bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Electrochemical Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Using Deep Learning
Authors: Gecgel Ozhan , Ramanujam Ashwin , Botte Gerardine G.
Published: August 2022

COVID-19 has been in the headlines for the past two years. Diagnosing this infection with minimal false rates is still an issue even with the advent of multiple rapid antigen tests. Enormous data are being collected every day that could provide insight into reducing the false diagnosis. Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) could be the way forward to process these data and reduce the false diagnosis rates. In this study, ML and DL approaches have been applied to the data set collected using an ultra-fast COVID-19 diagnostic sensor (UFC-19). The ability of ML and DL to specifically detect SARS-CoV-2 signals against SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, Human CoV, and Influenza was investigated. UFC-19 is an electrochemical sensor that was used to test these virus samples and the obtained current response dataset was used to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 using different algorithms. Our results indicate that the convolution neural networks algorithm could diagnose SARS-CoV-2 samples with a sensitivity of 96.15%, specificity of 98.17%, and accuracy of 97.20%. Combining this DL model with the existing UFC-19 could selectively identify SARS-CoV-2 presence within two minutes.
Vaccines against Emerging and Neglected Infectious Diseases: An Overview
Authors: Vuitika Larissa , Prates-Syed Wasim A. , Silva Jaqueline Dinis Queiros , Crema Karin P. , Côrtes Nelson , Lira Aline , Lima Julia Beatriz Menuci , Camara Niels Olsen Saraiva , Schimke Lena F. , Cabral-Marques Otavio , Sadraeian Mohammad , Chaves Lorena C. S. , Cabral-Miranda Gustavo
Published: August 2022

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of diseases that are highly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, and closely associated with poverty and marginalized populations. Infectious diseases affect over 1.6 billion people annually, and vaccines are the best prophylactic tool against them. Along with NTDs, emerging and reemerging infectious diseases also threaten global public health, as they can unpredictably result in pandemics. The recent advances in vaccinology allowed the development and licensing of new vaccine platforms that can target and prevent these diseases. In this work, we discuss the advances in vaccinology and some of the difficulties found in the vaccine development pipeline for selected NTDs and emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, including HIV, Dengue, Ebola, Chagas disease, malaria, leishmaniasis, zika, and chikungunya.
The Role of Needle Fear in Pediatric Flu Vaccine Hesitancy: A Cross-Sectional Study in Bologna Metropolitan Area
Authors: De Gioia Esther Rita , Porqueddu Adalisa , Nebiaj Ornela , Bianconi Alessandro , Conni Alice , Montalti Marco , Pandolfi Paolo , Todeschini Renato , Fantini Maria Pia , Gori Davide
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza and reduce its complications. The main aim of the study is to assess a possible increase of parents’/caregivers’ pediatric flu vaccination adherence due to a nasal administration as an alternative to injection in Bologna. (2) Methods: 169 parents/guardians of children who were joining the COVID-19 pediatric vaccination session in Bologna were interviewed. The results were summarized using descriptive statistics. A multiple logistic regression model was used to assess the determinants of the change in flu vaccine uptake if offered without injection administration. All analyses were conducted using STATA and R-Studio software. (3) Results: Only 29.0% of parents were informed about pediatric flu vaccination by pediatricians, and 32.5% heard about pediatric flu vaccination. Almost 72.2% of parents declared that they would not have their children vaccinated against influenza. Thus, 40.2% of them changed their opinion after being informed about the existence of a non-injective vaccine. Needle fear in children turned out to be a determinant of this opinion change (OR = 3.79; 95% CI = 1.63–9.43; p = 0.003). (4) Conclusions: the study has confirmed that needle fear is a determinant of vaccine hesitancy and that a different method of administration may increase parents’/guardians’ adherence.
Quantitative RT-PCR Assays for Quantification of Undesirable Mutants in the Novel Type 2 Oral Poliovirus Vaccine
Authors: Manukyan Hasmik , Wahid Rahnuma , Ansari Azeem , Tritama Erman , Macadam Andrew , Konz John , Chumakov Konstantin , Laassri Majid
Published: August 2022

