bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions as a Moderator of the Relationship between Ambidextrous Learning and Corporate Sustainability in Born Global Firms
Authors: Escandon-Barbosa Diana , Salas-Paramo Jairo , Rialp-Criado Josep
Published: July 2021

This research analyzes the moderation effects of Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions (Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance and Indulgence) in the relationship between Ambidextrous learning and corporate sustainability in born global firms. The data were collected from exporting firms characterized by beginning international operations in the first three years and were thus classified as Born Global. A panel Dynamic Structural Equation Model (DSEM) was used to test the research hypothesis. One of the methodological contributions is the exploration of dynamic social behaviors that are difficult to study, specifically over time. Here, DSEM becomes in a data analysis technique that allows us to analyze this type of phenomena. The research results show that the relationship between Ambidextrous learning (AL) and Corporate Sustainability (CS) is positive in the short- and long-term. The cultural dimension’s Power Distance and Uncertainty Avoidance moderates the relation between (AL) and (CS) and this dimension can predict their inertia. However, while Uncertainty Avoidance has a moderating effect, it does not predict future behaviors. Published literature on the Born Global company. that includes the moderation of Hofstede’s dimensions (Power distance, Avoidance of uncertainty, and Indulgence) from a company perspective that study the relationship between Ambidextrous Learning and Corporate Sustainability is scarce.
Efficient Power Management Strategy of Electric Vehicles Based Hybrid Renewable Energy
Authors: Mohamed Naoui , Aymen Flah , Ali Ziad M. , Zobaa Ahmed F. , Abdel Aleem Shady H. E.
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a straightforward power management algorithm that supervises the contribution of more than one energy source for charging a vehicle, even if the car is in motion. The system is composed of a wireless charging system, photovoltaic (PV) generator, fuel cell (FC), and a battery system. It also contains a group of power converters associated with each energy resource to make the necessary adaptation between the input and output electrical signals. The boost converter relates to the PV/FC, and the boost–buck converter is connected with the battery pack. In this work, the wireless charging, FC, and PV systems are connected in parallel via a DC/DC converter for feeding the battery bank when the given energy is in excess. Therefore, for each of these elements, the mathematical model is formulated, then the corresponding power management loop is built, which presents the significant contribution of this paper. The efficient power management methodology proposed in this work was verified on Matlab/Simulink platforms. The battery state of charge and the hydrogen consumption obtained results were compared to show the effectiveness of this multi-source system.
A Profit Distribution Model of Reverse Logistics Based on Fuzzy DEA Efficiency—Modified Shapley Value
Authors: Song Jiekun , Ma Xiaoping , Chen Rui
Published: July 2021

Reverse logistics is an important way to realize sustainable production and consumption. With the emergence of professional third-party reverse logistics service providers, the outsourcing model has become the main mode of reverse logistics. Whether the distribution of cooperative profit among multiple participants is fair or not determines the quality of the implementation of the outsourcing mode. The traditional Shapley value model is often used to distribute cooperative profit. Since its distribution basis is the marginal profit contribution of each member enterprise to different alliances, it is necessary to estimate the profit of each alliance. However, it is difficult to ensure the accuracy of this estimation, which makes the distribution lack of objectivity. Once the actual profit share deviates from the expectation of member enterprise, the sustainability of the reverse logistics alliance will be affected. This study considers the marginal efficiency contribution of each member enterprise to the alliance and applies it to replace the marginal profit contribution. As the input and output data of reverse logistics cannot be accurately separated from those of the whole enterprise, they are often uncertain. In this paper, we assume that each member enterprise’s input and output data are fuzzy numbers and construct an efficiency measurement model based on fuzzy DEA. Then, we define the characteristic function of alliance and propose a modified Shapley value model to fairly distribute cooperative profit. Finally, an example comprising of two manufacturing enterprises, one sales enterprise, and one third-party reverse logistics service provider is put forward to verify the model’s feasibility and effectiveness. This paper provides a reference for the profit distribution of the reverse logistics.
Interactive Effects of Nitrogen and Sulfur Nutrition on Growth, Development, and Physiology of Brassica carinata A. Braun and Brassica napus L.
Authors: Kumar Shivendra , Seepaul Ramdeo , Small Ian M. , George Sheeja , O’Brien George Kelly , Marois James J. , Wright David L.
Published: July 2021

