bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 Infection-Blocking Immunity Post Natural Infection: The Role of Vitamin D
Authors: Abu Fanne Rami , Moed Mahmud , Kedem Aviv , Lidawi Ghalib , Maraga Emad , Mohsen Fady , Roguin Ariel , Meisel Simcha-Ron
Published: February 2023

Objective and Aim: The extent of the protection against SARS-CoV-2 conferred by natural infection is unclear. Vitamin D may have a role in the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the evolving acquired immunity against it. We tested the correlation between baseline 25(OH) D content and both the reinfection rate and the anti-spike protein antibody titer following COVID-19 infection. Methods A retrospective observational survey that included a large convalescent COVID-19 population of subjects insured by the Leumit HMO was recorded between 1 February 2020 and 30 January 2022. Inclusion criteria required at least one available 25(OH)D level prior to enlistment. The association between 25(OH)D levels, the rate of breakthrough infection, and the anti-spike protein antibody titer was evaluated. Results A total of 10,132 COVID-19 convalescent subjects were included, of whom 322 (3.3%) sustained reinfection within a one-year follow-up. In the first 8 months after recovery, the reinfected patients were characterized by a higher incidence of low 25(OH)D levels (<30 ng/mL, 92% vs. 84.8%, p < 0.05), while during the following three months, the incidence of low 25(OH)D levels was non-significantly higher among PCR-negative convalescent subjects compared to those reinfected (86% vs. 81.7, p = 0.15). By multivariate analysis, age > 44 years (OR-0.39, 95% CI: 0.173–0.87, p = 0.02) and anti-spike protein antibody titer > 50 AU/mL (0.49, 95% CI: 0.25–0.96, p = 0.04) were inversely related to reinfection. No consistent correlation with vitamin D levels was observed among the 3351 available anti-spike protein antibody titers of convalescent subjects. However, the median anti-spike protein antibody titers tended to increase over time in the vitamin D-deficient group. Conclusion Higher pre-infection 25(OH)D level correlated with protective COVID-19 immunity during the first 8 months following COVID-19 infection, which could not be explained by anti-spike protein antibody titers. This effect dissipated beyond this period, demonstrating a biphasic 25(OH)D association that warrants future studies.
Yeast-Based Virus-like Particles as an Emerging Platform for Vaccine Development and Delivery
Authors: Srivastava Vartika , Nand Kripa N. , Ahmad Aijaz , Kumar Ravinder
Published: February 2023

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are empty, nanoscale structures morphologically resembling viruses. Internal cavity, noninfectious, and particulate nature with a high density of repeating epitopes, make them an ideal platform for vaccine development and drug delivery. Commercial use of Gardasil-9 and Cervarix showed the usefulness of VLPs in vaccine formulation. Further, chimeric VLPs allow the raising of an immune response against different immunogens and thereby can help reduce the generation of medical or clinical waste. The economically viable production of VLPs significantly impacts their usage, application, and availability. To this end, several hosts have been used and tested. The present review will discuss VLPs produced using different yeasts as fermentation hosts. We also compile a list of studies highlighting the expression and purification of VLPs using a yeast-based platform. We also discuss the advantages of using yeast to generate VLPs over other available systems. Further, the issues or limitations of yeasts for producing VLPs are also summarized. The review also compiles a list of yeast-derived VLP-based vaccines that are presently in public use or in different phases of clinical trials.
Assessment of the Interferon-Lambda-3 Polymorphism in the Antibody Response to COVID-19 in Older Adults Seropositive for CMV
Authors: Nardy Ariane , Camargo Camila Tussato Soares , Oliveira Yasmim Faustina Castro de , Silva Fernanda Cristina da , Almeida Millena Soares de , Monteiro Fernanda Rodrigues , Silva Brenda Rodrigues , Amaral Jônatas Bussador do , Oliveira Danielle Bruna Leal , Durigon Edison Luiz , Scagion Guilherme Pereira , Chalup Vanessa Nascimento , Candido Érika Donizetti , Aguiar Andressa Simões , Novo Neil Ferreira , Shio Marina Tiemi , França Carolina Nunes , Nali Luiz Henrique da Silva , Bachi André Luis Lacerda
Published: February 2023

Background: Here, we investigated the impact of IFN-lambda-3 polymorphism on specific IgG responses for COVID-19 in older adults seropositive for CMV. Methods: Blood samples of 25 older adults of both sexes were obtained at three different times: during a micro-outbreak (MO) of SARS-CoV-2 in 2020; eight months after (CURE); and 30 days after the administration of the second dose of ChadOx-1 vaccine (VAC). The specific IgG for both SARS-CoV-2 and CMV antigens, neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and also the polymorphism profile for IFN-lambda-3 (rs12979860 C > T) were assessed. Results: Higher levels of specific IgG for SARS-CoV-2 antigens were found in the MO and VAC than in the CURE time-point. Volunteers with specific neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 showed better specific IgG responses for SARS-CoV-2 and lower specific IgG levels for CMV than volunteers without specific neutralizing antibodies. Significant negative correlations between the specific IgG levels for SARS-CoV-2 and CMV were found at the MO time-point, as well as in the group of individuals homozygous for allele 1 (C/C) in the MO time-point and heterozygotes (C/T) in the CURE time-point. Conclusion: Our results suggested that both CMV seropositivity and the homozygosis for allele 1 (C/C) in IFN-lambda-3 gene can negatively impact the antibody response to COVID-19 infection and vaccination in older adults.
Epidemiological Analysis of Avian Reovirus in China and Research on the Immune Protection of Different Genotype Strains from 2019 to 2020
Authors: Liu Dong , Zou Zhong , Song Shanshan , Liu Hongxiang , Gong Xiao , Li Bin , Liu Ping , Wang Qunyi , Liu Fengbo , Luan Dongzu , Zhang Xiang , Du Yuanzhao , Jin Meilin
Published: February 2023

