bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the Impact of COVID-19 on Business Performance through the Case-Study of a Green Italian Start-Up
Authors: Iacovacci Chiara , Caratù Myriam , Addamo Giuseppe , Grasso Vincenzo
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in December 2019 and spread globally, has triggered numerous studies examining its profound effects on societies and economies. This paper investigates the impact of the pandemic crisis on people’s environmental awareness and sustainable consumption in the Italian market and tests several hypotheses related to this impact on the performance of green start-ups. Hypothesis 1 suggests that COVID-19 has increased environmental awareness, positively influencing green consumption behavior. Hypothesis 1bis focuses on businesses selling green products, proposing that they benefited from COVID-19. Hypothesis 2 posits that COVID-19 had a positive impact on online sales, while Hypothesis 3 suggests it damaged businesses based on a product-oriented PSS (Product-Service Systems). The study centers around a mixed method: a and an in-depth interview (qualitative research) with one of VAIA’s founders-a green Italian start-up taken as a case study for this research and quantitative research on the Italian consumers, carried out through an internet-based questionnaire with 706 participants Findings reveal significant shifts in environmental awareness and sustainable consumption patterns due to the pandemic: participants reported heightened awareness of environmental issues and an increased inclination toward sustainable consumption, influenced by reflections on human health-environment interdependence, lockdown-induced lifestyle changes, and a collective sense of responsibility. The study demonstrates as well that a green start-up can experience positive outcomes during the pandemic: this elicits insights that can inform businesses, policymakers, and practitioners in the sustainability sector, enabling them to adapt and capitalize on emerging consumer preferences.
A Time-Driven Deep Learning NILM Framework Based on Novel Current Harmonic Distortion Images
Authors: Papageorgiou Petros , Mylona Dimitra , Stergiou Konstantinos , Bouhouras Aggelos S.
Published: August 2023

Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) has been on the rise for more than three decades. Its main objective is non-intrusive load disaggregation into individual operating appliances. Recent studies have shown that a higher sampling rate in the aggregated measurements allows better performance regarding load disaggregation. In addition, recent developments in deep learning and, in particular, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have facilitated load disaggregation using CNN models. Several methods have been described in the literature that combine both a higher sampling rate and a CNN-based NILM framework. However, these methods use only a small number of cycles of the aggregated signal, which complicates the practical application of real-time NILM. In this work, a high sampling rate time-driven CNN-based NILM framework is also proposed. However, a novel current harmonic distortion image extracted from 60 cycles of the aggregated signal is proposed, resulting in 1 s appliance classification with low computational complexity. Appliance classification performance is evaluated using the PLAID3 dataset for both single and combined appliance operation. In addition, a comparison is made with a method from the literature. The results highlight the robustness of the novel feature and confirm the real-time applicability of the proposed NILM framework.
Microscopic Flow of CO2 in Complex Pore Structures: A Recent 10-Year Review
Authors: Liu Qiang , Li Jialong , Liang Bing , Sun Weiji , Liu Jianjun , Lei Yun
Published: August 2023

To prevent CO2 leakage and ensure the safety of long-term CO2 storage, it is essential to investigate the flow mechanism of CO2 in complex pore structures at the pore scale. This study focused on reviewing the experimental, theoretical, and numerical simulation studies on the microscopic flow of CO2 in complex pore structures during the last decade. For example, advanced imaging techniques, such as X-ray computed tomography (CT) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), have been used to reconstruct the complex pore structures of rocks. Mathematical methods, such as Darcy’s law, the Young–Laplace law, and the Navier-Stokes equation, have been used to describe the microscopic flow of CO2. Numerical methods, such as the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and pore network (PN) model, have been used for numerical simulations. The application of these experimental and theoretical models and numerical simulation studies is discussed, considering the effect of complex pore structures. Finally, future research is suggested to focus on the following. (1) Conducting real-time CT scanning experiments of CO2 displacement combined with the developed real-time CT scanning clamping device to achieve real-time visualization and provide a quantitative description of the flow behavior of CO2 in complex pore structures. (2) The effect of pore structures changes on the CO2 flow mechanism caused by the chemical reaction between CO2 and the pore surface, i.e., the flow theory of CO2 considering wettability and damage theory in a complex pore structures. (3) The flow mechanism of multi-phase CO2 in complex pore structures. (4) The flow mechanism of CO2 in pore structures at multiscale and the scale upgrade from microscopic to mesoscopic to macroscopic. Generally, this study focused on reviewing the research progress of CO2 flow mechanisms in complex pore structures at the pore scale and provides an overview of the potential advanced developments for enhancing the current understanding of CO2 microscopic flow mechanisms.
Assessment of Land Surface Temperature from the Indian Cities of Ranchi and Dhanbad during COVID-19 Lockdown: Implications on the Urban Climatology
Authors: Qadri S. M. Talha , Hamdan Ateeb , Raj Veena , Ehsan Muhsan , Shamsuddin Norazanita , Hakimi Mohammed Hail , Mustapha Khairul Azlan
Published: August 2023