Emergence of mutations is an inherent property of RNA viruses with several implications for their replication, pathogenesis, and evolutionary adaptation. Oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV), developed by Albert Sabin, is composed of live attenuated polioviruses of three serotypes that can revert to neurovirulence during replication in cell culture and in vaccine recipients. Recently, a new modified variant of Sabin 2 virus was developed by introducing changes in its genome, making it more genetically stable to prevent the reversion. The new strain was used to manufacture novel OPV2 (nOPV2), which was approved by the World Health Organization for emergency use to stop outbreaks caused by circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2). Manufacture of this improved vaccine requires close attention to the genetic heterogenicity to ensure that the levels of the undesirable mutations are limited. Preliminary studies using whole-genome Illumina sequencing (NGS) identified several genomic sites where mutations tend to occur with regularity. They include VP1-I143T amino acid change at the secondary attenuation site; VP1-N171D, a substitution that modestly increases neurovirulence in mice; and VP1-E295K, which may reduce the immunogenicity of the nOPV2. Therefore, to ensure the molecular consistency of vaccine batches, the content of these mutants must be quantified and kept within specifications. To do this, we have developed quantitative, multiplex, one-step reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reactions (qmosRT-PCRs) as simple methods for quantification of these mutations. Each method uses specific short TaqMan probes with different dyes for the analysis of both mutants and non-mutants in the same sample. The quantification is done using calibration curves developed using validated reference materials. To evaluate the sensitivity and the linearity of the qmosRT-PCR method, the mutant viruses were spiked in non-mutant viruses, and nOPV2 batches were used to validate the method. The spiked samples and the nOPV2 batches were analyzed by qmosRT-PCR and NGS assays. The results showed that qmosRT-PCR is sensitive enough to detect around 1% of mutants. The percentages of mutants determined by qmosRT-PCR correlate well with the results of the NGS. Further, the analysis of the nOPV2 batches showed that the results of qmosRT-PCR correlated well with the results of NGS. In conclusion, the qmosRT-PCR is a specific, sensitive, and linear method. It could be used for quality control of the nOPV2 batches.
Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot Compared with Non-Booster: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhu Yajuan , Liu Shuang , Zhang Dingmei
Published: August 2022

The analysis of the effectiveness of booster shots compared with primary vaccination is extremely vital. This paper aimed to summarize the results of all available evidence studies on the effectiveness of booster vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Articles published up to 21 June 2022 were systematically searched through PubMed and EMBASE databases. The searched studies were independently assessed for quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: Seven studies (nine datasets) met the criteria and were included in this study. The pooled results demonstrated a 71% (OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.17–0.48) reduction in SARS-CoV-2 infection rates among subjects who received a booster shot compared with those who did not receive a booster shot of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine. In addition, this analysis emphasized that during the period when the Delta variant was predominant, subjects who received the booster shot showed an 82% (OR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.13–0.25) reduction in infection rates. Moreover, during the period of dominance of the Omicron variant, subjects who received the booster vaccination displayed a 47% (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.35–0.81) reduction in infection rates. This finding confirmed that booster vaccination against the Omicron variant is significantly less effective than that against the Delta variant. In pandemic periods, correlations between the dominant variant and the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine booster should be considered when making vaccine booster plans.
Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Aimagambetova Gulzhanat , Azizan Azliyati
Published: August 2022

The link between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and different diseases has been well-established since more than four decades ago [...]
Immunogenicity and Protective Efficacy of a Recombinant Pichinde Viral-Vectored Vaccine Expressing Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin Antigen in Pigs
Authors: Kumari Sushmita , Chaudhari Jayeshbhai , Huang Qinfeng , Gauger Phillip , De Almeida Marcelo Nunes , Liang Yuying , Ly Hinh , Vu Hiep L. X.
Published: August 2022

Influenza A virus of swine (IAV-S) is an economically important swine pathogen. The IAV-S hemagglutinin (HA) surface protein is the main target for vaccine development. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of using the recombinant tri-segmented Pichinde virus (rPICV) as a viral vector to deliver HA antigen to protect pigs against IAV-S challenge. Four groups of weaned pigs (T01–T04) were included in the study. T01 was injected with PBS to serve as a non-vaccinated control. T02 was inoculated with rPICV expressing green fluorescence protein (rPICV-GFP). T03 was vaccinated with rPICV expressing the HA antigen of the IAV-S H3N2 strain (rPICV-H3). T04 was vaccinated with the recombinant HA protein antigen of the same H3N2 strain. Pigs were vaccinated twice at day 0 and day 21 and challenged at day 43 by intra-tracheal inoculation with the homologous H3N2 IAV-S strain. After vaccination, all pigs in T03 and T04 groups were seroconverted and exhibited high titers of plasma neutralizing antibodies. After challenge, high levels of IAV-S RNA were detected in the nasal swabs and bronchioalveolar lavage fluid of pigs in T01 and T02 but not in the T03 and T04 groups. Similarly, lung lesions were observed in T01 and T02, but not in the T03 and T04 groups. No significant difference in terms of protection was observed between the T03 and T04 group. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the rPICV-H3 vectored vaccine elicited protective immunity against IAV-S challenge. This study shows that rPICV is a promising viral vector for the development of vaccines against IAV-S.
Modeling the Impact of Exogenous Boosting and Universal Varicella Vaccination on the Clinical and Economic Burden of Varicella and Herpes Zoster in a Dynamic Population for England and Wales
Authors: Sharomi Oluwaseun , Xausa Ilaria , Nachbar Robert , Pillsbury Matthew , Matthews Ian , Petigara Tanaz , Elbasha Elamin , Pawaskar Manjiri
Published: August 2022

