bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crop Harvesting Can Affect Habitat Selection of Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Popczyk Bartłomiej , Klich Daniel , Nasiadka Paweł , Sobczuk Maria , Olech Wanda , Kociuba Piotr , Gadkowski Krzysztof , Purski Ludwik
Published: November 2022

One of the basics of effectively managing a wild boar population is knowledge of its home range, spatial patterns, and habitat use. However, little is known about the reaction of wild boar to changes in the agricultural landscape during the time of harvesting. In this study, we assessed the impact of crop harvesting on habitat selection of wild boar. For this reason, we analyzed radio-collared animals in four summer months (from June to September) in an agricultural landscape in Poland. We analyzed the habitat selection by wild boar with a generalized linear model and Jacob’s selectivity index. The wild boar preference for arable land, pastures and the “other” category showed clear monthly dynamics. In contrast, a stable preference for forests and mosaics was observed throughout all months. The preference of wild boar to arable land dropped significantly in August, which we interpret as the impact of the harvest. We conclude that intensive agriculture contributes to significant changes in the frequency of wild boar in various habitats. This, however, does not apply to all habitats, because forest habitats are constantly visited by wild boar as their main daytime refuge. Moreover, extensive farming, although less attractive for wild boar, is rather neutral and does not alter the abundance of animals in habitats.
Azorean Vascular Plants with Potential Use in Constructed Wetlands with Horizontal Subsurface Flow
Authors: Raposo Vera B. , Silva Luís , Quadros Sílvia
Published: November 2022

Constructed wetlands are considered integrated ecosystems and a promising wastewater treatment option, relying on vegetation, soils, and microbial assemblages. The potential dispersal of effluents from domestic septic systems, the application of dairy farm effluents containing excessive nutrients and pathogens into pastures, and undertreated effluent discharge in coastal areas are some of the threats to water quality in the Azores. Constructed wetlands could be used in the Azores to protect and preserve the quality of drinking water sources and bathing waters. However, the most used plant species in other regions are considered as introduced in the Azores, where a considerable number of invasive plants and weeds are already present. Here, we present a review of the plant taxa already present in the Azorean flora with the potential to be used in constructed wetland systems, based on a literature review, and on the assessment of nine criteria. We evaluated 73 taxa, including mostly Cyperaceae, Poaceae and Juncaceae, showing that, although some of the top-ranking species were considered potentially noxious, several native and some naturalized taxa could be used for wastewater treatment. This work supports the implementation of constructed wetlands in the Azores, while minimizing the risk of new invasions.
Durability Evaluation of New Composite Materials for the Construction of Beehives
Authors: Rubiano-Navarrete Andrés Felipe , Lesmes Fabian Camilo , Torres-Pérez Yolanda , Gómez-Pachón Edwin Yesid
Published: November 2022

Given the current situation we face regarding climate change, one of the greatest and most critical concerns is related to the reduction in the bee population. This population largely depends on beekeeping production units around the world. However, these production units also face great challenges in the construction of beehives, as pine word generally deteriorates within a period of five years or less. This relatively rapid deterioration has both economic and environmental repercussions, which may affect the economic sustainability of the beekeeping system. The objective of this research was the production and subsequent evaluation of the durability of alternative composite materials that can be used in beehive construction. The materials are based on high-density polyethylene and agro-industrial residues (fique fiber, banana fiber, and goose feathers) from the Boyacá region of Colombia. The composite materials studied in the present study were exposed to xylophagous fungi for 90 days, at constant humidity and under controlled temperature conditions that are conducive to fungi proliferation. The results showed that composite materials that include fique fibers are the most promising substitute for wood in the construction of beehives. Indeed, these materials were shown to be 80% more resistant to pathogen attack and durable weight loss than pine wood. These durability results may be of great importance for future implementation in beekeeping production units. They have the potential to impact not only the sustainable development of rural communities, but also to make a great ecological contribution by reducing the need to cut down trees while maintaining the health of beehives.
Globalization and Sustainable Development: Empirical Evidence from CIS Countries
Authors: Gasimli Oruj , Haq Ihtisham ul , Munir Shahid , Khalid Muhammad Hasnain , Gamage Sisira Kumara Naradda , Khan Alam , Ishtiaq Muhammad
Published: November 2022

Sustainable development is the ultimate objective of the nations around the world, and the adoption of development strategies is the driving force for obtaining long-run economic growth, environmental protection and social inclusion. On other hand, globalization integrates the countries around the globe economically, politically and socially. Thus, it is vital to conduct a study on the impact of globalization on sustainable development in Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, as most of the countries are in a transition state from socialism to capitalism and are opening their doors to the world. Globalization comprises three main components, which are economic, political and social. Henceforth, this study investigates the effect of economic globalization, political globalization and social globalization on sustainable development. Energy has been highlighted in the literature and received attention from researchers as a factor of income and environmental quality; thus, it is added as a control variable in this study. The long-run relationships among variables are established through panel cointegration once the order of integration is determined. This study finds a positive and significant effect of economic globalization and political globalization on sustainable development, whereas energy consumption is deteriorating in CIS countries. Policy implications are recommended.
Sustaining Learners’ Writing Development: Effects of Using Self-Assessment on Their Foreign Language Writing Performance and Rating Accuracy
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu Sophia , Zhang Lawrence Jun
Published: November 2022