An apparent increase in average global temperature is evident globally, and India is no exception. With the recent decade (2011–2020) arguably being the warmest, significant challenges due to rapid climate change have gained attention. However, notable spatial-temporal changes, especially with regard to land surface temperature (LST), were observed during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period, when a comparatively cooler climate was experienced in many urban centers. Assessment of LST, crucial in many heat-balance, land use, and climate change models research studies, depicts the near-surface hotness of the Earth’s temperature at a given location. Thus, this study utilizes satellite remote-sensing data to investigate the spatial-temporal variations of LST pre and post-lockdown imposed during the COVID-19 outbreak. Unlike many existing research studies on the metropolitans of India, the study considers developing Indian cities, Ranchi and Dhanbad, as its study area. Accurate LST computation was performed using existing LANDSAT-8 OLI/TIRS images and judged using other parameters (NDVI, LSE) obtained directly from the thermal infrared bands. The LST assessment successfully estimated temperature variations in Ranchi and Dhanbad, depicting a significant drop in temperature coinciding with the lockdown period and subsequent increase in urban temperature post-pandemic, indicating a meaningful relationship between human activities and urban surface temperature.
Melting Heat Transfer Rheology in Bioconvection Cross Nanofluid Flow Confined by a Symmetrical Cylindrical Channel with Thermal Conductivity and Swimming Microbes
Authors: Awwad Fuad A. , Ismail Emad A. A. , Gul Taza , Khan Waris , Ali Ishtiaq
Published: August 2023

Nonlinear thermal transport of non-Newtonian polymer flows is an increasingly important area in materials engineering. Motivated by new developments in this area which entail more refined and more mathematical frameworks, the present analysis investigates the boundary-layer approximation and heat transfer persuaded by a symmetrical cylindrical surface positioned horizontally. To simulate thermal relaxation impacts, the bioconvection Cross nanofluid flow Buongiorno model is deployed. The study examines the magnetic field effect applied to the nanofluid using the heat generated, as well as the melting phenomenon. The nonlinear effect of thermosolutal buoyant forces is incorporated into the proposed model. The novel mathematical equations include thermophoresis and Brownian diffusion effects. Via robust transformation techniques, the primitive resulting partial equations for momentum, energy, concentration, and motile living microorganisms are rendered into nonlinear ordinary equations with convective boundary postulates. An explicit and efficient numerical solver procedure in the Mathematica 11.0 programming platform is developed to engage the nonlinear equations. The effects of multiple governing parameters on dimensionless fluid profiles is examined using plotted visuals and tables. Finally, outcomes related to the surface drag force, heat, and mass transfer coefficients for different influential parameters are presented using 3D visuals.
Molecular Mechanisms of Selenium Mitigating Lead Toxicity in Chickens via Mitochondrial Pathway: Selenoproteins, Oxidative Stress, HSPs, and Apoptosis
Authors: Hong Weichen , Liu Yuhao , Liang Jiatian , Jiang Chunyu , Yu Meijin , Sun Wei , Huang Bin , Dong Na , Kang Lu , Tang You
Published: August 2023

Lead (Pb), a hazardous heavy metal, can damage the health of organisms. However, it is not clear whether Pb can damage chicken cerebellums and thalami. Selenium (Se), an essential nutrient for organisms, has a palliative effect on Pb poisoning in chickens. In our experiment, a model of chickens treated with Pb and Se alone and in combination was established to investigate the molecular mechanism of Se alleviating Pb-caused damage in both chicken cerebellums and thalami. Our morphological results indicated that Pb caused apoptotic lesions, such as mitochondrial and nuclear damage. Further, the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 decreased; on the contrary, four pro-apoptotic genes (p53, Bax, Cyt c, and Caspase-3) increased under Pb treatment, meaning that Pb caused apoptosis via the p53-Cyt c-Caspase-3 pathway. Furthermore, we further demonstrated that Pb elevated four HSPs (HSP27, HSP40, HSP70, and HSP90), as well as HSP70 took part in the molecular mechanism of Pb-caused apoptosis. In addition, we found that Pb exposure led to oxidative stress via up-regulating the oxidant H2O2 and down-regulating four antioxidants (CAT, SOD, GST, and GPx). Moreover, Pb decreased three Se-containing factors (Txnrd1, Txnrd2, and Txnrd3), further confirming that Pb caused oxidative stress. Interestingly, Se supplementation reversed the above changes caused by Pb and alleviated Pb-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. A time dependency was demonstrated for Bcl-2, Bax, and Cyt c in the cerebellums, as well as CAT, GPx, and p53 in the thalami of Pb-exposed chickens. HSP70 in cerebellums and HSP27 in thalami were more sensitive than those in thalami and cerebellums, respectively, under Pb exposure. Pb-induced apoptosis of thalami was more severe than cerebellums. In conclusion, after Pb treatment, Txnrds mediated oxidative stress, oxidative stress up-regulated HSPs, and finally, HSP70 triggered apoptosis. Se supplementation antagonized Pb-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway and selenoproteins in chicken cerebellums and thalami. This study provides new information for the mechanism of environmental pollutant poisoning and the detoxification of Se on abiotic stress.
Puerarin Prevents Bisphenol S Induced Lipid Accumulation by Reducing Liver Lipid Synthesis and Promoting Lipid Metabolism in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Wu Zi-Yao , Luo Li , Kan Ya-Qi , Qin Mei-Lin , Li Hai-Ting , He Qing-Zhi , Zeng Huai-Cai
Published: August 2023