Universal varicella vaccination (UVV) in England and Wales has been hindered by its potential impact on exogenous boosting and increase in herpes zoster (HZ) incidence. We projected the impact of ten UVV strategies in England and Wales on the incidence of varicella and HZ and evaluated their cost-effectiveness over 50 years. The Maternal-Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered-Vaccinated transmission model was extended in a dynamically changing, age-structured population. Our model estimated that one- or two-dose UVV strategies significantly reduced varicella incidence (70–92%), hospitalizations (70–90%), and mortality (16–41%) over 50 years. A small rise in HZ cases was projected with UVV, peaking 22 years after introduction at 5.3–7.1% above pre-UVV rates. Subsequently, HZ incidence steadily decreased, falling 12.2–14.1% below pre-UVV rates after 50 years. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of 20,000 GBP/QALY, each UVV strategy was cost-effective versus no UVV. Frontier analysis showed that one-dose UVV with MMRV-MSD administered at 18 months is the only cost-effective strategy compared to other strategies. HZ incidence varied under alternative exogenous boosting assumptions, but most UVV strategies remained cost-effective. HZ vaccination decreased HZ incidence with minimal impact on the cost-effectiveness. Introducing a UVV program would significantly reduce the clinical burden of varicella and be cost-effective versus no UVV after accounting for the impact on HZ incidence.
Dynamic Changes in Hepatitis A Immunity in Regions with Different Vaccination Strategies and Different Vaccination Coverage
Authors: Kyuregyan Karen K. , Lopatukhina Maria A. , Asadi Mobarkhan Fedor A. , Kichatova Vera S. , Potemkin Ilya A. , Isaeva Olga V. , Karlsen Anastasia A. , Malinnikova Elena Yu. , Kaira Alla N. , Kozhanova Tatyana V. , Manuylov Victor A. , Mazunina Elena P. , Bykonia Evgeniia N. , Kleymenov Denis A. , Ignateva Margarita E. , Trotsenko Olga E. , Kuznetsova Anna V. , Saryglar Anna A. , Oorzhak Natalia D. , Romanenko Victor V. , Mikhailov Mikhail I.
Published: August 2022

The data on hepatitis A virus (HAV) seroprevalence are critical for the implementation of a universal mass vaccination (UMV) strategy. The latter has not been implemented in Russia; however, regional child vaccination programs have been adopted in some parts of the country. The aim of this study is to assess changes in HAV immunity within the last decade in regions of Russia with different vaccination strategies and different vaccination coverage rates. In regions where UMV has not been implemented and HAV vaccination coverage rates do not exceed the national average, the 50% seroprevalence threshold has shifted in the Moscow region from people aged under 40 years in 2008 to people aged over 59 years in 2020, and from people aged under 30 years to people aged over 40 years in the Khabarovsk region. In two regions (Yakutia and Sverdlovsk), a two-dose-based UMV scheme has been in place since 2011 and 2003, respectively, and in Tuva single-dose child immunization was launched in 2012. These regional programs have resulted in a significant increase in HAV seroprevalence in children and adolescents. In Yakutia, 50% herd immunity had been achieved by 2020 in age groups under 20 years, compared to 20–30% seroprevalence rates in 2008. In the Sverdlovsk region, HAV immunity has increased to >65% over the decade in children aged over 10 years, adolescents and young adults, whereas it declined in older age groups. However, a three-fold drop in HAV immunity has occurred in children under 10 years of age, reflecting a significant decline in vaccination coverage. In Tuva, HAV immunity rates in children under 10 years old increased two-fold to exceed 50% by 2020. These data suggest that UMV should be implemented on a national level. Measures to control vaccination coverage and catch-up vaccination campaigns are recommended in order to maintain the effectiveness of existing HAV vaccination programs.
Vaccination Status and Number of Vaccine Doses Are Independently Associated with the PaO2/FiO2 Ratio on Admission in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Zinellu Elisabetta , Zinellu Angelo , Merella Michela , Mangoni Arduino A. , Pau Maria Carmina , Fois Sara S. , Fois Alessandro G. , Carru Ciriaco , Pirina Pietro
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) vaccines reduce the risk of severe disease and mortality. However, the association between vaccination status and number of doses and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio, a clinical measure of hypoxemia associated with an increased risk of intensive care treatment and mortality, has not been investigated. Methods: We retrospectively assessed a consecutive series of 116 patients admitted to hospital with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19 between January and April 2022. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected within 24 h from admission. Results: There was a significant positive relationship between the number of vaccine doses and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio (r = 0.223, p = 0.012). This association remained significant after adjusting for confounders. Vaccinated patients had significantly higher PaO2/FiO2 ratios than the unvaccinated (median: 250; IQR: 195–309 vs. 200; IQR: 156–257, p = 0.013). Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of the number of vaccine doses received in reducing the degree of hypoxia on admission in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
RNA Nanovaccine Protects against White Spot Syndrome Virus in Shrimp
Authors: Phanse Yashdeep , Puttamreddy Supraja , Loy Duan , Ramirez Julia Vela , Ross Kathleen A. , Alvarez-Castro Ignacio , Mogler Mark , Broderick Scott , Rajan Krishna , Narasimhan Balaji , Bartholomay Lyric C.
Published: August 2022

