bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unfavorable Outcome and Long-Term Sequelae in Cases with Severe COVID-19
Authors: Fabbri Andrea , Voza Antonio , Riccardi Alessandro , Vanni Simone , De Iaco Fabio
Published: February 2023

Emerging evidence shows that individuals with COVID-19 who survive the acute phase of illness may experience lingering symptoms in the following months. There is no clear indication as to whether these symptoms persist for a short time before resolving or if they persist for a long time. In this review, we will describe the symptoms that persist over time and possible predictors in the acute phase that indicate long-term persistence. Based on the literature available to date, fatigue/weakness, dyspnea, arthromyalgia, depression, anxiety, memory loss, slowing down, difficulty concentrating and insomnia are the most commonly reported persistent long-term symptoms. The extent and persistence of these in long-term follow-up is not clear as there are still no quality studies available. The evidence available today indicates that female subjects and those with a more severe initial disease are more likely to suffer permanent sequelae one year after the acute phase. To understand these complications, and to experiment with interventions and treatments for those at greater risk, we must first understand the physio-pathological mechanisms that sustain them.
HuCoPIA: An Atlas of Human vs. SARS-CoV-2 Interactome and the Comparative Analysis with Other Coronaviridae Family Viruses
Authors: Duhan Naveen , Kaundal Rakesh
Published: February 2023

SARS-CoV-2, a novel betacoronavirus strain, has caused a pandemic that has claimed the lives of nearly 6.7M people worldwide. Vaccines and medicines are being developed around the world to reduce the disease spread, fatality rates, and control the new variants. Understanding the protein-protein interaction mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 in humans, and their comparison with the previous SARS-CoV and MERS strains, is crucial for these efforts. These interactions might be used to assess vaccination effectiveness, diagnose exposure, and produce effective biotherapeutics. Here, we present the HuCoPIA database, which contains approximately 100,000 protein-protein interactions between humans and three strains (SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS) of betacoronavirus. The interactions in the database are divided into common interactions between all three strains and those unique to each strain. It also contains relevant functional annotation information of human proteins. The HuCoPIA database contains SARS-CoV-2 (41,173), SARS-CoV (31,997), and MERS (26,862) interactions, with functional annotation of human proteins like subcellular localization, tissue-expression, KEGG pathways, and Gene ontology information. We believe HuCoPIA will serve as an invaluable resource to diverse experimental biologists, and will help to advance the research in better understanding the mechanism of betacoronaviruses.
“French Phage Network” Annual Conference—Seventh Meeting Report
Authors: Schiettekatte Olivier , Beurrier Elsa , De Sordi Luisa , Chevallereau Anne
Published: February 2023

The French Phage Network (Phages.fr) has continuously grown since its foundation, eight years ago. The annual conference, held at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, attracted 164 participants from the 11th to the 13th of October 2022. Researchers from academic laboratories, hospitals and private companies shared their ongoing projects and breakthroughs in the very institute where Felix d’Hérelle developed phage therapy over a century ago. The conference was divided into four thematic sessions, each opened by a keynote lecture: “Interaction between phages, mobile genetic elements and bacterial immune system,” “Ecology and evolution of phage–bacteria interactions,” “Molecular interplay between phages and their hosts” and “Therapeutic and biotechnological applications of phages.” A total of 32 talks and 33 posters were presented during the conference.
Altered microRNA Transcriptome in Cultured Human Airway Cells upon Infection with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Diallo Idrissa , Jacob Rajesh Abraham , Vion Elodie , Kozak Robert A. , Mossman Karen , Provost Patrick
Published: February 2023

Numerous proteomic and transcriptomic studies have been carried out to better understand the current multi-variant SARS-CoV-2 virus mechanisms of action and effects. However, they are mostly centered on mRNAs and proteins. The effect of the virus on human post-transcriptional regulatory agents such as microRNAs (miRNAs), which are involved in the regulation of 60% of human gene activity, remains poorly explored. Similar to research we have previously undertaken with other viruses such as Ebola and HIV, in this study we investigated the miRNA profile of lung epithelial cells following infection with SARS-CoV-2. At the 24 and 72 h post-infection time points, SARS-CoV-2 did not drastically alter the miRNome. About 90% of the miRNAs remained non-differentially expressed. The results revealed that miR-1246, miR-1290 and miR-4728-5p were the most upregulated over time. miR-196b-5p and miR-196a-5p were the most downregulated at 24 h, whereas at 72 h, miR-3924, miR-30e-5p and miR-145-3p showed the highest level of downregulation. In the top significantly enriched KEGG pathways of genes targeted by differentially expressed miRNAs we found, among others, MAPK, RAS, P13K-Akt and renin secretion signaling pathways. Using RT-qPCR, we also showed that SARS-CoV-2 may regulate several predicted host mRNA targets involved in the entry of the virus into host cells (ACE2, TMPRSS2, ADAM17, FURIN), renin–angiotensin system (RAS) (Renin, Angiotensinogen, ACE), innate immune response (IL-6, IFN1β, CXCL10, SOCS4) and fundamental cellular processes (AKT, NOTCH, WNT). Finally, we demonstrated by dual-luciferase assay a direct interaction between miR-1246 and ACE-2 mRNA. This study highlights the modulatory role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2.
The Use of an Adjuvant System Improves Innate and Adaptive Immune Response When Associated with a Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Antigen in a Vaccine Candidate against L. (Leishmania) infantum Infection
Authors: Mathias Fernando Augusto Siqueira , Ostolin Thais Lopes Valentim Di Paschoale , Reis Levi Eduardo Soares , Cardoso Jamille Mirelle de Oliveira , De Brito Rory Cristiane Fortes , Aguiar Soares Rodrigo Dian de Oliveira , Roatt Bruno Mendes , Vieira Paula Melo de Abreu , Reis Alexandre Barbosa
Published: February 2023

