bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Humoral and Long-Term Cell-Mediated Immune Responses to Recombinant Canarypox-Vectored Equine Influenza Virus Vaccination in Horses Using Conventional and Accelerated Regimens Respectively
Authors: El-Hage Charles , Hartley Carol , Savage Catherine , Watson James , Gilkerson James , Paillot Romain
Published: May 2022

During Australia’s first and only outbreak of equine influenza (EI), which was restricted to two northeastern states, horses were strategically vaccinated with a recombinant canarypox-vectored vaccine (rCP-EIV; ProteqFlu™, Merial P/L). The vaccine encoded for haemagglutinin (HA) belonging to two equine influenza viruses (EIVs), including an American and Eurasian lineage subtype that predated the EIV responsible for the outbreak (A/equine/Sydney/07). Racehorses in Victoria (a southern state that remained free of EI) were vaccinated prophylactically. Although the vaccine encoded for (HA) belonged to two EIVs of distinct strains of the field virus, clinical protection was reported in vaccinated horses. Our aim is to assess the extent of humoral immunity in one group of vaccinated horses and interferon-gamma ((EIV)-IFN-γ)) production in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of a second population of vaccinated horses. Twelve racehorses at work were monitored for haemagglutination inhibition antibodies to three antigenically distinct equine influenza viruses (EIVs) The EIV antigens included two H3N8 subtypes: A/equine/Sydney/07) A/equine/Newmarket/95 (a European lineage strain) and an H7N7 subtype (A/equine/Prague1956). Cell-mediated immune responses of: seven racehorses following an accelerated vaccination schedule, two horses vaccinated using a conventional regimen, and six unvaccinated horses were evaluated by determining (EIV)-IFN-γ levels. Antibody responses following vaccination with ProteqFlu™ were cross-reactive in nature, with responses to both H3N8 EIV strains. Although (EIV)IFN-γ was clearly detected following the in vitro re-stimulation of PBMC, there was no significant difference between the different groups of horses. Results of this study support reports of clinical protection of Australian horses following vaccination with Proteq-Flu™ with objective evidence of humoral cross-reactivity to the outbreak viral strain A/equine/Sydney/07.
Antibody Response in Healthcare Workers before and after the Third Dose of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine: A Pilot Study
Authors: Panico Alessandra , Lobreglio Giambattista , Bagordo Francesco , Zizza Antonella , De Donno Antonella , Rosato Chiara , Lazzari Roberta , Chicone Michele , Indino Floriano , Recchia Virginia , Alifano Pietro , Grassi Tiziana
Published: May 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to the development of various vaccines. The BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine was the first approved due to its efficacy in eliciting a humoral immunity response after the second dose. However, a decrease in the antibody concentration was observed over time. Therefore, the administration of a third dose was scheduled, primarily for frail people and workers of essential public activities. The aim of this study was to assess the level of antibodies against the spike (S) RBD of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers before and after the third dose of BNT162b2 vaccine, according to sex, age, and the time interval between vaccine doses and tests. All 37 (12 males, 25 females, 19 < 50 years old, 18 ≥ 50 years old) healthcare workers recruited showed a consistent antibody titer increase after the third dose. Data analysis showed that the antibody concentration before the third dose significantly decreased as the time interval up to the test increased, and a significantly higher level was shown in young than older people. Cluster analysis revealed that young females had a higher antibody level than older females before the third dose (p < 0.05). This study indicated the benefit of the third dose of BNT162b2 vaccine and its effect on leveling up the humoral immune response.
The Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Is Adapting Because of Selective Pressures
Authors: López-Cortés Georgina I. , Palacios-Pérez Miryam , Veledíaz Hannya F. , Hernández-Aguilar Margarita , López-Hernández Gerardo R. , Zamudio Gabriel S. , José Marco V.
Published: May 2022

The global scale of the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and the clues of adaptation. After two years and two months since the declaration of the pandemic, several variants have emerged and become fixed in the human population thanks to extrinsic selective pressures but also to the inherent mutational capacity of the virus. Here, we applied a neutral substitution evolution test to the spike (S) protein of Omicron’s protein and compared it to the others’ variant of concern (VOC) neutral evolution. We carried out comparisons among the interactions between the S proteins from the VOCs (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron) and the receptor ACE2. The shared amino acids among all the ACE2 binding S proteins remain constant, indicating that these amino acids are essential for the accurate binding to the receptor. The complexes of the RBD for every variant with the receptor were used to identify the amino acids involved in the protein—protein interaction (PPI). The RBD of Omicron establishes 82 contacts, compared to the 74 of the Wuhan original viral protein. Hence, the mean number of contacts per residue is higher, making the contact thermodynamically more stable. The RBDs of the VOCs are similar in sequence and structure; however, Omicron’s RBD presents the largest deviation from the structure by 1.11 Å RMSD, caused by a set of mutations near the glycosylation N343. The chemical properties and structure near the glycosylation N343 of the Omicron S protein are different from the original protein, which provoke reduced recognition by the neutralizing antibodies. Our results hint that selective pressures are induced by mass vaccination throughout the world and by the persistence of recurrent infections in immunosuppressed individuals, who did not eliminate the infection and ended up facilitating the selection of viruses whose characteristics are different from the previous VOCs, less pathogenic but with higher transmissibility.
What Should We Do after the COVID-19 Vaccination? Vaccine-Associated Diseases and Precautionary Measures against Adverse Reactions
Authors: Awaya Toru , Moroi Masao , Enomoto Yoshinari , Kunimasa Taeko , Nakamura Masato
Published: May 2022