In the last 15 years, crustacean fisheries have experienced billions of dollars in economic losses, primarily due to viral diseases caused by such pathogens as white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and Asian tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon. To date, no effective measures are available to prevent or control disease outbreaks in these animals, despite their economic importance. Recently, double-stranded RNA-based vaccines have been shown to provide specific and robust protection against WSSV infection in cultured shrimp. However, the limited stability of double-stranded RNA is the most significant hurdle for the field application of these vaccines with respect to delivery within an aquatic system. Polyanhydride nanoparticles have been successfully used for the encapsulation and release of vaccine antigens. We have developed a double-stranded RNA-based nanovaccine for use in shrimp disease control with emphasis on the Pacific white shrimp L. vannamei. Nanoparticles based on copolymers of sebacic acid, 1,6-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)hexane, and 1,8-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)-3,6-dioxaoctane exhibited excellent safety profiles, as measured by shrimp survival and histological evaluation. Furthermore, the nanoparticles localized to tissue target replication sites for WSSV and persisted through 28 days postadministration. Finally, the nanovaccine provided ~80% protection in a lethal WSSV challenge model. This study demonstrates the exciting potential of a safe, effective, and field-applicable RNA nanovaccine that can be rationally designed against infectious diseases affecting aquaculture.
Are Pluvial and Fluvial Floods on the Rise?
Authors: Kundzewicz Zbigniew W. , Pińskwar Iwona
Published: August 2022

The aim of this paper is accurately framed in its title: Are pluvial and fluvial (river) floods on the rise? First, physical mechanisms that drive changes in hazard of pluvial and fluvial floods were examined. Then, a review of literature was undertaken on detection and an attribution of changes in hazard of pluvial and fluvial floods in observation records for past to present, as well as in model-based projections for the future. Various aspects, factors, processes and mechanisms, as well as various indices of interest were considered. There is quite a common, even if not scientifically justified, belief that, generally, floods are on the rise. However, in this paper, a balanced, knowledge-based assessment was undertaken, with discussion and interpretation, including caveats and indicating considerable departures from such a flat-rate statement. Observation records show that precipitation extremes have been intensifying on a global scale and for many regions. A formal detection and attribution analysis shows that intensification of rainfall events may have been influenced by greenhouse gas forcing of anthropogenic origin. Frequency and magnitude of pluvial floods is on the rise with increasing intense precipitation, while changes of river floods are more complex. High river discharges were found to increase in some regions, but to decrease in other regions, so that no general corollaries can be drawn at the global scale. Heavy rainfall events and pluvial floods are projected to become, almost ubiquitously, more frequent and more intense with progressing climate change, while frequency and magnitude of fluvial floods are likely to increase in many but not all regions.
Artemia spp. (Crustacea, Anostraca) in Crimea: New Molecular Genetic Results and New Questions without Answers
Authors: Lantushenko Anastasia , Meger Yakov , Gadzhi Alexandr , Anufriieva Elena , Shadrin Nickolai
Published: August 2022

Many works have been devoted to the study of the molecular genetic diversity of Artemia in different regions; however, there are regions such as Crimea, the largest peninsula in the Black Sea, which has seen few studies. Artemia specimens from several Crimean hypersaline lakes were analyzed using the mitochondrial marker cytochrome oxidase C (COI). The analyzed individuals from bisexual populations formed clades with the species A. salina, A. urmiana, A. sinica, and A. monica (=A. franciscana). A. sinica and A. monica had not been recorded in Crimea previously. In Lake Adzhigol, the three species A. urmiana, A. sinica, and A. monica were found at the same time, which has not been noted anywhere before. In the Crimean lakes, a total of 10 haplotypes were found, six of them for the first time: Once for A. monica, once for A. sinica, and four for A. salina. Those haplotypes may be regarded as endemic to Crimea. In the 1990s, experiments were carried out in Lake Yanyshskoe using mainly purchased cysts of Artemia, so A. monica and A. sinica were introduced into Crimea and could then have easily been spread by birds to other Crimean lakes.
Applying Artificial and Environmental Tracing Techniques in Hydrogeology
Authors: Cervi Federico , Tazioli Alberto
Published: August 2022

This Editorial paper sums up the contents of the Special Issue named “Applying Artificial and Environmental Tracing Techniques in Hydrogeology” [...]
Eco-Hydrological Response of Water Conveyance in the Mainstream of the Tarim River, China
Authors: Jiao Ayong , Wang Zikang , Deng Xiaoya , Ling Hongbo , Chen Fulong
Published: August 2022

Desert riparian vegetation forms an ecological corridor in extremely arid environments, and ecological water conveyance is an important measure of vegetation restoration and biodiversity conservation in desert riparian zones. Studying the responses of vegetation to ecological water conveyance and changes in this process in arid desert riparian zones and assessing the comprehensive benefits of ecological water conveyance are highly significant for ecological conservation and restoration in addition to the formulation of water transfer policies. Previous studies mainly used a single indicator to evaluate the ecological restoration of the mainstream Tarim River in Northwest China; thus, systematic and comprehensive assessments based on multiple indicators have not been conducted. In the present study, remote sensing data and field surveys were used to analyze the ecological restoration status of the Tarim River during 2015–2021 in terms of hydrological responses, vegetation responses, and ecological water conveyance benefits. The results showed that groundwater levels and soil moisture in the mainstream area of the Tarim River increased significantly from 2015 to 2021. The amount of groundwater storage also increased. Ecological water conveyance has created good hydrological conditions for groundwater recharge and ecological restoration on both sides of the mainstream area of the Tarim River. Desert forest ecosystems, mainly comprising Populus euphratica and Tamarix ramosissima, have been saved and rejuvenated in water conveyance areas. After ecological water conveyance, the Simpson and Shannon–Wiener indices increased significantly, but the diversity level began to decline and then stabilize with the increase in water conveyance frequency. The overall habitat status improved and the quality of the ecological environment below the Wusiman section of the middle reaches of the Tarim River improved significantly.
Reoligotrophication of a High-Nitrogen Reservoir with Phosphorus Removal and Implications for Management
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Ding Lin , Liu Yue , Liu Haixia , Xuan Boyu , Zhao Jian , Li Yuan
Published: August 2022

