bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in the Production of Exopolysaccharide (EPS) from Lactobacillus spp. and Its Application in the Food Industry: A Review
Authors: Bibi Amna , Xiong Yongai , Rajoka Muhammad Shahid Riaz , Mehwish Hafiza Mahreen , Radicetti Emanuele , Umair Muhammad , Shoukat Mahtab , Khan Muhammad Kashif Iqbal , Aadil Rana Muhammad
Published: November 2021

Exopolysaccharide (EPS) show remarkable properties in various food applications. In this review paper, EPS composition, structural characterization, biosynthesis pathways, and recent advancements in the context of application of EPS-producing Lactobacillus spp. in different food industries are discussed. Various chemical and physical properties of Lactobacillus EPS, such as the structural, rheological, and shelf-life enhancement of different food products, are mentioned. Moreover, EPSs play a characteristic role in starter culture techniques, yogurt production, immunomodulation, and potential prebiotics. It has been seen that the wastes of fermented and non-fermented products are used as biological food for EPS extraction. The main capabilities of probiotics are the use of EPS for technological properties such as texture and flavor enhancement, juiciness, and water holding capacities of specific food products. For these reasons, EPSs are used in functional and fermented food products to enhance the healthy activity of the human digestive system as well as for the benefit of the food industry to lower product damage and increase consumer demand. Additionally, some pseudocereals such as amaranth and quinoa that produce EPS also play an important role in improving the organoleptic properties of food-grade products. In conclusion, more attention should be given to sustainable extraction techniques of LAB EPS to enhance structural and functional use in the developmental process of food products to meet consumer preferences.
Food Security and Transition towards Sustainability
Authors: Rabbi Mohammad Fazle , Hasan Morshadul , Kovács Sándor
Published: November 2021

In the light of linkages in various scales and targets, the complex and nuanced design of the sustainable development goals (SDG) raises more challenges in their implementation on the ground. This paper reviewed 25 food security indicators, proposed improvements to facilitate operationalization, and illustrated practical implementation. The research focused on three essential blind spots that arise from the potential interactions between sustainable food production, consumption, and domestic material consumption (DMC). Projection of latent structure regression was applied to link food security and sustainable development goals. Findings revealed that the key target in reducing trade-offs was the integration of DMC with sustainable food production and consumption. DMC was positively correlated with the creation of coherent SDG strategies and sustainable food security. Practical implications were discussed by highlighting how to achieve food security across contrasting development contexts and the challenges of addressing the links between targets and indicators within and beyond SDGs 2 and 12. The results are useful for setting a proper strategy for sustainable production and consumption that can improve the efficient use of resources in the eight Central European countries.
Analysis of the Repair Time of Finishing Works Using a Probabilistic Approach for Efficient Residential Buildings Maintenance Strategies
Authors: Cho Youngduk , Lee Sanghyo , Lee Joosung , Kim Jaejun
Published: November 2021

In general, the long-term maintenance planning of residential buildings is performed based on uniform repair times. However, in fact, various factors, such as the quality and user patterns, affect the performance of residential building components in the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) phase. Hence, various residential building components are repaired at uncertain times, acting as a risk for the residential building maintenance plan. Therefore, an efficient maintenance plan should be established considering maintenance uncertainty. In this regard, this study aims to analyze the uncertainty of repair times for various finishing works in residential buildings based on a probabilistic methodology and outline the implications for the establishment of efficient maintenance strategies in these buildings. Hence, 47,344 repair data for 63 buildings in 12 public residential building complexes completed between 1991 and 2001 in the Republic of Korea were used for analysis. Before the analysis, a repair time matrix was constructed by classifying the finishing works in 25 types and setting service life times to 6–26 years. The repair time distribution for each finishing work was then derived. Results confirmed that basic repair time setting can be performed and various information for reasonable maintenance decision making regarding each finishing work can be provided through a probabilistic approach. The probabilistic approach can be used as a critical decision-making method because there is uncertainty associated with the repair time of each finishing work owing to the performance degradations of various finishing works due to complex causes. Although this study focused on repair time owing to data collection limitations, maintenance strategies with strategic flexibility can be established by developing probabilistic methods that simultaneously consider frequency and cost by securing additional high-quality cost data.
Optimal Pricing and Green Product Design Strategies in a Sustainable Supply Chain Considering Government Subsidy and Different Channel Power Structures
Authors: Xue Kelei , Sun Guohua , Wang Yuyan , Niu Shuiye
Published: November 2021