COVID-19 vaccines have been used to counteract the global COVID-19 pandemic. While these are effective, adverse reactions have been reported, such as injection-site pain, muscle ache, fever, palpitation, and chest discomfort. The release of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β, is a potential mechanism for post-vaccine side-effects. Chest discomfort after the vaccination, including myocarditis and acute coronary syndrome, is a particularly serious adverse reaction. It is important to be familiar with the differential diagnoses of chest discomfort and organ-specific diseases associated with COVID-19 vaccines as the preparation for booster shots and vaccinations among children aged 5–11 years begins. High-intensity exercise, alcohol, tobacco smoking, and baths promote inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, which may exacerbate the adverse reactions after vaccination. Japanese data show that deaths during baths are the most common for several days after mRNA vaccination. Additionally, alcohol and tobacco smoking were identified as predictive factors of lower antibody titers after vaccination. In this review, we aimed to provide a few recommendations to prevent vaccine-associated disease.
Seroprevalence of Pertussis in Adults at Childbearing Age Pre- and Post- COVID-19 in Beijing, China
Authors: Chen Zhiyun , Pang Jie , Zhang Yuxiao , Ding Yiwei , Chen Ning , Zhang Nan , He Qiushui
Published: May 2022

The number of reported pertussis cases has significantly decreased during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic under the influence of strict public health measures in many countries including China. This study evaluated the prevalence of serum anti-pertussis toxin (anti-PT) IgG antibodies in adults at childbearing age pre- and post- COVID-19 in Beijing, China. Altogether, 2021 serum samples collected from individuals aged 20 to 39 years who attended an annual health examination at the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, in 2018~2020 were measured by ELISA. The median concentration of anti-PT IgG antibodies among participants in 2020 (2.96 IU/mL) was significantly lower than that in 2018 (3.27 IU/mL) (p = 0.011) and in 2019 (3.24 IU/mL) (p = 0.014). The percentage of participants with anti-PT IgG antibodies higher than 40 IU/mL (indicating a pertussis infection within the past few years) was 1.79% (9/503) in 2018, 2.04% (15/735) in 2019 and 1.66% (13/783) in 2020, respectively. The corresponding numbers of the non-detectable (<5 IU/mL) rate of anti-PT IgG antibodies were 66.60%, 65.99% and 70.24%. Our results showed that there was a significant difference between true and reported incidence rates even during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proportion of adults at childbearing age without pertussis-specific antibodies is high, suggesting that booster vaccinations in adults should be considered in this country.
Significant Increase in Antibody Titers after the 3rd Booster Dose of the Pfizer–BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in Healthcare Workers in Greece
Authors: Kontopoulou Konstantina , Nakas Christos T. , Papazisis Georgios
Published: May 2022

The aim of our study was to assess the immunogenicity of the third dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty) in a cohort of 129 health-care workers in Greece whose anti-S1 RBD IgG titers were monitored over the course of nine months. Titers were measured for each participant just before the third dose (nine months after the second dose) and also one month after the third dose. Of the 129 participants, 19 had been previously infected before starting the vaccination scheme. The SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant assay on the Architect System was employed to longitudinally assess the titers of IgG against the receptor-binding domain of the S1 subunit of the spike protein (anti-S1 RBD). Boosters raised Geometric Mean Concentrations (GMCs) by a factor of approximately 47 relative to levels at 9 months and by a factor of approximately 23 relative to levels at 6 months. The immune response one month after the third dose was significantly higher than the response achieved one month after the second dose (p = 0.008). In conclusion, our findings verify the potent immunogenicity elicited by the third dose in all age and prior COVID-19 status groups, suggesting that the timely administration of the third (booster) dose maximizes the immunogenic potential of the vaccine.
Surveillance of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) after Third Dose Booster Vaccination with mRNA-Based Vaccine in Universitas Indonesia Hospital Health Personnel
Authors: Hidayat Rakhmad , Mustika Alyssa Putri , Avisha Fhathia , Djuliannisaa Zlatikha , Winari Dinisa Diah , Putri Ria Amiliah , Lisman Heydi Marizky , Davin Vandra , Widhani Alvina , Aini Muhammad Hafiz , Rahmadani Meilisa , Istanti Novita Dwi , Giantini Astuti
Published: May 2022