Avian reovirus (ARV) is the primary pathogen responsible for viral arthritis. In this study, 2340 samples with suspected viral arthritis were collected from 2019 to 2020 in 16 provinces of China to investigate the prevalence of ARV in China and to characterize the molecular genetic evolution of epidemic strains. From 113 samples analyzed by RT-PCR, 46 strains of avian reovirus were successfully isolated and identified. The genetic evolution of the σC gene showed that 46 strains were distributed in 1–5 branches, with the largest number of strains in branches 1 and 2. The σC gene homology among the strains was low, with approximately 62% homology in branches 4 and 5 and about 55% in the remaining branches. The strains circulating during the ARV epidemic in different provinces were distributed in different branches. The SPF chickens were immunized with inactivated vaccines containing strains from branches 1 and 4 to analyze the cross-immune protection elicited by different branches of ARV strains. A challenge protection test was performed using strains in branches 1, 2, 4, and 5. Our results showed that inactivated vaccines containing strains from branches 1 and 4 could fully protect from strains in branches 1, 4, and 5. The results of this study revealed the genetic diversity among the endemic strains of ARV in China from 2019 to 2020. Each genotype strain elicited partial cross-protection, providing a scientific basis for the prevention and control of ARV.
Acceptance, Advocacy, and Perception of Health Care Providers on COVID-19 Vaccine: Comparing Early Stage of COVID-19 Vaccination with Latter Stage in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almusalami Eman M. , Al-Bazroun Mohammed I. , Alhasawi Amal I. , Alahmed Fatimah S. , Al-Muslim Zahra M. , Al-Bazroun Lubana I. , Muslim Maryam , Saha Chandni , Kay Elbert , Alzahrani Zeyad A. , Ahmed Gasmelseed Y. , Al Mutair Abbas
Published: February 2023

Vaccination of healthcare providers has recently gained focused attention of public health officials. As HCPs have direct contact with the population, and HCPs significantly influence the population, this study aimed to compare the acceptance rate, advocacy rate, and beliefs about the COVID-19 vaccine among HCPs in two time periods. In this repeated cross-sectional study, different HCPs were assessed in two periods ten months apart, i.e., November to December 2020 and September to October 2021, which were before and after COVID-19 vaccine approval by authorities. The study was conducted in Qatif Central Hospital, Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. There were 609 respondents: 236 participants in the first period and 373 participants in the second period. Only 13 participants did not get the COVID-19 vaccine. There was around a 40% difference in the acceptance rate between the two study periods; the latter period was higher at 94.7%. Furthermore, 24.1% was the difference between the willingness to advocate the COVID-19 vaccine for others; the first period had a lower percentage (60.1%). Overall, results of the study showed that vaccine hesitancy, as well as the willingness to advocate for the vaccine, were improved between the pre-vaccine approval period and post-vaccine approval period, showing that the efforts made by the government improved COVID-19 acceptance and advocacy among HCPs. However, vaccine hesitancy is not a new issue, and for a better understanding of HCPs’ beliefs, a qualitative study is needed.
Modelling and Simulating Automated Vehicular Functions in Critical Situations—Application of a Novel Accident Reconstruction Concept
Authors: Lengyel Henrietta , Maral Shaiykbekova , Kerebekov Sherkhan , Szalay Zsolt , Török Árpád
Published: February 2023

Our paper introduces new reconstruction techniques of real-life critical road traffic accidents focusing on highly automated functions. The investigation method presented here focuses on the effect of relevant control parameters and environmental factors following the concept of sensitivity analysis. Two reconstruction tools are applied, the choice depending on the relevant causal factor of the accidents. Our measurement proves that the technical parameters of the control process, like time to collision or braking pressure that affects user satisfaction directly, can significantly influence the probability of accident occurrence. Thus, it is reasonable to consider safety with an increased weight compared to the user experience when identifying these parameters’ values. On the other hand, the effects of the investigated environmental factors were also found to be significant. Accordingly, future ADAS applications need to consider the change of environmental factors in the case of increased risk level, and driver-mode should be adapted to the new situation.
School-Based Interventions on Human Papillomavirus in Africa: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Amzat Jimoh , Kanmodi Kehinde Kazeem , Aminu Kafayat , Egbedina Eyinade Adeduntan
Published: February 2023