Background: The adjuvants’ optimal dose and the administration route can directly influence the epitope recognition patterns and profiles of innate response. We aimed to establish the effect and the optimal dose of adjuvant systems for proposing a vaccine candidate to be employed with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Methods: We evaluated the adjuvants saponin (SAP), monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) and resiquimod (R-848) isolated and combined as adjuvant systems in a lower dose corresponding to 25%, 33%, and 50% of each adjuvant total dose. Male outbred BALB/c mice were divided into 13 groups, SAP, MPL, and R-848 isolated, and the adjuvant systems SAP plus MPL (SM), SAP plus R-848 (SR), and MPL plus R-848 (MR). Results: SM50 increased levels of all chemokines analyzed and TNF production, while it presented an increased inflammatory cell infiltrate in the skin with macrophage recruitment. Thus, we proposed a vaccine candidate employing L. (V.) braziliensis antigen associated with the SM adjuvant system against experimental L. (Leishmania) infantum challenge. We observed a significant increase in the frequency of cells expressing the central and effector memory CD4+ T cells phenotype in immunized mice with the LBSM50. In the liver, there was a decreased parasite load when mice received LBSM50. Conclusions: When combined with L. (V.) braziliensis antigen, SM50 increases TNF and IFN-γ, which generates central and effector memory CD4+ T cells. Therefore, using an adjuvant system can promote an effective innate immune response with the potential to compose future vaccines.
Immune Responses to HBV Vaccine in People Living with HIV (PLWHs) Who Achieved Successful Treatment: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Xu Ling , Zhang Li , Kang Shuang , Li Xiaodi , Lu Lianfeng , Liu Xiaosheng , Song Xiaojing , Li Yanling , Li Xiaoxia , Lyu Wei , Cao Wei , Liu Zhengyin , Li Taisheng
Published: February 2023

Background: Understanding immune responses after HBV vaccination is important to prevent HBV infection in PLWH and to achieve successful treatment. Methods: Thirty-two PLWHs with CD4+ cell count > 350 cells/µL and HIV RNA < 200 copies/mL were vaccinated with 20 µg of HBV vaccine at weeks 0, 4, and 24 in this prospective study. We measured total HIV DNA levels, HBsAb titers and HBsAg-specific T-cell responses during follow-up time. Results: All patients achieved protective HBsAb titer after immunization. The magnitude of the IFN-r and TNF-a response to HBsAg was 22.0 (IQR: 6.5–65.0) and 106.50 (IQR: 58.5–203.0) spot-forming cells (SFC)/105 PBMC, respectively at week 0. The level of IFN-r secreted at weeks 12 and weeks 36 to 48 was comparable with that at week 0. However, IFN-r response was higher at weeks 12 than that at weeks 36 to 48 (p = 0.02). The level of TNF-a secreted at weeks 12 was higher than that at week 0 (p < 0.001). Total HIV DNA levels were 2.76 (IQR: 2.47–3.07), 2.77 (IQR: 2.50–3.09), 2.77 (IQR: 2.41–2.89) log10 copies/106 PBMCs at weeks 0, 12, 36 to 48, respectively. No correlation was observed between IFN-r and TNF-a levels and HBsAb titer as well as total HIV DNA levels after immunization. Conclusion: Humoral immunity was satisfactory, but cellular immunity and decline in HIV reservoir were not optimal after HBV vaccine immunization in these patients.
The Dynamic Linkage between Provirus Integration Sites and the Host Functional Genome Property Alongside HIV-1 Infections Associated with Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Chen Heng-Chang
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: The HIV-1 latent reservoir harboring replication-competent proviruses is the major barrier in the quest for an HIV-1 infection cure. HIV-1 infection at all stages of disease progression is associated with immune activation and dysfunctional production of proinflammatory soluble factors (cytokines and chemokines), and it is expected that during HIV-1 infection, different immune components and immune cells, in turn, participate in immune responses, subsequently activating downstream biological pathways. However, the functional interaction between HIV-1 integration and the activation of host biological pathways is presently not fully understood. (2) Methods: In this work, I used genes targeted by proviruses from published datasets to seek enriched immunologic signatures and host biological pathways alongside HIV-1 infections based on MSigDb and KEGG over-representation analysis. (3) Results: I observed that different combinations of immunologic signatures of immune cell types and proinflammatory soluble factors appeared alongside HIV-1 infections associated with antiretroviral therapy. Moreover, enriched KEGG pathways were often related to “cancer specific types”, “immune system”, “infectious disease viral”, and “signal transduction”. (4) Conclusions: The observations in this work suggest that the gene sets harboring provirus integration sites may define specific immune cells and proinflammatory soluble factors during HIV-1 infections associated with antiretroviral therapy.
COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout: Aspects of Hesitancy in South Africa
Authors: Steenberg Bent , Sokani Andile , Myburgh Nellie , Mutevedzi Portia , Madhi Shabir A.
Published: February 2023