Facing the rising cases of with higher fatalities COVID-19, some countries decided to give the third dose of vaccine as a booster. As of 9 January 2022, 90.31% of health workers in Indonesia have received the third dose vaccine. This study aims to provide an evaluation of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) in a single center in Indonesia to form a basis for ensuring safety for booster administration nationally. A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey. Demographic data, AEFI complaints, and factors influencing AEFIs were evaluated. In this study, there were a total of 311 subjects were gathered. The most common AEFI symptoms found at onset <24 h to 28 days were pain at the injection site, fever, shoulder pain, and headache. Most of the AEFI severity of <24 h to 28 days post-vaccination was grade 1 (reduced or uninterrupted daily activities). There was a significant correlation between AEFI and several factors, such as the history of drug allergy, exercise after vaccination, age, BMI < 25, history of symptoms after the first and second vaccinations, and history of COVID-19. There was no anaphylactic reaction in this study. Several AEFI should be considered for the third dose of COVID-19 vaccine administration.
IgG Antibody Responses and Immune Persistence of Two Doses of BBIBP-CorV Vaccine or CoronaVac Vaccine in People Living with HIV (PLWH) in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Zeng Guang , Xu Liumei , Feng Shuidong , Tang Jie , Wang Xiaohui , Li Guilian , Gan Yongxia , Zheng Chenli , Zhao Jin , Yang Zhengrong
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to preliminarily evaluate the immunogenicity and immune persistence of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in PLWH in the real world. We collected blood samples from 132 PLWH aged 18–59 years who were vaccinated with two doses of BBIBP-CorV vaccine (Sinopharm) or CoronaVac vaccine (SinoVac) at 28 ± 7 days and 180 ± 20 days the after second dose, to detect the level of Spike receptor binding domain-protein specific IgG (S-RBD-IgG) by using chemiluminescence. We found that the BBIBP-CorV vaccine or the CoronaVac vaccine induced lower S-RBD-IgG antibody seropositivity rates and levels in PLWH than in healthy controls (HCs). The BBIBP-CorV vaccine or the CoronaVac vaccine induced lower humoral immune responses in PLWH, having lower CD4+T cell counts (<350 cells/μL) compared to PLWH, and having higher CD4+T cell counts (≥350 cells/μL) after a second dose of vaccination. The BBIBP-CorV vaccine or the CoronaVac vaccine induced lower S-RBD-IgG antibody levels in PLWH, having CD4+T cell counts ≥350 cells/μL compared to HCs. No negative effects were observed in terms of the CD4+T cell counts and HIV RNA viral load (VL) of PLWH after vaccination. Ninety-nine PLWH and eighty-three HCs completed a second blood collection for testing; we found a statistically significant decrease in the humoral immune response both in PLWH and HCs from 28 days to 180 days after a second dose of BBIBP-CorV vaccine or CoronaVac vaccine. The S-RBD-IgG antibody induced by the BBIBP-CorV vaccine or the CoronaVac vaccine declined faster in the PLWH population than in the healthy population, and two doses of the BBIBP-CorV vaccine or the CoronaVac vaccine may not be enough to provide PLWH with persistent immunity against SARS-CoV-2. It is necessary for PLWH to be prioritized for a third dose over the healthy population, but the immunogenicity of the third dose of the homologous or heterologous vaccine requires further study.
Analysis of Flow Channel Structure Parameter and Optimization Study on Tooth Spacing of Drip Irrigation Tape
Authors: Zhang Weiting , Yang Luhua , Wang Jinyi , Zhang Xinhua
Published: May 2022

The flow channel structure is the main factor affecting the hydraulic performance, anti-clogging and energy dissipation performance of drip irrigation tape. Proper exploring of the performance-related but hard-to-measure structure parameters in the flow channel emitter of drip irrigation tape is imperative. However, the traditional studying methods may lead to large systematic errors and human errors, resulting in inaccurate estimations of the parameters and an unreasonable design. This paper aims to find an effective way to optimize the most significant channel structural parameter through studying 18 kinds of drip irrigation belts commonly used in the agricultural irrigation field. Unigraphics NX and Spaceclaim were applied to measure the eight main structure parameters of the selected drip irrigation tapes. The one critical parameter that affects the emitter hydraulic performance—tooth spacing—was found by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Therefore, we designed three plans where the tooth spacing decreased by 0.1, 0.2, and 0.29 mm to 1.36, 1.26, and 1.17 mm, respectively, and, finally, formed two types of flow channels. Flow channel 1 with a tooth base is represented by Plan 1 and Plan 2, and flow channel 2 without a tooth base is represented by Plan 3. Then, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to simulate the flow characteristics of the emitters in the three plans. The results demonstrate that flow channel 2 without a tooth base, represented by Plan 3, has a greater kinetic energy and hydraulic performance than flow channel 1. Compared with the control group, the changes in Plan 3 were the most obvious, with the changes in the flow index, flow coefficient, and average flow rate by −14.50%, −5.08%, and 12.50%, respectively. The flow indexes in the three plans are all less than 0.5, while the smallest of Plan 3 is 0.395. Therefore, the hydraulic performance of flow channel 2 represented by Plan 3 is better. The narrowing of the tooth spacing makes the space for vortexing between the serrated teeth smaller. The flow velocity in Plan 3 is generally increased by 3 m/s from 2.3 to 4.1 m/s, becoming more uniform. Due to a high velocity of the water flow and less vortexing, the deposition of suspended solids in the flow channel is avoided to a certain extent, and for the flow channel in Plan 3, the improvement in the hydraulic performance is greater than the reduction in the energy dissipation performance. The ratio of the decrease in the flow index to the increase in the average outflow of the emitter in Plan 3 is 1.16:1. In conclusion, the overall performance of Plan 3 is optimal for all schemes. Flow channel 2 can improve the hydraulic performance and reduce the production costs. Therefore, this study could provide a theoretical induction for inner drip irrigation tape application and production.
Advances in the Study and Understanding of Groundwater Discharge to Surface Water
Authors: Duque Carlos , Rosenberry Donald O.
Published: May 2022