Although the benefits of using self-assessment on student writing performance have received wide recognition over the past two decades, minimal research is available on the effects of using self-assessment of writing on English as a foreign language (EFL) students’ writing performance, especially in the tertiary context of China, where such research is still in its infancy. To fill the abovementioned lacuna, the present study adopted a quasi-experimental approach to implementing a self-assessment-based intervention in Chinese tertiary EFL writing classes. Specifically, students were randomly assigned into either an intervention class that implemented self-assessment or a comparison class that employed peer assessment as classroom practice to promote students’ sustainable development of writing skills. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected, and the research findings indicated that the intervention group experienced a larger increase in their holistic writing performance and rating accuracy when compared with the comparison group. Furthermore, the qualitative findings reveal students’ enhanced rating accuracy after the intervention. This study contributes to research on self-assessment in the EFL writing domain as a basis for further deliberation on self-assessment in higher education, and it also provides much needed empirical evidence for the potential value of student-centred sustainable assessment approaches such as self-assessment. Findings also provide teachers with pedagogical implications for developing sustainable and capable self-assessors of writing.
Quantification of Soil Deep Drainage and Aquifer Recharge Dynamics according to Land Use and Land Cover in the Basement Zone of Burkina Faso in West Africa
Authors: Kafando Moussa Bruno , Koïta Mahamadou , Zouré Cheick Oumar , Yonaba Roland , Niang Dial
Published: November 2022

Groundwater is a vital water supply for local populations and ecosystems globally. With the continuous population growth, the anthropic pressure on groundwater is ever increasing, thus reducing the amount of available water resource. Yet, estimating the impact of anthropogenic activities on aquifer recharge is still a significant challenge for research, especially in basement aquifers. This study aims to improve the actual knowledge of deep drainage and deep aquifer recharge pathways and dynamics in the basement as affected by land use/land cover (LULC). The methodology used in this study accounted for hydraulic processes in soil layers within both unsaturated and saturated zones in an integrated approach. An experimental setup consisting of three (3) experimental plots, respectively under natural vegetation (NV), cropped millet (CM) and cropped groundnut (CG) on which deep drainage was monitored during the years 2020 and 2021. The results show significant differences between the LULC types after two years of implementation. Deep drainage is improved under CM and CG plots located in the central valley, as compared to the NV plot located in the ridge zone. Deep drainage is estimated at 8%, 24% and 25% of the annual rainfall, respectively for NV, CM and CG. The ratio between the recharge value obtained by the water table fluctuation (WTF) method and the deep drainage tends to 1 for the CM and CG plots, highlighting a rapid water transfer between unsaturated and saturated zones. The central valley, which seems to be a preferential recharge pathway, provides promising insights under specific conditions for the implementation of artificial recharge infrastructures.
Circular Economy in the Biosolids Management by Nexus Approach: A View to Enhancing Safe Nutrient Recycling—Pathogens, Metals, and Emerging Organic Pollutants Concern
Authors: de Amorim Júnior Sérgio Siqueira , de Souza Pereira Mariana Antonio , Morishigue Marjuli , da Costa Reginaldo Brito , de Oliveira Guilherme Denilson , Magalhães Filho Fernando Jorge Correa
Published: November 2022

Biosolids are a byproduct of sewage treatment that can create synergies and opportunity costs for promoting a circular economy and the nexus approach (water, energy, and food). They enable a cleaner agricultural production, with food safety in local development. The biosolids contain nutrients that can be recycled by agricultural soils. However, they contain heavy metals and few studies report the micropollutants present and the legal requirements of different countries (policies). The present study aimed to contribute to the knowledge of the composition and characteristics of biosolids during four years of monitoring (2016–2019). We investigated the agronomic potential of biosolids in a sequencing batch reactor. The content of biosolids in the crops studied is a potential source of macronutrients, especially N, P, and S. Pathogens fell into class B for Conama 498 (Brazil), Norm 503 (USA), and Directive 86/278 (EU) relative to Escherichia coli and enteric viruses. Metals, also compared with the three previous standards, fulfilled threshold concentrations of the respective legislations. Emerging organic pollutants remained below the detection limit, except naphthalene, which a single time was found in the biosolids above the detection limit. Finally, PCA showed that the chemical elements of the biosolids do not vary significantly relative to changes in tropical climatic conditions (resilience to climate change). Our study confirms the safe biosolids’ agronomic potential in promoting a circular economy in wastewater treatment plants. In line with a cleaner agricultural production in tropical soils, complying with the legislation on micropollutants and reducing the quantity of biosolids sent to landfill, or inadequately disposed of in the environment.
CollabABILITY Cards: Supporting Researchers and Educators to Co-Design Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning Activities for Deaf Children
Authors: Flórez-Aristizábal Leandro , Collazos César Alberto , Cano Sandra , Solano Andrés
Published: November 2022