Brassica carinata (carinata) has emerged as a potential biofuel source due to its high erucic acid content, making it desirable for various industrial applications. Nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) are required as primary sources of nutrition for growth and development in different oilseed crops and their utilization is interdependent. The purpose of the study was to analyze the interactive effect of N and S nutrition on the growth and other physiological activities of carinata and B. napus (napus). Four treatments, i.e., optimum NS (+N+S, 100% N and 100% S); N limited (−N+S, 0% N, 100% S); S limited (+N−S, 100% N, 0% S), and NS limited (−N−S, 0% N and 0% S) of N and S in full-strength Hoagland solution were imposed in the current study. Effect of different NS treatments was observed on vegetative traits such as number of primary and secondary branches, total leaf area, total biomass production and allocation, and physiological traits such as production of photosynthetic pigments, net photosynthesis, electron transport, and other aspects for both carinata and napus. The traits of stem elongation, number of nodes, node addition rate, internode length, number of primary and secondary branches were 60%, 36%, 50%, 35%, 56%, and 83% lower, respectively, in napus in comparison to carinata. Different NS treatments also positively influenced the production of photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll (Chl) a and b and carotenoids in carinata and napus. The concentration of Chla was 11% higher in napus in comparison to carinata. The rate of net photosynthesis, electron transport, and fluorescence was 12%, 8%, and 5% higher based on overall value, respectively, in napus compared to carinata. On the other hand, the overall value for stomatal conductance decreased by 5% in napus when compared to carinata. Different growth-related traits such as vegetative (plant height, node number, internode length, leaf area, number of primary and secondary branches), reproductive (pod number, pod length, seeds per pod), and photosynthetic capacity in oilseed brassicas are correlated with the final seed and oil yield and chemical composition which are of economic importance for the adoption of the crop. Thus, the analysis of these traits will help to determine the effect of NS interaction on crop productivity of carinata and napus.
Food Waste in Da Nang City of Vietnam: Trends, Challenges, and Perspectives toward Sustainable Resource Use
Authors: Pham Ngoc-Bao , Do Thu-Nga , Tran Van-Quang , Trinh Anh-Duc , Liu Chen , Mao Caixia
Published: July 2021

Food waste has become a critical issue in modern society, especially in the urbanized and fast-growing cities of Asia. The increase in food waste has serious negative impacts on environmental sustainability, water and land resources, and food security, as well as climate and greenhouse gas emissions. Through a specific case study in Da Nang City, Vietnam, this paper examines the extent of food waste generation at the consumption stages, the eating habits of consumers, food waste from households and service establishments, as well as prospects for the reuse of food waste as pig feed. The results of this study indicate that per capita food waste generation in Da Nang has increased from 0.39 to 0.41kg in 2016, 0.46 in 2017, and reached 0.52kg in 2018. According to the results of our consumer survey, 20% of respondents stated that they often generate food waste, 67% stated they sometimes do, and 13% stated they rarely do. Furthermore, 66% of surveyed households stated that their food waste is collected and transported by pig farmers to be used as feed for pigs. The use of food waste as feed for pigs is a typical feature in Da Nang. The study also found that there is a high level of consumer awareness and willingness to participate in the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) program, which was being initiated by the city government. In service facilities such as resorts and hotels, daily food waste reached 100–200 kg in large facilities and 20–120 kg in small facilities. This waste was also collected for use in pig farming. However, there has been a fall in demand for pig feed in line with a decrease in the number of pig farms due to the African swine fever epidemic that occurred during the implementation of this study. This paper suggests that there is a strong need to take both consumer-oriented waste prevention and waste management measures, such as waste segregation at source and introduction of effective food waste recycling techniques, to ensure that food waste can be safely and sustainably used as a “valuable resource” rather than “wasted.”
Deliberative Forms of Democracy and Intergenerational Sustainability Dilemma
Authors: Koirala Pankaj , Timilsina Raja Rajendra , Kotani Koji
Published: July 2021

Intergenerational sustainability (IS) has emerged as the most serious social problem reflecting climate change and accumulation of public debt in modern democratic societies, undermining the potential interests and concerns of future generations. However, little is known about whether or not deliberative forms of democracy with majority voting help support at maintaining IS by representing future generations’ potential interests and concerns. We institute IS dilemma game with three forms of decision-making models with majority voting and examine how they maintain IS in laboratory experiments. In the IS dilemma game, a sequence of six generations is prepared where each generation consisting of three subjects is asked to choose either maintaining IS (sustainable option) or maximizing their own generation’s payoff by irreversibly costing the subsequent generations (unsustainable option) with anonymous voting systems: (1) majority voting (MV), (2) deliberative majority voting (DMV) and (3) majority voting with deliberative accountability (MVDA). In MV and DMV, generations vote for their choices without and with deliberation, respectively. In MVDA, generations are asked to be possibly accountable for their choices to the subsequent generations during deliberation, and then vote. Our analysis shows that a decision-making model with only majority voting generally does not address IS, while DMV and MVDA treatments induce more and much more generations to choose a sustainable option than MV, respectively. Overall, the results demonstrate that deliberation and accountability along with majority voting shall be necessary in models of decision-making at resolving IS problems and representing future generations’ potential interests and concerns.
Evaluation of Outdoor Particle Infiltration into Classrooms Considering Air Leakage and Other Building Characteristics in Korean Schools
Authors: Eom Ye Seul , Park Bo Ram , Shin Hee Won , Kang Dong Hwa
Published: July 2021