Across the globe, comprehensive COVID-19 vaccination programs have been rolled out. Naturally, it remains paramount for efficiency to ensure uptake. Hypothetical vaccine acceptability in South Africa was high prior to the availability of inoculation in August 2020—three-quarters stated intent to immunize nationally. However, 24 months on, less than one-third have finished their vaccination on a national average, and in the sprawling South Western Townships (Soweto), this figure remains troublingly low with as many as four in every five still hesitant. Medical anthropologists have recently portrayed how COVID-19’s jumbled mediatization produces a ‘field of suspicion’ casting serious doubt on authorities and vaccines through misinformation and counterfactual claims, which fuels ‘othering’ and fosters hesitancy. It follows that intent to immunize cannot be used to predict uptake. Here, we take this conceptual framework one step further and illustrate how South African context-specific factors imbricate to amplify uncertainty and fear due the productive nature of communicability, which transforms othering into racialization and exacerbates existing societal polarizations. We also encounter Africanized forms of conspiracy theories and find their narrational roots in colonization and racism. Finally, we discuss semblances with HIV and how the COVID-19 pandemic’s biomedicalization may inadvertently have led to vaccine resistance due to medical pluralism and cultural/spiritual practices endemic to the townships.
A Case Report of Uterine Body Constriction Precluding Normal Parturition Leading to Dystocia in a Mare
Authors: Willette Jaclyn , Gerras Allison , Sledge Dodd , Koch Drew
Published: February 2023

A 13-year-old multiparous Quarter Horse mare was presented to the Michigan State University’s, Large Animal Emergency service for dystocia. Clinical evaluation revealed a minimally dilated cervix on vaginal examination, with a palpable deceased fetus. Postmortem evaluation following owner-elected humane euthanasia revealed a circumferential, tan, fibrous band at the base of the uterine body that constricted the uterus and was adhered to the left and right ovaries. A routine histologic section of the incarcerating cord attached to the ovary consisted predominately of dense fibrous connective tissue, large blood vessels, and a central oviduct suggestive of a rent in the broad ligament. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case report to describe uterine body constriction that precluded vaginal delivery of a fetus in a late gestation mare.
The Surveillance of Borrelia Species in Camelus dromedarius and Associated Ticks: The First Detection of Borrelia miyamotoi in Egypt
Authors: Ashour Radwa , Hamza Dalia , Kadry Mona , Sabry Maha A.
Published: February 2023

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are emerging and re-emerging infections that have a worldwide impact on human and animal health. Lyme borreliosis (LB) is a severe zoonotic disease caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) transmitted to humans by the bite of infected Ixodes ticks. Borrelia miyamotoi is a spirochete that causes relapsing fever (RF) and is genetically related to Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. However, there have been no reports of B. miyamotoi in Egypt, and the data on LB in camels is scarce. Thus, the present study was conducted to screen and genetically identify Borrelia spp. and B. miyamotoi in Egyptian camels and associated ticks using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods: A total of 133 blood samples and 1596 adult hard ticks were collected from Camelus dromedaries at Cairo and Giza slaughterhouses in Egypt. Tick species were identified by examining their morphology and sequencing the cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. Borrelia spp. was detected using nested PCR on the IGS (16S-23S) gene, and positive samples were genotyped using 16S rRNA and glpQ spp. genes specific for Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia miyamotoi, respectively. The positive PCR products were sequenced and analyzed by phylogenetic tree. Results: Analysis of the cox1 gene sequence revealed that the adult ticks belonged to three genera; Hyalomma (H), Amblyomma (Am), and Rhipicephalus (R), as well as 12 species, including H. dromedarii, H. marginatum, H. excavatum, H. anatolicum, R. annulatus, R. pulchellus, Am. testudinarium, Am. hebraeum, Am. lipidium, Am. variegatum, Am. cohaerens and Am. gemma. Borrelia spp. was found in 8.3% (11/133) of the camel blood samples and 1.3% (21/1596) of the ticks, respectively. Sequencing of the IGS (16S-23S) gene found that B. afzelii, detected from H. dromedarii and H. marginatum, and B. crocidurae, which belongs to the RF group, was detected from one blood sample. B. burgdorferi and B. miyamotoi were discovered in the blood samples and tick species. Phylogenetic analysis of the glpQ gene showed that the B. miyamotoi in this study was of the Asian and European types. Conclusions: These results suggest that the camels can be infected by Lyme borrelia and other Borrelia bacteria species. This study also provides the first insight into the presence of Borrelia miyamotoi and B. afzelii DNA in camels and associated ticks in Egypt.
Assessment of Surface Water Quality Using Water Quality Index and Discriminant Analysis Method
Authors: Mammeri Asma , Tiri Ammar , Belkhiri Lazhar , Salhi Hichem , Brella Djouhaina , Lakouas Elhadj , Tahraoui Hichem , Amrane Abdeltif , Mouni Lotfi
Published: February 2023