Implementing Collaborative Learning (CL) activities to support the education of children is something that must be carefully designed to achieve the desired goals since just having a group of children working on the same activity does not guarantee proper collaboration. It is something that goes from defining the profile of the students to structuring the collaboration according to the learning objectives, the number of children per group, roles defined, and shared resources among others. Designing Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) activities may be even harder to achieve when collaboration is trying to be accomplished by children with some kind of disability due to differences in the way they communicate or understand the world around them, which is why in this study we decided to focus on designing CSCL activities for deaf children. Since there is not a clear path in the literature to achieve effective collaboration among deaf learners, we propose four stages to be followed through a set of 27 cards that were designed to guide designers/developers and educators through the process of co-designing such activities. The cards were implemented in such a way that they were easy to follow along with, with templates that allowed designers of the CL activity to register all the information related to it. Digital and printed versions of the cards were evaluated by researchers and educators with satisfactory results and a prototype for mobile devices was developed and tested by children through individual and collaborative learning activities.
Time Series Analysis of Policy Discourse on Green Consumption in China: Text Mining and Network Analysis
Authors: Lu Ying , Park Sang Do
Published: November 2022

Green consumption in China is a major promotion strategy for achieving sustainable development goals. It should be promoted from a long-term perspective based on cooperation from all levels of society. In addition, constantly revising the policy direction using policy discourse as feedback is necessary. This study analyzes policy discourse on green consumption in China from the long-term and time series perspectives. It employs text mining and network analysis by collecting Chinese online portal data on policy discourse over a period from 2000 to 2020. Using text mining, the study finds that green consumption develops through four stages, namely awareness, practice, diffusion, and social responsibility. From a long-term perspective, policymaking and the preparation of government guidelines take place during the awareness stage, the distribution of action plans and related guidelines from central to local governments takes place in the practice stage, and participation in green consumption in the different classes of society occurs in the diffusion stage. The conscious transition to green consumption by the government, the business sector, and the public can be found in the social responsibility stage. The results of the convergence of iterated correlation analysis reveal that policy discourse on green consumption initially transitions from a specific to a diversified topic. This means that, since there are many complex policy and social issues related to green consumption, it is necessary to select and focus on appropriate topics when setting policy directions. Lastly, core–periphery analysis indicates that growers related to global environmental issues, such as carbon neutrality and climate change, are leading green consumption in China. This confirms that green consumption is a key issue that the government and the public must practice to support the sustainable development of mankind, transcending constraints of time, space, class, and ideology. On the basis of its results, the study proposes a development strategy that can strike a balance between the universality and specificity of green consumption in China.
Understanding Consumer Adoption of Mobile Banking: Extending the UTAUT2 Model with Proactive Personality
Authors: Hilal Ashraf , Varela-Neira Concepción
Published: November 2022

Mobile banking is an innovative solution for improving financial inclusion; however, the use of this technology is still very limited in developing countries. Consequently, this study aims to investigate elements affecting mobile banking adoption in a developing country context by applying the well-known Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology two (UTAUT2) model. Since most existing investigations on mobile banking using the UTAUT2 neglect the effects of personality traits, this investigation extends the UTAUT2 with a new antecedent not considered in previous studies, the consumer proactive personality. This study empirically tests the proposed partial mediation model using path analysis with data collected from Lebanese bank customers who are current non-users of mobile banking. Results show a full mediation model, confirming that some UTAUT2 drivers fully mediate the effect that proactive personality has on consumer intention to adopt mobile banking and highlighting the relevance of proactive personality on all UTAUT2 drivers. This study expands the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology two and examines how a personality trait—proactive personality—relates to mobile banking adoption through the UTAUT2 perceptions in a developing country context.
A Network-Based Strategy to Increase the Sustainability of Building Supply Air Systems Responding to Unexpected Temperature Patterns
Authors: Ahn Jonghoon
Published: November 2022