Groundwater discharge is vitally important for maintaining or restoring valuable ecosystems in surface water and at the underlying groundwater-surface-water ecotone [...]
Correction: Li et al. Joint Effects of the DEM Resolution and the Computational Cell Size on the Routing Methods in Hydrological Modelling. Water 2022, 14, 797
Authors: Li Jingjing , Chen Hua , Xu Chong-Yu , Li Lu , Zhao Haoyuan , Huo Ran , Chen Jie
Published: May 2022

A new citation needs to be added to the original publication [...]
Spatiotemporal Response of Fish Aggregations to Hydrological Changes in the Lower Pearl River, China, during the Main Spawning Season
Authors: Wu Zhi , Zhu Shuli , Li Yuefei , Xia Yuguo , Zhang Yingqiu , Li Xinhui , Li Jie
Published: May 2022

The Pearl River is a global hotspot of fish biodiversity, yet has the most threatened endemic fish species in China. Since the establishment of the Changzhou Dam in the lower reach, changes in hydrological rhythm have negatively impacted fish downstream of the dam, but their spatiotemporal distribution in response to flood alteration has received little attention. In this study, hydroacoustic surveys were undertaken monthly in 2016 to monitor the distribution and behavior of fish. Fish densities were higher during the water discharge rising stage than during the falling stage, indicating that the fish aggregate during flooding (coefficient of variation [CV] > 100%) and depart after flooding (CV < 100%), especially aggregations of large fish. The target strength (TS) was allocated to two groups as per their frequency distributions, defined as small fish (−55 dB < TS < −40 dB) and large fish (TS > −40 dB). The sizes of both groups were significantly larger during the rising stage when compared to those during the falling stage (p < 0.01). Comparatively more fish were present with a greater average TS, and a substantially greater proportion of large fish was detected during rising stages. Hydrological variation importantly influences fish aggregations, including the numbers and sizes present, with the differences being particularly pronounced between the rising and falling stages. Combined with relevant studies, it is suggested that water releases from the Changzhou Dam should be regulated to satisfy fish spawning and migration demands during the main breeding season.
Potential Use of Aquatic Vascular Plants to Control Cyanobacterial Blooms: A Review
Authors: Nezbrytska Inna , Usenko Oleg , Konovets Igor , Leontieva Tetiana , Abramiuk Igor , Goncharova Mariia , Bilous Olena
Published: May 2022

Intense “blooming” of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) caused by eutrophication and climate change poses a serious threat to freshwater ecosystems and drinking water safety. Preventing the proliferation of cyanobacteria and reducing water nutrient load is a priority for the restoration of eutrophic water bodies. Aquatic plants play an important role in the function and structure of aquatic ecosystems, affecting the physiochemistry of the water and bottom sediments, primary production, and biotic interactions that support a balanced ecosystem. This review examines the inhibitory effect of aquatic vascular plants on harmful blooms of cyanobacteria. Aquatic plants are able to successfully inhibit the growth of cyanobacteria through various mechanisms, including by reducing nutrient and light availability, creating favorable conditions for the development of herbivorous zooplankton, and releasing allelopathic active substances (allelochemicals) with algicidal effect. Allelopathy is species-specific and therefore acts as one of the key mechanisms by which the development of cyanobacterial populations in aquatic ecosystems is regulated. However, allelopathic activity of aquatic vascular plants depends on various factors (species characteristics of aquatic plants, area, and density of overgrowth of water bodies, physiochemical properties of allelopathically active substances, hydrological and hydrochemical regimes, temperature, light intensity, etc.), which may regulate the impact of allelochemicals on algal communities. The paper also discusses some problematic aspects of using fast-growing species of aquatic vascular plants to control cyanobacterial blooms.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Produced Water Demand for Fit-For-Purpose Reuse—A Permian Basin, New Mexico Case Study
Authors: Sabie Robert P. , Pillsbury Lana , Xu Pei
Published: May 2022

This study created a framework for assessing the spatial and temporal distribution of the supply and demand of four potential produced water (PW) reuse options: agriculture, dust suppression, power generation, and river flow augmentation using Eddy and Lea counties in the southeastern New Mexico Permian Basin as a case study. Improving the PW management in the oil and gas industry is important in areas with limited water resources and increasing restrictions on PW disposal. One option in the PW management portfolio is fit-for-purpose reuse, but a lack of adequate information on PW quality, volumes, and the spatiotemporal distribution of PW supply and demand precludes its reuse. Using the framework, we determined that a 1.1-mile grid cell for data aggregation is a sufficient spatial scale for capturing the granular data needed for PW management decisions. The annual available PW supply for the two counties was estimated to be 45,460,875 m3 (36,870 acre-feet). The annual cumulative estimated demand was 647,656,261 m3 (525,064 acre-feet) for the four potential use cases—far exceeding PW supply. The maps generated using the framework illustrated that much of the supply and demand are spatially dispersed. The spatiotemporal analysis framework provides a generic methodology that can be used for PW management in other basins or for assessing alternative waters at the local and regional scales where management occurs.
Population Status and Ecology of the Steno-Endemic Fairy Shrimp Chirocephalus sibyllae Cottarelli and Mura, 1975 Inhabiting a Mountain Temporary Pond (Central Italy)
Authors: Carosi Antonella , Barelli Maria Gaetana , Ambrosi Alessandro , Rossetti Alessandro , Morandi Federico , Lorenzoni Francesca , Tagliaferri Giovanni , Lorenzoni Massimo
Published: May 2022