Bisphenol S (BPS) is an environmental pollutant that can accumulate in the human body and cause harm. Puerarin (PUE) is a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In this study, we used 50 mg/kg/d BPS as a poison and PUE as an intervention for model mice for 42 d. BPS exposure significantly increased the levels of the impairment of the mice’s liver function, T-CHO, TG, LDL-C, ALT, and AST in the BPS group were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Additionally, BPS exposure caused inflammatory cell infiltration in the mice liver tissue and enhanced oxidative stress response, the level of MDA was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The expression of CD36 and pparγ was stimulated after BPS exposure. Moreover, the expression of cpt1a and cpt1b, which promote fatty acid oxidation, was downregulated. After PUE intervention, the levels of genes and proteins involved in lipid synthesis (PPARγ, SREBP1C, and FASN) and metabolism (Cpt1a, Cpt1b, and PPARα) in mice returned to those of the control group, or much higher than those in the BPS group. Therefore, we hypothesized that BPS causes lipid accumulation in the liver by promoting lipid synthesis and reducing lipid metabolism, whereas PUE reduces lipid synthesis and promotes lipid metabolism. Conclusively, our results imply that long-term exposure to BPS in mice affects liver lipid metabolism and that PUE intervention could maintain the liver function of mice at normal metabolic levels.
Super Riemann Surfaces and Fatgraphs
Authors: Schwarz Albert S. , Zeitlin Anton M.
Published: August 2023

Our goal is to describe superconformal structures on super Riemann surfaces (SRSs) based on data assigned to a fatgraph. We start from the complex structures on punctured (1|1)-supermanifolds, characterizing the corresponding moduli and the deformations using Strebel differentials and certain Čech cocycles for a specific covering, which we reproduce from fatgraph data, consisting of U(1)-graph connection and odd parameters at the vertices. Then, we consider dual (1|1)-supermanifolds and related superconformal structures for N=2 super Riemann surfaces. The superconformal structures, N=1 SRS, are computed as the fixed points of involution on the supermoduli space of N=2 SRS.
Optimising the Delivery of RHDV to Rabbits for Biocontrol: An Experimental Evaluation of Two Novel Methods of Virus Delivery
Authors: Dorji Tshewang , Jayasingha Ellakkala Appuhamilage Ridma M. J. , Bird Peter L. , Huang Nina , O’Connor Tiffany W. , Patel Kandarp K. , Strive Tanja , Taggart Patrick L.
Published: August 2023

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is established as a landscape-scale biocontrol that assists the management of invasive European rabbits and their impacts in both Australia and New Zealand. In addition to this, it is also available to land managers to augment rabbit control efforts at a local scale. However, current methods of deploying RHDV to rabbits that rely on the consumption of virus-treated baits can be problematic as rabbits are reluctant to consume bait when there is abundant, green, protein-rich feed available. We ran a suite of interrupted time-series experiments to compare the duration of infectivity of two conventional (carrot and oat baits) and two novel (meat bait and soil burrow spray) methods of deploying RHDV to rabbits. All methods effectively killed exposed rabbits. Soil burrow spray and carrot baits resulted in infection and mortality out to 5 days post their deployment in the field, and meat baits caused infection out to 10 days post their deployment. In contrast, oat baits continued to infect and kill exposed rabbits out to 20 days post deployment. Molecular assays demonstrated high viral loads in deployed baits beyond the duration for which they were infectious or lethal to rabbits. Based on our results, we suggest that the drying of meat baits may create a barrier to effective transmission of RHDV by adult flies within 10 days. We therefore hypothesise that fly larvae production and development on infected tissues is critical to prolonged viral transmission from meat baits, and similarly from carcasses of RHDV mortalities, via mechanical fly vectors. Our study demonstrates that meat baits and soil spray could provide additional virus deployment options that remove the need for rabbits to consume baits at times when they are reluctant to do so.
One-Step Assembly of a PRRSV Infectious cDNA Clone and a Convenient CRISPR/Cas9-Based Gene-Editing Technology for Manipulation of PRRSV Genome
Authors: Zhang Hejin , Duan Kaiqi , Du Yingbin , Xiao Shaobo , Fang Liurong , Zhou Yanrong
Published: August 2023

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) has been a persistent challenge for the swine industry for over three decades due to the lack of effective treatments and vaccines. Reverse genetics systems have been extensively employed to build rapid drug screening platforms and develop genetically engineered vaccines. Herein, we rescued recombinant PRRS virus (rPRRSV) WUH3 using an infectious cDNA clone of PRRSV WUH3 acquired through a BstXI-based one-step-assembly approach. The rPRRSV WUH3 and its parental PRRSV WUH3 share similar plaque sizes and multiple-step growth curves. Previously, gene-editing of viral genomes depends on appropriate restrictive endonucleases, which are arduous to select in some specific viral genes. Thus, we developed a restrictive endonucleases-free method based on CRISPR/Cas9 to edit the PRRSV genome. Using this method, we successfully inserted the exogenous gene (EGFP gene as an example) into the interval between ORF1b and ORF2a of the PRRSV genome to generate rPRRSV WUH3-EGFP, or precisely mutated the lysine (K) at position 150 of PRRSV nsp1α to glutamine (Q) to acquire rPRRSV WUH3 nsp1α-K150Q. Taken together, our study provides a rapid and convenient method for the development of genetically engineered vaccines against PRRSV and the study on the functions of PRRSV genes.
Metavirome Analysis and Identification of Midge-Borne Viruses from Yunnan Province, China, in 2021
Authors: Li Chenghui , Wang Wei , Zhang Xuancheng , Xiao Pengpeng , Li Zhuoxin , Wang Peng , Shi Ning , Zhou Hongning , Lu Huijun , Gao Xu , Zhang He , Jin Ningyi
Published: August 2023