Green product design is a vital measure to support sustainable development in a circular economy era. This paper studies the multi-product pricing and green product design strategies under different supply chain structures and government subsidy strategies. Considering different channel leadership, we establish the centralized (C), manufacturer-led (MS), and retailer-led (RS) supply chain models, respectively. By applying a game-theoretical approach, corresponding equilibrium pricing, green product design, and government subsidy decisions under different supply chain structures are obtained. Through comparison and numerical analysis, we find that: (1) the different subsidy strategies of the government have an important impact on green product development. When the government provides a uniform subsidy strategy, a RS supply chain can bring greener product, more market demands, more profit, and more social welfare; (2) when the government provides a differentiated subsidy strategy, MS and RS supply chain structures can bring greener product and more market demand than the centralized supply chain. They can also bring the same social welfare and the same product to the green design level. However, the MS supply chain structure can bring more profit for the firm; (3) the consumers’ green awareness positively impacts the design and development of green product. Therefore, it is beneficial for the firm to adopt reasonable measures to boost the environmental awareness of consumers in order to realize the sustainable development of our society.
Adaptation of the Lean 6S Methodology in an Industrial Environment under Sustainability and Industry 4.0 Criteria
Authors: Jiménez Mariano , Espinosa Mª del Mar , Domínguez Manuel , Romero María , Awad Tamar
Published: November 2021

Industry 4.0 paradigms have a positive influence on standard operating procedures, methodologies used in Lean Manufacturing techniques and management models with sustainability criteria. Interdependencies and correlations have been found between Lean systems and Industry 4.0. The Lean principles of avoiding waste and zero defects are related to the cloud and big data paradigms. In a current workplace, there has been an exponential increase in digital information and the need to generate direct commitments to environmental management. This situation forces us to innovate and improve the management methodologies and models used in the industrial environment. The Lean 6S methodology must adapt and respond to new demands. In this work, an update of the Lean 6S methodology is carried out to guarantee increased productivity in the workplace through the organization of industrial resources, both physical and digital. A revision of the implementation procedure is proposed, which includes activities that generate a direct commitment to sustainability and the organization of digital information, through a proposal for an organizational architecture of Industry 4.0 technologies.
Remodeling the STEM Curriculum for Future Engineers
Authors: Lin Chun-Hung , Weng Huei Chu , Chen Kuan-Yu , Wu Leon Yufeng
Published: November 2021

Higher education is facing low enrollment, and fewer students are motivated to select STEM majors. This paper reports the results from one university that recently experimentally reformed its undergraduate curriculum to a “theme-based curricula”, the New Engineering Curriculum Program (NECP). The subjects in this study were 127 engineering students who applied for the NECP at a university in northern Taiwan. An experimental design using the pre- and post-test measurements of the experimental and control groups was applied in this study. The results revealed a significant effect among those who participated as second- and third-year undergraduates in terms of their subject-specific performances and attitudes of learning in various courses. Furthermore, the results showed that students in the NECP showed better learning performance and higher learning motivation than students in the traditional course module. The outcomes and analyses are discussed.
“Can Intelligence Make You Happy?” The Influence of Tourists’ Cultural Sustainability and Intelligence on Their Flow Experience
Authors: Wei Boqian , Yang Tingting , Liu Chih-Hsing
Published: November 2021

Chinese culture has been developed over five thousand years, and the ways in which to retain its sustainable development and maintain its rich spiritual treasures are critical issues. In order to address this critical issue, this study examines whether cultural intelligence can promote positive emotions and a flow experience. The results from 509 valid samples reveal that cultural intelligence contributes to a flow experience through a path of “perception–enjoyment–flow”. Cultural experience, perceived aesthetics, perceived authenticity and the awakening of enjoyment are effective conduction factors in the process. Furthermore, this study confirms that creative performance has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between cultural intelligence and cultural experience, perceived aesthetics, and perceived authenticity. The findings clarify the links of the influence of cultural intelligence on tourists’ flow experience, and expand the theoretical framework for research on flow experience and the scope of the application of flow theory.
Building Resilience to Natural Hazards at a Local Level in Germany—Research Note on Dealing with Tensions at the Interface of Science and Practice
Authors: Hutter Gérard , Olfert Alfred , Neubert Marco , Ortlepp Regine
Published: November 2021

Building resilience is a core element of urban resilience that refers to both the (1) intended physical change of the building stock and the related blue, green, and grey infrastructure, as well as (2) the social process of increasing resilience through the goal-driven cooperation of scientists and practitioners. Building resilience at the interface of science and practice is characterized by tensions and a range of approaches to dealing with tensions. To specify this proposition, this research note adopts a strategic spatial planning perspective and introduces the typology of “motors of change” from organizational and management research. We focus on a goal-driven motor of change (“teleology”) and highlight three approaches to dealing with tensions: developing a strategic focus of knowledge integration, setting priorities to enhance resilience as a pro-active ability of disaster risk reduction (DRR), and compromising in the management of trade-offs, such as those between the scales of resilience. For the purpose of illustration, this research note refers to examples of building resilience at a local level in Germany, dealing with heat stress in urban areas, managing the risk of extreme flood events, and analyzing the resilience of innovative infrastructure solutions.
Assessment of Seasonal Variability of Extreme Temperature in Mainland China under Climate Change
Authors: Yan Weixiong , Zhao Junfang , Li Jianping , Wang Yunxia
Published: November 2021