Given the complexity of water quality data sets, water resources pose a significant problem for global public order in terms of water quality protection and management. In this study, surface water quality for drinking and irrigation purposes was evaluated by calculating the Water Quality Index (WQI) and Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) based on nine hydrochemical parameters. The discriminant analysis (DA) method was used to identify the variables that are most responsible for spatial differentiation. The results indicate that the surface water quality for drinking is of poor and very poor quality according to the WQI values, however, the IWQI values indicate that the water is acceptable for irrigation with restrictions for salinity sensitive plants. The discriminate analysis method identified pH, potassium, chloride, sulfate, and bicarbonate as the significant parameters that discriminate between the different stations and contribute to spatial variation of the surface water quality. The findings of this study provide valuable information for decision-makers to address the important problem of water quality management and protection.
Biophysical Benefits Simulation Modeling Framework for Investments in Nature-Based Solutions in São Paulo, Brazil Water Supply System
Authors: Acosta Eileen Andrea , Cho Se Jong , Klemz Claudio , Reapple Justus , Barreto Samuel , Ciasca Bruna Stein , León Jorge , Rogéliz-Prada Carlos Andres , Bracale Henrique
Published: February 2023

In order to understand the hydrological impacts of the nature-based solutions in the Cantareira Water Supply System, this study evaluates six different land cover and land use change scenarios. The first and second consider the restoration of native vegetation in riparian areas, the third prioritizes restoration sites using biophysical characteristics (optimized restoration scenario derived from Resource Investment Optimization System—RIOS), the fourth considers best management practices and the fifth and sixth are hypothetical extreme scenarios converting all pasture to forest and vice versa. Two hydrological models were developed to represent the distributions of water and yields in the study watershed: HEC-HMS and SWAT. Simulation results indicate that when nature-based solutions are implemented, surface runoff is reduced and ambient storage increases during the rainy season (December–March); while the overall flow increases during the dry season (June–September). The combination of specific hydrologic components of RIOS-customized intervention scenario simulation outputs—namely surface flows and groundwater contribution to stream flows—indicate on average 33% increase in the overall water yield, or 206 hm3/year, across the study watershed when comparing against the baseline conditions. In the same modeling scenario, the water storage in the sub-watersheds adjacent to the reservoirs showed an increase of 58% (or 341 hm3/year). The results indicate that adopting NbS in the source watershed can mitigate the impacts of extreme drought conditions and contribute toward building long-term water security.
Finite Volume Method for Modeling the Load-Rejection Process of a Hydropower Plant with an Air Cushion Surge Chamber
Authors: Lu Jianwei , Wu Guoying , Zhou Ling , Wu Jinyuan
Published: February 2023

The pipe systems of hydropower plants are complex and feature special pipe types and various devices. When the Method of Characteristics (MOC) is used, interpolation or wave velocity adjustment is required, which may introduce calculation errors. The second-order Finite Volume Method (FVM) was presented to simulate water hammer and the load-rejection process of a hydropower plant with an air cushion surge chamber, which has rarely been considered before. First, the governing equations were discretized by FVM and the flux was calculated by a Riemann solver. A MINMOD slope limiter was introduced to avoid false oscillation caused by data reconstruction. The virtual boundary strategy was proposed to simply and effectively handle the complicated boundary problems between the pipe and the various devices, and to unify the internal pipeline and boundary calculations. FVM results were compared with MOC results, exact solutions, and measured values, and the sensitivity analysis was conducted. When the Courant number was equal to 1, the results of FVM and MOC were consistent with the exact solution. When the Courant number was less than 1, compared with MOC, the second-order FVM results were more accurate with less numerical dissipation. As the Courant number gradually decreased, the second-order FVM simulations were more stable. For the given numerical accuracy, second-order FVM had higher computational efficiency. The simulations of load rejection showed that compared with the MOC results, the second-order FVM calculations were closer to the measured values. For hydropower plants with complex pipe systems, wave velocity or the Courant number should be adjusted during MOC calculation, resulting in calculation error, and the error value is related to the parameters of the air cushion surge chamber (initial water depth, air cushion height, etc.). The second-order FVM can more accurately, stably, and efficiently simulate the load-rejection process of hydropower plants compared with MOC.
Occurrence Characterization and Contamination Risk Evaluation of Microplastics in Hefei’s Urban Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Meng Xiangwu , Bao Teng , Hong Lei , Wu Ke
Published: February 2023