School-age youth constitute a neglected but highly vulnerable group concerning sexual health risks in low-resource countries. Robust evidence concerning the research landscape of school-based interventions on human papillomavirus in Africa is currently lacking. Therefore, this systematic scoping review (SSR) aims to map evidence about school-based HPV interventions and identify emerging themes, gaps and lessons learned in Africa. This review was guided by Joanna Brigg’s Institute’s guidelines for SSRs and reported based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Metanalysis for Scoping Reviews. Five databases—PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and Allied and Complementary Medicine—were searched for relevant literature using appropriate search terms and Boolean operators. The retrieved literature was extracted, deduplicated and screened using the Rayyan software. Only those articles which met the eligibility criteria were included for data charting, collation, and summarization. Ten articles were included in this review. The articles demonstrate that a life-course approach is significant in health intervention. School-based health interventions help reach adolescents in a dynamic life stage, affecting their vulnerability to sexual health risks. The school-based interventions serve as an ideal platform to offer HPV peer education, improving their HPV knowledge and subsequent testing services and enhancing their acceptability for screening and vaccination. Cervical cancer education and screening can be effectively combined in HPV health services for women. While the studies are geographically diverse, such effective interventions, which help reduce bottlenecks in accessing HPV screening and vaccination, are very few in Africa. In conclusion, school-based intervention is a viable strategy that can be adopted for adolescent protection from HPV-induced diseases. However, the current evidence on the impact of these interventions, particularly HPV vaccination, is inadequate.
Comparison of Fish, Krill and Flaxseed as Omega-3 Sources to Increase the Omega-3 Index in Dogs
Authors: Lindqvist Hanna , Dominguez Tonje , Dragøy Ragnhild , Ding Yunpeng , Burri Lena
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: it is only the longer chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3, EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3, DHA) and not the shorter chain α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) that have been linked to health benefits. (2) Methods: 45 dogs divided into three groups were first given premium dry food for 38 days (baseline). The O3I was then used as a diagnostic tool to provide a measure of the sum of EPA + DHA in red blood cell membranes given as a percentage of all fatty acids. The dogs were subsequently fed with either krill meal (krill), fishmeal/oil (fish) or flaxseed cake (flax) included in raw food providing daily 416 mg EPA + DHA (971 mg ALA), 513 mg EPA + DHA (1027 mg ALA) and 1465 mg ALA (122 mg EPA + DHA), respectively. (3) Results: the average baseline O3I level of all dogs was low (1.36%), warranting n-3 supplementation. After four weeks, O3I levels were significantly increased in the krill (from 1.36 ± 0.44 to 2.36 ± 0.39%) and fish (from 1.35 ± 0.22 to 1.9 ± 0.35%) groups (p < 0.001). No significant modification of the O3I was detected in the flax animals. (4) Conclusions: only marine n-3 PUFAs resulted in a significantly increased O3I, with dietary krill meal providing the highest increase.
Thoracic Vertebral Length-to-Height Ratio, a Promising Parameter to Predict the Vertebral Heart Score in Normal Welsh Corgi Pembroke Dogs
Authors: Tangpakornsak Theethad , Saisawart Phasamon , Sutthigran Somchin , Jaturunratsamee Kotchapol , Tachampa Kittipong , Thanaboonnipat Chutimon , Choisunirachon Nan
Published: February 2023

The vertebral heart score (VHS) is the sum of the ratio of the cardiac dimensions to the number of thoracic vertebrae, starting from the fourth thoracic vertebra (T4) to the intervertebral disk space (IVS). Breed-specific VHSs, in most cases, were different from the original reference value. Characteristics of the thoracic vertebrae and IVS may influence this variation. This study was conducted to investigate the characteristics of the T4 and IVS on the thoracic radiographs of Corgis in comparison with other small-to-medium breed dogs to evaluate the Corgi-specific VHSs in healthy dogs. The ratio of the T4’s length/height (T4L/H) was significantly different among dog breeds but not the IVS between the T4 and T5. The T4L/H was highest in the Shih Tzu and lowest in Beagle dogs. The Corgi-specific VHS obtained from the ventrodorsal radiograph was significantly higher than that from the dorsoventral radiograph, but a significant difference was not observed between the right and left lateral radiographs. In contrast, the Corgi-specific VHS derived from the right lateral thoracic radiograph was significantly lower than the reference value. This may be correlated with the characteristics of the thoracic vertebrae of Corgis, which were slightly higher than those of the other breeds.
Vibration Characteristics of a Tubular Turbine Prototype at Different Heads with Considering Free Surface and Water Gravity
Authors: Zhao Yaping , Li Yanrong , Feng Jianjun , Dang Mengfan , Ren Yajing , Luo Xingqi
Published: February 2023