High-elevation ephemeral waters are sentinels of climate change, as they quickly respond to decreasing precipitation levels and increasing air temperatures. Fairy shrimps are among the most threatened invertebrates in ephemeral waters, as they are extremely vulnerable to habitat loss. Chirocephalus sibyllae is a fairy shrimp endemic to the Palazzo Borghese temporary pond, located within Sibillini Mountains National Park (Central Italy). The aims of the present study were to: (i) evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of C. sibyllae habitat, with special reference to climate changes over twenty years; (ii) document the life history, size, and abundance of C. sibyllae; and (iii) document the coexisting zooplankton fauna in Palazzo Borghese pond. The zooplankton community was monitored fortnightly, during the filling phases of the pond, from April 2019 to June 2021, using an 80 μm mesh net, within transects of known length. On each sampling occasion, 13 physicochemical parameters were measured, and water-level fluctuations and pond surface area were recorded. Compared to what was reported in the literature, in the last two years the wet phase of the Palazzo Borghese pond was shorter, and the pool dried up much earlier than in the past. The water quality was good and reflected the typical characteristics of high-mountain oligotrophic ponds. Orthophosphates seem to play a key role in zooplankton population abundance, increasing over time during the filling period. According to the extreme unpredictability of environmental features, the zooplankton community was composed of a very limited number of species, adapted to face drought conditions for most of the year. C. sibyllae life-history traits showed a high number of cysts in the broodpouch of ovigerous females (mean ± SD = 66.0 ± 38.9), and a higher mean total length of adults (1.72 cm for females and 1.76 cm for males), in comparison to data reported in the literature. The year 2019 was configured as the season with the most favorable conditions for the development of C. sibyllae; in 2020, the short duration of the pond did not allow the species to complete its life cycle. Climate change seems to pose the main threat to the species, considering that the progressive increase in air temperatures and the decrease in snowfall will, likely, lead to increasingly shorter filling phases of its habitat.
Impact of Water Fluctuation from a Dam on the Mekong River on the Hatching Success of Two Sandbar-Nesting Birds: A Case Study from Bueng Kan Province, Thailand
Authors: Keithmaleesatti Sarun , Angkaew Rongrong , Robson Mark Gregory
Published: May 2022

Dam construction for the provision of hydropower and a stable water supply poses a major threat to freshwater biodiversity. Water fluctuation due to dam management has adverse effects on local people and biodiversity in downstream areas, including sandbar-nesting birds. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of water levels controlled by upstream dams on the breeding success of two sandbar-nesting birds, the little ringed plover, Charadrius dubius, and little pratincole, Glareola lacteal, along the Mekong River in Bueng Kan Province, Thailand. During January–May 2018, we found 160 active nests of only two species, the little ringed plover (n = 26 nests, 288 exposure days) and the little pratincole (n = 134 nests, 890 exposure days). Their nest success rates were 19.49 ± 7.52% and 5.54 ± 1.61%, respectively. Predation was a major cause of nest failure for both species (n = 82), followed by flooding (n = 44). We found a significantly increased probability of nest flooding when the water level was higher than when the nest was initiated for those located closer to the water, particularly during March and April, when water levels fluctuated. Our results indicate that dams threaten sandbar-nesting species.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal Efficiency and Denitrification Kinetics of Different Substrates in Constructed Wetland
Authors: Zeng Yinjin , Xu Weibin , Wang Han , Zhao Dan , Ding Hui
Published: May 2022

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are generally used for wastewater treatment and removing nitrogen and phosphorus. However, the treatment efficiency of CWs is limited due to the poor performance of various substrates. To find appropriate substrates of CWs for micro-polluted water treatment, zeolite, quartz sand, bio-ceramsite, porous filter, and palygorskite self-assembled composite material (PSM) were used as filtering media to treat slightly polluted water with the aid of autotrophic denitrifying bacteria. PSM exhibited the most remarkable nitrogen and phosphorus removal performance among these substrates. The average removal efficiencies of ammonia nitrogen, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus of PSM were 66.4%, 58.1%, and 85%, respectively. First-order continuous stirred-tank reactor (first-order-CSTR) and Monod continuous stirred-tank reactor (Monod-CSTR) models were established to investigate the kinetic behavior of denitrification nitrogen removal processes using different substrates. Monod-CSTR model was proven to be an accurate model that could simulate nitrate nitrogen removal performance in vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCWs). Moreover, PSM demonstrated significant pollutant removal capacity with the kinetics coefficient of 2.0021 g/m2 d. Hence, PSM can be considered as a promising new type of substrate for micro-polluted wastewater treatment, and Monod-CSTR model can be employed to simulate denitrification processes.
An Analysis of the Impact of Groundwater Overdraft on Runoff Generation in the North China Plain with a Hydrological Modeling Framework
Authors: Tian Yimin , Yang Yanqing , Bao Zhenxin , Song Xiaomeng , Wang Guoqing , Liu Cuishan , Wu Houfa , Mo Yuchen
Published: May 2022