Some studies have suggested that variations in the seasonal cycle of temperature and season onset could affect the efficiency in the use of radiation by plants, which would then affect yield. However, the study of the temporal variation in extreme climatic variables is not sufficient in China. Using seasonal trend analysis (STA), this article evaluates the distribution of extreme temperature seasonality trends in mainland China, describes the trends in the seasonal cycle, and detects changes in extreme temperature characterized by the number of hot days (HD) and frost days (FD), the frequency of warm days (TX90p), cold days (TX10p), warm nights (TN90p), and cold nights (TN10p). The results show a statistically significant positive trend in the annual average amplitudes of extreme temperatures. The amplitude and phase of the annual cycle experience less variation than that of the annual average amplitude for extreme temperatures. The phase of the annual cycle in maximum temperature mainly shows a significant negative trend, accounting for approximately 30% of the total area of China, which is distributed across the regions except for northeast and southwest. The amplitude of the annual cycle indicates that the minimum temperature underwent slightly greater variation than the maximum temperature, and its distribution has a spatial characteristic that is almost bounded by the 400 mm isohyet, increasing in the northwest and decreasing in the southeast. In terms of the extreme air temperature indices, HD, TX90p, and TN90p show an increasing trend, FD, TX10p, and TN10p show a decreasing trend. They are statistically significant (p < 0.05). This number of days also suggests that temperature has increased over mainland China in the past 42 years.
Paradoxical Enhancement of Spatial Learning Induced by Right Hippocampal Lesion in Rats
Authors: Sakaguchi Yukitoshi , Sakurai Yoshio
Published: November 2021

The left–right hemispheric differences in some brain functions are well known in humans. Among them, savant syndrome has unique features, such as exceptional abilities in vision, memory, computation, and music, despite brain abnormalities. In cases of acquired savant and transient savant, brain damage or inhibition is often seen in the left hemisphere, suggesting a link between left hemispheric dysfunction and these talents. On the other hand, some functional left–right differences have been reported in rodent brains, and therefore, unilateral damage in rodents may also result in savant-like enhancements. In the present study, we examined the effects of hippocampal damage on spatial learning in rats with left, right, or bilateral hippocampal lesion. The results showed that learning performance was impaired in the bilateral lesion group, and there was no significant difference in the left lesion group, while performance was enhanced in the right lesion group. These results suggest that damage to the right hippocampus in rats may lead to savant-like enhancement in learning and memory. The construction of the savant model through these results will contribute to the neuroscientific elucidation of the paradoxical phenomenon observed in savants, that some abilities are enhanced despite their brain dysfunction.
A New Linear Regression Kalman Filter with Symmetric Samples
Authors: Chen Xiuqiong , Kang Jiayi , Teicher Mina , Yau Stephen
Published: November 2021

Nonlinear filtering is of great significance in industries. In this work, we develop a new linear regression Kalman filter for discrete nonlinear filtering problems. Under the framework of linear regression Kalman filter, the key step is minimizing the Kullback–Leibler divergence between standard normal distribution and its Dirac mixture approximation formed by symmetric samples so that we can obtain a set of samples which can capture the information of reference density. The samples representing the conditional densities evolve in a deterministic way, and therefore we need less samples compared with particle filter, as there is less variance in our method. The numerical results show that the new algorithm is more efficient compared with the widely used extended Kalman filter, unscented Kalman filter and particle filter.
Deep Convolutional Neural Networks for Tea Tree Pest Recognition and Diagnosis
Authors: Chen Jing , Liu Qi , Gao Lingwang
Published: November 2021

Due to the benefits of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in image classification, they have been extensively used in the computerized classification and focus of crop pests. The intention of the current find out about is to advance a deep convolutional neural network to mechanically identify 14 species of tea pests that possess symmetry properties. (1) As there are not enough tea pests images in the network to train the deep convolutional neural network, we proposes to classify tea pests images by fine-tuning the VGGNET-16 deep convolutional neural network. (2) Through comparison with traditional machine learning algorithms Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), the performance of our method is evaluated (3) The three methods can identify tea tree pests well: the proposed convolutional neural network classification has accuracy up to 97.75%, while MLP and SVM have accuracies of 76.07% and 68.81%, respectively. Our proposed method performs the best of the assessed recognition algorithms. The experimental results also show that the fine-tuning method is a very powerful and efficient tool for small datasets in practical problems.
Use of the Symmetries in the Study of Vibration Response of a Hollow Cylinder
Authors: Itu Călin , Vlase Sorin , Marin Marin , Toderiță Ana
Published: November 2021

The paper studies the vibration response of an elastic solid that has geometric symmetries. These determine special properties of the equations of motion of such a system, presented in the case of a cylindrical body (hollow cylinder). The properties of the eigenvalues and eigenmodes of these systems are theoretically established. A validation of these results is made using the finite element method. The use of the obtained results can lead to an easing of the vibration analysis of such a system and, consequently, to the decrease of the cost related to the design and manufacture of such a structure. The properties presented and demonstrated in the paper can simplify the numerical calculation and experimental verifications of such a structure. Serving these symmetries, the computation cost decrease substantially and will depend not in the number of the identical parts.
Symbol Error-Rate Analytical Expressions for a Two-User PD-NOMA System with Square QAM
Authors: Kryukov Yakov V. , Pokamestov Dmitriy A. , Novichkov Serafim A.
Published: November 2021