As real-time indoor thermal data became available, the precision of the building thermal control systems has improved, but the use of resources has also increased. Therefore, it is imperative to examine the optimized point of energy use and thermal dissatisfaction for their efficient control. The aim of this research is to find an energy-efficient thermal control strategy to suppress the increase in thermal dissatisfaction. An adaptive control model utilizing the artificial neural network and the adjustment process of initial settings is proposed to examine its performance in controlling thermal supply air in terms of indoor thermal dissatisfaction and energy use. For a clear comparison, the standard deviation of each thermal dissatisfaction value and the weekly heating energy transfer are used. The proposed model successfully performs in reducing the indoor thermal dissatisfaction level and energy use. In comparison with two deterministic models, the performance is improved in terms of the constancy of suppressing thermal dissatisfaction levels by 72.1% and the improvement in energy efficiency by 18.8%, respectively. The significance of this study Is that it is possible to improve control precision by adding only a few modules without replacing the entire existing system, and that the model’s sustainability is increased by reducing the possibility of hardware and software retrofitting in the future.
Early Career Stage Academics and Their Expatriation Destination: What Drives Their City Choice in Enhancing Regional Sustainability?
Authors: Arifa Yustika N. , Khapova Svetlana N. , El Baroudi Sabrine
Published: November 2022

Amid a growing interest in how geographical location functions as a motive for self-initiated expatriate (SIE) academics to choose their next employer, more research is needed to understand how academics select a potential location for their expatriation. With the goal of contributing to the literature on SIE academics, this study explores the cues that drive early career-stage academics to choose a destination—Copenhagen or Amsterdam—when accepting an international job offer. The data reveal that four frames drive SIE academics’ meaning-making regarding a potential destination city: positive impression, livable city, familiarity, and political stability and career development expectations. This paper concludes with a discussion of how our findings contribute to the higher education and mobility literature and offers important implications for practice.
Research Findings on the Application of the Arch Structure Model in Coal Mining, a Review
Authors: Li Quansheng , Guo Junting , Zhang Cun , Yang Yuliang , Ma Jianqi , Ren Zhaopeng
Published: November 2022

Studying the movement law and failure mechanism of overburden is important to underground safety production, aquifer protection, surface subsidence and ecological protection. A commonly used model, the arch structure model, for studying overburden movement is systematically reviewed in this paper. First, the arch structure in the mining field is divided into an unconsolidated layer arch, beam arch (hinged arch), and overburden arch according to arching medium. On this basis, the research progress and existing problems of these three arch structure models are discussed according to the research means, including theoretical modeling, numerical simulation, similar simulation, and field measurements. The application of the arch structure model focuses on the prediction and prevention of mining pressure and surface subsidence, and there are relatively few means to actively regulate overburden arch. Thus, three control methods of the arch structure in underground coal mining are proposed: the preset arch structure method before coal mining, process control arch methods during coal mining, and end reinforcement control arch methods after coal mining. Finally, the main research focus on the arch structure model in the future is discussed.
Some Existence and Uniqueness Results for a Class of Fractional Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Kahouli Omar , Ben Makhlouf Abdellatif , Mchiri Lassaad , Kumar Pushpendra , Ben Ali Naim , Aloui Ali
Published: November 2022

Many techniques have been recently used by various researchers to solve some types of symmetrical fractional differential equations. In this article, we show the existence and uniqueness to the solution of ς-Caputo stochastic fractional differential equations (CSFDE) using the Banach fixed point technique (BFPT). We analyze the Hyers–Ulam stability of CSFDE using the stochastic calculus techniques. We illustrate our results with three examples.
Automatic Identification of Sound Source Position Coordinates Using a Sound Metric System of Sensors Linked with an Internet Connection
Authors: Kowalska-Styczeń Agnieszka , Peleshchak Roman , Lytvyn Vasyl , Peleshchak Ivan , Dyriv Andrii , Danylyk Vitalii
Published: November 2022

In this article, we deal with the problem of increasing the accuracy of the automatic determination of the coordinates of the sound source location. We propose a new algorithm for the identification of the sound source’s position coordinates based on a system of three equations of the second order describing the dynamics of acoustic wavefront propagation. The implementation of the algorithm is carried out by a distributed automated system, which includes autonomous sensor-receivers located in the field and connected to the server of this system via wireless communication channels. Sensor-receivers are placed at the vertices of a flat, symmetrical figure with 4 axes of symmetry of the second order (square). The proposed algorithm takes into account the change in the phase speed of the sound wave when the temperature, air humidity, wind direction and speed change and allows for the determination of the coordinates of the position of the sound source with an error of no more than 1%. The experiment with real input data was carried out in a simulated environment, which was created on the Node.js platform.
A Flexible Meta-Curtain for Simultaneous Soundproofing and Ventilation
Authors: Cui Xiaobin , Liu Chenkai , Shi Jinjie , Shen Changhui , Liu Xiaozhou , Lai Yun
Published: November 2022