Nitrogen pollution in the oligotrophic Chaihe Reservoir leads to reconsideration of whether nitrogen control is necessary. Does this mean that eutrophication control has the potential to create “cleaner lakes that are dirtier lakes?” The Chaihe Reservoir is a typical case of a water body with high nitrogen and low algal populations. The relationship between the chlorophyll a (Chla) and nutrients (total nitrogen [TN] and total phosphorus [TP]) in the reservoir was analyzed using the filtering trajectory method (FTM). The results showed that the Chaihe Reservoir recovered to an oligotrophic state after the TP concentration greatly decreased, but it faces a new dilemma of nitrogen pollution. This provides further empirical support for the role of phosphorus in controlling the nitrogen cycle and fate in freshwater ecosystems. The contour plot and Chla-TN/TP diagram indicated that a higher TN/TP contributed to a reduction in Chla. The thresholds for TP and TN in the reservoir were proposed using the double probability method (DPM). It is recommended to remove nitrogen at the end of a drinking water supply system due to the nitrogen pollution of the Chaihe Reservoir. The TN threshold for buffering control provides a quantitative basis for implementing a nutrient management plan.
A Quantitative Evaluation Method for Xanthan Enhanced Transport Uniformity and Factors Affecting This Process
Authors: Wang Yiti , Zhou Hongbo , Chen Jiajun , Xu Qi
Published: August 2022

Strengthening the transmission uniformity of remedial amendments in heterogeneous porous media is important for improving in situ groundwater remediation efficiency. This study developed a characterization method to represent the improvement of transmission uniformity in heterogeneous media using the degree of difference in hydraulic conductivity of porous media between xanthan solution and pure water, which was defined as the transmission uniformity control coefficient U. Research results showed that U of medium sand/fine sand (2.44) was the most ideal among the three medium combinations tested when the concentration of xanthan solution was 100 mg/L. Then, factors that may influence U were analyzed, and the obtained results showed that xanthan’s control ability is affected by permeability contrast (media combinations) and polymer concentration. Generally, when concentrations were in the range of 100~800 mg/L, Umf > Ucf > Ucm. Finally, the actual degree of polymer propulsion under different concentrations and media combinations was analyzed, and the obtained results showed that as different media were varied in permeability change degree, while the migration speed presented an overall decrease as the concentration increased, where the maximum migration front in the low-permeability zone (LPZ) was more obvious than that in the high permeability zone (HPZ). This was consistent with the results characterized by U.
SWAN Modeling of Dredging Effect on the Oued Sebou Estuary
Authors: Iouzzi Nisrine , Mouakkir Laila , Ben Meftah Mouldi , Chagdali Mohamed , Loudyi Dalila
Published: August 2022

The estuary ecosystem’s health and ecological integrity are essential for preserving environmental quality, habitats, and economic activity. The main objective of the present study is to comprehend the wave hydrodynamic impact on the Oued Sebou estuary, which is situated in the Kenitra region on Morocco’s north Atlantic coast in North Africa. Specifically, it focused on the dredging effect (caused by sand extraction) on the wave motion and its impact on the estuary environment. Different scenarios of wave-propagation simulations were carried out, varying the significant wave height, in deep water (from 1.5 to 4 m), and considering the bathymetry before and after two dredging cases of 2- and 4-m depths. The change of wave height at the Oued Sebou estuary shoreline was simulated by using the third version of the Simulating Waves Nearshore Model (SWAN). The SWAN model formulates the wave evolution in terms of a spectral energy balance on a structured grid. The effect of dredging on the wave spreading in addition to the flow hydrodynamic structures were extensively analyzed. According to the simulated results, the dredging activities in the Oued Sebou estuary mainly affect the river mouth and the southern breakwater area, increasing the potential erosive action. The areas at the northern coastal strip and near the northern breakwater are subject to possible accumulation of sediments.
Conservation Need for a Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations Linked to Ephemeral Streams in Adverse Desert Environments
Authors: Mohammad Mohammad K. , Al-Rammahi Hayder M. , Cogoni Donatella , Fenu Giuseppe
Published: August 2022