Power domain non-orthogonal multiple access (PD-NOMA) is one of the most perspective multiplexing technologies that allows improving the capacity of actual networks. Unlike orthogonal multiple access (OMA), the PD-NOMA non-orthogonally schedules multiple users in the power domain in the same orthogonal time-spectrum resource segment. Thus, a non-orthogonal multiplexed signal is a combination of several user signals (usually, modulation and coding schemes (MCS) based on quadrature amplitude modulation) with different power weights. The symbol error rate (SER) and bit error rate (BER) performances are one of the main quality characteristics of any commutation channel. The issue is that a known analytical expression for BER and SER calculation for conventional OMA cannot be applied in terms of the PD-NOMA. In the following work, we have derived the SER and BER analytical expressions for gray-coded square quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) user channels that are transmitted in two-user PD-NOMA channel under additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). Through the simulation, the verification of the provided expressions is presented for four multiplexing configurations with various user power weights and QAM order combinations.
Phase Diagram and Order Reconstruction Modeling for Nematics in Asymmetric π-Cells
Authors: Amoddeo Antonino , Barberi Riccardo
Published: November 2021

Intense electric fields applied to an asymmetric π-cell containing a nematic liquid crystal subjected to strong mechanical stresses induce distortions that are relaxed through a fast-switching mechanism: the order reconstruction transition. Topologically different nematic textures are connected by such a mechanism that is spatially driven by the intensity of the applied electric fields and by the anchoring angles of the nematic molecules on the confining plates of the cell. Using the finite element method, we implemented the moving mesh partial differential equation numerical technique, and we simulated the nematic evolution inside the cell in the context of the Landau–de Gennes order tensor theory. The order dynamics have been well captured, putting in evidence the possible existence of a metastable biaxial state, and a phase diagram of the nematic texture has been built, therefore confirming the appropriateness of the used technique for the study of this type of problem.
An Infinite Family of Compact, Complete, and Locally Affine k-Symplectic Manifolds of Dimension Three
Authors: El Mokhtar Fanich , Said Essabab
Published: November 2021

We study the complete, compact, locally affine manifolds equipped with a k-symplectic structure, which are the quotients of Rn(k+1) by a subgroup Γ of the affine group A(n(k+1)) of Rn(k+1) acting freely and properly discontinuously on Rn(k+1) and leaving invariant the k-symplectic structure, then we construct and give some examples and properties of compact, complete, locally affine two-symplectic manifolds of dimension three.
Adder Box Used in the Heavy Trucks Transmission Noise Reduction
Authors: Bencze Andrei , Scutaru Maria Luminița , Marin Marin , Vlase Sorin , Toderiță Ana
Published: November 2021

The paper aims to analyze the vibrations of a summing box, used in heavy vehicles. An experimental setup is proposed and used for the analysis of these vibrations transmitted by the box housing, based on the measurement of the mechanical impedance. It is then shown that a simpler measurement, namely that of the generated noise spectrum, can provide equally useful results, with less effort and in a shorter time. The experimental setup is much simpler, involving a sonometer arranged in the experimental assembly. The symmetry of the box allows us to facilitate the execution of the experimental assembly, and the use of the symmetrical structure to facilitate the calculation of vibrations. The results obtained using this method in the case of a redesigned adder box are presented in the paper.
Development of an Efficient Extraction Method for Harvesting Gymnodimine-A from Large-Scale Cultures of Karenia selliformis
Authors: Tang Zhixuan , Qiu Jiangbing , Wang Guixiang , Ji Ying , Hess Philipp , Li Aifeng
Published: November 2021

Gymnodimine-A (GYM-A) is a fast-acting microalgal toxin and its production of certified materials requires an efficient harvesting technology from the large-scale cultures of toxigenic microalgae. In this study the recoveries of GYM-A were compared between several liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) treatments including solvents, ratios and stirring times to optimize the LLE technique for harvesting GYM-A from Karenia selliformis cultures, of which the dichloromethane was selected as the extractant and added to microalgal cultures at the ratio 55 mL L−1 (5.5%, v/v). The recovery of GYM-A obtained by the LLE technique was also compared with filtration and centrifugation methods. The stability of GYM-A in culture media were also tested under different pH conditions. Results showed that both the conventional filter filtration and centrifugation methods led to fragmentation of microalgal cells and loss of GYM-A in the harvesting processes. A total of 5.1 µg of GYM-A were obtained from 2 L of K. selliformis cultures with a satisfactory recovery of 88%. Interestingly, GYM-A obviously degraded in the culture media with the initial pH 8.2 and the adjusted pH of 7.0 after 7 days, but there was no obvious degradation in the acidic medium at pH 5.0. Therefore, the LLE method developed here permits the collection of large-volume cultures of K. selliformis and the high-efficiency extraction of GYM-A. This work provides a simple and valuable technique for harvesting toxins from large-scale cultures of GYM-producing microalgae.
Assessment of Dietary Exposure to Ochratoxin A in Lebanese Students and Its Urinary Biomarker Analysis
Authors: Al Ayoubi Manar , Salman Mohammad , Gambacorta Lucia , El Darra Nada , Solfrizzo Michele
Published: November 2021