Tubular turbines are widely used in low water head and tidal power development due to their straight flow path, simple structure, and wide efficient area. However, the severe vibration during actual operation greatly affects the safe operation of the tubular turbine. This study performs a numerical calculation of the tubular turbine, which meets the actual machine conditions considering the free surface and water gravity; compares and analyzes the flow characteristics and pressure fluctuation spectrum characteristics in the tubular turbine under different water heads; and verifies the comparison with the actual machine test results to explore the vibration characteristics and vibration mechanism of the tubular turbine. Research results show that a large pressure difference is observed between the top and bottom of the runner chamber, and the runner needs to experience large periodic pressure fluctuations during rotation due to the combined effect of hydrostatic pressure and hydrodynamic pressure. Under different water heads, obvious flow turbulence and high turbulent kinetic energy areas are observed in the runner and draft tube due to the influence of the shape of the blade wake vortex. The vibration in the tubular turbine is mainly concentrated in the runner and draft tube and influenced by the water gravity and the runner structure of the transverse cantilever beam. The amplitude of pressure fluctuation is the largest when the frequency inside the runner is the blade passing frequency at each water head, so the maximum vibration position is located at the runner. The research results serve as a guide for the design and operation of the horizontal tubular turbine.
Spatial Distribution and Sources of Organic Matter in the Surface Sediments of Fuxian Lake, SW China
Authors: Zhang Kai , Li Dongli , He Xuejun , Xie Changyuan , He Haibo
Published: February 2023

Sedimentary organic matter is an important component of the metabolism of a lake’s ecosystem, and it is generally derived from both the watershed and the primary productivity of a lake. Understanding the sources of organic matter in lakes and lake trophic status is important when evaluating the quality of lake ecosystems. We summarize the spatial distribution of total nitrogen (TN), total organic carbon (TOC), TOC/TN (C/N) molar ratios, and organic carbon isotope (δ13Corg) of the surface sediments of Fuxian Lake, Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau, Southwest China, which is the second deepest freshwater oligotrophic lake in China. The results show that the distributions of TN, TOC, C/N, and δ13Corg of the surface sediments are spatially heterogeneous, which is also the case for the trophic conditions of the lake. Compared with the adjacent eutrophic lakes and typical lakes in other areas with strong human activities, the content of organic matter is at a low level. Meanwhile, the autochthonous organic carbon in the surface sediments was characterized by lower δ13Corg (−25.3~−28.5) and C/N (8.7~12.9), suggesting that the biological carbon pump effect plays a significant part in the stability of carbon sinks by coupling with carbonate weathering. Our results emphasize the importance of the carbon sink of coupled carbonate weathering and aquatic photosynthesis in the evolution of the carbon cycle in lakes. Although modern monitoring shows that Fuxian Lake is an oligotrophic lake, there are potential risks of organic nitrogen pollution with respect to surface sediments, especially in northern and southern shallow-water areas. The organic pollution of lakes can be reduced by controlling the discharge of wastewater and reducing the nutrient loading of agricultural runoff.
Climate Water Balance in the Warm Half-Year and Its Circulation Conditions in the Sudetes Mountains and Their Foreland (Poland and Czechia)
Authors: Miszuk Bartłomiej
Published: February 2023

Mountains are one of the most sensitive regions in terms of climate changes. This also concerns water balance, which plays an important role, especially in the context of the ecological state. Furthermore, numerous studies indicate the atmospheric circulation as one of the crucial factors affecting climate conditions. Therefore, the goal of the paper is to examine the impact of the atmospheric circulation on the changes in climate water balance (CWB) in the Sudetes Mountains and their foreland. The analysis was carried out based on the 1981–2020 data derived from the Polish and Czech meteorological stations. The impact of the circulation factor was examined using the Lityński classification, while the calculation of evapotranspiration based on the Penman–Monteith equation. The results showed that despite positive trends for evapotranspiration, the changes in CWB in 1981–2020 were generally statistically insignificant. The only exception was the increase in CWB under the eastern circulation and its negative tendency for the western and southern sectors for some of the stations. This corresponds to the changes in the frequency of the circulation types. The results of the study can be used in further research on water balance in the region.
Heavy Metals Removal from Domestic Sewage in Batch Mesocosm Constructed Wetlands using Tropical Wetland Plants
Authors: Ang Shin Ying , Goh Hui Weng , Mohd Fazli Bashirah , Haris Hazzeman , Azizan Nor Ariza , Zakaria Nor Azazi , Johar Zubaidi
Published: February 2023

Constructed wetlands are an affordable and reliable green alternative to conventional mechanical systems for treating domestic sewage. This study investigates the potential of 14 tropical wetland plant species for removing heavy metals from domestic sewage through the bioconcentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF), enrichment factor (EF), and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) using batch mesocosm studies. Plants with BCF > 1 and TF > 1 are classified as phytoextractors, while species with BCF > 1 and TF < 1 are phytostabilisers. The results indicate that 11 out of 14 species are magnesium phytostabilisers, 10 are calcium phytoextractors, and no plant species demonstrate ferrum phytoextraction properties. As for manganese phytoremediation, only three species depicted phytoextraction and phytostabilisation properties. The enrichment factor (EF) for all of the studied metals with ferum as a reference metal in all of the soil samples decreased after the phytoremediation of domestic sewage experiments, indicating depletion to mineral enrichment (EF < 2). All of the soil samples are generally classified as uncontaminated based on Igeo indices. Based on the factors and indices, it is suggested that the plants may have facilitated heavy metal removal from domestic sewage through uptake into the plant tissues from the roots.
SARS-CoV-2 Wastewater Surveillance in Ten Cities from Mexico
Authors: Schilmann Astrid , Sánchez-Pájaro Andrés , Ovilla-Muñoz Marbella T. , Téllez-Sosa Juan , Bravo-Romero Sugey , Bahena-Reyes Sara Yuvisela , Lobato Margarita , Martínez-Barnetche Jesús , Alpuche-Aranda Celia Mercedes , Lamadrid-Figueroa Héctor , Barrientos-Gutiérrez Tonatiuh
Published: February 2023