Many thousands of tree species are declining in the world, for which conservation actions are urgent. This dramatic situation is particularly evident for trees closely related to freshwater ecosystems, considered the environments most threatened by global change. In extremely arid environments such as deserts, where the few plant species present are able to survive by exploiting the little water available, the situation is extremely critical. A representative case is Vachellia gerrardii subsp. negevensis, a tree with a wide distribution range but locally restricted to small and isolated populations. Knowledge about this tree is incomplete in Iraq and, to fill this gap, several surveys were conducted in the Al-Najaf desert over three years (2019–2021). In each locality where this species was found, several ecological and population parameters were recorded. Our results indicate that Vachellia gerrardii subsp. negevensis was restricted to a single population, fragmented into five subpopulations confined in extremely peculiar ecological niches. Several threats related to anthropogenic activities and climate change affect the population, causing a significant reduction in the population size combined with a continuous decline in habitat quality and number of mature plants. Despite this critical situation, there are no conservation measures for this species. The establishment of a national preserve or part would be important and constitutes the fundamental prerequisite for the conservation of multiple species.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of a Sponge City Construction Based on the Life Cycle Cost Theory—A Case Study of the Yanshan South Road Area of Qian’an City, China
Authors: Wang Mengjie , Wang Xiaoyue , Yi Caihui , Ge Xiaoyu
Published: August 2022

In semi-humid regions of China, annual precipitation is not evenly distributed. Heavy, summertime rainfall with a short duration frequently causes urban flooding, and annual rainfall less than evaporation results in urban water scarcity. In 2014, Hebei Province’s Qian’an city was ranked among the first group of sponge city pilot cities. This paper investigates the historically flooded section of Yanshan South Road and its surrounding area in Qian’an, focusing on the cost of resolving an urban water problem. Using the storm flood management model (SWMM) and the life cycle cost (LCC) method, the waterlogging reduction effect and life-cycle cost of various low impact development (LID) scenarios were evaluated. Six rainfall design scenarios were simulated and calculated so that the hydrological performance and cost-effectiveness could be comprehensively evaluated to establish the economic value and effectiveness of implementing LID facilities. This study found that the cost-effectiveness values of sunken green space (SG), SG + infiltration ponds (IP) (3:1), SG + IP (1:1), and SG + IP (1:3) scenarios for infiltration LID schemes were relatively high, up to 2.10. In the infiltration-storage LID scheme, the cost-effectiveness of the SG + reservoirs (RE) (1:1) was grater, which was 1.84. In semi-humid regions, the regulation and storage of rainwater, regarding its collection and use, can be widely applied to the construction of sponge cities.
Hydrocarbon Biodegradation in Utah’s Great Salt Lake
Authors: Prince Roger C. , Prince Victoria L.
Published: August 2022

The Great Salt Lake comprises two high salinity arms, the North at 34% salinity, and the larger South at 16%. The biodegradation of gasoline range alkanes, cycloalkanes, aromatics, alkenes and cycloalkenes was extensive in samples from both arms, although slower than in fresh- and sea-water. Less volatile hydrocarbons in weathered crude oil were degraded less extensively, and again more slowly than in sea or fresh-water. The substrates subject to degradation are substantially more diverse than has previously been reported, and indicate that biodegradation will likely be the eventual fate of any petroleum hydrocarbons that enter the lake and do not evaporate. The biodegradation is, however, much slower than in other environments, and we discuss whether it might be increased to meet anthropogenic pollution, perhaps by nutrient supplementation with organic nitrogen.
A Comprehensive Review of the Potential of Stepwells as Sustainable Water Management Structures
Authors: Selvaraj Thirumalini , Devadas Prathiba , Perumal Jayashree Lakshmi , Zabaniotou Anastasia , Ganesapillai Mahesh
Published: August 2022

Throughout history, many water conservation and management strategies have been employed, but only a few have proved successful. Stepwells were one such effective water management technologies used in India. Stepwells were constructed based on their geographical and topographical suitability, which revealed socio-cultural behaviors and beliefs. They form a unique, efficient system of hydraulic engineering that demonstrates the region’s traditional understanding of the sustainable use and management of its land, water, and agricultural biodiversity. Ancient water harvesting techniques integrated stepwells into agricultural and irrigation networks using prefabricated structures, to allow open channel flow, networked with surface water bodies. They demonstrated the use of Persian wheels, non-mechanized farm machinery, other agricultural implements, etc., and their structure utilized a vast array of local building materials, including granite, marble, sandstone, bricks, lime, mud, wood, etc. The utilization of agricultural wastes, such as rice husk, in the production of lakhori bricks is strongly associated with circular economy principles. They not only communicated and guided communities regarding water management and cleaner production, but also revealed historic knowledge regarding how ancient societies achieved social-ecological resilience. In addition to that, in almost all types of stepwells, aesthetics and ornamentation played an important role and served as a rich source of history to disseminate knowledge of governance, political ideas, social practices and lifestyle. Just a few studies on these stepwells have been published and they have generally focused on their history or on the construction materials of a specific stepwell, rather than offering a wide perspective. This review article will explore the scientific, architectural, artistic, and functional dimensions of all major stepwells in India that have either disappeared or lost their relevance owing to expanding human population and environmental stress. Additionally, this will provide an opportunity to rethink modern water engineering systems and redesign water infrastructure with less negative environmental impacts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure water for all.
Spatial and Temporal Evolution and Human–Land Relationship at Early Historic Sites in the Middle Reaches of the Yellow River in the Sanhe Region Based on GIS Technology
Authors: Gao Mingcan , Lyu Hongyi , Yang Xiaolin , Liu Zhe
Published: August 2022