Midges are widely distributed globally and can transmit various human and animal diseases through blood-sucking. As part of this study, 259,300 midges were collected from four districts in Yunnan province, China, to detect the viral richness and diversity using metavirome analysis techniques. As many as 26 virus families were detected, and the partial sequences of bluetongue virus (BTV), dengue virus (DENV), and Getah virus (GETV) were identified by phylogenetic analysis and PCR amplification. Two BTV gene fragments, 866 bps for the VP2 gene of BTV type 16 and 655 bps for the VP5 gene of BTV type 21, were amplified. The nucleotide sequence identities of the two amplified BTV fragments were 94.46% and 98.81%, respectively, with two classical BTV-16 (GenBank: JN671907) and BTV-21 strains (GenBank: MK250961) isolated in Yunnan province. Furthermore, the BTV-16 DH2021 strain was successfully isolated in C6/36 cells, and the peak value of the copy number reached 3.13 × 107 copies/μL after five consecutive BHK-21 cell passages. Moreover, two 2054 bps fragments including the E gene of DENV genotype Asia II were amplified and shared the highest identity with the DENV strain isolated in New Guinea in 1944. A length of 656 bps GETV gene sequence encoded the partial capsid protein, and it shared the highest identity of 99.68% with the GETV isolated from Shandong province, China, in 2017. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of implementing prevention and control strategies for viral diseases transmitted by midges in China.
COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Hesitancy among Hispanic Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study from the Puerto Rico Community Engagement Alliance against COVID-19 Disparities (PR-CEAL)
Authors: Berríos Hérmilis , López-Cepero Andrea , Pérez Cynthia M. , Cameron Stephanie , Pons Calvo Adriana D. , Colón-López Vivian
Published: August 2023

Hispanic/Latino communities have suffered a disproportionate burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although Puerto Rico has one of the highest COVID-19 primary series vaccination rates nationwide, this estimate contrasts with the reported booster doses’ low uptake. This study aimed to assess health belief correlates of COVID-19 vaccine booster uptake. Using a convenience sampling approach, the Puerto Rico-Community Engagement Alliance (PR-CEAL) conducted a cross-sectional study where 787 participants were recruited using online and in-person strategies between December 2021 and February 2022. Participants were adults 18 years or older, Spanish-speaking, and residents of Puerto Rico. The Health Belief Model was used to evaluate attitudes and beliefs. A total of 784 participants were used in this analysis. Adjusted Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of booster refusal. Overall, 22% of participants refused the vaccine booster or had not gotten it yet. Adjusted models showed that (i) participants who disagreed that getting the booster dose either made them feel less worried about COVID-19 or (ii) felt that the vaccine decreased their chances of getting COVID-19 presented higher booster-refusal prevalence ratios (PR = 4.20, 95% CI: 3.00, 5.90; PR = 3.70, 95% CI: 2.64, 5.18). Moreover, participants that (iii) reported having concerns for booster side effects [PR = 2.47; 95% CI = 1.73, 3.51], (iv) booster efficacy [PR = 2.50; 95% CI = 1.75, 3.58], and (v) booster safety [PR = 2.80; 95% CI = 1.96, 3.99] were significantly more likely to refuse the booster. In conclusion, booster vaccination refusal was associated with lower perceived vaccine benefits and greater barriers among adults in Puerto Rico. These results informed the development of PR-CEAL’s targeted community outreach strategies and public health campaigns to increase booster vaccine uptake.
Use of Plackett–Burman and Box–Behnken Designs to Optimize Bioelectricity Production from Winery Residues
Authors: Devesa-Rey Rosa , Arce Elena , Cartelle Alberto , Suárez-García Andrés
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to estimate the bioelectricity production process using a vinasse solution through the application of Plackett–Burman and Box–Behnken designs. An electrochemical cell was constructed using Arduino to measure the potential difference between an anode and cathode immersed in a vinasse solution, which is a byproduct of wine production containing organic compounds and ions that undergo redox reactions. The Plackett–Burman design identified the most influential variables among eight previously selected (concentration of the electrolyte, pH, temperature, stirring, addition of NaCl, yeast dose and electrode:solution ratio). The results showed that the most influencing variables were the vinasse concentration and stirring and a peak of 306 mV could be observed for a 100 mL experiment. The third most influential variable regarding the process was NaCl addition, which showed its high influence at larger times. Based on these results, the Box–Behnken design was used to determine the possible ranges of variation of the independent variables (vinasse concentration, stirring and NaCl dose) to maximize the bioelectricity production. Therefore, with the combination of the intermediate concentrated vinasse (1:3 v/v ratio) and stirring, a peak of 431.1 mV could be observed when adding 2% NaCl after 15 min of the experiment. In what concerns the instant bioelectricity, measured after 1 min of the experiment, values up to 437.9 mV could be observed although yeast and/or NaCl are necessary at short times. This study provides insights into the bioelectricity production process from vinasse, contributing to the understanding and potential for sustainable energy generation.
An Analytical Model Coupled with Orthogonal Experimental Design Is Used to Analyze the Main Controlling Factors of Multi-Layer Commingled Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Wang Lei , Xiang Yangyue , Tao Hongyan , Kuang Jiyang
Published: August 2023