We analyzed the effects of air leakage and other building characteristics on outdoor particle penetration in classrooms. The building characteristics including air leakage of 12 Korean schools were investigated, and onsite measurements were conducted to estimate the outdoor particle infiltration. The correlations among variables associated with air leakage and building characteristics and outdoor particle infiltration were analyzed using the Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression. The effective leakage area (ELA) of classrooms varied highly from 340.8–1566.9 cm2, and a significant disparity in the air leakage characteristics among the classrooms appeared. The results of onsite measurement revealed that the average ELA was larger in the corridor side with an ELAcorridor-side of 264.7 cm2 than in the outdoor side (ELAoutdoor-side of 93.1 cm2). Results of correlation analysis indicated a high correlation (r = 0.68~0.78, p-value < 0.05) between the size resolved outdoor particle source (P × λ) and specific ELA. Particularly, a strong linear relation (R2 = 0.69~0.71) with specific ELAcorridor-side was seen. Results suggest that cracks between windows and doors in the corridor side considerably affect outdoor particle penetration. These results indicate the importance of improving the airtightness of not only the building envelope but also the inter-zonal walls for effectively reducing the outdoor particle infiltration into classrooms.
Dialectical Tensions of Sustainability and Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Tale from Latin America
Authors: Angel Adriana , Marroquin-Velasquez Lissette , Idrovo Sandra
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this article is to discuss the relationship between sustainability and health in the context of the coronavirus pandemic in Latin America, the region with the second highest number of deaths due to COVID-19. After performing a dialectical analysis on mass media discourses about the pandemic, we argue that sustainability must be understood in relation to tensions such as (a) health and economy, (b) isolation and interconnectedness of health management, and (c) access to and excess of information about the pandemic. Based on this analysis, we suggest that if health is to be considered a fourth pillar of sustainability, it needs to be approached in close connection with these inseparable and irreducible tensions in order to broaden the way in which it has been approached in global sustainable development agendas and to recognize the role of individuals and communities in health issues.
Al Bardawil Lagoon Hydrological Characteristics
Authors: Elshinnawy Ibrahim A. , Almaliki Abdulrazak H.
Published: July 2021

Al Bardawil Lagoon is a very saline lagoon located in North Sinai, Egypt. It is subjected to environmental changes due to the implementation of a mega agricultural project close to its southern border. Accordingly, defining the hydrological characteristics of the lagoon was the objective of the current work to set the hydrological baseline for future changes expected due to ongoing human activities and agricultural developments planned in the lagoon’s vicinity. Historical meteorological data were collected and statistically analyzed to achieve the study objective. In addition, tide action, the lagoon’s bathymetry, and water table fluctuation were studied. Furthermore, groundwater aquifer interaction with the lagoon’s hydrologic system was considered. The study defined the water resources and water losses of the hydrological system of the lagoon. In addition, tide investigations revealed that the tide range is small. Furthermore, the study defined the water budget of the lagoon. Results indicated that the lagoon’s water resources are rainfall with an annual volume of 61.95 million cubic meters (4.4%); the groundwater aquifer contributes about 8.64 million cubic meters (0.6%). Annual evaporation losses are 1155 million cubic meters (82.2%). Salt production requirements represent about 17.8% of the outflow from the lagoon. Results of wind speed and direction data revealed that the dominant regional wind direction is NW and is characterized by magnitudes of about 4.5 m/s Results analysis demonstrated that the inflow of the lagoon is always less than the outflow with an annual volume of 1335 million cubic meter supplemented by the Mediterranean Sea water. This difference maintained water levels in the lagoon below mean sea level throughout the year, with values ranging between 11 and 22 cm. This process maintained a continuous movement of the seawater toward the lagoon. Water table fluctuation results indicated that the average water table in the lagoon is lower than the seawater level, with an average value of 22 cm for the observation period. Furthermore, the difference between the maximum and the minimum water table is in the tide range of the eastern region of the Mediterranean Sea. Similar hydrological studies are recommended for other coastal lagoons in Egypt. In addition, a hydrological observation system is recommended for the Al Bardawil Lagoon.
Digital Twin of COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Centers
Authors: Pilati Francesco , Tronconi Riccardo , Nollo Giandomenico , Heragu Sunderesh S. , Zerzer Florian
Published: July 2021

The problem is the vaccination of a large number of people in a short time period, using minimum space and resources. The tradeoff is that this minimum number of resources must guarantee a good service for the patients, represented by the time spent in the system and in the queue. The goal is to develop a digital twin which integrates the physical and virtual systems and allows a real-time mapping of the patient flow to create a sustainable and dynamic vaccination center. Firstly, to reach this goal, a discrete-event simulation model is implemented. The simulation model is integrated with a mobile application that automatically collects time measures. By processing these measures, indicators can be computed to find problems, run the virtual model to solve them, and replicate improvements in the real system. The model is tested in a South Tyrol vaccination clinic and the best configuration found includes 31 operators and 306 places dedicated for the queues. This configuration allows the vaccination of 2164 patients in a 10-h shift, with a mean process time of 25 min. Data from the APP are managed to build the dashboard with indicators like number of people in queue for each phase and resource utilization.
Drivers of Protein Consumption: A Cross-Country Analysis
Authors: Andreoli Vania , Bagliani Marco , Corsi Alessandro , Frontuto Vito
Published: July 2021