The Sanhe region in the middle reaches of the Yellow River is an important area for the origin and development of early civilization in China. Many early sites, from the Paleolithic to the Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties, remain in the region, all of which are important material carriers to record the historical process from the emergence of human beings to the formation of early civilization. In this study, all of the early archaeological sites in the research area were collected and loaded into the GIS platform. With the help of kernel density estimation, adjacent index analysis, standard deviation ellipse and other tools, the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of these sites were explored, and the correlation between the distribution of early sites and geographical factors was explored through coupling analysis with the geographical environment. The results show that: (1) the evolution of the spatial distribution characteristics of early sites in the time dimension can reflect the development process of early civilization; (2) elevation, slope, aspect, topographic relief, hydrology and other factors are closely related to the distribution characteristics of early sites in the Sanhe region, and the correlation between site distribution and geographical factors is also different in different periods; (3) under the combined effects of elevation, slope, aspect, topographic relief and hydrological factors, the early sites show the existing spatial–temporal distribution characteristics. It is hoped that this study can provide reference ideas for the origin and development of early civilization in the future, as well as the discovery, protection and utilization of early sites.
Spatial Distribution of Cladocera in a Stratified Palaearctic Lake
Authors: Adamczuk Małgorzata
Published: August 2022

The spatial distribution of 39 species of Chydoridae, representing seven families, was examined in a stratified Palaearctic lake in Poland (Lake Piaseczno). Thirty-one of the species living in that lake were found to exist exclusively in the littoral zone. No species were found exclusively in the pelagic zone; in this zone, eight species were identified, but all of these were also quite abundant in the littoral zone. Almost all species of Chydoridae and all species of Macrothricidae were found only in littoral, whereas Daphnidae and Sididae families comprised species either restricted to the littoral or occurring in both pelagic and littoral zones. Two Bosminidae species, in turn, displayed quite a consistent distribution in both biotic zones, but differed in their habitat preferences. On the other hand, species of Polyphemidae and Leptodoridae exhibited littoral and littoral-pelagic distributions, respectively. Few species occurred in one habitat only. Most species, despite showing clear preferences for a distinct habitat (or habitats), were also present at lower densities throughout the littoral zone, or the whole lake, in the case of limnetic species. Archetype analysis showed that cladocerans were distributed along the entire gradient of macrophyte characteristics and habitat depth. Among Chydoridae, which displayed the strongest attachment to habitats overgrown by macrophytes, few species showed above 50% similarity to the archetype representing species living among submerged macrophytes with the highest plant per volume infested. Furthermore, many littoral species, including these of the Macrothricidae family, P. pediculus and S. mucronata, avoided staying in habitats with particularly complicated spatial architecture. Regarding their distribution in relation to depth, cladocerans could be grouped into species found in the whole littoral zone, species settling in relatively shallow parts of the littoral zone, species found mainly in habitats 3–6 m deep and species settling throughout the lake. Archetype analysis showed negligible similarity between cladocerans and the archetype representing species living in macrophyte-free habitats in the deepest parts of the lake. The study provides quantitative support showing that cladocerans display a distribution threshold at one time in one lake. Although this group of aquatic invertebrates is widely suspected of being ecologically flexible and tolerant to environmental gradients, individual species showed high spatial segregation according to depth and habitat architecture.
Single and Combined Toxicity Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Uptake and Accumulation in Marine Microalgae, Toxicity Mechanisms, and Their Fate in the Marine Environment
Authors: Hazeem Layla
Published: August 2022

Recently, there has been rapid growth in the production of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) due to their applications in household and cosmetic products. Over the last decade, considerable research was conducted to reveal the effect of ZnO-NPs on microalgae, which form the base of the aquatic food chain. This review discusses the fate and behavior of ZnO-NPs in the marine environment. Predominately, the toxicity mechanism of ZnO-NPs on marine microalgae could be attributed to three sources: the release of Zn2+ ions; the interaction between ZnO-NPs and algae cells; and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Most toxicity studies were carried out using single ZnO-NPs under conditions not often observed in natural ecosystems; however, organisms including microalgae are more likely exposed to ZnO-NPs mixed with other types of pollutants. This review highlights the importance of increasing the assessment studies of combined pollutants. Lastly, knowledge, research, gaps, and opportunities for further research in this field are presented.
Research on Parameter Spatialization and Adaptive Correction Models in Fluid Numerical Simulations
Authors: Qiao Changjian
Published: August 2022