The majority of China’s multi-layer low permeability tight gas reservoirs are currently being extracted through the method of multi-layer co-production. However, due to the significant disparity in physical properties and varying degrees of pressure depletion among the production layers, elucidating the primary factors influencing the productivity contribution of each gas layer remains challenging. A multi-factor analytical model is proposed for commingled gas wells with multiple layers. An unstable model is established for the production of commingled layers, and the problem of flow distribution is addressed using the Duhamel convolution principle. The Laplace transform is subsequently employed to derive the solution in the Laplace domain, which can be inverted utilizing the Stehfest inversion algorithm to obtain a real-time domain solution. The influence of reservoir factors on the stratification contribution rate has been comprehensively analyzed, encompassing permeability, porosity, initial pressure, drainage radius, and layer thickness. The orthogonal test design was employed to conduct range analysis and variance analysis separately, yielding the primary and secondary order as well as influence weight of the five factors. The findings demonstrate that, within this gas reservoir, the discharge radius, thickness, and porosity are identified as the primary factors influencing gas well productivity. Furthermore, seven horizontal flow charts illustrating the double-layer gas reservoir and five horizontal flow charts depicting single-factor variations in the double-layer gas reservoir were constructed. These charts provide a clear visualization of the impact of each reservoir factor on stratification’s contribution rate. In contrast to previous studies, this novel approach presents a comprehensive optimization framework that ranks the influence weights of individual factors and identifies the most significant factors impacting multi-layer gas reservoirs. The presented method also serves as a foundation for the subsequent selection of multi-layer gas reservoirs, formulation of gas well stimulation measures, and efficient development.
Operation and Maintenance Cost of Water Management Systems: Analysis and Optimization
Authors: Blokus-Dziula Agnieszka , Dziula Przemysław , Kamedulski Bartosz , Michalak Piotr
Published: August 2023

The analysis and optimization of the operational and maintenance costs of water management systems is one of the key issues of their exploitation. This article presents a general model, supported by specially designed software, able to process the analysis of exploitation costs of multistate renewable systems. The proposed model allows for the consideration of costs related to preventive inspections and repairs and additional reliability associated costs, such as costs of the system in a state of deteriorated reliability and financial losses related to reduced serviceability of the system or a lack of rendering of services. By means of a multistate approach to the reliability analysis, the model allows for the determination of the level corresponding to the appropriate reliability state that, if exceeded, should result in undertaking the repair of the system. In this study, the MATLAB 9.13 (R2022b) environment was used for simulation and estimation of the costs of system maintenance and repairs according to the proposed model. The article presents the results of the optimization of exploitation and repair costs of water management systems, allowing the estimation of the optimal period between regular inspections while maintaining the safe operation of the system. The model and software proposed can be of assistance in supporting the decision process of maintenance planning for water management systems.
Small Organisms in a Large River: What Provides the High Diversity of Scaled Chrysophytes in the Ob River?
Authors: Bessudova Anna , Likhoshway Yelena , Firsova Alena , Mitrofanova Elena , Koveshnikov Mikhail , Soromotin Andrey , Khoroshavin Vitaly , Kirillov Vladimir
Published: August 2023

Currents are one of the main factors favoring the dispersal of microscopic planktic organisms over inland lakes and rivers. Large rivers of the northern hemisphere, flowing from south to north, can increase the diversity of northern latitudes with boreal species, while high water levels and floods expand the range of ecotopes and the biodiversity of rivers. We studied the distribution of the taxonomic structure and species richness of scaled chrysophytes downstream of the Ob river—a large river in West Siberia—at the end of the high-water period (June). Methods of scanning and transmission microscopy allowed the determination of a high taxonomic richness of these organisms, 67 species in total. The species were unevenly distributed by stations, with the maximum number of species (54) occurring in a shallow still bay without current and with minimum turbidity and a small number of diatoms. The species diversity in the main current was represented mainly by ubiquitous and cosmopolitan species.Water level fall usually coincides with the end of the vegetation of many scaled chrysophytes and the formation of stomatocysts. The stomatocysts of different species may drift downstream and then germinate when they find suitable conditions at theappropriatetime. Large rivers that are subject to significant changes in water level during their hydrologicalperiodsare able to host ahigh diversity of microscopic planktic organisms. Studying this capacity may reinforce the hypothesis of an omnipresence, i.e., that “everything is everywhere”.
A Techno-Economic Appraisal of Green Diesel Generation through Hydrothermal Liquefaction, Leveraging Residual Resources from Seaweed and Fishing Sectors
Authors: Rosales-Asensio Enrique , Segredo-Morales Elisabet , Gómez-Marín Natalia , Pulido-Alonso Antonio , Sierra Carlos
Published: August 2023