Consumption and production of proteins derived from animals have more significant environmental and health impacts than proteins derived from plants. This raises concerns mainly in consideration of the predictable increased consumption of animal proteins at the expense of vegetal ones due to growing income, especially in developing countries. Animal protein consumption, and particularly meat consumption, seems to start to decrease at a high level of income, which may suggest that economic growth solves or attenuates the environmental and health problems of animal food consumption. To test this possibility, the relationship between per capita income and animal and vegetal protein consumption is explored. Using a cross-country regression for 142 countries in 2017, animal-based protein, meat protein, and vegetal-based protein consumption are specified as dependent variables. In addition to per capita income, other potential drivers of protein choices, including ecological, demographic and social factors are controlled for. Apart from income, which still seems to be the most important driver of any type of protein consumption, the results suggest that protein consumption from animal sources and meat sources have different determinants. Though there is actually some evidence of an inverted U-shaped relationship between per capita income and animal protein consumption, the peak is at such high levels as to make economic growth irrelevant to curb animal protein consumption.
Stability of Bi-Additive Mappings and Bi-Jensen Mappings
Authors: Bae Jae-Hyeong , Park Won-Gil
Published: July 2021

Symmetry is repetitive self-similarity. We proved the stability problem by replicating the well-known Cauchy equation and the well-known Jensen equation into two variables. In this paper, we proved the Hyers-Ulam stability of the bi-additive functional equation f(x+y,z+w)=f(x,z)+f(y,w) and the bi-Jensen functional equation 4fx+y2,z+w2=f(x,z)+f(x,w)+f(y,z)+f(y,w).
The Application of Dynamic Uncertain Causality Graph Based Diagnosis and Treatment Unification Model in the Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatitis B
Authors: Deng Nan , Zhang Qin
Published: July 2021

Although hepatitis B is widespread, it is hard to cure. This paper presents a new and more accurate model for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B. Based on previous research, the diagnosis and treatment modes were combined into one. By adding more influencing factors and risk factors, the overall diagnosis and treatment model will be further expanded, and a richer and more detailed overall diagnosis and treatment model will be constructed. Reverse logic gates are used in the model to improve the accuracy of the treatment planning. The new unified model is more accurate in subdividing diagnosis results, and it is more flexible and accurate in providing dynamic treatment plans. The prediction process and the static diagnosis process of the model are symmetric, and the related sub-graph is symmetric in structure. In addition, an algorithm for predicting the response probability of treatment scheme is developed, so as to predict the subsequent treatment effects of the current treatment scheme, such as the probability of drug resistance. The results show that this method is more accurate than other available systems, and it has encouraging diagnostic accuracy and effectiveness, which provides a promising help for doctors in diagnosing hepatitis B.
Evolution to Mirror-Symmetry in Rotating Systems
Authors: Verhulst Ferdinand
Published: July 2021

A natural example of evolution can be described by a time-dependent two degrees-of-freedom Hamiltonian. We choose the case where initially the Hamiltonian derives from a general cubic potential, the linearised system has frequencies 1 and ω>0. The time-dependence produces slow evolution to discrete (mirror) symmetry in one of the degrees-of-freedom. This changes the dynamics drastically depending on the frequency ratio ω and the timescale of evolution. We analyse the cases ω=1,2,3 where the ratio’s 1,2 turn out to be the most interesting. In an initial phase we find 2 adiabatic invariants with changes near the end of evolution. A remarkable feature is the vanishing and emergence of normal modes, stability changes and strong changes of the velocity distribution in phase-space. The problem is inspired by the dynamics of axisymmetric, rotating galaxies that evolve slowly to mirror symmetry with respect to the galactic plane, the model formulation is quite general.
Lonomia obliqua Venom Induces NF-κB Activation and a Pro-Inflammatory Profile in THP-1-Derived Macrophage
Authors: Oliveira Douglas Souza , de Souza Jean Gabriel , Alvarez-Flores Miryam Paola , Cunegundes Priscila S. , DeOcesano-Pereira Carlos , Lobba Aline Maia , Gomes Renata N. , Chudzinski-Tavassi Ana Marisa
Published: July 2021

Envenomation caused by contact with Lonomia obliqua bristles is characterized by pain, an intense systemic proinflammatory reaction and disturbances in the coagulation cascade that can cause severe clinical manifestations and death. However, the role of immune system components in these effects is still poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxic effect of L. obliqua venom on THP-1-derived macrophages and its ability to modulate inflammatory markers, as well as the cytokine and chemokine release profile. Our results show that L. obliqua venom is able to directly exert a potent pro-inflammatory reaction in macrophages, characterized by the activation of the NF-κB transcription factor pathway, the expression of CD80 and CD83, and the release of pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and CXCL10. These results suggest that macrophages can play an important role during the orchestration of the inflammatory response present in envenomation caused by Lonomia obliqua caterpillars.
Influence of Different Glycoproteins and of the Virion Core on SERINC5 Antiviral Activity
Authors: Diehl William E. , Guney Mehmet H. , Vanzo Teresa , Kyawe Pyae P. , White Judith M. , Pizzato Massimo , Luban Jeremy
Published: July 2021