The long-term overexploitation of groundwater has caused sharp decreases in groundwater table depth and water storage in the agricultural areas of the North China Plain, which has led to obvious changes in the runoff process of the hydrological cycle, affecting the mechanism of runoff generation. Evaluating the impact of groundwater overdraft on runoff generation using hydrological models is the focus of the current work. Herein, a hydrological modeling framework is proposed based on the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model. The optimal parameters of the VIC model were determined by the synergetic calibration method, combining runoff, evaporation, and water storage levels. Meanwhile, a sliding calibration scheme was employed to explore the implied relationships among runoff coefficient, groundwater exploitation, and model parameters, particularly for the thickness of the second soil layer (i.e., parameter d2), both for the whole period and the sliding window periods. Overall, the VIC model showed good applicability in the southern Haihe river plain, as demonstrated by the low absolute value of the relative error (RE) between the simulated and observed data for runoff and evaporation, with all REs < 8%, as well as large correlation coefficients (CC, all > 0.8). In addition, the CCs between the simulated and the observed data for water storage were all above 0.7. The calibrated optimal parameter d2 increased as the sliding window period increased, and the average d2 gradually increased from 0.372 m to 0.415 m, for which we also found high correlations with both the groundwater table and water storage levels. Additionally, increases in the parameter d2 led to decreases in the runoff coefficient. From 2003 to 2016, the parameter d2 increased from 0.36 m to 0.42 m, and the runoff coefficient decreased by about 0.02.
Decision-Making Framework for GI Layout Considering Site Suitability and Weighted Multi-Function Effectiveness: A Case Study in Beijing Sub-Center
Authors: Liu Zijing , Yang Yuehan , Hou Jingxuan , Jia Haifeng
Published: May 2022

The effectiveness of runoff control infrastructure depends on infrastructure arrangement and the severity of the problem in the study area. Green infrastructure (GI) has been widely demonstrated as a practical approach to runoff reduction and ecological improvement. However, decision-makers usually consider the cost-efficacy of the GI layout scheme as a primary factor, leading to less consideration of GI’s environmental and ecological functions. Thus, a multifunctional decision-making framework for evaluating the suitability of GI infrastructure was established. First, the study area was described by regional pollution load intensity, slope, available space, and constructible area. Then, to assess the multifunctional performance of GI, a hierarchical evaluation framework comprising three objectives, seven indices, and sixteen sub-indices was established. Weights were assigned to different indices according to stakeholders’ preferences, including government managers, researchers, and residents. The proposed framework can be extended to other cities to detect GI preference.
Channel Bed Deformation and Ice Jam Evolution around Bridge Piers
Authors: Hu Haotian , Wang Jun , Cheng Tiejie , Hou Zhixing , Sui Jueyi
Published: May 2022

The interaction between the evolution of an ice jam and the local scour at bridge piers becomes much more complicated due to the evolution of both the channel bed and ice jam. Thus, research work regarding this topic has been hardly conducted. In the present study, experiments under different flow conditions with three different pier shapes were carried out. Through laboratory experiments, the development of scour holes around bridge piers under open flow, ice-covered, and ice-jammed flow conditions was compared. The results show that under the same hydraulic condition and with the same ice discharge rate (Qi/Q), the development of an initial ice jam with a local scour around bridge piers along the entire flume takes a relatively short time. However, it takes a longer time for an ice jam to achieve an equilibrium state. With the presence of a local scour at bridge piers, after an ice jam reaches an equilibrium state, the ice jam thickness, water level, and water depth for flow are relatively larger compared to that without a local scour at the pier. The equilibrium ice jam thickness around the pier is negatively correlated with the initial flow Froude number. When the development of an initial ice jam is dominated by a mechanical thickening process, the rate of the development of a scour hole around a pier is faster. On the other hand, when the development of an initial ice jam is dominated by a hydraulic thickening process, the development of a scour hole around a pier can be treated as a scour process under an ice-covered flow condition. An equation was developed to determine the scour depth around a pier under an ice-jammed flow condition by considering related factors such as the flow Froude number, ice jam thickness, and ice discharge rate. The results of this research can provide a reference for bridge design and safety protection, as well as the interaction mechanism of local scour and ice jam evolution.
A Combined O/U-Tube Oscillatory Water Tunnel for Fluid Flow and Sediment Transport Studies: The Hydrodynamics and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Lee Cheng-Hsien , Chen Jia-You , Lee Fang-Shou , Chang Li-Chiu
Published: May 2022