The present study investigated the dietary and urinary OTA occurrence among 44 Lebanese children. Relying on HPLC-FLD analysis, OTA was found in all the urine samples and in 46.5% and 25% of the 24 h duplicate diet and dinner samples, respectively. The means of OTA levels in positive samples were 0.32 ± 0.1 ng/g in 24 h diet, 0.32 ± 0.18 ng/g in dinner and 0.022 ± 0.012 ng/mL in urines. These values corresponded to margin of exposure (MOE) means of 7907 ± 5922 (neoplastic) and 2579 ± 1932 (non-neoplastic) calculated from positive 24 h diet, while 961 ± 599 (neoplastic) and 313 ± 195 (non-neoplastic) calculated from the urine. Since the MOE levels for the neoplastic effect were below the limit (10,000), a major health threat was detected and must be addressed as a health institutions’ priority. Besides, the wide difference between PDIs and MOEs calculated from food and urine suggests conducting further OTA’s toxicokinetics studies before using urine to measure OTA exposure.
Association between Maternal Non-Coding Interferon-λ Polymorphisms and Congenital Zika Syndrome in a Cohort from Brazilian Northeast
Authors: Rossi Átila Duque , Faucz Fabio Rueda , Melo Adriana , de Azevedo Girlene Souza , Pezzuto Paula , Bezerra Ohanna Cavalcanti de Lima , Manta Fernanda Saloum de Neves , Azamor Tamiris , Schamber-Reis Bruno Luiz Fonseca , Tanuri Amilcar , Moraes Milton Ozório , Aguiar Renato Santana , Stratakis Constantine A. , Cardoso Cynthia Chester
Published: November 2021

Congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) is characterized by a diverse group of congenital malformations induced by ZIKV infection during pregnancy. Type III interferons have been associated with placental immunity against ZIKV and restriction of vertical transmission in mice, and non-coding single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on these genes are well known to influence susceptibility to other viral infections. However, their effect on ZIKV pathogenesis has not yet been explored. To investigate whether maternal non-coding SNPs at IFNL genes are associated with CZS, 52 women infected with ZIKV during pregnancy were enrolled in a case–control association study. A total of 28 women were classified as cases and 24 as controls based on the presence or absence of CZS in their infants, and seven Interferon-λ non-coding SNPs (rs12980275, rs8099917, rs4803217, rs4803219, rs8119886, rs368234815, rs12979860) were genotyped. The results of logistic regression analyses show an association between the G allele at rs8099917 and increased susceptibility to CZS under a log-additive model (adjustedOR = 2.80; 95%CI = 1.14–6.91; p = 0.02), after adjustment for trimester of infection and genetic ancestry. These results provide evidence of an association between Interferon-λ SNPs and CZS, suggesting rs8099917 as a promising candidate for further studies on larger cohorts.
Genome Organizations and Functional Analyses of a Novel Gammapartitivirus from Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 IA Strain D122
Authors: Zhang Meiling , He Zhenrui , Huang Xiaotong , Shu Canwei , Zhou Erxun
Published: November 2021

Here, we describe a novel double-stranded (ds) RNA mycovirus designated Rhizoctonia solani dsRNA virus 5 (RsRV5) from strain D122 of Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 IA, the causal agent of rice sheath blight. The RsRV5 genome consists of two segments of dsRNA (dsRNA-1, 1894 bp and dsRNA-2, 1755 bp), each possessing a single open reading frame (ORF). Sequence alignments and phylogenetic analyses showed that RsRV5 is a new member of the genus Gammapartitivirus in the family Partitiviridae. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images revealed that RsRV5 has isometric viral particles with a diameter of approximately 20 nm. The mycovirus RsRV5 was successfully removed from strain D122 by using the protoplast regeneration technique, thus resulting in derivative isogenic RsRV5-cured strain D122-P being obtained. RsRV5-cured strain D122-P possessed the traits of accelerated mycelial growth rate, increased sclerotia production and enhanced pathogenicity to rice leaves compared with wild type RsRV5-infection strain D122. Transcriptome analysis showed that three genes were differentially expressed between two isogenic strains, D122 and D122-P. These findings provided new insights into the molecular mechanism of the interaction between RsRV5 and its host, D122 of R. solani AG-1 IA.
Virome Analysis of Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) along Its Invasion Range Reveals Diverse and Divergent RNA Viruses
Authors: Bačnik Katarina , Kutnjak Denis , Černi Silvija , Bielen Ana , Hudina Sandra
Published: November 2021