We demonstrate a flexible meta-curtain that can simultaneously block the propagation of sound waves of selected frequencies and let air flow through freely. Such a meta-curtain is assembled by two soft and perforated polyvinyl chloride films with an optimized distance between them. The total thickness of the meta-curtain is 1.16 cm and the holes on it have a diameter of 5 cm. The functionality of soundproofing is bestowed by the resonances formed between the films, which is verified by band structure analysis, numerical simulations, and experimental measurements. We experimentally observed sound transmission loss with a peak of 50 dB near 1700 Hz and an average of 26 dB from 1000 Hz to 1760 Hz, which is consistent with the numerical results. Attributing to the softness of the films and the robustness of the resonance, this meta-curtain retains its functionality even at deformations such as bending. Our work paves a way toward soundproof structures with the advantages of ventilation, flexibility, and light weight.
The Generalized Inverse Sum Indeg Index of Some Graph Operations
Authors: Wang Ying , Hafeez Sumaira , Akhter Shehnaz , Iqbal Zahid , Aslam Adnan
Published: November 2022

The study of networks and graphs carried out by topological measures performs a vital role in securing their hidden topologies. This strategy has been extremely used in biomedicine, cheminformatics and bioinformatics, where computations dependent on graph invariants have been made available to communicate the various challenging tasks. In quantitative structure–activity (QSAR) and quantitative structure–property (QSPR) relationship studies, topological invariants are brought into practical action to associate the biological and physicochemical properties and pharmacological activities of materials and chemical compounds. In these studies, the degree-based topological invariants have found a significant position among the other descriptors due to the ease of their computing process and the speed with which these computations can be performed. Thereby, assessing these invariants is one of the flourishing lines of research. The generalized form of the degree-based inverse sum indeg index has recently been introduced. Many degree-based topological invariants can be derived from the generalized form of this index. In this paper, we provided the bounds related to this index for some graph operations, including the Kronecker product, join, corona product, Cartesian product, disjunction, and symmetric difference. We also presented the exact formula of this index for the disjoint union, linking, and splicing of graphs.
Ptychogena lactea A. Agassiz, 1865 (Hydrozoa; Laodiceidae): What We Know on Taxonomy, Life-Cycle and Distribution
Authors: Antsulevich Alexander E.
Published: November 2022

The hydromedusa Ptychogena lactea A. Agassiz, 1865 is a large and remarkable jellyfish; it has been found in many Arctic and even boreal localities and at various depths, from the mesopelagial to the surface. However, it is still regarded in the literature as a rare deep-water species, with an unknown polyp stage. The hydroid was reared from the medusa P. lactea in the Franz-Josef Land archipelago field laboratory. The hydroid was identified as Cuspidella procumbens Kramp, 1911: a poorly known Campanulinoidea, “Cuspidella-like” Arctic hydroid whose medusa stage was hitherto unknown. Both stages are here proposed to link taxonomically into a one nominal species. Co-distribution of the well-known medusa and the little-known hydroid is studied and mapped. Data on the distribution and ecology of both stages is added. Some data has already been published in Russian literature, but remains unknown to English-speaking scientists. New observations show that P. lactea is neither a deep-water species nor rare, and establish the continuity between medusae and polyp stages of the life cycle.
Frequency of Hemorrhagic Side Effects of Botulinum Neurotoxin Treatment in Patients with Blepharospasm and Hemifacial Spasm on Antithrombotic Medication
Authors: Wenninger Fiona Carolin , Wabbels Bettina
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of hemorrhagic side effects of botulinum neurotoxin A injections (BoNT/A) for the treatment of benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) and hemifacial spasm (HFS) in patients taking antithrombotic drugs (ATD). A total of 140 patients were included (female: 65%; BEB: 75%; mean age: 70 ± 12 years). According to their current antithrombotic medication, participants were either assigned to the ATD group (41%), or to the control group (59%). The ATD group was further divided into subgroups depending on the medication administered: acetylsalicylic acid, ADP receptor antagonists, direct oral anticoagulants, vitamin-K antagonists, or dual antiplatelet therapy. The frequency of hemorrhagic side effects was recorded by retrospective analysis of past treatments as documented in the patient’s file set in relation to the number of past treatments (hematoma frequency of past treatments, HFretro) as well as by a prospective survey capturing the side effects of one single treatment (hematoma frequency of actual treatment, HFactual). There was no significant difference in hematoma frequency between the ATD group and the control group, neither for past (HFretro: ATD: 2%; 45/2554; control: 4%; 109/2744) nor for the current BoNT/A treatments (HFactual: ATD: 30%; 16/53; control: 31%; 22/72). Even between ATD subgroups, hematoma frequency did not differ significantly. Overall, hemorrhagic side effects of the BoNT/A treatment for BEB and HFS were mild and non-disabling.
Botulinum Toxin Intervention in Cerebral Palsy-Induced Spasticity Management: Projected and Contradictory Effects on Skeletal Muscles
Authors: Kaya Keles Cemre Su , Ates Filiz
Published: November 2022