As one of the primary nodes in the flow of micro-plastics (MPs) in the environment, it is critical to examine and assess the Sewage Treatment, occurrence, and removal of MPs in waste treatment plant (WWTP). This research explored the shape, size, and composition of MPs at various stages of the WWTP process in the south of the city of Hefei, China, in dry and rainy weather conditions, as well as the removal effectiveness of MPs in a three-stage process. The collected MPs were quantitatively and qualitatively examined using an Osmosis electron microscope and micro-FTIR. The pollution risk of MPs in WWTP was assessed using the EU classification, labelling and packaging (CLP) standard and the pollution load index (PLI). The findings revealed that the average abundance of fibrous MPs was greatest in WWTP sewage and sludge, 49.3% and 39.7% in dry weather, and 50.1% and 43.2% in rainy weather, respectively. The average distribution of MPs in the 0–500 μm range was highest in WWTP wastewater and sludge, 64.9% and 60.4% in dry weather and 67.9% and 69.0% in rainy weather, respectively. Finally, the overall removal rate was 87.7% and 83.5%. At the same time, it has been demonstrated that MPs with varied compositions are strongly tied to human activities, and environmental conditions (such as rainy weather) also influence their source. In both dry and wet weather, the amount of polymers and the risk score were linked to the pollution risk of MPs in WWTP. In wet weather, the MPS pollution index was more variable. The pollution indices of MPs in row water and tail water were 2.40 and 2.46, respectively, which were heavily contaminated, and 1.0 and 1.2, which were moderately polluted. MPs in dewatered sludge had severely polluted indexes of 3.5 and 3.4, respectively. As a result, there is still MPs efflux or buildup in sludge during and after the WWTP process, which presents an ecological contamination concern.
Responses of Extreme Discharge to Changes in Surface-Air and Dewpoint Temperatures in Utah: Seasonality and Mechanisms
Authors: Wright Timothy E. , Stuivenvolt-Allen Jacob , Affram Grace , Hasan Nahid A. , Ratterman Cody , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2023

The changes in stream discharge extremes due to temperature and seasonality are key metrics in assessing the effects of climate change on the hydrological cycle. While scaling is commonly applied to temperature and precipitation due to the physical connections between temperature and moisture (i.e., Clausius–Clapeyron), the scaling rate of stream discharge extremes to air and dewpoint temperatures has not been evaluated. To address this challenge, we assess the scaling rates between stream discharge and air temperature and between stream discharge and dewpoint temperature in Utah using a well-designed statistical framework. While there are deviations from the Clausius–Clapeyron (CC) relationship in Utah using discharge data based on stream gauges and gridded climate data, we identify positive scaling rates of extreme discharge to temperatures across most of the state. Further diagnosis of extreme discharge events reveals that regional factors combined with topography are responsible for the marked seasonality of scaling, with most areas of Utah driven by spring snowmelt tied to high temperatures. The exception is far southwestern areas, being largely driven by winter rain-on-snow events. Our research highlights a measurable portion of stream discharge extremes associated with higher temperatures and dewpoints, suggesting that climate change could facilitate more extreme discharge events despite reductions to mean flows.
Legionella spp. in Thermal Facilities: A Public Health Issue in the One Health Vision
Authors: Laganà Pasqualina , Gioffrè Maria Eufemia , Delia Santi Antonino , Facciolà Alessio
Published: February 2023

Thermal facilities comprise a wide spectrum of recreational and therapeutic activities with the number of customers increasing over time despite the break that occurred during the first phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to evaluate the potential role played by this setting in the risk of contracting legionellosis, we conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate the presence of Legionella spp. in some Italian thermal facilities. Specifically, we retrospectively analyzed the results of a 16-year surveillance carried out before the COVID-19 pandemic. Of 409 samples, 70 (17.1%) were positive with Legionella spp. but there was an overall decrease over time. L. pneumophila 2–14 were by far the most common detected serotypes, while L. pneumophila 1 accounted for only 8.8%. Of all the different kind of samples, swabs and municipal water samples were the most contaminated. Moreover, in the positive samples, bacterial load was often at intermediate values. In only a small percentage of samples was load high and, in this case, L. pneumophila 1 was often the most common strain. Our results show the importance of a continuous monitoring of Legionella risk in these settings, even more so now after the COVID-19 pandemic and the prolonged break in activities. Water is the natural environment of Legionella spp. and environment in general plays a crucial role in the transmission of these bacteria; therefore, it would be useful to frame this infection in a “One Health” key.
Evaluation and Prediction of Groundwater Quality for Irrigation Using an Integrated Water Quality Indices, Machine Learning Models and GIS Approaches: A Representative Case Study
Authors: Ibrahim Hekmat , Yaseen Zaher Mundher , Scholz Miklas , Ali Mumtaz , Gad Mohamed , Elsayed Salah , Khadr Mosaad , Hussein Hend , Ibrahim Hazem H. , Eid Mohamed Hamdy , Kovács Attila , Péter Szűcs , Khalifa Moataz M.
Published: February 2023