Crayfish are a keystone species of freshwater ecosystems and a successful invasive species. However, their pathogens, including viruses, remain understudied. The aim of this study was to analyze the virome of the invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) and to elucidate the potential differences in viral composition and abundance along its invasion range in the Korana River, Croatia. By the high-throughput sequencing of ribosomal RNA, depleted total RNA isolated from the crayfish hepatopancreas, and subsequent sequence data analysis, we identified novel and divergent RNA viruses, including signal crayfish-associated reo-like, hepe-like, toti-like, and picorna-like viruses, phylogenetically related to viruses previously associated with crustacean hosts. The patterns of reads abundance and calculated nucleotide diversities of the detected viral sequences varied along the invasion range. This could indicate the possible influence of different factors and processes on signal crayfish virome composition: e.g., the differences in signal crayfish population density, the non-random dispersal of host individuals from the core to the invasion fronts, and the transfer of viruses from the native co-occurring and phylogenetically related crayfish species. The study reveals a high, previously undiscovered diversity of divergent RNA viruses associated with signal crayfish, and sets foundations for understanding the potential risk of virus transmissions as a result of this invader’s dispersal.
Characterization of an In Vivo Neutralizing Anti-Vaccinia Virus D8 Single-Chain Fragment Variable (scFv) from a Human Anti-Vaccinia Virus-Specific Recombinant Library
Authors: Diesterbeck Ulrike , Ahsendorf Henrike , Frenzel André , Sharifi Ahmad , Schirrmann Thomas , Czerny Claus-Peter
Published: November 2021

A panel of potent neutralizing antibodies are protective against orthopoxvirus (OPXV) infections. For the development of OPXV-specific recombinant human single-chain antibodies (scFvs), the IgG repertoire of four vaccinated donors was amplified from peripheral B-lymphocytes. The resulting library consisted of ≥4 × 108 independent colonies. The immuno-screening against vaccinia virus (VACV) Elstree revealed a predominant selection of scFv clones specifically binding to the D8 protein. The scFv-1.2.2.H9 was engineered into larger human scFv-Fc-1.2.2.H9 and IgG1-1.2.2.H9 formats to improve the binding affinity and to add effector functions within the human immune response. Similar binding kinetics were calculated for scFv-1.2.2.H9 and scFv-Fc-1.2.2.H9 (1.61 nM and 7.685 nM, respectively), whereas, for IgG1-1.2.2.H9, the Michaelis-Menten kinetics revealed an increased affinity of 43.8 pM. None of the purified recombinant 1.2.2.H9 formats were able to neutralize VACV Elstree in vitro. After addition of 1% human complement, the neutralization of ≥50% of VACV Elstree was achieved with 0.0776 µM scFv-Fc-1.2.2.H9 and 0.01324 µM IgG1-1.2.2.H9, respectively. In an in vivo passive immunization NMRI mouse model, 100 µg purified scFv-1.2.2.H9 and the IgG1-1.2.2.H9 partially protected against the challenge with 4 LD50 VACV Munich 1, as 3/6 mice survived. In contrast, in the scFv-Fc-1.2.2.H9 group, only one mouse survived the challenge.
Development of a New 8-Parameter Muskingum Flood Routing Model with Modified Inflows
Authors: Lee Eui Hoon
Published: November 2021

Flood routing can be subclassified into hydraulic and hydrologic flood routing; the former yields accurate values but requires a large amount of data and complex calculations. The latter, in contrast, requires only inflow and outflow data, and has a simpler calculation process than the hydraulic one. The Muskingum model is a representative hydrologic flood routing model, and various versions of Muskingum flood routing models have been studied. The new Muskingum flood routing model considers inflows at previous and next time during the calculation of the inflow and storage. The self-adaptive vision correction algorithm is used to calculate the parameters of the proposed model. The new model leads to a smaller error compared to the existing Muskingum flood routing models in various flood data. The sum of squares obtained by applying the new model to Wilson’s flood data, Wang’s flood data, the flood data of River Wye from December 1960, Sutculer flood data, and the flood data of River Wyre from October 1982 were 4.11, 759.79, 18,816.99, 217.73, 38.81 (m3/s)2, respectively. The magnitude of error for different types of flood data may be different, but the error may be large if the flow rate of the flood data is large.
Detailed Trend Analysis of Extreme Climate Indices in the Upper Geum River Basin
Authors: Felix Micah Lourdes , Kim Young-kyu , Choi Mikyoung , Kim Joo-Cheol , Do Xuan Khanh , Nguyen Thu Hien , Jung Kwansue
Published: November 2021

To investigate the recent effects of climate change in the upper Geum River basin in South Korea, a detailed trend analysis of 17 extreme climate indices based on 33 years (1988–2020) of daily precipitation, and daily (minimum and maximum) temperature data has been analyzed in this study. Out of the 17 extreme climate indices, nine (eight) indices were based on temperature (precipitation) data. Trend analysis based on detailed temporal scales (annual, seasonal, monthly) were performed through the Mann–Kendall trend test and the Theil–Sen slope method. Furthermore, the Mann–Whitney–Pettit test was also applied in this study, to detect abrupt changes in the extreme climate indices. Based on the results of this study, the climate conditions at the upper Geum River basin for the past three decades can be summarized as follows: general increase in temperature intensity, decrease in cold duration, increased heat duration, increased precipitation intensity, and increased consecutive wet and dry durations. Furthermore, a prolonged summer season (shorter spring, and autumn periods) and precipitation shifts, were detected based on trend analysis results of seasonal, and monthly time scales. The results presented in this study can provide supplementary data for improving watershed management strategies in the upper Geum River basin.
Occurrence and Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Marine Surface Microlayer of an Industrialized Coastal Area in the Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Sakellari Aikaterini , Karavoltsos Sotirios , Moutafis Ipek , Koukoulakis Konstantinos , Dassenakis Manos , Bakeas Evangelos
Published: November 2021