We aimed to estimate the lead time and infection prevalence from SARS-CoV-2 wastewater (WW) monitoring compared with clinical surveillance data in Mexico to generate evidence about the feasibility of a large-scale WW surveillance system. We selected 10 WW treatment plants (WWTP) and 5 COVID-19 hospitals in major urban conglomerates in Mexico and collected biweekly 24-h flow-adjusted composite samples during October–November 2020. We concentrated WW samples by polyethylene glycol precipitation and employed quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays, targeting the nucleoprotein (N1 and N2) genes. We detected and quantified SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 88% and 58% of the raw WW samples from WWTPs and COVID-19 hospitals, respectively. The WW RNA daily loads lead the active cases by more than one month in large and medium WWTP sites. WW estimated that cases were 2 to 20-fold higher than registered active cases. Developing a continuous monitoring surveillance system for SARS-CoV-2 community transmission through WW is feasible, informative, and recognizes three main challenges: (1) WW system data (catchment area, population served), (2) capacity to maintain the cold-chain and process samples, and (3) supplies and personnel to ensure standardized procedures.
Leached Copper Correlation with Dissolved Organic Carbon in Sloped Vineyard Soil
Authors: Filipović Lana , Defterdarović Jasmina , Chen Rui , Krevh Vedran , Gerke Horst H. , Baumgartl Thomas , Kovač Zoran , Ondrašek Gabrijel , Ružičić Stanko , He Hailong , Dusek Jaromir , Filipović Vilim
Published: February 2023

The solubility and mobility of copper (Cu) in soil is strongly influenced by the presence of dissolved organic carbon (DOC); however, the interactions between Cu and DOC are complex and not yet fully understood. In this study, Cu and DOC concentrations were measured monthly for two years in leachates from self-constructed lysimeters installed at inter- and intra-row vineyard hilltop, backslope, and footslope areas at the SUPREHILL Critical Zone Observatory, Croatia. The aim was to quantify Cu and DOC leaching from the hilltop towards the backslope and the footslope. The assumed strong relationship between Cu and DOC in the leachates was statistically analyzed and explained using chemical equilibrium software. Leachates were analyzed for pH, EC, DOC, Cu, and major ion concentrations. The highest Cu concentrations found in leachates from the intra-row footslope suggested Cu downhill transport. Although not strong, a significant positive correlation between Cu and DOC in footslope leachates confirmed the relevance of Cu complexation by DOC. Speciation confirmed that more than 99.9% of total Cu in leachates was found as a Cu-DOC complex. Data implied the role of soil water flow pathways in explaining Cu downhill transport. Critical timing for applying Cu fungicides at sloped vineyards was highlighted.
Comparison of Three Imputation Methods for Groundwater Level Timeseries
Authors: Meggiorin Mara , Passadore Giulia , Bertoldo Silvia , Sottani Andrea , Rinaldo Andrea
Published: February 2023

This study compares three imputation methods applied to the field observations of hydraulic head in subsurface hydrology. Hydrogeological studies that analyze the timeseries of groundwater elevations often face issues with missing data that may mislead both the interpretation of the relevant processes and the accuracy of the analyses. The imputation methods adopted for this comparative study are relatively simple to be implemented and thus are easily applicable to large datasets. They are: (i) the spline interpolation, (ii) the autoregressive linear model, and (iii) the patched kriging. The average of their results is also analyzed. By artificially generating gaps in timeseries, the results of the various imputation methods are tested. The spline interpolation is shown to be the poorest performing one. The patched kriging method usually proves to be the best option, exploiting the spatial correlations of the groundwater elevations, even though spurious trends due to the the activation of neighboring sensors at times affect their reconstructions. The autoregressive linear model proves to be a reasonable choice; however, it lacks hydrogeological controls. The ensemble average of all methods is a reasonable compromise. Additionally, by interpolating a large dataset of 53 timeseries observing the variabilities of statistical measures, the study finds that the specific choice of the imputation method only marginally affects the overarching statistics.
Hydrochemical Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Tongzi River, Guizhou Province, Southwest China
Authors: Lü Jiemei , An Yanling
Published: February 2023