Agriculture has significantly aided in meeting the food needs of growing population. In addition, it has boosted economic development in irrigated regions. In this study, an assessment of the groundwater (GW) quality for agricultural land was carried out in El Kharga Oasis, Western Desert of Egypt. Several irrigation water quality indices (IWQIs) and geographic information systems (GIS) were used for the modeling development. Two machine learning (ML) models (i.e., adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and support vector machine (SVM)) were developed for the prediction of eight IWQIs, including the irrigation water quality index (IWQI), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), potential salinity (PS), residual sodium carbonate index (RSC), and Kelley index (KI). The physicochemical parameters included T°, pH, EC, TDS, K+, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, SO42−, HCO3−, CO32−, and NO3−, and they were measured in 140 GW wells. The hydrochemical facies of the GW resources were of Ca-Mg-SO4, mixed Ca-Mg-Cl-SO4, Na-Cl, Ca-Mg-HCO3, and mixed Na-Ca-HCO3 types, which revealed silicate weathering, dissolution of gypsum/calcite/dolomite/ halite, rock–water interactions, and reverse ion exchange processes. The IWQI, SAR, KI, and PS showed that the majority of the GW samples were categorized for irrigation purposes into no restriction (67.85%), excellent (100%), good (57.85%), and excellent to good (65.71%), respectively. Moreover, the majority of the selected samples were categorized as excellent to good and safe for irrigation according to the SSP and RSC. The performance of the simulation models was evaluated based on several prediction skills criteria, which revealed that the ANFIS model and SVM model were capable of simulating the IWQIs with reasonable accuracy for both training “determination coefficient (R2)” (R2 = 0.99 and 0.97) and testing (R2 = 0.97 and 0.76). The presented models’ promising accuracy illustrates their potential for use in IWQI prediction. The findings indicate the potential for ML methods of geographically dispersed hydrogeochemical data, such as ANFIS and SVM, to be used for assessing the GW quality for irrigation. The proposed methodological approach offers a useful tool for identifying the crucial hydrogeochemical components for GW evolution assessment and mitigation measures related to GW management in arid and semi-arid environments.
Development and Demonstration of an Interactive Tool in an Agent-Based Model for Assessing Pluvial Urban Flooding
Authors: Novoa Diego , Reyes-Silva Julian David , Helm Björn , Krebs Peter
Published: February 2023

Urban pluvial floods (UPFs) are a threat that is expected to increase with economic development, climate change, and the proliferation of urban cover worldwide. Methods to assess the spatiotemporal magnitude of UPFS and their impacts are needed to research and explore mitigation measures. This study presents a method for the assessment of UPFs and their impacts by combining a hydrodynamic sewer system model with a GIS-based overland diffusive flow algorithm. The algorithm is implemented in the software GIS-based Agent-based Modeling Architecture (GAMA) along with the depth-damage functions and land use data to estimate financial impacts. The result is a dynamic and interactive model that allows the user to monitor the events in real-time. Functionality is demonstrated in a case study in Dresden, Germany and with ten to 100-year design storms. The majority of flood extents and damages occur in the early stages of the event. Sewer surcharge emerges from few of the manholes, suggesting early action vitally reduces flood risks and interventions at a few hot spots, largely reducing impacts. Flood protection barriers were interactively implemented as a potential response measure in the hot spot areas reducing the damage by up to 90%. The user can compare different parameters in a visually compelling way that can lead to a better understanding of the system and more efficient knowledge transfer.
An Anti-Skid Control System Based on the Energy Method for Decentralized Electric Vehicles
Authors: Ci Longtao , Zhou Yan , Yin Dejun
Published: February 2023

Anti-slip control, as a fundamental technique of vehicle stability control, prevents loss of control of vehicles, especially under extreme driving conditions. However, current control methods fail to suppress vehicle slippage when steering. Therefore, a new anti-slip control approach for four-wheel independent-drive electric vehicles (EVs) based on the energy method is proposed. This approach makes full use of the distribution of motor energy between the body and the wheels during vehicle turning, being able to adjust the driving torque of each wheel. Simulation results validate that the proposed approach can prevent wheel slip when the vehicle steers on slippery roads. Furthermore, simulations also show that the proposed control strategy can maintain high control performance when the motor flux linkage varies.
Responsiveness to Vasoconstrictor Therapy in Hepatorenal Syndrome Type 1
Authors: Velez Juan Carlos Q. , Karakala Nithin , Tayebi Kasra , Wickman Terrance J. , Mohamed Muner M. B. , Kovacic Rosemary A. , Therapondos George , Kanduri Swetha R. , Allegretti Andrew S. , Belcher Justin M. , Regner Kevin R. , Wentowski Cathy
Published: February 2023

Key Points

Raising the mean arterial pressure (MAP) during management of hepatorenal syndrome type 1 (HRS-1) is associated with improvement in kidney function, independently of baseline MAP or model for end-stage liver disease.

Raising the MAP by 15 mm Hg or greater leads to greater reduction in serum creatinine in HRS-1.

Norepinephrine use confers greater probability of improvement in kidney function in HRS-1 compared with midodrine/octreotide.

Background

Raising mean arterial pressure (MAP) during treatment of hepatorenal syndrome type 1 (HRS-1) with vasoconstrictors (VCs) is associated with renal recovery. However, the optimal MAP target and factors associated with response to VCs remain unclear.

Methods

Records from hospitalized patients with HRS-1 treated with VCs without shock were reviewed searching for those who achieved ≥5 mm Hg rise in MAP within 48 hours. We examined the relationship between the mean MAP achieved during the first 48–72 hours of VC therapy and the change in serum creatinine (sCr) up to day 14. Endpoints were >30% reduction in sCr without need for dialysis or death by day 14 (primary) or by day 30 (secondary).