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulations play an important role in many research fields, including hydrological basins, rivers, floods, and dam breaks. Currently, much research mainly pursues accuracy, efficiency, scale, dimensions, etc. In most models, the influencing parameters are adjusted manually, and only one constant is designed in a calculation area, resulting in a lack of heterogeneity in the variable space. In this article, using the idea of spatial interpolation by designing some control points along the river, a spatial design of the Manning coefficient is proposed in the CFD numerical simulation, and an adaptive correction model considering the different correction logic is researched to calibrate the model. Finally, the model is proven to be correct and effective, and it is converged with the Malpasset Dam-breaking case. It can help reduce the artificial calibration and improve simulation accuracy by designing the spatial adaptive correction parameter.
Nutrient Thresholds Required to Control Eutrophication: Does It Work for Natural Alkaline Lakes?
Authors: Qi Jing , Deng Le , Song Yongjun , Qi Weixiao , Hu Chengzhi
Published: August 2022

The responses of phytoplankton to nutrients vary for different natural bodies of water, which can finally affect the occurrence of phytoplankton bloom. However, the effect of high alkalinity characteristic on the nutrient thresholds of natural alkaline lake is rarely considered. Bioassay experiments were conducted to investigate the nutrient thresholds and the responses of phytoplankton growth to nutrients for the closed plateau Chenghai Lake, Southwest China, which has a high pH background of up to 9.66. The growth of the phytoplankton community was restricted by phosphorus without obvious correlation with the input of nitrogen sources. This can be explained by the nitrogen fixation function of cyanobacteria, which can meet their growth needs for nitrogen. In addition, nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) could be utilized more efficiently than ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N) for the phytoplankton in Chenghai Lake. Interestingly, the eutrophication thresholds of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), NH4-N, and NO3-N should be targeted at below 0.05 mg/L, 0.30 mg/L, and 0.50 mg/L, respectively, which are higher than the usual standards for eutrophication. This can be explained by the inhibition effect of the high pH background on phytoplankton growth due to the damage to phytoplankton cells. Therefore, the prevention of phytoplankton blooms should be considered from not only the aspect of reducing nutrient input, especially phosphorus input, but also maintaining the high alkalinity characteristic in natural alkaline lake, which was formed due to the geological background of saline-alkali soil.
Assessing Potential of Dor River as Small Hydro Project for Lessening Energy Crisis and Enhancing Tarbela Reservoir Life in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Shah Syed Husnain Ali , Tanoli Javed Iqbal , Habib Umer , Rehman Qasim ur , Ali Elimam , Mohamed Abdullah
Published: August 2022

This study was conducted to design a small hydropower project at Dor River in Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study area is part of the Hazara Basin and contains sedimentary rocks deposited in glaciofluvial, fluvial and marine environments. The suitable locations were chosen for the proposed hydropower project components and shown on geological map of the study area. Rock Mass Rating (RMR) studies were conducted to check the quality of rocks exposed at the selected sites. The rocks were classified as fair rocks with RMR ranging from 48 to 55, which shows that rocks are suitable for construction activities, e.g., tunneling, etc. The rocks of the area were also found suitable for their use as a construction material, which is an additional positive aspect of this study. For potential hydropower evaluation, the discharge of the Dor river was measured using the current meter method. Additionally, the sediment load of the river was determined using Whatman filter papers. The Dor River water discharge is variable, where the maximum water discharge was found in the months of July (6.79 m3 s−1) and August (6.71 m3 s−1). Hence, the construction of a small hydropower project on Dor River can be favorably undertaken to produce a plant with low (2.79 MW), average (5.37 MW) and high-power potential (13.16 MW). In suspended sediment load analysis, it was found highest in the months of July and August and lowest in December. Annually, the Dor River takes 7267 tons of sediment to Tarbela Reservoir, which is likely to adversely affect both the life and capacity of the country’s currently largest hydropower-producing reservoir located downstream. The construction of the hydropower project proposed in this study will effectively slow the deposition of sediment into Tarbela Reservoir, which in turn will enhance the life of the reservoir positively.
Connecting Water Access with Multidimensional Poverty: The Case of Tupiza River Basin in Bolivia
Authors: Espinoza Sophia , Forni Laura , Lavado Angela , Olivera Marcelo , Tapia Cecilia , Vega Blanca , Balderrama Melina , Escobar Marisa
Published: August 2022

In developing countries, where economic expansion depends on extractive activities such as agriculture and mining, water quantity and quality considerations need to be examined in tandem with GDP growth and poverty reduction efforts. Poorest households in the Tupiza watershed in Bolivia are located in rural areas where water access for irrigation and safe drinking water is becoming increasingly scarce. Small-scale unregulated mining offers an alternative for revenue making in rural households, although wastewater from industry threatens water quality and new technologies to reduce water pollution are not implemented in this region yet. This study analyses water access and poverty linkages using the Multidimensional Poverty Analysis (MDPA) framework from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) to guide a survey and to develop indicators using the Shapley-Owen decomposition method and multivariate regressions. A set of household-level policies were included to predict the influence of these policies on poverty reduction estimates. Results have shown that remote communities in rural areas have the lowest value of multidimensional poverty and for some of these communities mining activities represent an alternative that could be considered if their water access conditions worsen over time. While mining can bring better monetary benefits, it can cause the degradation of ecological flows from the produced wastewater. Under the current technologies and processes, it can pose negative impacts on water quality and threatens the public health of these communities.