This study collected 31 water samples from the Tongzi River, Guizhou Province, Southwest China to conduct a risk assessment to understand the hydrochemical characteristics and major ion sources of irrigation and drinking water quality and their effects on human health. The results showed that ion abundance in the Tongzi River is Ca2+ (66%) > Mg2+ (24%) > K++Na+ (10%) for cations and HCO3− (75%) > SO42−(21%) > Cl− (4%) for anions. Additionally, the hydrochemical type of the water is Ca-Mg-HCO3, controlled by carbonate weathering. Methods including ion ratios, principal component analysis (PCA), and correlation analysis (CA) were used to analyze the source of main ions in the river water. PC1, with the most significant variance (54.9%), decides the hydrochemical characteristics and is affected by the positive loadings of SO42− (0.92), pH (0.85), Ca2+ (0.80), Cl− (0.72), Na+(0.66), NO3− (0.65), and K+ (0.57). PC2 explains 19.2% of the total variance, with strong positive loadings of Na+ (0.75), K+ (0.63) and Cl− (0.59). Mg2+ (0.84) and HCO3− (0.85) exhibits high loadings in PC3, explaining 9.3% of the variance. The results showed that intensive agricultural activities in the basin were the main source of nitrate NO3−, whereas SO42− was mainly derived from mining activities. The lower concentrations of Na+, K+, and Cl− were from coal combustion, domestic wastewater discharge, and agricultural fertilizer applications. The study area was mainly affected by carbonate rock weathering; natural processes (mainly the weathering of carbonate rocks) were still the main origin of Ca2+, Mg2+, and HCO3−. Moreover, the United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) diagram and the Wilcox diagram showed that 100% of the samples fell in the C2S1 zones, and the water quality had good suitability for irrigation. The health risk assessment (HRA) results showed that HQNO3− was much larger than HQNH4+ and indicated that nitrate pollution dominated non-health hazards. About 6.5% of the samples in the tributaries represented an unacceptable risk for infants and children, and the HQ value for infants and children was always higher than that for adults. Additionally, the non-carcinogenic health risk of riverine ions for infants and children in the Tongzi River was very noteworthy, especially in the tributaries.
Voices in Shaping Water Governance: Exploring Discourses in the Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia
Authors: Bantider Amare , Tadesse Bamlaku , Mersha Adey Nigatu , Zeleke Gete , Alemayehu Taye , Nagheeby Mohsen , Amezaga Jaime
Published: February 2023

As is the case elsewhere in the world, water governance in Ethiopia is a by-product of a complex set of various global and local socio-political, economic, and ecological discourses and narratives. However, the many competitive and often conflicting discourses on shaping water governance in the Ethiopian Central Rift Valley (CRV) have not been examined and chronicled. This paper investigates the different discourses, narratives, and debates of water governance and their implications for satisfying the growing demand for water. The study was grounded in political economy and political ecology theoretical frameworks. Data were collected through literature surveys and intensive fieldwork, and were analyzed following a discourse analysis and using narrative analysis techniques. The study found that the dominant competing discourses that have greatly influenced water governance in the CRV focus on decentralization, water-centered development, marketization, land/water degradation, climate change, water scarcity, and weak water governance. We suggest that the analysis and documentation of the diverse narratives and discourses from multiple perspectives could help to unravel the complex nature of water governance in the CRV and lay the foundation for attempts to implement sustainable water resource management in the region.
Multi-Scale Wake Characteristics of the Flow over a Cylinder with Different V-Groove Numbers
Authors: Jiang Suyu , Yan Fei , Zhang Jian , Song Bo
Published: February 2023

The near-wake structure resulting from the interaction between the water and the cylinder is researched. The wake characteristics for the smooth cylinder and the cylinder with different numbers of grooves are measured by high-speed particle image velocimetry (PIV) at a Reynolds number of 7400. From the measured data, it is observed that the v-groove increases the Reynolds shear stress and the turbulent kinetic energy; thus, the formation of the Karman-like vortices is prevented and the recirculation region is reduced. The number of grooves has a limited effect on the wake characteristics. In addition, a one-dimensional orthogonal wavelet decomposes the fluctuation velocities in the cylindrical wake region to study the multi-scale wake characteristics behind the v-groove cylinders. The large-scale structures show that the Karman-like vortices of the grooved cylinder are closer to the trailing edge of the cylinder. The intermediate-scale structures show more vortices behind the 32-groove cylinder. The small-scale structures show that the phase difference between the upper and lower oscillation positions has become smaller. Meanwhile, the large-, intermediate- and small-scale Reynolds shear stress distributions suggest that the shear layer instability in the near-wake region creates vortices, which increase the turbulent kinetic energy and narrow the wake region.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Groundwater Access and Its Management: Making the Invisible Visible
Authors: Lal Priyanka , Behera Biswaranjan , Yadav Malu Ram , Sharma Eshita , Altaf Muhammad Ahsan , Dey Abhijit , Kumar Awadhesh , Tiwari Rahul Kumar , Lal Milan Kumar , Kumar Ravinder
Published: February 2023

The sustainable management of groundwater resources is required to avoid a water crisis. The current study focused on a bibliometric analysis of groundwater access and management to assess research progress. The study was based on data from Dimensions.ai generated using the search terms “Groundwater”, “access”, and “management” for the period from 1985 to 2022. A total of 534 documents were identified as relevant and retrieved in CSV format. The intellectual structure of the retrieved data was visualized and analyzed using VoS viewer software (version 1.6.18). The analysis showed that the field of earth sciences had the highest number of publications on groundwater access and management (358), followed by the environmental sciences (155). Most of the articles (267) were about Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring access to clean water and sanitation. The co-authorship analysis for the countries indicated that the United States has the most impact and research, and all other countries have established clusters around it. The citation analysis of the organizations showed that the International Water Management Institute, Charles Sturt University, and Wageningen University and Research were the top three organizations in terms of total citations (825, 611, and 584, respectively), indicating the most effect. The citation analysis for the sources indicated that the “Water” journal had a greater impact on readers with respect to groundwater research. Numerous parties are involved in the groundwater investigation; hence, a broad multidisciplinary approach is required. Therefore, researchers should work together rather than alone to address the problem of sustainable groundwater management.
A Review of Bubble Aeration in Biofilter to Reduce Total Ammonia Nitrogen of Recirculating Aquaculture System
Authors: Suriasni Putu Ayustin , Faizal Ferry , Panatarani Camellia , Hermawan Wawan , Joni I Made
Published: February 2023