This study proposes an oscillatory water tunnel (O/U-tube) equipped with two impellers to drive flows. The O/U-tube consists of two modes: U-tube mode and O-tube mode. The former can generate oscillatory flow, while the latter can produce both oscillatory and unidirectional flows with velocities up to 1.6 m/s. The hydrodynamics of the U-tube and O-tube modes were examined analytically. For the U-tube mode, a sine-varying rotational speed for the impeller caused higher harmonic components for the velocity, owing to the local inertia and gravity forces. In the steady state of the O-tube mode, owing to the resistance force, the flow velocity was proportional to the rotational speed. To generate the target flow conditions, two open-loop control schemes were proposed according to the analytic approach for the U-tube mode and a genetic algorithm for the O-tube mode. The analytic approach was based on a hydrodynamic model with a given flow condition. In the genetic algorithm, the rotational speed was represented by a square root of the Fourier series. The optimal coefficients of the Fourier series to generate the target flow were determined by using the genetic algorithm and the hydrodynamic model. Both approaches were experimentally validated. Consequently, the O/U-tube with the open-loop schemes can be used to generate the desired oscillatory and unidirectional flows.
The 21st August 2020 Flood in Douala (Cameroon): A Major Urban Flood Investigated with 2D HEC-RAS Modeling
Authors: Iroume Junior Yves-Audrey , Onguéné Raphaël , Djanna Koffi Francis , Colmet-Daage Antoine , Stieglitz Thomas , Essoh Sone Willy , Bogning Sakaros , Olinga Olinga Joseph Magloire , Ntchantcho Romaric , Ntonga Jean-Claude , Braun Jean-Jacques , Briquet Jean-Pierre , Etame Jacques
Published: May 2022

A major flood event occurred on 21 August 2020 in the densely populated Makèpè Missokè neighborhood in the city of Douala (Cameroon, Africa). Nearly 2210 buildings and 12,376 victims spread over 82 hectares were affected. A 2D HEC-RAS model is applied to simulate and characterize this event. A cross analysis of flood depth and flow velocity is used to classify the flood risk and identify areas exposed from low to high hazard. The simulations provide detailed information on the flood characteristics (extent, depth, velocity, arrival time, and duration). The simulated maximum water surface profiles are consistent with the floods marks with differences ranging from 0.02 m to 0.44 m, indicating a good agreement between the observed and simulated water levels at the peak flow (NSE = 0.94, Erel = 0.92, RMSE = 0.21 m). The maximum inundation level is 4.48 m and the flow velocity is globally low at less than 1 m/s. The average flood arrival time and duration are 5 h and 26 h, respectively, for a threshold height of 0.5 m. These results indicate a fast mobilization of the major river channel for the evacuation of this flood. The level of accuracy of the developed model of the 21 August 2020 flood event is appropriate for flood hazard assessment in the city of Douala and is designed to find operational application in future events.
İlkokul Öğrencilerinin Beden Eğitimi ve Oyun Dersine İlişkin Görüşleri
Authors: SERHATLIOĞLU Birsen , KALO Fatma
Published: May 2022

Bu çalışmanın amacı ilkokul öğrencilerinin Beden Eğitimi ve Oyun dersi hakkındaki görüşlerini belirlemektir. Araştırmada nitel araştırma desenlerinden durum çalışması kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu 2018-2019 Eğitim-Öğretim yılı güz döneminde Elazığ il ve ilçeleri 3. ve 4. sınıfta öğrenim görmekte olan 137 ilkokul öğrencisi oluşturmuştur. Araştırma verileri, araştırmacılar tarafından geliştirilen yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu ile toplanmıştır. Uzman görüşüne başvurularak hazırlanan görüşme formu 5 açık uçlu sorudan oluşmaktadır. Nitel veriler betimsel analiz yaklaşımıyla değerlendirilmiştir. Araştırma soruları çerçevesinde oluşturulan temalar kategorize edilerek yorumlanmıştır. Sonuç olarak öğrencilerin çoğunluğunun Beden Eğitimi ve Oyun ders saatini yeterli bulduğu, ders kapsamında en çok geleneksel oyunları tercih ettikleri, uygulamaların çoğunlukla okul bahçesinde yapıldığını belirttikleri, bu ders için kullanılan materyal, araç-gereçlerin yeterli olduğu ancak farklı materyal kullanmak istediklerini, bu dersi ağırlıklı olarak Matematik ve Fen Bilimleri dersleriyle bağlantılı olarak işlediklerine ilişkin görüşleri ortaya çıkarılmıştır. Bu sonuçlar ışığında öneriler getirilmiştir.
Energy strategy of the enterprise
Authors: Gasho E. , Chekhranova Olga
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the energy strategy and its role in the hierarchy of strategies were analyzed, an overview of existing approaches to the classification of strategies was conducted, the main options for defining strategic management were presented, a generalizing structure of the strategic management process model and the stages of strategic management were compiled. The paper proposes a model of energy strategy formation, consisting of ten interconnected sequential stages, and provides an analysis. The authors also proposed a scheme for the sustainable development of the enterprise, consisting of the influencing factors. A map of the impact of the energy strategy on the economic activity of the enterprise was compiled and built. In this study, the authors proposed two models for the implementation of an energy strategy depending on the economic situation in the company. The crisis model, when it is necessary to act as a tool to support the activities of the enterprise, the purpose of such a model is to improve the financial situation. The innovative strategy model is considered as a tool for generating additional income, it is associated with development.
Classification of Tympanic Membrane Images based on VGG16 Model
Authors: ÇALIŞKAN Abidin
Published: May 2022