Host plasma membrane protein SERINC5 is incorporated into budding retrovirus particles where it blocks subsequent entry into susceptible target cells. Three structurally unrelated proteins encoded by diverse retroviruses, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Nef, equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) S2, and ecotropic murine leukemia virus (MLV) GlycoGag, disrupt SERINC5 antiviral activity by redirecting SERINC5 from the site of virion assembly on the plasma membrane to an internal RAB7+ endosomal compartment. Pseudotyping retroviruses with particular glycoproteins, e.g., vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV G), renders the infectivity of particles resistant to inhibition by virion-associated SERINC5. To better understand viral determinants for SERINC5-sensitivity, the effect of SERINC5 was assessed using HIV-1, MLV, and Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV) virion cores, pseudotyped with glycoproteins from Arenavirus, Coronavirus, Filovirus, Rhabdovirus, Paramyxovirus, and Orthomyxovirus genera. SERINC5 restricted virions pseudotyped with glycoproteins from several retroviruses, an orthomyxovirus, a rhabdovirus, a paramyxovirus, and an arenavirus. Infectivity of particles pseudotyped with HIV-1, amphotropic-MLV (A-MLV), or influenza A virus (IAV) glycoproteins, was decreased by SERINC5, whether the core was provided by HIV-1, MLV, or M-PMV. In contrast, particles pseudotyped with glycoproteins from M-PMV, parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5), or rabies virus (RABV) were sensitive to SERINC5, but only with particular retroviral cores. Resistance to SERINC5 did not correlate with reduced SERINC5 incorporation into particles, route of viral entry, or absolute infectivity of the pseudotyped virions. These findings indicate that some non-retroviruses may be sensitive to SERINC5 and that, in addition to the viral glycoprotein, the retroviral core influences sensitivity to SERINC5.
Serological Evidence of Filovirus Infection in Nonhuman Primates in Zambia
Authors: Changula Katendi , Simulundu Edgar , Lombe Boniface Pongombo , Nakayama Eri , Miyamoto Hiroko , Takahashi Yuji , Sawa Hirofumi , Simukonda Chuma , Hang’ombe Bernard M. , Takada Ayato
Published: July 2021

Ebolaviruses and marburgviruses are filoviruses that are known to cause severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates (NHPs). While some bat species are suspected to be natural reservoirs of these filoviruses, wild NHPs often act as intermediate hosts for viral transmission to humans. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we screened two NHP species, wild baboons and vervet monkeys captured in Zambia, for their serum IgG antibodies specific to the envelope glycoproteins of filoviruses. From 243 samples tested, 39 NHPs (16%) were found to be seropositive either for ebolaviruses or marburgviruses with endpoint antibody titers ranging from 100 to 25,600. Interestingly, antibodies reactive to Reston virus, which is found only in Asia, were detected in both NHP species. There was a significant difference in the seropositivity for the marburgvirus antigen between the two NHP species, with baboons having a higher positive rate. These results suggest that wild NHPs in Zambia might be nonlethally exposed to these filoviruses, and this emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring of filovirus infection in wild animals to better understand the ecology of filoviruses and to assess potential risks of outbreaks in humans in previously nonendemic countries.
Telomere Length Shortening in Microglia: Implication for Accelerated Senescence and Neurocognitive Deficits in HIV
Authors: Hsiao Chiu-Bin , Bedi Harneet , Gomez Raquel , Khan Ayesha , Meciszewski Taylor , Aalinkeel Ravikumar , Khoo Ting Chean , Sharikova Anna V. , Khmaladze Alexander , Mahajan Supriya D.
Published: July 2021