Aeration becomes an essential aspect of biofilter performance to reduce ammonia nitrogen in the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS). Efficient aeration introduces air into water media and offers an aerobic environment in the biofilter for microbial degradation of organic matter and ammonia nitrogen. The efficiency of the bubble aeration depends on the size of the bubbles; these include coarse bubble, microbubble, fine bubble, and ultrafine bubble or nanobubble. This review highlights an overview of bubble aeration features in a biofilter to reduce ammonia nitrogen. Moreover, key aspects responsible for the ammonia nitrogen removal efficiencies, such as oxygen transfer, microbial community, and biofilm thickness, are evaluated in this review. In conclusion, the bubble size of aeration affects the microbial community of nitrifying bacteria, consequently determining the growth and thickness of biofilm to improve ammonia removal efficiency. It is emphasized that fine bubble and nanobubble aeration have very positive prospects on improving biofilter performance, though they are currently not widely used in RAS.
Distribution and Phylogenetic Position of the Antarctic Ribbon Worm Heteronemertes longifissa (Nemertea, Pilidiophora)
Authors: Chernyshev Alexei V. , Polyakova Neonila E.
Published: February 2023

To date, a total of 23 valid species of heteronemerteans belonging to 15 genera have been recorded in Antarctic and Subantarctic waters. The ribbon worm Heteronemertes longifissa (Hubrecht, 1887) is the only heteronemertean species reported to have bipolar distribution, but this statement is doubtful. The phylogenetic relationships of H. longifissa to other heteronemerteans remain uncertain. A genetic analysis of specimens from Antarctica has shown that the name H. longifissa refers to two sibling species with an uncorrected p-distance of 5.3% in COI. These species differ in body color: one is whitish, and the other is grayish-pink. The species with the whitish body has been reliably identified from off the Norway coast (as Cerebratulus sp. NemBar1383 (BOLD: ACM5920)), i.e., it has a bipolar distribution. A molecular phylogenetic analysis of Lineidae based on five gene markers (COI, 16S, 18S, 28S, and histone H3) has shown the genus Heteronemertes to belong to Lineage D of Clade 2 sensu Kajihara et al., 2022 (crown Lineidae). The phylogenetic positions of four more species of unidentified lineids are currently under discussion.
Probabilistic Slope Seepage Analysis under Rainfall Considering Spatial Variability of Hydraulic Conductivity and Method Comparison
Authors: Zou Hao , Cai Jing-Sen , Yan E-Chuan , Tang Rui-Xuan , Jia Lin , Song Kun
Published: February 2023

Due to the spatial variability of hydraulic properties, probabilistic slope seepage analysis becomes necessary. This study conducts a probabilistic analysis of slope seepage under rainfall, considering the spatial variability of saturated hydraulic conductivity. Through this, both the commonly used Monte Carlo simulation method and the proposed first-order stochastic moment approach are tested and compared. The results indicate that the first-order analysis approach is effective and applicable to the study of flow processes in a slope scenario. It is also capable of obtaining statistics such as mean and variance with a high enough accuracy. Using this approach, higher variabilities in the pressure head and the fluctuation of the phreatic surface in the slope are found with a higher value of the correlation length of the saturated hydraulic conductivity. The Monte Carlo simulation is found to be time-consuming: at least 10,000 realizations are required to reach convergence, and the number of realizations needed is sensitive to the grid density. A coarser grid case requires more realizations for convergence. If the number of realizations is not enough, the results are unreliable. Compared with Monte Carlo simulation, the accuracy of the first-order stochastic moment analysis is generally satisfied when the variance and the correlation length of the saturated hydraulic conductivity are not too large. This study highlights the applicability of the proposed first-order stochastic moment analysis approach in the slope scenario.
Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment to Cemeteries Pollution through GIS-Based DRASTIC Index
Authors: Gonçalves Vanessa , Albuquerque Antonio , Carvalho Paulo , Almeida Pedro , Cavaleiro Victor
Published: February 2023

