while the peak of the spiral model development was mostly implemented in 2016 and then increased again in 2021
Productivity and Flexibility Improvement of Straw Mushroom House
Authors:   Industrial Engineering Department, Tanjungpura University, Indonesia, Sujana Ivan , Imansyah Fitri , Djanggu Noveicalistus Hendradinata ,   Tanjungpura University
Published: November 2022

This study aims to improve the productivity and flexibility of the mushroom house to increase the production of straw mushrooms. Determining the design of technical specifications and material requirements of the mushroom house is a process that is quite important in determining the success or failure of increasing straw mushroom production. QFD (Quality Function Deployment) is used to obtain the best design based on the needs of the mushroom farmers. The needs of the mushroom farmers are then translated through QFD into technical specifications. MCDM (Multi Criteria Decision Making) is used to determine the material for the frame and blanket of the mushroom house according to the technical specifications of the QFD. CRITIC (Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation) is one of the methods of MCDM that performs an objective weighting of the criteria. A mushroom house was built based on the technical and material specifications obtained from QFD and CRITIC. Tests were carried out by comparing the productivity and flexibility between traditional mushroom houses and designed mushroom houses. The peroductivity of the mushroom house includes cleanliness, stability in temperature and humidity, the rate of growth of straw mushrooms in media. Flexibility includes the ability to assembled and disassembled, easily mobilize from one place to another.
A riqueza produzida pelo narcotráfico: um estudo sobre a produção de valor no mercado das drogas ilícitas
Authors:   , Rodrigues Pedro de Oliveira
Published: November 2022

Este trabalho busca compreender de que forma ocorre a produção de valor no mercado das drogas ilícitas e como este mercado contribui para frear as tendências de queda da taxa de lucro. Baseado na teoria marxiana do valor trabalho e em uma pesquisa teórica e documental, utilizando-se de dados obtidos nas principais agências de controle ao tráfico, pode-se constatar que, embora o narcotráfico movimente bilhões de dólares anualmente em todo mundo, a produção efetiva desse valor/riqueza ocorre nas indústrias, localizadas nas regiões periféricas dos países mais pobres, perpassando pela indústria clandestina de transportes, e se utiliza principalmente da mão de obra desqualificada, desempregada, abundante nesses países. Apesar de gerar inúmeros posto de trabalho, o narcotráfico atua na ilegalidade e se tornou um dos maiores inimigos a ser combatido pelos Estados nacionais. Com base na pesquisa realizada, constatamos que, ao contrário do que se observa nas indústrias modernas, que expulsa o trabalhador das fábricas e os substitui por máquinas, o tráfico vem se tornando uma alternativa às crises econômicas, sobretudo no âmbito do trabalho, uma vez que a composição orgânica do seu capital permite empregar inúmeros trabalhadores, desde a indústria até o comércio. Além de gerar diversos postos de trabalho, o tráfico possibilita ao capital recuperar suas taxas de crescimento, ou simplesmente frear a tendência de queda da taxa de lucro, visto que se utiliza de trabalhadores que compõe o exército industrial de reserva, pagando salários inferiores e com um nível de exploração mais incisivo sobre essa massa, permitindo uma maior extração de mais-valor.
Uma abordagem para a seleção de desenvolvedores baseada na reputação e esquecimento em projetos de software
Authors:   , Magalhães Nathan Manera
Published: November 2022

Tarefas de manutenção são essenciais para manter o pleno funcionamento de um software durante seu ciclo de vida. Porém, conforme um software evolui, seu código-fonte tende a tornar-se cada vez mais complexo e de difícil manutenção, tornando-se mais propício a apresentar defeitos ao usuário final. Com isso, escolher desenvolvedores apropriados para as tarefas de manutenção de software torna-se uma atividade também complexa, com alto consumo de tempo e suscetível a falhas de decisão quando realizada manualmente. Pois, para que uma escolha de desenvolvedores aptos às tarefas seja adequada, devem-se conhecer bem as expertises de cada candidato. Também é importante conhecer o quanto esses desenvolvedores têm trabalhado nos conhecimentos (expertises) em tecnologia exigidos pelas tarefas, sendo isso averiguado através de suas contribuições em plataformas de apoio ao desenvolvimento de software, tais como o GitHub, StackOverflow e TopCoder. Através dessas contribuições históricas, é possível estabelecer a reputação que os desenvolvedores possuem nas expertises trabalhadas como também verificar se esses conhecimentos não estão em desuso por longo tempo (esquecimento). A solução proposta deste trabalho foi desenvolvida com o intuito de apoiar a seleção de desenvolvedores para tarefas de manutenção de software considerando reputação e esquecimento destes nos conhecimentos de tecnologias em projetos de software. Para cada tarefa de software são listadas sugestões de desenvolvedores considerando reputação e esquecimento nos conhecimentos exigidos pela tarefa. Uma avaliação foi realizada para verificar a equivalência dessas sugestões com as atribuições históricas de desenvolvedores ocorridas em tarefas de projetos de software. Foram encontradas evidências a favor do uso da reputação e do esquecimento para o apoio na seleção de desenvolvedores em tarefas de manutenção de software.