Results

Seventy-seven patients with HRS-1 treated for 2–10 days with either norepinephrine (n=49) or midodrine/octreotide (n=28) were included. The median age was 52 years (interquartile range [IQR], 46–60), 40% were female, and 48% had alcoholic cirrhosis. At VC initiation, median MAP was 70 mm Hg (IQR, 66–73), and median sCr was 3.8 mg/dl (IQR, 2.6–4.9). When analyzed by tertiles of mean MAP increment (5–9, 10–14, ≥15 mm Hg), there was greater reduction in sCr with greater rise in MAP (ANOVA for trend, P < 0.0001). By multivariate logistic regression analysis, mean MAP rise during the first 48–72 hours (odds ratio [OR], 1.15 [1.02 to 1.299], P=0.025), norepinephrine as VC (OR, 5.46 [1.36 to 21.86], P=0.017), and baseline sCr [OR, 0.63 [0.41 to 0.97], P=0.034) were associated with the primary endpoint, whereas mean MAP rise during the first 48–72 hours (OR, 1.17 [1.04 to 1.33], P=0.012) and baseline sCr (OR, 0.63 [0.39 to 0.98], P=0.043) were associated with the secondary endpoint.

Conclusions

Greater magnitude of rise in MAP with VC therapy in HRS-1, lower baseline sCr, and use of norepinephrine over midodrine/octreotide are associated with kidney recovery. Targeting an increment of MAP ≥15 mm Hg may lead to favorable renal outcomes.
Conflict Nephrology: War and Natural Disasters
Authors: Gopolan Tulasi , Ornelas-Brauer Claudia Michelle , Barbar Tarek , Mithani Zain , Silberzweig Jeffrey
Published: February 2023

Access to care for patients with ESKD is frequently disrupted after natural disasters, public health crises, and human conflict. Emergency preparation can mitigate the risk of harm and improve outcomes. Before Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the United States was unprepared to assist patients facing disaster. We evaluate responses to Hurricane Katrina which caused unprecedented damage to health and property in the Gulf Coast. As a result of the multitude of identified problems with the national, local, and kidney-specific responses to Katrina, new systems were created that mitigated loss after Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The improved disaster response system was no match for the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic; real-time changes worsened the effect on highly vulnerable populations, including patients with ESKD. Similarly, preparation can only mitigate the difficulties faced by patients with ESKD living in a war zone. Government agencies need to provide tools and dialysis centers need to educate patients. Beginning with steps implemented in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and augmented after Hurricane Sandy, every patient with ESKD and those who care for them must begin emergency preparations before the need arises. Recognizing that it is not possible to prepare for every possible emergency, our health care systems must be ready to adapt to our ever-changing world. After reviewing the responses to previous events, we suggest steps that should be considered to improve preparations for our uncertain future.
Avaliação do dimensionamento e do rendimento operacional das colhedoras financiadas pelo programa mais alimentos
Authors: Meier Felipe Rodrigo , Ziegler Weslei , Muller Valberto
Published: February 2023

A inovação na agricultura, no atual processo produtivo, tem sido cada vez mais acelerado, desta forma, contribuindo para a modernização e avanço de produtividades no campo através de fatores como novas tecnologias, máquinas, produtos e cultivares. Desta forma, o dimensionamento das máquinas, observando as características das propriedades, como área e culturas desenvolvidas, se torna primordial, principalmente no aspecto econômico. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo realizar o dimensionamento operacional das colhedoras financiadas pelo PRONAF Mais Alimentos, considerando as demandas operacionais das mesmas, de acordo com dados informados pelos produtores. A Linha Especial de Crédito de Investimento para Produção de Alimentos, mais conhecida como PRONAF Mais Alimentos, sendo lançada pelo Plano de Safra 2008/2009, busca incrementar a produtividade, em resposta à alta nos preços dos produtos agrícolas, consequência da crise econômica mundial. Utilizou-se o método estatístico, sendo também utilizado o método quantitativo para entender a dimensão e análise dos dados, quantitativo na abordagem, pesquisa estatística como método de procedimento, tendo como técnica de coleta de observação direta extensiva, por formulário, e o cálculo do ritmo operacional e determinação do dimensionamento de máquinas nas técnicas de análise. O método selecionado para o planejamento do dimensionamento operacional utilizado foi o proposto Mialhe (1974), denominado Ritmo Operacional (RO) e Capacidade de Campo Teórica (CCT). As propriedades rurais do município de Novo Machado-RS pesquisadas, possuem áreas de 27 a 170 hectares, as quais possuem RO variando entre 0,22 a 2,11 ha h-1, na operação de colheita, o CCT para a mesma operação varia entre 1,28 a 4,14 ha h-1. Assim, analisando os resultados, verifica-se que no momento da aquisição das colhedoras, não foram avaliadas as reais necessidades da propriedade, como a área cultivada e as culturas, resultando, em todas as colhedoras analisadas, um superdimensionamento, ou seja, permanecem a maior parte do tempo ociosa, podendo, portanto, aumentar as áreas de cultivo ou prestar serviço a terceiros. Apesar de ser uma tarefa complexa, o correto dimensionamento do maquinário se torna fundamental na gestão de uma propriedade agrícola, pois contribui diretamente na sua saúde econômica e sustentabilidade.
A reestruturação do modelo de segurança pública brasileiro: polícia comunitária e as barreiras para sua inserção
Authors: Assis Danieli Aparecida Ramos , Costa Jaider dos Santos
Published: February 2023