This study examines the economic viability of an emerging technology for potential upscaling and commercialization in a specific location: the village of New Stuyahok, Alaska. The proposed technology is hydrothermal liquefaction, which utilizes kelp macroalgae and fishing waste as feedstock. These materials were chosen due to their easy availability in the village and their alignment with the local economy. The economic evaluation is based on the net present value (NPV) and sensitivity models. Different feedstock ratios (on a dry basis), such as 100:0, 50:50, and 30:70 of kelp and fishing waste, respectively, were evaluated to determine the optimal combination. The results indicated that the process is economically viable only when a high proportion of fishing waste is used. This can be ascribed to the constrained output yield of the kelp biomass and the relatively negligible influence exerted by alginate production on the NPV. However, the ratio 50:50 appears to be economically promising if the costs can be reduced by at least 13.5% or the benefits can be increased by 12.1%. Nevertheless, government support could play a crucial role in expediting the implementation of this technology once it becomes market-ready. This means being practical, scalable, and economically viable, enabling reduced investments or increased benefits that signify its readiness. Utilizing such a tool offers valuable insights into the framework of the proposed technology and the use of local natural resources.
Assessment of Empirical Methods for Estimating Reference Evapotranspiration in Different Climatic Zones of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Srdić Sretenka , Srđević Zorica , Stričević Ružica , Čereković Nataša , Benka Pavel , Rudan Nada , Rajić Milica , Todorović Mladen
Published: August 2023

The study evaluated nine empirical methods for estimating reference evapotranspiration (ETo) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) across different climatic zones. The methods compared were the Hargreaves–Samani method (HS), the modified Hargreaves–Samani method (HM), the calibrated Hargreaves–Samani method (HC), the Priestley–Taylor method (PT), the Copais method (COP), the Makkink method (MAK), the Penman–Monteith method based on air temperature and overall average windspeed (PMT2), the Penman–Monteith method based on air temperature and regional average windspeed (PMT1.3), and the Penman–Monteith method based on air temperature and site-specific windspeed (PMTlok). These methods were tested against the “Food Agricultural Organization-Penman Monteith approach” (FAO-PM). The evaluation was performed using data from 20 meteorological stations in BiH, considering a common irrigation season (April–October) for two periods (2000–2005 and 2018–2022). The stations represented three climatic zones: semi-arid (SA), dry sub-humid (DSH), and moist sub-humid (MSH). The performance and ranking of the ETo methods were analyzed using the TOPSIS method. The trend of ETo during the common irrigation season for the period from 2018 to 2022 was determined using the Mann–Kendall test. The results of the study indicated that the HC method showed the best performance across all three climatic zones. The average root mean square error (RMSE) was 0.67 mm day−1, 0.49 mm day−1, and 0.50 mm day−1 for the SA, DSH, and MSH zones, respectively. As an alternative to the HC method, the PT method is recommended for its favorable results in both periods and in all zones. On the other hand, the HS method exhibited the highest average overestimation, particularly in the MSH zone, where ETo values were 18% higher compared with those of the FAO-PM method. The COP method also showed high overestimation and was not recommended for use. Regarding the MAK method, it resulted in underestimation during the period from 2000 to 2005, ranging from 17% in the DSH zone to 11% in the MSH zone. However, its performance improved during the period from 2018 to 2022, for which it ranked second place in the MSH zone. Among the PMT methods, the PMTlok, which utilized local average windspeed, yielded the best results. Despite performing well in the neighboring country of Serbia, the HM method showed poor overall performance in BiH. The findings of this study can serve as a foundation for further research in BiH to enhance irrigation practices in response to climate changes.
Comparison of Cropping System Models for Simulation of Soybean Evapotranspiration with Eddy Covariance Measurements in a Humid Subtropical Environment
Authors: Chatterjee Amitava , Anapalli Saseendran S.
Published: August 2023

Crop evapotranspiration (ETC) water demands are critical decision support information for the sustainable use of water resources for optimum crop productivity. When measurements of ETC at all locations are not feasible, the prediction of ETC and crop growth from weather and soil–water–crop management data using state-of-the-science cropping system simulations is a viable alternative. This study compared soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) ETC quantified using the eddy covariance (EC) method against simulations from two models, (i) the CSM-CROPGRO-soybean module within the Decision Support System for Agroecology Transfer (DSSAT) and (ii) CSM-CROPGRO-soybean module within the Root Zone Water Quality Model v2.0 (RZWQM) for a grower’s field in the Mississippi Delta, USA, during 2017, 2018, and 2019 growing seasons. The measured soybean grain yields during the three seasons, respectively, were 4979 kg ha−1, 5157 kg ha−1, and 5665 kg ha−1. The DSSAT and RZWQM simulated yields deviated from the measured yields by −10.8% and 15.4% in 2017, −24.0% and 1.56% in 2018, and −6.22%, and 9.98% in 2019. Simulated daily ETC values were less than EC estimates by 0.33 mm, 0.29 mm, and 0.23 mm for DSSAT and 0.05 mm, 0.42 mm, and 0.24 mm for RZWQM, respectively, for the three seasons. EC-quantified seasonal values of ETC were 584 mm, 532 mm, and 566 mm, respectively, for three seasons. Similarly, simulated seasonal ETC values were less than EC estimates by 40 mm, 31 mm, and 16 mm by DSSAT, and 7 mm, 46 mm, and 29 mm by RZWQM. The results obtained demonstrated that accuracy in the prediction of ETC varied among models and growing seasons. When the magnitude of errors in daily ETC simulations does not deter its applications in tactical irrigation water management decisions, a higher degree of agreement between measured and simulated ETC values at a seasonal scale is more promising for strategical irrigation water management planning decision support. Further improvement of the models for more accurate simulations of daily ETC can help in more confident applications of these models for tactical crop-water management applications.
A Novel Approach of Monitoring Ulva pertusa Green Tide on the Basis of UAV and Deep Learning
Authors: Xing Qianguo , Liu Hailong , Li Jinghu , Hou Yingzhuo , Meng Miaomiao , Liu Chunli
Published: August 2023