Concentrations of dissolved and particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined seasonally in sea surface microlayer (SML) and sub-surface water (SSW) within the Saronicos Gulf, Greece, close to a highly industrialized coastal zone. For the 16 US EPA priority PAHs, the sum of dissolved PAHs (∑dPAHs) concentrations ranged from 40.4 to 237 ng L−1 in SML, 22.8–180 ng L−1 in SSW0.2, whereas the corresponding concentrations in suspended particulate matter (∑pPAHs) were 30.8 to 177 ng L−1 and 36.8–171 ng L−1, respectively. The enrichment factor (EF) for dissolved ∑dPAHs varied from 0.9 to 2.1 with a mean value of 1.5 (n = 10) being statistically significantly greater than unity, whereas for particulate ∑pPAHs, no enrichment of the SML was reported. Enrichment factors of 5–6 ring PAHs were higher near the industrial zone. The possible sources, fate, and toxicity of PAHs are also discussed.
After the Storm: Fate and Leaching of Particulate Nitrogen (PN) in the Fluvial Network and the Influence of Watershed Sources and Moisture Conditions
Authors: Krieg Chelsea , Johnson Erin , Peck Erin , Kan Jinjun , Inamdar Shreeram
Published: November 2021

Large storms can erode, transport, and deposit substantial amounts of particulate nitrogen (PN) in the fluvial network. The fate of this input and its consequence for water quality is poorly understood. This study investigated the transformation and leaching of PN using a 56-day incubation experiment with five PN sources: forest floor humus, upland mineral A horizon, stream bank, storm deposits, and stream bed. Experiments were subjected to two moisture regimes: continuously moist and dry–wet cycles. Sediment and porewater samples were collected through the incubation and analyzed for N and C species, as well as the quantification of nitrifying and denitrifying genes (amoA, nirS, nirK). C- and N-rich watershed sources experienced decomposition, mineralization, and nitrification and released large amounts of dissolved N, but the amount of N released varied depending on the PN source and moisture regime. Drying and rewetting stimulated nitrification and suppressed denitrification in most PN sources. Storm deposits released large amounts of porewater N regardless of the moisture conditions, indicating that they could readily act as N sources under a variety of conditions. The inputs, processing, and leaching of large, storm-driven PN inputs become increasingly important as the frequency and intensity of large storms is predicted to increase with global climate change.
Exploring Cruise Tourists’ Preferences and Satisfaction: The Case of Taiwan
Authors: Chang Min-Yen , Wang Chen-Hao , Chen Han-Shen
Published: November 2021

In this study, the product attributes of cruise tours are distinguished into on-board activities, leisure space, cabin comfort, Michelin restaurant, and refund mechanism, and the multi-attribute utility model of cruise tours is constructed using the choice experiment (CE) method. Of the 575 questionnaires distributed, 439 were valid, with an effective recovery rate of 76.3%. The results revealed the following: (1) when cruisers travel, what they value the most is the quality of service on board, followed by the facilities on board; (2) passengers’ preferences for comfortable pool space and more activities on board are negatively significant, indicating that they do not prefer to add these amenities and experiences to the cruise ship; (3) passengers are willing to pay extra to upgrade the interior cabin to one with a view and to experience the Michelin restaurant; and (4) influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, cruisers are more willing to manage their own health. Moreover, the pandemic does not reduce their willingness to travel by cruise.
Low-Calcium Cave Dripwaters in a High CO2 Environment: Formation and Development of Corrosion Cups in Postojna Cave, Slovenia
Authors: Kukuljan Lovel , Gabrovšek Franci , Johnston Vanessa E.
Published: November 2021

Speleothems have proven to be one of the most reliable terrestrial archives for palaeoclimate research. However, due to the complexity of karst systems, long-term monitoring and high-resolution analyses of the cave atmosphere and water geochemistry have become essential to better constrain the factors that control calcite growth and how geochemical palaeoclimate proxies are encoded into speleothems. While calcite precipitation incorporates the palaeoclimate signals into the speleothem fabric, certain conditions in caves can favour dissolution, which may form hiatuses or even destroy these signals. In extreme cases, in-cave dissolution by dripwater can form cup-shaped features (i.e., corrosion cups), which were the main focus of this study. The study site in Postojna Cave, Slovenia was investigated through cave climate monitoring and drip and cup water sampling, which took place during 2017–2021. We found that the cups are fed by low-calcium drips as the consequence of the thin rock overburden above the cave. Due to the specific configuration of the airflow pathways, the study site accumulates high levels of CO2 (>10,000 ppm), which shifts low-calcium dripwater into undersaturation. This causes dissolution on the rock surfaces and speleothems on the cave floor. The results of this study have broader significance in addressing the suitability of cave environments and speleothems used in paleoclimate research.
Reductive and Oxidative UV Degradation of PFAS—Status, Needs and Future Perspectives
Authors: Umar Muhammad
Published: November 2021