O presente artigo consiste no estudo sobre a reestruturação da Policia Militar condizente à nova realidade apresentada e às dificuldades de adequação tanto da Corporação como da própria sociedade. Nesse diapasão, foram abordados temas como o Estado Democrático de Direito, a Filosofia que alicerça o modelo de Polícia Comunitária, bem como a problemática de implementação junto a sociedade. Pertinente à técnica de pesquisa, a documental indireta foi a utilizada, a exemplo da pesquisa bibliográfica e documental. O trabalho apresenta um breve histórico desde o surgimento da polícia militar nos Estados, o atual Estado Democrático de Direito que alicerça a Constituição Federal de 1988 até os dilemas da sociedade relacionadas a algumas práticas policiais inadequadas, bem como o surgimento da filosofia da Polícia Comunitária como uma das nuances da reestruturação da Segurança Pública. Os resultados alcançados demonstram que uma polícia cidadã que procure atuar juntamente com o população, desmistifica a visão de uma polícia que age apenas mediante o uso da força, sem entender se quer o contexto da situação apresentada . A partir da realização de pesquisa bibliográfica, jurisprudências e letras da lei, verificou-se que o caminho proposto pela Polícia Comunitária, a depender a infração penal exposta, é o melhor caminho para a inovação.
Posted Sentiments toward Experiences in Degraded Forests Are Shaped Jointly by Landscape Structure and Microclimate
Authors: He Qian , Wang Yue , Qiu Quan , Su Yan , Wei Hongxu , Li Jiyue
Published: February 2023

Degraded forests still retain a high dose of nature that may evoke positive sentiments of visitors. This function reminds policy makers to reevaluate the development of degraded forests by using their nonmaterial services. Forest visitors have a general habit of taking facial photos and share with internet friends. This results in the formation of a dataset that comprises scores of posted sentiments toward visitors’ experiences in degraded forests. People post facial photos with emotions exposed to a subjective extent that can be impacted by perceived experiences with joint landscape and microclimate, but their combined effects have not been well demonstrated on a large geographical scale. In this study, a total of 30 degraded forests were selected from suburban areas of 22 cities in Southeast China. There were 2,751 facial photos of forest visitors that were collected and screened from a database of social network platform of China, namely, Sina Weibo. Happy and sad expressional scores were rated by the FireFACE software, and their spatiotemporal distributions were mapped. Both horizontal and vertical planes of objective forest landscapes were remotely evaluated by projected area and vegetation height, respectively. Microclimatic conditions were characterized by meteorological records on the same days when photos were posted. Exposed happiness was distributed as a geographical gradient from lower scores in the northeast region of study area to higher scores in the southwest. Wind velocity (WV), tree height, and elevation generated positive contributions to regressed happy score. However, combined low WV and high sunshine duration hour benefitted the regression of higher sad scores. Our results revealed that people would like to pose more smiles in degraded forests with unhindered wind flows under tall and dense canopies located on highlands. Furthermore, policy makers could consider developing degraded forests as a type of infrastructure that can trigger the promotion of users’ mental well-being, instead of focusing only on negative consequences following ecological degradation.
An Evaluation of the Priority Mitigation Technology Needs of Belt and Road Initiative Developing Countries
Authors: Liu Qiang , Deng Xu , Wang Bowen , Teng Fei
Published: February 2023

Climate technology transfer is vital to greening the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and strengthening the BRI cooperative partnership. The major concerns of technology transferrers are to clarify what to transfer and where to transfer. On the basis of technology need assessment reports and the cooperative patent classification system, as well as a set of indicators for measuring urgency and attractiveness, this study identified the priority technology needs of BRI countries from global and regional perspectives. We found that technologies such as photovoltaics, land-use policy measures, and road transportation technologies in the energy, agriculture, and transportation sectors are the priority needs in BRI countries; however, these are not fully recognized by China’s current regional cooperation initiatives. In addition, the regional perspective analysis revealed the urgent need for diverse climate technologies at the regional level. Regional mismatches were also detected between China’s current technology transfer efforts and the BRI countries’ requirements, which may be attributed to the demand-pull and market-driven modes of technology transfer. We suggest that technology transferrers adjust their focus on technology cooperation to reflect the changing needs and regional disparities of BRI countries.
Integrated Energy System Systems and Game Theory A Review (ITALIC)
Authors: Ramadhan Arief , Bhima  , Nurtino Tio
Published: February 2023

As mankind expands quickly, there is a shortage of energy worldwide. Instead of focusing on the production, transmission, and provision of a particular power source, China has proposed an To address the energy crisis, an integrated energy system is being developed. This system links energy resources and utilizes their complementary benefits. With the development of integrated energy systems, involvement and Engagement is getting increasingly difficult. Game theory, which can successfully address issues arising from multi-agent commerce, is a natural application of the System of integrated energy. This publication gives in-depth information analysis of how the integrated power system has undergone game theory analysis. Initial game situations in integrated power systems are provided, followed by a brief introduction to the evolution of integrated energy, The design and deployment of interconnected power systems issues are outlined, along with game scenarios that take into account the energy production side, supply chain, demand side, and all of these factors. Second, a summary of the fundamental for the integrated energy system, use game theory models is provided. The last topic is examined along with the challenges involved in game theory's potential application to integrated power systems. When applying the newly created game models to the integrated power system, a mixed game is recommended to solve these issues. This study should prove to be an invaluable resource for upcoming scholars in the subject.