Deposition of corpses in the ground is the most common burial practice, which can allow interactions between polluting compounds and the soil, groundwater, and surface water, which may afterwards lead to negative environmental impacts and risks to public health. The risk of cemeteries contaminating groundwater is related to their location, the quantity of clothes, metals and adornments buried, and geographical, geological, hydrogeological, and climatic factors. Using the DRASTIC index and geographical information system (GIS) tools, the potential for groundwater contamination was investigated in eight cemeteries located in the Figueira da Foz region (Portugal), which are the main anthropogenic pollution sources in the area. Aquifer vulnerability was assessed through the development of thirteen site characteristic maps, seven thematic maps, and a DRASTIC index vulnerability map, using GIS operation tools. No studies were found on the development of vulnerability maps with this method and digital tools. Cemeteries UC2, UC4, UC5, UC6, UC7, and UC8 are located within the zones susceptible to recharge, with an average recharge rate of 254 mm/year. Cemeteries UC5, UC7, and UC8 are expected to develop a greater water-holding capacity. The water table depth is more vulnerable at UC6, varying between 9.1 m and 15.2 m. However, results show only a high vulnerability associated with the UC4 cemetery with the contributions T,C > R,S > I > A > D, which should be under an environmental monitoring program. The area surrounding UC4 is characterized by a water table depth ranging between 15.2 m to 22.9 m, mainly fine-grained sands in both the vadose zone and the aquifer media, Gleyic Solonchaks at the topsoil, very unfavorable slope (0–2%), and high hydraulic conductivity (>81.5 m/day). The sensitivity analysis shows that the topography, soil media, and aquifer media weights were the most effective in the vulnerability assessment. However, the highest contributions to index variation were made by hydraulic conductivity, net recharge, and soil media. This type of approach not only makes it possible to assess the vulnerability of groundwater to contamination from cemeteries but also allows the definition of environmental monitoring plans as well as provides the entities responsible for its management and surveillance with a methodology and tools for its continuous monitoring.
Effect of Pre-Existing Underground Structures on Groundwater Flow and Strata Movement Induced by Dewatering and Excavation
Authors: Xue Tengyun , Xue Xiuli , Long Sichun , Chen Qiunan , Lu Shide , Zeng Chaofeng
Published: February 2023

Based on an actual excavation of a metro station in Tianjin, China, a fluid–solid coupling numerical model was developed to study the characteristics of groundwater flow and strata movement induced by dewatering and excavation considering the barrier effect of pre-existing adjacent underground structures. Two parameters were selected for the model: the distance between the excavation and the existing underground structure (D), and the buried depth of the adjacent structure (H). By comparing the distribution of groundwater drawdown and deformation modes of the retaining structure and the strata under different working conditions, the influence mechanism of adjacent structures on the movement of groundwater and strata was revealed. The results show that the pile foundations have different effects on the groundwater flow and excavation deformation. Generally, the maximum groundwater drawdown could be enlarged by considering the adjacent underground structure, while the retaining structure deflection would be reduced and the ground settlement could be either enlarged or reduced. Additionally, as D decreases and H increases, a much greater groundwater drawdown and a much smaller retaining structure deflection would appear, which together affect the ground behavior. On the one hand, greater groundwater drawdown would lead to greater ground settlement by soil consolidation, while on the other hand, a smaller retaining structure deflection would lead to smaller ground settlement. Thus, a complex development of ground settlement would appear, and a specific analysis should be performed to assess this in practice, based on a specific H and D.
Paleoenvironmental Changes in the Gulf of Gaeta (Central Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy): A Perspective from Benthic Foraminifera after Dam Construction
Authors: Cavaliere Marco , Scipioni Vittoria , Francescangeli Fabio , Ferraro Luciana , Frontalini Fabrizio
Published: February 2023

A 300-year paleoenvironmental reconstruction using benthic foraminifera in the Gulf of Gaeta (central Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) is here presented. The Gulf of Gaeta dynamics are strongly influenced by the fluvial input, particularly the Volturno River and human activities. The sedimentary archive reveals a strong relation between the variations in the composition of the benthic foraminiferal assemblages and human interventions in the Volturno coastal area. According to the statistical analysis, three main temporal phases are identified and supported by the variations in the enhanced benthic foraminifera oxygen index (EBFOI) values over time. We hypothesize that the main environmental modifications might be ascribed to the construction of two dams, Sorgente Capo Volturno (1909–1916) and Ponte Annibale (1953–1958). The dams have probably altered the supply of sediments causing a physical stress related to the variations in grain-size, the organic matter and the oxygen availability. This temporal reconstruction further supports the ability of foraminifera to register paleoenvironmental changes induced by human activities such as the modification of the physical environment within the sedimentary record.
The Multi-Generational Effect of Seawater Acidification on Larval Development, Reproduction, Ingestion Rate, and ATPase Activity of Tigriopus japonicus Mori, 1938
Authors: Li Fei , Cheung S. G. , Shin P. K. S. , Liu Xiaoshou , Li Yanan , Mu Fanghong
Published: February 2023

Ocean acidification threatens marine organisms continuously. To ascertain if adaptation of marine species to ocean acidification enhanced over multiple generations, we studied the transgenerational effects of ocean acidification on the development, reproduction, ingestion rate, and ATPase activity of a copepod Tigriopus japonicus Mori, 1938. In the first mode, individuals were exposed to either one of the pH levels (8.1 (control), 7.7, 7.3) for five successive generations. In the second mode, each successive generation was exposed to a lower pH level (pH levels: 8.1, 7.9, 7.7, 7.5, 7.3). After prolonged exposure to a constant seawater acidification level, the capacity to adapt to the stress increased. However, when exposed to seawater of descending pH, the detrimental effects gradually increased. Energy allocated to development and reproduction was reduced although the ingestion rate continued to improve in successive generations. Therefore, ongoing ocean acidification might lower the energy transfer of copepods to higher trophic levels.