Spasticity, following the neurological disorder of cerebral palsy (CP), describes a pathological condition, the central feature of which is involuntary and prolonged muscle contraction. The persistent resistance of spastic muscles to stretching is often followed by structural and mechanical changes in musculature. This leads to functional limitations at the respective joint. Focal injection of botulinum toxin type-A (BTX-A) is effectively used to manage spasticity and improve the quality of life of the patients. By blocking acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction and causing temporary muscle paralysis, BTX-A aims to reduce spasticity and hereby improve joint function. However, recent studies have indicated some contradictory effects such as increased muscle stiffness or a narrower range of active force production. The potential of these toxin- and atrophy-related alterations in worsening the condition of spastic muscles that are already subjected to changes should be further investigated and quantified. By focusing on the effects of BTX-A on muscle biomechanics and overall function in children with CP, this review deals with which of these goals have been achieved and to what extent, and what can await us in the future.
Genetic Diversity and Possible Origins of the Hepatitis B Virus in Siberian Natives
Authors: Manuylov Victor , Chulanov Vladimir , Bezuglova Ludmila , Chub Elena , Karlsen Anastasia , Kyuregyan Karen , Ostankova Yulia , Semenov Alexander , Osipova Ludmila , Tallo Tatjana , Netesova Irina , Tkachuk Artem , Gushchin Vladimir , Netesov Sergey , Magnius Lars O. , Norder Heléne
Published: November 2022

A total of 381 hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA sequences collected from nine groups of Siberian native populations were phylogenetically analyzed along with 179 HBV strains sampled in different urban populations of former western USSR republics and 50 strains from Central Asian republics and Mongolia. Different HBV subgenotypes predominated in various native Siberian populations. Subgenotype D1 was dominant in Altaian Kazakhs (100%), Tuvans (100%), and Teleuts (100%) of southern Siberia as well as in Dolgans and Nganasans (69%), who inhabit the polar Taimyr Peninsula. D2 was the most prevalent subgenotype in the combined group of Nenets, Komi, and Khants of the northern Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region (71%) and in Yakuts (36%) from northeastern Siberia. D3 was the main subgenotype in South Altaians (76%) and Buryats (40%) of southeastern Siberia, and in Chukchi (51%) of the Russian Far East. Subgenotype C2 was found in Taimyr (19%) and Chukchi (27%), while subgenotype A2 was common in Yakuts (33%). In contrast, D2 was dominant (56%) in urban populations of the former western USSR, and D1 (62%) in Central Asian republics and Mongolia. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the studied groups are epidemiologically isolated from each other and might have contracted HBV from different sources during the settlement of Siberia.
TGF-β from the Porcine Intestinal Cell Line IPEC-J2 Induced by Porcine Circovirus 2 Increases the Frequency of Treg Cells via the Activation of ERK (in CD4+ T Cells) and NF-κB (in IPEC-J2)
Authors: Liu Xuewei , Wang Yang , Han Cheng , Li Qiuming , Hou Xiaolin , Song Qinye , Zhou Shuanghai , Li Huanrong
Published: November 2022

Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) causes immunosuppression. Piglets infected with PCV2 can develop enteritis. Given that the gut is the largest immune organ, however, the response of the gut’s immune system to PCV2 is still unclear. Here, IPEC-J2 cells with different treatments were co-cultured with PBMC or CD4+ T cells (Transwell). Flow cytometry and Western blotting revealed that PCV2-infected IPEC-J2 increased the frequency of CD4+ T cells among piglets’ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and caused CD4+ T cells to undergo a transformation into Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) via activating CD4+ T ERK. Cytokines production and an inhibitor assay showed that the induction of Tregs by PCV2-infected IPEC-J2 was dependent on TGF-β induced by PCV2 in IPEC-J2, which was associated with the activation of NF-κB. Taken together, PCV2-infected IPEC-J2 activated NF-κB to stimulate the synthesis of TGF-β, which enhanced the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into Treg cells through the activation of ERK in CD4+ T cells. This information sheds light on PCV2′s function in the intestinal immune system and suggests a potential immunosuppressive mechanism for PCV2 infection.
Evolutionary Signals in Coronaviral Structural Proteins Suggest Possible Complex Mechanisms of Post-Translational Regulation in SARS-CoV-2 Virus
Authors: Garza-Domínguez Ramiro , Torres-Quiroz Francisco
Published: November 2022

Post-translational regulation of proteins has emerged as a central topic of research in the field of functional proteomics. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) dynamically control the activities of proteins and are involved in a wide range of biological processes. Crosstalk between different types of PTMs represents a key mechanism of regulation and signaling. Due to the current pandemic of the novel and dangerous SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) virus, here we present an in silico analysis of different types of PTMs in structural proteins of coronaviruses. A dataset of PTM sites was studied at three levels: conservation analysis, mutational analysis and crosstalk analysis. We identified two sets of PTMs which could have important functional roles in the regulation of the structural proteins of coronaviruses. Additionally, we found seven interesting signals of potential crosstalk events. These results reveal a higher level of complexity in the mechanisms of post-translational regulation of coronaviral proteins and provide new insights into the adaptation process of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Factors Affecting the Rates and Modes of Landslide Colluvium Removal in River Channels of Podhale (Western Carpathians)
Authors: Kukulak Józef , Augustowski Karol , Olszak Janusz
Published: November 2022