Otitis Media (OM) is a type of infectious disease caused by viruses and/or bacteria in the middle ear cavity. In the current study, it is aimed to detect the eardrum region in middle ear images for diagnosing OM disease by using artificial intelligence methods. The Convolution Neural Networks (CNN) model and the deep features of this model and the images obtained with the otoscope device were used. In order to separate these images as Normal and Abnormal, the end-to-end VGG16 model was directly used in the first stage of the experimental work. In the second stage of the experimental study, the activation maps of the fc6 and fc7 layers consisting of 4096 features and the fc8 layer consisting of 1000 features of the VGG16 CNN model were obtained. Then, it was given as input to Support Vector Machines (SVM). Then, the deep features obtained from all activation maps were combined and a new feature set was obtained. In the last stage, this feature set is given as an input to SVM. Thus, the effect of the VGG16 model and the features obtained from the layers of this model on the success of distinguishing images of the eardrum was investigated. Experimental studies show that, the best performance results were obtained for the fc6 layer with an accuracy rate of 82.17%. In addition, 71.43%, 90.62% and 77.92% performance criteria were obtained for sensitivity, specificity and f-score values, respectively. Consequently, it has been shown that OM disease could be accurately detected by using a deep CNN architecture. The proposed deep learning-based classification system promises highly accurate results for disease detection.
TINJAUAN YURIDIS KEWENANGAN PENGADILAN NEGERI DALAM MENYELESAIKAN SENGKETA BISNIS YANG MEMUAT KLAUSULA ARBITRASE
Authors: Lestari Rachmatika
Published: May 2022

The provisions of Article 3 and Article 11 paragraph (1) and (2) of the Arbitration and APS Act gives authority to institute arbitration to resolve a dispute that has been established settlement through arbitration. But in reality, the judiciary in this case the District Court still examine the dispute and make a decision, although in the agreement have included the arbitration clause, such as the dispute between PT. Pertamina Hulu Energy Raja Tempirai (PHE RT) against PT. Golden Spike Energy Indonesia (GSEI). The main problem in this research is; (1) does the district court have the authority to examine and dispute the dispute in the event of an arbitration clause? and (2) in what cases have the district court authorized to adjudicate a business dispute containing an arbitration clause?. The purpose of this study is to identify and explain about authority and in terms of whether the District Court has the authority to examine, hear and decide disputes of business containing the arbitration clause. This study is a normative juridical research with the aim of studying the principles and rules contained in the science of law. The data used consist of primary legal materials, secondary legal materials and tertiary legal materials. Results showed that the Institute of Justice is required to respect the arbitration institution, the case that own the arbitration clause could not be submitted to the District Court, unless there Torts in terms of making the arbitration decision is unfounded in good faith. About the things that cause the District Court jurisdiction over business disputes containing the arbitration clause, among others, relating to the cancellation of the arbitral award on the basis of Torts in terms of making the arbitration decision is unfounded in good faith (Article 70 of the Arbitration and APS Act). Keywords: Authority of the District Court, Business Dispute and Arbitration Clause
PENANGGUHAN PENAHANAN TERHADAP GISEL ANASTASIA DITINJAU DARI KITAB UNDANG HUKUM ACARA PIDANA DAN UNDANG-UNDANG TENTANG PORNOGRAFI
Authors: Adabi Muhammad Ikhwan , Darusman Chandra , Jalaluddin Jalaluddin , Sani Adam
Published: May 2022

Suspension of detention is regulated in Article 31 of Law no. 8 of 1981 concerningCriminal Procedure Law, which states that at the request of a suspect or defendant,an investigator or public prosecutor or judge, in accordance with their respectiveauthority, can hold a suspension of detention with or without a guarantee of moneyor a guarantee of person, based on the conditions. which is determined. Theserequirements are regulated in Article 21 paragraph (1) of the Criminal ProcedureCode or referred to as subjective requirements and Article 21 paragraph (4) KUHAPor so-called objective requirements. The subjective view carried out by the PoldaMetro Jaya investigators in suspending detention of a case (GA) is not in accordanceor continuous with Article 21 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Procedure Codeaccording to the author's subjective view. Against (GA) is charged with Article 4paragraph (1) jo. Article 29 and / or Article 8 of Law no. 44 of 2008 concerningPornography. The criminal regulation that ensnares (GA) is in the form ofimprisonment for more than five years. If seen from the objective requirements, thisis not in accordance with Article 21 paragraph (4) of the Criminal Procedure Code.Article 21 paragraph (4) of the Criminal Procedure Code states that the conditions fordetention of a suspect or defendant cannot be withdrawn, the suspect's ordefendant's relationship with a prison sentence of more than five years
Overview of Community Stress Levels Against Covid-19 Disease in Simangalam Village, South Kualuh District, North Labuhanbatu Regency 2021
Authors: S Connie M , G Hotmaida
Published: May 2022

Stress is a condition of tension that occurs when someone gets a problem or challenge and the person has not been able to find a way out when he gets a problem, so it can be because many other thoughts interfere when he starts looking for a solution, here there is an imbalance between guidance and the ability to overcome it. The purpose of this study was to identify a description of the level of public stress on the Covid-19 disease in Simangalam Village, Kualuh Selatan District, Labuhan Batu Utara 2021. This study used a descriptive research design. The population in this study was the Simangalam village community, Labuhan Batu Utara sub-district as many as 51 respondents were studied by researchers. The technique of taking the number of samples in this study is using the proportional sampling technique. The measuring instrument in the study used a questionnaire. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that the community's stress level against the Covid-19 disease was the highest, respondents answered light stress levels as many as 26 people (88.2%) and the lowest answered moderate stress levels as many as 6 people (11.2%).