The widespread use of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has led to the accelerated aging of the HIV-infected population, and these patients continue to have a range of mild to moderate HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Infection results in altered mitochondrial function. The HIV-1 viral protein Tat significantly alters mtDNA content and enhances oxidative stress in immune cells. Microglia are the immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS) that exhibit a significant mitotic potential and are thus susceptible to telomere shortening. HIV disrupts the normal interplay between microglia and neurons, thereby inducing neurodegeneration. HIV cART contributes to the inhibition of telomerase activity and premature telomere shortening in activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). However, limited information is available on the effect of cART on telomere length (TL) in microglia. Although it is well established that telomere shortening induces cell senescence and contributes to the development of age-related neuro-pathologies, the effect of HIV-Tat on telomere length in human microglial cells and its potential contribution to HAND are not well understood. It is speculated that in HAND intrinsic molecular mechanisms that control energy production underlie microglia-mediated neuronal injury. TL, telomerase and mtDNA expression were quantified in microglial cells using real time PCR. Cellular energetics were measured using the Seahorse assay. The changes in mitochondrial function were examined by Raman Spectroscopy. We have also examined TL in the PBMC obtained from HIV-1 infected rapid progressors (RP) on cART and those who were cART naïve, and observed a significant decrease in telomere length in RP on cART as compared to RP’s who were cART naïve. We observed a significant decrease in telomerase activity, telomere length and mitochondrial function, and an increase in oxidative stress in human microglial cells treated with HIV Tat. Neurocognitive impairment in HIV disease may in part be due to accelerated neuro-pathogenesis in microglial cells, which is attributable to increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
A Transdisciplinary Approach to Water Access: An Exploratory Case Study in Indigenous Communities in Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Rondón-Sulbarán Janeet , Balam Ian , Brennan Michael
Published: July 2021

In this article, we address the water challenges faced by Indigenous communities (ICs) in the context of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). The importance of ICs for sustainable regional development is increasingly recognised both at, a policy level and in practice. However, there is a reported lack of empirical evidence that gives voice to how such communities perceive development, particularly sustainable water development as articulated in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (2015–2030). This article provides case-based evidence from one Indigenous community setting, which challenges assumptions concerning water-related development. Using a qualitative methodology, this case study explores the problem of access to safe water faced by ICs and applies a value cocreation framework based on service-dominant logic. The findings highlight the need to develop sustainable water service models focused on the provision of water not just as a commodity or resource but also as a service. Initiatives aimed at addressing water-related challenges will be more likely to succeed when the culture, experiences, knowledge and practices of the communities in need of clean water access are valued and meaningfully incorporated into value cocreation processes.
The Role of Frost Processes in the Retreat of River Banks
Authors: Augustowski Karol , Kukulak Józef
Published: July 2021

The rate of bank retreat was measured using erosion pins on the alluvial banks of the rivers in the Podhale region (the boundary zone between Central and Outer Carpathians) during the hydrological year 2013/2014. During the winter half-year (November–April), the bank retreat was mainly caused by processes related to the freezing and thawing of the ground (swelling, creep, downfall). During the summer half-year (May–October), fluvial processes and mass movements such as lateral erosion, washing out, and sliding predominated. The share of fluvial processes in the total annual amount of bank retreat (71 cm on average) was 4 times greater than that of the frost phenomena. Erosion on bank surfaces by frost phenomena during the cold half-year was greatest (up to 38 cm) on the upper parts of banks composed of fine-grained alluvium, while fluvial erosion during the summer half-year (exceeding 80 cm) mostly affected the lower parts of the banks, composed of gravel. The precise calculation of the relative role of frost phenomena in the annual balance of bank erosion was precluded at some stations by the loss of erosion pins in the summer flood.
Assessing the Impacts of Chloride and Sulfate Ions on Macroinvertebrate Communities in Ohio Streams
Authors: Miltner Robert
Published: July 2021

Salinization of freshwaters is a growing concern, especially in urban catchments. Existing aquatic life criteria for chloride (230 mg/L; a US standard) or total dissolved solids (1500 mg/L; specific to Ohio) do not protect sensitive species, and standards for sulfate have yet to be promulgated on the national level. To help identify water quality thresholds for protection and restoration, species sensitivity distributions were compiled for chloride and sulfate based on field observations of macroinvertebrate communities co-located with water quality samples obtained from rivers and streams throughout Ohio. Additionally, attainment of biological benchmarks for macroinvertebrate communities found in headwater streams were modeled against chloride and sulfate using Bayesian logistic regression. The hazard concentration based on statewide data for chloride was 52 mg/L. The hazard concentration for sulfate based on data from the Western Allegheny Plateau ecoregion was 152 mg/L. The median effect levels from logistic regression for chloride and sulfate varied by ecoregion. Mayfly taxa were disproportionately represented in taxa comprising the lower 5th percentile of the species sensitivity distributions for chloride. However, logistic regression models of individual taxa response (as presence/absence) revealed that some taxa considered sensitive to pollution in general were highly tolerant of chloride. For 166 taxa showing directional response to chloride, 91 decreased and 75 increased. For the 97 individual taxa showing directional responses to sulfate, 81 decreased. Of the 16 taxa showing an increase, 6 are considered tolerant of pollution, 9 facultative and 1 moderately intolerant, the latter being taxa in the dipteran family Tipulidae. The hazard concentrations are useful as protective thresholds for existing high-quality waters. The logistic regression model of attainment can be used to inform management goals conditional on site-specific information.
Determining Freshwater Lake Communities’ Vulnerability to Snowstorms in the Northwest Territories
Authors: Baijnath-Rodino Janine A. , Albizua Amaia , Sushama Laxmi , Bennett Elena , Robinson Brian E.
Published: July 2021