This paper presented some hydrological factors affecting the course and rate of fluvial erosion of landslide colluvium at its contact with river flow. Volumes of colluvium eroded by rivers in the period 2013–2019 were measured at Podhale (a part of Polish West Carpathians) on four landslides representing various geological settings. At each landslide, changes in shape and position of the contact zone between colluvium and river water were registered after episodes of high river stage. The obtained data on changes in relief of the landslide fronts and adjacent river channels were used to calculate volumes of colluvium removed during each episode. The course of erosion and volumes of colluvium eroded were compared with the water stage records for the studied period of time. Intensity of colluvium erosion was found to be strongly dependent on the water levels and cohesion of colluvium. Volumes of removed colluvium were the greatest during short-lived (1–2 days) and prolonged (7–10 days) periods of high river stages. The rate of erosional removal was the highest for colluvium consisting of poorly consolidated Quaternary matrix-supported massive gravel and overlying fine deposits stored within river terraces. Colluvium composed of Neogene mudstones and sandstones was removed at a lower rate and the rate of removal was lowest for large blocks and slices composed of solid layers of alternating sandstone and shales belonging to the Podhale Flysch series. Erosion of the landslide toes was more intense at those sites where the river flow approached the landslide front at a wider angle.
Effect of Seawater Intrusion on the Formation of Chlorinated and Brominated Trihalomethanes in Coastal Groundwater
Authors: Parveen Naseeba , Goel Sudha
Published: November 2022

Around the world, coastal groundwater is increasingly subject to seawater intrusion (SWI). The quality and characteristics of such waters differ from those of surface and groundwater. In the current study, trihalomethane (THM) formation under varying levels of SWI, natural organic matter (NOM), and chloride-to-bromide (Cl/Br) ratio was evaluated. Different levels of SWI were simulated by mixing deionized water with real seawater (RSW) collected from the Indian Ocean or synthetic seawater (SSW) by varying seawater volumes from 0% to 3%. Humic acid (0 to 5 mg/L) was added to represent NOM at concentrations mimicking natural levels of dissolved organic carbon. The chlorine demand of the simulated water samples was significantly correlated to SWI levels and NOM concentrations. THM concentration in SSW increased from 12.64 µg/L to 105.34 µg/L after 24 h and to 115.8 µg/L after 48 h for an increase from 0% to 3% volume of seawater. For water samples simulated with RSW, maximum THMs after 24 h were 119.2 µg/L, and after 48 h were 126.4 µg/L. An increase in NOM concentration in seawater-intruded water samples resulted in increasing THMs, especially tribromomethane. However, the increment in THMs at higher NOM concentration was lower compared to that at low NOM concentration. Chlorine demand was positively correlated only to tribromomethane. An increase in bromide concentration resulted in lower Cl/Br ratio and a concomitant increase in brominated THMs. The bromine substitution factor corresponding to increasing SWI of 0.25–3% decreased from 2.67 to 1.81 over a reaction time of 24 to 48 h, indicating a shift from TBM dominance to chlorinated THMs.
Effects of Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) on Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) in a Seagoing River—A Case Study of the Wanggang River Flowing into the East China Sea
Authors: Lai Qiuying , Shui Jian , Ma Jie , He Fei , Wang Longmian , Peng Fuquan , Zhu Xiang , Pang Qingqing , Wang Yuao
Published: November 2022

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is an emerging environmental pollutant that has attracted widespread attention. In this study, water samples were collected from the Wanggang River in the eastern coastal area of China, and the PFOA and dissolved organic matter (DOM) levels were measured. The results show that the PFOA concentration in the water bodies ranges from 3.2 to 52.9 ng·L−1, and the average value is 27.1 ± 13.4 ng·L−1, indicating an intermediate level. Two protein-like (C2, C3) and two humus-like (C1, C4) DOM components in the Wanggang River are attributed to rainfall and human activities. Differences are observed in the DOM components before and after the flood season. The humus-like components are higher in the post-flood season, and are one of the factors affecting PFOA distribution and concentration in the Wanggang River. The results provide data support for monitoring and evaluating PFOA in rivers and help formulate PFOA pollution management strategies. In future research, it might be better to define the interaction between DOM and emerging organic pollutants by using 17 PFASs as subjects.
Geochemical Characterisation and Health Concerns of Mineral Bottled Waters in Catalonia (North-Eastern Spain)
Authors: Tapias Josefina C. , Melián Raquel , Sendrós Alex , Font Xavier , Casas Albert
Published: November 2022