Ulva pertusa (U. pertusa) is a benthic macroalgae in submerged conditions, and it is relatively difficult to monitor with the remote sensing approaches for floating macroalgae. In this work, a novel remote-sensing approach is proposed for monitoring the U. pertusa green tide, which applies a deep learning method to high-resolution RGB images acquired with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The results of U. pertusa extraction from semi-simultaneous UAV, Landsat-8, and Gaofen-1 (GF-1) images demonstrate the superior accuracy of the deep learning method in extracting U. pertusa from UAV images, achieving an accuracy of 96.46%, a precision of 94.84%, a recall of 92.42%, and an F1 score of 0.92, surpassing the algae index-based method. The deep learning method also performs well in extracting U. pertusa from satellite images, achieving an accuracy of 85.11%, a precision of 74.05%, a recall of 96.44%, and an F1 score of 0.83. In the cross-validation between the results of Landsat-8 and UAV, the root mean square error (RMSE) of the portion of macroalgae (POM) model for U. pertusa is 0.15, and the mean relative difference (MRD) is 25.01%. The POM model reduces the MRD in Ulva pertusa area extraction from Landsat-8 imagery from 36.08% to 6%. This approach of combining deep learning and UAV remote sensing tends to enable automated, high-precision extraction of U. pertusa, overcoming the limitations of an algae index-based approach, to calibrate the satellite image-based monitoring results and to improve the monitoring frequency by applying UAV remote sensing when the high-resolution satellite images are not available.
Historical and medical overview of treating abdominal gunshot wounds
Authors:   Orenburg State Medical University, Kaspruk L. I. , Tarasenko V. S. ,   Orenburg State Medical University
Published: August 2023

The historical and medical review of the treatment of abdominal gunshot wounds clearly showed that the earliest data of the problem under consideration in the sources date back to the period of the Crimean War (1853-1856) [7]. The design of tactics for the treatment of abdominal wounds is presented in the historical aspect: from expectant conservative management to active surgical treatment, and to the current stage of knowledge and the level of surgery development. It has been found that this is the most severe category of patients with high rates of mortality and complications that require early and complete surgical treatment and prevention of the development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The foundations for organizing surgical care for the wounded were laid by N.I. Pirogov, who devoted a separate chapter to wounds of the abdominal cavity in the Principles of General Military Field Surgery [7]. During the First World War, German, French, and Russian surgeons, completely independently of each other, advanced from conservative to surgical treatment, which was a major milestone in the evolution of the doctrine of abdominal gunshot wounds. The work of Soviet military surgeons in the field to provide assistance to the wounded in the abdomen during the war with the White Finns for the first time confirmed the possibility of a wide application of the surgical treatment method for an abdominal gunshot wound [8]. The absolute advantage of the surgical method used in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 was confirmed. The historical and medical experience of the Great Patriotic War demonstrated the greater severity of injuries of the small intestine compared to damage to the large intestine [9], which was noted by the great N.I. Pirogov [7]. The article shows that the treatment of gunshot peritonitis [10, 11, 12] remains one of the most difficult sections, even at the high modern level of development of surgery, including military field surgery. In every second case, peritonitis acquired a progressive course, which occurred with injuries in local conflicts as well, i.e. in the Afghan and Chechen campaigns [19, 24].
Cirrhosis of the liver
Authors:   Khabarovsk Regional Clinical Hospital, Pilipenko M. V.
Published: August 2023

Cirrhosis of the liver is a life-threatening chronic liver disease, accompanied by an irreversible replacement of the parenchymal tissue of the liver with fibrous connective tissue, or stroma. In economically developed countries, cirrhosis is one of the six main causes of death in patients aged 35 to 60, accounting for 14-30 cases per 100,000 population. Every year, 40 million people worldwide die from viral cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma, which develops against the background of carriage of the hepatitis B virus. In the CIS countries, cirrhosis occurs in 1% of the population. Diagnosing advanced cirrhosis is not as difficult as treating it. However, in order to select the most effective treatment regimen, it is necessary to carefully study all aspects in the liver disorders. This approach to the prevention and treatment of liver cirrhosis is based on research protocols and therapeutic programs recognized in European countries using new and safe drugs.
A case of severe course of Sjögren's disease
Authors:   City Polyclinic No. 37, St. Petersburg, Kochieva Marina Leonidovna
Published: August 2023