As the exposure to extreme snowstorms continues to change in response to a warming climate, this can lead to higher infrastructure damages, financial instability, accessibility restrictions, as well as safety and health effects. However, it is challenging to quantify the impacts associated with the combination of the many biophysical and socio-economic factors for resiliency and adaptation assessments across many disciplines on multiple spatial and temporal scales. This study applies a framework to quantitatively determine the multiple impacts of snowstorms by calculating the livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) for four exposed freshwater lake communities in Canada’s Northwest Territories using three contributing factors (exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity). Results indicate that Déline is the most vulnerable community (0.67), because it has the highest exposure and one of the highest sensitivity ranks, while its ability to adapt to exposure stressors is the lowest among the communities. In contrast, Fort Resolution exhibits the lowest LVI (0.26) and has one of the highest adaptive capacities. This study emphasizes that while these freshwater communities may be exposed to snowstorms, they have different levels of sensitivity and adaptive capacities in place that influences their vulnerability to changes in hazardous snowfall conditions. The information gained from this study can help guide future adaptation, mitigation, and resiliency practices for Arctic sustainability efforts.
Stream Hydrochemical Response to Flood Events in a Multi-Lithological Karstic Catchment from the Pyrenees Mountains (SW France)
Authors: Ulloa-Cedamanos Francesco , Probst Anne , Dos-Santos Vanessa , Camboulive Thierry , Granouillac Franck , Probst Jean-Luc
Published: July 2021

Hydrological variations hold a significant influence over the water chemistry in the karstic critical zone. In this context, the karstic Baget Catchment (BC) has been monitored at a high resolution over two years at the outlet in order to set up a typology of the flood events. The objective was to assess the multiple streamwater physico-chemical patterns in response to hydrological variations, streamflow component (quick-response, subsurface, and baseflow) and lithological contributions, and biogeochemical processes. The karstic catchment exhibited an impulsive response to flood events in relation to the typical structural and morphological characteristics of the karst. In addition, this response was constrained by the magnitude of the rainfall and the preceding hydroclimatic conditions. The variability of the dissolved load in streamflow was closely associated with the characteristics of the weathered rocks and the hydrological conditions throughout the year. Two simple indicators allow to characterize the concentration–discharge relationships with different hysteresis patterns on a set of floods with various intensities and shapes of the hydrograph and under different hydrological conditions before the flood. Almost all elements exhibited either clockwise loops or more complex behaviors, suggesting a higher overall concentration when the major water contribution comes from the quick-response flow (karst and surface runoff fraction). Besides, the epikarst flushing under dry conditions led counterclockwise hysteresis patterns for calcium (Ca2+) and bicarbonate (HCO3−) which revealed an overall chemostatic behavior as a result of carbonate dissolution in the karst. On the contrary, sulfate (SO42−) exhibited the widest relative variation during flooding and showed a significant sensitivity to the dilution process with increasing discharge. For medium flood episodes (Qmax < 4.4 m3·s−1), an overall concentration increase or chemostatic behavior could be observed during the rising limb of the hydrograph. On the opposite, under extreme flood episodes (Qmax > 8.3 m3·s−1) occurring after several rain events, a dilution pattern was noted for all elements originating from rock weathering. Finally, high-frequency sampling during storm events improved the understanding of the factors controlling the hydrochemical dynamic in karstic catchments.
Perspective on Land Treatment and Wastewater Reuse for Agriculture in the Western United States
Authors: Crites Ron , Beggs Robert , Leverenz Harold
Published: July 2021

The practice of irrigation with municipal wastewater has evolved from avoidance of surface water pollution to beneficial reuse of water and nutrients for crop production. The ability of the soil to filter out pollutants and pathogens has been documented, such that groundwater quality is not degraded where recycled water to irrigate crops used for human consumption. The example of successful practice of the Castroville project in Monterey County, California illustrates safe reuse of recycled water for crop growth, marketing of crops grown into the fresh produce market, and groundwater protection. Impediments to the future more widespread reuse of recycled water for agricultural irrigation are also discussed. Many of the same technological advancements that have supported the development of modern agricultural water reuse projects have also improved the feasibility of various competing urban water reuse applications. The effects from increasing water scarcity has also had an impact on the quality and quantity of water available for agricultural water reuse projects. The historical practice of developing centralized and regional wastewater treatment facilities near a suitable surface water discharge location may need to be modified for better consideration of agricultural irrigation in integrated water resources planning.
Risk Assessment of Water Resources and Energy Security Based on the Cloud Model: A Case Study of China in 2020
Authors: Yang Yafeng , Wang Hongrui , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Cheng
Published: July 2021