Spain currently produces around 7000 million litres of mineral water a year, of which about 20% is produced in Catalonia, and there is a need for greater regulation and research into bottled waters and their impact on human health. A total of 29 samples were analysed from different brands of commercially bottled water, and 71 chemical elements were determined in each sample. The aim was to classify each brand based on composition, compare lithological origins, verify compliance with international standards for drinking water, and report benefits for human health. More than 60% of the samples were of the calcium bicarbonate type, had a low mineral content, and were associated with granitic aquifers, ranging from leucogranites to granodiorites. In contrast, 17% were of the sodium bicarbonate type, had harder waters, and were related to thermal springs. The thermal springs of the bottled waters from the Montseny-Guilleres massif (Vichy Catalán, Malavella, and San Narciso) emerge at a temperature of 60 °C with their own natural gas. Two samples exceeded European standards for As and Hg concentrations in water for human consumption, while one showed a concentration of U greater than that set out in international recommendations.
Hydraulic Modeling and Remote Sensing Monitoring of Floodhazard in Arid Environments—A Case Study of Laayoune City in Saquia El Hamra Watershed Southern Morocco
Authors: Nafia El-Alaouy , Sebbar Badreddine , Bouras El Houssaine , Moumni Aicha , Laftouhi Nour-Eddine , Lahrouni Abderrahman
Published: November 2022

Morocco often faces significant intense rainfall periods that can generate flash floods and raging torrents, causing serious damage in a very short period of time. This study aims to monitor wetland areas after a flash-flood event in an arid region, Saquia El hamra Saharan of Morocco, using a technique that combines hydraulic modeling and remote sensing technology, namely satellite images. The hydrological parameters of the watershed were determined by the WMS software. Flood flow was modeled and simulated using HEC HMS and HEC-RAS software. To map the flooded areas, two satellite images (Sentinel-2 optical images) taken before and after the event were used. Three classifications were carried out using two powerful classifiers: support vector machines and decision tree. The first classifier was applied on both dates’ images, and the resulting maps were used as input for a constructed decision tree model as a post-classification change detection process.
On the Numerical Solution of Sparse Linear Systems Emerging in Finite Volume Discretizations of 2D Boussinesq-Type Models on Unstructured Grids
Authors: Delis Anargiros I. , Kazolea Maria , Gaitani Maria
Published: November 2022

This work aims to supplement the realization and validation of a higher-order well-balanced unstructured finite volume (FV) scheme, that has been relatively recently presented, for numerically simulating weakly non-linear weakly dispersive water waves over varying bathymetries. We investigate and develop solution strategies for the sparse linear system that appears during this FV discretisation of a set of extended Boussinesq-type equations on unstructured meshes. The resultant linear system of equations must be solved at each discrete time step as to recover the actual velocity field of the flow and advance in time. The system’s coefficient matrix is sparse, un-symmetric and often ill-conditioned. Its characteristics are affected by physical quantities of the problem to be solved, such as the undisturbed water depth and the mesh topology. To this end, we investigate the application of different well-known iterative techniques, with and without the usage of preconditioners and reordering, for the solution of this sparse linear system. The iiterative methods considered are the GMRES and the BiCGSTAB, three preconditioning techniques, including different ILU factorizations and two different reordering techniques are implemented and discussed. An optimal strategy, in terms of computational efficiency and robustness, is finally proposed which combines the use of the BiCGSTAB method with the ILUT preconditioner and the Reverse Cuthill–McKee reordering.
A General Overview of Heterogeneous Photocatalysis as a Remediation Technology for Wastewaters Containing Pharmaceutical Compounds
Authors: Friedmann Donia
Published: November 2022

The presence of persistent, difficult to degrade pharmaceutical compounds in wastewaters is a significant environmental concern. While heterogeneous photocatalysis can degrade a range of pharmaceutical compounds, as a technology, it is yet to be applied. Current research on heterogeneous photocatalysis for pharmaceutical removal is focused on the development of photocatalytic materials that are both efficient photocatalysts and solar driven as well as materials that combine both adsorption and photocatalysis. The formation of toxic by-products during photocatalytic degradation can be an issue, hence, mechanistic studies to identify reaction pathways and intermediates are important and are discussed in this review. The potential application of photocatalytic systems coupled with other technologies, to achieve complete pollutant removal and avoid toxin formation are also discussed. Given the broad range of properties of these pharmaceutical compounds and their corresponding wastewater matrices, each system needs to be optimised accordingly, with the need for pilot scale studies. Other than end of pipe solutions to reduce the occurrence of pharmaceutical pollutants in the environment, a comprehensive environmental management approach involving strategies such as the reduction of pharmaceutical prescriptions and the introduction of take back schemes are also needed to achieve a reduction of pharmaceutical compounds in the environment.