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) consist of a group of environmentally persistent, toxic and bio-accumulative organic compounds of industrial origin that are widely present in water and wastewater. Despite restricted use due to current regulations on their use, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) remain the most commonly detected long-chain PFAS. This article reviews UV-based oxidative and reductive studies for the degradation of PFAS. Most of the UV-based processes studied at lab-scale include low pressure mercury lamps (emitting at 254 and 185 nm) with some studies using medium pressure mercury lamps (200–400 nm). A critical evaluation of the findings is made considering the degradation of PFAS, the impact of water quality conditions (pH, background ions, organics), types of oxidizing/reducing species, and source of irradiation with emphasis given to mechanisms of degradation and reaction by-products. Research gaps related to understanding of the factors influencing oxidative and reductive defluorination, impact of co-existing ions from the perspective of complexation with PFAS, and post-treatment toxicity are highlighted. The review also provides an overview of future perspectives regarding the challenges in relation to the current knowledge gaps, and future needs.
The Impact of Precipitation Characteristics on the Washout of Pollutants Based on the Example of an Urban Catchment in Kielce
Authors: Szeląg Bartosz , Górski Jarosław , Bąk Łukasz , Górska Katarzyna
Published: November 2021

This paper reports the results of studies on the concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS) and heavy metals (HMs) (Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb) in stormwater. Pollutant loads were calculated for the observed high water stages. Pollutographs showing M/Mc = f(V/Vc) relationships were generated. In the description of the relationships, two functions, namely the exponential and the power functions, were employed. These represented the dynamics of the pollutant washout from the surface of the catchment area. The analyses demonstrated that the exponential function provides a slightly better description of the course of the process compared with the power function. In the former case, correlation coefficients (R) ranged from 0.900 to 0.999, whereas in the latter they ranged from 0.864 to 0.999. The analyses of correlations between the characteristics describing discharge hydrographs and the values of pollutant washout coefficients indicate that the strongest statistical relationships were identified for TSS. It was demonstrated that the value of the washout coefficient for total suspended solids (kTSS) drops with an increase in rain intensity (q). This also depends on the 10-min precipitation (Ptd=10). Regarding the studied heavy metals, a statistically significant impact of the dry period (tbd) on the washout coefficient was observed only for lead (kPb). Taking into account the washout coefficient in the first flush model makes it possible to improve the accuracy of calculations. This is important for understanding the studied phenomenon.
Factors Affecting Shellfish Quality in Terms of Faecal Contamination at Blakeney Point, East Anglia, UK
Authors: Ball Andrew S. , Shahsavari Esmaeil , Khudur Leadin S. , Aburto-Medina Arturo , Smith David J.
Published: November 2021

Relatively high E. coli and Faecal Streptococci (FS) numbers have been reported in the waters surrounding Blakeney Point, East Anglia, UK, an area containing significant shellfishery industries including mussels and cockles, despite the implementation of development works aimed at reducing residual contamination problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of using bacterial analyses and sterol profiling to assess the current levels and source of faecal pollution at Blakeney Point. No evidence of significant human faecal contamination of water in and around Blakeney Point could be found using either traditional microbiological analyses or sterol profile analysis. The presence of significant quantities of sitosterol, however, suggests that faecal contamination of water from birds does occur but at the concentration detected would not affect water quality. Analysis of cockles and mussels taken from the area show that negligible levels of coprostanol were present, confirming that faecal pollution was not causing any contamination issues. Apart from cholesterol, brassicasterol, an algal biomarker, as expected was dominant in shellfish flesh. The results confirm that current water treatment processes are successful in ensuring water quality at Blakeney Point and that a combination of microbial testing with sterol profile analysis confirmed that low microbial concentrations of faecal contaminants present in and around Blakeney Point most probably originate from migratory and/or resident bird species.
Investigation of Spatial and Temporal Variability of Hydrological Drought in Slovenia Using the Standardised Streamflow Index (SSI)
Authors: Zalokar Lenka , Kobold Mira , Šraj Mojca
Published: November 2021

Drought is a complex phenomenon with high spatial and temporal variability. Water scarcity has become a growing problem in Slovenia in recent decades. Therefore, the spatial and temporal variability of hydrological drought was investigated in this study by analysing the Standardized Streamflow Index (SSI). Monthly discharge data series from 46 gauging stations for the period 1961–2016 were used to calculate SSI values at five different time scales (1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months). The results indicate that the frequency and intensity of droughts in Slovenia has increased in recent decades at most of the analysed gauging stations and at all time scales considered. Spring and summer periods were identified as critical in terms of water deficit. SSI values vary independently from the location of the gauging station, confirming that drought is a regional phenomenon, even in a small country such as Slovenia. However, SSI values vary considerably depending on the time scale chosen. This was also confirmed by the results of the hierarchical clustering of the number of extreme droughts, as various time scales resulted in a different distribution of gauging stations by individual groups.