With the rapid development of economy and society, China’s demand for water resources and energy is increasing, and the supply situation is becoming increasingly severe. The correlation and binding characteristics between the two have become increasingly prominent, which will become bottlenecks in sustainable economic and social development in the future. In this paper, the Liang–Kleeman method was used to screen the risk factors of water resources and energy security, and then four major risk factors were selected. Based on the cloud model, the water resource and energy security risk assessment models were constructed combined with the predicted values using GM (1,1) and Pearson III curve methods, and the water resource and energy security risks of 30 provinces (cities) in 2020 were quantitatively assessed. The risk assessment results showed that the risk level zoning of water resource shortage with different guarantee rates in most regions has undergone little change, but the spatial distribution was quite different, showing the characteristics of “low in the South and high in the North”. When the guarantee rate changed from P = 25% to P = 95%, the risk level of water shortage in Sichuan, Jiangxi, Hunan, Hainan, Jilin, Ningxia and Nei Monggol significantly increased, and the spatial distribution of energy security risk and water resource shortage risk was obviously inconsistent.
Current approaches to comprehensive assessment of child and adolescent health in hygiene and clinical practice
Authors: Gritsina Olga Pavlovna , Yatsenko Anna Konstantinovna , Trankovskaya Lidiya Viktorovna , Perelomova Oksana Valerievna
Published: July 2021

The relevance of improving the quality of preventive medical surveillance of children and adolescents is undeniable, which provides the basis for the search for methodologically sound approaches to an integrated assessment of the health of the child population. The purpose of the study was to develop and create the software product «Computer Program «Comprehensive Assessment of the Health of Children and Adolescents». For realization of the purpose, patent search, compilation of a technical specification on the basis of criteria of assessment of children’s health and assignment to a particular group of health, writing of a software product using modern programming libraries, as well as preparation of accompanying documents for registration of an intellectual property object were performed. The result of the work was the «Computer Program «Comprehensive Assessment of the Health of Children and Adolescents», designed for the integrated assessment of the state of health of children and adolescents during screening and preventive examinations. After filling in all fields, the program processes the received data and displays the final result — assessment of the child’s health status with the definition of the health group. Information about the examined patient is sent to the program database. The built-in database allows you to systematize the data obtained, analyze the health indicators of the surveyed contingents both in one-step and in longitudinal studies. This program product can be used in the work of medical organizations, higher educational institutions of a medical profile, physical education organizations and institutions of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare in the Russian Federation.
Estimation of the incidence of university students studying in various courses
Authors: Rakhmanov Rofail Salykhovich , Bogomolova Elena Sergeevna , Tarasov Andrey Vyacheslavovich , Evdokimov Aleksandr Vladimirovich
Published: July 2021

Using the example of a higher military educational institution, we conducted an analysis of the prevalence of diseases according to ICD-10 by years of study (n = 3381). Features among local students and visitors were: in long-term trends, an increase in ear diseases (more significant among visitors) and an equal rate of decrease in skin diseases and subcutaneous tissue, injuries; in the first year, significant differences in three, 2–4 courses — in two classes of diseases, in the pathogenesis of which the state of resistance of the organism is significant (some infectious and parasitic diseases, diseases of the respiratory system, skin and subcutaneous tissue); excess incidence of local first-year students and newcomers over rates in other courses, respectively, for classes 5 and 8 of diseases; differences in the incidence rate for adjacent years of study, which is important for determining the period of adaptation to the conditions of training and adaptation against the background of acclimatization. In local students, the prevalence of diseases in the first two courses was significantly higher than by 4–5 (data from the third to fifth courses did not differ), but for disease classes XI, XIII, XIX, prevalence persisted from 1–2 years, X, XII — up to 2–3 years For visiting students, the prevalence of diseases from the first to the fourth year exceeded that in the next year. For classes I, VII, VIII, XIII and XIX, the excess persisted for 1–2 years, XI — at least 3 years, X — 4 years. Research in an initially healthy team allows us to judge the process of students' adaptation to the learning environment, as well as adaptation against the background of acclimatization. Research is promising in other regions of the country; among students studying at universities of other departments. This will provide the basis for planning preventive measures in youth groups to preserve their health and improve professional training.
Interferon-free anti-viral therapy for chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Zheenalieva Gulnara Maratovna , Kanatbekova Altynay Kanatbekovna , Abdikerimova Myskal Mamaziyaevna , Abdikerimov Mamaziya Mansurovich
Published: July 2021

The analysis of the interferon-free regimen of antiviral therapy in combination with the latest nucleotide polymerase inhibitors (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for 12 weeks) provided high rates of sustained virological response among patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infected with the "1B" genotype, both in previously untreated patients (100 %) and treated (94.1 %). The combination of drugs with direct antiviral effect, significantly reduces the risk of resistance, and liver fibrosis. The interferon-free regimen of antiviral therapy practically does not depend on the factors that determined the effectiveness of treatment with pegeled interferon and ribavirin, which made it possible to completely exclude interferons from the treatment regimen for hepatitis C and achieve a significant increase in the effectiveness of therapy. The use of direct antiviral drugs in CHC has reduced the duration of the course of therapy, increased the convenience of use, and expanded the indications for treatment of patients who previously had no chance. In addition, the achievement of a stable virological response contributes to the implementation of anti-epidemic measures, affecting the first link of the epidemic process — the source of infection.