Sjögren's disease is a systemic disease of unknown etiology, a characteristic feature of which is a chronic autoimmune and lymphoproliferative process in the secreting epithelial glands with the development of parenchymatous sialadenitis with xerostomia and dry keratoconjunctivitis with hypolacrimia. Sjögren's syndrome is a lesion of the salivary and lacrimal glands similar to Sjögren's disease, which develops in 5-25% of patients with systemic connective tissue diseases, more often with rheumatoid arthritis, and in 50-75% of patients with chronic autoimmune liver damage (chronic autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis) and less often in other autoimmune diseases.
Síndrome de burnout y desempeño laboral en el sector salud del Perú
Authors: Ancco Choquecondo Ruth Deysi , Calderón Paniagua Dennys Geovanni , Quispe Vilca Grisely Rosalie , Pacompia Toza Juan Francisco , Quispe Vilca Julisa del Rosario
Published: August 2023

El sector de la salud se encuentra actualmente con una alta demanda de atención tanto en la atención primaria como de emergencia dentro de los centros hospitalario. Por ello, los profesionales de la salud tienen una alta probabilidad de desarrollar cuadros de estrés laboral por las características de su trabajo, y la rapidez en la atención con la cual tienen que lidiar día tras día. Objetivo. Evaluar la relación del síndrome de burnout con el desempeño laboral en el sector salud de Perú. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se estableció bajo el enfoque cuantitativo, de análisis correlacional, con diseño no experimental, de corte transversal. La muestra considerada fue de 75 servidores de salud perteneciente a un centro de salud del territorio peruano; como la técnica se usó encuesta y el instrumento el utilizado fue el cuestionario tipo Likert. Resultados. Se evidencio que un 41,4% los encuestados consideran que existe un alto nivel de síndrome de burnout, y que se tiene un nivel regular de desempeño laboral en un 45,3%, adicionalmente un valor de -0,637 de Rho de Spearman con una significancia de 0,000. Conclusiones. El síndrome de burnout se relaciona de forma negativa moderada con el desempeño laboral en el sector salud del Perú, denotando que en la medida que se tenga un nivel bajo de síndrome de burnout, genera un mejor desempeño laboral y viceversa.
Factores de riesgo ocupacional en profesionales de la salud de un hospital de Pucallpa-Perú
Authors: Torres Vargas Eldalaine , Sánchez Ramos Blas Oscar , Velásquez Bernal Libia Rocío , Capcha Huamaní Arnaldo Virgilio , Lema Rivera Fabián Fabricio , Capcha Huamaní Mery Luz
Published: August 2023

Los profesionales de la salud dentro del área de emergencia están expuestos a los diferentes riesgos ocupacionales, en donde pueden sufrir daños, lesiones, o contagios dentro del ámbito laboral mientras afrontan su jornada. Los peligros presentes pueden afectar de manera individual o colectiva, y tienen la posibilidad de desencadenar alguna modificación en la salud del trabajador, trayendo consigo alteraciones en el desarrollo ocasionando bajo rendimiento laboral o incumplimiento de los objetivos que tiene el hospital. Objetivo. Identificar el riesgo ocupacional en profesionales de la salud del servicio de emergencia del Hospital Regional de Pucallpa, 2022. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio de análisis descriptivo con diseño no experimental; de corte transversal -prospectivo; con una población muestral de 81 profesionales de la salud del servicio de emergencia del Hospital Regional de Pucallpa; como técnica se utilizó la encuesta y como instrumento un cuestionario con cuatro alternativas de escala de valor. Resultados. El 65.4% son del género femenino; el 64.2% tiene entre 31 a 40 años. El riesgo ocupacional en el 48.2% indica que es alto; el 33.3% indican que es medio, y el 18.5% indica que es bajo. Conclusiones. El riesgo ocupacional es alto; así mismo, en las dimensiones químico, físico, ergonómico, psicosocial es alto, mientras que en la dimensión biológico es bastante alto.
La viruela símica, alcances sobre lo que se conoce
Authors: Oblitas Gonzales Anibal , Herrera Ortiz José Uberli , Hernández Fiestas Richard Williams
Published: August 2023

La viruela símica es una enfermedad zoonótica endémica de África occidental y central, pero el actual brote está presentado una inusual propagación por el mundo a pesar de su limitada capacidad para trasmitirse de humano a humano, situación que ha generado una preocupación sanitaria a nivel mundial. Objetivo. Identificar la viruela símica, descripción del monkeypox virus, brote actual de la viruela símica, etiología, trasmisión, signos y síntomas, diagnóstico, vacunación y tratamiento antiviral. Metodología. Se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática en PubMed, Ovid y LILACS, empleando operadores booleanos como, “monkeypox” OR “MPXV” OR “human monkeypox” OR “virus monkeypox”, en total se identificaron 986 registros, en inglés y español. La fase de cribado recabo 59 registros entre artículos científicos y literatura gris publicados entre el 2010 y el 2022. El proceso de revisión se desarrolló bajo los estándares del método PRISMA; la elegibilidad, incluyó valoración de la calidad científica por listas de comprobación, y la inclusión contempló los criterios de calidad de la evidencia y graduación de la fuerza de recomendación. Resultados. Se encontraron 287 registros en PubMed, 699 en Ovid Medline®, se localizaron en total 986 registros electrónicos. Conclusión. El incremento de la trasmisión de humano a humano pone en peligro al entorno familiar y a quienes brindan el cuidado de salud. Las erupciones cutáneas son el signo patognomónico durante la valoración clínica. La inmunidad colectiva alcanzada durante la vacunación contra la viruela humana se ha reducido, contribuyendo en el aumento de casos y la propagación.